Sketch of the Idol of Areshkigala Above the Altar, 2025. Ink on vellum, 4 x 6 in.
I’ve spent the past two weeks plotting out what will either be a long short story or a short novella, tentatively titled Angelic Eyes. Rather than working from an existing manuscript, I’m developing the visual designs alongside the text this time.
In the inner sanctum of the temple of Areshkigala, the Harranian goddess of death, a veiled idol of the goddess hovers over an empty altar.
Study of Arazue in Green Ink, 2025. Green ink on vellum, 4 x 6 in.
Arazue is the most level-headed and serious of the three priestesses in Ashes and Dust. As a native of the Zabool region, she has a strong rapport with the locals… except for her sister, Tiranna, who single-handedly runs the family’s soap- and candle-making business on the settlement’s outskirts.
This is a new drawing based on in-game graphics from 2020. It was executed in Alt-Goldgrün ink by Rohrer & Klingner with a Jowo #6 broad nib.
Study of Marra as Reinhilde, 2025. Sepia ink on vellum, 4 x 6 in.
Marra is a ghostly entity that appears in Venzell’s dreams in Lonesome Voyages. Taking on the appearance of whoever is on Venzell’s mind at the time, Marra taunts and teases Venzell as she suffocates him in his sleep while occasionally offering advice on upcoming events. She starts disguised as Reinhilde, but depending on the player’s actions during Venzell’s daydreams, could alter her appearance to resemble other characters or even reveal her “true” form.
“If I’m your dream, what’s stopping you from being someone else’s dream? Maybe we’re all waiting for someone else to wake up, to slowly forget about us as they get on with their lives.”
Marra’s exact nature is never explicitly revealed. Is she a figment of Venzell’s overactive imagination? If so, how can she know things Venzell doesn’t, or can’t, himself know?
Study of Leoba Lighting Candles, 2025. Blue ink on vellum, 4 x 6 in.
There are two reasons why Leoba’s main duty at the Zabool Shrine of Lucca is keeping the candles and incense cones lit: she’s the tallest of the shrine’s priestesses and can reach most of the candles without a ladder, and she’s not good at much else.
Aside from maintaining the candles, Leoba spends her time in contemplation and prayer before the sacred pillar or in her quarters in the shrine’s basement. She mainly prays for a renewed connection with the Goddess Lucca and the Returned, who she saw in ecstatic visions as a child but not since.
Study of Reinhilde in Sanguine and Sepia Ink, 2025. Sanguine, sepia, and blue ink and gouache on vellum, 4 x 6 in.
Despite being an aspiring theologian and priestess, Reinhilde has a violent streak: she initially plays an antagonistic role in Lonesome Voyages, instigating the duel that ends with Venzell under house arrest and with a large scar on his face.
“‘Whenever someone upsets me or my friends, I make sure they pay for their transgressions! With their blood! I’m only two wins away from setting the record for “most duels won” at my school!’
Venzell’s face fell. ‘Well... given that you’re a student at the Theology Academy, I’m horrified that this number isn’t zero. I can’t imagine that the Enshrinement would approve of an eminent theologian stabbing anyone who disagreed with her.’
’That’s why I’m doing this kind of stuff now! Before I take any vows!’”
Depending on the player’s choices in Venzell’s daydreams, Venzell and Reinhilde may strike up an unlikely friendship during his captivity, despite her being the major cause of it.