#matsbymars

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and review of the minis used on CR.

Don’t get me wrong, love the holidays, love that the CR cast is getting a well deserved rest, but- I’m having a tough time with this break. For some reason I thought they were only off Christmas Eve. I did not realize my mistake until the Thursday after Christmas. In retrospect, it was a tad silly to think there would be a new episode on New Year’s Eve. Regardless, I was not mentally prepared for a month off. But enough of that, let’s get to the minis!

Banana peels, the oldest trick in the rogue book, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 2 Episode 120!

The List

• Mats by Mars Tabletop Mat Shattered Soil
• Dwarven Forge Dungeons of Doom
• Dwarven Forge Ladders
• Dwarven Forge Epic Stairs
• Dwarven Forge Castle Stairs Pack
• Dwarven Forge Castle Cube Spacers
  
• Dwarven Forge Caverns Elevated Large Pedestals
  
• Dwarven Forge Castle LED Chromatic Orbs
  
• WarLock Tiles: Summoning Circles
  
• Real Game FX Light Box 2x2 Remote Control Light Boxes
  
• Steamforged Games Critical Role Miniatures
  
• HeroForge Jester Duplicity Miniature
  
• Reaper Miniatures Familiars Cat painted by Iron Tusk Miniature Painting
• Custom Cat’s Paw
• LITKO Flying Figure Stand
  
• Axe N Shield Single Flyer Risers - Clear Mithril
  
• Chest and Trove 5E Condition Rings
  
• Lords of Madness #23 Iron Golem Juggernaut
  

The Terrain

Mats by Mars, Dwarven Forge, WarLock Tiles, and Real Game FX

Wonderful looking chamber. A nice variety of staircase options. And if you don’t want to take the stairs, there are plenty of Dwarven Forge ladder railings you can use. Or just leap down onto a nice soft pile of Dwarvenite stone rubble.

It was cool seeing the new WarLock Tiles: Summoning Circles LED tiles. Very fancy, very Fullmetal Alchemist. In fact, members of the FML voice cast Laura and Travis seemed especially enthusiastic about the LED spell circles. Travis said something to the effect of: “Oh they areglowing! The symbols are glowing on the floor, THEY PULSE! They are pulsing right NOW, look at that- LOOK!” Could someone please replace some Colonel Mustang footage audio with Travis’s reaction to these tiles?

The Monsters

Guardian Lords of Madness #23 Iron Golem Juggernaut
Mini image sourced from minisgallery.com

Not my favorite D&D Miniatures prepaint. Sort of a cross between a warforged and Mega Man boss. The pose is awfully awkward and I find the dimensions of the sword rather off putting. Examining the figure, I noticed that unlike the right arm, the left armpit region has no hinge/gap of any sort between the armor plates, suggesting that the Iron Golem’s left arm is fused in this position. What I do like about this golem design is the helmet/head. Looks pretty cool and even includes a gnarly battle scar. Inconveniently, the surrounding popped collar armor gives the golem a field of view about the size and shape of a TikTok video.

Closing Thoughts and Predictions

I am eager to see what miniature Lucien is assigned. Molly’s coat is so iconic, surely the commercially available Steamforged mini would not be suitable. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that we will see a new sculpt from Steamforged. If that’s not the case, I would be happy with a repaint. Different colors might be enough to disguise the signature Mollymauk Tealeaf attire.

#critroleminiaturerollout

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

Fresh city, fresh player character, fresh Mats by Mars mat, and many fresh minis. Quality looking desert map we got here. Very handsome. Great place for a little dust up.

No better place to catch hell than the Hellcatch Valley, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 24!

