(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Modiphius Entertainment" July 2026

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" dominated my miniatures for June 2026

With both a successful "Forgotten Heroes" event and random drawer challenge under my belt from last month, I thought I'd roll a D12 to see which plastic drawer I'd select a handful of miniatures from for July, and rather surprisingly discovered I'd be painting more of my 32mm scale resin cast Star Trek Adventures Tabletop RPG figures produced by "Modiphius Entertainment". This selection actually comes at a rather opportune time as I was planning to use the miniatures I'd previously pigmented for some games of "Lost Patrol" by "Games Workshop", and only recently realised I was the odd sculpt short of what I needed to field a legitimate landing party.

In addition, having got the enigmatic 'Q' tabletop ready in the past, I thought I should also focus on getting some of the next generation of Federation officers completed as well - quite possibly with the notion of pitting Captain Kirk's crew against that of Jean-Luc Picard's at some future point. Such a move might also make it far easier (and quicker) to get the figures finished as most appear to be wearing the predominantly black colour scheme seen during the Star Trek: The Next Generation movies.

"Death X Tiles" WIPs - Three of nine tiles earmarked for a science fiction boarding zone

Furthermore, for the next three months I thought I'd contribute to Dave Stone's Season of Scenery over on his "Wargames Terrain Workshop" blog by polishing off some of the backlog of terrain pieces I have been religiously producing in "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer. For this opening month I felt I should try to see how much of the Starship Mini Set by "Death X Tiles" I could get done, seeing as I've finally settled upon a simple "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey palette for most of the pieces.

To begin with my aim is simply to get a boarding zone completed, which will consist of a 3x3 tile room with a single, open doorway. However, if I can manage to get this quite sizeable area completed within the space of four weeks or less, then I may well start to focus on one of the five much larger rooms I intend my science fiction figures to battle over in future fights. I also have a ton of "Trench Crusade" flavoured scenery by "Saucermen Studios" to crack on with, so may well take a break from the tiles with the odd barricade or bunker.

June 2026 - My Top Five Table has in reality become a rather surprising Top Eight contest

Last month's meagre output certainly saw some surprising congestion strike my most popular manufacturers, with my need to paint at least four models by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" helping them to top position - alongside "Wargames Foundry". On top of that my desire to finish off the squad of second-hand Wookie Warriors I rather impulsively purchased whilst in Poole helped the popularity of "Fantasy Flight Games" rival some of my more usual Top Five contenders.

Fortunately, I feel the next four or so weeks will help ease this bottleneck as I'm sure quite a few more miniatures by both "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and "Modiphius Entertainment" will be on the cards. What's more I'm really hoping to get going again on a few long paused projects which have simply been sat gathering dust on my hobby table for the best part of the year, such as my "Wargames Foundry" Napoleonics for "Black Powder" and some more "Trench Crusade" warriors by "Trench Stench"...

"Banderhobbs Were Enigmatic Monsters Of Shadow And Flesh..."

"...That seemingly hailed from the Shadowfell."

This 28mm scale PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride) Banderhobb is currently available from "Wizkids" as part of their "Dungeons & Dragons" Nolzur's Marvellous Miniatures range, and can be purchased unpainted as SKU: WZK72576. However, I actually bought mine from "Tritex Games" back in January 2020 when the figure was first released as an Uncommon, Large-sized pre-painted figure from the American company's "Icons of the Realms: Volo's And Mordenkainen's Foes" set.

"Known for capturing targets at random", the model was super-glued onto a 50mm circular base and primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Green. The 'humongous creature' was then drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and had the majority of its spots 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - These two Wookie Warriors are getting their details 'picked out'

The model's bulbous gullet was pigmented in "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. The somewhat emotionless monster's sharp teeth and claws were subsequently patiently picked out using a little White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and a dollop or three of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to help weather them down a bit.

As a final touch I initially painted the Banderhobb's large eyes with some additional Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats". However, despite this being in line with all the official pictures I found of the creature online, I didn't like it, so decided to go with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson instead. These orbs were later treated to some extra "Vallejo" Heavy Red around the miniature's pupils to try and highlight them up a bit.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This Giant Bat has been primed and base-coated

With this somewhat late entry for the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog finally finished, I have been busy beavering away on the last two Wookie Warriors I recently purchased whilst visiting Poole. Produced by "Fantasy Flight Games" and now apparently Out Of Production (OOP), these fur-covered figures have definitely rekindled something of an interest in "Star Wars: Legion" in me. So I may well see if I can't add a few more of the range's models to my painting queue in the near future.

