Today I’m peeling back the process of creating the illustration of the Great Bear Druid found in the upcoming 13 True Ways book. This piece almost got the cut because I think both Rob Heinsoo and myself may be a little overeager when it comes to the druid class. There may have been a concern that the druids were overtaking the book, but evidently enough balance was restored to keep this piece. This drawing came together rather quickly. Below is my sketchbook page of the druid summoning his Spirit Bear and then a smattering of ungainly goblins. The next stage was done in Photoshop. I arranged the various sketch elements into a composition and added some digital paint. Lee Moyer swung his sorcerer’s wand around and brought contrast and clarity to the image. One thing I’ve learned from working with Lee is the importance of creating a composition that can still read when reduced to the size of a postage stamp, a valuable “big picture” skill that he has keenly developed.
Rob wrote about the druid class at his blog. Here’s an excerpt: “As you’ll see, the druid class is a beast. The challenge of embracing elements of traditional druidic roles (wild healer, animal shifter, elemental magician, summoner, warrior of the wild) became huge fun as I took new approaches (talents defining spell lists and abilities, carefully calibrated summoning mechanics, spell lists tied to specific terrain). It’s definitely the biggest of all the class design jobs. I hope it turns out to be as much fun to play as it was to design.”
Concept Art
13 True Ways Necromancer
It’s a process post for 13 True Ways! I had fun doing these posts for some of the 13th Age core book art about 2 years ago that I called “Behind-the-Illustration”. The first image below is a preliminary pencil sketch in blue and red col-erase pencils. You can see a little thumbnail scribble in blue, top left: 
I added some color and Lich King symbols fused with Archmage emerging from the volcanic rock below her feet before turning it over to Lee Moyer: 
And Lee gave the image an ethereal quality as if the adventurers witnessing the scene can’t be sure if their eyes are playing tricks on them or not: 
Rob Heinsoo wrote a fun mechanic for the necromancer that you can read here.
Also, I’d like to invite anyone interested in 13th Age to consider contributing something to the first issue of a 13th Age Fanzine called ICON that is currently accepting submissions (deadline for the May issue is April 24th). Click the banner below for details: 
Robert E. Howard’s Savage Sword #6
Featuring Dark Agnes: Part 2 adapted by the profoundly prolific writer Paul Tobin with art by me. The extraordinarily prolific artist Francesco Francavilla was at the helm for the art on Dark Agnes: Part 1 in Savage Sword #5, so Aaron McWhothehell?! might be an unpleasant surprise to some. However, I did make an effort to retain consistency with Francavilla’s first part, and one advantage in my favor was that this 3 part tale is the origin story of Dark Agnes. She abandons her oppressive past in Part 1, discovers her “darkness” in Part 2 and …well, I’m not giving away Part 3. Point being, I think the transitions in the 3 parts can handle a little stylistic deviation. But, by all means, judge for yourself. The issue came out a week or two ago, so please pick it up if you like this type of adventure comic. What do I mean by that, exactly? Well, the type that gets a little bloody. But there’s humor here, too, and if it doesn’t immediately come across, I suggest reading it aloud. Agnes has a voice that is distinct from the run-of-the-mill strong woman role, IMHO.
Here are the preview pages from the Dark Horse website:
And here’s another page in appreciation of my blog readers. (Sorry, no text, though.):
Dark Horse gave the blessing for me to show some preliminary sketches, as well:
Finally, the link to the full preview of Robert E. Howard’s Savage Sword #6.
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13th Age Core Book Preview
The 13th Age Core Book is finally available from Pelgrane Press! Buy It Here! The book has been long anticipated by some patient folks (it was originally slated for release in December 2012), but all new to others. The game has been available as a PDF for months, but the official book release was at Gen Con this past weekend. It has been rewarding to see numerous snapshots of the cover pop up on the web posted by people who pre-ordered and received the book by mail. I’ve seen very few pictures of the book’s interior, though, so I thought I’d make use of my blog and post a few shots of what you see inside when you crack that cover. Much of the polish and beauty of the interior can be attributed to Lee Moyer who meticulously art directed the overall design, created the icon symbols and various tiles, and painted many of my illustrations. In addition, Chris Huth is responsible for the stunning page layouts. It’s a $45 dollar book, but at 320 pages and over 60 illustrations, this is a book that even the Archmage would add to his library of mystical tomes.
Here’s a Preview…
Those pictures with my hand may just seem like an opportunity to fulfill my dream to be a hand model, but I’m trying to showcase the Icon Ring that came with my comp. An outer piece rotates and allows the bearer of the ring to randomly select an icon during key moments of game play. A few of the illustrations showcase characters who in some way are representing a relationship that they have with one of the Icons. Buy the book and try to find all the connections…then it’s time to start making up your own! Game On!
The Latest
News! I will be drawing Part 2 and 3 of a 3 part story adaptation of Robert E Howard’s Dark Agnes published in the Dark Horse anthology Savage Sword #6. I stopped by a comic shop yesterday and had to look in the back issues for Savage Sword #5 released in August 2012. Here’s a preview of 5 that includes a couple pages from Dark Agnes Part One drawn by Francesco Francavilla. I’ve been a fan of Francavilla’s pulpy artwork and couldn’t be happier to fill in for him on this adaptation. In addition, the adaptation is written by Periscope Studiomate Paul Tobin! Paul and I went to a Portland dive and smashed flagons of ale over each other’s morions to get in the right frame of mind for this tale. (Maybe I only imagined we did that, because in actuality the book was late to press and I started working on the pages immediately after I got the script. It’s all a blur whether the ale is to blame or not.) I’ve been approved to post preliminary drawings for the story here on my blog, so I’ll get that rolling with a character sketch of Agnes in the forest!
More News!! The Gettysburg Address: A Graphic Adaptation will be released next week! Here’s a link to the listing on the HarperCollins website. There are already some favorable reviews that will become public very soon, but in the meantime may I remind you of the excellent website with videos, annotations and more available at graphicgettysburg.com Below is another process image from the book: Inks to final colors. But I don’t have my comps yet, and if you pre-ordered a book there’s a possibility you’ll get your copy before I do…(I’m making this up, just tryin’ to keep things exciting here at aamcconnell.com…truthfully I know nothing about the distribution process.)
And speaking of printing, I’ve been enjoying these delightful teaser images of 13th Age going to print courtesy of Pelgrane Press. One day I’d like to actually visit a print shop when one of my books is being printed, but I have a feeling printing people like to keep illustrators removed from that process to avoid any unreasonable demands or unnecessary interruptions. These pics, though, are giving me an appreciation of the process from afar. Also, there’s a new review of 13th Age at RPG.net. Spoiler…they like it.
And finally, here’s an illustration I did for a start up gaming company Unrestrained Games. “Orc of the Spires” (aka “Lord of the Flies” since orcs are basically teenage hulks). Thanks for following my blog!
Pixies No 13 Baby
Rob Heinsoo keeps releasing thumbnails for drawings I have yet to finish for 13 True Ways. Makes me nervous, but since it’s already adrift on the internet waves I’m owning it here. Read more about the Murder Pixies at Rob’s blog.
I’m in a state… Pixies No 13 Baby on Youtube
Ronin Revolver Character Designs
I took my time finishing these, but I finally completed this set of character designs for S.A. William’s Ronin Revolver, a samurai/wild west mash-up story currently in development.
Aaron McConnell 