Definitive Griffons Art Preview

To celebrate the official release of Ars Magica Definitive Edition, we finally get to share the previews that have been backer-only content until now! First up is the art preview for the very first large-scale art piece in the book, which depicts a pair of perturbed griffons approaching an adventuring party.
 
For Definiitive Edition, we wanted to feature epic, inspirational new art that really captures the breadth and scope of Mythic Europe, in a series of huge two-page spreads throughout the book. John and I knew Doug Shuler is a long-time Ars Magica player, as well as the creator of iconic pieces like Magic's Serra Angel and Demonic Tutor, and the Ars Magica Second Edition cover. But we didn't have much hope that we'd be able to afford him, or that there would be room in his busy schedule for doing a piece or two for us. 

We asked Doug anyway, and to our surprise he agreed immediately, and deferred payment until after our crowdfunding campaign. Then he asked for more pieces. Then he asked for ALL of the pieces! Because it turns out that Doug isn't just an Ars Magica player, he's a huge fan and couldn't resist the chance to give the gift of his art back to to the game he's loved for so long.

This griffons piece was the first one Doug started working on. It features his own magus from his home saga, and other characters from his troupe. Compare the rough and final versions, and you'll notice that the castle was modified to be more closely in-period, as were the characters' clothes. Doug also reworked the griffon's head to make it streamlined and angrier, which brought more even more tension to the scene.

You can pick up an Ars Magica Saga Journal with the griffons art on the cover, or download the free Ars Magica Definitive Wallpapers and enjoy the scene on your own desktop. 

Then stop by Doug's site at douglasshuler.com to see more of his excellent work!

-Michelle Nephew
Atlas Games Co-Owner