"At Dredgard Ridge I Opened The Throats Of Three Duardin..."

"...With a single swing."

This 28mm scale multi-part "push-fit" model of Targor is from the "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" starter set sold by "Games Workshop", and can additionally be used as part of Garrek's Reavers unit for "Age Of Sigmar". Behaving "very similarly to Arnulf", apart from becoming "a little more powerful when inspired" the bloodthirsty warrior is actually "a recent addition to the warband, choosing to walk the path of skulls rather than being slowly tortured to death like the rest of his conquered tribe."

Initially primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone so as to cover the plastic model's vivid red colouring, the Bloodreaver's trousers, pony-tail and leather wrist bracelet were painted with "Vallejo" Black, whilst his leg armour and gut protector were both treated to a combination of Heavy Sienna, Brass and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. In addition, Targor's axe and large knife were treated to a layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before being shaded with Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker.

"Blinded by battle madness and lost to the exultant sensations of combat..."

The Khorne-worshipper's leg-straps, broad belt and axe-handle were painted with "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Strong Tone Quickshade. I also managed to get my paint-brush tip onto the trophy skull swinging at his waist, and resultantly applied some "Vallejo" Dead White, "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade to the grisly prize.

In order to create the murderous cannibal's bare, self-mutilated flesh, I applied another coat of "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone over all his skin areas, and subsequently splashed them with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. As a final touch I used a thin, carefully drawn line of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to 'highlight' the manic's scars and carefully filled the Chaotic Khorne symbol across his chest with "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson.

Toad Mage WIPs - The magic user simply needs some washes to be added to his "dry, leathery skin"

Alongside ensuring the model matched  my Chaos Host for "Age Of Sigmar" by pigmenting its highly-detailed base with "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, I also treated his leather loin-cloth and hair band to a pairing of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Similarly, I gave my model's painful-looking shoulder-blade spikes a dab of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and then shaded both them and the surrounding areas of flesh with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

With my Garrek's Reavers warband for "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" now finally complete after a staggering eight months, I've been able to increase the amount of hobby-time I spend upon my "Burrows & Badgers" models. Cast by "Oathsworn Miniatures", this Toad Mage will be my six-figure strong party's magic user, and actually, now I've re-visited his staff's feathers, just needs some additional washes upon his "dry, leathery skin" before being gloss varnished...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Forgotten Heroes" June 2018

"Heroclix" Solomon Grundy WIPs - The undead criminal is to be turned into five ice zombies

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

Previously, I have rather naively attempted to complete a considerable number of conversions for "Forgotten Heroes", many of which have rather embarrassingly taken several months longer to finish than I had initially anticipated. This time round however, I'm sticking to five relatively straightforward figures, which after a bit of cutting, will rely solely upon their paint-jobs in order to change their appearance rather than heavily rely upon my usual 'spot of kit-bashing'.

Volturnos WIP - The High King Of The Deep has been assembled and primed "Vallejo" Black

With this in mind I have turned to arguably my favourite "DC Comics" publication, the February 1979 edition of "Batman", and hope to create the band of hulking mindless ice zombies Victor Fries mistakenly creates for himself as a result of his failed experiments to make some of Gotham City's richest inhabitants immortal. Currently my "Heroclix" crew for Mister Freeze only consists of a gang of bobble-hat wearing goons, so these brutishly heavy minions will help provide the "former cryogenics expert" with a bit of extra muscle.

Having done a bit of research I've chosen five Solomon Grundy miniatures from "Wizkids" "Arkham Asylum" range for this project, as the lumbering slow-minded revenant is the perfect sculpt to replicate the wealthy suit-wearing cryogenic rejects. Initially, I actually considered leaving the gnarled branch the figure was carrying in one of his hands, and converting it with a sharp modelling knife into a menacing-looking icicle. But in the end I just cut the wooden weapon off, leaving the menacing model with two closed fists instead; besides the frosted fiends didn't use any weapons in their comic book appearance.

Akhelian King WIPs - The multi-part plastic miniature will lead an Idoneth Deepkin host

In addition to "Forgotten Heroes", this month also sees the start of a much longer-term project collecting, building and painting an Idoneth Deepkin force for "Age Of Sigmar". These marvellously marine-based "Games Workshop" miniatures have really captured my imagination with their turtle-riding tanks, shark-riders and tentacled spell-casters, so I plan to construct at least 1,000 points worth of units during the summer.

