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CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 13:29:02


Post by: CMDante


Well, inspired by the incredible works and imagination of Migsula and friends, I've decided to create my own =I=munda gangs and chart their progress here on Dakka (which I had forgotten all about in my absence from the hobby last year ).

The first gang I'm working on will be a "bad" gang, composed of blood pact and attached specialists.

This morning I began working on the first test trooper for the blood pact. The blood pact members are going to be nice and detailed with lots of little bits of sculpt work I think. I'm aiming to try and recreate both of the following in terms of look and feel:




And here are the pics of the first test trooper so far:





Very WIP at the moment but hopefully you can see where its going. The head will have a grotesque mask sculpted on it, hooked nose and all, just like the illustration above.

The left hand will be holding a nasty looking knfie, again a bit like the image above, while the right hand will be sculpted to be cradling the rifle (which will have the eagle removed! Only just added it for pose purposes) in one hand. I also plan on adding a chain round the neck with some severed hands (again like the image) and maybe some webbing and various trinkets for details. I've lengthened the legs a little as I don't like how squat and stocky the current guard plastics are.

With the pose, I'm going for a menacing stride forward, searching for the next victim type look, does it work? Obviously lots of work still to do yet but I wanted to get some thoughts on the pose and general feel. Any input for details to add would be great too.

Also ideas for the rest of the gang would be nice, at the moment im thinking 4 or 5 troopers like this, a sgt type and then some sort of specialist types. No idea what to do for those though. Probably some kind of sorcerror? Ideas welcome!

Let me know what you think.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 13:48:44


Post by: Malika2


Yes! More =][=Munda stuff!

Love that pose on the first figure, can't wait to see you add detail to it.

As for a specialist type, Khorne doesn't like the use of magic so no sorcerer or anything like that. What about some champion or slaver kind of figure?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 17:48:51


Post by: Platuan4th


Malika2 wrote:As for a specialist type, Khorne doesn't like the use of magic so no sorcerer or anything like that. What about some champion or slaver kind of figure?


This is generally true, but the Blood Pact have been known to use Psyker support, in fact one of their Stalk Tank variants is a Psyker support variant.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 17:51:42


Post by: Malika2


Oh...I didn't know that! But would this then be a Khornate psyker or something? Perhaps some psychic warrior? Khorne is the god of blood, war, but also warrior pride and all that. So perhaps some proud (but savage) warrior who is also a psyker whose fighting style also uses psychic powers or something?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 17:56:39


Post by: Platuan4th


I think they're cadre Psykers from whichever Chaos Warlord in the Sabbat Worlds the Blood Pact units are lent to. Either that or Urlock Gaur keeps around a cadre of slave Psykers to act as defense against enemy Psykers. It's not really gone into in the books, though hopefully that might change in Blood Pact.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 18:17:03


Post by: grey_death


I'm In.

Your mock-up so far looks great, and I can see where this is going.

100% in on this one. Great idea.

I really like the idea of a squad of these guys. Stalking through the streets. For the rest of the squad, I think it's going to come down to well thought out posing and detail work. The concept sketch is a great jumping point for numerous pieces.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 20:05:00


Post by: Mister Feral


The concept model is shaping up nicely.

I think the grotesque will look pretty good, and the lengthened legs will add more menace to him too.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 21:12:40


Post by: sphynx


agreed. keep it up, love the idea


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 21:24:00


Post by: lasgunpacker


That is a fantastic start, and I look foreward to your progress!

The posing in particular is fantastic, and a gang/squad/mob of these guys and their allies would be very atmospheric as well.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 22:32:04


Post by: migsula


Super start and nice choice of gang! We are on to something special here with this =I=munda stuff, I hope some one at GW is taking notice.

Hammer has done a full army of Blood Pact, and they appear as "Cult of Snarling" in our campaign. I need to take some quality pics of them at some point.

I'm most definitely staying tuned on this project my friend!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 22:39:30


Post by: Platuan4th


Seriously, all the =I=munda blogs have made me start sorting my bits and planning on what plastics to purchase to make my gang, so expect a blog to start in the next few weeks.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 23:15:50


Post by: CMDante


Cheers fella's, your encouragement really keeps me going.

As for psykers, my understanding from the book was that the blood pact used attached psykers and sorcerrors from other forces invloved so I guess I could do something similar.

I'm trying to avoid an overly "blood for the blood god" look since the blood pact are supposed to be a disciplined force who favour ranged methods as much as cut and thrust combat. That said, there will still be khorne iconogrify involved.

I've done a bit of sculpt work on the test mini and I like how hes shaping up. I'll get some pics up tomorrow but there is still alot more detailing to be done.

Does anyone know if there are any other images of blood pact out there aside from the illustration I've posted above?

And Migsula, I'd love to see some pics of Hammer's blood pact, any extra inspiration is much appreciated.

I'm really glad I found Dakka again thanks to your thread on Warseer, it really is one of the better forum communities out there.

Can't wait to see everyone else's =I=munda logs and progress on your own Migsula.

Anyway, more soon. Cheers for all the support.

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 23:22:39


Post by: Platuan4th


I can't find anything official other than that , but did find this on DevART, may have some more fan art around. This artist has a whole "Gaunt's Ghosts" section, in fact.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/11 23:54:34


Post by: Agandhjin


And the ball is rolling...!

Great start on your gang, and not to mention a great start here at dakka! Kudos and welcome!

About a year ago when I was looking around for inspiration for my Tallan project, I came across
these pictures, which include a Blood Pact Trooper. Do note that these are not my pictures, I just
happened to have them stored on my computer.





Obviously, the Blood Pact one is in the middle.

Good luck on your gang, as a fellow =I=Munda fan I'm watching this one closely

al-Majid Agandhjin bin Ahfal al-Rashid



CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 01:37:27


Post by: Commisar00


I love the =I= munda craze that Migsula has and this one looks to be some more incredible stuff!



CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 01:39:46


Post by: Lord Lankington



Alll I can say is

COOL! COOL! COOL! COOL! COOL! COOL! COOL! COOL! COOL!

Its about time someone started a Blood Pact Gang/Army they are probably my favourite piece of GW Fluff and its great to see them in miniature form


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 12:25:43


Post by: CMDante


@Agandhjin and Platuan4th - thanks for the pics guys.
@ everyone else - thanks for all the great comments and feedback.


Well, as promised, heres some new pics of the early stages of sculpting work:






So far I've begun to work on filling out the gaps in the clothing. I've GS'd over the cadian torso belt trying to keep the clothing flowing. Still needs some tidying up and will get a "wash" with watered down milliput to smooth the joins where it meets the plastic. I've also started the hand on the lasgun, still needs tidied up a little but its getting there. On the back I've left the strap down the spine but it needs tidied up a little round the edges too to make it look natural, most of this will be covered by a backpack anyway though.

Only filled out one leg so far and it too needs a little tidying (see a theme developing here?! I did say it was early stages!). With the heads, I've done up two different ones, both will have the same style grotesque though, at the moment I'm building the basic shapes before the detail goes on, still lots to do here. The flagellants heads will be great for this project but it bugs me they dont have eyes.

Do you think the lasgun needs a strap over the shoulder or does it look ok as is?

Anyway, let me know what you think folks.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 12:46:37


Post by: Agandhjin


CMDante wrote:Do you think the lasgun needs a strap over the shoulder or does it look ok as is?


The first thing that popped into my head when I saw the new pictures was 'that looks a bit weird, him holding
that gun.' I think you should add some sort of strap, that way it looks now just seems too tac'ed on.

Otherwise, looks nice!

al-Majid Agandhjin bin Ahfal al-Rashid


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 13:09:04


Post by: smiling Assassin


Nice!

I personally think a strap would help layering the model up. Great sculpting work, it's simple but it's very effective.

Stay safe,

~sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 14:16:23


Post by: Flachzange


CMDante wrote:
Do you think the lasgun needs a strap over the shoulder or does it look ok as is?


Definately do a strap. You seem to have the needed gs skills already, so id go for it.
It looks a bit awkward at the moment.

Other than that, very cool stuff so far. Personally, I love the blood pact fluff so im with you all the way on the choice.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 16:06:20


Post by: grey_death


When I first saw the set up, I figured the hand was going to go to the front of the magazine weld. With this set up, you're definitely going to need to use an additional element to make it 'work'. I agree with the strap and think it could work out for the better as smiling Assassin mentioned, it would add an additional layer of detail.

Right now, I think across the opposite shoulder would work out best for the pose.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 16:32:18


Post by: Malika2


I'd love to see a chain-bayonet for either this one or another one of your Khornate soldiers. Not only is it kind of a nod to the old skool models, it's also very fitting for your unit!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 16:52:47


Post by: CMDante


Cheers for the input guys. I decided to put a strap on. Went the easy route and did it over the arm holding the gun. Grey_Death's idea of across the body would have looked cool but I plan on keeping him in pieces to make painting easier.

Done some more work on the body and legs and a little more on the head too so pics in a bit. Any ideas for iconography on the shoulder pads? One will have a khorne icon sculpted but what about the other?

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 17:10:39


Post by: Malika2


Does the Blood Pact have it's own icon? If not, perhaps you could have the other should pad have the unit's number/markings or something.

Oh yeah, perhaps you could include a STeG4 in there as a single vehicle (perhaps make a transport variant of it).


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 19:17:20


Post by: Mister Feral


That's some great sculpting work there, it's looking fine!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 20:55:53


Post by: CMDante


Thanks guys.

I don't know if they have their own icon, been a while since I read a Gaunts Ghosts book, anyone know if they do?

Also whats a STeG4 again? Any pics of one?

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 21:43:30


Post by: migsula


Nice progress. I was going to suggest what GD did - I don't think it would be hard to paint this mini in one piece either. Great sculpting btw!

I have Alpharius painted, but will enter him to the DPC so not sharing him just yet


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 21:47:21


Post by: CMDante


Whats the DPC?

I plan on adding a lot of extra details to the model that would probably make it more difficult to paint in once piece, to the level I want to go to with it anyway.

Looking forward to pics of Alpharius when your ready!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 22:07:09


Post by: migsula


Dakka Painting Challenge, though it was just brought to my attention, I should not have shared the WIP pics to be able to take part in the contest.

...next time


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 22:16:33


Post by: Malika2


CMDante wrote:Thanks guys.

I don't know if they have their own icon, been a while since I read a Gaunts Ghosts book, anyone know if they do?

Also whats a STeG4 again? Any pics of one?

Cheers,

Dante


It's this armoured car the Blood Pact used, it was armed with an autocannon IIRC. It's from the novels so no pics. :(


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 22:51:03


Post by: Xanthos


Possibly something like this? These are not GW stuff, they´re from Keith Thompson I think. Good stuff anyways.

[Thumb - atelialighttank.jpg]
[Thumb - ateliatechnical.jpg]
[Thumb - confontos.jpg]


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 23:16:37


Post by: CMDante


Thanks for the comments guys.

No plans to do up a vehicle for them anytime soon, the wife is putting her foot down on that one due to the amount of time it'd probably take me!

Here's a few pics of where I'm at with him now. As you can see I added a strap (needs a little tidy up once the GS dries) and stuck the shoulder pad on too. The hand got a little more work and is almost there now. Also added some rips to the trousers similar to the image and did a little more work on the face, adding an ear and working more on the nose etc.







Anyway, let me know how you think its progressing.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/12 23:22:49


Post by: Xanthos


Hey, that is looking mighty good! Your GS-fu is truly great.

Really liking the biggerising of him, don´t think I´ve seen that with a guardsman before.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/13 00:17:51


Post by: grey_death


Very nice so far. I really dig the face. Very spot on for the artwork.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/13 07:34:39


Post by: Col Hammer


Looks really good so far! Keep it going.

Here's a link to my site and the LatD army I modeled after Blood Pact.

http://www.pbase.com/colhammer/inbox


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/13 12:05:11


Post by: Malika2


What I find so fascinating about this miniature is that by lengthening the legs just a tiny bit it already looks so much better.

