"What Kind Of Animal Would Do This To A Dog?"

"Here, kitty, kitty, kitty!"

These three 28mm plastic pre-painted models of Marro Marrden Nagrubs were made by “Wizards Of The Coast” and used to be available from their "Heroscape" Swarm Of The Marro Master Set 2 range.

Initially super-glued upon 40mm circular bases, the deadly massive hounds were all undercoated with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, dry-brushed with "Vallejo" German Grey and then washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Once this Shade had dried they were each given a second, significantly lighter dry-brush of "Vallejo" German Grey over their bellies and legs, and had their sharp pointed teeth painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Finally each monster's head and spinal carapace was given a coat of Abaddon Black.

"Well, not much to say, is there? Death was instantaneous."

A very much appreciated gift from Jez of "Carrion Crow's Buffet" I was originally somewhat tempted to actually stick to these Nagrubs' original colour scheme of a bone underbelly and legs with green chitinous armour. However I soon decided that they'd actually make excellent H.R. Giger-inspired Alien dog-creatures, and as a result I have painted them in exactly the same way as I have with my previous "Horrorclix" Aliens.

In addition to finishing these 'loyal guards of the Hivelord', and I currently have another six on my painting table awaiting priming, I have started blocking in the base colours of ten Evil Hooded Minions cast by "Pulp Figures". These characterful Bob Murch sculpts are part of my planned Pulp Side-Challenge submissions for the Sixth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge.

Evil Hooded Minions WIPs - These unrecognisable fiends just need some washes to be applied 

As these various "nefarious members of a criminal cult" are predominantly purple, on account of their robes and hoods, and because I thought simply painting their trousers and footwear black would make them look a little monotone, I've been trying to give each disciple different coloured slacks in order to try and give the impression they've just thrown their 'garments of office' over the top of their day-to-day clothes.

In addition, although I do plan for these villains to be lead by the fearsome Crimson Scorpion, another of Bob's terrific models from his "Weird Menace" range, I thought I'd paint one of the minions up as a (sub)leader of sorts. As a result I've decided to paint one of the miniatures who is clearly pointing in the direction of an order he's just given with a bright red hood.

Doctor Who teams-up with the Cyber-Controller to battle the Great Intelligence and his Yeti in the Death Zone on Gallifrey

28mm ZTV2 Battle Report: Lobster Johnson, Molly Hayes, Moon Knight & Doctor Who Verses Rasputin, The Joker, Travis & The Grey Hulk - Act Three

“The story so far… Grigori Rasputin and his 'fiendish followers' have been cornered in the dimension of the Ogdru Jahad by a band of heroes led by Lobster Johnson. Having already lost Federation Space Commander Travis to the fists of Moon Knight, the Mad Monk realises he must appeal to his mighty masters if the Dark Gods' latest nefarious plan is not to be foiled..."

28mm ZTV2 Battle Report: Lobster Johnson, Molly Hayes, Moon Knight & Doctor Who Verses Rasputin, The Joker, Travis & The Grey Hulk - Act One

“28mm ZTV2 Battle Report: Lobster Johnson, Molly Hayes, Moon Knight & Doctor Who Verses Rasputin, The Joker, Travis & The Grey Hulk - Act Two

The Fifth Turn of Act Two started with a “Continuity Error” creeping into the show’s filming, as the Weakened status marker on Rasputin was placed upon Molly Hayes instead. Inspired by this devious move the mad monk then utilized his Leader(2) Special Effect in order to additionally activate the nearby Joker without the need to spend a plot point, and charged into Lobster Johnson. A quick slash of the Villainous Star’s Crystal Knife and the New York City vigilante was down for the count. Cackling evilly to himself Grigori claimed three plot points on account of the Flamboyant Agent’s untimely demise and moved East towards the back of Moon Knight…

Sensing the approach of the silver-haired Timelord, the Clown Prince of Crime spun around and started to shoot away at Doctor Who with his Jokerfish pistols. The time traveller received a +2 to his defence because he was in Hard Cover behind some boulders. However that still didn’t save him from being struck by a bullet and getting wounded. Meanwhile the Grey Hulk continued to try and pound Moon Knight into the ground but found the Fist of Khonshu to be too fast for him.

