++ AUGUSTUS b'RAASS ++ pre-heresy BRASS SCORPION p.247

[Augustus b'Raass]

^^Astartes, duh!

They do have a thick hide.... ;)

[Augustus b'Raass]

Update time! With: 90% WIP Talos, New cloak for Uzas, and a concept WIP for Xarl.

 

First up is Talos! I thought long and hard about him. I wanted him to stand out, but not too much. So I opted to make him slightly larger than the rest, but by only a margin. The sword arm now actually consists of four parts, to make things easy, and I had to completely reposition a right storm bolter arm into a left arm, outfit it with a lefty pistol hand, and a storm bolter. The reason there's a piece of plasticard under the storm bolter is because I experimented with a chain blade and a knife blade, but opted for the simple version in the end. His backpack will be completely different. I'm seriously considering just copying kizzdoug's Talos backpack design.

 

He's basically blutac-ed to the base, so he's falling over to the back slightly in these pics. Also, the torso is blutac-ed to the legs, which is why the upper torso is not perfectly aligned with the abdomenal cords. That's no issue and will be fixed. He needs just a little more decoration, like fleshy trophies and definitely some oaths of moment (because Talos and Zarl still do that, according to Soul Hunter). Perhaps a skull on the chain near his groin? What do you think?

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Night%20Lords%20WIP/Talos%2011_zpskwtgevdl.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Night%20Lords%20WIP/Talos%2012_zpsizgiqfuo.jpg

 

Second is the new cloak for Uzas. Bigger than the first version, but thinner and less hand-covering than the last version. Good enough?

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Night%20Lords%20WIP/Uzas%2021_zpsxdzllkjx.jpg

 

Lastly, there's Xarl. This guy is hard to do! especially because the two-handed chain glaive makes him look a little crouched, and coupled with the legs I still have available for him, it's hard to not make him look defensive. I want him to look menacing, either standing still/at ease or slowly walking forward, like all the others. He shouldn't fall too much out of tone.

So the first legs -left- are what I originally had in mind. The problem is that with this, the arms and legs aren't cross-positioned (meaning when the left leg and the right arm are in front, the right leg and the left arm should be in the back - I always do this and it gives off the most natural poses. I screwed up once, with my second contemptor Cilice Macelarius, and I'm still not entirely happy with him)

The second set of legs -center- moderately solves this issue. It's basically the same pose, but the right foot is angled slightly outward, making for a more dynamic -yet defensive- pose. Don't worry about the DA iconography on the legs, I'll fix that if I'll end up using those legs.

The third set -right- looks the most menacing to me, and is also the only chaos set I have left - which makes the mini's style in line with the rest of the Claw. However, Xarl is not corrupted at all and so I'm not too sure about the daemonic face on his left knee...

Which do you prefer?

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Night%20Lords%20WIP/Xarl%201_zpsietnh2w7.jpg

 

Also, but this is minor, I'm afraid the two handedness will cover too much of himself. Hence I'm considering making the chainglaive held in his one right hand, so that the let can hold his bolter... Hmmmm what do you think about this?

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Night%20Lords%20WIP/2015-03-05%2012.08.55_zpsn3ldm1h5.jpg

 

Let me know! Your feedback is most welcome, as always. It makes me go

Edited March 5, 2015 by Augustus b'Raass

[Flint13]

First, Uzas's new summer apparel is *spot* on. Dunno how many tries it took, but def worth it.

 

For Xarl, if it were all up to me, I'd say the third chaotic set of legs. That daemon face shouldn't be too hard to be rid of if you're overly concerned with it. I like the single hand on the chainglaive too. It looks like it will free up a lot of space for you to do cool stuff on the rest of the mini.

 

Can't wait to see him! ^_^

[MagicMan]

I'd say the third set of legs, definitely gives the model the most motion.

 

 

The Daemonic face can just be painted as brass/gold detailing, so it doesn't need to be corruption.

