Dakka (Unofficial) Painting Challenge Round 40 June 2018: Blades in the Dark

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**Modock**

I got a perfect mini for this theme. First time painting a Mierce miniature. I've ordered several minis and I must say I'm quite impressed
with the sculpts and quality.

Presenting Heldred, a wraith of some sorts. Finally a proper mini

.

Full name, Heldred, Drēaguth Thain.

**Paradigm**

Oh wow, that is quite the model! Love the fluidity in the cloak. What size base is that?

**Modock**

It's a custom base 4,3cm diameter. The mini is 5cm from the bottom of the cloak to the top of the shoulder spikes.
I really like the model plus it's metal.

I'm still not sure about the scheme maybe black green with subtle turquoise highlights.

**Paradigm**

That's metal? Blimey! Seems like it'd be a bit top-heavy, I assumed it was resin. Still very cool though, looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

As for me, with the degree done (woohoo!) I can actually get my entry going before the last few days for the first time in a while! I wasn't too sure what to enter with this month until I saw the Prodos Games Predator set half price in a sale. It's a shame the Kickstarter campaign had so many issues, as these are actually really nice models. Highly detailed and accurate, fit together very nicely and are of a good size, standing taller than a SM Terminator on a level base.

Proof

And the first one (probably) done:

The other two will be more of a pain as I have no idea how to tackle the netting they wear over the torso and upper legs, it's not really thick enough to paint directly and possibly too shallow for a wash to provide enough definition... we'll have to see how it goes, I guess!

Any thoughts welcome!

**Gulgog TufToof**

Here's a couple of WIP's; base coat is done, now I just have to do some highlighting, metallics, pick out all the tiny details (I already know I'm going to have to give her eyes, and it's going to take at least a dozen attempts) and a wash. Speaking of the wash, I've bought some dark violet ink to do the cloak, and I've never used inks before. Any tips? Do you highlight all the way up and then wash? Can you paint over it once it's been washed? etc...

@Chris56: At first I was cursing these minis because the mold lines are terrible, and they pre-primer the model which means that you have to clean the mold lines and then re-primer, but as I've been painting, I'm more and more impressed. The details on these are impressive, particularly for something so small (her head is about the size of a wooden match head). I'd love to see what you could do with a similar mini despite knowing that it'll blow mine out of the water.

Spoiler:

**Chris56**

You shouldn't sell yourself short, Gulgog.
I own that mini and as you say, the details are TINY!!! These guys make GW harlequins seem broad and uncomplicated.
That you have such clean lines so far is very impressive. I am really looking forward to seeing her finished!

Modock, that is a really cool mini - looking forward to seeing the end product!
Love that predator, Para - your signature style adds heaps of character.

**Nevelon**

Started to paint. I also managed to build and prime 3 more scouts, so will pick the best 5 of the ones I get done by the end of the month.

**Jogul**

This is an awesome site! I love the idea of this challenge! I'm going to go with a silver skull who's joined the deathwatch. Seems somewhat fitting since they train in low light to prepare for all conditions. Looking for any possible advice.

**Rybrook**

Right, I’m safely back in the U.K.

Here’s my proof

**ChaosDad**

Hmm... can I add something to my entry? The latest supply drop from the Forge World has brought the White Dwarf and the Black Gobbo to my painting table...

So, can I add a fourth Goblin to the mix?

**CREEEEEEEEED**

Jogul wrote:
This is an awesome site! I love the idea of this challenge! I'm going to go with a silver skull who's joined the deathwatch. Seems somewhat fitting since they train in low light to prepare for all conditions. Looking for any possible advice.

Step 1) paint a deathwatch marine
Step 2) tear off the skull shoulder pad
Step 3) replace with a plain shoulder pad
Step 4) freehand the skull
Step 5) get votes

**JustALittleOrkish**

I will enter this month, first time so please be gentle.
I have picked an old school spirit host. They may not thrive with the blades part but they definitely own the "in the dark" part.

**ZergSmasher**

Welcome to the party @JustALittleOrkish, that's a very interesting old-school model you've got there!

Speaking of old-school models, my entry is coming along nicely. Here's a WIP shot:

Lots more work to do, but it's been fun working on these so far.

