D&D 5E Post some pictures that say D&D to you

[Libramarian]

Art Director Jon Schindehette is asking for visual representations of the "essence" of D&D over here: http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4dreye/20121212

I am a big fan of Justin Sweet, who did some of the character portraits for the Icewind Dale I/II computer games, as well as the cover for the 3e book Magic of Faerun.

I like how it's grimy and bloody, but also kind of smudgy and dreamlike. Most D&D art is too clean and bright. I want more darkness, more chiaroscuro. I want some scenes that actually look like they're lit by torch or candlelight.

I also really like this cover of Gene Wolfe's Shadow & Claw.

If I had my way the AD&D reprints would look more like that, black with a streak of red, rather than brown faux-leather, which doesn't really feel like AD&D at all. Although I can see how someone would think it would.

 

[Jacob Marley]

So, you just want me to post images by Larry Elmore?



This is, to me, the essence of D&D.

 

[steeldragons]

I tried to do what Jon suggested in the article...the whole "going back in my mind and time to that place that was the essence ofD&D [to me]."

Somehow, this is what I got...

 

[dd.stevenson]

I can't for the life of me figure out how to post images since the shutdown. I keep getting "500" errors...

 

[steeldragons]

You can now Copy/Paste!!! Woohoo! At least, that's what I did and it let me.

Right click on the image you want (won't work with Ctl C). Click "Copy Image". Then come to the thread/post and Ctl. V (which does work!). That's how mine got in here. MUCH more convenient.

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

 

[Libramarian]

Here's some more (pretty random assortment...)

 

[dd.stevenson]

Lucifer and his followers being cast out of heaven. Falling from grace is a recurring theme in every D&D campaign I've ever read about or been involved in.

The pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock. The challenge to survive and prosper in semi-hospitable environments. Exploration of new lands.

Solomon & Sheba. Pomp, royalty, and rulership are the third strand that defines D&D for me. Responsibility for realm-changing outcomes. Choosing wisely vs. choosing unwisely.

 

[Wednesday Boy]

Out of curiosity, what about this one says D&D to you? To me the style of the artwork looks like early D&D art but I'm interested to hear what is says to you.

 

[Jon Schindehette]

Why? Just because he (Larry Elmore) did a bunch of the art, or is there something in his images that evokes the essence of D&D to you?