So in addition to their fantastic Epic Encounters range, Steamforged Games launched a Kickstarter for a collection called Local Legends. (see the full range here Steamforged Games Local Legends), a collection of ten distinctive taverns each with its own set of NPCs, tavern game and, of course, local legend.
The Kickstarter was fulfilled recently and of course, I sent the minis from mine over to my friend Jon for his expert hand at painting them. So here they are, each legend has one main monster and some additional pieces to accompany it. I won’t show the books, cards or maps that come with the set here, there are plenty of YouTube videos out there showing them off.
The Nodding Dragon – The Owlbear
Owlbear
Druid
The Draughty Rabbit – Banjo, the Hill Giant
Banjo
Banjo’s boulders
The Shady Nook – The Diaemus
The Diaemus
Giant Bats
The Golden Griffon Club – The Griffon
The Griffon
Dead messenger under his horse
Salt & Kraken – Captain “Bloodbeard” McGraw
Cpt McGraw
Sea Spirits
Velvet Dreams – The Efreet
The Efreet
Fire elementals
Mace & Flail – The Berserker
The Berserker
Floating Blades
The Silver Purse – Guardian Wraith
Guardian Wraith
Votary Spirits
The Huntsman’s Stag – The Green Devil
The Green Devil
Mangrove Trees
The Adventurer’s Rest – Marshina, the Night Hag
Marshina, the Night Hag
Will-O-Wisps
Really happy with the job he’s done on these (as always) and I’m looking forward to either integrating them into my current campaigns or just running some one-shots of each of the amazingly detailed taverns and their legends.
Let’s take a look at one of the latest packs from Steamforged Games’ Epic Encounters range (see the full range here https://steamforged.com/games/epic-encounters?tab=Overview), the Savannah of the Gnoll Pack. As always these have been painted for me by my friend Jon.
Now I have a fair few gnoll models already for my Dungeons of Drakkenheim campaign but when Steamforged announced this pack I knew I had to get more.
First, we have the CR 1/4 Dire Hyenas, I wasn’t sure if the spiked mounds on their backs were natural growths or added armour but pointed out after painting that there appear to be straps holding it on. The models are on 50mm bases but their stat block says medium? The stats are similar but lower than the standard Giant Hyena of the Monster Manual and I would definitely consider running them as a combination of the two.
Something to note, this is the first time the accompanying booklet comes with a “Stat Block Modifications” section at the bottom of (most) entries to assist you in altering between lower or higher tier play, so it appears that as written the stats are for tier two play. However, I spotted a couple of errors in these and passed them on to the Steamforged team via their Discord; they are aware and gave the correct information there. For the purposes of this post, I’ll just refer to the as-written stats.
(Higher tier HP should read 25 (5d8+3))
Also sharing the CR 1/4 spot are the Gnoll Seekers. These seem to have the standard Monster Manual ability scores though lower HP/HD. They don’t get the gnolls Rampage trait but, instead, gain On High Ground and Precision Accuracy which can combine to make their javelin strikes very dangerous for low-level pcs.
Taking up the final CR 1/4 slot in the book is the Vulture Flock stat block, sadly we don’t get either miniatures or tokens for this. It functions as a swarm and would have been a great single mini base.
Next up is the CR1/2 Feral Gnoll. You get four of these in the box and their stats are pretty much the same as the standard Monster Manual gnoll though with lower AC due to not having shields, and a reduced Int and Wis. They gain a new trait, Blood Lust, which is basically the become Reckless once bloodied. They also lose their spear in favour of either two claws or a bite attack.
The CR 2 Gnoll Reavers also come in a group of four. Armoured in toughened hide they have a better AC than their Feral compatriots and forego a shield in favour of wielding a two-handed greataxe, though the models seem to have glaives but that’s just visual flavour. The Reavers don’t have the standard gnoll rampage ability but do get the Reckless trait. Their basic HP/HD seems low especially since the Lower Tier suggestion gives it more – I hadn’t noticed this till writing this and have messaged Steamforged again for clarification.
