How Dark Ages come to life - an interview with artist Joel Chaim Holtzman.
about 4 years ago – Thu, Mar 19, 2020 at 07:40:23 AM

My Lords and Ladies!

We interrupt the regular Update schedule to bring you this special treat: an interview with Joel Chaim Holtzman, the amazing creative soul behind the breath-taking art of Dark Ages. Before we jump in, a short introduction:

Joel Chaim Holtzman is an illustrator / Concept Artist for the entertainment industry based in the Netherlands. With a passion for art since a young age, around his twenties he began to paint more intensely with acrylics and oils, until he found his favourite medium which he uses to this day as a professional artist; Digital painting. His greatest influences are biblical themes, anthropology, mythology, (military) history, occultism and the grotesque.

Board and Dice: How did you prepare to work on illustrations for a historical game? What sources did you use and how did you reach them?

Joel Chaim Holtzman: When I paint a subject matter I always research for historical sources, so I have more narrative to improve my artwork. For historical accuracy I research objects and existing artwork/knowledge of the subject matter. In terms of pushing the artistic boundaries I use the visual library I have accumulated in my head - and in terms of visual material I have collected inspiration folders.

How did you proceed with source selection? How did you decide what was accurate and should be an inspiration and what to dismiss?

Academic sources and the knowledge that I already have of historical aspects that I had painted are usually the best course of action for me. I rarely dismiss information unless its pure nonsense; every bit helps. I do, however, use my imagination to make the artwork in general stand out. It’s history, so we can never know how things *really* looked like. However, I have to use boundaries which I look for in the research phase to maintain believability.

How did you “translate” the medieval portraits of historical characters into modern art? What difficulties and obstacles did you face and how did you do it?

The first thing is again, reading through historic and academic sources for the background and personality. Afterwards, I google existing paintings, sculptures etc of the characters in question. What I like about Dark Ages is that the playable leaders aren’t very well known. I only recognized a handful of them in the beginning. The initial obstacle of them not being very well known means that visual material didn’t exist online, so I had to make up something myself, which is a good thing because that means artistic freedom and a unique result.

How did you interpret the sources? Did you focus on figures and portraits or did you use the descriptions as well?

Whenever possible I used the descriptions of the backgrounds as much as possible. I don’t like to cross boundaries set by history itself (unique features, hair colour etc). However, outside those boundaries I like to utilize artistic freedom to create a unique and compelling image, and thus have the best of both worlds.

Did all the sources come from the period described in the game? Have you also used any sources that came from later times, like portraits or theatre dramas? (like Shakespeare)

I used paintings of historical characters that were presumably made a few hundred years after the initial source existed. Baroque paintings show a rich amount of colours, props and clothing, that I used as an inspiration for the character design.

How did you make a call on the most important features of the illustrated characters - their positioning, clothing, items?

Positioning, clothing and items need to tell us everything about the character’s role in history, status, personality. If the character is famous it needs to be communicated to the viewer in a short period of time. I also looked at the abilities/effects of certain historical figures in-game and tried to convey that onto the artwork.

What was more important to you - historical accuracy or widely spread and well known pop-cultural image of characters you illustrated?

Somewhere in between. I refuse to paint Vikings with horned helmets for example, but in terms of props and hairstyles we can take inspiration from modern shows depicting Vikings, who utilize artistic freedom within the boundaries of historical accuracy. In short, you need to excite the viewer, but keep the images believable enough to remain an historical accurate source of entertainment.

How did you prepare arts for these characters that were later transformed into miniatures? How such a process differs from classic illustrations work?

I first painted the full-body concept of the character in question on transparent background for the modeller, and later integrated it with a background so that the artwork could be used in-game. I usually don’t work that way. I sketch and render the character and background simultaneously to ensure an efficient workflow and not having to repaint areas and thus save time.

Where did the idea of a common, somewhat connected double cover art for both boxes come from? Why do both depict funerals? Do they symbolize something in particular? What was the effect you wanted to achieve with it?

