Project Updates for Orc Vs Elves - 28mm Fantasy Miniatures on BackerKit Page 3

Let's create an additional Elf Hero and Orc Hero - Day 2
3 months ago – Tue, Aug 27, 2024 at 01:46:58 AM

Good morning, everyone. Yesterday, there was a lot of interest and excellent feedback, which we have collated below. Today is the final day for us to finalise our ideas, as we have our concept artist on standby. Marco is poised to create drawings for both, ahead of Paul sculpting the final heroes. If you have any final thoughts on the current briefs, please share them in the comments today.

Sculpting Brief: Orc Hero
Character: A hulking, muscular orc warrior known for his fierce strength and savage brutality.

Pose: The orc is in a dynamic pose, mid-charge, having just swept aside a fallen enemy with his shield. His face is contorted in a primal scream, his eyes filled with bloodlust.
or
Dynamic pose, capturing the moment he has just swept aside an enemy with his shield or axe. He should appear victorious and intimidating with a look of savage determination.

Armour: The orc wears heavy, rugged armour adorned with spikes, plates and studs. A tattered fur cloak drapes over his shoulders for extra warmth and a savage aesthetic.

Weapons: The orc carries a massive, spiked axe in one hand, or Morningstar, while the other holds a large, jagged shield with a spiked boss. A menacing orcish symbol is emblazoned upon the shield.

Accessories: The orc's belt is adorned with various weapons and tools, including a dagger, a throwing axe, and a head.

Additional Notes: The orc should have a muscular build and a fierce expression. His skin should be covered in scars, visible beneath his armour. The overall aesthetic should be brutal and intimidating, reflecting the orc's savage nature.

Sculpting Brief: Elf Hero
Character: A skilled and noble elven warrior known for their grace and precision in combat.

Pose: A dynamic and balanced stance, with the elf bracing for a charge. Their legs are spread slightly, and their body is angled slightly forward as if they are about to lunge. One hand holds a sword poised high, almost as if looking down it, while the other has a shield or second sword at a diagonal angle.
or
The weapon resting atop the shield, the hero braced for the enemy's charge, and the cape/cloak flying behind. This gives some space for adding whatever glyphs one wants to add to the cape/cloak.

Armour: Light to medium armour, such as chain or scale mail, with intricate carvings and patterns. A flowing robe or short cape can be added for a more elegant look. Helmet with some ornamentation
or
Since the prince has a mix of all three types of armour in the Elf range (plate, scale, lamellar) and the command group leader has two types (plate and scale), this hero could use a coat of scale mail with lamellar bits. Of course, the robes/overcoat are must-includes and would provide room for painting magical symbols.

Weapons: Two swords, one held in each hand. The swords should be long and slender.
or
Since you already have a sword-wielding hero (the prince) and an axe-wielder (in the command group), this hero should have a spear or polearm. If he's a hero/leader to the spear and shield crew, then a small shield with intricate designs/knotwork would be an excellent choice. Alternatively, a magical glyph would be awesome (I'm thinking of some apotropaic symbol).

Additional Notes: The elf's hair and cape should flow freely, adding to the sense of movement and dynamism. The expression on their face should be one of determination and confidence. The composition should be balanced and graceful, reflecting the elf's skill and elegance.

Paul and I like the idea that these two characters could be used together in a mini diorama, and we will try to create them facing off.

I also wanted to mention Troy's idea of four elf mages, each a master of one of the elements. I like this so much that we plan to incorporate this concept into the lore and will save his idea for another day:

Elf idea: Female archmage of life magic who represents one of the most powerful spellcasters of the current age. Perhaps she has partially attuned to the elements or become an elemental herself? Perhaps there are four (one for each element), and she is the master of one aspect in particular?

Thank you to everyone who took part yesterday. Today is the last day to share your thoughts, either on the current brief or by adding something new.

With only five days left to go, let's finish designing!

~Andy & Paul (Hobday & Hicks)

If everything goes to plan, this is our timeline for this campaign:

• August 2024 - Kickstarter Campaign
• September 2024 - Pledge Manager
• September - October 2024 - Production
• October - November 2024 - Pick, Pack & Despatch
• End of November 2024 - Everything Despatched for Delivery

We reached 300 backers! Let's create an additional Elf Hero and Orc Hero
3 months ago – Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 03:45:53 AM

Having reached 300 backers, Paul and I thought it would be great if, between us all, we could design an additional Elf Hero and Orc Hero for him to sculpt. The idea is to include the elf in the Elf Warhost for free, the orc in the Orc Warhost for free, and both in the All-in deal for free.

For those who aren't backing for one of the deals, we can also include them as add-ons.

To get us started, in the comments below, describe how you think this new orc and elf should look - what armour, weapons, shield/no shield, and heroic pose you would like to see. Here are some ideas from me:

Elf Hero:

Armour: Sleek and flowing robes, adorned with intricate elven symbols and patterns. A light leather jerkin provides some protection, but the focus is on agility and grace.
Weapons: A long, slender sword with a shimmering blade and a matching dagger. A graceful bow and quiver of arrows could be included for ranged combat.
Shield: A small, round shield with an intricate design or a magical symbol.
Pose: A dynamic pose, capturing the elf's speed and agility. Perhaps leaping through the air, sword raised, or firing an arrow with deadly precision.

