Iconic Heroes Set #1 Final Photos!

Friday, November 21, 2014

It's a rainy Friday here in Washington state, but my spirits are high above the darkened clouds thanks to a very special package that arrived from our partners at WizKids this week. The simple cardboard box contained a single "final" version of Pathfinder Battles Iconic Heroes Set #1, the first in a series of monthly non-random iconic character sets that hit stores in January 2015.

The Iconic Heroes sets are a response to fan demand for several different products.

  1. Customers always—always—want nonrandom prepainted figures. The expense and nature of the prepainted plastic figure business usually precludes this, but the strong popularity of our iconic characters pushed WizKids over the line in wanting to give it a try.
  2. Players of the popular Pathfinder Adventure Card Game have long been asking for an easy way to collect iconic character figures for use as pawns in the card game.
  3. Many of the iconic heroes released in previous Pathfinder Battles sets are sold out and starting to fetch crazy prices on the secondary market. I just noticed that someone paid more than $40 for a single Amiri figure, which is absolutely nuts. Gamers want a way to get our cool iconic heroes at an affordable price.

So, in January, we'll begin releasing six-figure Iconic Heroes sets to address all of the above requests. Even better, each set include six unique Pathfinder Adventure Card Game cards that won't be available anywhere else, each associated with one of the characters featured in the set.

WizKids promised "premium quality" sculpts and paint application for the Iconic Heroes sets, which are also the first to benefit from the new digital sculpting process we're now using across the entire Pathfinder Battles line. Here at Paizo, we took those words to heart, and did everything we could over successive rounds of approvals to make these the most detailed, gorgeous prepainted versions of these figures ever made. I think all of us also had some ambitions to raise the bar across the board with prepainted miniatures. With the right reference art, approval team, and with concerted effort from everyone at WizKids, we knew the stars could be right for a paradigm-shifting series of figures.

I am pleased to report, my friends, that it appears that everything has gone right with Pathfinder Battles Iconic Heroes Set #1, which I now hold in my hands. I'm currently comparing several of the figures to previously released versions of the same character for previous Pathfinder Battles sets. In all cases the new version is not just superior, but plainly superior. And we're talking about some of the better figures we've produced to date!

I couldn't be happier with the way these figures turned out. It is my strongest hope that you guys will buy enough of them that WizKids considers the experiment a success and slates several new releases in this format above and beyond the already-announced characters. Because, really, at this stage I think we've done everything we can to make sure the product stands tall. It's all down to sales.

But enough of my talking, let's let the miniatures speak for themselves!

Here we have Valeros, our very first iconic character who appeared on the cover of Pathfinder Adventure Path #1, and he also has the distinction of being the very first Pathfinder Battles figure from our initial Beginner Box Heroes set. Good old Val is still figure #1 in this new line, and I think he looks better than ever before.

Virtually everything about this new figure is an improvement over the existing version (which I also really liked). Sculpt wise, there are lots of new details, including a bedroll on Val's back, more accurate hair, and a cool new facial expression. A huge improvement all around.

Seoni the sorcerer first appeared as a rare figure in the Rise of the Runelords set, where she swiftly sold out and became one of the most popular figures we've ever released. This was due not just to the fact that Seoni has always been one of our most popular iconics, but also because WizKids delivered with a fantastic sculpt and an excellent paint job.

The new one is even better. The new sculpt is much more "three dimensional," in that her ponytails are uniquely sculpted elements (as opposed to running flat down the back of the sculpt). The same is also true of her ribbons. The main difference here is on tampo application, "stamped on" details for fine work like script and design. On Seoni these details appear on her tattoos, on the script on her ribbons, and on her girdle. Theres no way this detail will be visible in photographs, but on the new figure the amount of design detail on Seoni's girdle is INSANE. As in, so detailed my naked eye can't even fully make it out.

The old version of the girdle was flat black, with no detail. Again, a huge improvement.

Last up today is our iconic monk Sajan, who first appeared in the Legends of Golarion set. Again, as an iconic character, the original Sajan figure looked pretty good in the first place. There were some complaints that the ties for his sleeves drooped down over his chest, making it look a bit like a bra, but other than that, he has a cool pose and looks very much like the art that inspired him.

It won't surprise you to learn that I think the new figure is better. Much better. The pose is far more three-dimensional, and I'm pleased to report that the sleeve tie tassels are no longer an issue, and the new Sajan is bare-breasted, just like God (and Wayne Reynolds) intended.

So far, Pathfinder Battles Iconic Heroes Set #1 is 3 for 3.

Swing by next week for a look at the next three figures!

