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Hi all,
As I mentioned in my introduction post, I'm still a little stunned I never knew about this forum until very recently. It is an amazing resource. I've never seen so many projects in one place that made me alternate between "Why didn't I think of that" and "How do I do that?". I am very glad to have found it and a little overwhelmed by all the awesome.
I really got into fantasy with the advent of the computer games Myth: The Fallen Lords and Myth II: Soulblighter, both RTS games from Bungie (yes, that Bungie) back in the early 90s as a small child. The dark, grim fantasy world of Myth set the tone for what I wanted out of a fantasy universe and few things since then managed to scratch that itch. I always had a soft spot for the legends and cultural influences from which Myth drew its inspiration and studied Norse and wider Germanic pagan cultures, languages and mythologies at university, which led me to get back into miniature wargaming through some friends on the course. For the last few years I've been involved in Warhammer 40,000 and the Horus Heresy expansion (Sons of Tyr homebrew Chapter and XIII Legion Ultramarines respectively), but in 2017 decided to jump head first into fantasy and make the kind of low-fantasy, grimdark army of doomed men I'd always wanted.
But I didn't really have any idea where to start - except I knew I what I wanted the army to look like. It had to be tied to no game system in particular (although Kings of War is most popular between London and Prague, my two places of work), I wanted an army with a strong theme and identity, and yet capable of being slipped into a multitude of different systems and backgrounds without jarring too much.
Thus the Black Order was born.
A ragged army of conscripted peasants, grizzled men-at-arms, military order knights and hedge-knights turned reiver, I figured that the Black Order would be the remnant of a feudal-era kingdom long since torn apart by internecine war, natural disasters and cataclysms of other sorts. A military order attempting to unify shattered elements of a kingdom's army and its serfs would fast become a military dictatorship, enforcing its power through displays of strength and rigorous discipline, and so I didn't want these to be good-guy crusading paladins but violent, hardened knights whose honour is secondary to survival and who would be out-and-out mercenaries if not for a few remaining shreds of pride.
They're also visually fairly similar to Teutonic Order, and should I ever have occasion to slip into historicals, it's likely that's what they'd be used as. Possibly during the campaigns against the pagans in northern Europe. However, they wouldn't be perfectly historical.
Without further ado - I wrote up a brief intro to the Black Order and the universe in which I imagine them.
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The birds, as ever, were the first to flee.
Those who survived said later that the forests had fallen silent first. On the first day the skies were clear and empty, with no bird visible to the eye nor able to be heard; their absence was noted by the woodsmen as an omen of the greatest ill. They said later that by the fourth day after the birds departed, the great woodlands of the Kingdom - once home to all the game and wild beasts known to Man - were as somnolent as the grave.
On the seventh day after the forests fell silent the earth itself split apart.
(https://i.imgur.com/m5tbDrY.jpg)
Great fissures yawned wide in the ground, swallowing men and livestock whole; entire villages and towns were utterly obliterated, the dwellings of commonfolk and nobles alike either sucked into the ravenous earth, or collapsed where they stood, burying their inhabitants alive.
The greatest of the Kingdom's fortresses, once bulwarks against the Dark, fared no better. The pride of the old King's Order, its inviolate and implacable citadels, were shattered and ground to dust as the earth itself moaned and shuddered, heaving whole armies into the dark depths beneath the world.
In the days and weeks that followed, there would be survivors who emerged from the rubble and tortured earth to discover a world turned upside down. The devastation of the old Kingdom had been absolute, and the struggle for survival in its aftermath was bitter and desperate, as the lakes and rivers ran dry and the once-rich forests yielded little in the way of sustenance. Many of those who survived the cataclysm lived only to die mere months later to starvation and thirst.
(https://i.imgur.com/889wy4p.jpg)
And yet for those who lived, having survived the destruction of the world as they knew it, the greatest trial was yet to come.
On the hundredth day after the skies fell silent, the crows returned to the forests of the Kingdom. And as the cries of carrion-birds echoed once more through the desolate woodlands and shattered plains where cities and towns had once stood, the shadow of the Dark fell upon the lands of the Order once more.
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The Yursgrad Militia
(https://i.imgur.com/1bDlfC2.jpg)
The town of Yursgrad was one of the few northern border towns not directly affected by the natural disaster which shattered the Kingdom's fiefdoms. Never the most populous of the Order's recruiting grounds, the Yursgrad levy nonetheless had a reputation for producing hardy woodsmen and sturdy workers. In the days following the devastation of the Kingdom, and the reformation of its shattered armies from which the Black Order rose, the men of Yursgrad formed the backbone of the Black Order's manpower.
(https://i.imgur.com/i8CxQ4s.jpg)
Tostig and Morcar, Sergeants of Infantry, lead the Yursgrad militia in defense of their town
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(https://i.imgur.com/lHQE8B0.jpg)
An army shot from September 2017 - back then the Order was pretty infantry-heavy and relied on its lighter-armoured cavalry with only a single unit of knights (top right) and one unit of hedge knights/Abyssal Hunt (top left). I was still finding my feet with the Brotherhood list in Kings of War, sounding out what worked and what didn't, etc.
Rounding out the rest of the force: two ballistae, a horde of Villein Spearmen, a regiment of Villein Bowmen with crossbows (represented by the Heart-Seeking Chant artifact), two troops of regular Villein Bowmen and finally a troop of Villein Reconnoiterers to serve as chaff and scouts. Knight-Lieutenant Gaheris (Exemplar Adjutant on foot) and Knight-Captain Tyr (Exemplar of the Brotherhood/Exemplar Forsaker depending on the base used) led the force. Loot counters (bottom right) and Disordered counters (bottom left) were really fun to make.
Quite a lot has been added since then - a comparison shot is in the works I think. I'll upload fluff and more pics in due course.
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Welcome.
A good looking army, a mix of Fireforge and Perry I think?
Are you using the Kingdoms of Men list for KoW?
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Nice army and background story. I'm glad you have found us.
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Very cool and thanks for Sharing.
Myth was a pretty fun game if memory serves, it really punished you when you screwed up.
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A very nice looking army and a great background idea. I look forward to seeing more.
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Very good work on the background, sir.
And your army is very nicely painted. Can we have more pics, please ?
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nice
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Looking excellent, background, minis and painting!
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Thanks, guys! Still amazed by this forum. I'll get over it soon haha.
Myth was a really great game. Still playable on modern PCs even nearly 25 years after it was first released, the community released the most recent patch in Feb 2018. Not bad going!
Welcome.
A good looking army, a mix of Fireforge and Perry I think?
Are you using the Kingdoms of Men list for KoW?
Yes, a mix of Fireforge and Perry primarily, but branching out into Conquest Games, Gripping Beast, Black Tree Design, Mierce and Otherworld Miniatures as well. There's the odd GW bit scattered around too.
As far as KoW goes, these guys are Brotherhood through and through. The Kingdoms of Men list is cool, I might try it out at some point but I started with Brotherhood and feel that represents the 'soul' of the army better.
More pics incoming:
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(https://i.imgur.com/7sQJ6pt.jpg)
Those of Yursgrad's sons who did not have the brawn or constitution for the shieldwall were put to use in the second wave of the Black Order's vanguard, forming part of the troop known informally - within their own ranks, if not elsewhere - as the Claws of Yursgrad. Many of the Yursgrad militia had served as huntsmen during peacetime, and their skill with crossbow developed into a rightly feared asset of the Order during its march north.
(https://i.imgur.com/5J8I0wr.jpg)
Ermanaric, Sergeant of Archers, directs the withering fire of the Order's arbalestiers from an entrenched position.
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(https://i.imgur.com/98pctXc.jpg)
Those sons of Yursgrad who came from mercantile families, or whose fathers had proven themselves in battle to the Order, were grouped in units of outriders, light cavalry units which would scout ahead of the Order's vanguard, riding for days at a time to root out the most fell of the Order's enemies. After the collapse of the Kingdom and the rise of the Dark, many of the Black Order's outriders became adept at fighting the night-horrors and demonic entities that plagued the lands around Yursgrad, frequently riding alongside Order knights in far-ranging Great Hunts of otherworldly beasts terrorizing the northern forests.
(https://i.imgur.com/7nUMLuN.jpg)
Those who survived the Great Hunts were proven warriors and great assets to the Black Order. It was not uncommon for such survivors to be elevated from yeomanry to the ranks of knighthood, many choosing to return to the Great Hunts as anointed knights of the Black Order itself.
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Brilliant thread! I am very keen on narrative-heavy forces and games and I really like what you've done. Welcome to the forum!
As it happens, Myth and Myth 2 are my favourite games ever. Myth 2: Soulblighter has never not been installed on my PC, even after all these years. Got all the Project Magma patches and lots of the community add-ons too. The engine really stands the test of time, with lovely sprites in a capable 3D physics engine, really helps with the mods that feature muskets, cannons etc, as well as the well realised medieval/fantasy combat of the base game. Ah, Myth.
Again, great thread :-)
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Brilliant thread! I am very keen on narrative-heavy forces and games and I really like what you've done. Welcome to the forum!
Gotta agree with Gibby.
A top thread with wonderful eye candy and background.
Love everything about it.
:-* :-* :-*
And a top way to introduce yourself.
You will be e great addition to the forum if this is what you are going to post.
Welcome aboard!
:D
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There's many god things here. I really like your background story, and the minis look stunning.
Welcome to the forum indeed!
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Thank you gents! Honoured to receive such praise. Really surprised, but grateful. I'll enjoy my time here for sure.
Brilliant thread! I am very keen on narrative-heavy forces and games and I really like what you've done. Welcome to the forum!
As it happens, Myth and Myth 2 are my favourite games ever. Myth 2: Soulblighter has never not been installed on my PC, even after all these years. Got all the Project Magma patches and lots of the community add-ons too. The engine really stands the test of time, with lovely sprites in a capable 3D physics engine, really helps with the mods that feature muskets, cannons etc, as well as the well realised medieval/fantasy combat of the base game. Ah, Myth.
Again, great thread :-)
It really is a great game. I'm replaying it now for the first time in...10-12 years? Amazed how well it holds up. I can't think of anything from that era that would fare so well.
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Great stuff 8)
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Lovely stuff. I'm building a human fantasy army out of Fireforge and Conquest games miniatures at the moment myself (oddly enough with snow bases as well) so this is very inspiring stuff. thanks.
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Superb!! Lovely looking army and a great back story for it as well. :)
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Cheers guys.
Still uploading completion pics - in a while I'll start putting up WIP shots of current projects as well.
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Those few survivors of the once-formidable knightly Orders of the Kingdom were left without lands, lords or allegiance in the world after the Cataclysm. Whilst many retained the colours and heraldry of their now-dead liege lords, seeking only to end their service - and lives - with honour, others bound themselves to new masters, sacrificing old heraldry for new in a desperate attempt to retain their purpose in an unforgiving and hostile world.
(https://i.imgur.com/5xaUfoa.jpg)
The foundation of the Black Order is not well recorded. The Battle of Black Cross is believed by historians to have been the singular event which granted the Order its name as well as its sigil, the iron cross of fervor, in recognition of the infamy it earned that day. Few other battles in the post-Cataclysm ruins of the Kingdom are known to have pitched knight against knight, and none were fought with such ferocity.
(https://i.imgur.com/hz1sKu5.jpg)
In the wake of Black Cross, the Order swelled in size, with many knights-errant and initiates of now-shattered Orders submitting themselves to the Black Order and taking the black-and-bone surcoat as their own. Those who would bear the black sigil would be required to swear fealty to the Order as a singular entity, and would undergo a joining ritual, the nature of which was whispered by the Order's enemies and detractors as heathen and barbaric.
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(https://i.imgur.com/k9MdIVm.jpg)
The Order took on a great number of warriors after the Battle of Black Cross. Of these disparate and varied recruits, the knights who had fought in the northern campaigns against the Dark were first to join, and came in the strongest numbers. Former knights-warden, knights-errant and wandering hedge knights took on the mantle of the Order's greatest huntsmen, ranging north on great Hunts whilst the Black Order established itself within the ruins of the old Kingdom's northern border towns.
(https://i.imgur.com/3ywiNTL.jpg)
These knights who held no lands, followed no lords and kept no retainers were among the Order's most savage and brutal warriors. These were men who had spent their youths in the shadow of the Dark, and lived through the nights of terror in the North when the draugar of the pagan kingdoms encroached southward, and yet somehow lived to tell the tale.
(https://i.imgur.com/5UJcqHW.jpg)
In the years to come, when the Dark returned at last, these knights served in the Order's vanguard, bringing the wrath of the Black Order against the ancient enemy with a fury that was unmatched in history or legend.
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Great work!
8) 8)
Those figures with those great bases combined with that backdrop really do set the scene of your narrative very well.
:D
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Wow :-* :-* :-*
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Welcome to the forum, ‘it’s a good kingdom all told but ‘ware the trolls and squidling things in the dark corners. Ahem.
Very very cool work all around, and I love that you’re tapping into Myth! I remember playing that game and how grim it felt - never did work out how to escape the catacombs... ;)
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Cheers lads.
Hopefully gonna get some more games in soon and do some proper photoreps. I did get my hands on these yesterday...
(https://i.imgur.com/6zDOACM.jpg)
Anyone had any experiences with either? Anyone know of any good groups playing either in London (UK?)
Time will tell I suppose. I figured it would be good for the Black Order to expand beyond Kings of War.
And now we're nearly all caught up with the completed units:
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The Battle at Black Cross, the climax of a brutal civil war between the surviving Orders of the Kingdom, saw the Black Order's rise from a conglomeration of hedge knights and impoverished knights-errant to a military and political entity in charge of its own princedom in the northern forests of the former Kingdom. Due to the nature of the Black Order's homesteads - found usually within forests and upon mountainous terrain - many of the Order's knights eschewed the use of mounts in those early days, preferring to fight on foot with the Order infantry and peasant levies.
After Black Cross, and during the wars which followed, the Order's knights retained an ethos of flexibility; all knights were expected to spend several rotations serving alongside the infantry, learning the virtues of the common man and shouldering his burden, thereby establishing a deeper bond with the peasants and serfs to whom they were overlords.
(https://i.imgur.com/YqeCY0y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KZRF8mQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aGSUdQe.jpg)
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Splendid stuff - thanks for posting these.
As others have said, your backgrounds and back-story really set off the assembled figures. You've got a fine range of units and styles all nicely within a common theme and colours. Very well done indeed!
Dragon Rampant is a great ruleset, btw: very flexible, and forgiving of whatever basing you've accumulated over the years...
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great project, and great painting :)
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Men, iron, dark, dirty. Love them !
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Great use of a historical army in a fantasy setting. I would second Dragon Rampant.
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That's a grand looking army, very dark as the black order should be!
8) 8) 8)
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Dragon Rampant would be a great start I reckon - you can tailor it to fit whatever sort of setting you want to play, with all sorts of unit options to play around with. Love the updates, great figures indeed!
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Thanks, guys! Still amazed by this forum. I'll get over it soon haha.
Oh no you won't ;)
Great project, thanks for sharing.
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Cheers lads.
Hopefully gonna get some more games in soon and do some proper photoreps. I did get my hands on these yesterday...
have you had a look at Kings Of War (http://www.manticgames.com/free-rules.html) (free rules)
they would look to suit your army and basing perfectly. :)
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Amazing work on this army!
I am so excited to read someone gushing over the Myth games. I wish somebody could get the license to do a tabletop game (there was a GURPS supplement back in the day), especially a miniatures skirmish game. My first foray into any kind of miniatures gaming was writing my own set of tabletop rules for all the units in Myth Soulblighter and printing out D&D-style paper standees using the art assets on the disc.
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This is a great project I'm loving what I see here.
I am also a massive fan of the myth games. It created a truly epic feel to it. If I could commission a product line, it would be for the fallen lords.
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A really great painting on the miniatures.
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Fantastic army and I love the shields and heraldry.
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Ooh, those are rather nice!
I was one of the community admins for Myth and wrote some of the early modding tools, nice to hear people are still enjoying it.
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Amazing work on this army!
I am so excited to read someone gushing over the Myth games. I wish somebody could get the license to do a tabletop game (there was a GURPS supplement back in the day), especially a miniatures skirmish game. My first foray into any kind of miniatures gaming was writing my own set of tabletop rules for all the units in Myth Soulblighter and printing out D&D-style paper standees using the art assets on the disc.
Man, I would buy into that in an instant. Did you save the rules? I'm thinking of doing an homage to Myth in the form of a band of Light vs Dark - warriors, a dwarf or two, some Fir'Bolg, facing Thrall, Soulless and some Ghols.
have you had a look at Kings Of War (http://www.manticgames.com/free-rules.html) (free rules)
they would look to suit your army and basing perfectly. :)
Cheers mate - I already use the army extensively as Brotherhood in Kings of War :) Clash of Kings 2018 really made the Brotherhood a bit more fun to play.
This is a great project I'm loving what I see here.
I am also a massive fan of the myth games. It created a truly epic feel to it. If I could commission a product line, it would be for the fallen lords.
Damn straight - I'd buy in to that like a flash.
Ooh, those are rather nice!
I was one of the community admins for Myth and wrote some of the early modding tools, nice to hear people are still enjoying it.
Then accept my earnest gratitude for contributing to such fond memories of mine from my childhood. I had, and still have, a blast with that game.
More updates to come - for now here's a teaser pic of one of the early games with the Black Order against a greenskin horde:
(https://i.imgur.com/kicLfSx.jpg)
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The Black Order look absolutely stunning seen from that angle.
It is like a scene of the Nights Watch from the GoT TV series.
:-* :-*
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Great to see them in action!
I'll echo the thanks to ecurtz; Myth and its mods gave me hundreds of hours of fun. I've recently started playing again in fact. The Tain still seems to be getting lots of community made content posted.
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The Black Order look absolutely stunning seen from that angle.
It is like a scene of the Nights Watch from the GoT TV series.
:-* :-*
Haha, thanks! That's high praise.
More updates coming soon (including some proper work in progress shots which I seem to be terrible at taking)
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(https://i.imgur.com/VgqrBQM.jpg)
The Black Order's vanguard relied increasingly on its infantry during the long march North, as the rocky highlands north of Yursgrad gave way to increasingly barren plains which in turn yielded to inhospitable snow-covered mountains. Though the Order's steeds were of a hardy breed, and the Order continued to wield its cavalry as a decisive tool in its arsenal of warfare, many knights within the Order increasingly preferred to fight on foot to support the yeoman infantry who were at a natural advantage in the rough terrain of the North. Whether with greatsword, two-handed axe or sword and shield, the knights of the Order became increasingly adept at fighting on foot, a talent which set them apart from many of the military Orders of the former Kingdom.
(https://i.imgur.com/Bj0OeRb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9Ct5Frm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nMUiHyH.jpg)
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Wonderful stuff and great atmospheric photos to show them off, really njoying this thread :)
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Gymir-Whose-Laugh-Stinks-of-Killing
The ettin regarded me quizzically. Up close, I understood Baelden's fear of the beasts. Although they resembled mortal men in their appearance far more than their Giant kin, there was a bestial quality to the gimlet-bright eyes now peering at me from beneath furrowed, crag-like brows that I found unsettling. This one was a brute, as well - twelve feet of knotted muscle stacked upon scarred muscle tattooed with the brands of the most violent of the Ettinmeet's clans.
(https://i.imgur.com/XjG6N9k.jpg)
I repeated my question, although I knew the ettin had heard and understood perfectly well the first time. Though many of their kind feign an inability to speak our language, it is my contention that they are possessed of a far greater intelligence than that with which we credit them.
I asked him why he had journeyed so far south, and whether he was alone. The Ettinmeet is four months' march North through the most inhospitable terrain. Seldom do the ettins venture so far south. Whether this one was emissary or raider I had yet to decide.
(https://i.imgur.com/DEzDM61.jpg)
The ettin cocked his head. Maybe I would get no response. Maybe this one was no emissary but a savage who did not speak our language, after all. I was readying myself for a confrontation when, to my surprise, our guest rumbled a reply.
"Three brothers south brings Gymir, two brothers of one blood and one father-brother of witch's flesh born."
I was surprised to say the least. Although I had less experience of these man-beasts than some of the Order, I understood the ettin to mean that four of his kinsmen had made the journey south, one of whom, if I was not mistaken, was a witchbreed. A shaman. Rare indeed are such creatures, mixing the fearsome strength and atavistic savagery of the ettin with the uncanny intellect and power of the magic-touched.
"You are Gymir?" I asked.
The great ettin rolled his shoulders, cracking scarred joints and flexing muscles tattooed with runic wards and sigils I did not recognise. A low rumble left the beast's lips, and I realised that our guest was laughing, a wet, gurgling sound that sent chills down my spine.
"I am Gymir-Whose-Laugh-Stinks-of-Killing."
(https://i.imgur.com/W62YJvs.jpg)
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Very impressive. You will let us know what miniature brands you are using, won't you?
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That is very impressive. I love the text you have with it as well.
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Really amazing stuff.
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Nice Ettin (a one headed Ettin :o) is that a Scibor miniature?
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Very impressive. You will let us know what miniature brands you are using, won't you?
The ettin is Scibor i believe.
A really great force you've assembled here.
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Very nice mood you're setting in this thread. 8)
I love the gritty finish on your minis - and I must say, you have a very high rate of churning out stuff with this quality!
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Cheers guys. Really appreciate the kind words.
Nice Ettin (a one headed Ettin :o) is that a Scibor miniature?
Very impressive. You will let us know what miniature brands you are using, won't you?
Indeed it is Scibor. And yes, a one-headed ettin - rather unusual but I have a story behind why these ettins are one-headed.
Next up are some WIPs when I get a moment to take pics, the force is expanding by rather a lot - dedicated Order infantry made up of professional soldiers, 3 (yes 3) trebuchets, a unit of Inner Circle knights and Knight-Captain Tyr's model incarnation on foot. As well as a number of knightly models inspired by a game called For Honor...
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Wonderful painting (knights NOT "in shining armor") and a wonderful backstory. Gymir in particular. Am quite enjoying your postings.
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Wonderful painting (knights NOT "in shining armor") and a wonderful backstory. Gymir in particular. Am quite enjoying your postings.
Cheers :) Yes, much prefer the grittier fantasy vibe over the high-fantasy shining steel look.
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Even before the Cataclysm, the society of the old Kingdom was one positioned on a constant war footing. The depredations of raider clans from the North, the expansionist tendencies of the Western city-states and the ever-present threat of the return of the Dark meant the Kingdom's military Orders rarely, if ever, knew rest. Young males were taken by the Orders early in life to face trials of strength, endurance and intellect matching them to their role in society; in theory, men could through merit alone rise above the station assigned to them by birth, although in a society where few lived to die of old age this mattered little.
One tradition that did not die with the collapse of the Kingdom was the use of women in the military structure of the surviving Orders. The women of the old Kingdom had also been expected to serve, whether as healers, engineers, auxiliaries or even rarely in the battleline itself. Whilst elsewhere the domain of war was for man alone, in the Kingdom women enjoyed no such distinction. The Orders took in a limited number of young girls each year to face the same trials the males did; each year, a select number of the brightest, fastest and most adaptable of the Kingdom's womenfolk passed the trials and joined the Orders under the rank of Sister-Martial.
Milana was one such individual. She was with us before Black Cross, and served as one of the founding officers of the Black Order. In many ways she is an exemplar to the surviving Sisters-Martial, for she combines the talents of warrior, leader and healer with a keen intellect that has become one of the Order's great assets.
No warrior or war-leader is without flaw, though, and for Milana, the sin of pride has almost been her downfall. Ever keen to prove herself the superior of her brothers in the Order, she has acted rashly, foolishly, more than once in the past and almost paid the price. When she challenged Tancred during the slaughter at Black Cross she was lucky only to lose her right eye; Tancred would have taken far more than that had Baelden not intervened. Milana still bears the bloodied dressing of that old wound, but as a reminder of the wages of pride or as a token of regret for what we did at Black Cross I am not sure.
(https://i.imgur.com/n9VbQdF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AZ1nZV1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Bziag9K.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EewaPj6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tdPjCR1.jpg)
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Order infantry WIP. No common villeins these but professional soldiers drilled and trained to serve alongside Order knights, their regimental epithet “the Martyrs” awarded for resolve and bravery on the field. No guesses what they represent in a Brotherhood army 😉
Based heavily off the warriors from Myth: The Fallen Lords ; :D
(https://i.imgur.com/r9AeY7r.jpg)
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Some more from the list of old completions. As I game mostly in Kings of War at the minute (though am eagerly researching alternatives to broaden my horizons) I need disordered/wavered status markers, objective counters and (why not) casualty markers to hold damage dice.
Therefore the following seemed suitable as disordered/wavered status markers, with 1 representing disordered, and 2 counters next to a unit representing wavered:
(https://i.imgur.com/kkPqe0V.jpg)
For objectives, I reasoned that supplies would be at a premium for the Order, so barrels containing foodstuffs and other supplies seemed like a good basic objective suitable for any scenario. I do plan to make scenario-specific objectives at some point however, and also some 'scenic' objectives on much larger bases :)
(https://i.imgur.com/cCE8NmT.jpg)
And finally, casualty/damage markers - these were my first foray into making these, and whilst I'm not totally happy with the look of the green-stuffed slots for D10s, it seems to work reasonably well on the field.
(https://i.imgur.com/vIdp0RB.jpg)
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Another completion to add here - a pair of ballistae crewed by villeins. Three(!) trebuchets are currently being assembled and painted up to join the Order's artillery!
(https://i.imgur.com/V8Hz6IL.jpg)
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Nice! You're going to need a lot of Thralls to give these guys a run for their money. :)
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Lots of good stuff! :)
Looking forward to those trebuchets! 8)
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Great stuff!
Where are those ballista models from? I'm digging them!
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Cheers chaps!
Thus far the Norba Breton trebuchets are sadly one of the very worst model kits I've ever worked with. The casting is abominable, full of bubbles, gaps, shrinkages and loss of detail. The kit also appears not to fit together very well. I'm afraid in the spirit of full disclosure I wouldn't be able to recommend them to anybody.
Great stuff!
Where are those ballista models from? I'm digging them!
The ballistae are from Black Tree Design. They're a rather old kit and it shows in the cast (although nowhere near the level of Norba's issues). They painted up OK. Gamewise the jury's out as to whether ballistae or trebuchets are more worth the points in a Brotherhood army in Kings of War...
Anyway, quick WIP shot of some other models I've had on the workbench. For anyone who's familiar with the For Honor medieval fighting game, these guys are penitent knights in the Black Order inspired by the Lawbringer and Conqueror knights of For Honor. Pics attached of the Lawbringer and Conqueror for interest. They're not 1/1 recreations but I was throwing together random Fireforge/Frostgrave/Perry parts on a whim and thought I'd have a stab. I'll probably try for fully accurate versions in the future.
(https://i.imgur.com/zKsMi1T.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CT213q9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/v1nrAV2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pqPeMaT.jpg)
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Cool. Love the guy on the left.
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As usual great stuff!
You mentioned Norba. Before reading your posts today I visited their side by accident yesterday and thought about ordering the trebuchet and some other stuff. Might it be possible to show a picture of the Norba stuff? Does their miniatures mix well with fireforge?
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Awesome! Great inspiration, thanks for sharing!
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Those two new knights are Beefy looking chaps. Look forward to seeing them painted.
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As usual great stuff!
You mentioned Norba. Before reading your posts today I visited their side by accident yesterday and thought about ordering the trebuchet and some other stuff. Might it be possible to show a picture of the Norba stuff? Does their miniatures mix well with fireforge?
Not the target of the question, but I got some Norba terrain on KS a while back and both the casting quality and the customer service is dreadful. Steer clear. Fenris has a trebuchet.
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Cheers chaps, kind words much appreciated as always.
As usual great stuff!
You mentioned Norba. Before reading your posts today I visited their side by accident yesterday and thought about ordering the trebuchet and some other stuff. Might it be possible to show a picture of the Norba stuff? Does their miniatures mix well with fireforge?
I'll take some for you in the morning, it's mid-way through painting however. It is really bad quality. Their stuff is almost perfectly scaled to Fireforge, frustratingly.
Not the target of the question, but I got some Norba terrain on KS a while back and both the casting quality and the customer service is dreadful. Steer clear. Fenris has a trebuchet.
Absolutely agree on both counts.
And very glad/frustrated to find out about Fenris - if only I'd seen them earlier, they're cheaper and better!
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Slaughter in the Eastern Marsh
(https://i.imgur.com/dhu103I.jpg)
...the survivors of the slaughter who reached us spoke in hollow tones of nightmares given form tearing entire formations of our infantry to shreds in seconds. Of fanged lupine monstrosities ripping men from their saddles and slicing through plate like paper, reducing our vanguard's cavalry to so much offal and carrion in the blink of an eye. In two engagements the Order's forces were utterly crushed, with only a handful of warriors surviving to stagger back to the main encampment to tell their tale.
The Order's march north had taken us beyond the bounds of the old Kingdom and into the swamp-infested badlands separating us from the Traverse, the icy expanse we hoped to cross in our quest to find a new home. Ermanaric's vanguard was butchered almost to a man by a foe we had not expected to find blocking our path on our march north. That the swamps were now infested by the horrors of the old Dark, the nameless undead and fouler things following in their wake, meant that we were honour bound to cleanse the swamps before pressing forward on our journey. The survival of remnants of the old Dark and its unliving terrors was unconscionable to us. The oaths we swear upon ascension to the Order dictate that those reanimated by the dream of unlife cannot be permitted to exist.
The survivors of the slaughter in the Eastern Marsh were ushered before the Grand Master within moments of their arrival, and upon being informed of the disaster, Alaric himself ordered a punitive expedition to set out ahead of the main column. I was to lead the mission: to seek out the source of the undead in the swamplands and eradicate it utterly.
- from the journal of Ludovic Tyr, knight-captain of the Black Order
Game 1
(https://i.imgur.com/0OqrBIY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MkrBSqV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DryCTyU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xsWA7rM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qbtqQbU.jpg)
Game 2
(https://i.imgur.com/5EdySfW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/h6N1jZT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/enugTyl.jpg)
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The above relates to two games of Kings of War I had recently in the Czech Republic, against Undead (first time I'd played them) and the colossal slaughter caused by Soul Reaver (read: vampire) heavy infantry can cause. Take away lessons: Hit Soul Reavers first and hit them bloody hard.
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Cool. I must play Myth again. You have rekindled my enthusiasm for it.
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Well, not really a true "new" completion this one, but rather the final touches for weathering + decals for my Brotherhood knights, plus the chance to display them on their giant stonking Horde base. Admittedly, the option to run Brotherhood knights in a horde, whilst very cinematic, has kind of gone out the window since the arrival of the Clash of Kings 2018 supplement for Kings of War and the advent of regiment-strength Brotherhood knights with the Pathfinder rule.
But still - a cool option to have.
_______________________
The Banners Muster
Let it hereby be known that squires Loring, Mather, Kaherdin, Gahalatine and Tristram have each acceeded to the rank of Knight-Brother of the Black Order and been granted the right to bear the bone-and-black marked with the Cross of the Fallen.
Let it be known each has sworn the Oath of Joining and drank from the Stone Chalice. Each has foregone the name of family and the bonds of kin, and sworn to recognise no gods or demons as his master. Each has dedicated himself to the One Noble Virtue, Justice, and to uphold it against the manifold ills and evils of this world.
Henceforth, each knight-brother shall be granted the lineage-name of the knight who went before him, and shall be accorded full rights as a brother of the Order.
By the assembled knight-brothers is their oath of fealty to the Order hereby witnessed. Let the bonds of brotherhood borne in blood and battle be unbreakable and eternal. Let the oaths sworn by these men be held in earnest until their dying day, and let our brotherhood, joined in unity by the virtue of Justice, stand free of corruption and impurity.
-Catechism of Joining, repeated by Knight-Seneschal Gaheris
(https://i.imgur.com/Ee6cM1r.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ADFH70K.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MYK18ci.jpg)
The First Banner of the Black Order, under the battlefield command of Knight-Lieutenant Pelleas
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Impressive !
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Been a while! Let's get back to it...
______________________
The Black Order's artillery division comprised of a variety of war machines the Order had either constructed itself, repurposed from ancient machines no longer in service or liberated from the battlefield. Of these, the field trebuchets employed by the Order against various of the castles and fastnesses of their foes quickly gained infamy for the skill of their engineers. It was not uncommon for machines to be named, whether after figures from the old religion or after the frenzied imagination of the artillerators manning them. Malignant, pictured below, was so named after 'cracking open the fortress at Hollow...setting ablaze the garrison's stockpiles and hospitals like the most malign of diseases'.
(https://i.imgur.com/n7aym1K.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SnHgjLS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/chGhwWk.jpg)
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Commoners, yeomen and those too young for the battleline - all those who could draw a bow were employed in the ranks of the Black Order as archers, rangers and reivers. Whether the role was to protect the Order's flanks in battle or harry those of the enemy, the villeins and peasants making up the archers of the Order were taught warfare from an early age and formed a crucial part of the Order's manpower.
(https://i.imgur.com/jOI9B6L.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vc4dsw6.jpg)
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Love the trebuchet and crew !
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Amazing. Absolutely cracking stuff.
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Cheers guys.
Couple shots of some new objective markers, and better shots of old fatigue/objective counters from a while back:
(https://i.imgur.com/oAwnZmP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/L0sgwF4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/APvkLSt.jpg)
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Great markers. I never though of constructing my own from my bits box. Off I pop! :)
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Great looking models.
The knight horde looks awesome. But I always found in game they were a bit of a liability due to their shear size. And that they were a target for all that the enemy could throw at them.
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Cheers guys!
Great looking models.
The knight horde looks awesome. But I always found in game they were a bit of a liability due to their shear size. And that they were a target for all that the enemy could throw at them.
Yes, I've found the same. Hence why I now split them up into regiments and run them under the Undaunted Crusaders formation. I have been considering running the Knight Initiates as a horde instead (far cheaper and same number of attacks) as a chaff/distraction unit. More on that to come...
The Black Order grows further, as I recently discovered I could remodel my movement trays to fit 7 knights per regiment. With the new addition of Knight-Seneschal Murgen this means I can split my old 2 Order of the Brotherhood regiments...into 3! Muahahaha, etc.
(https://i.imgur.com/CTfEVYo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TtKdWHo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PC5tTae.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ik46Rjn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vtBTlrl.jpg)
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You've got to love multi-basing to increase your unit count, for the same figures!! bThe blanks you have put in blend in very well to the look of the unit.
The undaunted formation looks useful - I often take the potion of caterpillar on my knight units, so being able to get it on two is good. With the changes to TC I've been thinking about adding in more units with CS - probably as allies.
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Yeah, the bonuses of both Brotherhood formations are amazing. It really helps us as otherwise Brotherhood tends to be a fairly low-tier army. I'm also considering the allies option at present but haven't settled on a list yet - tempted by something like Nature elementals, don't really want to do the tried-and-overdone Ogre allies.
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Presenting Osric Gaheris, Standard Bearer and Knight-Lieutenant of the Black Order, and an insight into one of the Order's oldest myths. https://brotherhoodofknights.wixsite.com/blackorder/blog/the-banner-of-madrigal
Internet kudos for those who spot the reference!
_______________________
The Banner of Madrigal
(https://i.imgur.com/8HvebVB.jpg)
The song of the fall of Madrigal was one of the oldest lays sung in the old Kingdom before the Cataclysm. Even after the Kingdom's destruction, the Orders retained many of the centuries-old customs and traditions so fundamental to their way of life. With these customs came a rich tapestry of legends and oral histories recounted by the Journeymen, the librarians, healers and record-keepers of the Orders. The greatest such legend told of the mythical city of Madrigal - a tremendous walled citadel defended by legions of warriors led by soldier-sorcerers whose power could shatter armies - and its eventual destruction by the Dark. Though the song of Madrigal can be sung many ways - often with each Journeyman recounting a slightly different version of events - all the legends tell us that Madrigal's fall was orchestrated by the same ancient foe of the Kingdom. Though he has many names - Blighter of Souls, the Twice Born, the Murder of Crows - all the legends agree that he was a man so twisted and evil he flensed the flesh from his skull and tore out his own heart in a ritual forever binding his soul to the Dark in exchange for truly horrifying power.
(https://i.imgur.com/EkKcnNn.jpg)
It is said that this foe will return at the world's ending, and that the Twice Born will raise the fallen of Madrigal to fight for him, and that the heroes of ages past will return as the minions of the Dark to challenge the last champions of the Light in a final battle that will rend the very world itself asunder.
