karlach-esmeray

[karlach-esmeray]

My time in this realm of existence is coming to an end, so it only felt right to give a proper ending to Karlach and Esmeray's story as well.

After years of fighting for survival, they found peace in each other. There was no fight too big for them to handle as long as they did it together, including facing Avernus and fixing Karalch's engine. There were many other adventures, large and small, that filled their life with happiness and love. After 59 years together, they passed away 11 minutes apart, old and grey in their bed. They left behind their daughter, JC, and the few close friends who were still with them. Nestled beside Karalch's parents, Pluck and Caerlack, they were laid to rest, vowing to take on whatever comes next together.

One final time, taters ❤️

[karlach-esmeray]

It turns out shiny armor and blonde hair are not fun to work with. But I got to mess around with some new brushes and techniques, so although not as enjoyable as my Karlach study, (I almost gave up like 20 times) it was more helpful in the long run for color theory and rendering.

I'll be returning to my normal drawings going forward before I lose any more of my mind

Taters!

[karlach-esmeray]

@graciescribbles has gifted me with the wise words of mother Jaheira to keep me going through the up and down battle with my health. They got me pushing to make it to spring! Thank you 💕

[karlach-esmeray]

My friend, @graciescribbles asked me to try my hand at traditional art for my last post. So I did. Then I had a meltdown because it didn't turn out how I wanted it to. (I NEED my undo, lasso and zoom function) She still encouraged me even when it looked like a burnt chicken nugget, and I kept working on it until I felt a spark of pride. So, thank you, Grace! I have the utmost respect for traditional artists, because it is not easy.

[karlach-esmeray]

I wanted to try something different than my usual art, mostly just to see if I could. Of course, my subject had to be the lovely Karlach. Honestly, this was a lot of fun - trying new techniques and focusing on smaller details. Plus, I can always use more practice on rendering.

I also did a grayscale, pencil-type version, which I can post if people are interested, but it doesn't look as nice haha.

Taters! ❤️

[karlach-esmeray]

I love my wife! (And I needed an excuse to put her in fishnets)

Taters ❤️

[karlach-esmeray]

Guy, look at her! My little Esmeray!! Thank you, Gracie!!

I am sorry @karlach-esmeray for not drawing your Esmeray correctly. 🙇🙇🙇 This was practice and I will draw better one soon.

[karlach-esmeray]

A little something for @graciescribbles of Jaheira and her Tav 🫶

[karlach-esmeray]

Karlach can easily bring color to the darkest of hearts 🥰

Commission by Dandylion Arts on Tiktok

[karlach-esmeray]

What made you fall in love with Karlach out of all characters?

Have you seen Mama K?! 👀

But in all seriousness, she is genuinely so sweet and gentle despite everything she went through. All the betrayal and war and pain, plus facing death shortly after gaining freedom, yet she still wants nothing more than to be happy and not hurt others like she was. That takes a lot heart to not shut yourself off from humanity and still trust that there is good in the world. I know I couldn't do it. But she can, and I love her for it!

[karlach-esmeray]

A BG3 screenshot dump of some of my favorite moments because I'm being nostalgic and missing my little family that lives in the computer, even though I could just play the game instead

[karlach-esmeray]

I commissioned Evan from evandoesdnd on Ko-fi for a 3d print of my Durge, Esmeray. I finally finished painting her despite how bad my tremors have gotten as of late. Heartbreakingly, I don't think I'll get the chance to finish Dame Aylin or Isobel, but I knew I had to finish Esmeray so Karlach and her could sit together on my shelf, haha. I'll have to post all of my painted figures together one day, but I stole Jaheira's base for Esmeray, so she's unable to stand at the moment.

Taters

(Colors differ a bit from the game, but it's what I wish they looked like in game)

[karlach-esmeray]

Let me tell you about this unassuming hammock. This simple piece of fabric strung between two trees in their backyard is their most prized possession. It was the very thing that kept them moving forward for over a year while trapped in Avernus. The IDEA of it, rather. 

You see, one day when Karlach was a child her parents were hanging freshly laundered sheets on the line when she wormed her way into the basket. They pretended not to notice her as they each took an end of the top blanket and hoisted it into the air, jostling her before allowing it to sway back and forth gently. Karlach had explained to Esmeray, how in that moment, with her and her parent's laughter, the vast blue sky overhead, and the repetitive motion, her heart felt full - at complete peace. It became a constant throughout her youth. That moment in time became her safety as she aged, the place she would retreat back to when the going got tough. She desperately yearned to return to that feeling.

Esmeray promised that one day they would have a house of their own. They would buy a hammock for their yard and they too would fill that bubble of safety with love and laughter. While fighting through Avernus together, anytime one of them would start to lose hope, the other would bring up how nice laying out on their hammock was going to be. It always gave them that burst of hope to keep going. 

It was the first "frivolous" purchase they made after becoming homeowners. Since then, many moments have come and gone on that simple piece of fabric, but the feeling of hope, love, and safety has remained.

Taters ❤️

(Don't mind the chicken. They have 8 of them living in their backyard)

[karlach-esmeray]

Girls night is a pretty common occurrence post Netherbrain, Avernus & Vlaakith’s overthrow. Sometimes it's spent catching up around the fire, sometimes it's them out on an adventure for a few weeks. And sometimes it involves getting shitfaced before passing out wherever you land. No matter what happens, their bond has held strong.

Yes, Astarion usually crashes girls night despite never once being officially invited (It’s okay, they love him). And no, Jaheira has never come despite being invited EVERY SINGLE TIME!

Taters

[karlach-esmeray]

After unintentionally taking Quil's life shortly after the Nautiloid crash, Esmeray vowed never to let the unwelcome darkness that consumes her thoughts escape again. There was no hesitation to deny Sceleritas Fel’s initial rally to end Isobel’s life to satisfy her own (and unknowingly her father’s) twisted musings. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean the command of Bhaal is quiet. Days later it still calls repeatedly, showing up whenever she let her guard slip. (Such as moments of contentment and camaraderie around the fire with friends)

Esmeray has been open about her compulsions since day one. Everyone keeps an eye on her, not only for their own safety but also for Esy’s peace of mind. Karlach is a steady pillar in those moments when the dark urges rise. Just a simple act of love, something Esmeray has only experienced in recent weeks, seems to reach her inner soul, pulling her back to herself.

Taters ❤️

[karlach-esmeray]

A little Karlach appreciation ❤️‍🔥

Taters

[karlach-esmeray]

You guys know the "Awkward JCPenney's photoshoot" kids do for their parents on Christmas? This is my take but mashed into the BG3 timeline, so no photos. Jaheira secretly loved it and probably hung it in the secret back room of her underground sanctuary.

I had so much fun with this one. Mostly because I was thinking about how Karlach and Esmeray got all dressed up in their cute matching outfits and paid a buttload of hard-earned coin to get the derpiest painting of them done just to prank Jaheira. I know they were laughing about it nonstop from the moment it popped into one of their heads.

Taters