The Art of Erebus

Illustrations & Graphics for games

Category: Characters

  • The Butcher of Kings

    The Butcher of Kings

    First lieutenant of the Shadow Lord known as the Crimson Conqueror, the “Butcher of Kings” was previously
    known as “Kardek the Red.”

    He was a bloodthirsty and ruthless warlord who adored violence and battle to the extent of always placing himself at the center of every conflict, regardless of his own safety. This drew the attention of the Crimson Conqueror, who bent his already corrupt mind to his own will, granting him immortality and power over blood, war, and violence. Thus, transforming him into his greatest general, the “Lord of War,” who leads his armies to spread the will and corruption of the Crimson Conqueror everywhere.

    His mere presence incites people to the most depraved violence, bloodthirst and rage. This not only makes him into a formidable leader and adversary, but also into a whirlwind that sows discord, division, and strife all around him. And, of course, this pleases the Crimson Conqueror because where there is violence, discord, and strife, he and his power thrive and find new slaves to dominate.
    He earned his nickname when he began to flay the skins (and souls) of all the greatest Kings and Emperors he defeated on his path, weaving their faces into his garments. From those same tortured souls, he draws some of his powers and immortality.
    (for the Shadow Lords RPG: www.shadowlords.net )Show less

  • The Crimson Conqueror

    The Crimson Conqueror

    This work is for my narrative universe, called “Shadow Lords”, and its homonymous RPG ( www.shadowlords.net ). It’s my personal cosmic-fantasy project rooted in myths, urban legends and ancient beliefs. Based on similar figures from literature and music, this Shadow Lord embodies the primordial concepts that gravitate around war, domination and violence.


    THE CRIMSON CONQUEROR:


    “Amidst the blood and flame and dread,
    The Crimson Conqueror rises, undead.
    His very name brings men to their knees,
    As he spreads his foul disease.
    From the depths of man’s own mind,
    The Crimson Conqueror shall find,
    The darkest fears that he can bind,
    And rule them all, unconfined.”
    – Old Assyrian poem


    – “I am the blood that flows through your veins, the conqueror of your dreams, the emperor of your nightmares.I am the pulse of every war, the blood of every conquest, and the fire that burns in the heart of every man. My reign is eternal, my power absolute, and my conquest never-ending” – From the book of the Crimson Conqueror


    My notes on the Crimson Conqueror are scarce, as even the mention of his name sends shivers down my spine. What I know for sure is that he is a being of immense power, with control over the forces of war, destruction and chaos. His influence over his lieutenants is total, and they carry out his every whim with ruthless efficiency.
    “The few sightings of his minions suggest that they are not of this world, nor are they bound by the laws of nature. Their very presence causes madness and despair in those who witness them, and those who survive their attacks are left forever scarred, both physically and mentally.
    I heard whispered rumors that the Crimson Conqueror seeks not just to conquer the physical world, but also to dominate the minds of all living beings, twisting their thoughts and desires to suit his own. Whether this is true or not, it is clear that his power is far-reaching and nigh-unstoppable.
    I had the opportunity to examine one of the Crimson Conqueror’s thralls, a twisted and malformed creature that seemed to be part-man, part-machine. Its very essence reeked of death and decay, and its eyes held a malevolent intelligence that chilled me to my core. I could not help but wonder what other horrors lay in wait, under the control of the Crimson Conqueror… the more I learn about this being, the more I realize how little we truly know about the nature of human evil.” – Dr. Landon, investigator of the occultShow less

  • Guard speedpaint

    Guard speedpaint

    Fast painting for a minor character card for the upcoming boardgame “Extraction”, from Flooded Basement Games LLC.

    This is part of 30 different small and fast paintings I did for the minor character cards in the game. In fact they all have a somewhat “unfinished” look, because they needed a bunch of low-budget and fast (but still with a good impact I hope) illustrations for their cards, in a tight time frame.

  • Tribute to Sergio Leone: the Good the Bad the Ugly

    Tribute to Sergio Leone: the Good the Bad the Ugly

    My personal tribute to my favorite movie: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (Il Buono, Il Brutto e il Cattivo in italian), of SERGIO LEONE.

    Starring:
    Clint Eastwood as the Good (or Blondie)

    Lee Van Cleef as the Bad (Angel Eye, Sentenza in italian, translated Sentence, a much better name for the character)

    Eli Wallach as the Ugly (Tuco)

    My preferred Quote:
    You see, in this world there’s two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.

    Enjoy my personal interpretation of the ending scene duel, the “triello” (triduel? Dunno the english translation for it).

    tribute_to_sergio_leone_by_erebus74-d31akgw