Eadric et. al. (The Paladin and his Friends).

[Ryan Koppenhaver]

...without resorting to NPC-only tricks
(Dark Subsumption, Limitless Reservoir)

Well, heck, the PCs have done plenty of planar binding and whacking combos already. Maybe they should work out a way to get some magical mojo from it.

They could call it Not-So-Much-Dark-Because-Demons-Are-Evil-Anyway- But-Not-Really-"Bright"-Either-Because-They're-Doing-
It-For-Their-Own-Benefit Subsumption.

 

[Cheiromancer]

Ok. A very rough draft of Eadric with Titivilus. The artist suspects that Duke Titivilus is probably much more human-like. This one is based on the 2nd Edition MMII picture.

I'm going to e-mail the artist tomorrow to suggest changes. Then another (much cleaner and more detailed) black and white, and then it gets colored.

Comments? Suggestions?

 

[Cheiromancer]

Oops. Forgot the picture.

 

[Joshua Randall]

I think the way the characters are posed now, it looks like Titivilus has the upper hand (literally and figuratively). But we know that Eadric more than holds his own in all his conversations with the Duke of Hell. So, I would prefer to see the two on the same level, or at the very least facing each other.

 

[grodog]

I concur Joshua Randall. I don't get the feeling that Ed would willingly allow Titivilus to maneuver into a positional advantage behind him---the pose seems far too trusting to me.

I definitely picture them sparring verbally across a table perhaps---like two chess players---in heated, fierce debate.

I like the details in the image: the goblets, the crest, the sword (though I think he would probably be wearing it, or have it near at hand vs. hanging on the wall; or, perhaps it's not even there?), the fire. Perhaps the chair(s?) would be more functional and less plush/comfy looking?

Sitting, Ed appears to be quite a bit shorter than the devil, which doesn't (for me) jibe with Lombard's description of his tall height (and my 1e perception of Titivilus as more satyr-like from the 1e MM2, where he's 5'6"; see http://www.angelfire.com/games2/labyrinth/images/monster/titivilus.gif which is the image I'm talking about). FWIW, I also picture the Eye being larger; I don't know if that is in fact correct, just my perception. Ed should also have that "I've met Tramst look" about him too---that "pregnant glow" if you will; he seems a bit resigned, like he has been beaten, or surrendered---perhaps caused by his downward glance?

 

[Lela]

I, uh, don't like it. Mainly for the reasons mentioned by others.

I've also thought about how Titivilus would look in this kind of situation. Frankly, when talking to a guy like Edric (or anyone with which he is acting as Temptor), I don't think he would look like the common Satyr pictures often seen. Who here would trust someone who looks like that?

He'd have forms more suitible to the situation. These would likely reflect who he was talking too in ways designed to placate and sooth. The same race, gentle, less horns. Those kinds of things. His natural form just wouldn't illicit the response he'd be looking for.

The Eye might be able to percieve this form, I admit (depending on how T does it). A matter of style, really.

 

[Sollir Furryfoot]

Hrm, I dislike the pose of the picture for the same reasons as the others. I liked Sepulchrave's evocative description of Titivilus under his guise, I think its described in their first meeting in the plane that Titivilus was going to offer him (scholarly, erudite, and similar). About the eye-would it be possible to get a sort of transparent pic of him as a devil transposed perhaps? -Er, that would probably be too costly, just a thought.

If it's possible, it might be interesting to use the plane as a background, as I believe that's described as well, of course Eadric's keep might be good as well.

Just some suggestions.

 

[Cheiromancer]

Here's version II.

The artist took grodog's suggestion very much to heart, and the two are portrayed as playing chess! I find it amusing that Eadric looks more fiendish than Titivilus does; perhaps this is the "gotcha!" moment when Titivilus tells him that all dictatorships begin with compassion.

Still fairly rough, but I think we're getting somewhere.

Other comments?

 

[Lela]

I like how Titivilus seems to be at ease. It's not like he doesn't have experience with these kinds of things.

I still think he should be more humanlike though.

 

[Sepulchrave II]

I far prefer the second picture - although I think the reference to chess-playing by grodog is strictly metaphorical.

If one is striving for accuracy (and the second meeting of Titivilus and Eadric did take place in the keep at Deorham), I would suggest the following.

1) Nix the devil's horns. I like his outfit, though - casual and comfortable. Also his pose - he's an old pro at this.

2) Nix the chess set, and bring back the goblets from the 1st picture as the focal piece on the table.

3) If the sword above the mantlepiece is Lukarn, it has a longer hilt and a wider crossguard. Likewise, if the helmet is a reference to Eadric's, it has a bellows visor. I like the coat of arms - although note that Eadric's shield itself is unblazoned (it's also a jousting shield).

If I think of more, I'll let you know...


And thanks, Cheiro.