maijstral
Underboss
2105 Posts
    
 | | 02/13/2008 9:06 PM |
| http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mi/20080214a
In today's preview, we peek at two undead champions that can be found in Dungeons of Dread. As you expect, these two monsters can be found in the 4th Edition Monster Manual. What you don't expect is that these monsters can also be found in another 4th Edition book. The new Dungeon Master's Guide presents almost two dozen templates that can be applied to monsters. Thanks to the template, the monster is transformed into something … different. Instead of being a normal monster, it is now treated as an elite -- it counts as two creatures for the purpose of building roleplaying encounters. Both of the monsters below are examples of a templated human. Death Knight  The Death Knight has been a staple in Dungeons & Dragons ever since it was published in the original Fiend Folio. For 4th Edition, the Death Knight template upgrades a late Paragon or Epic level creature, usually one in a soldier role. More details on the template must wait until the books are published. Miniatures players, however, won't need to wait as long. In the miniatures battle game, the Death Knight is a master of undead. It can bring in any evil undead into the game as well as grant a slight attack bonus. It has a champion power to boost the damage of other undead by granting a 20-point damage bonus on a successful hit. Fans of the Death Knight are already familiar with the blast of unholy flames. This guy can cover up to a 25-square area with twenty points of necrotic or fire damage. Just like the radiant energy mentioned last week, no special rules are attached to necrotic damage. Vampire Vizier  The second template is the Vampire Lord, and the Vampire Vizier is an example of this template being applied on a controller or lurker role. Templates manage the soul of the creature: the roleplaying side of the Vizier includes abilities such as "Hurt by Sunlight" and "Scent of Blood" -- abilities that all Vampire Lords have. One difference from 3rd Edition D&D deals with the Vampire's life drain. A victim of a life-draining attack no longer suffers from negative levels. Instead, the target is weakened and the vampire heals a sizable number of hit points. The Miniatures Game statistics distill the Vampire Lord's abilities to a tight core -- it doesn't include the weakened state on the victim, but the Vampire Vizier does heal an impressive 25 hit points. Next week -- two monsters with double letters and a digraph.
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GuJiaXian
Sergeant
661 Posts
Roswell, GA
| | 02/13/2008 9:36 PM |
| | I like them both. I don't think the death knight is quite as cool looking as the older one, but as I don't personally own any, I'm not complaining. | |
"Clearly a case of too many hunchbacks and not enough mad scientists..." | |
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maijstral
Underboss
2105 Posts
| | 02/13/2008 9:49 PM |
| | Does anyone else think that the death Knight is King Oboulds undead twin. Maybe its him as a death knight. | | | |
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Man of Renown
Wraithborne
Warlord
5332 Posts
The Red Light District
| | 02/13/2008 10:01 PM |
| | While neither are bad looking, I really don't need either one. I would've preferred a different pose on the Death Knight and may've even wanted one if it was posed differently and had a different weapon. We have 2 minis named Death Knight now and both are wielding a Greatsword. As for the Vampire, when I saw the name I was hoping, just like I was with Strahd, for a more stereotypical vampire more similar to the Aristocrat. This guy's closer than Strahd was, so I may end up deciding to get one because the Aristocrat is just too expensive on the secondary market. | |
Eye dun no why youse guys think im not relly a person im jimgang from canada but im moving to cali as soon as i get a master card
-Jimgang
So, you stand at your grave, Has your soul yet been taken away?
So you can't read what's engraved, Is this Heaven or merely Decay?
Was there a light, enchantingly bright, A Question, just how did it end?
Just let me sift through your calm remains, And tear you away from your skin.
-Sumerias Fain. | |
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Knight of Argenis
Corim Danex
Warlord
6844 Posts
West Valley City, Utah
| | 02/13/2008 10:10 PM |
| Posted By GuJiaXian on 02/13/2008 9:36 PM
I like them both. I don't think the death knight is quite as cool looking as the older one, but as I don't personally own any, I'm not complaining.