With the advent of the Cataclysm, many among the Orders thought that the world's ending was upon them. 'Madrigal!' became a rallying cry among the warriors beset by the incursion of the Dark, even though the fabled city is almost certainly no more than a myth; yet, like so many legends, it has given hope to a generation of warriors who had none. Many Orders carry banners and standards depicting the heroes and champions of Madrigal into battle, inspiring the assembled brethren to maintain their resolve in the face of implacable darkness.
(https://i.imgur.com/AP49Toe.jpg)
Knight-Lieutenant Osric Gaheris, Standard Bearer of the Black Order
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Some wonderful work on display here.
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Awesome painting! :o :o :o
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The knights themselves are wonderful, of course, but I absolutely love the basing, and the movement trays - superb! As far as identifying references is concerned, unfortunately the only thing I can think of in relation to the Black Knight is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Fantastic job on this army - wonderfully cohesive painting, basing, and background. Love it!
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Very nice. Any plans for some evil folk? Or perhaps barbarian allies?
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Cheers folks! Appreciate the kind words.
Very nice. Any plans for some evil folk? Or perhaps barbarian allies?
Funnily enough, in the update right after this one I should have some teasers for the return of the Dark - the encroachment of undead, horrors from the dream realm and other assorted nasties plaguing the Black Order's territories. I also have some repurposed Vikings that are being worked on currently. I'll post some pics soon.
The knights themselves are wonderful, of course, but I absolutely love the basing, and the movement trays - superb! As far as identifying references is concerned, unfortunately the only thing I can think of in relation to the Black Knight is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Fantastic job on this army - wonderfully cohesive painting, basing, and background. Love it!
Haha, hopefully the Monty Python thing isn't immediately apparent, as that's not the intention at all. The legend of the Twice Born and the fall of Madrigal is a direct homage/nod to the Myth: The Fallen Lords series. Thanks very much for the praise :) Really makes the hours painting worthwhile.
__________________
Border Patrols
(https://i.imgur.com/AJtlpIg.jpg)
A patrol from the Seventh Banner under Knight-Warden Rabican move to secure the old ruins north of Yursgrad against an incursion from the northmen
The following is the Black Order's first foray into the SAGA ruleset, recently re-released by Studio Tomahawk. In-game, as the Black Order is a fictional creation, it could follow a number of different rules set out in the mixed historical/fantasy SAGA ruleset; I've found it fits the Teutonic Knights (Ordenstaat) ruleset best given its focus on the Knights and the high attrition rate of the peasant levies under the Ordenstaat battleboard.
In-game, the following models represent these Ordenstaat choices:
Knight-Warden Rabican - Warlord on foot
Milana, Sister-Martial - Priest (1pt) OR Black Order Knights - Hearthguard (1pt)
Black Order Knights - Hearthguard (1pt)
Yursgrad men-at-arms - Warriors on foot (1pt)
Yursgrad yeomen - Warriors on foot with crossbows (1pt)
It would be very easy to use the rest of the Black Order miniatures in SAGA - mounted hearthguard and levies in particular could be easily represented with Order knights and more spearmen. However, this 4pt warband is the one I'll learn the rules with for now.
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The Black Order's rule over the northern hamlets and towns of the old Kingdom was challenged frequently in the years following the Cataclysm. Even before the return of the Dark, rival Orders, border reivers from the heathen tribes in the North and the encroachment of southron hosts intent on plunder challenged the Order's ability to defend its own.
(https://i.imgur.com/lpbPuEc.jpg)
Knight-Warden Rabican, leader of the Seventh Banner
With greater and greater frequency the Order raised levies from the border hamlets that, in time, became adept rangers and warriors in their own right, forced to adapt or die to the many incursions threatening the Order's holdings. The Edict of Yursgrad, a decree passed by the Grand Master after the near-devastation of the town of Yursgrad by a southron encroachment, meant that all men, women and children of working age would be required to undertake military training to serve in the defence of their own lands.
To supplement the levies and town militias, many Order knights volunteered to lead bands of the Order's men-at-arms and yeomen on far-ranging border patrols, reinforcing the most distant hamlets and ensuring the training of the Order's civilians was undertaken without reservation.
(https://i.imgur.com/qNUueNf.jpg)
Sister-Martial Milana, attached to the Seventh Banner under Knight-Warden Rabican
(https://i.imgur.com/wnlgdCT.jpg)
Order men-at-arms from Yursgrad
(https://i.imgur.com/zBetnok.jpg)
Order yeomen from Yursgrad
Many such patrols were lost to foreign incursion, whether by the southrons, the heathen Northmen or in time through the encroachment of the Dark. Many were the engagements that would have found their way into sagas and legends, were any left alive to tell them.
(https://i.imgur.com/l42XqxM.jpg)
Black Order Knights: Roland, Agravaine, Angaric, Pelleon
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:o :o :o
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great stuff.
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I really hope you have some minis in mind for the Fetch. My favourite from this world (or other world as it happens).
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This thread just gets better and better. Keep it up.
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Madrigal! Nice homage!
Looking forward to seeing your take on the Dark. :)
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Thanks guys! The Dark is incoming, but first a question:
I really hope you have some minis in mind for the Fetch. My favourite from this world (or other world as it happens).
Actually I did and now it seems to have vanished from the internet. I'm incredibly frustrated to say the least. For a long time I'd been eying up this Northstar Horror (http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=446037) but now can't find it on the Northstar figures page at all.
Anyone know where it's being sold now (if at all)? Seriously gutted that I might have missed out on an incredible sculpt (and, in my eyes, one that is picture perfect for the Fetch from Myth TFL).
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I can't even get that link to work... o_o
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Hmmm. Sorry, I mean this guy:
(https://i.imgur.com/uNQ6Ytn.jpg)
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Wasn't there some zombies in that range (Horror Stories) as well? Seems like the whole category disappeared.
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Wasn't there some zombies in that range (Horror Stories) as well? Seems like the whole category disappeared.
I can only find this - maybe Nick can tell what happened?
http://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=8746
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Now here's a lovely thread - I can only join the others already applauding the miniatures, the paintjobs and the background story. :)
I enjoyed the Myth games too although I can't recall to ever have managed to finish them.
Regarding that missing model, I recall seeing Northstar having a considerable (to my memory at least) sale on that entire Horror range so perhaps they were withdrawn from sale?
May be best to inquire from Nick directly as I doubt they're all gone.
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Now here's a lovely thread - I can only join the others already applauding the miniatures, the paintjobs and the background story. :)
I enjoyed the Myth games too although I can't recall to ever have managed to finish them.
Regarding that missing model, I recall seeing Northstar having a considerable (to my memory at least) sale on that entire Horror range so perhaps they were withdrawn from sale?
May be best to inquire from Nick directly as I doubt they're all gone.
Thanks a bunch! Both Myth: The Fallen Lords and Myth II: Soulblighter are still available and patched to run on the latest hardware, as of 2018 :)
Is Nick Eyre on this forum? What's his handle? I may well get in touch, it's such a great model!
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Ha - I kept checking both GOG and Steam for them but it seems I need to find them the old-fashioned way. Thanks for the advice, will have to look into that someday. :D
To my knowledge Nick is nicknorthstar here.
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I posted a picture of the model in question to the Frostgrave Facebook group at the weekend. It seems that it’s been withdrawn from production and it isn’t known what the creator of the model is going to do with it.
I actually never played the original games; it seems that they just flew under my radar since I love me some RTS games.
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OI Knight Captain!! Nobody has answered your previous question- Nick’s handle on this forum is ‘nicknorthstar’.
And your posts still make me want to play Myth. My young wife would kill me if I got into yet another computer game though lol
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...
To my knowledge Nick is nicknorthstar here.
yes they did :)
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yes they did :)
*Hangs head in shame*
Take mine armour und removeth my colours. With a knife let me venture into the northern wastes and seek my fate to desperately redeem myself!
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Is Nick Eyre on this forum? What's his handle? I may well get in touch, it's such a great model!
nicknorthstar
He actually runs the forum, now, after the Prof handed it over to him.
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*Hangs head in shame*
Take mine armour und removeth my colours. With a knife let me venture into the northern wastes and seek my fate to desperately redeem myself!
Don't overdo it. ;)
I'm notoriously undetectable, whether it's posting online or walking up on people.
Would've probably made a decent ninja...
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Thanks a bunch for the replies, ladies and gents.
I posted a picture of the model in question to the Frostgrave Facebook group at the weekend. It seems that it’s been withdrawn from production and it isn’t known what the creator of the model is going to do with it.
I actually never played the original games; it seems that they just flew under my radar since I love me some RTS games.
Damnation and hellfire. I'll be in touch with Nick about the miniature, but I guess there's little chance.
Ha - I kept checking both GOG and Steam for them but it seems I need to find them the old-fashioned way. Thanks for the advice, will have to look into that someday. :D
To my knowledge Nick is nicknorthstar here.
Thanks a bunch for the help, Fiona. About Myth, PMed you.
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Don't overdo it. ;)
I'm notoriously undetectable, whether it's posting online or walking up on people.
Would've probably made a decent ninja...
Hahaha okay I’ll behave :P
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Time for an update!
The Shroud of the Reaper
(https://i.imgur.com/zwOY3rk.jpg)
The Black Order attended its first Kings of War tournament last weekend, the inaugural Shroud of the Reaper event in Bexley, London UK. It was a blast - a great event with extremely good organisation attended by some amazing painters and gamers. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone in the area next year. I've written a brief report on the event as follows.
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Format
The event held four games in store for the attendees, using the Control, Secure the Field, Eliminate and Dominate scenarios from the Clash of Kings 2018 rulebook. Armies were set at 2000pts with all the Clash of Kings items, formations and characters allowed. Pretty standard as Kings of War events go.
Army List
The Black Order's army list was pretty simple - lots and lots of knights with infantry support, and ranged capability in the form of a Living Legend unit of Rangers:
(https://i.imgur.com/e5Xv9GI.png)
As you can see, I ran both Brotherhood formations and threw in an extra regiment of Order knights with Pathfinder, as well as knights-errant (Abyssal Hunt in Kings of War parlance). I wasn't sure my list had enough punch to it, but at least there was some redundancy built into it with the high unit count, and plenty of Pathfinder meant I should be at an advantage in combats fought over difficult terrain.
This event also saw a free character introduced to each army list - the Reaper, a shadowy individual with access to Lifeblast (Windblast with added damage), Ensnare, Stealthy and the Weakness spell. And its attacks in melee had the Blast (D6 wounds) rule. The Reaper turned the tide of more than a few games over the course of the day!
Round One - Trident Realms of Neritica
The first game was fought against a Neritican force, my first game against this army and quite a surprise at first as almost the entire opposing force had access to Ensnare. My opponent's list ran something like this:
- horde of Depth Horrors
- horde of Naiad Wyrmriders
- horde of Naiad Ensnarers
- horde of Gigas
- troop of Riverguard
- Coral Giant
- Kraken
- Siren
- Leviathan's Bane (x1)
- two troops of Thuul and a Thuul Mythican boosting them
(https://i.imgur.com/b0zAEVD.jpg)
The Black Order was fortunate to turn the Neritican left flank early on (as seen above), as the knights-errant cleaved their way through the Depth Horrors, whilst the Order's established knights took down the Coral Giant on the right flank. Whilst the Naiad Ensnarers held the centre valiantly, the Gigas fell early on to Bane Chanted Order knights, and from there the Black Order slowly ground down the foe for the first victory of the day. 7-3 to the Black Order.
Round Two - The Herd
The second game saw another army the Black Order hadn't faced before - namely the bestial Herd. With Pathfinder on everything, the Herd are at least the equal of the Order's cavalry in difficult terrain, and much more dangerous than its infantry. The scenario was Secure the Field, in which both generals each chose a piece of terrain to secure. The Herd list ran something like:
-two regiments and one horde of Spirit Walkers
-two regiments and one horde of Guardian Brutes
-one Stampede
-a pair of Shaman (shamen?)
-a Guardian Champion
-an Avatar of the Father
(https://i.imgur.com/dhNyXgI.jpg)
This game went much less smoothly for the Order. The Herd defended their piece of terrain (the red forest at the top right of the map) with everything they had, whilst the Order chose the dessicated hill in the field's centre-bottom. Right from the start the Order was severely outnumbered in terms of Unit Strength and didn't have the shooting ability beyond the Rangers to really scratch the Herd's masses.
(https://i.imgur.com/TEQuxHK.jpg)
A tentative attempt to draw out the Herd's fast-moving hard hitters met with disaster as the Order's light cavalry were scattered, a regiment of knights routed and the Order's right flank left wide open. From there the Herd largely held its ground, using its superior numbers to sit on the objective and wait for the sun to set on the field, heralding the Order's defeat. 14-8 to the Herd.
Round Three - Undead
The third game saw the return of a hated foe in the guise of the most foul of the Dark's servants - the living dead. With the objective of slaying the enemy's three most valuable units whilst holding the centre of the field and protecting its own men, the Order had a challenge ahead of itself. The Undead legions comprised roughly the following:
- a shard of the dread necromancer Mhorgoth
- a legion of Zombies with the Brew of Sharpness
- a regiment of Soul Reaver cavalry with the Chalice of Wrath
- a troop of Wraiths
- a regiment of Mummies
- a Revenant Horde with the Mace of Crushing
- a Revenant King on a winged wyrm
- a pair of Necromancers with Surge and Bane Chant
(https://i.imgur.com/ZiXzdw4.jpg)
This game went largely the Order's way until the later stages, when the Revenant King on his winged beast managed to hold up the Order's left flank long enough until the Soul Reavers and Zombies could weaken the Order's centre. The Mummies on the right flank managed to tear apart a regiment of knights and threaten the Order infantry holding the central objective, with the result that on the final turn there was everything to play for. Unfortunately, a critical dice roll on my part (wounding rolls against the Mummies) was made just as the timer on the clock ran out and was therefore disallowed, leaving the Order to face a 6-6 draw with the Undead. A very close game against a good opponent and full of learning experiences for the Order's leadership!
Round Four - Varangur
The final battle took place against a horde of warriors ripped from the pages of history following the Varangur ruleset. This army was one of my favourites at the event, and showed that with some imagination almost anything can be used in Kings of War - especially historical armies which fit well into the existing rules. The Varangur fielded the following:
-a horde of Bloodsworn
-two troops of Night Raiders
-a regiment of Shieldwall
-a regiment of Horse Raiders
-a horde of Direfang Riders (Elephants!)
-a regiment of Sons of Korgaan (kataphraktoi)
-a King on Chimera
-two(?) regiments of Thralls
With the final scenario being Dominate (hold the centre ground), the battle started somewhat cautiously.
(https://i.imgur.com/0fDH4S3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fhWW0KI.jpg)
Both sides tried to outflank the other, resulting in the following redeployment:
By this point the Order's light cavalry had engaged on the left flank and the Rangers had taken out some of the light infantry ranging ahead of the main Varangur line. The presence of the Varangur cavalry and King on the right flank was a big threat, but thankfully they were somewhat isolated from the support of the Direfangs and the mounted Sons by the derelict tower in the middle of the Varangur formation.
(https://i.imgur.com/AL8UGJ5.jpg)
From here, things got very hairy indeed for the Order, as the yeoman cavalry were routed by the Varangur skirmishers they had been sent to clear out, and the ever-present threat of the Direfangs and Sons meant that the Order's cavalry couldn't commit without risking a fatal counterattack.
(https://i.imgur.com/NmoU6b6.jpg)
However, all was not lost. The knights-errant routed the Varangur horse on the right flank, and as the foot knights held back the Varangur King, the knights-errant were able to reform to join the main battleline and threaten the Varangur centre once more. On the left flank, the Order's cavalry recognised that the critical moment and come and levelled lances for a devastating charge into the Bloodsworn's ranks. Although the Varangur counterattack wiped out a regiment of knights, the Bloodsworn buckled and broke beneath the onslaught of the Order's mounted knights. Although the Direfangs and mounted Sons remained a threat, the Order now held the centre - and as sun set over the battlefield it was the Black Order's banners which stood unchallenged over the field.
(https://i.imgur.com/Of8DU49.jpg)
Final Placing
With two wins, one draw and one loss, the Black Order finished 8th in its first tournament. I was fairly pleased with this result - if I'd been more economic with my use of time in Round Three that might well have been a 3-1 result rather than 2-1-1. I also fought two armies completely new to me (Trident Realms and Herd) and came away with a healthy respect for both. The combination of the Siren's Call and Ensnare in the Neritican list definitely is worth watching out for, and the Herd can field a good amount of powerful units for a fairly cheap price. Undead, as ever, remain a threat chiefly through the use of the Surge mechanism, which can completely reverse a situation if you're unprepared for it. Varangur remain a threat due to their high Nerve, high defense, and solid offensive capability. I'm lucky that in Rounds Three and Four the games went to turn 7, otherwise I might have been looking at a loss or a draw.
Armies
There were some beautiful armies on display at the event - I've included the ones I managed to grab photos of here:
(https://i.imgur.com/Rz8CyLj.jpg)
An amazing Orc army and one of my two picks for best painted - have played this one before (several times during the Edge of the Abyss campaign in 2017) and it's a tough one.
(https://i.imgur.com/bJuzOrb.jpg)
The Neritican army from Round One. I loved the scratchbuilt Coral Giant (top left) and the Forgeworld Kraken (top right).
(https://i.imgur.com/yHuWQkv.jpg)
A tough-looking Dwarf army - liked the converted Steel Behemoth in particular.
(https://i.imgur.com/MZ4fi4E.jpg)
The Herd force from Round Two. The painting standard here was unbelievable, and I loved the use of Mierce Miniatures for the characters and monsters.
(https://i.imgur.com/z8jfb7j.jpg)
A Twilight Kin force (how often do you see them?) which finished 3rd overall if I recall. Great models and really nice paint scheme.
(https://i.imgur.com/ArCxYqM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IPJXexl.jpg)
A couple pics of another Varangur army at the event - I've played this army before and I love the paint scheme and the modelling that went into it. My second vote for Best Painted and a really well-themed force overall. Again, the big gribbly from Mierce proves that Mierce are an outstanding source for centrepieces for a wargaming army.
(https://i.imgur.com/hNGGEL8.jpg)
An Undead force I didn't get to fight - but check out that resurrected Minion!
(https://i.imgur.com/ghQoO4e.jpg)
A formidable Dwarven shieldwall.
(https://i.imgur.com/jfQ5wXB.jpg)
One of the coolest armies at the event by far, this. A Salamanders force with an incredible themed Reaper model on palanquin at the back. I loved the use of orange and thought this was one of the most characterful armies at the event.
(https://i.imgur.com/7K0XhtU.jpg)
The Undead horde from Round Three - look at all those Zombies! Nice objective markers too.
(https://i.imgur.com/AsnzsNG.jpg)
The historical Varangur from Round Four. Special mention to the Reaper front and centre - the use of a Roman legionary from Victrix was a really nice touch here. I'd love to fight this army again, it was beautifully painted and well themed.
(https://i.imgur.com/Zsr0HtH.jpg)
And finally, the Order's own. Regrettably I didn't get a better army pic than this as I was moving between tables and honestly didn't think I'd get a second look for the Best Painted award. Typically, as fate would have it, a number of the other players at the event were either overly charitable or missing their glasses and I left the event with this:
(https://i.imgur.com/haKeEEy.jpg)
...which was a nice surprise to say the least.
Overall Shroud of the Reaper 2018 was a great event. I had some great games, learned a ton of lessons, played some cool people and really enjoyed myself. Big shout out to Bexley Reapers and the organisers for making it a memorable day. The Black Order will return in 2019 for sure.
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Brilliant pictures! And while I can see what you mean about the competition, I still like your knights best. I think it is the base-work that pushes it over the top.
Thanks for the update.
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You're a great painter, but I too think its the bases and the theme that makes the army pop.
Every model fits the theme and its a good theme to boot.
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Congrats on the award, recognition well earned. Thank you for sharing the pictures and report, some lovely looking armies there. Sounds like a great time was had by all!
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I think the cohesiveness of your basing and paint scheme really makes your army look so good. A well deserved award. Some brilliant armies at the tournament though, thanks for sharing.
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Well done on winning best painted - your army does look good. But as you say some of the others are very nice looking armies too.
Are war engines no longer worth taking in KoW? I'm struggling to see any in the armies you have photos of?
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Cheers all. Yes, I think the cohesion and basing scheme (and maybe insignia too) helped to push it over the top. It's definitely made me a lot keener to improve my painting skills, that's for sure.
You can see where I'm trying to take it next over here: http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=111064.0
Well done on winning best painted - your army does look good. But as you say some of the others are very nice looking armies too.
Are war engines no longer worth taking in KoW? I'm struggling to see any in the armies you have photos of?
Yes, there weren't many in this tournament. The issue seems to be that since most hit on a 5+ they're rather inconsistent in damage output. So you either take multiples (usually 3) or none. I'm running 3 onagers in my Romans list linked above.
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That is very well deserved. You are too humble. Your force is absolutely great and while the others are also very well painted yours does definitely take top spot (salamanders a close second) I like the wraith in your army. Well done.
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That is very well deserved. You are too humble. Your force is absolutely great and while the others are also very well painted yours does definitely take top spot (salamanders a close second) I like the wraith in your army. Well done.
Very kind of you, beefcake - cheers mate. Looking forward to getting back to this log soon, been taken over by the Romans recently.
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All quiet on the Northern front here for a while. The Black Order isn't dead - in fact it's been quite active in Kings of War recently, with battles fought on the International Campaign Day and elsewhere in Central Europe. It's also been engaging Northern raiders under the SAGA ruleset. I'm planning a big rework for the Order's background, including a map and actual story, and some new characters and units soon. My time's been pretty taken up with raising a Legion (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=111064.0) but in the meantime here's a teaser pic of a recent Saga game against the heathens:
(https://i.imgur.com/MnmHT1K.jpg)
And this is the Order's current home, in Prague, near the part of town translating to 'Highcastle':
(https://i.imgur.com/R98i4cw.jpg)
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What a great looking event! All the armies look great too. Love seeing such a group of dedicated enthusiasts!
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As summer draws to an end and the long march to winter begins, the Black Order’s rangers prepare for their first forays into the frozen North.
WIP, counts as Swain’s villein rangers, and will count as Northern Alliance hunters once Vanguard drops. Fur needs some tidying up and then ready for paint.
(https://i.imgur.com/ysR7ZXl.jpg)
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I've been very distracted by the Romans of late, but am getting back to the Black Order, now.
As the Order exists in its own universe, I am writing up lore and background for the Order - and the world it inhabits - at present. However, I like to use the Order in a variety of games, namely Kings of War and Saga, and very soon that list will include Kings of War: Vanguard. If you haven't checked out Vanguard, I recommend doing so - it's being billed as the spiritual successor to Mordheim (a title frequently used these days I'm aware).
So, recent additions to the Order have either reflected their status in Kings of War, or the development of their 'vanguard company', which as the name suggests is the band of elite warriors and outriders the Order uses to scout ahead of the main force and perform commando-style operations in games of Vanguard. To this end, I'm working on building unit cards for every warrior in the Order's vanguard company, with the idea being that each card corresponds to a named individual. I'd like each card to reflect the rules of Vanguard (and be close to Mantic's unit cards) but also hold some flavour text. Haven't got a WIP of a full unit card yet, but here's the first knight of the vanguard company and his flavour text.
I used Perry, Fireforge and Frostgrave Barbarian bits on this guy - quite pleased with how they came out :)
Tostig of Yursgrad
(https://i.imgur.com/N9dR8YZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/imvuXtX.jpg)
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Very nice painting. I love the backgrounds you use as well.
Just look into vanguard.
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(https://i.imgur.com/W5KiBfF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uDZ3a3C.jpg)
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Wonderfully looking knight on foot, love the heraldry and his basing is perfect. Great snow!
And such a beautiful set of Armies on Parade photos, I love the lizardmen!
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Wonderfully looking knight on foot, love the heraldry and his basing is perfect. Great snow!
And such a beautiful set of Armies on Parade photos, I love the lizardmen!
Cheers :) Yes, the Lizardman/Salamanders army really was special.
I'm really excited about this Vanguard shtick - so much so I've got a teaser pic of what my warband might look like, using the Northern Alliance rules:
(https://i.imgur.com/qAu9I6Z.jpg)
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I also pre-ordered the Vanguard rulebook (along with the Walking Dead solo set), as I could see myself dabbling a bit in Mantica stuff because of it (I have Dungeon Saga, but I have not had the time and motivation to dive into it, yet).
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I also pre-ordered the Vanguard rulebook (along with the Walking Dead solo set), as I could see myself dabbling a bit in Mantica stuff because of it (I have Dungeon Saga, but I have not had the time and motivation to dive into it, yet).
I'm really hopeful that Vanguard will take off in a big way. I'm working on an Undead warband to fight against the Black Order, and to give demo games when possible. It'd be awesome to see a real successor to Mordheim emerge :)
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I'm really hopeful that Vanguard will take off in a big way. I'm working on an Undead warband to fight against the Black Order, and to give demo games when possible. It'd be awesome to see a real successor to Mordheim emerge :)
Exactly - I have a lot of old minis that could be painted and pressed into service for that! :)
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Tostig's complete:
(https://i.imgur.com/5NXH42G.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/H3mMbVQ.jpg)
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One of the best armies I have ever seen, period.
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OK, picking up steam now...Each member of the Vanguard warband gets their own lore blurb/flavour text.
(https://i.imgur.com/EepARrm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/k2RrQ2D.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8FvItX5.jpg)
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One of the best armies I have ever seen, period.
Thank you very much sir. Much appreciated. :)
(https://i.imgur.com/oZq7k30.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/a5kZ9ts.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EKtsVYo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/X35Sbfe.jpg)
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(https://i.imgur.com/byqWKOl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Snr5tVf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kvH2JW3.jpg)
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Very nice. The flavour texts read very much like the ones from Myth, which is very fitting indeed.
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Great additions, fantastic brushwork! :-* :-* :-*
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Great stuff 8) 8)
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Fantastic modeling & painting indeed!
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Great additions, fantastic brushwork! :-* :-* :-*
Great stuff 8) 8)
Fantastic modeling & painting indeed!
Very nice. The flavour texts read very much like the ones from Myth, which is very fitting indeed.
Thanks guys! Glad the Myth homage is well received :)
Another completion for the Order:
(https://i.imgur.com/XxPRgRN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qvwSZTQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iRWUieJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VjYhztM.jpg)
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Painted my first dwarf. I can call myself a proper fantasy gamer now, right...? Thought I'd experiment a bit with how I want the dwarves to be represented in the world of the Black Order.
(https://i.imgur.com/9lQ3ZOz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jDv5XAC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/va2oMql.jpg)
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That dwarf's great - a superbly atmospheric paintjob.
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This is what fantasy armies are supposed to look like! Incredible!!
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Sat an read this thread last night , great background fluff and great painting really shows them as battle weary.
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Been a while since I updated this! Lots of progress in the meantime...
(https://i.imgur.com/1tUcUQm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BJ2QXpN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XyhXP7q.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/17NG08E.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/srn58NL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ITU7tLg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KoYprSi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ss8pW6z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lM0Y3Tb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jDNqOVh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rBLIcOY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rcucjnb.jpg)
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Those are great. Lovely background. Thanks for sharing. What models are the Ettins?
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More lovely stuff. Have we seen the ettins before?
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Those are great. Lovely background. Thanks for sharing. What models are the Ettins?
They are Ogres from Scibor Miniatures:
http://sciborminiatures.com/en_,shop.php?group=142
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More amazing stuff! I love the ettins.
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More lovely stuff. Have we seen the ettins before?
More amazing stuff! I love the ettins.
Those are great. Lovely background. Thanks for sharing. What models are the Ettins?
Thanks chaps! You may have seen Gymir before - didn't realise I'd posted him already. He's been rebased on a 40mm base since then however. Both he and Magnir are indeed Scibor ogres :)
Some terrain next - for Kings of War, KoW: Vanguard and anything else - the village graveyard at Crow's Peak:
(https://i.imgur.com/AikaTXD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZGiGS0Z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/58gXdHV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yKLurWR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cI3F7K3.jpg)
The dead are restless at Crow's Peak...
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Some stunning additions to the project since I last travelled these paths.
The limited palette looks wonderful and really adds a serious consistency to the thing as a whole.
Top brushwork and conversions.
:-* :-*
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This is an awesome project, thanks for sharing!
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Thanks very much indeed guys - really means a lot to hear positive feedback.
Something a little different - for a while now I've been in the process of moving my Black Order army from the Brotherhood list over to the Varangur list (in Kings of War), in anticipation that the Northern Alliance list - their eventual destination - will be somewhat similar to the Varangur. Been having a lot of fun along the way re-inventing certain things I couldn't really do under the Brotherhood list. One of those things was an idea for a unit of knights somewhere between traditional hedge-knights and rangers in plate armour, fighting on foot, as a complement to the scouts and rangers an Order might employ in its vanguard.
I figured a unit of knights in stripped-down half-plate in heavy winter gear would both look pretty cool and also serve my fluff well - as the depleted Black Order marches north to join the Northern Alliance it makes sense they'd move away from traditional modes of combat into guerilla warfare and smaller, more freeform units combining a ranger's skills with a knight's weaponry. So the Knights-Warden were born. I'm using them as Fallen, on the grounds that the Nimble and Iron Resolve rules help to reflect their dual nature as scouts and more traditional warriors. Let's see if they're any good in game :)
(https://i.imgur.com/HF5PGVU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mwi52l3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UTBxFLL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6awDgaK.jpg)
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Absolutely love that kitbash. I'm going to have to steal it for my GoT project.
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Thanks very much indeed guys - really means a lot to hear positive feedback.
...
(https://i.imgur.com/6awDgaK.jpg)[/center]
Well get ready for more positive feedback: they look great! I think I have all the parts for this so I might try to make a few myself. Did you have to do any weird pinning or greenstuff work to get the arms to fit on the Frostgrave barbarian bodies?
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Tremendous output, here!
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Well get ready for more positive feedback: they look great! I think I have all the parts for this so I might try to make a few myself. Did you have to do any weird pinning or greenstuff work to get the arms to fit on the Frostgrave barbarian bodies?
Cheers! Unfortunately the answer to that question is a resounding 'yes' - it required huge amounts of trimming, GS work and repositioning. Perry's medieval knights are incredibly skinny compared to the beefier Frostgrave models - I think the effect works OK in the end but it's definitely not a straightforward kitbash.
Tremendous output, here!
Thanks a bunch! More to come soon I hope :)
Absolutely love that kitbash. I'm going to have to steal it for my GoT project.
Please do, and post pics when you have done!
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Couldn't resist a quick pic of the Black Order's vanguard company fighting the painted elements of the spider-cults of fallen Modgud:
(https://i.imgur.com/Oww63pw.jpg)
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Everything about that is cool.
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Perfect!
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Ace!
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Background, context and setting.......then wrapped in conversions, unique models and amazing paint jobs........I think I’ve found a new favourite army to follow the progress of.
Amazing work, sir, just amazing!
Did you say London based earlier in the thread?
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Thanks, guys!
Background, context and setting.......then wrapped in conversions, unique models and amazing paint jobs........I think I’ve found a new favourite army to follow the progress of.
Amazing work, sir, just amazing!
Did you say London based earlier in the thread?
Cheers, that's really high praise and is great to hear! Yes, I'm London-based when in the UK but am split between the UK and the cold climes of Eastern Europe at the minute. That said, I'm likely to move back to London permanently within the coming year. :)
Time for a slightly bittersweet completion for the Order as I'm not sure these will be usable in their current configuration once the Northern Alliance has full rules for Kings of War...
___
Showcasing the knights-warden of the Black Order, and Ludovic Tyr himself. The knights-warden are Black Order brothers chosen to go into the frozen North ahead of the main army of the Order and form the bodyguard of Knight-Captain Tyr.
(https://i.imgur.com/HF5PGVU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/d3YrZRB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kfL5tZp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OGYB4gc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/z4oWDNe.jpg)
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Can't help it - working on upgrading the pics I take (and adding stylistic effects to them) but in the meantime here's a staged action shot:
Holding Back the Dark
(https://i.imgur.com/xhJSYQe.jpg)
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Working on transforming a Norba trainwreck into workable Vanguard/KoW terrain. I bought three of these bloody buildings and not a single piece fits properly or is cast without bubbles and flaws. Nevertheless I think I'll end up with at least one viable terrain piece.
(https://i.imgur.com/ovGR11i.jpg)
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I've got the same houses in my collection. Still missing items thst were promised in the kickstarter. Dreadful company.
Anyway, yours looks like it is going to come together well in the end.
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Cheers Ogrob. Yes, I prefer not to speak ill of others in the hobby generally but Norba really have a way to go to make it back into the good books.
Slightly self-serving post inbound. When I started to collect the Black Order, a motley assortment of knights, men-at-arms, yeomen and nonhuman mercenaries in August 2017 I swore I'd just get one box of Fireforge men-at-arms and maybe a set of foot or mounted knights. No more. Unfortunately, halfway through painting the first ten spearmen I discovered this slightly strangely named game called Kings of War. A friend gave me my first game a few weeks later and I was more hooked than the time I first played 40k as a 10-year old in GW Oxford Street (There's a medal for him in there somewhere, he's hooked a few people into this game now...).
Fast forward to Jan 2019 and I'm sitting at somewhere between 4000-5000 points of knights, peasant levies, professional soldiery and ettin allies under the Brotherhood list. This isn't counting the dwarven auxilia that is gathering behind the scenes, because the Black Order - after the cataclysm in their lore which matches up pretty well with the events of the Edge of the Abyss in Mantica - is marching North to join an Alliance (see what I did there?) of men, dwarves, ettins and stranger creatures against the resurgent Dark. Gamewise, I've been set on running them under the Northern Alliance rules since the NA were rumoured to be taking on Brotherhood remnants. At the minute, the Order is in a weird halfway state where I'm running it as Varangur until Northern Alliance get a trial list. So, the Black Order's long march North has officially begun, and will last until they arrive at the gates of Greathold (or Chill, if we're keeping it in Mantica-lore), when the Northern Alliance gets rules and I try to figure out how to make all this reasonably fit into an NA list. I'm sure there will be many casualties along the way - I don't expect to be able to use dark pegasi - but units like the Ettin brothers Gymir and Magnir will get some reinforcements, and the foot knights might be rebased to 25mm to be used as Huscarls. And my yeomen archers have been looking pretty knife-eared lately (I know that's racist. Damn elves).
Anyway. Enough blather. The Black Order in its completed form as of January 2019, pending further additions (which are always forthcoming...) Just wanted to share with you all. Let the long march north commence!
___________________
(https://i.imgur.com/eIrzShw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PLcLNUv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3aAVTyu.jpg)
From left to right - Knight-Marshal Torrigan, Sister-Militant Milana, Knight-Captain Ludovic Tyr (foot and mounted), Gunnlaug the Witchbreed, Knight-Marshal Gaheris
(https://i.imgur.com/7APYfs5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/F7vaMMy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QVSdmUi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/depZJc3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3xNKeIG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/27E2R1Y.jpg)
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Wonderful thread!
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Phenomenal looking army! So much soul and character.
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spectacular collection.
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Most impressive 8)
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Ah, but is a project really ever finished?? ;)
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Beautiful! I love this army.
Great miniature choices, wonderful conversions and individualization, fantastic color scheme and painting, lovely basing, and all of it comes together to create a beautifully coherent army that is still full of individual character. No easy task, but this is excellent all-round! I'd be interested to know what sort of hobby plans you have for other armies/games/forces - it's sure to be something special!
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Fantastic looking army
8)
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I can only echo all other comments: your army is just stunning!
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Knight Captain Tyr, did you post those dark Pegasi previously? I’ve scrolled through the pages (such lovely lovely pages...) but can’t find them :(
Lovely new year shots, makes me want to get on with tackling my own hobby goals, as meandering as they are.
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What an army! :o
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A splendid force, with a brilliantly well done atmosphere!
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Chaps, thanks so much for the feedback :) Really means a lot! Your comments help keep me motivated. Hope you continue to like what's on display. :)
Knight Captain Tyr, did you post those dark Pegasi previously? I’ve scrolled through the pages (such lovely lovely pages...) but can’t find them :(
Lovely new year shots, makes me want to get on with tackling my own hobby goals, as meandering as they are.
I think this is the only pic I've taken of them separately - I might do new ones of them but they're on the back burner as I focus on other projects for the time being.
(https://i.imgur.com/4i0SKnB.jpg)
_______
And now for something else - the dwarves have a presence in the world of the Black Order, albeit a small one. Props to anyone who spots the reference in this group shot to a much beloved RTS from the 90s which inspired much of this log:
(https://i.imgur.com/MKNAwsP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/31ONXBZ.jpg)
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oh my, missed some of the more recent stuff.
the dark pegasi (?) are fantastic.
