The Barracks: Customs You Can Use Now - Nominate Here!

[justjohn]

It was great while it lasted, and though it's been dormant for some time now, has added a great resource to the community with all of your nominations and voting.

Thanks to everyone who has taken part in the barracks!

The barracks are finished, and the tried and trued system will now officially be the crux by which great customs will be weighed! Great job to everyone getting that system set up!


This is where all nominations for The Barracks will go.

The Barracks: Units You Can Use Now is a gallery of customs created by and voted on by custom creators and this community. They may not represent the best of the best (those can be found here: Halls Of Valhalla. (http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10007/woodwoadcard.jpg)

Cards already voted into the Barracks are found here. (http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=987)

Nominated customs will be displayed in this thread until their time has come to be voted on. At that time they will be removed from the nomination thread, be given their own voting thread, and then be either Barracks bound or back to the drawing board.

Rules:
1)Post nominations only.
2)Include a picture of the nominated unit.
3)Include the creator.
4)You may not post more than 3 nominations at one time. Once those 3 nominations have been voted on, feel free to nominate 3 more.
5)Consider your nomination before posting it. Is this custom really ready for people to allow into their games? Would you play with it? Is it grammatically correct? If no to any of these, consult the custom creator's thread and voice your opinion there, the said problems will more than likely be fixed, and that custom will be ready for this thread.
6)No Halls of Valhalla Customs, being in the best of the best makes them shoe-ins for playability.
____________________________________________________________
Completed Discussion and Voting Threads:

Merged thread containing voting and discussion from Veridian Dusk Devil to Arctic Migoi (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=1138&highlight=barracks)

Shade (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=1151&highlight=barracks)

Paladin (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=1458&highlight=barracks)

Bodybag (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=1459&highlight=barracks)

Shockwave (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=2035&highlight=barracks)

The Argonauts (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=2163&highlight=barracks)

Xirkov The Kyrie Warrior (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=2164&highlight=barracks)

War Mammoth (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=2565&highlight=barracks)

Arrica The Cloud Priestess (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=2489&highlight=barracks)

Walking Dead (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=2688&highlight=barracks)

Celestial Worm (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=2625&highlight=barracks)

Polyphemus (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=3727&highlight=barracks)

6th Regiment of Foot and Colour Sergeant (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=3665&highlight=barracks)

Aria (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=2863&highlight=barracks)

Sir Duril (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=3822&highlight=barracks)

Lei-Gong (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=3789&highlight=barracks)

Carrion (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=3963&highlight=barracks)

Makamoto Emissaries (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=4002&highlight=barracks)

Arukar, The Mighty (http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=4049)

Zombikazes (http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=4091)

Rumepell Stillskin (http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?p=132003#143874)

Khalfani (http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?p=133628#145659)

Captain Britain (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?p=134555#146619)

Tonk (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?p=136186#148407)

Al Mahktar (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=4300&sid=e3399bbd38740bdb3728b15fd838cbfe)

Sir Clavus (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=4353&start=45)

Thyrm (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=4399)

Wolverine (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=4455)

Kuang-Shi (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?p=143352#156280)

Omicron Heavy Assault Mechs and Omicron Warlord (http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=4793)

Fanghor the Furious (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?p=178204#193259)

Leech Medic (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=8180&start=0)

Beowulf (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=8179&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0)

Scorpion (http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=8244)

Darth Vader (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=8341)

Sgt. Darke Aleksander (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?p=250391#272586)

Father McPherson (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?p=252975#275298)

Asgard Mithrilaxe (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=8637)

[Grungebob]

The Preatorians. DMG painted, Euryon did the abilities and stats, Truth did the card.... It's sitting in my folder because ....well I don't know why:

[truth]

I'm in favor of the 13 vote rule. We were getting votes fast to start but they are starting to slow down. And if something gets voted in before someone gets here to vote so be it, this is supposed to be a large resource of playable customs no?

[Grungebob]

I like the 13 yes vote rule

[Doc_Savage]

I also thought that this was to be a resource of customs with readily available figures................ My MacGreggor uses a pretty rare fig, so I'm not sure it belongs. The Kuang-Shi are still being finalized....

[Fallen Templar]

Since truth can't nominate his own unit these 2 should really be here

[reapersaurus]

Doc Savage's Arctic Migoi


They are SO thematically perfect for Tundra, and the figure rocks and is pretty cheap right now. It's a D&D miniatures- Girallon, IIRC.

I'd think these would be a slam-dunk induction, but what do I know about popular opinion. :shrug:

Here is Doc's EXCELLENT draconian, the best of his group (which can stand alone):


:lol: ! I just noticed the filename of the card - Pete's Dragon. :D

This unit does 2 (very) important things:
1) Has an attack against the horde of armies that are based on common squads. This alone should warrant play, IMO, since strong common squads turned HS dangerously close to SquadScape. : :puke:
2) Creates a wonderfully-obvious rule of attacking before or after moving.
This is so basic, I'm shocked it hasn't been done more.

