Word of advice, slow builds are good but even slow builds have something that "catches" the eye of readers. The first 5 chapters were extremely painful to read. The premise is interesting enough but the prologue started too abruptly and without enough context to keep the reader engaged and intrigued, especially when the art is still in its developmental stages. The people will come stay for the art or for the story. The art is not anything compelling enough to make them stay and although it seems you have a direction you are planning, remember that what you think readers will understand tend to be false. This is something all newcomer writers tend to do thinking its something amazing.
Word of advice, slow builds are good but even slow builds have something that "catches" the eye of readers. The first 5 chapters were extremely painful to read. The premise is interesting enough but the prologue started too abruptly and without enough context to keep the reader engaged and intrigued, especially when the art is still in its developmental stages. The people will come stay for the art or for the story. The art is not anything compelling enough to make them stay and although it seems you have a direction you are planning, remember that what you think readers will understand tend to be false. This is something all newcomer writers tend to do thinking its something amazing.
Looking forward to your progress.