"We Know That England Is Crying For A Leader..."

"...And that leader has emerged in the person of the greatest Englishman that I have ever known..."

This 28mm metal miniature of Sir Oswald Moseley can be purchased, along with two bodyguards, as Code 403012203 from the "Warlord Games" German Army range, and represents the BUF leader at a time when "Adolf Hitler apparently had plans" for him should Great Britain fall. Described as being "dangerously charismatic", the Anglo-Irish aristocrat appears as a (veteran) Imperial Commander in the "Bolt Action" book "Campaign: Sea Lion", and is the first of my four weekly submissions for this year’s Mo’Vember Challenge.

Primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, the Sixth Baronet of Ancoats was roughly highlighted with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and later washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Moseley's trousers were painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Dark Grey" and (more) "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whilst his arm-band was treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Garrek WIPs - Gorebeard just needs his axe to be shaded and 'ponytail' painted before being finished

Sadly I did subsequently somewhat struggle to 'pick out' the British Union of Fascists emblem on the one-time Conservative politician's sleeve, and having never seen a decal with such an insignia, eventually decided to 'flub' the issue by simply giving it a coat of "Vallejo" Dead White and then shading it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Admittedly, this 'botch-job' doesn't look anywhere near as impressive as the delicately-lined symbol clearly visible on the advertised "Warlord Games" official figure, but it did help me keep my sanity...

Having finished such a relatively enjoyable and straightforward paint-job, despite the contentious background of the character in question, I have made some significant progress on another of my Mo'Vember Challenge pieces, Garrek Gorebeard. This "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" plastic model really is proving to be a patience tester, on account of all his fiddly chains, armour, belts and less-than-helpful pose.

"Rumbleslam" WIPs - Waaarrrior, an Orc and Ronnie Salvage still need plenty of work

Fortunately, the surprise arrival of the "Rumbleslam" superstar, Waaarrrior, from my regular miniatures store "Dark Sphere" has not only given me something a little easier to paint, but also motivated me to actually finish off both the Orc Brawler and Grappler from the "TTCombat" product's starter box. Indeed, the sports game's "fan favourite", clearly influenced by the late James Brian Hellwig, has already got me thinking about re-enacting the Ultimate Warrior's pay-per-view main event match with "Macho Man" Randy Savage at Summerslam 1992, where the duo fought for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.

I have still have a bit of work to do on my sculpt of the dwarf, Ronnie Salvage, yet hope over time to build up quite the stable of "Rumbleslam" figures who are based upon World Wrestling Federation, and World Championship Wrestling characters. Certainly "TTCombat" don't appear to be too shy in matching a plethora of superstars' likenesses to their miniatures, and that hopefully means in the future that I'll be able to re-play a number of my favourite bouts from the late Eighties and early Nineties...

"Beasts Of Nurgle Sometimes Feel Left Out Of The Fun..."

"...And so bound forth to join in whenever they can."

This 28mm scale "finely detailed resin cast kit" of a Beast of Nurgle is made by “Games Workshop”, comes as seven separate "Finecast" components, and (still) contains no instructions for assembly whatsoever. Luckily, I have already previously built two such 'truly horrendous aberrations' for my Nurgle Host, so was able to use my earlier models as a steer for the "Gale Force Nine" super-glue...

Having put my "embodiment of mindless decay" together and attached it to a 60mm circular plastic base, I primed it with a generous double-helping of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre before drowning it in "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The "mottled pallid slug" was then dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and had both it's claws and tusks painted in Iraqi Sand. These areas were subsequently also washed with Strong Tone Quickshade.

Garrek's Reavers WIPs - The bright red plastic miniatures have been primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone

In order to make this particular Beast of Nurgle appear noticeably dissimilar in colour to its predecessors, I added some "Citadel" Druchii Violet and Drakenhof Nightshade to different areas of the creature's hide and tried to create the impression of bruised flesh. However, as I still wanted the "grotesquely misshapen" creature to somewhat tie into the rest of my "Age Of Sigmar" Rotbringers, I later 'picked out' some of its pimples with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade.

With this latest addition to my ever-expanding Tallyband of Nurgle finished, I have dived straight into the newest of "Games Workshop" releases based upon the eight Mortal Realms - "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire". An "action-packed combat game" set within the deadly ruins of a city which was once full "of wonder and magic", my desire to quickly assemble and prime Garrek's Reavers has been doubly motivated by the release of these renowned Bloodreavers' rules for "Age Of Sigmar"; a diabolical dual-use bonus if ever I saw one.

