"Feelings? Yes, We Know Of This Weakness Of Yours."

The Mark II Cyberman from "The Moonbase"

This 28mm metal model of a Cyberman from the British Science Fiction television series “Doctor Who” is by “Black Tree Design” and is code DW207 Tomb Cyberman. Whovian officionardos will naturally recognise it as the Mark II Cyberman, which first appeared in the 1967 four-parter “The Moonbase”. However it is far more widely recognised as the Timelord’s foe from the story “Tomb Of The Cybermen”, which was broadcast later that year.

This model is actually a repaint, having found him amongst a box of long-forgotten miniatures during my New Year clear-up. Most of these “Black Tree Design” models were still in their blisters, so I’ve opened them all out into a container and plan to try and paint my way through them as the year progresses. Originally this figure’s paint-job simply comprised of a silver dry-brush over a black undercoat but I’d like to think I can paint a bit better these days, so I re-undercoated the miniature with “Citadel” Abaddon Black and then gave it a layer of Boltgun Metal. Once dry I then washed him with Nuln Oil.

I must confess to this figure being one of my all-time favourites, despite its rather static pose, but some of the features on the sculpt are a little soft. As a result I was rather worried if I put too much paint on him I’d ‘swamp’ some of the finer detail on his piping and chest unit. I was therefore very slow and patient when it came to dry-brushing the model first with a small amount of Boltgun Metal and then with Mithril Silver. Finally, as this was a 'Moonbase' Cyberman, I picked out his chest and shoulder piping with Abaddon Black.

More Mark II Cyberman reinforcements from"Black Tree Design"

At some point I’ve clearly bought quite a few of this particular miniature, and having repainted this one as a bit of a ‘test piece’ I have subsequently based them all and set to work building up their silver layers. I plan to enter them into this week’s Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge as part of a larger Cyberman Invasion Force, including a rather formidable-sized model for the Victorian Theme Bonus Round.

My original Cyberman paint-job, flanked by some Cyber Controller WIPs

Indeed I have been so taken with this particular "Doctor Who" distraction that I’ve also based and started painting this nice looking “Black Tree Design” Cyber Controller as the ground force’s leader. The model does suffer from being slightly smaller in size than his fellow cybermen. Something which is greatly at variance with his television presence as he should be somewhat taller. But there’s a nice lot of detail on him to be brought out through dry-brushing. In fact too much detail, as the Cyber Controller does not actually have a chest device in "The Tomb Of The Cybermen".

Some Robo Rodents by "Crooked Dice Design Studio" and something much larger...

 Finally I have been working on something larger than anything I have painted before. However one of the things I have really enjoyed about the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge is that it is giving me an opportunity and motivation to tackle models I would ordinarily think twice about working on. This monster is 160mm in height and has proved to be a major nightmare to work on as a result of breakages, hidden pockets of casting sand lurking beneath its original lack-lustre paint-job and just generally trying to hold something so big and heavy with one hand in order to get a brush on it. Still it’s now close to completion and will be my submission for the Victorian Theme Bonus Round tomorrow.

What I especially like about this particular period in the Cybermen's history is that they did not have any significant built-in weaponry. Admittedly they did use x-ray laser cyberguns and could incapacitate ‘fleshy ones’ by electrocuting them. But predominantly they were unarmed and killed by delivering a karate chop to the neck. Unarmed implacable monsters slowly stalking their prey in order to get their hands on them sounds like a fine foe for some “ZombieTV” to me.

"Unit Three Move In."

These five 28mm Federated Security models are by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and are ‘dead-ringers’ for the dastardly black-clad henchmen of the Terran Federation from the BBC science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven”. Three of the miniatures, which are slightly thinner than ‘heroic 28mm’ scale and are somewhat sedentary, have been sculpted by “Crooked Dice” regular Ian Mountain. Whilst the more dynamically posed and slightly thicker-set Federation goons are by Martin Buck. All of the models came with separate heads.

Each figure was initially given a double undercoat of “Citadel” Abaddon Black before they were all rather roughly dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal. This is a new paint to me, although I have owned it for quite a while as it came as part of a larger set of dropper bottles, so I wasn’t entirely sure what effect it would actually have on the models. Needless to say I’ll be using it in the future to highlight all of my predominantly black coloured figures as it really brought out the detail of each model’s sculpting. However I did feel the need to tone down its contrast to the undercoat somewhat so I applied the first of three eventual washes of the “Citadel” Shade Nuln Oil over each miniature.

