Delta Warriors

Kris:

Kris is a human teenager with amber-colored skin and shoulder-length brown hair. A couple of stray strands of hair stick out at the back of their head, and their ears are often visible from the sides. Kris's bangs are somewhat messy and typically swept to the left, which casts a shadow over their eyes. In certain circumstances, Kris's eyes can glow bright red, such as when one of their eyes flash,[72] or when they descend into a Dark World. Kris's clothes consist of a lime green, long-sleeved shirt with a horizontal yellow stripe, as well as a brown collar and nondescript brown pants and shoes. Their skin and shirt colors are the default colors in Microsoft Paint.[73]

Kris battle idle.gif Kris's idle animation in battle In the Dark World, Kris's skin turns cyan blue, and their hair changes to a dark navy shade. Their normal clothes are also replaced with silver armor, which makes them resemble a knight. This includes a set of pauldrons on their shoulders, a cuirass for their upper torso, two cuffed gloves, and a set of silver boots. In addition to the armor, Kris gains a navy blue armless bodysuit, and a pink cape[69] (also referred to as a mantle[70] or an ascot[74]) that drapes across their right shoulder. The shading for their skin and armor is also used for their cape, which gives the illusion of blue stripes in a few of their sprites, reminiscent of Frisk's shirt from Undertale. Kris's Dark World visage is also similar to Varik from the Brandish series, which Toby Fox has noted as an inspiration for his projects.

From the player's perspective, Kris often has a blank, neutral expression, and they tend to be still in cutscenes. Their stillness is often used for comedic effect, as they can suddenly become very mobile and perform a wide variety of movements; this includes dance moves such as a pirouette or the kozachok. During some non-scripted actions in the overworld, Kris's actions are only conveyed by narration than as an animation.[75]

When Kris is about to, or has ripped out their SOUL, they usually slouch and face towards the floor, causing their hair to conceal their face. Some of Kris's animations are more fluid in this state, and they display occasional bursts of movement such as leaping forward or swinging a hockey stick. Kris is capable of walking normally when their SOUL is removed, though it is significantly slower than their typical stride.[76] In this state, they can become exhausted easily. When devoid of their SOUL for too long, Kris changes to a sick, greenish color, and physically becomes sluggish, frail, and unable to walk. After regaining their SOUL, Kris's skin returns to its usual color, though their physical exhaustion persists.[77]

Kris is quiet and introverted.[78] Their reticence causes others, such as Susie, to be more observant of Kris's body language to gauge their reactions.[20][79] Despite their quiet disposition, Kris has a proficiency in flirting, though they don't normally use it for romantic purposes.[80][81] Kris tends to speak in a "deadpan, mumbly voice", which causes others to occasionally repeat what they say.[82][83] However, during the events of Deltarune, Noelle notes that Kris's voice sounds unusual, as if it was "on speaker".[45] On the Weird Route, she notes that it is unrecognizably different from Kris's voice.[84]

Kris is not normally energetic. They have a history of not waking up on time, and often sleep through the start of class.[85] Kris also prefers someone else getting them to and from school.[86][87] Over time, they grew increasingly distant from their few friends.[88][89] Kris's side of their and Asriel's shared bedroom is also strikingly bare; the pair's game console rests underneath Asriel's bed, Kris's old children's books are stored in Toriel's classroom, and there is nothing on their shelves. It is implied that Kris enjoys reminiscing on their childhood, and that they are unsettled by the thought of growing up.[90]

Kris screenshot defending Susie.png Kris protects Susie from King without the player's input As the story progresses, Kris begins to disobey some of the player's prompts or choices that they dislike or do not agree with. Kris can do so by relaying the chosen prompt in a different tone,[91] covering their mouth, coughing, or not doing anything at all.[92] They are also shown performing actions independently of the player's control, even while the SOUL is in their body. This includes protecting Susie from King and the Sound of Justice, drinking juice with her in church, or kneeling to comfort Ralsei in the 3rd Sanctuary.