Garreck's Reavers WIPs - The bright red plastic bases have been primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black

Disconcertingly however, for a boxed game which boasts its suitability as a 'gateway game for beginners', I actually found a couple of the plastic Khorne miniatures far from "Easy To Build", on account of all their tiny, and oft-times potentially fragile, pieces. Indeed, there were a couple of times when I was either 'snipping' away the components from their sprues, or smoothing them down with a modelling knife/nail file, and felt the vividly red coloured material worryingly flex in my hands; something the sculpts' tiny chains appear particularly prone to do even when carefully handled.

Such issues also definitely made me feel that in difference to "Games Workshop" guidance, glue was an absolute necessity. Albeit, in all fairness the game's "comprehensive, easy to follow construction guide" did make the models' assembly a reasonably straightforward process once the pieces had been identified, separated and cleaned.

"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... 

"Mu-Scan Follows By Encoded Psignal."

"Retrieval now indicates a 98% co-incidence with forty-seven previous raids in the Aphis Sector (102)."

This 28mm metal model of a Necron Raider was sold by "Games Workshop" as Necron Warrior 5 (Code 9947011000205) and mercilessly 'chopped up' by Dave Stone of "Wargames Terrain Workshop" fame, so as to provide some of his other figures with cybernetic limbs. Fortunately, its remains have since been very kindly gifted to me, and resultantly become the second of three Necron-themed objective markers I plan to accompany my 'Oldhammer 40K' Necron Kill Team.

Having initially been super-glued to a thin 40mm base, and dramatically posed with the aid of some "Gale Force Nine" Grey Stuff, the supposedly long-deceased robot was primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently layered with Ironbreaker. The skeletal automaton was then washed with Nuln Oil, roughly dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker, liberally treated to a coating of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, and finally given a second dry-brush of Ironbreaker.

"Dungeons & Dragons" WIPs - A Half-Elf Sorcerer, a Gnome Infiltrator and a Lizardman Warrior

A similar technique was applied to the Necron's Gauss Flayer using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash. Although the weapon's tip was actually painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Lastly, so as to imbue the defunct "spine-chilling" machine with an Egyptian aura, the raider's collar was 'picked out' using "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, Vallejo "Heavy Blue" and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade", as well as "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

In addition to my Necron objective/spawn marker I have also begun painting three of the five adventurers I plan to use for my "Expedition To The Barrier Peaks" campaign. These wonderfully animated, yet sadly 'Out Of Production' "Dungeons & Dragons" miniatures were made by "Wizards Of The Coast", and predominantly come from the company's discontinued "Chainmail" range.

Nemesis The Warlock WIPs - The "2000 A.D." comic book character is slowly being progressed

As I plan to actually use "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games" to play this old "D&D" module with, rather than the fantasy tabletop role-playing game by Gary Gygax, I thought a broad range of heroes and races would really help test out many of the rule-set's numerous traits, abilities and weapons. As a result I am currently painting a Gnome Infiltrator (with repeating crossbow), a Half-Elf Sorcerer, and a Lizardman Warrior...

Finally, having recently finished both Torquemada and some Terminators, I have started work on their "fire-breathing demonic alien" opponent, "Nemesis The Warlock". This plastic "Wizkids" pre-painted miniature has been sat gathering dust in my painting queue for a couple of months now, but having spent a little time on the "2000 A.D." comic book character, I am already halfway through painting all of his battle armour.

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Forgotten Heroes" June 2017

Mister Freeze Lackey WIPs - The goons have all had their jumpers layered, ready for washing

This month's randomly themed attempt to try and reduce my 'ever so slightly dwindling' collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures has been rather waylaid as a result of the announcement by Dick Garrison and Carrion Crow that "Forgotten Heroes" is back for its second year. Collated on the 'official' "Forgotten Heroes" website, this particular challenge specifically encourages bloggers to create/convert "an existing figure into a costumed superhero or villain" of their choice, "from any source (be that Comic’s, TV, Film, Adverts, Toy lines, Novels basically anywhere you can think of)."

