Excelsior Entertainment Forums
Chronopia => Open Discussion => Topic started by: Manic _Miner on March 11, 2010, 01:11:46 PM
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Righty oh chaps.A little help please.
What I would like to know is what type of dwarves would you like to see produced to expand the range?
This could be the chance to get some new miniatures onto the table top.
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I think some substitutes for some Wolf Clan Scout Warriors would be cool. I envision hooded dwarves with big shoulder pads armed with axes and crossbows. Something like the Firstborn Judge (one fierce looking warrior) but a dwarf. Painted differently they could also stand in as Wolf Clan "Scavengers".
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This is the sort of thing I was after.Trying to judge interest and the best possible miniatures to get done first.
I was thinking of a Dwarf weapons team with large crossbow ;).
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ooooo....exciting! In case you haven't noticed ;), I really like the Dwarven Chronopia armies. Great to hear someone thinking of sculpting some because its hard finding minis from other manufacturers that look and feel like Chronopia dwarves. Thanks for considering this and soliciting our opinions!
Personally, my top choices would probably be Bloodbone Flayers and Warhammers. I've never really thought of or seen a good proxy solution for these. Most of the already-produced Bloodbones have a shield arm sculpted right to the body, or a gauntlet hand also part of the main body. Both would be hard to convert to a 2nd claw (in the case of the Flayers) or wielding a giant war hammer (in the case of the Warhammers). Plus, even if you wanted to proxy them, you'd have to proxy an entire warband. I think the Bloodbone axe leader comes with both arms detached, so that might be a possible start for a conversion, but you'd have to track down and purchase something like 15 of them in order to round out a full warband of flayers and warhammers.
Other than that I guess I'd be looking for individuals that were not sculpted. But for the most part, I've already proxied them (Impaler, Marksman), they are easily proxied, or there are minis out there that could be used in their place. For example, the Mauler has the same general conversion issues as the other Bloodbones, but since he's and individual, making one proxy isn't that big of a deal.
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I like where this is going. :D
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Glad this is a good chioce.
Daargrim we all know you love dwarves as do me and josh.The ones you have suggested are very good possibilities to start off.
It would be very cool to get all options for them out along with a few new ones.
I have to get back in-touch with the sculptor next week to see what we will go with first.At the moment I have plans for five initial sculpts with more to follow if these go down well.The start of a unit and a couple of individual types might ba a safe bet for starters.
Any idea's on what the warhammer would look like carried by the dwarves?
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Any idea's on what the warhammer would look like carried by the dwarves?
well I am not as imaginative as others (especially on this board) but as long as it is bulky and "heavy looking" I think it would work. Something similar to the vulture mallet warriors with flat "heads" on the striking surface would work. Just a quick google search I found a few pictures that I could see being Chronopia Dwarf hammers:
http://images.elfwood.com/art/r/o/rory777/warhammer.jpg (maybe make both ends the same as the larger head)
http://www.relmisles.co.uk/OTa_Thumbs/War_Hammers/WarHammer2.gif (a little skinny but I like the design...just bulk it up a little)
http://www.wulflund.com/images_items/heavy-war-hammer_3.jpg (oooo these look like they could break some elf skulls)
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I really like the one in the third picture.I could see that being the weapon of choice for the Warhammers.
Do you think it would be best to run a poll type thig to see what people would like to see first?
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Do you think it would be best to run a poll type thig to see what people would like to see first?
I think this is your party, Manic, you do whatever you want! A poll might be interesting though.
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Looking at what we have so far I think it will be a good bet to go with Blood-Bone Flayers,Mauler,Wolf Clan Axe Warrior and Scavenger types.With five miniatures first what would you like to see first?
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Scavenger and Wolf Clan Axemen. I'm biased of course. :D
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You know, I think I might have been drinking when I was talking about the ability to proxy the Bloodbone Flayers...for some reason I was thinking they had 2 ripper claws (like the mauler) but they have just a claw and shield, just like the legion clawsmen. Makes for a fairly easy substitution. So I wouldn't rank them as high as I previously implied. I still think my top choice would be the warhammers, but I'd be interested in almost anything you offer up that I haven't proxied already (which is everything on your short list).