The List

• Mats by Mars Tabletop Mat Swallowing Sand
  
• Monster Fight Club Barren Hills
• Monster Fight Club Village Well
  
• Hagglethorn Hollow buildings
  
• Goblin Village Premium Set Palisade Wall
  
• Dwarven Forge Stone Ruins Add-On Pack
  
• Dwarven Forge Mountain Peak Pack
  
• Dwarven Forge Wicked City Smuggler’s Wagon
  
• Mantic Games TerrainCrate Dungeon Debris Crates
  
• Mantic Games TerrainCrate Military Campsite Large Tent
  
• Campaign 3 Party Minis Wizkids Sculpts
  
• Mythic Odysseys of Theros #20 Siona, Captain of the Pyleas
  
• Volo & Mordenkainen’s Foes #15 Gnoll Pack Leader
  
• Monster Menagerie 2 #010 Human Monk
  
• Critical Role Clovis Concord Zhelezo
  
• Rage of Demons #12 Hobgoblin Soldier
  
• Pathfinder Battles Iconic Heroes Set 4 Jirelle half-elf swashbuckler
  
• Waterdeep Dragon Heist #06b Merchant
  
• D&D Premium Painted Figure: W4 Female Half-Orc Fighter
  
• D&D Premium Painted Figure: W5 Male Elf Druid
  
• Tomb of Annihilation #36 Nanny Pu'pu
  
• Monster Menagerie #024 Illydia Maethellyn (Invisible)
  
• MDF Stairs
  
• Unidentified civilian miniature standing by wagon
• Ruined castle corner wall
• Assorted scatter terrain

The Party

Dusk Mythic Odysseys of Theros #20 Siona, Captain of the Pyleas
Mini images sourced from minisgallery.com

Yoooooo, Dusk is a sick name! Well played Erika Ishii. This is a good temporary miniature choice. I like the classical armor and classical strut pose, which is based directly on the Magic the Gathering card art of this character. A pretty faithful adaptation, thought for the mini they opted to give her a more practical cut of armor skirt, which I can appreciate. 

The NPCs

Dragonborn Bystander Critical Role Clovis Concord Zhelezo

Solid civilian miniature, a dragonborn bystander (also known as a dragonbornster). Weapon toting characters in peaceful poses are always useful because they can be used as chill village folk, but also as combatants. Mighty versatile. Alas, this dragonborn is orange-ish, therefore I hate it. I joke of course. Good model.

The Villains

Spellcaster D&D Premium Painted Figure: W5 Male Elf Druid

What is the significance of this druid staff design? This staff headpiece has been featured on a few Wizkids models. Though I like the spell effect and the pose is kinda cool, this mini is not quite workin’ for me. The cloak is just this blobby mass that’s tough to read from across the table. And I wish they had spent a little more time painting the right hand. That spell effect is the focal point of the model and as-is it looks pretty crummy.

Gnoll Monologer Volo & Mordenkainen’s Foes #15 Gnoll Pack Leader

“Monologue” is my new favorite command word. And Gnoll Monologer is my new favorite subclass of gnoll monster stat block. I like the 5th Edition gnoll creature design and I think this model captures that fairly well. The fidelity in the face is a little rough though, could benefit from a repaint.

Melee-er D&D Premium Painted Figure: W4 Female Half-Orc Fighter

Some highly practical female armor on display here (and an even more practical mullet). Decent model overall. But it is a very lazy half-orc model. This mini doesn’t have enough sculpt resolution to properly depict half-orc tusks and ears, so they just sorta threw some paint on to suggest those features. Also, that hairline mold line is gnarly.

Closing Thoughts

We are in for a pretty lengthy break, I’m glad we did not leave on too much of a cliffhanger. Though I’m not planning any formal coverage of ExU Calamity Minis, I may do some casual posts. Looking forward to seeing some Calamaminis.

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and review of the minis used on CR.

Pretty metal combat in this episode. Definitely feels like an early 2000s CG laden power metal music video. Which is to say this fight was totally sweet. I’ve given stat blocks to players before, it’s a great DMing tool. Great way to involve players that don’t have present PCs. 

Regarding the terrain. Not sure the source on this rock arch. Could be a multipart 3D print, could be an aquarium decoration. If you have the source info, do let me know. If you are looking to find such a terrain piece for your game, based on my research there appear to be similar options out there on the internets. Dwarven Forge also has some Caverns natural bridges that could work.

