ShadowMyths Preservation Dark Art Deck and Book

The ShadowMyths Preservation Dark Art Deck is a 35-card oracle system accompanied by a 123-page full-color paperback book. Created by dark fantasy illustrator and oil painter Doug Hoppes, this deck is part of a larger ShadowMyths series, which includes other decks like Turmoil, Oracle, Darkness, Kalan, and Malochi. The Preservation deck is specifically designed as an 'idea deck' to stimulate creativity and critical thinking across various applications.

The deck's versatility is a core aspect, catering to a diverse audience ranging from oracle readers seeking intuitive guidance to Dungeons & Dragons players looking for adventure prompts, and even writers or therapists utilizing the imagery for creative or reflective exercises. The companion book provides detailed information about Hoppes' world, spell/oracle meanings for each card, and guidance on integrating the deck into different contexts, emphasizing its utility beyond traditional divination.

Each card features original dark fantasy artwork, reflecting Hoppes' signature style. The deck was offered in two sizes during its Kickstarter campaign: a standard oracle size and a playing card size, allowing users to choose based on their preference for handling and display. The overall presentation, from the artwork to the comprehensive guidebook, positions the Preservation deck as a multi-functional tool for inspiration and exploration within a dark fantasy aesthetic.

The artwork is characterized by a dark, painterly style, consistent with oil painting techniques. The color palette is predominantly muted, featuring deep blacks, browns, and grays, with stark contrasts of glowing whites and hints of gold or muted reds that create a dramatic, chiaroscuro effect. Figures often appear shadowy, distorted, or monstrous, with expressive brushstrokes that convey a sense of raw emotion and intensity. The imagery observed on the sample cards includes a figure with glowing eyes, a stylized raven, and abstract, unsettling forms, all rendered with a textured, almost visceral quality. This aesthetic aligns perfectly with the 'dark fantasy' description, emphasizing a mood of mystery and the macabre.

This deck is ideal for individuals immersed in dark fantasy aesthetics, including Dungeons & Dragons players and game masters seeking inspiration for campaigns and character development. It also appeals to writers looking for creative prompts, therapists using visual aids for discussion, and oracle readers who prefer a darker, more introspective, or challenging visual language than traditional decks. Collectors of unique art decks will appreciate Doug Hoppes' distinct oil painting style.

Doug Hoppes is an accomplished dark fantasy illustrator and oil painter, known for his ShadowMyths Decks. His work has been recognized in professional journals and he has created concept art and cover art for various companies. Hoppes developed the ShadowMyths series to help people generate new ideas and foster different ways of thinking, finding success with audiences ranging from grade-school teachers to writers and gamers. The Preservation deck is a continuation of this vision, leveraging his distinctive artistic style to create a multi-purpose tool for inspiration.