Shadows of Victory

    By Saman Jhh

    Shadows of Victory cover image

    16 Aug, 2024

    a group of men riding on the backs of horses in front of a mountain range at night with a full moon, dau-al-set, a detailed matte painting, Amir Zand, cinematic matte painting

    The Mongol horde, relentless and fierce, advanced with their trademark precision, their armor gleaming under the pale light of the moon.

    a group of men riding on the backs of horses in the desert at night with a full moon in the background, dau-al-set, a detailed matte painting, Amir Zand, cinematic matte painting

    High above the valley, nestled within the rocky crevices of the mountains, the Assassins prepared for battle.

    a group of men on horses with a bunch of men on them on a mountain side with a flag, fantasy art, a detailed matte painting, Clint Cearley, matte fantasy painting

    As the Mongols reached the foot of the cliff, the Assassins made their move, descending silently from above, striking with precision and grace.

    a group of men on horses with a bunch of men on them riding through the desert with mountains in the background, fantasy art, a detailed matte painting, Clint Cearley, cinematic matte painting

    In the heart of the Mongol ranks, chaos erupted. Assassins struck with calculated ferocity, targeting the commanders first.

    a group of men riding on the backs of horses in a field of dirt with mountains in the background, dau-al-set, a detailed matte painting, Daryush Shokof, cinematic matte painting

    The Mongols, trained for open combat, began to falter in the confined and treacherous terrain. What they expected to be a straightforward conquest was turning into a nightmare.

    a group of men riding on the backs of horses in a field with mountains in the background and a flag flying in the air, dau-al-set, a detailed matte painting, Amir Zand, cinematic photography

    With each fallen Mongol, the morale of the Assassins soared. They moved like wraiths, striking from every angle, using the cover of darkness to their advantage.

    a painting of a man on a horse with a sword in his hand and a group of men on horseback behind him, dau-al-set, concept art, Dai Jin, conceptart

    As the battle raged on, the Mongol chief, began to realize the tide was turning against him. He bellowed orders, trying to regroup his forces, but it was too late.

    a group of men riding on the backs of horses in a field of dirt and dust with mountains in the background, dau-al-set, a detailed matte painting, Dai Jin, weta digital

    An Assassin, having infiltrated the chaos with skillfully executed diversions, positioned himself close to the chief. With a deep breath, he readied his blade.

    a group of men in medieval armor holding swords and standing on a stone floor in front of a building, dau-al-set, concept art, Dai Jin, unreal engine 5

    In a final, explosive maneuver, the Assassin sprang forth, a shadow flickering in the moonlight. With one swift motion, he plunged his blade into the chief’s side.

    a man riding on the back of a horse next to a bunch of men on horses in a field, antipodeans, a detailed matte painting, Emperor Huizong of Song, weta digital

    The Mongols, witnessing their leader felled, felt dread seep into their hearts. Panic spread, and the once-disciplined ranks crumbled into disarray.

    a group of men on horses in a field with a sky background and a full moon in the sky, antipodeans, a detailed matte painting, Arkhip Kuindzhi, cinematic concept art

    With the Mongol forces in chaos, the Assassins had won the night. Their blades, still gleaming under the moonlight, were now the symbols of a hard-fought victory.