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Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: eMills on February 05, 2023, 09:07:48 PM

Title: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 05, 2023, 09:07:48 PM
On the off chance that anyone is interested, here is something that I have been working on:
(https://i.imgur.com/dns5nMj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GI3OLCn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JGvKGRq.jpg)
Capitol Light Infantry Corporal

(https://i.imgur.com/DBv7ZoV.jpg)
Capitol Gear

(https://i.imgur.com/iAYWsqS.jpg)
Mutant Chronicles Faction Symbols

Although I am looking forward to seeing Res Nova's new sculpts and what they are offering in the upcoming Kickstarter, I also know that it will not really be 100% what I want, so I decided to go ahead with my own updates to the Mutant Chronicles designs.

The idea is to keep a good bit of the 90's design and update parts of it.  One of the biggest things is the weapons.  The artists that originally worked on these designs had very little of a clue how firearms work...

Having worked through this stuff, I'm not sure I want to jump right in to doing wargame levels of designs right off the bat.  I was thinking of updating the Siege of the Citadel board game instead.  That will let me do a couple designs from each faction to establish the baselines.  Also, some scenery maybe.

If anyone is interested, I'll post updates when I have them.

Thanks for dropping by.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: sir_shvantselot on February 05, 2023, 09:27:34 PM
Looking good. I played this in the 90s.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Cypher226 on February 06, 2023, 08:55:59 AM
Superb stuff.

I'm interested to see where you go with this - very interested to print some if you make the STLs available.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: manic _miner on February 06, 2023, 03:29:37 PM
 Very nice work on him and nice pose.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 07, 2023, 01:50:28 PM
Looking good. I played this in the 90s.
Thanks.  I've played exactly one game of this, also in the 90s. lol  I really loved the art and fiction though, so I've kept my stuff all these years.

Superb stuff.

I'm interested to see where you go with this - very interested to print some if you make the STLs available.
Thank you very much.  I will probably not make the STLs available.  I don't want to step on the current license holder's toes.

Very nice work on him and nice pose.
Thank you.  Posing is one of the hardest things to do, so I'm happy to hear that this one is working. 
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: BaronVonJ on February 07, 2023, 03:18:50 PM
Color me interested.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Cypher226 on February 08, 2023, 10:04:29 AM

Thank you very much.  I will probably not make the STLs available.  I don't want to step on the current license holder's toes.


that's a crying shame, but totally understandable.  Would you consider making the weapons available at least?
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Major_Gilbear on February 14, 2023, 09:15:27 AM
Lovely work on these - it's clear what they are, and they are very much in style and keeping with the original models (which I approve of!).

I understand not sharing the STL files, but I agree that it's a shame these will therefore not ever really be "available" then. Still, at least we get to see them and dream!  ;)
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 14, 2023, 05:44:29 PM
Color me interested.
Glad to hear it.  I was actually thinking of creating a set of linked scenarios for Siege of the Citadel using Galactic Heroes, rather than just trying to recreate the board game.

that's a crying shame, but totally understandable.  Would you consider making the weapons available at least?
Probably not, given it will be obvious what I created them for.  I'll think about it though.

Lovely work on these - it's clear what they are, and they are very much in style and keeping with the original models (which I approve of!).

I understand not sharing the STL files, but I agree that it's a shame these will therefore not ever really be "available" then. Still, at least we get to see them and dream!  ;)
Thanks so much!

I was able to do a test print of the Light Infantry Corporal.  Had a couple support failures but it mostly printed.  I also found some areas that I need to do further work on.  Most of those changes are made and I hope to print again tonight or tomorrow.  Pictures once I get a good print.

I've also started work on Sean Gallagher:
(https://i.imgur.com/VQ8I5za.jpg)

Still very early.  Pose will be similar to the Paul Bonner artwork.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 20, 2023, 08:58:43 PM
Got an ok print of the Capitol LI Corporal (but still sub-par pictures, sorry) Still some more adjustments to be made, but I'm very close to a finish now.:

(https://i.imgur.com/dXlBPA1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fIHtgmV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lBzz2Pg.jpg)

Next to a mostly built Cadian.  I'm leaving his arms off until I paint him.

