I am glad you like the Wyrm Guard tree, I was curious if anyone would go down that tree as I predicted most would stick to the Ranger or Brood tree. I am also glad the overall response for the tree additions have been positive.
The original idea was to use the BOF spell animations; however, ripping them was a nightmare, and most of the graphics were unusable from the cutting floor (where I also ripped them). The stock Rpgmaker graphics have a bit of a stigma about them because they are overused, so I tried to use a animation set that I was higher quality and wasn't overused. Also I kinda blame Pixel Remaster games on steam because I was playing them at the time and they did something similar.
It is a good question. Go into your menu and click the Formation button and keep pushing left or right to see your entire party. The first 4 slots are the characters that will be shown on the map walking and you will be fighting with.