Altian Highlands and More Art!
Aaaaaaaaaaaand we’re back! New week, new weekly blog! This time around, we’ve got… another chapter in Tearna’s Journal! That’s right, we only have two left after this, and then her initial story will finally be complete! Let’s hop in and discuss!
Altian Highlands
Bordering the western Karasi and occupying the northwestern corner of Thericia, the Altian Highlands are comprised of an expansive and rugged mountain range. Unlike Falador, these mountains are mostly covered in meadows and plains with few trees to speak of. The terrain is very rocky on the slopes, and valleys are a common sight, but the wildlife is noticeably tame. There are few predators to speak of, rainfall is semi-frequent, and life is quite peaceful. In this area, life mostly subsists of farmers and a few isolated industries, so it’s quite common to see herds of preet marching around under the watchful eye of their handlers, hence the theme behind this week’s bookmark!
As always, Tearna is spearheading the exploration, but the atmosphere is very different. At long last, the expedition is winding down. The Altian highlands was the final destination on their journey, and now everyone has to contend with the idea that their adventure is nearing its end. To cap off their journey, they meet the various denizens of the highlands, explore some of the life of the local herders, and meet one of the other five Archons! Finally, after departing the highlands, they begin making their way back home, but their final journey will take them through the heart of the Windswept Plains and a thunderstorm like nothing they’ve encountered before.
With this chapter, as usual, I wanted to showcase the life of those in the highlands, especially since it’s such a unique area. The life of the herders is actually quite important to explore given the impact it will have on the main story (It’ll make sense when we get there) and I wanted to touch upon another Archon for a reason. Tandera asks some very important questions, and although she is young, she is quite wise. I would heed her questions very carefully, specifically beyond the obvious. Just what were they worried about that could still be lingering in the ruins of the Eclipse Capital?
The Comic
At long last, the comic IS FINALLY DONE! HOLY COW THAT TOOK FOREVER! I am beyond relieved to have it behind me, even if very few actually read it. From the beginning, it was meant to be a project to help enhance my lineart abilities, and while I did achieve my goal, it took WAY too much time. Unfortunately, this piece fell on the side of “It’s taking so long I’ve lost interest.”
Still, it showcases a critical moment from the Sapphire Verdict for those interested. This piece is taken from the middle of chapter one and showcases an interaction between Sapphiria and Atom. In this, Sapphiria has just woken up from a nightmare, one that plagues her most nights. Atom suggests knocking her out with a frying pan, but the humor is overshadowed by the lingering guilt Sapphiria feels, least not of which is her guilt over what she forced Atom to become. IT’s just a small snippet of the full story, but at LEAST IT’S SOMETHING!
Mawile
I want to keep aiming for new pieces each week, and this time around it was mawile! Mawile is my favorite mega by a mile, and I wanted to do a piece that I felt really captured the essence of mega-mawile; sheer, unbridled, merciless brutality. That’s why she’s sitting on a throne of skulls. Each of those skulls is just another life she’s claimed in the competitive scene. Really makes you see mawile differently, eh?
Conclusion
That’s enough for one week I would say! Next week… I will find something else to blabber about. Maybe I’ll talk about story stuff, or maybe I’ll talk about more art pieces. Until then, stay tuned and find out! Until next time… Cheers!
The Flying Fennec