Song Of Blades And Heroes Report: Gondor Verses Isengard

LURTZ AND HIS URUK-HAI RAIDING PARTY

This game was played using the basic rules of “Song Of Blades And Heroes” by “Ganesha Games”, and is the first in a series of adventures involving the second son of Denethor as he attempts to thwart an invasion of Osgiliath by the Forces of Mordor. The scenario was used as a basic introduction to Andrea Sfiligoi's "fast play fantasy skirmish rules", and resultantly comprised of a small band of five Uruk-Hai confronting a similar sized group of Minas Tirith warriors over a 36" x 27" tabletop populated with some "Battlefield In A Box" Gothic terrain by “Gale Force Nine”.

“The story so far… At the bidding of Sauron, the Lord of Isengard has sent forth Lurtz and some of his Uruk-Hai to scout out the human defences at Osgiliath. The "large black orcs of great strength" have penetrated deep into the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Gondor undetected and reached the Crumbling Remnants (of Anárion's Hall). However, ever mindful of Saruman's machinations, Faramir is unknowingly leading his patrol straight towards their location, almost as if he can smell the foul creatures on the air..."

THE TABLETOP - OSGILIATH

Positioned in the northwest, Lurtz beckoned his small raiding force to him and pointed out past the Fallen Angel in the direction of the Crumbling Remnants. That was where the White Wizard wanted them to scout up to and so far they hadn't seen any sign of the puny humans. The large orcs' "first leader" knew his mission well... kill anything living which they encountered.

Saruman's "second-in-command" was treated as an Orc Champion, equipped with a hand-weapon and shield. He was awarded the Savage and Hero traits, which meant he could inflict a gruesome kill just by doubling his opponent's score [as opposed to needing to treble it], and would always roll one automatic success, regardless of his Quality. Because his accompanying Uruk-Hai were all wearing armour and carried a sword/shield, they were classed as Orc Heavy Infantry, and were therefore also given the Savage skill. In addition, because of their heavy armour, the four Uruk-Hai could only move a short distance (75mm) per action.

FARAMIR AND HIS PROTECTORS OF OSGILIATH

Faramir's command were grouped together as if emerging from the southeast. The two bowmen were treated as Archers, and thus given a Shooter (Long - 180mm) skill, whilst the two swordsmen were used as Heavy Infantry, and subsequently reduced to moving just a short distance (75mm) per action. Denethor's second son was made a Leader, and therefore increased the Quality rolls of any friendly model within Long distance (180mm) by one. In addition, Faramir would force all friendly models to make a Morale roll if he died. 

The Warriors Of Minas Tirith won the Initiative and immediately started to move northeast. One archer and a swordsman moved west along the southern edge of the Blasted Terrace, whilst the younger brother of Boromir led his remaining two men north.

Smelling man-flesh, two of the Uruk-Hai rushed south past the Fallen Angel, heading towards the Buried Monument. The other pair of "Orc-folk" ran east, and with a roar urged on their white-faced leader, who had clambered atop the huge statue's remains with a huge bound.

LURTZ LEADS HIS URUK-HAI OVER THE FALLEN ANGEL

The Gondorian archer and swordsman at the south end of the dilapidated fortress continued to move west past the Blasted Terrace in order to obtain a good view of the Crumbling Remnants. Faramir meanwhile approached the centrally-based ruins, leaving his accompanying forces straggling behind him to the east.

With a bellow, Lurtz pitched his mighty frame across the Fallen Angel and raced south-east towards the Crumbling Remnants (of Anárion's Hall). He could now see at least one of his hated foes coming towards him and was eager to sink his teeth into the human's flesh. Rounding the western end of the broken statue behind him, and equally as enraged with bloodlust, came two of his Uruk-Hai. Whilst  another tried to emulate his leader's feat of agility by climbing up and onto the "dense terrain".

