Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => Call of Cthulhu => Strange Aeons => Topic started by: Theatralic on March 27, 2014, 05:29:16 PM

Title: B.O.S.S. - Bureau of Strange Studies
Post by: Theatralic on March 27, 2014, 05:29:16 PM
Greetings you all

For the longest Time I wanted to do this but had put it off multiple Times. Usually I frequent the Fantasy Part of this Forum as I am an avid Dwarf collector and Fan. But I have decided to give some other Projects a go that I could follow on the side. Some Vikings for saga, some Chaos in carpathia Warbands AND finally Strange Aeons.

Some serious thoughts beforehand, I appologize if some might feel that stuff like this shouldn`t have a Place here, this only reflects my personal feelings.

When it comes to Lovecraft and his Work I allways have ambiguous feelings.
I have read a lot/most of his work. While I thoroughly enjoy a lot of it and harbour a deep fascination of his Cthulhu Mythos Universe, I often can`t get over the fact of his sometimes hidden, sometimes blatantly obvious racism and bias towards certain cultures. I must admit that I could be overly sensitive when it comes to that matter since I am Dark skinned myself (from Afrika) and I can`t overlook those facts. Poems like : "On the creation of *******" don`t sit well with me. I can`t help it. Its not just only that he was a man of his Timeas many claim, that man had issues.

At the same Time studying Literarture and there such at  University I think the works of one being never can be reduced to one facette. Its more complicated than that AND I simply love some good old horror sending shivers down my spine.Thats why I could never call myself a Lovecraft Fan, but I am deeply fascinated by the Universe he created.  
Long story short: Some nice stories from a mad, ignorant man  ;) and an great Game I can`t wait to finally play  :D.


Since my Funds are really Limited I haven`t accuired much so far and each purchase needs to be picked carefully, nor do I have the rulebook yet, but now there is a PDF File availlable its next on my List.

I got myself some Investigators over Time. I didn`t look for certain Equipment. I simply took miniatures that spoke to me, please let me now if there is something important missing for the Beginning.

(http://i.imgur.com/ytmqrXq.jpg?2)

When it comes to Lurkers I will start with some Zombies from Mantic I had laying around, Reaper Bones Gribblies and random Stuff that could Fit. The biggest quarrel I am having with Cultists, I know they are important but i haven`t found andy I liked for now, not sure how to help myself in that regard.

Thats it for the Beginning, i am sorry that I couldn`t show anything painted yet, but I decided that it was Time to post something as it would motivate me to start working. Every Tip, suggestion and so on is allways welcome ( I know I haven`t actually asked any queston yet  ;D)
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Van-Helsing on March 27, 2014, 06:35:18 PM
Glad you're on board - as a recent convert myself (even though I am a HUGE Lovecraft fan, I had been putting it off as well) - I have to say, you won't regret it!
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Uncle Mike on March 27, 2014, 07:05:33 PM
Nice to have you.
I think Lovecraft was very much a man of his time and place, not to excuse racism. I am conflicted about his beliefs and not knowing the man I cannot really comment further. Some of his stories are overtly racist but I also feel that some challenge the theme...either way that is part of the horror perhaps?
 
That said, many authors have written in (or around...) the mythos with various themes and levels of success...but almost all have created some really weird monsters.  8)

Strange Aeons is about fighting those monsters. Get those Tommy guns painted and start rolling dice!
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on March 27, 2014, 07:26:01 PM
Thank you dear Gentleman for you welcoming me in your midst  :).

I am raging through my piles of accumulated stuff, looking for Things i could use. I came across some skinks I have no use for and thought about using them as Deep Ones. What do you Guys think? Too Fantasy? i have no sculting skills so no Green Stuff work, but I would add some crude knifes and cleavers. I am allways happy if I can reduce unpainted stuff and actually find use for stuff .

(http://i.imgur.com/m9EGaeh.jpg)
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Van-Helsing on March 27, 2014, 07:46:20 PM
Nice to have you.
I think Lovecraft was very much a man of his time and place, not to excuse racism. I am conflicted about his beliefs and not knowing the man I cannot really comment further. Some of his stories are overtly racist but I also feel that some challenge the theme...either way that is part of the horror perhaps?
 
That said, many authors have written in (or around...) the mythos with various themes and levels of success...but almost all have created some really weird monsters.  8)

Strange Aeons is about fighting those monsters. Get those Tommy guns painted and start rolling dice!

It baffles me how people focus so much on the tiny Racism aspect of Lovecrafts personality, considering he was born and raised in a VERY racist time - its only to be expected really, and not really present in his stories (unlike Tolkiens works  lol )

Even though H.P. was a man of his time, his ideas were aeons (some might say "Strange" LoL) ahead of his time!
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: LidlessEye on March 27, 2014, 08:12:21 PM
I think those will work fine as Deep Ones.  GW Lizardmen and Skinks are surprisingly versatile! 

