(Originally brought to my attention by Drammattex on Hordelings)

You may want to listen to this. It's on iTunes, it's free.

Search "Dungeons and Dragons podcast" Episode 28:DDM

It gives us some insight on wotc's decision to change business models.

Aboleth is a visible figure.
16 rares total.

8 boosters in a case.

Huge sets will be the same, except that the rare will be a large, and the visible figure will be the huge. (this sounds very risky to me, basically, the huges can not be "wasted slots").

Sounds like non-combatants don't fit in to the model (and now I know why Peter Lee would have a hard sell to fit them in to the MM sets - since it is geared specifically to combat encounters). Sounds like they need a 3rd product; a non-random non-combatant pack "dungeon dressings set", since it doesn't fit either the PHBH or MMDD pack models.

WOOOOOTTTT!!!!!!

This sounds very interesting to me, I picture this:  Huge Blue Dragons selling loads and loads and places not being able to keep them in stock despite being able to order cases of "just" them   I'm not sure if they'll be able to produce more of various ones based on demand or not.  Long term I wonder if the "lesser" ones being more valued.

From a RPG perspective, I like what I'm hearing here. 2 cases to complete a set, no more than 4 of each common, an emphasis on more desirable figures, and an improvement in paint quality. Here's hoping...

The problem is - which has always been a problem - what is considered "more desirable" and by whom? I don't see how they can make this claim that they will focus on "more desirable" minis, as everyone's opinion varies so greatly. - but, I digress, it's really not important to me, and I'm more curious than worried about it.

I'm actually wondering, since there will be no factions, how they will number the figures? Will they just be alphabetical? I guess they must be.

I hope they're alphabetical.  It is such a logical way of doing it.

It's interesting to note that the Beholder mini won't be a visible. On one hand, that's unfortunate for those actively pursuing them, but on the other, it means that my Deathknell Beholder likely won't see too drastic a price drop.

In any case, I'm definitely intrigued to see what sort of pieces we'll wind up with. The Hive Mother sounds sweet.

have no audio here, so can't listen to it, but a hive mother? that's a huge beholder right? cool!!!

D.

Totally agree, am looking forward to these sets...

This news sounds really interesting. i dont have itunes here at work. Other than beholder and Aboleth what other mins are mentioned? whens this set release?

I'm in the same boat with no iTunes...any chance of a list of what was revealed?

I'm also a bit digibetic, can anyone explain me what a pod-cast is and what iTunes are?

D.

You can listen to it here.http://media.gleemax.com/podcasts/DnD_Episode28.mp3

iTunes is apple software that plays mp3's and movies and such, it let's you organize your collection and shop online for media.http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

LOL nope, can't - Gleemax and Wizards are both blocked by the firewall...

I'm pretty sure they only mentioned the beholder and aboleth in the podcast.

As for the Hive Mother, Dordledum, the quote regarding that is from the "D&D Miniatures Changes Explained" article posted on October 23rd.

"As for Huges, yes we have a set planned for the Summer of 2009. The Huges in that set will be the visible minis, including a Hive Mother Beholder and some Dragons. More details to come!"

Have they said whether the price on the huge packs will remain the same?

No mention on the huge package prices. I'm sure it will increase though, it kind of has to.

Now you're just being difficult. ;)

Ultracool!!!

D.

There is the Eye of Flame if people can't afford the original.

And, yes, Hive Mother does sound sweet.

Eye of Flame?
You mean the Living Pentagram?

Uhm, "bad pentagrams" point downwards...

But it's a 4e Beholder, and alignment is so yesterday.

I have no defense for that logic.

Like, oh my god, totally Wraithborne...it's gnarly that you totally get it...