NGC Community Contest #2: Mounts

[Alexandros]

Hello NGC fans- it's time for us to announce our next community customs contest.

Have you enter wanted to design an entirely custom Heroscape unit, using a figure from your imagination? I know I have.

That's why we're pleased to announce a special theme for the next NGC Community Contest, where we will be collaborating with Chris Torres AKA Shaper to design a sculpt from the ground up based on a winning entry.

Who's Shaper? Shaper is a professional sculptor best known for his recent work on Source and TimeStrike. They have volunteered to design a sculpt for use in NGC, and in the spirit of community collaboration Shaper and the NGC team have reached a joint decision to have that sculpt be based around a submission from a community member.

Some examples of Shaper's work:

Spoiler Alert!

What criteria does a submission have to follow? Entrants will be asked to submit two card drafts, representing a Hero and its mounted variant. An excellent example of what we're looking for is C3V's Hrognak. (unmounted/mounted). What the hero does, how it looks, where it fits among settings established in classic HeroScape and NGC canon- these are all details the entrant is free to determine for themselves.

Here's how it works: Community members have from now until May 24th to submit their entry, using the form in the second post. They may post their submission here or in the #mounted-design-contest discord channel, though each user is limited to a single submission. Anyone is eligible to participate, provided they are not a current member of the NGC team and they are able to join the NGC Discord. Submissions need not be worded perfectly or have their lore figured out down to a T- we will primarily be judging these entrants based on strength of design, and can focus on polish during the design process. Please note that NGC designs are expected to function with other NGC and official HeroScape units. While compatibility with designs from other customs projects is welcome, and even encouraged, we are not likely to approve a design that is dependent on a unit from those projects to function.

Determining the Winner: After May 24th, the NGC team will discuss the entrants with Shaper to ensure each entry is possible to sculpt at the appropriate size. If sculpting the proposed unit is not feasible, the entrant will be notified and given a brief period of time to make changes (if possible). Then, the NGC team will hold a private vote to determine which submission we will be prepping for release. We will walk the winning entrant through the design and playtesting process in the NGC Discord, and continue to work with Shaper on a sculpt that best suits the design.

Upon release, the STLs for this unit will be released to the community, free of charge. This thread and the #public-customs-and-brainstorming channel on the NGC Discord will remain open for users to discuss possible submissions.

We look forward to seeing all of the wonderful designs the community has in store.

[Alexandros]

Here is our submission form. Items in bold are required. Items in italic are strongly suggested but only absolutely necessary if relevant to the design.

Spoiler Alert!

Name:
General:

Race:
Uniqueness:
Class:
Personality:
Size: (Small, Medium, Large, Huge)

Life:
Move:
Range:
Attack:
Defense:

Abilities:

Briefly describe the appearance of the character below:

Provide up to three images of the character and/or the mount. Feel free to point out specific elements of the image you want or do not want to be included in the character's sculpt:

Describe any elements of the character's lore that you would like to highlight:

Tell us about an NGC unit you've played or would like to play- what do you like about it?

[cmgames]

Then, of course, there is Hrognak, Mounted (on the wall in Jotun's study):



~Z

[Shiftrex]

Nicely done

Though I don't think I can accept it as an entry lol!

[kolakoski]

Well met!

Name: ZHOU TONG
General: Ullar

Race: Serpentfolk
Uniqueness: Unique Hero
Class: Archer
Personality: Precise
Size: Large

Life: 5
Move: 5
Range: 5
Attack: 3
Defense: 3

SINGING SCIMITAR
Range 1, Attack 3
If Zhou Tong inflicts a wound with Singing Scimitar, he may attack again. He may continue attacking with Singing Scimitar until he fails to inflict a wound.

POISON WEAPONS
Each time Zhou Tong attacks a small, medium, or large Hero with a normal attack or a leaving engagement attack and inflicts at least 1 wound, roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 1-11, nothing happens. If you roll a 12 or higher, add 1 additional wound to the defending figure.

Briefly describe the appearance of the character below: Serpent Archer with Scimitar.

Provide up to three images of the character and/or the mount. Feel free to point out specific elements of the image you want or do not want to be included in the character's sculpt:

Describe any elements of the character's lore that you would like to highlight:

Name: FEI TAN
General: Ullar

Race: Woven
Uniqueness: Unique Hero
Class: Scout
Personality: Disciplined
Size: Huge

Life: 3
Move: 7
Range: 1
Attack: 3
Defense: 3

FLYING CARPET
Before moving Fei Tan, you may place an adjacent small, medium, or large figure you control onto Fei Tan's sculpt. Fei Tan and any figure on Fei Tan's sculpt always has height advantage relative to non-flying figures.

