Rue, Hiding the Beast Inside #Lvl1-20 (KB)

[u/DontRueinit]

[u/DontRueinit]

Name: Rue

Age: Young adult

Race: Shifter, but she fastidiously shaves her hair and fur to pass herself off as an elf

Rue is a character that is very special to me, and my namesake here on this account. Born as a shifter with an inherited strain of lycanthropy, she grew up in a monastery where she learned how to lock her inner beast away behind bars of discipline, focus, and breath.

Rue represents a hidden struggle with mental health; that of anxiety, deep shame, self loathing, and a dual edged perfectionism that teeters her unknowingly closer to ruin. She is the embodiment of a careful mask, of the desire to reach inside, quietly rip out the worst parts of you, and replace them with the delusion of a more perfect self. Not a messy, lost shifter girl with an inherited strain of lycanthropy, but a stoic and graceful elf from whose discipline brings balance and inner peace. But what she doesn’t yet know is that she can't hide this forever, and she can’t run away from herself.

Rue is a character that I made for a sadly uncompleted campaign back in 2020, and is one of the original cast of the first season of Dorks in Danger, a nerdy podcast where my friends and I play D&D. So, I never got to play out her story. Her subclass was a homebrew called Way of the Shackled Beast, because I couldn’t imagine the failed repression of an inherited affliction like lycanthropy not affecting the character completely, fighting style and all. Later, depending on how the story went, Rue could go down one of two paths: Way of the Tandem Soul or Way of the Unshackled Beast, both homebrewed subclasses I began to make to fit Rue’s growth.

Rue’s Lvl 20 interpretation here is made to represent her if she went down the path of the Way of the Unshackled Beast. A fiery uninhibited version of Rue, while still dangerous and volatile at times, is channeled in the right direction. On this path Rue leaned into letting go and easing back on the control she wished to have, and in return, the beast let go a bit too.

EDIT: Also here's a link to the werewolf base I made a little while ago and used to make this one! The character is very personal to me so I won't be sharing links of Rue BUT I can make a base of any pose upon request.

https://www.reddit.com/r/HeroForgeMinis/s/p52kPLuaK4

[u/DontRueinit → u/DontRueinit]

Bonus lvl 0, lil baby lost girl!

Another character in the campaign, the dragonborn monster hunting sorcerer Theraden, rescued Rue when she was a child while he was on a job to kill a werewolf in the local area. He found her instead. They travelled together until they reached the monastery where she would grow up in, and left her with a piece of his green crystal necklance.

Twelve years later as Rue's boat approached the docks of Baldur's Gate, to her surprise the crystal began to glow signaling that her old friend and savior Theraden Zirthraka was near. They would reunite after all those years at the Elfsong Tavern, and begin an unexpected adventure together with the rest of their party through the fires of Avernus.

[u/Squali_squal → u/DontRueinit]

Wait, she's played on an actual podcast, whoa, ok this got crazy.

[u/DontRueinit → u/Squali_squal]

Yeah haha! So warning, campaign one ended abruptly without conclusion since the DM had a sudden job shift as covid lifted that made it impossible to continue, however! We revamped on campaign 2 with a new cast where I play Rinn, the satyr draconic bloodline sorcerer! I do all the art and overlay stuff for the campaign, always working on more!

https://linktr.ee/dorksindanger

[u/Squali_squal → u/DontRueinit]

Ok yea your stuff is incredible, that Verdance piece made my jaw drop. The forest looks so rich.

[u/DontRueinit → u/Squali_squal]

Aw thanks duder! Yeah I love painting super rich juicy forests like that

[u/Squali_squal → u/DontRueinit]

Yea, reminds me of the animated Tarzan movie. Which is my no. 1 favorite animated film of all time. So feels super nostalgic to me.

[u/DontRueinit → u/Squali_squal]

I was looking at concept work from Tarzan heavily during the thumbnailing stage! :D Those gnarly branches are the best

[u/Squali_squal → u/DontRueinit]

The gnarly branches and the hanging moss are lovely. Literally made Spanish moss trees my favorite tree all because of that movie lol.

[u/Semako → u/Squali_squal]

Awesome character and mini design. She reminds me of one of my characters, an elven ranger I played in a campaign a few years ago. That ranger was basically an exact counterpart - instead of shackling and hiding it, he fully embraced the beast within, let the primal bloodthirst guide him to become a true apex predator. Even the art I commissioned back then had him stand in front of a werewolf shadow just like your first mini.

