Since we are all big Paizo fans here at LPJ Design, we have been talking about what we would like to see with the re-release of
NeoExodus: A House Divided. One of the BIG things we have been talking over is the usage of
Iconics, like what
Paizo has done. I like Iconics and think they are great for RPG games. So we want to hear what you think. What do you think about Iconics? Should we include them? Should we forget about them? Are they useful? Let us know. Talk to you later...
When Wizards of the Coast started this with 3e, it wasn't a bad idea. It allows a quick break down of different races and classes into visuals that can be applied universally for any artist. On the other hand, something like 'rotating' iconics, or multiple iconics for the same class would be good too as hey, how many times can we see Redgar die?
ReplyDeleteIconics are good, as long as you don't waste page count reprinting them and reprinting them. I actually prefer the 3e versions over Pathfinder, where there's not really even stats involved - they're just names and faces you can recognize throughout a product line.
ReplyDeleteIconics are a good thing.
ReplyDelete1- They allow someone to play rather than spend time building their first character
2- They brand the product. Most D&Ders seeing Redgar or Jozan think of 3/3.5, whenever I see Kyra or Merisiel, I think of Pathfinder.
They allow you to give some flavor to new players without burying them under piles of background/specifics.
I disagree. I've never liked Iconic player characters- Iconic setting NPCs, heroes, villians, contacts, sure, but not example characters that just keep popping up. Give me a diversity of character options illustrated on every page, not just the same five jackasses in slightly different poses. The book's art should capture the diversity and possibility of your game world, and having a crew of Iconics distracts from that.
ReplyDeleteCHRIS FIELD
Iconics are far older than 3e. Delsenora, Rath, Rupert, and Cwell the Fine used to grace the examples present in the 2e PHB and DMG, though perhaps not as pictures. I also seem to recall other iconic characters from even further back.
ReplyDelete