Human armies are just snacks for all the big things in Darklands.

I know that Hydra is going to be on my kids' lists of things they want Daddy to buy.

Then again, it will probably be on my list of things to buy too.

Yeah, pretty much!

Darklands' showcase models are mostly the Big Nasties!

Don't get me wrong, the 'normal' sized humans are mostly some of the best looking miniatures out there, but the Big Creatures are something else...

Well hopefully the rules support allow me to field my dream human armies.

I think that's their aim - A rules mechanic that was discussed a while ago is that the big beasts do gradually get less effective as they are wounded, so enough humans can bring them down.

If they can survive the initial onslaught!

If they can weather the storm, they'll have a chance...

Well, with the second KS in particular, you'll be getting a lot of humans (and human sized humanoids), who I would guess are more than a match for some of these monsters. Once you have your mounted general, there are two commanders, and a wizard, not to mention at least 3 merc type humans (are there more to come from the people who got the 'you're the descendent' level?), and most of the armies have at least one unit of 'regular' human soldiers.

Darklands has it's background seated firmly in actual folklore. And most of the folklore/myths I've ever seen, all involve scenarios where regular (sized) people overcome monsters or gods, or other groups of people.

Has Chysperis been shipped?
This things been ready since the Kickstarter began!

Hurray! It's Mierceday!

Today we have more work in progress images of Leofwen on Great Hart and Maallolvór, which are both almost finished; the first two musters that work with the current version of the QuickStarter rules; and the usual project fulfilment news and stuff!

Now, this project is nearing completion - in terms of sculpts, anyway - so it is likely that from now on there won't be too much in the way of work in progress images here; but there'll still be other information to peruse, of course, not least project fulfilment and the QuickStarter rules and profiles, so every update will still be worth a read.

Leofwen, Fane Bearer of Mierce on Great Hart

With the slight delay thanks to having to re-model Leofwen, she's a little later than we thought she'd be but the results are definitely worth it. Stéphane Simon's even managing to make her armour less Wood Elf-y and more Mierce maiden-y, if that makes sense!

[I've not bothered with the WIP shots since Mierce has added some mighty fine finished ones since the update was first posted]

We don't think it'll be too long before she's in our grubby mitts, but you'll be looking at February now before we'll be sending out the first casts.

Edit: here's pics of Leofwen, finished... hot off the presses!





Wow... just wow. She's turned out stunning!

Maallolvór, Lumbering Mallox

Apart from the mistake Benoît's made with his left paw's claw orientation (which he will correct), and the spikes on the tusks, and possibly a few other bits and pieces, Maallolvór is about done and he's really looking spiffing and has tons of character. We can't wait to get our hands on him!









[imghttps://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/558/639/62d5c6a8cf97197e0d849819893dc43e_large.jpg?1390560841[/img]

Again, it shouldn't be too long before Maallolvór and his boss Aalvór will reach us, but you'll be looking at February before we'll send out the first casts of them.



Martin Grandbarbe's now finished the Ax-Drunes of Carn Maen, and we think you'll agree that they are looking absolutely stunning...



Martin's next work for us will be the painting of Mawdred, Jowan and his Hounds, the Bow-Drunes and the Goad-Drunes... followed by the Angelcynn infantry!

Darklands: a World of War Fulfilment

All of the Khthones Starter Sets have now been shipped! This of course means that shipment of remaining items from Darklands: a World of War orders has begun, as some of you have seen, and where this is possible we'll also combine these remaining items with Wave 0 orders for First Edition items from the Darklands: First Edition kickstarter project. Once the QuickStarter Rules are printed, we'll start shipping those too!

Of other recently completed sculpts, the Limited Edition Penda with Wolf Helm, Chaagmuth on hoof, Brynhild Gunnblindi, Gamla Bror and Jowan and Drune-Hounds are shipping, along with Angrislaug, Vaak and Pétroyos. Qaano's just begun shipping, too, along with Belech, although the latter's base (which will be 80mm) will be sent later when we receive them. We've received Kernuor, Seer-Drune on Karnun-Beast, also, and the first casts should be sent next week.

Please understand that we have prioritised orders with Khthones Starter Sets first - so if the above miniatures are all you've left with us, please be patient!

New Base Sizes

As mentioned last week, we're introducing new base sizes to Darklands - 40mm, 50mm and 80mm - and to some existing miniatures. We've found that, through playtesting, the 60mm bases for all monstrous infantry are just too big and we don't want to make all monstrous infantry the same size, which would be very boring indeed. Variety is the spice of life, and the addition of three new base sizes means that we have a lot more flexibility for basing, the game works better and we and don't have to worry about miniatures being too small for their base or too big for their base.

Now, whilst of course these new base sizes will be easily applied to future releases (for example, Gaarwäg from the Darklands: First Edition project will be on an 80mm base), that leaves a few existing miniatures looking (and playing) a bit daft. So we're going to take the difficult step of changing the base sizes for some miniatures, for which we must apologise if it's inconvenient. However, it's better to make difficult choices now rather than later, as we're sure you'll understand.

Having said that, there's no need to panic, however - you won't have to re-base what you've already based... unless you want to. For example, as a Guthwulf will change to be on an 80mm base, it makes sense that Creoda would have that base size; but as we've shipped them with 60mm bases, players can use Guthwulfas on either 60mm or 80mm to their taste, although we do suggest that before a game both players agree on this. It may be that in future we will have to insist upon certain base sizes when Darklands is played competitively, but we'll get to that when we come to it!

Here's a list of what will change - there's not much, although I'm very sure the Tarvax will be a pain as we've done so many of them:

Angelcynn
•Cearl - 50mm
•Guthwulf - 80mm
•Beowa bear form - 50mm

Fomoraic
•Ckaarakk (Tarvax Untain) - 50mm
•Tarvax - 50mm

These new bases are currently in production and should be with us sometime in February or March, and of course - if anyone wants to re-base their miniatures - we'll happily supply them to you free of charge. Simply send an e-mail to kickstarter@mierce-miniatures.com and we'll get them out to you.

Werwulf to Wælwulf and vice versa

As I am a revisionist in a similar (but far less talented) fashion to Michael Moorcock, in the belief that everything will be all right in the end, I've decided that what you know as Werwulfas will now become Wælwulfas, and vice versa.

The reason for this change is fairly simple - as the Angelcynn monstrosities devolve further to Woden, they become more wolf-like, more aggressive and, well, more monstrous. Llike this: man -> man-wolf -> slaughter-wolf -> war-wolf -> mighty-wolf (i.e., man -> werwulf -> wælwulf -> guthwulf -> mægenwulf).

So, what you've actually purchased in this project are now known as Wælwulfas, and Cearl will become a Wælwulf Thegn. Thus, Hrór (from Darklands: First Edition) is now a Werwulf Thegn.

This is simply a name change - the old werwulf warrior profiles, whilst they have changed slightly thanks to the rule changes, won't be much different from before!

Hopefully this won't confuse you all too much... if it does, I can only apologise - although blaming Maggie Thatcher seems to help many people, so you could try that.

Remaining Sculpts

In terms of remaining sculpt progress, here's an update:

Benoît Cosse: Maallolvór is about done, and the, ahem, Wælwulfas are next...

Stéphane NGuyen: Druc is in progress and should be completed soon. Then it's Darklands: First Edition work...

Stéphane Simon: Leofwen on Great Hart is nearly done and should be finished in January. Leofwen on foot for Darklands: First Edition will follow.

The observant among you will notice, then, that of the remaining ten sculpts to complete, only three are in progress now and just five are yet to be sculpted, the Werwulfas... so we're almost there guys!

There's a few other bits and pieces yet to be done of course, so here's how progress is looking on those fronts...

QuickStarter Rules - v10.5

The latest version of the QuickStarter Rules - v10.5 - is the FINAL version before printing.

You can download them here: Darklands QuickStarter Rules v10.5

There are many minor changes from previous versions, so I would recommend - especially if you are familiar with those previous versions of the QuickStarter Rules - to have a good read through, and also please check out the Mierce Miniatures forum, in particular the "Darklands Rules Discussion" section and the "Observations from a first read" thread...

As before, please bear in mind that v10.5 of the QuickStarter Rules are to get you by until they're formatted for printing. As such, whilst they'll look very like these rules in terms of layout and the wording, they'll be a bit more... well, spangly when they're ready for print and download. Once the QuickStarter rules are printed (we're looking at some time in February now), they will of course be sent out to you along with the remainder of your order.

Muster Rules

These will be worked on in February, although there's not much to change. These are download only of course, so we'll give you links when they're ready.

Warrior Profiles

We do now have the Fomoraic muster (which also now includes Belech as a unique character and a generic Scion of Baalor) and the Angelcynn muster ready for download, but they are of a slightly different format to previous musters. We trust that its fairly self-explanatory, especially if you read the Warrior Profiles section of the QuickStarter rules.

Angelcynn Muster v1.4

Fomoraic Muster v1.2

(No doubt there'll be a few errors or typos - feel free to tell us about them!)

However, it's worth noting one major change - gold costs. These have changed quite a lot, thanks to the introduction of new coefficients, so if you're used to the old gold costs - well, you'll have to get used to the new ones! This does mean that, at the moment, the Angelcynn and Fomoraic will not play correctly with other kindreds' hosts, but that won't be for long.

There's also a handy pronunciation guide (based on the Wikipedia Pronunciation Respelling Key) under the warrior's title and, at the bottom of each profile, a suggestion on which miniature from our range to use.

The others are urgently required thanks to the changes in the rules, we know, and are being worked on and playtested. They'll comprise every warrior that is existing and is included in Darklands: a World of War and, once ready, we'll put them up for download. We should have the Ysians and the Khthones next week, but we'll see - there's playtesting to be done!

If there's anything you need to know before the other warrior profiles are sorted, or about how the new format of warrior profile works, just ask on the forums please and we'll endeavour to answer your questions!

Once all of the profiles are updated to reflect the current rules, we'll be starting work on the warrior profiles for Darklands: First Edition.

Templates

There's been a few issues with the first template (our fault) so we have to amend it slightly so that it can be used by the template manufacturer. Shouldn't be too long though, I'll be on the case next week...

The End of Darklands: a World of War In Sight

We think that - around the end of February 2014 time (possibly March now, those Wælwulfas will probably push things back) - pretty much everything will be done for Darklands: a World of War; which will both be a sad day and an awesome day. Either way, we'll find some way to celebrate...!

There'll be another update next week of course!

Leofwen looks great - and is back on the "MUST BUY" list!

The update for the actual KS referenced in the title of this thread hit today too:

It's Mierceday!
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Hurray! It's Mierceday!

Today we have more work in progress images of Brugg as well as the first shots of Uhtred Uhtredson and our first descendant, Ieuan Longshore and Taranau!

As well as that, we have news of our next Kickstarter project...
Brugg, Death-Brute

Brugg has now gained armour, thanks to Olivier Bouchet's sterling work!







We expect Brugg to be finished by the end of February, if not before - but he will ship in June of course.
Uhtred Uhtredson

Wahey! Our man Uhtred has begun to take shape under the masterful hands of Patrick Masson. Whilst it's early work, you can already see his pose...





We expect Uhtred to be finished by the end of February, if not before - but he will ship in June of course.
Ieuan Longshore and Taranau

This is what John Longshore and many of you have been waiting for: the first work in progress images of our first Descendant, Ieuan Longshore (and Taranau). Stéphane Cammossetto is pulling out all the stops, he's advanced quickly!






We can confidently predict that Taranau, too, will be slightly bigger than Jowan's doggies... so there's no more need for that dog-envy John ;o)
Darklands: First Edition Fulfilment

We are now beginning to ship Wave 0 Orders to backers from this project, but we would ask all of you to remain patient while we do so. We are only a small team and are still fulfilling the remaining orders for Darklands: a World of War, and we do expect to continue fulfilling Wave 0 Orders throughout February and possibly later.

We will keep you all updated of course.
Sculpts and Sculptors

Here's the big list of who's sculpting what and when for Darklands: First Edition! Please bear in mind that this list may change over time, so don't take it as set in stone until the first work in progress shots appear!

Olivier Bouchet: Olivier is getting on with Brugg!
Stéphane Cammosetto: a new sculptor to Mierce, the awesomely talented Stéphane is now sculpting the first descendant - John Longshore's Brythoniaid bowman, Ieuan Longshore (not forgetting his mastiff, Taranau)!
Allan Carrasco: Allan should begin work on Jörmungand in March. After that he will be sculpting Knútr on Foot, Knútr on Horse, Víthar, Birna, Rollo Iron Head and Cnebba.
Roberto Chaudon: currently working on a top secret project for us, Roberto will give Belech his guitar and then begin work on this project. First up for him is Angedern, followed by Mag ap Mag, Mälmord, Ágriosávra, Eikovra, Myrkranio and finally Djiuzu.
Daniel Cockersell: the Daddy of all monster sculptors, Dan will begin work on Scecchus in February.
Benoît Cosse: Benoît is still working on Darklands: a World of War miniatures and won't start Hrór, Finnan, Praach and the Gabrax Unit for a good long while yet.
Thomas David: his work on Timoth should begin soon.
Pedro Fernández Ramos: Mananaan on foot is finished of course, and he'll soon begin work on Mananaan on horse.
Yannick Fusier: It's been a while since we worked with Yannick (he who sculpted Shaaroc a couple of years ago), but he's now doing Bagseg for us and will start him in late January.
Jacques-Alexandre Gillois: he should begin work on Daarkan, Naraa and both Equitus Durio on foot and Equitus Durio on horse soon. Although not necessarily in that order, and we're not sure when - we just know they'll be done before May.
Gauthier Giroud: Gauthier is slated to begin work on Idruaada in February.
Stéphane NGuyen: Druc from Darklands: World of War is still on his plate of course, but he should begin work on Seza after him.
Christian Hardy: Christian will begin work on Velchior and Agathae soon.
Tre Manor: Tre of Red Box Games fame will be taking time out for us to sculpt Erebius! He should start soon, too.
Patrick Masson: Uhtred's sculpt has begun and after that will be Gaarwäg (pronounced "GAR-wayg"), although he won't be complete until May.
Hector Moran: Hector is due to start work on the digital Dawn of Khthon, Gorgórar Unit in January, and after that he will be digitally sculpting Con I Modius, Legionary Contubernium.
Olivier Nkweti: Olivier's already finished Dúngal on foot for the Albainn, and has begun work on Ciniod, Itaina and Domnech; Dúngal on horse will follow, and once they're done he will digitally sculpt Hanokh and Thoth.
Juan Navarro Pérez: For Juan we have Urien on foot, Urien on horse, Carys, Caedoc, Ffion Ferddig and Danilo Cruz, and although he should start sculpting in late January we don't know what is going to be done first.
Maxime Penaud: Maxime is slated for Eadric on foot, Eadric on horse and Aldhelm, but we don't know when he will start.
Stéphane Simon: we've loaded Stéphane up with Leofwen on foot (who should be started shortly), Crom on foot, Crom on horse, Zethag, Annik, Gondard and his Nithing, Xontór, Thelliatiss, the Holumenn Unit and the Gesíth Unit. Phew!
Valentin Zak: last seen on Dungann, we've been hassling Valentin to do more sculpts for us for a while now - and he's back! Valentin will sculpt Broga for us and will begin doing so soon.
Unknown: the remaining three descendants, which are Rick Boer's Frisian Warrior (due to be drawn by Stefan Kopinski), Tomas Johansson's Geat Warrior (due to be drawn by Danny Cruz) and Maximilian Schüte's Germanic Berserker.

Now that is a lot of sculpts...
Darklands: First Edition II

It's just about time to talk to you about our next Kickstarter project, provisionally entitled "Darklands: First Edition II".

Amazingly, it's been three months since this project ended, and it won't be long before sculptors get itchy fingers (as well as wallets) and accept bookings from other manufacturers, which then leaves us searching for more. It's great that we've been able to showcase the superb talents of some relatively unknown sculptors to the world, of course, but the downside of that is that people like Roberto Chaudon are now much in demand. It's not just the sculptors we've used in the past, either - those new sculptors to our range have proved great to work with so far and we're keen to commission more work from them in the future.

Thus, we've decided to run Darklands: First Edition II from the middle of March 2014 to the middle of April 2014 (no actual dates yet though)! We'll be running a fourth project at the end of the year, too, at about the same time as this one (September to October), but we're getting ahead of ourselves there...

Whilst the dates for the next project lie before Darklands: First Edition begins to be fulfilled, there'll be no conflict between the two because the next project simply follows directly on from this project - i.e., those stretch goals that we didn't quite make it to (such as Gomagg the Giant and the Teulu) in this project will be the first goals to go for in the next. Many of these early goals will be able to be shipped with earlier Waves, too!

As well as those first few stretch goals, we'll also allow people to go for the Darklands & Uhtred rewards and possibly a few other rewards from the first project, although we've not decided on everything yet so please don't ask for specifics! That will come in time.

What we can do, however, is show you a concept that should appear in the next project, to get you excited... so here's one:



Maskó, Krokodar Warrior

...and on that bombshell, it's time to take our leave! Watch out for another update next week!

Weekly updates are really quite nice - and very much appreciated!

March is far too soon for me I think. Going to have to be veeeery picky with this one. Spent so much during (and since) this ks, and will be paying it off for months yet. This next ks is going to be absolutely minimal for me.

 alanmckenzie wrote:
March is far too soon for me I think. Going to have to be veeeery picky with this one. Spent so much during (and since) this ks, and will be paying it off for months yet. This next ks is going to be absolutely minimal for me.

^Sadly so much this. Infernii models, or maybe an Skirmish Host for Teulu and Dyndraig are the only things that might tempt me in, though ofc I don't know what else they have up their sleeve.

My funds will be limited too...

but I'm sure I can stretch for something especially Mr Hitty the Krokodar

 Baragash wrote:


^Sadly so much this. Infernii models, or maybe an Skirmish Host for Teulu and Dyndraig are the only things that might tempt me in, though ofc I don't know what else they have up their sleeve.

I think that apart from monstrous figures it will include infantry units for Brythoniaid and Albainn and a grant new army for Atalantes. This last one will be difficult to resist but I am not sure if I can afford another army. But ancient Greeks in mierce quality... Dilemmas...

I'm hoping it'll run till the end of April otherwise I'm not getting much at all as I've got my funds set aside for the IG refresh and the new Knight Titans for the next couple of months.

What big models do you think will be in the new kickstarter?

Looky Likey wrote:
What big models do you think will be in the new kickstarter?

From my speculation notes/rumors page from KS 2, here's what I think we can look forward to:


Gomagg, an Albiann giant

Hedroc of Carn Maen on Hound-horse


For infantry:

Brythoniaid Teulu



Albiann Spearmen


Ysian Knife-Drunes

No artwork yet:
* Angelcynn berserkers (I'm hoping something like mythic Spasm warriors)

Monstrous infantry:

Mallax (sloth-men)

No artwork:
* Brythoniaid Dynwocor (like Mag Ap Mag)
* Byzantii Fiends
* Khthones Hydrares
* Norse armored trolls
* Ysian Abhorrents

Cavalry:

Ysian Drune Horsemen

No artwork:
* Fomoraic Reavers

Wow! Thanks for reposting these razormage. I had forgotten about, and not even seen some of those. I thought there was mention of mammax infantry as well, but that might just be something I'm pretending I heard because I want it to be true so bad!

I realize most people are still recovering from the last KS, and won't be able to drop as much cash into this, but I also see mierce's logic here. Have more projects ready and waiting for these amazing sculptors, so they don't lose them. Really it's a win for everything but our wallets. Perhaps we'll see new people jump in on this KS as well.

My only fear is, looking at the concepts razormage has posted, is that my two factions (formorians & Ysians) would be getting hit hard with cool new units/monsters.

