Trollkin Skinner

I was finally able to meet up with the San Antonio DL's Press Ganger, and swap models. It's a real shame I wasn't able to make it to the steamroller down there. I'm excited about the new rules that are being established. I'll have a chance to experience them during the next steamroller coming up in January.

So, I ended up with a fantastic-looking Gorman di Wulfe. I was given the choice of painting either Targ, a Trollkin Skinner, or Tharn Ravager Whitemane. I was very excited about painting any of them, but Dragon's Lair only had the Skinner in stock. I thought about ordering in Targ, but they've been a bit sketchy about customer orders recently. In the end, I chose the Skinner.

I used a combination of GW, P3 and Reaper paints. I chose to prime it in small sections, and apply the gesso with a smaller brush. This allowed me to fill in each portion of the model fully, and prevent any excess build-up.

I used some GW paint for the tips of the boots, and then Reaper's Muddy Brown for the rest of the boot. I thought about using black, but I felt like The GW black I have was a tad too shiny.

I used P3's Bootstrap Leather for the pants. I like how the P3 and Reaper paint contrast each other. I used the same Reaper paint for the belt and the pouches. GW's Dwarf Bronze was used for the belt buckle. I was thinking about using silver for the three circles on the buckle, but I wasn't sure if that would be too "bright." In the end, I stuck with the bronze.

The Skinner has a scabbard for his machete/sword that attaches to his belt. I chose to paint it separately, and finish out the rest of his pants.

I went with the Dwarf Bronze for it, and added Reaper's Muddy Brown. The cloth that is wrapped around it is Thornwood Green, a P3 paint. It's the same green I used for the weird sash-like thing hanging between the Skinner's legs.

Another angle for the scabbard.

The base proved to be fun/difficult to make. I used by typical method of white glue and sandbox sand. I had planned to pile up a few small rocks from our defunct fish tank as well. I wanted it to appear that the Skinner was climbing a hill. However, I also wanted to add some form of foresty scenery. I used some green flocking, for bushes, and added a few broom bristles to look like trees. I painted them brown, and added some watered-down flesh wash to fill in the cracks and gaps. Unfortunately, I underestimated the size of my fish tank gravel. I found a few small rocks, and glued a few down to the base. I then applied two balls of green stuff, and stuck the model to the base. I tried to attach a few rocks to cover the green stuff, but the rocks were just a bit too large. After the green stuff dried, I painted it with gray paint to simulate a rocky, mountainous area. It's not exactly what I was going for, but I think it looked good.

I'm coming to skin you...

I used P3's Greatcloak Gray for his skin. I really enjoy using that color because it has a slight bluish tinge in the light. I wanted his fur hat and fur cloak to be slightly different. I began with P3's Morrow White. It's a very bright, vibrant white, and really stood out against the rest of the model. I then watered down some Reaper Muddy Brown, and by watered down, I mean it was nearly a wash-consistency. I then gently applied a layer, let it dry, and then applied another. I did this another three times, until it looked as much like a wolf's pelt as possible.

Back with attached scabbard.

I went with P3's Khador Red Base for the eyes. I think it makes him look very fierce and dangerous.

Overall, it was a great experience. I was very happy to paint something for someone else. I look forward to doing it again next year.

Happy Holidays...

I'm participating in a Warmachine/Hordes model exchange between the Austin Dragon's Lair crew, and the peeps from the San Antonio Dragon's Lair. I won't be posting any pics until after the exchange, since I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'm very excited about the model I'll be painting.

Steamroller/Journeyman Results

So, I took second place in overall gameplay points for the Journeyman League. It was quite a shock to me, since I lost most of my games. It's also humbling, since I had the privilege of competing against many great players. If any of you are reading this, thank you. It was quite an honor.

As for the steamroller...things didn't work out as well as I'd planned. My first match was against Cryx. My opponent was running:

• pAsphyxious
• BLT
• Erebus
• Bane Thralls
• (2) Deathripper
• Bile Thralls
• Warwitch Siren
• Necrotech & Scrap Thrall

Needless to say, he had an ass-ton of models on the board. He had a large hill in the center of the board, and I opted to move my Marksman onto it, so I could hit his Deathrippers. Sadly, I wasn't able to really do enough damage to them. I moved the Widowmakers around and tried to take them on as well, while trying to stay out of charge range on BLT. Everyone always seems to concerned with taking out my Widowmakers, but I have had very little success with them. They were continually missing his 'jacks.

I moved the Rifle Corps up, and kept Kovnik Joe behind them to buff them up. I let the Man-o-war Kovnik and the Destroyer hang back. I got Drago and the Juggy into position to feat, but even with boundless charge, I just just out of melee. Both of them attracted some unwanted attention, and Drago was soon down. The Juggy managed to take a good amount of punishment, and was soon covered in attacking Bane Thralls. I took the opportunity to have Vlad to pop BoK (Blood of Kings). He then ran to the other side of the board. He then took the opportunity to finish off the Juggy, and move towards my Destroyer and Kovnik. After some well-coordinated attacks by my Rifle Corps, Vlad walked up to BLT, and sent him packing. By this time, I was low on time, and tried to get Vlad into a good position to either charge Asphyxious, or at least make a last-minute assault before time ran out...or his horde of Bane Thralls caught up. Unfortunately, my timer went off.