[Wicced]

third legs indeed, they make him look very dynamic :tu:

 

i like the 2 handed glaive, i think wielding it one handed with a bolter might take away the dynamic/charging look, so i vote 2 handed with maglocked bolter :wink:

 

as for the face on the knee i agree with MagicMan, paint it metallic and it's just another terror marking.

[Atia]

Awww Talos is pretty cool so far

 

Uzaz cloak is now also far better! 

 

For Xarl, i would also say the third set of legs, you can easily remove the daemon-face =) maybe some bonding studs could work on that leg?

Edited March 5, 2015 by Atia

[KrautScientist]

Whoa, quite an awesome update there! :)

 

• Talos should possibly the best conversion of the bunch -- and so far, it looks like he is. An absolutely excellent conversion, even in its unpainted form.
• The new cloak for Uzas works really well. Good job!
• My spontaneous idea for Xarl is: Wouldn't it also be cool for him to be holding the glaive in one hand while giving the opponent the good old "Get over here!" pose. Or even a pointy finger?! Anyway, maybe such a pose would be worth considering?
• As for the legs, I'll be the odd one out here and suggest one of the more open poses -- but that's mostly because I hate that particular pair of Chaos Termie legs. However, if your main point of contention about those legs is the daemon face, that seems a bit of a non-issue to me: I've always interpreted that face as artificially made, rather than an actual mutation or "corruption" of the armour (unlike the faces on the various DV Chosen, where one cannot be quite sure either way...)

[Daemon2027]

Wow, Talos is looking awesome, I love Uzaz new cloak.

 

For Xarl, I like the first legs, it fits the current pose better imo. I agree with kraut though, I would like to see a one hand weapon, the over pointing. The arrogance would fit for me.

[Teetengee]

Third legs without reservation. They give the model so much sense of movement. As said above, just paint the head as decoration.

Nice cloak too, looks better.

[Biohazard]

Aw man I love your work on First Claw and I'm finding it really hard not to have a go at these guys myself. Mercurtion is perfect Variel is my favourite of your conversions so far though. The new cloak on Uzas is a vast improvement over the last and Talos is looking promising.

 

Now for Xarl, hear me out here. Id say the 3rd set of legs and Id go for a one handed pose. If you can get a more straight left arm and have the glaive in that arm with him possibly holding it nearer the blade. You can then have the other arm pointing/waving/picking his nose or holding a bolter straight out. I think it could give a great sense of movement. If I'm not making sense let me know and I'll try and show what I mean.

Oh and congrats on the win over on FB. :)

[-Brutus-]

I do think his new and bigger skin cloak is better. After all it's an entire noble family (right?). Talos is looking good too =)

[Brother Heinrich]

I like Xarl using the 3rd set of legs, I don't think the daemonic face lends itself to corruption, more just stylized terror imagery which suits him fine. I do have to say though that I'm not a big fan of the chainglaive, Xarl's iconic two-handed chainsword is part of his charm and what makes him so awesome. If you can I'd bring that back.

[Psykic_scribe]

My vote on the legs is with the majority - 3rd option.

 

For the chain glaive, it depends on the balance from pace of the "running" action - it is a heavy weapon, so if he leans too far forward on the base, then single-handed would look awkward?

 

Great work on the skinning.  Variel would be proud.  :) 

[Augustus b'Raass]

First Claw update.

1. Finished Cyrion.

2. Still working on Talos - but he's almost finished too.

3. Finished painting Uzas' cloak.

4. Xarl... Your ideas on him echo my hesitation on the parts I have in mind for him. More on that after...

 

First the pics of Cyrion 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/WP_20150307_006_zpsrmhskcxj.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/WP_20150307_002_zpshpergfs2.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/WP_20150307_003_zpsu2xrcuoo.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/WP_20150307_004_zpsh1l5pkjc.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/WP_20150307_005_zpsi6en6gpd.jpg

 

And here is Uzas' new cloak:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/WP_20150307_015_zpsbbk1br1z.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/WP_20150307_016_zpsg5vjubnc.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/WP_20150307_017_zpsljr1d9yg.jpg

 

Hope you like!!

