My Owlbear Journal
Hi, I'm Hasel-Anne, I've been here before as a guest artist so you might've seen my work around. Right now I'm very excited to present my latest project, very much inspired by an article Dump Stat wrote on owlbears.
Feather Illustration, 2022 Hasel-Anne
The project started as a challenge to myself, to see if I could make a book. With only a vague idea what it should be about, I started illustrating and from there it slowly grew. I learned a lot about writing, editing, changing punctuation in fonts and everything else that you need to know when you print a book. The process has been exciting and exhilarating, even more so now that I am finally able to share this little work of art, my love letter to DnD, with other enthusiasts.
The story unfolds through the journal and notes of a researcher captivated by owlbears. It tells about preconceived notions, experiences in different landscapes and exciting discoveries on how to live alongside nature.
The book is available for pre-order during December at my website, below is an excerpt from the book along with some of its illustrations.
Half the pages are filled with watercolor illustrations and three photographs that capture the owlbears. The illustrations are professionally printed on off-white paper and hand bound into a leather or paper cover. The buyer can choose which color and material which makes the cover more unique to you.
The book comes with three separate folders with 5th edition stats to be used by the DM, a little instruction manual for a magically powered photocamera and correspondence with the friend who lent it to the main character.
The book costs €70,- and the pre-order period will run all through December.
Horned Owlbear Illustration, 2022 Hasel-Anne
Story
I remember sitting at the cliff’s edge, eating hardtack with fresh honey. The bee stings were worth it. Looking over the valley, bathed in orange light of the setting sun, there I saw it. A large hulking creature.
Owlbear Illustration, 2022 Hasel-Anne
I couldn't place it at first but then realized it was the ill-famed owlbear. It made me shift uncomfortably, I hadn't noticed any tracks or signs it lived here. Luckily there was quite some distance between me and the creature and the wind was in my favor. I watched it move through the water of the small stream, the same I had just collected water from further up the mountain. It swiped and caught fish, ripped open their bodies in a smooth motion but left most of them uneaten.
As the shadows grew longer I heard a bone chilling shriek. Slowly, each movement calculated, another large shape emerged from the forest’s fringe. It was as if the intruding owlbear was caught by a slow spell. The owlbear in the stream stepped up the shore, holding its head low, raising its feathers along the spine. The intruder was outflanking him, the shallow creek was at his back. Then in a flash, they were at each other’s throats, standing upright on their hind legs, swiping their claws sharp as knives. I heard their beaks snap as they shrieked and lunged, tearing each other’s pelts.
As the sun set, the shadows engulfed the two fighting creatures; I couldn't see who won in the end. My self-preservation overruled my curiosity. I knew I wasn't going to sleep that night. It was high time to leave whoever’s territory this was.
Pre-order the Owlbear Journal here.
