I remember Warduke from the animated series. I was so fascinated with everything about him! Thank you for this walk down memory lane! You're too cute! ❤
He's only right handed in that mini because the sculptor wasn't really paying attention. In the mini as well as every other reference his left side is mailed and his right side isn't. His shield protects his unarmored arm and his mail is supposed to protect his sword arm, tactically speaking. So he's still a lefty.
Cool video. Somewhere, buried in a storage unit, I have a Warduke action figure (my favorite from the line), and his Nightmare Steed. Not sure as to the fate of his sword and shield. I actually had a few of the D&D toys. I really liked the interpretation of the Hook Horror from the line and I know I also had one of the rubbery, bendy Otyugh. Between this and Toy Galaxy's overview of the line, makes me wish I could get a complete D&D collection going.
I'd love to find some of the toys. Mainly I want Warduke Evil Fighter, Strongheart Good Paladin, and Tiamat, though I highly doubt I will every find any of those
Just checking e-bay now. Mint on Card they can be pricey. Loose doesn't look too bad. If I had the fundage I'd like to replace my old Dragonne (a wing got broken).
Cool idea to make videos on these old characters and modules. About Warduke's stats in the Shady Dragon Inn. I have the adventure Quest for the Heartstone from 1984, where these characters also appear. www.dmsguild.com/product/17111/XL1-Quest-for-the-Heartstone-Expert And they had adjusted his Constitution score for that to 14, instead of 8.
Warduke has always been one of my favorite villains from D&D, however when I would DM him back in the eighties I never used the stats he was given as with his original back story I felt he needed to be a bit more powerful than eighth level. Yes, eighth level is quite skilled for that system but to my mind he is isn't supposed to just be skilled, he's supposed to be terrifying (like Monty Python "RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY!!" terrifying). Funny thing about Strongheart in the cartoon vs. Strongheart in the published works is that in the cartoon he is a coward and if memory serves he is the exact opposite in published works. Edit: Looking forward to your review of the reprint of Shady Dragon Inn. Mostly interested in the print quality of the scan. :)
actually, i'm pretty sure the coward guy is a similar looking character to strongheart, but not the same, I think strongheart shows up in another episode where the kids are captured as slaves, and they meet him in the jail and he has been working on removing a large brick to get out. When they finally do, and get their weapons back, he gets his helm and magic hammer back too...
Yep, you're right, I looked into it further and the coward's name was Sir John and he's from the second episode of the cartoon "The Eye of the Beholder"; he is definitely not Strongheart.
I still kick myself to this day because I had a Warduke figure (the original 1980s one) as a kid, but didn't know about his connection to D&D (I was far more into video games and didn't really know or get into tabletop gaming until my mid teens). I still remember playing with Warduke along with my He-Man figures, which is probably where little me thought he came from. Funny thing is that the old D&D cartoon series was one of the few I watched consistently at that age (my family fed my love of high fantasy and adventure as soon as they realized how much I loved the genres, probably by noticing what cartoons I loved watching and what stories I loved hearing). I must have only seen that episode once or twice, and my mother or grandmother recognized the character when buying it. Well, my mother did play a little D&D before I was born, so likely she got it on purpose. :) The first time I saw a picture of Warduke in some D&D media somewhere after I started gaming, my childhood toys were pretty much already gone, and I still regret not paying closer attention. Side note: yes, 3rd Edition stat blocks are a mouthful; they are pretty ridiculous, actually. I prefer 2E and 5E over 3E (not even going to mention 4E) and while I recognize what 3E contributed to the game, I definitely don't miss those stat blocks. I prefer having significantly more than one NPC stat block per page, thanks. :)
Warduke Rules! One of the best and intimidating villains you can bring into any campaign. Best used as a late resort enforcer for hire. Have both quest for heart stone and shady dragon modules. Have the cartoon series which shows how He works best. Also the dragon magazine. Have most of the D&D figures, including both version of Warduke. The classic and battle action. Missing a few of the hard to find ones. Really looking for a N.O.T.P. Perelay. That's the elf for those that don't know. Have the wardrum mini as well as the mini from the 84' series that was put out. Believe Warduke also was in one of the D&D arcade games back in the date.Heard that a new D&D movie is in the works. Here's hoping they decide to bring back and use some of the classic characters. Would love to see Warduke, Elkhorn, Northern Barbarian, Ringlerun, Kelleck, or Zarrack brought to life on the big screen. That would be awesome! Lead on Adventurers!