Lastly, I've begun working on some miniatures for my third monthly randomly-selected drawer-based challenge - which contains, amongst other models, plenty of sculpts sold by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Resultantly, and with a mind half on "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games", I thought I'd work on their multi-piece 100mm tall resin cast Giant Bat...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - Forgotten Heroes June 2026

A trio of "Titan Forge" Death Dogs were completed for "Monster (Mayhem)"

Having at least managed a far better May than I have during the past couple of years, thanks largely to my participation in Angry Piper's "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on his "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, I thought I'd dedicate some of this month's hobby time to visiting "Carrion Crow's Buffet" and helping Jez celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of "Forgotten Heroes" event. This is an annual affair I really enjoyed being involved in during its formative days, and resulted in the creation of many of my Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. predominantly using various "Wizkids" plastic pieces from their numerous "Heroclix" lines. 

In recent years though, I've not been quite so inspired to cobble a figure together using bits and pieces from various manufacturers due to what I want being available as STL (Standard Triangle Language) files, and so my interest (as well as my participation) has disappointingly waned. This time however, I thought I should go back to its roots, hack up a metal figure or two, and pin an ensemble together.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - This 'Rick Sanchez' has been kit-bashed from a couple of figures

Fortunately, I already had just the very model in my collection, having chopped up the body of a Investigative Academic by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", stuck the company's Crackpot Inventor head on its shoulders, and added a Robo-Minion weapon accessory to use as a portal gun. This gave me a rather agreeable looking Rick Sanchez from the animated science fiction comedy franchise "Rick And Morty", and a solid start for "Forgotten Heroes" too.

Furthermore, I also thought I'd do a third drawer challenge for this month, even though I still had plenty to do on the "Citadel Miniatures" blister Don Uggie And His Ape Gang from May. Somewhat coincidentally, my random roll picked a drawer absolutely packed full of more of Karl Perrotton's figures, so I'm reasonably confident I should be able to both complete the gangsters I didn't finish last time, as well as polish off a fair few more miniatures from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" as well.

May 2026 - "Modiphius Entertainment" finally enters the Top Five

The past four weeks certainly saw an odd mix of subjects being pigmented, with a couple of blasts from the past being treated to a lick of my brush simply because they brought back some nostalgic memories. Of particular note for this were the two Wookie Warriors by "Fantasy Flight Games" I got tabletop ready having purchased them on the spur of the moment second-hand. Now admittedly I don't have any current plans to play "Star Wars: Legion" any time soon. But I may well polish off the two remaining fur-covered rebels in the near future simply for completion's sake.

Indeed, this month may well see me 'finish off' a number of models I've been toying with over the past few weeks rather than plonk them away on a drawer for another day. Along with Don Uggie's minions and the aforementioned Wookies I have also got a rather sizeable Banderhobb by "Wizkids" to put the last touches too - something I'm especially keen to do so that the monster can participate in some of the games of "The Silver Bayonet" I have planned for the coming months...

"Death Dog Saliva Carries A Foul Disease..."

"...That causes a victim’s flesh to slowly rot off the bone."

This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was printed as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the manufacturer's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service. Forming part of their Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the "neutral evil" creature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and has rather embarrassingly been gathering dust on one of my hobby shelves for over a year.

Permanently attached to a plastic 40mm circular stand, the sculpt was treated to a lick of "Vallejo" Grey Primer, before being coated in "Two Thin Coats" Berzerker Red and washed with lots of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As I couldn't really make out where its claws were, the hound's four paws were simply picked out with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then had its lower legs dry-brushed with more of the colour so as to better blend them in with the rest of the model.

"A Wookiee warrior without a ryyk blade is a webweaver without fangs."

In addition, I applied a little smidgeon of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to the two-headed monster's tongues, some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to its numerous teeth, and a spot of pure "Skulker Yellow" by "Two Thin Coats" to its four eyes. Finally, I gave the miniature's noses a healthy dollop of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Alongside the last of my Death Dogs, at least for now, I have also completed a second Wookie by "Fantasy Flight Games". Standing 47mm tall and made of hard plastic, the figure comes from the company's "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" and was picked up both second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole.

"Death X Tiles" WIPs - This piece is being base layered to try out a number of paint schemes

The figure model was initially undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. His ammunition pouches were subsequently treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst the rebel's two ryyk blade and parts of his ammunition belts were given a dose of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadle" Nuln Oil.

Finally, I've base-layered a piece of science fiction scenery by "Death X Tiles" from their fairly recent Starship Mini Set. Created using some "Bambu Lab" PLA (Polylactic Acid) on my A1 Mini 3D Printer, the entranceway has been given a lick of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, "Gunmetal Blue" and "Gunmetal" to see if I like any of the colours - or a mix of the colours. I plan to pigment quite a sizeable layout using the tiles over the next few months and what a palette that is fairly easy and quick to complete, as well as something which won't overshadow my miniatures.

"Go, I Will. Good Relations With The Wookiees, I Have."

 "Wookiees stand out in a crowd."

