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Post by ddaines on Aug 4, 2020 7:47:40 GMT
poor arachnid... seems you're having a good run David Hi Harry (I delayed my reply as nothing is certain until 'The fat-Lady sings ), but yes thank you, I have had a good run and 'scored' my second Mithril GF 'hat-trick', so thank you to all who have voted for my suggestions, I'm looking forward to seeing Chris' interpretation of them .
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Post by ddaines on Jul 30, 2020 14:44:06 GMT
Ok... Next time, I will suggest an unmounted arachnid ! It's not over until the 'fat-lady' sings
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Post by ddaines on Jul 14, 2020 7:51:18 GMT
It does seem a bit quiet around here Harry (perhaps we can make a couple of suggestions each )
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Post by ddaines on Jul 9, 2020 14:25:53 GMT
Nice concept, I like it and I whould love to see a Mithril Miniatures - Mithril-Shirt but recording to the novel, it's not Sting that the Mouth has. It is Sam's Westernesse dagger from the barrow-wight adventure when the Hobbits were rescued by Tom Bombadil. Sting is in Sam's keeping after he has fight Shelob. You're quite correct Harry and I should hang my head in shame LOL. I wasn't concentrating when I read the passage this morning as I was making notes for the sketch .
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Post by ddaines on Jul 9, 2020 6:37:53 GMT
The Mouth of Sauron Unmounted Suggestion this month is for an unmounted version of The Mouth of Sauron as he stands showing the 'tokens' of Frodo's capture to the Captains of the West. "...though Aragorn did not stir nor move hand to weapon, the other quailed and gave back as if menaced with a blow. "I am a herald and an ambassador, and may not be assailed!" he cried. "Where such laws hold," said Gandalf, "it is also the custom for ambassadors to use less insolence. But no one has threatened you. You have naught to fear from us..." -- Book V, Chapter 10, "The Black Gate Opens" The Mouth had dismounted during the parley and brought forth Frodo's sword, elven cloak, and finally his Mithril-shirt so my concept is of a figure holding the Mithril-shirt in his raised right hand, while the cloak and Sting are held in his left. As per the description in the book he would have a 'lofty' helm and his face would be showing as it is described..."Then the Messenger of Mordor laughed no more. His face was twisted with amazement and anger to the likeness of some wild beast that, as it crouches on its prey, is smitten on the muzzle with a sting..... Then fear overcame his wrath. He gave a great cry, and turned, leaped upon his steed, and with his company galloped madly back to Cirith Gorgor. -- Book V, Chapter 10, "The Black Gate Opens" In terms of what he would be wearing under the cloak, mail or boiled leather armour? I believe that given his age he would have some form of archaic dress/armour.
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Post by ddaines on Jul 8, 2020 14:26:56 GMT
Will July be the month of the spider? Spider of Mirwood attackingFor the moment, there is only one Mirkwood spider reference (out of stock).... I retry to suggest a spider attacking to complete this reference. With both fangs visible, seem essential to me! I'll wear you down in the end! That often works LOL
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Post by ddaines on Jul 4, 2020 13:24:03 GMT
Hi !
In a short discussion on a famous Facebook page (for Mithril Fans ), some of us suggest to wish a "Scouring the Shire!" range). For me, who is not a specialist, it seems that the "M" series are definitively closed, but MS and MZ are always produced ( Am I right ? ) So, here are some ideas:
-Sharkey (and Wormtongue ) in the Shire -The four Hobbits mounted on Ponies and arriving in the Shire -Pippin blowing Horn
-Lotho as "The Boss" -Lobelia
-Shiriffs, Guards, "ruffians" ,
- Thain Paladin II and all the Hobbits in revolt, and in the Battle of Bywater
-of course, some Hobbits archers for killing Sharkey !
etc...
I know I'm a dreamer but I love so much the Hobbits ! You may find that such a suggestion had been made many moons ago (possibly ), but it would be a great Mithril Range to have I agree. You may need to ask Michael O'Brien regarding the status of the 'old' M Range, or its successor (if there is one). Mithril have redesigned The Hobbit box set (not released yet) so hopefully may revisit producing 'Ranges' albeit in the new MZ style
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Post by ddaines on Jun 26, 2020 16:34:40 GMT
Should the Draught Beast of Mordor be first past the post, just a quick update sketch to refine the idea. Some form of protective head armament and front of body and spine protection. I imagine this would be of some thick leather or similar that allowed a degree of flexibility for the beast. However, as ever I do believe the final choice should be down to Chris Tubb as he is the sculptor and may have an image in mind and/or type of creature, e.g. it may already have its own natural armour David- Very cool idea. I envision a hippopotamus like creature with short horns. It would have interchangeable front legs so that it could be used in a diorama pulling Grond and with some sort of harness on it. Smaller than a oliphaunt but bigger than a horse. Those of us diorama builders would have to buy at least 4. Money maker for mithril. Leg options would be great if they were cost effective as it would add to the flexibility of any diorama ideas . These creatures would live in pairs so yes, I guess you would need more than one LOL.
