D&D Miniatures...

[LilNewbie]

Anyone picking up the D&D Icons Gargantuan Blue Dragon releasing this month? The Black and Red dragons are awesome and I like the look of this sculpt. It will be on the same base size as the Black Dragon.

Black Dragon out for some late-night snacking (Image courtesy of BGG):
http://files.boardgamegeek.com/bggimages/pic138450_sized.jpg

Red Dragon and his entourage (Image courtesy of BGG):
http://files.boardgamegeek.com/bggimages/pic146979_sized.jpg

Blue Dragon Box Art (from the Wizards site):
http://www.wizards.com/global/images/products_dndmin_957890000A_lgpic.jpg

Newb.

[ninthdoc]

I like the proper Taelord myself:

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/BW_Gallery/42.jpg

Image from Wizards website, but I have this dude and he is badness. I swear he's everything Tae should be, but cheaper.

[Kepler]

I have the gargantuan black and will probably pick uo the blue as well.

[Joah]

As cool as most of the miniatures look, I think the game is REALLY boring.

Nice looking Blue, though.

[Uprising]

Always wanted to play this game. I bought a TON of minis from when it first came out but never got to play it, not even once. Mostly I just stared at them and thought that some of the minis were pretty frickin sweet. Eventually sold the whole lot in August, all 500+ of em.

[LilNewbie]

As cool as most of the miniatures look, I think the game is REALLY boring.

Nice looking Blue, though.

I agree, Joah. The game does leave something to be desired but I love the minis and they are easy to integrate in so many other games (HS anyone?).

I do like the scenarios included with the Icon Dragons though and would love to play those more often.

:D

Newb.

[Hex_Enduction_Hour]

My gosh, those miniatures aren't anymore!

[Cavalier]

My gosh, those miniatures aren't anymore!
Reminds me of the term coined by the Weta people during production of the LotR trilogy: Bigatures :)

[Chameleon]

I like the proper Taelord myself:

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/BW_Gallery/42.jpg

Image from Wizards website, but I have this dude and he is badness. I swear he's everything Tae should be, but cheaper.

Cool! What's the name on this figure?

[Chameleon]

How do those huge dragons fit in with the D&D sets? I see they're called Icons, but I didn't see a Icons category listed on the Wizard website. They seem to go with War of the Dragon Queen set, but the Icons dragons aren't listed there either.

[Kepler]

The Icons are outside of the normal blind purchase sets.

Sort of like the large hero HS expansions.

[ninthdoc]

I like the proper Taelord myself:

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/BW_Gallery/42.jpg

Image from Wizards website, but I have this dude and he is badness. I swear he's everything Tae should be, but cheaper.

Cool! What's the name on this figure?

Blood War expansion (the latest) Pit Fiend 42/60 R. $15-$20 on eBay.

[Joah]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Joah_2006/und_balor.jpg

This is what I use if I ever draft Tae.
I think I did once, anyway.

Balor, from the Underdark set.

[MrBishop]

The pictures of the mini's look great on the website but are they? The painting sculpting, etc. all looks top of the line. I have never seen an actual D&D mini, so, are they actually that well made or do they do one really nice one, take lots of pictures of it, then make cheap versions for the customer? How do they compare in quality to Heroscape mini's? Are they made of the same material?

I will consider buying some (even though I hate the idea of blind purchases) if they are the quality that they first appear!

Thanks for the help folks.

[jbbnbsmith]

The pictures of the mini's look great on the website but are they? The painting sculpting, etc. all looks top of the line. I have never seen an actual D&D mini, so, are they actually that well made or do they do one really nice one, take lots of pictures of it, then make cheap versions for the customer? How do they compare in quality to Heroscape mini's? Are they made of the same material?

I will consider buying some (even though I hate the idea of blind purchases) if they are the quality that they first appear!

Thanks for the help folks.
I have a bunch that I bought off of Ebay to make customs for Heroscape. In my opinion, they are decent minis, though they are a bit smaller in scale than Heroscape stuff. The overal colors seem to be fairly dark in person as well. The dark colors combined with the black bases make them not stand out as well as the Heroscape figures. The quality of the figures on the web page do seem a bit nicer than the ones I actually have, but nothing drastic. It could also just be the lighting used when taking the pictures.

If you are planning to use these for Heroscape, check Ebay, as that way you can buy what you want rather than do the random purchase thing.

[mrbistro]

The sculpts are good but the paint jobs are mediocre. They're not the same as the pictures. Also D&D minis are not the same scale as HS.

