Pathfinder Battles Preview: The Big Reveal

That is a glorious Rune Giant. We are long overdue for a Gargantuan humanoid figure.

Karzoug looks great from the neck down, and I am so jazzed for two shades of translucent spell effects. I find his face looks a bit young for how Karzoug is portrayed in art. A touch of grey in the hair would go a long way to aging him.

So good to have my Friday fix again!!!

Im glad I didnt know about the WizKids leak...otherwise after 2 weeks of waiting I would have just seen one new mini.

But since I didnt know this was my first Rune Giant mini sighting!! Woot!!
Man its a thing of beauty. Im so fortunate I havent done the RotRL path yet. Im also fortunate that my players dont collect minis. So when the Rune Giant finally gets plopped onto the table they will soil themselves!!

Im still very worried about how much a case of boosters, a case of huges and a Rune Giant is going to cost me.
WIll the anouncement be in the Friday Mini Blog or possibly sooner?

I am extremely excited by this set. And that rune giant looks amazing. One question, though:

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that this set would actually include multiple gargantuan figures, not just the Rune Giant. Was that early speculation that proved impossible to pull off? Or are there others slated to be done? I'd be very sad if the Shemhazian never has a chance of seeing production...

Oh I have another question.

I just noticed that the giants base is round.
WotC made the Gargantuan minis with square bases because they said a round base inside a 4"x4" square leaves the corner spaces to open.
Is that not the case with the giant?

The Rune Giant looks awesome! I'm not so sure about the green, bubbly magical stuff on Karzoug though.

-Skeld

EDIT: Since I don't have access to my books at the moment, does anyone remember what is the maximum number of Rune Giants appearing in a single encounter?

EDIT: Since I don't have access to my books at the moment, does anyone remember what is the maximum number of Rune Giants appearing in a single encounter?

My sources say three.

..the worst-kept secret of the line, finally officially identifying the set's premium miniature: the Rune Giant!

But quite possibly the best kept secret image of the best mini produced for the line.

Even if I wasn't addicted to plasticrack, I could see picking this one up *just* because it's a huge, frakkin GIANT! And great idea putting up a medium sized mini for comparison's sake. :)

I am extremely excited by this set. And that rune giant looks amazing. One question, though:

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that this set would actually include multiple gargantuan figures, not just the Rune Giant. Was that early speculation that proved impossible to pull off? Or are there others slated to be done? I'd be very sad if the Shemhazian never has a chance of seeing production...

I think we entertained the possibility of doing multiple Gargantuan figures for a couple of weeks, but very rapidly shifted focus to a single Gargantuan promotional figure once WizKids took a serious look at costs.

The Rune Giant was the only Gargantuan miniature to be sculpted.

I wouldn't necessarily give up on _ever_ seeing a Shemhazian Demon, but it certainly won't be in this or the next set!

Oh I have another question.

I just noticed that the giants base is round.
WotC made the Gargantuan minis with square bases because they said a round base inside a 4"x4" square leaves the corner spaces to open.
Is that not the case with the giant?

I guess we'll see. I never understood why they did that, and it always kind of annoyed me with their dragons.

Maybe if this one has that problem we'll revisit it in the future, but for this set, the Gargantuan sits on a round base.

Oh, my gods this is so awesome! I want that giant on my shelf :))

Skeld wrote:

EDIT: Since I don't have access to my books at the moment, does anyone remember what is the maximum number of Rune Giants appearing in a single encounter?

My sources say three.

I think that was true for the original release of RotRL, but I believe it might be down to two at a time in the Anniversary Edition. Maybe even one at a time. I can't remember exactly, since I am on VACATION and don't have access to the new manuscript.

There is a very good reason for that change that I don't want to spoil, but having just finished my development of the new compilation book, I have to say that James did a bang up job of revising the Spires of Xin-Shalast.

-Lisa

Jason Grubiak wrote:

Oh I have another question.

I just noticed that the giants base is round.
WotC made the Gargantuan minis with square bases because they said a round base inside a 4"x4" square leaves the corner spaces to open.
Is that not the case with the giant?

I guess we'll see. I never understood why they did that, and it always kind of annoyed me with their dragons.

Maybe if this one has that problem we'll revisit it in the future, but for this set, the Gargantuan sits on a round base.

I always thought it was for stability reasons since the dragons' feet were so large the scultps might not have fit on a circular base. But I never brought out the compass and ruler to check that.

