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Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Frostgrave => Topic started by: Olsson on September 25, 2019, 09:26:02 AM

Title: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on September 25, 2019, 09:26:02 AM
I first stumbled across Rangers of the Shadow Deep a little bit before its release as I came across Joseph McCullough's own blog and it peaked my interest early on. Like many others my favorite aspect of the war-gaming experience is the narrative side of things. The ability to make my own story through the games appeals in a way pure competition never have. Indeed my friends often tease me by saying I want a roleplaying game not a miniature wargame. And what game is closer to that than Rangers of the Shadow Deep? Few that I know of.

It revitalized my interest in the hobby for awhile and I saw more things painted than I have in quite sometime and most impressive of all, I actually played it with friends. The number of games I have picked up, painted and never gotten around to play is for various reasons much too high. And I quite enjoyed it to boot! It opened the door to throw together a bunch of my old miniatures for various purposes for my own wicked Shadow Deep which I will keep track of here. Initially it will mostly be ones I have already painted which you might have seen elsewhere but I wanted to set it up on its own and add my little lore blurbs along for the fun of it.


So first thing's first, our hero.

(https://i.imgur.com/Tesuwf4.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/D0Ut8pV.jpg?1)

Orwald Redtree

" [...] many of the King's Rangers are renowned for their martial prowess and ability in the mystical arts Orwald has always been a man defined by his swiftness and cunning. While a giant of a man he is not the best swordsman among us, no that honor falls to Cedric of distant Erenthean. Yet with a keen mind and swift action he's proven able to get the better of his foes, even the wicked souls of the Shadow Deep."
--Record of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan

Orwald here is a sculp from the Crannogman Trackers box from the A Song of Ice and Fire line. While they come with a lot of duplicates and are a bit bigger than most of my Oathmark/Frostgrave/GW miniatures I still think they are some of the most evocative rangers around right now, and afterall some men are taller than others. I just cut him off the base he comes attached too since he needed to fit the rest and attached an unstrung bow to his back from an Empire Archers sprue, otherwise I left him as he was.

I picked this one in particular as I enjoy the motion in the pose, the man is sprinting forward with his cloak billowing behind him which is what inspired me to have Orwald be a man of speed and trickery rather than your usual hero of martial power. Game-wise that lead to a not optimal but intresting character to field as my hero I felt, the extra points were put into movement, obviously, and the Heroic Ability Dash and Evade speak further to his speed while Distraction and Push suggest the dirty tricks he is not above using to win the day.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: joe5mc on September 27, 2019, 07:56:44 AM
That's a sweet mini. Nice paint job!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on September 27, 2019, 11:12:21 AM

Thank you Joe!

(https://i.imgur.com/dMc6Geq.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/hlLl3QH.jpg?1)

The Shadow Knight

"[...] a dark figure clad in tainted steel, its head wrought in the shape of a skull, the face of death itself and glowing in a fel light.
We were blessed to come out of the tower alive. But I fear not all wounds left by the wights of the Shadow Deep are in the flesh."
--Record of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan

This evil looking fellow is as most everyone will be familiar simply a Chaos Warrior from the Games Workshop range, no conversions or anything of the like done here so a rather simple miniature. But I was in need of a dark champion of the Shadow Deep with a skull head and this worked out fine enough. Sadly there are very few of these heads in each box, likely assumed to be used for the Champions of the units due to how striking it is. Worse for me I fear, as more than one Shadow Knight serves the evil in the Deep.

But mundane as the miniature is this marked my very first attempt at something akin to painting light on a miniature. Since much of him was so dark I figured to try actually painting the glow to add some contrast. Not having ever looked at how to do it I went with the rather simple approach of guessing where the light should be and painting on some off white over the areas, followed by one of Citadel Paints green glazes, adding additional layers of it where the light should be darker.

In the end I wouldn't say I managed to make anything that looks like light, but it gets the point across of the glow I feel and it makes him noticeable and striking where otherwise he'd just look all black/dark metal everywhere.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Swordisdrawn on September 27, 2019, 02:49:38 PM
Very smart indeed
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on September 28, 2019, 08:04:04 AM

Fiends of the Shadow Deep

(https://i.imgur.com/1poHRM3.jpg?2)

The Barrowmen

"[...] and so the corruption has seeped into the land itself and woken the warriors of old from their blessed rest.
 Warriors of bone with naught but hatred for the living patrol the wastes which were once the fields of fair Lorenthia."
--Record of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan

(https://i.imgur.com/x1ipMhs.jpg?2)

Blood Sprits


"Strange creatures they are, pale and sickly looking with wings red as blood. Indeed from what I have seen they seem to feed on the stuff.
 Mostly seen near the freshly fallen like carrion they are not above ending life themselves.
More than once they have fallen upon us in the wake of a battle, drawn by the sound of the dying."
--Record of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan


(https://i.imgur.com/UQVVp3I.jpg?2)

Zombies


"We thought the terror was over when the bastards left! The town was in ruins, most of the people left dead on the ground and there was little we could do for them.
 We didn't even have time to bury them before they rose again with the nightfall. I ran even as I saw my little Lisa tear open the smith's throat. How could I leave her like that."
-- Karl, Lorenthian Refugee

(https://i.imgur.com/kyJIOPf.jpg?1)

Fiend

"More beast than man these creatures have emerged in numbers as the Shadow Deep grows.
 Base and crude they are nevertheless strong and cunning foes, fighting with a savagery and malice too dark for the hearts of men. "
--Record of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan

Every villian needs its henchmen so I dug out more of my old Games Workshop products lying around to throw together the opponets for the game. Nothing too special here oncemore just the Vampire Counts Skeletons, Beastmen Gors, Vampire Counts Zombies and some of the little nature spirits that come with the Wood Elf Glade Guard. Most of them were painted a few years ago and were simply rebased for RotSD to fit along with the rest of my fantasy force for the game which I have put on round bases.

The Blood Spirts are probably the one I am the happiest with, they came from me pondering how to do the giant flies which you need a few of in the first scenarios in the core book. As the goal was to not buy new things unless I really needed to I went over what I had and noticed the little nature spirits. I remembered how I had seen a rather sinister looking Glade Guard and spirit over at Ana Polanscak's wonderful blog Gardens of Hecate. So I set out to try and paint it in a vaguely similar vein, an off-white primer and then just work with dilluted washes and a red glaze over the wings to add contrast. Ended up quite happy with the critters.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on October 02, 2019, 12:22:30 PM

These next creatures were my first foray into making my own miniature, so to speak, and was inspired by a similar golem I saw someone made over at the AoS28 group over on Facebook, sadly I cannot remember who it was. So I went to work with a block of cork and a tube of filler and started sculpting my own little monsters. The first one I threw together ended up a bit small but not too bad of a first go, added a single skull as the focal point to have a "face" to speak of and similarily to the Shadow Knight above I tried to give it a glowing appearance, alas that did not go so well.

