<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>The Veiled Realms of the Old West is a journey through three haunting locations: The Basilica, The Labyrinth, and The Sanctum. Each realm tells its own story, blending mystery, madness, and hope.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/28594c9d-f756-476f-bf43-f421d4e2fa0e/28594c9d-f756-476f-bf43-f421d4e2fa0e.png" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>The Basilica rises on the cliffside, a cathedral born of greed and desperation. This teetering tower stands as a monument to corruption, where ambition knows no bounds in the unforgiving badlands.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/f1e58a8b-db1a-4952-8750-409cce01e891/f1e58a8b-db1a-4952-8750-409cce01e891.png" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>Beneath the rust-covered Basilica lies The Labyrinth, a sprawling maze carved under Black Mesa. Its endless tunnels echo with the ghosts of miners driven mad by their quest for riches. Fungi, spores, and whispers of darkness make this place a living nightmare... one misstep could cost you your sanity.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/71aa167a-6748-4705-ac21-5712f7254632/71aa167a-6748-4705-ac21-5712f7254632.png" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>At the heart of the mountain beats The Sanctum, a serene yet scarred refuge. Though violated by plunderers, its sacred waters and quiet mist still hold an aura of divine grace. The stillness here feels like a promise... something ancient waits, ready to awaken and restore balance.

Like any great story, The Veiled Realms unfolds in three acts: corruption, chaos, and redemption. Together, these realms create a tale of wonder and foreboding—an unforgettable odyssey through the hidden heart of the Old West.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content"><p>#learteschallenge</p></div></div>

46761153-c53d-4ae5-8ae2-83c9ca5fdf54.png

A journey through three haunting realms: The Basilica, a greed-fueled cathedral teetering on the edge; The Labyrinth, a maddening maze beneath Black Mesa filled with echoes of despair and mind-altering spores; and The Sanctum, a serene yet scarred sanctuary deep within the mountain, where hope lingers amidst desecration. Together, they tell a tale of corruption, chaos, and quiet redemption.

The Basilica

<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><h2>Hi, I will create 3D Environment based on the awesome concept by Max Bedulenko - GHENT.</h2></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class="justify-center"><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/249e21f9-34a6-43d2-8807-4a39b7e271ca/249e21f9-34a6-43d2-8807-4a39b7e271ca.jpeg" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>I was drawn by its dystopian atmosphere and the rich architectural elements it offers. The extensive references provided by Max are incredibly helpful, offering ample inspiration for architectural and hard surface details.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/3aaa26a0-27b5-49aa-a8d4-1b16117af587/3aaa26a0-27b5-49aa-a8d4-1b16117af587.jpeg" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p> I'll be utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and Blender, focusing heavily on modular kits and trim sheets. my goal is to create optimized asset creation and flexibility in design, ensuring a cohesive and immersive environment.

Thanks!

Note: I will be sharing Mood chart soon! </p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>#learteschallenge</p></div></div>

63fc6550-0f16-47a0-bc51-3b8e259879d2.jpg

3D Environment based on Max Bedulenko - GHENT.

Veiled Realms Art Challenge

<h2>The Sailing City</h2><p>Hi all! My blog for the Veiled Realms Art Challenge. I am entering for the 3D Prop submission. I’ll be using blender for modelling, UV and if I got time rigging and animation. I’ll then use substance painter and blender for texturing. Below you’ll find more information on the prop I plan to make, design and style. 
My Main concept is Victorian City-Ship by Chris Chaproniere. (Below)I aim to create a ship with a city/town on top, similar to Mortal Engines. I aim to go for a steampunk mixed with Victorian times. I plan to create an aged feel by adding rust, overgrowth, wear and tear. This will hopefully be achieved through some modelling and texturing using Substance Painter. </p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/6dfdf287-28ad-49c1-9d62-3e82960644ea/6dfdf287-28ad-49c1-9d62-3e82960644ea.jpeg" alt=""></p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/c348f7db-1fbd-4473-9b24-a0c693c53160/c348f7db-1fbd-4473-9b24-a0c693c53160.png" alt=""></p><p>The ship
Since I’m British, I plan to use two famous British ships to build upon, HMS Victory and RMS Titanic. I plan to use the look of weaponry, sails and intrigue design from HMS Victory. Then I plan to use the size and steam engine from RMS Titanic. During the early stages I will play around with the size, either making it bigger or smaller depending on how it all looks. 

Architecture
I will be using Victorian architecture for the building's exterior and interior. I’ve chosen this era of architecture because I really like the gothic style look and the shape of the buildings. Much more pleasing to look at than modern style buildings I believe. Also the steampunk aspect will fit well with this type of architecture so all the pipes, wires and engines etc. For reference Dishonored.   