SMOTHER
Before attacking, choose one medium or small figure adjacent to Fei Tan. If the chosen figure is a Squad figure, destroy it. If the chosen figure is a Hero figure, roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 16 or higher, destroy the chosen Hero.

Briefly describe the appearance of the character below: A Flying Carpet, duh!

Provide up to three images of the character and/or the mount. Feel free to point out specific elements of the image you want or do not want to be included in the character's sculpt:

Describe any elements of the character's lore that you would like to highlight:

Tell us about an NGC unit you've played or would like to play- what do you like about it?

Frostclaw Paladins. 2 Life squad figures. Saves space.

[ogblaha]

All Shadow has known is sadness. When he was just a young wolf pup, his pack was killed for by a group of poachers for their pelts. Alone and terribly weak Shadow tried his best to stay alive but to no success. After a while a kyrie named Natsuri from the moon tribe found Shadow and brought him to Valhalla to fight alongside and to be part of a pack once again. Under the protection of his new pack and by the powers in Valhalla Shadow grew large enough for Natsuri to ride. And so together they fought, an unstoppable force of power and loyalty. But one fateful day Shadow and Natsuri were ambushed by the wolf forces of Utgar led by Nilsia herself. The battle was long and ferocious, but Shadow fought them off only to find that in the pitched fray His rescuer and friend Natsuri had been mortally wounded and soon gave into his wounds. Afterwards Sadow Howled and whimpered for what seemed like an eternity. What was he to do, the only family he had ever known was now dead. Eventually he decided that if he couldn’t be happy then know one deserved to be. He went back to the moon tribe where he soon began to fight with them once again but as a lone wolf killing anyone who gets in his way foe and friend alike.

Shadow and Natsuri
HUNTERS MENTALITY
If Shadow and Natsuri start their turn adjacent to at least one other friendly hunter figure you may move up to 3 common wolf or hunters, you control up to 5 spaces. figures moved this way must end their move adjacent to another friendly hunter.
PACK OF HUNTERS
When Shadow and Natsuri roll defense dice if there is at least one other friendly hunter within 3 spaces you may add one additional shield to whatever is rolled.

Shadow
Ambush
Shadow may add one to his attack and move numbers if he is adjacent to no other figures at the start of his turn. Shadow must be able to end his turn adjacent to an opponent’s figure to use ambush.
Deranged Assault
Shadow must attack all figures adjacent to him. Roll each attack separately. If Shadow attacks more than one figure and does not inflict a wound Shadow must suffer one wound

I have played with Nilsa and quite enjoyed the figure and though that maybe she could use a rival



The look for the figure is a hunter looking Kyrie ridding a larger than normal Wolf. I imagine the wolf would looing something like this and the kyrie would look like a cross between Raelin and Kiova but wearing a hunters attire.

[Shiftrex]

Woo hoo awesome entries thus far!

[DarthLegolas]

Moniphar is a member of the Einar Imperium whose prowess in battle grew fiercer than his comrades. He was a natural born fighter and his sense of care he felt for his fellow soldiers made him popular and adored by Einar's forces. It also made him a target.

One night, he was ambushed, captured and tortured by Utgar, who tore his wings from his body and scarred his torso. To Moniphar's surprise, Utgar then released him. Believing he had destroyed the Kyrie's mind and body, Utgar was arrogantly confident that upon his return to Einar's forces, Moniphar would destroy morale and spread fear among the soldiers.

Instead, Moniphar was as determined and ready as ever to lead the charge alongside his fellow Kyrie and the men of earth. His fortitude and force of will forbade the pains of the past to conquer his mind, and he became a symbol, officially given the title, The Honored.

He inspired his allies and terrified his foes. His unyielding drive even impressed the mystical creature Awdiya, a Valhallan griffin who Moniphar released from a cursed slumber. Sensing Moniphar's iron will and loyal heart, Awdiya swore her allegiance and joined him for future battles where they continue to support and inspire Einar's forces.


Name: Moniphar the Honored
General: Einar

Race: Kyrie
Uniqueness: Unique Hero
Class: Soldier
Personality: Disciplined
Size: Medium 5

Life: 4
Move: 5
Range: 1
Attack: 3
Defense: 3

Abilities:

Double Attack
When Moniphar attacks, he may attack one additional time.

Loyal Soldier
When taking a turn with a squad of soldiers that follow Einar, you may choose to only activate one or two figures on that squad’s army card. If you do, after taking that turn, you may also take a turn with Moniphar.

