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Concept for Peony's father

... These doodles I've been posting are part of the gamedev process, I swear. Need to draw these because they help give me direction on how to create the game's pixelart.

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Now that Underverse 0.8 Part 1 is finally out, it’s time for me to step back and take a break from the series. It’s a bittersweet decision... seeing the amazing reaction to this episode makes me want to dive right into animating the next parts. But I know if I do, I’ll fall back into the same cycle of emotional burnout I’ve faced over the years. To break that draining routine, I need to stop for a moment. Underverse will be on HIATUS FOR 1 YEAR AND A HALF.

HOWEVER! I’m not disappearing entirely! I’ll still be working on the XTALE 21 YEARS comic, hosting Ask the Xtale Gang events, and occasionally creating short animated content. This break will also give me a chance to focus on my original project, METADORA.

I’d be lying if I say I'm a little worried about people forgetting the series during the hiatus. But I need this break, and I can’t thank you all enough for your continued support and encouragement. Even during tough times, knowing that this project was born from a mix of improvisation and silliness, has brought joy and inspiration to so many people reminds me of my purpose in this world. And I want to keep doing that until the end.

I hope to return with renewed passion and strength to finish this journey that has taught me so much not only as an artist, but as a person as well.

Thank you for being with me.

See you until 2026.

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Concept for Vinca, Peony's mother

Includes a three-quarter perspective to show the ponytail. :>

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The 7 Faces of Friendship: Character Types to Include in Your Book’s Friend Group

Having a balance of different personas helps create a comprehensive cast for your novels. To get started, here are the 7 main friend personas to consider:

1. The Leader

Description:

The leader is the driving force behind the group. They are often assertive, confident, and willing to take charge in various situations. This person is typically seen as a decision-maker, guiding the group toward plans, activities, or goals.

Traits:

Charismatic: Naturally draws people in and inspires others.

Decisive: Quick to make decisions, often with a clear vision in mind.

Responsible: Takes ownership of the group's well-being and direction.

Role in the Group:

The leader often organises outings, mediates conflicts, and keeps the group focused on shared goals. They are instrumental in making plans and ensuring that everyone feels included.

2. The Caregiver

Description:

The caregiver is the heart of the friend group, always looking out for others. This person is empathetic, nurturing, and willing to lend a helping hand or an understanding ear.

Traits:

Compassionate: Deeply cares for the feelings and well-being of others.

Supportive: Always ready to offer encouragement or assistance.

Attentive: Notices when someone is feeling down or needs help.

Role in the Group:

The caregiver often acts as the emotional glue, fostering connections and ensuring everyone feels valued. They are typically the ones organising gatherings to celebrate friends or supporting them through tough times.

3. The Comedian

Description:

The comedian is the life of the party, always ready with a joke or a funny story. This character brings humour and lightness to the group, helping to relieve tension and elevate the mood.

Traits:

Witty: Quick with humour and often makes clever observations.

Playful: Approaches life with a sense of fun and spontaneity.

Positive: Maintains an optimistic outlook, even in challenging situations.

Role in the Group:

The comedian keeps the atmosphere lively, ensuring that laughter is a common thread in the group. They often defuse tense situations with humour and help create cherished memories through fun experiences.

4. The Adventurer

Description:

The adventurer thrives on new experiences and excitement. This character is always seeking thrills, whether that’s trying out a new restaurant, going on spontaneous trips, or participating in extreme sports.

Traits:

Daring: Enjoys taking risks and stepping outside of their comfort zone.

Curious: Eager to explore new ideas, places, and experiences.

Energetic: Brings enthusiasm to the group, often encouraging others to join in.

Role in the Group:

The adventurer often leads the charge for new experiences, pushing the group to try things they might not have considered. They inspire others to embrace spontaneity and explore the world together. Often contradicts the leader.

5. The Intellectual

Description:

The intellectual is the thinker of the group, often delving into deep conversations and pondering life's big questions. This character values knowledge and is well-read, informed, and curious about various topics.

Traits:

Analytical: Enjoys breaking down complex ideas and analysing situations.

Inquisitive: Asks questions and seeks to understand the world.

Articulate: Communicates thoughts clearly and effectively.

Role in the Group:

The intellectual can help stimulate meaningful conversations, adding depth to the group's interactions. More of a quiet yet important presence. They help get the Adventurer out of trouble, and are likely found bantering with the Comedian from time to time.