Last year, I rather optimistically attempted to complete a number of well-meaning conversions, but sadly only managed to finish my Imperator Furiosa and Vampire By Night; the latter actually being a simple "Horrorclix" repaint. This time round I plan to simply finish what I started, and have thus begun working (once again) on five “Heroclix” Lackey miniatures I have previously 'converted' using a dollop of grey stuff, into some of Mister Freeze's bobble-hat wearing goons.

Necron Raider WIPs - The "merciless killers" have all been primed "Citadel" Ironbreaker

In addition to "Forgotten Heroes" I also plan on polishing off the remaining Second Edition "Warhammer 40K" Necron Raiders I began painting a little over four weeks ago. This 'Oldhammer 40K' mini-project has somewhat stalled recently as a result of the generosity of a pair of stalwart wargamers substantially increasing the number of Gauss-Flayer Gun-carrying miniatures I own, and I have therefore spent some extra time on these wonderful gifts cleaning, priming and basing them, so as to do them the justice they deserve.

Of particular note, Dave Stone of "Wargames Terrain Workshop" fame has kindly not only sent me a few extra "merciless killers", but also a very much appreciated Limited Edition Skulz Necron Examination Table to use as an objective marker. Whilst, amongst several other most welcome miniatures from the "dystopian science fantasy universe", Steve from "The Game Cupboard" posted me several more Necron Raiders including a complete "machine-like" Immortal armed with a Gauss Blaster...   

Xorn Ravager WIPS - The "outsiders from the Elemental Plane of Earth" have been undercoated

Finally, my recent purchase of the "Dungeon & Dragon" module "Expedition To The Barrier Peaks" by "TSR Hobbies Inc" has enthused me to start rummaging through my collection of pre-painted "Wizkids" Dungeons & Dragons miniatures. As I plan on playing the out-of-print 1980 "playing aid" using "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games", rather than Gary Gygax's famous rule-set, I am currently developing an opening scenario which will see the Grand Duchy of Geoff's "doughiest henchmen" first encounter the strange "gated cave" which mysteriously disgorges "monsters... at random intervals."

I already have some suitably appropriate miniatures by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" to use as vegepygmies, but also thought the adventure would be a good excuse to re-base and prime some plastic Xorn Ravagers that have long languished in my painting queue unattended. As a result, all three of the "outsiders from the Elemental Plane of Earth" have been undercoated "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, and now are simply awaiting a wash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil before I pick out their teeth, claws and eyes.

"Daleks Do Not Take Orders."

"But you have no weapons! No defenses! No plan!"

These three 28mm scale models of a Dalek are produced by “Warlord Games” and can be assembled from the plastic sprues found within the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game". Created by Terry Nation (and Raymond Cusick) in 1963, this particular variant of the Kaled's Mark III travel machine is based upon their Time War shell and first appeared in the April 2005 BBC Television series story "Dalek".

As I have already finished my force's Patrol Leader and three Daleks, these particular new additions will now provide me with enough Skaro mutants to field the three Dalek recruitment cards needed for the rule-set's opening scenario "A Meeting Of Metal"; an introductory six turn battle which sees the Daleks and Cybermen fighting over the scattered cargo of a crashed space freighter. 

"We would destroy the Cybermen with one Dalek!"

Having super-glued the 'Metaltrons' onto 40mm lipped circular stands, the miniatures were initially primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna before being treated to a double coat of Brass. I then generously washed all three models with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and gave them a heavy dry-brush of more "Vallejo" Brass. 

With the 'easy phase' finished, I subsequently picked out each of the Master Race's eye stalks, control arms and multi-range variable power destructors with a combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. In addition, the Daleks' audio scanners were 'picked out' with "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey, whilst the pepper pots' fenders were painted with "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Destroyed Dalek WIPs - The objective marker has been primed, washed, and dry-brushed 

Despite having yet to play "Doctor Who: Exterminate!", I am already somewhat keen to build up my Dalek faction to four Recruitment cards. This will enable me to then use Davros' pitiless creations as the attackers in the rule-book's second scenario, "Ship Of Death", where they'll be attempting to thwart the Cyber-Leader from launching a powerful starship which "will end the war."

Unfortunately however, one of my remaining "easy-fit plastic" Dalek models simply refused to go together, and resultantly has become an early casualty of their war with the Cybermen. This change of fortune for the figure in question though does not mean it won't see any tabletop action, as I have simply glued it to a 40mm thin-lipped circular stand in order to use it as an objective marker.

