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Gigi-FenixPhoenix β€” Commander Shepard Refusal

Published: 2013-02-17 18:18:52 +0000 UTC; Views: 32205; Favourites: 829; Downloads: 305
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Description After a long while I finally finished the next piece of the Commander Shepard series. It was hard. I kept changing the pose and the colors. I thought about having her with a gun, but discarded the option since I didn't want it to look similar to Destory.

I wanted this piece to stand out from the others, so I changed the layout. Since the choice of refusal (firing at the catalyst) isn't quite "canon" and was added later on by BIOWARE, I felt the need to break out of the rules I've set for the series, using a style meant to portray the roughness of the choice. The refusal option is after all a "messy" one, the one that breaks out of the catalyst's game, the one that defies their so called fate. It's the only choice where there's no glint of hope. The one where you just 'hear' about the character's defeat though a message left behind by Liara. "We lost the war," it says, darkening the mood, but perhaps inspiring those that are bound to follow.

To further portray this , I also changed Shepard physically, giving her red hair instead of the usual dark hair. After all, the cannon Shepard is a redhead and, for me, this ending was the one that made the most sense (my most canon). The Shepard I've forged had been breaking the rules from the get go, creating her own path even and spilling blood to do it so. In fact, she had been marching through no man's land, charging down the road less taken, unafraid to face the vast ocean of unknown. So even if everyone ended up dying with this choice, it was inspiring. They went down fighting, choosing to meet their end in their own terms, giving "destiny" or "fate" the middle finger and just letting it be known that they weave their own damn lives. That even though the Catalyst tried to play the part of God, Shepard would never be content to bow down and give up choice.

This piece is meant to represent freedom through refusal. Freedom to live and, yes, to die as well, but in Shepard's terms.

*BTW, the quote chosen comes out of Javik once again. The complete quote (when he's lecturing Shepard) is: "Only the foolish mourn the loss of innocence. It is inevitable. The galaxy has never rewarded the naive."

Splatter/Blood Brush Resources:



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Shepard Series
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[link] Commander Shepard -- Doubt
[link] Commander Shepard -- Resolution
[link] Commander Shepard --Synthesis
[link] Commander Shepard --Destroy
[link] Commander Shepard --Control
Commander Shepard --Peace
[link] Commander Shepard --Regrets
Commander Shepard -- Refusal

BONUS:
[link] Wallpaper

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The Shepard Files
--------------------------
*the first link would be the fanfic, the second the image that goes with it

[ONE] Colonist [link] [link]
[TWO] Colonist/Sole Survivor [link] [link]

[THREE] Spacer
[FOUR] Spacer/Ruthless

[FIVE] Earthborn
[SIX] Earthborn/War Hero
Related content
Comments: 113

Tahiriasin [2015-10-17 20:42:31 +0000 UTC]

This is a breathtaking piece! And I loved your commentary on what it represents and why the Shepard you created decided to take this path. I don't know why, but it was the words that made the drawing even better to me.Β 

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to Tahiriasin [2015-10-31 14:13:32 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for your comment and for reading my own comments on the feeling behind the artwork. I think that, out of the Shepard Series drawings, this one is the one I poured the most emotion into. So thank you for liking it!

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Solidchaos [2015-05-09 18:24:29 +0000 UTC]

couldn't you just Overload the little synthetic bastard and cause the Reapers to shut down?

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to Solidchaos [2015-05-12 17:12:03 +0000 UTC]

I wish, right? At least they included the option to shoot him. Not that it did anything except ensure the destruction of everyone but... will lie if I said I didn't enjoy just pulling that trigger haha.

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Solidchaos In reply to Gigi-FenixPhoenix [2015-05-12 22:40:09 +0000 UTC]

pretty sure we ALL enjoyed it

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to Solidchaos [2015-05-13 14:18:06 +0000 UTC]

Haha that's true!

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ImaLeper [2015-01-08 19:39:24 +0000 UTC]

Brings to mind a quote from War Games. "The only way to win is not to play."

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to ImaLeper [2015-01-12 14:51:17 +0000 UTC]

That is a very powerful quote! Thank you for sharing!

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Lawlessness45 [2014-11-03 22:29:19 +0000 UTC]

This is absolutely beautiful.Β 

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to Lawlessness45 [2014-11-14 15:12:43 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

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goomonryong [2014-06-14 09:41:08 +0000 UTC]

I have a question. When I saw the list of artworks you made I saw one named shepard-peace without a link. Doea this mean you are currently working on a new peace?

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to goomonryong [2014-06-14 13:51:04 +0000 UTC]

Hi! Yes, I am currently working on that one. But haven't been able to get the pose right. I keep re-starting haha. Hopefully I will post it someday.

Thank you for checking out Commander Shepard series and taking interest, btw.

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goomonryong In reply to Gigi-FenixPhoenix [2014-06-19 17:41:59 +0000 UTC]

That is very cool to hear I'm looking forward to it.

I love your shepard drawings my my fav are the refusal and the epilogue one from destroy both the artwork and the qoutes are great.

