Reliah Δ. Szade

digital artist • storyteller • freelancer
pl | eng

examples of my work

About

I’m a freelance digital artist from Wrocław, Poland, known as Reliah A. Szade (or Miss Reliah). I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in my hometown, still being primarily self-taught. I consider my strengths to be character art, cover art, and illustration.I am a creator highly inspired by ancient cultures, cyberpunk genre and biomechanical beauty. » I explore epic, romantic and psychological topics through original stories and art, creating audiovisual art books, traditional art, character portraits, and above all ‒ an illustrated storytelling project – Rasetau. Besides art, RPGs and learning about ancient history, my other hobbies are audio design, cosplay and LARP.

Rasetau

Rasetau is a multimedia project, based on my original content (art, writing, audio design) and organic storytelling, including RPG sessions, alongside with the characters created by my partner. My means of telling these stories to a wider audience are still work in progress, but by getting on Patreon I am finally able to prepare the right medium, and give my followers the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of Rasetau.

» Rasetau is a characters-centered setting that presents my dark vision of some very distant future of this planet. Being a wild, cyberpunk esque science-fiction, it touches subjects such as mysteries of ancient civilizations, survival of humanity, alien influence, transhumanism and biomechanical forms. The main story deals with these themes in an epic way, but it also tells emotional and more down-to-earth stories of characters involved in this greater truth, including complicated relationships, romance of souls, or many stages of both trauma and healing.

the world of rasetau

please remember that English is not my first language

The world of Rasetau is a post-apocalyptic vision, but more importantly ‒ it's a dark science fiction, focused on Earth, with an admixture of extraterrestrial motifs.Hundreds of years have passed since the fall of the previous civilization. There are only myths and scraps of information left in the history of mankind that could tell something about the Final War and a series of mysterious cosmic cataclysms. Known old land is uninhabitable due to destabilization of fundamental meteorological phenomena, as well as due to a number of other unexplained processes, most of which were kept secret in the new era. To survive, mankind had to build resistant terrarium-like shelters, dozens of megapoleis, later called Bastions. Moreover, the transforming civilization returned to religious and aesthetic inspirations from the distant ancient world.The environment in which the main characters live, is oriented towards the development of experimental technologies and cybernetics, where the most important figures tend to be influenced by ancient civilizations and their cultures. The main campaign takes place in Bastion SS279 (aka Rasetau), one of the greatest, the unconquerable. In SS279 five guilds share power and authority, due to their growth, technological development and cultural influence. The bastion’s Guild System is technocratic, but it’s also entirely consumed by elitism. The social hierarchy is constantly being rebuilt in clashing guild agendas of Technomancers, Neuromancers, and Necromancers ‒ the oldest monarchical state in Rasetau.Already during the construction, almost a thousand years ago, the communities selected to participate in this ark project were isolated from the outside world. By the schemes of the founders and an elitist approach to the distribution of valuable data, history is fragmented and only small groups of people fight to preserve knowledge from the old times. There are almost no records of newer history, especially including the last war, available to the public. With time, even the founders of these last outposts of civilization themselves became mere legends. And now, after hundreds of years, they want their creation back.Unexplained anomalies shake Rasetau, while deeply hidden secrets are brought to light by maddened individuals. The city begins to function as a living, yet agonic organism. Its violent spasms and transformations herald the return of the original Engineers.

main characters

click to learn more

sketch gallery

all new sketches are available on my Patreon

Mahmuda

On my Patreon you can read some unveiled parts of the full story accompanied with moodboards – setting descriptions, detailed chapters on the characters, interesting facts and personality sheets!

[under construction]

Isdes

On my Patreon you can read some unveiled parts of the full story accompanied with moodboards – setting descriptions, detailed chapters on the characters, interesting facts and personality sheets!

[under construction]

Master

On my Patreon you can read some unveiled parts of the full story accompanied with moodboards – setting descriptions, detailed chapters on the characters, interesting facts and personality sheets!

[under construction]

Radian

On my Patreon you can read some unveiled parts of the full story accompanied with moodboards – setting descriptions, detailed chapters on the characters, interesting facts and personality sheets!

