paizo.com Recent Comments on Meet the Iconics: Kesspaizo.com Recent Comments on Meet the Iconics: Kess2015-01-27T18:40:47Z2015-01-27T18:40:47ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessAdam Daigle (Director of Game Development)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2452015-09-06T01:59:23Z2015-09-05T19:44:07Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Monkeygod wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I just stumbled across Kess, as she graces the cover of Dirty Tactics Toolbox, and in a frightening display of coincidence, she's practically the soul mate of my real life friend, Kess. </p>
<p>Seriously, its like Adam followed around my friend for a week for inspiration. They are so similar, its scary. But all in good ways. I had my friend Kess read her backstory, and she absolutely loves it!! </p>
<p>She is now determined to cosplay 'herself'. </p>
<p>Also, I totally wanna try and get her some official Kess art, because that would be amazing. </blockquote><p>That's awesome! It always makes me happy when someone can really connect with something I wrote.Monkeygod wrote:I just stumbled across Kess, as she graces the cover of Dirty Tactics Toolbox, and in a frightening display of coincidence, she's practically the soul mate of my real life friend, Kess.
Seriously, its like Adam followed around my friend for a week for inspiration. They are so similar, its scary. But all in good ways. I had my friend Kess read her backstory, and she absolutely loves it!!
She is now determined to cosplay 'herself'.
Also, I totally wanna try and get her some...Adam Daigle (Director of Game Development)2015-09-05T19:44:07ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessMonkeygodhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2442015-09-04T23:33:01Z2015-09-04T23:32:23Z<p>I just stumbled across Kess, as she graces the cover of Dirty Tactics Toolbox, and in a frightening display of coincidence, she's practically the soul mate of my real life friend, Kess. </p>
<p>Seriously, its like Adam followed around my friend for a week for inspiration. They are so similar, its scary. But all in good ways. I had my friend Kess read her backstory, and she absolutely loves it!! </p>
<p>She is now determined to cosplay 'herself'. </p>
<p>Also, I totally wanna try and get her some official Kess art, because that would be amazing.</p>I just stumbled across Kess, as she graces the cover of Dirty Tactics Toolbox, and in a frightening display of coincidence, she's practically the soul mate of my real life friend, Kess.
Seriously, its like Adam followed around my friend for a week for inspiration. They are so similar, its scary. But all in good ways. I had my friend Kess read her backstory, and she absolutely loves it!!
She is now determined to cosplay 'herself'.
Also, I totally wanna try and get her some official Kess...Monkeygod2015-09-04T23:32:23ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessDeadmanwalkinghttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2432014-07-26T13:52:53Z2014-07-26T13:52:53Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Squeakmaan wrote:</div><blockquote> Parker is absolutely not a Slayer, not gonna get in an argument of which class is better because I disagree, but Parker not only never kills anyone, she only rarely engages in combat of any kind and when she does she uses a taser. She is a Rogue. Any further discussion should probably be moved to a separate thread. </blockquote><p>Class =/= Flavor, Slayer can be used for everything from a soldier to sneak-thief pretty readily. And besides, Parker wins every hand-to-hand fight she gets in, and is mentioned by Elliot as the second most likely of the protagonists to kill someone (not in quite so many words, but the implication is there). And yeah, I'll leave it at that.Squeakmaan wrote:Parker is absolutely not a Slayer, not gonna get in an argument of which class is better because I disagree, but Parker not only never kills anyone, she only rarely engages in combat of any kind and when she does she uses a taser. She is a Rogue. Any further discussion should probably be moved to a separate thread.
