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Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Topic started by: Lovejoy on 08 April 2013, 10:58:38 AM

Title: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 08 April 2013, 10:58:38 AM
Oathsworn Miniatures is launching today with their first Kickstarter project.

The Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs project will produce a set of five high quality metal Dwarf miniatures - and if we hit our Stretch goals, we will be producing a total of 10 individual character models.

All the miniatures are being sculpted to be suitable for 28mm scale gaming, so will be around 21 to 23mm to the top of their heads.

The miniatures are being sculpted by Michael Lovejoy - a professional sculptor with 13 years experience in the industry, working in a variety of scales and styles.

Our aim is to make top quality Dwarf character figures, which will be perfect for tabletop wargaming, as roleplaying characters, or simply as a miniature piece of art for figure painters and collectors.

We're working our way through the sculpting at the moment; the first figure is finished, and can be seen on our KS page; we'll be posting more over the next few days.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oathsworn/oathsworn-heroes-of-the-dwarfs (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oathsworn/oathsworn-heroes-of-the-dwarfs)


If you're a Dwarf fan, or just like good fantasy minis, have a look!

cheers,
Michael Lovejoy
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: beefcake on 08 April 2013, 11:03:54 AM
They look quite nice, but with stone havens. Dwarfs recently shipped I wonder if it might not receive as high a backing as it deserves.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Timbor on 08 April 2013, 03:09:00 PM
I was thinking the same thing.  Though, I like the artwork and style of these MUCH better (which is why I did not back the SH dwarf KS).  I don't have too much room for more dwarfs in the collection, but will keep an eye on this project.

On an unrelated note, why are there not any kickstarters like this for halflings?  lol
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: robh on 08 April 2013, 03:30:46 PM
 :?
Yet another range of stumpy barrels with feet. Unfortunately the same old thing again, isn't it about time somebody broke away from this Warhammer derivative style and came up with something fresh and inspirational.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: workerBee on 08 April 2013, 07:06:16 PM
:?
Yet another range of stumpy barrels with feet. Unfortunately the same old thing again, isn't it about time somebody broke away from this Warhammer derivative style and came up with something fresh and inspirational.


While I agree with your style critique, it's economically tempting to go with what worked for someone else - just like Hollywood.

Gracias,

Glenn
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 08 April 2013, 07:52:35 PM
:?
Yet another range of stumpy barrels with feet. Unfortunately the same old thing again, isn't it about time somebody broke away from this Warhammer derivative style and came up with something fresh and inspirational.


Well, I'm sculpting these to look the way I want them to look; I know it's not possible to please everybody.

I do take exception to the 'stumpy barrel with feet' comment though - they've got legs; they are just predominantly behind armour and clothing.

I have to ask, when you say you want something fresh and inspirational, what sort of thing would you would be looking for?
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Doomhippie on 08 April 2013, 07:55:35 PM
I'm not particularly fond of dwarves but these do look rather nice. And not too warhmmerish IMHO.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: workerBee on 08 April 2013, 08:43:46 PM
Well, I'm sculpting these to look the way I want them to look; I know it's not possible to please everybody.

I do take exception to the 'stumpy barrel with feet' comment though - they've got legs; they are just predominantly behind armour and clothing.

I have to ask, when you say you want something fresh and inspirational, what sort of thing would you would be looking for?

Yes, sculpt them as you see the figures but since you asked...


An updated style more akin anatomically to these "not barrels with feet" (only crisper in detail) :

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Rp-e311.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Rp-e312.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Rp-e313.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Rp-e313b.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Rp-e315a.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Cs37.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Cs31.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Denizen-fantasy-range-DW6.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Denizen-fantasy-range-DW3.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Heritage-DK-1042a.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Heritage-DK-1042b.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Heritage-DK-1041c-cat.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Heritage-DK-1040c.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Heritage-DK-1040b-cat.jpg

http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Image:Heritage-dwellers-1239c.jpg

Gracias,

Glenn
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: rednorseman on 08 April 2013, 10:15:25 PM
I love these sculpts! :-* hoping you lads will support this kickstarter.
cheers
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Conquistador on 08 April 2013, 10:45:06 PM
I love these sculpts! :-* hoping you lads will support this kickstarter.
cheers

I hope it succeeds but it is waaay down on the wish list much less the "retirement retrenching" list.

