Ask Team Ridley

The official Ask Blog of Trainer Ridley and his Team.

[theriddlesblog]

I need to make more memes. Ridley’s a potential trove of them.

[riddlessketchez]

Chapter 6: ???

And finally, a sneak peek at what’s to come. No story spoilers here so I’ll focus more on the art itself.

Well, it’s the final chapter. The backdrop MUST fit the feeling of the final confrontation. Dark, looming clouds that block almost all the sunlight. The pinnacle of an ancient tower. Surrounded by the antagonist’s minions. And the antagonist with no where to go. 

These are the qualities I wanted for this last battle and so far, it’s living up to those expectations.

Will Ridley defeat Bouclier? Or will history repeat itself?

[riddlessketchez]

Chapter 5: Bend not Break

Now we get to the good part! Last chapter I was excited to get to, but THIS chapter, THIS was several months in the making! No words could describe how much I was looking forward to this part.

For this Chapter, we reach the final point for Ridley’s quest for a Mega Stone to give him the edge over Bouclier’s Genesect. But I needed a guardian to test Ridley to see if he was worthy of the Mega Stone. It would’ve been boring to just give it to him, so Ridley had to earn it. But I needed a guardian that would prove the ultimate challenge for a Charizard.

I discussed it with a friend of mine and she had a very good suggestion. There’s only one Pokemon that can be considered the ultimate challenge for any Charizard trainer. Blastoise! And from that, everything else just feel into place.

This chapter had more stock backgrounds than the others thus far. There where many angles to this battle and I wanted to show as many as I possibly could. The many blues of these backgrounds help to make Ignis stand out more while making Blastoise seem more at home in it. This helped to show the contrast between the sides. 

[riddlessketchez]

Chapter 4: Operation Icebreaker

This chapter had been in my head ever since Kalos Chronicles’ story took shape. Needless to say I was VERY excited to reach this point. (not as excited as the next one, buuuut that’s for another post.)

This chapter was to serve mainly as a mid-story generator of suspense. Ridley, still incapable of beating Genesect being forced to deal with him. Not only that, I wanted put Bouclier’s actions into perspective not just for Ridley, but the readers as well. And too add to the suspense, a Legendary Pokemon.

See, Legendary Pokemon aren’t like regular Pokemon. They stand far above the norm to the point their very presence can drastically alter the world around them. Articuno was picked specifically for two reasons. Number one, because the Pokemon of Kalos Route 9 (the location of Chapter 4) where either Ground types, or cold blooded Pokemon. A sudden blizzard would drastically hurt the ecosystem, and helped to show the true dangers of Bouclier’s ambitions.

Secondly, it allowed me to show Reine wasn’t just some random companion Ridley picked up. There’s something special about Reine. That her affinity for the cold and her love of Ice Types was no coincidence. (Who know? Mayhaps it’ll be explored in the future?)

From the artistic standpoint, I wanted to make it look cold of course, but I wanted to make it look unnatural. Those who have played Pokemon X and Pokemon Y and have played to Route 9 know it’s a jagged rocky pass, inaccessible by foot. But the snow has fallen so much, so fast that it actually makes it traversable on foot. Which is very dire for everything in that ecosystem.

[riddlessketchez]

Chapter 3: Break a Leg

Chapter 2 set how things would go both in story and comic construction, but Chapter 3 is when they where all first implemented.

Following Ridley’s defeat at Bouclier’s hands, he had to re-evaluate his approach towards battles. I needed to follow that lose with something to both reinvigorate his confidence, and show how he’s grown from his loss. 

And for that, there was no better opponent than Bouclier’s second in command. Commander Stall was seen in Chapter 2, but Chapter 3 was his proper introduction. Fiercely loyal to Bouclier, Stall serves as an example of the doctor’s influence on people. It also served as an opportunity to explore the background of Kalos Aegis, it’s creation, and it’s leader. A voice from the other side of the argument to make the group seem more human.

I also needed an opponent who can both prove to be an easy victory, but also a great obstacle. Since Kalos Aegis’ Pokemon are primarily Magnemite and Magneton, naturally the Commander would have a Magnezone. Being a Steel Type, Ignis’ Fire moves would blast it away. But it’s also an Electric Type, so the same can be said in reverse. This was a similar scenario to the battle with Bouclier so he had to take a step back and rethink his plan.

On the artistic front: buildings, other man-made structures are not my strongest areas. Ask me to do a forest, no problem. Mountain? Cave? Easy! Old buildings with all those fancy details? Not so much. Despite my short comings I’m proud with how it came out, even now after I’ve improved. (Though in hindsight, it was a little bright for a windowless hallway. l’D)

[riddlessketchez]

Chapter 2: Unbreakable Shield

Okay bare with me, this is gonna be a long one. l’D

After finally pinning down where I wanted to go with Kalos Chronicles, all that was needed was to organize the pieces into a story. Normally when I tried to create a long term story outside of OCTs, they never got past a few pages. This time was gonna be different!

