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Post by labrat on Aug 31, 2011 16:27:26 GMT -9
I was feeling rather "Dwarfy" today, so I went to town on some new designs. Having a hard time staying motivated with the command group for the humans, so I am doing something that I can really sink my teeth into, so to speak, or at least that I will enjoy doing. Here is what I've got so far. I'm hoping to add some variety to these figures, and throw in a commander or two with a standard bearer and such. I hope you like it. Not bad for a few hours of work.
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Post by dcbradshaw on Aug 31, 2011 16:48:13 GMT -9
I would probably buy this.
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Post by pblade on Aug 31, 2011 17:43:51 GMT -9
Looks great. Looks like my 500 dwarven mercs may actually see the light of day. ;D
- Pb
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Post by emergencyoverride on Aug 31, 2011 18:39:26 GMT -9
YAY DWARVES!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D
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Post by cowboyleland on Aug 31, 2011 19:44:42 GMT -9
Lookin' good. I think dwarves should be as alien as elves, not just short vikings. How about hexagonal or octagonal sheilds? Oh, and picks would make nasty holes in armour and whoever was inside it. Also trowels get very sharp from constantly being whetted and would make cool daggers or short swords. Some spears or pikes to make up for what they lack in reach?
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Post by hackbarth on Sept 1, 2011 4:31:04 GMT -9
Hexagonal Shields! That would be perfect! A very Runic-Dwarfish feel.
Their faces are so expressive that I hesitate to ask for helmets. Maybe as a layer?
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Post by stevelortz on Sept 1, 2011 10:16:07 GMT -9
My favorite dwarf miniatures of all time were those from the Custom Cast Lord of the Rings line, back in the mid-seventies. They were more like WETA Workshop's Narnia dwarves than like WW's LOTR dwarves. I like the old-style round shields for dwarves, with Saxon-esque decoration: It would be good to see some military mattocks (pick axes) and crossbows in the mix, as well as a few pole arms. Viking axes didn't all look like lumberjack axes: I like the idea of having helmets as a second layer. The reason I'm bringing all this stuff up is NOT because I don't like idea and your sketches, but because I DO like them very much, and look forward to building some dwarf units for my table top. Remember, we should be seeing the Battle of Five Armies on the silver screen within a couple of years! Have fun! Steve
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Post by Reivaj on Sept 1, 2011 14:16:36 GMT -9
They are great !! ;D i love them. it´s a good idea from Steve to have a second layer with helmet!!. BTW what programs do you use to make multi layer PDF?? Are there some of this programs free??
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Post by nikloveland on Sept 1, 2011 14:48:57 GMT -9
BTW what programs do you use to make multi layer PDF?? Are there some of this programs free?? The program I use for our layouts is InDesign from Adobe (version CS3). I don't know how to do it in anything else.
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Post by okumarts on Sept 1, 2011 15:09:40 GMT -9
I use Illustrator to do the more complex layered pdfs (like the vikings), but I generally use Indesign CS for most of my sets.
I really like the details on the beards with these dwarves!
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Post by labrat on Sept 1, 2011 17:43:46 GMT -9
Hey, thanks for everyone's input. The problem with adding helmets in, via layered pdf, is you would have to do two different cut files. It can be done, it's just a bit more work (for Nik anyways since he makes the cut files).
It would be cool to have those options, so I'll see what can be done. It seems there are several ideas out there about what makes a good dwarf.
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Post by Vermin King on Sept 1, 2011 19:31:04 GMT -9
I think a good dwarf should be shorter than the average human.
You can thank Captain Obvious for that one
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Post by labrat on Sept 2, 2011 9:53:56 GMT -9
Here's a sneak peak at more of what's in store: I made the decision to do a multitude of dwarf sets in different styles, so that hopefully everyone will be able to find a dwarf that suits their taste. Besides, is there any such thing as too many dwarves? I am probably going to redraw many of the heads I have done and replace the with the larger-nosed style dwarves. I think it looks a lot better for a dwarf.