To begin with, I have patiently assembled the army's leader, their Akhelian King, Volturnos - High King of the Deep and his serpentine mount. This massive, multi-part plastic kit actually costs over a quarter of my host's in-game costs alone, so I'm currently planning on only needing four-five other units, including some mandatory battle-line, before my force is complete...

"Tiny Sparrows Are One Of The Most Common Birds In Northymbra..."

"...And can be found in towns and cities as well as the wild places."

This 28mm metal model of a Sparrow Warrior is produced by “Oathsworn Miniatures", and along with its "integral metal base" can be purchased as Code BB28 from their "Burrows And Badgers" range. Originally part of the County Durham-based company's 'Short But Deadly' pledge for their Free Lances kickstarter, Angus Quickbeak comes equipped with a one-handed weapon and light shield, as well as a sporran.

The "small passerine bird" was super-glued onto a 30mm plastic circular lipped base, and primed using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. His beautifully sculpted feathers were then washed using some Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter" and later dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown.

"Imperial Assault" WIPs - A Rebel Trooper, IG-88 and Dengar have had their bases layered

Primarily a seed-eater, the fearsome-looking fighter had its shield and sword pigmented with "Citadel" Ironbreaker and subsequently shaded with Nuln Oil. These areas were later dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker, whilst his toes were 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Evidently a Scottish sparrow, I was momentarily tempted to tackle the short-tailed scavenger's Highland attire with a tartan of some kind, but soon opted for an all-red costume as I feared for my sasanach sanity. Resultantly, I painted his attire with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red and then washed it with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. In addition, I applied a tiny amount of both "Vallejo" Dead White and Pale Grey to the "generally social" bird's tassels.

"Imperial Assault" WIPs - A Stormtrooper, Gaarkhan and Chewbacca have had their bases layered

As a last step I originally painted the anthropomorphic animal's beak and tongue with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and Heavy Red. However, I felt the yellow actually made the figure somewhat resemble a duck, in my mind at least, so re-painted the area using some Charred Brown and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

In total contrast to "Burrows And Badgers" I have found myself rather taken by a series of "Star Wars" postings over on the "28mm Victorian Warfare" blog by Michael Awdry. I've previously started working on some "Imperial Assault" models myself, hoping to game a few 'scum & villainy' tabletop skirmishes, so it didn't take much to encourage me to dig out a half-dozen partially-painted plastic figures and get to work on them...

"I've Seen The Future, And It's Copyright Cybus Industries."

"Chamber Six now open for human upgrading."

These three 43mm tall metal miniatures of some Cybus Industries metallic exoskeletons are from a private collection and not therefore commercially available. Luckily however, I was fortunate enough to be sent a quartet of the "monotonous cybernetic creatures" as a generous gift by Simon Quinton of "Brummie's Wargaming Blog", and have subsequently painted these particular models up to represent the silver giants as seen in the May 2006 BBC Television story "Rise Of The Cybermen". 

Prior to painting, each of the three-piece figures had their arms pinned to their shoulders using some metal wire, a spot of grey-stuff and a dollop of super-glue. Disconcertingly, I found that even this considered approach didn't work for one especially obstinate sculpt. So in the end I dabbed some additional fast-acting adhesive onto its hand and firmly tucked the limb alongside its leg. The pose looks a little awkward, and part of the Cyberman's outer thigh detail has been overshadowed, but at least the model shouldn't now fall apart during game-play.  

"Burrows & Badgers" WIPs - A Green Lizard and Toad Mage

All the parallel universe creations were initially treated to some "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer before being given a double layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker. The cyborgs were subsequently washed with Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker. As a last touch, I darkened each of the Cybermens' joints with an application of "Citadel" Badab Black, so as to make their bright metallic panelled-pieces of armour stand out that much more.

Alongside my trio of emotionless humanoids, I have also made some significant progress on my "Burrows And Badgers" Green Lizard by "Oathsworn Miniatures". Initially I had been planning on simply leaving the cold-blooded reptile "Vallejo" Heavy Green, but have since applied a little Heavy Ochre to the warrior's feet and hands in order to yellow its limbs up enough for its black claws to be seen.