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again... the dwarves look amazing! What is the base color you are using for armor on the knights? Almost looks like Reaper "blade steel".
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Nice work. Love the dwarf with the molotov cocktail!
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The Pegasus and dwarves are stunning , the whole thread is full of great pics and background fluff! 👍
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They look amazing. Have you shortened the oathmark dwarves?
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Superb, again!
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(http://media.mythjournals.com/media/pregame/sb-pregame-05-01.jpg)
"Get outta the way!"
Excellent work! :)
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Cheers all - must say it is great to receive such kind comments, really helps with the motivation to paint :) Really nice community here on LAF.
(http://media.mythjournals.com/media/pregame/sb-pregame-05-01.jpg)
"Get outta the way!"
Excellent work! :)
I'm really glad someone got it! Having recently finished a(nother) playthrough of Myth: TFL, I have a few more ideas for Myth callbacks in projects to come.
again... the dwarves look amazing! What is the base color you are using for armor on the knights? Almost looks like Reaper "blade steel".
It's Vallejo "negro metal" from their airbrush range. Gives a really nice dark, beaten effect for metal, I've found. Cheers :)
They look amazing. Have you shortened the oathmark dwarves?
Ha, that must be a trick of the eye. I haven't shortened them but the effect is probably from the Frostgrave barbarian arms being slightly oversized for their frames. I wanted the dwarves of the Black Order's world to be slightly more non-human in their appearance than typical fantasy dwarves, and figured that their albino appearance - making them hard to differentiate to outsiders - coupled with heavily muscled frames with overly long arms would give them an almost simian look. Hopefully it actually works and doesn't just look comical.
__________
Anyone remember these guys - Cruniac's rangers?
(https://i.imgur.com/qvwSZTQ.jpg)
They're getting reinforcements. I need to double the unit size to 12, so I can use it as a regiment in Kings of War (and maybe something else in Warlords of Erehwon or Saga). Taking the 'individual' approach with these reinforcements as I want each ranger to look like a capable, distinguished veteran in his own right. Starting with this guy:
(https://i.imgur.com/tkEYaRo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FEvUAOo.jpg)
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Very impressive. I particularly like the gritty realism of your colour palette and painting style.
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Frostgrave soldier body, Perry axe and head, and a fireforge shield?
Bow looks like its from frostgrave barbarians maybe?
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I'm really glad someone got it! Having recently finished a(nother) playthrough of Myth: TFL, I have a few more ideas for Myth callbacks in projects to come.
Look forward to seeing it. So many times I pondered doing some kind of Myth TFL/SB project, given it is perfect to translate to the table (small forces, off to the side of the huge battles etc). The atmosphere of those game is amazing, and you've captured it perfectly with your project. Currently playing Soulblighter again. The return of the Myrkridia is an epic moment, helping King Alric escape to a ship as a shadow of the past ravages the area. Always thought that would make for a great scenario.
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Very impressive. I particularly like the gritty realism of your colour palette and painting style.
Thanks a lot. At some point I'll try more colourful styles, but this is really working for me at the minute.
Frostgrave soldier body, Perry axe and head, and a fireforge shield?
Bow looks like its from frostgrave barbarians maybe?
Exactly. The overslung bows are frostgrave barbarians or Oathmark dwarves.
Look forward to seeing it. So many times I pondered doing some kind of Myth TFL/SB project, given it is perfect to translate to the table (small forces, off to the side of the huge battles etc). The atmosphere of those game is amazing, and you've captured it perfectly with your project. Currently playing Soulblighter again. The return of the Myrkridia is an epic moment, helping King Alric escape to a ship as a shadow of the past ravages the area. Always thought that would make for a great scenario.
Oh man. Gate of Storms was an incredible level. Probably up there for one of my favourite levels in the series, although nothing tops Bagrada for me - the feeling when 10-year-old me first saw the Trow tearing through my troops was unparalleled. Everything about that level, from the first hordes of Thrall emerging from the snowstorm to finding bedraggled groups of your own men wandering in the valleys, was awesome. Have you ever followed through with the temptation to model Myth stuff?
oh my, missed some of the more recent stuff.
the dark pegasi (?) are fantastic.
Cheers dude :)
________
Another WIP of another Ranger. This one's been hitting the gym.
(https://i.imgur.com/zPHvXRm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SrehQPD.jpg)
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I think his bicep is bigger than his head. Seen some people like that!
Really like how you do fur collars, I've even tried to copy it on some recent builds. My usual fur method results in a rather flatter pelt.
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I think his bicep is bigger than his head. Seen some people like that!
Really like how you do fur collars, I've even tried to copy it on some recent builds. My usual fur method results in a rather flatter pelt.
Cheers. Will check it out in your log - I'm not totally happy with my efforts yet, there's always room to improve.
________________
(https://i.imgur.com/OD9AL3o.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ijy7hp9.jpg)
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I'm really glad someone got it! Having recently finished a(nother) playthrough of Myth: TFL, I have a few more ideas for Myth callbacks in projects to come.
I clicked too. Currently replaying Myth due to your thread. I really hated when those bombs went off in the wrong direction. lol
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I clicked too. Currently replaying Myth due to your thread. I really hated when those bombs went off in the wrong direction. lol
All part of the fun...Few things compare to that sense of defeat when a single dwarf blows up half your force :D
___
The last two rangers:
(https://i.imgur.com/kwJXNR3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Z5aXg1Y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qPXgbc9.jpg)
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Nice! What head is that on the last one? Expressive faces without beards are hard to find.
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Nice! What head is that on the last one? Expressive faces without beards are hard to find.
That's from the Gripping Beast plastic archers kit for Swordpoint (think it's sometimes packaged as Dark Age Archers?) Not too bad a kit if you need unit filler.
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Love your painting :-*
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Been a while since the last update...And now I have quite the backlog: it's been a VERY active month and a half for the Black Order. Not least of which was their attendance at Franticon in London in mid-March...
Let's start off with the completion of Cruniac's Rangers, under the leadership of Knight-Lieutenant Savara, one of the few women to hold a position of command in the Order today:
(https://i.imgur.com/I963tZP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RdpzEMZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JWJcOj6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/v5X2ZLR.jpg)
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Awesome - as usual ;)
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Excellent work!
Silly question but where does Savara's head come from?
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Excellent work!
Silly question but where does Savara's head come from?
Not silly at all. It's from the Mantic Sisterhood Scouts in the new Kings of War: Vanguard range. Slightly weird choice, I know. Had the Mantic stuff from the Kickstarter and figured it'd make a good match.
Awesome - as usual ;)
Cheers!
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Now for something a little different. Recently - in the last few months - I was lucky enough to find a group of SAGA players here in Prague, all of whom are pretty keen players and have some really nice armies. One of my first games was against Potan, whose blog can be found here: https://potanswar.blogspot.com/2019/02/saga-god-wills-it.html?m=1
Potan has an amazing House Baratheon force, led by none other than Stannis the Mannis himself and using the Crusader battle board in SAGA. So the Black Order clashed with House Baratheon in the frozen hinterlands of the North, and much blood was shed...
I'll let the photos of our game speak for themselves.
________________
(https://i.imgur.com/f05lr6p.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8TA6lbh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yyEITBS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Cp4HxXx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4ULrJSJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hyeeIPP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qbfX78j.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/U1gsyza.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6ICVwWF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CNhavfO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ybnzwua.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VRnoIdR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bYqPD49.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HY7OY9I.jpg)
With thanks to Potan for the great pictures!
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How brilliant :-*
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Yes, the good stuff keeps coming! :--)
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ooh my word, that's all fabulous.
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This just gets me too excited. 2 Great looking armies clashing on the battlefield.... great stuff.. it's why we are all here!
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Very impressive! Nice to see the Order in action too!
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Thank you for sharing the photos - loads of inspiration... might need to add some Baratheon’s to my todo list
:)
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That looks excellent. Love the painting of both armies.
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Dude... you stuff is epic!
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Cheers chaps. Was a good couple games vs House Baratheon. I'm really enjoying SAGA - it's less tactical than KoW but has a lot of fun options for making cinematic battles.
Working on a baggage train at the minute for KoW: Vanguard and SAGA. Just yakking around really...
(https://i.imgur.com/D3ZfBBF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Onsxe9W.jpg)
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Most impressive. Who makes the yak?
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Most impressive. Who makes the yak?
That'd be Shieldwolf Miniatures. I think it's listed rather appropriately as a "battle yak" on their webstore.
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Looking as great as ever! :)
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Really been behind on updating this log. Much has been happening, just not had the time to sit and write an update...
I'm inching toward the start of a Kings of War: Vanguard campaign here in Prague, which I will be GM'ing (and the Black Order participating, although not aggressively) and thus have been doing a lot of scenery building and painting. Also been playing around with some NPCs, because I am very curious about getting into other systems - outside of my regular KoW, SAGA and KoW: Vanguard, I'd like to try Mordheim, Rangers of Shadow Deep and maybe Frostgrave. Anyone have any thoughts to share on that front?
In the meantime, the baggage train has long since been completed, but as I don't have pics at the moment let me share with you some NPCs I've been painting up - the population of Yursgrad, humble farmers, craftsmen and goodwives all of whom fall under the Black Order's domain.
(https://i.imgur.com/mLWyHCj.jpg)
And, though the rest of Yursgrad or its surrounding villages isn't quite ready to show yet, here's some scatter terrain that will doubtless be protecting the above villagers from the encroaching Dark during games:
(https://i.imgur.com/Zl9YBXD.jpg)
:) Til next time!
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Lovely!
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Lovely!
Thanks!
Something a little different to the Black Order project - I recently dug out a box of old Vikings I painted about 7 years ago and touched them up. You can still see they're not perfect, but they're good enough to game with for SAGA, Vanguard or anything else really. They'll be fleshed out as a (fantasy) force in the world of the Black Order in due course, but for now, enjoy the sons of Odin in all their glory...
(https://i.imgur.com/LpD2ACS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R2SL0ql.jpg)
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I love your atmospheric dark fantasy.... great topic
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I think those match fantastically to the theme.
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Thanks, chaps! Here's two of their leaders, Konr and Felag:
(https://i.imgur.com/OGh2lhL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BaESLgQ.jpg)
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Introducing the Black Order's professional soldiery - the Chapterhouse Guard, commoners and yeomen raised to the Order's ranks, and retained as professional warriors, defending the Order's chapterhouses and forming the core of its battleline.
(https://i.imgur.com/97ko1H4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/M3xPazj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QVFKk8k.jpg)
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The poses are right on.
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Great. The helmets are perfect.
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Cheers chaps. Working through them slowly. In the meantime, I've been working on something else entirely... :)
(https://i.imgur.com/68aajyw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sOHqy8k.jpg)
Work-in-progress! Will be my first time using water effects. It's going to be a 3x3 board for Kings of War: Vanguard and SAGA. I'm quite excited for how this turns out :)
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Sharing some pics from a game about a week ago - got a friend usually interested in SAGA and historicals to try out Kings of War: Vanguard. Went really well. The Black Order's supply train for the northern campaigns passed through a small western hamlet to take on additional supplies; little did they know a Kingdoms of Men warband lay in wait to ambush the caravan.
The pictures tell the rest of the tale...
(Helga the baggage yak was greatly harmed in the making of this batrep)
(https://i.imgur.com/8DZNtUv.jpg)
Deployment. The Black Order rush to defend the caravan as the horns blow...
(https://i.imgur.com/LKJ4JtJ.jpg)
Footmen in the employ of a local robber baron emerge from the town houses.
(https://i.imgur.com/Vz2FFv4.jpg)
Footpads on the caravan's right flank emerge - the Order's archers nock arrows in readiness.
(https://i.imgur.com/vJF6nqK.jpg)
First contact. Two yeomen of the Order rain arrows on the bandits on the right flank, killing one.
(https://i.imgur.com/5MoFe3l.jpg)
The great yak at the front of the caravan is slain by a mounted knight moving faster than lightning. Knight-Warden Tostig is caught unawares as the caravan takes its first casualty.
(https://i.imgur.com/49yOL8H.jpg)
Several moments later, the Order has turned the tide. Although Tostig was wounded grievously, his brother knights-warden and the looming shape of the ettin Magnir arrive to save the rest of the caravan. Knight-Captain Tyr rides up on the left flank, his runic blade carving lightning out of the air as it slices through bandit footmen.
(https://i.imgur.com/G1WbOV7.jpg)
The aftermath. The robber-baron and his forces are killed to a man, with the ettin Magnir howling in atavistic fury as he rips men apart limb from limb. The hedge witch Gunnlaugr emerges from the rear of the baggage train to heal the wounded; most will live to fight again in the Black Order's march North.
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Excellent additions. You've definitely captured the atmosphere of that which inspired your love of fantasy!
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Excellent additions. You've definitely captured the atmosphere of that which inspired your love of fantasy!
Cheers mate. I realise the pics are a little blurry. Working on that.
With the completion of the first 18" square for my gameboard, I've been inspired to try out some Breazer-esque shots, and thought I'd share the first one here.
____
Nightfall
(https://i.imgur.com/4l6gaj9.jpg)
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please share more! that board looks fantastic!
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please share more! that board looks fantastic!
Agreed! Very impressive work!
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Breazer-tastic dude! ;)
Good job on the photo, and more so the painting. The whole piece looks awesome!
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I just went through the entire log and my hat is off to you sir. Wow! this army looks great. I'm very tempted to create a dark fantasy force myself.
You flatter me too much with the picture style. Thank you so much it's an awesome compliment. I'd love for you to keep me posted if you take new pictures!
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Table looks fantastic. Have you given any thought to things like casualty models and the like? The small things that do a lot up the atmosphere and effect
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Thanks a bunch, everyone :) Glad you like them! Full credit to Breazer's inspirational work.
Another pic I worked on a little while back - think I could do better, am working on an improved version of this down the line. But for now, the people of Yursgrad:
(https://i.imgur.com/vTsqEGg.jpg)
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I really love pics of everyday life in a fantasy world. It makes the world more believable.
MGK
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Great job!
Btw if you like my work you should totally check out HVM Workbench. He is why i started taking my pictures.
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Wow, just gone through your whole thread, mind-blowingly superb work. An absolute gold mine of inspiration in here.
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Looks great. Keep it up.
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crikey, fantastic all 'round.
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I really love pics of everyday life in a fantasy world. It makes the world more believable.
MGK
I feel the same way. Going to experiment with more shots like this in the future. Cheers :)
Looks great. Keep it up.
Thanks mate.
Wow, just gone through your whole thread, mind-blowingly superb work. An absolute gold mine of inspiration in here.
Cheers! Standing on the shoulders of giants. :)
Great job!
Btw if you like my work you should totally check out HVM Workbench. He is why i started taking my pictures.
That's incredible - I've never seen that page before. Having a browse through now. Thanks for the inspiration! Really awesome stuff. I just finished another pic, but will be going through HVM for further inspiration in future for sure.
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Got the inspiration for this pic from reading up on the Teutonic Knights' campaigns against the Lithuanian pagans during the 14th century, which was by all accounts a particularly miserable series of conflicts due to the propensity of both sides to commit what would be considered war crimes today. The Black Order (in my own fiction) has a similar tendency toward less than chivalrous behaviour in its own universe, and has heavy Slavic/Germanic inspirations, so the parallel seems clear. Figured this pic would represent the Order moving north and 'displacing' the local inhabitants from their lands at the end of a lance.
Slay the Pagans
(https://i.imgur.com/7xzjgUE.jpg)
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Very nice pics you take! And a great joy to see your wonderful army in such scenic shots!
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:-* :-* :-*marvelous
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oh blimey, that diorama / photo is magnificent (and suitably dark given your potted history).
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Thanks a bunch, chaps 'n' chappesses.
Popped a cherry yesterday with the completion of my first wargaming board. I say 'first' but really it'll be a while before I do another one. I made this specially for Vanguard (although it could work for Rangers of Shadow Deep, Frostgrave, SAGA or maybe Mordheim). I won't lie - there's a TON I would do differently now. I definitely learned a huge amount making this board, and the flaws are probably glaringly obvious. But I'm glad of the experience and hopefully I'll get some good games and good pictures on this before I start the next one. Pointers and comments are, of course, welcome as always.
So here's a few pics. Hopefully I'll get the chance to use this for the conclusion of the Vanguard summer campaign here in Prague!
(https://i.imgur.com/9tyejqk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/N04BNPu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2irxYxT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/azWGYc3.jpg)
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Very nice set up.
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Great set-up! :-* I'm jealous!
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(https://i.imgur.com/yWerfqF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/M3xPazj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PSWiLVH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tsOxntP.jpg)
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Another great unit.
Good work on the terrain boards - very cold looking! As with all terrain boards the biggest problem is the edges between the boards - perhaps do some simple scatter pieces (like the bases of the trees) to help hide the edges, without having an impact on game play.
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Great stuff as always! Curious if your source(s) for this :
Got the inspiration for this pic from reading up on the Teutonic Knights' campaigns against the Lithuanian pagans during the 14th century
are in English? If so, I'd love to give them a read. The usual easy access sources are pretty thin on information regarding that theatre/period and I've always wanted to know more.
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That desaturated yellow is fantastic 😎
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Another great unit.
Good work on the terrain boards - very cold looking! As with all terrain boards the biggest problem is the edges between the boards - perhaps do some simple scatter pieces (like the bases of the trees) to help hide the edges, without having an impact on game play.
Thanks! Yes, those are quite big problem areas. I wish I had the space to do a single board with no need for gaps. I'm definitely going to work on more scatter terrain to remedy this. I think were I to make another board I'd certainly spend a lot more time trying to 'match' the edges.
Great stuff as always! Curious if your source(s) for this :
are in English? If so, I'd love to give them a read. The usual easy access sources are pretty thin on information regarding that theatre/period and I've always wanted to know more.
You got me - I'm afraid the "sources" in question are from a couple ancient history books I dug out whilst staying with family in London recently - the names of which totally escape me - and various online sources. It's fair to say my original statement wasn't academically rigorous. If you're interested I'll try to dig out the books again next time I pass through the UK.
That desaturated yellow is fantastic 😎
Thank you! I wonder if it's a screen issue - I paint the shields and heraldry with Flayed One Flesh and Screaming Skull, so the actual effect (to my eyes in person at least) is more of an off-white, bone-like colour? Certainly that was the intention - now I'm wondering how yellowed they look to most people :))
Appreciate the comments - I'll take a few close up pics soon to try and show the unit from a few different angles.
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This project continues to be excellent and inspirational.
Any chance you could do a tutorial or two? Modelling, painting, photography... even the photo manipulation and graphics. It's all excellent and I (along with others I'm sure) could learn a few tricks from you.
Thanks,
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Seconded. It would great to learn your brilliant techniques
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Great stuff as always! Curious if your source(s) for this :
are in English? If so, I'd love to give them a read. The usual easy access sources are pretty thin on information regarding that theatre/period and I've always wanted to know more.
History of the Lithuanian Crusade
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuanian_Crusade
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Cheers mate. I realise the pics are a little blurry. Working on that.
With the completion of the first 18" square for my gameboard, I've been inspired to try out some Breazer-esque shots, and thought I'd share the first one here.
____
Nightfall
(https://i.imgur.com/4l6gaj9.jpg)
Amazing thread! I'll keep following with interest. And the kitbashed figures are very dedicated.
Though I have to ask something completely different, who makes the skeletons/Undead in the above picture, please?
Cheers,
Fenton
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One of the poses looks a bit GW, and some of them look a bit like Otherworld (who make friggin' gorgeous skeletons)
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Seconded. It would great to learn your brilliant techniques
This project continues to be excellent and inspirational.
Any chance you could do a tutorial or two? Modelling, painting, photography... even the photo manipulation and graphics. It's all excellent and I (along with others I'm sure) could learn a few tricks from you.
Thanks,
That's a huge compliment, thanks - what would be most useful? I'm still learning a lot about the photo manipulation (not near Breazer's level yet) but would be happy to do something else if it's useful. Just give me an idea and I'll see what I can do.
Amazing thread! I'll keep following with interest. And the kitbashed figures are very dedicated.
Though I have to ask something completely different, who makes the skeletons/Undead in the above picture, please?
Cheers,
Fenton
Cheers. Those are exclusively Mierce Miniatures from their rather excellent Jutes line. :)
Sharing another pic, this one of the Chapterhouse Guard command cadre:
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(https://i.imgur.com/nppW8Lt.jpg)
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Inspirational.
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Recently whilst in London I had the opportunity to run a mini-campaign of Kings of War Vanguard for myself and two friends. We used the recently released Ice and Iron supplement, and played a four-game campaign detailing the Black Order's journey into the northern wastes and its battles against dwarven slavers and ogre mercenaries. Campaign scoring was 0 points for a loss, 2 points for a draw and 4 points for a victory.
Vanguard is definitely shaping up to be the skirmish game to play if you're not into GW, in my opinion. It's still got a bit of balancing work to go before it is as tournament-friendly as Kings of War, but it's getting there. If you're interested in a mini-report, read on!
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(https://i.imgur.com/1sgHVki.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tsDWpH5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OLndLjz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/67erJRK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9nGlIWn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bLIlpY6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cOZZvhM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/irbupnm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/u0TKhkT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wbr2da8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/D4Fivjl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tJK2w2y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RqknJ87.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2Zwov2W.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kVRQkdZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/L0pFaJV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IdZPUxH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Jg3V6EU.jpg)
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Some great looking war bands there! I've been looking for a bigger fantasy skirmish system, so might have to take a look at Vanguard.
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Inspired is the first word that comes to mind after binge-viewing all 18 pages so far. Impressive and well done!
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Inspired is the first word that comes to mind after binge-viewing all 18 pages so far. Impressive and well done!
Cheers mate - much appreciated.
Some great looking war bands there! I've been looking for a bigger fantasy skirmish system, so might have to take a look at Vanguard.
Vanguard is great - you can find the basic rules for free on Mantic's site, here: https://www.manticgames.com/mantic-games-free-rules/
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Wanted to share this as it follows on directly from the Vanguard campaign above, lorewise: our first foray into Rangers of Shadow Deep last weekend. Really nice, tight rules system - very straightforward but very fun. Ended up just using figures in my collection and we had a great time. Played through Mission One: The Missing, Scenario One: The Deserted Village, and just barely made it out alive! Next time we'll introduce a second Ranger into the mix.
(https://i.imgur.com/KmkHiDv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WQ0BQgm.jpg)
Talsfjord. Silent as the grave. The Black Order patrol is unaware of the ambush yet to come.
(https://i.imgur.com/FfJ1gc6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vIbsKaw.jpg)
Brynthorn, ranger of the Black Order,and his men: Reiftyr and Amalric, men of the Guard, Aedvard and Gherrit, archers of the yeomanry, and Jari, a dwarven pathfinder from the Ephorate.
(https://i.imgur.com/WTgVRaI.jpg)
The Dark rises: a walking corpse picks its way through the ruins on the outskirts of Talsfjord, sensing living flesh...
(https://i.imgur.com/bCcT8xf.jpg)
Aedvard and Gherrit nock arrows as a rat-swarm bursts from one of the townhouses.
(https://i.imgur.com/xkcecHt.jpg)
As the patrol scatters in the chaos, undead emerge from the Tal river to attack Reiftyr, whilst Brynthorn is nearly brought down by a rat-swarm and a zombie.
(https://i.imgur.com/NaRTpAb.jpg)
Jump-scare! Gherrit picks the lock of a townhouse only for a zombie to burst out from within.
(https://i.imgur.com/Yb1S5v6.jpg)
The guardsman Amalric finds the last of the clues on the southern road, whilst Gherrit covers the patrol's retreat.
(https://i.imgur.com/6p8EsU9.jpg)
Both Reiftyr and Brynthorn are badly wounded trying to hold back the Dark at the Tal river. Aedvard the yeoman manages to drag them back before a rat-swarm can devour them.
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The boards look great, glad to see them getting some action! 8)
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So bleak. So awesome.
Thanks for sharing this.
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So detailed... well done bud. I know how hard it is to get good photos of battle boards with those tones... the photos look great, but that must look amazing in person.
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What a fantastic thread, some great figures in there, lovely paint jobs, the muted pallets work really well
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All your figures are awesome and this table is top notch! Great battle report!
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That's exactly how I pictured Rangers of Shadow Deep games being when I was reading the rulebook. I must get going with it!
And dare I say, that could pass for a Myth tabletop conversion :D
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Wonderful stuff
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great battle-reports.
that RoSD board is excellent.
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So bleak. So awesome.
Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks a lot!
The boards look great, glad to see them getting some action! 8)
Me too! If only they were easier to transport :D
So detailed... well done bud. I know how hard it is to get good photos of battle boards with those tones... the photos look great, but that must look amazing in person.
Cheers mate - yes it's harder than expected as with the snow and mud everything kind of blends in to one big grimy blob. :D Oh well. Looks OK in person, would definitely do a few things differently second time around though.
What a fantastic thread, some great figures in there, lovely paint jobs, the muted pallets work really well
Thanks! Glad you like it.
All your figures are awesome and this table is top notch! Great battle report!
Cheers, more coming soon :)
That's exactly how I pictured Rangers of Shadow Deep games being when I was reading the rulebook. I must get going with it!
And dare I say, that could pass for a Myth tabletop conversion :D
Please do! It would suit your stuff particularly well. And yeah, you might have noticed I purposefully went with two Warriors, two Bowmen, and a molotov Dwarf for this mission... ;)
Wonderful stuff
Thanks :)
great battle-reports.
that RoSD board is excellent.
Cheers. It'll see use in a variety of game systems I hope.
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Here's some more terrain I'm working on and some completions, fruits of a quiet (ill) weekend. A (pretty large, about 12") hill, a threshold for a village setup, two houses (one healer/shaman hut, one old soldier's hut) one outhouse and two difficult terrain patches.
(https://i.imgur.com/JLZdR1W.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bJcFZKs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qZNGnt3.jpg)
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This thread is outstanding ,and very inspired :-*
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Brill 8)
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It's a great thread you have here Tyr, and one I have read through several times in the past for the joy of it. Your aesthetic is excellent and your force has a strong cohesion which only gets better when put on the terrain you're building to match. Beyond that the narrative you're building around it makes it all even better of course. A treat to read and watch.
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Cheers chaps! :)
It's a great thread you have here Tyr, and one I have read through several times in the past for the joy of it. Your aesthetic is excellent and your force has a strong cohesion which only gets better when put on the terrain you're building to match. Beyond that the narrative you're building around it makes it all even better of course. A treat to read and watch.
Thanks mate - glad you like it and similarly enjoying watching your gritty RoSD story develop. :)
Mustering another regiment of Black Order knights to be used as Huscarls in the forthcoming Northern Alliance list in Kings of War 3rd ed (which is out in a week!) Haven't seen the stats for these guys yet, but I'm very excited...
______________
(https://i.imgur.com/8flgFPG.jpg)
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They look great! The guy to the right of the banner is a favourite, just phenomenal pose.
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Looking great!
Where are you finding the extra helmets for your newest unit?
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Looking great!
Where are you finding the extra helmets for your newest unit?
Cheers! The metal helms are from Mirliton, the plastic and resin from Fireforge.
They look great! The guy to the right of the banner is a favourite, just phenomenal pose.
Thanks mate, glad you like em. Yeah, he fit together surprisingly painlessly.
I have a big backlog of stuff to post, but let me start with the first mini I assembled out of the Fireforge 'Forgotten World' kickstarter that finally arrived. Long been considering how to make more themed cavalry that fit the Black Order vibe of a knightly order in the far north. Looked a lot at Teutonic Knights and the peoples they fought against in Lithuania for inspiration but that still wasn't quite northern enough. I figured that Black Order cav would be very limited in the frozen climes of the north, and that any breeds of horse that could survive would be big, tough and slow. So the Forgotten World cav fit perfectly as they're huge, and as I don't like the idea of knights on bears I decided that these would fit as Frostfang Cav in the new edition of Kings of War. Slower than normal cavalry, well adapted to the tough climate and difficult terrain of the North, but hit like a ton of bricks. Some kitbashing and sculpting later and the prototype for Black Order heavy cavalry is done and dusted. Plan is to do a bunch of these on a horde base, crossing rocky terrain to fit the Height 3 aesthetic.
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(https://i.imgur.com/9wFx9Ys.jpg)
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Looking good! The cavalry does seem to evoke a certain sense of weight to it, might be the pose! :D Top job on the conversion though!
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I think those fit in perfectly!
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Love it, great movement and weight to it.
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I will look forward to a group of these charging forward, making the ground shake beneath those hooves. I agree with the rest that they look suitably massive, the Fireforge kits look quite good and do fit very well with the northern themes of The Black Order.
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They really look the part
8)
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Cheers ladies and gents. Starting a bank holiday weekend here so here's the Reiver Knights ready for paint, as well as Knight-Marshal Selianin, Standard Bearer of the Black Order:
(https://i.imgur.com/mZh0oGi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pPjyEb4.jpg)
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The cavalry continues to look solid, but I'm maybe more impressed with the banner bearer. I had pretty much discarded my resin characters from the kickstarter, because faces and weapons are awful, but that it is clever kitbash and solves most of that issue!
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Yes indeed. Great job on that standard bearer. What a character :-*
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Some cracking new additions.
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Cheers guys! Yes, I'm pretty keen on the standard bearer too. Not quite sure how I'm going to do the standard itself yet.
Got the warder knights finished, that makes two regiments like this for use in KoW. Also finished Talja, a mounted witch (ice queen in Mantic parlance) for Vanguard, and some wolfhounds for use as snow foxes in Kings of War 3rd edition.
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(https://i.imgur.com/s2ymgHk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/izVroMF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/inOqEwh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oQTHCiY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DEEykty.jpg)
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Knights look great, love the inclusion of the Frostgrave female soldiers in there.
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Some great kitbashing and a lovely consistent feel to the whole project
:-*
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Looking great!
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Wonderful :o
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Superb. What a great collection you’re creating :)
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This is awesome. Easily one of the best threads on this forum...so gritty and slick. Love it.
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Magnificent! Clever use of the Bad Squido lady too :-*
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Thanks all, really appreciate it!
Realise I forgot to give the lady knights their spotlight - these were a slightly more involved kitbash than their male counterparts. Perry's slightly slimmer scale really came in useful here:
(https://i.imgur.com/DH9XuLk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ADt6udy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/C5z2SGB.jpg)
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(https://i.imgur.com/Tf6Ufmw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CyCjlEG.jpg)
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Great scene! Your photography is on point.
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Brilliant :o
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Looking amazing!
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Knight Captain Tyr you are indeed a legend. Amazing work.
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This is truly a great thread to follow, the models and story are very inspirational. Seeing the name Cimbri surfacing was fun,, as I spend many summers in the the real life village, and grew to adulthood in its harbour.
Spending the autumn storms in that town, I can really get the feel of the inspiration of your army. Keep up the work you do. :)
MGK
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Lovely. Understated, too, which makes things really meet the aesthetic
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Lovely job on the herald - apologies if you’ve answered it elsewhere, but where are your standards from? Can recognise most pieces but not the banners...or are they scratchbuilt?
:)
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Thanks very much all. Really appreciate the kind words! Very motivating :)
Lovely job on the herald - apologies if you’ve answered it elsewhere, but where are your standards from? Can recognise most pieces but not the banners...or are they scratchbuilt?
:)
Good question - from memory they're all Fireforge. Selianin's banner is actually a Fireforge infantry pike with the banner from Fireforge's Living Dead Knights mounted sideways (or upside down depending on your point of view). Seems to have worked OK.
This is truly a great thread to follow, the models and story are very inspirational. Seeing the name Cimbri surfacing was fun,, as I spend many summers in the the real life village, and grew to adulthood in its harbour.
Spending the autumn storms in that town, I can really get the feel of the inspiration of your army. Keep up the work you do. :)
MGK
Thanks! Yes I wondered if anyone would get the reference :) I really like that it's apparent. Cheers for the kind words!
Managed to get a mounted knight painted up tonight - probably the one I'm least pleased with pose-wise, but hopefully the rest will be more pleasing:
(https://i.imgur.com/DvuNnp0.jpg)
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Love the shield!!
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Great model and excellent painting. The horses from that set look suitably chunky!
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Good question - from memory they're all Fireforge. Selianin's banner is actually a Fireforge infantry pike with the banner from Fireforge's Living Dead Knights mounted sideways (or upside down depending on your point of view). Seems to have worked OK.
They look great
:)
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Cheers gents :)
Hot on Ruric's heels, here's the completed unit!
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(https://i.imgur.com/DSXQCxI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/N1UJx0y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xtrvc4d.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vQb0W3M.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AHxete6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OIIHBbp.jpg)
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Those are absolutely superb pieces of work!!
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Very cool.
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They look great! Love the weathering on the shields.
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Hot on the heels of the cavalry, I finally found a ballista I like - from Zombicide: Black Plague. Checked out other manufacturers but they mostly lacked the size and weight I wanted my siege artillery to have. After playing For Honor and seeing its super-sized siege artillery, I wanted something that fit a similar aesthetic - big and brutal.
Oh yes, and I made a unit card for Kings of War that a friend was kind enough to turn into a laminated final product. I've blurred out most of the essential rules to keep it board friendly:
(https://i.imgur.com/5Ypwxux.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4dSLEPP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rz5QksA.jpg)
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Man, I love this project.
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Brilliant work :o
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The man about to release the bolt looks awesome! >:D
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Love it! It's not easy finding nice siege of the non-black powder variety-
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Superb 8)
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love it ... the grittyness is just fantastic!... it feels like the GOT series to me... awesome.
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Great work 8)
love it ... the grittyness is just fantastic!... it feels like the GOT series to me... awesome.
Exactly this... very GOT
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Looking good!
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Definitely has a GOT vibe to it. Great work!
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Happy New Year lords, ladies and gentlefolk. The Black Order brings in 2019 with siege engines, supernatural allies and good, trustworthy steel. Thanks for following this log over the past year and ten months! :) Hopefully 2020 will see a sizable expansion to the Order (and my numerous other projects, sigh).
New Year's pics - firstly, Best of 2019:
(https://i.imgur.com/mmzJ7Gc.jpg)
The Order as it stood near the end of 2019:
(https://i.imgur.com/YytkdBd.jpg)
2019's last completion - Terrors of the Deepwood!
(https://i.imgur.com/BKUlm2z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Q5BLo3j.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/seVvxiv.jpg)
And finally - the first completion of 2020 - a scorpion battery to obliterate the Order's foes:
(https://i.imgur.com/mkcgGY4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MsNRwFJ.jpg)
Here's to a great 2020!
Tyr
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Love it 8)
I especially like the walking terrors :D
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Great job! Love the menhir with the walking terrors.
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(in heavy Slavic accent) This is number one best thread.
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Lovely work! I like how you did the moss on the walking terrors!
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Wow!
Great work, packed with character and story which have produced a really exciting project.
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Love it 8)
I especially like the walking terrors :D
Thanks mate - glad you like. They took a while.
Great job! Love the menhir with the walking terrors.
Cheers! Was quite proud of the OSL on that one.
(in heavy Slavic accent) This is number one best thread.
Thank you comrade 8)
Lovely work! I like how you did the moss on the walking terrors!
Thanks a lot!
Wow!
Great work, packed with character and story which have produced a really exciting project.
Cheers! Hope you continue to find it interesting. :)
Some WIP shots to tide me over for a while, including an upscaled Ranger (of Shadow Deep, natch):
(https://i.imgur.com/Yk4MSSE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zSXW3Rl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WAiKV5c.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ztys4m8.jpg)
And a take on Fireforge's new Northmen with some historical additions. Think these will end up being a mercenary company with their Lieutenant (see sword) and Captain/paymaster. Anyone familiar with Glen Cook might recognise the Lieutenant...
(https://i.imgur.com/8KAwVPA.jpg)
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Nice kitbashing there. Good idea to add a little bit of height to the Oathmark body. The witch is also really cool, is that a Fireforge zombie peasant body?
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Excellent!!! Such a great theme. Love the conversion work.
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Love the treemen
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So much goodness on one thread
:-*
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Thanks, all!
Nice kitbashing there. Good idea to add a little bit of height to the Oathmark body. The witch is also really cool, is that a Fireforge zombie peasant body?
Yes, well spotted. The zombie peasant kit is a kitbasher's dream, tons of rusted, worn bits to use for virtually anything.
I keep telling myself I'll finally get on with my Undead log, but I just can't stop building knights. Another unit of Black Order heavy cavalry for the Franticon event (Kings of War singles and doubles and Kings of War: Vanguard) in London in March, plus the mounted version of Selianin, the brutal Knight-Marshal of the Order. WIPs ahoy...
