**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 Cayden Cailen:
Quality of Sculpt: 2 out of 2 Stars:
Another rare piece. This sculpt is really good. The strength of this sculpt his pants and belt. He's items everywhere, and the sculpt allows them to be easily painted. Even the tunic is well done. Like with some of the other miniatures, you can clearly see the foam from his drink. I especially like the way he's pointing his sword, as though challenging some other patron of the tavern that has aggravated him.
Quality of Paint Job: 2 out of 2 Stars:
The paint job is also very good on here, in terms of application. The face is extremely well done when compared to humanoid faces from previous sets. Even the hair shows off his brown locks really well.
The major drawback here is the drab colors used. Because this is more an aesthetic issue than an actual paint application issue, he still retains a full score in this category.
Overall appeal and usefulness: 0 out of 1 Star:
As mentioned, the drab colors sort of hide how well this character is painted and the excellent sculpt below the waist. If you're not really worried about that, and instead want this guy to flesh out your tavern scene, he's worth getting.
Unlike some of the other NPC types in this set, this guy isn't needed for an actual tavern or bar scene. Still, he can definitely add some flair to the room. With his sword out the way it is, he can also doubles up as a combat-ready NPC or even a PC. In that regard, the mug in his hand most likely becomes a potion.
My Advice For Cherry Pickers:
As another reviewer mentioned, this guy is definitely not bad. In fact, the sculpt itself is actually very well done for a medium piece, rarity or not. But thanks to drab colors, the best of this guy is lost to the casual glance.
You won't won't be unhappy with the purchase, but if you're cherry picking only those that you actually need, you can pass.
Chief Technical Officer