What kind of other stuff are you planning on including in your unit?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/13 12:09:52


Post by: Mister Feral


One day I will have to try and do something like this, it's too cool not too!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/13 19:40:30


Post by: CMDante


Thanks guys, your comments really keep me motivated!

@ Xanthos - I'm not sure I have either, maybe its a first?!

@ Grey Death - Cheers mate, the face was always going to be the most difficult part to get right in my mind so I'm glad people like it.

@Col Hammer - Thanks, Migsula, yourself and the rest of your group are the inspiration behind it all. Love the characterful conversions you have in there.

@Malika - It really does change the whole look doesn't it? I think simply making them a little taller makes the proportions more realistic and natural.

Not too sure what else I'm planning yet. After seeing Migs' marine I'm defo going to be trying one of those biggerised bad boys! I also want to put a sorcerror type in there and maybe some sort of torture master or pilot type? I'm open to any cool ganger style ideas and will no doubt plunder many ideas from Migs and co too!

@ Mister Feral - Go for it mate, it really is the most fun I've ever had with the hobby, my mind is literally full of cool imagery and ideas for this gang.....and I haven't even begun thinking on what to do for the "good" gang in any detail yet!

More pics soon!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/13 19:44:16


Post by: SonofGuilliman


For the sorceror you could try a sort of warrior priest, since I think it was in the Liber Chaotica that Khorne has them.

With all these =I=munda gangs, I may have to try my hand at one too.

SoG


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/13 21:36:42


Post by: CMDante


I've been having a little look about for some source books for more inspiration and came across one called "The Imperial Munitorum Manual", the description I read made it sound pretty interesting but I want to know if anyone who has a copy, or has had a good look through one, would recommend it?

I found a copy for about £7 so what do you reckon? Just bought the "The Inquisition" book too so looking forward to that.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 07:16:44


Post by: Malika2


Are you going to stick purely to GW models or is there a possibility that you may also use stuff from other ranges? If you aren't that much of a purist you might want to check out the German Faction from Darkson Design's AE-WWII.

Also, if you want to make some sort of torturer or sorcerer figure, perhaps it might be cool to base it on the Dark Eldar Haemonculus models? Oh yeah, if you are going to use those models, try to stick to either the male Haemonculus or Urien Rakarth because the female Haemonculus just looks...well kind of like that creature from the Coneheads.



CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 08:07:16


Post by: migsula


Your sculpting is amazingly crisp. I absolutely love the head - such a good choice of starting component and then the flawless GS work.

Maybe you should get the FW Traitor Sorcerer as base for your sorcerer conversion? It's a superb model and would be very fitting.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 09:10:10


Post by: Xanthos


Ooh, yeah that sorceror model would fit in so well with this guy!

The floaty in air guy specifically, would look awesome.

Other choices could be; a tritor marine, a packmaster with chaos hounds, some torturer type with a whip or a flail, or maybe some mutant rabble.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 09:35:37


Post by: Malika2


Hmm, for the hounds you might want to check out the Barghests by Troll Forged Miniatures. As for mutants, they just released a bunch of them.

By the way, you should really check out some of the stuff Jakob Rune Nielsen made. He really managed to capture that John Blanche vibe!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 09:46:40


Post by: CMDante


Thanks guys!

@ Malika - I am sort of a GW purist, probably sad, I know. I am open to using bits and pieces from other ranges but on the whole, I like my models to look very GW-esque.

You must be reading my mind because I had actually been looking at DE haemonculus mini's and in particular Urien Rakarth!

@ Migsula - Cheers mate, I was actually reminded of the ghoul heads by your mini's! Glad you like the sculpt work as its something I've been working very hard at developing lately.

The FW sorcerror is a nice mini, I've been eyeing a few bits and pieces from them for a while. I love the tech servitor model so might try and incorporate him into the "good" gang somewhere. Any ideas for how to alter the FW sorcerror to make it look unique?

@ Xanthos - thanks for the input mate, those ideas are duly noted!

Hopefully I'll have the time to work some more on him today once I finish with work meetings and have some pics for tonight.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 10:31:51


Post by: Malika2


Don't worry about being a GW purist! It means you could submit your work to official GW stuff like Golden Demon Awards and tournaments! Normally I'm quite the purist in it too, it's just that this has recently kind of changed...

As for making mutants, try to be more original at it! Most mutants I've seen tend to be human and Ork parts mixed up. To continue exploring the Dark Eldar range you might want to pick up some Grotesques and try to turn them in human mutants. I dunno, they look more disturbing than yet another human with a tentacle taken from the Chaos Possessed sprue.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 16:09:44


Post by: CMDante


Well, that is true. I do enter alot of local store contests and plan on one day entering GD, maybe next year?!

As for mutants, not sure on this one. I'm thinking I might do a squad of 5-8 blood pact troopers, some sort of blood pact officer, a sorcerror type and some sort of augmetically modified killing machine (I'm thinking a look similar to JRN's Imperial mutant for this one but with a more aggressive face and pose). This will probably be joined by a few specialists too, like the torturer etc. Maybe even a loaxtl (sp?)!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 16:38:49


Post by: Malika2


Loxatl would kick ass! Any ideas on how to model it? I've seen some which were based on Lizardmen Saurus models but they just aren't sleek enough in my opinion. Now I'm not saying they should be too sleek, but the head shouldn't look like some giant dinosaur.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 19:31:57


Post by: CMDante


Not 100% sure yet, I'm thinking maybe kroot as a base. Will need to re-read the description of them though.

Any ideas?

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 21:30:05


Post by: CMDante


Wow, thanks for all the great links mate, you've been a tremendous help on this project, cant thank you enough!

I've done some more sculpt work on him tonight, he's really beginning to take shape now. Managed to sculpt the khorne icon on the shoulder pad along with almost finishing the knife arm and some more rips on the trousers.

Pics in a wee bit.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 22:48:16


Post by: CMDante


Ok, as promised here are the latest set of pics. Quite small updates but it was mainly a case of fine tuning what was already there.







To explain whats changed, I've added some rivets to the right shoulder pad, the khorne logo and shoulder pad to the left arm, altered the knife handle a bit (needs tidying once GS dries) and gave the nose a little tidy up.

How does the khorne logo look? Also, should I add an ear to the left hand side of the head or just give it a SM style headset piece?

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 22:51:01


Post by: Malika2


I assume you will be painting these figures in their usual red? I remember that the officers had golden or silver masks while the troops had black ones. What might perhaps be fitting is that you give your leader (who I assume is a sergeant or at least an something like a sergeant) a bronze/brass mask instead. At least to distinguish him from the other troops (mask wise).

And you know you've got to include a heavy weapon guy (or servitor) with some sort of heavy flamer...that thing is just too cool not to include, especially in an urban environment like Necromunda. Yes I know the games take place somewhere else...but it's urban warfare nonetheless, which reminds me...perhaps some rules/aspects from Cities of Death (that 40k urban battles supplement) could be included in the =][=munda rules?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 22:53:26


Post by: Anti-Mag


These all look great. I was wondering how you'd recreate the 'Pact mask, but obviously your skills with green stuff compensate for this. I expected to see some heavily trimmed Bad Moon faces.

As an aside, this does seem like a ton of work for one trooper. Do you expect this trial run to make the following models easier? If they're all to this standard, take your time.



CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 23:11:31


Post by: CMDante


@ Malika - Yeah thats the plan mate, the red will be like the 54mm french slayer sword winner and the masks will be black or dark metal for basic troopers and bronze or gold for the squad leader (might make him a LT or something as I quite fancy the idea of an elite group of blood pact sent on a special mission, sort of anti-Gaunts Ghosts style!

@ Anti-Mag - I'm not really aiming to bash out these guys with great speed, more interested in doing a top level job on a characterful unit with a possible view to GD entry.

For future troopers I might try and see if I can't speed the process up a little by learning from my experiences on this one.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 23:18:41


Post by: Malika2


How does the khorne logo look? Also, should I add an ear to the left hand side of the head or just give it a SM style headset piece?

I think "just a SM style headset piece" would be more fitting. I dunno, it just adds more detail to the figure as in that it has more equipment. The headpiece is a communication tool which to me sounds quite fitting for a military organisation such as the Blood Pact.

It's a damn shame that GW doesn't sell separate bits anymore. Some of their Vampire Counts stuff might have been interesting to use on your Blood Pact. For example the kind of "ribbed/spike" armour the new Vampire models (Carsteins) are wearing for example. For some reason that kind of reminds me of that armour the leader of the Blood Pact wear on which he forces new members to cut their hands open on.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/14 23:24:16


Post by: Malika2


(might make him a LT or something as I quite fancy the idea of an elite group of blood pact sent on a special mission, sort of anti-Gaunts Ghosts style!

If you are indeed turning them into some sort of "anti-Gaunt's Ghosts" you definitely need some twisted parody of a Commissar. Maybe the Chaos Renegades range from Forgeworld might offer some help in that, like lets say the commander or an enforcer. Do make them look like some twisted commissar then!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/15 02:48:15


Post by: Lord Lankington



In 'Only in Death' around the end theres a great description of a blood pact officer, IIRC he was a giantic and wore a crude parody of an imperial officers uniform complete with medals captured from the fallen. something like that might work well for an anti-Corbec maybe..


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/15 04:23:49


Post by: SonofGuilliman


I think you need to make this guy, like Malika2 suggested for the torturer.

http://kombat-unit.deviantart.com/art/kombat-unit-Urdeshi-armor-Ref-89348862

It'd be pretty easy too from what I gather, especially with the new Marauder Horsemen coming out and the mohawked head in that set.

SoG


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/15 18:09:10


Post by: Accolade


That's an amazing Blood Pact soldier, I can't wait to see what you come up with for the other troopers, especially for the leader. Looking at what SonofGuillman posted, I noticed you can get those bulky shoulder pads just like that from the new Grave Guard skeletons. Here's a pic from warseer:

http://warseer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=30043&d=1194260679

I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for but I thought I would comment.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/15 18:26:17


Post by: SonofGuilliman


I've been thinking about this and think I'll do my own Blood Pact/Renegades based off Kombat Unit's work.

Also, for a leader character, try one of the Renegade Militia torsos, specifically the body of pointing guy, maybe with a different head: http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Chaos/Renegades/rmilitia30.jpg . Possibly the Baneblade captain's head, the one with the hat, and a sculpted mask.

SoG


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/15 18:46:39


Post by: CMDante


Thanks for the comments guys.

Yeah the VC range armour would probably work quite nicely with minimal conversion to make a good Urluk Gaur.... maybe somewhere down the line!

@ SonofGuilliman - glad to have inspired, go for it mate!

@ Accolade - Thanks and welcome to Dakka! Might have a look at Grave Guard for some ideas down the line, spent a fair whack on bits lately though!

On the subject of FW, I'm going to try and create as much of my group as possible through conversions, I like them to be unique so try to avoid using stock mini's. That said, there are defo parts I would like to get my hands on from the renegades range to convert up.

Going to work some more on the head and icon tonight to try and get those areas finished.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/15 22:12:35


Post by: Malika2


How are you going to paint them by the way? I know they are going to be red and all, but perhaps you might try to use a more "WWII modelling" style of painting and still keep the red. For some reason WWII models tend to have this more "matt" and less shiny and bright vibe going on that GW stuff tends to have (I mean look at the various Space Marine chapters and see what I mean). Add some browns and such in there, make the metal parts look weathered (as if the paint is kinda falling off and all that).


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/16 18:29:49


Post by: CMDante


Yep, I'm planning a realistic looking palette of colours. Drab red and chipped and dinghed metals etc. Not a fan of the bright and shiney look.

I hope to start painting him this weekend but its looking like a busy one!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/16 22:22:23


Post by: Accolade


I can't wait to see this guy finished and painted. I'd definitely like to hear about how the drab, realistic coloring when you're done!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/16 23:39:19


Post by: CMDante


Thanks. He's gradually inching closer to being ready for paint. I'm in two minds over whether to sculpt the severred hands on chain. mainly as I'm not confident doing the chain. anyone know any good tutorials?