I think this one looks much better than the previous one. I also think this is the best looking vampire they have done. Though they are repeats, which doesn't thrill me, the fact that they look so good makes it bother me less.
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"Look to God and live." Alma 37:47
Vindicated Champ of Hippogriff (Arcadian Hippogriff) and Uncommon Horse | |
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Knight of Argenis
Corim Danex
Warlord
6844 Posts
West Valley City, Utah
| | 02/13/2008 10:10 PM |
| | My only complaint about this vampire is that his sword is so thick. That part is stupid. | |
"Look to God and live." Alma 37:47
Vindicated Champ of Hippogriff (Arcadian Hippogriff) and Uncommon Horse | |
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Krush
Commander
4052 Posts
| | 02/13/2008 10:22 PM |
| Posted By maijstral on 02/13/2008 9:49 PM
Does anyone else think that the death Knight is King Oboulds undead twin. Maybe its him as a death knight. Here here, the twin that was cast away. Perhaps a bit shorter tough.
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Gehenna | |
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Man of Renown
Wraithborne
Warlord
5332 Posts
The Red Light District
| | 02/13/2008 10:31 PM |
| Posted By Corim Danex on 02/13/2008 10:10 PM
My only complaint about this vampire is that his sword is so thick. That part is stupid.
IÂ agree, but I would rather have it be a little thick and sturdy than a wet noodle like the Justicator or Dol Dorn's. | |
Eye dun no why youse guys think im not relly a person im jimgang from canada but im moving to cali as soon as i get a master card
-Jimgang
So, you stand at your grave, Has your soul yet been taken away?
So you can't read what's engraved, Is this Heaven or merely Decay?
Was there a light, enchantingly bright, A Question, just how did it end?
Just let me sift through your calm remains, And tear you away from your skin.
-Sumerias Fain. | |
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Krush
Commander
4052 Posts
| | 02/13/2008 10:32 PM |
| My fave here is the Death Knight, finally costed right. It should see some play in 2.0, with the Nightmare perhaps?
The Champion abilities are sweet. The second one isn't very nice at all.
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Gehenna | |
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Knight of the
Round Table
Thenameless
Warlord
12541 Posts
The Fortress of Solitude
| | 02/13/2008 11:24 PM |
| | I like 'em. The vampire looks a little different, but then again, they don't all look like Dracula. The new Death Knight is the bomb - looks very intimidating, at least in the picture anyway. | |
Over 270 successful online DDM trades. | |
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iluvxtina
Underboss
1501 Posts
Spain
| | 02/14/2008 12:03 AM |
| | This preview is not so cool as the others.It remembers me to unhallowed set (even in painting).But good minis I like too.Yay for them | |
LOVE THIS GIRL | |
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Rakhamon
Warrior
319 Posts
| | 02/14/2008 1:40 AM |
| | Looks like I'm in the minority of not liking either of these? Sculpting reminds me of the cartoony monsters of DoD1, painting is meh, and yet another low-demand vampire. *shrug* | |
My trading references: http://www.maxminis.com/Forums/tabid/104/forumid/53/postid/680508/view/topic/Default.aspx
KD Embassador to Sweden, Entertainment Liaison to the Founder | |
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Sean-Khan
Commander
2731 Posts
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Sirohk
Commander
3939 Posts
USA
| | 02/14/2008 3:30 AM |
| Sweet!Â
Two of my favoite D&D bad guys.Â
I like both sculpts and the swords look good to me. Although I agree the Death knight looks like the Undead version of King Obould.Â
Not too sure on the use on DDM side of things.Â
1) Death Knight is only Borderlands and can't run with Ravenous Ghouls nor the Guardian Mummy
2) DK can run with the Boneshard Skeletons
3) The two Synergize well with eachother
4) Both seem a little week on the damage with their basic attack for the cost
5) Champion Powers look interesting and useful
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Sirohk, the Bard of Heartstone
Knight of the Rahshasa's
And Crusader of the Zakya, Ak'chazar, Naztharune, and Naityan Rakshasa's | |
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XAos
Underboss
2413 Posts
London
| | 02/14/2008 3:30 AM |
| Posted By Corim Danex on 02/13/2008 10:10 PM
My only complaint about this vampire is that his sword is so thick. That part is stupid. In some mythology, Vampires are much stronger & faster than humans.
