TASK 8: WEAPON AND ARMOUR DESIGN (ARMOUR IN PROGRESS)

        Recently, I went to the Leeds Royal Armoury to research and reference weapons and armour from various eras in order to inspire my next assignment - to design and develop weapons and armour for a character.

The below in progress sketch is an idea resultant from hours of mind block and inspiration - an electrically  charged (or some form of power source) assassin .

Right now, I'm still trying to find a direction for this design. Do I keep it basic? Or do I go for a culturally inspired design like Dishonoured or Assassins Creed have done? The design on the right was an attempt at implementing an musketeers outfit into the design. I like it, but its far from finished.

The idea for the character, and therefore the armour, is as follow: 

With only bodily firearm attachments, this mercenary assassin performs martial arts in order to fight through enemies close up or from afar, the twist, is that he never touches his enemies. He kicks, punches and moves through and past his enemies, but just before he makes contact with his punches, kicks or grabs, his firearm bodily attachments fire, removing any need for physical contact.

With no real inspiration besides the human figure, this armour contains one of the weapons, a devastating area blast that digitalises all enemies. This weapon fires from one of the many limb assigned red dots (power outputs) around his body. Other weapons are yet to be designed, but a few ideas run through my head.

HAND-GUN: A mechanical spine runs from the wrist to the shoulder, resting under the cape that is tapped to fire from the wrist. 

HIDDEN BLADE: Hidden underneath the cape on his shoulder, the hidden blade never touches an enemy - it fires a blade shaped beam at the enemies. In addition, it can be equipped whilst firing the handgun, as they are located in the same hidden place under the cape.

I'm still brainstorming some ideas at the moment, the next blog post should cover the weapons and any developments in the armour design.

NEXT POST: TASK 8: WEAPON AND ARMOUR DESIGN (WEAPONS IN PROGRESS)

TASK 7: SEA OF GHOSTS IANTHE (FINAL DESIGN)

         I spent the last 2 weeks coming up with a few designs for the character of Ianthe from Sea of Ghosts - a book from the Gravedigger Chronicles. After finishing the book and compiling a list of character notes, I noticed she had two main appearances in the book - a slave peasant and the well dressed Unmar girl. 

After coming up with a few designs for both appearances, it seemed to me Ianthe as a slave peasant seemed more appealing as a character visually, I think it represented her character more affectively - the worn down girl who's had the worst of days. The final design is below.

This was by far, my favourite design, so I chose it. Why? Well, it was the most faithful, yet most creative, extravagant and interesting design of them all. Everything, the pose, the face, the clothes, the accessories, they all reflect Ianthe perfectly in my eyes, whilst proving a design that doesn't conform to the expected.

However, I did change the design slightly. My other favourite design of the peasant wear sketches was the one that was the most basic (the far left peasant design). So, to break things up, I decided to add some loose cloth that connected the chest and the waist. I regret this decision greatly, it ended up making the design less interesting as a result - easily changed though!

In all, I'm over the moon with the final design of Ianthe. Although there's some room for improvement in the design and when my drawing skills are in question, I believe it came out to the best of my ability. Things I need to improve on with my drawing? Cartoon like faces, Hobbit feet and thin Golem hands. Although, I believe I've come a long way since my first drawing!

NEXT POST: TASK 8: WEAPON AND ARMOUR DESIGN (ARMOUR)

TASK 7: SEA OF GHOSTS IANTHE (ROUGH SKETCHES)

       Below are the initial sketches/ ideas of the character given to me by my tutor. The character Ianthe from Sea of Ghosts (part of the Gravedigger Chronicles) has two states during the book - a slave girl and a well dressed Unmar girl. 

    To ensure that the final design is successful, I explored both ideas in order to develop a comprehensive knowledge of Ianthe. Details such as the clothing, the face and the accessories were all explored in order to make an informed decision as to which design to polish for the final concept. The initial sketches are below.

DRESS (1 and 3): Both the left and right dress adopt a more extravagant theme. It appears almost magical and in both, Ianthe looks elegant and beautiful. I like the complexity of these dresses and how they reflect the fantastical atmosphere of the book, but the characters themselves don't reflect Ianthe as a character very well. However, out of the two designs, the right hand dress is my favourite. If I was to design one of these, it would be that one for sure - I love it.

DRESS (2): Here, I took the details from the book and nothing else, then designed the dress. What is left, is a basic but faithful representation of Ianthe. However, to me, it completely lacks any interesting characteristics. One thing I will highlight as a positive though, is how Ianthe has a shackle on her left arm. That is a detail I would definitely keep.

PEASANT WEAR (1): This design is inspired by the exact details given from the book. However, these details weren't that specific. Although basic and stereotypical, this design, I believe, is effective. In addition, her figure and posture reflect her elegance and slender physical appearance mentioned in the book. A key design aspect is that her torn clothes loosely hag over her breasts. However, although effective, she appears too old here.

PEASANT WEAR (2): Retaining the same materials and colours mentioned in the book, this design is a bit more creative - she wears a torn overcoat this time and her hair is more intimidating. The idea was to design something a little more interesting and reflect Ianthe's independence and assertiveness. Again, her clothes loosely hag over her breasts.

PEASANT WEAR (3): My least favourite of the designs. However, the idea was to stray away from the details in the book, changing the grey to white for a more realistic take on peasant wear. In addition, she also hold the Unmar crystal.

PEASANT WEAR (4): The most extravagant idea, whilst still staying faithful to the book. Here, Ianthe is thin, young, intimidating, yet weak. All of the details mentioned in the book have been considered here but what I like about this design, is how is it strays from the expected, resulting in the most interesting design of them all - a personal favourite of mine.