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/17 02:43:52


Post by: Nuclear Mekanik


CMDante wrote:Thanks. He's gradually inching closer to being ready for paint. I'm in two minds over whether to sculpt the severred hands on chain. mainly as I'm not confident doing the chain. anyone know any good tutorials?

Cheers,

Dante


Use real chain, jewellers chain or similar. Rather than forking out for some bling silver, go look at the Argos catalogue... the naff jewellery in there has no end of different chains, I'm sure you could find a few suitable options that fitted the bill. Some people use bathplug chain for things but I think that's a bit too chunky for these scale of minis.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/17 11:31:11


Post by: Northen


That's one sweet model coming up there, great work.

I would also use real chain, would speed up your work quite a lot.

Keep us posted of your painting progress.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/18 15:56:25


Post by: CMDante


Ok, update time!

I've done some work on pretty much every part of the model since the last set of pics. I've begun creating his backpack along with a comm system for his head. Here's the pics:









The white stuff on him is a watered down milliput wash to smooth the areas where GS meets plastic and also to fill in any small marks in the GS. While it might look thick and rough in the pics it is actually a really fine layer, I literally applied it like a wash by mixing a small amount of milliput with water on a pallette and then applying with the brush.

The backpack is early days yet, the canister on top still needs alot of work and I'm not 100% sure about the open pack look yet, opinions?

All in all he's about 80% done now. Just need to add some buckles to the backpack straps and smooth them down a bit and do a little work on the back of the head and the strap holding the mask on. Really looking forward to painting him!

Anyway, as usual let me know what you think.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/18 16:14:28


Post by: Anti-Mag


Coming along very nicely.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/18 16:17:20


Post by: Malika2


The amount of detail on that thing is going to be amazing! You might want to add something like a bayonet (or what about a chain bayonet) to the lasgun. Another cool idea might be to put some straps on the mask, kind of like small leather belts which keep that thing on his head.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/18 17:11:53


Post by: Mister Feral


Speaking of straps for the grotesque, this might give you some ideas:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2618863794_aabc80d06e.jpg

The details are looking immensly cool now!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/18 18:48:48


Post by: Xanthos


really liking the look you´ve gotten here, he´s looking great right now.

I think he´ll look awesome painted.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/19 11:39:37


Post by: CMDante


Thanks for the comments gents.


Some pics with the model tacked together to get a proper idea of how he'll look.







Still not sure which backpack to go with. I think I might take the canister from the other one and put it on top of this one, what do you reckon?

Painting should hopefully begin this week, really looking forward to it, might even start converting up the next one too. I was thinking maybe crouched holding an IG corpse, ideas welcome!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/19 12:06:34


Post by: Beowulf


looks cool, nice gs work, i think i prefer the first pack to this one, couldnt really say without it being painted though?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/19 13:46:13


Post by: Malika2


Got to agree with Beowulf on the first backpack thing!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/19 14:23:15


Post by: Anti-Mag


Maybe he could be crouched behind an Imperial corpse. Improvised sandbags are quite fashionable in the Eye Of Terror.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/19 15:09:11


Post by: smiling Assassin


Better yet, piled up corpses.

I've always thought that a corpse barricade - '300' style - would look simply delightful.

~sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/19 16:55:39


Post by: Malika2


Check out this thread over at 40konline, may give you some ideas for your Blood Pact.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/19 21:55:31


Post by: grey_death


I really do like the canister from the first pack. I just can't quite think of any real reason for it! Though, if you went with a bedroll on this one you could get much the same effect, with more of a functional piece.

I think the mic could benefit from a hinge at the corner of the jaw. Making it more realistic feeling. There are fully adjustable mic's like that one, but it just feels out of place with what you've got so far.

This is what I have in mind there:


Really looking forward to seeing some paint start on this guy.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/19 23:53:49


Post by: CMDante


It's not actually a mic, just a cable plugged in to the mask under the chin. Added it to give more detail to the head and replicate the cabling in the image a bit.

Asked this on warseer but does anyone know where I could get german ww2 helmets, preferrably without heads in them, that would fit 28mm? I plan to make some krieg-esque helms for the other pact members.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/20 00:19:13


Post by: grey_death


CMDante wrote:It's not actually a mic, just a cable plugged in to the mask under the chin. Added it to give more detail to the head and replicate the cabling in the image a bit.

Asked this on warseer but does anyone know where I could get german ww2 helmets, preferrably without heads in them, that would fit 28mm? I plan to make some krieg-esque helms for the other pact members.

Cheers,

Dante


Ahhh...maybe next time I'll look more closely >.>...

1/35 seems to fit, but I'm not sure a good source of just helmets. the ones I have are from a machine gun position kit. A bit expensive for just a few helmets ^_-.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/20 18:57:17


Post by: Beowulf


with regard to the back pack, the canister could have a breather mask hanging off it and a screw tap in the other end, maybe a canister of some illegal mind bending rage gas or some such, just to make him that bit more of a mental case


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/20 20:35:53


Post by: smiling Assassin


DUDE YOU JUST BLEW MY MIND.

I want mind-bending-rage gas (I pinged it as MBRG first, keep it on record.) to be an upgrade for every 5th Edition Unit Ever.

+5 Awesome Points in Close Combat

~sA

(P.S. Sorry for the OTP, bit carried away. Continue your fine work! You'll be scaring many loyalists soon, I'm certain.)


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/21 22:06:02


Post by: CMDante


Ok, after sculpting some teeth in the mask, adding some buckles to the backpack straps and finishing off the tank for the top of his new back pack I think I'm finally ready to begin painting.

I've been thinking about colours and I'm thinking very pale, almost white skin, drab red uniform and scratched and dinged black armour and mask. Drab brown boots, belts and backpack. What do you reckon? Any comments on possible colour usage is welcome.

@ Beowulf - I liked the idea about adding a screw tap to the canister so it has been done. Haven't added a mask to it as he already has one and didn't want to clutter it.

Really looking forward to getting cracking on this guy and possibly starting converting up the next member, ideas for his weapons are also welcome. I want to keep them fairly uniform in terms of armament to get across the "disciplined evil" feel but I would like another menacing, dramatic pose.

I think at least one member of the squad will have a lasgun strapped over his back, dead guardsman hanging limp in one hand, bloodied knfie in the other.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/21 22:22:45


Post by: Beowulf


the colours sound great tbh, glad you liked the screw tap idea , just make sure to put the letters mbrg on the tank ( only kidding ) with regards to idea's for the next guy, what about somebody squatting close to the ground doing some self harm, cutting an exposed fore arm ( sleeve rolled up ) smiling, or if thats just too dark maybe a trooper with ears hanging round his neck ala dolph himself, or you could do both, the guy with a chain of ears round his neck stood up, las gun in one hand, lead in the other hand attatched to a collar round crouching self harm guys neck

but its late and the idea's a starting to get wierd, awsome work so far!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/22 16:48:42


Post by: migsula


Awesome! Now just get painting and keep as updated as much as possible.

I am so happy to see "offsprings" like this on the =I=munda fabric. It's also very inspiring!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/22 17:18:06


Post by: Xanthos


Get painting you! <cracks whip>, I want to see this guy done in all his gory glory!

Seriously though, it´s been really impressive seeing how you´ve taken the model from stick imperial, to what could be nothing but a Blood Pact madman.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/22 19:11:52


Post by: Malika2


More more more more!!! Oh and I want to see one with a heavy flamer! I'm busy trying to make Nec (and thus also =][=munda?) stats for that chunky beast!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 16:28:12


Post by: Northen


Some serious progress, this is truly a great model.

Hope we see painted results soon.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 16:48:38


Post by: Xanthos


@ Malika.

Are you working from 2nd ed rules for making it?

The rules themselves would be very little of a problem in that case, though the cost issue might..


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 18:11:48


Post by: Malika2


Partly 2nd edition rules, partly Necromunda based stuff. We've been discussing it over at Warseer.

Personally I really want to include a certain risk to the use of this weapon, meaning that it could blow up in a rather nasty way!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 20:06:23


Post by: Xanthos


are you planning to make it a one person weapon, or have someone carry the tanks for the user?

Not so sure about the risk bit, you could just give it some spectacular misfire rules.

Oh, and be careful that you don´t make it TOO good. The flamer in itself can already be awesome in Necromunda, a heavy flamer with it´s -3sv mod could really do nasty stuff...

Basically if you notice suddenly that every gang has one, it´s probably too good for it´s price.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 20:18:23


Post by: Malika2


The idea was that it would explode when you failed your misfire test. Another idea I liked to include was the fact that the enemy could also shoot at the tank. People mentioned a really good hit score as a potential way of blowing it up. Personally I was more interested in looking into a failed safe roll.

The discussion over at Warseer. I agree that the weapon should be expensive, but personally i also think that it should be a dangerous job to use one, meaning only the craziest (or dumbest) gangers would use one. Sisters of Battle and such use it because they have their Faith protecting them and all that, that and the fact that the Power Armour probably protects them from exploding fuel tanks...


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 21:07:47


Post by: CMDante


You could always add extra skill rules for depth, ie. a user who makes x kills with a heavy flamer gains +1/-1 to a save/usage roll after the game as a "lucky mental bast@rd!" skill?

Undercoated the first blood pact member today, will be working on him heavily this coming weekend so expect plenty of WIP painting updates.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 21:14:40


Post by: Aquila


Kewl stull all through mate, when/if we ever manage to finish both out warbands we should meet for a game sometime

++Aquila++


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 21:26:30


Post by: CMDante


Absolutely, I don't really game much anymore but it would be cool even just to meet up to see them in reality. Would also love to see your GD winning imperial pilot, from what I've seen it was easily the best in category which puzzled me as to why it placed bronze rather than gold. Maybe the mistook the trophy?!

What's the painting atmosphere like in Edinburgh? It's a little quiet in Glasgow, I was thinking about maybe holding some teaching sessions or something.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 21:31:36


Post by: Aquila


Hehe, I don't really game at all, but it might be fun to give =I=munda a go If you're ever in Edinburgh, the pilot is on display in the GW, untill GD winners day at least, but that's next April. I'm flattered that you think it was the best in the category, personally, I think the silver winning entry should have taken gold and the gold winning entry bronze but I'm not one of the judges. Was chuffed with my bronze tbh.

Don't know so much about the painting atmosphere here yet, doesen't seem to be geared so much towards display type painting, more armies, but there are some really nice armies here.

Ta
++Aquila++


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/23 21:48:52


Post by: Pfreck


As a big time Blood Pact fan, I really love this blog!
I really like how everything turned out, I also tried to make blood pact troopers, many times. But always got stuck at the grotesque/mask part.. you pulled it off just right!

Speaking about Edinburgh and Scotland, I've been there last summer. Was truly an awesome country (in my opinion! Holland is so flat and dull.. ) !
GW Edinburgh was quite nice, quite similar to my old local GW in my hometown, which got closed last year.. :( Haven't been to Glasgow though, my mum decided Edinburgh was crowdy enough to get out by car (it's even harder with the steering wheel on the left side ) so we passed Glasgow.. would've loved to see the city.

Anyway, enough talking... can't wait to see the painted version of the trooper!

Edit: I found some Blood Pact pictures from a while back. It's from a Staff Member from GW Stockholm, his name was Max Faleij if I remember his name right.. It was displayed a while back on the Northern Europe website from GW. It's put down for some time now, because NE is no more. But luckily I saved the pictures! Just made a quick gallery type of web page, so it's easier to browse.
Blood Pact Gallery

Hope this helps!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/24 12:03:52


Post by: CMDante


Excellent! Thanks for the pics mate, theyre certainly some of the better blood pact I've seen.

