Wargaming – Eldritch Foundry

Release notes: the color out of space

Matan Gilat — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:43:18 +0000

Release notes, 3.19.2025

We’ve historically been not amazing at keeping you guys up to date on what we’ve been working on, what’s released and what’s been fixed. So, high time to change that. Going forward, we’ll be doing a release note change log once a month. But enough of that, let’s talk fun stuff!

Color has arrived for all*!

A new color tab is now available for all users. This is still in beta, but stable enough that we feel we can let everyone play with it.

Right now, you can only order physical color prints (both regular and double sized), but we will open up VTT downloads (OBJ + relevant color and texture files) hopefully next week. VTT integrations are being tested with several relevant platforms, but full integration is something that’s not just us, so we can’t provide a perfect timeline on that.

This is still a beta! Bugs exist! We’ve QA’d the everliving bejesus out of it, but we’re certain some pesky bastards have fled our notice. If you see something, say something- HERE (our bug report form).

Known issues:

Saved designs from closed beta have been cleared (sorry!)
- We’re trying to find a solution to bring them back to life, no hard ETA.
iOS devices not fully supported: this has been the bane of our development of color. We have a possible solution, but it’s proving more difficult to deploy AND retain a “keep user sane” framerate/choppiness. We hope to have a solution in the coming weeks, and we’ll keep you appraised.
Switching between saved color designs may introduce weird color artifacts. (Reloading usually solves this)
Zooming in too much may cause clipping issues.

Magic Effects on weapons

Handheld weapons can now be imbued with the power of the six elements (just go with it): water, ice, fire, earth, lightning and wind.

Guns may showcase muzzle flashes.

New magic effects are also available for holding on their own, at your own risk.

New hand gestures

Strike new (hand) poses with over 25 new hand gestures. Heck, flip someone the bird. They probably deserved it.

What’s next?

Adding new subscription options (for those who want VTT downloads en-masse) and price changes to fit new options.
New mounts- both nekkid and armored;
Tortles! (both nekkid and armored, you do you my dudes);
Back items revamp- because, oh Lord it’s time;
Rings and earrings;
An entirely new way to make a truly epic design! (ooooOOOOOooooo)
Far future combat armor for the Galaxy Mallet fans.

How to Get Started Painting Miniatures

Briana Lamb — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 21:19:58 +0000

Welcome to the world of painting miniatures! Whether you aim to enhance your Dungeons & Dragons sessions, delve into wargaming, or simply enjoy the craft, painting miniatures is an exciting way to bring your characters and scenes to life. This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the essentials, from picking your first supplies to mastering basic painting techniques, setting you on the path to becoming a miniature painting aficionado.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before starting your painting adventure, it’s essential to assemble the right tools:

Miniatures: Start crafting your hero or villain with Eldritch Foundry’s character creator, find a gem at your local game store, or maybe borrow a piece from your buddy’s Warhammer 40k set.
Primer: A good primer is key to learning how to paint miniatures. The right primer ensures your paint sticks and keeps those fine details sharp and vibrant. Choose from spray or brush-on primers; remember, quality matters for durability and aesthetics.
Paints: Acrylic paints are a great choice for painting miniatures because they are quick-drying, easy to use, water-soluble, and available in a wide array of colors. Start with a basic set of acrylic paints that includes primary and commonly used colors (like flesh tones), and add more specialized colors as you go. Expanding the color palette to include more specialized hues like metallics and fluorescents becomes possible as you get more comfortable painting miniatures. The flexibility of acrylics in terms of opacity and texture, thanks to their ability to be thinned with water or acrylic mediums, also adds to their appeal. Plus, their water-based composition makes the cleanup process much easier. When looking for your first set of paints—we recommend Turbo Dork.
Brushes: Choosing the right brushes is important for anyone learning how to start painting miniatures. Various brush sizes are used for different types of painting: larger brushes are great for base coating and applying washes efficiently, while medium-sized brushes offer versatility for general painting and layering. Fine-detail brushes with small, pointed tips are indispensable for intricate details that truly bring a miniature to life. The quality of the brush, often determined by whether they are made of synthetic fibers or sable hair, plays a big role in maintaining paint hold and a fine point. If you’re looking to grab an awesome set of brushes—check out Game Envy’s stock for great quality, scratch-resistant options.
Palette: A good wet palette is an awesome tool for miniature painters. It’s not just a mixing surface for paints but also helps maintain the ideal consistency of acrylic paints, especially during long painting sessions. Made of a sealed container with an absorbent layer and a sheet of parchment paper, a wet palette ensures the paints stay moist and workable. This is particularly useful when blending colors or painting in dry conditions. If you’re ready to buy, Game Envy offers some awesome wet palette options.
Extras: Besides the basic tools, a few extra supplies can help take your miniature painting to the next level. A magnifying glass is a game-changer for intricate details, ensuring precision with every stroke. Fine-tipped pens are another useful tool, perfect for adding tiny details that make your characters your own. Finally, a miniature holder is incredibly useful, providing stability while you paint. These extras enhance the painting experience and contribute significantly to achieving professional-level results.