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Here is an update for those interested in Dwarves.My original plan and budget was for five sculpts.This has now turned into six :o.
So in the not too distant future you will see proxy models for :-
Vulture Marksman,Scavenger,Wolf Clan Axe Warriors (two warriors and a leader) and a Mauler.
Really looking forward to seeing these sculpts.Hope this helps people fill a few holes in there collection.
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Here is an update for those interested in Dwarves.My original plan and budget was for five sculpts.This has now turned into six :o.
So in the not too distant future you will see proxy models for :-
Vulture Marksman,Scavenger,Wolf Clan Axe Warriors (two warriors and a leader) and a Mauler.
Really looking forward to seeing these sculpts.Hope this helps people fill a few holes in there collection.
Hooray! :o ;D :o ;D
So what does "not too distant future" mean? next month? next year? tomorrow? ;)
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Well not too distant future means greens should be done in two weeks.Then it all depends on what money I have for moulds and casting.I have some new miniatures ready for sale now.The one thing I am working on is a web site.At this time I have around thirty plus greens sitting in a box in my house.My little projects are an outlet for my miniatures obsession.
More sculpts are planned to help fill more holes in the lines we here all love.My main interests are the Fantasy side of things.
Any other miniatures you would like to see would be nice to know about.
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Armored. Persian-style. Goblins. 8)
Their heads could be helmeted or protected by a turban. Faces covered* by chainmail or a "scarf" face covering.
They could be armed with bows or a spear. You might could leave their hand/s off the initial figure and just have the weapon hand options available separately. You might could tap into peoples' desires to convert the mini's weapon options the way they want. I know I would be fired up to get a bag load of them.
*With the faces covered you could always use them a "hobbits" depending on how you armor them. I've read in the past that there is a gap in miniature availblity for hobbits *cough* WotR *cough*. Not to mention "counts as" for a certain Fantasy Battle game where some hobbits venture off as mercenaries. Leaving the weapon hands off the fig would allow hobbyist to convert them...and you know what they say...
At certain times during a man's life, "options" are as good as a pocket full of money. Just an idea though.
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hmmm...now we are thinking!
you know, what about if there were some goblins produced...say they were armored in some sort of insect-looking armor. almost as if they lived in a marsh-like environment. Some would even call it a swamp. Then they could also have interchangeable arms and/or chitin weapons. for example, axes (both 1 handed and 2 handed), spears, mace, maybe even a net. hmmmm...what game could we use these figures for?
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Some very good idea's creeping up here.It would be great to see all troop types made available.This is something I hope to be-able to help do.It will all depend on how sales go.If I can break even I would be happy.
Some troops mentioned in the books dont have pictures.This leaves alot to the imagination.Some new Swamp Goblin proxies and Blackblood Goblins would also be nice.The hardest thing is trying to match the style or starting from scratch.
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Here is a sneek peek at one of the Dwarves.
(http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj336/manicminer21/dwarf2015.jpg)
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awesome!!! wolf axe warrior I assume?
Is the "feather cape" something associated with the wolf clan? I honestly haven't paid much attention to the wolfies as many did not have sculpts, and I am not a big reader of the chronopia history in the books.
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The cape is fur and you are right it is a proxy for the Wolf Clan Axemen.I thought I would tease a bit and see what you think.
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I like it and think your on the right track. If I'm not mistaken these look like possible proxies(sp?) for some Wolf Clan Axe warriors and also looks like I'm going to have to raid behind the couch cushions for some spending money.
Keep it up Miner!
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This is one of three warriors :-X.
More to be revealed once I can get some master castings sorted and painted up.
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I knew I've seen that style of cape before...tunnel fighter greens...
http://www.prophet-miniatures.com/gallery/sculpts/excelsior/tunnelfighters/fullsize/tunnelfighters.jpg
I'm just wondering why you picked that style for the new model. not criticizing, just trying to educate myself. were those tunnel fighters done in the "wardrobe" of the wolf clan? (much in the same way the warshields are in a horned ones style?)
