About this thread: This thread was originally made just after Gencon 2009, when D&D Heroscape was officially announced by WotC. The OP contains some very early info on Wave 12, but I didn't update it after that because discussion/information threads for just wave 12 were made, making this thread more or less obsolete. However, I'll still keep all of the old content around, as it is kind of interesting to look at. In an effort to organize all the information here a little better, I moved much of the older content over to post #4. The 1st version of this thread is archived on post #5. If you wish to see any info regarding the master set, see post #5. If you wish to see any information regarding future expansions in general, see post #4.
WHAT IS D&D HEROSCAPE?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Truth's blog, 8/15/09
A new master set has been announced for Heroscape. It is fully compatible with standard heroscape but it has the D&D theme attached to it. There will be an official campaign in the set as well as some new rules and new glyphs.
This set was worked on by Jerry, Chris, and I and was playtested by all of the original playtesters. There will be some good new heroscape in this box.
The D&D theme brings something to the table that many heroscapers have tried to incorporate into the game for a long time - A dungeon crawl experience.
The purpose of the edit log is so that if you check back to see if there is anything new you don't have to re-read the entire thread. You can just look at the date the thread was last edited and instantly see what you may or may not have missed.
12/09 - 7:30 PM EST - Major thread reorganization so that the Week 1 Preview could be better integrated into the thread.
12/11 - 3:00 PM EST - Thread reconstruction still in progress, added a quote from Grungebob to the Future Releases section.
12/14 - 6:30 PM EST - Added a quote from theGuru to the Future Releases section and also added Sandra's (HouseMouseGames') quote to the Misc Info section right at the top.
12/17 - 3:30-4:00 PM EST - Mega-Update, way too many changes to list here. The original post is still intact and can be found on post #4 in the spoiler tag
12/26 - 10:30 PM EST - Moved Future Expansions up to right below the Edit Log, also added a few things to Future Expansions
12/19/09 - 10:15 PM EST - Added a quote to the Future Expansions section, took the Future Expansions section out of its spoiler tag.
1/1/10 - 6:00 PM EST - Added quote from the MS3 Rulebook to the Future Expansions
1/5 - 6:00 PM EST - Added a quote about Vydar getting figures in the upcoming waves to the Future Expansions section.
1/16 - 8:45 AM EST - Added Grungebob's quote about cooperative scenarios to the "future expansions" section
1/31 - 11:15 PM EST - Added the names of the 4 Wave 11 packs to a new "Wave 11" Section. Moved the Wave 11 specific stuff from the Future Expansions section to the Wave 11 section.
4/16 - Moved basically this entire post over to post #4. Moved what was in post 4 over to post 5.
4/20 - Added [confirmed] release date and name.
4/21 - 2:50 PM EST - Added the list of suspected names for D2.
Wave 12 (also known as D2) is definitely going to be a D&Dscape wave and has a confirmed release date, as well as a name:
Quote:
Originally Posted by HouseMouseGames
...confirm the name of the D2 (wave 12) set.
In case you are still confused, it is...
WARRIORS OF EBERRON
The official release date is August 17.
A list of names that WotC trademarked surfaced a while ago. The list contained MS3 and D1 (Wave 11) names, but it also contained 5 additional names:
Quote:
Vetrans of the Last War
Golem and the Wyrmlings
Ogre and the Goblins
Heroes of Khorvair
Warriors of Eberron
Given that Warriors of Eberron is confirmed to be the name of wave 12, it follows that the other four names are likely for each individual wave 12 pack.
Additionally, one figure has already been (partially) revealed to us:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Truth's Blog, Wave 11 Preview #2, 2/17/10
Kurrok the Elementalist-Wave 2 Preview:
Oh, caught your attention did we? Yes, we received the A-OK to do what we normally don’t do in Heroscape. We’re giving you an advanced preview of one of the Unique Heroes in Wave D2, due out later this year. Why now, you ask? Well look at his name. Kurrok commands the Elementals, much like Kato commanded the Ashigaru. Plus, it’s fun to be a wave ahead of things and be able to give some far off teases!
Sadly, you can’t proxy him yet because we can’t reveal the whole card. However, we can reveal his 2 special powers:
SUMMON ELEMENTAL
After moving and before attacking with Kurrok the Elementalist, you may roll the 20-sided die. If you roll an 11 or higher, you may, if possible, place one of your previously destroyed small or medium Elementals on an empty space within 3 clear sight spaces of Kurrok the Elementalist.
MASTER OF THE ELEMENTS
After revealing an order marker on Kurrok the Elementalist, instead of taking that turn with Kurrok, you may take a turn with up to three small or medium Elementals you control that are within 8 clear sight spaces of Kurrok the Elementalist
When you draft Kurrok, you turn the Elementals into an ever-changing 3 unit squad. An entire front of Air Elementals, and assault by a squad of Water Elementals, a rumbling onslaught by the Earth Elementals, or a whole lot of Searing Intensity from the Fire Elementals, as well as any mix of the 4 of them!
Be sure to check back periodically for new information. If anything new is posted or released expect to see it reposted here. If you find anything new or noteworthy then be sure to post it here or PM it to me so I can add it to this post.
Last edited by Warlord Alpha; December 9th, 2010 at 03:57 PM.
Hmmm. I'll try to find the post with the list of contents.
