Pathfinder Battles Preview: Introducing Legends of Golarion

*Wipes a tear from his eye*

I'm just so happy now.

Great looking minis! Gargantuan Green!! And orcs to come!!!

Note: Clicking on the King and Queen, or Efreeti, or Dragon small picture in the blog, currently links to the full-size goblin pyro picture.

I can't wait for that Efreeti... and I can't wait to see the looks on my players' faces when I put him on the table in our Legacy of Fire campaign! :D

Note: Clicking on the King and Queen, or Efreeti, or Dragon small picture in the blog, currently links to the full-size goblin pyro picture.

Arg. Probably won't be fixed until Monday. Until then:

King and Queen
Efreeti
Dragon

Ileosa looks smashing! And I might need to save up for a case just so I can get that dragon! Argh, so many minis, so little cash!

Erik, do these goblin pyro's currently have unique names, or shall we just refer to them as Goblin Pyro #1 and #2?

beautiful. and very useful.

im so excited, i'm so excited, i'm so excited! :)) Every one of these is one of the best minis I've ever seen. Also kutos to paizo for actually listening! I mean I was hopping for a nondragon gargantuan figure, but at the same time, I think green dragon was the most requested figure on the sight. (except for maybe elephant haha but we got time for that since I believe that's a large animal.) In any case, that's the sorta thing that makes me proud to say I buy paizo. Man, i remember looking at heroes and monster minis thinking they were the best minis I'd ever set my eyes on. Yet look at our most recent. These new minis put heroes and monsters to shame. My lord, pathfinder battles has come a long way, and it was already above average when it began. Best. minis line. ever.

I have to say that efreet is one of the coolest minis you guys have done yet.

One thing Erik mentioned at the banquet last night, but doesn't above, is that they're hoping to have another set out by the end of the year...

Other than GM screen and minis what else was announced last night?

Very nice. These minis keep on getting better. Wow.

You will make me poor and peniless

I love the Efreeti. In fact I want all of these. Great intro to the new set. And thanks Vic for the links to the others.

One thing Erik mentioned at the banquet last night, but doesn't above, is that they're hoping to have another set out by the end of the year...

Yikes. Not sure if I can keep affording that.

I knew this was going to be the next set! I had a nice guess somewhere on here.

So happy with this.

I love my plastic addiction as much as anyone, but this comes very quickly after Skull and Shackles. That is going to pose some problems for people who will need to save up for this. Especially if the rumors of a set coming out even later in the year (December?) are true. I think that 3 a year can work, but give them four months of separation or so. 4 sets a year seems a bit much, especially when you throw in Builder Sets and Encounter/Evolution sets. And the AP lines. And Hardbacks. And...

These look great! Here's hoping we see some representatives of Golarion's factions in this set. Red Mantis Assassins, I'm looking at you!

I love my plastic addiction as much as anyone, but this comes very quickly after Skull and Shackles. That is going to pose some problems for people who will need to save up for this. Especially if the rumors of a set coming out even later in the year (December?) are true. I think that 3 a year can work, but give them four months of separation or so. 4 sets a year seems a bit much, especially when you throw in Builder Sets and Encounter/Evolution sets. And the AP lines. And Hardbacks. And...

Remember that WizKids is a separate company. They don't make AP lines and hardback books. They just make the miniatures. So they don't take into account things like how many books Paizo makes.

If it turns out that there is no appetite for a lot of miniatures coming as fast as they are, then WizKids will slow down. But right now, they are seeing a lot of demand for miniatures, so they are ramping up accordingly. Paizo doesn't control how many miniatures sets they make at all. We just approve the actual miniatures as part of our licensing deal.

If you end up thinking that there are too many miniatures, vote with your wallets and don't buy them. But if you love the fact that you are getting this many great looking miniatures, then send a message to WizKids by buying them.

-Lisa

Best preview ever! This tops all prior previews.

Six miniatures, of which each are treasures in their own right.

Finally the PPM world will have a Gargantuan Green. He is a beauty.

The Goblin Pyros nicely rounds out the collection of these little menaces.

The Efreeti is wicked looking. Obviously, it will make a nice devil proxy.

King Irovetti is formidable looking. He could proxy as any Human Battle Lord.

But Queen Ileosa takes the cake. She immediately surpasses Lucretia as the best Female Human Noble in PPM. The way her highly adorned dress wraps around her figure is stunning for a miniature of this scale. The fan is just icing on this cake.

Look forward to having them in hand. Any plans to update Curse of the Crimson Throne to Pathfinder rules?

If you end up thinking that there are too many miniatures, vote with your wallets and don't buy them. But if you love the fact that you are getting this many great looking miniatures, then send a message to WizKids by buying them.

