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Even though people are not into what I am writing at the moment, I love this personal project of mine, I love cursed magical girl vibe and I love my protagonist, Dakota.

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MARCH SLOTS ARE OPEN! Message me or place the order via KoFi (https://ko-fi.com/redhead_trickster/commissions).

Updated pricelist 2024 Check my Ko-FI for additional details or DM me for more information! I draw anything and everything, with not so many exceptions. :) Usually I work with: - book covers or Patreon materials for authors; - DnD commissions; - FFXIV/Warcraft commissions; - tabletop games illustrations.

Also check my pages for discount codes (I often offer some!). Thank you very much for your attention, hope to work with you soon! Place your order here!

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Okay, I think I need to address this.

Each time I post a new artwork there are a few messages from a fresh, empty profiles asking me about commissions. Smells like good old fraud, and thank goodness I’ve never fallen into this. To prevent further misunderstandings:

• I rarely draw portraits. I am a character artist, so all I can offer is a stylized image with some resemblance, not a direct photocopy. If that's fine with you, let's discuss details, if not - do not ask from me something I never offered;

•There is no need to hide from me behind newly created profiles. If you want more privacy, feel free to email me at redheadtrickster@protonmail.com. I usually answer ASAP;

•All payments are upfront and PayPal only. I don't accept freaking crypto, not now, not ever;

•My prices are what they are. I try to keep them reasonable because I still want to make this little luxury accessible. Still, I have my own very difficult situation, and I can't go lower. As well as I don't ask for anything higher. If you feel generous, I do appreciate tips, but I will do my very best for you regardless.

If you have some vicious plan in mind, don't bother. I am cautious enough, and I am not greedy, so promises of bigger payments do not convince me. What convinces me is sincere and light-hearted communication, interesting characters, and my endless love for what I do. And I will not let anyone abuse it.

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Commission done for @lilbittymonster! Words can't describe how much I missed FFXIV commissions! <3

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It's love day, right? Right.

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February slots taken!

Thank you all very much and see you in March! <3

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There's one regret I have while playing FFXIV. I can't go to EU servers because of one certain group of people. Meeting them retraumatizes me, and this game is one of not so many happy places left. Of course, it would be nice to be surrounded by people who have more or less the same time zone as I do, buuut mental health goes first.

With that said: any recommendations where I can travel to find non-18+ RP community (non-18+ in terms of horny)? I am on Aether, happy to travel/to discord/to everything else.

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The wall of text incoming! Since I don't have WoLs, I did not develop Azem variation as well. So, these two are their own thing. Cygnus - Otto, Phaethon - Zephyrin (yes, according to one of the myths behind Cygnus constellation heheheh).

Back in the good Ancient days, there was a strange man named Cygnus. Although he was rarely remembered, those who were fortunate enough to encounter him always eagerly anticipated his arrival. Despite his lack of creation magic, his presence and his exquisite movements caused the most demanding flowers to bloom and the most ferocious beasts to slumber. Just one look at him gave the others so many wonderful ideas and concepts that they forgot everything else around them… including the one who danced in the rays of the setting sun.

He was the inspiration. And he generously gifted it to everyone in need, never asking or waiting anything in return. As any other muse, Cygnus came and went, leaving all sorts of creators to their craft. Although he was aware that no one would remember him, he found satisfaction in his role. He graciously accepted it and never wanted anything else for himself.

Cygnus was mute, but he never needed a voice to encourage those who felt lost or doubtful. He found his own unique way to communicate with the world. And there was a soul who was able to see through it. A gifted mage named Phaethon.

Despite praises and promises of the brightest future from his mentors, Phaethon felt there's something lacking, something he fails to grasp once and again. Everything he did was perfect, but it lacked life. It was perfectly ugly, perfectly artificial. Perfectly dead. No matter how hard he tried, he stayed unsatisfied. Unfulfilled even.

As he reflected on yet another failure—which for some reason left his mentor speechless in awe—he noticed a lonely figure dancing gracefully at the edge of the Morning Dew. Phaethon couldn't take his eyes off them. It was strange, laughably strange behavior, but it filled him with so much joy, so many… ideas? Yes, ideas. The way this ridiculous stranger moved was both flawed and flawless. It was the perfection Phaethon sought for so long!

