I plan on looking at them to see about sculpting them into Femurs. If not, I have some really really interesting RPG uses lined up (or I'd buy enough to do both).
The Mammoth is very very nice and I think it's really reasonable too.
I plan on looking at them to see about sculpting them into Femurs. If not, I have some really really interesting RPG uses lined up (or I'd buy enough to do both).
The Mammoth is very very nice and I think it's really reasonable too.
Was it ever clarified about whether you can get the new/KS exclusive Mammoth head on the Garrison or Campaign army pledge levels, or only as an add-on? I've already got 2 of the SW Mammoths, and I don't need a third identical one, but I could be tempted to one of those pledge levels if you could choose your mammoth type (instead of only as an $80 add-on)
Pretty sure that they have said you could have either head and to make things easier for them they will ship out mammoths before the SM are sent (Sep. ish).
Also the covered torsos have been unlocked, still not sure how big I want to get into this, down for $50 at the moment but all the resins are kind of redundant for me.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Found it under the tenth update;
3rd solution (the one we propose)
After a lot of thinking and trying to figure out a way that will make you (the backers) happy but also allow us (the creators), not to have a headache, we decided in proposing the following solution: We will first send and receive the Pledge Manager to all of you, after which we will have an update and ask each and everyone of you (who are eligible) to message us writing which version you prefer.
We will proceed in mailing the Mammooths only to the backers entitled to them in a different early shippment (we currently think that would be September). After which during final fulfillment phase scheduled for December, we will mail everything to everyone except for the Mammoths obviously which will already be in your hands by that time.
We would also like to note that the difference which will result in shipping costs is minimal since the weight of this will be subtracted from the final shipment and thus equilibrate costs. Also, it will be very easy to quote due to the same weight for everyone, so we will have only 2 costs: one for Zone-1 and one for Zone-2. This makes it a lot easier for us too. (You can check your shipping zones here)
That's good news at least, though depending on the weight bands, it can be much cheaper to send one parcel then two that have the same weight as the one. Hence "combined shipping" etc on eBay.
Why not just add 10 extra backs and make it unquestionably better value without asking people to use shield, greenstuff and other half-measures? Seems like a no-brainer to me.
In fact it wouldn't be but we have in mind a specific lay-out and the sprue space may not suffice to throw in the extra backs. Plus we have a specific box size we are currently using so if we do change the sprue size it's probably going to end up causing us new issues with the packaging of the retail version. We wouldn't like to state something and then not do it, it is human to make mistakes one had not thought of but if we have foreseen it is best saying it upfront, it's the honest thing to do.
It's way better ending up with delivering something more than promised instead of promising something and failing to deliver... :-)
It's your own choice, but if it's only going to take 10 backs, I'd be prioritising them. People buying models are always after value for money (ever seen a "GW is too expensive" thread or post?), and you're better off listening to people who don't automatically say that everything you say or do is fantastic. Many, many people on forums, your facebook, kickstarter comments, etc are always going to tell you that anything you say is wonderful because they want you to like them. Those people are your fans and are going to buy whatever you produce anyway (unless you burn them often enough). The ability to put "30 models" on the box instead of "20 models" is a big selling point to all of the others out there. It's a 50% increase in value, after all.
Sure, it's good if "with a little work/greenstuff/press-molding/sculpting" you can make extra figures. It's a hell of a lot better if you can make them out of the box with no mucking about at all. How did Mantic build their KS popularity? gakloads of cheap figures. You've got the opportunity here to add 40-50% extra to yours - not only the KS (which is just to get the kit tooled and started), along with that extra being a permanent thing at retail. Have a look in this Warlord/Wargames Factory thread to see how people discuss price/figure, value and how it affects their purchasing decisions.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/180/678174.page
As I said, it's your decision - but I'd consider it very carefully, because it gives you a HUGE bump of value to the customer in your kit for as long as it's produced - for many years to come.
New add-ons look good... but $148 retail for four lions + riders? That's like $37/£25 each. Seems like a lot for cavalry, even big 'uns. Especially with GW's recent starter army bundles (£50 for one big model + 5 cavalry + a bunch of smaller stuff). I know Shieldwolf reckon they're significantly better than GW in quality, but that's a huge price, even at the discounted KS level, compared to our shieldmaiden infantry at $1 a model or so...
Why not just add 10 extra backs and make it unquestionably better value without asking people to use shield, greenstuff and other half-measures? Seems like a no-brainer to me.
In fact it wouldn't be but we have in mind a specific lay-out and the sprue space may not suffice to throw in the extra backs. Plus we have a specific box size we are currently using so if we do change the sprue size it's probably going to end up causing us new issues with the packaging of the retail version. We wouldn't like to state something and then not do it, it is human to make mistakes one had not thought of but if we have foreseen it is best saying it upfront, it's the honest thing to do.
It's way better ending up with delivering something more than promised instead of promising something and failing to deliver... :-)
It's your own choice, but if it's only going to take 10 backs, I'd be prioritising them. People buying models are always after value for money (ever seen a "GW is too expensive" thread or post?), and you're better off listening to people who don't automatically say that everything you say or do is fantastic. Many, many people on forums, your facebook, kickstarter comments, etc are always going to tell you that anything you say is wonderful because they want you to like them. Those people are your fans and are going to buy whatever you produce anyway (unless you burn them often enough). The ability to put "30 models" on the box instead of "20 models" is a big selling point to all of the others out there. It's a 50% increase in value, after all.
Sure, it's good if "with a little work/greenstuff/press-molding/sculpting" you can make extra figures. It's a hell of a lot better if you can make them out of the box with no mucking about at all. How did Mantic build their KS popularity? gakloads of cheap figures. You've got the opportunity here to add 40-50% extra to yours - not only the KS (which is just to get the kit tooled and started), along with that extra being a permanent thing at retail. Have a look in this Warlord/Wargames Factory thread to see how people discuss price/figure, value and how it affects their purchasing decisions.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/180/678174.page
As I said, it's your decision - but I'd consider it very carefully, because it gives you a HUGE bump of value to the customer in your kit for as long as it's produced - for many years to come.
I second this. While I've been enthusiastic about the possibility of creating simple pressmolds to make the missing back-pieces; that comes from my personal situation as a veteran modeller already owning the tools and having the experience of making these simple copy-jobs. For someone new to the hobby it might well sound a bit daunting. It's obviously better if those bits are included in the first place.
If at all possible, I would prioritize giving sprue space to back pieces. It's a huge boost in marketing it that box can be promoted as actually having 30 models instead of 20. Sure, it might be a pleasant surprise to find those extra bodies, but I think many consumers would be perplexed (or even a bit annoyed) and feel that there was parts missing.
Ian Sturrock wrote:New add-ons look good... but $148 retail for four lions + riders? That's like $37/£25 each. Seems like a lot for cavalry, even big 'uns. Especially with GW's recent starter army bundles (£50 for one big model + 5 cavalry + a bunch of smaller stuff). I know Shieldwolf reckon they're significantly better than GW in quality, but that's a huge price, even at the discounted KS level, compared to our shieldmaiden infantry at $1 a model or so...
The graphics say retail $82 for four of the lion riders? And $65 from the KS
Why not just add 10 extra backs and make it unquestionably better value without asking people to use shield, greenstuff and other half-measures? Seems like a no-brainer to me.
In fact it wouldn't be but we have in mind a specific lay-out and the sprue space may not suffice to throw in the extra backs. Plus we have a specific box size we are currently using so if we do change the sprue size it's probably going to end up causing us new issues with the packaging of the retail version. We wouldn't like to state something and then not do it, it is human to make mistakes one had not thought of but if we have foreseen it is best saying it upfront, it's the honest thing to do.
It's way better ending up with delivering something more than promised instead of promising something and failing to deliver... :-)
It's your own choice, but if it's only going to take 10 backs, I'd be prioritising them. People buying models are always after value for money (ever seen a "GW is too expensive" thread or post?), and you're better off listening to people who don't automatically say that everything you say or do is fantastic. Many, many people on forums, your facebook, kickstarter comments, etc are always going to tell you that anything you say is wonderful because they want you to like them. Those people are your fans and are going to buy whatever you produce anyway (unless you burn them often enough). The ability to put "30 models" on the box instead of "20 models" is a big selling point to all of the others out there. It's a 50% increase in value, after all.
Sure, it's good if "with a little work/greenstuff/press-molding/sculpting" you can make extra figures. It's a hell of a lot better if you can make them out of the box with no mucking about at all. How did Mantic build their KS popularity? gakloads of cheap figures. You've got the opportunity here to add 40-50% extra to yours - not only the KS (which is just to get the kit tooled and started), along with that extra being a permanent thing at retail. Have a look in this Warlord/Wargames Factory thread to see how people discuss price/figure, value and how it affects their purchasing decisions.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/180/678174.page
As I said, it's your decision - but I'd consider it very carefully, because it gives you a HUGE bump of value to the customer in your kit for as long as it's produced - for many years to come.
Your advice is always warmly welcomed, altering the spure size to make sure the additional back torsos fit in the box (that's 8-10 more!) isn't as simple as it sounds, we aren't doing it because "hehehe *evil laughter* we will force them to buy more of our boxes that way!", the costs are not so big as mainly the headbreaker in managing to do that,
We will however take this under serious consideration in managing to find a solution to this, after all, your suggestion makes perfect sense :-)
Ian Sturrock wrote: New add-ons look good... but $148 retail for four lions + riders? That's like $37/£25 each. Seems like a lot for cavalry, even big 'uns.
We must have messed up somewhere I guess, because I can't figure out where the $148 retail for four lions+cavalry comes from :-?
The lions are very large resin models and have a certain production cost, we love how we have expanded with these beasts but at the same time we have to charge what we have to charge. However, concerning the prices ->
Price for the 4 lions+riders is 75 euros (you can't see it because due to augmented sales we had not expected it is currently out of stock, we haven't made it in time to replenish our stock ), but the lion pack is set at $60 http://www.shieldwolfminiatures.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=100
That should be no more than $65-66 for the lion pack only & $83-85 for the lions+riders, correct? We are currently offering them discounted for $39 and $65 rispectively. Now, what did I miss?!
Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: altering the spure size to make sure the additional back torsos fit in the box (that's 8-10 more!) isn't as simple as it sounds, we aren't doing it because "hehehe *evil laughter* we will force them to buy more of our boxes that way!", the costs are not so big as mainly the headbreaker in managing to do that,
We will however take this under serious consideration in managing to find a solution to this, after all, your suggestion makes perfect sense :-)
There is of course always a limit to what can fit on a sprue but it's probably worth removing some weapon options if needed to fit back pieces to everyone.
A less neat solutions would be to sell separate bags of back pieces in resin.
Sorry Shieldwolf! Clearly I should not attempt to add prices pre-coffee. I thought the price for the lions was for lions with no riders (I was right!) and I thought the price for the riders was for riders with no lions (I was wrong!).
Will you be doing an optional add-on that is lions + shieldmaiden riders? Or do we just have to buy the shieldmaiden riders separately?
Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: altering the spure size to make sure the additional back torsos fit in the box (that's 8-10 more!) isn't as simple as it sounds, we aren't doing it because "hehehe *evil laughter* we will force them to buy more of our boxes that way!", the costs are not so big as mainly the headbreaker in managing to do that,
We will however take this under serious consideration in managing to find a solution to this, after all, your suggestion makes perfect sense :-)
There is of course always a limit to what can fit on a sprue but it's probably worth removing some weapon options if needed to fit back pieces to everyone.
