"The Mindless Ones! They've Broken Through!"

"Brainless creatures of almost incalculable power."

These seven brutish-looking 40mm tall plastic “Wizkids” models of a Mindless One can be purchased as miniature number 05 from the Marvel “Heroclix” Giant Size X-Men range. Summoned via magic to do the bidding of others, for they have no will of their own, these extra-dimensional beings have a rocky hide and no face except for "a single glowing eye". Utilised by the likes of Doctor Doom and Dormammu”, the roughly humanoid-shaped monstrosities were created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, and made their first comic book appearance within the pages of Issue One Hundred and Twenty Seven of “Strange Tales” in December 1964.

Due to these figures each requiring an incredibly simple paint-job, and having previously painted two of the behemoths before for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge, this particular project was rather straightforward. However, it did once again give me the opportunity to try out the combination of “Vallejo” USA Olive Drab and “Citadel” Nuln Oil. The Mindless Ones' cyclopean eyes were then subsequently ‘picked out’ using a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Red and the “Citadel” glaze, Bloodletter.

Plaguebearer WIPs - These daemons currently need all their sores and wounds painted

With the latest of my Seventh Analogue hobbies Painting Challenge miniatures completed, I have been progressing on another three Plaguebearers for my "Age Of Sigmar" Nurgle Host. Rather than simply just stick with the lesser daemons this time round, I've added a couple of cheeky-faced Nurglings to a couple of bases, so as to make the puss-covered fiends a bit more interesting to both look at and paint.

Cunningly a couple of these mini-vignettes will additionally be able to act as my ‘elite’ Plaguebearers for the “Warhammer 40,000” skirmish game “Kill Team”. Admittedly, I already own enough finished Nurgle models with which to field a 200 point force for this “standalone two-player game” by "Games Workshop". But as a small number of my squad will have special abilities bestowed upon them, such as "Relentless" and "Poisoned Weapons", I wanted to use the Nurglings to ‘mark them out' on the tabletop more easily.

Google Chat "Zombicide" - Captain America and Howard The Duck are literally swamped

Lastly, one of my biggest motivators to painting is gaming, so when Dave from "One Man And His Brushes" recently introduced me to Google Chat I was somewhat struck by the potential it had to allow me to have some tabletop fun with those who live a considerable distance away from myself. Obviously, just such an idea needed to be trialled, so having chatted through the possibility of using my "Battle Systems" scenery to create a three-dimensional "Zombicide" board, Martin of "28mm Heroes" fame, delightfully agreed to have a game...

The result was a two and a half hour mad-cap fun-fest which saw Captain America and a deranged Howard the Duck (armed with a chainsaw) fending off not only low-life criminals and thugs, but Doctor Doom and his Doombots, the Awesome Android, Stilt-Man and Nightmare, as well as Mindless Ones, Nimon, Voord and Terminator robots. Ultimately, we had to call it an honourable draw, but the 'shaky' camera action and inability on behalf of the player to see the entire tabletop certainly lead to some highly suspenseful moments as doors were smashed opened, rooms looted and corners turned...

"Skeleton Warriors Were Known As Spartoi..."

"Skeletons are the animated bones of the undead."

These two multi-part 28mm hard plastic skeletons have been built using pieces taken from the sprues found within the Frostgrave Cultists boxed set by "North Star Military Figures", and are just some of the undead warriors I need in order to game The Mausoleum scenario from the "Frostgrave" rule-book. Used by Necromancers as "servants and guards" these "lesser undead" were originally humans and randomly emerge "through one of the doors in the central building" as a result of the event's special rules...

Comprised of cultist henchmen body parts, and then converted into "undead monstrosities" using skeleton heads and arms, these miniatures were primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Heavy Sienna" respectively. They were then painted using a dark muted palette in order to better represent them spending a significant amount of time decaying beneath the soil.

"...mindless automatons that obey the orders of their evil masters."