(https://i.imgur.com/sRD5pux.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SrshlGe.jpg)
Oh yes, and another little something I threw together recently - I wanted a slightly more emaciated, corrupted version of a forest spirit, something not totally different to a Leshen, for another eventual project. Here's the proof of concept:
(https://i.imgur.com/Oul365J.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/y2aP8TW.jpg)
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Amazing conversions nad models! I really should consider getting into some sort of fantasy wargame again... Darn you!
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I like the forest spirit especially, as if some gnarly tree came to life! :D
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Oooh very nice, I like the forest spirit design, can't wait to see it painted!
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Cheers chaps, yep, quite keen to see how the forest spirit comes out.
Had the chance to get away recently to the mountain range of Krkonoše in the Czech Republic, where I turned 30 amid snowy weather befitting the Black Order's environs. Just a pic (or two...) of the area - really inspiring for snowy bases!
(https://i.imgur.com/2v0JvAO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qs7iR0c.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tyaFr0b.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/w4tgmwn.jpg)
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Jealous, had no snow this winter in Germany. :o
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Geez... my grass is still green in Texas... had one night below freezing all winter so far... though February is usually our coldest month...
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Really like the forest spirit, and the photos are just the ticket for inspiration...very jealous of your trip to the Czech Republic...or the thought of only being 30 lol
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Wonderful thread overall. Loads of inspiration, great painting, great narrative background...from the cold north that is!
Perfect.
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Geez... my grass is still green in Texas... had one night below freezing all winter so far... though February is usually our coldest month...
Meanwhile, I forgot a hat because it was merely raining in Indiana, but it was sub 20 degrees and snowing in Chicago when I walked out of Union Station Friday night. My hair froze to my head :o and the wind was so strong you'd think normal snowflakes were bits of hail!
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Cheers for the kind words chaps 'n' chapesses. Not feeling too bad about the whole 4th decade thing...
Made quite a lot of progress so have a bit of a backlog of stuff to share. Let's start with some pics of some counters I made for Rangers of Shadow Deep, Frostgrave, Kings of War, Kings of War: Vanguard and maybe SAGA too.
(https://i.imgur.com/tUwhGF0.jpg)
A lot of stuff in there, from wound counters, to disordered/wavered counters, to scenario-specific objectives. Still working out a scenario to use the campfire in - 'The Dying of the Light' has a nice ring to it, as a scouting party tries to survive the night against hordes of undead while the light starts to wither and die out...
Here's a scenario objective marker/bit of scatter terrain I made, slightly inspired by the shrine to Talos in Skyrim, and the shrines in Diablo that gave you combat bonuses:
(https://i.imgur.com/pBm4Ox9.jpg)
Until the next update!
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Beautiful counters! They look better than most of our minis lol
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Shrine looks great thus far! Love the markers too
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Excellent stuff
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Excellent stuff
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I love that shrine... I also love the guy laying on the ground wounded... very natural looking pose.
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Epically beautiful as always!
I love the way you have carried the theme across the whole collection :-* :-* :-*
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Another set of completions from recent weeks - I needed a second unit of forest elementals for Kings of War, and lo and behold Mierce was doing 2for1 on monstrous infantry, so these guys worked perfectly and came out at GW-esque prices. Still pricy, but lovely figures.
I also needed a new Ice Queen, also for KoW, but in the same style as the forest elementals, so I decided to make a wizened, blind crone with leathery, pallid flesh reflecting the otherworldly energies she taps into. Without further ado...
(https://i.imgur.com/2wPoSPd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rwAcF4F.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nQjOYHX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gvAYRbq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ekFDXoE.jpg)
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Love the snow affects you get on this thread
Any tips on how/materials?
Thanks for the inspiration
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Really nice and evocative scenes. Speaking of the different games you play, the statue should make a great Sacred Ground for SAGA: Age of Magic.
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crikey, yes those are real backwoods bogeymen.
v. atmospheric write-up on the Crone.
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Very good indeed. Love the back stories too.
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The night is dark and full of terrors
8)
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Wow. Those look suitably frighting. Great figures and backstory.
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Man those terrors are cool, are they conversions? Don't think I've seen them before!
Great mood around that Crone, you set the scene so well!
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Fantastic :-*
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All such lovely work, well done :-*
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Really nice and evocative scenes. Speaking of the different games you play, the statue should make a great Sacred Ground for SAGA: Age of Magic.
Oooh. Haven't had the chance to play Age of Magic yet. Any strong feelings on it? I'm moving back to London in a few months and hoping there'll be more of a SAGA scene there.
crikey, yes those are real backwoods bogeymen.
v. atmospheric write-up on the Crone.
Cheers. Yes, really felt the Mierce minis sold the 'forest horror' look!
Love the snow affects you get on this thread
Any tips on how/materials?
Thanks for the inspiration
Thanks a lot! This is just snow effects (Model Mates) + PVA glue to a thick, rough consistency, applied with a decades-old brush.
Very good indeed. Love the back stories too.
Cheers :)
The night is dark and full of terrors
8)
Valar Morghulis...
Wow. Those look suitably frighting. Great figures and backstory.
Thanks. Enjoying writing up the flavour text for each unit.
Man those terrors are cool, are they conversions? Don't think I've seen them before!
Great mood around that Crone, you set the scene so well!
Cheers - the Terrors are Mierce Miniatures Bog Beasts. They're very expensive unless, as I did, you manage to get them on a 2for1 deal or a half price sale (which are on fairly frequently thru Mierce).
Fantastic :-*
Thanks! :)
All such lovely work, well done :-*
Cheers Capt - much appreciated :)
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Some more completions for the Order's forces. I'm roing to Franticon, an enormous Mantic Games-sponsored event in London, in March. I've signed up against my better judgment to three days of non-stop Kings of War and Kings of War: Vanguard action, with Vanguard on the Friday, KoW Doubles on the Saturday, and Singles on the Sunday. It's going to be utterly insane and I'm probably going to want to take a long break from miniature wargaming afterwards. With that said, I'm going to need a few more completions! Here's the first of many units to come - another unit of Black Order (very) heavy cavalry:
(https://i.imgur.com/dF7UlZA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9mqAWAf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/17DLypP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/f24Ni8p.jpg)
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Absolutely fantastic! I can't say how much i adore this project.
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Looks great!
As for Age of Magic, I would definitly recomnend it. The magic system adds a nice touch, and list building is fun without taking away the simplicity of SAGA.
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I bow my head in awe! :-* :-* :-*
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Such an epic Thread, so much awesome in one place. I love your aesthetic. Inspirational stuff. Looking at your scatter terrain I can see I still have some was to go. Respect!
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Thanks a bunch for the kind words, guys. Sorry for not replying sooner. The world seems to have gone a bit crazy. Unfortunately, I was out of the country when the crisis hit so am currently prevented from returning home by border closures. Luckily have been able to stay with family in the meantime, but didn't expect to be away from home for almost two months.
I do have a couple things to share. Bought a couple paints and brushes and dug out an old Planetary Empires set NIB I had in storage. Looking at the tiles, one 'face' of the set is pretty clearly sci-fi and the other 'face' could be anything at all - so I'm painting up a set with fantasy in mind for one side, and 40k/30k/Deadzone on the other. This will eventually tie into a campaign I want to run when the lockdown finally ends. To be honest, I'm quite excited - I really wanted to build a 'world' for ages beyond the stories and flavour texts I wrote for the Black Order, and this gives me the chance to do so!
More to come. Just the first 4 tiles as a colour/theme test for now.
(https://i.imgur.com/1VEh7cE.jpg)
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Wow, that sucks! Hope you can keep sane man. Will be fun to see you develop your setting, world building is super fun.
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That is rough to be away from home for any unplanned length of time. Best of luck getting home safe and healthy.
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Wow, that sucks! Hope you can keep sane man. Will be fun to see you develop your setting, world building is super fun.
That is rough to be away from home for any unplanned length of time. Best of luck getting home safe and healthy.
Yeah, cheers gents. Not ideal, but what can you do? At least in the meantime I can share some pics I'd forgotten about.
I attended Franticon 2020 earlier in March - three days of non-stop Kings of War and Kings of War: Vanguard tournaments. It was pretty exhausting, haha. I thought I'd share a few pics from the action, and also share the writeup of the event(s) on my very much work-in-progress blog here:
https://mjolnirvii.wixsite.com/necedemalis
__________________________
(https://i.imgur.com/rVMDf6w.jpg)
The Hunters of the Deepwood were the warband I took to the Vanguard event on Friday at Franticon. Ultimately, the Black Order's huntsmen (+ a big friend or two) came 5th overall out of about 25 players. Wasn't too bad for my first Vanguard tournament but could have been better due to some bad decisions made in Game 2.
(https://i.imgur.com/F9ZLHMb.jpg)
These guys were the last painting completion I had before the event itself, for Kings of War singles. I'll upload some pics of the singles (and the display board!) soon.
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Here's the second wave of pictures from Franticon 2020, namely of the army I took to singles.
I was really fortunate to place 5th Overall in Vanguard, 5th Overall in Kings of War Doubles, 3rd Best Painted in Vanguard, and 1st Best Army in both Kings of War events (doubles and singles). Hope to do better next year.
(https://i.imgur.com/oDHBaoj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/v4bFK8P.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TK1TefU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zyGBo3u.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4gZGw4X.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uGbOvej.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3kYNsYp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KzkwoCc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cIMErpU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uYJOBpk.jpg)
(Bonus shot of some wargear cards I made)
Thanks for looking!
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Truly well deserved on the Best Army front. That display base is gorgeous.
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I've followed you on here and on facebook and that truly is a spectacular army on a brilliant display board. Well done!
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Congratulations on the Best Army award - thoroughly deserved 8)
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Truly well deserved on the Best Army front. That display base is gorgeous.
Thanks man. Was cheating a bit as it's a tile from my homemade Vanguard board, haha. Btw, I ordered some Iron Gate trebuchets after seeing the ones in your thread - expect to see them on here soon :)
I've followed you on here and on facebook and that truly is a spectacular army on a brilliant display board. Well done!
Thanks a lot! Much appreciated :)
Congratulations on the Best Army award - thoroughly deserved 8)
Cheers pal - now to paint up the undead!
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Fantastic Work!
Really love the look of everything and how cohesive you make it.
I can't imagine what put you in 3rd for Vanguard but they must have been truly special.
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Wow! That is an amazing army!
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Wonderful work - hats off to you!
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Thanks, guys!
Fantastic Work!
Really love the look of everything and how cohesive you make it.
I can't imagine what put you in 3rd for Vanguard but they must have been truly special.
I can't find a pic of the chap who came 1st, but it was a tartan-bedecked Northern Alliance warband with some very crisp lines. 2nd place went to a friend of mine with some stellar Ogre pirates who really need a bit of showing off:
(https://i.imgur.com/UDaa8j4.jpg)
_______________
Little update to the campaign map for KoW:
(https://i.imgur.com/Znh17SI.jpg)
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Been working on some points of interest for the campaign map. This is everything I have from the Mighty Empires box - 2 forts, 2 towns and 2 mines. I'm going to add some 3D printed stuff quite soon however.
edit: and apologies for the slightly blurry pic, working without my regular photo setup means the light is a bit weird!
(https://i.imgur.com/KCREiIp.jpg)
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I decided I needed a new model for the Order's leader, Knight-Captain Tyr. I spent far, far too long on the resultant kitbash - I count six manufacturers and over ten different kits, see if you can spot em :)
I tried to include callbacks to the original mini (shown painted) in the form of the fur pelt, the armour and the helm (cleft in two on the new iteration's base). Also included are some bits tying him in to the rest of the force; dead trees and branches to show his erstwhile alliance with the Children of the Deepwood (the forest monsters and witches earlier in this thread) and a callback to the Eblis Stone from Myth: The Fallen Lords! Remember freezing Balor in place while the Legion hacked him to pieces in front of his fortress near Rhi'anon?
Anyway - Ludovic Tyr, the second iteration.
(https://i.imgur.com/JXEPjeX.jpg)
The first iteration:
(https://i.imgur.com/MMRE528.jpg)
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Great build! Ok, I see a Fireforge Living Dead body, but did you swap the legs? The arms and the broken helmet are Perry WoTR, and that's a magic symbol from Frostgrave Wizards. The sword is a Fireforge resin bit, right? Can't place the head or the book on his belt. The furry paws look like a GW bit.
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Great build! Ok, I see a Fireforge Living Dead body, but did you swap the legs? The arms and the broken helmet are Perry WoTR, and that's a magic symbol from Frostgrave Wizards. The sword is a Fireforge resin bit, right? Can't place the head or the book on his belt. The furry paws look like a GW bit.
Pretty much! Living Dead body (no leg swap), arms from the Perry English Agincourt and Perry Foot Knight sets, magic runestone from the Frostgrave female wizards, sword from Fireforge resin. The head is an old Cadian Command Squad head that I realised fits the Fireforge FW scale perfectly. The paws are from Victrix Romans, the book is from the Frostgrave male wizards, and the branches and stone he's standing on are from two different Mierce sets.
I also added some bits on this morning. Figured I'd lose one of the daggers for a hatchet, in keeping with the loadout of the original Mierce mini, and added a runestone around his neck for a bit more interest. But this is it now, I think add more and he'll look too busy. Thoughts?
(https://i.imgur.com/AurGKvs.jpg)
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Hatchet looks really good, definitly better than the second dagger. Think he's looking just right as is now.
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I agree with Ogrob, the hatchet is a good addition.
:)
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Good call on the hatchet. Brilliant kitbashing, Imlove it!
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More great work. Keep it up.
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Superb thread!
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Thanks a bunch, chaps. I think he'll look much better when painted.
Had the chance to put together and paint some (more) knights recently - not quite sure why I needed them but I really wanted to pursue new kitbashing options. Should be fairly obvious what these are :)
(https://i.imgur.com/ByWKdJ1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2r1JQ3R.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aDMx0uK.jpg)
Ilya of Kolgrad, Knight of the Order
‘No stranger to atrocities, having seen his village burned as a child by outriders from the Cimbrian legions, he was one of the first through the breach during the Great Siege of Cimbris… He slew more than a score of the enemy before the Order’s masters called an end to the slaughter’
(https://i.imgur.com/u9hyKU7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/y8kMuo0.jpg)
Accolon of Cimbris, Knight of the Order
‘The fall of Cimbris marked the utter domination of the Order in the north. While the enmity between the mountain peoples and the north-eastern city-states was legendary, those few Cimbrians who elected freely to join the Order would, in time, do much to assuage the hatred that had fuelled a centuries-long cycle of bloodshed in the north-eastern province.’
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They look great!
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They look great!
+1 on the above. And I like the pelts you gave them!
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Great additions
:)
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More outstanding work.
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Haven't seen a Mighty-Empires map in years; always wanted to get my hands on some for making campaign maps, rather than always depending on printed equivalents. Regardless, I really like the way yours turned out!
Kind Regards,
Rico
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Better than cinema :o :o :-*
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Had the chance to put together and paint some (more) knights recently - not quite sure why I needed them but I really wanted to pursue new kitbashing options.
This is reason enough ;)
Just seeing this has inspired me to get back on the plastic, after a few months away... It’s an addiction, no doubt about it lol
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Thanks, all :)
Haven't seen a Mighty-Empires map in years; always wanted to get my hands on some for making campaign maps, rather than always depending on printed equivalents. Regardless, I really like the way yours turned out!
Kind Regards,
Rico
They're like gold dust. They can go for silly money on eBay.
This is reason enough ;)
Just seeing this has inspired me to get back on the plastic, after a few months away... It’s an addiction, no doubt about it lol
Glad it had that effect :) Inspiration is a virtuous circle!
Something new - a foot character for the Order. The inspiration for this guy was varied: on the one hand I wanted to build a sword and board character inspired by the Black Prior from the For Honor videogame (albeit somewhat less edgy), and on the other I wanted to portray the ranking officer of a chapterhouse keep, a knight whose responsibility is the maintenance and protection of one of the Order's havens. I figured such an officer would need to tie into the Chapterhouse Guard (pictured below) as a knightly character leading non-knightly infantry. To do so, I repeated the shield motif of the Guard, which worked surprisingly well!
(https://i.imgur.com/8l97VgE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yWerfqF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HuJrsVC.jpg)
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I love all of the conversions you've added throughout the army. The shields look particularly striking when looking at the whole assembled unit.
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Lovin‘ it!
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Cheers chaps.
Another completion, storming toward five finished characters for Rangers of Shadow Deep at the weekend:
(https://i.imgur.com/AWpdsoh.jpg)
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That's a like from me!
A real feeling of evil menace about it.
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And that's it - the heroes for this weekend's Rangers of Shadow Deep game are complete. I'll share the pre-game briefing and battle report here and on the RoSD board, in due course...
Had loads of fun painting these!
(https://i.imgur.com/d9h78YC.jpg)
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Fabulous :-* :-* :-*
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Wonderful creations :-*
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They look absolutely great. Tyr came out fantastic. Really looking forward to seeing your game coming up.
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Top work - a great looking group
8)
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They're the types that guard the borders, while good folk sleep in their warm beds.
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Epic results mate.
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Thanks a bunch, guys.
Just wanted to share the pre-game world building and lore with you. You'll notice that I heavily edited Mission 1 of Rangers of Shadow Deep. The mission is now called Death in the Deepwood, and Scenario 1 is called Desperate Stand. I really augmented the difficulty levels for part 1. We just played through it earlier today, and...yeah. I'll let you make predictions for yourselves!
(https://i.imgur.com/PFCYuJQ.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/copUiGL.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/nIlT0DC.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/DTeOjce.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/zRkPcAL.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/EZeCPU7.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/CTc01EF.png)
As ever, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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Wow! Very impressive. So much so that I find it difficult to articulate my level of respect for your artistic ability. Your presentation is an epic culmination of the lore crafting and brushwork you have already demonstrated to an excellent level. Now it appears you have professional level graphic design skills as well.
You have done a brilliant job of designing a gateway into a world that is compelling to play in with interesting protagonists to follow. I can see nothing to improve on. I salute you.
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Is there no end to your talents ....seriously good work, from the kit bashing, painting, & photography, through to the writing and presentation.
8)
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Fantastic! Scenario sounds tough, but should be doable with the leveled up party.
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Stunning! As mentioned by the other comments is there no limit to your skillsets?
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Very cool. M
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Great stuff! Very atmospheric.
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Absolutely incredible. As others have said, your many talents are very impressive, and this is easily one of my favourite threads on the forum.
As for the obligatory Myth comment, as I read the excellent narration it was a particular voice in my mind (and the moody music of the games also came to mind. :D)
Very inspiring stuff. Also, was the map made with any particular software?
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Wonderful work & presentation.
Thanks for posting & cheers
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Wow! Very impressive. So much so that I find it difficult to articulate my level of respect for your artistic ability. Your presentation is an epic culmination of the lore crafting and brushwork you have already demonstrated to an excellent level. Now it appears you have professional level graphic design skills as well.
You have done a brilliant job of designing a gateway into a world that is compelling to play in with interesting protagonists to follow. I can see nothing to improve on. I salute you.
Thanks very much indeed Rick. Glad you enjoyed it. Honestly doubt I'd have done this outside of lockdown, so glad that it's bringing some joy to someone! Looks like I'll have the free time to compile the next two parts of the report. Hope you enjoy the rest.
Is there no end to your talents ....seriously good work, from the kit bashing, painting, & photography, through to the writing and presentation.
8)
Cheers mate. A lot of it's down to lockdown-induced free time. Hope you enjoy the next few entries too. Really been enjoying your stuff of late - it's a shame there isn't an annual LAF meetup to play games!
Fantastic! Scenario sounds tough, but should be doable with the leveled up party.
Thanks mate. Yes, part 1 was...quite interesting. I'll have the next part up soon I hope :)
Stunning! As mentioned by the other comments is there no limit to your skillsets?
Thanks a lot! :)
Very cool. M
Cheers!
Great stuff! Very atmospheric.
That's the aim :) Thanks!
Absolutely incredible. As others have said, your many talents are very impressive, and this is easily one of my favourite threads on the forum.
As for the obligatory Myth comment, as I read the excellent narration it was a particular voice in my mind (and the moody music of the games also came to mind. :D)
Very inspiring stuff. Also, was the map made with any particular software?
Ha! I'm glad you got the (pretty heavy) homage :) The map was made with Inkarnate Pro. I REALLY recommend it, the free version is perfectly good and the paid version (if you go for the yearly option) gives you everything you'll ever need (and it's being added to all the time).
Wonderful work & presentation.
Thanks for posting & cheers
Thank you!
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That looks great. I never realised how well the background of Rangers of Shadowdeep fits with Myth. Perfect for substituting the rules across for a board game version. So will you have them questing all the way to fight Balor? Maybe give them Alric for the last battle?
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Endless awesomeness! :-*
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Wow! Very impressive. So much so that I find it difficult to articulate my level of respect for your artistic ability. Your presentation is an epic culmination of the lore crafting and brushwork you have already demonstrated to an excellent level. Now it appears you have professional level graphic design skills as well.
You have done a brilliant job of designing a gateway into a world that is compelling to play in with interesting protagonists to follow. I can see nothing to improve on. I salute you.
what he said :-*
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That looks great. I never realised how well the background of Rangers of Shadowdeep fits with Myth. Perfect for substituting the rules across for a board game version. So will you have them questing all the way to fight Balor? Maybe give them Alric for the last battle?
Thanks mate. The Myth homage is pretty evident, huh :) I'm keeping it still within the Black Order world I've been working on, but the Myth inspirations will continue to be clear, I guess!
Endless awesomeness! :-*
Thank you!
what he said :-*
Cheers mate.
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Here we go - episode 2 of Death in the Deepwood and the first proper RoSD battle report! Hope you enjoy this one... Still lots to learn!
________________________
(https://i.imgur.com/tdNk4Pu.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/o37Z2sq.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/nF9gMQh.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/puvB8l5.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/aJSEtrI.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/YHuGm9O.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/2tAXVIK.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/fhpXHus.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/FOhnPlM.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/6RYdSyX.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/WYlXutI.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/jbdAzdj.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/wbAMd27.png)
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A great and engaging read. Very well presented, as has come to be expected. Your work is excellent.
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This reads like a book I would very much enjoy reading. Can't wait for the next report.
Also...know I need to pick up Rangers of Shadowdeep.
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Pure genius from top to bottom. Excellent minis, terrain, photography, narrative, presentation... the works! I have the very deepest of respect in your abilities.
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Awesome work. Colour me enthused for a game I really didn't know all that much about before now.
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Great stuff! The game and presentation is first class!
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Wow. The battle reports are as over the top as your painting. Truly fantastic work. Thanks for sharing!
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A great and engaging read. Very well presented, as has come to be expected. Your work is excellent.
Cheers Olsson. Big fan of your work as well, glad to see you're back in the saddle :)
This reads like a book I would very much enjoy reading. Can't wait for the next report.
Also...know I need to pick up Rangers of Shadowdeep.
Thanks mate - it's coming! Glad you're enjoying it so far.
Pure genius from top to bottom. Excellent minis, terrain, photography, narrative, presentation... the works! I have the very deepest of respect in your abilities.
High praise indeed Rick, cheers mate - glad you're enjoying it. Hope to improve along the way.
Awesome work. Colour me enthused for a game I really didn't know all that much about before now.
Yeah, RoSD passed me by initially as well. I think it requires a bit more 'work' than other wargames in the sense that you really need a fully modelled board + bestiary of enemies, but it's great fun to play with a friend or solo.
Great stuff! The game and presentation is first class!
Another Young Frankenstein fan I see ;) Cheers!
Wow. The battle reports are as over the top as your painting. Truly fantastic work. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Hope you enjoy the next ones. :)
_________
While taking a break from pulling together the next report, I needed a break from painting all of those green and brown undead. So naturally I painted some green and brown forest spirits. Who may, or may not, also be considered undead.
I didn't say logic was a strong motivator in my hobby ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/g1GyhHq.jpg)
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Really enjoying this thread 8)
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They look really cool, great creepy look.
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They look amazing! Really cool aesthetic!
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To echo the above sentiment, they look stellar. The woodsy/skeleton aesthetic has been really striking recently, or atleast I've seen it around a lot, especially over in the AoS28 camp. I really need to buy that GW skull pack at some point, the bird skulls in particular have something really captivating about them. Good for variation too, could maybe even use these as part of the Darkroot somehow, once you get to that stage.
Look forward to seeing more.
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Great stuff :o
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Those last ones are amazing!
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Love the tree spirits, the idea and execution
:)
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Thanks a bunch, all :)
To echo the above sentiment, they look stellar. The woodsy/skeleton aesthetic has been really striking recently, or atleast I've seen it around a lot, especially over in the AoS28 camp. I really need to buy that GW skull pack at some point, the bird skulls in particular have something really captivating about them. Good for variation too, could maybe even use these as part of the Darkroot somehow, once you get to that stage.
Look forward to seeing more.
Cheers mate. You read my mind, using them as part of the Darkroot is definitely the idea.
The GW skull set would definitely suit your style - particularly the scratchbuilt golems and other constructs you've been working on!
Finished the Restless Ones. Had a lot of fun painting these and they're so easy to do!
(https://i.imgur.com/Z9aUrIx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8homYQ7.jpg)
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These look super (like everything in this thread!) Really creepy!
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Something a bit different while I'm finishing the writeup for the next Death in the Deepwood segment - received these as a parting gift from the Prague wargaming community. Haven't assembled them fully yet, just a dry fit - hence no wheels - but I'm super excited about the gaming potential for these!
(https://i.imgur.com/AU29LKp.jpg)
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Oh, I like them...like them a lot....3D prints?
:)
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Looking good. Of course, this now means they've forced you to start thinking about getting walls, keeps and castles.
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Look forward to seeing what you do with them. Would love to play a bit of a siege at some point.
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Love everything about this thread! The background story the look, the setting...well done. Inspiring.
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Impressive towers! Looking forward to seeing how you use them!
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Finished the Restless Ones. Had a lot of fun painting these and they're so easy to do!
Terrifying. Nice work.
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Oh, I like them...like them a lot....3D prints?
:)
Yep! Not quite sure where from...
Looking good. Of course, this now means they've forced you to start thinking about getting walls, keeps and castles.
Cheers mate. Yes, got a Zvezda castle sitting at home. I think I might have found a plan for it...
Look forward to seeing what you do with them. Would love to play a bit of a siege at some point.
Same. I'm really excited to try them out!
Love everything about this thread! The background story the look, the setting...well done. Inspiring.
Cheers! :)
Impressive towers! Looking forward to seeing how you use them!
Me too, thanks!
Terrifying. Nice work.
Cheers. I've really enjoyed painting something a little different!
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(https://i.imgur.com/Oifdmiy.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/jK00omk.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/0RSlkkk.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/CY3eYUL.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/PVW8foR.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZIEjHGt.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/2x21QXA.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/SyvIQ1B.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/A23n01b.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/owkPuSe.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/WNo51KX.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/I7xgHNa.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/yJrevWr.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/hK9SJzj.png)
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I don’t know where to start....beautiful paint jobs, great terrain, well presented and a battle report that reads more like a novel
:-* :-*
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Gorgeous report again, thanks for sharing.
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Very inspiring as always!!
Are the horned children plastic gnolls? What heads did you use?
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It just keeps getting better.
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/YRuFixSNWFVcXaxpmX/giphy.gif)
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Absolutely incredible work all round! Thanks for sharing!
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More fantastic work - the table, miniatures and story are all really well done!
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I don’t know where to start....beautiful paint jobs, great terrain, well presented and a battle report that reads more like a novel
:-* :-*
Thanks mate :)
Gorgeous report again, thanks for sharing.
Cheers fella. Unfortunately looks like it'll be a while before the next one.
Very inspiring as always!!
Are the horned children plastic gnolls? What heads did you use?
Cheers! Yes, the bodies are plastic gnolls, with horned skulls from the GW Skulls kit.
It just keeps getting better.
Thank you sir!
Absolutely incredible work all round! Thanks for sharing!
Cheers :)
More fantastic work - the table, miniatures and story are all really well done!
Thanks :) Hoping to improve a bit on the next one - I think I can improve the photography quite a bit.
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I can’t tell you how impressive I find this project! Hat’s off!
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Just a little update. No newly painted miniatures, unfortunately, as we're waiting to move into a new house and the pandemic has slowed things down somewhat. But I've been working on a campaign for the London Kings of War group, hopefully starting next month. Here's a teaser - the intro page and the campaign map (and HUGE props if you recognise where the custom assets are from - full credit to Overhype Studios!)
NB: Artwork in the first pic isn't mine - full credit to Jaromir Hrivnac, go check him out: https://www.artstation.com/quintusc
(https://i.imgur.com/QjtSHrc.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ffeGDtQ.jpg)
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Very cool! A campaign is really the ultimate way of wargaming I think - each battle matters and is therefore way more immersive.
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The attention to detail in your game reports and campaign material is remarkable.
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Very nice setup, is this an alternate reality 'game of thrones meets the old world' where the comet falls instead of flying by and the locals hunt for warpstone in the aftermath?
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Very nice setup, is this an alternate reality 'game of thrones meets the old world' where the comet falls instead of flying by and the locals hunt for warpstone in the aftermath?
The artistry definitely gives a GoT vibe :)
Apologies if it’s a stupid question - the map has six “major territories” - is there a reason that five are evenly located and spread, but one is slightly indented from the others? Ie is Jarnrgrad Deep a spawn point for the Orcs, while the others are starting locations for the “forces of good”?
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The attention to detail in your game reports and campaign material is remarkable.
Cheers boss. Hope you continue to enjoy :)
Very cool! A campaign is really the ultimate way of wargaming I think - each battle matters and is therefore way more immersive.
Totally agreed. Hoping it goes down well in early Aug!
Very nice setup, is this an alternate reality 'game of thrones meets the old world' where the comet falls instead of flying by and the locals hunt for warpstone in the aftermath?
Ha! The comet is more of a reference to an old Bungie game called Myth: The Fallen Lords. All this stuff exists in a world I was nerdy enough to create myself. No GoT or Warhammer here :)
The artistry definitely gives a GoT vibe :)
Apologies if it’s a stupid question - the map has six “major territories” - is there a reason that five are evenly located and spread, but one is slightly indented from the others? Ie is Jarnrgrad Deep a spawn point for the Orcs, while the others are starting locations for the “forces of good”?
Good question. The campaign is for a rather new crowd of Kings of War players, with two exceptions (myself and one of the other players). I'm handicapped by the ruleset (can't claim any territories until turn 2 and I always go last). Everyone starts around the outer edge of the campaign map, and the player who will be closest to Jarnrgrad Deep is the most experienced of the other 5 players. I wanted him to have a slight handicap so the others know they have a chance going in.
In theory, anyway. We'll see how it plays out in reality :)
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I look forward to seeing it! I've never quite managed to get any locals get along with the idea of a narrative to the wargaming.
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Little bit of progress on something for which I lay sole and entire blame upon Akula. Let it be known.
:D
(https://i.imgur.com/cj5GQ7M.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uuXMSzT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NyAXc8E.jpg)
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(also, if you haven't already, do yourself a favour and watch the War Wolf scene from Outlaw King...) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wx8X0yDD38
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Little bit of progress on something for which I lay sole and entire blame upon Akula. Let it be known.
Guilty as charged .... of course, you know that a pair of trebuchets would look even better.... ;) :D
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Is that a 3D print?
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Is that a 3D print?
Yep! not mine though - bought it from Iron Gate Scenery.
Guilty as charged .... of course, you know that a pair of trebuchets would look even better.... ;) :D
Yeah, you know I'm going to have to get a second...and maybe a third. Damn you! ;)
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Yep! not mine though - bought it from Iron Gate Scenery.
Yeah, you know I'm going to have to get a second...and maybe a third. Damn you! ;)
If it makes you feel better, I’m thinking about adding a third to my siege train, as I’ve realised the GoT novel version of the Battle of Blackwater has a battery of 3 Trebuchets with a nickname I won’t repeat on here in case any kids are reading ;)
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Thanks. That's a nice looking trebuchet. Might have to get one.
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If it makes you feel better, I’m thinking about adding a third to my siege train, as I’ve realised the GoT novel version of the Battle of Blackwater has a battery of 3 Trebuchets with a nickname I won’t repeat on here in case any kids are reading ;)
Ace. Yeah, there's a saying 'every 2nd must be followed by a 3rd' - definitely applies to trebuchets :D
Some counters I've been working on to record campaign locations in the Winter War, and unit status effect in Kings of War. Art NOT mine - that credit goes to Paul of Overhype Studios, art designer for the game Battle Brothers. I'm really, really fond of his work - since it's got a similar aesthetic I thought it'd be a nice embellishment on the tabletop. More of these coming!
(https://i.imgur.com/XSpkrNB.jpg)
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A lovely set of counters and will certainly add to the feel of your games.
I like the Battle Brothers game and I suspect a lot of that has to do with all the great art work throughout.
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Very slick looking counters
8)
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Prepping for a siege game soon!
(https://i.imgur.com/1u3dk1O.jpg)
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Nice looking mantlets - more Iron Gate ?
:)
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Nice looking work. I love the battle brothers game too :)
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Nice looking mantlets - more Iron Gate ?
:)
You know it!
Messing around with some random stuff - a colour scheme for a small warband of knights to rival the Black Order. Also some 2D terrain for travel games (I normally hate 2D, but sometimes needs must...)
(https://i.imgur.com/j3zDZIb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OAWr2M1.jpg)
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Foot knights for the 'other' knightly order coming along. Still mulling over the fluff...
(https://i.imgur.com/2HAvo0h.jpg)
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Great, simple but distinctive look.
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Great, simple but distinctive look.
Exactly this. Great job.
Look forward to the fluff as always
:)
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Beautifully scruffy looking as usual :)
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Love the painting on those 8)
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I actually LIKE the 2D terrain you're doing, it gives the wargamer more options with game set up for one thing. Would be interested to read more about how you're coming up with these.
The rival knights look great! Puritans who refute the brotherhood's use of inhuman allies. Rebels against their tyrannical rule. Oath sworn to avenge the slaughter of the crossroads. Avengers of the last crumpet being eaten by the brotherhood...
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I actually LIKE the 2D terrain you're doing, it gives the wargamer more options with game set up for one thing. Would be interested to read more about how you're coming up with these.
The rival knights look great! Puritans who refute the brotherhood's use of inhuman allies. Rebels against their tyrannical rule. Oath sworn to avenge the slaughter of the crossroads. Avengers of the last crumpet being eaten by the brotherhood...
Right god botherer's of some Saint or Another. lol
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Been a bit of a sparse hobby period for me. Real life has been a Greek play in some respects. We're still playing through the Winter War campaign - nearing the end of it in fact - and I finally found time to take some staged pics.
This is the best, after a recent game in which the Black Order retook Ostvangr Keep, their watch-fortress in the south-west, after it fell to Ogre devilry and cunning. The Order returns home!
(https://i.imgur.com/hlzLKd8.jpg)
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Great scene!
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Wow...that photo is just :-*
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Wow...that photo is just :-*
What he said. +1!
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Again +1 :-*
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And again +1 :-*
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Looks great, very inspirational.
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That is phenomenal! Not sure why and how I missed this thread so far! O.O
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Very cool indeed!
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Cheers guys!
In between other things, working on some Vanguard cards for the Black Order. This is a mockup (and only shares Vanguard rules which are already available, publically and for free, on the Mantic website):
Any thoughts?
(https://i.imgur.com/vIPtI6K.png)
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Just out of interest...how many men are the black order able to muster?
Must be a few now...
Conservative estimate....129 figures in total?
Love your work
Cheers
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I have never used the Vanguard system so I have no practical insights. The card is nicely laid out.
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Just out of interest...how many men are the black order able to muster?
Must be a few now...
Conservative estimate....129 figures in total?
Love your work
Cheers
Great question. Don't know if I should include the 'early' Black Order when they were mostly Fireforge miniatures with only a couple Perry bits thrown in, and largely Western European in appearance. If so easily 150 or so. If I limit myself to the 'late' Black Order, where Frostgrave/fantasy Fireforge is more prevalent, probably more like 75-90.
I really must throw together some fluff soon for this new knightly order - I haven't really come up with much except that they're an analogue for western European forces in a world where the Black Order is more northern European/Slavic in nature. Completed their leader over the weekend.
(https://i.imgur.com/xuyELpa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0hyyxYM.jpg)
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Great stuff mate... you really set a high standard for me to aspire to!
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Cheers Rick :)
another completion - working on some interchangeable bases to run my Deepwood Crone-Witches as either Magi or Magus Conclaves in Kings of War. Idea is they can slot in and out of the 50mm bases, depending on which variant they are in-game, with the stones on the big base acting as power sources (not unlike places of power from The Witcher):
(https://i.imgur.com/9VjLZZy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9cgHzis.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eP13AjD.jpg)
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Very evocative, well done!