This 47mm tall hard plastic miniature of a Wookie used to be produced by “Fantasy Flight Games” and can be found inside the company's four-figure strong "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion". Bought second-hand and pre-assembled from the Retrocave Gaming Café in Poole, I actually painted the exact same sculpt some seven years ago. But thought it might be a good move to double the number of "People of the Trees" I could field.

As with my previously pigmented miniatures, the figure was originally undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted this Wookie to somewhat stand out from the other squad I only dry-brushed him with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna (to make his fur appear a bit darker), and used the somewhat lighter Heavy Brown on his two ammunition pouches. These areas were then shaded with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - Three more Wookie Warriors currently on my painting table

Having decided to simply pigment the relevant areas of his bandoleer in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, I also used this metallic acrylic paint to 'pick out' his bowcaster too. These parts were then all washed with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, I dabbed the Rebel's nose and eye sockets with a smidgeon of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I have continued to plod along with the other three remaining Wookie Warriors from this boxed set - using similar palettes. In particular, I have been busy playing 'catch-up' with the group's impressively posed Leader, which had largely sat untouched in my basing tin whilst I completed my 'test model' for the squad.

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Banderhobb just needs his spots and boils to be 'picked out'

In addition though, I've also managed to get much further on the reasonably large Banderhobb model by "Wizkids" I have been working on for over six years. This frightful "giant bipedal toad" will be another of my entries in the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, and may well prove an interesting alternative model for a Troll when it comes to my future games of "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Publishing".

To be honest the biggest issue I've always suffered when facing this creature is how I'm going to patiently dollop all of its numerous skin boils. But having now got to the stage where I've needed to tackle this, I have realised that a lot of the lumps and bumps can simply be left green, and I only really need to add some extra colour to the most obvious of spots rather than all of them - this very much being a case of less is more...

"I Only Got One T'ing To Say To You, Dredd."

 "Nuts!"

This 28mm scale white metal model of Don Uggie Apelino was produced by “Citadel Miniatures” way back in 1985, and came as part of the three-figure blister JD 15 Don Uggie Apelino & The Ape Gang. Based upon the comic book character who first appeared inside Prog 39 of "2000 A.D.", the miniature for the "genetically modified ape who became a gangster" formed part of the company's classic "Judge Dredd" range.

The forty plus year old sculpt was initially primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Green and had it's spats and cuffs picked out using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and some heavily watered down "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I then applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the head of the East Side Mega-Mafia's shoes, before shading his jacket and trousers with plenty of Nuln Oil. These articles of clothing were subsequently carefully dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green to try and bring out the pin-stripe effect which had clearly been patiently etched into the majority of the suit.

"They stank of death, and this stench lingered wherever they had been."

I next began 'chipping away' at all the little details on the model, using "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson for the ape's flower, and Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats" with a little "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade for his banana. Don Uggie's flesh was simply base layered in "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, washed with lots of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and later highlighted with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, I applied some "Vallejo" Neutral Grey to the criminal's Fedora, sploshed it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Neutral Grey. I also gave the figure's pistol a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and doused the hand-weapon with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil to significantly darken it down.

In addition to the first of hopefully four or five old school "Citadel Miniatures" I plan to pigment this month, I have successfully completed another entry into the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog. This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was downloaded as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service.

"Fantasy Flight Games" WIPs - All the well-sculpted fur on these Wookies has been finished

Found as part of the company's Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the Neutral Evil beast was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and was super-glued onto a plastic 40mm circular stand. It was then predominantly painted using Berzerker Red by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. However, I did pick its paws out with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and then continued to dry-brush this colour further up the animal's four legs to better blend it in with the Death Dog's fur.

Somewhat incredibly, despite all this work I've also managed to make a bit more progress on a quartet of models I recently swooped upon at Retrocave in Poole second-hand. The figures all come from the old "Wookie Warriors" Expansion Box for "Star Wars: Legion" by “Fantasy Flight Games”, and were already assembled ready to paint - So I thought it'd be rude not to plonk them straight onto my hobby table...

"A Death Dog Is An Ugly Two-Headed Hound..."

"...That roams plains, and deserts."

This 32mm scale Death Dog is produced by "Titan Forge Miniatures" and was downloaded as part of their four-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's February 2023 "My Mini Factory" subscription service. Forming part of their Mortal Enemies Set 35 for "Dungeons & Dragons", the "Medium Monstrosity" was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, and has rather embarrassingly been gathering dust on one of my hobby shelves for over a year.

Super-glued onto a plastic 40mm circular stand, the figure was treated to a coat of "Vallejo" Grey Primer, before being base layered with Berzerker Red by "Two Thin Coats". It was then shaded using plenty of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and had its paws picked out with Abaddon Black. To be honest this was largely due to my difficulty in seeing just where its claws where on the model - and my increasing doubt that I could reach such tiny details with a brush-tip loaded with "Two Thin Coats" White Star with any sort of accuracy whatsoever.

