@Isandir your work is gorgeous! Off to build a shrine dedicated to you or something @booinyoureyes gah, sorry, it appears to be quite dead for a while, I didn't know... But it seems that one of very taleneted modders is going to carry this work on. Check spellholdstudios. @Foggy ah, so that's the name, MiLeah. I have a very nasty compulsive "save on my computer" habit regarding beautiful art. Copyright issue then occurs, unfortunately.
These pics are used for some mod character, but I think they would make a spot-on Xan (especially the "younger" looking pic on the left).
KILL IT WITH FIRE B4 IT SPARKLES
Yeah, totally agree. But still it is better portrait than the one included... No one's going to remake it with something beautiful and aesthetic like Tom Hiddleston...
Portrait request challange for Evangeline lilly: Completed...
I was just reminded of this picture (actually I never really forgot, because I've used it quite often, LOL) after seeing a commercial for the upcoming Hobbit film, in which this same actress quite fittingly plays an elven ranger.
Honestly I'm also quoting this post so that newcomers to this thread can see this picture for the very first time. It was posted about 30 pages back, but it still remains one of my top 2 or 3 favorite "Baldurizings" thus far.
Revision #4: Jet'Laya. Sorry to disappoint with this one, but it's not as significant a difference as the others. The original actually turned out fairly well, but I want all of the new versions to fit better with the default portraits. In this case I kept most of the elements the same, though I did add a bit more of an elvish slant to her eyes (Jet'Laya is a half-elf in the mod) and changed the armor slightly. (Incidentally, the peculiar portion around her neck was part of the original model's image, and I liked it so much that I left it: http://www.carolinedaily.com/228036-3002.jpg?20120608)
@Astafas: I will eventually get around to posting a tutorial, but I'm obsessive once a start a project, so it will be a while. The best advice I can give until then is to simply experiment. When I started making portraits, I relied on Photoshop effect filters and the blur tool. With the minor exception of blending some elements, I no longer use either and instead make the images almost exclusively with the mixer brush. The colors result from heavy adjustment of the contrast and saturation, laid over with color filters to better blend them.
@SharGuidesMyHand: (*Hangs head in shame*) That's almost embarrassing to look at now. I don't think I even have it saved at this point. If you don't mind waiting a while, I'll simply remake it, as I've gotten far, far better.
@Foggy: Thank you for the reminder regarding the work of some artists. I try to avoid using image elements from others, as I'm well aware that artists such as Nathie don't want their artwork used--a stance we should all respect. In terms to my own work, I typically use professional models and/or actors to reduce the likelihood of issues. Others are welcome to alter my portraits, and I simply ask that I am given credit. I only update it sporadically, but most of my newer work is available on http://isandir.com. (I'll soon be replacing the DSotSC portraits with the new versions.)
@Isandir: Many thanks for sharing your fantastic work and giving permission to alter your portraits, although I fail to see how one could add to your already perfect technique (the hair and lighting are the best I've seen) Though posting portraits without restrictions as long as we credit the artists would be nice-if we share it means we like their work after all- I understand why some frown upon us posting their art since many DeviantArt users work for commissions and hate to lose potential customers who can obtain their work for free elsewhere. Can't wait for the rest of DSotSC portraits, seeing how perfect the 4 revisited are. Please continue sharing your portraits sir, It's a real blessing to have talented artists such as yourself, @Syntia13 and many others post their work and do requests here. You all have our heartfelt thanks.
@Astafas: I will eventually get around to posting a tutorial, but I'm obsessive once a start a project, so it will be a while. The best advice I can give until then is to simply experiment. When I started making portraits, I relied on Photoshop effect filters and the blur tool. With the minor exception of blending some elements, I no longer use either and instead make the images almost exclusively with the mixer brush. The colors result from heavy adjustment of the contrast and saturation, laid over with color filters to better blend them.
Ahh the mixer brush, I've never even used it before. Time to study up on how to make the most of it! Thanks for the tip!
Revision #5: Ferthgil. I had liked the general results of the original, excluding the pastiness of the model's face. (Kudos to those who recognize him.) In other words I wanted to do the same thing, but better. The beard had been a pain to create the first time (each braid was an individual layer), so I copied that over and refined the details. I also widened the nose a tad to better suit his dwarfish appearance.