"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand, lead him to a quiet place and kill him."
— Mark Twain
2 dungeon tiles (24 hex)
2 dungeon tiles (7 hex)
2 dungeon tiles (3 hex)
2 dungeon tiles (2 hex)
2 dungeon tiles (1 hex)
3 rock tiles (7 hex)
2 rock tiles (3 hex)
1 rock tiles (2 hex)
1 rock tiles (1 hex)
3 sand tiles (7 hex)
1 sand tile (2 hex)
1 sand tile (1 hex)
1 grass tile (3 hex)
1 grass tile (2 hex)
1 grass tile (1 hex)
17 water tiles (1 hex)
6 shadow pool tiles (1 hex)
1 rock Outcrop & base (3 hex)
3 rock Outcrop & base (1 hex)
10 painted figures
8 Army Cards
4 Tresure Glyphs
22 Wound Markers
8 Order Markers
11 dice
1 20-side die
1 rulebook
"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand, lead him to a quiet place and kill him."
— Mark Twain
Last edited by Sport351; August 14th, 2009 at 11:07 PM.
Here is the second version of the thread.
This is the version of the thread from before we were given the Wave 11 previews.
Spoiler Alert!
WAVE 11:
Quote:
Heroscape Wave 11 Champions of the Forgotten Realms
HEROES OF FAERÛN
FURY OF THE PRIMORDIALS
WARRIORS OF THE GHOSTLIGHT FEN
GLAUN BOG RAIDERS
Quote:
Originally Posted by Briguy385
We just got a Wizards 2010 product catalog that has a small tidbit of info on wave 11 Champions of the Forgotten Realms-there will be 20 figures in the set.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HouseMouseGames
WOTC's latest order sheet has the first DnD Booster available on March 23.
Expansions for D&D Heroscape are already in the works, and at least one Wave is already complete.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GromBloodboy
I can't give you anymor info, simply because that is the only question I could ask. Here was my question.
"Is this going to be the only time that DnD dabbles its feet into Heroscape waters, or will it be making more regular apperances?"
Answer:
"This will not be the only time that it will be dealing with Heroscape. We already have 2 expansions in the works that include DnD.
A little while later this was confirmed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by Warlord Alpha
Quote:
Originally Posted by GromBloodboy
I can comfirm this, and I can also confirm this.....
Sources, then? Any way we can get anything other than just your word that you talked to the designer?
I'll confirm it too (Bill's not one to pull anyone's leg). The first one's well into development, the second is in the middle of design.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherman Davies
Paul, is there any way you can resolve this question about whether D&Dscape will be sold in its own waves or be incorporated into regular Heroscape waves?
The two D&D waves we have in the works for 2010 are 100% D&D. But that's as far as I'm going to speculate on anything right now.
Combining D&D & other stuff in the same wave wasn't something I'd considered. My gut right now says that I'm against it, but I'm going to let our R&D folks and the playtesters convince me one way or another on that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogg
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
The two D&D waves we have in the works for 2010 are 100% D&D.
Yes and even though they are DnD, they are really awesome waves with very fun squads and heroes that fit in nicely with classic Heroscape.
Are they going to be waves of blister packs like we've been seeing or something different?
As far as I know, they will be just like any other wave release.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
I also think that even more care and concern has been taken with the waves 11 and 12. There are many figures in there that you wouldn't even know are not original to Heroscape and if you have never really been into DnD minis, you'll likely not even realize.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
D&D wave 1 and 2 will have more heroes, more villains, more treasure, more surprises.
The Generals who didn't get any figures in the Master Set will get figures in the expansions, do not worry.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by J4Jandar
But most importantly some serious Vydar love right?
Yes of course
A few of the things we might see in Waves 11 and 12:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Truth's Blog 12/17/09
...or 2 Wyverns flying around snatching party members...
...
We’ll be back as we get closer to the Small Expansion release to give you a preview of what to expect from the new Heroes, Squads, Elementals, and Treasure Glyphs…
Quote:
Originally Posted by MS3 Rulebook
Special Power References on Army Cards
Some special powers make reference to the Species, Personality, Valkyrie,
Unique/Common/Uncommon, Hero/Squad, and/or Class of other figures. For
example, Ana Karithon's Turn Undead Special Attack references Undead figures. Undead figures will be released in future expansion sets. As well, previous
Heroscape expansion sets contain Undead figures, such as the Zombies of
Morindan (Collection 6), and Cyprien Esenwein (Collection 7).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
I will tell you guys that cooperative scenario rules will not be coming in march. I am working on having those for wave 12.
"The set, a first of its kind, will be released January 4, 2010."
The release date was originally thought to be January 4th, although now we have recieved news that that may have been pushed back.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HouseMouseGames
Perhaps all of you are more "up-to-date" on your information than I was, but I just confirmed that the official release date of the DnD Master is January 12. I thought it was earlier and had an earlier date posted on my website. I'm sorry if you relied on my erroneous information.
I don't know whether to assume that this was an error or it really did get pushed back.
My advice: Assume it did get pushed back and then if it shows up on your doorstep on the 4th you can be pleasantly surprised.
As for availability, Grungebob has stated that
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Walmart will carry it.
