Andrea's additional Leader month - The Seer and the Dreddy

 So, Owacers,

this is the second leader month and I can't be more happy as 1) I turned 50 and still feeling good, 2) I painted the most spectacular Eldar Farseer ever sculpted: the finger-pointing, mosquito-helmet, dramatic-pose Farseer!

The best thing is that, being a fine sculpt, it is as funny as expected to paint: a real pleasure! The shape of the helmet (marvellous, despite - or maybe, thanks to - its mosquito appearance) was abandoned in favour of a more technological-looking and mysterious version (cool, nothing to say) and only very recently recovered in the last Farseer incarnation (that I still have to get it!). 

But, this month is not only about the Farseer but it is also about another old friend, whose aesthetic remained longer on the shop shelves: the Dreadnought. Actually, in the RT era there were three version of it, but all based on the same body which remained basically the same even throughout the 2nd and the 3rd edition. Of the RT three patterns, I got the War Demon one: a Dreadnought apparently made to slap enemies, rather than shoot them down!

And now, of course, a little comparative analysis of its changes through time:

Here are the three main incarnation, form the left: RT, 2nd/3rd edition and 4th edition (the Wraithlord, although the full plastic kit like this one is more recent). 

Ok, I would have like to paint more but time is very tight these days, but still these are 330 points (Farseer, 170 pts; Dreddy, 160 pts). I hope to get more time in the next month!

Keep painting, fellows! and see you in June!

ciao, A

Byron's Invasion of Ulthuan - The Wrath of Eltharion (550-562 points)

 Down swoops Eltharion the Grim, Warden of Tor Yvresse!

After months of the Goblins pillaging and marching across Elven lands, Eltharion has taken to the skies seeking vengeance.

Eltharion espies a lone column of wolf riders down below.

Eltharion has been a blight upon the goblins ever since. He soars high over the country and searches for weak points in the goblins' designs.

Eltharion races down from the sky to assail the goblins.

Eltharion's daring and dashing raids have left the goblins on high alert and paralyzed their formations. The goblins are unable to leave their bivouacs for fear of interdiction by the terrible elf. This has left the goblins strung out in clumps of encampments down a forested valley. 

The warden pounces on the terrorized goblins, scattering them. 

The goblins recognize the threat and need to stop him. If they don't their entire campaign will be ground to a halt in the valley. However, each time the goblins seek out Eltharion, he falls being a blocking force positioned mid-valley. The force of elves is positioned on a hill that funnels the goblins between difficult ground. The elves know if the blocking force is overcome the goblins will stream down through the alley and threaten Tor Yvresse. 

Eltharion hides smuggly behind Elril's guard. 

The goblins have begun various strategies to assail this position and over come it. 

Frontal assaults have failed. So the goblins have attempted other schemes with comparable results. The goblins needed a solution.

Goblin fanatics are shot by supporting archers in the woods.

Eltharion was flying high over the valley in the following days when....

YEEEEEEeeeeeeuuuuuUUUUMMMmmm! (that's the Doppler effect of a goblin) A goblin on a novel type of constructed wings cut through the clouds and arced right by him!

My kids read those Dog Man books with the "flip'o'rama" pages. Try toggling back and for between the pics to get a similar effect.

The flying goblin continued his arc back down to the earth below and crashed into the blocking force. 

The wailing goblin bowls over the elves in a mess of canvas, goblin limbs, and fine elven ithilmar mail.

Seeing the grim violence done to his comrades (and fearing that the next might not miss him either), Eltharion searched for the source of this new goblinoid devilry.

Flying overhead, Eltharion spotted the goblin device several hundred yards beyond bowshot. The device was well-guarded by archers making a direct attack alone too dangerous. The goblins had won this round. The blocking force would have to retreat, but they had bought precious time to prepare the next battle and evacuate the locals.

The defender of Tor Yvresse would wait. 

Now for pics of this month's minis:

Eltharion the Grim: 450 or 462 points

Why the points discrepancy?

Eltharion first appears in the army list present in the Maugthrond Pass scenario pamphlet. The total elf force is 992 points. If we subtract the cost of the rest of the force using the points values contained in the WARHAMMER ARMIES pamphlet, also contained in the starter set, then we get a value of 462 points for Eltharion.

