#this facial hair is so evil but it also makes him look like a medieval knight who will fight in a trial by combat

[primehorded]

Biomechanical Horde

I came into watching She-Ra as someone pure and untainted by the old series. Everything I learned about the characters and the universe, I learned from this show, and I wanted to write a breakdown of all the is-he-a-robot-is-he-an-alien evidence we see from Hordak, his brothers, and Big Brother himself, Horde Prime. (IDK if it was in the original but - Big Brother is watching, big brother sees all...inch resting and not at all political. Insert eye emoji)

FIRST we meet Hordak. Hordak appears to be a humanoid of no specified race, sharing some attributes with other races depicted in the show, but having some characteristics reminiscent of a robot. He has hair, he has ears that move and reflect his moods, similar to Double Trouble and Catra in that regard.

He also seems to have some proponents that are distinctly unnatural-looking. There isn’t enough detailing to be quite sure - no metallic glint on his skull-shaped face, for instance. Yet his eyes very distinctly to glow with light, even in darkness, and he has markings on his face and neck that could be where plates of metal/whatever unnatural material might meet, seams between the different parts and pieces he is made up of. However, these neater lines that look like plate seams also flow neatly into curved lines indicative of more natural-looking facial features. 

He has very sharply defined cheek-hollows the same darker grey as his neck - but also going into his ears, which  do not seem mechanical. 

Then we later start to get a better idea of what Hordak is, when Entrapta walks in on him changing (tee-hee). Here his unnaturally white skin seems to be changing color, affected by his declining health, the dark blue spreading like tissue damage. He also is physically frail and dependent on clothing engineered to hold him together and allow him to function. Also, he’s in a halter top here. You’re welcome.

After Entrapta nurses him back to consciousness, he admits to her that he is a clone, and reveals a series of pods where more clones seem to be growing. He says he was created with a defect, and cast out because of it. It is unclear if the clones are still growing or if they were failed experiments, but I’m leaning towards failed experiments. It is also not specified if Hordak was intending to clone himself in order to add to his army, or if he was trying to create a new body to somehow transfer his own consciousness into later. Horde Prime is shown to have gone through many vessels himself, and also states his brothers “lend their life force to him” so that he can live indefinitely. Considering how expendable Horde Prime’s “little brothers” are to him, it seems doubtful that he would even bother allowing them their own indefinite lives through some sort of life-force taking or vessel changing. There is a possibility that Hordak might know a little bit about how Horde Prime’s process of doing so works, seeing as he seemed to be a clone closer to Horde-Prime before his defect was discovered. We are not given any clear answers on this. (I tried to find a cap of Hordak’s attempted clones but typing in anything like “Hordak’s Clones” into the search engine didn’t work cuz, ya know)

The only creation he seems to have successfully cultivated is the imp, pictured above in the lower right-hand corner. The imp also seems to have some biological properties - ears, hair, even eyebrows, as well as a distinct nose shape and seemingly natural wings. Flesh wings. Not metal wings or whatever. I don’t like referring to stuff as “flesh” though, my overlord says it really blows my cover. The imp definitely has mechanical properties as well though - glowing eyes similar to Hordak’s and, most notably, the ability to kind of tape-record things he can hear. When he catches Catra sharing some secrets and brings them back to Hordak, he doesn’t repeat them as if remembered or even imitate them, but just opens his mouth for the duration, like to allow access to a speaker in the back of his throat, and a tinny voice-recording of Catra’s voice can be heard. He also uses this ability to mock Hordak, because he’s a little asshole. Otherwise, the Imp doesn’t speak, other than a few vague noises like hissing. Do we ever find out what happens to the imp? I feel like we don’t. Rip

Entrapta creates a new kind of suit for Hordak, this time built like an exoskeleton to allow him to move and function beyond the ability and energy his original body can give anymore. It functions like part of his body, but isn’t surgically connected to him or anything. At least, that we see. Entrapta do be a freak like that tho. 

When we finally meet Horde Prime, he too seems to share a mix of biological and mechanical aspects. He has the same snow-white skin, with markings that could resemble creases between plates/materials. He also has glowing eyes, as do his other clones, but he has white pupils that show in any body he inhabits when he moves his control/consciousness, as he seems to be able to fluidly among his clones and anyone chipped.

He has a few attributes that his clones do NOT share. He has extra eyes on his right side, with pupils of their own that are often looking other directions. This is the only part of him that is not symmetrical, and all of his clones are created and dressed in symmetrical clothing and features. He also has metal finger attachments on his index-fingers, which is very sexy but seems to cover a finger rather than replace them. 

