I created this illustration of a group of adventurers exploring a mysterious artifact in the wilds, for Drintera by Shewstone Publishing, a new “rules neutral” fantasy setting in a magazine format. I was given pretty free rein from the publisher, in creating a group of characters exploring the wonders of Drintera. Only rule was I had to create characters I can repeat in later illustrations, so I did a bit of character study too for it (attached). I wanted to create a diverse team of adventurers, while also keeping it close to the iconical RPG references, but with my own take/tastes. They decided to use it also for the cover of their kickstarter, which you can subcribe to here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shewstonepublishing/drintera-fantasy-ttrpg-world-2025
I’m excited to share my latest illustration: a detailed map of the enchanting world of Drintera®, created for Shewstone Publishing! ( https://shewstone.com/ ) I painted the map with careful attention to the writers’ indications and their hex-based sketch map. My goal was to blend a sense of realism with the classic RPG aesthetic and conventions, making sure that each hex presents a unique biome and/or highlights a single significant location. I even designed a custom frame to align with the Drintera® logo, enhancing its fit for the page layout. From the publisher: “Drintera® is a fantasy realm inspired by heroic mythology and the whimsical dream logic of myths. Adventurers here are not just characters; they are exceptional beings seeking achievement and glory.” Dive into the world of Drintera® and let your imagination roam!
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 Shattered Lands of Eldravine, conceal secrets and marvels in their strangely-warped landscapes. A testament of scars left by ancient magical wars and wonders alike. The world of Eldravine itself, was created ages ago by an “artistic” Shadow Lord known as “The Maker”, as his ultimate work of art, something that would rival the work of Gods, and that eventually transformed himself into a God. However, the Maker’s own existence came to a catastrophic end centuries ago, when two mighty empires guided by sorceror kings, clashed in an apocalyptic magic war. After wretching and warping the landscape, people and animals of their respective lands, they ended their war in a catastrophic magical explosion that shattered both the Maker and the land itself. After many centuries, Eldravine’s wounds have healed, and its inhabitants have forgotten much of their past. The Shattered Lands are thus full of wonders and terrors alike. Ancient ruins of previous mysterious civilizations exist beneath thriving cities and trackless wilds, concealing long lost secrets, powers and dangers. Armies march everywhere, and heroes rise and fight for a multitude of civilizations and city states, who grew over the ruins of fallen realms. But darkness looms now over Eldravine, taking the form of the ominous Crimson Conqueror. A ruthless Shadow Lord, who sent his lieutenants – the Butcher of Kings, the Lady of Fear, and the Lord of Death – to reave and enslave the whole planet. Heroes are thus called to arms to fight this menace, recovering the mystical fragments of the shattered Maker’s essence, the wondrous “Shadow Echoes”, buried deep into the ground, ruins and even some creatures of the world, waiting for those brave or desperate enough to harness their reality-warping might… A map for the SHADOW LORDS rpg ( www.shadowlords.net ) upcoming campaign: The Black Dogs of Eldravine #SHADOWLORDS #RPG #FANTASYCARTOGRAPHYShow less
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
This is one of the pieces I did for Monte Cook Games for Numenera – Technology Compendium: Sir Arthour’s Guide to the Numenera (www.montecookgames.com/newest-… )
The piece is without background since it’s an illustration for the pages of the manual.
I will show more pieces in the next days, now go buy the guide if you are a Numenera fan!
A piece I drew fast (4 hours initially) for a Portuguese professor that has done an article on my work for boardgames and asked if I could do a piece on Portugal. So I draw the Tower of Belem (with reference, both because It was not pratical to draw it without, and because I was full of other works and so I had to do the piece in a hurry), and a marauding dragon on it: it was a long time I wanted to do a piece on dragons.
In the end, I retook it for another 2-3 hours of corrections to correct the left wing and refine a bit more the dragon (since I had not the time to detail the dragon initially).
Anyway, enjoy it, I had fun painting my first dragon, and while I’m satisfied on how his head comed out, I will surely do better the next time!
This is one of a lot of illustrations I’m doing for Numenera and The Strange. I’ve been given permission to show a couple of them. For the rest, wait for the products to be out
This is one of two maps of Anubia, the main setting of the tabletop RPG “Shadow Lords” ( shadowlords.net )
This map is the normal political view of Anubia. The year is 1450 AD, the Roman Empire controls the world thanks to its Calephs, the magical Stones that control the Veil, created by the Profet Steno (some say he stole their secrets from the Temple of Jerusalem) and donated to Julius Caesar that then used them to found an Empire that would stand agains the Shadow of this world of darkness…
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