ART WAR | 2D | Bardi the Bloody Mental | Moirae

[moirae]

Name: J Chapman
Email: jac0423@yahoo.co.uk
Website: https://jchapman.artstation.com/

Fantasy: Bardi the Bloody Mental.

This is a previous concept of mine and I have been looking for an excuse to redesign him again.

(I hope I'm not breaking the art recycling rule, as I will be building the concept up again from scratch and the only thing I will be keeping the same is the unicorn helm.)

Anyway I plan to give him more of a Nordic feel this time around, big beard with braids, furs, big tough armour and a set of big, spiky pauldrons (shoulderpads) that would make a W.O.W character jealous, and two big, brutal weapons.

Here are some initial sketches:

[moirae]

Some progress. Building up layers of armour.

Backstory:

In order to become part of the Jarl’s personal bodyguard the best warriors must go into the forests and return with the trophy of a ferocious animal to prove their bravery.
Bardi however returned to his people with the head of a strange beast. None had seen anything like this strange sword-horse before, but from the great wounds Bardi wore it must have been a mighty animal indeed, so he was accepted into the Jarl’s royal guard.
But after donning his new helm Bardi was plagued by horrible visions and unspeakable dreams. None of the tribal shamans could fathom the reason, but he spent many nights in fitful trances, gibbering violently about rainbows, flower fairies and the importance of friendship. These alien voices, chattering blasphemies against the tribal gods of blood sent Bardi on the path to madness.
The only way poor Bardi could silence the sickly sweet voices was in the chaos and battle, and must spend all his waking hours in an almost constant state of berserk frenzy or he will succumb to the soothing unicorn lullabies that haunt him.
His tribe now keep him chained, and only release him in times of war. Many enemies have learned to fear his fateful battlecry: “SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!”

[armyerin1]

I like the dynamic pose and how it helps with the perspective of your character.

[Steve_Kim]

hahaha the effects around the unicorns head though

[PetitChat]

OMG you'll be lynched for slaughtering this poor unicorn xD I love it! Stupid question: Doesn't the chain stop him? I think this is really unhandy in battle :o

[mikedalzell]

I just have to say how much I love the background story! And the character is awesome and brutal, may Odin be with you!

[moirae]

@PetitChat Yeah, it would but he is an insane berserker character who is being driven mad by he sweet whispers coming from his helm (see backstory) I want the impression that his comrades have to chain him up to stop him killing absolutely everything that moves.
In the illustration I plan to have two handlers behind him trying to keep him in check whilst he runs rampant.

I've been trying various shoulder pad / pauldron designs but none are working, they get in the way of his face a bit, so does everyone thing he would look better without? Bare shouldered?

[PetitChat]

sorry my fault. I missed the "insane berserker". As soon as the handlers are behind him it will make sense

hm.. I don't think it's bad if the shoulder pad would cover a small part of his face but if you want to avoid that you can try some tribal tattoos? Or some shiny rash (caused by the unicorn) covering his body?

[rakisan]

I don't think you are breaking any rule since it a new concept, and liking where you going with it! and poor unicorn xD

[moirae]

Pauldron experiments. Please tell me what you think.

[moirae]

Right then sorting out his weapons now. Crits appreciated.

[HorizonDweller]

this is seriously amazing hahahaha i love the character , it rehexumates charisma

[moirae]

Some initial colour.

[moirae]

[moirae]

Okay, I'm calling this done for my final design unless anyone has anything else to suggest. Just the back piece and then on with the illustration.

[moirae]

Okay, I've killed a unicorn, so let's continue the animal theme and have old Bardi punching a grizzly bear in the face!
It will hopefully be a battle scene, with someone riding the bear and it being decked out in armour / barding too, etc.
Critiques and comments very welcome!

[mr_dessin]

The funniest pose looks to be the 4th ^^ The 3rd could do it too I guess.

[moirae]

Some refinements then. Which does everyone prefer?

[moirae]

I think I've found my pose.

[nagavibz]

Poor bear it looks good already !! putting a perspective grid to work is smart, never thaught to do that