Once dry I painted each helmet’s green trim with a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki and “Citadel” Thrakka Green, and all of the figures’ visors with “Vallejo” Heavy Red. Finally their belt buckles and Federation rifles were painted with “Citadel” Boltgun Metal and their key chains with “Mithril Silver”. All of these areas, except the helmet trim, were then given two coats of Nuln Oil to tie them all together.

I am currently working on a second squad of these 'terrifying troopers', having bought both the Federated Security Starter Set from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", as well as a few additional carbine-carrying guards. Indeed, having almost finished their Guard Commander with Balaclava I have managed to dry-brush four of the henchmen's jump suits with charcoal and 'pick out' the trim on their gas mask helmets.

Originally I had swapped two of the models' heads with those from the company's Balaclava head sprue in order to create a couple of non-commissioned officers. But I found the heads to be slightly too large for my liking and as a result they seemed to actually make the miniatures marginally taller than those wearing the helmets; something which irked me to the point where I swapped the heads back.

Instead my Terran Federation forces will now be lead by Space Commander Travis, using the wonderfully understated Stefan Travers miniature by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio".

28mm Battle Report: Blake's Seven, Rocket Raccoon and Groot Verses Ultron

MACHINE VERSES MAN... AND RACCOON... AND TREE.!?!

This “7TV” adventure takes place using my “Space Hulk” board sections confined within a 2x2 gaming area. Five areas were identified to contain objective markers, ranging from values 1 – 5. The winner was the side who held the most points at the end of the sixth turn. However no-one knew how many points each objective was worth until the end of the game. This scenario was designed to establish how the High Maintenance and Boffin rules, found within the “Villains Programme Guide” “7TV” rule supplement worked.

THE TABLETOP - THE FEDERATION RESEARCH BASE PYM ONE

“+++Information+++ The Liberator is in orbit above the Federation Research Base Pym One, having intercepted a distress call from the scientists there that the facilities have been invaded by a humanoid robot called Ultron. Orac has ascertained that the computer banks within the base contain large amounts of data which would be useful to the Liberator crew in their fight against the Federation. However before teleporting down, Blake has been contacted by the starship Rack ’n’ Ruin and agreed to conduct a joint expedition with its captain, Rocket Raccoon and his partner Groot…”

Because we were using board sections instead of an ‘open’ playing surface, in order to replicate the atmosphere of tight corridors, a House Rule was agreed that although the Dreadnought robots’ 40mm bases were wider than some of the floor sections, they’d still be able to walk through them. But nothing else would be able to get past unless it could fly or climb across the ceiling. This was important to clarify as during the Prologue Ultron was equipped with both Climbing Suckers and a Jet Pack, amongst other items. In addition it would take the models one complete action to download the computer information from each of the data terminals. They could then carry the information with them. However if they were knocked out or killed then they’d immediately drop the data chips they were carrying. 

The heroes’ deployment zone was in the north-eastern corner, whilst Ultron and three Dreadnought robots would start in the opposite corner of the complex. As Ultron had the disadvantage Cameo, we rolled a 1D3 to determine the turn which the model could first activate. The robot would not start the game until Turn Two. In addition the villain also had the disadvantage Love To Hate, which meant his ‘cast’ would receive one less Audience Appreciation marker each turn.

DOWN AND SAFE - ROJ BLAKE LEADS ROCKET AND GROOT AGAINST ULTRON

At the start of Turn One, Roj Blake, Rocket Raccoon and Groot teleported down to their start location. The freedom fighter was immediately thrown as the sentient tree-like creature had a bright blue bucket on his head. Apparently this was Rocket’s idea of a Disguise Kit for his friend, which gained Groot the Infiltrator special effect and would allow him to move within 2” of Ultron and his Dreadnoughts without detection. Shaking his head the human ran off west up the northern edge corridor towards the base’s north-western room and the computer terminal within it [Objective One]. Rocket and Groot moved south together with the plan that the anthropomorphic raccoon could download the data from the ‘central’ terminal [Objective Four] whilst the Monarch of Planet X, hoping his ‘robot disguise’ would keep him safe from enemy fire, would carry on towards the base’s south-eastern room [Objective Five]. Sensing the presence of living life-forms within the lay-out two of the Dreadnought robots marched out from their robotic master’s ‘throne room’.

INTRUDERS DETECTED - TWO DREADNOUGHT ROBOTS MARCH INTO ACTION

Turn Two saw Ultron emerge from his private chamber. One Dreadnought headed north towards a computer terminal located at a corridor cross-way [Objective Two] near the western edge of the complex. Whilst the other tall robot marched east down the southernmost corridor towards another alcove-situated computer terminal [Objective Three]. Blake continued running west towards the north-western room [Objective One] and fleetingly caught sight of one of the huge metallic blue-armoured robots as he dashed past a corridor. Meanwhile Rocket reached the computer terminal housed within the facility’s central room [Objective Four] and downloaded its data.

LONGSTANDING GRUDGE - BLAKE AND A DREADNOUGHT DOWNLOAD DATA FILES

At the beginning of Turn Three we realised that we hadn’t played the Event Longstanding Grudge during the Prologue, but agreed to play it now instead. Hopefully this game would be the start of a long-running battle of wits between the mighty Ultron and the inferior human Roj Blake – How dare the puny fleshy one challenge the will of one powered by an internal nuclear furnace!?! In game terms however it simply meant that these models could re-roll failed hits made against one another. Certainly Blake was already becoming a major concern for the villain as he reached the north-western room [Objective One] and downloaded the data stored there.  Meanwhile, trusting Groot could get the job done on his own, Rocket raced west up a U-bend of corridors in order to support Blake. Dispatching a third (and final) Dreadnought from his Throne Room, Ultron received news that the non-sentient robotic combat instrument had downloaded the data from the terminal located in the southern corridor [Objective Three].

GADGET MASTER - ULTRON UTILISES A JET PACK AND CLIMBING SUCKERS

Disconcertingly for Ultron, the next turn saw the Event card No Faith In The Plan being played, which in effect made his robotic brain realise that his Dreadnoughts were moving too slowly throughout the research facility to assure his victory. As a result Hank Pym’s creation activated his Jet Pack and flew straight down the southern-edge corridor, over the head of one of his robots, and landed just behind the Dreadnought with the data chip. Utilising his Climbing Suckers, Ultron then scuttled past this giant robot as well, and ended his move close to the complex’s south-eastern room [Objective Five]. Turning, the nearest Dreadnought marched down the corridor directly behind his master. Groot, realising he was fast running out of time, increased his own pace towards the south-eastern room. Meanwhile in the opposite corner of the research facility, Blake, sensing the imminent approach of a Dreadnought, tucked himself away in a corner at the end of the corridor and prepared to step out and fire his weapon.

ROLE REVERSAL - FEMALE LEADS TAKE OVER THE SHOW

With the anticipation of a fire-fight starting at one end of the table and a fist-fight at the other, there was stunned silence as the Casting News Event card was played, and both actors playing Ultron and Roj Blake were recast; predominantly Sally Knyvette replacing Gareth Thomas. As a result, and as a bit of fun, we swapped the models of Ultron and Blake for those of Jocasta and Jenna Stannis.

Blake, now wearing high heels and sporting bright blonde hair, stepped out in front of the approaching Dreadnought and fired… missing. Using her Luck, the freedom fighter fired once more but again missed. Utilising Heroic Surge, and gaining two more actions as a result, Blake took careful aim [+2 Shooting dice roll] and hit the tall robot. But although the blast penetrated its titanium steel alloy shell it failed to damage the brute. Elsewhere, Groot, throwing off the blue bucket from his head, charged into Ultron with all his might. But to no effect due to the villain’s Invulnerable Adamantium armour. However all was not lost as the Dreadnought behind Ultron decided to open fire upon the Monarch of Planet X, despite him being locked in combat with Hank Pym’s creation. Fortunately for the sentient tree-like creature the Dreadnought’s shot struck Ultron but despite being a high calibre energy blast, it also was unable to penetrate the villain’s armour.

