At Amazon.com you can now see many of the upcoming minis:
Primal Heroes I (now, that's a long sword)
Arcane Heroes I (isn't the women in green the same as in the last DDM starter set?)
Arcane Heroes II
Martial Heroes I
Martial Heroes II
Divine Heroes I
That's cool, thanks for the links. I'll be adding these to my Pre-Order Amazon wishlist.
Well, I have to admit that I am disappointed. Not a single mini that I could use for one of my characters
Although that's mostly because I am very nitpick when it comes to PC minis. Either a mini is an almost perfect match or I rather use a dice or eraser before using a mini that's only a 70% match of how I invision the character.
Now there are still some boxes not yet shown, but I fear they won't contain anything for me either (so far the whole DDM line only has 4 PC minis that are of interest to me)
I didn't see any dragonborn in there...or genesi...the two I was hopeing for...
...You can tell what's in there from those pictures?
My eyes must be going! I'm only 23!
...You can tell what's in there from those pictures?
My eyes must be going! I'm only 23!
Primal Heroes I Shifter Barbarian, Goleith Warden, and unsure...maybe elf maybe human...probly druid
Arcane Heroes I two I can't make out...maybe human, half elf, elf...I tefling warlock
Arcane Heroes II no details...but all look human/elf/halfelf casters
Martial Heroes I elf ranger, human paliden, ??? rogue
Martial Heroes II human fighter, tefling fighter, Dwarf Warlord
Divine Heroes I human something...dwarf cleric...unknown...
anyone do any better???
edit: it appears I labbeled a Paliden in Martial heros...witch I am sure is wrong...but I am not changing it becuse well I don't know what it is...plate wearing human,,,
I can see a repaint of the Bonded Fire Summoner from War of the Dragon Queen in Arcane Heros 2, and I can see a repaint of the Cleric of St. Cuthbert from Aberrations in Divine Heros 1.
Indeed they are. Those are among some of my favorites, so I recognized them right away. Unfortunately, I don't much care for their new color schemes.
Indeed they are. Those are among some of my favorites, so I recognized them right away. Unfortunately, I don't much care for their new color schemes.
Well, as long as the paintjob is decent and the sculpts are okay, (in both cases substantially better than recent sets), this won't be too bad.
Well, as long as the paintjob is decent and the sculpts are okay, (in both cases substantially better than recent sets), this won't be too bad.
I liked the bonded fire summoner, so I don't mind...but I can't place the cleric...
For $12, I want 3 new sculpts, not a cheap rehash.
Bad form, especially when the originals are UC that are inexpensive when bought as singles.
Hopefully there won't be repaints in the collectable monster manual sets.
However, I don't mind resculpts, since it eliminates the 'clone' effect of multiple copies of the same mini on the gaming table.
Just my 2 cents...
Well, I like the elf ranger in Martial Heroes I. With a little repainting, he'd be better than anything I already have for my character. BTW, when are these coming out again?
May? That sounds right.
I also hope there's not too many resculpts, nor too many "human-looking" character minis when we've got Drow, Genasi, Dragonborn, Tiefling, Warforged, Gnolls, Minotaurs, and so on. Still, if the sculpts and paint rocks, awesome! If not, this will be quite bad for what's left of the current DDM line.
(Think they're going with repaints in order to save sculpting costs for new minis? Well, it's better than crappy minis or no minis.)
May? That sounds right.
May? Damn, that's quite the wait for switching out my Wood Elf Ranger.
nor too many "human-looking" character minis when we've got Drow, Genasi, Dragonborn, Tiefling, Warforged, Gnolls, Minotaurs, and so on.
yea...we need NEW minnies for PCs...although it id look like we got a gloith...
yea...we need NEW minnies for PCs...although it id look like we got a gloith...
No offense intended, GM, but I think your spelling just hit a new low. :P
That said, I agree. We've got a ton of elves (especially with bows) and humans. We've got lots of male dwarves, mostly with axes or sometimes hammers, and usually heavily armoured. (My sociology prof would also point out that a majority of the humanoid minis appear to be caucasian, too.)
We still need a ton more dragonborn minis. We've got, what, four? (Five if you count that Exarch of Bahamut mini, which is Large, IIRC.) AFAIK, all of them are Rare.
I don't mind repaints of old rares, that are expensive to get as singles, but repaints of uncommons its just bad form on Wizards part. I was only moderately tempted to get the new PC miniatures, but I have a feeling I'll pass now, or at least only pick up singles of the specific ones I want. I really don't understand what Wizards was thinking. If they wanted to do repaints, they have rares from over a dozen previous sets to pick from. Why would they even think that uncommon repaints were a good idea? It doesn't bode well for the future of these non-random minis if they can't even get something this simple right.
Remember that it was the number of paint steps that made the difference between "uncommon" and "rare". It's possible that they're reusing the sculpt of an Uncommon, but upgrading the paintjob to that of a Rare.
If they wanted to do repaints, they have rares from over a dozen previous sets to pick from. Why would they even think that uncommon repaints were a good idea? It doesn't bode well for the future of these non-random minis if they can't even get something this simple right.
Indeed, especially since they already promised us that the hero pack figures would all be "rare" quality.
D&D Miniatures Changes Explained
[INDENT]EDIT:
Remember that it was the number of paint steps that made the difference between "uncommon" and "rare". It's possible that they're reusing the sculpt of an Uncommon, but upgrading the paintjob to that of a Rare.
