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Miniatures Adventure => Gothic Horror => Topic started by: Kommando_J on July 15, 2017, 06:10:20 PM

Title: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 15, 2017, 06:10:20 PM
In anticipation of Dracula's America I have been inspired t dig out all my old materials and saved links from a long abandoned weird west project I had planned, inspired by the excellent Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare, so in the spirit of ideas sharing I shall be using this thread as both a painting log and ideas thread.

First up some atmospheric music:

The Magnificent Seven Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iteRKvRKFA)

Rawhide! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KPplYp7K7M)

Big Iron by Marty Robbins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=999RqGZatPs)

Red Dead Revolver Soundtrack has many old obscure western tunes in it, some very good

Per salvarsi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMLxY7NKP8w

Suor Omicidi, from 'Killer Nun' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrzZvR-voUw)

Un Uomo, Un Cavallo, Una Pistola (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IIX--M-wFs)

L'Ultimo Mercenario (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdXzo36JamI)

The later red dead redemption soundtrack is also quite good.

The shootist (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz8JdBidRqs)

Triggernometry (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg-yC0xcI9s)

Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 15, 2017, 06:12:10 PM
Something more supernatural/creepy:

Ghost Riders In the Sky by Frankie Laine (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwAPa0qHmLo)

The Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare soundtrack (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euu1gNytBP0&list=PLF4E5553B9BA9CBFE&index=18)

Songs with a more Native-American flavour

- The Dead Man soundtrack by Neil Young (a great film by Jim Jarmusch about the weird odyssey of a fatally wounded clerk and an outcast native-american).

Guitar Solo 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dya_-hZNFQE&index=4&list=RDjx3ajYfbzcw)

Organ Solo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi9pjophXag)

- The Ravenous soundtrack (an okay film about cavalrymen and wendigos).

Wendigo myth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyOBExX3-dA&index=7&list=PLs7s7YCW40wJAIbra0RcDEGL0HhKc5no2)

The cave (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy5xlq5lKKE&index=10&list=PLs7s7YCW40wJAIbra0RcDEGL0HhKc5no2)

- Navajo Joe soundtrack by Ennio Morricone (Spaghetti western revenge with Burt Reynolds playing a pissed native).

Main theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN1bJqU50iA)

Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 15, 2017, 06:20:54 PM
And finally a pair of Copplestone DA minis undercoated with some basic flesh, thinking of using the chap on the left as some type of sinister dandy necromancer, the fellow on the right will be a missionary ally of the congregation, perhaps having gone native?
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on July 15, 2017, 08:28:16 PM
All games need an inspiring soundtrack, and this selection is very good!

I don't see a 19th Century hardcore Christian Missionary "going native" and following the Congregation faith... but it's your game, your rules after all! Nice choice of minis, BTW! :D

Please keep sharing your ideas and progress!  ;)
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 15, 2017, 08:37:41 PM
Actually just that happened in Egypt a little before 1875 when one protestant missionary split off from one of the big Protestant American ventures, he had a difference of views with his fellows, took his congregation with him and disappeared down the Nile for a bit as I recall (need to bring up notes).

Also not all the missionary's stayed as such, ive read of a few cases were the bright young things would come to Africa, realize the locals only wanted them there as gunsmiths, got jaded, left and came back as traders/agents of the government.

And none of the above happened in a world of vampires and possessing spirits lol
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on July 15, 2017, 08:53:08 PM
Actually just that happened in Egypt a little before 1875 when one protestant missionary split off from one of the big Protestant American ventures, he had a difference of views with his fellows, took his congregation with him and disappeared down the Nile for a bit as I recall (need to bring up notes).

Also not all the missionary's stayed as such, ive read of a few cases were the bright young things would come to Africa, realize the locals only wanted them there as gunsmiths, got jaded, left and came back as traders/agents of the government.

And none of the above happened in a world of vampires and possessing spirits lol

My GF just told me that a similar thing happened with a Jesuit priest in the late 19th Century in Brazil - a land of vampires and possessing spirits for sure!  lol 

EDIT> The former priest not only adopted the African slaves religion but become a guerrilla fighter himself, raiding the plantations in order to free the slaves. After slavery was officially abolished in 1888, the priest moved to a certain island in Southern Brazil, where he got a family and died very old and very wise.  :)
 
 
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 17, 2017, 09:45:37 PM
A small update, have basic colours on missionary done, not sure whether to leave hand as is or maybe have it covered in blood/made of gold/brass etc.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Cubs on July 17, 2017, 10:16:57 PM
If you give him a sinister black leather glove, there could be anything under there!
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 17, 2017, 10:49:13 PM
Noice, like Alfred Bester!
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Fenrir on July 18, 2017, 07:53:58 PM
Love the idea of a missionary going 'native'- and looking forward to seeing your Congregation grow!  :)
Nice inspiration, too...
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 19, 2017, 03:32:53 PM
Thanks Fenrir!

