Sunday 8 October 2017

"Standing As A Shield Between The Darkness And The Ignorant..."

"From Ancient Greece and Imperial Rome to the present day, mankind has always been preyed upon..."
This 28mm metal Crusader of the Order can be purchased as part of Code DRAC101 - Twilight Order by "North Star Military Figures", and is the first of my submissions for this year's Zomtober challenge. Bestowed with "Nerves of Steel, a suit of armour (counting as Boilerplate)" and starting each game with all his "weapons fully loaded with Silver Bullets for free" the New World knight is one of two non-Hired Gun models which can be fielded when using The Twilight Order in the rule-set "Dracula's America" by "Osprey Games".  

The figure was initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Charred Brown and had his boots 'picked out' using Heavy Sienna. The model was then somewhat drenched in "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. His medieval armour and fire-arms were given a coat of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, whilst his Saint George's cross chest emblem was put in place using a little "Vallejo" Heavy Red and some "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. As a final touch, the collar of the gunfighter's shirt was 'tagged' with a dab of "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey, and his belt buckle treated to a dollop of Brass and some more "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.
Boromite Gang Fighter WIPs - The alien is slowly having all his reflex armour 'picked out'
In addition to being lined up for "Dracula's America", I am also planning on using this particular model to represent the Lawman in "Shadows Of Brimstone" by "Flying Frog Productions. The plastic 'policeman' figure in "Swamps Of Death" is frankly a very disappointing, softly-sculpted individual. So as he's meant to be armed with both a Peacekeeper Pistol and a Sheriff's Badge, I thought such an obvious-looking force for justice as the Crusader miniature would make a rather good replacement.

With the first of my two Twilight Order models finished, I have managed to find a little hobby-time to continue progressing the 500 points worth of Boromites I need to paint in order to deploy a Scouting Force on a "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" battlefield. In the past these extra-terrestrial miners produced by "Warlord Games" have caused me a lot of frustration, but currently I'm somehow managing to remain patient enough to slowly 'pigment' all the lumps, bumps and reflex armour of another Gang Fighter.
Mime Monsters WIPs - The "Horrorclix" clowns now just need their white-faces and berets to be painted
As a result of my "Gotham" campaign finally getting underway using "Mutant And Death Ray Guns" by "Gamesha Games", I have also started searching through my collection of "Wizkids" plastic models for any sculpts which would make welcome additions to the tabletop skirmishes. One of the crews I would dearly love to add some character to is the Gotham Heights based Joker Gang, which currently lacks any real thematic feel to its muscle-bound members.

Sadly, having scoured my rather embarrassingly extensive collection of "Heroclix" figures, I wasn't able to source any lackeys which quite captured the spirit of the Clown Prince of Crime. Fortunately however, I was able to find quite a few models from my pile of "Horrorclix" miniatures, and have immediately started finishing off a pair of partially-painted Mime Monsters to use as "Hand-To-Hand Specialists". 

30 comments:

  1. The Crusader looks excellent Simon, and great to be able to use it in two games. Good to see you chipping away at your Boromites. The Mime Monsters look really fitting for the clown prince, almost like a street performer gang using their tricks and acts to infiltrate areas before robbing them blind

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Dave. I've almost finished the Crusader's partner, and then I have the zeds to do. I need to get a few of them painted up so I can populate a simple 2x2 gaming board stacked with scenery from my favourite resin manufacturer; "Wargames Terrain Worshop" ;-)

      The Boromites are slowly coming along, so keep an eye on my Scouting Force's tally marker at the side of the blog - you never know when it'll go up again!!

      The Mime Monsters should work really well, and I have a few more ghoulish clowns in the pipeline too to give his faction some added zeal.

      Delete
  2. I do like the crusader and mime figures. The Boromites sculpts I'm not keen on but you are doing a great job in getting them painted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Phil. I'm keen to get enough "Dracula's America" minis painted this Zomtober to get at least a small BatRep in; probably using "Mutants & Death Ray Guns". Likewise I want to 'bulk up' the Joker's gang. The Boromites will continue to plague me until I get them done, as they're sat on my desk persistently pleading to get painted - hence my desire to get them out the way over the next few weeks/months.

      Delete
  3. I like the Twilight Order in "Dracula's America" so I'm pleased to see your take on the Crusaders.
    I'm sure I'd like the Boromites a lot more if they weren't wearing those ridiculous nappies.
    The mime monster is a great fit for the Joker's gang. Good call!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bryan, I've just got the two Crusaders planned currently, and then plenty of zeds. But ultimately I hope to paint the entire Twilight Order up.

      The Boromites continue to prove to be the most fiddly range of minis I've experienced in a long time. Such a shame as I really like their backstory etc. Still, the half-way mark has finally been crossed.

      I'm trying to expand all the gangs of my "Gotham" campaign, and add a few new ones for future fights. But felt the Joker would be my first port of call... and obviously Mister J will need his trusty female sidekick at some point soon too.