Still, BRING IT ON!!!!!1!!!

I shall definitely be in for this one, for how much remains to be seen, though KS2 broke my ideas of restraint very quickly

I've still got a shopping list to purchase which equates to as much as I spent on KS2.

I guess I'll have to wait and see what turns up and prioritise.

I am just off to order the Gabrox though, just to check it off the list!

Krokodar for me!

I thought the Hound Horse got unlocked, no?

I liked it, and was seriously contemplating pledging for one, which was strange since I wasn't planning on picking up any drunes.

My problem is if I start picking up drunes, I'm going to need a Mierce- sculpted/ designed Sláine figure to slaughter them all.

Any good Sláine stand- ins already available in the line so I can commit myself to more things than I need?

 highlord tamburlaine wrote:
Krokodar for me!

I thought the Hound Horse got unlocked, no?

I liked it, and was seriously contemplating pledging for one, which was strange since I wasn't planning on picking up any drunes.

My problem is if I start picking up drunes, I'm going to need a Mierce- sculpted/ designed Sláine figure to slaughter them all.

Any good Sláine stand- ins already available in the line so I can commit myself to more things than I need?

Horsedog was 155k and the KS closed at 138k, so was a little short.

I'm a little hazy on the exact aesthetics of Slaine, but if he's a large man with a mighty weapon, Enigma might have something in their Massive Darkness range, which has a similar overall aesthetic to Mierce stuff.

Lots of good stuff in KS3 - thanks for the reminder and memory refreshing artwork!

Drune cavalry and Ysian knife-dudes have made my wallet hide....

Hound horse and some gaters for me.

If the krokodars are big enough I may just end up using them instead of my Gatormen posse.

Of course if I do that, I'd need something larger than the Krokodars to replace my wrasslers...

Seems like they need folks to be playing the game / using current armies, though... well be interesting to see how this does when launched at this point.

I'd be up for a game of Darklands.

The catch is that I know of nobody else in my neck of the woods who has anything!

Sure we could proxy stuff, but where's the fun in that?

At the rate I'm going though, I'll probably be able to put together hosts from a few factions!

I got to admit, I'm getting a bit sick of Mierce Kickstarters. Make no mistake, their sculpts are incredible, but to throw Kickstarter after Kickstarter, it seems as if they are milking the cash cow to exhaustion.

I absolutely loved their first Kickstarter, but very little in the 2nd Kickstarter caught my attention, and now another one?

I think I might sit this one out.

RiTides wrote:Seems like they need folks to be playing the game / using current armies, though... well be interesting to see how this does when launched at this point.

I'm not sure I get what you mean here...unless it is just that Mierce would like for people to play Darklands?

gohkm wrote:I got to admit, I'm getting a bit sick of Mierce Kickstarters. Make no mistake, their sculpts are incredible, but to throw Kickstarter after Kickstarter, it seems as if they are milking the cash cow to exhaustion.

I absolutely loved their first Kickstarter, but very little in the 2nd Kickstarter caught my attention, and now another one?

I think I might sit this one out.

I'm exactly the opposite.

I stayed away from KS1 because of 'reputation', then backed KS2 heavily because of 'reputation' built up from KS1.

KS3 stands to be pretty spectacular, given what's been hinted at.

And Mierce's Kickstarters usually present the best way to get these incredible miniatures at reasonable (!) prices...

Smaller companies seem to benefit the most from Kickstarter campaigns, and at least Mierce delivers on them pretty much on time, or close enough to it where Kickstarters are concerned!

KS2.5 Alpharius, not KS3... it's more of an add-on to KS2, rather than a whole new project - which is why it's being held in March. It comprises stuff we really wanted to get done for KS2, but didn't get far enough to do.

One of the main reasons for holding this project is simply to ensure we've got sculptors booked up - this is a very competitive industry!

Unfortunately while I've spent a ton on the last 2 kickstarters (1k total?) I probably won't be spending much from here on out. World currencies are normalizing again, ie. the Canadian dollar is rapidly returning to the value of monopoly money, on top of ever increasing Canadian taxes that take a huge portion of your earnings in order to fund poorly managed social services and grumpy government workers. Oh wonderful Canada....

I do hope to support Mierce where possible though, when and if possible, just not in any large amount...

Mierce Miniatures wrote:
KS2.5 Alpharius, not KS3... it's more of an add-on to KS2, rather than a whole new project - which is why it's being held in March. It comprises stuff we really wanted to get done for KS2, but didn't get far enough to do.

One of the main reasons for holding this project is simply to ensure we've got sculptors booked up - this is a very competitive industry!

Thanks for the clarification, and for the reasoning behind getting this campaign out so soon - apparently you've become a victim of your own success, as well as the overall amazing nature of the sculpts, and the incredible talent of the sculptors themselves!

gohkm wrote:
I got to admit, I'm getting a bit sick of Mierce Kickstarters. Make no mistake, their sculpts are incredible, but to throw Kickstarter after Kickstarter, it seems as if they are milking the cash cow to exhaustion.

I absolutely loved their first Kickstarter, but very little in the 2nd Kickstarter caught my attention, and now another one?

I think I might sit this one out.

greywulf wrote:Unfortunately while I've spent a ton on the last 2 kickstarters (1k total?) I probably won't be spending much from here on out. World currencies are normalizing again, ie. the Canadian dollar is rapidly returning to the value of monopoly money, on top of ever increasing Canadian taxes that take a huge portion of your earnings in order to fund poorly managed social services and grumpy government workers. Oh wonderful Canada....

I do hope to support Mierce where possible though, when and if possible, just not in any large amount...

The last few posters expressed what I was guessing at much better- that Mierce's fans just spent a lot for the most part, and don't yet have many of the minis, and so might not be ready to go in big on another KS... at least, until they work through what they've got.

I looooove many of the models, but the price keeps me away from the game itself, and the fact that it's still unproven as a game system, with a small but very loyal following. I plan to keep purchasing their minis, but if I backed their KS it would be for a particular monster or two. Many posters here seem to have pledged for multiple factions already, and I can't see a lot of them being able to afford / wanting to continue adding more at such a rapid pace.

Just food for thought... I will be watching this with great interest, just think it may be a little soon for many of their fans, as the above posters and others expressed last page.

[Sets watch]

Excellent!

Though I suppose KS "2.5" will test that theory.

I think that as Mierce continues to Wow and Deliver, people will be more apt to pledge and buy with confidence though.

Yep it will be very interesting to see, certainly!

To your point Tides about the game system itself-the same blog that had the size comparison from the last Kickstarter has this nice battle report as well.

http://thebeerwaaagh.blogspot.com/2013/10/darklands-initial-battle-report.html

The maths look daunting, but with some practice it should be OK to work with. I love the Fomoriaic faction, and it has motivated me to finish up on my Tarvox today if possible.

Funny how GW has made everyone 'math averse'!

All kidding aside, I see your point, but I think it is an attempt to show you damage and attrition make a model less effective in combat, to the point where even the 'regular' humans have a shot against the gigantic gribblies.

Also, maybe Mierce will put on a App for it!

I appreciate the thinking with regard to the KS, personally, I don't have a lot of cash to spend, so I didn't particularly overspend, so consequently could still be in a position to do the same this time round.

Just to put a thought out there, wouldn't it be nice of Mierce to use 2.5 to perhaps reward their loyal kS1 and 2 followers by including plenty of stretch goals and freebies at some really good value price points? Not that I feel ripped off or anything by what I've paid for their frankly awesome stuff, but with the ostensible goal of KS2 being met (production of rules) perhaps the burden of cost on 2.5 would be a lot lower?

Just sayin, Mierce, if you're reading!

Agreed, azrael- KS1 prices were fantastic, and KS2's higher prices were in some ways justified by funding the rules. But if KS3 is priced similarly, it will reinforce the idea that buying some sweet models, but not going all in on the actual game, will be the approach most people are forced to take due to cost alone.

I doubt that will happen. Considering that Mierce pays for the art and the sculpt at usually 1500-2000 gbp PER model plus they have pretty much the highest quality molding and resin I've ever seen - I've always assumed they broke even on KS1 and maybe made a little profit on KS2. I'm thinking 'freebies' in KS2.5 will be much like in KS2.

I'm totally fine with that personally. Using KS as a means to get the funds to book the sculptors in advance while offering backers a little bit of a discount seems like a good idea to me. Guess I'll start saving... of course right after I sent money to Alpharius! haha.

 judgedoug wrote:
I doubt that will happen. Considering that Mierce pays for the art and the sculpt at usually 1500-2000 gbp PER model plus they have pretty much the highest quality molding and resin I've ever seen - I've always assumed they broke even on KS1 and maybe made a little profit on KS2. I'm thinking 'freebies' in KS2.5 will be much like in KS2.

I'm totally fine with that personally. Using KS as a means to get the funds to book the sculptors in advance while offering backers a little bit of a discount seems like a good idea to me. Guess I'll start saving... of course right after I sent money to Alpharius! haha.

I'm aware of this of course, hence it wasn't really a serious suggestion, but if you don't ask, you don't get, and who knows, if the seed of an idea gets planted, what it might turn into?

gohkm wrote:
I got to admit, I'm getting a bit sick of Mierce Kickstarters. Make no mistake, their sculpts are incredible, but to throw Kickstarter after Kickstarter, it seems as if they are milking the cash cow to exhaustion.

I absolutely loved their first Kickstarter, but very little in the 2nd Kickstarter caught my attention, and now another one?

I think I might sit this one out.

I don't mind upfront funding (what I can afford) a small company to produce high quality sculpts as at this level of quality it is expensive to produce so many miniatures especially with a large chunk of them being rather large. Established companies like Hasslefree who have an excellent in house sculpter in the form of Kev can only put out so many miniatures every month...

Mierce Miniatures wrote:
KS2.5 Alpharius, not KS3... it's more of an add-on to KS2, rather than a whole new project - which is why it's being held in March. It comprises stuff we really wanted to get done for KS2, but didn't get far enough to do.

One of the main reasons for holding this project is simply to ensure we've got sculptors booked up - this is a very competitive industry!

If this is the case, I hope that this means we'll see more units for the armies who have very few. It seems based on the models shown as stretch goals which weren't achieved in KS2, there were more additions to armies who already had 3+ units. The Albain in particular are in need of more troops badly. The idea of leading into KS3 with solid hosts for each faction seems very smart, as I've felt both of the first two kickstarters at their base were supporting all the factions at once

azreal wrote:I appreciate the thinking with regard to the KS, personally, I don't have a lot of cash to spend, so I didn't particularly overspend, so consequently could still be in a position to do the same this time round.

Just to put a thought out there, wouldn't it be nice of Mierce to use 2.5 to perhaps reward their loyal kS1 and 2 followers by including plenty of stretch goals and freebies at some really good value price points? Not that I feel ripped off or anything by what I've paid for their frankly awesome stuff, but with the ostensible goal of KS2 being met (production of rules) perhaps the burden of cost on 2.5 would be a lot lower?

Just sayin, Mierce, if you're reading!

That's not going to happen I'm afraid. KS1 was too cheap, but we weren't in a position to do much else; KS2 was about right, so KS2.5 will be similar to KS2 in terms of pricing.

The problem here is that people tend to judge miniature prices on Kickstarters against both CMON and Reaper, but our miniatures are completely different to theirs and if we tried to go anywhere near their prices we'd go under almost immediately. There is a reason our miniatures are of an exceptional quality, and that's because we mould and cast in house with the finest materials we can lay our hands on. We even reinforce resin poles (such as spears and standards) with brass rod to keep them straight.

Additionally, we are funding completely new miniatures in Kickstarter projects, and as Doug suggested, creating our miniatures is very expensive, let alone the costs of casting them. We don't make much profit from Kickstarter projects, but it's the only way we can fund new miniatures and further the cause of Darklands right now.

Besides, anybody who got in on KS2 got a 20% discount from our existing range as a thank you, so I wouldn't say there's no way to give away cheap stuff. That 20% discount will happen again with KS2.5, after the project finishes.

skullking wrote:If this is the case, I hope that this means we'll see more units for the armies who have very few. It seems based on the models shown as stretch goals which weren't achieved in KS2, there were more additions to armies who already had 3+ units. The Albain in particular are in need of more troops badly. The idea of leading into KS3 with solid hosts for each faction seems very smart, as I've felt both of the first two kickstarters at their base were supporting all the factions at once

The Albainn will get Gairlom (spearmen) fairly early and Oghurithne (think Rackham Giant Barbarians) not much after that; and possibly Oghur (er, Ogres) and if we get far enough Oghureach (Ogre-centaurs). The Welsh will get Teulu (hearthguard), Dynwocor (wocor-men) and possibly... well, I'll keep that one secret. That's just for starters...

In short, we'll be concentrating on kindreds with not much in the way of troops first!


Hope that helps anybody's thinking.

I think I wish I could save faster,

I won't be able to afford all I want (ie everything)

I don't compare to CMON or Reaper... I'm more than willing to pay for quality sculpts.

But starting a new game is different. To convince people to start your system, rather than pick and choose models, they need to be able to buy in. And cost can be a factor there, just like it is for Infinity. Infinity is doing well, and many of us are willing to pay for that quality given that there's an established game along with it... but it's just something to keep in mind.

As someone on the fence, the starter packages of KS2 (at least the lower level ones including rules and just a hero at a rather high price) didn't tempt me. Maybe gear your starters without rules and you can tempt in more people... Infinity's $50 or so starters with enough models to try out the game are key for drawing in new players to their expensive-per-model game. I think their strategy is a great one to emulate, if you can.

RiTides,
This project is about funding new miniatures, which we can't discount heavily because they are bloody expensive to make.

As I said, we give all backers 20% off RRP on our webstore afterwards, which is where you can save some cash, as existing miniatures do not need to be funded - just cast.

We can't emulate Infinity; it's a completely different game and their miniatures are cheaper than ours.

At the end of the day we don't expect loads from this next one - even half of what we got last time will fund some cracking new miniatures.

Cheers

With another chance at 20% off everything else and some good, new 'Skirmish' and 'Encounter' Hosts too, I think KS 2.5 will do just fine.

Quick question - I've got the HC Rulebook coming via my KS 2.0 pledge, but will the rules ever be available free online as a PDF to help get more people into the game?

And, I was only partially kidding when I said you might want to develop an App for combat resolution!

@Alpharius - a PDF download is very likely but it will only include the rules - no backgrounds or funky stuff.

In this day and age, where people scan rulebooks which are available to download fairly quickly, there's no point doing anything else.

Cheers

 Baragash wrote:

 alanmckenzie wrote:
March is far too soon for me I think. Going to have to be veeeery picky with this one. Spent so much during (and since) this ks, and will be paying it off for months yet. This next ks is going to be absolutely minimal for me.

^Sadly so much this. Infernii models, or maybe an Skirmish Host for Teulu and Dyndraig are the only things that might tempt me in, though ofc I don't know what else they have up their sleeve.

I'm hoping to see some stuff for the Atalantes or Eirann from 3, as I love the idea of a faction with a Chariots of the Gods or Slaine vibe. Finances permitting, I'll be sure to get in on KS3, as I just got the rulebook and a couple of commander minis from this one.

Mierce Miniatures wrote:
@Alpharius - a PDF download is very likely but it will only include the rules - no backgrounds or funky stuff.

In this day and age, where people scan rulebooks which are available to download fairly quickly, there's no point doing anything else.

Cheers

That makes perfect sense, and is very much in the "Infinity Model" of doing things - a PDF rulebook to help grow the game, with a complete hard copy rulebook containing the background and all the art.

This is good news!

Seriously!

Oh no, just when I was thinking that's it, no more kickstarters, I'm putting the rest of my cash into KS2 stuff from Mierce, a KS2.5!
How will the pledge levels work on this one?

 Alpharius wrote:

Mierce Miniatures wrote:
@Alpharius - a PDF download is very likely but it will only include the rules - no backgrounds or funky stuff.

In this day and age, where people scan rulebooks which are available to download fairly quickly, there's no point doing anything else.

Cheers

That makes perfect sense, and is very much in the "Infinity Model" of doing things - a PDF rulebook to help grow the game, with a complete hard copy rulebook containing the background and all the art.

This is good news!

Seriously!

That's exactly what I meant- a pledge for the rulebook as a PDF (even if you haven't made it publicly downloadable yet) plus a "starter set" of minis, for a reasonable price.

Good point - I'm not sure what I should be doing...

Increasing my KS2 purchase, or spending more on KS2.5?

If you want more KS2 stuff get at least some now but try and keep it focused so you have more chance of picking up useful bundles

(if I had been more focused on KS1 instead of picking bits and pieces from all the factions I could have saved more on KS2 by picking up some of the bundles)

but remember if you try and pick KS2 stuff up as part of KS2.5 it's not going to be cheaper, and you'll put yourself last in the line to get stuff as they'll send out to KS2 backers before later ones

(Mierce works hard but I'm sure the gap will be several months)



EDIT:

to clarify,

If you really, really, really want it order it now

if you really, really want it think about ordering it

if you really want it wait till you see what KS2.5 offers then decide

 JudgeShamgar wrote:
To your point Tides about the game system itself-the same blog that had the size comparison from the last Kickstarter has this nice battle report as well.

http://thebeerwaaagh.blogspot.com/2013/10/darklands-initial-battle-report.html

The maths look daunting, but with some practice it should be OK to work with. I love the Fomoriaic faction, and it has motivated me to finish up on my Tarvox today if possible.

Wow, that is so...not me...

And I used to play Star Fleet Battles...

All I can picture is 2 bearded gamers arguing over a minor rule (mis)interpretation whilst another couple of skinny white guys look on in despair.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
To give an indication of how much Mierce under priced KS1...

The Ygandr, Hydra of Khthon
KS price £40
Release price?

£75.99

Mierce have you ever considered going the Kingdom Death route and getting some incredibly high quality plastics made for some core troops? Perhaps the most popular few factions, human to Tarvax-sized. It would allow newcomers to be able to more easily afford the game. Plus that Kingdom Death is doing with Wargames Factory is nothing short of amazing

Yes Judgedoug, we get asked that a lot and it's one of those questions that seems obvious 'yeah, why don't they do that?' until you look at the sheer numbers of miniatures we would need, the cost and the timescales involved.

KD did over $2million dollars and will produce a similar amount of figs as our second KS that did less than a quarter of a million $. Plus we need to turn our minis around quickly to get the game going and all the kindreds expanded.

You're looking at around a year to get a plastic mini from concept into production that's IF you have the money and a date booked with someone like WGF (or more handy or us Renedra I'd want to be involved in person as often as possible for QC and trips to China would mean more time and money). Not to mention that the costs involved are MUCH higher to put each mini into production and it's a none starter.

Also, we produce in house. We're in complete and utter control of our own IP, quality (VERY important to us) and production levels. We say what happens and when, we're not at the mercy of a 3rd party, nor are we clamouring for attention with any other companies that may have more money to throw at a project than us. In-house resin production makes us more flexible. There are times when a sculptor falls behind so we jiggle production a little and once a sculpt does arrive I can have it in production in around 24 hours if I give it my full attention - that doesn't happen with 3rd parties. If I want to see how many Duguth have been cast today, I walk out of my office (where I will be sat personally cutting each and every mould we make by hand - that personal QC again!) and take ten steps to see the casting guys and can see first hand. This is a good thing.

