D&D 4E In terms of theme, tone, and spirit, I hope 4e . . .

[The_Gneech]

I pretty much always figured Emirkol was ganking the crossbowman with a magic missile. No idea what he could have got the first guy with, though.

Fireball, for starters? But yes, I always read the "laser from his finger" as a magic missile myself.

Or he's a Tunnels & Trolls character casting "Take That, You Fiend"...

-The Gneech

 

[Razz]

Wayne Reynolds popularized this style. Its technically fine for what its worth, but the characters are often hideous abominations. Every warrior or predatory monster has biceps as large as its head at least. The swords alone would weigh 25lbs and the non-warriors are freakishly gaunt. Impossible poses reminscent of superhero comics moreso than any classic and believable fantasy work. This work evokes something other than fantasy IMO and I do not like it.

Now that's what I call an oxymoron..."believable fantasy"?

New generation, new people to attract, new and improved art on what's fantasy now. Not then. Fantasy means "not real", so when an artist is given something to create beyond reality, well, that goes for anything and everything. Including real-world physics and biology. Maybe the biological make-up of characters are, I dunno, different in a fantasy world? Where the need for an 18 Strength and an 18 Dexterity body is paramount in evolution in a world filled with creatures that can dissolve you, incinerate you, swallow you whole, slice you a million and one different ways, mind rape you, disintegrate you, and throw you halfway across the world.

But maybe it's just folk like myself that love and appreciate Wayne Reynolds art. You know, the generation that evolved from Nintendo's 8-bit to the Xbox 360 and PS3, that went from Ninja Turtles to japanese-anime like DBZ, Claymore, Flame of Recca, and Berserk, that evolved from bland, unimaginative black&white art to colorful, modern, innovative and imaginative art...

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

That being said, while I can find art I like in both editions, I am a fan of the Emirikol picture--and I don't much care for most portrayals of Mialee, partly because her outfit is so stupid. (Note that I didn't say "historically inaccurate." While I'd like to see more historically semi-accurate stuff, just as an option, there's lots of inaccurate artwork that I love. But Mialee's outfit is downright stupid. I figure she's gained most of her XP by killing the scores of people who see her coming and laugh at her. )

In mialee's defense (dear god, I cant believe I typed those words), her outfit IS practical. For all the grognard pewling about armor spikes... have you TRIED to do anything in a full length robe? Run, jump, swim, climb? Mialee's outfit, while ugly, is leagues more practical and realistic than Gandalf Clone # 42's outfit.

Shes covered in pockets. Which makes sense. Where do older edition wizards keep their spell components. In a pouch? ONE pouch? Yeah, just the sort of thing you want to do when you're pressed for time. Root around in the equivalent of a large unorganized purse for your bit of fur and glass rod to pop off that lightning bolt. Better hope theres not some gum wrappers or receipts stuck to it...

MIlaee looks stupid most of the time. Its what you expect from someone who has an 8 charisma. However her outfit is intelligently designed and realistic for an adventuring environment, something a robed wizard never will be.

 

[kreynolds]

Is that a microwave sticking out of the wall on the right?

 

[Irda Ranger]

Is that a microwave sticking out of the wall on the right?

No way. Clearly those jackal guys are fighting over the Beggin Strips in the PC's lunch box. They don't know it's not bacon.

 

[Nifft]

No way. Clearly those jackal guys are fighting over the Beggin Strips in the PC's lunch box. They don't know it's not bacon.

"Gods don't know it's not bacon!"

Nice, -- N

 

[Asmor]

Is that a microwave sticking out of the wall on the right?

You no want treasure! You want Hot Pockets!

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Is that a microwave sticking out of the wall on the right?

Yeah! If you're supposed to sit in a 10'x10' Room guarding some random treasure all day, you don't have the time to cook something, and with the meager wages you get, you can't order in every day. What are you supposed to do?

 

[Banshee16]

Wrong approach: Those beasties usually have DR and high ACs, so your spikes won't bother them. What you need is perfectly smooth, and preferrably greased, armour, so you'll slide right through the enemy.

Nice....that's a mental image I didn't need

After a week of watching my dog, to see if he could "process" a cob of corn he swallowed whole, or if it would stick inside, I've now got a very vivid image of a human adventurer in greased plate armour, trying to get out through the dragon's droppings....

Banshee

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Nice....that's a mental image I didn't need

Keep it, I have plenty!

After a week of watching my dog, to see if he could "process" a cob of corn he swallowed whole, or if it would stick inside, I've now got a very vivid image of a human adventurer in greased plate armour, trying to get out through the dragon's droppings....

All the things we've been through... We know the ins and outs of the critters around here. Never hesitate, we dive right into the fray.

This reminds me of the halfing who was crapped on by a colossal dragon. With great effort he dug himself out of the pile and started to shout at the dragon: "RIGHT IN THE EYE YOU BASTARD!"