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Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Topic started by: Pattus Magnus on July 13, 2021, 11:06:54 PM

Title: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 13, 2021, 11:06:54 PM
I posted a picture of my dwarf cavalry in the Workbench area, but they're part of a larger army and I figure that it is about time that I started a thread to share pics of some of my armies!

First up, my Dwarf war host, since it is closest to completion. In my Oathmark army, these fellows (and occasional ladies) are an important part of the forces available in the Kingdom of Southbrooke, a joint human-dwarf realm.

The heavy infantry figures are mainly ex-Grenadier plastic figures, with varying amounts of conversion. A few metal figures from the old Vendel dwarf line, including the king, are also in the heavy units and the king's entourage. The dwarf cavalry are ex-Grenadier spearmen mounted on Wargames Factory ponies. Riding in battle is a trick they learned from their human neighbours.

The commoner soldiers, archers and militia are almost entirely made up of GW Dwarf Rangers, with a few Oathmark plastic dwarves serving as leaders or champions.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies
Post by: Blackwolf on July 13, 2021, 11:20:56 PM
That's a cracker of an army  8)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies
Post by: Neldoreth on July 14, 2021, 12:47:04 AM
Excellent. I think I recognize some of those dwarves... were they ever on square bases?!? It takes some determination to get a whole army together on the battlefield, so kudos on that!

They look great, looking forward to seeing some battle reports!

Thanks
n
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies -Dwarves
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 14, 2021, 04:37:11 PM
Thanks Blackwolf!

Neldoreth, yes, a bunch of these guys were on rectangles back in the day, when we were playing HotT and KoW. Hard to believe that’s about ten years ago! I rebased them on circles and added quite a few figures since then! I’m hoping to have some battle reports soon. Between moving to a new city and the whole Covid situation, games have been rare lately. It’s looking like that is changing, though!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies -Dwarves
Post by: Little Odo on July 14, 2021, 07:46:05 PM
Great looking army. Like others have said above, can't wait to see them in action.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies -Dwarves
Post by: OSHIROmodels on July 14, 2021, 07:59:40 PM
I like these as well  8)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies -Dwarves
Post by: BZ on July 15, 2021, 08:25:38 PM
Thats a great looking army!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies -Dwarves
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 16, 2021, 01:11:16 AM
Thanks folks! It’s pretty nice to have a fairly large force assembled and painted. I have a few additions to make, such as a catapult and crew, but for now they’re battle ready. I have another unit and some odds and ends that I’ll photograph and add to the thread on the weekend.

It’s looking like a game will happen soon, too!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies -Dwarves
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on July 16, 2021, 01:18:11 AM
Brilliant looking army! Great work.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies -Dwarves
Post by: Tactalvanic on July 17, 2021, 12:03:48 PM
gorgeous work,

rebasing to round on those ex grenadiers is superb, and the different full length shields really work well on them.

The entire force is beautifully color matched together.

Nicely done, sir, very nicely done.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies -Dwarves
Post by: 2010sunburst on July 17, 2021, 01:08:04 PM
Lovely work.  A force to be reckoned with!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Queen's Guard and Camp
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 17, 2021, 09:09:33 PM
The Dwarf Queen was included in the army shot as part of the King's retinue, but in my army she is a powerful character in her own right (a spellcaster) and has her own guard unit selected from the best spear-maids among the realm's clans. The Queen's Guard have good armour and weapons, excellent training and strong motivation and are classed as Warriors in Oathmark.

The queen is a figure from Bronze Age Miniatures, and the rank-and file are made by Old Glory 28s.   
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Dwarf Queen's Guard and Camp
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 17, 2021, 09:23:42 PM
When the dwarf war-host marches to battle, a number of civilians accompany the fighters to prepare food and provide support. This camp includes cooks, drovers, a smith and his assistant, and some miners to prepare ground and provide general labour.

The figures are from several sources. The smith is from Northstar Military Figures. The smith's assistant is sold by Alternative Armies. The three female dwarves are conversions based on Frostgrave female soldiers, with arms and parts from the Fireforge peasant rabble set. The bodies were "dwarf-ized" by cutting off the legs flush with the bottoms of the dresses or coats, slicing a couple mm from each leg, then re-attaching them. I also shortened the Fireforge arms, and the handles on most of the tools, so that the proportions were more in keeping with dwarves. The two miners are also plastic conversions. They are based on Gripping Beast Dark Ages Warriors, with heads from the Oathmark Dwarf kit, and arms from the Fireforge peasant kit. As with the ladies, these guys had their legs and arms shortened.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies -Dwarves
Post by: BZ on July 18, 2021, 05:05:52 AM
Thats a great looking army!
And getting even better!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Dwarf Queen's Guard and Camp
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on July 18, 2021, 06:59:33 AM
Great brushwork and brilliant kitbashing.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Dwarf Queen's Guard and Camp
Post by: Mudstone Miniatures on July 20, 2021, 06:31:29 AM
Always great to see Grenadier Dwarves!
They go well with the new Oathmark stuff because I'm pretty sure that Mark Copplestone sculpted the plastics for the original Fantasy Warriors box set and now he's doing the characters for Oathmark Dwarves.
I like your colour scheme and the addition of the female dwarves is a nice touch.
Excellent work.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Dwarf Queen's Guard and Camp
Post by: Hobgoblin on July 20, 2021, 08:24:33 AM
What a terrific-looking army! Really great work on those dwarves.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Dwarf Queen's Guard and Camp
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 20, 2021, 04:59:26 PM
Thanks all for the positive feedback!

I found that the Oathmark dwarves are a little bit taller than the Grenadier plastic dwarves, but the difference aren’t really noticeable once they’re painted and based, especially in units where the figures hold their shields in front. I certainly like the style of both!

The female dwarves were a bit of an impulse purchase I made when a pal asked if I wanted to add on to his order with Old Glory. The pics on the website weren’t flattering, but I gave the dwarf ladies a try and it turned out well. They’re big figures for dwarves, but they paint up well and add a bit of variety to the army. The Bronze Age Miniatures figure I used for the queen is also pretty large, but I don’t mind that with character figs.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Battle of Cardbridge
Post by: Pattus Magnus on August 28, 2021, 08:58:05 PM
It has been a little while since my last update, but since then I have been lucky and got to play a game of Oathmark. We put together 2000 points each and rolled off to see which scenario we would play. It turned out that I was the attacker in the Battle for Cardbridge.

The first pic shows the initial deployment. I had already made a mistake and placed my slowest troops - the dwarf warriors and their supporting units - to move up and assault the most distant of the 3 crossing points, while my fastest units - a unit each of human and dwarf heavy cavalry - faced the nearest ford...

My opponent, Prince Violent d'Orc, brought an almost entirely orc and goblin force. The centre of his line is shown in pic 2. The centrepiece was his heavy artillery piece, the Gonk, which took chunks out of a few of my units. My army was about half human and half dwarf, with some ogre warriors in the centre of the line.

It took us a couple of turns to close and engage (except the dwarf infantry, who spent the entire game waddling toward the ford they were supposed to assault... and never swung an axe in anger all game). Both sides exchanged some arrows, and then I sent my first trio of ogres against the two trolls he placed as bridge guards. The 4th and 5th pics show the battle for the bridge - the ogres eventually won, but the leading unit lost 2 of 3 warriors. The second company of ogres sauntered across and got ready to tear into Prince Violent's bodyguard of orc linebreakers - or so I thought.

At about that point I decided it was time to send my human cavalry across the ford, and they charged a unit of orc warriors. The cavalry hit hard and I rolled well, so they killed several orcs and sent the rest recoiling back in disorder, while suffering relatively few casualties. Unfortunately, Prince Violent's bodyguard weren't yet committed, so they charged my cavalry in the flank and wiped them out to a man. I hoped to exact revenge by having my ogres charge the orc linebreakers in the flank, but they failed to activate, in spite of having a commander close enough to add an extra command die. We'll never know exactly why - couldn't hear the order over the noise of the rushing water? too busy pillaging dead trolls? pondering the implications of quantum mechanics? - probably not that last one, but in any case, they stood around being ineffective.

At that point, we had to call the game because of time limitations, but I think it was pretty clear that it was a bridge (and two fords) too far for my army that day, I had to get more troops on the other side of the river than my opponent had remaining and his goblins were still plentiful, so my command headed for home.

Some take away lessons for me were that: deploying can make a big difference, especially when the scenario is not just a pitched battle; ogres are very hit and miss for activation - best to use them somewhere that even a failed activation will let me move them where they will inconvenience the enemy; cavalry are fragile - I was using units of 7, and both the humans and dwarves took casualties from lucky archery hits before getting into charge range.

In any case, it was great afternoon!

Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Battle of Cardbridge
Post by: Pattus Magnus on August 28, 2021, 09:05:15 PM
A better picture of the "Gonk" and Mr. Pointyhat, my opponent's human wizard.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Battle of Cardbridge
Post by: batu on August 28, 2021, 09:16:37 PM
Wow amazing army! The color scheme is very striking. I really love the banners of the army. Can you share how you go about making them?
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Battle of Cardbridge
Post by: Pattus Magnus on August 28, 2021, 11:33:02 PM
Hi Batu, the banners for the dwarf army are fairly simple conversions. Generally I cut off the weapon the figure is holding (spears are often easiest) and drill out the hand to take a brass rod for the staff. I cut the rod to length and glue it in place. Next, I cut off a piece of styrene tubing (about 4-5 mm long) that can slip over the rod. I CA glue the tubing in place near the top of the rod, then I carve a small notch at the top of the tubing so that I can glue a styrene rod as a cross-bar for the banner.

Once the cross-bar is in place I either CA glue  a metal foil banner to it, or I cut a banner from very thin styrene sheet and glue it to the styrene rod with plastic cement. For the dwarves, I used GW dwarf shields for decorations and used plastic cement to attach them to the styrene rod or tubing.

Once it’s assembled, I paint the banner with the figure, or apply transfers/ decals (one of the human units has a flag from Little Big Man Studios).

It’s harder to describe than it is to do!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Battle of Cardbridge
Post by: batu on August 29, 2021, 09:37:53 AM
Thanks for the info! They look great :)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Battle of Cardbridge
Post by: Mason on August 29, 2021, 10:23:18 AM
What a gorgeous looking army, especially with the addition of the baggage/camp element.
 :-* :-*

Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Battle of Cardbridge
Post by: LouieN on August 29, 2021, 03:36:26 PM
Thank you for the report.  it all looks great. 
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Battle of Cardbridge
Post by: Pattus Magnus on August 30, 2021, 04:28:12 PM
Thanks for the positive feedback! I have more stuff in the painting queue, which hopefully will be done soon. I’m also hoping to have another game this month, so maybe another battle report to add!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Kitbashed Ogres
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 07, 2021, 03:23:02 PM
When my opponent in my last game visited he brought me a few surplus figures from his lead pile. Specifically, they were 5 GW plastic multi-part orcs. I don't have any use for GW orcs in my Oathmark armies, but I do use them for the base to kit-bash most of my ogres....  Over the weekend I got out the scalpels, plastic glue, and a little epoxy putty and put together some reinforcements for my ogre contingent.

The shields on the warriors came from a box of GW Gors, while the axe-heads on the line-breakers' poleaxes came from some old GW chaos warriors. Aside from that, the figures were just modifications on the Orc parts my friend gave me. The only challenging parts were turning the spears from the original figures into the pole-axes and maul. For those, I used spear arms and cut the right and left arms at the wrists, next to the arm-bands or bracelets. Then I messed around to get the spear staffs the right length and the hands lined up and glued them in place. Then it was just a matter of using putty to fill gaps and add a nose to each face.

I also cut the pointed ears down and rounded them off. It is odd, but adding a nose and rounding the ears goes a long way toward turning GW orcs into ogres, even on an otherwise 'stock' figure.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with how these conversions turned out, and now I have enough ogre warriors and line-breakers to field a full 6 of either type. 
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Kitbashed Ogres
Post by: batu on September 07, 2021, 07:04:02 PM
Fantastic conversions Pattus  :-*
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Kitbashed Ogres
Post by: Chief Lackey Rich on September 07, 2021, 07:53:12 PM
Conversion worked very well, and you're 100% right about the small facial conversion completely changing the look of those sculpts.