(Standard Reaver’s Hp should be 67 (9d8+27) hit points)
Next up we have the CR 3 Striga. According to their stat blocks traits, their wings are formed from the arms but the models clearly have arms and the wings look like they are built from scraps of bone and flesh. These seem to be gnoll shamans that have partly turned fiendish. There is no equivalent stat block in either the Monster Manual or Volo’s Guide to Monsters, but I would have liked to see their spell list include animate dead to allow them to create Witherlings.
The final model is the CR 5 Gnoll Fang. The pack leader (unless you run the accompanying gigantic gnoll boss monster, but I don’t have that one – yet) and is much more powerful than the CR 2 Gnoll Pack Lord from the Monster Manual.
His Empowered trait uses a scenic piece from earlier in the book to create a thematic combat bonus, while the standard Rampage is replaced with Bloody Rampage. As a pack leader his Slaughter! Blood! Death! Kill! trait allows him to whip his underlings into a frenzy.
His basic attacks are a Bite for a respectable 3d6+4 piercing damage, and a swipe with his Slaughter Blade for a vicious 2d12+4 slashing and an additional 4d8 necrotic damage, as well as forcing the target to make a CON save or make their own next attack at disadvantage. Both of these melee attacks have 10 ft reach so getting close to this beast is dangerous!
The accompanying map is lighter visually as have been a couple of their more recent ones, and the encounters in the booklet at first read seem good fun. The suggested block modifications are a great addition and I hope they issue a free errata pdf to supply the same for the older packs.
Last summer when they released the booklets and maps on DrivethruRPG it was asked if they would be putting codes into new boxes for those buying the physical products to automatically get the digital version too and they said they would look into it – however, since then we’ve had six releases (Bandits, Manticore, Lizardfolk, T-Rex, Gnolls and Big Gnoll) without such – a shame.
Let’s take a look at another pair of the newer sets from Steamforged Games’ Epic Encounters range (see the full range here https://steamforged.com/games/epic-encounters?tab=Overview), the Steppe of the Lizard Thane and the Nest of the Dinosaur. As always these have been painted for me by my friend Jon.
Jon asked if I had a colour scheme in mind and the only one that came to mind was the style of the lizard men in the old D&D cartoon rather than the Games Workshop multicoloured Seraphon lizard men. With that in mind and the colour of the maps to assist, he came up with a fantastic scheme that I’m delighted with.
First, we have the basic warriors, CR 1/2 and identical to the standard lizardfolk warrior from the Monster Manual.
Next, we have the CR 1/2 Peltasts. Lighter armoured and one HD less than the warriors, this trio is armed with slings for ranged support.
Next, we have the cavalry unit. CR1/2 Lizard Folk Rhyfelaw are more dextrous than the warriors but lack the shields and have one more HD. They are also riding their CR2 Sabre-Toothed Tigers, these have almost identical stats to their Monster Manual version apart from Pounce has been renamed Savage Charge.
(I used a pair of these in an encounter in my Call of the Netherdeep campaign and changed the mounts to Moorbounders).
The next models are the trio of Lizard Folk Wardens. These CR2 brutes have improved AC, HD, Str and Con and despite the size of the models are still classed as Medium. The stat block gives just the basic bite and heavy club option but the models are equipped with wrist blades so I just swap them for the club and make it slashing damage.
Next is the CR3 Lizard Folk Prophet. Their stats fall between the Rhyfelaw and the Wardens but bring spellcasting into the group. When they first teased these models I thought they looked like the Skeksis from Dark Crystal. When I use them I will add in a Fire Bolt cantrip too.
Finally, in the minion box, we have the mini-boss himself, the Lizard Folk Thane. He has no direct comparison from the Monster Manual but the nearest may be the Subchief from Ghosts of Saltmarsh (though that one is a caster).
The Thane is a CR4 medium humanoid, with above-average AC, high HD and pretty good stats across the board.
