From PeterB: Literally stuck in Limbo and on to Lust (80 points)

Greetings all, welcome back to those previous participants and a hearty new welcome to those new. I think this is my third time participating, so hopefully some of you will know who I am by now. I sporadically blog over here normally, but I tend to run out of energy to post in both places during the analogue challenge. I am also normally quite good at getting something published before Christmas but this challenge it's all been a bit of a rush. With Christmas and work both keeping me super busy, I barely even had time to get models prepped before the start of the challenge! I did however manage to clear the hobby area (dining table) of anything Christmas related and start prepping models by early evening boxing day. I even ran out of mdf bases before the week was out so I hope my order from Warbases arrives soon or progress will grind to a halt again and I will be actually stuck in a hobby limbo.

I do try and complete the challenge theme each year and this one at first glance did worry me a little. Did I have enough to cover these themes? I like to plan ahead, so an evening spent delving through my massive to do pile and I think if I crack on, I can definitely get to paradise as it were. (I also have a stack of Bad Squiddo lady miniatures sat waiting from a kickstarter that I can use to skip a few steps if need be.)

So my first stop on my travels is at Limbo. Back in the first lockdowns in 2020 I, like many others, buckled down into my hobby to keep my sanity. I treated myself to a giant resin kit as a centre piece of a fantasy barbarian army. I had got myself a woolly mammoth. The kit came with a crew of dwarfs which were dumped in my bits box. The howdah itself was left empty so that I could use the piece for different armies, the space being big enough to put two or three models including their bases in there. This way the model would be multi-purpose. I always felt like I needed something specific though that actually looked like it was steering the beast in some way.

With some Christmas money I have purchased some Victrix Celtic Chariots. The sprues have some great looking crew models on them, more than is needed for the kit. A banner bearer is made up of various spare bits as well and I now have a crew.

The whole thing can be slotted in to the howdah ready for battle. I might tweak the reigns a bit at some point, but for now I am super happy with how it looks.

For my second stop for Lust I take a trip to Middle Earth. In my first challenge I had painted up a Balrog and two of the original Fellowship, Legolas and Boromir. The original idea was to try and collect enough models second hand from ebay and shows cheaply enough to play the entire campaign from the first book published by GW. Progress after the first attempt at finding the models however has been extremely slow. This year though some models have been found.

Most of us know the tale of One Ring to rule them all, how Sauron could control the minds of the rulers of Middle Earth by feeding on their Lust for Power, (I even have been quite enjoying the Amazon show, although I do admit it has issues). The rulers of men were trapped by their own Lust and became the Ring Wraiths, cursed after death to walk the land searching for the One Ring to appease their master.

I will admit these models did not need a lot of effort to paint, there really isn't much to work with when a character is one big black walking cloak. I am looking forward more to painting some more of the characters and finishing off the fellowship.

To points, two locations, 20 x 2 = 40 points

Five Ring wraiths at 28mm and three Howdah riders at 28mm, 8 x 5 = 40 points

Total 80 points.

For the skull duel, the barbarian banner has two skulls and the druid has one skull on his staff (There is another on the staff but it still has flesh hanging off it!)

3 skulls.

A right hearty welcome to you too, Peter! Wow, that mammoth is absolutely fantastic. The crew you have painted seems to fit really well and it all makes for a very impressive piece! 

You have taken quite an unexpected take on Lust, but I can't find fault with it. The ringwraiths may have been simple to paint, but the effect is good nonetheless. Nice background picture too!

On a side note, please remember to resize your photos, it saves your minion a lot of work ;-). No points deducted for that though, so 80 points it is!

Martijn

From John B: Friday Crew: 1848 Modena Dragoons (Lust) (84pts)

When I stumbled on 1848 (a lone warrior article on 19th century warfare) I quickly became absorbed by the Italian Wars of Independence. I also quickly discovered that the three wars also traversed uniform revolutions and seemingly few figure ranges were available in any scale. Well it turned out that this period between the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War/Franco Prussian War saw troops still wearing Napoleonic uniforms alongside nascent spiky helmet/kepi uniforms. So I have pundered all sorts of ranges to get what I want. However these figures are from a period relevant range. We won't talk about submarines and machine guns but lets say the 1848 inbetweenie era has a lot going for it. Today I have returned to the Italian peninsula after last years AHPC14 preoccupation with the 1st Schleswig Holstein War. The wars in Italy were fought against a backdrop of duchies and small states jostling with the big guys like the Kingdom of Naples, Austro Hungarian Empire and the odd French intervention. One such duchy the Duchy of Modena had a story that sums up the conflicted nature of the peninsulas occupants. The Duke of Modena remained loyal to Austria even eventually taking his whole army into exile to serve the Austrians.

