Professional Fan of DDM
Shoe
Sergeant
804 Posts
    
 | | 03/16/2006 5:40 PM |
| We may have been quiet, but all your comments have not gone unheard or unread.
Quite a bit of War Drums exceeded our expectations. But even so, we recognize the issues within the set, and we're always trying to make future sets better. But we can own up to making mistakes in proofing maps and rulebook diagrams, and making poor decisions when reducing paint steps on certain minis. Errata happens (Arachnomancer?), and occasionally a mini won't turn out as well as the paint master (Dwarf Artificer, anyone?), we have to keep working hard to correct these issues.
War Drums had too many of these issues, I agree. But War Drums still remains a very solid RPG and Skirmish set. The pics everyone was ooh-ing and ahh-ing over from Winter Fantasy were of the same production minis in your hands right now.
The DDM tournament scene continues to grow, as well. We've got more in store for our tournaments this year, so while Dreamblade is getting all the press right now due to its recent announcement, DDM isn't going away. With maps and a couple of rule changes in War Drums, we've made it easier to recruit new players into the game, and we see the game continuing to be a successful part of the D&D line.
I'm excited about DDM. I think the next 12 months will be the best ever, in terms of minis available in the sets we're releasing. Right now we've got uncommon Hill Giants, and more Large minis in the set than the Sand Giant can shake his baguette at. Upcoming we've got Huge minis, giants, dragons, Tiny minis, mounted minis, clear minis, dragons, long-awaited demons and devils, old favorites risen from the grave, dragons, and more maps on the way. After all that, we'll work on topping those releases with even more cool DDM stuff.
DDM isn't going anywhere but up. | |
Professional Fan of DDM | |
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Benimoto
Underboss
1125 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 5:46 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Shoe
...long-awaited demons and devils...
Thanks for addressing our concerns, and thanks for all you're doing for the community, Shoe. | |
Champion of the Rakshasa. Check out my Mini Terrain Maker, or my new Dungeon Map Maker (under development). | |
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Narethkraag
Sergeant
848 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 5:48 PM |
| | I am so glad to hear that, thanks a lot Shoe..............[:D]ΖD] | |
my list:http://www.maxminis.com/hwlist.asp?user=narethkraag
completed trades: Capnfrank, Sturmkraehe, Jeff Wilder (x5), Mrfurious, Shinobi, Hockeyfan, Kyrin x2, Scepter, Archimagus, Enginer230, The Last Huzzah, War golem, RedSkullz
Definetely bad trader: Invictus | |
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jacksonm
Warlord
5560 Posts
River City
| | 03/16/2006 5:51 PM |
| | Very good news indeed. [:)] | | | |
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IanB
Commander
3112 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 5:52 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Shoe...and more Large minis in the set than the Sand Giant can shake his baguette at.
I probably shouldn't share the speculation that Derry, Wayne and I shared last Friday over the Sand Giant's "baguette"... so I won't. [)] | |
Anson on WotC boards | |
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Count Dooku
Commander
4637 Posts
New York
| | 03/16/2006 5:55 PM |
| Very cool.
Thanks for the State of the Game address.
We really apreciate you hanging out here and answering our questions and calming us down when we panic :) | |
Champion of the Skulk
Vindicated Champion of the Twig Blight | |
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zenthrus
Warlord
5082 Posts
SLC, UT
| | 03/16/2006 5:55 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by IanB
quote:
Originally posted by Shoe...and more Large minis in the set than the Sand Giant can shake his baguette at.
I probably shouldn't share the speculation that Derry, Wayne and I shared last Friday over the Sand Giant's "baguette"... so I won't. [)]
Please don't [:P]
Quick...hide this thread from Dariustad. There were WAY too many dragon references in Shoe's post [:D]
Thanks Shoe! Nice to see acknowledgement of some problematic features and nice to hear some teasers of what's coming [^] | |
Knight Warlord a.k.a. Commander (#32) in only 6 months. Where's my pie?
Champion of Dwarven Thunderlashers
Knight of the Large Dire Chicken
Have/Want List
Trade References | |
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Puggins
Sergeant
622 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 5:56 PM |
| The real disappointment is that this painting debacle overshadowed what would have otherwise been one of the most triumphant set releases yet- sleeker rules, beautiful maps and lots of intriguing minis on both sides of the RPG/skirmish fence. What wasn't there to like?
I have great faith in your team and your ability to apply lessons learned. I still love the set- I just wish there wasn't this nagging sense of mute disappointment and potential unfulfilled hanging over it. | |
References: http://www.maxminis.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7231 | |
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Felagund
Sergeant
922 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 5:59 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by IanB
quote:
Originally posted by Shoe...and more Large minis in the set than the Sand Giant can shake his baguette at.