His Eternal Strength ability lets him do extra damage if he moves more than 10 ft to reach the target and attempts to push them back or over if they fail a Str save.
True Leader lets him inspire his minions within 5ft, giving them advantage on their attacks, and he wants to keep some of them close for his next ability.
Reptilian Logic. When he’s taking a lot of damage and becomes bloodied he can use his action to kill an allied lizardfolk within 10 ft and add their remaining Hp to his own!
Sadly his attacks as written are nothing exciting and as with the Warden, don’t match the wonderful sculpt of the model. As written it’s basic claws and bites but I’ve rewritten the block for my own use (using the homebrew creator in DnDBeyond) to give him his axe and sword combo.
If the Lizardfolk aren’t enough of a challenge for your players, you can then add in their accompanying boss monster – a two-headed Tyrannosaurus Rex!
He comes with three increasingly powerful stat blocks, as well as combat tactics and lair actions.
The first stat block is the Triassic one, CR8 and basically the same as the standard Monster Manual version but with the addition of two traits.
Two Heads, granting advantage on Perception checks, as well as saves against several effects.
Wakefulness – One head is always awake.
The second is the Jurassic version. A jump up to CR 13 brings increases in almost all of its stats and the addition of resistance to force damage.
A new trait, Better than One, means both heads may attack independently and take separate actions.
And finally, the Cretaceous version is a whopping CR17 beast. With another slight increase to stats but now being resistant to piercing and slashing damage and immune to force and poison damage.
It’s multi-attack increases to four per round, three possible bites and a tail swipe!
Where is that Jurassic Park soundtrack coming from?
Let’s take a look at one of the newer sets from Steamforged Games’ Epic Encounters range (see the full range here https://steamforged.com/games/epic-encounters?tab=Overview), the Camp of the Bandit Twins. As always these have been painted for me by my friend Jon, and I gave him free rein on the colour scheme.
Now when they announced this set I immediately wanted it just because it had goat riders, but since getting it I find that I like much more than just that. It’s a great set of human fighter models that can be used as intended or as hireling mercenaries, frontier town guards, caravan guards, and any other rough and ready human fighter types.
First up are the CR 1/8 Bandits, four models armed with swords and shields. The stat block builds upon the basic rules bandit, giving increased AC from the shield, increased HP (and hit dice) and increased STR which in turn increases their attack and damage. The block also lists them being armed with spears but these aren’t shown on the model but appear later on the some of the goat riders.
Next, we have the CR 1/8 Bolt Throwers. Again, you get four of these models, the stat block is mostly the same as the previous bandit but without the shield and switches the STR and DEX scores around. Armed with daggers and light crossbows.
The next models are the pair of Bandit Elementalists. These CR3 sorcerers summon and control the powerful earth elementals of the troupe. Their stat block gives them a sword but the model is armed with a staff and of course a selection of spells including conjure elemental.
And so we have the earth elementals. Unlike the monster manual version, these are only CR3, and their stat block reflects this difference with slightly reduced ability scores, AC and HP. Other than that their abilities are the same as their regular version.
There are a pair of spear-wielding goat rider models. The riders use the bandit stat block and the mounts use the Goat Mount stat block, almost identical to the normal Giant Goat stats but with a slightly increased AC.
The other two goat riders are armed with bows, and since neither of the bandit stat blocks list bows, I recommend using the Bolt Throwers rules.
And lastly, we have the Villon Twins, Bandit Princes and leaders of the troupe. They are CR4 and look to have a modified Bandit Captain stat block. The models are armed with rapiers and daggers, though their stats only list the rapier I don’t see why you couldn’t let them use one of their attacks with the dagger (as per the normal captain stats). They also have the Parry reaction but in addition, have a trio of special abilities.
Challenge gives them the ability to goad a foe into a duel to the death.
First Strike lets them always go first when fighting in a duel.
