Unveiling the Dark Secrets of Sandrakk: The Ultimate Guide to Immortals of Aveum's Antagonist

Players will step into a world torn apart by warfare over the control of magic in Immortals of Aveum, a new IP from Ascendant Studios and the EA Originals label. The Everwar has seen many nations engage in conflict, but the battle has taken a turn for the worse as two major nations, Rasharn and Lucium, fight for supremacy. As Jak, a Triarch capable of wielding green, red, and blue magic, players will join the Order of Immortals in Lucium to help turn the tide against Rasharn's Elite, the Order of Masks, and their leader, Sandrakk, the Tyrant of Rasharn. While much of the game's marketing has centered around Jak and the Lucians, senior art director Dave Bogan and lead combat designer Jason Warnke shed light on the game's antagonists in a recent interview with Game Rant.

Immortals of Aveum: Who is Sandrakk?

Sandrakk, the leader of the Elite Strike force known as the Order of the Masks, also holds the position of Tyrant ruler of Rasharn. While little information has been revealed about Sandrakk, his immense power is undeniable. His ascent to power as a tyrant has greatly impacted the Everwar of the Immortals of Aveum, particularly in the rivalry between Lucium and Rasharn, with Sandrakk seeking to control the leylines of magic and manipulate the world to his liking. With his own powerful Magni abilities, a formidable army, and an elite group at his disposal, Sandrakk poses a threat to the world's delicate balance and to players themselves. The Order of the Masks will serve as primary antagonists throughout the game, with many boss enemies derived from their ranks, indicating that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The Order of the Mask is shrouded in mystery, with little known about most of its members. However, one member that has been revealed is The Hand, a formidable Magni who instills fear in the hearts of all who face her. Her lightning-fast raids have ended the lives of countless Lucians, and her power is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It is clear that she will play a significant role in the game, but how her story will unfold remains to be seen. During Game Rant's Immortals of Aveum hands-on preview, both The Hand and Sandrakk were encountered, and the power gap between them and us was immense. Sandrakk exuded control and an unsettling demeanor, while The Hand seemed to be an extension of him. The brief glimpse we had of them was both terrifying and tantalizing. It is worth noting that Sandrakk's voice is provided by Steven Brand, who fans may recognize from The Scorpion King, Teen Wolf, and/or Hellsing.

How Sandrakk Changed Throughout Immortals of Aveum's Development

during the development process, changes are bound to happen, and the decision to make Sandrakk a Triarch was a strategic one that ultimately benefited the game.

Sandrakk was originally a green character before going full Triarch, which is pretty cool...Sandrakk is the most powerful Magnus in the world

Immortals of Aveum: Sandrakk's Imposing Armor Design

Sandrakk's dominance as the strongest Magni in the game is not just a claim, but it is also reflected in the Immortals team's exceptional design and combat skills. Bogan particularly points out the impressive armor designs of Lucian and Rasharnian, which are a testament to their superior craftsmanship.

the Rasharnians are a group that exudes high class and sophistication, almost like a noble society. On the other hand, the Lucian faction is meant to be more practical and down-to-earth, with a focus on getting things done efficiently. This contrast in style and approach adds depth to the world-building and helps create a more immersive experience for the audience.

The characters in the game embody their masks, and their adversaries recognize them solely by their mask and title. Warnke and Bogan found humor in the fact that some of the masks and helmets were not suitable for human heads, but the game explains it as a magical metal. The characters' masks vanish as if by magic when they remove them. Sandrakk's design originated from a freelance concept based on a 1987 Yamaha Virago motorcycle owned by Bogan's father and evolved into a combination of medieval armor with a futuristic twist, culminating in a simplified shape language with a Rolls-Royce grill-like feature on Sandrakk's face.

The Power of Sandrakk Is Not Even 'Subtle'

Warnke, who has extensive experience in designing boss fights, found the process of creating Sandrakk's boss fight to be particularly enjoyable. He wanted players to experience the fight for themselves and learn about the magic systems in the game. Sandrakk's raw power is palpable during the fight and the arena surrounding it is described as "bonkers" and "amazing" by Bogan. This boss fight is a chance for Warnke to flex his design muscles and create something truly entertaining for players.

The release of Immortals of Aveum on July 20 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S will give fans the opportunity to experience the full power and terror of Sandrakk firsthand. The level of care and attention to detail put into creating this formidable opponent is undeniable, making Sandrakk an imposing force to be reckoned with.