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Miniatures Adventure => Gothic Horror => Topic started by: vikotnik on January 07, 2008, 08:58:12 PM

Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! The beginning of something new...?
Post by: vikotnik on January 07, 2008, 08:58:12 PM
As mentioned elsewhere on this forum, I want to start a Nosferatu-themed project. If everything goes well, I am going to present it at this year's Crisis in Antwerp.
Any progress will be documentd in this thread.
:)

While browsing through the net for hours in search of the right miniature, I realised that there are some nice Nosferatu-vampires around, but none seemed to fit the image I had in my head for this particular kind of vampire. So, I decided to sculpt my own.

Here are the first results:
(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/images/img.1199736385220.jpg)

This one was squished around a wire armature in one go, using one piece of green stuff. Man, this looks crappy!
 :(

(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/images/img.1199736583682.jpg)

This one was made in two separate stages, legs first, then the coat and the arms in the second stage. I simply have torestrain myself and exercise my patience, sculpting seems not to be as straightforward as painting...
:cry:

I slept a few nights over these appalling results and began anew, recounting all the tips I got from Josef Ochmann in a brilliant workshop years ago...
The legs were made in the first stage, then the coat. The arms came next, after that, the hands. The face was done in a separate stage during Saturday evening. The sculpting tips on Matakishi's brilliant page have been very useful in this:
http://www.matakishi.com/bmbfaces.htm

Details like the buttons and a ring from a long dead love he wears came last.
Here he is, COUNT ORLOCK!!
(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/images/img.1199736287432.jpg)

:)
This is the FIRST ever full miniature I have sculpted and I cannot say that I do not like him...:D

He is not finished, though. A scenic base will be added, pictures of it are to follow. Upon release, the base will be separate from the miniature as I simply hate to remove those cast-on bases from the miniatures.

What do You think?  :?:
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Overlord on January 07, 2008, 09:05:44 PM
That is a fantastic sculpt  :love:  :o  

A lot better than many commercial sculpts.
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Captain Blood on January 07, 2008, 09:05:49 PM
I think you've got a whole new career.

That, my friend, is bloody excellent. Never mind for a first attempt, it would stand the test with a lot of the commercially available figures out there.

The creepy hands in particular, are brilliantly done. Well done you!

Quick - make some more!

 :wink:
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: JollyBob on January 07, 2008, 09:07:21 PM
that's pretty damn good for a first go!  :o

Well done! Especially the hands.
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: theoldschool on January 07, 2008, 09:28:35 PM
Some people are just born talented. First class work, love the hands and face.
Pat
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: The_Wisecrack on January 07, 2008, 10:09:36 PM
abosutely amazing. actually i think i need to sit in a class with you mate .WOW  :D  :o  where can we get one  :lol:  im serious manafacture him now. now now
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: matakishi on January 07, 2008, 10:19:11 PM
That's great.
I'll buy one.
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Zafarelli on January 07, 2008, 10:44:55 PM
Hooray! :D

And to quote Captain Blood: Quick, make some more! Why buy miniatures when you can make your own?
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Strand on January 07, 2008, 11:27:10 PM
I'll buy one!  :love:

Excellent work on the arms especially the hands! One thing: I don't like the teeth (reminds me of a rabbit), but this doesn't destroy the aura of the whole miniature.
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Zafarelli on January 07, 2008, 11:55:26 PM
Quote from: "Strand"
I'll buy one!  :love:

Excellent work on the arms especially the hands! One thing: I don't like the teeth (reminds me of a rabbit), but this doesn't destroy the aura of the whole miniature.


More a rat than a rabbit to me, but this is what Orlock looks by the end of the movie, doesn't he?
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Heldrak on January 08, 2008, 12:58:27 AM
Very impressive!

Particularly accomplished for a first sculpt- nice sharp detail and excellent smooth surfaces  :love:
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: vikotnik on January 08, 2008, 04:17:12 AM
Quote from: "Zafarelli"
Quote from: "Strand"
I'll buy one!  :love:

Excellent work on the arms especially the hands! One thing: I don't like the teeth (reminds me of a rabbit), but this doesn't destroy the aura of the whole miniature.


More a rat than a rabbit to me, but this is what Orlock looks by the end of the movie, doesn't he?



Exactly. During the film, he becomes progressively more rat-like. Here is a pic from the end:
(http://www.trhonline.com/nosferatu.jpg)

Thanx for the nice comments, guys!! :)  :)  :)
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: fatgoblin on January 08, 2008, 04:40:46 AM
that looks great!  normally I would say the shoulders are too high but it kinda works with the nosferatu
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Driscoles on January 08, 2008, 09:10:28 AM
I`ll buy one.... Maybe two  :)
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Malamute on January 08, 2008, 09:22:18 AM
Very, very nice, put me down for one too :)  As you might expect, I am looking forwqard to seeing this project take shape. :)
Can we expect to see your own Vampire HUnter sculpts too?
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: chaplain severus on January 08, 2008, 10:43:05 AM
Very impressive sculpt.  the hands and face are very well done. Show us more.


Matt
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: twrchtrwyth on January 08, 2008, 03:27:51 PM
That's excellent.
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Troll on January 08, 2008, 07:07:52 PM
Very nice work.

Troll
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Bob da dowg on January 12, 2008, 09:41:31 AM
Quote from: "Zafarelli"
Hooray! :D
Quick, make some more! Why buy miniatures when you can make your own?

Yeah, great idea. :D  :love:  :o  :lol:  :P  
You can top even that.
Why invest time to boost your tiny ego with points you get on cmnot by spending endless hours dabbling your minis with paint!

Years ago I read a thread about a chap who used coloured FIMO to make his own minis for a Napoleonic army. As the sculptors at Rakham use Fimo for their masters (and you see what detailed things they flesh out) it's the ideal solution.

So you can save your time and get coloured minis by that.

And if you start right away you can get together your small bunch of hunchbacked ape-armed Quasimodos before you reach your old-age pension.
DIY
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Argonor on January 12, 2008, 01:26:48 PM
Quote from: "fatgoblin"
that looks great!  normally I would say the shoulders are too high but it kinda works with the nosferatu


Yeah, or the neck too short. But on this one it certainly looks great!

Get it in production! Now!  :lol:
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: vikotnik on January 15, 2008, 08:03:14 PM
Thanks for the nice comments, guys!
 :)

The Nosferatu in the silent film always stands in a quite awkward and hunched position and I wanted to get this across by placing the head between his shoulders. This is why he looks slightly misproportioned.

Quote from: "Malamute"

Can we expect to see your own Vampire HUnter sculpts too?


I really am intrigued by this now, so perhaps I'll try my hands on other characters.

Quote from: "Bob da dowg"

Why invest time to boost your tiny ego with points you get on cmnot...


Off course I did:
http://www.coolminiornot.com/179058
:)

Meanwhile, I have sculpted a base with some rats to accompany him and painted copies of both.
Here they are:
(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/images/img.1200426063266.jpg.600.-1..9.jpg)
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: P_Clapham on January 16, 2008, 01:55:24 AM
Zounds!  :love:
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Driscoles on January 16, 2008, 07:15:04 AM
whew!
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Malamute on January 16, 2008, 08:32:42 AM
Vikotnik - I am blown away by your talent with this figure. It is superb, I think you have captured the character perfectly and I  love the rats too. :D  :love:  :o
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Zafarelli on January 16, 2008, 01:49:18 PM
Have to chime in with the Very Nices. Even the eyes look as weird as on the B/W picture from the movie!
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Bob da dowg on January 25, 2008, 04:16:52 PM
Quote from: Zafarelli
Even the eyes look as weird quote]
Quite large for a creature that shuns light -
maybe his last victim was on speed :lol:
But for a 35mm mini they might be even larger then...
perhaps he should wear 8)

Besides that, the head is definitely not sitting between the shoulders but on quite a long neck covered by the massive collar of his coat. Would it sit between the shoulders he would have a stance like the GW orcs.
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: tbroadwater on January 31, 2008, 11:25:40 PM
amazing work! It's great to see the color apllied as well. Did you make a cast of your cast to do your paint test?


looking forward to seeing more.....
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Darkoath on February 02, 2008, 11:49:32 AM
That is bloody awesome! :D   I would love to purchase one too!  Man I hope you made a mold of this one!
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: loki on February 04, 2008, 04:31:47 PM
I thought Nosferatu is a black and white movie -

so why is the figure in colour ???? :lol:

Nice mini.
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Argonor on February 04, 2008, 06:44:08 PM
Haven't you watched 'Shadow of the Vampire'? If not, do! It's hilarious!
Title: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: vikotnik on February 06, 2008, 05:16:53 AM
Thank You for the nice comments, guys!

 :D

The figure will be available at Pardulon.com eventually. However, I will make some resin copies of 'The Count' to be available at Tactica in Hamburg on Feb. 23/24th. These will be priced at € 4.95 including base.

