Pathfinder Battles Preview: Ice, Ice Baby!

Friday, January 31, 2014

As we here in Seattle gear up for what we hope (and expect) will be a fantastic Super Bowl victory for our heroes on the Seattle Seahawks this weekend, the weather has taken a slight turn for the better. It's a bit difficult to believe, but I can actually see sunlight outside my office. But all it takes is another cold day, and we'll be back into the dreariness of winter in Washington state, where the line between rain-slicked highways and icy death-slides is only a few cold degrees.

To celebrate the cold (and all of the icy driving this week from Southerners in non-Super Bowl states), I thought I'd focus today's preview blog on a substance near and dear to the Reign of Winter Adventure Path: ICE.

Today's miniatures all come from the Reign of Winter set of Pathfinder Battles prepainted plastic gaming figures, which is scheduled for a May release.

This is the somewhat serpentine Small Ice Elemental, whose statistics appear on page 114 of Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 2. The figure is cast in clear blue plastic, with some light blue and white highlights to create a sort of "ice armor" affect along the body. The Small Ice Elemental is a Small, common creature.

This Ice Golem is a humanoid automaton created from ice and given life through alchemical science. The creature's statistics appear on page 161 of the Pathfinder RPG Bestiary, where he comes in at CR 5, making him one of the more survivable golem encounters in the book. The figure stands about 7 feet tall (relatively speaking), and is cast in clear plastic. This Medium creature is slated at the uncommon rarity.

Ice Trolls are somewhat smaller than normal trolls, but they possess greater intelligence and are just as voraciously hungry. This Male Ice Troll looks like he stepped right off page 271 of Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 2. He's a little bit shorter than the Sea Troll from Skull & Shackles set. This Large figure is slated at the uncommon variety.

Every ice troll deserves a mate, so we decided to mix things up a bit in this set and provide just that. This Female Ice Troll is an amazing-looking figure, definitely one of my favorite trolls we've done to date. Interestingly, while compiling art reference for this figure we discovered that the artist had originally given her sort of claw-like toes in the originally published image, whereas the official ice troll from the Bestiary had more-or-less regular toes. So we changed her feet to match his, and I'm thinking it's that certain something special that will make sure the two of them get along famously. They'll probably want to eat your PCs alive, though, so please do be careful around them.

And that's it for this week! Come back in seven days for more exciting Reign of Winter previews! In the meantime, please consider setting up an ongoing Pathfinder Battles Case Subscription to make sure you don't miss a single figure!

Until next week, I remain,

Erik Mona
Publisher

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Tags: Miniatures Pathfinder Battles Reign of Winter
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The ice troll couple is very awesome!

Dark Archive Contributor

Love the trolls. While I like translucent figures, I like them even better when they come with some painted elements that give them a high contrast.


Female troll! I'd really like to see paired couplings like that become the norm. A female ogre, for instance, would be great news. (Though I don't expect one in this set, of course :-)


Loving the female Ice troll, I think I will call her Olga for now. The only thing that will fear her more than the PCs is her own husband. I do believe that she is the first Trollop in a PPM ever though.

Dark Archive Contributor

Cleanthes wrote:
Female troll! I'd really like to see paired couplings like that become the norm. A female ogre, for instance, would be great news. (Though I don't expect one in this set, of course :-)

Agreed. Male and female versions of popular humanoid monsters would be most welcome. (Non-humanoid, too, I guess, when the difference is apparent and interesting. I don't really need unicorns with and without wangs.)


Dave Gross wrote:
Cleanthes wrote:
Female troll! I'd really like to see paired couplings like that become the norm. A female ogre, for instance, would be great news. (Though I don't expect one in this set, of course :-)

Agreed. Male and female versions of popular humanoid monsters would be most welcome. (Non-humanoid, too, I guess, when the difference is apparent and interesting. I don't really need unicorns with and without wangs.)