I was excited to see this video. I have recently rediscovered my Warduke figure, no sword or shield and a few other DnD figures. I even had some playset shaped like a giant serpents head but it long gone. I have a Module, Quest for the Heart Stone (Basic DnD) that he's in, and a mini story book. I also picked up a window advert decal sold on the Paizo site that feature him. I think he might have popped up in a choose your own adventure, but Im not sure. Props on the Shady dragon inn, I never had that one, and I wish you luck on tracking more stuff for your collection.
Yeah, like at lot of folks have said, he's a leftie. This is for a very specific reason, according to the artist who conceived him, the great Tim Truman. I had the chance to have an email conversation with him about 12 years ago. In a nutshell, he gave Warduke piecemeal armor to accentuate his chaotic nature, and made him left-handed to make him more sinister (traditionally, left-handed people were considered evil). His name came from a TSR exec whose nickname was "Duke". This is all straight from Truman. As far as his stats and alignment, he uses Basic D&D stats to make him more accessible to little kids who bought the toy, and wanted to game. The 9 alignment system was already in place, and had been for many years by 83. Oh...and I have his LJN action figure, astride his Nightmare. Not too spendy on eBay - i got him for $30. 😉
Almost forgot! You can get an awesome T-shirt featuring Warduke online from eBay. Have two of them myself. One in dark blue (to honor Warduke), and one in classic black. Love wearing them to local game shop and having people freak and ask "Where did you get that?" All hail the legendary Warduke!
There was a cartoon I watched when I was a kid where Warduke and his party and an opposing adventuring party were competing to find some kind of Macguffin that they battle for at the end. Does anyone remember this? His only cartoon appeance I can find is "In search of Dungeon Master" from the D&D cartoon and I don't think that's what that episode was about.
I owned the figure in the 80's. I thought it was awesome. A couple of years ago, I had a custom Warduke made using the Masters of Universe Classics buck. And now, once again, I own the 80's figure. In this video, you can see some images I've made of the custom figure: th-cam.com/video/L5GP_BPCkIQ/w-d-xo.html
Warduke! Duck of war who makes war on the forces of law and justice. His evil menace can only truly be defeated by the Scarlet Pumpernickel--on decades long vacation.
Hey, I have figures of both Warduke and Strongheart. I have their weapons, but they are bent... I might try to fix their weapons somehow. Also, my Strongheart doesn't have his cape. I also have Kaylek (I'm pretty sure that's correct) the evil sorcerer. They are really neat figures! Also, I'm using Warduke as a villain in my campaign right now! Granted, I didn't know stats for him existed, so I wrote up my own stats; this making him a fighter/barbarian multiclass. Also, I didn't know he was so high level! I made him to be a challenge for my level 2 party. Eh, I can always tweak him as the story goes along.
You ref AVGN,LJN Defender and Pat the NES Punk? Are you a Time lord or something? 0_o A crossover lord lording over worlds? JK,though this guy is one that caught my eye despite not knowing what D & D fully is.
D&D has a fair number of Iconic Villains, though Warduke is somewhat unique in that he was created primarily for the Toy line and is a warrior where a lot of the major villains over the years were either monsters, undead or spellcasters. I always liked the Orc King Obould Manyarrows from the Forgotten Realms setting as a villain though he hasn't been around as long as Warduke.
Well,its only because on Monday,I'll be getting not only him but Grimsword too for $15. 0.0 That's crazy. How can I NOT PASS THAT UP?! There's Deathduke. What is he? Though I could be wrong. Also,Manyarrows? That's a mighty funny name.
Warduke was a flipping human tank with enchanted Armor, a super evil steed, and a whole host of relics charms a cool shield FLAMING SWORD!!
Warduke needs a novel of his own.
Agreed!
I remember Warduke from the animated series. I was so fascinated with everything about him! Thank you for this walk down memory lane! You're too cute! ❤
He's only right handed in that mini because the sculptor wasn't really paying attention. In the mini as well as every other reference his left side is mailed and his right side isn't. His shield protects his unarmored arm and his mail is supposed to protect his sword arm, tactically speaking. So he's still a lefty.
Cool video. Somewhere, buried in a storage unit, I have a Warduke action figure (my favorite from the line), and his Nightmare Steed. Not sure as to the fate of his sword and shield. I actually had a few of the D&D toys. I really liked the interpretation of the Hook Horror from the line and I know I also had one of the rubbery, bendy Otyugh. Between this and Toy Galaxy's overview of the line, makes me wish I could get a complete D&D collection going.