-Lisa

Well, I've already dropped my subscription from 2 cases to 1 to keep from skipping any sets. But if they're doing another set in December, too..

I may have to start picking and choosing. Which could be the case with a lot of collectors. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I really don't see how or why Wizkids can get away with another set in December if this comes out in October. It's just too close together. A set every 4 months, though, that makes sense, that I can see being sustainable.

The other big problem is, think about what else comes out in Novmeber this year: the PS4 and the Xbone, err, Xbox One. That's $900 worth of competition for the gaming dollar, just in new consoles alone, then add games and extra controllers and whatever else video gamers are likely to buy. For anyone who's both a tabletop and console gamer, our cash is going to be tapped out, basically.

I want a Green so bad, been wanting one for years since DDM faded out, but it's really bad timing, you know?

DonalGraeme wrote:

I love my plastic addiction as much as anyone, but this comes very quickly after Skull and Shackles. That is going to pose some problems for people who will need to save up for this. Especially if the rumors of a set coming out even later in the year (December?) are true. I think that 3 a year can work, but give them four months of separation or so. 4 sets a year seems a bit much, especially when you throw in Builder Sets and Encounter/Evolution sets. And the AP lines. And Hardbacks. And...

Remember that WizKids is a separate company. They don't make AP lines and hardback books. They just make the miniatures. So they don't take into account things like how many books Paizo makes.

If it turns out that there is no appetite for a lot of miniatures coming as fast as they are, then WizKids will slow down. But right now, they are seeing a lot of demand for miniatures, so they are ramping up accordingly. Paizo doesn't control how many miniatures sets they make at all. We just approve the actual miniatures as part of our licensing deal.

If you end up thinking that there are too many miniatures, vote with your wallets and don't buy them. But if you love the fact that you are getting this many great looking miniatures, then send a message to WizKids by buying them.

-Lisa

Thanks Lisa. I didn't realize that it was Wizkids, and not you, who decided how many sets to release, and when. My real concern is that by glutting the market, Wizkids might see a huge drop-off in sales in the near future, and cut the line as a result.

On another note, Erik is going to have to be showcasing a lot of minis each Friday if he is going to get the previews for S&S done by the time the set comes out, and the same for this set as well. Just another reason why Friday is the best day of the week.

If it turns out that there is no appetite for a lot of miniatures coming as fast as they are, then WizKids will slow down. But right now, they are seeing a lot of demand for miniatures, so they are ramping up accordingly. Paizo doesn't control how many miniatures sets they make at all. We just approve the actual miniatures as part of our licensing deal.

Lisa,

While I respect this point of view I would suggest that the issue is not "an appetite" for the miniatures but rather a reality of funds. Even if I limit myself to only the miniatures we have the Goblin case this month, the Dragon set, the Undead set, two full Battles sets all before December. It does not take a lot of brains to see that if you flood the market you will force your collectors to not buy everything and thus sales for all the sets will lower as each person picks different things to buy. As the IP owner I do think your voice would be heard if you let them know the reaction on your forums to the idea of four full sets plus three or four additional items a year. Think of your input as marketing Research, they should at least explore the concern.

Just one man's opinion of course. :-)

Have a great Con.

Daniel

Yeah, while I like the added build sets and evolutions, only two months between base sets, twice in a row is just.... overrsaturation.

I have a good job and no other vices other than gaming (my wife considers it a vice, not me) so.......SEND ME MORE MINIS! I will buy all Wizkids produces.

Shhh... don't yell at wizkids... their product is beautiful... I know it's a lot if you're buying them ALL, but you don't have to. I mean I only buy singles i need for the adventures I'm running, and a couple of boosters per set for that classic feeling of surprise. I've successfully run two and a half homebrew campaigns this way, and I've been fine. I'm a college kid, so i couldn't afford all of them even if there was only 2 cases a year. Also if you're only complaint is that you can't buy all off it, then obviously they're doing something right. Just be a little more pick and choosey.

Also if you're only complaint is that you can't buy all off it, then obviously they're doing something right. Just be a little more pick and choosey.

I can guarantee you that Wizkids would be a lot happier if their customers were buying more of their product, not less.

They are all gorgeous, and all minis that I wanted.

But I admit I'm a little bummed that this likely means at least 3 great old AP's won't be getting their own sets :(

Folks,

We hear you on concern about the frequency. We know these minis are expensive, and that it's tough to keep up a collection of all of them. WizKids is confident in the pace they've chosen for Pathfinder Battles, and we'll all be watching very carefully to evaluate how the pace is going.

But I admit I'm a little bummed that this likely means at least 3 great old AP's won't be getting their own sets :(

I definitely definitely definitely don't think that's a foregone conclusion at all.

I included some figures for a whole bunch of APs because I I wanted the set to draw inspiration from all of our releases, while sprinkling in some key high-frequency creatures like orcs and kobolds.

