2 puppets down, 1 to go. Here's Coalby, the Miner puppet, and the back legs of the dragon puppet, Bailurge (IK IK, he doesn't look remotely like a medieval miner, so I can't work well with them if they're straight-up looking like serfs! I wanted him to actually feel like someone you'd find chipping at cavernous walls). I took reference from some medieval fantasy concepts, blacksmiths, and other references that I found pretty snazzy.
Image below for example of a medieval miner I keep finding:
I both appreciated and dreaded making Coalby because humanoid characters and clothes are my ultimate weakness, so he was a massive learning curve for me, but I think he turned out well :D. And for anyone concerned with AI, I love to try out different art styles, so my posts aren't always consistent, but I will happily show my layers to prove that no AI was used. (I worry about people thinking AI is at play sometimes TvT)
Now, with all that said, let's talk about Coalby!
Coalby is the most tactical and physically strongest of the trio. He's a rather quiet puppet, preferring to observe, but he isn't introverted; instead, he opts to linger near welcomed conversations, listening to what someone's saying and enjoying the company, and is fueled by socialization. He adores setting up plans, taking the time to create schedules, and perfecting his ideas.
He is quite cheerful, all things considered, often speaking with an upbeat, calm tone of voice. When flirted with (mainly by Archigold), he's easily flustered and a heavy blusher, and will freeze in place, acting like a shy girl; even the simplest compliment will make him stutter. He greatly enjoys getting tasks done, ensuring nothing is left waiting. He is also a deep planner, always considering future possibilities, creating theories, and finding what's most optimal to get things done and make things better.
Coalby does struggle with bits of empathy, though, often making blunt comments that can be seen as rather insulting without even realizing. He also struggles with helping people deal with their emotions, but will try to find someone he knows is a good connection with said person, or at least someone better fit with empathy, to deal with the problem. He's an extremely cautious planner and may hesitate to work with any gambles he's uncertain of, whether it be relationships, problems, or high-stakes situations. He's rather intolerant of setbacks, giving rash comments before he can reconsider what he said, and, in regret, may isolate himself to self-reflect.
Coalby enjoys starting off the day by doing checks, verifying everything he has is in order, before checking on the other puppets. He often lingers in the background, taking note of any changes around the theater and its inhabitants, finding satisfaction if nothing has really drifted away from the usual norm. When it comes to the MC, he's rather reluctant to interact directly as of yet; he just stalks at a distance to learn of them and attempts to figure out why Jestyn decides they're the new monarch, seeing them as a fascinating new addition to the once clockwork norm.
He's physically affectionate and loves to give gifts in the form of crystals and various gems
He refuses to remove his gloves for anyone, even after he got the role of the dragon puppet's legs (you'll eventually know why soon >:>)
He's stressed out when plans aren't working and easily shuts down
Despite having traits of apathy, he always tries to work out what's going on with someone by reading their bodily cues
He carries a notepad to keep track of recent events he finds out of the norm
His nicknames are coal, cob, and colie
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