I'd love to find some of the toys. Mainly I want Warduke Evil Fighter, Strongheart Good Paladin, and Tiamat, though I highly doubt I will every find any of those
Just checking e-bay now. Mint on Card they can be pricey. Loose doesn't look too bad. If I had the fundage I'd like to replace my old Dragonne (a wing got broken).
Cool idea to make videos on these old characters and modules.
About Warduke's stats in the Shady Dragon Inn. I have the adventure Quest for the Heartstone from 1984, where these characters also appear.
www.dmsguild.com/product/17111/XL1-Quest-for-the-Heartstone-Expert
And they had adjusted his Constitution score for that to 14, instead of 8.
That's good to know, 8 Con just seems way to low, but I suppose it makes sense if the rolled 3d6 in order
Reminds me of "death dealer" art by frank frazetta
Warduke has always been one of my favorite villains from D&D, however when I would DM him back in the eighties I never used the stats he was given as with his original back story I felt he needed to be a bit more powerful than eighth level. Yes, eighth level is quite skilled for that system but to my mind he is isn't supposed to just be skilled, he's supposed to be terrifying (like Monty Python "RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY!!" terrifying). Funny thing about Strongheart in the cartoon vs. Strongheart in the published works is that in the cartoon he is a coward and if memory serves he is the exact opposite in published works. Edit: Looking forward to your review of the reprint of Shady Dragon Inn. Mostly interested in the print quality of the scan. :)
actually, i'm pretty sure the coward guy is a similar looking character to strongheart, but not the same, I think strongheart shows up in another episode where the kids are captured as slaves, and they meet him in the jail and he has been working on removing a large brick to get out. When they finally do, and get their weapons back, he gets his helm and magic hammer back too...
watch around 8:50 th-cam.com/video/aIhF3-SOHT8/w-d-xo.html
Yep, you're right, I looked into it further and the coward's name was Sir John and he's from the second episode of the cartoon "The Eye of the Beholder"; he is definitely not Strongheart.
thank you with blessing me with the knowledge of dungeon magazine
I still kick myself to this day because I had a Warduke figure (the original 1980s one) as a kid, but didn't know about his connection to D&D (I was far more into video games and didn't really know or get into tabletop gaming until my mid teens). I still remember playing with Warduke along with my He-Man figures, which is probably where little me thought he came from. Funny thing is that the old D&D cartoon series was one of the few I watched consistently at that age (my family fed my love of high fantasy and adventure as soon as they realized how much I loved the genres, probably by noticing what cartoons I loved watching and what stories I loved hearing). I must have only seen that episode once or twice, and my mother or grandmother recognized the character when buying it. Well, my mother did play a little D&D before I was born, so likely she got it on purpose. :)
The first time I saw a picture of Warduke in some D&D media somewhere after I started gaming, my childhood toys were pretty much already gone, and I still regret not paying closer attention.
Side note: yes, 3rd Edition stat blocks are a mouthful; they are pretty ridiculous, actually. I prefer 2E and 5E over 3E (not even going to mention 4E) and while I recognize what 3E contributed to the game, I definitely don't miss those stat blocks. I prefer having significantly more than one NPC stat block per page, thanks. :)
Warduke Rules! One of the best and intimidating villains you can bring into any campaign. Best used as a late resort enforcer for hire. Have both quest for heart stone and shady dragon modules. Have the cartoon series which shows how He works best. Also the dragon magazine. Have most of the D&D figures, including both version of Warduke. The classic and battle action. Missing a few of the hard to find ones. Really looking for a N.O.T.P. Perelay. That's the elf for those that don't know. Have the wardrum mini as well as the mini from the 84' series that was put out. Believe Warduke also was in one of the D&D arcade games back in the date.Heard that a new D&D movie is in the works. Here's hoping they decide to bring back and use some of the classic characters. Would love to see Warduke, Elkhorn, Northern Barbarian, Ringlerun, Kelleck, or Zarrack brought to life on the big screen. That would be awesome! Lead on Adventurers!
I was excited to see this video. I have recently rediscovered my Warduke figure, no sword or shield and a few other DnD figures. I even had some playset shaped like a giant serpents head but it long gone. I have a Module, Quest for the Heart Stone (Basic DnD) that he's in, and a mini story book. I also picked up a window advert decal sold on the Paizo site that feature him. I think he might have popped up in a choose your own adventure, but Im not sure. Props on the Shady dragon inn, I never had that one, and I wish you luck on tracking more stuff for your collection.