Weaponry
Since I’m using HMS Victory of course I got to add cannons from the ship but I’m also going to include some steampunk styled weapons. List of weapons I plan to add are Culverin(Your standard looking cannons), Long Guns, Mortars and to go steampunk related perhaps a minigun of sorts.

Steampunk
I’m adding steampunk to my build cause I think it will look cool and add depth to the build. It also works well with the use of engines from RMS Titanic, having pipes and cables running around the ship. Again I’m referencing Dishonored as well as Bioshock. These games add steampunk to a dark and gritty environment which I feel will add nicely to my ship. However I’m looking to not go too deep with electricity as the time RMS Titanic was around electricity was powering things like lightbulbs, elevators, heating, winches etc.  

Extra - Sea Beast
If I have time I would like to add some kind of sea beast. Just to add to the lost world side of things. For simplicity I would make a tentacle because then I can just duplicate that and scatter them around the ship, giving the effect of a giant squid like creature under the water. 
#leartesstudios</p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/68/images/63cf809e-5361-4bd7-a592-4c763c280288.png" alt=""></p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/68/images/ace98aa2-73c3-4b50-96c6-fc386891ac03.png" alt=""></p><p>OOCTOBER UPDATE! ^</p><p>At the beginning of October I came back to this project and continued do finish blocking the buildings on the ship. The front(Bridge) pf the ship I based on the Titanic as well as the funnels. The rest of the building designs came from just looking at reference images and coming up with interesting designs. Most of the buildings are flats, lots and lots of living quarters. Reason being is the history of this is about people now having to live on ships, this being just one of them, and this ship practically was made for housing as many people as possible. </p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/68/images/ce1c9a55-1aaa-428a-ba8e-cdd8cb636225.png" alt=""></p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/68/images/ec9bfff2-3dc5-474a-9260-b930727f51a2.png" alt=""></p><p>UPDATE 22nd of October ^</p><p>As you can see I've changed the design quite drastically. The factory I've changed to looking more like an old English factory this being I was struggling with fitting the funnels on the ship whilst having buildings. No matter where I put the funnels they just didn't fit, so I changed the design to old English Factory.  </p><p>The flats next to the factory are meant for housing more than one family in a room. The people living in these flats most likely work in the factory as they are close by. The next block of flats are more nicer, more living space and better looking building. These people either work or have people working the more important roles on the ship. They are also closer to the front of the ship so they can get the nicer views.</p><p>I wanted to put a clock on the ship but struggled to place it. I randomly came up with the idea of having hanging in this tunnel. I think it works well with the steampunk/Victorian theme. I know at the moment not of steampunk features yet but they will come. </p><p>#learteschallenge</p>

d3ca6072-82cf-4a5b-ab71-d2f52e016526.jpg

The Sailing City

<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>Hello all! I'm excited to join Leartes's Veiled Realm's art challenge! 

I want to create an ice environment, where a big battle will begin, and my main inspiration is George Rushing's  Seregost Ice Caves:</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/7f8d71d9-d8c4-4e5b-89b9-9cf05a8ee45e/7f8d71d9-d8c4-4e5b-89b9-9cf05a8ee45e.jpeg" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>And some more references: </p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/6786f65c-9f81-49d2-bfb9-8c134c4e27a2/6786f65c-9f81-49d2-bfb9-8c134c4e27a2.png" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content"><p>I will use Unreal engine 5 for real-time environment, Marvelous Designer for some cloth simulation, and Dash for scattering objects. The main tone color is cold blue, it is contrast with the hot fire battle color</p><p>#learteschallenge</p></div></div>

e0dc5926-4579-4988-95fa-ab92efbf6251.webp

My Veiled Art challenge

<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content"><p>Hi!
For this challenge, I’ve taken inspiration from the Velvet Road series from Max Bedulenko, which interested me with its use of striking tones and serene yet melancholic atmosphere.

This concept inspired me to design a small, forgotten city with a dominant blue color that evokes themes of tranquility and isolation. The city once flourished with culture and vibrancy but has since faded into quiet abandonment, leaving behind hints of its past glory.

I’ve prepared a reference board to guide my vision.
</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content"><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/48/images/81102250-d9ff-4205-8f2e-b4d705cf1832.png" alt="__editor_image_0__"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content"><p>I’ll be using Unreal Engine 5 for this project, as my aim is to create a detailed, game-ready environment. To bring the setting to life, I plan to incorporate intricate textures, and atmospheric elements that highlight the city’s distinct character and mood.

