Guild Wars 2: Asura Week Wrap-up 9/16
The somewhat cute, slightly creepy looking Asura relinquished their spotlight today as ArenaNet unveiled the final Asura Week update. ArenaNet Lore and Continuity Designer Ree Soesbee weighed in on Asura society and culture, further expanding the established lore for the race. Forced to the surface of the world when their underground empire was destroyed by an Elder Dragon’s power, the Asura leaders, known collectively as the Arcane Council established the city of Rata Sum where they rule from to this day. The article discusses the Asura’s political system, colleges and ‘krewes’, a collaboration of like minded Asura who assemble to complete a specific task.
One of the five announced playable races in Guild Wars 2, the diminutive Asura are the self proclaimed smartest people in the world of Tyria. Unfailingly proud and rich in knowledge, the Asura appear to lack a little in the common sense department. Their newly updated web page explores the race in detail, including a short video highlighting the city of Rata Sum.
Asura Week began on Monday with a look in to Asura design philosophy with Senior Concept Artist Matt Barrett, who gave readers a little insight their evolution. This was followed by an entertaining concept story featuring an asura artificer, his sylvari assistant and the hidden history of Mr Sparkles, a character who will make a further appearance in the world of Tyria.
Tuesday saw Matt Barrett return with an article showcasing Asura environment art, while ArenaNet Continuity and Law Designer Jeff Grub chipped in with an hilarious Asura advice column, dispensing pearls of wisdom to a handsome human warrior whose girl only loves him for his mind and a farmer who is having issues with ‘pests’ devouring his cabbage crops.
Wednesday kicked off with writer Angel McCoy giving voice to the Asura, detailing the quirks involved in writing their dialogue, while on Thursday animator Helen Prior wrote about the animation process which brings the Asura to life. It’s an interesting look in to how the Asura’s smaller size dictated necessary animation style, an example of which is below.
The Asura seem to be, from my perspective, quite similar to the gnomish race of Dungeons & Dragons. There are differences in appearance obviously, and their society and culture has been nicely developed to provide a contrast. I am ever fond of gnomes and halflings in the D&D setting, finding their quirks and humor to suit my own style of play. The Asura fill that niche in Guild Wars 2. I’m not sure about the floppy ears, however. They remind me too much of elven ears (particularly the WoW variety), and I’ve always maintained the only good elf is a dead elf.
