OSS's WiP - Of Skulls and Scars

[oldschoolsavant]

@KS

 

Bases have been criticised before, but I just don't like 'showy' bases, bar on more deserving models. My Bloodthirster for example has a few scenery bits in store, but the Beastmen fodder deserve nowt.

 

Think it stems from the old days, where every case I had would slowly be consumed by flecks, sand and grit, and all manner of bits to eventually spill somewhere and be messy. No more. There's also some wishful planning that the bases will blend with the 'desert' cloth I have, which'll hopefully pan out for scene pics down the line.

 

Last option is that I just can't base. 

 

 

The four Legionborn bustled through the gangway, a fifth figure restrained within their bulk. As they approached the command deck, the hiss-pop of the pneumatic locks reverberated through the bulkhead, the screeching yawning of the doors barely masking the chaotic chatter and argument within.

As the group entered, a sudden hushed silence filled the chamber, disturbed only by heavy footfall and the rythmic clank of chain. Two of the Legionborn peeled away, the remaining two taking position, pulling chain taut with a final jingle, bearing the Beserker to presentation.

 

Slowly he raised his milky-white eyes to the crimson gloom, encased in ancient and pitted plate, a naked arm twisted with scars manacled to his waist on one side, the other an empty shoulder of sockets, vacant of its bionic replacement. Horns barely protruded through the translucent skin of his scalp, his jaw freshly caked in dry blood from recent feeding.

 

He glanced around at the gathered audience, those who would hold him to such a display. To the left, the scraw of the Lesser Council, the leaders of ship crews, raiders, beastmen packmasters and slavemasters alike. Abhuman, pitiful, weak. At the fore stood the Blood Priest Sevat, former chaplain, and figurehead to the rabble, a tasting goblet never far from hand to dull the noise. 

 

To the right, the War Council, squad champions and squadron leaders, stern and dutiful gazes all. The skulking shadow of Chinua, clad in heavy cloak in a far corner, Haral sitting closer, bronzed skull cradled and clutched. Amongst them, the skittering machine whispers of the Mechanicus, and an unfamiliar face at the centre, a recent promotion perhaps ? Another skull for celebration.

 

To his front, the skull throne of the Lord, framing the mass of Jural himself, flanked as ever by the hulking lapdog Tamerian. Behind them, the ever-twillight of the warp permeating the gothic viewport, dancing shadows and shimmering shapes, bewitching and bewildering in equal measure, the ever present threat that corrupted millennia ago, remaining to this day.

 

"Bruak....!" bellowed Jural, "...there lies a task ahead. A task most suited to your strengths. A task of blood for Khorne !"

 

A wry grin spread across the Beserker's face, as animated cheers and howls rippled through the room.

Soon, he would bask in Khorne's glory once more.

 

Bruak and his equally corrupted bannerman:

http://i61.tinypic.com/28bxymh.jpg

 

The Polearms......

http://i62.tinypic.com/2cojtwk.jpg 

 

.....and the Plasma:

http://i61.tinypic.com/6z4mj8.jpg 

 

Squad as a whole, complete:

http://i62.tinypic.com/2q3nr5t.jpg

 

And yes, there was more story planned, but I'll continue that later......referring to the Legionborn, that's what I'm using as a moniker for the Lance/Shield fellas. Think it's time to retrieve them.....

[KrautScientist]

Don't get me wrong: I am definitely not advocating complex and elaborate basing here! Simple recipes are great! But you do need some depth and some serious texture, and in your case, the bases are looking unfinished, which detracts from the amazing models. I realise that this does sound harsh, but I wouldn't bother pointing it out if I didn't like your conversions so much.

 

I do think the solution could be rather simple, though: Wash the bases with brown, then drybrush in a lighter colour (Bleached Bone or Pallid Wych Flesh or white) -- there's some added depth for you. Or go and experiment with that Crackle Earth colour GW released as part of their Technicals: That should perfectly fit your desert basing scheme, plus it looks really good if you just put it on in a really thick layer. And add a bit of cork ot two, and some bigger pieces of rubble, in order to make the bases slightly more realistic without overwhelming the models on top.

 

Like I said, no offense intended. I just think this would give your great conversions the canvas that they deserve!

[oldschoolsavant]

Bah ! I'll never submit ! Never !  2nd edition green forever !

