Non-random D&D Miniatures

[MerricB]

The problem I have with "Merric's law" is its vagueness in two of its parameters. Thus, you can argue that no matter what happens, it could probably be said that the "law" has been upheld or not upheld.

"Wide range of figures" is not quantified. What does "wide range" mean? 50? 100? 1,000

"Merric's Law" works best as a comparative law. By that, I mean, it doesn't deal in absolute numbers, but rather in comparing two products to each other.

If you take a line with $1 per miniature, 1000 available miniatures, and random packaging, then a line with $1 per miniature, 1000 available miniatures and non-random packaging (assuming same quality of miniatures) is not going to happen.

Changing to non-random packaging means that either (a) the price will go up, or (b) the number of available miniatures will go down, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b).

It's a "Law" in the same manner of Clarke's Laws of course.

Cheers!

 

[MerricB]

Because they might disprove his laws?

I have more than one?

Cheers!

 

[Droogie]

"Merric's Law" works best as a comparative law. By that, I mean, it doesn't deal in absolute numbers, but rather in comparing two products to each other.

If you take a line with $1 per miniature, 1000 available miniatures, and random packaging, then a line with $1 per miniature, 1000 available miniatures and non-random packaging (assuming same quality of miniatures) is not going to happen.

Changing to non-random packaging means that either (a) the price will go up, or (b) the number of available miniatures will go down, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b).

It's a "Law" in the same manner of Clarke's Laws of course.

Cheers!

Ok. I choose (a).

I'll gladly pay more instead of going to ebay for a $16 griffon, an $18 paladin on horseback, or a $40 large red dragon.

 

[Mark CMG]

Because they might disprove his laws?

I have more than one?

Of course!


1. A miniature may not cost a human being more than a month's salary or, through randomness, allow a human being not to aquire it.

2. A miniature must be collectable in the sense that the market will, for a time, deem it of greater value than it costs to manufacture and ship except where such collectability would conflict with the First Law.

3. A miniature must garner respect on the secondary market to protect the existence of the primary market as long as such respect does not conflict with the First or Second Law.


What could possibly go wrong?

 

[Agamon]

I find it all mildly amusing that during a discussion where many folks all claim how ridiculous of an endeavor non-random minis are, that a prominent company jumps up and declares that they are in fact going ahead with the process.

It's not a ridiculous endevour, at least I never said it was. Just that the price and availability that everyone was expecting was ridiculous. And the thing about Reaper is, they only have to live up to putting out a plastic mini line that mirrors their metal mini line. People here were expecting non-random DDM. That's ridiculous.

 

[Nightfall]

I have more than one?

Cheers!

I thought you had six but who's counting?

 

[DaveMage]

"Merric's Law" works best as a comparative law. By that, I mean, it doesn't deal in absolute numbers, but rather in comparing two products to each other.

If you take a line with $1 per miniature, 1000 available miniatures, and random packaging, then a line with $1 per miniature, 1000 available miniatures and non-random packaging (assuming same quality of miniatures) is not going to happen.

Changing to non-random packaging means that either (a) the price will go up, or (b) the number of available miniatures will go down, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b).

It's a "Law" in the same manner of Clarke's Laws of course.

Cheers!

In that case, all you need to do is add an "er" on the end of two words (well, technically add an "er" to one word and an "r" to the other). Change "cheap" to "cheaper" and change "wide" to "wider".

Problem solved!

 

[senodam]

Excellent news from Reaper, and perfect timing if you ask me.

When it became apparent that non-random minis wouldn't be coming from WoTC, I decided to go back to GW for the first time in years. Their army deals are brilliant- the Orcs and Goblins deal has given me 100 orcs, goblins, dire boars and giant spiders for £105.
Between these and the Reaper minis, I may never want for minis again.

 

[smootrk]

It's not a ridiculous endevour, at least I never said it was. Just that the price and availability that everyone was expecting was ridiculous. And the thing about Reaper is, they only have to live up to putting out a plastic mini line that mirrors their metal mini line. People here were expecting non-random DDM. That's ridiculous.

I was not referring to anyone in particular, but already I hear prominent people backpedaling and trying to re-frame their previous statements in the light of these new developments. Now the "law" it is more of a "comparison" and other such clarifications.

No one needs to change their views yet... we have yet to see what offerings are actually going to be released, and we don't know the price break or profitability of such offerings yet. I am optimistic, yet I hesitate to wholeheartedly embrace any of it till I see what exactly will get released.

I only found humor in the irony that so many were claiming "It can't be done", and then a really great company goes on and does the 'impossible' - or so it seems until we get a look (complete with prices).

 

[Nightfall]

*still might just get a few NPCs/PCs rather than any monsters* Just a personal preference for me.