 

Now, on to Xarl. There's two things that I'm quite uncertain on, and both are very much essential to his pose:

1. His legs. As Kraut mentioned, this pair of legs is... meh. I've also used it with Cyrion, although the two skulls on his belt chain masked the awkwardness somewhat. I do appreciate the dynamic that this pair give sthe mini over the other two options. AAAARGH

2. His glaive. I like the pose that it gives him, but on the other hand that pose is exactly the reason why the other two legs give him a defensive stance. Perhaps a one-handed version will be more actively posed. Also, I'm tempted to actually cut off the blade off of one of the eviscerators wielded by those two 'zerkers I painted in February. I agree with Heinrich that it looks just a liiiiitle too small. Hmmm. Any more insights?

 

Replies!

 

@Flint13: Took me three tries, including the first. OK the daemonic head is no longer an issue as I'm now convinced that face is ornamental. What do you think of Talos' WIP?

 

@MagicMan: Cheers, the third set is indeed the most dynamic. 

 

@Wicced: Well, three is the charm - both in legs and in replies agreeing about them ;)  Thanks! 

 

@Atia: Cheers. No critique on Talos?

 

@KrautScientist: Ah, another very helpful and constructive reply :tu: Thanks buddy! Pointing fingers are a pet peeve of mine, not sure if that's a good idea. But perhaps an open hand, to signify a "Come at me 'bro!" stance? Also, can you specify why you hate that particular set of legs? You haven't said anything about them on Cyrion... 

 

@The Hydra: Arrogance... that's indeed what I think about Xarl. Or rather complete faith in his own abilities to win a fight. 

 

@Teetengee: Cheers. Seems like the third set is going to win!

 

@Biohazard: Thanks mate! The third set it will be then, although I'm still contemplating the one or two handed glaive... And thanks on the felicitations on the FB win! I'm super stoked about it. Looks like my ETL contribution will be primarily Daemons this year (and thus WAY less points than last year...)

 

@-Brutus-: It is an entire noble family - the wive's blood of which he used to paint the bloody hand on his face! ;)

 

@Brother Heinrich: Thanks. You made a good point on the chain glaive. As said, I'm considering looting one of my newest 'zerkers to get an eviscerator...

 

@Psychic_scribe: I'm not going to make anything look awkward, trust me. Pose is everything in a mini, and I'm a total stickler for it. It's just a question of which pose...;)

[Flint13]

Cyrion is looking darn schmexy! His bionic arm came out nicely and his lightning tears are great. 

 

I love that he wears a Slaaneshi icon as a fanny pack accessory. Seems charmingly apropos :D

 

Uzas's cloak is so much better! Totally worth the redo. 

 

Talos looks spot on. That glaive encarmine transplant worked flawlessly. 

 

For Xarl... I'm glad you're steering clear of a pointy finger. I doubt your berzerker wouldn't mind giving up his chainsword... they're just as happy beating things with rocks or their hands, I'm sure :D

[Athrawes]

I'm really in love with your conversion of Talos, and the flayed cape on Uzas is top notch, horifying(ly) lovely. You are doing fantastic work and it's long over do that I chime in to say, beautiful stuff brother!

[KrautScientist]

The new cape on Uzas is brilliant -- very much worth the hassle after all, as Flint pointed out. I stand corrected! ;)

 

Cyrion is pretty cool, all in all, but I cannot help feeling there's too much gold on his chest area, which seems to unbalance him a bit, visually. Alas I don't have any clever suggestions, as that is just the way his armour is designed.