2 amazingly-refreshing abiltities that deserve to see HS play in one custom.

(I don't know what figure it uses....)
________________________

I would lean towards much more easy-to-acquire figures to be spotlighted in the Barracks, but that's just my preference.
Many of these so far don't seem to have easy figs.

Fallen Templar's Agnar has way too many typos to be considered a playable card, IMO. :( And rules issues.
The Aliens, as good as they look on the card, have serious ability/cost issues as I've detailed in their threads, and their figures cost an arm and a leg, unfortunately. And you know how much I love your work, Annerios. Sorry. :(

[Grungebob]

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10052/2_Shin.jpg

I find this little gem to be intriguing!! Unfortunately I have not had a chance to play this one yet!!

[Grungebob]

I'm going to nominate anothe wizard. Fallen Templar's Earth Wzard is just very cool and powerful, but fragile. Points costing is hard for this kind of unit. Let's see is this is Barracks stuff.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/Fallen_Templar7/TRAVEN2.jpg

[Grungebob]

Here is a unit that belongs in everyones collection:

http://www.screamingtruth.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/elentar_the_cloud_champion_sized.jpg

[reapersaurus]

They need to be included with their excellent counterparts:

http://www.screamingtruth.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/landarian_cloud_warriors_sized.jpg
What figures are these?
It's too bad truth doesn't have a creator's page that details all these great old units, many of which should be in many customs-afficionados files.

And their only issue is that Agile kinda competes against the Jump attack, and probably makes it most of the time unneeded, since they can get to their opponent pretty well by using Agile, and use their normal attack, but it certainly contributes to the same theme, which may be its own benefit.

Also the 2nd solid accompanying squad:
http://www.screamingtruth.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/landarian_sky_guard_sized.jpg
What figures were these?

[Gambit]

i nomitnate these guys, by IMax

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10020/paladin.jpg

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10020/bodybag.jpg

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10020/shockwave.jpg

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10020/reaper.jpg

http://heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10020/firebug.jpg

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10020/sentinel.jpg

[Fallen Templar]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/Fallen_Templar7/TRAVEN2.jpg
The Earth Wizard was updated heres the newer version :D
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/Fallen_Templar7/TRAVEN3.jpg

[justjohn]

LilNewbie's Xirvok:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/LilNewbie/HS%20Cards/Xirvok.jpg

This is just a very simple beat stick, and a nice additional selection in the 100 point hero bracket. It also uses a very cheap, good looking MK mini.

[Widigo]

Has neters Cloud Prisetest (spelling?) been nominated?

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e383/netherspirit/Heroscape/heroscape-griffinrider.jpg

[Fallen Templar]

I want to nominiate Atomspro Minotaur I won't try to type the name I Just butcher it. Also Truths Ladarian Figures are MK Rivvenguard Archers, and Cloud Warriors. I'll find out what set their from and post them.
http://upload4.postimage.org/442322_7f66ab20257de717b08ac1e58759c263/cerunnos_thewildhunt.jpg
Also since it's an Exspensive Figure I also put a figure suggestion in.
The Figure is the Minotaur from D&D Giants of Legend.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/GoL_Gallery/72GoL54Minotaur.jpg

[Widigo]

Ok now that I am fully wake I am here to nominate, Netherspirit's Cloud Priestess. I am not going to post the picture here, (is that necessary?) It was posted recently and can be found on his customs page, it matches several great customs already in the Barracks.

Also I second the nomination for IMax’s customs in the above post. Are those Warrhammer 40k figures?

Widigo

[Grungebob]

I'd play this guy!!:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10070/WarMammoth.jpg

[Fallen Templar]

Since Karkadinn doesn't pay attention heres a unit he nominated :wink:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Euryon/celestial_wyrm.jpg

[Fallen Templar]

I nominated Annerios zombies
http://img.inkfrog.com/pix/Annerios/Walking_Dead_rev4.JPG

[Rhydderch]

Since we're low on nominations I'll give it a go. I'd like to nominate Aria the Falconer by allskulls. The card has a fun and thematic ability that allows players to pick an army card to use in place of Aria. She also helps to fill the 50 point and below slot for heroes:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10026/Aria%7E0.jpg
The figure is the MK Elven Falconer.

[LilNewbie]

I'd like to nominate Nether's Redcoat card. Great idea and the card has had a chance to mature to a very cool unit.

Squad
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e383/netherspirit/Heroscape/heroscape-britishredcoats.jpg

Leader
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e383/netherspirit/Heroscape/heroscape-regimentcaptain.jpg

Figures are repainted 4th Mass figures

Newb.

[Karkadinn]

Nomination time. This time I'm even doing it in the right thread, nya. ;P In order, Euryon's Polyphemus, Doc Savage's Lei-Gong, and Netherspirit's Sir Duril.

(Images cleaned up to keep the thread tidy.)

