The Mystery Island

[sberry]

When the Romans explored the unknown regions of the galaxy beyond the limes of their empire, they discovered many new planets. On one of them, they found a small island, where a strange, circular gate to other worlds was guarded by an even stranger creature…









Well, the “circular gate” probably needs no explanation for Sci-Fi buffs, but a word on its guardian may be appropriate. He is one of H.P. Lovecraft’s “Other Gods”, and I really like the idea of having a tribute to Lovecraft, in a way a forerunner of modern Sci-Fi, in this scene. (More info for instance here and here).









But above all, this diorama is of course also a tribute to Arnold Boecklin’s “Toteninsel” (Isle of the Dead), a subject that has inspired many people before me – including Boecklin himself, who produced five versions of the painting between 1880 and 1886, and then another one with his son in 1901. Among the many other artists who painted their own versions of the island is, for instance, H.R. Giger, who invented the creature for the “Alien” series. There is a (slightly awkward) website exclusively devoted to the Toteninsel, and I also recommend this blog entry, if you like the topic.









The complete parts list:
Dark Dream Studios – Space Battles (DDS 72001)
Dark Dream Studios – Space Battles Set 2 (DDS 72006)
Matchbox – Gator Raider (83/125)
RAFM Miniatures / Call of Cthulhu Miniatures – Lessor Other God (2947)
Revell – Obi-Wan’s Jedi Starfighter 1:80 (03614)
The skull is aquarium equipment from an unknown manufacturer
The background photos are “Ganoga Lake panorama” / © Ruhrfisch GFDL/CC-BY-SA
and “Scout Lake in fog, Jefferson Park” / © Jsayre64 CC-BY-SA 3.0

[Susofrick]

I am not disapointed! Actually quite happy with this update!

[Graeme]

I admire the confidence of these roman Marines, the previous explorers don't seem to have been very successful.

The figures and vehicles look great, I like the guy who looks like he's wearing a diving mask. And the water effects are excellent. The wake and bow wave of the boat, and the little wavelets lapping against the legs of the walker, really good.

[FredG]

I feel I must return to my original stance

I cannot remember anyone on this forum claiming to be sane

[sberry]

I admire the confidence of these roman Marines, the previous explorers don't seem to have been very successful.

I have no idea what happens once they have reached the island. But probably the Romans offer this strange creature to become an "amicus et socius populi Romani" (friend and ally of the Roman people).

[Wiking]

Very well presented.
Several information of the used stuff and link. Very nice.
Who gave you the input, idea for the isle.
A nice Dio with a superb water, background effect.

The only thing is that I can nothing identify that belong to Rome or a Roman soldier.
No weapon no flag, no sign. Or do I oversee something ?

[FredG]

The only thing is that I can nothing identify that belong to Rome or a Roman soldier.
No weapon no flag, no sign. Or do I oversee something ?

Their communications are in latin

[sberry]

The only thing is that I can nothing identify that belong to Rome or a Roman soldier.
No weapon no flag, no sign. Or do I oversee something ?

Your observation is absolutely correct: I was lazy and used the DDS figures straight out of the box, without any "Romanization".

Their communications are in latin

Your obervation is also absolutely correct. Of course, they talk Latin! One of the legionaries in the boat said "sensum vere malum habeo de re", when they approached the island. This sentence was later to become famous throughout the galaxy; it can be translated as "I have a very bad feeling about this".

[FredG]

And the reply, later to become famous due to frequent repetition in Monty Python's Flying Circus

"Meum cerebrum nocet,"

[Beano Boy]

A play on roman I guess?
They just liked roaming about the universe FredG. BB