In the first war of independence (1848/1849) the army remained in place and the revolutionaries set up a provisional government after the Duke departed on the first occasion. The small army of the Modena Duchy only had 1 mounted squadron of Dragoons who were disbanded but then reinstated by the provisional government. So these Dragoons can be men of Duke Francis V or men of the Provisional Government of Modena. Take your pick as it all happened so fast that uniform regulation changes were patchy at best or non existent - maybe an arm badge or a piece of cloth tied to headgear marked you as revolutionary while wearing the oppositions uniforms. The figures are actually Neapolitan Dragoons from Irregular Miniatures (Yorkshire UK) and are in their metal 20mm range.

I reckon I get another 20 points for lusting after painting these light blue dragoons for a fair while. And I get 8 mounted figures of the 20mm variety. Scoring is therefore 8x8= 64 plus 20 pts for the 2nd circle of the Abyss completed. TOTAL SCORE = 84pts

I agree that the mid-19th century is a very colourful period for wargaming.  At some point between 1845 and 1875 almost everybody fought anybody, and the contrast between Napoleonic uniforms and tactics and "progressing" technology is fascinating. The chaotic situation on the Italian penisula only adds to the fun, and these Modenan dragoons are great for that!. I guess this also (narrowly) satisfies the criteria for Lust, so I won't deny you your bonus. Another 84 points then, well done.

Martijn

From AdamW: If it ain't nailed down. Greed (44pts)

For the hat-trick my next Divine Comedy entry for this week is for the Greed circle.

Those pesky Vikings are at it again. After having their way with the local females in the Lust circle, they have decided to plunder anything they can. A clear case of greed if ever I saw one.

These full of character 15mm figures are from the Peter Pig Dark Ages range.

I'm not entirely sure why they are stealing a couple of crates of skulls. Maybe they are religious relics, or maybe they are going to convert them into knife holders and sell them on Etsy. Clearly they are just greedy and will take anything if it isn't nailed down.

(Maybe I should have entered the skull side challenge after all)

Points

12 x 15mm figures @2pts = 24 pts

Greed bonus =20 pts

Total 44pts

Another nice take on a Challenge theme, Adam! I am not sure I like where these are going, but they seem sufficiently greedy to me. Peter Pig seem to have some very colourful figures in their ranges! Your third submission today (!) thus gains you another 44 points.

Martijn

(Oh. Please don't forget to add your tags! We want to be able to find you...)

From PeterA: 15mm Death Guard Tactical Marines & Dreadnaught (44 points)

Happy New Year to all!

Back to work after the hols means most painting gets done at the weekend now, but I am trying to squeeze in a bit during the week, even if it is just 30 minutes here or there. My latest entry was mostly done last weekend, with finishing touches the other night. These are more 3d printed Space Marines for the Horus Heresy in 15mm, this time a big tactical squad of 17 Death Guard Marines, led by a fancy character with a big power scythe, as befits one of Mortarian's sons. 

As before, they are all individually mounted but can be put on a magnetic base for ease of movement. I wanted something a bit duller than the usual white armour, so have used a heavy drybrush of Vallejo Splinter Camo base over a GW Contrast Skeleton Horde basecoat. Shoulder pads are GW Loren Forest. The character has a bit more bling, with GW Runelord Brass used on some of the armour details and shoulder pad trims, as well as a red cloak.

Accompanying the Marines is a Contemptor Dreadnaught with twin-lascannons. The paint scheme is essentially the same, although the larger model has allowed for a bit more detailing - in this case some 'chipped' armour using a dark brown and muzzle burn effects using various shades of GW washes. As you can see the ends of the muzzles unfortunately didn't fully print out, but it is not enough of an issue for me to get another one printed. I have since come across a different set of files for the Dreadnaught which give some more dynamic poses, so I might get one of those printed off this weekend.

Anyway, the Marines clock in at 36 points, but I am not quite sure what the Dreadnaught is worth points wise - I think classing it as 'artillery'  is probably best, but will abide by the Friday Minion's final decision! So that is 40(?) points to count towards my target and also to the Heresy Side Duel.

These are looking good , Peter! I know very little about Warhammer 40K or the Horus Heresy, but these Death Guard Marines look the part. I also like the dreadnought. Having them all in this very effective colour scheme brings a nice degree of uniformity, and not dull at all, says my somewhat autistic self.

Dreadnoughts have been traditionally classed as a vehicle, so this one will net you 8 points for a total of 44. Well done!

Martijn

From Matt T: Who's afraid of the big bad wolf man. (35 points)

I have been slowly making some more progress on my Silver Bayonet project with the addition of a couple of big bad bosses and some henchmen.

First up are a pair of vampires from Games Workshop. I thought they looked the part in all their furs. They are amazing sculpts but they are pretty big compared to my rank and file troopers. I think I can live with the scale difference for the bosses as it gives them that heroic status.