[Euryon]

Thanks for the nom. Kark :) However, I don't think Polyphemus really fits in the barracks as the figure isn't that easy to get hold of :(
If i'd used a MK or D&D fig, sure, but the model - whilst occasionally purchaseable - probably isn't the easiest to get hold of for the average gamer.
That said, if the powers that be are for it, I won't stand in the way of democracy :)

[Doc_Savage]

I don't know Euryon - I bought a Polyphemus on ebay for $8 delivered. It's already painted and in my hands in less than a week upon seeing the card. Seems easy enough to me and Barracks worthy as well.

Thanks for the nomination Kark!

[netherspirit]

I had about 10-12 picked out that I wanted to nominate but it says we can only nominate three at a time. So here were the first three on my list.

Euryon
I've always liked this guy, even if I don't like the card layout :P (I am a purist). Voting Thread Here (http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=3963&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Euryon/carrion.jpg

JustJohn
I've always liked the idea of a figure that can't attack.
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9201/makamotocs8.jpg

Truth
Its Truth, nuff said.
http://www.screamingtruth.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/arukar_the_mighty_copy.jpg

JJ - If you don't mind I'd to go through all the other posts and remove the images from them, just to clean the thread up a bit. Thats what the first post says, that they will be removed after their poll is started. I will await a response from you before doing it though.

[SketchArtistComposite]

Isnt 35 points for carrion like really cheap?

[justjohn]

Sure, nether, go ahead. And thanks for the nomination.

[Euryon]

Thanks for the nom.

And sketch - he's a common hero. But when (if) the discussion thread opens up, please bring any issues you have! You can also go to my thread to discuss it there :)

[Karkadinn]

Carrion always pissed me off 'cause he uses the same fig I used for my Ghoulish Centaurs, without even a repaint or anything, and no real figure-specific powers to justify the choice. Ah well, c'est la vie... :P

[Euryon]

...which is what the discussion thread is there for - to make such comments in the hope of stress alleviation ;)

[netherspirit]

I deleted the images from the first few threads and then got the idea to just remove the IMG tags so there can still be some kind of record of nominations. All tidy now.

[justjohn]

Some more nominations:

From Hextr1p:
http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10027/HexZombikazes.jpg

From netherspirit:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e383/netherspirit/Heroscape/heroscape-rumepell.jpg

From Karkadin:
http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10110/Khalfani.png

[bunjee]

Hey all,

I'm interested in joining the discussion for barracks noms more. One thing that I would really love to see... links. Links to the voting threads, links to the original place where the unit was developed. Yes, I know I can go dig around the forum to get to them, but when time is tight, I want to focus on reading and commenting, not on page loads and title scanning. Feel free to call me lazy, but it seems like a reasonable request.

Ok, off to find what is still being discussed and voted on from the current nominations.

[justjohn]

Honestly, until the recent surge in custom activity due to more rabbits poking their heads out of their holes, for whatever reason, over the past few days, the discussion threads would stay on the first page until the discussion/voting was over (start to finish, 4 days).

I have no problem with offering links. Want me to add that as a stipulation for when you nominate something, that you need to provide a link to the person's thread?

Where would you like the voting threads linked from? If I had access to constantly update the barracks display thread, I would be happy to add in new links to voting/discussion threads as they became available. Other than that, I have no idea where we could thread(s) we could post links to the current voting threads.

As a side note, bunjee, do you have a recent link to your Treant custom that's in the barracks? I noticed that the link was no longer working.

Finally, glad to know there will be another familiar face taking up interest in the Barracks system.

[InfinityMax]

Jasinskiracing just busted out a Captain Britain that I think is a pretty cool custom, so I'm nominating it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/jasinskiracing/CaptainBritainCard.jpg

[bunjee]

As a side note, bunjee, do you have a recent link to your Treant custom that's in the barracks? I noticed that the link was no longer working.

Finally, glad to know there will be another familiar face taking up interest in the Barracks system.I noticed that earlier, but thought it was my connection. Now I realize it was because I uploaded a new version. I fixed the img address.

[Zeek]

I nominate LilNewbie's Custom "Tonk" card for the Barracks.

The figure is widely available right now.

The abilities are theamatic.

It incorporates the new dice well.

I like the fig, and am going to buy it to play this card. :D

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/LilNewbie/HS%20Cards/Tonk.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/LilNewbie/Unit%20Figs/100_2648.jpg

[Taelord]

I would like to nominat Fallen Templar's Al Mahktar

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k135/Taelord/AlMahktar1.jpg

Netherspirit's Sir Clavus

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k135/Taelord/heroscape-sirclavus.jpg

And Atmospro's Thyrm, king of the giants

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k135/Taelord/normal_Thrym_king_of_the_giants.jpg

[Zeeno]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f60/Doc_Savage/Heroscape%20Cards/WolverineV3.jpg

I nominate Doc Savage's Wolverine

[deathsaurx]

Wow, just read the front page. Darn, I can't nominate all of them...Oh welll, I nominate LordRaidor's Zaravi. Considering some of you even worked on them, they could be halls-worthy! Here are the ones I thought were the best:

All the Zaravi have this species power, just to let you know:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10038/normal_Zaravi_Power_card.jpg

Adlilum:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10038/normal_Adilium_card.jpg

Quevalus:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10038/normal_Quevalus_card.jpg

Zovela:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10038/normal_Zovela_card.jpg

They are pretty hard to obtain but they are worth it! Proxy it a couple times and see if you like them as much as I did! They are a gamble but they can be very rewarding....