Plastic is getting better - but the quality of resin still pees all over it - plastic is great for many things but it excels at smooth areas and is still relatively poor at high level details like fur, wrinkled skin etc. I look at things like OK Mournfang fur (a series of soft-edged triangles) and then look at our Sronax miniatures and I'm very glad we're working in resin. I'm not knocking the GW stuff it's apples and oranges. I just prefer our apples ;0)

The only way we could ever produce plastic minis is to have a KS at some point dedicated soley to that end. However, in the meantime we have many more pressing concerns. We have a full game to release and need to ensure that our kindreds are as fleshed out as possible. Maybe, at some point something like the Duguth would be great in plastic. But that's just me spit-balling right now. Metal in some areas might actually make more sense, but again that's me spitting in the wind as we have no plans to cast in any other medium than the best quality resin we can get our grubby little mitts on.

We're a small company making high-end quality sculpts that whilst expensive, they're worth the cost for the quality and the craftsmanship (IMO and I see first hand the labour involved in making each miniature). We would need to sell thousands of a plastic sprue to make it worthwhile, it's just totally unfeasible at the moment.

Plastic is barely a thought in our minds right now as we need to concentrate on the range and the game as a whole.

Plastic is seen as a holy panacea and phrases like 'slide core tooling' get thrown around seemingly in a way of saying 'you can do what you like with plastic nowadays' which is simply untrue. You can do a lot with plastics, but by and large not what we want to do right now and also again, we love resin it's the best medium full stop. 'Cast in hard plastic' is often a way of people saying 'I like your stuff but I want it cheaper' without thinking that it would bankrupt us to do so and then we wouldn't be able to make minis anymore anyway!

At the moment we're a company taking a lot of tiny steps to get a game and a great miniature range (I would put our minis up against any range in the world) up and running. We need to carry on taking small steps rather than a very risky jump across the Grand Canyon.


TL;DR Plastics? Nope, we don't have the time, monies nor inclination to use that medium at the mo. Think of us as more FW than GW in our casting approach.


Tim (who runs Production and shizzle)

Mierce Miniatures wrote:

Plastic is getting better - but the quality of resin still pees all over it - plastic is great for many things but it excels at smooth areas and is still relatively poor at high level details like fur, wrinkled skin etc. I look at things like OK Mournfang fur (a series of soft-edged triangles) and then look at our Sronax miniatures and I'm very glad we're working in resin. I'm not knocking the GW stuff it's apples and oranges. I just prefer our apples ;0)

I heartily agree, I prefer your apples, too.

Still, my KS2 pledge remains open on Mierce, only the Kthones appealed to me, and even then, only half-heartedly. I'm not dissing your stuff, Mierce - in your KS1, I dropped close to 300 GBP.

I might just wait and see what you put up for KS2.5, but from the units you've quoted earlier on, there's very little that leaps out at me.

Excellent news about ks2.5 (though not so great news for my wallet).

As for the resin v plastic issue, I'm very much a resin addict. Not literally though! It pleases me to see you continuing with resins for a while and the pole stiffening work you do is much appreciated, especially as these will be game pieces as well as show pieces. The amount of times my sleeve has caught a Duguth spear. You have that sickening moment followed by relief when you see all's well!

Thanks Mierce for that in depth reply! And trust me I'm addicted to your resin- be sure to look at how much I've spent with you so far and that's NOT counting the dozen+ big beasties of yours I've bought from other retailers. (actually I think the only models I don't own from your entire released range might be the Terror or Fortriu and the Brythoniaid) I prefer your apples more than anyone else's fruits. Well if I hit the big $100 million lottery then I'll donate a hundred thousand to you guys to get some plastics going (and also help fund the next Dredd movie...) If only so you could have some cheaper starter sets in the future for new players with limited budgets to be able to get into the game.

Sticking with resin is really good, imo... but for people to adopt the game the buy-in has to be reasonably priced.

For myself, I have a hard time telling what I would need to play a "standard" sized game. Having bundles for each faction with just enough minis to play (like PP's battle boxes, but of course more expensive due to resin, which is totally acceptable imo) would be great for people like me who are still on the outside but thinking of dipping a toe in.

Mierce Miniatures wrote:

The Albainn will get Gairlom (spearmen) fairly early and Oghurithne (think Rackham Giant Barbarians) not much after that; and possibly Oghur (er, Ogres) and if we get far enough Oghureach (Ogre-centaurs).

SQUEEEE!!!

I mean, sounds jolly good, I am looking forward to seeing how they turn out.

Just read that battle report that was linked. I'm not exactly enthusiastic to play this now. :-S

Zond wrote:
Just read that battle report that was linked. I'm not exactly enthusiastic to play this now. :-S

Agreed, and that isn't a commentary in the rules, that's just a dreadful, dreadful advertisement for any game. I mean...pictures of dice? Arranged in flow diagrams? Yeesh!

Hahaha, blame me for that one. I wanted to be as clear as I could about dice rolling in a way that made sense. I'll see if I can find time to do another game in the next few weeks, and no dice photos.

Props for the enthusiasm, but that really didn't excite the casual reader, best of luck with the next attempt!

Zond, you're better off watching the video (as poor as it is) on the First Edition kickstarter project page. As Razor says, he's gone into great detail!

It plays pretty quickly once you get used to it, like any game system really.

The purpose of the battle report I did was to show how the mechanics of the game worked, rather than drumming up excitement. At the time, I think there had only been two games played outside of Mierce Towers, so there were a lot of questions about how Parry Dice and Swift Strikes worked, that could only be shown by emphasizing the actual dice rolls.
Now that we are trying to make it exciting, I can try another with spells and shooting and magic and stuff! I just need to read the latest version of the rules...

 razormage wrote:
Now that we are trying to make it exciting, I can try another with spells and shooting and magic and stuff! I just need to read the latest version of the rules...

And sound effects! Don't forget sound effects

(Which are even better in text-based bat reps, by the way!)

"The Drune bowmen take four shots at the Sronax. Pew pew pew pew!"
[Edit: took the silencer off two of the bows]

That's only two.

Shouldn't it be a meatier "creaaaaaakkk........ thunk!" for bow shots? Admittedly the thunk is the arrows bouncing off thick rhino hide. :-P

Do any of the published videos incorporate the revisions from the newest rules release (1.05 right?)

@Doug - no mate, but when KS2.5 is up there'll be another.

"Somebody" got upgraded to 'packing' in the last couple of days....



Squeee!

Pff, got mine last week, thereby making me better than you...

 plastictrees wrote:
Pff, got mine last week, thereby making me better than you...

Pfft, when we've both got them painted and based, we'll post some side by side pics and let Dakka decide!

How are you fixed for 2016?

 azreal13 wrote:
"Somebody" got upgraded to 'packing' in the last couple of days....

Squeee!

Sweet, me too! (Also Krull, Malacant, Uuthull, Shaaroc and the Sronax......So. Much. Sexy. Resin. *faints*

Uuthull and Shaaroc are my two favorite Mierce models, I believe.

Just picked up a big box full of resin from the post office:
-Kthones starter set
-Petroyos
-Angrislaug
-Ygandr
-Aradae Mawr
-Cormoragg

Was missing Beowa (probably got confused since this wasn't my first shipment, but this was my first started for the kickstarter), and still have an outstanding Chaagmuth on foot, but very happy with all the resin I got.

If someone would be so kind as to take some photos of a Khthon's armored snake leader dude Ssybrios (or however you spell his name), I will give you an internet cookie. The site photos aren't doing it for me, and I'm wondering if he looks better in person.

Also, thank you Mierce for sending me those bases that were missing from my presents!

I would share my horrible paint jobs with you all, but I'm afraid it would make many of you just plain sad seeing how I've manhandled those poor resin creatures.

Also, my seven year old wants you to make things in plastic so he's allowed to play with the monsters and make scary monster noises, just like his father.

Baragash wrote:

 azreal13 wrote:
"Somebody" got upgraded to 'packing' in the last couple of days....

Squeee!

Sweet, me too! (Also Krull, Malacant, Uuthull, Shaaroc and the Sronax......So. Much. Sexy. Resin. *faints*

highlord tamburlaine wrote:
I would share my horrible paint jobs with you all, but I'm afraid it would make many of you just plain sad seeing how I've manhandled those poor resin creatures.

I'll post up my Krull, albeit not for the first time in Dakka, if only to let Baragash know what he's in for (seriously...book holiday leave) and encourage Hl Tamburlaine!

Nice.

Much nicer than the ramshackle lot I've painted so far.

I shall take your encouragement as a challenge and try to put some photos up this weekend, when I can have my wife translate all the options on the camera and manage to actually take a picture correctly!

I have a Brass Scorpion, so far I have invested approx 14 hours just cleaning and assembling it, and the legs still need to be attached to the body. Whilst I expect Krull to be time-intensive, I don't think he'll be as bad

(Also, Krull is not a big priority, I got him because I knew I would eventually get him and I wanted to beat the price rise and get the 20% backer discount by acknowledging my lack of willpower at the cheapest opportunity )

My three favourite models in order are:
The Terror
Uuthull
Ygandr

Unfortunately snakes and lizards that aren't dragons (or related) have never appealed to me so I couldn't really justify getting the hydra.

Andrislaug and a photo finish between Krull and Shaaroc would round out my top 5 so having 4 out of 5 (or 5 out of 6!) still leaves me in a happy place..........at least until I start losing sleep about the paint job doing them justice

Well, that pic is up to date for Krull, I still don't consider him finished, I have tidying to do on the base and I wish to do a bit of weathering on the weaponry, perhaps some special FX like drool or something, and I bought him from Maelstrom, so he has currently been WIP for the best part of two years!

A large percentage of that was on a quest to gather dust though...

 plastictrees wrote:
Pff, got mine last week, thereby making me better than you...

Oh, you only got one? That's so cute...
Just opened a box with the pair I'd ordered inside.

azreal13 - that Krull is amazing!

Well done!

Why, thank you!

It was love for this model which catalysed my starting to collect daemons (it won't come as a great shock he is my counts as Bloodthirster, despite the ludicrous size) and consequently I put a lot of time and effort Into getting him right. A pleasant side effect of which is that it seems to have shaken something loose in my style, and has been a real watershed point in terms of the final quality of what I've been producing.

Just in time to tackle my Fomoraic this year!

 azreal13 wrote:
Why, thank you!

It was love for this model which catalysed my starting to collect daemons (it won't come as a great shock he is my counts as Bloodthirster, despite the ludicrous size) and consequently I put a lot of time and effort Into getting him right. A pleasant side effect of which is that it seems to have shaken something loose in my style, and has been a real watershed point in terms of the final quality of what I've been producing.

Just in time to tackle my Fomoraic this year!

I have Krull, and the FW Bloodthirster, they are pretty much the same size.

 azreal13 wrote:

 plastictrees wrote:
Pff, got mine last week, thereby making me better than you...

Pfft, when we've both got them painted and based, we'll post some side by side pics and let Dakka decide!

How are you fixed for 2016?

Whoa there speed racer, let's not get carried away. If the internet still exists I'll see you back here in 2020.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 razormage wrote:

 plastictrees wrote:
Pff, got mine last week, thereby making me better than you...

Oh, you only got one? That's so cute...
Just opened a box with the pair I'd ordered inside.

I only bought my copy so that my real dragon would have something to play with.

My Angryslag is still in packing, but I won't be too upset if they hold it a bit longer to allow them to put leofwyn & Avaalor in the box too..

anyway Mierceday part 1

Winding Down

Fridays seem to come quicker every week, which is good news for you lot because we have some cracking stuff for you this time, including news of finished miniatures, project fulfilment and the scariness of a completely locked World of War category on our website...

As we said last week, this project is nearing completion - in terms of sculpts, anyway - so it is likely that from now on there won't be too much in the way of work in progress images here; but there'll still be other information to peruse, of course, not least project fulfilment and the QuickStarter rules and profiles, so every update will still be worth a read. Keep checking back every Friday, in other words!

Leofwen, Fane Bearer of Déra on Great Hart

Stéphane Simon's extreme labour on Leofwen has come to an end, at least on the mounted version; and we think that those labours have produced a stunning miniature that would grace any tabletop or painting table or collection of unused resin sitting in a box until the end of time. But don't take our word for it - have a look at this...







A word on where Leofwen fits in with the Angelcynn; with her riding a Great Hart, and the Déora (Deirans - i.e., Yaaarkshire) being based around the deer, she will not really fit as a Miercna. So now she is a Déora. It won't make any difference to the way Angelcynn hosts are built right now, of course, and there will always be an option to ride a Great Hart in the Miercna muster.

Leofwen's on her way to us and we should see the first casts next week, and sendings of the week after.

Maallolvór, Lumbering Mallox

Ah... we love Maallolvór. Benoît always manages to put a lot of character into his work and our lumbering sloth-beast is no exception! Now that he's managed to put the claws on his left paw where they should be, this is how he will look... although typically, the tusks aren't in these shots because Benoît forgot to attach them. They do have spikes, honest.





Maallolvór (along with his mate Aalvór) are on their way to us and we should see the first casts next week, and sending of the week after.

Druc, Meat-Hulk

Stéphane NGuyen has found his muse and finished the awesomely huge Druc, which we're very happy about!

A word of warning though: we've had to take drastic steps to protect the innocent (with Timoth's head)... click on the images, however, and you'll see Stéphane's work in all his swingery glory.














Now, Druc's massive wang can be replaced by a nub for those of a nervous disposition, so his kit gives you the choice of flailing appendage or nub when you assemble him. We're still unsure as to whether we should make Druc Loathsome in Darklands if his miniature is wanged up, however...

Like Leofwen, Maallolvór and Aalvór, we should get Druc next week, cast him soon after and he'll be swinging his way to you soon after that...

Painted Brynhild Gunnblindi

Simon Bradley's cracked on with the painting of Brynhild Gunnblindi and as you can see he's done an excellent job!



Simon will be painting Geraint Nerthol and Hywel Hir next.

Angrislaug Scale Shot

Séb's taken another photo of our awesome dragon, Angrislaug, but this time he's next to Meloda which shows you exactly how big he is... Meloda is on a 30mm base!



Darklands: a World of War Fulfilment

Shipment of remaining items from Darklands: a World of War orders has begun, as some of you have seen, and where this is possible we'll also combine these remaining items with Wave 0 orders for First Edition items from the Darklands: First Edition kickstarter project. Once the QuickStarter Rules are printed, we'll start shipping those too!

Of those remaining items, the Limited Edition Penda with Wolf Helm, Chaagmuth on hoof, Brynhild Gunnblindi, Gamla Bror and Jowan and Drune-Hounds are shipping, along with Angrislaug, Vaak and Pétroyos. Qaano's just begun shipping, too, along with Belech, although the latter's base (which will be 80mm) will be sent later when we receive them. We've received Kernuor, Seer-Drune on Karnun-Beast, also, and the first casts should be sent next week. Leofwen on Great Hart, Maallolvór, Aalvór and Druc should all be with us next week, and hopefully begin to ship the week after.

Please understand that we have prioritised orders with Khthones Starter Sets first - so if the above miniatures are all you've left with us, please be patient!

Remaining Sculpts

In terms of remaining sculpt progress, here's an update:
• Benoît Cosse: It's the Wælwulfas for him next. He should be starting them next week!

There's a few other bits and pieces yet to be done of course, so here's how progress is looking on those fronts...

QuickStarter Rules - v10.5

The latest version of the QuickStarter Rules - v10.5 - is the FINAL version before printing.

You can download them here: Darklands QuickStarter Rules v10.5

There are many minor changes from previous versions, so I would recommend - especially if you are familiar with those previous versions of the QuickStarter Rules - to have a good read through, and also please check out the Mierce Miniatures forum, in particular the "Darklands Rules Discussion" section and the "Observations from a first read" thread...

As before, please bear in mind that v10.5 of the QuickStarter Rules are to get you by until they're formatted for printing. As such, whilst they'll look very like these rules in terms of layout and the wording, they'll be a bit more... well, spangly when they're ready for print and download. Once the QuickStarter rules are printed (we're looking at some time in February), they will of course be sent out to you along with the remainder of your order.

Muster Rules

These will be worked on in February, although there's not much to change. These are download only of course, so we'll give you links when they're ready.

Warrior Profiles

We do now have the Fomoraic muster (which also now includes Belech as a unique character and a generic Scion of Baalor) and the Angelcynn muster ready for download, but they are of a slightly different format to previous musters. We trust that its fairly self-explanatory, especially if you read the Warrior Profiles section of the QuickStarter rules.

Angelcynn Muster v1.4

Fomoraic Muster v1.2

No doubt there'll be a few errors or typos - feel free to tell us about them!

It's worth noting one major change from previous versions - gold costs. These have changed quite a lot, thanks to the introduction of new coefficients, so if you're used to the old gold costs - well, you'll have to get used to the new ones! This does mean that, at the moment, the Angelcynn and Fomoraic will not play correctly with other kindreds' hosts, but that won't be for long.

There's also a handy pronunciation guide (based on the Wikipedia Pronunciation Respelling Key) under the warrior's title and, at the bottom of each profile, a suggestion on which miniature from our range to use.

The other warrior profiles are urgently required thanks to the changes in the rules, we know, and are being worked on and playtested. They'll comprise every warrior that is existing and is included in Darklands: a World of War and, once ready, we'll put them up for download. We should have the Ysians and the Khthones next week, but we'll see - there's playtesting to be done!

If there's anything you need to know before the other warrior profiles are sorted, or about how the new format of warrior profile works, just ask on the forums please and we'll endeavour to answer your questions! Once all of the profiles are updated to reflect the current rules, we'll be starting work on the warrior profiles for Darklands: First Edition.

Templates

The first template's now done (the 3" Pig Splat) - it's awesome! - and we'll be working on the rest next week. We expect to have all the templates sorted by the end of February if not before, so watch out for photos shortly!

Darklands: a World of War Category will be LOCKED on Monday

Yes, the time has come. With the project nearing completion, and another project on the way, it's time to lock everything that's left in the Darklands: a World of War category on our website, including the yet-to-be-sculpted Wælwulfas.

So that's it - if you want anything from this project at the project prices, get them now - because the whole category will disappear, NEVER to return, on Monday at midnight (GMT).

Get your skates on!

The End of Darklands: a World of War In Sight

We think that - around the end of February 2014 time (possibly March now, those Wælwulfas will probably push things back) - pretty much everything will be done for Darklands: a World of War; which will both be a sad day and an awesome day. Either way, we'll find some way to celebrate...!

There'll be another update next week though of course!

Wow, that Druc really is swinging isn't he.

This has truly been the week for epic scale shots of Dragon models.

 Trodax wrote:
Wow, that Druc really is swinging isn't he.

Silly me, I assumed that he was a "meat hulk" because he was essentially a riff on a flesh golem.

Now I know different!

So much penis.

If anyone in the USA is making one last KS1 purchase and wouldn't mind adding in a Leofwen on Hart for me, please shoot me a PM - thanks!

At least they give you a "nub" option to assemble it with, instead... that's some progress on that front . Given the sentiments posted here and previously, I think most gamers will prefer the nub version for their tables, but if they offer both options then everybody wins.

KS2 update time!

Update #50

Jan 31 2014
Winding Up
2 comments
5 likes

By crikey things are moving on this project now!

We've work in progress images for eight miniatures from this project, including Dúngal with helm, Ciniod, Itaina and Domnech for the Albainn; Uhtred Uhtredson for the Angelcynn; Scecchus for the Infernii; and Crom and Brugg for the Ysians!

As well as all of that, we have painted Malacant images, news of project fulfilment and more information on the next Kickstarter project.

In short, it's a massive update!
Dúngal, Mormaer of Dun Durn

Olivier Nkweti's cracking on with the helmed version of Dúngal as well as Dúngal on his pony, although there's no pics of that yet. We love Olivier's Albainn style - op, op, op, op Oppa Albainn Style!

Ahem.





