New Tyranid Spore Pod Sculpt

[chapterhousestudios]

For all us Nid players...

Navarro has finished the Spore Pod he has been working on for a long time.

Take a peak..
http://www.chapterhousestudios.com/Nid%20Photos/Pod.jpg

Should have a final model in a month or so to show you guys painted up.

Nick

[Crevab]

wow

Suddenly I don't care about rumors of GW's spore pod.

[MadCowCrazy]

Dont get this wrong but that looks like some kind of fleshlight toy. Google if you dont know what a fleshlight is.

[The Hivemind]

As nice as your stuff is, I do have to agree with MadCowCrazy...that thing does look like it belongs on a more X rated site...

[HsojVvad]

Dont get this wrong but that looks like some kind of fleshlight toy. Google if you dont know what a fleshlight is.

I have to agree. I didn't know the name of it. Now I know. :eek:

This is so wrong chapterhouse. Do you guys have a fetish with the Ravener gun by chance?

This definently needs a resculpt. While it's beautifully done with the detail, it is just wrong.

My first impression wasn't a Spore Pod at all, I thought the top looks like what a Tevrigon might have, and the bottom, was a swollen, you know what, or a baby about to pop out of a you know what.

I will have to say no to this one. I know you guys take critisim really well. I love the quality but how can I buy this and let my son play with this? My wife will KILL me. Sorry it's a no go.

[Loken]

Yeah, not a fan. I love most of your stuff, but this is a miss. You ain't going to get relief from all the jokes. I have seen a lot of different things people are using for their pods, and most look better.

Please take it as constructive criticism. I like you guys and what you do.

Alec

[chapterhousestudios]

Well I have to degress, H.R. Geigers aliens as well as alot of Tyranid models have biological components. Even the books relay that. Honestly, if your son does play with this piece, would he even have any idea, if he did have an idea he did not get it from this model.

Being adults I would think you guys could see why we went this route, Nids are being born out of the pod.

It is not like there are breast and thighs and legs attached to this model. Its a biological orifice or mouth or portal, nothing more or less.

Nick

[mysterex]

Actually I like it. It captures the essence of what it is quite well and is better than anything else I've seen so far.

GW has released some "dodgy" figures in the past such as the last edition of the metal daemonettes and players loved them. The FW Keeper of Secrets usually turns up in someone's army at larger events but lets face it, you petty much have to be an adult to afford that much resin so you're unlikely to see a 13 year old with one.

Maybe my views are skewed because I only tend to play against other adults and so figure they're old enough to deal with it sensibly but the pod is a specialist piece of kit and you won't see one in the shop front window of a GW shop so "what's the problem?"

[Eyespy]

Google if you dont know what a fleshlight is.

If you don't know what a fleshlight is, revel in your blessed ignorance.

[Duncndisorderly]

Does it come with a crotchless attachment?
Actually I thought this was pretty cool, my buddy is a big nid player and his attempt at a pod was far more x-rated, i guess its all in the eye of the beholder

[eldargal]

One hell of a yeast infection.

Makes sense though, little drop-wombs firing out 'nids. Its not half as 'obscene' as some our resident 'nid lady has modelled.

[HsojVvad]

Well I have to degress, H.R. Geigers aliens as well as alot of Tyranid models have biological components. Even the books relay that. Honestly, if your son does play with this piece, would he even have any idea, if he did have an idea he did not get it from this model.

Being adults I would think you guys could see why we went this route, Nids are being born out of the pod.

It is not like there are breast and thighs and legs attached to this model. Its a biological orifice or mouth or portal, nothing more or less.

Nick

No he wouldn't know what it was. I showed my wife the pic, she laughed. I asked if I could get it, she said no.

I do see why you went this route, but I never thought of them being born out of the pods. Seeing this, now I understand it more.

Great quality work though. I love the detail.

[BuFFo]

Wow, you deleted my post? Well, it was only one word, so fair enough.

Here, let me make it more constructive.


I wouldn't want to buy that ugly model even if you paid me, because the jokes I would get from any of my opponents would never cease.

Is that better?

[chapterhousestudios]

Wow, you deleted my post? Well, it was only one word, so fair enough.

Here, let me make it more constructive.



