Skeleton Warriors (pack I)

[StonemaulMidget]

Hey, take all the time you want. SoC has already taken care of the WarCraft II skeleton.

 

[Kyrbi0]

The Kul Tirans is a "specific breed of human that hail from the island nation of Kul Tiras that was founded by fearless explorers who sailed uncharted waters in search of adventure". Are they the same guys as Jaina and Admiral Proudmoore from WC3?

Yeah they are (or at least have been retconned as such, IIRC).

Yeah I definitely wouldn't go down the route of "models individualized for different clans/tribes/factions of X"; other people are doing that already, and you're stated goal of "generically-useful, Blizzard-style model packs" is simply divine as it is. However, considering some of the sub-factions as a source of inspiration (artistically/aesthetically), might still be up your alley.

 

[Deolrin]

Oh guys I have no idea about WC2 and WoW settings because I have never played it so I don't know if I can follow your advice In this pack I tried to create some more stereotyped warrior types that can have greater range of use. In order to create something more specific, I have to invest more effort and time, which also requires my attention in some other packs and single models. Thus, I'm afraid I'll die learning all the factions and their traits in order to create meaningful and lore-appropriate models from WoW So I'll probably be fooling around in Warcraft 3 for a while.
The Kul Tirans is a "specific breed of human that hail from the island nation of Kul Tiras that was founded by fearless explorers who sailed uncharted waters in search of adventure". Are they the same guys as Jaina and Admiral Proudmoore from WC3?

I don't think WoW should be followed too closely beyond basic aesthetic if you like something you see. The Warcraft franchise is rife with retcons and re-imaginations. Kul Tiras was, originally, simply a a seafarer faction of the Alliance, with the strongest navy out of all the other kingdoms. Admiral Proudmoore and Jaina are indeed Kul Tirans. In WoW they are chubby looking guys who worship sea gods, it's a little weird. If you want to follow a sort of mix - the WC2-WC3 era kingdom with a hint of WoW aesthetic - go look at the Kul Tiran pack made for Warcraft 3 Reforged by the Chronicles of the Second War team and the Kul Tiras building pack by bakr. There are also Asssssvi's Kul Tirans which can serve as inspiration.
Either way for the pirate skeleton I think simply going for a classic pirate aesthetic could work. The reason StonemaulMidget talked about WC2 is because Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness features a focus on naval forces, and this is the box art:

Spoiler

 

[StonemaulMidget]

I don't think WoW should be followed too closely beyond basic aesthetic if you like something you see. The Warcraft franchise is rife with retcons and re-imaginations. Kul Tiras was, originally, simply a a seafarer faction of the Alliance, with the strongest navy out of all the other kingdoms. Admiral Proudmoore and Jaina are indeed Kul Tirans. In WoW they are chubby looking guys who worship sea gods, it's a little weird. If you want to follow a sort of mix - the WC2-WC3 era kingdom with a hint of WoW aesthetic - go look at the Kul Tiran pack made for Warcraft 3 Reforged by the Chronicles of the Second War team and the Kul Tiras building pack by bakr. There are also Asssssvi's Kul Tirans which can serve as inspiration.
Either way for the pirate skeleton I think simply going for a classic pirate aesthetic could work. The reason StonemaulMidget talked about WC2 is because Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness features a focus on naval forces, and this is the box art:

Spoiler

Of course. I brought up the skeletal orc pirate, based on the artwork, simply because we were talking about having a skeletal pirate. I think I've seen other references to the orc pirate for Warcraft 2, so I must surf the Internet for those.
However, we should give Villagerino some space because he did say he's got many ideas for skeletons, and we should respect that.
However, if he needs inspiration, he has but to ask.

 

[Villagerino]

Yeah I definitely wouldn't go down the route of "models individualized for different clans/tribes/factions of X"; other people are doing that already, and you're stated goal of "generically-useful, Blizzard-style model packs" is simply divine as it is.

If I were as deft with words as you are, then I would briefly "round" my position in the same way. Therefore, thank you.

