Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Challenge XV's Theme: Dante's 'Divine Comedy'


Hi All!

For this years theme we'll be following Dante's journeys through The Abyss and Paradise. 

Our resident mapmaker Sidney Roundwood is currently lost charting what's ahead for us (I heard him murmur that he was waylaid somewhere between Lust and Gluttony, but I may be wrong in that). In the meantime, below you will find a full listing of the themes for all of the locations. Here are a few rules to guide your planning:

- The path through both Heaven and Hell is linear (as listed below) BUT similar to Dante who had guides to aid his travels, we have our own local experts. 

- In the Abyss there is 'Sarah the Succubus' who will allow you to move from theme to theme for the cost of a female figure OR one depicting a devil or demon.

- In Paradise you can be aided by 'Sarah the Seraphim' who can take you to the location of your choice for the cost of a female figure OR one depicting an angel.

- Theme submissions are awarded a 20 point bonus per theme. So a 28mm figures associated with a theme would be scored at 25 points total.

Everyone starts at the First Circle in the Abyss ('Limbo'). The only way to get to Paradise is to traverse five (5) of the infernal locations first. Once in Paradise you will not be able to return to the Abyss.

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The Abyss

First Circle: Limbo

This is where previous projects have stalled. Submit something that has been partially worked on from before. Yes, this can include terrain. :)


Second Circle: Lust

Of course this could be something titillating but it could also be the miniature that you've always wanted for your collection but have denied yourself.  One of the few times where I condone NSFW content. Young visitors may wish to avert their eyes. 


Third Circle: Gluttony

Would you like your meal supersized? Show us a figure who has overindulged at the table. A little too much Holiday feasting perhaps?


Fourth Circle: Greed

As the depraved Emcee in the musical 'Cabaret' sang, 'Money makes the world go around...' Submit something illustrating an unbridled lust for filthy lucre.


Fifth Circle: Wrath

Paint us something that illustrates unchecked fury. Could be something shouty with a bad temper.


Sixth Circle: Heresy

Something that breaks with the accepted code. Shatters valued conventions. 


Seventh Circle: Violence

Hmm, as many of us are wargamers I don't think I need to elaborate on this one too much.


Eighth Circle: Fraud

Somebody or something who claims to be something they are not.


Ninth Circle: Treachery

The back stabber, the turncoat, the faithless friend.


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Paradise

First Sphere: The Inconstant

No Ray, not the Incontinent... :) Instead, think of something which may try its best but often falls a bit short.


Second Sphere: The Ambitious

A figure that is as keen as mustard, an overachiever (yes, so annoying, I know).


Third Sphere: The Lovers

This could be platonic love, romantic love, but not love based on lust - that's for the 'other place'.


Fourth Sphere: The Wise

Something contemplative and sage. Essentially no figure having any kind of resemblance to me. :) 


Fifth Sphere: The Warriors of Faith

Religious lunatics anyone? Perhaps those from a local militia? The options are depressingly rich and diverse.


Sixth Sphere: The Just Rulers

This one could be tough. An unfortunately small field to choose from, but hey, thankfully we have fictional characters we can fall back on. :)


Seventh Sphere: The Contemplatives

The reasonable thinking person. Yes, arguably another rare beast, but I'm sure we can all rise to the occasion and find something.


Eighth Sphere: The Fixed Stars of Faith, Hope and Love

Submit a figure depicting any of these laudable themes. 


Ninth Sphere: The Angels

This one could be interpreted quite broadly. From the fierce warriors of some deity to a simple beatific child, the options are plentiful.

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There you have it! I know for certain I've missed important details so please feel free to query in the comments section below.

I'll see you all in Hell!

Curt

17 comments:

  1. Looks great! Time to review the inventory. Might need to buy a few more figures or raid some friends lead mountains.

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  2. Ooh, I like it. I do find the themes a special part of the Challenge.

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  3. Is there a tenth level/sphere in the end? Someone waiting there with a horrible task to fulfill?

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    1. Good point Teemu. Either as a minor cherub or some devilish imp I should draft up a final challenge for those who make it through the journey.

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  4. Superb, I will be doing a few of those deadly sins this coming year! Then of course the challenge itself!

    Cheers
    MattW

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    1. Good man Matt! I'll be right behind you mate. :)

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  5. As I'm new in this challenge I would like to ask what this means:
    "The Abyss

    First Circle: Limbo

    This is where previous projects have stalled. Submit something that has been partially worked on from before. Yes, this can include terrain. :)"

    Does this mean that you can finish something you were working on before the challenge started? A half painted figure for example.

    Greetings
    Peter (PeteB)

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    1. Yes, exactly that! So you can finish the half painted minis and you don't have to wait 3 months.

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    2. Thank you for clearing this out.
      Now let's see, do I have half painted figures? :-D
      Greetings
      PeteB

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    3. Gosh, I have a hard time imagining a mini-painter who doesn't have an assortment of half-done models, but if anyone is in a complete jam with 'Limbo', partially worked on can include primed figures.

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    4. Thanks for asking that question and for the clarification. A great idea to help us finish of some bits whilst painting all the untouched stuff. Should help with points too:)

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    5. Curt, I have some half-done figures, a lot in fact, I was just joking. ;-)
      I just wanted to be sure that I wouldn't break a rule that's all.
      Greetings
      PeteB

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    6. Curt, I hope you realize the amount of "half painted minis" and especially female bears and sandbags there are on the desks for the final touch to be made on early hours of Challenge. I expect we will get several thousands of points on the first day. At least if this would be a competition! :)

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    7. If it provides impetus for people to get more of their stuff completed then I'm all for it. That's what this is all about!

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