Chapter 2 properly introduced reader to our story’s antagonist, Dr. Faux Bouclier and his Kalos Aegis. They where meant to serve as antagonists readers would disagree with, but not hate. Truth is, members of Kalos Aegis, even Bouclier himself love Kalos, but their methods is were they’d be wrong.

This chapter also set many themes and structures for the rest of the story and creation process going forward.

For one, about half way in to lining and colouring this chapter I noticed Chapter 2 and Aura Break both had “break” in their names. So I decided to include the word “break” in all subsequent chapter. And while unintentionally, seeing as it’s my first successful attempt at a stand alone Ridley story, it’s a sort of mold breaking experience. So it oddly fits.

It also served as the final “one page” at a time chapter. Ultimately it was a change for the better as I got more comfortable making longer pages. 

It also serves as the first time Ridley loses, and actually feels that cold sting of defeat. Not only did it serve to show Ridley is capable of failing, but to show a change occur and create development in his character, however small it maybe. Seeing how cocky he was in Aura Break and how easily Bouclier dispatches him with Genesect had to make him re-evaluate how he addressed foes that “appear” easy to defeat, as well as giving Ridley a goal and long term obstacle to surmount.

It was also the first chapter to include pre-constructed backgrounds as mention in the previous post. It helped to make the creation process go by MUCH smoother. And from it I also learned that I had to make backgrounds that needed to be more versatile to allow use as multiple angles. 

Despite being only the second chapter, this is where Kalos Chronicles truly begins. 

[riddlessketchez]

First of several background for Kalos Chronicles I’ll be uploading to stem the wait as I finish the pages for the finale. Including commentary about the process and creation of each chapter. So without further delay…

Chapter 1: Aura Break

Originally, Kalos Chronicles started as a stand alone story with no real long term plot in mind. That changed with the inclusions of Genesect in the Aura Break prologue splash. It was included to create a reason Ridley would have to “battle” Zygarde (i.e becoming confused from Genesect’s Signal Beam and going berserk). And from that, a reason for a Genesect to be Kalos need to made. With that, the early ideas for Kalos Chronicles were born. 

This background is really the only one I could get off the original work. After chapter one, it became clear I needed a better way to construct backgrounds in my comics. So from Chapter 2 onward, all comic backgrounds are made before anything else. 

Honestly, it seems to have held up visually well in spite of my improvement over the year and a half. Really it’s the only part of that chapter that has. XD

[riddlessketchez]

Dr. Faux Bouclier 

His name is of French origin, it roughly means “Fake Shield”. An apt name given it’s context. 

He formed Kalos Aegis, a group picking up the mantle of “Kalos’ Guardians”. But at the time, the Region was at peace. There was no need for heroes. It’s then a mysterious benefactor made a deal with him. He gave Bouclier a Genesect, a revitalized and weaponized fossil Pokemon created by Team Plasma. The benefactor give it to him and the idea of using it to secretly cause disasters and then have Kalos Aegis save the day. In exchange, Bouclier was told find an object simple called “Y-717″ and have it delivered to the benefactor. 

Concept wise, I wanted an antagonist who wasn’t “evil”. Someone who’s motives are from a good place. He’s a good man with good ideas, but found a very poor way to execute those ideas. I also wanted him to serve visually as an antithesis to Ridley. With Ridley being muscular and more of a physical presence, I wanted Bouclier to be physically weaker, but have a more intellectual presence to him.

He went through a few design changes, starting as an older man with an Abomasnow mask and having said Pokemon. To the more scientist concept then to what we see now. 

[youaskridley]

With Kalos Chronicles over on DA coming to a close, I’ll be posting some stuff I’ve done and used through the year and a half long journey of splashes and comics. First being a link to the Kalos Chronicles Folder: 

http://rxx45-youtube.deviantart.com/gallery/54189262/Kalos-Chronicles?offset=72 

If you’re new to it, or just wanna refresher on what’s happened so far, feel free to give it a look.

[youaskridley]

With Kalos Chronicles drawing closer to the end, I’ve figured I’d share some on the refs and junk that I’ve been using through the journey. 

Ridley dons a cloak really for no other purpose than to look cool. (opinions on success vary) But his goggles serve as the facet for his Keystone. Custom made after his defeat at the hands of Bouclier and his Genesect early in the story. 

The gauntlets originally where used as a part of a scraped idea of him having a carrier Pidgey/ Pidove/ Fletchling that he’d send messages with. But since that breaks the “6 Pokemon at a time” rule. But I liked how they looked so the gauntlets stayed.

