AOW02 ORC SHAMAN
Today we honour the Orc Shaman — not just a second miniature, but our moment of truth.
In 2006, following the overwhelming success of the Berserker Dwarf, Felix Paniagua faced a great challenge: creating his second Avatars of War miniature.
Would Avatars of War’s success be just a one-hit wonder, or would Felix be able to continue sculpting the most iconic figures for each faction?
With this challenge in mind, he took a bold departure from his first creation and sculpted the AOW02 ORC SHAMAN. I can confess that Felix and I (Johanna) prayed to everything we knew for this new creation to succeed, so we could keep moving forward with our newborn company.
Unlike the typical archetype of a hunched, elderly shaman, Felix sculpted a young and powerful one, brimming with strength and dynamism, captured in mid-action as he casts a spell—radiating both wisdom and raw power.
Every detail of this shaman is infused with unique personality: his iconic staff, carved in the shape of an orc totem and topped with a dwarven braid. The wrappings on his hands, along with the scrolls, potions, and pouches hanging from his tunic, are both a joy and a challenge for painting enthusiasts.
Take note of the tiny bones and skulls dangling from the chains on his cloak.
Their design evokes the eerie sound of rattling bones when the shaman spreads his cloak. A spectral noise that chills the blood of his enemies.
Do you think the ORC SHAMAN was a success? Absolutely! Nineteen years later, this miniature remains a legend. Although the metal version has been discontinued, I firmly believe it deserves to make a comeback—re-sculpted and released in digital format, so its legacy can continue to impress on battlefields for years to come.
The Orc Shaman cast his spell once… it’s only a matter of time before he casts again.
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