[NecroBlade]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f60/Doc_Savage/Heroscape%20Cards/WolverineV3.jpg

I nominate Doc Savage's WolverineSeconded. I absolutely LOVE using the X order marker on Weapon X!

I'd also like to nominate Doc_Savage's Kuang-Shi. They're simple, innovative, and not overpowered.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f60/Doc_Savage/Heroscape%20Cards/Kuang-Shiv5.jpg

[netherspirit]

:bump:

If you have seen a custom you think should be in the barracks, nominate it. :D

[Taelord]

Euryon's Isiah Blackfeather. Here is a link to the picture.
http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=4754

[Miniature Geek]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/Skyknightsalbum/HCC%20cards/OmnicronHeavyAssaultMechsCard.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/Skyknightsalbum/HCC%20cards/OmnicronWarlordCard.jpg

I always liked these figures.

EDIT: D'oh Should have said, these are Skyknights.

[justjohn]

This has kind of fallen off. I'm bringing it back.

Reqman's Fanghor the Furious:
http://waronline.net/heroscape/fanghor.jpg

Custom_Creator's Caldera:
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q288/Master_Halcyon/caldera.jpg

EyeOfSauron's Beowulf:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/165/335862952_245cbed7bd_o.png

I don't want this to revert to justjohn's favorite units. Please, if you see a custom you really like, and you think it's playable, nominate it here!

[NecroBlade]

EyeOfSauron's Beowulf:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/165/335862952_245cbed7bd_o.pngI have to disagree with this nomination, at least until the second ability is fixed. As it is, you can just roll however many times you want, eventually giving him 23476235 attack dice.

[NecroBlade]

Crypto's Leech Medic:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10230/LeechMedicCard.jpg

I've heard positives and negatives about more healers, but I think the extremely weak stats of this one, making it useful ONLY in its intended role, work well. A couple of these could give an army's heroes some longevity without much cost. Solid custom IMO.

[NecroBlade]

This thread needs to stop falling back on the 3759645987th page. More importantly, Annerios' Scorpion needs to be voted into the Barracks:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10013/ScorpionCard.PNG

Amazing custom figure work, great capture of the character with the abilities, and one of the best all-around customs there is!

[IAmBatman]

In interest of getting this thread back up and going (soooo many useable customs out there, yet the barracks are so bare!) I'm throwing up a few nominations from things I've found through the a-z customs creators list that particularly appealed to me.

Here's a couple I liked from yagyuninja to start out with. You can find his thread at http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=867&start=0
Here's yagyuninja's Darth Vader and Sgt. Darke Aleksander, a fun, bizzaro world take off of Drake Alexander.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/IBeBats/Darthvader_small.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/IBeBats/SgtDarke.jpg

[NecroBlade]

Personally, I like Star Wars customs with "Force Sensitive X" (a riff on Gift of Magic) (also, being a huge Star Wars fan, I'm frustrated by the inability to fully express a Jedi's powers in that limited space), that being said, I do think that Vader's pretty good, but I will second Sgt. Darke-he's pretty cool, I can't believe I haven't seen him before!

[IAmBatman]

so ... uh, pardon my ignorance (and my desire not to have this thread disappear down the page before it's noticed ...) but now that I've made nominations, what happens next?

[netherspirit]

so ... uh, pardon my ignorance (and my desire not to have this thread disappear down the page before it's noticed ...) but now that I've made nominations, what happens next?

JustJohn or myself (most likely JustJohn) will create a thread for the nominated unit. The thread will be open for discussion (1 or 2 days I think) after that period of time a poll will be added and the voting will commence for 1 or 2 days. Anyone can vote, I can't remember exactly how many yes will get a unit in or how many noes will keep a unit out.

All the "I thinks" are because its been awhile since we've had a nomination and I can't remember the exact process and am too lazy to look it up right now.

[NecroBlade]

All the "I thinks" are because its been awhile since we've had a nomination and I can't remember the exact process and am too lazy to look it up right now.It's a shame. Not having any in a looooong time and you being lazy. :P

[justjohn]

Yikes. Been a while since this has been active. Thanks for kickstarting it, guys. I think I need to back track and get the last 2 nominations, Beowulf and Scorpion. I'll do a double, though, and get both of them up so we can get to the newer stuff.

[IAmBatman]

Yikes. Been a while since this has been active. Thanks for kickstarting it, guys. I think I need to back track and get the last 2 nominations, Beowulf and Scorpion. I'll do a double, though, and get both of them up so we can get to the newer stuff.

No worries, I'm trying to take a more active role in the customs community, since it's an area of interest for me (and fun way to distract myself from what I SHOULD be working on ...)