If so a heavier(and hence thicker) sword would let them hit harder, penetrating armour more easily.
And they would need a thicker sword to survive the higher kinetic energy of the impact without breaking.
Against armoured opponents Humans used heavier swords, including the 2-handed (and "4-handed") varities intended for use against full Gothic plate.
A creature strong enough to use a heavy one-handed sword might need to use them. Particularly if they were trying to kill an opponent wearing equally upgraded/heavier plate armour.
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yack
Commander
3321 Posts
Gatineau Canada
| | 02/14/2008 4:24 AM |
| Both are great looking minis but not overly needed as we have a bunch of vampires of ready, what about a female vampire?
Death knight is good but I dislike guard type pose. I love battle poses. But I already have 2 death knights do I need a third? | |
Champion of the Peryton
Vindicated Champion : Pit Fiend, Devourer
DW: Duergar Priest
RPG Only!!!! The Drumming Drunkn' DM | |
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berus316
Sergeant
663 Posts
Markham, Ontario Canada
| | 02/14/2008 5:12 AM |
| I was going to give my comments, but then I read Yack's...
So basically, just re-read Yack's opinion as my own. | |
Champion of the Aspect of Gruumsh
Nemesis of Gnomes and Warforged
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Sean-Khan
Commander
2731 Posts
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Shottglazz
Underboss
1184 Posts
Quinte West, Ontario, Canada
| | 02/14/2008 6:14 AM |
| | The Death Knight reminds me of General Kale from the movie Willow... | |
Shottglazz
"Take my love, take my land, take me where I cannot stand;
I don't care, I'm still free, you can't take the sky from me."
Completed trades ( 53 ): Pikel, Darrell x2, JeffDHarvey, BiggPappa001, Ghendar, Valinrook X2, Wolfgang x4, Wraithborne x6, Mr Ruffles, Anothermullen, CKissee x3, Browns_Scoundrel, Kyrin, GuJiaXian x2, Tyngfumv, Basic_Aim, Mickey Mouse, Berus316, Crisisman, Zoons, Rockfrd, Sterling40 x2, Brucemc, 2007 Magical Mystery Trade, Redskullz x2, Stephengroy, Lyus_Sleyden, Foolforthought, 2008 Magical Mystery Trade, Kilsek x4, Generic Fighter, Auric, Relientkitten x3
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Duke of Spoils
greyhaze
Warlord
7737 Posts
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Man of Renown
Wraithborne
Warlord
5332 Posts
The Red Light District
| | 02/14/2008 6:51 AM |
| Posted By Sean-Khan on 02/14/2008 5:36 AM
Oo, female vampire would be great!
I thought that's why we had the Ravenous Vampire.
Posted By Thenameless on 02/14/2008 2:24 AM
The vampire looks a little different, but then again, they don't all look like Dracula.
I just want 1 that looks like Dracula for less than $20.
*EDIT*
I forgot to mention it and don't think anyone else has either. Going back to 2 mini previews instead of 3 is lame with the short amount of preview time we have before XP. We're impatient people and need our fix now!!! Plus, every other preview avenue we previously had had been brutally murdered by the DDI. | |
Eye dun no why youse guys think im not relly a person im jimgang from canada but im moving to cali as soon as i get a master card
-Jimgang
So, you stand at your grave, Has your soul yet been taken away?
So you can't read what's engraved, Is this Heaven or merely Decay?