#learteschallenge
</p></div></div>

fd631d20-927f-4d7b-83dc-cac57a70e124.jpg

Hi!
For this challenge, I’ve taken inspiration from the Velvet Road series, which captivated me with its use of striking tones and serene yet melancholic atmosphere.

This concept inspired me to design a small, forgotten city with a dominant blue color that evokes themes of tranquility and isolation. The city once flourished with culture and vibrancy but has since faded into quiet abandonment, leaving behind hints of its past glory.

I’ve prepared a reference board to guide my vision.



I’ll be using Unreal Engine 5 for this project, as my aim is to create a detailed, game-ready environment. To bring the setting to life, I plan to incorporate intricate textures, and atmospheric elements that highlight the city’s distinct character and mood.

#learteschallenge


The Abandoned Statue Garden

<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>Context
The kingdom I'm going to build is set in a fantasy universe where many intelligent races exist, such as elves, humans, dwarves, dragons, and more. For this project, I'm going to focus on the Dwarven Kingdom. This kingdom is ancient, possesses technology far superior to that of other kingdoms, and has never been successfully invaded. While other kingdoms use swords and magic spells, the Dwarven Kingdom uses heavy weapons such as turrets and war machines. This kingdom is located within a mountain in the north of the continent. Its surroundings are inhospitable, but they discovered how to survive using magic and technology. In addition, they possess the largest mine on the continent, full of magical minerals that supply the Dwarven Kingdom with practically unlimited energy. Within the kingdom, there are a large number of caves and passages that connect the caves like an anthill. The dwarven kingdom possesses technology that defies common sense, such as flying cars and solar lighting inside the caves, in addition to the abundant presence of intelligent automatons and the automation of many everyday tasks. The dwarven kingdom is peaceful despite receiving constant threats of invasion, the inhabitants are accustomed to the failed attempts of the other kingdoms. The kingdom's government has a defense department consisting of only a small group of dwarves for the maintenance and development of defense systems consisting of lethal machinery such as autonomous turrets and magic shields as well as proximity tracking and many other things that this kingdom possesses autonomously using artificial intelligence. But the main objective of the kingdom is for the inhabitants to feel comfortable within the mountain, for this reason the interiors of the kingdom are constantly being renovated, which is why it is normal to see constructions in development, basically there is a utopia within the kingdom. Most dwarves focus on forming a family or socializing in groups of like-minded individuals. Dwarven traditions are based on preserving the kingdom and avoiding contact with other kingdoms.
To support the scenarios, I developed a story that takes place within the kingdom. This story is about an engineer in charge of developing and maintaining defense machinery, such as the turrets that protect the kingdom's entrances.
This story explores the perspective of the engineer, who is deeply committed to defending the dwarven kingdom, as well as his relationship with his partner, who dreams of leaving the mountain and exploring the world. The plot begins when the human race attacks the dwarves, but this time, the humans come prepared and with many resources at their disposal, as they have powerful allies like the elves and the dragon race. A full-scale war begins for the defense of the dwarven kingdom. Our protagonist is responsible for defending his kingdom, utilizing all the superior technology at his side. This war is important only to all races except the dwarves, who don't doubt their victory for a second, and our protagonist is responsible for ensuring nothing goes wrong.
Below, I'll show some references I plan to use.</p><p><u>Project Plan</u>
To begin, I'm going to gather references from caves, technological and futuristic devices, and dwarven culture and hobbies. I'm also going to draw references from their houses to adapt them to a more futuristic approach. I also plan to add large mineshafts and many giant vehicles to transport minerals. I plan to build autonomous farms and artificial sunlight inside the caves, and for all of that, I need references. For the kingdom's facade, it will basically be mountains with large turrets on top.
Then I'll start sketching my key settings, such as the protagonist's bedroom, the park near the protagonist's house, the cave where the protagonist has a date with his partner, and finally, the control room where you can see the exterior of the caves.
Then I'll start blocking the scenery using Autodesk Maya.
Then I'll begin modeling, and if necessary, I'll add details using ZBrush or Marvelous for the fabrics. I'll also use Substance Painter and Designer for the textures.</p><p>I plan to use warm colors inside the cave and cool colors outside the cave.</p><p>#learteschallenge</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>Below, I'll show some references I plan to use.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/47/images/e66fefc2-c774-48d9-adb9-43a0c6909275.png" class="null"></div></div>

0459596e-8de7-4efd-9cc8-89a79f5a0b3d.jpg

This is my initial idea for the 3d environment I plan to develop for the challenge.