But I'm sure the Unicorns do :)

Paizo Employee Publisher, Chief Creative Officer

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As far as this and upcoming sets are concerned…

More female monstrous humanoids: CHECK

More male PC-proxy types: CHECK

Shadow Lodge

Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder PF Special Edition Subscriber

I can't begin to articulate how fantastic having the matched male and female troll is. Something I've wanted for a long time, and hearing more are on the way only makes me so much happier that I've subscribed to the line. Here's hoping we get female giants to much the males in the last few sets, and maybe a male storm giant? :)


Erik Mona wrote:

As far as this and upcoming sets are concerned…

More female monstrous humanoids: CHECK

More male PC-proxy types: CHECK

You just made my day! Thank you!

This set is turning from a "I hope there is something in it for me" , into a "must set aside budget for a full case" scenario.

Since I'm not into demons and high level games, I will probably be buying only a few singles from the Wrath of the Righteous.

But Reign of Winter seems to have more what I like both as a player and GM. Cold climates, northern barbarians, viking-types, trolls, etc...

Very happy with all four reveals.

I was going to use water elementals as proxy for both Ice Elementals and golems, but these two are so (pardon the cheap pun) cool! I can almost hear the ice cracking while looking at them.
Great idea to have both a male and female version of humanoid monsters. These are my favorite trolls from Pathfinder Battles so far.
Wow!


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Erik Mona wrote:

As far as this and upcoming sets are concerned…

More female monstrous humanoids: CHECK

More male PC-proxy types: CHECK

This is very good news! Now, just stay on WizKids about the paint jobs on PC types' faces!

This is another fantastic preview! The male/female trolls are must haves!


Erik, is the Female Ice Troll also slated to be an uncommon?

Paizo Employee Publisher, Chief Creative Officer

Yes!


Pathfinder Adventure Path, PF Special Edition Subscriber

Good sculpt of Amagarra :)

And one can always use more elementals and golems :D

*continues to hope for different fey sculpts*

Grand Lodge

Chiming in with a "thumbs up" on the female Ice Troll. She is fantastic. Looking forward to this next set. I just hope I have better luck with the next case with far fewer broken miniatures.

Contributor

Wow. Love the Ice Golem and the Ice Elemental. Crossing my fingers and hoping that we get bigger ice elementals as well.


It says that the ice trolls are smaller than normal trolls but only slightly smaller than the sea troll. This doesn't make sense to me. The normal trolls I have from the heroes and monsters set are nearly medium sized. I'm very pleased to see a female version of a monster though. More of this please. A stone giant I can use as cona the wise would be wonderful as well


I like all four. Make that all ten revealed so far. This is shaping up to be a fantastic set.

Paizo Employee Publisher, Chief Creative Officer

Jimi: The Heroes & Monsters Troll came out way too small, and is probably best used as a troll whelp or something. We have yet to do a "staight" troll at what we believe to be the correct size, though this will be remedied soon enough.

Silver Crusade

Erik Mona wrote:

As far as this and upcoming sets are concerned…

More female monstrous humanoids: CHECK

More male PC-proxy types: CHECK

Awesome!

You know what would also be awesome? Enlarged versions of some of the iconics, in particular, Amiri, Seelah, Valeros, Seltyiel, Alain, and Harsk.

Paizo Employee Publisher, Chief Creative Officer

I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else thinks that's a good idea. I have rather a lot of Large monsters I'd prefer to do sooner, personally.

Contributor

6 people marked this as a favorite.
Erik Mona wrote:
I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else thinks that's a good idea. I have rather a lot of Large monsters I'd prefer to do sooner, personally.

Honestly, no. That's an extremely niche product that would only see play under extraordinarily specific circumstances.

What I do think is a good idea, however, is some kind of special token or marker that allows you to slide a Medium base into a Large base to represent a size increase. Something like the old Torch Markers or Flight Markers, for example.


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
Erik Mona wrote:
I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else thinks that's a good idea. I have rather a lot of Large monsters I'd prefer to do sooner, personally.

