BA3a Creative Practice - Week 1 Summary

Pitch Presentation

Finally back at university again and super excited to start the new year! We were told in the lecture that on the 6th/7th October we would need to pitch our ideas to the tutors with what we would be doing for our long Creative Practice project as well as our Research Report (Dissertation).

1 – Creative Practice

Images, text, initial designs, Schedule, Plausibility, R&D Strategy, PDF, please.

2 – Research Report

Subject, topic, area of interest Initial research Style - RR Guidelines

I have since changed my ideas for the dissertation so I don't feel it's very relevant to post here anymore but this is what I pitched for my creative practice project!

Going Forward with my Creative Practice Project and What I'll be Doing

My final year project will be based on and inspired by the Slavic folktale ‘Koschei the Deathless’, which will include focusing on the visual development and 2D concept art as if it were being made into a game. I will be designing the main characters as well as including those from Slavic folklore, illustrations of the key points in the story/promotional art and environments. I am personally driven to create more artwork which is very heavily historically accurate, which is why I will be studying the locations, clothing and social hierarchy of 9th – 13th century Russia; where the tale originated.

The outcomes of this project will include fully rendered character illustrations, environments and promotional art pieces. For a bit of context, I originally found out about this story from a book I bought called 'Myths and Legends' by Philip Wilkinson (2009). Koschei has many tales about him yet this one is the most popular.

Important: The reason this blog post is pretty massive is because I started doing most - if not all of this research within the summer break so I could have a head start with my project!

My Own Synopsis of Koschei the Deathless

The story of Koschei begins with a prince named Ivan Tsarevitch who had three sisters called Marya, Olga and Anna. His sisters were then married to different wizards, which Ivan then sets out on a journey to see, giving them gifts of a spoon, fork and tobacco box. While doing so he meets a warrior princess, Marya Morevna who has just slain an army after he passed through a field of corpses. They spend some time together and then eventually get married.

One day, Marya is told she must go to war to help her people and leaves Ivan in charge of their housekeeping while she's away. She gives him only one instruction/rule which is to not set foot in or open a certain closet. Curiosity however, got the better of him and when he opened the closet there revealed to be a man hung there with twelve chains. Although he did not know it, this man was Koschei the Deathless. Koschei asked Ivan for a simple drink of water, and after he gave it to him; Koschei regained his strength and broke all of the chains. Koschei then followed Marya as she was leaving to war, brought her back to the house and told Ivan he would take her. Ivan then sets out of a journey to find her, firstly visiting his sisters to see if they had heard any news about it.

After many days of searching he finally comes across her along with Koschei, who says that he will forgive him this one time because he gave him the water he needed. However when Ivan saves Marya away and tries to escape, this angers Koschei who then slaughters Ivan, cutting him into pieces and throwing him into a barrel in the sea. However, because Ivans sisters were married to wizards, they were able to locate him and bring him back to life by turning into an Eagle that would carry the barrel back to land, a Falcon which would give him the Water of Life and a Raven which gave him the Water of Death. They knew that Ivan was in danger because the gifts he gave them turned black.

He then set out to find Marya again and found out from her that one of the only ways to reach Koschei's dominion is to find the witch Baba Yaga who possesses a Magic Horse. The only way to get to Baba Yaga is crossing a fiery river, which a person can access if they wave a handkerchief three times before it - which will create a crystal bridge. After crossing the bridge, Ivan became very hungry and saw an outlandish bird with its young chickens, a queen bee and its honeycomb, as well as a lioness with her cub. He almost decided to eat the young chicken, honeycomb and cub however their parents told him that they would do him a good favour if he didn't. So he decided not to and continued to Baba Yaga's house.

At Baba Yaga house, she told him that if he looked after her mares for three days then she would give him the magic horse. On the first day, the mares all disappeared and just as Ivan was about to sleep when the sun began to set, the outlandish bird appeared to him and said that the mares were back home. A similar thing happened the next day where the mares dispersed and it was the lioness who woke Ivan to tell him they had returned. The same happened on the last day, where the queen bee came to him; however also said that he needed to steal the horse and ride away from the house at night. When Ivan ran away on the horse, Baba Yaga followed. However she did not realise the bridge would disappear after he had crossed it, and fell directly into the fire until the flames consumed her.

He was then able to ride to where Marya resided and killed Koschei with the help of his magic horse, sword and Marya's intellect. Then he burnt him on a pyre and scattered his ashes in the wind. Now that Koschei was dead he was able to meet with his sisters, their husbands and celebrated.

Sources of Information:

1. http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=lang&book=red&story=death

2. https://russian-crafts.com/tales/maria_morevna.html

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_of_Koschei_the_Deathless

Koschei Himself

Although the folktale claims that Koschei was killed by Ivan in his true form, there are sources which say that....

"Koschei maintained his life and immortality through the removal of his soul. Taking it from his body, it was said he hid it in a needle, inside an egg, in a duck, in a rabbit, then locked it in an iron or crystal chest, and buried it under a green oak on an island."

