Finally, here it is. We are proud to present to you the result of our 
collaboration on an impressionistic interpretation of Dhalgren , the 
novel by Samuel R. Delany from 1975.

Detailed information about author and novel can be found in Wikipedia. 
However, for a better appreciation of the image, the following short 
description may be helpful.

The Midwestern city of Bellona (typically the name of the Roman goddess 
of war) has been hit by an unspecified event and has been isolated from 
the rest of the world. Strange things happen in the city: the appearance 
of a huge, bloated, sun, or two simultaneous moons in the mostly 
overcast sky. Arson and anarchy reign in Bellona where normal daily life 
has collapsed, and many citizen have left the city over the only bridge 
left open over the nameless river, or are holed up inside their homes. 
All other accesses seem to have been closed down, possibly by the 
National Guards. Meanwhile, gangs roam the streets and the reputation of 
the city attracts drifters from all over the US. One of them is known as 
the kid. He is visible on the right-hand side of the image.

The gangs are motley groups of individuals without any clear purpose 
other than what gangs are normally expected to do. What characterises 
them in Bellona is the use of holographic projections of (mythical) 
animals they call light shields. The dominant gang in Bellona during the 
visit of the kid, are the Scorpions. Three of them are shown on the 
image: Dragon Lady, wearing a hydra light shield, is the leader of an 
affiliated gang; Adam, leaning against the lamppost, with his light 
shield switched off; Baby, usually naked within his griffin light 
shield. The kid himself also has a light shield which represents a 
scorpion. In addition, he is wearing a so-called orchid on his right 
wrist, a dangerous looking contraption of sharp, articulated, blades, 
probably more dangerous to the wearer than to a possible opponent, but 
impressive nonetheless. The scene depicted in the image can be situated 
towards the end of the novel when the kid and the Scorpions leave the 
city of Bellona.

About the cooperation. The building of the scene has been the result of 
close cooperation between three POV-Ray fanatics: Thomas de Groot, 
Stephen McAvoy, and John Guthkelch. It is difficult to point at 
individual contributions as almost all aspects have been proposed, 
discussed, amended, rejected/accepted. Unfortunately, John has not been 
able to participate as often as he wanted because of his illness. His 
contributions, and his relentless drive despite his health, have 
nonetheless been highly appreciated by the other two participants.

-- 
Thomas, Stephen, John

PS. Original png image converted to jpg with IC Image Viewer.

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