I do hope it succeeds, it just doesn't appeal to me except for 1 figure.

Gracias,

Glenn
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: mweaver on 08 April 2013, 10:58:17 PM
While I like the short-stout-mostly-human-looking approach well enough, I actually prefer this style more.  And the sample figure looks top notch.  So, I'm in.

-Michael
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: robh on 08 April 2013, 11:25:26 PM
......it's economically tempting to go with what worked for someone else......

Yeah, but I kinda hoped that Kickstarter would be seen as way of mitigating that temptation and encouraging some innovation and imagination.

I have to ask, when you say you want something fresh and inspirational, what sort of thing would you would be looking for?

For the sanity of the LAF members who have seen this previously (there is a thread with these images in this forum from before), sufficient to say I would love to see sculpts inspired by this style of art:
http://www.distinctivebooks.com/Ebay/RackhamRipNBP06.jpg (http://www.distinctivebooks.com/Ebay/RackhamRipNBP06.jpg)

Like this truly wonderful piece from Mannikin Studios:
http://www.triplozero.com/site/joomla/images/img-articoli/RandallFlagg/mannikin0014.jpg (http://www.triplozero.com/site/joomla/images/img-articoli/RandallFlagg/mannikin0014.jpg)

I am sure this range will succeed for you, Dwarves are a popular subject and your sculpting is first class, for myself, I just wish they were different.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 09 April 2013, 11:14:32 AM
I'd also like some Arthur Rackham style dwarfs, too, to be honest... I'm just not sure where they'd fit in. Maybe marketed as Gnomes?

Anyway, I just realised I didn't post any pics of the sculpts. The first two are up on the KS now, so here they are:

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/hargin-final.gif)

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/grindol-final.gif)

I'm pleased with them!
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: driller on 09 April 2013, 12:24:08 PM
well, if these are barrels with feet, give me barrels with feet, because I hate the gnome-style dwarfs and the "looks like a human, just much smaller" style.

good luck with the KS, Lovejoy, this one finished sculpt looks great.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Doomhippie on 09 April 2013, 12:42:49 PM
For the sanity of the LAF members who have seen this previously (there is a thread with these images in this forum from before), sufficient to say I would love to see sculpts inspired by this style of art:
http://www.distinctivebooks.com/Ebay/RackhamRipNBP06.jpg (http://www.distinctivebooks.com/Ebay/RackhamRipNBP06.jpg)

Like this truly wonderful piece from Mannikin Studios:
http://www.triplozero.com/site/joomla/images/img-articoli/RandallFlagg/mannikin0014.jpg (http://www.triplozero.com/site/joomla/images/img-articoli/RandallFlagg/mannikin0014.jpg)

These are nice miniatures for sure. The idea is funny. Though I just can't picture any Thorin, Gimli or Durin looking like a leprchaun. These look more like what I would call fairies in the broadest sense.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: driller on 09 April 2013, 03:24:34 PM
well, if these are barrels with feet, give me barrels with feet, because I hate the gnome-style dwarfs and the "looks like a human, just much smaller" style.

good luck with the KS, Lovejoy, these two finished sculpts look great.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Conquistador on 10 April 2013, 11:39:21 AM
Quote:  well, if these are barrels with feet, give me barrels with feet, because I hate the gnome-style dwarfs and the "looks like a human, just much smaller" style.

A few points.  Individual and, as groups,  war gamers have stereotypes of dwarves, gnomes, fairies, goblins, any non-human that they want "their" figures to reflect.  See the GW stereotypes for example, not necessarily one I would emulate,  but a well known set of um... models.  That universal is at play in this discussion.

