Questions about Iconic Character Art?


Lost Omens Campaign Setting General Discussion

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I've noticed a number of posts asking questions about the designs and costume details of the Iconic characters. I figured that I'd create a thread for these questions. I apologise in advance that my forays onto the messageboards might be intermittent depending upon workload.

Scarab Sages

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What class is Art?


what are those little things on the side of ezrens boots my best guess is they are buttons to hold the clothe of them but in that case what exactly is the point of having cloth around your boots

Contributor

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tuypo1 wrote:
what are those little things on the side of ezrens boots my best guess is they are buttons to hold the clothe of them but in that case what exactly is the point of having cloth around your boots

They're wooden toggles. They keep his medieval version of gaiters closed. Gaiters are pieces of oiled cloth or leather that are wrapped around the shins. They stop the bottoms of your trousers getting wet whilst wilderness walking.


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ah i see

you really do put a lot of detail into these costumes

its great

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

How does the Arcanist keep her cloak on?

Contributor

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LazarX wrote:
How does the Arcanist keep her cloak on?

Enora's cloak is held on with "Hook and eye". (Extinct_Fizz 's breakdown of the costume in another thread is correct.) The "shoulder flaps" of Enora's cloak has hooks on the inside. The eyelets run down the sides of that white "V". Enora's hair covers any visible signs or stitching of the hooks on the outside of the cloak.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

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This thread is awesome.

Contributor

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James Jacobs wrote:
This thread is awesome.

Thanks james. :)


Are the coins and the metal square thingy Lem has hanging from around his neck meant to signify something to him, or does he just like the look of it?


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And why couldn't I get an awesome hat like Imrijka?


Ohhh cool. I'm going to have to go really study the various iconics now so I can come up with some good questions.

Contributor

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Kajehase wrote:
Are the coins and the metal square thingy Lem has hanging from around his neck meant to signify something to him, or does he just like the look of it?

The metal square thingy is just a decorative pendant. The discs are indeed coins from different cultures that he's strung around his neck as decoration and potential use.

Managing Editor

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This thread is yet more evidence that Wayne is awesome.


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Wayne Reynolds wrote:
Kajehase wrote:
Are the coins and the metal square thingy Lem has hanging from around his neck meant to signify something to him, or does he just like the look of it?
The metal square thingy is just a decorative pendant. The discs are indeed coins from different cultures that he's strung around his neck as decoration and potential use.

Thank you for answering. One more piece added to the puzzle.

Dark Archive

For the upcoming Occult Adventures, can you give us a lil' detail on the significance of the Skull to which the Occultist is holding in his hand? Is it the Skull of a high level wizard or a lost daughter of a long dead matriarch?

Contributor

James Sutter wrote:
This thread is yet more evidence that Wayne is awesome.

Thanks very much James. I'm not sure how useful the thread will be or where it'll go? But I'll give it my best shot.

Contributor

the Haunted Jester wrote:
For the upcoming Occult Adventures, can you give us a lil' detail on the significance of the Skull to which the Occultist is holding in his hand? Is it the Skull of a high level wizard or a lost daughter of a long dead matriarch?

All I can say at the moment is that it's a skull with various symbols of occult significance etched onto it. Sorry for the vague answer.


I don't have a question about a specific Iconic yet but are any of them modeled after real life people? Friends, family members, co-workers etc.


To ask the same question, but a lot more specifically: The iconic investigator, Quinn, looks a bit like Danny John-Jules (Cat from Red Dwarf), doesn't he?

Contributor

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Triphoppenskip wrote:
I don't have a question about a specific Iconic yet but are any of them modeled after real life people? Friends, family members, co-workers etc.

Thanks for your question. None of them are consciously based on real - life people. However, quite by accident there are a few of them that kinda look like people I've met before.


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So wait.....

I can ask the guy who INVENTED (I know not all by himself...) fashion on Golarion any question I want? At least until I get thrown out for pestering the poor man too much....

My head just exploded. I'll be back when I can compose something intelligent.

*faints a little bit*

Contributor

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Kajehase wrote:
To ask the same question, but a lot more specifically: The iconic investigator, Quinn, looks a bit like Danny John-Jules (Cat from Red Dwarf), doesn't he?

Ditto with famous personalities too. It's just a coincidence. However, I do like the acting talents of Mr John-Jules.

Dark Archive

There is a garter belt on Jirelle ' s (the Iconic Swashbuckler) right leg, is there a story behind that?

Contributor

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the Haunted Jester wrote:
There is a garter belt on Jirelle ' s (the Iconic Swashbuckler) right leg, is there a story behind that?

the garter belt was one of those details I added to an iconic illustration as an item of interest. (rather like the skull in the sketch of the Occultist)It's down to James, as the Iconic character's designer to decide if it has further meaning. However, garter belts are traditionally associated with weddings...........?


