Maliketh, the Black Blade — A Study in Darkness, Texture, and Tragedy
There are characters that exist beyond the boundaries of design — figures that feel carved from myth itself. Maliketh, the Black Blade, stands among them.
In my latest artwork, I set out not simply to depict Maliketh, but to interpret him through a lens that has always shaped my artistic identity: dark gothic aesthetics, horror symbolism, and textural depth rooted in traditional techniques.
The Influence of Gothic and Horror Art
My work has always been deeply influenced by the visual language of horror — from the oppressive chiaroscuro of classical painting to the raw, unsettling textures found in modern dark fantasy illustration.
Maliketh embodies a unique duality:
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divine and cursed
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powerful yet tragic
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elegant yet monstrous
To capture this, I leaned into:
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heavy contrast
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elongated silhouettes
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sharp, almost ritualistic shapes
These elements echo not only gothic traditions, but also the visual brutality seen in dark fantasy worlds like those of FromSoftware.
From Paper to Digital — A Hybrid Process
Unlike purely digital workflows, my process begins in the physical world.
I start with manual tracing on Canson paper, carefully constructing the composition and structure by hand. This stage allows for a more organic line flow — something that is often lost in purely digital sketches.
From there, I introduce one of my favorite elements:
👉 charcoal
Using charcoal, I build texture, shadow, and atmosphere directly onto the paper. This step is crucial — it creates imperfections, grain, and depth that digital brushes alone struggle to replicate authentically.
Once the base is complete, the artwork is scanned in high resolution and brought into Procreate, where the final stage begins.
Digital Refinement — Precision Without Losing Soul
Inside Procreate, the goal is not to replace the traditional work — but to enhance it.
At this stage, I focus on:
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refining linework
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sharpening silhouettes
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enhancing contrast
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introducing controlled color
The color palette remains restrained, respecting the tone of the character — leaning into dark hues, desaturated tones, and subtle highlights that reinforce Maliketh’s presence rather than overpower it.
The result is a hybrid piece:
raw, textured, and grounded in traditional media — yet elevated through digital precision.
About the Artist — Trent Cave
My name is Bruno Pires de Albuquerque, a marketing analyst and digital artist with over two decades of experience in visual creation.
Through my brand Trent Cave, I explore the intersection between:
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horror
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gothic art
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gaming culture
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dark storytelling
Each piece I create is designed not only as an artwork, but as an extension of identity — something that resonates with those who appreciate the darker, more atmospheric side of visual art.
Wearable Art — Bringing the Darkness Beyond the Canvas
This artwork was also adapted into a wearable format, transforming it into a piece that can exist beyond the screen or print.
The intention is simple:
👉 to allow fans of Elden Ring and dark fantasy to carry that aesthetic into their everyday lives.
Final Thoughts
Maliketh is not just a character — he is a presence. A symbol of duty, loss, and inevitable decay.
Capturing that essence required more than technical execution. It required restraint, texture, and a willingness to let imperfection shape the final piece.
And in many ways, that is what defines both the character — and the art itself.
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