Concept Artwork: Bayard, the Houndmaster

Hello hello!

In this post I will be talking about an upcoming new character: Bayard, the local Houndmaster of Chemont, who runs the kennels and tends to the hounds there on behalf of the Leyton family. He will be eventually added to Chemont, as part of an overhaul of the kennels content that we are planning to do.

His inception is part of broader push to introduce more long-term relationships with male characters for Claire (alongside characters like Isander and Leon, for instance), something which has been requested by quite a few of our players for some time now!

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BACKSTORY

Bayard hasn't had the easiest life. His father, a Ranger, died when he was barely two years old, slain in the line of duty while fending off poachers from the Brugginwood. His mother soon remarried, then foisted responsibility of him onto her relatives, essentially making Bayard an orphan in all but name. Bayard's relatives frowned upon him, seeing him as nothing more than an extra mouth to feed, and often beat him viciously while he was growing up, leaving him to sleep and eat on the ground with the dogs rather than at the table with the rest of the family. This festered in Bayard a deep dislike of other human beings, as well as developing in him an affinity for canine companions.

As a result of his scarred upbringing, even after reaching adulthood and growing into a handsome young man who draws plenty of attention from the fairer sex, Bayard shuns most attempts to get close to him. Given his natural knack for handling dogs, he took up employment with the Houndmaster of Chemont that preceded him, eventually taking over the position after the old Houndmaster passed away.

Bayard much prefers the company of dogs to people, and initially comes off as very jaded and aloof towards Claire when they first meet. It will take time and a mutual love of canine company to make Bayard open up, but once he does... Well, let's just say that Claire is in for a treat - and she won't be the only one getting treats~