FACE (1): Although never mentioned in the book, this design is more beaten and worn down to reflect her current state. This, I assume, would be the face used if I was to concept Ianthe in the peasant wear rather than the dress. As a further note, her facial expression, along with the bruises and cuts, reflect a more aggressive Ianthe. Again, more suited to when she wore peasant wear.

FACE (2): A younger, kinder face. The idea here was to reflect her youth and elegance she is often described with. A combination of this and the first face for the final concept?

UNMAR SPECTACLES: A key part of the story, the spectacles have a more magical look than the costumes. I implemented the mechanical dials as well as the extravagant colours of the world Alan Campbell created. The idea was to have a contrast between the clothing and the spectacles. 

SHACKLES: These are basic, stereotypical shackles. The only design choice here is the colour. I opted from a rusted iron look to convey to atmosphere of the Granger's jail.

Now all I need to do it choose a design and polish it up!

NEXT POST: TASK 7: SEA OF GHOSTS IANTHE (FINAL DESIGN)

TASK 7: SEA OF GHOSTS CHARACTER (IANTHE)

     I read the book, loved it, went into University, chose from a random selection of folded pieces of paper and pulled out the name "Ianthe". Not exactly what I hoped for, but I am more than happy designing Ianthe. She was probably my favourite character and personality from the book. Yes, she might not been the most described character in the book, but from what I have read and collected, it is more than enough to design her character as true to the source material as possible.

IANTHE

• 16 Years Old
• Daughter of Hana.
• Beautiful girl - slender
• Jet black hair, dark eyebrows - tapered to point.
• Olive skin, pale blue eyes, full lips, slender nose, tiny bump on nose.
• Stunted height.
• Clothing: Ankle length pink and yellow striped satin frock - puffy arms. Fancy lace frills.
• Weapons: Heightened senses.
• Angry, judgemental, resentful, strong, resilient.

  

    The notes here focus on Ianthe;s most common outfit - the pink and yellow dress. However, I find the idea of peasent wear more appealing when it comes to reflecting chracter. To me, Ianthe isn't this higher class girl, shes a girl who seen the worst and it should show. I guess we'll see which designs I prefer when I devlop some initial sketches and concepts. Either way though, I'll explore both ideas equally before choosing a final design.

NEXT POST: TASK 7: SEA OF GHOSTS IANTHE (ROUGH SKETCHES)

SEA OF GHOSTS: CHAPTERS 18 - EPILOGUE

WARNING: SPOILERS: DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK.

          Finished Sea of Ghosts today by Alan Campbell. Just like I predicted, the story has yet to be concluded, I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for the next chapter in this series of books. Am I satisfied? Not really. There was no real epic conclusion and a cliffhanger that makes me furious. I want more already!

     However, I have to say, this book has been a real surprise for me. Regardless of the fact I have to design a character from it for University, I simply read the book out of enjoyment, not just to study. The last two chapters hint at the coming conflicts. With Emperor Hu yet to satisfy his revenge on Granger, Ethan yet to harness the power of the Entropist gods and Marks yet to keep Ianthe in her clutches, I'm sure the next instalment will be action packed as well as expand on the mythology.

     Now, it's just time to design a character from the book. With the character notes I've stockpiled through the chapters, I believe I am more than prepared to design any of the character from Sea of Ghosts. My hopes are that I am assigned the task of designing Ethan, Creedy or Augustus. The detail given on their character is enough to design their characters without any issues. However, any of the characters would be fine. Fingers crossed!

WARNING: (SPOILER ALERT. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK,

DO NOT READ ON!)

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 18 SUMMARY

• Ethan and Mallor pass checkpoint disguised as Captains - they are looking for the Void Flies.
• Mara beats and brakes Ianthe until she faints in pain.
• Ethan/ Mallor kill soldiers at the outpost using Ichusae bottles. They collect the explosives they hid.
• Ianthe difts from Haurstaf to Haurstaf until she sees one killing - she kills all of them in anger.
• Ethan fires cannon at Palace and negotiates using Regina - an Unmar chariot heads their way.
• Ianthe goes from Haurstaf mind to mind killing everybody off until she becomes  weary.
• Granger was in the Unmar chariot, teleports out, drives it into Ethan and uses the replicator sword.
• Ianthe is being tortured with knifes until Granger walks in and saves her.
• Granger is greeted by Unmar Prince at exit who says "Is that the last of them".

EPILOGUE

EPILOGUE SUMMARY

• Ethan wakes in aftermath of Unmar Chariot crash.
• He stumbles over the chariot wreckage and finds the Entropist crystal Granger stole.
• He realises its power and signals Mallor to get ready to leave.

CHARACTER NOTES

NOTE: UPDATED AND NEW INFORMATION IS HIGHLIGHTED IN BOLD

PRIMARY PROTAGONIST - COLONEL THOMAS GRANGER aka. SWINEKICKER

• Middle aged man.
• Father of Ianthe.
• Once an Imperial, now a Prison owner.
• Dependable, strong build - worn over year (exposure to grime)
• Long dark hair, Chiselled face.
• Burn on his right shoulder - Sea Bottle water exposure.
• Weapon: Hand Cannons, Leadership
• Clothing: Imperial (Braces, Buckles, Dragon Bone). Whale-skin cloaks, goggles and gloves. Galoshes.
• Carries a Gem Lantern (Green, Blue?)
• (Post-Trial) Sword slices on right shoulder, on thigh through breaches, back of right rist.
• (Post-Trial) Sword puncture on left.
• (Post-Trial) Sharkskin burns on face and arms.
• (Chapter 12) Hair fallen out.
• (Chapter 13) Void flies wounds on ear and left elbow.
• Clothing (Chapter 18) Silver armour covering entire body.
• Weapons (Chapter 18) Green alloy Unmar Replicator Sword.