As a result I predominantly used pigments such as Dark Grey, USA Olive Drab, Heavy Sienna, Charred Brown and Heavy Red, and washed their attire with either "Citadel" Nuln Oil or "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The skeleton's bones were painted using a four-stage process which consisted of "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand, Strong Tone Quickshade, a dry-brush of more "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand and finally a light highlight of White just around the skull's eye sockets and teeth.

In order to give the 'swordsman' a more interesting shield than a simple leather-skin one, I glued an old "Games Workshop" dwarf insignia onto it and then painted the emblem using a combination of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. The rest of the round shield was then given a coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Plaguebearer WIPs - These daemons just need all their sores and zits 'picked out' and washed

In addition to another dabble with my "Frostgrave collection I have also managed to finish 'picking out' all the open sores, teeth and intestines on three Plaguebearers. These lesser daemons will provide my "Age Of Sigmar" Nurgle Host with some much needed resilience. However, before they are finished they will all need to be washed and bloodied, as well as have all their numerous yellow heads 'popped' and inked...

Zombicide Report: Captain America, The Hulk, Spider-Man & Howard the Duck - "Riot!"- Part Two

“The story so far… The Cosmic Cube has once again resurfaced on Earth, and every criminal on the planet is desperately attempting to locate it in order to hold dominion over all. In New York some of the city's finest have become trapped in a large riot. Captain America has therefore quickly assembled a new team of Avengers and set off on a rescue mission. However, his super-hero group soon discover that super-villains such as the Abomination, are taking advantage of the chaos as well..."

Zombicide Report: Captain America, The Hulk, Spider-Man & Howard the Duck - "Riot!"

THE TABLETOP - DOWNTOWN NEW YORK

Captain America shouted an order at the Hulk and then opened the westernmost door of Webb House. Inside were two thugs (Runners), so the Sentinel of Liberty made a tactical retreat south across the road, and stood with the Church to his back. Howard the Duck meanwhile scurried through Awdry Towers, chopped another interior door down with his fire-axe and finally rescued the Police officer trapped inside. The feathered animal's joy was however swiftly curtailed when he realised additional 5 experience points he'd gained had taken the danger level of the scenario up to Yellow...

Spider-Man decided to shoot his webbing at one of the goons besides the Abomination, but missed. He then swung outside of the open door to Webb House, and failed to hit anyone inside with more of his webbing. Finally he landed beside Captain America, looking a little sheepish. The Hulk chopped down the two goons who had hastily rushed him in the previous turn and impatiently waited for more puny humans to smash!! He did not have to wait long as the Abomination approached, along with some more rioters. Plus four more minions appeared to the founding Avenger's east at the edge of Main Street. Cappy and Spidey meanwhile found themselves facing the two thugs from Webb House, and spotted another runner just entering the western end of Main Street.

CAPTAIN AMERICA ATTEMPTS TO RESCUE A COP, AS HOWARD CLEARS AWDRY TOWERS

Steve Rogers barked at Howard the Duck, and then clattered into the two thugs beside him with his shield. With both criminals down, the Sentinel of Liberty forced down the north door to the Church, and to his horror faced four goons! Spider-Man eventually webbed the runner just north of him, and failing to then web any of the thugs inside the Church, swung East down Main Street. Hearing Cappy calling for him, Howard the Duck rushed out Awdry Towers and desperately tried to chop down the Abomination but without success. The Hulk however did manage to chop down the two goons circling him, before Chang Lam's alter-ego smacked him in the head.

Believing that the Abomination might momentarily have the upper hand over the Hulk, four more goons leaped into the fray. Meanwhile the four minions from the Church charged into Captain America, and were joined by two more who had been skulking in the sewers beneath the Sentinel of Liberty's feet!!

SPIDER-MAN AND CAPTAIN AMERICA TAKE ON A HORDE OF RIOTERS

Sensing he was about to be overrun, Captain America shouted for Peter Parker's alter-ego, and then hurled his mighty shield. Only one goon dropped to the ground, and it looked like the end was nigh for the World War Two veteran. Suddenly, with a hearty wisecrack, the amazing Spider-Man was there, throwing punches all over the place, and when the dust settled... all five of the crowbar-carrying criminals were still fighting fit. Moments later both the Sentinel of Liberty and everyone's favourite Wall-Crawler were beaten to a pulp...

