(Originally posted to DeviantART on June 22, 2016. Please use this link - http://www.deviantart.com/art/Kye-t.....-3-5-617046471 - for all links and details; parts of this description are linked to other artwork and journals on DeviantART.)
Hello, everyone!
So for those of you who are still keeping an eye on my stuff, allow me to explain why I believe I took about two years of not doing anything on dA (unless you count posting journals something). Around three years ago, I graduated from high school, and by the end of 2013, I would have a job that would take away a lot of my free time and ultimately rethink and balance my time, since I felt like I was always so busy and that I never had enough time in the day to do anything. This was also around the time my Dad was dealing with cancer, and by January 2014, I was getting busy with work, and having to deal with him. Between 2012 and 2013 is when I had my last major art streak, with the Transformed Kyle series of images.
2014 would prove to be a rather terrible year, both in art and in my life. I had posted only three things that entire year, and unfortunately my Dad passed away in April. This would take a major toll on me for quite awhile, but that wasn't the only thing that would keep me from making art. See, as I've shared in the past, one of the things I make sure I do with every art piece I do is making sure it's colored. I don't like uploading sketches, although I have made some exceptions in the past, perhaps from temporary laziness. It was also later in the year that I would purchase my iMac and for a good few months completely transition from Windows to Mac OS X, although it was a shame that not everything I had on my Windows laptop would work on my Mac, namely my art program. This means that every time I wanted to upload a picture, I had to sketch it, scan it, save it to my laptop, color it using Paint.NET, and either upload it from the laptop or transfer it to my Mac and do it there.
Now, as I've mentioned many times over the course of this year, or as early as December 4, 2014, Paint.NET is only compatible with Windows, and I've held onto my laptop all this time just in case I needed it for something. It would also be the only thing I can use for my other PC games and programs that can't be played or used on Mac. However, I would then start mentioning that the next growing issue was that my laptop was beginning to show its age, to the point where I was starting to get fed up with it. My laptop tends to also suffer from occasional lag spikes, which makes doing anything on it a chore. To give you guys an idea of how hard it was to do stuff on here unless the program that was open didn't require a lot of system resources, I had to make sure every program was shut down to do one thing. This would eventually include Paint.NET which also suffers from lag especially when trying to deal with large files. The process was slow, unbearably slow, and I just didn't want to put up with it anymore. Even installing Windows 10 on it didn't do much to it.
Eventually, I would just crack down and start looking all over the place for a solution, something I could use to make sure I can get back on my feet, and I eventually did, several times, and the amount of trouble I had while doing so. As of three weeks ago, I was able to finally get Windows installed and set up, and after nearly two full years of inactivity, I'm very happy to say that I am back, and my first picture is... one I already posted?
Yes, this was a sketch done in November 2013 and was uploaded in February 2014. I stated that this would be the drawing I would color over and post first once everything was up and running, and is Kye's first proper update since 2012. Of course, the one I previously mentioned still counts, but what made this troubling in my situation is that I had to point people towards two different references, one for what Kye wore, and the other for his colors. With this, I can settle both of those issues into one image!
Let's go over the things that are new. For those unaware, each update I do on my characters is represented by a value. The number goes up by .1 every time a change is done to the character, whether it be an inclusion, exclusion, or a change of something. Before going over what's new, this is what is returning from Version #
Mystic Scarf & Mystic Ring
These two items are linked to a character that was unveiled the same time as Version 2.9 of Kye, known as Mystic. The Mystic Scarf (third item on the left) is worn on Kye's right ankle, and the Mystic Ring (the small item shown directly right of Kye) is worn on his left hand; both are tied to his and Mystic's soul through means of magic and cannot be removed, although it is untold if it is possible to remove them. The Ring is used as a way to summon Mystic from Kye when he is within Kye's mind, which means the two are capable of communicating and sharing the same mind. Both he and Mystic wear the Scarf, to also signify ownership. The rest of Mystic's story can be seen on his introduction page, linked above.
Status as Prince
This was added after the upload, but in RPs and stories following it, Kye and three others would rise to the power of Prince within the world this takes place in. A description of what this world is like can be found here. He currently serves as prince alongside Wing, Jet, Mystic, and later, Sacred (http://www.furaffinity.net/user/sdragon01/).
