D&D 5E Toward a new D&D aesthetics

[Guest 7034872]

No, it doesn’t.

I think it does. Innocence and softness are lovely, but they hardly work as a default in a world wherein a huge population survives via predation.

 

[Ulorian - Agent of Chaos]

I’m always amazed that people use “weaponized” to describe this, and even more that people object to it.

Weaponized in the sense that there was a purpose behind it. I think we're circling back to the original discussion now. Is there a purposeful softening of the edges? I'm starting to think there is. I mean, I don't mind this style of artwork. I don't love the implication that society is dictating how someone should think though. Either way, it doesn't matter. If you like it, support it. If you don't, don't.

 

[Azzy]

So is it the case that there are other official images featuring full-on fighters who sport serious armor? I'm not being sarcastic here--I genuinely don't know because I never really paid much attention to the art.

Yes. From the same book, there are some fighters, artificers and a paladin in heavy and medium armors. I could always use more—knights in shining armor is my groove.

 

[Scribe]

Weaponized in the sense that there was a purpose behind it. I think we're circling back to the original discussion now. Is there a purposeful softening of the edges? I'm starting to think there is.

This is kind of it, boiled down. Is there a change in style? Its hard for me to accept that there isnt, but underlying that change in style, is there a change in intent. I think absolutely, and its communicated, and reinforced in how the game is presented via the art.

I'm not sure if there's even a question anymore really, to me this thread and discussion has just kind of reinforced a feeling I already had.

 

[Mind of tempest]

This is kind of it, boiled down. Is there a change in style? Its hard for me to accept that there isnt, but underlying that change in style, is there a change in intent. I think absolutely, and its communicated, and reinforced in how the game is presented via the art.

I'm not sure if there's even a question anymore really, to me this thread and discussion has just kind of reinforced a feeling I already had.

which is what exactly? could you please elaborate?

 

[Scribe]

which is what exactly? could you please elaborate?

Its this hopepunk, solarpunk, highly saturated, softer, gentler, wholesome, cute vibe. Its this palette that as noted is shared in other media and genres, as wildly different as Steven Universe, the She-Ra reboot (and to be fair, the original Thundercats, He-Man and She-Ra probably had a whole bunch of this as well if I went looking!), and Synthwave being applied to D&D Fantasy.

The intent would be, to be marketable to the same population that is consuming those other products. To be safe, non-threatening, and communicate that the PCs are HEROS out doing GOOD and bringing HOPE. Capitalization to make sure that the intent is not missed.

Contrasted with say....

https://www.enworld.org/attachments/1646878683361-png.153091/

Put plainly, as succinctly as I can.

"There is a trend in modern D&D towards a safe and hopeful tone, in which the players are hero's who will overcome the Antagonist, even if by non-violent means."

The use of this shared palette, is intentional, as it calls out to the 'feelings' these other settings evoke. The style all blends together, with an intent of having the audience make the subconscious association to other popular settings, genres, and the hopeful, positive, and safe feelings those other settings evoke.

Now, does that mean others see or feel, or believe that there is such a trend? No, not at all.

Do I believe its there? Without a doubt.

 

[Azzy]

Its this hopepunk, solarpunk, highly saturated, softer, gentler, wholesome, cute vibe.

Where's the gentler, wholesome, cute vibe in those subclass pics? I'm not seeing the softer side of Sears here.

 

[Mind of tempest]

Its this hopepunk, solarpunk, highly saturated, softer, gentler, wholesome, cute vibe. Its this palette that as noted is shared in other media and genres, as wildly different as Steven Universe, the She-Ra reboot (and to be fair, the original Thundercats, He-Man and She-Ra probably had a whole bunch of this as well if I went looking!), and Synthwave being applied to D&D Fantasy.

The intent would be, to be marketable to the same population that is consuming those other products. To be safe, non-threatening, and communicate that the PCs are HEROS out doing GOOD and bringing HOPE. Capitalization to make sure that the intent is not missed.

Contrasted with say....

https://www.enworld.org/attachments/1646878683361-png.153091/

Put plainly, as succinctly as I can.

"There is a trend in modern D&D towards a safe and hopeful tone, in which the players are hero's who will overcome the Antagonist, even if by non-violent means."

The use of this shared palette, is intentional, as it calls out to the 'feelings' these other settings evoke. The style all blends together, with an intent of having the audience make the subconscious association to other popular settings, genres, and the hopeful, positive, and safe feelings those other settings evoke.

Now, does that mean others see or feel, or believe that there is such a trend? No, not at all.

Do I believe its there? Without a doubt.

what you linked was like if the guy who did classic Conan art could not draw faces I like the art style but the armour looks worthless and gods the human faces are just wrong.
they look more menacing sure but that might just be an art style and thing looks scary in that.

 

[Scribe]

Where's the gentler, wholesome, cute vibe in those subclass pics? I'm not seeing the softer side of Sears here.

Really? Especially when contrasted with the other piece (non D&D granted) linked? I mean... again. I'm not saying you have to see it, but I dont see how its even a question.

Especially when the Tiefling is literally a love letter to everything I've bee saying from Palette to expression, to the flower tattoos, and the human (?) at bottom left couldnt be less threatening unless he had a trail of happy tears coming down his cheek.

Compared to...well even this?

I mean again, I am not saying you have to see it, its enough for me that after the discussion here, I do.

 

[Azzy]

Really? Especially when contrasted with the other piece (non D&D granted) linked? I mean... again. I'm not saying you have to see it, but I dont see how its even a question.

Especially when the Tiefling is literally a love letter to everything I've bee saying from Palette to expression, to the flower tattoos, and the human (?) at bottom left couldnt be less threatening unless he had a trail of happy tears coming down his cheek.

Compared to...well even this?

Your distate for a certain pallette aside, there's absolutely nothing "gentler, wholesome, cute vibe" from them.