Photos of the new Gnome (PHB2)
- Thread starter Baumi
- Start date
Wizard Biscuits
First Post
I've noticed a lot of lack of love for the smaller races in D&D, in fact, I've been guilty of it myself. But I think a large part of it seems to stem from the identity crisis they all have.
It really surprises me that it seems Wizards never really sat down with their art team and went "Ok, so this is what we're going to make our Gnomes/Halflings/Kobolds/Hamsters look like". A little cohesion would go a long way towards making them more memorable and, at times, less ridiculous. We've all had that moment trying to assure a newcomer that Gnomes do not, in fact, look like a miniature Santa with a pointy hat (well, not in my game, but then, each to their own).
That being said, I do like the new look of the Gnome, and while of late I've been sticking with using a description uncannily like everyone's favourite interviewed Gnome - "I'm a monster!" - the two share approving similarities. Let's just hope the artists at Wizards can stick to a little continuation this time.
Disclaimer: I'm not slagging the artists, nor their artistic license. It's just, if you look at a few other fantasy/sci-fi companies, you can tell what is what through the unity their artists share. I realise D&D does work a bit differently, each person has their own view on what something should look like within their game. that's fine, but it'd help if there was some cohesion, especially in regards to the 'implied setting', since it makes it easier for newcomers to keep up with what's what and lends wach race a greater depth of identity and character.
It really surprises me that it seems Wizards never really sat down with their art team and went "Ok, so this is what we're going to make our Gnomes/Halflings/Kobolds/Hamsters look like". A little cohesion would go a long way towards making them more memorable and, at times, less ridiculous. We've all had that moment trying to assure a newcomer that Gnomes do not, in fact, look like a miniature Santa with a pointy hat (well, not in my game, but then, each to their own).
That being said, I do like the new look of the Gnome, and while of late I've been sticking with using a description uncannily like everyone's favourite interviewed Gnome - "I'm a monster!" - the two share approving similarities. Let's just hope the artists at Wizards can stick to a little continuation this time.
Disclaimer: I'm not slagging the artists, nor their artistic license. It's just, if you look at a few other fantasy/sci-fi companies, you can tell what is what through the unity their artists share. I realise D&D does work a bit differently, each person has their own view on what something should look like within their game. that's fine, but it'd help if there was some cohesion, especially in regards to the 'implied setting', since it makes it easier for newcomers to keep up with what's what and lends wach race a greater depth of identity and character.
Mercule
Adventurer
I almost cried when I first read this as "mini-milf".
Actually, I really hate the new look for gnomes and halflings. Actually, I think I'm okay with halflings as generic little folk who look like humans. Not my particular preference, but I see the lure.
Gnomes, though, are just little elves. They're something else. Something benevolent, but alien enough to feel vaguely menacing. That's where their "dark humor" comes from: alien-ness. I suppose I can see them conceptually as the "little elves" who make shoes, but I hope they are so much more than that, too. Gnomes could be the most interesting of the small races -- every bit as interesting as dwarves and elves, and more so than tieflings or dragonborn. WotC just has to decide what to do with them and not make them just "little {x}es".
Fallen Seraph
First Post
Backstory wise and mechanically wise I am fine with the Gnome. Visually I am somewhat okay, I like this one more but would emphasize/showcase certain things.
I would definitely emphasize the black eyes and have them reflect what is around them and such. Their posture would always seem to be slightly on the edge of, "fight or flight" always looking around, twitching, etc. Think like you see small mammals when their cautious. It would be common for the hair to be quite messy possibly laced with twigs, etc. Their nails are tinted black, and such.
I would definitely emphasize the black eyes and have them reflect what is around them and such. Their posture would always seem to be slightly on the edge of, "fight or flight" always looking around, twitching, etc. Think like you see small mammals when their cautious. It would be common for the hair to be quite messy possibly laced with twigs, etc. Their nails are tinted black, and such.
Gnomes need more. Halfling, elven and dwarven culture are something most of us are familiar with. We know how they govern themselves, their family structures, their architecture. Gnomes are pranksters who like illusions and gems. Eh? So what? This is simply not adequate, gnomes have never been fleshed out half as well as the other races have. Heck I feel I know dragonborn better than them.
Keefe the Thief
Hero
Looks and feels like a true Zil. sold! 
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