Heather Bruton’s beautiful traditional acrylic paintings were featured on over 40 cards across each era of Warlord including 10 familiars and 5 steeds. Many of Heather’s contributions depict animals and magical beasts such as Razel and Wyvernsteed.

What got you interested in artwork in general and why was it gel pens? What was your first foray into illustration and how did that come about?

Gel pens? Not sure what that has to do with Warlord. I've been an artist my whole life. I got into showing at art shows, then selling at shows. A friend invited me to Gencon to sell and I saw a ready market for fantasy art. Put together a portfolio and started shopping it around at my next Gencon. This was right around when CCGs were starting to get going.

How did you come to hear about and work on Warlord? Were you black-mailed into it?

I was already working for Alderac on Legend of the Five Rings. As each of their games came out I was hired to work on it.

Did you get assigned specific races, factions, or classes? What kinds of images did you enjoy creating the most and why?

In Warlord I really enjoyed the aesthetics of the elves so I really welcomed assignments for them. I was known for my rendering of animals so I got a lot of those type of cards.

What's it like rediscovering pieces you did decades ago - do you notice a significant change in your style then and now? Looking back over them, do any of your contributions to Warlord stick out as your favorite?

I did. It's been quite a few years and an artist's style is constantly evolving. I still like a lot of the art I did for the game. I really like Robes of the Wind, Nine Cats of Hell, Face of Death, Fine Saddle, Storm Crows and Wheel of Fate.

We're doing a Warlord art colosseum style battle royale! Who's your champion and why?

I think I'd chose Ichaerus. I didn't paint a lot of the character cards and he was pretty cool looking.

Alright, thanks for answering these and engaging the community in this way! What's going on with you these days? Anything you want to plug?

I'm still working as a freelance artist, doing shows, commissions and festivals. I miss the days of working on CCGs. It was an exciting and inspiring time in my career as an artist. I can still remember the thrill of getting my assignments and flipping through them to see what I got. So many talented people I worked alongside, some that are still good friends.