Over the past few weeks I’ve re-immersed myself in SW Minis with a goal in mind.  I’ve chosen to collect figures with certain themes and then display those figures.  My first theme is Jabba’s Palace.  I want to collect any and all figures from Return of the Jedi that existed in Jabba’s Palace with a concentration on Jabba’s Throne Room, Luke’s battle with the Rancor, and the scenes at the Great Sarlacc.

I always speak with my FLGS before attempting any projects.  They usually have what I need in stock or can get their hands on it.  This time I had to use the backup plan…eBay.  Thankfully none of you outbid me on the first wave.

eBay is a wonderful resource and a playground for misfortune.  I picked up several key pieces and managed to purchase two Jabba minis.  One of those will be going back on eBay and I will be better off learning from the mistake.  Don’t track too many auctions for the same item and most assuredly don’t bid on them all.  Shame on me!

I chose to start with one of the most expensive and difficult to obtain pieces.  He’s vile, green, slimy, and did I mention he’s a criminal mastermind?  Jabba the Hutt, aka Jabba Desilijic Tiure, is the force behind Jabba’s Palace.  Without Jabba we are left with the B’omarr Monks and their monastery.  That’s not exactly thrilling fare.

After spending a hefty sum Jabba became mine.  I followed suit with Slave Leia, called Princess Leia Captive in the game, and Jabba’s majordomo Bib Fortuna.  This complements my existing Boba Fett and other henchmen found in the palace.  I need to pick up a Rancor and Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight (from Rebel Storm) to complete the set.  An appropriate Chewbacca, Han Solo, and Boushh would also be nice.

Last November we showed you the new Battle of Hoth scenario pack for SW Minis. It comes complete with a re-painted AT-ST, Hologram General Veers, Snowspeeder, and other figures. This includes 17 non-randomized figures (2 very rare, 6 rare, 4 uncommon, 5 common), map, rules, life counter sheet, and a d20.

At the time I hypothesized that your FLGS, friendly local gaming store, would soon be carrying them. I have to announce that I was wrong. I took a hiatus from the game and recently got back into it. After speaking with Derek Lloyd, owner of Battleground Games & Hobbies in Abington Mass, he informed me that the scenario pack is a Target exclusive.

Unfortunately it no longer shows up on the Target website but while perusing eBay, don’t go stealing them away from me, I noticed it selling for much more than I originally expected.

I’ve only seen this, so far, online at Arcane Miniatures where it is retailing for 31.50 GBP (MSRP of 35 GBP).

I am sure it will be coming to US retailers and at a lower price than the conversion of $73.19. I’m guessing that this set will retail in America for $44.99 or $49.99. That’s not bad when you think about it. It has two huge figs, plus 1 exclusive fig, and a ton of rares.

eBay has far surpassed that where it sells for anywhere from $64.99 to $89.99. Whether this is due to a diminished supply at Target or greedy sellers I don’t know. But, one thing is for certain. If you have this scenario pack don’t give it up. Unless it is to me for a good price.

The astronomical prices do pose an interesting problem for me. I wish to create a few displays and perhaps dioramas featuring SW Minis. One such display will depict events from the Battle of Hoth. The Battle of Hoth scenario pack is a shoo in purchase for my display. However, that no longer becomes affordable at $90 a pop.

I may have to lay off the Battle of Hoth idea and stick to my Jabba’s Palace quest. But, there’ll be more about that in another article dedicated to the topic.