I probably shouldn't share the speculation that Derry, Wayne and I shared last Friday over the Sand Giant's "baguette"... so I won't. [)]
I can only imagine what Derry had to say about that...yikes. | |
Champion of Gnomes | |
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The Great
Choco Monster
Ghendar
Warlord
12355 Posts
The G Spot
| | 03/16/2006 6:00 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Shoe
I'm excited about DDM. I think the next 12 months will be the best ever, in terms of minis available in the sets we're releasing. Right now we've got uncommon Hill Giants, and more Large minis in the set than the Sand Giant can shake his baguette at. Upcoming we've got Huge minis, giants, dragons, Tiny minis, mounted minis, clear minis, dragons, long-awaited demons and devils, old favorites risen from the grave, dragons, and more maps on the way. After all that, we'll work on topping those releases with even more cool DDM stuff.
Just when I think I'm out they pull me back in.
[:D] | |
WotC - making me wish more and more every day for a return to the TSR days. :(
I fought the snark and the snark won. I'm baaaaaaaaaaack!
Some of my favorite Maxminis quotes
I actually love to be swallowed. - Posted By gss_000 on 09/04/2007 2:32 PM
Could somebody explain Snatch to me? I understand the basics, but not how to enter/use it. - Posted by orcmonk220
G's the man. - Posted By greyhaze on 11/11/2008 8:58 AM
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True_Blue
Underboss
2386 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:03 PM |
| | Well I'd love to know what "old favorites risen from the grave" means heh. This is all good news tho, even tho there wasnt much said about the War Drums painting problem. But all in all, it sounds pretty promising with more dragons and such =) | |
Champion of a Knight of Takhisis/Knight of Neraka | |
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Ridureyu
Underboss
1622 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:04 PM |
|
In essence:
1. Yeah, you admit that you reduced too many paint steps.
2. it won't happen that badly again, although there might be the occasional mini.
Thanks! | |
Owner of The Original Rust Monsters!
DDM: Harbinger: 76/80 Dragoneye: 60/60 Archfiends: 56/60 GoL: 72/72 Aberrations: 60/60 Deathknell: 60/60 Angelfire: 60/60 Underdark: 60/60 War Drums: 60/60 War of the Dragon Queen: 60/60 Blood War: 60/60, Unhallowed: 60/60 Night Below: 60/60 Desert of Desolation: 60/60 Dungeons of Dread: 60/60 Against the Giants: 60/60
Dreamblade: All | |
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Ack
Underboss
1476 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:08 PM |
| You know you cant leave Ghendar.
Shoe says better than I did exactly my views. This game rocks and it isnt being ditched. Mr. Ellis and co. have so carefully pointed out that the published prize support for DreamBlade is alot, but that DDM has alot of prize support as well.
So.. do what I do. Pimp the game to eveyrone you meet. | |
Minis... Serious Business
Completed Trades (18 ) | Pending Trades (0)
Ebay seller to Avoid –Fantasy_Quest_Dist
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Darastrix Maekrix
dariustad
Warlord
6322 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:08 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Shoe
I'm excited about DDM. Upcoming we've got Huge minis ... dragons ... dragons ... dragons ...
DDM isn't going anywhere but up.
Okay, I was sold on the first mention of "dragon!" Give me three? I'm sold, already! | |
Trade & talk in real time on IRC! SERVER: irc.psionics.net CHANNEL: #maxminis SOFTWARE: PC | PC (free) | MAC
Champion of ALL Dragons and the Dragon Shaman
][ My Trade Shoppe ][ Vindicated Champion of Aspects of Draconic Deities
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Count Dooku
Commander
4637 Posts
New York
| | 03/16/2006 6:12 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by True_Blue
Well I'd love to know what "old favorites risen from the grave" means heh.
Im assuming Ravenloft of course...But who knows what else? :) | |
Champion of the Skulk
Vindicated Champion of the Twig Blight | |
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devasque
Sergeant
874 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:15 PM |
| He, he dragons mentioned not once but thrice. If a lich can can an 'evilgasim' I wonder if Dariustad can have 'dracogasims' [:p]
While the painting and Q/C issues seemed to cloud everyone's mind I think most of us are/were still pumped about what lies over the horizon. The Shoefirmation just stokes the proverbial blacksmith fires.
