Craig Van Ness Q&A Thread

[Craig Van Ness]

Originally Posted by Master Roshi

I actually have a real question now

Are there any plans to introduce new terrain shapes? Traditionally, all the maps we make are designed around the 24, 7, 3, 2, and 1 hex pieces. These shapes have an effect on the structure of the maps and they've been predominantly all we have used since the beginning of the game. We did get some new combinations like the bridge piece in RttFF and the two larger road pieces in the castle set, but because most players have so few of them and they are only a single terrain type, their inclusion had a small impact on map design overall. I think it would be interesting if we started seeing 16 hex pieces as a common shape for grass, rock, and sand because it's inclusion would fundamentally change map shapes since it's a solid piece that can't be decomposed. If ROTV had instead included 30, 16, 5, and 1 hex pieces I'd imagine we'd have very different builds than we do now because it would force people to think differently.

No new terrain shapes in the Oct 1 Haslab. There will be new terrain pieces.

[Craig Van Ness]

Originally Posted by Strack9

New hex pieces would be nice. I like the 16 hex one above. I've often wanted a mirror image 24 hex to the one offered in master sets.

Also, is there is any thought to making large area flat hex surfaces? If there is, it would be nice to have them made of flexible plastic or mousepad material or some such. The Arena of the Planeswalkers puzzle cardboard mats warp. I still have and use my lexan water hex mat that someone created some time ago. It would be nice to build on a large shadow or lava base (or who knows what other kind of terrain you guys have planned).

large lexan water mat, I like that idea

[Craig Van Ness]

Originally Posted by chas

Craig,

We haven't met, but Jeff was here to Scape with a bunch of us back before the Pandemic, and have us play a prototype of Shifting Realms. If you are ever in NYC, come play Age of Annihilation with us. You'll get to see plenty of the Customs here too in full flower, and we can see how they all will mix together!

Thanks for the invite! and thanks for your support. I am so excited for the future!

[Garenex]

In reviewing this thread, there's a few things that were mentioned over the last several years that are finally coming out.

Evil Raelin from 2016. It would be interesting to see how closely the current evil Raelin is to what was originally considered.

Originally Posted by Craig Van Ness

stay_golden_PONYBOY,
Thank you for the kind words.
Yes, we designed and considered introducing Evil Raelin.

Valhalla ruins from 2018

Originally Posted by Craig Van Ness

Terrain Line for Hobby-
This terrain line could be almost anything.
I think a pack where you can just get more tiles would be ideal.

Also, theme packs.
More packs that relate to the current story.
So when we came out with Swarm of the Marro, we could of introduced multiple Marro structures and maybe ruined structures of a city in Valhalla that the Marro destroyed.

[Master Roshi]

Originally Posted by Craig Van Ness

No new terrain shapes in the Oct 1 Haslab. There will be new terrain pieces.

I see, thank you. Looking forward to the new terrain pieces 👍

[A3n]

Originally Posted by Craig Van Ness

I do not know the answer to this question, but I will try to get an answer.

Thank you.

[Garenex]

During the initial design process, did anyone expect that the tournament scene that developed would happen?

Secondly, to encore a question that I didn't see a direct answer to (though I'm sure you can't say too much), any chance for more dwarf units? Crossbowmen, ram cavalry, etc?

[Craig Van Ness]

Originally Posted by Garenex

In reviewing this thread, there's a few things that were mentioned over the last several years that are finally coming out.

Evil Raelin from 2016. It would be interesting to see how closely the current evil Raelin is to what was originally considered.

Valhalla ruins from 2018

Raelin has always been one of my favorites. Back in the day, we talked about her being a possible promo figure with just a repaint. Now, she is soooo much more. She is riding a manticore!

I think you will like what we have planned for terrain. This is just the beginning!

[Craig Van Ness]

Originally Posted by Garenex

During the initial design process, did anyone expect that the tournament scene that developed would happen?

Secondly, to encore a question that I didn't see a direct answer to (though I'm sure you can't say too much), any chance for more dwarf units? Crossbowmen, ram cavalry, etc?

We were very excited to see so many tournaments popping up everywhere! I went to a bunch. Heroscapers drove the entire tournament scene. Colby did an awesome job running Gen Con events, and I would play the winner if I was there, losing most of the time, lol.

There is a dwarf in the Haslab offering. A long time ago, we designed an entire dwarf army. Maybe we'll take another look at the old designs...

[IAmBatman]

Dwarf Bear Cavalry when?

[Knox]

Originally Posted by Craig Van Ness

We were very excited to see so many tournaments popping up everywhere! I went to a bunch. Heroscapers drove the entire tournament scene. Colby did an awesome job running Gen Con events, and I would play the winner if I was there, losing most of the time, lol.

There is a dwarf in the Haslab offering. A long time ago, we designed an entire dwarf army. Maybe we'll take another look at the old designs...

Aquilla flagbearer confirmed

[Master Roshi]

Orangunators when