Da Boss wrote:Lovely job on those goblns. The minis themselves have quite soft detail (though I love the design) and it takes a careful job to get the best out of them.

Very kind, thanks They did take a bit longer than I expected, longer than say Uruk Hai with the same level of paintjob.

inmygravenimage wrote:Loire your crispy fists

Merci!

Today, I can show off the finished foam and foamcard bits for Moria:



These are used in different ways in various LOTR scenarios, including as walls for Balin's Tomb:


And also as walkways leading down in the Dwarrowdelf (the other lower support bits are already done and in a box somewhere, so this is just an idea...):


Taking my score over 100, to 116, I am a bit staggered by this as it feels like I only just got started painting again. Will try to keep the momentum going without burning out, tricky balancing act...

Very nice. I feel your struggle on maintaining momentum. My advice is don't pressure yourself too much, but try to enjoy it, and indulge whims.

I haven’t dug out the insignum Astartes book to double check, but the axe I think reminded me of the dark hunters emblem....which I saw a single double sided axe . But since you posted that picture, I realize that’s where I saw the image before .

Carry on with awesomeness .

inmygravenimage wrote:Very nice. I feel your struggle on maintaining momentum. My advice is don't pressure yourself too much, but try to enjoy it, and indulge whims.

I am trying to not be too prescriptive, yeah, by not planning too far ahead things that I "have to" paint.

Theophony wrote:I haven’t dug out the insignum Astartes book to double check, but the axe I think reminded me of the dark hunters emblem....which I saw a single double sided axe . But since you posted that picture, I realize that’s where I saw the image before .

Carry on with awesomeness .

Cheers, Theo

Today, 8 more goblins. About halfway there on the goblin front...

My old Dakkajet just wasn't doing it for me anymore



So I am working on its replacement:



I've done all the body work, still got to pick out the details, add some decoration, maybe some weathering of sorts...

Not sure what colour to do the nosecap, any suggestions?

Oh my goodness, it's even more Goblins!

Characters (A captain and 2 Shamen):


A drum and a random Prowler:


133 models done this year now!

The Dakkajet is done bar the base, I went with yellow for the nose cap in the end.

Saw the pics without seeing the thread title and thought "Damn, they look so Moria." So yeah, great job!

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Saw the pics without seeing the thread title and thought "Damn, they look so Moria." So yeah, great job!

Cheers! Only 8 more of them to go, and they are underway...

Today, here's my finished Dakkajet!



Looks like the weather is set to be wet for a while, could lead to a queue developing for spray varnishing

Lovely weathered edging, very nice.

The dakkajet looks great Slinky. All those edges in silver to show weathering is really impressive.

inmygravenimage wrote:Lovely weathered edging, very nice.

Syro_ wrote:The dakkajet looks great Slinky. All those edges in silver to show weathering is really impressive.

Thanks, guys! As with much of my stuff, I got the idea elsewhere, but I am pleased with how it came out

Here's the last batch of Moria Goblins:



Now working on a Cave Troll to help them out, and a Chaplain Dreadnought for my Salamanders.

So, here's a fearsome troll to aid the Moria goblins:



147 done this year now, still ticking along nicely

Got a Dreadnought nearly done, then after that will be something that should not have been awoken deep under Moria

The troll is awesome, but that bit of foreshadowing has me quite excited to see what is on its way.

There's a troll in the bathroom! No wait, wrong fandom.

youwashock wrote:The troll is awesome, but that bit of foreshadowing has me quite excited to see what is on its way.

Cheers - The big flaming nasty is underway now

inmygravenimage wrote:There's a troll in the bathroom! No wait, wrong fandom.

Can you get a model of that marauding dimwit? Would make a good fight with all your wizards!

Today, here's my finished Chaplain Dreadnought for my Salamanders:



Should have done more black and less green, I think, but it looks okay

I think it looks good, but need some iconography or scales to make it salamanders instead of possibly dark angels.

 Theophony wrote:
I think it looks good, but need some iconography or scales to make it salamanders instead of possibly dark angels.

Good point - Foolishly I thought I was done with Salamanders, and sold my left-over brass etch bits on eBay.

I may have some transfers somewhere though

Lovely set of colours, low key but effective all round. And yes to the troll question.

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Lovely set of colours, low key but effective all round. And yes to the troll question.

So I have seen now

I got a bit bogged down in painting, so turned my attention to some terrain making.

Here's a WIP of Amon Hen - It's a bit unintentionally rough around the edges, I think it will need some filler applied to some bits, but overall I am pleased.

From seeing other table top builds, that is looking really spot on

That's a nice start. Keep the WIP shots coming.

Syro_ wrote:From seeing other table top builds, that is looking really spot on

JoshInJapan wrote:That's a nice start. Keep the WIP shots coming.

Cheers! I definitely should post more WIPs in general, I've got more into the habit of posting them when I tick them off my list of things that need painting

"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass! The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass!"

Here he is, in all his firey glory:





Taking my score for the year to 153!

I'm currently working on my birthday haul - Alexis Polux for my 30k Imperial Fists, and a pair of Amera plastic hills.

YES! Solid work. The eyes are just perfect. The flames on the base are a nice touch.

Wow, that Balrog looks great. The glowing embers effect is really hard to pull off.

Creepy, glowy, basically awesome.

youwashock wrote:YES! Solid work. The eyes are just perfect. The flames on the base are a nice touch.

JoshInJapan wrote:Wow, that Balrog looks great. The glowing embers effect is really hard to pull off.

inmygravenimage wrote:Creepy, glowy, basically awesome.

Thanks, all. That's really kind

Now that's a nice Balrog. Well done!

 CommissarKhaine wrote:
Now that's a nice Balrog. Well done!

Thanks very much! I am pleased with it, glad you guys like it too

Some of my birthday swag - A pair of plastic craggy hills from Amera mouldings:



Still at the throw lots of paint at it stage, will get tidier later

Back from a week's holiday.

I took along the bits for some 30k IF heavy support guys, and got them assembled.

Here's a WIP alongside Alexis Polux who is slightly more advanced:

Marines are looking good so far. The metallics on Polux are especially nice.

 youwashock wrote:
Marines are looking good so far. The metallics on Polux are especially nice.

V kind, thanks!

I am definitely running out of steam, painting wise, so may take a break soon. However I have still been working on terrain - I finished the plastic hills:



And have been working on Amon Hen. Minor disaster - I sprayed the top section with stone effect spray yesterday, then forgot and left it outside overnight where it got thoroughly covered with snow! All gone a bit soggy, hopefully it will be okay once it dries out!

Review of the year 2019

I didn't get started at all until July, and petered out again in November. A sad state of affairs.

The previous years totals were:
2015: 81
2016: 102
2017: 152
2018: 77

This year, based again on my semi-random scoring system, I ended up with a score of 155. So quite remarkable for the limited time I was actually painting.

Here's the breakdown:

LOTR
King of the Dead
3 Riders of the Dead
Banner bearer
18 Army of the Dead
2 Gimlis
2 Legolases
Legolas and Gimli on horse
24 Moria Goblins
2 Goblin shamen
Goblin captain
Goblin drum
Cave troll
Balrog!

Battle of Britain
12 RAF planes
7 Luftwaffe planes

Terrain
12 Mantic Walls
4 Dragons Teeth
2 GW walls
2 Mantic Ruins
Signpost
Balin's Tomb scenery set
Assorted foam bits for Moria
2 Amera plastic hills

Horus Heresy
10 Imperial Fist Breachers

Orks
Dakkajet

Salamanders
Chaplain Dreadnought


I have managed to get busy with the clippers and glue, and got 3 of the new LOTR Rohan houses built:



Hopefully they will tempt me to get painting some time soon

Nice review. Impressive output!

A river of lava!

Disclaimer: I didn't paint this dude, he was a very kind gift from a buddy. However, to tie him in with the rest of my Salamanders I hacked a chasm through the base and added lava.



Screw it, I am awarding myself a point for this.

Making 2020's score: 1

On the board!

A very kind friend, indeed. Heck of a model.

The floor is lava! In this case, literally.

You painted it counts.

youwashock wrote:On the board!

A very kind friend, indeed. Heck of a model.

Warboss_Waaazag wrote:The floor is lava! In this case, literally.

inmygravenimage wrote:You painted it counts.

Cheers, all.

I did enjoy it, so hopefully it will lead to actually getting some more painting done - I have some Uruk Hai scouts that I may get cracking on, not too challenging, but nice models...

I have actually got some more painting done!



12 Uruk Hai scouts all done, bar the varnish and basing - Will have to wait for the weather to be a bit less horrid for that...

Still - actual progress! Nice one!

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Still - actual progress! Nice one!

And I enjoyed it too, so hopefully this will be the start of a burst of activity.

Well, it's very much feast or famine on my plog it seems.

For now, it's feast time!

12 more Uruk Hai scouts done bar the varnish/basing:

Feast away! Excellent to see, keep at it!

I finished off these lascannons for my 30k Imperial Fists!