Veiled Realms- The Hidden Realm of the Dwarves in the future

<h2><b><b>1° update</b></b>03.07.25</h2><p>I started working with polygons by blocking out the main volumes and the terrain. This study phase is essential for me because it allows me to get an overall view of the scene and to organize the next steps for developing the details. Once I had the basic layout sketched in 3ds Max, I exported everything in Unreal to begin crafting the right atmosphere — again, starting with generic lighting — so I could better understand the work needed and where to focus on adding detail. I usually work with a third-person preset in Unreal, and once I’ve set up the collisions, I immediately test the game to see how it feels from the player’s perspective.</p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/46/images/e9759470-b595-4df1-ac42-97121230f23c.png" alt=""></p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/46/images/91bf271b-a38b-4cca-b517-63a01a1cd3db.jpeg" alt=""></p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/46/images/52468f60-c8b1-4d69-a0ef-49bf19faf557.jpeg" alt=""></p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Exploring The Sheegothai: a visual journey through decay and mystery</p><p>When I first came across Max Bedulenko’s concept The Sheegothai, I immediately felt I was looking at something far more than a simple stylistic exercise. There’s a dense, layered atmosphere that radiates from every part of the image: the monolithic yet jagged architecture, the dusty, desaturated palette, the intricate details that seem to whisper stories of forgotten civilizations and dormant powers. Bedulenko’s world isn’t just meant to be observed — it invites you to explore it, question it, inhabit it.</p><p>Inspired by this visual universe, I decided to develop a 3D environment for a hypothetical video game, aiming to translate the essence of this decaying scenario into a fully navigable space. My goal isn’t to replicate the original concept, but to reinterpret its visual language and build a new place that echoes its haunting beauty and narrative weight.</p><p>One of the aspects I’m particularly interested in exploring is the terrain morphology. In Bedulenko’s piece, the city seems nestled in the heart of a river landscape — a feature that immediately caught my attention. The river is not merely a backdrop: it acts as a shaping force, carving out the land, isolating the architecture, enhancing its mystique. I want the environment I’m creating to reflect this deep relationship between terrain and narrative — to become a place where water and soil actively shape the identity of the space.</p><p>To bring this vision to life, I’ll be working with a pipeline that includes several key tools: ZBrush for terrain sculpting and organic detailing; 3ds Max for architectural modeling; Substance Painter for material texturing; and Photoshop for 2D textures and additional visual polish. Everything will be assembled and refined in Unreal Engine 5, leveraging the power of Lumen and Nanite to achieve a visually immersive and atmospheric result.</p><p>My intention is to build a space that evokes solemnity and abandonment — a place the player can walk through, as if wandering the silent remains of an alien and ancient civilization. Light, materials, and architecture will be central, but so will the landscape itself — a geological body telling its story through erosion, fragmentation, and sedimented history.</p><p>In my next update, I’ll share the first steps of the design process: from spatial layout sketches to terrain tests and early moodboards. This is the beginning of a creative journey aimed at shaping a world that, while entirely new, speaks the same silent and powerful language The Sheegothai so masterfully evokes.</p><p><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/46/images/503c268e-9eaf-4db9-bb93-5e156fe65176.jpeg" alt=""></p><p>#leartesstudios</p><p>#learteschallenge</p><p>https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/challenges/veiled-realms-art-challenge</p>

1b3e1bb4-e734-40c2-9dd6-211f6e5be1b9.jpg

Veiled Realms art challenge
3D Environment
The Sheegothai path - Martno
Software used: Unreal engine 5, 3ds Max, Zbrush, Substance painter, Photoshop.
#leartesstudios
#learteschallenge
https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/challenges/veiled-realms-art-challenge

Veiled Realms - The Sheegothai path - Martno

<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>This challenge truly tests my worldbuilding skill. From the rules, I am interested in something similar to Max's Velvet Road worldbuiling. I imagined a long-lost advanced civilization that left a heavily fortified passage to and from their self-sustaining isolationist landlocked kingdom. The passage is supposedly named Tursghwers from  the closest local hermetic community’s pronunciation of the place, passed down through exclusive oral tradition of said community. Although there are speculation of its name to Proto-Indo-European culture, the degree of engineering is anachronistic to any culture in the same period. What we know is, this place is a long-lost advanced civilization.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>The concept of settlement on the extremes in Max's Velvet Road and the Forgotten Worlds theme made me think to combine both: a long-lost advanced civilization lived on the extreme yet has no any historical records whatsoever.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>Here is the earliest moodboard:</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/a156d9a7-6ebc-445d-a124-c4eff8612961/a156d9a7-6ebc-445d-a124-c4eff8612961.png" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>Im gonna use Unreal Engine for the realtime rendition of it. Assets will be mainly handmade in Blender, so this going to challenge my overall modeling skills from hardsurface to sculpting. Materials will be done in Substance Painter, my plan is, using the available in-app smart materials, generators, and handmade stencils as well as manual painting. </p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>Will update here, or elsewhere. Stay tuned 👀</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>#learteschallenge</p></div></div>

f0d3b6a0-8a48-4685-af8e-3130e16940ec.jpeg

Documenting my earliest concept in Veiled Realms Art Challenge participation, in 3D Environment category.