Sources of Information: http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/slavic-legend-immortality-koschei-deathless-002717, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural_beings_in_Slavic_folklore

The Premise for a Game

I believe that the story of Koschei would become a great premise for a game as the player would control Ivan and Marya, exploring lands and fighting their way through various enemies to find the soul of Koschei in order to kill him. The game itself would be an action roleplay adventure where you would be able to recruit a few companions to help fight with you; similar to Dragon Age.

Although the story interests me greatly, I'm not too fond of the 'save the princess' cliche that a lot of games seemingly fall into; and would change that a lot where Marya would become more of a playable character as well as Ivan, that could also kill enemies, find items to use and interact with the world in the same way; especially as she is a warrior princess in the original story.

Ivan is very much the typical hero of the story, however I have been thinking about how he would look and am very drawn to the idea of him being half undead since he was resurrected, which adds more unique features to him than being this dashing prince 'here to save the day'.

Because this project will only have me focusing on the visual development/concept art and not the game design/writing itself I won't go into too much depth about this but it's good to still think about.

Slavic Mythology

After researching about the story of Koschei the Deathless I wondered about other prominent beings and figures in Slavic mythology, which brought me to doing some extended research on it. In particular, Baba Yaga is infamously known for being an old sorceress/witch with many tales about her.

Baba Yaga

Another creature I learnt about was the 'Wila', which interested me greatly as they were almost like savage fairies. I believe that one of these would make a really interesting character to work with and would definitely like to design one. Just because they aren't necessarily mentioned in the story of Koschei the Deathless, they're still a part of slavic mythology which would accompany the premise of the game well.

The Wilas (Wila) (Source: http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/beware-wandering-wilas-002273)

- In Slavic mythology, there is a form of nymph which lies somewhere between a ghost and a fairy. The Wilas (pronounced viwa and also called Vili or Vilas) are fair-haired female creatures who have died but remain trapped between this world and the next.

- Because of this, they often tend to appear ghostlike or dressed in cloaks that billow in tune with the air. They can either blend into the wind as incorporeal shapes—translucent and intangible—or they can become solid, touching, and being touched, by the natural world around them

- As Wilas enjoy such special places that also appeal to fairies, they similarly can be appeased if distressed, or summoned by the curious with treats. They best prefer light fares such as fresh fruit and round cakes, and they appreciate decorative items like ribbons and flowers, which they weave into their hair.

- What mostly differentiates Wilas from fairies is their ferocity. Fairies are known to be playful tricksters—they take easy pleasure from "borrowing" items and returning them in odd places. Wilas, on the other hand, are said to occasionally become fierce beings known equally for forcing companionship and seeking vengeance.

- Their voices are a force to be reckoned with—so powerful that a few notes can either keep the men dancing against their wills, or summon the most dangerous winds and storms to wipe out their enemies, causing the earth to shake from the very force of their magic. Only sometimes do they choose to help or heal humans, in war or in moments of compassion, but if the Wilas are angered, it is not uncommon for them to kill the humans without a second thought.

- As spirits of nature, they are long believed to have wandered the forests lonely and seeking companionship, but it is best to be wary of the friendship they offer for mortal wanderers are likely to be trapped under their spells, and caught in their storms.

Who to Design?

I will definitely by designing Ivan, Marya, Koschei, Baba Yaga, a Wilas and the Magic Horse. Right now I am undecided whether to also design his sisters and their wizard husbands because of the time given but we will see.

Russian Environments

Typically the common view of Russia is snowy forests with wooden houses; and while I think they would make for awesome locations - I wanted to find some that were more out of the ordinary for setting inspiration.

1. Kamchatka

A really beautiful place I researched in Russia was Kamchatka, which is home to a variety of volcanoes, wetlands and meadows - depending whether you are in the central, northern or west areas. I have put together a moodboard with some images I have found which highlight the different areas of Kamchatka.

Possible Setting Ideas: Ivan and Marya's journey across the land to find the soul of Koschei.

2. Lena's Stone Forest (or Pillars)

These pillars look like a concept art piece that has come to life, found next to the city of Yakutsk.

Possible Setting Ideas: The landscape before the fiery river, crossing to Baba Yaga's.

3. Golden Mountains of Altai

Possible Setting Ideas: Marya's Kingdom.

4. Uzon Caldera

Possible Setting Ideas: Baba Yaga's Home/ Koschei's Dominion

Environment Concept Inspiration

After looking at a variety of different environments in Russia for inspiration, my next decision was to turn towards dynamic environment illustrations and concepts. While doing so I have been looking at what relates to my subject matter and the certain landscapes which would be seen within the Koschei story.

I have divided my findings into separate Moodboards which highlight a particular landscape, being…

- Maryas House (Interior, Peaceful, yellows and browns)

- Meeting the Willa (Daylight or Snowy Forest)

- Baba Yaga’s House (Firey and set at dusk)

- Koschei’s Domain/ Citadel (Cold and unnerving)

Russian Buildings

Most buildings in 9-13th century Russia were either huts, dugouts or on ground; and entirely made from wood. The type of wood it was built with was also important, as some were believed to bring 'bad luck and misfortune'. Most were made from Oak because the people believed it connected to the earth, heaven and the afterlife. From the earlier centuries most consisted of logs which contained moss; protecting against moisture, whereas in the later centuries it was conifers, spruce and pine.