Taking my score up to 6, but lots of Uruks waiting in the wings to take that score way up when they get based

Finished off Alexis Polux, who was already mostly done from last year:





I've also got a few more Uruk Hai done but awaiting varnish/basing, I will show those when they are complete.

Sweet! nice edge highlighting.

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Sweet! nice edge highlighting.

Thanks, Graven. I really appreciate you popping in and doing some cheerleading

The new Fists look awesome. Digging the lascannon squad.

Nice work on the fists. And I know Polux is wearing a helmet, but I get the feeling he's looking up and fixing his look on an enemy, astounding!

youwashock wrote:The new Fists look awesome. Digging the lascannon squad.

Viterbi wrote:Nice work on the fists. And I know Polux is wearing a helmet, but I get the feeling he's looking up and fixing his look on an enemy, astounding!

Thanks! Yes - The looking up pose worked out nicely - However it was something of an accident, as that was the best I could do owing to the MkIII helmet not fitting inside his gorget

Finally had weather good enough to varnish some models yesterday, so lots of finished Uruk Hai coming soon!

So, the Uruk Hai are finally based and complete!

24 Scouts:



A battering ram:


Ugluk:


And Lurtz!


Taking my score to a rather better looking 37

I have made progress on Amon Hen:



I wasn't quite happy with the top, so I have left that off for now to add some more plasticard details.

Quality use of bases there.

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Quality use of bases there.

It's the only way I seem to be able to get actual squares, my cutting skills are... not great

Before the pandemic hit I met a guy at the local shop who is big into the Middle Earth game, between him and you I might get caught up into it again .

 Theophony wrote:
Before the pandemic hit I met a guy at the local shop who is big into the Middle Earth game, between him and you I might get caught up into it again .

Do it

Or is that an unhelpful thing to say? I'd just like to see your take on these things on your plog, that's all

So, I picked a good time to be back into painting, as there is sod all else to do

Got some work done on another Dreadnought for my planned all-Dread Salamander force:



Amon Hen is also nearly done, as are 7 LOTR elves...

Good stuff. Satisfying blocking work, I'll wager? Looking forward to more LotR.

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Good stuff. Satisfying blocking work, I'll wager? Looking forward to more LotR.

Somewhat, though the lighter green takes about 3 coats to cover the base coat, so the process dragged by the end...

Ask and you shall receive, here is some more LOTR!

Elves of Lothlorien:


Wood Elf Sentinels:


Haldir:

Amon Hen is finally completed. The top was a bit plain, so I added some extra plasticard around the edge (which worked well) and some "flagstones" on the top, which are a bit crap-looking, but never mind





So 2020's score is now 47 - Thanks, Coronovirus!

That's excellent, and the moss makes it. Great work.

Nice work, that's some lovely terrain. Now I want to rewatch the trilogy

Congratulations! It looks great, and must feel even better to complete it.

inmygravenimage wrote:That's excellent, and the moss makes it. Great work.

Viterbi wrote:Nice work, that's some lovely terrain. Now I want to rewatch the trilogy

Syro_ wrote:Congratulations! It looks great, and must feel even better to complete it.

Cheers, everybody!

One thing I forgot to mention is that the chair bit on top slots on, so it can be removed for storage

A bit more terrain done, this time 3 of the new Rohan plastic houses:

I can hear the music now. Makes me want to watch the movies and paint the minis. Amon Hen is a great piece.

 youwashock wrote:
I can hear the music now. Makes me want to watch the movies and paint the minis. Amon Hen is a great piece.

Thanks! You should - the models are great

I forgot to mention, I followed a Youtube painting guide by "Zorpazorp".


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The Salamanders Ironclad Dreadnought is done!



This year's score is now: 53

Also:

I had 2 mounted Theodred models, but no Theodred on foot, so Eomer volunteered his legs to remedy the situation:

Flitting back to LOTR...

Not many Uruk Hai left to do now, and my whole Isengard army will be complete! Except for, of course, Warg Riders, Saruman, Grima etc etc. But still.

Here are 3 demolition teams, and one Berserker who somehow didn't get painted when I did all the others:

Nowt wrong with flitting! Looking great.

Ironclad looks solid. Both aesthetically and literally.

I always had a weird love of that demolition team set, as it was early LOTR Urak Hai in plastic the details were not great but something about the Besekers, ladders and bombs just appealed to me.

The Ironclad looks awesome, when done well the contrast of Salamander's green armour and lava bases is beyond compare, and you have nailed it here. Bonus points for the freehand work where most would use transfers/decals as well.

Really nice work on the Salamanders Dreadnought, that's a lot of edge highlighting!

Thanks, everybody, glad to see you like Mr Ironclad He's definitely a sturdy-looking chap, ready to hold the line or smash through a gap

More Uruk Hai underway, and I have also finally started the first 2 Space Hulk terminators!

A few more Uruk Hai today...

Ballista (sadly missing a few bits, but enough there to make the point ):


And some ladders, ready to scale the walls of Helms Deep:




Taking my score for 2020 to 71!

Got some more Uruk Hai done - This actually completes all the Uruks I plan to paint, so it's something of a milestone

First, Scout command:


And 3 Feral Uruk Hai:


Space Hulk terminators are also nearly done, so should appear soon

Congrats on wrapping up the Uruk-hai. Any chance of a group picture?

 youwashock wrote:
Congrats on wrapping up the Uruk-hai. Any chance of a group picture?

Thanks! A group shot is a good idea, I will see what I can do

Got the first 2 terminators from Space Hulk done at last:

Brother Deino:


Brother Noctis:


2020's score is now a nice round 80

I also have another LOTR troll nearly done, and some more LOTR terrain underway, will probably show a WIP of that soon.

Nice! Can't wait to see the rest of them painted to this standard.

Terminators look good, but maybe at least black dot the stormbolter barrels? (My preference is to drill them, but that’s best done during preparation)

youwashock wrote:Nice! Can't wait to see the rest of them painted to this standard.

Cheers, I am pretty pleased with them - The whole lot may take quite a while, however

Arakasi wrote:Terminators look good, but maybe at least black dot the stormbolter barrels? (My preference is to drill them, but that’s best done during preparation)

That's a really good point, I will go back and add some black muzzle holes, thanks for the suggestion!

Today, here's a friendly fellow who just wants to be your pal:




Got 2 more Space Hulk terminators underway...

That looks great!
That friendly fellow could maybe get some spikes on his armor for giving hugs

Nice work on the troll, armour, leather and skin are contrasting nicely!

Troll is looking great. What did you use for the leather...besides skill?

Syro_ wrote:That looks great!
That friendly fellow could maybe get some spikes on his armor for giving hugs

Viterbi wrote:Nice work on the troll, armour, leather and skin are contrasting nicely!

Theophony wrote:Troll is looking great. What did you use for the leather...besides skill?

Thanks, all - Very kind

The leather was pretty simple, it just came out quite nicely... The darker leather is Vallejo Charred Brown, the lighter leather Vallejo Beasty Brown, then a heavy wash of Army Painter strong tone, then highlighted with Beasty Brown on the dark leather and Vallejo "Khaki Grey" on the lighter.

From Trolls to Holes, I should have some Scouring of the Shire WIPs to show later or tomorrow

Great job painting the face. Lots of personality. Like the skintone, too.

I have got a bit of terrain work done.

The fronts of these Hobbit Holes are resin pieces I got from a Kickstarter a while ago.



Still a bit rough, need some filling before I start painting.

Nice hobbit holes. Any rough areas can also just be covered with grass tufts or plants.

I hope we get to see those scouts fighting over Amon Hen! Nice work all round.

So, absolutely no painting achieved, I've run out of steam again...

However, I finally got around to starting my LOTR campaign - Running through the 3 Journey Books. Not with my usual gaming buddies as I had planned, but with my 2 boys (8 and 10).

The Fellowship of the Ring - Scenario 1: The Hunt Begins

Forces
Good - 9 Dunedain Rangers
Evil - Witch King of Angmar, 2 Ringwraiths (all with minimum Will).
Having read somewhere that this was a difficult scenario for Evil, I made them all mounted.

Terrain


Objectives
Evil - At least 2 models to escape from the Western edge

Deployment
The Dunedain had to deploy in the centre, the Ringwraiths opted to deploy all at one edge to make a run for it up the Western board edge.


After the Evil gang had run up the edge for a turn, the Witch King headed towards the Dunedain to try to keep them back so the 2 normal ringwraiths could head for the Shire.


The Dunedain managed to unhorse one of the wraiths, but couldn't get close enough to charge them, and had to try to stop them with arrows, but the 6/5 to wound proved too much - Despite 3 shots getting the initial 6 to wound over 2 turns, the rangers failed to score any wounds, and the wraiths slipped away.


Victory to Evil, the Shire is open to the black riders!

Sounds great, did the boys enjoy it?

 GiraffeX wrote:
Sounds great, did the boys enjoy it?

They had a great time, yes, they're already asking when we can do the next one

Get them hooked, and you’ll have definite games for years. I can’t get my kids to play, I blame my wife.

