I've always loved this image. The goblins appeared different from other representations in D&D, or are they? I'll return to this in a moment.
I'm slowly creeping to the point where I've prepared all my Otherworld monsterous humanoids for painting. now I need to start making decisions about how I want them to look. The default seems to be "green" for most, although that doesn't really distinguish the various types once they are on the table, and it sure doesn't provide much variety.
So, I surveyed the AD&D Monster Manual for descriptions, trying to find ways to make each group look unique. The above image from The Forest Oracle seems spot on from the description, but I just don't know if I can go through with it! What do you think regarding the descriptions below?
Goblin:
“Goblins range from yellow through dull orange to brick red in skin color. Their eyes are reddish to lemon yellow. They dress in dark leather gear, and their garments tend towards dull, soiled-looking colors (brown drab, dirty gray, stained maroon).”
Gnoll:
“There is a great resemblance between gnolls and hyenas. Gnolls have greenish gray skins, darker near the muzzle, with a reddish gray to dull yellow mane. Eyes are dull black and nails are amber colored. Their armor is of horn, metal plates, and leather; like their fur capes and vests, it is shabby, and the latter are moth-eaten and dingy, being brown, black or grayish pelts.”
Orc:
“Orcs appear particularly disgusting because their coloration – brown or brownish green with a bluish sheen – highlights their pinkish snouts and ears. Their bristly hair is dark brown or black, sometimes with tan patches. Even their armor tends to be unattractive – dirty and often a bit rusty. Orcs favor unpleasant colors in general. Their garments are tribal colors, as are shield devices or trim. Typical colors are blood red, rust red, mustard yellow, yellow green, moss green, greenish purple, and blackish brown.”
Hobgoblin:
“The hairy hides of hobgoblins range from dark reddish-brown to gray black. Their faces are bright red-orange to red. Large males will have blue-red noses. Eyes are either yellowish or dark brown. Teeth are yellowed white to dirty yellow. Hobgoblins favor bright, bloody colors and back leather. They keep their weapons polished.”
Bugbear:
“The skin of bugbears is light yellow to yellow brown – typically dull yellow. Their hair ranges in color from lusterless tannish brown to brick red. Their eyes are greenish white with red pupils. The odds and ends of armor they wear, as well as whatever cloth, skins, or hides they drape themselves in, tends to be ill-kept, dirty, and dingy.”
Kobold:
“The hide of kobolds runs from very dark rusty brown to a rusty black. They have no hair. Their eyes are reddish and their small horns are tan to white. They favo red or orange garb.”