UTTER CHAOS - AS GROOT BATTLES A FEMALE ULTRON AND UM... BLAKE RECOVERS ANOTHER CHIP

The final Turn saw Ultron try and pull out all of the stops and bring down Groot before the ‘possibly malfunctioning’ Dreadnought behind him inadvertently shot him again. Activating a hidden blade [Dagger Shoe] from one of his feet, the robot kicked out at Groot, but found the bark of the Flora Colossus just as impenetrable as his own adamantium shell. As a result a slug-fest begun but each blow failed to damage the Monarch of Planet X. Exasperated, Ultron activated an Adrenaline Boost for a final ‘last gasp’ action but rolled a one. With a sense of horror, the villain then heard the Dreadnought behind him power up his weapons once again and felt the idiotic robot’s energy blast burn into his back for a second time. Fortunately for the robot, his armour was proving to be as Invulnerable as Groot’s bark. Finally, aware of an awful racket taking place far behind him, Rocket scurried up to Blake’s position. Whilst the freedom fighter downloaded the data from the nearby computer terminal [Objective Two].

As the game ended and the three heroes teleported back to their respective space vessels, it was revealed that the Dreadnought with the data chip had 4 points worth of information and Rocket only had 1 point. However Blake had acquired a total of 5 points from his two data chips, giving the crews of the Liberator and Rack ’n’ Ruin victory.

The Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge 2014 - WIP - Week Four

Having been somewhat distracted painting the five "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" Federated Security models I received as my Secret Santa, I have rather fallen behind with the figures I had planned to submit to this week's Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. I have however managed to significantly progress one of the six "Heroclix" Hand Ninja miniatures. Indeed as I've been treating him as my 'test' figure for the assassins' deep red attire, he is actually very close to being finished.

I'm rather happy with the way the black wash over red dry-brushing has turned out, and it certainly looks better than the original thick dirty brown scrapings the pre-painted model had to begin with. Unfortunately I can see why all the ninjas have such appallingly bad (pre)paint-jobs, as the sculpting for each figure's 'sword clenching hand' is simply atrocious with the assassin's wrist wrappings just melting into the palm of the hand. As a result it took several attempts to paint this area on my 'pilot' piece and even now I'm not entirely sure I have got it right.

Fortunately the sculpting on my "Wizkids" Silver Samurai model does not have the same issue, as this super-villain is rather well detailed and has been simple to paint so far. Having undercoated, washed, and dry-brushed a few times, the figure now just needs his lower face, hands and Imperial Japanese Sun to be picked out before he'll be complete. Although I am tempted to break up some of his shininess by picking out his boots and belt with a much more dull metallic silver; possibly with a black wash over the top.

As I'm a bit behind with where I want to be with my Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge submissions, I've moved up my painting queue a few more "Heroclix" models for next week in the hope I can also get a "DC Comics" Rogue Gallery entry in as well. I've already re-based and undercoated three of these five models, including Chemo; an appallingly bad sculpt which towers over the others at a height of 70mm.

"It's Enough To Fry Your Eyeballs."

This 28mm metal model is one of the two miniatures found within packet Future Freedom Fighters 2 by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” and concludes my mini-project of painting the ‘three main space liberator characters’ from the first episode of the British science fiction television series “Blake’s Seven”.

Having originally, and quite erroneously, undercoated the model with “Vallejo” Heavy Violet, I applied a wash of “Citadel” Nuln Oil to the high-heeled boots of ‘Jenna’ and then re-painted the rest of her outfit with “Vallejo” Heavy Red. Once dry I applied a heavy wash of the “Citadel” Shade Carroburg Crimson to her trousers and top. As I wanted to try and emulate the space smuggler’s outfit from the television episode entitled “Time Squad”, I simply painted her very well detailed belt and top’s collar pendant with a combination of Boltgun metal and Nuln Oil. I used the same method for her teleport bracelet. But as I wanted to give it a ‘brown tinny’ quality, I further washed it with Agrax Earthshade.

I picked out her collar with “Vallejo” Heavy Warmgrey before treating it to a coat of the “Citadel” Shade Druchii Violet. The miniature’s neckline, which is surrounded by multi-coloured petals, was painted using a plethora of “Vallejo” Game Extra Opaque paints such as Heavy Blue, Heavy Green and Heavy Red. All of these areas were then washed using appropriate “Citadel” Shades. I also used “Vallejo” Heavy Khaki to delicately ‘highlight’ the freedom Fighter’s eyelids and Heavy Red for her lips. Finally I went with the combination of Heavy Ochre, “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade and then a dry-brush of more “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre for the smuggler’s hair.

