Character Art Showcase
Characters, Monsters … and More
When I’m not writing I play around with AI to create images for some of the characters and monsters in my fantasy series. (Full disclosure: Our book covers are always produced by a professional book designer, not AI.)
My primary rule when first thinking about a character for a particular series is that I don’t think about them all that much. At least in terms of appearance. For example, Bryen Keldragan, the Protector in The Tales of Caledonia, has white hair, a white beard, a scar on his cheek from a three-taloned claw, and a thin black burn courtesy of the Ghoule Overlord. Other than that, I don’t say much more with respect to a description.
I leave it to you, the reader, to create an image of that character in your own mind. You don’t need me for that.
When it comes to monsters, I tend to be more specific. Sometimes because I have a very clear image in my mind. Often because I’m pulling from a mythological monster.
Below are character renderings I created based on what I think the characters or monsters would look like -- grouped by series. Keeping in mind that some characters are in more than one series.
The Tales of the Territories
Monsters
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Bakunawa
Sea dragon lurking in the Burnt Ocean. Several hundred feet long with a penchant for attacking ships.
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Stalker
Clawed monster that has a vague resemblance to a human. Prefers to hunt at night.
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Wraith
Hunts in the Murk yet can never leave the Murk. A silent assassin who never fails to find its prey.
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Draugr
One of the undead, raised from the grave with the Curse.
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Skath
Disciple of the Ancient One, the master of the Spirit World who seeks to join his domain with the Natural World.
Characters
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Rafia Riverstone
In this series the Master of the Order of the Magii. Also has a role in The Tales of Caledonia. A very powerful Magus ... with a mean streak.
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Jakob Kestrel
Enslaved as soon as he sets foot in the Highlands, he soon becomes a leader in the resistance and the Wraith who is not a Wraith.
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Talia Carlomin
Trader and merchant who seeks to clear the Sea of Mist of pirates and in the process of doing that challenges Hakea Roosarian for the rule of Fal Carrach.
The Tales of Caledonia
Monsters
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Ghoule
Warrior loyal to the Ghoule Overlord. Eight feet or taller. Incredibly strong and surprisingly fast. Also, hungry. Very, very hungry.
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Ghoule Overlord
Commander of the Ghoule Legion. Practitioner of the Curse seeking to subjugate Caledonia ... if he can break through the Weir.
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Slayer
The Ghoule Overlord's preferred assassin.
Characters
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Bryen Keldragan
Slave. Gladiator. Protector. A skilled warrior who must also learn how to master the Talent.
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Aislinn Winborne
Lady of the Southern Marches. An adept Magus ... and less than pleased when her father foists Bryen on her as her Protector.
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The Blademaster
Jurgen Klines. The Blademaster of the Royal Guard. Befriends Aislinn Winborne and becomes a part of the revolution.
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Lycia
Davin's sister, she fought in the Pit until freed by her friend, Bryen Keldragan. Becomes a key ally of Jakob Kestrel. Also plays a key role in The Tales of Caledonia.
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Davin Noname
Lycia's brother, he fought in the Pit until freed by his friend, Bryen Keldragan. Becomes a key ally of Talia Carlomin. Also plays a key role in The Tales of Caledonia.
The Sylvan Chronicles
Monsters
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The Shadow Lord
Malevolent creature long thought dead and forgotten who rises again, seeking to conquer the Kingdoms.
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Ogren
A monster with a preference for the taste of human flesh. Foot soldier of the Shadow Lord.
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Lord Chertney
Master of Dark Magic and the Shadow Lord's second in command.
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Shade
A servant of the Shadow Lord who subsists on the spirit of its victim.
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Fearhound
Never fails to claim its prey, tracking them by their heartbeat.
Characters
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Young Thomas Kestrel with Beluil
An only son, gifted with magic challenged to free a people threatened by an ancient evil. Will he be forced to risk everything in a battle against the forces of darkness?
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Older Thomas Kestrel and Beluil
The headline says it all. Beluil of course being the wolf who is bigger than a pony.
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Kaylie Carlomin
Heir to the Fal Carrach Kingdom. Strong willed with a strong temper. Just as skilled with a blade as with the Talent.
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Oso
Thomas Kestrel's best friend, Oso fights to free the Highlands from the iron grip of the High King.
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Rya Keldragan
Thomas' grandmother, a Sylvan Warrior and master of the Talent who is fiercely protective of the people she loves.
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Rynlin Keldragan
Thomas' grandfather, a Sylvan Warrior and master of the Talent who has a mean streak and is happy to make use of it.