Going a viking

Sven loaded up the longship with the rest of the crew. Hopefully this year's raids would be as successful as last years. He was able to use all the silver he acquired from his share of the Danegeld to buy a herd of sheep for the farm. With their wool, surviving the harsh Scandinavian winters was just a little bit easier.

Stiggaz Stikspit, Boss o da gits

"Oi, 'u lot! Git ova der! Nows, like!" shouted Stiggaz. These boys wouldn't know what to do if the Bad Moon itself gave them orders, he thought. But being dumb has its advantages too, if they're dumb they don't realize they can talk back to you or, even more importantly, stab you in the back! But dumb or not, he had a battle to win, and that mob better be where he needs or or he'd have to bash their head himself.

Valrak Skull Bearer, Favored of Khorne

Valrak Skull Bearer stalked the frozen wastes looking for more to slay in honor of his majesty Khorne. Unfortunatly, the realm of Shyish was full of the aready-dead, and their skulls did not provide the same satisfaction on the skull throne. He had been following the warband of Felvryrk the Abandoned for a few months now, hoping that their size would draw out foes to slay. But if they did not find some other victims soon, well, maybe his compatriots would have to suffice. 

Night Gobbos Assemble!

"Ere now! Wot do you think you're doin'?" bellowed the big Black Orc Boss. Furtive Goblin faces turned round and flinched instinctively. 

"Nuffink Boss, just 'aving a bit of grub is all," whimpered the bravest of the greenskins.

"Don't give me that. Yer up to sumfink..." The towering Orc looked around suspiciously. "Where's Ratgash? You 'aven't et im?" There was a shocked silence.

"Et Ratgash," the Goblin sounded hurt. "'Et Ratgash. That's disgustin' Boss. E's one of us ladz."

"Besides," squeaked another greenskin "'E's all grease and gristle 'im. Give us all innagestion e' would." 

"Then who is this then?" The Black Orc pointed a damning claw towards the meal. "And none of yer lies or I'll give yer sumfink a whole lot worse than innagestion."

"er... Gitter, Boss. One of Maggot's lot. But 'e was dead when we found 'im." The Goblin paused a moment. "Course 'e claimed 'e was just sleepin'...but that lots is all liars ain't they." The Goblins nodded reassuringly on this point. No Goblin really trusted another, and with good reason.

"Well that's all right then," pronounced the Black Orc. "Carry on. And you'll save me a leg if you know what's good for you."

Ultramarine Lieutenant Calsius

Lucian Calsius is a Lieutenant in the Ultramarines Chapter's 2nd Company and a veteran of the Indomitus Crusade, where he received his current rank. Due to being a relative newcomer to his Chapter, Calsius works hard to earn the respect of his Battle Brothers and has displayed bravery and wisdom in numerous battles. Besides the Indomitus Crusade, Calsius has also taken part in the Plague Wars and defeated an Ork attack on the Agri World Nova Thulium. His celebrated victory there, including personally killing the Warboss Guttrekk, proved to be the turning point that allowed the Imperium's forces to defeat an Ork invasion of the Realm of Ultramar's eastern flank.

Fun with Contrast Paints

So it has been quite a few months now since GW released the new Contrast Line of paints. And I have been playing around wiht them for a little while now. So here are some of my experiments. I find they are great on certain types of models, namely most historical models, skaven, genestealer cults, and other models with a ton of texture. I've had less luck with them on things that lack any texture. I've also found them great for weathering and through an airbrush.

Warcry--The Eight Points!

The Eightpoints – the heart of Archaon’s dominion and the foremost stronghold of Chaos – is a vast place with its own nations, cultures and climates. Home to choking jungles, ice-capped mountains, sprawling cities and more.

Warcry--Iron Golems!

The Iron Golems hail from the Ferrium Mountains in Chamon, the Realm of Metal, where they harness raging magma-flows to forge their brutal weapons and armour. More than just warriors, the Iron Golem are superb smiths, believing flesh to be impermanent where metal is eternal. Those fighting in the Eightpoints hope to prove themselves to Archaon, aspiring to one day provide arms for his endless hordes.

Warcry--The Untamed Beasts!

Hailing from the Jagged Savannah in Ghur, the Realm of Beasts, the Untamed Beasts are brutal warriors who eschew the trappings of civilisation. Capable of binding the spirits of beasts to their own through dark rituals, they possess preternatural strength and speed. Those warriors in the Eightpoints venerate Archaon as the Eater of Worlds, and long to join him in his great hunt. To them, Chaos is the Devourer of Existence – a rampaging apex predator from which there is no escape.