A dwarf is essentially a small humanoid/human -

Dictionary.com:
1.a person of abnormally small stature owing to a pathological condition, especially one suffering from cretinism or some other disease that produces disproportion or deformation of features and limbs.
2. an animal or plant much smaller than the average of its kind or species.
3.(in folklore) a being in the form of a small, often misshapen and ugly, man, usually having magic powers.

Merriam-Webster:
a : a person of unusually small stature; especially : one whose bodily proportions are abnormal


Whereas a midget:

Merriam-Webster:

2: sometimes offensive : a very small person; specifically : a person of unusually small size who is physically well-proportioned

Peter Jackson made a well-known model (Gimli) that he then contradicted (in part) with the Hobbit dwarf characters but both are dwarf characters.  

LOTR (book) dwarves - just one model despite the popularity of the books/movies - don't strike me as typically barrels with feet or significantly misshapen, just "different" anatomically in some aspects from elves or humans.

Would I buy these?  No because I have no idea how you have legs between the implied body under the armor/clothes and the feet.  You need thighs and lower legs and quite frankly I have trouble imagining where/how they "fit" on the overall body shape of the figure.  Very short upper and lower legs?  My stereotype, I admit, determines my response to these figures but it's the one I use for my dwarf armies.

I hope they sell like hot cakes but they don't do it for me at all.

Gracias,

Glenn



Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 10 April 2013, 12:30:16 PM
Would I buy these?  No because I have no idea how you have legs between the implied body under the armor/clothes and the feet.  You need thighs and lower legs and quite frankly I have trouble imagining where/how they "fit" on the overall body shape of the figure.  Very short upper and lower legs?  My stereotype, I admit, determines my response to these figures but it's the one I use for my dwarf armies.

I hope they sell like hot cakes but they don't do it for me at all.

Gracias,

Glenn


Glenn, I guess it just comes down to what you like - but having made the armature for the models they do have legs! Human dwarfs do have very short limb segments - I imagine fantasy dwarfs to be similar.
Here's a very rough layout of the skeleton inside the dwarf figure:

(http://oathsworn.net/darm.jpg)

So, short legs - but still definitely legs!


Anyway, enough defensiveness from me - on to the next update!
The third figure's done - the first female dwarf we've done:
(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/magda-final.gif)

And after some discussion and calculation, we've also decided to unlock all the stretch goals early - the £32 pledge gets you all 10 Dwarfs.

cheers,
Michael
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: driller on 10 April 2013, 04:05:54 PM
how the hell is there a quote from me on the top of this page (a quote without any message added) when I sure as hell didn't even look upon this topic in days? sorry, don't mean to derail the thread, just askin' :)
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: driller on 10 April 2013, 04:09:20 PM
Conquistador, all I can reply to you is: Merriam-webster or not, this whole thing... this is fantasy. Does it really matter what the dictionary says? :)
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 11 April 2013, 06:58:55 AM
...and we have another finished sculpt posted now - Mordrin Pathfinder, Dwarf Ranger:

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/mordrin-final.gif)

cheers,
Michael
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 12 April 2013, 10:50:57 AM
...and another old grumbler!

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/baragor-final75.gif)

cheers,
Michael
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Bobble on 12 April 2013, 11:18:40 AM
I really love these and providing I can squeeze a bit from my Salute budget I will be backing this Kickstarter. I love dwarves and think that these are really nice sculpts,full of character and great detail. They look exactly as I think dwarves should look (probably because I grew up with D&D and Warhammer and although I no longer play either it is still the dwarf look that I prefer) and will fit in very nicely with the ones I already have
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Blue in vt on 12 April 2013, 02:54:03 PM
these are really top notch and look like a blast to paint....I'd be happy to work a couple up for you if you want to send them to me... ;)

If not I will try to hunt through my couch cushions for enough change to pick these up...just wonderful sculpts.

Cheers,

Blue
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 15 April 2013, 08:28:45 AM
Here's another sculpt done, sorry for the slightlt blurry pic!:

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/brogar-final1.gif)
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Commander Vyper on 15 April 2013, 11:12:45 AM
well, if these are barrels with feet, give me barrels with feet, because I hate the gnome-style dwarfs and the "looks like a human, just much smaller" style.

good luck with the KS, Lovejoy, this one finished sculpt looks great.