Interestingly, people were convinced that trees with growths, hollows or trunks were believed to contain evil spirits living them as well as a dried tree symbolising the owner of a house nearby would die.

Sources of Information:

1. Google Translated: http://www.remontpozitif.ru/publ/stroitelstvo/stroitelstvo_doma/tradicionnye_zhilishha_slavjanskikh_narodov_zemljanki_i_poluzemljanki_kak_vybirali_i_obrabatyvali_material_dlja_stroitelstva_domov/73-1-0-1483

Traditional Russian Clothing Research

Definitely one of the most important topics I have been researching since I want my characters to have clothing reminiscent of 9-13th century Russia.

Male:

Female:

Layer 1: Rubakha

- Usually made from bleached linen or thin wool, however peasant garments were more coarse. The rich could even be made from silk.

- The 'Rubakha' was the only garment of clothing for many, however the rich often had an outer one which was cut larger and made from more expensive fabric.

- Most Rubakha's were white in colour, however the rich wore mostly red.

Layer 2: Short Over Garments: The Panova/Skirt, Zapona/Zanaviska (The Navershnik) - Jackets

- The Panova was a skirt, usually worn by married women over the Rubakha.

- The zapona/zanaviska was usually worn my maidens over the Rubakha, as well as being much shorter in length - almost looking like a tabard.

- These were also made from linen or wool and could be multicoloured with a checkered pattern or rhomboidal lattice.

- Jackets were also worn over the panova and rubakha, which could be made from wool, cotton or velvet (for the rich).

- The navershnik was a short tunic that reached the calves and had short broad sleeves.

Layer 3: Wide Sleeved Long Over Garments

- The

Decorations, Jewellery and Motifs:

Grivna (Neck Ornament)

- Grivna are twisted/flat chokers, made from bronze, alloy or silver.

- After the 13th century, Grivna were mainly purchased by prosperous peasants.

- The most valuable were made from alloy of copper or silver.

- The most common were made from copper or bronze, with silver coating traces. They also were shaped with round wire, metal plate or twisted.

- In the north – Mainly twisted. Braided/Twisted common for weddings.

( Images Sourced from a museum website: http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/search-results#search=grivna&tab=WOA)

Priveski (Metal Symbol Motifs)

- Were worn on the chest and waist, as well as on small chains or a belt.

- Priveski were made from silver, copper, bronze and bilona (an alloy of silver and copper).

- Symbolised Life– Shape of Spoons, Keys, and Combs.

- Symbolised Wealth – Shape of Small Knives and Hatches.

- Symbolised Worship – Swords.

- More symbols included circles, moons, little crosses, rhombi, club/clovers, geometric shapes and spears.

- Priveski's in the shape of a horse with long ears and a curled up tail symbolised goodness and luck, fidelity and friendship. Also connected with the cult of the sun.

- Those in the shape of water birds symbolised life giving and prosperity.

- Those in the shape of moons and crosses represented Paganism.

General Jewellery and Motifs

- Jewellery was made from mostly metal, stone and glass. - Headdresses were decorated with different metal ornaments sewn on (through hair or earrings). - Bronze Bells were sewn onto buttons.

- Bracelets were in the shape of hoops and perstni rings were worn.

- Poor men wore belt buckles while prosperous peasants wore hats with metal decorations (mostly crosses).

- Rich People wore gold Grivna's, decorated belt buckles, cloaks as well as silver and gold medallions with enamel ornaments.

- Earrings usually consisted of 3 beads (noble men in one ear).

- Neck ornaments and glass beads were very popular with women of all classes.

Sources of Information: 1. http://www.strangelove.net/~kieser/Russia/KRC.html

Character Art Style Research

Even Amundsen

Character Profiles

Ivan (Half Human/Undead after being resurrected)

Appearance Age: Late 20’s/Early 30’s

Hair: Brown/Black (White streak after resurrection)

Eyes: Blue

Character Influences: Jon Snow (Game of Thrones), Faramir (Lord of the Rings), Bilbo (The Hobbit), Prince Caspian (The Adventures of Narnia - Prince Caspian)

The way I see Ivan is not the typical princely hero, which is why I have added Faramir and Bilbo from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit instead of someone like Aragorn. Visually Bilbo isn't exactly how I want to design Ivan, but I'm fond of the idea of how Ivan was never looking for an adventure but it was more like it was struck upon him. He is still the hero of this tale however is the type who is humble and unsure of himself, not the greatest warrior in battle but still acts with courage, bravery and with good, morally correct intentions.

Style Guide:

Clothing: Light Armour (Leather),

Colour Palette: Cornflower Blue, Gold, Green Tints, Silver, Brown

Original:

After Resurrection:

Facial Influences:

Koschei

Appearance Age: 80’s (First), 40’s/50's (Real Self)

Hair: Ginger/Blonde or White

Eyes: Green

Character Influences: Kubo's Grandpa (Kubo and the Two Strings), Saruman (The Lord of the Rings), Count Olaf (A Series Of Unfortunate Events), Tywin Lannister (Game of Thrones)