What I've tried to avoid is the common "cadian with grotesque and khorne markings" look that is the only way I've really seen them done before. I wanted to give them a bit of a unique look, staying true to the illustration. Yes the fatigues (on the torso anyway) are cadian but by merging this with the flagellant arms and catachan legs (with one of the big thigh pockets removed), and by elongating the legs and torso slightly, he doesn't really look like either a catachan or cadian to my eyes anyway.

I love the way the chap who's pics you have posted has done the loxatl, defo the best versions I've seen yet.

Did the Loxatl always walk on all fours? I thought I remembered them occasionally walking upright in the books?

May need to reconsider how I'm going to do them....anyone got genestealers (on sprue) to trade?!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/24 12:09:37


Post by: Malika2


You might want to try out different types or armoured plating on the figures to make them all look more unique. For that you could either use the Brettonian Men-At-Arms sprue or simply add details to the armour plating using green stuff.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/25 13:44:58


Post by: CMDante


Yep, don't worry they will all look unique, although to represent their military disipline etc they will all have a roughly cohesive appearance.

Now for more of what everyone really wants to see, pics!




Early stages of painting. The face is about 50% done, though obviously the mask is just undercoated. The fatigues have been based and a quick bit of shading, still lots to do on them yet but you can get a rough idea of the colour. I'm liking how he's shaping up so far. Even did a few painted on scars on the face on the side of his head (right hand above the ear and left hand above the eye) opinions on these are welcome as its my first efforts at painting on scars.

More throughout the day!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/25 13:56:16


Post by: Beowulf


nice eye lol, will he have any veins on his head?? would add character, great to see some apint on it at last, keep it up


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/25 15:19:11


Post by: Lord Lankington



OMG OMG OMG, that is ssoooo cool looking, I'm in love!!!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/25 15:22:06


Post by: Malika2


You know what might be really cool for some of the Blood Pact? Black tattoos! And then not your typical army stuff like "I love your mom man" but what about a Chaos Star around one eye or some Khornate markings on the forehead?



CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/25 15:40:15


Post by: CMDante


Done a bit more work on him:




Did a bit of photo editing on the second pick as you cant really make out much of the highlighting and shading on the fatigues in the first. They're now pretty much done though so next step is the armour and mask, then boots and straps and then onto the arms and backpack!

Probably won't be doing any veins on his head, I had thought about it but at this scale I doubt they would look realistic.

I had thought about tattoos and maybe they'll feature on future mini's. I was thinking things like 9 pointed stars, khorne logo, serial numbers (for traitor guard members) etc.

More pics soon,

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/25 15:48:58


Post by: Aquila


Like it mate, will you be adding weathering at the end?

++Aquila++


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/25 16:09:35


Post by: CMDante


Yeah, the armour will be weathered, as will the mask and weapons etc. Not sure about the fatigues, might get my hands on some MIG urban pigments in the not to distant and maybe use those to add some dust etc.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/25 16:30:59


Post by: migsula


Looking very promising. Love the "dark eyeliner" feel, piercing eyes.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/25 23:37:18


Post by: grey_death


I'd definitely go with at least a little bit of weathering on the fatigues. If anything a little bit of discoloration around the worn spots (or create worns spots with the same discoloration). A little bit of a desaturated lighter hue of the red. 'Urban dust' would look the part I'm sure for overall weathering effects.

Looking great so far.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/26 10:25:01


Post by: migsula


What is maybe better than even the model itself, which is great - is that the posting culture has dramatically changed!! Atleast with this blog!!!

You haven't even finished a single fig and are up to 110 replies, compared to 250 our entire group has gotten in our blog that has three finished gangs and process. Even in our blog the last 100 or so replies have racked up like it's supposed to. Big thanks to the lads who joined from Warseer and injected some energy.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/26 10:57:22


Post by: CMDante


Absolutely, of all the forums I post on, Dakka provides the most discussion and contribution to inspiration out of them all. Thanks Migs for encouraging me back here after a few years absence and thank you to everyone for all your comments, support and inspirational ideas.

Just starting work on the trooper again so more pics in a bit.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/26 12:40:04


Post by: CMDante


More WIP of painting before I go out.





I hope I'm not boring you all with so many pics after very small stages of work but I really just want to chart my progress throughout this project pictorially, as much as to remind me of how I did particular areas for future models as to act as a guide for anyone else inspired to try creating some blood pact.

Since the last set of pics I've done some work on the belts and on the mask and a little weathering on the armour (which still needs lots of work!). The metals are far from done, just based really. The pics aren't great(really something I need to work on) as the highlights and shading have been almost completely washed out but you get the idea.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/26 14:55:10


Post by: Malika2


migsula wrote:What is maybe better than even the model itself, which is great - is that the posting culture has dramatically changed!! Atleast with this blog!!!

You haven't even finished a single fig and are up to 110 replies, compared to 250 our entire group has gotten in our blog that has three finished gangs and process. Even in our blog the last 100 or so replies have racked up like it's supposed to. Big thanks to the lads who joined from Warseer and injected some energy.


I guess you need to update that blog of yours huh? Whatever happened to Col Hammer and Northern's endeavours?

Hmm, I also think it's the fact that this =I=munda craze is slowly going up that more people are replying. It won't be long until this spreads to other forums as well!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/26 17:52:20


Post by: grey_death


I really enjoy seeing lots of pictures on a single project. It helps get a feel for the direction and process you're going to get to your end result. Plus you can get the most feedback during the WIP that can help a project grow, rather than just get the feedback after the fact when it's already too late and you're not going to go back and change things.

I really like the chipping on the chest armor so far. It has a real depth to it. The highlights are most definitely washing out everywhere though, but the amount of light seems right, it might just be a camera issue.

+++++++

On the posting culture: I've been personally hammering at the post count on this side of the modeling fence trying to help drive things a bit more to where they 'should' be. That's what makes others post. It takes everyone participating in each others threads to help gain the sense of community that will push the culture forward!

If you see something nice or can think of a way to make something better, post! ^_^


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/27 12:44:53


Post by: CMDante





Couple of quick shots of the base. I think its pretty much done, just needs a little tiny bit of moss and obviously the mini stuck on properly (just attached through his feet pins at the moment, hence the gaps).

Still need to do the boots on the trooper but the rest of the body is pretty much done, maybe need to do a little more of the grenade but waiting to see how the backpack would affect shading etc. You also get a better view of one of the painted on scars in the pics here.

As usual, comments welcome!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/27 12:58:45


Post by: smiling Assassin


Great work!

The base is good, and on the whole the paint job is evocative and is pleasing to the eye: it all ties in tell together.

Keep it up,

~sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/27 16:27:14


Post by: Xanthos


Also definately liking the look you´re going for. Very good style for the more army-like feel of the Pact.

Oh, and I´m all for the many posts thing.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/27 16:35:21


Post by: Malika2


Hmm, lets get this =I=munda thing going then! Grey Death made a thread for it in the Skirmish games section, perhaps we could discuss rules and all that stuff there! Love to see what you guys come up with. I'm currently trying to get some rules done for Heavy Flamers, Servitors and Anargo Sector specific weaponry.

I might be looking in a more advanced form of psychology for the game play to add that extra RPG like element in there. Probably nick some ideas from Dark Heresy! This would enable to truly give character to the models you are using in your "gang"!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/27 17:56:37


Post by: grey_death


Great job on the base. I take that's one of the skulls from AoBR? It's very nicely integrated.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/27 19:00:22


Post by: Flachzange


Im really digging the mask. Very well done.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/29 15:04:29


Post by: CMDante


Yes it is indeed the AOBR skull from the terminator free with WD.

Picture update time!




WIP shot with the arms on and base finished (for now anyway!).

The knife arm is about half done. The fatigues are pretty much there as is the shoulder pad but the skin still needs highlighting/shading, the knife needs done and so does the wristband.

Not sure you can see it in the pics (angle isnt right, will try to get better shot later) but I put alot of work into the highlighting and shading on the shoulderpad using a variety of glazes with vallejo dark grey and black mixes to shade the steel and charadon granite to shade the gold/bronze. Pretty pleased with how its shaping up now, gradually inching closer to the finish line! Will need to start converting up the next ones so I have something else to paint when I'm done....

Comments welcome.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/29 15:42:49


Post by: ancientsociety


Wow, I love this WIPlog. REALLY nice work!

Ok, ok, I know you have no plans to do a vehicle but, if and when you do, you might want to consider an Old Crow halftrack....



http://www.oldcrowmodels.co.uk/25vehicles.htm


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/29 18:13:24


Post by: CMDante


More WIP pics





The knife arm is now finished and attached and the body is attached to the base. Now beginning work on the rifle arm and the backpack.

As an aside, I picked up MIG Pigments "concrete" today and gave it a quick test on parts of the base, just a thin wash mixed with water but they're pretty nice, think I'll get a couple of the rust ones etc once my DVD guide on how to use them arrives!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/29 18:18:06


Post by: smiling Assassin


Great work!

I hadn't noticed the shoulder pad with the Khorne symbol - nice! The mask has shaped up nicely also.

Stay safe,

~sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/29 19:07:57


Post by: grey_death


He's really starting to have that disturbing murderous intent about him ^_-.

Great job so far.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/29 20:01:25


Post by: Pfreck


Simply brilliant! I really like how the head turned out, it looks even better painted!
Looking forward to see this chap finished, and of course the other members of the gang!

As for the backpack, are you staying with the backpack with the cannister? I liked that one!

Cheers!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/30 16:24:27


Post by: Malika2


Maybe it's the light of the picture, but I'm getting the impression as if the arm has a slightly different skin colour than the face. Is this true?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/10/30 19:18:00


Post by: CMDante


Cheers lads

@pfreck - Not sure which pack to use to be honest!

@ Malika - Colour looks the same to me IRL and on the two computers I've viewed it on? Its shaded on the underside so maybe its that?

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/02 20:33:19


Post by: CMDante


Ok, been a bit quiet round here so lets get some new pics to get things buzzing again!

Finished the other arm now so just the pack to do. Also had a play about with some MIG pigments "concrete" on the base, boots and trousers.







Anyway, pics aren't great as usual but you get the idea. As usual, comments welcome!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/02 21:58:34


Post by: Lord Lankington




So far it looks FANTASTIC, are you goign to paint scars on his hands a-la fluff?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/02 22:05:05


Post by: Malika2


This is just nitpicking here but the lasgun would have looked perfect if it had the Khornate icon sculpted on it like the shoulderpad. But yeah, it's but a minor detail, the model looks amazing!

Very curious to see what will come next!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/02 22:21:11


Post by: grey_death


great progress


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/03 00:00:43


Post by: Anti-Mag


This thread gives the finger to people who bemoan plastic models. Very nice.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/03 20:46:24


Post by: Mister Feral


Awesome awesome awesome!

I love every aspect of it, nothing else to say really.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/03 21:21:40


Post by: CMDante


Thanks chaps!

To be honest the khorne marking on the rifle was a last second decision, just wanted to add something to add a little more visual interest. Probably would have tried sculpting it if I'd known I was going to do it but then again it is really small!

I just read on the warseer rumours forum that the new Gaunts Ghost books will involve a blood pact kill team.....sound familiar?!?!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/04 12:50:48


Post by: Malika2


You know you have to include some savage chain weapon in there right? I've been annoying you about chain-bayonets for ages now, and I think I've finally found a cool example.

Check out this picture by Brush Your Teeth over at Warseer, the Marine on the right.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/04 13:35:50


Post by: grey_death


Malika2 wrote:You know you have to include some savage chain weapon in there right? I've been annoying you about chain-bayonets for ages now, and I think I've finally found a cool example.

Check out this picture by Brush Your Teeth over at Warseer, the Marine on the right.