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Lovely additions...the miniatures themselves are full of character and I always love your bases
8)
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Sweet :)
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Your photos of the miniatures standing in front of a backdrop are very average........everthing else is ABSOLUTLY BLOODY FANTASTIC! :D
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Cheers chaps :)
Following up from the Vanguard cards a page or two back... We're launching a Vanguard campaign in my gaming group. Here's the first little blurb, with a report from the Orc player I fought:
(https://i.imgur.com/duoA0QE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HlYOC7t.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/7nW0xG4.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/7Fc8zVK.jpg)
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Finished up some terrain for the campaign!
(https://i.imgur.com/q7fvQwZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gPBThn5.jpg)
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Excellent
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Fantastic,that runestone is excellent :-*
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Cheers chaps :)
Big update! First, here's another bit of terrain - I needed a ruined statuary on a 50mm base for both Kings of War and Vanguard, and this seemed to work.
Second, we had so much fun in our second game of the Vanguard campaign I had to do the write-up straight away. I might start a separate thread for this - not sure yet.
(https://i.imgur.com/idTJfTM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KFzDaW2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cxJnwIk.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/pGAAOdi.png)
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Couple shots of the Black Order's warband:
(https://i.imgur.com/hMyiBG0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zKHhhmI.jpg)
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I love this. Great dynamic poses.
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Cheers :)
Nothing new yet - real life has made it hard to get much painting time. Threw together a staged photo for the cover of a Rangers of Shadow Deep report though:
(https://i.imgur.com/zM8Iust.jpg)
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Keep up the great posts!
By far one of my favourite threads on Lead Adventure forums :D
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Keep up the great posts!
By far one of my favourite threads on Lead Adventure forums :D
Couldn’t agree more with this sentiment :)
Love the new bits of scenery.
Apologies, I’m sure you’ve answered this before, but I couldn’t find the answer...what software do you use to create the maps etc?
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There's so much awesome here. This is exactly why I enjoy this hobby.
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Cool new progresses! Do keep them coming!!
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Great stuff!
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Just read through 35 pages of absolutely fantastic and awesome stuff! Hats off, Sir! :-* :o :-*
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8) fab pix!!!
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I echo the other posters' comments - what an amazing thread! I particularly like the Deepwood tree monsters, but I love the way everything on here fits together so well, the style ties it all together so it is clear it all inhabits the same (dark) world. I also think it is great that all these fantastic figures are clearly getting plenty of game time!
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Thanks chaps! Sadly not much game time right now as it's back to semi-lockdown for us.
Plan is to use the time ahead (who knows - weeks, months, half a year or more?) to just go through the backlog and get lots of painting done. Expect lots of random completions! For now here's some new terrain - this will see use in KoW, Vanguard, RoSD, Frostgrave etc.
(https://i.imgur.com/0C8FEdZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sAj5Z9H.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vWZ24Dz.jpg)
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Beautiful terrain....simple, yet so effective.
8)
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Couldn’t agree more with this sentiment :)
Love the new bits of scenery.
Apologies, I’m sure you’ve answered this before, but I couldn’t find the answer...what software do you use to create the maps etc?
Thank you both! Really appreciate it chaps. :)
Akula - the maps are made with Inkarnate. (www.inkarnate.com). I do use the yearly paid version but get my money's worth out of it (or do when we're not under lockdown...). However, the free version is plenty good enough. Give it a try, I'd love to see what you come up with - it's really intuitive.
Another completion tonight: a mounted version of the Black Order's standard bearer.
(https://i.imgur.com/4nQ1VcH.jpg)
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Thanks the link, I’ll be sure to have a good look at it.
Re:your new addition, the foot version was pretty intimidating, but he looks even meaner without the helm - a fan as always of your brushwork and choice of palette.
:)
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Cheers mate. Looking forward to busting him out in games again soon! Just wish this damned Embuggerance would go away...
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Hello,
Impressed by this excellent project !!!!
Nikkobourges
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Love the new updates 8)
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Cheers guys :)
Couple WIPs, and a completion! First is the elephant in the room, for whom I have none other than our own AKULA to thank/blame - I bought my first Iron Gate Scenery trebuchet some months ago and today finished it. And the verdict?
I'm going to need at least two more. Thanks for nothing, Akula... ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/9jCRSfK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0fi5I8v.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rKpR3p3.jpg)
In other news, I've started on a third Deepwood Witch. These girls ritually rip out their own eyes upon initiation into their cult and practice scarification of the flesh - so I figured a witch holding a role similar to a Master of Ceremonies would actually cover most of her flesh with furs, robes and leathers. So far, I'm pretty pleased with her; this is my first time using the texture plates from Green Stuff World and I'm really enjoying them.
(https://i.imgur.com/mrYt5Rd.jpg)
I also tried my hand at press moulding using ooyumaru. This failed, but I think I can use the helmet on a casualty who's had his brains scattered:
(https://i.imgur.com/ilhJx2M.jpg)
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First is the elephant in the room, for whom I have none other than our own AKULA to thank/blame - I bought my first Iron Gate Scenery trebuchet some months ago and today finished it. And the verdict?
I'm going to need at least two more. Thanks for nothing, Akula... ;)
Sorry mate lol
Love the paint job, and the base really suits it...it’s a beast of a model.
Nice work on the witch as well...I must check out those texture plates...funnily enough, was on their website this week, but I sense another visit in the near future
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That trebuchet is a serious bit if kit! It looks great and that witch is already extremely sinister.
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Sorry mate lol
Love the paint job, and the base really suits it...it’s a beast of a model.
Nice work on the witch as well...I must check out those texture plates...funnily enough, was on their website this week, but I sense another visit in the near future
Cheers pal. I think another one will have to follow at some point.
The texture plates are easy to use *once you get the hang of them*. You do need to let the GS cure for an hour or so first, otherwise it just stretches and deforms when you pull it off the plate.
That trebuchet is a serious bit if kit! It looks great and that witch is already extremely sinister.
Cheers :)
Few more WIPs:
(https://i.imgur.com/RWSVAv7.jpg)
And here's where the witch is now:
(https://i.imgur.com/GY53BDh.jpg)
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I somehow missed the last update...tha witch is looking really sinister...can’t wait to see it painted.
I also really like the latest bunch of kitbashes... can I ask though where is the toros from on the one second from the left? It looks like the not-Lannister’s that FF designed, but I thought they hadn’t been released yet? :?
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More great stuff. Can't wait to see paint added. Where do you get your backdrops?
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Really nice builds. Are those some fireforge undead bodies on two of the warriors?
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Nice work on those conversions.
I have to echo the questions on the figure source.
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I somehow missed the last update...tha witch is looking really sinister...can’t wait to see it painted.
I also really like the latest bunch of kitbashes... can I ask though where is the toros from on the one second from the left? It looks like the not-Lannister’s that FF designed, but I thought they hadn’t been released yet? :?
Thanks mate. Glad you like em! You're bang on, it's from the Living Dead Soldiers kit from Fireforge. They're surprisingly easy to turn into battle-worn living bodies - just gotta reposition the feet and cover up one or two wounds with a little putty.
More great stuff. Can't wait to see paint added. Where do you get your backdrops?
Cheers beefcake - they're mostly from across the webs, Google searches etc. I try to give credit where I can find it which isn't often - if someone does recognise one of the backdrops please let me know.
Really nice builds. Are those some fireforge undead bodies on two of the warriors?
Cheers mate, yep they are! Just ordered a box more of them for that reason...
Nice work on those conversions.
I have to echo the questions on the figure source.
Thanks! :) As above - Fireforge Living Dead.
Couple more additions...
Finished some bespoke status effect tokens, with activation markers for my two main warbands (knights/undead). I'm making these for Vanguard, but quite keen to do some special Rangers of Shadow Deep-only tokens, and as Rangers is such a 'visual' game it's nice to have the added bespoke quality. Plus I think these three (activated, wounded, fatigued, braced) could be used in RoSD for existing effects?
Check out Scruffy Crow's series on Oathmark tokens if you want to learn how to make similar counters - he did a fantastic tutorial on Youtube that gave me a lot of inspiration.
(https://i.imgur.com/v91SpPk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7c2iByU.jpg)
And now for something completely different...
(https://i.imgur.com/u04fmod.jpg)
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That is different - though just as nicely painted. Is the game map about to expand in a more temperate southerly direction?
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That is different - though just as nicely painted. Is the game map about to expand in a more temperate southerly direction?
Possibly, still figuring out where I want it to go! Definitely a Vanguard warband for now, and maybe 'just' that but we'll see.
Finished the counters - full credit for the artwork goes to Paul of Overhype Studios (Battle Brothers fame), who created these as status effect icons in the titular game:
(https://i.imgur.com/78xBwmp.jpg)
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You are such a gifted artist, in so many different aspects of the hobby. You really should have your own game company.
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The counters look really smart, and I like the new faction - nice use of the new Frostgrave bodies
:)
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Cheers chaps. I currently help make rules for the Mantic Rules Committee on Vanguard, which might be a step in that direction I guess...we'll see.
Another quick completion - a reskin of the Mantic Ice Elemental for sandier climes! Inspired by the Battle Brothers game, I thought my middle Eastern warband could benefit from supernatural aid in the form of an Ifrit, a sand demon.
(https://i.imgur.com/AOguBYh.jpg)
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And the finished warband!
(https://i.imgur.com/2d6eTDe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mhruGsc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jFkSAt4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uaClz0O.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RK4hov9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/u1LMv26.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9J9mk8L.jpg)
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Jolly Nice!
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Excellent 8)
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Brilliant work, yet again! Thanks for the continuing inspiration mate.
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A great looking bunch of figures as always
8)
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Love them! Especially the vizier
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They look great! Looking forward to seeing you come up with more desert-dwellers.
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Cheers chaps. :)
Finished off a bit of terrain for colder climes:
(https://i.imgur.com/nL09YsU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/umYw0pm.jpg)
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Very nice! After your other works, this is the expected quality...
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Brilliant piece! Chilling!
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That's really good. Great water, it has a real brackish look about it.
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Stunning! I'm getting cold just looking at it!
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Love it ... very atmospheric ... the end effect is ... chilling
8)
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Stunning work :o
Did you scratch-build the tree?
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Well cool.
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Thanks a lot, guys :)
@ Akula: Awful. lol
@ Thew: No, it's from Woodland Scenics! Their tree armature pack works really well as autumn/winter trees :) You can bend and repose the trees to your heart's desire, it's a great kit.
I am, for no good reason, doing a full new model for Knight-Captain Tyr, the commander of the Black Order force I'm working on. I have no idea why. It's literally a repose using the exact same parts. Lockdown getting to me?
(https://i.imgur.com/TPGWxb8.jpg)
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He’s is a great miniature,worthwhile doing again :)
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Sometimes one just wants to build, right? Great take on Tyr, I think I like it a bit more than the first.
I just went through the whole thread and it is such an inspiration. Well done once more!
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Fantastic work on the frozen pond. A cold and lonely resting place for sure.
One Knight Captain for magic use and the other for pure fighting? :)
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He’s is a great miniature,worthwhile doing again :)
Cheers :)
Sometimes one just wants to build, right? Great take on Tyr, I think I like it a bit more than the first.
I just went through the whole thread and it is such an inspiration. Well done once more!
Yeah I guess so. I figured I have tons of bits lying around, may as well use them. Curious if (like me) you prefer the helmeted option more? Seems to be a better scale than the GW guardsman head.
Fantastic work on the frozen pond. A cold and lonely resting place for sure.
One Knight Captain for magic use and the other for pure fighting? :)
Thanks fella :) Yes I think it's going to end up a bit like a Magic the Gathering alt card haha.
Helmeted version of Tyr:
(https://i.imgur.com/xEGSYWp.jpg)
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Very nice. I like them both, but the helmet certainly makes this version a little more visually distinct from the other.
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Very nice. I like them both, but the helmet certainly makes this version a little more visually distinct from the other.
Yeah. I figured there ought to be SOME difference at least.
Added some interest to the base - think this is it before the undercoat now.
(https://i.imgur.com/qfcsGdb.jpg)
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If I may express my opinion, I like the helmeted version a bit better, but both are very nice.
And the base... The base is amazing!
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If I may express my opinion, I like the helmeted version a bit better, but both are very nice.
And the base... The base is amazing!
Cheers fella! I'm really warming to the helmeted version too. It photographs a lot better and I feel the pose came out really close to what I originally had in mind.
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I like the pose you have created.
The body in the puddle looks great.
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Amazing work as always. I like the new figure, and I say never fight the muse.
The helmeted version is my preference.
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Cheers chaps. Really appreciate it. :)
In case you're missing gaming as much as I am this holiday season, you could do worse than checking out Frostgrave's darker cousin Rangers of Shadow Deep for some solo or co-op gaming. I thought the below might be of inspiration to people who can't get Frostgrave action at the minute but still want to play.
We played through Rangers' introductory scenario earlier this year (whilst in lockdown, ha) and had an absolute blast. It's got a lot of the same mechanics but is well tailored to smaller numbers of models and is a good way to get non-gamer relatives/friends into tabletop stuff if they've expressed interest.
The below is a recently re-edited narrative report of my Black Order warband's (mis)adventures in the first two scenarios of Rangers, with re-skinned names and a slightly boosted 'power level' for both the heroes and villains. Bit lengthy but might be of interest to some - as said elsewhere, I've found the Frostgrave/Rangers 'family' a constant source of inspiration during lockdown so hopefully this inspires others in turn.
Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas 🙂
(https://i.imgur.com/N4RvIdY.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/iEXF0hd.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/7RKfaRb.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ki5SJ6W.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Nycv1ix.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ilDhZuj.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/0DxDoya.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/JsF4KLn.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/bomJoL7.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/BGGysiS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pLnJ82j.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/tF0O94R.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/M8aryZx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/S8gvi2q.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/JLvBb0b.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/IWLmwyZ.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Vz2HbIR.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Br0awJw.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/z28TDhf.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/HFcZhTj.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/p3tIGC7.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ExM1P5L.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/dhzSwzC.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/MWGgxrc.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/5Jr04tV.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/BVclsHN.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/PI9HfOA.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/oOk2A6Z.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ve0UO2A.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/KJvwBMl.png)
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Awesome!
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That is an exceptional campaign report! I’ve followed the thread from the beginning and enjoyed seeing each of the models and units as they were completed- seeing them in use in these AARs is inspiring.
I have no idea what you’ll add next, but I’m certain it will be brilliant!
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Terrific update on a marvelous project :-*
Can I ask you about the gaming mat you used in the recent pictures,who is the manufacturer please?
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Stunning work as always mate, very enjoyable to read...always a challenge with any fantasy background given there are so many well-known “worlds” but you really carry it off.
:)
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I am really enjoying these battle reports - superbly done. The miniatures, scenery and overall aesthetic are amazing - great work
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outstanding!! :-* :-*
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Thanks a bunch all - really appreciate it :) It is definitely a labour of love so glad it's of interest.
Terrific update on a marvelous project :-*
Can I ask you about the gaming mat you used in the recent pictures,who is the manufacturer please?
That's from Playmats.eu :) Little harder to get hold of if you're in the UK, with the current situation, but they're very good (and they do two-sided mats which are fantastic).
Working on a couple more knights for the Order's vanguard:
(https://i.imgur.com/kb0yjJw.jpg)
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Very nice as always. Really like the use of the living dead bodies to give a variety of armour styles.
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Lovely additions..not sure I recognise the parts for the one second from the left though? :?
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Nice work.
The bases are making me feel cold.
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Thanks for the reply on the mat👍
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Very nice again! What kind of model is the shielded one? The armor in unknown to me.
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What kind of model is the shielded one? The armor in unknown to me.
It looks like a Fireforge Living Dead Warrior.
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Cheers guys!
Lovely additions..not sure I recognise the parts for the one second from the left though? :?
Living Dead Warrior body, Perry WOTR knight head, Perry English Agincourt foot knight arms, and the usual sculpted fur etc. Cheers fella!
Very nice again! What kind of model is the shielded one? The armor in unknown to me.
Ultravanillasmurf is absolutely right, it's a Fireforge Living Dead warrior with Perry arms :)
Something a bit new and creepy! Remember the witches I was working on? Their coven leader is finished. More pics to come.
(https://i.imgur.com/jigJJ5Q.jpg)
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I love that the antlers rhyme with the base!
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Love the colour palette and execution. Great work.
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That is a tip top creation :-*
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Super creepy.
As beefcake said, great choice of palette :)
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The coven leader is just perfect :-*.
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Excellent construction and painting.
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Great battle reports with a really interesting format. Put that together with fantastic figures, great terrain and an alternate milieu and you've come up with something really original.
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I love that the antlers rhyme with the base!
Thanks! Unintentional, but it works :)
Love the colour palette and execution. Great work.
Cheers fella. Took me a while to figure out what I wanted colours-wise, hope it works.
That is a tip top creation :-*
Thanks a lot!
Super creepy.
As beefcake said, great choice of palette :)
Cheers mate - wasn't sure on the palette so glad to hear.
The coven leader is just perfect :-*.
Thanks!
Excellent construction and painting.
Cheers mate!
Great battle reports with a really interesting format. Put that together with fantastic figures, great terrain and an alternate milieu and you've come up with something really original.
Thanks a bunch. Yeah, it's a little more involved than the majority of hobbyists but I'm really enjoying it so far - looking forward to doing more reports for other systems too.
Couple more knights ready for paint, and messing around with a new lightbox and terrain:
(https://i.imgur.com/8JSDLqj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/D0yJqRO.jpg)
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Love the models, and that scene is great. Really creepy vibe.
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Love the models, and that scene is great. Really creepy vibe.
Cheers mate.
Was lucky enough to pick up a new lightbox over Xmas, and have been spending some time getting acquainted with it as well as finally figuring out manual settings on my phone camera. Snapping some pics of old completions that barely fit in the old lightbox is a bit cheeky but fun - here's the first, the archer levy of Yolwood:
(https://i.imgur.com/VubUiln.jpg)
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Great additions 8)
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Great looking unit.
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Amazing (too)!
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Nice archers.
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Snapping some pics of old completions that barely fit in the old lightbox is a bit cheeky but fun - here's the first, the archer levy of Yolwood
Nothing cheeky about it, always good to see decent photos of really well-painted figures, otherwise what is the point? :D
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Anything that helps us see more of your amazing work is welcome.
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Thanks gents :)
First completion of 2021! A regiment of twelve Inner Chamber knights acting as bodyguards to the Black Order's marshals, taking to the field wherever the fighting will be heaviest. Spent some extra time trying to make each knight look individual.
(https://i.imgur.com/tgZHVKD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nPPgnz7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IkD77Sx.jpg)
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Im in love with the weathered shield!
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Im in love with the weathered shield!
Yes, it’s very good :-* Is that ‘the salt method’, or just cunning stippling? :)
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Another great looking unit, and yes...that weathered shield is :-*
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You just keep going from strength to strength, great work!
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Stunning work! Hope to see the Inner Chamber in a battle report soon!
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Beautiful :- And you took these photos with your phone,amazing work :)
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They are amazing.
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Thanks a bunch chaps, really appreciate it :)
Blackwolf - yep, phone camera for now, I found that switching it to 'manual' and playing around with the settings actually results in better pics, oddly.
Yes, it’s very good :-* Is that ‘the salt method’, or just cunning stippling? :)
It's just stippling/sponge weathering! The salt method is brilliant but was a bit too time-intensive for my purposes. I'm going to do a tutorial on the weathering I use fairly soon if interested.
I've been missing gaming a LOT this lockdown - so I've been looking at other gaming systems (as one does) and discovered Oathmark. After some to-ing and fro-ing I decided I'd try it out and bought both the rulebook and the Oathbreakers supplement.
Have to give props to Mr. McCullough, as I got the kind of excitement rush I haven't had since I opened up the WHFB rulebook and paged through as an eager 10 year old. It's a really nicely laid out set of rules, and the kingdom-building and campaign rules look fantastic. Mechanically, it isn't as streamlined or as wonderfully balanced as Kings of War, but it looks like it'll suit me perfectly for when I don't want to run a huge mass battle (KoW) or a small commando raid (Vanguard). It feels like a really good system for 1000pt games (sort of the six-seven units a side kind of level).
Anyway, it got me enthused enough I started messing around with a map straight away. I wanted to portray a distant province of the Black Order's military domain, a region conquered within the past generation and seeing cultural dynamics shift - so I figured leaving the original, indigenous old Norse place-names for geographical features and areas but adding new, Slavic names for settlements seemed a good way to portray that.
Without further ado:
(https://i.imgur.com/HaNRhJI.jpg)
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Lovely. As I said, building Kingdoms and the campaign-style play is my favourite part of Oathmark. It's so easy to get something evocative like this map from the game.
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Beautiful artwork, as always! I had a similar rush when I read through Oathmark, it was immediately a game I wanted to start playing. Developing kingdoms and painting figures with Oathmark in mind has become my main hobby focus since early summer.
I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with using Oathmark- your work based on KoW and Vanguard has been exceptional!
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It's just stippling/sponge weathering! The salt method is brilliant but was a bit too time-intensive for my purposes. I'm going to do a tutorial on the weathering I use fairly soon if interested.
Count me among the interested. :D I must confess I didn't have much interest in Oathmark but the more I keep hearing about it, the more it seems I owe it a look-see. :)
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Count me among the interested. :D I must confess I didn't have much interest in Oathmark but the more I keep hearing about it, the more it seems I owe it a look-see. :)
Me too!
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This thread is so inspiring - so much eye candy on here. I really like the map too - what software did you use to create it?
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Nice map.
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Thanks chaps. Must say, being able to engage with fellow hobbyists here and on social media is keeping the hobby alive for me at the minute. Really helps to see other people's works and get inspired in turn.
This thread is so inspiring - so much eye candy on here. I really like the map too - what software did you use to create it?
Inkarnate! It's a free piece of software with a paid version that's not necessary unless you want to get really into it. www.inkarnate.com , I think. I do use the paid version but I got a yearly subscription, and it's covered me for a huge range of games. Plus it's just satisfying making maps, oddly.
Next completion. I had a 'redux' in mind for the knight-captain leading the Black Order, and thought I'd experiment with some different approaches to metals for this guy. Enter Ludovic Tyr (reposed and re-themed):
(https://i.imgur.com/tGVixj7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OPJ51gG.jpg)
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Absolutely amazing! The red book is a very nice gimmick!
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Absolutely amazing! The red book is a very nice gimmick!
Agreed, that little detail of the book really sets off the miniature as something extra-special.
And, thanks for the link to the map software.
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He looks absolutely excellent. You do battle-worn and weathered so well.
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Ludovic looks the part.
I’m always impressed by the weathering on your armour
:)
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Very nice.
That book provides a splash of colour.
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He’s great. Lovely finish. Getting almost Blasphemia Blackwood like :-*
I recognise the head and the arms. Is that an Oathmark human body? I can’t place it from my vast stack of plastic sprues :)
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Thanks a bunch, all :)
He’s great. Lovely finish. Getting almost Blasphemia Blackwood like :-*
I recognise the head and the arms. Is that an Oathmark human body? I can’t place it from my vast stack of plastic sprues :)
That's phenomenal praise - am a big fan of Ana's work so take that as a mighty compliment, cheers Cap. The body is from Fireforge's Living Dead Warriors kit. They're a fair bit bigger than Perry bodies, just FYI.
Now, I've been inspired by Ogrob and a few others to try out Oathmark, as mentioned previously. Kings of War is a great game, but I miss a slightly more flavourful, lore-driven approach to gaming, and Oathmark seems to fit the ticket. With lockdown prohibiting games in the immediate future, I might be able to get a game in vs the better half at some point.
With that in mind I'm doing my usual narrative framework for everything. Do the following lists look balanced to you guys?
__________________
(https://i.imgur.com/h15toGX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yOOmvyr.png)
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More flavourful, lore-driven games are exactly what your awesome collection deserves. It's always been clear that you are very much a narrative-driven player (hence my being a big fan :D), and it's cool that Oathmark is able to bring that out more on the table. The map is really great, too. You're a man of many talents!
Have you considered remote gaming over Discord/Skype etc? If you've got a willing opponent it's quite doable. Even more so with a game that sees you activating whole units as it's easier to tell what's what over the camera. It just requires you to do all the moving of the figures. Your remote opponent can roll their dice etc - on camera if you don't trust them lol
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Very cool! Looking forward to seeing your campaign progress and your thoughts on the game.
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Im very curios, how it will progress!
I think, that 10 skeletal archer wont do anything... They are too weak, if you want archers for the undead, then make it at least 15, or even 20 to work (rank bonus helps a lot), and then a bit less skeleton soldiers. The level 1 nacromancer is also pretty weak, it can have a lot of casting fails.
And you have a lot of archers in the human army, but the damage from archers to the undead troops is halved, so they wont have that big influence on the battle, as their point value suggests. I would take 1 archer group (to have a ranged unit), and maybe take a spellcaster instead of the other one (as a priest or something, to fit better to your lore).
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Almost forgot, lone charatcers dont really work in Oathmark (unless they are spellcasters), so your knight-captain should be a part of a unit.
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Sorry, playing catch-up here... i'm in love with the inner chamber knights!
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More flavourful, lore-driven games are exactly what your awesome collection deserves. It's always been clear that you are very much a narrative-driven player (hence my being a big fan :D), and it's cool that Oathmark is able to bring that out more on the table. The map is really great, too. You're a man of many talents!
Have you considered remote gaming over Discord/Skype etc? If you've got a willing opponent it's quite doable. Even more so with a game that sees you activating whole units as it's easier to tell what's what over the camera. It just requires you to do all the moving of the figures. Your remote opponent can roll their dice etc - on camera if you don't trust them lol
Thanks mate - long time no see btw, thanks for commenting :)
I am more of a narrative gamer than I realised. I did a lot of Kings of War tournaments in 2019-20 and increasingly found that at the top tables it gets a bit gamey. I enjoy the challenge of a competitive game, but unfortunately wargaming is an imperfect outlet for competitive drive, in my humble opinion. So yes, having much more fun just treating it as a narrative hobby first. :)
Never considered or thought of online/distanced gaming. Very interesting. I suppose it's more fun for the player who has all the models on their end though. Have you tried it?
Very cool! Looking forward to seeing your campaign progress and your thoughts on the game.
Coming soon! :D (I hope)
Almost forgot, lone charatcers dont really work in Oathmark (unless they are spellcasters), so your knight-captain should be a part of a unit.
Thanks for both comments - I hadn't read the rules closely enough so completely missed that about archer damage to the undead! Great point. And yep, the plan currently is for all characters to be in units.
Sorry, playing catch-up here... i'm in love with the inner chamber knights!
Cheers mate! I've never managed to work out whether the two Gibby's are somehow interconnected...and here you are both at the same time :)
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Thanks mate - long time no see btw, thanks for commenting :)
I am more of a narrative gamer than I realised. I did a lot of Kings of War tournaments in 2019-20 and increasingly found that at the top tables it gets a bit gamey. I enjoy the challenge of a competitive game, but unfortunately wargaming is an imperfect outlet for competitive drive, in my humble opinion. So yes, having much more fun just treating it as a narrative hobby first. :)
Never considered or thought of online/distanced gaming. Very interesting. I suppose it's more fun for the player who has all the models on their end though. Have you tried it?
Completely agree with you regarding wargaming being an imperfect outlet for competitive drive. It's a whole topic of its own, but often skill takes a second place to gamesmanship/listbuilding/meta-related rubbish that tends to spoil the spirit of any game. As for remote gaming - I have tried it, not yet as host (I still own no webcam) but it works surprisingly well. Too Fat Lardies recently did a video about doing it on their YouTube channel, among others who have shared tips etc.
I've never managed to work out whether the two Gibby's are somehow interconnected...and here you are both at the same time :)
lol we are totally separate Gibbys, from totally separate kingdoms. I like other Gibby though, he redeems the name. :D
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Completely agree with the above! Gibby comes from an old basketball coach of mine... my last name is Gibson, so his name for me was Gibby from day 1... it stuck after that. All you need to know is that both Gibby's love what you are doing and want to see more!
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Completely agree with the above! Gibby comes from an old basketball coach of mine... my last name is Gibson, so his name for me was Gibby from day 1... it stuck after that. All you need to know is that both Gibby's love what you are doing and want to see more!
Fellow Gibson! I figured that'd be the case. I was called Gibby by a friend in junior school, which also stuck. Even teachers called me it.
And yes, big fans of this thread we are!
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looking forward to the battle reports for this campaign
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Completely agree with the above! Gibby comes from an old basketball coach of mine... my last name is Gibson, so his name for me was Gibby from day 1... it stuck after that. All you need to know is that both Gibby's love what you are doing and want to see more!
Fellow Gibson! I figured that'd be the case. I was called Gibby by a friend in junior school, which also stuck. Even teachers called me it.
And yes, big fans of this thread we are!
Hmmm... I smell a Gibsonian hive mind ;) What's the plural noun? lol
Just thought I'd share this, as there are a lot of kitbashers and converters on this thread, might be of interest to some:
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In case people are curious about Fireforge's Spanish infantry, because I've yet to see a single person, anywhere, post pictures of them - a quick review.
(https://i.imgur.com/yZTFUeo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/n695Vcp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3uWRAT3.jpg)
For 24£ you get 12 models. This is a pretty hefty whack for what are essentially 'Forgotten World' scale versions of the Templar and Teutonic infantry, albeit with some armour and clothing variants you can't find in those kits.
Box - nothing special, just a white box with the Fireforge logo and a pic of the model renders. Doesn't really matter to me but it doesn't have the incredible production values of Fireforge's historical medieval line with the amazing box artwork.
Inside the box - you get a bunch of resin sprues identical to the style used in the Forgotten World release, and a handful of plastic spears and Renedra square bases. They're generous with the spears at least.
Quality - mostly good. The Forgotten World resin release were marred by some pretty poor quality casts with 'laddering' apparent on smooth flowing textures like cloaks, capes etc. That happily doesn't seem to be the case here, although unhappily, three of the heads have come out as pretty poor miscasts with the entire bottom half of the face missing (see third pic, heads #2, #8 and #9). Doesn't stop me, as I've got a huge bits box, but if you were buying the kit as a newcomer it'd be frustrating.
I can't speak for historicity and general period accuracy as I never studied medieval Spanish history. But these guys could cover a wide range of roles, especially in a low-fantasy army.
Other things: It'd be nice to see some more variation in the weapons - sword arms are pretty samey, and a bit bendy (inevitable with resin). The resin used is the same type as the Forgotten World minis, so it's very soft and bendy in general.
Would I recommend the kit? Not sure. If this was priced like Fireforge's other kits, it'd be an instant yes. For £2 per model, any flaws or miscasts feel really noticeable.
I'll post up some more pictures of these guys in due course - they're going to be fairly heavily kitbashed, but hopefully this helps anyone out who was on the fence about them.
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Thanks for the review of the Spanish infantry. Very disappointing result in my opinion.
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Thank you! I see some interesting legs especially, but the arms are underwhelming. Fireforge can be such a mixed bag, some parts are great and others just a little lacking.
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Thank you for taking the time to post a detailed review - I must confess my finger has hovered over the “add to basket” button several times but no longer
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Finished off some Oathmark movement trays over the weekend, and yesterday some custom nameplates from Versatile Terrain arrived! The first of many. Got 4 each for my Black Order and The Dark projects, with more to come for characters if I get on well with them. Any thoughts?
(https://i.imgur.com/GGU6y1w.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GgM41My.jpg)
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Very classy looking nameplates. Brilliant for long term display.
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In case nerdery of the highest order isn't already apparent throughout this thread, I went and made custom unit cards for my units in Oathmark...
To be honest, I really just wanted an excuse to mess around with more flavour texts!
(In the interests of legality, I've removed unit stat numbers from the cards but will add them for ones I print off for personal use)
(https://i.imgur.com/kd371yg.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/mv6p8cz.png)
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Lovely. You seem to be enjoying the prep for Oathmark at the very least, hope you end up enjoying the rules as well.
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Lovely. You seem to be enjoying the prep for Oathmark at the very least, hope you end up enjoying the rules as well.
Cheers mate. I am definitely going a bit over the top on the preparation front, I think that's what lockdown is doing to me - all that desire for gaming and no place to go, ha!
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Love the nameplates :-*
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I just bought the Rulebook last week... I've heard mixed reviews and I've never played a rank and file before, but im addicted to rulebooks and love to try out systems... will also like to hear your thoughts on how it plays... the nameplates are an awesome addition!
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I just bought the Rulebook last week... I've heard mixed reviews and I've never played a rank and file before, but im addicted to rulebooks and love to try out systems... will also like to hear your thoughts on how it plays... the nameplates are an awesome addition!
Where did you heard mixed reviews? I only found good about it, and everybody from who I know, who played it, liked it. Would really interest me, what are the negative thoughts about the game.
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Where did you heard mixed reviews? I only found good about it, and everybody from who I know, who played it, liked it. Would really interest me, what are the negative thoughts about the game.
The reviews that I read that were not so much negative, but passive about the game were people saying that they couldn't get into the lore because it didn't make sense that you can play any faction mixed with other factions causing a giant "casserole" of armies on the table... That and they said some of the army lists were too similar and didn't offer enough options. I've not played it yet so I can't judge... and obviously this didn't sway me away as I bought it. I actually like combining factions, but i'll probably keep historically bad guys with bad guys and so on... I've not read anything bad at all about the actual mechanisms of movement or combat. Again, I'm excited to dig in.
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The reviews that I read that were not so much negative, but passive about the game were people saying that they couldn't get into the lore because it didn't make sense that you can play any faction mixed with other factions causing a giant "casserole" of armies on the table... That and they said some of the army lists were too similar and didn't offer enough options. I've not played it yet so I can't judge... and obviously this didn't sway me away as I bought it. I actually like combining factions, but i'll probably keep historically bad guys with bad guys and so on... I've not read anything bad at all about the actual mechanisms of movement or combat. Again, I'm excited to dig in.
I would guess, that those people didnt play Oathmark at all... I dont really understand, how can mixing of armies be a problem. Its an option, not a must. The diversity of the armies can be a problem at first look, but with re-skinning units (orc=barbarian) most of these can be solved.
Please let us know, how you feel after the first game!
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There isn't really any lore but that probably is a conscious decision in order to make the game as flexible as possible. It isn't linked to any line of minis so a more robust lore would start to infer the type of models to use.
As well it has a fairly comprehensive campaign system that lets you build your own Kingdom and that would be limited by a background that was more specific.
It isn't a game with a lot of diverse factions. It is a game that lets you easily build narrative rich campaigns and games. You can build heroes a d distinct units and have fun with that.
That is where the focus of the game is. Letting you build your own fun
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There isn't really any lore but that probably is a conscious decision in order to make the game as flexible as possible. It isn't linked to any line of minis so a more robust lore would start to infer the type of models to use.
As well it has a fairly comprehensive campaign system that lets you build your own Kingdom and that would be limited by a background that was more specific.
It isn't a game with a lot of diverse factions. It is a game that lets you easily build narrative rich campaigns and games. You can build heroes a d distinct units and have fun with that.
That is where the focus of the game is. Letting you build your own fun
That is what sucked me in! I like very flexible systems.
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Hello,
In relation to Oathmark rules. I have been following the campaign presented by the War Corgi youtube channel. Watching these reports encouraged me to get the books and I learn the rules by watching them play.
Maybe it can provided insight if the rules are for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrSlfYPoYf4&list=PLTy6mEYZbw7KuSNiNriLc4xI6D8Dqi4lX (ftp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrSlfYPoYf4&list=PLTy6mEYZbw7KuSNiNriLc4xI6D8Dqi4lX)
Thanks
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Kitbashed a grizzled Guard Captain from the Fireforge Spanish, Russian and Templar kits.
(https://i.imgur.com/fk9wQpT.jpg)
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That’s a great kitbash, with an excellent paint job. He looks very natural!
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Super job. Your kitbashing and painting really makes the Fireforge components look good.
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A lovely piece of work. Your painting style really matches your figures to their environment.
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That Captain looks great.
They all look as if they have been on a long campaign.
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That’s a great kitbash, with an excellent paint job. He looks very natural!
Thanks! It was quite a mission reposing everything. Boiling water covered a multitude of sins.
Super job. Your kitbashing and painting really makes the Fireforge components look good.
Thanks a lot. Sadly I can't disagree with too many of your comments in the other review thread I posted. I really hope Fireforge improve going forwards, I'd love to support them more as a company.
A lovely piece of work. Your painting style really matches your figures to their environment.
Thanks a bunch! :)
That Captain looks great.
They all look as if they have been on a long campaign.