6. The Connector

Description:

The connector is the social butterfly of the group, adept at bringing people together and building relationships. This character thrives on interaction and often knows everyone’s stories, interests, and backgrounds.

Traits:

Sociable: Enjoys meeting new people and introducing friends to one another.

Empathetic: Understands social dynamics and helps others feel comfortable.

Resourceful: Knows where to go for recommendations and suggestions.

Role in the Group:

The connector enriches the group by fostering relationships and creating opportunities for social gatherings. They often organise events and help deepen bonds within the friend circle. They are generally close to the  Caregiven and the Leader’s partner/close friend.  They help the Leader and Intellectual settle on ideas that are both fun and functional thus appeasing to the whole group. 

7. The Realist

Description:

The realist is grounded and practical, providing a balanced perspective within the friend group. This character approaches situations with a level-headed attitude and often focuses on the facts at hand.

Note: While the intellectual is an inherently smart person, the realist is the apathetic and logical force of the group. They don’t have to necessarily be smart but are insightful.

Traits:

Pragmatic: Values practicality and often offers sensible solutions.

Sceptical: Questions overly optimistic or unrealistic plans.

Honest: Tends to speak their mind, even when the truth is uncomfortable.

Role in the Group:

The realist often acts as a counterbalance to more idealistic characters, helping the group assess risks and make informed decisions. They provide a sense of stability, ensuring that plans are not just fun but also feasible.

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

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Concept for Spruce; Peony's little brother!

A note about Gardenian fashion (Gardenia being Peony and Spruce's home village): boys tend to go all in on the leafy patterns with their garments, while girls will mix in flowery accents; especially a flower they were named after!

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child handling for the childless nurse

My current job has me working with children, which is kind of a weird shock after years in environments where a “young” patient is 40 years old.  Here’s my impressions so far:

Birth - 1 year: Essentially a small cute animal.  Handle accordingly; gently and affectionately, but relying heavily on the caregivers and with no real expectation of cooperation.

Age 1 - 2: Hates you.  Hates you so much.  You can smile, you can coo, you can attempt to soothe; they hate you anyway, because you’re a stranger and you’re scary and you’re touching them.  There’s no winning this so just get it over with as quickly and non-traumatically as possible.

Age 3 - 5: Nervous around medical things, but possible to soothe.  Easily upset, but also easily distracted from the thing that upset them.  Smartphone cartoons and “who wants a sticker?!!?!?” are key management techniques.

Age 6 - 10: Really cool, actually.  I did not realize kids were this cool.  Around this age they tend to be fairly outgoing, and super curious and eager to learn.  Absolutely do not babytalk; instead, flatter them with how grown-up they are, teach them some Fun Gross Medical Facts, and introduce potentially frightening experiences with “hey, you want to see something really cool?”

Age 11 - 14: Extremely variable.  Can be very childish or very mature, or rapidly switch from one mode to the other.  At this point you can almost treat them as an adult, just… a really sensitive and unpredictable adult.  Do not, under any circumstances, offer stickers.  (But they might grab one out of the bin anyway.)

Age 15 - 18: Basically an adult with severely limited life experience.  Treat as an adult who needs a little extra education with their care.  Keep parents out of the room as much as possible, unless the kid wants them there.  At this point you can go ahead and offer stickers again, because they’ll probably think it’s funny.  And they’ll want one.  Deep down, everyone wants a sticker.

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Fleur's Introduction!

Thought I'd share the scene where Fleur is introduced in game. Which also happens to be the scene where the first boss shows up! :>

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Concept for a fairy in my project

Peony encounters her early on in the game, and she's responsible for inciting her journey. Peony will encounter other fairies during her travels, who will boost her power in one way or another.

Fleur however will assume a leading role in the story. 🙂

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Here's teeny Peony lying on an apple

In case anyone needed teeny Peony lying on an apple

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First boss is in the works!

Still only has a couple different attacks, my plan is to add at least one or two more and have the boss introduce its attacks as its HP goes down.

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Me

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Hey friend! ^_^ My turn to Click or treat! *boops*

Happy Halloweeeeeen! 🦇👻🎃

Oh you! XD

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Happy Halloween!

It's Rafflesia, and she's coming to get you!! ... So yeah, for anyone who may have missed my earlier posts, this is the main villain of my game. A worthy adversary for Peony, don't you think? :>

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linktober day 15: sword

oh yes, they both, oh yes, they both reached for...

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Working on my game's dungeon mechanics!

Not much more to say than that. Could do with a bit more polish, but I'm quite pleased with how this is coming together! ^_^