(https://i.imgur.com/zVyOuq7.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/lCo7kRE.jpg?1)


A second attempt followed which ended up way more successful, indeed the main issue with it is that the base ended up too tiny if anything. I made the body larger and in particular the arms to make it a more imposing figure, a happy accident followed which made a large indent along the "front" of it so I dug out some skeleton bits to add in there and then partially cover up with filler/textures. I ended up quite happy with this one, especially for how cheap the materials are and relatively quick it was to make and paint.

(https://i.imgur.com/BLtrdCQ.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/XAnOEcw.jpg?2)

(https://i.imgur.com/pUQwinJ.jpg?2)

In the world of the Shadow Deep they have both worked as various things, I even made a custom little scenario where they were the guardian of standing stones corrupting the land. Stat-wise I went to Frostgrave and used the Large Construct ones with little tweaks depending on if they needed to be tougher. I imagine them to be the very land of Lorenthia itself rising up to serve the Shadow Deep.

Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Swordisdrawn on October 02, 2019, 02:32:56 PM
Very creative and inspirational! Great stuff.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Knight-Captain Tyr on October 03, 2019, 11:01:27 AM
I am really fond of the gritty, earthen, understated style in general so I'm a big fan of what you've done here. The colours are great, the Ranger model is perfect and the flavour text is very nicely done. I'm most impressed by the golems however - you've given me some serious inspiration to do something similar.

Looking forward to seeing where you take this next.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on October 03, 2019, 09:03:54 PM

Thanks for the kind word guys! I am a big fan of your thread Tyr so means a lot!

Cedric Deravir

(https://i.imgur.com/j8wnQzJ.jpg?1)

"The man's past has become the subject of much gossip, the recruits and the women see an exotic man, dashing with scars and a remarkable talent with the sword.
 Exiled noble, soldier or bandit, I couldn't tell you anything beyond the man's from Tollonia judging by that accent.
 Can't say I give a damn though, he's cut down six of the beastmen on his own so far. "
-- Orwald Redtree

Cedric here was put together with the Oathmark Human box mainly, together with a dagger arm from the Frostgrave Soldier box and a head from Games Workshop's Empire Greatsword box. It's a popular head and one I have used for many things, in this instance I thought it suitable with a striking scar across the face for an experienced duelist. Painted him green to fit in with the rest of the ranger party and with the light blue cloak to add some colour to him, meant to suggest his foreign roots and flamboyant nature. Also always fun to pratice painting darker skintones.


Derek Laval & Charles Breyard

(https://i.imgur.com/8cWpQZq.jpg?1)

"Derek and Charles? They're simple boys the two of them. But while they're not the sharpest minds out there I'll not have you question their ability or their courage.
 When we first set out to scout the watchtowers after Lorenthia first fell I asked a whole company of men who would volunteer, and they were hard men, men who had seen war.
 Not a single one stepped forward other than these two fools and they've not run back yet. "
-- Orwald Redtree

My most loyal companions so far! These two were the first things I painted for Rangers of the Shadow Deep as I found an old box with Brettonia Archers and figured they would work just fine for the game. So far I have had atleast one of them present with Orwald on every mission, a good arrow has made the difference on more than one occasion. Painting wise they're rather simple, just the brown and green of Alladore and the miniatures were left basic. It was my first go at painting a brighter wood, which I think turned out quite well.



Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: FreakyFenton on October 03, 2019, 11:11:45 PM
These next creatures were my first foray into making my own miniature, so to speak, and was inspired by a similar golem I saw someone made over at the AoS28 group over on Facebook, sadly I cannot remember who it was. So I went to work with a block of cork and a tube of filler and started sculpting my own little monsters. The first one I threw together ended up a bit small but not too bad of a first go, added a single skull as the focal point to have a "face" to speak of and similarily to the Shadow Knight above I tried to give it a glowing appearance, alas that did not go so well.

(https://i.imgur.com/zVyOuq7.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/lCo7kRE.jpg?1)


A second attempt followed which ended up way more successful, indeed the main issue with it is that the base ended up too tiny if anything. I made the body larger and in particular the arms to make it a more imposing figure, a happy accident followed which made a large indent along the "front" of it so I dug out some skeleton bits to add in there and then partially cover up with filler/textures. I ended up quite happy with this one, especially for how cheap the materials are and relatively quick it was to make and paint.

(https://i.imgur.com/BLtrdCQ.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/XAnOEcw.jpg?2)

(https://i.imgur.com/pUQwinJ.jpg?2)

In the world of the Shadow Deep they have both worked as various things, I even made a custom little scenario where they were the guardian of standing stones corrupting the land. Stat-wise I went to Frostgrave and used the Large Construct ones with little tweaks depending on if they needed to be tougher. I imagine them to be the very land of Lorenthia itself rising up to serve the Shadow Deep.

I rather like both of the miniatures you scratch built here. Good work and good execution! I might even try a cork creature myself now.  :D
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Kitsune on October 08, 2019, 12:28:47 PM
These next creatures were my first foray into making my own miniature, so to speak, and was inspired by a similar golem I saw someone made over at the AoS28 group over on Facebook, sadly I cannot remember who it was. So I went to work with a block of cork and a tube of filler and started sculpting my own little monsters. The first one I threw together ended up a bit small but not too bad of a first go, added a single skull as the focal point to have a "face" to speak of and similarily to the Shadow Knight above I tried to give it a glowing appearance, alas that did not go so well.

(https://i.imgur.com/zVyOuq7.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/lCo7kRE.jpg?1)



A second attempt followed which ended up way more successful, indeed the main issue with it is that the base ended up too tiny if anything. I made the body larger and in particular the arms to make it a more imposing figure, a happy accident followed which made a large indent along the "front" of it so I dug out some skeleton bits to add in there and then partially cover up with filler/textures. I ended up quite happy with this one, especially for how cheap the materials are and relatively quick it was to make and paint.

(https://i.imgur.com/BLtrdCQ.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/XAnOEcw.jpg?2)

(https://i.imgur.com/pUQwinJ.jpg?2)

In the world of the Shadow Deep they have both worked as various things, I even made a custom little scenario where they were the guardian of standing stones corrupting the land. Stat-wise I went to Frostgrave and used the Large Construct ones with little tweaks depending on if they needed to be tougher. I imagine them to be the very land of Lorenthia itself rising up to serve the Shadow Deep.


These are very very nice. Might have to have a go at something similar myself, if I can get some corkboard. Got a feeling darker is going to be better with it
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on October 08, 2019, 12:44:55 PM

Sir Amberden & Sir Danhar
The noble gentry of blessed Alladore's proclaimed adherence to chivalristic virtue has often been overstated. A young man's game to seek the favour of their greaters and prove their martial mettle in games of war grants them prestige among their fellows and often plays as the means of courting among the lesser nobility. In the wake of the Shadow's advance and the fall of Lorenthia many have sworn to prove their will and talent agaist the terrible Enemy, many are yet to return.