Not knowing his team's fearless leader was being pulverised elsewhere, Howard the Duck finally got the better of the Abomination and a goon with his fire-axe. Three chops later and the Hulk had dispatched the dynamic duo's remaining foes. These two guys surely seemed destined for their own comic book title!?!

HOWARD THE DUCK DEFEATS THE ABOMINATION AS CAPTAIN AMERICA FALLS DEFEATED

With a thug appearing at the East end of Main Street, and a goon at the South end of South Street, Howard the Duck took his fire-axe to the door of Scott's Store and faced four goons. With a fearful squawk the feathered fowl was amongst them and hacked one down. Moments later, an altogether larger monstrosity had entered the shop, and three chops later, the Hulk had cleared up.

The rioters who had defeated Captain America and Spider-Man moved East along Main Street, whilst the thug near to Scott's Store ran inside in order to foolishly confront the green giant and his web-footed friend. In addition the Rhino was back on his feet and appeared outside Webb House, accompanied by a couple of minions.

THE HULK AND HOWARD THE DUCK TRY AND CLEAR OUT SCOTT'S STORE OF RIOTERS

Howard the Duck ferociously chopped away at the thug near him, and proving just how mad a fowl he was, took the fellow down. He then spotted a Rifle, casually kept along with the peas and carrots, and fitted his Sniper Scope to it. The furry animal now truly meant business. He opened the next interior door and found a goon inside. Nearby, the Hulk picked up a baseball bat, strode towards the petrified goon facing Howard, and swatted him for six. Scott's Store was clear once again...

But outside, the Rhino was slowly approaching the super-heroes' location, and before him stomped five rioters. Plus, two more thugs (Runners) had arrived from the East end of Main Street.

THE RHINO LEADS MORE ANGRY CRIMINALS TOWARDS HOWARD THE DUCK AND THE HULK

Heaving his fire-axe once again, Howard the Duck walked past the Hulk and chopped down the store's next interior door. He then scampered back to the entrance-way and took a pot-shot at a goon approaching their position. He missed. The Hulk stomped into the newly open room and casually flicked away the thug he found inside. Rummaging around he perhaps unsurprisingly found plenty of canned food.

Nearby, one rioter had entered Scott's Store and come face-to-face with a mean-looking duck armed with a scoped sniper rifle and a well-used fire-axe. Whilst five more goons stood just outside. The Rhino was bellowing for more minions to come to his location at the centre of Main Street, and hearing his voice plenty of criminals were appearing too...

Danna Dun Da Da Dun Der... Danna Dun Da Da Dun

"Die. I Bring Sutekh's Gift Of Death To All Humanity."

"I am the servant of Sutekh. He needs no other."

This 28mm metal model of the Servant of Sutekh is manufactured by “Black Tree Design” and can be bought as code DW459 from their "Doctor Who" range. In reality the animated corpse of archaeologist Professor Marcus Scarman, this black-clad cadaver was used by the entombed Osiran, Sutekh, to construct a rocket aimed at the Eye of Horus on Mars, and first appeared in the October 1975 BBC Television science fiction serial "The Pyramids Of Mars".

Rather simplistic to paint, the miniature was undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal and then subsequently washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

"Kill him, but not yet. We need to know who he is and what he is doing here."

In addition to the Typhonian's minion, I have also painted five more 28mm "Black Tree Design" Nimon. This parasitic species first appeared in the December 1979 BBC Television science fiction serial "The Horns Of Nimon", and were primed with "Citadel" Chaos Black, dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Charred Brown and washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Their "Vallejo" Gold loincloths and "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre horns were then washed with more Strong Tone Quickshade, before I 'picked out' their eyes with a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Submissions to the Seventh Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge aside, I have managed to prime and wash the first of my "Games Workshop" Flesh Hounds for "Age Of Sigmar". These multi-part resin beasts of the Blood God have proved somewhat problematic to assemble, as they've apparently been designed in order to create a multitude of 'unique poses'. As a result I've spent some considerable time cleaning up various legs, heads, horns and fins in order to ensure I've five reasonably savage-looking models with which to "relentlessly hunt down" my opponents.

