Spirit of the Woods
posted January 17, 2010
Some minis are complicated to design and sculpt, and others just seem to happen along. So here’s a surprise that was not on our production schedule, our second mini in of our Lords of War range. The Spirit of the Woods unleashes the forces of nature on those who attack its harmony. She can be integrated in various Good armies such as Wood Elves or Barbarians for example.
In its 28 mm, this mini will be 17 cm high (almost 7 inches)! We have not yet determined what her exact size will be in its 54 mm version, we are currently studying the feasibility of it with our master caster.
This image is not the definitive sculpt, we are still working on it. We are not yet decided on alternative versions for this mini. Perhaps a kind of archangel for an army of knights? Also, what kind of weapons and accessories would you like her to have? Please post your suggestions by clicking on “comments” below.
Comments
What an amazing model concept! It would make a fantastic centerpiece to any army or display! I have a feeling I’m going to think that about all of your models, though.
I think the archangel alternative is a great idea; maybe these too: Succubus-style archdemon, ocean spirit (for sea-faring army themes), or fire spirit. Really, just pick a fantasy element and she fits right in with that flowing dress lifted appearance!
Posted by Patrick on January 17, 2010
Maybe some sort of corrupted version of the spirit of the woods? having demon horns and her wings tattered and pierced with rings? as for weapons, I wouldnt know to be honest ^^ looks awesome tho :)
Posted by Bas on January 18, 2010
Honestly I think she needs definable legs, nice sculpt so far though, a very unique look.
Posted by Kelly Smith on January 18, 2010
A demon version would be awesome. :)
Posted by Draknishar on January 18, 2010
Guys, thanks for the early feedback, looks like we all agree on a Demon version. At first, I thought that it was perhaps too obvious to do that particular version, but indeed, one can perhaps never have too many demonic winged hot chicks.
@Kelly: I don’t think we’ll go for defined legs, because the concept here is really to have something like an elemental character that is semi-ethereal. But at the same time, I agree with you that the shape below her waist is not really quite fine yet.
@Patrick: You might have won yourself another Raging Heroes mini… Your suggestion with the Ocean or Fire Spirit struck a chord. I think we may be doing a series of variants… Beyond the Wood Spirit, we could have an Ocean Spirit, an Hell Spirit (demon/succubus), a Heaven Spirit (The warrior archangel). Maybe the Fire Spirit too, but I’m not yet sure on how to go about representing fire wings. Not sure yet if all the variants would be available as a single kit (probably too pricy) or as individual minis (depends on the demand). Need to think about it… Feedback, as always, is appreciated.
Posted by Raging Heroes Team on January 19, 2010
I would not object at all to another beautiful sculpt from the team! Even if I weren’t the recipient of such a prize, the ocean spirit was definitely one of my preferred alternatives since there are practically no other minis like that and my Corsair army is woefully lacking a centerpiece. She would made a beautiful stand-in for a flying Sorceress, actually.
And no, one can never have too many demonic winged hot chicks. There are just too many variations of them for a multitude not to be available so you can pick just the right one.
One thing there seems to be a lack of are weapons option ideas. Some are pretty standard: a staff befitting the theme of the mini; or maybe a large, themed two-handed bladed weapon? Wood Spirit could have a scythe wrapped in vines; the angel either a huge holy-runed great sword or sword/shield combo; the ocean spirit a trident with crested wave designs? I doubt the trident would be thick enough to where that would actually work, but maybe in the wings? The succubus could have a whip with barbed tips held loosely in two hands. Alternatively, the succubus could instead have mutated clawed hands with long, pointy bladed fingers or some other scary mutation.
Wow, sorry about the wall of text, it wasn’t meant to be!
Posted by Patrick on January 19, 2010
Regarding the last part, it would likely be too pricey to include every variant that could be done. You could do duo sets for the ones that turn out similar to each other? This would also enable you to make certain extra details that could cross over between the versions.
For instance, the ocean spirit could have crested vertical waves as her flowing dress (instead of those smooth swirling lines) where a demoness variant may have the center areas of the dress painted dark with evil-looking highlights on the jagged crests to further accentuate her twisted desires.
Things like this could give more character to the individual variations beyond just wing/head/weapon setups. A conglomerate version using the flowing dress and female body as a copy/paste core might look far too similar if someone planned on having multiple spirits.
Making them paired variants might be a decent compromise between individually unique models which might be hard to sell enough of, and the conglomerate version which might lose the unique feel of your models on top of being pricy. Being able to turn it into four or five variations would be neat, but I don’t know many people who like paying for variations they aren’t using when it causes the product’s cost to rise significantly.