MOON KNIGHT BATTLES THE GREY HULK

The Finale’s opening saw the production team attempt to employ some “Colour Separation Overlay” into the scene and as a result Doctor Who was able to become Invisible (for the Turn). Using this Special Effect to his advantage, the Crackpot Inventor rather uncharacteristically charged into the Joker. But despite his punches counting as an ‘attack in the rear’ due to his inconspicuousness, the Timelord failed to land a solid blow on his giggling opponent. Having used her Hard Special Effect to remove the Weakened Status she received earlier, Molly Hayes used her Luck to overcome any Fear of the Grey Hulk and charged the Marauding Monster. A flurry of punches later and Bruce Banner’s alter-ego was not only Weakened himself, but wounded… and then knocked out by a well-placed blow courtesy of Moon Knight; the Fist of Khonshu had out boxed the Hulk!?!

MOLLY HAYES AND MOON KNIGHT BRING THE GREY HULK DOWN

Turn Two of the Finale allowed Rasputin’s cast to get a bit “Gung Ho!” and the mad monk used his “immediate move action” to charge into the back of a disadvantaged Moon Knight. Once again Grigori’s Crystal knife flashed out and yet another of the heroes fell to the ground… Sensing that victory was in his hands and that the Dark Gods would soon smile upon him, Rasputin then moved into (base-to-base) contact with Molly Hayes and savagely slashed at the little girl. However Princess Power was able to dodge the Villainous Star and look to seek her revenge upon him in the following turn. Meanwhile it was now all up to the Joker to dispatch Doctor Who with a fishy slap across the face and win the day for the baddies. Amazingly however the Evil Mastermind was unable to land a telling blow upon the time traveller. The battle was not over yet…

RASPUTIN STABS MARC SPECTOR IN THE BACK WHILST DOCTOR WHO FACES THE JOKER

Turn Three saw “Fan Favourite” Moon Knight make a shock return to the show (with 1 Health) near to Doctor Who. Charging a speechless Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime wasn’t laughing now, the Fist of Khonshu socked the Dark Knight’s arch-nemesis in the jaw and then made a beeline for where Rasputin was menacing Molly Hayes. However just like that the programme was finished and the end credits started rolling.

FAN FAVOURITE MOON KNIGHT MAKES A SURPRISE RETURN IN ORDER TO WIN THE DAY

Deciding that Rasputin would favour flight rather than tackle both the Strongarm Molly Hayes and the Action Hero Moon Knight, we decided to bring the “7TV2” game to a close and calculate the Victory Points. The despicable Villains received 1 VP for the Objective Marker taken by the Grey Hulk and an impressive 6 VP’s for removing both ‘The Lobster’ and Marc Spector (albeit he made a most welcome reappearance) from play. The Heroes on the other hand received a telling 4 VP’s for the Objective Markers which they acquired throughout the show and 8 VP’s for defeating Bruce Banner’s alter-ego, Space Commander Travis and the Joker; earning the Forces of Good and Justice a Decisive Victory, for now at least… 

"Constructs... Have Been Animated With A Magic Semblance Of Life."

"Known as golems when built in vaguely humanoid forms..."

This 28mm metal model of a Medium Construct is made by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought together with a Small Construct as code FGV303 from their “Frostgrave” range. As I originally planned on painting the artificially created object all the same colour I initially undercoated my 'wood golem' with “Vallejo” Heavy Brown. However I then changed my mind and applied some Heavy Sienna to some of the animated creature's limbs, and washed all of these areas with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade.

I actually tried to let the ink pool in certain places on the model in order to try and give the impression of the wood being somewhat rotten on account of Felstad's chilly damp climate and frequent snowy weather causing the construct to become wet and somewhat slimy. As a result, believing this would make the miniature look a little too dry, I decided against lightly brushing the figure with more "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and Heavy Sienna; a technique which I would ordinarily employ in order to bring out the sculpt's detail.

Evil Hooded Minions WIPs - These staples of the Pulp Era fiction have been primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Violet

In addition to painting another "Frostgrave" construct I am also steadily basing and priming the rest of Bob Murch's wonderful Evil Hooded Minions for the Sixth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. I plan to submit ten of these "Pulp Figures" next week as part of my entry in the event's Pulp Side-Challenge and get 'Murch March' off to a flying start...

