This young mage was painted in 2019 as a tabletop commission and he travelled to a new home for ongoing adventures. I had thought about using the idea of Iltheus in a game as I liked the miniature a lot. The miniature has a lot of character and for a miniature that is what I want. There are so many "badass" miniatures out there but sometimes they don't always have a lot of story. Its the small details that add life to a miniature and story. Pouches, a mug, the knights tabard is frayed or torn. How did that happen? When did that happen?  Gear on a rogue not just their daggers and hooded cape. 

Iltheus has story. He is so unprepared for whatever journey he has been set upon and must now go out into the world and complete it and survive. He carries his dagger awkwardly, it would be difficult to draw and impossible with his hands full. His lack of training and confidence will make it a last ditch defense.

His staff is a hunk of wood. Its not polished and covered in runes, made by the Elves or maybe even have any magical properties at all. he may have just found it laying on the ground on his travels and picked it up, complaining to himself the splinters it sometimes gives him. 

The book is huge and he has decided to carry it. He can't open it without dropping his staff. It is open to the elements. It is also heavy and difficult to hold. Why did he not chose to place it in backpack of some sort  to make its transport easier? Why does he not have a backpack. Did he have to leave in a hurry, was there attack or was he simply behind time and got yelled at by his master.

What is this huge book? A spellbook and in his inexperience did he choose the biggest he could find thinking this will surely be grand. Is it a cookbook for Agatha at the local tavern. A history of the occult for one of his companions, returning a library book or Vol 27 in the long running series Ghost Tales: How to be an amazing and sexy GM, just like Ghost.

His hair is in disorder. Is this how it normally is or only once he has been thrown out into the world. His face conveys concern and inexperience. he doesn't want to be where he is. 

His cape is dirty and worn, has this been a long journey or is it the only one he owns?

Lastly my favourite piece of the mini. The Owl. One which Iltheus neither wants nor understands how he got it and can not get rid of the bird no matter what he tries. He is stuck with it for a real hoot. Is it just an Owl or is it something else?

The mini itself is metal and loaded with detail. It comes in at $4.99USD and that is a great price for this great little miniature. Perfect for your low level starting practitioner of magic.

Available for Reapermini.com and many good local game stores.

First off I want to say....damn I love that cover. It comes from a earlier time. If you look at Sci-Fi art from the 70's and into the 80's you can find a lot of these sorts of style. I have always loved that style.

Doing novels based on series is hard. As is a Role Playing Game. Its always a worry if your getting it right. Is the book or game Trek enough. In both instances I suspect everyone just does their best and see's what they can come up with.

I found this gem at a second hand book store. 1976 in the front cover. It features 8 short stories. I must admit I like the short story format. If I don't like the story the next one is not far off. 

Does it feel Trek? Overall...yes but its certainly a sliding scale. Certainly some good ideas and as a place on my bookshelf its a pretty cool. If you can find a copy it is worth picking up.