Lost in thought and excited about new ideas, Phaethon didn't even notice how the dancer disappeared. Of course, he was determined to seek him and thank him later. But now he had a lot of work to do.

Inspired, as never before, Phaethon achieved yet new heights. But he never got a chance to meet the dancing stranger again. He asked here and there; everyone remembered the joyful moment of meeting them, but nobody knew their name. They never asked. Was it important anyways? Just a helpful lunatic, nothing less, nothing more.

Phaethon obsessively searched for his muse. And Luck smiled at him once again.

Cygnus was surprised to see someone looking for him. Of course, he was able to feel the struggle and rushed to help those in need. But this man wasn't one of those. He was gifted, fulfilled, and inspired.

Little did he know that from this very moment their bond would last for an eternity, even fragmented and twisted as it became.

FFXIV Daily Question n°51 : Ancient times, back in the Ascian society. What is the name of your character back then ? What do they do ?

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Otto gives too much while taking too little. He provides support and inspiration to everyone around but doesn't have a support system himself. His humble attitude always leaves him in a "just a face in the crowd" state, while he often encourages his comrades and even WoL in times of need.

While some perceive it as a virtue, Otto consistently finds himself alone and forgotten when he is in need of help. Even if there is a kind soul who wants to give him some comfort and support, Otto distances himself and prefers to suffer in solitude.

It would be incredibly easy to use him and abuse his altruistic nature, but luckily for Otto, he has his lover on guard. But even with him, Otto is unable to share his feelings. He doesn't want to burden anyone with his sadness and regrets.

FFXIV Daily Question n°68 : What is your character's biggest flaw ? Do they try to solve it or not ? Has this ever put them in trouble ?

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Otto was born in Ishgard into a family of minor nobility. His father, Fabian, was a dragoon. His mother, Ophelia, was a healer. Otto also has an older brother, Fabrice.

Fabian wanted to assure his family's safety. He decided to help them move closer to the Gridanian border, so if the Dragonsong War situation becomes dire, they can seek refuge in the peaceful land. Unfortunately, terrible weather and an unexpected dragon attack separated the family. Fabian made his final stand, trying to buy time for his wife and sons. Little Otto (5yo at the time) was lost in a terrible snowstorm and couldn't find his way to the closest settlement or reunite with his mom and brother. Freezing, starving, and exhausted, he somehow made it to Gridania border and lost consciousness in the arms of the guards. When he woke up, he couldn't remember anything, except his name. There he met a woman who had just one desperate wish.

Alba, the traveling merchant, had always dreamed about her family. Alas, she was infertile and could never have children of her own. When she was passing by the border region, a friendly guard told her that they found a boy—probably Ishgardian—but he can't remember anything, except his name. Otto. Alba believed that it was fate, which finally granted her wish. She took Otto in and became his foster mother.

Of course, Otto was aware that Alba is not his biological mom. But it didn't mean anything to him; he loves Alba for her and for the wonderful mother she is. Alba is a definition of a supportive mom. Thanks to her upbringing, Otto grew up confident and not afraid to make mistakes, seeing them as part of the learning process. He also wants to try everything! He is eager to experience every new discipline and every new job. Also, much like his father, Otto is a tough cookie. Yet, despite a joyful childhood and teen years, a heavy burden of not knowing his origins didn't let him go. Alba knew that the day would come, and she'd have to let her precious foster son go. As the news about Ishgard opening its borders came, she gave Otto her blessing and let him search for his biological family.

FFXIV Daily Question n°96 : How was your character's childhood ? Were they an orphan, surrounded by loving family members, had a sibling rivalry or suffer a tough education pattern from their tutors ? Were they a calm kid, an adventurous one ... ? Any memories they hold dear or wants to bury from this time ?

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It is done! I wanted to go for the more "organic" traditional art look with textures and stuff. Love how it turned out in the end. Sad soft boy. Love him so much. Stormblood next!

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More sketches!

