TASK 9: VEHICLE AND DRIVER DESIGNS

         Long overdue blog post. But after developing the original silhouette designs for the vehicles, I asked friends and family which of the designs they preferred. Surprisingly, they chose the one I preferred, but the one I didn't think anyone would of liked. So fortunately for me I began to design that silhouette.

     Now, this vehicle was inspired by an early 40's car with the idea that when developed, it would be extremely patriotic in design (flags, american colours etc) and the driver would be am androgynous female american hero figure. However, as I started to develop the idea, I realised, that although it looked functional, it just wasn't an interesting. The top down view, of which I began with, inspired a new idea - a intimidating dragonfly design.

     However, this would render my patriotic concept useless. So, as I developed the vehicle I started to see a dragonfly and an eagle within the same silhouette. From that point, I had in mind a vertical police force vehicle (it's intimidating and patriotic) - one which can switch between a close quarters upright hover craft and a normal fighter jet. 

Note: the design below is it's upright position.

     With this police force idea in mind, the colours blue, white and red came to me (naturally), but considering its futuristic look, I decided to go with the robotic look which in turn, inspired the driver - a mass produced law enforcer that shared the same visual and physical characteristics as it's vehicle.

     In all, I'm really happy with the vehicle and character  I think the concept itself could be a little clearer on its orientation, but other than that, I like the concept behind it and the designs execution. I still have a lot of room to improve though. I'm trying.

COMMENTS AND CRITICISMS APPRECIATED!

THE ODREAGLE - VEHICLE DESIGN
by Christian Whelan

THE COMMANDMENT OFFICER - CHARACTER DESIGN
By Christian Whelan

       My next goals are to really plan out characters before I design them. I seem to just go with the flow when it comes to characters, resulting in a mixed bag that's just above average for the level I should be at. When vehicle designs are considered, I need to learn perspective because to be perfectly honest, the only reason there isn't a perspective view of the vehicle, is because I was too intimidated by the idea. Maybe next time.

    

 Most importantly, I need to practice at grey scaling, I've seen other student's vehicle designs and you can really see the jump in quality when it's used effectively to develop shape. Again, next time.

NEXT POST: TASK 10 - LANDSCAPE CONCEPT - PROGRESS 01/03/2013

TASK 9: FINAL VEHICLE SILHOUETTES

       Spent the last hour conjuring up some mindless silhouettes and developing them into inspired vehicle designs. So far I'm absolutely chuffed with the results, I've even started brainstorming some functionality ideas and even accompanying characters. Yes, a couple of the silhouettes are laughably horrific (the flying bird killing machine), but have a look at them anyway.

COMMENTS AND CRITICISMS APPRECIATED!

VEHICLE SILHOUETTES / DESIGNS
by Christian Whelan

     I tried my best to come up with a wide variety of ideas here, and as it turned out, most of them are inspired by some form of animal or insect. To me, this allows for some really wacky characters designs for the drivers that have to go along with the final vehicle. 
  
     My absolute favourite is hard to decide upon. My 'favourites' are the top right mole design, which is a cross between a bike, a tank and a construction vehicle; the top right fly inspired aircraft; the bottom right spider inspired chopper; the bottom left space ship inspired by a dolphin; the left hover drone and finally, the top left hovering 360 combat ball. So really, its a question of what I don't like (I tend to like my own stuff...).

I'll attend university tomorrow and get some further criticism or praise and make a judgment on that. It's really a question of which is the vehicle that is the most interesting, but the most plausible (at least that's what I believe). Of course, the character who drives it is also an important factor, but that can come afterwards.

NEXT POST: TASK 9: VEHICLE AND DRIVER DESIGNS

TASK 9: INITIAL VEHICLE IDEAS

     Never, have I drawn a vehicle in my life. Unless you count the firetrucks I designed when i was 3 years old, I can't say I'm that experienced. So, considering my next challenge is to design a selection of vehicles and choose one to polish, I can imagine this is going to be the hardest. So hard in fact, I had a 3 hour mind block and only came up with the basic (very basic) designs below.

VEHICLE DESIGNS - BASIC
by Christian Whelan

      Surprisingly, I only designs that use references, are the large construction vehicle and the red hover craft. The construction vehicle was inspired by a monster truck and a spider (Yes, I know it doesn't look like a spider, but it hasn't been finished) and the hovercraft was inspired by a the 40's vehicle (by the way, its backwards, because that how the shape came out).

These where drawn with my mind block not my mind, after 3 hours, I overcame it, and developed the rest of the design in the last 5 minutes. Funnily enough, these are my favourite. Generated through random shape blocking, I think they are varied, interesting and most importantly, really quick! I can't wait to get a few more ideas down!