I wouldn't want to buy that ugly model even if you paid me, because the jokes I would get from any of my opponents would never cease.

Is that better?

Constructive of you.

[Xanadu]

In my opinion it suits the whole 'dodgy biology' look that the Tyranids going on - it reminds me of octopus mouthparts as well as looking suitably disgusting. The sculpt is very much in Navarro's style.

I think that it makes a good stand-in for what will be replaced by a more crustacean looking GW official model in the future.

@Chapterhouse Is there any more news on the Female Farseer model and when will you update your website to include all of these lovely new things?

[chapterhousestudios]

I try not to post things on the site till I know they are available.

I for one hate having 100 invoices waiting for sold out items (which happens when I show them too early on the site).

I am thinking next week I will have news posted on the site of the new releases as well as the items for sale as well.

Nick

[BuFFo]

Constructive of you.

Yes, it is a FUGLY model that looks exactly like what you think it does.

Sorry not everyone is in love with your work 100% of the time.

[MadCowCrazy]

Does it come with a crotchless attachment?
Actually I thought this was pretty cool, my buddy is a big nid player and his attempt at a pod was far more x-rated, i guess its all in the eye of the beholder

I know the perfect picture for this post, I was going to post a link to the picture but Im not sure how you would class it.

Just google Dolphin Jar and look at the first picture in the picture search. What do you see? Its all in the eyes of the beholder isnt it :D


After reading CH reply I understand their reasoning better but I just cant bring myself to buy one. Can anyone who buys this and paints this reply to this thread if they get thrown out of a store for having an obscene model?

[HsojVvad]

Constructive of you.

You have to take the good with the bad. I thought you guys took critism well. For some reason I find you too defensive with this model.

While I say it is beautifully done, one person thinks it's fugly. It's matter of opnion. When it comes to Art espically in museums, I swear there is lots of ugley stuff there, while others say its one of the most beautiful works of art ever.

Buffo has one thing correct. Imagine going to a GW store playing with 12 year olds and you plop down that thing. Now imagine what those parents will say when they come into the store to pick up their kids and they see what is obviously on the table. Do you think they might let their kids come in and play then? Do you think the GW store manage will allow that to happen.

I don't think I could put down one of those down on the table and not be made fun off.

I guess your sales will be the final say if you are succefful or not. I wish you good sales since I like what you guys do. But please take the critisism. We are only here to help, other wise we woudln't have posted.

Rememeber a flippent remark is still critism, and the poster could not have bothered to tell you how horrible it is then.

Also it may be beautifully crafted, some people just don't want to see that.

[anal_parsons_project]

Wow, that is grate!

I fear the sporgina!

[scadugenga]

I have to agree with HsojVvad 100% on this, ChapterHouse--you post the pic/mini--you get the good with the bad.

Accept it, live with it, learn from it. Remember--you're posting to your potential customer base here. Coming off as defensive is not going to engender random passer-by to want to look at your website/place an order.

[chapterhousestudios]

Criticm is fine, yet I think everyone knows the difference between a critique and insults. Thats all Ill say.

[SierraFiveOne]

It's an okay start. I don't necessarily mind the whole "orifice" look (It makes sense for an organic drop pod), but it just doesn't jump out as Tyranid to me.

Just a few suggestions from someone who knows how great some constructive criticism can be.

Every Tyranid unit in the game has armor plates. From the tiny ones on the Genestealer's head to the big old things on the Trygon, they all have the segmented insect-like plates that distinctly mark them out as being Tyranids. I thing that if these could somehow be incorporated, they would go a long way to making the model look more Tyranid-y and less "pornographic" for lack of a better word.

Incorporate the lash whip and ripper tentacles somewhere. Right now the model looks completely defenseless, which is far from the truth in-game. Weapon options might also be a good idea if possible.

Throw some spikes or claws on the thing. That should break up the smooth outline and keep it from looking more "adult" than it should. Besides, pretty much everything Tyranid has claws and/or spikes. Doing this would also help make it look a little more Nid-worthy.

That's all I can think of at the moment. This has the potential to be a great model, but I don't think it's quite there yet. Just keep working at it and I have a feeling that this has the potential to be a favorite among Nid players.