It's a shame I didn't have more time. I'd have liked to see the outcome.

We didn't have an even number of people, so I sat the next round out. Technically, that counted as a win. It also gave me a chance to learn about Heavy Gear, which may just be the next game I invest in (sorry Dystopian Wars).

My next game was against Cygnar. My opponent was sporting the sleek, new Storm Strider battle engine. It's a really great-looking model. His list consisted of the following:

• Siege Brisbane
• (2) Defender
• Storm Strider
• Black 13th
• Major Katherine Laddermore
• Alexia, Mistress of the Witchfire

I was quite excited about this match, since I'd been looking forward to seeing both Alexia and the Storm Strider in action. I moved the Marksman and the Widowmakers into position to attempt a shot or two at Brisbane...and to keep them away from the Black 13th. I moved Drago and the Juggy towards his Defenders with Vlad in the midst. The Destroyer and the Kovnik moved towards the side, and well out of range of the Storm Strider. Kovnik Joe and the Rifle Corps moved up the middle.

I completely underestimated Laddermore and Alexia. Laddermore charged into my Widowmakers, and decimated them, with the exception of the unit commander. This allowed Alexia to drop three Thralls, who then got into the mix with the Rifle Corps. This kept me a little off-balance, so I ended up being just out of melee on my charge on feat turn (again). My Rifle Corps made most of their tough rolls, and were able to kill off Alexia's Thralls. By this time I was able to score a decent hit to Brisbane with the Marksman, and get the Destroyer into charge range for one of the Black 13th. Vlad hung back, and look on Alexia and Laddermore. He took some serious damage, but was able to kill Alexia, and un-horse Laddermore. Brisbane rushed up to the Destroyer, and was able to take out his gun, but not his axe.

It was at this point that my opponents timer went off. Technically, I had won the match, but I didn't really feel like I'd won. We chose to play it out, and Vlad was able to take out Laddermore. Brisbane took out the Destroyer, and we both met in the middle. As the dust settled...Vlad stood victorious.

It was a fantastic game.

My next opponent was another Cygnar player, who was running the following:

• pStryker
• Squire
• Stormclad
• Black 13th
• Stormblades w/ UA
• Storm Lances
• Stormsmiths

I'm pretty sure that was everything. Honestly though, all Cygnar seem the same. They're either "Storm-this" or "Hammer-that." It can get confusing.

Fresh off my victory, I chose to through caution to the wind, and play more aggressive. I moved the Marksman up to cover, and failed an attack on his 'jack. I then positioned my Widowmakers to pick off the Stormblades, and stay out of LOS of the Black 13th. I kept the Rifle Corps with Kovnik Joe close by, and the Destroyer with his Kovnik just behind. Vlad, Juggy, and Drago went the other direction.

It was at this time that I remembered the range of the Black 13th, and noticed that my Widowmakers were easily within that range. A well-placed mage storm took three of them out. I passed the command check on my last Widowmaker, which was a good sign that I might be able to salvage the situation. My Juggernaut became a nice target for the Storm Lances, and they were able to bog him down while Drago tried valiantly to get to Stryker. Sadly, Drago didn't last long (curse your ARM 18). I got a nice headshot on one of his Stormblades, and the Juggy took out two Lances. The Destroyer got up close and personal with one of his Black 13th. I decided to use the same strategy that I used in my first game. I rushed around some terrain, and placed Vlad in the midst of his Stormblades. My plan was to chop my way through and towards Stryker. A result of this move was putting Vlad into range of the Stormclad. Vlad eventually fell.

Overall, it was a hell of a tournament. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and had a chance to play against some great people. Hopefully next month's tournament is just as fun.

Steamrollin'

There's a 35 point Steamroller tournament at Dragon's Lair tomorrow. It's a great way to wrap up the Journeyman League. There are no restrictions, so I decided to use the following list:

• pVlad
• Drago
• Juggernaut
• Man-o-war Kovnik
• Destroyer
• Widowmakers
• Widowmaker Marksman
• Kovnik Joe
• Winter Guard Rifle Corps

I've never actually used the Rifle Corps. I have a full unit that's been sitting around for quite some time. I thought I'd toss a half-unit in, and see what they can do. The plan is to marshal the Destroyer to the Kovnik, and have him drop bombards while my Widowmakers and Marksman pick off enemy infantry. The Rifle Corps will get a boost from Kovnik Joe, and drop their suppression fire AOE to funnel wayward units towards a speedy demise. Meanwhile, Vlad, Drago and the Juggy will be running up the field for the win.

That's the plan anyway. We'll see if the reality matches it.