I don't think WoW should be followed too closely beyond basic aesthetic if you like something you see. The Warcraft franchise is rife with retcons and re-imaginations. Kul Tiras was, originally, simply a a seafarer faction of the Alliance, with the strongest navy out of all the other kingdoms. Admiral Proudmoore and Jaina are indeed Kul Tirans. In WoW they are chubby looking guys who worship sea gods, it's a little weird. If you want to follow a sort of mix - the WC2-WC3 era kingdom with a hint of WoW aesthetic - go look at the Kul Tiran pack made for Warcraft 3 Reforged by the Chronicles of the Second War team and the Kul Tiras building pack by bakr. There are also Asssssvi's Kul Tirans which can serve as inspiration.
Either way for the pirate skeleton I think simply going for a classic pirate aesthetic could work. The reason StonemaulMidget talked about WC2 is because Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness features a focus on naval forces, and this is the box art:

Spoiler

This Kul Tirans pack is magnificent, I must say.

Of course. I brought up the skeletal orc pirate, based on the artwork, simply because we were talking about having a skeletal pirate. I think I've seen other references to the orc pirate for Warcraft 2, so I must surf the Internet for those.
However, we should give Villagerino some space because he did say he's got many ideas for skeletons, and we should respect that.
However, if he needs inspiration, he has but to ask.

As for a Skeleton Pirate, to make it juicy and useful, I would definitely add a pistol, tricorn, eye patch, and Kul Tiran boots with gloves. Some other Kul Tiran aesthetic would also help me bring in more variation. I like your idea and I'll take it into consideration
Yes, right now I have no shortage of inspiration and, frankly, I'm even holding back my imagination as it takes my attention away from other modeling projects.

 

[Kyrbi0]

If I were as deft with words as you are, then I would briefly "round" my position in the same way. Therefore, thank you.

You do me a great kindness.

As for a Skeleton Pirate, to make it juicy and useful, I would definitely add a pistol, tricorn, eye patch, and Kul Tiran boots with gloves. Some other Kul Tiran aesthetic would also help me bring in more variation. I like your idea and I'll take it into consideration

Reminds me of this gem; looking forward to your version. : )

 

[Villagerino]

You do me a great kindness.


Reminds me of this gem; looking forward to your version. : )

Rather creative! I wanted to use the same textures and geosets and also for the team-colored part. So, I'm glad you showed it, otherwise I would have made almost a copy I even have a similar death anim

Spoiler

in some of my models in progress.

 

[Kyrbi0]

Rather creative! I wanted to use the same textures and geosets and also for the team-colored part. So, I'm glad you showed it, otherwise I would have made almost a copy I even have a similar death anim

Spoiler

View attachment 401204

in some of my models in progress.

I don't think there's anything wrong with multiple versions of the same thing (even using similar/same geosets/textures); but I did want you to be aware of what else there was in case that mattered more to you. : )

And heck yeah that Death anim is siiiiick, don't feel like you need to change that.

 

[Tryndamere]

amazing skeleton unitsss

 

[ThompZon]

Excellent and very useful skeleton pack!

Note that at least the Duelist (unsure about the others) attachment point for weapon is just "r" and "l", not the "standard" "left", "right", meaning something like Troll Berserks's "Berserk" ability does not show vfx without attachment point adjustment on ability or model.

 

[Masky]

amazing pack! so creative

 

[Nightmare2077]

Hey there, I noticed a small bug with one of the modles that I wanted to report

SkeletonSquire.mdl has a bugged portrait (no portrait camera):

 

[Villagerino]

Hey there, I noticed a small bug with one of the modles that I wanted to report

SkeletonSquire.mdl has a bugged portrait (no portrait camera):

Hello! Maybe you are missing SkeletonSquire_Portrait.mdx?

Spoiler: game check

 

[Nightmare2077]

Hello! Maybe you are missing SkeletonSquire_Portrait.mdx?

Spoiler: game check

View attachment 421504

Ah damn, my bad, sorry for the false alarm

PS: I thought portrait files always display next to the base ones here on hive, but obviously this is not the case, that's why I missed it.

 

[Masky]

Hello! Maybe you are missing SkeletonSquire_Portrait.mdx?

Spoiler: game check

View attachment 421504

BRUH poor skeleton

 

[King I Rat]

Holy shimt, I funkin lowe skelingtons.. !

 

[Map Designer]

I could use these models for my Enhanced Raise dead spell (aka different corpse=different skeleton)

I particulary liked Duelist attack animation, and also the whole scary model of Mauler.

if anything needs improvement its the Attack-3 animation for Berserker/Juggernaut.