Any sculpts in the plans for tiny or diminutive minis? I could use a bunch of fairies and stirges, as wells as some familiar minis.

I guess we'll see. I never understood why they did that, and it always kind of annoyed me with their dragons.

Maybe if this one has that problem we'll revisit it in the future, but for this set, the Gargantuan sits on a round base.

You ain't the only one! My wife and I both hated the squared base. Turn it on an angle and all of a sudden a new set of squares are 'occupied'.

Please fight to keep all bases round for us!!

Any sculpts in the plans for tiny or diminutive minis? I could use a bunch of fairies and stirges, as wells as some familiar minis.

There's nothing smaller than Small in this set.

Liz Courts wrote:

Skeld wrote:

EDIT: Since I don't have access to my books at the moment, does anyone remember what is the maximum number of Rune Giants appearing in a single encounter?

My sources say three.

I think that was true for the original release of RotRL, but I believe it might be down to two at a time in the Anniversary Edition. Maybe even one at a time. I can't remember exactly, since I am on VACATION and don't have access to the new manuscript.

There is a very good reason for that change that I don't want to spoil, but having just finished my development of the new compilation book, I have to say that James did a bang up job of revising the Spires of Xin-Shalast.

-Lisa

For the truly geeky among us, Beastiary 2 says that they come in companies of up to 30 + NPC's. But who would ever collect that many :)

Maybe a nice small Patrol of 6? As if my wife isn't already frstrated enough with my plasticrak addiction.

So far we're drawing the line at Small. While I don't want to rule out Tiny miniatures in the future, the packaging configuration we're currently going with would make a Tiny equivalent to a Small or Medium, and we're not sure how that would fly with the audience.

Costs to sculpt and create a Tiny miniature are pretty much the same as a Medium, but there certainly isn't a great "wow" factor. Then there's the question of what to do with the base. Do you make it super small, like in DDM, resulting in figures that tip over all the time? Do you make it the same size as Smalls, and just leave it to the GM to remind people that it's a really teeny guy (with the attendant rules for reach, AC modifications, etc.)?

I dunno. So for the time being, we're not doing any.

Lucky retailers got to see some of the new designs at the GAMA Trade Show, and they were as impressed with the work WizKids has been doing as any fan.

The news that they've listened and responded by fixing the case sorting problem was some of the best news of the show! Making that fix should help sales really take off, and make it even easier for retailers to break the packs for lots of single sales. I'll never love the fact that the Huge figs are chase figures mostly only available to people rich enough to buy whole cases and not younger or more casual fans on a budget, but this is a huge step forward in making the entire line way more market-friendly, so it ought to be good for both WizKids as the producer and Paizo as the licensor.

I'm certainly seeing the first set being used out in the wild, and the steady pace of releases bodes really well for the line, I think.

On the 'tiny' front, I'm betting that if we see anything like that, it'll be some kind of swarm setup like the fun old WotC rat and bug swarms. Anything else is too small to bother with, I'd think.

The Giant is awesome !
But with huge minis, garganntuan promo, and maybe more than 40 minis in the set, I'm becoming a little afraid for the price for the whole collection compared to Heroes and monsters...

Liz Courts wrote:

Skeld wrote:

EDIT: Since I don't have access to my books at the moment, does anyone remember what is the maximum number of Rune Giants appearing in a single encounter?

My sources say three.

I think that was true for the original release of RotRL, but I believe it might be down to two at a time in the Anniversary Edition. Maybe even one at a time. I can't remember exactly, since I am on VACATION and don't have access to the new manuscript.

There is a very good reason for that change that I don't want to spoil, but having just finished my development of the new compilation book, I have to say that James did a bang up job of revising the Spires of Xin-Shalast.

-Lisa

Wait, Vic doesn't have the entire Paizo server downloaded to his brain for easy access?

Sellios, it was well advertised for months before that this set will be 60 minis, and rumours point to it being 60 normal minis, 4 huge and the Rune Giant...

I can pretty much confirm that your analysis is exactly correct (at least unless/until something else changes at the very last second).

60 Small, Medium, or Large minis
4 Huges minis
1 Gargantuan promotional "case incentive" mini

65 miniatures total.

--Erik

So 4 huges huh 1 is the treachery demon, 1 is the white dragon, and I believe a 3rd is the blue dragon from spires. Just leaves one mystery left. Mwahahahahaha

Truly epic Rune Giant. Thumbs down to randomization, though.