[Fallen Templar]

The sculpts are good but the paint jobs are mediocre. They're not the same as the pictures. Also D&D minis are not the same scale as HS. Some Monster minis are good

[Ted]

I have a massive collection of D&D minis. The normal races would not work for HS but the monsters and monster races could work well. As to the paint jobs it is very random. I have some commons that have a great paint job and rares that look like crap. Although that is not the norm. The norm would be the rares look really great and teh commons are lacking in a good paint job.

[jcb231]

I think the humans are the weakest, but the other creatures and figures are a real range...with the crazier, bigger monsters being quite nice. The newer the expansion wave the nicer the sculpts and paintjobs I think.

Overall I actually prefer Heroscape sculpts and paintjobs because I think Heroscape has a more interesting style.

Are you looking for anything in particular? I still have a large box of figures to trade or sell. I got rid of a lot on eBay but there's still tons left.

[MrBishop]

Thanks everyone. If I decide I want to load up or figure out a specific figure I want, I will let you know jcb.

[GromBloodboy]

I have dungeons of dread boosters already, but am not allowed to open them till April 7th. They have sweet miniatures displayed on the side of the box like a Lamia and a Vampire spawn.

[Dread Pirate Fooflesnort]

Lucky. I can't wait untill the release.

[kboleen]

I just purchased the 4e miniature starter set and four boosters of the new Dungeon of Dread series and they have all been excellent. In the interest of full disclosure, this is my first foray into D&D miniatures so I really don't know the quality of the older series. I read on another site that WoTC was increasing the quality of their minis (and also the price, boosters are now $15) for all new expansion releases. I guess they needed to do something with a lot of companies getting into the mini business (i.e. WOW mins). Which surprises me as I thought blind purchase mini sales were declining.

[mrbistro]

Yes, I've been pleased with the 4th ed minis as well. Really the quality in this range has been improving from set to set. If you look at some of the early sets like Harbinger and Dragoneye, most of those minis don't match up to what's available now. I would say D&D miniatures are a solid investment for anyone looking for generic fantasy minis.

[Grungebob]

I love em!

[Doc_Savage]

The early sets were 25mm, but they have since upped the scale to 28mm. I don't know exactly where they made the change, but the scale is closer now. Some of the humans are ok, but many are a tiny bit small. Heroscape is around 30mm in my opinion. Almost all the creatures are great.

Stylistically, D&D minis are not as chunky as 'Scape. The bodies and limbs are skinnier. The early paint jobs were quite horrible and now it really is better, but as stated above they don't look like 'Scape.

[kboleen]

I've bought the new starter and four boosters so far and like what I've seen. I got the Young Silver Dragon in my first booster. I've become interested in D&D again for the first time since the early 80's because the new streamlined 4e, at least what I've read about it.

[mrbistro]

I'm quite psyched about 4th ed as well.

[kboleen]

Speaking of D&D miniatures: I really enjoy the Skirmish game. The new 4e Skirmish rules are quite simple, much like Heroscape. By that I mean players can make it as easy as they want or as hard. And the new 4e card stats are mostly all inclusive on the card, which I like because I got tired of always refering to a special ability chart, i.e. Mage Knight/Heroclix. Once again much like Heroscape cards. Makes me wonder if WotC took a cue from Heroscape when they redesigned Skirmish for 4e. But I digress. My question for this post is what D&D miniature expansions are the best, and by best I don't necessarily mean scupt wise but playability. I can pick up an Unhallowed case for $50 online. Just wondering if it's worth the money.

[Grungebob]

Speaking of D&D miniatures: I really enjoy the Skirmish game. The new 4e Skirmish rules are quite simple, much like Heroscape. By that I mean players can make it as easy as they want or as hard. And the new 4e card stats are mostly all inclusive on the card, which I like because I got tired of always refering to a special ability chart, i.e. Mage Knight/Heroclix. Once again much like Heroscape cards. Makes me wonder if WotC took a cue from Heroscape when they redesigned Skirmish for 4e. But I digress. My question for this post is what D&D miniature expansions are the best, and by best I don't necessarily mean scupt wise but playability. I can pick up an Unhallowed case for $50 online. Just wondering if it's worth the money.There are a few that I want out of that set. I could give you a list. You could sell the extra copies of these figs to me to offset your cost. Something to think about.

[mrbistro]

Keep in mind that the old ones are not compatible with 4e.