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The sculptor went with the fur style.I think it suits them well.The Matt Gubser Tunnel Fighters are very cool sculpts.
Lots of the Dwarf style is not set in stone.I think with new miniature proxies we have the chance to re-imagine them.
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A little upddate.I have sent some greens away today including a couple of Dwarves.Two individuals to help fill in the missing miniatures from the range.
Adam Gayford is also starting work on another six Stunties for me.These will make two new units and help keep the range more even.
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No pics??? I'm wishing we were on frothers so I could curse you appropriately!!! ;)
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You need a long stick to poke me with Josh ;D.
Adam sent over pictures of the new sculpts which he has done for me.I know you will like them.
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Am I going to have to hit the smite button on you?!?!?
Wouldn't dream of it, but you know I'm a Dwarf fanatic.
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Would love to see more sneak-peaks. Very ranger like.
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How about this for another sneek peek.
(http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj336/manicminer21/wolfpics010.jpg)
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SWEET!
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What else would people like to see?
I have a few idea's to help bring things together and re-do some of the ones which are not so good.
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What else would people like to see?
I have a few idea's to help bring things together and re-do some of the ones which are not so good.
Can I vote again for Bloodbone Warhammers? Or have I stuffed the ballot box too much already?
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Any and all suggestions are welcome.Bloodbone Warhammers would be very cool to have on the board.
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I would like to see Standard-Bearers much like the Dark Tusk one. Even if you just made the Standard poles with the clan animals on top then we could do weapon swaps.
Although there is already a Horned Ones standard I am not a fan and would love to see one like the Dark Tusks, there is something nice and simple about it.
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I like the idea of seperate standards.
A standard bearer and musician are some thing that will be done later.I will need to make some money back on what I have had done so far though.
The Dwarf players are in for a real treat when they see what is in store over the coming months.This all depends on sales though.Expect to see two individuals pretty soon.
If you know any other dwarf players get them to keep checking the topic for reinforcements.
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True that. Sales are what will encourage more. There are plenty of examples of internet interest in a model that don't translate into sales, which in turn kills the business.
I'm pretty broke at the moment and have not been buying pewter. When I have the cash however, I know who it's going to!! :D
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Hey I'm starting to play Dwarf. I could definitely use a
n impaler crossbow weapons team ;) I'm having a hard time finding good proxies. I'll be sure to pick some of these up
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Scavenger looks good. It's my favorite Individual in the game, much less my army. ;D
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I have recieved the first two Dwarf individuals from Griffin Moulds today.These will be going on sale for £4.00 each.Castings are going off to the painters tomorrow.Pictures will be posted as soon as I get them.
More teasing I know but it is fun ;D.
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Just had to show off this picture of one of the greens.
(http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj336/manicminer21/dwarf2010.jpg)
Thoughts.
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To be honest, I don't really like it that much . . . It is very well done, and I may be buying it anyways as I attempt to rebuild my Chronopia Dwarves that I had parted with, but it's just not my cup of tea. I'd like to see the from of the other one as well though.
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Looks pretty good Andy. I think the face, beard, and teeth are spot on. I might have gone for something a little more dynamic, but this guy's alright. I'm not used to seeing a hood on my guys, but if he's stalking, it makes sense.
I'd like to see a side pic to see if the armor makes him look fat, in that roly poly GW kinda way.
Good sculpt and I look forward to the Axemen!
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I'm confused. Are you doing two different Scavenger sculpts?
I'm not quite sure what I think of the new picture/sculpt. I think I agree with some of the things the other posters have said. Maybe it will grow on me. Certainly its the best thing out there that I've seen to use for the Scavenger! I like the armor, it looks very Chronopia dwarf-ish.
Looking forward to more pictures!
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Hmmm. This one is getting mixed responses.He is not fat like some dwarf miniatures and fits well with the rest of the ones that I have had done.He is a Scavenger proxy.The other one that is shown is one of the scouts.
The thing with these sculpts is that you cannot go too near to the original pieces.The ones that were released are very hard to find if at all.The different sculptors for them too does not help.This is one thing that I wanted to rectify.
