Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Call of Cthulhu => Strange Aeons => Topic started by: obsidian3d on January 21, 2013, 07:02:28 PM
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Part of a post from my blog (available at http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2013/01/first-finished-items-of-2013.html)
I completed a few more markers and terrain bits for horror gaming, most likely Strange Aeons with this batch.
With all the cultists running around in my collection I thought that they needed some larger objects to focus their worship around. I grabbed a few of the large Cthulhu tokens from the Call of Cthulhu LCG core set and slapped a little paint on them.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Scenery%20and%20Terrain/file.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Scenery%20and%20Terrain/file-1.jpg)
They turned out quite nicely and having two of them is good. Drop one on either side of a temple entrance, or use a single one as an altar or something like that...versatility is key! Besides, it was no more work to make one as opposed to a pair.
I also added some long needed static grass to my previously completed stone obelisk. Nothing new or exciting, but I think it gives the piece a more finished feel. I still need to figure out how to properly represent glowing stuff with my painting. I'll have to do some research on that one.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Scenery%20and%20Terrain/file-2.jpg)
The final piece of scenery is actually a two-parter: the stone crypt and chained coffin from Uncle Mike's Worldwide line of stuff for Strange Aeons. As I've mentioned previously the chained coffin is one of my favorites pieces from them. Having a second one to add to my collection makes me happy. I painted it almost identically to the first, but experimented a bit more with doing green stone on the crypt. I used some of the same colours as the Cthulhu statues but different washes and highlights to give is a more earthy feel. I'm happy with it.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Scenery%20and%20Terrain/file-3.jpg)
And of course I can't resist combining Alpha Flight and Cthulhu-related minis together in my posts, I simply had to take a picture to commemorate the occasion! (I wish I had a little piece of grass mat to have dropped this on, but you'll get the idea.)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Supers/file-18.jpg)
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Fantastic work there obsidian3d's!
I promised my old mucka in crime Mason I would start to use this Forum and take a (these things can be addictive so was avoiding) more active role in posting and commenting.
I'm getting back on the paint wagon after too many false starts and work like this inspires me.
Keep up those high standards.
Bullock
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I like your figs and the Cthulhu statues, might have to get some of the tokens myself from the LCG. Obelisk looks great with the static grass.
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Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it!
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Great stuff, Obsidian3d!
Love the Chained Coffin!
:-*
Nice work on all of it, and thanks for helping give Bullock a shove in the right direction, it is much appreciated if you are helping him along.
;)
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Wow, I didn't even know there were any Alphalight minis around. Go Canada! 8)
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Reposted from my blog at http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2013/02/field-report-sa-130207-f.html. A few more images can be found there too.
Feb 25, 1923
From: Carl Selinger, Commanding Field Agent
To: Director Silver, Calgary Field Office
RE: Case File SA-130207-F
Director,
After our long trip over the Atlantic we finally arrived in London and then traveled by train to Braunschweig. Our journey was uneventful, and after the good professor consulted with some of his colleagues at the university, we set off into the northern forest to follow up on Agent Monique's report. She is to meet us with further intelligence when her duties permit.
We found the sacrificial circle exactly where she had described it would be. We immediately began to investigate the outlying area. With dusk rapidly approaching we were completing our preliminary survey when suddenly set upon by uniformed soldiers. They were well trained and extremely well armed. We were quite simply not prepared for that level of firepower.
Both Agent MacIntyre and myself were able to take cover, but were immediately flanked and took heavy fire. Luckily the local surgeons were able to patch us up and we are none the worse for wear. I'll confess to fearing for both of us for more than a moment!
Agent Daniels was caught in open while trying to assist Professor Armitage, and since then seems to be suffering from distress while in open spaces. Physically he seems fine, but in the days following the encounter I've noticed his discomfort. He's tried to keep his composure but I'm certain that his stride quickens when simply crossing a large room or an outdoor space. I am hopeful that it won't affect his performance, but I'll certainly be mindful of it.
Agent McDermott was unable to get a closer look at the circle before having to retreat under fire. The soldiers were garbed in grey and I've never seen the like of them before. Their leader was a smaller man and he was wearing a gleaming silver helmet, which reminded me of the fellow I dispatched last autumn. We didn't recover a body, but the likelihood of it being the same man can simply not be possible. Can it? Perhaps our luck has turned and we've happened upon a connection I thought long cold!
We will continue to investigate.
Carl Selinger
Commanding Field Agent
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zps43eab081.jpg)
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Great stuff, mate!
Agoraphobia, eh?
I have heard that is a bit of a git.....Daniels will be a bit of a cover-hugger from now on it seems.
