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Gray Richardson
Master of Realmslore
USA
1291 Posts |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36877 Posts |
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GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Jul 2006 : 18:39:38
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I had a dream last night that I bought a few miniatures.
Maybe it's a sign? |
Planescape Fanatic
"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
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GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jul 2006 : 18:55:28
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Carpe minitiorum would probably be closer anyway. ;)
Genetive, Mace!!
Too bad I have other things to spend my money on first... Well, my lack of money... Like textbooks. And Ghostwalker. And the new Terry Goodkind book... |
Planescape Fanatic
"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2450 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jul 2006 : 23:05:17
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| I've used miniatures my entire career (if you can call it that) as a DM. Part of it stems from the fact that the first adventure I ever ran was Knight of Newts, which came with its own map with the layout of the castle and its water level. It makes it easier to communally visualize what's happening when you have something physical to latch onto. And I continue to use maps and scrounged miniatures (sometimes I drop a skeleton down and say, "That's a troll") in the 2e games I run. |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Nevorick
Acolyte
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 04:57:41
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I've basically used miniatures since 1983. They are handy to get the position of the pc's, npc's, and monsters. There are usually less disagreements about whether or not the thief was standing on the trap by where he placed his miniature in the room.
For the past 3+ years I've used my modular dungeon pieces that I built from my Hirst Art molds. http://www.hirstarts.com/
The molds are worth it if you like to create things and you have time and some extra money. The finished pieces are pretty awesome and really set the mood.  |
"What happens in Waterdeep, stays in Waterdeep." |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 05:38:07
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quote:
Originally posted by GothicDan
I had a dream last night that I bought a few miniatures.
Maybe it's a sign?
Excellent weve corrupted another one
Soon George will fall to!
*Evil Palpatine laughter* |
I am the King of Rome, and above grammar
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 06:14:58
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Pft. :p
I'll go buy those textbooks and novels first... And dice.
I like dice. |
Planescape Fanatic
"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD |
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Gray Richardson
Master of Realmslore
USA
1291 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 08:12:24
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| The latest set is pretty nice. I love my griffon rider. The sculpt is so dynamic. The fire elementals are really nice too. |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 08:21:50
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| The dracolich and the eldritch giant are nice, altho I have no idea where to put the giant in the realms... |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2006 : 09:37:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Mace Hammerhand
The dracolich and the eldritch giant are nice, altho I have no idea where to put the giant in the realms...
At the very worst hes a Male Storm Giant with a skin disorder |
I am the King of Rome, and above grammar
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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YRM
Acolyte
17 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2006 : 05:20:58
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We use miniatures, maps, mastermaze, grass-matts, and fully constructed Hirst Art buildings...
It's probably overkill, but, combined with a good story, the combat is very tactical and visceral, not at all mindless hack-n-slash.
www.jpoppa.com/daggerfalls.htm (an area of Dagger Falls)
http://www.voidgamers.com/channel/HirstArts/HADD6/b.342.r.326.html (cult stronghold)
http://www.voidgamers.com/click/HirstArts/HADD6/b.100.r.16199.html/YRM-title_image.jpg
My PCs are now stewards of that stronghold (they were formerly captives of the Cult of the Dragon there).
So, yeah, they actually OWN a keep, pay for hirelings, have defenses and traps, etc.
If I want, I can do a breakout session where their followers and hirelings and defenses are tested against a group of evil adventurers that I run, and their goal would be to perform a total party kill (Dungeon Keeper style).
Also, I can mix massive battles into my campaigns now, where Iron Golems are marching to smash through gates, giants are acting as artillery (rock throwers) etc.
We go by the rules, but I also try to make the story fully immersed into FRCS lore as possible and have a lot of opportunities for the players to develop their characters. |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jul 2006 : 16:49:59
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Now that I think of it, this is probably one of the 3 main reasons why I have been able to have regular campaigns going only with 3E D&D. Battles were just too awkward and nearly impossible to run without minis. Now distance is exact, there is no confusion, and there is no forgotten position. It's just that much smoother. As long as you have all the required figures ready b4 play (I set them in individual baggies after writing the adventure so I readily have what I need for when, with a note on each bag for reference...i.e. encounter 3 w/4 orcs, a bag with 4 orcs marked encounter 3 corresponding to that number in my notes)<---i do this days b4 play even.