If You are interested in obtaining one there, please send me a PM.

After 'Do or Dice' up here in Kiel, I will have some more things happening on this thread... :)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: vikotnik on May 20, 2008, 06:08:29 AM
Well, after quite some time of not painting anything relevant to LAF, I am anxious to get back to this project! The Idea of the table portraying Castle Orlock and its surroundings was discarded afer some consideration.

Consequently, I have decided to have the game happening in a part of 'Wisborg' (As they called Wismar in the film.), so I need buildings!

I would not ever use cardboard ones except for playtesting, so these can be ruled out.

Does anyone around here know any manufactureres of decent early-to-mid-1900s European buildings in 28mm? To add flavour to the setting, some Victorian and even some Gothic ones would be acceptable as well.

Any ideas?


Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Malamute on May 20, 2008, 08:28:08 AM
Shame about not building the castle. With your talents that would look amazing :)
Sorry I cannot think of anyone making what you are looking for. Scratchbuliding maybe the only option. :?
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: commissarmoody on May 20, 2008, 10:30:44 AM
Well I dont know if this will help but I just checked out http://fauxtoys.com/tvag/index.html or "the vertuarl armchair genrole"

Check out the B'hoys Towne! section The sets seem to be pretty cheap and you can fill up a tabl with this stuff as your background
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: vikotnik on September 27, 2008, 01:27:30 PM
Well, a long time has passed since I have considered anything Nosferatu-relevant, but I did collect nearly all of the relevant miniatures for this project.

However, I am still looking for a few missing miniatures and need Your help in finding them.

The first group of miniatures would be some victorian coffin-bearers. Wild west ones would be sufficient, too, as they are likely to be easily converted.

The final one that is missing would be a victorian-age skipper. He would be the one that brings the vampire to Wisborg on board of his ship. When he realizes that he has the same terrible fate of his shipmates, he ties himself to the rudder of his ship.

What dou You think?
Any ideas?
???
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Malamute on September 27, 2008, 01:52:22 PM
Ok for the coffin bearers - Foundry do an undertaker in their old west range. not sure about the actual pole bearers.
Westwind do a Hearse in the Vampire Wars range.Thye also have some sailors within their Gothic Horror range.
Ships crew:- I used a Foundry Darkest Africa figure as my ships captain. There are various seamen avaible from Artizan, Pulp miniatures, Brigade games and Blue Moon have a ships crew coming out in their pulp range. Brigade games have a nice crew in their Victorian gangs range. Check out my Dracula part four for photos of the crew of the Demeter. :)
As for the captain lashed to the wheel, probably a conversion.

Very much looking forward to seeing this project come together.  :) You are inspiring me to return to gothic horror after a long period of absence.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: JollyBob on September 27, 2008, 06:59:51 PM
I would definitely consider this guy:

(http://www.artizandesigns.com/images/plp023.jpg)

for your ill-fated skipper. Very windswept and interesting.

From Artizan, in case you didn't already know. 
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: vikotnik on September 28, 2008, 10:08:44 AM
Malamute, I have been to the homepage of West Wind, but did not find a hearse, perhaps it has been discontinued? Never mind, it would only have served for some background detail anyway!
But I have found the gas lights there that I have been looking for since the beginning of this project!!!
 ;D

The link to Your brilliant story provided the inspiration to find the missing models!

I really am happy to provide some inspriation in return! :)

Without the answers of both You and Jolly Bob, I would never have considered the ranges/companies You have mentioned!
Artizan!
It seems that I have some ordering to do next week!

This is what really makes visiting an inspiring place like this worthwhile.

Thank You!

Updates will follow...
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Malamute on September 28, 2008, 05:56:28 PM
Malamute, I have been to the homepage of West Wind, but did not find a hearse, perhaps it has been discontinued? Never mind, it would only have served for some background detail anyway!
But I have found the gas lights there that I have been looking for since the beginning of this project!!!

I have found it in their Vampire Wars range. Here is the link to it:
http://www.westwindproductions.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_19&products_id=533

GH00054 Vampire Hearse £18.00

It looks like its still available. If you want to see it in the lead before ordering it I can show you in a couple of weeks time along with the sailor figures when we meet up. :)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: vikotnik on September 28, 2008, 06:09:49 PM
Great idea!
Looking forward to it!
 :)

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror!
Post by: Snate56 on September 29, 2008, 03:57:16 AM
The GW Black Coach is a little fancier, if you prefer,

http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/armySubUnitCats.jsp?catId=cat50048&rootCatGameStyle= (http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/armySubUnitCats.jsp?catId=cat50048&rootCatGameStyle=)

SteveN
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: vikotnik on November 24, 2008, 09:58:17 PM
Sorry that I did not update this thread for such a long time again... ::)

JollyBob, I have made some serious ordering at BattlefieldBerlin because of You post, shame on me! :)

Snate56, I still have the coach lying around somewhere and, whereas it really is a great model, I think it might be too fantastic-looking for my project.

In the meantime, I have ordered some buildings at Steve Barber Models. I really must say that his German buildings are absolutely brilliant! Pictures will follow as soon as the table layout is done.

When looking at the first Orlock sculpt, I found him to be too cartoonish for being appropiate. So I decided to try a new one.

Here is the first test sculpt, quite boring:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/1/173_24_11_08_10_20_04_0.jpg)

The idea was to have him standing bent backwards, looking down upon his prey. This sculpt shows nothing of this. brrr... :-[

Then I met up for a 'Crisis-Revival'-evening with Driscoles and Zafarelli. We had lots of beer and good food and I even managed to do some sculpting while watching a strange wild west film Driscoles brought along. We enjoyed ourselves a lot, chatting through the night after watching the film!
This is what I made that evening:

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/1/173_24_11_08_10_20_04_1.jpg)

...looks quite alright?
Try this angle:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/1/173_24_11_08_10_20_05_2.jpg)

As You will have noticed, the shoulders are crooked!
I cleaned up the sculpt and redid the shoes.

Then I added the rest to come up with this:

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/1/173_24_11_08_10_20_05_3.jpg)

This being my second full sculpt, I do quite like it.  :)
I know that it can be improved a lot, but in my opinion, it seems more sinister to me than the previous one. Next will be a base to complement it. Come to think of it: When You buy a miniature, do You like scenic bases included or would You wish to have a plain base instead?
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: matakishi on November 24, 2008, 11:52:24 PM
Very nice.
Plain base please!!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Chairface on November 25, 2008, 05:05:54 AM
Love it. I'll second the plain base.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Driscoles on November 25, 2008, 06:36:58 AM
Nice sculpt. Especially the buttons. The hands are awesome.
Plain base pls.
Björn
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Captain Blood on November 25, 2008, 08:17:00 AM
Lovely work. The details, like the pockets and the buttons, are first class.
You have missed your vocation Karsten!

Agree about the plain base.

Looking forward to seeing more on this project again.

(By the way, did you paint your heroine yet? ;))
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Malamute on November 25, 2008, 08:25:35 AM
Absolutely first class Karsten. I really like him, but I also liked the original one too. :)
Did you ever decide on how to do the coffin bearers? and I never did show you the Westwind Hearse!
Looking forward to seeing the photos of the buildings. :)

pS I want one of the figures too ;) :D
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: oxiana on November 25, 2008, 09:30:27 AM
Yesterday I was playing with some green stuff and was cursing my fat fingers at my lack of control over the stuff. And I was only trying to add a beard to a mini... Totally inspiring sculpt!

(And a vote for a plain base from me, too.)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: dodge on November 25, 2008, 09:42:49 AM
I like this very much, the detail is very good and the pose is very feral and horrific

nice  8)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Overlord on November 25, 2008, 10:07:18 AM
Thats great Karsten the pose works really well.  :-*
Another vote for a plain base from me.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Bullshott on November 25, 2008, 12:44:05 PM
Great work Karsten. I'm looking forward to seeing how this project develops.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Rhoderic on November 25, 2008, 12:53:33 PM
That figure is awesome and I crave it! I'll chime in with the suggestions that you do a plain base.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: JollyBob on November 25, 2008, 01:52:45 PM
That's really only your second sculpt?  :o

Brilliant, really sinister looking.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Zafarelli on November 25, 2008, 06:29:38 PM
Well, well. Casting those individual fingers gives me the creeps, but we'll manage somehow :o And I'd vote for a sculpted heptagonal base, just like the first one. Plain base, boooooorrrriiiing! lol
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Malamute on November 26, 2008, 08:34:12 AM
I'd like a choice of bases please, one plain and one covered with Rats.....thousands of 'Em! :)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on November 26, 2008, 09:24:45 AM
Well, if you are thinking of selling castings, I'll have one!

As for the base, I'm not too fussed, if it's got detail that isn't required it can always be textured and flocked over.