I have question though: which corpse fits Mauler the most?
Barbarian skellies certainly fit for ogre corpse, I guess mauler fits there too?
also what about animal corpses
@MasterHaosis what do you think?

 

[Nicolasxx]

Amazing work with all the melee skeletons with various one-handed weapons! I appreciate the effort and attention to detail you're putting into this project.
With all these models, maybe it is time for a mapmaker to team up with you to do Skeletal Gladiators [An undead variation of Orc Gladiators] xDD
Or maybe such a map has already been made/considered, and if it is, they should definitely check out your models!
Once again, very lovely and elegant work.

 

[Villagerino]

Holy shimt, I funkin lowe skelingtons.. !

Thank you!

I could use these models for my Enhanced Raise dead spell (aka different corpse=different skeleton)

I particulary liked Duelist attack animation, and also the whole scary model of Mauler.

if anything needs improvement its the Attack-3 animation for Berserker/Juggernaut.

I have question though: which corpse fits Mauler the most?
Barbarian skellies certainly fit for ogre corpse, I guess mauler fits there too?
also what about animal corpses
@MasterHaosis what do you think?

Thanks! I'm happy that you may find it useful for your project!
Yes, some of the animations could be done better, and now I have enough experience to improve them, and this is what I'm going to do after I add the final model to this bundle. In other words, I will review the material again
As for the Skeleton Mauler, I think an Ogre with one head is the best choice here However, a two-headed Ogre is also good, let's just think one skull got lost.

Amazing work with all the melee skeletons with various one-handed weapons! I appreciate the effort and attention to detail you're putting into this project.
With all these models, maybe it is time for a mapmaker to team up with you to do Skeletal Gladiators [An undead variation of Orc Gladiators] xDD
Or maybe such a map has already been made/considered, and if it is, they should definitely check out your models!
Once again, very lovely and elegant work.

Thanks! Good idea lol, it would be fun to watch brainless Undead warriors fight in the arena

 

[vesuv]

Wow they look really good, you are really talanted! Thanks for sharing this with us

 

[copthat]

Epic model, Can't imagine how much time and effort goes into a model so detailed :O
Awesome job! When is this going to be implemented into the wc3 map tree tag?

 

[Villagerino]

Wow they look really good, you are really talanted! Thanks for sharing this with us

Thank you! Always welcome

Epic model, Can't imagine how much time and effort goes into a model so detailed :O
Awesome job! When is this going to be implemented into the wc3 map tree tag?

Thanks for the feedback man!
I'm planning to make a separate pack of tiered skeletons for Tree Tag, not taking anything from here I think.

 

[shadowofkolosal]

Really cool

 

[stan0033]

Why don't skeletons fight each other? They don't have the guts!

nice collection

 

[Villagerino]

UPDATE 31.10.23

New models:

• Added Skeleton Assassin.
• Added Dagger Missile.

Commentary: This is the last major model for this bundle.

---

Skeleton Assassin

Here he is, the last warrior of this pack!

Skeleton Assassin was made by me relatively recently and therefore surpasses its fellows in several aspects. It passes the Sanity Check, contains more custom animations, a merged portrait and the minimum of geosets:

For example, it uses only 2 weapons. Trickery! All this allowed us to save a decent amount of free space.

The animations are better executed and capture all my experience:

Here you can see the 'Spell Slam' in details and some cloak movements in the 'Spell Throw'. I made sure the model looks as OG as possible.

By the way, he's a fun and detailed post in my work in progress section where you can also find an icon.

I hope you enjoy the new model!

 

[diamon dog]

Looks very good, skeletons don't have lots of model and varitations. Assasin is the chery on the top.

 

[DREADMAN]

UPDATE 31.10.23

New models:

• Added Skeleton Assassin.
• Added Dagger Missile.

Commentary: This is the last major model for this bundle.

---

Skeleton Assassin

Here he is, the last warrior of this pack!

View attachment 452508View attachment 452511View attachment 452519

Skeleton Assassin was made by me relatively recently and therefore surpasses its fellows in several aspects. It passes the Sanity Check, contains more custom animations, a merged portrait and the minimum of geosets:

View attachment 452512View attachment 452515

For example, it uses only 2 weapons. Trickery! All this allowed us to save a decent amount of free space.