      Delete
  4. Nice witch hunter! Very usable for many games. Perhaps I should get some.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Clint. I certainly like the contents of the Crusader blister. Sadly, I can't say the same for all the "Dracula's America" sculpts.

      Delete
  5. Cracking job on the Crusader Simon, and the Mime Monster is an inspired addition to your Gotham campaign - can't wait to see what the other Horrorclix are going to look like :-)
    I'm with Bryan on the Boromites 'nappies', but still like 'em and your terrific paint job.
    Also, just to let you know, thanks to your recent post I've just ordered a copy of "Mutants & Death Ray Guns" - I've also sent you an email regarding "Dragon Rampant" ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks very much Greg. Much appreciated. I've actually started trying to paint the Mime Monsters before but gave up on their wafer-thin braces. This time I'm trying to get over that particular mental hurdle with some Nuln oil wash - and luckily it doesn't look anywhere near as stark as it does in the photos.

      I'll continue to work on the Boromites as I want to get them finished, so I can finally play "Beyond the Gates of Antares" - but they are slow going.

      Thanks for the email Ref "Dragon Rampant" - very much appreciated, and I hope you enjoy "Mutants & Death Ray Guns" as much as I do!!

      Delete
  6. Dracula's America makes me cringe, but at least the figures are a redeeming feature of the enterprise, hour 'paladinlooks really good.
    I'm also very pleased to see yet another Boromite as I've become very drawn to them
    As for Joker minions, I'm pretty sure I've seen thugs (or similar) somewhere with clown masks, but don't quote me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Joe. I like the genre of Weird Wild West, and "Dracula's America" seems an interesting setting. I don't though plan on playing the rules anytime soon. But do have a Zed-based BatRep in mind using "M&DRG" if I can get the scenery painted in time!!

      I'm pleased there is a little Boromite love out there, and these will continue to 'pop' up in posts as I strive towards my 500 point scouting force goal.

      There are lots of "Heroclix" and "Horrorclix" clowns out there, including official Joker thugs; but they cost an arm and a leg to buy from the UK.

      Delete
  7. Very nice dude. I do love the crusader models. Clowns tho......ugh stay away :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Simon. Hopefully I can get his partner ready for next weekend's Zomtober posting and then start on the actual zeds themselves.

      Delete
  8. Very nicely done with the New World Crusader Blaxkleric - great stuff mate. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Leon. Good to get the first one done, and get Zomtober off to something of a start.

      Delete
  9. Your crusader does look like he's going to meet the necessary skills checks to qualify as a survivor. Nice work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kieron. Much appreciated. I do like the background to these Crusaders; a nice mix of knight and cowboy.

      Delete
  10. What an interesting figure that crusader is. The combination of medieval armour and cowboy shouldn't really work, but somehow it does. Nice work.

    As for the Mime Monster...I really like that figure. Would make a good Victorian docker turned creature of the night for my project. I might have to see if I can pick one up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Jez. I'm really pleased with how this first Crusader has turned out. Fingers crossed for the second one turning out as well. Mime Monsters seem to be few and far between in the UK, so if you track down a source, please let me know ;-)

      Delete
  11. nice crusader, he looks very grim and determined ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Andy. Determined is a great description of him.

      Delete
  12. Good to see the Boromites still coming along a pace. By this stage I`m actually really wanting to see a game played using this mountain of stone flesh looking monstrosities.

    Mention of Shadows Of Brimstone reminds me. I played a good game of this a while ago (last week) and actually remembered at the time to take copious notes and lots of photos (most of which, by sheer chance, came out REALLY nicely). I should write it up as a batrep/AAR sometime, it played out pretty neat and was close right to the very end of the last move.... also had a (custom) cowboy DW and assistant theme running all the way through it.

    Nice post Simon :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Steve. I need to get the Boromites finished, as I too want to see them on the tabletop in a game. That "Shadows Of Brimstone" BatRep sounds awesome - looking forward to seeing that one posted on your blog :-)

      Delete
  13. Brilliant stuff! That Crusader is such a cool looking figure :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks very much, Ivor, and welcome aboard :-)

      Delete
  14. Crusader is an interesting design. Almost looks like a Cromwellian era Witchfinder.

    Good stuff on the Boromites. No rush to get them done, but they'll look great once they are finished and ready for parade!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Dai. The Crusader does look very cromwellian doesn't he... especially with an appropriate head-swap; great idea!

      The Boromites are slowly being progressed. Just keep an eye on that side-board tally marker, and at some point soon it'll have attained its target total!

      Delete
  15. That Old West chap looks brilliant. Now I see him as a 'Spanish/Mexican' Conquistador, so I don't know if the Order is something like the Inquisition?

    And I really like the Mime Monster, and look forward to seeing them bolstering Joker's forces and tearing into the opposition in games.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Roy. I too something Inquisitorial about the Crusader. The Mime Monsters should be finished soon, ready for the Joker's latest "Gotham" territory grab.

      Delete