Hacking Blades for a Mythic Approach:
Artstyle: Just a quick question for you scoundrels today, which of these two do you prefer? I’ve been thinking about this world for so long that I can’t see it with clean eyes any more.
Also, I frelling love the Tier system! In other game systems I would have to struggle to measurably indicate the changes in gear as a society moved up through bone & stone, bronze, iron etc. Now it’s just Tier I, Tier II and so on. The players can fill in the rest.
Wow! I really like both pictures!
I’d pick B for a more “interpretive” approach – the first seems more “realistic” and less subject to interpretation.
The first picture strikes me as a low tier ritual in progress, while the 2nd picture feels more mid tier engagement with a spirit/monster.
I like both of them. But if I have to choose, I’d go for the second image for its eerie feel.
I think B is a straight-up more interesting style, though A is still quite evocative.
For a “mythic” style game, about a world that is soft and permeable and filled with spirits and mystery, I’d definitely go with A. It’s more reminiscent of “primitive” art: cave paintings, petroglyphs, wood cutting, etc.
Though, if your setting involves different “tiers” of civilization, you could use the differing art styles to reflect that. Something like B for Tier 1-2, more like A for Tier 3-4… even more “realistic” for Tiers 5+.
Did you do these paintings?
Definitely the second one!
Dwight Upton I did! Jeremy Strandberg, John Erwin, Arne Jamtgaard, thank you! A. is easier to do, but B. does seem more distinct, more accurate to in-world vernacular art.
Right then, I’ll try and occasionally bring you illustrations from this Hack’s play tests in B. style.
Since Hellboy / Mignola I’m always for the more abstract style. So, B it is for me, too.
B, for sure. Much more evocative of little people calling down beings far more significant than themselves.
Galen Pejeau What media did you use to make them?
Definitely option B. It’s just more distinctive and eye-catching to me.
Both are great, but as a stand-alone piece of art, “B” is my preferred choice.
Which one you should use depends on the tone of the setting. “A” feels like a more familiar and traditional fantasy rpg approach, while “B” is more unconventional.
Also B.
I do like both styles very much.
Style A reminds me on Mutant: Year Zero – which is really good.
Style B I haven’t seen so often in RPGs, so it would definitely stand out. And in my opinion it has more of a spiritual feeling.
Galen Pejeau You are teasing us quite a bit! I hope this hack comes to (physical or at least digital) life and I can throw money on it 😉
Skasi I certainly don’t mean to tease! There are two things that keep me from just dumping this whole package on to G+. One, it’s not done yet, I’m a beginner as a writer and a game designer, and Two, I’ve had some help from friends along the way, and I’d like to develop a saleable product out of this in order to kick a few bucks their way.
The way forward seems to be to finish up playbooks and other core rules, then release a starter journey here for you guys.
Feedback will allow me to polish the Hack into something professional and maybe sell a few Spirit Decks.
Also key: not getting crosswise with John, Sean or Stras, it’s their playground and I’m just thankful that we all get to mess about in it.
I like the first one
Galen Pejeau Maybe “tease” was the wrong word – I’m not an English native speaker. I meant, the bits and pieces you present here are really promising.
Skasi Worry not, I’m glad you’re excited. Keeps me moving.
The stylised one.
i find the second more characteristic. the first one is too cartoony.
Seems like you’ve decided on B already, but I’ll pile on and say I like that one better, too. Awesome work!
Just so my opinion is clear: the second is a character interacting with an other worldly creature on close to an equal footing, while the first is a character beseeching their god/demon for aid. The second feels more awesome in scope, while the first feels…more like a person, interacting with a unimaginatively powerful being, to her her darkest, most secrets desires done. So, I went with one with more individual story, the more individually focused tale. If you can meet a god as an equal, you are a bad ass, sure, but you ain’t as brave or desperate as the person who can’t look a god in the eye, yet is still demanding help.