Ophidian Throne: The Tower
Concept art for The Ophidian Throne, a Fantasy motion-webcomic.
The most important building in the story is the Tower at the center of the city, it is the oldest building and rose compass of the North. Home to scholars and wizards from all corners of the land and a hushed order of Necromancers. It's lower floors are accessible to those who wish to understand the world.
The tower is inspired on the Aztec concept of the "Vertical Universe" which divides the world in three zones: the Thirteen Heavens (tower), the Overworld (base/city level and pyramid), and the Nine levels of the Underworld (hidden inverted pyramid). Each floor mirros some of the concepts of Aztec cosmology.
The tower interiors (scrapped due to time) are decorated with murals as a bestiary of sorts.
Overview draft of the tower, a cut below the surface shows a hidden inverted pyramid with a secret passage to the city canals. Throughout the city, artificial gardens are constructed to create canals. The gardens in this area only grow coconut trees.
Early sketches and silhouette
Early sketch showing the hall and tower in one building.
Notes, thumbnails and an innitial sketch
Closer draft of the tower.
Detail of the watchtowers
Detail of the façade, gate guarded by two snakes and two sorcerers.
Mural and gargoyle designs, left and bottom right in four concepts: queen, sorcerer, dragon and griffin. Top right draft and thumbnail depict Greatwyrms.