I like the look with the hood.Adam has done an amazing job with these and I hope to get moe done.
Everyone will have there own opinion of what the missing figures should look like and these will do fine in my force.
Will post pictures of the painted ones once I get them back.
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I have had to look at it a while before making a comment. I don't know if it will help but I'll break down my opinion on it...
Head area: Looks great and is what I envision of a "stealthy" Chronopia Dwarf.
Shoulders: We're missing the armor on the shoulders (unlike the other Dwarves we are accustomed to). I know this particular figure is suppose to represent a Rogue type character, but I think less armor = less of a Dwarf in our Chronopia world. I'm not saying I don't like it ...just saying it is different. Also, I feel the "narrow" shoulder area adds to the wide "waist effect" on him.
Crossbow: looks ok ... no issues here for me.
Hands/gloves: I like the models left hand/glove. It fits with the rest of the Dwarves in the line. I need to see another view of his right hand to comment on it. Looks ok from this side but I'm not going to waive any panties in the air just yet.
Waist area: Man, this guy looks like he is packing on the pounds! I agree with Daargrim, the armor is spot on for Chronopia. I think it is the combined effect of the waist itself, the satchel, the axe held at waist level, and no armor on the shoulders that are a little much for me. Oh don't get me wrong...I'm gonna get a few when they come out but I see something else.
** I think the satchel should go. No way I'm gonna go into hand to hand with that throat strap. I would have hid it before making my move ( ;) wiggles eyebrows up and down ;) ) I know it's for flavor but it should be placed elsewhere on the figure.
** I would place the axe blade down towards the ground. It may hide the models left foot, but as it is... it (to me) just doesn't feel right and adds to the wide waist. The model looks like he is squinting (based on head position and the aim of the crossbow to the figure's side) and if I'm gonna take "careful aim" I assure you, I would not be holding my axe like that. Imagine holding a household hammer, the head of the hammer(blade in this case) should face towards the "finger" knuckles. In the picture it looks like the blade is facing the "palm/hand" knuckles. I know this sounds all picky and fussy, but I just didn't want to say "His waist is too fat!" and not say why and give possible solutions.
** On the model's left arm: is that his shoulder or elbow? It could be just the angle of the pic/mini...
Mail skirt: I don't know how I feel about it... :-\
boots/feet: I like it.
Overall: I like the figure and want a few, but I think you may have missed out on a great opportunity to make it more customizable by leaving the left arm so close to the body. Although, I can imagine...swapping the crossbow for a sword and the axe for a shield for a "You! Get over here and get some of this!" pose.
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You're on a tough road Andy; you want to please the players with viable proxies, but not just ape the old ones. I think some photos of the greens at different angles would help us see the whole vision you have.
I'm buying them regardless too!!
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I just want to reiterate that I by no means thing this figure stinks. It just didn't wow me. now, does that mean I'd still buy it, of course! Well at worst case I'd pass on this one and buy one of the scouts instead (I'm only looking for a single scavenger since own scout warriors already).
I think VK's post structure is great (VK you always do a good job giving detailed reasons for your opinions which is really insightful). Your post about this Dwarf I think clarified for me what exactly was bothering me (I'm not trying to pile on here Manic, just clarifying my opinion.)
The left arm does seem awkward. the axe might look better turned in his hand. The elbow is really high (across from his cheek). Additionally the left arm seems to be "resting" on his belly as if it really couldn't go down much further. This all adds to the "packing on the pounds" look. Now I know some other Chronopia figures are "stocky" but they seem to carry it in a more "tough looking tank" way instead of a "a few too many cheeseburgers" way. I don't have a good enough artistic sense to explain why that is...maybe it does have to do with the smaller shoulders like VK said. I don't know if the figure is necessarily "fatter" measurement-wise than some of the other chronopia models, but it gives the feeling that it is..and that look may be distracting from what should be a more stealthy overall feel (after all, he does have Hide and Stealth).
