Monster Image Backgrounds

I imagine this will soon become an issue, so this should be addressed now.

• Should monster images be kept in a region where they exist? (i.e. Images for the Alligator should be in swamps, rather than dunbarton library)
  • As an alternative, can a black backdrop be used instead?
• Can transformations be used for images?
  • There are some issues with this, for example the Slate monsters with different colored weapons in addition to size adjustments for larger transformations.

I'd prefer answers by other administrators (although not many are left), but of course, everyone's opinion on this wiki counts, so please do answer!

In my opinion, Transformations should not be used for Monster images. A number, if not most of, the counterparts are different from the original figures.

I don't see much of a benefit of having Transformations as a model instead either. Taking the image of a monster would do the same thing, except that they are pictured where the monster would actually be. Nor is attention to small details on monster important, which I assume would be a reason to use Transformations.

I may not be an admin here, but Kevin did say everyone counts. (:

I did take notice that some monsters have different colours than the original monsters themselves, such as bandit goblins and imps, maybe even the humans and giants. This also includes equipment on gargoyles and goblins. I tried to avoid taking images of these since that's not their natural colouring. If the background is a problem, I could just retake certain monsters in their natural areas or backgrounds, so it looks well -- natural for you, or viewers I suppose. However, some monsters do look okay with the focus on them with a black backdrop, so the focus is on the monster itself, it's clear and clean. That's just my opinion though. As I said though, retakes are no problem for me whatsoever, but tomorrow is another day. I should be going to sleep. Thank you for linking me this, though! :3

This is a hard decision. On the one hand, I like how a black background blends in with the black border the template uses. On the other hand, I like how, say, Coffin Mimic shows that it's in Peaca dungeon. But the stone mimic right under it looks great too. Since the focus is supposed to be the monster, though, the black might be preferred for consistency.

I'm fine with transformations being used, at least where the model is the same. Having attempted taking pictures of monsters in the wild before, they're a pain to get to pose correctly, what with them moving and the aggro symbol or combat circle on them. Anemki's pics look great.

I completely forgot about aggro range! I took some photos in the past for the Leprechaun and some ghosts with my elf since she can hide. But as I mentioned, retaking them isn't a big deal. (:

Some monsters are harder to take photos of even in the library, though. I tried taking photos of an Alligator I think, and just getting an angle was annoying. Last night, I was also thinking about consistency as well, having say how I have the Pot Warrior done in a black background, but the red one is still an old image. Same applies for the Cloaker page.

Oh, and thank you, Angevon! I must admit, though, I'm not the first one to try this.

Edit: Oh! Kevin, could you get on Skype sometime? Scott pointed out something interesting, I just don't want to post it here. :3

I think transformations would be fine, but only if the model is exactly the same. As far as I know, many transformations differ in that aspect from all their counterparts... so honestly, it may be better just to avoid that for simplicity's sake. As for the backgrounds, I'm fine either way as long as there's consistency.