Elven Lake Patrol - XP-55 Ascender and Saab 21

Commission request done by *DimMartin

This illustration is of the small but elite fighter pilots that form the core of the Gladesdale air force. These Commonwealth Elves view themselves as true nobles and warriors (with much of the 'common' soldier being of high birth) and thus for them only the best would benefit them as due their station. They have the smallest military of all the nations of Keros but they are highly skilled and trained. The basic fighter of the Gladesdale is the Saab 21, a unique twin-boom pusher configuration fighter aircraft. Elven planes have a very radical and unique design with all their aircraft using pusher configuration designs.

In addition to the 'regular' military, there is also a secret society that makes their home at Lake of the Evening Star. Known as the 'Gray Watch', they are an ancient fraternal order (much like the Freemasons) that has been around since the dawn of civilization. Their order 'watches' much of the events that transpire and can possibly alter the world and only when matters seriously get out of hand do they try to intervene (and very rarely are they direct about it). In the cases of the Ancient Great Wars, the Watchers (as they are called) often whispered warnings to important heads of states or individuals in order to better prepare them for crises that could shake the very foundations of society. In very rare circumstances, they may intervene directly with master aces (like the one in this drawing) to aide a side before disappearing as mysteriously as they had appeared. The Elven Military turns a blind eye to the doings of the Watchers, and they are treated much like the Jedi from Star Wars (they are respected and well known and have some say in politics, but aren't officially recognized as part of either government or the military. In addition, they are not subject to intervention from the government due to their history of maintaining a neutral stance in matters and being well-regarded by society).

Finally, the scene depicted above is a low-level flight over the pristine and peaceful lake that forms the core of their nation within the Gladesdale forests. In the background one can see all the many lights of Lake of the Evening Star (the capital and principal city on the lake) as well as the many lanterns that dot and line the entire tree line for the Elves of this majestic place.


= Planes in Illustration =
Gray Watch Master Ace (in foreground): Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender; in a single coal black color pattern
Gladesdale Fighter (in background): Saab 21, in a WW1 style camo pattern


For more information on the home and history of the Gladesdale, as well as a close-up look of Lake of the Evening Star, follow this link: [link]