Page 1: (5 Panels) Panel 1 – Establishing the scene is the Tantalus Hill. It is an island in a dried out lakebed, on a hill of some size. The area is actually a dried out former island. The soil around the hill looking like it is parched and muddy. There is a giant gashadokuro skull and other scattered bones around the island, but the giant tree is the point of interest. There is a bridge that leads to the island, where our protagonists enter from. Panel 2 – This panel shows the far end of the bridge. A figure is shown riding in, following a light ahead of them. This is a distant look at the cast Panel 3 – Closer up, a visual of Ardan in Nyx’s body is seen riding atop a much larger Gnash. The giant wolfdog is running at full sprint, following the light (Willow) guiding them. Panel 4 – Gnash is shown skidding to a halt on the soil of the hill, right where the bridge stops. Dust is kicked up. It also juxtaposes their size to the massive tree. Panel 5 – From behind, Ardan is shown leaping off of Gnash’s back. A bottle of Wax (a container for Willow’s body) attached to his hip sways. Ardan So, this is Tantalus Hill? Willow Yep, and our ticket to the next island is right up there.
Page 2: (7 Panels) Panel 1 – Full view of Ardan looking up. Willow floats by him still as a will o’ wisp. The bottle on his hip swaying in her direction. Ardan Good. Sooner we get to the fun, the better. Willow For once I agree with you, but I’m picking up some strong presences. Panel 2 – Ardan turns his head to look towards Willow and smiles. Ardan C’mon, Willow. You already know we’ve got this. Besides, I’m itchin’ for some exerci- Panel 3 – Interrupted, Ardan turns his head back towards the bridge. Employer H-hold a moment! Wait for me! Panel 4 – Riding in on a skeletal horse is a skeleton dressed a bit poshly. He’s a fancy, if foolish fellow, looking a bit exasperated. His horse is trotting on. Employer I admire your gusto, but I think you accidentally left me behind. Panel 5 – Ardan is shown turned to face the skeleton as he and his horse stop in front of them. He’s less than amused while the skeleton seems a bit pompous. If Gnash is in panel he should also look a bit unhappy. Ardan Whoops. My bad, honest. Employer All is forgiven. Accidents happen! I simply wished to witness the acquisition of the Tantalus Fruit! As much as you’re charging me, I figured I’d get the full show. Panel 6 – Willow’s bottle is shown with the ink flowing out from it to her flame. This is set up for her reveal next panel. Willow (off panel)) In our defense, you’re not asking for a walk in the park. Panel 7 – Willow is fully revealed, a smug look on hher face. She floats surrounded by an aura similar to her flame. Willow Besides, as annoying as Ardan can be, he’s earned his rep for a reason
Page 3: (6 Panels) Panel 1 – Ardan is shown walking towards the island, drawing his sword and smiling. He looks excited to get to work as the others watch. Willow is the only one to faintly follow him while Gnash remains by the Employer, who looks a bit nervous next to the massive Fetch. Ardan Thanks. You know how to give a fella the warm fuzzies. Gnash, stick close to our guest. Willow, you keep your eyes peeled and let me and the kid go to town. Panel 2 – The Employer gives a confused look. Employer “The Kid”? Odd name for a sword. Panel 3 – Willow turns her head and waves a hand dismissively. Willow Never mind him. Just stay back and have our payment ready. Panel 4 – Big image of several darker skeletons covered in aura rise up from the earth. All of them carrying rusted or damaged weapons of some kind. One in the foreground is seen holding a spear. Panel 5 – The spear wielding skeleton is shown lunging at Ardan, a trail of dirt and aura following him. Ardan’s smiling, his weapon at ready. Panel 6 – Ardan’s shown obliterating the attacking skeleton with a single sword strike. A trail of fire rendering it as ash. Willow (off panel) Til then, let’s enjoy the fireworks.
Page 4: (5 Panels) Panel 1 – Ardan is shown fighting a horde of skeletons surrounded by dark aura, enjoying himself fully. The ashes of the skeleton he just defeated ar behind him while he dodges an oncoming attack, smirking all the while. Panel 2 – Ardan is shown with a forward stab, defeating three enemies at once. Their bones are shown cracking and weapons breaking due to the force. Panel 3 – Ardan is shown noticing three skeletons about to ambush him from behind. All are approaching rapidly. Panel 4 – Ardan is shown doing a full spin slash, a gust of cinders and ash on the wind shown as he dispatches all around him Panel 5 – The Employer and Willow watch on. The Employer looks impressed while Willow’s a bit more bored. She’s used to Ardan and not particularly a fan of his rowdiness. Employer My! I’d be appalled, but perhaps this is a mercy for those soulless bones. Willow Well, none of them have a spark of life so it really doesn’t matter. Count yourself lucky it’ll only cost you a few coins to get what they gave their minds up for.
#Arisan #LHProgress
Before the kickstarter, I worked on creating a small encapsulation of Arisan's spectacle. A sort of adventure to set tone and get into action.
The focus here was showing off Ardan's heavy hitting nature.
Page 3 is mislabeled sadly. It's 6 panels, not 5, but mistakes happen.
