Depictions of the Autarch

In working on Wrath of the Autarch, I've been primarily focusing on mechanics to this point.  While there are six important factions in the game (including the Autarch's), my goal is to walk a line where the factions are somewhat fleshed out, but not excessively so.  That is, I would like to "leave space" for creativity and collaborative worldbuilding, but also provide sketches and snapshots to help creativity during play.

However, I vastly underestimated how much concrete detail needs to be understood when creating the art.  The indomitable Doug Kovacs is doing much of the art, functioning as a collaborator and designer.  I have also badgered my friends for help as well, which certainly hasn't been uncommon to this point.

Anyway, one of the first orders of business is to really think about the Empire, and the Autarch in particular.  I had written up a snapshot in the book - they're a plutocracy of sorts, where heads of numerous guilds form a collective senate and rule.  The Autarch is somewhat a figurehead, a historical position that is selected and put in place by the guilds.

This Autarch, though, is somewhat more savvy than those before her, and is less "figurehead" and more "get things done" - to both the delight and displeasure of various guildmasters.  I imagined her to be in her mid-30s, and we were giving her a slight Roman look (much of the Empire is inspired by Rome).

For the cover composition, we thought it would be cool to have her on a palanquin, held up by guards.  Surrounding her would be some sort of depiction of the seasons - hinting that it's a kingdom building game.  One idea was to have these seasons on a stone tablet, maybe showing the construction and destruction of a development (like a keep or a wizard's tower) through the seasons.

We also thought she should look a little elaborate - formal robes, a headband or icons of some sort surrounding her.  She's in "regal" attire on the cover - not in her more functional ass kicking gear.  In her hands are a magical ruyi scepter, cradled in her left, and a sword across her lap.  The ruyi scepter means something akin to "as you wish" and depicts prosperity.  Historically it was also a talking stick of sorts.  I really like that symbolism - as the Autarch is the wish granter and the one whose voice is heard.  The sword represents the enforcement of their will.  It has a nice blend of bizarre and formal.

I also really like the look of Byzantium color schemes and accoutrements.  The Empress Theodora, in particular, had a cool look, and might inspire the look of the Autarch - sort of a combination of Rome and Byzantium.
  

I think having some ornate robes is in order, with various bands symbolizing the importance of her station.  Although, I'm thinking of toning down the headgear a little - emphasizing the Autarch as someone who gets things done, and probably wouldn't be *as* comfortable with some of the formal restrictions, shying away from it perhaps more than her predecessors.

I also need to think of symbols for either her or the Empire.  I like the idea of a raven - symbolizing wisdom.  A bear also sounds cool.  We were thinking of using sun icons for the various depictions of the Stronghold (the protagonists) - since the Stronghold could look so many different ways.  Another option might be a stylized coin or something to that effect, further emphasizing the importance of prosperity and economy in the Empire.