Paint steps and sculpt complexity. Also two of the fugues mentioned (the BFS and the CoSC) were, in my opinion, some of the best uncommons every released and possibly even worth of being rare. That said, this could still be considered to be making a bad first impression.[/INDENT]
Well, I have to admit that I am disappointed. Not a single mini that I could use for one of my characters
Although that's mostly because I am very nitpick when it comes to PC minis. Either a mini is an almost perfect match or I rather use a dice or eraser before using a mini that's only a 70% match of how I invision the character.
I guess I'm lucky.
I tend to find a cool mini and build a PC around it. Then I'm sure the mini matches my concept. :DI guess I'm lucky.
I do that too
Paint steps and sculpt complexity. Also two of the fugues mentioned (the BFS and the CoSC) were, in my opinion, some of the best uncommons every released and possibly even worth of being rare. That said, this could still be considered to be making a bad first impression.
I agree, it definitely doesn't sound very appealing to get offered a "fancier" repaint, rather than a totally new mini. Still, it's early, and we haven't seen anything up close. We might have it wrong.
I agree, it definitely doesn't sound very appealing to get offered a "fancier" repaint, rather than a totally new mini. Still, it's early, and we haven't seen anything up close. We might have it wrong.
some of the D&D game day repaint minis I love...so I will give them a chance...but I have to say so far only 1 jumps out at me as one I realy want...
and hook
No offense intended, GM, but I think your spelling just hit a new low. :P
That was soo not the worst I ever posted so HA...er wait that didn's sound right...
I knew I'd be lucky to get a genasi wizard, but I was hoping for at least a genasi. I'm also disappointed to see no dragonborn!? Aren't they one of 4e's favourite races? Haven't they been largely ignored in earlier sets (I know everytime I see a dragonborn its the exact same mini I've seen a dozen times)?
Hopefully the later mini packs will better serve us.
I've got enough minis for most of my characters. All I really want is a Genasi Wizard, Gnoll Rogue and a Dragonborn Warlord.
I knew I'd be lucky to get a genasi wizard, but I was hoping for at least a genasi. I'm also disappointed to see no dragonborn!? Aren't they one of 4e's favourite races? Haven't they been largely ignored in earlier sets (I know everytime I see a dragonborn its the exact same mini I've seen a dozen times)?
Hopefully the later mini packs will better serve us.
first I will admit I have every dragonborn mini out...I have the old one with sword and sheild, new sword and sheild, new halbird, and the exarch of bahmut...I still would want more varriation...how about one NOT in heavy armor...
here is my wishlist:
Dragonborn Warlock w/rod
Genasi Warlord
Genasi Wizard
Minitour anything
first I will admit I have every dragonborn mini out...I have the old one with sword and sheild, new sword and sheild, new halbird, and the exarch of bahmut...I still would want more varriation...how about one NOT in heavy armor...
here is my wishlist:
Dragonborn Warlock w/rod
Genasi Warlord
Genasi Wizard
Minitour anything
AFAIK, there's only one Minotaur mini suitable for 4E Minotaur PCs, because it's the only Medium one: Giants of Legend's Young Minotaur.
AFAIK, there's only one Minotaur mini suitable for 4E Minotaur PCs, because it's the only Medium one: Giants of Legend's Young Minotaur.
I have that one too...
I may have a problme...
"Hello my name is Robert and I am adicted to D&D minis"
I have that one too...
I may have a problme...
"Hello my name is Robert and I am adicted to D&D minis"
...Plasticrack addiction is a serious problem in this hobby. I know, man, because I've been there too.
We need to support each other!
...Plasticrack addiction is a serious problem in this hobby. I know, man, because I've been there too.
We need to support each other!
I know your pain brother. I was lucky and able to get out after Giants of Legends. I am now clean for 4 years and it gets easier over time
As for 4E minotaurs the giants of legend is only one of two mediums. The other is the demonweb Minotaur Warrior and IMO it's a much better sculpt.
Thats only MM miniatures, the PHB minis are all exposed.
As for 4E minotaurs the giants of legend is only one of two mediums. The other is the demonweb Minotaur Warrior and IMO it's a much better sculpt.
Oh right! I forgot about that new one.
...Just so we're clear, which one did you mean is the better sculpt?
Any word on the cost of these? I heard someone say $12, which sounds like a blatant ripoff...
$4 a mini to get what you actually want is anywhere from half the price of unpainted metal minis to a third of the price. Although they're only plastic, they're instead painted.
Seems like a fair price to me. The only snafu will be whether or not they actually do just cost 12 USD in Australia (17 in AUD).
Any word on the cost of these? I heard someone say $12, which sounds like a blatant ripoff...
Have you bought three single rares recently? You'll pay at least $12 for the bunch.
Have you bought three single rares recently? You'll pay at least $12 for the bunch.
Still a bit much since the collectable side of the game is done with. Honestly, it's cheaper to go on ebay and buy a box of commons for your game.
Still a bit much since the collectable side of the game is done with. Honestly, it's cheaper to go on ebay and buy a box of commons for your game.
Then go on ebay.
I wonder how many FLCS will just crack the packs and sell them as singles w/ cards for $5 a pop. Definatley will suggest it to mine.
