April 8, 2024

Welp! That's the end of this tale. Thank you so much for sticking with me through to the end!

I had a few "fun facts" about the comic that I never really managed to stick anywhere else, so let's do it here!

The working title for this story was "The Adequates" - it was supposed to be something that Auberos had called them dismissively when they failed his test, but they took it and reclaimed it to spite him. I decided against it though (it sounded like I was putting down my own story!), and eventually brainstormed my way into "The Storm Stained" which I think is much more catchy/evocative.

There were two instances where my choice of flowers in the background was purposeful. First was the Forget-me-nots in this scene and then the snapdragons in this scene: - snapdragons have a couple of "meanings" but one of them is deception ;)

Also, I just really like snapdragons.

When this story was just a loose concept floating about my mind as an anti-chosen-one tale, I imagined them all as just human wizards and the leader of the gang of "adequates" was going to be the main character. The story was going to focus on their rescue attempts of the protege and there was no tech element at all. I think the fairy/bug theming makes it way more fun, and the protege is a better main character bc they have the potential for more growth as a character.

At it's heart, this story is about not letting your past control your future. Whether that past be a centuries old prophecy or a tragic accident, it only dictates your path if you let it. Thank you for sticking around while I told it!

If you don't already follow me on my socials, please do so! I'll announce any of my upcoming projects there! But this comic is going to be my last long-format webcomic, alas! Will I maybe do some shorter ones eventually? Maybe! But none are currently in the pipeline. It's wild to be wrapping up (at least for now) a 20 year career in webcomics, but I'm looking forward to what the future holds for me!

And a special thank you to everyone who has been with me from the beginning. You have all made my day, everyday, for the last 20 years <3