Xena: Warrior Princess, “Orphan of War” concept art booklet

original production artwork

An original production-used set design booklet for the season 2 episode “Orphan of War.” It consists of 15 pages of concept art, set drawings, and shooting maps used to plan and film the second season premier, a pivotal episode that features Xena’s son, Solan; the first mention of Borias; and Xena’s former right-hand man turned baddie of the week, Dagnine. Highlights include the centaur village, Dagnine’s camp, a map of the Ixion Cavern set, and a sketch of the scorpion used to kill Dagnine in the form of Ixion’s evil centaur. On the back of two pages, there are even a few freehand sketches drawn in green pen—a snapshot preservation of a former Xena crew member’s musings on the use of astroturf and aluminum foil in the design of an eventual set piece.