My name is Lucian Acatrinei and I'm a concept artist trying to specialize in characters but I enjoy all kinds of projects. I've worked on sets accepted into Dota2, for some doing both the concept and 3d model. I'm just trying to get better. Here is my creation of a Dacian Champion. 

Research

Dacians were the ancestors of modern-day Romanians, so choosing to go with an ancient kind of hero would relate more to the country than what present-day Romania has in terms of culture.

• Religion - They venerated a few gods and the wolf (protector of warriors). A quick search revealed the goddess “Feronia” to be associated with wildlife, fertility, health, and abundance.
• Symbols- the Dacian flag was a wolf head on top of a spear that howled in the wind.
• Tools- With the Falx (claw-like curved sword) being their signature weapon (this sword drove the Romans to reinforce their helmets) 

Final Direction

Wolf goddess - werewolf (to add a fantastic element to it) - Dacian equipment with wolf personality (wild, savage, brutal)

Exploration

Trying to merge the falx sword, style of helmet, armor, and shields that Dacians used with fantastic elements. The specific dog-style feet and wild crazy expression seemed best. 

Making of the Exploration Sketch 

This would be easy to color with some gradient maps or just color and overlay color modes if needed.

Detailed Exploration: 

Just trying to find interesting shapes that would relate to the Dacia flag, helmet, and falx sword.

Final Costume Variations

I used the things sketched in the step before on her to see how it would look, the open chest and nudity would help promote the idea of wild and savage (not caring about her appearance if she can get her prey)

Final Character Sheet 

I added a small intro story for her to relate more to the style of hunting that wolves use, shown her back pose howling at the moon (again relating to her wolf part). The long hair and weapons are made to resemble the Dacian flag while the colors remind of the flag of modern-day Romania (red yellow and blue).

Making of the Splash

Using References for the Splash

Final Image

Follow Lucian here.