"They All Keep Their Eyes On The Axe."

"They can't help it. That's when you sink the cutter in deep."

This 28mm scale "push-fit" model of Arnulf forms part of the "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" starter set manufactured by "Games Workshop", and can also be used to represent a "warrior of a murderous band of Khorne-worshippers, called Garrek's Reavers" in the Nottingham-based company's "Age Of Sigmar" tabletop wargame as well. Despite there being "not a great deal that’s noteworthy about Arnulf – even when he’s Inspired", this warrior is "useful for triggering Supports with your other fighters, holding objectives or being sacrificed to score certain objective cards or activate your Inspire condition."

Initially primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to help 'eradicate' the figure's vivid red-coloured plastic, the Khorne Worshipper's trousers and boots were painted with "Vallejo" Black, whilst his leg armour, thigh plates, right arm-guard, torc and axe-blade were treated to a combination of Heavy Sienna, Brass and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. In addition, the miniature's chains, helmet, blade and belt-buckle were given a layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before being washed with Nuln Oil.

"Khorne cares not from whence the blood flows."

The Blood Reaver's belt, leg straps and axe-handle were 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Strong Tone Quickshade. Plus his loincloth and back spikes were given a double-coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and subsequently a generous shade of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The maniac's flesh was created using "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone, a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and then a thin-line of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone across his scars. In addition I 'filled' the Chaos symbol burnt into his flesh with two helpings of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and pigmented the figure's fur-lined footwear with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey and a splodge of "Citadel" Badab Black.

The model's skull trophy was originally given a coat of "Vallejo" Dead White, before being muddied and bloodied with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. It was then 'bleached' with a light dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Dead White. Finally, in order to ensure the model matched my Chaos Host for "Age Of Sigmar", I painted its highly-detailed base with "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Rangers Of Middle-Earth WIPs - Three of "The Lord Of The Rings" boxed set's plastic miniatures

My version of Arnulf differs quite substantially from that of the official "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" paint-scheme, as I disliked both their studio's red armour and helmet, as well as their stony-coloured spikes rising from his back. Spookily, I actually decided upon making my model's chaotic blessing red because I inadvertently rubbed the "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone undercoat covering the protruding barbs off during my handling of the figure. This led to the bare red plastic clearly showing on the miniature and I rather liked the contrast it created with the Khorne warrior's paler flesh.

Sticking with "Games Workshop", the wargaming developer has recently caught my eye with its efforts to once again support its range of miniatures for "The Lord Of The Rings". I was a big fan of this strategy battle game many years ago, and having seen their re-release of the Champions Of The Shire, alongside both the Gundabad Orc Warband and Nazgûl of Dol Guldur Collection, I have tentatively placed a handful of plastic Rangers of Middle-Earth into my painting queue...