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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Raven Crowking" data-source="post: 3238634" data-attributes="member: 18280">It's a bit more than that.  In expression, posture, and placement, the PCs are in a dominant position in the 3.0 PHB pictures as well.  There is not only a sense that they are not seriously threatened; there is a sense in each of the illustrations that they are well equipped and able to handle anything they are depicted as encountering.  There is no indication whatsoever that the situation is ever out of control, nor is there any indication that the PCs lack information.However, in the DMG, there is a large number of illustrations depicting the PCs or other adventurers in situations that are out of control, or in which they lack important information about their surroundings which the viewer is privy to.The fact that they are armed, IMHO, is a message to the viewer that they are planning to, about to, or even in some cases in the middle of engaging in a situation in which arms are required.  However, in fantasy novels, television, film, video games, and role-playing games, there is no direct relationship between the use of arms and necessarily being seriously threatened.  In all of these media arms are used to intimidate, control situations, and cut through mooks.  A 20th level fighter in any edition might use a sword to eliminate a dire (giant) rat.  Han Solo might use a blaster to intimidate some storm troopers.  Indiana Jones might use his whip to disarm a betraying henchman.  These things do not mean that they are seriously theatened.  Uther Pendragon may lay with Ygraine wearing full plate mail (?!?).  Lancelot may joust with lesser knights.  A cop might wear riot gear when breaking up a peaceful rally.  These things do not mean that they are seriously threatened.If Joe Commoner is vexed by goblins, an adventuring party might slay the goblins with big axes and flashy spells -- this doesn't mean it was challenging.Again, either you are setting the bar for "seriously threatened" very much lower than I am, or you are far cleverer in terms of your analysis.</blockquote>

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