I agree with Alexander on both statements. The idea of enlarged icons-presumably for the Enlarge Person spell or other such effects-is very niche. I'm now running several campaigns, and in only one of them is a player using an iconic piece as their pc's miniature. Thus, even if you did produce these, I'm not entirely positive I'd be purchasing any at all.

I do think the idea of size enlargement bases holds merit. That would allow us to customize which pc's are "enlarged". It would even give us added flexibility to use with creatures, thus representing the "Animal Growth" spell and other such effects. Personally, that spell has seen much more use in my campaigns than Enlarge Person.

I would rather all those Large-sized monster miniatures see the light of day before any enlarged iconics. And financially speaking, I'm much more likely to purchase multiple monsters.


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I'd like to see the size increase bases too, but if you do it please make sure they'll stay on when pick them up to move them if you do.


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Pigraven wrote:
Erik Mona wrote:
I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else thinks that's a good idea. I have rather a lot of Large monsters I'd prefer to do sooner, personally.

I agree with Alexander on both statements. The idea of enlarged icons-presumably for the Enlarge Person spell or other such effects-is very niche. I'm now running several campaigns, and in only one of them is a player using an iconic piece as their pc's miniature. Thus, even if you did produce these, I'm not entirely positive I'd be purchasing any at all.

I do think the idea of size enlargement bases holds merit. That would allow us to customize which pc's are "enlarged". It would even give us added flexibility to use with creatures, thus representing the "Animal Growth" spell and other such effects. Personally, that spell has seen much more use in my campaigns than Enlarge Person.

I would rather all those Large-sized monster miniatures see the light of day before any enlarged iconics. And financially speaking, I'm much more likely to purchase multiple monsters.

+1 on "NO enlarged Iconics for me".


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Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

Thank you, Erik, for answering all my questions in the last update. It was wonderful of you to give some insight into the selection and production processes.

One suggestion I have is in regards to any potential miniature that you may wish to make but first would rather have updated or improved artwork to follow. Perhaps you might consider a contest to allow board members to submit art that could be used as the new template for the miniature? While you wouldn't necessarily be obligated to use any of the illustrations should none meet your expectations, perhaps you'll get lucky and find one that does. I know that not everyone would be able to take part in this contest-I for one struggle with stick figures-but there are likely those here with excellent artistic abilities.

My second suggestion, and one that I think could include everyone, also relates to future miniature lines. I noticed in the last update thread that many people are hoping for another Legends of Golarian line. I, too, would like to see one at some point. Perhaps if you do go that route, you could hold a poll and allow us to vote on a couple of the creatures to include in the line. For example, after you've made 52 choices on your own, you could take your ten favorite possibilities and list them in a poll. After voting ends, you could take the top three choices from the poll to fill out the rest of the line. Obviously the specifics can change, but it might be fun for the board to have a direct hand in a future line.


Pathfinder Adventure Path, PF Special Edition Subscriber

+1 on NOT doing enlarged iconics. Like others have mentioned, it's rare for my gaming friends to even use the iconic figures for their characters.

I would also like to see another LoG type set. We have sets for the last 4 APs, and could use some to fill in the gap for some older APs that LoG didn't cover. That way you can do a Gargantuan Red dragon as the incentive :P


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

As far as the posted minis go, I love all four in this post. I'm thrilled to be getting male and female versions of such popular monsters. I'm even more excited to know more will be coming. When I was putting together a guess list of what might be included, I couldn't choose between the male ice troll and the female ice troll. I like both versions, but the illustration of the female is, in my opinion, one of the top ten illustrations in the entire Adventure Path. It's great to know that it can sometimes be both, not just one or the other.

I'm equally excited for both the small ice elemental and the ice golem. I'm a major fan of elementals, so I won't be disappointed if we receive a medium and large in this set (or somewhere else down the line). I'm also a big golem fan, and I'm hoping to eventually see one of each kind before all is said and done.