HANA (MOTHER) (DEAD)

• Middle aged woman.
• Mother of Ianthe.
• Long, jet black hair - covers most of face.
• Olive skin, pale blue eyes.
• Once beautiful. Now worn, aged, battered, bruised and cut.
• Dried bloodied bottom lip.
• Clothing: Boots. Peasant wear - torn and filthy. Shackles.
• ALT Clothing: Ankle length peach satin frocks - silvery sparkles (front). Fancy lace frills.
• Selfless, independent, strong, proud, hopeful.

PRIMARY PROTAGONIST - HANA (MOTHER DROWNED)

• Middle aged drowned..
• Once mother of Ianthe.
• Long, jet black hair - covers most of face.
• Pale skin, pale blue eyes.
• Corpse like - sharkskin, wounded, withered.
• Clothing: Worn ankle length peach satin frock - silvery sparkles (front). Fancy lace frills.

PRIMARY PROTAGONIST - IANTHE (DAUGHTER)

• 16 Years Old
• Daughter of Hana.
• Beautiful girl - slender
• Jet black hair, dark eyebrows - tapered to point.
• Olive skin, pale blue eyes, full lips, slender nose, tiny bump on nose.
• Stunted height.
• Clothing: Ankle length pink and yellow striped satin frock - puffy arms. Fancy lace frills.
• Weapons: Heightened senses.
• Angry, judgemental, resentful, strong, resilient.

ANTAGONIST - ETHAN MASKELYNE

• Middle aged man (50-60 Years old?).
• Egotistical, psychopathic, delirious and self-obsessed.
• Has Wife Lucille and son Jotney.
• Unofficial boss of Ethugra - extortionist.
• Tall, skeletal, scrawny neck, lean, green eyes and long cadaverous face.
• White hair - yellowed by brine exposure.
• Current and fashionable.
• Brine spots on back of hands.
• Clothing: Padded, gold tunic embroidered with steel wire.
• Weapons: Leadership, extortion, Hookmen, Blunderbuss, Void Flies.
• (Chapter 13): Unshaven, dirty, painfully gaunt, dark eyes.

LUCILLE MASKELYNE

• Middle aged woman.
• Wife of Ethans and mother of Jotney.
• 'Queen' like. Auburn hair, bright blue eyes, slender.
• Caring or manipulative? Good cop, bad cop?
• Pale arms (skin).
• Clothing: Simple white dress.
• (Chapter 13): Bruised and beaten.

ANTAGONIST - EMPORER JILAK HU

• Elderly man.
• Emperor of Losotto.
• Ghoulish in his looks - long, white face, powdery blue cheeks and a pointy chin.
• Thin chest, straw like, long silver hair.
• Relentless, cold and vengeful.
• Misogynist.
• Weapons: The Haurstaf, Transient Sword (Tangerine).
• Clothing (Events): Gold battle armour, Copper crown (Crystal Dragon Eyes), Long Red Cape
• Clothing: (Execution) Platinum Mail (shimmering), Crown (Dragon Eyes), Long Red Cape

ANTAGONIST - BARTLE (HOOKMEN LEADER)

• Middle aged (30-40 years old?).
• Greasy hair and wide brown teeth.
• Intimidating. 'Loan shark' like.
• Short but well built - musculus.
• Sharkskin covers most of forearms - cracked skin.
• Weapons: Harpoons, Gutting knives (various sizes, shapes and functions).
• Clothing: Bulky whalers oilskins.

ANTAGONIST - SOMAROL

• Unknown Age
• Great in size, no flesh on face - skull exposed.
• Inhuman skill/ movements
• Eye sockets. Nasal opening covered by brass plate.
• Clothing: Helmet - Executioners Mask
• Weapons: Rifle and Unmar Knife

IDA (CIVILIAN)

• Middle-aged woman.
• Independent, imaginative, curious, kind, brave, selfless.
• Upper class, elegant, traveller.
• Tall and slender.
• Clothing: Wears extravagant dresses.

UMNAR GIRL

• Young, timid Unmar girl.
• Lives in Unmar Ghetto.
• Owns a metal doll.
• Dark mysterious eyes.
• Tattered and dirty.
• Clothing: Wears filthy blood red dress and shoes.

ARGUSTO (BOWMAN)

• Middle aged Unmar .
• Weapons: Bow, Arrows, Magic and Potions.
• Tied back white hair, sharp facial features.
• Wears soft make-up.
• Clothing: Jewel studied attire, black breaches, sandals.
• Has dragon named Yva.

YVA (DRAGON)

• Extravagant dragon (once human).
• Umnar magic unveiled beastery form.
• Sixty feet long.
• White and silver plated suit of Armour.
• Wings glisten like a rainbow, burning red eyes, bared white teeth.
• Unhealthy addiction to sharkskin and sea water.

SERGEANT WILLIAM PATRICK CREEDY (DEAD - CHAPTER 9)

• Middle aged man.
• Brutish, big and brawny - has Boxers face
• Has war wounds - sharkskin jaw, missing/ fake blue eye and missing ear.
• Has Gravedigger tattoo on back of neck.
• Cocky, confrontational and berserk. Traitor.
• Weapons: Large Hand Cannon.
• Clothing: Imperial Outfit, Whale-skin cloaks, goggles and gloves.

PRIVATE MERRAD BANKS (DEAD - CHAPTER 10)

• Young adult male.
• Short, dark hair.
• Least chiselled in his looks - slender.
• The 'Scout' of the group.
• Independent, observant and intelligent.
• Colonel Granger's favourite.
• (Post-Trial) Cheeks  hollow, anaemic skin, bruised under eyes.
• Clothing: (Trial) Steel hauberks, boiled leathers, capped helmets, nose & cheek guards
• Weapons: (Trial) Standard issue short sword (Left Hand), bucklet (Right Hand).