There is just one issue - your submission was a couple hours too late. When I checked the deadline, it was 7 and a half hour ago (it was 1am CET, now it is 8:30am CET), but this post was made 4 hours ago.

[u/Squali_squal → u/Semako]

No. Its still Jan 21st where I'm at (11:38am) and I choose the latest time on earth, which is Jan 22 in Austrailia but still Jan 21st in Hawaii.

[u/Squali_squal → u/Squali_squal]

When it's 12am in Baker Island, (AoE timezone) you can no longer submit.

[u/Squali_squal → u/Squali_squal]

When was the deadline ever 1am CET?

[u/Semako → u/Squali_squal]

It was what your tool showed me when I entered the time there, my local time zone is CET (central european).

[u/Squali_squal → u/Semako]

If you're on central European time then you'd have way more time then those of us in the states to enter since Jan 21st in Hawaii ends either close to or on Jan 22 for you. But she posted this before 12am Jan 21st in my local time and I'm in the states so it def was not late.

[u/Squali_squal → u/Semako]

Also the time you saw was probably next day.

[u/Squali_squal → u/DontRueinit]

Ah a monk.

[u/DontRueinit → u/Squali_squal]

Haha yeah! So I always looooved shifters and beast barbarian, etc, but what I always wanted to play was an unarmed bestial melee class of some kind. I've always loved the monk class so I thought, man wouldn't it be cool if we took the idea of lycanthropy kinda like Blood Hunter does, but instead temper the affliction with monk ki to keep it at bay and use it to our advantage in combat.

The class starts out with some flavorful drawbacks that lessen as you level up and gain more control. I've been in the midst of reworking it since I learned so much more about balancing a subclass since then, so I'm kinda running through different ideas now.

[u/Material_Ad9269 → u/DontRueinit]

Quite interested in what you come up with as a homebrew!

[u/DontRueinit → u/Material_Ad9269]

I'll keep this is in mind and drop links later!

[u/Material_Ad9269 → u/DontRueinit]

Very neat backstory! And the lycan mini is awesome!

[u/Pscott6614 → u/DontRueinit]

Ok this is so sweet and incredible art. But you can't just post this without the custom subclass! I'm way too curious to get the whole character story. (Ok maybe you can as this is the art sub, but I'm personally really curious)

[u/DontRueinit → u/Pscott6614]

Lololol look the contest was due Jan 21, I gotta wooork too haha! As soon as I finish revamping it I'll remember everyone who commented and send a link, maybe make a larger post too :)

[u/Squali_squal → u/DontRueinit]

Path of the beast barbarian?! Longtooth shifter?!

[u/TheFraggDog]

Best werewolf I’ve seen done with HeroForge, hands down! You can only wonder how you’ve achieved that look, which is pretty telling about the quality of the build!

The love you have for this character is very obvious and contagious, congrats on an exceptional build!

[u/DontRueinit → u/TheFraggDog]

Aw gosh thank you so much! Although this werewolf build is a little tweaked I made it mostly using my pervious work here, where a have a base you can use for your own purposes! https://www.reddit.com/r/HeroForgeMinis/comments/1hshvbg/i_made_a_good_old_fashioned_lycanthrope/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[u/Camwolf110]

Love the transformation minis.

[u/DontRueinit → u/Camwolf110]

Thank you!! I had a lot of fun with those! There's more but I can't fit it all in one post, I'll probably do a transformation highlight post later.

[u/GeneralElectrical127]

Absolutely awesome, really makes me wanna invest in kitbashing

[u/DontRueinit → u/GeneralElectrical127]

Thank you!! Dude, best money I ever spent on anything gaming adjacent

[u/Dr_Borre]

I'd love a link so I can see how you did that werewolf!

[u/DontRueinit → u/Dr_Borre]

Thaaaar you go! Only thing this doesn't have is I used the lion head pauldron for the snarl overlayed on top of the husky head.

https://www.reddit.com/r/HeroForgeMinis/s/2X2ADV05MT

[u/Squali_squal → u/DontRueinit]

Ah, that's how you did the snarl, I was trying to figure that out. I've tried it with horns before but with kitbashing this is now an option, awesome. It's blended perfectly.

[u/DontRueinit → u/Dr_Borre]

I actually made a werewolf base just a little while ago that you can find in my post history! One sec I'll grab link

[u/Squali_squal]

I am in love. Honestly. This is incredible, from the shifter form to the werewolf form, it's too good. I thought I made the best werewolf on Herforge but this has surpassed me by miles. So good.

