d e a d s t a r dorian kane
multidisciplinary writer & illustrator exploring grim darkness and tangled souls.
original and licensed universe fiction
Madness is a tide that comes for every sailor.
original grimdark nautical horror
Full manuscript available for professional inquiry
A dhampir, cursed by the very source of life, must hunt the night to quell the monster within his own blood.
original dark fantasy novella
In the service of a manipulative Rogue Trader, a disillusioned agent learns that the only thing more dangerous than heresy is the truth.
Novella set in the Warhammer 40k Universe
Full manuscript available for professional inquiry
excerpt
The Circle of Life is a lie the powerful tell the prey.
original dark fantasy universe primer
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illustrations
see more of my work on bluesky or tumblr.
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Dossier
To truly explore grim darkness and tangled souls, I believe one cannot be a specialist, but a fusionist. My work synthesizes disparate disciplines—the strategic with the psychological, the narrative with the visual—to build worlds that feel both fantastical and functionally real.This multidisciplinary approach is my creative engine. It is the process that allows me to deliver a project with a rare degree of cohesion, from professional-grade visual development to atmospheric, character-driven narrative craft worthy of a grimdark future, nautical horror or cybernoir.My capabilities include:
Narrative Craft: Delivering well-paced, atmospheric prose and sharp, character-driven dialogue that is deeply resonant with the grimdark or noir aesthetic.
Visual Development: Creating professional-grade character designs and illustrations that provide a clear, marketable vision for characters and worlds.
Strategic World-Building: Applying a background in systems-thinking and conflict doctrine to build logical, high-stakes plots and societies that feel both fantastical and functionally real.
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@deadstar.art
1 Like, 1k followers, 110 posts
Calix saw the Customs Adept's eyes upon him as they approached the checkpoint archway, its tarnished aquila sigil judging them from above. A measured anxiety tightened in his gut; avoiding scrutiny here would be impossible. The Adept's attentive look, the dutiful grip upon the flickering data-slate displaying Calix's landing credentials—it conveyed bureaucratic suspicion clear enough.The official’s eyes snagged, inevitably, on the Grave-Pelt.
“Identify that garment, off-worlder,” the Adept—an Ensign judging by the worn insignia on his drab uniform collar—demanded, voice flat with practiced authority. “Record designation: Xeno-hide, suspected mutant origin?”
Just as he predicted. Calix stiffened, almost imperceptibly. He opened his mouth to offer the carefully rehearsed explanation…“A hunting trophy, Ensign.” Saren von Aurastor’s voice, smooth as polished void-steel, interjected. The Rogue Trader leaned fractionally into Calix’s personal space, close enough to make the hair on his nape rise.
“From my associate’s homeworld, Margard,” Saren continued with effortless charm. “A ‘Ghoulfang’ pelt-formidable beasts indigenous to those harsh climes. Testimony to the resilience the God-Emperor requires of Mankind in His domains, wouldn’t you agree?”Calix listened, stunned by the man's fluency in pious deception. What other falsehoods, he wondered darkly, has von Aurastor orchestrated with such ease? Nevertheless, he instantly saw what was required. He fixed the Ensign with his most convincing look of dignified, aristocratic boredom.“They roam the High Fells,” Calix stated, his own voice level. “Their hides require… extensive curing.” He rolled his neck slightly, a deliberately languid motion drawing attention towards the imposing bone spines that jutted from the treated hide and fur. “This one signifies a particularly arduous hunt.”The Ensign’s brows had remained knitted in a subtle frown as Calix spoke, clearly weighing procedure against the imposing presence beside the Margardian. With one final, nervous glance up at the Rogue Trader, he grunted, tapping dismissively at his slate. “Hmph. Mutant or native predator, it warrants attention. See that it's logged for Mandatory Decontamination Protocol Seven. Proceed.”As they passed the clanking auto-barricades without further impediment, Calix heard the persistent, theatrical click of Saren’s heels just behind him. Still too close. He had the grim instinct, honed by Dominus-Law, to anticipate the Rogue Trader leaning near his shoulder, could almost picture the wry curl of lips before the voice came again, low and pitched for his ear alone. "Lesson one, Lord Fellner: In the Imperium, the truth is often less useful than a plausible truth. Especially when dealing with petty functionaries... or pious fools."
ultrawide
500 usd (waist to full)
300 usd (head / shoulders)
2+ characters + 50 usd