On the subject of Lovecraft and racism, there's something to be said for separating the artist from the art.  You can appreciate Lovecraft's writing (and that of any number of other writers of the time - you want overt racism, try Kipling!) without necessarily appreciating him as a person, or inherently validating his beliefs.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on March 27, 2014, 08:13:26 PM
I had feared that I might open a can of worms. That wasn`t my aim, but I needed to get it off my chest before I started to get cracking with my stuff.

Like allways there are different Viewpoints on this subject and I might be overly sensitive in that matter,some of his work just gets under my skin, but alas I chose for myself how to deal with it. So take my appologies if I offended anyone and I am not trying to start a discussion, although it would be great and interesting to analyze his works together this of course is not the right Place for it  :).

This is the Place for shooting Strange Ones (see what I did there ;P) in the Face  :D
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mathyoo on March 27, 2014, 08:37:26 PM
Hey,

I'm always happy to see new SA players and I think you'll have great fun with the game.

The authors would know better, but if you're low on funds, perhaps you'd want to wait for second edition? I have to say again I don't know when it would be expected as from what I've learned, the play testing has only started, but I had to mention it.

I'll restrain from repeating others in regard to what bothers you with Lovecraft, but the good thing is, you can always just take the interesting parts and suit it to your needs.
In that spirit, if you think skins are good enough for you, they are good enough. You can always use them as Lizardmen (which I believe they are) and use fishman profile. I know I am stating the obvious here, but...hey, if that's what you got, use it! :)

I have used my Mantic zombies for various profiles (Degenerate, all kinds of ghosts, ancient warrior, even scrawny one, cavemen and probably some others :D), all you need is some GS (try buying "kneadite" :P). I know you said you have no sculpting skills, but you should try it - it opens a whole new world of possibilities :D
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on March 27, 2014, 08:42:51 PM
Thanks :), I will use the Lizards as fishmen, you raise a good point about the 2nd edition, would hurt to buy the book just to find myself outdated in short Time. If I had he funds no worries, this endeavour is worth every support. But as a student I have to keep everything as tight together as possible.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Elk101 on March 27, 2014, 08:50:01 PM
Isn't there a PDF of the rules available at a pretty decent price? I was contemplating it myself though I would definitely get more use out of a second edition with solo rules  ;) (my group doesn't really do such stuff!).
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: styx on March 27, 2014, 08:51:13 PM
It baffles me how people focus so much on the tiny Racism aspect of Lovecrafts personality, considering he was born and raised in a VERY racist time - its only to be expected really, and not really present in his stories (unlike Tolkiens works  lol )

Even though H.P. was a man of his time, his ideas were aeons (some might say "Strange" LoL) ahead of his time!

Not only that but had a very limited social circle as well, despite it being years after the Civil War and living up north did not remove the taint that was all throughout society. Still, in most literature the writers tended to be raciest in context (some heavier than some) about other societies that they may have disliked or was totally ignorant about.

I touched on this in my paper about HP Lovecraft, the professor was very impressed with my choice and how I approached it touching on rough ground subjects....

As for your color Theatralic.....doesn't matter to me as long as you are willing to throw dice, laugh and have fun. That is all that matters to this crowd. Take all the literature with a grain of salt....as it was said it was ignorant times.

I think you could get by using the skinks....I don't see anything wrong with that....
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: LidlessEye on March 27, 2014, 08:55:38 PM
The actual release of 2nd Edition is probably about a year away.  No firm date set as such, but it should be in that window.

Looking back at my previous comment, I realize it didn't convey my thoughts very well.  I wasn't trying to say nobody should be offended - just that I believe it's alright to like something even if you don't like the person or environment that created it.  All art, in the end, is really about what it means to the viewer, not the artist, and sometimes great art is born out of anxiety, pain or even hatred.  Not wanting to drag out the subject though - just felt the need to clarify what I'd said before.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Van-Helsing on March 27, 2014, 09:13:13 PM
but if you're low on funds, perhaps you'd want to wait for second edition?

Isn't that a way off atm??
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on March 27, 2014, 09:14:08 PM
Thanks for that information, thats a good while back and thanks again for all you Guys welcoming me and chiming in.

I am really looking forward to this, didn`t find those dreaded mantic zombies I had for now I will work on those "Fishmen" and trying to find some ragged weapons for them.

Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Van-Helsing on March 27, 2014, 09:15:10 PM
Not only that but had a very limited social circle as well, despite it being years after the Civil War and living up north did not remove the taint that was all throughout society. Still, in most literature the writers tended to be raciest in context (some heavier than some) about other societies that they may have disliked or was totally ignorant about.

I touched on this in my paper about HP Lovecraft, the professor was very impressed with my choice and how I approached it touching on rough ground subjects....

As for your color Theatralic.....doesn't matter to me as long as you are willing to throw dice, laugh and have fun. That is all that matters to this crowd. Take all the literature with a grain of salt....as it was said it was ignorant times.

I think you could get by using the skinks....I don't see anything wrong with that....

What He Said . . . .

The actual release of 2nd Edition is probably about a year away.  No firm date set as such, but it should be in that window.