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to goomonryong [2014-06-21 17:29:50 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for letting me know. It means a lot! And yes, I probably poured a lot more feeling into Refusal and Regrets. Perhaps because those were the saddest. The consequences of a tough decision.

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1Fanfanatick [2014-05-18 00:36:08 +0000 UTC]

well.... she dead

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to 1Fanfanatick [2014-05-18 21:36:01 +0000 UTC]

yep

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DreamSeeker13 [2014-05-01 14:08:53 +0000 UTC]

This is a powerful piece. When death comes for you there's nothing anyone can do. Especially if you don't see it coming. But if you do, you can either cower or hold your head high. Surrender, fight, or accept. It's the final choice, final freedom before the end.

I wish I could say something more thoughtful, insightful, but the power, emotion, I'm left in awe.Β 

πŸ‘: 1 ⏩: 1

Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to DreamSeeker13 [2014-05-01 14:15:32 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much! I know what you mean, though. Is that anger that fuels you when people say you can't do something. It's like you'll do anything to prove them wrong, even if you have to rip your limits to shred and charge beyond.

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DreamSeeker13 In reply to Gigi-FenixPhoenix [2014-05-01 14:37:45 +0000 UTC]

You are most welcome, girl! Β 

So very true. I mean, this piece is putting so many different images and ideas in my head for refusal! It's been a while since I had that. So thank you. I mean that from the depth of my heart.

I've been on a creative juice low lately, but this is getting them flowing them again.

I feel silly. I should have reallyΒ looked at these sooner for many reasons. But I am fixing that now. Expect more comments from me on your other pieces. And over on FF.net. Now I have to ask, your ME fan-fic, does it have any major spoilers in it?

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to DreamSeeker13 [2014-05-01 17:12:44 +0000 UTC]

Thank you. And I've been the same, in a creative block when it comes to art haha. But it will lift someday, I'm sure. As to your question, no my ME fanfic doesn't have any spoilers. They are a sort of "pre-quel" to the first game. What happened to Shepard that led her to the game. They are very short, based on a paragraph you are given to decide Shepard's back story haha. The paragraphs in question for the fics (One Shepard's background) are:

Colonist: You were born and raised on Mindoir , a small border colony in the Attican Traverse . When you were sixteen slavers raided Mindoir, slaughtering your family and friends. You were saved by a passing Alliance patrol, and you enlisted with the military a few years later.

and

Sole Survivor: During your service, a mission you were on went horribly wrong. Trapped in an extreme survival situation, you had to overcome physical torments and psychological stresses that would have broken most people. You survived while all those around you fell, and now you alone are left to tell the tale. The Sole Survivor's unit was slaughtered in a thresher maw attack on Akuze .

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DreamSeeker13 In reply to Gigi-FenixPhoenix [2014-05-01 18:04:38 +0000 UTC]

Awww. ; ;

Creative blocks suck so much. They should illegal--banned from life.Β 

When I have the chance, I plan to review the chapters of OneWinged Angels, the ones I haven't reviewed yet, and your Mass Effect fics. It might not help with the block, but at least, I hope, it will put a smile on your face.Β 

Since no spoilers I will read the ME fic! It might be not game canon, only your take of Shepard's back story, but I'm a lover of back stories. The back stories you create for characters are rich with detail, make your readers care and understand the motives of the characters. I can't to see the history you've made for your Shepard.

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to DreamSeeker13 [2014-05-02 14:29:31 +0000 UTC]

OneWinged Angels... I am so close to finishing it (2 chapters more), but I haven't touched the story at all. Writing an ending to a long story is so difficult. You have to make the ending be worth all the reading, which puts pressure on me haha. Plus, I still need to write the final battle which, in and of itself, is a daunting task. I think that story grew out of control when I decided to add and include so many characters. It sort of took a life of its own.

And I agree with you, I love reading what fanfics of character's backgrounds. Its always interesting to see what another person imagined they were like. I hope you enjoy them!

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DreamSeeker13 In reply to Gigi-FenixPhoenix [2014-05-04 16:03:08 +0000 UTC]

It's always best to allow a story to flow out than to force it. But then again ... just allowing a story to sit and not work through the part you're stuck on is bad, too. Eh, it's one of those things, huh? But I hear you, battles are always "Ugh ... ; ; " to write.Β 

Hm, if may I ask, how long was it originally gonna be?

I'm sure I will! I just need to find the time to sit down and actually read. I swear, there's not enough time in the day for everything!

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to DreamSeeker13 [2014-06-21 17:28:51 +0000 UTC]

It was originally going to be a shorter story (sorry for the late reply), but it got out of hand the moment I started adding new perspectives. I had intended to stick only with Tifa and Sephiroth (it started with only the POVs) and the chapters were shorter, easier to managed. But I felt that the perspectives of the others added a new layer of complexity. I loved writing their perspectives. And I also wanted the readers to learn of the bad guys. How they were made evil, not born like that. I just need to get it together, sit down, and write through the block. But life gets hectic, and it's hard to take a break and write (especially because it's incredibly time consuming).