THE TWO FORCES RACE TOWARDS THE CRUMBLING REMNANTS

Faramir ran into the circle of the Crumbling Remnants and realising his party was about to be attacked by the oncoming savage orcs, ordered his archers to prepare their bows. Looking behind him however, the Lord of Emyn Arnen was astonished to see his men already faltering at the sight of the ferociously crazed enemy.

Turning his attention back to his own solitary predicament, Boromir's younger brother whitened visibly as Lurtz barrelled into him, and viciously chopped at the Gondorian's bearded head. With a clash of steel the warriors engaged in a closely fought contest which incredibly resulted in the huge Uruk-Hai being momentarily knocked to the ground at Faramir's feet. An outcome which literally stopped the rest of Saruman's forces dead in their tracks.

FARAMIR SPOTS HIS PREY, AND THE CLASH OF HEROES BEGINS

Sensing a glorious victory was at hand; one which would surely ingratiate him with his "sombre, cold, and detached" father, the Prince of Ithilien moved in for the finish. Lurtz was truly at the mercy of his enemy, and due to being "a fallen model" was not only "attacked at +2", but would be killed if he lost the combat "even by one point".

Amazingly though, the Uruk-Hai summoned up all his great strength to parry Faramir's murderous blow, and rising to his feet, spent two actions performing "a powerful attack" upon his foe. Denethor's second son could do little about such a tremendous assault and died quite horribly as a result.

LURTZ DEFEATS FARAMIR AND THE WARRIORS OF MINAS TIRITH RETREAT

Such a horrific sight was too much for many of Faramir's followers to witness, and the subsequent Morale Test saw only a single swordsman remain within the confines of Osgiliath. The Uruk-Hai had been successful in their scouting mission for the Lord of Isengard, and dealt Gondor a heart-wrenching blow with just a couple of sword strokes...

"Shipwreck Grew Up In The Shadow Of The Navy..."

"See the target, shoot the target is his philosophy."

This 28mm metal miniature of Shipwreck is from a private collection and thus not commercially available. Fortunately however, I was lucky enough to be able to acquire a spare casting of the "Chief Petty Officer" and subsequently chose to paint him in a palette similar to how the Machinist's carded action figure appeared in 1985.

Originally primed with a double helping of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the Gunners Mate later had his trousers painted with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and his shirt Heavy Bluegrey. Both of these areas were then washed with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. In addition, I picked out the M-16 qualified expert's belt buckles with a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Slitheen WIPs - The aliens have had their claws, toes and teeth 'picked out'

Shipwreck's s firearm was 'picked out' using "Vallejo" Boltmetal Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst his sailor's hat was initially layered with some "Vallejo" White and once dry, shaded with Pale Grey. Finally, the character's pet parrot named Polly, was predominantly painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Unlike the action figure's feathered companion I did add a little "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre to the bird's feet and beak to help break up its mono-tone palette.

Sticking with the colour green, I have managed to make some excellent progress on my three formidably-clawed extra-terrestrial criminals from the planet Raxacoricofallapatorian. Produced by "Warlord Games" for their "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" tabletop miniature game, these Slitheen have proved a real joy to paint, and now only need the application of some brown washes, a spot of dry-brushing and a little tidying up to be finished.

Beast Of Nurgle WIPs - The creature has been dry-brushed, and had several washed applied to it

Having recently completed my Host of Nurgle's second Herald of Nurgle, I have also found time aplenty to start building up the 'bruised banana' look of my force's third Beast Of Nurgle. These horrendous aberrations still only cost 60 points in "The General's Handbook 2017" and resultantly continue to be one of my favourite "Games Workshop" units for "Age Of Sigmar".

Indeed, I'm sorely tempted to purchase another three of the "Finecast" sculpts in order to bring my 'Warhammer Fantasy' herd up to full-strength. For now though, I have been haphazardly applying plenty of purple and blue inks across the slimy monster's hide, and bestowed upon it a horribly poisonous "Citadel" Abaddon Black "stomach-churning" tongue, with which to playfully lick its ill-fated prey... 