Boromite Work Gangers WIPs - The aliens needs all their armour to be layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre

In addition, I am working simultaneously on the Toad Mage, known as Grarrp Croaak for my warband. This particular "anthropomorphic animal metal miniature" has already been primed, washed and dry-brushed, and now simply needs all his staff and potions pouch to be 'picked out' before being finished. The detail on this model's dry, leathery skin is absolutely top-notch, so I'm planning on trying to highlight all its warty bumps as well.

Finally, I have once again found a little more hobby-time with which to continue working on the 500 points worth of Boromites I need to paint in order to deploy a Scouting Force for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". I've actually only got three of these Work Gangers armed with mass compactors left to finish, and have decided to use the figures to test out some different techniques I can employ in the future in order to help speed up my painting of these highly-detailed extra-terrestrial miners by "Warlord Games".

"At First Glance, Karsus Doesn’t Seem Like Much."

"He's neither as durable as Garrek nor as deadly as Saek."

This 28mm scale multi-part "push-fit" model of Karsus The Chained is part of the "Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire" starter set sold by "Games Workshop", and can additionally be used as part of Garrek's Reavers unit for "Age Of Sigmar". "With a ranged attack and the ability to attack multiple fighters at once" this cruel warrior is "one of the warband’s most dangerous fighters" and "a key component to many Khorne Bloodbound strategies."

Primarily undercoated with "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to help mask the model's vivid red plastic, the former slave's trousers, neck collar and leather wrist bracelet were painted with "Vallejo" Black, whilst his thigh armour and shoulder plate, were both treated to a combination of Heavy Sienna, Brass and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. In addition, Karsus' chains, which are made from the shackles he used "to choke his masters to death", as well as the "many-notched axe that has claimed countless skulls for Khorne" were given a layer of "Citadel" Ironbreaker, before being shaded with Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker.

Targor WIPs - The Khorne Bloodreaver just needs his flesh to be shaded and his many scars 'picked out'

The mortal fighter's belt, numerous straps, weapon handles and boots were 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Strong Tone Quickshade. Whereas his bare flesh was pigmented using "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone with a splash of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. As a final touch I used a thin, carefully drawn line of (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Skintone to 'highlight' the killer's heavily scarred Chaotic Khorne symbol which had at some point been hacked across his torso.

As a last step, and in order to ensure the model matched  my Chaos Host for "Age Of Sigmar", I painted its highly-detailed base with "Citadel" Doombull Brown, Rakarth Flesh and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Disconcertingly, because I steered away from the Nottingham-based company's official red-armoured paint scheme by replacing it with burnished brass, it was only at this point that I realised I hadn't used and "Vallejo" Heavy Red on the miniature at all; a colour which is ordinarily universally seen on all of the Blood God's butchers. However, hopefully such an oversight won't be all that noticeable when Karsus The Chained is on the tabletop with his fellow frenzied devotees...

Flat-Top WIPs - This heroic resin warrior has had all his metallic areas layered, shaded and dry-brushed

With just one of my Garrek's Reavers left to finish, it shouldn't come as any surprise to know that I have made some significant progress on my "Shadespire" miniature of Targor as well. To be honest, I've been avoiding painting this particular model as it's my least favourite of the Khorne Worshippers, on account of the sculpt's pose striking me as being a little too similar to that of Gorebeard himself. However, having persevered with the crazed bezerker's fiddly leather straps, stitches, skull trophy and leg armour, I am now in a position where he simply needs his mutilated flesh to be shaded/highlighted before being ready for a gloss varnish...

Having recently started re-watching some classic episodes from the animated television series produced by "Filmation" called "He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe", I was rather inspired and pleased to recently locate a copy of this Out Of Production (OOP) sculpt of Flat-Top from a private collector. A good likeness of the Heroic Warrior, Ram-Man, I've set to work trying to replicate the palette "Mattel" used for their action toy of "the human battering ram."

"So Father, Once More Earthmen Have Invaded Our Space."

"Surely now you will declare war upon the Earthmen?"

This 41mm-tall "pewter" model of a Draconian noble, as played by English actor Peter Birrel, is produced by “Warlord Games” and can be purchased as one of the three miniatures inside their "Draconians" boxed set. Based upon the reptilian humanoid Prince who accompanies the Third Doctor and General Williams to the Ogron homeworld, "the Draconians were Jon Pertwee's favourite monsters because their make-up was so realistic" and made their first appearance in Malcolm Hulke's February 1973 BBC television story "Frontier In Space".

