Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Topic started by: Old Hob on August 25, 2022, 09:59:34 PM
-
Hi folks. I'm currently tinkering away on an orcish army with a pseudo-Dark Ages aesthetic. The paint jobs will all be very much 'tabletop standard' ('cos that's the best I can do), but I'm hoping that once assembled en masse the army will have a bit of flavour.
First up are the boldog's elite household troops - the hus-uruks led by Captain Shagbag.
(https://i.imgur.com/PgCJKGy.jpg)
These are Ragnarok Miniatures' armoured goblins. I absolutely love these sculpts. I do wish I'd used wire spears instead of metal ones, though. I've based the minis on 2p pieces so they can be switched between sabot trays, depending on what ruleset is being used. A second stand of these is currently in the pipeline.
-
Look great. What rules are you thinking of Saga?
-
Superb! They look really good! Did the same designer do the Vendel orcs?
-
Very nice. I only got the Ragnarok Draugr, these orc/goblins of their's are amazing though
-
Very nice,and proper :-*
-
Those look great! Certainly nothing wrong with your version of ‘tabletop standard’ painting and basing!
I don’t have the Ragnarok goblins yet, but I picked up the draugr and some dwarves and I like them (stills haven’t painted them, though). It’s only a matter of time before the goblins join the host!
Regarding sculpting, Ragnarok figures are by Colin Patten. I’m pretty sure he also sculpted the Vendel and Conqueror Models fantasy models. The style is distinctive.
-
They look good. Good choice of miniatures too.
-
Looking good mate! I love those sculpts. 👍
-
Oh, this is a lovely bunch, in goblin sort of way... I think I recognize the sculptor, are these from the same person who sculpted Conqueror Models dwarves?
I should probably read the whole thread:
Regarding sculpting, Ragnarok figures are by Colin Patten. I’m pretty sure he also sculpted the Vendel and Conqueror Models fantasy models. The style is distinctive.
In any case, I must place an order immediately! lol
I guess Vendel doesn't exist anymore?
-
My understanding is that the Vendel miniatures lines are now with a company called Thistle and Rose (in the US?). I’m not sure about ordering, but someone who has might chime in.
-
I really like those goblins - they look mean, tough and kinda orderly for goblins - just right for elite troops. Your painting is just right - it gives them a weatherbeaten and not parade ground look - perfect for what you are trying to convey. Looking forward to seeing what else you come up with for your themed army.
-
Wow - thank you for all the comments. It really helps with motivation and is thoroughly appreciated.
As mentioned by Pattus, Ragnarok Miniatures are sculpted by Colin Patten, who also sculpted a lot of the original Gripping Beast lines. Personally, I think his current offerings are a cut above the Vendel range (although if anyone in the UK wants to sell-on their Vendel orcs I'd be pretty interested). Raganarok have some interesting stuff in the pipeline, including an excellent not-Thorin's Company and characters from the Icelandic sagas. Who doesn't want a Grettir the Strong or an Egil Skallagrimsson? Sadly, I think I'm in for a bit of a wait before he gets round to expanding the goblins range.
Gaming-wise, our fantasy go-to in recent times has been Dragon Rampant, although I have been flirting with Oathmark a bit. What I'm really looking forward to is the release of the Midgard rule set. From what I've read it sounds exactly like my cup of tea.
Just over half-way with the second stand of hus-uruks.
(https://i.imgur.com/zw84CkQ.jpg)
-
Lovely work on your Orcs, really nice. I really like these Orcs, may have to purchase some myself!! :)
-
Inspired by your gobbos, I ordered some forest goblins, armored ones, and the draugr minis, nice!
I guess Thistle&Rose only has a facebook page, and no proper website... I am not going anywhere near facebook and all that rot. :?
-
Inspired by your gobbos, I ordered some forest goblins, armored ones, and the draugr minis, nice!
Excellent. If Ragnarok sell a few more units maybe they'll do a command pack! ;)
In all seriousness, though, I found hardly any painted examples during the procrastination stage of painting mine, so I'd be really keen to see what other folks do with them.
-
I love the skin tone you gave them, very nice overall.
-
I love the skin tone you gave them, very nice overall.
Agreed! What paint colors did you use for their skin?
-
Thank you. The faces are the bit I'm most pleased with. For the skin I used the Foundry drab triad over a black undercoat.
If Foundry paints are difficult to get hold of, a similar skin tone could be achieved with a dark olive base, then khaki green, then a pale khaki + pinky flesh colour mix for the highlights.
-
Great stuff :)
It would be good if he did small command packs
-
I'm after some wolf recommendations, please.
I originally bought these Nick Lund wolf riders (a mix of Grenadier and Chronicle) for an Oldhammer hobgoblin project. I hoped they might just work for this project, so a couple of months ago I finally slapped some paint on them. I'm really pleased with how they came out, but they're not going to fit with the other minis I'm currently working on. For a start, Lund's orcs are total units by comparison!
(https://i.imgur.com/6pNHPAK.jpg)
Fortunately I have a sprue or two of the Oathmark wolf riders. I reckon they're just the ticket. But what to do about their mounts? I'm not a fan of the Oathmark wolves, and the plastic GW wolves just look like fat dogs to me.
Now, I do dearly love the Lund wolves. They have something a bit Quentin Blake about them, and that is a wonderful thing. But for the current project I'm after miniatures that actually look like big realistic wolves. They need to scale nicely with the Oathmark gobbos and would preferably be sold in the UK. Any suggestions?
-
Otherworld Miniatures Wolves are pretty realistic. I have no idea how they would scale with your figures though. They have dire wolves as well if you're after something larger.
https://otherworldminiatures.co.uk/shop/wilderness-encounters-2/we8a-wolves-4-2/
-
I don't have any suggestions on wolves, alas (I confess I've come round to the Oathmark wolves - I think their very lupine faces compensate for their bear-like bulk), but those Lund wolfriders are magnificent! Interesting to see the Chronicle riders looking good on the Grenadier wolves.
Great paintwork on both riders and mounts: you've really made the Grenadier wolves look terrific. I've always thought they're a bit too Quentin Blake in comparison with the older Chronicle ones - but I've never seen them done so well.