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Nice looking game obsidian3d.
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Good looking game and a nice battle report.
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Looking great!!
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Thanks folks. Uncle Mike and James are coming out for some games tomorrow. We haven't played since before Christmas, so I'm looking forward to getting another game or three in then!
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Thanks folks. Uncle Mike and James are coming out for some games tomorrow. We haven't played since before Christmas, so I'm looking forward to getting another game or three in then!
I last played in October...the guy I was gaming with has had a great deal of personal stuff come up keeping him away from the gaming tables. Been itching to play. :'(
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I haven't really painted anything for Strange Aeons for a while actually. The last agents I did back in September are still alive, so that's a positive thing. Of course, they haven't had much action either.
That doesn't mean I don't have plans of course! I want to finish painting my Death Kult for Kulten. That means actually finishing the Nazi troopers, and starting on their accompanying mad scientist & zombie horde. Once that's done I'd like to paint a few of the Bob Murch cowled cultists I have to beef up the ranks of my Serpent Cult. Those poor schmoes need some guns!
Probably won't happen until next month however, as I'm currently finishing off the Lycaon starter box and a squad of bobbies for Empire of the Dead.
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Strange Aeons Game Night (reposted from my blog here: http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2013/03/strange-aeons-game-night.html)
Well, well well...I actually got to play a few games yesterday. Uncle Mike and James dropped by Trilogy for a bit. I ran lurkers for both of my games. One against Sebastien who had a three-agent Threshold list pitted against a high priest. One of the agents is now suffering from poor health, which could prove devastating in future games.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zps58172199.jpg)
James' 24-point group of agents found themselves up against heavily armed and well trained Nazi soldiers. Two of the agents took fire while trying to navigate the cliffs of the dig site. Their leader was set upon with machine fire shortly after and was unfortunately killed. Uncle Mike praised the Lurker efforts, "That list needed to die..."
Michael and Uncle Mike played a game as well. From the cursing at their table it sounds as though the zombie horde Mike's agents were up against were extremely hungry. Apparently a particularly powerful strain of serum was in play and succeeded in creating a Blasphemous construct AND two speedy walkers. I'm uncertain of the death toll in that one.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zps56ae694a.jpg)
In my rush to make it to work on time in the morning, I had forgotten my Kulten lists, so I wasn't able to play any games of that. On the positive side, the guys will be back at the shop in two weeks so we'll be getting some more games in very shortly.
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More photos available at (http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2013/03/field-report-sa-130307-f.html)
Field Report: SA-130307-F
Mar 25, 1923
From: Carl Selinger, Commanding Field Agent
To: Director Silver, Calgary Field Office
RE: Case File SA-130307-F
Director,
My fellows are growing impatient waiting for the arrival of Agent Monique, so once again we ventured out into the forest in hopes of collecting some useful information on our own. There were several more uniformed men patrolling the woods around our area of interest. It seems that they have expanded their radius and their numbers.
Even though we were expecting more vigilance than previously, we were once again outmatched. We were set upon almost immediately and had to retreat. Quite frankly, luck is the only thing that saved our hides. These men are far better armed and trained than the average cultist or backwater shaman that we've encountered before. I fear that we have only brushed the surface of things.
We've most assuredly aroused some suspicions. If Agent Monique doesn't arrive soon we will be forced to proceed without her and that could prove disastrous.
Please advise.
Carl Selinger
Commanding Field Agent
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zpscf929c40.jpg)
P.S.: Does the phrase "Black Sun" hold any significance?
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Great report. I just lost 1/2 hour in the black hole that is your blog. Tons of cool stuff on there. I especially like the Alpha Flight conversions. My copy of x-men 120 is my pride and joy!
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Great stuff, obsidian3d!
Loving that creepy tree!
:-*
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Good opening there!
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Thanks folks. I can't take credit for the table or scenery. That stuff is all compliments of Uncle Mike and his crew.
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Another Strange Aeons Game Night: Menace of the Depths
(re-posted from my blog at http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2013/04/strange-aeons-game-night-menace-of.html)
Uncle Mike and James dropped by Trilogy again last night, on their regularly scheduled 2nd-Thursday-of-the-Month visit for Strange Aeons. As per usual they brought along some beautiful hand-crafted scenery, as well as all lots of lavishly painted miniatures.
Of particular note was the new giant fishman model. I had seen this figure before a few weeks back but we hadn't tried using it in a game until tonight. Also, as a member of the Cult of the Black Goat, I was very happy to receive my free submerged monster model. Mike brought a cast of the full-sized beastie for me as well, which looks amazing. It's huge, very well sculpted and the cast is super-clean. I have a feeling it will be jumping into my painting queue pretty soon.
