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2016/05/16 21:49:12
Subject: The Bloggit: 14th May, good days, bad days, and painting many mantids...
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:That looks superb Graven. Well done so far.
Thanks mate. It's coming along.
Anpu-adom wrote: Excited to see the crane... my orks need to loot a crane or somesuch for their scrapyard.
I've seen one built by metropolis - he for whom the warehouse was made. It's a lovely beast.
Paradigm wrote:This is going to be great when it all comes together!
I love it when a plan comes together
Red Harvest wrote:Graven, you are scaring me. Careful with the blades, hombre. ( Said while looking at some unusual scars on my own hands. Chisels, saws-- you don't want to see the sort of scar a Gent's saw can leave on a thumb--rabbits...well, just one.)
Looks like good progress on the diorama. Keep plugging away.
Managed to catch the cut on a grater this evening - with chillis never mind eh?
Theophony wrote:Glad you were able to save the fig, looks great and the diorama is coming along well. Competitions are meant to be extended so just keep plugging away. Remember we're all here for you.
Kind words my friend. I'm still not sure that the main main is ok, but we'll see.
Gitsplitta wrote:Very tasty graven. Don't worry about the deadline, I expect it'll be extended for a week.
You're a good man, Charlie Brown.
So tiny peeps are done, and now my eyes hurt Not sure what you can see from cruddy camera phone pics, but still: More in the gallery. Cannot believe I have painted tranquility camo and MW with pads at that scale. Bonkers Hopefully that gives you some sense of where I'm at.
Thanks for all your support gang. Head is a bit of a better place, just got to keep getting on with it. Graven
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/05/16 21:50:14
Theophony"... and there's strippers in terminator armor and lovecraftian shenanigans afoot."
Solar_Lion: "Man this sums up your blog nicely."
Anpu-adom: "being Geek is about Love. Some love broadly. Some love deeply. And then there are people like Graven.
Camkierhi wrote:Fantastic work, it's looking brilliant bud. ikle teenie marines is looking good. Love the colour of the board.
Thanks mate. I've tried to go pretty low key with the glow. Could ramp up the osl. Not sure.
Gitsplitta wrote:OH, those bring back fond memories of my "Epic" days....
It's all fun and games until you have to paint several dozen of the little barsterds...
Oh my yes. My epic nova marines were just sprayed black with a sunburst on the shoulder. Eclipse Camo
ckig wrote:Ha! love the diorama and the tiny marines. Great stuff.
Oh, I hate the tiny marines! cheers.
GiraffeX wrote:This diorama is looking fantastic so far Graven.
Cheers mucker So, work is actually worse. I shouldn't be surprised but I am. Totally screwed by council - can't apply for job I've been doing for nearly 2 years because of downsizing Tbh I'm more angry than depressed about it. But we must move forward.
Anyway, my Mantis Maker contest entry is done! These are not final pics, those will be done in booth anon.
Generally I'm very happy with how they turned out.
That green, man. Nightmare 9 layers total I love how cross he looks Hopefully salvaged primer-gate.
So with the contest deadline extended till 31st, I've got time to check over for things to fix. C&C away!
What next? Well the current LOER contest finishes on 31st also, do check it out. Marking season is in full swing and next week is proper crazy - not in school at all!
Also, #2's birthday on Sunday. This will require true hobby collision with wife - foamcore will be involved! A 1:3 scale r2d2 cake I'm making the legs and a wee plinth, as well as doing the measurements.
On from that, well, next I need to get on with my TT combat stuff, building at least. There's a Bmg brag-painting contest (no prizes, just bragging rights) coming up for 20th June and I'm finally feeling inclined to build and paint my Court of Owls as they got a big boost from the new equipment list (the contest theme is to finish an incomplete project inspired by new rules expansion).
Also got some sneak peaks of Armoured Syndicate, a post apocalyptic boardgame mini game hybrid from the guy behind Mechabrick (lego wargaming) and Etchmaster (also a Slayer sword winner). I'll get them up here soon.
Hey ho
Graven
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/05/19 11:10:18
Theophony"... and there's strippers in terminator armor and lovecraftian shenanigans afoot."
Solar_Lion: "Man this sums up your blog nicely."
Anpu-adom: "being Geek is about Love. Some love broadly. Some love deeply. And then there are people like Graven.
2016/05/19 10:42:16
Subject: The Bloggit: 19th May: Mantis Maker done? forward planning, general ranting.
brilliant looking diorama... the bright and cheerful colours together with the muted down surroundings...this really makes the characters stand out and get a spotlight...
and a 1:3 R2D2 cake as a hobby clash between you and your wife...looking forward to these pics!^^
That is an ingenious and well executed diorama you have done. The only thing I would add (if they are real pieces and not holograms) would be one cast down on the floor by the loser
LOL, Theo your mind is an amazing place, never change.-camkierhi 9/19/13
I cant believe theo is right.. damn. -comradepanda 9/26/13
None of the strange ideas we had about you involved your sexual orientation..........-Monkeytroll 12/10/13
I'd put you on ignore for that comment, if I could...Alpharius 2/11/14
2016/05/19 18:19:28
Subject: The Bloggit: 19th May: Mantis Maker done? forward planning, general ranting.