NEXT POST: TASK 9: FINAL VEHICLE SILHOUETTES

TASK 8: WEAPON AND ARMOUR DESIGN (HAND-IN)

      It took me a good few hours, but I finally got the weapons and armour design done. The task was to design a set of weapons and armour to match as a theme. It was probably the hardest task yet, but through it, I think I came out with something really good. Have a look at them both below!

COMMENTS AND CRITICISM APPRECIATED!

FUTURISTIC ASSASSIN - ARMOUR DESIGN
by Christian Whelan

     So both poses are done and the armour for both is consistent besides one thing - the 8 pack. Once again, I forgot to polish it up. Regardless of that, I think this is my best piece. In terms of proportion, colouring and lighting, I've come a long way since my first drawings, and I believe this is largely due to relying less on line art. The weapons are a more accurate exhibition of my current ability.

FUTURISTIC ASSASSIN - WEAPON DESIGNS
by Christian Whelan

     When you look at my initial designs for the weapons, you'll see how they've changed. I've completely abandoned the wood theme - the only referenced and researched part of the weapons came from armour. Considering the weapons are supposed to blend seamlessly with the armour, this seemed appropriate, and I think it was effective. Of course one of the weapons clearly isn't hidden, even so, it's design suits the concept of the armour.

     Overall I love each of the weapons, they all have their unique visual features and firing styles whilst all working with the armour's design seamlessly. The Observant is the quick fire weapon, The Scatterer is the fully automatic precise weapon, The Repeller is the precise defense weapon, The Judge is the heavy room clearing weapon and The Revenant is the last resort destruction defense - all whilst working together and with the armour so they are one, rather than separate.

     Visually, My favourite of the weapons are the Observant and The Judge. The Observant looks great. It really integrates with the armour and I think I did a good job reflecting it's textures and shape. However, the Judge is by far the best of the weapons (as many people who have seen it agreed), maybe its because it is inspired by and references a real weapon, which was one of my concerns when designing's the others, but to be honest, I think it's just because it looks bad ass! The detailing of the rivets and metal texture in contrast to the futuristic red really work, and the way it holsters on the shoulder blade with its collapsing scaffold, I believe, is a really cool idea.

       Now this is done, my goal is to continue on as I have been doing, relying more on lighting to define shape and to texture parts to increase quality. But there are still things I need work on. Firstly I need to improve on faces, hands and feet. Whilst doing so, I need to start utilizing complimentary colours. once I've practiced and perfected these, its just a matter of developing my drawing skills in general.

NEXT POST: TASK 9: VEHICLE IDEAS

TASK 8: WEAPONS AND ARMOUR (IN PROGRESS 3)

      I spent the last 6 hours blocking and lighting the hands of the first pose, but most importantly I started and 'almost' finished the second pose. I say almost because I still need to polish up the smaller details such as the bolts and rivets on the armour plates. Have a look anyway.

COMMENTS AND CRITICISMS APPRECIATED!

FUTURISTIC ASSASSIN ARMOUR DESIGN - IN PROGRESS
by Christian Whelan

FUTURISTIC ASSASSIN ARMOUR DESIGN - GIF
by Christian Whelan

      Once this is done, it's just a matter of redesigning and polishing the weapons, then finally, implementing the weapons into these armour designs an detailing their functions and weapon type.

Overall, I'm really happy with the outcome, I tried my best to stay away from line art, but as you can see, there is still some there, but I don't mind, because it stops the colour of the armour blending into the background. I suppose that wouldn't be the case if I was a little better at rendering and lighting.

On a less positive note, there are some clear issues and inconsistencies in the armour. Firstly, the sitting pose has an 8 pack... Also the foot and hands are the problem. I definitely need more practice when it comes to proportion and perspective on more complex body parts like the hands and feet.

Other than that, It's 'probably' the best piece I've done so far. I'll have no problem designing the weapons now.

NEXT POST: WEAPONS AND ARMOUR (HAND-IN)

TASK 8: WEAPONS AND ARMOUR (IN PROGRESS 2)

    I spent the last hour making progress on the final hand-in of the armour and weapon designs. I've only just come close to finishing the first pose but have a look at it anyway. I think it's coming along really well!

COMMENTS AND CRITICISMS APPRECIATED!