I made a version of the chain bayonet a while back. It's a very rough prototype, but a little bit more work and it looks like it would fit perfectly.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/04 17:33:00


Post by: The Dreadnote


I'm going to take this opertunity to plug my own take on chain bayonets:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/216520.page

Excellent work on the model, by the way!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/04 17:47:20


Post by: Malika2


That one is perfect! It's subtle but nasty at the same time!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/04 18:08:12


Post by: The Dreadnote


Why thank you


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/04 19:18:52


Post by: CMDante


Hmmm, maybe I'll have a footer with some bits and come up with some prototypes, if only to subdue Malika!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/04 19:29:45


Post by: Malika2


You could however, instead of basing it on the chainsword, try to use a chainweapon from the CSM sprues as a basis for the bayonet. I think a blade of a Khorne Berserker's chain-axe would be perfect!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 14:03:47


Post by: CMDante







At long last, the first test trooper is done! Well near enough anyway, might go back and do a little more on some areas of the backpack (pic of which is terrible I'm afraid, so washed out and I couldn't get the lighting right on the quick pic I took). I plumped for doing the canister a chipped yellow colour with a little "toxic" icon warning on it.

I'm not sure what to do next, another trooper or a loxatl. While this trooper was fun, the urge for something a little different makes me lean towards a loxatl. That said, the loxatl would involve A LOT of sculpting so maybe I should make a start on it and another trooper?

Anyway, let me know what you think.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 14:10:13


Post by: Hoffen


Fantastic!
I really like your attention to details, like the worn fatigues, the rusty shovel and the chipped body armor.
Keep it up!

//Hoffen


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 16:32:00


Post by: PC Veteran


WOW! Thats very impressive... The head, and overal look is top knoch.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 17:11:39


Post by: Beowulf


nice too see it done, looks very good, canister looks good aswell, cant wait to see what you come up with next


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 19:01:20


Post by: CMDante






Number 2 is underway. The plan for him is either a chainaxe or to put a lasgun in his hands with a bayonet on the end. At the moment I'm liking the axe idea more.

Obviously he's just tacked together at the moment and the head and arms have literally just been clipped off an not cleaned up yet. Not sure whether to use the head in the pic or one with a mask that I had started doing when I started the first mini. Opinions welcome!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 19:12:37


Post by: smiling Assassin


Awesome.

I say that word too much, but awesome.

Really crisp, perfect painting on that first one. Looks really... perfect for the modelling.

Hmm, I think I like the bayonet idea for No. 2, but I just think that's more like IG-gone-bad, rather than "EVIL BABY EATING KHORNE CULTISTS,", but horses for courses.

Keep it up & stay safe,

~sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 19:16:23


Post by: migsula


Chainaxe!

So nice to see a new guy.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 19:20:20


Post by: Malika2


Oh chainaxe all the way! Make it a chunky axe! Make the figure bloody, as if he has been chopping people into pieces for a while now.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 22:11:39


Post by: Beowulf


chainaxe ftw what are the arms and head from?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/05 22:23:24


Post by: CMDante


That settles it then, chainaxe it is! Since I don't have any chainaxe blades handy it looks like I'll be making one myself.

The head and arms are from the empire flagellants sprues.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/06 03:22:07


Post by: Lord Lankington



That second dude looks ssoooo badass its awesome, plus i love how the first trooper turned out!!!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/06 13:00:49


Post by: grey_death


I am away for what, a DAY, and you finish the first and have already started the second?!

I hope to see some good 'final' photos of the first trooper in the near future ^_^, I don't know if I could wait until you win a GD with these guys to see clear photos ^_-.

The second guys pose is really spot on so far. At least for a chainaxe it is. A bayonet charge would need to have his left arm in more and right arm extended out to the left some more. I'll see if I can dig up a photo of what I mean.

I don't really know what's more appropriate though, because a chain axe would be pretty awesome...


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/06 19:23:03


Post by: CMDante


So it was a nice surprise then?!

I'll try and get some good pics but photography really isn't my forte.

I think I'll go with the axe, easier to do and suits with the khornate theme. I'm really pleased with the running pose and looking forward to sculpting the details on and fixing the trousers.

More soon!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/07 13:48:06


Post by: Malika2


You should definitely do a sniper like Saul! Kind of adapt the style from AE: WWII's Russian snipers. You could make a very scenic base with either the sniper hiding behind a wall or having climbed into something!

But yeah, in the meanwhile I'll just await patiently to see where you are going to go with this.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/07 15:55:00


Post by: grey_death


Malika2 wrote:You should definitely do a sniper like Saul! Kind of adapt the style from AE: WWII's Russian snipers. You could make a very scenic base with either the sniper hiding behind a wall or having climbed into something!


Oooo....that second sniper pose is pretty awesome...Why can't GW take a hint that their poses are too generic...? I guess thems the breaks for a company trying to transition to more plastic. They have done some good work here and there though with their metals (Winged Vampire for example).


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/07 21:17:58


Post by: smiling Assassin


Mmmm. Evil snipers = awesome idea.

~sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/08 10:51:05


Post by: CMDante


Dont worry, a sniper type will be done at some point. I am warey however of having a specialist for everything, its a bit too 80's action movie/kids tv show and screams unrealistic in a way.

I'm thinking a sniper and special weapon trooper and no other "specialists". Obviously some will be armed with ccw's but thats just the khorne theme really isn't it?

Those AE mini's are very cool, Grey Death is right, the second pose is very nifty!

More later today hopefully.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/08 16:14:36


Post by: Malika2


Perhaps the sniper could be something along the lines of a "hired gun" I see what you mean with the overdose of specialists, especially if you are also going to include a Loxatl, a torturer and a sorcerer in the mix.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/09 11:04:16


Post by: typhus


now make some nurgle ones!!!!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/09 22:32:59


Post by: CMDante


Unfortunately I don't like nurgle stuff much at all so it'll be unlikely I'll ever do any.

Some new pics to show my progress:







Still cant decide between the two heads, obviously the one with the mask is still very WIP. The other head has had an eye sculpted (that I'm very proud of too, eye and eyelid!) as the flagellant heads while incredible lack proper eyes which annoys me as I think eyes are important in making models look real.

The fatigues are also still very WIP and need a bit more filling out but I've begun to define the major folds etc.

I've also started scratch building a chainaxe head (due to not having chainaxes to hand and relishing the challenge). So hopefully more pics over the coming days.

As usual, comments and questions welcome.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/10 18:35:44


Post by: typhus


flagelant head all the way


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/10 18:43:53


Post by: grey_death


I do think for this pose the flagellant head will work out better as it can convey that sense of khornate rage. I would still however hand a mask around on him somewhere to keep that sense of solidarity for the group.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/11 02:17:32


Post by: Beowulf


flagellant head all the way! be good to have variation, put the mask on a different bp trooper, the flag head just looks right for this one


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/11 02:33:32


Post by: Platuan4th


Go with the flagellant head, perhaps with a laser burn on the cheek and his mask lying on the ground to look as though it were shot off whilst he was charging blindly towards a line of guardsmen.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/11 22:48:59


Post by: CMDante


Thanks for the comments chaps!

The flagellant head is currently winning out and I did some more work on him today, adding another eye to the unmasked head and doing the eyes (minus eyelids, these will come once the eyes dry) and also doing more to define the clothing. I also started putting together a chainaxe head for the weapon, it's scratch built from chaos combi-weapon chainblades and is looking pretty fitting already.

I'll get pics tomorrow. In the meantime, I wanted to ask what peoples thoughts were on the best way to sculpt a mask seperate from the face while maintaining a hollow innard?

My initial thoughts are to vaseline up a flagellant head, sculpt the base for a mask on it then once its cured, remove it and tack is to a ball of hardened GS and finish sculpting it like this. Not sure how easy this will be to do though so any better ideas are welcome!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/12 19:04:12


Post by: CMDante


Ok, time for some new pictures:






And last but not least...my little cache of weapons from ebay and warseer's Catferret:


I've done some more work on the clothing to make the folds etc, still need to do the belt and work more on the sides of the torso and back.

I've also worked a bit on the axe head, not sure about it though, think it might be a little too big at the moment though and will probably shorten it a bit before I finish. It will have a motor added at the bottom at the back too.

The collection of weapons will come in handy for equiping the troopers with an eclectic mix of patterns and weapon types to fit with how they are armed in the Gaunts Ghosts novels. The pistols are particularly nice and the details on all of the weapons (except the FW ones, they are badly cast and detailed, basically bolters with lasgun barrels!) are exceptional.

Comments welcome as usual, particularly on the axehead.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/12 19:09:10


Post by: The Dreadnote


Great, now I've got weapons envy. Excellent work on the trooper though!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/13 06:51:21


Post by: CMDante


It wasn't cheap to get that little stash together! Seems those necromunda weapons carry a high value these days!

I made the axe head a little shorter to make it more realistic and manageable to wield.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/14 20:01:21


Post by: Beowulf


looking good mate, the axe looks good


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/14 21:48:07


Post by: CMDante


More pics of the current status of the second trooper:






The axe has been made noticeably smaller and more realistically scaled and I've got to say, I'm much happier with it now. It took alot of cutting and gluing to put it together, just to cut it apart again and make it smaller but I think it was worth it. The axe head isnt finished yet though. I still need to finish the top and the other side of the engine on the back of it, at the moment these areas are very WIP. The engine also needs the gaps filled at the joins where the plastic part from a marine chainsword meets the casing.

I've also settled on the bare flagellant head as quite simply I think it fits better with the pose. You can make out the work I've done in adding the eyes more clearly in this pic too.

The belt has been added since the last pics, complete with belt hoops and the top of the trousers. The shirt has also been completed right the way round the body.

I've also made a start on his base, pretty simple so far, just a few bricks made from carved sprue and some gravel and scatter.

Anyway, as usual comments, questions and constructive criticism welcome.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/14 22:39:58


Post by: Ozymandias


Amazing models! The painted one would win you a Golden Demon here in the states no problem.

I love the flagellant sprue, so much good conversion fodder there.

Ozymandias, King of Kings


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/14 23:23:46


Post by: grey_death


I love it.

Everything is coming together so well on this guy, I really don't have much in the way of constructive crit past 'do more of that!'

One of the slightest details that really makes it for me is the slight bend in the waist that you can see from the back.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/14 23:31:23


Post by: Malika2


Let the guy carry a pistol in a holster! That kind of made me notice something, I know that the Space Marine Tactical sprue had a few pouches and pistol holsters (with pistols in them), but if you looked at them those pistols looked tiny compared to the pistols they sometimes seem to be carrying.



CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/15 10:33:49


Post by: CMDante


@ grey_death - haha, glad you noticed it mate, your the only person to have so far. I did alot of posing in a mirror and looking at old game photo's of myself playing RB to get it right.

@ Malika - I've been trying to find a good holster piece but the marine ones are a bit big for what I have in mind. I thought I had an IG tank accessory sprue kicking about as I wanted to use the tank commander bits and the lasrifle with the wire stock for future works but I cant find it anywhere. I'm sure it had a las pistol holster on it too. Oh well!

Your right about the marine pistols though. I remember noticing that when they were first released in 1998. There is no room for the BP clip either!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/15 11:42:39


Post by: typhus


wats the next one gnna be


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/15 12:35:42


Post by: CMDante


Either one firing a rilfe (from the hip or shoulder I haven't decided yet) or an officer type. Think looted commissar/guard officer coat with tatty epaulets and a seriously menacing mask/helmet combo, nasty looking sword and possibly a pistol.

Need to practice sculpting greatcoats though, haven't really tried them before so it will require some thought as to how I'll do it but I'm sure I'll come up with something.#



Started doing a chain round the neck of the current one I'm working on. It's still a little rough in the pics (putty was fresh at that point, I've worked it more since to get the edges sharper etc) but you get the idea. Next step is to sculpt some severed hands onto it!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/15 13:17:35


Post by: grey_death


Just tons of movement in this guy. The chain looks great, and I'm sure the addition of the hands will throw even more momentum into his stride.

It's a shame I'll probably never get to see these guys in person!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/15 13:20:55


Post by: Malika2


You got to put the Khorne icon somewhere? Perhaps on the chain or one the chest armour, in a similar fashion as you did on the shoulderpad of the first figure.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/15 22:33:19


Post by: CMDante


@ grey_death - Thanks mate, I'm really pleased with the movement in this one, its turned out exactly as I wanted. Also very pleased with how the chain has turned out. Not bad for a first ever attempt at sculpting it!

