Now that I’m finished with D is for Dragon 3 and D is for Dungeon 2, I’ve been kind of flailing on what to work on next. I didn’t want to get too deep into another Naghatan Fisk book and it’s too early to start Smaugust, so, now what?
Then I remembered this project. 2023 was a bit of a ride and 2024 did not start out easy, but now I’m finally in a place to dedicate some time and attention.
So what’s first?
Well, I’ve done the basic math already, counting the number of studs per panel, overall, and compared the compression per latitude to the lego wall map that I’ve already built (I'll talk about it more in a later post).
So next I need to build a grid and overlay it against the world map, then select which studs are not represented on the globe. There are a few things I need to be careful of.
The globe has a parabolic plate on the poles that takes up an estimated 5 studs worth of the latitudes that are displayed on the wall map. These spaces must be accounted for.
The Lego globe is set up in a series of 16 wedges that narrow as they approach the poles, and I must sort out where those wedges fall on the map to help minimize distortion.
I’m sure there’s more I’m failing to think of or account for. But I’m sure I’ll run into them as I go.
I believe I mentioned before that I was not as happy with the original Dream sketch. It is nice and has a good layout, but it doesn’t tell a story of a ‘dream,” or at least not necessarily one that jumps out to me.
To me, it does say, “potential nightmare” though.
It has good lines leading the eye, it has depth and detail. If you’re in the thief’s shoes, you might be cursing your luck, or praying for salvation.
But none of that said “dream”.
So I put it aside, started a new sketch. Something unreal, maybe? Something slightly disturbing? Part of my problem, I think, is that I don’t really have good dreams. Adding a little fish eye effect to warp the proportions a bit seemed good. Also to make it feel like the trees are closing in on the viewer. Add some whimsy - a giant mouse friend, and a toothy dragon grin that is probably nice but could be menacing.
So this is the final page, and as much as I love it, I’m not sure how well it fits with the prompt word, “Dream”
The original idea was to have a dragon waking up from its slumber to see a treasure thief. The thief’s dream to strike it rich vs the dragons dream to dream whatever dragons dream (more treasure? Finding and squashing stupid thieves? Meeting nice dragons or non-dragons?)
But it’s a good layout. Depth, size discrepancy, telling a story. Argh.
I guess I get to do a few more concepts to see what I come up with.
As part of my resolution to share more of the conversation I have with my art, here’s what went into this one:
I originally conceptualized a mountain temple where some foolish worshippers would attempt to summon the god of dragons, but the result was flat, boring, not well detailed.
So as with many of the Smaugust ‘23 pages, I redrew it. More close up, with his crown like halo of horns. The background of the sketch still wasn’t working so I ended up going with something a bit more abstract.
Nazal the Spiteful is a scourge on trade routes in the Frozen North. Many merchants pay a “toll” to be allowed though. He’s also known to exact vicious reveng e on any who would dare to stand against him.
As winter sets in, the icy ruins of Fabeinsavirki are lined with frost and become home to dangerous ice trolls. Nearby Haugavao has determined the ruins need to be reclaimed and rebuilt to increase the security of the town.
The Unfettered Highlands is often regarded as a dangerous, untamed land. What’s not said is that there are many people that live peacefully in that open land. Mama Plumpkin’s Roadside Respite is one of those strange places that caters to any who come by. No one’s sure where she gets her supplies, and it’s probably better not to ask
With Nankoma has evacuated and the city is almost buried in ash from an erupting volcano, the crown prince Sasaki Iryu needs the royal saddle retrieved before it is gone forever.
Donione is a nation ruled by infernal occultists, worshipping the Xostran the Eternal, a demon that reportedly cannot die. His worshippers claim he will fight any challenger, and the Celestial Host wants to put an end to his rule over Donione, which is where you come in.
The Celestial Host requires a rite of passage to gain their favor, Travel to the Infernal realms where the Pristine Crystals are cultivated and grow, collect a crystal and return. Of course, infernal creatures guard the area, attacking anyone foolish enough to attempt the quest.
Egion has been fighting a desperate war against the united orc tribes of the Dryrock Uplands. In recent months, Warmaster Rhideer has sent offers of peace. General Birlonde has been blocking the messages to the crown and refuses to surrender.
The Canfield Estate is known for tales of hauntings and terror, missing people and a dark past. The old Lord Canfield has died, and the reading of the will will be soon - but only those present for the reading will be eligible to inherit.
Ran’waro has long sought the power to destroy Meyong. One of his prisoners escaped and told a tale of him searching for the Lost Cairn of Miterani, a grave lost in the Meyong mountains said to contain powerful magic that could lay waste to cities by any who found and harnessed it.