[kboleen]

Speaking of D&D miniatures: I really enjoy the Skirmish game. The new 4e Skirmish rules are quite simple, much like Heroscape. By that I mean players can make it as easy as they want or as hard. And the new 4e card stats are mostly all inclusive on the card, which I like because I got tired of always refering to a special ability chart, i.e. Mage Knight/Heroclix. Once again much like Heroscape cards. Makes me wonder if WotC took a cue from Heroscape when they redesigned Skirmish for 4e. But I digress. My question for this post is what D&D miniature expansions are the best, and by best I don't necessarily mean scupt wise but playability. I can pick up an Unhallowed case for $50 online. Just wondering if it's worth the money.There are a few that I want out of that set. I could give you a list. You could sell the extra copies of these figs to me to offset your cost. Something to think about.

Okay, sounds good. If I win the Auction, I'll PM a list of extras. Maybe we could trade. as opposed to buying. I only have figs from Dungeon of Dread and a few from Night Below.

[kboleen]

Anyone played the 4e version of D&D mniatures? I have the starter and a several of the Dungeon of Dread expansion and I like it a lot. How does 4e skirmish compare to the orignal rules. I've compared the 4e stat cards to the original version and the 4e cards seem to have everything needed stat wise on the card, which i like.

[mrbistro]

Merged threads.

[kboleen]

Keep in mind that the old ones are not compatible with 4e.

That's true. Fortunately, WotC is in the process of transposing all old figures to 4e. So far they have converted Desert of Desolation and night Below. A PDF can be downloaded from the WotC website.

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mi/20080124a

A "fan favorites" conversion is due soon featuring new stats for figures from a poll conducted earlier this year. Apparently it will feature stats for figures from all expansions.

[Claws of Death]

Yo. I got the Gargantuan Blue Dragon for my birthday this year. In my thread" the Dragon King- Claws of Death's customs", he will represent the dragon king.

[rickert]

I think the new 2.0 rules are great and much more intuitive. I haven't played much under the old rules but plan to get more into it with the new rules. At least in this game I can "legally" play with Drizzt.

[RedSkullz]

Is anyone looking for a trade for D+D minis for heroscape figures? I also have alot of mage knight and heroclix.(hc inventory is just over 1000 miniatures) I need any figures from any hs sets other than Swarm of the Marro...also want custom cards too!

Oh yeah D+D minis....i really like the old D+D minis rules, and i even like the pre-ddm D+D chainmail miniatures more....i find the new rulset to be too simple.

[Kepler]

Is anyone looking for a trade for D+D minis for heroscape figures?

What DDM do you have for trade?

[RedSkullz]

I have a 90% accurate list at http://www.maxminis.com/ (username redskullz)

[Kepler]

I have a 90% accurate list at http://www.maxminis.com/ (username redskullz)

Alright, I will take a look and get back to you (I am goin on vacation later this week and may not be able to get back to you beforwe then -- I will be back around the 29th or 30th of August). Is there anything from HS in particular that you want?

[RedSkullz]

Allright cool...i am looking for almost all heroscape figures.(i dont need anything from the swarm of the marro set) I am actually leaving on vacation the same day you are getting home.(gone from aug 30th-sept 5th)

[outforblood]

I am thinking about getting the new starter set, I have never played any other minis game before.(other than HS) How does this game compare to Heroscape? I know the maps are fold outs, and you get to use the mighty D20.:twisted: Break it down for me y'alls.

[Ted]

it is not a bad game although I am no expert. I have not played the new version but the previous one was pretty good. I enjoy HS much more so and the collectability factor of the minis has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Anyone else want to ring in on this?

[LilNewbie]

DDM 2.0 is a fun game. It's a streamlined form of the basic combat system in D&D 4th without any rpg aspect. I think it's easier to play than DDM 1.0. It's not as good as Heroscape but still fun. Here are a few pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Fairly simple rules overall.
2. The game doesn't have to take long as damage values are made to remove units quickly (game time will decrease as you get more familiar with the game).
3. Cool figures which are useful for many other games (the base sizes are based on 1" grids so they work in many formats).
4. All information for the unit is on the card and that makes it easy to track damage, ability use and when a specific unit has activated.

Cons:
1. Blind purchase (something easy to fix with the secondary market but getting some of the rarer units can be expensive).
2. 2d. No official rules for 3d terrain.
3. Can be susceptible to power creep and power escalation (i.e. facing someone with access to more figures can cause balance issues if you only have access to a limited number of figures).

I probably wouldn't buy DDM 2.0 just for the miniature game aspect but if you plan to use the miniatures for other games (e.g. custom HS units or for an RPG game) than having the option to play the miniature game is a win/win situation in my book.

Newb.

[mrbistro]

DDM is a great value if you also want minis for RPGs or just because you like having generic fantasy miniatures lying around. I have used these figures for a great number of things, and that's made me feel my purchases were all worthwhile.