With that out of the way, let's get onto what's new in this version:
1 | Shoes
Kye's color scheme has undergone different changes as time has gone on, mainly his attire. While his crown and his magical armbrace, the Royal Blast, make their returns without any change, Kye's shoes are a symbol of himself, in a sense. His first and main ability is super speed, and in an effort to keep his color scheme basic (and if it wasn't obvious by his 2.9 version), his shoes are still made of a very light and durable silver material. The soles underneath the shoes are a metallic white that also have jet boosters, as they've always had. The shoes are able to hold a small amount of air within an embedded tank, allowing Kye to hover for a short time, whether on water or in the air. To refill the tank, Kye needs to be in motion. As he runs, air is fed through the material past his feet and into a collection valve. The shoes can be activated by clicking them together, and can be refilled while they're in use, so long as Kye doesn't stop moving, or continuously moves fast enough.
2 | Removing the Cape/Cloak & Neckwear
As seen since Version 1.0 (in other words, his inception), Kye has always worn something around his neck. It began with a red neckerchief, then a necklace in Version 2.5, and finally, the cape introduced in Version 2.9, which was also meant to be used as royal attire with his position as prince. While this was a mainstay in 2.9, the cape is being hung up for formal occasions. He now wears nothing around his neck.
3 | Royal Shoulderguards
While not shown in this image, Kye, along with his co-princes, gain a piece of attire in the form of simple shoulders guards. These are matching the color to each of the princes' attire (in Kye's case, silver) and are made from a soft material to make them comfortable to wear. They only sit on top of the shoulder and don't provide much protection; they serve only to be a visual add-on. Each shoulder guards has small frills hanging down and have an angel wing sitting atop each one. These are to be worn at formal attires and can be worn in place of the cape.
4 | Royal Pride 5
Perhaps the biggest addition to the update, Kye's blade, the Royal Pride, has reverted back to its physical state from Version 4, where it became a Beam Sword (see Super Smash Bros.). Version 5 of the Royal Pride (second item on the right) is based around Version 2, which was forged by Sacred (http://www.furaffinity.net/user/sdragon01/) to be much more durable and to include magic powers in the form of the gemstones embedded in the hilt. The sword is also meant to reflect Kye in various ways, based on things he wears, his own abilities, etc. The Royal Pride 5 is crafted from a magical light blue diamond, the same used in Version 2. Unlike its predecessor, the blade is now filled in the center. While the tip of the blade is rounded, the blade has been sharpened greatly to increase its strength when piercing or thrusting. The blade is also magically tied to the four jewels around the hilt of the blade, and will change color with a certain elemental power if it comes into contact with those elements, or if acted upon by the ones on the hilt, or even using the Royal Blast. This will only last for a certain amount of time and is only used in a matter of last resort, as the element cannot be changed while in use. A new feature to the Royal Pride is the loop seen at the bottom of the hilt. In development are magical pendants known as Emblems that change the blade in various ways. The standard attachment, shown in the image above, is the Angel Wing Emblem, which lightens the weight of the sword and allows it to be handled much more easily, considering the amount of diamond used on the blade and the silver used for the hilt. Other unique features to the Royal Pride include a protected capsule within the handle that can store a small piece of Kye (being a Softie, he is capable of being separated; in this case, a tiny piece of him can be plucked off without harming him) and be hidden within the handle with a one-time use of special reform potion in the event of a major incident in which Kye cannot be reformed normally. What can also be implemented is a spell or maneuver that would seal Kye inside the blade itself. Kye would turn into the blade but go into a magically-induced coma. This is to prevent anyone from capturing him completely, and the blade can also send an emergency signal to alert his friends and family and teammates that he is in trouble. During this phase, the blade uses the power of all four gems, including the ones on the Royal Blast to keep Kye sealed within the blade, and surrounds the sword in a protective layer, which will keep it from getting damaged, even from means that would normally destroy it. Only the power of those he loves can release him from the blade if this maneuver is activated.
