story sketch: without fail [update: 07-27-2011]

[meeks]

This is a sketch of warsailor Brelig's encounter with a deathfin sea monster, from Without Fail, a new Torn World story by ysabetwordsmith:

Brelig swiped his sickle toward the bleeding eyelid again -- and the deathfin grabbed him by that arm, lifting him high above the ship. The sudden shock of pain frayed his concentration. Brelig swung in the air, blood raining everywhere. Then he pulled himself upward to swing the axe into the deathfin's eye.

cleaned-up sketch:


rough sketch:

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Comments

Re: If this gets to the next stage...

[xjenavivex.livejournal.com]

I have a question for you as well. Do deathfins have nostrils? I am currently working on a sketch of one under water. I know that it has a snakelike head. I think this sketch does a great job with that. I just don't know about nostrils since it has gills.

Re: If this gets to the next stage...

[meeks]

Elizabeth's description said that it breathes air, so I figured it would have nostrils instead of gills.

Re: If this gets to the next stage...

[ysabetwordsmith]

A deathfin breathes air. So it doesn't have gills, and does have nostrils.

I think that meeks did a good job of rendering this sea monster, allowing for her soft-edged style and the unusual perspective. It's enough to get an idea of the critter, and a terrific story illustration, though it doesn't show the whole body like we'd need for a scientific sketch. I'd really like to see what other artists will do with it.

I've got your email address; I'll send you my rough draft of the deathfin entry. I don't think Ellen has had time to edit that one yet.