Looking back at my previous comment, I realize it didn't convey my thoughts very well.  I wasn't trying to say nobody should be offended - just that I believe it's alright to like something even if you don't like the person or environment that created it.  All art, in the end, is really about what it means to the viewer, not the artist, and sometimes great art is born out of anxiety, pain or even hatred.  Not wanting to drag out the subject though - just felt the need to clarify what I'd said before.

And What He Said . . . .

Take the best, and ignore the worst  . . . . .

The Skinks could be a freshwater variety - like newts :D



Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mr. Peabody on March 27, 2014, 09:31:09 PM
Use your minis! Get'em on the table and play some games! Even if you do end up buying actual Deep One figures later on, your Skinks are going to remain very useful for Strange Aeons play...

Also, go .pdf for the rules if you have a decent means to read them or print them. Second edition is at least a year away......
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mathyoo on March 27, 2014, 09:58:50 PM
As I've said, authors would knew better, a year is a long time away indeed! :P

And back to the miniatures, you won't need more than 3-4 agents per game and for starters, 1 large monster (formless being, so literally anything works as it could take shape of anything :P) and then some zombies, a fishman or two that you got covered, perhaps some ghouls (zombies are good for that), some evil people (agents are good for that) and I liked a conglomerate...it's kinda my favorite :D. There's lots and lots of profiles (they are actually posted somewhere on the forums) and keep in mind every lurker can get up to 5 points of upgrades, so you can really use up mostly anything you got to start with.
I went on an changed T-rex with Megatherium, Triceratops with wooly rhino and I'm planning on using wolves instead of Raptors for example. Not that I've had a chance to use them in a game so far, but oh well... :D
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on March 28, 2014, 04:41:03 PM
I just bit the bullet and accuired the Rulebook, my Printer is running hot allready  lol. Can`t wait to read them.

I built some of the Notskinks, not as awesome as other models out there but will do for now. I tried to kitbash something, but probably won`t finish it as I couldn`t find a satisfying Head Solution and when I look at it, it screams " Hi there,I am a Tyranid with additional Daemon Arms". It doesn`t look fitting enough with those Parts at my disposal.

(http://i.imgur.com/ivtZQOr.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Van-Helsing on March 28, 2014, 05:29:55 PM
I LIKE IT!
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on March 28, 2014, 05:58:43 PM
Glad that you like it. I just killed my Printer  :'( trying to print out that book, don`t know what gets me more, my broken printer or that it only printed half of the Book.


Damn you Old Ones, you won`t stop me!  >:(
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mason on March 28, 2014, 06:17:35 PM
Really looking forward to seeing what produce, Theatrilic.
As a big fan of your Dwarf army and painting style I look forward with relish!
 :D


As for that big gribblie: I dont see "Tyranid with additional Daemon Arms", I see: "Run for the hills!".
I think it shows promise, but I would lose the sword and add a few tentacles.
I know that you said no greenstuff, but tentacles are easy.
 ;)

Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Van-Helsing on March 28, 2014, 06:19:19 PM
Yea, I printed mine out as well - luckily I don't pay for ink ;)

Bad luck there, don't give up!
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: EndTransmission on March 28, 2014, 07:37:19 PM
I quite like the beast without a head as it currently looks like it's got one big eye and a flat head. Makes it look far more creepy
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mo! on March 28, 2014, 07:38:47 PM
Hope you dont mind me giving you some advice  ;D

I think the skinks are an inspired idea... but... (see what i did there) I would cut and scrape of the crests with a sharp knife... that would make them look somuch more like frogs and thus more like deep ones... the convesion is pretty bad ass too! I would put a plastic GW river troll head on there and call it a day...

(I have a few kicking around so i could send you one for shipping costs  :D ).
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on March 29, 2014, 02:16:48 AM
Thank you Gents for your Input, any advice and suggestion is more than welcome  :). Great idea removing the Crests , they look way better now.

I read the rules and played a "Monster Hunt" against myself.
My brave Treshold Agents where... well Trashed by the Formless Thing. Nothing aesthetically pleasing as I used unpainted minis and old Terrain in dire Need of a repaint, but of course I wanted to throw some dice.

(http://i.imgur.com/3kH2f6g.jpg?1)

I couldn`t do any Damage to that Thing.

My Guns never Hit or wounded. My Heroic Close Combat Leader, an old grim Cavalry Officer, cried in Panic when the gaze of that unholy creature fell upon him, wet himself and decided to lay Face Down on the Ground, without even having drawn his trusty Saber once...of course he was immediately squashed.

The Rest of the Tragedy saw my poor fellas desperately trying to scratch the abomination with their Bowie Knifes....they were never heard of again...

Well, that escalated quickly...
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: LidlessEye on March 29, 2014, 03:36:55 AM
Monster Attack does tend to be a bit murderous on starting lists.  A lot of people swear by dynamite, but I'm always a shotgun advocate (though it does mean getting in close to get the damage bonus!).  Either way, at least one weapon with the potential to inflict a D+3 hit is a must for a new squad.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mathyoo on March 29, 2014, 07:58:18 AM
But...how could they compete with a blob-y tentacle-y thing-y? :P

Also, keep in mind a leader in close combat CAN NOT nominate other miniatures, so he's better of as a shooter type of guy, while one of the agents charges in to make it personal :)
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mason on March 29, 2014, 11:32:10 AM
Nice to see you getting a taste of the game.
 8)

Also, keep in mind a leader in close combat CAN NOT nominate other miniatures, so he's better of as a shooter type of guy, while one of the agents charges in to make it personal :)

Whilst that is a very good point regarding the ability to nominate, everyone in my group has quickly learnt that a character MUST carry a swoed/sabre if he is to stay alive.

In fact, it has gotten to the point where they are now referred to as 'service-issue' for team leaders.

And a character does make for a great close combat expert with all those attacks.
Couple that with a sword and Parry and they are pretty hard top stop.
 ;)

Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on March 30, 2014, 05:54:25 PM
But...how could they compete with a blob-y tentacle-y thing-y? :P

Also, keep in mind a leader in close combat CAN NOT nominate other miniatures, so he's better of as a shooter type of guy, while one of the agents charges in to make it personal :)

Thats certainly an important fact, i forgot about that, makes me think.
I have found the ability to nominate other agents more than just important At the same Time I love the flavor of an old, grizzled, Battletired "Veteran" who cuts Gribblies into Pieces although he would love nothing more too finally stop the fighting and live his old Days in Peace...but once you have seen behind the curtain there is no Peace for the Mind...

Monster Attack does tend to be a bit murderous on starting lists.  A lot of people swear by dynamite, but I'm always a shotgun advocate (though it does mean getting in close to get the damage bonus!).  Either way, at least one weapon with the potential to inflict a D+3 hit is a must for a new squad.

I could certainly subscribe to "murderous"  lol, it was gruesome, pretty much felt like the first 5 Minutes of a Horror B Movie, you know these poor Guys who think its a good Idea to run into the Woods, hunting something, just to realize they are being hunted and taken down one by one....

I see that some bigger guns would help, but I wanted to stay at least a bit true to the Guns the models where actually wielding, but i guess it will be impossible to go WYSIWYG all the way *sigh* . For now I have one Agent wielding a Bolt Action Rifle and improved Dexterity, one two Fisted Agent with Double .45s and my Leader with his Saber and .45.

Nice to see you getting a taste of the game.
 8)

Whilst that is a very good point regarding the ability to nominate, everyone in my group has quickly learnt that a character MUST carry a swoed/sabre if he is to stay alive.

In fact, it has gotten to the point where they are now referred to as 'service-issue' for team leaders.

And a character does make for a great close combat expert with all those attacks.
Couple that with a sword and Parry and they are pretty hard top stop.
 ;)




Yeah, as sad as playing against oneself may sound, it helps to get a grasp of the rules and Mechanics.

I played another Game today, this Time it was "Fight", I threw 2 Fishmen and 3 Cultists against my Agents....this Time it was a Slaughter again only difference was that Treshold was doing the murdering instead.

The first fishmen got a rifle Bullet clean through his Brain. The other one was cut into small Pieces by my Frenzied Leader, really tiny, itsy bitsy Pieces. The Rest of the cult died in a hail of Bullets from my Dual .45 Wielding Agent. I can certainly see that Lurkers need someone with the command ability as well, everytime a single Modle was activated he went immediately down to my agents ganging up on him. Brutal...but it left me with a feel of satisfaction  :D ;D
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Uncle Mike on March 30, 2014, 06:13:47 PM
 lol
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on April 01, 2014, 07:13:25 PM
I could use some help.
I am struggling with my first small purchases for Antagonists. I know cultists would be a good start, but I haven`t found any I really like. They are all neat and such, but most don`t fit my taste. Often they look more comically than menacing and sinister.

But I quiet like the Hybrids from Black Cat Bases, so I am contemplating to go down that route. A small rural Village whose citizens do Things ( Yeah, never heard that Plotline before  ;D).
At the same Time I am not sure how they would measure up against my More Guns than clothes Wielding Agents. I know I could use the Cultist Profiles instead of Hybrids but I would prefer to keep Guns on them to a minimum.

Do those guys stand up against Treshold without decent fire Support? I like the idea of an Cleaver and other Kitchen Equipment Wielding Mob, but if it doesn`t work in the End it wouldn`t make for a good Time I reckon. What Equipment should I have for a decent Start for my Lurkers? Probably a bit silly as a Question but any help for a Noob is much appreciated.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mason on April 01, 2014, 07:17:13 PM
I wouldn't have thought so, but have not used Hybrids yet.

As for substituting profiles: That works as I use the Cultist profile for my Asylum Guards and that works well.

Cheap and not too effective, but saves the points for Maniacs...Maniacs being one of the best Lurkers you can get for their points.