Also, you must be the only person to own an intact version of that Chronicle rider with the double-bladed weapon!
-
Ral Patha do a wolf pack (can't say what they are like but only a tenner)
http://www.ralparthaeurope.co.uk/shop/ral-partha-fantasy-c-37/heroes-and-horrors-c-37_38/01035-wolf-pack-7-different-p-1225.html (http://www.ralparthaeurope.co.uk/shop/ral-partha-fantasy-c-37/heroes-and-horrors-c-37_38/01035-wolf-pack-7-different-p-1225.html)
Foundry do some Grey Wolves
https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/american-animals/products/gpr055-grey-wolves (https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/american-animals/products/gpr055-grey-wolves)
They also do individual wolves from their fantasy range
https://www.warmongerminiatures.com/collections/goblins/products/goblin-wolves (https://www.warmongerminiatures.com/collections/goblins/products/goblin-wolves)
Knightmare do some wolf riders - they may sell you the wolves separately?
https://knightmareminiatures.com/product/goblin-scouts-regiment (https://knightmareminiatures.com/product/goblin-scouts-regiment)
-
Thank you for the suggestions Malamute and Jon_1066. Appreciated. The Otherworld direwolves look the pick of the bunch. It's a shame there's only two poses. The smaller Otherworld wolves and the RPE pack look great but I suspect that they might be a bit too small for riding. Maybe I need to reassess my feelings about the Oathmark doggies?
Great paintwork on both riders and mounts: you've really made the Grenadier wolves look terrific. I've always thought they're a bit too Quentin Blake in comparison with the older Chronicle ones - but I've never seen them done so well.
Crikey! That's high praise indeed, Hobgoblin. Confession time: I use to think that Nick Lund orcs were a bit naff. Then, a few years back, I saw a load of them nicely painted up on your blog (for SBH I think) and I have been a convert ever since. I'm right chuffed that you like them.
These were the first wolves I've painted and I didn't really know how to go about it. In the end I followed a step-by-step guide on the Collecting Green (https://collectinggreen.home.blog/2020/08/09/spotlight-on-wolf-mounts-part-iii-painting/)website. It's a really simple methodology and well worth a look.
-
Northstar do wolves as well
https://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=133
What those Ragnarok armoured goblins like for size? Are they as tall as 28mm men figures?
-
What those Ragnarok armoured goblins like for size? Are they as tall as 28mm men figures?
They're just a shade taller than the Oathmark goblins, so probably far shorter than heroic scale humans and most true 28s/historical miniatures. If folks are interested I can post some size comparison shots at the weekend?
-
Great job on the old school wolf riders!
I don't know how much postage to the UK would be, but RAFM Miniatures makes a set of 3 large wolves that may fit your needs. http://www.rafm.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=RAF&Product_Code=RAF3200&Category_Code=ORC (http://www.rafm.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=RAF&Product_Code=RAF3200&Category_Code=ORC)
I used them to remount some of my Oathmark goblin wolfriders, shown in the picture below.
PS - I definitely would like to see a shot of the Ragnarok Goblins next to some other 28mm figures.
-
PS - I definitely would like to see a shot of the Ragnarok Goblins next to some other 28mm figures.
Seconded :)
Ral Partha Legacy sell the Thunderbolt Mountain giant wolves
https://ralparthalegacy.com/collections/thunderbolt-mountain-30mm/products/tmm-8530
-
Your wolves look great.
-
Both your Lund and Patten orcs are fantastic! I'm a big fan of both lines, and have plenty of the former and the latter on the list.
I have some of these Sandra Garrity Reaper dire wolves and I'd say they are just the right size and nicely done: https://www.reapermini.com/search/dire%20wolves/latest/07039
I have the metal ones but convenient to have them in Bones USA now so I linked to those.
There are two sets of really nice wolves in two sizes in the Mierce Darklands range but the perfect size for your needs may lie somewhere in between. There are great comparison pics here that include the oathmark wolves: https://collectinggreen.home.blog/2020/08/01/spotlight-on-wolf-mounts-part-ii-sizes/
The Gamezone ones are also shown and are excellent if you can get a hold of some. And as we veer off into OOP territory I'll mention the Red Box ones I have some of that are mighty fine but scarse. https://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/57683-dire-wolves-and-their-fenris-alpha-red-box-games/
Also ran across this thread just now that will be of interest: https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=122703.0
-
I don't know how much postage to the UK would be, but RAFM Miniatures makes a set of 3 large wolves that may fit your needs. http://www.rafm.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=RAF&Product_Code=RAF3200&Category_Code=ORC (http://www.rafm.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=RAF&Product_Code=RAF3200&Category_Code=ORC)
I used them to remount some of my Oathmark goblin wolfriders, shown in the picture below.
Thank you for sharing these. That's exactly what I had in mind and your WIPs look fantastic. RAFM is definitely on the list.
Ral Partha Legacy sell the Thunderbolt Mountain giant wolves
https://ralparthalegacy.com/collections/thunderbolt-mountain-30mm/products/tmm-8530
Those are very nice wolves. I keep going back to look at the Thunderbolt Mountain stuff. The goblin range is very close to what I'm looking for, but I don't have the nostalgia for Tom Meier sculpts to quite justify the prices.
Your wolves look great.
Cheers mate. Appreciated.
I have some of these Sandra Garrity Reaper dire wolves and I'd say they are just the right size and nicely done: https://www.reapermini.com/search/dire%20wolves/latest/07039
I have the metal ones but convenient to have them in Bones USA now so I linked to those.
I think we may have a winner! I'd completely forgotten about Reaper. Thank you.
Also ran across this thread just now that will be of interest: https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=122703.0
And thank you for this link. I knew this topic must have come up before, but I couldn't find it. The comparison pics are really helpful.
-
I used some Fenrisian wolves from GW for some wolf riders. Took a little bit of work, as they are much bigger than the standard GW wolf, and they have some stupid poses.
-
As promised I took a couple of size comparison shots of the Ragnarok Armoured Goblins. First up are a few of the ranges I'm planning to use on this project.