ABLE SEAMAS GERHARD/SAWN TUMMEL  (DEAD - CHAPTER 10)

• Young adult males.
• Brothers - almost identical.
• Thin bodies and faces.
• Scruffy black hair.
• The comedy due of the Gravediggers.
• 'Snipers' of the group.
• (Post-Trial) Old and wretched (look ten years older) - rheumy eyes.
• (Post-Trial) Toothless, sagging, stubbled face.
• (Post-Trial) Corpse like.
• Clothing: (Trial) Steel hauberks, boiled leathers, capped helmets, nose & cheek guards
• Weapons: (Trial) Standard issue short sword (Left Hand), bucklet (Right Hand).

PROTAGONIST - SISTER BRIANA MARKS (THE WITCH)

• Young/ middle aged (6 Years later) adult female.
• Haurstaf witch (psychic) - Hu's top adviser.
• Slender and attractive - "striking".
• Dominating, friendly, selfless.
• (Post-Trial) Cynical, Callass, Judgemental, Superior Self-Image
• Has addiction to poppy water.
• (Post-Trial) Aged noticeably
• (Post-Trial) Frown lines
• (Post-Trial) Clothing: Long coat with tails.
• Clothing: (Trial) Steel hauberks, boiled leathers, capped helmets, nose & cheek guards
• Clothing: (Chapter 13) White padded, woollen tunic, White breeches, Spider silk blouse, Ruby Necklace
• Weapons: (Trial) Standard issue short sword (Left Hand), bucklet (Right Hand).

ADMINISTRATOR GRECH

• Old age (60-70 years Old?).
• Older, mustier, deformed spine, prominent nose like knuckle, eyebrows like clods of wool.
• Drag on foot.
• Clothing: Courtroom wig, Long black coat.

THE DROWNED

• All ages.
• Once humans - drowned by Trovers (more than likely).
• Exposed to poisoned and rising waters - bodies die, then personalities.
• Wander and follow eternally.

HERIAN (UNMAR  STATION OPERATOR)

• Old, withered Unmar .
• Short, stooped and grey.
• Leucotomy scar on head, prodigious nose, Tufts of yellow hair.
• Clothing: Old suit of mail too big for him, simple tin crown sitting on brow.
• Weapons: Rifle, Unmar Weaponry, Entropists.

ARIA (HAURSTAF STUDENT)

• Teenage Haurstaf student.
• Fat and ginger.
• Nice and caring.

CONSTANCE (HAURSTAF STUDENT)

• Teenage Haurstaf student.
• Tiny blonde imp, arrogance posture, blue eyes, pretty.
• Bully, evil, jealous, rebel, sick minded.

SISTER ULLA

• Old Haurstaf tutor.
• No larger than a child.
• Hair in grey knuckle behind head, restless eyes.
• Arms full of books.
• Bitter, angry, strict, relentless.

Sea of Ghosts (Gravedigger Chronicles 1) (2012) by Alan Campbell - £5.62

NEXT POST: TASK 7 - SEA OF GHOSTS CHARACTER (IANTHE)

SEA OF GHOSTS: CHAPTERS 15 - 17

WARNING: SPOILERS: DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK.

          What is brine? Where do the Unmar get their power from? What is Trove? Where did the Dead Ship's power originate from? What is Ianthe? All these question were answered in the last three chapters and I have to say, I loved the answers! There's a building mythology here, one that goes deeper than the seemingly everyday fantasy novel I expected from Sea of Ghosts. What I got was a averagely paced three chapters that answers questions and highlight a history - there are bigger threats than Ethan, Hu or Marks. The Entropists.

     With these chapters enlightening me to the true scale of the world Alan Campbell has developed  I very much doubt this last chapter will conclude the story of Granger and Ianthe. I'm both pleased and frustrated by that possibility!

Oh and as a note, besides the Chapter summary, not much has changed character wise... everyone is the same mess they were in the previous chapters. However there were a few new characters introduced - all of which served there shallow purpose (Story telling, betrayal etc)

WARNING: (SPOILER ALERT. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK,

DO NOT READ ON!)

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 15 SUMMARY

• Granger wakes to find an Unmar station. He enters to find bones and humming rooms.
• Granger enters a tall room with defying gravity. He sees a pedestal and crystal and picks up a sword.
• Multiple copies of Granger appear, doppelgänger moving in unison and identical in appearance.
• Herian (Unmar) appears to explain sword and reveal truths about Brine and deal with entropaths
• An entropath starts to manifest as Granger beats Herian, fights wolfs and attacks invincible woman.
• Granger gets in Unmar chariot and tries to fly away – the entropath brings him down – they survive.
• He takes the crystal powering her, and escapes taking Herian with him
• Granger and Herian fly towards Awl – Granger wants to learn how to use the Replicating Sword.
• Ianthe stands in judgement of crimes – Regina and Constance are dead.– they accept her.
• Ianthe is taken to the Unmar dungeons to view leucomised Unmar and The Zoo to see free Unmar .
• She is taken to find an Unmar to practice on.

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 16 SUMMARY

• Ianthe and Marks arrive at Awl, where they take horse and carriage to Guild Palace.
• Sister Ulla tests Ianthe and puts her in a class in Guild.
• Ianthe is late for supper in feast room, Ulla is angry and Ianthe runs back to dorm upset.
• Ianthe struggles to sleep as other students converse, Aria wakes her up to see how she is.
• Ianthe is in test lab. Ulla asks her to kill frog with powers. Aria is outside and persuades her to leave.
• Ianthe and Aria get in fight with Regina and Constance. Ianthe accidentally disables them both with powers.
• Marks speak with Ethan about his Unmar theories. There could be another alien race angry at them.

