After effectively dropping out of Challenge 14 midway through due to work and social pressures, and then being forced to drop out of Challenge 15 just before it started due to a family issue, I have been looking forwards to this year's challenge for a long time.
Sadly, about a week before the starting whistle, I was involved in a small accident and hurt my back. In the run up to Challenge 16, I had really bad sciatica and was unsure when I would be able to make it to my painting desk, and even if I could make it to my painting desk. If you have never had sciatica, it is where a nerve in your lower back gets nipped between bones and muscle. The lower back pain isn't so bad, but it feels as if my leg has been broken in a dozen places, while also being on fire. I do not recommend it.
Luckily, by Monday this week, the meds the doctors gave me started to kick in, and I was able to stagger to my hobby room. I am still limping around and can't walk for more than a couple of minutes before the pain knocks me sideways, but I am able to sit and hold a brush, and that is what really matters.
So, with all that out of the way, I figure I should show off some models.
So, with all that out of the way, I figure I should show off some models.
First of all, I painted up some random beasties for Dungeons and Dragons games. They aren't for anything specific, but it is always good to have a broad selection of low level critters on hand to throw at the party.
In the front row we have a hunting dog, a 6-legged fox creature and a two-headed wolf. In the back row there is a dire wolf, a wyvern and another dire wolf. The wyvern was painted using the 'slap-chop' style and I hate it. No matter how many times I try it, I always find that I don't like how contrast paints turn out on my models. With a couple of exceptions (below), the models are from Reaper's Bones range.
This dire wolf is actually a friend's model. He got it out of a Gachapon machine (A common machine here in Japan that you put a coin into and get a random toy out of). He asked me to paint it like Gmork from Neverending Story, but as far as I can tell, Gmork looks just like a wolf except for the green eyes. So, I painted the eyes green.
This is an old GW model from Mordheim. As a GW model it is unnecessarily grim-dark and has a metal ring affixed to its hip. It is also wearing a collar with a skull embossed on a tag.
All of these should score me 30 points, which is enough for a Squirrel, and also 1 skull.
But wait, I am not done.
In addition to these animals, I have also painted some Imperial Militia for the Horus Heresy. In the Horus Heresy, most armies are Space Marines. The genetically engineered super soldiers designed to conquer the galaxy. Armies that are not the Space Marines are either daemons, giant robots, or the cream of the crop as far as baseline humans go. Not so the militia. The militia are the regular human populations of planets that have the privilege of being where the other armies fight massive world-ending battles. They are the dregs.
That said, I wanted to have a somewhat survivable core for my army, with a life expectancy longer than the time it takes for a handful of dice to come to rest after being thrown by my opponent. So, I went with some 'elite' stormtroopers. Basically dregs in slightly better armour, that might stop an incoming bullet if they are lucky.
These models all come from GW's Tempestus Scions range. I have no idea what they are like in 40K, where they originate, but this will be my 10-man command group for my 30K force. The officer (just left of centre) is on a slightly larger base to show that he is more important than the rest.
And to accompany the command group, a 10-man squad of stormtroopers. (Sorry, I think the camera was a little out of focus for this shot). All of my 30K forces are on the same style of basing, torn up cork and sand painted to look like they are fighting in the middle of the most hellish warzone possible.
And a group shot of all twenty together. These models have a lot of trim on them and were quite fiddly to paint. That said, I am very happy with how they turned out. I had initially thought to give them quite dark armour, but as they are going to die to a stiff breeze, I thought that they should at least look somewhat glorious as they dash valiantly into the teeth of my enemy's guns.
I don't normally like doing close ups, but I thought I should point out the sheer number of skulls these guys are packing. The buttons for his great coat are skulls. The straps for the buttons end in skulls. There are skulls on his coat cuff. The insignia on the shoulder includes a skull. These models are festooned with the things.
Altogether, these should add 100 points, 1 squirrel and (checks notes) 138 skulls, with 25 coming from the officer alone.
For this post, that brings my totals to:
130 points (26x 28mm minis. The wyvern is a little bigger, but one of the dogs is a bit smaller so...)
2 Squirrels (D&D animals, 30K Militia)
139 Skulls
I hope to see you all again by the end of the year. I'm off to lie down for a bit before I hit the brushes again.
________________________
First, welcome back to the Challenge, Stuart. While it's great to have you with us again, I am very sorry to hear of your health issues. I hope things get better for you soon.
You managed some great work here in the says since the start of the Challenge. Of your beasts, I have to say my favourite is that venerable Mordheim hound. So awesome. I really like how you did his teeth and muzzle.
Your Tempestus Scions, though essentially tarted-up cannon fodder, definitely look the business. I admire the green-grey armour chased in bronze. It has a nice baroque feel to it without being too fussy.
Great opening volley (and a LOAD of skulls!). Well done!
- Curt