With the Calgary Expo coming up in a few weeks Mike and I played through their demo scenario twice. I have to say, the board and scenery looked top notch, as per usual. Oh and the game scenario was pretty damn fun too.
The basic gist is that the Lurkers are trying to chisel away an artifact on the island, and once successful they can toss it in the water to summon the giant fishman creature. The Threshold agents, are naturally trying to stop these nefarious people from raising the monster from the depths. If they can place three dynamite charges and successfully detonate them, the fishman and any cultists (and possibly some agents) will be blown to hell, and victory will be assured.
The first game we played saw Uncle Mike controlling the Threshold. The agents rowed their canoes / boats up the center channel and a great round of shots splattered the small fishman on the docks into gooey fish paste. The nearest cultist frenzied and ran up to the dock hoping for revenge.
The cult leader commanded his sniper and the enraged cultist to open fire while he moved up and started chiseling away the totem himself. As the agents approached, choppy waters (and poor dice rolls) caused their shots to go astray. The cultists however continued firing and were able to wound two agents and cause two more to dive for cover into the water.
During the shooting the cult leader finished removing the totem and tossed it in the water himself. The stirrings of the giant fish creature came too late though, as the rifle and tommy gun-toting villains had already dispatched the agents to watery graves.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zpsa22322a2.jpg)
For the second game we switched roles and I took control of the agents. Once again Uncle Mike rolled to go first. His cult leader took a more direct approach and ordered two cultists in immediately to almost totally uproot the totem in the first turn.
In response I split my forces, bringing up three agents in their boat on the north side of the island, while the two in the canoe pulled around the south more slowly. As the boat pulled within range of the, some well aimed tommy gun and shotgun fire splattered the cult leader's brains on the island peak. Terrified one of the cultist fainted, and flopped down the cliffs into the murky waters.
The surviving cultist at the peak was able to finish the job and drop the totem into the ocean. Time was now of the essence for the agents! The canoe pulled within firing range of the south dock, but were unable to gun down the cultists, one weapon jamming due to the salty sea air. The swimming fishman capsized and destroyed their canoe quickly making lunch of one of the floundering agents.
The leader knew the stakes however and pulled his boat up to the western dock. His crew vaulted over the moored canoe and spread out, quickly shooting down the remaining cultists from behind to begin planting their dynamite charges.
The waters to the northwest began to roil and an unspeakable horror popped its ugly maw above the surface. It rapidly made its way to the west dock, destroying the remaining canoe and boat and thus any means of escape for the agents. Luckily the charges were set and everyone on the island began making their way to the eastern dock.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zps2a14c2b3.jpg)
Floating in the water while trying to unjam ones weapon is a sure-fire (ooh bad pun) way to get filleted by a fishman. Trapped by the horrors offshore the last agent on the island was suddenly face to face with a huge, hideous, oozing beast. He held his ground however, and distracted the massive monster while the other two survivors dove into the water and swam a safe distance.
Diving underneath the scaly horror, the agent snorted bitterly as he pressed the detonator down. "One order of fried fish, coming up!"
A huge fiery explosion rocketed into the night air, silhouetting the swimming survivors. Three comrades were lost, but the world was safe a little while longer.
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Great stuff, Obsidian3d!
Interesting reports, good to see it from both sides.
8)
That board is excellent and that Deep One is one seriously large beastie!
Blimey!!!
:-* :-*
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Thanks, glad you liked the reports. Just don't make too big a deal that Uncle Mike lost both games. He's so sensitive... :P
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Good stuff! And jealous also!
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Not specifically intended for Strange Aeons games, but that's likely where they'll show up first!
RAFM Zombie Horde Box Set Painted
(originally posted on my blog at http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2013/04/rafm-zombie-horde-box-set-painted.html. There are a half-dozen more pictures there too.)
Well folks, with all the zombies out there in games, on TV and in the popular media these days, you'd think I would have painted dozens of them by now. Amazingly enough however these are my first but I'm pretty sure there are going to be hordes more of them! (Ha ha, see what I did there?)
Here's my work with a box of RAFM zombies I bought late last summer at Sentry Box for $30. There were ten in the box, and I admit to being a little annoyed at getting duplicates of two of the figures inside. A little creative painting though and hopefully they won't be too obvious among a mass of undead flesh eaters.
The lone female in the set is massive in stature. If she were standing upright she'd tower over top of the rest of the figures, and that right arm is almost as long as she is tall. The gore and wounds on her are well sculpted, but do think that she's rather over the top (as are her 'endowments'). Sadly, this figure is also the only female zombie I have in my collection. Are undead dudes just that much easier to sculpt than women?!
Each of these figures has some nice touches and characterful bits to make them unique, but they were obviously sculpted by different hands at different times so that is a strike against them. The price (in retrospect) was also a little high, as $3/figure is decent, but the sculpts are also only that. If they were all different figures I'd probably complain far less.
I particularly liked the chubby guy with glasses because it reminded me of my dad. Not that I think my dad is a zombie of course, but the resemblance was still there! I tried doing up a plaid pattern on the shirt, green over grey with a square of turquoise at each intersection. It turned out great, and now it's totally zombie-dad. Urgh...
All of the figures were first painted with P3 Thrall Flesh for their skin. Clothing was painted on next on a figure by figure basis. I didn't have a plan before I started...I was just going with what seemed to fit the models. The internal organs, blood and exposed muscles were painted with some GW Red Gore and a few touches of P3 Carnal Pink. The bones were hit with GW Bleached Bone and an occasional touch of Skull White. After that was all done I used some Army Painter Soft Tone Quickshade to finish them off.
This was my first time using the Quickshade varnish. I used the splash-on method, which takes some time and care to not over-apply. In a few cases I did leave a little too much. I'm also not sure that I like the colour of the soft tone. It's a rather gritty, dirty brown. That said it does work pretty well for zombies but I'd be cautious with using it for other figures, especially anything white or yellow that you want to stay bright.
Additionally, I think that the Quickshade isn't much of a time saver on small batches of figures. Doubly so considering that I had to apply two coats of brush-on AP anti-shine matt varnish to cut the gloss afterwards. They turned out well enough, but I don't know that I would repeat this process again unless doing the same number of figures or more in a single batch. And then, dipping and matt spray would be way faster of course!
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Zombies/file_zps310d3b2e.jpg)
What do you think?
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They look good to me, mate.
Nothing wrong with those beasties.
:-*
That is the right way to approach zombies (warily...?), well, painting them anyway.
Quick and dirty.
Washes and drybrushing, etc...
You cannot spend ages worrying about them if you have a whole stack to paint, and these look good.
(I have a few of them in my excess pile, and wondered what range they came from. Now I know. :D)
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I was waiting for someone to post a picture of that reef terrain board. Awesome stuff. Do you know how lucky it is to play with the creator of a game on a regular basis?
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Especially when he never wins... >:(
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Can't you just make up a rule to win? Who is going to question you? "Uh you forgot to calculate the Threshold Agent's fear accumulated fear bonus. It's on page 6 of the latest Back dossier". ;)
You could win every time!
I love the reef by the way. You should stop by Winnipeg and we can connect it up to my Innsmouth table.
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Nah that wouldn't work. At least not with me. I've got a pretty good handle on most of the rules. Besides, who want to win by fudging the rules?! Those games were both tons of fun regardless of who won. They were like little movies!
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Especially when he never wins... >:(
It's your dice Uncle Mike...they have been cursed...either that or I slipped something into your Tim's when you weren't looking... :?
Nice work obsidian3d. Looking forward to seeing what you come out with next.
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Not specific to Strange Aeons, but related to my gaming in that scale. Posted from my blog here http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2013/04/my-first-wargames-factory-multi-part.html. There are tons more photos of each sprue (front and back) on my blog as well!
My First Wargames Factory Multi-Part Plastics
Received these 12 days after placing my order directly from Wargames Factory in the US. They responded quickly, the same day in fact, with a shipping confirmation. Strangely enough, and through no fault of WGF at all, the package ended up traveling all the way from Utah to Los Angeles, before finally being shipped up here to Canada (where it also passed through Richmond, BC). Not exactly effective logistics being exercised by the US Postal service there. Why would you send something 1000 km farther away from it's destination first!?
However, back to the topic at hand. I ordered four different boxes and after shipping and exchange they cost approximately $26 CAD each. One shop in town does stock a few of the WGF products, but not their full range. Were I to purchase them locally they would cost almost exactly the same price after taxes, but I wouldn't be able to get all the sets I wanted when I wanted them.