 Theophony wrote:
Get them hooked, and you’ll have definite games for years. I can’t get my kids to play, I blame my wife.

Shame - Even board games etc? Mine are currently enjoying Zombicide.

Here's the 2nd LOTR Journey Book report:

The Fellowship of the Ring - Scenario 2: The Trust of Arnor

Forces
Good - 9 Dunedain Rangers
Evil - Witch King of Angmar, 8 Ringwraiths (all with minimum Will).
Again, I made all the wraiths mounted.

Terrain


Objectives
Evil - At least 50% (5 models) to escape from the Western edge

Deployment
The Dunedain could deploy 6 rangers across the Western edge, reinforced by D3 each turn from the Eastern edge. The Ringwraiths had to wait for D3 each turn, also from the Eastern edge. The rangers spread across the board to try to prevent any easy road for the Nazgul.


Game

The Witch King and 2 wraiths made a break on the Northern edge, the rangers closed in around them, but their shooting was poor and nothing was achieved.


Then still more Nazgul came on to charge up the Northern edge, while the Witch King cut into the middle and killed a ranger with a Black Dart. Everything looking good for the Forces of evil.


Having drawn all the rangers to the North, the remaining Nazgul took the chance to charge forth to the South. However, the Dunedain improved their archery and took down the Witch King, while a brave soul charged one of the terrifying black riders to keep him pinned back.


Unhorsing a couple of wraiths slowed them down enough for the Dunedain's bow skills and some well-timed use of Might to thin them out, until there were only 5 left, all heading for the board edge as fast as they could go.


Fortune smiled on the hard-pressed Dunedain, however, and an arrow flew true to take down a horseless rider, leaving only 4 remaining and a victory to Good.


Hopefully this will give Frodo time to make his escape from the Shire before the black riders get to Bag End!

Cool reports. Sounds like fun for all.

You're battle reports are really getting me interested. Is this "The Lord of the Rings: Strategy Battle Game"?

 Syro_ wrote:
You're battle reports are really getting me interested. Is this "The Lord of the Rings: Strategy Battle Game"?

Yes, or "Middle Earth: Strategy Battle Game" as it is now.

The scenarios I am playing through are from a set of 3 "Journey Books" that were released when it was still LOTR, they contain scenarios, painting guides and also instructions for building the required terrain etc! They are sadly out of print, but copies are still floating around.

I am really enjoying these so far - The next scenario will be the first appearance for the plucky hobbits

Nice reports always nice to play games that are linked. Makes things more interesting. Keep them coming!

So, I didn't paint for a while.

I've got back into it, though, mostly painting at lunchtimes to break up the day as I am working 100% at home.

Slow but steady progress, and here's 12 warriors of Rohan done! Bit of a varnish issue, went a bit opaque :(



2020's score is now 95!

Those look good! I always enjoyed painting the LOTR plastics and Rohan was one of my favorites. You did a really good job of varying up the color palette across the models while still making them look like a unified group. Well done!

Really good, particularly like the cloth and mail. Great stuff.

Love that green for the shields and cloaks.

brushcommando wrote:Those look good! I always enjoyed painting the LOTR plastics and Rohan was one of my favorites. You did a really good job of varying up the color palette across the models while still making them look like a unified group. Well done!

inmygravenimage wrote:Really good, particularly like the cloth and mail. Great stuff.

youwashock wrote:Love that green for the shields and cloaks.

Thanks very much!

Progress is slow, but I am still getting some painting done at times... Here are 2 more Space Hulk terminators:

Brother Scipio:


Brother Valencio:


And I have some more Rohan dudes in progress

Awesome models. Love the stripes on the chainfist.

Some good work Slinky.

Cheers,

CB

You nail the retro aesthetic there. Very cool.

Great work on the termies, love Brother Scipio, such a cool pose.

youwashock wrote:Awesome models. Love the stripes on the chainfist.

Captain Brown wrote:Some good work Slinky.

inmygravenimage wrote: You nail the retro aesthetic there. Very cool.

Viterbi wrote:Great work on the termies, love Brother Scipio, such a cool pose.

Thanks, everyone! I do love these models, so full of detail, amazing examples of the plastic-casters art given that they are easy-build.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The Fellowship of the Ring - Scenario 3: Short-cuts make long delays

Forces
Good - Frodo, Sam, Pippin, Gildor Inglorion
Evil - 3 Ringwraiths (all with random Will, all ended up with 6 each).
Again, I made all the wraiths mounted.

Terrain


Objectives
Good - Frodo to escape from the Eastern edge
Evil - Kill Frodo!

Special Rules
The Nazgul are using the rules for Sentries, and until the alarm is raised the Hobbits have to make Courage tests in order to move, otherwise the Evil player gets to move them! Also, all Good models count as having Elven Cloaks.

Deployment


The searching Nazgul were deployed on the N, S and W board edges, while the Hobbits hid behind a tree at the edge of the road.


Initially, the Nazgul blundered around aimlessly, while Frodo and Sam headed towards safety. Pippin, blissfully unaware of the danger, failed his first 2 Courage tests and headed back towards the road to investigate some mushrooms! Gildor meanwhile headed towards the Ringbearer to lend him aid if required.


Reaching the road, and seeing a Black Rider bearing down on him, Pippin came to his senses and started following the others. 2 of the Ringwraiths were still blundering around, whereas one managed to roll 2 sixes in a row, bore down on Frodo and raised the alarm - The chase was on!


The wraiths started their pursuit - The first one charging into Frodo and Sam. Thankfully, Gildor was in range to charge in, spending 2 Will to Immobilise the Nazgul on a 6 - But with his master's prize so near, the wraith managed to resist the Elf's magic, however Good managed to win the fight, Frodo narrowly missing out on laying low the Wraith who remained to fight on.

Winning Priority, Gildor managed to charge into the closest wraith, giving Frodo and Sam room to make a break for it. Again, Gildor's immobilise on a 6 was resisted, this Nazgul now being named "Mr 6". However, the Nazgul lost the fight and was pushed back further.


Eventually, "Mr 6" was worn down, ran out of Will and faded away - Gildor managed to immobilise the other closest Nazgul too, to give Frodo and Sam a chance - 2 Heroic Moves from Sam speeding them away and over the board edge to safety.

Victory to Good and the Hobbits can now press on to try to get to Rivendell. However, the Nazgul now know their prize is close, so will be hot on their heels!

Man of the Match was definitely Gildor Inglorion, his well-timed Immobilise on the non-engaged Nazgul giving the hobbits the breathing room to get away, and his Fight of 6 gave him the edge in the fights.

Finally got my first 6 Riders of Rohan done!



And over the 100 mark I go - 2020's score is now 109!

In other news, had first game of Space Hulk with the boys, which they enjoyed:

Lovely work on those riders and looks like a fun game, were you able to push back those darn xenos?

 Viterbi wrote:
Lovely work on those riders and looks like a fun game, were you able to push back those darn xenos?

Cheers!

Yes, but the game ended in a draw, as the Marines couldn't quite clear out all the rooms of the Xenos infestation It's quite hard to keep moving quickly as you always want to end up with people on Overwatch.

The Fellowship of the Ring - Scenario 4: Buckleberry Ferry

Forces
Good - Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin
Evil - 3 Ringwraiths (all with minimum Will of 7).
This time we decided not to have the wraiths mounted.

Terrain


Objectives
Good - Frodo to escape from the Eastern edge
Evil - Kill Frodo!

Special Rules
The Nazgul are using the rules for Sentries. Also, all Good models count as having Elven Cloaks.

Deployment


The Hobbits were in a group, heading for the Ferry, while the searching Nazgul clustered round as close as they were allowed.


Initially, the Nazgul failed to get the scent of their prey, wandering around in the wrong direction.


The hobbits closed in on the Ferry, but breaking cover meant the nearest wraith caught sight of them, rolling a 6 and heading straight for them, raising the alarm - Time for the hobbits to get moving!


The hobbits piled towards the ferry in a panic - The Nazgul charged in on Merry, but the plucky young hobbit won the fight and pushed the Wraith back, though failing to score a wound.


Losing Priority, Frodo called a Heroic Move to get on the Ferry, but the Nazgul piled on too as an unwelcome passenger. He beat Pippin in a Fight, landing a heavy blow, but Pippin passed his Fate roll.

The next turn, Pippin and Merry combined on to win the fight, and pushed the Ringwraith off the ferry. Plop!


The remaining 2 wraiths were left howling with rage on the far bank, they were reduced to trying to pick off hobbits with Black Darts - One hit Merry who managed to pass his Fate, and another hit the ring bearer, but Frodo used Will to resist.

Merry and Pippin certainly earned their place as Frodo's companions in this battle! Next they all have to negotiate the Old Forest, however...