5 | Royal Guardian
A new addition to Kye's arsenal (shown on the far right) is a shield that also was originally crafted by Sacred (http://www.furaffinity.net/user/sdragon01/), although this one saw significantly less use compared to the sword it went with. Either it ended up in storage, or it was placed on the wall as a decoration. However, the necessity for a shield was brought up after a recent adventure, where Sacred voiced his concern to Kye about personal protection, seeing as Kye basically had none. As such, the Royal Guardian was crafted to go alongside the Royal Pride 5. A shield made of silver and diamond, the same used to make the sword, allowing this shield to be almost impenetrable. Embedded in the front are the four primary jewels that are seen on all of Kye's things, with a brushed silver finish on the backside along with two large straps to hold the shield in place on his left arm. Although, as of now, the shield has no special properties like the Royal Pride 5, its build quality was the focus, as well as designing it to be seamless with what it and the sword go with together, that being...
6 | Silver-Titanium Sheath
Also crafted alongside the Royal Pride 5 and the Royal Guardian is a sheath made of a silver and titanium alloy with a brushed metal finish to hide any wear (shown directly right of Kye). While this, the sword, and the shield are all not exactly to scale (the blade itself is huge and the hilt would be too small for Kye's hand, after all), the sheath has been tested to be almost indestructible. The inside of the sheath is smooth, to make sure it doesn't damage the sword when being put away. Padding on the inside helps guide the sword down the shaft, and to make sure the blade is doesn't grind against the sides and dulls the blade. At the bottom are rubber fittings that use friction to hold the sword in place inside the sheath and prevent it from moving around or falling out, seeing as Kye is likely to be moving very quickly and allows him to still be as flexible as possible. It leans to the right, as Kye is more likely to draw the sword using his right hand; speaking of which, the backside of the sheath also houses the shield, which is held to the back of the sheath using strong magnets, to keep both the sheath and the shield's designs seamless without any noticeable connections. This is also why Kye no longer wears any neckwear; with the sheath always on his back, a smooth and soft yet strong and durable thick fabric strap wraps around Kye's body and can be adjusted to be loose for a casual stroll with it on, or tightened to hug his body, perfect for running or during combat, to make sure he doesn't lose any of his tools.
As you can see, there isn't much of a huge visual change as there has been, but giving him things with more detail (there was a better word I could've used for this but it didn't come up). This allows Kye to become a stronger character and fighter, a better adventurer, and make him ready for whatever comes his way. This has been very fun to put together, I will say. Learning how to use Paint.NET again was a bit frustrating at first, but I quickly got back into it after a little while. The biggest issue I think I had while using Paint.NET in Windows Mode on a Mac is using the Apple Magic Mouse. I do all of my digital coloring using the line tool (I know a few digital artists will groan at me for saying that), and just brushing my finger across the top of the mouse to reposition my finger causes me to pan up or down, while dragging a point on the line, which wastes a few seconds of my time. But I'll manage. I will take my time to get back into it, although don't be surprised if you happen to see less artwork, or artwork spaced out some more, in place of something like literature, as this is my next attempt at finding the right major. I do enjoy writing, especially when I can get into it (if you couldn't tell from all of this).
I hope you guys enjoyed; it's time to get back into it!
UPDATE (September 20, 2016): In the time between the release of this reference and now, something had occurred with Kye that had caused his reference to already be outdated. I went back to the original file to add this change, as well as to add text and a simple color palette. I had plans to do this all earlier but alot of stuff has been happening lately... I will be writing this in a journal.
7 | Dragon Marks
These marks are usually seen on Sacred Dragon (http://sdragon01.deviantart.com/) and members of his family or bloodline. These marks appeared on Kye's cheeks after a hostage situation involving him and Sacred, leading to experimentation. The nefarious Dr. Y (yet to be shown), and his assistant Comag, captured the two, stripped them of their powers, performing numerous tests and taking samples of their DNA and blood, as well as torturing them as they see fit. Such actions caused a reaction within Kye's body, as previous endeavors with Sacred led to dragon blood being found within his own bloodstream, and making two orange marks, curved like the claw of a dragon, appear on Kye's face. In the time following the kidnapping, it is unknown how and if the markings will disappear from Kye's face. It has also been discovered that these markings include a special power within them, allowing Kye to tap into the power of dragons, either granting him strength, or the form of one, although assuming a dragon form has been known to include control problems.
This was done fairly quickly, so I apologize if this looks and sounds quick or rushed and not well thought out. This should be the last of the updates for awhile with Kye, and I do plan to move on to other characters. Thank you for watching!