Either way really...order online and wait, or buy locally immediately but then have to order other stuff online anyway. As much as I want to support my local shops I also want my consumer experience to be relatively painless. So I'll probably be ordering online directly should I purchase more stuff from Wargames Factory in the future.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/WargamesFactory/file_zpsedd3af52.jpg)
The first mix of stuff I bought was a little eclectic:
Shock Troopers (18 figures) - also marked as Greatcoat Troopers on the box
WWII German Infantry (30 figures) - late war Nazi troopers
Zombie Horde (30 figures) - male zombies
Zombie Vixens (30 figures) female zombies
I don't really have a need or use for the first two boxes from a rule or gaming standpoint. I've simply been interested in the world wars lately and thought they'd be interesting to add to my collection. Quite frankly I have no idea what I'm going to do with the Shock Troopers. The sort of remind me of Iron Army figures from the Sgt. Savage G.I.Joe line, so maybe I'll do something like that.
The Shock Troopers are great looking figures (and also have the best produced box). The sheer number of heads on each sprue is amazing. I'm going to be ordering the Heavy Weapons box very soon. Now that I have seen the basic shock troops I want to get that set so I can mix all the parts together.
The Zombie Horde I didn't really need at all, but thought the parts could come in handy for conversions. The more parts I can mix together, the more interesting brain-munchers I end up with! Of the four sets, this is probably the least well produced. Lots of good options, but the heads are very soft detail-wise.
I am currently working on a Pulp Figures gestapo squad and their accompanying mad scientist for Strange Aeons / Kulten, but they are awaiting dedicated zombies for the scientist to experiment on! I still have a pair of unused Mantic zombie sprues and some Judge Dredd miniature game zombie parts so I thought I could bash together some actual Nazi zombie troopers by adding pieces from the German Infantry box parts. I know there are various nazombie kits out there, so this is more of a want-to-do thing than a necessity.
There is a set of 28mm Nazi zombie figures coming my way from the Achtung!Cthulhu campaign I supported this year, but they won't arrive until September at the earliest! From a tabletop point of view it'd look much more thematic to have Nazi zombie soldiers...but I rather think that the civilians make more sense. Why experiment on your own men when you have 1000s of slaves and prisoners to try it out on instead? Looking at the sprues for both sets I already have one kit-bash in mind...
The German Infantry box is really cool looking. There are simply a ton of options for arms and weapon customization here. The detail is great, and they come with bases! Great amount of stuff for the price.
And finally, the Zombie Vixens box was my main reason for the purchase. Since working on the other zombie sets lately I realized there was only one female in the whole 18 figures...only one, and from two different sets no less! While I'm sure a lot of women are faster runners or better at hiding than us slow chubby dudes, it doesn't make sense that no women would be getting caught or bitten during the zombie apocalypse. So I wanted to add some female walkers to my collection.
At a quick glance just opening all of the boxes and examining the sprues I'd say that these figures are a good value for the price. A grand total of 108 figures (with LOTS of options) for $108. I think you can all handle the math on that one for yourselves.
Wargames Factory gets a lot of flak online for the quality of their stuff, but so far I'm happy with what I've seen. My opinion may change once I get into constructing and painting these figures. If it doesn't though, I'll definitely be adding some of their Japanese samurai figures to my collection...even though I don't need those either!
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Reposted from http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2014/01/field-report-sa-1234-fff.html where there are more pictures available)
Field Report: SA-1234-FfF
December 17th, 1923
From: Carl Selinger, Commanding Field Agent
To: Director Silver, Calgary Field Office
Director Silver,
It has been several months since my last update and I have much to share. Our last outing went badly, very badly. Simply put, Professor Armitage and Dr. McDermott were both killed during our investigation of the stone circle. In our attempt to flee from the area we were captured and held by a man named Hemler. At least, that's what all of his followers referred to him as.
The man wears a grey uniform identical to his followers, but atop his head is a gleaming silver mask. To my knowledge, he never speaks. However it seems his minions receive directions from him in some manner while in his presence. I hesitate to suggest telepathy or mind control, but after all I've seen in my work I certainly wouldn't rule it out.
While held captive they asked us innumerable questions about our mission, who we work for, what we know about the stone circle. It seems however that the have no knowledge of the Threshold and I'm proud to say that all of my men acquitted themselves admirably. No one revealed anything. But director, the things they did to the bodies of our fallen comrades in hopes of breaking us...unspeakable. I had begun to fear that we might succumb to these horrors when we were miraculously rescued!
Agents Carter and Moreau were somehow able to find us and spirit us away during the night. We evaded pursuit and have boarded a train bound for Marseilles. From there will return home to re-equip. With the current condition of my team, I fear that doing otherwise will simply result in more agents lost. I'll ensure that our findings are forwarded to the London and Paris offices before boarding our ship.
It seems that our rescuers are intent on returning home with us. I've no cause to deny them doing so. By the time we arrive I'm sure we will be ready to accept any assignment you may have for us.