@ Malika - I'll probably put it on his shoulder pads again when I make them, or maybe on his axe as my girlfriend has suggested.

Ok, did a tidy up on the chain to get it looking crisper and neater:




Also, I started making the body for a third trooper while I waited on things curing:




This one will be coming down from a pile of rubble/stepping off of something while firing from the hip. Think I might try making a helmet for this one.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/16 09:54:09


Post by: Malika2


Oh I love that new one, let him stand on some rubble and fire the gun down. Kind of like this picture from Terminator 2:


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/16 17:22:38


Post by: CMDante


Yeah that was the plan, probably not quite the same angle of decline but he will be in a similar pose to the guy in the pic.

Won a FW krieg commissar and quartermaster set on ebay today so might see if theres anything I can incorporate from those. Failing that they will come in handy when I do my "good" =I=munda gang.

On another note. Does anyone have a copy of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade source book BL did a while back? I've been trying to get one to see if there is any mention of blood pact in it but have been unable to locate a copy.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/16 18:43:57


Post by: migsula


Absolutely great progress again. It is a joy to visit Dakka and see updates like this, keeps up the motivation while I have no free time to work on my own models


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/16 23:03:33


Post by: lasgunpacker


Starting on page 80 of the sabat crusade book there is some information about the blood pact. First is a painting of a figure which looks more like a marauder with a death mask and a huge gun.

"in general terms, the Blood Pact warriors encountered by Imperial forces usually resemble a ragged or barbaric regiment of the Imperial Guard. They wear fabric battledress uniforms either looted from the corpses of Guardsmen, or manufactured to resemble a basic imperial design...including a steel bowl-helmet...no two Blood Pact troopers are ever identical. Their appearance is rough and ill-kempt: their clothing torn, patched, and dirty, and helmets chipped and grazed."

"The only exposed part of a Blood Pact warrior's body is his hands. These remain bare and ungloved to display the ghastly ritual scares across the palms and knuckles..."

masks: "For most ranks, this mask is pitch black, though senior commanders may wear silver and even gold grotesques."


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/17 00:13:54


Post by: Ghost in the Darkness


I thought Blood Pact were supposed to be the elite of Chaos IG and were supposed to have the best kit that they could get their hands on.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/17 00:38:12


Post by: Flachzange


Ghost in the Darkness wrote:I thought Blood Pact were supposed to be the elite of Chaos IG and were supposed to have the best kit that they could get their hands on.


Uhm they are suppose to be highly trained, thats true, but i dont think it ever said that they only use the best kit.
To be honest, if you go through the books, their bayonets/ knifes etc. are usually described as rusty...same with some of their kit ... and appearently they smell.



CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/17 20:38:42


Post by: lasgunpacker


Flachzange wrote:
Ghost in the Darkness wrote:I thought Blood Pact were supposed to be the elite of Chaos IG and were supposed to have the best kit that they could get their hands on.


Uhm they are suppose to be highly trained, thats true, but i dont think it ever said that they only use the best kit.
To be honest, if you go through the books, their bayonets/ knifes etc. are usually described as rusty...same with some of their kit ... and appearently they smell.


Yeah the book mentions their stench, since they recolor their clothing with dried blood, have poor personal habits, and use oils etc.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/17 20:43:12


Post by: Malika2


Bla, normal soldiers who have been in combat for a longer amount of time will smell really bad too, we are talking days if not weeks or months without a real shower or anything like that. Also note that stench is used as a survival tool by those who are forced to stay in the wild for a long amount of time, apparently many (prey) animals don't like the smell of a human so when people come to near it can smell them and simply run away from them.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/17 21:04:15


Post by: Flachzange


guys calm down, that was just a side note
the main point being, theyre still chaos warriors. and they do not care for the looks of the kit, as long as it works. tis my oppinion


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/17 21:14:09


Post by: Malika2


I wasn't losing my calm or anything, just trying to make a point.

Yes they are Chaos warriors and yes they are pragmatic like you say, but I don't think they would then be running around with rusted autoguns and stuff like that since that would mean their weapons wouldn't really work.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/17 21:27:57


Post by: The Thousandth Son


Cool, it'd be sweet if you make a Blood Pact Baneblade or someting.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/17 21:50:07


Post by: Malika2


Hmm, I wonder what kind of rules a Baneblade would get in =I=munda... You think the Ash Wastes vehicle rules could cover a Baneblade?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/17 22:49:57


Post by: CMDante


No baneblade any time soon thats for damn sure!

Are there any news drawings of blood pact in the book? Would appreciate if you could send me some scans or something since I cant get my hands on a copy myself.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/18 01:58:45


Post by: Ghost in the Darkness


How are these guys made anyways? What parts do you use?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/18 09:51:44


Post by: CMDante


The first is a mixture of cadian torso, catachan legs (one front pocket and rear pouch removed), flagellant arms, catachan lasgun, part of a cadian flamer strap, catachan grenade and pouches, cadian heavy wep backpack, catachan knife shaved down and restyled, ghoul head shaved down at the mouth and ears and heavily resculpted, BFG turret trimmed down for the earpiece and alot of bits of plastic rod and greenstuff, milliput washes etc.

The second one is cadian legs inplace of the catachan ones and for the chainaxe head I used 2 chainblades from the chaos terminator lord set for the blades, a heavily filed down bit of sprue, the motor off a SM chainsword and bits of thin copper florist wire and plastic rod, and of course putty! The head on this one is also from the flagellant sprue with eyes sculpted in.

The important part is in the reposing and lengthening of the legs and torso's using careful cuts and plastic tubing. Takes a bit of forethough before the cutting begins as to how you want the final pose to look.

A big bits box is also a must!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/18 11:37:39


Post by: Malika2


Speaking of a big bits box, are there any parts you may need? I still have tons of stuff laying around here and there, maybe something you need? Do note that most of it is 3rd edition era stuff.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/18 16:57:05


Post by: typhus


pics?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/18 19:02:39


Post by: CMDante


@ Malika - Thanks for the offer mate, I think I'm pretty sorted at the moment. There's a link to my trade thread in my signature on Warseer, if you have anything in there then let me know.

@ Typhus - Pics of what?

I'll be posting some more pics of progress later if thats what you mean.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/18 19:26:40


Post by: Ghost in the Darkness


What made you decide to lengthen the legs and torso?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/18 20:02:51


Post by: CMDante


The proportions aren't right on the regular cadian and catachan legs, too stubby and thick making them look really stocky and making the heads and hands look huge. It also allowed me to play with the posing far more.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/18 20:24:07


Post by: TheGrin


Wow these really rock! Could you post a comparisson with a normal guardsman?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/18 20:48:40


Post by: typhus


i second this idea


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/19 10:09:07


Post by: CMDante


Ok, slight update as promised.








Sadly work has been keeping me from getting much done on him. I've managed to hollow out a cadian shoulderpad for one arm, add some detail to the chainaxe and begin sculpting a severed hand on the chain. The hand still needs a little detail and tidying up as well as the chain loop through it holding it in place.

The axehead detail is pretty much there I think. I added a little ripcord (for starting the engine, like a chainsaw) and some riviting.

I've also included a comparison shot so you can see the difference the lengthening of legs/torso makes. Not massively taller but much better proportions if you ask me!

Finally, I did some more work on the other mask head definning the mouth of the mask. Also had to remove one of the eyes and start again as the putty hadn't cured right. It will have eyelids added in the next stage.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/19 14:01:42


Post by: typhus


leave him with one eye that be cool


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/19 16:25:36


Post by: Mister Feral


Excellent work as per the norm, I'm looking forward to you getting those finishing touches done and some paint on the frothing madman.

I do have a request though, can you kindly give us a tutorial on how you do the grotesques, the complexity of such a sculpt still baffles me somewhat


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/19 18:21:28


Post by: CMDante


Thanks guys.

@ Typhus - too late, the second eye has already been added!

@ Mister Feral - I'll try to put together a tutorial, even if its just illustrations. It's really not too difficult, just a case of getting the basic shapes right on the first stage and then everything else is just details!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/19 19:16:25


Post by: smiling Assassin


The beserker lad (What a nice mannered fellow) is closely moving to be my favorite model of all time. That's a promise! You're almost making me want to Chaos-ify my new Cadians! Damn you and your inspiring skills!

~sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/20 19:39:10


Post by: typhus


moar moar


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/20 20:34:36


Post by: CMDante


A teeny-tiny pic update to keep you all going:





The head in the first pic is the cadian head in the size comparison pic heavily modified. The chainaxe guy has had the severed hand finished and a hoop of chain through it to attach it to the chain. Finally, the FW renegade I recently purchased. Not really sure what to do with this one as I'm not sure it would fit with the rest. Really want to swap the head out but it requires a bit more thought I think!

And a future project along with the FW enginseer:


Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/21 10:57:35


Post by: Malika2


Well, you wanted to include some sort of torturer in your unit right? Perhaps the FW renegade might be a fitting one for that. Keep the head as it is but perhaps add some weird bionics or cutting tools ala the Fabius Bile model? Or give it long metallic nails (you could use that Necron lord hand for it or convert them yourself).


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/22 19:49:16


Post by: smiling Assassin


I second Malika on the Torturer Idea.

That or make him a ranger. That would be brilliant. Maybe ghillie (urban?) him up slightly, stalking through the ruins...

Creepy.

(The theme tune for this guy is already in my head: BABABABABA-CRAZYANGRYKHORNERANGER-BAAAA)

~sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/23 16:26:41


Post by: CMDante


Little update on the helmet head:




Done some more on the mask, added some bulk back to the helmet and gave it a strap under the chin too.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/28 15:18:25


Post by: typhus


dont really like that head


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/28 15:34:29


Post by: Malika2


Oh I think it's rather cool! A weird mix between a German WWII helmet, a Death Korps of Krieg helmet and a Blood Pact mask! Good job man!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/28 23:21:17


Post by: TheMightyWarhamster


great stuff you've got there. the lengthening of the legs is a cool idea. i'll have to try that out myself.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/29 18:10:21


Post by: CMDante


Thanks for the comments guys. Done a bit more work on the second trooper to the point where he is pretty much ready to paint now. Just needs a wash of miliput and he'll be ready.






And also did a little more to the helmet head (added a rim at the front) and started sculpting a head:



Hopefully I'll start painting the trooper tomorrow.

More soon. As always, comments welcome.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/29 18:41:30


Post by: typhus


why did you make a tau head??????????


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/29 19:26:53


Post by: CMDante


The line in the forehead was just a guideline for the nose, the head is very far from done. Still needs work on the nose, eyelids, cheek and brow definition and the mouth needs finishing. Then it needs filled out to shape and ears.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/29 20:53:15


Post by: grey_death


Ooo...I really like the double plated shoulder piece. Very nice addition. Makes him feel very 'brawler'.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/29 22:53:58


Post by: Pfreck


Very nice as usual, Dante! I really like how you did the pose, very dynamic and Khornate!
I also like the double plated shoulderpad, though there's still something missing on the trooper... a Khorne symbol on the shoulderpad (or maybe on his body armour?) of course!

Looking forward to see this fella painted.

Cheers!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/29 23:01:35


Post by: Centurionpainting


I just had to add my two cents. These are some of the best traitor gurd conversions I have seen yet. I am an IG player and a huge fan of the Gaunts Ghost books. You are doing the blood pact justice, keep it up!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/30 17:23:13


Post by: typhus


sculpt some long hair on him too


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/11/30 22:08:32


Post by: CMDante


Thanks for the comments guys.

@grey death - Cheers mate, I was trying to replicate the shoulder pad from the blood pact illustration.

@ Pfreck - I had actually sculpted a tiny khorne symbol on the left corner of the shoulder pad, it looked perfect too but I squished it while test fitting him so it got scrapped! Maybe I'll redo it or maybe I'll just paint it on.

