"They Outnumber Us Ten To One!"

"We can't stop them!"

These two 28mm metal single-cast figures are produced by "Athena Miniatures" as part of their Apocalypse Survivors range, and are part of the eight-man squad found inside the Swindon-based company's AS11 British NBC set. Purchased as part of a much larger impulse buy whilst I was wandering around the stalls at "Warfare" 2024, these miniatures are based upon the disconcerting notion of Russia suddenly invading the United Kingdom following some great calamity - whether that be a nuclear strike, zombie incursion or some deadly extra-terrestrial attack.

Both models were undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, and drenched in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I then layered the soldiers' boots, gloves, gas masks and firearms with "Citadel" Abaddon Black. Lastly, the troopers' L98 A2 rifles and lenses were treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I did consider adding a little "Vallejo" Heavy Grey to parts of their semi-automatic weapons, as seen in the official photographs I was using for a colour guide. However, I felt this would just make them 'disappear' amidst the NBC suit, so decided to leave well enough alone. 

"Games Workshop" WIPs - This Primaris Space Marine has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

I did however want to mark them out from their Soviet opponents, so took some inspiration from the pictures of the figures' ammunition pouches, and splodged these equipment bags with some round(ish) dollops of “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna. This basic camouflage pattern - which I unashamedly borrowed from my days painting 15mm German Panzergrenadiers for "Flames Of War" - was later splashed with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before each area was highlighted back up with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna.

In addition to my latest "Invasion! 1999" reinforcements, I have also started working on a 28mm plastic Primaris Space Marine I was very kindly sent for free by the "eBay" shop "ibstock_tackle". Now, to be brutally honest I have little interest in Warhammer 40K these days. But did fancy testing out a colour scheme for the Dark Angels Chapter which I could then later possibly apply to some of Lion El'Jonson's warriors from the Horus Heresy.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - Two members of the Moscow Militia

Admittedly, according to "Games Workshop" lore the Loyalists of that era were all dressed in black armour. However, I've had enough of painting miniatures "Citadel" Abaddon Black recently, and can't shake the mental image of the First Legion always being adorned in their (modern day) green hue. Resultantly, I wanted to see if I could come up with a palette I could use for both timelines, and felt this particular miniature would make the perfect pilot piece.

Finally, I've somehow found my enthusiasm for my Napoleonic project also gaining ground once again, so have dived into a couple more figures from the RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets blister by "Wargames Foundry". I'm currently hoping to get a quartet of these marvellous Alan Perry sculpts finished before the end of the month, and perhaps then move on to some (more) French opponents, or perhaps the start of an Austrian Jäger unit..?

“Warhammer World" Showcase 2023

"Browse the retail stores, including an extensive range of Forge World and Black Library."

Recently I had the opportunity to once again visit "the home of the Warhammer hobby" in Nottingham, having not been to Games Workshop's global headquarters and visitor centre since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, with the exception of the odd "Lord of the Rings" and "Horus Heresy" miniature, I haven't really found myself doing much with their model ranges, so was rather hoping that their 'free-to-view' displays, dioramas and exhibits would inspire me to dip my toe back into the worlds of Age of Sigmar and/or Warhammer 40,000.

The giant cuddly Nurgling and large posters found in the lobby

Disconcertingly, my first impression concerning the self-proclaimed "haven for collectors and gamers from across the globe" wasn't great as a massive early morning queue stood between me and the main doors. A couple of people around me were vocally moaning about having to wait in line, with some even complaining that those at the head of the queue were clearly having to pay in order to go in. This seemed incredibly odd, as no event had been advertised, and the website clearly stated that "the ultimate destination for Warhammer fans" didn't charge for entry.

The displays showcasing the Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar and Lord of the Rings systems

Having impatiently shuffled further forward it seemed clear that the hold up was due to a till being placed close to the entranceway, and those needing to pay for either an unknown event or perhaps entry into the Exhibition Centre, were blocking anyone else from getting past them. To make matters worse, the chap at the counter was having a right old natter with each customer instead of simply taking their money and moving them on. So in the end, a number of us simply pressed forward and eventually squeezed past the line requiring a ticket who were completely filling up the double doorway.

A smattering of the incredibly well-painted displays next to the Store

Happily however, once inside, the lobby was almost completely empty - apart from a large cuddly Nurgling, which seriously looked like a lot of fun to punch smack in the mush. Resultantly, I was able to take my time pouring over an astonishingly good diorama of a Kharadron Overlords sky-city , an incredible clash between the Ultramarines and Necrons, and the cataclysmic Battle of the Pelennor Fields, as well as enjoy the plethora of giant illustrations running the length of the adjoining stairway up to the store.

