I started to create some basic concepts for the character I would like to model. I started with a brief description of what the character is, as well as a outline of what their gameplay loop would be like in the level I am building for level design.
I knew early on that the character I wanted to create would be something I wanted to go alongside the level and VFX assignments so I used the same medieval, fantasy theme. I created a Pinterest board to gather some character design Ideas as well as some drawing techniques and aids.
Pinterest Board – Pinterest
Concept 1 – Rogue/ Thief.
For my first idea, I looked at creating a rogue/ thief type character. I looked at possibly having the character trying to steal something from the wizard tower utilising shadows and height to their advantage. This would make up the main gameplay loop for level design and set up the scene I wanted to create for VFX and postproduction.
I thought of two different characters within this, a slightly old, mature and wise man who has years of experience similar to the likes of Ezio, Sam Fisher and Nathan Drake. They would be able to engage in hand to hand combat when needed and be able to overpower most enemies. So I thought of a character with a mid size build, roughly between 40 -50. I choose to look mainly at Sam Fisher as his features are more defined and he is clearly experienced and battle hardened. He fits the setting and nature of the game his is in with the advanced body armor and tactical gear that is relevant in a game like rainbow six siege (2016).
For my second idea I drew inspiration from a cosmetic item for Kiriko from Overwatch 2.
Again I thought of applying the character to the same motive and gameplay loop, but I wanted a character that was slightly more energetic and agile. This would reflect in gameplay as they wouldn’t be as strong as the older man, but they would be quicker to dodge and use enemy heavy attacks to their advantage.
I looked at a few other characters for reference such as Lara Croft, Kassandra from Assassins Creed Odyssey and Emily Kaldwin from Dishonored 2. Theses are all strong female lead characters who use skills in stealth to reach their goals which is something I would like to incorporate into my design.
Due to the asset packs I intend to use as part of my level design I wanted a slightly stylised style to my character, I decided against the first Idea as I thought the second might be a more interesting character to create and one that might appeal more to an audience.
Concept 2 – Wizard’s Apprentice.
The Second Idea I came up with was for the character to be a wizard in training. This could open up some different possibilities in designing my character as I could utilise their magic abilities and replicate that in the overall design of the character.
With them being an apprentice, in training I could go for a younger character that has a lot of ability and energy, this makes them quick and eager to learn all they can. I didn’t want a fully fledged wizard as their powers would be under control, they would be a calm and wise presence. Whereas a younger trainee means that their power is not fully mastered and could possibly act up at times, which is something I could look at when I concept my character.
I looked at a few different areas for reference as well as some existing characters like a battlemage from Elden Ring and Lux from League of Legends. These are characters I looked at when concepting due to their traits and designs. Lux is part of a high order and can be seen fighting on the frontlines, her costume reflects this with the armored shoulders and bracers as well as the simple clothing underneath. I looked at the battlemage due to the unique designs of their masks and the style of their cloaks with intricate details.
For the First Iteration I went towards the to the top of my age range looking at a character in their late 20’s. They will have a steady control over their powers and be at a point where it is possible for it flare out. Because of this I wanted a more refined and simple design for a character that might be a little enclosed, but still eager to learn.
For the second character I went for a much younger character, Someone who maybe has only just started their training and is beginning to harness their abilities. I wanted to reflect this in their design with them holding a book that they can be learning from. I also included some runes on the character’s clothing that match those on the book, they could glow when they are focusing their magic as well as act as a protection spell for the user.
For the final concept , I went somewhere In the middle of the previous 2 concepts. I wanted to create a character in their early 20’s. This way they are a person with some knowledge and ability, but still has much to learn. They have fewer protection runes on their clothing as they have control over their magic but, it can still flare out when they are unfocussed. I decided to give them a staff as it is something I would like to include in my VFX scene and something I could make use of as a gameplay element in my level. Here It is to help the character get mastery over some more advanced spells that they would be unable to cast without some assistance.
Finalised Concept – Wizard Apprentice:
For my final concept I combined areas of all 3 wizard apprentice concepts. I decided that with the Apprentice I would be able to create a more interesting and appealing character.
I still wanted a young character, that is energetic, eager and able to make use of the environment and its properties to craft potions and ailments. Within the design I gave them a satchel attached to their belt where they will be able to hold these plants and herbs. I also incorporated the runes into their clothing more as a design element that shows they are of a wizarding order, I think it would be quite nice and visually appealing if the runes light up or glow whenever they are casting a spell, highlighting that what they are wearing is imbued with magical properties.
Finally I went for a simple style of clothing that I can add some regal colours to show their allegiance to the high wizards and their order, it can be slightly covered in mud and has a patch on the pants to show that they would rather be on an adventure that reading off scrolls.
Character Description:
Name: Katherine ‘Kat’ Ammadi
Age: 24
Gender: Female (Human)
Personality Traits: Energetic, Determined, Feisty, Intelligent
Lore: Seen at a young age with abilities to use arcane magic Katherine ‘Kat’ Ammadi has been training with a ancient order of high magicians to harness and control her abilities. She however has not always seen eye to eye with her teachers and prefers to go out and explore the world around her.
Kat’s energetic nature and eagerness to explore have caused her teachers to label her as reckless and not ambitious enough to train and harness her unique magic. She is still eager to learn and wants to prove themselves but would rather be out finding adventure than sitting in a classroom trying to uphold the high standards that are expected of her.
Now at the age of 24 she is able to intern and learn from a professional wizard, She jumped at this opportunity to learn and more importantly finally have a chance to explore the wide world.
References:
Pinterest, Rushton, A (2023) Pinterest Character Design Moodboard Available Online: Pinterest [Accessed 9/10/2023]
Fandom Wiki (2020) Rainbow Six Siege (2015) Sam Fisher Character Model [Image] Available Online: Zero | Rainbow Six Wiki | Fandom [Accessed 9/11/2023]
Fandom Wiki (2022) Overwatch 2 (2020) Kiriko Mischief and Magic Season 5 Skin. [Image] Available Online: Kiriko/Cosmetics – Overwatch Wiki (fandom.com) [Accessed 8/11/2023]
Elden Ring Wiki (2022) Battlemage Character. [Image] Available Online: Battlemage | Elden Ring Wiki (fextralife.com) [Accessed 9/11/2023]