Skulmar and Kessandria revealed?

[Daedalus]

I've never thought too much about the cover art changes that exist between the published UK and NA versions.




I figured, the original Les Edwards art looks better, but the NA copy was changed to better appeal to a juvenile US market raised on cartoons like Masters of the Universe. Then this from the HeroQuest Compatible Miniatures thread:

I like that female barbarian!! And also that mini you used to represent Skulmar is nice, but I think it is a bit too muscled.
Also I think the skeleton on the left of the Witch Lord on the USA box cover is a better Skulmar:

That is an interesting observation--thanks for bringing it to our attention. I see the same background figure as Kessandria. "She" is adorned in long robes, a necklace, and a crown-like helm with long chain resembling hair. But what is that below the left-hand sleeve? [My daughter pointed out that it is the hem of a low-hanging sleeve. -edit]

I saw the black-armored figure armed with a sword (left of the Witch Lord) as a candidate for Skulmar. Still, I wondered about the other near-background figure just behind the Elf which was obscured by a yellow text box. Then I remembered the wider Quest Booklet cover art.



For the NA art at least, the purple-clothed skeleton is clearly one of three well-equipped soldiers--either from the Witch Lord's elite Lost Legion or something similar. However, the black-armored guy I had pegged as Skulmar probably wasn't him, as a similarly-equipped guard is now revealed behind the Elf. That pair is likely more elite of the Lost Legion or some other group.

One other figure is prominently displayed in the left, near-background. It is also robed in black and wears a tall, red cowl/hat and medallion. That makes two court members with special status headgear in places of honor just behind the Witch Lord. Only Skulmar and Kessandria are mentioned in the fluff and featured in the Quests. It's speculation of course, but I feel this match shows the artist was instructed to include them in the new cover.

With all that in mind, I find myself circuitously coming to agreement with lestodante. The black-robed figure on the right with the horned helmet appears to be Skulmar, while the black-robed figure on the left with the red cowl is probably Kessandria. Does it get any geekier?

[Spookyhappyfun]

This is interesting. I forgot about the wider art. I think you may be on to something.

[benvoliothefirst]

Brilliant justifications, added to my own personal headcanon!

[knightkrawler]

Brilliant justifications, added to my own personal headcanon!

Makes you sound like a humongous robot fighting a kaiju. Oh, wait, there's only two "n"s in "canon"...

[Goblin-King]

An interesting thing about the painting is how well-maintained the undead's equipment and clothes are. It's not at all rusted or tattered.
These undead weren't just raised from the grave and put directly to work.

[Anderas]

That's the style of the time isn't it?

[Daedalus]

I'd say it's also the style of the Court of the Dead. Everybody's dressed to die for.

[wallydubbs]

Interesting, I never really looked into it that hard. However I'm intrigued that the European version foreshadows the femal Barbarian in the background...

I wonder if this is where the Barbarian Quest Pack got the idea from...

[j_dean80]

Interesting, I never really looked into it that hard. However I'm intrigued that the European version foreshadows the femal Barbarian in the background...

I wonder if this is where the Barbarian Quest Pack got the idea from...

I don't see it...

[Maurice76]

However I'm intrigued that the European version foreshadows the femal Barbarian in the background.

Where do you see this? I've never noticed it in any way, so I am curious as to what you're seeing.