"Titan Forge Miniatures" WIPs - The two remaining Death Dogs

To try to blend in this 'botch job' with the rest of the model I dry-brushed all the lower legs with (more) "Citadel" Abaddon Black in exactly the same way I do for my horses, and this hopefully provided the effect of the "Neutral Evil" animal limb colour increasingly becoming a wine-like red as the beast's fur became more prominent. Having much later viewed the 'official' "Dungeons & Dragons" illustration of a Death Dog I realised I needn't have worried, as the fiend clearly has black claws anyway.

Finally, I applied a little combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson to the two-headed monster's tongues, some "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to its numerous teeth, and a spot of pure "Skulker Yellow" by "Two Thin Coats" to its four eyes. As a last touch I dabbed the miniature's noses with a healthy dollop of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Citadel Miniatures" WIPs - Don Uggie is having all this base layers applied

In addition to the first of my submissions for the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, I have perhaps unsurprisingly been busy working on the set's other two Death Dogs. These have taken me a little longer to progress on account of the animals been sculpted atop some rocky outcrops, but I should have them finished soon enough now I've settled upon a palette for them.

Furthermore, I've got a bit more done on my 1985 figure of Don Uggie by "Citadel Miniatures". I must admit that the amount of detail on the model, as well as the rest of his Ape Gang, has rather caught me off-guard. As a result I have decided to tackle them one by one rather than as a group, and therefore managed to work out what all the tiny areas on the Judge Dredd foe's pin-stripe suit are - e.g. buttons, flower, tie, and trademark banana...

"Andorians, Yes."

"I've been reading about them in the Vulcan database."

This 32mm scale resin model of an Andorian Male was bought as part of the Star Trek Adventures: The Original Series Landing Party Miniatures Set by "Modiphius Entertainment" and is sadly no longer available as a physical figure. However, the sculpt can still be purchased from the company as either an individual STL (Standard Triangle Language) file, or as part of their Star Trek Adventures - Print At Home - TOS Landing Party Set.

The lower half of the "militaristic, blue-skinned" Ensign was originally primed using some "Citadel" Abaddon Black. However, the Base Colour simply wouldn't stick to the miniature for some bizarre reason - even after a few coats, so in the end the model was treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, which proved much more 'adhesive'. Only then did I pick out the alien's boots and trousers in (more) "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Citadel Miniatures" WIPs - Joe Bananas, Don Uggie Apelino and Fast Eeek

The Federation's famous chest insignia was carefully pigmented using some "Vallejo" Gold and a smidgeon of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Whilst the Andorian's Type-2 hand phaser was given a lick of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and subsequently shaded with a splash of "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final touch I gave the model's flesh a coat of "Vallejo" Deep Sky Blue and shaded it down with "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

To be honest this turned out a little darker than I had envisaged so I highlighted the facial details and fingers with (more) "Vallejo" Deep Sky Blue. I also applied some "Two Thin Coats" White Star to the figure's hair, and subsequently darkened it down with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I did consider dry-brushing this area with a tad more White Star by "Two Thin Coats". But in the end thought it looked good as it was.

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Banderhobb has essentially been repainted from scratch after six years

Having completed an extra model from last month's randomly rolled challenge, I thought I'd better get cracking on the motley crew I've based for May. I've actually got five of these classic "Citadel Miniatures" from 1985 on my painting table, and decided to undercoat Don Uggie & The Ape Gang all at the same time. I did look at some of their colour schemes from within the pages of the science fiction anthology comic book "2000 A.D." too. However, as the apes' suits seemed to change depending on the colourist, I decided to simply go with some schemes which I thought would help make them stand out on my "Judge Dredd" tabletop.

Furthermore, as I'm taking part in the "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, I thought I'd better get cracking on an old Banderhobb I've had sat partially-painted in my hobby area for the past six years. As memory serves I gave up on this particular "large, Neutral Evil monstrosity" by "Wizkids" because I was struggling with doing his belly right, so this time round I have simplified what I what to do with the miniature and plan to focus on giving him lots of boils...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - Monster May(hem) 2026

"Modiphius Entertainment" surprisingly made a big return throughout April 2026

Despite managing to complete my personal randomly drawn drawer challenge last month, my overall output was still a bit lower than what I had both expected or hoped. As a result I thought I'd accept Angry Piper's invitation to join his annual "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on the "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, and finally finish a few of the larger models I have had just sat on one side away from my painting area for the past few years.

In addition, I thought I'd do a second drawer challenge, and this time initially appeared to be knee deep in old "Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Block War" models from the rather controversial 2012 "Mongoose Publishing" Kickstarter - fourteen years has still not calmed my fury over this campaign. However, I also spied a plastic bag containing the classic 28mm metal figures Don Uggie Apelino and his Ape Gang by "Citadel Miniatures".

