Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Pendraken Releases, Requests and Photos! => Requests => Fantasy/Sci-Fi Requests => Topic started by: Antioch on 27 February 2024, 05:59:40 PM

Title: Orcs?
Post by: Antioch on 27 February 2024, 05:59:40 PM
Far from a regular here on the forum, but suprised there isn't a Pendraken 10mm Orc range. I am sure there is history here somewhere but haven't been able to find anything. I admit I haven't looked in on the Warband rules to see if they are included in there... (which maybe a reason they aren't)

I imagine Leon's to do list is vast & extensive...but maybe??
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Leon on 27 February 2024, 06:06:57 PM
We used to have a range of Orcs but they were really 15mm figures and were way bigger than anything else in the Fantasy ranges.  We dropped them when Warband was released and just left the Goblins instead.  We do have some folks who use the Goblins as Orcs though.

There were some plans to add some chunkier figures to use as Orcs but we didn't get chance to do them (2020 I think?)  We're hoping to add Ratmen and Amazon later this year so we'll see if we can fit some Orc types in next year.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Antioch on 28 February 2024, 02:14:25 AM
Thanks Leon....Answer much appreciated. I have a Goblin army somewhere in your casters backlog so will get a good look at them in the near future. However somehow I doubt they will work for me as Orcs. But I will find an alternative in the interim. I understand hobby desires doesn't nesc make a great economic reason/decision on what to put into production.

You have many other wares that are tempting enough in the interim.

Bob
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Last Hussar on 28 February 2024, 12:50:44 PM
I know Orcs - he definitely isn't 10mm tall...
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 28 February 2024, 01:20:43 PM
Quote from: Last Hussar on 28 February 2024, 12:50:44 PMI know Orcs - he definitely isn't 10mm tall...

Throw Nobby your coat on the way out  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Last Hussar on 28 February 2024, 04:33:11 PM
1) I have a Dolman and Pelisse

2) Oy, Orcs, Kermit thinks you're a midget.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Orcs on 28 February 2024, 05:20:12 PM
Quote from: Last Hussar on 28 February 2024, 04:33:11 PM2) Oy, Orcs, Kermit thinks you're a midget.

That's alright, while he was queuing Gents, I couldn't wait that long, so used his beer glass!  :-&  :-&

He didn't notice - I am not sure what that says for:-
A: The Beer here
B: His taste buds
C: How much Beer i have drunk. 
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Keraunos on 18 March 2024, 11:21:00 AM
It seems a bit awkard to bring this up, but doesn't Pendraken do a range of Night Orcs - or is that a typographical error?
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Ithoriel on 18 March 2024, 01:08:03 PM

QuoteIt seems a bit awkard to bring this up, but doesn't Pendraken do a range of Night Orcs - or is that a typographical error?
Apparently so


(https://www.pendraken.co.uk/user/products/large/spearmen-25--4740-p.jpg)
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Last Hussar on 18 March 2024, 01:10:02 PM
Norcs...
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Antioch on 18 March 2024, 03:04:37 PM
Quote from: Keraunos on 18 March 2024, 11:21:00 AMIt seems a bit awkard to bring this up, but doesn't Pendraken do a range of Night Orcs - or is that a typographical error?

They certainly do, but I was looking for just plain every day 'tolkien like' orcs. These are a rather differnt look & sculpt then what I wanted...so while I have some of Pendrakens goblins....there night orcs are a differnt range entirely.

One of the difficulties manufacturers have is havng to differentiate a product with others.  (For a lot of differnt reasons). 
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 18 March 2024, 05:34:24 PM

QuoteApparently so


(https://www.pendraken.co.uk/user/products/large/spearmen-25--4740-p.jpg)


Hug a hoodie!
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Big Insect on 18 March 2024, 06:05:24 PM
The greater good!
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: far4ngn on 22 May 2024, 06:16:46 AM
Leon, can we get some Goblin catapults added to the range please.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 22 May 2024, 08:37:39 AM

QuoteApparently so


(https://www.pendraken.co.uk/user/products/large/spearmen-25--4740-p.jpg)


Just needs a drummer pose and a bit of greenstuff.
Hey presto - Goth Rockband.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Raider4 on 22 May 2024, 11:57:48 AM
QuoteJust needs a drummer pose and a bit of greenstuff.
Hey presto - Goth Rockband.
Copplestone Castings make a "Band on the Run (https://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/prod.php?prod=216)", although as 28mm they are clearly far too big.