Flesh Hounds WIPs - The savage beasts have been primed and washed, and now require dry-brushing

Once completed this unit of five models will give the Khorne (allied) contingent of my Nurgle Host some much needed speed and ability to outflank my opponents. However, I may well expand this 'pack' in the near future, despite the models being almost prohibitively expensive, to allow my Gore-slick Clawed Karanak the opportunity to 'summon' more of his kind whilst hunting his quarry.

Such additional numbers would also give me the option of expanding my Flesh Hound pack to ten figures; a 'magic' number that will imbue the scaly-skinned predators an additional bonus when utilising their "Collars Of Khorne" to unbind a spell during "each enemy hero phase"... 

"Marie... Was Immediately Taken With Tom's Muscular Build And Steely Eyes."

"A few," Tom replied as he raised his mallet."

This 28mm pre-painted plastic model of a Vampire Roustabout is by “Wizkids” and can be bought as number 002 from their “Horrorclix” Freakshow range. Originally produced as a blood-drinking monster, who has the in-game abilities of "Scare", "Vampiric" and "Unstoppable (Stamina)", I've actually decided to paint the figure simply as a formidable-looking heavy for a "7TV" Joker gang.

An impressive 39mm in height, and a very generous gift from Bryan of "Vampifan's World Of The Undead" fame, this model was originally super-glued to a regular "Games Workshop" 25mm round base. But having then undercoated the miniature with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, it quickly became apparent the model was somewhat prone to toppling over, and therefore was placed upon a 40mm circular base instead.

Plaguebearer WIPs - These daemons currently need all their sores and wounds painted

The 'enforcer' was then heavily dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal, and had his boots and shirt subsequently re-painted with "Citadel" Abaddon Black in order to provide some contrast to his predominantly dark attire. The model's belt and giant mallet were painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Whilst his crucifix (a strange adornment for a vampire), belt buckle, wrist spikes and hammer's metalwork were all treated to some "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. Lastly, the roustabout's denim sleeveless jacket was given a coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and washed with more "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

With this month's focus largely resting upon a worryingly large mountain of semi-painted miniatures for my "Age Of Sigmar" Nurgle Host, I have started 'picking out' all the open sores, boils and raw wounds on three Plaguebearers. I'm ultimately hoping to finish at least ten of these wonderfully pustulent plastic warriors in order to double the size of my force's current unit of "loathsome Lesser Daemons". But for now simply want to use this trio in order to become reacquainted with my puss-covered 'palette' before applying the formula to a resin Great Unclean One.

Service Robot WIPs - The Mummies now need to be dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Iraqi Sand

Finally, I am cracking on with a unit of ten "Black Tree Design" service robots as part of my "Doctor Who And The Pyramids Of Mars" side-project. These Egyptian Mummies will form the backbone of an invasion force primarily lead by Sutekh the Destroyer, and, once submitted, should provide me with some much-needed points in the Seventh Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge.

Zombicide Report: Captain America, The Hulk, Spider-Man & Howard the Duck - "Riot!"

CAPTAIN AMERICA, THE HULK, SPIDER-MAN & HOWARD THE DUCK BATTLE RIOTERS

This game was played predominantly using the basic rules of “Zombicide” by “Guillotine Games” with a few additional house-agreed variances on account of us attempting to replicate a riot in downtown New York. In addition, as this was going to be the first in a lengthy campaign based upon "The Cosmic Cube Wars", I wanted to try out some "Marvel Worldwide" super-heroes and villains, so simply swapped the Survivors, Walkers, Runners and Fatties with some Avengers, Goons, Minions and occasional member of the Sinister Six...