One of the things I have been struggling to find inspiration for has been the weird god these "nefarious members of a criminal cult" could be worshipping beneath the streets of New York City. Fortunately Jez of "Carrion Crow's Buffet" fame came to my rescue by very kindly sending me an impressivelt detailed (and large) "Heroscape" Dund. Initially I had intended this "four-eyed mutant dog-thing" to be an encounter for my slowly progressing "Gamma World" project. But as I imagine the "Weird Menace" threatening the Free World to have it's headquarters deep underground within the metropolis' sewers, I couldn't think of anything more appropriate than them praying to a mutated rat-creature.

"Heroscape" Dund WIP - This hunting hound of Nullondia is destined to be the Dark God 'Carrion'

Having re-based the 'Dark God' upon a "Citadel" 70 x 25mm Oval base, I've so far managed to undercoat 'Carrion' with some "Vallejo" Heavy Warmgrey and subsequently wash him with some watered-down "Citadel" Druchi Violet.

"Constructs Are Artificially Created Objects..."

"But constructs made of stone, bone, plants and even paper are all possible."

This 28mm metal model of a Stone Construct is made by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought together with a Flesh Golem as code FGV306 from their “Frostgrave” range. 

The model was given an undercoat of “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey before being heavily washed with “Citadel” Nuln Oil. To bring out the sculpt’s detail the “artificially created object” was then dry-brushed with more “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey and treated to some intermittent washes of “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. These areas were then given (yet) another dry-brush with “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey.

Evil Hooded Minions WIPs - These staples of the Pulp Era fiction have been primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Violet

In addition to adding a construct to my ever increasing "Frostgrave" bestiary I have also been basing and priming some of Bob Murch's wonderful Evil Hooded Minions for the Sixth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. These "Pulp Figures" will hopefully be submitted as part of my entry in the event's Pulp Side-Challenge and prove worthy tabletop adversaries to the 'Boys In Blue' that I completed this time last year.

I've actually undercoated all ten of the "nefarious members of a criminal cult" purple in order to help replicate the eye-catchingly rich violet colour scheme of the miniatures as depicted on the sculptor's website. Though as a handful of the figures come with detachable hands and weapons, I have tried to differ a few of the model's arrangements from those shown within the "Weird Menace" range catalogue.

Batman Miniature Game WIPs - Batman, Alfred and the Red Hood (Joker)

It was perhaps inevitable given the recent release of "DC Comics" eight-issue limited series "The Dark Knight III: The Master Race" by Frank Miller, as well as the amount of attention the miniatures receive from various notable bloggers, that I would finally purchase and start to paint some of the sculpts from the "Batman Miniatures Game" by "Knight Models".

Indeed I've actually had these three beautifully detailed models waiting in the wings for some time. However, having bought the Frank Miller version of Batman, I found the somewhat unbalanced metal figure rather difficult to keep upright on its moulded base despite desperately trying to weigh the miniature down. In the end I came to the grim conclusion that in order to stop it consistently toppling over I would have to remove the Caped Crusader from his perilous rooftop perch and plumb for an infinitely more stable 40mm lipped circular base instead.

To dampen my enthusiasm for the skirmish game even more so I also encountered a few issues whilst pinning the Red Hood (Joker) together, as the "exclusive" miniature's billowing cloak and thin straight gun arm both required some significant drilling in order to remain solidly attached to the sculpt's main torso. Only Alfred the Butler proved an easy model to base and undercoat.

"This Whole Thing Was A Trap."

"Besides it looks like the bones were bent straight out."

This rather large 40mm pre-painted plastic "Wizkids" model of an Alien is from the "Horrorclix" AVP Alien Verses Predator: Aliens Collector's Set. The sculpt is based upon the extra-terrestrials which attacked Charles Bishop's doomed expedition to Antarctica in the 2004 science-fiction horror film "Alien Verses Predator", and like the vast majority of my "Horrorclix" collection was generously gifted to me by Bryan from the "Vampifan's World Of The Undead" website.

The miniature originally came complete with a hapless scientist as part of a small vignette. But as I initially planned on just using the Alien I removed it from the model's 'clicky base' and set about trying to work out whether I could also detach the "serpent" as well. After a bit of head-scratching it became evident that the creature would be hard to place upon an essentially flat-surfaced stand without it's pose looking especially odd. So I eventually decided to leave the monster attached to his ornately carved Inca-inspired stone column and simply superglue the assemble onto a thin-lipped circular 40mm bases in order for me to use it as an Alien spawn marker.