Class =/= Flavor, Slayer can be used for everything from a soldier to sneak-thief pretty readily. And besides, Parker wins every hand-to-hand fight she gets in,...Deadmanwalking2014-07-26T13:52:53ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessSqueakmaanhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2422014-07-26T13:48:52Z2014-07-26T13:48:52Z<p>Parker is absolutely not a Slayer, not gonna get in an argument of which class is better because I disagree, but Parker not only never kills anyone, she only rarely engages in combat of any kind and when she does she uses a taser. She is a Rogue. Any further discussion should probably be moved to a separate thread.</p>Parker is absolutely not a Slayer, not gonna get in an argument of which class is better because I disagree, but Parker not only never kills anyone, she only rarely engages in combat of any kind and when she does she uses a taser. She is a Rogue. Any further discussion should probably be moved to a separate thread.Squeakmaan2014-07-26T13:48:52ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessDeadmanwalkinghttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2412014-07-26T12:45:17Z2014-07-26T12:43:08Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Squeakmaan wrote:</div><blockquote> Sophie is a Bard, Hardison and Parker are both Rogues with their skill points put in different places. </blockquote><p>Eh, I'll agree with Sophie, but not the others. Parker certainly could be a Rogue, but I'd be inclined to go Slayer (because it's a better Class), and Hardison, in Pathfinder, is obviously some sort of Int-based caster, with Wizard and Alchemist (Mindchemist) being the obvious choices.Squeakmaan wrote:Sophie is a Bard, Hardison and Parker are both Rogues with their skill points put in different places.
Eh, I'll agree with Sophie, but not the others. Parker certainly could be a Rogue, but I'd be inclined to go Slayer (because it's a better Class), and Hardison, in Pathfinder, is obviously some sort of Int-based caster, with Wizard and Alchemist (Mindchemist) being the obvious choices.Deadmanwalking2014-07-26T12:43:08ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessSqueakmaanhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2402014-07-26T12:01:47Z2014-07-26T12:01:47Z<p>Sophie is a Bard, Hardison and Parker are both Rogues with their skill points put in different places.</p>Sophie is a Bard, Hardison and Parker are both Rogues with their skill points put in different places.Squeakmaan2014-07-26T12:01:47ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessDeadmanwalkinghttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2392014-07-26T02:08:47Z2014-07-26T02:08:47Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Squeakmaan wrote:</div><blockquote> with the brawler class for Elliot, I now have everything I need to run my Leverage: Golarion edition. </blockquote><p>What classes do you peg everyone else as? Because there's a Mastermind Archetype for Investigator...Squeakmaan wrote:with the brawler class for Elliot, I now have everything I need to run my Leverage: Golarion edition.
What classes do you peg everyone else as? Because there's a Mastermind Archetype for Investigator...Deadmanwalking2014-07-26T02:08:47ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessSqueakmaanhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2382014-07-26T01:56:35Z2014-07-26T01:56:35Z<p>with the brawler class for Elliot, I now have everything I need to run my Leverage: Golarion edition.</p>with the brawler class for Elliot, I now have everything I need to run my Leverage: Golarion edition.Squeakmaan2014-07-26T01:56:35ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessDeadmanwalkinghttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2372014-07-25T18:52:22Z2014-07-25T18:52:22Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">StarMartyr365 wrote:</div><blockquote><p>OMG! I have a reason to run an Alchemist now. I'm adding that to my list of characters.</p>
<p>SM</blockquote><p>Happy to be of assistance. :)StarMartyr365 wrote:OMG! I have a reason to run an Alchemist now. I'm adding that to my list of characters.
SM
Happy to be of assistance. :)Deadmanwalking2014-07-25T18:52:22ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessStarMartyr365 (alias of steve stringer)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2362014-07-25T18:38:03Z2014-07-25T18:38:03Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Deadmanwalking wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">StarMartyr365 wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I just realized that I could also do Tyler Durden.
</p>
I can't wait for this book to come out.</p>
<p>SM </blockquote>Tyler Durden makes a better Alchemist (maybe with a level of Master Chymist), actually. He's not <i>necessarily</i> very good in a fight, he just does it a lot. Also, he has a thing for explosives and possesses multiple personalities, which are Alchemist trademarks...and Feral Mutagen makes him good in hand-to-hand to boot. </blockquote><p>OMG! I have a reason to run an Alchemist now. I'm adding that to my list of characters.
<p>SM</p>Deadmanwalking wrote:StarMartyr365 wrote:I just realized that I could also do Tyler Durden.