Hello, everyone!
So for those of you who are still keeping an eye on my stuff, allow me to explain why I believe I took about two years of not doing anything on dA (unless you count posting journals something). Around three years ago, I graduated from high school, and by the end of 2013, I would have a job that would take away a lot of my free time and ultimately rethink and balance my time, since I felt like I was always so busy and that I never had enough time in the day to do anything. This was also around the time my Dad was dealing with cancer, and by January 2014, I was getting busy with work, and having to deal with him. Between 2012 and 2013 is when I had my last major art streak, with the Transformed Kyle series of images.
2014 would prove to be a rather terrible year, both in art and in my life. I had posted only three things that entire year, and unfortunately my Dad passed away in April. This would take a major toll on me for quite awhile, but that wasn't the only thing that would keep me from making art. See, as I've shared in the past, one of the things I make sure I do with every art piece I do is making sure it's colored. I don't like uploading sketches, although I have made some exceptions in the past, perhaps from temporary laziness. It was also later in the year that I would purchase my iMac and for a good few months completely transition from Windows to Mac OS X, although it was a shame that not everything I had on my Windows laptop would work on my Mac, namely my art program. This means that every time I wanted to upload a picture, I had to sketch it, scan it, save it to my laptop, color it using Paint.NET, and either upload it from the laptop or transfer it to my Mac and do it there.
Now, as I've mentioned many times over the course of this year, or as early as December 4, 2014, Paint.NET is only compatible with Windows, and I've held onto my laptop all this time just in case I needed it for something. It would also be the only thing I can use for my other PC games and programs that can't be played or used on Mac. However, I would then start mentioning that the next growing issue was that my laptop was beginning to show its age, to the point where I was starting to get fed up with it. My laptop tends to also suffer from occasional lag spikes, which makes doing anything on it a chore. To give you guys an idea of how hard it was to do stuff on here unless the program that was open didn't require a lot of system resources, I had to make sure every program was shut down to do one thing. This would eventually include Paint.NET which also suffers from lag especially when trying to deal with large files. The process was slow, unbearably slow, and I just didn't want to put up with it anymore. Even installing Windows 10 on it didn't do much to it.
Eventually, I would just crack down and start looking all over the place for a solution, something I could use to make sure I can get back on my feet, and I eventually did, several times, and the amount of trouble I had while doing so. As of three weeks ago, I was able to finally get Windows installed and set up, and after nearly two full years of inactivity, I'm very happy to say that I am back, and my first picture is... one I already posted?
Yes, this was a sketch done in November 2013 and was uploaded in February 2014. I stated that this would be the drawing I would color over and post first once everything was up and running, and is Kye's first proper update since 2012. Of course, the one I previously mentioned still counts, but what made this troubling in my situation is that I had to point people towards two different references, one for what Kye wore, and the other for his colors. With this, I can settle both of those issues into one image!
Let's go over the things that are new. For those unaware, each update I do on my characters is represented by a value. The number goes up by .1 every time a change is done to the character, whether it be an inclusion, exclusion, or a change of something. Before going over what's new, this is what is returning from Version #
Mystic Scarf & Mystic Ring
These two items are linked to a character that was unveiled the same time as Version 2.9 of Kye, known as Mystic. The Mystic Scarf (third item on the left) is worn on Kye's right ankle, and the Mystic Ring (the small item shown directly right of Kye) is worn on his left hand; both are tied to his and Mystic's soul through means of magic and cannot be removed, although it is untold if it is possible to remove them. The Ring is used as a way to summon Mystic from Kye when he is within Kye's mind, which means the two are capable of communicating and sharing the same mind. Both he and Mystic wear the Scarf, to also signify ownership. The rest of Mystic's story can be seen on his introduction page, linked above.
Status as Prince
This was added after the upload, but in RPs and stories following it, Kye and three others would rise to the power of Prince within the world this takes place in. A description of what this world is like can be found here. He currently serves as prince alongside Wing, Jet, Mystic, and later, Sacred (http://www.furaffinity.net/user/sdragon01/).