But I shall try! I never like to leave things unfinished, at any rate. And I'm merely 2 chapters away from the end! (I also want to re-edit that from the beginning. Make it better, but that might have to wait a whole lot more :s, since I'm editing my original story and that's taking forever too).

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Aneksunamun [2014-05-01 12:36:04 +0000 UTC]

Perfect. And so powerful. I wish they gave refusal as much attention as the other endings. Show more of it.

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to Aneksunamun [2014-05-01 14:01:55 +0000 UTC]

I know. I remember my first play through I was trying to shoot the catalyst haha, but I couldn't. When I was in the second play through (after the patch) I noticed that you could intervene renegade style and I shot him. I felt better, even though it did nothing. I felt it was a more instinctive, human reaction. But the ending was still kept very obscured.

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Aneksunamun In reply to Gigi-FenixPhoenix [2014-05-01 14:17:04 +0000 UTC]

I have found an awesome post somewhere on the Internet how the refusal would have looked. A pity I don't remember where. \

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to Aneksunamun [2014-05-01 14:45:30 +0000 UTC]

Maybe you meant this one? Check this out: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwCXnN…

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Aneksunamun In reply to Gigi-FenixPhoenix [2014-05-01 14:58:01 +0000 UTC]

No, it was just a simple comment somewhere... But this is great too! I loved it. Thank you so much for posting this!

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to Aneksunamun [2014-05-01 17:03:40 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure

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SICProwl [2014-03-19 18:56:14 +0000 UTC]

If you get enough war support and choose Destroy you actually get a glimpse of hope though - the only choice that shows such a thing.Β 

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to SICProwl [2014-03-21 14:53:33 +0000 UTC]

Indeed. That's what "Commander Shepard- Regrets" represents. What happens if Shepard survives.

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daduskak [2014-03-16 17:12:15 +0000 UTC]

EPIC ! this is so cool ! I love it ! β™₯

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to daduskak [2014-03-21 14:53:48 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it

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MoFlame34 [2013-11-07 05:36:57 +0000 UTC]

I really enjoy your artwork. This one stands out the most to me. It's simply beautiful.

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to MoFlame34 [2013-11-08 14:16:16 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for your kind words and all the +favs! I'm glad you enjoyed my artwork

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SpiritusPhantom [2013-10-28 23:05:48 +0000 UTC]

So are they naive for believing that they could fight the reapers on their own or because they believed that the solution to this billion year old problem could be solved so simply?

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to SpiritusPhantom [2013-11-08 14:17:28 +0000 UTC]

I think that more than naive, they were desperate. Desperate to believe that they could win this. That the only way out was forward, even if you have to go through a hundredth walls and die trying. Kneeling down, going back... they were worst death sentences.

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JM97GF [2013-10-03 19:46:26 +0000 UTC]

That description made me really think... The art is nice and so is your view on the ending, nice work!

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to JM97GF [2013-10-03 20:12:24 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked this and thank you for reading the description too.

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JM97GF In reply to Gigi-FenixPhoenix [2013-10-04 01:52:38 +0000 UTC]

np

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KAbsous [2013-09-30 19:57:03 +0000 UTC]

I fight for freedom.
Mine, and everyone's.
I fight for the right to choose our own fate.
And if I die, I'll die knowing that I did everything I could to stop you.
And I'll die free.

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to KAbsous [2013-10-01 14:28:30 +0000 UTC]

Cheers to that! I think this is the most badass ending for me. And definitely the most canon one for a renegade Shep (background: Spacer/Ruthless).

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Neavin [2013-08-23 13:47:49 +0000 UTC]

AMAZINGΒ 

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to Neavin [2013-08-23 13:48:51 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Liuthen [2013-07-15 16:32:53 +0000 UTC]

This is a remarkable piece of art. It captures the moment perfectly! You are a very skilled artist. Like HellxKnight said: Never stop, you have a gift.

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to Liuthen [2013-07-17 02:42:03 +0000 UTC]

Aw, thank you so very much for your kind words and encouragement. I'm glad my art touched some hearts out there , it is the highest praise an artist can get.

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HellxKnight [2013-07-15 06:11:01 +0000 UTC]

This has me overflowing with emotions right now.

I am not trying to sound philosophical here, but the purpose of art is to strike emotion into the viewer. It is subjective. This is so poignant and beautifully full of pride.

This hits my emotional home on more levels than I can convey.

Thank you. Never stop.

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Gigi-FenixPhoenix In reply to HellxKnight [2013-07-17 02:43:37 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for letting me know how this piece made you feel. I was very emotional myself when I drew and painted this. I sort of wanted to give the feeling of defiance, release and tragedy all at the same time. Of a bleakness that breaks your heart and makes you ache for the character that you followed through the game and got to mold in a way, like a child, I guess. Anyways thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed my art!

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Orifiel-M [2013-06-25 21:38:43 +0000 UTC]

The emotional impact in your portrayal of the refusal ending is potent and hauntingly beautiful. Fantastic job!

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