Necron Raider Objective WIPs - The partially destroyed robot has been thoroughly rusted

I actually seem to be on something of a 'run' of painting distressed robots and broken automatons, as I've also been progressing a second partially destroyed "Games Workshop" Necron Raider at the same time. This old Second Edition "Warhammer 40K" miniature has lost both its legs, and is seemingly defunct. But one can never tell with the "race of mechanical warriors" and it may well be, should the vignette be utilised as a 'spawn marker', that it is simply the first of the Necrontyr's creations to reach the surface...

"Explorators Report... Status Priority Red."

"Fate has delivered into our hands the remains of one of the enemy raiders."

This 28mm metal model of a Necron Raider was produced back in 1997 by "Games Workshop" and is one of five mechanical warriors which were included in the "Warhammer 40K" race's boxed set. Previously mutilated in order to provide some other figures with cybernetic limbs, this formidable sculpt was very generously gifted to me by Dave Stone of "Wargames Terrain Workshop" fame, and has resultantly become the first of three Necron-themed objective markers I have planned to accompany my small-sized 'Oldhammer 40K' Necron raiding party. 

Having first been super-glued to a thin 40mm base, and appropriately angled with the aid of some "Gale Force Nine" Grey Stuff, the defunct automaton was primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently layered with Ironbreaker. The skeletal robot was then washed with Nuln Oil, roughly dry-brushed with more Ironbreaker, liberally treated to a coating of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash, and finally given a second dry-brush of Ironbreaker.

Ultron-14 WIPs - The robot has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

A similar technique was applied to the Necron warrior's Gauss Flayer using "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash; albeit the weapon's tip was painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. As a last touch, so as to imbue the distressed machine with an Egyptian aura, the robot's detailed collar was 'picked out' using "Vallejo" Gold and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, Vallejo "Heavy Blue" and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade", as well as "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Sticking with the metallic robot theme, I have started work on an Ultron-14 "Heroclix" model I found whilst scrambling through my pre-painted "Wizkids" collection for some odds and ends to send Steve from "The Game Cupboard". I've painted up a previous incarnation of the Avengers' nemesis before, but felt this upgraded variant, capable of "Thermal Targeting", would make a welcome addition to my ever-growing horde of insane comic book automatons.

Time War Daleks WIPS - The Kaleds have had their eye-stalks, sensors, weapons and plungers all 'picked out'

For now I have simply primed the model with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and started building up the artificial intelligence's adamantium outer armour with a combination of Nuln oil and patiently dry-brushed Ironbreaker. However, before Ultron-14 is finished I hope to have 'picked out' his red optical sensors and darkly foreboding skull-like maw.

Finally, I have finished all the layers needed on three more of my "Warlord Games" Daleks, and now simply need to apply a variety of washes over the Kaled Mark III travel machines to finish them. As a result I'm hoping to get these models varnished and flocked over the next few days, and finally settle down to play "A Meeting Of Metal"; the opening scenario to the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game."

"This Is Not War. This Is Pest Control."

"I am Dalek Sec, leader of the Cult of Skaro."

This 28mm scale plastic model of Dalek Sec is produced by “Warlord Games” and is one of the twelve Kaled Mark III travel machines found within the "Doctor Who: Exterminate!" "fast-paced tabletop miniatures game". Conceived by Terry Nation and designed by Raymond Cusick in 1963, this particular sculpt is based upon the warrior race's Time War shell, which first appeared in the April 2005 BBC Television series story "Dalek".

As I plan to use the genetically engineered mutant in order to play the game's introductory scenario "A Meeting Of Metal", and resultantly required an individual-looking figure to represent my force's Dalek Leader, I decided to paint him using the palette of Dalek Sec. "Known for being given the capability to think beyond the normal scope of a conventional Dalek", this particular pitiless alien commanded the Cult of Skaro, and initially featured in the July 2006 episode "Army Of Ghosts".

Clockwork Androids WIPs - The repair robots have all been based and undercoated

Originally primed with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, this survivor of the Last Great Time War was subsequently dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then picked out his eye stalk, control arm and multi-range variable power destructor with a combination of Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, and his audio scanners with "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey quick drying transparent acrylic. As a final touch, I then used some more "Citadel" Abaddon Black to make the former commander of the Seventh Incursion Squad's fender stand out from the rest of the predominantly black model.