Posted by Patrick on January 19, 2010
Spirit of the Wood is awesome!! I NEED TO BUY ONE SOON AS IT IS READY!!!
Posted by Carlos on January 19, 2010
I want to put in a vote for some sort of “Greater Angel” or “Avatar of Faith”. I really want a bad ass angel chick in ornate plate mail with either sword and shield or glaive who looks like she could go toe to toe with a greater demon and come out on top.
Please please please.
Posted by Wehrkind on January 19, 2010
Guys I am soo excited to see this model in production, I NEED it for my Wood elves army – please release this as soon as possible! Although if I may suggest a second alternative, a “Undead Cairn Wraith” variant can be interesting as well. It will make use of the flowing, ethereal feel of this model.
Posted by Nickie on January 19, 2010
Hey, absolutely loving this miniature. Just the sheer scale and beautiful flowing contours.
I second the call for a number of variants – and going further on your own post, I’d like to suggest a coulpe of things with and in addition to the oceanic/succubic variants.
An elemental variant, I feel, would be pretty good. I’m thinking long barbed spear with something to suggest crackling power wreathing the model and weapon.
Perhaps jagged thorn-like tendrils. Stronger slightly erected hair. Thin dragon wings with more membrane?
RE succubic variant: Defenitely harpy type wings here, spurs of bone. Talons would be quite fitting to suggest raw power in the model.
RE possible fire variant (/alter to hellish/volcanic). How about balrog type wings, with cracks of lava visible under the membrane?
You could probably get away with only giving the good variants weapons, evil ones can pull unarmed off especially if modelled agressively… Raw power seems so much to be evil spirits.
Second the call for an undead variant: maybe a greater Banshee – with great ethereal tattered ballgown or similar.
For the wood spirit itself, reflex bow, or slender collection of spears, clutching two in its left hand as it floats forwards, with one held ready.
Apologies for big block of test but just chucking out ideas before I forget anything and have to work.
Posted by DarkFire on January 19, 2010
I like the idea of paired variants by the way – opposite forces – so daemonic and elemental maybe, or similar, say oceanic and wood spirit variant kit?
Posted by DarkFire on January 19, 2010
An excellent model, and a lot of interesting ideas for variants. To throw my ideas into the pot, if an angelic version is done, you might consider an option for a lance.
Posted by Wraithphoenix on January 21, 2010
That looks amazing… just remember to make a suitable male escort for her, perhaps a half-beast that could be used for chaos, beastmen OR wood elfs?
Posted by JMMelo on January 21, 2010
WOW, only real concern is do I go for 28mm or 54mm…54mm!
I will be using it in my GhostWood army (all the tree-ish models out there already but glowing ghostly) so the flowing bottom is perfect.
Might I suggest that instead of weapons make the arms more like fearsome sharpe branches…the arms at the moment look too spindly.
Another vote for a Arch Angel varient…I need something to counter all those demon models ‘everyone’ is churning out.
Really, guys, WOW !
best regards
Madan
Posted by Madan Mitra on January 23, 2010
Oh, one more thing,
Love the wings!
Rgds
Madan
Posted by Madan Mitra on January 23, 2010
This looks awesome.
Hoewever as for ideas about other variants:
Please make alternate “legs” that would be smaller and that would fit onto 20 mm base. I want her for my future wood elf army but with 17cm height and base element which looks like 60 mm at least she would be collectors only item :( And I’m sure there’s plenty of wood elf players who would love such mini as their mage.
Maybe normal legs standing on the broken tree as a vision of infuriated mage taking revenge on those who devastate forest.
Posted by michaelius on January 26, 2010
As you have probably already read in another post on this blog, your comments on alternate versions have been taken into account and we’ve decided to create a full line of Spirits on various themes. We’re even contemplating the possibility of creating a game around them, and have already made some progress to that effect!
Concerning the Spirit of the Woods, right now, she will come with two swords (one for each hand), a magical staff, a lance, a small harp, a hand casting a spell, and possibly, if there is room in the mould, a hand holding a magical orb. There is no plan for an alternate head, except perhaps a mask made from the skull of a dead forest animal, if we can make it fit on the already sculpted face.
Also, we are definitely working on the idea of a much smaller version that would fit on a 20×20mm base.
Posted by Raging Heroes Team on February 16, 2010
Very interesting. Do you use ZBrush to create your concepts?
Posted by Steve Hoff on May 15, 2010
Yes indeed, ZBrush is the key software used for the sculpts.
Posted by Raging Heroes Team on May 16, 2010