Tales of Maora
Adam Casalino, writer
Wizard of Quippley reader RageWinRAR posted an triumphant picture of Peter taking some Vulmor to task. Although that one right behind him is returning the favor:
I particularly like the hammer the mighty dwarf mercenary is rocking. Reminds me of a draenei paladin hammer from WoW. You can check out the full size piece at his deviantart page.
Thanks for sharing, bro!
It’s kind of a challenge, drawing a dwarf. His proportions are much different than a regular person. I have to use certain “tricks” to emphasize his lovable stature and appearance. It’s not enough just to make him shorter than Al; his hands and head tend to be larger, also I usually make his legs very short and almost non-existent. Giving him substantial legs of any length tends to make him look too big. But here, today, is a sketch with those luscious gams, in full glory:
Look, he’s got knees! Even in this pic, you can see he seems taller. It’s a challenge, to say the least. So I usually exaggerate by making them legs as short as possible. Giving him a tunic/chainmail skirt helps as well.
This is also why Peter tends to look more “cartoony” than the other characters. That also helps to make him a funny, funny guy.
Well, that’s all for the art lesson today.
This is a complementary piece for this week’s comic. A little bit of prose that I couldn’t fit into the script. Enjoy.
The steward pulled the sword from the sheath and rapped it with a fingernail. The blade gave off a bright ‘tang’ sound.
“A sturdy weapon,” he said to Algerbane as he returned it to its sheath. “A good steel blade–it should serve you well.”
He handed it to the wizard, who measured its weight in his hand before drawing out it himself.
“I hate the thought of carrying another item,” he said as he eyed the shining sword, “but I have no choice.”
He proceeded to attached the sword to his belt as Peter approached. In his hands he cradled a blue bowling ball.
“Eh–absolutely not,” Algerbane snapped. Peter grunted sorely and dropped the ball like a spoiled child.
“I would think you’d be eager to pick out a weapon,” the wizard said. “Humberg here can certainly find one to suit you.” He motioned to the steward, who began to enthusiastically pick out swords for the dwarf.
“No, no, no–not a sword!” snorted Peter. “You can’t crack open open a rib cage with that.”
The steward paused. A sickening look passed over his face. He turned green.
“‘Crack open a rib cage’?” Algerbane repeated.
“Aye, do it all the time,” answered the dwarf with a nod.
“Unless you mean the ribs of a chicken–I must disagree.”
Peter grunted again. “Just take me to the axes!” He shuffled after the steward as Algerbane called after them, “Yes Humberg, the rib-cracking axes!”
Here is a quick sketch of Peter in his new travel duds. I liked it so much I decided to ink it. I’ll probably add some color to it eventually.
You can view the full version at deviantart: http://adamclark.deviantart.com/art/Peter-the-dwarf-inks-200667641
Nothing new from my moleskine today… but take a gander at a snippet of next week’s issue. Ah I love an angry dwarf in the morning!
Issue 58 hits the webs next Tuesday!
Hey now! The About page has been updated. A page of Peter’s private diary have been found, and an excerpt where he describes his pal, Algerbane, has been revealed. Those of you new to the comic can learn a bit more about it there. If you’re already familiar with our antics, take a look anyway and been entertained.