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 Shadow Walker wrote:

Szymon_Archon wrote:
I know that it's probably mostly Wargamers here, but I would like the miniature sets to include scatter terrain that would be relevant to that particular miniature set. What does everyone here feel about that?

Wargamers need terrain too Also wargames do not mean mass battles exclusively so other wargames would require some scatter terrain like bushes, fences, trunks etc. Many here play some mix of wargame and RPG like Rangers of Shadow Deep etc., which would benefit from some nice scatter terrain packs.

Wargamers do, but many dungeon masters don't. Lots run on wet erase mats, so I think a tighter focus on just minis would go over better. More people want orcs than want orcs and terrain.

 Bossk_Hogg wrote:

 Shadow Walker wrote:

Szymon_Archon wrote:
I know that it's probably mostly Wargamers here, but I would like the miniature sets to include scatter terrain that would be relevant to that particular miniature set. What does everyone here feel about that?

Wargamers need terrain too Also wargames do not mean mass battles exclusively so other wargames would require some scatter terrain like bushes, fences, trunks etc. Many here play some mix of wargame and RPG like Rangers of Shadow Deep etc., which would benefit from some nice scatter terrain packs.

Wargamers do, but many dungeon masters don't. Lots run on wet erase mats, so I think a tighter focus on just minis would go over better. More people want orcs than want orcs and terrain.

To be fair, they've made a pretty good go of selling terrain for RPGs, so there must be enough DMs out there that don't use wet erase mats.

Personally a second take on the Encounters campaign, but with more focus on miniatures is what I'd like to see. So sets similar to the Elven Wood / Swamps of Doom, with a few sprues less of terrain, but miniature packs to match the theme. So taking the Elven Wood example, say only four trees, one of the hill sprue, the scatter terrain (campsite) sprue. And then a set of 4-6 PCs, and 2-3 options for baddies. Wolves, bandits, Gnolls, stc. Perhaps a boss (say troll or ogre) as well.

Then have a multitude say (8 - 10) of sets, where the terrain elements can be reused across multiple sets but in differing amounts (for example, one more focusing on hills / rocks / ruins, perhaps only a single tree) with different PCs / baddies / bosses in each one.

That said, I think it would be best to keep the terrain and minis on separate sprues as it could make mini only pledges possible, and give more options when releasing sets for retail.

Yea they just had a 2 million kickstarter for plastic caves, I don't think finding customers for terrain is gonna be an issue.

 Dawnbringer wrote:
That said, I think it would be best to keep the terrain and minis on separate sprues as it could make mini only pledges possible, and give more options when releasing sets for retail.

Yep, that's exactly what I was thinking. I would like them to be on separate sprues and while they'll be together in one set during the campaign, they should be available separately in retail.

Szymon_Archon wrote:
It appears I will be taking a bit more of an active role in this campaign (at least from what I've seen so far, but we haven't begun official work on it yet), but these are all things that I have personally been wanting for some time.

- Attracting wargamers would be great, and that's what I would be aiming for with multipart minis. I want them to be similar to the ones from Oathmark/Frostgrave in terms of choice, but I really think that we can do an even better job. Of course, not every set will be multipart, as dynamic and interesting poses are good for more important looking characters.

Have a look at Northstar, Fireforge and Wargames Atlantic, those are probably the best current plastic producers for fantasy wargaming of the top of my head (Mantic is still a bit wonky at times, though they have some great options, too). Also read what's being criticized about some of their kits.
And watch what they don't have.
From your encounters? I'd like a full Ants set.
And Mosquitos.
And Mushroom people.

What we don't need is another set of generic medieval knights on foot if you ask me...

I think a mix of generic and more unique sculpts would be the idea. I definitely want us to revisit the "Fluffy Dummy" miniature from Encounters, but there are just so many generic miniatures that we haven't done ourselves yet.

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/archon-studio/masters-of-the-universe-battleground

 OrlandotheTechnicoloured wrote:

https://gamefound.com/en/projects/archon-studio/masters-of-the-universe-battleground

Those ruins shown on the battlemat look great. Not enough to pledge as I do not care about He-man but maybe they will appear as separate item in the future?

They are already available if you live in the EU. Most of the crowdfounding is about bringing the game to new regions (+ some new releases).

Sasorijap wrote:
They are already available if you live in the EU. Most of the crowdfounding is about bringing the game to new regions (+ some new releases).

I'm pretty sure Shadow Walker meant hopefully the ruins would be available independently of the rest of the game.

 Dawnbringer wrote:

Sasorijap wrote:
They are already available if you live in the EU. Most of the crowdfounding is about bringing the game to new regions (+ some new releases).

I'm pretty sure Shadow Walker meant hopefully the ruins would be available independently of the rest of the game.

Exactly that

> I want "Encounter Packs" to be a thing

Do you know how well the Reaper encounter sets and Steamforged Epic (?) encounter sets have been selling? The Reaper ones are more for dioramas, while Epic is for RPG's. Steamforge's sets are too expensive, imo. I have enough terrain to paint (thanks, Archon so I didn't pick up any Reaper encounter sets in their last KS.