Dúngal should be finished fairly soon we think, sometime in February, but of course he will ship in June with other Wave 1 items.
Ciniod, Umaer of Dun Durn

Olivier's been working hard on the other three Albainn characters too. Ciniod's almost complete, as you can see...






Again, Ciniod should be finished fairly soon but he will ship in June with other Wave 1 items.
Itaina, Umaer of Dun Durn

This lady is looking great so far - and very warlike!





Again, Itaina should be finished fairly soon but she will ship in June with other Wave 1 items.
Domnech, Sagart of Dun Durn

Olivier's really got the character we wanted for Domnech, as you can see! A wizened creature that probably shouts tramp words as he casts spells...





Again, Domnech should be finished fairly soon but he will ship in June with other Wave 1 items.
Uhtred Uhtredson

Uhtred is, of course, Patrick Masson's first work for us but already we wish we'd been using his talents years ago. Uhtred looks bloody brilliant!






His cloak and shield are missing as of yet, but it shouldn't be too long before Uhtred's finished.

Remember, too, that Uhtred is ONLY available through this Kickstarter project (although we do reserve the right to sell him at shows and other events) and ONLY if you purchase the rulebook; he'll never be a full release. So get him while you can...!
Scecchus, Servile Fiend of Dis

Hot on the heels of Uhtred comes the mighty talent of Dan Cockersell, and Scecchus. It's early days yet, but you can see his progress already...







Crom of Carn Wrach, War-Drune

We've got to cast Leofwen up and chuck her back to Stéphane before he can sculpt her on foot, but in the meantime he's sculpting our Crom and giving us some rock love...



There's not much to see as yet, but Crom should be finished in the middle of February we think.
Brugg, Death-Brute

Olivier Bouchet has now finished Brugg and his massive weapon, and he's looking blimmin' awesome. We're very happy that Olivier will be working with us in the future, for whilst he's currently a part-time sculptor his skills are not to be passed up!





Painted Malacant, Servile Champion of Dis

Sébastien Picque has pulled out all the stops to get Malacant painted and the results, we think you'll agree, are stunning. Whilst his brief was rather similar to Krull's, Séb's matched Ben's paintwork and complemented Malacant's big brother perfectly.






Next up for Séb is Qaano and the remaining Srónax!
Darklands: First Edition Fulfilment

We are now shipping Wave 0 orders to backers from this project, but we would ask all of you to remain patient while we do so. We are only a small team and are still fulfilling the remaining orders for Darklands: a World of War, and we do expect to continue fulfilling Wave 0 orders throughout February and possibly later. We will keep you all updated of course.
Sculpts and Sculptors

Here's the big list of who's sculpting what and when for Darklands: First Edition! Please bear in mind that this list may change over time, so don't take it as set in stone until the first work in progress shots appear!

Olivier Bouchet: Brugg is finished, and that concludes Olivier's work for us in this project. He'll be working with us on our next project, however...
Stéphane Cammosetto: a new sculptor to Mierce, the awesomely talented Stéphane is now sculpting the first descendant - John Longshore's Brythoniaid bowman, Ieuan Longshore (not forgetting his mastiff, Taranau)!
Allan Carrasco: Allan should begin work on Jörmungand in March. After that he will be sculpting Knútr on Foot, Knútr on Horse, Víthar, Birna, Rollo Iron Head and Cnebba.
Roberto Chaudon: currently working on a top secret project for us, Roberto will give Belech his guitar and then begin work on this project. First up for him is Angedern, followed by Mag ap Mag, Mälmord, Ágriosávra, Eikovra, Myrkranio and finally Djiuzu.
Daniel Cockersell: the Daddy of all monster sculptors, Dan has begun work on Scecchus, but it will be a while before he is done.
Benoît Cosse: Benoît is still working on Darklands: a World of War miniatures and won't start Hrór, Finnan, Praach and the Baagath's Herd for a good long while yet.
Thomas David: his work on Timoth should begin soon.
Pedro Fernández Ramos: Mananaan on foot is finished of course, and he'll soon begin work on Mananaan on horse.
Yannick Fusier: It's been a while since we worked with Yannick (he who sculpted Shaaroc a couple of years ago), but he's now doing Bagseg for us and will start him next week, and WIPs should follow the week after.
Jacques-Alexandre Gillois: he should begin work on Daarkan, Naraa and both Equitus Durio on foot and Equitus Durio on horse soon. Although not necessarily in that order, and we're not sure when - we just know they'll be done before May.
Gauthier Giroud: Gauthier is slated to begin work on Idruaada in February.
Stéphane NGuyen: Stéphane should begin work on Seza soon, but we're not sure when right now.
Christian Hardy: Christian will begin work on Velchior and Agathae soon.
Tre Manor: Tre of Red Box Games fame will be taking time out for us to sculpt Erebius! He should start soon, too.
Patrick Masson: Uhtred's sculpt is almost finished and after that will be Gaarwäg (pronounced "GAR-wayg"), although he won't be complete until May.
Hector Moran: Hector is due to start work on the digital Dawn of Khthon, Gorgórar Unit in January, and after that he will be digitally sculpting Con I Modius, Legionary Contubernium.
Olivier Nkweti: Dúngal on foot with helm, Ciniod, Itaina and Domnech are almost finished, and Dúngal on horse will follow. Once they're done he will digitally sculpt Hanokh and Thoth.
Juan Navarro Pérez: For Juan we have Urien on foot, Urien on horse, Carys, Caedoc, Ffion Ferddig and Danilo Cruz, and although he should start sculpting in early February we don't know what is going to be done first.
Maxime Penaud: Maxime is slated for Eadric on foot, Eadric on horse and Aldhelm, but we don't know when he will start.
Stéphane Simon: we've loaded Stéphane up with Leofwen on foot (who should be started shortly), Crom on foot (begun), Crom on horse, Zethag, Annik, Gondard and his Nithing, Xontór, Thelliatiss, the Holumenn Unit and the Gesíth Unit. Phew!
Valentin Zak: last seen on Dungann, we've been hassling Valentin to do more sculpts for us for a while now - and he's back! Valentin will sculpt Broga for us and will begin doing so soon.
Unknown: the remaining three descendants, which are Rick Boer's Frisian Warrior (due to be drawn by Stefan Kopinski), Tomas Johansson's Geat Warrior (due to be drawn by Danny Cruz) and Maximilian Schüte's Germanic Berserker.

Now that is a lot of sculpts...
Darklands: First Edition II

We have more information on "Darklands: First Edition II" for you today.

The provisional start date of this project will be Monday the 24th of March, and it should end thirty days later on Wednesday the 23rd of April. This neatly avoids Salute 2014 the weekend before (12th of April), at which we will have a stall, and is just after the easter holidays. We'll be running it for the full thirty days this time, too!

Whilst the dates for the next project lie before Darklands: First Edition begins to be fulfilled, there'll be no conflict between the two because the next project simply follows directly on from this project - i.e., those stretch goals that we didn't quite make it to (such as Gomagg the Giant and the Teulu) in this project will be the first goals to go for in the next. Many of these early goals will be able to be shipped with earlier Waves, too!

We'll allow people to purchase both the Darklands rulebook (with Uhtred and Finnan), the Concept Art book and possibly a couple of other rewards from the First Edition project, but the whole thing will be a lot easier to grasp this time - there'll be no "hosts" or "starter sets" or anything like that, because they become incredibly complicated over time (and are a nightmare post-Kickstarter). Don't recoil in horror, however - we've hit upon a system that will replicate the discounts you get but also enables you to choose what freebies you'd like with what you purchase.

We've not decided on everything though so please don't ask for specifics yet! That will come in time, there's six updates to go before the project begins.

There'll be another update next week... until then, laterz!

Jaw dropping stuff, as usual!

I'm with Alph on the KS1 add on. If anyone wants to put in a last minute order I would love to add an Angrislaug. Shoot me a PM please, and thank you.

 JudgeShamgar wrote:
I'm with Alph on the KS1 add on. If anyone wants to put in a last minute order I would love to add an Angrislaug. Shoot me a PM please, and thank you.

Unfortunately Angrislaug has been locked for a while now, and KS1 backers can't order him either.

Uhtred certainly has a Boromir look to him at this point.

decker_cky wrote:
Uhtred certainly has a Boromir look to him at this point.

I wonder if your opponents will get a Sean Bean bonus to killing him in the first three hours of the game.

decker_cky wrote:
Uhtred certainly has a Boromir look to him at this point.

I was thinking exctly the same

 razormage wrote:

 JudgeShamgar wrote:
I'm with Alph on the KS1 add on. If anyone wants to put in a last minute order I would love to add an Angrislaug. Shoot me a PM please, and thank you.

Unfortunately Angrislaug has been locked for a while now, and KS1 backers can't order him either.

Thank for the info. If anyone has one they would like to liquidate ( not likely) let me know. Thanks.

 corgan wrote:

decker_cky wrote:
Uhtred certainly has a Boromir look to him at this point.

I was thinking exctly the same

You have my................agreement!

Albainn looking impressive. Proper wild Northmen look. Really tempted now.

These are some crazy wicked wips. Love the entire range.

Agreed!

I thought I could resist adding in another faction, but they are tempting.

Especially when you factor in that they'll be getting Rackham inspired Sons of Ogmios looking figures, as well as 'true' Ogres?!?

I'm actually really interested to see the concept art for those "ogre centaurs"....in a kinda Russian Roulette with my wallet sort of way.

Realised earlier I get my annual bonus paid half way through the KS.....

Ah... Friday Mierce days. Best part of my morning routine on Friday! Besides being rid of my students for the first hour or so of the day, so I can leisurely read Dakka and grade papers while I sip my coffee.

So if March is the official time frame for KS2.5, guess I better save up a bit of cash.

Hoping to see those lizard troops for the Khthon!

You won't have to pay until mid-April though!

The Albian Sorcerer looks great, I have all of the others... might need to add him as well.

I'm really glad that Mierce goes through and makes Characters like Druc, fully 'tooled' up. It really makes him look so much more imposing, At first he's just a giant angry monster, now he's that, with a huge 'Drucwurst'!

facing off against Euryalia, Druc, Torku, and the Melusines, certainly makes an encounter with anything Slaanesh look pretty tame. Although, I think Kingdom death is still the most 'edgy'. I think Meirce does a great job of making characters so realistic, it's not as surprising that a big naked thing has it's 'parts' showing.

Given the size of the Druc model, I actually get the opposite impression when it is "fully tooled up". But to each his own . As long as they supply an alternate way to build it, I don't mind chucking that bit at all. I'm just glad they didn't choose that route for the Blood Maw which I have two of... would've detracted from the feel of the model, I think.

I.e. Giant fantasy miniature with a mouth half the size of its body... but no protection for it's tenders . So yeah, glad they didn't go the "swinging" route for that model, and are supplying an alternate bit for this one.

Hey Mierce...why does every animal in this universe walk on their knuckles?
Very very few animals do that, but I have noticed it seems standard on all your designs, even the Dragon.

yxalitis wrote:
Hey Mierce...why does every animal in this universe walk on their knuckles?
Very very few animals do that, but I have noticed it seems standard on all your designs, even the Dragon.

Every dragon I've seen in the wild walks on their knuckles.

Same here, actually!

decker_cky wrote:

yxalitis wrote:
Hey Mierce...why does every animal in this universe walk on their knuckles?
Very very few animals do that, but I have noticed it seems standard on all your designs, even the Dragon.

Every dragon I've seen in the wild walks on their knuckles.

How droll...

Every other dragon miniature that puts weight on its front feet does so on the open palm.
Just like crocodiles, alligators, komodo dragons, lizards, turtles, etc, etc, etc.
The other main alternative is to use modified toes, like horse, elephants, deer, lions, tiger, cats, dogs, bears etc.
Only Gorillas, chimpanzees, Giant anteaters, and the platypus walk on their knuckles.

yxalitis wrote:
Hey Mierce...why does every animal in this universe walk on their knuckles?
Very very few animals do that, but I have noticed it seems standard on all your designs, even the Dragon.

I'm only counting 9 (which, to be fair, is a lot), and that's being generous, counting the sea devil (who I don't think could walk on land without doing it, because of his flipper-hands), and maallovor (who is technically a primate, which would make sense why he would do it, despite also not being able to put his hands any other way, due to his massive claws). I did not count Conjunct, though he is holding his hand in that position, it's still a good meter above the ground.

In any case, it is odd that so many are doing that , I had never noticed, but it's hardly standard. And technically their universe is the same as ours, and all the offenders happen to be mythical creatures ( which, in Torku's case, I'm very glad for).

If it's really bothering you, I'd suggest not getting those particular figures. There's plenty of other great ones out there.

I think it is a good feature that sets Darklands apart from others. When you see someone walking on their knuckles you can bet its a DL figure.

Maybe they're just big fans of Iron Man.

Excited for the next KS, although I still haven't saved up enough to replace the money I pulled out of the last KS!
The Canadian dollar is weak as piss right now, which isn't helping.

Anyone have any sober second thoughts on the Nobles pledge level? I'm leaning more and more towards focusing my money on 2-3 factions, but it's still tempting, because insanity.

 plastictrees wrote:
Anyone have any sober second thoughts on the Nobles pledge level? I'm leaning more and more towards focusing my money on 2-3 factions, but it's still tempting, because insanity.

I'm not 100% sure I understand the question, but I've just been painting my first Darklands model, Eirik (who I picked up separately a while back) and TBH I've really enjoyed taking my time painting a boutique resin model (versus years of rushed 3-colour jobs for events) that the idea of receiving a good number of varied characters to enjoy taking my time over appeals even more than it did when I made the pledge.

But I also spent enough to get 1 infantry, 1 monstrous infantry and 2 monsters for 2 different factions and will possibly add a 3rd this time round, so I'm playing it both ways

yxalitis wrote:

decker_cky wrote:

yxalitis wrote:
Hey Mierce...why does every animal in this universe walk on their knuckles?
Very very few animals do that, but I have noticed it seems standard on all your designs, even the Dragon.

Every dragon I've seen in the wild walks on their knuckles.

How droll...

Every other dragon miniature that puts weight on its front feet does so on the open palm.
Just like crocodiles, alligators, komodo dragons, lizards, turtles, etc, etc, etc.
The other main alternative is to use modified toes, like horse, elephants, deer, lions, tiger, cats, dogs, bears etc.
Only Gorillas, chimpanzees, Giant anteaters, and the platypus walk on their knuckles.

Alligators and crocodiles don't have opposable thumbs like the dragons do, nor do they sit/stand upright. Glaun and Angrislaug's physiology resembles apes, it makes sense they walk similarly. They are kind of a hybrid between biped and quadruped.

Monday will be here before we know it - if some kind soul is ordering more from KS1 and wouldn't mind me adding a Leofwen on Hart to their order, let me know!

Thanks!

Might have time tonight, can't get on to their store at work.
That assumes you want to deal with shipping from Canada.

I will also offer, if you can't buy at KS1 prices, then the UK-USA shipping probably won't sting as much (she's £20 in KS1)

Thanks guys!

razormage offered, and he's in Texas, so hopefully he gets my "Yes, please!" PM before the cutoff time hits!

 Alpharius wrote:
Thanks guys!

razormage offered, and he's in Texas, so hopefully he gets my "Yes, please!" PM before the cutoff time hits!

Well, Monday at midnight GMT was an hour ago, and I can still add her to my basket, your call.

I need to hear back from the Razored One - I can't afford to buy two of them, as nice as they are!

EDIT:

And I'm covered!

Thanks everyone!

Done. Sorry for the delay; I was being distracted assembling Angrislaug and forgot to post on here.

I thought every Murican was consitutionally obliged to be watching the Superbowl while simultaneously firing hand guns into the air or something right now?

Oh, I'm doing that too. My wife and in-laws view my habit of assembling/painting while watching sports with bemusement. Highlight so far is watching my 2-year-old daughter dancing to Bruno Mars.

Broncos fan huh?

Oh, I'm a Cowboys fan. It's been half my life since I enjoyed a Super Bowl.
In laws and the wife are in blue and orange though.

Ironically (last OT post from me ITT I promise) my sister got me back into following NFL for the first time, she started watching it with her husband (who's mad keen sports fan) as something to do together, as she pretty much hates all sport, but is a bit of a yankophile.

She chose to follow Denver, as they honeymooned in the Rockies, her fella follows the Steelers because his family name is Steel.

I have no such connections, so rather arbitrarily picked...

The Seahawks.

She's gone to bed.

 azreal13 wrote:
I thought every Murican was consitutionally obliged to be watching the Superbowl while simultaneously firing hand guns into the air or something right now?

Why would we shoot in the air? That's just a waste of bullets! And the rest of the world can hardly contest that soccer is doesn't make you crazy! I think it's just the word 'football' that turns humans into crazed fanatics.

Pretty lame Super Bowl unfortunately.

Guys, you've got until tonight, and probably early tomorrow morning when I get into work, to order KS1 stuff... apologies if that wasn't clear.

Cheers

Anyone see the new Top Gear.
Some lovely Welsh names there!
I was half expecting to see a large Gwyfern soaring overhead.

TGIM!

Update #51

Feb 7 2014
WIPs, Wave 0 and KS2.5...
Comment
3 likes

Today, Mierceday, we have yet more work in progress images of miniatures for you all, as well as news of project fulfilment and the next project.

Without further ado...
Uhtred Uhtredson

Patrick Masson has completed Uhtred, and we absolutely love him to bits. What a miniature!





Here's a scale shot too, of Uhtred next to Hedroc! As you can see, he's a big lad is our Uhtred!



We are already happy that Patrick's doing Gaarwäg of course, but we can announce that we've managed to secure his services for KS2.5, something that makes us even happier!

We should have Uhtred in our smelly mitts next week, although he won't be sent until the first wave goes out, of course. Remember, too, that Uhtred is ONLY available through this Kickstarter project (although we do reserve the right to sell him at shows and other events) and ONLY if you purchase the rulebook; he'll never be a full release. So get him while you can...
Ieuan Longshore and Taranau

Stéphane Cammosetto has been hard at work on John Longshore's descendant, and if we're honest with ourselves, we think he's just as good as Uhtred. Stéphane's sculpting skills are nothing short of fantastic!




Again, based on his work on Ieuan, we've now secured the talents of Stéphane for future Mierce projects as well as Eadric on foot and on horse (more on that later).

We just hope John Longshore is happy with the results!
Danilo Cruz, Beast Slayer of Cantabria

It's been all sell-swords so far, so why not another one? Juan Navarro Pérez has begun work on Danilo Cruz and even though it's early stuff, Danilo's going to be fantastic, as you can see...


It shouldn't be too long before Juan has finished Danilo, and then it's onto Urien for the Brythoniaid. We've had both Uhtred and Danilo sculpted early, of course, thanks to how popular they are; Uhtred was tied to the Darklands: First Edition rulebook (as was Finnan) and Danilo to the Sweet Spot reward, so it makes sense to get these done early. Finnan won't be far behind, either, although Benoît has the small matter of five Wælwulfas to sculpt first.
Crom of Carn Wrach, War-Drune

Stéphane Simon's is sculpting Crom at a cracking pace. It's only been a week since we saw the first WIPs! Mind you, he has got a lot to do for us...!



It shouldn't be too long before Crom's done, and then it's Leofwen on foot for him...
Darklands: First Edition Fulfilment

We are now shipping Wave 0 orders to backers from this project, but we would ask all of you to remain patient while we do so. We are only a small team and are still fulfilling the remaining orders for Darklands: a World of War, and we do expect to continue fulfilling Wave 0 orders throughout February and probably later. We will keep you all updated of course.
Sculpts and Sculptors

Here's the big list of who's sculpting what and when for Darklands: First Edition! Please bear in mind that this list may change over time, so don't take it as set in stone until the first work in progress shots appear; a good example of that is Maxime Penaud, who has decided not to work with us due to time constraints - which is completely understandable, as he does not sculpt for a living, he has a real job. The good news, however, is that Stéphane Cammosetto has agreed to take on Eadric on foot and on horse, and Christian Hardy will be sculpting Aldhelm!