The other attribute he has that none of his other clones bear is them GLORIOUS, GLORIOUS LOCS. I mean I’ve heard of cyber locks, but this is ridiculous. Bad joke. At the crown of his head, his hair appears white, the same as his skin and the hair on the heads of all of his clones. There appears to be two beads or sections, one on each side at the parts of his hair that frame his perfect evil face. Further down though, the pseudo-dreads turn a medium grey, and then are capped off with sharp tips that DO reflect light the same way metal drawn in the show does. So do the metal creases under the tops of his shoulders - cheeky off-the shoulder armor, or metal joint? 

He also has the ability to travel in the hive-mind network of every chipped being (including his clones), and access information like a file. Entrapta later “hacks” it like a software. Can you uninstall Horde Prime? Does he have ad-blocker?

We also see him utilize an unspecified green liquid, a pool of which he uses to make Hordak “pure”. Hordak alights in sparks when he enters it, like a toaster in a bathtub. This obviously effects him though in a very natural physical way, crying out in pain, and Horde Prime remarks that his suffering is necessary for his purity. If he was just throwing some water on him to short out his mechanical processors for a HARD hard reboot, he wouldn’t have any reason to have this lime green pool of...whatever. And whatever this substance is, it’s important enough to be the only color in or on Prime Horde or any of his clones. I’m gunna call it Horde Juice. It’s not the quenchiest.

Back to the hair. His “hair” is kept back and tied out of the way for most of the time, except for in the finale, when we see it being used to kind of funnel the Horde Juice straight into his brainicals. Horde Prime’s hair tubes connect into his back, with a few pieces left down cuz he’s a stylish ho. Now you can see very clearly some of the locs are actually CLEAR TUBES that only appeared light grey against his dark grey (skin?) and now they are pulsing with Horde Juice. However, we can ALSO very clearly see that not every tendril of his hair is alight with The Juices, indicating that some part of his hair are just that - hair, like his clones. It also has lit up a technical looking pattern along some creases in his body. His arms, his neck. His boobs.

There isn’t really a good point I can end this on, other than to say I thought it was a really creative and interesting design that was incredibly effective. It’s not easy to make a universe make sense with advanced futuristic weaponry and also medieval fantasy magic. The amazing design of the characters, weapons, architecture, and fighting styles made it look seamless, and Hordak’s design in particular really lead well up to introducing an insanely high-tech spaceship full of mind-controlled clones, dropped into a world filled with and dependent on magic. This was a spotlight specifically on Hordak/Horde Prime’s...race? Race.

I’m really curious for more information about the universe, even though from what I’ve heard the new She-Ra has changed a lot and the old She-Ra didn’t much prioritize world-building specifics. If I learn some more looking some stuff up on this series as well as the old one, and anyone is interested, I’ll add a part two and link it below!

#Also the only reason I really noticed all of this stuff is because I’m working on a cosplay for Horde Prime which is NOT easy. #Horde Prime #SPOP #spop spoilers #hordak #imp #she-ra #she-ra spoilers

[dndeed]

Critical Role Miniature Rollout C2E53

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and review of the minis used on Critical Role.

I’m digging the city of beasts. I’m digging the NPCs, the story developments, and of course the minis. Quite a bit of miniature content to cover in episode 53. There are a couple items I was unable to identify conclusively. The high back wooden chairs throughout the tavern and one goblin near the bar who is just barely visible in two camera angles. But that still leaves us with plenty of new minis to go over.

Jump into the pit and prepare to test your meddle, it’s time for Critical Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 2 Episode 53!