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 17 SUMMARY

• Ethan sends letter to Lucille. Ethan receives coded letter telling him he is to be executed.
• Ethan escapes using flying lantern given by associate. He flies to an inn to meet Captain Howlish.
• Granger forces Herian to explain what each Unmar device did. Herian sleeps and Granger leaves.
• Ianthe is tasked with torturing Unmar inside the torture room with Marks.
• Ianthe fails and then refuses, tries but can’t leave, unleashing a catastrophic psychic energy.
• Marks, Mara, Ulla and other discuss Ianthe – they decide to examine and torture her.
• Ianthe wakes from nightmare to Aria – Aria helps her make an escape.
• Aria leads her to a torture room with Mara and locks the door – Ianthe betrayed her.

CHARACTER NOTES

NOTE: UPDATED AND NEW INFORMATION IS HIGHLIGHTED IN BOLD

PRIMARY PROTAGONIST - COLONEL THOMAS GRANGER aka. SWINEKICKER

• Middle aged man.
• Father of Ianthe.
• Once an Imperial, now a Prison owner.
• Dependable, strong build - worn over year (exposure to grime)
• Long dark hair, Chiselled face.
• Burn on his right shoulder - Sea Bottle water exposure.
• Weapon: Hand Cannons, Leadership
• Clothing: Imperial (Braces, Buckles, Dragon Bone). Whale-skin cloaks, goggles and gloves. Galoshes.
• Carries a Gem Lantern (Green, Blue?)
• (Post-Trial) Sword slices on right shoulder, on thigh through breaches, back of right rist.
• (Post-Trial) Sword puncture on left.
• (Post-Trial) Sharkskin burns on face and arms.
• (Chapter 12) Hair fallen out.
• (Chapter 13) Void flies wounds on ear and left elbow.

HANA (MOTHER) (DEAD)

• Middle aged woman.
• Mother of Ianthe.
• Long, jet black hair - covers most of face.
• Olive skin, pale blue eyes.
• Once beautiful. Now worn, aged, battered, bruised and cut.
• Dried bloodied bottom lip.
• Clothing: Boots. Peasant wear - torn and filthy. Shackles.
• ALT Clothing: Ankle length peach satin frocks - silvery sparkles (front). Fancy lace frills.
• Selfless, independent, strong, proud, hopeful.

PRIMARY PROTAGONIST - HANA (MOTHER DROWNED)

• Middle aged drowned..
• Once mother of Ianthe.
• Long, jet black hair - covers most of face.
• Pale skin, pale blue eyes.
• Corpse like - sharkskin, wounded, withered.
• Clothing: Worn ankle length peach satin frock - silvery sparkles (front). Fancy lace frills.

PRIMARY PROTAGONIST - IANTHE (DAUGHTER)

• 16 Years Old
• Daughter of Hana.
• Beautiful girl - slender
• Jet black hair, dark eyebrows - tapered to point.
• Olive skin, pale blue eyes, full lips, slender nose, tiny bump on nose.
• Stunted height.
• Clothing: Ankle length pink and yellow striped satin frock - puffy arms. Fancy lace frills.
• Weapons: Heightened senses.
• Angry, judgemental, resentful, strong, resilient.

ANTAGONIST - ETHAN MASKELYNE

• Middle aged man (50-60 Years old?).
• Egotistical, psychopathic, delirious and self-obsessed.
• Has Wife Lucille and son Jotney.
• Unofficial boss of Ethugra - extortionist.
• Tall, skeletal, scrawny neck, lean, green eyes and long cadaverous face.
• White hair - yellowed by brine exposure.
• Current and fashionable.
• Brine spots on back of hands.
• Clothing: Padded, gold tunic embroidered with steel wire.
• Weapons: Leadership, extortion, Hookmen, Blunderbuss, Void Flies.
• (Chapter 13): Unshaven, dirty, painfully gaunt, dark eyes.

LUCILLE MASKELYNE

• Middle aged woman.
• Wife of Ethans and mother of Jotney.
• 'Queen' like. Auburn hair, bright blue eyes, slender.
• Caring or manipulative? Good cop, bad cop?
• Pale arms (skin).
• Clothing: Simple white dress.
• (Chapter 13): Bruised and beaten.

ANTAGONIST - EMPORER JILAK HU

• Elderly man.
• Emperor of Losotto.
• Ghoulish in his looks - long, white face, powdery blue cheeks and a pointy chin.
• Thin chest, straw like, long silver hair.
• Relentless, cold and vengeful.
• Misogynist.
• Weapons: The Haurstaf, Transient Sword (Tangerine).
• Clothing (Events): Gold battle armour, Copper crown (Crystal Dragon Eyes), Long Red Cape
• Clothing: (Execution) Platinum Mail (shimmering), Crown (Dragon Eyes), Long Red Cape

ANTAGONIST - BARTLE (HOOKMEN LEADER)

• Middle aged (30-40 years old?).
• Greasy hair and wide brown teeth.
• Intimidating. 'Loan shark' like.
• Short but well built - musculus.
• Sharkskin covers most of forearms - cracked skin.
• Weapons: Harpoons, Gutting knives (various sizes, shapes and functions).
• Clothing: Bulky whalers oilskins.