The idea of the cover was to include as much as possible of the content of the game on the cover, with an emphasis on the different cultural aspects that can be found in the boxes, like religion, relics, status, armour, cultures and architecture. I wanted to tell as many stories and show the world of Dark Ages to the viewer. Since both games can be played together and are part of the same world, I needed to show the similarities and differences at the same time. The Heritage of Charlemagne box, which mostly plays in Frankia is a more sunny and arid place, while the Holy Roman Empire box could be a nice opposite by showing the cold and windy mountains of the Alps. Funeral rites and graves symbolize the death of the old ruler, and the power vacuum that YOU, as a player, can fulfil by winning the game!

Are all the characters and situations you’ve illustrated based on historical sources? Are there any scenes or characters completely invented by you because there were simply no sources to base them upon?

I used historical sources as much as possible when I could, to create a relatable feeling for the players and teach them about history at the same time. Some of the characters didn’t have artwork based on them or props belonging to them, so I based my artwork around the written knowledge existing on them. That knowledge was sometimes very brief, so I needed to rely on the few things that made them famous, their culture and overall background.

For Example, Rollo the Duke of Normandy was pretty easy to create in terms of Conceptualization. He needed to stand out as a Viking, but at the same time show his new allegiance to the Frankish Crown. I researched How Frankish armour would look like, and integrated it into his attire accompanied with a great deal of fancy colours and rich ornaments, to show his status as Duke of Normandy. On the other hand, I wanted to emphasise his Viking roots so I made his stature big, his face battered from countless battles, I gave him a signature Nordic pelt as well as a sigil with Viking inscriptions tied to his pelt.

Thank you for your time – and your outstanding work! If anyone is interested in Joel’s art and would like to see more of his amazing work, visit the portfolio page of Joel Chaim Holtzman. It’s well worth your time!

Thank you for reading, have a great day and stay safe!

A close look at differences between Dark Ages sets
about 4 years ago – Wed, Mar 18, 2020 at 11:01:54 AM

My Lords and Ladies!

Many of you have asked about the differences between the two boxes. This Update is here to answer your questions.

The Basics

Let’s start with an obvious statement: Heritage of Charlemagne and Holy Roman Empire are a single game. The core gameplay is the same, and it is what allows us to combine both sets into one large experience. However, there are notable differences in specific content.

Some features are very easy to spot, like the different sets of Military Commanders and Special Buildings. This illustration from the project breaks it down the division (see the project for larger, separate versions):

Another obvious feature is the main board. Each set comes with its own map to explore and conquer:

Culture Cards and Rulers

Differences do not end with the map, as Culture Decks for both games are not the same. However, let’s talk for a moment about what the Culture deck is, before we jump into differences.

The basic function of the Culture Deck is to be the source of all Technologies. These are divided into two main groups: Common Technologies and Military Technologies. The former cover everything from Masonry to Monasticism, while the latter are Unit upgrades. These cards are a part of the core of gameplay, as completely ignoring any technological advancement makes victory pretty much impossible.

The Culture Deck also comprises some other cards - with different functionalities, including those coming into the game via Modules. These cards have their own subsets of mini rules, with most of what you need to play them explained on the cards in question.

Now, on to the differences!

Firstly, each set comes with its 7 unique Rulers, and each Ruler comes with 2 absolutely unique Culture Cards. While there are no inherent special abilities to Ruler Cards, their set of Culture Cards create massive differences in strategies. Unique Rulers for each set are presented below:

Secondly, out of a pool of 48 Common Technology Cards in each set, 20 cards are Common Technologies unique to each set. The remaining 28 form the basis which needs to be in both sets to power the core features of the game – and to make sure there are enough of them to play a 5-8 player game.

Military Technologies (serving as Unit Upgrades) are also varied but in a way slightly more difficult to track, as each card is a combination of two different Unit upgrades. However, each box comes with a number of its own Units, as well as with different starting Infantry (matching the specifics of how troops were raised in different regions). This means that out of over 20 Unit cards, most will differ both within a single set, as well as between the two boxes.

