So I saw the "spolier" list for the new mini set, and it occured to me that Orucs is kind of the "Main entry", if you will, of the MM1.
Not only that, but it is looking fairly obvious that Orcus himself is going to be the final battle at the end of E3.
Sooo that all being said.
Anyone know if there are any plans to release a stand alone Orcus mini?
Sucks because it looked pretty damn good. It'd be really cool if they went back and redid it, and doubly cool if we got a Demogorgon one for MM2
They even already had the prototype shown at GenCon
I just looked on Ebay for the Aspect of Orcus, and I doubt I'll pay $20+ for a large sized mini.
A gargantuan sized real Orcus however....
Maybey they could make it a part of the DDI suscrption.
How about doubling its utility by giving it another purpose? Like it opens up and can be used to store stuff in it?
how about a coffee mug or drink mug.:D
how about a coffee mug or drink mug.:D
That's more than a little disturbing.
I'm going to take a sip from my coffee mug shaped like the Demon Prince of Undeath.
*shudder*
They could do something with the subscription like have an opt-in for the MM icon line.
You could pay $3 more a month and gain access to the Icon line.
I wonder how many they would need to sell to turn a profit...
They could do something with the subscription like have an opt-in for the MM icon line.
You could pay $3 more a month and gain access to the Icon line.
Unfortunately, that's never going to work. WotC determined that it wouldn't be cost effective at $40/unit, selling to the general public, so there's no chance of them selling it for only $3/unit, only to D&DI subscribers, would be financial suicide. We can dream, though!
The only possibly financially viable strategy would probably be a custom order service, except that this would mean we'd likely pay $70 or more dollars per unit to the customer, which might be worth it to some customers who really want a Gargantuan Orcus.
Well since Wizard can't support our silly endeavor without financial ruin, anyone know a place to get custom Minis? I think it would be really cool to have one around, maybe pay $50-$60 for a custom player character and possibly $100 for Orcus-sized monstrosities.
No, but if you find (or start!) such an endeavour, be sure to let us know!
The biggest problem with minis right now is the cost of producing them. The price of oil was high recently, so the cost of every stage of the manufacturing has gone up, and probably still hasn't dropped back down. (Prices tend to rise a lot faster than they fall; it's true for us buying minis, and it's true for WotC buying plastic.)
Unfortunately, that's never going to work. WotC determined that it wouldn't be cost effective at $40/unit, selling to the general public, so there's no chance of them selling it for only $3/unit, only to D&DI subscribers, would be financial suicide. We can dream, though!
The only possibly financially viable strategy would probably be a custom order service, except that this would mean we'd likely pay $70 or more dollars per unit to the customer, which might be worth it to some customers who really want a Gargantuan Orcus.
Not $3/unit, ($3*12mo = $36)/Unit or even ($4*12mo = $48)/unit
If they release an Icon every year, and allow the DDI subscribers to spread the cost of them over the one year subscription. The question is, how many at $36 or $48 would they need to sell to turn a profit.
http://www.dccomics.com/dcunlimited/wow/popup_images.php?i=8457
and
http://www.dccomics.com/dcunlimited/wow/popup_images.php?i=7076
Some red paint, sculpting clay, a base and some time you have your own for under $30. (I see these ones at Spencers or FYE all the time for $18)
Just a thought...
Not $3/unit, ($3*12mo = $36)/Unit or even ($4*12mo = $48)/unit
If they release an Icon every year, and allow the DDI subscribers to spread the cost of them over the one year subscription. The question is, how many at $36 or $48 would they need to sell to turn a profit.
Considering Time Value of Money(TVM), they'd have to charge more. Because $3/mo for 12 months isn't actually worth $36. It's worth something less than that.
While TVM isn't used much for short term items, it still factors in in this case.
Not $3/unit, ($3*12mo = $36)/Unit or even ($4*12mo = $48)/unit
If they release an Icon every year, and allow the DDI subscribers to spread the cost of them over the one year subscription. The question is, how many at $36 or $48 would they need to sell to turn a profit.
I don't think it's likely that they will attract enough customers from the much smaller customer base of DDI subscribers if they already failed to attract enough customers from the much larger customer base of offering it to everyone
how about a coffee mug or drink mug.:D
Imagine showing up at a TCG tournament with ORCUS as your deck box :p
Press a button on his head and he spits counters :p
Or skittles. XD
Some red paint, sculpting clay, a base and some time you have your own for under $30. (I see these ones at Spencers or FYE all the time for $18)
Just a thought...
With the only catch being that you need to be a decent sculptor...
One thing that I think will become a factor in the next few years is 3D printers. There are now a few DIY projects that show you how to make a 3D printer for $500-$600. A this point it's a project only for serious enthusiasts, but it will change. The current DIY printers have a resolution of about 0.5mm (a little larger than 1/64 inch) which isn't quite good enough for model work (although it makes kick-ass terrain). Another couple years and these will get down to the 0.25 mm range. That's more than good enough to do a fairly detailed model. That type of setup could do custom miniatures for $15-$20 a pop (couple dollars for materials + time + maintenance costs).