(https://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/images/img216.jpg)
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Leon on 19 February 2025, 09:20:14 PM
Votes added!
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: far4ngn on 17 July 2025, 08:22:31 AM
Thought I'd raise this question again, the Goblin figures are 10mm to the eyes, so if we can have some slightly larger sculpts for Orcs 12mm to eyes that would be great.

Hopefully more like Lord of the Rings than GW but both would do nicely 😁
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Big Insect on 17 July 2025, 08:04:36 PM
Quote from: far4ngn on 17 July 2025, 08:22:31 AMThought I'd raise this question again, the Goblin figures are 10mm to the eyes, so if we can have some slightly larger sculpts for Orcs 12mm to eyes that would be great.

Hopefully more like Lord of the Rings than GW but both would do nicely 😁

Interesting observation re GW & LotR. The GW LotR range, based in the film were, in my humble opinion, pretty much spot on. At least in my imagination. Tolkien describes Orcs as broken, twisred and corrupted elves, with regard to their origins (or 'back story' as it is now called).
So yes, that woukd be a good depiction.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: far4ngn on 24 October 2025, 06:39:45 AM
I'm looking to see how Leon and the team integrate some of the 15mm ranges with the 12mm items... hopefully some twisted elves/orcs can emerge from that 👍
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Orcs on 24 October 2025, 11:53:42 PM
Quote from: Big Insect on 17 July 2025, 08:04:36 PMInteresting observation re GW & LotR. The GW LotR range, based in the film were, in my humble opinion, pretty much spot on. At least in my imagination. Tolkien describes Orcs as broken, twisred and corrupted elves, with regard to their origins (or 'back story' as it is now called).
So yes, that woukd be a good depiction.
Apart from the fact that Tolkien only refers to Orcs with Spears, bows and swords. No mention of Pikes or Crossbows for them.

Secondly I am not broken or twisted, but possibly corrupted.  :)
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Big Insect on 27 October 2025, 04:15:35 PM
Quote from: Orcs on 24 October 2025, 11:53:42 PMApart from the fact that Tolkien only refers to Orcs with Spears, bows and swords. No mention of Pikes or Crossbows for them.

Secondly I am not broken or twisted, but possibly corrupted.  :)


Ah yes, the old pikes v lances v spears conundrum ... it's all a bit like the "how long is a piece of string?" question.
I'm not sure that Tolkien actually refers to crossbows specifically at all (although I am happy to be educated upon such matters).
"Wat's its gots in its pocketzes, my precious." - pieces of string, an old bit of half-chewed chewing gum, paper clips, dried up prunes, a nasty snotty tissue and the skeletons of boys who've crawled away to die (curtesy of N. Molesworth Esq.)
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Orcs on 27 October 2025, 04:55:30 PM
Quote from: Big Insect on 27 October 2025, 04:15:35 PMAh yes, the old pikes v lances v spears conundrum ... it's all a bit like the "how long is a piece of string?" question.
I'm not sure that Tolkien actually refers to crossbows specifically at all (although I am happy to be educated upon such matters).
"Wat's its gots in its pocketzes, my precious." - pieces of string, an old bit of half-chewed chewing gum, paper clips, dried up prunes, a nasty snotty tissue and the skeletons of boys who've crawled away to die (curtesy of N. Molesworth Esq.)

Tolkien mentions curved scimitars, short broad-bladed swords, spears, knives, and bows for the Orcs - Boromior dies from multiple arrow wounds.

I suspect the Pikes are for visual effect on the mass battle scenes, rather than accuracy.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Last Hussar on 27 October 2025, 05:35:12 PM
Cozy accuracy in fantasy fiction is paramount?