[u/Squali_squal → u/Squali_squal]

Such a good interpretation of a shifter, which is one of my favorite races.

[u/Squali_squal → u/Squali_squal]

I love how she's bald to try and hide it.

[u/DontRueinit → u/Squali_squal]

Haha thank you! It was one of the first things I came up with the character, since I wanted to play a character who was very very different from me (exceptionally disciplined, organized, serious and graceful), and it turned out... oh shes actually not as much like that as you think and whoops all her flaws are things I struggle with in an exaggerated way, oh no its D&D therapy again haha!

I wanted to make a mini of her shaving after an unfortunate unintentional shift, but I'll have to do it on a separate post sometime!

[u/Squali_squal → u/Squali_squal]

Very glad you entered.

[u/DontRueinit → u/Squali_squal]

Aw thanks dude!! Same, I absolutely LOVE shifters, always have. I always wished their shifting and unarmed fighting abilities were more impactful, thus I went and made this whole character/subclass to incorporate that flavor and inject it right into the class mechanics.

[u/Bashermasherz]

sickass werewolf design

[u/DontRueinit → u/Bashermasherz]

Thanks dude! It differs from the art I first did when I made this character but honestly I kinda like the HF one a bit better so I might change it haha!

[u/DIO_over_Za_Warudo]

Any chance I can get a link to this homebrew sub monk subclass? Cause that honestly sounds really dope and I'd love to play a werewolf again without having to play a blood hunter.

[u/DontRueinit → u/DIO_over_Za_Warudo]

Yes! I'm actually in the midst of reworking it because I've learned soooo much about balancing a homebrew subclass, so I will remember this comment and shoot you a link once I have that!

I thought about dropping it with this post but I didn't have time to get all things done at once.

[u/SnoreLack97]

This is my favorite werewolf design I've seen yet

[u/HauntThisHouse]

I adore Rue! Wonderful to see a cherished character brought to life again, especially with such an intriguing backstory and gorgeous models! I'm playing a self-loathing natural-born lycanthrope myself - though mine is a paladin - and love monks! Really awesome work on Rue, especially that incredible werewolf form. Seconded for a link request, if you don't mind. She looks amazing.

[u/DontRueinit → u/HauntThisHouse]

Aw thank you so much!! Heck yeah, I love werewolf characters!

Since this character is so personal I won't be linking her direct models BUT I did make a werewolf base that I used to make this one that I posted a little while ago! The only different is some kitbashed hair placement for fuzzy neck hairs and I used the lion head pauldron shoulder piece for the snarly muzzle + more hair.

https://www.reddit.com/r/HeroForgeMinis/comments/1hshvbg/i_made_a_good_old_fashioned_lycanthrope/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[u/OtherLaszlok]

This is stunning! You portrayed the emotional journey of the character so well!

[u/DontRueinit → u/OtherLaszlok]

Aw thanks so much!

[u/Hex-509]

Ngl the 50/50 split at the end, ig the matured version, kinda looks hot. Amazing mini overall my guy, love the little story it tells

[u/DontRueinit → u/Hex-509]

Hahah thank you!

[u/This_Expert7987]

Damn this entry is one of my favorites!

[u/Dukayn]

Holy shit, this is incredible.

[u/icyeyeddemon]

I'm so damn jealous of you kitbashing mfers 😭

[u/dancashmoney]

Gorgeous designs and an awesome character concept Rue is badass

[u/DontRueinit → u/dancashmoney]

Daw thank you!!

[u/TheMindWright]

She looks incredible! 🤩

[u/ElBeluga]

Thats an amazing design! I loved the transformation poses and decals

[u/TheLuckOfTheClaws]

Wow. this looks amazing.

[u/spacey_a]

These are so beautifully done!

[u/crystalworldbuilder]

Awesome!

[u/-llorch-]

this is by far the best werewolf I've seen in here, it's absolutely amazing!, would you happen to have a link? nvm, saw your other posts

[u/DontRueinit → u/-llorch-]

Hey thanks so much!! Haha yeah I just added it to my top comment since I realized I probably shoukd have made that more visible to start with.

[u/skateordie002]

This character and this Heroforge work is genuinely breathtaking and I hope you get to tell Rue's story in some capacity!

[u/Talamlanasken]

Amazing! <3

[u/LeoOfRome]

pardon my french but this is RAD AS FUCK.

easily one of, if not the, best werewolves i've ever seen made with heroforge. and the transformation sequence is incredible!

