Minis in a Starter Set? Preferences?

[MGibster]

You mean not like we used to do it in the old days by using marbles, dice (piped regular ones cuz those polyhedrals were rare). And popcorn?

Ah, the memories. That's probably why it doesn't bother me to use substitutions. Despite having a decent number of miniatures, I still use odd things like dice or whatever I have handy.

 

[Sacrosanct]

Dozens of 2D minis every time. 3D minis are great when you only need a few for a board game. But for a TTRPG starter set you want a good assortment of PC options and common monsters. If there will be an introductory adventure, I would focus on having enough so every monster in the adventure has a mini.

This is my train of thought as well. I was thinking, "Maybe 3D print for the PCs, and punch out tokens for monsters (like the D&D starter set this year will have), but I think folks might prefer the wooden stand up for each PC and monster, and not tokens.

 

[DEFCON 1]

My opinion:

My initial question would be whether the Starter Set only uses pre-gens for the PCs, or if there is character creation included?

If the game comes with only pre-gens... then sure, some laser-cut standees of the pre-gens (a male and a female, and perhaps even a third non-binary) with correct class and correct species would be fine.

But if there was character creation included in the game... then I absolutely would rather have like 3-5 sticker sheets worth of small circle color character portraits and a series of 2D discs to stick the pictures to, so that there's more of a chance of finding a picture of combined class / species/ gender that I'd want to have for my PC. A laser cut-out standee of a singular character image does nothing for me if it doesn't even come close to matching what I'm playing. I wouldn't care one whit about any dimensionality if the image isn't even close.

If one goes with actual images / pictures of character and monster tokens / minis in this boxed set... then there should absolutely be ones available for every single character and monster you would need in the adventure... not re-using the same half-dozen orc standees (for example) over and over for all the different creatures. If that's the case, just give me blank tokens or discs and I'll imagine what creatures they are supposed to represent.

Just my feeling on things.

 

[Sacrosanct]

My opinion:

My initial question would be whether the Starter Set only uses pre-gens for the PCs, or if there is character creation included?

If the game comes with only pre-gens... then sure, some laser-cut standees of the pre-gens (a male and a female, and perhaps even a third non-binary) with correct class and correct species would be fine.

But if there was character creation included in the game... then I absolutely would rather have like 3-5 sticker sheets worth of small circle color character portraits and a series of 2D discs to stick the pictures to, so that there's more of a chance of finding a picture of combined class / species/ gender that I'd want to have for my PC. A laser cut-out standee of a singular character image does nothing for me if it doesn't even come close to matching what I'm playing. I wouldn't care one whit about any dimensionality if the image isn't even close.

If one goes with actual images / pictures of character and monster tokens / minis in this boxed set... then there should absolutely be ones available for every single character and monster you would need in the adventure... not re-using the same half-dozen orc standees (for example) over and over for all the different creatures. If that's the case, just give me blank tokens or discs and I'll imagine what creatures they are supposed to represent.

Just my feeling on things.

They would be pregens. And for sure, there would be one for every monster in the included adventure. Based on the above comments, perhaps there could be stretch goals of additional character/monster packs?

 

[Zaukrie]

As many standees as possible. Also, the ability to print the. pCs on cardstock, and change skin tones would be great..

 

[payn]

This is my train of thought as well. I was thinking, "Maybe 3D print for the PCs, and punch out tokens for monsters (like the D&D starter set this year will have), but I think folks might prefer the wooden stand up for each PC and monster, and not tokens.

I think there are two schools when it comes to starter sets.

One is a cheap get it exposed on as many store fronts as possible starter set. The goal of this set is to just get somebody to sit down for a night and try it out. If it captures them, they will then go on to buying the regular items and the starter set will likley be retired. The point is to make it as cheap and accessible to try and hook new players.

The second option, is to put together a quality starter set. This isnt the most affordable option, but its inclusion is mindful of a player that will keep using it, and add more products to enhance their game. The starter set will be an investment that is useful throughout the hobby.

The first is for exposure and brand awareness, the second is for helping your initiated players build a solid foundation. I'd consider those two things when choosing materials and items of inclusion. Also, as I mentioned, if you dont plan to ever use/sell pawns again, maybe skip them in the starter set unless you are aiming for option one here.

 

[EthanSental]

Is it for Bugbears and Borderlands?

 

[Sacrosanct]

Is it for Bugbears and Borderlands?

Yes, for the upcoming 2e version.

 

[Sacrosanct]

After some tweaking to get the images to look better, this is representative of what would be in the core set for less than six 3D minis would be, and by a significant margin.

 

[payn]

After some tweaking to get the images to look better, this is representative of what would be in the core set for less than six 3D minis would be, and by a significant margin.

Looks great!