Quick Update 4/23
almost 5 years ago – Wed, Apr 28, 2021 at 08:58:42 PM

Taking influence from the Amazons, we modeled a pair of hands to do a two handed spear. 

This version we tried at first, and then at an angle at the belt to appear more at bracing, final verdict was one comes off more rigid, while another looks to be ready to intercept the attack. So angled belt will win second seat in the 4 melee design.  

Nextly, with the added room, we decided to add some more classical helms to the mix. For Scythians, we looked into popular grave finds for other helm inspiration. Easy excuse to add more greek second hand. 

More torso types coming, such as a modified chain, robe, and plate mail variety. More on that soon. Below we have the first render of the Amazon bow woman at kneel. Influenced on part with the new Scythian bow legs at kneel.  

Apologies with the wait, prototype batches are somewhat of a pain between printing, curing times and incidental snaps. 

Update 3/29
about 5 years ago – Mon, Mar 29, 2021 at 10:09:14 PM

So here is where we've been lately. After putting together the Scythians and the logic of the weapons and the bows, the hybridization strategy did not pan out well. As pieces for horsemen, the parts worked well, but as standard infantry the issue was apparent: we needed adjustments in the legs. 

Operating under the logic of two molds, we had to prioritize either a very specialized but effective to their core set (archery) or a split of two bodies doing their functions, albeit, a very limited way. However, news on business funding front opened up possibilities

First on the legs

What we found is that the leg adjustments made for far more convincing archers. While we were at it, we added some more texture, such as the shirt extending to the pants, and adjusted the waistlines by varying degrees of 10-20, for more arching. 

To be better specialized, four would be necessary. How would this change the mold? Because of the hybridization issues, I had to accept that there was only two ways to overcome this: specialize four bodies, or find funding to create 3 molds in place of 2. 

Thus we created the adjustments to prepare four of the poses for archery, and we will create four to integrate some of the weapons we listed prior. The javelin throwing, spear, mace and sword variants. Once I have clarity on the new funding option, I will let you guys know if we will be able to go from 2-3, but If what I am hearing is correct, we may even have the potential for a fourth, which would logically conclude to the horses, which Tim has added to.  Very exciting!

Side note, I am prototyping this little beast. While Tim was waiting on my research, he decided to crack out a previous project we had started late last year. 

Very neato imo! 

Robert

Update 3/15
about 5 years ago – Tue, Mar 16, 2021 at 03:50:15 PM

Hey guys, thought you would like an update today. I have been been getting more serious on my 3D printer of late to start the spot change mechanics coming from the prints. Our biggest progress has been on the Amazons and the Satyrs. 

I am so far proud to report the parts are coming together well. The biggest roadblock has been the legs and making sure the poses are maximized for the parts. For instance, an advancing Amazon could use a simple sword and shield combo, or a two handed spear. 

Originally we had built the two handed spear for a pose in mind, however, it seemed to be adaptable more or less to any torso we could throw at it. The legs just aiding in this endeavor. 

Since there will be focus on four leg types in the sprue, the melee poses seem to have an edge over on the bow poses. At least as far as I can see. Making a mixed set with Scythians seemed like a good way to mix the two. Following that same ratio, at least four leg poses would contribute well to the bows. 

Shields came out wonderfully. Great wicker wear for the table. 

On the Satyr front, I think people will really love the melee centric tribal nature of the beasts. 

Still have to play with the pointing fingers. Had this idea they would be calling our their foes on the battle field. The one downside I found was that the angles of the Satyrs only really allowed one angle to shine, if only with some attention to the turn. So Tim was cool to create fingers for both sides, as well as mirrored axe hands. I've just done printing some today, so I will be back at it. 

The 3D printed cape works well with all the neck slots. I don't know how many people would like on the sprue, so feel free to shout if you want more to decorate the crowd (IE 1-3). 

This was a spear and shield combo, just to mix it up a bit. Kind of like below. 

And for my humor of the week, I am a hazmat suit away from having neighbors look at me as a suspected Heisenburg. Definitely night and day compared when you start with a Flashforge and move on to a Mars Pro. 

Im going to continue tinkering, wanting to troubleshoot any Scythian problems shortly. 

Robert

Updates on Satyrs
about 5 years ago – Fri, Mar 05, 2021 at 08:35:00 PM

Prototyping

Some cool news today! I was playing with Satyr parts and came up with this little guy below! 

My goal today was to see how the fur cape would fit around the neck, how the pauldron would look (we crafted a new one), and how the left handed weapon could be used. This was also a cool time to try out the printer while I wait the larger batch on Tuesday. 

Much like Tim said to me, the neck piece was a tight fit, but just enough that the neck lent itself to a nice placement. The head had enough surface area to bind with glue. So success! You guys had been asking for accessories, and add ons to the body, so we did a combination of things to spice up the Satyr bodies. 

Satyr Straps

We added straps or belts to various bodies. These can be used in conjunction with loose weapons, bags, severed heads, javelin racks etc. Two of the bodies will look similar, but one is used for the boasting pose, while one is useful for the new two handed tree branch weapon. 

Tim enhanced the groin area a tad, and even added a Javelin rack! 

Other Good News

We worked out some things with the molder and our pricing options. Relative to price, we have decided to bump the 4x6 satyrs to a 6x9 sprue. This should yield more parts, so you enjoy more of a feral band. We are also adding another head. The Scythians and Amazons are still at their 6x9. 

on that note, the biggest thing with the Amazons and Scythians is that we want to make sure we are getting the most out of the advancing/marching poses. As that was a concern for many here. 

As for STL file delivery, I assumed people would like to get all the updated files at once, vs two periods. So we will be a bit motivated to wrap up designs, and improvements soon.

Thank you! 

Robert  

Where we are at! March 1st
about 5 years ago – Tue, Mar 02, 2021 at 09:46:10 AM

At the moment 3D prints have been created, and are being prepared to ship to us for prototyping. Printing about a gigs worth of files was an undertaking, especially with 2 of everything! So I was happy when my typical source opened back up to help. 

As I waited in February, I decided to teach myself how to use an SLA printer. With this we will now be able to spot check new parts, fixes or design concepts. It's Not a form 2, but eventually we will get there! hehe. 

As I am sure you are wondering, backerkit is being worked on, so expect a roll out soon with a new integrated store for add ons. Files, boxes etc. 

If you need direct help, feel free to message me, or use my email at [email protected]. 

Robert Dunham