Obviously we'll have to wait and see since they're slowly going to be rollign more out later... I assume. If they do this one batch and that's it then they're really dumb.
Obviously we'll have to wait and see since they're slowly going to be rollign more out later... I assume.
No need to assume. They said they would in the podcast.
Unfortunately, I don't much care for their new color schemes.
Unless my eyes are really bad, I'm not seeing much in those packs that looks any better than the throw-away minis we're getting now in the boosters.
This doesn't apply to all of them, I do see a few nice looking ones, but many of the others are eh...
I can hope, dang it.
If WotC is smart (and sometimes you have to wonder...) they'll make minis for eah race/class combo for male and female versions.
It's not a matter of smart, it's a matter of numbers. 8 race times 8 classes times 2 genders is 128 minis. At 3 minis per pack thats 43 packs and at 6 packs per wave thats over 7 waves, and all of that is just for PHB1. Add PHB2 to the mix and you'd be looking at 416 minis just for every race+gender+class combo, and it only gets worse if one tries to factor in weapon, armor, and shield choices.
If wizards is smart they will try and make it so that each mini can represent a wide array of race class combos. Most wizards, warlocks, and sorcerers could probably use the same mini. Two-Weapon Rangers and Tempest Fighters could usually be the same. Lots of Fighter and Warlord minis should be able to work for both. Those are Just examples off the top of my head.
I'm disappointed by the lack of Dragonborn as well. The truly smart thing for them to do would be sell different packs online, to subscribed customers or something. I would be willing to drop $20 for 4-5 minis if I got to pick them out before hand. I'd even be willing to buy a set of racial minis, such as a pack of Dragonborn or Dwarves in various poses and classes.
We suspect that the reason for repaints is because of the short timeframe between release of the new product line and the termination of the last skirmish-capable DDM set (Feywild). There just weren't enough PC types to go around in Feywild to fill out all the packages, so they reached into the Greatest Hits collection and had them repainted.
So still no good female tiefling lock minis, and I didnt see a drow with a two handed sword either. Guess I wont be buying any of those after all.
There is in fact a Drow with a two-handed weapon - the Drow Adventurer (Demonweb), an uncommon. Paintjob isn't great, though - mostly black.
That said it would be awsome if you could use the character visualizer to actually have them make a custom figure looking like that, not just for the digital table top but an actual real mini Id be willing to drop money a bit more money for that.
That would indeed be incredibly cool, unfortunately, it would probably also be incredibly expensive. A customized mini would probably cost upwards of the secondary market value of the most expensive chase rares. Also I doubt there is enough actual interest for it to be a worthwhile investment for WotC to set up the appropriate facilities to implement such a program.
It would still be really cool though.
That would indeed be incredibly cool, unfortunately, it would probably also be incredibly expensive. A customized mini would probably cost upwards of the secondary market value of the most expensive chase rares. Also I doubt there is enough actual interest for it to be a worthwhile investment for WotC to set up the appropriate facilities to implement such a program.
It would still be really cool though.
hey all I want is custome mini's based on a visuliser that makes City of Heros look like paint by numbers...and it only cost 3-5$...is that too much to ask???
ok yes I know it is...
The more I think about it, the more not having Dragonborn figures is a deal-breaker for me. The current dragonborn figures are just too expensive as singles (Unless I'm wrong - if anyone knows what I should be looking for...).
The Greanspawn Zealot and Redspawn Arcanist, both uncommon (cant remember the sets though), are pretty good for Dragonborn stand-ins. In the game I'm playing those are the figures that my two dragonborn allies use.
The Greanspawn Zealot and Redspawn Arcanist, both uncommon (cant remember the sets though), are pretty good for Dragonborn stand-ins. In the game I'm playing those are the figures that my two dragonborn allies use.
Oh, good call! Time to go dig around the webz for them.
I like the new packs. I recall reading that what was visible weren't the only minis in the box. They were just supposed to be the eye-catchers. Can't wait to get a RW look at them! 11$? Is that 11$ as in $10.95, or 11$ as in $11.95? Either way, I'm satisified with the price.
Most of my group aren't picky about what the model looks like. They just grabbed whatever looked closest. The wizard player is a bit pickier so I had to order an Aramil and repaint it.
In the interim he used my original Aramil. I didn't realize hair color and clothing color meant so much, I swear!$11 for 3 repaints that don't look any particularly better than the originals, and not a single Dragonborn? I can't say I'm impressed by the amount of effort Wizards put into this product.
You can tell how good they look from that tiny, blurry picture? Wow you must have good eyesight.
Any word on if they are going to do more Icon dragons or are we stuck with using the 3 (I'd say four, but the Colossal size is, so far, not included in 4E rules) already have? Even if they aren't just dragons, some other Gargantuan sized "minis" would be nice too.
Two other gargantuan icons (Orcus and Dracolich) were originally scheduled but have been cancelled. IIRC it had something to do with the previous gargantuan iconics not selling well enough.
Any word on if they are going to do more Icon dragons or are we stuck with using the 3 (I'd say four, but the Colossal size is, so far, not included in 4E rules) already have? Even if they aren't just dragons, some other Gargantuan sized "minis" would be nice too.
The official word is that it's possible there will be additional Icons in the future, but there are no plans currently, and any new plans will have to be cost-effective (which is unlikely to be soon, given the economy).