Stéphane Cammosetto: the awesomely talented Stéphane is sculpting the first descendant - John Longshore's Brythoniaid bowman, Ieuan Longshore (not forgetting his mastiff, Taranau) - and has also agreed to sculpt Eadric on foot and on horse for us.
Allan Carrasco: Allan should begin work on Jörmungand in March. After that he will be sculpting Knútr on Foot, Knútr on Horse, Víthar, Birna, Rollo Iron Head and Cnebba.
Roberto Chaudon: he's finished the top secret project, details of which will be unveiled next week, and Roberto will then give Belech his guitar and afterwards begin work on this project. First up for him is Angedern, followed by Mag ap Mag, Mälmord, Ágriosávra, Eikovra, Myrkranio and finally Djiuzu.
Daniel Cockersell: the Daddy of all monster sculptors, Dan has begun work on Scecchus, but it will be a while before he is done.
Benoît Cosse: Benoît is still working on Darklands: a World of War miniatures and won't start Hrór, Finnan, Praach and the Baagath's Herd for a good long while yet.
Thomas David: work on Timoth has begun, but we only have an armature so there's not a great deal to see.
Pedro Fernández Ramos: Mananaan on foot is finished of course, and he'll soon begin work on Mananaan on horse.
Yannick Fusier: the first images of Bagseg in progress have arrived but there's not a lot to see as yet; we should have something in the next couple of weeks.
Jacques-Alexandre Gillois: he should begin work on Daarkan, Naraa and both Equitus Durio on foot and Equitus Durio on horse soon. Although not necessarily in that order, and we're not sure when - we just know they'll be done before May.
Gauthier Giroud: work on Idruaada has begun, but again it's just an armature really - we may have more images next week though!
Stéphane NGuyen: Stéphane should begin work on Seza soon, but we're not sure when right now.
Christian Hardy: Christian will begin work on Aldhelm (taken from Maxime Penaud), Velchior and Agathae soon.
Tre Manor: Tre of Red Box Games fame will be taking time out for us to sculpt Erebius! He should start soon, too.
Patrick Masson: Uhtred's sculpt is complete and after that will be Gaarwäg (pronounced "GAR-wayg"), although he won't be complete until May.
Hector Moran: Hector is due to start work on the digital Dawn of Khthon, Gorgórar Unit shortly, and after that he will be digitally sculpting Con I Modius, Legionary Contubernium.
Olivier Nkweti: Dúngal on foot with helm, Ciniod, Itaina and Domnech are almost finished, and Dúngal on horse will follow. Once they're done he will digitally sculpt Hanokh and Thoth.
Juan Navarro Pérez: work on Danilo Cruz has begun, and Urien on foot, Urien on horse, Carys, Caedoc and Ffion Ferddig will follow.
Stéphane Simon: we've loaded Stéphane up with Leofwen on foot (who should be started shortly), Crom on foot (half way through), Crom on horse, Zethag, Annik, Gondard and his Nithing, Xontór, Thelliatiss, the Holumenn Unit and the Gesíth Unit. Phew!
Valentin Zak: lValentin will sculpt Broga for us and will begin doing so soon.
Unknown: the remaining three descendants, which are Rick Boer's Frisian Warrior (due to be drawn by Stefan Kopinski), Tomas Johansson's Geat Warrior (due to be drawn by Danny Cruz) and Maximilian Schüte's Germanic Berserker.

Now that is a lot of sculpts...
Darklands: First Edition II

Let's have a little more on our next project, "Darklands: First Edition II".

The definite (barring a zombie apocalypse) start date of this project will be Monday the 24th of March, and it should end thirty days later on Wednesday the 23rd of April. This neatly avoids Salute 2014 the weekend before (12th of April), at which we will have a stall, and is just after the easter holidays. We'll be running it for the full thirty days this time, too!

Whilst the dates for the next project lie before Darklands: First Edition begins to be fulfilled, there'll be no conflict between the two because the next project simply follows directly on from this project - i.e., those stretch goals that we didn't quite make it to (such as Gomagg the Giant and the Teulu) in this project will be amongst the first goals to go for in the next. Many of these early goals will be able to be shipped with earlier Waves, too!

We'll allow people to purchase both the Darklands rulebook (with Uhtred and Finnan), the Concept Art book and possibly a couple of other rewards from the First Edition project, but the whole thing will be a lot easier to grasp this time - there'll be no "hosts" or "starter sets" or anything like that, because they become incredibly complicated over time (and are a nightmare post-Kickstarter). Don't recoil in horror, however - we've hit upon a system that will replicate the discounts you get but also enables you to choose what freebies you'd like with what you purchase.

We've not decided on everything though so please don't ask for specifics yet! That will come in time, there's six updates to go before the project begins.

To whet your appetite, here's a concept of a miniature that we hope we'll get to during the course of the next project...
Dungabad, Oghurithne Nund


Dungabad, Oghurithne Nund

There'll be another update next week... until then, laterz!

AND FROM KS1:

Update #77

Feb 7 2014
Nothing to see, just to read
Comment
7 likes

It's the end of an era, Mierceites - we have absolutely no miniatures to show you today, in this, the Friday update for Darklands: a World of War.

That doesn't mean we don't have anything to talk about, though, because we have the usual news about project fulfilment as well as new versions of most of the existing warrior profiles. We also have more news on the printing of the QuickStarter rulebook and the templates, so it's still worth a read!
Darklands: a World of War Fulfilment

Shipment of remaining items from Darklands: a World of War orders has begun, as some of you have seen, and where this is possible we'll also combine these remaining items with Wave 0 orders for First Edition items from the Darklands: First Edition kickstarter project. Once the QuickStarter Rules are printed, we'll start shipping those too!

Of those remaining items, the Limited Edition Penda with Wolf Helm, Chaagmuth on hoof, Brynhild Gunnblindi, Gamla Bror and Jowan and Drune-Hounds are shipping, along with Angrislaug, Vaak and Pétroyos. Qaano's begun shipping, too, along with Belech, although the latter's base (which will be 80mm) will be sent later when we receive them.

The first casts of Kernuor, Seer-Drune on Karnun-Beast should be sent next week as he's proved quite difficult to sort out for moulding. Aalvór's first casts should also be sent next week as he's easy, but it may be that the first casts of Leofwen on Great Hart, Maallolvór and Druc will be sent the week after thanks to Kernuor's delaying tactics. They'll be worth the wait, however - they're fantastic miniatures all!

As we have everything in our possession bar the Wælwulfas and the QuickStarter rulebook, we're now going to ensure that all of the other remaining miniatures from your orders will ship together. Whilst this may mean a delay for you, it makes sense for us to save money on postage in this way. We humbly ask that you remain patient until Leofwen on Great Hart, Aalvór, Maallolvór, Kernuor and Druc are all available to be cast at the same time, which should be next week. Obviously, if you're not waiting on any of those, your orders should ship soon.

We are getting there!
Remaining Sculpts

In terms of remaining sculpt progress, here's an update:

Benoît Cosse: It's the Wælwulfas for him next. He's not started them yet but we should see the first images very soon.

There's a few other bits and pieces yet to be done of course, so here's how progress is looking on those fronts...
QuickStarter Rules - v10.5

The latest version of the QuickStarter Rules - v10.5 - is the FINAL version before printing.

You can download them here: Darklands QuickStarter Rules v10.5

There are many minor changes from previous versions, so I would recommend - especially if you are familiar with those previous versions of the QuickStarter Rules - to have a good read through, and also please check out the Mierce Miniatures forum, in particular the "Darklands Rules Discussion" section and the "Observations from a first read" thread...

As before, please bear in mind that v10.5 of the QuickStarter Rules are to get you by until they're formatted for printing. As such, whilst they'll look very like these rules in terms of layout and the wording, they'll be a bit more... well, spangly when they're ready for print and download. Once the QuickStarter rules are printed (we're looking at some time in February), they will of course be sent out to you along with the remainder of your order.
Muster Rules

These will be worked on in February, although there's not much to change. These are download only of course, so we'll give you links when they're ready.
Warrior Profiles

We now have the Albainn, Angelcynn, Brythoniaid, Fomoraic, Norse, Vras and Ysian musters in the new format ready for download. Note that the Fomoraic and Angelcynn have had a few slight adjustments made to them, so please check them out.

Albainn Muster v1.2

Angelcynn Muster v1.5

Brythoniaid Muster v1.2

Fomoraic Muster v1.3

Norse Muster v1.2

Vras Muster v1.2

Ysian Muster v1.4

No doubt there'll be a few errors or typos - feel free to tell us about them!

It's worth noting again one major change from previous versions - gold costs. These have changed quite a lot, thanks to the introduction of new coefficients, so if you're used to the old gold costs - well, you'll have to get used to the new ones! This does mean that, at the moment, these musters will not play correctly with the Khthones and Sell-Swords, but they should be available for you next week.

There's also a handy pronunciation guide (based on the Wikipedia Pronunciation Respelling Key) under the warrior's title and, at the bottom of each profile, a suggestion on which miniature from our range to use as that warrior on the battlefield.

With just two musters to update, it won't be long before we can give you musters that include all of the miniatures that exist, found in this project or found in Darklands: First Edition!

If there's anything you need to know before the other warrior profiles are sorted, or about how the new format of warrior profile works, just ask on the forums please and we'll endeavour to answer your questions.
Templates

All of the templates required for existing miniatures and those from this project will be available very shortly indeed - we have the first samples (albeit in incorrect colours) and should be able to show you pictures of the finished templates in a couple of weeks' time.

We're on course to have them done by the end of February if not before, so expect them to be a March release. Remember, if you've ordered a Dyndraig Starter Set from this project, you'll get a 4" Fire Spray Template sent to you!

Images soon!
The End of Darklands: a World of War In Sight

We think that - around the end of March 2014 time (those Wælwulfas will probably push things back) - pretty much everything will be done for Darklands: a World of War; which will both be a sad day and an awesome day. Either way, we'll find some way to celebrate...!

There'll be another update next week though of course, hopefully with some images of the Wælwulfas!

Mierce updates are my favorite way to start Fridays!

A somewhat yucky treat for you foilks of Dakka.

I tried taking a crappy picture of my crappy paint job of Hirakoth of the Khthon after being goaded into it a week or so ago.

He needs some spots fixed up, the ink I was playing with splotched up on him, and the picture quality sucks, but as far as I know it's just about the only picture of him built and (sloppily) painted out there in the wild. There's barely ANY painted snakes out there!

I'll try to take a better lighted one later on. I've got a few more Darklands pieces I can post if mister three heads doesn't make your eyes bleed too much.



I still love how this guys coils are just all over the place on his base. I really wish Ssybrios had followed suit instead of having such a short and truncated bottom half.

I'm going to be on the hunt for Petroyos and Qaano as they start shipping out.

Thanks for sharing Hirakoth, highlord tamburlaine! To be honest, my Khthones have been sitting in their bag since they got here, because I've been busy with other stuff. Some of that stuff, when spotted in the wild, might look like:

I really like what you've done to Hirakoth (I see you've lost the same shoulderpad spikes I've had to replace too)

I wasn't thinking of doing him in greens but seeing yours I may have to reconsider

Loving the pronunciation guides on the muster sheets!

Looking through Mierce's comments section...

Proteanc, Fickle Lord of Uroboros:


Wow!

I am really liking this one, I was not a huge fan of the original sculpt hence I did not get him for my Norse. ...but with a nice paint job this is a brilliant Tzeentch daemon Lord stand in.

That's....that's....AWESOME!!!

Does anyone want to buy my Hrudinn? He was always going to be a counts as LoC, and this fella will do much better as that.
http://www.mierce-miniatures.com/index.php?act=pro&pre=mrm_dkl_nor_sfg_mbs_401_000

New in box, unpainted and unassembled.

In other news, my Angryslag arrived today!

Big dragon. Big, big dragon...

That's just sculpted over Hrudinn right? So probably not an actual release? Especially as we haven't seen an Egyptian/Assyrian faction yet.

 plastictrees wrote:
That's just sculpted over Hrudinn right? So probably not an actual release? Especially as we haven't seen an Egyptian/Assyrian faction yet.

It's a Beast lord release not a Darklands one.

 Denilsta wrote:

 plastictrees wrote:
That's just sculpted over Hrudinn right? So probably not an actual release? Especially as we haven't seen an Egyptian/Assyrian faction yet.

It's a Beast lord release not a Darklands one.

Oh, that's clever.

 Denilsta wrote:

 plastictrees wrote:
That's just sculpted over Hrudinn right? So probably not an actual release? Especially as we haven't seen an Egyptian/Assyrian faction yet.

It's a Beast lord release not a Darklands one.

What does that mean...?

They sometimes put out stuff that isn't part of the Darklands game, which is released under the Banebeasts banner.

It's where they peeled off the dwarf, dark elf, undead, medieval knight guy etc. they had originally produced when they started Darklands.

That's a pretty impressive birdy.

I don't think I own any feathered models either...

I already have Hruddin for a lord of Tzeentch,... they just one upped it!! DARN THEM!!

I must have this model.

I didn't get Hrudinn because he was to umm...birdy...
This completely changes that, and is a must buy!

Mierce, when is this going to be released?

How tall do we think he is?

Got my Wave 0 models on Friday, Krull & Maleficent. Pleased with the crispness and no warping but I did have a lot of flash and a couple of mold lines. Nothing I could fix very quickly.

Picture is of them assembled but prior tidy up with greenstuff. FW Bloodthirster for scale, Krull will be counts as Angron, Maleficent will be a normal Bloodthirster.

Looky Likey wrote:
How tall do we think he is?.

He is based on this model, who is standing on a 120mm base! He's not far off of Krull.

Waitwhut, that thing is on a 120mm?!? whoa.

Yeah, Mierce Miniatures aren't small

As I won't be playing Warhammer in the future I can skip the redone Hrudinn, but I do love the way he looks!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Unless Mierce wants to sell an upgrade pack for the standard Hrudinn that is

I've got enough of their stuff to know that, but I somehow figured that thing was on a 60mm base...

 Fenriswulf wrote:
Yeah, Mierce Miniatures aren't small

As I won't be playing Warhammer in the future I can skip the redone Hrudinn, but I do love the way he looks!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Unless Mierce wants to sell an upgrade pack for the standard Hrudinn that is

Mierce does do 'bits' sales on their site, I think?

I can also see them selling an 'upgrade' pack too - if they get enough requests for it.

Which I think they will!

You should be covered, one way or the other...

Would completely miss the point though, I suspect; there's not going to be a single bit (okay, maybe a few small ones) aside from the wings which would be identical.
Between bits (naturally) adding up to a fair bit more than the price of buying the entire kit, and the resale value of a still unbuilt Hrudinn, I don't think that's even a remotely viable option.

 Denilsta wrote:

Looky Likey wrote:
How tall do we think he is?.

He is based on this model, who is standing on a 120mm base! He's not far off of Krull.

Ta! FW LoC he is then. Any Mierce ones that could stand in for a Slaanesh FW sized daemon? Otherwise I'll pick up the creature creator one.

Looky Likey wrote:

 Denilsta wrote:

Looky Likey wrote:
How tall do we think he is?.

He is based on this model, who is standing on a 120mm base! He's not far off of Krull.

Ta! FW LoC he is then. Any Mierce ones that could stand in for a Slaanesh FW sized daemon? Otherwise I'll pick up the creature creator one.

Yes there is a Slaanesh type one, look on the Mierce website under Ysain and look at their Queen. ..I cannot put a picture up due to the nudity!

Looky Likey wrote:

 Denilsta wrote:

Looky Likey wrote:
How tall do we think he is?.

He is based on this model, who is standing on a 120mm base! He's not far off of Krull.

Ta! FW LoC he is then. Any Mierce ones that could stand in for a Slaanesh FW sized daemon? Otherwise I'll pick up the creature creator one.

http://www.mierce-miniatures.com/index.php?act=pro&pre=mrm_dkl_ysn_kys_wld_001_000

 Denilsta wrote:

Looky Likey wrote:

 Denilsta wrote:

Looky Likey wrote:
How tall do we think he is?.

He is based on this model, who is standing on a 120mm base! He's not far off of Krull.

Ta! FW LoC he is then. Any Mierce ones that could stand in for a Slaanesh FW sized daemon? Otherwise I'll pick up the creature creator one.

Yes there is a Slaanesh type one, look on the Mierce website under Ysain and look at their Queen. ..I cannot put a picture up due to the nudity!

Sure you can - inside the protective bounds of the NSFW Spolier Tags!

ahem...yes...well it/she is on a 60 mm base so again a decent size miniature.

Just to comment Re Krull vs Hrudinn, as someone who has both, and a FW LoC, Hrudinn has nowhere near the bulk of either Krull or the LoC, but is more than adequately large to stand in as such against any but the most anal of opposition.

 azreal13 wrote:
Just to comment Re Krull vs Hrudinn, as someone who has both, and a FW LoC, Hrudinn has nowhere near the bulk of either Krull or the LoC, but is more than adequately large to stand in as such against any but the most anal of opposition.

What's "anal opposition"?

yxalitis wrote:

 azreal13 wrote:
Just to comment Re Krull vs Hrudinn, as someone who has both, and a FW LoC, Hrudinn has nowhere near the bulk of either Krull or the LoC, but is more than adequately large to stand in as such against any but the most anal of opposition.

What's "anal opposition"?

The main nemesis of that Ysian chick linked above.

He's not talking about what you think he is.

He's shorthanding "Anal Retentive Opposition" - the types who might object to cool 'counts as' models for any number or potentially nitpicky reasons.

I must admit, I have always wanted to get Euryalia but I am so scared that the whip or tentacles would snap off so easily ruining a decent paint job.

 Alpharius wrote:
He's not talking about what you think he is.

He's shorthanding "Anal Retentive Opposition" - the types who might object to cool 'counts as' models for any number or potentially nitpicky reasons.

Correct.

You guys are no fun.

Is everyone planning to give the game a try at least?
I have to say I'm a little dubious of the battle reports/ videos shown so far. Not sure it's for me.
That's not stopping me from buying 3+ factions though.

I'm absolutely going to be giving the game a try!

Definitely going to give it a shot - what I've seen looks quite enticing (if a bit pricey to actually get others to play - budget's a huge consideration in the gaming scene around here).

 plastictrees wrote:
You guys are no fun.

Yeah, right?

I was waiting for... "Ask my girlfriend"

Come on guys, I put it out there...

 plastictrees wrote:

Is everyone planning to give the game a try at least?
I have to say I'm a little dubious of the battle reports/ videos shown so far. Not sure it's for me.
That's not stopping me from buying 3+ factions though.

As for actually playing the game?

I paint small plastic figures of dragons and demons and monsters.
I have an Alien on my PC at work
I have a Macross regult on my home PC

But putting a collection of minis on a table, and throwing dice, marking out distances with string, plonking down templates, arguing over esoteric rules...it's just all too...

NERDY!

 Alpharius wrote:
Looking through Mierce's comments section...

Proteanc, Fickle Lord of Uroboros:


Wow!

Whoa! Between that and the Creature Caster Vulture Demon, suddenly there are some *very* nice not-Lord of Change options out there. Very nice model, although as a pure "not-LoC", I think the Creature Caster offering looks a bit more "Deamonic"...

Valete,

JohnS

And a new round of releases, a veritable Roberto Chaudon tour-de-force, for this month including a new Banebeast (seen above)!

