POKéMON FAN CHARACTER DEV - Aria (Patreon)

Hey Patreon! Sorry for the random interruption in the typical updates! I've been unable to sit down and draw at the computer as much as I'd like lately with the hectic holiday schedule, but I am making some time to get some drawing in while I'm at work! And as you can see, I've had Pokémon on the brain lately!

Having very much enjoyed Pokémon Scarlet over the last month, I've been thinking a lot about potentially designing my own trainer for this world-- nothing serious, just for fun! Originally, I had the idea to make a trainer based on my player character in-game, but as I was drifting off to sleep one night, an entire character design just... JUMPED into my head, from nowhere at all!! Her hair and silhouette was so striking, I just had to draw her! And so, everyone, before anyone else...

I'd like you all to meet Aria!

I had some difficulty nailing a vibe for this character from the design alone, since that was all I had at the time. Was she a gym leader? An Elite Four member? Perhaps the leader of the "evil team" of the region she hails from? Well, as time went on, I was able to hammer down a little more about who this character is and her motivations! So, if you don't mind, allow me to frame this in terms of the supposed "game" in order to introduce you all to this young lady!

Shortly after starting your Pokémon journey, Aria introduces herself to your player character as a roaming trainer, a casual yet charismatic girl who's eager to test your skills. It's not until after your second or third meeting with her that she's revealed to be the Champion of her region, and she's been holding back to see your true potential. Upon this revelation, Aria also decides to trust your capabilities and share with you something extremely secret: she's found a brand new Pokémon that no one's ever seen before!

A small, skull-headed, caterpillar like creature named Skelitle claims the role of this Champion's ace... at least, in its most basic form! A Ghost/Bug-type Pokémon, this little creature is often preyed upon by birds, its soft underbelly being extremely vulnerable. With no hind legs and only two short limbs to scoot itself along the ground, this Pokémon protects its belly fiercely, not allowing itself to be overturned. Its top half is thankfully covered in hard, bone-like growths that result in it resembling a long-dead corpse from above, offering some natural protection. Skelitle doesn't eat much, but when it does, its diet is extremely specific: it only ever feeds on Pokémon bones. With time, Skelitle will grow and evolve into something far more imposing. But that's for another day!

That's all I have for now! I've got some time off coming up around Christmas, and I intend to use it to get more commission work done! Please keep your eyes peeled for that, and continue to be patient with me as we buckle down for some chilly holiday weather!

Until next time, everyone, stay safe, take care of yourselves, and thank you all for your continued support!