Stand Firm Together lets them capitalise on their close familial bond, gaining advantage on their attacks when within 5 feet of each other.
As always the booklet details two scenarios using the included double-sided map along with tactics and special combat complications the bandits will use.
Now, I said earlier that I wanted these when I saw the goat riders, well that’s because my long-standing character, Horgar the dwarven war cleric, rides a mighty battle goat. I managed to get a miniature to represent this when I bought the Wizkids Critical Role set, Characters of Tal’Dorei. So obviously I had to compare these goat riders to the mighty Horgar.
As befitting his station, his goat is bigger and more impressive.
When the folks over at Steamforged Games revealed that they were working on a certain model for their Epic Encounters range I was very eager for it, and earlier this year they released it – the Cave of the Manticore (see the full range here https://steamforged.com/games/epic-encounters?tab=Overview).
The manticore has been a staple monster of D&D since the early days, and the 5e monster manual gives it this description “A monster in every sense of the word, a manticore has a vaguely humanoid head, the body of a lion, and the wings of a dragon. A bristling mane stretches down the creature’s back, and its long tail ends in a cluster of deadly spikes that can impale prey at impressive range.”
The 5e artwork gives it a very lion-like colour scheme but I wanted something a little darker as I intended to use mine in my Dungeons of Drakkenheim campaign which has a darker, urban aesthetic. So, after a Google search, I found a picture that had the kind of colour scheme I wanted. Hats off once again to Jon for the excellent job he did in painting up this awesome model for me.
As with the other Epic Encounters boss monster boxes, it gives multiple stat blocks for the one creature. The first is the Xerxes Manticore, the CR 3 stat block is identical to the standard 5e one.
Next, we jump up to CR 10 with the Cyrus Manticore. Increased AC and HP, extended range Darkvision and addition of Blindsight, improved Con, Int, Wis and Cha as well as saving throw bonuses and damage resistances. More tail spikes, which change from piercing to poison damage and can inflict the poisoned condition on a failed save too. A vicious upgrade from the original but there are even nastier things to come.
The Darius Manticore, a CR 17 monstrosity to terrorise even the most hardened adventurers. This stat block builds upon the Cyrus, with even more AC and HP, adding a new damage immunity, more poisonous tail spikes, legendary resistances and legendary actions making it a brutal boss monster.
And as if that wasn’t enough, the booklet includes tactics and lair actions that will offer a challenge to the most seasoned adventurers.
One of my work colleagues and a player in my Call of the Netherdeep campaign, Tom, spotted that our local Game store was selling some of the Epic Encounters boxes off cheap, he messaged me which ones and out of the three they had, there was one I hadn’t yet bought, so he picked it up for me – The Labyrinth of the Goblin Tsar.
This is the second goblin minion set in the series but I haven’t yet bought the first one (Village of the Goblin Chief) and it goes with the Web of the Spider Tyrant boss box (which is currently with Jon for painting). Jon asked me if I had a colour scheme in mind for these and I simply said Moria goblins with sallow skin. I’ve got to say he nailed that very brief design right on the head, so here they are.
First up are the CR 1/4 Crystal Mine Goblins, six models with two distinct sculpts armed with combinations of a scimitar and a short bow.
Next, we have the CR 1/2 Artillery Slingers. You get two of these paired models, the stat block is the same as the basic goblin but has double the hit points to represent the pair of goblins, and makes two attacks per round with their sling.
The next models are the four goblins riding spiders. The riders use the same stat block as the Crystal Mine Goblins above, but we get a new stat block for their mounts, the CR 1 Dripfang Spiders. Their stats are almost identical to those of the basic Giant Spider from the Monster Manual aside from lower HP/Hit Dice.
The box also includes a token to represent a Dripfang Spider Swarm rather than a miniature, the stat block is identical to the basic Swarm of Spiders from the Monster Manual.
Next, we have a pair of CR 1/4 Goblin Assassins. Their stats are mostly the same as the other Crystal Mine Goblin’s apart from them having the Assassinate trait and being armed with a pair of Vicious Dagger attacks.