Erik Mona
Publisher

More Paizo Blog.
Tags: Iconics Miniatures Pathfinder Battles Sajan Seoni Valeros
Paizo Employee Publisher, Chief Creative Officer

In case the blog doesn't make it clear, these are actual production-run versions of these figures. As I understand it, the versions sold in stores should look very much like this.

Shadow Lodge

Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder PF Special Edition Subscriber

Hats off to Wizkids, these look exactly as advertised; crisp, clean, dynamic.

While I've always liked the iconics in the sets (well except for two perhaps)I can happily agree these look to be leagues above them, especially Sajan. I'm really waiting on Amiri, the original, much like Seoni, is a benchmark NPC in my eyes. Incredinbly well done. Given the step up these show I'm expecting to be blown away by my favourite barbarian (although I think the iconic bloodrager is closing fast). Of course that's set 2, so I will need to use my weakest personality trait - patience! Curse you slow moving time! I can not wait for these to hit the shelves!


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If those photos are what they will actually look like in hand, I'm going to have to buy a set. Too good to pass up.

Dark Archive

These Minis really look great and i will buy all 6 of the sets but...

i would like to know if there are plans to bring out other huge minis or evolution packs or something else.

While the only HUGE Mini two-pack looks pretty good, the monsters are pretty special and in my opinion such a set would be selling much better if it would include 2 elementals or a frogemoth or somesuch.

Another idea would be to produce a series of a few HUGE minis in closed boxes (like in the Rise of the Runelords set), with miniatures that would be useful even if you get 2 or 3 of the same.

I understand that it is too early to show fotos of the next set or even announce one.

Thank you for your great work, i buy almost everything from Pathfinder but i find the weekly mini preview to be one of the most interesting articles.

Paizo Employee Publisher, Chief Creative Officer

We've been focusing on things other than Huges recently, but I'll see what I can do to work it back into the conversation.

Grand Lodge

They look great so far!


If these hit the stores in January, when can I add the subscription to my shopping cart?

Dark Archive

Thank you for trying ( to bring up HUGE minis again)Erik!

I understand that Wizkids is reluctant to try another run at this because sales were not up to expectations.

Could you maybe start a poll about which HUGE mini people would buy and present Wizkids with the numbers?

Thank you anyway. :-)

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure, Maps, Starfinder Accessories, Starfinder Maps, Starfinder Society Subscriber

I am sure is has already been answered but I don't see it. Are these iconic sets going to be included in a subscription or do we need to order them separately?


Terek wrote:
I am sure is has already been answered but I don't see it. Are these iconic sets going to be included in a subscription or do we need to order them separately?

It's been requested but not answered as far as I can remember.


No separate subscription, but subscribers to the minis and/or card game get their subscription discount, iirc. Will try to find the post.

Sczarni

Terek wrote:
I am sure is has already been answered but I don't see it. Are these iconic sets going to be included in a subscription or do we need to order them separately?

I'm pretty sure it's mentioned on the product page

Edit i was close


That was it. :)

Paizo Employee

Those look really, really damn good. If they look anywhere near as good in hand, I'll be splurging on these.

Cheers!
Landon

Grand Lodge

I am soooo buying these.

Grand Lodge

when will the announcement on 3 be? I'll do a single pre-order for all 3.

Dark Archive

Looking great; I hope these will be available ASAP in Scandina... Cheliax! :)

Grand Lodge

I have all these character in miniature. Why would I want another? Answer: Because these are much better than the miniatures you have now. Enough said!

Grand Lodge

Want.

RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16

Quote:
Customers always—always—want nonrandom prepainted figures.

For iconics? Of course! It should come natural that the first mini a player reaches for when they don't have a unique one for their character is their class's iconic. Isn't that kind of the purpose behind iconics in the first place? Kind of hard to do that when figures are randomized and cost over $20 on the secondary market. Seeing the initiative to end this problem come to fruition with quality works like this bring much excitement to me. I can see this as a product people will buy multiples of. I can't wait see the coming weeks.

Until then.

Cyrad looks at all of the sold out Seltyiels priced at $30 and sulks.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook Subscriber

Between these sets, and the original iconic releases, plus the ones from bones, I'm almost ready to launch my clone army of iconics.

Seriously though, these are some great production proofs, and the two most recent in Lost Coast are also showing great improvement.

Liberty's Edge

Finally I can get a Seoni with her ponytail. My original one has been missing since I got it and WizKids' "send it to us and we might send you the same mini back" replacement policy does not inspire confidence.


Sulaco, I had six broken piece from a Shattered Star case purchase. It took a bit of time and two seperate shipments, but Wizkids eventually made good on replacement, piece for piece. I know the wording is a bit scary, but I really do think the try to make things right.

Shadow Lodge

Erik Mona wrote:

We've been focusing on things other than Huges recently, but I'll see what I can do to work it back into the conversation.

