The Fall of Karak Eight Peaks showcases the assault on the legendary Dwarf hold of Karak Eight Peaks by the Bloody Sun Boyz. Led by the massive Black Orc, Grumlok, and the diminutive Goblin Shaman, Gazbag (seen in the distance), the greenskin horde is able to breach the perimeter of the impregnable fortress with the help of Dark Elf magic. Never before had an invading army broken through the thick outer walls of Karak Eight Peaks. As wave after wave of snarling, bellowing greenskins pour through, the dour but determined defenders of the doomed city prepare to make a last stand.

The Fall of Karak Eight Peaks is the second of three paintings commissioned by Mythic to illustrate events leading up to the Age of Reckoning. It was painted by Alex Boyd, a Games Workshop staff painter with a long list of credits, including the covers of the Skaven, Lizardmen, Vampire Counts, and Bretonnia army books, as well as the Storm of Chaos supplement.



The painting began as a series of concept sketches (above) showing various positions for the battle between a Dwarf Slayer and Black Orc, as well as different backgrounds. We really like the background layout of concept "A" with the cannons on the ridge and the perspective of the fortress's massive towers. However, we preferred the foreground combat and mid-ground battle from concept "B".



These two concepts were combined to create the final pencil sketch (below left). This image was then transferred to the canvas in greater detail and first color applied (below right). The Slayer was also given a second axe to wield in combat.



For the next round (below left), we decided to swap out the Black Orc’s axe and give him a more vicious looking choppa. There were too many axes in the mix for everyone’s liking. The recently completed and approved Bloody Sun Boyz logo was also added to the banners. All that remained was the detail work on the fortress towers and Dwarf air power (below right).



Look for The Fall of Karak Eight Peaks to be used in future marketing and promotional materials, such as posters, wallpapers, packaging, etc. Thanks to Alex Boyd for all his hard work. We hope you enjoy the painting as much as we do!

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