Nice! It's enjoyable getting to see another LOTR scenario batrep. Thanks for taking the time to include us

The Fellowship of the Ring - Scenario 5: Fog on the Barrow Downs

Forces
Good - Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Tom Bombadil, Goldberry
Evil - 4 Barrow Wights

Terrain


Objectives
Good - At least 3 Hobbits to escape from the Eastern edge
Evil - Sacrifice at least 2 Hobbits within a Barrow.

Special Rules
An unnatural fog hangs over the Downs, Good models must roll a 2+ to move normally, on a 1 the Evil player moves them instead. Once a Hobbit has spotted a Wight he can begin calling for Tom Bombadil each turn, with a 6 needed on D6. Hobbits defeated in combat do not lose their wound, but instead are Paralysed, and can then be dragged to a Barrow for sacrifice.

Deployment


The Hobbits were in a scattered group in the centre, heading East. The Wights deployed one on each Barrow.


The Shirefolk pushed on towards the Eastern edge, while the Wights looped around to cut them off.


Suddenly, looming out of the fog, a Terrifying Wight appeared! Trusting to luck, the brave hobbits all piled in as close as possible, so they could all see the Wight and be eligible to try to call for aid from old Tom.


Having survived 2 rounds of fighting with the Barrow Wight, and survived 3 attempts to paralyze Frodo (2 failed, 1 resisted by Will), they managed to call Tom and heard his merry song coming from the forest as the magical fog evaporated. All the Hobbits then ran to try and meet him. The Wights followed, but did not push in to charge, which hesitation would prove costly...


2 turns after Bombadil arrived, Goldberry also made her way onto the board. The Hobbits had now made it back to Tom, and from this point on the Wights didn't really stand a chance, though they put up a fight, with Tom Bombadil failing his first 2 Banishment cast rolls, and Evil winning 3 priority rolls in a row, charging into Tom to prevent him casting, and starting to run down his Will points. The Hobbits also got into a couple of fights, but Samwise proved his worth, fighting back a Wight twice, even taking off one of its wounds!


However, with Tom having 15 Will and Goldberry 10, it was only a matter of time before the Evil spirits were banished back to rest in their Barrows.

"Get out, you old Wight! Vanish in the sunlight!
Shrivel like the cold mist, like the winds go wailing,
Out into the barren lands far beyond the mountains!
Come never here again! Leave your barrow empty!
Lost and forgotten be, darker than the darkness,
Where gates stand for ever shut, till the world is mended."

The Hobbits are now on their way to Bree! An interesting scenario - Evil should probably have pushed harder earlier, as once both the Good reinforcements arrived, they had no chance of keeping a Hobbit paralyzed long enough to drag them to a Barrow.

Not got any painting to show off, but I have had the glue out

The Fellowship of the Ring - Scenario 6: The Grey Pilgrim and the Black Riders

Forces
Good - Gandalf the Grey
Evil - Witch King of Angmar, 8 Ringwraiths

Terrain


Objectives
Good - Defeat at least 4 Nazgul to be able to escape
Evil - Kill Gandalf.

Special Rules
The ancient ruins count as difficult ground, basically to make the small playing space work. The ancient power of the ruins also affects the Evil models, who count as Broken for the whole game.

Deployment


Gandalf deploys in the centre of the ruin, 2 Ringwraiths start at the edge. A further Ringwraith can arrive each turn on the roll of a 5+.


In an eventful first turn, Gandalf managed to use Sorcerous Blast to hurl a Ringwraith off the top of Weathertop - 1 down! However, the other moved in, successfully struck Gandalf with a Black Dart, and Gandalf failed his Fate roll.

The Ringwraith tried to close with Gandalf, who kept his distance. An ineffectual exchange of magic saw a Black Dart and Collapse Rocks both fail.


The Evil side received reinforcements in the form of the Witch King himself!


Gandalf moved away from the Witch King, Immobilising and charging the other Ringwraith, but he failed to land a killing blow.

Following up his advantage, Gandalf Immobilised and charged again. But was then struck in the back by a Black Dart from the Witch King - He passed his Fate, but was now out of Fate points. Evil received another reinforcement who moved up alongside the Witch King.

In the following fight, Gandalf won again, and the Ringwraith was now out of Will, so faded away. 2 down!


Turning at bay, Gandalf faced the 2 oncoming Nazgul, who both failed to strike him with Black Darts. Dodging the Witch King, he managed to Immobilise and charge the other Wraith - Losing the fight, but not taking any strikes.


The Witch King, obviously overwhelmed by the power of Gandalf and the ancient power in the surrounding stones, failed his Courage test and fled the field to keep his power in reserve for another day - 3 out of 4 down!


In a tense series of turns, Gandalf battled 2 more Nazgul, surviving several attempts to Black Dart him, and fighting desperate melees but failing to find a way through the Ringwraiths' defences.

Finally, another Wraith was overwhelmed, failed his courage test and faded away - Gandalf took his cue and scarpered, alive but only just!

Black Dart is a very vicious spell, and had Evil taken more of a risk and thrown more Will into getting it cast, Gandalf could have been bested, but he survived to keep trying to meet up with Frodo.

A lot of cool stuff going on here, Slinky. I always enjoy your Fellowship BatReps. Also, is that dread Bray'arth Ashmantle from the Badab War?

That is a great batrep und sounds like an amazing game. Gandalf got away in the nick of time it seems. And nice mix of newly glued minis.

 Syro_ wrote:
A lot of cool stuff going on here, Slinky. I always enjoy your Fellowship BatReps. Also, is that dread Bray'arth Ashmantle from the Badab War?

Missed that, sorry - Yes, it's Bray'arth, who has 40k rules so is going to lead my all-dread Salamanders force


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The Fellowship of the Ring - Scenario 7: Pursuit into the Wilds

Forces
Good - Gandalf the Grey, 6 Dunedain. Gandalf has reduced stats - 1 might, 2 will, 1 fate.
Evil - 4 Ringwraiths with minimum Will (7).

Terrain


Objectives
Good - Defeat at least 2 Nazgul while keeping Gandalf alive
Evil - Kill Gandalf, or have 3 Nazgul escape off the south edge.

Special Rules
The Nazgul can use "Cry of the Nazgul" once a game, reducing Good courage by 3. Gandalf can choose to escape off any board edge, he does not then count as slain.

Deployment


Gandalf deployed on the North edge, the Rangers spread out on the South, and the Nazgul clustered in the middle.


The Good models closed in from both sides. The Ringwraiths divided - 2 heading towards the south, and 2 doubling back to tackle the wizard.

The Dunedain formed a line to block the route to the south. One hang back, spotted a Ringwraith through the trees, and with the Valar guiding him (and a point of Might spent) his arrow sailed true, through the wood, striking and wounding the Nazgul, putting him out of action (for now...).

One Wraith kept heading South, using Compel to force a ranger to move out of bowshot.


Two Wraiths however closed in on Gandalf, both firing off 2-dice Black Darts, resulting in a wound on the grey pilgrim!

Gandalf backed away, using a Sorcerous Blast to fire one of his pursuers back 2" and knocking them prone. 4 Dunedain were able to shoot at the Southern Nazgul, 2 hit, one of them used a point of might to take a 5 to a 6 and then only needed a 4+ to finish off a 2nd Ringwraith, but failed, the Nazgul survives!


The rangers closed in on the Southern Nazgul. 1 bravely charged in! Gandalf tried to keep his distance, but failed to Immobilise the standing Wraith, who kept hard on his tail, striking him with another Black Dart. Gandalf passed his fate roll, so still had 2 wounds remaining. The Dunedain bested the Nazgul in combat, but could not land a telling blow.

Good won Priority, enabling Gandalf to keep ahead of his chasing enemies, but he again failed to Immobilise the closest one. One ranger passed his courage test to charge into the Nazgul, but the other close enough to charge could not muster the willpower to overcome his Terror. The chasing Nazul failed to Transfix the wizard, but kept after him.


Evil won a crucial priority roll, and moved to try to surround Gandalf. 1 Black Dart wounded him, leaving him barely clinging to life. A second Black Dart then flew towards him, but he blew all his Will points and managed to resist it.

Winning priority, Gandalf managed to escape off the board, weary beyond measure. It was now up to the Dunedain to delay the Nazgul and win time for Aragorn and the Hobbits. A volley of arrows felled the Southernmost Ringwraith, and the day was won for Good - But at what price? Gandalf will need time to recover, and will have to limp on to Rivendell.

I really love reading these batreps - thank you for sharing!

I have never played the LOTR game but it seems like a really great set of rules - like the heroes would feel suitably heroic on the tabletop.

The minis themselves look great too - I love your work on the Rohan models; lovely natural colours and I like the difference in highlight severity of the horses to bring out different coat colours.

Keep it up Slinky!

Always a delight to read

tzurk wrote:I really love reading these batreps - thank you for sharing!

I have never played the LOTR game but it seems like a really great set of rules - like the heroes would feel suitably heroic on the tabletop.

The minis themselves look great too - I love your work on the Rohan models; lovely natural colours and I like the difference in highlight severity of the horses to bring out different coat colours.

Keep it up Slinky!