(https://i.imgur.com/hwI8rGf.jpg)

Next to a Wargames Atlantic Corporate Security figure.

(https://i.imgur.com/R1JSTzQ.jpg)

Next to a Wargames Atlantic OOh Rah figure.

(https://i.imgur.com/5aC5suF.jpg)

Next to a Reptillian Overlords Master Regiment figure.  I lost the head for that figure...

I also started working up stats for the Siege of the Citadel Heroes using the Galactic Heroes rules.  I am mostly sticking to the Crew build guidelines, with a few exceptions, to account for the fact that I'm trying to recreate a boardgames' limited scope. The idea that I have is that you pick 4 from this list to run through each scenario.

DoomTroopers
Crew Traits
*Heroes All  *Advanced Comms  *Armored

Max Steiner
*Ranger  *Unstoppable
Valerie Duval
*Two Fisted  *Infiltrator
Mitch Hunter
*Lucky  *Strategist
Big Bob Watts
*Strong  *Indomitable

Edward S. Murdoch

*Ranger  *Fearless
Sean Gallagher
*Deadly Strike  *Master of Melee
Coral Beach
*Killer  *Soulless
Attilla III
*Impervious  *Soulless  *Slow  *Mule
Yojimbo
*Defensive Fighter  *Encouraging
Tatsu
*Street Fighter  *Smart

I'll post Dark Legion stats once I've come up with them.  Then I'll share the scenarios.  Once everything is all done, I'll work up a finished, more polished, pdf to share with everything in it.  I'd love to hear any thoughts from folks along the way.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: NickNascati on February 20, 2023, 09:13:52 PM
Nice looking mini.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 21, 2023, 08:28:21 AM
Nice looking mini.
Thanks!

Somewhat better pictures:
(https://i.imgur.com/jcP5o5C.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4pbjlvj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iyX0FRy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xbh3JN0.jpg)
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Silent Invader on February 21, 2023, 08:42:28 AM
I don’t know the inspiration but I like the sculpt; the face and clothing folds are especially nice.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Major_Gilbear on February 21, 2023, 08:56:28 AM
It looks very good! I'm assuming that's a 25mm base? Also, compared to the plastic Cadian, I might be tempted to make print the model a smidge smaller personally, but that's more an observation than any sort of criticism.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 21, 2023, 10:06:23 AM
I don’t know the inspiration but I like the sculpt; the face and clothing folds are especially nice.
Thanks!

My biggest inspiration for this project is Paul Bonner's amazing artwork.  He did some of his best work for the Mutant Chronicles property, in my opinion.

It looks very good! I'm assuming that's a 25mm base? Also, compared to the plastic Cadian, I might be tempted to make print the model a smidge smaller personally, but that's more an observation than any sort of criticism.
Thank you.

The bases on all of these figures are the ones that came with the Cadian squad.  I believe they are 25mm.

I was thinking the same about the figure size.  I need to put together some of my other GW infantry figures and get a comparison with them first.  It seems to me that the Cadians are a bit smaller than other figures that I have from GW (Blackstone Cultists, and Death Korps.)  I want to get some Kasrkin as well, but I'm pretty sure those are larger than these others.  Not that any of this is necessary really, lol.  This is effectively a standalone project.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Major_Gilbear on February 21, 2023, 10:37:55 AM
I think the new Cadians are taller and a bit less bulky (which improves their overall proportions) than older GW models. The new Cadians are indeed on 25mm bases (I checked, as GW have started putting a lot of their new "human" sized figures on 28.3mm bases recently... yes, I know. ::)  )

However, I prefer to have a little bit of room on the base where possible, rather than having most figures fill or overhang their base. I admit that's a personal thing in terms of aesthetics, but I also find it has practical applications too in terms of paintjobs not getting scuffed, and models having sufficient space for their bases to placed adjacent to each other on the table too.  :)



My biggest inspiration for this project is Paul Bonner's amazing artwork.  He did some of his best work for the Mutant Chronicles property, in my opinion.

