The first is that we build artscale/truescale versions of our characters, the better to suggest the 'true' scale of a Marine compared to the NPC's. Originally I thought this was a bad idea, but Luke's enthusiasm has gotten the better of me and we agreed this is probably a goer which means the normal scale mini's I started painting probably won't get used (or at least not after the first couple of gatherings after we have built our true scale versions).
This is the stage I am currently at with the painting of my normal scale Death Watch. I'm quite happy how they are progressing, and mainly only have the black to sort out which I think I will use Ron's FTW tutorial for, as well as some smaller details and the Chapter symbol.
The second idea Luke had was to run the band as Chaos renegades as opposed to loyalist Death Watch. This idea ran into some doubts from myself and Phil (the other player who turned up). We think it might be hard enough to play the game as loyalists the first time out, and we don't think it a good idea to complicate the matter further by subbing in Chaos stories etc - it puts a lot of pressure on Luke as GM.
We did agree to design characters which we may use in the future, and may turn up as nemesis in game which I thought was a cool idea. The loyalist Marine I designed belongs to the Imperial Fists chapter (using the Storm Wardens Chapter traits) and will be a Tech Marine. Phil has gone with a Devastator Dark Angel. The Chaos renegade will be a Death guard (Nurgle) Assault specialist (again using the Storm Wardens Chapter Traits).
We haven't started the build process yet for the 'truescale' Marines, but Luke did give me a lesson on Green Stuff (GS). He is a bit of a master with the GS and his armies are full of all sorts of crazy conversions. Given the discussions regarding having a Chaos nemesis, and having ready access to Luke's enormous bitz box, I decided to try my hand at a kit bashed normal scale representation of my Chaos character, and had a crack at sculpting the fly symbol seen on Typhus' right shoulder pad on this kitbashed Marines pad. The results were passable, and showed me how easy GS work can be if you have the right tools, take your time, and break it down into simple steps.
I never realised how cool the Chaos Marine range was until I went through Luke's bitz box. Their basic troop sculpts have so much more going for them than a standard Tactical Marine. It was fun to mix and match bitz until I arrived at this guy. This guy uses bits from a normal trooper, Terminator, Land Raider driver and Possessed.
We will be getting together each week and either getting on with our Death Watch campaign or doing general hobby things (gaming, kibashing, sculpting, painting etc). I'm looking forward to having a dedicated hobby group to do things and bounce ideas off of.
And that's all folks, as always, happy gaming.
Cheers all,
Pom
Both guys look great, the posing especially - the first looks ready for an oncoming threat and the second could be that threat striding forward. I agree the chaos range has plenty of interest and like a lot of the arcane detailing. Good to see the greenstuff used too, and very effectively. I love the stuff - there's so much potential for completely reimagining a model.
ReplyDeleteCheers for stopping by Porky and thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteI'm still very much the novice when it comes to green stuff but have a good teacher in Luke so hope to do some more. I noticed when looking back at the pictures that had missed the fly's head so I have just gone back and put that in tonight.
Should get lots more practice when we kick of the truescale builds.
You seem to have a good handle on it judging by your recent Ork posts.
Pom
When it comes to doing the black on the Deathwatch armor, you may find that it works best to not do a straight Chaos Black.
ReplyDeleteChaos black + Fortress Grey in a 4:1 ratio will make a good base coat from which to do highlights as well as a Badab black wash to fill out the shading. Basically 4:1 CB+FG base, then for highlighting doing 4:2 CB+FG, with the final edge highlighting adding a touch of Skull White. Then you wash the black armor with Badab Black to help blend it all together an reduce any oddities in highlighting.
The silver is easy though, Boltgun metal base with Shining Silver drybrushed highlights. Thinned Badab Black wash to bring out the shaded recesses.
But overall those figs look really good. Early greenstuff work can be tricky, but you seem to be doing well with limited experience.
Keep up the good work!
Cracking modelling, mate!
ReplyDelete@ Elbrun - cheers for the feedback mate. I had thought about a non-pure black basecoat and was considering picking up a O3/Vallejo paint that I saw on one of the other blogs but the mix you suggested should work just as easily.
ReplyDelete@ Drax - cheers mate.
Nice blog man!
ReplyDeleteCame here redirected from Musings of a Smurf.
I loved your chaos miniatures, specially the giant. I had post a question in its post. I'm telling you this, because I don't think you'll see it (or maybe you would, if you have a email notification for every new post). Just a suggestion: Activate the "last comments" gadget. It helps a lot when it comes about answering questions in old posts, like I did, to get the receipe of that beautifully painted giant skin.
Cheers!
PS: added to my blogroll!
PS2: And I thougt about sending this post per email, but couldn't find yours in the profile section =3