Dave Trampier Thursday - Goblin

 

For my money Trampier's version of the Goblin is the definitive one. Page 47 of the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual. Every thing about this one is perfect. This screams First Edition to me.

 

Dave Trampier Thursday - Fire Giant

Ok, so it's Friday. Apologies for not getting this up yesterday, I realize I am a day late but here is another beauty from Tramp (and hey, you can't complain too much, I did give you two for one last Thursday!).

 

This week is my favorite from Trampier's series of giants which he drew for the Monster Manual. I never much cared for the most of the Trampier giants honestly. The Hill giant always reminded me of a big, dumb, doofus and not something tremendously scary (as it should be I guess). The Stone giant always looked too much like Lurch. The Cloud giant, well, let's just say he was a little effeminate for me. But the Fire giant, ah, the Fire giant, majestic!

 

This illustration is probably the reason my younger self wanted to include Fire giants everywhere and anywhere. In fact Trampier's fearsome Fire giant illustration is probably responsible for carnage on an unmitigated scale, as I remember wiping out many a party with it as my inspiration.

 

 

Dave Trampier Thusday - Remorhaz

This week is special in that you get two great pieces by Trampier. Both feature the Remorhaz. I love the detail of the mouth on the "head shot" as you can see the feet of an unfortunate person and what might be a piece of rope (the creature swallows it's target on a to hit roll of 20). This is an excellent example of Trampier's use of "implied narrative", additionally, the feet provide a sense of scale.

According to the Monster Manual the Remorhaz is a 21' to 41' foot long creature colored ice blue everywhere except for a white stripe that runs the length of it's back. Much of the white stripe would be an orangish-red due to the intense heat generated by the monster.

Trampier is very consistent with the look of the Remorhaz. Both drawings are very similar although there is no telling how far apart in time they were created. Most people are probably more familiar with the bottom image from the Monster Manual. It almost appears as if the top image is merely a zoomed in view of the bottom image seen through a camera that turns everything into old school black and white line art goodness. Enjoy!

 

 

Dave Trampier Thursday - Orcus

I asked myself, "What would I want to see on a blog?". The answer? Art by Dave Trampier. An icon and a master.

Regardless of what inane and unremarkable topics I may end up blogging about, those of you who return here on Thursdays will find another piece of beautiful artwork by Tramp.

Good fortune and good health to you DT! Wherever you may be.