Sticking with "Salute" purchases, I have managed to find the time to base and prime six "Doctor Who" Clockwork Androids. These repair robots are sold by "Warlord Games" in boxes of three single-cast metal miniatures, and are all "dressed as [18th Century] French courtiers and wearing ball masks". The detail on these figures is frightening in places, with lots of buttons and retractable repair tools on show. However, even simply just super-gluing the 'male' models onto their bases made me blanch on occasion due to the sculpts' fragile ankles; which worryingly appear inclined to bend whenever the automatons need to be handled for painting...  

Herald Of Khorne WIP - The Chaos Hero has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

Lastly, I have also found the time to finally assemble this month's addition to my "Age Of Sigmar" Nurgle Host, a Herald of Khorne. This seven-part "finely detailed resin kit" by "Games Workshop" should hopefully help give my force's 'allied' Khorne contingent a bit more 'bite' as the Chaos Hero will actually allow my unit of Bloodletters to immediately pile in and attack after him.

This "Citadel Finecast" miniature has taken a little while to get on my painting table as it came without instructions, and whilst the limbs were simple to super-glue in place, it was a lot more difficult identifying how to attach all the skulls trailing from his hip to the ground, without doing some research on the internet; something which I find a little annoying considering the model costs £15 and comes with a large 'bendy' Blade of Blood...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - 'Oldhammer 40K' May 2017

Necron Raiders WIP - The robots have been primed and washed, and the Scarabs based

This month's randomly themed attempt to try and reduce my overwhelming collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures will see me painting up a handful of old Second Edition "Warhammer 40K" Necron Raiders and a couple of accompanying Scarabs. I actually recall picking these models up second-hand at a car boot sale in Aldershot quite a few years ago, and believe I also still own the figure which came attached to the front cover of Issue 217 of "White Dwarf"; albeit I don't seem to be able to currently find that particular 'freebie' within my lead pile...

With the rumoured imminent arrival by "Games Workshop" of Eighth Edition "Warhammer 40k" I have no intention of using these "merciless killers" for any gaming in the company's "dystopian science fantasy universe". But did think that the all-metal miniatures would prove to be interesting proxies for a faction of the Robot Army which continuously fights to rule Mega-City One's Undercity in "Judge Dredd".

Overseer WIPs - The Boromite Commander has had his armour, equipment and wiring finished

Indeed, these "Oldhammer 40K" sculpts contain some incredibly Egyptian-themed detail, and along with their green Gauss-Flayer Guns, should make a colourful change from the usual all-silver palette I usually apply to my automatons. In addition they should give me plenty of opportunity to use the Robot rules in "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games".  

My preoccupation with this "Citadel" project will not, however, blind me to my need to continue working on my 500-point Boromite Scouting Force for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". Indeed, alongside my Overseer I have started assembling, basing and priming more miniatures from a second box of Boromite Gang Fighters.

Boromite Gang Fighter WIP - The majority of these alien miners have had their armour started

Ordinarily, I don't tend to try and paint my figures in batches or an assembly line. But, as my goal is to paint up twenty of the heavily-armed panhuman miners by the end of May, I thought I would once again try my hand at the (somewhat arduous) technique and see how I got on with ten of the plasma carbine-carrying soldiers. It is the Seventh Age of humankind after-all...

With the majority of my Cybermen painted for "Doctor Who: Exterminate!", I have begun assembling the six "genocidal warriors" I need to field two Dalek Patrol recruitment cards. These plastic multi-part models have proved rather troublesome to assemble, and there's a definite knack to ensuring the front-facing panel fits in-between the two side pieces.

Dalek WIPs - The "powerful armoured fighting machine" has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

I certainly found it prudent not to completely follow the instructions found within the "Guide To The Time Vortex" by leaving the flank pieces slightly ajar from one another until after I had 'popped' in the central panel over the Time War Dalek's eye stalk. Fortunately though, what the twenty-four pamphlet does provide is a relatively straightforward painting guide to help get these "creatures of hate" onto the tabletop fast.

Admittedly I don't think drenching "the whole miniature with Strong Tone ink wash" should be the penultimate stage of the process, especially when a couple of the earlier phases include 'picking out' the "eye stalk rings and lights with White". But the "Vallejo" Brass 'dry-brush' has certainly helped bring out all the detail on what appears to be a genuinely "highly detailed" plastic miniature.

"Thus The Age Of Chaos Came To The Verdant Kingdoms..."