Some of the painted figures found on the incredibly enticing Warhammer 40K Starter Set table.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the day though, besides some of the truly outrageous pricing, was the lack of stock on show in the Warhammer World Store. I had fully expected to see "the full range of Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Warhammer 40,000 and Middle-earth models" on their shelves. But instead saw just a smattering of boxes for each game system which frustratingly resembled the stock displays you'll see at countless second-party stores on numerous high streets.

A handful of the insanely expensive Forge World models

Instead, a great deal of shop space had clearly been allocated to the company's "Leviathan" launch box, and the various Warhammer 40k 10th Edition starter sets. These different options to play Games Workshop's "complete revision of the game you know and love" seemed to be everywhere, and definitely produced an almost palpable pressure on any visitor to at least buy the "Getting Started With Warhammer 40000" magazine. Indeed, I spent a good portion of my time ogling at the game's Ultimate Starter Set, whose wonderfully-painted contents had been placed upon a tempting tabletop, and actually came incredibly close to buying one.

Some more of the marvellously pigmented miniatures in the store

Equally as encouraging to leap into the Warhammer hobby with both feet, were the floor's terrific cabinets absolutely packed full of beautifully pigmented miniatures. I seemed to stand for an eternity looking at all the various models, and strangely started to feel almost morally obliged to purchase at least a small box of figures in recognition of the mouth-watering sculpts on show. Luckily, the idea of paying the full recommended retail price (RRP) on anything to hand, including the Warhammer World exclusives, was enough to keep my wallet firmly in my pocket.

Even more of the marvellously pigmented miniatures in the store

Lastly, I strayed over to the Forge World Store, with the intention of picking up a trio of Ruinstorm Daemon Brutes to 'aid' my traitorous Sons Of Horus Space Marines. All of the "highly detailed resin" kits on show were truly jaw-dropping, especially the huge vehicles. But none were as impressive as some of the staggering prices being asked for these models. In particular, my daemons were a whopping thirty quid each, which coupled with Samus - Daemon Prince of the Ruinstorm, wouldn't see me receive much change from two hundred pounds. This meant that the only place in Warhammer World which would eventually see me part with any money would be Bugman's Bar...

"Germany’s Air Force And Navy Could Do Little To Resist Invasion."

"The defence of ‘Fortress Europe’ would therefore fall squarely onto the shoulders of the army."

These four plastic 15mm miniatures are sold by “Battlefront Miniatures” and can be found inside the company’s “Hit The Beach” starter set for “Flames Of War”. The figures consist of a non-commissioned officer (NCO), and three riflemen. Together they form the sixth and final base of MG34 and K98 Rifle teams I require for my second (maximum-strength) German Panzergrenadier Platoon.

As with all my other “FoW” German soldiers, the figures were initially super-glued onto wooden strips, before being primed in “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII, shaded using “Citadel” Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII. Their details were then ‘picked out’ predominantly using “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna, Gunmetal, Buff, German Camouflage Dark Green, Heavy Brown and a series of “Citadel” Shades.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - Three Cybermen and a Sardaukar trooper primed with "Citadel" Abaddon Black

In addition, the Panzergrenadiers' rifle tops, the NCO's submachine gun, and water flask stoppers were given a combination of “Vallejo” Gunmetal and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. Whilst the camouflaged helmet covering was treated to some “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna. The headwear was then washed with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before being highlighted back up with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Brown, of Luftwaffe Camouflage Green and Heavy Sienna.

Alongside my "Flames Of War" project I have also been busy 3D printing, basing and priming a large number of 28mm scale figures for the imminent Thirteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. This year I plan to achieve my annual goal of 500-points by simply pigmenting approximately one hundred models, and not become distracted/obsessed by the any of the event's side challenges, so resultantly I've chosen my miniatures with a bit more thought than in the past.

Some of the Warhammer display models for "Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game" and "Warhammer 40K

First and foremost this means that the majority of the sculpts will be pretty straightforward to get finished, predominantly just requiring a shade and subsequent dry-brush over their undercoat. I've also broken the next three months down into weekly targets, with a number of science fiction figures crafted by "Big Mr Tong" being front and centre first in order to see whether my goals are achievable.

In addition, I hope to clear a few half-started projects I still have left lying around my painting table, and recently sought some inspiration as to potential colour schemes by visiting the Warhammer store in Portsmouth. This trip was particularly valuable as it gave me some ideas as to possible palettes for a number of partially-painted Warg Riders I own. I want to field a party of these giant wolves as part of my Isengard Army for the Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game. Sticking with all things "Games Workshop" I was also impressed with some (dirty) white and red Warhammer 40k scenery I spotted - which got me thinking about the large number of such plastic kits I own that are still on their sprues...

“Slay Without Pity; Triumph Without Remorse.”

"You are the legions of Khorne, his favourite warriors."