Or Pez. They're alwayz looking for new molds, right?
Hell yeah!!!
That's more than a little disturbing.
I'm going to take a sip from my coffee mug shaped like the Demon Prince of Undeath.
*shudder*
No way shudder that would be awesome. You could drop some dry ice in there and really freak out your players.
When I get around to Adventure E3, what should I use for Orcus?
Maybey WotC will let me borrow the prototype....
You could take the Aspect of Orcus and rebase him so he takes up the 4x4 space.
I can imagine the DM taking loud and obnoxious sips between rounds just to unnerve players. I can see myself staring at a player over Orcus' head with a piqued eye-brow while sipping "Oh, you plan to charge this round? Is that a good idea?"
You pretend to be Elves/Dragonborn/Tieflings/etc but you GOTTA have a miniature for Orcus?
YES!!!! I GOTTA!!!
I mean come on, it will be the final fight in the campaign!!!
Ok, so back to the origional question.
When I get around to Adventure E3, what should I use for Orcus?
Maybey WotC will let me borrow the prototype....
Read post #15.
In response to the "not a sculptor" we all know someone who is, and you could even skip that part. There are enough fantasy figures (McFarland, WoW, etc.) that simply a paint job and hot glue on a base would work just fine, not to mention..........wait for it.........................THEY ARE ARTICULATE!!!!! Yes, that's right, you can change the pose of a "mini". I use the McFarland dragons ALL the time for Gargantuan dragons.
Ok, more than 2 cents worth, but hey.....
I agree that that kinda thing makes super best "miniatures" way better than anything you could get for the money in a traditional lead/plastic mini.
Read post #15.
In response to the "not a sculptor" we all know someone who is, and you could even skip that part. There are enough fantasy figures (McFarland, WoW, etc.) that simply a paint job and hot glue on a base would work just fine, not to mention..........wait for it.........................THEY ARE ARTICULATE!!!!! Yes, that's right, you can change the pose of a "mini". I use the McFarland dragons ALL the time for Gargantuan dragons.
Ok, more than 2 cents worth, but hey.....
But where do I get these minis?
Grab some Bionicle and fashion your own Demon Prince of Undeath the way you want him to look like!!
Vilnias, those figures say they are about 7.5-8.5 inches high? Do they base reliably on a 4x4 inch?
I agree that that kinda thing makes super best "miniatures" way better than anything you could get for the money in a traditional lead/plastic mini.
Yes, they do, for a Gargantuan size "mini" they do. If you've ever seen the Black Icon dragon, it's almost all wingspan, but the center figure is about the same size as the WoW figs and McFarlane figs. As a good example, I have the Lobo DC Comic figure and it's base is the same size as a "huge" base mini, maybe a little bigger, so they are in the same ballpark size wise. Personally, I'd rather make my own than "made due" with just something that is that size. Of course, I'm "old school" in the days before Dungeon Tiles and Dwarven Forge, we made our own dungeonscapes out of foam. (refer to the opening scenes of "E.T." to see how "old school" it was, lol)
However, I looked at this one ( http://www.dccomics.com/dcunlimited/wow/popup_images.php?i=8458 ) at FYE and it is a perfect size for "gargantuan" humaniod but the price tag was $36.99, too much for a figure that would be customized. The only way it would be worth it is if you can find it cheap, which happens when Spencers or FYE puts them on clearance.
But I was talking to the owner of my FLGS and we were discussing this issue. A suggestion that was brought up and supported by the other customers standing there is to make the Icon Orcus.......and include it with the module! It's kind of a corporate-jerk move, making the module exclusive with the figure, but seriously, the time invested in following the stories from H1-E3 deserves to have something special to end it with and $50-60 is not a bad price for a detailed figure (based on the prototype) and a great retirement module.
He's priced at $20, but again, would he take up 12 squares....or however big gargantuan is.
Here's a picture. It's called Prince of the Undead.
Reaper also has miniatures of Demogorgon (demonic lasher), Grazzt (Nephal Shadow Prince Demon) and a few others (even Cthulhu (eldritch demon). But they're all only large size too.
It's only a large miniature, app. the same size than the DDM Orcus.
yeah he would work for:
Aspect of Orcus Large elemental humanoid (demon)
but not so much for the actual Orcus:
Orcus Gargantuan elemental humanoid (demon)
The figgures at FYE could work, but they fact that they aren't actually Orcus won't play to my OCD......
Lame excuse I know but.....what can I say.
It's only a large miniature, app. the same size than the DDM Orcus.
I have this Mini. It's a Huge, not Large.
Way cool, can't wait... :D
________________
"Make a Wish"
Me: Hey, you prolly have about a year, but I need you to make me an Orcus out of sculpie.
Him: Wait...huh?
Me: Yeah, he's "Gargantuian" so thats 4 squares on a side.
Him: but......
Me: Cool thanks. Ok you guys all walk into a caver, and I need initiative rolls.