Oh yeah, showed my son the pics of the CRD for the first time last night. His look/reaction were priceless. "We're going to get one of those?" (insert a 7 year old's high pitch whoop and mad giggling) Only bummer was telling him he couldn't take it to show off in class as it wouldn't be out until he's back in school in the next grade. | |
You see! There ARE others out there just like me. What? Why are laughing? | |
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jedijon
Sergeant
474 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:19 PM |
| All love and hate for paint-jobs aside, we'll all forget about them other than a conversational aside when the previews for WotDQ come out!
Haven't seen all there is to see of the set, but I'm still a fan--besides, the average sculpt detail is still on the rise. That's awesome.
Thanks for addressing the elephant in the room w/your Dreamblade comments. | |
*WoTC Delegate (Chicago)* :=: My Trade Thread :=:
DISPUTED TRADE WITH TREE DRUID!!!!!!!! | |
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Queen of Lurkers
lurkinglidda
Warrior
231 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:21 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Puggins
...I have great faith in your team and your ability to apply lessons learned...
Lessons learned and taken to heart. We've had several meetings already about changing the procedure for photographing the images for marketing items such as checklist posters.
Cheers!
THE Lidda | |
Assoc. Brand Mgr
D&D Minis
Wizards of the Coast | |
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The Great
Choco Monster
Ghendar
Warlord
12355 Posts
The G Spot
| | 03/16/2006 6:26 PM |
| | nice! Soon we'll have the entire WoTC staff coming to maxminis. [:D] | |
WotC - making me wish more and more every day for a return to the TSR days. :(
I fought the snark and the snark won. I'm baaaaaaaaaaack!
Some of my favorite Maxminis quotes
I actually love to be swallowed. - Posted By gss_000 on 09/04/2007 2:32 PM
Could somebody explain Snatch to me? I understand the basics, but not how to enter/use it. - Posted by orcmonk220
G's the man. - Posted By greyhaze on 11/11/2008 8:58 AM
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Bert the Troll
Commander
3964 Posts
Adelaide
| | 03/16/2006 6:32 PM |
| I really hope the map situation never ever occurs again. Or at least responibilty is taken and that defective maps are replaced.
| |
"Mutton yesterday, mutton today, and blimey, if it don't look like mutton again tomorrer." Bert the Troll - The Hobbit
Semi-Secret sig business: "In the age of the internet attaching a famous name to your personal opinion to give more weight to it is a very valid strategy." - Benjamin Franklin
Champion of Epic Lolth, Orcus, & Demogorgon and bring us Asmodeus! | |
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devasque
Sergeant
874 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:33 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Ghendar
nice! Soon we'll have the entire WoTC staff coming to maxminis. [:D]
Come on, outside of the WotC boards themselves is there any other single board that covers the game both skirmish/rpg well other then here? We're a great pulsecheck on the status quo of DDM in general. Just my thoughts. | |
You see! There ARE others out there just like me. What? Why are laughing? | |
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Grey Dragon
Sneak
75 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:33 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Shoe
Upcoming we've got ... old favorites risen from the grave...
You know what this means-- get ready for Snig, Goblin Vampire! [:p] | |
"Life is short. Death is shorter."-- motto of the Halfling Assassin Squad | |
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Narethkraag
Sergeant
848 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:34 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by devasque
quote:
Originally posted by Ghendar
nice! Soon we'll have the entire WoTC staff coming to maxminis. [:D]
Come on, outside of the WotC boards themselves is there any other single board that covers the game both skirmish/rpg well other then here? We're a great pulsecheck on the status quo of DDM in general. Just my thoughts.
You do have a point there mate...........ΖD] | |
my list:http://www.maxminis.com/hwlist.asp?user=narethkraag
completed trades: Capnfrank, Sturmkraehe, Jeff Wilder (x5), Mrfurious, Shinobi, Hockeyfan, Kyrin x2, Scepter, Archimagus, Enginer230, The Last Huzzah, War golem, RedSkullz
Definetely bad trader: Invictus | |
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johnny.quest
Underboss
1358 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:35 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Shoe
We may have been quiet, but all your comments have not gone unheard or unread.
Quite a bit of War Drums exceeded our expectations. But even so, we recognize the issues within the set, and we're always trying to make future sets better. But we can own up to making mistakes in proofing maps and rulebook diagrams, and making poor decisions when reducing paint steps on certain minis. Errata happens (Arachnomancer?), and occasionally a mini won't turn out as well as the paint master (Dwarf Artificer, anyone?), we have to keep working hard to correct these issues.
War Drums had too many of these issues, I agree. But War Drums still remains a very solid RPG and Skirmish set. The pics everyone was ooh-ing and ahh-ing over from Winter Fantasy were of the same production minis in your hands right now.
