[Dangersaurus]

See, that's what I am talking about - a "suggestive" pose which could easily not have occurred to the artist as being suggestive (it doesn't sound very alluring, or even significant at all, as you describe it), and an in-setting sex symbol and pop idol wearing something "sexy" for a night out on the town.

None of that is inherently "cheesecake"  like certain fantasy games and their plate armor with "boob windows".

A good artist doesn't spend that much time on a cover and do things by accident. Especially V, S and X shapes which are used to draw the eye. I just tried to look it up (Runner's Companion) and the one on DTRPG looks different than the one at the local store. Wonder if they changed it, or it's the wrong image?

Anyway, I agree. The exceptions really made me notice the even treatment in most of the books I've looked at. Very inclusive and commendable IMO.

[All4BigGuns]

A good artist doesn't spend that much time on a cover and do things by accident. Especially V, S and X shapes which are used to draw the eye. I just tried to look it up (Runner's Companion) and the one on DTRPG looks different than the one at the local store. Wonder if they changed it, or it's the wrong image?

Anyway, I agree. The exceptions really made me notice the even treatment in most of the books I've looked at. Very inclusive and commendable IMO.

The first printing had the elf woman sitting on the steps, and they changed the art with the second version.

[Noble Drake]

A good artist doesn't spend that much time on a cover and do things by accident

I didn't say the artist did... I said maybe they thought "I have her kicked back on the steps looking serious, armed, but relaxed because where she is is 'home' to her," and what came out was something you find to be suggestive.

I have the printing with that cover, and I never thought of that piece of art as trying to be sexually suggestive in the slightest.

[Marzhin]

As far as Troll ladies are concerned, I really like this concept art from Shadowrun Online

[SnackerBob]

I like that art a lot! It breaks the mold of "Trolls are all physical". Plus it seems to have the unique physical traits of both dwarves & trolls; longer arms & shorter legs.

Incidentally, I just looked at the art in the 5th edition Quick Start, and I think it looks far better than the 20th Anniversary artwork. Kudos to the folks responsible!