A less neat solutions would be to sell separate bags of back pieces in resin.
Nah, we would prefer clipping some of the plastics out and not having resin (hybrid) pieces, but we prefer and are trying our best to keep everything on a sprue. We like it more that way :-)
Anyway, there's the lady from above who is wondering who's fault it is she has not been unlocked yet! :-p
I agree that the shieldlady concept art looks great, mostly because of her hard features. However, if it's Patrick Keith who's doing the sculpt (since he appears to have done the other figures) I have a hard time believing the final sculpt will be true to the concept. I have nothing against him as an artist or a sculptor, but he seems either incapable or unwilling to do make models with hard features. His figures can be picked out at a distance (for me at least) since they all have round faces, round cheeks, round eyes, and even round hairstyles. So what's my point? Either ask him to change his style and make a hard-featured figure look hard (doubt it will happen), find another sculptor who can do that style, or expect that much of what make the concept look so good will be lost along the way.
I've wanted to point this out about his style forever. Because I personally really get turned off when he's involved. Just my opinion though.
Finally got around to putting in a placeholder pledge here but had a question regarding the orcs. If we only pledge for existing (already sculpted and produced) orc items, will they still wait to ship in December, or will they ship earlier?
Also, the add-on graphic from the main page leads to a "page not found" on Flickr! Just FYI (all the info was in the individual graphics below it, but the combined graphic is a broken link atm).
@Greywolf
All opinions are respected.
Sculptor commissioned for the Shieldlords is Paolo Fabiani, the same who did the Valley Orc Shaman for our KS-1. This is how it worked out
Artwork on which backers pledged during KS-1
Spoiler:
WiP of the actual sculpt
Spoiler:
A closer look into the detail
Spoiler:
And even a version if someone didn't want to use the cloak!
Spoiler:
This is the finished and painted version
Spoiler:
And finally, an independent video review to show the actual product and what our casts are like. Backers from KS-1 having received this will confirm I think :-)
Spoiler:
And has the sculptor Shieldwolf commissioned ever worked on female minis however?
We are confident we are going to do justice, we really spare no expense regarding concept artwork in order to assist our sculptors as much as possible in their task and we are aiming to keep it that way! :-)
Why not just add 10 extra backs and make it unquestionably better value without asking people to use shield, greenstuff and other half-measures? Seems like a no-brainer to me.
In fact it wouldn't be but we have in mind a specific lay-out and the sprue space may not suffice to throw in the extra backs. Plus we have a specific box size we are currently using so if we do change the sprue size it's probably going to end up causing us new issues with the packaging of the retail version. We wouldn't like to state something and then not do it, it is human to make mistakes one had not thought of but if we have foreseen it is best saying it upfront, it's the honest thing to do.
It's way better ending up with delivering something more than promised instead of promising something and failing to deliver... :-)
It's your own choice, but if it's only going to take 10 backs, I'd be prioritising them. People buying models are always after value for money (ever seen a "GW is too expensive" thread or post?), and you're better off listening to people who don't automatically say that everything you say or do is fantastic. Many, many people on forums, your facebook, kickstarter comments, etc are always going to tell you that anything you say is wonderful because they want you to like them. Those people are your fans and are going to buy whatever you produce anyway (unless you burn them often enough). The ability to put "30 models" on the box instead of "20 models" is a big selling point to all of the others out there. It's a 50% increase in value, after all.
Sure, it's good if "with a little work/greenstuff/press-molding/sculpting" you can make extra figures. It's a hell of a lot better if you can make them out of the box with no mucking about at all. How did Mantic build their KS popularity? gakloads of cheap figures. You've got the opportunity here to add 40-50% extra to yours - not only the KS (which is just to get the kit tooled and started), along with that extra being a permanent thing at retail. Have a look in this Warlord/Wargames Factory thread to see how people discuss price/figure, value and how it affects their purchasing decisions.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/180/678174.page
As I said, it's your decision - but I'd consider it very carefully, because it gives you a HUGE bump of value to the customer in your kit for as long as it's produced - for many years to come.
This is an excellent point.
If you are worried about customers who only want armored bodies or midriff-barers, instead of a mix, you can set up a forum thread on your site for trades.
Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: altering the spure size to make sure the additional back torsos fit in the box (that's 8-10 more!) isn't as simple as it sounds, we aren't doing it because "hehehe *evil laughter* we will force them to buy more of our boxes that way!", the costs are not so big as mainly the headbreaker in managing to do that,
We will however take this under serious consideration in managing to find a solution to this, after all, your suggestion makes perfect sense :-)
There is of course always a limit to what can fit on a sprue but it's probably worth removing some weapon options if needed to fit back pieces to everyone.
A less neat solutions would be to sell separate bags of back pieces in resin.
Nah, we would prefer clipping some of the plastics out and not having resin (hybrid) pieces, but we prefer and are trying our best to keep everything on a sprue. We like it more that way :-)
Note that I didn't mean that every box should include resin parts but rather that extra resin back-pieces could be a separate product.
That way you could also (as someone suggested in your KS comments) offer add-ons for modifying the shieldmaidens by offering back-pieces that have cloaks, trophy-racks, wings whatever...
Your advice is always warmly welcomed, altering the spure size to make sure the additional back torsos fit in the box (that's 8-10 more!) isn't as simple as it sounds, we aren't doing it because "hehehe *evil laughter* we will force them to buy more of our boxes that way!", the costs are not so big as mainly the headbreaker in managing to do that,
We will however take this under serious consideration in managing to find a solution to this, after all, your suggestion makes perfect sense :-)
No suggestion of ebil laughter here - just that I think you'll find that it works the other way - people will be more likely to buy more of them because value is irresistible when buying toy soldats. I'm aware that space is a limitation, but ultimately, you're working with a limited amount of space and need to work out your priorities. Now, obviously I'm not familiar with your internals, etc, but I'm sure you've seen this sprue:
Or these:
Fewer shields here, but more distinct options for the embossing:
Or even these! They work for any army! (just fill in the boss holes)
Something like this (if your tooling allows) might be a solution to create space for additional back pieces. Removing shields from the core Shieldmaiden frame and instead moving them to a small, separate frame that can then be produced separately, reused and repackaged with the Shieldmaidens, ShieldHuntresses, ShieldRangers, Krumvaal Warriors, Orc Scavengers, various metal or resin heroes that you might produce, etc....
it's the "sexy model" pose she's wearing. The "inspiration" image is no doubt a photograph of an attractive model posing in a way that makes more visual sense than the artwork while wearing Space Marine greaves.
Hi Shieldwolf, did you see my question above? I think you might've missed it since the add-ons image link still leads to a "page not found" on the main Kickstarter page! Copied below:
RiTides wrote: Finally got around to putting in a placeholder pledge here but had a question regarding the orcs. If we only pledge for existing (already sculpted and produced) orc items, will they still wait to ship in December, or will they ship earlier?
Also, the add-on graphic from the main page leads to a "page not found" on Flickr! Just FYI (all the info was in the individual graphics below it, but the combined graphic is a broken link atm).
Mymearan wrote: What's wrong with the lady's leg? Looks like it's broken! Hope you sculpt it in a more natural pose
It does look very strange at the moment?
Looking at the unpainted picture and the painted picture, it kind of looks like the painter did accidentally break off her let foot just below the knee/above the boot, and glued it on slightly out of alignment. Her left foot seems to point more in in the painted version than in the unpainted. Might just be the slight change in perspective too between the shots, but honestly I know I have broken a LOT of knees/ankles off rein models while working on them, so I wouldn't be surprised if that's what happened here.
greywulf wrote: @Shieldwolf thanks for the reassurance. So far I'm still in anyways. Its the plastic ladies that look so good!
Aye, just wanting to point out that we are not a company with all the sculpts done anyway (since, you know, they will be sold in retail anyhow, lol!) we have sculpted a few to prove we have the know-how (and still more we haven't revealed yet) and pre-paid for all the artwork top-level since we intend to use it in our book, but people will need to trust us regarding the sculpts. There is the money-back guarantee for that after all, we know how it works and we mean to deliver as such :-)
overtyrant wrote: Will the Bear riders be interchangeable with the Lion riders?
We are discussing it with the sculptor to see whether he can come up with a solution. For the time being the responsible answer is "no", since the lions are slimmer and one would have to greenstuff the saddles to make the fit.
Hoping some cool stuff can be done with the Lion riders and shield maidens since i have the lion riders already - maybe some conversion would work better. worth looking into
Indeed looks like some kind of monster lady. I'm not sure those spikes feel that spidery though? More like some kind of stone-elemental perhaps?
Pledges seems fairly steady these last days. If it's kept up and here's a extra boost of at least 10 grand or so in the last day (as is common in crowd funding) this should have a good chance of reaching 70k to make the maiden kit multipart, which would truly be awesome!
To be honest we really would like to see them (i.e. the Things of the Caves) in the next days but this project must really take off for them to make their appearance, so they are on hold and we will wait the last couple of days to see whether they do appear or not! Maybe it's their destiny to appear in a future project...? :-?
In the meanwhile, although a Saturday it has commenced in a stupendous way, since (Woohoo!!!) she's now joining the ranks. To lead them of course!
You guys are great, that's some awesome support we are receiving, thank you! :-D
This was posted by one of the backers, really liked it and thought it nice to post it here too! Cool!
We are currently grinding our minds in how we can make the bear riders appear sooner than planned.
We want to have reached a decision by tomorrow (i.e. Sunday) night so we can have a good finish in the final days :-)
And as always, thank you for your support!
Finally, there's a review from the guys over at the German website Brueckenkopf posted yesterday for whoever wants to have another look at our twin-headed Dragon, we find the size comparison picture down below really helpful and sweet!
Are the bears actually all sculpted already? If I had to guess, I'd say that they are, given that one is already on display and painted, and they were to feature in the first KS. So I suspect that they're all sculpted, moulds are made and the painted ones are sitting either in your cabinet or the cabinet of whoever the painter is.
If this is true, then don't hold them back to use as bs fake "stretch goals". Release them as add-ons, and they might help the campaign hit.. well, $60k if you're lucky.
The campaign is incredibly unlikely to hit $70k (I think the cancelled one would have, but that's neither here nor there anymore). There's no point in holding stuff back for post-$70k, and on a personal level, I find the teaser for the she-monster or whatever it is to be more annoying than interesting, since it's obvious that it's not actually going to be seen this campaign unless it's the $60k goal. And more add-ons for $60k isn't going to do you many favours.
So, TLR. Stop playing coy with bears as stretch goals for above $70k. Show and unlock the bears as an add-on, because people will be likely to actually buy them, and you can then sell them in your store for moneys. We know they're not going to be freebies, and they're already ready to go, so holding them back makes no sense at all if KS is a means to an end and not the new purpose of your business. (We make Kickstarters so we can make more Kickstarters - See: Mierce, Mantic, CMON)
We instead are very positive it can still hit the 70K target but we will need to maintain the constant stream we have had ever since we relaunched.
The previous campaign is a thing of the past and I think you'll agree with us that there's little reason discussing potential/theoretical achievements, need noting however that the new version has funded things the previous one had never included/planned for.
I'm afraid you are wrong, Shiedlwolf has launched the KS in order (among the other things) to fund the sculpting of the other two bears and the riders. We did exactly the same thing in our KS-1, having sculpted, painted and 360 degree shot a single lion + rider. People pledged generously for the pack of all of them (another 3 lions + 3 riders) based on pure artwork (which still has costs naturally). The reason of sculpting + casting a copy + painting it, is merely because we believe a creator must show/prove he/she has the ability to do what the project is about, reveal the level of such ability plus -very important, to us at least- demonstrate commitment.