Sincerely,
Carl Selinger
PS: I've cabled the Paris office and requested our new agent dossiers be forwarded to you ASAP.
--Communique from Paris--
ATTN: Director Silver
RE: Agent Dossiers
Monique Moreau
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/IMG_2549_zps59f9f6c5.jpg)
Randolf Carter
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/IMG_2547_zpsc8c09aba.jpg)
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Nice work, obsidian3d!
:-*
Mademoiselle Moreau is certainly distracting.
:o
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Yeah, nice :-*
Who makes the "Mademoiselle Monique"?
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Any bets on what part of the female body the sculptor likes? lol
Great work!
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Yeah man what a lovely pair of knee's! ;D
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Quite a few zombies that you have there, I predict a Death Cult in your future...
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Mason et al: Thanks for the comments / feedback. She is a bit of a hot pot isn't she? ;) I had to come up with a name for her that turned into initials "MM". It just seemed appropriate.
Yeah, nice :-*
Who makes the "Mademoiselle Monique"?
It's a RAFM Call of Cthulhu figure. I bought her at the same time as my "Eddie Coffin" figure, the one with the flask and the tie all askew.
Uncle Mike, I finally got some actual zombified German soldiers, so Doctor Kaufman has some 'volunteers' to work with. I'll be putting together a new properly themed Death Cult sometime this spring.
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Reposted from http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2014/04/scourged-forest-2x3-gaming-mat.html
What seems like a long, long time ago...I received some of these 6'x4' mats for my birthday (nope, not last year's). They're really good looking but the size makes them difficult to paint in my house. The only way I can do that is to put both of my large folding tables out together, push most of the living room furniture out of the way and try not to get paint on the floor. I've got my Broken Blacktop mat about halfway done...but that's not what I'm here to talk about today.
A few days ago I stopped in at Trilogy with the intent of picking up a Gale Force 9 mat for playing Star Trek: Attack Wing on. They were supposed to have gotten some in stock, and I was happy to find that the rumours were true. Looking around the shop a little more I saw that they had a "Scourged Forest" 2'x3' Zuzzy mat. I have a 6'x4' one, but since I've been playing a lot of Strange Aeons lately and all of my home-built scenery is of the grass-and-trees variety I decided to buy it.
The price was a fair bit higher than what you'd pay from the manufacturer direct. On the other hand, there is no need to pay for shipping, and Zuzzy is notorious for taking a long, long, long time to deliver the product. (Yes I'm speaking from experience.)
Anyway, I finally got a sunny afternoon and was able to finish painting this thing up. Here's a look at the whole mat all finished.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Scenery%20and%20Terrain/Zuzzy/IMG_2779_zps4e771016.jpg)
I didn't take any in-progress pictures, but I did try to keep track of what paints I used (I'm using cheap craft paints from Michael's). I figured if it turned out well, I'd know sort of how to reproduce it. If it turned out badly, I'd know what not to do.
Here's the basic recipe:
1) 2:1 mix of Forest Moss and Burnt Umber, mixed into a wash and applied liberally over the entire mat. This is the most time consuming part, because I had to wait overnight for the paint to dry. The result was very pleasing however, as the brown paint settled in the lowest areas leaving the higher spots a nice dark green.
2) Dry brushed the stones with Medium Gray
3) Painted the trees with Dark Brown and the exposed areas (where there was no bark) with Parchment.
4) Applied a wash of Burnt Umber onto the areas that looked like flattened grass or leaves.
5) 1:1 mix of Burnt Umber and Black on the broken ground. It looked like dried mud, but I didn't want to paint it that way, so I thought I'd aim for a stone / scree of some kind.
6) Applied a wash of GW Devlan Mud to all of the trees.
7) Put down a liberal dry brushing of Forest Moss on all of the grassy areas. I was careful to leave it a little patchy. I didn't want to cover up that nice base coat completely.
8) 1:1 mix of Burnt Umber and Burnt Sienna dry brushed onto the leaf areas.
9) Dry brushed the grass again with Grass Green. I paid a lot of attention to the highest areas this time.
10) Dry brushed Parchment on the leaf areas.
11) Heavy dry brushing of the stones with Dove Gray. Much lighter use of the same colour on the trees and leaf areas.
I might go back over it with a spray sealer of some kind, but at the moment I don't have one. I'm really happy with the results. The details on this mat (and the others I have) are excellent. If you want one though, I recommend trying to find one locally, rather than ordering direct.
