Made cool vector art for The Great Astoran War.
Wanted to focus on heavy contrast and a dramatic red sky backdrop to capture the war's atmosphere. Let me know what you think of the design and vibe!
Qingdao introduced the Imperial Model 1941 LMG (I-41), a water-cooled LMG. Here is basic info related to it-
RPM: 450–500 rounds per minute
Feed system: 250-round cloth belt
Effective range: 2,000 m
Valkariya, on the other hand, introduced the Rostislav & Frolova model 1942 (R/F-42LMG), a much more modernised Machine gun compared to Qingdao. The only reason they managed to hold off for so long here is basic info related to it-
RPM: 550–600 rounds per minute
Feed system: 47-round pan magazine
Effective range: 800 meters
Rostislav & Frolova Model 1945 “Bogatyr”
Designed during the closing stages of the conflict, the Rostislav & Frolova Model 1945 “Bogatyr” is a rugged, single-shot break-action firearm engineered for reliability under extreme field conditions. Built around a heavily reinforced receiver and an intuitive locking mechanism, the weapon quickly earned a reputation among Astoran troops for its virtually indestructible construction and ease of maintenance in dirty, wet combat environments.
What sets the Bogatyr apart is its versatility in close-quarters and urban operations. Chambered for heavy-duty 11mm shotgun/slug shells, it allows infantrymen to seamlessly switch between broad-dispersion shot for sweeping room clearances and high-impact solid slugs for penetrating light cover and armor. Though its single-shot capacity demands careful marksmanship and disciplined tactical positioning, its overwhelming stopping power makes every round count.
The Rostislav & Frolova M30 Avtomat Conversion (R/F-ACM30) began as an attempt to modernize an older service rifle, giving Valkariya a self-loading weapon without completely abandoning the rifles already in production. Faced with the logistical challenges and economic strain of entirely retooling their arms factories for a new rifle, the Valkariyan High Command commissioned the R&F design bureau to adapt the widely used, but manually operated, M30 bolt-action rifle. The goal was to integrate a reliable self-loading mechanism and an increased-capacity magazine while retaining as many existing M30 components and manufacturing processes as possible. This pragmatic approach aimed to rapidly upgrade their infantry's firepower and bring them in line with more technologically advanced adversaries, all while minimizing disruption to their industrial output during a critical period of escalating geopolitical tensions.
Not every weapon of the Great Astoran War was designed for the same purpose.
The Rostislav & Frolova M30 Avtomat Conversion (R/F-ACM30) began as an attempt to modernize an older service rifle, giving Valkariya a self-loading weapon without completely abandoning the rifles already in production.
Meanwhile, the Rostislav & Frolova Model 1945 “Bogatyr” took a much simpler approach. A large break-action shotgun, the Bogatyr was built around straightforward construction and raw stopping power, becoming one of the more distinctive weapons fielded in the war's later years.
Two very different answers to the same problem: how do you keep an army armed when the old world is changing faster than anyone expected?
More weapons of the Great Astoran War coming soon.
Rostislav & Frolova Okhotnik Model 1877
Action type: Top-Break Action.
Caliber: 11 mm cartridge
Reloading: Individual cartridges or moon clips, 6 rounds
Initially designed as a sporting and hunting sidearm, the Okhotnik's reliability and simple design led to its adoption by the Valkariyan military in 1877. It served as a standard sidearm for officers and cavalrymen for decades. Despite being considered outdated by the outbreak of the Great Astoran War, many Okhotniks remained in service due to their simple construction and established reputation.
The Rostislav & Frolova Model 1930, designated R/F -M30, was introduced as the Kingdom of Valkariya's standard infantry rifle during a period of rapid military modernization.
Despite its distinctly old-fashioned appearance, the M30 was designed around a simple idea: give the average soldier a rifle that was dependable, familiar, and cheap enough to produce in large numbers. Valkariya's military industry had little interest in replacing a functioning design simply for the sake of having something newer.
The rifle quickly became a common sight among Valkariyan infantry, particularly during the early years of the Great Astoran War. Its long profile and distinctive bayonet gave it an unmistakable silhouette on the battlefield.
By the outbreak of war in 1940, newer firearms were already beginning to appear, but the M30 remained in service alongside them. For many Valkariyan soldiers, it wasn't the most advanced rifle in the arsenal.
It was simply the rifle they were given.
A century can change everything.
On December 31st, 1840, the nations of Astora gathered in Harmun Kharaz and signed the Hundred-Year Pact, bringing an end to generations of conflict and beginning what many believed would be a new era of peace.
Exactly 100 years later, the same continent woke to a very different reality.
The Pact had expired. Tensions had reached their breaking point, armies were mobilizing, and the first reports of fighting began spreading across Astora.
These two editions of The Astoran Times document those two moments — the beginning of the Hundred Years of Peace, and the beginning of the Great Astoran War.
Same World, A hundred years apart.