The animations are better executed and capture all my experience:

View attachment 452516View attachment 452517View attachment 452507

Here you can see the 'Spell Slam' in details and some cloak movements in the 'Spell Throw'. I made sure the model looks as OG as possible.

By the way, he's a fun and detailed post in my work in progress section where you can also find an icon.

I hope you enjoy the new model!

Your skill is great

 

[PurrsandMlems]

This is pure awesome! well done

 

[Villagerino]

Looks very good, skeletons don't have lots of model and varitations. Assasin is the chery on the top.

Thanks! Glad you like it!

Your skill is great

Thank you!

This is pure awesome! well done

Big thanks!

 

[435D]

A good update for Halloween.

 

[U-K6]

love the new model! animations are amazing too!

 

[PhongThanGio]

Very cool. I hope you will make some icons for them.

 

[Bleeq]

Great stuff, hard to fault anything.
IMO the best aspects are reusing assets so well, and I don't think any of the models are over-the-top or bloated with details and stuff. They all feel very fitting for WC3 (with a hint of WOW). Also they are reasonably similar, but each has enough character, personality and idiosyncrasies to distinguish them, like the flail skelly or the Berserker's Portrait.

Edit tbh I think it deserves more than a 'recommended' ranking ;P

 

[warius83]

Supreme work, have you considered adding some ranged unit? cloacked archer or crossbow user?

 

[Villagerino]

A good update for Halloween.

love the new model! animations are amazing too!

Thank you, guys!

Very cool. I hope you will make some icons for them.

Thanks! Although I have a few icons, I'm not particularly keen on creating them, only for special projects.
I only hope some great icon makers like @Aldeia will do this work for us, modelers For now, you can visit the appropriate section on the forum and ask local icon makers or find a few in the appropriate Icon section (I think I saw some good Skeleton heads there).

Great stuff, hard to fault anything.
IMO the best aspects are reusing assets so well, and I don't think any of the models are over-the-top or bloated with details and stuff. They all feel very fitting for WC3 (with a hint of WOW). Also they are reasonably similar, but each has enough character, personality and idiosyncrasies to distinguish them, like the flail skelly or the Berserker's Portrait.

Edit tbh I think it deserves more than a 'recommended' ranking ;P

Thanks for your detailed comment! I am very glad that you discerned the charisma of the models and appreciated their Warcrafyness.
It’s always a pleasure to work hard for reviews like this, thank you again!

Supreme work, have you considered adding some ranged unit? cloacked archer or crossbow user?

Thanks! Yes, eventually. As stated in the pack description: "This pack is dedicated to melee Skeletons. Other types of Skeletons will also be sorted into groups in their their own packs."

 

[Krasniy Half-elf]

Incredible! Each of these skeletons resembles bosses from RPG games! The skeleton assassin and the skeleton with a flail deserve special attention, these animations look very cool.

 

[Villagerino]

A small announcement.

For those who did not have enough icons to indicate all the Skeletons, follow the link by an icon master @Aldeia!

Incredible! Each of these skeletons resembles bosses from RPG games! The skeleton assassin and the skeleton with a flail deserve special attention, these animations look very cool.

Thanks! Some can really live up to a small RPG-boss

 

[diamon dog]

This man is doing the skeletons justice.

 

[TDNSR]

Oh the assassin is definitely the highlight of this pack.

 

[emperor_d3st]

Fokin excellent.

 

[Dord96]

just amazing work rally 5 stars also all these models give some ideas for the forsakens as well

 

[Krasniy Half-elf]

Thanks! Some can really live up to a small RPG-boss

At least three, that's for sure

 

[KaiZen7th]

I hope there will be a Part II.

 

[Nickael5507]

 

[qq6484446]

great job！

 

[Kenchai]

I absolutely love this pack, it adds so much variety to my map that has a lot of undead themes These also look incredible with the returned skeleton skins. I especially love the assassin animations, with the double dagger backstab! I wish a Rogue/Assassin humanoid model had a similar animation.

 

[Travel Gabel]

These are incredible dude! Thank you for making them!

 

[Mortimm]

An absolutely beautiful set with fluid and consistent animations that make these look fantastic! Probably my favourite army to date!