"A Gorgon Can Breathe Out A Cone Of Vapour That Turns Creatures To Stone."

"The Gorgon is a magical beast that resembles a bull, covered in dusky metallic scales."

Sculpted by Bob Olley, this large 28mm scale Brass Bull is made by "Reaper Miniatures" and was originally produced in metal upon its release in June 2006. My version however, is available as model 77256 from company's "Bones" range, and measures approximately 90mm in length, 35mm in width and 36mm in height; not including the animated construct's tail.

The polymer Gorgon was initially primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and subsequently treated to a double coat of Brass. The "magical beast" was then heavily washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, before being dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Brass.

"Out Houses were, after all, very much a part of the American West."

I began 'weathering' "one of the first monsters introduced in the earliest edition of the game... Dungeons & Dragons" by applying plenty of "Citadel" Nihilakh Oxide over the model, and later gave him a second dry-brush of "Vallejo" Brass. Lastly, I undercoated the "very aggressive" creature's cobbled stone base with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

With my neutrally aligned Gorgon completed, I have additionally finished work on a piece of Wild West Terrain I recently bought from "Wargames Terrain Workshop" for the Weird West rule-set "Dracula's America". This resin Out House is "supplied in three pieces: main structure, front panel, and door", and contains plenty of "internal detail" in order for its door to "be glued in multiple positions."

Judoon Ghost WIPs - The spectral alien mercenary has been painted white and shaded with grey and brown

Having taken Dave Stone's advice to paint inside the wooden building "before attaching the front panel", I undercoated it with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then treated it to a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. The lavatory was then washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, before being first dry-brushed with 'pure' "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and then later with a lighter combination of Heavy Sienna and White.

Finally, I have made a little more progress on the converted Judoon model I plan to use as one of the two "Incorporeal" ghosts which should accompany the Fisher King in the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" skirmish game by "Warlord Games". The Shadow Proclamation enforcer has been base-layered and shaded, so now simply requires a second dry-brush of "Vallejo" White before I start to 'pick out' his improvised hand-weapon.

"I Waited For You."

"Bill? Bill, talk to me. What have they done to you?"

This 42mm tall metal Cyberman miniature is made by “Warlord Games” and can be found within their "Nightmares In Silver" Cybermen Collector's Set 1966-2013. Clearly sculpted to resemble one of the silver giants during Kit Pedler and Gerry Davis's 1966 television serial "The Tenth Planet", I’ve actually attempted to paint the Mondasian model to replicate Bill Potts’ cybernetic conversion in the 2017 story “World Enough And Time.”

As a result the figure was originally primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, treated to a double layer of Ironbreaker, and subsequently shaded using some Nuln Oil. The Twelfth Doctor’s ill-fated companion was then dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker, and had her cloth body costume and face covering painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and White. Both of these areas were treated to a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Your astronomers must have just discovered a new planet."

Bill's hands, which in the television series were 'replaced' with a pair of latex gloves, were initially given a coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and subsequently washed with watered-down "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. Her eyes and mouth were 'picked out' with Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. But only after repeated attempts as I found the soft detail of these areas incredibly difficult to paint with any sort of success and ultimately had to simply leave the face well enough alone for my sanity's sake.

Having made the conscious decision to paint the Mondasian Cyberman in order to use it as a 'companion' rather than one of the Doctor's foes, I was rather delighted to receive two additional copies of the sculpt from "Warlord Games", in appreciation for all my coverage of their "Into the Time Vortex" range. This gave me the opportunity to paint both Krail and Regos Krang from "The Tenth Planet", and readily distinguish them from my Potts figure by using "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone on their hands rather than Heavy Ochre.

Judoon Ghost WIPs - The spectral alien mercenary has had his right arm cut and left hand drilled

With the completion of all the miniatures from the "Nightmares In Silver" Cybermen Collector's Set 1966-2013, as well as the additional silver giants "Warlord Games" have generously gifted me, I have turned my attention towards converting a couple of  Judoon models into the two "Incorporeal" ghosts which should accompany the Fisher King on the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" tabletop.