Hope that helped.

[chapterhousestudios]

It's an okay start. I don't necessarily mind the whole "orifice" look (It makes sense for an organic drop pod), but it just doesn't jump out as Tyranid to me.

Just a few suggestions from someone who knows how great some constructive criticism can be.

Every Tyranid unit in the game has armor plates. From the tiny ones on the Genestealer's head to the big old things on the Trygon, they all have the segmented insect-like plates that distinctly mark them out as being Tyranids. I thing that if these could somehow be incorporated, they would go a long way to making the model look more Tyranid-y and less "pornographic" for lack of a better word.

Incorporate the lash whip and ripper tentacles somewhere. Right now the model looks completely defenseless, which is far from the truth in-game. Weapon options might also be a good idea if possible.

Throw some spikes or claws on the thing. That should break up the smooth outline and keep it from looking more "adult" than it should. Besides, pretty much everything Tyranid has claws and/or spikes. Doing this would also help make it look a little more Nid-worthy.

That's all I can think of at the moment. This has the potential to be a great model, but I don't think it's quite there yet. Just keep working at it and I have a feeling that this has the potential to be a favorite among Nid players.

Hope that helped.

Well here are some other shots, there are whips and tentacles coming out of one side, we are also including a optional bit that will have a "nodule" with a weapon limb poke out that you can magnetize as well as add your choice of GW weapon to the end.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f59/NAVARROpt/BUGS/Pod3.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f59/NAVARROpt/BUGS/Pod4.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f59/NAVARROpt/BUGS/Pod9.jpg

Maybe that answers some of your critiques.

By the way I appreciate your comments, that is helpful and not insulting.

Nick

[C'Thulhu]

It's a wicked looking model and it's very well done. But it has a more beast-from-the-ocean-floor look to it than a Tyranid look.

If you look at the picture in the Codex a mycetic spore actually looks a carnifex w/ tentacles

[Crevab]

That's because the picture in the foreground is the 'fex emerging from the pod;)

Look at the ones in the background and landing

[BuFFo]

Criticm is fine, yet I think everyone knows the difference between a critique and insults. Thats all Ill say.

Of which no one here has insulted you.

So I think you are the one here that doesn't know the difference.

Welcome to the world of Art! Take from me, as a comic book artist - Not everyone is going to like your work. When someone ACTUALLY insults you, to your face, then you'll know what an insult is.

The model is ugly as a spore pod. Live in denial behind the weak sheath of moderator protection, doesn't bother me one bit. We all know what it looks like, as people in my local store have already shared my opinion on this matter, only THEY were actually insulting, because they don't have a censor stopping what they say.

You do good work, but what you need to learn as a seller is to never allow your emotions to show. You aren't the customer. You are better than that. Just smile and move on. Don't get defensive because someone made you feel butt hurt.

[Old_Paladin]

I have to agree with the majority of people here.

It does look very well done and... realistic...
But, good eye to detail and skill does not equal appropriate or classy.

There are so many other ways it could have been made: armoured beaks that are opening, dripping slime; three or four organic 'leaves/pedals' like the eggs in the alien series, even something that looks more like a heart valve or stomach sphincter (if you needed it to look like human organics).

But instead, I cannot help but feel, the idea must have went, "Her, Her. Lets make it look like a Vag." Very grown up.

[heartbitt]

IMHO.... The original Nids (except some of the RT era) are based on Aliens movie (Cameron's queen alien) rather than Alien movie (H.R. Giger's warrior alien). Althought the Alien Queen preseves part of the exoskeleton, and other so well establish features, was a major departure from H.R. Giger's sexual simbolism intrinsic imaginery for a more combat-warrior/plating/armoured/beastie. And it's Cameron's warrior bug version what's the real inspiration core for Nids.
For that reason I think it's a stepback (althought original and great craftwork) and does not transmit a Nid sense, look & feel..

[Crevab]

Oh yes, a sphincter. I'm sure that would lead to a much more mature critique:rolleyes:

[Unzuul the Lascivious]

Frankly, although everyone is entitled to their opinion, a lot of what has been said here is totally moronic. Firstly, if you're old enough to be playing a game as bloodthirsty and visceral as 40K is, then you know what a vagina looks like. 'Ooh, the opening looks like one, boo hoo blah blah'. Big deal.
Secondly, it only RESEMBLES one.