I can't wait for this book to come out.SM
Tyler Durden makes a better Alchemist (maybe with a level of Master Chymist), actually. He's not necessarily very good in a fight, he just does it a lot. Also, he has a thing for explosives and possesses multiple personalities, which are Alchemist trademarks...and Feral Mutagen makes him good in hand-to-hand to boot. OMG! I have a reason to run an Alchemist...StarMartyr365 (alias of steve stringer)2014-07-25T18:38:03ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessLiz Courts (Contributor)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2352014-07-25T18:33:31Z2014-07-25T18:33:31Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Wayne Reynolds wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Adam Daigle wrote:</div><blockquote> Wayne, thanks for stopping by and sharing your creation process with everyone! </blockquote>You're welcome Adam. Thanks for bringing the character to life with the awesome backstory :) </blockquote><p>Thank you for the insight from both of you for Kess!Wayne Reynolds wrote:Adam Daigle wrote: Wayne, thanks for stopping by and sharing your creation process with everyone!
You're welcome Adam. Thanks for bringing the character to life with the awesome backstory :) Thank you for the insight from both of you for Kess!Liz Courts (Contributor)2014-07-25T18:33:31ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessDeadmanwalkinghttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2342014-07-25T18:31:21Z2014-07-25T18:31:21Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">StarMartyr365 wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I just realized that I could also do Tyler Durden.
</p>
I can't wait for this book to come out.</p>
<p>SM </blockquote><p>Tyler Durden makes a better Alchemist (maybe with a level of Master Chymist), actually. He's not <i>necessarily</i> very good in a fight, he just does it a lot. Also, he has a thing for explosives and possesses multiple personalities, which are Alchemist trademarks...and Feral Mutagen makes him good in hand-to-hand to boot.StarMartyr365 wrote:I just realized that I could also do Tyler Durden.
I can't wait for this book to come out.SM
Tyler Durden makes a better Alchemist (maybe with a level of Master Chymist), actually. He's not necessarily very good in a fight, he just does it a lot. Also, he has a thing for explosives and possesses multiple personalities, which are Alchemist trademarks...and Feral Mutagen makes him good in hand-to-hand to boot.Deadmanwalking2014-07-25T18:31:21ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessStarMartyr365 (alias of steve stringer)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2332014-07-25T18:28:09Z2014-07-25T18:28:09Z<p>I just realized that I could also do Tyler Durden.
<br />
I can't wait for this book to come out.</p>
<p>SM</p>I just realized that I could also do Tyler Durden.
I can't wait for this book to come out.
SMStarMartyr365 (alias of steve stringer)2014-07-25T18:28:09ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessAdam Daigle (Director of Game Development)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2322014-07-25T20:18:18Z2014-07-25T18:16:06Z<p>Me too!</p>Me too!Adam Daigle (Director of Game Development)2014-07-25T18:16:06ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessDeadmanwalkinghttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2312014-07-25T20:18:17Z2014-07-25T17:40:26Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Adam B. 135 wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">StarMartyr365 wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I really didn't care much for the brawler until I read this. Now I can't wait to roll one up. I think I'm going to make a Varisian with a bunch of really crappy tattoos and a unfathomable accent who is legendary for his ability to get the stuffing kicked out of him and yet still end the match by landing a one punch knock out that breaks his opponent's skull.</p>
<p>SM </blockquote>Someone a fan of Snatch? </blockquote><p>I know I am. :)Adam B. 135 wrote:StarMartyr365 wrote:I really didn't care much for the brawler until I read this. Now I can't wait to roll one up. I think I'm going to make a Varisian with a bunch of really crappy tattoos and a unfathomable accent who is legendary for his ability to get the stuffing kicked out of him and yet still end the match by landing a one punch knock out that breaks his opponent's skull.
SM
Someone a fan of Snatch? I know I am. :)Deadmanwalking2014-07-25T17:40:26ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessAdam B. 135https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2302014-07-25T18:25:25Z2014-07-25T17:32:12Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">StarMartyr365 wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I really didn't care much for the brawler until I read this. Now I can't wait to roll one up. I think I'm going to make a Varisian with a bunch of really crappy tattoos and a unfathomable accent who is legendary for his ability to get the stuffing kicked out of him and yet still end the match by landing a one punch knock out that breaks his opponent's skull.</p>
<p>SM </blockquote><p>Someone a fan of Snatch?StarMartyr365 wrote:I really didn't care much for the brawler until I read this. Now I can't wait to roll one up. I think I'm going to make a Varisian with a bunch of really crappy tattoos and a unfathomable accent who is legendary for his ability to get the stuffing kicked out of him and yet still end the match by landing a one punch knock out that breaks his opponent's skull.