OTOH, those kits are long OOP now and it makes me sad to see them used for ogres.  They were 100% parts-compatible with the 40K ork boyz kit and really helped add variety to the figs you could make, and I've been regretting not buying more when WFB was still with us - they were retired early in AoS.

And now we've got new 40K boyz coming, but instead of being modular kitbash-friendly figs they're all monopose designs that only fit together well in (at most) a couple of variants, and more usually just one.  It's like GW is moving backward to the early 90s... 
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Kitbashed Ogres
Post by: Neldoreth on September 07, 2021, 11:06:05 PM
Excellent conversions Pattus. Looking forward to see these figs painted up and ready to go!

And now we've got new 40K boyz coming, but instead of being modular kitbash-friendly figs they're all monopose designs that only fit together well in (at most) a couple of variants, and more usually just one.  It's like GW is moving backward to the early 90s...

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one noticing this! That is exactly what happened with the Sisters of Battle; aside from a few weapons and head options, they are mono-pose kits, all of them. The poses are more fluid and dynamic than those old wooden poses though, but they are difficult to build because of it.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Kitbashed Ogres
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 08, 2021, 11:42:48 PM
Thanks for the compliments!

I agree about the direction GW has gone with figure design, the newer sets are much more difficult to kit bash than their older stuff. The number of components per figure gets a bit extreme, too - I’ve seen 1:43 display models with fewer pieces than some of GW’s larger creatures!

In any case, converting the old orcs was fun and as ogres they’ll see some action in future games!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Kitbashed Ogres
Post by: trev on September 12, 2021, 03:47:22 AM
Just seen this thread.  Nice dwarf army and I like ogre conversions too.  Good work.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Kitbashed Ogres
Post by: Ceeteegee on September 12, 2021, 04:37:50 PM
I do like the Ogres you've made. I have GW and Reaper Ogres ( with has GW heads), and those might be just what I'm looking for to crew the cannon.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Marbag the Giant (Sept 12, 2021)
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 13, 2021, 02:46:57 AM
Thanks trev, CeeTeeGee!

I still haven't primed the ogres, too damp this weekend, but I finished off another recruit for the Oathmark army - Marbag the Tall.

The figure is a "Ral Partha Imports" figure - Armored Cloud Giant - that I found in old stock at a hobby shop. I didn't love the original helmet (and it had a casting flaw), so I used greenstuff to build a new one.

I have no idea how he'll perform in Oathmark, but I figure if nothing else he'll give my opponent something to worry about and will soak up a lot of missile fire while the rest of the battle-line advances...
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Marbag the Giant (Sept 12, 2021)
Post by: batu on September 13, 2021, 03:28:33 PM
Wow, he looks great!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Marbag the Giant (Sept 12, 2021)
Post by: hubbabubba on September 13, 2021, 06:41:46 PM
Fantastic body of work, very well co-ordinated paint scheme.
I thinks it's aslo the first time I've seen a full unit of female dwarves.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Marbag the Giant (Sept 12, 2021)
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 14, 2021, 02:27:41 PM
Thanks Batu,  Hubbabubba, I appreciate the feedback!

I’ll have more updates soon, the weather has dried out enough to prime the new ogres and I am part way through rebasing some figures for the human component of my force.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc-tober Warriors (Oct. 25, 2021)
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 25, 2021, 11:12:58 PM
As is often the case, I got distracted from my wargaming plans and went off on a tangent. This time it was painting orcs, when I had planned to expand the human contingent in my Oathmark army. At least with Oathmark, I can start another kingdom to use these fellows!

These figures will serve as a unit of orc warriors - better armed and even more vicious than the usual orcs (which will be provided with ex-Grenadier plastic figures). These are "Orcs of the Crimson Wave", or something to that effect, ex-Harlequin figures that are still available from Black Tree Designs. The shields are not the ones supplied with these figures and come from an old set of Mantic's goblins, with a few from the GW Morannon orcs.

They were fun to paint, so I might paint some more orcs and goblins before getting back to the humans and dwarves from my first kingdom. I probably should finish a few more units of goblins and orcs anyway, the dwarves and humans outnumber them, even without Marbag the giant...
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Ogre Warriors and Linebreakers
Post by: Pattus Magnus on June 01, 2022, 06:06:07 PM
A little thread necromancy here, as it has taken me about 8 months to get around to finishing up these units. I posted WIP shots of some of the kitbashed ogres earlier in the thread. I primed them not long after that, but got distracted by some orcs and a very productive side trip into painting 10mm Seven Years War figures.

A few weeks ago I finally dusted off the kitbashed ogres, and a couple of old metal figures, and started painting them.

The warriors are all conversions based on GW Orcs. The linebreakers with pole arms are also based on GW Orcs, while the other 3 are metal figures. I picked up the two on the flanks from Alternative Armies, while the guy in the middle is a figure I picked up from old stock in a local gaming store. I think he might be one of the old Heartbreaker figures sculpted by Tim Prow.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Ogre Warriors and Linebreakers
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on June 02, 2022, 06:14:43 AM
Great conversion, they look brilliant! 👍
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Ogre Warriors and Linebreakers
Post by: killshot on June 02, 2022, 07:36:55 PM
Those are amazing!  Do you mind sharing the skin color recipe?
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Ogre Warriors and Linebreakers
Post by: FreakyFenton on June 02, 2022, 10:47:12 PM
It is amazing how much the addition of noses changes the overall look of the models.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Ogre Warriors and Linebreakers
Post by: Pattus Magnus on June 03, 2022, 04:57:21 AM
Thanks for the compliments!

The recipe for the flesh tone is fairly simple to do. I started with the white primer, then gave the flesh areas a coat of GW Reikland Flesh wash. Next I painted in all the rest of the colours and I used a trick I learned from Hobgoblin’s blog - each figure got a dry brush all over of very pale warm grey (it is Vallejo silver grey, or something like that). That gives the skin and everything else a highlight. Then the flesh areas got another wash of Reikland Flesh to add more depth. Finally, I added a few highlights to the noses and other high points with P3 Ryn Flesh (or whatever their palest flesh tone is called). I hope that’s helpful!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Ogre Warriors and Linebreakers
Post by: killshot on June 03, 2022, 12:26:06 PM
Thank you!  Did you block paint the base colors and then do the dry brush if grey or did the grey and then paint over everything?

Thanks for the compliments!

The recipe for the flesh tone is fairly simple to do. I started with the white primer, then gave the flesh areas a coat of GW Reikland Flesh wash. Next I painted in all the rest of the colours and I used a trick I learned from Hobgoblin’s blog - each figure got a dry brush all over of very pale warm grey (it is Vallejo silver grey, or something like that). That gives the skin and everything else a highlight. Then the flesh areas got another wash of Reikland Flesh to add more depth. Finally, I added a few highlights to the noses and other high points with P3 Ryn Flesh (or whatever their palest flesh tone is called). I hope that’s helpful!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Ogre Warriors and Linebreakers
Post by: Pattus Magnus on June 03, 2022, 01:35:08 PM
I block painted everything except the metal parts, which got a black wash. Then I quickly dry brushed everything, painted the metal parts and applied the washes (flesh wash on the skin and red parts, GW camo-shade green on the green parts, and Agra’s earth shade everywhere else).

The technique is based on the one LAF’s Hobgoblin put up on his blog here:  https://hobgoblinry.blogspot.com/2018/05/fast-and-furious-speed-painting.html?m=1 (https://hobgoblinry.blogspot.com/2018/05/fast-and-furious-speed-painting.html?m=1)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Ogre Warriors and Linebreakers
Post by: killshot on June 04, 2022, 01:01:52 AM
I appreciate the in-depth response and the link to the technique.  I’m definitely interested in giving it a shot!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Ogre Warriors and Linebreakers
Post by: Pattus Magnus on June 04, 2022, 06:22:07 AM
I’m glad to hear that it might be helpful. I have certainly been getting good results using Hobgoblin’s technique over the past year or two.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on June 22, 2022, 03:55:37 PM
I have been chipping away at the lead pile over the past week. I finished up a few goblins and orcs to bulk up a few units for Oathmark.

The Alternative Armies metal goblins are fun sculpts with lots of character. They have much bigger heads and hands than the Oathmark goblins, but I think they'll blend into units reasonably well as leaders or heroes.

The orcs are old Grenadier models. The plastic spearmen received a simple conversion by having the spear arms replaced with arms from old GW Skaven.

Soon I'll assemble the Goblin King's war host for a group shot. It will be a little while yet before they have the numbers to take on my dwarves, though!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: Golgotha on June 22, 2022, 04:21:44 PM
Lovely work especially like the Grenadier Orcs.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: Hobgoblin on June 22, 2022, 04:28:38 PM
Great stuff! They look fantastic. Very nice bases, too.

Those Alternative Armies fellows were originally the Orcs of the Stiff Crow from Rieder Design (older viewers may remember the company from blurry black and white ads in White Dwarf). They've certainly aged well!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: DivisMal on June 22, 2022, 07:27:49 PM
I’m totally in love with what you did with those Grenadier Orcs. That’s fantastic!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: sir_shvantselot on June 22, 2022, 07:44:55 PM
All lovely stuff. Especially like the giant.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: batu on June 22, 2022, 07:51:03 PM
This is the first time I see the Grenadier Orcs painted nicely! Great job on those and the whole lot!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on June 22, 2022, 10:03:34 PM
Thanks for the comments, I appreciate all the positive feedback!

I’m pretty happy with how the old monopose orcs turned out. The criticisms of the sculpts, that they have soft details and are a bit bland, are justified but in spite of that I have found they look good painted and make a good base for conversions. I converted and painted these other ones a while ago:

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjNCFJfkgek/T70OKbRxs1I/AAAAAAAAAP0/IuoUFSkB4t0/s1600/pat's_orcs.JPG)

Let’s call them solid “fixer-uppers”.

I’m looking forward to getting some of the Oathmark orcs and trying some of the spare bits on the ex-Grenadier plastics. They could make some fun hybrids!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: Hobgoblin on June 23, 2022, 08:52:45 AM
Those hirsute conversions look fantastic! The hair really brings the figures to life. I like the varied skin tones too.

I’m looking forward to getting some of the Oathmark orcs and trying some of the spare bits on the ex-Grenadier plastics. They could make some fun hybrids!


Consider that idea stolen!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on June 23, 2022, 03:37:22 PM
Consider that idea stolen!

Given that I've been using your painting technique for years and I'm often "borrowing" ideas from your conversions, it only seems fair if you steal an idea or two in return!

Regarding the hairy orc conversions, it's true that adding a topknot or a mullet to the plastic figures gives them a much different feel. Using greenstuff to add helmets also does wonders, but that is a bit more complicated.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: Neldoreth on July 06, 2022, 09:44:36 PM
Those look fantastic, as usual with your stuff :)

I was wondering if you'd be playing Oathmark... I haven't had the chance to get in a game, but I already have the rules and have put together some armies based on my Kings of War stuff. Sounds like a fun fantasy option at this point, and the figures are really quite excellent too.

Thanks
n
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Goblins and Orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 07, 2022, 01:11:12 AM
Thanks Neldoreth!

Yeah, I have played a few games of Oathmark and enjoy the game a lot. I find it plays quite smoothly and the kingdom-based army selection forces some trade-offs when picking forces. It also went a long way towards getting me painting 28mm fantasy armies again!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Barbarian Dwarves
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 21, 2022, 11:07:34 PM
This unit represents dwarf beast hunters who live for months on end in the wilderness, patrolling with the border guards to find and destroy marauding creatures and hostile warbands before they become a threat to the kingdom's heartland. They stalk their prey armed with great axes and two-handed warhammers. For armour, they wear the occasional steel helm or arm guard, but mainly rely on coats made of the thickest hides cut from beasts they have killed. When the King Under the Mountain summons his host to war, the beast hunters march in the vanguard with the border guards and serve in battle as linebreakers, carving holes in enemy shieldwalls.

