Updating you on my progress

Hello once more, I'm just letting everyone know that I haven't been posting due to a relocation from England to Wales. It's unlikely I'll be able to post soon after the move after, as internet won't be available yet, and wouldn't have anything for proof of address to join the library any time soon.

So yeah, sorry about that. On a modelling note, I've actually been working quite hard on some terrain pieces. You know how I said I wouldn't be able to do my version of Escape from Goblin Town terrain, though it's more of a lair for my race of Goblins in my fantasy world, I've been able to make a start on it.

I used, only two, yes, two, massive boards of polystyrene to do it, though not too massive because of the move. It'll have slopes, steps, tunnels, ridges, and bridges. I hope I'm not over selling it though lol. Now, due to not knowing if my coating of PVA glue was good enough on my Watchpost terrain, I decided to cover this terrain in paper mache.

It's been a really hard challenge, but I've finished on time for the move, as I planned to. I will begin painting at some stage, but I'm not sure when. Also need to buy some brown paint... always about money aye? =( By the way, for this particular terrain, I'll be making you wait until the first issue of my magazine is put up. I want some great things to show, and to really wow everyone. Who knows though aye, we'll see.

On the miniature front... All work on miniatures has stopped for quite some time now, so no news in that aspect.

Since I won't be putting any pictures in this post, as everything is hush hush or not advancing, I'll cut this post here. Take care everyone, thanks for stopping by and hope to still see you once I return from this hopefully short break.

P.S - The unveiling of my rules will be around August time I believe, whilst unveiling of magazine shall be around September/October and the first issue possibly waiting until January of the new year, just so it runs from start to finish of each year properly.

Slow but Steady - Model Sculpts #3

Hello again strangers,
it's been a while since my last post hasn't it? It's not because I've forgotten to post, it's more like, things have slowed down at the moment. I did mention in the previous post about things going on hold etc, which also will include less posts for a while as I get myself sorted.

Now, let's get on with todays post. I wanted to show you the modifications of yu-gi-oh miniatures that I've done. They're not finished yet, but they're sure getting there. I'm really excited to see the finished products when they're done.

 

So this is Red eyes Black Dragon. Currently, he looks like something raising from the ground, but he's suppose to be gliding on fog. I didn't do a good job of that, so may pull the model off the base and add a few more things to make it seem like the fog is emitted from it. But I'm loving how it is, and hoping to make a few more. I've tried editing another one in a slight different way, which will be noticeable.

 

You'll see it when it's completed. Don't know how much ones I'll try and make, but I'm hoping they'll all have their own looks, yet you can easily know they're part of the same group.

 

Here's my next flying type conversion using one of my red eyes black dragons legs, as well as blue eyes white dragons wings. I've actually gotten further on it now, and am waiting to start smoothing out the joins of the wings as well as adding the stand for the base.

 

Once again, I won't be using a clear stand, as I do quite enjoy painting a sky like theme on the stands.

 

So what do you think? I know it's short, but it's just a look into what's going on really. As I said, things are moving slowly at the moment, and I don't expect them to really speed back up until around August, possibly even later than that.

 

What have you all been up to? I have been trying to catch up on all the posts I've been missing, so you may just have gotten a comment from me today or yesterday if I hadn't commented previously.

Cracking Down - Model Painting #11

With events moving in my life, I am unable to do some of the things I had planned, such as my own Goblin Town game board, and Dwarf Stronghold. It's a shame that I can't get started as soon as I want, but it isn't forever. It's more likely to be next year that I would be able to do that, which is fine, because it would certainly be a very cool 1 Year Anniversary post for this blog.

Saying that, as you may have noticed if you're a regular visitor to this blog, I have more projects going now. One involves a sports miniature game, which I'm really excited to get going. Just need to get some grass mats, PVA glue etc. Another, is the rules for Project C.S.S, as well as the Watch post that I started on. These are all going to continue going thankfully. I'm actually hoping for some good amount of sun tomorrow so that I can get a black coating on the Watch post.

Anyway, I've been cracking down on my miniatures recently. After organising who is in what squad, I've started base coating. The Dwarves are the first race I've decided to sort out, other than the completed Goblins, who are now uncompleted as I've got addition models to add to their painting list.

