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Liking the chainmail versions a lot - I like my scantly clad etc females but this looks great and in keeping with the background you have created

I don't think you can go far if they are like this - which you seem to be doing

On pose 4, please make sure her knees and toes aren't pointed inward. It makes her look like a French Ogre doing the oui-oui stance.

We will keep the poll open for the month of April, then on May we must commence sculpting so a decison must have been taken by then...
There seems to be a favorite among the 4 versions, but we still have time to see, we are hoping at getting more than 400 votes to secure the result a bit more...
:-)

And the favorite version keeps augmenting the distance...

Chainmail. Pose 3 is my fav.

We are proud to announce Shieldwolf Miniatures and Empyrean Rule have decided to collaborate for their upcoming Kickstarter this month.



The collaboration strengthens both companies and aims at the faster development of their goals. We have been given the task to provide a number of miniatures destined as additional rewards to their backers, so go check it out, it really looks like a very promising game! :-)

http://empyreanrule.com/landing

From the official announcement:
"Empyrean Rule is a true sandbox experience derived by the seamless blend of real time tactical battles with a large scale strategy/empire management game in a massive persistent open fantasy world!
Players assume the role of a General, command massive armies and free roam in a world where individuals and empires scheme for power and dominance. It is a world which never sleeps, as everything is happening in real time, and where decisions and actions of players have a direct effect on it."

Is ER planned to be some kind of "always on" MMO?

Empyrean Rule is a game featuring a sandbox experience in an open persistent world and players from all over the world can play together.
It only makes sense this could not work as an offline game, but the development team behind it has also mentioned the possibility of offline skirmish battles against the AI, though that has not been officially confirmed yet -thus take this with a tad of salt. :-)

Having said that, the KS backers will have the option to choose between a STEAM version or a DRM-free version, though in order to access the game, the user would have to be online.

We also had talks with ER of uniting our "worlds", but that is to be discussed much further. Our game's beta-version will be ready by the end of this month, we have collected a respectable number of volunteers to test it in 4 different countries. The possibilities opening are larger as soon as we finish the game -without it there's little to discuss-, but doing so within 2015 looks now a very reasonable target :-)

There seems to be a great battle going on and while there seemed to be an obvious winner (had reached even 49% of total votes), now it seems it will be down to two versions! :-o

If you haven't voted yet, please do, it would help us a lot! We are looking at which version you'd like to see made in a plastic kit.

You can vote here



Thank you.

Yeah i don't think you'll get much support here on Dakka for the "tits out" version..,

I wonder where all the votes for revealing came from.

Actually for us it's the same no matter what people choose most, it's that we are doing some market research and things turned out very interesting initially -we were almost sure what people were asking for according to the first results-, instead the way things are progressing now it's more confusing than resolving... :-/


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
I wonder where all the votes for revealing came from.

That makes two of us, but there is no way of telling where each vote comes from.
The only thing that wedgies certifies (and the main reason we prefer using it for our polls) is limit a single vote to each IP address, therefore these are 300+ genuine people voting, and not a couple of people casting multiple votes...

Just want to say that I got my stuff from the kickstarter (got two sets of mountain orcs) and must say I'm quite impressed with the crisp quality of them and the details on the casts.

Nice work, guys, and eagerly looking forward to your next kickstarter.

 Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote:
Actually for us it's the same no matter what people choose most, it's that we are doing some market research and things turned out very interesting initially -we were almost sure what people were asking for according to the first results-, instead the way things are progressing now it's more confusing than resolving... :-/


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
I wonder where all the votes for revealing came from.

That makes two of us, but there is no way of telling where each vote comes from.
The only thing that wedgies certifies (and the main reason we prefer using it for our polls) is limit a single vote to each IP address, therefore these are 300+ genuine people voting, and not a couple of people casting multiple votes...

