Quest Types

Every QUEST a new challenge

Adventurers, prepare yourselves! Whether you're an artist, writer, or both, the quests in The Painted Drake are designed to challenge your creativity and storytelling skills. But not all quests are the same! Understanding the four primary types of quests will help you choose the ones that suit your strengths—or push you to try something new.

Escort

“You’ve been tasked with guiding someone through their journey. But who are they, really?”

Escort quests focus on designing a fully realized character from a narrative cue. You’re not just drawing someone, you’re building a soul.

- Tier 1: Vague description, open interpretation.

- Tier 2: Specific details like race, age, or signature items.

- Tier 3: Cultural influences, color palettes, and deep worldbuilding.

Escort Quests do not have to be full scenes, and are actually recommended to be reference sheets or single character images.

Artifact

“An object of legend lies before you. What power does it hold?”

Artifact quests challenge you to design a magical item, relic, or tool from a brief description, refining its appearance, materials, and deeper meaning.

- Tier 1: Simple description of purpose.

- Tier 2: Introduces material, design, and lore.

- Tier 3: Includes history, symbolism, and cultural significance.

These quests are about storytelling through design—no wielder required. Let the object speak for itself.

Explore

“The world itself is waiting. What will you uncover?”

Explore quests challenge you to design environments rich in story, atmosphere, and wonder. From enchanted ruins to bustling cities, let the setting tell its tale.

- Tier 1: General setting concept.

- Tier 2: Distinct features and themes.

- Tier 3: Full environmental storytelling, including cultural or mystical elements.

Ideal for backgrounds, scenery, and architectural challenges - make the place feel alive.

Battle

“Steel clashes, magic flares - the fight has already begun.”

Battle quests focus on dynamic action, movement, and high-stakes combat. It’s not just about who wins - it’s about how they fight.

- Tier 1: Simple combat setup.

- Tier 2: Adds setting, opponent details, and motion cues.

- Tier 3: Full cinematic combat, intense emotion, and high stakes.

Battle quests are perfect for showing anatomy, dramatic posing, and cinematic storytelling.

Research

“A new species has been spotted - but what is it?”

Research quests are all about creature design. Whether you're interpreting a brief or inventing something new, these quests test your grasp of anatomy and imagination.

- Tier 1: Basic shape and creature role.

- Tier 2: Anatomy, locomotion, and defense traits.

- Tier 3: Habitat adaptation, social behavior, and ecological niche.

Research quests focus on non-humanoid design, perfect for those who love biology, fantasy beasts, and weird little guys.

Fusions

Fusions of Quests are separated into Major and Minor influences. Major influences are the focus of the image, while the minor influence is simply an addition. Individual quests will specify certain focuses, but in general...

Escort

Your artwork should focus on a non-adventurer character described within the prompt

Your artwork should feature a non-adventurer character described in the prompt.

Artifact

Your artwork should focus on an object, item, or artifact, as described in the prompt

Your artwork should feature an object, item, or artifact, as described in the prompt

Explore

Your artwork should focus on, rather than a character, a place or environment.

Your artwork should have a complete background, but that background should compliment the subject rather than being the subject.

Battle

Your artwork should focus on dynamic posing, active characters, and interacting people.

Your artwork's characters should remain in motion, interact, or otherwise be actively engaged with the artwork.

Research

Your artwork should focus on a unique and non-earth creature design.

Your artwork should include a creature, but a unique design does not need to be made.