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Two questions:

1) You clearly put a lot of thought into the details of the costumes, do you keep a file of notes on things like where you get your inspirations from, fabric material, sumptuary laws of the Golarion cultures represented, etc?

2) Is your avatar a new iconic? :D

(I love it!)

Contributor

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Cthulhudrew wrote:

Two questions:

1) You clearly put a lot of thought into the details of the costumes, do you keep a file of notes on things like where you get your inspirations from, fabric material, sumptuary laws of the Golarion cultures represented, etc?

2) Is your avatar a new iconic? :D

(I love it!)

Thanks for the kind words. I'm very pleased you like the artwork.

1) My inspiration and ideas are the result of years of study and research. I'm particularly interested in historical costume, armour and equipment. As you might guess, I've amassed a fairly comprehensive and expanding reference library on the subject. My reference library consists of books, photographs and magazine cuttings that I felt may have visual potential.
2) The avatar is a sketch I did of a hedgehog warrior. I like hedgehogs too. It was done as a goof-around. The sketch was made into a miniature by Reaper Miniatures and is part of their limited edition "League of Justice & Caeke". The proceeds of which are donated to the Child's Play charity.

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Here's a post of mine from a previous thread regarding the ideas behind Kess the Iconic Brawler;

"There seems to be a number of questions and theories about Kess’s costume and fighting style. And in response to Dark Psions’s request I thought I’d post some of the concepts I had when designing Kess.
The concept I had for the Brawler was a combination of a 2nd century European Gladiator combined with a 20th Century boxer. Her costume is an attempt to reflect both aspects without becoming too much of either and at the same time create something completely new.
She’s wearing sections of latticed leather armour combined with smooth sections of leather with padding underneath. The individual straps within the latticed leather provide a little bit more flexibility of movement than a complete hide. The “Criss-cross” pattern has been repeated throughout the armour to create a visual theme. The armour’s been designed around a gladiatorial aesthetic to enable Kess to fight mostly humanoid opponents. She hasn’t needed to be heavily armoured so far. All the impact points are protected; Knuckles, elbows, forearms, knees, feet and forehead. She’s relying on being able to move her vambraces, greaves and fascia to protect her vital organs - Just like gladiators and pugilists throughout history have.
On her left arm she wears a leather shoulder guard called a Galerus. Historically, a galerus would be made out of metal but as Kess wears leather armour I added the brass bull as both decoration and reinforcement. In Roman arenas, the combatants would wear these on their off- arm and present it to their opponent as a target. The gladiator’s fighting style was a series of responses to a blow. Not necessarily an efficient fighting technique but one that would look really cool and entertain a crowd. Afterall, the crowd wanted to see gladiators getting hit and a gladiatorial fighting technique was one that provided that aspect but also ensured that a gladiator wouldn’t get too injured by doing it.
Kess’s headgear was designed to look like a gladiatorial version of a boxer’s padded headgear. She’s never needed a full crown helmet. I added the brass lion as both decoration and reinforcement just like the galerus, again creating another visual theme.

She wears medals won in various bouts on her costume. This says “Hey, look how many fights I’ve won – I'm gonna win this one too!” The one on her pelvis depicts a stylised image of a griffon with peacock wings.
She’s armed with a Cestus and a spiked knuckleduster. Initially, I was just going to limit her to bludgeoning weapons. The punch dagger on her hip was added as an afterthought. Maybe for use in particularly viscous fights.
She also has a money pouch and a waterbottle. I figured she’d travel around looking for fight arenas so I added the mat with the marker sticks.
Oh, and her nose IS broken.
Hope that answers a few questions.
This is by no means a definitive explanation of this character class, just the reasoning behind the design. I'm not usually privy to planned game mechanics or the fantastic back stories. If there’s something that I’ve described that doesn’t quite fit with your concept of the Brawler, you always have the option to change it to fit your game. That’s the beauty of Pathfinder RPG"


interesting


Why does Seelah's breastplate have breasts? Wouldn't that just make someone easier to kill?

Contributor

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Decimus Drake wrote:
Why does Seelah's breastplate have breasts? Wouldn't that just make someone easier to kill?

I also wondered if breasts on breastplates of female characters was an aesthetic visual or if it was a necessity due to body shape?

I asked some of my armour-wearing female friends about it.
It seems the a lot of women can wear a normal shaped breastplate. However,I was told that as the bust size increases the more uncomfortable it gets. Many of them whilst training, wear protective sports breastplates designed for women that have extended areas to accommodate their busts. One friend said she needed those extra bits on a breastplate otherwise things got very painful indeed.
My conclusion is;

It depends upon the body shape of the wearer.