Thirdly, I think this is brilliantly representative of what a Tyranid spore pod would look like - huge muscular organisms which can absorb the impact of descent, cushioning the Tyranids organisms inside from harm. The entry/exit orifice actually merely resembles any number of organic orifices found in nature.
Now if people don't like it, fair enough. If you're offended by how it looks, I say 'Man Up!' - the reaction, quite frankly, is that of a bunch of school children. You can see these types of orifice every time you walk down the street and see a dog's anus. Maybe dogs should all wear trousers in case someone gets offended...

I say great work, stick with it as is and just let the grown ups buy one.

Seriously, I have to question whether some people have actually even looked properly at a what everyone thinks this is...

[Fizyx]

I don't care how vaginal it looks; it still doesn't change the fact it doesn't look very good. That plastic egg people were painting as a spore pod looks better. Detail doesn't mean anything if the model doesn't look right.

Honestly, I haven't really liked any of the 'nid stuff you guys have made. I mean, it looks cool, just not very Tyranid-y. I know you don't want to copy the pictures in the codex exactly, but you could at least try and come close. The number 1 comment on my boneswords (other than people glad to see WYSIWYG boneswords) is how much better they look than the Chapterhouse version.

Are there things on your website I like? Yes. Have you made anything I like in the last year? No.

If I come across as insulting... well, I pretty much am being insulting. I just can't think of a criticism other than "make better models." You've done it in the past, so do it again.

[Duke]

Ok everyone, we understand what many of you think the "spore pod," looks like. Please come up with new constructive criticism or praise because hearing the same comment over and over is getting old.

Duke

[eldargal]

I assume you are referring to the Paulson games swords? I think they look clumsy and stupid. This is my opinion and in no way invalidates the opinion of those who prefer them to the Chapterhouse versions. I think Chapterhouses swords make more sense being integral to the critter instead of being gripped in a hand which makes absolutely no sense for an engineered organism like that.
Taste is subjective, because some people do not like something or think it ugly does not make it so. I'm beginning to think the penalty for not grasping this basic concept should be being taken out and shot at dawn, its become so widespread in this hobby.



I don't care how vaginal it looks; it still doesn't change the fact it doesn't look very good. That plastic egg people were painting as a spore pod looks better. Detail doesn't mean anything if the model doesn't look right.

Honestly, I haven't really liked any of the 'nid stuff you guys have made. I mean, it looks cool, just not very Tyranid-y. I know you don't want to copy the pictures in the codex exactly, but you could at least try and come close. The number 1 comment on my boneswords (other than people glad to see WYSIWYG boneswords) is how much better they look than the Chapterhouse version.

Are there things on your website I like? Yes. Have you made anything I like in the last year? No.

If I come across as insulting... well, I pretty much am being insulting. I just can't think of a criticism other than "make better models." You've done it in the past, so do it again.

[Unzuul the Lascivious]

DUKE

I object to your editing of my post. I used no swear words, only medical words. Reasons please - censorship of scientific terms is ridiculous

Duke - Thanks for PM, I understand that some people are ignorant and that you have to protect people from their own stupidity. I will have to use pre-school word from now on.

[Duke]

Thank you for letting me know, pm incoming.

Duke

[chapterhousestudios]

Thanks, and to the latest posters, no I dont take your comments as insulting. Some of the overboard ones are, even if you are artist, there are ways to say things without going overboard.

P.S. I like the dogs butt comment :)

[chapterhousestudios]

I don't care how vaginal it looks; it still doesn't change the fact it doesn't look very good. That plastic egg people were painting as a spore pod looks better. Detail doesn't mean anything if the model doesn't look right.

Honestly, I haven't really liked any of the 'nid stuff you guys have made. I mean, it looks cool, just not very Tyranid-y. I know you don't want to copy the pictures in the codex exactly, but you could at least try and come close. The number 1 comment on my boneswords (other than people glad to see WYSIWYG boneswords) is how much better they look than the Chapterhouse version.

Are there things on your website I like? Yes. Have you made anything I like in the last year? No.