**Kustomer D**

It took me a while to think about entering this month.
I'll enter a converted XV25 Ghost Battlesuit.
I hope I'll get him finished

K D

**Tim 121RVC**

Working on my entry. I need some advice on the base, I believe I´ve got three choices:

1. Skull on a medium round base, but I'll need to cut off the lower jaw to make it fit.

2. Skull on a large round base.

3. Skull on an oval base.

What would you do? I'm having doubts about the large and oval bases, aren't they too big for just that one orc?
I will put some sand and grass tufts around the skull in the end.
Oh, what do you think about the jumping orc himself?

**CREEEEEEEEED**

I think the issue is the overhang. The small base is too small. Then there's the oval base, where the orc isn't in line with the base, so that's no good. I'd say go with the large round. It looks the lest awkward. Also use greenstuff to make some dirt for the skull to rise out from, as is it doesn't look like it sits flat.

**Rybrook**

Finally finished,

Not the best but he is ready to smash heads

Had to get new pics, whipped the tripod out because I couldn't believe the fuzziness when zoomed, I really must get a background or a photo box

**Snail22**

Quick toedip before a month of matlab...

Deathwing, hunters of the fallen with scissorhands

Just using water, no medium.
I think my primer could have been better applied.
also, basing game is weak.
Metals need wash and second layer
No eyes.
Much finishing, but tabletop.
Thanks for looking

**Kustomer D**

Nearly done. A few touchups and the base and he's done.

**Midget Gems**

Apologies for the delay, life is busy at the moment. The league table is now updated

https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/732117.page#9481149

Welcome to the challenge Jogul, JustALittleOrkish, Snail22. I'm looking forward to seeing your finished entries

Tim 121RVC, i'd echo what Creed Said, Larger round base. Just find a way to make that extra bit of base interesting but not distracting from the model.

Nice work to get your chaplin done so quickly Rybrook, hes got a good amount of detail on him

Looks like another good conversion from you KD, the gun is pretty impressive

Some slow progress from me on my Tanith.

**Rybrook**

Thanks

I had to go retro with this, who needs gold anyway

**Power Elephant**

Damn. I pretty much finished the largest model I've ever painted (and it's looking good) but I haven't taken a proof pic! I'm not even sure I started at the start of the month or earlier anymore... This is the second time I've thought to myself "this is probbably the best thing I've ever painted, I'm not entering it to the challenge though".

**keezus**

Not sure how much time I have to paint however. :*(

**Jamie Shred**

Paradigm wrote:

The other two will be more of a pain as I have no idea how to tackle the netting they wear over the torso and upper legs, it's not really thick enough to paint directly and possibly too shallow for a wash to provide enough definition... we'll have to see how it goes, I guess!

Any thoughts welcome!

I haven't painted those but have done the youngbloods and 2nd edition unicast predators and i was reasonably happy with the netting definition after a wash. I tried going back and catching the netting with the side of my brush but the detail was just too fine. I have heard that the micro sharpie pens are really good for catching the netting. Heres one of mine

**ZoBo**

righto, finished my Night Lords Chaos Lord...man I had fun painting this dude

...I think it's about time I updated my camera though, my phone camera did not like this model at all, so I had to use my cheap old little digital camera, which kinda turned out better in some ways, worse in others...mehh.

anyway, here he is: (spoilered to avoid giga-post

)

Spoiler:

**Vejut**

Looking good. Especially like the way the lightning acts as highlight. Also, that lettering ended up fittingly 80s looking.

**Tim 121RVC**

Thanks for the advice, CREEED and Midget Gems!
This will be it now, so it´ll do as a proof pic:

Perhaps a little extra dirt in the mouth, but it's primed now and ready for painting!

**SmallChanges**

Timing's going to be a bit tight, but I'd like to enter with a few members of Eisenhorn's retinue (Lores Vibben even has a sneaky knife hidden behind her back), with one person from Ravenor sneaking in. I reckon an Inquisitorial team probably counts as a blade in the dark (and with Eisenhorn, there's always that double meaning).

Proof:

**CREEEEEEEEED**

Tim 121RVC wrote:
Thanks for the advice, CREEED and Midget Gems!
This will be it now, so it´ll do as a proof pic:

Perhaps a little extra dirt in the mouth, but it's primed now and ready for painting!

That looks really good, can't wait to see it painted.

**Chris56**

You always have such great models, keezus - I'm very jealous.
Zobo - you've converted me! I usually don't like Night Lord models but you have done a fantastic job on that one. The set piece is also awesome and really creates atmosphere for the character.
Smallchanges - retinues with character pieces always excite me, I can't wait to see them painted.
And that skull your feral ork is leaping off, Tim121RVC - what is that? It looks very cool and I want one!