I will be updating this thread on a regular basis. It is not meant to replace the other Mantic threads, but is intended to be a one stop read for those who don't have the time nor the inclination to search multiple threads.
These Mantic Fantasy and General rumours have been updated as of January 27th, 2012.
Recent updates are in Green. Sources are from a combination of contacts within Mantic, hobby industry insiders, video and online interviews, with the odd tidbit picked up from this and other forums, and Mantics own Newsletter and Website.
GENERAL MANTIC NEWS-Thanks go to Warseer Admin Wintermute for pointing this bit of news out.Hornby's Interim Management Statement and Trading Update"Hornby will distribute Mantic's "Kings of War" product range under our highly complementary Humbrol brand. In doing so we will enter the lucrative fantasy war gaming market, and provide a further vehicle for sales of our Humbrol paint ranges."-Ronnie has stated that starting in 2012 it's Mantic's intention to alternate monthly releases between their systems, with a few surprises being thrown in of course.
-Mid to late 2012 will see the release of the big Kings of War rulebook. Likely to be done in hardcover.In addition to the core rules there will likely be additional rules, all the current army lists, possibly scenarios, and of course lots of coloured photos of Mantics mini's.
-Mantics latest Newsletter talks about some great, but very limited army deals on undead, dwarfs, and elves if anyone wants to expand or start their army.
http://www.manticgames.com/Shop-Home/Sale/Special-Army-Deals.html?utm_source=Mantic+Games+Newsletter&utm_campaign=9eb5f05a7c-Mantic_Games_Newsletter_130&utm_medium=email-Mantics store is now selling Renendra's Tombstone and Barrel sets.
http://www.manticgames.com/Shop-Home/Paints-and-Hobby/Scenery.html-There's also a great deal on a 10 mini set of Hasslefrees female combat soldier set as well as a hobby supply bag deal full of paints, brushes, dice and more. Check the Mantic store for prices and more details.
DWARF KING'S HOLD- Ancient Grudge is the latest expansion for the Dwarf Kings Hold series of games.
- Introduces multiplayer rules, warbands, new races, and a couple new rooms to the game series.
- Because it is an expansion, and not a full game on it's own, you will also need one of the previous Dwarf Kings Hold sets to use this set.
ELVESUNDEAD-Ronnie has stated they'll be some new mini's out soon for a new undead unit that Alessio will be announcing shortly. No word yet on what the mini's will be, but speculation includes mounted wraiths, vampire infantry, werewolves, mummy's just to name a few. Lots of wishlisting regarding these.
DWARVES-Ronnie has again stated that Dwarven Cavalry will eventually be released. No timeline given however.
-Ronnie also has mentioned them as mounted on Badgers... However I'm hoping this was a joke, as his fishmen and gerbil comments were.
ABYSSAL DWARFS-Ronnie has confirmed restic releases for the Abyssal Dwarves for later this year. They will include restic halfbreeds while the other releases will be announced at a later date.
ORCS-Rumours are that Orcs with bows will be coming out at a later date.
TWILIGHT KIN/EVIL NAUGHTY ELVES- Concept art of the upcoming Twilight Kin Assassin.
-Above are some new better quality pics of the Twilight Kin.-Twilight kin will have it's official release in February, but are already up for preorder in Mantics online store.
GOBLINS-Pics of the new metal Goblins with Spears mini's.
-Ronnie has confirmed a plastic unit of goblin archers will be released later in the year.
-No release date given, but Ronnie has stated that the archers are currently away being tooled, so it's sounds like maybe a bit sooner than later.
HUMANS-Indications are that Ronnie feels that humans are already well represented in the Fantasy market by other manufacturers plastic ranges. It sounds like there are no immediate plans for Mantic to put out their own.
Ronnie was heard to say during one of Mantics events last year, that after the Goblins and the Twilight Kin, there will be two new races. These will be non typical fantasy races created, or possibly re-imagined, by Mantic. Speculation on possible contenders are;
DEMONS-Demons were mentioned for the first time at Mantics Open House. No further details on this possible army yet, although they might just exist as possible support units for the Twilight Kin army list.
OGRES-Rumblings of Ogres from Mantic have been going on for quite a while now. Still nothing more than speculative rumblings at this point though.
That's it for now. Looks like Fantasy releases are starting to pick up some steam. Thanks for hanging in there Fanatics!