Online retailers are carrying it and certain FLGSes may carry it as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by Porkins
I believe that the idea of the DnD set is to have a lower cost master set to draw new players into the game and get them buying boosters at $12+ a pop (Ka-Ching). The $40 barrier was probably too high for drawing players in, I suspect that the DnD set will be nearer to $25.
If $29.99 is nearer to $25 than $40, you'd be right. (it's to early in the morning for me to do the maths )
Currently, most online retailers are selling it for $20-$30.
More info regarding the set.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
The figures look good but are also re-used DnD minis that were chosen with the knowledge that they need to match in scale with Heroscape.
This IS classic scape NOT a marvel spin-off type thing.
This is designed [by] people who know and love Scape.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by White Noise
I'm sure many of us would like a straightforward, honest answer as to whether or not Original Scape is still on the table for consideration.
Yes it is still on the table. The doors on Classic have not been shut.
Notes: Apparently he can bond with the Axegrinders.
Deepwyrm Drow: Common Squad - Drow
Pelloth: Unique Hero - Drow
Feral Troll: Uncommon Hero - Troll
Notes: Notice the class of unit - "Uncommon Hero" Truth said in his blog that there would definitely be units that are common and have multiple lives. This new class of unit almost certainly contains a solution to the problems involved with having a common hero with more than one life.
Othkurik: Unique Hero - Dragon
Spoiler Alert!
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mooseman
Trying to justify miniature quality with fluff doesn't work. The paintjobs aren't as good, the scale is noticeably different, and the troll just can't compete with Krug.
We've made sure that the paints are great. The troll and the dragon have the same paint jobs as their D&D versions, because their paints were already great. We did minor or major upgrades to everyone else's paints to get them up to the Heroscape standard (no eyes, washes on everything). I bet someone will get some good shots of them over the weekend...
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by whitestuff
Anyone else look at the Dnd figures on their HS bases and think that there is something strange about the grass stickers? They look wrong, kinda like they have been cut out by hand...?
...that's because they were cut out by hand.
We got the final painted figures from the factory a couple of days before Gen Con, but the base sticker samples didn't arrive in time. So, color printer + scissors + glue = solution.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boromir_and_kermit
So would I be accurate in thinking the figures pictured in the photos are what the final paint will look like?
Yes, unless the factory wants a very "nice" visit from our QA folks. Usual disclaimers about miniatures being hand-painted, and paint colors often varying slightly inserted here.
::: COMPARISON SHOTS :::
Alot of people seem to be worried about the scale, or general aesthetics, of the figures compared to classic Heroscape. Although Grungebob assured us they did their best to chose figures similar to those of classic Heroscape, we now have pictures posted by some of the members so that you can decide for yourself. Clicking on most of the pictures will make them larger and clicking on the blue arrow inside the quote will take you to the original post and thread.
Special note - These figures shown here are of the D&D versions of the minis and are only for the purpose of comparing SCALE. The figures' paint jobs in the D&D Heroscape Master Set will be the same paint job as the pictures at the top of this section.
Spoiler Alert!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kepler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kepler
Here is a few more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kepler
One more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kepler
Here are some pics of the drow next to the NotNW
____________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eclipse
Erevan Sunshadow vs The Elf Wizards:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
The second spoiler contains more comparison shots. I split it up because if it's all in one spoiler it becomes hard to scroll down.
Spoiler Alert!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogg
Here are some more pictures of the new sculpts. One of the main concerns I've heard is about scaling. The discussions have been about the size of the figure's heads and thickness of limbs. But the most important issue of scaling, especially in HS is height. Remember how all the figures height value is matched to the figures height in hexes?
I have taken pictures of the original DnD minis compared to HS tiles. One important note to remember is that the HS bases are slightly thicker than the DnD bases, by about a millimeter. The proper figures will be just a hair taller when they come out.
Heroes:
All appear to have a height of 4, except the dwarf who has height of 3. There are more pictures of the dwarf's height comparison further down.
Drow:
The first two are also around 4 hexes high, but the last one is a little taller. He will probably stand out among the other squad members. I don't have the other drow yet to compare, but I should have him next week. The last drow pictured will probably earn the nickname "Stretch."
Here are some good comparison shots of the new dwarf:
His height is very comparable to other small sculpts. I don't forsee any complaints about his height.
And some of the other figures:
Shots of the new figures in their armies:
It's worth noting some detail about the figures I noticed.
Tandros Kreel's sword and arm are not molded to his body, it is a seperate limb.
He also has a bow on his back. He could have a ranged attack, though he doesn't in DnD minis.
The other three heroes have cloaks covering their backs.
The drow ears stick through their hair and are detailed.
____________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogg
Here are some more pictures of the new figures. I didn't have the last drow from the squad or the troll for the last group of photos, so here they are.
The new drow appears to have a height of 4.
The troll's height is around 7. He is a hair (literally, his topknot) above the 7th hex. The angle in the picture isn't the best.
Here he is compared to some similar figures. He is very close in size to the Dumuteff Guard.
A couple shots of the drow squad grouped together. All the drow squad figures have shields with spiders embossed prominently on them. One of these drow figures has a power in DnD that lets him summon a spider from his shield or something.
The one with the sword raised over his head seems out of place with the other two. He is much bigger in the torso and taller, his hair is also painted differently. New paint might be able to make him blend in better. Also, in HS the common squads tend to be more similar amongst each other than unique squads do. This leads me to believe these guys will be unique.