 

Just a few more squads left to go, and then I can move onto actually painting them properly.

 

Oh, after getting stuck into the creative side of designing the rule guide layout, I ended up making myself a new project of a monthly Magazine. I'm working on the design, already have the name, and am really looking forwards to the finished project, though it would only be an online thing. It'd contain different things from the world of my Project C.S.S, the new sports project (won't be unveiling the names yet, though I do have them sorted), painting, terrain making, battle reports, stories, etc. I'm excited to get it started, though when to release the first issue is still uncertain in my mind.

 

I have several things to also think about in the meantime, and really want to get some sort of scenery completed this month just to have a battle report able to come together. Well, we'll see aye.

Things Are Shaping Up - Project C.S.S #2

Hello everyone. It's the first day of May and the weather is looking a lot better here in England. I'm looking forward to getting some more of my miniature's painted and varnished, ready to get snapped up in a picture and get into combat, but for now, what I want to talk about is the on going project I'm currently working on. At the same time, here are some images of old painted models. I thought it'd be nice to have them on the blog as eventually they'll be getting a new lick of paint, and so won't be seen like that.

 

However, today is neither about painting, sculpting or terrain making. I've been working on my Rule Guide for Project C.S.S which has been long overdue. Well, overdue in the getting round to it, section, not finishing. I'm using a honeycomb design for the page designs thus far, and have actually got quite a bit into the Rules. I had to re-look at the whole Attacking/Defending system, though I feel that in a way I've made it complicated but yet simple.

 

 

If I was going to make a model with every possible stat available, it would have 12 at the most. I know, a lot right? But generally a normal model will have between 8-10 stats, which includes the point value. Why so much? Well, every stat has its own purpose of course, and in my opinion, it just wouldn't be my game if I didn't have it like this. I've added things that will make it slightly different and original in my opinion, such as Vision.

 

Vision is mainly related to the effects of banners in my game, but can also affect ranged weapons. In the case of a spell, or terrain effect causing the model's Vision to decrease below their maximum range stat, then Vision would then also substitute for Range, as you can't really shoot what you can't see. HOWEVER, a player can still choose to try and shoot up to what their maximum range was, but they will suffer a penalty of decreased strength and what will essentially be a scatter shot. This means choosing to shoot further than your Vision allows could end up with you killing an ally model.

To me, this is a fun thing to have. It continues to give players the options to play to their own styles. If you're someone who likes taking risks, then you may of course chance it. A more careful, strategic player may hold back though.

One thing I was thinking about, was the extra weapons, armour and all that can be purchased for your army at additional prices in other games. I'm really unsure about this. I feel that it's easier to go with simply what the model is carrying. But at the same time, maybe that way does not allow players to fully utilise their models? Some may argue that the fact you have to use what you have to it's fullest is making sure players utilise the models they have though. I don't know then. I suppose it's not it doesn't allow them to utilise their models, it just mean's their models are no longer as versatile. Hmm...

There's so much to think about really. I think I want to add additional items for purchase such as torches. The torches would come in handy when day turns into night. As in my game, a certain amount of turns is a day, then it turns to night, as well as, seasons passing, making things possibly more interesting. I'm not sold on the season bit, but day and night is a definite.

 
So, I just wanted to say, I can definitely see the difference between my old and new models. My painting has certainly improved.

 

I'm thinking of doing an online magazine as well once I get my rule guide sorted. Just for a fun project kind of thing. Then I could also feature other peoples painted models etc in it. I think it would be a hell of a lot of fun for me, as I really love the designing aspect of things, and so I would love just making a magazine.

 

Writing articles, doing the photography (yes, better than any of these photo's I've been showing so far), doing stories for the world of the game, display section etc. I really would enjoy it. I remember when doing a magazine design for a unit in college, and I loved it. It had me and my two mates posing on the front. I'll have to show you guys at some point I guess.

 

Anyway, that's what I'm doing and thinking, and once again, thanks for popping by to read & comment. Join me again in my next post.

Rohan Cavalry and Good Fortune - Model Sculpts #2

It's sure been a while since I last posted, but I'm back again with an update. I've been working on basing some of my Rohan Cavalry, or Riders of Rohan. I haven't glued them in yet, as I want to paint the bases separately to the horses and their riders. But anyway, here's a look at them.

