Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

 Overread wrote:
Solid looking kit!
Tiny bit of a shame that there weren't a few more varied parts to really make them distinct in larger groups, but overall a very solid kit.


My only real crit is more of the steady change from gen1 warlocks to the modern. I still prefer the oldold look of way more outlandish helms that were very different to the regular infantry.




Although now I went looking for it, its actually a farseer not a warlock; but my point still stands ^

Same here, I've always preferred the older more alien look to the helms for Warlocks & Farseers.

Fairly pleased with the Warlocks, I was thinking if we got anything it was likely going to be a single miniature pack with if lucky a choice between sword or staff. Sorta similar to the current plastic Farseer and Spiritseers.

It does feel slightly low effort though after the guardian kit; woulda loved more options as others have noted but maybe we have become spoiled now

 Olthannon wrote:
Cool models although the faces are absolutely awful. No idea what has gone on there.

Probably what's gone on is that the GW painters painted them. They paint everything to look like angry old geezers. Man, woman, elf, child, doesn't matter; angry old geezers it is.

The bare heads aren't great, but I don't think that's an issue. Correct me if I'm wrong, but unless you want to play Ynarri, warlocks are meant to have helmets on. That's why we've only had helmeted versions in the past, but since the ynarri aspects have unhelmeted heads, the trend continues with these guys/gals.

I just don't understand you people, these models are exactly what I've always wanted out of a plastic Warlock and I couldn't be happier with them. They're Warlocks, but in plastic. I've wanted exactly this model for the last 20 years. The greatest Warlock of all time is the one shooting a pistol holding his witchblade against the ground, and these are exactly that same style in defferent pose. You could even replicate that same pose with a little conversion work. Tactical Rocks look to be optional. 2 of each weapon would have been better, but as I was only expecting these to be a single 1-off figure in a blister, getting 2 per pack is excellent. I'd buy 2 sets of these right now if they were on a store shelf, same for the Reapers and every other set they've previewed*.

*well, maybe not the ranger bikes

Topknots have been part of Warlocks from the beginning:

 Kalamadea wrote:
I just don't understand you people, these models are exactly what I've always wanted out of a plastic Warlock and I couldn't be happier with them. They're Warlocks, but in plastic. I've wanted exactly this model for the last 20 years. The greatest Warlock of all time is the one shooting a pistol holding his witchblade against the ground, and these are exactly that same style in defferent pose. You could even replicate that same pose with a little conversion work. Tactical Rocks look to be optional. 2 of each weapon would have been better, but as I was only expecting these to be a single 1-off figure in a blister, getting 2 per pack is excellent. I'd buy 2 sets of these right now if they were on a store shelf, same for the Reapers and every other set they've previewed*.

*well, maybe not the ranger bikes

They do seem to lack the panache of the originals. The guy on the left seems especially bland to me, though I am entirely happy with the model on the right (the one we glimpsed on the datacard last week).

The more I look at them though, the more I dislike the Guardian helmet. It just looks like they added the crest/topknot to the back of the Guardian helmet and called it a day. I prefer the old style Warlocks where there was no separate indented faceplate, and it looked more like one featureless blank mask. More of a blank slate and space to put in things like the patterns seen in the artwork and sketches.

Iracundus wrote:
The more I look at them though, the more I dislike the Guardian helmet. It just looks like they added the crest/topknot to the back of the Guardian helmet and called it a day. I prefer the old style Warlocks where there was no separate indented faceplate, and it looked more like one featureless blank mask. More of a blank slate and space to put in things like the patterns seen in the artwork and sketches.

I tend to agree. I much prefer the older and stranger Warlock helmets. It made them feel a lot more alien.

JWBS wrote:

 Kalamadea wrote:
I just don't understand you people, these models are exactly what I've always wanted out of a plastic Warlock and I couldn't be happier with them. They're Warlocks, but in plastic. I've wanted exactly this model for the last 20 years. The greatest Warlock of all time is the one shooting a pistol holding his witchblade against the ground, and these are exactly that same style in defferent pose. You could even replicate that same pose with a little conversion work. Tactical Rocks look to be optional. 2 of each weapon would have been better, but as I was only expecting these to be a single 1-off figure in a blister, getting 2 per pack is excellent. I'd buy 2 sets of these right now if they were on a store shelf, same for the Reapers and every other set they've previewed*.