This 28mm Bloodhunter is one of the plastic multi-part models which can be assembled using some of the sprue pieces found inside the “Games Workshop” Daemons Of Khorne “Start Collecting!” boxed set. Primarily assembled so as to provide my Blades of Khorne “Age Of Sigmar” warband to field two minimum-strength units of ten Bloodletters, this figure will also allow me to similarly split my chaos daemons in “Warhammer 40K”.

The miniature was initially given an undercoat of “Vallejo” Heavy Red before being copiously washed with "The Army painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The “Chosen of Khorne” was then dry-brushed with more “Vallejo” Heavy Red and had details such as its horn, hands, hooves, back spines and sword hilt base-coated with “Citadel” Abaddon Black.

Heretic Astartes WIPs - The World Eaters are slowly having their numerous details 'picked out'

As I have previously painted a version of this model with ‘pinkish’ horns, I decided to leave this particular Bloodhunter’s formidable-looking curved outgrowths black, and subsequently used more of the “Citadel” Base colour to gently blend the daemon's dark hands and trotters in with the Slaughter-kin's red limbs. In addition the unit leader’s Hellblade was undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna before being treated to at least two coats of Gold.

The great two-handed weapon, which can "cut effortlessly though any armour crafted by mortals", was later washed with "The Army painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Gold. Lastly I picked out the Warmonger of Khorne's "sharp, needle-like teeth" with “Vallejo” White and its "serpentine tongue" with Heavy Ochre. The blood-soaked beast’s "slavering jaws" were washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and its tongue, with Reikland Fleshshade.

"Toon Realms" WIPs - The two knights had been primed, washed and dry-brushed

Staying with the “Lord Of Skulls” I have slowly made some more progress on the Aspiring Champion I recently assembled to lead my squad of World Eater space marines for “Warhammer 40K”. This Heretic Astartes is a great example of how carried away I can sometimes get when super-gluing a miniature together from a plethora of pieces, without ever considering just how I am ever going to paint all the guns, icons and elaborately-detailed shoulder-pad whilst retaining my sanity.

Far more straightforward has been my pigmentation of some recently-arrived “Toon Realms” reinforcements from "Lucid Eye Publications". Whilst it would have been very tempting to just provide the knights with black straps, belts and sheaths, I ultimately felt their sculpts’ excellent detail deserved a more colourful palette, and therefore opted to apply some gold and brown to the two warriors’ armour and leatherwork…

"We Are Truth-Speakers, We Men Of Gondor."

"We boast seldom, and then perform, or die in the attempt."

This "cartoon scale" white metal figure of one of King Victor's Royal Guard is produced by “Lucid Eye Publications” and can be bought from the company's "Toon Realms" range as a pack of four miniatures. Sculpted by Steve Saleh, I have painted the warrior in the colours of the Guards of the Tower of Gondor so as to field a unit of (Elite Foot) Guards of the Citadel for “Dragon Rampant” by "Osprey Games".

Initially primed with two coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, this personal bodyguard to the Stewards of Gondor was dry-brushed using some "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and subsequently washed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The “mainly… stationary guard” then had his boots and spear shaft layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, and his belt buckle, spear and helmet delicately dabbed in Gold. All of these areas were later washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

"On very rare occasions a mortal has bested one of these daemons..."

The Tower Guard’s helmet, armour, chain-mail, shield emblem and spear-tip were pigmented using a combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. These parts were later delicately dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker. Finally, the knight’s linen surcoat was ‘picked out’ in “Vallejo” White and ‘shaded’ with a tiny amount of Pale Grey.

Stepping across into the much more serious fantasy-based universe of the Mortal Realms and “Age Of Sigmar” by “Games Workshop”, I have completed another two Bloodletters for my Blades of Khorne war-host. This pair of daemonic warriors, armed with fearsome Hellblades, were painted in my usual “Vallejo” Heavy Red and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade palette, and takes my infantry unit’s total to twenty-two “Slaughter-kin”.

Aspiring Champion WIPs - The World Eater leader is slowly having all his detail 'picked out'

Sticking with the Chaos Gods of “Games Workshop”, but shifting my attention forwards into the Forty-First Millennium, I am making some steady progress on the first of five World Eaters I recently assembled from an old Chaos Space Marine boxed set. These Heretic Astartes will be predominantly black and silver in colour, but in order to show their allegiance to Khorne, I plan on painting their shoulder-pads and helmets in the Blood God’s instantly recognisable red and gold colour scheme.

In addition, as this first figure will be the squad’s plasma pistol-wielding leader I thought I’d take the extra time in applying “Vallejo” Gold to all of the Aspiring Champion’s trim and adornments, rather than use the “Citadel” Ironbreaker I plan on using for the rest of the figures. Hopefully this will allow the model to stand out that bit more on the tabletop amidst his men, and yet still prevent the veteran warrior from blending in with the all-red and gold Khorne Bezerkers I intend to build once my initial corrupted Astartes are completed.