Cheers mate. Yep, that's me, gritty and mud everywhere lol
For those of you who were interested in the Fireforge Spanish Infantry review I posted recently, I've had the chance to assemble a few more of Maeldun's comrades:
(https://i.imgur.com/mkc7rJQ.jpg)
The legs and torsos in this kit are great, and actually a few of the heads are really good too. I had to repose the arms with hot water, but I would note that they've improved a lot on the chain mail in this kit over previous Fireforge iterations.
I still don't know if I'd buy another 12 at £24, but were Fireforge to consider dropping the price it could have its uses.
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The bodies do indeed look quite useful, well done. Are they took big to put Perry arms on do you think?
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The bodies do indeed look quite useful, well done. Are they took big to put Perry arms on do you think?
Cheers mate. I haven't actually tried yet - got some time free this weekend so I'll snap some pics.
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Haven't managed to dig out the Perry bits to compare on Fireforge Spanish bodies. Will do that soon.
I HAVE managed to start a retouch (remaster?) of my Black Order mounted knights. With a few stylistic changes in the past 12 months, I felt like they're no longer as good as they could be. So here goes. Step one: rip off all the hand-sculpted furs and replace with texture plate fur. So far so good I think, the texture plate stuff flows much better and has more natural volume. I've undercoated a couple of the furs in this pic but most of them are still drying.
(https://i.imgur.com/g3BUlUv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zhRdEcu.jpg)
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Great painting jobs mate, it’s a pleasure to my eyes ! What bases are you using ? Usually it seems 25mm square 3mm ones but sometimes they appears more 20mm. Never tried the official oathmark ones ?
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Great painting jobs mate, it’s a pleasure to my eyes ! What bases are you using ? Usually it seems 25mm square 3mm ones but sometimes they appears more 20mm. Never tried the official oathmark ones ?
That's right, they're a mix as they are/were originally based for Vanguard and Kings of War. Infantry on 20mm, heavy infantry on 25mm, cav on 25x50mm.
Something a little different:
(https://i.imgur.com/6kX0RXF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9NUTf22.jpg)
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Ooh! Those look like the TB Line knights (now from Pendraken) you have painted them very nicely indeed!
I’m not recognising the archers though, who are they by?
And what is driving this change of direction to 10mm (much as I like to see more 10mm)
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"Thy look so cute" I really meant scary, mean, and tough...yeah.
Well done
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“Dude, someone shrunk your knights”.
Seriously though, they look fantastic. Do you have a set of rules in mind to use them with? I expect you’ll be able to find lots of figures that will fit your setting.
Looking forward to updates!
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Great job on the little guys. 10mm is a great scale. I fell in love with it about15 years ago and have collected and painted up a few armies. It's a very adaptable scale as well. I've played both Warmaster and Dragon Rampant and expect they would work for KoW and Oathmark as well.
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Those 10mm figures look great, I like your addition of the dead trees, very atmospheric.
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Cheers chaps. Yeah, they should be a fun project...Although 10mm is a real pain to paint sometimes, especially when you've glued all the minis to the base before painting, ha.
Ooh! Those look like the TB Line knights (now from Pendraken) you have painted them very nicely indeed!
I’m not recognising the archers though, who are they by?
And what is driving this change of direction to 10mm (much as I like to see more 10mm)
Cheers! Archers are from TB as well, same line. I don't really know what prompted the dip into 10mm, except maybe just wanting to try my hand at something new.
“Dude, someone shrunk your knights”.
Seriously though, they look fantastic. Do you have a set of rules in mind to use them with? I expect you’ll be able to find lots of figures that will fit your setting.
Looking forward to updates!
Anything really! Warmaster is the obvious one, and I'd quite like to try it out. 10mm KoW has been mooted but I've already got a 28mm army or two for that, and I'm still looking forward to breaking into Oathmark...So probably Warmaster in the short term.
I finished the "redux" for the first half of the knight cav. Ended up completely stripping all the fur off and replacing with new texture plated stuff. Redid the metals, quilted armour and shields to add a bit more contrast as well. Should fit with the newer stuff now - contrasts, metals and furs all more in line with the infantry.
(https://i.imgur.com/el0Fw7O.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/z7YAnh8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UMGMeRs.jpg)
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Great looking cavalry. Your forces are looking better and better with each new arrival.
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The revamped knights look even better than before
8)
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FANTASTIC! Love the fur.
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I dont know how You do it, but You can always improve an already awesome look!
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I love your approach to modelling and painting!
Your work has an overall feeling about it. Please keep posting!
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Thanks lads. Much appreciated :)
Finished off the first few models from the Spanish Heavy Infantry box to serve as Chapterhouse Guard veterans. These guys tower over the historical Fireforge models, so I'll mostly be using them in Vanguard and Oathmark, I think.
(https://i.imgur.com/nyjFuH7.jpg)
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Outrider knights finished...finally! Resculpted alllll the fur pelts using Green Stuff World's texture plate, reworked the metals, swapped out some weapons which were either at risk of breaking or just didn't look good, and tried to improve contrast in a couple places.
Feels a bit cheeky posting a previously completed unit, but hopefully it's enough of an improvement to merit (even if admittedly it's probably mainly me who notices the difference). Anyway - next unit will be a brand new completion, I promise!
(https://i.imgur.com/1TjamrL.jpg)
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They look fantastic mate! You've done a great job with those spanish kitbashes too.
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Great work as always!
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These are brilliant.
I love the infantry in particular 👍🏻
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Cheers gents!
Slightly better pic of the cav - you couldn't actually see before that I'd repainted the shields, and a better look at the furs.
(https://i.imgur.com/qwy75wW.jpg)
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Usual quality! :)
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Smashing stuff 😳
Almost hear the thunder of hooves...an the emptying of loose formation infantry bowels !!!!
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Lovely work mate.... most of us are just happy to get something on the table, so full credit to you for going back to improve a unit, particularly when they were cracking to start with.
:)
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So good! :-* :-* :-*
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One of the most beautiful project of the forum, congratulation for the work.
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Thanks a lot, guys :)
I've been messing around with 10mm a bit more, but no pics yet - in the meantime I've also assembled the last of the Spanish heavy infantry, who will serve in the Order's ranks. I'm looking to do a short tutorial with these guys on the weathering I do for the shields as a couple of people asked about it. I am not the most technical painter in the world, and there are certainly better techniques out there but hopefully it'll be of use to some. Aiming to have it written probably some time over Easter.
Also threw together the last of my Fireforge Northmen, with Fireforge Byzantine heads to make a kind of eastern-looking heavy spear infantry unit:
(https://i.imgur.com/lf8Qb7N.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/G2uC80k.jpg)
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Those Byzantine heads work really well on the Northmen bodies 8)
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Always a pleasure to read a few pages of this thread. Your work is absolutely stunning. That last cavalry unit just bursts with kinetic energy.
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Great work as usual mate! I love that you are constantly trying new ideas.
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as always - a great mash-up!
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Looking great, as usual!
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I mostly just read the updates, but I must say there is some fantastic work going on here.
Well done.
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Those printed shields are very unique and nice. They work well with the models.
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great additions. I might have missed it, but you printed the shields for these? they look ace..
(I also finished reading through the whole thread... inspiring stuff!)
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Thanks a bunch, guys. Really appreciate it.
great additions. I might have missed it, but you printed the shields for these? they look ace..
(I also finished reading through the whole thread... inspiring stuff!)
They're actually bought direct from Fireforge, but as is pretty clear Fireforge must have 3D printed them. Big print lines...
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How's this for an Oathmark? :P
(https://i.imgur.com/aZmRbVT.jpg)
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and before I forget - the latest in Chapterhouse Guard veterans, courtesy of the Fireforge Spanish Heavy Infantry kit (plus a LOT of hot-water reposing, converting, and kitbashing with other kits):
(https://i.imgur.com/PP2CApD.jpg)
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Great work, as usual mate!
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Oathmark looks great mate, really must make something like that myself. The spanish look fab as well, which must have taken some serious effort indeed.
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Nice.
That is an impressive Oathmark.
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Your work is of outstanding quality.
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All caught up again, and it was a pleasure to read through it all! The production and presentation of your hobbying continues to be inspiring and excellent. The Fireforged kits suit the aesthetic of The Black Order very well, and your painting continues to truly evoke the bleak harsh climate of their home. The presentation of your battle reports are truly exceptional, and I look forward to the next one.
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fantastic work.
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Thanks, guys :) means a lot to hear! Really appreciate the kind words.
I've got my hands on a new camera and am still playing around with the controls - messing around a bit in the meantime:
(https://i.imgur.com/iz9OHpE.jpg)
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Amazing again!
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Very nice indeed! What camera did you get?
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Amazing again!
Thanks! :)
Very nice indeed! What camera did you get?
Sony ILCE A6400. It's not bad, bit pricey but has worked out OK so far.
More to come today I hope!
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So I've been reworking some of my terrain lately, partly in anticipation of getting some actual real life gaming in again, and partly because I just thought it could be better.
Firstly, forests! Much more time spent reworking these - added several different kinds of stones, lichen, and lightly dusted the trees with snow to sell the effect better.
(https://i.imgur.com/N7f9dFB.jpg)
Standing stones and difficult ground! I added some points of interest, some branches and tweaked the snow slightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/FlyEZLH.jpg)
More to come...
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Beautiful work....remind me how you do your slightly melted snow...I really like the consistency....thinking of varying mine a bit more.
Those terrain pieces are so full of character....on the one hand they look pretty tranquil, but equally you could imagine some evil ritual having been carried out in them.
:)
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Great looking bases - the snow is particularly effective.
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Sony ILCE A6400. It's not bad, bit pricey but has worked out OK so far.
Oh, that's a pretty great camera! You can do pretty much anything with it!
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Nice and detailed pieces, desatured in the grimdark fashion and blended in with the world rather than clearly looking like brightly painted pieces. The snow in general adds such good contrast to all the dreary darkness, I suppose there is good reason snow bases are popular! I expect your board will look excellent.
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Oh, that's a pretty great camera! You can do pretty much anything with it!
Interesting, as I understand the Sony has a complicated menu,I bought a Fuji a couple of years ago which is very similar, though for miniatures I use my Canon DSLR. Like to hear ho y go ith it.
Your difficult ground is excellent :-*
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Love those standing stones and difficult terrain!
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Beautiful work....remind me how you do your slightly melted snow...I really like the consistency....thinking of varying mine a bit more.
Those terrain pieces are so full of character....on the one hand they look pretty tranquil, but equally you could imagine some evil ritual having been carried out in them.
:)
Thanks mate! It used to be a straight 50/50 mix of PVA glue + Model Mates snow. I'm currently using Lukes APS snow, which actually needs a bit of white paint added to the mix so it's got a different consistency. I was thinking of doing a snow base tutorial at some point if of interest. I'm also experimenting 'dusting' with white spray paint on my trees, as you can probably see above, just to give a bit of variation in texture.
Great looking bases - the snow is particularly effective.
Thanks a lot! :)
Oh, that's a pretty great camera! You can do pretty much anything with it!
yeah - I'm still learning how to use it but pretty impressed so far :)
Nice and detailed pieces, desatured in the grimdark fashion and blended in with the world rather than clearly looking like brightly painted pieces. The snow in general adds such good contrast to all the dreary darkness, I suppose there is good reason snow bases are popular! I expect your board will look excellent.
Thanks mate - really appreciate the kind words. I really like the desaturated, 'realistic' style, although not taking anything away from brighter schemes, this is just my preference. I guess that makes 2 of us, ha.
Interesting, as I understand the Sony has a complicated menu,I bought a Fuji a couple of years ago which is very similar, though for miniatures I use my Canon DSLR. Like to hear ho y go ith it.
Your difficult ground is excellent :-*
thanks a lot! :)
Love those standing stones and difficult terrain!
cheers!
Some atmospheric pics using the above:
(https://i.imgur.com/P2IWVE8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tSoLWAn.jpg)
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Thanks mate! It used to be a straight 50/50 mix of PVA glue + Model Mates snow.
Thank you for the recipe as it is always nice to have another option. If you want to do realistic slushy snow try adding 50/50 gloss medium to snow flock. It lays down thick and glossy like it is melting but dries hard after a couple of days.
For the rest, loving everything that you have done here. The subdued palette, dingy muddy clothing and dark tones really work well on your conversions. Very realistic.
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Thank you for the recipe as it is always nice to have another option. If you want to do realistic slushy snow try adding 50/50 gloss medium to snow flock. It lays down thick and glossy like it is melting but dries hard after a couple of days.
For the rest, loving everything that you have done here. The subdued palette, dingy muddy clothing and dark tones really work well on your conversions. Very realistic.
Great idea! Thanks, I'll be sure to experiment with that as I'm doing a lot of 'refurbishment' on my terrain at the minute.
I've put together a quick tutorial on shields and weathering for my Black Order force. I'm not a world class painter, but enough people asked specifically about the weathering and masking on my shields I thought it might be useful to do an Idiot's Guide to both.
It's the first tutorial I've ever really put together, so feel free to criticise or ask for clarification as necessary. There are dozens of better tutorials out there on more advanced techniques, so this is meant more as an entry level 'how-to'. Nevertheless, hope it's useful!
(https://i.imgur.com/zTY3FG4.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/40tCObX.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/CtRq5gA.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZoM3yRR.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/X0T8H8B.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/p271vwU.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/itoey5N.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/SPAWomO.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/hAgHK1F.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/WhraQfL.png)
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Splendid
Much appreciated
For a first time tutorial it’s a top notch job
👍🏼
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Thanks for posting the tutorial! It's clear and easy to follow, so definitely a good job for a first tutorial too!
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Well done toot for a very nice effect. Many thanks.
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Terrific stuff - thanks for posting!
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Your weathering tutorial is much appreciated!
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Many thanks for the tutorial! I definitely will try it!
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Thanks for the tutorial.
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Great tutorial. Never thought of using tape for neat lines, even though my mate uses it all the time for his scale model kits. This remains one of the best threads on the forum! :D
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Cheers all, much obliged - hope it is of use to some :) Might do one on snow effects later on down the line when I find a method I'm happier with.
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What with learning how to use the new camera, plenty of reasons to mess around with my toys and take staged pics...
Broke out the old GB Vikings for a sojourn in the woods turned very sour. Turns out draugar are not understanding when it comes to trespassing...if only Olaf et al had had the foresight to flee across the river eh?
(https://i.imgur.com/V6ItNlD.jpg)
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Great little scene you have set up there - very evocative and tells a fantastic story.
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Great scene. Makes me really want to build some of my Oathmark skellies.
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Indeed - this is glossy rulebook quality stuff.
Thinking about it, this thread has the makings for a rules-agnostic gaming supplement with scenarios, background, painting and modelling tips all strongly thematically linked.
Might be a venture worth pursuing if you're that way inclined.
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Thanks a bunch, guys!
I'm working on something along the lines of what you mention, Muzfish, so hopefully that will see the light of day at some point.
In the meantime, I've something new to share finally - the biggest piece of terrain I've ever worked on, the Godhead of Erain Tor. It'll see in-game use as general terrain (or as an Oathmark in, well, Oathmark). It started life as a bunch of foam offcuts, so I'm pretty happy with how it came out! Any criticism welcome.
(https://i.imgur.com/fL2cia0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/X1NZaeS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ydur5hg.jpg)
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Looks great! Yours was a big inspiration for the standing stones I did last week. How did you do the moss? I might need to go back and add some to mine.
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oh, that's brilliant :-*
in keeping with the rest of the thread!
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REALLY appreciate the how-to on the shields... always fun to watch others techniques.
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DAMN....I didn’t realise it was that big....cracking paint job as always, but it will look even more imposing on the tabletop than I previously thought.
Great work!
:-*
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great piece! Nicely done.
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Thanks guys! Yeah, I'm looking forward to giving it some game time.
With game stores reopening, I've had the opportunity to continue the super slow-burn Vanguard campaign we've been playing. Got a couple more pictures this time.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ke7FZuO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/e6jvC4N.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/qCK360B.png)
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...and if that's not your thing, next week I'm finally getting to play Oathmark for the first time!
Finished off the movement tray for the Archers of Yolwood in preparation:
(https://i.imgur.com/bzIkN7A.jpg)
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Oathmark is more my jam indeed, hope the see some photos!
I do like the campaign maps you do as well.
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Looks great! Yours was a big inspiration for the standing stones I did last week. How did you do the moss? I might need to go back and add some to mine.
Sorry mate, just realised I forgot to reply. It's actually just sponge! Using this tutorial: http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.com/2011/02/tutorial-how-to-create-dosh.html
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Sorry mate, just realised I forgot to reply. It's actually just sponge! Using this tutorial: http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.com/2011/02/tutorial-how-to-create-dosh.html
Cheers mate, bookmarked that for future reference.
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First ever game of Oathmark! Played 1000pts yesterday with my Black Order force against a friend's dwarven slavers. We tied it into a Vanguard campaign we've been running, so thought I'd include the campaign map at the start.
We came from a Kings of War background, so Oathmark felt quite different - I really like the alternating activations system (also present in Vanguard so not that different) - but some things like charge mechanics really felt quite unusual. Not being able to wipe a non-disordered unit on the charge is a big difference to KoW! I think I like it though, it forces a little more forward thinking in terms of coordinating units together.
We probably played a few things wrong, but for now here are the pics:
(https://i.imgur.com/PpYHRG6.jpg)
Our campaign map - so far it's been for games of Vanguard (as you've seen in this thread), which is a skirmish system for 8-12 or so models per side. As this is a larger engagement, we thought we'd break out the Oathmark rules for the first time, as the Black Order pursues the dwarves of Zygrad's Slavers toward Gjolgumnir Caves...
(https://i.imgur.com/qaa8EUQ.jpg)
Deployment. The Black Order advance up toward the mouth of Gjolgumnir Caves, to see the Slavers have already begun to funnel out of the ancient tunnels.
(https://i.imgur.com/bDrPOBX.jpg)
The Black Order force. A block of Linebreakers led by a Knight-Seneschal (human prince), a Warrior block with a champion, and 15 archers. Activated/disordered tokens I made using Battle Brothers art.
(https://i.imgur.com/fPgfRcv.jpg)
Zygrad's Slavers, masters of the underways! Two warrior blocks of 10 each, an archer unit of 10, a lvl 2 spellcaster, and monstrous halfbreed cavalry (using the rules for human heavy cav).
(https://i.imgur.com/4mnySO8.jpg)
Quick shot of the bespoke unit cards/wargear cards I made with flavour text
(https://i.imgur.com/pRmsc1p.jpg)
Slaver close-up. Warriors to the left, handgunners (archers) to the right.
(https://i.imgur.com/sdTXBXE.jpg)
Halfbreed heavy cav on the far edge of the flank...
(https://i.imgur.com/3AbJg7c.jpg)
Turn 1 - the Order advances. The Warriors failed their Activation roll so just trudged forward.
(https://i.imgur.com/uobf4dJ.jpg)
Turn 2: The Linebreakers surge forward, while the warriors and archers turn their attention to the halfbreed cavalry advancing on the flank.
(https://i.imgur.com/eBLvUAs.jpg)
The Linebreakers get a charge on the Dwarven warriors! Oathmark's wheel + charge mechanic was a bit new to us as KoW players, but it worked well here.
(https://i.imgur.com/XBjS8y9.jpg)
The Linebreakers lose a warrior to dwarven axes, but inflict two casualties in return, and Calid Valiev, the Knight-Seneschal, decapitates the dwarven captain leading the enemy army.
(https://i.imgur.com/Iip7knw.jpg)
Meanwhile, the Warriors brace for a charge from the heavy cav.
(https://i.imgur.com/tyvoc28.jpg)
The Linebreakers drive back the foe. Took us a while to figure out how the 6" pushback works, but it's quite effective!
(https://i.imgur.com/1ntGZ6y.jpg)
The heavy cav inflict serious casualties on the Warriors, disordering them, but in return lose three of their number to Black Order discipline. It's enough to drive the Warriors back, however...
(https://i.imgur.com/MJZS5py.jpg)
Turn 4-5: The Linebreakers pursued the dwarves in a disastrous charge that killed none of the enemy, and ended up forcing my Linebreakers back 6"! A volley of fire from the dwarven archers kills a handful of linebreakers in a devastating round of shooting, as the spellcaster also peppers the humans with Fireball. Not looking good...
(https://i.imgur.com/3P14iWv.jpg)
Turn 6-7: Not good at all. The Linebreakers lose two more combats and are eventually routed by the Dwarves. Some horrific dice rolls see the Warriors thinned down further by the heavy cav, and despite the Archers killing the last heavy cavalry, the Warriors are then encircled and driven back by the dwarves. Victory to the slavers!
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Good report! I have definitely been caught out doing that same move, taking a charge with a strong unit only to be caught out and worn down.
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And, second game! Got a game in against another guy just starting out. That's 4 of us interested now - which is a crowd!
Lessons from this game: heavy cav hits hard, but attracts a lot of attention. The 'Sniper' strange event is brutal. Do characters with Shielding (1) really give it to a whole unit that doesn't natively have the rule? Shooting (and especially magic shooting...) is really good for softening up enemies before a charge.
When you activate multiple units with a Command (x) character, can you resolve their activations in any order?
(https://i.imgur.com/2wI2Xq7.jpg)
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Units can be activared in any order, when using Comman (x), and the charater can gain the special abilities of the unit it leads, but not in reverse (except activation, because here applies always the lowest). But You can choose to use the stats of the character in combat (instead of the units), as it would fight alone (so no rank bonuses).
All of above is true, if I interpreted the rules right :).
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Sorry to see the dwarven slavers take the field!
Such beautiful gaming!
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Thanks for the comments guys!
A rematch with the treacherous dwarves of Zygrad's Slavers took place last week:
(https://i.imgur.com/YmaNsTb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Kcnwd4G.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/x2qYeWo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TaKkysK.jpg)
In sum: Dwarven heavy catapults HURT. It was a game of two halves - turns 1-3 the dwarves just shredded the humans with two archer blobs and double heavy catapults. The human warrior blob died by the end of turn 2 without having killed anything, and a silly move by me left one of the human light catapults exposed. When the human heavy cavalry got into the flanks, it was a different story - but right up until turn 8 the dwarves were shooting things off the table, so it was very close in the end, but the Black Order took the victory. Best kind of game!
And if that isn't your thing, I've finished off a few more warriors for a second block of Chapterhouse Guard:
(https://i.imgur.com/gGQbttR.jpg)
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New additions looking good.
That style of Dwarf force is hard as nails. I'll probably have to face something similar today.
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A costly victory for the forces of the Black Order.
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New additions looking good.
That style of Dwarf force is hard as nails. I'll probably have to face something similar today.
We're starting a campaign soon and I'm pretty keen to see how the dwarves do. Our group is mostly ex-KoW players, but the dwarf player seems to have picked up OM quite a bit faster than he did KoW and is doing really well. Dwarves seem to favour a pretty shooty, turtle-y style - I'm not looking forward to when he adds heavy cav to that mix!
A costly victory for the forces of the Black Order.
Yep - think I had less than 10 models left on the table by the game's end.
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Very nice! You have a great anniversary - a 50 pages thread - I bow my head in awe :o
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So gorgeous!
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Love the match report, and the new Chapterhouse...those FF minis are growing on me :)
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Nice work on those Fireforge Northmen conversions.
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So, haven't finished any Black Order units in a while. But I did complete an old dream of mine...
Since it came out (2015) a videogame called For Honor was a great inspiration to my wargaming hobby. Although the game's since evolved to be much sillier, flashier and less serious, when For Honor first came out it was a low-fantasy, very grimdark medieval brawler with an incredible visual aesthetic and amazing audio. One of the central characters in the game - the Warden - has a pretty recognisable set of armour, which I wanted to bring into the 28mm sphere ever since I first saw it. Here's a few pictures from the game, and the Warden himself:
(https://i.imgur.com/zwOY3rk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/W0QZ3qv.jpg)
And finally, thanks to the wonders of 3D printing, I've upgraded the Black Order's leader a little with a 3D printed Warden helm. It's a small change, but now the mini lives up to what I originally envisaged:
(https://i.imgur.com/VHOk6zs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nKNWa2L.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/715FSlh.jpg)
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Looks brilliant mate!
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Game looked fun. Still love looking at this project.
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Awesome! :-* :-* :-*
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Love the new helm 8)
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That really is great. The earlier helmet worked very well, but the new one makes him truly unique. You must be very pleased! Rightly so.
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as usual great additions and great update on the helmet! looks suitable impressive!
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What a glow up!
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Man I love when I see an update on this thread. :D
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Lovely to see some games being played! Is no feeling like fielding a proper army. It must be wonderful to have a gaming group willing to lean in to, or at the very least not dismiss your narratives around the game. Is where it comes alive to me.
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Great job on the helmet upgrade!
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I really enjoy your world building and your Black Order! Keep up the great work, as I am invested in the adventures of the Black Order!
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It has been a while, hasn't it?
Thanks for the nice words, guys! I've been trying to find my feet a bit with gaming. Haven't really settled in to a proper group in London since moving back here last year, so I'm kind of between systems. Oathmark's been fun, and I'd like to get into Saga: Age of Magic.
In the meantime, I've been painting up the rest of the Chapterhouse Guard veteran regiment. Whichever system these guys see use in, they'll hold the line!
(https://i.imgur.com/Pm3EVX2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TaRXvpX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4yTShlt.jpg)
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Great work 8)
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Yup, great looking unit. Love the torches mixed in.
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They look very business-like, ready to meet any challenge! Beautiful kit bashing and painting, as always.
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Great work as usual mate!
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excelent :-*
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Again, amazing looking unit.
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Great work as always - makes me cold to look at them :)
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Beauties 8)
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Thanks chaps :)
More pics of the unit:
(https://i.imgur.com/WEY6lLV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FDNzTHv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4ZKnIXp.jpg)
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Glad to see you back with us. Always a treat to see your work. I'll cross my fingers to see some reports of The Black Order battles in the future.
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They look excellent. Nice work.
An imposing Oathmark as well.
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They look like heavy hitters, indeed. Great job!
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Always great work.
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Thanks a bunch, guys!
Put together a couple big ol' dire wolves on 50mm bases to run as Barghests in Oathmark, or Wargs in The Ninth Age. It's a challenge basing models to be appropriate for multiple games systems, but it does give you options.
(https://i.imgur.com/iT0I7ml.jpg)
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Good choices for models, I’m looking forward to seeing them painted!
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Thanks a bunch, guys!
Put together a couple big ol' dire wolves on 50mm bases to run as Barghests in Oathmark, or Wargs in The Ninth Age. It's a challenge basing models to be appropriate for multiple games systems, but it does give you options.
(https://i.imgur.com/iT0I7ml.jpg)
Who makes the metal one of the two? The other looks like the Reaper one and it blends with the Fenrisian Wolves that I've been using as Dire Wolves myself for D&D and keep wanting more similar ones to fill things up for something else
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They'll look great. (And I echo, who makes the metal wolf?)
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Those are some great wolves! And Im interested too in the manufacturers.
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As above, am interested in those dire wolves ;)
Trouble is everytime I look at your thread it makes me think of other things I can add to my own project :D
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Who makes the metal one of the two? The other looks like the Reaper one and it blends with the Fenrisian Wolves that I've been using as Dire Wolves myself for D&D and keep wanting more similar ones to fill things up for something else
They'll look great. (And I echo, who makes the metal wolf?)
Those are some great wolves! And Im interested too in the manufacturers.
As above, am interested in those dire wolves ;)
Trouble is everytime I look at your thread it makes me think of other things I can add to my own project :D
Thanks guys! Sorry, thought I'd said but obviously forgot to...The metal wolf is from Mierce Miniatures, specifically their Anglecynn line. I think, however, it's been resculpted and there is a new miniature in its place now (but same pose). The other is of course Reaper as SotF rightly guessed.
I've been rebasing a lot of miniatures recently to go on magnetised movement trays - I've been finding some of the Sarissa trays I bought previously had shrunk due to PVA glue warpage, and increasingly, as I switch back and forth between game systems, it's tricky to find trays which fit a multitude of systems. So with magnetised minis on flat, lipless bases, I can switch on the fly pretty easily. Here's a couple rebased units:
(https://i.imgur.com/DqA2V7f.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rsf6Ued.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KOqDfuX.jpg)
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I’m glad you’ve rebased them, just so that we can see them all again! :-*
Superb kitbashing in every respect.
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Very nice.
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This thread is best thread. :-*
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Well, after watching Ogrob and Koyote in their respective SAGA: Age of Magic journeys, I finally got the chance to jump back into a bit of Saga myself. Started with historicals, as that's what I had the dice and battle boards for, and played a game of my Black Order (running as Teutonic Order) vs a friend's slaver dwarves (as Vikings).
In brief, we had a great time, and I've found out there are a few AoM players near me so I've ordered the book. From what I've seen, it looks like a great game for providing excuses to model cool terrain and other things, so I'm really excited to get started!
(https://i.imgur.com/xT63gTr.jpg)
The Black Order's scouting force - a 4pt warband of 8 Inner Chamber knights (Hearthguard), 8 Chapterhouse Guard (Warriors) and 12 archers from the Yolwood levies.
(https://i.imgur.com/oEfPj3Q.jpg)
The slaver dwarves - 16 Warriors and 8 Hearthguard (from what I remember, the Vikings do best with large Warrior blocks, so I tried to boost his numbers a bit).
(https://i.imgur.com/oLnToSn.jpg)
Black Order knights hack into the heavily armoured dwarven warriors, while the enemy warlord looks on.
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Cool! I find myself itching for some SAGA, ahevn't played in a year I think. Did you do the random scenario from the core book? We've found that the expanded random scenario in Book of Battles makes for great weeknight games.
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Cool! I find myself itching for some SAGA, ahevn't played in a year I think. Did you do the random scenario from the core book? We've found that the expanded random scenario in Book of Battles makes for great weeknight games.
Cheers! We played Clash of Heroes (the bog standard one from the main rulebook) just to re-learn the rules, but next time it will definitely be the Book of Battles. It's an amazing little book - so much gaming material. I'm really excited to try out more unusual scenarios like Urban Uprising and Unknown Land, too. And from what I can tell there are a few AoM players in London, so hopefully we'll be able to get a little scene going.
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A couple more knights:
(https://i.imgur.com/yrMNAQJl.jpg)
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SAGA: Age of Magic arrived today! Very excited to jump into this.
(https://i.imgur.com/OvpguYy.jpg)
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Nice, enjoy! Hoping to get a game in myself next week.
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Soooo...I've reworked the leader of my Black Order force, Knight-Captain Tyr, a whopping, ridiculous, six times since starting this project.
As the wise greybeards say: every sixth...must be followed by a seventh.
Basically, I've ripped apart the model on foot to add some more bulk and heft to his stature, after realising the 3D printed head I used slightly warped the proportions. I also wanted to add some more interest to the model, so I've decided to make him a 50mm square display base to slot into, and give him a severed head in his off hand, still living - something of a cross between Mimir's Head from Norse mythology, and the head of the Gorgon from Greek myth.
Also, of course, it's a callback to the infamous Head from Myth: The Fallen Lords:
(https://i.imgur.com/rU6m6Bt.jpg)
So here's Tyr so far, with shoulder pads added - furs and The Head still to come:
(https://i.imgur.com/O3xUNPa.jpg)
Otherwise, I've been working on more foot knights to serve in SAGA, with a couple bearing halberds to round out my two-handed-weapon-equipped Hearthguard, and four shield-bearing knights to act as regular Hearthguard (need that Armour 5!).
(https://i.imgur.com/JPz0KSb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nEopVaf.jpg)
Astute viewers will note that the character standing between the two knights at the end is the beginning of my take on Myth's Journeymen:
(https://i.imgur.com/jCdyJtj.png)
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Are you using the revenants for the new models? They look really cool. It’s been nice to catch up on your work.
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:o :o :o
I went to all your thread ( took me the afternoon) I love your armies, your stories and dramatis personae, your theme and your painting skills ( you've got Mad painting Skills)
You'll see with Age Of Magic you'll have some new perspective on your stuff!!
Total respect
JuJu
Kaleb Daark
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Wonderful stuff! Really love the Journeyman, he looks perfect!
Now make some mandrake roots as objectives :D
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So, it must be said I've fallen in love slightly with SAGA.
I had a similar reaction to Oathmark when I first got into it, shortly after moving on from Kings of War, and that love affair proved somewhat short-lived as several players in my group found it a little frustrating not to have stronger 'balance' mechanisms in place. Understandably so, especially having just moved from KoW, but it means Oathmark will remain a 'sometimes' game for us, sadly. I'm still keen to play it as and when, though.
Saga, however, is proving pretty good so far - I've just had two games of Age of Magic so far, and am loving the depth added by the Magic supplement. In particular, it feels like it adds a certain cinematic, wild quality that's been lacking from thngs like Kings of War.
Today we got two games in - my Black Order masquerading as Great Kingdoms vs a friend's slaver dwarfs (first Masters of the Underearth, then Otherworld). We had a blast! I lost both games, but it was a great time nonetheless. I don't think my Black Order are well suited to the Great Kingdoms, who feel more like an Empire analogue from WHFB (or at least more of a combined arms force). I will be trying them under the Horde rules next time we play.
As I usually like to go over the top, I'm thinking of making a reskinned Horde Battle Board specially for my guys...
Oh, and one quick rules question: does Chasm (from the Underearth board) allow armour rolls to be made? It seems INSANELY strong!
(https://i.imgur.com/djXtSMj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/b8eUG9B.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MQXR7mK.jpg)
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Nice! Can't remember exactly what Chasm does, but if it deals out hits it should allow saving rolls.
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Nice! Can't remember exactly what Chasm does, but if it deals out hits it should allow saving rolls.
It's "remove 1d6 casualties" from units within a certain distance of the Chasm itself. Which I would assume means no saving throws, fatigue/Resilience etc - so if the Underearth player is going second, it appears to be a great way to snipe enemy characters/monsters etc?
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SAGA is a really fun game. I find that, although there was an official campaign supplement, it works a lot better for one off games than it does for ongoing (particularly narrative focussed) campaigns, simply because of how bloody it is.
Very often in nearly every game I've played, even the winner has a Pyrrhic Victory on their hands, and most units that aren't wiped out have only a handful of soldiers left! Also, someone's Warlord usually always dies simply by virtue that there isn't much room to avoid getting in range of the enemy's Warlord (and trying to dodge the required duel is not very thematic for most forces :D).
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It's "remove 1d6 casualties" from units within a certain distance of the Chasm itself. Which I would assume means no saving throws, fatigue/Resilience etc - so if the Underearth player is going second, it appears to be a great way to snipe enemy characters/monsters etc?
Dug up my battleboard and had a look. It's an orders/reaction ability, so it would be triggered in the Order phase of the opponent's turn always, not the Underearth player, and the opponent then has their activation phase to move away. The effect then triggers at the end of the activation phase.
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SAGA is a really fun game. I find that, although there was an official campaign supplement, it works a lot better for one off games than it does for ongoing (particularly narrative focussed) campaigns, simply because of how bloody it is.
Very often in nearly every game I've played, even the winner has a Pyrrhic Victory on their hands, and most units that aren't wiped out have only a handful of soldiers left! Also, someone's Warlord usually always dies simply by virtue that there isn't much room to avoid getting in range of the enemy's Warlord (and trying to dodge the required duel is not very thematic for most forces :D).
Interesting! Yeah, so far it seems really bloody...but we like that :D I'm looking forward to trying the more 'unusual' scenarios with cityfighting, baggage trains and the like.
Dug up my battleboard and had a look. It's an orders/reaction ability, so it would be triggered in the Order phase of the opponent's turn always, not the Underearth player, and the opponent then has their activation phase to move away. The effect then triggers at the end of the activation phase.
This makes infinitely more sense! I didn't clock this at all. Guess I need to go and re-read what Orders/Reactions means etc. Thanks mate, saved me a headache there.
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Also, I accept that this is utterly over the top and probably meaningless to most, but I love doing this sort of thing - I worked up a customised Black Order battle board for SAGA: Age of Magic, using The Horde's board. I kept the wording for everything exactly the same, as well as dice values, it's just a cosmetic rework.
I know, ubernerd - but it adds a layer of flavour I enjoy, so there's that. :)
(https://i.imgur.com/WSyZAo1.png)
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I think it's really sweet, looks great!
And yes, SAGA is super bloody. We played an Age of the Wolf campaign in first edition, and after the first game I couldn't even field a legal force because of permanent casulaties. Not the best campaign system I have played :D
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I REALLY like how you play games... it's ppl like you that keeps game developers going. Knowing that there are ppl out there that are super passionate and make the most of their games. I look forward to what you do next!
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I think it's really sweet, looks great!
