well, this is it.
a few stats:
polys: 1.5M for character and weapon
image maps: 34
total work hours: 200? maybe more?
software used: lightwave 7.5 and 8, photoshop 7, illustrator 10.
i think it’s time for a nap.
Machineflesh 3D Challenge Entry: jason butler
flinder
#99
flinder
#100
And here’s a repost of the back story, now that the character is all done –
The character is a royal guard of the Ubil people, a long dead civilization on a distant planet, the remains of which were uncovered by an exploratory scientific Earth expedition in 2822.
It is believed that the guard, and others like him, were raised and conditioned from childhood to serve the empire and its interests. A guard in training underwent several surgical procedures throughout its youth, as well as traditional physical tests, each designed to alter strength, reflexes, and pain threshold. The first of these was to remove the subject’s ability to speak, which was done for both symbolic and practical reasons.
Earth anthropologists believe that the sealing of a guard’s mouth with royal colors and metallic adornments symbolized a guard’s unquestioning loyalty. Not only did the mouthpiece make it physically impossible for a guard to question his emperor, the harsh looking mask also served as a warning to any visiting dignitaries or royal subjects – the emperor’s word was law.
While great emphasis was put on discipline during training, the final steps of surgical alteration actually rendered it unnecessary. In a royal guard’s appointment ceremony, a large energy storage pack was attached to his back, and thousands of tiny fibers connected themselves to his spinal cord. This pack effectively connected a guard with “The Will”, a central computing device that was an extension of not only the emperor’s will, but that of the entire 13 member royal council. The Will broadcasted both commands and a life-sustaining electrical energy to the 22 royal guards. This constant flow meant that there was no need for rest or for independent thought.
With this final enhancement, the whims of the empire literally flowed through the nervous system of the guard. A lifetime of submission was now hardwired into him.
Records from the time indicate that, while the frame of the royal guard was generally smaller and slimmer than that of the rest of his people, his various biomechanical enhancements, unrelenting ferocity, and total lack of remorse or compassion made him an almost unparalleled force.
Not much is known of the religious beliefs of this race, as this was a subject only quietly discussed and rarely noted in recovered documents. However, a beetle, much like our own scarab, appears repeatedly in artifacts and architecture uncovered in Earth expeditions. It is believed that this creature was worshipped and revered among the Ubil people.
A recent dig uncovered a stock of small mechanically enhanced beetles deep in an underground chamber, some of which were still functioning after hundreds of years lying dormant. Seven lives were lost when the threshold of a royal burial chamber was crossed and the insects attacked. While this loss of life was tragic, the monumental discovery is seen as one of the most important in the EarthÂ’s history, as much of the biomechanical integration schemes used by the Ubil have quickly propelled EarthÂ’s research on the subject.
snarl
#103
Hi …
just to say that imho yours is one of the best entries …
very well done … looks as if it was painted by Gerald Brom “BROM” just better 
perfect …
Good luck
Ingo
Tremoside
#105
wahooow!! Excellent final!!! My new desktop pic!!
Especially i like those suggestive eyes!!!
Best luck for voting!!!
Tremo
flinder
#107
well thanks for all the input, guys. i’m glad people seem to like what i’ve done.
and thanks to everyone who followed the thread and offered up pointers and comments. much appreciated.
and a public service announcement to other lightwave folks: get the splitrender plugin and cuddle it nightly. it deserves it.
Versiden
#110
mad!!
the final looks totally awesome, gr8 closeups u posted. Well done, inspirational piece you have there.
pity u can’t show the whole character in the scene tho, but it’s hard to balance it since it’s a thin character - you’ve chosen the best option.
nice consistancy in the logo design in the background and the tatoo. Outstanding texturing, I like the eyes… they’re just so evil ;p
:applause: :applause:
Versiden
#111
mad!!
the final looks totally awesome, gr8 closeups u posted. Well done, inspirational piece you have there.
pity u can’t show the whole character in the scene tho, but it’s hard to balance it since it’s a thin character - you’ve chosen the best option.
nice consistancy in the logo design in the background and the tatoo. Outstanding texturing, I like the eyes… they’re just so evil ;p
:applause: :applause:
flinder
#114
thanks guys!
i keep forgetting to post wires. not that anyone has asked, but it seems like everyone else does it, so i’ll do that monday.
harnelbe
#116
i voted !
it’s one of my favorites, like i had said before !
Great Work ! Amazing piece of art !
Excellent !
Tremoside
#117
Hi Jason,
Just a vote look around…
I still like those eyes and the character overall so voting is easy!!!
Best luck mate!!!
Cya,
Tremo
Ravendsg
#118
Hiya man, you’re one of my favourites man! I loved the way your character is designed, and your color combinations and texturing really rocks! Juz loved a good character! hehe Great job and good luck to you man!! 