Was there a light, enchantingly bright, A Question, just how did it end?
Just let me sift through your calm remains, And tear you away from your skin.
-Sumerias Fain. | |
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Duke of Spoils
greyhaze
Warlord
7737 Posts
| | 02/14/2008 7:14 AM |
| Posted By Wraithborne on 02/14/2008 6:51 AM Posted By Sean-Khan on 02/14/2008 5:36 AM
Oo, female vampire would be great! I thought that's why we had the Ravenous Vampire.
I'm guessing/hoping that's sarcasm.
A nice "Elvira" type vampiress would be a nice miniature to have. | |
Greyhaze's DDM Spoilers
Champion of a Medium Dog & then a Darkenbeast , Raistlin Majere, Nightmare WDQ25/60, Warduke WD60/60,
Anti-Champion of Guns, "Knight of Bugbears", and Joke Champion of Venger.
Called Shots: Frost Giant in Dangerous Delves. | |
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Man of Renown
Wraithborne
Warlord
5332 Posts
The Red Light District
| | 02/14/2008 7:19 AM |
| Posted By greyhaze on 02/14/2008 7:14 AM Posted By Wraithborne on 02/14/2008 6:51 AM Posted By Sean-Khan on 02/14/2008 5:36 AM
Oo, female vampire would be great! I thought that's why we had the Ravenous Vampire. I'm guessing/hoping that's sarcasm. A nice "Elvira" type vampiress would be a nice miniature to have.
From me sir?!?
Never Muahaha.
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Eye dun no why youse guys think im not relly a person im jimgang from canada but im moving to cali as soon as i get a master card
-Jimgang
So, you stand at your grave, Has your soul yet been taken away?
So you can't read what's engraved, Is this Heaven or merely Decay?
Was there a light, enchantingly bright, A Question, just how did it end?
Just let me sift through your calm remains, And tear you away from your skin.
-Sumerias Fain. | |
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jacksonm
Warlord
5560 Posts
River City
| | 02/14/2008 7:41 AM |
| As a DM I loves me my Death Knights.
More nice stuff here. | | | |
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Sean-Khan
Commander
2731 Posts
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GuJiaXian
Sergeant
661 Posts
Roswell, GA
| | 02/14/2008 7:52 AM |
| Posted By Corim Danex on 02/13/2008 10:10 PM
My only complaint about this vampire is that his sword is so thick. That part is stupid.
Agreed; the sword is pretty thick.
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"Clearly a case of too many hunchbacks and not enough mad scientists..." | |
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GuJiaXian
Sergeant
661 Posts
Roswell, GA
| | 02/14/2008 7:55 AM |
| Posted By XAos on 02/14/2008 3:30 AM Posted By Corim Danex on 02/13/2008 10:10 PM
My only complaint about this vampire is that his sword is so thick. That part is stupid. In some mythology, Vampires are much stronger & faster than humans. If so a heavier(and hence thicker) sword would let them hit harder, penetrating armour more easily. And they would need a thicker sword to survive the higher kinetic energy of the impact without breaking. Against armoured opponents Humans used heavier swords, including the 2-handed (and "4-handed") varities intended for use against full Gothic plate. A creature strong enough to use a heavy one-handed sword might need to use them. Particularly if they were trying to kill an opponent wearing equally upgraded/heavier plate armour.
I think you're over-analyzing the situation. :)
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"Clearly a case of too many hunchbacks and not enough mad scientists..." | |
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Zoons
Underboss
1067 Posts
| | 02/14/2008 8:17 AM |
| | As Wraithborne states, this is the second mini named "Death Knight". Since WotC has stated that they will eventually re-stat all previous minis, isn't this a potential problem. The first Death Knight is not the same point cost. Can it now be used as a proxy for this one? What's the story? | |
Never teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of time and it annoys the pig.
