So, last month there was this convention called Fur Squared which had the theme "Lizards & Labytinths." While I was there, I picked up a few commissions (though sadly, I cannot access my scanner anymore, or else I would have posted my comissions back when I got back from the con). While there, I also had an idea for a furry advanturing party based on the Classic BECMI edition of Dungeons and Dragons.
BECMI, for those who are far too young to remember, is shorthand for the five sets that contained the complete rules: Basic, Expert, Companion, Master and Immortals. You can actually get the full BECMI rules (albeit with a different presentation and incorporating many options introduced in the 1992 Rules Cyclopedia by the late Aaron Allston) at this link. http://www.gratisgames.webspace.virginmedia.com/darkdu...
So yeah, plugging for a company I don't work for aside, I would like to introduce you to each of these adventurers. Following their names, I will also let you know what Classic D&D class they are based on. This is going from Left to Right.
Aleelah (based on the Elf): Aleelah is a fennec fox from a distant desert region. She is a Warrior Mage, skilled in swords, archery and battle magic. Her massive ears make her capable of picking up even the most subtle of sounds. As a fighter, she relies on grace as her defense and a scimitar as her blade of choice. For magic, she is not only gifted in the spells of battle, but also in the magic of nature itself. Aleelah frequently dresses in a skimpy outfit and was wisest in her homeland (to avoid heat stroke) with minimal armor to protect her without encumbrance. This has a tendency to show off her sleek physique and exotic beauty. She is is also a tad fussy about cleanliness, regarding the culture she has come into as barbaric and unclean, yet she sticks around because she hopes to improve upon this sorry state of affairs.
Blackleaf (Based on the Thief): Blackleaf is a black-furred rat who grew up in the city streets. His fur gives him a natural camouflage in the shadows. He had to make his living since youth as a thief, and even has an old habit of taking things which don't belong to him. He also has a fondness for women's clothing and could easily disguise himself in drag. (It doesn't hurt that he's easily mistaken for a girl.) Blackleaf's intelligence and agility tend to make up for his small size, and philosophically, he believes that wealth and fine clothes are among the best things you can get your paws on. His favored weapon is a sword and dagger combination.
(Just a little note, I am going to make it clear that there is a HUGE difference between a cross dresser who does so for their own personal enjoyment and an actual trans* person, who may dress and behave in a manner more in accordance with their gender identity than with what people expect of their physical sex. Blackleaf is explicitly not trans*. Therefore, his cross dressing, which was admittedly introduced for humor's sake, is really no different than if any other fetish was used as for comedic purposes. And the use of a fetish for comedy is itself no different than using any other personality trait, such as shyness, laziness, sarcasm or enthusiasm, as a source of humor.)
Cimmeron (based on the Fighter): Cimmeron is a savage barbarian wolf from the Frozen Northern Mountains. Fast on his feet and wielding a broadsword in his mighty-thewed arms, he terrifies his enemies with a monstrous battle fury satiable only by the blood of those who endanger the innocent. A natural survivor, he has lived a whole year in the wilderness as part of his clan's rite of passage from puphood to maturity. As an adult, he has decided that his path should be as a wanderer, following the Duty of the Strong to Protect the Weak. He has a simple yet practical outlook on life, and will prefer to live in the moment rather than dwell upon the past or the distant future. He is, however, unused to the ways of the civilized city.
Corrynth Gromruff IV (Based on the Dwarf): Corrynth Gromruff IV (the fourth) is a Corgi Warrior from the Undermountains. Born to the Corgi Noble House of Gromruff, he has a while to wait before he can ascend to the throne of his people. In the meantime, he has taken to questing so that when the politics do come knocking, he will have the experience needed to deal with such situations. He is a hard carouser as well as a hard worker, having spent much time in the mines alongside the laborers. As a hobby, he has taken up stonesmithing and metalsmithing, earning some mechanical know-how in the process. His stocky build leaves him slow and clumsy, but also quite sturdy.
Ember of the Falling Flame (Based on the Mystic): Ember is a traveling monk from a far off land, skilled in mysterious martial arts. As a cat, she is a natural acrobat. Ember is amazingly strong for her lithe frame, able to smash through stone bricks with a single palm strike. Her clarity of mind makes her skilled at discerning the motives of others and telling when she is being lied to. Ember prefers to travel only with what she can carry comfortably and keeps a modest air about her. In her travels, she is dedicated to helping others in need, and also fond of enjoying pleasures as they present themselves. Modesty does not forbid having a good time, and a little hedonism can be healthy.
Favrette (Based on the Cleric): Favrette is a skunkette with the usual colorations and markings. She is also a devoted Cleric of the god Erranie, the Lady of Heroes. Clad in plate armor and wielding a mace and shield, she keeps herself ready for battle when needed. Also, she is a divine healer and a mistress of protective and buffing magic. Her divine magic also grants her the ability to repel the undead through holy fear. Though wise, she seems oddly imperceptive and prone to ditzy moments. She is also quite boisterous in the face of battle and will often make proclamations in the name of Erranie and justice itself! Fortunately, her cute looks mean that the others in her clergy have yet to kill her for this annoying habit, but she is regarded as annoying to other clerics of Erranie.
Feldo (Based on the Halfling): Feldo is a small hamster who would normally be content with a simple life of farming if not for the little fact that there is adventure in his blood. He is quite sturdy for his small size and fairly nimble as well. However, he is a little weak because of his small stature. He's good at hiding from danger and can also make a good scout. His two daggers and soft leather armor have served him well in fights in the past, and his quick feet have helped him escape many times from dangers too big for him even saving him from the breath of dragons! Still, he is a bit of a homebody and would rather have the comforts of home over the continued itch to engage in quests.
Kriallee (based on the Magic User): Kriallee is a bat magic user who has spent many years studying the arcane arts. Her intellect makes up for her lack of physical strength and her sickly constitution. She is an expert in the magical elements of fire, air and water, but knows the theory of many other forms of magic as well. Kriallee wears heavy robes to keep herself protected and fights with a quarterstaff which also serves as a conduit of her magical energies. She wears darkly shaded glasses to protect herself from bright lights as well. Her mysterious image may keep people away, but she ultimately wants to help others.
