Mystery of Albesila: Behind the scenes

Formerly Vord was just a tall, attired in black, pale man. He was characterized by an aquiline nose, high forehead, long hair streaked with grey and small scars on cheeks. During the process of character design, Vord went through a metamorphosis. From the countless ideas something that we didn’t really expect have emerged.

Even first ideas had suprised us. Something completely new for the Art Team was eg. the interpretation of a necroman as a native american shaman.

„Vord is a leader of the barbaric army – I wanted him to be culture-linked with them by his clothing.”

Thomas Ćwik

Gradually, Vord’s image gets more and more mysterious. Character becomes more dark and unsettling. His face is less human-like; his long hair disappear in the process too.

At this stage Vord had an image of a grim necroman, attired in black. Lukas Fudalej added some character by placing a crystal of power on the Vord’s forehead.

„...the only idea except the style of clothing and face for a bad guy was a silver mirror. Silver as a magical metal in composition with a mirror would be a weapon and a shield at the same time. It would deflect, protect against mind attacks and accumulate, focus the power of the necroman.”

Lukas Fudalej

Next idea was that Vord should wear heavy, full plate armor. This idea was connected with that the dark powers had corrupted and deformed the body of Vord – it’s disgusting, covered with scars – that’s why it have to be hidden underneath metal.

„Sight of a mage in full armor is very unusual. That could make this character unique...”

Marius Kornatka

We had decided that Vord needs something that would make us scared and anxious when seeing him, something that would make us instantly categorize him as a villain. Marius Kornatka suggested, that a proper mask would be perfect fot this. There was several versions of the mask – some very decorative, some simple, even coarse. Finally, we have picked a mask that, in our opinion, perfectly reflected the unemotional, cold nature of this character: inhumane, merciless, reserved.

Finally – a breakthrough. We have gotten a sketch, that definitively depicted primary characteristics of our villain: pride, haughtiness, unnaturally thin figure. Armor was replaced with long, black coat. Individuality was ensured by buttons and square-cut edges. Arising association of this coat with priest’s soutane is completely unintensional – yet appropriate, because of this Vord have become even more spiritual and enigmatic.

Because of the severe climate of Albesila, Vord was provided with a warm fur protecting againts coldness and a pair of long gloves. But a project of the character now seemed too trivial, simple. We needed some fresh ideas. Fur was eventually replaced with a short throw from crow’s feathers, we got rid of the golden trimming too.

We had discussed how Vord should move. We have agreed that he should be majestic, proud. Lucyna Rogoża suggested that the chaotic nature of Vord should be shown in a scene when he goes across a market square full of dead bodies. He would avoid touching any of the dead – with disgust, he would lift the edges of his coat to keep it clean and out of blood. Although finally we have picked an idea that Vord would float in the air, flying above the ground without making any sound. Thanks to this it’s even more doubtful – who is this necroman – still a human, or a supernatural being.

„People, in most cases, fear what they don’t know. By covering the mages face, we have achieved the goal. Effect is heightened by bloodstained eyes filled with emptiness and hate.”

Marius Kornatka

That’s how the most dark, mysterious and at the same time most interesting character of Mystery of Albesila was born. Designing it was a lot of fun and we hope that you’ll be able to see that in the movie. We hope that you’ll like it, just like we have liked it.

Final concept art you can find in Vord feature.

Artists who worked on this character:
Marius Kornatka
Thomas Ćwik
Lukas Fudalej
Jackob Oleksów
Thomas Bakalarz