Question from Martin: Wanted to contact you concerning the lettering in the original TSR Deities and Demigods, particularly the Melnibonean lettering. I want to create a font based on the style. Any information would be appreciated.
Dear Martin,
Ah yes, I remember that one! It would certainly be a challenge to recreate as a type font.
Like some Greek and Celtic characters, the “o” is based on a diamond shape. The alphabet’s main feature are its huge triangular serifs that taper down to a point. I based the idea partly on the cuneiform writing of Mesopotamian clay tablets. There was also an Anglo-Saxon manuscript I saw once at the British Museum which had memorable tapered finials. Those scripts were my inspiration. I seem to remember I did an entire page using a script like that. I believe it was in “White Plume Mountain,” one of my first commissions for TSR back in the late 70’s.
Hope this helps. I would be interested in seeing your results.
D
I checked the page from “White Plume Mountain” and while similar it has more of a calligraphic form than the cuneiform style of Melnibonean. What I might be able to do is use both to try and deconstruct/reconstruct a lower-case version of the letters for use in a digital font. Any chance I could commission you to do an entire set of uppers and lowers : ) ?
Thanks for you reply – I will keep you posted on my progress. And thank you for your wonderful work you have provided the hobby for all these years – it is much appreciated.
Marty
Oh, that’s entirely possible. This alphabet has some delicious challenges in terms of readability. Might it be time to revisit type design once again…? Who knows?
D