Originally undercoated using a couple of layers of "Vallejo" Heavy Green, the tall, pointy-eared extra-terrestrial's scaly skin was painted using some Heavy Brown and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Whilst the aristocrat's sleeves were treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre" and some watered down "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

Draconian Soldier WIPs - The alien has had all his gold sashes roughly painted and shaded

I also 'picked out' the ruler's large gemstone with "Vallejo" Dead White, and applied a dollop of "Citadel" Ironbreaker over his imperial rings. These details were then shaded with Biel-Tan Green, or, in the case of one of his finger ornaments, Drakenhof Nightshade. His bright green crystal's chain was pigmented with a thin line of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and an application of Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter".

"Believing strongly in high morals and honour" the Draconians are somewhat identifiable by their elaborately detailed oriental-looking shoulder pads and golden flowing sashes. Unfortunately however, despite some extensive research into their on-screen costume, comic book illustrations and the "Warlord Games" studio paint-palette, as well as owning an 'official' figurine from "Eaglemoss Collections", I couldn't find a seemingly definitive colour scheme for all their finery.

The Dominators WIPs - Early days yet 'picking out' the extra-terrestrials' trousers and rocky base

In the end I therefore decided upon a rather tabletop standard solution to my problem by simply applying some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and later Brass to these areas, before subsequently washing them with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Later I lightly drew some additional "Vallejo" Brass over the sculpt's ridges in order to highlight all the intricate patterns woven onto the costume's material. I did additionally consider applying some "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green to a couple of strips of cloth, as well as to the sides of the Prince's head, but having done this to the noble's flowing green robe I thought the model contained enough green already...

Perhaps unsurprisingly, now I've settled upon a paint scheme for my Draconians I have begun working on a few more of the race's miniatures in order to finish up enough figures for a tabletop appearance. Plus, with a mind to trying to clear away a few more of my "Salute" 2018 purchases, I have made some progress on my two formidable-looking "humanoids from Drahb" - the Dominators.

"They March Through The Woodlands Singing Songs..."

"...That tell how they have righted wrongs."

This 28mm "white metal model" of a Shrew Warrior is "supplied unpainted" by “Oathsworn Miniatures", and can be purchased as Code BB10 from their "Burrows And Badgers" range. One of the more "abundant" races of beast in Northymbra, this small mole-like mammal comes equipped with a one-handed weapon and light shield, as well as heavy armour.

The "long-nosed mouse" actually comes supplied with its own "integral metal base", so was rather easily transfixed to a 30mm plastic circular lipped base with super-glue, before being under-coated using some "Vallejo" Black Surface Primer. His fur was then layered with Black and dry-brushed Heavy Charcoal. A dab of Black was also used for the tiny fighter's nose and eyes.

Green Lizard WIPs - The exotic warrior's patinated bronze needs finishing

All of the "fiercely territorial" animal's plate armour, as well as its shield, helmet and sword were pigmented with two layers of "Citadel" Ironbreaker and washed with Nuln Oil. These areas were later dry-brushed with (more) Ironbreaker, whilst its leather straps were simply treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Endowed with a 'voracious appetite', the non-rodent's tunic was 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Heavy Blue and shaded using "Citadel" Nuln Oil. I also managed to get my brush-tip onto two pouches worn upon the diminutive warrior's waist, and resultantly gave them a lick of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Heavy Red respectively. Finally both of these small bags were shaded using a smidgen (more) Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter".

Viridian Chigoe WIP - The multi-part plastic extra-terrestrial has been assembled and primed

Alongside my "tenacious, and short tempered" Shrew, I have also made some significant progress on the County Durham-based company's Green Lizard. Due to the reptile's exotic country of origin, I plan to colour his plate armour with some patinated bronze, as I thought the contrast between the discoloured metal and the cold-blooded creature's green scaly skin. However, I am still sorely tempted to additionally paint its head bright blue as in the official "Oathsworn Miniatures" paint job.

With an eye already on next month's "Wild West Exodus" mini-project, I have managed to assemble one of three multi-part plastic Viridian Chigoes for my Watchers posse. These miniatures, now manufactured by "Warcradle Studios", have proved incredibly frustrating to assemble due to their instructions having to be downloaded from their website as opposed to being found within the Viridian Clade Posse Set I bought at "Salute" 2018, and my discontent with their packaging has only increased since discovering I have super-glued a couple of the wrong pieces onto my figures...