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So I grabbed one of Mantic's advent calendars and thought I'd create a thread here for any and all to share any wargaming advents they got. Feel free to jump in.
So as I say, I grabbed a copy of Deep Space Pest Control and it's a tidy looking box.
(https://i.imgur.com/tF6uWP7.jpeg) (https://i.imgur.com/qUoB03T.jpeg)
This morning I popped it open...
(https://i.imgur.com/WoFoOPG.jpeg)
And behind door number 1...
(https://i.imgur.com/X3rSUM3.jpeg)
...some sort of sci-fi rat dude; I don't play Mantic's games so I know nothing about him. It looks pretty well armoured and like it's wielding some sort of spray gun. I've no real plan for how to paint these guys...maybe something kinda grubby.
This Mantic plastic is odd, kinda rubbery. I'm not overly impressed but given that there are only 5 minis I can live with it. Admittedly, I mostly got the box for the terrain but I'll give the game a fair crack so we'll see how I get on.
In an ideal world I'll be able to keep up with the painting so I can play a game on Yule day but we'll see. At least some of the days I should be getting counters and dice (I assume) so that should help. lol
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No gaming advent here - I've got a pile a Lego-like mini-kits to build. So far I've got those familiar Christmas animals a rhino and a bright yellow dog!
Sounds like you have a month of fun ahead though.
One of the things that impressed me with the GW 40K magazine was that you always got enough to do something. So one week you would get figures and basic rules, then a little later the paints to give them a simple covering and on it went so hopefully you will be able to use him in a day or so...
Normally these figures are hard plastic so I wonder if they are cutting costs for these sets and just using a cheap producer and basic molds?
Assuming the figure is from Firefight then it will be a Veer-Myn and the fluff can be found at https://firefightthegame.com/factions/veer-myn/ (https://firefightthegame.com/factions/veer-myn/)
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Can't go wrong with Lego. 8)
I guess the rat-chap is in the naff plastic as he's one piece (or maybe pre-built) and they want to keep the cost down. Seems to be the same stuff as they use for their little terrain pieces...speaking of which, Day 2...
(https://i.imgur.com/BpOsmbL.jpeg)
I undercoated both bits this afternoon so will hopefully be slapping some paint on them in a mo.
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It's not a plastic special to Mantic, it's just a PVC plastic. Everything's repurposed from Star Saga, I believe, their space dungeoncrawl boardgame.
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I hope someone keeps posting from everydays little thing. I want to know if I shoudl regret buying that advent calendar or not :D
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I thought about buying the advent calendar, but I bought a box of Veermyn a few months ago, so decided to skip it. I think the ones I bought are hard plastic, which I much prefer to Mantic's restic material.
I did, however, buy a dinosaur advent calendar from Marks and Spencer. Their models are cast in chocolate, which is much easier to work with, although probably not as durable :D
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@zemjw - Hmm...sounds tasty though. :P Yeah I would have preferred hard plastic. In some ways it's surprising that GW hasn't done one...though I dread to think of the price.
@Mikai - Ask and you shall receive; it is my plan to post each day...I just hope I can keep up with the painting o_o
@Psychopomp - Ahh that makes sense, cheers.
Day 3 and we have...
(https://i.imgur.com/ko9AQi7.jpeg)
A desk with wonky legs lol
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In some ways it's surprising that GW hasn't done one...though I dread to think of the price.
It's funny you should mention that, but I noticed a load of Warhammer themed Christmas ornaments for sale in their shop the other week. I was tempted, but managed to resist ;D
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I was a little tempted by the squig but...nah.
Day 4...
(https://i.imgur.com/UyvAmxb.jpeg)
As you can see I forgot to snap a pic before I had undercoated it but never mind. As I type this I am just finishing the base of the first ratman and have finished the weapon rack. I also have snipped off the wonky columns off the desk and have undercoated that too so should starting painting rat2 and the desk tomorrow.
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Day 5...