SM
Someone a fan of Snatch?Adam B. 1352014-07-25T17:32:12ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessWayne Reynolds (Contributing Artist)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2292014-07-25T16:22:57Z2014-07-25T16:22:27Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Adam Daigle wrote:</div><blockquote> Wayne, thanks for stopping by and sharing your creation process with everyone! </blockquote><p>You're welcome Adam. Thanks for bringing the character to life with the awesome backstory :)Adam Daigle wrote:Wayne, thanks for stopping by and sharing your creation process with everyone!
You're welcome Adam. Thanks for bringing the character to life with the awesome backstory :)Wayne Reynolds (Contributing Artist)2014-07-25T16:22:27ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessAdam Daigle (Director of Game Development)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2282014-07-25T18:33:03Z2014-07-25T15:31:23Z<p>Wayne, thanks for stopping by and sharing your creation process with everyone!</p>Wayne, thanks for stopping by and sharing your creation process with everyone!Adam Daigle (Director of Game Development)2014-07-25T15:31:23ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessCthulhudrewhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2272014-07-25T20:17:11Z2014-07-25T14:59:51Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Larkos wrote:</div><blockquote>I completely understand why you designed Kess like a Boxer/Gladiator mix and it makes sense for her character. I think the disconnect for many people would be that she isn't in the pit right now...</blockquote><p>Conclusion: We need a Gladiator AP. :DLarkos wrote:I completely understand why you designed Kess like a Boxer/Gladiator mix and it makes sense for her character. I think the disconnect for many people would be that she isn't in the pit right now...
Conclusion: We need a Gladiator AP. :DCthulhudrew2014-07-25T14:59:51ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessCthulhudrewhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2262014-07-25T14:53:06Z2014-07-25T14:46:35Z<p>Thank you, Wayne! That was a really cool insight into the aesthetic choices of Kess' wardrobe, but also one into the design process. I think- from what some of the developers have said- that your visuals are as much of an inspiration into the back stories of the characters as their own ideas are•- so getting a "behind the scenes" look like this is very interesting and fun.</p>
<p>Appreciate your taking the time and sharing! :D</p>
<p>•And if I'm reading too much into the design process for the writing of the back stories, apologies. I thought I recalled at least one designer mentioning how much the look WAR captures ends up defining the final story of the character, though.</p>Thank you, Wayne! That was a really cool insight into the aesthetic choices of Kess' wardrobe, but also one into the design process. I think- from what some of the developers have said- that your visuals are as much of an inspiration into the back stories of the characters as their own ideas are*- so getting a "behind the scenes" look like this is very interesting and fun.
Appreciate your taking the time and sharing! :D
*And if I'm reading too much into the design process for the writing of...Cthulhudrew2014-07-25T14:46:35ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessLarkoshttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2252014-07-25T13:55:58Z2014-07-25T13:55:58Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Wayne Reynolds wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Oath wrote:</div><blockquote> Thanks Wayne, I love that you have well-thought-out details like this. So much better than the "it looked cool so I did it" explanation I get a lot visiting artists tables at cons. </blockquote>Thanks Oath, I'm pleased that you found my trains of thought interesting. Some of the time it does come down to depicting things that just look cool. But most of the time the potentially cool - looking elements are a result of a specific function or aesthetic behind the character I'm depicting. Depending upon the interest level and reaction to the concept description, I may write about the other Iconics - Time permitting. </blockquote><p>I'd definitely like to know more about the design of the other Iconics.
<p>I completely understand why you designed Kess like a Boxer/Gladiator mix and it makes sense for her character. I think the disconnect for many people would be that she isn't in the pit right now. She's an adventurer and will have to face Dragons, Demons, and people with bows. Her outfit doesn't make as much sense in that context. </p>
<p>I don't mind really because I see the Iconic's outfits as what they wore at the start of their career as an adventurer. Of course, Kess would still be wearing her Pit Fighter armor because what else would she own?</p>Wayne Reynolds wrote:Oath wrote: Thanks Wayne, I love that you have well-thought-out details like this. So much better than the "it looked cool so I did it" explanation I get a lot visiting artists tables at cons.