"Veiled Realms" Art Challenge: Building Tursghwers

<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>Hi everyone! 
For the challenge, I'm going to work on the fisherman village.I was really drawn to it, its reminded me a lot of the avatar of the last airbender, mostly the water tribe.I will be using the concept as it is . I have a simple reference board. I will be adding more references but for now is simple.

I'm trying to plan the phases of how I'm going to work on this environment and divide it into pieces so it is easy to work on the environment. After this reference board i will be working in the blocking phase so trying to get the scale, the camera position correctly no details just cubes everywhere!! 

I'm planning to use Unreal Engine 5.5.  Im a 3d max user and im currently trying to switch to blender so all of the modeling will be done in Blender.  It is going to be challenging but I want to go and get more familiar with the program. I'm planning to use Dash to scatter the object and marvelous to create the fabric like the curtains and maybe the fabric that are hanging but i think that can be done with gravity in  unreal engine, maybe? . I also want to challenge myself to create some materials in Substance  designer. :) 
I'm really excited to participate in these challenge.
</p><div>I will be posting soon more updates!!</div></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/7109462d-1581-4a59-b1be-5bb76ad78ceb/7109462d-1581-4a59-b1be-5bb76ad78ceb.jpeg" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>#learteschallenge

</p></div></div>

028b2edf-d75d-4b4c-a3a0-6a271d1dcf9a.jpg

For the challenge, I'm going to work on the fisherman village. I was really drawn to it, its reminded me a lot of the avatar of the last airbender, mostly the water tribe.I will be using the concept as it is . I have a simple reference board., and I'm going to work on the blocking phase 
I will be posting soon more updates!!



Veiled Realms- Fisherman Bar Streets

<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>I am starting this Vieled Realms Challenge by creating some 3D Props, inspired from Max Bedulenko's The Sheegothai project and, I also really liked the way he fused the Sci-fi era with the ancient imaginary civilizations into a single frame!
Due to the details of this concept it's one of the most intriguing concept for me to work on. Here I'm adding the initial images that inspired me.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content"><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/c5b84988-b2a6-4de8-92e5-52dbac1d33d6/c5b84988-b2a6-4de8-92e5-52dbac1d33d6.jpeg" alt="__editor_image_0__"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content"><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/737cd948-cb62-42e5-ba7a-68d543fe5034/737cd948-cb62-42e5-ba7a-68d543fe5034.png" alt="__editor_image_1__"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content"><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/625da995-a77a-452d-b2c3-deaaa7ea2411/625da995-a77a-452d-b2c3-deaaa7ea2411.jpeg" alt="__editor_image_2__"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content"><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/f6edae26-d4a8-44e2-9486-577270224752/f6edae26-d4a8-44e2-9486-577270224752.jpeg" alt="__editor_image_3__"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content"><p>I Just love the imaginations behind of Max Bedulenko's Concepts! 
I will be exploring similar themes &amp; props to create something similar &amp; interesting ;)</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content"><p>

#learteschallenge
</p></div></div>

7d10eac1-27e8-4fb9-85be-55b147e7f571.jpg

The Primeary Hero Prop will be a string based music instrument called Himalayan Lute. These instruments are primarily used in folk and spiritual music. 
The Himalayan Lute will be accompanied by an old Rug, Pillow, Bamboo made base. If the time allows then I would add some other props too.

#learteschallenge


Veiled Realms - Himalayan Lute

<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>I will be entering the Leartes Studios Veiled Realms Art Challenge! Using the Art of Max Bedulenko for inspiration, my entry will be a 3D environment with a"Veiled Realms" theme using Unreal Engine 5 and the Leartes Cosmos assets.  

This is a sketch of my vision for the city: </p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/e848304e-8909-4ff1-b4d2-9bdf6e25c4b1/e848304e-8909-4ff1-b4d2-9bdf6e25c4b1.jpeg" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>I am using Max's <a href="https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JlXDL0" target="_blank">Streets of Constantinople</a> as my inspiration. My scene will feature overgrown buildings, and a huge waterfall in the background which will provide the growning plants with water.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content" class=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/7ce16d3e-804c-4935-9629-b7c1051e2a98/7ce16d3e-804c-4935-9629-b7c1051e2a98.jpeg" class="null"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>Stay tuned for progression sneak peeks.</p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p><a href="https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/challenges/veiled-realms-art-challenge" target="_blank">https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/challenges/veiled-realms-art-challenge</a></p></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content" class=""><p>#leartesstudios
#learteschallenge</p></div></div>

7928c6ef-7079-4b22-bbe6-bbc88416725a.jpg

Leartes Studios Veiled Realms Art Challenge! Using the Art of Max Bedulenko for inspiration, my entry will be a 3D environment with a"Veiled Realms" theme using Unreal Engine 5.