(https://i.imgur.com/CMopJc5.jpg)
From L to R:
"I am a Ragnarok Miniatures goblin. I look down on them because I am the biggest."
"I am an Oathmark goblin. I look up to him because I don't want to be filled with maggoty holes, but I look down on him because he is a short-bothered snaga."
"I am a Crusader Miniatures goblin. I know my place."
I know I was asked specifically for a comparison with a 28mm human. Unfortunately I don't have one to hand. Apologies armchairgeneral. But, for the benefit of all the Old Worlders, I've included a mid-1980s Citadel hobgoblin and a mid-1990s Heartbreaker dark goblin.
(https://i.imgur.com/BCyDlg5.jpg)
And finally, alongside one of my kit-bashed uruks (more about these in the next week or so).
(https://i.imgur.com/y2JYidd.jpg)
I hope that's helpful. Cheers.
-
Your painting really suits these figures,excellent :-*
I’ll try and post up my Asgard chaps in a day or two :)
-
Thanks for the comparisons, those are very helpful!
-
Thanks for doing the comparison pictures. Would you mind posting a pic of the Ragnarok goblin next to a Dark Age human figure?
-
"I am a Ragnarok Miniatures goblin. I look down on them because I am the biggest."
"I am an Oathmark goblin. I look up to him because I don't want to be filled with maggoty holes, but I look down on him because he is a short-bothered snaga."
"I am a Crusader Miniatures goblin. I know my place."
:D
-
Thanks for doing the comparison pictures. Would you mind posting a pic of the Ragnarok goblin next to a Dark Age human figure?
I'll have a rummage in the bits box after work. I should have some Victrix and some Gripping Beast plastics kicking about.
-
L: Victrix Viking
R: Gripping Beast Saxon Thegn
(https://i.imgur.com/PqMoXJZ.jpg)
-
Thanks, that’s really helpful :)
-
A little while back I stumbled across the pimp your orc (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=125991.0) thread on LAF. Kit-bashing gobbos looked great fun. I was also inspired my James Morris' orc horde on the mogsymakes (https://mogsymakes.net/2021/07/10/second-age-scrapping/) blog. They looked brilliant and I fancied having a go at something similar myself. These lads were mostly knocked up this Spring, but the shields have just been repainted to tie them in with the Ragnarok goblins.
(https://i.imgur.com/uJTtwbI.jpg)
The bodies are predominately Gripping Beast plastic Saxons, but with a couple of GB Vikings thrown in. I'd read somewhere that the GB plastics were small and weirdly hunched, so they sounded perfect. To exaggerate the hunched look I chopped off the necks and set the heads lower and slightly forward, similar to the Oathmark goblins. The orc-y bits are from the usual suspects - North Star, Wargames Atlantic and the old Wargames Factory orc sprue. The furs are my first attempt at sculpting with Green Stuff. They cover the crucifixes/hammers and the neck joins, and could have been worse. Overall, though, I'm pretty pleased with how these turned out.
-
You should be pleased, they turned out great! I have been inspired by the same threads you mentioned - there’s a lot of orc/goblin kit bashing goodness posted here on LAF.
-
They look great.
-
Loving them! 👍
-
Yes, they look fantastic! "Goblin-soldiers of greater stature", indeed!
The wealth of plastic orcish heads available at the moment is tremendous - and these Uruks showcase them nicely. I really like the Wargames Atlantic head on the left with the pointed helmet - it's got a really Tolkien-esque feel to it somehow.
Brilliant painting on these - and the green-stuff work looks top notch!
-
Thanks all. I'm really pleased you like them.
Yes, they look fantastic! "Goblin-soldiers of greater stature", indeed!
The GB minis worked great for this, especially after a bit of neck surgery. They're on a par in stature with the Oathmark goblins. They'll be noticeably shorter than most human-sized 28s, but not overly so, which I think is probably about right for well equipped orc soldiers. The Crusader goblins are smaller again, so the current plan is to use them for 'non-uruk' skirmishers and general rabble.
I really like the Wargames Atlantic head on the left with the pointed helmet - it's got a really Tolkien-esque feel to it somehow.
That head is definitely the pick of the bunch. Some of the other WA heads are a bit underwhelming, but it's wonderful to have so much choice.
-
Those Ragnarok goblins are very nice and I like what you have done with the GB plastic kitbashes.
-
People following this thread might want to know that I was in contact with Ragnarok minis, and asked them if they will produce some orcs with bows. The response was that they will, after they finish the current human (Norse?) project. So good news, but need to be patient...
Got my order from them too.
-
Those Ragnarok goblins are very nice and I like what you have done with the GB plastic kitbashes.
Thank you
People following this thread might want to know that I was in contact with Ragnarok minis, and asked them if they will produce some orcs with bows. The response was that they will, after they finish the current human (Norse?) project. So good news, but need to be patient...
Got my order from them too.
That's excellent news. I know Colin's a one-man band, so always expected a bit of a wait. I've been eyeing up his new Norse casualty markers and wondering about some head swaps...
There's been a bit of a pause on my Ragnarok orcs while I'm waiting for a banner from a kickstarter. Should have them finished soon, though.
-
Hi folks. What a week I've just had. Not only did the Cracked Rock boys actually win a game of Dragon Rampant (apparently the trick was not to march directly at the heavy missile unit!), but a couple of days later my goodies from the Osmoticmeld kickstarter from Myriad Miniatures arrived. Back of the net! I've been waiting (and waiting) for the Green Skull Banner to complete the hus-uruks. So without further a do, here it is. I varnished this fella this morning, so he's still a little bit shiny!
(https://i.imgur.com/dF9I61Q.jpg)
I'm not sure I've really done John's beautiful sculpt justice, but I decided to keep things simple and get it done. I also wondered what the banner could possibly be?