Champion of the Blink Dog. | |
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Duke of Spoils
greyhaze
Warlord
7737 Posts
| | 02/14/2008 8:26 AM |
| | It would have been nice if it had an axe. I don't know what's with the Red Blade... is this the same guy from the boxart? It'd be silly to have 2 undead, red blade wielding dudes in black armour in the same set... I'm gonna say they're the same dudes. | |
Greyhaze's DDM Spoilers
Champion of a Medium Dog & then a Darkenbeast , Raistlin Majere, Nightmare WDQ25/60, Warduke WD60/60,
Anti-Champion of Guns, "Knight of Bugbears", and Joke Champion of Venger.
Called Shots: Frost Giant in Dangerous Delves. | |
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XAos
Underboss
2413 Posts
London
| | 02/14/2008 9:07 AM |
| Posted By Zoons on 02/14/2008 8:17 AM
As Wraithborne states, this is the second mini named "Death Knight". Since WotC has stated that they will eventually re-stat all previous minis, isn't this a potential problem. The first Death Knight is not the same point cost. Can it now be used as a proxy for this one? What's the story? Â
As the Spined Devil demonstrated, retaining the same points cost is more a guidline than a law. :)
I'd guess the old Death Knight will use the same stats, since it has an identical name.
But I don't think we can be 100% sure till we see the new card for it.
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lingster
Sergeant
778 Posts
| | 02/14/2008 9:21 AM |
| | So.... since it's a death knight.... I'm hoping my old death knight will fill the same exact role. I'm betting Lord Soth will be a much better version of one since he's the same. :) | |
May you find peace and happiness at the hand of Hextor.
Champion of Black Pudding
Called Shot Desert of Desolation: Drider - VINDICATED!
Called Shot Demonweb: Drow Cleric of Lloth
Called Shot FeyWild: Water Nymph (06-26-08)
Member of Team Millennium
4E takes away our Big Bad Evil Guy (BBEG) and give us this:
The Big Bad Mis-Understood But Not Quite Inherently Evil Who Does Naughty Things Guy (BBMUBNQIEWDNTG for short) | |
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Knight of Argenis
Corim Danex
Warlord
6844 Posts
West Valley City, Utah
| | 02/14/2008 10:57 AM |
| Posted By XAos on 02/14/2008 3:30 AM Posted By Corim Danex on 02/13/2008 10:10 PM
My only complaint about this vampire is that his sword is so thick. That part is stupid. In some mythology, Vampires are much stronger & faster than humans. If so a heavier(and hence thicker) sword would let them hit harder, penetrating armour more easily. And they would need a thicker sword to survive the higher kinetic energy of the impact without breaking. Against armoured opponents Humans used heavier swords, including the 2-handed (and "4-handed") varities intended for use against full Gothic plate. A creature strong enough to use a heavy one-handed sword might need to use them. Particularly if they were trying to kill an opponent wearing equally upgraded/heavier plate armour.
Respectfully, the weapon looks more like a club painted like a sword than a sword. | |
"Look to God and live." Alma 37:47
Vindicated Champ of Hippogriff (Arcadian Hippogriff) and Uncommon Horse | |
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stephengroy
Underboss
1440 Posts
Tempe AZ Beeyotch
| | 02/14/2008 11:06 AM |
| | Stats=nice, scuplts=nice, paint=meh | |
Waiting for Chainmail Equivalencies since 2005
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E Thug of the
Round Table
Wolfgang
Warlord
6637 Posts
Milton, Ontario Canada
| | 02/14/2008 11:15 AM |
| | like everyone else said do we need these? we already have lots another MEH from me | |
Proud member since March 26 2005
Champion of the SIVAK DRACONIAN
Completed trades: (94)
Bad traders(2) DJchuckles, sardal
Called shots:Sivak Draconian in DD
Trade References
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Sean-Khan
Commander
2731 Posts
| | 02/14/2008 12:01 PM |
| Posted By XAos on 02/14/2008 9:07 AM Posted By Zoons on 02/14/2008 8:17 AM
As Wraithborne states, this is the second mini named "Death Knight". Since WotC has stated that they will eventually re-stat all previous minis, isn't this a potential problem. The first Death Knight is not the same point cost. Can it now be used as a proxy for this one? What's the story? Â
As the Spined Devil demonstrated, retaining the same points cost is more a guidline than a law. :) I'd guess the old Death Knight will use the same stats, since it has an identical name. But I don't think we can be 100% sure till we see the new card for it.
