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Warning: May contain Bioshock and Bioshock 2 spoilers!

Our local store, Black Knight Games is having a call-to-arms for Malifaux. Spend some cash, get some models, paint them in the time limit and get some store credit. Pretty simple. This is my progress blog for said event, it's a replica of what I will be posting on the BKG forum. I hope you like it!

Call to Arms: Malifaux -- Souls of Rapture (Leviticus Crew)


The Plan (June 21st, 2011):

Andrew Ryan wrote:A man has a choice, I chose the impossible.

My brother roped me into doing the Call to Arms for Malifaux. When he described the game to me, the setting seemed very reminiscent of Bioshock, a video game which I have a great fondness for. I had always wanted to model some Bioshock-themed models, but never wanted to do a full "army" of them for Warhammer 40k or anything; this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do it.

I began looking at various crews and set out to try and find something that would work as a Counts-As crew and a great starting place for models. I settled on Leveticus.



The Steampunk Abominations and Hollow Waifs work perfectly for Splicers. After some thinking, I also thought that Leveticus himself could work well for Jack (the player character);his use of Plasmids can represent the use of Magic. After staring at Rusty Alyce for a while, I thought she was a perfect match for the proportions of a Big Sister: her hair and clothes even looked like the grown-up Eleanor Lamb.

The next step was figuring out how I would make the Big Daddy models and what they would represent. Looking things over, they could easily be swapped for the Desolation Engine or Killjoys within the Outcasts, but since Leveticus can hire Constructs and Undead from outside the Outcasts (at no extra cost) they could also represent a Peacekeeper or a Guardian (which might be more thematic and representative). Likely, I will try each of them and see what works well for the crew. For the models, there was really only one choice, Brad Shier's Hard Suit:


(Note: I didn't paint this, but I did order 2 of these models! They haven't arrived yet. :( )


For Little Sisters I had intended to buy The Stolen figures. But I neglected to write down what I wanted until I was making the order at the store, and I mistakenly bought a Candy model instead. She'll still work, but I don't like the model as much as the girl in The Stolen boxed set. Anyone want to swap Candy for her? Additionally, I picked up this set:


This has a great splicer (Flesh Construct perhaps?) and a decent little sister. Though I still really want the model from The Stolen. *sigh*

So that's the plan. I may do more characters in the future, if I get inspired, but this is enough for now.

Update #1 (July 8th, 2011):

Andrew Ryan wrote:I am Andrew Ryan, and I'm here to ask you a question: Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow?

After doing some other painting and finishing off a contest entry, I was able to start modeling some of my Rapture crew.

I began by cutting of Leveticus' left hand, and using a Warhammer Ghoul's hand instead. I wanted the pose to be shooting the Electric Plasmid lightning. I also put a pistol in his hand, but on reflection, I think I might use a red wrench instead (as Leveticus does not use pistols, and the wrench seems more iconic somehow. I will probably trim down the nails a bit and thicken up his wrist. I want to put the chain tattoos on his wrists when I paint him. I am also still looking for a better head.



Next I started working on the Big Sister.



I started working on her scuba gear first. I found a perfectly sized round plastic piece for the helmet (from the Chimera tank Lasguns), and using a bit of plastic tube from Gale Force Nine, I made the port-hole window. I will be adding more detail to this as well. For the scuba tank I used a Dwarf steam drill from the Dwarf Miner kit; I also used a valve from that kit as well as a small manhole from the Chimera kit. Using more plastic tube, I cut rings to make the cage/basket that is attached to the tank. From here, I intend to add more plastic build out the cage. I also started adding the splint-things to her left leg. I will need to clean it up a bit, but I like the effect so far. I will mimic this on the other leg as well.



I decided that I would magnetize the scuba Helmet and the original Rusty Alyce head. Rusty looks a lot like Eleanor Lamb, so I wanted the option of having her - sans helmet.

Lots more details to add to both of these guys, but a good start so far.

Here's a pic of the models that I will be making into splicers. I like their overall look, so I might not change too much with them. While they are not strictly identical to the splicers from the game, I like their aesthetic enough to think that they could be Rapture denizens. I will likely try to make at least one rabbit mask for one of the females, however. I also want them to have all their limbs, so I will be supplementing some of them with ghoul and zombie components.



I dug out a load of bits I thought might help me with the project and I snapped a pic, because, who doesn't love pictures? (and bits!).



That's all for now, thanks for reading!

Update #2 (July 10th, 2011):

Andrew Ryan wrote:What is the difference between a man and a parasite? A man builds. A parasite asks 'Where is my share?' A man creates. A parasite says, 'What will the neighbors think?' A man invents. A parasite says, 'Watch out, or you might tread on the toes of God...

I will let the pictures do the talking for me with this update!

















Update #3 (July 14th, 2011):

Little Sister wrote:Hop hop Mr.B, there's no time to waste.

My Hard Suits arrived yesterday along with the rest of my Malifaux order (some bases and Candy). I am really impressed with the Hard Suits. They are the perfect size for this project. The Candy should work out well for a Little Sister.

I got to work on the Big Daddies right away. I will be making one Bouncer and one Rosie.

For the Bouncer, I decided I wanted to bulk up the suit a bit. Next I will be putting plasticard rod around the helmet to make it look a bit more Bouncer-like. The drill-arm they supply is pretty small, so I will likely use something different. I am looking at a few ideas, and will likely choose the one I like best. I will likely be magnetizing the drill attachment for weapon-swaps. I also bent his left arm, and intend to give him a very aggressive posture: the way he looks when you get too close to a Little Sister.