Hehe, I think he is really gonna do it to, hopefully it turns out well.
http://www.reapermini.com/FigureFinder#detail/03121
I can't tell how big it is, the price tag indicates it might be big enough...
Or how about releasing a fiends pack (as in the PH Heroes) with Demorgogon, Orcus, Baphomet, Yeenoguh etc...
And then a devil pack with Asmodeus, Dispater, Bel, Mephistopheles and the other archdevils. :D
I cannot think of too many DMs that would NOT buy these products.
I'd like them to restat Orcus as huge instead of gargantuan and then release a mini of him in a huge minis set.
Or how about releasing a fiends pack (as in the PH Heroes) with Demorgogon, Orcus, Baphomet, Yeenoguh etc...
And then a devil pack with Asmodeus, Dispater, Bel, Mephistopheles and the other archdevils. :D
I cannot think of too many DMs that would NOT buy these products.
That's not a half bad idea Mikron. One would think all the campaigns across the world would culminate with one of those guys as the BBEG.
Another question is what part is more expensive, the casting, or the painting?
I imagine the Icons line had quite a few paint stepps. Could they reduce the number paint stepps to get the price under $20? Or would that just look bad?
Orcus the Demon God only a Huge? Ouch, his ego just took such a cut he is now bloodied. I personally think that if I hit 30th level and the gateway to immortality was to meet and defeat Orcus, but then get there and say "Oh, really, that's it? I thought you were taller" would feel like a let down. Epic characters need Epic battles and one solo bad boy being made smaller simply for cost reasons is lame. If that is their plan for the E3 module, they should SERIOUSLY consider putting him back into production, or put pressure on Reaper to make their Abyst figure bigger as well.
Maybe they could rename him "Dalton."
I imagine the Icons line had quite a few paint stepps. Could they reduce the number paint stepps to get the price under $20? Or would that just look bad?
Actually the paint detail on most of the icons was kind of low. The black and blue dragons are real just their base color + secondary color + a minor accent color (eyes/tongue) + a color wash (to emphasize their scales). The red dragon was even less detailed; it's almost a solid mass of deep/dark red. The white was probably the most detailed, but I can't comment as well on it since unlike the other three it's back at home rather than displayed in front of me on my desk.
Orcus the Demon God only a Huge? Ouch, his ego just took such a cut he is now bloodied. I personally think that if I hit 30th level and the gateway to immortality was to meet and defeat Orcus, but then get there and say "Oh, really, that's it? I thought you were taller" would feel like a let down.
Vecna is even more powerfull and only medium-size.
Vecna is even more powerfull and only medium-size.
Vecna also has a reputation for being medium size, not bigger than a house. And did they give stats on Vecna for 4E, I don't remember seeing any.
Vecna also has a reputation for being medium size, not bigger than a house. And did they give stats on Vecna for 4E, I don't remember seeing any.
He's in Open Grave (lvl 35 solo controller (leader), medium immortal humanoid deity (undead)).
Anyone know if the Icon line itself was loosing money or if it was just Orcus that was not going to be priced at a point that he would turn a profit?
Anyone know if the Icon line itself was loosing money or if it was just Orcus that was not going to be priced at a point that he would turn a profit?
It was the Icons line itself, remember when they were actually GIVING away the Blue Dragon if you bought the Black one? The only one I actually thought was worth the full price was the White dragon, the translucent wings were a very nice touch IMHO.
He's in Open Grave (lvl 35 solo controller (leader), medium immortal humanoid deity (undead)).
Have yet to grab that one, thanks!
Orcus the Demon God only a Huge? Ouch, his ego just took such a cut he is now bloodied. I personally think that if I hit 30th level and the gateway to immortality was to meet and defeat Orcus, but then get there and say "Oh, really, that's it? I thought you were taller" would feel like a let down. Epic characters need Epic battles and one solo bad boy being made smaller simply for cost reasons is lame. If that is their plan for the E3 module, they should SERIOUSLY consider putting him back into production, or put pressure on Reaper to make their Abyst figure bigger as well.
You make 4e Tiamat cry. She's only huge, too. ;)
All her consorts would probably be gargantuan, though. @_@
You make 4e Tiamat cry. She's only huge, too. ;)
No no, thats the "Aspect of Tiamat", so her ego can remain intact
No no, thats the "Aspect of Tiamat", so her ego can remain intact
No he's right. Tiamat herself is only huge.
I hope Bahamut is also only huge so that we can rationalize it as being because they were split from the same gargatuan dragon god.
They could also go the Marvel Legend way and have you have to buy multiple products to assemble your orcus out of parts.
Actually, that's not such a bad idea.
I hope Bahamut is also only huge so that we can rationalize it as being because they were split from the same gargatuan dragon god.
That's actually a good point and one that I could actually support, though the fact that deities are morphic entities that can control their size at-will (at least by flavor) still posses a small dissonance. Too bad the most likely reason for Tiamat's underwhelming size is compatibility with the mini that was released in War of the Dragon Queen.