Looking great Graven. Well executed. No changes needed as far as I'm concerned, although Theophony may have a point about the discarded figure. See how much you can be bothered.
Birthday cake sounds brilliant, add me to the list of those who can't wait to see.
Re job - Shocking. Truly shocking. Happens far too often to good people. Hope something sorts out for you soon. Stay angry though, anger fuels the fire. Depression smothers it
GW - 670 pts || - 354 pts || - 46 pts || - 106 pts || LoTR - 400 pts (Evil) vs 0 pts (Good) || Space Hulk - 1/35 || Deathwatch Overkill - 0/50
OtherMEdge: Karists - 23 points || Epirians - 0 points Shattered Earth: Awaiting delivery "Awakening" Terrain: Awaiting delivery DWMG2: 4/54
My Miniatures blog || My Terrain blog || My MEdge blog || Paradigm's Painting Challenge League Tables: 2015/16, 2016/17 The Hobby Mission: 25/713 minis complete, 98/406 terrain complete. 46 more minis in 2016 to complete my goal for this year
jreilly89: "In the far future, there are only drive-bys."
IceAngel wrote:I must say Knightley, I am very envious of your squiggle ability. I mean, if squiggles were a tactical squad, you'd be the sergeant. If squiggles were an HQ, you'd be the special character. If squiggles were a way of life, you'd be Doctor Phil...
Viktor von Domm wrote:brilliant looking diorama... the bright and cheerful colours together with the muted down surroundings...this really makes the characters stand out and get a spotlight...
and a 1:3 R2D2 cake as a hobby clash between you and your wife...looking forward to these pics!^^
Thanks. I'm glad you think the colours work. I'm trending away from using metallics at the moment - BMG minis don't look right shiny, somehow - so that's behind the muted tones generally.
Paradigm wrote:Yeah, that's an awesome piece, can't wait to see the final pics!
Me too
Gitsplitta wrote:Beautifully done Graven. The time you took really shows through.
Thanks mate. As always a high bar has been set but I found this an inspiring challenge, certainly.
Theophony wrote:Happy pre-emptive birthday to your son .
That is an ingenious and well executed diorama you have done. The only thing I would add (if they are real pieces and not holograms) would be one cast down on the floor by the loser
Cheers! My wife's family is huge, it's going to be crazy. Ah well. I thought about that actually, with one of the generic dudes, but they are supposed to be sorta holo figs. Also I'd need many many around the board generally - it would have become too cluttered. Oh, and I just plain ran out of epic minis
TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Looking great Graven. Well executed. No changes needed as far as I'm concerned, although Theophony may have a point about the discarded figure. See how much you can be bothered.
Birthday cake sounds brilliant, add me to the list of those who can't wait to see.
Re job - Shocking. Truly shocking. Happens far too often to good people. Hope something sorts out for you soon. Stay angry though, anger fuels the fire. Depression smothers it
Yeah work is not good. Scunnered is the Scots' word for how I feel right now. It's less sweary than the alternative.
Knightley wrote:Very cool Graven, Very cool indeed
Cheers matey, appreciated.
Well my other court of owls set is en route - I want to do them in one batch, I think - and I salvaged a nice smashed paving base from my unfinished Clayface for the Gotham Butcher. We've decided that for R2's legs we're probably going full foam core so that's a fun night ahead; right now there is a foot high bullet of chocolate cake in my dining room
Wondering what TT stuff to build first - something wee like the shipping containers or just get stuck into the big stuff like the crane and cargo ship?
Theophony"... and there's strippers in terminator armor and lovecraftian shenanigans afoot."
Solar_Lion: "Man this sums up your blog nicely."
Anpu-adom: "being Geek is about Love. Some love broadly. Some love deeply. And then there are people like Graven.
2016/05/20 23:12:52
Subject: The Bloggit: 19th May: Mantis Maker done? forward planning, general ranting.
"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!
2016/05/21 07:00:32
Subject: The Bloggit: 19th May: Mantis Maker done? forward planning, general ranting.
"But me no buts! Our comrades get hurt. Our friends die. Falkenburg is a knight who swore an oath to serve the church and to defend the weak. He'd be the first to tell you to stop puling and start planning. Because what we are doing-at risk to ourselves-is what we have sworn to do. The West relies on us. It is a risk we take with pride. It is an oath we honour. Even when some soft southern burgher mutters about us, we know the reason he sleeps soft and comfortable, why his wife is able to complain about the price of cabbages as her most serious problem and why his children dare to throw dung and yell "Knot" when we pass. It's because we are what we are. For all our faults we stand for law and light.
