Tuesday, June 30, 2015

6MMRPC First Bonus Complete

I've finished up some scatter terrain from the old Games Workshop game Gorkamorka.  While it wasn't a part of my initial 6MMRPC Hit List, I dug it out while looking for something else and decided to make it a "bonus" target!





Since the pieces could be used any practically any setting with a modern-to-future style, I wanted to keep the colors fairly generic.  As such, I stuck with earth tones for base colors (VGC Cold Grey, Charred Brown, Yellow Olive, Plague Brown, Camouflage Green) and relied on some fairly heavy washes for weathering (TAP Strong Tone Ink, PaintWorks Black Wash).  The bases were painted a medium brown (VGC Earth) to continue the "applicable anywhere" approach.

Of special note was the PaintWorks Rusty Iron set, which was used on all the pieces for rust effects.  The set consists of a triad of colors (a silver metallic, an orange, and a yellow) which are used in succession.  This was my first chance to use them, and I really like the results.  It really adds a nice worn appearance, and was simple to apply.  And look, I even finished the bases!


- M:M

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Reaper Bones: Orc Hunter

Today I finished up not only the last figures of my third target for 6MMRPC, but also the last orcs in the New 30 set of Bones I:  77045 Orc Hunters


6MMRPC Third Hit Complete

The entirety of my third target for 6MMRPC has finally fallen!


It took me a little bit to churn through the last goblins and the two orcs, but part of the challenge is forcing yourself to work through goals that might otherwise languish on the workbench.  I'll have a separate post detailing the Orc Hunter figures, but as you can see from the picture above I continued the winter/arctic theme between the goblins and orcs.

Also, I haven't been completely focused on completing my third target.  Against my better judgement, I decided to assemble...

77380 Khanjira the Worldbreaker

This is going to be my second bonus target for the 6MMRPC (the first being the Gorkamorka scatter terrain).  I actually started an initial basecoat, but it went on a little too rough so I wound up stripping the model.  And in case you were wondering, stripping a model that size is a pain, especially with all of the jagged spikes and plates covering the figure.

Expect to see some WIP shots of Khanjira in the future, as I also move on to my fourth target:  the Demon Marbrezuk.

- M:M

Monday, June 22, 2015

Reaper Bones: Goblins (Warriors)

As a follow-up to my previous post, here are the remaining four 77024 Goblins (three warriors) from the Bones I Dungeon Attack set (which also completes the set for me).



Sunday, June 21, 2015

Fairytale Games Miniatures: First Look

Yesterday I unexpectedly received a package, which I opened up to find the Fairytale Games "Sacred 40" miniatures.  Since I've only seen digital renders and 3D test prints thus far, I was eager to see what the final quality was like!

(L to R): Mother Goose, Prof. Thorne, Sea Witch, Rumplestiltskin, Morgana La Fey, Bastinda

As you can see, they turned out very nicely!  This is the Dark Ones set, which consists of Mother Goose, Professor Thorne, Sea Witch, Rumplestiltskin, Morgana La Fey, and Bastinda.  The other sets have a similar lineup of either six or eight figures (depending on their size), and are similarly themed.

Most surprisingly (and somewhat disappointing) was the scale of the figures:  they are significantly larger than typical 32mm figures.  Below is a comparison picture between the Fairytale Games minis and a couple of Reaper Bones.


Even accounting for the difference in base sized, the taller of the Bones figures only comes up to about the shoulder or chin of the Fairytale Games figures.  While I didn't get these figures with any particular gaming purpose in mind, this will definitely make it harder to fit them in with most other miniatures.  This is definitely a factor to consider if you're looking at acquiring the Fairytale Games figures.

I've already cleaned up the mold lines on the Dark Ones set, and cleanup wasn't too bad.  The material seems comparable to Bonesium, though perhaps slightly less elastic.  The figures all come with explosive collars (part of the game lore), but I removed them without too much trouble from most of the figures.  The hardest ones to remove were the figures where the collar is inset between long draped hair (like Bastinda above).  I know that whether or not the collars could be removed was a factor for some other backers, and fortunately it's entirely possible.

- M:M

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Reaper Bones: Goblins (Archers and Spearmen)

As part of the third target on my 6MMRPC Hit List, I have completed six 77024 Goblins (three archers and three spearmen) from the Dungeon Attack set of Bones I.



6MMRPC Update: Third Hit WIP

This week I spent cleaning up the figures for the third target on my 6MMRPC Hit List:  77024 Goblins and 77045 Orc Hunters.


Apparently I've been spoiled by the Bones II figures I've painted lately, as these figures required noticeably more cleanup.  I completed the Goblins Archers and Spearmen (which will be detailed in their own post), so the third target has been reduced to the two Orc Hunters and three remaining Goblin Warriors.