+1on all counts..
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 16 April 2013, 08:54:02 AM
...and another sculpt is posted:

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/kettra-final.gif)

cheers,
Michael
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 19 April 2013, 05:24:30 PM
...and here are the final 3 dwarf sculpts for the Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oathsworn/oathsworn-heroes-of-the-dwarfs (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oathsworn/oathsworn-heroes-of-the-dwarfs)

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/burlok-final.gif)

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/duregar-final.gif)

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/borgrimm-final.gif)

cheers,
Michael
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Doomsdave on 21 April 2013, 04:59:38 AM
Oooh.  I like the girly dwarves very much.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: HerbyF on 21 April 2013, 08:00:58 AM
These are very nice dwarves. And the price is quite reasonable. I think I might have to get on this one.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 26 April 2013, 09:18:07 AM
Just a quick update, to let you know there are some add-ons available now. They can be added to your pledge, for £3 each.

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/helga.jpg)

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/astrid.jpg)

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/alric.jpg)

cheers,
Michael
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Garanhir on 28 April 2013, 08:51:48 AM
Had to go for them in the end, they were simply irresistible. While I certainly dislike the kind of near-spherical dwarf that reminds me of the old physics joke about the cows, I think these stand a way off from that extreme. They're chunky but not excessively so.

So, reckon you'll finish any more add-ons in time for a final assault on my wallet?
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Lovejoy on 05 May 2013, 10:47:20 AM
Thanks for pledging, Garanhir, and yes, I got 3 more done....

24 hours to go on the Kickstarter, if anyone's interested!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oathsworn/oathsworn-heroes-of-the-dwarfs (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oathsworn/oathsworn-heroes-of-the-dwarfs)

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/olka-final.jpg)

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/ulfar-final.jpg)

(http://oathsworn.net/img/portfolio/sigrun-final.jpg)

cheers
Michael
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Drunkendwarf on 05 May 2013, 06:52:22 PM
Just in time :D

DJ
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Garanhir on 01 August 2013, 12:56:19 AM
My delicious dwerrowfolk have arrived.  I've wasted most of this evening just gloating over them, checking them out (flawless castings and well-protected for transport), telling them all how much I love them, the usual stuff when an order arrives.

As for the time frame of this project, is this a first?  We were told to expect end of August and here I am, in the last group of shipping, holding my goodies with a month to spare.  Luckier folks have had theirs for nearly a month, but I don't begrudge their good fortune in the slightest.

Cracking job.


-and no sniggering about the "holding my goodies" line, either!  I know you lot!
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: FramFramson on 01 August 2013, 02:07:27 AM
:?
Yet another range of stumpy barrels with feet. Unfortunately the same old thing again, isn't it about time somebody broke away from this Warhammer derivative style and came up with something fresh and inspirational.


I quite like the Tale of War dwarves, but sadly they've put out very few of them.
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Conquistador on 02 August 2013, 03:27:57 AM
Conquistador, all I can reply to you is: Merriam-webster or not, this whole thing... this is fantasy. Does it really matter what the dictionary says? :)

Well, yes, to me, it does - words matter.

But as I said (paraphrasing,) that is what I want in a dwarf.  Not what everybody wants...

I see they succeeded rather nicely.  Congratulations top all involved.

Gracias,

Glenn
Title: Re: Oathsworn: Heroes of the Dwarfs Kickstarter
Post by: Conquistador on 02 August 2013, 03:30:02 AM

Glenn, I guess it just comes down to what you like - but having made the armature for the models they do have legs! Human dwarfs do have very short limb segments - I imagine fantasy dwarfs to be similar.
Here's a very rough layout of the skeleton inside the dwarf figure:

(http://oathsworn.net/darm.jpg)

So, short legs - but still definitely legs!
<snip>

I can see that, it just is not clear with all the trappings.

Okay, they have legs.  I won't belabor/quibble.

Gracias,

Glenn