In the constantly evolving world of collectible figures and fantasy sculpting, moments as exciting as a creative collaboration are rare. That's why I'm thrilled to announce my partnership with Black Forge Games, a New Zealand studio specializing in fantasy narratives, 3D modeling, and, soon, the board game "Blood Oak – Chapter 1", meticulously designed for hobbyists, painters, and collectors.
This collaboration brings together our shared passion for dragons, the art of 3D printing, and storytelling through sculpted forms. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what fantasy figures can become, both in terms of aesthetic impact and potential for hobbyists.
Who is Black Forge Games?
Dark Fantasy and 3D Sculpting Experts
Black Forge Games is an independent creative studio based in New Zealand, known for its rich, gothic-inspired universe. It produces highly detailed 3D printable STL files as well as physical figures, all meticulously sculpted in-house and offered in painted or unpainted versions. Their online store offers a wide range of heroes, villains, and monstrous creatures, each bursting with personality, backstory, and a sense of drama.
Their universe, known as Flesh and Fire, is a rich tapestry of cursed beings, supernatural knights, undead warlords, and mysterious dragons. Each sculpture is not just a model: it's a fragment of a much larger narrative.
When Our Worlds Meet: Dragons and Design
When Mythology, Resin, and Art Mingle
As an independent French artist deeply immersed in dragon creation and 3D modeling, my work naturally complements the Black Forge universe. This collaboration brings together two creative universes: mine, rooted in dragon busts and figures inspired by mythology and pop culture, and theirs, imbued with dark fantasy narratives.
Together, we collaborated on a unique project: Valtallion – Guardian of Light – a bust that embodies the intensity, attention to detail, and presence of both brands. Designed for resin 3D printing, this model is the result of hours of sculpting, texturing, and anatomical refinement, resulting in a piece that is just as stunning painted as left in raw resin.
Why Unpainted Figures Matter to the Community
The Joy of Customization
For many collectors and hobbyists, unpainted figures are not just blank canvases: they are opportunities. Whether you're a beginner with a dry brush or a master of the airbrush and oil washes, these models invite personal interpretation. They allow you to bring your own universe, color theory, and ambiance to the sculpture.
Our collaborative piece was designed with painters in mind: large enough to appreciate the details, yet compact enough to display. Every surface—scales, claws, horns, eyes—was sculpted with paint layering and dry brushing in mind.
3D Printing and Material Choices
Optimized for Consumer Printers
The figure is optimized for SLA and DLP 3D printers, especially resin models like the Anycubic Photon, Elegoo Saturn, or Phrozen. It prints cleanly with a layer height of 0.05mm and comes with pre-generated supports in Chitubox and Lychee Slicer formats for hassle-free setup.
Whether you print in standard gray resin or opt for bio-resin, the sculpture retains its details with stunning clarity. From the ridges of the horns to the undercut jawlines, every angle is designed for easy printing.
Where to Get It
The figure will be released on August 15th on my shop at antredudragondairain.com and will be featured on social media, especially Instagram (@le.dragon.dairain) and TikTok.
- Painted version (limited edition, hand-painted by me)
We will also share photos, painting guides, and behind-the-scenes videos of the sculpting and printing process.
A Collaboration with the Painting Community
From Creators to Figures
What makes this project special is the community around it. Both Black Forge and I maintain strong connections with 3D printing enthusiasts, painters, and collectors who see figures as much more than just products: they are art forms, meditative tools, and drivers of storytelling.
Through this collaboration, we hope to inspire painters worldwide to make this figure their own: from lava dragons in calcified bone armor to icy titans with ice scales.
Conclusion: From Concept to Collectible
This partnership with Black Forge Games represents much more than just a shared model: it's a meeting point between storytelling, sculpting, and model-making culture. It's a tribute to the practical joy of figures to paint, the creativity of painters, and the power of modern 3D printing.
We can't wait to see how you bring this dragon to life — whether it roars in obsidian black, glows with molten gold, or blends into ancient bone tones. Thank you for supporting artisanal creations and independent creators who craft every scale with passion.