There are a pair of CR 3 Goblin Witch models. With no comparable existing stat block, these goblins have better stats than the basic troops along with innate spellcasting, two staff attacks (which do bludgeoning and force damage), magic resistance, a bonus action Hide ability and a reaction Dodge ability.
Another model with a new stat block is the CR 2 Berserker Grub. It resembles the Giant Centipede but has increased Con and Int and an additional Vomit ranged attack which can paralyze its target.
And lastly, we have the Goblin Tsar himself. Riding on his Melwgrub Mount which uses the same stats as the Dripfang Spiders above. This CR 5 Goblin is one of the most powerful we have seen (so far), and while his stats are similar to the standard Goblin Boss there are a few significant changes. A slightly lower AC, significantly higher Str and indeed, increased stats across the board apart from Int. He has the Brute trait usually found on Bugbears, as well as Fanatic, giving him immunity to Charm effects. The Tsar is armed with a spear and can make three attacks with it either as melee or ranged. He loses the normal Redirect Attack reaction in place of a Parry that can increase his AC by +4! This guy will certainly surprise players who are used to fighting the standard goblin boss.
These nasty little goblins will be integrated into my Call of the Netherdeep campaign when the heroes head to the Bazoxxan area, and hopefully be joined by their Spider Tyrant counterpart too.
So a short while ago the members of Team Misfits decided to surprise me with a gift for running games for them and bought me one of the Epic Encounters sets – the Lich Queen.
It’s a great model, with the Queen seated on her impressive throne and looking down upon her minions. But the flameskulls on the base can actually be taken off and used as individual monsters too.
As usual, I passed it on to my friend Jon for painting and he asked if I had any colour scheme in mind. I told him that I wanted her to match the skeleton horde he had previously done for me (as she is their corresponding boss monster), but also that I wanted the skulls to have green flames (it would be rude not to).
Needless to say, I’m very pleased with how this has turned out. Now all I have to do is find an excuse to insert her highness into a game…
My friend Jon has worked his magic once again and painted up another of my boxed sets, this time they will be for an upcoming campaign but not the Drakkenheim one.
This set is the Island of the Crab Archon, and honestly doesn’t have any equivalent monsters within standard 5e that I could find, the nearest being the lobster folk from Tomb of Annihilation. Essentially crab-folk (called Karkinos) the only direction I gave to Jon was that I didn’t want them to look like standard drab shellfish on the beach and he suggested a more tropical look which I readily agreed to.
First up are the CR 1/8 Scuttler Crabs which are almost identical to the basic Giant Crab stat block but with an improved swim speed. I love the hermit crab aesthetic.
Next, we have the CR 1 Karkinos Infantry. You get five of these foot soldiers and honestly, they pose a decent foe with piercing claws and bludgeoning shields which they can also throw at enemies that have yet to close.
The CR 2 Karkinos Netter’s are heavy infantry, again you get five in the set. These utilise tridents and nets to restrain their foes. Jon suggested that they wouldn’t have metal weaponry and so depicted them as being made from some sort of hardened coral.
The CR 3 Karkinos Stalwart’s are the shock troops, these bulky boys come in a trio. If they have a run up they can deal extra damage on their attacks and attempt to knock the target prone, or they can choose not to move and instead curl into their shells and gain improved AC for a round.
The CR 5 Karkinos Kingsguard are the elite bodyguards of the eponymous Archon. Also supplied in a trio. Their spindly forms belie their deadly nature but do give an inkling that perhaps they are more agile than their brethren.
Next, we have the Karkinos Oracle, the CR 6 spellcaster of the warband mounted on his bonded giant eel. They are magically and psychically bonded so as to act in unison.
And finally, leading the warband is the CR 12 Karkinos Archon. While he gets benefits for having his Kingsguard nearby this ruler of the reef is a formidable for in his own right. Fighting with his bone sword and giant claw and protected by his coral-encrusted chitinous armour.