Kris has a strong interest in knives, and this has seemingly been the case since they were very young; if Noelle is given the AquaKnife, she refers to it as "nostalgic". [102] Their internet usage also reflects this, as they've searched for "sharpest kitchen knife jello", and unconsciously click on ads for making knives out of spaghetti. During the events of Deltarune, Kris is shown wielding knives in a more serious capacity, such as using one to make a Dark Fountain. Kris appears to have a specific attachment to a certain knife, as they seemingly carry it everywhere,[103] and Toriel refers to it as "YOUR knife".[104] It is also heavily implied that Kris still possesses this knife in the Dark World, but has chosen not to use it thus far.[105]

Kris enjoys playing the piano, and they have searched for tutorials to play video game songs.[106] They are proficient, as Toriel and the nurse praise Kris's skills.[107][108] During the events of Deltarune, Kris is typically unable to properly play the piano while under the player's control.[109] Kris still has an interest in playing the piano, as they can play piano renditions of several songs from the Deltarune soundtrack in Noelle's house, and has a negative reaction to the "I'll never play again" prompt in Chapter 4.[110][111] In the Dark Sanctuary, they manage to play a version of Don't Forget on the organ, despite the player's presence.

Kris favors sweet food, with Toriel's butterscotch-cinnamon pie being their favorite.[112] They also thoroughly enjoy chocolates, as they always sneak one unprompted from a box of Heart Candy,[113] and prefer a hot chocolate to have "melted candy bars".[114] Additionally, Choco Diamonds heal Kris significantly more than other party members.[115] While they are separated from the player in Noelle's house, they can be seen mixing together chocolate syrup and milk; they then proceed to gulp this mixture down all at once.

Susie:

Susie is a tall, teenage reptilian monster with lavender purple scales who is implied to smell "kinda earthy and smokey".[2][3] She has thick, messy and long aubergine hair that goes below her shoulders, with her bangs often swept to the right. Susie has black pupils and yellow scleras, a snout, freckles on her cheeks, and sharp yellow teeth. Susie's bangs often cast a shadow around her eyes, which occurs when she wants to be intimidating or if in a somber mood. After Kris protects her with their shield in Chapter 1, Susie's eyes are uncovered and often visible.

Susie has muscular arms, clawed hands, and a short tail that wags when she is happy. She is embarrassed by the latter,[4] and refuses to let others see or acknowledge it.[5] Susie's reaction to Jevilstail indicates that she would rather not have a short tail.[6] Her Light World attire consists of a royal purple unzipped long-sleeved jacket,[7] a white shirt, light blue torn and baggy jeans, and a pair of black shoes.

Susie battle serious.gif Susie's rare serious expression In the Dark World, Susie's scales change to orchid purple, and her hair is dark plum colored. Her clothes are replaced with a sleeveless Dark Jacket[8] with purple-trimming, a sleeveless dark purple shirt, a black belt with a golden heart buckle, dark plum trousers,[9] and black boots with golden soles. Around Susie's wrists and triceps are sets of black bracelets with golden spikes.

Susie overworld sheeh.png Susie's "Sheeh!" pose when surprised Susie is transparent with her emotions, which is reflected during cutscenes and in the midst of an encounter. She often makes an exaggerated expression and pose when angered, surprised, or amused. Some of these sprites occasionally depicts Susie's sclera and teeth as white instead of yellow. Certain Susie poses are also references, such as her "Sheeh!" pose, which originates from the Osomatsu-kun manga, or performing a team fist pump pose similar to Crono's victory pose in Chrono Trigger. Susie's dance also resembles Linus's dance from the Peanuts TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Susie appears to be left-handed. In the legend, the Monster, who represents Susie, is holding an axe in their left hand. Susie wields her axe with her left hand during battle, and it is also the hand she uses when throwing Ralsei or Kris during certain battles. Despite this, she destroys the Last Prophecy tapestry with her right hand in Chapter 4.

Susie is outspoken, rude, sarcastic, brutally honest, and quick to insult.[10] She is selfish and rebellious, tending to protest or favor her own interests.[11] At times, she threatens with physical violence, occasionally as a joke.[12] In a Dark World, Susie generally has no qualms with FIGHTing Darkners unless she is friends with them.[13]

Susie screenshot eye reveal.png Susie bravely stands up to King after saving Kris Despite Susie's crudeness, she is gentle and mindful to those who are kind to her. With friends, she is expressive, considerate of their opinions, and willing to talk about herself. Susie enjoys being with her friends, and often favors teasing them. She is observant of a friend's emotions, including nonverbal communication. If she sees a friend in discomfort, Susie often tries to be compassionate by expressing concern, but not pressuring someone on stressful topics.[14] Susie is also loyal, readily wanting to assist a friend if they are in danger or troubled.