His CON was a misprint in the Shady Inn book. It should have said 18
Yeah, like at lot of folks have said, he's a leftie. This is for a very specific reason, according to the artist who conceived him, the great Tim Truman. I had the chance to have an email conversation with him about 12 years ago. In a nutshell, he gave Warduke piecemeal armor to accentuate his chaotic nature, and made him left-handed to make him more sinister (traditionally, left-handed people were considered evil). His name came from a TSR exec whose nickname was "Duke". This is all straight from Truman.
As far as his stats and alignment, he uses Basic D&D stats to make him more accessible to little kids who bought the toy, and wanted to game. The 9 alignment system was already in place, and had been for many years by 83.
Oh...and I have his LJN action figure, astride his Nightmare. Not too spendy on eBay - i got him for $30. 😉
Dude that beard is unusual
Almost forgot! You can get an awesome T-shirt featuring Warduke online from eBay. Have two of them myself. One in dark blue (to honor Warduke), and one in classic black. Love wearing them to local game shop and having people freak and ask "Where did you get that?" All hail the legendary Warduke!
Love this series idea! Looking forward to more
There was a cartoon I watched when I was a kid where Warduke and his party and an opposing adventuring party were competing to find some kind of Macguffin that they battle for at the end. Does anyone remember this? His only cartoon appeance I can find is "In search of Dungeon Master" from the D&D cartoon and I don't think that's what that episode was about.
I only know his appearance from the D&D Cartoon, I'll try look for though!
I owned the figure in the 80's. I thought it was awesome. A couple of years ago, I had a custom Warduke made using the Masters of Universe Classics buck. And now, once again, I own the 80's figure. In this video, you can see some images I've made of the custom figure: th-cam.com/video/L5GP_BPCkIQ/w-d-xo.html
Warduke! Duck of war who makes war on the forces of law and justice. His evil menace can only truly be defeated by the Scarlet Pumpernickel--on decades long vacation.
I have both the shady dragon inn. and the module quest for the heartstone/ all becmi.
Hey, I have figures of both Warduke and Strongheart. I have their weapons, but they are bent... I might try to fix their weapons somehow. Also, my Strongheart doesn't have his cape. I also have Kaylek (I'm pretty sure that's correct) the evil sorcerer. They are really neat figures!
Also, I'm using Warduke as a villain in my campaign right now! Granted, I didn't know stats for him existed, so I wrote up my own stats; this making him a fighter/barbarian multiclass. Also, I didn't know he was so high level! I made him to be a challenge for my level 2 party. Eh, I can always tweak him as the story goes along.
There is nothing wrong with having a Villain grow and develop along with the PC's. I've done it more than once.
There was another module with war Duke in it second edition it also had strong heart and many others
Pretty good vid.
Good quality.
Yes, I have the action figure and Nightmare!
NICE!
You can usually find Warduke on ebay.
I can't help but think that the left handed trait is an old school reference to the evil alignment aka the left hand path in Christianity.
It's possible, although I'm not a fan of portraying left-handedness as a sign of evil....oh well
DravenSwiftbow hahaha point taken. Though you could always use that bit of lore for intimidation when you're sitting behind the DM screen
You ref AVGN,LJN Defender and Pat the NES Punk? Are you a Time lord or something? 0_o A crossover lord lording over worlds?
JK,though this guy is one that caught my eye despite not knowing what D & D fully is.
I wish, I just watch a decent amount of TH-cam. Thanks for watching and if there is anything D&D related you are curious about don't hesitate to ask
Are there any other guys like Warduke in terms of stature and design?
D&D has a fair number of Iconic Villains, though Warduke is somewhat unique in that he was created primarily for the Toy line and is a warrior where a lot of the major villains over the years were either monsters, undead or spellcasters. I always liked the Orc King Obould Manyarrows from the Forgotten Realms setting as a villain though he hasn't been around as long as Warduke.
Well,its only because on Monday,I'll be getting not only him but Grimsword too for $15. 0.0 That's crazy. How can I NOT PASS THAT UP?!
There's Deathduke. What is he? Though I could be wrong.
Also,Manyarrows? That's a mighty funny name.
I think Wotc should resurrect Warduke and put him in a Faerun campaign
You’re not gonna believe this
Man, Warduke has some horrible stats.