These fishy folk will be being added to my upcoming Call of the Netherdeep campaign with Team Misfits once they conclude their run through Rime of the Frostmaiden and begin playing in person again.
I have been painting a few models myself for that, not just sending stuff off to Jon. I needed a pair of shark models and bought the Nolzurs Marvelous Miniatures ones as they come with a great pose and an additional fin slicing through the waves.
I wanted them to look different to the prepainted giant shark model (which I’ve also acquired for later in the campaign) and so decided on trying to emulate the markings from a tiger shark.
One of the selling points of these models is that they come pre-primed and ready to paint, however, my first try proved horrible with the Games Workshop Contrast paints not adhering to them. So I cleaned them off and gave the sharks and fins an all-over coat of brush on Grey Seer.
The colouring on the waves of the fin pieces was a trial to see if I could layer a thinned coat of contrast paint over the clear plastic to make it look more watery, but I wasn’t over-impressed with either version (and they kept rubbing off on my fingers as they hadn’t been primed at all) so I chose not to follow it through on the main models themselves.
I realised that as this particular set isn’t planned for either of my upcoming campaigns I hadn’t made a post showing off Jon’s fantastic paint job on them. So here are the models of the Undead Arena.
First up are the CR 1/4 skeletal archers, a classic D&D staple. These are basically the standard 5e skeletons but with the addition of having resistance to fire. I always like to picture skeletal archers pulling a leg bone free and using the attached tendon as the bowstring.
Next, we have the CR 1 Leonites. Who doesn’t want to chase their pc’s with skeletal lions. With pack tactics, a pounce attack bonus and a running leap long jump these things will get to the heroes wherever they try and hide.
The first of our CR 2 monsters are the Executioners. Heavily armoured in their plate armour they recklessly attack with their great axes.
The other CR 2 is our cavalry entry, the Deathriders. Pretty much skeletal centaurs, these monsters will charge at you swinging their scythes and trampling you under their hooves.
The first of the CR 3 warriors are the Duellists. These guys are better armoured than the basic skeletons but not quite as heavily as the Executioners. Specialists in swordplay they can make multiple strikes with their longsword and can take advantage of enemy attacks that miss against them.
The second CR 3 option is the brute force to the Duellist’s finesse, the Knights. Armoured in plate mail and wielding heavy maces that bely their swiftness, these brutes can also use their weapon to parry an enemy’s strikes, making them a dangerous foe in melee.
And finally, leading these skeletal marauders, are the CR 7 Andabata’s. Never seen without a loyal Leonite accompanying them, these large undead attack with their brutal skull mace and are resistant to a cleric’s turn undead ability.
And the full set, resting in their tomb, I mean, box.
Jon is currently hard at work painting up another Epic Encounter box set for me that I’m going to be mixing into my upcoming Call of the Netherdeep campaign. Hmm, skeletons don’t need to breathe underwater, do they…
I collected the latest batch of painted miniatures from my friend Jon yesterday and as usual, I was extremely happy with his results.
This time it was the minion and boss boxes of Steamforged Games Epic Encounters ghoul-based set, Hive of the Ghoulkin and the Barrow of the Corpse Crawler. The ghoulkin will be perfectly suited to be used as Delerium Dregs and Haze hulks as well as adding a few surprises using their special rules from their box for the worm riders and their very own mini-boss.
Hive of the Ghoulkin
The sets boss monster will be perfect for using as a Crater Wurm within the setting, the latter being a modified statblock of the classic purple worm. The model itself definitely gives me a “Tremors” movie vibe and is going to be a great piece to put on the table and terrorise player characters with.
The Corpse Crawler
I also decided to repurpose the extra Drakkenheim box that I received to house some of the smaller miniatures I’ve previously shown, the ratling/skaven and the garmyr/gnolls. The Games Workshop sized foam trays that we produce at my workplace fit perfectly inside it.
vobeskhan 