Wearing Power Armor to a Magic School Art Reference: Auris Ping

Hey everyone! I’m BACK with more art references!! :D 

You didn’t think I’d stop at just the main cast did you? ;)  

Being the art addicted commissioner that I am, it was only a matter of time before I got to the references for the secondary cast! Or more accurately — the supporting cast, as their stories become even more intertwined with Emma’s own! :D 

So without further ado, it is my pleasure and great honor to present to you, his Bullish Bully-ness, Lord Auris Ping himself! :D 

Now, Auris… where do I start with the raging bull? 

First off, perhaps it’d be a good idea to describe exactly what he was wearing prior to being stuck with the bland Academy uniforms! 

Let’s start with the most notable aspect of his outfit and the reason why I included an alternate version for this post — his bracelets! These enchanted items aren’t merely a utilitarian extension of the young noble’s magical abilities, but instead represents something far larger than himself. Something that isn’t as simple as a statement of wealth, nor even a symbol of his rank and station.

In fact, what they represent may be more important to Auris than his family, kin, and even his entire realm — The Eternal Truths.

A physical manifestation of His Eternal Truths, to be precise.

Consisting of nine distinct rings to represent each of the nine primary Eternal Truths, these rings are analogous to the Helical Rings of His Eternal Truths that Ping had on his altar in Chapter 125! :D However, unlike the more conventional representation of these tenets — that of a helical spiral — these wearable rings come in all sorts of shapes and sizes! With the most popular forms of which being the two that Ping is wearing in this commission — his bracelet, and his chest adornments. 

These chains do have the ability to form the more traditional ‘helical’ structure as mentioned in Ping’s altar, as each piece of jewelry is enchanted to allow for kinetic motion, and is thus capable of forming more ‘helical’ style structures. Though some, like Ping’s bracelet, are also capable of projecting similar shapes above said jewelry.

However, Ping takes things a step further and also adds these pieces of religious iconography on his horns, and his tail! 

With the latter appendage receiving particularly intense attention, as Ping went so far as to wrap it in tight form-fitting rings of gold, in order to adhere to the two primary rules of expectant decorum as it pertains to appendages not aligned with that of the elven form. One, being the covering of said appendage. And two, being the elevation of said appendage off the ground. 

This puts Ping’s tail covering leagues beyond Ilunor’s in terms of discomfort, as it’s most certainly not as comfortable as Ilunor’s simple and elegant silk covering.

Finally, we have the most prominent ring of all — representing His Eternal Majesty’s Edicts on Sapiency — acting as a sort of ‘belt’ for his sashes. 

And that’s about it for his jewelry! 

Beyond this, Ping also wears sashes, robes, a tunic, and pants typical for his realm! Though his colors are more in-line with that of his family and clan! :D 

However there’s one more thing that needs to be addressed! His hair! The hairstyle he chose certainly wasn’t typical for his realm, at least not before the arrival of the Nexus. However, given Pronarthiarealm’s genuine adoration of all things Nexian — and by extension all things Elven — Ping chose to turn his head tufts into something at least comparable to Elven hairstyles! 

That’s about it for Auris Ping! As you guys can probably tell, a lot about his personality and beliefs shines through in his attire, and even comes through in the way he chooses to style his hair! Our young bullish bull bully is truly quite a living example of the extreme end of Nexian cultural influence over an adjacent realm. 

And of course, I have to give massive compliments to the artist who brought our favorite bull bully noble to life! :D 

Thank you so much to MalMyrth0! :D He did such an incredible job on this piece, and I truly am just blown away by just how well he was able to bring Ping and his very specific styles to life! :D 

Artist Reference: MalMyrth0 on Twitter