Then there are also Relics, Vassals and Cognomen cards. Cognomen appear in both sets. However Heritage of Charlemagne and Holy Roman Empire both come with unique sets of 10 Cognomen each (for a total of 20 cards). Furthermore, Heritage of Charlemagne features its own set of 9 Unique Vassals, and Holy Roman Empire comes with its own set of 9 Unique Relics. We will cover Vassals, Relics together with some of the unlocked content in another update soon.

Modules

Another source of differences are the Modules. While some of them (like Contribution– soon to be renamed to Tribute or the Alliances Module) are included in both boxes, there is also a pool of Modules tied to specific sets, like Crusades and The Pope added to Holy Roman Empire and Conquest of England and Fibonacciincluded with Heritage of Charlemagne.

Before the campaign ends, more divergent Modules will be added to both sets. While we are planning to keep balance between the number and rough sizes of Modules, you can be sure that some of them bring slightly different elements to the table.

We hope that you’ve found this Update informative but if you have any questions or comments, be sure to speak out. Remember to also drop by tomorrow for another portion of Daily Unlocks!

Have a great day and stay safe!

Błażej

New Social Stretch Goal and Daily Unlock details!
about 4 years ago – Wed, Mar 18, 2020 at 07:27:53 AM

My Lords and Ladies!

This time we have two Stretch Goals – a Daily Unlock and a new Social Stretch Goal. Let’s take a closer look at them now!

Both the Daily Unlock and the new Social Stretch Goal are connected to combat, with each making player versus player battles more significant. This means that they are a great addition for those of you who want a more aggressive game, although using one of them can simply spice up regular games as well.

Ages of War is a Module added both to Heritage of Charlemagne and Holy Roman Empire which means that it can be used when playing just one or both sets. Following examples set in the most acclaimed games of the genre, Ages of Warintroduces Combat Cards which offer bonuses to the attacker and – in case of attacker victory – small reparations to the defender.

In order to unlock this Social Stretch Goal, use one of the Military Commander images as your profile photo and invent your own special battle cry! You can click here to do this on Facebook - or click here to do this on Twitter. Rememeber that you can do both! Once we have 50 battle cries, this Social Stretch Goal will open!

Now let's turn our eyes to the ever growing list of Daily Unlocks!

Today’s Daily Unlock also favours those interested in going to war versus other players. The Contribution Tokens come into play when there is a battle in a player’s Capital (their starting Province). As there is no player elimination in Dark Ages, the attacker must retreat (after gaining some Victory Points), and – when using this Module – leave a Contribution Token.

The conquered player must from now on will have to pay contribution to the winner, by giving them one of their resources every time they pass. To rid oneself of the yoke, a player must either pay the victor 2 Gold – or win any battle against them!

Be sure to also come back tomorrow for not one, but 2 new Daily Unlocks!

Have a great day and stay safe!

Błażej

Second Daily Unlock - the Conquest of England in detail!
about 4 years ago – Tue, Mar 17, 2020 at 11:41:06 AM

My Lords and Ladies!

The second daily unlock is here, and – as some of you have guessed – it does have something to do with England. In fact, it will allow you to conquer it!

As mentioned when asked about lower player counts, the maps are slightly shrunk when not playing with 4 players. Simply put, some of the outer Provinces become unplayable, to make sure that with any number of participants each game is tight. The Conquest of England Module for the Legacy of Charlemagne set re-introduces the British Isles into two-player games.

At setup, each of the Provinces of England is covered up with a special Province Card. These can be interacted with using a Manoeuvre Action, simulating the movement of explorers and traders between England and mainland Europe. The interactions allow you to trade resources and gain minor boons.

The more ambitious rulers can also use their Manoeuvre Actions to send armies directly to these new lands to battle over provinces. These battles are more difficult than facing off against Barbarians, but they also yield greater rewards.

Once a Province is conquered, its card is flipped. Apart from an immediate Victory Point reward, the conqueror also receives any resource of their choice whenever they pass. If they also manage to actually settle the Province, this resource turns into one Gold.