In other words, I wanted a unit of linebreakers that look a bit different than the highly regimented axemen I already had!

These figures are kitbashed with bodies and some arm pairs from Frostgrave Barbarians, and heads and other arm pairs from the Oathmark Dwarf, Heavy Dwarf and Light Dwarf sets. It took more than a little cutting and gluing to get the pieces to fit (especially the heads, which use a completely different connection than on the Barbarian bodies), but it was worth it in the end. Now hopefully they will perform well in battle!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Barbarian Dwarves
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on July 22, 2022, 05:45:18 AM
Great work, especially on those plaid cloaks! 👍
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Barbarian Dwarves
Post by: Malamute on July 22, 2022, 07:24:43 AM
Great work on the Dwarves. ;D
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Barbarian Dwarves
Post by: gregmita on July 22, 2022, 05:47:59 PM
Those are great-looking patterns on the cloaks!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Barbarian Dwarves
Post by: Pattus Magnus on July 23, 2022, 04:20:51 AM
Thanks all for the positive comments!

The cloaks turned out well, and they’re fairly easy to do. I just block painted them in the main colour, then painted on a regular grid using off-white (unbleached titanium, but any off-white would probably work). Next, I used a contrast paint in the main “other” colour (dark blue on the blue cloak, red on the green cloak, brown on the russet cloak, etc) and painted a wide line over top of the white grid, so that it overlapped on each side a bit. The result is a grid with a relatively vivid strip of colour in the middle of each line. You could leave it at that point, but on these figs I wanted a weatherbeaten effect, so I lightly dry brushed the cloaks with unbleached titanium to accentuate the folds and creases.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc Kitbashes
Post by: Pattus Magnus on August 18, 2022, 11:19:38 PM
I received my box of Oathmark Orcs a couple of weeks ago. I built a few 'vanilla' spearmen and soldiers, then started messing around with mixing them with parts from other kits. So far, I focused most of my kitbashing on putting together some orc linebreakers.

In the first picture, the figures used Oathmark bodies and two got double-handed axe arms from the Frostgrave barbarian and gnoll boxes (one of the axes was also a conversion based on the gnoll spear arms), while the other got maul from the cultists kit.

The second picture shows Frostgrave barbarian and gnoll arms on EM4 orc spearman bodies (one also has a head from the Wargames Atlantic goblin set).

In all cases, it took a bit of fine-tuning to get the arms to fit on the shoulders, but the end results turned out well. 
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc Kitbashes
Post by: Hobgoblin on August 18, 2022, 11:34:03 PM
Great conversions - and great inspiration! Those arms all look spot on now they're in place. I've been eyeing my as-yet-untouched Oathmark orc sprues today; I've got a ton of Prince August orcs to paint, and I reckon I might liven some of them up with Oathmark heads, which seem just about the right size. I'm also keen to try Orc heads and arms on the Oathmark goblin bodies.

Your dwarves are terrific too - great, subdued paintwork on those!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc Kitbashes
Post by: Pattus Magnus on August 19, 2022, 05:13:59 PM
Thanks for the compliments Hobgoblin!

I don’t have any of the Prince August orcs handy, but I cast a pile of them when I was a teenager and couldn’t afford enough pre-cast figures to make units (or find enough, I lived in a small town in western Canada and the few hobby shops that had gaming figures were oriented toward D&D and usually carried one pack of each code! Waiting for a restock to bulk up a unit was a losing proposition…). At a guess, I think the Oathmark orc and goblin heads would probably fit well on the PA figures. It’s a neat idea, if it works you’ll add variety in those units.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc Kitbashes
Post by: Golgotha on August 19, 2022, 11:15:45 PM
Those are really lovely as is all this thread. :o

Keen to recent additions painted.

Good to see the old Grenadier miniatures getting a showing.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc Kitbashes
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on August 20, 2022, 07:31:42 AM
Looking good! As Hobgoblin said… inspirational! 👍
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc Kitbashes
Post by: Pattus Magnus on August 22, 2022, 03:52:17 PM
Thanks Golgotha and Grumpy Gnome! I’m aiming to get these fellows painted relatively quickly- in time for Orc-tober at the latest. I just need to put together one or two more, and one carrying a banner and they will get some primer.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc Kitbashes
Post by: Golgotha on August 22, 2022, 09:05:15 PM
Look forward to it and good point I best also do some Orcs for Orctober.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc-tober arrived early
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 12, 2022, 07:30:27 PM
I haven't painted the linebreakers yet, but over the past week I did get some paint on some of their spear-bearing comrades.

The first picture is of some LotR orcs. Some are unmodified, while others have parts from the Oathmark goblin set. I put them together months ago, after being inspired by a bunch of kitbashes other LAF members posted.

The second picture shows four Oathmark spear-orcs.

The third shows the figures mixed together on a movement tray. Despite differences between the LotR and Oathmark sets, I think they go together fairly well once they're painted. It helps a bit that orcs tend to look 'right' as rag-tag units.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc-tober arrived early
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 12, 2022, 07:36:14 PM
I also painted this guy. He has an ex-Grenadier orc body, with a Wargames Atlantic head and Oathmark shield (and a spearhead from the bits box - I think originally from a Bretonnian).

It takes a bit of effort to carve the face off the ex-Grenadier body, but I think the kit-bash works fairly well. I dry-fitted an Oathmark head as well, but it looked a little bit too small. I will definitely be using more of the WA heads on the ex-Grenadier plastic figures in future kitbashes.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc-tober arrived early
Post by: Old Hob on September 12, 2022, 08:08:58 PM
Lovely stuff, sir. I especially like the skin tones on those OM orc spears. They're spot on.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc-tober arrived early
Post by: Hobgoblin on September 12, 2022, 08:26:42 PM
Tremendous conversion and painting! They look fantastic!

That EM4 conversion is really good - and I love the Oathmark head on the GW body!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc-tober arrived early
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on September 13, 2022, 09:25:08 AM
Great work! 👍
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc-tober arrived early
Post by: Phil Portway on September 13, 2022, 01:59:25 PM
This thread is a fabulous inspiration and those Orc conversion are spectacular!

Thanks for sharing your skill!  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc-tober arrived early
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 13, 2022, 03:52:58 PM
Thanks for the compliments, they keep me motivated! I should have some more orcs painted soon, the linebreakers are on the desk.

Regarding the orc skin tones, I use a simple approach. I start with a white undercoat, then put a wash of GW Reikland flesh on the mouth (if it is open). Next I block in the rest of the skin with a greenish grey or similar (Vallejo Green Grey, or Green Brown are currently my favorites). I block paint the rest of the non-metallic parts and dry brush the whole model with Vallejo Silver Grey to give simple highlighting. I block paint the metallics, then apply washes to add shadows (this method is one I learned from Hobgoblin’s blog). The flesh areas get Reikland Flesh, which gives the highlights a pinkish hue, and turns the green-grey or green-brown into the skin tone in the pictures.

As for conversions, I have a lot of fun putting them together. I have drawn a lot of inspiration from other folks on LAF, and then mess around with pieces to try and get something that looks good. Orcs are pretty forgiving because they have oddly proportioned bodies anyway (at least by human standards, they would probably think we’re the ones who look odd…)! I really enjoy ending up with an army that has unique figures.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc-tober arrived early
Post by: Old Hob on September 13, 2022, 09:09:15 PM
That's the 2nd time someone has recommended Vallejo Silver Grey today! I must track down this miracle paint.

Interesting method for the skin. I wouldn't have thought of that. I will give it a whirl at some point as I think it gives a really nice 'fleshy' effect. Thank you.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Early Orc-tober Part 2 - Linebreakers
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 20, 2022, 05:44:05 PM
The orc linebreaker conversions are done!

The first picture shows the figures that are based on Oathmark bodies. Several have heads from Wargames Atlantic, and the arms are from the Frostgrave Barbarians, Gnolls or Cultists sets. Some of the arms were originally holding spears, which were turned into axes or maces/mauls by shortening the hafts  and replacing the heads.

The second picture shows one metal figure and three conversions based on ex-Grenadier figures. Nothing much was needed for the metal figure - there are a bunch of old Nick Lund sculpts with two-handed weapons that would make great linebreakers. I painted that figure years ago using a different style, so he looks a bit darker than the others, but I think he fits in well enough as the boss. Two of the plastic figure conversions used Frostgrave arm combinations, while the other used re-positioning the arms and adding a hammer head from the Frostgrave Barbarians set. He also got some heavier armour made with greenstuff. That figure was also painted in an old, darker style. I think that using the same style of basing allows that figure and metal figure blend into the unit well enough with the newer figures (although I may repaint them some day - once everything else in the lead pile is done).
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Early Orc-tober Part 2 - Linebreakers
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 20, 2022, 05:48:55 PM
The comparison shot shows the size of the Oathmark conversions and the ex-Grenadier ones. The figure in the middle is my orc king - he is one of the metal not-LotR figures Scotia-Grendel Productions makes, but he received a modified helmet and a face transplant from an ex-Grenadier plastic figure. I painted him ages ago in my old style.

The unit picture shows everyone on a movement tray. I think they blend together pretty well!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Early Orc-tober Part 2 - Linebreakers
Post by: Golgotha on September 20, 2022, 07:01:53 PM
Fantastic conversions love the latest additions another good looking unit of orcs...
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Early Orc-tober Part 2 - Linebreakers
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on September 21, 2022, 07:18:13 AM
Fantastic conversions love the latest additions another good looking unit of orcs...

I would echo that. Great work!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Painted Orc Linebreakers
Post by: Old Hob on September 21, 2022, 09:16:25 AM
I've a lot of love for these. They look rag-tag, but the colour scheme neatly pulls them together as a unit. Maybe it's the Wargames Atlantic heads/helmets, but they really remind me of the Angus McBride cover illustration for Denizens of the Dark Wood MERP supplement, which is obviously a very good thing.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Painted Orc Linebreakers
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 21, 2022, 08:06:27 PM
Thanks guys!

Hob, that’s exactly the impression I got when I saw those helmets. I love McBride’s take on orcs, so building a bunch of figures to fit that style was a must!

The next unit of orcs is on the painting table (soldiers/ warriors with hand weapons and shields). They should be done in a week or two. My goal is to get all of my primed orcs and goblins done by the end of October, then do an army picture. All will depend on what’s going on in real life…
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Painted Orc Linebreakers
Post by: Neldoreth on September 21, 2022, 11:30:49 PM
Those look excellent, and inspiring. Great to see this project come together!

thanks
Joe
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Painted Orc Linebreakers
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 22, 2022, 12:10:58 AM
Thanks Joe! It’s a good feeling to see this army coming together! The various fantasy kits released over the past few years have ramped up my enthusiasm again.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Opposite End of the Food Chain: Goblin Thralls
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 23, 2022, 06:55:01 PM
Here they come! It looks like they sent their slaves ahead of the main line.

Wouldn't you? If we had slaves, that is?

True enough. What are they, though? They can't be orcs.

They're the same thing, just bred smaller.

But look at the size of them, they're tiny compared to that bastard at the back with the whip.

You've seen a terrier, right?

Yeah.

And you've seen a mastiff, right?

Yeah?

They're both dogs, just like these guys are all orcs, or goblins, or whatever. Different sizes for different jobs.

But then, who's breeding them?

Ask the elves. It's not all frolicking in the woods for those pricks, they've been around forever and their mages have experimented with some evil shit in their time.

Oh. It looks like they're winding up with their slings!

So they are. SHIELDS UP!

- A conversation between Berthold the Dim and Merrick Thorne, shortly before the Battle of Creswell's Farm

I haven't had the chance to try goblin slaves in a game of Oathmark yet, but the Dark Alliance 1/72 Goblin sets are cheap and provide a lot of figures per box that meet the general requirements - minimal armour, simple weapons and expressions with a combination of viciousness and desperation, so I decided to add some to the collection. They even have a handful of figures per box that are actually armed with slings, although most of the missile troops have bows. I will eventually paint the archers as well and use them as slingers - I'll just assume that the bows are weak and shoot darts, rather than true arrows.

The orc "motivator" at the back is, of course, converted from an EM-4 plastic figure. 
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Opposite End of the Food Chain: Goblin Thralls
Post by: Tactalvanic on September 23, 2022, 08:17:45 PM
I had to go back and read and stare at the pictures of entire thread again, in case I missed something.

Glorious, and especially the conversion work, and especialy with the classic old Grenadier plastics, never tire of seeing what people do with them.

looking forward to more!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Opposite End of the Food Chain: Goblin Thralls
Post by: Grimmnar on September 23, 2022, 08:53:19 PM
Pattus,

This amazing thread reminds me I never replied to your last email. I must correct this oversight.


But with that said I still love the EM4 Dwarf converAwesome indeed. indeed.

For those who wanna see more on the dwarves have a click.
http://combatzonechronicles.net/cozoxc/flattery.htm

Pattus, was there another link?
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Opposite End of the Food Chain: Goblin Thralls
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 23, 2022, 10:11:01 PM
Thanks for the comments!

Grimmnar, that email must have been a long time ago, I’ve forgotten it too!

I only ever wrote the one article for Combat Zone Chronicles. I meant to write more, then promptly got distracted! I did write an article in Miniature Wargames last year about converting the Grenadier plastic dwarf spearmen into cavalry.

There are a lot of fun possibilities for conversion material these days!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orcs soldiers or warriors
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 12, 2022, 05:13:43 AM
It took a while to get this unit painted - I got distracted by assembling a few additional kitbashes before getting back to these!

The first pics shows the figures based on GW LotR Morannon orcs. Most are unmodified, but a couple have had head swaps.

The second pic shows Oathmark figures for the same unit.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 12, 2022, 05:17:02 AM
Despite differences in the equipment of the LotR and Oathmark orcs, I think that with consistent painting and basing they mix fairly well in a unit.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 12, 2022, 05:30:04 AM
The first picture shows two of the kitbashes I distracted myself with. I decided to convert one of the LotR spearmen orcs into a linebreaker about to smack an opponent with a double-handed mace. It turned out pretty well, so, of course, I had to go back to the figure in that pose that I had already painted and converted him too. But then I had a hole in the roster of the spearmen unit… which led to kitbashing a spearman.

And since I had the knives and glue out, I went to work on a couple of EM4 orcs and added a couple more kitbashed figures to that collection. These fellows got WA goblin heads, Oathmark shields, and weapon arms/hands from an old GW zombies set.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on October 12, 2022, 06:14:34 AM
Great work yet again mate! 👍
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: WitchQueenofAngmar on October 12, 2022, 08:23:00 PM
Marvelous work! They blend in perfectly!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Seditiosus on October 12, 2022, 09:06:10 PM
they look great..!

I didn't know that, the lotr minis are comparable size wise at all. thanks for the heads up

it really needs a comprehensive size-comparison site on the internet:D no idea why this doesn't exist yet. I remember that I tried to figure out, which if the angmar minis could be mixed with frostgrave ghost achipelago but gave up. at least something was learnt today!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Hobgoblin on October 12, 2022, 09:10:31 PM
Brilliant stuff! They're all great, but the chap with the mace is just fantastic!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 13, 2022, 03:59:03 PM
Thanks folks! More figures are in the queue, wolf riders next.

Hobgoblin, he does look enthusiastic about his work, doesn’t he?

Seditiosus, I was also surprised about the potential compatibility of the LotR orcs with the recent plastic kits from Northstar and Wargames Atlantic. I saw some conversions other people on LAF did (I think James Morris was one, it is worth checking out his stuff on his blog, Mogsy Makes; also the LAF thread “pimp you orc” has many great conversions and I think some involve LotR figures). I don’t have GW’s Mordor Orc set for comparison, but they seem like they will blend into units, especially with a little kit bashing.

Regarding size, I think the main thing is the size of the heads. The LotR orcs I have seen have relatively ‘realistic’ proportions to fit the feel in the movies, but that means their heads are small compared to most gaming figures. The easiest Oathmark heads to swap on to them are from the goblin and wolf riders kits, since they are also fairly small. The Oathmark orc heads are a bit bulkier, but probably still compatible (I don’t think I tried any of those on the LotR figs yet). The WA goblin heads are the largest - they can go on Oathmark orc bodies easily, but need a bit of finesse to look natural on Oathmark goblins or LotR figures. The linebreaker with the mace and WA head shows that they can work- I think it shifts the proportions close to what most conventional 28mm figures use.

Later today I’ll pick a few figures out and take some pics to illustrate.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Seditiosus on October 13, 2022, 08:03:57 PM
appreciated! thanks for the detailed response. Now that you mentioned it, I went back to the twohanded orc and I can see what you mean. If you look closely, the head is indeed bigger than you would expect, I guess something that tabletoppers generally are used to see when they have any contact with heroic scale miniatures. so kudos to you, that this didn't really seem obvious on first sight. speaks for the quality of the conversion I guess :)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 13, 2022, 11:57:36 PM
So, here are some comparison shots for gauging how the various orc/goblin heads fit on LotR orcs (and on Oathmark bodies).

The first pic shows two LotR figures, originally holding spears above their heads and now swinging two handed weapons. The orc with the mace has a Wargames Atlantic head and the other figure has the original head. The original head is smaller, but the WA head still looks okay. I did have to shave down the underside of the WA head to get a good fit and avoid it sitting too high.

The second pic shows two identical Oathmark orc bodies but heads from different sets. The axe-man has a head from an Oathmark goblin kit (I don’t remember whether it was the infantry or the wolf riders). It is a little bit smaller, but within the realm of plausibility. The swordsman has an orc head.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 14, 2022, 12:04:28 AM
In the first pic, the bodies are LotR spear orcs. The figure on the left has its original head while the one on the right got a replacement from the Oathmark wolf riders set. With a bit of green stuff to mask the join, the goblin head fit in pretty well.

The second pic shows identical Oathmark orc bodies. The guy toting the standard and mace got a WA head (because it reminded me of McBride illustrations). And the other one has a standard head from the Orcs sprue. They look pretty compatible to me.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Hobgoblin on October 14, 2022, 12:10:48 AM
If you're going for a Tolkien-esque look, then big heads are all to the good! They seem to be a notable feature of Orcs: large heads are mentioned in the cases of the Great Goblin ("a huge head"), Grishnakh ("great head and hideous face"), Ugluk (or whoever's head is put on the spike by Eomer & co.: "a great goblin head") and Azog ("a huge iron-clad head").

And in one of the early LotR drafts of the Cirith Ungol passage, JRRT notes that it's difficult for Sam to find Orc-helmets that fit well because Orcs have large heads relative to their bodies. Of course, that might be an abandoned idea - but the quotes above strongly suggest not.

I'm planning to put Oathmark Orc heads on the Oathmark goblin bodies to achieve more Tolkienish Orcs.

So that fellow with the mace looks bang on to me!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Old Hob on October 14, 2022, 07:45:49 AM
I wonder what Pattus has been up to over the last couple of weeks... Oh my!

Not only are you banging through these, but they're looking really good, especially your latest orcs. Looks like you'll beat me to painting up wolf riders, which I'm quite happy about as it means I can borrow your ideas.  ;)

Great stuff.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: LouieN on October 14, 2022, 05:43:26 PM
Well done.  TY
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 14, 2022, 08:20:34 PM
Thanks for the compliments!

Old Hob, you might end up finishing your wolf riders before I do, after all. My hot water heater tank failed yesterday and leaked for hours before I noticed, and by then it had dampened the carpet in my painting area (I noticed the problem when I sat down to paint and wondered why the f-k my feet were wet).

So, now my hobby space smells of damp socks (even more than usual) and it will be a little while before painting starts again…
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: blacksmith on October 15, 2022, 09:35:13 AM
Really like they way you paint your Orcs; one can see your personal style there, and they all make a great army together.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Old Hob on October 17, 2022, 07:12:26 AM
Old Hob, you might end up finishing your wolf riders before I do, after all. My hot water heater tank failed yesterday and leaked for hours before I noticed, and by then it had dampened the carpet in my painting area (I noticed the problem when I sat down to paint and wondered why the f-k my feet were wet).

I'm really sorry to hear that. That sounds cold and expensive. Hope you get it sorted without too much fuss.

I haven't bought the wolves yet (got distracted by some Bosch-inspired demons), so you still might beat me to it. ;)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 17, 2022, 12:41:47 PM
Blacksmith, thanks, it is very satisfying to have them coming together!

Old Hob, thanks for the supportive words! I spent a lot of time over the weekend and should have my painting area put back together by tomorrow. In retrospect, it could have been a lot worse. I’m hoping to have more progress on figure to share soon!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Golgotha on October 17, 2022, 02:18:32 PM
Great additions I also really like the red/orange natural colour you have done the clothing - makes them look realistic and believable.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Seditiosus on October 25, 2022, 10:24:29 PM
Sorry, a bit late. Just wanted to say thanks for the comparison shots. very useful....

I have to think about these possibilities of using lotr miniatures in fantasy further and check some sites, maybe I can figure out any other useful combination. for orcs, it is clearly a very good time :D so many great kits on the market.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: batu on October 25, 2022, 10:56:48 PM
The LotR and Oathmark Orcs are really working great together. You made it work tremendously well Pattus. I had to look really closely, and often more than once, in order to make out the different sculpting styles.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 25, 2022, 11:01:10 PM
Seditiosus, you’re welcome, it was no problem to post the comparison shots. I recently bought the LotR Mordor battlehost box (got a very good deal at a local store), so now I have some Mordor orcs and warg riders to experiment with. I’ll have some pics of warg rider conversions soon, and some converted infantry will join the horde eventually!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 25, 2022, 11:03:26 PM
Batu, thanks, that’s exactly the kind of continuity I was hoping to achieve!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Seditiosus on October 27, 2022, 10:01:05 PM
looking forward to your creations! :)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Belgian on October 28, 2022, 12:28:44 AM
Inspiring thread, great ideas and excellent execution!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 28, 2022, 03:25:16 AM
Seditiosus, I should have some wolf riders completed over the weekend, and I’ll post some pics when they’re done.

Belgian, thanks! You’re more than a little familiar with orcs, so I’ll take that as high praise!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: Belgian on October 28, 2022, 11:02:05 PM
Seditiosus, I should have some wolf riders completed over the weekend, and I’ll post some pics when they’re done.

Belgian, thanks! You’re more than a little familiar with orcs, so I’ll take that as high praise!

Thanks, although my paintjobs can´t match yours though!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - More Orctober figures, soldier/warrior orcs
Post by: DivisMal on October 31, 2022, 11:35:52 AM
This is really brilliant!  :o

It makes me want to jump the bandwagon and start tolkienesque Orcs, too!  lol I love especially what you did with those old Grenadier plastic orcs. They absolutely look great, and to my eyes you kitbashes look even better than what is intended to build with the models.

Absolutely marvelous!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 31, 2022, 10:21:28 PM
Thanks! It’s a great time to do a Tolkien inspired army!

Here’s the final installment for Orctober - some wolf riders.

The first pic shows an Oathmark wolf rider hero remounted on a RAFM giant wolf. I built up the base a bit with cork to give him some gravitas. The other pic is an old figure by Alternative Armies, which I got from a local shop’s old stock. He also got a RAFM remount.

The second pic shows the same figure alongside his archer colleague. They’re a little dated, but I like their character.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 31, 2022, 10:24:42 PM
These are the bulk of this batch of wolf riders.

The first pic shows Oathmark riders on RAFM wolves, which works well, in my opinion.

The second shows two GW LotR warg riders on Reaper Bones dire wolves. One got a head-swap with an Oathmark head. I think they work pretty well.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 31, 2022, 10:29:19 PM
Here is the group shot (additional pics on the previous page) with all of the bow-armed wolf riders mixed together. I think they make a decent unit, not withstanding a few style differences in the sculpts from different sources.

So, in the end, I painted 45 orcs - 7 short of my goal for the end of October. Strictly speaking, only 22 were actually painted in October, since I gave myself a head start. It feels good to have them done!

An army picture will be posted soon!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Golgotha on October 31, 2022, 10:58:46 PM
Very well done getting all those orcs done the orc cavalry look great too. Fantastic effort.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: WitchQueenofAngmar on November 01, 2022, 12:42:57 AM
Those riders look fantastic!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Seditiosus on November 01, 2022, 01:17:41 AM
well done! Whats next for november? ;)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 01, 2022, 01:38:34 AM
Thanks folks!

I haven’t decided yet what is next in line. I might finish up the orcs and goblins I didn’t get to yet (and I ordered a box of the new slaves, so those will soon be getting my attention). A change of pace might also be nice - I have some other projects I have been neglecting!

By the way, Golgotha, following up on your question a while back about the red, the recipe is as follows: primed white, block paint the red with burnt sienna artist acrylic which makes a rusty red/orange, paint everything else that is non-metallic, drybrush with Vallejo silver grey, apply GW Reikland flesh wash to the red bits which darkens everything and adds shadows in any recesses.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: James Morris on November 01, 2022, 06:50:06 AM
Those wolves are excellent! Marvellous work, always good to see alternatives to the Oathmark ones.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Chimpfoot on November 01, 2022, 08:19:50 AM
Very nice
Are those some reaper wolves?
45??!!
Really?
😳😳😳😆😆
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on November 01, 2022, 08:50:22 AM
Brilliant work!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Hobgoblin on November 01, 2022, 09:08:28 AM
Great stuff! They look splendid, and it's really nice to see those Alternative Armies orcs painted up.

They were, I believe, originally Rieder Design's "orc wolvery"; there used to be grainy black-and-white ads for the Rieder line in White Dwarf. Some of the Rieder figures are really good - on a par with Citadel from the same period. I wonder if Alternative Armies will rerelease the Orc Warband (http://www.miniatures-workshop.com/lostminiswiki/index.php?title=Dungeon_Dwellers_%28Rieder_Design%29#Pack10) at some point - they're great figures.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Old Hob on November 01, 2022, 09:38:49 AM
Glorious stuff. Those wolf riders ooze Tolkien and the brushwork is fantastic. Congratulations. Very much looking forward to the army shot.

Very nice
Are those some reaper wolves?
45??!!
Really?
😳😳😳😆😆

Those are RAFM wolves, I believe. I've just picked up a couple of Reaper dire wolves (I intend to liberally steal from Pattus' ideas  ;)), and I would say the Reaper wolves are maybe a touch smaller, but would mix pretty well. Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Papierschnitzel on November 01, 2022, 09:40:53 AM
Don't know why but I always enjoy anything riding on a wolf ... err warg! Great work!!!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 01, 2022, 03:12:53 PM
Thanks everyone!

Chimpfoot, Old Hob is correct - 6 of the wolves in the group shot are from RAFM, but there are also 2 Reaper dire wolves in the shot. The RAFM wolves are a bit lankier (mainly due to running poses) than the Reaper wolves, but they blend pretty well together. (There are some closer pics on page 8 of the thread, where you can see the differences)

Hobgoblin, that’s interesting about Reider Designs originally producing the older wolf riders. Looking through the Alternative Armies catalogue, quite a few of their figs originated with that company (and some from Asgard Miniatures). I appreciate that they have made those available again, they are fun figures to paint and there are some gems in those ranges!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: batu on November 01, 2022, 03:17:45 PM
Congrats: successful Orctober! Those RAFM wolves look pretty nice I have to say.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober closes with wolf riders
Post by: hubbabubba on November 01, 2022, 05:51:29 PM
Solid body of work.

They sing McBride to me, which is the way orcs should be.

Excellent stuff.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 02, 2022, 03:54:28 AM
Angus McBride’s version of orcs certainly influenced my collection and painting! Here are a few pics of the assembled war host.

Starting from the front, there are two small units of 10 goblin archers, and a unit of 20 slave slingers. Behind one unit of archers there are 15 goblin soldiers. The other archers have 10 goblin spearmen (and 3 orc ‘motivators’ with whips - no game effect, they just look cool).

The next wave consists of 11 wolf riders with spears or hand weapons, 15 orc archers in the centre, and 10 wolf rider scouts on the other flank. There are also one goblin and one orc hero mounted on wolves.

The following wave are orcs - a unit of 10 spear orcs (Oathmark style), 15 orc soldiers (EM4 conversions and a few metal figures), and 15 spear orcs (more EM 4 conversions).

Then another wave of orc warriors and linebreakers. On the left of the picture, 10 warriors (Oathmark and LotR), 12 linebreakers in the centre (Oathmark, LotR and EM4 conversions, and 10 warriors (ex-Harlequin figs). In front of the linebreakers the orc king is standing around with his entourage - an orc shaman , two champions, the king himself, and a goblin magician. There are also two common wolves (familiars perhaps?). Finally, at the back, four trolls.

So, altogether, a little over 180 figures, 45 of which are new work from the past 6 weeks.

I have lots more figures for this army. It seems a bit “orc heavy” at the moment, so maybe I will focus on building up the lightweights when I work on them next.

Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Old Hob on November 02, 2022, 08:42:39 AM
Awesome. I love 'em.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on November 02, 2022, 03:10:59 PM
Outstanding work! An army worthy of Mordor.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: WitchQueenofAngmar on November 02, 2022, 04:42:54 PM
Beautiful work!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Askellad on November 02, 2022, 09:09:25 PM
Lovely work! I did the same with the DA gob' ;)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Golgotha on November 02, 2022, 09:22:56 PM
Great to see them all together as an army and the trolls work well. A real rage of orcs indeed.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: blacksmith on November 02, 2022, 10:57:25 PM
Awesome! Love the wolves too!  :-*
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: batu on November 02, 2022, 11:17:33 PM
Outstanding work mate!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 03, 2022, 12:02:20 AM
Thanks folks! By the standards of some on this forum (looking a you Belgian and James Morris …) this mob would only be a scouting force, but on my tables it is a full army.

Here are a couple of additional pictures showing parts of the army in a bit more detail.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Papierschnitzel on November 03, 2022, 08:36:40 AM
Love the support crew! Great paint job on the minis. Love the more subdue color pallet ... looks very convincing!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Ogrob on November 03, 2022, 10:01:14 AM
Really lovely force that, well done!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Hobgoblin on November 03, 2022, 01:08:07 PM
Glorious! Those Reaper goblins fit in really nicely. Are they the Bones or metal versions?
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 03, 2022, 02:21:19 PM
The Reaper figures in the pics are made of their Bones material. The details are a bit soft but once they’re painted they look alright. The goblins (and probably orcs, although none are in the horde yet) mix in with Oathmark figures if the painting is consistent.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Hobgoblin on November 03, 2022, 03:00:59 PM
Thanks! Yes, they look great and mix in nicely. I have a few of the Bones ones, though they've been part-painted since before the pandemic ...

Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Belgian on November 16, 2022, 05:29:12 PM
Looks great, any pointers of how you painted the wolves? Might have a couple AA Wolves inbound.  :D
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Chimpfoot on November 16, 2022, 07:42:39 PM
Lovely lovely lovely 😊👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 16, 2022, 08:52:19 PM
Hi Belgian, for the wolf riders, I assembled the models completely before painting because I wanted to use green stuff to fill gaps and I was sticking plastic riders on metal wolves (mostly). In retrospect, it probably would have been simpler to paint the riders and wolves separately and use pins and CA glue to hold them on.

For painting, they were primed white, then I mostly used washes and contrast paints. Initially I used GW Reikland flesh wash inside the mouths and around the lips and on the foot pads (where they are visible). Next, I used GW’s “white” contrast paint on the legs, stomach, lower side of the face. Next, GW skeleton bone contrast, thinned a bit - I put that everywhere the ‘white’ wasn’t, and overlapped it on the white a bit on upper legs, flanks, etc. That was to give the fur that tawny look many wolves have. Finally, I used a few different GW mid-dark browns (one colour per wolf), to put the darker markings on each beast. I thinned the brown a bit and made sure it was darkest on the uppermost fur (top of face, along the spine, top of tail) and faded into the tawny parts. I looked at reference pics, but didn’t worry about trying to get the markings perfect - wolves vary. The main thing was to get lighter colors lower on the body, and leave some lighter colour on the cheeks and muzzle.

After that, I painted the riders, and then picked out some details, like teeth and some yellow or red on the wolves’ eyes.

I hope that’s helpful!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orc army on the march
Post by: Belgian on November 18, 2022, 11:52:26 AM
Hi Belgian, for the wolf riders, I assembled the models completely before painting because I wanted to use green stuff to fill gaps and I was sticking plastic riders on metal wolves (mostly). In retrospect, it probably would have been simpler to paint the riders and wolves separately and use pins and CA glue to hold them on.

For painting, they were primed white, then I mostly used washes and contrast paints. Initially I used GW Reikland flesh wash inside the mouths and around the lips and on the foot pads (where they are visible). Next, I used GW’s “white” contrast paint on the legs, stomach, lower side of the face. Next, GW skeleton bone contrast, thinned a bit - I put that everywhere the ‘white’ wasn’t, and overlapped it on the white a bit on upper legs, flanks, etc. That was to give the fur that tawny look many wolves have. Finally, I used a few different GW mid-dark browns (one colour per wolf), to put the darker markings on each beast. I thinned the brown a bit and made sure it was darkest on the uppermost fur (top of face, along the spine, top of tail) and faded into the tawny parts. I looked at reference pics, but didn’t worry about trying to get the markings perfect - wolves vary. The main thing was to get lighter colors lower on the body, and leave some lighter colour on the cheeks and muzzle.

After that, I painted the riders, and then picked out some details, like teeth and some yellow or red on the wolves’ eyes.

I hope that’s helpful!

Thanks for the information much appreciated and very helpful!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 07, 2022, 12:53:50 AM
It took me a while to recover from my orc painting bender in September and October, but I have finally finished a few more figures. The trolls are nominally 1:72 figures made by Dark Alliance, but they fit pretty well with 28mm figures. I actually like them better size-wise than the GW versions. At 8 to a package, they’re inexpensive but I’m not sure the savings are worth the hassle of carving off soft plastic mould lines, which were severe in places. Reviews I read online said the mould lines were minimal, but both sprues I got were equally bad, so I think the mould must be worn out. I’m honestly not sure I’ll bother painting the other six figures, the prep work is soul eating. At least these two turned out!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 07, 2022, 01:03:02 AM
I also painted a few goblins that I didn’t get to in October. The leader and wizard are Reaper metal figures, alongside an old (Asgard?) sculpt I got in a pack from Alternative Armies. One of the archers is a pure Wargames Atlantic figure and the others are kitbashes using old Mantic goblin bodies with Oathmark heads and Oathmark or Frostgrave arms. These guys will bulk out the goblin archer units in the horde!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on December 07, 2022, 03:48:02 AM
I agree with you on the Dark Alliance Trolls, those mould lines are no fun but the price helps… and your brushwork made those look great! Same with the Goblins, excellent work.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: DivisMal on December 07, 2022, 05:35:16 AM
 :o Excellent additions! The trolls look spot on with your goblins, but, personally, I found the Peter Jackson trolls way too large, so tuning them down a bit is the absolute right thing.

That horde by now looks really cool and the various models fit together perfectly!

And as a PS, even though I am not Belgian: thanks for the recipe for the wolves! I have something similar in 15mm ahead of me!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: Golgotha on December 07, 2022, 06:22:34 AM
I do like the way you have done those trolls. Be good to see some pics of them all together as an army.

The goblins look good too.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: Old Hob on December 07, 2022, 10:23:16 AM
Lovely stuff as always Pattus. I've really been enjoying this thread and I've been using it as a benchmark for where I'd like to get to with my own orcish rabble. I also like how the limited colour palette is tying all these different manufacturers into a unified horde. I suspect that AA orc may have originally been by Rieder Design rather than Asgard, but my Google-fu is weak today so I may well be wrong.

You've also done a belter of a job on those Dark Alliance trolls. Can't really comment on the mould lines being worse than before (I've never handled their models), but as they're based in Ukraine it's a wonder that they're still able manufacture kits at all. Anyway, I think you're right about these scaling well with the 28s and they are a great addition to your army.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: Hobgoblin on December 07, 2022, 10:56:34 AM
Great work on all of those!

The AA guy was originally a Rieder Design Orc of the Stiff Crow. He looks splendid here. I wonder if AA will ever rerelease the other Rieder Orcs, which are great.

The trolls look good shorn of their horns. For the mouldlines, have you tried using a heated pin? I found the best way to clean up a whole load of Dark Alliance figures was to set up a candle outside (to avoid exposure to the fumes) and then just melt the mouldlines away with a hot pin, using a cork as a handle.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 07, 2022, 03:50:05 PM
Thanks for all of the positive feedback, I appreciate it and I’m always happy to hear it when my figures inspire others!

Old Hob, Hobgoblin, you’re right of course, the AA goblin was originally by Reider Designs, he came out of the same pack that had the ‘crow on a stick’ standard bearer!

And thanks for the advice, Hobgoblin, regarding the mould lines on the trolls, I’ll give that a try when I can work outside again on figures (should be some time around March, it has been -20 or colder here lately and frostbite is a sacrifice I don’t need to make for my art!)

Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: Belgian on December 09, 2022, 10:08:02 AM
Awesome as always great work on the trolls and archers. Have been playing with the same idea of mixing Mantic Games Goblins with other companies and wasn't convinced but looks like I was wrong. Might give it a try  :D
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - December update, some trolls and goblins
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 09, 2022, 04:40:21 PM
Hi Belgian, thanks! Regarding the Mantic goblins, there have been two versions released. The ones I used were the original ones that had soft details, obvious mould lines, and rigid poses. They have been out of production for a few years, since Mantic completely replaced them with newer sculpts. I haven’t seen the newer ones.

I would say, if you already have some of the old Mantic goblins, kitbashing with Oathmark parts is a good way to get some value out of them (the main modification needed is to pare back the weird forward-thrusting neck join on the bodies), but I wouldn’t recommend bothering to track them down.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: Pattus Magnus on April 14, 2023, 07:53:25 PM
I went on a side-trip into painting 10mm Seven Years War for a few months and real-life work has decreased my output, but I recently finished some more fantasy figures. They’re in a smaller size, though! A pal wanted to try some 15mm fantasy mass battle games and I had these figures in the lead pile for at least 8 years, untouched, so I dug them out.

The Copplestone Castings barbarians were a lot of fun to paint (and wow, they are amazing sculpts) and I have a bunch more to do. I got a lot of inspiration from Captain Blood and Deano’s barbarians, check out their threads if you haven’t already!

First, the drug-addled shaman and the warlord…
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: Pattus Magnus on April 14, 2023, 07:55:48 PM
And the rank-and-file. (Well, barbarians don’t do ranks or files, but you know what I mean!)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: Pattus Magnus on April 14, 2023, 07:57:54 PM
And a shot of a unit routing off the table… The sculpting on the fur cloaks is just amazing on the figures.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: batu on April 14, 2023, 08:00:05 PM
Wow lovely. Especially the shields look amazing!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: DivisMal on April 14, 2023, 09:43:05 PM
Wow! Those barbarians are brilliant! I hope to see more from you in God’s Chosen Scale (=15mm)!  :o :-*

Actually, seeing those, I really regret single-basing mine. Maybe I just buy more for multibases🤔
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: LouieN on April 14, 2023, 11:32:31 PM
Really amazing work.  How are the Copplestone minis in size?  When you see such quality sculpts in 15mm they often turn out to be bigger 18mm figures. 
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: DivisMal on April 15, 2023, 01:51:16 AM
Really amazing work.  How are the Copplestone minis in size?  When you see such quality sculpts in 15mm they often turn out to be bigger 18mm figures.

Hi Louie, they are definitely 18mm. Comparable with Xyston or Demonworld.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: Pattus Magnus on April 15, 2023, 02:46:32 AM
Thanks for the compliments!

Louie, DivisMal is correct about the sizing - Copplestone barbarians are on the larger side of the 15mm continuum. I took a few pics to show them next to other 15s I have at hand.

The first pic shows one next to next to an OldGlory 15mm Celt.

The second pic compares to a Minifigs feudal figure.

The last one shows a base of barbarians next to a base of Splintered Light Saxons (apologies that the Saxon shields are in the way, it’s how they’re posed.)

Overall, the Copplestone figs are bigger than the Minifigs and Splintered Light, but are surprisingly close to the OG for size.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: Pattus Magnus on April 15, 2023, 04:10:35 AM
And one more comparison shot, with an Essex late Roman, which is noticeably smaller.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: LouieN on April 15, 2023, 05:35:23 AM
Not bad really maybe more like 16mm. 

I would say very compatible. 

Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: DivisMal on April 15, 2023, 06:24:21 AM
Thanks, Pattus, for the comparison shots. I have quite an extensive 15mm collection, but was missing many of those (and it’s darn hard to find precise phootos in the net). OG is very close and might work. That’s great for a lot of fantasy settings with pseudo-historical background! :-*
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: Pattus Magnus on April 15, 2023, 05:10:42 PM
You’re welcome, I’m happy to provide info when I can!

I agree that Old Glory 15mm figures would probably not look too jarring next to the Copplestone figures. I have a couple of historical 15mm armies and my recollection is that OG sculpts in different lines are mostly based on the same set of “dollies”, so they will probably be about the same stature as the Celt in the picture.

Even the smaller “true 15mm” lines aren’t ridiculously different than the Copplestone figures, in my opinion.

Once I have the barbarian war host complete enough to play, I have some other 15mm fantasy armies planned. They’re a fun change from 28mm!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: Pattus Magnus on April 15, 2023, 05:21:18 PM
Here is a better image for comparing the Copplestone figures to Splintered Light.

The Copplestone figs are clearly larger (their cast on bases are also slightly thicker).
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: DivisMal on April 15, 2023, 06:07:36 PM
Oh, that’s another useful shot!
These SL Saxons have tempted me for a while.

Copplestone are certainly not ridiculously big (like some Xyston ranges in my possession, but on the larger end. The effect becomes very visible when you use single models for skirmish wargaming and put them next to those very small ranges like Peter Pig.

Even that, however, can be fun. I have a PP arab as a thief of Bagdad running around;)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: Old Hob on April 17, 2023, 07:45:53 AM
Cor blimey! These are fantastic. You've absolutely smashed it. And are those hand painted shields? If so, I think we'll need to do a whip-round and buy you a medal! Keep 'em coming.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Something a little different, 15mm Barbarians
Post by: Pattus Magnus on April 17, 2023, 02:06:18 PM
 lol Thanks Hob!

Yes, the shields are hand painted. They’re not too difficult to do, mostly a matter of getting the initial division into sections about right and then coming up with a few consistent geometric squiggles. By the end of painting this unit I was starting to run out of ideas for patterns.

I’ll still accept that medal, though!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, this time in 15mm!
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 30, 2023, 04:54:59 PM
It has been a while since I worked on my fantasy projects, but Orctober is just around the corner and my barbarians need some opponents!

The pic shows my goal for Orctober- figures for several units of 15mm goblins/snagas/lesser orcs, a unit of wolf riders, and a couple of command bases. Altogether, there are 94 figures in the picture- 32 archers, 40 infantry with miscellaneous weapons, 10 leaders/standard bearers, and 12 wolf riders.

If I get them done before the end of October, I have a bunch of 28mm goblin serfs and some ogres that have been hanging around the painting queue since last Orctober…

I’ll post updated as I get things painted.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, this time in 15mm!
Post by: Neldoreth on September 30, 2023, 08:51:11 PM
Wow man, that is a lot of figures! Looking forward to seeing it come together!

Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, this time in 15mm!
Post by: Pattus Magnus on September 30, 2023, 10:24:41 PM
True, but they’re really small  ;)

I’m aiming for 16 bases, plus 2-3 character bases. When I get these guys done, I’ll need to add a couple of units to the barbarians.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, this time in 15mm!
Post by: Old Hob on October 02, 2023, 02:37:05 PM
That's probably more than my output in a year! Best of luck with it.
Also, I'm glad this thread popped up again. It reminded me that I was going to 'borrow' your shield designs.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, first figures
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 05, 2023, 11:01:33 PM
 Borrow as many shield designs as you like, Hob!

Here are pics of the first batch of lesser orc/ goblin rabble. The figures are all from Magister Militum and now out of production  :'(

The big guy with the sword, and the two taller archers are from the Chariot Miniatures line. The shorter, more detailed figures are from the Blood Dawn line. The little ones are especially good sculpts, with crisp details. I’m kind of regretting not buying a few more packs of those before MM closed.

They’ll be mixed units of archers and melee fighters. Not very effective in either role, but that’s okay because they’re mostly there to screen the greater orcs.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, first figures
Post by: Luigi on October 05, 2023, 11:59:16 PM
 :o

Absolutely fantastic (and prolific) work. Can't wait to see them based
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, first figures
Post by: Neldoreth on October 06, 2023, 03:53:40 PM
They really look great. The mix of sizes plus the great orkish paint scheme and execution really tell a story. I can't believe you got through all of those miniatures so quickly, even though they're small! Impressive and inspiring work!

n
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, first figures
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 06, 2023, 05:33:37 PM
Thanks Luigi, thanks Neldoreth!

I’m happy with how these fellows turned out. They’re a bit simpler than the barbarians- a more limited palette, fewer areas of exposed skin, and shields issued by a dark lord’s foundries rather than individualized patterns - so they paint up quickly. I’ll hold off basing until I finish a few more batches, as I have a few more sculpt variations in the pipeline I want to mix in.

The next batch is underway and will probably be done over the weekend- it’s Canadian Thanksgiving, so the long weekend will be put to use!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, second batch
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 11, 2023, 07:24:11 PM
I didn’t get as much done over the weekend as I thought, but still managed some progress.

These are the second batch of lesser orc rabble - 8 spearmen and 8 archers (one is lurking outside the picture). They’re just blue tacked on to give an impression of what the bases will look like. I will be mixing them with figures from the other batches to get variety on every base.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, second batch
Post by: Old Hob on October 11, 2023, 08:32:27 PM
Loving the wee lads. And I like your vision of mixing up the painting batches and manufactures. They'll be a proper rabble. I thought the occasional spot of red on the last batch cut through really well. Looking forward to seeing them on their finished bases.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, the horde so far
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 18, 2023, 06:06:59 PM
I finished off another batch of rabble. Just two poses, this time, melee fighters with spiked clubs, and archers with recurve bows. One of the archers didn’t make it, as his bow broke (the recurve bows are delicate, and I’m not…).

I also painted four standard bearers. One is posed with an orc on a command base and the others are loose.

The last pic shows all of the lesser orc rabble painted so far. I think the mixed warband basing will work well for this army.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, the horde so far
Post by: Luigi on October 18, 2023, 06:51:48 PM
Projects like this really make me wish I had opted for 15mm.

Such a great looking army
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, the horde so far
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 18, 2023, 09:22:56 PM
Luigi, thanks for the compliments.

The irony of my 15mm project is that by the time I am finished my goal for October, they will still be fewer than half the number of my 28mm orcs and goblins…. (And that doesn’t even count the 10mm orcs and goblin army I started 15years ago during my brief fling with GW’s Battle of 5 Armies)

Someone rationally maximizing their collection would have picked a scale and stuck to it. I am not that person.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, the horde so far
Post by: LoxIslay on October 20, 2023, 05:13:50 PM
Love the growing Horde!

As a 15mm cultist, I can't imagine the pain you feel pondering about the lost time in other scales ;)

On the other hand i think everybody makes some errors in his youth  lol

Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, 5 more bases
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 23, 2023, 04:10:56 PM
Lox, switching between scales and periods has been my signature move for a long time- I am (almost) beyond feeling pain each time.

I made some progress over the weekend and finished enough figures for 5 more bases of rabble, bringing the total to 14. Somehow I botched the number of archers - I thought I had enough for a few bases of skirmishers as well, and I don’t. Oh well, that’s what the front line rabble units will do, soak up arrows.