"The hunters would battle with these great serpents to prove themselves worthy to carry the mark."

Having decided how I was going to use the model on the tabletop I gave the vicious monster an undercoat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and subsequently dry-brushed the model with "Vallejo" German Grey. Once I was satisfied I had 'highlighted' all of the Alien's well-sculpted detail I washed the figure with "Citadel" Nuln Oil and then applied a second, significantly lighter dry-brush of "Vallejo" German Grey over its more prominently raised surfaces. The Alien's mouth was painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whilst its head's carapace was given a coat of Abaddon Black.

Finally I painted the Alien's stone column using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. This piece of scenery was then dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Heavy Brown.

In addition to my Alien spawn marker I have also painted three more of the Xenomorph drones which Weyland and his team encountered deep beneath Bouvet Island. These Aliens were all painted in exactly the same way as all my other "Horrorclix" models of the endoparasitoid extraterrestrial arthropodal species.

Daughter Of S.H.I.V.A. WIPs - These masters of unarmed combat will all be dressed in purple with grey fur

With the Sixth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge now heading towards its home straight I have started to turn my attention towards the last of the miniatures I want to submit as entries into one of the event's side-challenges, namely the Pulp Challenge. This four-way 'fist-fight' will determine who can paint the most points in Pulp adventure figures, with the competition's winner receiving a painted figure from each of the vanquished.

To begin with I'll actually be starting with three models I only purchased recently, on account of "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" finally (and fleetingly) making their Daughter of S.H.I.V.A. (classic) sculpts available again. Ultimately, when I can purchase some additional models, I plan to use these "lithe, beautiful, agile and extremely deadly... female assassins" as minions for my "Heroclix" Lady Shiva. But for now they'll simply suffice as some of the more colourfully-costumed pulp goons for my Evil Mastermind.

28mm ZTV2 Battle Report: Lobster Johnson, Molly Hayes, Moon Knight & Doctor Who Verses Rasputin, The Joker, Travis & The Grey Hulk - Act Two

“The story so far… Lobster Johnson and a team of heroes have cornered the mad monk Rasputin in the dimension of the Ogdru Jahad, in order to thwart the servant of the Dark Gods' latest nefarious plan. Having already defeated the Federation Space Commander Travis, the New York City vigilante must push home his numerical advantage against the Mad Monk and his remaining villainous brethren..."

28mm ZTV2 Battle Report: Lobster Johnson, Molly Hayes, Moon Knight & Doctor Who Verses Rasputin, The Joker, Travis & The Grey Hulk - Act One

Turn One of Act Two began with the Joker behaving like a “Diva!” and insisting that no-one could strike at him until the start of the villain’s next turn. The Clown Prince of Crime then opened fire with his pistols upon Moon Knight, and despite Marc Spector desperately trying to be Lucky, caused his opponent a single bullet wound. Nearby the Grey Hulk elected to collect the statue objective marker and gain is side two additional plot points before lumbering south towards an injured Moon Knight and Molly Hayes. Rasputin meanwhile, found his mad self just within range of Lobster Johnson and charged into his foe. The Sinister Mystic’s target was already weakened, and courtesy of the monk’s Psychic special effect and Crystal Knife suffered two murderous wounds.

THE JOKER GOES MAD AS THE GREY HULK OBTAINS A VICTORY POINT FOR THE VILLAINS

Fortunately for the heroes, Turn Two saw Rasputin suddenly suffer with “Stage Fright” and therefore count his Defence at -1 for the turn. Molly Hayes quickly collected the oil barrel objective marker, whilst Doctor Who kindly rescued some hapless ducklings simultaneously. This generated four additional plot points for Lobster Johnson’s super-team and Moon Knight quickly put them to good use by inadvertently forgetting the Joker’s “Diva!” status and wounding the green-haired crook with a crescent moon-shaped throwing blade. Hoping to press home his advantage, and finish off the cackling maniac, the Action hero activated his Star Quality Burst of Action in order to make an (another) immediate shoot action. Sadly Spector’s aim was off-target… utilising a plot point himself in order to remove his weakened status, Lobster Johnson punched the mad monk straight in the nose, causing Rasputin to gain the weakened status himself. The vigilante then produced a Sleep Spray and stunned the villain with the gadget.