"The Space Marines Are Humanity's Finest Warriors."

"The Adeptus Astartes are genetically modified superhuman warrior-monks

This 28mm scale plastic model of an Adeptus Astartes was produced by “Games Workshop” way back in 1988, and could be created from the numerous parts found within the (original) RTB-01 Imperial Space Marines boxed set. Produced by Jes Goodwin, Aly Morrison and Bob Naismith, this particular iconic miniature has been assembled so as to carry a missile launcher, and was originally going to join my recently completed Black Templar tactical squad as an additional heavy weapons option.

However, having dusted the old sculpt down and determined just how disconcertingly thick its "Citadel" Chaos Black undercoat was, I felt it would probably better serve the Emperor as a bronze statue placed atop a square-shaped resin plinth sold by "Telfer Model Design". Resultantly, the miniature was treated to a double layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, before being treated to two coats of Brass.

Interceptor Justicar WIPs - The Grey Knight has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

The Mk VI Corvus suited Space Marine was then heavily washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and heavily dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Brass. Later I applied some generous dabs of the "Citadel" Technical paint Nihilakh Oxide to the vast majority of the figure's numerous nooks and crannies, such as his riveted shoulder-pad, in order to denote the statue's great age, and subsequently blended this in with a second dry-brush of "Vallejo" Brass.

The model's plinth was initially pigmented using a few applications of "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, and then enthusiastically shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally, the detail in the stonework was 'highlighted' courtesy of a "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey dry-brush.

Wrath-axe WIPs - The Judgement of Khorne has had its flames finally finished

Sticking with the futuristic universe of "Warhammer 40K", I have made some progress on the leader of my Grey Knight Interceptor unit. The Justicar has had a couple of additional adornments glued in place, and then been primed, washed and dry-brushed in line with his silver-coloured brethren.

Lastly, I have almost completed the last of my Judgements of Khorne for "Age Of Sigmar", the formidable Wrath-axe. This multi-part plastic model was unfortunately super-glued together before I realised just how difficult it was going to be to get my paint-brush to reach into certain areas of the ensemble. However, having rethought my palette for the "supernatural blade that cleaves through enemy units" I believe it should still look rather imposing as part of my Blades of Khorne warhost...

"Many A Doer Of Great Deeds Might Say No More."

"But what is a hobbit?"

This "cartoon scale" white metal figure of one of King Victor's Men-at-Arms is produced by “Lucid Eye Publications” and can be bought from the company's "Toon Realms" range as a pack of four miniatures. Sculpted by Steve Saleh, I have painted the warrior in the colours of Gondor so as to hopefully field a unit of (Heavy Foot) Minas Tirith Knights for “Dragon Rampant” by "Osprey Games".

Originally undercoated with two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, Denethor's warrior was dry-brushed using some "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and subsequently washed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil. The soldier's boots were then treated to a touch of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, whilst his sword hilt was given a lick of Gold. Both of these areas were later washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Slaughterpriest WIPs - The Khorne warrior now just needs his helmet and shoulder-pad to be finished

I 'picked out' the Man-at-Arms' helmet, armour, chain-mail and shield emblem using a combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, before dry-brushing these parts with (more) Ironbreaker. Lastly, I spotted the model's belt-buckle with a dab of "Vallejo" Gold and a little Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter".

Sticking with fantasy I have continued to make some additional progress on my Slaughterpriest with Hackblade and Wrath-hammer for "Age Of Sigmar" by "Games Workshop". Somewhat frustratingly my decision to paint the "favoured champion of Khorne" as being dark-skinned has caused me a few minor issues in painting all the warrior's different-coloured leathers in sufficiently contrasting browns.

Space Marine WIPs - The Adeptus Astartes statue just needs to be dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Brass

Admittedly, most of these leg and armour straps can't actually be seen unless you pick the miniature up and look beneath his loin-cloth. But the 'Eavy Metal' fanboy in me wouldn't let me rest until I'd at least done a tabletop standard job using a mixture of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Heavy Brown, "Citadel" Abaddon Black and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Fortunately, since completing these areas I've found the Bloodbound warrior a lot more fun to paint, especially after deciding to pigment one of his hands as if it was drenched in gore.

Finally, I've almost finished an old Eighties plastic Space Marine I have 'rescued' from my 'Bitz Bin'. Now destined to forever stand upon my Forty-First Millennium battlefield as an aged Adeptus Astartes statue, I have completed the model's stone plinth and much of its brass-work, and am now working on its verdigris.