I've gone with the Shadow Proclamation enforcers as I figured the "outer space police" would be obvious opponents of the planet Tivoli's towering conqueror, and only plan on using the non-helmeted version of the "Rhinoceros-headed humanoids" so I can paint the deep-set black eye sockets which were so hauntingly well-done on the 2017 televised story "Under the Lake". In addition, I intend to have all my ghosts carry (fire) axes so I can paint the improvised hand-weapons in colour rather than the whitish grey palette I ordinarily use for all my spectres.

"The Sky Darkens With Noxious Clouds..."

"...And the land sickens and withers as the Daemons of Nurgle lumber into battle..."

This rather busy-looking 28mm multi-part plastic Herald of Nurgle is made by “Games Workshop” and can be purchased as either an individual miniature or as part of the company’s “Age Of Sigmar” Daemons of Nurgle “Start Collecting!” boxed set. However, having already previously painted one such ‘mortal who has resisted the ravages of Nurgle’s Rot’ I decided to alter the appearance of the miniature by swapping its head for that of a Plagueridden, replacing its “repulsive Balesword” with a Putrid Blightking’s scythe and removing a severed head held by the figure’s accompanying Nurgling.

Once this straightforward conversion work had been completed the ensemble was given a double undercoat of “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki, washed with “Citadel” Thrakka Green and dry-brushed with more “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki. I then ‘picked out’ his numerous festering wounds, formidably-sized scythe, and spilling guts with “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

Slitheen WIPs - The aliens have been primed, washed and dry-brushed

One of the most intimidating elements to the daemonic character was painting all his putrefying, open wounds, so I patiently began painting his innards, exposed spine, organs and “lesions” with either “Vallejo” Heavy Red, White or Heavy Warmgrey, and subsequently heavily washed these areas with “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson. In addition, I applied some shading to the Plaguebearer’s “rancid flesh” and complementary Nurgling, using a combination of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green, and Carroburg Crimson. As a final touch, all the Herald’s zits were ‘pimped out’ with “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre and treated to a coat of “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade.

With the "Disgustingly Resilient" Plagubearer essentially finished I turned my attention to the numerous bells which adorned the miniature’s body and horns, as well as the Scythe’s blade. These were painted using "Vallejo" Brass, "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and "Citadel" Nihilakh Oxide, before being dry-brushed with more “Vallejo" Brass. Lastly, the shaft of the “Warhammer 40K” psyker’s hand-weapon was pigmented using Heavy Sienna, a little Charred Brown, and a splash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Shipwreck WIPs - The "G.I. Joe" character has had all his blue areas finished

Despite spending a fair few hours progressing my Herald of Nurgle, I have still managed to find some spare hobby-time with which to work upon "Warlord Games" excellent-looking Slitheen sculpts for their "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" tabletop miniature game. These extra-terrestrial criminals from Raxacoricofallapatorian have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed, and now just need their claws and toes to be picked out before the application of some last-minute washes.

In addition, I’m close to completing the sixth model in my “G.I. Joe” collection. Shipwreck hasn’t admittedly had much attention since I initially primed him “Citadel” Abaddon Black over a month ago. But now the “Chief Petty Officer” has had his trousers, shirt and belt-buckles painted he should resultantly be finished in pretty quick order.

"We Will Drain The Oceans And Put The Humans In Chains."

"You are curious. You have seen the words, too. I can hear them tick inside you."

This 52mm tall metal Fisher King miniature is a promotional model produced by “Warlord Games” and is actually available free-of-charge if you purchase £75 worth of figures from the company's "Into The Time Vortex" range. Fortunately, I didn't even need to do that in order to acquire him, as instead I was very generously sent one of the first castings as a 'big thanks' for all my support of the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" game on this blog.

