DaoC is Nif based, as Morrowwind and Dawn of War. Thats where Kael got his Animals (like Gorilla, Bison, tortoise, etc.) and the Bloodthirster and the Minotour and a lot of spell effects. the Art team has not created any effect, they are either from Vanilla or DAoC, the only one who was able to create spells was Chalid, but he disappeared last October
And about that Legion... Man, he looks evil and reminds me of my Nightmare/spectre texture in a way
I think the animals are from zoo tycon ...
But you are right for the effects and the Bloodthirster, Minotour.