Overgrown City

<div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content"><p>I wrote down all the concepts just after applying the challenge. I was so inspired, and I came up with more than just a concept for environment or props, but now it's even a game concept, I would say. So thank you for this inspiring challenge! All the ideas came after my first notes were added to the "More Ideas" section, to have like a track of my ideas and concept evolution. As you could see, I already had more ideas before writing this post (in fact, when preparing it). So actually, I don't have concept art reference because I'll do mine, so I'll update the blog post to add them, and more breakdown and workflow.

&nbsp;

</p><h2>General Concept:</h2>
The 1st realm of the dead is located in a territory where the dead are waiting to be “relocated” or reincarnated. A different astral plane, like a different planet.

Death is timeless and concerns all living beings, known and unknown. The universe is therefore varied, from retro to futuristic to fantasy.

The environment is dark and foggy, sometimes frightening but also surprisingly alive. Aliens, fantastical creatures and humans alike can be seen, as well as buildings of all periods and styles.

The houses are representations or projections of the dwellings of the dead, so often look abandoned, faded, sometimes ruined, destroyed or burnt.

There's a very dark area, like a slum, where the most destroyed houses and the most tortured beings are to be avoided!

The majority of entities are ghostly in appearance, generally translucent and emitting light and mist.

Rarely are there (astral) travelers, also ghostly in appearance but less misty, more like a shapeless round floating mass with a detailed face and a brighter light.

&nbsp;

<h2>Storytelling:</h2>
We take on the role of the future chief of a Tuareg-inspired desert tribe. Once our instructions are complete, the tribe's great shaman invites us into his tent for our final test.

The task is to visit the world of the dead in order to obtain the blessing of the previous chief (by transmitting a key phrase/password that the shaman knows, for example).

But to reach the deceased chief, you'll have to pass a number of tests, as the chief is much further away in the astral planes than where we're about to go (for the challenge).

We enter a trance with the help of the shaman, who entrusts us with an extremely precious and powerful emerald dagger. To help us on our journey, we need to hide it where we can't reach it, deep in our hearts.

Once in trance, we must find the dream shaman who will take us through the portal to the world of the dead.

In trance, we find ourselves in a large desert bazaar or desert town, and are immediately drawn to a witchcraft/marabou stall. This is the dream shaman.

She's very intimidating, and after explaining the rudiments of the quest, her mirror turns into a portal where we can see an infinite world, she says something incomprehensible and powerful and we find ourselves sucked in vibrating to the sound of a very powerful church bell.

We finally arrive in the 1st world of the dead, where some are stuck and others are rebuilding their lives, while the majority are waiting for the hope of a new life or an evolution that has lasted indefinitely.

&nbsp;

<h2>Story board:</h2>
For&nbsp;the&nbsp;storyboard,&nbsp;I&nbsp;did&nbsp;some&nbsp;block-out&nbsp;sketches&nbsp;to&nbsp;lock&nbsp;my&nbsp;ideas&nbsp;and&nbsp;don't&nbsp;lose&nbsp;them.&nbsp;Of&nbsp;course,&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;bad&nbsp;at&nbsp;drawing;&nbsp;I&nbsp;need&nbsp;to&nbsp;practice&nbsp;way&nbsp;more,&nbsp;but&nbsp;the&nbsp;overall&nbsp;concept&nbsp;is&nbsp;established&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;ideas&nbsp;and&nbsp;these&nbsp;sketches.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;enough&nbsp;to&nbsp;build&nbsp;the&nbsp;concept&nbsp;art&nbsp;on&nbsp;it.

In&nbsp;the&nbsp;following&nbsp;days/weeks,&nbsp;I'll&nbsp;update&nbsp;these&nbsp;keyframes&nbsp;to&nbsp;proper&nbsp;concept&nbsp;art&nbsp;and&nbsp;add&nbsp;more&nbsp;with&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;have&nbsp;a&nbsp;proper&nbsp;story&nbsp;board.</div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="image-content"><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/41/images/51f3d357-5983-4eab-9b99-dd1535e16c51.jpeg" alt="__editor_image_0__"></div></div><div class="editor-paragraph has-content"><div data-type="text-content"><p>I'll&nbsp;update&nbsp;them&nbsp;with&nbsp;more&nbsp;notes&nbsp;for&nbsp;light,&nbsp;colors,&nbsp;textures&nbsp;and&nbsp;so&nbsp;on&nbsp;before&nbsp;doing&nbsp;the&nbsp;concept&nbsp;art&nbsp;of&nbsp;these&nbsp;keyframes.