Vengeful Strike
Start the game with 1 Strike Marker on this army card. When an Einar soldier you control within 3 sight spaces of Moniphar is destroyed by an opponent’s figure, transfer the Strike Marker to the Army Card of the figure that destroyed that soldier. Moniphar rolls an extra attack die when attacking a figure with his Strike Marker on its Army Card.


Name: Moniphar the Honored (mounted)
General: Einar

Race: Kyrie
Uniqueness: Unique Hero
Class: Champion
Personality: Inspiring
Size: Large 7

Life: 5
Move: 6
Range: 1
Attack: 5
Defense: 4

Abilities:

Flying

Fire Burst Special Attack
Range: 1 Attack: 3
All figures adjacent to Moniphar are affected by Fire Burst Special Attack. Roll 3 attack dice once for all affected figures. Affected figures roll defense dice separately. Affected figures cannot roll extra defense dice granted by terrain or height advantage.

Pyre of Hope
When Moniphar is destroyed, you may immediately replace him with up to two previously destroyed soldier squad figures you control if possible.

Moniphar is an Einar Imperium soldier with two major distinguishing features. A) He has a massive x-shaped scar across his chest and B) his wings have been sawed off at the first joint, please see the edgy tumblr art to catch my meaning. His pose, in my mind should be focused, like he's honing in on his next target.

Moniphar's mount Awdiya, is a dark brown or perhaps black griffon with a phoenix motif. I imagine fire being featured somewhere on her model. End of the tail ala charizard, and/or perhaps within the feathery mane. Pose-wise, I'd like her to be sort of breaching upward with her forward half, kind of like the middle lioness in the below reference picture. Probably less dramatic and the head should probably face forward. Moniphar would be riding on her back, thrusting out his chest.

[SkyWhale]

Spoiler Alert!

Name: AL-13 (unmounted)
General: Ullar

Race: Soulborg
Uniqueness: Unique Hero
Class: Scout
Personality: Precise
Size: Medium 5

Life: 3
Move: 7
Range: 1
Attack: 4
Defense: 2

Abilities:
Energy Shift
Before moving AL-13, you may add 6 to his Range Value this turn. If you do, subtract 4 from his Move Value and 2 from his Attack Value this turn.

Holo Shield
When rolling defense dice against an attack from a non-adjacent figure, each shield rolled counts for one additional block.

Spoiler Alert!

Name: AL-13 (mounted)
General: Ullar

Race: Soulborg
Uniqueness: Unique Hero
Class: Warden
Personality: Precise
Size: Large 7

Life: 3
Move: 6
Range: 6
Attack: 2
Defense: 7

Abilities:
Rending Antlers Special Attack
Range 1. Attack 4.
After attacking a small or medium figure with Rending Antlers Special Attack, you may move that figure 1 space. A figure moved by Rending Antlers never takes any leaving engagement attacks. A non-flying figure moved lower by Rending Antlers can receive any falling damage that may apply.

Long Strides
AL-13 can move through all small and medium figures.

Quickfire
When AL-13 attacks, he may attack that same figure one additional time.

Mounted
AL-13 may target and attack non-adjacent figures while engaged.

Briefly describe the appearance of the character below:
AL-13 is a slender humanoid soulborg with a runner's physique a ragged grey hooded cloak that only covers his torso. His body is mostly a gunmetal grey, but he has green lights that trace lines around his body, down his legs and into his hands. I picture him in a running motion, forming a finger gun with his hand as if he's about to fire a bolt of energy from it.

AL-13's mount is an armored feathered deer. He has plates on his face, breast, and legs that are dyed green leather and silver metal. Behind him, his has a long tail that ends in colorful feathers. Obviously, his antlers are quite large and beautiful. While AL-13 is mounted, he wields a white bow.

Describe any elements of the character's lore that you would like to highlight:
AL-13 is from the early days of the war on Alpha Prime. The factory that made him didn't last long before it was absorbed into the Zetti combine, releasing only 13 functional units in that time. They had been a supplier of specialty Robota before the rise of the soulborgs, and so couldn't match the pace of their competitors and conquerors. AL-13's model allows for him to shift the energy in his body, either for a burst in speed as he traverses the Valhallan landscape, or to fire bolts of pure energy at his opponents. Unfortunately, he lost the modulator that made this possible while scouting within Utgar's territory. As thanks for his bravery and loyalty, Ullar gifted him a bow and a feathered deer, and granted him the title of "Warden" - promising he would no longer be sent on missions to battle alone.