And yes, SAGA is super bloody. We played an Age of the Wolf campaign in first edition, and after the first game I couldn't even field a legal force because of permanent casulaties. Not the best campaign system I have played :D
I think the way to go with SAGA campaigns is probably to ignore casualties and only count Warlord XP/game results. At least, that's my intuition, otherwise it does sound like a meat grinder :D
I REALLY like how you play games... it's ppl like you that keeps game developers going. Knowing that there are ppl out there that are super passionate and make the most of their games. I look forward to what you do next!
Shucks...Making a man blush! Cheers fella. It's scratching an itch the tournament approach didn't for me, so it's all good.
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Finished off the "fluff and flavour" text on the summary sheet on the back of the battle board...and laminated the damn thing. Now for some games!
(https://i.imgur.com/zC2hElR.jpg)
...and ready for gaming!
(https://i.imgur.com/CRc3iEp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1wFr2G9.jpg)
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I love that you make custom thematic cards and such for your games and I want to do so as well, so I have to ask, what program do you use to make things like this? I'd love to learn whatever editing I need to because these feel like they add so much to your game on a personal level.
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I love that you make custom thematic cards and such for your games and I want to do so as well, so I have to ask, what program do you use to make things like this? I'd love to learn whatever editing I need to because these feel like they add so much to your game on a personal level.
Sure! I use Canva. Sometimes GIMP (a free Photoshop equivalent) when I need to make custom graphics. Canva is used to pull it all together and align nicely on the page.
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Had a really good game last night vs Lords of the Wild. My first foray into 8pt gaming, and a bloody, brutal victory for the Black Order.
(https://i.imgur.com/G4Nv79A.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bXmXbDG.jpg)
Deployment. The Lords of the Wild take the ruin on the eastern flank, while the Order sneaks a cavalry division around the western edge of the forest. The Order's force comprises 3 points of mounted Hearthguard, 2 points of foot Hearthguard with great weapons, 1 point of Levy archers, a great Horror of the Deepwood (the big Mierce monster), a Crone-Witch, a Champion and Knight-Marshal Selianin leading the force.
(https://i.imgur.com/MEE0sLr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rfaZ8BY.jpg)
The Lords of the Wild force in all its splendour - 3 points of mounted Hearthguard with composite bows, 1.5 points of Warriors with bows, 1.5 points of quadrupeds (Bears), a Great Eagle, a mounted Sorceress and a mounted Warlord.
(https://i.imgur.com/XyqOpa3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0TWwGHn.jpg)
After a couple turns of shooting, the Order knights storm the ruins and butcher the Wildling warriors to the last. However, a turn later, the unit of bears charges into the ruins - and the knights and bears almost wipe each other out, with only one survivor from each unit left standing!
(https://i.imgur.com/h9vqaXb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/I1nA7F6.jpg)
Desperation - Order levies bring down the Great Eagle, with a single lucky shot piercing the great beast's hide and bringing it crashing to the ground. (A really, really lucky dice roll)
(https://i.imgur.com/tERTn9l.jpg)
Easily the biggest 'clench' moment of the game - the bloody forest came to life and started hounding the mounted Hearthguard!
In the end, it worked out to a 30-22 Black Order victory on massacre points. The mounted Hearthguard proved instrumental in running down the composite-bow-armed Lords of the Wild, and the Horde battle board worked out really well as a proxy for the Black Order. Fit their theme really well. My opponent was an absolute gentleman and talked me through some of the vagaries of the ruleset - we'll definitely play again soon.
Really loving Saga the more I play it - it's rekindled a lot of excitement for the hobby and I can't wait to try my hand at some bespoke Saga modelling creations.
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Inspired by that last game, I've started work (on the rework, of the rework, sigh...) of Tyr. There's another version of Tyr in a more dynamic pose forthcoming, but I wanted one in a serene, commanding pose for Saga in the meantime. He needed a bigger base to distinguish him from the Hearthguard, so I made a slot-in 50mm base. Work in progress:
(https://i.imgur.com/3nNnccd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0OySG41.jpg)
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Stunning!
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Nice looking build, and lovely base. Certainly get the urge to do commanders, my collection of unpainted medieval knights now is as many Kings as plain knights :D
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Nice looking build, and lovely base. Certainly get the urge to do commanders, my collection of unpainted medieval knights now is as many Kings as plain knights :D
There's no end to it I'm afraid lol
Managed to finish off the rework on Tyr and his display base this morning:
Knight-Captain Tyr
Master of the Black Order
(https://i.imgur.com/5gJwGSQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/feKtlKN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hb0ZhNs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tudrubs.jpg)
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I don't know if this works or not.
For those of you in the know, a lot of the inspiration for this log came from a 1990s game called Myth: The Fallen Lords, and its sequel, Myth II: Soulblighter. Both were heavy on the grimdark and horror of a low-tech medieval world under the oppression of a creeping, cyclical entity dedicated to wiping out life. One of the principal character types on the side of the Light in that game were the Journeymen - pastiches of Native American and Japanese priests, warriors-turned-healers who lived for many times the span of a normal man's life. These guys:
(https://i.imgur.com/8mqiS80.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jCdyJtj.png)
Each bore seven gold tiles around his neck in memory of their order's failure to protect the capital city, each tile said to weigh the same as a grown man.
From a modelling perspective, these guys are a little tricky. Below is my take on the Myth journeymen thus far. I've added some braids to reflect the Native American hairstyling popular among the Journeymen, and obviously a spade from the Living Dead kit to make the connection stronger. However, I'm not sure about the gold tiles, thus far it's bits of card. It'll look better once painted I guess? Any thoughts welcome.
(https://i.imgur.com/I1IwMBT.jpg)
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Wow, Myth and Myth II, that's some nostalgia there. The coversion/kitbash looks good to me, and the plaques will probably look fine painted up. I'd be tempted to break with the source material and maybe add some more detail to them (glyphs or ideograms?) but the current scratch-and-dent look is fine too.
I'm a little vague on the Journeymen lore at this point, but was it "seven" tiles or "several" depending on their rank or something? Seven feels like it would be awfully crowded, unless maybe they carry some of them down their back as well. Gold is really heavy but ~180 pounds of it per tile is still taking up some space.
Good thing they're supernaturally strong enough to carry all that load, because otherwise I suspect they'd be magnet for ever mugger, bandit, and ne'er-do-well for miles around. :)
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Wow, Myth and Myth II, that's some nostalgia there. The coversion/kitbash looks good to me, and the plaques will probably look fine painted up. I'd be tempted to break with the source material and maybe add some more detail to them (glyphs or ideograms?) but the current scratch-and-dent look is fine too.
I'm a little vague on the Journeymen lore at this point, but was it "seven" tiles or "several" depending on their rank or something? Seven feels like it would be awfully crowded, unless maybe they carry some of them down their back as well. Gold is really heavy but ~180 pounds of it per tile is still taking up some space.
Good thing they're supernaturally strong enough to carry all that load, because otherwise I suspect they'd be magnet for ever mugger, bandit, and ne'er-do-well for miles around. :)
It's quite a blast from the past, but such is inspiration :) Glad it looks OK so far. I might experiment with glyphs, interesting idea!
Bungie (the creators of Myth, Marathon and eventually Halo...yes, that Halo) had a massive obsession with the number 7, and would work it into their games textually and visually wherever possible. The Journeymen carrying seven gold tiles around their necks was one such crazy example - didn't make a lot of real-world sense, but then that's fantasy :)
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Great work throughout. The tiles may look better if you followed the second picture where they get smaller as they go higher. This would form a triangular sort of effect accentuating the triangle of the robe and focus up to the face of the model.
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The master is so kickass. Truly a crowning piece for your army. Dark, majestic, imposing, somber, heroic without being overbearing. All in all, a great job!
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Wow, Tyr is another level of imposing! Truly magnificent.
Never played Myth, but I like the concept of the journeymen and the modeling of the plates looks great.
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So good! :-* :-* :-*
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Great work throughout. The tiles may look better if you followed the second picture where they get smaller as they go higher. This would form a triangular sort of effect accentuating the triangle of the robe and focus up to the face of the model.
Interesting idea. I'll experiment a little.
The master is so kickass. Truly a crowning piece for your army. Dark, majestic, imposing, somber, heroic without being overbearing. All in all, a great job!
Wow, Tyr is another level of imposing! Truly magnificent.
Never played Myth, but I like the concept of the journeymen and the modeling of the plates looks great.
So good! :-* :-* :-*
Thanks a lot - glad he's effective! I think I'm going to go back and repaint his sword though, it's a little bit flat for me.
Finished a couple direwolves to use as Quadrupeds in Saga: Age of Magic, and Barghests in Oathmark. I already have plans to do a third, as a kind of pack alpha, with all-white fur:
(https://i.imgur.com/voc2LEAl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KDtkygVl.jpg)
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excellent. love the bases.
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I must be on my way to earning "most renditions of a single character in one lifetime".
No, I haven't reworked Tyr again, but I have retouched his sword, as it was really noticeably flat in texture and appearance. I wanted a battle-worn, notched look to it, like it's seen more years of war than its bearer has of life.
Also improved the contrast on the blade handle, Tyr's fur pelts and some of the other metals.
(https://i.imgur.com/HbB4Qrml.jpg)
And next on the painting block - finishing off the Hearthguard for SAGA. At the end of this lot, I'll have 2pts on foot with hand weapons and shields, and 3pts with great weapons.
(https://i.imgur.com/nLO16xm.jpg)
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Blimey, that's some attention to detail on the basing.
Well done and please, more of the same.
Cheers
Ry
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very cool.
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epic base :-*
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Fantastic paintjob :).
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You continue to impress mate!
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Love the new additions, especially the rework of the rework of Tyr 8)
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Love the new additions, especially the rework of the rework of Tyr 8)
...of the rework, of the rework...
o_o
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Finished off the eight shield-bearing knights to serve as Tyr's bodyguard in games of SAGA Age of Magic. I found that the Armour 5 on Hearthguard is really critical, especially in a melee-heavy list like the Horde.
(https://i.imgur.com/T4862RK.jpg)
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Niiice.
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Finished off the eight shield-bearing knights to serve as Tyr's bodyguard in games of SAGA Age of Magic. I found that the Armour 5 on Hearthguard is really critical, especially in a melee-heavy list like the Horde.
Looking very nice. Agreed on the armor 5 thing, really makes a big deal on the tabletop.
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Inspired by Koyote's wonderful SAGA threads, I started making counters to represent persistent SAGA advanced abilities. I figured the raising of a battle standard would be a good visual reminder for the 'For the Horde' ability, so threw this together! Can double as a themed objective as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/B5JiE2p.jpg)
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Couple updates. SAGA continues to impress, and adds to my pile of shame at approximately the same rate it detracts from it. lol
Firstly, a completed Champion of the Black Order in SAGA: Age of Magic. I'm using The Horde battle board, so the Champion is a really nice opportunity to put together a model I've been meaning to assemble for ages. This big chap is heavily inspired by the Lawbringer from For Honor, and is the result of kitbashing some Fireforge and Mierce bits with a 3D printed helm and a sculpted fur pelt.
(https://i.imgur.com/XY1U7vG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IfT9tLb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0CQZpkC.jpg)
As you can see, he's a big lad!
Took him out for his inaugural game of SAGA today - we played Encounter in an Unknown Land and Old Feuds, with the Black Order going 1-1. The MVP was, of course, none other than Radomir himself - he wiped out a full unit of EIGHT mounted Hearthguard by himself, followed a few turns later by none other than the enemy Warlord riding a beast. He finished the day somewhat fatigued. :D
(https://i.imgur.com/d4fj8hR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4axbHel.jpg)
(Before the Hearthguard charged in again, and a lucky roll saw Radomir fell them all - and then his one-on-one with the Warlord...)
Otherwise, I've started work again on my Undead. But before I go to update that separate log, here's what's next for the Order - a Journeyman and a casualty marker, which will likely serve as an event token or objective.
(https://i.imgur.com/ctnWeoL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kJ5sW44.jpg)
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Outstanding work as usual mate, loving it!
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Now that's one scary MF'er perfect champion.
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Hi Tyr, I found your posts yesterday. About five hours later I have to say thanks for making something truly inspirational! Your muted colour scheme reminds me of one of Leonardo`s unfinished early works, The adoration of the magi. In that work it was all about the tone and the colour was going to happen at the end. You are an artist who manages to create mood and atmosphere and narrative. I am completely hooked. Some of your little dioramas tell stories with drama and pathos, amazing! One question I would love to ask, it`s a hard one, in that old desert island scenario, where you can only choose one rule set, which one do you choose? This is my dilemma at the moment, with limited funds and a finite amount of time, which one do you go for? I have played Frostgrave, Rangers of Shadowdeep, Warmaster, Hordes of the things and have just gotten Oathmark. Trying to decide on base sizes etc. I would value your input on this thorny topic. Many thanks again for your sharing and many generous tips.
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Hi Tyr, I found your posts yesterday. About five hours later I have to say thanks for making something truly inspirational! Your muted colour scheme reminds me of one of Leonardo`s unfinished early works, The adoration of the magi. In that work it was all about the tone and the colour was going to happen at the end. You are an artist who manages to create mood and atmosphere and narrative. I am completely hooked. Some of your little dioramas tell stories with drama and pathos, amazing! One question I would love to ask, it`s a hard one, in that old desert island scenario, where you can only choose one rule set, which one do you choose? This is my dilemma at the moment, with limited funds and a finite amount of time, which one do you go for? I have played Frostgrave, Rangers of Shadowdeep, Warmaster, Hordes of the things and have just gotten Oathmark. Trying to decide on base sizes etc. I would value your input on this thorny topic. Many thanks again for your sharing and many generous tips.
Thanks, Chilly! That's very cool of you to say.
As far as choosing a game goes, my answer would always be what you know you can get a game of. If your local scene is getting more heavily into Oathmark, I'd go that way. At the minute, I'm getting more and more sucked into SAGA, which I probably like more than Oathmark, but it depends on what your local group is into. Rangers of Shadow Deep is a great "back-up" game as you can play by yourself if needed.
I've tried to keep my stuff mostly based on 20mm/25mm squares so I can use it across a wide variety of systems - that certainly seems to offer the most freedom, and with The Old World coming down the pipeline square bases will have their day again soon I think.
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If I can pipe in as well, definitely agree with Tyr on the game systems. If people are playing something in particular, go with that. Second, there are a couple of ways to base that can fit all of SAGA, Rangers and Oathmark. All the bases sizes in Oathmark are legal for similar troop types in SAGA, so you could go with squares. Alternatively, you can go with round bases and if you end up playing Oathmark you can easily find movement trays that accomodate those and give you a roughly correct unit footprint.
Either way, any basing goes in Rangers of Shadow Deep and your monsters in Rangers can be used in your armies in either SAGA or Oathmark as both games allow creative army building instead of being stuck in traditional fantasy tropes.
And lovely work on the Champion Tyr, as always :D
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Fair to say it's been a slightly quiet period for the Order on the 28mm front recently. I've got a couple things planned in the pipeline, but what's exciting me at the minute is the Order's expansion into 10mm (and thread here https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=134758.0 (http://here https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=134758.0)logging the progress):
(https://i.imgur.com/tcSH5O7.jpg)
But the most exciting of all is I'm planning to try and build a campaign map in 3D. This has long been a dream of mine - to build what is essentially a mini-map for a campaign taking inspiration from the Total War style of mapmaking, using all the modelling techniques we regularly use as wargamers.
To this end, I've purchased parts to build an Order chapter keep from Brigade Minis in their tiny 3mm scale:
(https://i.imgur.com/eWcRzGF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/s54LC4e.jpg)
These will be the army tokens I use on the campaign map (as shown in the 10mm thread) - with a Mighty Empires tileset as proof of concept:
(https://i.imgur.com/MxlMB5v.jpg)
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Wow! :o :-*
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I already liked everything you did, and now 10mm?? What a blessing!
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Thanks chaps!
SAGA has really bitten me, hard. I'm going to take part in Heerschau 2022:
(https://i.imgur.com/QaHizLk.png)
https://stronghold-terrain.de/en/heerschau-2022-neue-armeen-braucht-das-land/?fbclid=IwAR30hcuoSZD_BTINgl26KzUldJ7MH_LjbiYDbhUuFcgh4ZwFII2Rsk6jenY
From the look of it, it's the perfect motivation to start a new Saga warband - and I think that's going to be a mixed Pagan Rus/Pagan People's warband, which could easily fit into the world of the Black Order or allow me to take part in historical Saga events. Very excited.
I'm also working like a demon to get my Saga cards printed out and laminated - starting with the Clash of Heroes cards:
(https://i.imgur.com/VcW3fYt.jpg)
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I, er, may be addicted to laminating.
(https://i.imgur.com/JPOHkCb.jpg)
(SAGA ruses look extremely fun - anyone tried?)
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Nothing wrong with that. I'm a big whore for laminated quick reference sheets. I end up making QRS for all of my games, lol.
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Nothing wrong with that. I'm a big whore for laminated quick reference sheets. I end up making QRS for all of my games, lol.
Good thing too, cos I'm at it again... Making a warlord sheet for my Saga adventures. Me and a few friends are starting to keep track of our Warlords' experience as we play Saga. Thought I'd reuse some assets from the Oathmark cards and make a custom XP tracker, with flavour text etc matching the force:
(https://i.imgur.com/xWcpbl1.png)
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Taking a leaf out of Koyote's excellent idea for using tabletop markers to represent advanced abilities in SAGA, I made a custom marker for the Black Order's reskinned 'Raise the Black Banner' ability. If you have the Horde battle board, you'll recognise this one...
(https://i.imgur.com/xSNHcB1.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/a0pCwzyl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Lc1vIchl.jpg)
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I'm mostly occupied by painting terrain and the Pagan Rus in terms of Saga at the minute.
But.
That's no reason not to make a 7th rendition of the Black Order's leader.
I may have a problem...
(https://i.imgur.com/3wUbtaTh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uOaUtaMh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HHZDn7Zh.jpg)
Also, terrain in the works, freshly decorated with pagan Rus graffiti.
(https://i.imgur.com/2njIp0zh.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/FpP7BhXh.png)
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I've been tempted into looking at Britcon 2022. https://www.bhgs.org.uk/britcon---saga.html
I've never been to a Saga event before, but I have a friend who has, and he said it's generally a pretty chilled out atmosphere, so... Here I am looking at my first wargaming event in over a year and a half.
Hit by a sudden wave of inspiration, therefore, I started to make some custom fatigue markers - 3D ones instead of 2D just to give that added relish.
(https://i.imgur.com/shyZm6B.jpg)
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Nice! I have had something similar in the back of my mind for ages but never got round to it.
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The township of Ember takes form!
I needed some more buildings for an upcoming game of the SAGA Legend scenario Urban Uprising. This scenario calls for an almost Mordheim-esque coverage of a 4x3 space with buildings and impassable terrain, representing the narrow, winding streets of a large city. While I don't think I'll quite manage a full 'city' - more of a 'township' feel - I'm well on the way now, with four of seven buildings down. Three resin casts from Norba (avoid - worst I've ever worked with and had to resculpt parts of the rooves entirely) and a Perry outhouse. Had a lot of fun adding bits and pieces to add character to each one. Still not quite finished yet.
(https://i.imgur.com/gQWKfWY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EOAmHV5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Fg8vMji.jpg)
And I also tried something slightly different recently - a foray into a universe I was in love with as a child, but have been away from for 15 odd years...
(https://i.imgur.com/L796sG3.jpg)
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Great results on the buildings, and those rangers look very nice.
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Lovely stuff. The buildings are terrific. :)
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Love the rangers, I keep meanin to grab that kit and paint them at some point.
Houses are nice as well, where are you going next? I think the Rohan house kit could be done up to fit nicely in with this look.
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Great work! The township is looking amazing!
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Thanks all!
Love the rangers, I keep meanin to grab that kit and paint them at some point.
Houses are nice as well, where are you going next? I think the Rohan house kit could be done up to fit nicely in with this look.
Considering they must be nigh on 20 years old, they're still a pretty decent kit.
I think for now I'm going to swerve and do some other projects for a bit - painting 4 houses back-to-back tired me out a bit and I still need to go back and add details (signposts etc).
Can't remember if I said already in this thread. I decided to attend my first ever SAGA event at Britcon 2022 later this year in August, so that gives me plenty of time to start thinking what I want to take. On the one hand, I'm slowly putting together some Pagan Rus for Heerschau 2022. On the other hand, I really do want to give the Black Order another run at an event, so I'm tempted to go back to their historical inspiration - the Teutonic Order - and run them at Britcon. Only historical boards from the Age of Crusades, Age of Vikings and Age of Invasions are allowed at the one-day event, so I'll be choosing from those.
Therefore, I need some fatigue markers! Some nice 3D ones. I also need a little army display tray which I'm going to work on soon I think.
And of course that's an excuse to finish off the latest Warlord conversion...
So here we go with the first completion of the road to Britcon 2022: Fatigue markers and Knight-Captain Tyr all ready to lead the Order on the battlefields of Nottingham.
(https://i.imgur.com/pCaMmmDl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4t2P3RKl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Al1c58nl.jpg)
Scenic base:
(https://i.imgur.com/EvUzrWRl.jpg)
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Very nice :-* :-* :-*
And slate,the modellers friend :)
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Great work as usual. Where are the Rangers from? Old GW?
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Excellent stuff as always, I quite like the work you're putting into the fatigue markers. It's a joy to see the projects which are obviously a real labour of love, and I feel your Black Order falls into that category. Added with your graphical skills which of course has them awesomely presented. It gives the army a lot of character, especially when you manage to make use of them between various different rules.
How big are those fatigue marker bases? I felt that -a lot- of fatigue markers were put out during my few times of playing saga so far. How many do you think you'll end up needing?
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Great work as usual. Where are the Rangers from? Old GW?
Cheers. Yep, they're just the old Rangers of Middle-Earth set from GW.
Excellent stuff as always, I quite like the work you're putting into the fatigue markers. It's a joy to see the projects which are obviously a real labour of love, and I feel your Black Order falls into that category. Added with your graphical skills which of course has them awesomely presented. It gives the army a lot of character, especially when you manage to make use of them between various different rules.
How big are those fatigue marker bases? I felt that -a lot- of fatigue markers were put out during my few times of playing saga so far. How many do you think you'll end up needing?
Thanks mate, always a pleasure to hear you're enjoying the log. Yes, after a recent game of SAGA it turns out I'll definitely need about 5 more of the fatigue markers. :) They're on 25mm rounds, which is a little big, but equally, difficult to misso n the tabletop.
Another model ready for painting - this will be February's submission for Heerschau, as I have 6(!) days to fully paint something. In this case, a Priest who will support the Order's warriors in their battles against the undead. I went with a slightly classic look for this guy as if he's mid-sermon - hopefully the use of the Frostgrave Wizard hands conveys that. I originally had the idea for this guy based purely on the head from the Victrix Dacians set, which just oozes character and presence.
(https://i.imgur.com/TkT4Dg7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wm6CC9A.jpg)
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Great looking priest character. Looking forward to seeing him painted up and spurring on the troops.
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Great looking priest character. Looking forward to seeing him painted up and spurring on the troops.
Thanks.
I haven't really slept since late February but managed to get the Priest painted up. Hobby time feels very spurious given current events but any chance to step away from work is probably good at the minute.
(https://i.imgur.com/ytFFxDDl.jpg)
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Wonderful work, I can almost hear his oration - "I do not like them here or there, I do not like them anywhere. I do not like green eggs and ham, I will not eat them Sam-I-Am!"
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Wonderful work, I can almost hear his oration - "I do not like them here or there, I do not like them anywhere. I do not like green eggs and ham, I will not eat them Sam-I-Am!"
Would you eat them in a cave?
Would you eat them with a glaive?
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Would you eat them in a cave?
Would you eat them with a glaive?
lol
I will not eat them on my Watch,
I will not eat them off your crotch.
I will not eat them on the Wall,
I do not like them not at all!
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You guys... lol
In an effort to bridge universes, I made a unit of 8 Turcopoles for Age of Crusades which can double as Steppe Nomads in Age of Vikings, mounted Warriors for Pagan Peoples or a Horde unit of mounted Warriors with composite bows in Age of Magic.
Hopefully the mix kind of works - came out a little more fantasy barbarian than I intended but with a muted colour scheme the unit should hopefully 'feel' appropriate. What do you think?
(https://i.imgur.com/ghzdNu6.jpg)
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I really wasn't happy how fantasy these guys looked, and on balance, I think the feedback I got indicating that they're very fantastical was bang on. So I went back to the drawing board with them and repurposed them using Victrix Dacians and Celtic bits as well as more Fireforge Mongol parts and Oathmark Revenant shields.
What do you guys think? I'm hoping they could pass for eastern European cavalry (Bulgar etc) at a glance, as well as fit a fantasy force.
(https://i.imgur.com/J74LdEa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/P543kLM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mxQ4vwV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6CJ7sJD.jpg)
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To be honest, I like the former ones more (that doesnt mean, that I dont like these). But if your goal was to make them look less fantasy-, and more historical-like, you achieved it.
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To be honest, I like the former ones more (that doesnt mean, that I dont like these). But if your goal was to make them look less fantasy-, and more historical-like, you achieved it.
Thanks mate. I know what you mean - the old ones had a bit more fantasy charm to them, but in the end I think they did feel too much like Conan the Barbarian on a horse.
Still, glad the goal of the rework was achieved. Hopefully I won't get too many complaints from the historical crowd ;)
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New ones look solid, good choice of heads.
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"...they did feel too much like Conan the Barbarian on a horse."
Yes, thats the reason, why I liked them that much :)!
Still, glad the goal of the rework was achieved. Hopefully I won't get too many complaints from the historical crowd ;)
The only thing is a bit off for me is (if I take my non-fantasy googles on), is that axe: it looks too big for using it on horseback. But there are certainly still some buttons and stirrups, wich arent 100% historical correct :).
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They look suitably wild and woolly, just the part.
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They look great, both sets. What was the base cavalry box you used as I don’t recognise them? Persians?
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Thanks, guys!
They look great, both sets. What was the base cavalry box you used as I don’t recognise them? Persians?
Fireforge Mongols. An odd kit - I really like the surfeit of cool bits you get in the kit, but the Mongolian heads are so bad. Like, they look more like Mordor Orcs than humans. So I recommend swapping them out if you can.
I've been doing various hobby things behind the scenes but not really had time to take pics. However, last night I had the chance to show a friend Saga for the first time and he was impressed - think I might have gained a new player for our group!
(4pts, Ordenstaat vs Vikings. Mirror-match forces - 8 Hearthguard, 8 Warriors, 12 Levy. I gave my friend the choice of battle boards, and he took the Ordenstaat and won a clear victory over the pagans. Definitely keeping things historical for future intros and running similar mirror-match lists, it makes things massively easier to parse for a newbie.)
(https://i.imgur.com/VjwiX33.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DxgOPdf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UKe6ydK.jpg)
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In what will (probably rightfull) be jeered at, I've decided to rebase a fair proportion of my Black Order to round bases. Why? They look better, and my gaming group is increasingly leaning away from rank-and-flank games. Not that that'll stop me - you can still use round based models on trays with round slots.
More importantly, and less facetiously, it's a great chance to go back and touch up individual models and units which perhaps needed a bit more love.
Starting with the Black Order's knights - 8 Hearthguard for Saga who will go into battle alongside the Order's officers, taking full advantage of their Armour 5 to stay alive long enough to make use of the Bodyguards rule.
(https://i.imgur.com/NJuwdKm.jpg)
And in action against the Dark's thralls...
(https://i.imgur.com/TbbFPPk.jpg)
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As a round base fan, I support your decision! We shall face derision together.
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I too favour round bases, looks much better (IMHO) for
skirmish games. Having said that, Vodkafan is gently
nudging me towards '3,2,1,' basing i.e. three different
sized round bases. Smallest has 1 figure, medium 2 &
largest 3. It does look nice & speeds up large skirmish games.
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Well, I've started, so I've got to finish...
Twelve half-brothers of the Black Order, under the banner of the Ostvangr garrison. I've used these guys in a lot of game systems, but right now they're mostly seeing use as Warriors in Saga - whether under the Black Order's reskinned Age of Magic battle board (the Horde) or as Ordenstaat Warriors.
(https://i.imgur.com/OdX1Bux.jpg)
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Excellent effort so far. Rebasing is such a tedious job, but worth it once done. I am on the verge of doing the same with my square-mounted miniatures. Like you, I am not really seeing as much rank 'n' flank action on the horizon, but as you say, it's easy enough to rank them up on rounds using sabot bases anyway. Sarissa Precision do some that still provide a close-order look as there is no gap between figure bases: HERE (https://sarissa-precision.com/collections/conversion-trays-for-25mm-round-bases)
Round bases do definitely look much better in skirmish games.
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Your fantastic models are looking even better on round bases! Its the right decision, but man, i dont envy the work that needs doing!
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Great work, and yeah I definitely think rounds are the way to go for most games, and as you said you can always slap them in a tray, etc.
They look great.
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Cheers lads. Gibby, thanks for the Sarissa link - I'll definitely keep them in mind if/when Warhammer Old World gets everyone hot and heavy for rank and flank again.
Another completion - the Archers of Yolwood:
(https://i.imgur.com/53Uz4AR.jpg)
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Started work on a display board specially for SAGA and other fairly low-model-count games. I must say I really missed working on these, they're great fun!
(https://i.imgur.com/cckK9PE.jpg)
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I did the same thing roughly 10 years ago. Ripped many minis off their square bases and put them on round ones.
And about three years ago I ripped everything off the round bases and put them back on squares.
I regretted the round bases. You can play any skirmisher with the square bases, but there are so many games I like for which you need the square ones.
And weirdly, something I did not expect, I got tired of round bases. I no longer think they're prettier than the squares, quite the opposite.
Anyway, I hope you won't regret your decision and look forward seeing more minis!
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I did the same thing roughly 10 years ago. Ripped many minis off their square bases and put them on round ones.
And about three years ago I ripped everything off the round bases and put them back on squares.
I regretted the round bases. You can play any skirmisher with the square bases, but there are so many games I like for which you need the square ones.
And weirdly, something I did not expect, I got tired of round bases. I no longer think they're prettier than the squares, quite the opposite.
Anyway, I hope you won't regret your decision and look forward seeing more minis!
With some games, the square bases can create a rotate for advantage situation due to the width...even more so if you have cavalry on rectangles (even the ovals can create it). My first experience with that was with Ronin, but I've seen it happen in a lot of other games as well where you aren't moving groups around and where facing tends to not matter in the rules.
I'd stopped basing my forces on squares unless it was something tied into a game when dealing with people pulling that kind of thing
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Early days still on the display board, but it's really starting to come together I think. I wanted it to be primarily for a SAGA force, but with some modular additions - specifically a camp and campfire - I think this would make a great "party screen" type vignette for Rangers of Shadow Deep. Imagine your Rangers returning home to their camp in the wilds to rest, recover and rearm before sallying out again. Something like a 'camp screen' from a videogame. Still heavily WIP. Thoughts?
(https://i.imgur.com/N0hjOxW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LuOuAGn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ejHqfGa.jpg)
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Just a couple pics from an evening of gaming last night with the London crowd. We seem to be approaching critical mass with SAGA now, which is great, as it's fast becoming my favourite system. Between four of us, we had:
Game 1: Ordenstaat vs Vikings / Masters of the Underearth vs Last Romans (Magic vs historicals - the heresy!)
Game 2: Masters of the Underearth vs Late Romans
All in all a really good evening, with some crazy dice rolls. The Romans held their own all evening against Dwarven cunning, whilst the Ordenstaat were very lucky to squeeze out a 2pt win against a ferocious Viking force. Some amazing paintjobs on display too, both the Romans and Vikings had freehanded all their shields... 🥴
If you're in the London area give a shout - we're talking about doing a one-day weekend meetup soon.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZBERTI8.jpg)
Kickoff! Ordenstaat vs Vikings in the foreground and Underearth vs Last Romans in the background.
(https://i.imgur.com/R0fQws9.jpg)
The Viking horde gathers. Some brilliant paintjobs, especially on the shields, and great use of an LBMS banner on the Shieldmaidens.
(https://i.imgur.com/we223bE.jpg)
The Late Romans (from game 2) assemble in formation, as the mounted Warlord surveys the ranks. Again, all the shields were freehand!
(https://i.imgur.com/SNzS6EU.jpg)
Game 1: The Vikings crash into the Teutonic Order's line, bellowing guttural war cries. The Order's serjeants drive back the Shieldmaidens on the right flank as the knights themselves are swarmed by pagans.
(https://i.imgur.com/e0yoWLd.jpg)
Underearth hearthguard meet Roman hearthguard on an open field! Not sure how this melee resolved itself but looks like the advantage was to the Romans...
(https://i.imgur.com/fyN3Vdh.jpg)
An unbelievably bloody melee in the centre of the field leaves just one Teutonic Order serjeant standing, against three Viking warriors. The Order warrior survived for another 2 melees on his own!
(https://i.imgur.com/PH2AHGc.jpg)
Dwarven warriors surge toward the Roman line. That manuballista in the distance really did a number on the Dwarves...
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Making the most of a day off to add some manpower to the Black Order. I don't think I'll ever truly be finished with this force...!
Upon trying out a few Saga battle boards from Age of Crusades, I find myself drawn naturally toward the Teutonic Order as they are the Black Order's historical inspiration in many ways. Their battle board is slightly simplistic and doesn't offer a huge amount of tactical play, however, so I'm also running the Order under the Baltic Crusaders battle board. In both the Teutonic and Baltic boards, the role of crossbowmen is really significant - whether using the Nach Osten ability to 'reload' crossbows for free under the Teutonic battle board, or using Jericho and Find Chinks in their Armour on the Crusaders board.
So I'm building 12 arbalests who will, depending on the board, serve as 1 pt of Levy or 1.5pts of Warriors. I've used the Fireforge Northmen bits with Perry French Infantry and European Mercenaries crossbows, as well as heads from a variety of kits (Frostgrave, Fireforge, Oathmark, Victrix).
Finally, I've also started working on another 12 heavy infantry for the Black Order, who will serve as Warriors in Saga. I have yet to really figure out which battle board synergises best with the 'heavy infantry', Warrior-centric approach - any ideas welcome! These guys are based on Victrix's amazing Normans set with shields swapped out for Fireforge Templar shields and fur pelts added.
(https://i.imgur.com/aKEf5xo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3STtXoE.jpg)
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Looking good! Perry crossbows seem a good size on the northmen, compared to the smaller fantasy crossbows in say Frostgrave kits.
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Early days still on the display board, but it's really starting to come together I think. I wanted it to be primarily for a SAGA force, but with some modular additions - specifically a camp and campfire - I think this would make a great "party screen" type vignette for Rangers of Shadow Deep. Imagine your Rangers returning home to their camp in the wilds to rest, recover and rearm before sallying out again. Something like a 'camp screen' from a videogame. Still heavily WIP. Thoughts?
(https://i.imgur.com/N0hjOxW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LuOuAGn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ejHqfGa.jpg)
This is super extra in the best possible upholding of table top traditions. I already want one of my own lol. What is the provenance of those tents?
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They look like renadra ones
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This is super extra in the best possible upholding of table top traditions. I already want one of my own lol. What is the provenance of those tents?
Oh yes. Extra is the name of the game :) They're Renedra indeed. Think they come as part of a larger set of various types of tent.
Looking good! Perry crossbows seem a good size on the northmen, compared to the smaller fantasy crossbows in say Frostgrave kits.
Yeah they're surprisingly a good fit. The arms are a little skinny, but slapping fur pelts on them (as I do with everything...) tricks the eye enough to make it work.
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Couple slightly better pics of the arbalests:
(https://i.imgur.com/2Gbsnif.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QCnb2M9.jpg)
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Seem to be in the hobby zone at the minute, so taking advantage of the mojo to complete the rebasing and retouching of some mounted knights for the Order.
These models are old completions I decided I wanted to rework, partially to match the round basing theme that's going on these days and also just to improve on things I didn't like.
What I changed:
-New helms on Stalmir, Venislav and Rurik - I found some STLs online, and thanks to a friend's 3D printing skills, I now have a near-limitless resource of various greathelms - not reliant on Fireforge sprues any longer!
-Stalmir's lost the spear he had previously (as the only guy in the unit with a spear - it looked weird!)
-Venislav has a Fireforge sword blade instead of a Perry one - Perry swords are very thin and fragile
-Added dust weathering to each horse's legs - not sure how well it shows up though. But it adds a bit more dirt and 'character' to the unit!
(https://i.imgur.com/QRiv68m.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7Ku1dZNl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IsRZk6Vl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Aep00Kvl.jpg)
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They look brilliant :-* :-* :-*
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Agreed - they are gorgeous :-*
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Lovely work. Looking forward to seeing the display base 8)
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They just get better and better :-*
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Stunning work, as usual mate!