 

Just a different ethos I suppose, bases to me are just that. Not showy elaborate displays, but something to hold a mini, trying to unify two entire armies with a simple solution. Looking at your OP with the army shots Kraut, and everything to my eye seems too busy, a mixed sea of grey/red that detracts, and don't start me on overlap past the base edge. Not to mention how annoying they'd be to squeeze into a case, of which space is disappearing fast. There's nowt 'wrong' there, but my neat and organised psychology just can't cope. Lava and cogs rile my feathers no end.

 

Guess I'm just more functional in my outlook, and sparing the trimmings for the sake of time. I'm slow enough as is, without having to constantly hoover sand, gravel and cork. 

 

I'll try and make more effort for character pieces, but the massed ranks will suffer in silence.

[oldschoolsavant]

Far too much going on now.

 

-A Bloodthirster, pledged in Uprising's Demonic Pact thread here: http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/294960-daemonic-pact/

 

-A Defiler, lying in bits, waiting for glue to dry and final touches, hopefully to completion for Grotsmasha's challenge.

 

http://i61.tinypic.com/xnevjb.jpg

 

-A "quick" squad of more Beastmen (cultists), that are proving to be anything bar "quick".

 

http://i61.tinypic.com/2lm58c3.jpg 

 

-The arrival of more bits boxes, along with parts to complete TWO more versions of my Lord (foot & bike), and the idea of a fully fledged IW detachment using all the shields/lances/Decimator gathering dust. (Will I ever get back to the Scars ?)

 

-Two tubs of minis still soaking in stripper, awaiting good weather to clean up outside.

 

Busybusybusybusy........

[oldschoolsavant]

/blows dust from thread

 

 

Been a while, namely due to scaled-up painting (re-decorating) and a lovely bout of glandular fever that knocked me for six. While suffering, there was a lot of eBay dealing and pondering where to go next......

 

I'm still progressing towards a proper story/campaign thread in due course, aided by the bits I've acquired. A 99p joblot with 20 maines and 50+ Cadians ? Please. Another 99p lot with numerous repairable bikes ? Oh yes. Deathwatch metals and even more character torsos to Khan-up ? Brillant.

 

That's one question I'd pose to everyone: New or old Raptors ?

 

As much as the new Raptors are lovely, they've slowly fallen out of favour the more I ponder them. The armour is just too intricate and fancy the more I look at it, jarring with the remaining force. With 16 'beaky' packs on hand, I'm considering going with converting standard berserker bodies, and hoping they won't tip so easily.....  Thoughts appreciated.   (blame Jasp resurfacing with ol' packs)

 

Finally to get back into rythym, I started my Demon Pact Bloodthirster yesterday, trying desperately to '40k-it-up'. Current sculpts are just too fantastical, and it's always annoyed me. After having the metal weapon hands already, I was looking to incorporate them, but the scale seemed too off, and a cheap purchase of a metal joblot missing arms meant they'll be combined and sold as a complete one......

 

So, back to plan B, and utilising what I could:

 

http://i62.tinypic.com/30bjq6g.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/2vjabsi.jpg

 

Those Cygor hooves were equally a scale concern, but work pretty well with the shinpads. Arms/hands chopped liberally using OgreK replacements, the DP axe replacing the sword soon. Going to attempt a chain whip/flail using Marauder bits, and mull over that collar.....hmmm ?

[GhostMalone]

Hmmm your pondering question

 

Do old raptors with new backpacks

 

I have 6 old raptor bodies and I need all the old back packs I can get.

 

No more friendly Ebay fighting on the old ones if you go for the new ones :P

[Kriegsmacht]

Cool daemon prince. Can't wait to see more of it. :)

[oldschoolsavant]

@ Jasp

I have enough now, although there's almost always room for expansion ! I'll kitbash a few to decide I suppose.

 

@Kael

It's a 'Thirster stand-in. And you'll see more soon enough seeing as the Pact deadline looms....eeek.

[oldschoolsavant]

Quick update with some basic undercoats and a quick wash:

 

http://i58.tinypic.com/2mfb4nm.jpg 

 

Quite pleased with the three-in-one raised arm - shoulder from one, bracer from the second, and the axe from the third - and the melty wonder of polystyrene cement filling in for my lack of GS experience. Whip was a simple cobble job using Marauder/Flagellant flails, and although I was unsure about the Khorne emblem on the helm, it did need something.

 

Just under two weeks to get him complete !

[oldschoolsavant]

Demonic Pact entry complete. Phew.