“They Call Him Baba Yaga.”

"It's personal."

This 28mm scale resin model of Baba Yaga was produced by “Spectre Miniatures” and was only available as a special limited edition figure for a short time on the company’s website following “Salute” 2019. Obviously influenced by Chad Stahelski’s 2014 American neo-noir action thriller film “John Wick”, the sculpt bares an uncannily strong resemblance to leading actor Keane Reeves.

The “retired but deadly hitman seeking vengeance” was initially cleaned of all his disconcertingly visible mould lines and ‘flash’ prior to being undercoated using two layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The paid killer was then roughly dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal before being almost drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Slaughterpriest WIPs - The Khorne warrior is slowing having all of his detail 'picked out'

Hoping to provide at least a little contrast to the all-black attired anti-hero, I subsequently ‘picked out’ Yaga’s shoes, hair, firearms and shoulder-strap with pure “Citadel” Abaddon Black, and unsurprisingly applied a coat of “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone to his face and hands. These areas of flesh were later washed using a little “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade, before being ‘lightened’ with a tad more “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone. Finally, some watered-down “Citadel” Abaddon Black was applied to Baba’s cheeks to (hopefully) provide the impression of his beard.

In addition to finishing my first ever figure from “Spectre Miniatures”, I have been slowly progressing the Slaughterpriest with Hackblade and Wrath-hammer I recently assembled in order to allow my “Age Of Sigmar” Chaos Army to utilise the Judgements of Khorne. This “Games Workshop” plastic model is absolutely packed full of detail, and resultantly has proved somewhat tough-going in comparison to my warhost’s more daemonic units.

Space Marine Statue WIPs - The Eighties plastic model has been re-based, primed and layered

In particular, the demagogue of Khorne’s wrathful will has a myriad of leg straps all hidden beneath his loincloth which have taken an age to carefully ‘pick-out’, shade and then paint around. To make matters worse though, I was rather keen on colouring the cloth protecting the dark prophet’s bare legs from their armour-plating in red rather than simple black, so have had to repeatedly return to these areas to ensure enough of the pigmentation is showing through to distinguish it from the hulking priest’s black boots and shorts.

Finally, I have ‘dug out’ one of the original plastic Adeptus Astartes I assembled from the Eighties Imperial Space Marine boxed set. Armed with a missile launcher, and unhappily thickly undercoated in black, I thought the model might enjoy a new lease of life on my tabletop as a bronze statue…

“The Life-size Recumbent Effigy Was First Found In The Tombs Of Royalty…”

"...And then spread to the nobility."

This 34mm long resin model of a Mouse-oleum – The Tomb Of The Mouse Lord is produced by “Oathsworn Miniatures” and can be purchased as part of their “Burrows & Badgers” range. The small(ish) scenic piece was part of a handful of miniatures I picked up from the company’s stall whilst at “Salute” 2019, and has been super-glued onto one of the 50mm circular bases I predominantly use for my objectives markers.

The effigy was initially undercoated using two coats of the old “Citadel” Layer paint Charadon Granite and subsequently heavily washed with Nuln Oil. It was then simply dry-brushed using more Charadon Granite. As a final touch I later mixed some “Vallejo” White in with the “Citadel” Charadon Granite and very lightly dry-brushed this combination over the entire model so to help highlight its excellent detail. 

My Daemonic host prepares to advance supposedly safe in the knowledge that the Nurglings will protect them

Sticking with science fiction-based wargaming, I have also managed to play my first 'proper' game of "Warhammer 40K" by "Games Workshop", fielding a 736-point strong Khorne/Nurgle Chaos force against a similarly costed unit of Ultramarines, who were additionally aided by a pair of formidably tough robotic combat walkers. The ensuing battle for an ancient relic upon a planet increasingly lost to the plague-ridden sores of the Plague God and bleeding iconography of the Blood God was understandably bloody, but despite being unable to finish the game to its conclusion due to time constraints, it reaffirmed in my mind just how very much I am currently enjoying this "newest edition of everybody's favourite wargame" as the fight is never seemingly over whilst playing it until the 'fat lady sings'.

This ability to suffer serious set-backs yet still entertain the hope of ultimate victory proved itself time and again during this game, especially in its early stages when I unwisely utilised my Nurglings' "Mischief Makers" ability to place them just 9" away from my enemy's deployment zone. Seemingly shielding a rock-solid core of twenty Bloodletters and twenty Plaguebearers behind their tiny chittering bodies, I felt confident the "Gleeful Castoffs" would keep my opponent busy up for a couple of turns at least and give my larger daemons ample time to advance within reach of their foes.