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Post by gilius on Sept 2, 2011 10:22:00 GMT -9
Hey, if you're doing lots of dwarves, how about including one that resembles ol' Gilius Thunderhead from the Golden Axe arcade game? www.giantbomb.com/gilius-thunderhead/94-1990/I mean, his brother was killed by Death-Adder, he deserves it
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Post by labrat on Sept 3, 2011 5:53:19 GMT -9
Nice! Now it's all so clear. Yeah, I suppose it's possible. I could sneak him into one of the sets I'm working on, or do a member exclusive set with notable dwarves from games and movies. That could be fun I suppose. As an update, I think I have finished the rough sketches for a basic set, and for a heavily armed set. I could start doing the digital work, but I think I'll keep on designing til I get some ranged units designed and some other sets, and then just crank them out all at once. The initial design stage is the hardest part for me. Once that part is done, then it's just a matter of putting the time in to get them finished up. Designing seems to be coming rather easily with the dwarves though. On a side note: which is better by popular opinion? Dwarves or Dwarfs? Any one have a preference? I always use Dwarves, because it seems more proper, but spell check always dings me on it, but spell check seems to think that dwarfs is just fine. Is there a version that is more proper grammatically speaking. On another side note: I spent all night dreaming about the two main things that have been on my mind lately. Running, because I'm training for a 10k run next weekend, and Dwarves. A weird combination. Like water and oil if you ask me.
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Post by pblade on Sept 3, 2011 22:45:46 GMT -9
A 10k run for Dwarves?? Sounds like a form of torture to me. - Pb
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Post by josedominguez on Sept 4, 2011 1:46:18 GMT -9
The 'correct' plural for dwarf is dwarves, but Tolken set the precedent for elf-elves and dwarf-dwarves. I think it differentiates the fairy tale elf and dwarf from the fantasy ones. I say stick with Dwarves
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Post by stevelortz on Sept 4, 2011 5:06:42 GMT -9
Disney used "dwarfs" for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Tolkien used "dwarves". I prefer Tolkien to Disney.
Have fun! Steve
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Post by labrat on Sept 4, 2011 15:17:31 GMT -9
Well said. I think I will stick with Dwarves. Thanks guys. I did some drawings for some ranged weapon dwarves. I think they will primarily use crossbows, but also some hand cannons. I did hand cannons with the human militia. They are just very primitive firearms, like a blunderbuss, but nobody makes em' like the dwarves, so they will need to be special.
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Post by stevelortz on Sept 4, 2011 16:09:26 GMT -9
Hand cannons are good. I used to have a unit of RAFM's dwarven hand gunners. They supported a unit of GW's dwarven pikemen. I like the militia hand gunners.
Have fun! Steve
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Post by emergencyoverride on Sept 4, 2011 19:18:32 GMT -9
Dwarves with guns totally rock! I'll second that. It helps them to not have to move as much. ;D
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Post by labrat on Sept 8, 2011 10:06:25 GMT -9
I've been working like crazy on the dwarves. Here is another look at what's going on at Sanity Studios (my house). I have assembled some basic dwarves, some heavy dwarves, and a command group. I have drawings for the ranged dwarves all done, with crossbows and handcannons. They still need to be assembled, but I've been on the computer all day, and I think my wife will slay me if I don't get off of it soon. Next to come are dwarven berserkers, A cannon and crew, and a clockwork soldier. And yes, for those craving hexagonal shields and such, I will eventually do some clans, which have different styles to sate your lust for different dwarves. L8rz
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Post by highlandpiper on Sept 8, 2011 10:44:21 GMT -9
**** me! That is awesome!
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Post by okumarts on Sept 8, 2011 11:09:35 GMT -9
I LOVE the expression on the middle dwarf's face. These look amazing! Love the details (knotwork, etc.) and the character of them.
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Post by emergencyoverride on Sept 8, 2011 11:29:10 GMT -9
Really like the style and the way they look like they are about to cause someone some difficulties. ;D
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Post by gilius on Sept 8, 2011 15:40:06 GMT -9
This is looking better and better. The helmets and all the little details on the plate boots...
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Post by labrat on Sept 9, 2011 2:16:27 GMT -9
Hey thanks guys, I'm glad you're liking them. I am as well. Just a bit more work to do and I'll be ready to start doing the digital stuff for them. I hope to have the artwork done in the next couple of weeks if not sooner.
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Post by stevelortz on Sept 9, 2011 4:54:51 GMT -9
I like where this line is going!
Have fun! Steve
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Post by cowboyleland on Sept 9, 2011 7:21:32 GMT -9
cool armoured mustaches!
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Post by pblade on Sept 9, 2011 23:17:28 GMT -9
Well, given how dwarves feel about their beards, it makes sense they'd so *something* to help protect them. ;D
Add me to the "anxiously awaiting" list on this set. (I soooo want to watch my DM's eyes pop out when I actually field that mercenary army...)
- Pb
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