The Unholy Thorn (Diablos Spinosa)
In springtime the blossom of the unholy thorn produces a powerful soporific. The prey is overcome and as they slumber the snake-like roots of the tree slowly envelope the victim, who is then absorbed. Unusually for a vampiric tree, the unholy thorn is not primarily concerned with nutrition. Rather, the tree drains its prey of memories and experiences, and possibly soul. It is thought that the tree is somehow able to keep the prey conscious throughout this process. How long this process takes depends on the complexity of the mind and the store of experiences. A fox, for example, may take the tree several weeks to absorb, a reasonably intelligent child may last six months or more, and one of the immortal elves may take up to a century to fully drain. It is a horrible death.
It is assumed that the tree is at its most vigorous after absorbing a fully sentient being. Conversely, a tree that has had slim pickings over several years will eventually become dormant. When your fancy sees a face within the trunk of an old, gnarled thorn, it is likely that the tree is a now dormant Diablos Spinosa and that the face is in fact the likeness of one of its victims.
All of which means that I've finally completed the Ragnarok Miniatures armoured goblins set.
(https://i.imgur.com/n4ZbCMx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/t2D4Uvn.jpg)
I've also been slowly tinkering away at a few other bits and pieces for this army. Inspired by Pattus' wolf riders, one thing I've finally made a start on is the wargary. Here's the test miniature.
(https://i.imgur.com/KGSnGmz.jpg)
There's a few things I'll do differently on the others, but overall I'm happy with the look. More soon.
-
I’m biased as hell, but I definitely like your warg rider test figure, he looks great! I also like the standard bearer, the standard reminds me of the standards in some of the line art illustrations in the WFB 3rd edition rule book (which is a good thing)! The whole effect in that unit is just excellent, in my (very biased) opinion.
-
War Gary? Not a very orcish name.
🙂
-
War Gary? Not a very orcish name.
🙂
Got a nice ring to it 🤔🤣
Lovely minis too 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
-
War Gary? Not a very orcish name.
🙂
Clearly you've never met Gary when he's angry and had a few too many beers.
Love the banner by the way
-
Cheers all.
War Gary? Not a very orcish name.
🙂
lol
It's the orcish equivalent to A Boy Named Sue. He's grown up to be one mean hombre.
-
Great work on these! That's an amazing unit, and the standard's fantastic: shades of Ian Miller.
-
Great work on these! That's an amazing unit, and the standard's fantastic: shades of Ian Miller.
Thanks Hobgoblin. Appreciated. And a good call on the standard. It's from the Osmoticmeld range, a collaboration between Ian Miller and sculptor John Robertson. There've made some crazy stuff link (https://myriadminiatures.com)
-
Really nicely done!
-
Great work! 👍
-
Thank you Gibby and GG. Very much appreciated.
So, you've all read the posts where a fellow gamer has to self isolate due to the plague and uses the opportunity to knock out an entire chapter of space marines or whatever. When I finally succumbed to Nurgle's caress a couple of weeks ago I thought I might be able to use the time off work to make a serious dent in the painting queue. What I hadn't counted on was the shaking hands, the aching eyes, the constant brain fog and generally being good for nothing. In the end I only managed a single stand of gobbos. I wasn't sure about sharing them - the paint jobs are grungier than I would like - but as this thread is about the journey as much as the destination I decided I would share and be damned.
The impetus here was to use up the odds and sods leftover from kit bashing the uruks (p.3) to build some tribal levy troops. I haven't gone into the army fluff too much on LAF, but very briefly, the Cracked Rock is the orcish name for a high pass through a cleft in a mountain range, and can also refer to the fort which guards the mouth of the pass. When the old empire declined and fell the fort was squatted by the Cracked Rock tribe who in turn subjugated the surrounding goblin tribes. A levy of troops forms part of the tribute demanded from these sub-tribes.
(https://i.imgur.com/WP9tO70.jpg)
A lovely chap over on the Oathmark Discord had described the uruks as looking like foederati. I was very pleased with this comment. So when I was thinking about possible shield designs for the levy troops I thought it might be cool to riff on the designs in the Notitia Dignitatum.
(https://i.imgur.com/mbouaJy.jpg)
I'm not sure I've really nailed this. It looks a little off to me. All the same, I'm calling these done for now and moving on to the next unit (some of those brilliant North Star goblin slave slingers). I can always overpaint the shields at a later date. Onwards and upwards.
(https://i.imgur.com/fieSilR.jpg)
-
Those look just great! I like everything about them, and especially how the kitbashed arms worked on the goblin bodies. The Gripping Beast spear arms give that ‘about to turn someone into a kabob’ vibe, and the gnoll arms on the leader… beautiful!
I’m curious about the standard - I recognize the beast skull on top, but where are the human skulls and hair from?
For what it’s worth, I like the shields and inspiration from the feoderati. They look very orc-ish painted in the black and red palette and kind of fits with orcs/goblins serving as foot soldiers in the armies of evil empires.
-
Thanks Pattus. Really appreciated. These were a struggle to get finished and I might need a little break before attempting another batch. I feel completely wiped out.
I’m curious about the standard - I recognize the beast skull on top, but where are the human skulls and hair from?
A while back I won a cheap job lot of the old GW goblin sprues on eBay (I think they're 2000 vintage, if that helps). I really don't like them at all, so they got shoved in a cupboard until I could be bothered to shift them on. The skulls and the horse tails are cut from one of the standards. The wolf tails from the standard have also been put to one side for now. If anyone needs the other bits and bobs, please just drop me a DM. I'd rather they went to a good home than just gather dust.
-
Thanks for the info about the standard! I actually had a box of those goblins, but passed it along to a friend when I took my orc/goblin army in its more Tolkien-inspired direction. Your modified version works perfectly with the Oathmark lads.
I’m not surprised that Covid sapped your energy, pretty well everyone I know who has had it got hit in a similar way. I would say, congratulate yourself for getting a unit done well while you had the bug!
-
Absolutely loving these! Nicely done and enjoying the thought process.
-
Thanks James. That's very much appreciated. As I said a few posts back, one of the main inspirations for starting this army was the orc horde which I'd seen on your blog. I had never kit-bashed anything before I saw those lads. I'm really pleased you like the direction I'm trying to go with this project.