However, the 4th edition high elf book provides 450 points for the Elf warden:

The Doomdiver catapult: 100 points

This warrants a bit of an explanation. This doomdiver catapult uses the 6th edition warmachine, 4th edition goblin ammunition, and an orc crew. The reason for this is that most orc and goblin warmachines in 4th edition had orc crew, I liked the 6th edition catapult more, and the rules around the doomdiver crew (how many are there??)s feels too ambiguous. This arrangement felt more in keeping with the other war machines in the army - because of course orc bullies would delight in flinging goblins beyond the horizon. 

This pic is to emphasize that the orc is pulling the slingshot back with a rob and is not holding a whip.

Elven shields: 0 points

These elves have been sitting on my shelf without shield from before I ever participated in OWAC. 

Also, my final goal for this OWAC is to recreate the box art from the starter set. The box art includes an elven shieldwall, so I'll need some of those for the final picture. 

Total: 550 or 562 points.

A Cemetery Photoshoot - Valtteri's Undead Legion - May Wild Card Month

 

As some of you may remember, my inspirational art for OWAC 9 was the superb 4th edition Army Book cover. And I had plans to try and recreate the models from that painting.
Well, I did just that and then decided to take it a step further.

So here's my version of the cover art:

It's not an exact replica but I think the vibe is pretty spot on!

I decided to only use minis that were available in 4th ed for the characters. I also didn't want to cut up any metal minis for reposing or converting, it just feels wrong to me.

The Evil Threesome.

The necromancer is pretty much the same model as the vampire in the cover and I didn't convert him at all.

The standard bearer got some horns and a hairdo but the skeleton knight involved the most conversion work.

The rider itself is untouched but the steed is almost completely redone. The base is a plastic skeleton horse with barding from a modern Perry medieval knight set. I then did some greenstuff sculpting to fill in the gaps. The head is from the same Perry kit with the lower part cut off and replaced with a skeleton horse's lower jaw. The original knight has a lot of bat decorations so I painted a similar symbol on his shield. 
I'm not an experienced sculptor by any means and I always find it pretty intimidating, but I really like how the knight turned out!

Golbat, is that you?

The thing I was most worried about was replicating the banner. All my previous banners in this challenge have been painted on top of a black&white print, but now I'd actually have to draw!

Luckily this turned out to be easier than I feared and I really like the end result. It's a different style than the rest of my banners but I'm going to use him as Battle Standard Bearer, which I hope explains the extra flourish. 

Sketching.

Painting.

A few weeks before the end of May I stumbled upon a set of Skeleton Summons by GSW when I was buying some paints and brushes and they looked perfect as unit fillers. After buying them I remembered  the newly risen dead from the Army Book cover art and decided to use them for that instead. (There's one extra skellie in the second picture that I did a few months ago so I could get nice neat ranks).

Since these are only half of a model I decided to count them as such - so only 0,5 models per skeleton rounded down.

I did a cemetery themed board for Necropolis two years ago which was the perfect scenery for the photoshoot. I still needed to a moonlit sky with a bat swarm to complete the vibe so I did some A4-scale freehand. My kid did some of the bats :)

Blending is way easier in 28mm scale.

The photoshoot setup.

Extra models

Since this was a Wild Card month I didn't feel much pressure. Even if I did only a few models it would be enough. Armed with this Zen-mindset I decided to try and paint the rest of my Wraiths and the wonderful Wights from Warhammer Quest. In my mind the pair are the General's personal body guards.

The whole gang.

What a dashing duo!

Originally I hoped to do some special terrain as well but I really didn't have time for that. (I painted a bunch of non-OWAC minis too...). Maybe I'll try to do it for the final month? We'll see!

Statistics

I've painted a lot of models so far and to be honest, it's starting to feel that way. The challenge has been a lot of fun but I'm also glad it's over soon.
For my final month my plan is simple: paint my army's general - a Liche on a Zombie Dragon. Stay tuned!

January
25 Skeletons w. Swords&Shields, including Command Group	214 points	25 models
Wight	40 points	1 model
Necromancer Champion	163 points	1 model
2 Skeleton Ogres	72 points	4 models
2 Mummies w. 2-handed weapons	90 points	2 models
February
2 Wraiths	150 points	2 models
Wight	40 points	1 model
20 Zombies including Command Group	88 points	20 models
Zombie Ogre	16 points	2 models
Screaming Skull Catapult	74 points	5 models
March	904	61
Chariot w. Scythed Wheels, Crew w. Shield & Bow	79 points	5 models
Skeleton Horsemen w. Shields& Light Armor & Command Group	276 points	10 models
1 Wraith	75 points	1 model
April
8 Mummies w. 2-handed weapons	360 points	8 models
6 Skeletons w. Swords&Shields	54 points	6 models
6 Skeletons w. Spears&Shields	60 points	6 models
3 Wraiths	225 points	3 models
Vampire Count	200 points	1 model
May
Necromancer	68 points	1 model
Battle Standard	90 points	1 model
Mounted Wight	46 points	2 models
2 Wights	82 points	2 models
3 Wraiths	225 points	3 models
11 Skeletons	88 points	5 models
Total	2875 points	116 models

Previous posts:

January
February

March
April

George's Imperial Guard, Rank & File Month 4

The commissar was staring very hard at the back of Colonel Audacian's head.

“They shall know no fear, commander.” Smiled the commissar as rank after rank of guardsmen marched towards the heavily defended enemy position.

“These men know nothing of fear,” replied Audacian, without turning. “But this is an unnecessarily expensive test of my loyalty.”

“Ah, you guessed,” the commissar smiled grimly. “You must confess, your methods are unusual. Such unorthodox leadership was always likely to arouse suspicion.”

“The loyalty of this regiment is beyond question. Just look at what we have achieved.” Replied the colonel.

“Indeed. But imperial armies are not expected to emerge from battle with so few casualties. Loss and suffering are essential as proof of loyalty.”

Audacian knew that to say more was to seal his own fate. So he remained silent and watched as his troops advanced.

I finally benefitted from my productivity earlier this year and was able to work ahead this month. And I can add another tactical squad to the mass ranks!

It’s great fun seeing this Army come together!

Month points:

1 x Tactical Squad: 200 points

Army Total (to date):

1 x Support squad: 445 points

3 x Tactical squads: 600 points

Total: 1,045 points

Another tactical squad marches to battle!

Audacian's regiment prepared to advance!

James WRR’s Leader Month: Nobody expects the Ordo Malleus

+++ LOG OF INQUISITOR ALBRECHT HALFTHOR, ORDO MALLEUS +++

+++ THOUGHT OF THE DAY: A LOGICAL ARGUMENT MUST BE DISMISSED WITH ABSOLUTE CONVICTION +++

The assault on Sanctum Sapiar was a great success. The texts upon which this small, yet unbearably thorny, culture had structured itself were located, swiftly interpreted by sacrificial Servitors, then burned upon the pyre.

My conclusion? There is not much to say. It is a common story after all. These people simply imagined their way into heresy. I have no doubt that it was quite accidental, mind. But a crime cannot be forgiven simply because it was an accident. 

I was surprised that the local population, as seemingly barbaric as they were, was able to mount such a defence. One Brother Donovan of my Grey Knights was slain in the attempt, simply overwhelmed by the mass of desperate arms. But I am told his geneseed was recovered and there were no further casualties. A Space Marine is but a cheap tool to replace. 

Our duty on this world is ended.

REMINDER: Inquisitor Clavicus was seen once again departing my quarters. If I suspect his fruitless investigation into my affairs is set to continue much longer, action will be taken. My writ is just as unquestionable as his.

+++ LOG ENDS +++

+++ LOG OF INQUISITOR ERROL CLAVICUS, ORDO MALLEUS +++

+++ THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: HATRED IS OUR SUREST WEAPON +++

My Grey Knights have proven themselves once more on the field of battle. Much unholy blood was spilled and many bones collected for future study. 

Halfthor was pleased with his little bonfire, believing the work to be done. But the war rages on. Only through the bloodrite and the scrying of bones will answers reveal themselves.

Either Halfthor is too arrogant to recognise this, in which case he must stand down and let a wiser mind take the lead, or he is complicit and must be removed.

The Inquisitor’s quarters house a great many books and scrolls, not all of which I have been able to examine. It is my belief that he has sequestered texts that he was so keen to have destroyed. Iconoclast, my boot. Halfthor is a fraud and, Emperor forgive me, perhaps worse.

I will consult the viscera.

+++ LOG ENDS +++

_________________

And so, with the triumvirate of leaders complete, my Ordo Malleus force is ready for battle!

Inquisitors Clavicus and Halfthor of the Ordo Malleus

Painting these two models over the course of a month has actually been one of the most challenging parts of this project. Obviously, each Daemonhunter had to receive special care and attention — as well as a carefully considered, utterly ridiculous colour scheme — but I think there was also an added pressure: I had to finish on a high note.

