OC-Pageant 2021: 3 - The Iron General

Medium: SketchBook App

Seems that the busier I am with work, the more bouts of Inspiration I get. Here’s the third and final prompt for the third theme of , ‘your OC(s) facing an antagonist’ - or someone they don’t like. Avadir decided to talk this week, and she is not a character I can ignore. Incidentally, I’ve been tweaking her armor design somewhat, and figured I could make use of the pageant-aspect of the OC-P to indulge in drawing her properly. I also decided to experiment with the background style somewhat. Aka: I had fun.

There is no love lost between Alwen and his direct superior, general Avadir ‘Va’ of Filian Port. Though she is not an antagonist per se, Alwen very much considers her an antagonistic person who has it out for him in particular. Avadir, on the other hand, considers Al an arrogant brat who has a lot to learn about the Art of War and the Art of the Sword both. After demoting him, she decides to personally oversee his training, and becomes his unyielding mentor. Alwen resents it at first - though eventually he comes to realize the incredible privilege he has been given.

This piece depicts the outcome of a sparring session. Avadir has got Alwen locked in a position he cannot possibly get out of. If he moves his wrist - or if she does - his arm will get broken in at least three separate places. If he moves his legs, he’ll twist his arm out of its socket - and kicking a metal leg would inevitably shatter his not-metal shin. In time, Alwen will learn Avadir’s tricks. In order for that to happen, however, he’ll first have to learn humility.

Avadir is not a kind teacher, but she sharpens her apprentices like iron sharpens iron.