Welcome to the Hero Forge Miniature Masterpiece Countdown.
Every day I post a miniature that exemplifies a designer’s use of at least one of my critical design principles: technical skill with the tools, innovative thinking, and expression of theme or subject matter.
At the end of the week, I post the number 1 Miniature Masterpiece. This mini demonstrates the designer’s ability to employ all 3 creative elements in their work.
After 7 weeks, all the winners of the countdown are placed on a single list, and you vote for your number 1 miniature.
Who will be the season 2 All-Star?


Grung Blue by Nostrodomus
This amphibious soup peddler made it into the number 4 spot because of its animated nature and the various assets. I feel as though this image could have been lifted directly from a campaign or setting book. This little creature could be serving soup right now in someone’s game. Perhaps he’s giving directions to an adventuring party.

The coloring is on point and full of energy. Instead of simply making a green toad, the designer (Nostrodomus) gave “Grung Blue” blue skin and colorful stripes like Amazonian tree frogs. This subtle touch provides a sense of realism and background. Which is exactly what a DM needs when trying to immerse their players into a fantasy world.
What really sold me on this miniature was the assets. The bowls piled high with spices, the cauldron and ladle, and how the creature interacts with them tells a story. You know who this creature is, or at very least what his character does. I feel immersed in the designer’s world simply by looking at this miniature. Which is why he made it onto this week’s Hero Forge Miniature Masterpiece Countdown.







The Countdown so Far
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