This started off as a basic conceptual sketch for the redesign of the Theian valketh - inhabitants of the continent Theia which was devastated by a (relatively) recent war. It is now effectively a wasteland, with the majority of the arid lands having now become informally referred to as the glass sands.
Theian valketh are recluses by nature, especially after the war in which their land was devastated. When seen, they are often said to be covered full-body in cloth-like material. Foreigners are unsure what the purpose of this is. Some assume the Theians are terribly deformed by the radiation plaguing their home, and they hide themselves from prying eyes; others think it is simple environment-appropriate wear in the arid wastelands; few consider it to even be religious in nature. The lattermost theory is not unfounded, as the neighbouring continent of Arthiria, renowned for its acceptance of spiritual leanings, is more than likely to have an influence on Theian culture, especially in their war-torn recovery period.
To leave exposition mode, the last point is actually true. Certain parts of Theia have adopted spiritual beliefs in a sense, and this individual is one of many adults which journey to Schiehallion, a supposed crystalline mountain which is hollow, to undertake a rite of passage of sorts that was laid out in pre-war times by the modern Theians' ancestors. What this rite entails is unknown - only the individuals which embark on this pilgrimage ever know. A Theian may travel alone on this task, or if so desired, take a mentor figure with them - but either way, the 'new' one to the rite must enter Schiehallion alone.
This character in particular is one I've had swimming around in my head for the last couple of days. I've got his name down as Eilean ("ay-lin"), and I think one of these days it'd be intriguing to write about his pilgrimage in particular. It'd be an interesting insight into a rather unique area of Lorranth otherwise neglected by the rest of the Four Nations. Short story format, likely - but it's something for me to consider at least.
(As one would assume, the revamped Theians are heavily inspired by the PS3 game Journey, which I played only recently, but has impacted me emotionally on an unprecedented level. Other inspirations for this and other Theian aspects [not yet publicly introduced] include Firefly, Spec Ops: the Line and Final Fantasy.)
`ChewedKandi has certainly gone out of her way to keep the vector community on the right path. Always making sure that her talents are infinitely scalable, Sharon has put her bezier curves to excellent use, and firmly anchored herself as an inspirational leader. We're absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for June 2013 to `ChewedKandi. Congratulations, Sharon! Read More
Sta.sh
Loving the muted blue/grey palette. It gives the scene a feeling of desolation, which makes sense for a vitrified wasteland, but also a sense of serenity. The fact Eilean and his people thrive in such a place is just another point toward his badassitude factor. Just look at that determined glare.
I'm curious about the meaning/significance of the emblem on the brooch thingy, because I'm pretty sure it has one, since you sneak symbolism into everything.
Firefly
The emblem does indeed have meaning. You know me too well. :U It's the symbol for his family/social group, a representative sigil of sorts. I do plan to write a bit about the guy and what personal meaning this all has to him sometime within the next month.
Yesss. It gave me many ideas. \o/
I think I would really enjoy reading Eilean's tale. You've definatly given him a great plot to work with.
And thank you! I think it'll be an interesting change of theme/setting when I get round to writing fragments of it.