In addition to ‘Jenna Stannis’ I have also been painting the five Federated Security models I delightfully received as this year’s Secret Santa. These “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” miniatures have rather distracted me from the figures I had planned to paint this week. But having applied another black wash to them in order to tone down their charcoal highlights, they are now close to completion.

Indeed, I am have become so enamoured with this range of “sinister retro sci-fi stormtroopers” that I have acquired the company’s Federated Security Starter Set and have already begun painting up the Guard Commander with Balaclava.

Top Ten Miniatures Of 2014 - A "Rantings From Under The Wargames Table" Viewpoint

Now for those of you expecting a posting by Blax The Kleric I apologise for high-jacking your usual dose of “Fantorical”, but rest assured normal service will soon be restored. But for today only Simon and I have agreed to submit a post to one another's blogs, detailing each others ten favourite painted figures of 2014. So what you will find below are my personal favourites from Simon’s output for the year...

No. 10 - German Zombie Captain by "West Wind Productions" - February

Zombies have been very much in 'vogue' for the last few years, in films, television and of course in Wargames though I am reliably informed by one of my work colleagues (who know’s about this sort of thing) that Nazi zombies are the most evil as they were already evil before they were zombies! All I know is that the ones Simon has painted up are rather nice (if that’s the right word to use for zombies), and I particularly like the Captain figure in his shirt and braces still wearing his officers peaked cap.

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/german-zombie-horde-in-helmets-part.html

No. 9 - Albino Skink Champion - "Games Workshop" - December

“Oldhammer” is a thing that could only be unique to "Games Workshop". No other company has such a fast turnover of figures that models from the Eighties and Nineties could be looked upon with nostalgia (most would still have them in their current ranges!). It is however where a lot of us started in the hobby, so it’s nice to see some of these 'classic' fantasy armies getting dusted off and given a coat of paint (even if I would not dare take on a challenge like this!). Now the figure I’ve chosen is one that I know Simon wasn’t that pleased with, but it’s my choice so he’ll have to put up with it. Though it may not be as white as he’d hoped it would be, I love the fact that 'Gluckle The Greedy' looks like he’s seen many a battle and the contrast to the blue skin colour of the rest of the skinks in his unit really makes him stand out as a special character. Sorry Simon I like him!

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/oldhammer-albino-skink-champion.html

No. 8 - Judge Death - "Mongoose Publishing" - November

Now Simon has done quite a bit of complaining about the quality of the casting on some of these “Judge Dredd” miniatures, but I’ve not seen anything wrong with any of his finished models. Perhaps he’s just clever with how he photographs them!?!. I have liked quite a few of the ones he’s presented over the year but in the end it came down to the two versions of Judge Death. Both are smashing figures and the way the 'ectoplasmic' vapour was painted emerging from the bottom of the giant helmet only version was most impressive (and something I’ve always struggled with!). But in the end the full bodied version just edged it.

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/the-crime-isss-life-sssentenssse-isss.html

No. 7 - Aliens - "Ground Zero Games" - April

Aliens... Now who doesn’t want an army of these little blighters? After Daleks these have got to be my evil army of choice. They are one of those figures that appear so easy to paint and yet are so difficult to get just right. But that is exactly what Simon has done here with these 15mm xenomorphs. His style of painting and use of gloss varnish finish compliments them perfectly, not to mention that his use of the 10mm “facehuggers” from “Pendraken” is also rather inspired.

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/ground-zero-games-xenomorphs-final-part.html

No. 6 - Iceman "Wizkids" - December

I love superheroes, I could have nearly filled this entire list with the “Heroclix” figures that Simon has repainted (The Rhino and the Thing spring immediately to mind), but I’ve decided to limit myself to just two for my top ten. So for my first superhero entry I have taken a figure that has only recently been completed and that is Bobby Drake, better known as Iceman, from the X-Men. Now this is a figure I own myself, however needless to say mine doesn’t look anything like this. Still in his original clear blue plastic I actually thought the model looked quite good, until I saw this repaint of him. I know that Simon has put a lot of work into getting a sense of coldness into the figure and it really shows. This is a figure that I know quite few people have commented approvingly about and one Simon himself is pretty pleased with and for good reason. A great example of what these figures can look like.