The Cracked Rock tribe are on campaign in the New Year, so I've got quite a few odds and sods to finish beforehand. Hopefully I can update this thread at the start of 2023 with a new unit or two. Slingers, trolls and wolf riders are all in the queue. I just need to stop procrastinating long enough to make a start.
-
Great thread. I like the saxon-uruk kit bash.
-
Cheers Trev. Much appreciated.
-
Threadromancy!
Easing my way back into this project by indulging in some Oldhammer.
(https://i.imgur.com/dBfwAcx.jpg)
To be fair, the C15 orcs don't really belong with this project (too big and the wrong aesthetic), but as I'm still using Nick Lund wolfriders and Aly Morrison hobgoblins to make up the numbers on match days I'm pretty sure these chaps will get a run out.
-
Terrific!
Those figures are so good in their own right that they're well worth a place regardless of "fit", I'd say. Great work on them!
-
We wants them my precious, yes we does, nice orcses.
-
Very tidy paint Old Hob, Great looking unit.
-
Very good to see you working on the Cracked Rock horde again! I like what you have done with those classic figures.
-
Thanks all. Really pleased you like them. I am rather taken with these old orcs (to the point of buying some more to make a full unit) and they also helped inspire me to crack on with the snaga slingers which I undercoated back in December and then promptly abandoned.
We wants them my precious, yes we does, nice orcses.
That was literally me on eBay looking for more recruits! lol
-
What a thread! Outstanding stuff 8)
-
The helmet on that one Orc is classic. He seems fishy to me.
-
What a thread! Outstanding stuff 8)
Thanks Earther. That's very kind and I'm pleased that you're enjoying the ride.
The helmet on that one Orc is classic. He seems fishy to me.
Thanks Louie. I can see what you mean. Definitely an old school classic.
I've been really busy the last few weeks, so haven't had too much in the way of hobby time. That said, I have managed to make a start on the snaga. The slingers are straight-up from the OM goblin slaves kit with no additional bits and bobs. I really like the heads from this kit. I think they're the best ones yet released. The goblin with the horn is from Crusader Miniatures
(https://i.imgur.com/xM6oQaI.jpg)
-
Woah! Those are superb! I see what you mean about the heads - you've certainly made them look great!
-
Really beautiful painting on all of those figures! I haven’t painted any of the goblin slave figures yet, but they seem like they are well sculpted. Your Crusader Miniatures figure might be the first painted on I have seen from that range - he looks great!
-
Thank you Hobgoblin and Pattus. I think my painting has actually started to improve a bit, so I was very happy with how these turned out.
I haven’t painted any of the goblin slave figures yet, but they seem like they are well sculpted.
It's a really nice kit. I've only got my mitts on the OM goblin kits to-date, but they seem to have got better with each release. One question I've been asking myself since the start of this project is, how did I imagine the orcs when I first read Tolkien, but before I discovered Fighting Fantasy, D&D and Warhammer? If I'm honest I can't really remember, but I suspect that they would have looked something like this kit.
Your Crusader Miniatures figure might be the first painted on I have seen from that range - he looks great!
I was initially a bit underwhelmed by the Crusader goblins when I bought them, but this one was actually a joy to paint. I have some of the goblins with bows in the painting queue. Hopefully they'll paint up as easily as the horn-blowing chap. If they do I may have to buy some more...
-
Love them both! Those preslotta (C15?) orcs are just brilliant, but I also like the last additions.
-
Great work mate! 👁
-
Thanks DivisMal and GG. Appreciated.
More progress on the snaga meat shield skirmish line.
These wretches have been plucked from the slave pits deep below the mountain to be driven on in battle as a screen for the uruks.
(OM goblin slaves)
(https://i.imgur.com/AHOMG2k.jpg)
These snaga had been living the good life as bandits along the Great Road before being pressed into service.
(Crusader)
(https://i.imgur.com/imteMtL.jpg)
-
Great additions. The Caption of the Bandits seems to be a lucky guy, nice sword he looted!
-
Lovely work 8)
-
Superb! Lovely skin tone on all of them, and you've brought those fantastic slave faces out terrifically!
-
I agree with everyone else, beautiful painting, especially the skin tones., gorgeous in an orcy way
-
Those are all excellent! Great choice of palette and I like the basing.
-
Thank you folks. Always very much appreciated. Painting the faces is my favourite part and the slaves kit has been an absolute cracker in that regard.
Great additions. The Caption of the Bandits seems to be a lucky guy, nice sword he looted!
He's going to need all the luck he can get! I considered switching the arming sword for a scimitar, but as I doubt that either of these units will survive the first round of shooting it just didn't seem worth while. ;)
-
Hi folks. I recently managed to score a load of the old Vendel Miniatures orcs and goblins (back of the net!). Painting up all of them should keep me out of trouble for some time to come. First in the queue were some of the goblin archers. They're roughly the same height as my other snaga-types, but much more stout, so my fluffy justification is that they're redcaps.
(https://i.imgur.com/1rTRWSX.jpg)
-
Those are excellent! I’m looking forward to seeing the Vendel orcs/goblins as you get them painted.
-
Those are excellent! I’m looking forward to seeing the Vendel orcs/goblins as you get them painted.
Cheers buddy. I cleaned up a handful of the smaller orcs last night and attached them to their government issued washers. Again, clean, simple sculpts without too much fiddly detail. They may possibly look a little static by modern standards, but I won't really know until I get some paint on them. That said, I think they're going to work a treat alongside the Ragnarok armoured goblins and the Gripping Beast/Oathmark kitbashes from last year. Onwards and upwards.
-
Hi folks. Been busy, no hobby time, blah blah blah. But between all the adulting I did manage to slap some paint on a troll.
(https://i.imgur.com/qcoapPW.jpg)
He's from Knucklebones Minis. I bought him online and wish he'd been printed slightly larger - he's only approx. 35mm tall, so a bit of a squirt compared to most modern monsters. But I love the sculpt. He's got more than a touch of Angus McBride about him.
(https://i.imgur.com/fqMWdow.jpg)
-
Awesome! I completely agree about the McBride inspiration, that’s a great sculpt. I like the colours you chose, the skin tone is especially good (a close match to at least one of McBride’s classic illustrations). I have never heard of Knucklebones miniatures, I will be looking them up, so thanks for mentioning them!