Dark Lands and Bane Beasts

We're scaling back the releases from our Darklands: A World of War Kickstarter project this month - with just the four miniatures unveiled, for the Angelcynn, Fomoraic and Khthones - but to compensate for that, we've got the first BaneBeast for a long while to tickle your fancies!

The Angelcynn gain the remaining Duguth warrior, Cuthwulf; for the Fomoraic we have the mighty Vaak, the Moraine Beast; and the Khthones releases continue with the last Gorgonar from the unit of five, Iimiithi, as well as the awesome Pétroyos, Lískarchon. Lastly, but not leastly, we have the mighty Proteanc, Fickle Lord of Uroboros - a Phoenix Lord based on the equally fantastic Hrudinn!

Back to now: just like the last few months, thanks to us being busier than busy bees we've just not had the time to get the release art and descriptions done; but you can still see some good images of each miniature on the website of course.

Cuthwulf, Duguth Warrior



The fifth (and thus last) miniature of the five-man Duguth with spears unit, Cuthwulf may only be a warrior but he's a cracking miniature for all that. Cuthwulf, like all the Duguth, was sculpted by Juan Navarro Pérez from a concept by Des Hanley, and they are all fantastic miniatures!

Vaak, Moraine Beast



It's been a while since the last Fomoraic miniature was released, but happily Vaak heralds the first of a few miniatures for the Eye in the Ice over the next few months for we have Belech, Qaano, Aalvór and Maallolvór to come. Vaak is a Moraine Beast, a creature of ice and rock moulded by Baalor's warlocks, the better to destroy his enemies whilst throwing great chunks of ice at them. With a concept drawn by Stefan Kopinski and a sculpt by Roberto Chaudon, Vaak may look a bit odd but that's because he's totally unnatural. Watch out for a superb icy paint job by Sébastien Picque very soon!

Pétroyos, Lískarchon



Sculpted by Roberto Chaudon from a concept by Christophe Madura, Pétroyos is a Lískarchon, a leader of the Lískes and thus related to the Vasílísk, Mazikílías. Pétroyos can turn enemies to stone with one gaze, too, just like his mighty cousin... so don't mess with him!

Iimithi, Warrior of Khthon



Iimithi's concept was drawn by Christophe Madura and the miniature itself was sculpted by Stéphane Simon. With Vilthiss, Issithill, Mneriiss and Ufhilloss already released, that's the Gorgonar Unit of five now complete!

Proteanc, Fickle Lord of Uroboros



Speaking of long whiles, it's been almost a year since the last BaneBeast, N'nhohbr'hoth (pronounced 'nob-rot'), so we thought we'd better release something for the BaneLegions range. The addition of Hrudinn to Darklands gave us a bit of an idea, so we gave Roberto Chaudon (the sculptor of Hrudinn of course) to turn a raven-giant into a Phoenix Lord. The results, we think, are simply spectacular...

All of the releases above will be officially released on the 1st of March 2014, but you can pre-order them now from this very website to your heart's content!

Next month will definitely see the release of our incredible dragon, Angrislaug, and the frankly sublime Champion of Dis, Malacant, as well as three other miniatures... watch this space!

If Mierce are reading:

Are the extra bits that make Hrudinn into Proteanc sculpted on, or are they extra components, and therefore hopefully buyable as bits to upgrade Hrudinn?

The only parts interchangeable with Hrudinn are the wings, so there's no possibility of an "upgrade kit" I'm afraid.

Cheers

Mierce Miniatures wrote:
The only parts interchangeable with Hrudinn are the wings, so there's no possibility of an "upgrade kit" I'm afraid.

Cheers

I'll order one soon, pending finances, you can hold off my backlog of orders until then, although I don't think Druc is quite ready for shipping yet anyway.

I'm going to get one motherf*cker big box from Mierce one day!

Any idea when big Egyption Bird Dude will be available?

Pre-order now for release on 1st March

http://www.mierce-miniatures.com/index.php?act=pro&pre=mrm_blg_bnb_mon_032_000

KS2 Update:

Update #52

Feb 14 2014
WIPs, Wave 0, Musters, Disappearing Hosts and KS2.5
2 comments
4 likes

This Friday we have the usual work in progress images of miniatures for you, news of project fulfilment and of the next project; but we also have warrior profiles for miniatures produced by this project and news of the encounter hosts and skirmish hosts and battle hosts... because they're going to disappear very soon!
Ciniod, Umaer of Dun Durn

Olivier Nkweti's work on the first Albainn warchiefs is about done, so we should have them soon. We think you'll agree with us that Ciniod, Itaina and Domnech are masterful!



Ciniod should be with us by the end of February, but won't be sent out until Wave 1 in June.
Itaina, Umaer of Dun Durn

Itaina's about finished too and she's looking great!



Again, Itaina should be with us by the end of February, but won't be sent out until Wave 1 in June.
Domnech, Sagart of Dun Durn

The old tramp is about complete, too!



Domnech should be with us by the end of February, but won't be sent out until Wave 1 in June.
Urien, Teyrn of Gwynedd

Juan Navarro Pérez is now sculpting the Brythoniaid Teyrn, Urien, alongside Danilo Cruz! A very unexpected development but no less welcome for all that. Here's the first WIPs!



Once again, Urien should be with us by the end of February, but won't be sent out until Wave 1 in June.
Ieuan Longshore and Taranau

More progress on Stéphane Cammosetto's sculpt of John Longshore's descendant, as you can see: it won't be long before he's done!




Once again, Ieuan Longshore and Taranau should be with soon, but won't be sent out until Wave 1 in June.
Erebius, Demiurion

Here we have an early WIP of Erebius by Tre Manor. As you can see, there's a way to go yet!



We reckon Erebius will be done sometime in March, but of course he won't be sent until June.
Danilo Cruz, Beast-Slayer of Cantabria

Danilo is really pushing on now, and it shouldn't be too long before he's finished we think. He's looking great!



Again, we reckon Danilo Cruz will be done sometime in February, but of course he won't be sent until June.
Crom of Carn Wrach, War-Drune

We've saved the best till last, we reckon... Crom is meat and drink to Stéphane Simon's sculpting skills and has completed him in record time. He's absolutely superb!




We should receive Crom shortly of course, but it won't be until June that we send him.
Trytheorn, Geat Warrior Descendant

We have some exciting news for you: Trytheorn, Tomas Johansson's Geat Warrior descendant, is currently being drawn up by Danny Cruz and we should have the concept art for you next Friday.

We actually have the artwork, but we need to ensure that Tomas is happy with Danny's work and if he is, we can both unveil him to you all and allow him to be purchased from the webstore next week!
Disappearing Hosts

Speaking of the webstore, we must inform you all that EVERY encounter host and skirmish host will be removed from the Darklands: First Edition category on Monday the 24th of February at midnight (GMT).

The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, we have decided to release encounter hosts for each kindred soon, and thus keeping the old ones will cause confusion for you guys. Secondly, the structure of the next project (KS2.5 if you will) will make the hosts from this project redundant in many ways, so they must be removed beforehand.

There are some good news, though, because certain encounter hosts can now be dispatched to you as part of your Wave 0 order. These are:

Fomoraic Tarvax Encounter Host
Fomoraic Srónax Encounter Host
Khthones Gorgonar Encounter Host
Ysian Brute Encounter Host
Ysian Drune Skirmish Host

This also means that the "The Sweet Spot" reward will also be removed, as that includes encounter hosts of course.

So, if you really do want any of those hosts, or indeed The Sweet Spot reward, you'd better get them quickly!
Darklands: First Edition Warrior Profiles

We now have warrior profiles for the Albainn, Angelcynn, Brythoniaid, Fomoraic, Khthones, Norse, Vras, Ysian and Sell-Sword musters in the new format ready for download.

Note that the Fomoraic and Angelcynn have had a few slight adjustments made to them as well as including new profiles for the miniatures from Darklands: First Edition (and bear in mind that these new profiles are only partially playtested, so expect changes and feel free to give us feedback on the Mierce forums), so check them out for some awesome new warriors!

No doubt there'll be a few errors or typos - feel free to tell us about them!

It's worth noting again one major change from previous versions - gold costs. These have changed quite a lot, thanks to the introduction of new coefficients, so if you're used to the old gold costs - well, you'll have to get used to the new ones!

There's also a handy pronunciation guide (based on the Wikipedia Pronunciation Respelling Key) under the warrior's title and, at the bottom of each profile, a suggestion on which miniature from our range to use as that warrior on the battlefield.

With some musters already including new warrior profiles, it won't be long before we can give you musters for every kindred that include all of the miniatures that exist, found in this project or found in Darklands: First Edition!

If there's anything you need to know before the other warrior profiles are sorted, or about how the new format of warrior profile works, just ask on the forums please and we'll endeavour to answer your questions.
Darklands: First Edition Fulfilment

We are now shipping Wave 0 orders to backers from this project, but we would ask all of you to remain patient while we do so. We are only a small team and are still fulfilling the remaining orders for Darklands: a World of War, and we do expect to continue fulfilling Wave 0 orders throughout February and no doubt later. We will keep you all updated of course.
Sculpts and Sculptors

Here's the big list of who's sculpting what and when for Darklands: First Edition! Please bear in mind that this list may change over time, so don't take it as set in stone until the first work in progress shots appear.

Stéphane Cammosetto: the awesomely talented Stéphane is sculpting the first descendant - John Longshore's Brythoniaid bowman, Ieuan Longshore (not forgetting his mastiff, Taranau) - and has also agreed to sculpt Eadric on foot and on horse for us.
Allan Carrasco: Allan should begin work on Jörmungand in March. After that he will be sculpting Knútr on Foot, Knútr on Horse, Víthar, Birna, Rollo Iron Head and Cnebba.
Roberto Chaudon: he's finished the top secret project, details of which will be unveiled next week, and Roberto will then give Belech his guitar and afterwards begin work on this project. First up for him is Angedern, followed by Mag ap Mag, Mälmord, Ágriosávra, Eikovra, Myrkranio and finally Djiuzu.
Daniel Cockersell: the Daddy of all monster sculptors, Dan has begun work on Scecchus, but it will be a while before he is done.
Benoît Cosse: Benoît is still working on Darklands: a World of War miniatures and won't start Hrór, Finnan, Praach and the Baagath's Herd for a good long while yet.
Thomas David: work on Timoth has begun, but we only have an armature so there's not a great deal to see.
Pedro Fernández Ramos: Mananaan on foot is finished of course, and he'll soon begin work on Mananaan on horse.
Yannick Fusier: the first images of Bagseg in progress have arrived but there's not a lot to see as yet; we should have something in the next couple of weeks.
Jacques-Alexandre Gillois: he should begin work on Daarkan, Naraa and both Equitus Durio on foot and Equitus Durio on horse soon. Although not necessarily in that order, and we're not sure when - we just know they'll be done before May.
Gauthier Giroud: work on Idruaada has begun, but again it's just an armature really - we may have more images next week though!
Stéphane NGuyen: Stéphane should begin work on Seza soon, but we're not sure when right now.
Christian Hardy: Christian will begin work on Aldhelm (taken from Maxime Penaud), Velchior and Agathae soon.
Tre Manor: Tre of Red Box Games fame will be taking time out for us to sculpt Erebius, which is now underway.
Patrick Masson: It's Gaarwäg (pronounced "GAR-wayg") for Patrick next, although he won't be complete until May.
Hector Moran: Hector is due to start work on the digital Dawn of Khthon, Gorgórar Unit shortly, and after that he will be digitally sculpting Con I Modius, Legionary Contubernium.
Olivier Nkweti: Dúngal on foot with helm, Ciniod, Itaina and Domnech are almost finished, and Dúngal on horse will follow. Once they're done he will digitally sculpt Hanokh and Thoth.
Juan Navarro Pérez: work on Danilo Cruz and Urien on foot has begun, and Urien on horse, Carys, Caedoc and Ffion Ferddig will follow.
Stéphane Simon: we've loaded Stéphane up with Leofwen on foot (who should be started shortly), Crom on foot (half way through), Crom on horse, Zethag, Annik, Gondard and his Nithing, Xontór, Thelliatiss, the Holumenn Unit and the Gesíth Unit. Phew!
Valentin Zak: Valentin will sculpt Broga for us and will begin doing so soon.
Unknown: the remaining three descendants, which are Rick Boer's Frisian Warrior (due to be drawn by Stefan Kopinski), Trytheorn, Tomas Johansson's Geat Warrior (due to be drawn by Danny Cruz) and Maximilian Schüte's Germanic Berserker.

Now that is a lot of sculpts...
Darklands: First Edition II

Let's have a little more on our next project, "Darklands: First Edition II". The definite (barring a zombie apocalypse) start date of this project will be Monday the 24th of March, and it should end thirty days later on Wednesday the 23rd of April. This neatly avoids Salute 2014 the weekend before (12th of April), at which we will have a stall, and is just after the easter holidays. We'll be running it for the full thirty days this time, too!

Whilst the dates for the next project lie before Darklands: First Edition begins to be fulfilled, there'll be no conflict between the two because the next project simply adds to this project, and adds units mostly, too. Many of the early goals will be able to be shipped with earlier Waves, too!

We'll allow people to purchase both the Darklands rulebook (with Uhtred and Finnan), the Concept Art book and possibly a couple of other rewards from the First Edition project, but the whole thing will be a lot easier to grasp this time - there'll be no "hosts" or "starter sets" or anything like that, because they become incredibly complicated over time (and are a nightmare post-Kickstarter). Don't recoil in horror, however - we've hit upon a system that will replicate the discounts you get but also enables you to choose what freebies you'd like with what you purchase.

We've not decided on everything - so please don't ask for specifics yet! That will come in time, there's five more updates to go before the project begins.

To whet your appetite, here's a concept of a miniature that we hope we'll get to during the course of the next project...

The gaming budget is TIGHT right now...

I'd love to pick up a few more Encounter Hosts - the Legionary one, and the Gesith one....but, if there's going to be a 'comparable deal' in KS2.5, should I just wait?!?

I think I'll go ask Mierce directly...

And the KS1 update:

Update #78

Feb 14 2014
Warrior Profiles, New and Old!
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Once again, we don't have any miniatures to show you this Friday - but once again, that doesn't mean we don't have anything to talk about!

We have the usual news about project fulfilment, remaining sculpts and so on, but we also have all of the warrior profiles in the new format available to download - as well as two with profiles for miniatures produced by the Darklands: First Edition project - so it's well worth having a good read of those, especially if you're playing Darklands!
Darklands: a World of War Fulfilment

Shipment of remaining items from Darklands: a World of War orders is cracking on and where this is possible we'll also combine these remaining items with Wave 0 orders for First Edition items from the Darklands: First Edition kickstarter project. Once the QuickStarter Rules are printed, we'll start shipping those too!

Of the remaining miniatures to be sent, the Limited Edition Penda with Wolf Helm, Chaagmuth on hoof, Brynhild Gunnblindi, Gamla Bror and Jowan and Drune-Hounds are shipping, along with Angrislaug, Vaak, Pétroyos and Qaano.

We now have the 80mm bases so can ship Belech with them (and we're shipping 80mm bases to those people that have a Belech without one).

Leofwen on Great Hart, Aalvór, Maallolvór, Kernuor on Karnun-Beast and Druc are now shipping from this week onwards, so as we have everything in our possession bar the Wælwulfas, the QuickStarter rulebook and the 4" Fire spray templates (although we should have them very soon), we're now going to ensure that all of the other remaining miniatures from your orders will ship together. Whilst this may mean a delay for you, it makes sense for us to save money on postage in this way.

We humbly ask that you remain patient - we're casting as fast as we can!
Remaining Sculpts

In terms of remaining sculpt progress, here's an update:

Benoît Cosse: It's the Wælwulfas for him next. He's started them and we've seen armatures but there's nothing really to see yet; we should possibly have images for you next week.

There's a few other bits and pieces yet to be done of course, so here's how progress is looking on those fronts...
QuickStarter Rules - v10.5

The latest version of the QuickStarter Rules - v10.5 - is the FINAL version before printing.

You can download them here: Darklands QuickStarter Rules v10.5

There are many minor changes from previous versions, so I would recommend - especially if you are familiar with those previous versions of the QuickStarter Rules - to have a good read through, and also please check out the Mierce Miniatures forum, in particular the "Darklands Rules Discussion" section and the "Observations from a first read" thread...

As before, please bear in mind that v10.5 of the QuickStarter Rules are to get you by until they're formatted for printing. As such, whilst they'll look very like these rules in terms of layout and the wording, they'll be a bit more... well, spangly when they're ready for print and download. Once the QuickStarter rules are printed (we're looking at some time in February), they will of course be sent out to you along with the remainder of your order.
Muster Rules

These will be worked on in February, although there's not much to change. One major change will be the Ubiquity limits for Uncommon warriors, which will increase slightly.

Muster Rules are living rules and are download only of course, so we'll give you links when they're ready.
Warrior Profiles

We now have warrior profiles for the Albainn, Angelcynn, Brythoniaid, Fomoraic, Khthones, Norse, Vras, Ysian and Sell-Sword musters in the new format ready for download.

Note that the Fomoraic and Angelcynn have had a few slight adjustments made to them as well as including new profiles for the miniatures from Darklands: First Edition (and bear in mind that these new profiles are only partially playtested, so expect changes and feel free to give us feedback on the Mierce forums), so check them out for some awesome new warriors!

Albainn Muster v1.2
Angelcynn Muster v1.6
Brythoniaid Muster v1.2
Fomoraic Muster v1.4
Khthones Muster v1.1
Norse Muster v1.2
Vras Muster v1.2
Ysian Muster v1.4
Sell-Sword Muster v1.2

No doubt there'll be a few errors or typos - feel free to tell us about them!

It's worth noting again one major change from previous versions - gold costs. These have changed quite a lot, thanks to the introduction of new coefficients, so if you're used to the old gold costs - well, you'll have to get used to the new ones!

There's also a handy pronunciation guide (based on the Wikipedia Pronunciation Respelling Key) under the warrior's title and, at the bottom of each profile, a suggestion on which miniature from our range to use as that warrior on the battlefield.

With some musters already including new warrior profiles, it won't be long before we can give you musters for every kindred that include all of the miniatures that exist, found in this project or found in Darklands: First Edition!

If there's anything you need to know before the other warrior profiles are sorted, or about how the new format of warrior profile works, just ask on the forums please and we'll endeavour to answer your questions.
Templates

All of the templates required for existing miniatures and those from this project will be available very shortly indeed - we have the first samples (albeit in incorrect colours) and should be able to show you pictures of the finished templates shortly.

We're on course to have them done by the end of February if not before, so expect them to be a March release. Remember, if you've ordered a Dyndraig Starter Set from this project, you'll get a 4" Fire Spray Template sent to you!

Images soon!
The End of Darklands: a World of War In Sight

We think that - around the end of March 2014 time (although those Wælwulfas will probably push things back) - pretty much everything will be done for Darklands: a World of War; which will both be a sad day and an awesome day. Either way, we'll find some way to celebrate...!

There'll be another update next week though of course, hopefully with some images of the Wælwulfas!

Quite disappointed at the decision to remove the hosts/sweet spot on the 24th. That's before my next pay cheque so no chance of picking up what I had been planning for based on the Wave 1 shipping date.
I had just worked out my order as well.

Oh well, makes it easier to keep my spending under control.

Not entirely happy either, TBH. I actually have an email from Mierce somewhere in which they explicitly confirmed those would be available until june-ish. :(
Meh. Not sure if this is reason to buy quickly (could get the sweet spot I really want monday afternoon, or perhaps just the sronax host...) or just say never mind and get a rulebook/included models pledge.

I *think* they'll be comparable deals in the KS2.5 campaign, which might have made it more confusing for them if everything was still 'active'?

Not sure though, but hopefully that's the case...

