Outlaw of Liangshang or heroes that were introduced from the Chinese Fiction Novel Water Margin, also had many names or games based off of them, like Suikoden.  Has a total of 108 heroes (36 Heavenly Spirits, 72 Earthly Fiends), with this many characters, it becomes pretty difficult to keep track of each and every one of them.  Not all of them are notable, mighty warriors as some are relegated to logistics, administrative duties, but one thing is common in that they all have pretty fancy titles attached to their names.

While not particularly thrilled about their introduction into this game (same goes for Three Kingdoms and Journey to the West heroes, all of which are their own literary works but somehow all got lumped into Three Kingdom Portal/Event because they are all Chinese?), I got curious as to who they are trying to introduce and which ones are considered Rare / Epic / Legendary.

With the way this game is based, I am surprised not every one of them are going to be Legendary Cards just so SGG can make money off of each and every and single one of them.  I have read the novel, albeit the version I read is kind of abridged, so with each one that got introduced, I tend to try to see if they are ones I have read about or if they are famous. 

I am not an expert on Water Margin, but some of the recent choices that got released are for characters I have actually not read about in the version I heard.  Even more amazed as to how some of them met their end.

3* Liu Tang - The Red Haired Demon.  Died in a battle when he tried to rush through the gates and was crushed by a falling beam.

4* Gu Dasao - The Female Tiger, An Inn/Tavern owner.  Joined Liangshan and acted as one of the lookouts.  Retired as a commoner. Was the only female hero to survive and live out her life in peace.

5* Chao Gai - Pagoda Shifting Heavenly King.  Was actually not one of the 108 Liangshan Outlaws as he died from a poisoned arrow, before they assembled together.  His position was succeeded by Song Jiang.

5* Song Jiang - The Timely Rain. Became leader of Liangshan after death of Chao Gai, eventually had the entire faction of Liangshan submit to / granted amnesty by the Imperial courts.  Died by poison when corrupted officials sent him poisoned wine to consume in the name of the Emperor.

5* Li Kui - The Black Cyclone.  Killed a family of 4 tigers who ate his elderly mother.  Faithful follower to Song Jiang.  Died with Song Jiang when he shared the same poison wine.

5* Shi Jin - Nine Tattooed Dragon.  Expert with the Staff and has Tattoo of Nine Dragons on his body as his namesake.  Started as the son of a village elder, but eventually joined a band of bandits and ended up joining Liangshan.  Died in battle when he was shot by an arrow during an ambush.

5* Wu Yong - The Knowledgeable Star.  Stated as a teacher who was said to show comparison with historical strategists like Zhuge Liang.  Became the chief military strategist in Liangshan.  After the death of Song Jiang and Li Kui, had a dream in which they talked about their deaths.  Died by suicide hanging as he visited Song's grave.

5* Lin Chong - Panther Head - Lance Instructor, leader of Liangshan's calvary. Was stricken with a stroke after the final campaign that eventually caused him be paralyzed and was being cared for by Wu Song.  But eventually died after succumbing to sickness.

5* Wu Song - The Pilgrim - Famous for killing Tiger with bare hands after he was drunk.  Eventually joined Liangshan and their campaign.  Lost an arm during one of the battles that never really allowed him to recover but lived until the end of his life.

5* Lu Zhishen - The Flowery Monk - Originally part of the military, became a monk after he had killed someone while off-duty to hide from his captors.  Befriended Lin Chong and Wu Song and eventually joined Liangshan.  After completion of their final campaign, he died peacefully in meditation.

5* - Ruan Xiaoqi - The Living King Yama.  Fisherman by trade with his brothers.  Joined Liangshan and became one of their naval officers, was one of the few that survived until after the final campaign.

5* Zheng Tianshou - The fair faced gentleman.  Originally a silversmith turned bandit before joining Lianshang, died in battle in the final campaign from a projectile.

5* Xiang Chong - The Eight Armed Ne-Zha.  Originally a bandit. Wields a shield and spear with throwing knives he use as projectiles.  Tripped up in a battle from a lasso from the enemy he was fighting and was cut to shreds before he could get back up.

5* Hu Sanniang - Ten Feet of Blue.  Favoring sabers and lasso.  Was an opposing force against Liangshan and defeated many of Liangshang's generals before losing to Lin Chong.  Died in battle when hit by a magic projectile.

5* Sun Erniang - Female Yaksha.  Originally a tavern owner.  Eventually joined Liangshan and served as a scout.  Died in battle.

Some of these heroes I have no idea who they were and what their accomplishments were until I researched a bit about them, and I am not even sure deserved their 5* status to be honest. At this point, is there any one who is going to be released that will still be assigned 3* and 4* at all?

I tried to give Dawa a whole new look, a little inspired by kitschy works of fantasy art from the 70es and 80es that illustrated so many pocket book covers and science/fantasy movie posters. It got more realistic and colorful than I expected but I was really pleased with the result - it was exactly what I had in mind for her. Photoshop helped a bit with some final touches. 
 

Lots of thoughts. Memories. Expectations.

All the more reason to say a big thank you to everyone involved, especially @ AeroMatix (E&P Forums) !

What now? Let's give it a try.

So here's my first thread. Why? I don't know myself. Nostalgia. To reconnect with old forum friends. Let's see what happens.

What can you definitely expect from me? Sarcasm. And music.

So welcome new forum! Welcome to the new forum! And welcome to my first new thread! Totally off topic.

So, here is my week's artwork!

(Done with SORA; edited on Photoshop)

The poor guy competes with Boots for the "Ugliest Character Award". But wins easily in the "Dumbest Design Contest".

So... There he is!