One well placed Maniac charge can really mess up the plans of the Agents.
 ;)

Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mathyoo on April 02, 2014, 10:15:52 AM
I love hybrids and I got them from BCB as well (mind people complain about their customer service lately, but I had absolutely no problems with them).

I can't say how well they'd do as I never really cared..I just like the way models look, got that "innsmouth" feel to them and random move :D
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Elk101 on April 02, 2014, 08:31:24 PM
The cultists I really like are the Servants of Ra from North Star.

http://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=5260

They're not cheap but they also have a mummy, an assassin type character, a professor type character and a cult leader figure.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: EndTransmission on April 03, 2014, 09:14:18 AM
I like those cultists too. I wish they sold them separately though...
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Argonor on April 03, 2014, 09:25:42 AM
The cultists I really like are the Servants of Ra from North Star.

http://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=5260

They're not cheap but they also have a mummy, an assassin type character, a professor type character and a cult leader figure.

All of them VERY useable! I plan to use some fezzed turks (Pulp Figures and Artizan) as cultists for a Death Cult for VuK, and these could fit in nicely.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on April 03, 2014, 10:00:18 AM
Thanks a bunch Guys, really nice suggestions. I wished I had seen those cultists before, great Sculpts. For now I am going with Hybrids and Masons lovely sculpts, but those servants of Ra are on my List!.

I ordered from Black Cat Bases and read the complaints only afterwards, now I am kinda scared and hope they come through. Haven`t gotten any response to my order yet only my Money was booked. Cross your fingers for me, I get that they are having problems but in no way I am going to wait as long as some others, I don`t have that kind of money to wait for months over months. Its bussiness after all, either you deliver or you can`t take money from people.

There are loads of othe rmodels I am interested in, but I am going slowly. I would love the fish and serpentmen from Uncle Mike for example, but Battlefield Berlin is allways out of Stock and I can`t pay them 3 to 4 Weeks in advance. I asked them when the next supply is due , lets hope that I will be able to get some then.

Thanks again, can`t wait for masons models :).
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Klener Zorn on April 03, 2014, 02:15:59 PM
But I quiet like the Hybrids from Black Cat Bases, so I am contemplating to go down that route.

do you have a picture of them...they dont have on on their website
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on April 03, 2014, 05:33:40 PM
Actually they do, but to be honest their Pictures are not allways the Best Sales advert,  quiet the opposite often. But painted they start to look great:

http://blackcatbases.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=437_489&sort=20a&page=2

And painted by Einarolafson:

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=38179.360

That man is a beast with his brush, they should use his Pictures to sell those minis. Only quarrel I am having is that I am not going to reach tha level with them  lol.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mason on April 03, 2014, 06:39:43 PM
That man is a beast with his brush, they should use his Pictures to sell those minis. Only quarrel I am having is that I am not going to reach tha level with them  lol.

I have to agree.
We will ALL have that problem.... ::)

Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Van-Helsing on April 03, 2014, 07:01:23 PM
The cultists I really like are the Servants of Ra from North Star.

http://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=5260

They're not cheap but they also have a mummy, an assassin type character, a professor type character and a cult leader figure.

Ive got those, they are really nice
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mason on April 03, 2014, 09:07:21 PM
Ive got those, they are really nice

Whilst they are very nice figures indeed, the limitations with their weapons makes them a bit impractical game-wise.
If you want a 'useful' Cult in the game you need a variety of weapons ranging from simple clubs and pistols right up to Thompsons and maybe more.

That is why I went for the mix that I did with my own figures.
I tried to cover all the bases of likely options.
 ;)

Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Elk101 on April 03, 2014, 09:11:07 PM
Whilst they are very nice figures indeed, the limitations with their weapons makes them a bit impractical game-wise.
If you want a 'useful' Cult in the game you need a variety of weapons ranging from simple clubs and pistols right up to Thompsons and maybe more.

That is why I went for the mix that I did with my own figures.
I tried to cover all the bases of likely options.
 ;)



Not being a Strange Aeons player I hadn't actually thought of that. I want them for my Victorian Pulp Alley setting where its not such an issue. I'm glad you pointed that out!  :D
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on April 03, 2014, 09:11:24 PM
Oh, that brings me to a good point. (Dang it, I am really derailling my own Thread  lol)

How do you equip cultists with better weapons?
I get that they can get skills up to 5BP and that they can have one common weapon, but a Tommy Gun or Shotgun isn`t common, what did I miss? I never found the rule for buying non common equipment for them.

It could be because of my english which isn`t the best, sometimes I strugge with grasping the exact meaning of something  :?
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mr. Peabody on April 03, 2014, 09:14:51 PM
Just pay the points for the weapon. However, you don't get any points back for the 'free' common weapon the cultist comes with...

As long as you don't go over the BP limit set by the Threshold team your Lurkers will be fighting, you are good to go.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on April 03, 2014, 09:20:01 PM
Its that easy isn`t it  lol . Clear instance of me overthinking and looking for something that explicitly says: Yes, go ahead, you are allowed to buy that fancy stuff, have fun, take names  lol .