Orc Hero:

Armour: Heavy, rugged plate armour with spikes and studs, designed for durability and intimidation. A fur cloak could be added for added protection and a savage look.
Weapons: A massive axe with a jagged blade and a spiked mace. A sturdy shield could be included for defense.
Shield: A large, imposing shield with a metal boss and a menacing symbol.
Pose: A powerful and aggressive pose, showcasing the orc's strength and ferocity. Perhaps charging into battle, axe raised, or smashing a shield against an enemy.

These are just some ideas to get the creative juices flowing. Feel free to share your own thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. Let's work together to create two truly epic heroes!

With only six days left to go, lets get desigining!

~Andy & Paul (Hobday & Hicks)

If everything goes to plan, this is our timeline for this campaign:

Day three!
3 months ago – Sat, Aug 24, 2024 at 07:51:48 AM

Hello, everyone. I hope you are enjoying your Saturday. As I write this, we are closing in on the Human Magus stretch goal and only need a few hundred pounds to unlock him. If you are thinking of including the Magus in your pledge, consider adding him now to help us get over the line.

As mentioned in a previous update, once we unlock the Human Magus, our next stretch goal will be to unlock the White Seer and her Widow Blade. With the Dark Gate, she once protected open and the Orcs pouring through, the Elves will need her to help fight the wild magic of the Orc Shamans.

THE FANTASY SUPPLEMENT

As requested, we have added the fantasy supplement PDF as a new pledge goal at £5. You can also add it to your pledge as an add-on.

Dive into a world of epic fantasy skirmishes with our new supplement!

What's included:
• An introduction to the new setting.
• New rules tailored explicitly for fantasy gameplay.
• Magic rules enabling you to field Mages with spells.
• Profiles for the major factions:
- Orc Tribes
- The Elves
- The Dwarves
- The Human Kingdoms
- The Dead
• A thrilling linked battle scenario: The Battle for the Bylands
Note: To fully enjoy this supplement, you'll need a copy of The Barons' War. Don't worry, we've got you covered! Your pledge includes a free PDF copy of the core rulebook.

With the introduction of a fantasy supplement to The Barons' War, a significant new edition to the rules is Magic! We initially touch on how it works below...

BATTLES WITH MAGIC

Although they do not understand magic and, in almost all cases, rightly fear it, Warhost Commander will recruit Mages for their destructive power and the magical protection they bring to a battle.

When you choose a Mage for your Warhost, you add them and their handpicked bodyguard, who are chosen to defend the Mage in battle. These warriors have grown accustomed to witnessing magic and its effects and are hardened to it.

The Rules of Magic
Any warrior with the MAGE ability is a user of magic and, during a battle, has the option to spend their group Actions to do one of the following:

i) Cast a Known Spell.
ii) Defend against a direct spell attack by casting Dispel Magic as a Reaction.
iii) Attempt to cast Dispel Magic on any spell cast within range or any constant spell currently in play within range of the Mage.

All Mage can Dispel Magic. It is the very first spell they are taught for their safety. It is always a Known Spell, which is not counted towards the number they prepare ahead of a battle.

We will share more about how magic works in later updates. If you have any more questions, please feel free to drop them in the comments below, and I will answer them as quickly as possible.

~Andy & Paul (Hobday & Hicks)

If everything goes to plan, this is our timeline for this campaign:

The Stretch Goals - Fantasy Supplement unlocked!
3 months ago – Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 05:02:44 AM

In case you missed it, we unlocked the PDF of the fanatsy supplement last night. You will receive a copy for free if you have backed All-in or for either warhost. We have also made it available as an add-on for those building their pledge at the cost of £5.

The most significant change the fantasy supplement brings to The Barons' War game is the introduction of magic.

For the non-practitioner, facing magic on the battlefield is a physical challenge and a harrowing test of courage, morale, and sanity. In this world, magic isn't just a spectacle; it's a raw, unpredictable force that inspires primal fear in the hearts of both common folk and seasoned warriors.

Our next stretch goal is the Human Magus, who has a part to play in the linked campaign. He is currently on a quest of his own making and is playing all sides. This means any player can include him in their warhost. He is also available now as an add-on and will be included once he is unlocked.

Once we unlock the Human Magus, our next stretch goal will be to unlock the White Seer and her Widow Blade. With the Dark Gate she once protected open and the Orcs pouring through, the Elves will need her to help fight the wild magic of the Orc Shamans.

~Andy & Paul (Hobday & Hicks)

If everything goes to plan, this is our timeline for this campaign:

Miniature Focus - Close ups of the Orcs & Elves
3 months ago – Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 02:57:08 AM

We have been asked for more pictures of the miniatures, so I have collected the images we shared on our Facebook group and posted them below.

THE ELVES

Elf Archers, painted by Darren Linington

THE ORCS

Orcs painted by HVM Workbench

If you have any further questions, please drop them in the comments below, and I will answer them as quickly as possible.

~Andy & Paul (Hobday & Hicks)

If everything goes to plan, this is our timeline for this campaign:

Orc Vs Elves - 28mm Fantasy Miniatures

Created by Andy Hobday & Paul Hicks

Latest Updates from Our Project:

Let's create an additional Elf Hero and Orc Hero - Day 2
3 months ago – Tue, Aug 27, 2024 at 01:46:58 AM

We reached 300 backers! Let's create an additional Elf Hero and Orc Hero
3 months ago – Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 03:45:53 AM