[under construction]

Psyche

On my Patreon you can read some unveiled parts of the full story accompanied with moodboards – setting descriptions, detailed chapters on the characters, interesting facts and personality sheets!

[under construction]

Weston

On my Patreon you can read some unveiled parts of the full story accompanied with moodboards – setting descriptions, detailed chapters on the characters, interesting facts and personality sheets!

[under construction]

Amenhotep

On my Patreon you can read some unveiled parts of the full story accompanied with moodboards – setting descriptions, detailed chapters on the characters, interesting facts and personality sheets!

Prince Amenhotep is the last heir to the Ahenamon family, one of the three most important, oldest bloodlines in Necromantic aristocracy – the Blood Triad. Ahenamons were known for taking responsibility for technological development, representing cultural values and guarding the history of the guild. Partly, Amenhotep is a product of genetic engineering, raised harshly by his overbearing mother that over time got ousted by the guild’s ruler, Lord Akhenaten, who became young Amenhotep’s guardian and mentor... and later also his lover.The boy's journey went from a prince's life to an outcast's life, always in the company of his beloved foster brother, Isdes. Amenhotep earned his place at the royal court on his own terms, serving as Lord Executor – Black Jackal. Even as a hound of Akhenaten, White Jackal’s personal adjutant and advisor, he later managed to gain the Lord Necromancer title, finishing education under his mentor's watchful eye. For a long time, the prince had a strong influence on Akhenaten and his reign. But it came with a price.Brainwashed, abused and broken, he remained by the madman's side for seven years since his appointment as Lord Executor, before becoming a one-man igniter of the legendary revolution. Although he wasn't a candidate to the throne, after the death of his co-revolutionary soulmate, Nemeth – who was originally destined to reign – Amenhotep eventually took the title of the Supreme Monarch. Over the next 14 years, he lifted the Necromancers Guild to its former glory, but never managed to heal.His life finally changes when one arrogant detective (Weston) becomes interested in the secrets guarded by Amenhotep since childhood. To their surprise, with time, the Prince and the Truth Seeker find peace within each other.

The names given to these characters are rooted in a light inspiration drawn from my insights about some monarchs, but they do not imply in any case that the character is an alternative version of a historical figure!

Akhenaten

On my Patreon you can read some unveiled parts of the full story accompanied with moodboards – setting descriptions, detailed chapters on the characters, interesting facts and personality sheets!

Lord Akhenaten (aka White Jackal) – master of self-improvement and self-augmentation, extremely talented in the field of biotechnology; creator of synthetic life forms following his hive. A sharp political mind born in the Outer Circles. He ruled as the Supreme Monarch for over 30 years. During the first years of his reign as the fourth monarch since the catastrophic fall of Seventh Circle – formerly the guild's capital ring – Akhenaten turned out to be the first to restore the dignity and importance of the Necromancers by introducing his original projects and biomechanical solutions to the daily life of the guild.Akhenaten developed a deep (and eventually unhealthy) fascination with one of the other royal bloodlines – the Ahenamons, descendants of extraterrestrial wanderers, according to legends. Although he did not participate in the official religious life of the Necromancers, White Jackal believed in powers beyond the reach of mere mortals.Sadly, in the last 8 years of his reign, Akhenaten went down the path of tyranny and physical terror. Despite his potential to govern properly, he ended up being an egoistic ruler who slowly brought the Necromancers Guild back to ruin with his sick caste system and controversial large-scale experiments. After many dramatic experiences with the Ahenamon domain, his mind was plagued by schizophrenic swings. He got lost in his search for knowledge that would grant him true immortality, necessarily alongside his only ward – Amenhotep, the treasure of the monarch's heart, and the object of his unbridled obsession.Ultimately, he was killed during the great revolution, first preceded by manipulations and finally by the betrayal of his beloved Prince. After 14 years, he returns as a Testament looking for a way to regain the entirety of his original self.

The names given to these characters are rooted in a light inspiration drawn from my insights about some monarchs, but they do not imply in any case that the character is an alternative version of a historical figure!