Allow me to throw in my +1 for Fey creatures. I realize there isn't as much variation in the group as there tends to be in other groups. After all, most fey tend to be attractive females, with varying degrees of nudity. However, I believe Reign of Winter offers a pretty good variety of Fey to choose from. I'm hoping at least one or two made it into the set. If not, well, consider me hopeful for the next set.

I'm also happy to see you plan to throw in some plant creatures in future sets. I believe there were only eight or nine plant creatures in the entire D&D PPM line, easily making it the smallest represented group of creatures.


Offhand, the only mini I can think of that I'd like to see in both normal and enlarged sizes is the spriggan, since that's kind of essential to what the spriggan can do. (The Large Duergar that DDM did was kind of essential for the same reason.)


I would like some sort of middle ground for large sized PC minis. While a set of iconics wouldn't be that useful (enlarged Seoni or Ezren?), the fact remains that i continually use the same minis over and over whenever someone enlarges themselves (Aspect of Kord and Aspect of Moradin from DDM, and sometimes the Sand Giant), so a little variety would be great. Furthermore, large sized humanoid female miniatures are such a rarity I can't think of a single one that isn't monstrous in some way, so having a proxy would be great.
...This is what makes the Female Ice Troll so refreshingly awesome and why I was a little disappointed that there is no Dorella Kreeg or Mammy Graul for the Runelords set. Please bring gender equality to your large sized miniature ratio!

Since I can't help myself, third time's the charm: Eric, will this set have modern pieces like Russian Soldiers and Tanks?


I guess I am in the minority then. I, like The Fox, would actually like to see Enlarged versions of the Iconics - Specifically Harsk, Imrijka, Valeros, Seoni, Sajan, Heavy Metal Rock Icon Magus (his name escapes me), Balazar, Lem, and Lini. Although it is a niche piece, it is also a situation that comes up pretty frequently in games out my way.

Liberty's Edge

I was fairly critical of the last few Pathfinder Battles sets. I am finally getting around to opening my Wrath of the Righteous minis. I have to say I am much happier with the changes made between LoG and WotR. This includes the Red dragon evolution which is much nicer then then white dragon box. Additionally, the detail on minis like Areelu Vorlesh is excellent (bracelets and ankle gear, and eyes). I still think a few of these are short of the quality in Rise of the rune lords and shattered star, but they are well painted enough for me to continue to buy them. Thanks for the changes.

Liberty's Edge

Oh, and I agree with everyone who likes the troll couple. It is nice to have a female mini that is not a winged demon. The reign of winter minis shown so far have been exciting to see.


For me, the idea of using up slots for enlarged versions of the Iconics seems rather pointless. There are so many other figures that we need to see I would not want to see those slots wasted on figures I would never ever use.

Now as to the base/marker to reflect that a med figure has been enlarged, well that I would buy. Our PC/NPCs who have used that ability/spell could use the marker.


For people looking for a way to show enlargement, Both Dungeon Crawler minis and Reaper minis had blank bases of various sizes as part of their recent Kickstarters. I myself intend to get a little piece of putty, stick it on the base of the smaller mini, and stick it to a larger base. Voila! Instantly enlarged mini. And that will work for larger sizes too, like the giant Huge-sized versions of normally Large-sized minis.


I'm not for enlarged Iconics. It's too niche a miniature to take up a slot in a 54 miniature release. Placing a mini on a large base, as others have pointed out, will serve the purpose.

Paizo Employee Publisher, Chief Creative Officer

Alexander Augunas wrote:
Erik Mona wrote:
I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else thinks that's a good idea. I have rather a lot of Large monsters I'd prefer to do sooner, personally.

Honestly, no. That's an extremely niche product that would only see play under extraordinarily specific circumstances.

What I do think is a good idea, however, is some kind of special token or marker that allows you to slide a Medium base into a Large base to represent a size increase. Something like the old Torch Markers or Flight Markers, for example.