[Annerios]

I'd like to nominate this card by Lilnewbie:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/LilNewbie/HS%20Cards/FatherMcPherson.jpg

My family and I have used him in some zombie scenarios recently and he is
very useful. A really fun and thematic card with a cheap and easy to acquire Horrorclix figure.

[netherspirit]

This card is one of Fallen Templar's creations, its a very thematic dwarf.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/Fallen_Templar7/Custom%20Units/AsgardMithrilaxecopy.jpg

[ZBeeblebrox]

OK, I just want to say a few words about the Barracks and the lack of energy it has compared to last year.

The problem I see now, is that many new people are on the boards, and while their customs are nice...they are not worthy of the barracks.
See this is what I perceive as wrong with the way entries get put into the barracks. First one gets nominated, then we discuss if its worthy of judging then we judge.
The problems I see with this method, is that their are many people on this site who can contribute to making the nomination better, but most of the time we criticize and do not help create a good custom.

I like what Allskulls, IAmBatman and others are doing in the Marvel Customs area. They work together to tighten up the custom and really make it worthy of playing. I was wondering if a re-vamp of Barracks procedures may be in order, to more reflect that style; because it seems to be working quite well.

Just my 2 cents, but I have not seen Barracks activity in many months.

[Aldin]

You know Zaphod, Lord Raidor made a comment in his thread that I found awfully interesting, that he wasn't going to be making new customs because the need for new custome to expand the options available in the HS world has melted. (Paraphrased and emphasis is mine).

There is still plenty of room for great customs, but I suspect LR has placed his finger directly on the pulse of the problem with the barracks. First, there are already many excellent customs filling the "gaps" in the HS world. Second, there are enough official units that the need for more options has really shrunk. Thus I think most (but not all) new HS customs have lost the fan base that used to really try to improve them so they could be played with by members other than the creator. Personally, I love critiquing and proxying customs, but that's just my inclination - I don't feel a need for any more units to fill out my armies.

Marvel is in the heyday HS is now past. There are very few units and therefore a huge need for more Marvel customs. I believe that is why you see such a blossoming over there. I certainly don't think HS customs are dead, and I really enjoy perusing the speed customs threads, but I'm not sure we'll see a whole lot more "barracks-worthy" units.

~Aldin, who also really liked nether's custom creator of the week

[ZBeeblebrox]

Hey Aldin,

That is a very good point...I never thought of that. Probally because I still lack most of waves 1 and 3. So my collection is not as complete. Plus I have so many clix figures that I want to use as customs, so I feel that I did not waste money on those games. I always look for what is out there, because of my lack of being able to make some myself. and the barracks had been a really good place to find some of the better ideas.

~ZB, thanking Aldin for his insight :)

[NecroBlade]

Even if there isn't a need as much any more for classic customs, I for one would still like to see the sort of discussion that goes on in the Marvel section. Yes, many of the 'gaps' have been filled in, but that doesn't mean all those cards have been polished off. The problem with the way the barracks worked, when it did, was that it was really just a vote based on the card's current state. As the TNT guys are doing, I think a card should be presented, lots of discussion and polishing of abilities should happen, then there should be some sort of voting process. Not only does this help display the best of the best of the customs world, but it helps everyone become a better custom creator and may spark new ideas. So in a way, I don't want to see the old barracks back, I want to see a new and improved barracks.

[Aldin]

When nether was spotlighting one customs creator per week back at the beginning of the year did that satisfy what you are thinking abot here? I had another member come to me recently asking how to get more/better feedback on their customs and sadly, I don't think I helped them much. If there were some way to focus custom interest on a single project for a short period of time I think I would be all for it. Do you have any ideas for making this work functionally?

~Aldin, by proxy

[NecroBlade]

I think the Marvel guys have it down pretty well, but I agree with liking what nether was doing. Perhaps we could have a "Custom Creator" nomination, or nominate "projects" (such as Goblyn's Dreamblade conversions) in addition to individual cards.

From the nominations, an individual card could be selected for this process once a week, or bi-weekly, depending on how much discussion there is and how long the "polishing" process takes. Entire creators bodies of work or projects could be selected once a month, since they'd be much bigger to tackle. I think that, in addition to the panel of judges the Marvel guys use, we could still have the voting process. So after a week of discussion and polishing, the judges for that particular card would say whether or not it's ready for votes, then a poll would be put up for everyone to have their say in. Although perhaps this is getting to be too bureaucratic...

[ZBeeblebrox]

I think the Marvel guys have it down pretty well, but I agree with liking what nether was doing. Perhaps we could have a "Custom Creator" nomination, or nominate "projects" (such as Goblyn's Dreamblade conversions) in addition to individual cards.

From the nominations, an individual card could be selected for this process once a week, or bi-weekly, depending on how much discussion there is and how long the "polishing" process takes. Entire creators bodies of work or projects could be selected once a month, since they'd be much bigger to tackle. I think that, in addition to the panel of judges the Marvel guys use, we could still have the voting process. So after a week of discussion and polishing, the judges for that particular card would say whether or not it's ready for votes, then a poll would be put up for everyone to have their say in. Although perhaps this is getting to be too bureaucratic...