If the Encounter Packs coincidentally (: can be used in the D&D starter set adventures and Pathfinder Beginner Box adventure, that *might* increase sales...

 lord_blackfang wrote:
Yea they just had a 2 million kickstarter for plastic caves, I don't think finding customers for terrain is gonna be an issue.

And I backed it for two sets. And was annoyed at the dwarf minis taking up stretch goal slots that could have been used for more general use stuff or fleshing out other options.

Id rather the product do one thing well than include stuff I don't necessarily want. I dont want t have to buy orcs to get stalagmites or stalagmites to get orcs.

I strongly agree with Sgt Cortez and Bossk Hogg.

Sgt. Cortez wrote:


What we don't need is another set of generic medieval knights on foot if you ask me...

I kinda both agree and disagree here. Yes, we do not need another set that is Frostgrave tiny scale and has integral bases but we need properly scaled (which for me means Mantic or Fireforge Fantasy scale), and versatile (full of options, both for armour and weapons) knight kit that is also free from integral abominations plague.

I think there is a void in the model needs of wargames vs RPG's.

The scenario of wargames is a big field/a lot of table, even in many skirmish games. Generally wargames have scenery in the playfield to break LOS for entire units. Starter sets are usually a bit thin on scenery so for newer wargames they are looking to pad this out (captive market). More experienced wargamers are looking for a way to diversify thier existing scenery and old hands like me just want to buy a field in one go (thank you Caves!).

RPG players are creating sets, theatre stages for encounters. They don't need the tabletop scale nor scenery big enough to hide a whole unit of space marines behind. On the other hand encircling the play area in an RPG sets the scene and keeps players from wondering off, a situation wargames don't suffer from. I mean, this is one reason for original DnD is so "dungeons". You see this in so many videogames as well, keep players on the path.

Lastly, and a bit more nuanced. I'm *used* to buying scenery and models seperately except for starter sets. With GW always nurfing and re-balancing to drive sales I have become accustomed to buying units to address this. With a great many on here being GW customers I dare say I'm not alone. For scenery I look to things like kickstarter to fill battlefields from Necromunda to Apocalypse games. An encounter set just doesn't have the scale I'm looking for.

Having a well priced box that serves all is a worthy goal especially in the wilds of retail. But I can see it being more of a hinderance to sales to wargamers because it has a high probability of serving nobody.

If (hypothetically) the only way to get that desert world scenery is in a bundle with a tyranid force. Well, I don't want tyranids and I sure wouldn't want that mix of units if I did. Or, I want those tyranids but I have all the desert I need, I want jungle. For wargamers bundles have 2 reasons not to buy.

I think it's important to remember that Archon view RPGs as their primary market.

Szymon_Archon wrote:I know that it's probably mostly Wargamers here, but I would like the miniature sets to include scatter terrain that would be relevant to that particular miniature set. What does everyone here feel about that?

It's something I really like. I generally am a big fan of scatter terrain, both for roleplaying and for wargames. They can add a lot to the modular terrain that I like to use. That said, one thing I dislike is sprue space being taken up by fancy bases because I rebase everything onto my own basing system (1.2 mm thick steel washers) so more detailed bases tend to be a pain to remove.

Shadow Walker wrote:If you include options for enemies then please remember that they should be available to all minis in the kit = if goblins have options for bows or spears then include enough of them to arm the entire squad in either option.

For me, that depends. For the 'big' options like ranged or melee, yes. But I would rather have more interesting things than swords, maces, axes, spears, halberds, bows, and crossbows taking up a whole set.

Bossk_Hogg wrote:

 Shadow Walker wrote:

Szymon_Archon wrote:
I know that it's probably mostly Wargamers here, but I would like the miniature sets to include scatter terrain that would be relevant to that particular miniature set. What does everyone here feel about that?

Wargamers need terrain too Also wargames do not mean mass battles exclusively so other wargames would require some scatter terrain like bushes, fences, trunks etc. Many here play some mix of wargame and RPG like Rangers of Shadow Deep etc., which would benefit from some nice scatter terrain packs.

Wargamers do, but many dungeon masters don't. Lots run on wet erase mats, so I think a tighter focus on just minis would go over better. More people want orcs than want orcs and terrain.

I personally am a wargamer who likes having some scatter around as well. Of course, I tend to place them relatively close to the big pieces for regiment-based games, but otherwise they add a lot of character to a table. I also don't use mats at all, so I tend to see those as a bit of a negative because they add to the cost without bringing anything.

Szymon_Archon wrote:I think a mix of generic and more unique sculpts would be the idea. I definitely want us to revisit the "Fluffy Dummy" miniature from Encounters, but there are just so many generic miniatures that we haven't done ourselves yet.