My other guess for the huge is either a taiga giant or huge earth elemental. My money is on the taiga giant though. And the only reason I said it is likely to be a blue dragon because 1) it's in the adventure path 2) they likely wouldn't pass up the opportunity.

I suppose they could make cloud and storm giants but they have already been produced through other means.

Lots of you are wrong on the other Huge minis.

Ha ha ha ha! :)

I am so excited! :D

Truly epic Rune Giant. Thumbs down to randomization, though.

HEY!

Beautiful. Can't wait for the second set.

This set looks better and better each time you guys preview new minis... every mini has been amazing (with the sole exception of the harpy), and that rune giant totally blew my mind! :)

Erik, are you guys planning on doing any swarms in the future?

Beautiful. Can't wait for the second set.

This is the second set.

My huge hopes would be Tendriculous (unlikely) and I'm really hoping for one of the last 2 slots is mammoth! You need quite a few in several places in th eoriginal and there has never been a really nice, or indeed any, mini for them.

In terms of functionality I imagine 1 is a lamia harridan (since they are/were quite central to the whole adv.) and hopefully the second a mammoth.

Personally I think a blue dragon will be one too many dragons - huge white, large red already. Besides WotC already did what was quite a good huge blue - expensive or hard to get, but good. (plus I got 4 in the 4 cases I bought, I ended up giving 2 away to friends)

I would welcome Storm giants and cloud giants since there available versions suffer form floppy base and weapon syndrome but don't really expect these.

Also a quick question - In the past many of the "collossal" figures I have bought seem to develop a tendany to lean or bend to one side, worst of all being the great cthulhu, who once put together leans dramatically to the right and can't even stand by himself. I assume the rune giant is stable, my main concern being the sword which sticks out dramatically over the base - giving it an awe inspiring pose mind you - but making him look like he may be unbalanced. Last thing I want is a dramtaic revela at the table only to see the mightly rune giant topple like a drunkard on the table. I feel safe in assuming things are good because you guys are also QCing the set.

I'll never love the fact that the Huge figs are chase figures mostly only available to people rich enough to buy whole cases and not younger or more casual fans on a budget...

I think you misunderstood what Erik said. To be clear here, retailers will be able to order two types of cases: cases of Standard Booster Packs (which contain 4 minis that are Large, Medium, or Small) and cases of Huge Booster Packs (which contain 1 Huge mini). So Huge figures should be readily available at retail for a reasonable price.

For this set, the Gargantuan figure is the incentive, tied to the Standard Booster case (meaning retailers will be able to order one Rune Giant for each case of Standard Boosters they order),

Wow, unmarked spoilers for the win in the blog itself and in some of the posts. Not everyone has played through or read Rise of the Runelords yet.

Erik, are you guys planning on doing any swarms in the future?

Yes.

So far we're drawing the line at Small. While I don't want to rule out Tiny miniatures in the future, the packaging configuration we're currently going with would make a Tiny equivalent to a Small or Medium, and we're not sure how that would fly with the audience.

Costs to sculpt and create a Tiny miniature are pretty much the same as a Medium, but there certainly isn't a great "wow" factor. Then there's the question of what to do with the base. Do you make it super small, like in DDM, resulting in figures that tip over all the time? Do you make it the same size as Smalls, and just leave it to the GM to remind people that it's a really teeny guy (with the attendant rules for reach, AC modifications, etc.)?

I dunno. So for the time being, we're not doing any.

I think "unique" tiny creatures have merit, such as pseudodragons, quasits and imps. I don't think anyone would have an issue with receiving these. Make it a rare, and then people will want it more.

Any sculpts in the plans for tiny or diminutive minis? I could use a bunch of fairies and stirges, as wells as some familiar minis.

I like the idea of making minis for familiars. I don't really like the idea of incorporating familiars with character sculpts as was done in this set. Its still a nice looking mini, but I would rather have the ability to pair up my own familiar with my character's mini.

While I don't want to rule out Tiny miniatures in the future, the packaging configuration we're currently going with would make a Tiny equivalent to a Small or Medium, and we're not sure how that would fly with the audience.

I purchased DDM from Harbinger to Lords of Madness, in varying amounts. I'm also a Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber. That being said, I don't know if that makes me part of your target audience or not...

I loved getting Tiny minis. Just like I loved getting Large minis. They felt special, even if they weren't rare.

Wow, unmarked spoilers for the win in the blog itself and in some of the posts. Not everyone has played through or read Rise of the Runelords yet.

About half or more of this set are essentially "spoilers". Most of the posts and the blogs would have to be spoiler protected... and that really isn't feasible.

