Similar to but not necessarily exactly like the really really cool pieces posted in these images...

(Update: Shipping cost to U.S. or Europe is likely to be a similar cost to the actual set itself. I posted estimates further down.)







(These pieces were designed by Frenchman Pierre Lefebvre.)

Now I'm not saying this is necessarily actually going to happen...

But supposing it was, say, around US$15 per set (or Euro$10) of bits to cover materials and getting someone to do handwork, plus shipping at your cost (from Australia!). How many people would want them? (Let's assume every amoeba was handmade and therefore unique.)

(It may be that if there are a couple of people in similar localities you can share shipping costs.)

Just curious. For the moment. I've communicated (indirectly) with the designer, and I know someone who might be arranging this. Otherwise it'll probably just be two or three sets of bits for some local buddies.

You can geekmail me separately or post here.

(Update: Shipping cost to U.S. or Europe is likely to be a similar cost to the actual set itself. I posted estimates further down.)

I'd definitely consider it.

I would consider it. Probably the biggest factor, though, would be the shipping cost from Australia to America.

Likewise, I'd seriously consider it but also be concerned with the shipping cost.

Depending on shipping cost, I'd probably be interested.

I'd definitely be interested, pending shipping costs.

I would be interested depending on how close they were to the images you show here. If you could get a pic of the ones that we would actually be buying, that would help solidify my opinion.

These amoebas (amoebi?) need anti-depressents. Can you mix in some different, happier ones? maybe a frisky one and a conquering one? and of course a pirate one Everyone likes pirates.

Oh, and while I like custom stuff, I NEED games to fit in their box. Would said amoebas fit in the original package?

Yes, I would definitely want a set (but I think the wife would want ones exactly like in the pictures...). Just curious about the shipping.

Ok if I'd had half a brain I would have included likely postage costs to U.S. and Europe in my original post, especially since postage is likely to be more than the amoebas themselves.

Here's them. (Postage... estimates only that is.) In another few days I'll have a slightly better idea, after which I will provide a more accurate but still estimate only shipping costs and people can confirm interest at that cost.

If this goes ahead I'll confirm an actual cost in a few weeks, and notify all confirmed interested people then, who can actually then front up and say "yes" or can drop out.

I'm pretty sure individual sets wouldn't attract any duty or anything, but I don't know what happens if I post them in a batch.

So broad postage estimates are:

U.S.
Single set: US$14 to US$19
Two sets in one box: US$26 to US$31
Five in one box: US$54 to US$65

Europe
Single set: E$13 to E$18
Two sets in one box: E$25 to E$29
Five in one box: E$57 to E$62

All these numbers are estimates. I don't actually know for sure how much a set would weigh (but I'm working on working that out). This is all purely for gauging interest so I can say how much raw material might be needed etc. etc.

That's certainly a fair question. While these are not terribly complicated (for someone who knows how to work the materials) there's certainly room for disappointment. I can't promise there won't be a home-made feel to them (or they might be really "swish") but then that's part of the hand made charm. None have been made at this point.

However, I will see what I can do to get pictures up if a first set gets made. Note that anyone who waits for said pictures will be putting themselves late in any queue that may emerge.

I was thinking of making one adjustment, and asking that the food markers be stackable if possible. Not that you'd have to stack them, just that you could. (Inviting "pile of poo comments" I'm sure.)


Since I am expecting them all to be hand made, you could send me requests. (Personally I like the gloomy sense of pending doom on these guys faces, and the burdened feel of the damage marking.) But each face would be made individually and I was planning to ask for various expressions. If you want your set to be all (or none of) happy / sad / angry whatever let me know.

I'm not sure how well one could portray a pirate. The further you move off the basic "flat-ish round-ish disk with quirky face, carrying three damage markers" idea the more possibility there would be for difficulty, but also of course the more individual yours would be. I can't possibly get sample pics for individual requests.


I expect to get them about the same size as the original pieces, but without sticks. They will fit easily if you separately store the original pieces or flatten the box inset, and I expect them to fit even if you keep everything in the box as is.

I realise I should mention personally I was planning to ask for sets of six colours. Four colours would of course be slightly cheaper, maybe 15% less or so including shipping, but I figured personally I'd rather be prepared with six and the difference would be small enough that I'd hate to come back later wishing I'd done six.

Alright, with the estimated per-set postage and specification of six colors per set noted, I'm good with confirming my interest in one set of these. I'm not concerned with their expressions; a random mix will do. As long as they're on the lines, design- and look-wise, of the images posted above, I'll be happy.

Thanks for trying to organize all of this!

I'll take at least one box of 5 sets, probably two sets of 5, faintly possibly three.

I'd be up for at least one set, possibly more depending on how much interest others in the group may have for their copies. But I'd say at least 2 sets and possibly 5. Keep me informed.

Since there's been quite a bit of interest I've started more specific enquiries. It looks like the amoebas may cost more than I first estimated, but that they'll be lighter than I estimated so shipping will cost less. I should have more precise numbers in a few days, assuming we can get it done at all.

I would be up for a set, possibly two

Do these come with excrement? Are they hollow inside to minimize materials/weight?

I suspect that there would be interest in a group order from near where I am.

Yes

They would be individually hand made and probably too flat to worry about making hollow. It turns out the modelling material is apparently lighter than the wood pieces they'll be replacing!

I'm definitely in for 1 set and I suspect some others from my gaming group would like them as well.

Unfortunately, I'm also creating more work for you as I would need to know shipping to Malaysia....

I think we can assume we may batch our orders for Malaysia and get you to ship them over in one batch.

Ok I've added costs to Malaysia into my calculation spreadsheet.

Some test materials have been ordered. I should have "real" costs soon. It's looking like, mostly, I didn't anticipate how long materials preparation would take... even with the offset in cheaper postage the total prices are likely going to come out a bit more.

On the sort-of bright side, it seems I might be able to post a set of six colours just within the specs of a "standard international letter".

Anyway, it's still all speculative. When the "real" info comes through I'll actually start a whole new article with proper costs so it gets to be front page again. A day before I do that I'll post the costs here, and geekmail anyone who has posted on this list. If the dedication of the modeller runs out I'll fill orders in the sequence posted.

I am interested in a set, so please put me on the list to find out final cost.

I would be most interested in an all "Happy" set.

Sterling, USA

Update:

Due to me ordering delivery of slightly incorrect materials , I am told first draft will be delayed until mid next week. I should have left the ordering up to someone else.

Damn.

And a set for me as well!

Torben
Denmark