"Ten thousand miles she rode in war, Crossing passes and mountains as if on a wing. On the northern air comes the sentry's gong, Cold light shines on her coat of steel. The general dead after a hundred battles, The warriors return after ten years." -Ballad of Mulan The story of Mulan is set in the Northern Wei (北魏) in the original ballad, Mulan meaning Magnolia. Interestingly, the Northern Wei wasn't actually ruled by the Han people--they were ruled by the Tuoba, which was a clan of the Xianbei. Growing up watching the Disney version, I was always under the impression the story was of the Han Chinese, so this was a surprise. As such, I tried to replicate her armor based on the correct time period--not that you can see it anymore AHAHA. In the ballad, it is mentioned that she takes off her battle cloak, so I assumed she usually wore it to battle. I would definitely recommend checking the original ballad out; it is quite nice and short at least in the version I was reading. Tried some more speedy experimental painty stuff. I like that I can make the colors look kinda flat but then instantly upgrade it by playing with some of the correction layers and filters. I do realize the hand especially looks really wonky but I didn't really have the will to make it look more normal. At least it has fingers. In other news, I'm basically ready to submit my primaries so hopefully I'll have a little bit more time to do art--ACTUALLY I STILL HAVE CLUB STUFF I NEED TO DO CRAP!!

The Knight

"I wonder where my legs will take me..." ~The Wanderer

Ellen Baker (my waifu) fanart! For a friend!