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Thanks guys.
Managed to squeeze my monthly completion in for Stronghold Terrain's Heerschau 2022 (one valid Saga unit up to 1pt, any 'Age of...' universe) at the absolute last possible moment! A point of Order arbalests, counting as Warriors (as Ordenstaat) or Levy (as Baltic Crusaders)
Lot of fun painting the pavises on these :)
(https://i.imgur.com/BwTHwOj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ci6gh4J.jpg)
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deleted, ignore
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Really nice unit!
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Great work yet again!
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So, after playing Saga for a while, I realised I'm not a big fan of a 2-handed weapon on the Warlord. It offers you +1 to your attack dice, sure, but the downgrading to Armour 4 in melee is a bit risky - even when you boost the Warlord's durability with Lifeguards or whatever.
With that in mind...obviously it was time to build a Warlord model with a shield. Yes, I hear you scream, another bloody Warlord model. When will Tyr get this obsession out of his system :)
In fairness, I have been meaning to revisit an old version of the Black Order's eponymous leader, Tyr, for a while. I built this guy as the version I used in my foray into Rangers of Shadow Deep, Death in the Deepwood, which you can still read here:
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=108013.msg1629276#msg1629276
(https://i.imgur.com/KVcy2TLl.jpg)
I was never quite satisfied with him though, and to this end, set out to repurpose him in line with the original inspiration of the Warden
from For Honor.
(https://i.imgur.com/gUBFgED.jpg)
Here's what I came up with:
(https://i.imgur.com/kdPMzwRl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CUHfb2tl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8PQcJSgl.jpg)
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That's a terrific job - dripping (or rimed?) with atmosphere!
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Thanks Hobgoblin. I had a lot of fun making it, I realise people are probably bored of seeing Tyr's umpteenth incarnation, but hopefully he's got better over time :D
For something new, I threw together one of Victrix's Norman knights as I picked up the kit on a whim - they're lovely models, and the 'First Crusade' aesthetic fits the Black Order fairly well, so I thought they'd be good for the Order's serjeants.
I needed to Black Order-ise the kit a bit - a fur pelt and some chain barding on the horse, and we're good to go...now to do the other 11 of them!
(https://i.imgur.com/4M8RpMgh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3c2aHjwh.jpg)
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I have to say, beautiful miniatures aside, that your fluff is top notch. You should publish a campaign book for a ruleset of your choice.
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You always continue to amaze me with your brilliant work!
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Thanks Hobgoblin. I had a lot of fun making it, I realise people are probably bored of seeing Tyr's umpteenth incarnation, but hopefully he's got better over time :D
For something new, I threw together one of Victrix's Norman knights as I picked up the kit on a whim - they're lovely models, and the 'First Crusade' aesthetic fits the Black Order fairly well, so I thought they'd be good for the Order's serjeants.
I needed to Black Order-ise the kit a bit - a fur pelt and some chain barding on the horse, and we're good to go...now to do the other 11 of them!
(https://i.imgur.com/4M8RpMgh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3c2aHjwh.jpg)
Tell me you didn't hand carve that mail. Or did you press the putty into a pattern?
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Tell me you didn't hand carve that mail. Or did you press the putty into a pattern?
Ha. No, it's made using Green Stuff World's press moulds - they do one for 'wolf fur' and one for chainmail, so definitely a great investment in my case :)
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That is fab work :-*
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Thanks mate!
Me and a friend have started playing the Limes campaign from SAGA: Age of Invasions. It's a blast! We've switched it up a little and substituted the 'Barbarians' for his Jomsvikings, and the 'Romans' have become my Ordenstaat. Full photo report coming soon.
In the meantime, I got to play another game of SAGA recently, against a friend who wanted to try out the Undead. So I broke out my Undead force and pitched them agains the Black Order. Very weird having my armies on both sides of the table! Took a couple pics:
(https://i.imgur.com/tGtmpWrh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rANfAbIh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lYK8KECh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BOjLiFkh.jpg)
It was a great game - we've increasingly found that the historical battle boards in SAGA tend to be a lot stronger than the Magic boards. Has anyone else found this? Typically, the Magic boards' ability to use, well, actual magic helps out a lot, but the actual battle board abilities on the historical front tend to be stronger. In this case the Ordenstaat crushed the Undead resoundingly, but we're going to go for a rematch soon and switch sides.
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Epic looking game!
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Just FANTASTIC! :-* :-* :-*
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Thanks guys.
I've got a Limes campaign report forthcoming, using the SAGA: Age of Invasions campaign ruleset, but in the meantime here's a pic of the Black Order garrison defending against the incursions of a friend's Jomsvikings.
Knight-Captain Tyr (Warlord): No special options
8x Hearthguard: No special options
12x Warriors: Crossbows, War Banner
12x Warriors: No special options
Limes is a bit limiting initially for the "Roman" player, but hopefully I'll be able to flesh out the garrison with horses and some Levy archers in due course...
(https://i.imgur.com/4qOJhm5.jpg)
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Sweet. Looking forward to more pics and reports as you go.
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I've finished rebasing my heavy cavalry for Saga - I was really keen to put these guys on 60mms, and think it's come off pretty well. The larger base size gives them a lot of weight and 'heft' that smaller sizes sometimes lack, in my humble opinion.
I've got a game booked on Weds with these guys - should be fun, looking forward to running down some Jomsvikings with Order cavalry.
(https://i.imgur.com/kAyD1MVl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3v8Yge4l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/H0Td7pXl.jpg)
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Wow, they look brilliant! Great painting on excellent conversions! I think you’re right that the larger bases give the figures added presence.
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Those riders are very nicely done - painting is great and the base-work is awesome. The larger bases do give them a certain presence.
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Those riders are a great addition. This is one of the best army projects I’ve seen.
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After concluding a 'tweaked' Limes campaign with a friend in which the Ordenstaat held out against a Jomsviking horde (spoiler: it didn't last past campaign turn 3!) I've been looking for a fresh faction to run my eastern European/Teutonic-inspired knights as, and settled on Eastern Princes.
The list of the Rus princedoms seems to fit well with a combined-arms force, with heavy cavalry, infantry and levy crossbows fitting the Teuton feel fairly well.
It also gives me the chance to make a war wagon, which is completely new to me from a modelling standpoint, so here goes nothing! This is where I'm up to with a 1st Corps 'large' war wagon. (Note: It's about twice the size they advertise on the website, barely fits on a 120mm oval base).
Not quite finished yet - still working on a casualty diorama for the base - but I'm enjoying the interior detailing so far.
(https://i.imgur.com/sY7BLEB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/F8Quw0p.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BlnW8ET.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CJsomMz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VmwW2Ld.jpg)
What do you think?
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That looks great! The positioning on the base adds to the dynamism.
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That’s a splendid creation :-*
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Very promising 8)
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That is a really cool idea and looks great!
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Looks fantastic. Invicta has a great video on YouTube covering the design and use of war wagons. Pretty cool stuff.
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like it a lot. Will you put riders on the horses?
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What do you think?
I really like your work, your conversions are superb.
The war wagon looks great so far, but there is on thing that bothers me a little.
The horses look like they are moving, yet the little ladder on the side reaches down to the ground. After you texture the base this may look strange.
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Loving it! That wagon is brilliant.
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The wagon is gorgeous!
I'm concerned for the horses... it appears the wagon is stationary and actively engaged, but the horses are still harnessed up front instead of hidden behind the wagon...
But I am a natural pedant lol
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Thanks, guys!
Looks fantastic. Invicta has a great video on YouTube covering the design and use of war wagons. Pretty cool stuff.
Good shout - will go check that out before I put paint on this beast.
like it a lot. Will you put riders on the horses?
I'll leave the horses riderless for now I think. Once there are parts to build a casualty diorama on the base, it'll be plenty busy enough.
I really like your work, your conversions are superb.
The war wagon looks great so far, but there is on thing that bothers me a little.
The horses look like they are moving, yet the little ladder on the side reaches down to the ground. After you texture the base this may look strange.
The wagon is gorgeous!
I'm concerned for the horses... it appears the wagon is stationary and actively engaged, but the horses are still harnessed up front instead of hidden behind the wagon...
But I am a natural pedant lol
Answering you chaps together - yes, I also get what you mean about the stationary/engaged look of the wagon vs. the horses. Put simply, I couldn't find a way to get Fireforge's horses to look static and I don't trust my sculpting skills that much. It's a slight oddity which will have to do, I think. Depending on how the casualty diorama works out, there's always the explanation that the wagon is in motion with the ramp down for an emergency "casevac" under fire, so to speak, and won't be able to come to a complete halt. But let's see what it looks like when the extra parts are added.
As for putting the horses behind the wagon - simply not enough space on the base to do everything I wanted. Afraid it's been decided for me!
Now, for a quick aside, as I'm still waiting for the 3D printed parts for the wagon to arrive, I decided to complete the mounted version of my Warlord. For the longest time I've meant to do a mounted version of my knight-commander, and finally this weekend I put some paint on him! Getting him to match the foot version was a nightmare as the same Fireforge parts (but mounted) don't exist, so a fair amount of sculpting and 3D printing happened. Still, here he is in the end! Plus comparison pics with the foot version.
(http://i.imgur.com/AZEX5Y6.png) (https://imgur.com/AZEX5Y6)
(https://i.imgur.com/RFYQSIa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6NHuNY1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/exi5KvZ.jpg)
What do you think? Close enough to each other?
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I think you did a great job - they look like the same guy to me!
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Beautiful as ever! I wish manufacturers made mounted and foot versions of the same characters more commonly.
Thanks for considering our opinions on the wagon too, its your project so other people's thoughts don't really matter, but your reasoning is appreciated and I hear you on the difficulty of converting horses lol You have plenty of sculpting talent, I couldn't even begin to consider attempting it.
Very excited for the end result, one doesn't see enough war wagons either :D
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So how far are you now from playing SAGA with just Tyr figures? ;)
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For the wagon, you might want to add a bit of cargo inside. Mainly things like extra ammunition, perhaps a brazier for the cinematics of eventual flaming arrows in the narrative if nothing else.
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Superb :-* :-* :-*
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So how far are you now from playing SAGA with just Tyr figures? ;)
What do you mean, what other way of playing SAGA is there???
For the wagon, you might want to add a bit of cargo inside. Mainly things like extra ammunition, perhaps a brazier for the cinematics of eventual flaming arrows in the narrative if nothing else.
Nice idea, I'd already added a bit of cargo inside but a brazier sounds cool...
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Nice idea, I'd already added a bit of cargo inside but a brazier sounds cool...
It would also help with the ice and snow basing you're using as a way to expand on it, it's something that would work for keeping warm.
If you really want to go into crazy land for it, you could drill up from under the base for a cheap LED to have a lit up brazier...some of the cheap, tea light LED's such as from Dollar Tree or most stores of the type can be opened with the light extracted, already wired and you just need to work it into place.
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It would also help with the ice and snow basing you're using as a way to expand on it, it's something that would work for keeping warm.
If you really want to go into crazy land for it, you could drill up from under the base for a cheap LED to have a lit up brazier...some of the cheap, tea light LED's such as from Dollar Tree or most stores of the type can be opened with the light extracted, already wired and you just need to work it into place.
Yep, I'm convinced on the brazier front now, it'll add a lot of interest to the model.
As for the LED lights, I think they work if you design a force with that theme in mind. I'm slightly leery of popping them in on single models as it can jar a bit if it's not part of the force's 'theme', so to speak. Maybe I'll be convinced otherwise at some point though. :)
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So, Heerschau 2022, a Studio Tomahawk-themed painting competition organised by Stronghold Terrain comes to an end this weekend. It's the first year I participated and safe to say I really enjoyed it. The goal was to paint a point per month of SAGA (also options for Muskets and Tomahawks, but SAGA is my preference). In the end, over the six-month event I managed 10.5pts of completely new units, which I'm pretty chuffed about.
Couldn't resist taking a group pic, so here's everything painted over the last six months. In the end I managed to finish 6.5pts of Pagan Rus (or Pagan Peoples), 1.5pts of Ordenstaat/Eastern Princes/Crusaders (plus two Warlords) and 2.5pts of Undead.
The Rus wouldn't have happened at all without this challenge so I'm really grateful Stronghold Terrain organised it.
(https://i.imgur.com/I8lo4T2.png)
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really wonderful. congrats
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That's a great bit of modelling. I've never seen a model of someone winding up their crossbow (arbalest?) before and that's a real treat.
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That's a great bit of modelling. I've never seen a model of someone winding up their crossbow (arbalest?) before and that's a real treat.
It's actually just a set of arms from Perry Miniatures stretched and repositioned to fit Fireforge Northmen bodies. Looks a bit different with all the fur :)
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Speed painting a piece of 'swamp/marsh' terrain for a Saga event I'm running this weekend:
(https://i.imgur.com/agEsCze.jpg)
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That looks pretty cool as it is in grey-scale. Lots of details to give the piece interest - I’m looking forward to seeing it coloured in!
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That looks pretty cool as it is in grey-scale. Lots of details to give the piece interest - I’m looking forward to seeing it coloured in!
Thanks!
Here's a little time lapse of where it is now - next step, resin pour...
(https://i.imgur.com/1VgWOfe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fanIRMd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0aTQVdD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CDUjLcr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/atPbS2i.jpg)
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Well that certainly doesn’t disappoint! It turned out beautifully.
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Beautiful is an odd way to describe a fetid pool full of rotting carcasses but I know what you mean. Sterling work as always
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With a piece like that, you can also use high gloss polyeurethane, and can add a small amount of fine flock to either it or resin to give the look of algae.
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So, the 3D printed vignette from Reconquer Designs finally arrived! A wounded and/or unconscious warrior is pulled to safety by his battle-brother. I've added some fur pelts to make the warriors stand out as Black Order sergeants. Whilst this would make a fantastic vignette in its own right, I'm probably going to add it to the war wagon's base to add that bit extra character and dynamism. What do you think?
(https://i.imgur.com/VP3Wvn9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7wVxqDw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yTDvAkj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RK5i89V.jpg)
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It looks like it would look great either way. Definitely would be a great addition to the war wagon!
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That's superb once again. One thing that struck me though was that if it's being added to the war wagon base, the rescuer looks to be shielding the wounded from a direction you wouldn't expect arrows to be coming from, assuming the crossbowmen are firing at the enemy (unless they've been outflanked).
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Yes, love that on the wagon base. Great addition!
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A great scene. Maybe that guy owes him money :)
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I think the figures are more versatile on a single base and wouldn't add them to the waggon. In that way they are usable in many more scenarios I think.
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IMO adding that little vignette to the wagon base makes it! That's why the horses are still out front and not hiding behind the wagon - it's just come to a stop to do a quick battlefield evac :-*
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Very cool. Love the undead warband.
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Thanks all!
That's superb once again. One thing that struck me though was that if it's being added to the war wagon base, the rescuer looks to be shielding the wounded from a direction you wouldn't expect arrows to be coming from, assuming the crossbowmen are firing at the enemy (unless they've been outflanked).
The idea was that the wagon has driven right into the thick of the fighting and arrows are indeed coming from all directions. I think I need to add some arrows embedded in the wagon from the other side in order to sell this, though. :)
IMO adding that little vignette to the wagon base makes it! That's why the horses are still out front and not hiding behind the wagon - it's just come to a stop to do a quick battlefield evac :-*
That was the hope! Cheers :)
The swamp is finished! What do you guys think?
(https://i.imgur.com/C5k0DuS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MLdGjvk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0pP5Xpp.jpg)
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It’s a beautiful piece of terrain! Lots of interesting details too. Things are looking a bit sticky for Hans and Franz in the first picture, though!
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That swamp looks pretty noxious!
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Not spent much time on the forum for awhile, but was like always a joy to come here and catch up on your work. The swamp looks suitably damp and horrible, and I salute you the effort of rebasing the whole army. Not a choice easily made.
Also great to see you getting games in, the real joy comes when you get to use your labour for the other fun parts after all. Looking forward to seeing more always.
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The swamp is finished! What do you guys think?
I think I want one :D
Seconding a poster above, nice extra little details like sunken skeleton.
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It’s a beautiful piece of terrain! Lots of interesting details too. Things are looking a bit sticky for Hans and Franz in the first picture, though!
Cheers mate! Yeah, I figure it'll be the site of a lot of gaming mishaps and gnashing of teeth :)
That swamp looks pretty noxious!
Shrek would be proud.
Not spent much time on the forum for awhile, but was like always a joy to come here and catch up on your work. The swamp looks suitably damp and horrible, and I salute you the effort of rebasing the whole army. Not a choice easily made.
Also great to see you getting games in, the real joy comes when you get to use your labour for the other fun parts after all. Looking forward to seeing more always.
Always appreciate the kind words from yourself mate - hope you are enjoying the hobby and that you get some gaming time soon. I've always found the painting/modelling side to be reward enough in its own right, but it is pleasing to get the models out on a table and roll some dice, too. :)
And yes, rebasing a whole army was a bit nuts.
I think I want one :D
Seconding a poster above, nice extra little details like sunken skeleton.
Thanks! It was a lot of fun to make.
With the heatwave affecting the UK currently, there aren't a lot of options for things to do during the day, and I'm finding that even the hobby is a little tricky - GW paint pots dry up and Green Stuff cures solid in about 90 minutes. I burned through a lot of Green Stuff on this project - Victrix's Norman Cavalry set, which I'm repurposing to act as Mounted Sergeants for the Black Order. I used Green Stuff World's texture plates to help with the chain barding and fur pelts. Lots of fun!
(https://i.imgur.com/1peeAqg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZgohJl0.jpg)
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Love them, great job. It's a fun kit to work with.
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Love them, great job. It's a fun kit to work with.
Cheers mate. I'm really hoping they paint up more easily than other cavalry have in the past.
During the heatwave last week it was too hot to paint, but I got some more assemblies done. These Crusader Hearthguard by Stronghold Terrain must be some of my favourite ever metal miniatures - they just have tons of character and the poses are all brilliant. I didn't need (or want) to repose or rework these guys at all, just slapped some fur pelts on them to initiate them into the Order as veteran foot sergeants.
I'll also enter these into the Saga Thorsday painting comp - paint and base a unit of Warriors by July 31st. Let's see if I can do it...
(https://i.imgur.com/ODCeTck.png)
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This look fantastic. Can't wait to see the whole project brought together as 1 army.
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Some progress painting up the War Wagon. It's a pretty involved project, still a fair amount to do on the interior before I get on to the crew, and then the vignette of the wounded being dragged on board will take a while after that.
Have to get this done before 13th August - where I'm hoping to run the Black Order under the Eastern Princes battle board at Britcon!
(https://i.imgur.com/RDUQiO7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8C7Xpnh.jpg)
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Great work on the wood there, this should look amazing in the end.
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Brilliant work as always mate, you never fail to impress!
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Great job
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Superb :-*
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So much progress - the swamp is just :-* :-* :-* in a kind of noxious gribbily-way, and the war wagon is going to be a real masterpiece
8)
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outstanding woodwork :-*
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And it's DONE.
Easily one of the most involved projects I've worked on for the Order. This started life as a 1st Corps war wagon, which I converted a little with some Fireforge pavises and a couple of horses from the Forgotten World range (to match the rest of the army).
Although the war wagon will see use mostly in Saga, under the Eastern Princes faction, I wanted this to reflect slightly more realistic wagenburg use as seems to have been the case historically (using the Hussite Wars largely as an inspiration). Although the Saga wagon has the Unarmed and Improvised Projectiles rules, reflecting a crew of peasants throwing stones, I still wanted this to look like a military unit, so I put some crossbowmen in the wagon itself. I head-canon the actual impact the crossbows have as disrupting, distracting and diverting the enemy through the Lure of Avarice rule, forcing them to engage the war wagon as a threat, rather than dealing outright damage to enemy units.
So, the wagon serves as a mobile distraction unit, forcing the enemy to divert their attention from the Order's warriors. As the vignette on the base - from Reconquer Designs - also indicates, the wagon can serve as a casevac for wounded soldiers.
Thoughts? I'm hoping to use this in Britcon, coming up in just over a week, so fortuitous timing to have finished it!
(https://i.imgur.com/oQeVO0b.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Thhvu8E.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jyKeq85.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8myJO7I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RhwXVCx.jpg)
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That is superb! :-*
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outstanding paintjob :-*
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Amazing! That's a brilliant bit of work!
It's a superbly evocative creation too - it oozes narrative.
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Oh yes, absolutely fantastic. Hope it treats you well in game.
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Love it 8)
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Stunning model and paint, so full of action, it's a splendid diorama in its own right 8)
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That’s an amazing piece of work!
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Some of the best wood I've seen in a while on display there, both raw and painted-over.
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I can only add my laudations to the pile, it oozes character and is an excellent set-piece. The effort you put in was well rewarded I'd say.
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Excellent work!
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Amazing! That's a brilliant bit of work!
It's a superbly evocative creation too - it oozes narrative.
I quite agree with Hobgoblin. Cracking job!
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Like all your work, this is superb!
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That War Wagon is great.
Just reading Warriors of God, and war wagons make appearances.
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Very nice work. Its a splendid diorama.
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Thanks very much everyone. It was a labour of love for sure. Really looking forward to fielding it in its painted form at Britcon.
Here is a quick snap of (most of) the force the Black Order will send to Britcon - as well as a little sneak preview of a new toy! I'm really excited to take some much better, Breazer-esque staged pics...
(https://i.imgur.com/tWiXOax.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xcoyfj6.png)
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Fab,and wonderful to see your camera setup :-*
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Exquisite! ✨
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So, I'm going to my first Saga event in two days! I'm going to Sagageddon at Britcon, in Nottingham, UK, on Saturday and I need themed objective markers per the event pack. I've been thinking for a while what Black Order objective markers might look like, and with Saga's generously sized objectives (40mm, or thereabouts) I thought I'd have some fun.
I love the imagery of tattered banners and bloody flags looming over a battlefield, ever since I first played Myth: The Fallen Lords as a child, so I had to go with something evoking this theme.
(https://i.imgur.com/pA7yYZa.png)
So with that in mind, I've started to come up with some objective markers. Here are the first two banners, with a vignette from Reconquer Designs providing a great base for a (light) kitbash.
(https://i.imgur.com/4F0z0Vb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hoaZmVL.jpg)
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I assume banners are for the actual game, or just objectives and such? You're still doing Saga or what-have-you as your game of choice, right?
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Great work, really fits the vibe of your force.
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Those really set a mood. I’m looking forward to seeing them painted.
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Cheers lads. Desperately painting them up at the minute...
@Elbows: Yep, they're objective markers for SAGA, but will do for objectives or status markers for other games too, I hope. At least that's the idea!
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And we're done. With the completion of The Bannerman, the final objective marker, that's all my painting done for the weekend. All packed, prepped and good to go for Sagageddon at Britcon!
(https://i.imgur.com/4Aphgbq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ztwtHAl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ChNzyDf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iEBY9y2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WamXneC.jpg)
What do you think?
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You work quickly! Wonders of a deadline. They look excellent, might have to look into getting one of that vingette myself.
Hope you'll have a great time at the event!
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Speedy work indeed, well done and good luck with the event!
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Very nicely done! Grim, but very much in keeping with the tone of the Black Order. Hope the rest of your army have better fortune than that poor chap.
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Those are amazing - and so evocative!
Best of luck at the tournament!
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So, yesterday was quite the epic (some might even say it was a Saga, snarf)
yes, that's as good as the jokes get
Anyway, after a bright and early 0415 wake-up, I got on a train to Nottingham to check out Sagageddon , my first ever Saga event, hosted within the venerable auspices of Britcon. Suffice to say, on the second hottest (?) day of the year and a massive rail strike affecting most of the UK, it was a bit of a mission but we got to sunny Nottingham in the end!
(https://i.imgur.com/zVV52uR.jpg)
The venue itself was pretty decent - fairly spacious, well-lit and nice overall, it was just a shame with all the glass roofing that it basically turned into a greenhouse by midday. Still, global warming aside, it was a great venue. I'd have loved to see more of the actual Britcon trade show itself, but it's probably good for my wallet that we didn't end up browsing the wares much.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ea1GdDF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0PLHtQn.jpg)
For this event, I took the Black Order in their Eastern Princes configuration from Age of Crusades. I'd only recently started playing with the wintery, wild Lords of the East, but they've been a lot of fun to date so I thought they'd be fun to play. After a brief conversation on the Saga Thorsday Discord channel, Daneel (the Sagageddon organiser) suggested they weren't an army often seen at UK events, so I thought why not give them a try.
I took:
(https://i.imgur.com/GoNfrMY.jpg)
Warlord (mounted)
3pts Hearthguard (mounted), usually deployed in 2x6
1.5pts Warriors (foot, War Banner)
1pt Levies (crossbows)
...and a War Wagon to round things off.
The format of the day was pretty straightforward. We were to play four games, with the final rankings determined by win/loss + strength of schedule. This was an Age of Melee event, so lists from the Age of Vikings, Age of Crusades and Age of Invasions universes were allowed.
On to the games!
Round One - Desecration
Opponent: Romans (Age of Invasions)
(https://i.imgur.com/QSkfb8S.jpg)
Game one against a warband I'd never faced before - the Romans! My opponent for this game was a lovely chap called Jean-Paul who'd travelled over from France specially for the event. In Desecration, both players have to destroy their opponent's home objectives whilst protecting their own. I deployed all three of my home objectives on the far left flank (slightly out of shot, but just next to the foot warriors and the crossbow levy). Jean-Paul took a slightly more balanced deployment, with one objective on the far right flank and two others closer to the centre.
This was a pretty close game - I deployed everything on the left flank, with a single unit of Hearthguard on the right flank ready to zip up behind a forest and threaten the objective on the right flank, while I chipped away at the Roman centre with the crossbow levy.
Broadly, this more or less went to plan, although a heart stopping moment happened when the Roman mounted Hearthguard broke through my lines and went for one of my home objectives. However, the Roman charge was unable to take out the objective, and I I managed to take out a single one of the Roman objectives in turn, which in the end saved me the game.
Round Two - Ambush
Opponent: Normans (Age of Vikings)
(https://i.imgur.com/51M4aqo.jpg)
See above for "Seconds before disaster..."
For Ambush I castled up pretty heavily in the centre of the board, aware that this scenario was scored on Survival Points and that I was facing a Norman warband with crossbow-armed Warriors and the dreaded bow-armed Levies capable of the Volley Fire ability. I deployed well out of range of the Levy, and then on turn 1, sent a unit of mounted Hearthguard galloping toward the baggage train in the centre of the board...straight into range of the Norman Levy as they moved up into the woods. Four Hearthguard dead in a single volley.
Ouch.
Thankfully, my mistake didn't cost me the entire unit, and I moved the Hearthguard back into cover. I then spent the next two turns whittling away at the baggage in the centre with my crossbows whilst trying to stay out of range of the Levies. One of the baggage mules seemed to have something to prove, as he kept on moving straight forward - right into a unit of my mounted Hearthguard on the far end of the table.
So by turn four, I had managed to seize two of the objective markers in the baggage train, using the War Wagon to good effect to cover my Warlord and mounted Hearthguard. I'd taken a lot of casualties among the foot Warriors, who had to deal with a fully souped-up Norman Hearthguard charge (ouch), but it was worth it - I had two objectives to the Norman one. With the Norman Hearthguard and Warlord shot apart by the crossbow Levy, I was able to pull back in good order with two of the objective markers to win the day. Phew! I probably gave the Normans slightly too much respect in this game, but their Volley Fire was really brutal. I managed to deter Volley Fire once or twice using the Eastern Princes' Hesitation ability, which is an incredible ability allowing you to generate two Saga dice with the facing of your choice if your opponent cooperates. It didn't always work, but when it did, it set up a powerful counter-attack in my turn.
On to game 3!
Round Three - Claiming Territory
Opponent: Romans (Age of Invasions)
(https://i.imgur.com/aZAjaVh.jpg)
The above shot is actually from mid-game, and by this point the crucial moment had, more or less, taken place - it was a seriously tight game and could have gone either way up until this point. Yes, Romans again - they seemed pretty popular at Sagageddon. However, these guys had a Manuballista, which looked like being the Kryptonite to my mounted Hearthguard, so I gave these guys a wide berth.
Basically, I deployed everything I could behind a hill or behind a forest, as I saw the Romans looked set to make good use of the Manuballista and the Plumbatae
ability, which lets you shoot with archers using another unit's LOS and positioning. Not nice. Having played Claiming Territory twice before the event, I figured that this is basically a scenario that rewards whoever has big blocks of Warriors next to their home objectives. You score points based on objectives you control - the ones in your table half score half the victory points, the ones in your opponent's half score full points. But the number of points is determined by the size of the units controlling them.
In other words, being outnumbered by the Romans, I'd lose the game if I sat and camped, as his Warrior and Levy blocks would score more than my lone Warrior block. I had to go in very hard and try to seize at least one of the Roman objectives for a full turn, depriving him of points and scoring max points for myself. Mounted Hearthguard, time to earn your pay!
In the pic above, you can see that the Black Order Hearthguard managed to do just that - losing 6 of their number, they nevertheless managed to hold and claim an objective in the Roman half of the table for a full turn, enough to score points to put me just ahead of the Romans. After that, the Hearthguard died to a man, but they'd done their job. Meanwhile my home objectives were too far away from the Romans to be threatened, so it was just a case of holding back the Romans until the game ended and riding out the small lead I'd managed to accrue. Close victory to the Order!
Round Four - A Tale of Challenges
Opponent: Welsh (Age of Vikings)
(https://i.imgur.com/MKo0r39.jpg)
For the final game, the Order faced an (almost) all-mounted Welsh army under Mark B, who's previously won the UK Grand Melee. This was a great game and easily my favourite of the day! Not least because the Welsh are completely new to me, but also because Mark was a gent - he talked me through some of the vagaries of the Welsh list and explained a few other rules oddities about Saga that I'd managed to miss so far. Was a great sport throughout the game too.
Essentially, Tale of Challenges is a weird scenario - you pick the titular challenges at the start of the game and win points if you achieve them, or lose points if you fail to. We both chose First Blood (be the first to kill a model) whilst I chose to keep 50% of my force alive and Mark chose another based on killing enemy models. I tried to deploy far enough back that Mark wouldn't take the first kill, but I stupidly put my crossbow Levy too far up, just far enough that enemy units could charge them without being affected by the War Wagon.
Mark took First Blood pretty easily, and then spent the rest of the game chipping away at the Order's units. I did manage to kill more (most?) of Mark's figures, but by the end of the game, I'd failed both my Challenges and Mark had succeeded in his. Clear victory to the Welsh, and a good lesson for the Order. I really did enjoy this game and hope to repeat it some day.
Final Roundup
To some considerable surprise on my part, the Black Order finished 3rd overall and took home the Best Painted prize at the end of the day. Was a nice way to end a hellishly hot day, but the important part was that I'd had some great games and learned a lot more about Saga along the way. I took home a Gripping Beast Saracen army pack and Aetius, Magister Militum, also from Gripping Beast. Who knows what I'll use them as?
(https://i.imgur.com/Gmjkh7e.jpg)
And this was the final lineup for the Age of Melee event:
1st - Picts
2nd - Welsh
3rd - Eastern Princes
4th - Pagan Rus
5th - Anglo-Danes
6th - Polish
7th - Romans (AoI)
8th - Romans (AoI)
9th - Saracens
10th - Crusaders (Levantine)
11th - Normans
12th - Vikings
Final thoughts scenario-wise: I think Daneel chose the perfect mix of scenarios for the event to encourage players to take pretty mixed armies, but I do hope Studio Tomahawk update the scenarios at some point. In particular, Claiming Territory is an awfully static scenario that essentially rewards camping in place and not interacting with your opponent that much. I'm also not terribly sure about A Tale of Challenges, but maybe I just haven't played it enough yet. I did enjoy Desecration and Ambush (even though the latter isn't much of an exercise in simulation, per se, it's fun from a gaming point of view). Still, I had loads of fun and look forward to gaining some more experience.
I'll close with pictures of a few of the armies on display at the event - leading with my clubmate James' beautiful Vikings force, which I thought was unlucky not to walk away with the Best Painted award. Check out those details and that banner!
(https://i.imgur.com/Knt4IQ4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BEgDOCw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IHQC5Kp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bUFhiPU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1G7M6d9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xo6Y10V.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kZU5Sd9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3roSuC4.jpg)
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Congrats on your bronze finish and thank you for the write up. A fun read.
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Wonderful battle reports and a cracking paint job. I love how simple but evocative your flag designs are on the objective markers.
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I've been lurking around this thread for quite awhile and I must say that it is indeed a superbly painted army! A well deserved best painted award!
That was a great write-up about the con as well. I actually read everything you wrote. :D
Loved all the photos! :-*
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That was a fun reading. Saga has been on my radar for a time, I might try it someday, but too many things on my plate already…
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Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the kind comments. I'm definitely considering the UK Grand Melee now. Tournaments in general aren't really my thing but this one was more relaxed than most.
That was a fun reading. Saga has been on my radar for a time, I might try it someday, but too many things on my plate already…
It's a great game - lots of narrative scenarios and flexibility for cool modelling projects like civilians, baggage wagons and other NPCs. I think it's got a lot of longevity as a gaming system.
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Great report and congrats on place and painting awards, well deserved.
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Coming in 3rd behind Andy and Mark is no mean achievement 8)
I've played against both of them a fair bit and, tbh, not being completely annihilated is also an achievement ;)
Hopefully see you at the GM as I think I'm being roped in again to catherd and keep score
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Beautiful battle reports and thanks for sharing. Obviously you won best painted!
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Thanks for the kind words everyone. It was a nice day, and the results were just a bonus. I got to see some interesting games being played next to us - To the Strongest and Swordpoint both look fun.
Since Britcon I took a slight step back from the hobby but am now gearing up again for casual Frostgrave campaigning with the London crowd, as well as thinking what's next for Saga. I think I'm going to take the plunge and rework a lot of my snowy terrain, as I'm not totally happy with all of it. The newer stuff I'm pleased with, but the older stuff (trees especially) not so much.
Before I go back and start stripping things down to their constituent parts though, I picked up the GW LOTR Rohan watchtower + palisades fairly recently, and couldn't resist converting the tower to a more generic Dark Ages type structure. I won't lie, some Age of Empires II inspiration came through here as well :)
Thoughts so far?
(https://i.imgur.com/j2ST3Gq.png)
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Looking good! But no surprise coming from you mate. 👍
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Well, as they say - all things come to an end, and all ends give way to a new beginning. As true of the hobby as it is of anything else. If you've followed along with this log for the past four (4! Wow!) years, thank you so much for the encouragement and the feedback along the way - Lead Adventure Forum is an amazing, never-ending fount of inspiration, community spirit and enthusiasm, and I'm truly grateful to everyone who commented here. Over several years of travelling and living in various countries, LAF and a few other online communities kept me in touch with the hobby and provided endless inspiration. I hope this log kept a few people entertained and maybe inspired along the way.
For now, this log has served its purpose and I'm going to be wrapping up the separate logs I've kept for The Dark and the Black Order. Neither project is over, though - there will be an entirely new thread encompassing all future projects coming soon. Probably about the same time that I launch a brand new website dedicated to all things hobby-related, likely early in the New Year (or possibly sooner if I get things sorted out).
What website, you ask? Well, here's a sneak peek attached below.
Thanks for all the encouragement and the sense of community - look forward to sharing more with you guys very soon!
(https://i.imgur.com/O3ohwkl.png)
The Black Order will return
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I've loved reading through all this. Looking forward to whatever else you have to come.
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Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!
Have to say this has been one of my go to threads on the forum. So much talent and hard work beautiful minis and a fascinating backstory
The ‘sequel’ better be good 😉
Nice work mate 👍🏼👏👍🏼👏
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I’ll echo that, I have thoroughly enjoyed your threads. I will be looking forward to seeing future work!
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The road goes ever on….
Thanks for continuing to inspire!
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I bow my head in awe for your extraordinary efforts and skill :-* :-* :-*
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It's been an amazing ride, can't wait to see what comes next!
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Am a massive fan of your work, so while I’m sad to see the end of new posts on this thread, I look forward to what comes next
8)
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Thank you and best of luck
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Thanks for all the hobby goodness, mate :)
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Thanks for sharing your creativity with us for all this time. Amazing collection of work.
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As others have said, this is definitely a 'go to' thread and your reality-based, believable, fantasy is inspirational. I can't wait to see what's next but I'll miss this. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
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Wonderful, wonderful work.
Thank you so much for sharing.
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This has been an interesting and inspiring thread.
Thank you.
I look forward to your next project/thread.
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Greatly looking forward to seeing what you come up with next. The website is sure to be beautiful, your design skills is such a good complement to your hobby prowess.