"Step into a cataclysmic struggle that will decide the fate of humanity’s soul…"

Admittedly these particular "rare, vintage" sculpts date back even further in time than my aforementioned collection of Matthew Sprange miniatures, all the way back to 1985 when Bryan Ansell's company released them in a blister as part of their "2000 A.D." Judge Dredd range . However not only should the set still fit in size-wise with my current painted Judge Dredd collection, but I seem to somehow own three copies of Fast Eeek. So 'he' will provide Don Uggie with some much needed multiple minions, along with the larger 'muscle' of Joe Bananas.

Furthermore, I have completed a third 32mm scale Bomb Coffin by "Trench Stench". As with the first couple of Sarcophagus Mines I recently completed, this model was downloaded for free as part of their three-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's "Patreon" subscription service; albeit having read the "Warbands of Trench Crusade" rulebook a force of Heretic Troopers is limited to only two such 'upgrades'.

April 2026 - No change at the top after a rather lack-lustre month's productivity

Forming part of their Ghosts of the Nomansland range for the "tabletop skirmish wargame that pits the forces of Mankind against the fiends of Hell", and produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer, the miniature was predominantly pigmented using "Vallejo" Bronze and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade over a "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna undercoat. Although I did I use White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green for the sculpt's spooky spectral flames.

Whilst the last four weeks wasn't the worst April I've recorded, it wasn't anywhere near as productive as I thought I was going to be, so I'm hoping that a plethora of big, scary monsters will help shake off this 'hobby funk' and see me rattle off a fair few miniatures. In particular I want to get at least another tiny unit of Napoleonic French by "Wargames Foundry" completed, as well as successfully make a start on the American Civil War models by "Perry Miniatures" I managed to assemble and prime last month. Plus, there's a big collection of unpainted scenery pieces currently loitering my hobby desk which need polishing off before they can be used for some actual games...

"Displacer Beasts Used Their Innate Magic To Bend Light..."

"...Making them appear to be between one foot to three feet from their actual positions."

This 28mm scale PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride) Displacer Beast is produced by "Wizkids" as part of their "Dungeons & Dragons" Nolzur's Marvellous Miniatures range, and can be purchased unpainted as SKU: WZK72576. Based upon the large cat-like creature found inside the very first edition of the Monster Manual, I believe I bought this model on a whim having seen (and rather enjoyed) Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley's 2023 fantasy film "Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves".

Occasionally described as a panther with six legs and a pair of tentacles sprouting from its shoulders, the miniature was super-glued onto a 50mm circular base and primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The entire carnivorous creature was then repeatedly dry-brushed (and later simply brushed in some areas) with "Vallejo" Imperial Blue, before being soaked in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"There is no beating these troops, in spite of their generals."

I next 'picked out' the Displacer Beast's fangs with some dabs of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and subsequently followed this up by applying a little "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey to the inside of the big cat's ears, as well as some "Skulker Yellow" by "Two Thin Coats" onto his pupils. These areas were later shaded using "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and Reikland Fleshshade as appropriate.

Finally, I gave the monster's sharp, thorny pads a lick of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and darkened the tiny spikes down with some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. However, as I wanted to show off the tentacle barbs - which are apparently deadly "enough to punch through pure steel armour, I gave them a rough dry-brush of (more) White Star by "Two Thin Coats" to help highlight their piercing points.

"Impossible n'est pas français"

Alongside my latest addition to my "Dungeons & Dragons" menagerie I have (finally) completed the two 28mm scale metal models manufactured by “Wargames Foundry" that I needed to field a tiny unit of Napoleonic skirmishers for my games of "Black Powder". The pair can be purchased as part of their FN103 - Grenadiers Or Voltigeurs In Greatcoat Marching set and having been undercoated "Citadel" Abaddon Black, were largely pigmented using "Two Thin Coats" White Star, some heavily-watered down "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, plenty of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey and a load of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Created in 1804 by Emperor Napoleon", the soldiers' water bottles and straps were picked out in "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, whilst the Frenchmen's epaulettes, lower plumes and sword ribbons were dabbed with a little Ethereal Green by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. Lastly, I gave the duo's topmost pom-poms some "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow and shaded them with a dash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

Heretic Troopers..."

"...Can be encased in suits of thick armour that have been filled with explosives."

This 32mm scale Bomb Coffin is produced by "Trench Stench" and was downloaded for free as part of their three-figure set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from the company's "Patreon" subscription service. Forming part of their Ghosts of the Nomansland range for "Trench Crusade", the Sarcophagus Mine was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on my Mars 5 3D Printer.

Super-glued onto a plastic 30mm circular stand, the figure was primed in "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, base-coated with Bronze, and shaded using some "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. It was then lightly dry-brushed with a little (more) "Vallejo" Bronze, before I set about 'picking out' all of the various flames rising up around the casket's base using some White Star by "Two Thin Coats".

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Displacer Beast has been primed, and had its based worked on

To be honest I did initially consider pigmenting this area just using "Vallejo" Neutral Grey and some "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as I thought they were supposed to be the trails of smoke pouring out of the coffin's bottom as its internal fuse sparked away. However, having done some research I felt that the fire was probably more likely to be some sort of unholy, spectral energy which was helping to lift the deadly sarcophagus across the battlefield towards its enemies. As a resultant, I simply washed the flames with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, and carefully caught its edges with a smidgeon (more) "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

With the first of my Trench Crusade force completed, I have been busy working on another model I pulled out of the plastic drawer I recently randomly chose for this month's main painting project. Unlike the other figures I selected though, this particular sculpt was from "Wizkids" Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures range for "Dungeons & Dragons", and would make a welcome addition to my ever-growing wandering monster menagerie.

"Perry Miniatures" WIPs - These four Confederate soldiers have had their shoes blocked in

For now I've only managed to permanently plonk the Displacer Beast upon a "Games Workshop" 50mm round base, prime the "monstrous predator" with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and finish dry-brushing the large rock its standing upon. But I should be able to get the "Lawful evil" creature completed reasonably quickly whilst working on some of my more time-consuming models during the next couple of weeks.

Lastly, I have managed to get the 'groundwork' completed on the first four Confederate soldiers I have assembled from my recently acquired the American Civil War - Battle in a Box starter set by "Perry Miniatures". My plan is slowly 'pick away' at this quartet area by area over the coming month whenever the opportunity arises, and, much like my ongoing Napoleonic project using "Wargames Foundry", get five to six Tiny (four-figure strong) units completed for each side before settling down to some basic battles of "Black Powder"...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - Monster May(hem) 2025

"In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the term monster refers to a variety of creatures."

Having taken a few weeks sabbatical from my hobby table, I thought I would step back into my painting and wargaming 'guns a blazing', and take up Angry Piper's invitation to join his annual "Monster May(hem)" monthly challenge over on the "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog. Resultantly, I have dusted down a few intimidatingly large models which have been unceremoniously side-lined over the years, as well as selected a few (semi-new) miniatures I may well assemble/paint alongside them.

In addition, I fully intend to crack on with a number of partially-pigmented Napoleonic figures I was toying with just last month. Indeed, whilst I aim to get a few "big and mean" monsters completed for the aforementioned non-competitive contest, my main aim over the next four or so weeks is to at least get a couple more (tiny) units tabletop ready for my "Black Powder" Coalition forces. This should then encourage me to work on a similar number of the Emperor Bonaparte's soldiers throughout June (and maybe July too).

"Terrorist! Kill him!"

Speaking of long-running projects, I have completed another 28mm metal figure by "Athena Miniatures" from their Apocalypse Survivors range. This particular sculpt is from the company's AS12 Russian NBC four-figure set, and is the eleventh such soldier I've got tabletop ready since first encountering the Swindon-based manufacturer at "Warfare" 2024. 

As with all the other Soviet Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence troopers, the model was initially undercoated using a couple of layers of “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, and shaded in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The 'invader' was then dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII so as to bring out all the folds/creases in his rubber suit, and subsequently had his buttons/rifle butt 'picked out' with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

April 2025 - A less than productive time has caused little change in my favourite manufacturers

Despite a fairly encouraging start last month, my productivity completely dried up by the end of April, leaving me with a semi-successful output when compared to what I usually achieve annually at this time of the year. However, I did finish enough Moscow Militiamen by "Wargames Foundry" for a four-man unit, and 'chewed' through a fair few 10mm Xenomorphs by "Pendraken Miniatures".

This dalliance with the smaller scales probably won't stop any time soon either, as I'm really enjoying the simplicity of such figures when compared to the complexity of Napoleonic uniforms. Together, I think they make a good combination to help me push through some time-consuming paint-jobs, and should also help me maintain my enthusiasm whilst tackling the "big jobs" I have planned for "Monster May(hem)" too...  

"Pity? I Have No Understanding Of The Word."

"It is not registered in my vocabulary bank. Exterminate!"

This 28mm metal, multi-part model of a Kaled Mark Three travel machine is manufactured by "Black Tree Design", and can be bought either individually as DW303 - Dalek, or as part of their DW1001 - Dalek Patrol Plus Heavy Weapons Dalek set, from their "Doctor Who" miniatures range. Created by Terry Nation, and brilliantly designed by Raymond Cusick, this sculpt is clearly based upon the Time Lord's most feared enemies - who first appeared in the 1963 six-part storyline now known as "The Daleks".

Probably assembled using a little super-glue some twenty plus years ago, this particular figure has always proved a remarkably off-putting figure to tackle on account of all the fiddly sensor globes I'd need to pick out with my brush-tip. This 'intimidation factor' was largely due to my plan to pigment the Dalek in its original colour scheme of silver with light blue bumps, and it wasn't until I recently decided to swap that palette out for the much more painter-friendly one seen in "Genesis Of The Daleks", that I finally decided to get the classic monster tabletop ready.

"Titan Forge" WIPs - This Death Knight's armour has been base-layered and shaded

I therefore treated the model to a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Sombre Grey, and began the odious task of encircling all its sensor globes with some thinned-down "Citadel" Abaddon Black. Once this process was completed, I then drenched the entire miniature in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and gave its upper half a careful drybrush with (more) "Vallejo" Sombre Grey.

With the 'basics' finished I moved on to 'picking out' some of the Dalek's much smaller details, using a photograph of the Masterpiece Collection Maxi Bust Genesis Dalek by "Forbidden Planet" as a guide. I therefore applied some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil to the machine's manipulator arm, dry-brushed it with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal, and plonked the infamous sink-plunger with some "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Titan Forge" WIPs - These two Death Dogs have been 3D printed, based and primed

I also gave its deadly gun-stick a layer of "Vallejo" Bronze, shaded it with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and dry-brushed the "standard personal Dalek weapon" using a little (more) "Vallejo" Bronze." Finally, I coated the creature's five-disc eyestalk in "Two Thin Coats" Celestial Blue and a splodge of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade. Whilst its two low profile comm lights (on the dome) were simply spotted with "Vallejo" White, darkened in heavily watered down Carcharodon Grey by "Two Thin Coats", and re-dotted with a tad more "Vallejo" White.

Alongside my first "Black Tree Design" Dalek in more than two decades, I have also been working on a Death Knight and his three Death Dogs by "Titan Forge Miniatures". These four models for "Dungeons & Dragons" were created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 5 3D Printer, and are the start of a fantasy skirmish project I have planned to potter away at for the rest of 2025. For now though, I simply wanted to get the mighty undead warrior and his hounds undercoated, ready for some base layering...

"Wollipeds Are Large, Docile Herd Animals..."

"...Found in the snowy foothills of large mountains."

This 28mm scale plastic model of a Wolliped is produced by "Wizkids" and can be found as Product Code DDMTROW31 from their Pathfinder Miniatures Reign of Winter range. The eight legged animal was bought as part of an order from "Tritex Games" way back in February 2020, and has sat on my painting area untouched since I initially gave it a cursory lick of paint in May last year.

Known for growing "thick, warm fleece as protection against the elements", the figure was cut from its thin-lipped stand and super-glued onto a "Citadel" 50mm circular base instead. It's pre-paint job was then covered over with a few lashings of "Vallejo" White, before I shaded the entire creature using some heavily watered-down Carcharodon Grey by “Two Thin Coats”. As a final touch, the brute was heavily dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" White.

"Lost Heresy Miniatures" WIPs - These three Vulgorn Guards are almost finished

Having finished the majority of the model, I subsequently went in with a much finer brush to 'pick out' some of the Wolliped's details - such as using a combination of "Vallejo" German Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil on its incredibly hard to reach hooves, and face. I also applied some additional "Vallejo" White to the miniature's tusks and later 'weathered' these formidable pieces of ivory with a little "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Lastly, the figure's multiple eyes were all dotted with "Vallejo" Heavy Red and dabbed with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I was originally going to base the gentle, docile herd animal with snow as seems entirely fitting for something which requires "sure footing even in icy terrain." Indeed, I'm pretty sure I might have purchased the figure to be used in "Frostgrave" by "Osprey Games". However, I also felt that this might make the creature become lost to the eye, so promptly surrounded it with green flock so as to help my paintjob stand out all the more.

"Athena Miniatures" WIPs - Four of the eight British NBC troopers planned for my unit

Alongside my arctic beast I have been working on three more slightly upscaled 28mm Vulgorn Guards by "Lost Heresy Miniatures". This trio were created using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin back when I had a problem with the FEP on my Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, so there's a fair few printing flaws on them - one of which even required some sculpting with Green Stuff to fix. Happily though, I still think they're all good enough to sit on the tabletop once fully pigmented, with many of their faults obscured by their predominantly dark palette.

I've also got a little bit more work done on the British NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) models I recently acquired from "Athena Miniatures". All eight of the troopers' boots and bases are now completed, so I'll simply need to 'pick out' their L98 A2 rifles and gas masks, before tackling their camouflaged ammunition pouches.

"Groot Was One Of The Thor Corps Members..."

"...Dispatched to the Kingdom of Manhattan."

This 28mm scale pre-painted plastic model of Groot Thor was produced by “Wizkids” and is miniature number 051 from their Marvel “Heroclix” The Mighty Thor range. This hammer-wielding incarnation of the “sentient tree-like creature” was created by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley for the May 2015 issue of "Ultimate End" by "Marvel Comics".