-
Thanks Pattus. Given the similarity to the McBride troll I knew the skin would have to be dark grey.
Knucklebones produce stl files for printing and there are a fair few third party printers carrying their stuff on Etsy and the like. They're mostly GrimDark/Mork Borg/Turnip/Sludge style sculpts - really characterful stuff, if not necessarily what I'm after at the moment. https://www.myminifactory.com/users/Knucklebones%20Minis?show=objects
-
Very cool. Love the four shields on the back of the mini. Love the PJ too.
-
Thanks Beefcake. It's not the best PJ, but I like to think it's 'characterful'. ;)
Totally agree about the shields on the back. It smacks of some goblins' half-hearted attempt at troll armour.
-
Hi folks. I've finally made a start on the Vendel Miniatures orcs. These come in two flavours - Large and Small. As mine arrived all mixed up, I've just been plucking out orcs to paint at random and not really worrying about what size they are. I believe the goblin-like chap pointing is from the orc command pack.
(https://i.imgur.com/vL12XLd.jpg)
I know the Vendel orcs aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I really like them. The only thing I've changed is the shields to match the Dark Ages aesthetic of the rest of the army. With a simple paint job (for I am a simple fellow) I reckon I should be able to crank through these at a tidy pace.
Just incase you are wondering (I know I was), the Large orcs are a very similar scale to Colin's more recent Ragnarok Miniatures armoured goblins.
(https://i.imgur.com/wC613Vk.jpg)
And the Small chaps aren't too far off the Crusader Miniatures goblins scale-wise.
(https://i.imgur.com/cfWBuoG.jpg)
More soon...
-
Those are great :-*
Who doesn't like Vendel orcs?! They're lovely, as are the Ragnarok ones.
-
Great job on those! I like how they look with the dark ages- styled shields and your paint job suits them really well. Thanks for the size comparison shots, too.
-
Nice 8)
-
Thanks all. As ever, really appreciated.
Who doesn't like Vendel orcs?! They're lovely, as are the Ragnarok ones.
Have you seen that Ragnarok have some big uruks in prep? I imagine I'll end up buying the lot!
-
Ooh no, missed that. Thanks! :D
-
Fantastic work on those! The Vendel orcs are great - and they work really well with the Ragnarok ones despite the slight evolution in style.
-
Fantastic work on those! The Vendel orcs are great - and they work really well with the Ragnarok ones despite the slight evolution in style.
Thanks Hobgoblin. I'm pleased with how the two lines compliment each other. Just as well, really, as I've bought loads of 'em!
Speaking of which, here's another fistful of adequately painted orcs.
(https://i.imgur.com/yVXk7z0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dYpcIXL.jpg)
Cheers
-
Those are better than just “adequately painted”! They look great! I like the variation you get by mixing the Vendel and Ragnarok figures. They’re consistent in overall style, but bring some ragtag individuality.
-
They're developing into an awesome hoard, Is it time for a group shot yet?
Agreed about the troll, he's a lovely sculpt and you've done a grand job of tickling him with the hairy stick, well played.
-
A splendid projects, Vendel are very underrated, but super for the non spikey type force of Orcs. I have a few units of goblins, foot and mounted and have also decided that there elves are, to me, the best out there, especially compared to the pointy headed lot I have been collecting, and will now get rid of as I have found the chap across the pond who sells the range.
-
agreed!
the orcs are looking indeed fantastic, a great colour choice and flawless execution (god know's I'd be going insane trying to attempt such neatly done quartered shields).
And yes, can't wait for a group shot.
-
Thank you folks. Always appreciated. No one's more surprised than me that I seem to have got a fair way down the road with this project. Although I could really do with finishing the wolf riders, paint up a general, find a few more trolls, a few more units of orc rabble...
As for a group shot, I'll need to work out how to do it. The photos on this thread are taken using my phone with the minis placed on top of a small shelf unit used for storing vinyl, so it's only a 12" x 12" surface. I'm at a point now where the lads definitely won't all fit on top. I have taken some 'in action' photos, but the light in my friend's gaming room is poor and the photos are awful. I'll have more of a think.
Nick - I've had some correspondence with Bill from Thistle & Rose Miniatures and he seems like a proper gent. Unfortunately I couldn't really justify the postage from the US + import duty, so had to bide my time stalking eBay. Looking forward to seeing your elves.
Luigi - The colour scheme is based on the description of the goblin army in the Hobbit.
Their banners were countless, black and red, and they came on like a tide in fury and disorder.
I went with quartered shields rather than symbols in the manner of LotR because a) I'll be using this army in a variety of settings, and b) my freehand painting sucks. lol
-
Yes, I have put an order in to supplement the ones I have won on ebay, it will be interesting to see the cost.
If you are in the SW, I am thinking or organising an "Oldhammer" type event at either Bristol of Western, we shall see.
-
Yes, I have put an order in to supplement the ones I have won on ebay, it will be interesting to see the cost.
If you are in the SW, I am thinking or organising an "Oldhammer" type event at either Bristol of Western, we shall see.
I wondered who'd bought all the goblins!
Both Bristol and Western are an easy drive for me. It would be wonderful to take the orcs on the road and have them slaughtered by someone new. Please do bear me in mind.
-
Hi folks. Here's a miscellany of miscreants culled from the painting queue.
L to R: Signum (Osmoticmeld/Myriad Miniatures), Goblin King (Oathmark/North Star), C16 orc (pre-slotta Citadel).
(https://i.imgur.com/aWjQyON.jpg)
Ian Miller fans will recognise Signum from the Helms Deep illustration. He's a bit too High Fantasy for the Cracked Rock tribe, but may come in useful for games where an obvious army standard is required. I'm ambivalent about the paint job: I've been vacillating between 'genius' and 'cobblers'! The important thing, though, is that he's done.
The Goblin King was an absolute joy to paint and I'm pleased with how he turned out. I suspect I'm going to end up using him as the Boldog himself.