Thanks! I really rate the rules, yes - Fairly simple, but the extra layer of choices that heroes have does make them play differently to the chaff

inmygravenimage wrote:Always a delight to read

Cheers, Graven Shamefully I just CBA to paint still at the moment, but still getting the gaming in.

Slinky wrote:
Cheers, Graven Shamefully I just CBA to paint still at the moment, but still getting the gaming in.

Pft. No shame there squire.

So, I had a couple of paint and chat sessions with friends on Skype, and actually managed to muster some enthusiasm!

So here are 3 more Space Hulk terminators done:




2020's score is now 109

Lovely tones on the red. (Which I suppose is important for Blood Angels!) It contrasts well with the blue ropes and the dead 'stealer.

Nice trio you painted up. Love the one with the ripped genestealer, suitably gruesome for the setting And man, those Blood Angels love their bling on the armour...

I like your Blood Angels, they look good. I also appreciate that you switched them to round bases, the weird way they are based in Space Hulk bothers me.

Very glam, and lush colour contrasts

Review of the year 2020

The previous years totals were:
2015: 81
2016: 102
2017: 152
2018: 77
2019: 155

This year, based again on my semi-random scoring system, I ended up with a score of 109. So middling, but once again I had long periods of CBA.

Here's the breakdown:

LOTR
24 Uruk Hai Scouts
Uruk Hai battering ram
Ugluk Headtaker
Lurtz
3 Wood Elves
3 Wood Elf sentinels
Haldir
Amon Hen terrain
3 Rohan houses
3 Uruk Hai demolition teams
1 Uruk Hai berserker
Uruk Hai ballista
3 siege ladders
Uruk Hai scout command (Drummer, Banner, Shaman, Captain)
3 Feral Uruk Hai
Isengard Troll
12 Rohan Warriors
6 Riders of Rohan

Salamanders
Based a Contemptor dread
Ironclad Dreadnought

30k Imperial Fists
5 Lascannons
Alexis Polux

Space Hulk
7 Blood Angel Terminators

A good score, and I've really enjoyed the Lotr saga as a whole!

I really enjoyed LoTR batreps too. It seems like a good number of minis painted to me.

That's a good haul for 2020 and your plog is the reason I first did a halfling warband out of LotR miniatures for Mordheim and am now in the process of building and priming the starter box to play the game properly

Thanks, all!

inmygravenimage wrote:A good score, and I've really enjoyed the Lotr saga as a whole!

V kind, I have been envying your Imperial Assault goodies, I may get that once Space Hulk is painted up.

Syro_ wrote:I really enjoyed LoTR batreps too. It seems like a good number of minis painted to me.

Ta

Viterbi wrote:That's a good haul for 2020 and your plog is the reason I first did a halfling warband out of LotR miniatures for Mordheim and am now in the process of building and priming the starter box to play the game properly

Wow! I have been inspired so much by many great threads on Dakka, it's a good feeling to manage to inspire someone else - Hope you enjoy it!

Nice Termies, thinking of rebasing mine as well.
How hard was it to take them off their bases?

 Guardling wrote:
Nice Termies, thinking of rebasing mine as well.
How hard was it to take them off their bases?

Cheers!

Actually it was pretty easy with a pair of clippers. The most challenging was the one that is ripping up a section of floor.

First completed models for the year!

Well, the bases aren't done, but I will have to wait for Spring so I can varnish them outside first.

Rohan outriders - I have given them brown rather than green cloaks so that they are hopefully more distinctive on the tabletop and their different rules can be remembered



So my score for 2021 is 10 (Horses is extra, see )

Nice job on the Outriders. Good start to the year!

Always good to see the Tolkien minis. Love those last three Terminators, too.

Lovely work on the Outriders, love the three color schemes for the horses.

The Fellowship of the Ring - Scenario 8: Amon Sul

Forces
Good - Aragorn, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin
Evil - Witchking and 4 Ringwraiths with minimum Will (10 and 7 respectively).

Terrain


Objectives
Good - Defeat all the Nazgul
Evil - Kill Frodo!

Special Rules
The Nazgul can use "Cry of the Nazgul" once a game, reducing Good courage by 3. The ancient ruins are warded against Evil and the Nazgul count as broken all game. Whole board is difficult ground. The hobbits all clutch flaming brands and if they beat a Nazgul it must retreat D6".

Deployment



The hobbits form a defensive ring. Aragorn is not present yet, he can arrive from turn 2 on the roll of a 4+ The Ringwraiths are then deployed around the outside, climbing up from the hill below. One of them slips back and falls prone, how embarassing!



Merry picked up a stone as the Ringwraiths closed in. Frodo backed away as the others grimly prepared for battle. Aragorn did not arrive this turn, however the slipped Nazgul failed his courage test and had to burn 2 of his precious Will points to stay in the fight. Merry's stone hit the Witch King, but pinged harmlessly off.

Evil then won priority and gleefully charged in, with the Witch King charging Sam, and 2 wraiths charging Merry. Still Aragorn did not arrive - Sam managed to defeat the Witch King, driving him 5" back with his flaming brand, however poor Merry was born down under the blows of the 2 wraiths, knocked down and out of the battle!



Good won priority, and Pippin and Sam passed their courage tests to charge in onto one of the wraiths, while Frodo continued to retreat, clutching the Ring. Still no Aragorn!

The hobbits won their fight, striking severe blows with their barrow-blades, and the Ringwraith goes down!



Winning priority again, they charged in. Still Aragorn does not arrive, this is getting ridiculous... The Nazgul close back in, 2 of them manage to get in combat with Sam while one charges Pippin. Frodo flung a desperate stone at the Witch King, but missed.

Pippin wins his fight, pushing the Nazgul back 5" with his burning brand. Sam also wins (who needs Aragorn?), pushing his opponents back 4" and 6".



Sam and Pippin move into a defensive position in front of Frodo, and Aragorn finally arrives! He can't get into the fight this turn, but moves towards the hobbits.

The Witch King rushes in to fight Sam, but Sam once again is victorious! 6" backwards goes the hapless lord of the Nazgul, but Sam uses both his points of Might to drive his blade squarely into the faceless mask, temporarily at least banishing him!

Evil then won priority, charging into Pippin and Sam. Sam wins yet again, his furious frying-pan flying. Pippin loses, but does not take a wound.



Aragorn finally charges into battle, and Sam and Pippin squeak their hobbit battle cries and pile in alongside him. In a disastrous turn for Good, they lose all 3 fights, with Sam being wounded and Pippin falling to the blows of the Evil wraiths!

Taking heart from this, Evil won priority and charged in to try and press their advantage, though one lost a point of Will to pass a courage test caused by the ancient wards of the watch tower. 2 Nazgul charge Aragorn, one charges Sam - Frodo, no longer willing to let his friends face all the danger on his behalf, charged in to assist.

Sam lost his fight, but passed his Fate roll, leaving him only just hanging on, Aragorn won, but could not land a killing blow. Frodo has to spend a point of Might to win his fight, but drives the wraith back 4" with his flaming brand.



Good won a vital priority roll, so Aragorn shepherded Frodo into a corner, out of reach of the Nazgul for now, and boldly charges 2 of the Ringwraiths. Sam shrank into the opposite corner, wounded, exhausted and terrified.

Aragorn won the fight, slaying one of the wraiths, while the other faded away from loss of Will points.



Aragorn charged into the final wraith, and finished it off. All the Nazgul are gone, and now he must use all his healing skills to bring Merry and Pippin back from the brink of death!


It had been a while since we played, and the Ringwraiths magic abilities were forgotten, which could really have changed things. Sam definitely hobbit of the match, winning several fights and putting down the Witch King!

Sam is always best pippin seems to have done pretty well though. Lovely terrain and fab report as always.

Samwise the Strong! Great battle report.

One of them slips back and falls prone, how embarassing!

I wonder why Peter Jackson decided to cut this scene from the film?

Nice BatRep. It's good to know that someone is getting games in.

Neat report, its cool seeing that scene out of the film in miniature like that so well done.

Amon Sul was such a cool scene in the film. I completely missed that terrain piece, scratch built or is it Forge World or something?

I am sure a lot of us have great memories of collecting LOTR via the magazine they had...and great to see Sam felling the Witch King.

Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

ListenToMeWarriors wrote:
Amon Sul was such a cool scene in the film. I completely missed that terrain piece, scratch built or is it Forge World or something?

I am sure a lot of us have great memories of collecting LOTR via the magazine they had...and great to see Sam felling the Witch King.

It's the Forge World one. A major wallet-cramper

Great report mate, always love reading those and seeing the minis in action on the board. Sam was always the VIP of the story for me!

Gorgeous red on those terms too and like the basing with dead stealers and rust.

109 models is a pretty good haul, good luck for 2021!