Here are some pictures of the troll's base. It is round instead of oval which will be changed for the HS version. I just thought it is interesting to see how DnD bases fit (or don't) with HS hexes. I think it will prevent a complete merger of the games.
A shot of all the new figures except the dragon.
____________
And now the dragon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogg
I got the new DnD mini Large Black Dragon figure earlier this week and I am really unimpressed with it. It is very small and looks like something that fell off of Sonlen's shoulder. Here are some more pictures, this time of the new dragon.
He appears to have a height of 6.
The dragon with the troll.
The dragon looking like a midget next to Braxas.
The new dragon next to some real dragons.
One thing I have noticed from taking these pictures is how sparce the new set is. It only has ten figures and the large ones are actually quite small. This is not what I'm used to from a master set and I hope the pricing is appropriate. Here are some shots of all the figures from all three master sets for comparison.
The shadow tiles grant a bonus of +1 die to any defensive roll. While some members have voiced concerns about the realism of this terrain, this post may help explain why the designers chose to give the tiles the rules they did.
The bases of the stalagmites double as shadow tiles. So, without the stalagmites on the map you can have as many as 14 shadow tiles. With all of the stalagmites in use you will have 8 shadow tiles to use.
When designing the Battle for the Underdark Master Set, we wanted to continue the campaign mechanic that was set up in the Swarm of the Marro Master Set. The idea that you could play with one group, as you traverse over multiple battlefields and multiple scenarios along a set storyline fit right into the world we were developing by incorporating D&D into the Heroscape storyline! It worked perfectly that you would take an adventuring party from one location and stay with them throughout their adventure.
We also wanted to use the campaign to highlight the “party” feel that we built our heroes around. The 4 heroes in the Master Set are not just a group of figures drafted to fit a point total, they are a molded adventuring party built to work together in the depths of the Underdark, and we wanted to use this campaign (or “Dungeon Adventure”) to introduce their story.
But we also wanted something unique to these adventures. We didn’t want random battlefields throughout the Underdark, with the areas in between explained by exposition. We wanted a contained Dungeon Adventure. We wanted the feel of a dungeon crawl. With that in mind, we decided that each battlefield isn’t just steps towards a goal; they were rooms that the adventurers were encountering throughout the dungeon. These rooms would also be connected to further enhance the contained Dungeon Adventure feel.
As you can see from the rulebook image above, each room in the Dungeon Adventure is connected by shared tiles. You can easily run from one room to the next as you take your band of adventurers through the first Heroscape Dungeon Adventure: The Ancient Sanctum.
Ancient Sanctum Overview:
An unnatural gust of wind extinguishes your torch. You stumble in the sudden darkness. Two of your party members cry out, but their cries are immediately muffled—then gone. In the silence you call out, and in the distance one of your companions responds. There are two of you remaining: Ana Karithon the cleric and Tandros Kreel the fighter. You were sent to explore, but your goals have quickly shifted. You must find your missing party members and make it back to the surface with your lives.
We built this first Dungeon Adventure with set rules in regards to movement between the rooms, and the death of a party member as you continue onward. While these rules are set in stone for the Ancient Sanctum, they can be modified based on the overall theme and story for future Dungeon Adventures.
Death: If a figure in Player 1’s Army is destroyed in any of the dungeon rooms, that figure is removed from the campaign. The figure does not continue into the next room with the rest of the adventurers. However, the Adventurers do carry with them, one Vial of Resurrection. Once per campaign, Player 1 may use the Vial of Resurrection to revive a party member that has been destroyed in the preceding room, and it must be used when placing figures onto a starting zone for a new room.
So if the Feral Troll happens to destroy Ana in the first room, but Player 1 kills the Troll and can advance, you can choose to use the Vial of Resurrection. HOWEVER, it won’t be available for the rest of the campaign! If a party member falls in the next few rooms, there is no turning back, the vial has been used!
Wounds: Wound markers are cleared in between rooms.
Equipment (Treasure Glyphs): When Player 1 continues onto a new room in the dungeon, the figures in Player 1’s Army retain control of any Treasure Glyphs they control, and gain control of any that are power-side up on the battlefield. Player 1 may redistribute Treasure Glyphs between party members when placing figures onto the starting zone for a new room.
Random Treasure Glyphs: Before starting the campaign, shuffle the 3 mobile treasure glyphs in the Master Set and put them off to the side. Rooms 2, 3, and 4 each call for a random Treasure Glyph. At the beginning of each of these rooms, pick one of the 3 glyphs at random. (do not use the same Treasure Glyph more than once per campaign.)
And that’s the basics of the Dungeon Adventure! Once you have the first room built (or all 4 if you built them together), set the first room up and start battling it out in the Ancient Sanctum!
Room 1: The Lair Room 2: Drow Ambush Room 3: The Portal Room 4: The Ancient Sanctum
In each room, our adventurers will encounter new traps, new monsters, and new problems that they must overcome in order to get to the Ancient Sanctum and battle the dreaded Othkurik!
We’re excited to announce that there will be a total of 8 more Treasure Glyphs released with the first two Heroscape small expansions in 2010 as well as a new web Dungeon Adventure available in March! We’ll be back next week for our final preview. How does Ana both heal and protect? How does the Dwarf interact with Treasure? What the heck does “Uncommon Hero” mean? All will be revealed next week![/QUOTE]
Heroic Rune: This figure adds 1 additional attack die when making a normal attack.