Unceremoniously chopped from the "super rare" figure's 'clicky' base and super-glued upon a plastic 50mm circular base, the Flora colossus was treated to a double-coat of “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats” Cuirass Leather and shaded in Battle Mud Wash. He was then heavily dry-brushed with (more) Cuirass Leather, before having his intricate branch detail further highlighted with a light dusting of Ancient Forest.

"Wizkids" WIPs - This Wolliped has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

I next 'picked out' the 59mm tall model's eye slits with a smidgeon of Skulker Yellow and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade (over a White Star basecoat), before working my way through a progression of Wyvern Green, Necrosis Green Wash, (more) Wyvern Green, Emerald Green and Ethereal Green over Groot Thor's leafy cape. Finally, the character from Doctor Doom's Battleworld had his hammer's head pigmented with "Vallejo" Gunmetal" and Oblivion Black Wash. Whilst the hand-weapon's shaft and wrist-strap were layered in Dust Bowl, Ancient Forest and a dash of Battle Mud Wash.

With the first of my entries for Angry Piper's annual Monster Mayhem Challenge completed, I have begun working on a second submission which probably better suits the event's distinctive "Dungeons & Dragons" theme. I originally dug out this Wolliped from my backlog of pre-painted "Pathfinder Battles" miniatures for the recently finished Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. But never got any further than re-basing the quirky-looking "Reign of Winter" model by "Wizkids".

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Three Sons of Horus Space Marines slowly having their details 'picked out'

This time round though I've been using the large, eight-legged animal as a test-piece for a heavily watered-down solution of Carcharodon Grey by “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats” which I intend to regularly utilise as a replacement for the awful "Vallejo" Pale Grey wash. My first thoughts on this substitution are highly favourable, and the only reason the "gentle creature" hasn't already been finished is the fiendish difficulty I'm facing getting my brush-tip between its numerous limbs.   

Lastly, I have found the time to pay some 'passing attention' to my ongoing "The Horus Heresy" project and applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna basecoats to three 28mm plastic Space Marines by "Games Workshop". These areas of MK VI armour are now ready for some "Vallejo" Gold, and should help make each member of my second ten-man "Sons Of Horus" tactical squad really stand out on the tabletop...

"An Eyeless Eidolon Awakened By Thieves."

"A few glorifying statues of the duke with faint remnants of power existed deep in ancient dungeons."

This 28mm scale plastic model of an Eidolon Possessed Sacred Statue is produced by "Wizkids" and can be found as Code RPG-WZK90167 from their Nolzur's Marvellous Miniatures range. The 70mm tall figure is clearly based upon the statue of Moloch which appears on the cover for the "Dungeons & Dragons" (First Edition) Player's Handbook, and even depicts the iconic monster missing one of his jewelled eyes. 

Having based the animated guardian onto a "Games Workshop" 50mm circular stand, the entire figure was treated to a double-helping of "Vallejo" Earth, followed by a positive drenching in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. It was then dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Earth and given a lighter dusting of Heavy Sienna to help bring out the sculpt's excellent details.

"Encounter Terrain" WIPs - Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolfman and the Seventh Doctor

I did consider applying some red to the effigy as seen in the June 1978 illustration. But as this colour was caused by a close by fire (which sadly wasn't part of this plastic piece), I decided against such a palette. Instead, I simply used a combination of "Scalecolor" Speed Metal and "Citadel" Contrast colour Flesh Tearers Red for the statue's sole remaining eye.

With my latest Gary Gygax inspired acquisition finished, I have spent some more time progressing a trio of 40mm resin sculpts by Nikola Stankovic I had 3D printed by "Encounter Terrain". The two horror film-based figures are being painted for this month's Zomtober Challenge, whilst I'm planning on using the Seventh Doctor's miniature as a Captain for the "Space Station Zero" rules by "Snarling Badger Studios".

Abe Sapien is unable to save Hellboy from a fiery fate, and is soon overwhelmed by Frog Minions himself

Rather embarrassingly, I have also finally managed to play some "Hellboy: The Board Game" by "Mantic Games" after the Kickstarter exclusive edition has sat untouched on one of my shelves for three and a half years. I had actually hoped to enjoy more of the "fully cooperative experience for one to four players", but ending up spending a good hour or so beforehand looking for some non-existent cardboard Investigation (Clue) Tokens - which were apparently replaced with plastic 3D models for my box during the fund-raising campaign. Doh!

Sadly, the opening scenario proved equally as unsuccessful despite Hellboy and Abe Sapien initially starting out well enough, courtesy of Anung Un Rama's formidably-sized pistol and his companion's deadly harpoon. However, we only managed to move into a single room before a sudden firestorm, followed by a Frog Monster ambush knocked both of our B.P.R.D. Field Agents unconscious. The rule-book suggests that this might not be the end of the game, and perhaps simply initiates the Boss fight much earlier than we'd have liked. But as it wasn't clear if this was the case or not, we called it quits there...