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Post by ddaines on Jun 25, 2020 19:48:48 GMT
Should the Draught Beast of Mordor be first past the post, just a quick update sketch to refine the idea. Some form of protective head armament and front of body and spine protection. I imagine this would be of some thick leather or similar that allowed a degree of flexibility for the beast. However, as ever I do believe the final choice should be down to Chris Tubb as he is the sculptor and may have an image in mind and/or type of creature, e.g. it may already have its own natural armour
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Post by ddaines on Jun 24, 2020 9:22:35 GMT
Should the Draught Beast of Mordor be first past the post, just a quick update sketch to refine the idea. Some form of protective head armament and front of body and spine protection. I imagine this would be of some thick leather or similar that allowed a degree of flexibility for the beast. However, as ever I do believe the final choice should be down to Chris Tubb as he is the sculptor and may have an image in mind and/or type of creature, e.g. it may already have its own natural armour
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Post by ddaines on Jun 18, 2020 8:36:40 GMT
If it was chosen then maybe some form of leather armour as protection, along with a harness
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Post by ddaines on Jun 17, 2020 20:49:09 GMT
great as usual but pose should be pulling something, maybe even with a harness or something... So it can be used in dioramas ( IMHO ) That would be the idea if it wins and Chris takes it further Harry, as it would be more practical as a figure for a wider use with a harness etc.. The sketch was just to put my concept idea down on paper
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Post by ddaines on Jun 17, 2020 13:22:11 GMT
Just a quick concept of what I had in mind for the Draught-Beast of Mordor should it win. But as ever, final design should be down to Chris Tubb as he has to bring it to reality.
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Post by ddaines on Jun 8, 2020 12:08:47 GMT
Draught Beast of Mordor Description? I would see it as some form of four-legged horned creature, but of mammal origin rather than reptilian/pseudo dinosaur type, with matted hair around the fore-part of the body (similar to the Bison), but with larger horns (perhaps the recent Troll-Hornist is blowing on the horn of one of these beasts? ) LOVE the idea…. though I imagined them more similar to prehistorical mammals ancestors, like permian dicynodon, or therapsid (but I guess the one red circled in the picture is a reptile)… very 'primitive' animals Tolkien wrote that in Mordor many ancient and horrible animals survived used as servants, like the fell beasts mounted by the nazguls The description ddaines quoted ("The creatures pulling it would occasionally go mad and run through the battlefield, trampling anything and anyone underfoot") seems to paint them as big as rhinos; but I guess they could have more primitive aspect, if we combine these brief lines to the ones where the autor describes the fell beasts. By the way it reminds me an old description made by the classical poet Lucretius, about the first attempt to use animals in war by prehistorical men… I'm in a sort of 'strange' camp regarding Tolkien's 'creature' creations/useage. While I accept creatures like dragons, trolls, Oliphaunts (as he describes them), Fell-Beast etc. without question, I do prefer a certain 'believe-able realism' to be involved in other creatures. The idea of dinosaur type creatures (Fell-Beast notwithstanding) doesn't quite fit in with my personal images for Tolkien's World as dino-types seem to be used in other fantasy genres. Ancient mammals yes as I can more readily identify with these beasts having evolved or even survived hidden in far areas of Middle Earth, but hey, who knows what the good Professor had in mind?
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Post by ddaines on Jun 6, 2020 9:31:13 GMT
And it also goes in the biodiversity direction!
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Post by ddaines on Jun 5, 2020 14:04:26 GMT
Draught Beast of Mordor I don't envisage a piece larger than a Mithril Troll as a team of these beasts would be harnessed much like an Ox team pulling a large wain, therefore they need not be giant-size, just strong and hardy animals. Although specifically mentioned for pulling Grond…. "Grond was said to be 60 feet high, 150 feet long, and as thick around as an enormous tree, making it much larger than any other such battering ram in Middle-earth. Fire burned in its great maw. It was operated by a team of great beasts, escorted by a band of orcs, and several trolls were needed to utilize it. The creatures pulling it would occasionally go mad and run through the battlefield, trampling anything and anyone underfoot".….. Sauron's captains must have used them for general work within Mordor, and they probably hauled the large siege towers and other siege equipment to Minas Tirith. Description? I would see it as some form of four-legged horned creature, but of mammal origin rather than reptilian/pseudo dinosaur type, with matted hair around the fore-part of the body (similar to the Bison), but with larger horns (perhaps the recent Troll-Hornist is blowing on the horn of one of these beasts? )
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Post by ddaines on Jun 1, 2020 10:19:45 GMT
Congrats and Happy Birthday, ddaines! Many thanks Harry , perhaps this is the start of a Troll 'Rock-group' we have a Troll-Drummer, and now a 'Troll-Hornist' . Thank you for the birthday wishes, I think some ice cold beer in the garden is in order today
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Post by ddaines on May 18, 2020 14:58:03 GMT
Gandalf standing at table studying Isildurs Scroll Gandalf standing at a table with a candle and a stack of books looking at a scroll. Good suggestion and Good luck! I suggested Isildur writing that scroll in January and it was cancelled because of the table/desk. Looks like he got through this time Harry
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Post by ddaines on May 16, 2020 16:12:18 GMT
Troll Blowing Horn As part of Sauron's host that poured forth from the Black Gates to confront the Captains of the West as they stand upon the slag heaps. A semi armoured troll blowing some large kind of horn (or even a crude trumpet) urging on the host of Mordor..... This is a re-submission of a previous suggestion
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Post by ddaines on Mar 11, 2020 21:47:37 GMT
The Gate of Dol Guldur (yes, a piece of scenery) It would be an interesting piece, but don't forget the fate that befell the Moria Gate suggestion a few years back.