I don't know if it was an accident or if I was subconsciously inspired by "right-proper Orkiness", but I ran across some old Gorkamorka scatter terrain and decided to toss it into the mix as a bonus target!  The large spike barrier had a bad habit of tipping forward, and the loose barrels were... well, loose (which makes them finicky during a game), so I decided to glue everything down to a plasticard base.


What's that?  Oh, that other big piece of "terrain"?  Well, it's actually a base (which some of you may recognize).  I realized I hadn't had a chance to really try out the Game Decor PaintWorks since I received the paints from the Kickstarter.  So, since this base is all stone, I decided it would make a good test subject.


I'm pleased with how easily the PaintWorks paint worked out,and I think the piece turned out nicely.  Additionally, the scatter terrain has been primed and is ready for basecoating.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Reaper Bones: Desert Thing

While digging through a box of Bones figures, I kept running across 92721 Desert Thing from the Bones II Savage Worlds set.  I knew I could get it done fairly quickly, even with a headache going!


Monday, June 15, 2015

Salvage Crew Saga: SC27-SC31 Security Forces

Today my Second Hit of the 6MMRPC Hit List is complete:  SC27, SC28, SC29, SC30, and SC31 from the Salvage Crew line are in the "done" pile.


Sunday, June 14, 2015

6MMRPC Update: Second Hit WIP

My first target of 6MMRPC has fallen; the Abyssal Dwarf Slave Orcs are complete!  Now I've moved on to my second target:  the Security Forces from the Salvage Crew KS.

As you can see, the four officers are coming along.  I didn't have a fifth bottle/figure holder*, so the sergeant is waiting his turn.

I thought about how I wanted to paint these figures, as I didn't think the random color generator would work very well for them (or else I could end up with some truly garishly-colored security guards).  Ultimately, I decided to make them a squad of near-future/cyberpunk police.  I went with a bright and obvious "classic" police theme of white and blue, rather than the sketchy all-black, super-tactical nonsense that it seems many police departments have gone to in the current day (but I digress).  I wasn't sure how well the white armor would work out (especially the shading, since I don't have a premixed gray wash), but so far I'm really liking the results.

The added benefit is that I think these figures will work well as police in Counterblast, perhaps as GDF allies or even NPCs.  The Police Drone looks like it would go right alongside these figures!

Hopefully I'll have these figure finished up by tomorrow, and then I'll move on to the third target on my Hit List.

- M:M


* Actually, it turns out that I did have a fifth bottle.  I found it while digging for my ballast to finish the Slave Orc units, and have since added it to my workbench.

Kings of War: Slave Orcs

This weekend I completed the first of my Abyssal Dwarf units for Kings of War (as well as the first target on my 6MMRPC Hit List!):  16 Slave Orcs.



Sunday, June 7, 2015

6MMRPC Update: First Hit WIP

My first work in progress (WIP) shots of the "first hit" on my 6MMRPC Hit List, the two units of Abyssal Dwarf Slave Orcs for Kings of War.  As I mentioned in my original 6MMRPC post, this was a project that was already underway, so it's at the top of my list to get it completed and off of my painting desk!

5 Orc Axes complete, Orc Marauder basecoated

The first picture shows the first five (well, technically the second five, but the actual first five were already complete prior to the start of the 6MMRPC) Orc Axes completed.  These figures are from the Kings of War Two Player Battle Set as a unit of 15 Orc Axes.  Instead, I repurposed them to make two Slave Orc Troops for my future Abyssal Dwarf army.  To help bulk out the units, I added the Orc Marauder from the Reaper Bones line.  The Orc Marauder has been basecoated in the picture above, which is where I realized that it would be very black/gray and I needed to add something.


The next picture shows the five Orc Axes mounted to the Slave Orc unit bases.  This completed the first unit (in the foreground), and started the first rank of the second unit (in the background).  The gap in the first unit is for a Rackham Dwarf of Mid-Nor figure; I haven't yet decided if I want to permanently attach him to the unit or not.

Additionally, the Orc Marauder is complete (and detailed in a separate post).  This figure will be mounted in the front rank of the second unit, next to the completed Orc Axes.  The figure serves as a sort of de facto "unit champion", even though Slave Orcs don't seem to actually have those in Kings of War (I assume the Abyssal Dwarves don't tolerate any of their slaves getting too mighty).  My next goal will be to complete the remaining five Orc Axes and get them mounted on the second Slave Orc unit base.  Once that's done, my first "hit" will be complete!

- M:M

Reaper Bones: Orc Marauder

As part of the "first hit" on my 6MMRPC Hit List, I completed 77042 Orc Marauder from the Bones I New 30 set.


