'The Dragon Catcher' by Heathcroft
Contains nudity
Content Advisory!
This artwork contains mature content: nudity.
Description
Not wanting to use arrows and spears (or lasers) I wanted to devise away of bringing the dragons down, and I chose rope and wire. I split the project up into several manageable chunks.
The whole thing came together in a large Photoshop CS file of 45 layers at 2,600 x 2000 pixels. (85mb). I have reduced the dimensions here, but it is still quite large for screen at 1680 pixels wide so please zoom in to see details!
Anyway, permit me to let Count Tyrannus set the scene....
"Yes My Children, 'What is occurring?' I hear you cry?
For although I am at constant war with the Baron of The East (who resides in the Dark Tower across the Royale Baye of Grouveille) sometimes it is in both our interests to join forces against a common enemy - the feared Northern Blue Dragons of Garnsea.
For these dragons invade us like swarms of flying ants in the early Spring when the tides are at their highest and neither of our armies can muster on the great Long beach that divides The Castle from The Dark Tower. So there is, by mutual agreement, a lull in hostilities.
We have developed a unique method of defence against these powerful dragons, as arrows and spears just bounce off the dragons' armour.
Here, Viann'ah, my comliest and most athletic Dragon Catcher, swings out from the Castle belfry, secured by a long rope, and throws a noose around the dragon's neck.
The loose end is secured to a long wire that is hauled via a pulley fixed to the top of The Baron's mighty catapult and thereby by more ropes to many strong soldiers who haul away until the exhausted dragon comes tumbling down to drown in the sea beneath.
Again and again Viann'ah and her Sisters in arms repeat this stunning feat, and are swung back to safety by the many eager hands of the Castle Guard.
How we cheered when the great beasts writhed and fell from the sky! How the soldiers and slaves gathered along the Castle ramparts to admire Vianna'h's athletics and (no doubt) her comely form!
This, then, My Children, is a picture of this exciting interlude in our ever changing life here at The Castle, visualised by my artist slaves as they lie awake at night screaming and writhing in their narrow cots. "
(Excerpt from the Chronicles of Count Tryannus, Lord of Castle Tyrannus, as related to his faithful servant Seaglemus on his deathbed.)
This is the 45th episode in The Castle Chronicles, the whole of which is at 'The Castle'
All comments welcome - I really appreciate your support!
Dave
Previously....
"The Moth Problem"
Comments (160)
ascript
This is totally awesome! ;)
popeslattz
Great scene. The work you put into it really shows. I drew a similar scene years ago, but never got around to painting it. I really like the dragons.
eres
You seem to do a huge and excellent stuff and lol...What a studio on your homepage...
clam73
fantastic action scene....the colors are stunning.....super poser here Dave!!
Kelena
great work:)
Shirahime
Excellent!
debz
Fantsatic scene! Great detail and colour!
Amethystwolf
Very dramatic, great work!
DRAKELOT
Fantastic my friend
blankfrancine
Fantastic creation! 5++!
marcopolinski
Fantastic colors and composition!!! Excellent!!!
Zazou
Truly excellent ! Just love the colors and light !
JeffG7BRJ
I can see I will have to spend some time browsing this gallery, my favourite fantasy beast is the Dragon, I have to agree the catcher is rather comely to say the least. Awesome work, great detailing, and a great narrative, just has to be a fav. Bravo!!!!!5+++++
leanndra
An absolutely superb piece of art! I am in awe!
Steff_7
Definately a worthy full size image. Love the clarity, tones and comp. Awesome action and Fantasy. Excellent and a faved work...
whiskeysierra
mostly excellent - incredible !
WhispersSoft
I love it, and the dragon is so cool, so much can be seen in this render 5+ is all i can say :)
tigertim
An amazing image!!.. classy stuff!
robintemplar
Outstanding!!! Hugz, Robin
BessieB
Amazing work, the colours and characters are superb
katy555
Beautiful composition Excellent lighting and colors...
Daramski
Very nice, awesome composition and render!!
kelvinhughes
this is stunning most excellent image
DuckSoupe
What can I say....SUPERB
MagnoliaMoonElf
Outstanding work I hope to be able to do half as well one day.
mauk
Great scene!!!!!
Conniekat8
What a beautiful scene! I dont' even know where to begin pointing out cool things about it. Most wonderful work.
rj2650
Beautiful scene. Fabulous lighting, detail, and effects.
gomcse
LOVE the colors and detail! Awesome.
pjlawson
I can see why everyone fav'd this image! Excellently done and it shows all of your hard work! The poses, lighting and pov are all splendid!