The Proper Use of Nudity in FRPG Art

[Mannahnin]

But we could easily see an arrogant magic-user with a high CON showing off their physique, and some of the newer spellcasting classes like sorcerer or warlock that are charisma-based might make it part of their shtick--seductive enchantresses are a thing in mythology. Indeed, it wouldn't even have to be gendered the usual way--if it's magically enhanced charisma, it's not impossible to imagine a warlock distracting people (even if they don't usually swing that way) with his supernatural studliness.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

The novel Azure Bonds (which later became one of my favorite goldbox games) actually had a whole justification for it as I recall in terms of the plot--the main character was being dressed for sacrifice by a villainess.

OK, I actually agree it makes more sense for adventurers with monsters swinging at them to be fully enclosed in plate. (Even Conan dressed practically most of the time.) I just find it amusing how this country finds justifications for the same foibles from each end of the political spectrum.

Azure bonds indeed. Tried reading that lately and could not get into it. D&D'isms getting in the way of the story.

In my view everybody adventuring would be wearing some armour.

 

[Voadam]

I sometimes had my 3e/Pathfinder wizard use his hat of disguise to make him look like he was wearing plate mail. "Come on bite, throw your will save spell at me instead of the fortitude one."

I also thought about doing the reverse with a 5e multiclassed fighter wizard in plate mail using a hat of disguise to appear to be in robes.

 

[Orius]

View attachment 148724

This is why I play wizards.

That and and the ability to totally indulge the godhood complexes.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

....

That's the type of Wizard who casts magic mouth so whenever the fighter walks up to the door, it says, "Do you even lift, Brah? Do. You. Even. Lift."

 

[CapnZapp]

Reading the OP, I have to kind of wonder why 1e AD&D should be the measure of all things.

I like cheesecake, but it can be done badly, or put in an inappropriate context. Conanesque settings should have plenty of cheesecake and beefcake art. Lord of the Rings really should not

Well, I agree in general, but that video was clickbaity. Peter Jackson did not put Eowyn in a "combat thong".

That was Frank Frazetta.

So of course she wore a combat thong! Frazetta trumps pretty much every other genre, yes, Tolkien included. Every heroine becomes voluptuous and nearly nude in Frazetta's glorious universe - so the real question is: why would Eowyn not deserve the same transformation as all the other girls? I mean, Frazetta is the master of his art!

(Actually I would say the image in the video gave Eowyn much more sensible combat clothing than almost any other named heroine, so perhaps it's the other way 'round and Frazetta does respect Tolkien?! )

Plus, his magical transformations aren't reserved for females only. Heck, I bet if Frazetta drew Treebeard he'd be the most oiled up and muscular Ent you'd ever see.

 

[CapnZapp]

Like everything it depends on the context. Nudity can be fine in art or storytelling in a visual medium. The society may not wear much clothes, or it is a logical progression to the story. But partial armour annoys me as i have stated in the original go around of this thread. If you can make chain why would not wear a full chain shirt that covers everything.
Why would you order an expensive plate harness and leave a boob window in it?

I guess I don't have the definite answer for that.

If I were to take a guess, my best effort would be that in a universe where dragons exist and people can shoot fireballs from their fingertips it wouldn't be unreasonable to also include the idea that sheer magnetism and physical attraction works as a personal protective shield, just as well as physical armor but less heavy and chafing?

I mean look - we both know the reason is that people like to look at pretty girls. Still, trying to subject warrior women to the harsh laws of physics while the magic users can ignore them is dodgy logic, at best.

So it boils down to a simple fact: if you like your women to wear sensible armor, go ahead and do just that. Me, I go with the option that suits the campaign. For a gritty game of Warhammer, there absolutely are actual reasons why nobody wears boob windows or combat thongs. But for swords & planets, I would absolutely allow Dejah Thoris to reach her maximum Armor Class nekkid. What I don't try to do, however, is argue one approach is "more real" or "better" than the other.

After all, the name of the genre is "fantasy"

 

[Mannahnin]

That's the type of Wizard who casts magic mouth so whenever the fighter walks up to the door, it says, "Do you even lift, Brah? Do. You. Even. Lift."

Ironically, his other familiar:

 

[S'mon]

Well, I agree in general, but that video was clickbaity. Peter Jackson did not put Eowyn in a "combat thong".

That was Frank Frazetta.

So of course she wore a combat thong! Frazetta trumps pretty much every other genre, yes, Tolkien included. Every heroine becomes voluptuous and nearly nude in Frazetta's glorious universe - so the real question is: why would Eowyn not deserve the same transformation as all the other girls? I mean, Frazetta is the master of his art!

(Actually I would say the image in the video gave Eowyn much more sensible combat clothing than almost any other named heroine, so perhaps it's the other way 'round and Frazetta does respect Tolkien?! )

Plus, his magical transformations aren't reserved for females only. Heck, I bet if Frazetta drew Treebeard he'd be the most oiled up and muscular Ent you'd ever see.

Yeah, I did make this exact point in the video comments. You'll note the buff Witch King. Any blame must attach to whoever commissioned Frazetta to illustrate Lord of the Rings!

 

[Mannahnin]

Yeah, I did make this exact point in the video comments. You'll note the buff Witch King. Any blame must attach to whoever commissioned Frazetta to illustrate Lord of the Rings!

As I recall in 1975 it was originally a limited edition folio/art book (1000 signed and numbered copies). I haven't been able to find out any details about who the "Middle Earth Portfolio Publishing Company", of Denver, Colorado were, but I can't imagine the actual Tolkien estate letting Frazetta anywhere near LotR, much as I love them both.