As for being easier to kill? No, I don't think so.
I train(Sword - fighting) with women who wear breastplates with breasts. It does not make them easier to hit than a flat - chested opponent, nor does it hinder their speed and skill with a weapon.

Dark Archive

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Did the art order for Harsk include mention of the teapot, or was that your own little addition to our iconic dwarven unconventionalist?


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Speaking of Seelah, what's the significance of the key that hangs around her right thigh? It's such a captivating little detail, and I've always wanted to know - is there a story behind your choice to include it, or is it just a little visual touch?

Contributor

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Set wrote:

Did the art order for Harsk include mention of the teapot, or was that your own little addition to our iconic dwarven unconventionalist?

Hark's teapot was my addition. It is actually an enchanted teapot +1 ;)

Contributor

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El Ronza wrote:
Speaking of Seelah, what's the significance of the key that hangs around her right thigh? It's such a captivating little detail, and I've always wanted to know - is there a story behind your choice to include it, or is it just a little visual touch?

I always intended it to be the key to her chastity belt.

Silver Crusade

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Ooh, we have needed this thread! :D

What sources, if any, did you draw inspiration for Sajan's...sleeves? (is there a more accurate name for them?)

And what did you figure his sister, Sajni, should look like?

(been a big fan ever since connecting the Eberron mural covers to your name!)


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Wayne Reynolds wrote:
Decimus Drake wrote:
Why does Seelah's breastplate have breasts? Wouldn't that just make someone easier to kill?

I also wondered if breasts on breastplates of female characters was an aesthetic visual or if it was a necessity due to body shape?

I asked some of my armour-wearing female friends about it.
It seems the a lot of women can wear a normal shaped breastplate. However,I was told that as the bust size increases the more uncomfortable it gets. Many of them whilst training, wear protective sports breastplates designed for women that have extended areas to accommodate their busts. One friend said she needed those extra bits on a breastplate otherwise things got very painful indeed.
My conclusion is;

It depends upon the body shape of the wearer.

As for being easier to kill? No, I don't think so.
I train(Sword - fighting) with women who wear breastplates with breasts. It does not make them easier to hit than a flat - chested opponent, nor does it hinder their speed and skill with a weapon.

im pretty proud of myself for guessing because her breasts are to big to fit in standard plate

Dark Archive

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Thanks for the teapot reply, and the teapot itself. It adds a ton of character to Harsk, and is particularly appropriate since there's already another Iconic (Valeros) with an ale-mug.

Two questions this time;

1) How about that Temple Sword in the Sajan picture. Was that an ordered item, or something you came up with?

It's only thing in the original Iconics that ended up involving new rules content (and, therefore, perhaps being an interesting thing to see on an 'iconic' character).

2) Do Seoni's tattoos (and sash-thingies) spell out anything specific in a (real or made-up) language, or did you just sort of pick some cool-looking squiggles and run with them?

Contributor

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Mikaze wrote:

Ooh, we have needed this thread! :D

What sources, if any, did you draw inspiration for Sajan's...sleeves? (is there a more accurate name for them?)

And what did you figure his sister, Sajni, should look like?

(been a big fan ever since connecting the Eberron mural covers to your name!)

I'm glad that you find the thread interesting Mikaze, thanks. :)

Sajan's sleeves are commonly known as Kote. Traditionally, kote are usually armoured with maille or metal plates. I took those components away to make a lighter piece of equipment that fit with the Monk concept better.

I haven't been asked to illustrate Sajan's sister Sajni yet.


you mean that picture in the ultimate campaign art preview was not her

oh wait nevermind i just checked and saw that was not your work still if it is indeed her it answers the question of her appearance

Contributor

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Set wrote:

Thanks for the teapot reply, and the teapot itself. It adds a ton of character to Harsk, and is particularly appropriate since there's already another Iconic (Valeros) with an ale-mug.

Two questions this time;

1) How about that Temple Sword in the Sajan picture. Was that an ordered item, or something you came up with?

It's only thing in the original Iconics that ended up involving new rules content (and, therefore, perhaps being an interesting thing to see on an 'iconic' character).

2) Do Seoni's tattoos (and sash-thingies) spell out anything specific in a (real or made-up) language, or did you just sort of pick some cool-looking squiggles and run with them?

1) I was asked to design a temple sword for Sajan. Though his Hora (knuckle - dusters) weren't part of the character description.

I believe the design team had to come up with a new rule for Crow Henge's mace too??

2) Seoni's tattoos don't spell out anything in any real-life language.


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Thank you so much for this thread.

