Tharkan & Vulteran Warriors – Akvila Conquest Character Designs

Hey guys,

Here is a selection of recent character concepts and warrior designs from my fantasy world of Ída, created for the upcoming story Akvila Conquest.

These illustrations explore the military cultures of two major civilizations: the Tharkans and the Vulterans. Both nations draw heavily from ancient history, but each follows its own distinct visual identity, military traditions, and religious symbolism.

The Vulterans are inspired primarily by Etruscan, Italic, and early Mediterranean cultures. Their armies are organized around a three-line battle formation consisting of frontline spearmen, lighter militia troops, and the elite Sun Guard. Solar symbolism plays a central role in their culture, reflected through brass ornamentation, sun motifs, decorated helmets, and ceremonial equipment.

The Tharkans remain a work in progress. Their visual identity combines influences from Neo-Assyrian warfare, Iberian and Scythian military systems, and elements of Bronze and Iron Age technology. I am currently exploring different approaches to their armor, helmets, use of iron, lamellar protection, and overall battlefield appearance.

One of the most interesting concepts I have recently begun developing is a Silurian-Tharkan warrior. This design represents the cultural fusion that emerges after the events of Akvila Conquest, when Prince Umber establishes the Kingdom of Umbria on the island of Siluria. The goal is to blend the disciplined military traditions of Tharkans with the tribal warrior culture of the Silurians. (see on Patreon)

As with many of my projects, historical illustration remains a major source of inspiration. Artists such as Angus McBride, together with the history of the Etruscans, Celts, Greeks, Assyrians, and the Punic wars or Pyrrhus story, have all influenced the development of these designs.

The warrior concepts from The Rise of the Atlanteans (the story that precedes it) also served as an important foundation for this project, helping establish a consistent visual language across the civilizations of the Unknown World.

I am still refining many of these ideas and experimenting with different directions, particularly for the Tharkans.

I hope you enjoy the work, and as always, feedback and suggestions are welcome.

For more behind-the-scenes sketches, lore, and exclusive content about creating my fantasy universe unKnown world of Ída, head over to my Patreon. Your support helps me continue to bring these stories to life!
https://www.patreon.com/merulla