Man, that portrait of Ferthgil is amazing. Love the headband, and you managed to change Bane into a dwarf, Tom Hardy is barely recognizable. Gonna use this for my dwarven defender til DSotSC coming release.
Others are welcome to alter my portraits, and I simply ask that I am given credit. I only update it sporadically, but most of my newer work is available on http://isandir.com. (I'll soon be replacing the DSotSC portraits with the new versions.)
@Isandir Thanks for your generosity and for sharing your website with us! It is magnificent
@fitscotgaymer: Is this close to what you had in mind? It doesn't blend quite as well as I'd like, as I had to cut the .png and create a portion of his neck that didn't exist, but the end result looks fine in the game.
It looks awesome to my poor uneducated eyes.
My only note is could you perhaps change the sword to a katana hilt? He is a Kensai after all.
It's cool if you can't this would make an awesome Nate pic as is. Just being a little nitpicky is all. Only do it if you have the extra time. Otherwise I am great with what you have already done for me. Thank you very much.
Revision #6: Keiria. Like several of the others, the original version of this image was rather pasty and flat. I had to use several layers when making it, and it just didn't blend together as well as I had liked (and still doesn't for that matter). I aimed for a more vivid look this time--thanks in large part to the model, Laetitia Casta--and changed a few elements, including the addition of the symbol of the Harpers. Fitting the pieces together was a pain, especially since the head and body are from different models...
I am not sure about Kensai's in general - I assumed because they were Kara-Turan in origin that they used the Katana like weapons primarily. As for Nate himself, he is from Baldur's Gate but he was taught by a Kara-Turan Kensai to be a Kensai. And a Katana is what he uses (if I remember right).
Here's a couple of the pics I'm using as replacements... apologies to those I may have stolen from for the clothing/backgrounds in this and future uploads, I'm not even sure who originally did them as i usually snag them off of google doing searches. Ill remove if needed.
I'm a big fan of the Japanese idol group Morning Musume, so I often use some of them in my portraits, that or myself and friends. I used the following for Imoen, Bodhi, and Aerie. The 1st is from Masaki Sato, the 2nd is a heavily altered Riho Sayashi, and the last one is from a pic of Liu Yifei.
Revision #7: Skeezer. Along with Conch, Skeezer had been one of the earliest DSotSC portraits I made. The "Baldurized" look resulted more from the model than my editing at that point, so it turned out a bit better than the others in some respects. (Seriously: From an artistic standpoint, the model's photo is fantastic: http://www.flickr.com/photos/45966355@N00/2717418697.) The change in clothing resulted when I reread his bio and realized that he was an illusionist/thief. It seemed more appropriate to use something that could (loosely) represent either. I'll probably post a mage version on my website at some later time.
I aimed to retain a lot more detail in the revision, while still making it appear more like a painting. The little touch in the background, true to his character, is courtesy of http://silverrose-stock.deviantart.com. Also, I hate beards.
Here's a couple of the pics I'm using as replacements... apologies to those I may have stolen from for the clothing/backgrounds in this and future uploads, I'm not even sure who originally did them as i usually snag them off of google doing searches. Ill remove if needed.
I'm a big fan of the Japanese idol group Morning Musume, so I often use some of them in my portraits, that or myself and friends. I used the following for Imoen, Bodhi, and Aerie. The 1st is from Masaki Sato, the 2nd is a heavily altered Riho Sayashi, and the last one is from a pic of Liu Yifei.
Portraits of Asian characters are sadly lacking, as are other minorities. The Forgotten Realms has a pretty diverse population, but we tend not to see it in the default portrait selection.
@Isandir I guess that's to be expected. The vast majority of D&D players are European or North American, and most people find it easier to relate with people that resemble themselves more. In China, most Wuxia genre games naturally feature fantasy versions of China, filled with Chinese heroes, villains and monsters.
Baldur's Gate actually surprised me with its diversity in terms of characters, monsters and weapons of non-European origins. Sometimes it felt like Amn was a melting pot of cultures, far more diverse than the Portugese Empire was in real life, which I believe is what Amn is inspired by.