(https://i.imgur.com/j3xUuQ6.jpg)
The C16 orc was painted in a panic on the evening of 30th October for an Oldhammer Orctober painting challenge. Made it by the skin of my teeth!
Here's all three with some C15 chums. You know what, I may have the start of a new unit here...
(https://i.imgur.com/ttUnlRJ.jpg)
-
I really like that rotund goblin boss, great work.
-
All three are brilliant! I think the standard bearer will look fine on the table when the horde marches to war. The style is different, but that kind of fits for a higher officer, and he’s definitely bad-ass!
-
Thanks chaps. Always appreciated. These are all minis that have been sat around undercoated for an age, so it's good to finally get them done. Now I can get back to painting more rank and file, because if there's one thing an orc army needs it's more footsloggers than you can shake a stick at.
-
They're grand 8)
-
They're grand 8)
Thank you James. Very much appreciated.
More painting queue clearing, this time an Oathmark gobbo on a Reaper wolf. That's two of these chaps painted in less than a year! Speed of the Puma!
(https://i.imgur.com/ztSeI9H.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nisGKUq.jpg)
-
That's two more Orcs than I have managed this year, and twice as much as any other figures I have finished from the queue to!
They all are so good to, nice PJs indeed.
May the spirit of the Puma stay with you and speed you along even more.
Now I need to go see what it is and whether I can get a bottle of it.
-
Excellent work! The wolf and rider look equally vicious, which is a good thing - it’s always awkward when one is dedicated to the work and the other is just there for the paycheck. I like the palette you used, too.
-
Great work! 🔥 👁 🔥
-
Terrific work on all of these - I agree with Pattus Magnus that orc and warg look suitably aligned in interest, which is just as it should be if you follow The Hobbit; I've always loved the way that the warg/orc relationship is an alliance rather than a beast/master relationship, with orcs only being allowed to ride on warg-back.
The old C15s scrub up very nicely here!
-
Thanks for the kind comments, folks. I remember reading a comment on LAF a while back describing wolfriders as a wolf who's gone to war and brought a packed lunch with them! No wonder the goblin is trying to pull his weight.
Right oh, off to imbibe some more puma-juice and see if I can't get another unit finished this year. More soon, hopefully.
Cheers
-
Be careful while obtaining the puma juice, they typically don’t like being squeezed! (Which may account for its rarity…).
For what it’s worth, I am looking forward to whatever comes out if your painting queue next, the updates are good for inspiration!
-
More Vendel orcs. This time they are all of the large variety, except for the huge 'man-high' uruk in the mail coif who is from the command pack.
(https://i.imgur.com/6h1Lng7.jpg)
-
Lovely work and great colour scheme; rather fitting for an army of orcs.
Although I do have to say, those shields took me back decades to many afternoon spent playing Duke Nukem 3D with my dad; they remind me of the end level button you had to press to complete each stage.
-
Although I do have to say, those shields took me back decades to many afternoon spent playing Duke Nukem 3D with my dad; they remind me of the end level button you had to press to complete each stage.
"Do you know how the Orcs first came into being? Atomic radiation."
-
They look great
-
These are terrific! It's going to be a splendid-looking horde (I'm sure it is already - how about some group shots?).
-
Great job on those Vendel figures! I like the subtle variations in details on the equipment they carry, and your painting brings that out. I’ll echo Hobgoblin, a group shot would be cool to see. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy with a backdrop, on a kitchen table or work bench is fine to show progress. That said, if it’s a nuisance pulling the lads out of storage to assemble the host for a pic, I would also be content with enjoying update photos of single figs or small groups as you finish them!
-
Thanks, as always, for the kind words, folks.
They're developing into an awesome hoard, Is it time for a group shot yet?
And yes, can't wait for a group shot.
These are terrific! It's going to be a splendid-looking horde (I'm sure it is already - how about some group shots?).
I’ll echo Hobgoblin, a group shot would be cool to see.
But I haven't finished yet... :'(
To be fair, there's couple of future releases I've got my eye on (Ragnarok Miniatures' new uruks and the Hobday & Hicks' orcs), I have a pile of Vendel orcs still to paint and I haven't even started on the Oathmark orcs yet, so there's a good chance I'll never finish!
What I'll do is polish off the other half of this current unit in the next couple of weeks and then I'll muster all the Cracked Rock tribe to-date for some end-of-year glamour shots. Promise.
-
A unit of 32, some from ebay, the rest from Will across the pond. I liked your black and red scheme!
-
Unpainted units!?! That’s no excuse! If everyone on LAF waited until they were completely done their armies before they posted group pics, there would be very few group pics on LAF.
Kidding, of course about the ‘ no excuse’ part. But seriously, though, nearly everyone is in the same boat, have lots of unpainted units to work on. I now look at my armies as being in various degrees of ‘maturity’ - a mature army is one with enough completed units to use in a game, but it’s never really done.
Btw, what are Hobday & Hicks orcs? Never heard of them, but anything that fits in a Tolkien-inspired horde is very interesting.
-
A unit of 32, some from ebay, the rest from Will across the pond. I liked your black and red scheme!
To be fair, Nick, I was thinking I did have a horde before I saw your mob on LAF. Now I'm thinking I've got a couple of companies at best. ;) These are great. I absolutely love the tightly packed multi-basing. It's so evocative of a proper shieldwall. A black and red paint scheme definitely suits Vendel orcs, but then I feel I may have lifted it from Thistle & Rose in the first place. lol
Pattus - Andy Hobday is the guy behind 'The Barons' War' ruleset and Paul Hicks is a sculptor for, amongst others, Footsore Miniatures, and they are planning to release a fantasy range in collaboration with Footsore next year. I like the look of the orcs I've seen so far (but not the weird hyena-wolves. Why?) and I can see them finding a home in the Tribe.
-
Oh my! Those Hobday and Hicks orcs look really good. I’ll have to start setting aside a bit for a purchase when they’re released.
-
Wow the orcs in this thread are stellar! What beauties :-*
-
Wow the orcs in this thread are stellar! What beauties :-*
That's really very kind. Thank you. It's slow going (young family etc.) but the army is definitely starting to come together.