[moon-the-feral-druid]

How well do you know your OC Asks

Ask me one, or multiple! May answer them as the characters themselves, or as me, tell me which you prefer in the ask! (I did not come up with this)

1: What’s your OCs favorite color? 2: Where does your OC work? 3: What’s your OCs favorite food? 4: Does your OC prefer paper or plastic? 5: How old is your OC? 6: Does your OC have any supernatural powers? 7: Is your OC in a relationship? 8: What are some of your OCs strengths? 9: What are some of your OCs weaknesses?  10: What is your OCs favorite outfit? 11: What animal does your OC relate to? 12: Is your OC sexually active? 13: What is your OCs earliest memory? 14: Does your OC have a cell phone? If so, what kind? 15: What makes your OC angry? 16: When is your OCs favorite time of year? 17: How long can your OC hold their breath? 18: What kind of underwear does your OC wear? 19: Does your OC prefer plaid or polka dots? 20: What’s your OCs favorite kind of pizza? 21: Who is your OCs best friend? 22: Has your OC ever killed someone? 23: Whats your OCs biggest secret? 24: What does your OC smell like? 25: What time of year does your OC prefer? 26: Is your OC a human or an animal? (or something else idk)  27: What languages does your OC speak? 28: Does your OC like anime? 29: Can your OC swim? 30: What does your OC choose to do about the, er, hair down there? 31: Does your OC believe in fairies?  32: Did your OC go to college? What did they major in? 33: Are your OCs parents dead?  34: Is your OC religious? 35: How flexible is your OC? 36: What turns your OC on? 37: What was your OCs first word? 38: Does your OC have any pets? 39: Who is your OCs biggest enemy? 40: What is the craziest thing your OC has done? 41: What is your OCs motto about life? 42: Does your OC drink coffee or tea?  43: Who is your OCs biggest hero? 44: What color eyes does your OC have? 45: Does your OC like reading? 46: Is your OC loyal? 47: Does your OC tolerate violence? 48: What social class is your OC from? 49: What country was your OC born in? 50: Does your OC cry easily? 51: What is your OCs favorite genre of music? 52: How does your OC feel about insects? 53: What is your OCs sexual orientation? 54: Does your OC smoke? 55: What gender is your OC? 56: What kind of clothes does your OC wear? 57: Would you call your OC adventurous?  58: Is your OC introverted or extroverted? 59: What is the first thing that someone would notice about your OC? 60: Does your OC enjoy nature?

[aketan]

I don’t tell much about my characters, but maybe there’s something you wanted to know? o3o throw asks at me %D

[multibro]

Considering people wanna know a bit more about MultiSis

[dynamo-heart-deactivated2024011]

there’s some tales to tell

[thatdudejoey]

Ye

[youaskridley]

Eyecatch: Ridley and Ignis

A Gurren Lagann eyecatch parody I attempted with Ridley and Ignis.

Fun fact exclusively for this blog's followers, the writing in the lower right hand corner says: "Burning Ideals: Ignis" At least, it should. l'D

[youaskridley]

"JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM!?"

"I am Ridley! I'm not a saint, I'm not a monster! My flame is the one that lights the heavens! I do the impossible, see the invisible, touch the untouchible, break the unbreakable! My only limits are the ones I make! I kick logic to the curb and blaze a path to the future! When life knocks you down, and it will, look up, stand tall, and kick life right back! That's Team Dai-Ridley's way!" -Ridley Shea

[youaskridley]

And if you ask me, Minerva is a cut above all other Gardevoir. Not only does she swing strong attacks and is shiny, but she's hella smart too. And while she has the Hidden Ability, Telepathy which is useless in single battles, it's a boon when paired with my Pokémon that know moves like Earthquake or Surf.

<I'm also a free thinker and not just another cudgel for Ridley to swing around. This Telepathy also allows me to communicate with nearly all humans. And you better believe I'm gonna speak my mind because I KNOW you all can understand me!>

Ooc: And seems that cleans out the inbox for the askblog. Hopefully more will come, but seems the trainer askblog is a bit of a dying art.

[youaskridley]

I can still feel the stings of her swings even to this day.

[youaskridley]

I realize now, I've kinda already answered this one already. Oh well, times change and so do tastes.

Ooc: Took a while, but the Ask Blog is up and running again. So feel free to put in those asks if you have them.

[youaskridley]

Announcment

After a long, and involuntary hiatus, I'm happy to say that this ask blog will be back up and running. However, before that can happen, there will be work to revamp the blog. Plus as it has been sometime since I was last here, I'm still getting use to some of the changes. Hopefully things should get rolling soon. Thank you for you patience.