In general, Susie enjoys childish antics and causing mischief. This ranges from dressing up as a box,[15] wanting to enter a freezer,[16] or chasing Maus on all fours.[17] She likes compliments, and is easily flattered. Susie enjoys receiving gifts, and is possessive of items given to her.[18] She is occasionally particular with items, as she dislikes wearing ribbons, and will refuse to wear them before obtaining the Red Ribbon in Chapter 5. She also can and will refuse certain equipment choices, such as having armor removed[19] or re-equipping Mane Ax.

Susie is gluttonous, as she often talks about food, wants Ralsei to make food for her[20][21], and even complains if Ralsei is given Dark Candy.[22] She eats almost anything, such as chalk,[23] and she reacts positively to the non-food in her refrigerator in Ralsei's castle. Susie favors moss,[24] Darkburger,[25][26] marshmallows,[27] Phanta, and peppermint, such as the Light World version of ReviveMint. She also drinks milk that Alphys leaves in the alley,[28] though Alphys believes her to be a cat she named "MewMew".[29]

She seems to fall asleep easily, as Ralsei's Sing instantly makes her sleep. At the end of Chapter 2, Susie falls asleep instantly despite insisting she and Kris will watch the TV marathon.[30]

At the start of Deltarune, Susie has low self-esteem and is aware of her faults, such as being selfish and struggling academically. She can also occasionally project her traits onto others.[31] Susie is initially convinced that no one likes her,[32] and is oblivious to Noelle's crush on her.[33] Due to constantly dealing with past stereotyping, false friendships, and frequently moving, Susie resorts to feigning being aloof and distant.[34] Her facade includes putting a menacing front, and often arrives to school late.[35]

As the Chapters progress, Susie grows more confident in herself, and begins to embrace her role as a hero from the prophecy.[36] She also begins to realize her potential, value the friends she has,[37] and reluctantly admits that she is becoming okay with being "soft" due to Ralsei's influence.[38] She still remains her determined, forceful self, however--after learning of the prophecy's ending, Susie remains defiant, adamantly claiming that she will not let it happen.[39]

Susie tends to be vulgar, swears frequently, and occasionally speaks informally.[40] Her casualness includes referring to others as a "dude" in a gender-neutral sense.[41] Susie's dialogue tends to have words in uppercase letters for emphasis, or extra question marks and exclamation marks to reflect her confusion.[33] When writing or typing, Susie occasionally makes typos.[42][43]

Years prior to Deltarune, Susie had moved to many different towns before moving to Hometown. In one of the past towns, she once tried to play the public piano at the town's plaza, but was prevented from doing so.[44] That night, Susie returned to the plaza and vandalized the piano by smashing it.[45] She has attended at least one other school.

In Hometown, Susie attends the same class as Kris, having arrived as a new student at some point. At an unspecified time after Susie's arrival to Hometown, Toriel found her crying at the graveyard's bench, to which she took Susie to QC's Diner, bought her a hot chocolate and comforted her.[46] Susie is close to being expelled from school due to unknown past incidents[47] and is feared among her classmates as well as by Alphys, due to her bad behavior and threatening appearance. Monster Kid described her as "creepily" watching them and their friends playing handball on one occasion; when the ball rolled over to her, she kicked the ball as hard as possible at Undyne's car.[48]

It is vaguely implied that Susie has had a rough home life. Her reaction to her room in Ralsei's castle implies she is unfamiliar with the concept of having her own room,[49] and her tendency to eat pretty much anything even remotely edible could indicate she has been living off of whatever scraps she could find for an extended period of time. Susie also does not contact her parents when being asked to do so by Toriel. Her aggressive disposition, then, could be a byproduct of said home life. In Chapter 4, interacting with the easternmost tenement building prompts her to describe it as "boring" in an attempt to deflect Kris's attention, implying she lived there. This is implied again more firmly in Chapter 5; when Susie asks Kris to walk her home and they bring her to the same tenement building, she responds with "Kris, y'know...that's not really what I meant, right?"

Ralsei:

Ralsei is a short monster-like[5] Darkner. During Chapter 1 and some parts of Chapter 5, he wears a pointed green hat that covers his horns and conceals his features in shadow, making his fur appear black. The tuft on Ralsei's head and the tips of his ears are unkempt, and his two fangs peek in front of his scarf. Ralsei wears round green glasses, a pink scarf, and a long, green robe with a black heart in the center, and the lower sweep appearing tattered. His arms are usually hidden beneath his robe, so in battle, his scarf sometimes acts as an arm and can lift his hat to use an item. Occasionally, he reveals his arms and the robe's long green sleeves, such as when using a spell.