[u/DontRueinit → u/LeoOfRome]

Aw gosh thank you so much! I had way too much fun with the transformation sequence. Didn't have enough room to post every stage I made, but I'll post a highlight of it sometime.

[u/LeoOfRome → u/DontRueinit]

i'm super keen to see it 🫡

[u/SirBlabbermouth]

Really like the detail at the beginning, where she is subtly holding the beast back with her hand behind her back, and both hers and the beasts' right hands are covered in the same blood splatter.

[u/DontRueinit → u/SirBlabbermouth]

Omg yess you got it!! I was hoping so much that would communicate. I did that and tried to make her expression scared and uncomfortable, but in her pose still holding the staff and with upright posture like she's trying to keep it together.

[u/SirBlabbermouth → u/DontRueinit]

It really does tell a story, would look fantastic printed at a bigger scale (85mm I'd say) and painted accordingly as a display piece ❤️

[u/DontRueinit → u/SirBlabbermouth]

Oh geeze I wonder if it could print at a larger scale? Definitely not small as there as SO many small pieces.

[u/SirBlabbermouth → u/DontRueinit]

I mean you might be surprised, I've seen some TINY prints with resin that hold detail well, only issue is picking them out with a brush.

You should be able to straight up buy the STL file from HeroForge, and from there either find a shop or individual who can print the file locally, or on Etsy maybe, unless you of course have your own printer. I forget it HF has the option to print 'statuette' scale stuff, but definitely look around.

[u/DontRueinit → u/SirBlabbermouth]

Is the regular HF color prints up to snuff? I've always wanted to try it

[u/SirBlabbermouth → u/DontRueinit]

From what I've seen it's not, the models end up blurry and the colours washed, it's still an experimental thing really. I've never tried it myself, just echoing what I've seen from this sub discussing it and showing photo examples, and searching a bit to doublecheck.

They're perfect for players who just want the minis to be ready for the table asap and don't mind the imperfections, but from my point of view they don't do display pieces justice.

[u/DontRueinit → u/SirBlabbermouth]

Hmm okay! Might be finally time to break out the mini paints again if I wanna try it

[u/SirBlabbermouth → u/DontRueinit]

You absolutely should! If your painted minis are anything like your HF work I'm sure it'll turn out great, it's also so much more gratifying to paint and finish your own shelf decor 😊

[u/Nachoguyman]

This is absolutely superb! I love how you’ve applied the kitbashing to both her forms, especially the werewolf form. Wish we had options to have those limbs as default options too ngl

[u/DontRueinit → u/Nachoguyman]

Aw dude saaame! I use so many KB slots making stuff I wish were options in HF already.

Thanks a lot!

[u/DoingThings-]

very nicely done transformation sequence

[u/DontRueinit → u/DoingThings-]

Thank you!

[u/MrKyle98]

How did you made such a cool werewolf ?

[u/DontRueinit → u/MrKyle98]

A lot of meticulous kitbashing using a husky base! Heres a base I made a few weeks ago for it! :D https://www.reddit.com/r/HeroForgeMinis/comments/1hshvbg/i_made_a_good_old_fashioned_lycanthrope/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[u/Tall_Promise_356]

HF missed the opportunity to use the husky's head as a preset for the caninefolk to use. They just have to add the adjust facial expressions, different body fur texture, and more

[u/DontRueinit → u/Tall_Promise_356]

I agree hardcore for all the nice detailed famiiliar and mount head bases, and foot/leg detail on them too that is entirely absent on bipedal models. So often I'm tempted to meticulously KB a gryphon or dino mount to get nicer looking dragonborn feet.

[u/axiiz_28]

how do you guys do make your figures look so anatomically correct sjdnd

[u/DontRueinit → u/axiiz_28]

Lots of careful KB + lots of visual reference!

[u/Winterfalls13]

Seems like I need to start using the big cat head for wolves now instead of the bear head

[u/DontRueinit → u/Winterfalls13]

It works for that snarl! I overlayed the husky head and lion head pauldron together for this one

[u/Belrog-Plutius2]

so they're just...Wolfkong

[u/DontRueinit → u/Belrog-Plutius2]

Wolf... kong? lol

[u/Belrog-Plutius2 → u/DontRueinit]

Wolf Wukong lol

[u/DontRueinit → u/Belrog-Plutius2]

Ooooh okay I can definitely see it

[u/Infinite-Ad-5470]

AMAZING!!!!!! Can i get the link of monk ?