BA3a Creative Practice - Week 2 Summary

My Week 2

- Slavic Mythology

- Who to Design?

- Russian Environments

- Environment Concept Inspiration

- Traditional Russian Buildings

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.

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 I 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, and Baba Yaga. If I have time towards the end of the project I will also create the Wilas and design the Magic Horse.

Russian Environments

Important: I won't be focusing on designing the environments until BA3b which I have specified before, however I wanted to get started with research on them already! 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 in Russia 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. Because of their random and tower like structure, these pillars come across as very intimidating which is why I see them placed in one of the areas which is rather unnerving and evil.

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

3. Golden Mountains of Altai

I love the scenery around these mountains, it has a very magical feeling to it with all the bright foliage and terrain.

Possible Setting Ideas: Marya's Kingdom.

4. Uzon Caldera

I think these sinking, bubbling pools would be a great source of inspiration when designing the settings of the villains in this tale, it looks very unnerving and would fit well within a scene.

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)

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

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

- Meeting the Willa (Daylight or Snowy Forest) (If time allows)

The Castle

One of my planned environment concepts is called ‘The Castle’, which is the environment for the beginning of the Koschei story where Marya and Ivan both live. I will be definitely drawing this scene as an interior, since all my other planned environments are exteriors. Although I haven’t exactly decided on what the palettes will be for this piece, I definitely want it to be a mix of warm oranges with cooler colours in the background.

The Coven

Another location from the story that I will be creating is where Baba Yaga lives, or as I call ’The Coven’, since she is a witch/sorceress. Although warm colours will be featured in this environment like ‘The Castle’, this will feature a blend of pinks and oranges rather than just orange like the other. I will also be putting more emphasis on the cooler colours within this final concept, especially with purple tones rather than blues.

The Meeting

‘The Meeting’ is an environment that I probably won’t be concepting as my main goal is to complete 3 and I will be prioritising the others, whereas this was just an extra location that I thought of—not entirely essential to the story itself. This setting would take place when Ivan meets the mythological creature ‘The Wila’. This would feature a traditional Russian environment set inside or directly outside a forest, either being sunny and green or bright and snowy.

The Citadel

‘The Citadel’ is a location that isn’t specifically mentioned in the story but I wanted to design the place where Ivan and Marya kill Koschei. This environment will mostly feature cooler colours like blues with some subtle yellows and possibly pale orange. Not only this but I will be incorporating some sort of building that I also need to design for the scene. The environment itself will be featuring harsh forms to further the intimidating feel of being in a place with the main villain of the story/would be game. I also am really fond of the idea of having Ivan and Marya outside on horses looking up at the building as well.

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

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