The main man is wearing not one but two wolf pelts. That' a lot of grey on the mini that I tried to give life to by using a couple of different shades of streaking grime.

Of course every evil mastermind needs some minions to do the work for them so I painted up some 3d printed Cossacks in the same livery.

7 x 28mm models = 35 points total

I like these! The bosses are rather scary (although I would have loved to see more photos!). The cossacks look good too in their red and green. Do you remember who makes them?

Anyway, your math is flawless, so 35 points to you!

From John B: Friday Crew: 1848 8th Prussian Hussars [Limbo] (52pts)

Finally I am up and running in this years AHPC15. Way behind compared to last year which was my first time having a go. I was better prepared this year but life got in the way - of course that's what hobbies are about - fitting them in. First up I offer a couple of squadrons (my scale) of Prussian Hussars - the 8th Regiment circa 1848 to be precise. What I hear you say - those are 1806 Hat Napoleonic Prussian Hussars sporting the even then the venerable "flugelmutze". Well yes the models are Hat figures. Fortunately for 1848 followers the Prussians went retro at the same time as going cutting edge with their spikey helments and frockcoats.

Now I confess these figures were started back on the 13/01/2023 (sadly I have a painting diary with such detail) and they were on the paint table for AHPC14 but kept being bounced. So proper LIMBO figures then.

Having finally made it into the Wargaming Erratics Painting Portrait, I reckon they get me off the mark with 4 x 1/72 or 20mm mounted figures plus a LIMBO bonus. So the score is 4x8 = 32 pts plus 20pts for the 1st circle of the abyss - LIMBO. TOTAL SCORE = 52pts

Also this is the very first outing for my "painting portrait" theme for 2025 with a brand new backdrop painted today by yours truly. 2024 has turned out to be the last year of my "painting pedestal" theme - the pedestal got sold! Onwards and upwards or maybe that should say onwards and downwards into the 2nd circle of the abyss.

Good to see you on board, John! Yes, life does tend to get in the way, doesn't it? Well, you seem to have succeeded in pushing it back a bit, as I even see two entries from you today! I like these Prussian retro-hussars a lot. What rules are you using for them? And why 1848, the Year of Revolutions? Incidentally, your painting backdrop looks really good. 

52 points then!

Martijn

From AdamW: Love those tiger feet. Gluttony (27pts)

 This is my entry for the Gluttony circle of hell for Dante's Divine Comedy. 

 I originally intended to build a lavish medieval banquet and have a rather full king or knight in a chair or throne.  Unfortunately I struggled to find what I needed in 15mm, but came up with this alternative

Whilst looking through my spares boxes I came across a couple of 15mm tiger figures that were part of a Vietnam pack by Peter Pig.  They have languished in the box for many years, and I suddenly realised that there was nothing to say 'the Glutton' had to be human.

I also dug out some casualty figures that had been tossed in there as I don't usually use them.  I painted them fairly generically in a kind of green Khaki so I could use them for any side.

So there we have it, a very greedy Tiger slowly following the last survivor who is attempting to crawl away. He is the equivalent of 'one more wafer thin mint'.

Points

1 x 15mm Tiger @2pts = 2pts

1 x 15mm Kneeling figure @2pts = 2pts

3 x 15mm prone figures @ 1pt = 3pts

Gluttony bonus = 20pts

Total 27 pts

Haha, this one made me laugh, Adam! What a great take on the theme, great idea and flawless execution. 27 points it is!

Martijn

From LeeH: More Russian Line Infantry and two officers (58 Points)

More Russian infantry have marched across my paint desk this week leaving me clear to get started on more ‘interesting’ units such as artillery and cavalry. I’m still slowly cleaning and priming the figures I got for Christmas and at some point this week I’ll place an order for the ‘last’ units for my army (who am I kidding!). 

This is my second unit of Line Infantry/Musketeers for the Retreat from Moscow. These are from North Star’s Muskets and Tomahawks Range (all the stuff I have painted so far has been from North Star). To slightly differentiate them from the almost identical unit I painted a couple of weeks ago, I have changed the colour of the waterproof Shako covers. In every other respect, these are painted like the first unit. 

I have also been trying to get a few more officers painted and will try to do at least one each week if I can. First, we have this mounted officer from Wargames Foundry. He looks suitably animated, bellowing orders to the infantry. I also painted a foot infantry officer in greatcoat, again from Wargames Foundry. 

Then we have some scenic elements, starting with the dying horse. Like Ray I raided Tiger Miniatures stand at Warfare in November for a few of their horses, specifically to use as dead animals. I had to do a lot of cutting and filing to get this thing to lay flat on its base but I’m pleased with the finished model, as the horse lifts its head one last time before giving in to cold and exhaustion. 