I could see him being used as an undead criminal mastermind uniting various gangs and organizations in a bid for world domination.

Or, maybe just going around biting young ladies necks.

Either way it works for me  ;)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Malamute on November 26, 2008, 09:33:56 AM

I could see him being used as an undead criminal mastermind uniting various gangs and organizations in a bid for world domination.


Interesting, thats exactly whats happened in our ongoing Victorian campaign. Fu Manchu died and was resurrected by his daughter, unfortunately he became a Vampire in the process, Now he has also turned Moriarty and intends to keep him as his slave for eternity as punishment.. But Moriarty's mind is strong and may well free himself to rebuild his own criminal gang. Two undead masterminds fighting for control of London's underworld.. Whatever next ;)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on November 26, 2008, 10:03:29 AM

I could see him being used as an undead criminal mastermind uniting various gangs and organizations in a bid for world domination.


Interesting, thats exactly whats happened in our ongoing Victorian campaign. Fu Manchu died and was resurrected by his daughter, unfortunately he became a Vampire in the process, Now he has also turned Moriarty and intends to keep him as his slave for eternity as punishment.. But Moriarty's mind is strong and may well free himself to rebuild his own criminal gang. Two undead masterminds fighting for control of London's underworld.. Whatever next ;)

Being scrupulously honest, I have to admit I got the idea from a game report you posted where Fu Manchu returned as  one of the undead  lol
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Malamute on November 26, 2008, 01:40:49 PM

I could see him being used as an undead criminal mastermind uniting various gangs and organizations in a bid for world domination.


Interesting, thats exactly whats happened in our ongoing Victorian campaign. Fu Manchu died and was resurrected by his daughter, unfortunately he became a Vampire in the process, Now he has also turned Moriarty and intends to keep him as his slave for eternity as punishment.. But Moriarty's mind is strong and may well free himself to rebuild his own criminal gang. Two undead masterminds fighting for control of London's underworld.. Whatever next ;)

Being scrupulously honest, I have to admit I got the idea from a game report you posted where Fu Manchu returned as  one of the undead  lol

Gluteus Old Fruit, I admire your honesty and appreciate somebody out there has enjoyed  my madness and delusions and found them useful :D
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Orlock finally painted...
Post by: vikotnik on January 02, 2009, 10:51:45 PM
Guys, sorry about not replying earlier to Your nice and constructive comments. Thank You very much!
In my opinion, this place is the most inspiring on the net because of all those different ideas and opinions coming together, mixed with the high quality of the workmanship displayed.
 ;D

No scenic base. So it will be then. Saves LOTS of trouble!  :D

All the stuff shown will be available by Pardulon eventually, if You would be interested, simply drop Zafarelli a line!

I did not want to post before I have painted Orlock up. In the last few days, I finally had the opportinity!
I have carved some coffins out of plaster, one closed and one with a lid. It has a padded inside. I have used a cast of it on the base. The fingernails are from stretched sprue, I love that stuff!

(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/resize.php?img=/images/0.img.1230934957Orlock-von-oben-gut.jpg&h=1000&w=1000)

I played around with photoshop a bit to make this one look like a picture from a b/w film that has been coloured subsequently:
(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/resize.php?img=/images/1.img.1230934957Orlock-von-vorne-farbig.jpg&h=1000&w=1000)


Finally, I discovered that my camera actually has a sepia mode! I added some grain to the pic for the aged look:
(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/resize.php?img=/images/2.img.1230934957Orlock-Sepia.jpg&h=1000&w=1000)


Malamute, I really would like to do some coffin bearers, but they would only be used as a scenic element in the game, so probably, they would not be worth the bother. I would have to take care of the rat swarms first! ;)

Quite a few of the miniatures for tis project have been painted now, I will return to show them as soon as they are based.


Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Zafarelli on January 02, 2009, 11:31:34 PM
Nice one!

If you use The Gimp for your photomanips, there is a filter called "Altes Foto" that should work very nicely with Mr Orlock.

Edit: Incidentally, just this afternoon, I took this picture of Vikotnik's first Orlock, together with the coffin:

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/406_03_01_09_12_53_33.jpg)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! This one goes out to Captain Blood!
Post by: vikotnik on February 08, 2009, 04:39:58 PM
Last week I started building a small diorama to check out if monochrome painting could work convincingly. The following are colour photos made in daylight. I got the heroine (or rather unsuspecting victim) from Captain Blood at BLAM08  , so big thanks go out to him again...

Sorry for the large pic, still getting used to my new computer... o_o


(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/resize.php?img=/images/1.img.1234110040Shadow-full.jpg&h=1000&w=1000)


Here is a smaller close-up without the nasty mahogany base:
(http://www.displacedminiatures.com/resize.php?img=/images/0.img.1234110040Shadow-eye-level.jpg&h=1000&w=1000)
I had lots of fun painting the shadows! ;D

Meanwhile, I have started bulding the frame for the table; originally, I wanted to commission one, but at the size of roughly 1m10 x 1m10, it would have been too expensive. I have made step-by-step pictures of the process; as soon as it is finished, I will post them here.

A lot of miniatures have been painted, too. The ship Orlock uses to travel to Wisborg is nearly finished, only the sails need to be added. I hope I can find the time to photograph them next weekend.
Stay tuned...
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Captain Blood on February 08, 2009, 05:40:38 PM
Ah, Karsten, you are such an artist.  :-*

The shadows and the little nighttime scene beyond the window are beautifully done.

And the lady looks so much better in your diorama, then languishing in my bits box!  :)

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Driscoles on February 08, 2009, 06:22:32 PM
Dear Karsten,
what a beautiful piece of art !
You make me speechless mate !
Björn
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: JollyBob on February 08, 2009, 06:48:07 PM
Vikotnik, that is beautiful!  :-*

I want to show people that picture when they dismiss our hobby for being childish.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: ace67 on February 08, 2009, 07:30:08 PM
truely brilliant the shadows are really well done
loved it to bits
please post more
cheers
ace67
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Doc Twilight on February 08, 2009, 09:27:24 PM
Vikotnik -

Brilliant work. Absolutely beautiful.

I wonder if you would favor us with a brief description of how you pulled off the monochrome/black and white look? It's something I've contemplated for a long time, and it's -amazing- to see it done in the flesh. Would love to try something like this myself.

-Doc

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Zafarelli on February 08, 2009, 10:38:05 PM
My, my.

Even better in the flesh though, the pictures don't do it justice. My favorites are the shadows, the sculpted carpet, and the window. Did I mention the shadows?
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Hammers on February 08, 2009, 10:48:13 PM
A wonderful idea, Vik, and expertly executed.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Overlord on February 08, 2009, 11:17:44 PM
That is excellent.  :-* :-* :-*
I can't wait to see the whole board.  Based on this & what you said at BLAM it should be stunning.  8)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Malamute on February 09, 2009, 08:30:07 AM
I think you already know I am going to say I like it.... Its stunning. ;D :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Helen on February 09, 2009, 08:32:52 AM
Brillant! :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: dodge on February 09, 2009, 10:23:15 AM
Perfectly executed piece of work,

 :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: Aaron on February 10, 2009, 01:59:23 PM
I am amazed. I thought it was photoshopped until I saw the piece of mahogany base sticking out. Just...wow! :o
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...new Orlock sculpt added...
Post by: knoxville on February 10, 2009, 02:24:58 PM
Where have all the colors gone?!  :o :-* ;D




Brilliant, but I've seen it coming ;)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! The dead Captain...
Post by: vikotnik on February 11, 2009, 10:01:22 PM
Thank You for the very nice comments, guys!
 :)

I can tell You, I am relieved that the whole thing works THAT good, I truly had no idea until I finished the diorama... ::)


I wonder if you would favor us with a brief description of how you pulled off the monochrome/black and white look? It's something I've contemplated for a long time, and it's -amazing- to see it done in the flesh. Would love to try something like this myself.


Doc Twilight, I can only say that I got the idea while reading through an ezine called 'Wargames Painting and Modelling'. Issue number 3 has a brilliant article by Carmen Cerra that covers a lot of game-related monochrome techniques. It is freely available, You can find it here:

http://www.thecourtjestersstudio.com/WPM/home.html

Shortly after reading this article, I talked to Driscoles about a monochrome setting and here we are!

I have found that none of the rat swarm miniatures available would fit my taste, so last summer, I have started sculpting some that could 'grow' if placed correctly next to each other on the gaming surface. The idea was that You can cover a whole area in rats, just like a living carpet!
When Orlock arrives in Wisborg, he infects the whole city with the plague through hordes of rats, so that simply had to be featured in the game. Well, the first ones are finally cast and painted:

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_11_02_09_10_29_36_0.jpg)


Here is how they connect, LOTS of them will be used in the finished game!!! ;D
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_11_02_09_10_29_36_1.jpg)

Finally, here is our hero, the truly terrified Thomas Hutter confronting only a fraction of the menace...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_11_02_09_10_29_37_2.jpg)

All of the pics are colour photos, with the levels having been adjusted slightly.