*well, maybe not the ranger bikes

They do seem to lack the panache of the originals. The guy on the left seems especially bland to me, though I am entirely happy with the model on the right (the one we glimpsed on the datacard last week).

Basically. Everything is fine, but not quite there. Every sculpt so far evokes the originals, but lacks some details or 'crispness' somewhere. Maybe its nostalgia, maybe its the metal vs plastic medium (though that usually doesn't bother me and didn't for the banshees), but they feel more workman-like than artistic. Like someone took that one-of-a-kind knickknack you found in a street fair one time and just started stamping it out in a press. Good enough that it looks nice, but lacking a little touch of the original artist.


And sometimes it just goes full cartoon like the Reaper heads.

Iracundus wrote:
Topknots have been part of Warlocks from the beginning:

Why, oh why, GW couldn't make a Warlock mini based directly on this illustration... I always liked how powerful the warlock on this one looks.

nou wrote:

Iracundus wrote:
Topknots have been part of Warlocks from the beginning:

Why, oh why, GW couldn't make a Warlock mini based directly on this illustration... I always liked how powerful the warlock on this one looks.

With a little bit of work, I think you could probably get something close out of the new kit.

It's a fine, if conservative update. I'd love, if they went with an inclusion of an alternative for the witchblade, say an axe, short sword, more elaborate spellcasting (perhaps even one set where both arms are conjuring), and one of the bodies would be a female. Remember the old high elf mage kit, that sort of pieces.

Braids would also be better received on my end.

Voss wrote:

JWBS wrote:

 Kalamadea wrote:
I just don't understand you people, these models are exactly what I've always wanted out of a plastic Warlock and I couldn't be happier with them. They're Warlocks, but in plastic. I've wanted exactly this model for the last 20 years. The greatest Warlock of all time is the one shooting a pistol holding his witchblade against the ground, and these are exactly that same style in defferent pose. You could even replicate that same pose with a little conversion work. Tactical Rocks look to be optional. 2 of each weapon would have been better, but as I was only expecting these to be a single 1-off figure in a blister, getting 2 per pack is excellent. I'd buy 2 sets of these right now if they were on a store shelf, same for the Reapers and every other set they've previewed*.

*well, maybe not the ranger bikes

They do seem to lack the panache of the originals. The guy on the left seems especially bland to me, though I am entirely happy with the model on the right (the one we glimpsed on the datacard last week).

Basically. Everything is fine, but not quite there. Every sculpt so far evokes the originals, but lacks some details or 'crispness' somewhere. Maybe its nostalgia, maybe its the metal vs plastic medium (though that usually doesn't bother me and didn't for the banshees), but they feel more workman-like than artistic. Like someone took that one-of-a-kind knickknack you found in a street fair one time and just started stamping it out in a press. Good enough that it looks nice, but lacking a little touch of the original artist.


And sometimes it just goes full cartoon like the Reaper heads.

I agree on this. I like the new Eldar sculpts well enough, but I don't really feel inspired by them (aside from maybe the Autarch -and that mostly because of how customizable it is). Everything looks pretty decent, but doesn't make me want to replace my old Guardians or Warlocks.

And yes the Reapers.....some of the MS paints mods in here looked pretty good and helped a lot, but I know if I end up getting them I will have to do something to those heads so I don't giggle every time I look at them.

The stones on their temples. Are those to attach their visors?

Gasp! Was Geordi on the path of the seer?

Regardless, neat sculpts, topknots and all.

Hey look at that, I was right. Warlocks.

I figured they'd do a clampack of 1, but hoped for a box of 3. Seems they split the difference and we'll get two...

... two very bare bones Warlocks. Only two helmeted heads, not enough weapons to give 'em both blades or spears, and no torso options for female Warlocks.