Talisman of Defense: This figure adds 1 additional defense die when defending.
Brandar’s Chest: This glyph's effect is defined by the scenario.
Temporary Treasure Glyphs:
Potion of Healing: This figure may drink this potion after revealing an order marker on its Army Card. Remove up to 3 wound markers from that figure’s Army Card.
Treasure Glyph Rules:
• Only Unique Heroes can use Treasure Glyphs and a Hero can carry any number of Treasure Glyphs.
• Treasure Glyphs do not stop movement like normal Glyphs. Figures can run right over them, and figures that can’t use them can stand on them to attempt to stop Unique Heroes from getting to them. The Deepwyrm Drow are especially good at this tactic!
• When you attempt to pick up or activate a symbol-side up Treasure Glyph, you must roll for the scenario specific trap (see below) that the Treasure is bound by.
• Treasure Glyphs will normally only affect the figure that is carrying it (the figure whose Army Card the Treasure Glyph is on).
Treasure Glyph Trap Rules:
When a figure tries to pick up or activate a symbol-side up Treasure Glyph, before revealing it, you must roll a 20-sider. (Note, you never roll for a trap on a power-side up Treasure Glyph)
• On a 1-5, you set off the trap! Leave the treasure Glyph symbol-side up. The scenario specific trap takes effect. The trap can be anything you can imagine, as long as you set it up before the game.
• On a 6+, you don’t set off the trap, and the figure reveals the Treasure Glyph and places it on his corresponding Army Card. That figure now controls the Glyph.
Figures cannot freely exchange Treasure Glyphs. While this may seem counter intuitive, this was done in an attempt to balance the mobile glyphs and keep one figure from flying out, grabbing all the treasure, and getting back to their big Hero and beefing them up. But there are ways for figures to get rid of treasure glyphs and allow other figures to pick them up, it just takes an extra turn.
Dropping Treasure Glyphs:
At any point during a figures movement, you may place a Treasure Glyph power-side up on a space the figure occupies. That figure may now continue its movement. Note: You cannot drop a Treasure Glyph onto a space that already has another Glyph on it.
Losing Treasure Glyphs:
If a figure carrying a treasure Glyph is destroyed, the Glyph is placed power-side up onto a space the figure last occupied. If the space already has a Glyph on it, the Treasure Glyph(s) the figure was carrying is destroyed.
If you are looking for something else to read, I definitely recommend checking out the Moderated D&D Heroscape Debate. A lot of interesting points are raised. It is a little bit long, but definitely worth the read. If you haven't read it, go read it. If you have already read it, go read it again, it's just as interesting the second time.
Also, Jexik has had a chance to playtest the new figures and tells a little about it in his blog. A discussion thread was also started. It definitely makes for an interesting read.
Here is the original thread.
This is the version of the thread from before we were given the three D&DHS previews.
Spoiler Alert!
After we received news of the new Master Set 3, also known as Dungeons and Dragons Heroscape, hundreds and hundreds of posts flooded the servers. Between the now inactive pages of pictures, reactions, and rampant speculation are posts containing important information that you should be aware of. However, searching through hundreds of posts across multiple threads for the information would be a near impossible task.
That is where this thread comes in - the one-stop thread that contains basically everything official or noteworthy that has been posted or released pertaining to D&D Heroscape.
The purpose of the edit log is so that if you check back to see if there is anything new you don't have to re-read the entire thread. You can just look at the date the thread was last edited and instantly see what you may or may not have missed.
8/19 - 11:00 AM EST - added Eclipse's comparison shot beneath the ones Kepler posted in the Figures section.
8/19 - 11:10 AM EST - added Grungebob's comparison shot beneath the ones Kepler posted in the Figures section.
8/19 - 11:20 AM EST - Quoted Grungebob's post regarding the size, and combat worth, of the Black Dragon. Placed way at the bottom of the Figures section.
8/19 - 10:20 PM EST - Added more of Kepler's comparison shots, this time the drow figures next to the Ninjas of the Northern Wind. Found in the Figures section at the bottom of the spoiler where the rest of Kepler's comparison shots are. Added the title "COMPARISON SHOTS" and put it in red to make it stand out more. Reorganized the section a little as well.
8/21 - 1:05 PM EST - Added a link to the Moderated D&Dscape debate way at the bottom.
8/22 - 11:20 AM EST - Added a quote from Gungebob about future Classic Heroscape to the Misc Info section.
8/22 - 3:30 PM EST - Added a link to a post by Hogg containing a bunch of pictures of the D&D minis figures. Found at the bottom of the Figures section under Comparison Shots.
8/28 - 7:10 PM EST - Added more of Hogg's comparison shots to the Figures section under Comparison Shots.
9/11 - 3:00 PM EST - Redid the introduction paragraph above.
9/14 - 3:45 PM EST - Added a quote to the "What is D&D Heroscape" section (just below) about the release date.
9/26 - 9:00 PM EST - Added more of Hogg's comparison shots to the Figures section under Comparison Shots. This time the dragon.
10/11 - 2:15 PM EST - Cleaned the thread up A LOT: added/removed some stuff, bolded a couple parts of some quotes to make information more clear, fixed up some of the code and spacing to make things easier to read/see, edited some stuff I forgot to fix earlier, fixed a couple errors and cleaned up some grammar and spelling mistakes.
