Maethius Custom Works, Commission #14: XZ-425 WILDCARD

[Maethius]

It has taken far too long to create this beast, and it is finally time to show it to the world.

XZ-425 Wildcard
Chassis:Dragon
Power Plant:Space Compression Reaction Core
Primary Mission:Obliterator Weapon Platform
Secondary Mission:Air/Ground Target Annihilation
Crew:1 (minimum command rank: Commander)

Statistics
Length:93 meters
Wingspan:65 meters (84 meters w/cannons)
Height:20.5 meters
Mass:210 tons

Performance
Land (Cruise):110 kph
Land (Flank):500 kph
Air: MACH 3.3
Sea:75 knots

Scientists will always experiment with new technologies; sometimes they will succeed, sometimes they will fail, and sometimes they will succeed beyond their wildest expectations but in unintended ways. The experimentation in question was that of physical space matter transfer of complex objects… teleportation. During the course of these experiments it eventually becomes a focus to use the ample power of a Zoid’s core and the advanced AI-2 processing ability to guide the relocation system. The first attempt killed a hapless Trooper Zoid, and so the attempt was made to splice and evolve cores from samples taken from both a Geno Saurer and the vaunted Sturm Tyrann. The result managed to not only produce a Zoid capable of powering and operating the system, but it became incorporated into the system. The result was so successful and so unexpected it was given the name, Wildcard, and the impact of the Zoid on the future is just as unknown.







XZ-425 WILDCARD Build Page

As with all of my stuffs, please have a look at the build page and let me know what you think!

[bill]

I am extremly happy to see a new creation by you. Even more so since it is yet another dragon. I will have to explore your website once again to see what went into this wonderful creation. It has been far too long of a wait for a new one by you. Excellent as always.

[Snowflake]

Absolutely incredible. I love how the really big original zoid customs are never just like 'a new rank and file unit' but always more of a... "legendary pokémon." It's super super good, and reminds me of some dragons I'm a fan of..

[Maethius]

Thank you both! It has been a long, hard road to finish this one. I went through a real crisis of creativity with Wildcard... I almost refunded my client his money and tore it apart at one point. I felt sick to my stomach every time I looked at the door of my shop or months at a time. Finally I decided to just begin again and take one tiny step at a time. Now, having it done, I can breathe again! I am proud of how it turned out.

The website IS trash, though... the years have not been kind! The upgrade/replacement of the Age of War site is a main goal of 2025.

[dchan]

The master returns! Great job, and it's always a good feeling when you're able to look back at an enormous project and feel proud of what you've done-- it's really amazing! I especially like seeing how you made the wings and filled in the mechanical details within. So crazy seeing the comparison photos, how much bigger the Wildcard is than the original Sturm kit. Congratulations too on taking the leap to incorporating 3D printed elements as well!

[Maethius]

Thank you! I really want to start using 3D printing more heavily with my work.

[Darth Escargot]

OMG, he's baaaaaack. Beautiful work, man.

[Zoidstar]

It's great to see you back at it! The 3D printed elements are a great touch! Another sweet custom Zoid!

I also like the lore you add to your customs. I still find myself reading through your site sometimes.

[Maethius]

I appreciate it, guys! I really do... I was getting afraid that I wouldn't have the confidence to return to doing customs, and finally getting this one finished brought back some of my joy.

I'm glad to know you like the lore! One of my considerations on creating an all new website has been debating if I should keep my lore/fluff stuff or just host a model gallery.

[Fulano]

Wow, phenomenal. I'm going to pour over every picture for a few days before I really give my opinion, but I'm blown away by how fantastic the Wildcard looks. I hope your client absolutely loves it.

[Leon35]

Oh wow it has been a LONG time!

Maethius, I apologize for what Im about to do, but I am probably going to make you feel old and I am so sorry for that.

I spent my childhood as a member of this community (ZP, then here), admiring your creations. Every single one of your Custom Works has been a sight to behold. The level of creativity and passion on display is so incredible. In a lot of ways, I learned how to better communicate with people and articulate my appreciation of art because I felt compelled to compliment your custom model kits.

Its been more than a few years, but allow me to gas you up even more.


Wildcard is an absolute beast! Its silhouette is fascinating to me; it feels so thin and wirey but its size looks and feels so giant. The mounted weapons remind me of an Attack Booster turned up to 11. I think my favorite parts of this model are the face; so incredibly intimidating and beautiful. Do you still use magnets to attach armor pieces?

Seriously incredible.

[Maethius]

Thank you both! I hope the pics stand up to scrutiny... my photography on this one didn't turn out very well!

Leon, those days are fondly in my heart always! The annual or semi-annual contest displayed such creativity and skill. I wanted Wildcard to be sinewy yet powerful looking; and I like the head very much, too! In this case his armor is not affixed with magnets, but in the future I will definitely include more of them.