Von Gherens This Rough Magic Lackey, Flint & Freer
Mekagorkalicious -Monkeytroll
2017 Model Count-71
You even have an imbedded LED light! that is one heckuva cake!
"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!
2016/05/22 13:39:02
Subject: Re:The Bloggit: 21st May: 1/3 scale R2D2 in cake, foamcore and LED!
Red Harvest wrote:Fantastic cake. I can think of one person who will have a very happy birthday indeed. (Voted for it too. Will a 10 for coolness suffice?)
Diorama is nicely executed too. Good luck in the contest.
Scunnered. Okay, now can you explain the word haver? ( like from that song by the Proclaimers)
Haver is to hesitate. It's subtly different to Swither, which is hesitation over a choice.
"The new Scouts fared well?"
It was the first time that the Grandmaster had spoken, since acknowledging Artur's arrival and their bout had commenced. As ever, it was impossible to read his unblinking, sightless eyes. So like the Mantis itself, thought the honoured veteran Commander, encased in his metal shell. He cast his gaze across the board once more. Resignation, perhaps? The servos had by now relayed all permutations to the Grandmaster, and the pincer of Artur's remaining Astartes assured him victory against the ancient warrior. A ploy? Perhaps. But with only the Rex remaining, his choices were few, his options limited beyond noble self-sacrifice.
"Aye, my lord, well enough. They will be fine instruments of the Emperor's will, should he deem them worthy." He shifted his remaining Devastator to pin down the gleaming, golden Rex. "You are checked, my lord. And I believe the game is mine."
A statement, not a question.
"Tell me," continued the Grandmaster, barely acknowledging the inevitable, "Were they as attentive to all of the details of Tranquility as you once were?" A nudge from the servo-arm, prolonging the endgame. Artur frowned.
"I schooled them in full, just as you did me, sire." The towering Terminator shifted to his whim, "And checked once more, upon two fronts." The pause lengthened like a rift in time itself. "You have but one move, Grandmaster, and it ends in Regicide."
"Did you know that I was a Vanguard, Commander?"
Artur frowned despite himself, accessing memories deep in his core.
"My lord, there were no Vanguard Veterans of the Tranquility campaign."
As if from nowhere, the table shimmered, shifted.
"None that you know of, child." A rare crease at the corner of the Grandmaster's mouth - a suggestion of a smile?
A Vanguard, clad in corvid armour and streaked black on yellow, bore down upon Artur's Rex, and struck hard and true.
"A Mantis always guards his secrets, Commander. Regicide, I believe. As you say, I had but one move open to me."
There was nought he could do but let cry a wordless, furious yell, slamming his fist to the table and sending his slain Rex reeling.
"We are hidden even in the shadows of our own history, Artur. The treachery in the truth, the hiding in plain sight - the ancient art of the Mantis."
But his words were dust in the recycled air, as his Honoured opponent was long gone.
Inspiration
Spoiler:
So, the theme is "Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance." I'm fond of David Mamet, from whom the quote comes (I am an English (& Media) teacher, after all) and this spurred me on to thinking about Stanley Kubrick's 'The Killing' (I also teach film) with its iconic chess scene (great movie, great director, and cited by Mamet as one of his favourite moments in drama - yes, I am a nerd, thank you). I got thinking about chess games generally, and Paradigm mentioned Regicide, the 40k descendant of the game. And so it came together. The venerable Mantis General howling in rage and frustration at the unexpected defeat!
Theophony"... and there's strippers in terminator armor and lovecraftian shenanigans afoot."
Solar_Lion: "Man this sums up your blog nicely."
Anpu-adom: "being Geek is about Love. Some love broadly. Some love deeply. And then there are people like Graven.
2016/05/22 21:46:01
Subject: The Bloggit: 22nd May: Mantis Maker final pictures!
IceAngel wrote:I must say Knightley, I am very envious of your squiggle ability. I mean, if squiggles were a tactical squad, you'd be the sergeant. If squiggles were an HQ, you'd be the special character. If squiggles were a way of life, you'd be Doctor Phil...
Excited to see the crane... my orks need to loot a crane or somesuch for their scrapyard. 
Not sure what you can see from cruddy camera phone pics, but still:
9 layers total 
I'm making the legs and a wee plinth, as well as doing the measurements.
- 670 pts || 
- 354 pts || 
- 46 pts || 
- 106 pts || LoTR - 400 pts (Evil) vs 0 pts (Good) || Space Hulk - 1/35 || Deathwatch Overkill - 0/50