"...And so began the war to control the fairest and most fertile of realms."

These two 28mm Plaguebearers come from the “Age Of Sigmar” Plaguebearers of Nurgle boxed set, and have been painted similarly to the many other lesser daemons of the Plague Lord that I have recently added to my Befouling Host of Nurgle. Unfortunately the only difference is that, having been annoyingly forced to replace my usual wash of choice, "Citadel" Thrakka Green, with the "Games Workshop" Shade, Biel-Tan Green, this duo have 'turned out' a little greener in colour than their brethren; something which will hopefully become less obvious once I have added several more models to my Plaguebearer Unit...

With just two more "footsoldiers of Nurgle" left to complete before my current unit stands at an impressive, though far from finished, twenty miniatures, I have momentarily taken some respite by applying my brush to the "Warlord Games" figure of Dr Sim. The sculpt to this villainous extra-terrestrial is arguably as underwhelming as the plot to the 2016 Christmas television special, "The Return Of Doctor Mysterio", from whence he originated, but it has resultantly meant I have made some 'quick-time' progress on the model's painting.

Doctor Sim WIPs - The extra-terrestrial has had his trousers and shirt painted in different tones of grey

Indeed, I'm now hoping to use the brain-swapping member of The Shoal of the Winter Harmony as the lead antagonist for the first in a series of "Doctor Who" related scenarios using the "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" rule-set by "Ganesha Games". Admittedly, on paper the 'New York businessman' himself isn't going to prove all that formidable a foe, being simply armed with a pistol (and perhaps the mutation Terror. Yet as the leader of a Zygon invasion Dr Sim will potential be able to "activate a group of two to five models with a single die roll. A special ability which could cause even the Tenth Doctor, Martha Jones and their Judoon allies a few headaches...

Moving on to my current "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" project, I have finished assembling and undercoating the remaining metal miniatures from the Mhagris Feral Squad boxed set. Two of these Freeborn soldiers carry the unit's obligatory mag weapons. But in addition, one of them is armed with a magnetic X-launcher; a firearm "which can hurl shot over the heads of enemies and drive targets from cover."

Freeborn WIPs - The Feral Fighters have been based and undercoated

All of these models have initially been primed using "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, and will subsequently have their clothing, pouches and undersuits 'picked out' with Heavy Brown and Steel Grey. I'm hoping this colour scheme will provide a stark contrast to the orange and grey palette of my Boromites, and with the "war-like savages" white hair and their tribal markings, genuinely make them stand out on the tabletop.

"The Hale And Hearty Wilted Before The Pestilent Storm..."

"...And the very lands heaved with vile corruptions, the ground churning with unnatural growths."

These two 28mm Plaguebearers come from the “Games Workshop” Plaguebearers of Nurgle boxed set, and have been painted identically to the other plaguesword-wielding servants of the Great Unclean One I have recently added to my ever-expanding Befouling Host of Nurgle. Indeed, with these grotesque multi-part plastic miniatures finished, my unit of pimple-covered lesser daemons will soon be able to attract so many buzzing flies that in "Age Of Sigmar" they'll force any opponent to "subtract two from" their Hit Rolls made during the Shooting Phase, "as well as subtracting one from any Hit Rolls that targets" them in the Combat Phase.

Despite so much "rancid flesh" still currently awaiting some pigmentation, I have spent a little of my hobby-time over the past few days working on "Wizkids" "Indyclix" model of Torquemada. This formerly pre-painted figure of Termight's one-time Chief of the Tube Police still has some way to go before being finished, but I'm confident once I've completed inking his purple cape that Terra's tyrant will soon be leading a small force of Terminators in some games of "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" by "Ganesha Games".

Torquemada WIP - The Grand Master of Termight has had his flesh and cloak painted

In addition to finishing off some of the miniatures from last month's project, I have also been focusing on a few Boromites from "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". These "roving people with their own distinctive ways" are already proving something of a challenge on account of the sheer detail found upon their sculpts.

Initially I had hoped to simply shade their bumpy grey hide with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, before 'picking out' their plasma carbines and attire in a suitably 'easy to paint' colour. But having started work on a test figure from the "Warlord Games" Overseer Squad blister, and been rather taken by the mining race's 'official' yellow colour scheme, I have somewhat changed both tack and palette, and now plan to slowly work my way up each figure, carefully layering their reflex armour, numerous pouches and extra weaponry, before applying the appropriate washes over each area.

