So...this is the new Ettercap?:(

[hong]

I don't see the logic of either. A pick is a swung weapon; a dagger is more like a bite. And scimitars slash, not shred.

And Han shot first, dammit.

 

[Beckett]

Anyone else think that the names of the monsters is very Magic the Gathering like? Every monster either has a descriptor added to it, a proper name or it is given a replacement name that "fantas-izes" it. It feels different from previous editions. Not saying that is bad, just an observation on a subtle difference from 3.5's "feel."

That's for the D&D miniatures crowd. There's already been a Troll figure (back in Harbinger). When they made a new troll, they couldn't just call it a Troll again, so they called it a Troll Slasher (Troll 2 is pretty boring). Now they're releasing a new troll, the 4E version, so they had to call it something else. Other monsters are treated the same way, but their RPG stats should be the same as ever.

 

[Najo]

It probably also occurred to them that compound names are trademarkable in a way mythological creatures are not.

This is more what I am saying about the MTG referrence. Between the names and the visuals, it looks like they are making more material they can legally protect. Like what they did with the monsters that were original within D&D. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the approach to the monster manuals we get. Instead of a generic troll, we get a specific type of troll in a roll. It allows them to make up more monster over time by taking away classes and feat customization and then making specific specicies and role fullfilling versions of monsters.

 

[Gundark]

Dryad (BLECH)

Well warhammer fluff with Dryads was that they could take on "tree like appearance for battles, when not fighting they looked elfish.

 

[VirgilCaine]

They've introduced mounts into this set. I'd imagine the Thundertusk Boar, Nightmare and possibly Shadow Mastiff and Lockjaw Croc are ones as well. I'm guessing the large figs are slightly offset on their base to allow you to place a medium or smaller figure on the large base with them. Hopefully there's even a little depression on the base so that the 'rider' will fit snugly.

All in all it's a fantastic idea, especially for those of us who use the minis for the RPG as well as the skirmish game.

It's a fantastic idea--if they go with what you're guessing. If they don't...

 

[megamania]

Incidentally, if you look at the poster, you'll see several creature appearance changes:

Ogre
Ettercap
Sphinx
Dryad (BLECH)
Harpy

The Dyrad is an Eberron creature I believe. A non-good Dryad that lives in a cursed forest. One of the novels spoke of black wood trees and the evil dryads that live in them.


As for the Etercap- the new figure looks exactly like this so yes- this is it. Looks more like someone placed the Savage Species template 'insectoid' onto a critter but that's okay.

Most of the changes I can deal with.

 

[Remathilis]

I'm not against dryads looking more like humanoid trees, as long as nymphs maintain uber-hawtness.

Makes the two more distinct that way...

 

[Klaus]

The Dyrad is an Eberron creature I believe. A non-good Dryad that lives in a cursed forest. One of the novels spoke of black wood trees and the evil dryads that live in them.


As for the Etercap- the new figure looks exactly like this so yes- this is it. Looks more like someone placed the Savage Species template 'insectoid' onto a critter but that's okay.

Most of the changes I can deal with.

No, Darkheart (the darkwood dryad mentioned in the Eberron trilogy The Dreaming Dark, by Keith Baker) was described as having humanoid features, specially a face.

This mini looks more like Kid Treant.

 

[Wulfram]

Well warhammer fluff with Dryads was that they could take on "tree like appearance for battles, when not fighting they looked elfish.

Yeah, it reminded me quite a bit of my Warhammer Dryads. Though after a quick search it seems the WH dryads have now been made more spindly since I stopped playing

 

[Simia Saturnalia]

Not a minis player (heh), but as far as I'm concerned: the astral stalker, Blood of Vol fanatic, new dryad, new sphinx, new ogre, shadow mastiff, troll, and the umber hulk are BAD-ASS. The crocodile, both sahaugins, the naga, and the manticore are bloody stupid.

Also: tieflings are red, then? So it's actually a Hellboy thing?
I don't know how I feel about that. And the cleric looks frelling retarded holding his tail like that.

Also also: Does the "only one monster from the set isn't in the MM" count for the various humanoids too? 'cause under those circumstances, I'd say "Blood of Vol fanatic" doesn't make the cut. I of course assume it doesn't.