Here are two more armed with a martini-henry and a repeater rifle,  just need to undercoat and begin lol.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 19, 2017, 06:00:25 PM
Two arcanists are done for now(will decide on a basing theme once everything is done), next up basic skin tones on congregation members,.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 20, 2017, 09:28:54 PM
Latest congregation minis now done, brother Paul and Brother Simon and the good doctor himself.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on July 20, 2017, 09:55:07 PM

Very nice, CONGRATULATIONS!  :-*
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 20, 2017, 10:04:11 PM
Thank you! have decided to go with a dirty white as my main colour, with red as a spot colour, need to buy more as all my other African troops have muskets which according to Fenrir won't have rules until the first supplement.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Fenrir on July 25, 2017, 05:58:35 AM
Yeah apologies for that; it was just a question of space- once SOTW is out in the wild I'll post up the rules for muskets to tide folks over (be warned- they aren't very good! lol). Until then you could always 'count them as' carbines...

Really looking forward to seeing more of these guys!
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dartfrog on July 25, 2017, 10:08:17 AM
Yep I've got a wodge of musket troops as well. I'm sure I can muddle through.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 25, 2017, 03:33:12 PM
Doing research for my dissertation i've found that muskets had a certain occult aura to them being preferred over rifles and modern weapons for sturdiness, cheap ammunition and a belief that the smoke/loudness had magic properties...perhaps have muskets act 'normal' against normal troops but have and additional effect against summoned creatures?
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on July 25, 2017, 04:43:14 PM
Doing research for my dissertation i've found that muskets had a certain occult aura to them being preferred over rifles and modern weapons for sturdiness, cheap ammunition and a belief that the smoke/loudness had magic properties...perhaps have muskets act 'normal' against normal troops but have and additional effect against summoned creatures?

Very nice points there! But just to be on the safe side, use silver bullets!  ;)
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 25, 2017, 04:57:31 PM
Indeed, although silver does not possess the same ''spiritual properties'' to Africans, perhaps silver only works on werewolves/vampires?
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on July 25, 2017, 05:25:29 PM
Indeed, although silver does not possess the same ''spiritual properties'' to Africans, perhaps silver only works on werewolves/vampires?

In the traditions of the African-descendants people of the Americas, silver is deeply connected to the spiritual world of the dead ("the world beyond the Veil"), and used extensively in amulets, charms and spells. The iconic Haitian Voodoo Priest's metal cane top is made of silver (and not pewter) for that reason. Silver nails are used in spells to get in touch with the deceased, in Voodoo dolls to kill remotely and to banish zombies. So a silver bullet fired from a musket (or any other firearm) may kill not only vampires and werewolves, but other kinds of undead IMHO... But always aim for the head anyway! (and have a big Bowie or a machete at hand, just in case...) ;)

EDIT> In Southern Brazil, the gaśchos used to carry silver plated knives "just in case" to be used against evil spirits and the Boitatį (fire serpent of the pampas). While in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul State fighting in the Farroupilha Revolution (1835-1845) the Italian adventurer Giuseppe Garibaldi was once given a silver crucifix and a small bag of silver pistol bullets as protection against "the evil things from the other side" (these pieces can be seen at the Jślio de Castilhos Historical Museum in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul).     

Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dartfrog on July 25, 2017, 06:06:01 PM
Certainly muskets seem to be still in use and held in high regard for a long time. I think ammunition quality for cartridge weapons may have been suspect for a while. Maybe the stuff sold on was of iffy quality. In Congo rules the musket causes more morale problems than rifles. Though longer to load obviously. The rules on muskets might be worth following up. I can imagine loading a musket with 'medicine' bundles to foil summoned or otherworld horrors. Even making an attack corridor like a sawn off, against close quarters horrors.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on July 25, 2017, 06:18:19 PM
Certainly muskets seem to be still in use and held in high regard for a long time. I think ammunition quality for cartridge weapons may have been suspect for a while. Maybe the stuff sold on was of iffy quality. In Congo rules the musket causes more morale problems than rifles. Though longer to load obviously. The rules on muskets might be worth following up. I can imagine loading a musket with 'medicine' bundles to foil summoned or otherworld horrors. Even making an attack corridor like a sawn off, against close quarters horrors.

