6MMRPC Midway Report

Copying the idea of a "midway report" for the 6MMRPC from Richard Barnes' Flames of Nerd blog, I wanted to provide a quick recap of the progress made during the last three months.  Granted, the halfway point was technically at the beginning of September, but I did get a late start on the 6MMRPC so it sort of works out.

Here is my current progress on my 6MMRPC Hit List:

1. (2) Troops of Abyssal Dwarf Slave Orcs (Kings of War) - completed
2. (5) Security Forces squad (Salvage Crew) - completed
3. (2) Orcs and (9) Goblins (Reaper Bones) - completed
4. Demon Marbrezuk (Reaper Dark Heaven) - completed
5. Deathsleet or Ebonwrath (Reaper Bones) - Deathsleet completed
6. (3) Doctrine Novitiates (Relic Knights) - completed
7. (6) Salvage Crew freelancers (Salvage Crew) - completed
8. (4) Pirates (Reaper Bones) - completed
9. (8) Edofleini core set (Counterblast) - currently being prepped
10. (7) Robots and Drones (Counterblast) - no progress 
11. (9) Robots and Drones (Salvage Crew) - no progress

As you can see, I've pretty much been moving in order down my list.  When I first drafted my 6MMRPC Hit List in June, I tried to mix up genres, game systems, and even material (plastic vs. metal) between my targets.  I think that was definitely a good call, as it's kept the challenge fresh and avoided potential burnout on any one thing.  That's definitely something I would recommend to any 6MMRPC participants who might have lost steam partway through.

As you can see, in addition to my "official" targets I've also completed a variety of other figures.  I'm still looking to finish the Bones I Vampire Set and earn the "Vampire Slayer" accolade (however unofficial it may be!).  I'm also really excited about Kings of War, and that's inspired me to dig out and repurpose some old Warhammer Fantasy models that have been lying in storage for years now.

For the less-than-great news:  I've totally lost track of Jokers.  Unfortunately, because I've been painting such an erratic selection of miniatures, it's hard to determine how many Jokers I've legitimately earned.  Also, my aforementioned excitement for Kings of War has resulted in a few eBay purchases to round out potential units (but by more than just a couple of figures, so they don't fall under that exemption on purchases).  And that's not including spending on the Bones III Kickstarter (um... let's not talk about that).

In conclusion, I think I'm doing very well in terms of painting existing figures.  I expect to complete my 6MMRPC Hit List by the end of the challenge, as long as I don't get too distracted by other projects along the way.  However, in terms of new purchases I've probably deviated and need to rein that in.  Still, the "mountain of metal (and plastic)" is slowly diminishing!

- M:M

Salvage Crew Saga: Showcase

With the completion of the twenty Salvage Crew figures, I thought I'd post a few group shots of all of the models.

  The scenery is an old IMEX Platformer set I've had for years (though it has yet to be painted).

The Security Forces (SC27, SC28, SC29, SC30, and SC31) are going to need backup!  Slugfest (SC24) and Piranha (SC18) charge into close combat as Razor (SC32) and Rancid (SC35) unload on their attackers.  Bull-Rush (SC17) and Psyclone (SC33) are moving up to support their teammates.

Johnny Cinderheart (SC22) gives orders to Uplink (SC20) as Bloodshot (SC34) and Crosshair (SC36) pick their targets.

The Salvage Crew scrambles to deal with the raid by Security Forces; Barrage (SC19) takes aim at a distant vehicle as Rapidfire (SC21) and Darkstar (SC23) lay down some covering fire.  Monkeywrench (SC26) takes cover from incoming fire while Crowbar (SC25) stands ready in reserve.

Eventually I'll go back and upgrade the bases using the Basius Battlezones pad, but that's a future project.  For now, that's twenty figures done and out of the "mountain of metal"!  I hope you've enjoyed the Salvage Crew Saga, and I look forward to continuing it with the robots and drones.

- M:M

Salvage Crew Saga: SC26 Monkeywrench

The final figure in the Salvage Crew set (and the last figure for the Seventh Target on my 6MMRPC Hit List) has been completed:  SC26, mechanic/salvager.

SC26 - Codename: Monkeywrench

Subject is a well-known "techie" in the underworld, performing a variety of mechanical and cybernetic repair and customization.  Subject is also a renowned salvager, having served with the .  Monkeywrench has known connections with Darkstar (cf. Subject SC23), Crosshair (cf. Subject SC36), and Bloodshot (cf. Subject SC34); estimated that other Subjects of Interest have contracted services from Monkeywrench as well.  Suspect was last seen heading to the outer fringes on a freelance salvage operation.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC20 Uplink

One more Salvage Crew figure complete; this time SC20, a cyberpunk ganger with plenty of guns.

SC20 - Codename: Uplink

Subject is a former communications specialist during the Northbeam-Microfarer Conflict in Delta Herculis, serving with Bull-Rush (cf. Subject SC17).  Following the drawdown of hostilities, Uplink became a freelance gun-for-hire.  Subject has been seen accompanying Johnny Cinderheart (cf. Subject SC22) in numerous encounters, providing comms expertise and additional firepower in support of Johnny's hacking and espionage.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC25 Crowbar

Finally getting back to my 6MMRPC Hit List, here is the fourth of six figures from my Seventh Target:  SC25, female heavy support.