I had the part work. The figures for the 9 were spot on.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Orcs on 27 October 2025, 10:45:36 PM
Quote from: Last Hussar on 27 October 2025, 05:35:12 PMCozy accuracy in fantasy fiction is paramount?


Tolkien is historical fact! :D
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Big Insect on 28 October 2025, 05:43:33 PM
I can see the T-shirt:

Tolkien is Trooof!
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 28 October 2025, 05:54:07 PM
Quote from: Big Insect on 28 October 2025, 05:43:33 PMI can see the T-shirt:

Tolkien is Trooof!

I would wear dat
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: MonAtArms on 09 March 2026, 06:23:41 AM
Just resurrecting the old Orc thread with a small pseudo-poll.

What kind of Orcs do you like the most?

More classic Tolkien-style?
More square and brutal?
More or less civilised?

To be honest, I had never really thought about it before. Better said, the question had never really occurred to me until now. It made me realise how many different interpretations of Orcs there actually are.



(https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/forgottenrealms/images/4/44/Monster_Manual_-_1D%26D_-_Orc_-_p76.png/revision/latest?cb=20141012193130)A

(https://i0.wp.com/delve-rpg.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tim-Trueman-Orc-Story.png?w=594&ssl=1) B

(https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/forgottenrealms/images/0/0a/Monster_Manual_-_2D%26D_-_Orc_-_p281.png/revision/latest?cb=20221105160436) C

(https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/064/953/272/large/henrik-rosenborg-vampyr.jpg?1689154100) D

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8o8f6XmZclM3EVrcw7Kj2KBNZs2qupKByIg&s) E

(https://preview.redd.it/if-someone-asked-me-for-a-single-piece-of-artwork-that-v0-6f9y7pz5zwxc1.jpeg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=a5dbcbcb8d7ef0d3d6f70fbf6d520a23bd4bb372) F

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT0M0w1QahAnk6UkU-kNblWKV6DIYOdujCfig&s) G

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTTzkH0BFksikGONCAmBXEHA3MQm-dFItcksQ&s) H

(https://wow.zamimg.com/uploads/screenshots/normal/951895.jpg?maxWidth=1800) I

And another question: is there any type of Orc you feel is missing or underrepresented?

Curious to hear everyone's preferences!
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Ithoriel on 09 March 2026, 08:41:02 AM
Since Orcs are corrupted elves I would have gone with E for a very long time but alas my vision of Orcs has been corrupted by the evil empire and these days if I think of Orcs it is G that comes to mind.

Though they are most definitely brown skinned not green!

On the other hand, influenced by Alan Garner, I often think of goblins as piebald black and white. 
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Big Insect on 09 March 2026, 09:02:09 AM
'A' .... ah yes ... them wuz the days!
25mm scale Minifigs LotR 'pig-orcs' you gotta luv em  :D  :D  :D
(still available from Minifigs I gather)
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 09 March 2026, 09:09:10 AM
Well, there is this...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grunts
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: MonAtArms on 09 March 2026, 09:22:43 AM
QuoteWell, there is this...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grunts

Well, that link sent me down a rather unexpected rabbit hole...

Which led me to discover this absolute gem from the 80s:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085625/

The whole thing has very strong orc vibes to be honest. I'm half convinced someone in fantasy design must have watched this at some point for inspiration! 😄

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zxEAAOSwkYhmTQXz/s-l400.jpg)
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Big Insect on 09 March 2026, 12:58:32 PM
the opposite of the old adage ..."where the sun don't shine!"   :'(  :'(  :'( 

My personal vote would be for option 'E'

There is also the additional approach from the Will Smith film 'Shine' of course, but that's more of a 'modern' take on things.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Orcs on 09 March 2026, 06:07:44 PM
Personally I would go with E. I felt the old Vendal Miniatures Orcs/Goblins were spot on.

Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Last Hussar on 09 March 2026, 06:34:09 PM
Well, if anybody knows about what an orc looks like...
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Fingolfin on 09 March 2026, 08:49:47 PM
As a die-hard Tolkien anal-purist, I'm happy with anything that has long arms, bow-legs and a "sallow face" that wields a scimitar. Have to say that the Pendraken 'Goblin' range is pretty in-line and canon for me.

I would love to see Pendraken produce some larger Uruk-Hai.

Somewhere between D and E is my sweet-spot.

Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: far4ngn on 10 March 2026, 07:05:09 AM
D and E would be my pick
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: flamingpig0 on 10 March 2026, 07:34:00 AM
A are my favourite Orcs
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 10 March 2026, 08:42:35 AM
I meet Orcs in two settings.

Tabletop battles, usually playing as the fatalist shock troops / cannon fodder.
Wave attacks, prefer an epic ending to surviving the campaign....
E, G or I work in that role.

Individual Characters in Role Playing games.
Here they are far more civilised and able to co-exist in human society.
Somewhere close to Tolkien's ruffians form Bree.
For this I'm inclined toward H - but with better tailoring.


The difference between wargaming and role playing gaming.

A wargamer brings hundreds of figures and one rulebook.
A role player brings one figure (or none) and multiple rule books.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Ithoriel on 10 March 2026, 10:56:19 AM
In my RPG campaigns civilised orcs are definitely not a thing.

An Orc's appearance, like their lives, is nasty, brutish and short.

In Harn, my setting for my later fantasy campaigns, Gargun are the orc and goblin equivalents. In the Harn background Gargun are cave dwelling and oviparous. So my Gargun emerge from their eggs and receive their first sustenance not from mother's milk but from those of their siblings who have not yet emerged from their eggs.

A Gargun's thoughts are centred on the Four F's. "Can I fight it, f**k it, feed on it or set fire to it?"
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: flamingpig0 on 10 March 2026, 11:08:32 AM
Make Orcs Great Again
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Orcs on 10 March 2026, 05:42:44 PM
Quote from: flamingpig0 on 10 March 2026, 11:08:32 AMMake Orcs Great Again

Amen to that!
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 10 March 2026, 07:31:30 PM
Wondered how long that would take!
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Big Insect on 11 March 2026, 10:26:21 AM
I have a 6mm army of Orange Orcs for FWC - they tend to be impetuous and bloodthirsty with a low CV.
Just saying ....
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: streetgang on 11 March 2026, 11:09:55 AM
I'm a fan of the old Tolkein/Vallejo style orcs although I cut my teeth on Citadel/Marauder orcs from WHFB 3rd/4th edition.
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: MonAtArms on 11 March 2026, 01:26:36 PM
QuotePersonally I would go with E. I felt the old Vendal Miniatures Orcs/Goblins were spot on.



(https://i.imgur.com/wC613Vk.jpg)


They remind me very much of the Orcs from the 1978 Lord of the Rings movie.


Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Ithoriel on 11 March 2026, 02:34:44 PM
The Vendal orcs are too well armoured for my taste

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPgCJKGy.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=3e42cdd8c52492871b3dab6c2c7fd2d573049b786b40e0eed03d690618baf3e6)
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Orcs on 11 March 2026, 02:37:52 PM
Quote from: Ithoriel on 11 March 2026, 02:34:44 PMThe Vendal orcs are too well armoured for my taste

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPgCJKGy.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=3e42cdd8c52492871b3dab6c2c7fd2d573049b786b40e0eed03d690618baf3e6)
You can always use the Vendal Goblins
Title: Re: Orcs?
Post by: Gwydion on 11 March 2026, 03:42:25 PM
QuoteIn my RPG campaigns civilised orcs are definitely not a thing.

An Orc's appearance, like their lives, is nasty, brutish and short.
I am continually shocked by how a great race like that of the Orcs has been traduced by the malicious propaganda of the Men of the West and their lackeys. If only people studied the chronicles of their development AFTER the "Unpleasantness of Orodruin".
Some of which you can find here:ORCS (https://gfarrish.wordpress.com/orcs/)