Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Stephen Schubert on Set Design

Stephen Schubert (WotC R&D) posted on maxminis.com:
Regarding set makeup: the minis that comprise a typical set list get there for a variety of reasons. We try to ensure that every set has a certain array of monster minis, and we also want to ensure that every set has some minis that could be used as PCs.

While set design and skirmish design are both steps of the overall process, I don't think it's true that a good skirmish mini can't also be a good RPG mini. Take the Hill Giant Barbarian, for example. It's a great mini for RPG play - it's uncommon, so a DM can more easily set up encounters with multiple hill giants - it also has pretty good stats for the skirmish game.

I find, usually, that when I've got a combat in my RPGs, it is typically monsters or armed NPCs against the PCs - I don't have as much a need for a barmaid, shopkeeper, or street urchin mini. That's not to say that the occasional such mini (like the sage) couldn't make an appearence, for those "tavern brawl" types of encounters - but they wouldn't show up in every set.

Set design is an interesting topic - Matt Sernett and I have begun work on an article series that might interest those interested in this topic, so expect more info in a few weeks.