This was my intent, to get heroscpare customs in here more feedback. Sadly I have played so few actual games, that I lack expert theoryscape, but others are very good at hashing out abilities.
I think if we ran the barracks like the trials, we may be pleased with tthe outcome: Polished customs that we can print and use in our games.
But rather than have more polls, let's playtest and have expert judges say yeah or nah.

[allskulls]

This was my intent, to get heroscpare customs in here more feedback. Sadly I have played so few actual games, that I lack expert theoryscape, but others are very good at hashing out abilities.
I think if we ran the barracks like the trials, we may be pleased with tthe outcome: Polished customs that we can print and use in our games.
But rather than have more polls, let's playtest and have expert judges say yeah or nah.
I think that is the way to go. When you get a handful of judges open to everyone's input and dedicated to perfecting the customs, you have a good thing going. I think the process over here will be more swift too since there is no expectation to capture the theme well known characters. I may have to submit some of my old stuff :D

[ZBeeblebrox]

I really like what you guys are doing in the Marvel forum, Allskulls.
I think a group of judges is a better way to go, therefore it may put as much a time burdon on someone. This way a small group of three have the final say, but there are many groups of three availble.

[allskulls]

I really like what you guys are doing in the Marvel forum, Allskulls.
I think a group of judges is a better way to go, therefore it may put as much a time burdon on someone. This way a small group of three have the final say, but there are many groups of three availble.
Thanks to all the great judges and various inputters (new word?). The many groups of 3 allow for various trials to go on at one time. One suggestion is to never have a single judge assigned to more than one trial. It can really slow the process.

[hi1hi1hi1hi1]

I really like what you guys are doing in the Marvel forum, Allskulls.
I think a group of judges is a better way to go, therefore it may put as much a time burdon on someone. This way a small group of three have the final say, but there are many groups of three availble.
Thanks to all the great judges and various inputters (new word?). The many groups of 3 allow for various trials to go on at one time. One suggestion is to never have a single judge assigned to more than one trial. It can really slow the process.As a small part of the Marvel custom area, I will say that this method has been one of the best ideas out there. Back in Novemeber when the Creator of the Week and A-Z list was created I was a part of that and hoped it would bring new life into the custom community. It did for awhile, but that seems to have died now. If the barraks is desired to make a triuphant return I vote in favor of doing the same as was done in the Marvel section. Allskulls you had a great idea there!

[Pumpkin_King]

I really like what you guys are doing in the Marvel forum, Allskulls.
I think a group of judges is a better way to go, therefore it may put as much a time burdon on someone. This way a small group of three have the final say, but there are many groups of three availble.
Thanks to all the great judges and various inputters (new word?). The many groups of 3 allow for various trials to go on at one time. One suggestion is to never have a single judge assigned to more than one trial. It can really slow the process.As a small part of the Marvel custom area, I will say that this method has been one of the best ideas out there. Back in Novemeber when the Creator of the Week and A-Z list was created I was a part of that and hoped it would bring new life into the custom community. It did for awhile, but that seems to have died now. If the barraks is desired to make a triuphant return I vote in favor of doing the same as was done in the Marvel section. Allskulls you had a great idea there!
If this idea is truly going to be put into action, I will say in advance, I will support it in any way my 56k modem will allow. I want the customs community to have more co-operation than just occasionally posting in other's threads. If you do anything, count me in as a helper.

[NecroBlade]

What P_K said, except with a faster connection. ;) I'll be more than happy to sit on the judging panel of any customs.

[ZBeeblebrox]

Necro, you would make a good judge, for you are one of the few that does comment on others cards once in a while. Also you tend to comment on each Speed Custom entry, while the votes are in progress.

I wish i could say i could be a judge, but I fear my lack of playing time does not allow me to speculate as well others here in this forum.

[NecroBlade]

That could be a problem for me, too Zaphod. I'd try my best, but I fear my work would be mostly theoretical. On the other hand, I'm getting three new roommates, so maybe one of them will play 'scape. :pray:

[skyknight]

The problem was that interest died very quickly for Customs over here. Getting ten votes would have been great. Marvelscape is new and people want new units with it. The customs over here in regular Scape just stopped generating interest. I for one stopped doing them. I enjoyed it but it was not worth one guy poping in and saying cool anymore. If you do customs anymore it is usually for yourself and not the community since the community has drifted away from them.