After the triumph that is the Autarch this is kind of a step backwards. Yes, it's nice that they're plastic, but given the wealth of classic designs out there, I'm surprised they didn't try something a little more interesting beyond 'bad looking bare heads'.

*shrugs*

nou wrote:

Why, oh why, GW couldn't make a Warlock mini based directly on this illustration... I always liked how powerful the warlock on this one looks.

It would be misleading. Warlocks are pathetic wimps in the game.

Iracundus wrote:
The more I look at them though, the more I dislike the Guardian helmet. It just looks like they added the crest/topknot to the back of the Guardian helmet and called it a day. I prefer the old style Warlocks where there was no separate indented faceplate, and it looked more like one featureless blank mask. More of a blank slate and space to put in things like the patterns seen in the artwork and sketches.

It's consistent with the plastic farseer and also the plastic jetbike farseer/warlock kit. You could always paint the main faceplate the same color as the indented plate, the official Sam Hain warlock paintjob makes it so you really have to look to tell there's a second indented plate and looks nearly identical to the metal helmets

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Hey look at that, I was right. Warlocks.

I figured they'd do a clampack of 1, but hoped for a box of 3. Seems they split the difference and we'll get two...

... two very bare bones Warlocks. Only two helmeted heads, not enough weapons to give 'em both blades or spears, and no torso options for female Warlocks.

After the triumph that is the Autarch this is kind of a step backwards. Yes, it's nice that they're plastic, but given the wealth of classic designs out there, I'm surprised they didn't try something a little more interesting beyond 'bad looking bare heads'.
*shrugs*

Seems I would have preferred my own prediction, rather than what they did which is sad given I was being very cynical....

A pack of one with two pairs of legs and multiple weapon options so it's expensive but you get variety. Instead we get one extra torso and not enough weapon variety....

 Kalamadea wrote:

It's consistent with the plastic farseer and also the plastic jetbike farseer/warlock kit. You could always paint the main faceplate the same color as the indented plate, the official Sam Hain warlock paintjob makes it so you really have to look to tell there's a second indented plate and looks nearly identical to the metal helmets.

No, the new ones are different. The forehead is continuous piece with the chin, so you really can't paint them in different colours.

The problem with those, and the Dark Reapers, and maybe the Guardians, is that the spirit of the 1st/2nd edition design/artwork is pretty much gone, in favor of the streamlined and boring artwork that came after the 4th Edition.

Also, those don't look like warlocks at all.

This is what a warlock looks like :



It's also on the cover of the 8th Edition Codex.

I was pretty much awaiting an update to the Eldar to get into it, but from what i've seen so far, it's all pretty bland and boring. For all the Jes Goodwin nostalgia they try to convey in their weekly previews, the concepts in the sketches look miles better than the models they are presenting.

They need to pull back the interns from redesigning anything ASAP.

 The Power Cosmic wrote:
The stones on their temples. Are those to attach their visors?

Gasp! Was Geordi on the path of the seer?

Regardless, neat sculpts, topknots and all.

If you watch closely those stones in the temples are joined with the base framework that runs under the jaws and at the nape. I think it's somekind of Psychic hood or the lower part of the helmet that it's tucked into the armour.

I actually like the art and sketches showing the spotted ermine-like fur. Just as Jes Goodwin’s sketch notes indicated, it conveys a sense of exotic luxuriousness. Imagine an Imperial Guardsmen from a hardscrabble life encountering a Warlock, in shimmering silk robes, rich fur, and a blank looking jeweled helmet. It puts the quality of life of the average Eldar vs average Imperial into perspective.

I've not posted in this thread yet, but I've been watching the reveals and leaks and I'm getting rather excited. My (rather large) Swordwind is looking forward to reinforcements.

For these warlocks, as a few others were, I was hoping for three, but a box of 2 is pretty decent. Shame about only one of each melee weapon, and not having more helmet variety though - I'd have liked at least one without a crest. I've got every Eldar seer model that they ever released, and some kitbashes besides, so I could quite easily skip these, but to the contrary, I want to keep up the record and expand my seer council further. The fact that they hold their melee weapons in the opposite hand to the skyrunners conjures up some ridiculous images in my head of kitbashing a dual wielding warlock...