As for Big Red, the Colossal mini, the PH explains that Gargantuan is anything four by four squares or larger, and so technically, Big Red is an oversized Gargantuan creature in 4E. (The reason for getting rid of Colossal, Diminutive, and Fine sized creatures is that those sizes were either too big or too small to be workable on a battlemap. Diminutive and Fine minis would be unmanageably small -- even Tiny minis are -- while Colossal creatures are so big that they might as well be terrain, given that they can usually reach all the way across an entire battlemat. Thus, Diminutive and Fine are now considered Tiny, while Colossal is considered Gargantuan.)
Also, FWIW, Big Red was technically oversized even in 3.5E. Standard Colossal creatures were six by six (not eight by eight), so Big Red would have actually been Colossal+ (a size category introduced in 3.5E's Draconomicon). I believe Big Red's stat card also noted him as "Oversized".
Two other gargantuan icons (Orcus and Dracolich) were originally scheduled but have been cancelled. IIRC it had something to do with the previous gargantuan iconics not selling well enough.
DAMN IT!!!If it was about sales, oh well. But I'd pay as much for Orcus as I did for my Colossal Red, I want it so bad. The Icons are the best minis I've seen, so I really hope they were just put on hold.
If it was about sales, oh well. But I'd pay as much for Orcus as I did for my Colossal Red, I want it so bad. The Icons are the best minis I've seen, so I really hope they were just put on hold.
Yeah I know. Unfortunately the iconics line never seemed to find a market niche.
- While they came with stats and special scenarios, they weren't actually legal skirmish minis so the DDM players weren't very interested.
- As creatures in the RPG they were restricted to high level use. I know several DMs that just didn't see the point in getting a mini they might only use once or twice. The fact that dragons, especially the old and powerful ones, were among some of the most difficult monster to actually use back 3rd edition certainly didn't help either.
- They were more expensive yet less well sculpted/painted than most collectibles so people just interested in getting something to display weren't interested.
The skirmish game is dead, and the Minis line is being repurposed to cater to the RPG. If chosen properly a revival of the iconics line could be very successful. Cool as it was to get the dragons, I think one of the failure of the previous iconics was a lack of variety. The name of the game might be Dungeons & Dragons, but some people are much more interested in other monsters and many more might be of the opinion that one gigantic dragon is as good as another.
However I think that the most important thing to the success of a new iconics line would be to bring in the collector market. WotC need to make the iconics comparable in both cost and appearance to the various sculpture items that can be found in a typical fantasy shop and then they need to try and market through such outlets in addition to the LFGSs.
Yeah I know. Unfortunately the iconics line never seemed to find a market niche.
- While they came with stats and special scenarios, they weren't actually legal skirmish minis so the DDM players weren't very interested.
- As creatures in the RPG they were restricted to high level use. I know several DMs that just didn't see the point in getting a mini they might only use once or twice. The fact that dragons, especially the old and powerful ones, were among some of the most difficult monster to actually use back 3rd edition certainly didn't help either.
- They were more expensive yet less well sculpted/painted than most collectibles so people just interested in getting something to display weren't interested.
The skirmish game is dead, and the Minis line is being repurposed to cater to the RPG. If chosen properly a revival of the iconics line could be very successful. Cool as it was to get the dragons, I think one of the failure of the previous iconics was a lack of variety. The name of the game might be Dungeons & Dragons, but some people are much more interested in other monsters and many more might be of the opinion that one gigantic dragon is as good as another.
However I think that the most important thing to the success of a new iconics line would be to bring in the collector market. WotC need to make the iconics comparable in both cost and appearance to the various sculpture items that can be found in a typical fantasy shop and then they need to try and market through such outlets in addition to the LFGSs.
I thought it was called Dungeons & Mind Flayers now, since Medium monsters are so much easier to make minis for. :P
Anyone seen any word on if they will be introducing Adventure packs of minis? How sweet would it be to be able to buy Keep on the shadowfell mini pack, which includes minis and stat cards for all the monsters in the adventure? (including doubles, enough to fill any given encounter in the module). I would pay 50 bucks for this, especially considering it would likely be 25-30 minis or so. Oh, I can dream....
No official word on this, althought folks have been asking for such products for a few years now. It's not a terrible idea, but I'm not sure it's good enough to be cost efficient.
- They were more expensive yet less well sculpted/painted than most collectibles so people just interested in getting something to display weren't interested.
I disagree to a point. Big Red (as I now call him, thanks to whomever) was so-so, and was intimidating as hell whenever I DM'ed and he sat on the shelf behind me. My players were constantly waiting to see me reach for him (since I threatened to use him from the moment I pulled him out of the box) so he paid for himself. The blue, sucked, period. The black was a nice sculpt and I've used him more than once for a stand in for all colors in that size. But I have to say, Icingdeath was the BEST one so far. The sculpt and composition (translucent wings, VERY nice) were well worth the money, and now I have both Drizzt's, lol. So, keeping things at the level they did with the Legend of Drizzt set, they would do well to make more Icons, I know I'd buy them.
Anyone seen any word on if they will be introducing Adventure packs of minis? How sweet would it be to be able to buy Keep on the shadowfell mini pack, which includes minis and stat cards for all the monsters in the adventure? (including doubles, enough to fill any given encounter in the module). I would pay 50 bucks for this, especially considering it would likely be 25-30 minis or so. Oh, I can dream....