I don't remember nor have the time to search how many lions+riders were shipped to the backers (if you insist I can find out however), what I do remember is that out of 190 backers who pledged in KS-1 and had the money-back guarantee not a single backer asked for a refund. On the contrary we offered refunds to people who had pledged for the 54mm scale Wyvern since technical issues we could not have foreseen never allowed us to print it. None took it, they were more than happy to exchange it fot the 54mm twin headed instead.
Hopefully this clears the issue :-)
We are looking forward a great finish and we are very happy and grateful, we are also very tired due to the stressful past weeks where we have worked non-stop on making this come to life, we like the concept very much and find it is an army unique worldwide. At least that's our take :-)
If it stays at the same rate of $1500-1800/day, you'll hit about $60k, since there's 4 days left. So barring a big $10k spike at the end, that's where the campaign is looking like it'll end.
I stand corrected on the bear in that case, and I guess that unless they're unlocked as add-ons for $60k that's the last we'll see of them until the next campaign when Bears 2 and 3 and maybe 4 are funded, unless you choose to produce them without KS funding, I suppose.
I do hope you hit $70k, though. My $200-250 will end up getting me 6-7 boxes of the Shieldmaidens, and that's going to end up very repetitive, very fast.
Be great to see some Shieldmaiden cavalry as alternate options for the $100+ deals. I'm not massively keen on either the 2-headed dragon or the yak... which means I'm either going to have more Shieldmaiden infantry than I strictly need, or a lot of orcs.
They were moved forward in the schedule so only the first Bear equipage has the option of purchasing rider and bear separately. The other two must be bought as one item. (or a pack with the three riders only. Sadly no pack of just the bears)
I think its a good idea. The majority of people buying bears are going to want riders for them too, and they're big hulking chunks of resin going for a pretty decent price.
It'd probably be very useful to have the existing bear sculpt photographed beside another model (or models) for scale purposes, as the artwork had them looking impossibly large.
Azazelx wrote: It'd probably be very useful to have the existing bear sculpt photographed beside another model (or models) for scale purposes, as the artwork had them looking impossibly large.
(stupid photobucket doesn't allow me to upload the images) >-(
Plastic command has been funded, the kit is now more complete than ever. The only thing that would surpass it is whether the Rangers get funded or not, thus turning it into a dual kit.
This was posted a few pages earlier.
Looks like a 50x100 base
Thank you, Micky.
Zywus wrote: Finally.
There was a few backers dropping out this day so it took quite a while to get to this stretch-goal.
The 70k still feels doable, but it might be tight. It'll be exiting days ahead.
Never felt doable to me, unfortunately. But I'm really much more pragmatic than optimistic. It'd be great if it did, but $12k+ in 58 hours? I think it'll safely hit the Bears at $60k, which might give a bump as people then drop money in for them once they're funded models. I doubt it'll be a 10k bump, though.
Makes me wonder if any really big pledges dropped out, and if so, were they "punishing" SW for cancelling the previous campaign? I guess they could just as easily be "fake" pledges made to artificially bump the campaign. Either way, hopefully there's not more of it.
Zywus wrote: Finally.
There was a few backers dropping out this day so it took quite a while to get to this stretch-goal.
The 70k still feels doable, but it might be tight. It'll be exiting days ahead.
Never felt doable to me, unfortunately. But I'm really much more pragmatic than optimistic. It'd be great if it did, but $12k+ in 58 hours? I think it'll safely hit the Bears at $60k, which might give a bump as people then drop money in for them once they're funded models. I doubt it'll be a 10k bump, though.
Makes me wonder if any really big pledges dropped out, and if so, were they "punishing" SW for cancelling the previous campaign? I guess they could just as easily be "fake" pledges made to artificially bump the campaign. Either way, hopefully there's not more of it.
There should be a sizable bump around 48 hours as reminders get sent out. There was talk of a spot on Beastsofwar too I believe. They advertised there last KS.
Anyone wanting to punish SW for cancelling last campaign would rather just not back this one at all wouldn't they?
People can be douchebags, and I've heard of it happening in other campaigns. It'd be good to see something from BoW as their coverage last time was token/lackluster at best. I'm not suggesting that BoW's editorial opinion should be able to be "bought" but given how AWESOME every single thing they talk about seems to be presented, they might do a bit better in terms of noting a campaign that paid what was no doubt a good chunk of change to advertise for a week or more.
Honestly I didnt think we would reach this high in the last few days, but I suppose i underestimated how much people like these guys Hope we hit the 70k mark but wont be too sad if we dont
Am I right that the 70K goal will give you enough back torso pieces to make 30 miniatures out of a box, if you don't mind having a mix of midriffs?
Honestly, the value is so good here that even though I hadn't originally thought I could use these models, with your unlocking all of the less exposed options, I'm really tempted to up for some models here! Will see about splitting a pledge with Wehrkind
I won't be using the exposed options but 2 boxes of ranger shieldmaidens with the alternate heads and non-bare-midriffs would be absolutely killer! I really like the more varied hairstyles and equipment shown in the art for these.
I expect we will reach the Rangers once the 48hrs go out, would be great to hit the Warmaidens at 100K but very unlikely, would love to be proved wrong.
Less than $150 away from it unlocking! I think with this at $60K, getting $10K in the last 48 hours is totally doable. Bring on those Rangers parts!! Really makes the deal-per-box insane...
Yeah, that'd be ideal. Hoping we can get to the Rangers, would be a really nice addition, and would help break up the look of units to throw a couple of ones into a big group, especially for games like Kings of War.
Hehe, I am in the same boat Bocatt. I don't really have a plan for the girls yet, but I am fairly certain I will figure something out in the next 7 months or so. It is just too good of a deal on reasonable looking multi part HIPS female vikings to pass up.
And C is cleared too, so now you can buy all three bears together as the bundle.
Next stretch goal is Rangers at 70,000.
Crazy... I didn't realise that this was about making a genuine dual kit - i thought it was just gonna chuck a mini sprue of ranged weapons into the box, but they've got bigger ideas.
Full dual-kit of Shieldmaidens / Rangers. Kinda epic!
Shieldwolf, I saw that you are working on a way to bump your pledge up after to possibly qualify for the stretch goals during PM. Is this happening? I'm waiting on my tax return money which will be a week or two (possibly a tad longer). I'm looking at enough for gold or possibly double gold at that time but right now I have to go in very low.
MLaw wrote: Shieldwolf, I saw that you are working on a way to bump your pledge up after to possibly qualify for the stretch goals during PM. Is this happening? I'm waiting on my tax return money which will be a week or two (possibly a tad longer). I'm looking at enough for gold or possibly double gold at that time but right now I have to go in very low.
If it's for a week or two you're perfectly fine, PM will (probably) open mid-March and stay open till the 31st. :-)
After which it will re-open probably Q3 (September we think).
MLaw wrote: Shieldwolf, I saw that you are working on a way to bump your pledge up after to possibly qualify for the stretch goals during PM. Is this happening? I'm waiting on my tax return money which will be a week or two (possibly a tad longer). I'm looking at enough for gold or possibly double gold at that time but right now I have to go in very low.
If it's for a week or two you're perfectly fine, PM will (probably) open mid-March and stay open till the 31st. :-)
After which it will re-open probably Q3 (September we think).
Okay, that's great. I put my gaming budget for March on it as my placeholder
Hm, I might well be (very happily) wrong on my previous predictions. $70k actually looks doable now - and if so it adds a ton of value to the existing pledges by removing the repetitive nature of getting 3 or 5 or 8 boxes of the same models. $75k might be a Big Mother Bear hero?
MLaw wrote: Shieldwolf, I saw that you are working on a way to bump your pledge up after to possibly qualify for the stretch goals during PM. Is this happening? I'm waiting on my tax return money which will be a week or two (possibly a tad longer). I'm looking at enough for gold or possibly double gold at that time but right now I have to go in very low.
If SW do this, then $70k is a shoo-in, and $75k very, very achievable. I'd certainly bump (maybe even double?) my own $200 pledge if that happened.
This was posted somewhere else (perhaps teased on the prior campaign?) but look like the silhouette for 75K. Character bear rider or just a more heavily armed bear rider?
Almost 66K with 30 hours to go! 70K should be a shoe-in, and 500 backers is a great possibility with the bonus sprue that brings.
Think I will up my $95 pledge to $155 to help! Yay for war-bears! Perfect Heavy Riders unit for Dragon Rampant. I hope they at least have covered midriffs.
scarletsquig wrote: Think I can definitely find a use for 100 or so of these as a KoW Varagnur army
My thoughts exactly! Since they're HIPS, I'm hoping I can convert some to be mounted, and the Ranger stretch goal is going to make them much more versatile to represent different unit types
Going to be saving mine to make a Northern Alliance force. I already have miniatures from Blood Rage, I just need some other Norse types to fill out units and I should be golden
Ok, the shieldmaidens look really cool, but I'm really not interested in wolves, lions, etc.
Let's say right now I can only put a token pledge of $1 to be able to pledge later for add ons, and let's say what I'm interested in is, specifically, the more "armored" shieldmaidens that have been unlocked, and the rangers that probably will be.
What will I be getting, exactly, if I get a box of shieldmaidens as an add-on?
Albertorius wrote: Ok, the shieldmaidens look really cool, but I'm really not interested in wolves, lions, etc.
Let's say right now I can only put a token pledge of $1 to be able to pledge later for add ons, and let's say what I'm interested in is, specifically, the more "armored" shieldmaidens that have been unlocked, and the rangers that probably will be.
What will I be getting, exactly, if I get a box of shieldmaidens as an add-on?
If you put a token pledge for $1 and you total $25 in your pledge as an add-on, you won't be eligible for free SGs, therefore you will be receiving the main box. This will allow you to compose 20 models. Simple as that. :-)
Albertorius wrote: Ok, the shieldmaidens look really cool, but I'm really not interested in wolves, lions, etc.
Let's say right now I can only put a token pledge of $1 to be able to pledge later for add ons, and let's say what I'm interested in is, specifically, the more "armored" shieldmaidens that have been unlocked, and the rangers that probably will be.
What will I be getting, exactly, if I get a box of shieldmaidens as an add-on?
If you put a token pledge for $1 and you total $25 in your pledge as an add-on, you won't be eligible for free SGs, therefore you will be receiving the main box. This will allow you to compose 20 models. Simple as that. :-)
Ok. And how about later on, on a store? What will people be getting when they get a box at the FLGS?
Also, does that mean that if you pledge for another level that gets free SGs and you pick add ons you won't be getting them either for those add ons? And how do you get the SGs? I'm not interested in sexy warmaidens, I already have more than I know what to do with. I'm interested in more sensibly clothed ones, to use primarily to make RPG characters for my friends. How can I get those, as they are a SG?
A box of the "basic" shieldmaiden kit Albertorius I believe. The additional heads, more armoed up bodys and ranger parts are only for those who have pledged for a starter army or the two player starter (orcs and Shieldmaidens).
Also this was in the FAQ reguarding the Pledge manager: PLEASE NOTE: Upgrading however only allows you to receive additional items (e.g. various add-ons). It does NOT give you access to the additional rewards some pledge levels grant.
Example-1: if you have pledged $1 and upgrade to the $100 Starter Army, you are not eligible to any of the free rewards this pledge level unlocked.
