Atoya
Artbook concept – work in progress
I began the creation of this concept artbook when I was studying Illustration and Concept Art at ESMA, Montpellier. It’s been few years now that I’m working on it on my free time, using it to developp my skills in environment, maps, and narrative design.
Creation of the world
Atoya is a world created like most worlds: between elements and light, except that this world was magical. No one knows exactly when living beings began to appear, but scholars around the world believe that it began with Salihah, goddess of dust and of the Astre. Some legends say that Salihah is the daughter of the Astre itself, and that she wanted to create her own planet.
These may are only legends, but most Atoyards believe them.
Next came Koas, god of souls, and Kadon, god of greenery. These twins appeared, no one knows quite how, and the three of them populated these lands with fauna and flora particularly enriched by magic and happiness. Then came living beings. We don’t know who their descendants are, because after millennia, the pantheon of our deities was more than full, but we suspect Kagtia and Dudi. This goddess couple, the most benevolent and empathetic, are said to have created animals and humans to populate these vast expanses of nature.
It was Salihah who possessed magic, and who therefore created a lineage of divinities full of magic, which diversified over the years and through births.
Humans eventually inherited this magic, under the care of Kagtia and Dudi, who created creatures in their image, beautiful, seductive, strong… but sometimes with very dark thoughts and cruel powers .
Cartography
Environment
The dual capital of Kasker, separated only by the Détroit of Caracac, Dissis-sur-Vanoît is a city dominated by metamorphic culture.
It is also a city that used to attract a lot of tourism, with travelers enjoying the tranquility of the Emerald Sea.
The capital of Ukus, Tocia, was once a city loved by travelers. The island of Ukus was a truly paradise, and many stayed in Tocia. It was a warm and festive city, almost like a vacation spot…
Now there is a huge black palace that would stand out in the landscape if it doesn’t become dark too. It is the seat of Vanborh.
Mossacre is the capital of Jaclaria. It is located between the Avide River delta and the Muré Gulf. It is a very hot city, full of color. Before the Eruption, it was a fairly wealthy city with a young population and a very efficient port. Since then, the population has been working for Vanborh.
Balaja, the capital of Xuclary, is a warm, lively city with a peaceful atmosphere. It has a large population of shape-shifters and, surprisingly, vampires (who send their offspring to study at Spring Combat Camp).
It is a very young city that has been largely spared by the Eruption, and large celebrations are often held there.