I finished painting Kovnik Joe and Vlad today. I was hoping to get the Rifle Corps finished, and then work on the Man-o-war Kovnik, but time got the best of me. For all of my models, I use Bob Ross black gesso to prime them. I tend to be a bit heavy-handed with the gesso from time to time. For Joe and Vlad, I tried to use two light coats, rather than one ginormous coat. For their bases, I used Elmer's glue and sandbox sand. Once that dried, I used two coats of watered-down Muddy Brown. It's part of Reaper's "Master Series." I prefer Reaper for cloth, because the matte finish is very smooth...and looks like cloth. I'll probably add some flock just before I clear-coat them.

For the base of Joe's coat, I used Greatcloak Gray from P3. I followed that up with some Blood Red by Reaper. The boots, medals, and sword were done in GW paints. The gun handle and Joe's gloves are more Muddy Brown.

I am horrible at faces. I've often thought about contracting them out. Joe has a very expressive face, so it was slightly easier than others have been. I find the Khardic Flesh to be a bit too dark, so I mixed a bit of Morrow White into it, and applied it. I followed that up with some GW Chaos Black for the beard.

For Vlad, I wanted something different than the standard Khador red armor. I went with Chaos Black and Dwarf Bronze, with a little bit of Boltgun Metal.

Vlad's cloth leg things are painted in Blood Red. I was going to use Carnage Red from Reaper, but I liked the way the Blood Red contrasted with the black.

So far, I've only done one light coat of armor wash. I'll probably add a few more to Vlad, so I can dull the bronze a bit more.

Fullness...

I did some painting, but the memory card on the camera was full. Once it's cleared out, I'll post a few images. I'm in the process of tweaking pVlad's color scheme. Finally received the Manhunter and Yuri the Axe. Yuri looks nice, especially his cloak. The PP site has it painted grey. I'm not sure if I'll stick with that. I was also not fond of his running pose. I went out to the yard, and found a small piece of limestone which I then broke with my sledgehammer. I glued a piece of it under his leg to look like he's standing on top of two rocks, rather than launching himself off of one. After that, I partially assembled eSorscha. However, I'm leaving her un-primed until I found out more about the Journeyman League.

A lot to do.

I received eSorscha and the Man-O-War Kovnik yesterday. However, two of the other models I ordered did not come in. Hopefully they arrive in time for the tournament next weekend. eSorscha should be fairly easy to assemble. The sculpt is really nice, and includes a metal "rock" to mount her on. The Privateer Press site has it painted white to resemble ice. I'll probably make it look like a rock instead. We shall see.

The Kovnik, on the other hand, is going to take some time. It's in several pieces, and will need extensive use of green stuff. In particular, the rather overly-large axe has a very small nub to help it attach to the arm. It's much too small and shallow to pin, so I'll be using green stuff.

I'll post pictures once they're assembled and primed.

The missing images...

When I made my gaming board for work, I took several pictures. Sadly, I made the mistake of uploading them to Facebook, and deleting the originals. Later on, I might try to salvage them for this project. Although, I'm more inclined to just build another board (with accompanying table) for the casa.

That being said, here are a few images of the board I built for work. The terrain was made by a friend from the office who also plays Warmachine.

This is the board herself...in all her glory. It's a 2' x 4' piece of MDF (medium-density fibreboard). It's a half-inch thick, and I had it cut into two pieces. The pieces are hinged together with the original idea being that it would fold for easy transport. Sadly, when it comes to hinges you get what you pay for, and I paid cheap. The hinges cannot take the constant bending, as well as the MDF itself. So, it stays in the office.

This is a close-up picture of the board, and the terrain that Jon built. The picture doesn't do the terrain justice. It looks very good. For the board, I coated one side with dark brown paint. I then spread a layer of sandbox sand over it, and tapped off the excess. Once that dried, I put a coat of tan paint on it. Unfortunately, in the bright sun, you can see a few brush strokes. For my next board, I will probably use a similar method, but finish up with a can of brown spray paint.

As you can see, it's not a very large board. As such, it can easily hold a 15 point game of Warmachine. Perhaps 25, if you were 'jack-heavy.

More terrain...

Overall, I enjoyed making the table. It was a tremendous learning experience. I will soon be embarking on my quest to build a gaming table for my garage. However, the accompanying table will be much larger.

El Numero Uno

I play Warmachine. It's a tabletop game from Privateer Press. Soon, I will be playing Uncharted Seas, and Firestorm Armada. I have created a gaming board to use at work, and will soon create one for home. That being said, I am by no means a "professional" when it comes to painting, but I enjoy it. I've noticed that many people have painting blogs to chronicle their adventures. At first, I thought it would be too much time for me to create one. However, I have come to realize that I want my progress to be remembered by more than just a group of friends on Facebook.

Not that I crave notoriety. Quite the opposite actually. Still, I feel my efforts should be memorialized in some fashion. You, my friends, have a front row seat at said memorial. Consider yourselves fortunate.