Eventually, Zafarelli will have them in his store on Pardulon.com. If You are interested in obtaining some, simply drop him a line.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Malamute on February 12, 2009, 08:23:42 AM
Oh My, Wonderful stuff.  ;D lol Who is the Hutter figure, is he a conversion?
Perhaps next year when I come to Germany I may have the opportunity to play this wonderful game ???
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: dodge on February 12, 2009, 11:21:49 AM
That is just fantastic , a clever way of creating a massive swarm.

well done

dodge
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: blackstone on February 12, 2009, 07:38:07 PM
Brilliant work! Great sculpt btw... really good pose. I think the rat swarm is fantastic too!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Wirelizard on February 14, 2009, 06:28:09 AM
The monochrome "Shadow of the Vampire" is fantastic, and the rat swarm made my hair stand up - available through Pardulon might mean my first order to them later this year...
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: vikotnik on February 14, 2009, 08:05:36 AM
Thanks again for the comments, guys!
 :)

Malamute, You are cordially invited to come to Vikotnik's den to have a game!
The 'hero' is a conversion made from a 'limited' Foundry victorian gentleman and the head of a EE Mordheim plastic sprue.

In the last few weeks, I started working on the ship Orlock uses to travel to Wisborg. The unsuspecting sailors are killed by the vampire. The last man alive, the Captain, decides to tie himself to the mast, only to make himself even more helpless...
Following a suggestion by JollyBob, I looked through Artizan's miniatures, not only buying the eccentrics, but also the merchant sailors... ::)
Thank You for the suggestion again, Rob!

Here goes:

The unconverted miniature:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_14_02_09_8_49_55_0.jpg)

I cut the miniature at the neck and bent the head down. The legs were cut and bent, too, in order to make him look collapsed against the mast. All the gaps have been filled with putty, a new right hand and the rope have been sculpted:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_14_02_09_8_49_55_1.jpg)

..painted, I added some blood trickle coming from his mouth(...or neck?) to his chest for some dramatic effect:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_14_02_09_8_49_55_2.jpg)

...on board the ship:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_14_02_09_8_49_55_3.jpg)
The pic came out a bit blurry, sorry for that.

The ship has finally been finished, too! I hope to be able to take photos this weekend...
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Malamute on February 14, 2009, 08:46:00 AM
Karsten -- I am in total awe of this project it is breathtaking. :o The ships captain is superb. Fantastic. ;D I am lovingthis thread. :-* I can't wait to see photos of the whole scenario and i would sincerely love to come over(next year definately) :D
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Tsune on February 14, 2009, 09:32:57 AM
Wow! This is a fantastic project that is going better and better with each new addition. And the monochrome painting is suberb, very evocative... the scupting and conversions... :-*

Thanks for sharing it.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Driscoles on February 14, 2009, 09:50:09 AM
Hey you guys...know something ? Today I will meet Karsten and I will have a look on the gaming table and all the beautiful scenery and figures. hehe
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Malamute on February 14, 2009, 10:39:49 AM
Hey you guys...know something ? Today I will meet Karsten and I will have a look on the gaming table and all the beautiful scenery and figures. hehe

Make sure you take your camera along then ;) lol
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Ramshackle_Curtis on February 14, 2009, 11:02:02 AM
Fantastic, I love the monochrome diorama! Yeah, Monster monster monster!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on February 14, 2009, 02:26:59 PM
Karsten, this is all truly splendid!

You have the period monochrome look absolutely spot-on.

I wonder whether Malamute should re-paint all his horror collection in the same style.......  lol
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Driscoles on February 14, 2009, 04:36:22 PM
Malamute !
The table will be a blast.
I took my camera but there was a checkpoint and I had to hand over all my stuff before I was allowed to enter Karstens den.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: dodge on February 16, 2009, 07:10:18 AM
The ships captain is brilliant, that monochrone look is effective , well dodne

dodge
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: vikotnik on March 14, 2009, 08:07:57 PM
The last few weeks flew by and here we are: Our con is approaching and there is so much left to do!  ::)

I have spent the last weeks frantically constructing the table, basing and painting houses, painting miniatures and discussing the rules with Driscoles and Doomhippie.

Driscoles came up with the basic rules. Cheers mate!  ;D
Today, we met and had a test game. I was so excited that I did not take many pics and only one of them could be used:

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_14_03_09_8_58_56.jpg)

I have made lots of pics while constructing the table. These will be posted as soon as I find the time, rest assured that there will be a lot to see.


 

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Malamute on March 15, 2009, 09:56:36 AM
He's behind you...! lol

Awesome, loads of atmosphere, can't wait to see more. :) ;D :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Uncle Mike on March 18, 2009, 06:28:27 PM
Super cool!!! Everything looks just right.  :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! ...Ratten! Überall sind Ratten!!!!
Post by: Galman on March 24, 2009, 01:11:26 AM
Absolutely spectacular!  Great Job on the minis, and the photos.  Brings you right into it.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Lots of pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on March 31, 2009, 05:14:50 AM
 Thanks again for the comments!
 :)

Finally, have finished the project so far! This time, I had lots of things from real life creeping into it while working on this one. We had lots of trouble at work with the need to work overtime for a few weeks, making it hard to finish it in time.
Most of the table was painted in a month, so I can tell You, I had not a lot of sleep in this time.
However, it was worth it!!! I had LOTS of fun running the games at Do or Dice 2009, a big 'Thank You!!!' goes out to Driscoles who came up with some brilliant rules and organised test games! What use is a good table with dull rules?
Doomhippie added a lot of thought to the rules and Johan helped immensely, too!

Zafarelli from Pardulon.com helped a lot in casting the rats and supplying me with scenic elements. Lurch from MiniaturicuM supplied me with Blue Moon miniatures and came up with some miniatures I did not even know that they existed. Thanks  guys!

The game goes along more that an adventure boardgame that a wargame, the mechanics prevent the players from confronting each other, each one having to pursue his own goals frantically in order to survive the NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE!!!

Some things still have to be added, so this is a 'rough mix' in a way. I will get back to add these as I go along.

I made some photos while constructing the table, as I think that it might be interesting to see how everything went together.

Remember, the pictures You see are culour photographs, with only some minor adjustments on the levels... If You watch closely, you will notice that tiny hints of colour are included in the paint jobs...


The construction of the frame took a while longer as it  measures 1m10 x 1m10. Reinforcing beams had to be added to prevent warping of the frame. Here is how the corners have been fixed after gluing with white glue:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_19_53_1.jpg)


The finished basic construction:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_19_53_0.jpg)

I made a sheet pile wall to add to the 'right' feeling of the harbour area:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_21_05_0.jpg)

One of the first layouts, rather confusing:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_19_53_2.jpg)

Final layout with finished pavement and ship added. The boardwalks are made of foamboard that i framed with wooden rods. The paving stones are cardboard cutouts.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_23_49_1.jpg)

Orlock is flooding the poor unsuspecting city of swarms of rats that flow from the ship like liquid. So I had to paint lots of them. Cheers to Zafarelli again for casting them up!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_27_08_3.jpg)

Finally, overviews of the finished board. I did NOT edit the pics, look at the borders, these are coulour photos.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_27_08_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_27_08_1.jpg)

There are items to be found on the table...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_29_37_3.jpg)
...that exist in real(coloured) life, too:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_29_38_4.jpg)

In one corner, a terrified Murnau is at work on his masterpiece. The camera is rolling. Behind it, 'colour' begins. In front of it, colour ends.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_29_40_2.jpg)

Rats are flooding the city!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_30_35_0.jpg)

The heroes are trying to get spiritual help. Is everything lost?
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_33_35_1.jpg)

Man, I am making a fortune these days! Will anyone be left to pay me?
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_33_35_2.jpg)

Hide or be doomed!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_33_35_3.jpg)

...mmmm, tasty...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_33_35_4.jpg)

Emerging from the cargo hold...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_35_44_0.jpg)

Rat catcher and his trusty dogs:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_35_44_1.jpg)

Repent!!!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_35_44_2.jpg)

Lurking in the shadows...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_44_28_1.jpg)

City hall entrance:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_44_28_4.jpg)

Rats are swarming from the ship!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_48_21_0.jpg)

A 'witch':
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_31_03_09_12_05_10_0.jpg)

That's it for now. I really would like to add some more pics, but this seems not to be possible. I will try to post some more pics soon.

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Johan on March 31, 2009, 06:09:34 AM
Great. So that's why you needed the wallpaper.
I recognise some houses from Geboom and Steve Barber.
Painting in black and white is very difficult (for me )
You succeeded.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on March 31, 2009, 08:13:42 AM
Breathtaking!