I agree - his artwork in VOR: The Maelstrom and in the old Warhammer games was some of my favourite too. I think Werner Klocke also engaged him to do some artwork for Freebooter's Fate IIRC.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 21, 2023, 01:59:59 PM
I think the new Cadians are taller and a bit less bulky (which improves their overall proportions) than older GW models. The new Cadians are indeed on 25mm bases (I checked, as GW have started putting a lot of their new "human" sized figures on 28.3mm bases recently... yes, I know. ::)  )

However, I prefer to have a little bit of room on the base where possible, rather than having most figures fill or overhang their base. I admit that's a personal thing in terms of aesthetics, but I also find it has practical applications too in terms of paintjobs not getting scuffed, and models having sufficient space for their bases to placed adjacent to each other on the table too.  :)
I like the proportions of the new Cadians and Kasrkin much better than anything else they have done.  I definitely want to stay closer to them, but maybe make the figures a little bigger overall.  Not sure yet.

You definitely make good points about the way figures fit on bases.  Honestly a decent argument for keeping them slightly smaller.

I agree - his artwork in VOR: The Maelstrom and in the old Warhammer games was some of my favourite too. I think Werner Klocke also engaged him to do some artwork for Freebooter's Fate IIRC.
Man I love VOR too and his artwork is a big part of that.  The older Warhammer stuff was good, but for me Bonner really hit his stride in the early 90s.  I'm not familiar with Freebooter's Fate, other than knowing it exists, but it is entirely possible Bonner has done art for them.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: BaronVonJ on February 21, 2023, 02:55:44 PM
Quote
I also started working up stats for the Siege of the Citadel Heroes using the Galactic Heroes rules.  I am mostly sticking to the Crew build guidelines, with a few exceptions, to account for the fact that I'm trying to recreate a boardgames' limited scope. The idea that I have is that you pick 4 from this list to run through each scenario.
Your Crew builds look great. As I might have mentioned before, it's ok to "break" the rules in interest of a good game, especially when it comes to making hero types.This thread inspired me to start looking for proxies for the MC universe.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Major_Gilbear on February 21, 2023, 04:26:33 PM
Man I love VOR too and his artwork is a big part of that.  The older Warhammer stuff was good, but for me Bonner really hit his stride in the early 90s.  I'm not familiar with Freebooter's Fate, other than knowing it exists, but it is entirely possible Bonner has done art for them.

Honestly, I've always enjoyed his art, full stop. This (https://www.theartofpaulbonner.com/collections/heroquest/products/filthy-harold) black and white piece from Advanced Heroquest is one my favourites - simple, understated, highly evocative, and entirely different from all the other Warhammer art I saw at the time. I always thought this character had a bit Clint Eastwood about him too!  lol  His Ork and Imperial Guard art was great too, especially the vignettes.

Anyway, apologies for the thread derailment!
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 21, 2023, 05:00:05 PM
Your Crew builds look great. As I might have mentioned before, it's ok to "break" the rules in interest of a good game, especially when it comes to making hero types.This thread inspired me to start looking for proxies for the MC universe.
Yeah, I tried not to go outside the guidelines too much.  Plus I wanted to leave room to grow the characters via the campaign system, since that is also a part of the board game. 

It shouldn't matter too much in the end since this will be a narrative style solo or co-op game anyway.  If it was two players in competition, I would definitely want to stay aligned with the rules for balance sake.

As far as figures go, they are relatively cheap on ebay and Prince August (https://shop.princeaugust.ie/mutant-chronicles-warzone-classic/) still has some available for sale.  Maybe look into Wargames Atlantic or Warlord figures for proxies?

Honestly, I've always enjoyed his art, full stop. This (https://www.theartofpaulbonner.com/collections/heroquest/products/filthy-harold) black and white piece from Advanced Heroquest is one my favourites - simple, understated, highly evocative, and entirely different from all the other Warhammer art I saw at the time. I always thought this character had a bit Clint Eastwood about him too!  lol  His Ork and Imperial Guard art was great too, especially the vignettes.

Anyway, apologies for the thread derailment!
Oh, I have been a fan since I first saw his artwork too, but my absolute favorites came from Mutant Chronicles, VOR, and later, Shadowrun.

I never had Advanced Heroquest, and haven't seen that piece before.  Definitely Eastwood, lol.

