Nice work, the background story is rather touching too. Lost far too many friends myself (it happens as you get older, a sad fact of life), and those things never leave you. The sign of a true artist is being able to express those things in one form or another, piecemeal or as a whole, and to leave the viewer /reader/ listener moved, and possibly reminiscing on similar experience.

You've done that here. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you reading having a look, and reading. This one made me more emotional then I was really prepared for today, but I'm glad I got it done. And I can't wait to illustrate her first irl interaction with Lola.

current character

Ok, I realize that maybe you were asking what her current character is. She plays a big beefy tank. Currently cross-playing, but she'll be putting in for a character change token to stand in solidarity with the other girls, since everybody is using female avatars. When she got started she wanted to look big and strong, so she went with a big beefy half-giant. She realizes that a big beefy half-giant lady works too, and decides to change. I figure the game doesn't charge a premium for a gender change token, but she's kinda leaving it for a surprise later on. I'm actually looking forward to writing that scene. Basically, after meeting all of them in person, she feels like she can be a lady in game and still be a badass.

Of course, I still have to design the new avatar. That should be fun!

Thanks for having a look. I really appreciate it.

Fred reminds me of a friend that committed suicide a few years ago. You never really forget them. I feel like I missed the grab.

Annnd, I missed your stream but I did give you a follow.

Thanks. It's a gut punch that resurfaces when you aren't expecting it.

I'll be on again. Last stream, the first half was silent because my microphone was disabled. Whoops!

A lose like that never stops hurting but the love is never gone either. All in all, a deal I would take knowing all going in. Your story and your character are touching. You feel this one and much as you see it. That's art.

Thank you. Dag. I like to think she knows that she meant something to me. That she's missed. If someone being abused commits suicide, I believe the abuser should be charged with murder. Period.

Stunning image, great light!!! 👍🙋‍♂️

Thanks! I like doing these. I've done one of Lola, and Lenny (which I haven't even shared yet!) and not Realm_Lord/Fred. Might just have to do the whole guild just for fun. Use a different color every time. Hmm.

Beautiful character and a touching, heartfelt tribute. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

bows Thank you for having a look. I appreciate it.

Nicely done picture, and a great tribute to a friend. I wish you'd been able to know her longer.

Thank you. A moment can last a lifetime, and a lifetime can be gone in the blink of an eye.

Great image!

Thanks! Have a good evening.

Cool story and great render!!!

Thanks, Nobby! Glad you took a look. Peace be with you.

Oh how sad and yet sensitive too. Lovely work!

Thanks, Stevie. It means a lot to me, so I'm glad folks have responded so positively. I mean, I know this is a good group, but sharing still makes me nervous. This won't be the last time we see Fred, so I'm glad she's come to symbolize, at least in part, my friend.

Such a great image, Lyle, very nostalgic to me as a former gamer, and then I read your story. What an awesome tribute. And to do it with an image of something that so many of us can identify with almost makes it even that much more meaningful. ie/ This was her "in life." Just simple. Beautiful work. :)

Thank you. It's very touching. She always made me feel like a decent human being, and we'd laugh at silly things. We liked to "argue," That is we'd find very silly things to take opposing views of. I think that's partly why we got along. We were both dealing with depression, and we both wanted the other to laugh. And we both understood that we were both depressed. There was no need to hide.

Great description on your work. Lighting is spot on.

Thank you very much.

Really amazing stuff

Thank you very much!

A very touching story/remembrance and a magnificent portrait/image full of superb details! The pose and lighting are perfect! A truly magnificent creation and fitting tribute for your friend! Many fine accolades for this most memorable work!

Thank you. I've been humbled by the feedback this far. This really is a great group.

Wonderful! Creepy cool love it!

I think we all look like maniacs when it's 2 AM and the only real light in the room is coming from the computer monitor, lol. Thanks!

Wow. The story really hits hard. You read and you start liking this girl, but then she's gone and you feel an emptiness even though its only a few paragraphs. Great writing!

Thank you.

Beautiful words and scene!

Thank you. bows head

Great job on her, good sir. The lighting is perfect, and this image really communicates her comfort and confidence in her virtual world.

I can empathize with her - I was always the skinny, timid kid (when I was a LOT younger) that the schoolyard bullies loved to pick on - until that day they pushed one time too many. There were a couple bloody noses that day - and mine wasn't one of them.

I can imagine. There's going to be that kind of thing happen in the series. Not perfectly clear on the details. She'll be with her 'mates in real life, and somebody outside the group will try and start something. That's about as clear as I got so far, except I know she's going to be Realm_Lord in person when it happens, and not just timid Fred.

Stunning image,excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

Nice work! This really brings back memories of my time in Brawl Stars, especially when I had the luxury of free gems and skins through Nulls Brawl APK. It was always such a rewarding feeling to unlock new characters and skins, giving my team a fresh look and a boost of excitement each time I entered a battle. The free gems made it feel like there were endless possibilities, whether I was upgrading my brawlers or unlocking special crates. There’s something special about earning those rewards, knowing you’ve put in the time and effort, but also having the fun of seeing the game's progression through all those customizations. The free skins added even more personality to my gameplay, and honestly, it was always a highlight to show off my collection in matches with friends. It felt like a real accomplishment, and the thrill of getting new content always kept me coming back for more.