Starfallen Poll Results

It was an epic battle of creativity lasting for many weeks, but at last, we have the results of the community's rather successful efforts to create new characters for the cast of Hierophant.

Everyone who voted has our gratitude, and everyone who made a submission has our deep respect. It took both creativity and courage to put your ideas forward, and even if yours didn't win, you made an impact on Dreaming Door's meditations on character and story.

And so, allow me to introduce the winners!

Patron's Choice: VOIDSEER

Though Voidseer's life was saved by the exodus, its spirit was unable to let go of its native planet. This Sapphire Kin will pay any price to turn back the clock and return to the idyllic paradise of its childhood. Now the master of a powerful cult, its epic quest to return to Earth shall rule the fates of many on Newhome.

Draak-Kin's Choice: GLOW

Taught the secrets of deepsong by whales and inspired by their deep bonds between parent and child, Glow holds the belief that the ancient Draak-Kin Way of independence and solitude... a Way which made them mighty apex predators and possibly the most powerful beings on Earth... is in need of change. Draak-Kin parents have traditionally sought to challenge their offspring and even put them in danger so as to build their strength and fortitude and ensure the evolution of their kind, but Glow believes that hatchlings should be protected and supported. Its four hatchlings will be the first Draak-Kin born on Newhome, but will the Path of Love lead forward, backward, or somewhere completely unexpected?

By the will of the patrons, these two Draak-Kin will join the ranks of the Starfallen and play a role in the story. Congratulations to their Creators!

But wait... there's more!

Dreaming Door Choice: RIVERSONG

Earth's loss shall be Newhome's gain as this fascinating and creative Draak-Kin strives to bring the life-giving blessing of Water to as many beings as possible. While Voidseer's soul was wounded by the sight of Newhome's poisoned ocean, Riversong was inspired by it instead, and now seeks to purify the Melt. Though few believe it can succeed, it has already discovered some of the secrets of the Empty Sea. If it succeeds in its ambition, it will be the greatest event in the planet's history for millions of years. Such massive change, however, almost always brings unintended consequences...

VOIDSEER, GLOW, and RIVERSONG. Their names may change... Newhome will inspire the Draak-Kin to take on new naming conventions, and Darktooth encouraged them to leave their old names behind on Earth... but we promise that the spirit of these creative submissions will be represented as faithfully as possible.

HONORABLE MENTION

Some of the candidates had considerable followings despite not being able to achieve victory. But fear not! Their efforts will not have been in vain.

MESMERIST was quite popular with some. Though I was careful not to mention this or influence the polls in general, it was the only character I personally hoped would not be chosen. The reason? There is already a character which is quite close to the Mesmerist thematically in the cast! This character is not a Starfallen, but instead born on Newhome, a child of the Impresario known as the Puppeteer. Mesmerist's talent for mental manipulation and desire to control other beings will be fully expressed by this already-planned Kin, and some aspects of Mesmerist's personality have also been added, enriching the character.

While many beings are afraid of the dark, DANCER embraces it wholeheartedly. Its concern for the unlit places of the world and those who dwell in darkness was inspiring, as was its scrappy personality and ability to think outside the box in achieving its goals. I loved this character, and believe that it will manifest itself in the story somehow, especially when attention turns to the permanently dark and mysterious other side of Newhome. We haven't decided exactly how, but its spirit will have a place in the events to come.

The Brightling abductee turned alien-hunter called BITE-FROM-BEYOND is a very interesting Draak, and especially considering the role the Brightlings will play in Hierophant, would be a fascinating character to have along for the ride. Though its inclusion is not guaranteed, we would like to include it in the cast if we can, and will look for ways to integrate this story and character into the tale.

DIO, who may at the time Hierophant takes place may indeed be the last of the Crystal Kin, would also bring some interesting powers and ideas to Newhome. It has led us to seriously consider adding a Crystal Kin to the ranks of the Starfallen, and this just might come to pass, though again, it is not guaranteed.

The loathsome yet sympathetic BUG also turned heads with its original idea. Along with AVARICE, who had also lived a destructive life of Earth but was now looking to repent, it brought an interesting tale to the table. Is redemption possible for such beings, or are they doomed to return to their old ways? Though these characters may not have won the polls, they have ensured that the painful and rocky path of redemption will be featured somehow, and their stories honored.

Though I personally dislike REGENT... it reminds me of a certain American politician whom I do not believe deserves any representation in my art, not even in caricature... I must admit that having it around in my mind was creating some interesting new stories. Perhaps the idea of a Kin who personifies the dark side of Pride will make an appearance.

Just as Mesmerist will appear spiritually in the form of a child of the Impresario, WITHER will be unofficially appearing as one of the children of Glow. Its unorthodox concern for agriculture will be a part of the conversation on how Draak-Kin society might be transformed in this latter age.

And the beautifully-written and inspiring DREAMER might not be a Starfallen, but its tale touched us, and we will find a way to tell it in Hierophant.

Thank you again to everyone who submitted and voted in the polls! Hopefully it is clear to all just how influential this entire exercise will be as we write the script for this new story set among the stars.

Look forward to more news about Hierophant and its cast of characters soon!

-L