I missed that line about an all dreadnought army at the top of this page...that is very, very exciting

Great battle report and that terrain is amazing! Unfortunately, looking at the price, I will go with the Ziterdes budget solution at 1/10th of the cost

 Viterbi wrote:
Great battle report and that terrain is amazing! Unfortunately, looking at the price, I will go with the Ziterdes budget solution at 1/10th of the cost

Very wise - I definitely had a rush of blood to the wallet there, mostly after I had looked at the instructions on how to build your own in the Journey Book and been very scared

 tzurk wrote:
I missed that line about an all dreadnought army at the top of this page...that is very, very exciting

I have Bray'Arth Ashmantle to paint at some point, he's half-primed, but the weather turned nasty again, hoping to get him sorted today


Automatically Appended Next Post:
3 more Space Hulk terminators done.

Brothers Zael and Optio, and Brother Sergeant Gideon:





These benefitted from some "pre-work" last year, in that all their armour was already done, so it was just the details that needed doing

The termies look great! Always loved the space hulk sculpts. Part of me hopes they'll rerelease Space Hulk in the future but I doubt the sculpts would be the same.

Also, cool bat rep on the previous page, always a cool scene to recreate!

 Tyranid Horde wrote:
The termies look great! Always loved the space hulk sculpts. Part of me hopes they'll rerelease Space Hulk in the future but I doubt the sculpts would be the same.

Also, cool bat rep on the previous page, always a cool scene to recreate!

Very kind, thanks! I really appreciate people popping in and taking the time to comment

Hopefully they will re-release Space Hulk some time, they seem to do it periodically, and I am sure it would be a good seller again.

Another 3 great looking Angels. The Thunder Hammer and palm screen are standout details for me.

These are great, I love your deep recessed shadows, reminds me a bit of Mignola art.

youwashock wrote:Another 3 great looking Angels. The Thunder Hammer and palm screen are standout details for me.

inmygravenimage wrote:These are great, I love your deep recessed shadows, reminds me a bit of Mignola art.

Thanks, chaps - The shadows are very pronounced because of the Dakka gallery auto-correct, I think, but I find the un-altered ones don't really capture the colours quite right. Maybe I need a new camera

Mostly working on Rohan guys at the moment, they should be ready to show in a couple more days, but I got the glue out and my next 30k Imperial Fists unit is ready:



They are menacing (or defending?) my son's Lego London...

A few more Rohirrim done (apart from Varnishing, basing, so these chaps will appear again later in the year).

Including the rare captain with axe (Mine almost certainly a recast, bought it on eBay) and Theodred, the ill-fated heir to the throne:



Bringing my 2021 score to a satisfyingly close to 1-a-day 23.

Next up, the last 3 Space Hulk terminators.

Lovely job on those Rohirrim! Was just looking at your battle report too, looked awesome!

Lovely, sharp contrasts there.

I was going to say that coloring the edge of the bases while leaving the tops black was a bold choice, but then I read what you wrote.

Great work on those models, especially the horses. I don' think I've ever managed to make horses look as good as that.

Da Boss wrote:Lovely job on those Rohirrim! Was just looking at your battle report too, looked awesome!

Cheers! Will hopefully get to the next scenario soon.

inmygravenimage wrote:Lovely, sharp contrasts there.

Thankee kindly

JoshInJapan wrote:I was going to say that coloring the edge of the bases while leaving the tops black was a bold choice, but then I read what you wrote.

Great work on those models, especially the horses. I don' think I've ever managed to make horses look as good as that.

That would be a bold choice - Void warrior Rohan?

Today I have the last 3 Space Hulk dudes:

Brother Sergeant Lorenzo:


Brother Librarian Calistarius (Is this the same one that went on to become Mephiston?):


And the aptly named Brother Not-Appearing-In-This-Game (sorry ):


Next up, the mighty Bray'Arth Ashmantle. He's an intimidating lump, I think I will start by throwing on some green and gold with my normal recipes, and hopefully then the remainder will just be a few details...

Very nice. I like the very deep shadows, especially on the gems.

Great job finishing the Space Hulk Terminators they look fantastic. The Power Sword on Lorenzo looks particularly good.

Love the sitting skeleton terminator and can practically here Schwarzenegger's voice "Don't disturb my friend, he's dead tired"

Great job on the Space Hulk Terminators, really cool paintjob on them. I don't know....I reckon a bit of a sleep and a good dinner and "Brother Not Appearing In This Game" should be good to go

I wish I could think of a clever joke or reference to add, but I'm just posting to show my appreciation to Viterbi's joke and ListenToMeWarriors' Monty Python reference

Also great work on the terminators Slinky just looking at them make me want to start a Blood Angels army or play Space Hulk.

inmygravenimage wrote:Very nice. I like the very deep shadows, especially on the gems.

Thanks, matey

gobert wrote:Great job finishing the Space Hulk Terminators they look fantastic. The Power Sword on Lorenzo looks particularly good.

Cheers, I added a bit more very light blue along the edges than I have previously, I think it's an improvement.

Viterbi wrote:Love the sitting skeleton terminator and can practically here Schwarzenegger's voice "Don't disturb my friend, he's dead tired"

One of the true classics of cinema. "Let off some steam, Bennet!"

Syro_ wrote:I wish I could think of a clever joke or reference to add, but I'm just posting to show my appreciation to Viterbi's joke and ListenToMeWarriors' Monty Python reference

Also great work on the terminators Slinky just looking at them make me want to start a Blood Angels army or play Space Hulk.

Cheers! I felt bad that I didn't have any more BA to paint, and ended up ordering a Storm Raven. Oops.

I have made some progress on Bray'Arth Ashmantle - Horrid picture below:



However I have been side-tracked by painting the Necrons from my boys' starter set, my first experience with Contrast paints. Pics to follow soon

So, last summer I got my boys the 40k starter set. After some initial interest, it got a bit forgotten about.

But now it's back in favour, they have played through the scenarios and started painting the Marines. However, neither wanted to paint the Necrons, so I said I would do it...

Enter the Contrast paints! These took probably less than 5 minutes each, including basing, so something of a personal record. The end result is certainly tabletop-ready, but I am not totally sure how I feel about the finish.







Taking my score to 44, now back to Ashmantle and to see if my patience for normal painting has been destroyed

If those only took 5 minutes like you said, then I say they are amazing. Definitely better than the tabletop ready I've seen at the local shop.

Thise Necrons will be more than adequate for playing. Great job. Love the last Terminators, too. Need to get a team shot.

Yeah, great job, and more than table ready to be handled by the smallfolk (eventually!)

For 5 minute jobs they’re spectacular! Contrast certainly gets rapid results, but it seems some colours perform better than others in terms of finish.

Contrast works well on your Necrons, the green and yellow are especially cool. Did you use Basilicanum Grey for the metal? Maybe do it as a first step, then drybrush a lighter color on it and then do the rest. Might take you to 10 minutes a mini, but still
Otherwise the color scheme is really cool and if you can paint them this fast an army should be ready in a month at the latest

Theophony wrote:If those only took 5 minutes like you said, then I say they are amazing. Definitely better than the tabletop ready I've seen at the local shop.

Cheers - I like the way you can just basically slap it on, and guide it towards the edges with the brush, it really takes very little time per colour.

youwashock wrote:Thise Necrons will be more than adequate for playing. Great job. Love the last Terminators, too. Need to get a team shot.

Mmm, yeah, a group terminator shot would be good. Planning to play through all the missions once the Genestealers are done, hopefully some good atmospheric shots will come out of that.

inmygravenimage wrote:Yeah, great job, and more than table ready to be handled by the smallfolk (eventually!)

I made them wrap them in loo roll and put them in a shoe box - "My first figure case".

gobert wrote:For 5 minute jobs they’re spectacular! Contrast certainly gets rapid results, but it seems some colours perform better than others in terms of finish.

Yeah, the finish is patchy in places, but I can live with that

Viterbi wrote:Contrast works well on your Necrons, the green and yellow are especially cool. Did you use Basilicanum Grey for the metal? Maybe do it as a first step, then drybrush a lighter color on it and then do the rest. Might take you to 10 minutes a mini, but still
Otherwise the color scheme is really cool and if you can paint them this fast an army should be ready in a month at the latest

Yes, Basilicanum Grey. A drybrush might help, yes, but that's a slippery slope

Bray'arth Ashmantle is done!



He put up a bit of a fight, but I got him in the end

Next, yet another batch of Rohan dudes.

Fantastic Salamander scheme. Very deadly!

Très deadly, and love that base.

Lovely job. The green contrasts wonderfully with the lava base.

Great work on Ashmantle, the lava is especially nice

Congratulations! It's great to see you got Bray'arth Ashmantle done. That is a real accomplishment.

Love the shaded gold on Ashmantle, great work!

gobert wrote:Great work on Ashmantle, the lava is especially nice

Da Boss wrote:Lovely job. The green contrasts wonderfully with the lava base.

inmygravenimage wrote:Très deadly, and love that base.

Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll wrote:Fantastic Salamander scheme. Very deadly!

Syro_ wrote:Congratulations! It's great to see you got Bray'arth Ashmantle done. That is a real accomplishment.

Viterbi wrote:Love the shaded gold on Ashmantle, great work!

