frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
​What programs do you use?
For everything writing, I currently use Google Docs, but have used Scrivener previously; the former now has all the features of Scrivener that I used, with the added bonus of not needing to sync via Dropbox.
For 3D (background and character head models) I use Blender.
For everything 2D I use the latest version of Clip Studio Paint, though I switched relatively recently
(as of comic page 219) from Photoshop.
​​What is the writing process for Destiny Intertwined?
Since the beginning I've known where the story is leading, and what major plot points occur along the way, including character development and deaths. However as DI is a long-term project, I leave a lot of room for details and development to be new to me as well, so the excitement stays fresh for me also . While I'll know the context of the next few chapters ahead of time, I write them as the current chapter progresses. While this does lead to some poor planning (such as the very long chapter 2), I prefer to prioritize my own enjoyment over perfection. This way, I'll never get bored :)
​What brushes do you use?
For painting I use a modified version of this Hoarse Oil brush. For lineart I use a modified, noisy pencil brush (not sure what the original was); though for some bases/artworks I use a brush similar to the default Rough Pen. A key attribute of the brushes I use is that my pen pressure caps at a minimum of 50%, which means I don't get very thin tips to my strokes.
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Before my swap from Photoshop, I used many of Kyle Webster's brushes, some of which I have adapted for Clip Studio.
​​​How do you make your backgrounds?
My inorganic (non-nature) backgrounds are 3D made. I design and build all structures in 3D from the ground up, including textures and material design. I will then render these for comic panels and paint over them, as well as add other effects to try and blend them with the 2D art. Usually I will blur the 3D model render first to remove fine detail.​
​Why do you use 3D?
I have a strong dislike for drawing geometric/straight edged objects by hand, particularly ones that need perspective. This is also extremely time consuming, which isn't ideal for comic work. On the flip side, I really enjoy 3D modeling. Ultimately, all the work in the comic is still entirely my own, just not all made with the same medium.
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I also use character head models for fully consistent horns and proportions. Expressions are hand drawn.
I have full-body poseable models available, but only use them for very challenging perspectives if I struggle.
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Using 3D assets for comics is very common! It saves a lot of time, which is crucial for comics which need to update frequently enough.​​
​​Can I translate your comic into [language]?
I'm not looking to get the comic translated at the moment, but thank you!
​​​Can I make a character for Destiny Intertwined?
Of course, please check out the Character Guide page for guidelines on how to integrate your character into the setting canon! There are a number of rules that must be followed if you want your character considered (soft) canon, such as obvious no-godmodding rules. Do note that this does not guarantee a cameo in the comic, much less a role.​
​What else can I make?
Please limit creations to what's established within lore. For example, blacksmiths and dragon armor are both established canon, so you can make a character who is a blacksmith making armor for soldiers. But you cannot make, say, a clockmaker, for clocks have not been established to exist in the setting.
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Clan submissions have concluded, and new Clans will only come from elevated Dragon Families, which you can make without submissions (for High Families (the step before becoming a Clan), you can only make a total of 3).
Other than characters and families, I ask that you do not invent anything else for DI. That includes animals, plants, spells, elemental techniques, diseases/afflictions, locations, schools, metals/minerals, medicines, curses, etc.
While most of these are things I would enjoy seeing people make, I do not have the time to give approval and feedback to all things the community might want to make - I'd not have time for anything else if I tried.
You can skirt around some of these limits by not naming or detailing the object/place, for example, you can say your herbalist sells a herb that eases nausea, this is fine - just avoid groundbreaking objects like, for example, a magical metal that is somehow both light and super durable.
​Can my character cameo in your comic?
If your character is not created/adapted for DI, no. When able, I choose cameos from supporters who have made characters for DI with eligible designs and integrated information (see Characters page.) I usually also choose based on what makes sense - if I have a scene that takes place in the Temple School, I'll pick characters who are students in the age group I want/need, so it's not enough to have only a design, there needs to be a character that exists in the world for me to use.
​​​Is this project related to The Legend of Spyro?
Destiny Intertwined was inspired by and is in a way dedicated to the game series, The Legend of Spyro, though it quickly evolved into a whole world of its own. You may recognize a handful of concepts (and visuals) from the games, which have been fleshed out and heavily expanded on in Destiny Intertwined's own lore, as well as much more worldbuilding entirely unique to Destiny Intertwined.​
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​All Destiny Intertwined characters and designs are fully original (in that they have no origin in the TLoS games), with the partial exception of Malefor, who is based on the TLoS character of the same name. Like the setting itself, Destiny Intertwined builds on the very limited information given about this character's origins. His character, and the vast majority of his coming story in the comic, is entirely original to Destiny Intertwined. His design has been recreated to be distinct.​
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At this point, I consider Destiny Intertwined almost entirely its own creation, with guest elements from the games it is a love letter to - if only due to the sheer amount of design, worldbuilding, and character creation I've done on top. Over time, I may phase out the game elements if only for legal security (including renaming Malefor), but I want to maintain the concept of Destiny Intertwined's story being compatible with TLoS' untold past.
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Destiny Intertwined is so independent from TLoS that no knowledge about the game series is needed to enjoy the comic.
It can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless if they've played the TLoS games or not!
​Is X project related to DI? / Someone stole your lore/character(s)?
DI has generated some offshoots, wherein individuals have taken their DI community (fan) characters and placed them in a new setting they themselves manage. Designs may still retain strong DI resemblance. Character references may look much akin to DI's, and DI original lore (no basis in The Legend of Spyro) and design (such as clan banners) may have been brought over.
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People's characters and their designs are their own, even if they are based on my design style and concepts. I have no issues concerning DI community (fan) characters being added or moved to original or different settings*. I do not mind my character reference style being replicated, though I encourage a different approach if only to avoid confusion/characters being mistaken for DI characters, which can be upsetting to those trying to make something of their own.
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*(unless something else was agreed, some designs I've sold have been sold with terms that prevent this until DI concludes)
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If my own lore and world designs are used or heavily borrowed from, such as the dragon Clan system and their banner style, my Elemental/Magic systems, Warfang Army/Guard system, etc., I would be very happy to receive fair credit for my work! Otherwise, I do suggest a more extensive rewrite to eliminate overt DI aspects. I don't mind DI being used as a starting point to something more original if I am fairly credited (until said DI aspects are changed at least).
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Kindly, please do not replicate my characters, particularly their designs; especially that of Stormbringer and Scions Aether characters (such as Lynerius and Undacus). I do find this distressing as my characters, and by extension their likeness, are dear to me. There are countless ways to design storm-grey and white dragons without arriving at a design resembling that of these clans. Their designs are built of many other design elements (which are baked into DI's design logic and rules, but non-DI designs should not be bound by these) besides their base color, including my own art style, that can be done very differently if you would like to make greyscale and white dragons too!
These are just my wishes, in the hopes that they will be respected. I've worked very hard for my designs and worldbuilding, and it does hurt to see some individuals take credit for my work (whether by withholding or denying its origin), but I take no action against anyone. I prefer to actively avoid this content rather than engage in conflicts.
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If you discover any of this being done, you do not need to notify me. Please do not confront anyone doing this, and definitely, absolutely do not harass anyone doing it. If you are upset on my behalf, please avoid engaging with the content in question. Otherwise I may be pressed to get involved and I do not want that.
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I am also not pressed to take action against anyone tracing my art (I don't really mind, but please do give credit!) or seemingly just using it without permission. I do not mind my art being used for icons and such.