Snarf Zagyg
Notorious Liquefactionist
I'm trying something a little different, today. One of the things about D&D that we all have loved is the amazing and evocative art over the years. Many of us have favorite drawings or module/AP covers or other images that are seared into our brains.
And that is what I'd like this series to be about. The pieces of art from D&D that had that indelible impact upon us.
I'm starting with this thread, and if people like it ... maybe do some more. Today's topic in the One Piece of Art series-
What D&D Art inspired you to love a particular class?
Now, for purposes of this thread, please note the following-
1. ONE piece of art. You shall count to one. If you do two, you've gone two ... um, too far.
2. It has to have inspired you to love a particular class. It can be any class- a class, a subclass, a premier class, etc. But the art had to make you think, "I wanna play this class."
3. Explain the art source, the class, and why you chose it. Please!
I will go first!
Artist: Jeff Dee
Source: The Rogues Gallery 1980
Class: Illusionist
Story: The AD&D Illusionist was underpowered. Magic users were the Spinal Tap speakers to the Illusionist's regular speakers .... the Magic User went up to 9, while the Illusionist only could must a maximum spell level of 7 ... just like the cleric. And worse, the Illusionist even had minimum ability scores, like a requirement to have a 15 or higher in both Intelligence and Dexterity! Being an illusionist seemed like a fool's game ... making a player waste great ability scores in order to be an underpowered Magic User.
But then I saw this illustration in The Rogues Gallery. It's not ... great. I'm not sure what is going on with the length of his left arm (illusions???), and Jeff didn't want to draw his feet (obvs!), but this weird, Chippendales-esque illustration spoke to me. This was a powerful wizard bending reality to his whim! Every. Single. Thing. About this illustration made me want to play an illusionist.
And so I did. It was one of my go-to classes in AD&D. Was it a weak choice in terms of mechanics? Sure. But in my mind's eye, I was powerful and confident, and ready to break the mind and the will of all who would oppose me.
And that is what I'd like this series to be about. The pieces of art from D&D that had that indelible impact upon us.
I'm starting with this thread, and if people like it ... maybe do some more. Today's topic in the One Piece of Art series-
What D&D Art inspired you to love a particular class?
Now, for purposes of this thread, please note the following-
1. ONE piece of art. You shall count to one. If you do two, you've gone two ... um, too far.
2. It has to have inspired you to love a particular class. It can be any class- a class, a subclass, a premier class, etc. But the art had to make you think, "I wanna play this class."
3. Explain the art source, the class, and why you chose it. Please!
I will go first!
Artist: Jeff Dee
Source: The Rogues Gallery 1980
Class: Illusionist
Story: The AD&D Illusionist was underpowered. Magic users were the Spinal Tap speakers to the Illusionist's regular speakers .... the Magic User went up to 9, while the Illusionist only could must a maximum spell level of 7 ... just like the cleric. And worse, the Illusionist even had minimum ability scores, like a requirement to have a 15 or higher in both Intelligence and Dexterity! Being an illusionist seemed like a fool's game ... making a player waste great ability scores in order to be an underpowered Magic User.
But then I saw this illustration in The Rogues Gallery. It's not ... great. I'm not sure what is going on with the length of his left arm (illusions???), and Jeff didn't want to draw his feet (obvs!), but this weird, Chippendales-esque illustration spoke to me. This was a powerful wizard bending reality to his whim! Every. Single. Thing. About this illustration made me want to play an illusionist.
And so I did. It was one of my go-to classes in AD&D. Was it a weak choice in terms of mechanics? Sure. But in my mind's eye, I was powerful and confident, and ready to break the mind and the will of all who would oppose me.