If I come across as insulting... well, I pretty much am being insulting. I just can't think of a criticism other than "make better models." You've done it in the past, so do it again.

Personally I think the onesyou may have sculpted (I think we are talking about the same ones) are pretty much copies of the original 2nd edition Boneswords. If you look at a tyranid warrior back then, you cut off his hand with the sword and it looks exactly the same.

I tend to try to get my sculptors to go more original and not rehash previously produced ideas.
GW Boneswords

http://homepages.ihug.com.au/%7Etezzajw/mutty.jpg
http://www.bobcram.com/images/trades/warriors2.jpg

Your Boneswords
http://www.paulsongames.com/i//alienbonesword.jpg

Thats not to say they are not good sculpts at all.

But hey, let the consumers make the decisions, no one puts a gun to their heads.

[Xas]

I dont have a problem with the opening bit and tbh I think only immature people would think it looks like a vag. there are many details which simply do not match.

What I dont like about it is the soft nature of the overall body. Remember that these things have to survive atmospheric reentry without any sort of retro-engines. Therefore I would assume that allmost the whole body is covered in heavy chitin-plating. I think it would be a good idea to sculpt a set of say 6-12 chitin-shell parts (which could include the missing lashwhips and grappling whips sculpted as emerging between the scales) so everyone can customize their pod to be as organic or armored as they wish.

Assuming that if you'd use all the parts the whole body would be covered (leaving only free the upper vents) you would prolly please everyone as those who dont like a particular part could just cover it with the armor shells.

[chapterhousestudios]

This could happen, right now I am thinking about the production cost of the model, this will impact the end cost, and I dont want to price it out of peoples cost range.

[Fizyx]

@CHS:

The Paulson Games ones are in fact what I am using, and they do look much like not only the second edition, but also the third edition metal and fourth edition plastic warrior boneswords, the Tyrant Boneswords, and every other bonesword model GW has produced. They are not exact copies; there is some originality, but the sculpt definitely allows the sword to flow very well with the current scything talon arm and is easily recognizable as a bonesword. The problem I have with yours is they do not look like boneswords.

I do, however, think that they fit very well with the fluff description of what boneswords are. In fact, if someone were to just read the current description and make a model, it would most likely look more like yours than the current GW versions. The problem is that they simply don't look enough like the GW models to be acceptable to me and others as boneswords. Yeah, that's definitely a subjective statement, but there are a lot of people who hold my opinion.

Of course I was merely using the Boneswords as an example. The same could be said for the lash-whips, too. I'm not sold on the Ymgarrl heads, but I do agree they look cool, if not just visually pleasing to me.

The Spore Pod seems to be going down the same path, that's all

[Porty1119]

My pal went with half a foam football that has some spikes and guns glued on XD.

[Tynskel]

Personally I think the onesyou may have sculpted (I think we are talking about the same ones) are pretty much copies of the original 2nd edition Boneswords. If you look at a tyranid warrior back then, you cut off his hand with the sword and it looks exactly the same.

I tend to try to get my sculptors to go more original and not rehash previously produced ideas.
GW Boneswords

http://homepages.ihug.com.au/%7Etezzajw/mutty.jpg
http://www.bobcram.com/images/trades/warriors2.jpg

Your Boneswords
http://www.paulsongames.com/i//alienbonesword.jpg

Thats not to say they are not good sculpts at all.

But hey, let the consumers make the decisions, no one puts a gun to their heads.

Old Skool. I have a bunch of those guys too! You should have seen the glee on my face when I saw Boneswords were gunna be back on Warriors.

[Tynskel]

For all us Nid players...

Navarro has finished the Spore Pod he has been working on for a long time.

Take a peak..
http://www.chapterhousestudios.com/Nid%20Photos/Pod.jpg

Should have a final model in a month or so to show you guys painted up.

Nick

Awesome Sculpt. As much as all of the 'angry female part' jokes that I have been reading--- the model looks incredible.

[Porty1119]

AAAAARGGHH!!!!!! That THING is/was a Warrior in 2nd? I find my lack of nostalgia reassuring...

[w7west]

Very nice model. If you happen to see reproductive organs that look like that I would contact the authorities immediately to combat the infestation.