I love the little touch of the film crew in colour.

Well done indeed  :D
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Malamute on March 31, 2009, 08:33:51 AM
Outstanding. ;D

I am truly in awe of this project. Its magnificent,all the small details are wonderful. You have created as masterpiece. :o :-*

Can you tell I like it. ;)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Aaron on March 31, 2009, 01:18:38 PM
There is not much left to be said about this. Simply stunning!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: dodge on March 31, 2009, 02:22:11 PM
this is a stunning project

awesome in every aspect

however I fear that you have now gone mad and lost your mind. In fact I now think tha you only see things in black and white  lol

well done,  but please come back to color by technicolor soon  :D

dodge
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Malamute on March 31, 2009, 02:36:17 PM
this is a stunning project

awesome in every aspect

however I fear that you have now gone mad and lost your mind. In fact I now think tha you only see things in black and white  lol

well done,  but please come back to color by technicolor soon  :D

dodge


All the best Horror films were made in black and white, with the exception of Hammer films of course. ;)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: gamer Mac on March 31, 2009, 02:51:49 PM
Outstanding.  :o :o
How you imagined this is beyond me. The whole board is unbelievable. :-* :-*
I think the bit of colour with the film crew is a brilliant touch. :-*
A total work of art not just a game board.
I am lost for more ways to say how good it is. ;D
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Mad Carew Snr on March 31, 2009, 03:04:47 PM
What Gamer Mac said.

Just amazing.  :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Col.Stone on March 31, 2009, 05:12:05 PM
Oh my...
That is fantastic!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: brigadegames on March 31, 2009, 09:32:25 PM
incredibly inspiring.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Svennn on March 31, 2009, 10:34:30 PM
Malamute encapsulated it in one word - masterpiece.

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Helen on March 31, 2009, 11:24:21 PM
Congrats, pure magic and thankyou for sharing your craftmanship.

Helen
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on April 01, 2009, 07:00:31 PM
Thank You for the nice comments, guys(and lady)!
 :)

In the last few days, some people asked me about the manufacturer of the houses. I will post some comparison pics in the next few days.
During the fuss of uploading I seemed not to be able to upload one of the most important pictures, the one with the ship that brings the vampire to the city!

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_01_04_09_7_40_15_0.jpg)


It was designed by the brilliant Geboom. He sells it and the two houses You see on the left behind the ship through his page shiftinglands.com (ftp://shiftinglands.com). Check them out!

In a good vampire story, there must be a first victim, here he is:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_01_04_09_7_40_15_1.jpg)

Even the priest went out of his mind...:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_01_04_09_7_40_15_2.jpg)

He is a 'LE' Foundry miniature. First thing when it arrived here was cutting off the boooooring cross he was carrying, discarding it and replacing it with a resin casting I had lying around in my workshop. He did not have the bible in his other hand, too, so i cut it off and made a new one carrying a book.

Orlock can make himself invisible to sneak up on his unsuspecting victims(  :D ), so I made a copy in clear resin:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_01_04_09_7_40_16_3.jpg)

...enjoy the pics!   :)





Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Bullshott on April 01, 2009, 08:41:28 PM
This is absolutely amazing :-* I knew it was going to be good when we talked about it last October and you showed me one of you first figures in black & white, but the end result is fantastic.

How will you improve on this for your next project - or shouldn't we ask?
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Captain Blood on April 01, 2009, 10:59:53 PM
The ship is the best picture of them all  :)

Sumptuous. Immaculate attention to detail. And true artistry. I can say no more. Words fail me.

(Well, actually - just a couple of questions... 1. The sea in the harbour is fabulous. How did you do it? And 2. I like the milkmaid with the buckets on a yoke over her shoulders. What make is that figure? I'd like to get hold of one... Thanks).

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on April 01, 2009, 11:39:26 PM
Thanks again for the comments!
 :)


@Bullshott:
Next one will be quite relaxing(For me, not the players...), I will keep you updated through here.

(Adds in a raspy voice)The items we talked about are not forgotten, my friend...


@Captain Blood:
 The ship really is special to me. The masts have been heavily converted and elongated to give the whole ship a more passenger cargo feel. Mrs. Vikotnik senior seamed the sails for me in order to furl them on the (would not ever know what the word for this one would be).

 Question one: The water is made of a product called 'Gel Denso' by Vallejo and dries to a very convincing, transparent finish. Before You start working on the surface, it has to be painted, because the stuff really is translucent. If You put it on your carefully painted, painstakingly detailed surface, it looks like this:

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_30_03_09_11_19_54_3.jpg)

Believe me, it takes a looooooong time to cure. Longer than you are expecting to. Just at the point of time, when you think 'Hmmm, this stuff does not work, just like some varnishes. Perhaps I shoul...' something happens. Seriously, I heard from Zafarelli beforehand that this takes a long time to dry and was prepared. So I placed a fan heater in front of it. Just about SEVEN days after that!
The surface is easy to do. Just dab it with a palette knife after spreading and leave to dry.
Question two: Foundry, eighteenth century civilians
(http://www.miniaturicum.de/images/foundry/piraten/civ1-country-folk.jpg)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: twrchtrwyth on April 02, 2009, 12:56:55 AM
Wow. 8)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: dodge on April 02, 2009, 09:50:43 AM
And I didn't think it could be any better , but good lord this is just brilliant.

dodge
 
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Malamute on April 02, 2009, 10:34:06 AM
And I didn't think it could be any better , but good lord this is just brilliant.

dodge
 

I wholeheartedly agree with that statement :)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Overlord on April 02, 2009, 11:59:09 AM
Stunning work Karsten.  :o :o :-* :-* 8) 8)

I knew it would be good when you mentioned it at BLAM, but WOW!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Hawkeye on April 02, 2009, 08:35:31 PM
Amazing!
 :o
Truly amazing!
There's so much that's good about it that I don't know where to start! Fantastically imaginative and brilliantly executed.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Le matou rouge on April 03, 2009, 05:10:21 PM
 :o :o o_o
I can only add my voice to the chorus of superlatives - and I like the way Helen summarizes it : "pure magic" !

May I ask where did you find this great figure ? you probably sculpt it yourself, isn't it ?


(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/173_01_04_09_7_40_15_1.jpg)


 m'WOW,
Matt






[/quote]
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Malamute on April 03, 2009, 05:38:48 PM
I believe that figure is from the Blue Moon London Civilians pack. Am I right Vikotnik ;)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Le matou rouge on April 03, 2009, 06:13:17 PM
Of course, you are !
It shows how a great painting scheme could change a mini - but I'm sure Vikotnik could have sculpted it ;)

Thanks,
Matt
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: ace67 on April 04, 2009, 03:38:47 AM
im sure you have heared lots of great comments
but i would like to say its people like you that makes
this hobby worth coming back to again and again
when the paint pot is sitting there and the lead mountain
looks unscaleable and i think about giving it all up for the
9th or 10th time i just need alittle look at work like yours
to inspire me :'(
enough of the smossing whats next on the horizon?
cheers
ace67
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on April 04, 2009, 08:08:07 AM

Thank You for the comments, guys!
 :)

I believe that figure is from the Blue Moon London Civilians pack. Am I right Vikotnik ;)

Of course, you are !

You are indeed, Malamute. :)

Ace67,  happy to have inspired you!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: demi_morgana on April 04, 2009, 09:30:20 PM
as I wrote on cmon: BRILLIANT!!! :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: muppetman on May 12, 2009, 12:35:43 AM
This just blows my mind  o_o
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: JasonB on May 12, 2009, 12:15:01 PM
Only new to this forum so I have just seen this thread for the first time and I am in awe! This is possibly the best thing I have ever seen in miniatures-truly inspiring.......
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: aircav on May 13, 2009, 02:04:46 PM
 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
I can't believe how good this is  :-* :-* :-* :D :D :D :-* :-* :-*


Just awsome
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Chairface on May 13, 2009, 03:22:44 PM
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
I can't believe how good this is  :-* :-* :-* :D :D :D :-* :-* :-*


Just awsome

That sums it up for me!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: traveller on October 11, 2009, 05:13:42 PM
Breathtaking! All have already been said but I need to post to make sure I never forget this  :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: marrony on October 12, 2009, 05:36:32 PM
Gob-smacked. Truly fantastic.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: General Roos on October 24, 2009, 07:45:48 PM
Dude, you can sculp miniatures! Your Nosferatu is awesome!

I know this request dosen´t belong in this part of the forum but please, sculpt the characters from The Big Lebowski!!!  :D
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: silvana on October 26, 2009, 03:29:56 AM
Brilliant! Absolutely stunning I'm new to this forum WOW!
Thanks for sharing your work online.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Remgain on October 26, 2009, 10:19:47 AM
Only two words: NO WORDS! :o :o :o

Capolavoro! Opera d'arte! Sorry, but I have to switch to Italian to properly define this incredible work.