The DDM tournament scene continues to grow, as well. We've got more in store for our tournaments this year, so while Dreamblade is getting all the press right now due to its recent announcement, DDM isn't going away. With maps and a couple of rule changes in War Drums, we've made it easier to recruit new players into the game, and we see the game continuing to be a successful part of the D&D line.
I'm excited about DDM. I think the next 12 months will be the best ever, in terms of minis available in the sets we're releasing. Right now we've got uncommon Hill Giants, and more Large minis in the set than the Sand Giant can shake his baguette at. Upcoming we've got Huge minis, giants, dragons, Tiny minis, mounted minis, clear minis, dragons, long-awaited demons and devils, old favorites risen from the grave, dragons, and more maps on the way. After all that, we'll work on topping those releases with even more cool DDM stuff.
DDM isn't going anywhere but up.
I laughed. I cried. It was all emotions rolled into one.
Thanks for the reponse, Shoe. | | | |
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yack
Commander
3258 Posts
Gatineau Canada
| | 03/16/2006 6:35 PM |
| Thank you Shoe for your time and letting us know its heard.
Once again...always a pleasure too see you drop by!![:)] | |
Champion of the Peryton
Vindicated Champion : Pit Fiend, Devourer
DW: Duergar Priest
RPG Only!!!! The Drumming Drunkn' DM | |
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Can of the Cave Beer
Commander
2838 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:39 PM |
| Thank you for the note, Shoe. Although I didn't doubt that you were keeping tabs on us (brush off free market research?!); it's nice when you guys come in and let us know.
It's also a bit creepy--like having the boss out for drinks, but it's far better than the alternative.
Thanks again.
"[O]ld favorites risen from the grave..."
Shoe, you have too much time on your hands and enjoy taunting us far too much. [}:)]
Personally, I'm betting on a revised Wraith. I wouldn't sneer at a Strahd, but we've got two Rare vampires and an Uncommon. Vampire doesn't "ring true" with me. But, I keep calling for the Dire Tiger--so what do I know? | |
Champion of the Werewolf Lord, Knight of Anything Duergar, and Squire of Things Gnollish
List reset with the start of previews for each new set...got Chainmail®? | |
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Almalik
Warrior
266 Posts
Vancouver-ish, Canada
| | 03/16/2006 6:42 PM |
| Quick Sherman, to the rumor-tron. What can we speculate wildly about in Shoe's latest post? "Old favourites risen from the grave". Is this a reference to Epic Cards, Snig Worg Rider, or something we haven't seen yet?
Edit: *d'oh* darn slow typing. | |
Champion of Aspect of Juiblex (with Oozemaster) and Aspect of Skurmsh! | |
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Red Ranger
Sergeant
708 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:45 PM |
| Add me to the chorus of thanks.
Thanks for the work you do.
Thanks for being straight with us (while you enjoy messing with us a bit[}:)]).
Thanks for your love of this game.
Thanks for your continued dedication.[^] | |
Champion of the Yeti
(large uncommon please!)
Assistant to the Regional Manager | |
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Bert the Troll
Commander
3964 Posts
Adelaide
| | 03/16/2006 6:45 PM |
| | Drizzt, undead ranger .... | |
"Mutton yesterday, mutton today, and blimey, if it don't look like mutton again tomorrer." Bert the Troll - The Hobbit
Semi-Secret sig business: "In the age of the internet attaching a famous name to your personal opinion to give more weight to it is a very valid strategy." - Benjamin Franklin
Champion of Epic Lolth, Orcus, & Demogorgon and bring us Asmodeus! | |
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Ridureyu
Underboss
1622 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:47 PM |
| That would FINALLY validate my favorite flavor text to use in an RPG!
"You come across a wild, ravenous black panther that is feasting on the corpse of a Drow. Two scimitars lie uselessly on the ground next to the body. | |
Owner of The Original Rust Monsters!
DDM: Harbinger: 76/80 Dragoneye: 60/60 Archfiends: 56/60 GoL: 72/72 Aberrations: 60/60 Deathknell: 60/60 Angelfire: 60/60 Underdark: 60/60 War Drums: 60/60 War of the Dragon Queen: 60/60 Blood War: 60/60, Unhallowed: 60/60 Night Below: 60/60 Desert of Desolation: 60/60 Dungeons of Dread: 60/60 Against the Giants: 60/60
Dreamblade: All | |
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Kunimatyu
Sergeant
725 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 6:56 PM |
| I think the key here with paint steps is making sure that the paint masters don't go wild with additional paint steps that never see the light of day on the real mini. By making sure that a model with potentially fewer paint steps still looks good, you've removed a lot of potential problems.
