When flying ... never forget gravity.

The Storyteller

When flying, no matter the pleasure, never forget about gravity, because landing can be a tad painful.

I was about to post again just before the end of June, at least that was the plan when I decided, inadvertently to be sure, to try flying. It was great, much enjoyed for the second or so I experienced it before gravity took over and I struck the ground. Then came the hurt after lying there thinking ... I can't move. But luckily, I eventually could and at last in great distress rose from my crumpled heap position to something that resembled one of my earlier ancestors attempts to walk on hind legs.

Ok. Ok, I wasn't just flying per say; I actually tripped over a small wall with a steeper drop on the other side in the dark and as I only had my arm to cushion the fall onto hard ground it hurt a lot more than when I once fell into a house. But that's another story.

Suffice to say I'm well on the bend, even though I may have cracked a rib, but I'm fine, and that is the reason why this blog, intended for the end of June, never happened till now.

I'll try and keep any further prattle down now and just post pictures as usual. The main theme of which is related to some old mainly foreign Games Workshop related stuff.

These were done for Le Grimoire titles.

http://www.legrimoire.net/

This picture, above, was for one of the FF Advanced titles... Blacksand, but this below was, I believe, for White Dwarf/Game Workshop and because of the detail and the original size of the work I have reproduced it larger.

To conclude here are a few more picture from the past that others have posted related to Fable Lands and the Blood Sword series in the main. Shown larger than drawn size.

Next time, some work never seen [more or less [grin] before] and not too long from now. Finally a couple of pictures from the Goldhawk series by Ian Livingstone to be used in 'You are the Hero' publication I believe.

I thought, to end, a little bit of colour ... so there you have it.

Till then, thank you for looking and I do appreciate comments and questions [if I can answer them].

THIS WAS MAY, BUT NOW IT'S NEARLY GONE.

So, what's new I'm late again. Apologies. I was hoping to have some work that was completed last year to show but as it's yet to be published I need to wait a while longer.

However, here is a rough I used for one of the drawings.

But there is fresh news, I've been invited as a guest to the first dedicated Fighting Fantasy convention, "Fighting Fantasy Fest 2014", this September in London, featuring special guest appearances by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone, and the official book launch of 'You Are The Hero - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks', by Jonathan Green. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/274966572686051/ 

Now I recognise this may not be news to a lot of you [grin], and I'm the Luddite when it comes to keeping up with technology, but it gives me a chance to post a couple of old FF pictures. 

Occasionally I'm commissioned to reproduce an old piece like Balthus Dire, and such was the case but as the recipient is yet to receive his gift I cannot show the variation until later in the year.  Thee request [laugh, I make it sound as if I get lots of them] is for Zagor himself, but like all things it is sometimes tiresome to recreate old work so I tend to add sight variations. Here are two such variation, the second of which is for  'You Are The Hero - A History of Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks'.

At present, I've been finishing recreating a 'new' work based on another FF book: Blacksand.

When I have permission I'll post the latest version of this picture. I the meantime ..another old piece.

To finish this FF link a couple of other related commissions. First, 'The approach to Firetop Mountain'. 

Second, is a variation on the theme of the 'Drunken Orc'.

Now to finish another link to the FF theme this time to the book 'Titan', about to be published soon

I believe, in France, which also includes a couple of new pieces from myself as well as 'old' stuff. 

Here are two new drawings, including one and its variation.

Ghosts in the Library.

http://www.ulule.com/titan-defis/

Zombie Dwarf King

Also the variation offered [actually ... with just the black sky [cough].

Can you guess which I preferred?

Finally, two more pieces. A Beastie shown with and without a background.

Lastly and older beastie, my own little creation a 'Worguliod'. Actually 

it's not so little.

Till the next time and some very old stuff for Fanzines and related 

magazines, and fingers crossed not so long to wait ....but I've said 

that before.

Should there have been a roll of drums?

Well, as mentioned last post, went to see the film 'Death' , at BAFTA, a small independent piece by the excellent Martin Gooch who wrote, directed and did all the jobs that nobody else was available for, and we had a good time, both watching the film, which features my work in the titles and in a couple of scenes, and meeting others.

Now this is where I was wondering if there might have been a roll of drums, or at least a crack of thunder [it rained enough] when I introduced myself to that doyen of gaming Ian Livingstone. Who, along with Steve Jackson, created the Fighting Fantasy series and launched a lot of happy people into the world of roll playing gaming certainly in this country.

As it turned out there was no roll of drums, or thunder, but in the ensuing din around we had a nice conversation, in which he voiced his surprise that we'd never spoken to each other face to face. I had intended to start with a quip about, 'Dr. Livingstone I presume',  but in all the turmoil of reaching him through the packed room .... forgot. I also met his lovely wife, and lad, and she very kindly took our photograph, which Ian has passed on and I post below.

So for all those that wanted to see us together.... there you have it, and who knows maybe we'll work together again in the future.

As mentioned, it was good evening, and day, for caught a 'free' rehearsal of Beethoven's 1812 Overture at the local church of St. James. Most interesting to see how the conductor chose what to emphasis and of course there was the flying baton.... But we're only now recovered from travelling under London, via Piccadilly, would you believe ... Never again on the underground. It's too much walking and climbing for two old dears.

Now I cannot go without posting a couple of other pictures, thanks to the incomparable Andy these come from Blacksand Advanced Fighting Fantasy.

 Also a couple of old White Dwarf magazine pieces [ If I've posted these before my apologies].

Right that's it for now. Next time, some new work.