EA Mythic - Warhammer Online

The Assault on Lothern by Paul Dainton

When the Seers of Ghrond delivered a message to the Witch King of Naggaroth foretelling a Chaos incursion into the lands of the Empire, Malekith saw an opportunity to conquer the island home of the High Elves. Knowing that the Empire, which is ravaged by a horrific plague, would send a call for help when the Chaos army attacked, the Witch King conspired to prevent the Dwarfs from being able to answer that call. Malekith reasoned that the Emperor would be forced to ask the High Elves for aid, and he knew the Elves would not abandon the Empire in its hour of need. When the army of the High Elves departed the shores of Ulthuan to defend the Empire, the island’s defences would be sorely weakened and the Dark Elves would invade and conquer Ulthuan.

The Assault on Lothern showcases the Witch King's assault on the High Elf capital of Lothern and is the third of three paintings commissioned by EA Mythic to illustrate events leading up to the Age of Reckoning. It was painted by Paul Dainton, a Games Workshop staff painter with a long list of credits, including the covers of the Dwarf, Wood Elves, Tomb Kings, and Beasts of Chaos army books.


Concept A	Concept B	Concept C

The painting began as a series of concept sketches (above) showing various positions for the battle between the mounted High Elf Dragon Prince and Dark Elf Cold One Knight. Each of the images had their positives and negatives. Concept A had the best action and character poses, but you were left staring at the rear end of a Cold One. The placement of the characters in Concept B allowed for the best view of the background and gave us the most flexibility should we need to crop the image for any reason. Finally, Image C had the best steed poses but the weakest swordplay of the three.

The best parts of these three concept sketches were then combined to create the final image on canvas (above). We were definitely blown away by the amount of detail added to the picture and the scope of the battle really became clear when first color was added (below left). The approaching storm clouds intruding upon the idyllic homeland of the High Elves were a great touch that help create the atmosphere of the painting.

Further details (such as adding “armor” to the Witch Elves and texture to the sea dragon cloaks of the Corsairs) were added to the painting in the next round (above right). However, several small tweaks were still needed. The sword arm of the High Elf was oddly fore-shortened and needed to be extended. The Cold One needed a bit more slobber hanging from its maw. Finally, the angle and positioning of the Dark Elf made it look as if he was missing an arm. We needed to see that second hand on the upraised weapon. With these changes made, the painting was complete.

Look for The Assault on Lothern to be used in future marketing and promotional materials, such as posters, wallpapers, packaging, etc. Thanks to Paul Dainton for all his hard work. We hope you enjoy the painting as much as we do!