The Conquest of England Module spices up the two player game without making it longer. Opponents investing in trade and conquest can build and develop technologies more effectively, as allowed by the freedom of selectable resources and the universal use of Gold.

Would you like to know more? Just tell us which of the unlocked content strikes your fancy the most, and we will be happy to tell you more about it in an upcoming Update.

What’s next? Make sure to be here tomorrow to see a new Daily Unlock (this time for both sets) and a new Social Stretch Goal!

Have a great day and stay safe!

Błażej

First Daily Unlock and Alliances up close!
about 4 years ago – Tue, Mar 17, 2020 at 07:21:18 AM

My Lords and Ladies!

With the second day of the Dark Ages campaign, we have the first Daily Unlock for you, and the purpose of this update, is to delve into its details. As bonus feature, we also intend to tell you about a Module that has seen the most interest so far. Time to take a closer look at Crusades and Alliances!

Daily Unlock: Crusades

Added to the Heritage of Charlemagne set, this Module introduces the thematic opportunity to carry Christian faith from Europe into the Holy Land, while introducing an element of risk, cooperation and competition in a military struggle different from the ones already present in Dark Ages.

Crusades is a Module that comes in the form of 12 cards divided into three separate Crusades. Within a single set of four Crusade Cards you will find 4 pivotal battles. For each game you will only use one out of each set, introducing special rules to a given Crusade.

As for the general rules, they are simple: some of the churches – when built – start a new Crusade (and, if needed, force players to evaluate a previous one). Once a Crusade Card become active, players may use the Manoeuvre Action to send some of their Units to the Holy Land in order to participate. Once the time to evaluate a Crusade comes, all participants take part in a sequence very similar to a battle, and the total hits they manage to generate determines the outcome of a Crusade.

If the Crusaders are victorious, they get to share spoils – and all players who did not participate suffer penalties. If it is the other way around, the wisdom of those who stayed home is rewarded. Once the evaluation is complete another Crusade starts (or the game end is triggered – depending on the situation on the board).

Crusades offer players another opportunity to compete without attacking each other directly. This Module makes the game focused on conflict that does not bring destruction to player Provinces – although it also creates opportunities for attacks made when some opponent forces are away. The different special rules to each of the Crusade cards keep these contests varied and often require slightly different strategies.

Social Stretch Goal: Alliances

Many of you have asked about Alliances, looking for a more complex system of diplomacy and intrigue in Dark Ages. The core game does not formalize diplomatic relations between players, as these are achieved by geography alone. Your position on the map will often determine who you will have to talk to – and your (and their!) aggressiveness determines if these will actually be talks, or simply clashes of arms.

The Alliances Module adds a simple mechanism to this natural process by adding a set of 8 Alliance Cards to both Heritage of Charlemagne and Holy Roman Empire. Two of these cards are randomly dealt to each player at the start of the game – and there is no way to receive any more of them during the game.

In the game, once two players start sharing a Province border, they must immediately stop the game and decide if they want to form an alliance. If they agree, they will exchange one of their Alliance Cards. If they decide not to Ally, they will never have this opportunity again.

An Alliance Card you receive does not go into your hand. Instead, it is placed next to your player board and marked with your Allie’s token. The card will produce resources or provide you with a different boost as long as you do not attack your ally. If you do, you lose the card (and your Ally loses the card you offered them), and you also lose Victory Points and some support of your Nobles (albeit temporarily).

The Alliance Module makes for a much less aggressive game. It also boosts strategies based on building, as players tend to produce more resources early in the game. The fact that you can only offer what your Alliance Cards allow you to (and select from options your possible ally can offer) makes for some interesting decisions and negotiations. And while there are no systems that would enforce keeping of promises other than never entering your Provinces, they can certainly be made as part of the card exchange process.

More Content

We hope you enjoyed this insight into two Dark Ages Modules. Stay tuned later today, as we have another Daily Unlock waiting for you. Here is a thematic sneak peek of the upcoming Daily Unlock.

Would anyone try to guess where the next Module is going? And yes, it will come with the Heritage of Charlemagne box!

Have a great day!

Błażej