Ready to make your unique mini? Start building now.

Join the #MyMonthlyMini Movement!

Briana Lamb — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 17:33:13 +0000

Experience the Magic of Personalization with Eldritch Foundry

Greetings, tabletop enthusiasts and miniature aficionados! Are you ready to embark on a creative odyssey? Eldritch Foundry, your trusted companion for all things custom miniatures, is ecstatic to announce our latest community activity: #MyMonthlyMini!

We want to reward our community for sharing the amazing miniatures they build—and now we can. Every quarter, we’ll offer rotating loot for anyone who shares their custom creations on social media. There will be perks, contests, new items, and more!

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Joining #MyMonthlyMini

Participating in #MyMonthlyMini is a breeze, and here’s how to get started:

Craft Your Unique Miniature: Use Eldritch Foundry’s character builder to design your custom miniature. Let your imagination run wild with endless possibilities!
Showcase Your Masterpiece: Use our creator’s “share” function to post your creation on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Tag us with @EldritchFoundry and include the hashtag #MyMonthlyMin. Important note: you don’t have to purchase your creation to share it!
Reap the Rewards: This quarter, every user who shares will receive a $5 gift card for every eligible submission, making your next custom miniature even more attainable! Reminder—giftcards needs to be added to your account and will be auto-applied at checkout.
Submission Deadline: For contest quarters, ensure you get your entries in by the end of each month to qualify for that month’s reward.

Yes, it’s THAT easy.

The Essentials: What You Need to Know

Gift Card Perks: Get $5 off your next order. It’s our way of saying thank you for your incredible creations.
Participation Rules: Limit one unique entry per person each month.* Challenge yourself to outdo your last creation!
Submission Deadline: Get your entries in by the end of each month to qualify for that month’s reward.

Ready to Begin Your #MyMonthlyMini Adventure?

If you’re ready to start, there’s no better time than now. Visit Eldritch Foundry’s character creator to unleash your creativity. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and join our Discord community for regular updates, tips, and a chance to mingle with fellow custom miniature enthusiasts.

We’re eagerly awaiting to see the fantastic characters you’ll conjure up. Let your imagination lead the way!

*Exceptions will be clearly noted

Behind the Scenes: The Making of Eldritch Foundry’s Customizable Nameplates

Matan Gilat — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 22:04:01 +0000

The Journey of Crafting Nameplates: More Than Meets the Eye

At Eldritch Foundry, we understand that even the most minute details can involve an immense amount of work and creativity. This brings us to our latest feature—the much-anticipated nameplates!

Ahead of Schedule, Beyond Expectations

Initially slated for a late March release, the team’s enthusiasm and hard work have brought this feature to you earlier than planned. What seemed like a simple addition turned out to be an intricate challenge, one that we tackled head-on in just under two weeks. This may sound extensive, but the complexity behind this seemingly straightforward feature demanded every bit of this time.

From Simple Concepts to Complex Realities

The original concept was straightforward: a flat surface for custom text, limited to three fonts of uniform letter width. Simple, right? However, our CG supervisor envisioned something more dynamic—a curved surface to complement our base designs. This addition marked our first leap from the basic to the complex.