I'm hoping they would do this for the boxed set they are releasing this year, if not to do this for future boxed sets, makes sense in my world.
While I will respect the fact you live in Australia and stuff must be more expensive there, most metal minis run the range of about 4.50 - 6.00 at my local store.
Lucky you ;)
Two other gargantuan icons (Orcus and Dracolich) were originally scheduled but have been cancelled.
Considering what adventure they're going to be publishing in October, I really think they should reconsider about one of those...
If you go to a zoo and buy a rubber lizard/iguana for $10, its about the same scale as a dragon. The only problem is that it doesn't have the wings. That's what I would do!
If it was about sales, oh well. But I'd pay as much for Orcus as I did for my Colossal Red, I want it so bad. The Icons are the best minis I've seen, so I really hope they were just put on hold.
Especailly sad because they had a prototype of the gargantuan Orcus shwon at some GenCon, looked really nice.
PS: Pic 1; Pic 2
What are they planning to release in october? Havent looked at the release list.
Here's a hint: it's the final of nine adventures in a levels 1 to 30 official campaign path focusing upon the PCs fighting against various servants of Orcus, up-to and including his exarchs and trusted divine lieutenants.
...Yeah, a Gargantuan Orcus would be nice.
I disagree to a point. Big Red (as I now call him, thanks to whomever) was so-so, and was intimidating as hell whenever I DM'ed and he sat on the shelf behind me. My players were constantly waiting to see me reach for him (since I threatened to use him from the moment I pulled him out of the box) so he paid for himself. The blue, sucked, period. The black was a nice sculpt and I've used him more than once for a stand in for all colors in that size. But I have to say, Icingdeath was the BEST one so far. The sculpt and composition (translucent wings, VERY nice) were well worth the money, and now I have both Drizzt's, lol. So, keeping things at the level they did with the Legend of Drizzt set, they would do well to make more Icons, I know I'd buy them.
That would be me who was calling it "Big Red", V. And FWIW, the Blue Dragon is my favorite! I call him Ourelonastrix.
That would be me who was calling it "Big Red", V. And FWIW, the Blue Dragon is my favorite! I call him Ourelonastrix.
Sorry, I didn't mean to dis your favorite.
Especailly sad because they had a prototype of the gargantuan Orcus shwon at some GenCon, looked really nice.
PS: Pic 1; Pic 2
Okay, now I really want that thing
. Maybe I should start a petition thread to get it on shelves. One question: where would I post it?Okay, now I really want that thing
...If not to the forehead of someone important there, then probably anyway, for all the good it would do.
I wonder if one could convince them to license the production rights to someone. Would that someone be able to break even on a limited run of Gargantuan Orcus (at a notably higher price than WotC could've made it for, mind you)?
Okay, now I really want that thing
I fear that trying to break into the WotC headquarter to steal the prototype would have a higher chance of success than a petition ;)
I think WotC should make Icons on a pre-order basis. The put out a pre-order where you pay a down payment (equal to their cost of the icon), then they simply make the number of icons equal to the pre-order sales plus maybe 100 or so more. It's a way to ensure profit on a product.
Maybe we should start a petition. We'll call it, "We each want to buy a Gargantuan Orcus, and are each willing to pay handsomely for it!"
hey all I want is custome mini's based on a visuliser that makes City of Heros look like paint by numbers...and it only cost 3-5$...is that too much to ask???
ok yes I know it is...
See when I said willing to shell out money I meant up to about $10 dollars maybe 15-20. Because it would be an exact copy of my character. Even so there are no good tiefling female minis in those boxes, and the overall range is really really poor. They should have had sets for all the basic race class combos out at time of launch.
I fear that trying to break into the WotC headquarter to steal the prototype would have a higher chance of success than a petition ;)
hmmm.... what is the address there again???
hmmm.... what is the address there again???
I think that the dracolich was canceled before they got so far to have a prototype, but if you happen to see a gargantuan dracolich prototype while you're at
1600 Lind Ave. SW, Ste. 400
Renton, WA 98055
just remember who gave you the address ;)
See when I said willing to shell out money I meant up to about $10 dollars maybe 15-20. Because it would be an exact copy of my character. Even so there are no good tiefling female minis in those boxes, and the overall range is really really poor. They should have had sets for all the basic race class combos out at time of launch.
Unfortunately such an endeavor would more likely be upwards of $50 (and that's probably before shipping/handling), if you actually expect a quality figure. DDMs are only as cheep as they are because the cost of each mold can be divided over a widescale release. One-shot figures would be incredibly expensive.
See when I said willing to shell out money I meant up to about $10 dollars maybe 15-20. Because it would be an exact copy of my character. Even so there are no good tiefling female minis in those boxes, and the overall range is really really poor. They should have had sets for all the basic race class combos out at time of launch.
And they should have had the Game Table ready at launch. And they should have Druid, Monk, Sorcerer, Bard, and Barbarian classes at launch. And there shouldn't have been any "Dragonboobs". And they shouldn't have made Tieflings look like dragons. And they should have included Half-Orcs. And they shouldn't have included any monster races. And they should have released everything on the 4E announcement date, and they also should have compensated retailers for the sudden drop in sales for doing so. And Rich Baker should do all of my dice rolling for me.