Freelance

status:I'm currently open for freelance and part-time studio jobs
strengths:character art & concept | cover art | illustration

I'm most passionate about dark fantasy, cyberpunk and sci-fi projects with an organic feel like biomecha. I'm comfortable with drawing both humans and various creatures. I have experience working on projects for TV shows, TTRPGs and indie games, as well as for self-publishing writers and private clients. Currently, among commissions from private clients (e.g. original character portraits) I accept only those starting at $400 up. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me!

miss.reliah@gmail.com

examples of my work

contact form

Please be aware that it might take me a few business days to reply.

Support me

why patreon?

For now, I'd like to use Patreon as a way to sustain myself as an independent artist and truly connect with fans and supporters! No matter which tier or for how long you choose to support me, my gratitude is eternal! » I believe that with a little help I will be able to focus on my dream project [Rasetau], share the joy of creation with others, and prepare a lot of bonus content. Due to my unpredictable health condition, I cannot always devote myself to commercial work. Patreon gives me the opportunity to stabilize my situation.

My Patreon already has an extensive collection of Rasetau-related lore posts, sketches (including soft erotica) and other types of exclusive content, like unpublished illustrations or concept art. There's also an entire gallery of portraits made for my higher tier patrons. Patrons have access to my artist's notes, polls, exclusive wallpapers and behind-the-scene material.

basic tiers

friend of the guild

$1

Consider adding something to the tip jar, my Friend ‒ this will allow you to see loose drawings and WIPs that won’t be published anywhere else. Join the Rasetau circle on Discord. You can tip as much as you want!• WIPs + sketches
• access to Rasetau Discord

Necromancy Acolyte

$5

Choose the path of the Acolyte ‒ gain access to the secret knowledge of Rasetau and its most important personalities. Be the first to see every stage of my work and get additional graphics for your screen.• WIPs + sketches
• step by step GIFs
• early access to my art
• wallpapers and postcards
• info updates on Rasetau (setting, story, aesthetics)
• exclusive info on the main characters from Rasetau
• access to Rasetau Discord

Lord Necromancer

$10

Become a Necromancer ‒ gain access to all knowledge, monthly and weekly content, as well as completely exclusive artworks and unique tutorials. See my work up close and meet me behind the scenes! Includes access to patron-only commissions.• all Necromancy Acolyte rewards
• monthly art process / behind the scenes
• exclusive artworks (e.g.comics, concepts, lineart)
• artist's notes (personal insights, creative notes or moodboards)
• voting on illustration themes
• first priority on commission slots
• access to Rasetau Discord
• art tutorials (after I reach 100 patrons)

FAQ

• What are your main programs and devices?Devices: HUION Kamvas Pro 22 (GT-221 Pro), occasionally Wacom One M (CTL-672). + Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
Programs: Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint. I sometimes use PaintTool SAI. DesignDoll and PortraitStudio for references. Currently learning ZBrush and Blender

• Did you go to art school?I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in my hometown, but it was working on my own that taught me the most and helped me realize what I really value. And it's definitely my original content.

• What are some of your inspirations?The art style that definitely influenced me the most is Art Nouveau / Modern Style. At a young age, I admired (and still do) Yoshitaka Amano. Another great influence was H. R. Giger and his work on Alien, but also his personal projects, especially surreal architecture. I adore the textures and color palettes in the works of Zdzisław Beksiński. I cannot fail to mention the art of Ancient Egypt either.As a kid, I was highly inspired by aesthetics of David’s Lynch Dune, Stargate (movie), Wolf’s Rain (anime) and Planescape: Torment. I'm attracted to cyberpunk genre (mostly Cyberpunk 2020, Bladerunner, Ghost in the Shell) and raypunk.

• Do you offer commissions?From now on, private client commissions will only be available to patrons. There's an exception if the value of a private order is at least $400. Patrons still have priority on this type of commission. A suitable announcement will appear on my Patreon when I have enough time to take additional client work. Council Members (Patreon tier) receive regular gift drawings.