Huges are nice, to be sure.

An observation from my local area where we always do a "sealed box draft" with new mini sets was the thought of maybe just releasing a set with only small/medium minis?

Several of us who GM, after finding that our box had many many many duplicates of two of the larges but not a lot of diversity otherwise, realized that our boxes of minis "at home" were "largely" populated with large minis, so much so that the last ~16 minis selected in our draft were all larges.

Aside from the new iconic sets (which look *amazing* by the by!), is there a chance of maybe having a future release go with only smalls and mediums, perhaps?

Grand Lodge

My bones will stay with my minis. These? These will go with the PF adventure CG.

Seriously, hurry and announce set 3, want top prebook all 3 sets.

Grand Lodge RPG Superstar 2014 Top 4, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Yes, yes, yes. Must buy them all... :)


Save me a set, eh? :)


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

Actually I like that you include Large miniatures. If it were up to me, you'd have even more of the Large-sized pieces. If the setup you have now is working for you, I suggest sticking with it.

The ONLY way I could imagine ever purchasing a Small/Medium miniature case is one of the following:
1. It was a race- and/or class-heavy set. For example, a set of different humans, dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, and half-orcs. Perhaps a set promoting the great art from NPC Codex, or the like. Having said that, I think keeping Large miniatures in such a case would still be wise, as it would allow you to include things like mounts and other large-sized miniatures tough to come by in regular sets.

While I like this idea, I'm not sure it's viable. Cutting out the subset of collectors/DM's that prefer monsters would likely prove disastrous.

2. If you obtained the license to produce a line of miniatures based on another company's popular brand. For example, if you obtained the rights to produce a line of miniatures based on Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. It would likely sell well among WOT fans, but also appeal to those who like having plenty of options available for Human PC/NPC's. Outside of mounts, beasts and the Ogier, everything else in that world tends to be small or medium.

Dark Archive

Off topic I know but please please give us a crack at the con figures for this year. I was hoping to buy some for Christmas gifts to fellow collectors.


It seems like all we've gotten for a while are previews of stuff we've already known about. I kind of think it's caused my excitement to wind down. I felt that coming on in the past as well, those few weeks I would look forward to a preview and not find one. Promotion is important. It stirs up excitement, which causes people to buy a product. I use to be on it man, right here every Friday, anxious to see whats coming next. But now it's Tuesday night and I just realized that I never looked to see last weeks preview.


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jimibones83 wrote:
It seems like all we've gotten for a while are previews of stuff we've already known about. I kind of think it's caused my excitement to wind down. I felt that coming on in the past as well, those few weeks I would look forward to a preview and not find one. Promotion is important. It stirs up excitement, which causes people to buy a product. I use to be on it man, right here every Friday, anxious to see whats coming next. But now it's Tuesday night and I just realized that I never looked to see last weeks preview.

Funny, I was just thinking the opposite today. I really don't want too many more previews until they get the last set shipped and in my hand. I really don't want to be working myself up over the "next set" when I have not even had a chance to savor the set I am still waiting on.

Once again, I am reminded how much fun the different points of view bring to the forum.

Paizo Employee Publisher, Chief Creative Officer

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There will be a lot of new stuff very shortly.


danielc wrote:
Funny, I was just thinking the opposite today

Someone always does.


All I know is, I was traveling all day today (Friday), wondering if there was a new preview of the next set's minis, and looking forward to it, only to get home at midnight and find nothing new :(
Hoping that soon we find out what the next set will be (my bet: something Kingmaker/River Kingdoms related -- well, maybe my hope?) and also get word that the promo minis are getting released LIKE NOW!!!


And on second reading, that last post sounds whiny. (Note to myself: don't post to forum boards when you've been traveling all day.) And of course it's Thanksgiving weekend, and Erik probably has more important things to do than tend to our minis obsession.
So on a happier note, let me say that I've seen a fair number of the new Lost Coast minis in hand, and I'm very happy with them! In a total of 17 boosters I've opened so far, only one mini (a Small Air Elemental) was damaged, and it was an easy fix. I haven't noticed any paint disasters, though humanoids still seem to be at the low end of the painters' scale of execution. I'm a specially big fan of the Hill Giant, the Troll, and the Boggards, both of which are a lot of fun.
There's still some minis I haven't landed yet, and speaking of which, I pulled a couple of extra Lamashtus, so if anyone is looking for a trade, drop me a PM. (Is there a website out there now that serves the purpose that Maxminis used to as a trading center? It would be useful to have that sort of site around again.)

Grand Lodge

I can't wait to get my hands on these new minis. I was glad to see Paizo and WizKids got together to produce them. Planning on buying each Iconic set. Thanks Paizo and WizKids.

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