We've all heard the different things that some folks believe WotC "should have" done....
just remember who gave you the address ;)
That way you can get charged as an accomplice? :P
We've all heard the different things that some folks believe WotC "should have" done....
Like put me in charge of EVERYTHING!!!!! hahahahahahahahaha
Like put me in charge of EVERYTHING!!!!! hahahahahahahahaha
Uh no. All Im saying is that as it stands these sets arent worth it for me to pay for as none of them look anything like the characters Im playing. And Im pretty sure a lot of people are going to be in the same boat. I dont care about them changing the class/race line up every eddition does that. The digital table would have been nice.
Im not really complaining just pointing out that from a sales stand point they would have made a ton of money had they had a good selection ready to go with the core books.
All humor aside. It would be nice if WoTC came out with some placemarker chits and spell effect templetes. Yes, it's very Games Workshop, but I'd love ot get my hands on giant sized 'pogs' for some critters just for map represntation.
Spell effect templates aren't really necessary any more now that all effects are square shaped instead of circles and cones.
As for place mark chits, do you mean 2d tokens as an alternative to 3d minis. If so, they already exist D&D Roleplaying Game Starter Set comes with a nice sized sheet full of them, all double-sided, printed on thick card stock, and representing a good variety of creatures. The set also comes with something like three sheets of Dungeon Tiles and a full set of dice. All around I've found it a great buy (got two of them) and highly recommend even for experienced D&Ders.
All humor aside. It would be nice if WoTC came out with some placemarker chits and spell effect templetes. Yes, it's very Games Workshop, but I'd love ot get my hands on giant sized 'pogs' for some critters just for map represntation.
Actually, that's not a bad idea, they could make them the same way they do the dungeon tiles, only show a monster instead of (for example) a chair or statue. And the spell templates could be placed over the tiles, under the figures since some have area effects that are maintained. And of course, it would only cost about $10, same as the tiles!!!
WOTC run with this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually, that's not a bad idea, they could make them the same way they do the dungeon tiles, only show a monster instead of (for example) a chair or statue. And the spell templates could be placed over the tiles, under the figures since some have area effects that are maintained. And of course, it would only cost about $10, same as the tiles!!!
WOTC run with this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously. Though I could easily, say, make said things myself, if WotC put out official "token" sets, using the nice Dungeon Tile material, that included lots of "common" monster art (goblins, kobolds, armored humanoids, less armored humanoids, archers, etc) - with different creatures on each side - I could totally get behind that.
A question came to mind this morning...
What miniatures (races + physical descriptions, rather than races + classes - because some classes will have similar loadouts - ie. Fighters and Warlords) are people really looking to see in the future miniature releases?
My list...
Per-Race (With a Preference for -New- Races - Dragonborn, Tiefling)
If possible, other equipment / weapon loadouts would be great, but I think those 5 would hit all of my needs. I would also love to see an equal balance of genders - if female players have been able to deal with using some male figures, then male players can deal with using some female figures
- Spellcaster (Cloth Robe; Rod, Wand, or Staff)
- Light Equipment (Leather/Hide; Dagger or Small Blade)
- Archer (Leather/Hide; Bow)
- Heavy (Heavy Armor; Axe or Hammer, two-handed)
- Sword+Board (Heavy Armor; Sword + Shield)
If possible, other equipment / weapon loadouts would be great, but I think those 5 would hit all of my needs. I would also love to see an equal balance of genders - if female players have been able to deal with using some male figures, then male players can deal with using some female figures
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0786952792/sr=1-5/qid=1231690089/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1231690089&sr=1-5
I for some reason feel less encouraged than I did when I thought that there was no Dragonborn at all. If that makes any sense at all.
I just wanted to correct myself, there is a Dragonborn in the first martial pack. She is the gold one at the bottom.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0786952792/sr=1-5/qid=1231690089/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1231690089&sr=1-5
I for some reason feel less encouraged than I did when I thought that there was no Dragonborn at all. If that makes any sense at all.
A female dragonborn (with... a light blade?)? Well, it's perfect for the fiancee's character (with some recoloration). I'm a little more encouraged, but that still makes Martial Heroes 1 my only likely purchase out of the set (on the assumption that buying the figures as singles won't be worth the price).
I'd love to see some non-action poses for once. How about chess figure style stances. Put the hero in a relaxed but ready posture.
I agree.
I would love to have some more simple poses (especially for leader-types, and later psionic characters) - perhaps a mage scouring an open tome? Or folks just standing with equipment stowed.
I agree.
I would love to have some more simple poses (especially for leader-types, and later psionic characters) - perhaps a mage scouring an open tome? Or folks just standing with equipment stowed.
I agree as well, they would be cheaper to make since there shouldn't be all the extra parts that tend to bend in the box and hang over the edge of the base. Some nice portrait stances would be much appreciated, but not for the monsters, lol, a bugbear who's just standing there is not very intimidating.
I agree as well, they would be cheaper to make since there shouldn't be all the extra parts that tend to bend in the box and hang over the edge of the base. Some nice portrait stances would be much appreciated, but not for the monsters, lol, a bugbear who's just standing there is not very intimidating.
But he could make a good "guard" - or player model (for those who like playing non-standard races).