Bob Olley Genestealers #PaintABob

The Cult of the Jade Destroyer was getting restless. The Magi were not ready to strike, but the brothers were growing tired of toiling in the mines below the deserts of Choutera IV. Drekker had his boys training as often as they could, but the plebs who ran the mines needed to see the work done or they would get suspicious. Still, he had been blessed by the gods with an extra limb, so they listened. But he could only hope that the time for uprising would been soon.

Fort Matanzas

Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish in 1742 to guard Matanzas Inlet, the southern mouth of the Matanzas River, which could be used as a rear entrance to the city of St. Augustine. Such an approach avoided St. Augustine's primary defense system, centered at Castillo de San Marcos. In 1740, Gov. James Oglethorpe of Georgia used the inlet to blockade St. Augustine and launch a thirty-nine-day siege. St. Augustine endured the siege, but the episode convinced the Spanish that protecting the inlet was necessary to the security of the town. Under Gov. Manuel de Montiano's orders, construction of the fort began that year and was completed in 1742. Engineer Pedro Ruiz de Olano, who had worked on additions to the Castillo de San Marcos, designed the fortified observation tower. Convicts, slaves, and troops from Cuba were used as labor to erect the structure, which was sited on present-day Rattlesnake Island and had a commanding position over Matanzas Inlet.

-Wikipedia

The Baptist

"And you, come forth to receive your communion" preached Father Phobetor, pointing to the next in line in the congregation. The supplicant climbed the stairs to the dais and knelt in holy prayer. Father Phobetor gestured and a hooded figure approached the worshiper, dousing him in divine vapors and bringing visions of the Emperor. 

Ain Dawison, Dwarf Adventurer

Ain Dawison was born in the World's Edge mountains. But at an early age, his father took his family halfway across the world to Albion to oversee a mining project. He spent his formative years growing up in the secretive isles of Albion and amongst the strange people who inhabited it. However, as he neared maturity, he began to be affected by the wanderlust that affects all settled people as they reach adulthood. So he left Albion to see the world. He eventually signed up with Malakai Makaisson and his Dwarfen Air Force (DAF), where he worked "security." His time in the DAF let him seek his fortune and fame, kill the bad guys, and meet plenty of Dwarfen ladies. Eventually, he did his tours and returned home to settle down. But once a Dwarf has a taste for adventure...

The Birth (and death) of Heroes

So I spent all that time painting models from Heroquest and replacing all the furniture (those pictures to come!) and it was time to actually put all that hard work to good use. I invited a fellow dad over with his two kids plus my oldest last Saturday to run Heroquest for the first time since the mid-90s! We ended up playing through the first adventure twice. On the first go through, team work was not something the kids thought about, instead going willy-nilly into each room and letting everything out. Only the Elf survived and that was due to a tactical retreat from the Gargoyle and 3 Chaos Warriors.

The heroes explore the first few rooms, opening lots of doors and going in different directions.

The Dead Kennedys

“Kill kill kill kill kill the poor toni-i-i-i-ght”

-Dead Kennedys

Young Felix and Gotrek

“I cannot quite remember exactly how and when the decision to head southwards in search of the lost gold of Karak Eight Peaks was made. Alas, like so many of the important decisions made during that period of my life, it was taken in a tavern under the influence of enormous quantities of alcohol. I do seem to remember an ancient and toothless dwarf mumbling about “gold”, and I distinctly remember the insane gleam which entered into my companion’s eyes when it was described to him.

‘It was perhaps typical of my companion that on no more than this slim provocation, he was willing to risk life and limb in the wildest and most barren places imaginable. Or perhaps it was typical of the effect of “gold fever” on all his people. As I was later to see, the lure of that glittering metal had a terrifying and potent power over the minds of all of that ancient race.

‘In any event, the decision to travel beyond the Empire’s southernmost borders was a fateful one, and it led to meetings and adventures the dreadful consequences of which haunt me still…’”

— From My Travels with Gotrek, Vol. II,

by Herr “Felix Jaeger (Altdorf Press, 2505)”

Rangers of Shadow Deep

A kingdom stands on the brink of destruction, as the vast realm called the Shadow Deep slowly swallows everything in its path. As the army fights to contain the tide of evil creatures teeming up out of the black clouds, the kingdom’s best soldiers, the rangers, must venture down into the shadows to gather information, rescue prisoners, and ambush enemy supply lines. It is a desperate fight against overwhelming odds, but every little victory brings another day of hope.