With that out of the way, let's get onto what's new in this version:
1 | Shoes
Kye's color scheme has undergone different changes as time has gone on, mainly his attire. While his crown and his magical armbrace, the Royal Blast, make their returns without any change, Kye's shoes are a symbol of himself, in a sense. His first and main ability is super speed, and in an effort to keep his color scheme basic (and if it wasn't obvious by his 2.9 version), his shoes are still made of a very light and durable silver material. The soles underneath the shoes are a metallic white that also have jet boosters, as they've always had. The shoes are able to hold a small amount of air within an embedded tank, allowing Kye to hover for a short time, whether on water or in the air. To refill the tank, Kye needs to be in motion. As he runs, air is fed through the material past his feet and into a collection valve. The shoes can be activated by clicking them together, and can be refilled while they're in use, so long as Kye doesn't stop moving, or continuously moves fast enough.
2 | Removing the Cape/Cloak & Neckwear
As seen since Version 1.0 (in other words, his inception), Kye has always worn something around his neck. It began with a red neckerchief, then a necklace in Version 2.5, and finally, the cape introduced in Version 2.9, which was also meant to be used as royal attire with his position as prince. While this was a mainstay in 2.9, the cape is being hung up for formal occasions. He now wears nothing around his neck.
3 | Royal Shoulderguards
While not shown in this image, Kye, along with his co-princes, gain a piece of attire in the form of simple shoulders guards. These are matching the color to each of the princes' attire (in Kye's case, silver) and are made from a soft material to make them comfortable to wear. They only sit on top of the shoulder and don't provide much protection; they serve only to be a visual add-on. Each shoulder guards has small frills hanging down and have an angel wing sitting atop each one. These are to be worn at formal attires and can be worn in place of the cape.
4 | Royal Pride 5
Perhaps the biggest addition to the update, Kye's blade, the Royal Pride, has reverted back to its physical state from Version 4, where it became a Beam Sword (see Super Smash Bros.). Version 5 of the Royal Pride (second item on the right) is based around Version 2, which was forged by Sacred (http://www.furaffinity.net/user/sdragon01/) to be much more durable and to include magic powers in the form of the gemstones embedded in the hilt. The sword is also meant to reflect Kye in various ways, based on things he wears, his own abilities, etc. The Royal Pride 5 is crafted from a magical light blue diamond, the same used in Version 2. Unlike its predecessor, the blade is now filled in the center. While the tip of the blade is rounded, the blade has been sharpened greatly to increase its strength when piercing or thrusting. The blade is also magically tied to the four jewels around the hilt of the blade, and will change color with a certain elemental power if it comes into contact with those elements, or if acted upon by the ones on the hilt, or even using the Royal Blast. This will only last for a certain amount of time and is only used in a matter of last resort, as the element cannot be changed while in use. A new feature to the Royal Pride is the loop seen at the bottom of the hilt. In development are magical pendants known as Emblems that change the blade in various ways. The standard attachment, shown in the image above, is the Angel Wing Emblem, which lightens the weight of the sword and allows it to be handled much more easily, considering the amount of diamond used on the blade and the silver used for the hilt. Other unique features to the Royal Pride include a protected capsule within the handle that can store a small piece of Kye (being a Softie, he is capable of being separated; in this case, a tiny piece of him can be plucked off without harming him) and be hidden within the handle with a one-time use of special reform potion in the event of a major incident in which Kye cannot be reformed normally. What can also be implemented is a spell or maneuver that would seal Kye inside the blade itself. Kye would turn into the blade but go into a magically-induced coma. This is to prevent anyone from capturing him completely, and the blade can also send an emergency signal to alert his friends and family and teammates that he is in trouble. During this phase, the blade uses the power of all four gems, including the ones on the Royal Blast to keep Kye sealed within the blade, and surrounds the sword in a protective layer, which will keep it from getting damaged, even from means that would normally destroy it. Only the power of those he loves can release him from the blade if this maneuver is activated.