And I am totally amazed by the starting idea. black and white... BRILLIANT!

Vikotnik, may I ask which ruleset did you use during the game?

Marco
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: additz on November 08, 2009, 05:21:07 PM
Hi,

yesterday I had the pleasure to see your Nosferatu szenario in Antwerpen.
I was really impressed and again I congratulate to this masterpiece  :)

additz
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: fastolfrus on November 08, 2009, 06:17:40 PM
Awesomwe pictures.
Truly inspirational.
Wish we could have seen them in full monochrome glory.

Looking forward to seeing the pieces in Zafarelli's store.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: bc99 on November 08, 2009, 06:55:14 PM
It's hard to be surprised and awestruck after seeing so many awesome games/figures/terrain. I must say though, this is just a wonderful idea realized and brought to the table.

Hat's off!

Thank you!

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Johan on November 08, 2009, 10:31:58 PM
Just thought i'd mention that Nosferatu won the "most original wargame" award at Crisis 09 in Antwerp this weekend. Well deserved I think.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on November 09, 2009, 10:25:44 AM
Thanks again for the nice comments, guys!

I had very much to add before it felt right to present it at Crisis: A lot of civilians had to be painted, I wanted to have a wrecked coach with dead horses lying in one of the streets and a decadent large dinner table with tablecloth and delicacies had to be built, too.

However, I am VERY happy to have won that price at Crisis convention! ;D

@Remgain: Driscoles and me came up with a ruleset of our own. It is not a traditional wargame, more like a  'hide and seek' with some roleplaying elements.

Fastolfrus, simply drop Zafarelli a line if You are interested in some of the pieces.

One of the first ideas was to include a round counter which was meant to be placed behind the scenery. As everything on the table in front of the camera is monochrome, colour should exist again behind the backdrop.
As the game lasts ten round only, the counter should simulate the moon setting and the sun rising. Consequently, it is called the 'Monduntergangsmaschine'. If You turn the handle ten times, the moon woul have disappeared behind the scenery and the sun would be up, sealing the outcome of the game either way.

As the machine transports two celestial entities from one side of the sky to another, it would have been a perfect entry for the 'Build Something Contest', but sadly, the moon was sculpted in may this year and lay around until september when I actually started constructing the machine. Ah, whatever.

Here are some step-by-step pictures of the moon being sculpted and painted...

First, I twisted an armature out of florist wire and secured it with super glue
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_11_14_12_0.jpg)

Then, I added the main bulk with Milliput:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_11_14_12_1.jpg)

I the added Super Sculpey for the major part of the sculpture. The first version was too fantastic-looking for my taste:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_11_14_12_2.jpg)

I wanted a more solemn look:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_11_14_12_3.jpg)

After baking, the eyes have been added with green stuff, here is a close-up:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_11_14_12_4.jpg)

...and painted:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_11_15_36_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_11_15_36_0.jpg)

I will add more pictures of the progress later. :)


Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Malamute on November 09, 2009, 12:37:21 PM
Wow Karsten, the  moon is magnificent. ;D

The award is very well deserved too. :)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: gamer Mac on November 09, 2009, 12:47:27 PM
The face on the moon is very creepy :-* :-* :-*
Are there more pictures of it in action?
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 09, 2009, 02:38:04 PM
I took a few pictures of the game that I'd be happy to post if people are interested and if Karsten has no objections. Didn't get the moon though........... :(

Doug
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Monduntergangsmaschine added!!!
Post by: vikotnik on November 09, 2009, 02:53:48 PM
Thank you again, guys! I really hope that I can play on this table with some of You next year or so...
Gamer Mac, if I have the time today, I will finish putting up all the pics concerning the 'Monduntergangsmaschine'.

The sun:
I had a rather abstract sun already finished, the first idea was to see just a couple of rays appearing behind the scenery. I found that idea quite satisfying until...

...well, until Zafarelli mentioned that '...this peculiar half-disc rather looks like a bunch of your rats than rays even if You have painted all of them orange.'.
So I disgrunteledly flung the thing in the corner and started on a new one. Naturally, the sun is a completely different character than the moon: Bright, content and happy!
The idea of making a disc rather than a ball stayed. I decided to paint the back of the sun like it would be a wooden construction.

Again, I used Super Sculpey and had to find out that this stuff shatters if you let it fall to the floor once it is baked!
I needed two hours of gluing the pieces back together and fixing missing parts with Milliput. >:(

Anyway, the thing is finished now, here goes:

The main bulk of the sculpt, still without any details:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_3_29_49_0.jpg)

...eyes finished:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_3_29_49_1.jpg)

Sculpt completed:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_3_29_49_2.jpg)

Painted:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_09_11_09_3_29_49_3.jpg)

Next up: The complete MONDUNTERGANGSMASCHINE!

@Doug: Yes please! Feel free to post some pictures.





Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: gamer Mac on November 09, 2009, 03:47:21 PM
Again a great face. :-* :-* :-*
Full of character exactly like you would imagine the sun and the earlier one of the moon :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on November 09, 2009, 04:19:59 PM
I took a few pictures of the game that I'd be happy to post if people are interested and if Karsten has no objections. Didn't get the moon though........... :(

Doug



Yes please!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 09, 2009, 05:02:11 PM
I am experiencing a little post-Crisis Exhaustion Syndrome (ie - in English, I'm feeling a bit knackered) but if I can prop my eyes open, I'll upload them tonight. Usual disclaimer about the pics only being from a phone camera but they're not too bad.

Doug

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 09, 2009, 07:35:11 PM
OK - here goes:

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00819.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00825.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00821.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00820.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00823.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00824.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00826.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00829.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00818.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00828.jpg)



(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Nosferatu%20Crisis%2009/DSC00827.jpg)



I apologise for the lack of captions - I didn't have time to find out the narrative of the game because I was working. Maybe Karsten could add some comments.

Doug
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: WillieB on November 09, 2009, 09:27:47 PM
Incredible  :o

Way beyond incredible.
Two years ago I felt that Vikotniks' effort would probably never bettered.
I have ( gladly) been proven wrong.
This is without a doubt the finest piece of work that has ever graced a table at Crisis.
The maestro has done it again.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on November 09, 2009, 10:14:49 PM
Willie, Thank You very much for the nice compliment, I can only return it by saying that, without doubt, Crisis is one of the finest and best organised wargame shows to attend to!
Driscoles and me have talked a lot about new ideas and I am sure I will attend Crisis again in 2011. ;D

@Doug:
Thank you for the pictures, they came out well indeed!
Since the first test games, each game was completely different, hence it is not possible to comment on each pic regarding to the story, so I try to keep it general.

Here is the english introduction to the game:
"Successful estate agent Thomas Hutter, young and newly wed, is instructed by his superior to visit Count Orlok in the Carpathians. He is assigned to finalise the Count’s purchase of several estates in his home town Wisborg.

While signing the documents, he drops a medallion bearing the image of his wife Ellen. Instantly the Count is taken by Ellen’s beauty! The Vampire numbs Hutter with a single bite and at once leaves by hip for Wisborg to conquer Ellen to be eternally his.
The cargo on his ship: Coffins with native soil, but countless rats as well.
The ‘Hildegard’ reaches Wisborg with none alive. Orlok and his rats abandon ship and he starts the quest for Ellen, who is hiding in one of the towns many cellars. The residents of Wisborg realise too late that the plague has hit their beautiful town... Meanwhile Orloks henchmen have set up a coffin in one of the cellars to function as a first retreat.
Hutter, recovered from Orloks bite, is riding to Wisborg in a frenzy to save his spouse and end the spell of evil.
The player moving Count Orlok tries to find and seduce Ellen before sunrise. The player moving Hutter tries to prevent this and tempts to destroy Orlok’s coffin."

I do not want to bore You with game mechanics, guys. Suffice to say that each player tries to find the secret of the other under one of the houses(Yes, it might even be the same one they are hiding it in!). They have to find clues in order to find the other one's secret or they can decide to search the houses individually. The rats Orlok can summon do not only spread the plague, but function as a means of teleporting him across the table as well.
In fact, the main bulk of the rules were devised by Driscoles, while details came up through test gaming.