Boromite Ganger WIPs - The plasma carbine-carrying soldier has had his reflex armour painted

This extra attention is already adding to the time it is taking me to progress my first Boromite Ganger. However, I'm still reasonably confident that I have days enough left during the coming weeks to finish my three-man Overseer Squad, five-man Gang Fighters and five-man Work Gang (with Mass Compactors). I also think the 'flint-hearted rock-dogs' will look much better for it as well.

As the ultimate goal for this painting push' is my ability to field a 500 point Scouting Force, I have subsequently opened, and started basing/priming an extra box of Gang Fighters and Work Gangers. These 'reinforcements' will take my total model count to twenty-three figures, and once I have upgraded my Overseer to being armed with a Tractor Maul (as per the leader's sculpt) then my Boromite army will fit this selection tally perfectly.

"An Updated Version Of The Classic, Iconic Chaos Warrior..."

"He can also hurl them [Chaos Axes] at cowardly foes who refuse to come close."

This 28mm scale "multi-part resin kit" of Slambo is made by “Games Workshop”, and comes supplied with a "Citadel" 40mm Round base. Originally a Warrior of Chaos Mortal miniature, dating back to "Warhammer Fantasy" Fourth Edition, this updated version of the "Exalted Hero of Chaos" comes armed "with a pair of Chaos Axes which he uses to carve apart enemies at close quarters."

I have previously seen this model painted in both red armour and more recently, green armour. But as I didn't want my 'Slave to Darkness' too closely associated with either Khorne or Nurgle, I ultimately decided to go with Slambo wearing basic plate armour, which I would subsequently 'grunge up' using "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, Agrax Earthshade and Biel-Tan Green. As a result I undercoated the "Age Of Sigmar" figure with "Citadel" Chaos Black and then applied a coat of Ironbreaker over him. Once this had dried, I washed the mortal with Nuln Oil and applied a heavy dry-brush of more Ironbreaker over the entire figure.

With the basic layering completed, I picked out the Legendary Killer's boots and axe staves with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, his knee-guards and roundels with "Vallejo" Brass and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and finally his axe-handles and horns with "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The Glory-seeking Axeman's chainmail was treated to a wash from an old pot of Badab Black.

The Nurglings and Lord of Plagues are swamped by Dryads and Spite Revenants

I have immediately taken advantage of finishing Slambo by fielding him in a couple of 'friendly' battles against a Sylvaneth Force, which additionally uses Stormcast Eternals and Fyreslayers as allies. These games were played using the "Hold Or Die" Battleplan as originally found inside the "Warhammer: Age Of Sigmar" hardback rule-book; a potentially one-sided scenario which reflects "the courageous stand of Jactos Goldenmane's Stormcast Eternals against Khul's Goretide."

For our first game however, we re-imagined my Host's Lord of Plagues leading a ten-strong unit of Plaguebearers, a Rotbringers Sorcerer and some Nurglings into a Sylvaneth Branchwraith's Golden Glade, and disconcertingly finding themselves surrounded by a far superior force whilst "deep in enemy territory". Fortunately, help is supposedly near at hand in the shape of some additional Nurgle units, but my invading party must first "hold out long enough for it to arrive."

Disappointingly, despite the reinforcements supposedly arriving in the Movement Phase of Nurgle's Second Turn, my starting line-up didn't actually survive the initial onslaught long enough to see them, and therefore lost the fight before Slambo, Karanak and a plethora of additional Plaguebearers, Beasts of Nurgle and Bloodletters could even be brought onto the battlefield. Such a dismal performance seemed something of a certainty straight from the scenario's start though, as my usually reliable Chaos Sorcerer, failed to cast a Balewind Vortex with the opening dice roll of the game.

A Treelord dominates the centre of the battlefield, whilst the Lord of Plagues is surrounded and killed

Eager to meet the Forest's Custodians head-on, I also found my slow-moving units getting badly peppered by arrows during the Shooting Phase and even the Cloud of Flies which made hitting my lesser daemons that extra bit harder, failed to save them when so very many missiles were turning the sky black. Admittedly my General impressively slew a handful of Spite Revenants before being brought to his knees, but my Nurglings failed to land a single blow upon a tide of Dryads despite rolling in excess of twenty Attack Dice during the conflict; their +5 to Hit and then +5 to Wound proving especially difficult to achieve.