For the Rosie, I had to remove the Hard Suit head - I used a small hack saw to get the job done. Next I put down the first layer of green stuff, trying to get the shape of the Helmet correct. Still lots of work to do. The little porthole on the helmet is not glued, just placed on there to visualize what it might look like. In contrast to my Bouncer, my Rosie will be in mid-walk holding the rivet gun in his right hand. Hopefully he will look very lumbering.

Wicked work, man!! I'm impressed! The Big Sister is spot-on! Consider me subscribed- big fan of other-media turned minis!

-Remi

That's amazing. There are no other words for that.

You sir, have gathered another follower!

Thanks Rem, Chowderheadi! I appreciate the kudos.

Painting should commence sometime this week, I think.

great sculpting skills! And I love the idea of making some Bioshock themed miniatures! *subscribe*

Being a fan of Malifaux and the Bioshock 1 & 2 background, I subscribe. The model's you asembled look mièghty cool. I love the one that's based on the Big Sister.

Thanks tehbarry, Scrazza!

Yeah, I was really pleased with how the Big Sister turned out.

I really think you should make a tutorial on the big daddies and big sister!

Fantastic quality work, I'm looking forward to more of the same

- Salvage

Very nice theme, everything looks perfect so far

Whoa, high praise all around! Thanks guys, it's very encouraging. Now I really need to work out how I will make a few baby bottle syrine needle stabby thingies for the Little Sisters...

This is the best thing ever!

I hate to sound cheap, but I may just borrow this idea. I loved both Bioshocks to death, the universe is really a unique setting.

@Cryoniclech: Sounds awesome to me, send me the pics if you get around to doing it!

Thanks for the coment!

Another update! This one features some assembled Splicers (SPAs) including a Hollow Waif made into a Spider Splicer sporting the mask of a rabbit.

Just perfect! Great stuff!

Wait a minute...

Are... you XanderXerus? From CDO? (Sorry, random Q)

And the stuff looks great, enjoying the rabbit mask.

If I had one criticism, it'd be the bouncer's left arm though. Kinda looks funky with both arms in the air, but it's not a massive problem.

@Logan: Thanks!

@CL: XanderXereus is my youtube channel, yep. I'm Xander on CDO.

As for the pose on the Bouncer, it's meant to mimic the game's box art and when the Bouncer is in an aggressive stance. Hopefully it will look better once painted. The Rosie is meant to be lumbering along, of course, so his arms are at his side. Thanks for the criticism!

This is just plain awesome.
You have some skill kind Sir.

This looks great!! nice green stuff, i may try to mimic it on my own hardsuits

I am in the process of making a horde of splicers myself(had the same idea as you after finishing BS2 ) so i have a few questions. Where did you get the wrench and the rabbit mask from? without them i don't think people will get it, even with the tommy guns everywhere.

Thanks, and keep up the great work!
Will be watching with interest

Wow your big sisters/daddys are so accurate love em!

Consider this Followed! Such amazing work, Cant wait to see the finished Army!

Wow those are perfect, just perfect. Awesome conversions on your part and i can't wait to see them painted. I'm definitely following this blog.

Your green stuff skills are wicked. Awsome work

Cant wait to see them painted

Enzephalon wrote:This is just plain awesome.
You have some skill kind Sir.

Thank you kindly!

MikZor wrote:This looks great!! nice green stuff, i may try to mimic it on my own hardsuits

I am in the process of making a horde of splicers myself(had the same idea as you after finishing BS2 ) so i have a few questions. Where did you get the wrench and the rabbit mask from? without them i don't think people will get it, even with the tommy guns everywhere.

Thanks, and keep up the great work!
Will be watching with interest

I'd love to see what you come up with! The wrench I made myself from a Dwarf Miner pick-axe and a piece of some IG Chimera. Really all you need to do to make one is get a rod with a small L shaped jut at the end, then put another L shaped piece on the end of that leaving a small gap. It was pretty easy once I tried it. The rabbit mask is very thin plasticard cut with scissors (the kind you get in GF9's pack). The eyes were poked out with a pin vice and then the plasticard was shaped (indented) with a sculpting tool. Send me a link when you post your pics!

ghuhagen wrote:Wow your big sisters/daddys are so accurate love em!

Thanks, that's a very nice compliment! I tried my hardest on those particular models.

Cutthroatcure wrote:Consider this Followed! Such amazing work, Cant wait to see the finished Army!

I am really pumped to finish my first Malifaux crew.

Da Big Mek wrote:Wow those are perfect, just perfect. Awesome conversions on your part and i can't wait to see them painted. I'm definitely following this blog.

Cheers!

adary wrote:Your green stuff skills are wicked. Awsome work

Cant wait to see them painted

I haven't taken great pics yet, but here's a small update on my progress - sort of s sneak peak before I take proper photos. Still some touch-ups needed. Only Jack and Eleanor left to do (then some additional Spider Splicer Waifs and some Little Sisters, but likely these aren't needed for my 35ss crew).



My chance of success is about 90% now.

Very nice progress you're making. Good work.

Wow amazing, subscribed !

Awesome work! Also, I really like the tile on the bases, nice touch.

I am duly impressed! Just gave me the good shivers and reminded me of how much I loved both of those games! Your modelling ability is fantastic. The bases are so reminiscent of Rapture with the checkerboard tile. AWESOME!

Excellent work! This is a great looking gang.

The conversion work is really top notch, looks like they stepped right out of the game.

Great paint jobs as well, the parkay floors on the bases are a perfect touch

Great looking update. Although are you gonna have some Big Daddies with the more traditional eye colors? The traffic sign thing they have?