(https://i.imgur.com/hmWPAtP.jpeg)
Counters...yes! I get a day reprieve to catch up on painting lol
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@Mikai - Ask and you shall receive; it is my plan to post each day...I just hope I can keep up with the painting o_o
Thanks :D
Counters...yes! I get a day reprieve to catch up on painting lol
First thought at seeing the image ;D
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I actually didn't know that there were wargaming advent calendars but this looks like a lot of fun. Perhaps we should make a research thread next year!
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I find myself waiting for the next opening ;D
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I find myself waiting for the next opening ;D
And me! Only found this thread yesterday, but definitely curious to see what's up next lol
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I actually didn't know that there were wargaming advent calendars but this looks like a lot of fun. Perhaps we should make a research thread next year!
Me neither. Apparently Mantic did one last year called Brewhouse Bash which they have done again this year as well as this one. I expect we see more of them from other companies sooner or later.
I find myself waiting for the next opening ;D
And me! Only found this thread yesterday, but definitely curious to see what's up next lol
Here ya go! Day 6...
(https://i.imgur.com/k4prK9j.jpg)
A computer screen, interactive board thingy.
I've also finally finished the first couple of minis...
(https://i.imgur.com/ALvYAGr.jpg)
I'm pretty happy with how these have turned out. My plan was a fairly quick, for me, and grubby paint job. I managed to get a chunk of the painting done on the next two pieces last night but not got time for any painting tonight. Hopefull they'll get finished over the weekend and I'll have made a start on todays and whatever tomorrow's piece will be. I'm guessing the next week will be more scenery than minis as I've got 2 out of the 5 already and 18 more days to go.
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Ooo this ones a big one! Behold the majesty of Day 7...
(https://i.imgur.com/AUq7UQk.jpeg)
Some dice, yay. At least its another days reprieve from adding to the paint pile lol
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lol
At some point they could assume that the people buying the calendar have some specific ingredients already...
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Day 8...
(https://i.imgur.com/Yyhy0YF.jpeg)
A filing cabinet..I think...or maybe some sort of sample storage system? I dunno.
I have also managed to finish the next couple of bits...
(https://i.imgur.com/n77E8Qh.jpeg)
I'm continuing with my speedy - grubby look. I will be starting the next 2 pieces of scenery today and I doubt they will take long.
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Ooo this ones a big one! Behold the majesty of Day 7...
(https://i.imgur.com/AUq7UQk.jpeg)
Some dice, yay. At least its another days reprieve from adding to the paint pile lol
Those at least are easy to use! And they fit into very many systems.
How would you rate your experience so far?
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Those at least are easy to use! And they fit into very many systems.
Well that's true. Actually I don't have that many D6s so it was kinda fun to roll them lol
How would you rate your experience so far?
I'd say it's been a fun project so far. I'm not really a fan of Mantic's minis and especially not of the strange plastic these ones are made of. Having said that I have been using some of their Terrain Crate stuff for my HeroQuest games and it's worked well.
I grabbed a copy of the advent partly for some sci-fi terrain and partly to try something new; I'm autistic so what I do and don't like tends to be VERY specific but I thought that this being a self-contained little project would be a fun go at something new without a strain on my limited hobby budget.
My son has already asked if we can play when it'd all painted and both my kids enjoy seeing what I get each day.
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Love that metallics effect on the table - very nice.
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@zemjw - Hmm...sounds tasty though. :P Yeah I would have preferred hard plastic. In some ways it's surprising that GW hasn't done one...though I dread to think of the price.
I was in a warhammer shop this morning, and guess what I saw?
https://www.warhammer.com/en-GB/shop/warhammer-40000-pin-advent-calendar-2024
Yours for the bargain price of £60 :o There an AOS one as well
(https://www.warhammer.com/app/resources/catalog/product/920x950/99700189210_40kPinAdventCalendar.jpg?fm=webp&w=1200&h=1237)
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Love that metallics effect on the table - very nice.
Thanks.