A Typographic Adventure

The journey didn’t stop there. Our studio artists, never ones to settle for ‘ordinary’, challenged the idea of using only standard fonts. They proposed an array of exciting, genre-spanning typefaces. But this brought a new hurdle: varying letter sizes. To maintain aesthetic harmony, we decided to use only capital letters, ensuring consistent height and alignment.

Responsive and Customizable Design

Next, we introduced adaptive sizing. The plate size now changes dynamically based on the length of your text—from concise three-letter names to ambitious fifteen-character titles. And for the freehand artists among you, we added the option to manually increase the plate size. Now, your nameplates can be as unique as your creations!

Font Flexibility and Challenges

The introduction of ten new, carefully selected fonts brought about our next challenge: uniform character limits were not feasible due to varying letter widths. Our development team was initially hesitant about this, as it meant solving complex angular problems for each letter, font, and plate size in real-time. Despite the complexity, they brilliantly found a solution.

However, we faced another conundrum: what if a user switches fonts after typing a lengthy text? Our first solution was simple yet unpopular—changing fonts would delete the existing text. Unwilling to settle for a frustrating user experience, we devised a better approach. Users can now type freely in the text box, and the plate will display as much as it can handle, depending on the chosen font and size.

The Magic and Madness of Software Development

This entire process has been a thrilling, albeit challenging journey. Crafting these nameplates has been, pardon the crassness, like navigating through software development hell, but it’s our passion for delivering exceptional and innovative features that keeps us going.

We hope you enjoy the new nameplates as much as we enjoyed creating them for you.

Happy crafting!

How Much Does a Custom Mini Cost?

Briana Lamb — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:39:02 +0000

Exploring Custom Mini Prices at Eldritch Foundry

Are you a tabletop gaming enthusiast or a miniature collector curious about the cost of custom minis? Eldritch Foundry offers an array of options for those interested in creating detailed, high-quality personalized miniatures. This guide delves into the pricing structure for these custom miniatures, catering to diverse needs and preferences.

Digital Download: Embrace At Home Printing

Price: $5

Eldritch Foundry provides a digital download service for those with a 3D printer. For just $5, you can access STL files to print your character. This cost-effective option offers immediate gratification for enthusiasts keen on printing and assembling their custom minis.

High Detail Resin: Professional Quality

Price: $25

Priced at $25, the High Detail Resin miniatures are for those seeking professional-grade quality. These miniatures, crafted in a 34mm “heroic” scale, feature exceptional detail. They are primed for painting, making them an ideal choice for collectors and gamers who prefer a miniature that’s ready for display.

Double-Sized Minis: Larger Than Life

Price: $55

The Double-Sized mini option, at $55, is perfect for those who desire a more imposing presence. These 68mm-scale miniatures boast the same high-detail resolution, offering a visually striking addition to any game or collection.

Eldritch Unlimited: Subscription Flexibility

Subscription Plans:

Monthly: $15 for unlimited downloads
Quarterly: $13 per month
Annual: $10 per month

Eldritch Unlimited is tailored for regular creators and hobbyists, offering unlimited STL downloads. These plans are designed to accommodate frequent designers and printers of miniatures, ensuring a constant flow of creative options.

Miniature Prices Tailored to You

Eldritch Foundry’s pricing structure for custom miniatures spans various points, ensuring there’s something for every type of gamer or collector. Whether you’re embarking on a print-at-home project, seeking miniatures for your tabletop session, or looking for a centerpiece for your collection, our range of pricing offers flexibility and choice.

Ready to bring your character to life? Start building now.

Discover the Extraordinary: Eldritch Foundry’s Alien Ancestry

Briana Lamb — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 19:05:20 +0000

Unveiling a New Dimension of Customization

Eldritch Foundry is excited to introduce our new Alien Ancestry, a fresh and innovative addition now available in our online builder. This launch is a testament to our relentless pursuit of new frontiers in the world of tabletop gaming miniatures.

Innovation at the Heart

Our commitment to innovation stands at the forefront of this release. The Alien Ancestry is not just a new option; it represents our ongoing effort to expand the horizons of miniature customization. We continuously explore unique and diverse designs, ensuring that your creativity is never limited.

Why Alien Ancestry?