The List

Mats by Mars: Swamplands

Dungeons and Dragons Condition Markers by thelukec

Dwarven Forge Round Table with LED Candle

Dwarven Forge Stool

Dwarven Forge City Builder Tudor Set

Dwarven Forge Wicked City Smuggler’s Wagon

Dwarven Forge Wicked City Water Barrel

Dwarven Forge Tavern Accessories Add-On Pack

Dwarven Forge Medieval Furniture Furniture

Miniature Building Authority Corner House with Turret

Miniature Building Authority Corner Townhouse

Miniature Building Authority Witt House

Safari Ltd Civil War’s Officer’s Tent

TableTop Props Tent

Rusty Dragon Inn Dressing: Cart

Rusty Dragon Inn Dressing: Barrel

Mantic Games Terrain Crate Dungeon Debris Barrels

Mantic Games Terrain Crate Dungeon Debris Crates

Icons of the Realms Adventurer’s Camp Keg

Tiny Furniture Wooden Table

Legendary Realms Wooden Large Open Crate

Steamforged Games Critical Role Miniatures

Prototype Steamforged Games Critical Role Miniatures

Dangerous Delves #20 Gnoll Hunt Master

Monster Menagerie 2 #012 Bugbear

Modified Reaper Miniatures Red Mantis Assassin

Elemental Evil #022 Gnoll Fighter

Monster Menagerie 2 #020a Gnoll

Elemental Evil #025 Ogre 

Monster Menagerie 3 #020a Dragonborn Fighter

Tyranny of Dragons #010 Orc Fighter

Rage of Demons #012 Hobgoblin Soldier

Underdark #53 Lolth's Sting

Rise of the Runelords #033 Ogre

Lost Coast #002 Goblin Druid

We Be Goblins #002 Goblin Hero

We Be Goblins #012 Chuffy Lickwound

Unknown High Back Wooden Chair

The NPCs

Dairon Underdark #53 Lolth's Sting

The first rule of drow sword fencing is to lead with your face, as demonstrated by this figure. This is the kinda drow I’m talkin’ about! Good ol’ fashioned D&D Miniatures Game era drow. Unfortunately, this is about the worst example I could have hoped for to contrast the Icons of the Realms and DDM drow minis. At a distance this figure isn’t so hot. A majorly basic and unflattering paint job. But the sculpt is solid and nicely detailed. Sadly the black obscures much of said details. But the pose is very energetic and most appropriate for this action packed scene.

The Monsters Citizens

Loads of goblinoids in this episode, let’s lightning round em’.

Pryomaniac Goblin Lost Coast #002 Goblin Druid Mini image sourced from minisgallery.com

Fun crazed goblin miniature. The red eyes really pop, it’s almost as if the fire is reflecting in them. 

Goblin Fight Club Enthusiast We Be Goblins #002 Goblin Hero

This sculpt is like a refined version of the first Pathfinder Battles goblins. A very cute getup and a very handsome miniature.

Goblin with the Greatest Name Ever We Be Goblins #012 Chuffy Lickwound

Now that’s a name! And this mini lives up to it’s title. His menacing smile and imposing stance is most impressive.

Goblin of the Hob Variety Rage of Demons #012 Hobgoblin Soldier

A fine hobgoblin figure. Only issue is that his hair totally envelops his head, making it look kinda like some sorta hobgoblin hair helmet.

Ogre Rise of the Runelords #033 Ogre

Two ogres are present in The Four Corners, which I assume is part of some city ordinance, for every 2 corners in the city there must be 1 ogre. 2:1 corner ogre ratio shall be maintained at all times within city limits. One new ogre here and one returning, having previously appeared in C2E19.

Pathfinder has pretty distinct and identifiable monster designs. Their ogres have a certain devious cleverness to their facial features and expressions. This is portrayed quite well in this very well painted figure. Even though he’s smaller than the D&D ogre miniature in this scene, I find Rise of the Runelords #033 Ogre to be more threatening, a testament to the quality of the mini. 

Dragonborn Patron Monster Menagerie 3 #020a Dragonborn Fighter

Why’s this dude have a shield equipped? I suppose he’s gearing up to get into the gravel. And yet he doesn’t get in on the fight. Maybe he’s just working up the courage? Hopefully he’ll get over his shieldbashfulness. He can do it, I believe in him! I’m already very invested in this subplot that I just concocted by overanalyzing the miniature choices. Anyway, this mini is kinda mediocre. 

Both the sculpt clarity and paint are muddled. This is another one of those really poorly thought out Icons of the Realms alternate miniatures. There are two version of this mini, one with a sword and the other with an axe and subtly different color scheme. Why it seems to me that this is a perfect opportunity to offer players two different dragonborn scale colors. Nope, they are both orange. I suppose the axe version is more of a rust color, but it’s still in the orange vein. What a waste. 

Even worse, the other dragonborn mini available from Icons of the Realms is also orange. And also is part of a alternate pair. Two models both with alternates for a total of four existing dragonborn miniatures, all of which are the same general color. Such an awful decision to make all of them the same gross road safety shade of orange. Fortunately, there are three halfdragon Icons of the Realms minis that offer black, gold, and red options.

If you want a better dragonborn you either have to paint it yourself or delve into the DDM back catalog. Very inconvenient. 

Orc Patron Tyranny of Dragons #010 Orc Fighter

A pretty good orc. A little cartoony, a little oversized, but pretty good. You can tell what this mini is from afar and the sculpt resolution is solid. He’s got some fun little design details, neato looking axe, skull dangling from his weapon, cutesy orc suspenders -and what’s this?! His hair... yet again the recurring ponytail with shaved sides of the head look. That’s four figures now in Campaign 2 with this doo. Get this to the wiki! The “evidence” is mounting that this is an official campaign setting haircut.

The Terrain

A real cool map this week. The background buildings from Miniature Building Authority were a brilliant addition to the urban setup.

Asarius, the City of Beasts Mats by Mars: Swamplands

This map is impressively versatile. It flawlessly represents a swampy area, but at the same time, throw a couple of building on it and it’s suddenly a city center. Many uses, grand piece of battle mat cartography.

Closing Remarks and Predictions

Still thirsty for drow figures. Hoping to see some more in episode 54. If we can be patient, I am confident Lolth will provide.

#criticalroleminiaturerollout

#criticalroleminiaturerollout #crspoilers #cr #critrole #criticalrole