I was in a warhammer shop this morning, and guess what I saw?
https://www.warhammer.com/en-GB/shop/warhammer-40000-pin-advent-calendar-2024
Yours for the bargain price of £60 :o There an AOS one as well
(https://www.warhammer.com/app/resources/catalog/product/920x950/99700189210_40kPinAdventCalendar.jpg?fm=webp&w=1200&h=1237)
Blimey, what a...bargain? o_o lol
Day 9...
(https://i.imgur.com/i00IQW6.jpeg)
Yes, more counters. That means I have caught up with the painting...
(https://i.imgur.com/iWQkxAB.jpeg)
Tis quite handy as I have a load of work to do tonight so hopefully I can get ahead on that so I'm ready for the next minis / terrain.
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Quite exciting - (without any background knowledge) …… My guess is the whole thing is a game based around office admin on a fancy dress Friday - can Nigel the rat feng shui his office furniture, knock out that report, use the stationary cupboards ample supplies to finish his costume (without being caught by Dianne the office manager) and still get to the office crimbo party on time!
Looking forward to updates!
Andrew
BeneathALeadMountain
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nice, that blue for the screens is simple and effective.
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I was in a warhammer shop this morning, and guess what I saw?
https://www.warhammer.com/en-GB/shop/warhammer-40000-pin-advent-calendar-2024
Yours for the bargain price of £60 :o There an AOS one as well
(https://www.warhammer.com/app/resources/catalog/product/920x950/99700189210_40kPinAdventCalendar.jpg?fm=webp&w=1200&h=1237)
I took merely a quick look but does it not contain only pins? So nothing useful for wargaming at all?
Quite exciting - (without any background knowledge) …… My guess is the whole thing is a game based around office admin on a fancy dress Friday - can Nigel the rat feng shui his office furniture, knock out that report, use the stationary cupboards ample supplies to finish his costume (without being caught by Dianne the office manager) and still get to the office crimbo party on time!
lol
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yep... pins
(http://assets.warhammer-community.com/articles/a80d5f69-eb49-4e13-8ba6-763dec9a839d/tpnoeuqcixbxukol.jpg)
although who has the tudor rose in warhammer?
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Two of those AoS pins are just arrows lol
Quite exciting - (without any background knowledge) …… My guess is the whole thing is a game based around office admin on a fancy dress Friday - can Nigel the rat feng shui his office furniture, knock out that report, use the stationary cupboards ample supplies to finish his costume (without being caught by Dianne the office manager) and still get to the office crimbo party on time!
Sounds about right. I'll be sure to let you know how Nigel gets on lol
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yep... pins
although who has the tudor rose in warhammer?
Sisters of Battle??? But £60 for pins o_o
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And there's only 13 designs in each calendar...?
So are the other 11 doors empty or do you get duplicates?
Or is it one calendar with different printing on both sides?
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I've just noticed that the layout of the doors seems to have been done by the same software GW use to lay out their sprues o_o
However, the Mantic one seems to have adopted the same approach, so perhaps it's an industry standard ??? ???
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And there's only 13 designs in each calendar...?
So are the other 11 doors empty or do you get duplicates?
Or is it one calendar with different printing on both sides?
I assumed it was all one and you just got two on the 25th or something
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its 24 different enamelled pins, those pictures don't seem to show them correctly or they are different pins in other countries?
there's nothing for the 25th, its an advent calendar.. so guess you have to buy an actual miniature separately for that.
I need the £60 for something else, maybe something small and Turkey flavoured but not enamelled.
On a more positive note, I like this thread, where your going with it (xmas!) and the Mantic calendar is at least miniature and game themed, so its actually fun to watch what you got. I really would be a lot less interested in a picture of each days.. pin.. :)
I would add that some of the calendars do include 25th but most do a traditional " days until"
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it's been decades since I had an advent calendar, so thought they did 25 windows.
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I've just noticed that the layout of the doors seems to have been done by the same software GW use to lay out their sprues o_o
However, the Mantic one seems to have adopted the same approach, so perhaps it's an industry standard ???
Do you mean the doors in a jumbled order? That's standard and has been for a while I think. Cadbury haven't changed theirs for years and that's all jumbled.
And now for...Day 10...