No derailment talking about one of my favorite artists in a thread inspired at least in part by his work.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 22, 2023, 02:38:09 PM
A bit more work on Sean Gallagher:
(https://i.imgur.com/06MWcpt.jpg)

I decided to change his pose from a resting one to more of a ready stance.  Still WIP of course.  I also changed his claymore a bit to add in a little of the look from the artwork.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: NotifyGrout on February 22, 2023, 04:38:18 PM
Why not put them up for free download under the name "New America Dieselpunk Soldier" or something? Res Nova's product won't be out until next year at minimum, and they will probably look different anyway.

I know you don't want to interfere with the IP holders, but I would think a fan work or two, released under a noncommercial license (personal use only, not to be sold) would be OK.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: BaronVonJ on February 22, 2023, 05:01:08 PM
Quote
As far as figures go, they are relatively cheap on ebay and Prince August still has some available for sale.  Maybe look into Wargames Atlantic or Warlord figures for proxies?
Oh, I've never been a fan of the miniatures. I always thought they were too goofy. The Trenchers were the only ones I bought back in the day.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 22, 2023, 06:59:24 PM
Why not put them up for free download under the name "New America Dieselpunk Soldier" or something? Res Nova's product won't be out until next year at minimum, and they will probably look different anyway.

I know you don't want to interfere with the IP holders, but I would think a fan work or two, released under a noncommercial license (personal use only, not to be sold) would be OK.
That's a possibility.  Not sure about free, they did take a fair amount of my time to create after all.  I'll see what the options for upload offer as a creator.  If I post anything I'll let you know.

Oh, I've never been a fan of the miniatures. I always thought they were too goofy. The Trenchers were the only ones I bought back in the day.
Fair enough.  I would definitely say that I am an huge fan of the designs, but not so much a fan of all the executions of those designs.

Again, for proxies, see swiftnick's thread (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=140104.0).  He has used some Wargames Atlantic Bulldogs (https://wargamesatlantic.com/collections/demo-collection/products/bulldogs) to good effect.  WGA's Raumjager (https://wargamesatlantic.com/collections/demo-collection/products/raumjager-infantry-box-set) might serve for lightly armored Bauhaus, and even Capitol with head and weapon swaps.  Their World Ablaze and Great War sections might have even better options, but I'm unsure how they scale against anything.  WGA has a pretty versatile and useful catalog.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: NotifyGrout on February 23, 2023, 02:15:42 AM
Sorry to imply that you shouldn't be compensated for your work. I've just found that if you're worried about legal trouble, releasing for free tends to bring less trouble should the IP holders complain.

You have the original files to prove you did these from scratch. The worst they can do is ask you to take it down.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Cypher226 on February 23, 2023, 09:31:19 AM
Honestly, I've always enjoyed his art, full stop. This (https://www.theartofpaulbonner.com/collections/heroquest/products/filthy-harold) I always thought this character had a bit Clint Eastwood about him too! 

the piece is called 'filthy Harold' so... ;)  I believe this piece was one of the characters from one of the early novels - Beasts in Velvet, and appeared in White Dwarf with the WHFRPG character profiles.

Incidentally Bonner is selling this one, listed at a cool £2,500 (https://www.theartofpaulbonner.com/products/filthy-harold)
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: BaronVonJ on February 23, 2023, 02:34:16 PM
There are half a dozen sculptors out there making a mint off Star Wars minis for Legion and other games (hint, hint). They just call them something else like "The Authority" or "Insurgents". Legion can't seem to get they're minis out there. Meanwhile, companies like Skullforge have new sculpts out the day after an episode of Mando or Bad Batch. Food for thought.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Major_Gilbear on February 23, 2023, 11:48:49 PM
the piece is called 'filthy Harold' so... ;)  I believe this piece was one of the characters from one of the early novels - Beasts in Velvet, and appeared in White Dwarf with the WHFRPG character profiles.

Incidentally Bonner is selling this one, listed at a cool £2,500 (https://www.theartofpaulbonner.com/products/filthy-harold)

Yeah, I generally agree, however I would politely counter:

1) The piece wasn't originally named when published in the various GW media... But, much like the (in)famous Al Pacino Dark Angel (https://i.redd.it/4jldu8khejj81.jpg), I simply recognised the face as a young 'un!  lol

2) Not that I think £2.5K is really a lot of money for attractive original art, but it is sadly nonetheless rather out of my pricing league - otherwise, I'd have snapped it up! ;)

Why not put them up for free download under the name "New America Dieselpunk Soldier" or something? Res Nova's product won't be out until next year at minimum, and they will probably look different anyway.

