Community Bulletin Board #4 - Under the Eclipse

[h2]The Full Wolf Moon marked a new beginning for The Blood of Dawnwalker, now entering its launch year.[/h2][p][/p][h3]In this month’s bulletin, join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how the new key art for The Blood of Dawnwalker came to life![/h3][h3][/h3][p]This new key visual is fundamentally about Coen and his identity as a Dawnwalker. His right arm is holding firmly a sword that reads “Peregrini Aurorae”, the Dawn’s Pilgrim, a fateful omen paired with a balance, symbol of equilibrium and justice. His left arm, scarred with magical runes, defies the laws of nature and leads into a forbidden realm.[/p][p][/p][p]However, the starting point of this artwork was actually different – it began with Vale Sangora, a place nestled within the Carpathian Mountains. Its panorama, in a palette of warm oranges and with a striking eclipse – a symbol of Coen’s duality, the clash between his human and vampiric side – became the background for Coen and set the tone for the entire piece.[/p][p][/p][p]Concept art by Damian Bajowski[/p][p]Taking a closer look at the background, you can spot details such as the Svartrau Castle and the Cathedral, two important locations that the players will discover in Vale Sangora. For a sneak peek into the cathedral, make sure to watch the Gameplay Overview Part 2 video from last year, where you can see these high towers and grand stained glass windows from up close![/p][p][/p][p]With the Vale Sangora vista ready, the focus shifted to Coen. His journey is shaped by his actions – by your actions as a player – so it was crucial to choose the right pose. “I wanted something dynamic, natural, and exciting, while subtly showcasing Coen’s vampiric nature through the silhouette,” said artist & designer Wojtek Fus.[/p][p][/p][p]Before sketching, Wojtek explored a variety of dynamic poses and action references to define what would feel the most believable and expressive. “I did a simple and slightly funny photoshoot of myself, acting out different movements and gestures. Feeling the motion in my own body helped me see how weight shifts and tension naturally appear mid-action, which was crucial for avoiding stiffness and finding poses that felt alive and natural.”[/p][p][/p][p]Final cover – made by Wojtek Fus, in cooperation with Bartłomiej Gaweł (art direction), Ricky Ho (background), and Mateusz Ferenc (graphic design)[/p][p]After many iterations, first in 2D and then 3D, and extensive work on detailing and polishing, it was time for the final stage: focusing on the expression and storytelling. “Coen is captured mid-fight, focused and determined, with his iconic vampiric eye glow pushing the intensity,” adds Wojtek Fus. But that’s not all you can notice in Coen’s gaze – there’s also doubt, hesitation, and uncertainty about who he is and what he can become…[/p][p][/p][p]To close this month’s Community Bulletin Board, here’s a question from our Discord: [/p][p]What are the tattoos/runes on Coen's arm? Some form of a magical leash or a conduit to cast spells? [/p][p]- A conduit is a good way to call it. To cast magic spells in this world, you must carve runes into your body to allow the magic to "flow through". Their uses vary from offensive, defensive, or even investigative, such as the Compel Soul spell we unveiled in Gameplay Overview Part 2.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]