 

http://i62.tinypic.com/334kndz.jpg

 

More here with fluff: http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/294960-daemonic-pact-ii/?do=findComment&comment=3815531

 

Might still 'bronze' the patternation on his upper arms, and add a Khorne symbol atop the axe skull, but I'm happy enough for now.

 

 

Back to redecorating for now, and majority of my stuff is packed up (sniff) so it'll be a few weeks before I get going again. Just got a whole bonanza of parts for some more IW breachers too.....  looks like they'll be sizeable in force given the spares I have. :D

 

Also looking for chapter suggestions for some Deathwatch, especially from the B&C homegrown. Death Spectres are a given to tribute a certain someone's ever present support, and I'm liking the Sons of Tyr too, IF I can pull off the chapter symbol......

 

Any other ideas are welcome !

[deathspectersgt7]

BADASSS!!!!! .    Did I see Death Spectres                             

[oldschoolsavant]

Definitely dss, especially seeing as I've Flagellent scythes in the bits box. 

 

As for the rest, still living in turmoil awaiting a new carpet, but I've managed to put some time into a little aside......remember the IW breachers ?

 

http://i58.tinypic.com/1twvfp.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/14n385.jpg 

 

PROPER Breachers now, using up all of my spares as best I can. Mix of Anvil and Kromlech legs, WFB shields and Skullcrusher heads, couple of Kromlech heads, and various Vanguard/Termie hammers. I like 'em, and they'll be suitably decked out with bombs and krak. In the background:

 

http://i59.tinypic.com/6q8dab.jpg

 

A mix of ol' 2nd Ed metals from various bundles/joblots, that I decided to give the Lancer treatment. Add in two 10-man squads replicating the original bolter shield idea, and that's 40 IW all with shields. I reckon they'll look damn decent in a line formation !

 

Adding a small Havoc squad, the Decimator and a Lord of some sort should round them up into a nice lil' force.

 

Huh ? Khorne wants a word ?! Oh-oh !

 

/scarpers

[oldschoolsavant]

Reports of my demise at the hands of an upset Blood God are greatly exaggerated. Finally, I return from the dark depths of decorating !

 

One small bonus from it, finally putting to rest my old foamboard/footstool combo, replaced with a TV unit from one of the bedrooms. Should suffice as a better workstation and galvanise me into action.....

 

http://i59.tinypic.com/2cx9c9i.jpg

 

Nice top, lots of artbooks/designworks stored below. It's not going to remain unscathed for long.

 

Managed to knock out a quick sword champ, to unify my squad/leader loadouts:

 

http://i58.tinypic.com/14lr1xs.jpg

 

And currently struggling with posture on my foot slogging Lord variant. Tricky, having limited myself to similar parts, but I think I've cracked it:

 

http://i58.tinypic.com/15nlqbk.jpg

 

Mounted legs are a pain to look less bow-legged when stationary, but I think that works ? Comments ?

 

And lastly, a ever-growing list of purchases is beginning to build in a certain box the sharp-eyed will have noticed in the first pic. 

 

http://i60.tinypic.com/soy2cl.jpg

 

 Again, it's all leading (hopefully) to the much-vaunted story thread......time will tell. 

[KrautScientist]

Love the sword champ, although he does look slightly imbalanced -- maybe you should replace the skull under his left foot with something more substantial (a piece of rock or concrete or something similar), in order to make his pose seem a bit more stable.

 

The Skullcrusher-based Lord is coming along nicely as well, although I don't think the legs are quite there yet -- maybe you could cut the left leg apart below the knee and repose it at a slight angle, so it's looking like the model is stepping over some debris? I think the problem right now is that the legs are spaced so far apart while sharing exactly the same pose.

 

In any case, very inspiring work! :)

[oldschoolsavant]

Cheers KS. The imbalance was partly through circumstance, using the repaired legs that I'd hacked into a kneeling pose shown on the previous page, and a deliberate attempt to have him hanging off the heavy chainsword.

 

Sadly, I nubbed the holding arm, and didn't quite get the right 'dug-in' pose, but he was cheap and cheerful.

 

As for the Lord, I want to cut the legs, I'm just utterly terrified of doing so as they're the only ones I have left. No idea where the third set went.....taking off the stirrups was nervy enough !

[oldschoolsavant]

So much easier to paint when I'm no longer hunched over, nor trying to awaken dead legs sitting on the floor. Absolutely hammered through this fella today, presenting Jural Kordash MkII :

 

http://i61.tinypic.com/dwxm3o.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/2vc9hn4.jpg 

 

Well, Kraut did ask for a skull flail way back, so I couldn't disappoint. Think I'm permanently cross-eyed as a result of the numerals though.  