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Post by ddaines on Mar 8, 2020 12:51:41 GMT
Burning Ent at Isengard Not sure if this has been previously suggested..... "Suddenly up came fires and foul fumes: the vents and shafts all over the plain began to spout and belch. Several of the Ents got scorched and blistered. One of them, Beechbone I think he was called, a very tall handsome Ent, got caught in a spray of some liquid fire and burned like a torch: a horrible sight." —The Two Towers, Book III Chapter 9 'Flotsam and Jetsam'Not necessarily suggesting an Ent in flames as I don't know how practical this would be to sculpt/cast, but ideally the pose would suggest the Ent was flailing as if in pain from being engulfed, if flames could be added that would be ideal.
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Post by ddaines on Feb 24, 2020 23:57:01 GMT
Lets put some pork on the BBQ! I have some apple sauce at the ready . What would be nice (from a personal POV) should this one win, would be the boar savaging the king as it makes a last attack in its death-throes.
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Post by ddaines on Feb 19, 2020 20:01:32 GMT
I like pork
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Post by ddaines on Dec 24, 2019 16:36:26 GMT
Master Orc, I like your first suggestion, but can you tell us what's a Sterling please? It seems to be a Manchester City footballer Perhaps a man in a full-length armor ? Missing an 'EA' perhaps?
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Post by ddaines on Dec 10, 2019 17:35:56 GMT
great illustrations! love the invisible Bilbo - but only 2 keys for 13 dungeon-cells? I ran out of ink!!!
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Post by ddaines on Dec 9, 2019 20:44:29 GMT
I will go for a ‘festive’ Middle-Earth theme this year .
December: From The Hobbit, the Captain of the Guard in Thranduil’s halls. I think this has been suggested before. The Captain is asleep in his chair, drunk on the rich wines of Dorwinion. He has a jug of wine in his left hand which is resting on the arm of the chair, his head is bent forward with hair hanging down, legs outstretched in front of him (crossed?). His right arm hangs limply down by his side with a goblet laying on the floor where it has fallen from his hand. I imagine in this instance that although he is Captain of the Guard, he need not be in armour, but his sword is hung over the back of the chair. This is at the point that Bilbo is about to take the keys from his belt to release the dwarves.
January: I will resubmit the Troll blowing a horn as the excesses of the Festive season need to be blown away to clear the mind of cobwebs. The troll could be present at the Black-Gates, or the Mines of Moria.
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Post by ddaines on Nov 28, 2019 18:46:50 GMT
By the way, if I could coordinate votes there would be a warg attacking a Rohir in this pol now.👍😉
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Post by ddaines on Nov 27, 2019 17:20:23 GMT
I've neither paid members nor solicited votes for the 'Captain of the Dead' so nothing of my doing . As I didn't see your edited 'rant' Axel, I can't comment on it other than to guess that another suggestion of the Dead was not welcome. That said, I seem to recall some while back, possibly after the release of the last Undead figure, that a lot of members expressed a desire to have seen a regular range of the soldiery of the Dead, so maybe that's the reason. I doubt members of the forum would 'band' together to deliberately 'oust' one suggestion in favour of another. Maybe, just maybe, the choice is popular in its own right (wasn't there a recent winner that won by a very large margin?).
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Post by ddaines on Nov 9, 2019 16:46:59 GMT
Gandalf and Pippin riding Shadowfax to Minas TirithWhat about a new riding fellowship set. I don't think we have had this one already suggested did we ? I'd be happy with this one - I'm sure Gandalf and Pippin cast as one figure could 'slip' in
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Post by ddaines on Nov 1, 2019 23:19:59 GMT
Excellent notion, Master Halbarad II. I also purchased several of the Blacksmith shoeing a horse miniatures to go with this (for the horses, which are to be led by the Grey Company) so I am getting quite excited by these potential suggestions
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