The Armiger Helverin and Knight Errant start firing upon the Bloodletters and Plaguebearers

Enter an Armiger Helverin, supposedly the "lightest class of Imperial Knight combat walker", and its raking firepower, and my 'delaying tactic' was spread like so much mulch all over the ground with the roll of a fistful of dice. Such a disheartening loss at the very start of the fight left my entire centre wide open to the guns of a towering Knight Errant and my initially terrifying Bloodletter formation began to slowly get whittled away before my very eyes.

Fortunately, despite my opening set-back I was still able to push my main units up the table towards Khorne's Bleeding Icon (which was being used merely as an immobile terrain feature), whilst a pair of Beasts of Nurgle bounded along my left flank to take control of a small stargate which had been identified as the battlefield's one and only valuable relic. However, ominously spread out in front of my warhost ready for the second turn's Shooting phase, was an incredible amount of the Emperor's firepower, including a Primaris Lieutenant who almost glued himself alongside the reassuringly solid form of his force's smaller "fast-moving weapons platform, as well as the rest of the Ultramarines, which assembled before my Beasts of Nurgle.

The Bloodletters, Beasts of Nurgle and Plaguebearers fail their charges 

I can only give thanks to the Dice Gods that my Chaos daemons weren't completely eradicated in the subsequent hail of bullets that followed, especially after both my Bloodletters and Plaguebearers failed their charges. My Plaguesword-carrying warriors at least had their "Disgustingly Resilient" ability to help them soak up all the wounds which were riddling their ranks, but my liver-coloured "Slaughter-Kin" were increasingly finding their 5+ Invulnerability Save for being "Daemonic" wasn't enough protection when caught out in the open before the tender mercies of an Imperial Knight's weaponry.

Eight of the Bloodletters fell before the combined firepower of the Intercessor's Lieutenant and the "Questor Imperialis in High Gothic", utterly breaking the backbone of my once mighty close quarter combatants, and making it clear that the Blood God had probably been less than impressed with their decision to charge the solitary Ultramarine Officer stood atop a pile of ruins, rather than the nearby 'ancient battlesuit'. Certainly I wasn't looking forward to an impossible Morale phase as it even the bravest of Khorne's foot soldiers would surely flee from such a beating..?

Bloodletters swarm the Lieutenant, whilst the Beasts of Nurgle get stomped upon by the Imperial Knight

A single roll of the dice later and 'reality had blinked'. Not only had my Bloodletter's "Daemonic Icon" ensured that "no models flee", but it had bolstered my horde with five freshly-resurrected "Slaughter-Kin". Suddenly, the Lieutenant's position looked far less survivable, whilst my Plaguebearers and Beasts of Nurgle both finally made it into contact with their respective foes. Sadly, time was against us to finish the conflict, so the game's final act was to see the hulking Imperial Knight, quite possibly incensed by suffering a wound courtesy of "Smite", squashing one of my 'enthusiastic monsters who love to play' with its feet...

Warhammer 40K Report: Black Templars Verses Bloodletters - Part Two

SERGEANT MUNDAY BATTERS A BLOODLETTER AS HIS UNIT MAKE FOR HIS POSITION

"The story so far… Whilst exploring some ruins on the planet Simbad Seven, a small unit of Black Templars have discovered the presence of an ancient relic near to a long abandoned plaza. However Sergeant Munday's unit soon find themselves under attack by a small warband of Bloodletters, who seemingly want the relic for their Blood God, Khorne..."

THE ORIGINAL TABLETOP - THE RUINS OF SIMBAD SEVEN

Warhammer 40K Report: Black Templars Verses Bloodletters - Part One

The Bloodreaper advanced to the Ruined Plinth, and there joined the three Bloodletters moving west through the ruins. The daemons in the north travelled south, with one even reaching the north-eastern corner of the Plaza.

It was already the mid-way stage of the skirmish, so the space marines knew they had to be within striking distance of the Ancient Relic [Objective Four] just as soon as they could. However, the two Black Templars by Terrace Three actually moved further west, away from their objective so that the Bloodletters on the Ruined Plinth were just still within reach of their "Rapid Fire" Boltguns. Sergeant Munday moved into the south-west corner of the Plaza, noting on his visor feed that the space marine farthest north of his position was advancing south to Terrace Two.

THE BLACK TEMPLARS HOLD THE PLAZA, WHILST THE BLOODLETTERS INFEST THE PLINTH

The two space marines by Terrace Three opened fire upon the inhabitants of the Ruined Plinth, and despite the dilapidated structure providing the "Slaughter-Kin" with some protection, one of the daemons fell dead. Sergeant Munday and the Black Templars stood around the Plaza also shot towards the Ruined Plinth, yet found "Khorne's foot soldiers" remained unharmed due to their 5+ Invulnerability Save. Fortunately for the Adeptus Astartes though, a lone Bloodletter attempting to enter the Plaza was successfully gunned down.

