Please zoom in to fully see the atmospherics. Thank you. This image was inspired by the work of Araxis (e.g. "White Rose") an artist who really works the magic of the dark side. The character is Mereth by Kaleya. I love this lady's pale skin tones and her bold tribal tattoos. I have had her on my wish list for a long time..I think she makes a great Pictish style warrior. Also, special thanks to Terry, Tea_Rex, for reasons that he will know. Lots of time in the material room bringing out axe and clothing textures. Took about 20 renders including a lot of tests and 5 for lighting. Was finally composited from two renders. Followed by a mountain of postwork to get the fogging, atmospherics and aged affects. Painted in hair highlights and more wind-blown strands. Wound up with two "final" versions.. argh. Battle of Bannockburn - 1314 Where the some 5,000- 7,000 strong army of Robert the Bruce's Scots defeated the at least 14,000 -20,000 army of Edward II of England and opened the way for Scottish independence some 10 years later. The poem was written by Robbie Burns in 1793; it is his imaginary speech given by Bruce to his troops on the eve of the battle. The title means "Scot's who have." Bruce was observed riding back and forth in front of his men, exhorting them on. He was a commander who led from the front, unlike Edward of England. On the evening prior to the main battle Bruce was charged by an English knight who had spotted him ahead of his troops. Although only on a small horse and armed only with an axe Bruce stood his ground against the fully armoured knight on his charger. At the last second Bruce wheeled away and struck the Knight on the helmut, killing him instantly. This heroic act by the Scottish king set the stage for the battle to come. Although severly reprimanded by his commanders for standing his ground on his own, Bruce's only recorded comment was that he was sorry that he had broken the handle of his favorite axe! If ever there was a battle of triumph over adversity and long odds the Battle of Bannockburn was one of them and the story of the battle is worth a read. Scots, Wha Hae. Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled, Scots, wham Bruce has aften led, Welcome to your gory bed Or to victorie! Now's the day, and now's the hour: See the front o' battle lour, See approach proud Edward's power - Chains and slaverie! Wha will be a traitor knave? Wha will fill a coward's grave? Wha sae base as be a slave? - Let him turn, and flee! Wha for Scotland's King and Law Freedom's sword will strongly draw, Freeman stand or freeman fa', Let him follow me! By oppression's woes and pains, By your sons in servile chains, We will drain our dearest veins But they shall be free! Lay the proud usurpers low! Tyrants fall in every foe! Liberty's in every blow! Let us do or dee! Previous

"Midnight Bleu"