“The story so far… The Cosmic Cube has once again resurfaced on Earth, and every criminal on the planet is desperately attempting to locate it in order to hold dominion over all. In New York the anarchy soon leads to street riots and marshal law. But not before some of the city's finest have become trapped in a series of rundown buildings. Already badly stretched, S.H.I.E.L.D. are unable to assist, so Captain America has quickly assembled a new team of Avengers, and flown to the disaster area in a quinjet..."

THE TABLETOP - DOWNTOWN NEW YORK

As aforementioned before we started we incorporated a few special rules of our own in order to make the game play a little differently. The biggest change was that the rioters would randomly spawn from one street entrance each turn, until the Danger Level went up to Yellow. At this point the rioters would randomly spawn from two street entrances. Once the Danger Level reached Orange Level then the rioters would appear from every street entrance, potentially soon filling Downtown New Tork with all manner of minions, looters and super-villains.

The Avengers consisted of Captain America (Survivor with the skill Born Leader), the Hulk ('Zombivor' with the skill Shove), Spider-Man (Survivor with +1 Free Movement Action) and Howard The Duck (Survivor with the skill Slippery). They all started in the centre of the map [known as the Central Zone].

NEW YORK CITY'S FINEST POSITION THEMSELVES AMONGST THE BUILDINGS AND AWAIT HELP

The object of the mission was simple. The Avengers had to reach all five of the Police Officers trapped by the rioters before the super-heroes were overwhelmed by the criminals. For every lawman a hero rescued they would be awarded five experience points. In addition, before the battle was commenced, Captain America was awarded the 'crowbar' ability so he could use his famous shield to prise open doors, the Hulk was permitted to pick up smash items and hurl them at foes in an adjacent space (like a Pistol), Spider-Man was allowed to web himself up a frying pan, and Howard the Duck was given a Fire Axe.

Deciding that they should try and rescue the Policemen closest to where the rioters were likely to come from, once they realised the Avengers were on site, Captain America gave the Hulk an order, moved South near to the Church's eastern door and waited to see if any crooks appeared. If not, then he would soon crowbar open the door near him and hopefully rescue the lawman trapped inside. Meanwhile Howard the Duck took his fire axe to the northern door of Awdry Towers, and discovered an empty room. The Hulk decided to join his little friend and found a bottle of water. Lastly, Spider-Man swung over to Cappy's side to see if the Sentinel of Liberty needed any help. A rioter appeared at the Eastern end of Main Street, presumably attracted to the noise Howard was making.

HOWARD THE DUCK AND THE HULK FORCE THEIR WAY INTO AWDRY TOWERS

Captain America gave Spider-Man an order, and them promptly forced open the Church door near him. With a curse the World War Two veteran stepped back as the enormous shape of the Abomination, flanked by two thugs, appeared before him. Neither the super-soldier nor Spider-Man were in any shape currently to match strength with the mutated Chinese scientist so quickly retreated North back up South Street. Oblivious to the danger of his team-mates, Howard the Duck chopped down an interior door within Awdry Towers and came face-to-face with the Rhino, and a couple of rioters. Somehow the little bird's fire axe didn't look quite so big anymore, so he simply grabbed a (Rifle) Scope he had found and rushed outside. The Hulk gained the ability to 'chop' his opponents down (i.e. Katana) and also went back outside to intercept the thug who had appeared at the Eastern end of Main Street.

Determined to get his hands on the Sentinel of Liberty, Chang Lam's alter-ego, smashed through the Church's exterior doorway onto South Street. Whilst the Rhino raced into the room recently vacated by the cigar-chomping duck and green giant. Foolishly, the goon at the Eastern end of Main Street decided to run up to the Hulk with his crowbar...

ENTER THE ABOMINATION AND THE RHINO

Having used his Leadership ability on Howard the Duck, Captain America ran East towards the Church's North-facing exterior door. Meanwhile the "funny animal" rolled up his sleeves, tightened his grip on his fire axe and charged into Awdry Towers and the Rhino. A couple of swings later saw both Aleksei Sytsevich and a rioter knocked out, and the little duck back outside gasping for breath. Encouraged by his feathery friend's bravery, Bruce Banner's alter-ego swung at the goon in front of him and only managed to clobber the man down on his third attempt. Realising that the Hulk might be in trouble, Spider-Man swung down beside him.