The Fleet of Zhufbar

"Load the torpedoes!" Thorin shouted. The Skaven fleet was approaching fast, as those chaos scum always did--on both land and sea. Most of the crew around him grumbled. Dwarfs were not usually fond of water, and these dwarfs were in a cramped tube below the waster's surface--further heightening their agitation. But the skaven had been attacking Zhufbar far more frequently of late, and their defense necessitated the fleet to out patrolling the waters around the city. Once they sank a few of the ratmen to the briny deep, he was sure his crew's mood would improve...

Father Phobetor, Prophet of the Emperor

Father Phobetor led his flock from their humble world of Nestoria IV on a pilgrimage the shrine world of Cyrial, home of the Reliquary of St. Tomas the Disciple of our glorious Emperor. The Reliquary of St. Tomas is a wonder to behold; as the planet is entirely covered in water. However, every fifty decades, the water drains while the Reliquary simultaneously rises from the waters--it is truly a majestic sight to behold!

Prepared to Face Zargon!

You have done well. And yet it seems your task has hardly begun. Dark clouds gather at the Empire’s borders…

The Emperor rode with his army towards Black Fire Pass, that perilous mountain route linking the Empire and the Borderlands. No such army has ever been raised in living memory. They drew up their battle lines on the grassy plains at the foot of the mountain road and waited. ‘Ere nightfall, the sky darkened and a great wind arose. Spine-chilling shrieks and howls echoed from the mountain tops, terrifying the horses and filling man and elf alike with fear. 

Then came the first assault. Pouring down the mountainside as though it was a gentle slope rather than an almost vertical cliff, the hordes of Zargon fell upon the Empire’s Defenders. Like a black wave they came; but the line held and it seemed we should win the day.

But I had not reckoned with Zargon’s magic. He stood high on a ridge overlooking the battlefield and unleashed his terrible magic. Lighting flashed form his fingertips and exploded among the defenders. Our lines were breached in a dozen places at once and the enemy howled in delight.

The came the Doomguard—Zargon’s elite force of Chaos Knights. Our army broke and ran. Only the Emperor’s personal guard held their ground and many sacrificed themselves to ensure his safe retreat. 

The remnants of the Emperor’s army are now holed up in Karak Varn—the ancient dwarven stronghold. They do not have provisions for a long siege, however, so we must act swiftly if we are to save the Emperor and his army. 

Yet there is another evil to be confronted. The Witch Lord Lives. He too had magic I had not foreseen and was protected from the Spirit Blade. He was sorely wounded, however, and fled to his ancient retreat in the Black Mountains. But soon he will have recovered enough to lead the Legion of the Damned once more. 

Prepare for future quests, my friends. The Empire has great need of you. I myself cannot act against these dangers, for I must move against Zargon and strive to weaken his power. Until we meet again, take care my friends. Farewell…

The Vilest Villains of Zargon

The dark shadow moved around the statue in the center of the room. It sprinkled a powder of some sort in strange patterns on the floor. Then it placed candles in seemingly random spots in the pattern. Once the candles were lit, it ceased to be a shadow, and instead became a hideous skull-thing. It continued its preparations and began chanting and moving in an unnatural fashion. Suddenly, the statue began to move...

Well, I went and broke my arm!

Getting old sucks. This past weekend, I fell and broke my arm. Instead of letting my ass do the work, I put my hands out to brace myself and cracked my left radial head. Unfortunately, this will really limit my painting time for the next 6 to 8 weeks. However, I have completed some blog posts that will still be published since I really want to show them off. But after that, there may be a lull in my posting schedule. Thanks everyone for following my blog!

Heroquest Chaos Warriors

Gunter snuck around the corner, into a large room. What he thought would be the dungeon's treasure chamber turned out to be its torture chamber--and it gave Gunter an uneasy feeling. Still he crept around the edge, looking for any loot he could find. He saw a glint in a pile of rubble, and began rifling through it. Suddenly, he heard a noise behind him. He turned around and and standing there was a monstrous suit of armor. In a flash, its axe was raised...

Plastic WIzards and Warcolours Paint Review

"Kali-ma!" Shouted the coven leader as he plunged his ceremonial dagger into the prone captive. The blood began to spurt from the body, but as it did so, the dagger began to pulse in a forbidding green light. It was absorbing the soul of the unfortunate victim. The lich lord would be pleased...