Thanks Mr Peabody! I am sure that this won`t be my last question  o_o
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Argonor on April 03, 2014, 09:37:28 PM
Its that easy isn`t it  lol . Clear instance of me overthinking and looking for something that explicitly says: Yes, go ahead, you are allowed to buy that fancy stuff, have fun, take names  lol .

Thanks Mr Peabody! I am sure that this won`t be my last question  o_o

I did exactly the same for my first games, until somebody pointed out to me that I could knock myself out on buying weapons  lol
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Argonor on April 03, 2014, 09:42:09 PM
Whilst they are very nice figures indeed, the limitations with their weapons makes them a bit impractical game-wise.
If you want a 'useful' Cult in the game you need a variety of weapons ranging from simple clubs and pistols right up to Thompsons and maybe more.

That is why I went for the mix that I did with my own figures.
I tried to cover all the bases of likely options.
 ;)

With pistols/knives I don't bother about wysiwyg; I have a couple of unarmed cultist models I just give whatever small arms I see fit. Thompsons, rifles, and shotguns is another matter, though, true enough. One really wants the menacing effect of those on the table  >:D
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mason on April 03, 2014, 09:45:11 PM
With pistols/knives I don't bother about wysiwyg; I have a couple of unarmed cultist models I just give whatever small arms I see fit. Thompsons, rifles, and shotguns is another matter, though, true enough. One really wants the menacing effect of those on the table  >:D

Let us not forget that the 'free' choice for a Common weapon is still there.

Basically it is a choice between a .22 (back-up to the new weapon upgrade in case you 'jam'), or a club or knife so that the dastardly fiend is not 'unarmed' in close combat... ;)

Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: D@rth J@ymZ on April 03, 2014, 09:52:45 PM
Let us not forget that the 'free' choice for a Common weapon is still there.

Basically it is a choice between a .22 (back-up to the new weapon upgrade in case you 'jam'), or a club or knife so that the dastardly fiend is not 'unarmed' in close combat... ;)

^
|

You nailed it right there.

I'm also a big supporter of wsyiwyg.  Nobody likes charging an unarmed cultist, only to find that he has a tommy gun and a spear stuffed in his robes.  While often entertaining and deliciously devious, it is not considered gentlemanly conduct.  If we do decide that a certain model is armed differently than he appears, our house rules are that this needs to be declared to your opponent in the pregame deployment.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mr. Peabody on April 03, 2014, 10:04:53 PM
Be clear up front you Lurkers! At least it lets you make good use of your minis and allows you to try many different 'builds'; shooty, slashy, etc, without needing to paint and model endlessly.

Also, don't forget to purchase SKILLS. Reduce Dex, increase Con, gain some movement... Attribute changes can be many times more potent than mere weaponry. The guidelines and limits for making these changes are pretty clear, so give it a whirl if you haven't already.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Argonor on April 03, 2014, 10:11:55 PM
As I wrote, larger weapons should be visible, but otherwise just assume that any (clothed) model may carry a concealed knife or pistol - just as in real life, you won't know until he reveals it - or not  ;) After all, the cultist may be busy performing some devious and gruesome tasks that require the use of both hands, as they are interrupted by the government agents.

I don't sculpt dynamite on a model carrying it, either, just assume that the guy has a bag or something for it. Especially Treshold models may change equipment a whole lot, so it's not really practical to people like me who has limited time for painting and modelling to cover every eventuality.
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on April 03, 2014, 10:18:06 PM
Yeah, thats what I need to realize also. My friends call me militant when it comes to WYSIWYG and many feel the wrath of my evil eye on their "Iamfuglybaserepresentingsomething" but I had to realize that it won`t be possible for me to follow it as much as I would love, at least for now. I also agee on smaller arms being hidden somwhere....you really don`t want to know where that ugly stinking cultist pulled that Dynamite from  lol
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on April 04, 2014, 01:14:44 AM
I have finally started to paint, and I must say now I have eeven more respect for you Guys. I find those miniatures incredible hard to paint and way out of my Comfort Zone. Never having painted anything remotely human or in that smaller more realistic scale this is becoming a painful Learning Process.

I actually have no clue how to paint normal clothes  lol . Those Faces and yes are insanely small and you don`t have much space to work on, since I drink way too much coffe my hands are allways shaking which doesn`t make it easier to hit something  ;D.

That Miniature has HUGE EARS I realized, now I can`t stop too look at them and he has NO eyebrows, I tried to paint some myself but they look a bit off, still I think he is coming along good for Tabletop.

(http://i.imgur.com/faAkKFZ.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/CNUwVNl.jpg?1)

I messed up some shadows, especially around the Nose area and the Lights on the nose itself, but I need to remind myself that none is going to look at those minis that close and everytime I tried to fix it up a bit I made it worse, thats why I hate Pictures of my own minis, they tend to show you everything that went a bit off.