ANTAGONIST - SOMAROL

• Unknown Age
• Great in size, no flesh on face - skull exposed.
• Inhuman skill/ movements
• Eye sockets. Nasal opening covered by brass plate.
• Clothing: Helmet - Executioners Mask
• Weapons: Rifle and Unmar Knife

IDA (CIVILIAN)

• Middle-aged woman.
• Independent, imaginative, curious, kind, brave, selfless.
• Upper class, elegant, traveller.
• Tall and slender.
• Clothing: Wears extravagant dresses.

UMNAR GIRL

• Young, timid Unmar girl.
• Lives in Unmar Ghetto.
• Owns a metal doll.
• Dark mysterious eyes.
• Tattered and dirty.
• Clothing: Wears filthy blood red dress and shoes.

ARGUSTO (BOWMAN)

• Middle aged Unmar .
• Weapons: Bow, Arrows, Magic and Potions.
• Tied back white hair, sharp facial features.
• Wears soft make-up.
• Clothing: Jewel studied attire, black breaches, sandals.
• Has dragon named Yva.

YVA (DRAGON)

• Extravagant dragon (once human).
• Umnar magic unveiled beastery form.
• Sixty feet long.
• White and silver plated suit of Armour.
• Wings glisten like a rainbow, burning red eyes, bared white teeth.
• Unhealthy addiction to sharkskin and sea water.

SERGEANT WILLIAM PATRICK CREEDY (DEAD - CHAPTER 9)

• Middle aged man.
• Brutish, big and brawny - has Boxers face
• Has war wounds - sharkskin jaw, missing/ fake blue eye and missing ear.
• Has Gravedigger tattoo on back of neck.
• Cocky, confrontational and berserk. Traitor.
• Weapons: Large Hand Cannon.
• Clothing: Imperial Outfit, Whale-skin cloaks, goggles and gloves.

PRIVATE MERRAD BANKS (DEAD - CHAPTER 10)

• Young adult male.
• Short, dark hair.
• Least chiselled in his looks - slender.
• The 'Scout' of the group.
• Independent, observant and intelligent.
• Colonel Granger's favourite.
• (Post-Trial) Cheeks  hollow, anaemic skin, bruised under eyes.
• Clothing: (Trial) Steel hauberks, boiled leathers, capped helmets, nose & cheek guards
• Weapons: (Trial) Standard issue short sword (Left Hand), bucklet (Right Hand).

ABLE SEAMAS GERHARD/SAWN TUMMEL  (DEAD - CHAPTER 10)

• Young adult males.
• Brothers - almost identical.
• Thin bodies and faces.
• Scruffy black hair.
• The comedy due of the Gravediggers.
• 'Snipers' of the group.
• (Post-Trial) Old and wretched (look ten years older) - rheumy eyes.
• (Post-Trial) Toothless, sagging, stubbled face.
• (Post-Trial) Corpse like.
• Clothing: (Trial) Steel hauberks, boiled leathers, capped helmets, nose & cheek guards
• Weapons: (Trial) Standard issue short sword (Left Hand), bucklet (Right Hand).

PROTAGONIST - SISTER BRIANA MARKS (THE WITCH)

• Young/ middle aged (6 Years later) adult female.
• Haurstaf witch (psychic) - Hu's top adviser.
• Slender and attractive - "striking".
• Dominating, friendly, selfless.
• (Post-Trial) Cynical, Callass, Judgemental, Superior Self-Image
• Has addiction to poppy water.
• (Post-Trial) Aged noticeably
• (Post-Trial) Frown lines
• (Post-Trial) Clothing: Long coat with tails.
• Clothing: (Trial) Steel hauberks, boiled leathers, capped helmets, nose & cheek guards
• Clothing: (Chapter 13) White padded, woollen tunic, White breeches, Spider silk blouse, Ruby Necklace
• Weapons: (Trial) Standard issue short sword (Left Hand), bucklet (Right Hand).

ADMINISTRATOR GRECH

• Old age (60-70 years Old?).
• Older, mustier, deformed spine, prominent nose like knuckle, eyebrows like clods of wool.
• Drag on foot.
• Clothing: Courtroom wig, Long black coat.

THE DROWNED

• All ages.
• Once humans - drowned by Trovers (more than likely).
• Exposed to poisoned and rising waters - bodies die, then personalities.
• Wander and follow eternally.

HERIAN (UNMAR  STATION OPERATOR)

• Old, withered Unmar .
• Short, stooped and grey.
• Leucotomy scar on head, prodigious nose, Tufts of yellow hair.
• Clothing: Old suit of mail too big for him, simple tin crown sitting on brow.
• Weapons: Rifle, Unmar Weaponry, Entropists.

ARIA (HAURSTAF STUDENT)

• Teenage Haurstaf student.
• Fat and ginger.
• Nice and caring.

CONSTANCE (HAURSTAF STUDENT)

• Teenage Haurstaf student.
• Tiny blonde imp, arrogance posture, blue eyes, pretty.
• Bully, evil, jealous, rebel, sick minded.

SISTER ULLA

• Old Haurstaf tutor.
• No larger than a child.
• Hair in grey knuckle behind head, restless eyes.
• Arms full of books.
• Bitter, angry, strict, relentless.

Sea of Ghosts (Gravedigger Chronicles 1) (2012) by Alan Campbell - £5.62

NEXT POST: SEA OF GHOSTS: CHAPTERS 18 - EPILOGUE

SEA OF GHOSTS: CHAPTER 12 - 14

WARNING: SPOILERS: DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK.

          So, the last three chapters were a massive disappointment, both in character development and character detail. I suppose the momentum of the last six chapters couldn't of lasted forever. There seemed to be a strong focus on Brianna and her relationship with Ianthe this time around, which I guess was always going to come considering Granger commissioning of her, but I'm interested more in Granger's journey towards his blatantly inevitable climax with Ethan. What get's me is, why choose to develop undeveloped characters at this point? There's only four chapters left! I must add though, Ethans psychotic and delirious behaviour was a nice development, he's less identifiable as a result and more pathetic.

