William O'Connor
Working as a fantasy illustrator for over twenty years I have created hundreds (maybe thousands) of fantasy characters. When I was a student I would draw the characters of all the players in my gaming group. later working for various games I would be commissioned to illustrate and design characters from stories. As an artist many of these commissions became derivative to the point of becoming boring (Dwarf Fighter with an Axe, Elf Ranger with a Bow, etc.) so I strove to change things up and make sure that I was always coming up with new combinations. I created my Random Character Generator. (attached below). This was based upon the appendixes that were listed in the back of the D&D Dungeon Master's Guide when I was a kid. I started using this generator routinely, and still employ it when creating characters and when teaching character design to students.
This series is intended to use my generator to create characters on a regular basis to share the process with you. I will try to be as faithful as possible to the attributes that are created, as the series is meant to challenge my skills, and make the characters as difficult as possible.
Enjoy
WOC
______________________________________________________________
Fantasy Character Workshop #004
"Gladiator of the Frost Dragon"
Race: Half-Elf
Gender: Male
Class: Gladiator
Armor: Chainmail
Weapon: Rapier(Frost)/Mace
Missile: Blowgun
Motiff: Dragon
Equipment: Rope, Coffer, Award, Flute
This was a direct study of the generated character. Sometimes you need to keep it simple and tell the story using the details you're given. In this case, with a dragon motif and a frostbrand rapier I thought of a large frost dragon skull helmet, but then I realized, that would hide his racial identity. So I went in the opposite direction and shaved him bald and painted a white dragon on his face. much scarier. Fighting two handed would make him quick so the chainmail became a gladiatorial tunic that would allow for free movement. The award for his victories is attached to his shoulder.
Note: This sketch was a test for my brand new Wacom tablet. Taking some time to get all the new buttons and preferences just the way I like them. Usually, I turn off about half of the functions.
Enjoy
WOC
This was a direct study of the generated character. Sometimes you need to keep it simple and tell the story using the details you're given. In this case, with a dragon motif and a frostbrand rapier I thought of a large frost dragon skull helmet, but then I realized, that would hide his racial identity. So I went in the opposite direction and shaved him bald and painted a white dragon on his face. much scarier. Fighting two handed would make him quick so the chainmail became a gladiatorial tunic that would allow for free movement. The award for his victories is attached to his shoulder.
Note: This sketch was a test for my brand new Wacom tablet. Taking some time to get all the new buttons and preferences just the way I like them. Usually, I turn off about half of the functions.
Enjoy
WOC