Spined devil may be an exception, as the promo card was printed before that decision.
I already printed DK card, and am going to use it unless it's WotC will say that DK-DK will get a stat card of it's own! :)
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Vindicated AtG Called shot: 2nd Huge Red Dragon
My collected trade reference links
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My modelling/terrain pages
Suomen miniatyyrikeräilijät / Miniature collectors of Finland | |
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Pedro
Commander
3926 Posts
Czech Republic
| | 02/14/2008 12:07 PM |
| Very cool. Nice Death Knight and nice Vamp, but Bela Lugosi in a static pose would be much much better.
I don't like the thickness of the vamp's greatsword, it doesn't fit with him, but it may be caused by the picture.
I think both are playable in skirmish, and the Death Knight strikes me as very playable with some cool abilities. I will want him for sure. | |
2007 & 2008 Czech Republic Champion
2008 Czech Republic's Player of the Year
2.0 Champion of Necromancers! (preferably not Evil:-))
Next Icon Called Shot: Baldur's Gate pack - Khalid, Jaheira, Minsc (and BOO!), Imoen, Xan, Sarevok...
Against the Giants Called Shot: Phoenix (/no luck)
Demonweb Called Shot: Yagnoloth (I like demons!)
Feywild Called Shot:
Starter 2009 Called Shot: | |
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Alamanther's comeback
Sneak
168 Posts
Denmark
| | 02/14/2008 12:18 PM |
| What a rockin' preview! The death knight is probably my favourite type of undead ever, and this mini really does it justice - great colour scheme, imposing stance, grim design on the armor... I'm loving what I see and hoping it will lok good in person.
I also quite like the vampire - it's like the vampire aristocrat, only good (always thought that that particular mini was terribly cheesy, so it's a welcome remake). | |
Champion of the Catoblepas | |
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Mjollnir
Underboss
1500 Posts
Canary Islands - Spain
| | 02/14/2008 2:06 PM |
| | Not much interested in these two. | |
Champion of the Molydeus
Vindicated Blood War Called Shot: Cornugon (Horned Devil)
Icons Called Shot: Tarrasque
Vindicated Dungeon of Dread Called Shot: Mind Flayer
Against the Giants Called Shot: Uncommon Fire Giant
Demonweb Called Shot: Myrlochar
Feywild Called Shot: Molydeus
"Sé que me acusan de soberbia, y tal vez de misantropía, y tal vez de locura. Tales acusaciones (que yo castigaré a su debido tiempo) son irrisorias." - Jorge Luis Borges
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Zyla
Underboss
1201 Posts
| | 02/14/2008 2:59 PM |
| | Hmm, the vampire gaze isnt giving me much hope for the Greater Basilisk, +11 vs Def, single use AND you can only use it if its the only target of a sword or range attack | |
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Olaf the Stout
Sergeant
404 Posts
Adelaide, Australia
| | 02/14/2008 3:10 PM |
| Both minis look ok to me. The Death Knight's pose could have been better. He does remind me of King Obould's undead twin. The paint jobs aren't overly thrilling to me either.  Olaf the Stout | |
My Trade Thread
12 Trades Completed - Bert the Troll, Keoki, elf_ranger, kalle, Dropbear, twilightraven, SkYlyn3, Monolthicus (x2), qillan_dvra, xuthal, MMT 2007
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