In retaliation, two of the surviving Bloodletters on the Ruined Plinth leapt down and swarmed around the space marine stood by the Plaza's southern wall, whilst two more daemons and their leader actually entered the central structure and encircled Sergeant Munday. The Black Templar's commander was engulfed by seven attacks, but his "Tenacious Survivor" ability seemingly spared his life. Sadly however, the Adeptus Astartes by the Plaza's wall was not so fortunate and was cut down by a frenzy of Hellblades despite his 3+ Save.

 THE BLOODLETTERS LAUNCH A FEROCIOUS ATTACK UPON THE DEFENDERS OF THE PLAZA

Ordering his nearest brothers-in-arms into the fray, Sergeant Munday managed to club one of his daemonic attackers to the ground. Two of the three nearby space marines successfully charged into the fray, with one seeking revenge for his fallen comrade, whilst the other went to aid his embattled leader. Inspired by their presence, Munday managed to best the Bloodreaper in close combat before falling dead alongside a colleague under a torrent of Hellblades. Bodies were now starting to pile up in and around the Plaza, yet neither side failed the subsequent Morale phase.

Those Bloodletters not in close combat headed east towards the Ancient Relic [Objective Four], whilst the daemon skulking atop Terrace Four jumped down to the ground to join them. With time now against the Black Templars, the two space marines in the southwest corner of the battlefield advanced as far as the southern tip of the Ruined Plinth. However, the pair were still a considerable distance from contesting the skirmish's sole objective.

THE BATTLE OF THE PLAZA AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS INTENSITY

The Adeptus Astartes outside Terrace Two moved into the Plaza to assist his brother inside. He arrived just in time as the "Slaughter-Kin" launched another wave of formidable charges into the central structure. Fortunately, only one such declaration succeeded and amidst the ferocious close combat fighting the space marines somehow survived courtesy of a string of saving throws. In return, a single daemon fell to a well-placed blow.

Praying to the Emperor, the Black Templar closest to the Ruined Plinth charged right across the ruins into the Bloodletter stood guarding the Ancient Relic [Objective Four]. Disconcertingly the space marine was torn asunder by the "Unstoppable Ferocity" of the daemon, meaning that the Adeptus Astartes were still far from securing their prize, despite withstanding Khorne's assault upon the Plaza.

THE BLOODLETTERS LAUNCH A SECOND ASSAULT UPON THE PLAZA

With the skirmish drawing to a close, two Bloodletters positioned themselves by the Ancient Relic, one of which squatted on the eastern edge of the Ruined Plinth. A space marine managed to advance as far as the ruins itself, but was still too far away to have an impact upon control of the vital objective. However, another Black Templar in the Plaza, headed southeast towards the gruesome statue of a gargoyle, gunning down the daemon on the Ruined Plinth with an incredible demonstration of marksmanship.

A BLACK TEMPLAR ATTEMPTS TO CAPTURE THE ANCIENT RELIC SINGLE-HANDEDLY

The surviving Bloodletter by the Ancient Relic [Objective Four], realised he need only gut the Adeptus Astartes to win the day for Khorne, and so charged full pelt into the space marine, utilising his "Unstoppable Ferocity" to deliver a potentially lethal blow. Incredibly though, the Black Templar made both of his saving throws, and in return dropped the "Slaughter-Kin" with a punch packed full of the Emperor's righteousness. The day somehow belonged to the defenders of humanity...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "World Eaters" May 2019

World Eaters WIPs - The Chaos Space Marines have been assembled and primed

A sudden, all-consuming urge in recent weeks to play the latest edition of “Warhammer 40K” by “Games Workshop” has lead to this month’s themed attempt to chip away away at my ‘lead mountain’ firmly focusing upon several miniatures set in “the distant future, where a stagnant human civilization is beset by hostile aliens and malevolent supernatural creatures.” In fact, I rather fear my devotion to the Chaos Gods of the Forty-First Millennium has actually caused me to somewhat significantly add to the tower of hard-plastic moulded sprues safely stored away in a corner of my hobby room, rather than reduce its formidable height.

Of course, the beauty of building a daemonic fighting faction based upon the Blood God is that the vast majority of its figures will also be entirely eligible for my “Age Of Sigmar” Blades of Khorne warband, so I haven’t been shy in both buying and building another load of Bloodletters armed with Hellblades. In my experience, these Slaughter-kin are easily a match for even Primaris space marines when able to engage their enemy in close combat and utilise their hand-weapon’s -3 Armour Piercing. Whilst the Crimson Death's 5+ Invulnerability Save seemingly finds favour with the dice gods time and time again…

Bloodreaper WIPs - The daemon leader has been primed, washed and dry-brushed

However, my Chaos force currently badly struggles during the "Warhammer 40K" Shooting Phase, due to none of my current infantry units carrying any sort of firearm whatsoever. Resultantly, I have decided to field a small five-figure unit of Primarch Angron’s finest Heretic Astartes, all armed with either Boltguns or a Plasma Pistol, and assembled from an old, long out-of-production, Chaos Space Marine starter set which I recently uncovered during a big clear-out.