It also seems that the biggest lesson of WD is this: don't ever skip paint steps on the chase rares. People may be annoyed at a Frost Dwarf, but they get angry when it's a Bronze Dragon or Chimera. (Hextor did rock house, though.)
Thanks for keeping us updated. | |
Champion of the Aboleth, Prophet of Denizens. BW Called Shot: Babau, UH Called Shot: Aspect of Vecna | |
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zenthrus
Warlord
5082 Posts
SLC, UT
| | 03/16/2006 7:26 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Grey Dragon
You know what this means-- get ready for Snig, Goblin Vampire! [:p]
I'll take two please [:D]
My guess is the "favorites risen from the grave" either implies some Ravenloft influences or a resculpt of Drizzt.
quote:
Originally posted by Shoe
Upcoming we've got...Tiny minis, mounted minis
I'd LOVE to see a tiny, mounted mini [:D] | |
Knight Warlord a.k.a. Commander (#32) in only 6 months. Where's my pie?
Champion of Dwarven Thunderlashers
Knight of the Large Dire Chicken
Have/Want List
Trade References | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
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True_Blue
Underboss
2386 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 8:08 PM |
| | Personally I thought that old favorites was supposed to mean maybe a new Drizzt in Blood War or something, would be very nice. But the addition of risen from the grave probably means some kind of Undead, oh well. I'd be happier with a new Drizzt so that new players could get their hands on a mini of him. | |
Champion of a Knight of Takhisis/Knight of Neraka | |
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maijstral
Underboss
2105 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 8:46 PM |
| Thanks for letting us know whats going on.
demons and devils and dragons, oh my!
I can hardly wait.
quote:
Originally posted by Red Ranger
Thanks for being straight with us (while you enjoy messing with us a bit[}:)]).
Of course he enjoys messing with us [:)]. He chums the waters with cryptic hints and watches us go into a feeding frenzy, I would do the same thing if I could. [}:)]
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Stabmastaarson
Sergeant
442 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 9:43 PM |
| Wonder-shoe to the rescue. With such doom and gloom lately, it was nice to read Shoe's post and have everyone smile a little. After I had a chance to meet some of the WotC folks at WF I knew D&D and DDM are in very good hands.
Mistakes will be made, the most important thing is to learn from them. It seems the comments on this board have been taken to heart.
Demons...Devils...Dragons...more mounted minis...great gaming days are ahead my friends! | |
Better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you're not
My Have/Want list
Trades pending with:
Competed trades (11) ares71,pagansexy,bradu,Unearthed Arcana, Garate,Arbados dobblegog, blackthorne,aussie_jim, spikegif, Lady Bast | |
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The Defenestrator
AesophDarkfable
Warlord
5628 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 9:52 PM |
| Thank you Shoe and Lidda.
You guys are a great part of the community (even lurking lidda with her two posts in one day :P)
| |
Im out- find me on Hordelings if you want to chat. | |
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zoroaster100
Sergeant
873 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 10:22 PM |
| | Thanks, Shoe, for posting a response about the Wardrums complaints and reassuring us about some cool things in the future of DDM. I do think there were some very nice minis in Wardrums (uncommon hill giant barbarian, hill giant chief, ogre warhulk and war troll come to mind). There were also some that disappointed. In a way, the disappointment was in part a result of the fact that paint quality has generally improved from the earlier sets, so when we see some backsliding in quality it is an unpleasant shock. But there were certainly many excellent sculpts and some very nicely painted minis as well. As long as you produce a lot of useful core monsters not previously covered (or that need variety in sculpt) and some of the more interesting new monsters from D&D products, you'll continue to count me as a customer. | |
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Daunte
Sergeant
518 Posts
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Mindtrick
Warrior
234 Posts
| | 03/16/2006 11:21 PM |
| Good to hear Shoe. Hopefully we can move on and not see so many posts berating you guys for "messing up so badly".
This kind of thing happens in EVERY company, all the time. Sometimes it is minimal other times a bunch of errors add up and make it seem there is more of a problem than there really is.
If you look at it piece by piece, the map error really isnt that hard to fix, the missing paint steps are on a small number of the 60 minis in the set (has anyone noticed the ones that do look good actually look a HECK of a lot better than the first few sets?) and the errors in the rule book did not make it a useless or overly confusing document to read.
Glad to see us looking ahead to bigger and better things again! | |
**overlong signature deleted. Please see posting guidelines** | |
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