I do understand the concern though. Its too late for this set, but I do hope in the future that sets released relating to an AP will be released after the AP.

It has been mentioned in other threads that due to logistical reasons it is "almost" impossible for Paizo to time the release of minis with the release of an AP, so this should help lessen the concern about spoilers, however for those that run an AP well after its release, then it could reoccur. Spoilers or not, I'm just happy to see as many minis as they can release.

Important Question: How does the two different sized cases (Standard and Huge) affect us subscribers? Will we get one of each with our subscription, plus the Rune Giant or will we get just the Standard and the Rune Giant and have to order the huge case separately?

Incidentally the guys over at WizKids really outdid themselves on the Rune Giant and the two tone translucent plastic mini there.

Subscribers will get a regular case, a huge case and the opportunity to purchase a rune giant at a 75% discount.

I cherish the tinies I have. The Stirges are fabulous, and the pseudodragon, imp and quasit are useful as familiars or encounters on their own. But, we already have some of those. What we really need are the critters that low level characters can use as familiars and animal companions: a flying hawk, a cat and a snake. These critters need representation in the game, and I would be thrilled if I got one in a booster of five minis! Especially if the same level of detail was put into them as all the other mini's Wizkids have provided so far.

And at the other end of the spectrum, after seeing pictures of the Rune Giant, keep gargantuans (or collosals) coming too!

I cherish the tinies I have. The Stirges are fabulous, and the pseudodragon, imp and quasit are useful as familiars or encounters on their own. But, we already have some of those. What we really need are the critters that low level characters can use as familiars and animal companions: a flying hawk, a cat and a snake. These critters need representation in the game, and I would be thrilled if I got one in a booster of five minis! Especially if the same level of detail was put into them as all the other mini's Wizkids have provided so far.

We also need a soulbound doll. They seem to crop up fairly often in Pathfinder Society scenarios, and there isn't a mini (yet) that can substitute very well.

I like the idea of making minis for familiars. I don't really like the idea of incorporating familiars with character sculpts as was done in this set. Its still a nice looking mini, but I would rather have the ability to pair up my own familiar with my character's mini.

I agree on all points, Kor. I'd love to see a whole set, maybe 20-30 molds that are all tiny. A bunch of stirges, a couple wrmlings, a generic bird, cat, toad, and did I mention stirges? I could see myself buying a couple cases of such a set, especially if the overall mold count was reasonable. A case at roughly half the mold-count of H&M would get me to buy two of 'em, just to get the multitudes that these would be handy in. At maybe 20 unique molds maybe this could happen.

Also, I agree the tiny size bases work well (enough). We tend to move tiny figures into the same square as others whenever possible.

Sellios, it was well advertised for months before that this set will be 60 minis, and rumours point to it being 60 normal minis, 4 huge and the Rune Giant...

Well I really didn't know.

I hope that +50% minis will not equal +50% price.

Also, I hope that one case (whatever price and size it will be) will be engouh to have a complete collection like Heroes and Monsters.

Rune Giant looks great. I am looking forward to seeing one in hand with its tats. It will make for a memorable encounter. Karzoug looks great too. The detail is amazing. I know that many of the minis may not be as useful for generic game play, but what makes this set so special is that it is module (adventure path) specific. That really has not been done before for an entire set. It would not surprise me to see many Home Brews running RotR later this year because of the available minis; and to not miss out on this experience. I have suspended my RotR campaign to wait for the new RotR book and minis.

It is good to see another Sinspawn. Another awesome preview Erik. It is greatly appreciated.

Later,

Mazra

Berk the Black wrote:

I cherish the tinies I have. The Stirges are fabulous, and the pseudodragon, imp and quasit are useful as familiars or encounters on their own. But, we already have some of those. What we really need are the critters that low level characters can use as familiars and animal companions: a flying hawk, a cat and a snake. These critters need representation in the game, and I would be thrilled if I got one in a booster of five minis! Especially if the same level of detail was put into them as all the other mini's Wizkids have provided so far.

We also need a soulbound doll. They seem to crop up fairly often in Pathfinder Society scenarios, and there isn't a mini (yet) that can substitute very well.

There are several soulbound doll miniatures in this set, and a number of creatures for animal companions here.

Giants are fine and all, but all I want to know is if we're going to see more GOBLINS?!

I' think these mini's look great!

As I said in many times on the PF Minis issue my concern is about the price.

With the line doing so well, WizKids has to go down in price.