The rest of my concerns are pretty minor. When I first saw the figure and noticed the teeth, it looked like he was trying to "show off" his teeth or something. Like when I tell my 3-year old to say "EEEE" when i need him to put his teeth together so I can brush them. But its hard to tell what the exact facial expression is from the picture. I would hope its more of a sneer or growl type of teeth exposure.
The other thing that I wondered about is that he appears to have the crossbow at shooting level aimed off to his right about 45 degrees, but he is looking straight ahead. I suppose this is possible if he just fired a shot, and now a split second later is looking forward for the next target...but I would think that the more likely positioning would be that he would be looking where he is currently shooting, or the crossbow itself might be at least lowered slightly. Now that I've typed that up though I think this is being way too picky.
Oh and I guess the other thing VK helped me realize is that I'm not a fan of the satchel. But again very very minor. Probably because I hate painting stuff like that for some reason.
I do like pretty much everything else and I said before I still would probably buy it as is, and its clearly better than any proxy I could make or find from another company. I know It probably seems like I picked apart most of the model, but I think it really boils down to some sort of proportion issue and steering him a little away form the "too many cheeseburgers" look to the "stocky but surprisingly stealthy look". I do like the incorporation of a hood and cloak a LOT. Oh and the beard is great.
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You're on a tough road Andy; you want to please the players with viable proxies, but not just ape the old ones. I think some photos of the greens at different angles would help us see the whole vision you have.
I'm buying them regardless too!!
Very good points here.
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Something that I wanted to say in my last post failed to make it in...
@Miner Thank you for making the effort to get us fans some proxy models for our favorite game. I fully realize that you did not have to make this effort and I for one appreciate it. I want you to know that in no way was my criticism of the different parts of the figure a reflection on you. I felt that since you have put the hours into making this happen for us, I should at least take the time and give you some feedback on it. Stay the course...your making headway in an otherwise incomplete range as not many people have the drive/love/ability for this game (points finger at self).
I do like the direction you are going with the models and it inspired me to "revise" myself on the Chronopia Dwarf history and army descriptions.
As an aside: This "Post of Thanks" goes to Alxbates and his Forge of Ice crew as well.
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Thanks for the comments and input on this figure.
These Dwarves have been pretty expensive to get done and that is just the sculpting.The moulds are the next thing too.To get these done I have stopped buying other miniatures and sold some of my older ones to fund the project.
The miniature looks good when glued together.The two hands are seperate.The chainmail is under the plate armour.I have put this miniature together along with another miniature that I had done.These are now sprayed black.Will try to get some paint on them over the weekend and post some pictures with other dwarves for comparison.
If you look at the original dwarves released for the wolf clan you will notice several sculptors have done them.The basic gauntlet guy for them is one of the smallest in the dwarf line.No meat on his bones either.
Will be nice to know what you think of them with some paint on.My ones wont do them justice but will give you a better idea.
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Hey Manic, I wont speak for all but I know I am appreciative of the time, effort, and money you are putting into expanding the Chronopia range. I hope my comments aren't discouraging...just wanted to share what I thought. My comments really are just the difference between this figure being a "9 out of 10" vs "10 out of 10". Looking forward to more sneak peeks and painted versions.
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Nine out of ten sounds right, and after my Wolf Clan was beat up this weekend at Talamania, I'm going to buy at least four of'em. Sigh.
At least when I teamed up with Coil's Crystal Lotus we beat up Thom and Dylan's Devout force, so it wasn't a complete wash.
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Well I have not got the motivation to paint the miniatures up.Painted pictures will be posted when I get them back from the painters who can do the justice.Here is another sneek peek of one other sculpt.Can you guess what he is ;D.
(http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj336/manicminer21/dwarf2001-1.jpg)
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I am gonna guess he's ****ING AWESOME!!!
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I'm guessing this is the Vulture Marksman. Looks very "Vulturey"! Looking forward to further updates!!!
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Holy...Buttered...Pancakes...and everything else that is good in this world...
that model is perfect.
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Froth icon in effect!!
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Just recieved piictures of the painted miniatures for the Wolf Clan Scavenger and Vulture Marksman proxy sculpts.Will post them once I figure out how to transfer them from where they are now to where I need them.Not much of a computer guy.