Riders of Rohan

 

Here we have Théoden, but he will only be a Captain of the Riders. I like how I've made it so the horse has just jumped over the rock cropping up from the ground. I feel little touches like this make models just that bit more dynamic.

 

Here you can see a rider of Rohan just beginning to veer away from a fallen Murex warrior that he'd just pierced through in a vital place on its rock body.

 

And here we have the great Gandalf figure. Yes, you may notice he's missing his staff. That's because he's not Gandalf anymore. He'll be the monarch of the Rohan group, though I'm not sure on what their name shall be called.

 

Proceeding on to his features, you'll notice shadowfax is just galloping onto a rock, whilst Gandalf prepares to swing his sword forwards to signal the full speed charge.

 

This Rider of Rohan has only been slightly repositioned, the horse rearing up on its hind legs instead of galloping forwards. I felt it served as a better vantage point for the archer to get off a shot at an enemy soldier.

 

Remember I was telling you about the Yu-gi-oh figures I have? Well, here is the first of two examples. Gaia the Fierce Knight adds himself to Rohan's fierce cavalry force, serving as another captain, or a bodyguard.

 

A new addition for the Elves forces

 

Here's an interesting miniature. Once again, another Yu-gi-oh model. I've decided that this will be a lightning guardian type being. He can be summoned by El'yor to be a part of his unit, as well as serve as a guard for whilst El'yor casts other magic spells which I'm thinking can take a certain amount of turns to be cast, or have repercussions such as not being able to attack, or move. Not quite sure yet, but I know this model will look awesome defending him.

Shelving Unit

 

Remember I was on about needing somewhere to put my tabletop gaming stuff, as they were getting broken being in a box? Well, I went and bought this lovely shelving unit from B&Q. So, it's flimsy, and it needs to be screwed into the wall, but it has some great potential if you look at it. A couple sheets of wood on each of the two sides and back would see it a more steady shelving unit. One cut sheet of wood could be attached to the front to make opening doors. Then, with it's reinforced frame, I could add more shelves. My estimate so far is that I can add around 4 more shelves. That in itself is handy.

 

Luca did suggest that I try and make my own model carrying case, which I am still planning to try, because it would be handy during moves and such.

 

Good Fortune

 

 

Oh, so let's get to the Good Fortune bit. Walking home on Wednesday, I happened to pass a delivery or moving lorry. They had boxes of polystyrene that they were just going to recycle. After asking about it, they said I could have it. Great or what? Now yes, I know some types of polystyrene are very sensitive, but I figure as long as I coat them in a thick coating of PVA glue, it'll be fine. That's worked so far for my terrain pieces.

 

So now I don't need to buy any polystyrene. I did however regret having to drag the massive box home. When I say massive, it was massive. 5 foot in height, width and depth. Jeez did I sweat dragging it what usually is a 15 minute walk under the heavy rays of sun. But hey, no pain no gain.

 

That's the end of todays post. What do you think about the riders? And what are your thoughts of me bringing Yu-gi-oh figures into my own version of game? Look out for the next post. I will be making some catapults for the Goblins, as well as possibly beginning designs for my Escape from Goblin Town terrain.

 

As always, Thanks for reading :)

 

Shadows begin to form - Model Sculpts #1

After taking some pictures for this post, I decided that I couldn't really put it under the Model Painting section, because they're not even painted. So I've started up a new classification, Model Sculpts. So, I hope you'll enjoy the things to come in this.

So I've been thinking about my Shadow type basic troop choice. Below is what I came up with. I did mention them looking tadpole like, but of course the next stage of the tadpoles when they're turning to a frog.

 

I'm not too sure about these though. I did find some Yugioh miniatures that I had ages ago, and have dissected them. I'm thinking of possibly converting these, modifying them heavily, then sculpting more versions. However, I do like the smaller version of these two sculpts, and would prefer to at least use these as the basic, most common troops.

 

I will have to think on it. Oh, I'm using a Exodia model and a Flames Swordsman model for two characters in the game. Well, the Flames Swordsman is going to be a lightning guardian that El'yor can summon into his squad. Whilst Exodia will be a main character in the forces of the Murex. Again, for those who don't know, the Murex are the rock type race, it's the latin word for stone. Yep, I was correct, that's where I'd got the name from indeed.