10/23 - 2:55 PM EST - Added a quote from WotCPaul to the "What is D&D Heroscape" section just below. Look to the bottom of the section. We now have a price point!
11/3 - 1:40 PM EST - Added a quote from Grungebob to the "Misc Info" section just below. (Walmart will be carrying MS3). Also merged most of the "What is D&D Heroscape?" section with the "Misc Info" section.
11/7 - 11:30 PM EST - Added a quote from Grungebob to the bottom of the "Future Expansions" section.
11/9 - 3:00 PM EST - Added another Grungebob quote to the "Future Expansions" section.
11/10 - 2:50 PM EST - Updated the release date information.
11/17 - 3:00 PM EST - Added the release date for the first D&Dscape wave to the "Future Expansions" section.
11/23 - 10:30 PM EST - Added a link to Jexik's blog as well as the new thread made by Nyys to the "Further Reading" section.
______________________________________________________________
WHAT IS D&D HEROSCAPE?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Truth's blog, 8/15/09
A new master set has been announced for Heroscape. It is fully compatible with standard heroscape but it has the D&D theme attached to it. There will be an official campaign in the set as well as some new rules and new glyphs.
This set was worked on by Jerry, Chris, and I and was playtested by all of the original playtesters. There will be some good new heroscape in this box.
The D&D theme brings something to the table that many heroscapers have tried to incorporate into the game for a long time - A dungeon crawl experience.
"The set, a first of its kind, will be released January 4, 2010."
As for availability, not too much is known. However, we can be sure at this point that
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Walmart will carry it.
Most likely in addition to online retailers and FLGSs, that is.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by Porkins
I believe that the idea of the DnD set is to have a lower cost master set to draw new players into the game and get them buying boosters at $12+ a pop (Ka-Ching). The $40 barrier was probably too high for drawing players in, I suspect that the DnD set will be nearer to $25.
If $29.99 is nearer to $25 than $40, you'd be right. (it's to early in the morning for me to do the maths )
And we now have a price point - $29.99. Keep in mind that that is most likely the suggested retail price and, as always, certain places might have it for more or less.
This was originally posted on the gigantic D&D HS thread. It caused the thread to pretty much explode.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
I'll confirm: 1. [D&DHS is] real, and it's cool (thanks in no small part to Truth, Grunge, Jerry, and the playtest/design team).
2. The drow fight for Utgar
3. That photo sure does have some interesting little details (but the water's just bad lighting)
More info regarding the set.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Glyphs: They are carried around like equipment
Pools of Shadow: They are a new terrain type
The figures look good but are also re-used DnD minis that were chosen with the knowledge that they need to match in scale with Heroscape.
This IS classic scape NOT a marvel spin-off type thing.
This is designed [by] people who know and love Scape.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by lonewolf
Quote:
Originally Posted by J-Unit94
One of the best things about Heroscape is the ability to go and play in tournaments, but if DND is mixed with classic, and they just keep making it, DND will be all over the tournament scene, and that would ruin Heroscape for me. Maybe this idea will expand Heroscape, but it's not in the way I'd like to see it.
I am very curious to see how the new D&D units affect the tournament meta-game.
Hopefully not any different than a new wave of figures would!
There will be new glyphs that can be used in tournaments, and the figures are designed just like any other wave, but there are obvious DnD themes that need to be represented. Some of the new figures will have synergies to existing figures.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by White Noise
I'm sure many of us would like a straightforward, honest answer as to whether or not Original Scape is still on the table for consideration.
Yes it is still on the table. The doors on Classic have not been shut.
Images of the box seen here. Put in spoiler tags so it doesn't stretch the page in weird ways as it loads. Clicking on the images will make them larger.
Spoiler Alert!
The last 4 images are from Retlaw's Gencon thread.
Transcriptions:
The contents, followed by the text on the back of the box.
Spoiler Alert!
Quote:
Originally posted by Grim
CONTENTS
2 dungeon tiles (24 hex)
3 dungeon tiles (7 hex)
2 dungeon tiles (3 hex)
2 dungeon tiles (2 hex)
2 dungeon tiles (1 hex)
3 rock tiles (7 hex)
2 rock tiles (3 hex)
1 rock tiles (2 hex)
1 rock tiles (1 hex)
3 sand tiles (7 hex)
1 sand tile (2 hex)
1 sand tile (1 hex)
1 grass tile (3 hex)
1 grass tile (2 hex)
1 grass tile (1 hex)
12 water tiles (1 hex)
8 shadow pool tiles (1 hex)
1 rock Stalagtite & base (3 hex)
3 rock Stalagtite & base (1 hex)
10 painted figures
8 Army Cards
4 Treasure Glyphs
22 Wound Markers
8 Order Markers
8 Combat Dice
1 20-side die
1 rulebook
Quote:
Originally Posted by White Noise
Beware the Jaws of the Dragon... Evil monsters emerge from the darkest corners of Valhalla, spreading terror as they conquer and control the mystic portals that lead to other worlds. Sinister Drow and brutal trolls gather in underground ruins, and rumors of black dragons are too terrifying to ignore!