Now I am even more sure that Einarolafson is not from this worls ;P
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Mason on April 04, 2014, 11:26:25 AM
That looks bloody good to me, mate.
 :-*

You are too hard on yourself.
 :D

Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Argonor on April 04, 2014, 01:53:52 PM
Doesn't matter if you can spot a couple of small mistakes because you know you made them. What matters is that most ppl will only see the model from about an arm's length away, and I think the skin and hair is more than good enough for that.

I can see what you mean, because you told me what to look for, but the only thing I would address if it were my work are the 2 tiny dark spots, one on each  cheakbone. I think they are a result of shaking hands, resulting in an uneven coverage. Small spots have a tendency to draw in the eye of the beholder.

Otherwise, get on with it.  ;)
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on April 04, 2014, 06:00:35 PM
Thanks Gents. I tend to be a bit overly critical with my stuff, its a sickness . I grew up in a environment with friends having Loads of Golden demons and similar Trophies in their possession, thats not healthy. Great Mates but everytime you visit them it makes you wanna cry  lol.

Thanks for the Input, you are right Argonor those spots should be touched up, but its not easy to even get near his Face. I am on my 5th Cup of coffee today, maybe I should find another drug to keep me going  ;D.

MY Lady is outta House which leaves me and my Cat from Hell, a chance for me to get some work in.

(http://i.imgur.com/DPYvEqz.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/M7UqBTB.jpg?1)

Any suggestions for the scarf, no clue which color to use?

As you can see my painting style is a bit on the flat side, don`t know why but I prefer toned down desaturated colors . I know I should push te contrast and highlights more, but I am never happy after having done that. Flat it is then, maybe its just my style and I should stick with it. I like where he is going.

(http://i.imgur.com/ZLwnIRY.png?1)

I did an entry for the LPC, its a speedpaint and nothing fancy but for less than 30 Minutes I am rather happy. I should have been more carefull with all the Gore, but once I started I couldn`t stop  lol. I needed to test out that Tamiya and its strange but cool stuff.

I think I will be able to finish that Guy today although agents of the old Ones try to sabotage me on every step.
(http://i.imgur.com/mVvwe6q.jpg?1)



Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Argonor on April 04, 2014, 08:45:56 PM
The scarf could be in the colours of one of the Ivy League universities (or the Miskatonic U.)

Keeping to a muted/natural pallette works really well with one or two details with brighter colours.

Or, if you prefer to keep things toned down, I think a dusty bottle green or earthy brown would work well alongside that jacket.

You could also use bone-to-white colours for a silk scarf. Options are legio, actually  :) I'm pretty sure you're going to nail it, whatever you decide; nice work so far!
Title: Re: Diving into Strange Aeons
Post by: Theatralic on April 04, 2014, 11:48:12 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/IMhEkit.jpg)
Agent Louis Alexander Slominski

Quote
The Years 1850 to 1920 had seen many polish Immigrants fleeing their Homecountries economic and political Changes, following their hope for a better Life in the United States.

This Hope should soon be shattered for many of them as they saw themselves forced to work Low Wage, dangerous Jobs disregarding their own, often academic, professional Background.

Louis Alexander Slominski was born to two such Immigrants, both former University Professors, now working in a Steel Factory under dire circumstances. Soon after he came to age he too started to work in said Factory.

In the 1920s Conditions finally reached an new Low. This led to Nation Wide Strikes by Polish workers. Strikes which were answered by bringing in Organizations like Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency, often utilizing less than legal methods to deal with outspeaking workers.

Soon enough Violence hit the streets, and strikers met Private Agents and Lawmen Head On.

In this Days Louis made himself a name as a fearsome Streetfighter and Defender of what he saw as a righteous cause in Defense of his People.
Authorities on the other Hand would probably call him a rioter and criminal.

Of course this had to end for him nowhere else than Jail, probably to be never seen again... if someone else hadn`t stepped in.

Pinkerton had been a source of formidable Agents for Treshold in the Past. It was during such a search for possible new Recruits that Agent Francis O. Buchanan found recurring Reports of a Young Man hospitalizing Pinkerton Agents.

After a bit of digging and not so official inquiries he immediately recognized the unused potential of this young and determined Men and decided to seek him out....with an offer he couldn`t refuse.

Finished my first Agent, apart from some mistakes and minor Touch Ups. I had to use my phone which falsefies some colors and Highlights.

I will take decent Pics on a later Point. I came up with a bit off rough Background for him. Please keep in mind that engllish isn`t my native Toungue which often leads to cumbersome formulations and I am prone to make mistakes. Still, I love thinking about possible Backgrounds for my Guys.


Cheers


(http://i.imgur.com/q6Fcs5f.jpg)
Searchers after horror haunt strange, far places.
H. P. Lovecraft
Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Argonor on April 05, 2014, 09:56:08 AM
Great model, impeckable painting.

Looking forward to see the rest of your team come together!  :)

One question: In the earlier close-ips, your primer sees a little rough/dusty. Is it a trick of the camera, or does your spray can play tricks? I have had it happen to me in humid conditions.
Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Theatralic on April 05, 2014, 10:32:37 AM
Thanks Argonor your kind words are really appreciated.

