Saphira

"Saphira Gets In The Spirit!"

Saphira is an original character created by Faz in October 2022.

She is also a playable character in Nexed.

Real-World History
Saphira was created after Faz had a dream about attending an amusement park with his high school classmates. Among the various attractions was a haunted house-like building, at the end of which was a grayscale, faceless ghost woman who visitors could interact with. Upon waking up, Faz sketched what he remembered the woman looking like, which would end up becoming Saphira.

Saphira's backstory did not take particular influence from anything.

Gameplay Information
TBA

Moveset
Queen Cirra hovers above the ground while idle, walking, or dashing.
 * Hover: After performing her mid-air jump, Saphira can hover in the air for a few seconds, being able to perform her aerials and move horizontally.
 * Intangibility: While idle or walking, projectiles will harmlessly pass through Saphira.

Grounded Attacks

 * Jab: Saphira throws a palm strike as if attempting to grab something. Despite this being a relatively weak and low-ranged attack, it does paralyze opponents for a brief moment.
 * Dash Attack: Saphira lunges forward with her arms outstretched, the animation meant to resemble a stereotypical jumpscare.
 * Forward Light: Saphira performs a clawing swipe forwards.
 * Up Light: Saphira performs a vertical corkscrew spin, dragging opponents upwards.
 * Down Light: Saphira performs a crouching shin kick, her body slightly contorting as she does so.
 * Forward Strong: Saphira recoils before suddenly jolting forwards, damaging opponents as she does so.
 * Up Strong: Saphira slightly curls up before uncurling (appearing unnaturally enlongated) and tilting her head upwards as a wave of spectral energy appears above her. A ghostly wail is heard as the move is released.
 * Down Strong: Saphira stomps her foot, creating a burst of spectral energy around herself.
 * Counter: Saphira suddenly vanishes before the opponent is flung backwards by an unseen force. Saphira then reappears.

Aerial Attacks

 * Neutral Air: Saphira spins once with her arms outstretched.
 * Forward Air: Saphira performs a clawing swipe forwards.
 * Back Air: Saphira throws a backwards headbutt, her spine bending to an unnatural angle.
 * Up Air: Saphira sweeps an arm above herself.
 * Down Air: Saphira's body goes limp as she begins falling down, her body having a hitbox.

Grabs / Throws

 * Grab: Saphira lunges forwards. If she makes contact with an opponent, she appears to vanish as the opponent suddenly grips their held, rendered immobile. Uniquely, this grab can be used to grab airborne opponents.
 * Pummel: The opponent grips their head tighter as a result of some mental torment.
 * Forward Throw: The opponent is launched forwards as Saphira rematerlizes.
 * Back Throw: The opponent is launched backwards as Saphira rematerlizes.
 * Up Throw: The opponent is launched up as Saphira rematerlizes.
 * Down Throw: The opponent briefly falls unconscious as Saphira rematerlizes. This puts them in a crumpled state if grounded or a second-long freefall state if airborne (though it will be canceled into the crumbled state if the opponent lands before a second has passed).

Stage Intro
A tree is seen on the stage, with Saphira floating out from behind it. The tree fades away as Saphira enters her battle stance.

Taunts

 * Saphira tilts her head.
 * Saphira solemnly holds her hand out.
 * Saphira bows respectfully.
 * Saphira turns to look at the camera, an eerie droning sound being audible as she does so.

Victory Animations
Saphira'svictory theme is a unique jingle composed for Nexed.
 * Facing the camera, Saphira respectfully bows.
 * Saphira stares into the camera, eerie noises being audible before she suddenly becomes incredibly close to the screen, after which the camera cuts to black.
 * Saphira is seen sitting on a tree branch, tilting her head at the camera.

Colors / Costumes
TBA

Trivia

 * Saphira's moveset was originally made for a private project, having been ported over to Nexed.