#science and sorcery

[judgeitbyitscover]

The Warlock in Spite of Himself (1969) by Christopher Stasheff

Cover art by Stephen Hickman

Ace Books, 1978

Skeptical, cynical Rod Gallowglass is a spacefaring man of science who does not believe in magic. He's also an operative of the agency SCENT, tasked with finding lost colony planets, then guiding them toward democracy and eventual membership in the galactic community.

But when he stumbles across the strange new planet Gramarye, he's shocked to discover a medieval society full of witches and warlocks, elves and monsters. How is it even possible? Worse, Rod's advanced technology quickly gets him labeled a warlock, despite his constant denials.

Moreover, the Kingdom is in political turmoil, with a young girl-queen on the brink of civil war with her rebellious lords. Rod slowly discovers off-world organizations are behind the unrest, trying to subtly corrupt Gramarye away from democratic rule. His mission is threatened at every turn by fascists, anarchists, and double-dealing royalists playing vicious political power games for the future of the most unique--and perhaps most important--planet in the galaxy.

Aided only by a coven of teenage witches, a ragtag army of beggars, and his epileptic robot horse Fess, Rod decides the only way to thwart these destructive influences—-both native and off-planet—-is for him to become a part of the local fabric and lead Gramarye as one of their own. But to do so, Rod Gallowglass must put aside his own convictions and beliefs, and become a warlock, in spite of himself.

[smbhax]

From "Prisoners of Doctor Doom! Part 1" in Fantastic Four #5, July 1962. Stan Lee script, Jack Kirby pencils, Joe Sinnott inks, Stan Goldberg colors, Artie Simek letters. Photoshop color reduction.

[doomreturn]

[malpractisnt]

strange: I’ve got some ancient spells to learn today

tony: do any of them involve kissing me?

Strange: No

tony: sounds like a waste of time, honestly.

[dollopheadedmerlin]

I think it's so funny when people draw Merlin characters with stuff like top surgery scars because it carries the implication that Gaius is a leading medieval gender confirmation surgeon

[fanlore-wiki]

Featured Article: The Eye of Argon

This week’s Featured Article is about The Eye of Argon, a novella written in 1970 by Jim Theis. The story was considered a rather obvious pastiche of Robert E Howard’s Conan The Barbarian, most evidently with the protagonist’s name being Grignr the barbarian.

Regarded as the worst fantasy story ever written, The Eye of Argon was a subject of mockery in literary circles. The story has since then been commonly used for turkey readings and party games at conventions. One can also find many dramatic readings of the story on Youtube.

In recent years, the story has been viewed in a more sympathetic light, given how the author was a teenager when he wrote it and quit writing due to the incessant mockery he received.

Learn more about this infamous piece of fiction on Fanlore!

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[sci-fi-fantasy-art-collection]

Clyde Caldwell

[misforgotten2]

1975

Cover by Boris Vallejo

[videoreligion]

Legion of Iron (1990)

[benkevans]

I'm a fantasy and sci-fi illustrator/cartoonist currently looking for work and accepting commissions. Hit me up for more info!

I'm also accepting donations via Ko-Fi, anything helps right now.

[swornsword]

[hotcomicstv]

Warlord 4

[theblackbookofarkera]

Saurthon

The third major landmass discovered by explorers in the Cardinal Halo was the island of Saurthon, a subtropical island shrouded in mystery and danger. From a distance, Saurthon presents an imposing sight, often cloaked in fog and battered by relentless storms. The island's coastlines are rugged, with black sand beaches that offer a deceptive sense of tranquility. Beyond these beaches, however, lies a dense and perilous forest.

The canopy of trees is punctuated by ancient structures of green stone, jutting out at strange angles, hinting at a long-lost civilization. The island's mountainous regions are highly volcanic, with peaks that constantly spew smoke and ash into the sky, creating an ever-present haze.

The forests of Saurthon are teeming with life, much of it dangerous. Among the most formidable creatures are the rakisaurs, horse-sized lizards adorned with tusks and a mantle of colorful feathers. These aggressive predators are known for their fierce battles with the Saurthon boars, a species of large, aggressive boars with incredibly thick skulls, capable of withstanding significant impacts.

Deep within the wild forests, explorers have discovered fortresses and cities constructed from the same enigmatic green stone. These shattered ruins, largely unexplored, suggest a once-thriving civilization that has long since fallen into decay. The ruins are overgrown with vegetation, and many are partially buried, making exploration treacherous.

In addition to the rakisaurs and Saurthon boars, the forests are home to a variety of other dangerous creatures. Venomous serpents slither through the underbrush, while giant insects buzz ominously in the humid air. The flora is equally hazardous, with carnivorous plants and toxic fungi adding to the island's many perils.

Despite the dangers, Saurthon holds a magnetic allure for adventurers and scholars alike. The ancient ruins promise untold secrets and treasures, while the island's unique ecosystem offers a wealth of opportunities for study and discovery. However, those who venture into Saurthon must be prepared for the many challenges that await them, as the island is as unforgiving as it is fascinating.

[antoncrane]

Being an utterly normal person and cracking open my books on necromancy, so come October I can start bothering people by making comparisons between real world and Nevarran practices.

[silencedminstrel]

(Art by Jan Ditlev via Artstation)

DARK PORTENT - THE DARKLIGHT SWORDSMAN CONFRONTING THE FIFTH ELEMENTAL LORD SAIF SHALKANATH

You are dealing in matters that you would as soon regret, Knight of New Haven! Your interference in my pursuit will but cost you dearly! But surely, this doesn't sound like any

Outlanders we've ever faced before, right? And you're worried about that right now, Master David? We--watch out! (Gasp) That was close...! Have you no idea whom you are

Facing? The one with powers far surpassing your puerile, insignificant pantheon? But ah, very well, Master D--what?! Amitabha, grant me strength! Huh, Master Feng Wan? Sorry

I'm late, you two...! You truly are ignorant as to what I can do to you and your world, aren't you? We shall meet again, soon...! (Sigh) Are you alright, Master Ma? Never better, Master David! But first, let us leave this vile place...!

[katiajewelbox]

What is Escaflowne?

I recently described this beloved anime to a curious anime fan as "Mad science meets mysticism in a multicultural sword and sorcery medieval world. Oh, and there's an iconic transmasculine character in there too."

(Image: Official promotional art from the anime series Vision of Escaflowne. Original source unknown, found via Google image search.)