So yeah it's a time saver as well, more time to play, less time to try and figure stuff out, get back to rping faster even. Tactics are easier to work out too.
Hihgly recommend using minis. It's all in proper preparation if they seem to be a hassle (note, you can do the above with whatever's available if you don't have the right mini....i've used orc minis to represent other creatures countless times) |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Gray Richardson
Master of Realmslore
USA
1291 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2006 : 08:39:30
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Okay, I originally got two cases of War of the Dragon Queen minis, and was sadly disappointed not to get a Tiamat. However, I pretty much got most of the other figures I wanted and there were some nice ones indeed. The griffon rider is particularly sweet. And the huge fire elemental.
Disappointed as I was that I didn't get my Tiamat, I found a place online that sells mini singles. So I ordered the four minis I lacked. Tiamat, bahamut, large green dragon and small black dragon.
They arrived today. Man, it was like Christmas! The aspect of Tiamat figure is an excellent sculpt. Looks very nice. Better than in the photographs. George's Impiltur article and Tiamat, both in the same day. I'm on cloud nine. All is right with the world.  |
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EliaMorgona
Acolyte
5 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2006 : 17:16:59
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I got lucky and picked up 2 Tiamats out of 8 boxes hehe Im holding on to one unopened and will see how much it is worth in a year or 2 I am hoping it will be like the red dragon from giants of legends
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Yasraena
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2006 : 23:12:20
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Wow, YRM. I thought we were the only ones who went that route.
I do because I'm not as artistically inclined as my fellow DM, who uses scale 12' dioramas when he runs. Check out the ones from our latest game here -
http://www.marksreality.com/KnightsofSilver/KnOS_Home.htm
Duane really goes all out when he runs us through his game, although I have to say that these terrains and such are but the icing on the cake to the overall experience he puts us through. |
"Nindyn vel'uss malar verin z'klaen tlu kyone ulu naut doera nindel vel'bolen nind malar."
Yasraena T'Sarran
Harper of Silverymoon |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2006 : 19:55:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight
I've been using minis for 6 years now... I'll never go back.
I now have four battlemats, and I lost count on the minis... I pretty much have a mini for any type of PC or monster out there... :P
I started using minis and mats about the same time, and not only would I never go back, I won;t even play in a game that doesn't use them. I've also got a plethora of minis, although we're down to our old laminated white paper with black squares mat because I ruined the good vinyl one with a dry erase marker.  |
War to slay, not to fight long and glorious.
Aermhar of the Tangletrees
Year of the Hooded Falcon
Xysma's Gallery
Guide to the Tomes and Tales of the Realms download from Candlekeep
Anthologies and Tales Overviews
Check out my custom action figures, hand-painted miniatures, gaming products, and other stuff on eBay.
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2006 : 20:01:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Gray Richardson
Okay, I originally got two cases of War of the Dragon Queen minis, and was sadly disappointed not to get a Tiamat. However, I pretty much got most of the other figures I wanted and there were some nice ones indeed. The griffon rider is particularly sweet. And the huge fire elemental.
Disappointed as I was that I didn't get my Tiamat, I found a place online that sells mini singles. So I ordered the four minis I lacked. Tiamat, bahamut, large green dragon and small black dragon.
They arrived today. Man, it was like Christmas! The aspect of Tiamat figure is an excellent sculpt. Looks very nice. Better than in the photographs. George's Impiltur article and Tiamat, both in the same day. I'm on cloud nine. All is right with the world.
I feel your pain. I bought 20 packs and I didn't get a huge fire elemental, large green dragon, or a cadaver collector. Once I recover financially from the 300 bucks I just spent on minis, I'll be buying those three individually. |
War to slay, not to fight long and glorious.
Aermhar of the Tangletrees
Year of the Hooded Falcon
Xysma's Gallery
Guide to the Tomes and Tales of the Realms download from Candlekeep
Anthologies and Tales Overviews
Check out my custom action figures, hand-painted miniatures, gaming products, and other stuff on eBay.
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YRM
Acolyte
17 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2006 : 13:31:52
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Yasraena, the campaign pix are pretty cool.
Yeah, I think it makes the battles so much more exciting when you can have a multi-level tactical combat going on.
If you saw the Cult Stronghold (the Keep my players own now) in my post on Page 3 of this thread, there was a great swashbuckling duel going on to the side of the main battle as the other PCs fought their way up to the top level.
The Swashbuckler fought a similar enemy NPC on the mid level balcony, but as the enemy NPC lost, he jumped down to the balcony on the side of the building (missing his check, holding on with fingertips, then dropping to the level with the bridges to the tower). The PC pursued with boots of spider climb and dueled the enemy on the bridge over to one of the guard towers. Finally, the dead NPC fell into the rushing water below.
(obviously, we still embellish the props we use with imagination)
Anyway, this past weekend, the PCs acquired the services of 36 guards split into functions of 12 (archers, pikemen and dwarven soldiers) and they acquired two ballista and the services of a griffon mounted paladin.
Between that and the barbarian's followers, there is a pretty solid group of defenders in the keep for which I'll eventually design some kind of attack on the keep that fits into the story. |
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Mariuss
Acolyte
10 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2006 : 15:32:41
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| You can get castle pieces and walls and towers from Mageknight that work perfect with minis for a decent price if you look around. |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2006 : 16:05:37
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| I remember a time when we used beer bottles to simulate our positions...needless to say after a while the bottles were never where they had been before... |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Ionik Knight
Learned Scribe
USA
222 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2008 : 15:49:57
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Minis and grids are great for battles if you are a stickler for the rules. If you are a storyteller who plays fast and loose with the rules then they are of little practical use though having a mini to represent important characters is still fun.
Ionik Knight |
Fools to right of them,
Jesters to left of them,
Clowns in front of them
Pun'd and parody'd. |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4211 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2008 : 01:51:48
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I use miniatures only when I need to; like in large complicated combats, in version 3.0 or higher rules (where some rules depend on knowing exactly where everyone is), and when the folks I'm playing with just can't play without them.
From about 1980 (when I DMd for the first time) until 3.0e came out, I rarely used miniatures (again, with only a few reasons outstanding) relying more on story and such. I had a good group to play with too though; so that made a huge difference.
One noted time I HAD to use Miniatures, and had a blast doing it, was the Giant Series of Modules. Just seeing all those giants laying around in the Great Hall of the Steading of the Hill Giant Chief when the party began to kill them was fun enough! |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Hawkins
Great Reader
USA
2131 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2008 : 16:27:12
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| I actually like using them for combat, and have the mat, but I am still looking for an inexpensive way to obtain minis since they turned it into the 3D CCG. |
Errant d20 Designer - My Blog (last updated January 06, 2016)
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back. --Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3248 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2008 : 18:47:11
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It depends on the group, for me. I've played in groups where using minis to visualize tactics (AoO, caught in the spell, etc.) made the combat go a lot quicker and smoother. I've also been a part of groups where using minis slowed everything down to a crawl.
Of course, there are times when you really want to push the point home to the players about what they are up against. That's when bringing out the Colossal-scaled Red Dragon against their medium-sized minis really puts the fear of the Ao into them...  |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3248 Posts |
Posted - 16 Dec 2008 : 18:48:29
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quote:
Originally posted by HawkinstheDM
I actually like using them for combat, and have the mat, but I am still looking for an inexpensive way to obtain minis since they turned it into the 3D CCG.
I found a lot of mine on eBay stores. Many of them offer the less rare minis at bulk prices even (that's how I got my 40 dark creepers for $5). |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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dwarvenranger
Senior Scribe
USA
428 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2008 : 04:14:39
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| Definitely use them in any game I run, and most of the fellows I game with also use them in their games. Although a lot of the time we just admire them for the art they are. Some of that terrain above was pretty amazing, one day when I'm out of the Navy and able to settle down I hope to begin doing some terrain. However, being stationed in TX, does have it's benefits, like being able to go to Reapercon, and just stand in awe of the skill of the masters. |
If I waited till I knew what I was doing, I'd never get anything done.
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Do you use miniatures and a battle grid?