You called down the thunder, now reap the whirlwind, it’s time for Critical Role Mini Rollout Campaign 2 Episode 131!

The List

• Mats by Mars Tabletop Mat Shattered Soil
  
• Dwarven Forge Erinthor Mountains Set
• Dwarven Forge Mountain Elevation Pack
  
• WizKids Deep Cuts Unpainted Minis: W6 Cage & Chains
• Eberron: Rising from the Last War #028 Living Spell Lightning Bolt
• Elemental Evil #029 Air Elemental
• Eldritch Foundry Essek
• Possible WizKids Dark Elf Rogue Critical Role Miniature
  
• Miniature Jewelry Chain
  
• Unknown rock arch

The Monsters

Storm Elemental Elemental Evil #029 Air Elemental
Mini image sourced from minisgallery.com

Kind of a scary looking ghostly elemental. In fact, this figure could definitely double as a big ol’ undead spirit. A giga-ghost, if you will. A big-banshee. Awhopping-wraith. A substantial-specter. I like this model quite a bit, the sculpt and paint achieve a gaseous appearance that is quite impressive.

Lightning Elemental Eberron: Rising from the Last War #028 Living Spell Lightning Bolt
Mini image sourced from minisgallery.com

Creative miniature usage here. This model is of a very specific monster from a specific campaign setting, but it works perfectly in this capacity. Living Spells dwell in the Mournlands of the Eberron setting. This exclusion zone was the site of a massive magical disaster that destroyed an entire country. The area is now shrouded in ominous mist and is home to all sorts of bizarre arcane phenomenon and dangerous creatures. Living Spells are literally magic spells that have gained sentience and now stalk the Mournlands. The mini works very well as a lightning/storm elemental, very good indeed. Cool monster, cool sculpt, I dig it.

The Esseks

EssekEldritch Foundry and possible WizKids Dark Elf Rogue Critical Role Miniature
Mini image sourced from wizkids.com

A the end of the episode the party met up with Essek and right before the stream ended Matt brought out two possible Essek miniatures. I believe one of them is the WizKids Dark Elf Rogue. Not totally sure. As for the other figure, we’ve got a fully customized Eldritch Foundry figure painted by Iron Tusk Painting:

A wonderfully painted model in a cool pose. But like, Essek looks fashy af. Thank goodness for that semi-whimsical furry collar or else he would look 100% like a member of the Galactic Empire high command. 

Closing Thoughts and Predictions

I’m an episode behind on my posts, so can’t really make any predictions. See you next post!

#critroleminiaturerollout

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and review of the minis used on CR.

An immensely exciting episode indeed. So many clutch spellcasting moments. Too good, too good. Also, loads of good miniature action. Let’s check it out!

Do ya like tabletops? Do ya like gaming? Do ya wanna put some gaming mats on those tabletops? Of course you do! Well then go to matsbymars.com and use my code DNDEED0621 for 10% off your entire MBM order.

Intuit charges? I hope you brought enough for the whole class! -it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 2 Epsiode 138!

The List

• Mats by Mars custom “Cognouza” mat
• Chest and Trove 5E Condition Rings
  
• Dwarven Forge Caverns
  
• Dwarven Forge Caverns Chasm Pack
• Dwarven Forge Wicked Cavern Pack
  
• Dwarven Forge Caverns Stalagmite Pack
  
• Dwarven Forge Dungeons of Doom
• Dwarven Forge Dungeons of Doom Ledges
• Dwarven Forge Ladders
• Dwarven Forge Epic Stairs
• WarLock Tiles: Summoning Circle
  
• Dwarven Forge Castle Cube Spacers
  
• Steamforged Mighty Nein Miniatures
• Resin Printed Veth Model (not publicly available)
• Eldritch Foundry Essek Painted by Iron Tusk Painting
• D&D: Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures: Giant Ape
  
• Waterdeep Dragon Heist #021b Wererat
  
• Darklands Rising #45 Fleshwarp, Irnakurse

The Terrain

Two top quality maps in this session. It was cool seeing a Threshold Crest chamber again, but in a more distressed and ruined state. Both maps were made to look uniquely alien by the inclusion of a custom Mats by Mars “Cognouza” mat design peaking out from below both map layouts. Very handsome, very striking!

