Phase 01
Designing the Characters
Weeks 1 and 2 (August 24-September 10) were dedicated to sketching and thumbnailing the 7 guardians and main character for the project. Because Agartha is meant to represent a ‘second earth’ beneath the crust, I wanted these characters to not only represent the ecological variety, but also mirror humanistic values. Each character represents not only one of the seven sins, but an animal that is associated with it as well. To start, I researched each of the 7 sins and what animals are typically associated with them. Then, I looked into specific species and their habitats to decide on a tribe that would give inspiration to each design. Taking elements from the animal and tribes, I began to digitally design each character on Procreate for iPad Pro, taking care on which shapes to use to create a unique and interesting silhouette. To start, I researched each of the 7 sins and what animals are typically associated with them. Then, I looked into specific species and their habitats to decide on a tribe that would give inspiration to each design.
Envy
For Envy, the animal that is most associated with this sin is a snake. This is relative to the serpent in the story of Adam and Eve, who breaks apart the primal harmony of the man and woman, creates jealousy, envy, and shame. I chose the puff adder because of its spider-looking tail that lures in prey like birds; colloquial with the snake that lured Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. This snake lives in the deserts of Egypt, so I based Envy's design on a traditional belly-dancer outfit.
Gluttony
Though pigs are typically associated with gluttony, I took it a step further by researching the babirusa, the ‘deer-pig’, which is found throughout Indonesian islands. I took the elements of Indonesian traditional culture, such as the headpiece, and added the tusks of a babirusa to it, along with the jewelry around the face. I wanted to break the stigma of gluttony associated with weight, and he will instead be hoarding food from his tribe and instead appear more gluttonous in his sin form. The staff echoes the gnarled shapes of deer antlers, which follows the nickname of the babirusa.
Lust
For Lust, the animal associated with this sin is the goat, which represents fertility, vitality, and generative power. Following inspiration from the Inuit tribe, I wanted there to be a character who lives in the tundra since the game will feature various environments. Lust is typically followed by seductive connotations, which is difficult to represent when the animal associated with it is a goat, so I may thumbnail alternate versions for her to better represent such desire. As per Inuit culture, they use large bows for archery, and the one in the design will have the ends adorned with mountain goat horns to make it sturdy and also versatile to become a more physical weapon.
Greed
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Greed is typically associated with with a fox, so I chose this character to be a fennec fox and have another character in the desert region. Because fennec foxes are small, I made the character young and rather shifty in appearance. Only one eye is visible and a cloak covering most of the body indicates reticence.
An orphan, this character is fairly nomadic, and in disdain of their guardian status. They may use their hooked-spear to steal goods as well as fight anyone who opposes their actions - though the latter is of self-defense. On their back they carry a self-drawn map and bag filled with any food or trinkets they’ve gathered on their journey
Pride
For Pride, I strayed from animals most commonly associated with this sin and took some creative liberty. In Mayan culture, the jaguar represents power and ferocity; so a first thought would be to associate this animal with wrath; however, I felt that being associated with valor may lead one to become too prideful of such influence. Dances to celebrate the animal involve painting one’s body with the markings of a jaguar, so I thought it to be unique to make them a character. The large weapon he bears is meant to look organic and crafted out of stone himself. While he is inherently more aggressive, he is more full of pride which is most prevalent in his sin form.
Wrath
For Wrath, I again took some creative liberty such as I did with Pride. Wolves are so often associated with merciless anger, but I think for this character such would arise after countless implications and stereotypes tagged onto his people. When not succumbed by his sin, this character will best represent the virtue of patience and attacking only when necessary, allying with the true nature of a wolf. His tribe would follow the main character but never attack unless necessary, representative of wolves in nature, as well as Native Americans despite the primitive, barbarous beliefs.
Sloth
Bears are usually associated with either gluttony or sloth, and for this character I wanted to choose a bear that not only best represented the sin, but also fit in with the Indian theme of some of the other characters. Similar to gluttony (because bears are associated with both), this character comes from a shamanic tribe with influence from the Adyg-Eeren, a Russian tribe that translates to ‘Spirit of the Bear’
Main Character
This design is fairly simple, and will be improved upon throughout the semester, but it is also meant to contrast the complexity of the guardians. She is seen using a little magic, which indicates a power she’ll gain after entering Agartha. Future designs will include thumbnails of various outfits and gear that can be acquired with progression of the game - and possibly a male version as well for the player to decide from.