"Hello-- this is the first portrait for the "wall gallery" that we talked about.
Name: (Lady) Ruby Thornecroft – a teenage prequel to the Queen of Hearts
Class: Barbarian / Warlock, Archfey Patron- The Cheshire Cat
Complexion: Fashionably pale
Eyes: Amber yellow
Hair: Black and hard to tame, small pink streak from her patron that she tries to hide
Height: 5’-10”, somewhat stocky build
Backstory: 1860’s England to social-climbing tea merchant parents, shipped off at 6 to the Feywild to be raised “like a lady” by a great aunt Duchess. Currently attending Strixhaven University, which her parents are not aware of.
Personality: Impulsive, short-tempered, naïve, entitled. But also loyal and a hard-worker when it suits her interests.
Interests: Gardening, tea and biscuits, training playing cards to do her bidding, croquet, world domination 😉
• Has a fey cat familiar named Crumbs. Frequently has cat scratches on her hands due to the terms of her warlock pact.
• Main weapon is an oversized croquet mallet (wasn’t able to create this exactly in Hero Forge)

Hero Forge model: www.heroforge.com/load_config%3D51146635/
Pinterest Board: www.pinterest.com/jerusha16/ruby-thornecroft/

Wish list: If possible, I’d like her to be posed as if for a formal portrait, as opposed to a candid scene. If you can get a monogrammed “R” somewhere on her clothing or background, etc., and one or two hearts, that would also be great, but I understand if that’s asking too much. Whether or not Crumbs or her croquet mallet make it into the drawing is ok.

Thank you and please let me know if you need more info!"

- Erin

Meet Lady Ruby Thornecroft, a bold and fiery noble from an alternate 1860s England, blending aristocratic elegance with a touch of Feywild mischief. Erin, the client behind this commission, envisioned a teenage prequel to the Queen of Hearts—an impulsive and ambitious warlock wielding an oversized croquet mallet and accompanied by her mischievous fey cat, Crumbs.

The Initial Concept

Erin provided a detailed backstory along with HeroForge references and a Pinterest board to shape the vision for Ruby. The request was for a formal portrait style, capturing her aristocratic presence while incorporating elements of her Wonderland-inspired lore.

Reference & Inspiration

To ensure Ruby’s character felt cohesive, Erin provided multiple references, including HeroForge models, fashion inspirations, and thematic elements that tied into her Feywild upbringing.

Planning

When planning Ruby’s portrait, I wanted to strike a balance between her aristocratic refinement and the untamed, mischievous nature that sets her apart. As a teenage prequel to the Queen of Hearts, she needed to exude both elegance and rebellion—someone raised in high society yet deeply influenced by the Feywild’s whimsy and unpredictability. My goal was to visually convey that contrast in both variations.

Her posture and expression were key elements in capturing this duality. A formal portrait setting would emphasize her noble upbringing, but the details had to hint at the fiery spirit beneath the surface. The monogrammed "R" and subtle heart motifs reinforced her aristocratic lineage, while the inclusion of Crumbs, her fey cat familiar, added a layer of playfulness and unpredictability. The oversized croquet mallet—a symbol of her defiant, combative side—needed to be prominent without overshadowing her poised demeanor.

The background and color palette played an important role as well. I envisioned soft, ethereal tones to highlight her Feywild origins, creating a dreamlike yet regal atmosphere. At the same time, I wanted to contrast this with bolder elements that reflected her warlock pact and impulsive nature. With these ideas in mind, I developed two variations that would showcase different facets of Ruby’s character.

Variation Choices

With all the details in place, I created two unique variations, each highlighting different aspects of Lady Ruby Thornecroft’s personality and story.

The first variation embraced a traditional portrait approach, setting Ruby against a soft, floral Feywild backdrop that reflected both her noble upbringing and whimsical nature. Her refined stance, the subtle monogrammed “R” on her chest, and the warm color palette reinforced her aristocratic background while maintaining an air of mischief. The composition captured the essence of a young noblewoman who, despite her regal appearance, harbors a rebellious streak.

The second variation leaned into Ruby’s fiery warlock side, enhancing her commanding presence with bold checkered patterns and a more intense expression. The oversized croquet mallet was made more prominent, emphasizing her battle-ready demeanor, while Crumbs, her ever-watchful feline companion, exuded a mischievous glow. This version accentuated her combative edge, making her feel like a force to be reckoned with—an ambitious and untamed spirit bound by neither courtly etiquette nor Feywild tradition.

Final Adjustments

Erin loved both versions but leaned towards Variation 1 with one small request: swapping the croquet mallet for the larger version in Variation 2. This final touch solidified Ruby’s commanding presence.

"You did a great job with both of them, especially getting all the little details in and capturing the "oil painting" look with the textures of the clothing. There are things I really like about both, but I'm leaning towards the first one (with the Feywild background and the more haughty expression.) If you would be able to trade out the croquet mallet for the larger version in the second variation, I think we're good to go. Crumbs is adorable!
Thank you!"
- Erin

The Finished Portrait

After finalizing the requested adjustments, the completed portrait of Lady Ruby Thornecroft was ready! With her intense amber gaze, battle-worn yet refined aesthetic, and the ever-watchful Crumbs by her side, she perfectly embodies her fierce and whimsical character.

Client Feedback

Huge thanks to Erin for trusting me with this commission! If you're thinking about getting your own character brought to life, feel free to start your custom portrait today.