Yeah, it seems like my white Primer is way too old (several Years  :o).

I use Black as undercoat and a white fog, but the white fog has become way too dusty and rough.  I think I should get a new can. Especially since its visible through the colors and leaves an uneven finish :-(.
Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Argonor on April 05, 2014, 03:57:27 PM
I think I should get a new can. Especially since its visible through the colors and leaves an uneven finish :-(.

I have always found it very annoying to paint over an uneven undercoat - it can be really hard to get the paint to stick precisely where you want it to when applying layers.

That being said, I don't think it shows that much on the finished investigator. I'd field him anytime  :)

If there's some really rough spots, I usually use a small needle diamond file to gently smooth out the surface - I even do that to painted surfaces if I notice a 'blob' or small dust particle embedded in the paint, before I repaint the damaged dot. Doesn't require much time, and removes most of of the frustration that can arise from discovering those small flaws (that most other ppl won't ever notice   lol ).
Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Mason on April 05, 2014, 04:35:37 PM
A great paintjob on a wonderful sculpt.
 :-* :-*

Liking the background too.
 8)

Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Uncle Mike on April 05, 2014, 05:01:51 PM
Great job on a lovely model. Really like the face and hair.
Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Theatralic on April 05, 2014, 08:11:59 PM
I am glad that you like him, of course I only showed you his chocolate side ;-), the other side of his face looks a bit like he was hit with a hot pan were I went a bit overboard with a red glaze.

I am pleased with him and looking forward to the next one.
Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: EndTransmission on April 07, 2014, 08:15:41 AM
I am glad that you like him, of course I only showed you his chocolate side ;-), the other side of his face looks a bit like he was hit with a hot pan were I went a bit overboard with a red glaze.

I am pleased with him and looking forward to the next one.

I'm sure you meant to say that the colour difference was purposeful and that it is scarring from where he was scalded in an accident in the factory, or caught in the back blast of a petrol bomb during a clash with the Pinkertons ;)

Fantastic work on him, I love the model
Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Theatralic on April 08, 2014, 12:25:49 PM
Of course, thats what I wanted to say all along ;). Thanks for the nice comment, keeps me going. Although I fear that my progress could become slowed down since University started again yesterday and it will take up a lot of my Time. I slacked a bit a need to pick up pace again if I ever want to become a decent part of society....and earn enough money to buy WAY TO MANY MINIATURES  lol.

I had something rather nice in my Mail and even through the Packaging I could hear them all whisper Fhtagn, Fhtagn   ;D and I luckily found the 2 Mantic Ghouls I own. Now I got some Baddies to go with my Awesomesauce Heroes

(http://i.imgur.com/XNMTZgt.jpg)
Thanks chap! Great stuff, I hope I can do them justice.


Sadly no word from Blackcatbases, even after 2 Mails they remain silent. No Order confirmation, no order history in my account, dead silence. I will contact them at the end of the week again. I am probably being a nag,it has only been one week, but I think thats reasonable in light of what I have read. Since money is allways really tight I need to be careful with my investments. Especially since I ordered Bases from them...for all my stuff, no Bases, no progress and I am not going to order from someone else after having allready paid them  :?.
Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Mason on April 08, 2014, 12:33:34 PM
Great!
Glad that they reached you safely.
 :D

Looking forward to seeing your take on them.
 :)

Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Theatralic on April 08, 2014, 12:54:55 PM
Going to assemble the first 5 tonight and hopefully get some Paint on them over several evenings. Since my Time is more limited now I will Batch Paint Lurkers and put more work into Treshhold.

Right now I am contemplating to "break" some Strange Aeons rules since I would love to add a Dog or 2 but winning 15 Games sounds a bit much. Me Needz moar Fiddoz  :'(.
Title: Re: Finished Investigator
Post by: Klener Zorn on April 08, 2014, 04:32:08 PM
Sadly no word from Blackcatbases,

same here
how long are you waiting already ?
Title: B.O.S.S. - Bureau of Strange Studies
Post by: Theatralic on May 02, 2015, 04:41:42 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/nwjwIOd.jpg?1)

Surprisingly I woke up today with the sudden and violent urge to work on my Agents. I haven`t worked on this stuff for ages as I seem to get sidetracked with my many Projects and I was kinda demotivated after that whole Black Cat Bases Thing. Sadly I have missed out on the 2nd edition Kickstarter but since I haven`t managed some proper 1st edition Games I am happy if I manage to finish some Miniatures till the Book/PDF hits Retail.

While I really like this Model, the sculpting and casting itself is rather fubar. Its not too visible on those Pics but during Painting its a bit frustrating. I should have done a better job of smoothing eveything out but then I was in a hurry to get it primed. I also missed a Moldline which is bugging me to no end but I really can`t be bothered to start from scratch.

I hope I manage to finish him today, would be awesome.

PS: Yeah, sorry Paul I kinda nicked the Name from you ;P or better got inspired, its not as cool as M.O.O.S. but I like it.