Images for Epic Fantasy -- Notes to Artists
Epic Fantasy Roleplaying strives to distinguish itself from the games out there by unrivalled depth while maintaining elegance and simplicity. Although the game can accommodate any setting, the core rules present an example from a generic fantasy world called Rael. While this world is in general a typically fantasy world it is rich with detail, symbolism, and meaning. Therefore the artwork associated with it should reflect these goals.
Emotion: The dominant motif in the artwork should be emotion. No other aspect is more important. In order to capture the reader's desire to participate in the world they must be drawn into the emotion and drama of the inhabitants.
Reflections: Rael is a world built upon reflection. Externally it is a reflection of our own reality while internally the structure of illusion is confounded by mirrors -- reflections can confound magic and the supernatural. Symbolically the mirror is a metaphor of self perception. We see ourselves in others and their reflection is used to evaluate ourselves. Reflections that do not match the object can come to mean false perceptions -- or fantasy. When presented with an opportunity to play with a reflection, the artist should feel free to explore these concepts.
Doorways, pathways, windows: Another symbol that can draw the reader into the game is a doorway, pathway, or window leading off to somewhere that is compelling, different, or ambiguous. The artwork should encourage the reader to take these journeys.
Architecture, Clothing, Equipment: Although the base concept of Rael is a medieval fantasy world, the artist should not be bound to clothing, art, style, and equipment found in the historic period. Although there will be specific details included for the various commissioned pieces of artwork, you have been enlisted to help in this project because you are a talented professional artist. Your creative ability and imagination are equally important as your technical skill. Let your own sense of possibility infuse the work while keeping true to the setting. However, the world of Rael presented in the first materials, is dark, gritty, and firmly grounded in the possible. Don't create architecture that is patently impossible or impractical. Hand to hand combat weapons that outweigh the wielder and similar non-sensical creations are not encouraged. You don't need to change everything -- just enjoy working with the details.
Dirt, Grit, and Beauty: Typically Fantasy presents unmarred heroes and voluptuous women. The Rael setting needs to have a stronger core of possibility. As a general rule, people shouldn't be beautiful or clean. Each image should reveal the tale of the road behind as well as the road ahead. This is how we convey the challenge to the reader. Women will not dress for the boudoir while fighting on the battlefield.
