Oridum Graybrow needed more than soldiers for his expedition. He needed those who could read fault lines, sense the magic buried deep beneath the crust, and trace the signatures of forgotten power. The sages who answered his call, serpentine scholars from Sskah Den, offered exactly that.
They follow in a quiet rustle of cloth, murmuring spells, measuring fissures. They see patterns in the ash, meaning in the magma, and in every eruption, a whisper of Praetoria’s secret.
They report what they want Oridum to know. The rest, they keep for themselves.
Because when the fires die—and the conclave with them—the sages of Sskah Den intend to claim the secret of Praetoria for themselves.
Comic Title: Forked-Tongue Sage: The Curse of Emberfang
Panel 1: A Whisper in the Shadows
Caption:
"Deep in the Emberfang Marshes, a forbidden ritual begins." Lizard mage in red robes, glowing staff, summoning magical energy in a dark swamp, glowing runes on the ground, mist swirling, fantasy comic style, ominous atmosphere.
Panel 2: The Eyes That See
Caption:
"His eyes glimmer, reflecting the secrets of the arcane." Close-up of lizard mage's face, green scales, glowing red eyes, intricate golden staff, swirling magical particles, dark red background, fantasy comic art, intense gaze.
Panel 3: The Summoning Begins
Caption:
"With a hiss, the incantation flows." Lizard mage raising his staff, magical circle glowing beneath him, sparks flying, claws outstretched, swamp background, floating lanterns, mystical energy
Panel 4: A Rift in the Sky
Caption:
"The sky splits open, fire rains down." Fantasy swamp landscape, rift opening in the sky, glowing magical vortex, lizard mage casting a powerful spell, lightning crackling, dramatic clouds, epic comic scene.
Panel 5: The Shadow Beast Appears
Caption:
"A creature of flame and shadow steps forth." Giant shadow beast with flaming eyes, towering over the lizard mage, swamp on fire, magical sparks everywhere, fantasy comic art, dramatic perspective
Panel 6: The First Strike
Caption:
"He must strike first… or perish." Lizard mage launching a glowing fireball from staff, dramatic action lines, magical energy swirling, swamp burning in background, fantasy comic style, intense colors
Panel 7: The Battle Rages
Caption:
"Claws meet spells, fire meets fury." Epic battle scene between lizard mage and shadow beast, fireball explosion, magical shockwaves, dramatic comic book art, glowing tattoos, dynamic pose
Panel 8: A Desperate Counter
Caption:
"The beast’s strike is faster than the eye." Lizard mage hit by a dark energy blast, flying backward, magical barrier cracking, swamp trees shattering, dynamic comic action style, intense expressions
Panel 9: The Price of Power
Caption:
"His body burns, but his will remains strong." Lizard mage kneeling, staff glowing with magic, smoke rising from his robes, determined expression, intense eyes glowing, background with magical symbols, fantasy comic art
Panel 10: The Last Spell
Caption:
"With a hiss of finality, the curse is sealed." Lizard mage casting a final spell, magical explosion forming a seal in the air, beast trapped inside glowing rune cage, swamp glowing with magical energy, cinematic comic style
Panel 11: The Calm After the Storm
Caption:
"The swamp lies silent once more." Lizard mage standing in the ruined swamp, glowing staff resting on the ground, moonlight shining down, soft fog rising, fantasy comic art, peaceful atmosphere
Panel 12: A Warning Left Behind
Caption:
"The Forked-Tongue Sage leaves a mark for those who dare follow." Close-up of magical rune glowing on the ground, lizard mage's claw above it, eerie glow in the swamp, dark red background, fantasy comic style, final panel dramatic close-up
The Splinterlands Art Contest is a wonderful opportunity to display artistic talent and engage with an inspiring community. With this comic, I hope to honor the rich storytelling of Splinterlands and express my love for illustration. I invite you to explore my interpretation of the Forest ox and their adventure.
I'm thrilled to begin this creative journey alongside the Hive community. For me, art is more than just making it's about building connections. I'm excited to meet fellow creators, fans, and anyone who believes in the power of imagination and expression.
Thank you for welcoming me into this vibrant community. Let's inspire and uplift each other through the universal language of art.
Warm regards,
Rifat