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Just sorted these out and would be very interested in knowing what you think of these little fellows.Painted by Bruenor Odinson from Frothers Unite.He really has brought them to life.
(http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj336/manicminer21/4adwarf2.jpg)
(http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj336/manicminer21/4adwarf3.jpg)
(http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj336/manicminer21/4adwarf1.jpg)
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Wow they look stunning. The paint job really brings out the character, and seeing them painted boosts my opinion of these guys. I am very impressed and look forward to getting them on my painting table!
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Awesome job! A whole set of minis from start to finish great work!
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When can we expect to see them for sale?
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I now have castings of these and they are going to be on sale at the Durham games show on Saturday.I know this is of no use to the people that are not in the UK.They will be in the web shop the week after.Priced at £4.00 per figure.Both figures are multi-part with three pieces per miniature.If the forum members would like the early then drop me a pm and I can send out paypal invioces.
I have others sitting waiting for the cash to send for mould making.From some comments on Frothers not everyone likes the style of the Chronopia Dwarves.For me they are some of the best out there.They just have a more feral feel to them.
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Well do I feel sheepish!! :-[ I posted in the announcements to check out the Four A releases, having not read this bit.
Oh well, no such thing as bad publicity. I plan on converting some Marksmen by lopping off the crossbow and attaching a shield. I think they will look fantastic as Legion leaders for the Vulture Clan.
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Great idea for a new Leader that Josh.
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I wouldn't worry 'bout the frothers crowd, as you're not really reaching out to them. I'm sure some on there will be buying from your range, as every sculpt is good, and you've enough to keep people interested, but Dwarves are a tough sell. Some people only want GW style, while some will only buy Kev White style. Keep the faith. I'm sure your Dwarves will at least recoup from all the Chronopia players out there.
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Whoa, that Vulture Clansman looks stunning. I have never been to fond of the Chronopia Dwarf Bastard Swords, but that one looks great to me.
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Just a heads up.The web store has been updated with the two Dwarves and one other new piece.
Sold a few of the Dwarves at the show yesterday.
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You need big swords to hack through big shoulder pads!!
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About to place my order for 3 of the marksmen and 2 rangers. I also stumbled upon this and have to ask when we will see more greens? and I don't mean green swamp men!
Hi Von Koss
Four A miniatures comes from my little familys initials.Andrew,Angela,Aaron and Aisha.Nice and easy.
I have ten dwarf sculpts sitting up stairs and two more which are at the mould makers.
There are also eleven goblins,two of wich have went to the mould makers too.
The other nine sculpts which have been sent off are from Paul Muller and Matt Gubser.
Feel free to ask any questions or if you have any input about anything dont hesitate to let me know.The web site is a start and is totally new to me.Not much of a computer nerd ;D.
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Hi insanO
Recieved your order today.Will get it in the post tomorrow.Many thanks for the order.
As for more pictures of greens I will see what I can do for today.
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Here is another pre-view picture.
(http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj336/manicminer21/wolfpics008.jpg)
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Go man, go!!
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Looks great ;D
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WOW, really thinking of ordering the Vulture. Thanks for all your hard work.
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Got castings back of the Wolf Clan Axemen proxy miniatures.I have sent a set away for painting.James who did the other two will be doing them for me.He did a great job on the last ones.
Will post pictures of them when I get them back.
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i've just bought the vulture and the wolf clan solos... AND I WANT MORE OF THESE AWESOME SCULPTS!^^
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There will be more coming in a few months time if not sooner.
Looking forward to seeing them painted Montadimus.
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I thought that I would post the pictures of the Dwarf Axemen on this topic.They are now for sale in the web shop too.
(http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj336/manicminer21/4adwarves.jpg)
The other Dwarves will be coming out later on in the year.I just had to get these out now to give players to chance to add a never released unit to there collection.If you are after full units let me know and I can work something out for you.The individual miniatures will be sorted out when I get pictures of them done.
There will be a new addition to the Blackbloods which you can see a sneek peek in the Four A miniatures topic down below in the forums.
All the best and thanks for the support.
Cheers
Andy C.