There's something just not quite right about it... and I can't put my finger on it. Tried plain background, too plain. Tried different background, too non-gargoyle-like. But I'm tired of messing with it.

I like the border, and I like the gargoyle on the right.

But now I'm gonna go play UO

I think the gargoyle on the left is a little dark in comparison and maybe the font isn't exactly matching the background.

Definately font & font color.

the shadows in the front effect the thing as a whole

I am definitely having trouble with the gargoyle on the left. I've tried every which way to lighten him up and I'm just not getting what I want. Maybe I just need a different gargoyle

I think that left gargoyle is throwing off the color on the whole thing too.

Got rid of the left-hand gargoyle and went with something more symmetric. Thoughts?

the concept is really cool looking Kit ....

one thought that came to me .. the background (blue sky) looks a little to peaceful for gargoyles ...
maybe the clouds could be a little darker and a bold gold color text with a lightning style font ...

*and i still like the watch for ice sig ....

Yes I was thinking that about the clouds too Mum!

I think you´re right with the clouds. To me it looks like they are in a "straight-up" angle, while you´d need clouds viewed from the side.
Maybe darker too, but not much, to keep contrast.

And i´m sure you know this pic, but i´ll post it anyway, since your avatar reminds me of it so much:
(now that i look at it: see the cloud in the pic? it has the right angle, relative to the rest, with a flat "bottom")

Awesome picture Stewan Seagull!!