This should give a good representation of what is possible with pbpBB2. Practically an advertisement I hope. My templates arent quite done but they are geting there. Im mostly in flux because phpBB2 is still in flux. I am also workign on a large guilde on custom phpBB2 templates. I intend to donate such guide to the group.
Check it out andlet me know what you think. This represents a radical alteration of the looks.
http://www.fierce-honor.org/phpBB2/index.php
TIA
Edit: Note thatthe main page to that site, the Chronicle, is AUTO generated off one of the forums. When you add to the news forum, the chronicle page is auto updated. If anyone wants that php script, drop me a line.