Rather than focus on a particular storyline, the newest entry in the WizKids line of role playing game miniatures focuses on hordes of undead.  The common figures span the gamut of typical undead hordes, while some of the rare large creatures are just downright disturbing.  (Let the reader decide if that’s good or bad.)  Releasing in March, D&D Icons of the Realms: Boneyard is a mix of standard and more unique pieces with which to build your undead army.

While somewhat expensive in bulk, having a few miniatures on the table when playing an RPG adds some great flavor to the game.  Sure, the minis are great to help visualize the tactical part of the game, but having some concrete touchstones on the table helps to ratchet up the immersion.  In particular, I love the shock effect when a big-bad monster is just dropped on the table in the midst of the adventuring party.

This new release: D&D Icons of the Realms: Boneyard differs from past releases in a couple of unique ways.  First, it isn’t based around a specific RPG product release.  Rather than provide figures that match a particular module or storyline, these are more general purpose figures, ready to drop into any game needing a bit of the undead.  Second, gone are the standard black circle bases.  Wizkids is now going with clear bases from here on out in order to avoid covering up any important info or artwork on the playing map.  

But that’s enough background, let’s take a look at the figures themselves.

Standouts of the smaller figures include both types of Lichs (liches?) – demi and regular flavor.  The Death Knight and undead steed make a good pair.  An undead troll and ogre round out the larger figures.

Another of my favorites, who can say No to a baby Kraken?  (OK, officially a Juvenile Kraken, but let’s ride that baby-Yoda wave…)   I like how the Elder Oblex comes with its own food source…

On the larger side of things is the Hill Giant Skeleton, but I will still place my money on the T-Rex Zombie – by far my favorite figure in the whole set.

Two of the other very large figures are the Atropal and Sibriex.  Truly hideous looking, they’re actually a bit too disturbing for my tastes.  Seem almost disturbing for disturbing sake.

As with most of their releases, Wizkids is also releasing a couple large premium figures that can be purchased. Having been through most of the evil chromatic dragons, we now journey into the realm of the Dracolich!  They come in two flavors – available separately.  

The Adult Green Dracolich comes ready to chomp on its next little meal. (Figures included just for scale.)  Surprisingly, there isn’t much green on the figure.  Not a big deal, although green is my favorite color.

The blue dracolich, on the other hand, comes ready to party.  Rising up above the floor in mid-flight complete with some lightning breath, this is a truly imposing figure – albeit one that’s a bit hard on one’s storage space.  I’ll also note it is definitely blue.

New (to me) with this set are a couple promotional figure options.  A nice set of four skeleton kobolds are available as a promotion when ordering a Boneyard set from dndmini.com.   Sets of three skeletal orcs are being released only through brick and mortar stores – check with your local store to see how they’re distributing them.

The four figures at right are premium figures, the two figures at left are from a general release. Note the more detailed paint jobs and translucent materials on the premium figures.

While I have you hear, I thought I’d give a shout-out to the line of Premium figures sold as single-figure packs in plastic packaging so you know what you’re getting.  This is an excellent idea and a great addition to one’s minis options.  These are higher-end figures with more detailed paint jobs and often come with transparent bling to bring the character to life.  So often it is hard to find a very distinctive miniature for one’s player character or important NPC.  This line of premium figures provides a number of really stand-out options.  Better yet, since they’re not part of a random booster set, gamers can pick and choose the specific figures they want.

Four premium figures (at left) take on three figures from a previous general release.  The bridge is one of the large Wizkids 4D brand releases from last fall.

One final news of note.  I’ve related how I like the Wizkids Wardling line of figures that come with a young adventurer and their pet.  There is now a Wardlings RPG released by Renegade Game Studios (and available online through Roll20.)  It is a 5E D&D compatible kid-friendly setting book where even the player characters are child heroes.  These children are able to see creatures and events that adults cannot.  It’s up to the kids (and their pet familiars, of course) to set things right and keep the peace.

As always, minis can get expensive but having a few adds a great accent to gaming at the table.  The Boneyard release is pretty good, particularly the more common figures one would need to round out a typical tomb.  I would have preferred more iconic and less disturbing (ugly – ok, I said it) options for the large rare figures. The two dracolich figures are pretty impressive. I doubt many people need both, so go for whichever one you like best.  The stone bridge (released last fall) is a seriously hefty bit of plastic and is nice and imposing on the table.  It also comes with a couple dozen additional accoutrements to set up the bridge however you like. For kid-friendly gaming, definitely keep your eye on the Wardlings line.

Tags: Game Reviews, Misc, Unplugged