Thanks, everyone, v kind as ever

After a bit of a wobble with painting motivation, I have got my Rohan chaps done:



Looking at this I see I missed the horses eyes and tongues, will get that sorted before I varnish and base, which will hopefully not be too far away now if spring comes on time

Next up - 30k terminators.

Forth Eorlingas! Good to see some more horsemen around and always good to post pictures of painted minis, because you will always forget to paint some detail you won't see until you post that pic (speaking out of experience ).

Loving all the fine work here, Slinky, Salamanders, Trolls, monstrous creatures and all looking excellent. Keep up the nice work!

Viterbi wrote:Forth Eorlingas! Good to see some more horsemen around and always good to post pictures of painted minis, because you will always forget to paint some detail you won't see until you post that pic (speaking out of experience ).

Yeah, all too true. Sigh

Ragsta wrote:Loving all the fine work here, Slinky, Salamanders, Trolls, monstrous creatures and all looking excellent. Keep up the nice work!

Thanks very much!

Working on my 30k Imperial Fist terminators still - The yellow is mostly done, which is the time consuming part, so hopefully have something to show soon!

I finally got the terminators done, I had forgotten just how tricky these Imperial Fists are!



2021's score is now 66

And next up, yet more Rohan dudes

Lovely Terminators, the yellow is great, nice and warm but grimy too.

Lovely rich yellow, great job.

Really liking those Terminators. Fantastic color and detail.

gobert wrote:Lovely Terminators, the yellow is great, nice and warm but grimy too.

inmygravenimage wrote:Lovely rich yellow, great job.

youwashock wrote:Really liking those Terminators. Fantastic color and detail.

Thanks, all!

I got the last 6 Rohan warriors on foot done!



And with there being some actually nice weather, I was able to varnish and base all the other Rohan dudes that have been queued up:

Looks great, shields and bases most lovely.

Great to see some more Rohan (and the IF are impressive too!). Love some of the details like the bit of contrasting red on the one warrior on foot. They look really cool all together.

inmygravenimage wrote:Looks great, shields and bases most lovely.

Cheers, mate! Praise from Caesar

Viterbi wrote:Great to see some more Rohan (and the IF are impressive too!). Love some of the details like the bit of contrasting red on the one warrior on foot. They look really cool all together.

Thanks - I wanted the captain to stand out, so he has a touch of red, and gold on his shield...

Here are the first 6 Genestealers for Space Hulk - Not a really lavish paint job, as there are 22 of them to get done, and they will just end up as a giant horde in the game, but I am pleased enough.



My score for this year is now sitting at 78 which is quite gratifying.

Awesome work, love the yellow of the terminators versus the dark blues and purple of the 'stealers. I bet that will look great on the tabletop.

Really like your warriors of Rohan too, is that using contrast paints?

 Olthannon wrote:
Awesome work, love the yellow of the terminators versus the dark blues and purple of the 'stealers. I bet that will look great on the tabletop.

Really like your warriors of Rohan too, is that using contrast paints?

V kind, thanks!

No, the Rohan are all done with paint/wash/highlight.

Genestealers were made to be painted hastily! And you did a great job on them, love the classic colors and they look just as the should.

Having got 3 more Rohan models about half done, I completely ran out of oomph, and they sat there taunting me.

So when my ZCide season 2 pledge arrived, I took the opportunity to change task and start splashing Contrast paints around again with carefree abandon - They are only horde models for a boardgame after all!

Here are the first 7:

Good use of Contrast paints and yeah, sometimes you just have to put minis away and hit the pause button on them.

 Viterbi wrote:
Good use of Contrast paints and yeah, sometimes you just have to put minis away and hit the pause button on them.

Cheers

Having fun with these, so have carried on, another 15 done:



So my total for the year is now up to 100!

A century! Congrats!

 inmygravenimage wrote:
A century! Congrats!

Cheers - For a brief time, my output is reaching Graven-esque levels

Here are another 21 of the lovely little friendly types:

Thanks to slop-n-go level painting, I have another 20 of 'em done

Excellent indeed! We demand a group shot. Or should that be a horde shot?!

Wow, churning them out live nothing Gotta echo Graven: horde shot, horde shot, horde shot!

inmygravenimage wrote:Excellent indeed! We demand a group shot. Or should that be a horde shot?!

Viterbi wrote:Wow, churning them out live nothing Gotta echo Graven: horde shot, horde shot, horde shot!

Thanks, chaps

Only about 10 left to do now, will get them all set up on the game boards for a horde shot once they are done, since that is obviously what the public want

Oh, absolutely. We demand it! I'm tempted to get some fatties just to use for Dredd...

The remaining zombies are all done!




And here is the much-anticipated horde shot - Quick, fetch a minigun!



So my score for the year has boosted to an unbelievable: 181

Outstanding. Well done sir!

That's a heck of a feat. Nice job!

That really is an impressive horde of shambling death. Nice work!

inmygravenimage wrote:Outstanding. Well done sir!

youwashock wrote:That's a heck of a feat. Nice job!

gobert wrote:That really is an impressive horde of shambling death. Nice work!

Thanks v much, all - They aren't much to look at close-up, but effective enough in a gang, and certainly more menacing than the grey plastic horde they were before

I've made a start on the survivors now - I am trying to take a little more care on these (though still Contrast and a quick job), and also trying to use the colours from their cards wherever possible.

Here are the first 6:




Particularly pleased with Queen and Wanda

Very faithful paintjobs, the Wanda is indeed excellent

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Very faithful paintjobs, the Wanda is indeed excellent

Kind as always, thanks

Another batch done:

Got a few more survivors done, but there's still quite a heap in the box






This takes me up to 205 for the year, I am amazed

Very impressive, Hayden and Isaac are outstanding.

Great job matching the card art! They're so vibrant, great work.

Wow! You really nailed those paint jobs, matching them to the cards

Very cool updates and so faithful to the art. Excited to see more!

inmygravenimage wrote:Very impressive, Hayden and Isaac are outstanding.

Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll wrote:Great job matching the card art! They're so vibrant, great work.

Syro_ wrote:Wow! You really nailed those paint jobs, matching them to the cards

Viterbi wrote:Very cool updates and so faithful to the art. Excited to see more!

Thanks, everyone! I went away last weekend, and when I came back the impetus/mojo had gone... Hopefully I will resume painting soon

You sound like Austin Powers, "I've lost my mojo!" Don't worry buddy, it's natural and often good to take a break, don't feel pressured to get back to it and just let it flow.

 inmygravenimage wrote:
You sound like Austin Powers, "I've lost my mojo!" Don't worry buddy, it's natural and often good to take a break, don't feel pressured to get back to it and just let it flow.

The break did me good - Had a paint n chat on Skype, and it rejigged my mojo enough to finish all the things I had WIP, at least...

More survivors in gloomy photos:



And 4 Abominations - Run away!

Eek! Abominations! They look proper nasty. Survivors look great, I especially like Phil. And above all, great to have you back!

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Eek! Abominations! They look proper nasty. Survivors look great, I especially like Phil. And above all, great to have you back!

Cheers

Here are some doggies to accompany the survivors into the Z-infested ruins of society. Aren't they cute?

Great job on all of these. Love that they match the card art.

It's really satisfying to see a huge set of boardgame minis getting finished.

A-woof. A-woofwoof woof. Well done squirrels! You've earned your Zombicide badge!

 inmygravenimage wrote:
A-woof. A-woofwoof woof. Well done squirrels! You've earned your Zombicide badge!

Thanks, Duggee! Henceforth I shall read all your posts in Alexander Armstrong's voice

Thanks to the magic of Contrast paints, my rapid progress continues, and I have got the first 4 Blood Bowl players done:



The starting scrimmage line of Khorne's Juggernauts!


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Da Boss wrote:
Great job on all of these. Love that they match the card art.

It's really satisfying to see a huge set of boardgame minis getting finished.

Thanks! There are still loads of Zombicide Survivors left, and the special KS abominations, but I think at this point I have way more than I will ever use anyway, so I reckon I am calling Zombicide "done"

I like your blood bowl guys, they remind me of the guards from Flash Gordon and many people have commented on my posh accent, I'm already there with the Alexander Armstrong vibes

I like your Blood Bowl team so far. I hope you have people to play with. I haven't really started on my Blood Bowl teams, because I haven't found people to play with.

inmygravenimage wrote:I like your blood bowl guys, they remind me of the guards from Flash Gordon and many people have commented on my posh accent, I'm already there with the Alexander Armstrong vibes

Syro_ wrote:I like your Blood Bowl team so far. I hope you have people to play with. I haven't really started on my Blood Bowl teams, because I haven't found people to play with.

Thanks! One of my regular gaming buddies is very into BB, so I said I would play against him, but as he goes to tournaments etc, I expect to be crushed utterly

Got the beastmen done - Just the Minotaur to go!




Takes 2021's score to an unprecedented for me 233!

They look cracking, did you do the slotta base method for your line markings?

 inmygravenimage wrote:
They look cracking, did you do the slotta base method for your line markings?