It will be a slow painting week, due to work, then I will take the brushes to some wolf riders. Stay tuned!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, 5 more bases
Post by: Old Hob on October 23, 2023, 08:20:22 PM
Oh, man. These are coming along very nicely. I can't believe how quickly your cranking through them. I was inspired a lot by you 'big' wolfboys, so I'm very much looking forward to their 15mm comrades.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, Wolf boys
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 31, 2023, 03:16:38 AM
Thanks Hob! I hope these smaller wolfriders are as inspiring as their 28mm brethren. They were a fun change from the lesser orc infantry hordes. If nothing else, in games the wolves will provide the barbarians a steady supply of fur capes and loincloths!

I doubt that I will get any more painted tomorrow, between work and the neighborhood kids coming around panhandling for Halloween candy in the evening, so these will be the last painted figures before the Orctober deadline. I’m pretty happy with my productivity- 76 infantry and 12 wolfriders painted. Only short of my goal by 6 command figures.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, Wolf boys
Post by: hubbabubba on October 31, 2023, 07:22:15 AM
They look like they have a lot of detail on them for smaller sculpts.

Nice colours too.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, Wolf boys
Post by: Old Hob on October 31, 2023, 01:54:25 PM
The wolfboys didn't disappoint. I especially like the mounts - nice sculpts and a proper wolfy paint job.
88 minis in a month! Fair play. I've squeaked in at 10 and thought I was doing well...
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - Orctober 2023, Wolf boys
Post by: Pattus Magnus on October 31, 2023, 06:20:54 PM
Yeah, the Blood Dawn figures Magister Militum sold are quite detailed - right up there with Copplestone 15s and the Demonworld figures. The wolves are well detailed and have wolfy proportions (which isn’t always the case). I used the same approach on the wolves as I used last year on the 28mm wolfriders and it turned out well.

The mounted archers are actually kitbashes made from the upper body of an infantry archer and the wolf and lower body of a wolfrider. I did that because I don’t like the available wolfrider archer pose - it is based on the spear armed wolfrider and the bow looks really odd. Way more work, of course, but worth it to me.

I’m going to properly base the painted figures, then do the last 6 command figures. Pics to follow!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 04, 2023, 09:31:26 PM
Here are the infantry units. I decided to go with 4 units of 3 bases each. That left me with a few spare figures painted, which didn’t make it on to a base, but that’s okay since they can get blended into the next batch.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 04, 2023, 09:37:45 PM
And here are the ‘chrome’ units (if you can use that term for units in an orc army) from this Orctober’s painting, some wolfriders and some sneaky scouts. Both give a bit more versatility to the war host.

A step-by-step of painting the wolfriders is available in the LAF workbench section: https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=143340.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=143340.0)

I like how the added rocks and bushes on the scout bases turned out. I initially considered using plain basing, but two guys standing out in the open looked a bit uninspiring. Having some cover just looks better!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 04, 2023, 09:39:48 PM
And here’s a group shot of this year’s orcs, and a pic of the snagas and barbarians about to get into a heated dispute!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Hobgoblin on November 04, 2023, 10:55:56 PM
Superb! Great to see them all based up. What size frontages are those on?
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 04, 2023, 11:11:50 PM
Thanks Hobgoblin!

The bases are 40x30mm. It’s a handy size, as the old DBx armies can be pillaged for reinforcements!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: snitcythedog on November 04, 2023, 11:24:41 PM
Very impressive paint for that scale.  My eyes just aren't good enough to do 15mm anymore.   
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 05, 2023, 01:23:13 AM
Thanks Snitchy! I know what you mean about the eyes - I went to progressive lenses two years ago, which is good for most things, but I have to take the glasses off for painting. I expect that trajectory for declining eyesight will just continue. In the meantime I’ll paint the little guys while I can!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Old Hob on November 06, 2023, 04:28:29 PM
Superb! I saw the photo of your new lads facing off against the barbarians and instantly wanted to play that game. Surely there's no better compliment?
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 06, 2023, 04:45:38 PM
 That is very high praise! I’m definitely looking forward to getting the 15mm figures on the table for a dust up. It may be a little while, though, as my usual opponent is traveling a lot for work until the spring. Of course, that just means I will have an even bigger horde assembled by then.

By the way, I put a step-by-step in the workbench section explaining my technique for painting wolfriders. I’m not sure whether it will be of use to you or others on LAF, but it’s there.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Frostie on November 07, 2023, 07:41:56 AM
Nice 15mm collection.

I love 15mm fantasy mass battle, I have thousands of 15mm fantasy covering aabout 8 different races lol.....LOVE IT!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm snagas, wolfriders and scouts based
Post by: Pattus Magnus on November 15, 2023, 04:23:13 PM
Thanks Frostie, the 15mm collection is growing. I have more on the painting table.

It sounds like you have a very impressive collection- do you have any pics of them posted on publicly available sites? I’m always looking for inspiration from others’ work!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 05, 2023, 08:36:30 PM
My wolfriders are good for hit and run, but they needed some support to provide impact at crucial points in battle. I couldn’t find any orc chariots that appealed to me, so I scratch built three, attached them to Copplestone giant wolves, and converted some crews from Magister Militum goblins (drivers) and Splintered Light Miniatures orcs (fighters).

Pics on following page (backdrops by John Hodgson Maps).
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 05, 2023, 08:37:44 PM
Chariot 1 - the boss
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 05, 2023, 08:39:02 PM
Chariot 2 - attacking to the right
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 05, 2023, 08:40:02 PM
Chariot 3 - attacking to the left
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 05, 2023, 08:40:44 PM
They also sometimes raid settlements in the foothills.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: LoxIslay on December 05, 2023, 08:46:55 PM
They look amazing. Had also planned to build some. Love yours!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 05, 2023, 08:54:42 PM
The chariot platforms, poles and crossbars are made of 1mm styrene sheet, as are the scythes (which don’t show up much in the pictures), and the metal reinforcements (strips of very thin styrene sheet).

The animal skulls are made with green stuff in press moulds (original skulls were by Copplestone, from the barbarian command pack). I also used press moulds to make the wheels (originals are from Old Glory 15mm Celt chariots).

Each rein (leash?) is made of two strands of very fine wire twisted together. Other details were added with green stuff, such as the harnesses on the wolves.

The chariots, wolves and crews were painted separately, then glued together. The wolves were glued down first on the 40mm by 50mm bases, the bases textured and painted, then the chariots glued down, then the drivers, the reins glued in place, then the fighters. It was a lot of work, but in the end I got exactly what I was looking for.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 05, 2023, 08:57:30 PM
Here’s another group shot - chariots racing across rolling steppe (it was orphaned on page 14, so I moved it here).

Thanks LoxIslay! I’m happy with how they turned out!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Hobgoblin on December 05, 2023, 09:45:24 PM
Woah! These are fantastic! What a great idea - I may have to steal it!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Old Hob on December 05, 2023, 10:31:24 PM
Hell yeah. They're fantastic! I would've sworn the chariots were bought off-the-peg if you hadn't said. And the John Hodgson backdrops really help sell them too (I need to seriously raise my photography game).

Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 05, 2023, 10:49:28 PM
Thanks fellows!

The backdrop books go a long way toward improving photos. For the chariot pics, I just flopped my small 30x 30 homemade mat on the desk, put a couple books underneath to give it a slight mound closer to the camera (so that the ridge would screen the hard edges of the bases), propped up the book and fired away. The only drawback is that the phone camera automatically colour corrected some stuff on the figures because the backdrop is the largest area. I need to change the settings to avoid that.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Luigi on December 06, 2023, 02:44:56 AM
Great job!
they look amazing. and excellent camera work
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Elk101 on December 06, 2023, 08:49:04 AM
Very nicely done.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 06, 2023, 05:24:57 PM
Thanks for the compliments, Luigi and Elk!

Luigi, my camera work really is very basic - the backdrop book does the heavy lifting! Someday soon I want to mess around with a tripod and proper DSLR camera (my kid has one). I think it will help show details that the phone camera misses.

In the meantime, I’ll keep painting 15mm fantasy figs while I’m on a roll! The muses could abandon me at any point.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: blacksmith on December 06, 2023, 07:29:22 PM
Terrific chariots!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: snitcythedog on December 06, 2023, 10:45:10 PM
Well impressed both with the concept and execution.   :o
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 06, 2023, 11:28:55 PM
Thanks, that’s high praise, as I am a fan of both of your work!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm scratch built orc chariots
Post by: Little Odo on December 08, 2023, 04:35:20 PM
They are absolutely awesome - I too would have thought they were "shop bought" as per another commenter's praise - really great work on them!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 19, 2023, 06:34:11 PM
Thanks Snitchy and Little Odo!

Since then I have finished a few character bases for the orc army - a warlord, two contingent commanders, and a shaman. Character bases are always fun!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 19, 2023, 06:38:24 PM
The warlord and his signalers. The warlord and the standard are Demonworld sculpts, now sold by Ral Partha Europe. They’re amazing figures, so crisply sculpted. The drummer is from the Chariot Miniatures line they Magister Militum used to sell. Not quite as well executed as the Demonworld figures, but then few are. The drummer makes up n enthusiasm what he lacks in fine detail!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 19, 2023, 06:43:26 PM
The wolf riders and chariot needed a command base to direct them, so I put these together. The standard bearer is converted from a wolfrider by Chariot Miniatures, remounted on a Copplestone wolf (I really didn’t like the original wolf - it was very oddly proportioned). The officer is converted from a Blood Dawn goblin infantry figure, set on another Copplestone wolf. He needed a bit of trimming and green stuff but took to his new role as a rider fairly easily.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 19, 2023, 06:47:43 PM
This guy is will command the lesser orc/ snaga infantry. He leads the Spiked Skulls tribe. The figure is a Demonworld sculpt, and the lesser orc banner bearer is from the Blood Dawn range. I like the difference in size between the figures - it leaves no doubt about who gives the orders.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 19, 2023, 06:52:05 PM
Finally, the orc shaman. I haven’t given him a name yet, but he is a “Fire Caller” and specializes in flame-based magic. The figure is another Demonworld model, and the stone fire pot is a cut-down accessory from Reaper. I tried a little object-sourced lighting by dry brushing on some orange where he faces the flames. I’m not sure if it worked.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Old Hob on December 23, 2023, 10:33:59 PM
These are absolutely brilliant. I've been really enjoying seeing your 15mm orc force come together. You've cranked through the figures at an impressive rate too. I can't remember if you said, but what rules you had in mind for this lot?
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Luigi on December 23, 2023, 11:45:23 PM
Agreed on both the speed and quality! Incredible work right there.

As for the name for the shaman I tried to come up with something orcy but all I could think of was Promorcheus. Which almost sounds like swearing.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 24, 2023, 05:54:38 AM
Thanks Hob, thanks Luigi!

I’m finding that with the 15mm figures I can get a fairly good result in a reasonable time and the group bases help with the final effect. The command bases, especially, are kind of like small dioramas.

As far as rules go, the main ones I have in mind are Fantastic Battles. In theory they’re designed to use square bases, but have rules for using rectangles instead (along with character bases). The key thing is standard frontages. I may also use the collection for Hordes of the Things, or for Warmaster, since either set will be compatible with the format I used. I would be open to other sets, too.

Luigi, that could work as a name. Does sound like it could be a swear word, or a communicable disease, though. Not that orcs would necessarily know the difference or care!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Philotep on December 24, 2023, 09:02:08 AM
Wonderful minis! As a 1/72 figures painter (already a small scale in my opinion), I really admire 15mm figures painters, and your paintjob is excellent! Moreover, the color schemes are great, and the scenery (hill, background) makes your pictures captivating.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Pattus Magnus on December 24, 2023, 02:15:03 PM
Philotep, thank you for the compliments!

I have enjoyed seeing the 1:72 on your blog, you do great work! Your kit bashed orc chariot was one of the contraptions I was inspired by when I put together the 15mm machines on page 15. Originally I planned to use Celt chariots and replace the crews, but the goblins would not fit in the ones I had, so I had to build the carts around the figures.