 

http://i61.tinypic.com/2j35xn4.jpg 

 

And a final pic with his original incarnation :

 

http://i60.tinypic.com/xfqbzr.jpg

 

Just waiting for it to dry properly, few touchups, add a Celestial Guard helm, and done.

Can settle down to the Pack/Pats now, and to await the eBay bargin of a lifetime to arrive......  (C'mon Packers !)

[KrautScientist]

Whoa, that guy is looking brutal -- excellent job!

 

Just two small suggestions: Maybe you should add some kind of loincloth or dangling chains between his legs, as that would distance the model's legs even more from their Skullcrusher heritage? And his waist does look a tad too thin, which would be easy to solve with some grenades or small armour plates added to his hips. Apart from that, awesome model!

[Biohazard]

I have to agree with Kraut about the loin cloth or something. It just needs a little extra touch and it'll be awesome looking.

[oldschoolsavant]

Cheers fellas, perhaps continuing the chainmail from his thighs ? Might have some Ogre belly plates I could steal some from....

 

Just putting the finishing touches on the next lot too, along with a rough test model. Very productive weekend indeed !

[oldschoolsavant]

Finally finished this lot:

 

http://i60.tinypic.com/2q2jsxg.jpg

 

My Phalanx of Khorne, Terran vets who now serve as the enforcers/bodyguard of Kordash. Centuries old, probably sporting a grey beard or two, and so far gone that even Nails barely register. As previously mentioned, they're counts-as Possessed, eschewing ranged combat completely. Could act as Chosen in a pinch, but it's the best concept I could imagine for a Lord concerned with the purity of his warband.

 

http://i58.tinypic.com/6pspyh.jpg 

http://i61.tinypic.com/s5gtv5.jpg 

 

Regarding ol' hammer champ, I'm naming him Kael, after a certain general.  Hopefully not as inept as his namesake.  

 

As for the eBay bargin, voila:

 

http://i61.tinypic.com/mafasz.jpg

 

A 'Vengeance' and 'Repulsive', lovely pair of Grand Cruisers. Last 'Vengeance' I saw/bid for went for over £50 on its own, so I was delighted when I snagged both of these at sub-40. I still don't know how.....was expecting nearer 70 ! All adds to the collection though:

 

http://i57.tinypic.com/w9yx39.jpg

 

Love BFG minis all over again.  

 

I'll round off with a test mini for the other Imperials:

 

http://i57.tinypic.com/2qi20dx.jpg

 

Genestealer was a bit too pale (left), but Xereus(?) seems a better shade. Haven't quite sussed the cream pads, but at least they'll not be too close to ECs (shudder). As for fluff, there isn't much, bar an oceanic homeworld and the use of comet icons......

 

Seen Interstellar ?

 

Lightbulb moment, where their homeworld is passed by a comet, causing similar tidal waves and devastation amongst the indigenous population, just prior to which the Libbys snatch up the promising candidates for recruitment. Every few centuries seems apt enough. I'd already settled on them being drop-pod specialists to tie in with the comet motif, even using heavy-pods for Rhinos/Whirlwhinds etc, with a high level of precision due to the low land mass of the world. Perhaps they hold huge practice exercises prior to the comet event, a portent of warning that the comet is due, hundreds of pods akin to a meteor shower......

 

Rambling now, so I'll finish up. Decision time for what's next !

[deathspectersgt7]

Some mighty big sticks you have there.   On the fleet.

[KrautScientist]

The Phalanx came out so well! I especially love the massive and archaic look of their armour! Excellent work!

 

Can we get a better look at the guy on the right in the third picture from the top? He looks so cool that I think he deserves a closeup ;)

[oldschoolsavant]

You mean you've forgotten the shield discussion already Kraut ?    

 

He had his moment of glory back here : http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/279146-osss-world-eaters-of-skulls-and-scars-712-phalanxbfgcg/page-4?do=findComment&comment=3677299

 

The unit itself just became a painting-nemesis, put off for so long with all the detail on them. Feels like turning a corner now they're out the way.

 

@dss

 

Ta, as always. I think you keep the B&C machine turning more than any other member with your encouragement !

[KrautScientist]

Oh no, I still remember the discussion -- I only forgot that a picture of the painted model had already appeared on this thread earlier. My bad ;)

[GhostMalone]

Love the phalanx and the BFG, have to try pick some up for myself