Huh. That is a very interesting idea.

Paizo Employee Publisher, Chief Creative Officer

Mammy Graul and (to a somewhat lesser degree) have the problem that their illustrations do not lend themselves well to miniatures reference. I'd need to have them redrawn for sure.


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

For those looking for the perfect pc miniature, I'd suggest getting a custom made medium or large sized miniature made. It will cost you upwards of $20.00 per medium miniature, but it can be crafted exactly the way you design it, and with amazing precision. Sure, you won't be able to get enlarged Pathfinder iconics this way, but you can get a large or huge version of the medium character you specifically design for your character.

This market itself will be somewhat niche, especially with the high cost. But the beauty of it is that I can design and purchase custom made miniatures representing characters of mine that have been around (out of game) for nearly twenty years. I play in and run enough campaigns that I definitely won't be making a custom made miniature for each of them. But for my special campaigns, the ones with my favorite groups, I will definitely be looking for some customized figures. The downside, of course, is that I have to paint them myself. (Well in my case, I'll probably pay real artists to paint them).

This should help scratch the itch for anyone that has ever wanted a quality, custom made miniature while also allowing people to obtain larger versions of said design to represent certain spells or effects. It should also allow Paizo to continue focusing on creatures and characters that aren't so niche, and thus have more appeal as multiples.


Pathfinder Adventure Path, PF Special Edition Subscriber
Erik Mona wrote:
Mammy Graul and (to a somewhat lesser degree) have the problem that their illustrations do not lend themselves well to miniatures reference. I'd need to have them redrawn for sure.

Going back and looking at the art, I can totally see why that would be.

I'm assuming you guys intentionally make sure the art in current APs is more conducive to the creation of minis?


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Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

There seems to be some demand for PC/NPC humanoid miniatures. I was just using the NPC Codex for a quick-grab for an encounter I'm setting up, and it occurred to me that a series based off the book might be of interest. As I leaf through the pages, most of this art is fantastic, and it covers a wide range of characters. There are the core PC's, Prestige Classes, and plenty of NPCs to choose from. Combined with all the options from the NPC Gallery in the GM's Guide, there appears to be plenty of great options.

I wonder if there would be enough interest to support an all-humanoid, mostly NPC line?


Erik Mona wrote:
Alexander Augunas wrote:
Erik Mona wrote:
I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else thinks that's a good idea. I have rather a lot of Large monsters I'd prefer to do sooner, personally.

Honestly, no. That's an extremely niche product that would only see play under extraordinarily specific circumstances.

What I do think is a good idea, however, is some kind of special token or marker that allows you to slide a Medium base into a Large base to represent a size increase. Something like the old Torch Markers or Flight Markers, for example.

Huh. That is a very interesting idea.

My groups incorporate Lego into our games. As it happens, three "bumps" is one inch long. I have a whole bunch of different Lego bits in a box and we use that to build an environment on the battlemat, instead of dry-erase markers.

I use 6x1 bits like this for 10ft of wall. Lots of those, and lots of 3x1 bits plus some other shapes and you can make really nice walls and doors and stuff. They're short enough that you can see the minis over the walls but it adds a nice sense of 3D to the battle.

We do everthing including trees and horses this way.

I bring this up because we have a few 6x6 x 1/3rd plates. Like these. Stick a mini somewhere on top and poof... you're Large.

For reference sake, a 6x4 x 1/3rd plate works great as a horse.


I agree, too many poses of a single iconic would be a waste in a set. But if I was a player playing an iconic, I'd love to be able to get that iconic with several different weapons drawn, invisible (clear), mounted, enlarged, shrunk, and flying would be excellent.

I fear the DDM players Handbook series didn't fair well, but then they weren't selling iconics either.

Shadow Lodge

Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder PF Special Edition Subscriber
Alexander Augunas wrote:
Erik Mona wrote:
I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else thinks that's a good idea. I have rather a lot of Large monsters I'd prefer to do sooner, personally.

