CRYSTAL - a Dragon Age x Rapunzel Project
This project started as an idea to adapt the Rapunzel fable into the Dragon Age universe as if it could be a DLC or quest to do in the game eventually. I'm a Fantasy and Dragon Age fan plus Rapunzel is my favorite fable so this was a blast.
It is supposed to be set in the Tevinter Imperium, a country in Thedas (Dragon Age's World).
I wanted to work on this place because I loved its aesthetic and saw an opportunity to extend it as it hasn't been seen in any Dragon Age game yet (even though the next game is suppose to take place there). So because of that there wasn't many references, except some architectural and costumes references from some places in DA:I or the Art Book.
My main idea was that a Magister on the run would isolate himself to pursue his research on lyrium on an elf named Crystal (after the plant "Crystal Grace") so far that he would succeed implanting lyrium into her hair as well as her skin and would make of her a powerful lyrium source and fighter.
It is supposed to be set in the Tevinter Imperium, a country in Thedas (Dragon Age's World).
I wanted to work on this place because I loved its aesthetic and saw an opportunity to extend it as it hasn't been seen in any Dragon Age game yet (even though the next game is suppose to take place there). So because of that there wasn't many references, except some architectural and costumes references from some places in DA:I or the Art Book.
My main idea was that a Magister on the run would isolate himself to pursue his research on lyrium on an elf named Crystal (after the plant "Crystal Grace") so far that he would succeed implanting lyrium into her hair as well as her skin and would make of her a powerful lyrium source and fighter.
The main character Crystal. I did a turnaround for an eventual 3D modeler. For her tatoo I tried at first to go for an elven influence but then mixed it up with a Tevinter aesthetic (bold and sharp angles).
Iterations of her hair as it is the main characteristic of a character inspired by Rapunzel. One hair for when is in the tower, the other when she is free.
I imagined we could see her trough 3 stages of her life. Also she wouldn't be taken as a baby in the tower like in the original tale, but as a teenager. So at the beginning she is still living in an elven household, then gets enslaved by the Magister.
Some outfit research of what she could wear during her life in the tower. She's a slave but well treated, because she's precious to the Magister and he wouldn't want her to try to run away.
Outfit research for when she would be out of the Tower.
Final Designs. I wanted to emphasize the fact that she re-embraces her elven origins in the last design, where she is free of the Magister.
The "prince" from the original tale. In this story he would be a bounty hunter, finding the tower by following the trails of the Magister.
Final Design. I wanted to give him a "wandering knight" kind of vibe.
Quick hair research. I went with the red because I think it enhance his red and baggy eyes. Also I wanted his scar to be visible.
Quick outfit and staff research. Still keeping the Tevinter aesthetic, as well as adding lyrium to his staff.
Environment around the Tower. 3D, photobash and painting. It's normally not that cold In Tevinter, the Magister froze the area as well as the river with his magic to deter people from discovering the tower and come by boat.
The entrance of the Tower. I did the interior in isometric to save time, as I feel it easier to place items and furniture that way. no 3D used.
2nd floor, storeroom which Crystal is forbidden to enter.
Last floor, the Magister's room and laboratory. This is where he does his experiments.
This was one of the first drawings I made to put me in the mood and ambiance of what I wanted to make, as well as explore Crystal's character. Calm, serene.