(https://i.imgur.com/flRXeQx.jpeg)
An info screen, I think It kinda reminds me of the interactive maps you get in some shopping centres.
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Where are the other miniature companies like Victrix or Northstar, doing some plastic miniature Wargamin Advent Calendar? 24 figures with a couple of options each, a nice mix so that you have something in it which you would perhaps not bought while at the same time being thematic (could do ancient, medieval, fantasy, sci-fi, you get it) with two, three or four "factions" inside, for a little skirmish game or to get the taste of some sets.
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Sounds like a good idea to me. I expect at some point we'll see one where every few days you get to play through the next step of a dungeon or mini-campaign, that'd be cool.
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Day 11...
(https://i.imgur.com/Ueiuavi.jpeg)
Another rat so one more of them to go plus the hero. looking at the back of the box there are at least two more types of counters to so that makes maybe eight more pieces of terrain to go...maybe...
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Half way through now and Day 12...
(https://i.imgur.com/JqNtldU.jpeg)
More tokens so that gives me a bit more painting time. Hopefully I can finish the 3rd rat tonight.
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Day 13...
(https://i.imgur.com/286LujZ.jpeg)
Still not managed to finish my 3rd rat or the previous piece of terrain and I'm not going to get time for painting tonight...starting to feel like I'm falling behind now o_o
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I think it would be OK to use unpainted figures and scenery TBH.
Santa will have seen worse.
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Thanks Andrew, though I should catch up a bit this weekend after Day 14...
(https://i.imgur.com/FhfmLVL.jpeg)
I am liking this colour of dice. Hopefully tonight I can pretty much finish the two pieces I'm painting, ready for tomorrow.
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Day 15...
(https://i.imgur.com/PCOujX4.jpeg)
A treasure chest! Though possibly it only contains some soiled blankets...who can say?
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Where are the other miniature companies like Victrix or Northstar, doing some plastic miniature Wargamin Advent Calendar? 24 figures with a couple of options each, a nice mix so that you have something in it which you would perhaps not bought while at the same time being thematic (could do ancient, medieval, fantasy, sci-fi, you get it) with two, three or four "factions" inside, for a little skirmish game or to get the taste of some sets.
Here's how that idea probably always goes:
Company Employee 1: "Wouldn't it be cool if we did themed Advent Calendars with a single one of our plastic minis per day? Like, you finish up, and you've got a small warband for the theme!"
Company Employee 2: "That would be awesome. But who's going to clip all the scattered parts for 25 miniatures off multiple sprues, bag them up for the factory, and do it in sufficient quantities to do print runs for retail sale? You? And how much would we have to charge to cover that extra effort?"
Company Employee 1: "Oh...right. Well, it's a cool idea, too bad its not feasible."
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But who's going to clip all the scattered parts for 25 miniatures off multiple sprues, bag them up for the factory, and do it in sufficient quantities to do print runs for retail sale
Surely this is the advantage of 3D printing - set the print up so everything is in one run and off you go...
Main problem becomes print time but you have all year to plan and produce even if you do not sub-contract the printing.
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How about two sprues of different opponents (does victrix do 6 or 8 chaps to a sprue?) in two massive doors and then the rest of the days/doors have the bases, dice and such like?
Andrew
BeneathALeadMountain
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Day 16...
(https://i.imgur.com/0DyTWMe.jpeg)
Everyone has to eat...though presumably the ratmen are happy enough to rummage in the bin?
And another wave of painted bits & bobs...
(https://i.imgur.com/w1Tbzd2.jpeg)
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Surely this is the advantage of 3D printing - set the print up so everything is in one run and off you go...
Main problem becomes print time but you have all year to plan and produce even if you do not sub-contract the printing.
The suggestion I was responding to was specifically companies like Victrix or Northstar doing specifically hard plastic advent calendars.
If you're suggesting 3D printed advent calendars instead, then you run into the same concerns of a non-standard material for non-printing hobbists, and for printing hobbists - why would I buy a box of printed minis when I bought a printer of my own? This of course leads to the question of, why not do a digital-release STL advent calendar for 3D-printing hobbists? To which the answer is: two of the creators I support on Patreon are already doing that right now.