SC25 - Codename: Crowbar

Subject is a known dissident and troublemaker, having over a dozen incidents with security forces involving disorderly conduct and breach of peace.  Previously served in the security forces of the Zhukov Consortium alongside Rapidfire (cf. Subject SC21).  Subject was later seen with hired gun Johnny Cinderheart (cf. Subject SC25), and was involved in the Hadar System insurrections.  Specializes in squad support weapons, and has remarkable tendency to arrive exactly when needed by teammates (possibly latent psi talent; investigation ongoing).

Salvage Crew Saga: SC24 Slugfest

Yesterday I completed the third of six figures for my seventh 6MMRPC Hit List:  SC24, a powered melee fighter.  The character looks more at home in a futuristic sporting arena than a battlefield, but the style is similar to SC18, so I thought perhaps they should be teammates!

SC24 - Codename: Slugfest

Subject is a well-known cyber-gladiator and athlete, having won the Romasko-Hoyle Cup and the Panbeam Championship.  His latest successes have been pairing with the individual known as Piranha (cf. Subject SC18).  The duo has become extremely popular on the holo-nets, and Silverprime Entertainment is working on a multi-year contract.  Subject is also known to have ties to bodyguard Razor (cf. Subject SC32); specifics of their association is still under investigation.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC18 Piranha

The second figure in my seventh 6MMRPC Hit List target is complete:  SC18, a strangely-dressed girl that looks like a cross between a cyberpunk gladiator and an 80s fashion model.  It was a unique concept, so that's exactly what I used for inspiration!

SC18 - Codename: Piranha

A top star in Silverprime Entertainment's holo-nets, subject is a popular contender in cyber-gladiator contests throughout several systems.  Winner of two Chrome Cups and possesses sponsorship deals with a half-dozen corporations, including Northstellar Technologies and Megadyne Cybernetics.  Despite her considerable wealth and security, subject occasionally performs freelance work to hone combat skills for future gladiatorial competition, and has been seen working with fellow gladiator Slugfest on several occasions.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC22 Johnny Cinderheart

The first figure of my seventh target on the 6MMRPC Hit List has been completed:  SC22, a ganger leader in a trenchcoat.  While I think this figure is representative of Johnny Borg (the caster persona behind the Salvage Crew miniatures), it matched well with a Johnny of my own creation...

SC22 - Johnny Cinderheart

Subject is a known dissident and hired gun, having been involved in the dismantling of Iltchenko-Fang Ltd. and the Hadar System insurrections.  Despite multiple attempts at arrest by various security forces, the subject remains one step ahead of his pursuers.  Subject is known to lie low during pursuit, and will hire himself out for mercenary work.  Known skill in small arms and hacking electronics and computer systems.

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.

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.

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

Salvage Crew Saga: SC19 Barrage

Next up in the Salvage Crew Saga is SC19, female with missile launcher.

The random color results were blue (5), yellow (3), and red (1).

SC19 - Codename: Barrage

Subject is a former member of the Yuvati IV militia and fought during the Song-Koga uprising.  During her time in the militia, Barrage earned a reputation for her work with high explosives and missiles.  Subject switched sides during the conflict after being offered a considerable sum, and has pursued mercenary work since then.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC34 Bloodshot

This week for the Salvage Crew Saga, I completed one of my favorites from the line:  SC34, armored bounty hunter (at least, that's what he looks like to me).

The random color results for the figure were red (1), orange (2), and yellow (3).

SC34 - Codename: Bloodshot

Subject is a veteran bounty hunter that specializes in the apprehension of violent criminals.  His signature weapon is a highly modified Volkhov-Korovin assault rifle.  It is suspected that Bloodshot has prior military training, but the subject's true identity has not been confirmed.  It is known that the subject has contacts within numerous law enforcement agencies, and has been able to get away with some legal infractions in his pursuit of suspects.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC33 Psyclone

It's been a few months since the last installment of the Salvage Crew Saga, but today we return with the long-awaited (or at least "long-pending") SC33, dominatrix with belt-fed gun.

This figure's random color results were orange (2), green (4), and blue (5)

SC33 - Codename:  Psyclone

Psyclone is the result of xenogenetic experiments, courtesy of Moore Xenotech.  The result elevated her latent psi talents to impressive levels, granting her greatly enhanced senses and telekinetic abilities.  She fled during the invasion of Epsilon Hydrae, and has served as a hired gun since.  While her talents make her a considerable asset, the side effects of past experiments have resulted in a quirky and somewhat unstable personality.  If subtlety is required, Psyclone is certainly not the best choice.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC32 Razor

Continuing with the Salvage Crew Saga is SC32, male fighter with dual pistols and sword.

This figure's random color results were orange (2), yellow (3), and blue (5).