I want to make a series of portraits for Otto. He started his journey in Heavensward, so I started with this expansion too. Sad soft boy, haven't started Elezen Elongating Process yet.

Can't wait to get my Moleskine albums, I want to do this in mixed media and the paper there is exactly what I am looking for. HWW for Otto was about discovering his origins and bearing with "you must be like your father" stuff. His father's armor and lance were a heavy burden and Otto wasn't prepared for the expectations everyone around had. P.S. he wears a variation of tank set, but for a reason! Exceptional strength and toughness run in the family (together with exceptionally poor dragoon jumps).

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!IMPORTANT!: Otto is not a WoL, he's the guy who stands behind during cutscenes. :D Name: Otto Chauncey (Otto Rousseau at birth) Nicknames: his partner calls him "sunshine" Race: Wildwood Elezen Main Job: WAR Secondary Job: DNC, MCN, VPR Age: 23 at the beginning of Dawntrail Marital Status: has a partner, Zephyrin Allard Server/DC: Syren, Aether Height: 7'5″. Otto is a tall boy even by Elezen standards. Build: muscular, toned, yet rather graceful. Distinguishing marks: freckles, really nasty scar on his right side. Birthplace: Ishgard. At the age of 5 was relocated to Gridania. Parents: Fabian Rousseau, the dragoon knight (deceased), Ophelia Rousseau, healer/chirurgeon (deceased). Foster mother Alba, miqo'te travelling merchant. Siblings: older brother Fabrice Rousseau. Friends: open to new RP connections! Personality & Quirks: if you need a walking Hallmark card, call Otto. He is the most hilarious "be a doer, not a don'ter" or "even the trash can, not trash can't" motivational speaker. Together with that he sincerely believes in his friends and comrades and wants to support them in every way possible. Strengths & Virtues: supportive, loyal, always there for everyone. Optimistic, has a good sense of humor. Erudite. Flaws & Weaknesses: due to being raised in taverns, Otto doesn't have manners worth of a nobleman. He has gambling problems too, so keep him away from the Gold Saucer and Triple Triad. While Otto supports everyone around, he doesn't have a support system for himself and prefers to deal with his own problems all by himself. Prone to burnouts. Hobby & Interests: loves reading and learning. Despite of not having an academic education, Otto has inquiring mind, nice memory and great overall potential. He is also fascinated by botany, aetherology and folklore. However, it's not that simple to discover this side of Otto's interests. He prefers to pretend being dumb - getting more information is much easier in this way. Random Skills: very good at Triple Triad, but stays away from playing because of gambling addiction.

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I love doing “mirror” posing compositions for you and finally I did one for myself. Can’t wait to transfer it on paper.

My boys Otto and Zephyrin (do not confuse with Ser Zephirin!) I am so happy I was finally able to show Otto’s softness. He is in his early 20ies and while Elezen Elongating Process is almost done, his face hasn’t got these sharp adult features yet. Zeph is 26, but he had already been through a lot, so he may look older than he actually is.

I was so excited to work on this composition, gosh, I missed the feeling.

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But let me tell you, I am so excited to finally write down Otto’s story and bring back my alt together with it. I thought about sharing it here, but there’s too much text…

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Through years of roleplaying experience, I came to one sad conclusion. I should avoid shipping my characters with other people's characters. People come and go; I inevitably part ways with my friends/roleplaying partners. But my characters stay with me, and there's always that void left with someone's parting. I should establish a strict rule: "No RP datings, marriages, or ERPs." All interactions end with friendship/partnership, and that's it. But, well, someone always finds a way to melt my heart. That's why stone is better than ice.

Some are lucky to find long-lasting relationships and prolific roleplaying interactions. However, it's not the story of my life. I can't even find a community I belong to. I feel like a third leg at every single guild. Sometimes I think I should stop trying to be active and just wait. Even if there are no right things and times in my life anymore, at least I won't feel like an outsider.

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Trying to settle on the BlueSky

As always, I am tiny and invisible, so if you are there, let's do a mutual follow <3 https://bsky.app/profile/lana-banana.bsky.social