The towering "finely-sculpted scale pewter" piece, "officially approved by the BBC", is sculpted to resemble the "alien warlord who, in the 20th century, conquered Tivoli" and appeared in Toby Whithouse's 2015 television story "Before The Flood". In addition, the Fisher King is the first of the Nottingham-based manufacturer's collector models which has subsequently had some rules written for it, so it can be used as part of their "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game." These PDF cards can be found at the bottom of the figure's product page here.

The Fisher King WIPS - The model was primed, washed, and treated to a double dry-brush

The Fisher King was originally primed with "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand, heavily washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and later dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand, as well as a little White on his more prominently bony areas. I then began working my way up Albar Prentis' supposedly deceased cargo, by picking out his feet with Heavy Sienna and White. Both of these areas were then subsequently shaded using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

"By far the most popular Quickshade on the market", at least according to "The Army Painter" website, I then continued to use the Strong Tone "pigmented varnish" to 'stain' the vast majority of the tyrant's garments, occasionally using some "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade as a base layer whenever I wanted to slightly change its hue. This smooth-flowing solution allowed me to easily 'shadow' many of the sculpt's more 'hard to reach' areas, such as behind the complex prosthetic suit's protruding horns and animatronic facial elements.

The Fisher King WIPS - The model was repeatedly washed with a variety of brown shades

With the basics finished, I turned my attention to the alien warlord's bleached bone armour and seriously detailed head. All these areas were 'tidied' up using some "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand, before being washed with even more Strong Tone Quickshade, and then delicately dry-brushed with both "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand and White. In addition, I picked out the Fisher King's throat area using Heavy Sienna and maw with Heavy Red, and then dabbed some "ground-breaking Quickshade" over these parts too. The towering extra-terrestrial's hand-blaster was painted using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and a spot of "Vallejo" German Grey.

In the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" game, the Fisher King is a literal "One Man Army" whose sole objective is to "Exterminate all enemy characters and turn them into Ghost Servants." As a result he is "the only Recruitment card you take", and actually adds to his faction's size by "capturing the life energy of enemies" he kills "and turning them into incorporeal ghost-like minions". These "ghostly revenants" can then attack other characters themselves, "murder them and convert them into yet more ghosts."

"They Killed Him! Came From The Sea. The Sea. A Sea Devil!"

"We want revenge on the human species!"

These three 38mm tall metal Sea Devil miniatures are manufactured by “Warlord Games” and can be bought from their "Into The Time Vortex" range. Sculpted to replicate the "Sea Silurians" during Malcolm Hulke's 1972 televised six-parter "The Sea Devils", these classic Third Doctor-era creatures were clothed in blue netting by Maggie Fletcher after director Michael Briant felt their original costume design made them look as if they were naked.

All the figures were originally undercoated with "Vallejo" Verdigris, heavily washed with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade and dry-brushed with some additional "Vallejo" Verdigris. Their feet were subsequently painted "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and their legs Heavy Green, before both these areas were dry-brushed with Heavy Sienna and washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

"We could still destroy their ships before they are out of range."

The Sea Devils' weapon belts were 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey, and their metallic hand-weapons were pigmented using "Citadel" Ironbreaker and a shade of Nuln Oil. The man-in-a-suit monsters' hands and heads were initially treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and their webbing 'slimed' with Heavy Green. Later, as with the reptilian lifeforms' legs, these areas were dry-brushed with Heavy Sienna and washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

As a last touch, each homo reptilia's string vest was darkened/dirtied with a random application of both "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. These garments were then re-highlighted in places by slowly drawing some "Vallejo" Verdigris across them.

Nero Narcos WIPs - The robotic crime boss has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

In 2012, alongside 648 other backers, I supported the "Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War" Kickstarter by "Mongoose Publishing". Five years on and I have still yet to receive the entirety of my Sector Chief pledge, nor sadly, do I believe I ever will. However, what I have now been sent "fresh from the forges of Magister Militum" is "one of the last models to be done" for Mongoose Matt's long-winded Kickstarter, Nero Narcos.

To be honest, I stopped reading the comic "2000 A.D." well before this criminal's brain was ever transplanted into the body of "an armoured robotic body", and therefore missed his psychopathic reign over Mega-City One. But having placed the crisply cast "leader of the criminal syndicate the Frendz" onto a 40mm base, as opposed to the woefully undersized 25mm which accompanied him, I must confess to be very impressed with the sculpt's detail...

"And That's An Order!"

"You Puke! You Maggot!"

This 28mm metal miniature of Sergeant Slaughter is from a private collection and thus not commercially available. Luckily however, I was fortunate enough to be able to acquire a spare casting of the "Drill Instructor" and subsequently chose to paint him in a palette similar to how the Survival Trainer's carded action figure appeared in 1985.

Originally primed with two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the "immortalised" Professional Wrestler was dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and later heavily washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. His boots and shirt were then treated to a combination of "Vallejo" USA Olive Drab and "Citadel" Biel Tan Green, whilst his hat and moustache were 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

"Pack of two garbage disposal units, one short, one tall."

Sergeant Slaughter's belt was painted "Vallejo" White and subsequently shaded with Pale Grey. His belt buckle pigmented with "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade", and his wristband treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, before being washed with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Finally, a coat of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil were applied to the "celebrity" figure's shades.

In addition to finishing "the first G.I. Joe figure accurately based on a real person" and supposedly, "the most successful toy character" of the franchise, I have also completed two Garbage Disposal Units from "Wargames Terrain Workshop" Future City Scenics range. These two 'rubbish eaters' can be bought already painted, but as I wanted the pair of resin pieces to fit in with my 'rusty bare metal' post-apocalypse world, I decided to paint them myself.

Slitheen WIPs - The extra-terrestrial criminals have been undercoated using "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki

As a result both of the garbage units were undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently treated to a double layer of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey. They were then washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey, and washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Lastly, both pieces received a somewhat generous application of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, and were dry-brushed for a third time with "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey.

Sadly, what space on my painting table these recent successes have created has not lasted long, on account of "Warlord Games" almost relentless release schedule for their "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" tabletop miniature range. Delightfully however, I don't mind at all, as these latest additions, the criminal Slitheen Family from Raxacoricofallapatorian, were sent to me by the Nottingham-based company free-of-charge, in thanks for all the articles I've recently posted about their "Into The Time Vortex" models...

"The Death Guard Are Foulness Made Manifest."

"They are a vision of unnatural corruption, of nobility, courage and strength perverted into nightmarish foulness..."

This 28mm scale plastic miniature of a Heretic Astartes is made by "Games Workshop" and can be found within the company's "ultimate Warhammer 40,000 boxed set" "Dark Imperium". One of seven actual Death Guard Plague Marine figures that can be assembled using the starter game's sprues, this Chaotic infantryman is armed with a bolt pistol and krak grenade.

Having super-glued the five-piece figure together, I primed the Nurgle space marine with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and subsequently 'dabbed' some Boltmetal Grey all over him. I then washed the tainted legionnaire with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed him with more "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey.

Out House WIPs - The wooden structure has been undercoated, shaded and dry-brushed

In order to provide the Plague God’s favoured with a decidedly rusty-look, the "eternally rotting" marine was treated to a generous coat of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade, before being 'subjected' to a layer of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash. The miniature was then once again (delicately) dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey.

With the basics finished, I then turned my attention to 'picking out' just some of the arguably insurmountable detail sculpted onto the "Disgustingly Resilient" figure. This consisted of applying a combination of "Vallejo" Brass and "Citadel" Nihilakh Oxide to one of the Plague Marine's knee-pads, scarab beetle ornaments and the head of a krak grenade. In addition, I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade to the Heretic Astarte's bolt pistol strap and ammunition belt. 