The Alien Ancestry offers a unique avenue for players to explore imaginative concepts beyond the traditional. This new lineage allows for:

Unprecedented Customization: Create characters with distinctive alien features, adding a new layer of depth to your gaming experience.
Expanding Horizons: Our design team is inspired by a vast array of sources, ensuring that new ancestries are both unique and integrative with other items and armor pieces.

More to Come

The Alien Ancestry is just the beginning. This year, we will be introducing even more new ancestries, each bringing its own unique flavor and creative possibilities. Our goal is to ensure that every player finds an ancestry that resonates with their character’s story.

Our Quality Promise

Every Eldritch Foundry miniature, regardless of ancestry, is crafted with precision and care. We guarantee that your custom creation will be a true representation of your vision, with unparalleled detail and quality.

Start Your Journey

Embrace the unknown and start building your alien ancestor today. Our intuitive online builder is your gateway to crafting a miniature that’s truly out of this world.

Explore the Builder: Navigate our user-friendly platform with ease.
Craft Your Story: Mix and match features to create an alien character that’s uniquely yours.
Bring Your Vision to Life: Order your custom miniature and we’ll bring your extraordinary creation to reality.

Be Part of the Community

At Eldritch Foundry, you’re more than a customer; you’re part of a community that celebrates creativity and storytelling. Share your alien ancestors, engage with fellow creators, and be a part of our expanding universe. Join the Discord to get in on the action.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

Dive into a world of limitless possibilities. Start building in the creator and join the ranks of adventurers crafting their unique stories. The universe of Eldritch Foundry is ever-growing, and your journey is just beginning!

Mirror Magic & Black Friday Deals: A Quick Eldritch Update

Briana Lamb — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 04:55:15 +0000

Monster Slayers Assemble: Buy One, Get One with “Gerald of Aivir”

Sharpen your silver swords and prepare your potions! For a limited time, join forces with the monster-slaying mutant warrior, “Gerald of Aivir.” Purchase one of our valiant miniatures and receive your very own “Gerald” to aid in your tabletop conquests. But beware, while he may remind you of a certain white-haired individual, “Gerald” has his own unique tale to tell.

Get building, nerds.

Seamless Shopping: Account-Based Credits and Gift Cards

We’ve streamlined your shopping experience by upgrading to an account-based balance system. Now, your gift cards and credits are as easy to manage as your legendary campaigns, all conveniently accessible in your Eldritch Foundry account—just like the best retail experiences out there. Simply log into your account, click on your profile, then navigate to giftcards, and add your code! It will be auto applied to your balance at checkout.

The Reflection of Adventure: Introducing Mirrored Posing

Embark on a journey through the mirror with Eldritch Foundry’s latest innovation: Mirrored Posing. With a simple flip, your favorite stances take on new life, offering symmetrical versatility to match any scene. Perfect for facing allies, foes, or creating balanced compositions in your epic narratives.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Teaser: Epic Deals Incoming!

Gerald isn’t the only trick we have up our sleeve this November. The stars are aligning for the most anticipated shopping event of the year. Get ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday with Eldritch Foundry. Expect a weekend full of deals—with potential fun offers both before and after—that will enchant even the most frugal mage. Keep your scrolls ready; these offers will be legendary…and limited!

The realms of fantasy are ever-expanding, and here at Eldritch Foundry, we’re dedicated to bringing you the tools to craft your legend, one miniature at a time. Stay tuned for these updates and more as we continue to shape the future of tabletop gaming.

Start my epic adventure!

The Birth of Eldritch Foundry

Briana Lamb — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 23:25:05 +0000

6 years ago, Matan—our CEO/founder—found himself seeking a departure from the world of algorithms and numbers. A simple invitation from a friend prompted him to rejoin the universe of Dungeons & Dragons and the captivating stories of Critical Role and Dragon Friends set Matan on a different path—one that would lead to the founding of Eldritch Foundry.

Matan embarked on this journey with a business partner, sharing a common desire to create a unique character for their D&D adventures—a gunslinger dwarf. However, the lack of suitable miniatures led them to the leading brand in the market, a platform known for customization. Yet, even there, they couldn’t find what they needed.

This frustration sparked an idea. Matan envisioned a platform allowing gamers to design custom miniatures catering to diverse body types and morphologies. He also saw the potential of bringing this design software to Friendly Local Game Stores (FLGS) across the United States.

The road was challenging, mainly when dealing with software complexities and the connection between digital design and physical miniatures.

Eldritch Foundry’s mission became clear: create miniatures that stood out on the tabletop, embodying the unique traits of various lineages. The company was committed to breaking from generic designs and embracing a realistic and epic style.

Eldritch Foundry’s focus on being a tabletop-first company meant that miniatures were designed to be more than collectibles. They were envisioned as dynamic companions for gamers to hold, paint, and use in their tabletop adventures.

Above all, Eldritch Foundry aimed for its miniatures to be distinctive and captivating. The designs were intended to add depth and character to the stories they became a part of.

The early days were marked by the expectation that off-the-shelf modules would simplify the process. However, the reality was far more complex, with software and hardware presenting significant challenges to the process of achieving real scalability without breaking the bank.

As a testament to the incredible studio and developers working tirelessly behind the scenes, Eldritch Foundry emerged, resolute in its commitment to redefining the miniature gaming industry. The company continues to evolve, with the team striving tirelessly to make each design a testament to tabletop excellence, breathing life and character into gaming sessions.

The journey of Eldritch Foundry is ongoing, with each new design and innovation contributing to the story. Welcome to the world of Eldritch Foundry, where every adventure is as personal and unique as the miniatures that make it come alive.

Want to become a part of the EF story? Make your custom mini today!

Toy Soldiers and Miniature Battles: Playful Evolution — Part 5

Briana Lamb — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:01:45 +0000

Greetings, fellow adventurers, as we embark on the fifth chapter of our journey through the world of miniatures from Stone Age to custom 3D-printed minis. In this leg of our voyage, we explore the evolution of miniature soldiers and the miniature battles they waged. Join us as we pull back the curtains on the origins of toy soldiers and miniature warfare, a domain where imagination and creativity knew no bounds.

The Birth of Toy Soldiers: Tin Soldiers on the March

Our tale begins with the birth of toy soldiers in the early 19th century. At a time when the world was experiencing great upheaval, miniature tin soldiers marched onto the scene. The production of these soldiers, often made from lead or tin, was a meticulous process, demanding precision and attention to detail. These miniatures were popular among children and adults alike, with elaborate sets reenacting historic battles and campaigns. As these miniature armies gathered on tabletop battlefields, they breathed life into history and allowed people to become generals of their own design.

Miniature Worlds at War: The Advent of Wargaming

The 19th century saw the emergence of wargaming, a pastime that combined strategic thinking with miniatures. This marked the birth of a hobby where miniature battles took on an entirely new dimension. Pioneered by figures like H.G. Wells, who authored “Little Wars,” and Fred T. Jane, who introduced naval wargaming, the miniature battlefield became a canvas for tactical warfare. Rules and regulations were developed, allowing players to engage in complex and strategic battles using equally detailed miniatures. These games transported enthusiasts into alternate realities through strategy and imagination.

World War Miniatures: A Reflection of Reality

As the 20th century dawned, the world was plunged into a series of devastating conflicts. This somber reality found its reflection in the world of miniatures. Toy soldiers, initially created for play, were now transformed into a medium for honoring, remembering, and understanding the monumental events of world wars. Miniature soldiers, tanks, and artillery pieces became poignant reminders of the sacrifices and heroism of real-life soldiers. The precision and craftsmanship of these miniatures served as a bridge between generations, preserving history through art.

The Miniature Renaissance: Hobbyists and Collectors Unite

In the latter half of the 20th century and beyond, the hobby of collecting and customizing miniature soldiers experienced a renaissance. Enthusiasts and collectors dedicated themselves to amassing armies of miniatures with astounding detail. The market flourished with an ever-expanding array of miniatures, ranging from historical soldiers to fantastical creatures. Miniatures were no longer confined to the realm of toy soldiers; they became expressions of artistry, encapsulating the passion and creativity of their creators and collectors.