MOLLY HAYES AND DOCTOR WHO COLLECT TWO MORE OBJECTIVE MARKERS

As Turn Three would entail some “Location Filming” Rasputin and his comrades in crime could only spend half of their meagre plot points in activating models for this turn. Fortunately the Joker’s Leader(2) special effect meant his colleagues could activate for free as they were both within six inches of the Clown Prince of Crime. The grinning psychopath continued to rain hot lead towards Moon Knight. But the Egyptian deity Khonshu was clearly watching over his agent, as not a single bullet struck the white-cowled superhero. Worryingly however, the Grey Hulk stomped southwest towards Marc Spector’s location and would have attempted to smash him to the ground if not for his pedestrian four inch Move. Rasputin used a plot point to remove his stunned status, stood up and then failed miserably to capture Lobster Johnson with his Disorientating Gaze.

THE JOKER CONTINUES TO POUR LEAD TOWARDS MOON KNIGHT

Turn Four began with a “Stuntman [being] Required”. But as there were no Extras on the set the Countdown Card had no effect on the battle taking place. Instead Lobster Johnson opened up with his pistol at Rasputin and wounded the mad monk with the first of his two shots. Inspired by the vigilante’s success, Moon Knight charged the Grey Hulk and having successfully passed a Spirit Test in order to attack the Fearsome Marauding Monster, Marc Spector actually managed to wound the brute. Meanwhile Molly Hayes moved east towards the Grey Hulk, whilst Doctor Who scampered east and rested beside a boulder.

WITH RASPUTIN AND THE GREY HULK WOUNDED, THE HEROES LOOK TO WIN THE DAY

With the second load of advertisements starting in but a turn's time, and Act Three due to commence once they'd finished, it currently looked like the heroes were likely to attain a momentous Decisive Victory over Rasputin and his diabolical brethren by six Victory Points to one… But during the third part of this episode anything could happen and the Dark Gods' black-robed servant would demonstrate just how dangerous a foe he really was...

"These Large And Ponderous Amphibians Have Devastatingly Powerful Jaws..."

"It is generally best to avoid them."

This 28mm metal model of an Ice Toad is made by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought together with a Snow Leopard as code FGV301 from their “Frostgrave” range. The model was given an undercoat of “Vallejo” White before being heavily washed with Pale Grey. The back of the short stout-bodied beast was then dabbed with more White using a face blusher pad. Finally its sharp pointed teeth were painted using a combination of White and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade.

Templar WIPs - The soldier now just needs his waist-dagger, sword and amour painted

Sticking with this month’s “Frostgrave” theme I have been persevering with the painting on my warband's Templar. Having decided that I was going to paint the mail armoured soldier's tunic pure white, I have been busy shadowing the garment with "Vallejo" Pale Grey. In addition I have used some Heavy Sienna to pick out his belt and shoulder strap. Now all I need do it apply some metallic paints and appropriate washes to his waist-dagger, chain mail, two-handed sword and helmet, and the warrior will be finished...

One of my (many) ongoing side-projects is to paint up a sizeable force of plastic "Wizkids" Alien models from the company's "Horrorclix" AVP Alien Verses Predator: Aliens Collector's Set to use as replacement 'toxic zombies' for some H.R. Giger-inspired games of “Zombicide”.

Marrden Nagrub WIPs - These H.R. Giger-inspired models simply need a black wash to be finished

I was actually close to finishing this 'diversion' and had thought the four plastic 40mm miniatures I was planning on posting next week would be the end of the matter. Clearly Jez of "Carrion Crow's Buffet" fame had other ideas for me though, and very kindly sent me three "Heroscape" Marrden Nagrub figures to bolster my aggressive extra-terrestrial forces. 

These wonderful "Wizards Of The Coast" sculpts were originally pre-painted bone with green chitinous armour. But as I thought they'd make excellent Alien dog-creatures, and act as 'toxic runners' for "Zombicide", I have undercoated them black and highlighted them with "Vallejo" German Grey in exactly the same way as I have with my "Horrorclix" Aliens. All these evil-looking canines now need is some additional washing with "Citadel" Nuln Oil in order to be finished... and a good job too as I have another eighteen currently making their way to me from across the Pond courtesy of the store "All Things Herocape".