Sea Devils WIPs - The Jon Pertwee foes need just their heads and vests finishing off

With my "Warhammer 40k" 'pilot piece' finished, I have found the time to finally start working on some of the Wild West Terrain I recently purchased from "Wargames Terrain Workshop" for the Weird West rule-set "Dracula's America". This Out House has simply been washed, primed and dry-brushed, but once its had its separate door painted and attached, it should make for an interesting, if not potentially unappealing, objective marker on my 1875 battlefield.

Lastly, I am still 'diligently' progressing some more Sea Devils from my disconcertingly expanding collection of "Doctor Who" miniatures by "Warlord Games". I actually have another three of these "Aquatic Silurians" yet to even base, so felt I needed to get this trio completed as soon as possible; especially as the Nottingham-based manufacturer have just released the figures for a certain "family of criminal Raxacoricofallapatorians", as well as Victor Kennedy and his alter-ego, the Abzorbaloff.  

"These Spirits Of The Air Are Winsome And Wild..."

"Only marginally intelligent, they often substitute whimsy for strategy..."

This 48mm tall plastic miniature of an air elemental is "made in China" by "Wizards Of The Coast" and can be bought as model number 29 from the company's randomly sorted "Dungeons & Dragons Icons of the Realms: Elemental Evil" set. In addition, the villainous pre-painted piece can also be acquired as part of the board game "Temple of Elemental Evil", and is a much-appreciated gift from Steve and Hils of "The Game Cupboard" fame.

The "fast, flying creature made of living air" was initially undercoated with "Vallejo" White and washed with Pale Grey. It was then dry-brushed with some more White before being appropriately 'streaked' using some Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter". Lastly, and in order to simply blend all of the figure's swirling vortexes together, it was given a third and final dry-brush of White.

Herald Of Nurgle WIPs - The model is slowly having all his intestines 'picked out' and washed

With the latest adversary for my planned "Expedition To Barrier Peaks" campaign completed, I have managed to make some additional progress on my (second) Herald of Nurgle for "Age Of Sigmar". This particular model of a "mortal who resists the ravages of Nurgle's Rot" is proving particularly fun to paint, despite all its detailed dripping innards, festering sores and tanglesome antlers, because it can also be fielded as a daemonic psyker for the eighth edition of "Warhammer 40K".

Indeed, as with so many of my Plague Lord followers, this "wiry and muscular" chaotic addition will actually help me towards my goal of fielding 1000 points worth of Nurgle forces for both Warhammer Fantasy Battle's replacement system, and Game Workshop's futuristic 41st millennium tabletop rule set. A dual role which is genuinely helping me overcome some of the time-consuming tedium of the quite heavily-converted plastic sculpt...

Plague Guard WIPs - The Heretic Astartes has been primed and then layered

Disconcertingly however, the promise of a much-more fast-paced science fiction shoot-fest by the Chaos God of Disease, Decay, and Destruction, has led me to build yet another Heretic Astartes from the game's "Dark Imperium" starter set. These traitors from one of the tainted legions are absolutely covered in intricate detail, much of which looks wonderfully ripe for an application or two of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash.  

"Trained With Australian S.A.S. And French Foreign Legion."

"Wanted for crimes in Zimbabwe and Libya."

This 28mm metal miniature of Major Sebastian Bludd is from a private collection and thus not commercially available. Fortunately though, I was lucky enough to be able to acquire a spare casting of the "mercenary working for the Cobra Organization" and have painted him in a palette similar to how the military advisor's carded action figure appeared in 1983.

Initially undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the tactical-minded terrorist's uniform was painted using some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna" and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The bad poet's knee-pads, torso armour, and helmet were then dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, whilst his pistol was treated to a layer of Gunmetal Grey. Both of these areas were then washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and Bludd's "Snidely Whiplash-style moustache" was 'picked out' with more Abaddon Black.

"Lord Oren has retrieved treasures from ancient ruins before..."