5 | Royal Guardian
A new addition to Kye's arsenal (shown on the far right) is a shield that also was originally crafted by Sacred (http://www.furaffinity.net/user/sdragon01/), although this one saw significantly less use compared to the sword it went with. Either it ended up in storage, or it was placed on the wall as a decoration. However, the necessity for a shield was brought up after a recent adventure, where Sacred voiced his concern to Kye about personal protection, seeing as Kye basically had none. As such, the Royal Guardian was crafted to go alongside the Royal Pride 5. A shield made of silver and diamond, the same used to make the sword, allowing this shield to be almost impenetrable. Embedded in the front are the four primary jewels that are seen on all of Kye's things, with a brushed silver finish on the backside along with two large straps to hold the shield in place on his left arm. Although, as of now, the shield has no special properties like the Royal Pride 5, its build quality was the focus, as well as designing it to be seamless with what it and the sword go with together, that being...
6 | Silver-Titanium Sheath
Also crafted alongside the Royal Pride 5 and the Royal Guardian is a sheath made of a silver and titanium alloy with a brushed metal finish to hide any wear (shown directly right of Kye). While this, the sword, and the shield are all not exactly to scale (the blade itself is huge and the hilt would be too small for Kye's hand, after all), the sheath has been tested to be almost indestructible. The inside of the sheath is smooth, to make sure it doesn't damage the sword when being put away. Padding on the inside helps guide the sword down the shaft, and to make sure the blade is doesn't grind against the sides and dulls the blade. At the bottom are rubber fittings that use friction to hold the sword in place inside the sheath and prevent it from moving around or falling out, seeing as Kye is likely to be moving very quickly and allows him to still be as flexible as possible. It leans to the right, as Kye is more likely to draw the sword using his right hand; speaking of which, the backside of the sheath also houses the shield, which is held to the back of the sheath using strong magnets, to keep both the sheath and the shield's designs seamless without any noticeable connections. This is also why Kye no longer wears any neckwear; with the sheath always on his back, a smooth and soft yet strong and durable thick fabric strap wraps around Kye's body and can be adjusted to be loose for a casual stroll with it on, or tightened to hug his body, perfect for running or during combat, to make sure he doesn't lose any of his tools.
As you can see, there isn't much of a huge visual change as there has been, but giving him things with more detail (there was a better word I could've used for this but it didn't come up). This allows Kye to become a stronger character and fighter, a better adventurer, and make him ready for whatever comes his way. This has been very fun to put together, I will say. Learning how to use Paint.NET again was a bit frustrating at first, but I quickly got back into it after a little while. The biggest issue I think I had while using Paint.NET in Windows Mode on a Mac is using the Apple Magic Mouse. I do all of my digital coloring using the line tool (I know a few digital artists will groan at me for saying that), and just brushing my finger across the top of the mouse to reposition my finger causes me to pan up or down, while dragging a point on the line, which wastes a few seconds of my time. But I'll manage. I will take my time to get back into it, although don't be surprised if you happen to see less artwork, or artwork spaced out some more, in place of something like literature, as this is my next attempt at finding the right major. I do enjoy writing, especially when I can get into it (if you couldn't tell from all of this).
I hope you guys enjoyed; it's time to get back into it!
UPDATE (September 20, 2016): In the time between the release of this reference and now, something had occurred with Kye that had caused his reference to already be outdated. I went back to the original file to add this change, as well as to add text and a simple color palette. I had plans to do this all earlier but alot of stuff has been happening lately... I will be writing this in a journal.
7 | Dragon Marks
These marks are usually seen on Sacred Dragon (http://sdragon01.deviantart.com/) and members of his family or bloodline. These marks appeared on Kye's cheeks after a hostage situation involving him and Sacred, leading to experimentation. The nefarious Dr. Y (yet to be shown), and his assistant Comag, captured the two, stripped them of their powers, performing numerous tests and taking samples of their DNA and blood, as well as torturing them as they see fit. Such actions caused a reaction within Kye's body, as previous endeavors with Sacred led to dragon blood being found within his own bloodstream, and making two orange marks, curved like the claw of a dragon, appear on Kye's face. In the time following the kidnapping, it is unknown how and if the markings will disappear from Kye's face. It has also been discovered that these markings include a special power within them, allowing Kye to tap into the power of dragons, either granting him strength, or the form of one, although assuming a dragon form has been known to include control problems.
This was done fairly quickly, so I apologize if this looks and sounds quick or rushed and not well thought out. This should be the last of the updates for awhile with Kye, and I do plan to move on to other characters. Thank you for watching!
Category Artwork (Digital) / Fanart
Species Exotic (Other)
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File Size 326.3 kB
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