Tuesday 10 November 2015

"Frostgrave" - WIP - Part Three

Witch WIP - All the wolf pelts are now finished, as well as the wizard's skull kneepads
With ‘Mo’Vember 2015 already creeping towards its halfway point I have been beavering away on the handful of “North Star Military Figures” I bought in order to play "Frostgrave". First and foremost of these is their wonderfully characterful Witch Doctor, and despite some initial trepidation in trying to mimic the fantastic miniature paint-jobs photographed for the rule-set's publication, I have tried to stick to the 'default' colour scheme of the book's incredibly detailed full-page illustration of the wizard.

As a result I have been carefully picking out the Witch's numerous wolf pelts with grey and charcoal, as well as his dark brown bear-fur vest. Having also finished painting his impressive looking hunting knife and its sheaf, I am currently finishing off the warlock's two satchels and totem staff. 
Apprentice WIP - I've got to ink the magic-user's purple trousers before starting on yet more wolf pelts... 
In addition to my wizard I have started working my way up the model of his loyal apprentice. The sculpt for this fledgling magic-user is just as fur-covered as his master. But has given me the opportunity to broaden my rather dull and dreary muted palette by wearing a pair of purple silk slacks. However all these greys and browns have given me the chance to also progress my party's (Conan the) Barbarian; even if I have stepped away from the blue and white striped trousers worn by the warrior in the "Osprey Games" hardback. 
Crossbowman WIP - Having had a rethink, I now plan to attach an assortment of equipment to my minions
Finally I have returned to the official “Frostgrave Soldiers” twenty multi-part hard plastic 28mm figure boxed set and added some additional items to the first of my warband's two crossbowmen. Originally I had planned on making my minions rather plain-looking. But whilst painting the henchman's boots I realised just how boring he looked, so spent some time scrapping away some of the figure's black undercoat and attaching a coil of rope, quiver of bolts, metal helmet and backpack to the model.

24 comments:

  1. Progressing nicely, Simon. The barbarian sculpt reminds me of a GW illustration from the 80's - can't remember the artist off the top of my head, so may have to dig out my old White Dwarf's. And it's nice to see Abraham Lincoln represented in 28mm, although shouldn't he have an axe? ;-)

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    1. Thanks Jez. I thought the Barbarian was very similar in pose to the "Heroquest" one, as well as a "Celtos" model I own. I guess there is something of Abe to my crossbowman, although he'll be dark-skinned like my Witch and Apprentice once painted.

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  2. Coming along nicely. I really do like the witch and apprentice!

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    1. Cheers Gordon. Just plugging away at the little fellows. They are lovely sculpts but time-consuming imho.

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  3. They really are cracking sculpts, starting to feel the need for some on my collection after all!

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    1. I think you'd do a corking job on these Michael. There's loads of detail on them, and unlike some of my "Guild Ball" minis, its not overly difficult (so far at least) to reach it all with a paintbrush.

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  4. No striped pants!! what sort of barbarian is that, (just kidding of course). Good progress all round there Simon, glad to see you've been cursed with Jez's need to point out who your figures look like (thanks Jez), I can guarantee that from this moment forth every time you look at that figure you'll see honest Abe!

    Cheers Roger.

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    1. Cheers Roger. Tbh I was never going to do stripes on my Barbarian as I don;t ever recall seeing Conan wearing them and think this sculpt is such a cracking likeness of the Cimmerian. I think once I paint the skin of my Moor crossbowman I'll forever banish any suggestion its honest Abe - I hope :-)

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  5. I don't know I still see "Groucho Marx" when I look at my Man-at-arms figure.... Curse you Jez!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Well I thought your entire Eternia ensemble was excellent, Roger :-)

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    2. It's true that I have a unique World view, which is both a blessing and a curse...
      And Roger's Eternians were superb. I thought their performance in "A Night at the Orko" was particularly compelling.
      ;-)

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    3. Jez, I think most, if not all, of the people in this hobby are blessed with a unique world view. That's what makes it so much fun :-)

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  6. It's surprisng how much detail you've managed to pick out on these chaps, they'll look great when finished no doubt.

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    1. Thanks Joe. These are absolutely packed full of detail and are taking me, as a result of my painting technique a fair bit of time.

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  7. Looking good. Now get on and finish them :-) !

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  8. I really like the looks of this game and the minis, looks like my cup of tea.
    Great work man.

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    1. Thanks Bruno. Much appreciated. Looking forward to getting these minis finished and getting some games in.

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  9. All those belts & furs & pouches & whatnot are sure to slow down the painting. I very much like how you're progressing though. Looks great.

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    1. Cheers Finch. I don't ordinarily like minis with too much detail - "Guild Ball" being an obvious example imho - But these really are very nice indeed and although slow-going, are fun to paint.

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  10. That barbarian is very "Young Conan" to me and like has been noted before, his pose is rather reminiscent of the Heroquest figure.

    Good on you for trying to get the studio colours down throughout your wizards. I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.

    The extra bits and pieces on the soldier make him look more the explorer for sure! I need to pick up that kit! Well, I don't really need to.... But... you know.

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    1. Thanks Dai. The "Frostgrave" plastic kit certainly has plenty of little bits and pieces to attach to the minis, and I'm pleased I went back and added a bit more to my crossbowman. Its definitely worth buying imho ;-)

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  11. Lovely progress Bk! Your fur clad wizard and apprentice are great figures. The extra kit you've given to your minions is definitely the right call, gives them that dungeon plunger look.

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    1. Cheers Bob. Glad you approve. More to paint but hopefully the overall look of the mini will be all the better for the new additions.

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