I really like that!  :D
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 25, 2017, 07:51:47 PM
That was my thoughts, white ash apparently is used on its own or coated on weapons by some Indian Tribes, I had no idea of the silver connection, I am used to reading up on cultures still in Africa, noticeably silver is not mentioned at all while various tribes have different values for different goods - although all tribes greatly valued coils of wire, preferably brass or copper.

I'm not surprised at the south american connection, silver is common there as are European superstitions.

Also it was common for wealthy Arabs/Africans to buy well made elephant guns and just saw down the barrel/file down the rifling to use them as essentially high quality muskets, rifles where traded but had less utility and ere often the subject of embargoes/tax attempts to discourage African buyers.

I also recall a few African hunter tribes using huge masks they slung over their back, apparently the mask would both scare any predators sneaking up from behind and also 'shiver' to warn the hunter of unseen threats.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dartfrog on July 25, 2017, 10:48:42 PM
Also I imagine that with the civil war over the place will be awash with exarmy weaponry from both sides. I'm sure the Congregation would have a lot of low grade muskets. Once the rules are in my hands I will give them a chew over on this front and see how it pans out. Happy to hear that there plenty of supplements lurking in Fenrir's mind(which we shall squeeze out  :D). So plenty of space to grow.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on July 25, 2017, 11:04:06 PM
Happy to hear that there plenty of supplements lurking in Fenrir's mind(which we shall squeeze out  :D). So plenty of space to grow.

Due to be released on January 23, 2018:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51gCz7ejTBL._SX391_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)

From Amazon:

This supplement for Dracula's America: Shadows of the West contains a host of new rules and material and offers something for every player.

- Two New Factions: The Forsaken, ragged survivors of the 7th Cavalry tormented by a bestial curse, and the White Dragon Tong, crimelords with an agenda as mysterious as the powers wielded by their enforcers.
- The Hunting Grounds: Scenarios and encounters that focus on this mythical realm and the power and threats found within it.
- Territory: Build and develop your headquarters, and exploit the benefits it offers, but beware your enemies taking the fight to your home turf.
- Outlaws, Mercenaries and Bounty Hunters: New campaign options, allowing you to turn to a life of crime, bring in wanted fugitives, or sell your gun to the highest bidder.
- New Monsters: The denizens of the Hunting Grounds, in all their terrifying glory.
- New Hired Guns: There's all kinds of folk willing to sell their skills, and these new Hired Guns offer a range of tactical options . . . if you can afford them.
- New Gear: Bring a Gatling Gun to a knife fight, or find out why you were always warned about misusing brimstone chalk and vials of ectoplasm.
- New Skills: Riding and Leadership skills give you new combat options and help your posse stay in the fight.


 ;)
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dartfrog on July 25, 2017, 11:13:38 PM
  ;D
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Fenrir on July 26, 2017, 06:06:20 PM
Fascinating stuff, folks- my knowledge on these subjects utterly pales in comparison! :o
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on July 26, 2017, 07:58:44 PM
It certainly helps that im currently doing my History Masters dissertation on explorers/east africa at the moment! lol
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Fenrir on July 26, 2017, 08:25:26 PM
Aye, that would do it!  lol
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on July 27, 2017, 02:00:55 AM

It certainly helps I've had my share of monster killing through the years... and the scars to prove it!  :D
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Fenrir on July 27, 2017, 07:03:48 AM
I knew it!!  lol
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on July 27, 2017, 11:30:48 AM
I knew it!!  lol

 ;)
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on August 10, 2017, 07:48:50 PM
A new mini up, the stitch doc almost done(need to decide on hair colour) kept colours normal as he makes an excllent generic surgeon.

Next up the preacher and broodsire.

Also incoming possibly here or possibly wargames illustrated (if they are interested) my homebrew rules for three(techically four) new hired guns!

Soldier of the Empire, Big game Hunter and war correspondent/muckracker.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Fenrir on August 11, 2017, 06:10:44 AM
@Kommando_J: Fantastic to hear you've come up with some more Hired Guns already!  8)
Any pictures of the Doc? I'm still waiting on my own 'official' figures, so using the time to gather some inspiration...
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on August 11, 2017, 11:40:21 AM
Given the straight forward nature of the rules(no messing about with loads of individual stats) homebrewing some new characters was pretty easy!

Just realised the pic dint attach lol, here it is.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Maxromek on August 11, 2017, 02:23:47 PM
Looking great!