[outforblood]

DDM is a great value if you also want minis for RPGs or just because you like having generic fantasy miniatures lying around. I have used these things for a great number of things, and that's made me feel my purchases were all worthwhile.
I think I'll give it a shot, if nothing else I'll have some customs for HS.

[Uprising]

I trying to trade for some DDM just so I can use them with Song of Blades & Heroes. I might eventually snag some off of E-Bay.

[RedSkullz]

Great breakdown lilnewbie...summed up the game well.
Just a note on Con #2....sure there may not be official rules for 3d terrain in ddm, but that does not mean you cant make some awesome battlefields for play.

http://ddmspoilers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1457

http://ddmspoilers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1460

http://geekedondungeonsanddragons.com/creative-geek-general-discussion-f20/the-garrison-24-x40-3d-ddm-map-t450.htm#3455

http://geekedondungeonsanddragons.com/creative-geek-general-discussion-f20/necromancer-tower-t849.htm

http://geekedondungeonsanddragons.com/creative-geek-general-discussion-f20/the-pyramid-24x40-3d-ddm-map-t110.htm

[paradox22]

:shock:Wow... those maps are BEAUTIFUL! Nice Find... very inspirational!

[robbdaman]

It's not that nice of a find when the work is his. Red does some great custom map stuff for D&D Miniatures, I'm anxiously waiting for him to make some stuff for Heroscape. :D

R~

[RedSkullz]

I was going to type "The threads were easy to find because i started them."lol
I won't be doing anything custom for HS anytime in the near future...i am working on a custom 4'X4' castle, and then i have to make a 4'X4' modular desert map, then i will have some free time. LOL

[kboleen]

I just read that WotC are going to release future editions of D&D Miniatures in blister pack format. Sounds like they're taking a cue from Heroscape. The sets will be more themed from what I understand. The article said they are responding to Player requests; also sounds like they are beginning to realize more people use the minis for D&D RPG than the skirmish game.

[boom]

I just read that WotC are going to release future editions of D&D Miniatures in blister pack format. Sounds like they're taking a cue from Heroscape. The sets will be more themed from what I understand. The article said they are responding to Player requests; also sounds like they are beginning to realize more people use the minis for D&D RPG than the skirmish game.

:lastweek: :lol::lol: Exactly what this thread has been about, if you checked the first page or two. No worries.

[Kepler]

I just read that WotC are going to release future editions of D&D Miniatures in blister pack format. Sounds like they're taking a cue from Heroscape. The sets will be more themed from what I understand. The article said they are responding to Player requests; also sounds like they are beginning to realize more people use the minis for D&D RPG than the skirmish game.

That is partially correct. After the set that is releasing this month (Demonweb) they are changing the DDM line. The shirmish game will no longer be supported. The new minis will no longer have skirmish cards and each set will be split between PC-type minis and monster minis. The PC packs will consist of three minis of a particular power-type (i.e. martial, arcane, etc.) with two males and one female. There will be six of these packs per set and they will retail for $11.

The monster packs will be partially randomized. There will be 5 minis in each booster pack. One of these minis will be visible and the other four will be random. The visible mini will either be a large (for normal sets) or a huge (for huge sets). They have also said that the minis will be of better quality too.

[Rew]

Has anyone seen the new "Player's Handbook Heroes Sets" in the flesh yet? I keep looking for them to appear at my FLGS.

Without the skirmish game are these now primarily RP aids for the regular game?

[Kepler]

Has anyone seen the new "Player's Handbook Heroes Sets" in the flesh yet? I keep looking for them to appear at my FLGS.

Without the skirmish game are these now primarily RP aids for the regular game?

I think these come out in a couple weeks (not sure of the exact date).

[mrbistro]

They're coming out end of April. They look good, but I am very disappointed to see repaints. I am stoked about May though - new Monster Manual and the new Monster Manual Minis. That new troll looks sweet!

[Oyhedwig]

The store right next to my house now has booster sets for 9 dollars, and expansions for 6. They only have about three different expansions in stock. Some questions...1. Are these good prices? 2. Is it possible to play with just a booster and a few expansions?

[mrbistro]

Boosters for $9 is a good price, but what are expansions?

[Oyhedwig]

Um, I guess I don't know the D&D minis lingo too well. The big starter set is 9 dollars, the skinny boxes with fewer figures are 6 bucks. Not expansions, I guess, I just can't remember the name right off the bat.

[mrbistro]

Um, I guess I don't know the D&D minis lingo too well. The big starter set is 9 dollars, the skinny boxes with fewer figures are 6 bucks. Not expansions, I guess, I just can't remember the name right off the bat.
Gotcha. In which case, those are excellent prices!