Honestly, no. That's an extremely niche product that would only see play under extraordinarily specific circumstances.

What I do think is a good idea, however, is some kind of special token or marker that allows you to slide a Medium base into a Large base to represent a size increase. Something like the old Torch Markers or Flight Markers, for example.

Many online companies will sell custom Acrylic discs that suit this purpose. I had some made, for example, that are a 2" disc with a 1" hole in the centre where you can slot in a medium mini in order to give it a large base. The acrylic is same thickness as the mini bases. I know I could also get some made that are 3" discs with a 1" or 2" hole to allow you to enlarge medium to large creatures to huge, haven't got round to it yet.


If people really need a PC in standard and enlarged (and mounted) versions, there is always this option

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/heroforge/customizable-3d-printed-tabl etop-miniatures

That said, if Enlarged Iconics aren't on the menu, please don't do a "enlarged base" for mediums. It's a tacky hack, at best.


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
Leo_Negri wrote:

If people really need a PC in standard and enlarged (and mounted) versions, there is always this option

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/heroforge/customizable-3d-printed-tabl etop-miniatures

That said, if Enlarged Iconics aren't on the menu, please don't do a "enlarged base" for mediums. It's a tacky hack, at best.

That's the group I was talking about; Those minis look awesome, but expensive.

I completely disagree with the assessment that enlarged bases are a tacky hack. It's more practical than crafting enlarged versions of the iconics, and wouldn't be taking up precious large slots in a given 55-figure set. In addition, they would provide more versatility due to their interchangeable nature. While putting a large base on a medium miniature might not be as visually pleasing to the eye, the fact that I can take that base off one piece and add it to another piece allows me to account for size changes from multiple spells or similar effects.

It shouldn't matter whether or not they make enlarged bases. The bases would presumably be completely separate from a Battles line, available for purchase in small packs of four or eight (for example). You would be under no obligation to purchase or use them.

The reason I can't countenance making enlarged versions of the iconics is not because I wouldn't buy them, but that I can infer from Erik's comment that doing so would take up a slot of what would normally be a large creature in an already established set. If asked to choose, I'd much rather purchase one (or more) creature from the Bestiaries or Adventure Paths for my players to battle against than an enlarged version of their own miniature. Even if Erik considered it for another line, such as the Evolutions line, there are just too many creatures I'd prefer seeing first (I.E. All the chromatic dragons, metallic dragons, etc.).

That being said, if Erik instead decides to do a limited run of enlarged iconics completely separate from the already established lines, then I would seriously have to consider purchasing the set. For example, if he did a limited 15-figure Enlarged Iconic set available through kickstarter or only through the Paizo website, I'd probably have to make the purchase.


Pigraven wrote:
Leo_Negri wrote:

If people really need a PC in standard and enlarged (and mounted) versions, there is always this option

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/heroforge/customizable-3d-printed-tabl etop-miniatures

That said, if Enlarged Iconics aren't on the menu, please don't do a "enlarged base" for mediums. It's a tacky hack, at best.

>>snipped for space

It shouldn't matter whether or not they make enlarged bases. The bases would presumably be completely separate from a Battles line, available for purchase in small packs of four or eight (for example). You would be under no obligation to purchase or use them.

The reason I can't countenance making enlarged versions of the iconics is not because I wouldn't buy them, but that I can infer from Erik's comment that doing so would take up a slot of what would normally be a large creature in an already established set. If asked to choose, I'd much rather purchase one (or more) creature from the Bestiaries or Adventure Paths for my players to battle against than an enlarged version of their own miniature. Even if Erik considered it for another line, such as the Evolutions line, there are just too many creatures I'd prefer seeing first (I.E. All the chromatic dragons, metallic dragons, etc.).

That being said, if Erik instead decides to do a limited run of enlarged iconics completely separate from the...

