What’s on the Cover of Ampliterra?
For a few months now, we’ve shown off the beautiful cover art for Ampliterra: Echoes of the Rift illustrated by Serena Malyon. Today, I want to give you a look into how we made the cover and the moment that it portrays.
The Cover
As Sadia and I were talking through what we wanted to show on the cover of the book, it was difficult to find something that captures the diverse array of cultures in Ampliterra. Ultimately, we decided to go with the activation of the Font of Magic by the Order of the Silver Elk. In Ampliterran lore, this is known as The Beginning, and marks the moment nearly four centuries ago that magic became widely accessible. Since then, it has shaped almost every historic event in the intervening years, from the centuries-long Abiding Conflict, to the development of Solandria, and so much more. We also knew that we wouldn’t have too many chances to illustrate Ampliterra’s history, so why not take that opportunity with the most visible piece in the book?
The finished cover of Ampliterra: Echoes of the Rift illustrated by Serena Malyon and laid out by Julie-Anne Muñoz.
We called on Serena Malyon to illustrate this piece because she has such a distinct fairytale style. It’s obvious that she understood the intense naturalism, mystery, and quiet wonder we wanted to evoke. My favorite touch of hers is the group of woodland creatures gathered around to watch far below.
Once Serena finished her gorgeous piece, we turned to our inimitable layout artist Julie-Anne Muñoz to design the title-mark. Ultimately we settled on the first of her font choices. It was perfectly simple, readable and distinct. We also tried out a few colors before we landed on the light green because it stands out without clashing with the rest of the artwork.
A few of the font options we experimented with over an early draft of the cover art. Art by Serena Malyon, Layout by Julie-Anne Muñoz.
A few of the different title mark color options we tested over an earlier draft of the cover. Art by Serena Malyon, Layout by Julie-Anne Muñoz
Key Details
The two standing atop the tower, Enialis Mountainshadow and Tola Hakidottir were members of the Order of the Silver Elk, so they made it their lives’ work to bring accessible magic to Ampliterra. In the period after the Font’s activation, Enialis moved to Ceviador where he worked to usher in a new era of magic. He still lives and works there with the Cevian Order.
In the bottom right corner is another very important figure – the Silver Elk named Istus. The Silver Elk is a member of the Verdant Vættr, a group of extraplanar entities that arrived on Ampliterra to further their mission to spread planar equality through access to their plane’s endemic magic. The Silver Elk guided and advised their namesake order in the Font of Magic’s development. It’s only fitting that they be there in the final hours before its activation.
Skadi Forest War
Of course, none of what the Order of the Silver Elk accomplished would have happened were it not for the Skadi Forest War. In 1022 BB (Before The Beginning), early homesteaders first encountered the Silver Elk among the towering pines of the Skadi Forest
The Silver Elk taught the homesteaders how to use a nascent form of magic sequestered to the Skadi Forest in exchange for their assistance banishing their mortal enemy, the Clouded, from Ampliterra. With promises of magic emanating from a planar rift leading to the Silver Elk’s home plane, the homesteaders formed the Order of the Silver Elk. The Order is dedicated to studying the use of magic and fighting back the Clouded’s rare incursions. As a base of operations, the Order built the small, snowy town of Njarovík, the region’s first significant settlement.
Just as the Silver Elk promised, the Clouded did attempt to invade Ampliterra beginning in 423 BB in a bid to fulfill their ultimate goal of conquering all planes of existence. But the Silver Elk and their home plane allies had prepared the Order for this eventuality for centuries. The war that followed lasted a brutal three centuries. The peace that followed allowed the Order to focus on the project that would dawn a new beginning for Ampliterra: the Font of Magic.
Today, I’m sharing a brand-new illustration from Kayla Marquez that presents an in-world depiction of the Skadi Forest War. Kayla’s work has become some of my favorite and perfectly encapsulates the key players and feeling of this historic event.
The Skadi Forest War by Kayla Marquez
Holy cow, y’all. I can’t wait for you to see the finished product.
Until next time!
Austin
