Hmmm, you mean you're actually progressively rendering this image's final state as you go from head to feet, trusting the lineart to be infallible, rather than working the whole thing over in stages, fine-tuning as you go?? That's a very odd way to do it; a workflow that leaves no room for changes without massive back tracking. I'd be afraid to ever do that, for fear that a better idea would strike me mid-process and I'd be compelled to alter the pose or something. But, we all work the way we like to, so more power to ya.
Speaking of the pose. It's bothered me since this thread appeared. It's so passive and looks neglected in the planning stages. He's got that gigantic blade, but looks more like a stable boy hanging onto it for his knight master while he relieves himself in between duels. He has no confidence. I'd like to see him in a battle pose - sword raised, ready to deliver a strong blow to an opponent. But, that's just me again.
All in all, the way your shading this character is beautiful. Great colors, tasteful dithering, etc. Have you tried little speculars on the armor yet? The armor feels flatter than the face. Is the pelvis armored? That bit or armor above the groin looks uneven - the two protrusions tracing down along the upper thighs are different lengths.
