From PaulO’G - Koryu Buntai and Ghillie Suit (55 Points)

Better late than never right? I thought so too!

To add to the figs' authenticity, I painted them watching the adventures on Shintaru in the classic series The Samurai

I've let myself down in the challenge this year.  Perhaps I should have listened a bit more closely to my inner cynic reciting the challenges of moving 16,000 kms to a new house, job, country, hemisphere.  Anyway, despite not making my total I was determined to avoid being a 'no entry guy' and at least have one worthy entry.  So finally, here are 9 samurai of the Koryu Buntai faction for Ronin.

My favourite 3 figures in the Buntai

I had no plan to buy this game or its figures but once again I became a victim to shininess after meeting the game's author Chris Woodfield at CanCon and having a great chat with him over dinner and beers (first world problems, I know).    However, painting these got me rather frustrated because after almost 2 years without a brush in hand, my skill fade was far worse than I had expected.  Anyway, I have them finished now and am happy to register 45 points worth of achievement.

All the colour and patterns was quite a change from my usual figure styles and camo.

but I'm rather pleased with the clothing.  The base flowers add to the colourful appearance too.

I'd like to thank two people in particular.  Actually now that I think about it they were the ones who peer-pressured me into this in the first place...

Firstly Miles, who very kindly donated not one but two beautiful Langton 1/1200 ships to my cause.  I had every intent of making those my entries (and even accepted a Naval side challenge ) but unfortunately logistics issues made that an untenable proposition (yes they somehow got mixed up with my sea freight and only just arrived).  On the plus side I still have them to look forward to painting and they now have more squadron mates in my inventory.  Thanks Miles, I'm looking forward to giving them the attention they deserve. 

 And to show my appreciation, here is a spreadsheet just for you:

My challenge productivity: started badly and tailed off in the middle...

Secondly, thanks to Dux who came to my rescue at the eleventh hour with the gift of an Army Painter basing set so I complete my submission- thanks mate, that was very thoughtful !

So thats my entry for this year - way off course from where I thought I would be but much better than a zero point no show (plus I like to think that I have some reasonable mitigation).  I hereby also concede my three side challenges.  Regardless, I'm happy to be on the scoreboard and am looking forward to putting these figs on the table.

I would also like to present this bonus figure: The 1:1 scale camo had its own challenges and took me away from my other modelling projects but the smile on The Lad's face is priceless (this ghille suit is for his upcoming Cadet Corps bivouac).  If a 28mm fig is worth 5 points then I leave the value of a 1680mm fig up to the judge's consideration :-)

Ahh, it's great to see you Paul! I know you've been very, very busy with your relocation of life but, hey, it is a painting challenge isn't it? Nevertheless, I see you've picked up the gauntlet magnificently with this entry as those Samurai are fabulous! I think what you may have lost in 'skill fade' others would be delighted to possess as both the uniforms and basework are excellent on these figures. (After seeing that first grey-haired model I think I need to get this set...)

That ghillie suit is amazing (do you Australians call it a 'Yowie Suit'?). I literally can't see your boy in the first shot. Wow. Great work Paul - that's got to be worth 10 points at least. ;) 

It was great having you para in, Paul - I just knew you'd make an appearance! Let's hope you can be with us longer next time out. :)