Appendix N of Xul - annotated version

[Necromancer]

Quite some time has passed since I first mentioned my ambition to make an annotated version of my so called "Appendix N" for the Xul campaign setting. Well, finally it's here...! I've decided to divide it into several posts in order to make the disposition clearer, thus easier to quote and/or comment upon.

Enjoy!

[Necromancer]

ART:

Alfredo Alcala

I love the works Alcala did for the "Savage Sword of Conan" comics. The way he skillfully captured the spirit of the Conan stories has been very inspirational to me.



Boris Vallejo

Boris Vallejo surely is a master painter when it comes to fantasy art. Clearly inspired by Frank Frazetta but taking his art in a more photo realistic direction. I find his artwork impressive and highly inspirational.



Frank Frazetta

I discovered the art of Frazetta as a teenager and I've always appreciated his works. However, the older I get my fascination has grown. The way he managed to capture action-packed moments of suspense in evocative compositions and murky yet vibrant colour schemes is simply amazing. A true master painter, and the style and atmosphere of his art seem to fit Xul perfectly.



Gustave Doré

This 19th century French artist was as productive as skillful - I've always been fascinated by the engravings he did for the Bible as well as for the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri and Paradise Lost by John Milton. Studying his style has been important for me, and some of his works have been quite inspirational for the Xul setting too.



John Buscema

When it comes to the Conan comics, I know a lot of people love the works of Barry Windsor-Smith (and nothing wrong with that, he's a great and influential comic artist!), but personally I've always preferred John Buscema. Just like Alfredo Alcala, I think he captures the savage and exotic mood of the Conan stories perfectly.



Michael Whelan

Michael Whelan is another classic fantasy painter, and I've been fascinated by his works since the first time I saw the painting he did for the Stormbringer novel. In fact, I'd say primarily the covers he produced for the Elric novels by Michael Moorcock have been influential for my work on the Xul project. Beautiful and evocative, capturing the mood of uncanny and weird adventures.



Richard Corben

Another iconic comic artist, I've listed Richard Corben primarily for his Den comics. His over the top characters, combined with science fantasy elements and exotic environments in bold, at times borderline psychedelic, colour schemes seem to fit Xul perfectly.



Rodney Matthews

Rodney Matthews has a very original style, shown in numerous covers of albums and books alike. His weird, quirky, colourful and playful fantasy landscapes fit the world of Xul perfectly.

[Necromancer]

BOOKS:

H.P. Lovecraft: Assorted works

I'm a huge fan of H.P. Lovecraft. I love his stylistic features, his story arcs, the conceptual ideas and the way he managed to connect his works into a cohesive and highly interesting personal universe. The cosmic horror concept works out fine with the background for Xul.



Michael Moorcock: Primarily the Elric-books

I'm quite fascinated by the works of Michael Moorcock, but I have by no means read nowhere near all of his extensive writings. Discovering the Elric novels as a teenager, I've always found those highly inspirational and refreshingly original. The impending madness and adventurous exploration of a weird and at times almost psychedelic world fit Xul very well.



R.L. Asprin (ed.): Thieve's world, primarily the first anthology

I've always loved the gritty yet imaginative fantasy of that first Thieve's World anthology. Weird and violent adventures with shady characters in a dusty, orientally themed city - now that fits Xul!



Robert E. Howard: Primarily the Conan-stories, but also King Kull

The writings of Robert E. Howard pretty much sums up the essence of what Xul should be about: pulpy and savage adventures in an exotic and primitive world. I could go on and on, but I think it's enough stating that this is probably the most important source of inspiration for me on this project.

[Necromancer]

COMICS:

Den by Richard Corben

The adult oriented science fantasy of the Den comics by Richard Corben has grown to become very inspirational for me. Seemingly inspired by the writings of E.R. Burroughs, Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft, the stories Corben created and painted with over the top characters, horrific monsters and weird landscapes fit Xul perfectly.



The Savage Sword of Conan (different artists and writers)

The black and white comic adaptations of the Conan stories have definitely help me to visualize the world of Xul. Definitely well worth a recommendation.

[Necromancer]

MOVIES:

10,000 B.C. (2008)

Savage adventures in a pre-historic world - a great way to find some inspiration!



Apocalypto (2006)

Fast-paced and adrenaline-packed adventure in the Mesoamerican rainforest, where tribesmen encounter maya indians looking for human sacrifice. A great source of inspiration for the more savage aspects of Xul.



Beastmaster (1982)

Sword and sorcery 1980's style! Entertaining and adventurous, I've always like the concept of the main character being a warrior with the gift of controlling animals.



Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Conan the Barbarian (2011)
Conan the Destroyer (1984)

I still think it's a shame the original Conan stories by Robert E. Howard haven't been made into movies or TV-series so far. Nevertheless, I like the Conan movies. The ones from the 80's, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, are cult classics with lots of inspirational moments. I also appreciated the new movie - I think Jason Momoa actually did a good job portraying Conan, and I think they managed to capture much of the feeling of the world and the spirit of the stories.



Dune (1984)

I haven't read the books, but even though the movie isn't flawless I think it's quite interesting and exciting. I like a lot of the concepts in it, and I've found parts of it rather inspirational.



John Carter (2012)

It might not have become the blockbuster the movie company wanted, and some fans of the original books might have had complaints about the movie not being orthodox enough - I love this movie. It's got everything I might need and want as a source of inspiration for Xul: pulpy adventures in a science fantasy setting.



Prince of Persia - the Sands of Time (2010)

Yes, it's based on a computer game, and yes, it's produced by Disney... But I actually found this movie quite entertaining. As a classic adventure in an orientally themed world it works out fine as an inspirational source.



Red Sonja (1985)

More sword and sorcery from the 80's... Apart from the slight confusion of having Arnold Schwarzenegger starring in another movie loosely based on the works of Robert E. Howard, but not as Conan, it's rather entertaining.

[Necromancer]

TV series

Marco Polo (2014-)
I discovered the Marco Polo TV series upon signing with Netflix, and found it very entertaining. Beautifully shot, with as much drama as action, I found it inspirational for Xul much due to its "stranger in a strange land" theme.



Rome (2005-2007)
The influence from the Rome TV series was decidedly more tangible during the early stages of this project, when I was aiming for a more culture gaming approach. However, it's still worth checking out for its depiction of adventures, daily life and intrigues in an ancient society.

[Necromancer]

MUSIC:

Dead Can Dance: Spiritchaser

Normally, I'd go for the albums this Australian duo recorded at the end of the 80's, but for Xul I think Spiritchaser might be a slightly better choice due to its more African and oriental vibe.



Electric Wizard: Witchcult today

Extreme doom metal from the rural part of Dorset, UK. I probably wouldn't use this as background music for actual play, but I've found the music very inspirational while working on the Xul project. Personally, I prefer the later albums. The groups obsession with Black Sabbath, old horror B-movies and smoking pot creates a blend of music that I just love. (interestingly enough, their 2006 album "Let us prey" lists Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, C.L Moore, Leigh Brackett, C.A. Smith, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Arthur Machen, Weird Tales and Planet Stories for "lyrical inspiration"!)



Future Sound of London: Lifeforms

British electronic ambient project. I've always found the weird soundscapes of this album inspirational, and for some reason I've always thought of using it as a soundtrack for swamp adventures!



Goblin: Suspiria (soundtrack)

Italian progressive band, best known for their soundtrack works - like this, for instance, for the classic 1977 horror movie Suspiria, directed by Dario Argento. Haunting, weird and atmospheric.



In Slaughter Natives: Enter now the world

Swedish orchestral industrial project, clearly influenced by horror movie soundtracks. Dark and dramatic.



King Crimson: In search of the crimson king

The groups 1969 album debut is a progressive landmark and classic. Combining a wide range of influences, the music is very evocative and atmospheric. Highly recommended.



Original Soundtrack: Conan the Barbarian

The soundtrack of the first Conan movie, composed by Basil Poledouris, is a cult classic, and a very good one too. Clearly inspired by "Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff, it's dramatic and powerful.



Peter Gabriel: Passion (soundtrack)

Former Genesis vocalist Peter Gabriel wrote the music for the 1988 Martin Scorcese movie "The Last Temptation of Christ". Far from the "Sledgehammer" chartbuster pop, this is at times almost ambient, with strong oriental influences as well as classical aspects. Very suitable as background music.



Raison d'être: Enthraled by the wind of lonelienes

Swedish dark ambient/industrial project. Lush, sweeping soundscapes sprinkled with nature sounds, sampled choirs, chimes and weird noises. Very atmospheric and evocative, with a dark and almost sacred feel to it.



SPK: Zamia Lehmanni (songs of Byzantine flowers)

Australian band SPK was originally pioneers of the industrial scene, later moving on to more accessible electronic territories, before band leader Graeme Revell became a composer for Hollywood movies (Dead Calm, The Crow, Matrix and many others). This album is more rooted in ambient and contemporary classic music, with oriental influences. Dark and atmospheric.

[Admin Pete]

This is really sweet, Necromancer, I really like what you have done here.

[Necromancer]

Dec 11, 2015 14:46:45 GMT -5 Admin Pete said:

This is really sweet, Necromancer , I really like what you have done here.

Thank you, Admin Pete! It's been bugging me that it has taken me so long to write down and post this annotated version, but now it's done and it feels good. I hope it provides a more in-depth view on the sources of inspiration I've used.