However, I have to comment on a few of the pics:
While watching the Werner Herzog version of the story(the one starring Klaus Kinski as the Count), I have noticed a few things I wanted to have on the table as well in order to add atmosphere:
A set banquet table on the market place, a ruined coach complete with dead/dying horses, and a grey horse running guidelessly through the streets.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Captain Blood on November 09, 2009, 11:09:58 PM
Superb. What a table  :o
Karsten, you are a true artist. The moon (and the sun) are simply brilliant.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Malamute on November 10, 2009, 08:36:39 AM
Yep its a rare thing of beauty. I love the extra touches like the crashed coach, the benches, smoke from chimney pots and the banquet table. All stunning stuff. :-*

It completely captures the look and feel of Nosferatu. I love it. ;D

And Karsten - is that you in the photo? You have cut off your long hair  :o
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Driscoles on November 10, 2009, 09:02:57 AM
And he became thinner too  :D
Cheers
Björn
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on November 11, 2009, 10:27:28 PM
Cheers for the nice comments, especially the one about the weight!
 lol

While making pictures of the Monduntergangsmaschine, I had to understand that it does not photograph too well, but here goes:

I bought a plastic gear mechanism from an electronics supplier that I cast in brass to give it a more antique feel-a red plastic casing and gears would hardly be fitting, do they? I then assembled it and used some antique silver fork handles for the hands. The last 'hard part' was to sculpt the lever and then cast it in steel.
The fork handles were then soldered to the upper cogwheel, the lever to the lowest one.

The casing was built from some leftover Pardulon-parts, embellishments, edgings and other stuff were sculpted out of either Green Stuff or Magic Sculpt. The rivets were made out of tiny brass nails I still had lying around from an old project. As mentioned before, the idea was a machine that makes the moon go down and the sun go up in ten rounds, the lever has to be turned ten times to have the sun up and shining.

Here are two pictures of the unpainted, scratch-built version:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_32_10_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_32_10_1.jpg)

...the finished machine, front and half-back view:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_32_10_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_32_10_2.jpg)

It can be used like this:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_32_10_4.jpg)

Here goes what the gamers see on the table:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_35_34_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_35_34_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_35_34_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_35_34_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_11_11_09_10_36_52.jpg)





Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: bc99 on November 12, 2009, 01:40:25 AM
So awesome. Wow.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: fastolfrus on November 12, 2009, 08:33:39 AM
We should all be sitting here going "Oooh !" (like a firework display).

Awesome work.

I suppose another option, rather than the silver fork hadles, would be a disk (painted black with the moon but gradually fading to white with the sun) like you sometimes see in old clocks or pocket watches.

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: gamer Mac on November 12, 2009, 08:36:18 AM
I love that  :-* :-* :-*
The idea and the execution of the build is unbelievable, outstanding. :-* :-* :-*
Am I reading it right you have the facilities to cast brass and STEEL. :o :o :o
Why did you go to that length and not just paint the original materials metallic colours. ???

Sorry as I was writing the last bit I realised with this project going to that length is the norm. So it is not surprising that you did that with the moon machine. :o
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on November 12, 2009, 09:55:02 AM
We should all be sitting here going "Oooh !" (like a firework display).

I am  lol

Ingenious and brilliantly executed.

Just like the whole project, really  :)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Remgain on November 12, 2009, 10:06:13 AM
Is this the last masterpiece or not? :-* :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: cheetor on November 12, 2009, 11:30:02 AM


I have never seen this thread before.  As everyone already knows, it is genuinely incredible.

The whole thing is so immersive.

Fantastic.

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Admiral Benbow on November 12, 2009, 02:41:19 PM
Hey, Karsten, as it became a bit hectic after the award ceremony at the end of the show, just let me congratulate here for the very much deserved "most original wargame" award: your game is a real gem, and I'm looking very much forward to participate in it some time early next year ...  8)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on November 13, 2009, 09:10:32 PM
Once again, cheers for the nice comments, guys! For me, this really is one of the things that justify the amount of work put into this.

Besides, all of the gamers who tried them told me that the rules were highly playable, too!
If you consider coming to Horisont

 http://sites.google.com/site/horisontesbjerg/welcome (http://sites.google.com/site/horisontesbjerg/welcome) 

in Esbjerg or Tactica

 http://www.hamburger-tactica.de/tactica/tactica_d.html (http://www.hamburger-tactica.de/tactica/tactica_d.html)

in Hamburg, you will certainly have the opportunity to check it out! :)

I suppose another option, rather than the silver fork hadles, would be a disk (painted black with the moon but gradually fading to white with the sun) like you sometimes see in old clocks or pocket watches.

Fastolfrus, what a great idea!
I will most certainly consider something like this in one of my next projects.

Am I reading it right you have the facilities to cast brass and STEEL.
Gamer Mac, I do. Not at home, of course. Painting the cogwheels in brass colour would have resulted in clogged-up cogs(My, that sounds weird!) and I would always have the fear from rubbed-off colour on the moveable parts. Plus, the machine has a nice, heavy feel now.

Hey, Karsten, as it became a bit hectic after the award ceremony at the end of the show, just let me congratulate here for the very much deserved "most original wargame" award: your game is a real gem, and I'm looking very much forward to participate in it some time early next year ...  8)

Cheers, Michael! As You might have noticed, I could not resist returning the congratulation in your own Crisis-related thread! And yes, I really hope to see you next year as a gamer somewhere in northern Germany!!

Allright, now for the last pics I am going to post in this thread.
Yesterday evening, I took the opportunity to photograph all of the miniatures involved. While editing them, I noticed that some of the pictures got a bit blurry(...and off all things, the one with the protagonists really came out bad!!! >:(), I apologise for that. Most of the miniatures are by Blue Moon Manufacturing, some are Wargames Foundry and a few even are rare old Citadel miniatures.

All of the following pictures are colour photos with only levels adjusted!

Here goes:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_17_56_0.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_17_57_1.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_10_19_51_0.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_10_19_51_1.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_17_57_4.jpg)

The lighthouse keeper on the left was the first time I have tried out painting a light effect on a miniature:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_20_11_0.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_20_11_1.jpg)

Here in Northern Germany, in some old stories, most notably 'Der Schimmelreiter' ('The Dykemaster') by Theodor Storm, a pale horse is considered something like a bad omen, something eerie. When I saw Herzog's 'Nosferatu' with Klaus Kinski, I noticed a riderless dark horse galloping through the streets. I knew from the beginning that I wanted something like that on my table, too! But mine had to be PALE:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_20_11_2.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_20_11_4.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_22_49_0.jpg)

The famous rat-catcher Beckmann and his vicious dogs:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_22_49_1.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_22_49_2.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/4/173_13_11_09_9_22_49_3.jpg)

Done.

Now off to paint something really bright and colourful!


Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: commissarmoody on November 13, 2009, 09:37:37 PM
well the complements are worth it, you did masterful work on this project.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: fastolfrus on November 13, 2009, 11:10:31 PM
I suppose if you used the "dial" idea you migh even be able to fit in a clock chime (the game ends at midnight, or in this case 6am....)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Malamute on November 14, 2009, 08:22:15 AM
The figures look fantastic .  ;D I hope to see this next year. :)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Admiral Benbow on November 16, 2009, 01:09:52 PM
Fantastic miniatures, Karsten, my favourite is the horse; is that an Ebob sculpt?
 :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Tsune on November 16, 2009, 01:19:34 PM
Fantastic work... the miniatures, board, concept... one of my fauvorites here!  :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: MadMö on November 16, 2009, 01:31:22 PM
Fantastic! :o
Really looking forward to see your game at the Tactica 2010!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: jdp on November 16, 2009, 09:07:08 PM
That's incredible, I loved seeing the whole city populated and the time keeping maschine is brilliant top shelf work!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on November 16, 2009, 09:14:16 PM
Thanks again guys!  :)

Michael, frankly, I do not know about the origin of the horse. I swapped it from Argonor a while ago to use it for this purpose.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Argonor on November 17, 2009, 08:40:23 AM
Thanks again guys!  :)

Michael, frankly, I do not know about the origin of the horse. I swapped it from Argonor a while ago to use it for this purpose.

Ebob
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Hammers on November 17, 2009, 09:54:18 AM
Ebob

I have that set to.. One of the best in the market.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Vinlander on November 22, 2009, 02:48:34 PM
Fantastic looking game my friend! I've been following this with great interest.

What's the next project (or are you taking a vacation :D)?
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Dr X on November 22, 2009, 08:03:16 PM
Truly inspiring in every detail.   :-*
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Driscoles on November 23, 2009, 10:47:45 AM
Hi,

I know the next project. Its something completely different. We worked out the idea on our way back from Crisis.

We will not tell. But when the first things are finished Karsten will sure post them here :)

Cheers
Björn
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: white knight on November 23, 2009, 10:54:16 AM
You big tease!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on November 23, 2009, 07:10:56 PM
Hi,

I know the next project. Its something completely different. We worked out the idea on our way back from Crisis.

We will not tell. But when the first things are finished Karsten will sure post them here :)

Cheers
Björn


Ooooooh!

Hope it's soon!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on November 23, 2009, 07:39:35 PM
Rest assured, as soon as I have something to show, I'll do it.

Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: mortimer on November 26, 2009, 05:54:30 PM
Stunning!!!!! Masterwork, congratulations!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Dr. The Viking on November 30, 2009, 01:35:56 PM
Thank you so much for showing me this game Carsten. It really is something else!!!

