Repost from Pelgrane Press Announcements

February 21, 2020May 5, 2021 | Aaron McConnell

The following is a repost from Pelgrane Press Announcements as described by my art director Rob Heinsoo:

A funny thing happened on the way to the Crown of Axis arena. Wade’s request for a cover image featuring two powerful female gladiators had been executed in style by Aaron McConnell: 13Age_CrownofAxis_MockUP_A original sketch

For a change, Aaron decided to hand-paint the piece, old school instead of digital. That turned out to create a delivery problem. At first, the paints wouldn’t dry. Well, they dried a bit, but the yellow was taking a loooooong time. Then Aaron’s scanner tech couldn’t pick up the colors he’d painted with properly. Neither could Aaron’s photos.

EaselView-scaled drying on the easel

So Aaron went over to Lee Moyer’s house, since they were working together on a different project and Lee has a Serious Scanner. And if you know Lee, you know Lee’s super-power—he had suggestions. They got the piece scanned and then worked together on the paints, turning a high-noon situation into an evening showdown. Aaron held onto the piece for another couple weeks, but he has overcome separation anxiety and is calling it done!

13Age_CrownofAxis_NightPainted_A-scaled Crown of Axis cover by Aaron McConnell, with paints assist by Lee Moyer

Counting down from 20…19…

May 10, 2017 | Aaron McConnell

13th Age products are going on sale for 20 days at bundleofholding.com, and for the occasion I’m posting 20 pieces daily that were drawn mainly for the core book or 13 True Ways. Most will include the original pencil or charcoal art, but I plan to sneak in some other unpublished drawings along the way. The sale started yesterday, so here’s No. 20 (a victorious half-orc gladiator) and No. 19 (a levitating, meditating monk), both from the core book.

Let the games begin!

August 24, 2012 | Aaron McConnell

Axis, City of Swords…capital of the Dragon Empire, one of the 7 Cities. Axis is a city of wonders, military power, and martial competition. Gladiatorial games, skirmishes between noble houses, and staged holy wars hone the fighting spirit of an empire built on conquest. –Text from the 13th Age Playtest

I think the comparison between gladiatorial games and Kickstarter is appropriate. “All or nothing” in both cases. The creative team behind 13th Age, myself included, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for an expansion book, 13 True Ways. Even though the 13th Age core book is in the post-production stage and won’t be available until after the Kickstarter for 13 True Ways is finished, despite the outcome, the core book is guaranteed to be an object of desire. So, please consider assisting the creative team in their pursuit to expand the 13th Age universe. 13th Age has been a a labor of love for all 4 collaborators, but we’re at a crossroads and need the financial support to keep it going. Thanks for your consideration. I hope you can join me in exclamation, “I am Spartacus!”

Sincerely,