Concept101: Pirate101's Darkmoor, Zafaria, and Valencia Extensions

Some concept art is truly beautiful. Some concept art is truly telling. But there's nothing greater than concept art that both tells a story or hints at future content and looks spectacular. You guessed it, that's what I've got tonight. For anyone not wanting to spoil future Pirate101 worlds, sorry, as the title wasn't so kind. But you can still quite now... if you don't want to see the Zebra Witchdoctor... or the new Valencia ships... or the Darkmoor tower drawings.

See These For More Exclusive Art and Sources!

Everyday this month, I'm offering a new Concept101 post with new art, new sources, and a new look at the concept process. On the first day (Preceding Darkness and Death), I talked about how and where KingsIsle went looking for artists, and showed Xavier Garcia's Valencia art test, and planted seeds about a past or future Valencia.

The second day (Red Hair and Painted Shields), I talked about textures and building 3D models. I discussed layering and texture mapping, as well as the creative freedom that 3D artists have, and showed some of Isaac Oster's work.

The third day (Complexity by Design), I continued with 3D models, and talked about vector vs. raster images, dynamic shadowing, and display modes in programs used by the artists. I also showed some of the original models of Ambrose and Greyrose.

The fourth day (Hidden in Detail), I talked about vertex lighting, textures, and gave examples of everything that had to be planned, drawn, painted, and created to go in the game.

The fifth day (Extending A Hand), I talked about FX artists, animators, and finished products. I showed you some examples, including some animations of what seems to be Hawkules's second tier! 

The sixth day, (A Fresh Perspective), I talked about concept outsourcing, touched up on the 3D process, and explained how new art, even on old subjects, could offer a look you weren't familiar with.

Yesterday (Pollo's Map, Future Promotions, and Ship Teleports - Oh My!), I talked even more about the 3D process, why I love concept art, and what it can tell us. More importantly, I showed you future companion promotion tiers, potential ship teleports, and Marco Pollo's full map! There's already some theorycrafting happening the comments.

We Knew It Was Coming

A Valencia expansion or two was inevitable. In fact, most believe it's up next in a new skyway with the red windstone. But these new ship concepts seem to confirm it.

As you can see, the concept artist, Aaron, started with about seven initial sketches and took one and developed it completely into a concept we're familiar with. What I'm curious about now is when we're going to get one of these ships. Our first heist in Valencia is something we won't accomplish again, so perhaps we need one of these to get in. He also did the tavern concept and two Avalon interiors above.

What We Didn't Expect

With Wizard101's Zafaria, we weren't exactly holding our breath for Zafaria. But did anyone else find it strange that Zafaria is the only Morganthe arc world in the stormgates?

This concept to the left looks like it might be Wizard101's Zafaria. But I logged in and checked Central and did all sorts of investigating. I couldn't find any sort of shaman or witchdoctor anywhere.

The fact that this was labeled Zebra Witchdoctor seems to suggest that we're getting Zafaria in Pirate101. Alone, that might just be a test run. However, it wasn't the only one that looks like it could be from Zafaria.

There was another. Just one simple environment concept labelled Hut. Whether or not it's truly Zafarian, I'm not sure, but it definitely looks the part. With the Witchdoctor, though, I think one thing is clear - we'll be seeing Zafaria in Pirate101.

Oh, and One Other

As if that weren't enough, Scott Jones, who did the MooShu theatre and Valencian chapel concepts, also revealed some interesting ones. I believe firmly that they're Darkmoor concepts, but they were only labelled DM_s4_TowerEntry and DM_s4_TowerProps.

Whether it's for Wizard101 or Pirate101, I can't be sure either, but consider this - J. Todd Coleman posted two concepts on Facebook that we're completely clueless on. They look like Darkmoor, have the same house that's used in a world concept in-game in Pirate. Then there's the fact that is looks like several islands. And Sargasso Sea - that's definitely Pirate101. Also, all of his other environments are for Pirate101.

Looking at the props below, it would seem that these are definitely Darkmoor. Now when people on Twitter ask what the Darkmoor abbreviation is, I can mention them and say DM. Haha!

Conclusion

This is largely theory-based. What do you think? Are Darkmoor, Zafaria, and future Valencia expansions coming to Pirate101? Also, due to recent events, the sources will be given only by request via email at swordroll (at) gmail (dot) com or though direct messages on Twitter. I'll be happy to provide links there.

Thanks for reading and see you in the Spiral! Come back tomorrow for a full list of artists and links, and then Concept101 will resume its normal schedule.