Waz the Louse-House, a #MakeATrish Scavvy

Waz hunted through he much of the underhive. Something valuable had to be in here. Those fraggin' uphivers lived such a life of decadence that they could just trash things without even making sure it didn't work. "And they call us scum," he thought as he dug through the trash. Suddenly, he heard a noise. As quick as a cat, he grabbed his (t)rusty autogun and fired a couple of shots off in the direction of the noise. Quietly, he crept over to see what he hit. It was just a giant sump rat. Well, at least he had supper for the night...

The Bog-fiends of Zargon

We were exploring the dungeon, when suddenly the room filled up with mist; I don't know where it came from, we were in an underground labyrinth, for Taal's sake! Out of nowhere, old Johann screamed as he was cleaved in twain. The mist began to withdraw and there were these one-eyed demons attacking us. I ain't ashamed to admit it, but I ran in fear at the sight of them things, and it's the only reason I'm alive today!

-Otto Schmidt, ex-adventurer

Eldar Farseer--A Christmas Present

If you're not familiar with the Hobby Hangout on Facebook (or if you're not even on Facebook), its a group for people to share their experiences with the model painting hobby; it isn't limited to miniature painting, but that's what most people share. They do a Christmas Mini Swap and this year I decided to join in. I like doing these kind of things periodically as it gives me a chance to try out some new things because I don't have to worry about it fitting in with an army. 

Brother Kovačević of the Star Phantoms

Brother Kovačević quietly stalked the ruins of Badab Primaris; bolter always at the ready. He and his squad would make those bastard Astral Claws pay for their crimes against the Imperium. They had killed too many of his battle brothers to be avoid recompense in blood. In fact, Borther Kovačević fully intended to see the planet a wash in traitor blood...

The Golden Legion Begins

The Adeptus Custodes forms the Emperor's inner guard whose duties are to serve and protect the Master of Mankind. A continuous rota ensures that there are always several hundred of these select warriors active within the palace, as well as a small elite of guardians who never leave the Emperor's side. Their uniforms are traditional but effective, leather breeches and boots wit a long black cloak over a naked torso. Their helmets are ancient works of art; all-enclosing and tall they impart a threatening, impersonal appearance as well as providing a battery of protective equipment and communicators. The weapons carried by these guards look very much like spears or spear-guns, but are in fact lasers built to resemble the traditional and symbolic guardian-spear which has long association with the Adeptus Custodes and which appears on their banners, badges and other regalia. The guards themselves never leave Earth, and only rarely leave the imperial palace where their duties lie - their place is by the Emperor's side.

-Warhammer 40,000, Rogue Trader, p. 139

It's All Greek to Me

“And so a barrow to this hero was raised in that land, and there stands a token for men of later days to see, the trunk of a wild olive tree, such as ships are built of; and it flourishes with its green leaves a little below the Acherusian headland.”

― Apollonius of Rhodes, The Argonautica

Angmoos and Melmoos--And Wave 2 is complete!

BAs the carts of the Imperial Teamsters Guild made their stately way through the streets of Karr-Keel, gathering up the birthday dead, they were accompanied by marching bands and other entertainers sponsored by the guild to keep the crowds of intoxicated revelers looking on the brighter side of life. Unlike the professional musicians who came to Karr-Keel to compete for the Mayor’s favor, the Teamsters’ marching bands were mismatched groups of baggers, loaders, and haulers with enough skill with their instruments to put together a rousing tune and the stamina to keep playing while moving about throughout the city. Bagpipes, drums, trumpets, mouth harps, they played at the same time, if not always together, and added to the air of revelry. Of all the Teamsters’ marching bands in Karr-Keel, the most popular was the Load Shifters. Known for their high energy, driving sound, and carefree physicality, the Load Shifters were three brothers, Angmoos, Melmoos, and Smegmoos. Angmoos, a bagpiper, was known for his silly hat, short kilt, and ability to play while body surfing. Melmoos, a trumpeter with big hands and a silky smooth voice, handed out strings of beads to partygoers who gave him articles of their clothing. Smegmoos, the drummer, was a sight to see. Sweating and heaving, he walked alongside his brothers with a bass drum strapped to his back, a snare set hanging to his front, and a cymbal hat on his head. Together, they crashed, banged, tooted, and squealed their way to the Great Fire, a wall of sonic insanity. Together still, they haunt the ruins of Karr-Keel, whipping the restless undead into a frenzy for yet another night of revelry.

Heroquest Orcs

"Now, to get to work on the next 4 [HeroQuest Orcs]..."

-Me, over two years ago!