D&D 5E D&D Next Art Column Discussion: May

[CasvalRemDeikun]

Personally, I like using chimpanzees as the basis for goblins.

It does give you the nice ability to show Goblin-Hobgoblin-Bugbear equals Chimpanzee-Orangutaun-Gorilla. Sizewise, they are also pretty similar in their differentiation. I would rather have bugbears be hairy more in the excessive body hair appearance rather than the furry appearance, have them be bearded and have mops of hair to fit their hairy appearance.

 

[Mallus]

First and foremost, I want variety in the art. A distinct lack of uniform aesthetics. D&D is informed and inspired by many different sources. I want the art to reflect that, and it would be nice if those artworks were produced by a diverse group of artists.

I want some wit and whimsy, too. Like we had in the AD&D-era. Though I suppose this could be covered under "wants variety".

Also, some naked, or at least partially-clothed, un-realism.

And while a bit of "cultural clarity" would be fine, I also want images that shock, confound, and delight, basically art that don't fit neatly into overarching systems, art that scribbles out of bounds (like Cy Twombly after bingeing on the Silmarillion -- well, perhaps not) .

Let's have a little wild rumpus, shall we? And not just illustrations from an imaginary survey course in Dwarven architecture.

In the end, it's not a bad list... I liked the mention of good composition and looking to the past, but I can't shake the feeling it's a guide for a book full of art I wouldn't find very interesting.

 

[Klaus]

I must have missed these. When did he post them?

These are not the entirety of the submissions to the Art Test (especially since that one is still ongoing). Rather, these are the submissions to the ArtOrder Art Test Challenge, which had a more strict deadline: D&D Art Test AO Line-up | The ArtOrder

 

[Klaus]

It's what Pathfinder does. I think their hobgoblins look a little weird, though.

I haven't seen their hobgoblins or bugbears. Their goblins, though, are not what I'd call "chimpansee-like". For starters, they're bald.

 

[I'm A Banana]

I haven't seen their hobgoblins or bugbears. Their goblins, though, are not what I'd call "chimpansee-like". For starters, they're bald.

Silhouette is very chimp, though. Check out those limb proportions!

Simians are still not a bad place to look for goblin looks, though. You can go chimpy without mimicking Pathfinder goblins, probably.

 

[Ed_Laprade]

I like the list. Definitely don't want impossible to weild weapons. Or spiky armor! Whoever came up with those ought to be made to try and fight with/in them! And I agree with whoever it was above who said that the magical weirdness needs to be controlled somewhat, or it loses its specialness. Oh, and a bit of cheescake (and beefcake) isn't going to kill anyone.

 

[Savage Wombat]

Since it's obviously going to keep coming up, I think you should arrange (perhaps near the back of the PH) to have a group of triumphiant adventurers celebrating at the tavern - and in the middle of the table is a great big cheesecake.

In honor of these debates, you know.

 

[RHGreen]

Since it's obviously going to keep coming up, I think you should arrange (perhaps near the back of the PH) to have a group of triumphiant adventurers celebrating at the tavern - and in the middle of the table is a great big cheesecake.

In honor of these debates, you know.

In later editions, almost all (if not all) the pictures are either someone posing or someone fighting. How about sitting around a fire, camped in a dark shadowy wood. The good old fashioned street market. King's court?

 

[Hussar]

Only issue with that for me is that just because you advance a goblin's hit dice, doesn't ipsofacto mean the goblin gets bigger in size. A goblin with the hit dice equivalent of a bugbear is still a goblin. He's still of the same small stature and same personality and tendencies.

Just because goblins, hobbos, and bugbears are all species related does not mean they're interchangeable. I wouldn't want to replace stats for the lion, panther, tiger, and cheetah with just one "big cat" statblock either.

This isn't really about art, but, mechanically, I could see one "big cat" statblock. The difference between a panther and a cheetah is small enough that it's not really going to matter. Tiger's a bit bigger, but, it wouldn't break my heart.

Although, considering all the hooplah about the donkeyhorse, I think maybe I'm in a minority here.

That all being said, the D&D Art Test AO Line-up | The ArtOrder line up of images here has lots of goodies. The town guards are interesting to me in particular. A lot of East Asian style town guard images. But, in any case, very, very cool.

This one:
[sblock]

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is just good. Loving it.

/edit - just to let others know, if you post the linky to the image, they are ginormous and don't get resized. Stuff them in an sblock.

 

[variant]

I definitely don't want any kind of condensation of any of the monster races. They all have their history and unique identity in D&D and to throw that all out would be a travesty.