I'd also like to comment on the individualized mini idea, since this has been floating around in my head for quite a while now. There is a company in Vancouver, B.C. that will take your character image from WoW and turn it into a statue, using 3-D printer technology. The cost of one of those statues is $100, but they are over 6" tall and have about a 3-4" base. It seems to me that Wizards could do the same for ~$15-20 per mini. I'm not sure what the initial outlay for the printer technology would be. Once the character visualizer program is finished, however, this would be a great way to use it. Another option is that some entrepreneur could work out a deal with Wizards to provide this service to people using the visualizer.
I'd also like to comment on the individualized mini idea, since this has been floating around in my head for quite a while now. There is a company in Vancouver, B.C. that will take your character image from WoW and turn it into a statue, using 3-D printer technology. The cost of one of those statues is $100, but they are over 6" tall and have about a 3-4" base. It seems to me that Wizards could do the same for ~$15-20 per mini. I'm not sure what the initial outlay for the printer technology would be. Once the character visualizer program is finished, however, this would be a great way to use it. Another option is that some entrepreneur could work out a deal with Wizards to provide this service to people using the visualizer.
That's a great faith into WotC assuming that they, who have absolutely no experience with such technology, would be able to do it for a fith of what this "wow company", who specializes in this technology, needs.
Maybe you're basing your guess on smaller minis needing less material, but I just guess that the actual material used up by the mini is the least expensive part of the process. I also think that making much smaller minis would actually increase the price, because it's much more difficult to do small details than to do large details.
But if they could make truly custom minis, which would be as durable as their current minis, I would be willing to pay a reasonable price for them.
PS: On the other hand, commercials like this look almost too good to be true. Maybe we're already seeing the last days of pre-produced minis and on-demand-3d-printing is the future (and since I am too impatient to wait, I need to find a way to get EUR 12,000 and a software to model the miniatures)
PS: On the other hand, commercials like this look almost too good to be true. Maybe we're already seeing the last days of pre-produced minis and on-demand-3d-printing is the future (and since I am too impatient to wait, I need to find a way to get EUR 12,000 and a software to model the miniatures)
Now that is truly sweet! Too bad I'd still need to paint the little buggers though. Either way the price is still a little high for my taste. Though in a few years if the price drops to around 1/3 to 1/5 I might just have to look into it.
Now that is truly sweet! Too bad I'd still need to paint the little buggers though. Either way the price is still a little high for my taste. Though in a few years if the price drops to around 1/3 to 1/5 I might just have to look into it.
OMFG. That does rock. Let's hope this becomes *much* less expensive over the next decade.
OMFG. That does rock. Let's hope this becomes *much* less expensive over the next decade.
Seeing how fast tech prices drop, that seems likely. Plasma screen TVs sell for what, 400$ at the least now, from something like 500$+ at the time they were first on the market (these figures correct?). That's a 20% drop in x years.
Seeing how fast tech prices drop, that seems likely. Plasma screen TVs sell for what, 400$ at the least now, from something like 500$+ at the time they were first on the market (these figures correct?). That's a 20% drop in x years.
Using that particular model. The printer would be under under 1/3 of its current cost in about 5x and just over 1/5 of its current cost in 7x. Though the fact that this technology is likely in less demand then TVs may mean the price drop would be slower.
I hope those are just mock-ups because they are terrible.
Are you talking about the minis or the 3D-printings we were just discussing?
Are you talking about the minis or the 3D-printings we were just discussing?
I think it's just the picture quality.
Are you talking about the minis or the 3D-printings we were just discussing?
The mini's. But oh well, if they're just the same sculpts and poor paint jobs than I can always pay reaper for quality.
Add (yet another) one to the 'very dissapointed at lack of dragonborn' pile. Are dragonborn a core PC race or not? because the mini support for them, fewer then I can count on my hand, and all rare, is terrible.
You're completely right. We were discussing this (then looming) problem a year ago in anticipation of Dungeons of Dread.
What's going on, WotC?
PS: On the other hand, commercials like this look almost too good to be true. Maybe we're already seeing the last days of pre-produced minis and on-demand-3d-printing is the future (and since I am too impatient to wait, I need to find a way to get EUR 12,000 and a software to model the miniatures)
3D Printers look more and more amazing every time I see a video of what they can do. The only question is, can they make small, detailed figures with tiny pieces like swords and such that won't snap? And if so, how much would it cost to do so? Man, I really wish somebody would get on the ball on this. I'm sure there must be some company out there somewhere that can investigate what the pros and cons of using 3D Printers to make custom figures would be. Hell, if I had $15,000 to spare, I'd check it out myself, and maybe make a side business out of it.
3D Printers look more and more amazing every time I see a video of what they can do. The only question is, can they make small, detailed figures with tiny pieces like swords and such that won't snap? And if so, how much would it cost to do so? Man, I really wish somebody would get on the ball on this. I'm sure there must be some company out there somewhere that can investigate what the pros and cons of using 3D Printers to make custom figures would be. Hell, if I had $15,000 to spare, I'd check it out myself, and maybe make a side business out of it.
You make a good point, GreenKnight. I'm curious about whether or not materials are strong enough for small, sturdy pieces.