-
That's really very kind. Thank you. It's slow going (young family etc.) but the army is definitely starting to come together.
Oh my yes I feel you on that front. I basically left the hobby for a period there's just not enough hours in a day hey! If that's the case the figures are even better!!! ;)
Cheers
Matt
-
As is becoming something of a tradition, I completed the last orc unit of the year whilst fighting off Covid. I don't recommend it. I'm definitely feeling more chipper now that these are done.
(https://i.imgur.com/2fTt2I6.jpg)
For the standard bearer I found an old Grenadier orc banner in my bits box. I think it works quite well. If you were wondering how such a chunky banner can be hefted one handed: a) the standard bearer is well hard, and b) magic.
(https://i.imgur.com/WUlzETZ.jpg)
Despite not being the quickest painter round these parts, 2 years in I now have the makings of a decent sized tribe. So far, then, there's 7x spear units, 2x bows, 2x skirmishers, a couple of wolf rider units (I ended up using the Nick Lund wolf riders in every game so far, so they're definitely staying), some random Oldhammer bits and bobs and a troll. There's lots more to come, just as soon as I've scored some 2p pieces for the bases. Posting on LAF has been a major driver in getting this far along, so thank you to everyone who's said nice things. As always, it's been very much appreciated. Cheers.
(https://i.imgur.com/Z8dMrRF.jpg)
-
Wow, those are great! I like the standard bearer. I don’t think I have seen that sculpt, it’s fitting that he’s a big lad!
That army shot looks glorious!
-
A proper looking horde of evil!
-
Superb - and the fat chap with the flag looks great! The fact that he's holding the banner braced against his body stops it looking incongruous, I reckon.
-
The force looks great. Wonderful minis and great execution. Keep going.
Please get better.
-
Fantastic looking warband so far - great figures and lovely painting
-
Excellent force 8)
-
Wow; they look awesome all lined up like that.
A singular wall of spite, that battle line...
-
Thanks folks. I'm rather pleased with how the army has started to come together. I want to restage the 'horde' photo at some point, but on a proper gaming table with a backdrop and with a load more spears, standards and banners. Just as well I have more orc infantry stashed in the pile of opportunities...
Please get better.
At painting? lol Thanks Louie. I'm feeling much better now.
-
Thanks folks. I'm rather pleased with how the army has started to come together. I want to restage the 'horde' photo at some point, but on a proper gaming table with a backdrop and with a load more spears, standards and banners. Just as well I have more orc infantry stashed in the pile of opportunities...
At painting? lol Thanks Louie. I'm feeling much better now.
Easy done, buy more and more!!!!
-
Ooh that hoard looks amazing, so unified 8)
I do like the nick lund wolf riders too.
-
Easy done, buy more and more!!!!
That's the plan. My fun budget is about to get rinsed!
Ooh that hoard looks amazing, so unified 8)
Thank you. I did write a fluff justification for the incongruous uniformity, but it was a bit longwinded. So, instead, long story as short as possible: back when I was procrastinating about the sort of orc army I wanted to build, I came across this footnote by Christopher Tolkien in Morgoth's Ring
Boldog… is a name that occurs many times in the tales of the War. But it is possible that Boldog was not a personal name, and either a title, or else the name of a kind of creature: the Orc-formed Maiar, only less formidable than the Balrogs.
I decided to use Boldog as an honorific for the tribal chieftain/warlord, but, in a nod to the Maiar idea, the current Boldog has been possessed by an ancient and powerful entity with imperial ambitions. With the Big Man now under new management, the Cracked Rock orcs and the surrounding goblin tribes have been transformed from ragtag raiders and brigands into an army of conquest. And Dark Lords do love an orc in uniform, after all.
-
Hi folks. Hope you're all well. It's been a little while I know. I've been distracted with tiny Anglo-Saxons and a wee bit of Oldhammering, but am starting to gear up for painting some more orcses over the coming months.
Another thing I have been up to is trying to improve my photography. I'm still using a smartphone, daylight and mostly on the same old bookshelf, but I've been trying out a bit of set dressing. I think it's an improvement.
(https://i.imgur.com/c5Fbzxr.jpeg)
I've taken new photographs of the majority of minis on this thread. Rather than drop them all here (again), I've posted them on a blog along with a bit more waffle. If that sounds like your sort of thing then please go have a look. Any feedback would be very much appreciated.
https://theevillead.blogspot.com/2024/04/cracked-rock-orcs.html
(https://i.imgur.com/NvSBlmI.jpeg)
Coming soon, possibly some Ragnarok goblin archers... I think they may be in the post!
-
The new pics are beautiful (if pics of orcs can be described that way?). It’s great to see your mob on display. I enjoyed your blog post, too - it’s well worth the click to take a look!
-
The photography is excellent- certainly doesn’t look like you took it with a phone! :o
-
:o I really like how the project is coming along.
a rather impressive output and I'm in love of the cohesive disorganization of the orcs; I'm a great fan of unifying colour scheme and you manage to have them look both collectively imposing and individually menacing. :o
-
Thanks chaps. Looking back I can see which units were rushed to get a game in, which is absolutely fine, but also a lesson learned. Now I've got the core completed I can probably afford to take a wee bit more care on the additional units.
The photography is excellent- certainly doesn’t look like you took it with a phone! :o
I have an elderly iPhone that auto-focuses. I've found if I get too close then it will pick out one part of one mini and blur the rest. The trick has been to move backwards until I find the sweet spot where all the minis are more-or-less in focus, then crop the photo afterwards. For example, in all the originals you would have seen the background propped up and the wall behind. Don't use the zoom. It destroys the quality of the photos. The sensor also likes to mess with the colours (as you'll see on the screen if you're moving around trying to find the focus sweet spot). Again, this is a case of tilting and repositioning the camera until it behaves itself. Hope that helps.
-
Great looking orcses - the colour scheme works really well for them.
-
Really wonderfully painted models and an awesome shot with ypur phone - I wish I could do that!
-
Excellent thread! I’ve missed this, but really nice miniatures! I quite like the dark age fantasy look!