December 27, 2024

The Bannerman: The Dwarven Anvil

The year is almost over, and I can’t think of a better way to wrap it up than by showing you one of the most special pieces you'll soon receive!

Today, we’re excited to present the Dwarven Anvil, a design we’re particularly proud of. This anvil is more than just a simple object; it’s a part of the very heart of dwarven culture. It shares many components with the dwarven throne because, originally, we created it as a dual kit for physical models. While this detail might not be as noticeable in the digital format, we thought you’d enjoy knowing about these little touches that give our miniatures so much character.

Alongside the anvil, we have the Runesmith, who embodies the unique style we’ve been building: a blend of Roman, Celtic, and Viking influences that perfectly suit the ancestral nature of the dwarves. You’ve probably noticed the runes hanging from his harness—he uses the anvil to break them and unleash their magical power.

And let’s not forget the boar, the dwarves’ totem animal. You’ll see it represented in many of their decorations because it’s the perfect symbol of their strength and resilience. Every detail of these miniatures is designed to reflect their spirit and deep connection to the earth.

We’ve heard some of you mention that these pieces remind you of The Lord of the Rings, and we won’t deny it—it’s one of our biggest inspirations. However, we promise that once you see the complete set, you’ll notice they have their own identity, filled with details that make them truly unique.

What do you think of these new pieces? We love hearing your thoughts, so don’t hesitate to share what inspires you or which details caught your eye. It’s always a pleasure to share these creations with you!

Comments (12)

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Sebastian Hurtz · December 28, 2024

The model is cool but the boars just dont fit in. Its kinda OPR style which seems so much like a comic. Would be great if you reconsider the boars (maybe goats or bears would fit better?)

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Last Sword Miniatures · December 29, 2024

Hi Sebastian, Thank you for your feedback and for appreciating the model! Regarding the boars, I understand they might not resonate with everyone, but their inclusion is far from random. In Germanic and Anglo-Saxon cultures, boars held deep symbolic meaning as totemic animals representing bravery, strength, and protection in battle. For example, the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf mentions helmets adorned with boar motifs ("boar-crested helmets"), and archaeological finds like the Sutton Hoo helmet feature intricate boar designs. These were believed to offer both spiritual and physical protection to warriors. We chose boars to honor this rich historical symbolism and to add depth to the design. That said, we always appreciate suggestions, and alternatives like goats or bears could be interesting for future projects. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts—it’s feedback like this that helps us grow. Feel free to reach out anytime with more ideas or questions!

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Sebastian Schultze · December 28, 2024

Imperessive, it is a dwarven -style, you do not finde anywhere else, great

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Enos · December 27, 2024

Don't get me wrong the dwarfs are really well executed, they truly express the fatigue to carry the burden, but the table are really awful.

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Last Sword Miniatures · December 29, 2024

Hi Enos, Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your thoughts. I completely understand that the concept of the war throne might not appeal to everyone. Aesthetics are always personal, and I appreciate your honesty. The design of the structure, which may look like a "table" to some, was inspired by the Spanish Holy Week processions, where elaborate platforms (“pasos”) are carried by multiple bearers. This format seemed like the most realistic way to depict a heavy, ornate war throne being carried by dwarves, highlighting their strength and endurance. Exploring other options wasn’t really necessary because we've already seen how some alternative concepts turn out. For example, having the dwarves carry a massive door—as if they’re movers hired for a medieval furniture delivery—raises some obvious issues. What happens if one bearer falls? Does the door float magically in mid-air? Another option, like a wheeled anvil, inevitably ends up looking like a very fancy baby carriage. In my opinion, these approaches fail to convey both the weight and grandeur a dwarven war throne demands. While the aesthetics might be a matter of personal preference, conceptually, there weren’t many realistic alternatives. We believe this execution strikes the best balance between functionality and a sense of majesty. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. If you have other ideas or suggestions, feel free to let us know!

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Enos · December 27, 2024

I think the concept it's quite horrible, it looks like the dwarfs are carrying an over decorated table on their shoulder.

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Eduardo Nuñez · December 27, 2024

Impresionante, me encanta y eso que no juego con enanos

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Keg and Krow · December 27, 2024

Is there an option of printing without the dwarves carrying it?

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Tonny · December 27, 2024

Yeah, lets hope so, as in the ruleset (TOW) I play it is a static piece. Although very lovely execution of its concept!

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Christian · December 27, 2024

It's a really great Model, as always, but what is the connection between Boars and Dwarves?

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Ragathiel · December 27, 2024

Boars can live in mountains, and are tough omnivores with relatively few natural predators. Why wouldn't they be a good totem?

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David · December 27, 2024

I'm not really a dwarf guy but man this piece is good! I love the helmets and unique poses. I love the boar motif too - you even gave the table legs pig trotters!!! I'm looking forward to one day printing and painting this 🎨 (I'm working on your dark elves)