And if the bases were not a portion of the Battles line as was implied, I would have no issue with them; they would work as an effective stop-gap measure, and would be fine for in game use. I know I can't be the only person who does diorama work with PPM's though, for which enlarged versions of the Iconics, Duergar, Spriggans, etc. would be a necessity. I can see your perspective on not wanting one to take up a slot that could be otherwise filled by a critter. However a set being released in the Evolutions line would not be a bad fit at all. IMHO (and I am well aware I am in the minority here) if ANY more dragons are to be done (as anything other than a case incentive) then I would be happy as all get out if NONE of them were Chromatics or Metallics.


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
Leo_Negri wrote:
Pigraven wrote:
Leo_Negri wrote:

If people really need a PC in standard and enlarged (and mounted) versions, there is always this option

>>saving more space

And if the bases were not a portion of the Battles line as was implied, I would have no issue with them; they would work as an effective stop-gap measure, and would be fine for in game use. I know I can't be the only person who does diorama work with PPM's though, for which enlarged versions of the Iconics, Duergar, Spriggans, etc. would be a necessity. I can see your perspective on not wanting one to take up a slot that could be otherwise filled by a critter. However a set being released in the Evolutions line would not be a bad fit at all. IMHO (and I am well aware I am in the...

I wasn't aware that it was implied the bases be a part of (I.E. included in) the Battles line. I assumed it was more natural to see them as a complimentary piece one could buy, if they wanted to do so. A good example would be those clear plastic cutouts that represent invisible PCs; they were a complete and separate purchase/package than any regular miniature.

As for diorama work, while that actually sounds interesting, it also sounds even more niche. I can definitely see the merit for them on those grounds and how they could be a necessity. Still, if I had my druthers, I'd definitely prefer not to give away a spot in the already established Battles line.

I could understand not wanting all the dragons, especially with the waiting period between Evolution series. But looking through the old DDM lines, it doesn't seem like there were metallics made for all sizes. As both a completist and one who was drawn to this type of gaming in part because dragons are amazing, it seems almost criminal not to have made more back then. And the Evolutions series just seems a good place to me to get in three of each dragon. That way they wouldn't necessarily need to include any in future 55-piece Battles lines, thus opening up even more slots for other creatures. Besides, even if they do take a break with the dragons for a bit, I'd rather see the series focus on other creatures, like Elementals.

I still believe that the best way to do enlarged Iconics would be a one & done deal. By making a special limited-run set available only through the Paizo website, you could get all the iconics at once. That way people who use them for diorama work wouldn't have to sit on their hands for the next couple years while waiting for the right piece. Likewise, those who would use them primarily for gameplay wouldn't have to worry about waiting several years for their character to finally see the light of day. A limited run and/or the exclusivity of being sold only through this website might help Paizo more efficiently determine their demand while at the same time providing a small boon in sales to other items. (After all, if you buy one thing, you'll be more tempted to throw in something else). Perhaps these miniatures could be available as a set, or individually (at a higher cost per miniature).


Pigraven wrote:


>>SNIPPED for Space

I could understand not wanting all the dragons, especially with the waiting period between Evolution series. But looking through the old DDM lines, it doesn't seem like there were metallics made for all sizes. As both a completist and one who was drawn to this type of gaming in part because dragons are amazing, it seems almost criminal not to have made more back then. And the Evolutions series just seems a good place to me to get in three of each dragon. That way they wouldn't necessarily need to include any in future 55-piece Battles lines, thus , thus opening up even more slots for other creatures. Besides, even if they do take a break with the dragons for a bit, I'd rather see the series focus on other creatures, like Elementals.

