First of all, I want to publicly thank Lyra for her wonderful art. Her vision of Loaded Dice has been absolutely amazing.

Unfortunately, we simply cannot seem to get on a set schedule; her life is far too busy for her to be able to consistently produce a comic. Due to this, we are now searching for a new artist to take over production of Loaded Dice.

Here's the ad I'm running on various forums:


Hey folks,

I'm Olan Suddeth, and I'm looking for a new webcomic artist for Loaded Dice, my Dungeons and Dragons webcomic. My previous artist was exceedingly talented, but simply could not manage to keep any sort of consistent production schedule, nor could she maintain open lines of communication with me.

I am looking for someone to provide me with line art (and possibly, backgrounds) for an open format comic. Much like Rich Burlew's "Order of the Stick", each comic strip is as many panels are are necessary to tell the story. The perspective switches back and forth from the "real life" players to their "in game" characters as they progress through their various adventures. Currently, we have about 1200 readers. We've doubled the readership since the first of August, but are now losing them due to the almost nonexistent update schedule.

The arrangement? I handle the writing, the website programming, the marketing, and the coloring. You provide the actual art. I want someone who wants to be a partner in the process - if you can make my jokes funnier, if you think you have an idea on how the dialogue could be wittier, on how a scene could look better... please, by all means, let me know. If you'd like my input on the art, please ask. I believe in letting the artist use their own creativity, but I'm happy to contribute.

While I dearly LOVED my previous artist's work, I realize that she may be a tough axct to follow, quality-wise. I'd love art that's not terribly different from hers, style-wise (realizing that your take on the comic will be your own unique approach), if possible.

A sample script:

Chapter 1: Prologue

Script 60: How many times do I have to tell you?

scene: skeletons on the ground. Artist's choice as to which in-game characters, if any, to show here. Want to convey that the skeletons were beaten. Steve (narrator): "By the time the skeletons are defeated, Ladan and Aranion manage to catch up."

scene: gamers at the table Brad: "Any sign of the bad guy?"
Steve: "He disappeared into the dark while the others were fighting."
Ray: "Naturally."

Rich: "So, what's down the way he went?"
Tim (looking at notes): "No exit... but the stairs going up are that way."

Amy: "If this is the abbot, I'll bet he's retreated to his bedchamber."
Ray: "So that's where we go, then - time to get the fire ready."

scene: Dalana lighting an arrow, Ladan holding a flask of oil
scene: Aranion with fire on his sword/inset of frowning Steve Steve: "I already said no!"

scene: Brad, disappointed Brad: "Awww!"

The joke of the strip references this strip, which is five back in the archive. Readers will "get" the joke easily.

I do not have a budget to pay per page. This is strictly spec work - I will offer you 50% of all profits that we make from t-shirts, posters, book, advertising, etc (I have a contract already drawn up). To date, thet profit has been pretty minimal, but I honestly believe that it WILL grow if we can get on a consistent production schedule.

I do not believe that we wil become rich with this comic, that we will ever be able to quit our jobs, etc. I believe that one day, we'll make some pocket money from this.

I believe that I need someone who really enjoys RPGs such as Dungeons and Dragons. I want someone who is interested in the comic idea, and who is willing to communicate with me. If there is an issue, please don't be afraid to email me, text me, or (gasp!) pick up the phone.


Whew! I suppose that does it. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Ah, if you ARE interested, please contact me via email: [email protected].

Will Lyra stay on as guess artist?

I hope so. I honestly have no idea - I have not heard from her yet.

I've had it suggested to me to post this on reddit, as well. Folks, I'd appreciate it if you'd hit the reddit link to bump this up (via your vote) for more exposure.

Thanks!

I'd love to take over the comic if I just had the time.

Consider reddit bumped, Boss.

It's dangerous to go alone, take this!
@>>----------

You could always run a sprite/stick comic!

I won't be doing that.

However, I have selected a new artist for Loaded Dice. Keep your eyes open for the new art.

Boss has rolled a 20 on "Find Check".

Now we just need to roll a "Patience Check".