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Northstar metal figures, like some of the Frost grave ones. The pulp figures would be a good one methinks.
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I could defo see an advent with metal minis work...though it might be a bit heavy postage wise.
Day 17...
(https://i.imgur.com/7RzDXnH.jpeg)
A bookcase. I am getting a real HeroQuest vibe from some of these furniture pieces. Hopefully I will start working on these two pieces tonight but the next few evenings are fairly busy so progress might be slow, luckily the paint scheme I'm using for them is fairly quick and simple.
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how much as the advent calendar? just wondering vs the cost of the terrain crates...
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Err I think it was £24. I got it from Wayland Games.
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Thanks for keeping us updated, also on your painted models here. The ruleset are coming at the end or are they already available at the beginning?
Here's how that idea probably always goes:
Company Employee 1: "Wouldn't it be cool if we did themed Advent Calendars with a single one of our plastic minis per day? Like, you finish up, and you've got a small warband for the theme!"
Company Employee 2: "That would be awesome. But who's going to clip all the scattered parts for 25 miniatures off multiple sprues, bag them up for the factory, and do it in sufficient quantities to do print runs for retail sale? You? And how much would we have to charge to cover that extra effort?"
Company Employee 1: "Oh...right. Well, it's a cool idea, too bad its not feasible."
It sounds so easy though. Perhaps I will think of something for a community give around or such.
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Thanks for keeping us updated, also on your painted models here. The ruleset are coming at the end or are they already available at the beginning?
The rules are apparently in the bottom of the box...
(https://i.imgur.com/A9aru2e.jpeg)
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Day 18...
(https://i.imgur.com/2uv5grR.jpeg)
Going by the back of the box these are the last set of tokens so with the final rat and the hero turtle that means 4 more pieces of terrain I think.
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I assume the hero will be in number 24...
Not being able to get to the rules till all things are out is a disappointment - OK it could remove the 'surprise' of the contents but it means you have no way of practising till the 24th and I do not know about you but learning new rules would be low down on my list for Christmas Eve.
The counters look decent though - nice thickness and the top looks fine in colours and stickiness. I'm currently using thick paper (160gsm) and thinking of changing to cereal box card in the 2025 as I cannot cut this thickness of card.
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I'm not too bothered as I'm expecting the game to be fairly simple. I've said to my kids that I'm going to paint the Hero (I had a sneak peak under the card frame and he's on the 24th) so we can play on the 25th; that gives me the 24th to paint him and run the rules in my head.
I believe someone here said the components are from Star Saga which is why the card is such good quality.
You could always print counters onto to label sheets and stick them onto MDF if you're after something a bit sturdier.
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Day 19...
(https://i.imgur.com/hSUgoMi.jpeg)
A crate! Almost finished the previous two pieces last night so will hopefully get them done tonight so I can then undercoat the next two tomorrow.
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More furniture is done...
(https://i.imgur.com/yitE8cE.jpeg)
I'm starting to run out of places to put these for the pics...maybe I should have left the doors on me advent ;D
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I'm starting to run out of places to put these for the pics...maybe I should have left the doors on me advent ;D
Turn it upside down lol
Labels look the way to go - I watched a Mike Lambo video the other day where he explained that he used A4 labels but the local shop does not have any and as I've had to give up the table for my wifes jigsaw (and something about a family meal) it's going to wait a week or two.
I may try the local printers and see if they do very thick card - they are a small shop who take on bespoke work.
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Sounds like a plan mate. Yeah for some reason the dining table tends to get hogged by others this time of year lol
Day 20...
(https://i.imgur.com/OCNzxfn.jpeg)
A tank...it reminds me of the Navigator in Lynch's Dune. I'll get this and the crate undercoated today but won't start painting till tomorrow.
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Day 21...
(https://i.imgur.com/zBI2NoW.jpeg)
A wonky desk...yay lol And this is after I straightened it up. Given the limitations of the material this design was always going to be a fail.