Well, there are always people who think that more skin = better. The problem as I see it, aside from the fact that I am not one of those people, is that there are already sooo much TNA in the miniature world. If you go for that, the competition will be HUGE. Reasonably clothed warrior women that don't have stripper bodies however, that's a niche that hasn't really been explored at all, at least not on this scale.

And now I'm sad about the state of things :/

Mymearan, the chainmail option is tied with the exposed one - if you like the chainmail better, go vote for it at the poll link:

https://www.wedgies.com/question/5526f876d9425307000026c5

Yeah, that kind of came out of nowhere with the revealing ones pulling ahead.

There may not be any scantily clad lady armies in hard plastic (although my Pelgarths from Wrath of Kings certainly fit that bill, maybe just not in HP), but having strong looking women in practical armor (in hard plastic) is something that I think would be just as unique, but a whole lot more accessible.

I'll echo a lot of what is said here - I cannot believe that the 'revealing' version is polling that well.

I also can't believe that they'll ever really be a good seller for you.

Chainmail is clearly a winner AND something that can sell though.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the final results show at the end of the month, I'll agree that chainmail seemed like the obvious choice -especially after the first 150/200 votes- but this just got a tad more confusing... :-/
And we really want to start sculting the 3ups next month, so a decision will be taken regardless...

@Mutter Thank you.

Gotta do the chain mail right though. Some of the other poses with split chain mail, or like halter top and mini-skirt, are not as useful. Chain mail is "good" because it can be produced with almost no skill and made effectively off one pattern for everyone. Customization besides removing a few rows or columns to make it a bit smaller kind of kills that, while leaving skin exposed to cutting.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote:
Poses won't be "silly", we are pouring a lot of money into this and it doesn't change once it has been tooled.
Also, they'll need to fit rank n' file so...

From left to right


pose-1 remains like it is

pose-2 right hand changes, maybe right foot forward and shield more close to the body and not in "open" stance

pose-3 remains as is, maybe right foot standing back

pose-4 will change how she holds the weapon but still facing down as if "stabbing" an enemy. This model also gets upgrades in the sprue. Legs also slightly closed for space purposes

pose-5 will remain like it is, as is long as she fits rank n' file, otherwise standing (very slightly) up.

That's the main idea for now... :-)

Specifically, #2 there is silly. 3's mini skirt is strange, and would be better gone or used to make her top longer. 4's wrapped mail is also suspect. A full length skirt like that would be really heavy and prone to making you trip. Better to pull it up to cover her belly, and not have any below the knees. 1 and 5 are good.
If you want to add more variety, you can either have the mail torn in spots, or patched/augmented with leather or metal plates. Different bottom hems can be done too, either triangles or rounded scallops.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Further thing to remember: when thinking chain mail, think T-shirt of various length and bits chopped off. Maybe it is just the front and back of the shirt, laced at the sides. Maybe it is longer or shorter, going to the knees or just above the belt. Maybe it is patched with other stuff, or looking new.

@Wehrkind
I'll second that #2 is kinda silly (we will probably make the chainmail shorter and more "complete"), but the artist was given the following instructions (I'll try translating it to my best) "The armor must cover up a lot but not everything, this version must not make them look like chainmailed mummies. We want them with enough chainmail to be at least partialy protected but also maintain the fantasy aspect and not making them look like historcal. Keep the sexy portion but without it being dancy sexy strippers, these women are warriors and are going to war! Thus rather leave most things to the imaginaton. Remember, we are making fantasy figures, this means stretched concepts yes, but also believable"

#3 for example we would like to keep. Yes, I agree that the stomach area should be covered to make it more real, but we like the fantasy concept. Is it that bad?