What did annoy me was the fact that the game pretty much equated Kara-tur with fantasy Japan, when even in D&D lore, Shou-Lung (representing fantasy China) is much larger and more important than Wa or Kozakura, and the lore even mentions large numbers of Shou refugees settling in Faerun during a barbarian invasion, not to mention that Shou-Lung is geographically closer and linked by land. Unless there is some reason that I don't know about that explains a closer link between Faerun and Wa/Kozakura, then this seems to be lazy design. (And I admit, what limited knowledge I have about D&D lore is based on various wikis).
As I understand it, only one D&D expansion has been based on a Kara-tur setting, and that was very much inspired by Medieval Japan, which is why Bioware probably had a lot more material to work with when it comes to Katanas, Ninjato, Kensai... etc.
Of course the reason why Samurai and Katana are widely recognisable and popular in the West is because Japan, being on the 'right side' of the Cold War, has been far more successful than China in exporting its culture, so the Chinese versions of Samurai and Ninja don't even have translations in English.
Anyways, enough ranting, I'm looking forward to the addition of a Shou Lung inspired 'Kensai' into your gallery
Wha-... I'm speechless! How could anyone have even remotely negative emotions about such wondrous facial hair?! If I had your skills I'd paint every single NPC a survival full beard; be they man, woman or hamster!
What did annoy me was the fact that the game pretty much equated Kara-tur with fantasy Japan, when even in D&D lore, Shou-Lung (representing fantasy China) is much larger and more important than Wa or Kozakura...
Anyways, enough ranting, I'm looking forward to the addition of a Shou Lung inspired 'Kensai' into your gallery
In that case I think you may like one of the expanded characters I created for the new version of DSotSC (and whose portrait I'll also be remaking), and in particular his weapon:
Vihane's scarred lips curl into a smile as you speak to him. Born to an elven mother and human father near the Forest of Tethir, the half-elf experienced a relatively normal childhood until his thirteenth name day. Seeking to purge the borders of human influence, the Eldreth Veluuthra--a militant elvish group--attacked his family's home. Pressing a small blade into his mother's hand, Vihane's father ordered them to flee and charged toward the attackers. As they ran into the forest, a single elf raced after them, gutting the boy's mother in front of him. Vihane picked up the short sword and struck at the murderer furiously, suffering several gashes across his face before killing him.
Alone and bleeding, he wandered for two days until reaching the small settlement of Mosstone, where a priest of Waukeen treated his wounds. Taking odd jobs throughout Tethyr and Amn over the next few years, Vihane gained a reputation for his talent with a blade, as well as his keen intellect and ability to garner information. It was the latter that brought him to the attention of the Knights of the Shield, who recruited him as a spy.
Since that time, Vihane has reported to the head of the organization in Athkatla. Ordered to accompany its emissaries to Baldur's Gate for the negotiations with the leaders of the Iron Throne, he was tasked with a more clandestine purpose: to investigate rumors that a high-ranking individual in the Iron Throne may have other motives. Hearing of your group's encounters with them, he sought you out, hoping to discover more. However, you can't help but wonder if he has an ulterior purpose...
Default equipment:
Vihane's Katana +1: Veleno
Veleno A striking blade, Veleno bears the mark of Shou Lung, the massive empire to the far east. Vihane claims to have been given the wakizashi by a wandering warrior, a Chung Tao who introduced him to the philosophies of the Way. Garnished with a writhing serpent with ruby eyes, Veleno moves in a blur in Vihane's hands despite its size, almost as if it were seeking to strike its opponents before they could retaliate. You also notice a slight, sickly green sheen, similar to a serpent's venom, coating the edge of the blade.
Ring of the Shield Granted to the elite agents of the Knights of the Shield, this ring offers both protective magic and more subtle enchantments that enhance the wearer's charm. This enables them to unobstrusively infiltrate organizations and places, and acquire information.
Another wonderful pic Isandir! I'm almost embarrassed posting anything after seeing what you do!
I'll post some more Asian themed portraits after I edit them some more with some new techniques I've learned. Some of the picture touch up videos on youtube are very helpful.
Just wanted to say, "Isandir", "Syntia13" and "Meepichi" has contributed with some kickass baldurizations (BG1 style) lately Love almost all of them (not all are good though IMO). But keep it up!
Comments
It's an alternate that was made as a joke for Tsujatha NPC mod, it fits considering how Gary-Stu the mod is. Kill them both with fire.
