Index
1. Castle Rimrook
2. Gyradell
3. Sancefar
4. Nereid
5. Novera
6. Nazarine
7. Harpentine
1. Castle Rimrook was the the first theme. This is usually depicted with some sort of main hall or throne room, tile floor and an opening in the ceiling. Plant fauna and water is an obvious attribute to the environment and surroundings. Usually some form of Rimrook himself appears in a poster in some locations of the map. These Castles share the same sky graphic because it is supposed to take place on the same world. That world can be defined by the large and tall spires of earth that extend high into the sky.
2. Gyradell is a less fantastical theme and is more industrial. Nothing is really science fiction about it except that the plant life has actually aged onto the machinery like it would if the location was untouched for 200 years or so. This theme is blatantly recognisable with green floors and mossy walls and tensions. The theme was never truly invented by me, but was strongly inspired by the natural forgiveness and sternity of plants. Moss that grows on fences, hanging vines, and tree roots that crack through walls are all evidence of this theme, and can be found just about anywhere. Even between the cracks in the sidewalk. Applying this natural state with the contrasting industrial setting really sets the strength of this theme. The Gyradell theme is the most successful theme of mine up to date.
3. Sancefar was based on a simple Aztec/Roman influence, and for a twist, the structure is built at the top of the tower of Babel. So there is little to no plant like and the high altitude tints the sky differently during the morning, giving it that pale yellow tone. Originally it was meant to be build on a mountain, but the concept was scratched for complexity. It's contsruct also includes high towers topped with a white stone, inlfuenced by the tops of the Egytian Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings.
4. Nereid, though never done, was almost what Poison Garden was gonna be. Difficulties in circumstances ultimately changed its theme. Nereid is a Lost Temple made of metal but is riddled with age and frost bit with snow and drifts. This would utilize the affects of ice and the lost of friction and cold damage based trapped from weakened areas. The short story of Nereid is that it's a lost base of alien Terrans, and much of the strange technology used to keep the ice at bay still remains partially functional.
5. Novera was a theme that is yet to be refined, but it does have its features. Novera is a fire based theme that takes place in a volcano or other hot place. The structures are black and smooth like obsidian, and the trims and filigree is either gold or sterling silver encrusted with opal gemstone. The overall look is extremely Royal and Briskly shaped compared to it's rough and rusty molten rock frame.
6. Nazarine is a theme i really, really, want to try but haven't done it yet. The Palace is one giant harem with curvy doors, frames, pillars, and other features schemed with soft whites and pastel color tones to feel as feminine and sexy as possible. Erotic artwork of fine young women in lingerie, and other passionate garments, frame the walls and rooms lined with colored candles. The plant fauna is usually tall and slender shrubs, trees, and tropical flora like palm trees and other exotic fauna. Water is another strong aspect of the palace with it's large pool and bathing system. Amongst the ledges of the pools depict devine artwork of females bathing eachother in the nude.
7. Harpentine is a great theme that is most like the Sancefar theme. What seperates the theme is that the structures are square and robust, and aside from it's hot, bloody-red sky, it's blue tinted brickstone and tile symbolizes the coldness of this place. The Story is that the structure is much like a great tomb or graveyard. Not so much the carnage of death, but the silence and bitterness of it. The plant like here is dead and decayed, and dust layer some of the surfaces like nothing has been alive here aeons. Originally, this was going to be my first HL2 theme when i start source. But much has happened since then.