The Monsters

Cree Waterdeep Dragon Heist #021b Wererat
Mini photos sourced from minisgallery.com

Cree has inexplicitly changed miniatures (and fur color). Previously represented with Tomb of Annihilation #021b Tabaxi Hunter (pictured on the right). The Wererat is not an especially good model, but it’s acceptable. Despite being modelled to look like a rat, this mini makes a fairly solid tabaxi.  

Also Cree Darklands Rising #45 Fleshwarp, Irnakurse
Mini photo sourced from paizo.com

Serious 80s horror practical effects aesthetic. Wow. Quite. A. Model. And get a load of that great paint. Very gnarly, amazing table presence. Quite the design, of course it’s a Pathfinder mini. Well done Paizo and Wizkids. Disgustingly splendid monster.

Closing Thoughts and Predictions

I am pumped for this next CR ep. That last scene was positively riveting! See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and review of the minis used on CR.

Is anyone else worried about how incredibly dangerous a blood cleric could be when the fight takes place in a city made of flesh and blood? I’m very eager to see what terrain (if any) is used to represent the organic nature of the building they’re in. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Before we can discuss nextepisode, we need to first discuss this episode.

But before that, lemme say a few good words about the good ol’, grand ol’, mighty fine ol’ folks at Mats by Mars. They make great mats, such as the cobblestone Bustling City Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat. Whether you’re looking to purchase this cityscape design or any other terrainscape, I encourage you to proceed directly to matsbymars.com and use my code DNDEED0621 for 10% off your entire MBM order.

The city is alive, the city is expanding, living in the city can be demanding, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 2 Episode 137!

The List

• Mats by Mars Bustling City Tabletop Wargaming Play Mat
• Monster Fight Club Verdent Forest Double-sided Neoprene Area Template
  
• Dwarven Forge City Builder System
• Dwarven Forge Wicked City Smuggler’s Wagon
• Dwarven Forge Wicked City Pheasant Fountain
• Dwarven Forge Wicked City Stalls
• Dwarven Forge Wicked City Crate & Barrel
• Dwarven Forge Dungeons of Doom Large Curved Daises
• Dwarven Forge Caverns Deep Dreadhollow Forest Tree
  
• EnderToys Greek Ruined Buildings Bundle 3D Printed Terrain
• Mantic Games Terrain Crate Dungeon Debris Crates
• Mantic Games Terrain Crate Orrery
  
• Miniature Building Authority Witt House
  
• Miniature Building Authority Corner House with Turret
  
• Hirst Arts Stone Arch Wall Mold #88
  
• Mage Knight Artifacts Set 2
  
• Steamforged Mighty Nein Miniatures
  
• Resin Printed Veth Model (not publicly available)
  
• Eldritch Foundry Essek Painted by Iron Tusk Painting
• Axe N Shield Single Flyer Risers - Clear Mithril
  
• LITKO Flying Figure Stands
  
• Monster Menagerie 3 #024 Gibbering Mouther
  
• Waterdeep Dragon Heist #010 Mirt
• Waterdeep Dragon Heist #006a Merchant
  
• Deathknell #25 Voice of Battle
  
• Pathfinder Battles Iconic Heroes Set 8 Rivani Human Psychic
  
• Reaper Miniatures Barkeep
  
• Ruins of Lastwall #020 Razmir Priest
  
• Unknown Archway

The Terrain

Handsome looking Mats by Mars mat right here! The Bustling City mat, like all MBM mats, does an absolutely brilliant job of tying this whole layout together. A tidy, uniform design with virtually no perceivable tiling repetition. 