FUTURISTIC NINJA ARMOUR - IN PROGRESS
by Christian Whelan

      

     So far I think this is my best piece. I no longer rely on bold line art to portray a character's shape and perspective.  This is something that I've been aiming to do since I started this course. For me, at least, line art seems to enforce a restriction - everything I draw, no matter how much I render it, looks too two dimensional. Maybe it's just my ability to render that's the issue, but through abandoning my usual line art ways, I hope to improve my rendering and lighting skills in the process, giving my freedom to use line art when I want, effectively.

The idea finish the gloves, implement the weapons into the armour and start the second pose. The second pose will not be the one in the picture, I hope to have a crouched 'assassin like' pose that exposes the back - a three quarter view. This way I can highlight all the weapons in detail. 

Finally, I'll draw in the weapons around the two poses individually, highlighting their titles and functions.

NEXT POST: TASK 8: WEAPONS AND ARMOUR (IN PROGRESS 2)

TASK 8: WEAPON AND ARMOUR DESIGN (ARMOUR IDEAS)

         With a little needed criticism, it turns out my initial designs for the armour where lacking a little  So, as a result, I decided to add some ideas to the armour (unfinished ideas at that) and then implement the weapons into that armour to get an idea of the structure and colour scheme of the armour. Below is a posh gif and some full sized images to have a gander at.

COMMENTS AND CRITICISMS APPRECIATED!

WEAPON AND ARMOUR DESIGNS GIF
By Christian Whelan

ARMOUR ADDITIONS
By Christian Whelan

WEAPON IMPLEMENTATION
By Christian Whelan

     The new additions and style of the armour where inspired by Misamune Shirow art in Ghost of the Shell. His modular mech armour designs are that little addition that fill out the lacking areas on the original armour. Granted, its a little rough but you can get the idea.

As for the weapons, they were already designed in a way to work with the armour. But with the black colour scheme, they really work. So far, I'm really in love with this design. All I need to do now is finish off the legs armour and develop the final hand-in piece.

NEXT POST: REFERENCING PRACTICE

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

          Now that the initial design ideas for the armour had been completed, I had to start designing some thematic weapons to go along with it. Now, as mentioned before, the idea is that the character who wears the armour has as little contact with his foes as possible. With this in mind, the weapons below where designed.

COMMENTS AND CRITICISMS APPRECIATED!

WEAPON DESIGNS - FUTURISTIC ASSASSIN
by Christian Whelan

The ideas aren't really finished, largely due to a mind block brought on from constant comparisons to other games and films. These comparison, made by others, are completely unintentional, I just designed what I thought fitted the armours theme, which also happened to receive a few (a lot) of comparisons. Again, unintentional on my part.

So, I needed to design a Light Weapon, a Standard Weapon, a Heavy Weapon and a Concealed Weapon. All of these needed to connected to one of the many power sources on the armour.

The Light weapon is the helmet that as a result trying to implement a musketeer theme into the futuristic armour, ended up with muskets on his head. I liked the design, but it didn't seem practical, as one of my friends said "The recoil on his head must be a problem...". That, along with the my tutor sharing the same feelings have prompted me to rethink this design (maybe even abandon the wooden look altogether).

The Standard weapon is the arm cannon - a rapid firing brace. Compared to Dead Space for its spine like appearance its a design I intend to keep on the most part, but maybe refine it, as it was my first idea once I finished the armour designs.

The heavy weapons - there are two (both could be considered concealed). First, the arm mini-gun. Again, it has a comparison - Predator. Not what I had in mind (again), but I like that idea, the Predator was an assassin of some sorts, so it works, especially when the armour is futuristic. However, my tutor told me to embrace the idea of a shoulder mini gun, one that flipped up when in use would be more fitting ("cooler"), and more practical. It was a concern I shared, so from this point, that the design I'll go for.

     Secondly there is the area blast (the waist power point). The idea is to have the power sources (the ones not in use) emit a large area blast. I love this idea, its simple and unique (I hope) - I'm sure someone will have a comparison somewhere. A note to make, is that it's damaging effect is only as great as the number of power outputs not in use. So if you want to fit yourself with an arsenal of bodily weapons, then you'll just have to make do with a lame area blast.

For the concealed weapon, I have the glove. This will emit an energy that repels all foes away from him / her. Again, this is only as powerful as the energy it has, so if all the power outputs are taken, it's not the greatest or weapons. Initially, I went for the hidden dagger, but that didn't make sense considering the lack of physical contact (and the comparisons to Assassins Creed). So I went for the glove (which ended being compared to Iron Man... brilliant.)

Now, I just need to refine the weapon designs, the armour designs and fit the weapons onto the armour. They may all have a comparisons, but to be honest, all the comparisons are pretty amazing, so I'm happy.

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

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 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