SC32 - Codename: Razor

A bodyguard and part-time prizefighter from the Bizanti system, Razor gained a reputation for being able to take hits as well as he dished them out.  Subject specializes in close-quarters combat, often wielding machine pistols and bladed weapons.  Razor has a sizable ego regarding his physique, which can result in him being goaded into risky actions in order to show off his skills.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC21 Rapidfire

The next figure in the Salvage Crew Saga has been completed:  SC21.  It seems the catalog shows the figure as SC19, but the web store lists it as SC21, so that's the one I'm going with.  This figure has a cybernetic eye and arm, and is wielding what seems to be a light machine gun.

The random color generator results for this figure were orange (2), purple (6), and red (1).


SC21 - Codename: Rapidfire

Subject served in the security forces of the Zhukov Consortium, and was involved in heavy fighting in the Gamma Rhada system.  Rapidfire was critically wounded in action, and was supplemented with combat cybernetics.  While still serving part-time with the Zhukov Consortium, Rapidfire supplements this with income from freelance jobs in an effort to pay off the expensive debts incurred by his cybernetics.  His implants allow him to more easily wield heavy weapons, and his cyber-eye assists with target acquisition and range-finding.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC17 Bull-Rush

Today I finished the fourth of the Salvage Crew figures, SC17.  Aside from being a fat guy, he is clearly a close-ranged fighter with a short "shotgun pistol" and bundle of explosives.

The "random color assignment" results were green (4), blue (5), and yellow (3).

SC17 - Codename: Bull-Rush

Subject served in security forces during the Northbeam-Microfarer Conflict in Delta Herculis.  Bull-Rush received training in explosives and demolitions, and gained a reputation (and his codename) for his aptitude with close quarters combat and rushing enemy locations.  Following the drawdown of corporate security forces following the conflict, subject shifted to freelance work.  Bull-Rush has since been hired out by various salvage operations to assist with breaching old wrecks and using his expertise with explosives to dismantle valuable salvage for retrieval.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC36 Crosshair

The third figure completed as part of the Salvage Crew Saga is SC36, who is clearly a sniper/sharpshooter.  This figure is pretty straightforward without a lot of extra kit, but I think that works for the role it's designed for.

The "random color assignment" results were orange (2), green (4), and purple (6).


SC36 - Codename: Crosshair

Subject grew up in the reclamation zone colonies of Lambda Delphini IV, before attempts to sanitize the toxic waste dumps were abandoned.  While the colonists were issued adequate protective gear and supplies, the toxicity of the environment required a constant mindfulness when outside the habi-domes.  Mutated wildlife was a constant plague on the settlements, and this is where the subject's superior sharpshooting skills were developed.  Once the reclamation colony was abandoned, the subject found ready work as a salvager, specializing in toxic environments and perimeter security.  Crosshair's equipment is all designed to function in highly toxic conditions, far beyond the failure point of standard gear.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC35 Rancid

Next up in the Salvage Crew Saga is SC35, the ganger-looking guy with an SMG and awesome triple-mohawk.  Actually, I wonder if that hairstyle is called the "Rufio"... heh.

Continuing the "random color assignment", this figure's colors were blue (5), yellow (3), and orange (2).  As before, browns and grays are allowed on all figures.


SC35 - Codename: Rancid

Subject is a petty criminal and mercenary with numerous charges on record, including armed assault, vandalism, and destruction of property.  Rancid does not have any formal military training, but does possess some combat proficiency due to prior gang activity.  The subject is suspected to have some cybernetic implants for enhanced targeting and combat reflexes.  Recently released from Lambda Australis penal colony, Rancid serves as a gun-for-hire in the outer territories.

Salvage Crew Saga: SC23 Darkstar

Having cleaned up the Salvage Crew figures, I was looking forward to painting them.  However, since they don't have a particular game setting (or at least not one I'm familiar with), I didn't really have any ideas on how it should be done.  Are there factions with particular colors affinities?  Should they be painted as individuals or a more cohesive group?  Will they look odd together if I paint them separately?  Since I didn't have any answers and no clear theme had come to mind, I decided to try a bit of an experiment using a six-sided die and ROY G BIV.

If you don't recall, ROY G BIV is the description of the colors of the rainbow (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet).  Since "indigo" is made up I tossed it out, leaving six colors.  Assigning the colors the numbers 1 through 6, I rolled the d6 three times to determine the three colors in a given figure's palette.  Any color variations are acceptable, so long as the color falls in one of the three selected color groups (so both a dark crimson and a light pink would satisfy for "red").  In addition, grays and browns would be allowed for all figures.

Randomly selecting a figure, the first one up was SC23, the armored female with dual pistols.  Here color rolls were violet (6), blue (5), and green (4).  Since the models don't have any existing lore that I'm aware of, I'll be adding my own to help flesh them out a bit.


SC23 - Codename: Darkstar

Subject is believed to be a former employee at a SunTech Energy R&D station in the Uzara system, who stole experimental weapons and equipment before fleeing to the outer territories.  Darkstar wields a pair of compact plasma pistols that are more advanced that typical designs, and wears a composite armor which provides protection against both ballistic and energy projectiles.  The subject now serves as a hired gun, and specializes in technology retrieval.