To comment specifically on the efreeti, he's in the set because he's the illustration we used for efreeti in the Bestiary, not because he was a specific character from Legacy of Fire.

Ileosa and Irovetti are in because I wanted a king and a queen, and because they were the right choices with the coolest art. And because I know they won't come up in the next few sets.

But that's a very different thing than saying those APs will never get their turn.

Goblin pyros - yay, now my goblin collection is complete (well except for all the opther goblin types I just know I'll need when they come out).
Irovetti and Ileosa look really good but the crown in the jewel is that efreet. That is a truly remarkable mini.
Wasn't expecting the dragon as the incentive - that makes 4 out of 5 sets(yeah one was small, one had mucho bling, and the next was skeletal but hey hopefully wecan get a non-gragon in the next few sets. Thankfully that dragon looks absolutely awesome don't get me wrong I loved the garg blue and the skeltal looks brilliant in the photo fromearlier, but I think the green outshines them in terms of sculpt and paint. I was hoping dragons would continue the smart, blinged out look that the blue had, but I suppose a return ot the more feral looking dragon is what most want. Not sure how Wizkids and you can keep topping every release, surely you have to reach a limit soon...

Erik and Lisa, I just have to add my 2 cents in, and this is coming from a person who has collected every heroclix figure until last year from this company for 10 years. Wizkids started doing this to heroclix, a year and a half ago. The frequency was 3 sets and is now a set a month. I wound up stopping heroclix. This is the reason I joined you guys because there were only two sets a year and now their doing it to this line. Please, do not let them ruin this line that way or it will put a stop from me buying this line. I'm just warning you that a lot of heroclix players are quitting because of this, and I would hate to see this line be ruined, that way.

Thanks,

John

Scribbling Rambler wrote:

But I admit I'm a little bummed that this likely means at least 3 great old AP's won't be getting their own sets :(

I definitely definitely definitely don't think that's a foregone conclusion at all.

I included some figures for a whole bunch of APs because I I wanted the set to draw inspiration from all of our releases, while sprinkling in some key high-frequency creatures like orcs and kobolds.

To comment specifically on the efreeti, he's in the set because he's the illustration we used for efreeti in the Bestiary, not because he was a specific character from Legacy of Fire.

Ileosa and Irovetti are in because I wanted a king and a queen, and because they were the right choices with the coolest art. And because I know they won't come up in the next few sets.

But that's a very different thing than saying those APs will never get their turn.

Besides there is more than one image of Ileosa in the AP, and it's the second, bad#$$ version that you actually fight. So her presence does not eliminate a Curse of the Crimson Throne set.

Personally I would love to see a Carrion Crown set, that woudl contain some truly memorable miniatures

Erik and Lisa, I just have to add my 2 cents in, and this is coming from a person who has collected every heroclix figure until last year from this company for 10 years. Wizkids started doing this to heroclix, a year and a half ago. The frequency was 3 sets and is now a set a month. I wound up stopping heroclix. This is the reason I joined you guys because there were only two sets a year and now their doing it to this line. Please, do not let them ruin this line that way or it will put a stop from me buying this line...

I would like to voice my agreement with you John, I was in the same boat. However as long as they maintain the quality, and the price doesn't inflate ridiculously they can probably get away with 3 sets a year. At 4 they'll be pushing due to the cost. Heroclix took a real decline in quality once the sets became too regular. Besides we are already seeing monthly "sets" with the builder series and evolution sets - these are done well though and fill a niche - it's not like your getting your 7th superman. My concern is the pace could be as much as 5-6 sets a year, 500+ dollars every two to three months is way out of my budget, and I leave myself a big budget for these.

Skull & Shackles in August, Legends of Golarion in October, unannounced set in December (per Vic), Undead in September, White Dragons this month...

That's well over $1,000 in miniatures between now and the end of the year.

Ok, you've exceeded what I'm willing to fork over. I was with you when it was one set every 3-4 months, but this is getting ridiculous.

Sorry guys.

-Skeld

Personally I would love to see a Carrion Crown set, that woudl contain some truly memorable miniatures

John Mark Brown wrote:

Erik and Lisa, I just have to add my 2 cents in, and this is coming from a person who has collected every heroclix figure until last year from this company for 10 years. Wizkids started doing this to heroclix, a year and a half ago. The frequency was 3 sets and is now a set a month. I wound up stopping heroclix. This is the reason I joined you guys because there were only two sets a year and now their doing it to this line. Please, do not let them ruin this line that way or it will put a stop from me buying this line...