Thanks Oath, I'm pleased that you found my trains of thought interesting. Some of the time it does come down to depicting things that just look cool. But most of the time the potentially cool - looking elements are a result of a specific function or aesthetic behind the character...Larkos2014-07-25T13:55:58ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessSethttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2242014-07-25T13:46:48Z2014-07-25T13:40:28Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Wayne Reynolds wrote:</div><blockquote> Depending upon the interest level and reaction to the concept description, I may write about the other Iconics - Time permitting. </blockquote><p>I'd be very interested in hearing what sort of art order specifics you get for a character like Harsk, and then what inspires the creative contributions you add.Wayne Reynolds wrote:Depending upon the interest level and reaction to the concept description, I may write about the other Iconics - Time permitting.
I'd be very interested in hearing what sort of art order specifics you get for a character like Harsk, and then what inspires the creative contributions you add.Set2014-07-25T13:40:28ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessWayne Reynolds (Contributing Artist)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2232014-07-25T18:32:46Z2014-07-25T13:21:34Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Oath wrote:</div><blockquote> Thanks Wayne, I love that you have well-thought-out details like this. So much better than the "it looked cool so I did it" explanation I get a lot visiting artists tables at cons. </blockquote><p>Thanks Oath, I'm pleased that you found my trains of thought interesting. Some of the time it does come down to depicting things that just look cool. But most of the time the potentially cool - looking elements are a result of a specific function or aesthetic behind the character I'm depicting. Depending upon the interest level and reaction to the concept description, I may write about the other Iconics - Time permitting.Oath wrote:Thanks Wayne, I love that you have well-thought-out details like this. So much better than the "it looked cool so I did it" explanation I get a lot visiting artists tables at cons.
Thanks Oath, I'm pleased that you found my trains of thought interesting. Some of the time it does come down to depicting things that just look cool. But most of the time the potentially cool - looking elements are a result of a specific function or aesthetic behind the character I'm depicting....Wayne Reynolds (Contributing Artist)2014-07-25T13:21:34ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessOathhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2222014-07-26T14:56:26Z2014-07-25T12:51:59Z<p>Thanks Wayne, I love that you have well-thought-out details like this. So much better than the "it looked cool so I did it" explanation I get a lot visiting artists tables at cons.</p>Thanks Wayne, I love that you have well-thought-out details like this. So much better than the "it looked cool so I did it" explanation I get a lot visiting artists tables at cons.Oath2014-07-25T12:51:59ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Paizo Blog: Meet the Iconics: KessWayne Reynolds (Contributing Artist)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgay&page=5?Meet-the-Iconics-Kess#2212015-09-04T23:27:50Z2014-07-25T11:53:28Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Cthulhudrew wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Dark Psion wrote:</div><blockquote> Any chance we could get Wayne Reynolds to do some blogs on how he creates these Iconic images and the reasons behind things like Lini's Sticks and Harsk's Tea Pot? </blockquote><p>I would love to see that. I found his insight about the hows and whys of Kess' sticks to be pretty fascinating. He clearly puts a lot of thought into the way he designs his characters, far more than we realize as viewers, and far more than I'd thought he would. (Not that I didn't think he put thought into what he was drawing, it just never really occurred to me that every element might have some kind of story behind it rather than just an appearance thing.)
<p></blockquote><p>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.
</p>
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.
<br />
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.
<br />
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.
<br />
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.</p>
<p>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.
<br />
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.
<br />
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.
<br />
Oh, and her nose IS broken.
<br />
Hope that answers a few questions.
<br />
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</p>Cthulhudrew wrote:Dark Psion wrote: Any chance we could get Wayne Reynolds to do some blogs on how he creates these Iconic images and the reasons behind things like Lini's Sticks and Harsk's Tea Pot?
I would love to see that. I found his insight about the hows and whys of Kess' sticks to be pretty fascinating. He clearly puts a lot of thought into the way he designs his characters, far more than we realize as viewers, and far more than I'd thought he would. (Not that I didn't think he put...Wayne Reynolds (Contributing Artist)2014-07-25T11:53:28Z