Go get that business loan, GK! ;)
Well, in addition to a 3D Printer or two, you'd also need some kind of program like the character visualizer to make a good 3D model of the character. Something that customers can use to design their own figures, which can also be used by the printer software to map out the model. Wouldn't hurt to know someone who can do quality 3d art, to, to produce characters that can't be recreated by whatever character visualizers are out there (Maybe have customers send in 2D art and the inhouse 3D artist creates 3D art of the character. The client approves it and then you print it. That service, of course, would have to cost extra to pay for the 3D artist).
Tons of prospects, though, as you'd be able to create characters for all sorts of RPG's, not just fantasy games. Just look at super-hero miniatures. That's something that's never taken off because super-hero characters are all for the most part pretty unique. But people designing their own super-hero would solve that. And then there're whatever weird character combos that people come up with that you'll NEVER see made into a miniature. Like, say, a Medusa Paladin mounted on a Gorgon (I saw that in a Dragon Magazine, once). Doubt a mini of that will ever be made, but a player may end up playing that someday, or a DM may want to create such a character as an important campaign NPC. And if the model's painted, too (I've seen 3D Printers that also paint the model), with a good paint job? So much the better.
The only hindrances are, as I said, the quality of the figures. Can you make a 28mm figure which looks at least as good as the D&D Minis, preferably better, without it being to fragile? And can you do it for a relatively cheap price? How much are the materials used in their making, and is the price of that stuff relatively inexpensive in comparison to the number of figures you can make and how much you can sell them for? All questions that need to be answered. And if I worked at WotC or another game company, they're all questions I'd be asking, as I'm thinking that 3D Printers present some interesting opportunities for the miniature market.
YOO KIN DOOOOOO EEET!
Well, in addition to a 3D Printer or two, you'd also need some kind of program like the character visualizer to make a good 3D model of the character. Something that customers can use to design their own figures, which can also be used by the printer software to map out the model. Wouldn't hurt to know someone who can do quality 3d art, to, to produce characters that can't be recreated by whatever character visualizers are out there (Maybe have customers send in 2D art and the inhouse 3D artist creates 3D art of the character. The client approves it and then you print it. That service, of course, would have to cost extra to pay for the 3D artist).
Tons of prospects, though, as you'd be able to create characters for all sorts of RPG's, not just fantasy games. Just look at super-hero miniatures. That's something that's never taken off because super-hero characters are all for the most part pretty unique. But people designing their own super-hero would solve that. And then there're whatever weird character combos that people come up with that you'll NEVER see made into a miniature. Like, say, a Medusa Paladin mounted on a Gorgon (I saw that in a Dragon Magazine, once). Doubt a mini of that will ever be made, but a player may end up playing that someday, or a DM may want to create such a character as an important campaign NPC. And if the model's painted, too (I've seen 3D Printers that also paint the model), with a good paint job? So much the better.
The only hindrances are, as I said, the quality of the figures. Can you make a 28mm figure which looks at least as good as the D&D Minis, preferably better, without it being to fragile? And can you do it for a relatively cheap price? How much are the materials used in their making, and is the price of that stuff relatively inexpensive in comparison to the number of figures you can make and how much you can sell them for? All questions that need to be answered. And if I worked at WotC or another game company, they're all questions I'd be asking, as I'm thinking that 3D Printers present some interesting opportunities for the miniature market.
Im sure that WOTC would be willing to lease the rights to the character generator to such a company. though that would jack up the costs of the minis as well. But yeah 3d printers do offer a lot of flexibility for this. Wish I had the capital to start said company but Im broke.
I actually have been investigating how much it'd cost to create a 3d printing business, and so far, the costs seem pretty manageable, with ONE exception. The 3d art, itself. It's about $25 per hour to commission a piece of 3d art. So yeah, even if the artist completes a piece of art to the clients specifications within three hours, you're looking at a price tag of about $100 for a 28mm figure. So my question is, how much are folks willing to pay for a custom miniature?
I actually have been investigating how much it'd cost to create a 3d printing business, and so far, the costs seem pretty manageable, with ONE exception. The 3d art, itself. It's about $25 per hour to commission a piece of 3d art. So yeah, even if the artist completes a piece of art to the clients specifications within three hours, you're looking at a price tag of about $100 for a 28mm figure. So my question is, how much are folks willing to pay for a custom miniature?
I have thought about this business idea too and IMO it all comes down to getting a software whith which the customer makes his own character, otherwise it's too expensive.
So you would need to bear the cost for the developement of a 3D modeling software, which also needs to be easy to use for your customers. Then just distribute it freely so the customers design their own models and just mail you the file to print it.
It would also need to have restrictions like that characters can only be saved on your servers, otherwise other companies will certainly benefit from the software your company paid for.
But yeah, a character visualizer type program would seem to be a prerequisite, if you want the majority of your business to be customized models for your customers. Hmm. I wonder how much it'd cost to commission a program like that? I've already got the 3d printing costs down. Now where to look to find out about that?
www.shapeways.com already does this in a sense and you have top upload your own files.
http://www.blender.org/
http://www.ualberta.ca/AICT/3DPRINTER/
I have no idea what the cost would be for something like that, but there you are.
If you taught yourself to use Blender, you could probably do it On The Cheap. Find a hobby shop with Warhammer players, and offer to buy someone a pack of minis or something if they would paint your figurines.
Better yet, offer to make them a custom mini or two if they paint your figurines.
:D
So this leads me to believe that they are looking into the posabilities of this to work in conjunction with their character visualizer.