How Design and Story Influence Art
This piece of concept art, by Stephen Daniele, was a truly collaborative piece and has gone through multiple revisions. It started with the ideas that the statues could have been part of a large promenade that led to the citadel at the base of the volcano. That is where a closer look at the lore introduced the idea that they were part of an ancient culture that had harnessed the power of the volcano using it as an energy resource.
That idea led us to contemplate; if this ancient race of monument builders were able to harness the power of the volcano, what were they like? What imagery and symbols would appeal to that society? Perhaps Dragons and Succubi!
But these powerful, ancient people’s legendary society flourished during a time long past. Now, the statues are in a semi-ruined state, cracked and somewhat broken up with rock caked around their bases. They are standing in the lava because they have been there since before the lava flowed freely from the volcano. So what would compel adventurers to traverse the dangerous landscape?
Riches beyond imagine.
What if this area was the only source for rare resources? Obsidian, diamonds, rare metals not found elsewhere in the land! What if some, very rare resources could only be gathered in extremely dangerous areas, like a lava field?
One thing we are confident of, is that resourceful players will find a way.
Richard “Lord British” Garriott
Always glad to see some concept art!
This is a truly evocative and outstanding piece. It immediately brought to mind a certain someone whose name begins with an ‘M’.
I also liked that you gave a shout out to lava fields, which just ties it back to the original games.