I'm sorry you're disappointed guys, but it's KS2.5 that's altered things; we've decided on a new way of giving you discounts, a way that's much easier to understand and put across, and that discount would directly clash with the hosts. So that's why we're removing them.

I wouldn't worry about it too much in terms of getting a discount, and our back catalogue will also feature a discount again; if you back KS2.5, you'll get 20% off UK RRP from our existing miniatures.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Well, crap, I was plannong on a Sweet Spot pledge purchase in early march. Time to see if I can get some stuff on ebay before the 24th!

eBay defaults to a 7 day sale - be aware!

The More You Know, and all that!

I have just put my Eldar Iyanden army on ebay starting tonight, hopefully it cover what I am going to purchase when I get paid later this week.

KS1 update - The Axeman is back!

A Triumvirate of Wælwulfas, Profiles and Templates

This Mierceday we have an excellent update for you! We have the first work in progress images of the Wælwulfas, pictures of Belech and guitar, the usual news about project fulfilment, more new warrior profiles available to download, the new Muster Rules and images of the 4" Fire Spray Template in use. How awesome is that?

Wælwulf Unit

Benoît Cosse is sculpting the Wælwulfas of course and he's cracking on with the champion, Æsc (pronounced "Ash").











You'll note, as always, that Benoît's images are not the best, so please take these with a pinch of salt - the resulting miniatures are always far better in the flesh than they look from his images. The observant among you will also note that Benoît has a somewhat scattergun approach to the colour of fimo he uses, in that he generally uses what's to hand, and this can throw the eye sometimes. Most sculptors prefer only one colour of fimo - Benoît is very unusual!

Belech the Axeman

Ahhh here we go. Roberto Chaudon's completed Belech the Axeman, and he's rocking out







Belech, Axeman of Omens will be a BaneLords release next month.

Darklands: a World of War Fulfilment

Shipment of remaining items from Darklands: a World of War orders is cracking on and where this is possible we'll also combine these remaining items with Wave 0 orders for First Edition items from the Darklands: First Edition kickstarter project. Once the QuickStarter Rules are printed, we'll start shipping those too!

Of the remaining miniatures to be sent, the Limited Edition Penda with Wolf Helm, Chaagmuth on hoof, Brynhild Gunnblindi, Gamla Bror and Jowan and Drune-Hounds are shipping, along with Angrislaug, Vaak, Pétroyos and Qaano. We now have the 80mm bases so can ship Belech with them (and we're shipping 80mm bases to those people that have a Belech without one). Leofwen on Great Hart, Aalvór, Maallolvór, Kernuor on Karnun-Beast and Druc are now shipping also, and we have the 4" Fire Spray Templates (for the Dyndraig Starter Set - see below) in our possession too, and that will begin shipping next week.

So, as we have everything in our possession bar the Wælwulfas and the QuickStarter rulebook, we're now going to ensure that all of the other remaining miniatures from your orders will ship together. Whilst this may mean a delay for you, it makes sense for us to save money on postage in this way.

We humbly ask that you remain patient - we're casting as fast as we can!

Remaining Sculpts

In terms of remaining sculpt progress, here's an update:
Benoît Cosse: It's the Wælwulfas for him next and he's already started the champion. We expect these to be done by the end of March, but this could easily slip. We'll keep you informed, as always.

There's a few other bits and pieces yet to be done of course, so here's how progress is looking on those fronts...

QuickStarter Rules - v10.5

The latest version of the QuickStarter Rules - v10.5 - is the FINAL version before printing.

You can download them here: Darklands QuickStarter Rules v10.5

There are many minor changes from previous versions, so I would recommend - especially if you are familiar with those previous versions of the QuickStarter Rules - to have a good read through, and also please check out the Mierce Miniatures forum, in particular the "Darklands Rules Discussion" section and the "Observations from a first read" thread...

As before, please bear in mind that v10.5 of the QuickStarter Rules are to get you by until they're formatted for printing. As such, whilst they'll look very like these rules in terms of layout and the wording, they'll be a bit more... well, spangly when they're ready for print and download. Once the QuickStarter rules are printed (we're looking at some time in March now), they will of course be sent out to you along with the remainder of your order.

Muster Rules

The new, updated Muster Rules are now available for download.

You can download them here: Darklands Muster Rules v2.3

They include the most recent, updated rules regarding hosts, units and warriors as listed in the QuickStarter Rulebook, but there are two major changes you must all take note of:
Battle Sizes: there is one new battle size, Encounter, from 0 to 499; and Skirmish, Battle and War battle sizes have changed slightly so there's no overlap.
Ubiquity Limits: these have changed to include Encounter battle sizes, but generals can now include more Uncommon warriors in their hosts than before.

The Muster Rules will not be printed, please remember; they will always be available for download and will always be living rules.

Warrior Profiles

We now have warrior profiles for the Albainn, Angelcynn, Brythoniaid, Fomoraic, Khthones, Norse, Vras, Ysian and Sell-Sword musters in the new format ready for download.

The Fomoraic and Angelcynn - and now the Brythoniaid - include new profiles for the miniatures from Darklands: First Edition (and bear in mind that these new profiles are only partially playtested - expect changes and feel free to give us feedback on the Mierce forums), so check them out for some awesome new warriors!

Albainn Muster v1.2
ANGELCYNN MUSTER v1.7 (minor updates from last week)
BRYTHONIAID MUSTER v1.3 (includes new warrior profiles)
FOMORAIC MUSTER v1.5 (minor updates from last week)
Khthones Muster v1.1
Norse Muster v1.2
Vras Muster v1.2
Ysian Muster v1.4
Sell-Sword Muster v1.2

No doubt there'll be a few errors or typos - feel free to tell us about them!

It's worth noting again one major change from previous versions - gold costs. These have changed quite a lot, thanks to the introduction of new coefficients, so if you're used to the old gold costs - well, you'll have to get used to the new ones!

There's also a handy pronunciation guide (based on the Wikipedia Pronunciation Respelling Key) under the warrior's title and, at the bottom of each profile, a suggestion on which miniature from our range to use as that warrior on the battlefield.

With some musters already including new warrior profiles, it won't be long before we can give you musters for every kindred that include all of the miniatures that exist, found in this project or found in Darklands: First Edition!

If there's anything you need to know before the other warrior profiles are sorted, or about how the new format of warrior profile works, just ask on the forums please and we'll endeavour to answer your questions.

Templates

We have good news - the 4" Fire Spray Template is now available and will be sent with remaining items (to anybody who ordered a Dyndraig Starter Set) next week. Here's an image of one in action:


The 4" Fire spray template in action

There are other templates being produced, a list of which is below, but it must be noted that none of these will be sent to anybody for free, and none of them will be included with a miniature when it is bought. If you wish to use these templates in Darklands, you must purchase them!
4" Fire Spray Template (Dyndraig, Cawrdraig)
6" Fire Spray Template (Chimaera)
8" Fire Spray Template (Angrislaug)
4" Frost Spray Template (Idruaada invocation)
6" Frost Spray Template (Shaaroc)
8" Frost Spray Template
4" Filth Spray Template (Torku)
2" Stone Shard Crush Template (Magágg, Cormorágg)
3" Pig Carcass Crush Template (Cormorágg)
3" Ice Shard Crush Template (Vaak)

We're on course to have them done by the end of February if not before, so expect them to be a March release, although we're unsure of their prices yet.

Remember, if you've ordered a Dyndraig Starter Set from this project, you'll get a 4" Fire Spray Template sent to you for free!

The End of Darklands: a World of War In Sight

We think that - around the end of March 2014 time (although those Wælwulfas will probably push things back) - pretty much everything will be done for Darklands: a World of War; which will both be a sad day and an awesome day. Either way, we'll find some way to celebrate...!

There'll be another update next week though of course, hopefully with more images of the Wælwulfas!

Now featuring a KS2 update!

More WIPs, Wave 0 news, New Musters, Disappearing Hosts and KS2.5

It's Mierceday once more! It seems to come around more quickly every week...

This Friday we have the usual work in progress images of miniatures for you, news of project fulfilment and of the next project; but we also have warrior profiles for miniatures produced by this project and news of the encounter hosts and skirmish hosts and battle hosts... because they're going to disappear on Monday ahead of the next project!

Dúngal, Mormaer of Dun Durn on Horse

Fresh from completing Ciniod, Itaina and Domnech, Olivier Nkweti has turned his attention to Dúngal on his horse - and the results are superb, as you can see!









Dúngal on horse should be completed by the end of March, we think.

Idruaada, Warlock Lord of Baalor

Gauthier Giroud is a totally new sculptor to the Mierce Miniatures range but it's almost as if he's always been with us. Just look at how Idruaada (drawn originally by Steve Pierce) is shaping up!





We reckon Idruaada will be complete by the end of March.

Myrinna, Avenger of Khthon

Now this is really exciting. Myrinna is a unique step for Mierce Miniatures, for she will be our first digitally sculpted miniature! Created by Hector Moran from Christophe Madura's artwork, Myrinna is really shaping up!







Hector has pretty much completed his work on Myrinna, barring a few cosmetic changes and lengthening her polekhine, and we reckon he'll be onto the next Gorgórar very shortly.

Danilo Cruz, Beast-Slayer of Cantabria

Danny Cruz' alter ego is really shaping up now! Juan Navarro Pérez is outdoing himself with this miniature; it looks superb!









It's worth noting here that Danilo will be shipped with a scenic base and a normal base, so you can decide if you want to have him as a collector's piece or a gaming piece. Or maybe you could even use both with judicious use of pins or magnets!

Annik of Carn Wrach, Battle-Drune

With Crom of Carn Wrach (at least on foot) complete, Stéphane Simon has turned his attention to the next Danny Cruz drawn Ysian noble - Annik!







We think you'll agree that Stéphane's work is stunning and we can't wait to get our hands on her. Superb!

Trytheorn, Geat Warrior Descendant

Trytheorn, Tomas Johansson's Geat Warrior descendant, is currently being drawn up by Danny Cruz and we should have the concept art for you soon. Unfortunately Tomas wasn't happy with Danny's first work so he's being re-drawn; if he's done by next Friday, we can both unveil him to you all and allow him to be purchased from the webstore!

Disappearing Hosts

Speaking of the webstore, we must inform you all that EVERY encounter host and skirmish host - which includes the "The Sweet Spot" reward - will be removed from the Darklands: First Edition category on Monday the 24th of February at midnight (GMT). That gives you three days to purchase what you want!

The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, we have decided to release encounter hosts for each kindred soon, and thus keeping the old ones will cause confusion for you guys. Secondly, the structure of the next project (KS2.5 if you will) will make the hosts from this project redundant in many ways, so they must be removed beforehand.

There are some good news, though, because certain encounter hosts can now be dispatched to you as part of your Wave 0 order. These are:
Fomoraic Tarvax Encounter Host
Fomoraic Srónax Encounter Host
Khthones Gorgonar Encounter Host
Ysian Brute Encounter Host
Ysian Drune Encounter Host (now that Annik is almost complete)
Ysian Drune Skirmish Host

This also means that the "The Sweet Spot" reward will also be removed, as that includes encounter hosts of course.

So, if you really do want any of those hosts, or indeed The Sweet Spot reward, you'd better get them quickly!

Darklands: First Edition Fulfilment

We are now shipping Wave 0 orders to backers from this project, but we would ask all of you to remain patient while we do so. We are only a small team and are still fulfilling the remaining orders for Darklands: a World of War, and we do expect to continue fulfilling Wave 0 orders throughout February into March and no doubt later. We will keep you all updated of course.

Sculpts and Sculptors

Here's the big list of who's sculpting what and when for Darklands: First Edition! Please bear in mind that this list may change over time, so don't take it as set in stone until the first work in progress shots appear.
Stéphane Cammosetto: the awesomely talented Stéphane is sculpting the first descendant - John Longshore's Brythoniaid bowman, Ieuan Longshore (not forgetting his mastiff, Taranau) - and has also agreed to sculpt Eadric on foot and on horse for us.
Allan Carrasco: Allan should begin work on Jörmungand in March. After that he will be sculpting Knútr on Foot, Knútr on Horse, Víthar, Birna, Rollo Iron Head and Cnebba.
Roberto Chaudon: Work onAngedern will be started shortly, followed by Mag ap Mag, Mälmord, Ágriosávra, Eikovra, Myrkranio and finally Djiuzu.
Daniel Cockersell: the Daddy of all monster sculptors, Dan has begun work on Scecchus, but it will be a while before he is done.
Benoît Cosse: Benoît is still working on Darklands: a World of War miniatures and won't start Hrór, Finnan, Praach and the Baagath's Herd for a good long while yet.
Thomas David: work on Timoth has begun, but we only have an armature so there's not a great deal to see.
Pedro Fernández Ramos: Mananaan on foot is finished of course, and he'll soon begin work on Mananaan on horse.
Yannick Fusier: the first images of Bagseg in progress have arrived but there's not a lot to see as yet; we should have something in the next couple of weeks.
Jacques-Alexandre Gillois: he should begin work on Daarkan, Naraa and both Equitus Durio on foot and Equitus Durio on horse soon. Although not necessarily in that order, and we're not sure when - we just know they'll be done before May.
Gauthier Giroud: work on Idruaada has begun and it shouldn't be too long before it's complete.
Stéphane NGuyen: Stéphane should begin work on Seza soon, but we're not sure when right now.
Christian Hardy: Christian will begin work on Aldhelm (taken from Maxime Penaud), Velchior and Agathae soon.
Tre Manor: Tre of Red Box Games fame will be taking time out for us to sculpt Erebius, which is now underway.
Patrick Masson: It's Gaarwäg for Patrick next, although he won't be complete until May.
Hector Moran: Work on the Dawn of Khthon, Gorgórar Unit has begun, and after that he will be digitally sculpting Con I Modius, Legionary Contubernium.
Olivier Nkweti: Dúngal on horse is being sculpted, and once he's done he will digitally sculpt Hanokh and Thoth.
Juan Navarro Pérez: Danilo Cruz and Urien on foot are in progress, and Urien on horse, Carys, Caedoc and Ffion Ferddig will follow.
Stéphane Simon: we've loaded Stéphane up with Leofwen on foot (who should be started shortly), Crom on horse, Zethag, Annik, Gondard and his Nithing, Xontór, Thelliatiss, the Holumenn Unit and the Gesíth Unit. Phew!
Valentin Zak: Valentin will sculpt Broga for us and will begin doing so soon.
Unknown: the remaining three descendants, which are Rick Boer's Frisian Warrior (due to be drawn by Stefan Kopinski), Trytheorn, Tomas Johansson's Geat Warrior (due to be drawn by Danny Cruz) and Maximilian Schüte's Germanic Berserker.

Now that is a lot of sculpts...

Darklands: First Edition II

Let's have a little more on our next project, "Darklands: First Edition II". The definite (barring a zombie apocalypse) start date of this project will be Monday the 24th of March, and it should end thirty days later on Wednesday the 23rd of April. This neatly avoids Salute 2014 the weekend before (12th of April), at which we will have a stall, and is just after the easter holidays. We'll be running it for the full thirty days this time, too!

Whilst the dates for the next project lie before Darklands: First Edition begins to be fulfilled, there'll be no conflict between the two because the next project simply adds to this project, and adds units mostly. Many of the early goals will be able to be shipped with earlier Waves, too!

We'll allow people to purchase both the Darklands rulebook (with Uhtred and Finnan), the Concept Art book and possibly a couple of other rewards from the First Edition project, but the whole thing will be a lot easier to grasp this time - there'll be no "hosts" or "starter sets" or anything like that, because they become incredibly complicated over time (and are a nightmare post-Kickstarter). Don't recoil in horror, however - we've hit upon a system that will replicate the discounts you get but also enables you to choose what freebies you'd like with what you purchase. We've not decided on everything - so please don't ask for specifics yet! That will come in time, there's five more updates to go before the project begins.

To whet your appetite (since there's only four weeks to go), here's a concept of a miniature that we hope we'll get to during the course of the next project...



Eoric, Werwulf Champion

We'll have more on Darklands: First Edition II next week. Until then, keep it Darklands!

A demon with an Electric Guitar? Put that on my list of miniatures to own someday!

So Awesome

That Axman of Omens will be mine

(or maybe the bits needed to magnetise the normal Belech)

and it looks like I may need to double up on Annik of Carn Wrach, as she looks like being a stunner

Hehe I feel all fuzzy inside seeing my concept of the Axe sculpted... Can't wait to get my grubby hands on it.

I guess I need to get my pledge locked in seeing that the sweet spot is going away on Monday. Doh!

I don't know how you managed to hold off spending all that credit so long

Why you gotta show off armored wolves now Mierce?

Why you gotta make me start wanting to pick up ANOTHER faction?

Checking out the new snake lady, I'm loving her coils. There's a nice sense of dynamics with her lower half going all over the place, which I still think was missing from Ssybrios. I hope all the snake bottomed Khthons going forward offer up a nice piece of tail like that (pun pretty much intended).

At this point I'm almost wondering if it might be worth a try of getting some extra tail bits and adding them to a Ssybrios. Problem is all those spikes down his lower half though...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Mierceday's are my favorite part of waking up Friday morning!

Mierce - trying to see if I can get that Sweet Spot to fit into my budget before it disappears, but if not, I know Uhtred is KS limited, but are Finnan or Danilo also KS Limited Edition or will they be available at general retail?

Glad you like it all guys.

It seems cadwallon.com are selling some of our miniatures. Does anyone know if they are recasters?

Cheers


Automatically Appended Next Post:
@judgedoug - Finnan and Danilo are not limited editions.

Cadwallon are known recasters of Rackham. Odd that they have Plastic Soldier Company stock though.

Mierce Miniatures wrote:
Glad you like it all guys.

It seems cadwallon.com are selling some of our miniatures. Does anyone know if they are recasters?

Cheers


Automatically Appended Next Post:
@judgedoug - Finnan and Danilo are not limited editions.

They recast and do new sculpts of Rackham stuff, but I know they also do a lot of non-recasted sales of other items, especially other European companies.

I haven't ordered any mierce stuff from them though...so I can't tell you for sure. I've ordered some Infinity from them before and they were in retail packaging...so I'm not sure. Best way to find out would be to order one....




Automatically Appended Next Post:

 OrlandotheTechnicoloured wrote:
I don't know how you managed to hold off spending all that credit so long

It's been SOOOOOOOO Hard.

 basement.dweller wrote:
Hehe I feel all fuzzy inside seeing my concept of the Axe sculpted... Can't wait to get my grubby hands on it.

It is awesome!

However, is it going up for general sale next month, or just KS-sale?

I get a restricted notice when I click on the normal Belech page on the Mierce site:

http://www.mierce-miniatures.com/index.php?act=pro&pre=mrm_kst_fmr_002

RESTRICTED ITEM
This item is currently restricted for your level of user access.

So I'm guessing only KS-backers have access atm. I definitely want the axeman version, that is too sweet

Belech, Axeman of Omens will be an April BaneLords release, so available to purchase early in March.

Belech, Scion of Baalor is not yet released, as not all KS customers have him yet; but he'll probably be a May release (so on sale in early April).

Hope that helps!

Cheers

Okay, well I'm after the Axeman anyway, so that works just fine

Is it just me, or does the first werewolf there have a horse tail? Maybe not, but something about the model seems really off, and I am guessing that is it. The tail doesn't look like a continuation of the spine, but rather loose with no substance after the first bit.

The other models look fantastic though. I may well break down and get in on this KS!

My happy Mierce day started on Thursday, when my latest package of KS1 stuff arrived! SO AWESOME!!