Example-2: if you have pledged $50 and upgrade to the $100 Army, you are still eligible for all Silver level rewards but you won't be getting any Gold level rewards
Example-3: if you have pledged $100 for an Army and add another or upgrade to any other (Army), you will be eligible to all Gold level rewards these include.
So from the sounds of it, you really are better of backing for a raiding party at least if you can as the "gold only" rewards are some extra characters iirc.
What @Goregut said.
I think you will agree with me @Albertorius that handing out the freebies to everyone would be unfair towards people who pledged larger amounts and thus made it possible for these to fund in the first place. :-)
We comprehend on the other hand that some people may not have the required funds atm,that's why we said we will grant a "period of grace" extending at least till end of March.
In the worst of cases for RPG use you still get to make 10-12 "sensible" models (presuming you don't wan to do any GS work to"fix" the other parts).
Finally,as for the retail version,it doesn't mean that these boxes will have the same number of sprues in them as the ones for backers rewarded for having supported us.
Angelos from Shieldwolf is funding the rest,so it's up to him to decide how to approach the retail sale.
I hope this answers your question,if not,please let me know.
overtyrant wrote: Ah I missed that, I thought all the extras we were funding would be in the retail box.
That's what I was expecting, too. Otherwise, doing them in HIPS seem overly wasteful.
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Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: What @Goregut said.
I think you will agree with me @Albertorius that handing out the freebies to everyone would be unfair towards people who pledged larger amounts and thus made it possible for these to fund in the first place. :-)
Er... ok. Not sure what one thing has to do with the other, but ok. How about you put the SG as additional add-ons, then, to be added separately? Or up the price of the individual box add-on to account for it?
We comprehend on the other hand that some people may not have the required funds atm,that's why we said we will grant a "period of grace" extending at least till end of March.
Thanks or your understanding. That still doesn't really solve my "yeah, I don't want anything but the HIPS maidens" problem, though ^_^
In the worst of cases for RPG use you still get to make 10-12 "sensible" models (presuming you don't wan to do any GS work to"fix" the other parts).
Good to know... but kind of strange, then. What's going to actually be on the regular sprues, then? I thought that the "sensible" clothed bodies and the "non-wavy" haircuts were not on the regular sprues.
Finally,as for the retail version,it doesn't mean that these boxes will have the same number of sprues in them as the ones for backers rewarded for having supported us.
Angelos from Shieldwolf is funding the rest,so it's up to him to decide how to approach the retail sale.
Understood. Would it be possible, then, that when you go retail you release multiple boxes? Rangers, more uncovered and more covered battle maidens? That way you could please everyone. Well, that or a bigger box with options for all and a higher price, of course.
Thanks for the answers. I don't think the stated campaign is for me, but I'm happy to see it's gone well.
EDIT: Hmm, well, maybe the starter army II would be the way to go...
Albertorius wrote: Would it be possible, then, that when you go retail you release multiple boxes? Rangers, more uncovered and more covered battle maidens? That way you could please everyone. Well, that or a bigger box with options for all and a higher price, of course.
That's exactly what they've said they're going to consider - at retail they might be sold separately, but here you get all the bits to make either variety!
I am mostly only after the Shieldmaidens too, but a $100 pledge for "Starter Army II" is a fantastic deal for 4 boxes (80 shieldmaidens) if you could find someone to split it with.
Pledged $50 for a raiding party. So I get 2 KS exclusive heroes, 2 Stretch Goal heroes, 5 wolves, 20 gals with alternate heads, torsos and options for Command and (soon) Rangers? Not a bad deal. Thanks Shieldwolf!
bocatt wrote: Pledged $50 for a raiding party. So I get 2 KS exclusive heroes, 2 Stretch Goal heroes, 5 wolves, 20 gals with alternate heads, torsos and options for Command and (soon) Rangers?
If it's a Shieldmaiden Raiding Party, yes, that's exactly what you should be expecting. :-)
Basic box will have 20 of the normal shieldmaidens, with X more armored up and X lesser so, with the SG being met it adds more of the covered up versions to the basic box at retail(?).
Then you have the box with command sprues, again with X armored up blah blah.
Then you have the box with the Ranger sprue.
So you could have potentially three boxes each with different options, if the "upgrade" sprues are sold seperately,
depending on how many spare bits you get you might be able to pickup a second "basic" box and convert them as they are all interchangable with eachother.
Im not a business man, just a simple frog trying to get his slimy hands on some miniatures so im not sure which would be better. But either way its a fine way of doing things and I do look forward to recieving them.
I don't see any point in a retail box that doesn't have at least the command sprues in it, so I suspect that it'd be a standard part of the retail box for any variants.
The way the ranger sprue is handled will determine whether it's actually a dual kit as claimed, or if it's more like the Warlord Games historical kits that feature a "base" sprue and then different add-on sprues depending on what type of troop you want to actually make.
Now, I think this was answered before, but if you're already backing for a gold or double-gold level, and you add another gold level or two on in the PM, you get a set of freebies for each gold level pledge - as long as you were at least gold or higher in the actual KS? This is correct, right?
If e.g. the project unlocks a free resin miniature or a free plastic box for the pledge levels eligible to Gold level rewards, then a backer via a $200 pledge by choosing two different Armies (as long as they are both eligible to the Gold level, i.e. NOT a Raiding Party) will receive double these rewards.
Azazelx wrote: Now, I think this was answered before, but if you're already backing for a gold or double-gold level, and you add another gold level or two on in the PM, you get a set of freebies for each gold level pledge - as long as you were at least gold or higher in the actual KS? This is correct, right?
Presumably you can also just pledge at a Starter Army or Raiding Party level, but then when it comes time to select rewards, you can just select shieldmaiden boxes?
I pledged at Campaign army level but I actually just want a garrison army (+$200 of extras)
I don't think I'll be able to rope in- er, split 4 boxes of Shieldmaidens with someone in the day that's left: would it be possible to pledge for a level in the KS and upgrade that level to a higher one with additional funds in the KS?
Let's say I pledge $50 right now. If I pledge another $50 on the PM, would I get the silver and gold add ons if I select the "Starter Army II"?
If you do it in March (or within the "grace period" as we called it), we will count it as having been $100 from the start, so you'll be eligible for the gold level rewards (as long as you select a Starter Army, i.e. not going for add-ons only or a raiding party!)
:-)
Hope you like what @Zywus posted (thanks for lending a hand here!) :-D
Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: If you do it in March (or within the "grace period" as we called it), we will count it as having been $100 from the start, so you'll be eligible for the gold level rewards (as long as you select a Starter Army, i.e. not going for add-ons only or a raiding party!)
:-)
Hope you like what @Zywus posted (thanks for lending a hand here!) :-D
skarsol wrote: Are we going to get any more info on the picture you teased, or was it just a random "here's a thing"?
I assure you nothing's random, we reveal according to the pace of the funding.
Very simple tactic really, the more funding slows down the less we reveal, the more it picks up then the more gets shown! :-)
We had teased both (this one in particular we had shown ever since we had done KS-1!). On top of that people were asking for bears, so it's normal the Icecrusher takes priorirty ;-)
It's not surprising people were more interested in the bears, cause we can tell what those are. *shrug* I've never understood the purpose of super vague teases like that. "You may or may not want this thing that might come later, but we're not gonna let you decide that till later!" vs "Here's something you may or may not like, but if you do like it, get pledging!" But hey, you seem happy with how the campaigned turned out, so I guess your methodology is working.
skarsol wrote: Are we going to get any more info on the picture you teased, or was it just a random "here's a thing"?
I assure you nothing's random, we reveal according to the pace of the funding.
Very simple tactic really, the more funding slows down the less we reveal, the more it picks up then the more gets shown! :-)
This doesn't make a lot of sense. The people you need to get on board are the ones who have not yet pledged. Not the ones who are already on board. Getting more money out of existing pledgers is always good, but that well is smaller than people on the fence. This becomes increasingly so as overall numbers increase.
There's a local player who's pledging for a unit of 3 bears - he's now pledging for a unit of 3 bears plus the Icecrusher! So, I think it's a very valid way to go - if you make a unit, making a character for that unit both increases appeal and is a logical add-on.
That said, I really would like to see the caves creature - so I hope if this last day goes well you'll show it even if we're not quite there. Just like you did showing the Icecrusher in the first campaign, it primes the pump for what's coming next
I'm not talking about adding the mother bear - I mean in terms of teasing vs showing add-ons. The 3-bears guy wasn't a backer and now he is since they're released. So he's come on board due to the add-ons being shown.
Whatever the caves creature is, showing it now will get people interested/excited for it now. Even if it doesn't make it and gets bumped to the next campaign, people will go in excited for it and wanting to make it happen right from the start.
Well I've got no argument there - it's a tried and true method that Mierce uses, after all . I really would like to see it before the end - hopefully once the icecrusher is unlocked
RiTides wrote: Well I've got no argument there - it's a tried and true method that Mierce uses, after all . I really would like to see it before the end - hopefully once the icecrusher is unlocked
OK. Deal! We will post it in the update too, when the Icecrusher gets unlocked we will reveal one of the Things of the caves (probably the one we showed the teaser off).
Can't do any harm, can it?
RiTides wrote: Well I've got no argument there - it's a tried and true method that Mierce uses, after all . I really would like to see it before the end - hopefully once the icecrusher is unlocked
I dont think we will see the things in the caves in full until we are close to them and they are a long way off imo, they have been top secret since KS-1.
I agree showing off future concepts is a good idea to keep interest at least, like you say Mierce does it every KS
Automatically Appended Next Post: Ignore the first part of my last comment, shieldwolf has caved in
Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: OK. Deal! We will post it in the update too, when the Icecrusher gets unlocked we will reveal one of the Things of the caves (probably the one we showed the teaser off).
Can't do any harm, can it?
Brilliant, thank you very much
And agreed, definitely can't hurt, especially if you show it as something to look forward to for the future if it doesn't get reached here! Mierce does this all the time in their campaigns, and honestly it seems to work wonderfully - gets people looking forward / saving up for the next one
I like the look of these. How will they scale up in terms of height? I'd like to get some to use as Warriors of Forochel for LOTR, but I'm a little worried they'd be a head taller than every other LOTR model. Are there any comparison shots to GW miniatures anywhere I can use to try and gauge it (I mean one of the resin ones which I assume are based on the same scale, I know the HIPS hasn't been made yet)?
Ketara wrote: I like the look of these. How will they scale up in terms of height? I'd like to get some to use as Warriors of Forochel for LOTR, but I'm a little worried they'd be a head taller than every other LOTR model.
They're about the same height as the average dark elf, I think.
Dunno how well they'll scale to LOTR, but if they'll just be a little larger than life that might be ok? Fitting the northern warrior aesthetic. (although, weren't the Forochel tribes more sort of... inuitish rather than norse?)
Ketara wrote: I like the look of these. How will they scale up in terms of height? I'd like to get some to use as Warriors of Forochel for LOTR, but I'm a little worried they'd be a head taller than every other LOTR model. Are there any comparison shots to GW miniatures anywhere I can use to try and gauge it (I mean one of the resin ones which I assume are based on the same scale, I know the HIPS hasn't been made yet)?
I got some LOTR orcs i can take comparison pics if you like?
Ketara wrote: I like the look of these. How will they scale up in terms of height? I'd like to get some to use as Warriors of Forochel for LOTR, but I'm a little worried they'd be a head taller than every other LOTR model. Are there any comparison shots to GW miniatures anywhere I can use to try and gauge it (I mean one of the resin ones which I assume are based on the same scale, I know the HIPS hasn't been made yet)?