(https://i.imgur.com/HpDznY9.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/l6L8Erj.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/urpI1Cu.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/eQg5vca.jpg?1)

These two knights were made from the old trick of cutting a Brettonian Man-At-Arms off at the waist and just putting the usual Brettonia Knights of the Realm parts on top to make a foot knight. The first one was originally made to be part of a Mordheim warband that never got to see the light of day and has been revived as a noble warrior of Alladore seeking to vanquish evil in the name of his own ego. The second one I made when I found a few older Brettonia bitz lying around in a bag, mostly the older kit helmets and shields and decided that would make a very different figure, especially with how insane the helmet decorations were back then even compared to the quite striking ones from the later kits.

The main thing which was important to me was that they needed to look very different even while being equipped and technically an identical miniature in regards to the game. The feudal knight needs to be striking and apart from his peers afterall, how else would people know who they are in a crowd? Just doing the light and dark contrast I think did it fine and the different shields sets them apart as well seeing how that covers a lot of the miniature.

Thanks for all the kind comments regarding the cork golem, I did that a long time ago now and would likely have done a few things different but it was a fun exercise in making something original. I'd agree with Kitsune that darker might be better and I went a bit overboard with the highlights, maybe I will darken it down with a wash at some point.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Swordisdrawn on October 09, 2019, 04:39:38 PM
Wonderful stuff!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Colonel Tubby on October 10, 2019, 02:22:15 PM
Great looking minis. Loved the background flavour.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: horridperson on October 11, 2019, 12:19:34 PM
Oh!  Those golems are fantastic.  The second one especially;  You nailed the pose.  I can see the wall of animated stone grating forward.  Very impressive.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on October 11, 2019, 04:58:57 PM

Thanks for the kind words people! I continue to expand on my retinue of companions and perhaps a potential ranger here or there. Maybe I should try and make some more of those golems, been awhile now since I did them. Seems people really like them in particular.


Hoginn, Son of Ibun

(https://i.imgur.com/AnvwKW1.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/dYYehx5.jpg?1)

"The dwarf-folk are a strange people whose realm beneath our own has been a subject of much mystery over the ages. Having seen one is the mark of a well traveled soul or the select lucky few. In the wake of Lorenthia's fall a select few have emerged to join the King's Rangers in their ventures into the fallen nation. Claiming to be seeking traces of their cousins who dwelt beneath those lands. Hoginn, Son of Ibun is one of these stout warriors."
-- Records of the Shadow Deep by Arcanist Vernan

Another Knight funnily enough, or atleast rules-wise! This is a dwarf warrior from the old Skull Pass box Games Workshop had back in the day, got him in a trade with a friend who really likes the stout and angry folk. But they are miniatures full of character, if a bit annoying to paint with how tight everything is on them. He also has a number of those little wagons you got with that set which I imagine will make great for some scenarios. I didn't really change anything with this one, just painted him up real quick and went blue rather than green to set him apart from the others, he is no warrior of Alladore but serves his own clan.

I did do a third attempt at a different type of golem for above mentioned friend's dwarf army once. Wasn't all that happy with it so not finished but currently it looks something like this.

(https://i.imgur.com/mgoZ00K.jpg?1)

Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on October 14, 2019, 07:56:13 PM

The Horned Man

(https://i.imgur.com/HErlg7M.jpg?1)

"We had been called to the township of Velarn following reports of strange beasts assailing the people in the night. Considering it's viscinity to the border to fallen Lorenthia and the influence of the Shadow the King dispatched Orwald together with myself and a select few men of martial disposition. It was a long journey and we found a town gripped in the talons of terror. It took nearly two hours convince the town elder to open the door to us, and I do not blame the man. Even then we saw the signs of the creature, deep marks left in every door and debree violently spread across the townsquare.

They told us of a horned creature, more beast than man who skulked in their town at night. It called out in the human tongue for them, begging for them to open their doors even as it kept trying to break in. At first they had fended it off when it came, wielding pitchforks and torches. Back then it still fled from harsh words and threats yet every night it grew more desperate. On the fifth night it took its first victim, Oris the miller was snatched up by gilded claws into the dark before his screams were cut short. His bones were found in the morning.

We waited for it as night fell with steel and fire at the ready."
-- Records of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan


Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: LiamFrostfang on October 15, 2019, 07:55:53 AM
 :) great stuff!!!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Knight-Captain Tyr on October 17, 2019, 06:36:09 PM
The Horned Man

(https://i.imgur.com/HErlg7M.jpg?1)

"We had been called to the township of Velarn following reports of strange beasts assailing the people in the night. Considering it's viscinity to the border to fallen Lorenthia and the influence of the Shadow the King dispatched Orwald together with myself and a select few men of martial disposition. It was a long journey and we found a town gripped in the talons of terror. It took nearly two hours convince the town elder to open the door to us, and I do not blame the man. Even then we saw the signs of the creature, deep marks left in every door and debree violently spread across the townsquare.

They told us of a horned creature, more beast than man who skulked in their town at night. It called out in the human tongue for them, begging for them to open their doors even as it kept trying to break in. At first they had fended it off when it came, wielding pitchforks and torches. Back then it still fled from harsh words and threats yet every night it grew more desperate. On the fifth night it took its first victim, Oris the miller was snatched up by gilded claws into the dark before his screams were cut short. His bones were found in the morning.

We waited for it as night fell with steel and fire at the ready."
-- Records of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan


YES. VERY MUCH YES. This is just grimdark in every sense of the word. Takes me back to the nastiness of the pagan cult in Thief: The Dark Project and a bunch of other stuff. Absolutely love it. I was also working on a 'horned demon' cult of my own recently, weirdly - will post pics on my log later but they're not worlds apart at all.

Loving this thread, really hoping to see some battle reports soon with all your beautiful miniatures and great lore.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Ragsta on October 21, 2019, 07:11:34 AM
Loving your craftsmanship, and the background text too - keep up the good work  :)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Legionnaire on October 21, 2019, 08:49:58 AM
Lovely inspiring stuff  :).

I came across the ruleset by chance, haven't had a chance to read it yet, but have heard much good about it. Like yourself, I am more interested in the narrative aspects in a game than a competition, if I have enjoyed myself playing, well, that's a win for me.

Thought me and my 10 year old daughter might give this a go, but lacking any fantasy miniatures, I probably will just print off some suitable paper standees instead, as I don't have the spare time nor money to start another collection (Necromunda is taking my spare capital nowadays...).

Looking forward to some batreps soon.

Legionnaire
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Swordisdrawn on October 21, 2019, 12:14:06 PM
Brilliant. Love the horned man :o
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on October 22, 2019, 03:30:57 PM
Thank you for the kind words people, glad you all like it. Speaking of the horned fellow, here's a better picture I managed to get together.


(https://i.imgur.com/Zcf9oHG.jpg)


Makes him look a little bit more fittingly disturbing without my desk in the back I feel.

Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on October 31, 2019, 05:32:33 PM
Revna Dal

(https://i.imgur.com/KHtpgQ6.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/tefkYaF.jpg?1)

"Hailing from the savage mountains of Alladore Revna Dal famously descended from the peaks following words of prophecy uttered by the wise men of the clans. Seeking an audience with the King she petitioned to become part of the King's Rangers together with a small band of grizzled warriors. Not a year has passed since that day and the bleak words of the seers have proven true as the encroaching Shadow heralds a dark era. One well suited to the axe and the sword."

The significant other got me this lovely warrior lady for my birthday a few days ago. She's from the Northmen line over at Bronze Age Miniatures and I think an excellent sculpt. I immedietly knew she would become my second dedicated Ranger with her heroic pose. The miniature was fun to paint and marked the second female miniature I've ever painted which was a joy. The more realistic sculps that are becoming more common these days is fun to see and I expect many more will be added to my collections. Tried my go at actually painting eyes for the second time ever and it did not turn out terrible even if I am not over the moon with how the face ended up.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: DinoTitanedition on November 01, 2019, 08:03:24 AM
Your wife seemingly has a good taste - the mini looks nice and the paintjob also turned out well. Keep it going, I'm watching.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Bloggard on November 01, 2019, 10:25:58 AM
eyes look good.
horned chap is excellent.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on June 09, 2020, 05:36:36 PM
Fell off the painnting wagon a bit, not touched a brush since November til yesterday. Seven months away has me rusty, but did paint up a second ranger.

(https://i.imgur.com/YFGBJQz.jpg)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: giles the zog on June 10, 2020, 05:49:50 PM
Nice !
Which manufacturer ?
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Knight-Captain Tyr on June 10, 2020, 06:37:35 PM
Welcome back! Always good to be back in the saddle. Love the new Ranger, would like to see some more pics :)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Swordisdrawn on June 10, 2020, 11:58:59 PM
Very nice painting. Background stories are excellent too
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on June 11, 2020, 08:26:10 PM
Thanks for the kind words. Here are some other photos of the ranger as requested. I am struggling with taking ones with proper focus however, seem to have forgotten how I did it before.

(https://i.imgur.com/A5hQtjP.jpg?1)


(https://i.imgur.com/ZpPOKQX.jpg?1)




Brynja Mord

(https://i.imgur.com/xZJ2lA1.jpg?1)

Brynja counts among the small band of fierce warriors that descended from the mountains following Revna Dal and her prophecy. A willful woman, favouring a great axe before any other form of arms.
 The way she throws herself into battle is a frightful sight to behold, indeed there is something desperate in her spirit, desperate for what I cannot imagine.
 She seeks out the fiends of the Shadow with a purpose beyond mere loyalty to her chief.
 As to what it is that drives her, I dare not ask.

--- Records of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan

A Savage I pained up awhile back, some of you might have seen her elsewhere but figured she's well worth having in this thread as well. Nothing fancy about this one at all, just the Frosgrave Soldiers sprue and painted up in the unifying green that binds most of my ranger party together. I was running out of the small tufts back then, so put bigger and bigger ones on there. Something I almost regret now looking back, it looks a bit silly.

Brand

(https://i.imgur.com/P8euDXp.jpg?1)

Couldn't tell you a damned thing about the man. Reckon he might be Revna's lad, but if he is. Well I feel sorry for her. Man barely talks, have heard maybe a dozen words out of him since he came waltzing down the mountain. Never seen his face neither, can't right trust a man who won't show his face. Always wearing that helmet. Vernan tells me it's something to do with their gods up there, some penance to not remove it 'til he's fulfilled some sworn promise to the divine.
 Can't say I give a rat's arse about some mountain gods, but the man's got a strong arm. And he listens to the lady.

-- Orwald Redtree, Ranger of the King

Another rather simple toss up, this time Frostgrave Soldier body with arms and helmet from Oathmark Human Infantry. I'm a big fan of the helmet. The shield's a simple roundshield, but it's from the Oathmark dwarves. Got it by trading with a friend of mine. This one didn't have the usual ranger colouring because originally I didn't paint him for this project, but as I developed the background for Revna I felt he could fit into that ragtag band easily.


Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Knight-Captain Tyr on March 05, 2021, 11:49:39 AM
Any updates to this marvellous log? Saw it'd been a while and thought I'd post! I shared pictures of your amazing Elementals recently with some acquaintances as they're bloody awesome. Hope you've been keeping well during the global embuggerance.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Westloar on March 05, 2021, 05:00:14 PM
Love to see some updates!

New here, but already glad I joined, I'm going to need to create a stone golem for some upcoming Frostgrave scenarios and your miniatures from the first few posts are inspirational, definitely going to get my hands on some cork!!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on March 05, 2021, 05:38:43 PM
Lots to love in this thread, great work! I particularly like Revna.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on April 20, 2021, 04:28:49 PM
Arcanist Vernan

(https://i.imgur.com/ZHlZPx8.jpg?1)


"It will always be a challenge for an author to introduce himself in his own work, but so I must. The Record of the Shadow is a record of my own journey as much as that of the encroaching darkness. Before my introduction to Orwald my life had been one of study in the towers of scholars, the Shadow was a thing of legend and the realms beyond. A field of little importance, and as much as I proclaim my expertise the fall of Lorenthia shocked me as much as any other. I had not grasped the scope of it even as the King summoned me to his hall, indeed I fear I still have not grasped the depths of the Shadow even now. I fear no man ought."

--Record of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan

I had fallen off the hobby a bit during last year, as many others have but came back to it recently. These were very kind words to return to. Decided to make a return with the narrator himself, Vernan. Had a bit of a struggle taking a half decent photo of this man.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on April 21, 2021, 08:09:41 PM
Fiends

(https://i.imgur.com/G44lDRR.jpg)


[...] unlike them the lessers are craven and of small stature, lacking the brute strength of their kin they strike from the shadows and from afar. While they proved no danger to Orwald and my fellow companions when found in few numbers, they rarely were. And as we had to learn the hard way, every nick and cut left by the creatures needs to be tended to by a healer. I dare not conjecture as to what filth they use to poison their arrows, but it was too late for young Arnold when we first realised.

--Record of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: BZ on April 22, 2021, 09:19:00 AM
Looks good, what kind of miniatures are the fiends?
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on April 22, 2021, 02:17:17 PM
They're Ungor Raiders from Games Workshop.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on April 22, 2021, 06:19:34 PM
Hounds

(https://i.imgur.com/ESp5Ulg.jpg)


"[...] howling kept us all up and on edge through the night. Some think they're hounds tainted by the Shadow. I ain't so sure, I have seen the low cunning in their red eyes. I think they're just as clever as the fiends themselves, just because they've four legs and don't wield steel folk think they're dumb animals. I reckon they're just another form of fiend, perhaps it's what they all were once, eh? Before they started eating us."

-- Orwald Redtree

Some of the old metal Chaos Warhounds from Warhammer Fantasy Battle. They truly are leagues beyond the current warhounds in my eyes, sad as I am to say it. A lot of character and motion in these beasts. With them done I just need to paint up a few tents and then I am going to try playing through a scenario I sketched up where Orwald and his brave band are ambushed in their camp during the night. What hunters would go without their hounds to track down prey.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: BZ on April 22, 2021, 08:45:57 PM
They're Ungor Raiders from Games Workshop.
Thanks!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Little Odo on April 22, 2021, 08:49:22 PM
Those hounds are superb miniatures. Your painting makes them especially so. Great work.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on April 26, 2021, 07:14:13 PM
Kind words.

Morket

(https://i.imgur.com/QuXnPGe.jpg?1)


""[...] and it was there we first came upon the brute I'd come to know as Morket. A towering creature even amongst the fiends, it ruled its brethren through brute strength and lent them a cunning beyond their base unnatural lusts. A cunning we'd come to learn was granted by a will still more terrible."

-- Records of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Reed on April 29, 2021, 04:54:34 PM
A very much welcomed return to the hobby. I don't know which of your latest entries I fancy the most.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on April 29, 2021, 09:09:37 PM
Very kind, Reed. Hoping to manage to play an actual game sometime soon, it's been quite awhile. But I've been enjoying painting in the meanwhile, photography is proving more of a struggle!


Sorcerer

(https://i.imgur.com/P4ag0bx.jpg)


"The name of the sorcerer shall not be marked down for posterity. It is the only fate fitting for a soul so foul to be forgotten, and the darkness he wielded to be gone with him.
 Neither shall I speak of his might, terrible as it might have been, lest men of weak will be lured by tales of power. Merely let my record tell that he walked with the Shadow and was returned to it through fire and steel."

-- Records of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: AxolotlQuestions on April 29, 2021, 09:42:15 PM
I love the paintjobs and the lore!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on May 01, 2021, 04:52:31 PM
Dug out my fiends and heroes today and went down to the local club to play a (solo) game of Rangers of the Shadow Deep. Dusted off a scenario I wrote myself quite awhile back now called the Standing Stones, avaliable in the facebook group if someone feels inclined to play it. In a amusing circumstance I actually forgot to bring an actual ranger, having only put the monsters and chosen companions in my case. Thus Cedric Deravir, my enigmatic swordsman of the distant city states of Tollonia got a field promotion to lvl 1 ranger for the day. This did leave me one companion and 25 points down, we shall see if it would have made a difference!

It should be noted the quality of the photographs ended up being questionable at best, but I figured more fun to use them rather than not.

The Standing Stones

You have been sent to give aid to the town of Cresthill, a small town on the border of what once was the great realm of Lorenthia. It has taken a few days of travel although things have stayed relatively calm, the people you meet mostly consisting of refugees fleeing the growing taint of the Shadow. Mere hours away from the town itself one of you spot two strange jagged monoliths putting up towards the sky in the distance, as you approach you can feel the unease of the Shadow and spy two hulking sentries standing guardian over the fel stones.




(https://i.imgur.com/QCSIfFH.jpg?1)

Cedric was joined in this forray by Vernan himself, to make sure the truth of these tales of dread monoliths be ascertained, bringing with him knowledge of the Shadow and the creatured born from it. To lend his aid to the fight was the archer Derek Laval, his usual compatriot Charles left behind with Orwald to scout out other sightings of these strange pillars. A young boy from the local garrison, Davech, had also been conscripted. One of the few willing to brave the dread darkness in defence of his King and Country. Even as they approached the air grew thick with foulness, a rancid sensation which spoke only of the unnatural.

Even from afar they could see the giants, the dead of Lorenthia and the very land itself having been raised by the Shadow. Vernan gave warning against it, these golems as he named them were brutes of a singular mind, defenders of shrines most foul. Their very presence here proved their cause to be just he insisted, the pillar must be destroyed.



(https://i.imgur.com/TgSB3OA.jpg?1)


Cedric, resolute as ever sent Davech and Derek over on the eastern flank. They could all sense the urgency in the air as whatever dread sorcery was being done here grew more potent by the moment. They'd need to act quickly to destroy both. Vernan being certain he could speak the ancient words of destruction if he could only reach them. Cedric spoke the ancient prayer over his blade, a renowed heirloom to a near extinquished line. The steel had stood against the Shadow in the past, and tonight would again. (Enchanted Weapon).

As Cedric and Vernan approached on the western side, so did Davech on the eastern whilst Derek put his faith in his bow. And indeed his arrow struck true! Chipping stone and dirt from the monster of soil and bone, yet it stood still. It did not rise to the challenge. Tension mounted as on both sides they drew closer and closer, yet the guardians did not act. And as they prepared to charge, disaster struck.

(https://i.imgur.com/blziwWN.jpg?1)

A trio of Fiends emerged from the east, drawn to the gathering fel power of the stones. They let cry a frenzied howl as they first took note of Davech, stood alone and brave before the towering guardian. Before the youth could even turn to face them they were upon him, hacking with crude axes and swords. Even as battle joined the golem stood still, uncaring for even the fiends and the blood staining the ground. Davech stood not a chance against their terrible ferocity.

(https://i.imgur.com/8d84LUs.jpg?1)

On the other side of the valley Cedric could give no aid to his comrade and so set his mind to the task at hand, with a battle cry he charged forth to challenge the guardian. His blade gleaming in defiance of the Shadow as they traded blows, and he struck true. Large chunks of rubble fell from the dread creation, yet the swordsman would not let it flee the cutting edge of his steel. His task was a simple one. Whilst they traded blows Vernan slowly climbed the ancient ruins, his hand reaching for his many tomes as he approached the stone itself. Here its nature of hatred and death was felt through his very soul, but he was not deterred. The symbols carved into the rock, offensive to his very eyes were known to him. He sought the word.

(https://i.imgur.com/gWaGeEW.jpg?1)

The ground shook as the ancient pact was undone, the stone cracked and crumbled before Vernan. Laid low by his ancient lore and with the stone fell its guardian, a saving grace as Cedric parried the creature's mighty blows in desperation to keep it locked in their deadly melee. Even as they tasted this victory the blood curling howls of the fiends made themselves known. Having laid Davech low two of the brutes were charging across the field towards them, the third having caught sight of Derek as the archer's arrows continued to miss their mark.


(https://i.imgur.com/J02o5Zr.jpg?1)

It was Orwald's avian companion that saved them, letting out a cry the large raptor swooped over the heads of the fiends and drew their attention away from Vernan and deeper into the woods. But only one of them proved so foolish, but this left a single fiend against Cedric's gleaming sword. A prospect which brought a smile to the grizzled warrior's lips. After a swift bout the creature proved too brazen to be swiftly slain and so with a great shove the swordsman forced it back, calling for Vernan to rush to the second stone. They could sense it now, a crackling fel force in the air. Vernan's lungs stung and his mind filled with darkness as he approached. The hulking guardian first now turning, sensing the presence of the living so close to its heart.


(https://i.imgur.com/1rO6FdV.jpg?1)

Cedric sprinted after the arcanist, putting himself between the scholar and the monster. The crackling energy around them making his muscles twitch, every move filled with agony as he brought his sword to bear. A desperate struggle, the fiend still on their trail would catch up to them any moment. Vernan's mind swam with foul whispers as he sought the words, they did not come. His body as if aflame yet his blood ran cold as he heard further howls of hunting fiends to the north.

(https://i.imgur.com/4OirhCD.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/1L5utod.jpg?1)

In the south Derek fared little better, having drawn his dagger to face the fiend charging at him he was caught unawares by the hounds. Three of them, each the size of two grown men set upon him with wicked fangs and claws. In the desperate struggle that followed the young man proved himself by sticking his knife in the fiend's eye, laying the brute low before the hounds tore at his flesh.

(https://i.imgur.com/WmJ2PT7.jpg?1)

Disaster followed, another trio of fiends emerged from the north. Their crazed crimson eyes set upon Vernan. The scholar was swarmed, yet proved himself a warrior to match any in Orwald's retinue even as the dark magic sent searing pain through his mind. Drawing his sword he turned and slew one of the fiend's with a single blow, forcing back another yet the third kept him pinned. The ground rumbling beneath their feet.

(https://i.imgur.com/J3Yvols.jpg?1)

They had failed, with a final crack the sorcery of the stones were revealed and the very earth beneath their feet began to fall. Making way for the Shadow. A strange masked abomination making itself just known as Cedric called for them to flee! Vernan too turned, yet he proved too slow. Slipping upon the falling rocks it was the swordsman alone who emerged unscathed. His spirit battered by failure and shame.


Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: LiamFrostfang on May 02, 2021, 02:51:17 PM
 :D nice!!!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Duncan McDane on May 09, 2021, 10:37:32 PM
Such a cool thread. Really love your second ( the big one ) golem and the horned one, great builds.  :)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: giles the zog on May 10, 2021, 08:29:25 AM
I hadn't read this and by co-incidence wrote a scenario yesterday morning for "The Stone Circle" which yes featured stones (standing and otherwise). :-D
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Little Odo on May 16, 2021, 07:58:49 PM
Great bat rep, scenery and nicely painted miniatures - what's not to love? Keep it up, and I am looking forward to your next RoSD outing.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on September 17, 2021, 03:07:06 PM
Not quite for my Rangers campaign, but as a local has shown interest in Frostgrave recently I threw together a little warband. For it I needed a Large Construct, so I once again broke out the cork and filler.


(https://i.imgur.com/9NG2r1Y.jpg?1)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Reed on September 21, 2021, 01:56:20 PM
Your cork Constructs are already a house special
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Psychopomp on September 28, 2021, 06:51:10 PM
Sorry to dig this thread up, but it came up while I was searching for combinations of Bronze Age Miniatures and Frostgrave.

I was wondering how the Bronze Age stuff scales next to the Frostgrave plastics?  I love the Bronze Age barbarians, but they're listed as 32mm and I'm worried they'd look like giants amongst the rest of my collection.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Knight-Captain Tyr on October 03, 2021, 02:30:35 PM
Love that battle report. Always a treat to come back and read through this thread.

Any more games on the horizon?
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Hupp n at em on January 06, 2022, 10:18:19 PM
Love the constructs and your paint scheme on those Ungor raiders!  And the writing, and...  lol
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Bloggard on January 08, 2022, 11:37:03 AM
great game.

lovely paint-jobs too.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Splod on January 10, 2022, 02:04:55 AM
Those cork constructs are inspired! I need some for my own games at the moment, so consider the idea firmly nicked!  :D
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Knight-Captain Tyr on January 10, 2022, 04:04:22 PM
Olsson, just if you happen to come back to this thread, I wanted to share this - I copied your approach to making earth constructs for a 10mm Storm Giant in Warmaster. It worked pretty well - not a scratch on yours but OK for a first effort. I'd definitely like to try again at 28mm. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

(https://i.imgur.com/r1i7ZQk.jpg)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on January 18, 2022, 04:15:53 PM
That's a great looking golem Tyr, you're much too kind with your praise. I quite like the moss, the third colour accent does wonders.

On the topic of cork consturcts, I did do another awhile ago that I wasn't quite happy with the shape of. But after a good few weeks I figured to paint it to have one less unfinished thing staring me in the eye on the desk. I may have posted a picture of it elsewhere but we'll all live seeing it again.

(https://i.imgur.com/LmZ8XRG.jpg?1)

Miniature photography continues to be a struggle for me, likely due to my old phone and well, a general lack of understanding of how to make tiny things look good on camera.

After a period of little painting I have started putting some paint on the brush again, so perhaps we shall see some more things in here soon.

Thank you all for the kind words, my little venture into the Shadow Deep continues to be the part of my paltry work that people seem to take to the most.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Little Odo on January 18, 2022, 05:50:02 PM
Looks mighty fine to me, and I am sure it will look even better with a dab of paint on it.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on February 19, 2022, 03:23:29 PM
Recently came into a new phone, as I was still clinging to a device from the dark ages of 2014 that meant I also had a quite old camera, and precious little know-how in how to use it. But this new one seems to have an easier time being able to focus on such tiny things as our dear miniatures. Took a few test photos today, and it's a monkey's paw if I ever saw one since it also puts my painting at full display.

Either way, here's one I took of Revna who remains one of my favourite paint jobs I've done.

(https://i.imgur.com/Yy2JhJm.jpg)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on February 19, 2022, 04:03:34 PM
Brilliant work!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Knight-Captain Tyr on February 20, 2022, 11:50:43 AM
The 'up' side of that particular monkey's paw - you know where you want to improve :)

But from my point of view, your painting is excellent, it conveys mood and 'feel' really well and that's ultimately what it's all about at the end of the day (in my book anyway).

Where is Revna from? Bad Squiddo?
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on February 20, 2022, 04:25:33 PM
Revna is from Bronze Age Miniatures, they have a selection of viking warrior women that I find to have a lot of character. Is an archer lady there who I fully intend to get my mittens on one day.

I got myself some nice little camp set pieces from Terrain Crate many moons ago now, and gave some of it a rough and quick paint job for a scenario for Rangers of the Shadow Deep I worked on for awhile which saw the brave heroes ambushed in the middle of the night. Never showed them here so set up a little moody set piece today, together with a young hopeful ranger apprentice who I've not quite finished painting, but who was my first go at painting a printed miniature.

(https://i.imgur.com/nivJA7m.jpg?1)

"Ever since the cutting failure at Cresthill Orwald and our company had been unable to seek shelter behind the pallisade of the border towns of lost Lorenthia. When the standing stones shattered the world more and more were lost to the Shadow, and what few were not have been put to the torch by the fiends that now roam in great bands through the woodland. Derek was still in danger of passing into the realm beyond, the tainted hounds having savaged him as only beasts are able. And so we hid in the woodland, upon the hidden paths known only to Orwald and his like.