This sounds like something I might be finding out about too late I just used sloppy white paint over my static grass, to try and get the right look...

Ah! Yeah just paint the stripe through a slotta gap. Good for road markings too

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Ah! Yeah just paint the stripe through a slotta gap. Good for road markings too

Another good tip I will squirrel away for future use, thanks

My Blood Bowl team is now complete! Nothing too fancy, but it will look a whole lot better on the pitch than bare grey plastic





Next up will be some more Genestealers as I try to get Space Hulk finished off too!

Congrats on finding back the motivation und very good use of Contrast paints Blood Bowl team looks great and I hope your friend doesn't give you too much of a challenge

 Viterbi wrote:
Congrats on finding back the motivation und very good use of Contrast paints Blood Bowl team looks great and I hope your friend doesn't give you too much of a challenge

Cheers! Just got to actually find time to meet up and play

Here are 10 more Space Hulk Genestealers, so getting very close to ticking that off the list of shame as well!



245 for the year now - Still over 1 a day!

Outstanding tally sir, and loving the proper retro stealer colours.

Wow, that's a very impressive tally for the year. I'm at 85 personally (which I think is higher than I managed in the past three years). Keep up the great progress, and nice work on the genestealers.

Very impressive run of minis. That Minotaur looks the business.

The minotaur makes me hungry for a steak , which means you did a good job on him.

A whole grey chaos team The Grey Wasters , now I just need to find an opponent and my grey plastic team can have a name and theme. Chop up some sprue into rubble from their home soil and jobs a good'un.

inmygravenimage wrote:Outstanding tally sir, and loving the proper retro stealer colours.

Syro_ wrote:Wow, that's a very impressive tally for the year. I'm at 85 personally (which I think is higher than I managed in the past three years). Keep up the great progress, and nice work on the genestealers.

youwashock wrote:Very impressive run of minis. That Minotaur looks the business.

Theophony wrote:The minotaur makes me hungry for a steak , which means you did a good job on him.

A whole grey chaos team The Grey Wasters , now I just need to find an opponent and my grey plastic team can have a name and theme. Chop up some sprue into rubble from their home soil and jobs a good'un.

Thanks, all!

I've been in a bit of a trough again mojo-wise.

I do have the remaining few Space Hulk Genestealers VERY nearly done, hope to get them done soon. Also, I took some Contrast paints and Plaguebearers away on holiday over the summer, so they just need a bit of finishing off too

In exciting news, my upcoming birthday is bringing my first 3D printer, an Ender 3 V2 (so FDM rather than resin) so soon I shall be submerged under a mountain of terrain and tanks etc

 Slinky wrote:

soon I shall be submerged under a mountain of terrain and tanks etc

This is why I'm not getting a 3D printer-my wife would divorce me. I'll live through you by proxy.

 JoshInJapan wrote:

 Slinky wrote:

soon I shall be submerged under a mountain of terrain and tanks etc

This is why I'm not getting a 3D printer-my wife would divorce me. I'll live through you by proxy.

Heh

Thankfully I built a man-cave/shed, so the printer and most of the output can live out there, keeping me safe from spousal disapproval...

So, I finally managed to get the brushes out and resume some productivity!

The last few Space Hulk bits are done, so that's another big milestone






2021's score is now 254

Such a satisfying feeling when you finish a section of a game! Great job on the stealers but also cracking servitor and bases generally.

Good work on the space hulk bits, I think I speak for us all when is say we need a group shot! If nothing else it’ll cement my jealousy of not having Space Hulk!

Awesome on finishing those Space Hulk bits. If my memory serves, those were the last that were unpainted from the entire game, right? So, whole game is painted now? That is a big accomplishment!

inmygravenimage wrote:Such a satisfying feeling when you finish a section of a game! Great job on the stealers but also cracking servitor and bases generally.

Cheers! Yep, v happy to have ticked it off the list, going to play through it once we have done the main Zombicide campaign.

gobert wrote:Good work on the space hulk bits, I think I speak for us all when is say we need a group shot! If nothing else it’ll cement my jealousy of not having Space Hulk!

I will try to remember a group shot

Syro_ wrote:Awesome on finishing those Space Hulk bits. If my memory serves, those were the last that were unpainted from the entire game, right? So, whole game is painted now? That is a big accomplishment!

Yep, it's done and dusted, I am stoked!


A long old time ago, I bought various bits and pieces of Plague Marines, to start a Nurgle army. Looking at the box, it turns out that was in 2012! The wheels may turn slowly, but that project is finally getting some attention. First up are some Plaguebearers - These are Heresy "Blight" minis that I picked up in their Kickstarter, also several years ago...

Going with pretty much all Contrast paint for this, the effect is okayish, but satisfyingly quick



Rust and Nurgle's Rot liberally applied to bases and weapons.

Got some more LOTR Rohan very nearly done, they will appear soon

Meanwhile, pending the arrival of my Ender 3 printer, I have started messing around with 3d models.

Here's my first original creation - A Helms Deep wall section for LOTR SBG, based on the instructions in the Journey Books. All my own work with the sole exception of the flagstones on the top.




Next I will have to work out how to chop a chunk out to make the wall section with the culvert in the bottom, then how to model that into a breached/exploded section!

Ooh, very exciting. Always impressed to see folk designating their own stuff for printer.

Nurgle armies and Contrast were made for each other, great start to a new force!

inmygravenimage wrote:Ooh, very exciting. Always impressed to see folk designating their own stuff for printer.

Cheers - Got a few bits printed now, but not yet any of my own designs

Viterbi wrote:Nurgle armies and Contrast were made for each other, great start to a new force!

Yeah, it's nice to slap some paint on and not worry about neat lines

Here are some more finished Rohan, needed for the first battle of the fords of Isen:

Erkenbrand foot and mounted (the hated Finecast):


Rohan banner bearer:


And here's the first thing I have printed and painted, a campfire to be used in the LOTR scenario where the Rohirrim attack the Uruk Hai:


It was printed on a slightly too-coarse setting, but if you squint, it looks okay

Got some more 30k Imperial Fists underway, but they are a real slog to paint, I think the accompanying vehicles/dreads will switch to black with yellow accents!

Nice fire, but the banner is especially impressive

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Nice fire, but the banner is especially impressive

Thanks, sometimes the camera really flatters a paintjob, I think that's one of those cases

Heresy Imperial Fists are still putting up a fight - Very nearly done now, just the bases to do.

However I have printed and painted this statue of "St Katherine" to grace 40k battlefields:



2021's score is now 270

A simple 3d-printed bunker/shelter thing:



With some of my son's Ultramarines for scale...

Erkenbrand looks marvelous and I feel ya on the Finecast. Remember picking up the Inquisitor and the Jokaero and the guy behind the counter was like "Let me see first, if the minis are ok, before you pay them."

Campfire looks cool. I think seeing it on the tabletop it looks even nicer, but the big pic holds up!

 Viterbi wrote:
Erkenbrand looks marvelous and I feel ya on the Finecast. Remember picking up the Inquisitor and the Jokaero and the guy behind the counter was like "Let me see first, if the minis are ok, before you pay them."

Campfire looks cool. I think seeing it on the tabletop it looks even nicer, but the big pic holds up!

Cheers! No matter how long you spend cleaning off the bloody little triangles from Finecast models, you will always find a load more when you start painting

I have finally completed my first 5 Phalanx Warders from a unit of 10. Pretty sure some of my Imperial Fists are going to switch to a predominately black scheme, as this yellow takes forever...

Lovely, bright, shiny and crisp. Those shields are lush, mate.

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Lovely, bright, shiny and crisp. Those shields are lush, mate.

Kind as ever, thanks! It does feel like all the effort was worthwhile, though...

From things that take ages to paint, back to "slap some paint on and call it done" - A 3d printed trailer full of barrels:



My 2021 score is now 277, so unlikely to hit one per day for the year, but it's still a possibility!

I found some more Mantic terrain in a box - Built but unpainted.

As I am on a terrain spree, I set about putting that right:



Just a basic dusting of grey spray over black, a few details and rust on the exposed metal bars for the ruined sections, fitting in with the bits I have already done.

Oh nice. I have some built. I might tackle the amid the mountain of marking.

Great terrain and the hazard stripes bring a bit of spot color on it. And you can never go wrong with rust!

inmygravenimage wrote:Oh nice. I have some built. I might tackle the amid the mountain of marking.

It paints up fairly well, and looks okay on the battlefield, but you can never really hide its origins as modular terrain, the connectors etc are quite obvious.

Viterbi wrote:Great terrain and the hazard stripes bring a bit of spot color on it. And you can never go wrong with rust!

Cheers

Here are some more 3d-printed bits of terrain all done.

A bunker (massive seam lines in it, which are a bit glaring):


And some chem tanks with platforms on top:

Some more terrain done!

3d-printed shipping containers:


3d printed storage tank:


MDF tower thing (remains of a building that got smashed falling from loft, with 3d printed gubbins added):

I really need to get me a filament printer. They look fab.