You Guys, You Guys!!!

Friday, January 23, 2015

I just got out of the final paint master approval meeting for June's Dungeons Deep set of Pathfinder Battles prepainted plastic miniatures, and my jaw still hasn't come up from the floor.

We reviewed 28 figures today, including the breathtaking Gargantuan Red Dragon limited-edition "case incentive" figure, and I'm prepared to make the prediction that this will be our best set yet.

I've already extolled the virtues of WizKids's digital sculpting process for releases like Iconic Heroes Set #1, but this is the first time we've been able to implement the process within the context of a large set. All I can say, after handling and reviewing all those figures today, is that the difference is palpable and significant. Not only has the process allowed us tighter control during the sculpt approval phase, but it's also resulted in generally better-looking, more detailed figures across the board. I am SO EXCITED for this set I can't even handle it. I wanted to steal the paint masters and use them in my own games immediately, but somehow made my saving throw against abject greed.

Wow, wow, wow.

Let's start with the Frost Giant.

To be totally honest, this is the figure I was most worried about in this set. Conceptually, I love her. It's long been a personal goal to produce a male and female of every major giant race in the Pathfinder RPG, so the figure definitely hits the mark there. The original illustration—and even to some extent the digital sculpt shown of above—always struck me as a little top-heavy. I was, I must say, a little worried. Having just held the final miniature in my hand, I can say that all of my concerns evaporated. Some of the other members of our approval team (I won't name names, but it rhymes with Meesa Shmeevins) audibly gasped as the figure hit the table. So, so awesome. The Frost Giant is a Large, uncommon figure.

A few weeks back, I mentioned that Dungeons Deep contains a creature type that we have not yet done in previous Pathfinder Battles sets. I should have said "sub-type," really, but at last I can officially reveal that that creature type is GNOLLS. Here we have the first in the set, the Gnoll Warrior. I'm very, very happy with how this guy turned out. I'm also happy that he will have several gnoll brothers and sisters elsewhere in the set. The Gnoll Warrior is a Medium, common figure.

And because I am as giddy as a schoolgirl, I've decided to go ahead and reveal my absolute favorite piece of dungeon dressing that will be included in the set: the Sarcophagus. Oh. My. God, this thing is amazing. For starters, we're looking at a three-piece figure, here. Sarcophagus, lid, and an actual MUMMY that easily comes in and out of the tomb. Best of all, the mummy has entirely flat feet, so you can easily use him as a genuine figure. Bonus! There are six pieces of dungeon dressing in the set. They'll be randomly inserted into eight boosters in every case (so case subscribers can be sure to get a full set). Trust me, you do not want to miss this figure. It is one of the most amazing miniatures we've produced so far!

And lastly, before I leave you for this week, I'd like to make one more push for our Ongoing Case Subscription service. We'll deliver a factory-sealed case direct to you at a substantial discount over the full retail price. The sub also comes with other benefits like an across-the-board discount on singles and other Pathfinder Battles releases (like our forthcoming Iconic Heroes sets). We've seen a nice, steady increase in subscribers since the last set, but I'm hoping we can increase those numbers significantly. Retailers are getting increasingly choosy with the large number of prepainted fantasty miniatures on the market at the moment, and a healthy number of subscribers is the best way to ensure the line's future by providing a core group of customers who we can count on to support each release. If you appreciate what we're doing with Pathfinder Battles and want to help us continue well into the future, please consider setting up an Ongoing Case Subscription today. It really is the best thing you can do to keep the Pathfinder Battles miniatures goodness coming!

I'm on vacation (in Maui!) next Friday. I MAY pre-load a preview blog for next week if I can carve out the time early next week. Otherwise, I'll see you guys in February!

Erik Mona
Publisher