Good luck with the fire demon now  lol
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Mason on September 04, 2011, 11:36:58 AM
I know it is nearly two years since someone added to this thread but I just had to do it- all newbies like myself should get a chance to gawp at this project in awe!

:o :o :o :o :o :o


:-* :-* Absolutely stunning! :-* :-*

I saw the finished piece on CMON, but seeing the WIP and all the details is astounding.

I am in absolute awe of your talents, Vikotnik!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Sangennaru on September 04, 2011, 11:41:53 AM
and with that chance i renew my LOVE for that project as well! =)
again, great work!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Malamute on September 04, 2011, 02:29:17 PM
Mason is right, it deserves to be a sticky. :)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Argonor on September 04, 2011, 02:48:46 PM
Mason is right, it deserves to be a sticky. :)

Vikotnik is one of the truly innovative 'game makers' here - and I won't start listing people up, 'cause I would rather not leave somebody out, just because my dwindling memory can't conjure up everything that I have seen.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Henrix on September 05, 2011, 09:11:07 PM
I had the great opportunity to see and play this the past weekend at Gubbspel Galore II here in Gothenburg, and all I can say is that it is amazing!

The setup, how the game plays, the attention to detail at all levels, including the props (I mean, just the abacuses for tracking the points you use) - fantastic!

A miniatures game where the terrain and all the figures matter - but there's no fighting (well, the occasional bloodsucking, it's a vampire after all, but that's hardly fighting).

I feel I could just ramble on about this, but I'm flabbergasted, and truly happy that I got to play it.

Thanks again, Carsten!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on September 06, 2011, 08:18:46 AM
Mason is right, it deserves to be a sticky. :)

Hear hear!
I couldnt agree more. Please make this a sticky - its inspirational.

More!  More!


the Emir
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Hammers on September 06, 2011, 09:41:27 AM
There is seldom needed to put a label on a thing like Vikotniks Nosferatu game but with all it's originality, thoroughness and beautiful execution PLUS gameability (as I have heard witnessed I did not get to play myself) I think it should be called A Piece of Art.  ::) There. Now I've dog gun gone'n dune put a label on it anyway.  ;D
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Thenur on October 25, 2011, 01:34:25 AM
I just found this and as everyone else has said it is amazing!!! I would love to try this game out is there any place to get the rules from?
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Bugsda on December 07, 2011, 05:34:14 PM
Genius!  :o
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: ballistic_bro on December 08, 2011, 08:10:13 AM
I just stumbled upon this and WOW :o :o, it is amazing work. :)
The attention to detail and skill involved are just amazing, have to stop drooling now! :)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: goon3423 on December 12, 2011, 12:26:17 AM
I am way way late on this but HOLY S**T, I don't mean to be crude but this whole project is a work of art. Hands down one of the most beautiful & original projects I have ever seen. I don't know how you would do it but pieces like these need wider appreciation.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Ainsty Castings on December 19, 2011, 02:22:31 PM
Did the figures ever make it to commercial casting? I looked on the Pardulon site but couldnt see them?
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Argonor on December 21, 2011, 07:36:50 AM
Did the figures ever make it to commercial casting? I looked on the Pardulon site but couldnt see them?

The rats did. Don't know about the Nosferatu - many of the models are from various sources, though.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: The Breaker on January 15, 2012, 12:13:27 AM
I don't think that I could say anything that hasn't been said before. This is my fourth time looking at this wonderful thing you have created. I actually watched Nosferatu for the first time last night and as I was watching it I said "Hey this Murnau bloke stole all this from that great game on LAF"!  :D
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Cherno on August 07, 2012, 11:32:48 AM
Heyyyyy, how did I miss this thread?!? Awesome project, really like the concept and of course the realization ;) Nothing beats black and white style ;)
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Henrix on September 06, 2012, 03:56:25 PM
At long last, here are some pictures I took at Gubbspel Galore a year ago.
(Click to see larger pictures.)

(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/RatsSwarmsOfRats.jpg) (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/RatsSwarmsOfRats.jpg)


(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/RatsFromStrangeShip.jpg) (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/RatsFromStrangeShip.jpg)


(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/TheCellar.jpg) (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/TheCellar.jpg)


(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/BlacknWhite.jpg) (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/BlacknWhite.jpg)


(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/GrafOrlock.jpg) (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/GrafOrlock.jpg)


(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/AwfulTimes.jpg) (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/AwfulTimes.jpg)


(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/ASpotOfColour.jpg) (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j296/henrix_here/Gubbspel%20Galore%202011/ASpotOfColour.jpg)


Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Mason on September 06, 2012, 04:11:39 PM
 :o :o :o

Well worth the wait!

Any new pictures of this wonderful board are worth waiting for.
Simply one of, if not THE best, board I have ever seen.
 :-*

Thanks for posting!
 :D
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Cherno on September 06, 2012, 05:03:16 PM
So beautiful.. right out of a german expressionism piece... Love the monochrome art style... A real masterpiece!  :-* :-* :-*

Please write a short article about... Everything, from conceptualization to realization, and everything in between  ;D

This would be a dream project for me!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: obsidian3d on September 06, 2012, 05:43:20 PM
Whoa...really amazing!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: stompinggroo on September 12, 2012, 12:39:38 PM
I remember seeing this board at Crisis and although I didn't participate in the game I was quite impressed by the board . In fact it was the one thing we talked the most about in the car on our way home, and also on later occasions we did brought up memories of the incredible board a few times .
Only to say that this is indeed fantastic work and it is this kind of stuff that attracts me to miniature gaming and makes the visit to shows like crisis worthwhile .
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: steamcrow on October 03, 2012, 05:15:38 PM
This is SO inspiring! I'd never even thought about doing a black and white board before. Genius!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Andym on October 03, 2012, 06:27:03 PM
How the fuck did I ever miss this!!! :o :o :o :o

That's incredible !!!!!!! I'm totally gobsmacked!!!!!! A wonderful creation!!!!!




WOW!

WOW!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Duke Donald on April 22, 2013, 03:55:17 PM
Stunning! This is one of the most unbelievable modelling projects I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: War In 15MM on December 07, 2013, 04:09:00 PM
Absolutely the best!  Richard
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Cubs on December 07, 2013, 04:17:46 PM
Sperb, simply stunning.

I love the way the director and cameraman are in colour!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Golgotha on January 13, 2015, 11:58:59 PM
What a delightful project truly inspiring do keep it up.
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Paboook on May 15, 2015, 09:51:47 AM
One of the most remarkable projects I have ever seen. Excellent!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Denizen Kane on June 29, 2015, 12:05:30 AM
Just incredible!  :o :o :o :o :-* :-* :-*  As a noobie I am glad to know this sort of inspiration is only a mouse click away!
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: Eldiablito on November 07, 2017, 03:15:39 AM
Fantastic work!   :o
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! Pictures added...
Post by: vikotnik on March 24, 2018, 10:18:03 PM
Folks, it has been quite some time since I last considered doing anything with that game board.

First, I have to thank you all for the positivity you brought into this project!

Here in my workshop, a lot of ideas came and went: Using the existing stuff for interpreting 'Der Golem' or even doing something new among the lines of 'Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari'. If I ever go back to do something monochrome again, it definitely will not be some kind of re-make, using scenery I have painted already, but something fresh and completely new instead!

I painted A LOT of stuff since then, either focusing on showing it elsewhere or being too lazy to post it up here, preferring to spend time painting and building stuff instead, so much in fact, that I need to clear space in my basement...

So I decided to finally sell the majority of the buildings, gazooks and miniatures shown in this thread.

Of course, it would make me happy to sell it 'as it was intended to be' to someone who appreciates all the work that went into it and actually does something with it, rather than let it sit in the basement gathering dust, like I do since quite some time!

As of now, I have no idea on how all this could be labeled with a price tag, nor how the board of 1m20 x 1m20 could be shipped if need be, but that will be worked out eventually.  I will compile a whole lot of pictures on what actually is included in the sale tomorrow and post it in the 'Sales' section. Stay tuned! 

Feel free to PM me if you have a serious offer instead.

Thanks,

-vikotnik-

EDIT: Someone has contacted me about this. So perhaps I don't even need to split this up, which makes really happy. Phew!  :) If we don't agree on something, the upload to the 'Sales'-board will follow the week after easter...
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! The beginning of something new...?
Post by: goon3423 on June 30, 2018, 06:36:17 AM
I may have missed it someplace in this fabulous thread but are the giant rat swarms available to purchase someplace?
Title: Re: Nosferatu - A Symphony of Horror! The beginning of something new...?
Post by: Driscoles on June 30, 2018, 11:13:37 AM
I think they were produced by pardulon models.
Some of the Pardulon stuff is now available  from crooked dice!