The nights grew long."
-- Records of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on February 22, 2022, 05:00:12 PM
Orwald's avian companion.

(https://i.imgur.com/t8EXVOc.jpg?1)

One of the first miniatures I painted for this project, but awkward to take pictures of.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Little Odo on February 23, 2022, 08:26:14 AM
All looking very good so far.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on February 26, 2022, 03:35:32 PM
"[[...]] so I ask you what sort of man or woman would answer the call of the King's Rangers, knowing in the hearts the dread fate that awaits all that stand defiant in the face of the Shadow?
 With every dawn more rangers fall to the thirsting steel of the fiends, and the taint of the land spreads further into our realm. Shall our land suffer as did Lorenthia? Will we abide it? Nay!"
-- Orwald Redtree

Lawrence Lordamere

(https://i.imgur.com/rWw1ZtI.jpg?1)

"He's fearless, I'll give him that. But it isn't a compliment. He's more zealot than warrior, more fool than brave. I hear before he signed up with the King's Rangers he ran with the cults.
 You know the ones that have been spreading through the realm ever since we heard of Lorenthia. Proclaiming it the wicked scourge set upon us for our sins.
 Can you believe it? Thinking there is a divine will behind those monsters? I can't stand him. But he fights. And Orwald doesn't listen to me on that front."
-- Shiren Gilnen

Shiren Gilnen

(https://i.imgur.com/qkJ9Vrs.jpg?1)

"I don't see why Orwald chose to take her with us. She might know how to swing a sword, but she lacks the will.
 Only a soul full of virtue and certain in the righteous nature of its cause can hope to stand against the Shadow.
She will break, I know she will. She might pretend at pragmatism, at skill and at courage. But she lacks faith.
That is what will nurture our souls as we dare to tread into the dark. There reason will not avail us. She's not got the stuff of a Ranger in her.
Not like I."
-- Lawrence Lordamere
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Bloggard on February 28, 2022, 03:14:52 PM
great stuff.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on February 28, 2022, 07:44:39 PM
Thank you for the kind words. Been spending some time recently planning to make myself some fairly basic board, probably just a 2x2 or a 3x3 to play some at home. I am sorely lacking in fantasy terrain sadly, so it shall be a slow path to stock up on it I suspect. But next up is my conjurer.


Wayfaren

(https://i.imgur.com/e25kNQF.jpg?1)

"While most of the esteemed wizardry of the realm are kept away in the distant north, the needs to face the enroaching Shadow is dire.
 And so we have turned to the conjurers and tricksters who work outside the esteemed schools of sorcery.
Wayfaren is one such soul, claiming to be a man of but petty power and some small tricks.
 We first came upon the man together with a party of refugees soon after the fall of Lorenthia.
 Many of us thought him an agent of the dark. Lawrence still does, indeed he swears the man is thick with devilry.
While I suspect he is no sinister soul, I do have my doubts as to his supposed petty powers.
"

-- Cedric Deravir
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Ogrob on February 28, 2022, 07:58:51 PM
Very nice, love the vibe
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: LiamFrostfang on March 01, 2022, 12:24:04 PM
 8) way cool!!!!!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on March 03, 2022, 06:19:41 PM
The Pig Fiend

(https://i.imgur.com/V3kf1fK.jpg?1)


"Vernan has told me they're animals, but he is wrong. He's a scholar and surely wise, but he has not faced one, fought one. We smelled it, before we saw it. And in a place so foul as the heartlands of the Shadow that should put anything you can imagine to shame. Its scent was warm and sharp, the sickening mixture of sweat and manure from a towering beast.Back then we didn't know the scent, and so we were ignorant until the moment it came charging through the brush. In the blink of an eye Otto was impaled upon one of the great tusks, I swear it was longer than the man was tall. It squaled like a pig as it mauled us, each thick limb ending in five claws. Like the twisted mockery of a man's hand. It took three of us with it, before it finally fell. Its thick hide pierced by no less than twelve arrows and the skull cloven by Revna's axe. It was feasting upon Otto when we took its life, its long snout buried deep in the man's guts. Vernan assures me it is but an animal, he thinks it a boar that has been changed by the Shadow's fel powers.
But I ask you, what damn pig has rows and rows of sharp teeth."
-- Tyko

(https://i.imgur.com/suCel6O.jpg?1)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on March 06, 2022, 01:57:06 PM
Updated the photos of my previous post, managed to snag some better ones. Daylight is slowly returning to the north, rejoice.



Here are some clue and treasure markers I made a good while back. I suspect in the future I shall have to make some more, and seperate the clues from treasure more clearly. But they look better than little cardboard tokens to my eyes on the board.

(https://i.imgur.com/Paudl4N.jpg?1)


(https://i.imgur.com/o9JHILZ.jpg?1)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Knight-Captain Tyr on March 06, 2022, 06:54:42 PM
The Pig Fiend is like something straight out of Darkest Dungeon. I love it.

Great work on the clue/treasure markers too. I don't think they always need to be super ornate or overly stylised, yours do the job just perfectly.

Where are you at in terms of systems these days? Mainly sticking with RoSD or anything else caught your eye?
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Little Odo on March 07, 2022, 03:40:34 PM
That pig fiend is a truly scary creature - definitely one you would not want to meet in a dark alleyway.

The clue/treasure markers are very nicely done and will look great on your tabletop.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Hupp n at em on March 10, 2022, 04:21:38 PM
The pig fiend makes me think of the demon-possessed boars in Princess Mononoke but somehow much worse  :o  Great work!
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on August 04, 2022, 06:26:13 PM
Another long hiatus, seems to be the rule rather than the exception these days. But I started cracking out the paints again of late, mostly in the realm of a grim galaxy but also decided I wanted to go put some work into the fantasy realm. I often find my paintjobs in the land of swords and chainmail come out better, at least to my own eyes. I painted another ranger, currently lacking in story and indeed with snow added to the base may be from some other adventure all together.

(https://i.imgur.com/SaQoMWW.png)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: stormfather on August 06, 2022, 11:01:17 PM
Looking suitably grim and perilous! What’s your t3 unique for the snow? I’ve got a few frostgrave adventurers of my own who need their bases finished and I’m always on the lookout for snow tips.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on August 07, 2022, 07:58:27 PM
It's just Valhallan Blizzard from Games Workshop, nothing fancy.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Reed on August 11, 2022, 10:47:57 AM
Very fine ranger. I've not seen your other stuff, but the fantasy figurines you do them well.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on August 11, 2022, 05:08:28 PM
These will be a little bit of a repeat in a way, of miniatures I painted years ago. But figured they might deserve better photos.