When Ralsei removes his hat, his face and body resemble the members of the Dreemurr family, such as Asriel[6] and Toriel.[7] He has white fur, with an unkempt tuft on top of his head, two floppy ears, pink horns that point inward in his overworld sprite and outward for his hatless face sprite, and paw pads that he deems adorable.[8] When Ralsei's glasses are off, his eyes are visibly pink-colored with detailed eyelashes and what appears to be pink eyeshadow. Despite the hat's removal, Ralsei's battle menu portrait remains the same as it was portrayed in Chapter 1.

Ralsei battle serious.gif Ralsei's rare serious expression Starting in Chapter 2, certain details of Ralsei's robe change. His arms are no longer hidden beneath his robe, which now has long black sleeves, and the lower sweep of it appears uniform rather than tattered. The emblem on his chest appears to change from a heart to an inverted spade, with the latter matching Temmie Chang's early concept art. This element is only present on some of his sprites, with most of his in-battle sprites and some of his overworld sprites reverting to a heart emblem. Ralsei often keeps his hands clasped behind his back, even while walking or in the middle of a battle.

When DOWNed in battle, Ralsei disappears, leaving only his clothes on the ground. This is not the case when fighting Flowery in Chapter 5 where instead of disappearing, he kneels defiantly.

Personality Ralsei is kind, considerate, and quick to apologize if he thinks he has upset someone.[9][10] He is also gentle and believes that FIGHTing is unnecessary,[11] favoring pacifism in battles[12] while leaving the final decision to Kris.[13] However, he himself makes an exception to this rule if an enemy is inherently hostile and cannot be SPAREd.[14] Ralsei is humble, as he does not expect to be chosen over others[15][16] and bows to everyone when ACTing.

Ralsei overworld group hug.gif Ralsei hugging Kris and Susie Ralsei is affectionate, and loves both giving and receiving hugs. He once hugged the Dummy to "test it out",[17] can perform Heal Prayer with a hug[18][19] and ask Kris to hug him instead of the Dummy.[20] Being complimented[21][22] or given affection easily flusters him, and he is often self-conscious,[23] citing this as the reason he concealed his face.[24]

Ralsei is somewhat naive and innocent, as he readily forgives King when he feigns surrender,[25] but learns to not always be so trustful of others after King's ambush.[26] Ralsei is also responsible, as he encourages Susie and Kris to do their homework and emphasizes the importance of education.[27] If tasked with unfamiliar situations, he prefers to read instructions.[28]

Ralsei overworld angry stomp.gif Ralsei showing a rare outburst of anger Ralsei is usually reluctant to get angry, but sometimes may show mild irritation.[29] At most, he appears disappointed when Kris or Susie act mean. Consistent unjust treatment can cause Ralsei to become openly resentful[30][31] and jealous,[32] to the point of lashing out at and attacking Flowery.[33] However, even in his resentment, he retains his kindness. His attacks are intentionally aimed to avoid hurting Flowery,[34][35] and after Flowery is slashed by the Knight, Ralsei desperately attempts to heal him despite knowing it is futile.[36]

Ralsei cares immensely about his friends, and is willing to protect them with his life,[37] and to take any pain on behalf of them.[38] He also supports others establishing friendships, as he favors helping Lancer despite his status.[39] Believing that his purpose is to make Kris and Susie happy,[40] Ralsei initially worries that his opinions or desires that do not directly benefit others are "selfish".[41] This guilt leads him to leave his room in his castle unfurnished,[42] as he thinks that there is no reason for him to have anything personal.[43] He also considers friendship to be a responsibility he cannot fully fulfill as a Darkner,[44] which brings him sorrow, yet he views even this sorrow as selfish.[45]

However, it is shown that a part of Ralsei has always disagreed with these worries, making him express so-called "selfish" wishes and opinions as early as Chapter 1.[46][47] Ralsei greatly appreciates Susie reassuring him that he deserves to have his own room,[48] and later confesses to Kris that he feels as though he is developing his own opinions, likes, dislikes, desires, and fears.[49] When Kris reassures Ralsei that it is acceptable for a Darkner to feel this way, he becomes happy[50][51] and takes this sentiment to heart, later repeating it to Pink.[52]

Ralsei overworld dress spin.gif Ralsei dressing up as a princess In Chapter 5, Ralsei happily decides to make his room his own, despite never previously considering what he wanted it to be like.[53] Ralsei also begins to recognize some of his own preferences, such as liking his own voice,[54] and explores new ones by trying different drinks[55][56] and wearing a dress to experience being a princess.[57][58] Additionally, he is shown to be defensive to criticism of his appearance,[59] which he had previously considered the main thing he liked about himself,[23] and expresses displeasure towards wearing his hat to hide it.