If the Orcs are the same size as humans, then im afraid the Maidens will be a bit tall, have a look at the pics yourself.
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willb2064 wrote: Just backed at the $100 level, glad this campaign is doing so much better than the last 2.
Quick question on the pledge levels that may have already been answered - is it possible to trade in the dragon for other add-ons?
Shieldwolf .. that is absolutely bonkers. The maidens are kinda cool and a few other things have been neat.. but that.. Those are the types of things that make people want some more..
Yes. But Warmaiden plastics need be unlocked first. there's absolutely no way we can squeeze these between now and the 100K SG -unless we heavily overcharge them but that's not an option, we mean to remain very well priced (YMMV but at least we think we are in that category)-. If there's some type of rush frenzy, all's great and we will be seeing these too, otherwise the Aracnomaidens will be with the Warmaiden project since people seem to have liked their concept so much :-)
What's the schedule delivery for thus KS again? I only ask as I need those Arachnomaidens in my life and don't think we will get to these (though I hope to be proven wrong!). I would love that your next KS concentrates on the Maidens again to finish them off. That would be 3 plastic kits your resin characters and beasties plus anything funded in the next KS
See, revealing that spider earlier could have gotten alot more people involved. I personally would have pledged for oodles of those. Most people are pledging for what, 3 bears plus hero? And the bonus head for dragon is only going to excite people getting the dragon, obviously. Anyway, I know it seems like I'm a negative Nancy, but you guys just confuse me. ;P
skarsol wrote: See, revealing that spider earlier could have gotten alot more people involved. I personally would have pledged for oodles of those. Most people are pledging for what, 3 bears plus hero? And the bonus head for dragon is only going to excite people getting the dragon, obviously. Anyway, I know it seems like I'm a negative Nancy, but you guys just confuse me. ;P
That's because we apparently have lots to learn yet... :-)
Depends, that model wouldnt have come untill after the 100k mark so it would need to draw in ALOT of people for us to even have a chance of seeing it this time around. Showing your full hand isnt always the best option.
There was mention of another campaign once the tooling is done for these and the plastics can be shown off (as a possibility). Obviously it's ideal to fully deliver first, and might give the next even more of a boost, but if the tooling is done and final kits can be shown that might work, too.
If that ends up being the case, I would guess warmaidens and aracnomaidens to be at the start of that campaign as a direct expansion from this one... would certainly make sense given the great reception here!
MLaw wrote: Shieldwolf- If the PM pulls in enough money to unlock further stretch goals will you allow that or is it going to be locked where it is at close?
We don't know, if it's close to a SG it's highly probable we'll be chippin' the difference. It doesn't seem to look that way though atm.
MLaw wrote: Also, Unless something really bananas happens, the spider-lady probably won't come. Will you release her later as a regular retail release?
If the Aracnomaidens never make it to a crowdfunding project (or if they make it but not funded) then we'll probably try to produce them by ourselves. They will probably not be discounted however if that's the case.
Barzam wrote: So, just to be clear, all of the Shieldlords, bears, and riders are resin, right? They aren't restic or metal?
Affirmative. All polyurethane resin.
Hulksmash wrote: Well, I can thank our Corporate Incentive Program. I got cash in time to jump in. I'm in for 80 of the pretty ladies
Thank you! Your support is highly appreciated! :-)
That's a really nice total, and since it's for only one kit with a lot of options (so almost two kits really) I'm not worried about them being too cash-strapped to see it through to completion and send out all these sprues. Really looking forward to seeing the renders for the alternate heads, torsos, command, and of course rangers!!
RiTides wrote: That's a really nice total, and since it's for only one kit with a lot of options (so almost two kits really) I'm not worried about them being too cash-strapped to see it through to completion and send out all these sprues.
Yep. I'm optimistic about this being fulfilled without big delays.
Their first KS even shipped out within the presented timeframe!
Well, congratulations are clearly in order - I didn't think we'd hit $70k and SW got over $80k. Releasing the bears was a good move. Now if you keep counting during the Grace period/pledge manager, there's a real potential to hit $90k. I'd like to hope that even $100k is possible, but I'll go conservative on that one.
Goregut wrote: Depends, that model wouldnt have come untill after the 100k mark so it would need to draw in ALOT of people for us to even have a chance of seeing it this time around. Showing your full hand isnt always the best option.
I think enough people are interested now in the Drachnids that they'll be a real bonus for the next KS, to be quite honest.
MLaw wrote: Shieldwolf- If the PM pulls in enough money to unlock further stretch goals will you allow that or is it going to be locked where it is at close?
We don't know, if it's close to a SG it's highly probable we'll be chippin' the difference. It doesn't seem to look that way though atm.
If you allow "Grace period" and "pledge manager" monies to add in, the $80k maiden could be quite possible. Not guaranteed, but possible. The key there would be to mention the increasing amount (the actual amount) in your next several updates. So not "we've got more" but "backers have added enough to the total in the grace period that we're now at $76,943 - just over $3000 to go!" We know that Mantic always make a good chunk of additional change in their pledge managers - essentially because people can "buy" in their own time and not plan around the arbitrary kickstarter end date.
Zywus / Micky - Totally agreed on delivery time in the last campaign, that was great. I wasn't totally sold on the resin - felt a bit rubbery compared to what I'm used to (Mierce / Forgeworld, which is much more brittle, so there's advantages and disadvantages). But I look forward to seeing more characters in it from my pledge here, and of course the plastic shieldmaidens!
One suggestion on fulfillment, particularly to save space with those large boxes - retail packaging is not needed, particularly since you're not sure how you'll package the Shieldmaidens! Pack them really securely, of course, but for backers of 4 units, we really don't need boxes. Would allow you to put more funds towards those warmaidens and getting the digital sculpting just right, etc.
It depends on how tight the boxes are. The Orcs are pretty well packed in their boxes, so I really wouldn't way that there's wasted space with them. They also protect the figures much more effectively than the Mantic system of throwing everything into a giant box and hoping for the best. Especially when stuff inevitably comes off the sprues in transit.
I'm going to end up with at least 7 boxes, so I'd strongly prefer the packaging if it's an option.
That.
In addition it also allows us to minimize errors (each box has been packed correctly and contains the respective bases).
Also, we mean to deliver in a very presentable manner, the average pledge amount was $145 per backer (we certainly respect that number!)
Finally (before bidding you goodnight as the last 2 months have been very stressful), we would like to thank you for both your interest, advice and support.! It means a lot to us! :-D
I am, of course, OK with receiving the items in retail packaging but if you do decide to not put all the sprues in the retail box, I think it's reasonable that those could be well packed separately!
Congrats again, turned out to be a really well run and successful campaign!!
RiTides wrote: I wasn't totally sold on the resin - felt a bit rubbery compared to what I'm used to (Mierce / Forgeworld, which is much more brittle, so there's advantages and disadvantages).
I like it a lot because it feels like a happy medium between softer resin styles (mantic, forgeworld (all my FW resin was super soft, but yours was brittle?), finecast)), and hard resin styles (raging heroes, puppets war, ramshackle). Its firm but not brittle, and you can actually cut it without it cracking or snapping.
The KS update says that the "Grace Period" will end on 31st May - which is just over a week.
Will this also be the time limit on people who backed the KS but want to increase their pledges? I get paid fortnightly, and I might want to increase my pledge by (theoretically, bur realistically) another $200, but I won't be able to with a week's notice by the time the emails go out...
I am pretty sure the current month is March, so if the Grace Period ends the 31st of May like you say you should be in good shape, no? Two pay periods at least?
You will all get the PM invite within the next 2-3 days max.
We have finished sending it to more than 200 backers, working on the rest.
The grace period is for everyone to add more stuff but mostly for people who want to upgrade to Gold+Silver rewards.
Other backers who don't have funds now but have secured the Gold/Silver rewards via their pledge level, can add more to their pledges when the PM opens up a second and last time (we think around September).
Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: You will all get the PM invite within the next 2-3 days max.
We have finished sending it to more than 200 backers, working on the rest.
The grace period is for everyone to add more stuff but mostly for people who want to upgrade to Gold+Silver rewards.
Other backers who don't have funds now but have secured the Gold/Silver rewards via their pledge level, can add more to their pledges when the PM opens up a second and last time (we think around September).
Please just give us more warning before it ends - at least a month. Even if it's only open for 2 weeks, knowing the end date a month in advance will allow for right proper financial planning.
Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: You will all get the PM invite within the next 2-3 days max.
We have finished sending it to more than 200 backers, working on the rest.
The grace period is for everyone to add more stuff but mostly for people who want to upgrade to Gold+Silver rewards.
Other backers who don't have funds now but have secured the Gold/Silver rewards via their pledge level, can add more to their pledges when the PM opens up a second and last time (we think around September).
Azazelx wrote: Please just give us more warning before it ends - at least a month. Even if it's only open for 2 weeks, knowing the end date a month in advance will allow for right proper financial planning.
The 31st of March is the end for the "Grace Period" not the end for the filling out of the PM (our bad here, we should have made this more clear).
We think of leaving it open till mid-April, but we didn't specify that. Obviously, the faster people submit it the easier for all of us, by tomorrow night everyone should have received the invite, we are on track for that. :-)
Negative. You will however receive a confirmation pm from us in the next few weeks that we have checked and verified the submission of your pledge. We did the same thing in KS-1, seemed to have worked out just fine :-)
So will Shieldwolf be sending out PayPal money requests manually, because from everything I've read about it, I don't think I'm going to trust this bizarre PM system that gives negative values and doesn't recognise EB pledges...
You can still submit it even if the number is negative,
they're going to be manually checking each pledge so it shows a -ve because you got an early bird they'll see it and manually fix things
if you're down because you've spent more than you pledged you need to send them a paypal payment for the difference (and note you've done so in the comments box on page 1)
a bit clunky, but if they've got somebody who has the time to do it, cheaper than paying for a PM either off the shelf like backerkit, (I have a vague idea this cost more for more complex offering s like this) or having one written specifically for them (which you'll find has at least some bugs)
still waiting for my PM invite, but worked everything out on a spreadsheet already.
Need to add about another $100 to my pledge.
According to shieldwolf's earlier post in the thread they will open up the PM again in September so backers can make changes after hopefully getting some production updates and previews.
I filled mine out for the minimum I know I want now so that I had it submitted and I'll reconsider upgrading or more add ins when it opens again in a few months and we hopefully have more information to evaluate.
Uh oh. I added a $25 box but didn't send a payment or write a note because I was expecting a payment request from the PM. Guess I'll wait it out and get my rewards dead last.
Azazelx wrote: So will Shieldwolf be sending out PayPal money requests manually, because from everything I've read about it, I don't think I'm going to trust this bizarre PM system that gives negative values and doesn't recognise EB pledges...
It has to do with the combination of logistics and efficiency,while there are program/PMs available in the market instead of creating your own (like we have),these have other costs and designed for more complicated KSs.
This system we used before in our KS-1,it works out well for us and caused us no issues first time around :-)
People who are not very sure of how to use PayPal have messaged us and we have invoiced them the amount requested directly to their PayPal account so to meet payment easier.
BobtheInquisitor wrote: Uh oh. I added a $25 box but didn't send a payment or write a note because I was expecting a payment request from the PM. Guess I'll wait it out and get my rewards dead last.
The difference between the very first parcel mailed and the dead last one cannot and will not be superior to two weeks, 20 days at the very very max.It will be however delayed compared to the first ones sent out,so we wrote that down to let you know,we will be processing them one after the other by turn to minimize possibilities of errors.