 

Regarding those Terminator legs, I think they are easily the worst pair of legs from the chaos Terminator kit: The pose and detail just seem kinda phoned in to me -- I'm not saying they cannot be put to good use, but I find myself using them last (if at all) whenever I am building Terminators. You did manage to make them look considerably cooler with those dangling skulls on Cyrion, though, so maybe that's why I didn't complain back then? Plus I felt I was already giving you enough grief over his helmet ;)

 

As for the pose on Xarl, "Come at me bro!" would be excellent! I only suggested the pointy finger as a backup plan, anyway.

[Augustus b'Raass]

Thanks guys!

 

One long session later and Talos Volcaran is done! Behold:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/TALOS%20TWO%204_zpsxsfpfrkd.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/TALOS%20TWO%203_zpsjjbyfaem.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/TALOS%20TWO%202_zpscd4wjie2.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/TALOS%20TWO%201_zpsidku32us.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/TALOS%20TWO%206_zpsah6lzr8y.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Showcase%20Night%20Lords/TALOS%20TWO%205_zpsim2mbgnx.jpg

 

Hope you like! I myself am slightly unsure of the blue tint of the cables of his apothecary kits - perhaps those particular cables should've been more white, or metal even? Meh!

 

Replies:

 

@Flint13: Always the first to look Thanks! Yeah Cyrion's colourfull details didn't come out really nice. The eyes of his front daemon face are pink, while those of the one on his back are green... But the Slaaneshi symbol I also enjoyed putting there. Glad you like Uzas' cloak and will do on the 'zerker theft. 

 

@Athrawes: Thanks buddy! Glad you left a comment, always appreciated.

 

@KrautScientist: Ah I see. Yeah I agree - it is the last one for me too. UNfrotunately I cannot seem to get my hands on the fifth one in the kit without buying the entire kit... So I'm going to give Xarl a hanging skull (one or three though) too.  I agree on Cyrion's chest being too gold, but alas it is as you say: in hindsight I shouldn't have put that pouch on his chest. Oh well. I'll see what I can do on the come at me bro.

Edited March 9, 2015 by Augustus b'Raass

[hushrong]

BRAVO!

 

He is beyond worthy of being a centerpiece in a Night Lords army.

[KrautScientist]

Even though I firmly trust in your abilities and talent, I wasn't quite sure whether you'd be able to produce a Talos that can keep up with kizzdoug's recently completed version. But this guy is absolutely amazing, and so we are left with two brilliant interpretations of the character emerging from the same forum at nearly the same time -- NUTS!

 

Just one nitpick: The stylised wings on the crossguard of his sword do seem a bit messy atm, and it's letting the rest of the model down, if you ask me. Why not save yourself the headache and paint the crossguard gold instead -- I think that would look quite a bit cooler anyway! ;)

[Quixus]

Talos is perfect.

[MrBear]

That Talos... He's fantastic! Now finish Xarl so we can have them all in a picture together! 

[Flint13]

Wait, Mr. Bear brings up a good point. Xarl is the last one to go, right? 

 

Such a short but impressive journey.

 

But this makes me think... I've seen about a half dozen takes on First Claw across the spans of the internet. But you know I've never once seen Septimus or Octavia? I bring this up since yours is a true scale take on the First Claw, what do you think of having a couple of fluffy additions to really frame that sense of scale? :D

[KrautScientist]

But this makes me think... I've seen about a half dozen takes on First Claw across the spans of the internet. But you know I've never once seen Septimus or Octavia? I bring this up since yours is a true scale take on the First Claw, what do you think of having a couple of fluffy additions to really frame that sense of scale?

 

This. It would also give you the opportunity to paint a female face you have been craving so much (and I'd get to criticise your efforts in return). Great suggestion from Flint!

[sockwithaticket]

Well, late to the party as usualy. Like everyone else, I have nothing but praise for your efforts. Glad Flint and Kraut pushed you to redo Uzaz's flayed skin cloak as it's now pretty much perfect. Talos looks fantastic. Many kudos for not messing up the details on the sword hilt when cutting it away from the original hand/wrist. I know from experience that that particular bit of model surgery is fiddly.

Edited March 7, 2015 by sockwithaticket