D&D goes big baddy-style with their first monster manual miniatures release entitled Dangerous Delves. The second 4E set spans 40 miniatures (5 per pack, 8 different packs in all) with some of the randomness removed. Seven rather nice minis are visible in the packaging so it’s rather easy to complete a full set or target your favorite sculpts.
The paint jobs continue to improve but the re-paints of previous set miniatures still annoys (after you swallow the price increase). Ben longs for the days of the $8 Harbinger booster.
We’re huge fans of releasing new miniatures that go with the first Keep on the Shadowfell module series. Kruthik Youngs, a Kobold Wyrmpriest, Goblin Sharpshooters can drop into your D&D setting with ease. Let’s hope this trend continues with future sets and module releases.
So here’s our top five: Skalamd the Troll King (how a Troll should truly look), Kobold Wyrmpriest (Shadowfell nostalgia pick), Goblin Delver (such a sneaky bastard), Blood Scarab (incorporating terrain into the mini is a slick touch) and Xen’drik Drow Stingblade (best drow yet).
And here’s our bottom five: Aboleth Slime Mage (something you throw back on a fishing trip), Unicorn (no D&D man plays this mini), Harpy (major lean), Beholder Eye Tyrant (too many already and its terrible base induces lean-age), and Banshrae Warrior (has a girl scout troop vibe).
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August 2nd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Love the visible miniatures, though right now there’s one of them I just can’t seem to get my hand on. I bought all but 1 from a case upon initial release (would have bought the full case, but the booster with the Frost Giant was gone already). Now everyplace I’ve been they haven’t had that booster. The good and the bad of the visible miniatures I guess.
October 9th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I usually buy by singles at TrollandToad or PopularCollections. Shipping is a bit of a bummer but the $5 is worth the hunting aggrevation.