I know you don't want to interfere with the IP holders, but I would think a fan work or two, released under a noncommercial license (personal use only, not to be sold) would be OK.

If this is ever considered, I would remove all the unit logos/markings from them for sure. Without those, the models are generic enough; with those, it's certainly infringing.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 24, 2023, 08:55:18 AM
Sorry to imply that you shouldn't be compensated for your work. I've just found that if you're worried about legal trouble, releasing for free tends to bring less trouble should the IP holders complain.

You have the original files to prove you did these from scratch. The worst they can do is ask you to take it down.
Apologies.  I understood what you meant.  But, it is my understanding that free or paid doesn't really matter in this instance.  So if I release these, it is likely to be paid.  Also, I believe the first step in either case is being asked to remove them. 

There are half a dozen sculptors out there making a mint off Star Wars minis for Legion and other games (hint, hint). They just call them something else like "The Authority" or "Insurgents". Legion can't seem to get they're minis out there. Meanwhile, companies like Skullforge have new sculpts out the day after an episode of Mando or Bad Batch. Food for thought.
This is definitely true. MC is a pretty small IP in a relatively niche industry.  Star Wars is a bit of a Juggernaut in whatever niche it resides.  lol 

Ultimately, it is a case of I'll consider all this stuff and may change my mind. 
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 24, 2023, 10:56:30 PM
Another update on Sean Gallagher:
(https://i.imgur.com/Oj7O6OM.jpg)

Coming along well so far.  The miniatures game mentions the Gallagher Amulet of Deflection in the description, but it never appears in any artwork that I can find.  Nor is the Gallagher family crest ever shown, unlike several other family's Crests that are detailed in the RPG.  So, I thoiught that the Amulet would be a version of the family crest.  That is my stab at designing a simplified one.  I will position it on the baldric, sort of like a fancy buckle.

That's what I have for now.  Thanks all for stopping to look.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 25, 2023, 01:23:58 AM
I also started working up an entryway to the Dark Legion Citadel.  Mission 1's primary objective is to get to the doors of the Citadel to make entry.

(https://i.imgur.com/3VHBx7S.jpg)

I intend to make a Brotherhood Cathedral eventually.  Layout of that will mirror this one.  Dark Symmetry and all that jazz...

This will be the first large scenery piece that I do.  The figure shown is about 32mm tall.  As usual, any input is appreciated.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on February 25, 2023, 05:05:29 AM
And a decent start on statue #1:
(https://i.imgur.com/DhQUs59.jpg)
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: jawd500 on March 24, 2023, 09:53:22 PM
Hey!

Just came across this post and wanted to say that the work you're doing is awesome dude! Don't give it up - I'd love to see how this pans out!

I'm a massive MC fan and have just (finally!) secured a copy of the original SoTC which I'll be painting up at some point. Currently I'm working on a fully converted squad of the old plastic Imperial Regulars, which I'll share when they're done.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: Curis on April 21, 2023, 11:17:43 AM
That Capitol Trooper is looking brilliant!  I want to paint one.  Keeping tabs on this so I can find out if and how you make it available.
Title: Re: Mutant Chronicles updates/redesigns
Post by: eMills on April 21, 2023, 08:48:19 PM
That Capitol Trooper is looking brilliant!  I want to paint one.  Keeping tabs on this so I can find out if and how you make it available.
Hey!

Just came across this post and wanted to say that the work you're doing is awesome dude! Don't give it up - I'd love to see how this pans out!

I'm a massive MC fan and have just (finally!) secured a copy of the original SoTC which I'll be painting up at some point. Currently I'm working on a fully converted squad of the old plastic Imperial Regulars, which I'll share when they're done.
Thanks folks.  I appreciate you stopping a dropping a comment.  Not sure I will be making these available.  I will definitely let everyone here know if I do though.

Small update on Gallagher:
(https://i.imgur.com/OtsdsRl.jpg)

Worked on Mitch Hunter as well:
(https://i.imgur.com/yEiGAwV.jpg)

As always, any feedback is appreciated.