From the first to the third frame, we are in the desert camp, our tribe. The two following are the bazar in the desert and the chaman stall in the dreams, which lead to the last one, the actual challenge related environment, the first realm of the dead. We are in FPS as asked, with the possibility to play a bit to discover this world. I would like to add some animation, like draw the dagger (from our heart), open our inventory to see our equipment props..

</p><h2>Environment Concept:</h2>
There are two environments that lead to the main environment related to the challenge. The first is the desert camp with a focus on the chaman tent and the second is the bazar with a focus on the sorceress/chaman shop. The mirror portal in it will make a transition with some astral/universe/warp vfx into the first realm of the dead.

It&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;environment;&nbsp;the&nbsp;two&nbsp;before&nbsp;are&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;cinematic&nbsp;intro&nbsp;of&nbsp;"this&nbsp;game&nbsp;concept"&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;better&nbsp;understanding&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;story&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;concept.

The first realm of the dead, as explained, is very dark and foggy, mostly frightening but with a lot of live in it with all these entities. It can be more shiny or beautiful in some areas because the death is not bad. And it's not only sadness and other bad feelings.  
That is for the general mood.

I'll try to blend several styles like scifi/fantasy/modern/retro/alien buildings and props. Knowing the deadline and all the work it requires, for one person it's a lot to do, so I'll probably try to do just one or two main assets of that style like a building and a car/ship or bench related to each style and scatter them into the scene. I always love science fantasy like Warhammer40K, Final Fantasy and their deep storytelling as we can have in Naughty Dog too.  
I would like to add some character, some soul/ghost but I don't know how much I could succeed to push my vision with all the humans and creatures from different time period.

<h2>Props Concept:</h2><h3>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Emerald Dagger</h3>
The emerald dagger is a powerful artefact and weapon that can shift in whatever he wants to help him during his journey, from a sword to a fantasy creature or even a futuristic gun, but he can't use it for a long time because the dagger is the main prop that permits him to survive in this realm and stay bound to his world. It's why the dagger is mainly hiding in his heart, a deep spiritual place for this astral plane where people are dead so they don't have heart anymore. Even if his heart is not physically here, his consciousness and soul are deeply connected, especially in this realm, so it's why he needs to keep the dagger in him, hiding in his heart, but we could see that the dagger being his heart because he can't survive without it.

I'll add the concept written in "More Ideas" part,&nbsp;about&nbsp;the&nbsp;Key&nbsp;Props&nbsp;from&nbsp;his&nbsp;real&nbsp;life&nbsp;to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;him&nbsp;to&nbsp;use&nbsp;his&nbsp;dagger&nbsp;longer&nbsp;add&nbsp;other&nbsp;benefits&nbsp;to&nbsp;him,&nbsp;like&nbsp;stats&nbsp;or&nbsp;powers.

<h3>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Family Ring(s) / Jewels</h3>
The&nbsp;first&nbsp;"other&nbsp;idea"&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;been&nbsp;his&nbsp;family&nbsp;ring,&nbsp;could&nbsp;add&nbsp;more&nbsp;vitality,&nbsp;and&nbsp;add&nbsp;some&nbsp;fixes&nbsp;stats,&nbsp;or&nbsp;player&nbsp;could&nbsp;choose&nbsp;which&nbsp;extra&nbsp;stats&nbsp;he&nbsp;wants,&nbsp;and&nbsp;an&nbsp;extent&nbsp;time&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;dagger.

&nbsp;

<h2>Technical:</h2>
I'll&nbsp;mainly&nbsp;use&nbsp;blender&nbsp;(as&nbsp;I&nbsp;work&nbsp;on&nbsp;it&nbsp;daily)&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;modeling&nbsp;and&nbsp;texturing&nbsp;part,&nbsp;also&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;level&nbsp;blockout&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;overall&nbsp;design.&nbsp;I'll&nbsp;use&nbsp;photoshop&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;concept&nbsp;art&nbsp;and&nbsp;storyboard&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;mix&nbsp;of&nbsp;photo&nbsp;bashing&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;asset&nbsp;I'll&nbsp;make&nbsp;in&nbsp;blender&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;final&nbsp;result.