I'll leave you with a couple shots of some of the detail areas.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Scenery%20and%20Terrain/Zuzzy/IMG_2780_zpsb1f7906c.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Scenery%20and%20Terrain/Zuzzy/IMG_2782_zps12ea3758.jpg)
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That has come out really well.
I like it!
8) 8)
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Many thanks. I'm very happy with it and am looking forward to playing some games on it!
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Oh I love that mat and all the work you've put into it, very good for woodlands and countryside. I need a mat, so I will have a look out for one of those
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More pictures available at http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2014/04/quick-game-of-strange-aeons-treasure.html
Had some time yesterday work to with Uncle Mike on more 2nd Ed stuff for Strange Aeons. Mike and I played through the "Treasure Hunt" scenario. I love the deep one model from Uncle Mike's Worldwide but haven't painted mine yet so I provided the mat, Mike provided the scenery and models. We both agreed that the table looked awesome.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/IMG_2799_zpsd9c24c5f.jpg)
The Threshold deployed first, meaning the deep one had to start farther away that I would have liked. That river looked refreshing however, so he jumped right in on his way to a Lovecrafty snack.
Footsteps on the bridge echoed through the river waters, distracting the deep one from his easy meal. Unfortunately for the scaly beast, the agent on the bridge hates deep ones, and won the combat...allowing him to retreat from the dripping claws.
Blinded by hunger, the deep one foolishly pursued the agent. In the ensuing combat he was unable to catch the slippery agent and cold blood was spilled.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/IMG_2801_zpsa583d1cb.jpg)
Capitalizing on the distraction, the threshold leader lined up a shot from across the river. Caught out in the open the deep one was fatally wounded (thanks to a critical hit from a double-barrel shotgun!) and the threshold was victorious.
The game was over a lot faster than I'd expected, and certainly not with the result I had hoped for. My first mistake was mixing up who was the leader of Mike's list. I thought it was the fellow with the shotgun, but he was the hater of deep ones. That gave him the chance to survive in close combat, provided he rolled well. Surprisingly (especially since we're talking about Uncle Mike here) those dice were coming up sixes!
I perpetuated my mistake by going after the hateful agent a second time, in hopes of killing him then mopping up the rest of the crew at my leisure. As you saw above that just didn't pan out for me.
A fun game nonetheless, and I know Mike was sweating as we put the board together. The potential for his agents getting maimed or murdered was exceptionally high. I'll get those pesky kids next time.
We also had a really good chat about some new monsters that I can't wait to try out. I'll have to keep those beasties a secret for now though...I don't want my cult membership revoked!
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Thanks for posting these...the board looked fantastic. And most importantly, I won a game!
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Field Report: SA2-141125-MA
November 25, 1924
From: Carl Selinger
To: Director Silver, Calgary Field Office
RE: Case File SA2-141125-MA
Last week my team was investigating the rumours of a large creature near Dead Man's Flats west of Calgary. The rumours proved to be factual; we found the beast near the small church north-east of the settlement. It was easily double the height of a normal man with pallid oozing skin, no visible eyes or mouths, and copious amount of tentacular appendages.
The beast proved surprisingly agile and was nearly upon us in moments. Dynamite seemed a prudent choice and we were lucky Agent Moreau was able to tap into her psychic abilities to help Agent Carter focus his efforts. Randolph ran forward and landed a lucky shot with his incendiaries, but was immediately pounced upon by the monster. We feared him dead as the beast continued its pursuit.
My own gunfire proved ineffectual in slowing the tentacled mass, but Agent Daniels valiantly jumped in its path and disappeared screaming amidst those writhing, ooze covered arms. Monique and I both lost our nerve a bit at this point and began retreating towards the safety of the church.
At the thought of leaving my men behind however I screwed up my courage. I believe Agent Moreau is partly responsible for my change of heart. I could feel her mind brush my own, lending me clarity as I reloaded my double-barrelled shotgun and turned to face the nightmare lumbering toward us. My first shot went astray, but the second...the second landed home. I can only term it luck, some might call it divine providence.
I'll take it regardless, as the beast collapsed and began to...deflate or rot, I'm not completely certain. It cast off a most revolting, noxious aroma. There was little left to investigate, but we managed to collect a small amount to bring back for study. I'm also happy to announce that all of the members of my team are well and accounted for, if a little worse for wear.
I recommend that we further investigate the parishioners of the area, as I doubt it is mere happenstance that we encountered this beast so near a church. A church can hide many secrets, as you well know director.
Carl Selinger
Commanding Field Agent
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Reposted from my blog here (http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2014/12/three-more-umw-figures-for-strange-aeons.html)
These were among some of the first pulp-themed figures I purchased. Come to think of it, I believe I've had these for nearly three years! They're one of the original sets of investigators from Uncle Mike's Worldwide, purveyors of the fine game Strange Aeons.