Although Ralsei initially claims that he does not have any interests or hobbies,[60] he engages in various activities for Kris and Susie. Ralsei enjoys baking cakes for them[61] and is embarrassed by how much he likes the taste when he first tries his own cake in Chapter 4.[62] Ralsei is also capable of sewing, and suggests Susie to crochet team scarves.[63] He appears to enjoy music as well, and is fond of his own voice and singing.[54] For example, Ralsei sings a few notes of The Legend, is capable of playing the piano,[64][65] and is heard humming Dark Sanctuary.[66]

Ralsei shows an interest in written content. He writes a Manual for Kris and Susie,[67] appears protective of it,[68] and places copies in both Kris and Susie's rooms in the hope that they will read them.[69][70] Ralsei also works on reminder manuals[71] and immediately contributes to the freely editable CYBERPEDIA when he discovers it.[72]

Additionally, Ralsei is fond of dressing up[73][74] and enjoys playing video games with Susie to the point of forgetting about everything else.[75][76] He also appreciates gifts, as he cuddles a plush if Kris gives him a gift in Cyber City, which causes him to want more plush toys.[41]

Knowledge Ralsei screenshot introducing SOUL.png Ralsei introduces Kris to their SOUL Similarly to other Darkners, he is very knowledgeable about the Dark World, and has some knowledge of the Light World as well.[77][78] At times, Ralsei informs of gameplay mechanics such as the SOUL's function,[79] Controls,[80] Recruits,[81] knows which equipment can be given to other party members,[82] and reminds Kris to SAVE.[83] Similarly to Flowery, he is also knowledgeable about character stats,[84] icons,[85] the Config menu,[86] and the encounter UI.[87]

Uniquely from other Darkners, Ralsei is capable of sensing a "dark presence" from Dark Fountains, which often motivates him to transfer into another Dark World on his own,[88][89][90] and of sensing the Knight's presence.[91] He has complete knowledge of the prophecy,[92] though he did not choose to bear it.[93]

Aware of the prophecy's tragic ending, Ralsei makes efforts to prevent it from happening by only disclosing select parts of the prophecy and being kind,[94] informing Kris in Chapter 1 that kindness may change the outcome of their adventures.[95] When he discovered that the prophecy tapestries within the Dark Sanctuaries remained unchanged despite his efforts,[96] he became overwhelmed with stress and hopelessness,[97] finding it difficult to feign a smile to hide his fears.[98] His hope is renewed by Susie at the end of the Chapter.[99]

Ralsei overworld praying.png Ralsei praying In Chapter 5, Ralsei is shown to remain stressed due to the prophecy's ending, as he prays for its change and mercy[100] every chance he gets.[101] Ralsei is also terrified of the consequences of not following the "rules",[102] but is unable to answer what he wants to accomplish by obeying them.[103]

Speech pattern Ralsei initially refuses to curse, often being hesitant to do so or replacing vulgar words.[104][105] He also refuses to say Susie's team name.[106] In Chapter 5, Ralsei becomes somewhat more comfortable with swearing, hesitantly attempting to say "badass"[107] and finally saying Susie's team name.[108]

When faced with absurd situations, Ralsei sometimes ends the interaction by saying "Okay".[109][110][111][112][113][114] Ralsei occasionally uses British or Australian English words such as "lift" to refer to an elevator,[115] and "fancy" or "chuffed" to refer to liking something.[116][117]

Battle Systems:

Health: If all enemies in a fight reach 0 HP, they’ll be defeated and the party will grow stronger - but that enemy will never become a member of Castle Town.

ACT: Actions that a member of the Delta Warriors can use to increase a Mercy bar’s percentage. However, each option costs TP.

TP (Tactical Points): Gained from the item Tensionbit (Two TP in any fight), grazing enemy attacks, and defending.

Mercy: The Mercy Bar indicates an enemy’s willingness to attack, starting at 0 and increasing with each ACT. Once an enemy reaches 100% on the Mercy bar, they can be SPAREd by any member of the Delta Warriors to end the fight.

Tired: If an enemy is attacked enough times or hit by a spell that induces tiredness, they become Tired and can be spared using Ralsei’s spell, Pacify.