6MMRPC Hit List

While catching up the LXG blog, I learned of the 6 Month Mountain Reduction Painting Challenge or (6MMRPC for short).  The challenge runs from 01 June through 30 November, so I'm already a week behind!  Below are the official rules per the organizer at The Spider Web of History:


1. No purchasing of new miniatures, EXCEPT if you use a joker. You get three jokers to use on a figure purchase. Could be a blister pack, an eBay bundle, or a single figure... you can't splurge. The only exception to this rule is if you need bitz or A FIGURE (singular) to complete a unit/warband, etc.

1.1 - There is an opportunity to "earn" additional jokers. If you complete an entire project (whole unit/army/warband etc.) with pictures of starting, WIP, and completion, you earn yourself a joker.

2. Gifts do not count against you (holidays, birthdays, etc.). Also, if you're given gift cards by your hobby illiterate family or friends, you can without penalty use them on anything you want miniatures wise.

3. Paints, terrain (or materials), and other hobby supplies do not apply to the no purchasing rule.

4. At least one hobby-related blog post and/or Instagram update a week. If you Instagram, be sure to hashtag your pic with #6MMRPC.

5. Zombtober will be part of the 6 month challenge so, Zombie related stuff during October is ENCOURAGED. Other theme suggestions are welcomed.

6. Anyone that wants to submit a before and after picture of a miniature that they are proud of completing during the course of the challenge to dmcffd@gmail.com will be entered into the running for a gift certificate to a online wargaming store of their choice. Judging will be by an un-biased person. Amount on the gift certificate will be dictated by winners nationality but should work out to about $30 U.S. I (Spiderweb of History) will not be eligible to win.



Before we get to the actual hit list, I have a couple of notes pertaining to my participation:

- I do not use Instagram, so expect all updates on my blog (as usual!).

- I do not own an airbrush, so everything will be painted by brush (so no quick starts!).

- I will endeavor to stick with the spirit of the rules regarding new purchases!  However, since some of my selections aren't "units" in the typical sense, I'll be using my best judgement on how many jokers I have available.  That said, I expect them to be used primarily on Kickstarters (*cough*Bones III*cough*).

With all of that out of the way, on to Magnus Mercury's Hit List for the 2nd Annual 6MMRPC!


1) Kings of War - Abyssal Dwarf Slave Orc Troops (2) (11 figures)


I've been working on these Slave Orc units since I completed my Undead units, and I'd like to get them finished.  As you can see, I've added a Reaper Bones orc and some other details to the mix.


2) Salvage Crew - Security Forces (5)


It's been a while since I progressed with the Salvage Crew Saga, and this is a great opportunity to complete the Security Force figures in one go.


3) Reaper Bones - Orcs (2) and Goblins (9)


The last remaining orcs and goblins from Reaper Bones I.  I already have a paint scheme selected, now I just need to get them done.


4) Reaper Dark Heaven - Demon Marbrezuk (1)


This being a sole figure, I consider it reward for progress made to this point.  I painted this figure many years ago, and for some reason I never finished it.  It's time to get some closure!


5) Reaper Bones - Deathsleet or Ebonwrath


I haven't yet selected which of the two dragons I will be painting, as I'm still working on a suitable base (because until that's done, all I think is "go home dragon, you're drunk").  However, if I manage to complete everything in my list, the second of these two dragons will be a backup choice.


6) Relic Knights - Doctrine Novitiates (3)


Prepped and ready to go, but my Relic Knights figures got pushed aside.  I think this will be a good change of pace and excuse to use some louder colors.


7) Salvage Crew - Freelancers (6)


These will be the last remaining Salvage Crew figures, and then I will have the entire batch complete.  If I can get this far, then it's time to sprint to the end!


8) Reaper Bones - Pirates (4)


Why haven't I painted the Pirates set from Reaper Bones I yet?  This is criminal, and needs to be corrected!


9) Counterblast - Edofleini Faction Core Set (8)


I love retro sci-fi, so the Counterblast KS was a no-brainer.  Now it's time to settle in and get to work on some menacing alien squids.


10) Counterblast - Robots and Drones (7)


Counterblast has some awesome robots and drones, and this will be a good change of pace from all of the organic Edofleini figures.


11) Salvage Crew - Robots (9)


Bonus round!  If I get this far, I'll tackle the bonus robot figures from the Salvage Crew KS.  The variety of designs really presents a chance to go wild with some color schemes.


So there it is, my hit list for 6MMRPC.  It seems ambitious, but I think the point of any painting challenge is to challenge oneself.  In the unlikely event that I complete everything listed above, I have plenty more figures to fill in the gap!  I look forward to tracking my progress over the coming weeks and months, and hopefully making good progress on the "mountain" of miniatures!

- M:M