If memory serves I based and primed these figures nearly two years ago, after which time they sat on my priming board atop the refrigerator, awaiting paint. I've got dozens of figures in the same condition, and several others sitting next to my painting desk in partially completed states. I don't know why I decided to paint these, other than the fact that the stuff on my desk all looked less than appealing when I sat down to paint the other night.
Currently my Threshold list doesn't need new members, but I know how that can change in an instant. It's always good to be prepared when dealing with unfathomable nightmarish creatures, dastardly cultists and fickle dice that constantly test ones sanity. None of them have had character profiles made up, but I did start thinking of some names. So, here are my agents-in-waiting.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zps931e66b1.jpg)
This figure always makes me think of John Watson from the Sherlock Holmes stories. Maybe the book he's carrying are his memoirs, or some tome of dark and lurid magic. Doyle Jones seemed like a good name for him.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zpsec6647ed.jpg)
This is another figure that totally makes me think of Dana Scully from X-Files. I already painted one of the other agent figures with red hair, so I opted for colours I don't often use here. Most notably the green for her jacket, which was a watered down Vallejo green. I liked the shiny finish on it as it looks sort of like a rain coat. Melinda Carson isn't related to anything, and I don't know anyone named even remotely close, but that's what I came up with for her.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zps0baa0645.jpg)
This model sort of reminds me of the Hermann Heizinger figure from Tannhauser, even though they really look nothing alike. The face on this figure was a little roughly cast, but you can still tell that he's definitely an older gent, so I gave him a mustache too. I think he's supposed to be equipped with a civil war sabre but one could argue it's a family heirloom or something. I haven't thought up a name for this fellow just yet. If you have a suggestion drop it in the comments below!
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zps03f65da9.jpg)
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Another lost soul returns to the fold!
:D
And armed with some nice new Agents.
Well done, sir.
8) 8)
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Lost soul? I didn't realize I'd left...although I have been accused of not possessing a soul. I've not needed to paint anything for Strange Aeons in quite some time, but I assure you I'm quite active playing games and helping out with the rules testing for the upcoming second edition. :D
That aside, thanks for the compliments. They are appreciated!
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Lost soul? I didn't realize I'd left...although I have been accused of not possessing a soul. I've not needed to paint anything for Strange Aeons in quite some time, but I assure you I'm quite active playing games and helping out with the rules testing for the upcoming second edition. :D
That aside, thanks for the compliments. They are appreciated!
Ah!
So you are just guilty of withholding piccies of said playtests then?
>:D >:D >:D
;)
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Haha not these particular ones no. But it is possible that some secrets may not yet be shared, even amongst the faithful.
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*cracks the whip* Spill the beans!
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I say thee nay.
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Reposted from my blog at http://obsidian3d.blogspot.ca/2014/12/seasons-beatings.html
No, no, no, I'm not advocating any kind of violence towards others during the holiday season (even though you might have some dangerous thoughts while all of your family is starting in on their fifth Christmas carol round the piano). "Season's Beatings" is the name of a Yuletide events chart for Strange Aeons. You can download it, as well as two holiday-themed scenarios, over at www.strange-aeons.ca in their Resources section. There's a lot of other good stuff to see too!
I'll shamefully confess that I have not played either of these scenarios, nor have I used the event chart. However, I was reminded of them after receiving some holiday gaming goodness from jolly old Uncle Mike. As I was going through all those lovely resin bits, I remembered my Black Goat special Maniac Santa figure! I had meant to paint him up last year. That didn't happen due to a scare for the family over Christmas...but this year, by George I wasn't going to be stopped in my work.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zps235c78bf.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zpsf627f29d.jpg)
Now naturally Santa needs a helper. Magical gift-giving fellow he may be, but there are still a lot of holiday axes to grind. This brought me back to my newly received goodies. I hope Uncle Mike (or Santa) doesn't put me on the naughty list for showing my holiday rendition of this figure. I call him Ichor the elf.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zpsf1033da6.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zpsce66d773.jpg)
The pictures aren't very good. That's what I get for taking them with my phone...but I hope you get the idea of what I was going for. Happy holiday gaming everyone!
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/Obsidian3d/Strange%20Aeons/file_zps97012f22.jpg)
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Simply awesome, and what a great take on the henchman, I can't believe he fits so well, excellent color choices there. Murky Cthulhumas and thanks for sharing.
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Nice!
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Thanks for the comments gents. These two were fun to paint. :)