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Lol its very obviously been damaged by all the fighting that has gone on around it ;) lol
Keep up the good work
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lol Thanks Storm Wolf.
Day 22...
(https://i.imgur.com/Rimb5KJ.jpeg)
The final rat...just a piece of furniture and out hero to go.
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Nearly there now...
(https://i.imgur.com/XyYB8wm.jpeg)
Two more pieces of furniture painted and I've already undercoated the next couple of minis ready to start painting tonight.
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I appreciate the daily posting as it gave us a look at the calendar and goodies. Given the quality I would give it a missq which is a shame. It would be nice for an 8 year old I think
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Thanks Khusru2, I think you're right I'd have loved this as a kid.
Day 23...
(https://i.imgur.com/xBU6fAh.jpeg)
A crate / treasure chest. Should get this painted up today and the other two pieces finished ready for the Hero tomorrow. Nearly there.
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Two more pieces done...
(https://i.imgur.com/V6Uxe9P.jpeg)
The last rat and the happy table...as it looks like it's tap dancing. I meant to say earlier that I cut off some blades from the feet and end of the tail of this guy as they look stupid and given his leg structure would just trip him up all the time.
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Good stuff - I’ve enjoyed checking this thread over the month.
I like how you have made steady progress to get all the bits painted up - and they look so much better painted. The red plastic of the figures is particularly unflattering!
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Thanks fred, it's been fun but a bit of a mission in some ways. I certainly don't have the time to keep up this pace of painting.
Today's furniture painted up...
(https://i.imgur.com/LUcGm7X.jpeg)
So I managed to catch up, ready for tomorrow. Nearly there now...
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So I managed to catch up, ready for tomorrow. Nearly there now...
"Stay on target, stay on target, just use the force!" lol
Well done, keep up the good work :D
Merry Christmas one and all
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Cheers Storm Wolf!
Day 24...
(https://i.imgur.com/Nt05Xfq.jpeg)
Our hero has arrived...now he just needs a lick of paint. Also, the rules and the game mat...
(https://i.imgur.com/UCRaiZP.jpeg)
If you'll excuse me I have a mini to paint...
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Have fun :D
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Enjoy the game!
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Yay! All 24, now I just need to see the finished mini and the game in progress to make my vicarious advent calendar complete, thanks mate! Hope you have a great Christmas!
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Congratulations on keeping up with the figures. I too have kept up with my advent calendar. However, as that involved eating a piece of chocolate every day, it wasn't too taxing :D
Folk were suggesting advent calendars of other figures, and the issues with them. It got me wondering about building 24 figures (plastic for weight), putting them in an advent calendar (blank ones are available) and then giving it as a present to a child, sibling, friend etc. Something to mull for next year...
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Enjoy the game but enjoy the day more.
Merry Christmas.
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Aaannnd it's all painted up...
(https://i.imgur.com/w6FQQh7.jpeg)
Here's everything...
(https://i.imgur.com/k1PDmk2.jpeg)
And here's it all set up ready for a game...
(https://i.imgur.com/A4uzj7P.jpeg)
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Very cool, enjoy sir, enjoy :D
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Well done. I'm looking forward to the first aar.
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Nice work and well done.
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I enjoyed this thread and your painting.
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Thanks everyone. Finally managed to play a game today with the lad and it was fun...but pretty heavily swayed towards the hero.
Basically, the hero has 6 hatches to seal and is facing off initially against 2 shooty vermin. Each turn they roll a D6 and on a 6 another joins in but you can only have a max of 3 on the board at a time. Then when the hero has sealed all but 1 hatch the boss vermin turns up. The game was so much going my (the hero) way so when the boss turned up I let the lad have all the vermin back on the board...the balance completely shifted and I was hunted down.
It's not something that I'd choose to play again though my daughter would like to try it which is cool.
I'm happy with my terrain though...well apart from that wonky bloody table lol
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I'm happy with my terrain though...well apart from that
wonky/damaged bloody table lol
It was the rats that did it lol