@ markoseugene - Thanks, comments like that mean alot!

@ typhus - On who? I'm not a fan of long hair. I think bald looks more brutal and chaotic to be honest.

Cheers,

Dante



CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/01 08:34:38


Post by: Col Hammer


The berserk guy turned out real nice. Your blood pact troopers are the best representation of BP I've seen. Great job!

We need more!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/01 13:39:19


Post by: Malika2


I really love that helmet! Quickly make more of those!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/01 18:27:00


Post by: Robert Facepalmer


I noticed here and in the DKoK Commissar about the Milliput wash. What does that do? Is that for a primer or does it 'tie' the sculpting together?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/01 19:55:32


Post by: typhus


nonsense long hair on chaos wins!!!!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/01 22:38:13


Post by: Shadow Nugz


Do you have a link to the main =I=Munda thing? I am really getting interested in this.

Beautiful models. Though the first one is definitely my favorite. Where did you learn how to scuplt so well? I would try this but I failed at making a human head... the easy way!

Good job on this project. Really look forward to more stuff.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/02 08:32:14


Post by: CMDante


Robert Facepalmer wrote:I noticed here and in the DKoK Commissar about the Milliput wash. What does that do? Is that for a primer or does it 'tie' the sculpting together?


Basically you just put a small blob of milliput in your pallette and then keep adding water until it becomes a watery, milky consistency and then apply it exactly like a wash. The milliput fills the small creases where different layers of putty meet and where putty meets plastic/metal/resin. It can be built up in layers to fill slightly deeper cracks and creases too.

@ Shadow Nugz - The main thread that kicked it all off is Migsula's "Jade Vessel" log (in the P&M Blogs), though I think there is a thread with rules discussion somewhere (I'm sure Malika can point us in the right direction?). I don't game, just paint for display and competitions so this log is really just about the modelling and painting but has been inspired by the small "gang" groupings of Migs and friends' =I=munda efforts.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/02 16:00:27


Post by: Robert Facepalmer


Sweet. I had noticed in the past at times green stuff and ProCreate had a tendency to 'pull' away from metal as it cured. The Milliput wash sounds like it would be good to have known about.

I have only used Milliput briefly in the past, does it stay put as a wash or do you have to be careful of it cracking or orange peeling? Next time I am getting sculpting supplies I might have to get some again. I presume for the wash technique you are using the fine or superfine grades?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/02 16:40:38


Post by: CMDante


For the wash I'm using the fine grade stuff. If you want to do gap filling alone in one stage just mix slightly less milliput with GS to get a putty with a better elasticity than milliput but that can still be smoothed easily using a wet sculpting tool or clay shaper.

I've never had any problems with it peeling or cracking yet. It can sometimes need a light sanding once dry as a few rough grains can sometimes sneak in.


Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/02 21:02:29


Post by: typhus


i insist on long hair on at least one


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/02 21:05:50


Post by: P4NC4K3


I agree with Typhus, long blood matted hair would look superb, It's also surprising how a simple conversion such as filing the chest plate ( I assume that's what you did) can make such pleasant results


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/03 09:32:13


Post by: Centurionpainting


Its hard to generate blood-matted hair on such a small model. I agree with Dante that the bald humans look much more chaos-like than a sweet Ultramarine sporting a flat top. :-D


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/03 17:11:43


Post by: typhus


its actually very easy i do it on all my nurgle


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/09 10:18:22


Post by: CMDante


Ok, just a very quick post this. Managed to finally work my camera to make it take better pics, so without further preamble, here are some decent pics of the first painted trooper:





Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/09 10:33:27


Post by: smiling Assassin


Reverts to American Teenager Mode:

AAWWEESSOOMMEE.

Seriously.

~sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/09 11:59:18


Post by: Malika2


Here we go!!! Kick ass man!

Do you have a backview of the figure as well, I'm curious how you painted the backpack.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/09 15:47:44


Post by: nemissary


wow! the mask looks perfectly sculpted and the painting is awesome too! Just some plain old admiration here. Nothing to really add.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/09 23:00:53


Post by: Shadow Nugz


Reverts to English Teenager Mode:

Whoa! Bloody 'ell mate thats 'mazing!
(English accent)

Sorry had to pick fun at that!

Any way good job. Your level of sculpting is phenominal, how many years have to been sculpting? Have you had any formal training? School, work?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/10 18:47:12


Post by: CMDante


Have been painting since 1990 (what I would consider quite badly for a long time of that though!) but only really started sculpting anything more than just gap filling in the past 2 years. No training whatsoever, just alot of study on the internet of sculpting threads, tutorials and guides etc and looking at mini's and trying to break down in my head how they were sculpted. It really is all about making a number of key shapes and then adding detail from there.

The core work (pose, proportions and basic shapes, i.e. shape of head, musculature etc) are key, the details aren't quite as important but I think they really make a good sculpt into a great one. I think I'm some way off that level yet but I keep practicing in the hope that one day I will be!

Practice makes perfect afterall!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/12 10:30:17


Post by: Xanthos


Hey, glad to see some proper pics of the first guy. He looks really good, I really like the slightly rusted shoulderpads.
Giving rust a go myself these days, so I guess that sort of stuff just jumps out at me...

Glad to see that the model looks even better painted, than he did when you were sculpting him.

Two thumbs up from me!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/12 11:51:36


Post by: LBursley


Wow! Looks really good CMD! Glad to hear you have a camera that cooperates lol.

cant wait to see more!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2008/12/13 22:13:43


Post by: typhus


updates plzz


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/12 18:20:11


Post by: CMDante


Arise thread, arise!

Well, it's been a long time but I thought I should get back to these guys since I've had a few sitting in various stages of development on my desk for a while now....

Some of you may remember this chap:


Well I figured it was about time he got some paint. After working on him for a couple of hours, he currently looks like this:




At the moment the only areas I have really worked on are the fatigues and the face. The face is pretty much there but the fatigues will get another highlight or two and some weathering.

Pretty pleased with the face, it has that sort of depraved maniac look to it I think. The scar eye is supposed to be a dead eye, bit yellowed to try and convey this. Basically I decided to do this because after starting painting I realised it would end up looking a bit bigger than the other eye so putting pupils in both would make them look a bit weird. It makes sense anyway given the size of the gash through the eye so its all good.

Anyway, hope to get more done on this guy in the next few days so will keep you posted.

Thoughts and comments appreciated.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/12 22:42:48


Post by: VonStreusel


Looks great! I'm glad to see more progress in this thread as it was one of the reasons I joined Dakka in the first place! The Deadeye looks great, and I'd be interested to know what you have planned next for this warband.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/12 23:54:26


Post by: GitSmack


Man, I love this plog. It's great to see this project back up and running after such a long hiatus. The subtlety of your green-stuff work and how well you blend from plastic to putty is exceptional.

I especially like the skintone you've achieved and the semi-translucent look of it. If you don't mind my asking, what colors do you use for your main and shade-tones? And are you using more wet-blending or glazing techniques to get that translucent effect?

Thanks for the inspiration!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/13 06:32:49


Post by: Shas'El Tael


Great work, just read through the blog this afternoon too. The Chainaxe lad is just great, very good sense of motion

The paint up is just brilliant, really like the subtle shades in the face and wounds

~ Tael.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/13 10:25:49


Post by: The Lost Hobbit


Great work. This is a real inspiration. My own renegades are based on these conversions. I'm currently working on a version of the soldier with the chain axe. Thanks for the ideas.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/13 10:36:47


Post by: LBursley


Wow. Your skin tones are great CMD. You are very patient my friend if you sculpted the chain on his neck. I like this model, lots of character in the face. But I think we would all make that face if you had a severed hand hanging from your neck so long it has begun to turn green. ><

CMD: been wanting to ask you, when you do cloth sculpt, what principles do you use to figure where the folds will be. Cloth is my nemesis and allies with cloak sculpts. grrr

I'm trying my hand at sculpting too after talking to you, but I hate GS because of the work time. I'm going the way of Super Sculpey but its really soft. Think I'll try the FIRM version next. You use clay much?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/13 18:18:34


Post by: CMDante


@ VonStreusel - Cheers mate, glad to have motivated you to join the community here, it's one of the best around IMHO and its good to have you aboard. Next for the warband is a grenadier or storm trooper, need to see what takes my fancy as so far it has been done as the whim takes me and both mini's have developed in terms of pose and equipment as I've put them together.

@ GitSmack - Ta mate, glad to be going with it again to be honest, can't believe I've taken so long to get around to painting this guy. I blame Mig's for leading my imagination astray with his =I=munda logs!

For the skintones, I was asked a similar question on Warseer so here is a copy of what I said there:

Hmm, wasn't so much of a recipe as a "I'll do this and see what happens" so it's quite complicated.

Basically the whole head was painted dheneb stone, then washed with 2 thin washes of baal red:devlan mud:griphone sepia. The skin was then highlighted with "juices" of dheneb stone. The areas round the eyes and mouth were then shaded with thin washes of hormagaunt purple mixed with a little charadon granite and tiny amount of dheneb. A final highlight of P3 menoth white/dheneb stone mix was then added.


No wet blending, I use a technique called "juicing", I think it started with the French. Basically you thin the paint to just thinner than milk consistency, almost a wash, get some on your brush, dab it against a tissue or cloth to remove the moisture and then apply. It takes a few layers to build up the colour but it gives a lot more control and the translucent effect. It works equally well for both highlighting and shading too. I'll try and knock together a few pics to show what I mean.

@ Shas'El Tael - Thanks man, as I said before, it was your own scythes website that got me back into GW again so I have a lot to thank you for!

@ The Lost Hobbit - I saw these over at CoolMini today at work and was going to comment there, didn't realise you were a member here too! Those renegades look great, the uniforms are particularly nicely done. For the chainaxe head, if your having trouble with it I found chainblades (chaos terminator ones) and marine chainswords have good parts to cannibalise.

@LBursley - Thanks mate, yep the chain was sculpted, first effort at chain, there are areas that could be better but pleased with it for a first go. Lol, the hand is no longer so yellow but needs a bit of a tidy up.

For sculpting cloth, I don't really think about it too much, just go with what you think looks natural and look at existing GW mini's for inspiration. I know what you mean though, it really can be tough to get to grips with. I think your right on going with super sculpey, never tried it myself but know that a lot of great sculptors use it so it must be pretty good. I use GS purely because I'm used to it and the curing times don't bother me too much since I sculpt it short bursts.

Might have to give clay and sculpey a try though, let me know how you get on with it and what you think its merrits are?

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/13 20:59:49


Post by: Sidstyler


typhus wrote:i insist on long hair on at least one


I insist that you leave the guy alone, seriously. He already said he didn't want to do it, just because you have a long hair fetish doesn't mean everyone else has to sculpt long hair on THEIR models for you.

These guys look awesome, love the conversions.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/13 22:16:03


Post by: Malika2


Does this mean you will continue to expand your Blood Pact gang or are you still "distracted" by other projects\?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/13 22:31:18


Post by: CMDante


It means I'm going to add a few more to hopefully create a rounded out squad, but I will still be working on some other projects too. (What a caveat! )

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/13 23:06:25


Post by: Modhail


So, basically, you reserve the right to do whatever you want to do? Very sensible...

They're amazing!
And thanks for sharing the skin recipe. I'm looking forward to that "juicing" info, if you have the time.




CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/14 11:23:12


Post by: covenant84


They're Great!

Fantastic detail in those. Are they slightly bigger than a normal trooper?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/14 18:56:50


Post by: CMDante


@ Modhail - No worries mate, will get something worked up soon.

@ covenant84 - Slightly due to the lengthening of the legs in order to get more realistic proportions. Will get a scale comparison later tonight.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/14 22:23:40


Post by: CMDante


Progress:

Might look minor but consider I started on Sunday and aim to finish by this Sunday, I'm making good time! Especially when you consider the fact it is me painting here!





Quite pleased with the war-knife, doesn't look much but I think it adds a nice detail and characterful touch. Kept the writing quite faded to suggest age and weathering.