Sir Danhar

(https://i.imgur.com/3V5KPY9.jpg)



Sir Amberden




(https://i.imgur.com/ToEOhdK.png)



Davech Winters

(https://i.imgur.com/0Dbw5BK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JJj0E5r.jpg)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Pattus Magnus on August 12, 2022, 04:32:44 AM
The new pictures look great! I like your take on n the old Bretonnian models. For the knights, did you have to kitbash using legs from another set?
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on August 12, 2022, 02:32:26 PM

Yeah, the legs are from Bretonnian Men-At-Arms, chopped off at the waist. A pretty simple conversion I found when I was looking at how people were doing bretonnian warbands for Mordheim where you might need your knights to hop off the horse.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Malamute on August 12, 2022, 03:02:55 PM
Another long hiatus, seems to be the rule rather than the exception these days. But I started cracking out the paints again of late, mostly in the realm of a grim galaxy but also decided I wanted to go put some work into the fantasy realm. I often find my paintjobs in the land of swords and chainmail come out better, at least to my own eyes. I painted another ranger, currently lacking in story and indeed with snow added to the base may be from some other adventure all together.

(https://i.imgur.com/SaQoMWW.png)

Lovely looking figure. :)

 Is he a 3D print or commercially available please?
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on August 12, 2022, 03:56:11 PM
He's from A Song of Ice and Fire, the unit is called Crannogman Trackers and that's the unit champion, of which there is only one per box.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on August 19, 2022, 11:47:51 PM
Hosted a public demo game down at the local club. Played through the first scenario.

(https://i.imgur.com/8LcHaMB.png)


(https://i.imgur.com/CiQBgXa.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/LpOP5yt.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/8es5FGE.jpg)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Spinal Tap on October 06, 2022, 08:41:46 AM
Not sure how I've missed this thread before but your stuff is awesome, especially the constructs and the pig beast.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Vagabond on November 01, 2022, 04:17:06 AM
Great grim dark figures, but their backstory style of writing is excellent.
Cheers
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: ced1106 on November 01, 2022, 12:16:16 PM
Nice! Played the same scenario with Battle System's Fantasy Set, and the setup was *entirely* different.

Pretty interesting to see other's takes on the same scenario I played.

Because of ranged attacks, I pretty much cleared the board, while my ranger heroically ran around the board looting bodies and showing off his shiny looted sword.  :)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on November 24, 2022, 07:16:14 PM
I recently hosted a demo of Rangers of the Shadow Deep at a local convention with a custom scenario! The Rangers were sent out to find and rescue a priest of the King who had ran afoul of the Shadow's creatures. The rangers were to search between two objectives to find the man, and then move him off the board even as a terrible flesh golem picked up their trail just as they found the priest.

It was a good time, and I had people playing the game through most of the convention. I didn't manage to take many pictures during the play, focused as I was on hosting it. But here are a few.

(https://i.imgur.com/gHU0fCE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bt04aNm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Bszd9TX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XKZ8OBj.jpg)

And also the excellent display we were given to use at the event in the wargaming corner.

(https://i.imgur.com/pIGEPfK.jpg)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on January 15, 2023, 03:42:30 PM
Had another open day at the local gaming club, and so there was another session of Rangers of the Shadow Deep. The game has garnered some interest, and we ended up having four people who wanted to play thus my fellow organiser and I bowed out for this venture into the infected trees. They did short work of it, although the posion made it a nervous few turns in the middle.

Some photos of the adventure.

(https://i.imgur.com/jlPzx1X.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/E3UGlc2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jAbP1kf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/rAiIKWI.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GJMRsrD.jpg)

Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Pattus Magnus on January 15, 2023, 05:18:54 PM
That’s a good looking game, I can understand why it got folks’ attention! Bowing out so that people could give it a try was a classy thing to do.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on April 29, 2023, 03:57:44 PM
Sigrid Runewise

(https://i.imgur.com/eCKbftD.png)

"... and I'll be the first to admit I had my doubts. She seemed much too young. Too young to be a wizard, too young to brave the Shadow.
 Sigrid Runewise, it was how she'd introduced herself to Orwald when she first came to us. A name ripped from a fairytale.
 I told Orwald as much but he.. well, he saw something I did not then.
 But in time I would come to eat my words."

-- Records of the Shadow by Arcanist Vernan

I put together Sigrid here late last year for the convention demo game featured on the last page. At the time I knew I wanted to have both women and men miniatures avaliable for people to use, seems the common sense thing to do in a public event but sadly I was lacking in women of a wizardly disposition in my ranger collection, but I luckily had the Frostgrave Wizard 2 box lying around and threw this lady together and painted her in the evening before the event. I think she turned out pretty well.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Little Odo on April 30, 2023, 04:04:34 PM
She turned out rather well. A nice muted palette that really works.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on June 04, 2023, 10:18:18 PM
Another game of Rangers down at the local club. A friend of mine and I played through my custom scenario The Standing Stones and emerged victorious. Had some good luck with the event deck, barely any gnolls appeared.


(https://i.imgur.com/lhhBjoI.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/9DS4Pm3.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/sM1vjpw.jpg)



(https://i.imgur.com/sFjGhz2.jpg)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Knight-Captain Tyr on June 10, 2023, 09:46:08 PM
Hey mate, love the pics. Your stuff has gone from strength to strength. Always a real pleasure to follow along, hope you're getting a lot of enjoyment out of your games.

Did you share the Standing Stones scenario on here? Can't remember seeing it but the setup looks great.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on June 21, 2023, 09:28:40 PM

Always nice to hear from you. And the scenario was published in the Facebook group years ago under that same name, The Standing Stones.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on October 01, 2023, 07:40:00 PM
Gotten into playing the game on a pretty regular basis now down at the local club. Today we finished Tor Varden.


(https://i.imgur.com/O3yFMU6.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/ajaQdvY.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/B41trmW.jpg)



(https://i.imgur.com/Se4QME9.jpg)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Spinal Tap on October 02, 2023, 06:44:16 AM
Absolute pleasure to revisit this thread.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Olsson on November 21, 2023, 09:22:27 PM
And the regular adventures continues, and we have a collection of photos if a bit lacking in written narrative this time around.

(https://i.imgur.com/wg3q7WV.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/ez9ZyDP.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/ieFezqT.jpg)

Later they made their way to the convent of Saint Emilia, where sadly I am lacking much in the way of recorded photos, but you can see a brave knight facing down ghouls in one of the many chambers they raided for the secrets of the decanter's whereabouts. And then the finale where having found it, together with the remains of the saint they escaped after having made battle with a dread terror wing of the Shadow.

The final shot are the survivors.


So here we have the rangers first venturing down into the Shadow Deep, first descending the broken stairs, braving the chilly muck below before finding the Lorenthian survivors and defending the ruins that has become their shelter. A brave knight of that fallen realm stood with them, but swiftly fell to the fiends of the dark.


(https://i.imgur.com/ZwyQQIK.png)


(https://i.imgur.com/YupD5yx.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/s6UD0d2.jpg)
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: snitcythedog on November 21, 2023, 11:01:11 PM
Very cinematic tables.  Lovely job all around.
Title: Re: A Ranger's Journey
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 22, 2023, 02:37:40 AM
Yes, that looks like a fun time. Very evocative pictures!