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/stop-fighting-and-make-nice-or-iceman.html

No. 5 - Modern Middle Eastern Alliance Revered Leader "GHQ" - May

6mm figures can be great. They are cheap, are quick and easy to paint and you don’t need acres of space to play in. Having said all that when I first read this blog entry I thought these figures were 10 or 15mm scale that just shows the levels of detail that there is painted onto on these little lumps of lead. He has also taken the chance to build up tiny little diorama. So what could have been just another pretty boring stand of infantry has been given an injection of personality with the simple addition of the camel (is this a subliminal metaphor for the reasons behind the conflict “the straw that broke the camels back" I wonder?); plus it also makes him easier to pick out on the battlefield. All of this goes into making the stand a rather clever little figure base.

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/modern-middle-eastern-alliance-revered.html

No. 4 - Jesus Of Nazareth - "Space Vixens From Mars" - November

A good blog entry should get a reaction from the reader and this miniature certainly did that. I thought I was holding my own in our “Mo’vember” painting challenge when up popped this little fellow (is it blasphemous to call the son of god a little fellow? I don’t know). Anyway as I said at the time “How do you top Jesus!?!” Though it was never a competition, if it had been I think Simon would have won it then and there. Another excellent paintjob and a figure I would never in a million years of even thought existed. Quite brilliantly well played that man.

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/truly-this-man-was-son-of-god.html

No. 3 - Roj Blake - "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" - October

I am a big fan of Seventies British science-fiction, and so it would seem is our host here, as not only does he post some very entertaining cartoon strips of his take on classic “Dr who” over on his “Mooretoons” blog, but he has also brought us his continuing painting saga of the original members of the Liberator's crew from “Blake's Seven”. Now if he had finished painting 'Jenna Stannis' I would probably have picked her, but as he hasn’t… (I’m still waiting Simon!), I have picked the main man himself. It’s quite scary how much the finished figure does look like Gareth Thomas, I think he might actually have got his hands on the Master's 'Cellular Compression Device'... I mean you never see the actor and the figure together now do you?

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/no-im-coming-back.html

No. 2 - Frankenstein’s Monster - "Graven Images" - October

Simon is actually painting up a second ("Heroclix") version of this legendary concoction of body parts even as we speak and from what we’ve seen so far I am sure this will also be an excellent example of the breed. However for the moment I have chosen this lovely (is that the right word) 40mm “Universal Movies” version. I love old horror films and would much rather watch an old “Universal” or “Hammer” atmospheric classic than one of today’s 'gore fests'. Plus this fellow really captures the essence of Boris Karlov’s iconic performance.
http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/look-its-moving-its-alive-its-alive.html

No.1 - Lockjaw - "Wizkids" - November

Now it maybe the fact that I am a big “Silver age” comic fan, or that "The Inhumans” doggie chum has turned up in a few of the classic comics I have been reading of late. But I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for this teleporting canine. If I’m brutally honest when Simon first put him forward as one of his entries into our “Mo’vember” painting challenge, creative as the choice was, I actually found the miniature in question somewhat uninspiring. Therefore it was all the more surprising when he presented the finished figure a couple of weeks later... What a transformation. Here was a figure that I really wish I’d painted. One thing that constantly surprises me on Simon’s blog is his ability to take these “Heroclix” miniatures and, by giving them a top notch re-paint, show what really good sculpts are lurking under the often pretty dodgy paint-jobs they come with. If there’s one thing I’ve come away from “Fantorical” with this year it is “Don’t judge a miniature by the paint-job it comes with!”.
http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/whos-good-bizarro-doggie.html

And that’s why he’s made it to the top of my “Fantorical Favourites” of 2014.So that’s it, my top ten of Blax the Kleric's figures for 2014. All that remains for me to do is thank Simon for coming up with the idea behind this bit of nonsense, and giving me the opportunity to share with you my favourite bits of his output for the year. If you’re interested to see what he thought of my attempts at sloshing the paint and such about please follow the link below:
http://rantingsfromunderthewargamestable.wordpress.com/2014/12/26/blax-the-klerics-top-ten-of-2014

Finally I’d just like to wish you all the very best of new years, and may your paint only flow where you wish it to.Cheers Roger.