1) Is there a story behind Seoni's belt? It's very large, and angular, and metal looking. Which is a complete contrast to her soft, flowing dress.

2) Any significance to Enora's ring. Or is it just a fantastic cocktail ring?

3) Is Quinn's light (hanging from his belt) a reference to Diogenes?

Shadow Lodge

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Seltyiel, that little round silver object on a chain, is that a Wayfinder or pocket watch?


why arent wayfinders that tell the time a thing

Contributor

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Fashion Goblin wrote:

Thank you so much for this thread.

1) Is there a story behind Seoni's belt? It's very large, and angular, and metal looking. Which is a complete contrast to her soft, flowing dress.

2) Any significance to Enora's ring. Or is it just a fantastic cocktail ring?

3) Is Quinn's light (hanging from his belt) a reference to Diogenes?

Glad you like the thread. :)

1) Seoni's belt, Are you referring to the black angular piece covering her stomach? It's not made of metal. It's probably made from stiffened felt, padded silk or possibly tooled leather. Her belt attachments are made from leather with metal decorations.

2) Just a ring. Possibly magical?

3) No reference to Diogenes. Though it is a magical light.

Contributor

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the Queen's Raven wrote:
Seltyiel, that little round silver object on a chain, is that a Wayfinder or pocket watch?

Neither. It's a locket. I don't know what's in it.


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Dwarves are short and stout. Tea Pots are short and stout. I see what you did there. Very clever ;)

Your next iconic should be a drow with a pot and kettle.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Wayne Reynolds wrote:
Decimus Drake wrote:
Why does Seelah's breastplate have breasts? Wouldn't that just make someone easier to kill?

I also wondered if breasts on breastplates of female characters was an aesthetic visual or if it was a necessity due to body shape?

I asked some of my armour-wearing female friends about it.
It seems the a lot of women can wear a normal shaped breastplate. However,I was told that as the bust size increases the more uncomfortable it gets. Many of them whilst training, wear protective sports breastplates designed for women that have extended areas to accommodate their busts. One friend said she needed those extra bits on a breastplate otherwise things got very painful indeed.
My conclusion is;

It depends upon the body shape of the wearer.

As for being easier to kill? No, I don't think so.
I train(Sword - fighting) with women who wear breastplates with breasts. It does not make them easier to hit than a flat - chested opponent, nor does it hinder their speed and skill with a weapon.

Cate Blanchett in the production "Elizabeth" wears completely flat chested armor. Complete "boob plate" is a liability, a potentially fatal one. Upper armor does need to take into account the overall different shape of the female body, such as the different shoulder to waist ratio, but otherwise practical armor is flatchested armor. Take a look at modern armor sized for women, no breast projections there.

Dark Archive

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I want to say this is the best thread ever.

Does Pathfinder tell you what to put on the Iconic Characters or do you design them and they add the stuff to them? I would hope they give you lots of creative freedom by now :)

on the hunter, listed here, what are the green and bone looking fish hook thing supposed to be hanging off her armor? what is the symbol on the wolf's head?

Contributor

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LazarX wrote:
Wayne Reynolds wrote:
Decimus Drake wrote:
Why does Seelah's breastplate have breasts? Wouldn't that just make someone easier to kill?

I also wondered if breasts on breastplates of female characters was an aesthetic visual or if it was a necessity due to body shape?

I asked some of my armour-wearing female friends about it.
It seems the a lot of women can wear a normal shaped breastplate. However,I was told that as the bust size increases the more uncomfortable it gets. Many of them whilst training, wear protective sports breastplates designed for women that have extended areas to accommodate their busts. One friend said she needed those extra bits on a breastplate otherwise things got very painful indeed.
My conclusion is;

It depends upon the body shape of the wearer.

As for being easier to kill? No, I don't think so.
I train(Sword - fighting) with women who wear breastplates with breasts. It does not make them easier to hit than a flat - chested opponent, nor does it hinder their speed and skill with a weapon.

Cate Blanchett in the production "Elizabeth" wears completely flat chested armor. Complete "boob plate" is a liability, a potentially fatal one. Upper armor does need to take into account the overall different shape of the female body, such as the different shoulder to waist ratio, but otherwise practical armor is flatchested armor. Take a look at modern armor sized for women, no breast projections there.

Ms Blanchett is a fine actress. she's got quite a slim figure with a relatively small bust so I can see why she could wear completely flat chested armour.

With regards to the "Boob plate" query, please refer to my earlier comments. Especially those regarding my female friends with a larger chest size, who wear modern sports breastplates for martial arts training that feature boob plates to accommodate their body shape.
They don't see the boob plate as a liability. Nor does it compromise their skill in combat. Being a flat - chested male, I trust their judgement, skill and opinions in this matter.

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