I’ve painted so much silver armour over the past few months I really wanted these guys to stand out. And boy, do they! With their near-fluorescent green accents (the lovely Bright Green from Rogue Hobbies’ Pro Acryl set), they really are set apart from the rest of the army.

Hmm. My finger points!

Which I think they should, right? While an army of Space Marines will be largely uniform beyond a few flourishes, a character as individual, strong-willed and revered/feared as an Inquisitorial Daemonhunter should be able to make their heraldry truly their own.

I can’t judge Halfthor’s pink and green styling, can I? I’d probably be executed as a heretic.

Slaying in style

Each of these models are just perfect representations of their character. The masked and hooded Daemonhunter, Clavicus, bears arcane symbology and devil’s heads designed to make him look as fearsome as the monsters he hunts. Meanwhile, the fellow with the robotic leg and cool ponytail, Halfthor, commands the respect of age and wisdom. He’s stoic, technologically advanced and totally serving judge. 

While Clavicus came to me through a job lot of old minis, as most of my army has, Halfthor was a very kind birthday gift from our resident miniature bug-painter Tom. I hope I’ve done him justice! 

A truly radical outfit

In terms of painting these fellows, I’ve obviously decided to go wild with their colour schemes, embracing that 80s anarchy found in old White Dwarfs and source books of the time. Halfthor’s green and burgundy armour would be considered complimentary if it weren’t for the flaming orange gun casing in his hand and shock of blonde hair. Clavicus’s black armour and yellow pauldrons paint him as something of a toxic creature, with the addition of the vibrant green making him look positively radioactive and dangerous… and strangely, I think, Brazilian. 

These models’ poses really didn’t pose much challenge in terms of painting (another reason to love Oldhammer), though I did struggle to get at Clavicus’ face between mask and hood. I think the bit of flesh tone and dots for eyes suggest enough of a hidden visage to do the job. 

A colour scheme that screams "danger" and, maybe, "Lé lé óh"

Of course, being augmented humans with the best healthcare and biomechanical enhancements the Imperium can provide gives them much healthier looking skin tones than my sickly grey Grey Knights. That's another key element that sets them apart.

One of my favourite aspect of this pair of Daemonhunter models is that one is clearly supposed to be more radical, potentially even heretical, while the other is a more clean-cut, inspirational character. Having both at the helm of my army gives it a nice split personality — an ideal representation of a horrific space Empire at war with itself as much as it is with heretics, daemons and aliens.

And so, that’s my quota filled for this year’s challenge! And a month early, too. But I’m not going to rest on these laurels. I’ve got a bit of a wildcard addition to add still…

_________________

Army list as of May

Inquisitor Halfthor
Daemonhunter
Tactical Dreadnought Armour, Bio-Scanner, Displacer Field

Plasma Gun, Power Glove, Digital Weapons, Psyk-Out Grenade

Bionic Leg

Psychic Mastery Level 3
201 points

Inquisitor Clavicus
Daemonhunter
Tactical Dreadnought Armour, Bio-Scanner, Displacer Field

Psycannon, Force Rod, Scare Gas

Psychic Mastery Level 4
454 points

Captain Torkamadus
Grey Knight Terminator Captain | Hero
Tactical Dreadnought Armour
Nemesis Force Weapon

Psychic Mastery Level 4
450 points

Techmarine Tarantus
Techmarine
Basic equipment
Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle
97 points

Squad Deza
Grey Knight Terminator Tactical Squad
1 Sergeant and 4 Marines in Tactical Dreadnought Armour

5 Nemesis Force Weapons

Psychic Mastery Level 4
1,200 points

Brother Bethor
Deredeo Dreadnought
Missile Launcher, Heavy Plasma Gun
Standard Sensor Package, 2 Power Fields, Power Field Synchroniser
270 points

Squad Heliod
Tactical Squad
Sergeant with Bolt Gun, Bioscanner and Power Glove
1 Marine with Missile Launcher
1 Marine with Flamer

7 Marines with Bolt Guns
275 points

Bright Sword
Rhino APC with Techmarine Pilot, assigned to Squad Heliod
2 Bolt Guns
387 points

Riot Corps
Adeptus Arbites Squad
1 Magister with Bolt Pistol and basic equipment

5 Judges with Bolt Pistols and basic equipment
102 points

Squad Apollo
Devastator Squad
Sergeant with Bolt Gun
2 Marines with Beamers
2 Marines with Heavy Bolters

5 Marines with Bolt Guns
379 points

Grand Total: 3,815 points