28mm Battle Report: Batman And Jesus Of Nazareth Verses the Black Manta

THE BATMAN AND JESUS OF NAZARETH FACE THE BLACK MANTA & HIS U-MEN

This adventure takes place upon my usual 2x2 gaming board which has been populated with four rocky outcrops and a large swamp in the south-west corner. Four trees will be acting as objective markers, ranging from value 1 – 4, and have been dotted around the board. The winner is the side who holds the most points at the end of the sixth turn. However no-one will know how many points each objective is worth until the end of the game.

This scenario was designed to provide some Yuletide fun and allow us to try out some of the ‘Fury From The Deep’ rules found within the “On Location” “7TV” rule supplement. In particular it was an opportunity to see how special effects such as Saboteur and H20-Oh work as well as equipment such as Scuba Gear and the First Aid Pack. In addition it also meant having a go with the Mysterious Stranger Archetype, and establishing just how effective a Pacifist character, using special effects such as Sixth Sense, Telepathy and Disarm could be.

THE TABLETOP - THOMAS WAYNE PARK

“The story so far… Gotham City is preparing a festive celebration in Thomas Wayne Park by decorating four Christmas trees. Realising that by destroying these symbols of ‘goodwill to all mankind’ he would deal Gotham City’s Yuletide spirit a harsh blow, the Black Manta and some of his henchmen have swum up a little known canal intent on destroying the trees. However, The Batman has already heard about the ‘fishy’ villain’s diabolical plan and has raced to the Park in order to stop him. But would the Son of Man really standby and let another save his birthday celebration..?"

At the start of each turn both sides would have to roll to see whether any of their models would arrive on the tabletop and a number of House Rules were agreed; in order for the villains to capture an objective they must use a special action to plant some explosives at the foot of a tree, providing an opposing model wasn’t within 2 inches of it, and then have the bomb detonate at the start of the next turn. The criminal’s deployment zone was the swamp in the south-east corner and the heroes would appear on the opposite side of the table.

Having arrived at the park, Batman and Jesus of Nazareth were immediately disorientated by watching a couple of groups of scenery hands pulling down two of the Styrofoam rocky outcrops. Apparently the show’s director had wanted a ‘Sparse Location’ for them to battle within and so had ordered two items of terrain to be removed. As a result the cluster of rocks on the western and northern table edges were gone, leaving the heroes far more ‘out in the open’.

THE ANTI-CLAUS - THE BLACK MANTA EMERGES TO WRECK GOTHAM CITY'S CHRISTMAS

Utilising his ‘You Can’t Have Faith Until You Believe’ [Strike From The Shadows] Star Quality the ‘cloaked crusaders’ won the initiative and raced towards the central tall tree [Objective Four], keeping in mind to remain within 6 inches of one another in order to maintain a double-activation per turn. In front of them the Black Manta and three of his U-Men emerged from the swamp, with the henchmen utilising their H20-Oh special effect and setting up anywhere within the water. One of the scuba-divers then moved west past one of the remaining rocky outcrops before opening up with his sub-machinegun on Batman. Two of the bullets hit home but the Batsuit kept Bruce Wayne out of harm’s way. Another of the scuba-divers then rushed towards the central tall tree [Objective Four], gripping his explosives as he ran.

THE SON OF MAN - JESUS OF NAZARETH ATTEMPTS TO THWART THE U-MEN'S PLANS

The second turn saw another U-Man emerge from the swamp, who quickly moved west towards the south-western tree [Objective One]. Another henchman scuttled north up to the western rocky outcrop and then blazed away at Jesus of Nazareth with his weapon. Amazingly none of the bullets struck home. However the good shepherd was far away enough from the central tall tree [Objective Four] to allow the U-Man with the explosives to both plant his device and move towards the north-eastern tree [Objective Three].

The scuba-diver who had previously shot at Batman now moved closer and fired again… one of bullets tearing into the Dark Knight. In return the hero struck home with a bat-a-rang but was perplexed as the snorkel-wearing swine proved ‘Invulnerable’ to ranged weapons for this turn as a result of an Event Card. As a result Batman charged into the villain and thanks to his ‘Fists of Fury’ flattened the fellow. Realising he had moved too far away from Jesus, the Caped Crusader activated his Heroic Surge to strike one of the other U-Men between the eyes with a bat-a-rang and then head back to the Messiah’s side. However Jesus was not about to stand by and watch a second of the Christmas trees be destroyed, as he rugby-tackled the Scuba-diving scum heading towards it. But then threw a couple of punches wide of their mark.

