WotC announced non-randomized minis

[Treebore]

Thanks for the responses S'mon, Shroomy, and JV. I have only been a player in 4E and going with the character sheet and "Quickstart" rules, I haven't bought any of the books yet, so I didn't know.

I did know about the variations, but not about any being completely new. There were so many MM's in 3E, and I think I own all but two, I didn't think it would be possible to create new monsters. Variations, yes, but completely new? That actually surprises me. I may have to pick up the MM now. Since, even though I am not a 4E convert, C&C does allow me to easily use stuff from 4E. Monsters being some of the easiest things to use.

Scott R., I don't even play D&D as my main game, I am not a convert to 4E, but I will buy non randomized mini's, so ignore thsoe posters who think the RPG market revolves around there preferences/experiences and go ahead with this non randomized line.

As long as they aren't as over priced as your current mini's, especially since it sounds like your not going to paint them, I'll buy them.

 

[Shroomy]

I did know about the variations, but not about any being completely new. There were so many MM's in 3E, and I think I own all but two, I didn't think it would be possible to create new monsters. Variations, yes, but completely new? That actually surprises me. I may have to pick up the MM now. Since, even though I am not a 4E convert, C&C does allow me to easily use stuff from 4E. Monsters being some of the easiest things to use.

Just a quick warning, the 4e MM is probably 90% conversions from earlier editions. If you want brand new monsters, look to Dragon and the module series.

 

[Treebore]

What Shroomy said, and, what is there stopping anyone from using the new 4E creatures in a 3.xE game. Creatures are more than just stat blocks. If a miniature looks cool, I usually want to get it (whether I actually do or not - or can afford every miniature I want). Even if I don't have stats for it, a cool, unique creature will give me ideas. That's how I used Dreamblade miniatures, and those came with absolutely no RP stats whatsoever.

I'm a lot less concerned if a miniature is "designed" for 4E than I am if a miniature just isn't sculpted very well or has a less than stellar paint job.

Pretty much ditto for me as well. As you may know I will be sticking with C&C. Part of my love for C&C is because it will allow me to easily use monsters, spells, and magic from 4E with great ease. So if they are mini's I am interested in, I'll buy them. Just like I will be buying 4E modules too. Just so far it looks like I will be preferring Goodmans modules, which was par for the course with 3E too, so nothing new for me there either.

So even though 4E has not won me over system wise, I'll definitely still be in the market for stuff thanks to the high level of compatibility C&C gives me with most game systems or D&D editions. Non random mini's likely being the top of that list. I got burned bad enough with the CCG's, so I never got into the random mini's market. I stayed with the metal mini's market.

 

[Treebore]

Just a quick warning, the 4e MM is probably 90% conversions from earlier editions. If you want brand new monsters, look to Dragon and the module series.

OK. I'll likely browse through the MM at the game store then, next time I am over that way (54 miles away). If I like enough of the 10% then I'll still buy it.

I have been following the Dragon stuff. I really like the Shadow Ooze, for the latest example. I wasn't so hot on the Golems, though, and I usually like golems of all types. Plus versions of those golems have been done before. I think the Shadow Ooze has been done before too, just the "flavor" of it grabbed me with this one. Plus it probably helps that my high level game is at a point where such an ooze is perfect. So it hitting me as being immediately usable definitely upped its appeal.

 

[cangrejoide]

MSRP: $119.95 ($159.95 CAN)

Now, a collection of @ 10 important minis (giants, dragons, villains, major NPCs, etc) might be economically feasible, but not 1:1 mini ratio.

This.

Asking for all the monsters in the adventure is going to be prohibitely expensive, but just having the boss monsters or special encounter monsters ( maybe 6 to 8 figures) would make it more affordable.

 

[Mark]

I must go back to making 8 female dwarves...

Cariocas tem o vigor.

 

[Jack Colby]

They're waited exactly as long as it took for their highly profitable randomised packs to saturate the market and for demand to start drying up. Why would they have done it a moment sooner?

To make even more money and garner goodwill from the segment of players that dislike randoms but will buy non-randoms? Because they are needed for the RPG, not just the minis game?

 

[Brutorz Bill]

"I guess we should stop trying and close up shop then"

Sorry to derail. This quote rubbed me the wrong way. It is sarcastic and somewhat rude. Forums like this are all about stating opinions. The original poster was a wotc customer and I am sure wizards has stats that show even lapsed customers occasionally make a purchase (even if it is dungeon tiles etc).

I guess I expect more from one of the leaders of wotc. I guess I want customers to be treated with some respect even when wotc isn't always given the same regard. The company should be above sarcastic jabs at its customer base.

I am sure some will disagree but oh well. Just my 2 cents

PS: On topic. Seems like a good idea to have non-random miniatures. I don't play 4e but I do still buy minis on occasion.

Thanks sfgiants. I have indeed been a loyal WotC customer for many years. Started playing in '79. And while I indicated in my post I don't need anymore minis (got a gameroom full, Auggie's is Great!, .19 cent NON-Random minis!) or WotC books (not a 4th ed guy). I do still make regular RPG book purchases (Paizo, Troll lords, Green Ronin). Run a regular campaign (my group's purchasing practices usually follows what I run). I mostly post in the Pathfinder, d20 Modern, non-4th ed forums. My mistake for posting here. Won't make that mistake again.
Sorry for the threadjack.
Sincere Regards,
Bill

 

[cougent]

Yeah, I can't believe they made 16 series of random minis when no one wanted to buy them. You'd think they would have learned.

First, that is not what I said at all, and you know that. (shame on you!)

Second it is all conjecture UNTIL they offer non-random minis and THEN we can compare sales figures after another few years and see which is actually more popular.

Until then your conjecture that 16 series of random sold excellently is no more provable than my conjecture that 16 series of non-random minis would have sold 10 times better.

 

[questing gm]

I was excited to hear that WoTC was going to put out their own minis years ago but the randomizing was a deal breaker. I really hope this happens soon and I won't mind buying back the minis from the older sets if they were just repackaged into a non-randomized set.

I also would love to see minis being sold according to the modules, like what Paizo is doing.