From Left- Valkariya-> Nayatra-> Qing Dao
The Royal Arms of Valkariya: Represents the authority of the Valkariyan monarchy and the traditions of the kingdom.
The Republican Arms of Nayatra: The laurel wreath represents peace, unity, and Nayatra's role as a diplomatic power within Astora.
The Imperial Arms of Qing Dao: The emblem represents the authority of the Emperor and the imperial state.
'The Twelve Arms' are the official heraldic symbols of Astora's twelve nations. While each nation has its own flag, the Arms are used to represent the authority, history, and identity of the state itself.
Their designs vary greatly depending on the nation's history and political traditions. Some were inherited from older dynasties, while others were created or changed following major political events.
This is Part 1 of the Twelve Arms. More nations will be added as I finish their designs.
If you were on the team, well I guess you all played well, ngl
French "Nemrod" Toggle shotgun
The Great Astoran War was never fought by armies that looked or fought the same. Qing Dao and Valkariya entered the conflict with very different military traditions, and those differences became especially visible in the equipment issued to their soldiers.
Qing Dao's Imperial Army favored its distinctive blue uniform and standardized equipment, reflecting the Empire's emphasis on discipline, mass mobilization, and a unified military identity. Valkariya, on the other hand, developed its forces under a mixture of external military influences and industrial design philosophies, resulting in a more subdued field uniform designed around practicality and adaptability.
Despite their differences, both armies were shaped by the same brutal reality of the Great Astoran War: prolonged trench warfare, artillery, and the rapid evolution of military technology. What looks like a simple difference in color and equipment actually reflects two nations adapting to the same war in very different ways.
And with Qing Dao's army finally covered, it's time to turn our attention to Valkariya.
The helmet reflects the kingdom's emphasis on endurance and discipline rather than aggressive assault. While sharing the wide-brimmed silhouette common to the Great Astoran War, its construction differs noticeably from the Qing Dao pattern.
Although both helmets provide similar protection against shrapnel and overhead fragments, Valkariyan doctrine favors practicality and reliability over elaborate field equipment.
"Different kingdoms fought the same war—but prepared for it in very different ways."
Valkariyan Standard Combat Helmet (Model 1940)
The helmet reflects the kingdom's emphasis on endurance and discipline rather than aggressive assault. While sharing the wide-brimmed silhouette common to the Great Astoran War, its construction differs noticeably from the Qing Dao pattern.
Although both helmets provide similar protection against shrapnel and overhead fragments, Valkariyan doctrine favors practicality and reliability over elaborate field equipment.
"Different kingdoms fought the same war—but prepared for it in very different ways."
The Imperial Army operates on a strict binary philosophy: Those who give orders, and Those who follow them.
From the newest Private Third Class to the Marshal of the Imperial Army, every rank carries its own responsibilities on and off the battlefield. Promotions are earned through experience, leadership, and distinguished service during the Great Astoran War.
While enlisted soldiers form the backbone of the Imperial Army, officers are expected to lead from the front, making tactical decisions under immense pressure. At the very top stands the Marshal—The blue star of the Marshal is never awarded. It is bestowed by the Emperor upon the supreme commander of the Imperial Army, signifying that the bearer commands in the name of the Empire itself.
*small notice from my side*
its been a while working on this project and i feel like i'm ready to take it further and introduce new nations, don't worry i will come back to add new stuff once in a while but till then a temporary farewell to Qing Dao and thank you guys for your support and i hope you guys keep showing love to my little project, soooo see you in the next post =)
Imperial Infantryman (1940)
Equipped with the Standard Combat Helmet, an I-33 bolt-action rifle, leather field equipment, and the Imperial blue service tunic, the Qing Dao infantryman formed the backbone of the Imperial Army throughout the Great Astoran War.
Designed for prolonged trench warfare and large-scale offensives, the uniform prioritized practicality, protection from shrapnel, and ease of mass production while maintaining the empire's distinct military identity.
First full-body depiction of a standard Qing Dao infantryman.
Special thanks to u/Few-Flamingo-8015 for allowing me to use their character outline as a reference.
During the early years of the Great Astoran War, artillery caused more casualties than rifle fire.
Soldiers could survive a direct assault only to be struck by fragments moments later. In response, Qing Dao engineers developed the Imperial Assault Helmet—a reinforced variant featuring a steel face visor intended to protect assault troops during trench breaches and urban combat.
Issued primarily to assault engineers, trench raiders, and urban assault units where shrapnel posed the greatest threat.
Imperial Standards Combat Helmet
The Imperial SMG, Model 1944 (I-44) is a sub-machine gun introduced by the Imperial army. Developed in response to brutal trench assaults and urban fighting during the Great Astoran War. It provides a high rate of fire in a compact package became one of the most devastating weapon of the Great Astoran War. Chambered in 7.5×25 Imperial cartridge and feeded from a 30-round detachable magazine.the I-44 operates using a simple open-bolt blowback system. Due to its cost and limited production, it is primarily issued to assault troops, veteran infantry.
Additional info-
(feedback will be highly appreciated)