Sadly the Chaos Gods didn't smile much upon me when we reversed roles and played "Hold Or Die" again either. Though this might have had something to do with the fact that instead of my opponent's meagre invasion force being comprised of a leader and some Battleline fodder as mine had comprised of, the Sylvaneth intruded upon one of Nurgle's swamplands with a Treelord at their helm, along with Kurnoth Hunters, ten Stormcast Eternals and even a Knight Venator, complete with celestial talon-firing star eagle!?!

Despite their great number the Plaguebearers are torn apart by the Stormcast Eternals

Needless to say, much of my entire Host's might was ineffectively dashed against the bark-covered behemoth stood in the centre of the battlefield, and if it hadn't been for a dose of Nurgle's Rot, I doubt the Treelord would've been wounded at all. It was certainly hard for my Nurglings' tiny teeth, no matter how razor sharp, to penetrate any of the wooden sinews of these Guardians of the Deepwood, even when supported by a twenty-model strong unit of Plaguebearers, and two lolloping Beasts Of Nurgle. And that of course, was before any of the Sylvaneth rescuers arrived...

Most demoralising however, was the utter impotence of my Khorne allied contingent, who were literally shot to pieces by some (massively overpowered) Kurnoth Hunters before they even reached their foe. These 'Envoys of the Evergreen' had the ability to fire their deadly greatbows even whilst their tiny Quiverlings incredibly kept Karanak and Slambo at bay with just their vicious claws, and resultantly caused my entire left flank to collapse.

Ultimately this scenario did provide me with a few enjoyable moments as my Rotbringer's Sorcerer almost single-handedly destroyed a unit of Fyreslayers by covering the orange-haired dwarves with a stream of corrupted vomit, and my Herald of Nurgle won his lengthy duel with a Branchwych. True, such victories are minor compared to the battering my Host of Nurgle took, but I'm already looking forward to my next game of "Age Of Sigmar", and the "War Of The Storm".  

"Enormous, Bloated Warriors, Festering With Pustules And Plague..."

"Each of their number has been touched by Nurgle..."

This 28mm scale Blightlord is one of the multi-part models which can be assembled from the sprues found within the “Games Workshop” Putrid Blightkings boxed set. Built and painted to represent the leader of "Nurgle's favoured mortal servants" and "blessed with the bite of the daemonfly", this champion is bestowed with four wounds instead of the five-model unit's usual three.

Having super-glued the figure together using the 105-piece plastic kit's instruction booklet, it was initially given an undercoat of “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki before being washed with “Citadel” Thrakka Green. The "rotting murderer" was then dry-brushed with more “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki and had details such as his horn, open sores and armour ‘picked out’ with “Citadel” Abaddon Black. These areas were subsequently painted using either "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand, Heavy Red or Gunmetal Grey, and washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and Nuln Oil as appropriate.

 Plaguebearer WIPs - These lesser daemons require a few more washes and their pimples 'picked out'

In addition, in order to try and encapsulate the warrior's Virulent Discharge ability, which can cause any non-Nurgle units within 3 inches to suffer D3 mortal wounds on the roll of a 6, I dabbed a combination of “Citadel” Thrakka Green, Agrax Earthshade and Carroburg Crimson over the Blighted Weapon-carrying mortal's flesh. As a last touch all of the Blightlord’s zits were ‘pimped out’ with “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre and treated to a coat of “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade.

As I want all my Putrid Blightkings to really stand out on the battlefield, I used both "Vallejo" Brass and the "Citadel" Technical paint Nihilakh Oxide on this figure's hand-weapons. These areas were then dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Brass to help blend in the blades' patina.

Tetrap WIPs - These Seventh Doctor monsters have been primed, washed and dry-brushed

With the beginnings of another unit for my Host of Nurgle in the making, I have also been beavering away on the final four miniatures needed to bring my "Age Of Sigmar" Tallyband's Plaguebearer unit up to twenty models strong. I still have some way to go on these remaining lesser daemons, but hope to have their red gore and pimples finished over the next few days.

In order to help break up the potential monotony of so much gore, grunge and acne, I have simultaneously been basing and priming the first three of six Tetraps from "Warlord Games". These impressively large metal "minions of the renegade Time Lady, The Rani" are from the company's "Into The Time Vortex" miniatures range, and first appeared in the 1987 "Doctor Who" BBC Television story "Time and the Rani".