@BobtheInquisitor,send us a pm on KS and we'll have a PayPal request mailed to you so I can manually alter your PM. :-)
highlord tamburlaine wrote: This is all still assuming I can make up my mind as to what exactly I want (besides the obvious Shieldmaidens)....
How long am I allowed to suffer from Analysis Paralysis on this?
The "Grace Period" ends March 31st.
The time allowed to submit the PM for everyone else is around mid-April,we will notify you on the April update,so don't worry about that.
Besides, even if someone missed something,it is going to re-open again with plenty of warning (probably on September), no-one is going to lose out on anything! :-)
All PMs have been sent out on time as scheduled. The April update will have more info, although backers have submitted and we have already received more than half of them!
Can I say I had an issue with my iPad when it came to filling out my pledge, I messaged you guys and all was sorted quickly and professionally by Georgios who resolved the issue for me and let me know as soon as it was done.
So BIG thanks to you guys and Georgios especially for that and I am looking forward to receiving my pledge in the near future
@lone dirty dog
Thank you, we still have lots of work to do in sorting out all the PMs in the next weeks, but it does make the final process easier when fulfillment date comes. :-)
Say, I did fill the PM, but I didn't get any prompt, mail or anything to pay up the difference... should I be worried, or is it just that it has not been sent yet?
Once submitted, there should have been a pop-up window on page 3 showing up "Order has been submitted successfully" or something like that. If it didn't appear or if it did but you missed it, don't worry about it. ;-)
We will be processing each and every pledge and sending a message to every single one of you to let you know all's OK and your submitted PM has been verified and now in line for fulfillment.
This verification is going to take place in the coming weeks, so please don't expect a message in the next couple of days ;-)
If for some reason you do not receive a message stating that your PM went through OK, send us a message (preferably on KS but you can also choose to do it via our FB page).
There will be an update (maybe May, stating this) dealing with any issues that might exist.
I wanted a starter set all the time, but said screw it and got the starter army 2. Who knows when I'll need x number of female warriors, so better get a few more NOW when I get the deluxe boxes with SGs and not unknown retail contents. Total overkill, but whatever.
@Binabik15
I was discussing this same thing with another one of the backers that chose Starter Army-2, she was asking us which studio colors we were thinking of painting these and after some interaction with us has decided that she would be dividing her troops in 3 ways:
-First part she would use all models without "bare midriff/exposed belly" and paint them as the heavier armored unit in greyish+black.
-Second part she would use models with the "bare midriff/exposed belly" and paint them as the light armored unit in bluish+cyan.
-Third part she would use models for the Rangers and paint them as the skirmish unit in dark green+brownish colors.
All of her units will have commands and she wants to convert some not to look like the others.
(just dropping an idea...) ;-)
These above are all compilations we are trying to fit in the retail version, which as you have pointed out is not definitive yet. It will be definitive only after July/August probably.
Since we have earned the trust (and mean to maintain it!) from a very respectable number of backers (most of which wargamers), you can count that all KS backers who actively supported us when we were in need for their assistance will get for their Silver/Gold reward levels a lot more for each plastic kit they pledged for compared to the retail version, which will in our opinion still remain great value for money. :-)
Something I just realized: the miniature count has ballooned a bit with some of the stretch goals, hasn't it? If I'm understanding right, from each set of sprues I should be able to (for example) make one set of figures with armored midriffs plus the original backs and a set with bare midriffs and the ranger backs, basically doubling the box of 20 into 40. Would I have enough parts for that?
Shieldwolf, everything I get my hands on will be hacked apart and converted, anyway
I have three basic ideas formulated:
1) Alt version of the Blood Rage Serpent Clan with covered titties for my girlfriend.
2) A small warband of swan maidens with a huge white knight as a (male) wrecking ball.
3) A third one I had the idea for today but can't remember anymore. I hope I do in the near future, because the first two warbands can be made from a single box. D'oh.
I know I don't want to do big blocks of models though. My time is way too limitesbthese days.
Binabik15 wrote: Shieldwolf, everything I get my hands on will be hacked apart and converted, anyway I have three basic ideas formulated:
1) Alt version of the Blood Rage Serpent Clan with covered titties for my girlfriend.
2) A small warband of swan maidens with a huge white knight as a (male) wrecking ball.
3) A third one I had the idea for today but can't remember anymore. I hope I do in the near future, because the first two warbands can be made from a single box. D'oh.
I know I don't want to do big blocks of models though. My time is way too limitesbthese days.
I think others mentioned this idea before, I don't know how you intend to convert the "swan-look" but we are very interested and willing to see what people will come up with by using this kit! :-)
TheWaspinator wrote: Something I just realized: the miniature count has ballooned a bit with some of the stretch goals, hasn't it? If I'm understanding right, from each set of sprues I should be able to (for example) make one set of figures with armored midriffs plus the original backs and a set with bare midriffs and the ranger backs, basically doubling the box of 20 into 40. Would I have enough parts for that?
That's (partially) a negative. :-)
A lot of minis and options have been unlocked but your count is a tad errored however, every box pledged for (and eligible to the free SGs) does allow enough parts to create 20 full-armored (i.e. without midriff showing) or 20 Rangers but not 40 total per box, more likely 28-30 (if you are willing to do a little conversion work) per set for $25.
The Shieldmaiden Army Starter-2 for example comes out at less than $1 per mini ;-)
Retail is probably going to follow same Policy we had from the start (i.e. infantry 20 models per 25 euros), so with rough calculations (and without counting all the extra discounted resin goodies the KS funded) a backer should be saving something like 45% per box.
We were offering a great deal from the start, we think the final deal for all those who backed our KS is definitely an awesome value for money and the co-funding from our help sure helped out in this.
(And if this project had funded another 18K, it would have been +40 Warmaiden HIPS models for every pledge of >100$. We will work out what still didn't work out before launching any future KS, we cannot understand why more people didn't jump in :-( Hopefully after the succesful completion of this project we will have even better luck next time? Who knows. Constructive comments and suggestions are always welcome)
I think partially because the models were kinda specific. Armored female soldiers isn't something most people really need a lot of. Orcs are also something people probably already have loads of. For me the pledging was also a little more complicated than it probably needed to be but it didn't stop me from backing That said.. the structure of the KS meant I wasn't actually able to get what I wanted and ended up settling for a bundle of the ladies who will largely go unused just to get some free stuff.
Mostly got these on a whim; don't particularly need them, worse ways to spend $100, SW seem like nice guys, etc. Just not a look I needed. Looking forward to shieldmaidens tho they seem more my kind of ridiculous:-)
Binabik15 wrote: Shieldwolf, everything I get my hands on will be hacked apart and converted, anyway I have three basic ideas formulated:
1) Alt version of the Blood Rage Serpent Clan with covered titties for my girlfriend.
2) A small warband of swan maidens with a huge white knight as a (male) wrecking ball.
3) A third one I had the idea for today but can't remember anymore. I hope I do in the near future, because the first two warbands can be made from a single box. D'oh.
I know I don't want to do big blocks of models though. My time is way too limitesbthese days.
I think others mentioned this idea before, I don't know how you intend to convert the "swan-look" but we are very interested and willing to see what people will come up with by using this kit! :-)
One of the 13 valkyries was the swan queen. And there're swan women in the accompanying mythology.
My GF is totally in love with this concept and I had to make a Vemetian mask with swan wings and the body of a swan curled around the eyeholes. Something like this, flowing white clothes and winged helmets for more armoured models are what I'm planing to do. There is a very cool group of white knights with swan imagery in a graphic novel about Siegfried. That's how I'll do the knight, based old Archaon.
Well, we are curious to see what the final result will be like, probably more will try something similar anyway. Conversions are a great part of what the hobby is about after all. :-)
We promised and we unlocked a number of options to put on the sprues, this kit is being designed by us to outclass anything similar could ever enter the market for many many years to come. If ever. :-D
Btw, our webshop closes down on Monday 11th and will probably remain closed for the entire week, due to much needed (and postponed) maintenance, we are also upgrading our CC payment methods and some other issues we had with the 60 euros free shipping option. (main delay will be caused due to the checks the bank wants to make to our gateways)
Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: Once submitted, there should have been a pop-up window on page 3 showing up "Order has been submitted successfully" or something like that. If it didn't appear or if it did but you missed it, don't worry about it. ;-)
We will be processing each and every pledge and sending a message to every single one of you to let you know all's OK and your submitted PM has been verified and now in line for fulfillment.
This verification is going to take place in the coming weeks, so please don't expect a message in the next couple of days ;-)
If for some reason you do not receive a message stating that your PM went through OK, send us a message (preferably on KS but you can also choose to do it via our FB page).
There will be an update (maybe May, stating this) dealing with any issues that might exist.
Edit: For clarification.
Still haven't got anything, nor been asked to pay the additional amount... should I start getting worried?
We have over 400+ PMs and still waiting for another 20% or so.
We will be contacting everyone, and "no, there is no reason to worry", we have some 240 days before starting to ship!
Just dropping this here, our Talliareum Ogre Mercenary army is also going to be completed by end of this year and we can then move on to even more races! :-D
Here's a small round up of what's to be released for our characterful fellas with their slight obesity issues!
-Anvilsmashers (unit of 4)
-Army Banner Bearer
-Mansion Overlord
-Warbull cavalry (unit of 3)
-Ogre Cannon
Plastics for Ogres is way too early to hope for, we are aiming for plastics where a lot of troops may be fielded.
Whatsmore, in our game Talliareum Ogres are mercenaries so they are not a stand-alone army, they can be recruited up to 25% of armies that are allowed access to them.
Ogres get completed this year, and along with the Shieldmaidens and Orcs we will be in grade to field our first three armies, although we are looking forward to reinforcing a lot more their army choices.
If things work out as we hope for, a smaller KS-3 will be ready to launch on August/September this year, so maybe we can focus on a larger KS-4 in Q1 of 2017.
Will all your sculpts designated for plastic production (so basically all your units, rather than heroes) be sculpted by the digital sculptor who is doing the Shieldmaidens? I really love their work
Mr Morden wrote: So given the link up with Warhammer 9th ed - are you still bothering with your own rules?
We have spent way too many resources (in terms of both funds and effort) to allow "War is Coming" not to continue. Angelos has decided however to currently shift weight in the actual production of miniatures to both augment the range and show support to T9A game. We know that this will cause delays in the development of our own game but we are currently OK with that, trying to do everything at once is probably going to end up with us doing very little of anything.
I realize it might feel like failure to stop pushing and working with a game system that you've put a lot of work and I'm sure love into.
However. I recommend that you think hard about whether putting more resources into the game system going forward is the best use of your limited time and resources.
Do there actually exist a fanbase for the game at the moment? Are even a fraction of your KS backers even remotely interested in yet another fantasy rank n' file game system? I assume most are interested in your miniatures and not much else.
I do think the collaboration with 9th age is a good move to give you more exposure, but any backers you get from that will be after models for use in that system.
The problem with launching any new game is that not only do you need to have a better game than the competition. You need to be significantly better in order to have people even consider trying out a game other then the one they regularly play, have already learnt the rules for etc.
@Zywus
I hear you. We strongly believe the support we are showing towards T9A is a win-win situation regardless of what happens to War is Coming. We are also proud to have taken this decision and will stick by it. Also, with our game in mind we will be pushing forward releases that can be used in both systems, although yes, we will have to tweak a few things to make them exist in ours, but we think it's going to work out.