Tell us about an NGC unit you've played or would like to play- what do you like about it?
Can't lie, I like the Stellanauts! Love how colorful and weird they are, and their unique playstyle.

[ryguy266]

I'd like to present my submission for this contest:

Xavix, Tinkerer


Unit, Description, and Bio

Spoiler Alert!

Name: Xavix, Tinkerer
General: Vydar

Race: Primadon
Uniqueness: Unique Hero
Class: Experimentalist
Personality: Reckless
Size: Large

Life:5
Move:7
Range:1
Attack:3
Defense:3
Points:60

Abilities:
GRAVITON BURST SPECIAL ATTACK
Range 6, Attack 3.
Choose a figure to attack. Before rolling attack dice, choose one of the following:

• You must place as many small or medium figures as possible within two clear sight spaces of the chosen figure on an empty land space adjacent to the targeted figure.
• You must move as many small or medium figures as possible adjacent to the chosen figure one space each. This space may be up to 3 levels higher and must not be adjacent to the chosen figure.

Figures moved by Graviton Burst Special Attack never take any leaving engagement attacks. A non-flying figure moved lower by Graviton Burst Special Attack can receive any falling damage that may apply.

WELLSPRING INFUSION
Once per game, at the beginning of any round before Order Markers are placed, if you have Xavix, Doomsayer in your army, you may destroy Xavix, Tinkerer and replace him with Xavix, Doomsayer.


Briefly describe the appearance of the character below:

Xavix, Tinkerer is a small chimp-like primadon riding atop a snarling jaguar. Xavix has a large pack strapped to his back wired to a two-handled, particle beamer mounted on his chest. A variety of syringes with strange, glowing fluid are hanging from the jaguar’s saddle.


Describe any elements of the character's lore that you would like to highlight:

A maniacal laugh echoes across the battlefield as orcs and soulborgs alike are thrown, tossed by the fierce gravitational waves pounding into them. The primadons warned him the technology was too dangerous, too unstable, and yet, as Xavix looks at the fractured battlefield and crushed bodies, his satisfaction grows. Who could cast him aside now, who would exile an intellect so ravenous? And even in his glory, a stray arrow finds its way into Layla’s heart.

The jaguar roars, the howl of death piercing Xavix’s ears. With a cry, Layla crumples to the ground, throwing Xavix from her saddle. He crawls to her as Vydar’s enemies rally, seeing nothing but the pain in her eyes.

“Layla!” he screams, reaching for the syringes on her mount. They would help her, the water would. Give him visions of how to save her. It had to.

Xavix thrashes as the wellspring water enters a body not meant to hold the magic.

Xavix, Doomsayer


Unit, Description, and Bio:

Spoiler Alert!

Name: Xavix, Doomsayer
General: Vydar

Race: Primadon
Uniqueness: Unique Hero
Class: Omegallon
Personality: Tortured
Size: Large

Life:6
Move:8
Range:1
Attack:4
Defense:4
Points:70

Abilities:

XAVIX’S FOLLY
Xavix, Doomsayer does not start the game on the battlefield. Xavix, Doomsayer must be summoned onto the battlefield with Xavix, Tinkerer.

BURDENED WITH VISIONS
Before rolling for initiative each round, choose an opponent. You may look at that chosen opponent's Order Markers. At the end of each round Xavix, Doomsayer receives 1 wound.

Briefly describe the appearance of the character below:

Xavix, Doomsayer is a massive, disfigured gorilla beating its chest in agony. Lines on his face show his age, but powerful muscles and the remnants of his graviton weapon embedded in his skin demonstrate his true strength.

Describe any elements of the character's lore that you would like to highlight:

Layla’s whimpers fade, the pet jaguar’s corpse rotting in front of Xavix. The battle flows around him, possibilities surging, storming as the visions overtake his mind. His body seizes, the particle weapon rusting and fusing to his fur while his arms and chest expand. And as the last of the nightmares end, as temporal fabric itself weaves into his blood, he stands, beaten, older, haunted by the infinite outcomes of a battle in every possible time and tormented by every possible variation of the last breath leaving Layla’s body.

Only a mind like his could have survived. And he will avenge what was taken from him.

Tell us about an NGC unit you've played or would like to play- what do you like about it?

I was happy to see the rest of the AoA units fleshed out before we knew about any relaunch. My favorites were the vorid glide strikers.

[ryguy266]

Small update to my submission. As a part of the ongoing fanfiction contest that timed nicely with this one, I wrote a more lengthy story about Xavix and Layla. I wasn't sure if I would finish it before this contest ended, but I would like to add this story to my submission, if possible. Thanks!