Regarding the scenery in the photos, I used backdrops made by Jon Hodgson Designs. He released two books through a kickstarter, one for fantasy settings and one for science fiction and I purchased both. I have not  used the sci-fi book yet, but the fantasy one is great for helping take good pictures of figures.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: DivisMal on January 03, 2024, 10:45:47 AM
Haven’t been around for some time here in LAF, so I was really delighted to see your updates!

15mm is The Chosen scale;) it’s not perfect, but it allows for decent painting in short time. The amount of bases you cranked out is absolutely impressive! I love that orc army. It’s suitably sinister. Just brilliant.

And referring to an older post of yours: everyone regrets those half-finished projects or finished armies in scales one doesn’t play anymore. With me it’s 6mm and 10mm. 15s and 28s are different enough that I still like both.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Pattus Magnus on January 03, 2024, 06:32:49 PM
Thanks for the compliments DivisMal! I have some more 15mm figures at the head of the painting line up, this time some reinforcements for the barbarians to give them a fighting chance against the orcs! I made no progress over the holidays, but should have some updates to post in a couple of weeks.

I completely agree about the benefits of 15mm figures. I find that the ranges with high quality sculpting almost paint themselves, which is a bit counterintuitive. I expected the detailed figures to be more difficult, but the details allow good results with quick techniques like washes and dry brushing. I can still get good results with lower detail sculpts but I find it takes longer, due to the need for painting in highlights and other details.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: DivisMal on January 03, 2024, 07:44:13 PM
Thanks for the compliments DivisMal! I have some more 15mm figures at the head of the painting line up, this time some reinforcements for the barbarians to give them a fighting chance against the orcs! I made no progress over the holidays, but should have some updates to post in a couple of weeks.

I completely agree about the benefits of 15mm figures. I find that the ranges with high quality sculpting almost paint themselves, which is a bit counterintuitive. I expected the detailed figures to be more difficult, but the details allow good results with quick techniques like washes and dry brushing. I can still get good results with lower detail sculpts but I find it takes longer, due to the need for painting in highlights and other details.

Indeed! And since I have become a father, this time/painting quality ratio has become so valuable: Demonworld, Copplestone etc. paint themselves really well! As do some of the modern 3D prints. I cannot recommend Varus miniatures high enough.
And the significantly lower price tag is a welcome bonus.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Neldoreth on January 04, 2024, 02:13:51 AM
Those are looking great. I haven't painted a 15mm fig in years, but did enjoy how fast a large army could come together... that being said you're going lightening speed on these and they look fantastic!

I'm really looking forward to the shot with the entire army mustered against the barbarians!

great stuff,
n
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Hobgoblin on January 04, 2024, 10:00:56 AM
The command orcs look great!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Pattus Magnus on January 04, 2024, 04:33:20 PM
Thanks Neldoreth and Hobgoblin!

The 15mm armies are coming together and hopefully will be battling across a tabletop sometime in the first half of 2024! In the meantime I’ll post progress and some staged shots.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm orc characters
Post by: Peithetairos on January 07, 2024, 03:34:54 PM
It is very enjoyable to see how much character you manage to add to them with the paintjobs and basing.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on February 03, 2024, 05:16:53 PM
Thanks Peithetairos!

Through January I painted more figures for my 15mm barbarian army. The barbarians are all Copplestone figures, mainly from the Northlander swordsmen and axemen packs, with a few command figures. The giants are from Splintered Light Miniatures.

First, the tribesmen.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on February 03, 2024, 05:17:27 PM
The giants, with a base of tribesmen to show the relative sizes.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on February 03, 2024, 05:19:47 PM
And the full war host - 10 bases of tribesmen, two giants, the high chief, a shaman, and a chieftain.

As before, the backdrop is by Jon Hodgson.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: blacksoilbill on February 04, 2024, 12:25:27 PM
Lovely stuff. And that background suits them to a tee: it gives off the exact same feel as your painting.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Basementboy on February 04, 2024, 12:45:14 PM
Lovely stuff. And that background suits them to a tee: it gives off the exact same feel as your painting.
Agreed- where do you get the backgrounds from? (apologies if you’ve answered the question elsewhere)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on February 04, 2024, 05:05:54 PM
Thank you for the feedback!

Basement Boy, the backdrop is in a book I got through a kickstarter. It is by Jon Hodgson. Annie (of Bad Squiddo Miniatures) is helping with the kickstarters and there is currently another one live.

 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonhodgsonmaptiles2/jon-hodgson-backdrops-two-backdrops-boogaloo (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonhodgsonmaptiles2/jon-hodgson-backdrops-two-backdrops-boogaloo)

If kickstarter isn’t your thing, my understanding is that the backdrop books are available through Jon’s company, Handiwork Games, and through Bad Squiddo Miniatures. Some of the backdrops are available as PDFs through Wargames Vault, too.

The two original books have 32 backdrops each, so I usually can find a suitable pic for the figures I am photographing!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Dean on February 04, 2024, 06:27:03 PM
Those are looking great mate
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Kikuchiyo on February 04, 2024, 09:35:56 PM
OK so thanks to those Barbarians my Arthurian project needs to be in 15mm
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on February 05, 2024, 04:45:20 AM
Thanks!

Kikuchiyo, your tiny Arthurians are pretty amazing! Your figures and terrain all look great together.

Of course, if you wanted to add some Copplestone goodness to that project, some of the figures in his 10mm character packs might scratch that itch!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Kikuchiyo on February 05, 2024, 06:50:56 AM
 Thanks no plans to give up on yhat project

I've been looking at the Wiglaf range for a while now but couldn't decide on a suitable opposition, I yhink you have inspired me to look at the barbarians again
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on February 05, 2024, 07:17:06 AM
I don’t have any of the Wiglaf figures yet, but I remember seeing a side-by-side pic of some next to some of the barbarians and they seemed quite close in size. The barbarians definitely would make suitable fantasy style opponents for a Wiglaf force. The barbarians are fun to paint!
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Kikuchiyo on February 05, 2024, 08:39:24 AM
IThats what I hope

I think a set of each and a set of Eurka Man Orcs should work well together
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Old Hob on February 07, 2024, 07:35:25 AM
Glorious, mate. Love the earthy tones and, as ever, the shield designs (I still intend on borrowing some ideas from these). Not seen those giants before, but they really work with the whole army vibe. I think your orcses are going to be crushed to paste by these lads.

BTW I picked up some of the Wiglaf cavalry recently. If I was inclined to 15/18mm fantasy gaming then the pack screams Rohirrim.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on February 07, 2024, 05:21:38 PM
Thanks Old Hob!

That’s very interesting about the Wiglaf cavalry and their suitability for 15mm Rohirrim. Using my 15mm fantasy collection for Lord of the Rings battles has definitely been something I have as a long term plan. I could actually use the orcs and barbarians together to represent Saruman’s army of orcs and Dunlendings…

That will be a long-range goal though, as I already have a couple of kilos of 15mm fantasy figures to paint! More orcs and goblins, of course, some cavalry and other “chrome” for the barbarians, then a fair sized elf army are already in the queue… (plus a few random bits, like lizardmen).
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Hobgoblin on February 07, 2024, 06:04:45 PM
That’s very interesting about the Wiglaf cavalry and their suitability for 15mm Rohirrim. Using my 15mm fantasy collection for Lord of the Rings battles has definitely been something I have as a long term plan. I could actually use the orcs and barbarians together to represent Saruman’s army of orcs and Dunlendings…


Brilliant idea!

The one missing element would be the half-orcs: "mail-clad, ferocious, armed with axes". I wonder if you could find some Vikings to 'convert by paint' to fill this role. If you painted some of these Old Glory guys with your sallow Orcish skin tones and black hair and beards, they'd probably look the part. The suggestion in The Battle of the Fords of the Isen is that the half-orcs combine Orcish tech (mail) with Dunlending stature, so armoured Vikings would seem appropriate. I think Old Glory scales well with Copplestone"

(https://www.oldgloryuk.com/images/products/15gha02-220825185721.jpg)

(https://www.oldgloryuk.com/images/products/15gha11-220707193838.jpg)
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on February 07, 2024, 06:17:53 PM
Yeah, something along those lines certainly could work for man-orcs. It I were feeling really ambitious, head swaps or sculpting on very basic orc faces would probably be be feasible. It has been a while since I read the novels, how large a part of the force would the man-orcs be?

As far as Old Glory and Copplestone size compatibility, they seem pretty close (I did a side-by-side pic earlier in this thread, when I posted the first batch of barbarians).
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Hobgoblin on February 07, 2024, 11:46:35 PM
Yeah, something along those lines certainly could work for man-orcs. It I were feeling really ambitious, head swaps or sculpting on very basic orc faces would probably be be feasible. It has been a while since I read the novels, how large a part of the force would the man-orcs be?

It's hard to say. But they seemed to have been significant. They are, however, introduced somewhat obliquely.

At Helm's Deep, Gamling says, "But these creatures of Isengard, these half-orcs and goblin-men that the foul craft of Saruman has bred, they will not quail at the sun".

Now, to the reader already familiar with the Uruk-hai of Isengard, the reference appears to be to Saruman's Uruks with their Mannish gear and disdain for sunlight. And, actually, it might be: Gamling isn't necessarily using the terms taxonomically, and Tolkien loves doubling up descriptions of the same thing, so he (through Gamling) might not be even distinguishing two sorts of creature. It could be a "brigands and bandits" sort of trope.

But then, when Aragorn and co. meet up with Merry and Pippin at Isengard, we get this description from Merry:

"And there were battalions of Men, too. Many of them carried torches, and... I could see their faces. Most of them were ordinary men, rather tall and dark-haired, and grim but not particularly evil-looking. But there were some others that were horrible: man-high, but with goblin-faces, sallow, leering, squint-eyed.... they reminded me at once of that Southerner at Bree: only he was not so obviously orc-like as most of these were...."

So they were a fairly small minority of the 'Men' marching out of Isengard. But there were still lots of them:

"'I thought of him too,' said Aragorn. 'We had many of these half-orcs to deal with at Helm's Deep."

And back in the Shire, Merry says, "Like many I saw at Isengard" when he sees the Orcish-featured ruffians.

The best description of them comes in 'The Battle of the Fords of the Isen', where they're described as a company and are employed to break the Rohirric shield-wall, the Isengarder Orcs being ill suited to the task because of their short stature:

"As soon as the enemy had gained possession of the eastern end of the Fords there appeared a company of men or Orc-men (evidently dispatched for the purpose), ferocious, mail-clad, and armed with axes. They hastened to the eyot and assailed it from both sides."

The individuals that are seen in 'close up' are described as 'great':

"As he came to his side Théodred fell, hewn down by a great Orc-man."

"Elfhelm himself, however, sprang up towards the knoll; and there he found Grimbold fighting two great axemen for possession of Théodred's body."

So they seem to be the elite of the army: armoured like the Orcs (and unlike the Dunlendings) but much bigger than them (and Saruman's Orcs were big for Orcs). And, therefore, presumably quite a small proportion. Maybe a couple of bases' worth given your fairly large barbarian and Orcish forces?

Converting them would be fantastic - though fiddly! One other option might be to use the Battle Valor orcs (http://hobgoblinry.blogspot.com/search?q=battle+valor), which are huge for 15mm (though perfect for Isengard Uruks in 1/72). But they're probably a bit too Orcish in build: "squat and broad" rather than "tall and grim" - the half-orcs definitely seem to have been in the latter camp.
Title: Re: Pattus Magnus' Fantasy Armies - 15mm Barbarians and Giants
Post by: Pattus Magnus on February 08, 2024, 02:16:09 AM
Thanks for the information, Hobgoblin, those all seem like reasonable interpretations. It probably wouldn’t be too difficult to add a unit or two of 4 bases each (about 20 figures per unit) when I expand the orcs and goblins (some of that Tolkien-style doubling up terms there  ;) ) beyond a general purpose fantasy army.

First things first, though - I need to paint about a kilo of figures before I even consider buying more!