I still believe that the best way to do enlarged Iconics would be a one & done deal. By making a special limited-run set available only through the Paizo website, you could get all the iconics at once. That way people who use them for diorama work wouldn't have to sit on their hands for the next couple years while waiting for the right piece. Likewise, those who would use them primarily for gameplay wouldn't have to worry about waiting several years for their character to finally see the light of day. A limited run and/or the exclusivity of being sold only through this website might help Paizo more efficiently determine their demand while at the same time providing a small boon in sales to other items. (After all, if you buy one thing, you'll be more tempted to throw in something else). Perhaps these miniatures could be available as a set, or individually (at a higher cost per miniature).

On the Iconics, a one and done set would be fine (All academic at this point I know), as I stated earlier I am well aware it is a niche product.

As for the dragons, the old DDM line didn't evrn come close on the Metallics (Large Gold, Silver, Bronze, Brass, Copper (x2), and Iron (?); Medium Gold, Brass, Copper, and (maybe) Silver), and Huge Gold) Chromatics gor a little better spread with only the Black getting neglected in a Huge slot. And then there was the Icons line - Where the Metallics (all of them), Green, (and to a lesser extent) the mighty Red got shafted by not getting a Gargantuan piece (Red did get the Collossal Plus, but as much as I enjoy it, it is definitely a Once per 2 or 3 campaign piece, if ever). Paizo and WizKids have done a bang-up job on filling these gaps on the Chromatics.

My objection is only that Asian Dragons have been part of the game for over 30 years; Linnorms for the better part of 20 years now; Plus the Primal Dragons (B3) and the Outer Dragons (B4)[Many of which would also proxy nicely for some of the odder dragons in D&D], and yet there have been only 2 non-chromatic, non-metallic dragons in the DDM line (Not counting the 2 Aspects) and neither of them was even remotely Asiatic looking [Large Shadow and Deep Dragon]. I'd merely like to see some of the rich diversity of Draconic species.

And on Elementals, Shatterd Star had both Medium and Large of the 4 classical, so an Evolutions set, just to get the 4 Huges, although nice, I expect would more than likely be cost prohibitive.


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
Leo_Negri wrote:
Pigraven wrote:


>>Demolished for more room

On the Iconics, a one and done set would be fine (All academic at this point I know), as I stated earlier I am well aware it is a niche product.

As for the dragons, the old DDM line didn't evrn come close on the Metallics (Large Gold, Silver, Bronze, Brass, Copper (x2), and Iron (?); Medium Gold, Brass, Copper, and (maybe) Silver),...

I always forget the other dragons, probably because they don't have miniatures. Usually the lack of a miniature doesn't prevent me from including a creature in my campaign. Still, with thanks to all the great dragons we do have, I often forget to go dragon hunting in the other books for more diverse options to include. Thanks for reminding me that they exist.

After a quick browse through the bestiaries, I'd love to see any of the Primal dragons, Imperial dragons or Outer dragons before the Evolutions line takes on the Metallic dragons. I do hope they finish up the Chromatic line first; I believe all we need from that line are the blue and green dragons. I'm also a fan of the Linnorms but I'm pretty sure all of them are Gargantuan or Colossal in size.

As for the Elementals, I know we've already got the four selections from the first Bestiary in medium and large, and they look great. This new small Ice elemental also looks very pleasing, and I'm hoping their medium and large versions aren't too far behind. I feel like the Huge sized versions could be done well with a Pathfinder Battles: Huge set, similar to the forthcoming Reign of Winter two-pack. They could try releasing two versions of the Elementals at the same time, one with the Huge Air & Earth miniatures, the other the Huge Fire & Water miniatures. If the sets sell well, hopefully the Huge versions found in the Bestiary 2 will also see the light of day.


Don't forget, there was also a Huge Copper in the last DDM set.
I sell a lot of minis on Ebay, and I can definitely report that, while dragons are always extremely popular and it's hard to keep them in stock, the same cannot be said about elementals. I've always been surprised and somewhat disappointed that they don't move better than they do, given how commonly they show up in adventures and how they can be used for player summons. But, there it is. (Although the larger ones do better than the smaller ones, so I assume Huge ones would probably do pretty well.)

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