The Abomination stalked further North towards Main Street accompanied by his two lackeys. Whilst two more crow-bar welding thugs appeared from the Eastern entrance to Main Street. It was starting to become clear that the Avengers were increasingly drawing attention to themselves, and still hadn't actually rescued any of New York City's finest.

HOWARD THE DUCK OUTWITS THE RHINO, AS THE ABOMINATION STARTS TO RAMPAGE

Captain America shouted some encouragement to the Hulk and then positioned himself outside one of the two doors leading into Webb House. Having given an item to Spider-Man (i.e. Pistol), the green giant joined Howard and chopped down the goon from Awdry Towers who was threatening him. Meanwhile, Web-Head moved closer to the Abomination and utilised his new found webbing ability (Pistol) to bring one of Lam's aides to ground. Spidey then swung across to Cappy. Howard the Duck meanwhile made his way deeper into Awdry Towers and whilst searching about was surprised by a skulking thug. One swish of his Fire Axe later and the increasingly dangerous duck was alone...

THE HULK CLEARS UP OUTSIDE, WHILST HOWARD MAKES AWDRY TOWERS A SAFER PLACE

Despite losing one of his men to the sticky webbing of the accursed Wall-Crawler, the Abomination made his way to the centre of Downtown New York. To his East the two recently arrived rioters, perhaps somewhat foolishly, charged at the Hulk. Whilst another robber appeared just behind them.

Danna Dun Da Da Dun Der... Danna Dun Da Da Dun

"A Swirling, Violently Swaying Vortex Of Fell Energies..."

"...Summoned by a wizard as a platform from which to cast powerful spells."

This 28mm scale Balewind Vortex has been assembled from the "multi-part plastic kit" produced by “Games Workshop” and can be summoned onto the “Age Of Sigmar” battlefield by a (non-monster) wizard successfully "casting [a] value of 7". A "terrifying sight to behold" the spell immediately creates a howling gust of wind to "push any aggressors away from the wizard who called it" and leaves "him unmolested to blast away with the amplified magical abilities he gleans from the Vortex."

Having decided to paint the piece of scenery in three separate stages, and then super-glue the pieces together at the end, I initially primed the model's wonderfully detailed base with "Citadel" Abaddon Black and dry-brushed it with "Vallejo" Turquoise. I then carefully tried to highlight the stone skull's finer detail by lightly drawing my brush over these areas with Verdigris.

"A wizard atop a Balewind Vortex can banish it and return to the ground."

With this stage of the painting complete, I subsequently 'picked out' all the tiny skulls with a combination of Iraqi Sand and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and all the metalwork with "Citadel" Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. As I wanted the metal to look neglected and dull, I decided against dry-brushing these areas with more Ironbreaker.

In order to paint the spell's fell energies, I undercoated the vortex with two coats of "Vallejo" White, and washed it, first with "Citadel" Thrakka Green, and secondly with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. The entire model was then roughly dry-brushed with some additional "Vallejo" White to help make the sculpt's fantastic-looking screaming faces all the more spectral.

Shanty Hut WIP - The dwelling's corrugated iron needs dry-brushing with more "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey

Finally, I turned my attention to painting the wizard's platform in precisely the same manner and colours as I had done the Balewind's base. Unfortunately, this took several attempts to get right, as I seemingly had forgotten how to create the dark blue effect with the "Vallejo" Turquoise I had achieved a couple of weeks earlier. In the end though, perseverance paid off, and having varnished the entire ensemble with "Coat d'arms" Gloss Varnish, my 135mm tall Vortex was complete and ready to allow any wizard atop it to "double the range of any spells they attempt to cast."

With this particular piece of scenery finished, I have been steadily progressing the first of four Post-Apocalyptic Shanty Huts by "Wargames Terrain Workshop". Incredibly detailed both inside and out, I have almost finished the dwelling's roughshod roof and liberally washed all the structures corrugated iron panelling with some "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash...