Messer Rat: character concept illustration

This is a visual development project focused around the character of the Messer Rat. an ongoing personal project and a chance to take myself through the visual development process. whether it will become a final finished project, who can tell, but I hope so.
Returning from war hoping for peace, he finds his home destroyed and his family gone. He begins a journey to seek revenge against those that destroyed his home. At the end he must face the great serpent Nyss, but not just for revenge, but to protect a kingdom and save the heiress who is destined to bring order and just rule to that land.