I assumed it was my Wave 0 KS2 stuff, but couldn't find Malacant in the box. Then I realized a bunch of other stuff I ordered in KS2 wasnt in there, like Druc, and the Trolls, Which just means I have ANOTHER package to look forward too. (squeels!!)

BTW Brynhild gunnblindi is SO TINY. Is she not human? I think Ygandr could easily snort her if it felt so inclined.

You just get fooled but the sheer size of the stuff and your brain can't belive the normal human sized minis are right

(not helped buy the fact that a few of the humans like Eric the Steersman are meant to be in the 6'6'' to 7' range)

Mierce Miniatures wrote:
Glad you like it all guys.

It seems cadwallon.com are selling some of our miniatures. Does anyone know if they are recasters?

Cheers

Not to condone such behaviour, if it indeed takes place, but recasting and selling Mierce miniatures for 10 Euro when RRP is claimed to be 13 GBP is... well, it puts the whole "honour amongst thieves" in a new, interesting perspective.

Wirecat wrote:

Mierce Miniatures wrote:
Glad you like it all guys.

It seems cadwallon.com are selling some of our miniatures. Does anyone know if they are recasters?

Cheers

Not to condone such behaviour, if it indeed takes place, but recasting and selling Mierce miniatures for 10 Euro when RRP is claimed to be 13 GBP is... well, it puts the whole "honour amongst thieves" in a new, interesting perspective.

I know you are not condoning this (and at the prices they have to be recasts), but people like Cadwallon can really hurt small companies like Mierce. I know Mierce is on the more expensive side of the hobby, but you are paying for quality miniatures designed and sculpted by some of the best artists and sculptors in the industry...and personally I would rather pay the extra money to support and keep Mierce going than save a few quid for a poorer quality copy, and I hope others also vote with their wallets and do not purchase these models from Cadwallon. over.

I think some comparison shots and an official warning is in order for people considering it so they know what it entails to buy recasts and how it affects a company in business. Being a garage kit (large scale figure kits in resin or vinyl) collector - most GK producers went the way of the dodo on account of recasters. It's a real shame. The worst part is that new people that just like the look of a figure and have no clear idea of the hobby are likely to look at prices and go for the cheaper ones. At least in the GK hobby the cheap recast kits (especially anything from Thailand) were really bad quality and was likely to put you off the hobby for good.

Somewhat peculiar, since cadwallon had, by and large, given up recasting of stuff still in production somewhat recently.
(Selling recasts of oop rackham stuff as they did, by contrast, IMO, qualifies as doing everyone a favour)

Shame.

Wow! That Cadwallon place has some good deals on old Confrontation stuff, but I won't order from them in case they are recasting Mierce models.

@Mierce, I'm curious if you're planning to add to the Atlantes, Vras, and infernii in this 2.5 KS campaign, to sort of give them a bit more of a definition as individual armies. Especially with the new 300 movie coming out soon, I could see people being pretty excited about getting some cool Ancient Greek themed units.

Also, I was wondering if the Fomoraic had other types of units which have similar names/looks, as the Tarvax/Tarvox, Gabrax/Gabrox, Mammax/Mammox. For instance, is there something like a Tarvix, Tarvux (I'm just guessing at names here)? Just wondering if there are even BIGGER, or smaller (like dwarfs/gnomes) versions of these creatures. Are we someday going to see a Titanic Mammux, surrounded by tiny chittering Mammix? The fomorians certainly aren't lacking for large models, but I could see them having some sort of diminutive fairy folk to annoy the crap out of darkland residents.

A Mierce post on TGN! Hopefully the first of many!

http://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/2014/02/26/85028/

Happy Mierceday folks

so in reverse order we have

Once more it is Friday, the last Friday of February in fact, but it's still Mierceday!

For this project we have plenty more work in progress images (for Urien on foot, Angedern, Ieuan Longshore and Taranau, Myrinna, Danilo Cruz and Annik), news of product fulfilment (which is cracking on apace), more kindred musters (with profiles for miniatures produced by this project) and last, but not least, more news of our next project... which is only three weeks away from starting. Eeek!

Urien, Teyrn of Môn on Foot

Juan Navarro Pérez, quite bizarrely, is sculpting both Urien and Danilo simultaneously, which I'm pretty sure is a rare skill...! Even so, Juan's work from Dan Warren's art is superb, as you can see...






The shield, by itself, is blimmin' amazing...!

Urien will be finished sometime in March we think, and sent out to you guys in June.

Angedern, Prifdyndraig of Gwaelod

Fresh from completing Belech the Axeman, Roberto Chaudon is now turning his attention to this project and has begun work on Angedern, the Dyndraig warchief, from artwork by Dan Warren. It's an early WIP, but you get the general idea...





Ieuan Longshore and Taranau

What a lovely Friday this is - Stéphane Cammosetto has almost completed John Longshore's descendant, Ieuan Longshore, as well as his doggie (both drawn by Dan Warren again)! We think you'll agree with us when we say that Stéphane's work is nothing short of revelatory; we knew he was a good sculptor, but this good?







(and from the comments an older picture showing both for scale

Myrinna, Avenger of Khthon

Speaking of revelatory sculptors... Hector Moran has guaranteed himself more work from us in the future, because the lady-snakes - starting with Myrinna here, the champion - are going to be absolutely superb.






Myrinna is complete, but won't be with us for a while as Hector's got the rest of the unit to sort out, of course!

Danilo Cruz, Beast-Slayer of Cantabria

We have major progress on Danilo Cruz from Juan Navarro Pérez of course - have a look at this!





Regarding the scenic base, that will be separate, and we will give you both a 30mm base (so you can use him in games) and an appropriate size base for scenic purposes.

Once more, Danilo will be finished in March but won't be sent until Wave 1 ships.

Annik of Carn Wrach, Battle-Drune

The speed demon that is Stéphane Simon has now finished Annik of Carn Wrach, which we think is a bit of a record...!






The first of our ladies is looking very awesome indeed and we should have her in our mitts very shortly... although she won't be sent out until Wave 1 of course.

Trytheorn, Geat Warrior Descendant

Tomas Johansson (barring a couple of minor issues) is very happy with Danny Cruz' latest work on Trytheorn, his descendant, and so now's the time to show him to you guys!




Trytheorn, Geat Warrior Descendant

Trytheorn will be a Norse sell-sword of the Geat realm (as opposed to the Skilfing realm), but will work for the Norse of course. The only people he won't work for are the Miercna - his quest is to get Beowulf's sword, Nægling, back to the Geats...!

"Geat" is prounced as in "great", by the way... so "gate", I guess. That's a bit of a simplification but it'll do!

Trytheorn will be available for purchase on the webstore very shortly, hopefully today, and he'll be £12.99.

Darklands Kindred and Realm Musters

We now have warrior profiles for each kindred's muster, each of which includes new profiles for the miniatures from this project and some others besides (barring the Byzantii, the Infernii and Sell-Swords), in the new format and ready for download. We've also updated them all to reflect all of your excellent feedback - keep it up guys and gals.

Bear in mind that any new profiles are only partially playtested - expect changes and feel free to give us feedback on the Mierce forums. Check them out for some awesome new warriors, however!

Musters in BOLD CAPITALS include miniatures from this project.
• ALBAINN MUSTER v1.3 (new profiles)
• ANGELCYNN MUSTER v1.8 (minor updates from last week)
• BRYTHONIAID MUSTER v1.4 (minor updates from last week)
•Byzantii Muster v1.0 (coming next week)
• FOMORAIC MUSTER v1.6 (minor updates from last week)
•Infernii Muster v1.0 (coming next week)
• KHTHONES MUSTER v1.2 (new profiles)
• NORSE MUSTER v1.3 (new profiles)
• Vras Muster v1.3 (minor updates from last week)
• YSIAN MUSTER v1.5 (new profiles)
•Sell-Sword Muster v1.2

No doubt there'll be a few errors or typos - feel free to tell us about them!

It's worth noting again one major change from previous versions - gold costs. These have changed quite a lot, thanks to the introduction of new coefficients, so if you're used to the old gold costs - well, you'll have to get used to the new ones!

There's also a handy pronunciation guide (based on the Wikipedia Pronunciation Respelling Key) under the warrior's title and, at the bottom of each profile, a suggestion on which miniature from our range to use as that warrior on the battlefield.

It won't be long before we can give you musters for every kindred that include all of the miniatures that exist or found in this project!

If there's anything you need to know before the other warrior profiles are sorted, or about how the new format of warrior profile works, just ask on the forums please and we'll endeavour to answer your questions.

Darklands: First Edition Fulfilment

We are now shipping Wave 0 orders to backers from this project, but we would ask all of you to remain patient while we do so. We are only a small team and are still fulfilling the remaining orders for Darklands: a World of War, and we do expect to continue fulfilling Wave 0 orders throughout March and no doubt later. We will keep you all updated of course.

Sculpts and Sculptors

Here's the big list of who's sculpting what and when for Darklands: First Edition! Please bear in mind that this list may change over time, so don't take it as set in stone until the first work in progress shots appear.
• Stéphane Cammosetto: the awesomely talented Stéphane has just about finished sculpting the first descendant - John Longshore's Brythoniaid bowman, Ieuan Longshore (not forgetting his mastiff, Taranau) - and has also agreed to sculpt Eadric on foot and on horse for us.
• Allan Carrasco: Allan has begun work on Jörmungand, although there's not much to see yet. After that he will be sculpting Knútr on Foot, Knútr on Horse, Víthar, Birna, Rollo Iron Head and Cnebba.
• Roberto Chaudon: Work on Angedern has begun, and he will be followed by Mag ap Mag, Mälmord, Ágriosávra, Eikovra, Myrkranio and finally Djiuzu.
• Daniel Cockersell: the Daddy of all monster sculptors, Dan has begun work on Scecchus, but it will be a while before he is done.
• Benoît Cosse: Benoît is still working on Darklands: a World of War miniatures and won't start Hrór, Finnan, Praach and Baagath's Herd for a good long while yet.
• Thomas David: work on Timoth has begun, but we only have an armature so there's not a great deal to see.
• Pedro Fernández Ramos: Mananaan on foot is finished of course, and he'll soon begin work on Mananaan on horse.
• Yannick Fusier: the first images of Bagseg in progress have arrived but there's not a lot to see as yet; we should have something in the next couple of weeks.
• Jacques-Alexandre Gillois: he should begin work on Daarkan, Naraa and both Equitus Durio on foot and Equitus Durio on horse soon. Although not necessarily in that order, and we're not sure when - we just know they'll be done before May.
• Gauthier Giroud: work on Idruaada has begun and it shouldn't be too long before it's complete.
• Stéphane NGuyen: Stéphane should begin work on Seza soon, but we're not sure when right now.
• Christian Hardy: Christian will begin work on Aldhelm (taken from Maxime Penaud), Velchior and Agathae soon.
• Tre Manor: Tre of Red Box Games fame will be taking time out for us to sculpt Erebius, which is now underway.
• Patrick Masson: It's Gaarwäg for Patrick next, although he won't be complete until May.
• Hector Moran: Work on the Dawn of Khthon, Gorgórar Unit has begun (Myrinna, the champion, is complete), and after that he will be digitally sculpting Con I Modius, Legionary Contubernium.
• Olivier Nkweti: Dúngal on horse is being sculpted, and once he's done he will digitally sculpt Hanokh and Thoth.
• Juan Navarro Pérez: Danilo Cruz and Urien on foot are in progress, and Urien on horse, Carys, Caedoc and Ffion Ferddig will follow.
• Stéphane Simon: we've loaded Stéphane up with Leofwen on foot (who should be started shortly), Crom on horse, Zethag, Annik (which is now complete), Gondard and his Nithing, Xontór, Thelliatiss, the Holumenn Unit and the Gesíth Unit. Phew!
• Valentin Zak: Valentin will sculpt Broga for us and will begin doing so soon.
• Unknown: the remaining three descendants, which are Rick Boer's Frisian Warrior (due to be drawn by Stefan Kopinski), Trytheorn, Tomas Johansson's Geat Warrior (drawn by Danny Cruz) and Maximilian Schüte's Germanic Berserker.

Now that is a lot of sculpts...

Darklands: First Edition II

Let's have a little more on our next project, "Darklands: First Edition II". The definite (barring a zombie apocalypse) start date of this project will be Monday the 24th of March, and it should end thirty days later on Wednesday the 23rd of April. This neatly avoids Salute 2014 the weekend before (12th of April), at which we will have a stall, and is just after the easter holidays. We'll be running it for the full thirty days this time, too!

Whilst the dates for the next project lie before Darklands: First Edition begins to be fulfilled, there'll be no conflict between the two because the next project simply adds to this project, and adds units mostly. Many of the early goals will be able to be shipped with earlier Waves, too!

We'll allow people to purchase both the Darklands rulebook (with Uhtred and Finnan), the Concept Art book and possibly a couple of other rewards from the First Edition project, but the whole thing will be a lot easier to grasp this time - there'll be no "hosts" or "starter sets" or anything like that, because they become incredibly complicated over time (and are a nightmare post-Kickstarter). Don't recoil in horror, however - we've hit upon a system that will replicate the discounts you get but also enables you to choose what freebies you'd like with what you purchase. We've not decided on everything - so please don't ask for specifics yet! That will come in time, there's three more updates to go before the project begins.

To whet your appetite (since there's only four weeks to go), here's a concept of a miniature that we hope we'll get to during the course of the next project...





Rulguss, Claw-Abhorrent

We'll have more on Darklands: First Edition II next week, and we'll be unveiling a little more about how the project will be structured, too.

Until then, keep it Darklands




Automatically Appended Next Post:




Update #81 from Darklands: a World of War

Feb 28 2014


We Forgot the Painted Stuff





Sorry everyone, we forgot to show you some painted miniatures in today's update... Mawdred and Qaano!

Mawdred of Carn Dhu, An-Kern-Drune

Since we've discovered Martin Grandbarbe's amazing work, we've chained him to a desk in France from which he can never escape. The latest fruits of his (chained) efforts is Mawdred of Carn Dhu, the Ysian host banner bearer...



Martin will be painting the Bow-Drunes next!

Qaano, Srónax Untain

The incredible talents of Sébastien Picque are stuck to the Fomoraic kindred like, er, glue - and you can see why, when we show you his work on Qaano...







Next for Séb are the two unpainted Srónax, Rocqaan and Luqkaan... but that's it, until next week!



Automatically Appended Next Post:
More Profiles, More Templates!

On this, the last day of February 2014, we have no work in progress images, unfortunately, but we do have the usual news about project fulfilment, more new warrior profiles available to download and images of all of the new templates. So there's still something to look at!

{changes to the muster rules etc can be found in the update above}

Templates

As we stated last week, the 4" Fire Spray Template is now available and will be sent with remaining items (to anybody who ordered a Dyndraig Starter Set) as we get through orders, but we have even better news - we now have all of the templates required to use with certain warriors in the game, as listed below!
• 4" Fire Spray Template (Dyndraig, Cawrdraig)
• 6" Fire Spray Template (Chimaera)
• 8" Fire Spray Template (Angrislaug)
• 4" Frost Spray Template (Idruaada invocation)
• 6" Frost Spray Template (Shaaroc)
•8" Frost Spray Template
• 4" Filth Spray Template (Torku)
• 2" Stone Shard Crush Template (Magágg, Cormorágg)
• 3" Pig Carcass Crush Template (Cormorágg)
• 3" Ice Shard Crush Template (Vaak)

These new templates will be available to purchase next week from our website, but it must be noted that none of these will be sent to anybody for free (excepting the 4" Fire spray template under the circumstances mentioned above), and none of them will be included with a miniature when it is bought. If you wish to use these templates in Darklands, you must purchase them!

We have also created our first measuring gauge - the Attack Range Distance Gauge, which (as the name implies) gives you a handy measure to see if your miniatures are within attack range of an enemy!



The Attack Range gauge in action

4" Fire Spray Template (used by the Dyndraig and the Cawrdraig)

6" Fire Spray Template (used by the Terror of Fortriu, Chimaera)

8" Fire Spray Template (used by Angrislaug, the Draiggoch)

6" Frost Spray Template (used by Shaaroc, the Draackox)

4" Filth Spray Template (used by Torku, the Bone-Aberrant)

3" Pig Carcass Crush Template (used by Cormorágg, the Savage Oghurüc). Note, it is actually pink, our lighting is not great!

3" Ice Shard Crush Template (used by Vaak, the Moraine-Beast)

2" Stone Shard Template (used by Magágg, the Wild Oghurüc)
As you can see, they look rather spiffing!


The End of Darklands: a World of War In Sight

We think that - around the end of March 2014 time (although those Wælwulfas and possibly the QS rules printing will probably push things back) - pretty much everything will be done for Darklands: a World of War; which will both be a sad day and an awesome day. Either way, we'll find some way to celebrate...!

There'll be another update next week though of course, hopefully with more images of the Wælwulfas!

Ok, Torku has a Fart template, or is that her crapping on everyone? She is.. just so... weird. I've never seen a picture of a painted Torku (I don't own her myself), and even Meirce's copy isn't painted here. I looked on Google but didn't find one either, how the heck does anyone think she's supposed to be painted like?

No painters have survived the harrowing base coat phase on Torku.

I ever find one cheap I'll take one for the team and paint her up myself.

Debating if I should hunt down a Shaaroc or Aradae Mawr, or be good and wait until the next KS to get my fix of giant reptilian death dealers.

...You should. Seriously, I have Shaaroc here - quite probably the loveliest (or only-his-mother-could-loveliest, whichever means "well-executed" in this context!) model in that category, ever. Totally worth the price, too. Still kicking myself for not getting Aradae Mawr when it was ridiculously cheap...

Slightly OT, but do people receive dispatch emails when their orders, well, dispatch?

I've had two orders that were "packing" disappear from my account, but have had no indicator they've been sent.

I always have, both for regular and KS orders.
They are sort of working 'around' the system with a lot of the KS stuff, though - so this might change on moments' notice.
However, given their usual attention to that kind of detail, I find it somewhat unlikely orders would 'disappear'.
No offence, but have you checked whether they are under "completed" in your orders? (log in, click completed somewhere on top of screen - or just log in and use this link: http://www.mierce-miniatures.com/index.php?act=use&sub=orc ).
Orders move from the outstanding (url ending on oro) to the completed (url ending on orc) the moment they're shipped, IIRC.
Hope that helps!

No there's no dispatch email (at least for normal UK orders),

but if you go to your orders bit and look just below the big yellow you'll find 3 tabs

outstanding (which it defaults to)

completed (where orders go once they are in the post)

cancelled

so you can be sure it's been posted when it says completed

I've never got an email telling me my orders were sent. they just tend to show up on my doorstep. The most recent orders showed up before the website evensaid they were done packing

...Are you guys sure? I could swear I got automated emails.

 azreal13 wrote:
Slightly OT, but do people receive dispatch emails when their orders, well, dispatch?

I've had two orders that were "packing" disappear from my account, but have had no indicator they've been sent.

There's a couple of options above the order list, one of which is "completed", if you click that link you'll probably find those orders listed there.

I don't get dispatch e-mails either.

Bolognesus wrote:...You should. Seriously, I have Shaaroc here - quite probably the loveliest (or only-his-mother-could-loveliest, whichever means "well-executed" in this context!) model in that category, ever. Totally worth the price, too. Still kicking myself for not getting Aradae Mawr when it was ridiculously cheap...

I opened my Shaaroc on Saturday and I concur with his awesomeness....

Saw a Shaaroc on ebay. I'm going to get it. MARK MY WORDS.

As for Torku she's described as a bone aberrant so I'd tend to treat the armour plating etc as bone, with a mix of normal(ish) skin on the breasts and a few other spots, and uncovered muscle and sinew elsewhere

I know I've seen a painted one somewhere which was done this way and looked good but can't find her