Creating Your Own Homestuck Character: A Step-by-Step Guide to Channeling Your Inner Troll
Are you a Homestuck fan who has been itching to create your own character? Perhaps you’ve spent hours poring over the nuances of troll society, the complexities of Sburb, and the peculiar relationships between characters. If you’ve typed “make a Homestuck character” into Google, then you’re in the right place! This guide will equip you with everything you need to conjure up a creative character that fits seamlessly into Andrew Hussie’s intricate webcomic universe. Let’s get ready to explore the endless possibilities of design, backstory, and quirks!
Understanding the Homestuck Universe
Before diving into character creation, it’s essential to have something of a literary GPS for navigating the elaborate world of Homestuck. The webcomic is set in a unique universe blending aspects of fantasy, science fiction, humor, and catchy memes.
Key Elements to Note:
1. Troll Society: Trolls possess distinct cultures and social structures, including clear hierarchies dictated by their blood colors. Emphasizing these societal norms can be vital when fleshing out your character.
2. Durst and Lusus Naturae: Every troll has a guardian creature, a Lusus Naturae, that serves as a protective figure during their adolescence. Consider what kind of Lusus would reflect your character’s traits and challenges.
3. Factions and Teams: Think of alliances, enmities, and group dynamics. Most characters in Homestuck belong to teams with unique abilities and goals.
4. The Game: Remember, the characters often engage in the game of Sburb, which influences their actions and interactions directly.
By internalizing these elements, you will be better equipped to develop a character that is coherent and charmingly chaotic in true Homestuck fashion.
Step 1: Define Your Character’s Identity
Name and Gender: Start by choosing a name that fits the phonetic style of troll names—typically combining unusual syllables and sounds. For instance, consider “Vrizak” or “Fylzri.”
Example: Let’s create a character named Zerxal. A female troll with a penchant for mischief.
Blook Color: Trolls’ society is defined by their blood color, which impacts their status and abilities within the Hierarchy. Choose a color that reflects your character’s personality traits.
Zerxal’s Blood: A shade of dark green-gold, indicative of a crafty and ambitious nature, just a step below the ruling elite.
Age: Most trolls are around 6-7 sweeps old when they enter the game, but you can adjust to fit the character’s personality and backstory.
Personality Traits: To make your character relatable, think of a list of traits, quirks, or interests. Rarely will a troll fit neatly into one category—embracing complexity is key!
Zerxal’s Traits: Mischievous, cunning, and perhaps a bit too ambitious, often leading her into perilous situations.
Step 2: Craft a Backstory
Once you have your character’s identity, it’s time to outline the events that shaped who they are.
Family Dynamics
Every troll has a unique upbringing shaped by their parents and Lusus. Think about Zerxal’s family situation.
Zerxal’s Family: Born into a family of lesser nobles, she always felt the pressure to rise in social rank and often clashed with her equally ambitious siblings.
Significant Events
What major events have impacted your character? Remember to keep a balance of humor and drama that fit the Homestuck style.
Significant Event: After a failed coup against a powerful noble, Zerxal’s family fell into disgrace. Determined to restore their name, she plunged into Sburb with her team, hoping to uncover an artifact that grants power.
Step 3: Create Unique Abilities
Every character in Homestuck has a unique ability or power that highlights their personality. These powers may stem from their blood color, personal skills, or even their connection to the game.
Example of Powers for Zerxal:
1. Illusions: Zerxal can create realistic illusions to deceive her enemies—very fitting for a trickster!
2. Charm and Deception: Her background informs her ability to charm others, manipulating social situations to her advantage.
3. Possession of Artifacts: Upon entering Sburb, she stumbles upon an ancient artifact that allows her to control shadows momentarily, providing both offense and defense.
Step 4: Design Your Character
Visual representation is crucial. A character’s design speaks volumes about their identity.
Choosing a Style
Attire: Consider troll fashion trends—oversized coats, quirky accessories, or symbolic insignias.
Symbol: Every troll has a personal symbol that represents them. This symbol can reflect their abilities or identity.
Hair and Facial Features: Use unconventional hair colors or styles to showcase their uniqueness and rebellious nature.
Zerxal’s Design: A flowing dark green cloak adorned with arcane symbols and a pair of mismatched gloves (one for charm, the other for illusory powers). Her hair is a tempestuous tangle of dark green and gold, matching her blood. Her symbol is a crescent moon intertwined with shadows, resembling a deceptive charm.
Step 5: Crafting Relationships
Ties between characters add depth to your story.
Allies: Who does Zerxal team up with? Maybe a shy troll with healing powers who balances her mischievous nature.
Enemies: Does she have a rival, perhaps an elite troll who might expose her past?
Romantic Interests: Is there someone who captures her attention amidst the chaos? For instance, another troll who challenges her intelligence and ambition.
Step 6: Write Their First Story Arc
Now that you have your Homestuck character prepared, it’s time to throw them into a gripping scenario! This could be an introductory chapter or a scene that highlights their strengths and weaknesses.
Example Plot: As Zerxal navigates the complexities of Sburb, she finds an echo of her family’s ambitions mirrored in the game’s mechanics. Her first challenge could involve teaming up with her allies to retrieve a powerful artifact hidden somewhere in the game world, all while trying to dodge traps laid by a rival.
Conclusion: Beyond Just Creation
Creating a Homestuck character like Zerxal not only allows you to explore the rich lore and themes of the comic but also grants you an escape into a universe filled with humor, angst, and interdimensional adventure.
This endeavor isn’t merely about linear storytelling, but about participating in the expansive fan community, engaging in fan art, fan fiction, and discussions with fellow fans about your character.
Feel free to let your imagination run riot! Remember, every creation is a reflection of your inner world, so embrace the chaos, wit, and hilarity that Homestuck represents. And who knows? Your character might even gain a following among fans who can relate to their misadventures.
Now go forth, embrace your quirky creativity, and get ready to introduce your troll to the ever-eccentric Homestuck universe! Happy character making! 🎨