WARNING: (SPOILER ALERT. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK,

DO NOT READ ON!)

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 12 SUMMARY

• The Mistress has sunk, the Dead Ship lures them into dangerous waters - morale is fading.
• Ethan is given amplified Unmar artefact that rots food. Supplies are being stolen.
• Ianthe has stolen goods by using Jotney she plays with spectacles.
• Spectacles store Unmar memories - she reaches deck where Unmar are - three dragons attack.
• Unmar brutalist attempts to attack dragons that carries Conquillas.
• Conquillas kills entire crew, including Unmar brutalist and dismounts.
• Ethan catches Ianthe with spectacles -  admits Hana and Jotney problems. Ethan orders rape.
• Granger arrives at Sycth Island, breaks in, finds Creedy, threatens for location, leaves him to burn.
• Then experiments and theorises about Unmar sorcery on Dead Ship.
• Ethan wakes up to find he wrote another cryptic passage in his sleep.
• Ianthe is about to be raped until Lucille intervenes - Ethan beats her until Haurstaf boats attack.

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 13 SUMMARY

• Granger heads for Ianthe's last known location - devises a plan to fire cannons.
• Marks spends hours looking for Ethan along with two other ships.
• Marks finds Ethan's ship and attacks - they bored the boat and bring everybody on board.
• Ianthe runs back onto Dead Ship (Marks follows and assists) to find spectacles - they are found.
• Marks talks to Ianthe about her abilities and her options.
• Marks is called to deck - Granger has found them. They ready their canons for battle.
• Granger opens fire and disables all ships besides the Herald (Marks' ship).
• Granger crashes the Excelsior into the Herald, hooking them and dragging them with him.

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 14 SUMMARY

• Ethan proposes plan to Marks - sever the link with Void Flies... for a price.
• Ethan fires at harpoon link and destroys and whilst damaging the Excelsior.
• Granger wakes to find wounds on his left elbow and ear - the Excelsior is sinking.
• Granger uses the least damaged lifeboat and rows after the Herald.
• Granger rows, he ends up at wrong place - Sea of Kings. A shadow appears, he rows towards it.

CHARACTER NOTES

NOTE: UPDATED AND NEW INFORMATION IS HIGHLIGHTED IN BOLD

PRIMARY PROTAGONIST - COLONEL THOMAS GRANGER aka. SWINEKICKER

• Middle aged man.
• Father of Ianthe.
• Once an Imperial, now a Prison owner.
• Dependable, strong build - worn over year (exposure to grime)
• Long dark hair, Chiselled face.
• Burn on his right shoulder - Sea Bottle water exposure.
• Weapon: Hand Cannons, Leadership
• Clothing: Imperial (Braces, Buckles, Dragon Bone). Whale-skin cloaks, goggles and gloves. Galoshes.
• Carries a Gem Lantern (Green, Blue?)
• (Post-Trial) Sword slices on right shoulder, on thigh through breaches, back of right rist.
• (Post-Trial) Sword puncture on left.
• (Post-Trial) Sharkskin burns on face and arms.
• (Chapter 12) Hair fallen out.
• (Chapter 13) Void flies wounds on ear and left elbow.

HANA (MOTHER) (DEAD)

• Middle aged woman.
• Mother of Ianthe.
• Long, jet black hair - covers most of face.
• Olive skin, pale blue eyes.
• Once beautiful. Now worn, aged, battered, bruised and cut.
• Dried bloodied bottom lip.
• Clothing: Boots. Peasant wear - torn and filthy. Shackles.
• ALT Clothing: Ankle length peach satin frocks - silvery sparkles (front). Fancy lace frills.
• Selfless, independent, strong, proud, hopeful.

PRIMARY PROTAGONIST - HANA (MOTHER DROWNED)

• Middle aged drowned..
• Once mother of Ianthe.
• Long, jet black hair - covers most of face.
• Pale skin, pale blue eyes.
• Corpse like - sharkskin, wounded, withered.
• Clothing: Worn ankle length peach satin frock - silvery sparkles (front). Fancy lace frills.

PRIMARY PROTAGONIST - IANTHE (DAUGHTER)

• 16 Years Old
• Daughter of Hana.
• Beautiful girl - slender
• Jet black hair, dark eyebrows - tapered to point.
• Olive skin, pale blue eyes, full lips, slender nose, tiny bump on nose.
• Stunted height.
• Clothing: Ankle length pink and yellow striped satin frock - puffy arms. Fancy lace frills.
• Weapons: Heightened senses.
• Angry, judgemental, resentful, strong, resilient.

ANTAGONIST - ETHAN MASKELYNE

• Middle aged man (50-60 Years old?).
• Egotistical, psychopathic, delirious and self-obsessed.
• Has Wife Lucille and son Jotney.
• Unofficial boss of Ethugra - extortionist.
• Tall, skeletal, scrawny neck, lean, green eyes and long cadaverous face.
• White hair - yellowed by brine exposure.
• Current and fashionable.
• Brine spots on back of hands.
• Clothing: Padded, gold tunic embroidered with steel wire.
• Weapons: Leadership, extortion, Hookmen, Blunderbuss, Void Flies.
• (Chapter 13): Unshaven, dirty, painfully gaunt, dark eyes.

LUCILLE MASKELYNE

• Middle aged woman.
• Wife of Ethans and mother of Jotney.
• 'Queen' like. Auburn hair, bright blue eyes, slender.
• Caring or manipulative? Good cop, bad cop?
• Pale arms (skin).
• Clothing: Simple white dress.
• (Chapter 13): Bruised and beaten.

