Artesia started out as a comic from Archaia Entertainment many years ago. I bought it back then starting with the very first issue and was hooked immediately. Purchasing every single issue that came out for it until the series seemingly just stopped. But the world the author/artist Mark Smylie created was just simply stunning. So much depth in religion, politics and the art of warfare. Every single page just dripped with inspiration coupled with his amazing art style. Hands down simply one of the best comics I have ever read.
Three storylines were released; Artesia, Artesia Afield and Artesia Afire. Also there were three annuals released as well and their stories are collected in the Book of Urgrayne which is also available (for free I may add).
While the series has stopped after three issues of the fourth volume got released (Artesia Besieged) and I'm not sure if it will ever be finished I highly recommend these books for anyone. Both the comic and the later released RPG.
Issue one is available for free here.
Artesia the first collected trade is here.
Artesia Afield the second collected trade is here.
Artesia Afire the third and final collected trade is here.
The Free Book of Urgrayne is available here.
Then came the roleplaying game 'Artesia: Adventures in the Known World'. A vast tome that won awards and was nominated for several others. Using the Fuzion system pushed to it's furthest edges and detailing out the world more than most other games ever do. It is a hefty read I will not lie, you have to dive into the setting and bury yourself into it. There is no simply browsing to get a general idea. Everything is so detailed and dripping with inspiration. Also all of the artwork is done by the author/artist Mark Smylie so it really does feel like an extension of the comic. Luckily I picked the hardcopy up when it was released and they seem to be getting a little scarce nowadays as people don't part with it often.
Artesia core rulebook is available here.
The FREE Artesia Compendium is available here.
More information can be found at the following website although it appears to be lacking an update in quite a long time.
Sword and Barrow
Hope you check these out and enjoy them as much as I have over the years.
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