The additions to our 2016 release schedule were decided last week and this week we complete the 2017 lay-out.
We plan to not only heavily augment our current range but probably test a regular monthly release schedule, something we have currently failed to establish.
We still have some issues to solve, I'm not sure how to call them, "fluid" might be a good term, so we will have a more solid idea in the coming months.
If things work out alright, KS-3 should be succesfull since Shieldwolf is going to heavily cofund it in order to make it happen.
The Warmaidens, aracnomaidens, yetis and anything else that wasn't funded in KS-2.5 will be launched only after we have delivered to our existing support base; we trust it's the best way for people to witness the quality we currently produce.
@RiTides
Sorry, missed that. TMK if future demands remain at these levels and don't start flying sky high, the same sculptor(s) will be recommissioned, affirmative.
I think making things for 9th Age is a great idea - but don't discount the amount of interest Kings of War players will have in them, too! Some of these are the same people, but since KoW specifically expanded to cover the same armies covered by 9th Age (i.e. former WHFB armies) your models should be a fantastic fit for both systems
I'm very interested in what that next Kickstarter's theme would be. Are we talking more hard plastic stuff? Can you tell us anything about what factions it would be?
The mistake we did on our KS-1 is not going to be repeated and each KS we launch will have a funding goal for at least one new plastic kit. It is going to be either a "make it or break it", no middle way.
Since I am very interested to see this through, I am going to be cofunding it even more than the Shieldmaiden project,
As for the faction(s), I'm afraid I am not at liberty to reveal that atm.
So no spider monsters till like 2018? That's... unfortunate. And kind of mean to tease them this early.
I'm pretty sure it's not going to be like 2018, TOK noone has ever done a trio of them for fantasy army battles (let alone with various versions), it's a design we have worked a lot on (both concept and fluff wise, but at this point their fluff probably doesn't interest you) and we are looking forward in creating them :-)
overtyrant wrote: I'll be using these for KoW. I have 0 interest in '9th Age'.
Exactly. I think the spiders would make really great Fiends for the NightStalkers (unless I am totally misunderstanding what the Fiends are suppose to represent- I thought spiders?).
Also adding more to the shieldmaidens will be great for if this game has rules put out! Everything you guys put out for those icy maidens is a hit for me!
So no spider monsters till like 2018? That's... unfortunate. And kind of mean to tease them this early.
I'm pretty sure it's not going to be like 2018, TOK noone has ever done a trio of them for fantasy army battles (let alone with various versions), it's a design we have worked a lot on (both concept and fluff wise, but at this point their fluff probably doesn't interest you) and we are looking forward in creating them :-)
If the next KS isn't till Aug/Sep, then that means the next would be mid 2017, right? So fulfillment in 2018. Unless you're going to make them outside of the KS cycle?
@Skarsol
Negative. The current schedule puts a smaller KS for Aug/Sept 2016 (it will again include a plastic kit, by "smaller" we mean it will have like 1/4 of the scheduled SGsKS-2.5 had). If we stay in program and deliver on December the Shieldmaiden project, then the KS for the Warmaiden+Dragonbred+Krumvaal+? will hit January/February 2017, again with delivery date set at December of the same year.
If things don't work out as planned, we will be sculpting and releasing the aracnomaidens outside the KS cycle, the crowdfunding platform while good in helping us provide additional models to enhance the armies is mainly used for the funding of our plastics.
skarsol wrote: Laugh, so my guess of 2018 is wrong because you're targeting December, 2017? Fair enough.
Well, 2018 did sound vague :-D
We are planning our schedule for the long run, we would like to see it speed up a lot and we think it will speed up as our range grows (not sure how fast, time will tell I guess). We feel it's best we slowly produce armies that will withstand the test of time rather than spam units just to bulk up the choices we are currently offering. Take our Araves faction for example, you know we could have been selling resin regiments for over a year now, yet we decided to hold on and try sculpting them in plastic. With more people supporting this idea, wouldn't it be swell to have these retooled in a better material for troops with more options and ability for conversions rather than have them in resin? Wouldn't that elevate the army itself in the hands of a hobbyist?
I'm not as much a hard-plastic fetishist as many seem to be, so would have liked them in resin as well. All else equal though, plastic is always the best material, if the sculpting takes the limitation of the medium into consideration.
@Zywus
We had posted pictures of them quite a while back, so the sculpts obviously do exist, we hold off the production however since we think we can do even better.
Here are the pictures if you'd like to have a look, comments (even negative) are welcome! :-)
Hey, if you wanted to put those slave models out as resins, I would buy the gak out of them, perfect for use with an Arabyan Corsairs warband for Mordheim.
skarsol wrote: Laugh, so my guess of 2018 is wrong because you're targeting December, 2017? Fair enough.
Well, 2018 did sound vague :-D
We are planning our schedule for the long run, we would like to see it speed up a lot and we think it will speed up as our range grows (not sure how fast, time will tell I guess). We feel it's best we slowly produce armies that will withstand the test of time rather than spam units just to bulk up the choices we are currently offering. Take our Araves faction for example, you know we could have been selling resin regiments for over a year now, yet we decided to hold on and try sculpting them in plastic. With more people supporting this idea, wouldn't it be swell to have these retooled in a better material for troops with more options and ability for conversions rather than have them in resin? Wouldn't that elevate the army itself in the hands of a hobbyist?
What do your Araves look like? If you are going for plastics, please make them distinctive, dynamic and fantastical, as different from the historical plastics as possible. I'd love to see something like GW's plastic Haradrim, but with more scimitars, armor and/or magic weapons. The Gripping Beast Arab infantry are just too boring to buy, but an entire army of infantry as swanky as this guy (see below) with optional covered, Agahnim-like faces would be amazing.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Ah, now I see the posted pictures. They seem a bit...vertical. Would the plastics be more dynamic with more head options?
Really liking the Araves! Not really my jam in terms of fluff styling and aesthetics (more of a Norse Werewolf guy) but man, they are really appealing! You might just change my mind, or at least break my will to resist cool models
Make the Araves like the Dornishmen from Game of Thrones (the costumes in the TV show are brilliant) and I think they'd sell like hot cakes.
A good design, well sculpted and in plastic? I think they'd do really well. Try and keep them as proportional as possible to real humans if you can. The market seems to be swinging away from heroic scale to miniatures which look a lot more like an actual human. So full length torsos and legs/arms to match. Most miniatures, even historic ones, look like the people are missing most of their stomachs, and have stumpy legs and hands/feet/heads which are way too big.
Fenriswulf wrote: Make the Araves like the Dornishmen from Game of Thrones (the costumes in the TV show are brilliant) and I think they'd sell like hot cakes.
A good design, well sculpted and in plastic? I think they'd do really well. Try and keep them as proportional as possible to real humans if you can. The market seems to be swinging away from heroic scale to miniatures which look a lot more like an actual human. So full length torsos and legs/arms to match. Most miniatures, even historic ones, look like the people are missing most of their stomachs, and have stumpy legs and hands/feet/heads which are way too big.
I never understood this. I am a bit newer to gaming but I do not understand most of the older models (in any genre really) were so disfigured. I really do prefer the newer models that actually look like humans that are not horribly disfigured.
Fenriswulf wrote: Make the Araves like the Dornishmen from Game of Thrones (the costumes in the TV show are brilliant) and I think they'd sell like hot cakes.
A good design, well sculpted and in plastic? I think they'd do really well. Try and keep them as proportional as possible to real humans if you can. The market seems to be swinging away from heroic scale to miniatures which look a lot more like an actual human. So full length torsos and legs/arms to match. Most miniatures, even historic ones, look like the people are missing most of their stomachs, and have stumpy legs and hands/feet/heads which are way too big.
I never understood this. I am a bit newer to gaming but I do not understand most of the older models (in any genre really) were so disfigured. I really do prefer the newer models that actually look like humans that are not horribly disfigured.
They're "disfigured" for three reasons;
1. It used to be easier to manufacture them that way, modern techniques make that a less relevant concern.
2. It makes the models more robust, and so better gaming pieces. This is still something to consider.
3. Older plastics tech had issues with detail reproduction, so making "focus" areas of the model relatively bigger meant better details.
Those applied for so long that the solution to them, heroic scale, became a style of model. Honestly I look at the spindly "realistic proportions" models for stuff like Warzone and wonder how the hell anyone can stand to assemble and game with such fragile pieces. I like the modern GW heroic style, ie 6.5 heads tall with modest enlargement of appendages and weapons, over the old GW heroic style of 5 heads tall gorilla-men, or the 8 heads "classically heroic" you see from the "realistic" companies.
Fenriswulf wrote: Make the Araves like the Dornishmen from Game of Thrones (the costumes in the TV show are brilliant) and I think they'd sell like hot cakes.
This is a really nice idea.
Dorne image in the series is a bit strange, combining oriental and medieval European style.
Fenriswulf wrote: Make the Araves like the Dornishmen from Game of Thrones (the costumes in the TV show are brilliant) and I think they'd sell like hot cakes.
This is a really nice idea.
Dorne image in the series is a bit strange, combining oriental and medieval European style.
we have just ventured in the 54mm area for the first time with the release of two display items, aimed at painters & collectors. We hope you like them as much as we do!
For a couple of weeks we will keep a discounted price at a hefty -20%, after which we will replace the normal one.
I gotta agree.. If the dragon has a 28mm figure on it's back, I would submit that it's a dragon in 28mm scale. Being a big model doesn't change the scale.. it's just a big model in 28mm.
The miniatures (=riders) atop are not 28mm scale, they are twice as large.
The measurements are shown on the 00:12" of the video, 29cm hight, 23cm width.
You are absolutely right however, we will add these numbers under the description! :-)
These are the only pictures we currently have available, hopefully they are in grade to show how really large (and in our honest opinion spectacular once assembled) this miniature is. The price has to be justified after all and we repute ourselves very reasonably priced.
Now, how much call there is for 54mm stuff vs. 28mm/32mm stuff remains to be seen!
We don't know yet but we are always willing to expand in various sectors, we are only aware that there's a substantial number of painters out there looking for spectacular pieces on which to spend many hours ( and on which to try draining their artistic abilities).
We weren't sure about the busts either but we launched our project "Monuments of Glory" all the same, it has gone very nicely indeed, next week we launch "Monuments of Glory-2" which will see consecutive small wave releases in an arc of <3 weeks, we mean to more than double our existing range! :-D
Is that barbarian wielding a flaming hammer sword??? Will you sell that glorious weapon as a separate bit?
Those minis are pretty amazing, the shieldmaiden on dragon especially. My only complaint is that the dragon has holes in his wings. I hate that. All y'all mini sculptors need to stop doing that.
Those minis are pretty amazing, the shieldmaiden on dragon especially. My only complaint is that the dragon has holes in his wings. I hate that. All y'all mini sculptors need to stop doing that.
Thank you, we take this as a constructive comment :-D
There is no changing this particular mini now, but it's valuable feedback for future works!
Alpharius wrote: I had to double-check to be sure, but they did say:
we have just ventured in the 54mm area for the first time with the release of two display items
and it does say '54mm Scale' on the pic, so Shieldwolf is certainly OK in how they're advertising it.
Now, how much call there is for 54mm stuff vs. 28mm/32mm stuff remains to be seen!
Yeah, we've seen some of the newer companies mistakenly list larger figures before or otherwise mis-speak about scale.
54mm and other large models can be big with some of the painting groups. WAMP tends to stock that sort of thing and the Industria Mecha or whatever is closer to 54mm.. so I think there's room.
