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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
 Posted - 10 May 2012 : 10:44:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
How about horned northmen helmets? They are right up their with Boobmail in anti-functionality. Should we give those up as well?
If we give those up, how will we be able to tell our Viking-types from other barbarians?
First off - yes, we should definitely give up the horned helmets unless, maybem we're depicting some ceremonial event. In fact, I seem to recall the comic-version of Conan being given a helmet like that early in the Conan the Barbarian run - and it was quickly removed because everyone involved thought it looked too silly.
As for how to tell them apart from other barbarians... well, I'd say we do it based on them being just that sliver more awesome than all other barbarians. (The whole "looks and sounds like tall dwarves" schtick is probably going to help as well.) |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2012 : 17:25:52
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Vikings were originally (and equally innacurately) depicted with winged helmets. Maybe we can get those back. {smirk}
Celts used Winged Helmets, and Ancient (pre-Viking) Norse used animal/horned helms, but researchers believe it was ritualistic in nature. While the academia leans toward the clergy (shamans back then), I personally believe it was an embellishment enjoyed by leaders (who weren't always the ones 'in the fray'). Its was more ornamental then functional, is what I am getting at (like Machiavellian armor). There is also evidence that some horns may have been detachable (lending credence to the theory they were ornamental, and could be discarded quickly if needed).
So in art, one 'leader-type' could possibly have such a helmet, but not the whole group. For example, a king (Jarl) on a throne should have something like a winged helm, just to set him apart.
Im my HB world, I took an entirely different route. My northmen-like race (The Vogalts) are non-human, and more like a cross between half-ogres and Krynnish minotaurs. In other words, when they take off their helmets - surprise surprise - the horns are still there! 
And yes, I thought about the logistics of that - the helms are split sideways, and latch together at the ears (and the hasp is disguised as part of the ornamentation). Of course it would be simpler for them to just file down their horns to nubs, but Vogalts take pride in their horns the way dwarves do in their beards. Traitors, cowards, and criminals sometimes have their horns cut-off before being ostracized - these are the few you might see in the main campaign area. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 10 May 2012 17:29:20 |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2012 : 19:35:48
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The art discussion in that article was diffused by a confusion about the term "sexist"--the objection to the portrayals of women in fantasy art isn't that said art is "sexist" (though it is the product of an artist who probably is sexist himself), but that the art is "overly sexualized", i.e., treating female characters as sexual objects, rather than characters. Yes, these are only fictional portrayals, but the style reflects and promotes an opinion of women that is sexist (i.e. women exist for titillation and sexual purposes, they aren't real warriors, etc).
As BEAST put it, the occasional cheesecake is fine, so long as it's honest about being cheesecake, and it's not the ONLY portrayal out there. Women are just as varied as men--they should be allowed to vary in terms of their portrayals, equipment, clothing, etc.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4253 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2012 : 19:46:29
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All this talk of magical armor got me to thinking about an 18th level wizard I played in a game. I had an Armor Class of 74 I think it was...and that was with minimal cheese...it could have been far worse!
As for the ol' Chainmail Bikini...I don't have a problem with it. If women can go to the beach in a bikini, I have no problem with art reflecting a similar image.
Where I object is when gaming companies seem to so often limit the art we see, instead of expanding their field of artists to bring in more varied forms of the female adventurer. I get tired of women being portrayed so often as the same thing...I love it when I see art of a woman in true armor hacking away at an enemy, or a female wizard who doesn't have her robe split up the side to her arse but is instead standing knee deep in the snow of some far north land fighting the good fight of the adventurer.
Give me "realism" in my fantasy any ol' day. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3762 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2012 : 02:43:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
All this talk of magical armor got me to thinking about an 18th level wizard I played in a game. I had an Armor Class of 74 I think it was...and that was with minimal cheese...it could have been far worse!
-What edition? And, how the hell did you accomplish that? |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know) |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2012 : 17:12:18
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He must have used Armor of Ogling.
Which looks just like a chainmail bikini. It gives +5 for each piece worn. It also requires a SR against the wearer's comliness, or be 'stunned' for a number of segments (you minus how much you miss the roll by from your initiative). You also have to wipe the drool from your chin.
No, I didn't create that... but my co-DM did and gave it to his GF. I would use the excuse we were only 19, but he was closer to 30 (he never told us his real age). No-one was offended by it - we had girls in the group and everyone found it funny. It made sense to us - bracers were a 'guy thing'.