ANTAGONIST - EMPORER JILAK HU

• Elderly man.
• Emperor of Losotto.
• Ghoulish in his looks - long, white face, powdery blue cheeks and a pointy chin.
• Thin chest, straw like, long silver hair.
• Relentless, cold and vengeful.
• Misogynist.
• Weapons: The Haurstaf, Transient Sword (Tangerine).
• Clothing (Events): Gold battle armour, Copper crown (Crystal Dragon Eyes), Long Red Cape
• Clothing: (Execution) Platinum Mail (shimmering), Crown (Dragon Eyes), Long Red Cape

ANTAGONIST - BARTLE (HOOKMEN LEADER)

• Middle aged (30-40 years old?).
• Greasy hair and wide brown teeth.
• Intimidating. 'Loan shark' like.
• Short but well built - musculus.
• Sharkskin covers most of forearms - cracked skin.
• Weapons: Harpoons, Gutting knives (various sizes, shapes and functions).
• Clothing: Bulky whalers oilskins.

ANTAGONIST - SOMAROL

• Unkown Age
• Great in size, no flesh on face - skull exposed.
• Inhuman skill/ movements
• Eye sockets. Nasal opening covered by brass plate.
• Clothing: Helmet - Executioners Mask
• Weapons: Rifle and Unmar Knife

IDA (CIVILIAN)

• Middle-aged woman.
• Independent, imaginative, curious, kind, brave, selfless.
• Upper class, elegant, traveller.
• Tall and slender.
• Clothing: Wears extravagant dresses.

UMNAR GIRL

• Young, timid Umnar girl.
• Lives in Umnar Ghetto.
• Owns a metal doll.
• Dark mysterious eyes.
• Tattered and dirty.
• Clothing: Wears filthy blood red dress and shoes.

ARGUSTO (BOWMAN)

• Middle aged Umnar.
• Weapons: Bow, Arrows, Magic and Potions.
• Tied back white hair, sharp facial features.
• Wears soft make-up.
• Clothing: Jewel studied attire, black breaches, sandals.
• Has dragon named Yva.

YVA (DRAGON)

• Extravagant dragon (once human).
• Umnar magic unveiled beastery form.
• Sixty feet long.
• White and silver plated suit of Armour.
• Wings glisten like a rainbow, burning red eyes, bared white teeth.
• Unhealthy addiction to sharkskin and sea water.

SERGEANT WILLIAM PATRICK CREEDY (DEAD - CHAPTER 9)

• Middle aged man.
• Brutish, big and brawny - has Boxers face
• Has war wounds - sharkskin jaw, missing/ fake blue eye and missing ear.
• Has Gravedigger tattoo on back of neck.
• Cocky, confrontational and berserk. Traitor.
• Weapons: Large Hand Cannon.
• Clothing: Imperial Outfit, Whale-skin cloaks, goggles and gloves.

PRIVATE MERRAD BANKS (DEAD - CHAPTER 10)

• Young adult male.
• Short, dark hair.
• Least chiselled in his looks - slender.
• The 'Scout' of the group.
• Independent, observant and intelligent.
• Colonel Granger's favourite.
• (Post-Trial) Cheeks  hollow, anaemic skin, bruised under eyes.
• Clothing: (Trial) Steel hauberks, boiled leathers, capped helmets, nose & cheek guards
• Weapons: (Trial) Standard issue short sword (Left Hand), bucklet (Right Hand).

ABLE SEAMAS GERHARD/SAWN TUMMEL  (DEAD - CHAPTER 10)

• Young adult males.
• Brothers - almost identical.
• Thin bodies and faces.
• Scruffy black hair.
• The comedy due of the Gravediggers.
• 'Snipers' of the group.
• (Post-Trial) Old and wretched (look ten years older) - rheumy eyes.
• (Post-Trial) Toothless, sagging, stubbled face.
• (Post-Trial) Corpse like.
• Clothing: (Trial) Steel hauberks, boiled leathers, capped helmets, nose & cheek guards
• Weapons: (Trial) Standard issue short sword (Left Hand), bucklet (Right Hand).

PROTAGONIST - SISTER BRIANA MARKS (THE WITCH)

• Young/ middle aged (6 Years later) adult female.
• Haurstaf witch (psychic) - Hu's top adviser.
• Slender and attractive - "striking".
• Dominating, friendly, selfless.
• (Post-Trial) Cynical, Callass, Judgemental, Superior Self-Image
• Has addiction to poppy water.
• (Post-Trial) Aged noticeably
• (Post-Trial) Frown lines
• (Post-Trial) Clothing: Long coat with tails.
• Clothing: (Trial) Steel hauberks, boiled leathers, capped helmets, nose & cheek guards
• Clothing: (Chapter 13) White padded, woollen tunic, White linen breeches, Spider silk blouse
• Weapons: (Trial) Standard issue short sword (Left Hand), bucklet (Right Hand).

ADMINISTRATOR GRECH

• Old age (60-70 years Old?).
• Older, mustier, deformed spine, prominent nose like knuckle, eyebrows like clods of wool.
• Drag on foot.
• Clothing: Courtroom wig, Long black coat.

THE DROWNED

• All ages.
• Once humans - drowned by Trovers (more than likely).
• Exposed to poisoned and rising waters - bodies die, then personalities.
• Wander and follow eternally.

Sea of Ghosts (Gravedigger Chronicles 1) (2012) by Alan Campbell - £5.62

  
  Well, there a four chapters left and I'm going to finish them now. There better be a good ending! No doubt someone will end up dying though... Granger is in a pretty terrible state.

NEXT POST: SEA OF GHOSTS: CHAPTERS 15-17