[whitestuff]

The problem was that interest died very quickly for Customs over here. Getting ten votes would have been great. Marvelscape is new and people want new units with it. The customs over here in regular Scape just stopped generating interest. I for one stopped doing them. I enjoyed it but it was not worth one guy poping in and saying cool anymore. If you do customs anymore it is usually for yourself and not the community since the community has drifted away from them. Here's my :2cents: Personally, I can see how the process of refinement that the genius allskulls started in the Marvel custom section has helped with tweaking army cards made by even seasoned amateurs ;) The community, as a whole, might have moved on but there still seems to be a core group of custom creators that would benefit from an open and frank discussion about what they are doing. I know that I would. The problem, as I see it, has been sheer volume. There is just far too many cards made to comment on them, but, choosing select cards and working on them as a cohesive group is a very satisfying process, for the creator and the judges. I'd definitely support a classicscape customs TNTlike process.

[hi1hi1hi1hi1]

I can say that as a former custom creator almost all my interest in making customs has faded. Originally I started making customs for our own use, but with the additional waves I made customs just for the fun of making them. When I was on HQ there was a lot of interest and some good critique, but now it is mostly a couple of people saying nice job. Not playing with customs in battle ever I lost interest. Then with the introduction of Marvel the customs are once again appealing, the problem is I know nothing of superheroes. That's why I took to helping the other creators.

With speed contests there seems to be enough interest in regular customs. I think that if the same system is introduced in here as the Marvel section, many would be re-introduced into customs and a new interest would come. That said I would surely submit my own customs and hp out others in anyway I could.

[Spark]

White Chess king Custom by Hawk14:
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/6045/cardfinaloo1.png

[Annerios]

Interest in customs just varies from time to time. There are so many official figures now, that the sheer bulk of them is enough to keep people busy without turning to customs.

However, there will always be units and ideas that Hasbro cannot (or will not) tackle, so customs are the only way to get them in the game. Marvel is seeing a surge of interest now, but as they release more figures that will fade a bit as well.

When the official support for the game finally dies out customs will be all there is, so people will be back. Eventually. :wink:

[MadNik]

I must nominate Annerios' Scorpion. He's always been a favorite character of mine, and Annerois couldn't have done a better job.
http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/displayimage.php?pid=5332&fullsize=1

[Annerios]

I must nominate Annerios' Scorpion. He's always been a favorite character of mine, and Annerois couldn't have done a better job.
http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/displayimage.php?pid=5332&fullsize=1

Thanks, Madnik! Scorpion made it into the Barracks a while back, though.

Here is the voting thread:

http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=8244

[Pumpkin_King]

The problem was that interest died very quickly for Customs over here. Getting ten votes would have been great. Marvelscape is new and people want new units with it. The customs over here in regular Scape just stopped generating interest. I for one stopped doing them. I enjoyed it but it was not worth one guy poping in and saying cool anymore. If you do customs anymore it is usually for yourself and not the community since the community has drifted away from them. Here's my :2cents: Personally, I can see how the process of refinement that the genius allskulls started in the Marvel custom section has helped with tweaking army cards made by even seasoned amateurs ;) The community, as a whole, might have moved on but there still seems to be a core group of custom creators that would benefit from an open and frank discussion about what they are doing. I know that I would. The problem, as I see it, has been sheer volume. There is just far too many cards made to comment on them, but, choosing select cards and working on them as a cohesive group is a very satisfying process, for the creator and the judges. I'd definitely support a classicscape customs TNTlike process.
How does this process work, and how do we adapt it for regular customs? Those who havn't had any part in the Marvel customs world might benefit from a clear explanation.

Edit: I also have a large amount of free time on my hands, so I'd be able to playtest customs frequently. Also, I have been thinking about starting a "Custom Creation of the Week", similar to nether's Creator of the week. I pick a custom, and I playtest it, offer my opinion, and post it as well as army example and templates. Really, if we are going to get the Customs community going again, we need to think of something to do for it. Customs are pretty much the reason I got into Heroscape.

[NecroBlade]

I'll try to give a simple explanation, P_K.

Like the barracks of old, there is a thread for nominations. Anyone can post a nomination for someone else's custom that they think is worthy of being dubbed TNT (Tried & True). After a few nominations have been made, the first ones are chosen to be tested. A panel of three judges who will have the final word on that custom are selected, and they begin playtesting. While they do that, a discussion thread is put up for everyone to voice their opinions of the custom, and any suggestions for changes they may have. The playtester-judges also post their results here. Once the discussion has run its course and the playtester-judges have tested the custom, they make their votes, yay or nay. Yayed customs become TNT'd customs, nayed customs have to try again.

allskulls or one of the other guys active in the Marvel TNT tests could probably chime in here and correct me. :oops:

[rdhight]

Right now, we're fortunate to have all the parts we need over in Marvel: a pool of judges to rotate through so that we can have multiple trials at once without overtaxing the playtesting resources of the group, a pool of customs that have been polished and tested before ever getting nominated, and the management skills to move things along.

Lessons learned:

1. Do everything you can to make sure that cards are coming into the process as clean as possible. When a group of fellow custom creators with high expectations are trying to fix legitimate problems with the left box, stats, cost, special abilities, targeting diagram, and layout/artwork all at once, all in one thread, it can get crazy. The TNT nominations should go to the best cards you can possibly find, not any old thing. By offering to playtest people's customs, you're offering a valuable service, and you should expect creators to bring their best.