Also the work on a Mazzy Romance mod was discontinued many years ago:
http://www.shsforums.net/topic/17770-news/
Thanks again for the artists sharing their work with us, this thread is full of win.
@booinyoureyes gah, sorry, it appears to be quite dead for a while, I didn't know... But it seems that one of very taleneted modders is going to carry this work on. Check spellholdstudios.
@Foggy ah, so that's the name, MiLeah. I have a very nasty compulsive "save on my computer" habit regarding beautiful art. Copyright issue then occurs, unfortunately.
Honestly I'm also quoting this post so that newcomers to this thread can see this picture for the very first time. It was posted about 30 pages back, but it still remains one of my top 2 or 3 favorite "Baldurizings" thus far.
@Astafas: I will eventually get around to posting a tutorial, but I'm obsessive once a start a project, so it will be a while. The best advice I can give until then is to simply experiment. When I started making portraits, I relied on Photoshop effect filters and the blur tool. With the minor exception of blending some elements, I no longer use either and instead make the images almost exclusively with the mixer brush. The colors result from heavy adjustment of the contrast and saturation, laid over with color filters to better blend them.
@SharGuidesMyHand: (*Hangs head in shame*) That's almost embarrassing to look at now. I don't think I even have it saved at this point. If you don't mind waiting a while, I'll simply remake it, as I've gotten far, far better.
@Foggy: Thank you for the reminder regarding the work of some artists. I try to avoid using image elements from others, as I'm well aware that artists such as Nathie don't want their artwork used--a stance we should all respect. In terms to my own work, I typically use professional models and/or actors to reduce the likelihood of issues. Others are welcome to alter my portraits, and I simply ask that I am given credit. I only update it sporadically, but most of my newer work is available on http://isandir.com. (I'll soon be replacing the DSotSC portraits with the new versions.)
Though posting portraits without restrictions as long as we credit the artists would be nice-if we share it means we like their work after all- I understand why some frown upon us posting their art since many DeviantArt users work for commissions and hate to lose potential customers who can obtain their work for free elsewhere.
Can't wait for the rest of DSotSC portraits, seeing how perfect the 4 revisited are. Please continue sharing your portraits sir, It's a real blessing to have talented artists such as yourself, @Syntia13 and many others post their work and do requests here. You all have our heartfelt thanks.
Thanks for your generosity and for sharing your website with us! It is magnificent
I wish I was really good at something... lol
Seriously, something, anything! T_T
Nice!
/steal
It looks awesome to my poor uneducated eyes.
My only note is could you perhaps change the sword to a katana hilt? He is a Kensai after all.
It's cool if you can't this would make an awesome Nate pic as is. Just being a little nitpicky is all. Only do it if you have the extra time. Otherwise I am great with what you have already done for me. Thank you very much.
As for Nate himself, he is from Baldur's Gate but he was taught by a Kara-Turan Kensai to be a Kensai. And a Katana is what he uses (if I remember right).
Olivia Wilde
Kristen Bell
Anna Kendrick
I'm a big fan of the Japanese idol group Morning Musume, so I often use some of them in my portraits, that or myself and friends. I used the following for Imoen, Bodhi, and Aerie. The 1st is from Masaki Sato, the 2nd is a heavily altered Riho Sayashi, and the last one is from a pic of Liu Yifei.
I aimed to retain a lot more detail in the revision, while still making it appear more like a painting. The little touch in the background, true to his character, is courtesy of http://silverrose-stock.deviantart.com. Also, I hate beards.
Portraits of Asian characters are sadly lacking, as are other minorities. The Forgotten Realms has a pretty diverse population, but we tend not to see it in the default portrait selection.
I guess that's to be expected. The vast majority of D&D players are European or North American, and most people find it easier to relate with people that resemble themselves more. In China, most Wuxia genre games naturally feature fantasy versions of China, filled with Chinese heroes, villains and monsters.
Baldur's Gate actually surprised me with its diversity in terms of characters, monsters and weapons of non-European origins. Sometimes it felt like Amn was a melting pot of cultures, far more diverse than the Portugese Empire was in real life, which I believe is what Amn is inspired by.