Also, a typical chainmail bikini gives adequate protection - in fact, I'd rule it gives full cover.....
To a Jermalin.
Anyhow, we should see a rugged female warrior in full plate saving a 'pretty-boy' Prince from a dragon - not only do you turn the stereotype on its head, its also pretty funny. If you put the Prince in a chainmail bikini, it becomes hilarious. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 11 May 2012 17:13:37 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 15 May 2012 : 04:40:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Anyhow, we should see a rugged female warrior in full plate saving a 'pretty-boy' Prince from a dragon - not only do you turn the stereotype on its head, its also pretty funny. If you put the Prince in a chainmail bikini, it becomes hilarious.
You watch far too many anime. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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BEAST
Master of Realmslore
USA
1714 Posts |
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Old Man Harpell
Senior Scribe
USA
498 Posts |
Posted - 20 May 2012 : 15:14:05
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quote:
Originally posted by BEAST
Found <this take> on male superheroes being stuck in silly, sexualized versions of their costumes. Bwahaha!
-snerk- That is amusing.
Hey - if the artist/publishing house/whoever thinks they can sell lots of books (or what have you) with art like that, I say they go for it. No different from 'idealized' female-type art, in my opinion - let the market determine what sells and what doesn't. It'll sink or swim on its own merits. |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2012 : 11:45:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
He must have used Armor of Ogling.
Which looks just like a chainmail bikini. It gives +5 for each piece worn. It also requires a SR against the wearer's comliness, or be 'stunned' for a number of segments (you minus how much you miss the roll by from your initiative). You also have to wipe the drool from your chin.
No, I didn't create that... but my co-DM did and gave it to his GF. I would use the excuse we were only 19, but he was closer to 30 (he never told us his real age). No-one was offended by it - we had girls in the group and everyone found it funny. It made sense to us - bracers were a 'guy thing'.
Also, a typical chainmail bikini gives adequate protection - in fact, I'd rule it gives full cover.....
To a Jermalin.
Anyhow, we should see a rugged female warrior in full plate saving a 'pretty-boy' Prince from a dragon - not only do you turn the stereotype on its head, its also pretty funny. If you put the Prince in a chainmail bikini, it becomes hilarious.
I love this!!! |
SiNafay Vrinn, the daughter of Lloth, from Ched Nasad!
http://zireael07.wordpress.com/ |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2012 : 00:09:30
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quote:
Originally posted by BEAST
Found <this take> on male superheroes being stuck in silly, sexualized versions of their costumes. Bwahaha!
With some editing, especially the lower part, and by making the tone of the whole ensemble a bit dark, it can be...good.
-----
Erza Scarlet, a Class S wizard from Fairy Tail, probably has the most number of coolest armors. Some are ridiculously skimpy, though. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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TBeholder
Great Reader
2510 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2012 : 00:51:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Anyhow, we should see a rugged female warrior in full plate saving a 'pretty-boy' Prince from a dragon - not only do you turn the stereotype on its head, its also pretty funny. If you put the Prince in a chainmail bikini, it becomes hilarious.
Nah, it merely becomes more Bioware. Making a clown stand on his head and calling it a creative breakthrough was their schtick, right?.. 
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I personally believe it was an embellishment enjoyed by leaders (who weren't always the ones 'in the fray'). Its was more ornamental then functional, is what I am getting at (like Machiavellian armor). There is also evidence that some horns may have been detachable (lending credence to the theory they were ornamental, and could be discarded quickly if needed).
Why not? After all, plumages don't go well with all helmets and may be damaged by a mild rain.
Also, if it's not attached too hard, it probably breaks away when any great force is applied, which eliminates the worst problems.
quote:
Originally posted by Kajehase
As for how to tell them apart from other barbarians... well, I'd say we do it based on them being just that sliver more awesome than all other barbarians. (The whole "looks and sounds like tall dwarves" schtick is probably going to help as well.)
(cough) Icewind Dale trilogy (cough)
quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
Where I object is when gaming companies seem to so often limit the art we see, instead of expanding their field of artists to bring in more varied forms of the female adventurer.
It's because we all clearly are 11 year old semiliterates who will buy the book just to drool on that cover, you see...  |
People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch |
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Fantasy Armor