 

Just finishing off with showing you a banner for the Goblin army. Not finished yet, but here it is. There's even a little skull hanging down from a spike on the back.

 

So what are your thoughts? What do you think of the sculpts? Do you think the converting of the Yugioh miniatures would work out well? After all, you've got to use what you've got don't you? Feel free to leave a link below to your blogs if you want me to check out what you've been doing. Well, that's if I don't already follow you.

Take a Peek - Model Painting #10

And we're back for another update on my miniatures. This time I will be able to show you a few different groups of models. It includes original sculpts, as well as some modified ones. I have put all my Dwarf miniatures on my painting surface (window sill currently), to be done in their units. Hopefully I will have them finished in the next two weeks at the most. We'll see though.

The Miniatures
So, first up is my lovely Shadow Samurai.

 

One of my earliest posts gave everyone a look at this guy. His base had yet to be done, and I hadn't sealed the paint in with varnish yet. So here you go, here he is. He will be part of the Shadow army, not sure of their proper name yet, but they will have purple seams, and grey skin. Yes, very much unlike this guy.

 

What I'm thinking to do for him, is give him a backstory of being human, then somehow being pulled into this force years ago, which is why the purple now pulsates through his prominent veins.

 

The base, which I've stated on a previous model, is to tie in the Shadow figures to the land they shall appear from.

 

It was actually building this model, that gave me the idea for the rest of the Shadow type features etc.

 

Here is one of the great bats in the land. This is one of my miniatures converted from actually using some wing pieces of a gundam wing, then doing the rest with green stuff. I like how it looks, and thing the paint job worked well.

 

I didn't have any of those clear stands for flying type models, so I made my own from a chopstick. I painted it to resemble the sky, whilst for the first time ever I also made use of static grass on the base.

 

Here is the second version of the Great bats. They won't be called that, but once again, I have yet to think of a suitable name. Originally this was going to be one of the beasts that Ritzel, my converted Radagast, could call into battle. However, I decided against it once seeing that these were probably the only flying types I had, bar one more model which is further on in the post.

 

This base will make use of static grass as well, but I wanted to varnish it before attaching, as it had skipped my mind with its predecessor.

 

This is a miniature that was added recently to blog posts. One of the Shadow types, it makes use of the colour scheme I mentioned earlier. I really like it personally, and feel like the pose, seen better in this post Blue Rohirrim, is quite dynamic compared to some of my other sculpts.

 

Here is the other flying type in my collection. This was actually the second sculpt I did before I started my proper attempts on Dwarves etc. It's not dynamically posed, but I still like it. I think it makes a great addition to Ritzel's friends, and I like the basing done for it.

 

So finally we get to the other type of creature in my made up land. The rock type. Still not sure of the name, but thinking of Murex. I believe this was latin or something for stone/boulder or the likes. Will have to look at my game rule notes to see if that's right. But yeah, here he is, sporting a cool Emerald in one fist, and just a stumpy hammer like arm for the other.

 

Now, originally he wasn't this dark, but after using a wash, he ended up this way. Even with highlighting, if I may add. I like the lightness of his base, which will differentiate him from the Goblin bases, but I'm not sure if it will be the base theme throughout his force.

 

The rest of the rock types will not be as dark as him, and will also feature some variations in colour to represent the different types of stones you find in the world. I had thought of giving this guy some glowing green eyes, but I'm not sure. For some reason I get the motion of a boxer when I stare at his posing form. What do you think?

 

That brings us to the end of this little peak of types to come. I'm thinking of trying to make some more flying types, so that there can be aerial battles too, but I'll have to wait and see. I'm currently looking for a shelfing unit so that my painted models can be placed, instead of possibly being put in a box where they'll be broken. Not much space currently, unfortunately.

 

So what do you think? Oh, does anyone have a good, easy way, of weighing down one side of a model. The rock guy above is slightly heavy on one side, so if he ends up on a slope during gameplay, he'll be a pain to keep up. Might also need to add weights to the bats, as the bases are lighter than the bats, so slopes again will be a problem.

 

Thanks for viewing by the way. It's nice to see returning faces, as well as new ones.