For the cloth, I'll use Marvelous Designer for the first time. I'll use Substance Painter for texturing the Hero asset. For the VFX part I'll use EmerGen and maybe GeoGen for the terrain. For the reference, I'm using PureRef, and I'll put all this work in Unreal Engine, trying to make my cinematic and the concept game for the challenge. I will use Dash for the first time too, but the video tutorial was very promising, so I count on it to help me improve my Unreal workflow because I only did a few courses about making a game with&nbsp;it.

And&nbsp;I'll&nbsp;share&nbsp;my&nbsp;Pc&nbsp;specs,&nbsp;I&nbsp;know&nbsp;that&nbsp;sometimes&nbsp;it&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;motivating&nbsp;or&nbsp;just&nbsp;we&nbsp;are&nbsp;curious&nbsp;about&nbsp;it:

I&nbsp;have&nbsp;a&nbsp;RTX&nbsp;3060&nbsp;with&nbsp;an&nbsp;AMD&nbsp;Ryzen&nbsp;9&nbsp;5950x,&nbsp;64gb&nbsp;RAM&nbsp;DDR4.&nbsp;With&nbsp;time&nbsp;I&nbsp;updated&nbsp;the&nbsp;processor&nbsp;(Ryzen&nbsp;5&nbsp;before)&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;ram&nbsp;(16gb)&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;can&nbsp;feel&nbsp;the&nbsp;late&nbsp;I&nbsp;have&nbsp;with&nbsp;my&nbsp;3060.&nbsp;&nbsp;For&nbsp;photoshop&nbsp;and&nbsp;3D&nbsp;sculpting&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;using&nbsp;a&nbsp;DecoPro&nbsp;XP-Pen&nbsp;tablet&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;have&nbsp;it&nbsp;since&nbsp;10&nbsp;years&nbsp;ago&nbsp;who&nbsp;is&nbsp;became&nbsp;buggy&nbsp;these&nbsp;months,&nbsp;so&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;dreaming&nbsp;about&nbsp;a&nbsp;display&nbsp;one&nbsp;haha.

<h2>More Ideas:</h2>
The&nbsp;concept&nbsp;could&nbsp;be&nbsp;push&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;real&nbsp;game,&nbsp;as&nbsp;an&nbsp;RPG&nbsp;Action/Adventure.&nbsp;If&nbsp;the&nbsp;concept&nbsp;is&nbsp;working&nbsp;after&nbsp;this&nbsp;challenge,&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;I'll&nbsp;try&nbsp;to&nbsp;make&nbsp;it&nbsp;properly.&nbsp;Like&nbsp;adding&nbsp;the&nbsp;concept&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;MC&nbsp;can't&nbsp;stay&nbsp;too&nbsp;long&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;astral&nbsp;plane,&nbsp;but&nbsp;his&nbsp;journey&nbsp;is&nbsp;way&nbsp;longer&nbsp;and&nbsp;harder&nbsp;than&nbsp;expected.

So&nbsp;the&nbsp;chaman&nbsp;try&nbsp;to&nbsp;reach&nbsp;him&nbsp;by&nbsp;throwing&nbsp;the&nbsp;dream&nbsp;plane&nbsp;to&nbsp;give&nbsp;him&nbsp;more&nbsp;artefact,&nbsp;like&nbsp;his&nbsp;family&nbsp;ring,&nbsp;or&nbsp;other&nbsp;key&nbsp;props&nbsp;to&nbsp;permit&nbsp;him&nbsp;to&nbsp;not&nbsp;fall&nbsp;into&nbsp;the&nbsp;realm&nbsp;and&nbsp;stay&nbsp;bound&nbsp;to&nbsp;his&nbsp;real&nbsp;life/world,&nbsp;to&nbsp;earth.

These Key Props could permit him to use his dagger longer and add other benefit/stats/power to him. We could have a little game on the chaman about summoning these key props, like preparing the rituals, making the moves with some FX and QTE actions. And depending on the accurate result, the props could get a&nbsp;rank,&nbsp;from&nbsp;common&nbsp;to&nbsp;epic&nbsp;or&nbsp;legendary.&nbsp;During&nbsp;the&nbsp;game&nbsp;we&nbsp;could&nbsp;enhanced&nbsp;our&nbsp;equipment&nbsp;props&nbsp;like&nbsp;+1,2,3..&nbsp;even&nbsp;their&nbsp;rank&nbsp;but&nbsp;it&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;more&nbsp;difficult.

#learteschallenge

&nbsp;</div></div>

ff3b04e4-2017-42b6-8990-b1f459bd7e7e.jpg

Here is my blog post about my future submission for the "Veiled Realms" challenge from Leartes Studios.  
#learteschallenge

Cosmos Blog: Your Guide to Creation