A lot of returning elements, including modular Dwarven Forge City Builder structures and Miniature Building Authority buildings (the likes of which we’ve not seen since the Xhorhas arc some ~80 episodes or so ago). The tower is a newcomer, a 3D printed, modular tower by EnderToys. Looks very nice indeed.

This next topic would fit into the category of Mini-Based Conspiracy Theory. I haven’t worked out all the details of this crackpot theory. But here’s the general gist: this very specific Mage Knight Artifact statue piece showed up this episode in the streets of Cognouza and also appeared under the Cathedral of the Dawnfather in Episode 86 as well as inside the Icozrin Steelworks in Episodes 59/60. Generally, when I see a terrain model reused, I try not to make a habit of overanalyzing it. But this particular model is just so specific. Like why use this mini instead of a generic statue? It has a very alien, eldritch sort of design, I wonder if there is some significance to its presence in three separate Campaign 2 locations.

EDIT:Nevermind, I rewatched Episode 86 and the Mage Knight Artifact statue is expressly described as being a statue of the Dawnfather. Yeesh, the cathedral sculptors really phoned this one in.

The Monsters

Resident of Cognouza Waterdeep Dragon Heist #010 Mirt
Mini photo sourced from minisgallery.com

So this is Mirt the moneylender. Maybe he shoulda invested some of that cash in a better paint job. Not great. But the the model is very colorful, so that’s fun. And the pose is to my liking. As far as generic background pedestrian NPC minis go, this one is decent. 

Resident of Cognouza Waterdeep Dragon Heist #006a Merchant
Mini photo sourced from minisgallery.com

Another decent NPC model. This Merchant has a cool costume design. He has some nice accessories, a couple coin purses and a scroll. What kind of a merchant do you reckon he is, a scroll seller? A paper proprietor? A sheet slinger? A papyrus peddler? Lots of truly riveting backstory possibilities for this mini merchant.

Cognouza Flesh Horrors Monster Menagerie 3 #024 Gibbering Mouther
Mini photo sourced from minisgallery.com

John Carpenter eat your heart out! On second thought, scratch that. This miniature suffers from subpar sculpt detail and rather unexciting paint. Looks good enough at a distance though. Though not especially relevant to the visual quality of the figure, I feel compelled to mention how wildly overpriced this Thingis (approximately $10 at the time of posting). Forget body horror, it’s this pricing that’s horrifying! I can’t imagine what sinister free market forces are responsible for this. Yikes.

Closing Thoughts and Predictions

I am predicting some blood creature summonings and/or the animation of the terrain itself. Will I be right? Will I be wrong? One thing’s for sure, this Cree battle is gonna get bloody! See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and review of the minis used on CR.

We got ourselves a no-mini episode. Which means it’s a perfect time to answer this overdue question submission:

Could I bother you to comment on the moorbounders minis by Velrock over at thingiverse? Maybe on the posing and composition since there’s no paint job. Apparently they sent it to Matt the week they let the moorbounders go, I would love to have seen it alongside the characters on a battle map

No bother at all! These are some delightful swamp panthers. This STL release includes files with and without saddles depending on whether your party is fighting or riding moorbounders. I appreciate the subtle pose variations. The overall construction of the creatures is extremely believable. They look like legitimately powerful and agile beings that could feasibly exist in a fantasy or even non-fantasy world. Bravo Velrock!

If you needed a reason to own a resin printer, here are three reasons. Each of the moorbounders have their own distinct look while still looking like a cohesive pack. What a shame they never appeared on the actual show, particularly since  so much care and craftspersonship was clearly put into the 3D sculpting. I love the varied assortment of saddle and aesthetic details, such as the bow on Yarnball’s head. 

Closing Thoughts

Need some tabletop gaming mats? Of course you do! Well climb aboard your moorbounder and bound directly to the Mats by Mars website and use my code: DNDEED0321for 10% off your MBM order. All mat designs are now printed on zero shine vinyl material.

#critroleminiaturerollout