Hello, Alien Art Hive/Splinterlands community!
I'm again excited to take part in another week's Splinterlands Art Contest (Week 338) with my last art creation. Drawing inspiration from the enigmatic and powerful beings of the Splinterlands battle game project, I bring you the 'Ferexian Hero.
About the Artwork:
This artwork is a vivid, highly detailed depiction of a mythical warrior with a Minotaur-like appearance. The figure has a bull's head, large, curved horns and a muscular human body clad in ornate, intricately designed armor.
The armor is rich in golden ornamentation, with winged motifs on the shoulders, a lion-featured shield and a powerful staff topped with a brilliant red gemstone.
I used a bold, expressive style using colored pen and ink, creating dynamic textures and sharp contrasts. Using blue for the armor and yellow for the minotaur's face created an interesting visual effect, which is enhanced by stronger linework and fine details. The artwork evokes themes of mythology, fantasy and chivalry, depicting a legendary warrior from an ancient or fantasy realm.
The Creative Process:
Join the Contest:
If you love creating art inspired by the Splinterlands universe, I encourage you to participate in the Splinterlands Art Contest. It's a fantastic way to showcase your talent and connect with a community of passionate artists.
Check out the details of the contest here: Splinterlands Art Contest Week 338
About Ferexian Hero
Vadiax Flamehorn, the redhair minotaur, was born in the slave pens of the Ferexian Empire. He never knew his mother. She died giving birth to him, and his father passed away not long after during a deadly scuffle with the slavers' guards.
Vadiax grew up among the gladiatorial warriors that once practiced the old arena sports. When he wasn't laboring in the quarries or working the fields, he learned all he could from the old fighters. It soon became clear that he was a natural warrior, and he quickly mastered the various weapons that his fellows instructed him on, weapons left over from their gladiatorial days that they kept hidden from the slave masters. And as Vadiax grew, his body became tempered from the daily labors and he became obsessed with dreams of escape.
When the Ferexian Empire settled the Great Lowlands of Praetoria, they brought many of their slaves with them to construct castles and fortifications and work the mines and fields. Vadiax and his companions were relocated to the slave pens of Victory Pointe. Plans of escape continued, and Vadiax consorted with many of his compatriots and teachers. However, when the day of reckoning finally came, they were betrayed by a young minotaur seeking the favor of their masters. Vadiax fled with sixty of his brethren, and they were attacked outside the walls of their prison. The battle was brief but savage, with many guards and slaves dying, but the slaves won through and fled into the countryside.
The slave masters sent more guards and mercenaries after them. Vadiax and his comrades defeated them all. To this day, they continue to help those in plight and deal with any wrongdoers as they see fit. They spend much of their time wandering the wilds but occasionally visit Boulderfist Fort in Diagonloft Pass, where they take shelter and rest between various undertakings.
Over the years, the name Vadiax has become renowned throughout the Great Lowlands. It sparks fear in the hearts of the persecutors and gives hope to all those bound by the will of another. The oppressed, who see Vadiax as a paragon of virtue, call him the Ferexian Hero.
Vadiax looked down upon the slave convoy as it trudged toward the coast. Some had already succumbed to the harsh journey and were being dragged along the stony path by their chains. Slavers rode up and down the line shouting encouragement, and where that failed, they let their cruel whips motivate the helpless captives.
“We should get down there before any more of them perish,” Rutak said beside him.
“They are waiting for us.” Vadiax pointed to high dunes across from them. “Look there. I count at least a dozen hiding in the marram grass.”
Rutak snorted, and the slave ring through his nose lifted slightly. “I will send our reserve forces around to flank them.”
Vadiax nodded and hefted the heavy shield from his back. “They grow brave, these slavers. Maybe a reminder of the penalties for such trade might be prudent. Ensure there are no survivors. I want every head sent back in that cart of theirs.”
Rutak made his way down to where their warriors waited and gave his instructions. Vadiax could hear his deep voice, a low hum lifting to where he waited. A sand fly buzzed about his head, causing his ear to twitch.
“They're moving,” Rutak said, his breathing heavy having hurried back up the dune with more of the minotaur warriors.
Vadiax gripped his spear, and a flame erupted along its shaft. “Then it's time.”
Vadiax's armor glinted in the bright sunlight as they crested the rise. Anger sparked in his eyes, and his voice bellowed across the dunes. “Masters of the slave, today will be your last. Relish your final breaths before I put each and every one of you to the sword. And know that, in death, you will pay for the sins of your overlords.”
With that, Vadiax charged down the dune, his warriors' battle cries following close behind. Shouts of relief came from the ranks of tired slaves, spurring their saviors on. The guards held for the briefest of moments before they turned to flee the mighty Ferexian Hero, dropping their swords and whips and crying out in terror as they went.
Warm regards,
Ruhina