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:iconcityofheroes: #CityofHeroes
The official CoH Group on dA!

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November 28, 2011
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:iconpixel-saurus:
As seen in the pages of PC Gamer magazine and our own Ustream casts, this is the Circle of Thorns concept I created as part of COH FREEDOM.

Whether or not you liked the original version of the group, they had a few artistic issues to overcome, including lowres textures from 2004 and a high degree of repetition among enemy types. And subjectively, they also had a "low-rent" and unthreatening sort of vibe, which might work for a low level villain group but becomes increasingly problematic as one's level goes up.

This new take cast the group as significantly better equipped and more formally dressed. ...and also more dangerous. 'Circle' and 'thorn' motifs abound, and the old burlap/plain cloth has given way to intimidating pointed forms throughout. Luxurious, textural fabrics (patterned snakeskin and dense filigree) befitting a group of high-powered mages help to complete the visual, and we can tell at a glance that the Circle has evolved into a bigger threat.


More character concepts from COH FREEDOM:
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:iconroxikat:
~roxikat Aug 16, 2012
With the Circle of Thorns redesign, it was truly the beginning of a revitalization of the world's critters. It was such a drastic change but suddenly they had a thorns motif that suited their name.
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:iconpixel-saurus:
*pixel-saurus Aug 16, 2012  Professional Digital Artist
Thanks for saying so! The community seemed to need some time to adjust to the new look, but I think it captures the group's essence a lot more accurately. :D
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:iconzerry:
*zerry Jun 28, 2012
I still wish the CoT minions got updated *names* as well as character models. Archer. Guard. Guardian. Defender. Guide. :sleep: Heck, even tacking on something like "Cult Archer", "Guard Cultist", or "Thorn Guide" would be an improvement. And I always figured Thorn Wielders [link] being described as elite guardians in their own description, would be more 40-50 material than 5-13

I could ramble suggestions all night (give Troll bosses some bling! Warriors should have unique axes/swords/maces!) but I think I'll quit here. And oh yeah, great designs, much better than the prelim upgrade that got panned on the forums.
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:iconpixel-saurus:
*pixel-saurus Jun 30, 2012  Professional Digital Artist
I like your suggestions. Hope they continue to upgrade the old characters. As for the CoT upgrade, believe it or not, this was the design all along. I only did this one concept. The script got lost somewhere during the color/proliferation process, but we got it all sorted out in the end.
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:iconkoenken:
~Koenken Apr 13, 2012  Professional General Artist
Nicely done.
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:iconfrankamabob:
~FrAnKaMaBoB Dec 8, 2011  Professional General Artist
I like their new costumes but I still hate fighting them hahaha
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:iconeddy-swan:
*Eddy-Swan Nov 29, 2011  Professional Digital Artist
Been away from the game for ages, so this is a pretty cool surprise, the circle definitely needed an overhaul! Great work David!
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:iconpixel-saurus:
*pixel-saurus Nov 29, 2011  Professional Digital Artist
Thanks, man. When you're done playing Skyrim and MW3, make sure to check out all the new stuff in COH.:) There's a free-to-play option now, a brand new Atlas Park, new Tutorial, post-50 Incarnate content, 4-legged rigged, and giant-size Titan Weapons coming next week! :D
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:iconeddy-swan:
*Eddy-Swan Nov 29, 2011  Professional Digital Artist
been meaning to get back to it for a while, but have had to focus on work, the pages dont color themselves :P I'm a bit afraid that by the time I get back there it will be so different I wont recognize it anymore!
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:iconpixel-saurus:
*pixel-saurus Nov 29, 2011  Professional Digital Artist
Well, it's a giant game, so it would take us years to redo everything. :)
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