The hordes of evil must be stopped. The Valkyrie Generals representing the forces of good have summoned brave adventurers, who together will embark on a quest to defeat the black dragons and their wicked allies. Will they prevail or perish?
Trying to justify miniature quality with fluff doesn't work. The paintjobs aren't as good, the scale is noticeably different, and the troll just can't compete with Krug.
We've made sure that the paints are great. The troll and the dragon have the same paint jobs as their D&D versions, because their paints were already great. We did minor or major upgrades to everyone else's paints to get them up to the Heroscape standard (no eyes, washes on everything). I bet someone will get some good shots of them over the weekend...
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by whitestuff
Anyone else look at the Dnd figures on their HS bases and think that there is something strange about the grass stickers? They look wrong, kinda like they have been cut out by hand...?
...that's because they were cut out by hand.
We got the final painted figures from the factory a couple of days before Gen Con, but the base sticker samples didn't arrive in time. So, color printer + scissors + glue = solution.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boromir_and_kermit
So would I be accurate in thinking the figures pictured in the photos are what the final paint will look like?
Yes, unless the factory wants a very "nice" visit from our QA folks. Usual disclaimers about miniatures being hand-painted, and paint colors often varying slightly inserted here.
Some interesting information regarding the Drow (which are like Dark Elves).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
The Drow are a squad and there is a Drow hero.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sport351
Maybe it's just my bad eyesight, but I think the [drow] squad has different figures, not 3 identical ones.
They're three different figures.
An interesting post by Yagyuninja sheds a little light on some of the figures and also gives a potential explanation for the shadow tiles. Most likely they are created by the Drow, although what exactly they do once they are on the field is still a mystery.
Quote:
Originally Posted by yagyuninja
Quote:
Originally Posted by ollie
Does anyone who knows about DnD stuff care to explain some background/biography type stuff for the figures in the picture for those of us that know nothing? What should we be expecting, in broad terms?
Drow are evil elves. They live underground. They have two iconic abilities: they can line your body with glowing faerie fire (make you visible I guess), and create globes of darkness.
Trolls are big monsters that regenerate and can only truly be killed with fire (or acid?).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yodaking
Drow can also levitate (float straight up or down but not over unless pushed) which might mean they don't have to pay any movement cost for moving up tiles. Then again they are limited in how much they can use each ability each day so they may have just given them the globe of darkness power and left the other ones out.
The Black Dragon looks a little small in the pictures (pictures are a little later in the thread) (a little bigger than Dünd), but now we have a reason for it at least.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreyOwl
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperflyTNT
The real scale issue, IMO, is that the "Black Dragon" is nowhere near the size of the REAL black dragon, Braxas. Dund could kick the new black dragon's ass!
But isn't the new one supposed to be a young dragon, and therefore intentionally smaller? Braxas is a queen! She should be bigger.
Yes it is a young dragon. Braxas should be able to kick its butt. But the heroes will be challenged never the less.
IMAGES
All the images in the spoiler tags below are from Retlaw's Gencon thread, found in this forum. Click on the blue arrow in the quote to be taken there.
Spoiler Alert!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Retlaw
Last set -- figures and a few more comments.
(That's Grungebob's hand setting the figures out in the display -- I guess I could have waited until he was done before I started taking pictures)
The order markers are purple -- cool.
The black dragon is a "young" dragon -- that's why he isn't as big as you might expect from seeing the box art.
The rock out croppings sit on top of back bases -- the rocks can be removed and the bases used as more "shadow" tiles -- again not sure what shadow tiles will do, but it may be benefitial to have more of them (or not).
Isn't this guy pretty?
One more of the dragon.
COMPARISON SHOTS
Alot of people seem to be worried about the scale, or general aesthetics, of the figures compared to classic Heroscape. Although Grungebob assured us they did their best to chose figures similar to those of classic Heroscape, we now have pictures posted by some of the members so that you can decide for yourself. Clicking on most of the pictures will make them larger and clicking on the blue arrow inside the quote will take you to the original post and thread.
Special note - These figures shown here are of the D&D versions of the minis and are only for the purpose of comparing SCALE. The figures' paint jobs in the D&D Heroscape Master Set will be different.
Spoiler Alert!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kepler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kepler
Here is a few more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kepler
One more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kepler
Here are some pics of the drow next to the NotNW
Here are some more from Eclipse and another from Grungebob. Again, keep in mind that the figures are on the D&D bases and therefore have the D&D paint.
Spoiler Alert!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eclipse
Erevan Sunshadow vs The Elf Wizards:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
And now we have even more from Hogg. Again, the minis are the D&D versions.
Spoiler Alert!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogg
Here are some more pictures of the new sculpts. One of the main concerns I've heard is about scaling. The discussions have been about the size of the figure's heads and thickness of limbs. But the most important issue of scaling, especially in HS is height. Remember how all the figures height value is matched to the figures height in hexes?
I have taken pictures of the original DnD minis compared to HS tiles. One important note to remember is that the HS bases are slightly thicker than the DnD bases, by about a millimeter. The proper figures will be just a hair taller when they come out.
Heroes:
All appear to have a height of 4, except the dwarf who has height of 3. There are more pictures of the dwarf's height comparison further down.
Drow:
The first two are also around 4 hexes high, but the last one is a little taller. He will probably stand out among the other squad members. I don't have the other drow yet to compare, but I should have him next week. The last drow pictured will probably earn the nickname "Stretch."