I suspect the early votes were from here (and other forums where you posted the poll?),

so relatively experienced wargamers, and possibly more invested in games where they buy multiple of figures

the later votes are those who are less invested in 'armies' as word of the poll spreads via postings on social networks etc so you may well be seeing more of the view of mini painters, roleplayers, collectors etc

for example Reaper has data (reported by Reaper Bryan) that shows when they offer a 'nude' vs partially clothes vs clothed version of one of their minis the nude outsells the partially clothed and that outsells the sensibly clothed version, and their buyer demographic is more RPC/Painter/Collector than wargamer

Edit: Personally I'd be tempted by either but suspect you'll sell more boxes of the chainmail clad ones (if you were selling single's I'd suggest going for the partially clothed version)

 Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote:

The only thing that wedgies certifies (and the main reason we prefer using it for our polls) is limit a single vote to each IP address, therefore these are 300+ genuine people voting, and not a couple of people casting multiple votes...

Is that it? Say the word, and if I'n bored enough, I can get the chainmail version up to 99% in favour #.

I'll be honest, if one version was the most popular, and then another has just suddenly started seeing loads of votes, it's probably one person who reaaaally wants their naked women sculpts.

 OrlandotheTechnicoloured wrote:
...for example Reaper has data (reported by Reaper Bryan) that shows when they offer a 'nude' vs partially clothes vs clothed version of one of their minis the nude outsells the partially clothed and that outsells the sensibly clothed version, and their buyer demographic is more RPC/Painter/Collector than wargamer...

This is a very important piece of information you're sharing here, much appreciated! :-)


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Ketara wrote:

 Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote:

The only thing that wedgies certifies (and the main reason we prefer using it for our polls) is limit a single vote to each IP address, therefore these are 300+ genuine people voting, and not a couple of people casting multiple votes...

Is that it? Say the word, and if I'n bored enough, I can get the chainmail version up to 99% in favour #.

I'll be honest, if one version was the most popular, and then another has just suddenly started seeing loads of votes, it's probably one person who reaaaally wants their naked women sculpts.

Lol! :-D

 Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote:
@Wehrkind
I'll second that #2 is kinda silly (we will probably make the chainmail shorter and more "complete"), but the artist was given the following instructions (I'll try translating it to my best) "The armor must cover up a lot but not everything, this version must not make them look like chainmailed mummies. We want them with enough chainmail to be at least partialy protected but also maintain the fantasy aspect and not making them look like historcal. Keep the sexy portion but without it being dancy sexy strippers, these women are warriors and are going to war! Thus rather leave most things to the imaginaton. Remember, we are making fantasy figures, this means stretched concepts yes, but also believable"

#3 for example we would like to keep. Yes, I agree that the stomach area should be covered to make it more real, but we like the fantasy concept. Is it that bad?

#3 is fine, but would look more sensible to remove the mini-chain skirt. Then the concept is internally consistent; she just doesn't have enough mail.

Sexy and fantasy is fine, but most of the appeal here seems to be based on the idea that they are practical, serious women going to war. Many companies make various sexy fantasy women in more or less armor. Not many historicals companies make females in general, and those are often less obviously female. A quick Google Image search of viking miniatures turned up about 4 clothed women vikings, all in metal and mostly from Reaper, using a sufficiently small value for "clothed". "female barbarian miniature" turns up similar results, and highlights the situation.

Not exactly ground breaking marking research, but there seems to be a good sized niche to fill.

 Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote:

 OrlandotheTechnicoloured wrote:
...for example Reaper has data (reported by Reaper Bryan) that shows when they offer a 'nude' vs partially clothes vs clothed version of one of their minis the nude outsells the partially clothed and that outsells the sensibly clothed version, and their buyer demographic is more RPC/Painter/Collector than wargamer...

This is a very important piece of information you're sharing here, much appreciated! :-)

I tried to find the actual quote on the Reaper forums but I can't so treat the info with a pinch of salt just in case I'm miss-remembering

EDIT: My Google-Fu is strong, it's here

http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/45507-storm-giants/page-15

Multi part plastics really seem like a weak medium for sumptuous nudity. There would need to be joins at the shoulders, the neck and possibly the waist. Combine those seams with the infamous lack of undercuts, and plastic seems like a terrible medium for T'n'A. However, armor or chain mail work much better with the medium.