If you are based in Glasgow, maybe we could get a game at some point, if I manage to make myself a posse :D
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on August 11, 2017, 07:54:35 PM
Some close up pics, stitch doctor and broodsire, preacher enxt up.

Wouldn't mind a game Maxromek, was planning to hit up the glasgow wargames club at partick see if anyone wanted a match anyway.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on August 12, 2017, 06:47:43 PM
Next up preacher/ally for my congregation, done in a sort of filthy ''white fathers''' style cassock.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on August 12, 2017, 07:37:19 PM
I like very much their gritty look and color palette, CONGRATULATIONS!  :-*
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on August 13, 2017, 10:10:32 PM
Next up two characters for my homebrew hired guns! And because i'm feeling extra generous i've decided to just throw them up here!

First off the Empire Soldier!

To Hire - $16

Retainer - $4

Rank/Grit - Veteran

Armed with rifle.

Special:

- Stand To! - Counts as the trigger happy skill but can also be used for reactions.

- Bayonet drill - Counts as close work but for the soldiers rifle instead.

- 'Ornery - Same as rulebook.

Second up, the big game hunter!

To Hire - $20

Retainer - $6

Rank/Grit - Veteran

Armed with heavy pistol and elephant gun.

(Elephant Gun ($20- Uncommon): S-10'' M-20'' L-MISS! Jam-D6, Rifle Targets suffer -1 save modifier at up to 20'')

Special:

- Hawkeye - Same as rulebook.

- Deadeye - Same as rulebook.

- Quickdraw - Same as rulebook.


Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Fenrir on August 15, 2017, 09:41:30 PM
Love the Big Game Hunter- imagine him with silver bullets in that gun...

Bye-bye Werewolf!  :D
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on August 15, 2017, 10:11:37 PM
I thought of having silver bullets as a separate thing but thought it might be a bit overkill, maybe put his elephant gun to -2(i would consider such an experienced hunter to probably use silver as standard and have plenty to last a battle).
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on August 23, 2017, 12:24:37 AM
Some new pics!

First up a sinister gentleman lately of Egypt...possibly either a huckster hired gun or a member of some new future gang.

Second, Floyd, since he has no weapons and you cant take either zombies or unarmed guys in a congregation force, i've decided to use him as a pugilist!

And yet to come, two broodkin, a carpathian guard and a swamp thi-...errr a Fen bea-a swamp monster!
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on October 12, 2017, 05:37:44 PM
Masters done, finally got some painting done!

First up a Carpathian guard, not hugely fussed on the uniform aspect.

Second, the Winters brothers, not fully happy, might redo faces at very least.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on January 25, 2018, 06:42:25 PM
Test pic using my new light box!

A peace officer npc from Foundry.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: dinohunterpoa on January 25, 2018, 07:48:08 PM

Why is it SIDEWAYS?  lol

Better looking this way, right?!  ;)

Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on January 25, 2018, 08:02:31 PM
Indeed lol, thank you for the heads up.

One a related note, i've found that in terms of scale from smallest to biggest it goes, Old foundry old west, Draculas America, New foundry old west.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on February 11, 2018, 08:22:04 PM
Some new minis painted for my congregation posse (slowly getting there!)

Haven't decided on names yet, first up a chap (for when the posse is more established) armed with a repeater.

Next up the second in command with pistol and sword(work in progress).

...And finally the leader (also work in progress), tried a grey(possibly ex-confederate?) coat and skull face paint.

Now just waiting for my northstar order to come free to finish the posse!
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: fred on February 17, 2018, 08:47:27 PM
You might want to try a darker background colour, to give the camera a better chance to get a good exposure of the photo.

I found with my light box that for quick snaps the black background worked much better than the white one. I mid coloured one would probably be best if you have it.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on February 17, 2018, 10:30:57 PM
Thank you for the yip! You are right these look much better.

Also as an aside just got my order off northstar and the casting on one was not great, who do i contact there?
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: fred on February 18, 2018, 08:55:23 PM
That makes a difference!

Can actually see the figures now, who are coming on very nicely.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on June 11, 2018, 07:33:14 AM
Thank you for the encouragement!

Here are a few civilians wot I painted up:

Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: sir_shvantselot on June 15, 2018, 09:50:46 PM
Love the use of foundry darkest Africa. You have captured a very gritty tone.
Title: Re: My Dracula's America inspiration/Painting Thread.
Post by: Kommando_J on June 16, 2018, 01:05:37 AM
Thank you, the DA range is possibly may favourite.

Some more minis, no idea but they keep coming out sideways and seemingly when I open on them on my computer they ''autocorrect'' but dont stay that way.