Generic sculpts can always find a use. You don't want to be the niche company because that leads beginners to other companies and lets them settle in there. At the same time, the generics should also offer something that makes them stand out from all the others. One big advantage that Archon has over many companies in the RPG space is that you guys are working with HIPS, which means that you can offer options. Especially for things like standard adventurers and town guards that means that you can settle on a design language and make use of interchangeable components like weapons and accessories.

 Shadow Walker wrote:

Sgt. Cortez wrote:


What we don't need is another set of generic medieval knights on foot if you ask me...

I kinda both agree and disagree here. Yes, we do not need another set that is Frostgrave tiny scale and has integral bases but we need properly scaled (which for me means Mantic or Fireforge Fantasy scale), and versatile (full of options, both for armour and weapons) knight kit that is also free from integral abominations plague.

I think Wargames Atlantic is doing just that right now. Edit: After checking I saw they indeed have puddle bases... too bad.
And I think in the past few years the lines between truescale and heroic scale you're hinting at have blurred a little. GW went to a new scale altogether with AoS, but their old WHFB miniatures are 28mm with strange proportions i.e. heroic scale. I feel Middleearth, Fireforge, WGA Fantasy and Oathmark/ Northstar all follow a similar scale of "a little bit larger than 28mm historicals but the difference is small enough that you can still mix&match". IMO that's the best way if you don't want classical heroic scale miniatures (of which there are still a lot... try to find truescale dwarfs that aren't Old world or Warcraft lookalikes).
I agree on your notion about the bases. Cutting them is not fun and the WGA bases to solve the problem shouldn't be necessary (and need filling, too, still hobby time that could be used more effectively).

As much as I like the terrain bits in the D&L campaigns, I don't use them for wargaming if they're small and under 1" in size.

The Elven Woods rocks and trees get the most usage, followed by the Giants, then the Elven Woods bits, of which the smallest ones are mounted on a 2"x2" base.

Haven't done RPGs for years ): so can't say how I'd use terrain bits and scatter for RPG's.

For boardgame bling, I use any terrain bit that fits, more or less in a 1" hex or square. For Gloomhaven, I could have used smaller thorns and more crystals, but used proxies.

Dioramas, of course, I use whatever I can get my fingers on.

Pics on Reaper!
EW : https://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/102943-five-leagues-from-the-borderlands-and-lasting-tales-the-vale-of-klocke/
EW : https://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/102890-archons-deuslair-sample-pack-and-elven-woods/
Bits: https://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/103935-wildspire-miniatures-gloomhaven-crimson-scales-thread/#comment-2125919

He-Man Masters of the Universe Battleground Two Player Starter Set review

So anyone else got a "Faktura Końcowa / Final Invoice numer" email from Archon?

It's primarily in Polish, but shows a final invoice (of $0.00 for myself).

EDIT: Thanks!!!

 ced1106 wrote:
So anyone else got a "Faktura Końcowa / Final Invoice numer" email from Archon?

It's primarily in Polish, but shows a final invoice (of $0.00 for myself).

A few people on the Discord reporting same Szymon confrimed they've issued invoices

I've been told that we're just sending invoices to people that haven't received them yet.Not sure why we're sending them now though

I assume its an accounting requirement, along the lines of why I get invoices in packages I've ordered from places online. I've already paid for them (which is why they shipped them in the first place) but I imagine there is a paperwork trail that has to completed.

@Archon - for your future campaign - one thing I think would be nice to have are miniatures that are not locked with their diorama bases/overzealous tactical rocks so they can be put on any base without extensive conversions needed.

Another thing. I am not sure how good is your Village Pack selling but I think if you would offer those huts separate, and in the pack of at least three, so one could quickly set a small village, they would sell for sure, as both RPG and wargames would find them very useful.

 Shadow Walker wrote:
Another thing. I am not sure how good is your Village Pack selling but I think if you would offer those huts separate, and in the pack of at least three, so one could quickly set a small village, they would sell for sure, as both RPG and wargames would find them very useful.

The highlander hut is on the same sprue as the following so it can't be sold separately (without retooling)

- Swamp Hut
- Watch Tower
- Cage

4 sprues makes 1 of each except the highlander hut as it only needs 2 sprues to make a full hut so you get 2 in the set.

 DaveC wrote:


The highlander hut is on the same sprue as the following so it can't be sold separately (without retooling)

Shame then, maybe they will retool it as I have no interest in the other pieces from that kit.

 Shadow Walker wrote:

 DaveC wrote:


The highlander hut is on the same sprue as the following so it can't be sold separately (without retooling)

Shame then, maybe they will retool it as I have no interest in the other pieces from that kit.

They have said they are going to look at how they tool things going forward so they are better arranged for retail sales. I can see that at some point they may retool some sets for a similar purpose. That said, I doubt the highlander hut is anywhere near the top of the list. You'd be better off looking elsewhere, it's not the most unique thing.

 Dawnbringer wrote:

You'd be better off looking elsewhere, it's not the most unique thing.

Renedra produces similar building called Viking House but I had already built two kits from them, and was really dissapointed about their quality, and that is why I look for Archon when it comes to hard plastic terrain.