Checkmate

**Checkmate** is a Limited S-Tier Costume for the Sculptor, Galatea Claude. It was introduced as part of Season 12 Essence 2 (during the Manor Athletic Games event) and it gave Sculptor for free with the Costume.

The costume's essence was obtainable between August 13th and September 30th, 2020.

## Appearance

### **Physical**

Galatea's skin is sickly white. King chess pieces are stuck on her cheeks. She wears black lipstick. Her hair remains white as per usual though it is now styled into "ramshorns". Her eyes remain entirely black.

### **Outfit**

#### Main

When equipped Galatea dons a long, ornate a-line dress, black in color and embellished with golden stripes and chess motifs. On the front of the dress is a wide white ruche, followed by a black and yellow checkerboard pattern which sits on her chest. Surrounding the white ruche are two strips of gold which reach to the end of the dress. Galatea’s dress has mutton-style sleeves which are adorned with golden stripes and are ruffled at the cuff. She can be seen to wear a single black glove on her left hand. She also wears an ornate gold headpiece inspired by a Medieval Crispinette. It is ornamented with black and white beads and several large, black gemstones.

#### Wheelchair

Her wheelchair is now entirely gold and embellished with ornate depictions of vines and chess pieces. On the back is a glowing amber-colored emblem followed by the word “Chess” beneath it. A dome-shaped gold birdcage hangs from the left side of the chair’s headrest where an IV bag would usually be seen in her default skin. It is also upholstered with crimson red cushioning which covers the backrest, seat, and armrests of the chair. At the end of the right armrest sits a golden chessboard which has 3 black chess pieces and 2 white pieces placed on top of it.

### **Objects**

#### Weapon

Galatea’s chisel is changed to a silver dagger which has a black handle with an ornate curved hilt.

#### Statues

Her statues are now tall, black and white chess pieces shaped like the Queen piece; having crowns and distinct hourglass figures.

### **Special Effects**

Glowing Golden Feathers emits from the gold birdcage hang.

## Concept/Design Notes

**Design Notes**

*There are always shadows under the sun. "CHECKMATE", a former genius chess player, fell into a pathological paranoia after a career-related defeat. This genius chess player even developed a hallucination, hoping to turn everyone into pawns that she could manipulate at will to complete hes unfinished game. After the glory, the genius is so proud that she becomes a control freak.*

*The character's image comes from the QUEEN in chess. The character imagines herself to be a real queen and dresses up as a medieval queen. The wheelchair is also decorated like a throne. Unable to face the regret of losing, she draws from her fantasy all the time.*

*The costume is a variation of the more common medieval royal female costume. The color scheme is mainly black and white checkerboard colors, with the addition of gold. The decorative patterns and jewelry are also heavily decorated with chess pieces, and all the pieces of the chess game can be found on her body, representing her control of the game. On her chest, she wears a gold tournament badge of her own making, showing her confidence and paranoia about winning.*

*The wheelchair is a combination of a throne and a wheelchair, and the decorative elements are basically in the style of a chessboard and chess pieces. Under the seat, on the wheel and on the back of the chair, the tournament emblem is also carved. A golden bird cage hangs on the back of the chair, and she herself looks like a bird locked in it by her obsession. The original carving table has been replaced with a chess board, so she can play a game anytime and anywhere, even if she has difficulty with her legs.*

*In her hand is a dagger with a PAWN handle, paranoia makes her aggressive. When she cannot control her emotions, she will frantically use the dagger to stab the board and even her opponent.*

*The original statue is also designed as the image of QUEEN in black and white. The two statues together will become a more ornate image of QUEEN with a golden pattern.*

**The first version of the sketch**

*Overall too magical, lack of realistic sense. Also, it is difficult to associate the chess board with chess except on the wheelchair. The character is also drawn more mature, not quite like a little girl.*

**Second version sketch**

*Still relatively lack of chess elements. The costume style is a bit monotonous, and the layers are not enough. The makeup is not good enough.*

**The final version of the sketch**

*The gold color lacks layers and looks a bit heavy. The color needs to be a little lighter.*

## Trivia

* When Endgame Check is equipped, the accessory will be on the chess board.
* The B-Tier equivalent of this costume is Pawn.

## Gallery

* In-Game
* Official Art

### Appearance Decoration Menu

Checkmate In-Game Model Front ViewCheckmate In-Game Model Back ViewCheckmate In-Game Model Left ViewCheckmate In-Game Model Right ViewCheckmate Entrance Animation.Checkmate Idle Animation.Checkmate Press Animation.Checkmate costume changes to the Chisel.

### Concept Art & Icons

"She is waiting for the next challenger on the throne. Your bargaining chip is in your life. So what's your next move?" - Checkmate English Concept Art (Twitter)Checkmate Chinese Concept Art (Weibo)Checkmate Card Sprite
### Promotional Art

"Those who can control the chessboard, fence pointing in-line, swim like a mermaid or fight like a soldier, are the clear winners in the manor." - Season 12 Essence 2 Poster (Twitter)Announcement Poster of CheckmateHaha, looks like a chess piece.
How on earth do we proceed from here?
If I could give you one piece of advice, would it be to not look forward?
Please be careful not to checkmate from behind.
Thanks to Ms. Shino @shn\_ttyV for the 3rd anniversary illustration. (Twitter)International Museum Day 2021 Artwork (Twitter)Global 5th Anniversary Artwork by @raion\_tetete (Twitter)
### Merchandise

Season 12 Essence 2 Merchandise Announcement (Twitter)Sweets Paradise 3rd Anniversary Café (Twitter)
### Trailers

Identity V - The ChampionshipSeason 12 Essence 2 Trailer (YouTube)
## References

1. ↑ Checkmate Design Notes - https://m.weibo.cn/detail/4539718409398115