The boots and armour will be getting some proper weathering at a later stage using some pigments.

Arms are up next.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/14 22:25:15


Post by: The Dreadnote


Man, that gak is fething cool.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/15 00:09:53


Post by: Chrispy


Fantastic. That face is painted impeccably. I really like how you've kept the torso's colors mute to highlight his face better.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/15 03:45:16


Post by: VonStreusel


Tanith?!? What an amazing touch! Might be cool to do a trophy on one of a tattooed head or arm/hand from a Tanith trooper?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/15 08:27:15


Post by: migsula


Absolutely perfect I say. The small touch on the knife, the face, the subtle scheme - that's Blood Pact. Period.

Now I want some even crazier feth next and then an army of these guys!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/15 09:59:14


Post by: covenant84


That is amazing painty (and photography!). Will you be entering them into Golden Demon? I think you'd stand a chance, definatly in the squad category!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/15 13:27:59


Post by: Bottle


It's brilliant to see you working on these again. That is one of the best painted faces I have seen, and the pose is so fluid and captured. Excellent stuff, can't wait to see him finished. :]


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/15 19:17:14


Post by: CMDante


Thanks guys.

@Chrispy - Thanks for the kind words. With the area around the head, I always try to do this since the face is the main focal point for almost all mini's and therefore it helps to make it stand out as much as possible.

@ VonStreusel - Good idea, this one will defo be getting used at some point!

@ Migs - soon enough my friend, soon enough!

@ covenant84 - Ta mate, it's only relatively recently that I've gotten used to my camera and worked out how to make it work right (it had a wily machine spirit that needed taming!). I plan to enter GDUK this year with at least one entry. My first time entering so it will be good experience, plus its always nice to see all the entries up close and get to chat with other painters. GD Glasgow has a good reputation for success in the squad category (Matt Kennedy won gold 2 years ago and silver last year with his orks) so it would be good to win one of my own but I'm keeping my expectations realistic and just looking forward to the experience and a nice day out.

@ Bottle - Thanks mate, glad to see Dakka alive with new and inspiring logs and comments again, your own =I=munda log has definitely got my attention.

Arms are up for painting tonight so hopefully have something worthwhile showing later plus the scale comparison shot I promised yesterday.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/15 19:52:53


Post by: Flachzange


VonStreusel wrote:Tanith?!? What an amazing touch! Might be cool to do a trophy on one of a tattooed head or arm/hand from a Tanith trooper?


QFT!
Thats the first thing I noticed as well. Nicely done Dante, nicely done


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/15 20:57:16


Post by: Shortbus


Beautiful work, Dante!

The way you painted the flesh is especially super-realistic and impressive.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/17 09:43:26


Post by: covenant84


That's good, I'd love to see them in the flesh! Good luck with it! How many are you planning on making, or are you just working on the go and seeing what happens?


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/17 11:13:31


Post by: Gundam-Mecha


You know I've never really liked those facemasks the bloodpact wear, I really hated the ones GW did on the Choas cultists for Mordheim.

But here Dante you've really pulled it off in a way that doesn't look cheesy or silly at all. They look intimidating and very much hannibal lecter inspired. Turning a concept from an illustration into physical three dimensional form without loosing the impact is veyr difficult and a real talent.

I also have to say that I love the chain axe trooper, fantastic pose and a really nice figure all round. I thought it looked good unpainted but it looks even better, amazing, painted. Wonderful work on the face and skin tones, the scar is particularly impressive!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/17 13:11:20


Post by: smiling Assassin


Yes! New updates to my favorite project of yours.

The painting is really great -- what we have come to expect. I like the small touches, like the dried blood rivulets down the hand, and the Tanith emblazoned on the knife, suggesting the once loyal bendings turned corrupted.

The skin is brilliant, so subtle yet so convincing and realistic. The scar + blind eye combo adds a nicer decoration to the rest of the face, and contrasts well with the otherwise paler skin. Often people get it wrong by overdoing the bloodied skin, scars, SFX etc., but it seems tasteful (in a way) how you do did it.

Looking forward to further progress.

Peace.

sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/17 18:54:52


Post by: CMDante


@ covenant - No solid plan but a minimum of 5 in mind. Will probably end up closer to 10 though. Just going with the flow at the moment.

@ Gundam-Mecha - Cheers mate. I know what you mean, I've seen some "blood pact" heads from a polish company that look terrible IMHO but seem to be quite popular. The faces are just so pudgy looking though, I'm trying to replicate the really evil, menacing look of the artwork. Glad you like it.

@smiling Assassin - Ta mate! I debated adding some more scars and blood spatters but I don't think it will look right. The axe head will get them and maybe the hand closest to the head but not keen on risking ruining the rest of the mini with it. Too often I've seen gorgeous mini's ruined by poor blood effects that are overdone.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/17 21:32:19


Post by: CMDante




Quick and dirty progress "teaser". Just 2 days to go until the comp so getting there. Still have the chainaxe and arm to do and need to finish the base and final highlight the fatigues.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/17 21:59:52


Post by: grey_death


I dig it man. Can't wait to see this bad boy finished up.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 02:43:17


Post by: Shortbus


Superb work on the shoulder armor, Dante!

Looking forward to seeing the group photo.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 08:17:18


Post by: Shas'El Tael


Luverly.. it's tipping the balance for me to render some imagery on the Scythes as I produce each character. Being too Doctrine would end up with bland pieces.. thanks for inspiring me to do something graphic.

Here's to freehand, and such a fine example of it this is!

~ Tael.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 14:28:15


Post by: CMDante


Thanks for the kind words guys.

@Shas'El Tael - Yeah, since I only do one or two models every couple of months these days I like to try and inject some of the character from artwork into them. It's good fun and a good bit of practice for doing details!

Good news!....

Job done:






And a scale comparison shot of the "Dante Pattern Guardsman(TM)" along with a mocked up tank commander and old empire halberd from my attempt at doing an army when the new empire book came out. "You must be at least this tall to be Blood Pact!"


Quite pleased with how he has turned out. In the pics the arms were just popped in place, hence the gap between left arm and torso, they are properly in place now though so the gap is gone.

Unfortunately the lighting isn't great in a few of the pics so a lot of the work on the axehead and back have been lost in the images but you get the idea.

What I've learned from this model? I need to work on my metallics and freehanding more.

Anyway, let me know what you think. If anyone from here is going to Conflict Scotland tomorrow, I look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 14:41:40


Post by: lolzman


love it!!!! nuff said


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 14:51:40


Post by: smiling Assassin


Awesome. Great blood effects on the axe.

Is the base your own?

sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 15:10:31


Post by: CMDante


Yep, the base was made using some different types of scatter and sand, some GS blocks and a few pieces of trimmed sprue to make extra blocks for the wall section. The razor wire is Eduard photo etch razor wire type 2.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 15:39:24


Post by: Malika2


Can't wait to see a complete squad of Blood Pact standing together!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 15:59:05


Post by: Pfreck


Most impressive as usual, Dante!
When you get around finishing the gang (or at least 5 of them) I'd enter them at GD UK '09!

Good luck with the competition tomorrow!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 16:44:06


Post by: The Lost Hobbit


That really is excellent. Well done.

Nice empire model btw. I really like the freehand on his tights.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 16:59:44


Post by: Org


Hello Everyone, first time poster here.
Dante:Nice models, really good work. I was wondering how you paint skin, as I am not to good at flesh, and I am trying to paint up some space marines.

Cheers,
Org.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 17:17:32


Post by: Bottle


Freakin' wow, I love it! The freehand on the shoulder pad looks great too! Tell us how you get on at Conflict Scotland mate! :]


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 18:07:45


Post by: Modhail


Dante, that is just amazing!
Everything is just spot on.
You could have told me I was looking at a 54mm or larger figure and I would have believed it instantly.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/18 22:44:19


Post by: CMDante


Thanks for all the kind words and great support guys, much appreciated! Really has motivated me to get going with more of these guys in the coming weeks.

@Org - Welcome to Dakka mate. I think I posted this on the previous page but here you go:

"Hmm, wasn't so much of a recipe as a "I'll do this and see what happens" so it's quite complicated.

Basically the whole head was painted dheneb stone, then washed with 2 thin washes of baal red:devlan mud:griphone sepia. The skin was then highlighted with "juices" of dheneb stone. The areas round the eyes and mouth were then shaded with thin washes of hormagaunt purple mixed with a little charadon granite and tiny amount of dheneb. A final highlight of P3 menoth white/dheneb stone mix was then added."

I find I totally avoid GW's actual "flesh" colours these days, they're just too orangey for my taste. Dheneb Stone and Charadon Granite are probably two of my most commonly used colours now, Dheneb in particular is great for mixing into highlights for pretty much anything. Hormogaunt Purple is also nice to mix in for getting sickly tones.

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 00:11:22


Post by: Q0rbin


Oh, I like the idea of making them a little bigger than normal, can I steal the idea'? Please!!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 00:21:00


Post by: Org


Dante:Thanks

EDIT:Also, where did you get the Blood Pact from? THe only place I have seen is in Gaunt's Ghosts.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 02:40:44


Post by: Shas'El Tael


Looks great, the base work is nice and subtle too, not stealing the limelight from the miniature. Really looking forward to hear about the results!

..not to say I wouldn't shoot this heretical scum any other day..(loads bolter clip methodically..)

~ Tael.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 07:05:00


Post by: migsula


Brilliant! I hope the judges have taste and understanding beyond bright and pompous freehand exercises that you will be competing with. Alan Merret would so get this. See you at GD in September mate

I have been waiting for that small detail, like spikes and other non-practical chaos infantry kit. But he is a stunner anyway!


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 07:53:39


Post by: The Lost Hobbit


CMDante wrote:

I find I totally avoid GW's actual "flesh" colours these days, they're just too orangey for my taste.



I find that adding a drop of dark green sorts this out. You end up with a colder, greyer skin tone.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 15:19:52


Post by: CMDante


Hmmm well that was disappointing!

Made the first cut and then was dumped out by what I felt was very poor judging. The chap judging barely glanced at my entries before writing them off and (in my opinion) all the mini's left in the final cut were stark highlighted, gaudy bright coloured and poor blends and transitions.

I think my dark gritty style didn't do me any favours since my entries were some of the only ones there in that style. That and the fact the judge thought I had entered a barely converted bog standard trooper.

Ach maybe I'm just being bitter but think its time to re-evaluate my style for competition entries, think they might need to be a bit more stark and high contrast to stand out?

Cheers,

Dante


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 15:33:06


Post by: Shaman


If you make a seamless conversion so then The guy cant tell its conversion you suceeded but not won. It does suck though.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 15:39:55


Post by: Eliazar


Even though Shaman already posted while I was writing:

Converting a miniature in a way that it's hard to see that it's been converted does your skills honour. However, it does not speak for the judge, who should perhaps know that much about the miniatures that he can spot a conversion. Also, a gritty and dark colour scheme is much harder to achieve, in my opinion, too bad the judge didn't know that apparently.

Though I'm not really a competitive person myself when it comes to painting, I'd say go with the style you like best and don't change it just to please some guy with poor judging abilities. And when I think of some of the Golden Demon winning entries I've seen, there are judges who can value awesome conversion works and paintjob even when they're not all colourful etc.


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 15:57:37


Post by: smiling Assassin


I would expect a person who calls themself a judge in one of these competitions to have at least a base knowledge of what consists in the pack of "standard models".

The most realistic style -- such as your own -- is often overlooked, and, if just superficially glanced at, is completely not appreciated.

Peace.

sA


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 16:26:16


Post by: TheGrin


Was the judge blind??? How can you not know that that is a totally awesome convertion...


CMDante's =I=munda Blog - Blood Pact Gang @ 2009/04/19 16:55:41


Post by: migsula


Like I said in email - bad judging, no reason to change the style - Alan Merret & co will see the genius in your work. I know from my limited one entry experience to GD that realistic and dark and gritty is more than welcome.