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From SCIFIPEDIA
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Written and illustrated by Mark Smylie, Artesia is an award-winning high fantasy comic series that is one part of an epic, twenty-two volume cycle called The Book of Dooms.
Set in the mythical Known World, a land steeped in magic and myth, Artesia is the story of a woman who is both a charismatic warlord and the priestess of an old religion in a time of great upheaval. As the Middle Kingdoms are invaded by the powerful and wealthy Empire of Thessid-Gola, Artesia leads the gathered forces of Daradja to the aid of the more civilized kingdoms to the south. As the southern Middle Kingdoms reel from the Thessid-Golan armies and their mysterious Isliklid allies, Artesia and her men represent the land's best hope to defeat the invaders, but political intrigue and the schemes of the Church of the Sun King threaten to destroy her before she can even come to grips with her enemy.
The Artesia series is noted for the depth and detail of its setting. Drawing heavily from ancient myth cycles and history, the Known World is a vivid and dynamic setting, as detailed as Tolkien's Middle-Earth or George R. R. Martin's Westeros.
There are currently three volumes in print: the first volume, Artesia, describes the protagonist's rise from a concubine in the court of King Branimir into a celebrated and powerful war captain. The second volume, Artesia Afield, follows Artesia as she leads the armies of Daradja south to fight the invading Thessids. The third volume, Artesia Afire, sees Artesia crowned the Queen of Dara Dess, and chronicles her struggles with the political intrigues of the southern Middle Kingdoms. Each volume is initially released as a six-issue series and an annual issue that includes background material and ancillary stories tied to the main narrative. The fourth volume, titled Artesia Beseiged, is currently in production.
A roleplaying game based on the Artesia series, titled Artesia: Adventures in the Known World has been released by Archaia Studios Press.
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