Quite delightfully, I have discovered that this box also contains a 'conversion' sprue with which to personalise my gun-totting World Eaters into a truly recognisable Khorne-devoted force, complete with Chaos standard and all manner of extra blood-drenched iconography. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I have subsequently found myself compelled to purchase a box of the Legion's famed Khorne Bezerkers as well, so plan on predominantly pigmenting my 'ordinary' Chaos Space Marines in black and gold, so as to allow the all-red chainsword-wielding maniacs to really stand out on my tabletop.

Baba Yaga WIP - The resin figure has been cleaned with a modelling knife, primed and dry-brushed

With at least one of my options to provide my 41st-Century warriors with some firepower sorted, another potentially being a plan to include an old Khorne-covered Rhino model which I found alongside my Heretic Astartes, I have also decided to split my current Bloodletter figures in half so my army's centre consists of two daemonic units. This means I need to have another Bloodreaper with which to lead my second warband, so I have been busy assembling and priming just such a mini from the "Start Collecting! Daemons of Khorne" set.

Momentarily stepping completely away from "Games Workshop" though, I also plan to paint one of several "Spectre Miniatures" I recently acquired in order to 'game' some "John Wick" influenced skirmishes. I actually missed the Nottingham-based company's special resin sculpt of Baba Yaga at "Salute" 2019, but was lucky enough to 'bag one' from their website before the figure went out of production...

“Do You Want Him Killed Now?”

"No. He might yet prove useful. Well Doctor? Shall we go?"

This 38mm tall metal miniature of an amphibious cousin to the Silurians is manufactured by “Warlord Games” and can be bought as part of their “Sea Devils” three-model boxed from the "Into The Time Vortex" range. Sculpted to replicate the "prehistoric race which went into hibernation millions of years ago" during Malcolm Hulke's 1972 televised six-parter "The Sea Devils", these classic Third Doctor-era creatures were ultimately clothed in netting by Maggie Fletcher after director Michael Briant felt their original costume design made them look as if they were naked.

Despite the Sea Devils themselves actually being dressed in blue on the broadcast programme, I wanted this particular figure to stand out as the faction’s Overlord, so initially undercoated him "Vallejo" Heavy Green, before heavily washing the miniature’s raiment with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade, and dry-brushing it with some additional "Vallejo" Heavy Green. The leader’s feet were subsequently painted Heavy Sienna and his legs Heavy Green. Both these areas were then dry-brushed with Heavy Sienna and washed with (more) Strong Tone Quickshade by “The Army Painter”.

Grey Knight WIPs - The space marines have all been primed with "Citadel" Ironbreaker

The Overlord’s weapon belt was 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey, and his metallic energy hand-weapon was pigmented using "Citadel" Ironbreaker and a shade of Nuln Oil. The English Channel colonist’s hands and head were originally treated to a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, then 'slimed' with Heavy Green. Later, as with the reptilian life-form’s legs, these areas were dry-brushed with Heavy Sienna and washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Moving over to another Nottingham-based producer of miniatures, I have continued to make some progress on a small(ish) “Games Workshop” based project to finally paint-up a squad of five Grey Knights for “Warhammer 40K”. I must confess to having been significantly sidelined by my sudden enthusiasm for wargaming “in grim darkness of the far future” and now intend to devote some considerable hobby time to pigmenting a sizeable force of daemon-hunters and Inquisitors to help fend off the diabolically chaotic machinations of both Khorne and Nurgle.

Bloodletter WIPs - The ten Slaughter-kin have all been primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Red

Resultantly, and in order to ‘kill two birds with one stone’, I have duly assembled and primed (yet) another ten Bloodletters to aid the ambitions of the Blood God. These reinforcements will allow me to field two sizeable Slaughter-kin units for “Warhammer 40K”, as well as utilise a core of thirty of the Blood God’s Chosen as the basis of my ongoing Blades of Khorne “Age Of Sigmar” warhost.

Perhaps somewhat masochistically though, I had even gone so far as to order a “Start Collecting! Daemons Of Khorne” boxed set to provide me with even more Bloodletters in the near future. Not only will these extra models give me the option of commanding two self-sufficient twenty-strong daemonic hordes for both rule-sets, including Icon Bearer and Musician options, but also provide me with the opportunity to have some mounted Bloodcrushers charge into my foes atop their Juggernaut mounts…