2. Knowing even a little bit of the superheroes involved makes it easy to focus on what they're all about. Most of us have some idea what the "feel" of having Batman or Superman in our army should be, and there's a sense of a shared goal, even if it's a vague one.

It's always tempting to pile on too many rules, and it's going to be harder still not knowing what the overall effect of the finished custom is supposed to be. If someone brings in a converted cat-person figure from another game, and the card lists a 4 attack, who's to say if that's right or not? For Classic customs, I would make the card creator submit a sentence or two on his intent. Something like "I want this guy to come out as a solid standalone melee hero like Crixus, but in the 140-160 price range" would be fine. Just so the judges have some idea where he wants them to go.

3. Solve everything you can before doing any playtesting. Kill typos, bad wording, poor depiction of concept, etc. until putting the figure on the battlefield is the only way to improve it any further. Otherwise, huge changes might come down, perhaps even because of an unrelated issue, that make the insights of that playtest null and void.

4. Keep your standards very high, both for wording and playability. If a trial goes 20 pages, or a card must be rejected in its present form, it's better than approving an unworthy applicant. Ultimately, it's the creator's decision as to what changes he wants to make, but the judges' decision as to whether it's good enough. Sometimes the creator's final version of the card isn't a TNT card, and that's all right.

[NecroBlade]

Thanks for the tips! :thumbsup:

[allskulls]

One other thing about the judges is that they are not playtesters/judges. All are welcome to playtest and report on trial customs and sometimes we judge on the basis of other's playtest reports. Of course it's always best if the judges themselves get some playtesting in but it should not be required as long as someone is giving reports. Everyone that gives input in a trial thread is essentially a judge...there's just a few that has "stamp authority". Makes it smoother.

EDIT: This was my 2010th post! I missed 2000 :(

[ZBeeblebrox]

I still think that the customs can be re0invigorated by having new procedures for barracks entries.

[ZBeeblebrox]

:boring:

[hi1hi1hi1hi1]

So have you guys decided to implement the same process? You need to pick like twelve judges then, good luck with this!

[ZBeeblebrox]

So have you guys decided to implement the same process? You need to pick like twelve judges then, good luck with this!

Not sure if this idea has any wings, i thought there would be more buzz...oh, well.

[allskulls]

One person will have to lead the trials for it to get off the ground and work. Once it is rolling it will do well I think.

[NecroBlade]

One person will have to lead the trials for it to get off the ground and work. Once it is rolling it will do well I think.Alright, I see this seems to have died while I was gone. What do we need to get this thing started? Just nominate something and get a few judges? I'll go pick something out of the customs section if no one else does, and I'll more than gladly be a judge to start.

[Fallen Templar]

I'll judge

[hi1hi1hi1hi1]

One person will have to lead the trials for it to get off the ground and work. Once it is rolling it will do well I think.Alright, I see this seems to have died while I was gone. What do we need to get this thing started? Just nominate something and get a few judges? I'll go pick something out of the customs section if no one else does, and I'll more than gladly be a judge to start.If you want to do what allskulls has done, just pick around 12 people to be judges who you think are qualified and ask them if they want to. When you get enough judges then get the submissions in and assign 3 or 4 judges per submission.

[ZBeeblebrox]

I have a feeling that with Gencon news, this may have wait a while.

[hi1hi1hi1hi1]

Well I know Necroblade is putting something together now, so hopefully we will not wait too much longer.

[ZBeeblebrox]

He sent me a PM too, so maybe we can get this party started

[NecroBlade]

Yep, I'm working on getting this ball rolling. Just one more thing before we do: to the admin/mods of this section, would it be OK if I started a TNT submission thread to be stickied like the Marvel one, or should we just convert this Barracks thread?

[allskulls]

Yep, I'm working on getting this ball rolling. Just one more thing before we do: to the admin/mods of this section, would it be OK if I started a TNT submission thread to be stickied like the Marvel one, or should we just convert this Barracks thread?
I think a new thread would be best. You will need edit control of the first post.

One thing I ask of you and any judges in the supers section is to maintain the one trial at a time per judge. So if there is a judge over in the supers section that is also over here, that judge should only be involved in a single trial whether it's over here or over there. So we would have to be aware of both TNT sections when assigning judges. One thing that I will begin to do also is keep judges free from trials while they themselves have a custom on trial. When you have a focus on one custom at a time things run a bit smoother.

[hi1hi1hi1hi1]

I say new thread and lock this one, of course I'm not an admin. Hopefully nether will stop by when he stops partying with all those gencon people.

[NecroBlade]

T&T thread up: http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?p=345499#373477.

I'll put nominations I have already received up soon.

[justjohn]

It was great while it lasted, and though it's been dormant for some time now, has added a great resource to the community with all of your nominations and voting.

Thanks to everyone who has taken part in the barracks!

The barracks are finished, and the tried and trued system will now officially be the crux by which great customs will be weighed! Great job to everyone getting that system set up!