Toy soldiers and miniature battles represent a unique and endlessly creative aspect of miniature artistry. From the birth of toy soldiers to the inception of wargaming, the solemn reflection of world wars, and the contemporary resurgence of miniature collecting and customizing, these miniatures have taken on a life of their own. As we continue on our voyage through the miniature world, we’ll explore how these small yet powerful creations have left their mark on both the realms of play and art.

Reference Links:
Part 1: The Early Beginnings: Miniatures in Ancient Civilizations
Part 2: Illuminated Chronicles: Miniatures in Medieval Manuscripts and Beyond
Part 3: Renaissance Revival: Miniatures in a New Light
Part 4: Enlightenment Expressions: Miniatures in an Age of Reason

Enlightenment Expressions: Miniatures in an Age of Reason — Part 4

Briana Lamb — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:59:50 +0000

Welcome to the fourth chapter of our voyage through the annals of miniature history, from Stone Age creations to custom-printed 3D minis. In this installment, we venture into the Age of Enlightenment, a period celebrated for its reverence of reason, scientific inquiry, and intellectual progress. Join us as we delve into how miniatures evolved during this intellectually charged epoch, from the meticulously precise Rococo miniatures of Europe to the elegant Persian portraiture. This era witnessed an enchanting fusion of artistry and reason, leaving an indelible imprint on the world of miniatures.

Rococo Miniatures: The Art of Precision in Europe

As we cast our gaze upon the 18th-century European landscape, we find a period characterized by opulence, marked by an unapologetic embrace of ornamentation and an unwavering commitment to intricate detailing. The Rococo miniatures of this time are remarkable testaments to the unparalleled craftsmanship of artists who possessed the extraordinary ability to capture the minutest of features with an astonishing level of precision. Crafted on mediums such as ivory, vellum, and enamel, these miniatures frequently featured subjects from the upper echelons of society, serving as tokens of affection and markers of social status. The meticulous depiction of intricate elements, from lace to jewelry and embroidery, is a testament to the grandeur and elegance that defined this era.

Persian Portraiture: Poetry in Miniature

Our journey also takes us to Persia, where miniature artistry took on a distinctively poetic character during the Enlightenment era. Persian miniatures of this period transcend the mere representation of subjects’ likeness; they breathe life into their personalities. These exquisite artworks frequently portrayed members of the court, adorned with intricate patterns, vibrant hues, and meticulous brushwork. The marriage of Persian calligraphy and miniature painting resulted in compositions that seamlessly merged the visual and the literary. Each Persian miniature represents not only a work of art but also a celebration of literature and poetry, reflecting the cultural richness and refinement that defined Persian society during this era.

Scientific Illustrations: Precision in Miniature Form

In an age driven by reason, inquiry, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, the Enlightenment era witnessed a profound transformation in the realm of scientific illustration. Miniatures became the chosen medium for representing botanical specimens, anatomical diagrams, and intricate scientific instruments. These miniatures stand out for their unwavering commitment to precision and acute attention to detail. They transcended the realm of mere illustrations, serving as indispensable tools for the dissemination of complex scientific concepts. In an era where reason reigned supreme, these miniatures were not just drawings; they were the carriers of the scientific revolution.

Miniatures as Diplomatic Gifts: Cultural Exchange through Art

Our final destination in this chapter takes us to the realm of international diplomacy, where miniatures played a significant role in cultural exchange. European diplomats of the Enlightenment era frequently exchanged miniatures with their counterparts in Asia and the Middle East. These diminutive tokens of goodwill were not just showcases of artistic prowess; they were powerful ambassadors in their own right. These miniatures transcended language and cultural barriers, forging messages of friendship and cooperation. In an age characterized by global exploration and burgeoning trade, these miniatures became cultural emissaries, underscoring the diplomatic potential of art.

The Age of Enlightenment bestowed new dimensions upon the realm of miniatures, where precision, elegance, and reason took center stage. From the immaculate Rococo miniatures of Europe to the poetic charm of Persian portraiture, the scientific precision of Enlightenment-era scientific illustrations, and the role of miniatures in diplomacy, this period marked a significant evolution in the world of miniature artistry. As we traverse time and space, we will continue to explore how these modest yet influential creations adapted and left an enduring legacy in the realm of art and culture.