Alongside the fourth of my "G.I. Joe" figures, I have also managed to finish work on an old "Wizkids" plastic "Mage Knight" piece which I have turned into an objective marker. The doorway itself comes from the long out of production Dungeons Builders Kit, and was simply super-glued to one of the thin-lipped 40mm circular bases I often use as a stand for my scenery.

The model was originally primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and then had its wooden door layered with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. All of the metal bolts, padlock and hinges, as well as its skull decorations were subsequently 'picked out' with "Citadel" Ironbreaker and shaded with Nuln Oil. Finally, the entrance's archway was painted with "Vallejo" Dark Grey, washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Dark Grey.

Plague Guard WIPs - The Chaos Space Marine has been primed, layered and washed

Sadly, despite making a little inroad into the horde of miniatures currently littering my painting table, I have yet to be able to resist the call of Nurgle when the Plague God's gaze falls upon me, and resultantly, I have added to my already overcrowded queue another Heretic Astartes from the "Dark Imperium" boxed set by "Games Workshop". This particular plastic Plague Guard proved particularly 'attractive' to me because he is carrying arguably my favourite "Warhammer 40k" hand-weapon of all-time, the plasma gun...

"Cyber Leader Moves Pawn To Discover Check."

"We shall simply take it and kill you both."

These two 40mm tall metal Cybermen miniatures are manufactured by “Warlord Games”, and a single casting of their "excellent" pose can be found within the company's splendid "Nightmares In Silver" Cybermen Collector's Set 1966-2013. Fortunately however, having already previously painted my version from the boxed set, I was extremely fortunate enough to be sent a couple more of the "cybernetically augmented humanoids" by the Nottingham-based company, and have therefore taken the opportunity to turn one of the figures into the Cyber Leader; as played by David Banks in the 1988 television story "Silver Nemesis".

The silver giants were originally primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, before being given a double coat of Ironbreaker and a wash of Nuln Oil. The pairs' eyes were then darkened with a tiny dab of Abaddon Black and both miniatures dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker. In order to try and replicate the Cybermen's chrome like finish, I attempted to make it's head and chest unit standout by dulling down everything else with a second application of Nuln Oil.

"The Cyberfleet are still not receiving our transmission, Leader."

"Warlord Games" are arguably paying the Cybermen an increasing amount of attention currently, and have just announced that the "Tomb of the Cybermen" scale diorama produced by "Nik N-fx Hull" and his team has finally been fully approved for manufacture. In addition, there seem to be a number of imminent classic "Doctor Who" sets coming up for their "Into The Time Vortex" range, such as the Movellans, the Vervoids, Commander Linx and Irongron, as well as Rago, Toba and three Quarks from the 1968 serial "The Dominators".

Indeed, the manufacturers of these "finely-sculpted scale pewter" miniatures are also looking to produce a "I Am The Master!" set of Master figures, featuring versions of Roger Delgado, Peter Pratt, Anthony Ainley, John Simm ("in hoody") and Michelle Gomez. Plus plastic Sontarans and the Ice Warriors as seen in the 2017 televised episode "Empress of Mars"...

Death Guard WIPs - The Heretic Astartes has been washed, dry-brushed and twice re-washed

Despite so much imminent "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" goodness 'clouding' my vision, I have still found some hobby-time to start painting the first Heretic Astartes for my Eighth Edition "Warhammer 40K" Chaos army. This particular plastic sculpt can be found within the "Dark Imperium" Starter Box by "Games Workshop" and is absolutely packed full of complicated details ranging from tentacles squirming their way out of battered armour plating to tiny, delicate-looking scarab beetles dangling off of breathing tubes.

Ideally I want to be able to create a squad of ten Plague Marines for my predominantly daemonic force, and thus provide it with some much-needed firepower. But as I currently only plan to use an almost 'skirmish-type' 500-point force for my initial battles, I simply need to pigment the unit's minimum strength of a Champion and four marines...