I would like to voice my agreement with you John, I was in the same boat. However as long as they maintain the quality, and the price doesn't inflate ridiculously they can probably get away with 3 sets a year. At 4 they'll be pushing due to the cost. Heroclix took a real decline in quality once the sets became too regular. Besides we are already seeing monthly "sets" with the builder series and evolution sets - these are done well though and fill a niche - it's not like your getting your 7th superman. My concern is the pace could be as much as 5-6 sets a year, 500+ dollars every two to three months is way out of my budget, and I leave myself a big budget for these.

Don't get me wrong. I want more figures, but I just don't won't wizkids to ruin this for me, like they did heroclix. I was hardcore collector and now I quit buying heroclix, altogether. I just don't won't this to happen with these great sets their making. It would be really depressing if they ruined a second hobby for me.

I'm totally blown away by what was revealed today. Multiple Goblin Pyros! Royalty! Gargantuan Green! All must haves. The Efeeti is the only piece I actually already have a scuplt of, actually a couple. But he's so awesome, I can't write him off either. I'd better start saving now.

My concern is the pace could be as much as 5-6 sets a year, 500+ dollars every two to three months is way out of my budget, and I leave myself a big budget for these.

This does not strike me as something you should worry too much about, frankly.

Cat-thulhu wrote:

My concern is the pace could be as much as 5-6 sets a year, 500+ dollars every two to three months is way out of my budget, and I leave myself a big budget for these.

This does not strike me as something you should worry too much about, frankly.

So is the line going to move to four full sets a year? Or is this a misunderstanding and it will remain three a year? I am sorry, but I am so confused with some of the posts here.

Erik Mona wrote:

Cat-thulhu wrote:

My concern is the pace could be as much as 5-6 sets a year, 500+ dollars every two to three months is way out of my budget, and I leave myself a big budget for these.

This does not strike me as something you should worry too much about, frankly.

So is the line going to move to four full sets a year? Or is this a misunderstanding and it will remain three a year? I am sorry, but I am so confused with some of the posts here.

We are getting skulls and shackles in August. The next set is in October and an unnamed set in December. We just got the goblin builder set this past month, the white dragon evolution set this month and the undead builder set in September and this what we know currently.

Erik Mona wrote:

Scribbling Rambler wrote:

But I admit I'm a little bummed that this likely means at least 3 great old AP's won't be getting their own sets :(

I definitely definitely definitely don't think that's a foregone conclusion at all.

Besides there is more than one image of Ileosa in the AP, and it's the second, bad#$$ version that you actually fight. So her presence does not eliminate a Curse of the Crimson Throne set.

Erik, that's good to hear. Thanks for allaying my fears. Especially because I was worried this would also forestall sets for Jade Regent, or Carrion Crown, or Serpent's Skull,...

And Feros, I completely agree with you. One of my other thoughts on seeing Ileosa was that it would have been nice to see the later, fully crowned version. Partly because this one is the same pose as the Reaper mini, but mostly because the later piece of artwork is awesome! :)

We are getting skulls and shackles in August. The next set is in October and an unnamed set in December. We just got the goblin builder set this past month, the white dragon evolution set this month and the undead builder set in September and this what we know currently.

So four full sets this year and three are stacked at the end of the year. Harsh on those of us who are trying to support the full line. :-(

Actually 3 full sets. Two Mini Builder Sets and the Evolution set is 3 dragons, but it is still a lot before Christmas.

That green dragon...

I do agree though that the number of full sets and builder / evolution series looks to be difficult to sustain from a subscriber's perspective.

I will agree, over saturation has been a death knell to many great lines. I hope someone is recommending to Wizkids to read this thread. I know there is a tendency to strike when the iron is hot, but longevity has a far greater reward. The chorus coming from this thread should be enough for Wizkids to take pause.

Cat-thulhu wrote:

My concern is the pace could be as much as 5-6 sets a year, 500+ dollars every two to three months is way out of my budget, and I leave myself a big budget for these.

This does not strike me as something you should worry too much about, frankly.

It doesn't worry me. I know you have the line well in hand and have faith in your decisions about the brand. Just wary. Mind you I love my minis so I'll be on board in some way for all of it.

I'm already at the singles market *sigh*

When was Shattered Star released?

EDIT: this smells like one of those situations where the head honcho sees dollar signs and no one lower on the ladder had the balls to stand up and say that it is a bad idea.

EDIT2: I'm not saying that this set is horrible. I think the set is awesome, I think having three sets in a five month stretch is really stupid. Now, instead of me buying everything that is released, I'll only be able to buy some of the things released. I'm confident that I'm not the only one in this position. I don't want WizKids to think that my inability to purchase a product somehow means a lack of interest in the product.

If this is how it's going to be, I'll have to be more picky-choosey about the cases I buy. I'm sorta "meh" on Skull & Shackles, so I might cancel my preorder for that set and go with Legends, since it hints at covering my bases better.

Decisions, decisions...

-Skeld