 Wehrkind wrote:
Gotta do the chain mail right though. Some of the other poses with split chain mail, or like halter top and mini-skirt, are not as useful. Chain mail is "good" because it can be produced with almost no skill and made effectively off one pattern for everyone. Customization besides removing a few rows or columns to make it a bit smaller kind of kills that, while leaving skin exposed to cutting.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote:
Poses won't be "silly", we are pouring a lot of money into this and it doesn't change once it has been tooled.
Also, they'll need to fit rank n' file so...

From left to right


pose-1 remains like it is

pose-2 right hand changes, maybe right foot forward and shield more close to the body and not in "open" stance

pose-3 remains as is, maybe right foot standing back

pose-4 will change how she holds the weapon but still facing down as if "stabbing" an enemy. This model also gets upgrades in the sprue. Legs also slightly closed for space purposes

pose-5 will remain like it is, as is long as she fits rank n' file, otherwise standing (very slightly) up.

That's the main idea for now... :-)

Specifically, #2 there is silly. 3's mini skirt is strange, and would be better gone or used to make her top longer. 4's wrapped mail is also suspect. A full length skirt like that would be really heavy and prone to making you trip. Better to pull it up to cover her belly, and not have any below the knees. 1 and 5 are good.
If you want to add more variety, you can either have the mail torn in spots, or patched/augmented with leather or metal plates. Different bottom hems can be done too, either triangles or rounded scallops.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Further thing to remember: when thinking chain mail, think T-shirt of various length and bits chopped off. Maybe it is just the front and back of the shirt, laced at the sides. Maybe it is longer or shorter, going to the knees or just above the belt. Maybe it is patched with other stuff, or looking new.

#1 is just plain bad. She looks like she's just tripped on a rock.
#2 could use some tweaking but is hardly silly. Not at all sure what anyone finds silly about her.
#3 is ok. Not great, not terrible.
#4 needs to have the way she is holding the weapon adjusted. Right now I'd say she's pretty silly. But still not as bad as #1...
#5 is fine as is really.

~Eric

 Ketara wrote:

 Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote:

The only thing that wedgies certifies (and the main reason we prefer using it for our polls) is limit a single vote to each IP address, therefore these are 300+ genuine people voting, and not a couple of people casting multiple votes...

Is that it? Say the word, and if I'n bored enough, I can get the chainmail version up to 99% in favour #.

I'll be honest, if one version was the most popular, and then another has just suddenly started seeing loads of votes, it's probably one person who reaaaally wants their naked women sculpts.

With the amount of miniatures that are T&A you really think one person is driving around town doing the survey over and over again? That's a little ridiculous.

The Scantily clad ladies are popular....one look at how well RagingHeroes kick starters have done is all the proof you need.

I don't think SW will lose sales by releasing the more popular vote. I do think thy might make a ton of money by offering the ability to make both.

personally I'm sad the vote didn't make the unarmored non revealing one......I thought it was a good mix of skin and barbarian warriors. An army of screaming red sonjas

 rayphoton wrote:

 Ketara wrote:

 Shieldwolf Miniatures wrote:

The only thing that wedgies certifies (and the main reason we prefer using it for our polls) is limit a single vote to each IP address, therefore these are 300+ genuine people voting, and not a couple of people casting multiple votes...

Is that it? Say the word, and if I'n bored enough, I can get the chainmail version up to 99% in favour #.

I'll be honest, if one version was the most popular, and then another has just suddenly started seeing loads of votes, it's probably one person who reaaaally wants their naked women sculpts.

With the amount of miniatures that are T&A you really think one person is driving around town doing the survey over and over again? That's a little ridiculous.

It does not limit based on IP, but based on computer. Just need someone to go to a place with multiple comps.

Still...with companies like hassle free making some fantastic "adult" barbarians....i just cant see one guy at a public library hitting up every computer to sway a vote.

Maybe its just me though......