Here are some good comparison shots of the new dwarf:
His height is very comparable to other small sculpts. I don't forsee any complaints about his height.
And some of the other figures:
Shots of the new figures in their armies:
It's worth noting some detail about the figures I noticed.
Tandros Kreel's sword and arm are not molded to his body, it is a seperate limb.
He also has a bow on his back. He could have a ranged attack, though he doesn't in DnD minis.
The other three heroes have cloaks covering their backs.
The drow ears stick through their hair and are detailed.
Spoiler Alert!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogg
Here are some more pictures of the new figures. I didn't have the last drow from the squad or the troll for the last group of photos, so here they are.
The new drow appears to have a height of 4.
The troll's height is around 7. He is a hair (literally, his topknot) above the 7th hex. The angle in the picture isn't the best.
Here he is compared to some similar figures. He is very close in size to the Dumuteff Guard.
A couple shots of the drow squad grouped together. All the drow squad figures have shields with spiders embossed prominently on them. One of these drow figures has a power in DnD that lets him summon a spider from his shield or something.
The one with the sword raised over his head seems out of place with the other two. He is much bigger in the torso and taller, his hair is also painted differently. New paint might be able to make him blend in better. Also, in HS the common squads tend to be more similar amongst each other than unique squads do. This leads me to believe these guys will be unique.
Here are some pictures of the troll's base. It is round instead of oval which will be changed for the HS version. I just thought it is interesting to see how DnD bases fit (or don't) with HS hexes. I think it will prevent a complete merger of the games.
I got the new DnD mini Large Black Dragon figure earlier this week and I am really unimpressed with it. It is very small and looks like something that fell off of Sonlen's shoulder. Here are some more pictures, this time of the new dragon.
He appears to have a height of 6.
The dragon with the troll.
The dragon looking like a midget next to Braxas.
The new dragon next to some real dragons.
One thing I have noticed from taking these pictures is how sparce the new set is. It only has ten figures and the large ones are actually quite small. This is not what I'm used to from a master set and I hope the pricing is appropriate. Here are some shots of all the figures from all three master sets for comparison.
All 4 glyphs are shown. An artifact, a "potion" glyph that heals 3 wounds, a defense +1, and an attack +1. As noted way at the top of the post, the glyphs are carried around like equipment. Also shown in the first picture is the purple OMs.
I can't give you anymor info, simply because that is the only question I could ask. Here was my question.
"Is this going to be the only time that DnD dabbles its feet into Heroscape waters, or will it be making more regular apperances?"
Answer:
"This will not be the only time that it will be dealing with Heroscape. We already have 2 expansions in the works that include DnD.
A little while later this was confirmed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by Warlord Alpha
Quote:
Originally Posted by GromBloodboy
I can comfirm this, and I can also confirm this.....
Sources, then? Any way we can get anything other than just your word that you talked to the designer?
I'll confirm it too (Bill's not one to pull anyone's leg). The first one's well into development, the second is in the middle of design.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherman Davies
Paul, is there any way you can resolve this question about whether D&Dscape will be sold in its own waves or be incorporated into regular Heroscape waves?
The two D&D waves we have in the works for 2010 are 100% D&D. But that's as far as I'm going to speculate on anything right now.
Combining D&D & other stuff in the same wave wasn't something I'd considered. My gut right now says that I'm against it, but I'm going to let our R&D folks and the playtesters convince me one way or another on that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HouseMouseGames
WOTC's latest order sheet has the first DnD Booster available on March 23.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hogg
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
Quote:
Originally Posted by wotcpbarclay
The two D&D waves we have in the works for 2010 are 100% D&D.
Yes and even though they are DnD, they are really awesome waves with very fun squads and heroes that fit in nicely with classic Heroscape.
Are they going to be waves of blister packs like we've been seeing or something different?
As far as I know, they will be just like any other wave release.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grungebob
I also think that even more care and concern has been taken with the waves 11 and 12. There are many figures in there that you wouldn't even know are not original to Heroscape and if you have never really been into DnD minis, you'll likely not even realize.
If you are looking for something else to read, I definitely recommend checking out the Moderated D&D Heroscape Debate. A lot of interesting points are raised. It is a little bit long, but definitely worth the read. If you haven't read it, go read it. If you have already read it, go read it again, it's just as interesting the second time.
Also, Jexik has had a chance to playtest the new figures and tells a little about it in his blog. A discussion thread was also started. Definitely makes for an interesting read.
Amongst other things:
The Drow squad, the Deepwyrm Drow, is common.
The Drow Hero's name is Pelloth
The Dwarf, Darrak Ambershard, is a Dwarf Hero capable of bonding with the Axegrinders.
Be sure to check back periodically for new information. As anything new is posted or released expect to see it here. If you find anything new or noteworthy then be sure to post it here or PM it to me so I can add it to this post.
Last edited by Warlord Alpha; December 9th, 2010 at 03:59 PM.
"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand, lead him to a quiet place and kill him."
— Mark Twain
Probably nothing, but the odd dice number makes me wonder if there is some special use die. Reality will probably end up being that it is 12 standard dice (or new non-specific flagbearer type dice with a third symbol in place of the blank).
"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand, lead him to a quiet place and kill him."
— Mark Twain
August 14th, 2009, 10:43 PM
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