What did annoy me was the fact that the game pretty much equated Kara-tur with fantasy Japan, when even in D&D lore, Shou-Lung (representing fantasy China) is much larger and more important than Wa or Kozakura, and the lore even mentions large numbers of Shou refugees settling in Faerun during a barbarian invasion, not to mention that Shou-Lung is geographically closer and linked by land. Unless there is some reason that I don't know about that explains a closer link between Faerun and Wa/Kozakura, then this seems to be lazy design. (And I admit, what limited knowledge I have about D&D lore is based on various wikis).
As I understand it, only one D&D expansion has been based on a Kara-tur setting, and that was very much inspired by Medieval Japan, which is why Bioware probably had a lot more material to work with when it comes to Katanas, Ninjato, Kensai... etc.
Of course the reason why Samurai and Katana are widely recognisable and popular in the West is because Japan, being on the 'right side' of the Cold War, has been far more successful than China in exporting its culture, so the Chinese versions of Samurai and Ninja don't even have translations in English.
Anyways, enough ranting, I'm looking forward to the addition of a Shou Lung inspired 'Kensai' into your gallery
In that case I think you may like one of the expanded characters I created for the new version of DSotSC (and whose portrait I'll also be remaking), and in particular his weapon:
Vihane Sodalane
Half-elf
Male
Kensai
Lawful Evil
Level 5 (21,000 xp)
HP: 41
Weapon proficiencies:
Katana: ++
Two-weapon Style: +++
STR 16
DEX 18
CON 12
INT 17
WIS 10
CHA 11
(Total: 84)
Vihane's scarred lips curl into a smile as you speak to him. Born to an elven mother and human father near the Forest of Tethir, the half-elf experienced a relatively normal childhood until his thirteenth name day. Seeking to purge the borders of human influence, the Eldreth Veluuthra--a militant elvish group--attacked his family's home. Pressing a small blade into his mother's hand, Vihane's father ordered them to flee and charged toward the attackers. As they ran into the forest, a single elf raced after them, gutting the boy's mother in front of him. Vihane picked up the short sword and struck at the murderer furiously, suffering several gashes across his face before killing him.
Alone and bleeding, he wandered for two days until reaching the small settlement of Mosstone, where a priest of Waukeen treated his wounds. Taking odd jobs throughout Tethyr and Amn over the next few years, Vihane gained a reputation for his talent with a blade, as well as his keen intellect and ability to garner information. It was the latter that brought him to the attention of the Knights of the Shield, who recruited him as a spy.
Since that time, Vihane has reported to the head of the organization in Athkatla. Ordered to accompany its emissaries to Baldur's Gate for the negotiations with the leaders of the Iron Throne, he was tasked with a more clandestine purpose: to investigate rumors that a high-ranking individual in the Iron Throne may have other motives. Hearing of your group's encounters with them, he sought you out, hoping to discover more. However, you can't help but wonder if he has an ulterior purpose...
Default equipment:
Vihane's Katana +1: Veleno
Veleno
A striking blade, Veleno bears the mark of Shou Lung, the massive empire to the far east. Vihane claims to have been given the wakizashi by a wandering warrior, a Chung Tao who introduced him to the philosophies of the Way. Garnished with a writhing serpent with ruby eyes, Veleno moves in a blur in Vihane's hands despite its size, almost as if it were seeking to strike its opponents before they could retaliate. You also notice a slight, sickly green sheen, similar to a serpent's venom, coating the edge of the blade.
Equipped abilities:
Armor Class: +1
THAC0: +1
Damage: 1d8+1, +1d6 poison damage (Save vs. Poison for half)
Damage Type: Piercing
Speed Factor: 2
Proficiency Type: Scimitar/Wakizashi/Ninjato
Type: One-handed
Weight: 6
Usable only by:
VIHANE SODALANE
Ring of the Shield
Ring of the Shield
Granted to the elite agents of the Knights of the Shield, this ring offers both protective magic and more subtle enchantments that enhance the wearer's charm. This enables them to unobstrusively infiltrate organizations and places, and acquire information.
Equipped abilities:
Armor Class: +2
Saving Throws: +2
Charisma: +1
Not usable by:
WIZARD SLAYER
GOOD ALIGNMENT
Thanks in advance
I'll post some more Asian themed portraits after I edit them some more with some new techniques I've learned. Some of the picture touch up videos on youtube are very helpful.