**Special Note For Anyone Using My Review**
1. I review individual miniatures based on their quality, not what I think their rarity slot should be.
I've seen a couple reviews that, after praising a piece with a solid sculpt and paint job, knock down the rating a couple stars seemingly because they feel it would fit a better rarity slot. That is nonsense to me. I don't think it helps anyone looking at reviews trying to determine the actual quality of a piece in hand. I keep that type of conversation reserved for Erik's weekly Friday Preview blog or the review of the set as a whole.
2. For those new to pre-painted miniatures, please understand that no piece is going to look as close to quality as the digital 3D render. It just isn't going to happen. Think of the renders as what to expect conceptually. But in practice digital renders don't have to deal with real world techniques such as shading, washing, and other methods used to make a miniature look more than just a shiny cartoon once it is on the table. **
My Official Grade For Ranzak the Goblin:
Quality of Sculpt: 2 out of 2 Stars:
Without a doubt, this is one of the best looking sculpts I've ever seen for a Small-sized miniature. The goblin himself is well sculpted, with discernible toes on his foot. Despite the small size, the tunic is sculpted such that it shows off both his cross strap and his sash. The small short sword is sized just right for him. The face is properly sculpted and deep enough to allow for a spectacular paint job. The parrot on his shoulder is big compared to him, but it works for his size.
I've always stated I'd rather familiars and other small animals be scaled slightly larger if it allows for a better paint job. This proves why I think it makes sense. Heck even the feathers on the back of the parrot are individually discernible.
Quality of Paint Job: 2 out of 2 Stars:
An excellent sculpt allows for an excellent paint job. We get that here, with a great palette of colors, and a remarkable application of paint. The grinning face is brought to life by white teeth and deep set red eyes. Even his parrot has eyes that you can clearly see. The tampo of the skull & crossbones on his cap is just icing on the cake.
Overall appeal and usefulness: 1 out of 1 Star:
This is my favorite small piece in the set. He might even be my favorite goblin that Paizo has done. If your'e running a campaign with pirates, or just want this guy to show up in your pub or tavern, this piece is for you.
My Advice For Cherry Pickers:
Paizo continues to up the ante in regards to their flagship Goblins. Even if you're not big into Goblins, consider this little fellow. If you're going with the general tavern theme of the set, this guy makes a perfect piece to flesh out fellow patrons.