Shieldwolf - I mentioned WAMP above.. you might want to contact them and see if they're interested in stocking your kits. A lot of non-gamers tend to drift towards them and they do have an online store and that audience is pretty used to more premium type kits aimed at pro level painters. Also, did you still need me to look at that document for proof-reading? I know it's a bit late but I have a bit of free time now. Shoot me a PM on either thing and we can talk if you want
Next week we are releasing project "Monuments of Glory-2" which will conclude in two waves, we were due to release it a couple of days ago but unfortunately run a week late due to packaging issues (yep, the things a client never learns about :-) but they do happen).
We are also releasing in Wave-2 something inspired from Warcraft, we think people will like it but we are waiting for your opinion on it!
The new update makes your confusing fulfilment system even more confusing. One pledge manager but another to come later in September or something, but you're now not allowing changes? What the absolute feth? I didn't fill in the initial PM because it was without a doubt the most horrible one I've ever encountered. I'm interested in doing it once, and doing it properly in a straightforward and clear manner. Not involving in any way a system that gives negative balances. And yes, I'm now angry.
This isn't an inherently terrible idea, though for most people, it's not one's first choice as a way to carry a dagger.
What is terrible is that the hilt is pictured below the shoulder, making it impossible to draw with any kind of fluidity or speed. You would have to grasp the pommel with your fingertips, pull the dagger partway out, then hope it doesn't slide back in the scabbard before you can get a proper grip on it. If you were wearing any armour on your right arm, even this might not be possible (even mail and padding will add enough bulk to ever joint that your range of motion for fairly unnatural and atypical motions like this will be massively reduced).
I must admit, I really would have preferred the "armored" versions not to have boobplates :(. Apart from the fact that breastplates don't really fit with their barbarians aesthetics... it's an opportunity missed.
"Oh, look, another boobplated female! Or you can choose to just have them clad in fur bikinis, too!" Yawn.
The additional bodies really are two steps forward, one step back.
SW: Historical gamers/girl gamers/people who don't like bare bellied warriors, you get additional.bodies! Everyone else can use them to have more models!
@Albertorius @Binabik15
Tbh we didn't really think a lot about it, it's only being faithful to the concept artwork we had shown (and promised) during the project.
I can also post the links if you are interested from the KS updates we had posted at the time, I'm posting here an enlarged picture of what we had shown :-)
Spoiler:
On top of that, we needed to keep a coherent line in which the resin heroes/characters would fit, as we had also shown during the campaign, here are the pics!
When people asked for a few spare bodies without exposed midriffs, I think the vast majority were thinking it would look similar to the bodies on the left of this pic:
These are just plain awesome.
These new ones:
Are like the worst of both worlds . Honestly, I think they look terrible, especially with this pic:
I mean... that just doesn't work together at all. I followed your campaign closely, and just because you showed VERY rough concept art doesn't mean you're committed to this. Especially since they are doubling as Rangers, they'd look WAY better with the chainmail torsos like the original 4 bodies. This is even more true if you can't fit the 5th chainmail torso body on the sprue, as it sounds like you don't think you can. Mixing the chainmail torsos and these torsos into a single unit is going to look really bad and satisfy no one.
It isn't just the torsos, it's the whole package from what I can see, you've put in "Warmaiden" looking bodies into the Shieldmaidens box. The problem with this idea, is that this is doubling as a Rangers box. The plate armor just doesn't work with the Rangers at all, it should be saved for a different unit (to be made in the future) that is more heavily armored! Could anyone actually paint these to match the original 4 bodies? It's like an amalgamation of the worst of both concepts, with plate armor torso, chainmail midriff, and then random plate armor on the legs - one even has a boot that looks leather on the left, and plate-armor boot on the right! The other has a tuft of fur on the top of their left boot, even though now it's supposed to be plate-armor.
This just doesn't work at all . Could you please put out a backer poll (you could even do a Backers Only update, and ask people to put their vote in the comments) on whether they would like 2 matching torsos, or these 2 new plate-armor style ones? These just don't work with the unit, don't work at all with the Rangers components, and are a really bad mix. Save it for the future Warmaidens sprue, and give us 2 bodies that match and work well with the unit, please!
I'm not totally appaled by the boobplate but the simple chainmail-clad bodies shown in the pic RiTides linked to in the beginning of his post really do look so, so much better.
There's no point feeling shackled to the designs of exsiting heroes, since IMO it's no problem (and may even be a positive) if heroes differ a bit in their outfits. Helps them to stand out.
Exactly - heroes are special characters and much more likely to have plate mail armor. For the unit to be a mix of plate mail, chainmail, and ranger components will look really bad. As I pointed out above, one of the new models even has a half/half look on their boots! (One is leather looking, one is plate mail)
The best armor is always reserved for the elite units and heroes, and I'd like to see that look saved for the Warmaidens, so they can have a distinct look. The plate mail on these reminds me Very much of those concepts, and those will also have more armored helms, and so it will totally work together as a package. But when combined with the less-armored Shieldmaiden and especially Rangers components... it just doesn't work.
You could save these two sculpts for future Warmaiden use (and could even use them as concepts for your next campaign for this army, if you want to fund that more heavily armored unit) and then just modify the existing chainmail and leather boot sculpts to get 2 more bodies here. I hope you'll consider letting the backers vote on this, especially since the 5th original body doesn't sound like it will fit on the sprue! As it is, you'd have a box with Ranger components (cloaks / etc), Shieldmaiden components (chainmail and leather boots), and Warmaiden-like components (plate mail torso armor and boots). That combination just doesn't make sense, and since we'll be down one original body already from what you were hoping to include, it would be awesome to let the backers weigh in on this!
I personally don't mind the plate armor, but you guys do have a good point in that it seems like it should be reserved for tougher/ more experienced/ more important troops rather than just interspersed among the rank and file.
I had planed on mixing up everything, so I'm not as invested in a unified look, but I can certainly see why many would want that.
I agree that you should let the backers take a vote on it.
With the caveat that one way or another we *do* end up with some plate mail wearing women in plastic at some future point!
I really don't like the metal plate additions either, although for slightly different reasons. The mix of styles is really awkward in that they have late period plate (segmented and articulated) mixed in with early period chain and fur. I understand that other factions in the game have more advanced armor designs, and so perhaps the war maidens have looted them or something. The problem is, why did the other factions have boob plates? The style comes across less as "mix and match salvage added to chain" as "specifically designed random add-ons." I don't think that conveys the feel you are going for.
I would also note that changing the nature of the plates would go a long way towards fixing this issue. Instead of the rolled, layered steel, use flatter plates that look more like leather or simple steel. Consider these armor styles:
Any of those 4 could be put over chain and look good, with or without female curves. (Preferably with!) The bonus is they can be painted as either leather or metal because they do not have the obvious "Steel armor" aspects of the plate parts you have now. That sort of variety allows the owner to choose what they want them to look like. The current designs don't even need to be changed much. The legs need fewer sharp angles on the armor, instead a more rounded shin, for instance. The torsos similarly need fewer flutes, and possibly a shift to more, smaller plates instead of large contiguous ones, etc. As the armor stands, it really mixes eras in an odd way, and can't be easily painted up to look like one style or the other.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Oh, also, just chain mailed bellies would be fine too.
@RitTides
The warmaidens have leather/furs, they don't have plated armor nor chainmail. This is what they will look like when (hopefully) we manage to tool their kit as well
Spoiler:
We did try to keep faithful to the concept artwork and in all honesty we think we did, OK, some minor additions like e.g. the skull on the left knee were our initiative but apart from that we are working on delivering what we showed and -very important to us- promised.
We try being 100% transparent and we would have no issue re-sculpting anything if needed, we really want this to be a kit people are really going to like; but it will cause perplessity when some backers stand out and say that's not what you showed me, I was planning to use this for "x", so it's no good for me now. What would we say to them them? Even if it's, I don't know, let's say for arguments sake only 1 out of 5 backers, that's 20%. What do we do then?
For me, if you're going to stick with plate, and want it somewhat boob-shaped, the best look is something like the Nicmods female breastplate (this is polyurethane larp armour, but made to film industry standards).
Shieldwolf, you showed only one small rough concept of what these bodies would look like, so no one is going to hold you to that (it's not an exact match, either). You even labeled that image "Proposed", it was obviously just a concept sketch.
It's much more important to make a good kit that will sell well, and right now, the renders you have shown just don't work together as a part of this kit / unit.
Will you consider making a poll for backers to decide?
I actuallyl ike the miss-matched armour with chainmail and plates Even for the Rangers. The example above and the red one and the one with yellow runes look all fantastic IMO. I'd be bummed if it they were all wearing chainmail only. At least a few tunics or fur vests over the mail if not armour.
I feel bad for SW, it's like taking care of a bag of cats (or is it fleas), everyone has a different opinion and the poor guys are mad enough to LISTEN to us evidentely crazy backers.
PS: I say don't worry about not 100% sticking to concept art if it results in a better product. I bet that it'd be 1 out of a HUNDRED complainig, if at all.
RiTides wrote: Shieldwolf, you showed only one small rough concept of what these bodies would look like, so no one is going to hold you to that (it's not an exact match, either). You even labeled that image "Proposed", it was obviously just a concept sketch.
We love interacting with the community but at the same time we hold a lot of being true to our word. At this point we admit there's at least a question mark born. Backers (but also hobbyists in general) should be listened to when they express opinions, we hold high regard to what they say, and we value the feedback. Dakka forum members in particular should be listened to as we find the community behind it usually offers constructive advice behind their opinions. Needless to say we are debating right now in our HQ...
RiTides wrote: Will you consider making a poll for backers to decide?
Yes, we are considering holding a poll. We will want to wait a couple of days probably for more feedback however before doing anything hasty.
I really don't like the images shown in the update - they just don't work well. If this was only a single unit kit then fair enough but as it is going to be a dual kit they just really don't look right together.
The two left hand bodies in the pick RiTides posted look so much better.
Shieldwolf please consider some sort of backer poll, whether asking for comments on an update, having a poll on your own website and asking backers to fill it in or just sending a mass email to backers asking for their thoughts and recording the replies.
Overall I think if you release as is then it could really hurt your sales long term. You say what if 20% of backers complain that they didn't get what you showed me but I think you may be forgetting what if 60% of backers don't like what they actually get. Just picked a number out of the air for an example but the vast majority of posts here are negative towards the bodies.
I think the left plate torso works. With the wolf pelt hiding the deep cleavage, it could pass for reasonable plate or probably even leather. The boob plate on the right only looks 'correct' if you give her a Mandalorian helmet with eyelashes.
However, I'm probably not the kind of customer Shieldwolf needs to worry about since I don't care about anachronistic armor types on my fantasy chaos warriors.
Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote: Yes, we are considering holding a poll. We will want to wait a couple of days probably for more feedback however before doing anything hasty.
Thank you, that's all we ask . It's certainly good not to be hasty - I was posting as I did because I was worried about the opposite, rushing ahead with these designs! Getting backer and general feedback, and then presenting two options, is very smart.
I think AdamBridger and Zywus both summarize it well above, too.
I poll announced through the Kickstarter campaign would be a very idea.
Among other things, it will hopefully give you a clearer picture of what most your backers want, and possible avoid the chance that you'd only be listening to a Vocal Minority.
(or I'd buy enough to do both).
autocorrect 
but had a question regarding the orcs. If we only pledge for existing (already sculpted and produced) orc items, will they still wait to ship in December, or will they ship earlier?
Hope we hit the 70k mark but wont be too sad if we dont 
