[DEVBLOG#309] Landmarks Expanded, Part 2

Hey folks!

I’ve got another devblog for you. Today, we’re diving back into Vanilla Landmarks Expanded, and I have something special to show off!

Given the amount of work we’ve poured into this project, I felt it was only right to commission our artist to create a distinguished "hero character" for the mod, especially since we plan to release more modules in this series.

I’ve always felt that hero characters give a mod extra punch. They elevate the presentation, making everything look even more professional, while also helping to build our brand. Though commissioning these images isn't cheap, I love adding them whenever possible for that extra pizazz.

For this image, we envisioned an explorer, someone daring to go where no one has gone before. We settled on an early 20th-century British explorer aesthetic. To add some charm and recognizability, I decided the character should be a bit rounder in shape.

Below you can see the initial sketches:

I felt the top sketch was the most appealing. The character is in an active pose rather than looking static, and he seems genuinely amazed by his surroundings. I asked the artist to move forward with that design.

Next, the sketch was refined into RimWorld-style linework. This step usually takes the longest, as we need to replicate the specific style of the original Storytellers - lines that are slightly chaotic, yet precise.

Once the linework was set, we moved to coloring. Vitalii and I collaborated closely here. Shading and color are crucial; they add dimension and ensure the character blends seamlessly with the background and the rest of the preview image.

Now that the hero image is complete, you can bet a new preview image is in the works. For now, however, let’s take a look at the remaining infographics so you know exactly what landmarks to expect!

Let me know what you think down in the comments section!