POW - BATMAN CHARGES IN TO THE U-MEN, SCATTERING THE SCUBA-DIVING SWINE 

With a loud boom, the tall tree [Objective Four] was blown into splinters, heralding the start of the third turn. Incensed Jesus declared an ‘all or nothing’ punch and flattened the U-Man responsible for destroying the tree. Reaching his side, Batman attempted to throw a long-range bat-a-rang at the Black Manta but was out of range. Unfortunately for him however, the trident of Aquaman’s arch-nemesis was not, and Black manta sent a shock-ray searing into Dark Knight’s frame.

KA-BOOM - THE U-MEN DESTROY ONE OF GOTHAM CITY'S CHRISTMAS TREES

With still no new U-Men appearing, Black Manta urged his remaining U-Men onwards and saw the scuba-diver knocked down by Jesus, return to his feet and try and riddle the Caped Crusader with bullets. The Batsuit saved two of the shots, whilst the third failed to wound. With a snorkelled shout the henchman rushed into Batman and tried to stick him with a diving knife. The blade penetrated the Dark Knight and he could have fallen there and then but for his Luck; and the re-roll was snake eyes. Eager to bring the Rabbi down as well, the Black Manta fired his trident at Jesus but rolled a one. Trusting to his own dark Luck, the villain rolled again… and achieved another one. Realising he could soon be on the wrong end of Batman’s fist, the bug-eyed baddie moved west along the southern edge, out of the swamp.

THE WRATH OF GOD - JESUS OF NAZARETH LAYS LOW ONE OF THE U-MEN 

Dazed by his wounds Batman clobbered the U-Man trying to stab him and moved towards Jesus in the hope of being healed by the prophet. The Son of Man quickly dispensed his First Aid Pack and successfully passed his Intelligence Test to give the Caped Crusader one of his hit points back.

Re-energised Batman moved towards the Black Manta and hurled two bat-a-rangs at him. One of them penetrating the villain’s wet-suit. Sensing that victory could be within their grasp Jesus threw himself at the diabolical deep-sea despot but failed to connect with one of his punches, despite trying his Luck.

CHRISTMAS FACE OFF - JESUS OF NAZARETH VERSES THE BLACK MANTA

Suddenly besides the Black Manta another U-Man emerged from the swamp and immediately poured sub-machinegun bullets into the Caped Crusader. Fortunately all three shots were saved by the Batsuit’s armour. Meanwhile the Black Manta, furious at his plans being so badly stalled, made a series of frenzied attacks upon the Messiah with his trident. However the three-pronged jabs kept failing to penetrate Jesus’ Invulnerable aura

The final turn saw one of the unconscious U-Men groggily rise to their feet, move to the north-eastern tree [Objective Three] and use a special action to plant his explosives. The Black Manta once again attacked Jesus of Nazareth, but again was thwarted by his unwieldy weapon’s inability to wound the prophet. Realising there was still an opportunity to bring Batman to his knees one of the scuba-divers launched themselves upon the Dark knight, desperately trying to stab him with their diving knife. The result was the U-Man tasting knuckle-sandwich as he was flattened by the Caped Crusader. However the Dark Knight was not finished yet and hurling himself at the Black Manta he also chinned the oceanic criminal as well... 

KA-POW - AS A U-MEN PLANTS SOME MORE EXPLOSIVES, BATMAN BEATS UP THE BLACK MANTA

Suddenly the area was filled with the sound of Gotham City Police vehicle sirens and the Black Manta realised it was time for him and his henchmen to disappear back into the swamp. But had he caused enough damage to the Christmas trees to ruin the Yuletide celebrations?

A look at the objectives saw that the Secret Society of Super Villains member had only destroyed one objective worth three points. Whilst the two ‘untouched’ trees also totalled three points between them. The fourth objective, which would have been blown up if there had been a seventh turn, was revealed to have been worth four points. But as it was still intact it meant the heroes had saved the (Christmas) day.