 Thargrim wrote:
The warlocks are super meh, especially compared to something like the exalted sorcerers kit. The new helmet is too similar to the guardian helmets, and for no good reason. The way the robes are flowing between the two models had me thinking it was the same sprue doubled. Neither of them has the fur cape/cloak thing, and no option for boobs. Swing and miss if you ask me. Jes Goodwins artwork towers over these sculpts.

The new helmets are copied directly from Jes' sketchbook, even down to the direction that the topknot is pointing. From the page they're on, he designed those heads at the same time as the skyrunner kit, 2013. The witchblade is practically identical too.

From what we've seen so far, whenever a model is being updated, if it has a reasonably modern (by which I mean this millennium) sketch from Jes, they're copying it almost exactly (see also the Reaper Exarch helmets).

I'm not thrilled at the change to the warlock faceplate though, I prefer the old style where the forehead is part of the faceplate and I'm sure I'll try to paint mine that way to match my old ones, see how well I can pull it off.



Generally I haven't seen anything so far that I haven't been at least fairly happy with, and I really like most of it. Like many people I'm not totally convinced by the reaper helmets, but I think they're ok and could be better with a different paintjob. They weren't the first aspects I'd have picked to update though, I feel like the spiders (2nd edition) and hawks (3rd edition, and quite fiddly/fragile) would have been a better pick. (I mean, anything finecast needs updating, but some things need it a bit more urgently than others). At least we know we're getting shining spears, it's baffled me for a while how they could still be selling kits with the old easy-rider jetbike this many years after the updated style was released for the windriders.

I'm particualrly interested to see how big the new Avatar ends up being in comparison to the Forgeworld one. I've got the Forgeworld version with the sword, it's one of my favourite models, and one of my favourite paintjobs that I've done, and having a second Avatar in the collection seems wrong - but I suspect I'll only make a token effort to resist.

I cannot believe that not only did they leave out the sick fur mantles from the concept art, they had the audacity to taunt us about it too smh.

 The Red Hobbit wrote:

 Overread wrote:
Solid looking kit!
Tiny bit of a shame that there weren't a few more varied parts to really make them distinct in larger groups, but overall a very solid kit.


My only real crit is more of the steady change from gen1 warlocks to the modern. I still prefer the oldold look of way more outlandish helms that were very different to the regular infantry.




Although now I went looking for it, its actually a farseer not a warlock; but my point still stands ^

Same here, I've always preferred the older more alien look to the helms for Warlocks & Farseers.

Just wanna note: Thats a rogue trader Farseer. RT warlocks were very similar (and in some cases, EXACTLY THE SAME sculpts you see in finecrap today)

See? Exactly the same little mini-mohawk in the new kit.

I hope they have more than just the 2 head options. Or at least Warlocks are included on other sprues like the guardians and such. Going to look pretty bad when you have a dozen warlocks with 2 stances and such.

3D printer go brrrrr

Nvs wrote:
I hope they have more than just the 2 head options. Or at least Warlocks are included on other sprues like the guardians and such. Going to look pretty bad when you have a dozen warlocks with 2 stances and such.

There is supposed to be a warlock (void seer?) in the corsair kill team box.

So if you stretch it then you can combine this box, void seer and farseer models to create a range of warlocks/farseers. Plus the bits left over from the skyrunner.

 Wha-Mu-077 wrote:
I cannot believe that not only did they leave out the sick fur mantles from the concept art, they had the audacity to taunt us about it too smh.

I do wish at least one of the two sculpts had the fur, there is an older artwork of a warlock with a purpleish robe and gyrinx. I always looked at that artwork as being the ideal style for a warlock.

I don't really despise the 2 new minis, but yeah compared to the new autarch they seem like a step down in terms of options. It feels like they didn't go all out with this kit.

It does appear that the new helmet is based on a sketch from Jes I was unaware of. The sketch seems to have more gems and looks more interesting though. And I think these minis will look a lot better in a different color scheme, the saim hann colors never did anything for me.