Last is a set of filler bases for my movement trays…but these aren’t worth any points because I painted them before the Challenge started. When we realised that terrain wasn’t included this year I decided to get these out of the way in the last week or two before the competition started. I was eager to get started on something from this project, so these were a fun little side project while I waited for the Challenge to get underway. I love movement trays but I hate vacant holes when models are removed, so these can be swapped in to keep the tray looking the part. 

(Scoring: 9x28mm Foot = 45 Points,  1x28mm Mounted Officer = 10 Points and 1 Prone 28mm horse = 5 3 Points for a total of 60 58 points)

Another fine contribution to your project! The infantry look absolutely great, and I like the martial look of the officer. The subtle highlights on his coat work very well. I also very much like your idea of fillers for movement trays, they look very nice and varied! 

Once again, I am to be a little stern. The horse is a prone figure, so at half value. In recognition of the work involved in getting it to lie down and because I hate half points, I'll score it at 3 points. So 58 points for you!

Martijn

From EdwardG: Some more Swiss and a BEAR! (40pts)

 Hej all,

Happy New Year!! 

Hope everyone had a good slide into 2025! Looking at some of the minis already painted for the challenge has been inspirational as it always is. You lot are just incredible :)

Another small Swiss based entry from me today. Not much more to say, except that these are all Perry metals. I really prefer metal minis to plastic, but wallet and weight don't allow me to always indulge. Lucky for me these were a gift from a very dear friend!

Hope you like them! 

Points:

7 x 28mm foot = 35pts

1 x 28mm bear = 5pts

Total = 40pts 

(Scored the bear as a horse/foot figure, seemed about right!)

TTFN! Hope to see you all next week :D

Ed

Nice Alpine entry, Ed!. I like how you tied them all together with their green and yellow livery. The bear looks great! I am with you on the metal versus plastic; although lugging metal figures around can be quite hard, I like the heft of the figures and they are often just a little more austere in their design. 

That's 40 points for you!

Martijn

From AdamW: Vikings horny, but not on their helmets. Lust (58 points)

Dante's Divine Comedy : Lust

 This is my entry for the Lust circle of hell. No explanation or justification really needed to explain this one, as it's pretty clear why the Viking victors are taking their female captives.

The figures are 15mm from Peter Pig, painted using mainly Army Painter speedpaints (not a gimmick KenR ;) ).

I didn't really have anything suitable for this and some others sections so I had to temporarily increase the lead pile. My initial overall plan was to concentrate on painting up projects, but as a newbie I wanted to take part in the Divine Comedy Challenge for fun.  Obviously I could have just painted individual figures, but these sorts of mini-vignettes can be used on the table.

As an historical gamer it's probably the first time I've painted a female chest, but as the intro by Curt says, the figures could be titillating..........

Points

 20  19x 15mm Vikings/prisoners @2pts  = 40  38pts

Lust Bonus = 20 pts

Total 60 58 pts

There are two Vikings carrying their victims on their shoulder. I have counted each at two figures, as although they are one casting, they were sold as two figures and took as long to paint. Hope that's ok?

(phew that was close...got distracted and almost hit that tempting little Publish button)

An excellent contribution for the Lust theme, Adam, very creative! You put those speedpaints to good use, and I agree that they are certainly not a gimmick. 

As for your points, I am going to be a litte strict here though. Partial  figures, such as prone figures for instance, are only gaining you half the points value. I think it is fair to treat the carried models the same way.  So, 58 points for you! 

Martijn

From JP: Continuing the Early German Horde (110 Points)

 I have had the bug to build Early Germans and Marian Romans for a few years now. Various rule sets beckon (Infamy, Infamy and To The Strongest in particular - a long ways from WRG 2 that I cut my teeth on...). I painted some in last year's contest and again, things slowed, as ever.

Re-visiting my Early Germans, I realised that although I really like the Victrix figures, I miss the Foundry Copplestone Early Germans for their character, carving style and weight. When I was on the Isle of Wight earlier this year I ordered a batch of them from Wargames Foundry and I am trying to paint both brands of figs in parallel.  As I age, I keep going back to older style figures, memories or just becoming an old fart?

As I have a number of units without standards, picking up the Foundry standard bearers pack was logical, and lo and behold, there is a lovely figure appropriate for Dante's Lust in a pagan woody priapic way... 

So, I am offering up 18 figures (well, one is a touch more gruesome) as follows:

17 x Early Germans and a totem    :         85 points

1    x Marian Officer                      :            5 points

1 x Dante Lust                                :         20 points

Total                                                :       110 points

I thought of holding the totem back for Violence,  but hey, it's a ways off!

So, now to pics!

Victrix Figures

Victrix and Foundry 2nd from left - both left figures based as cavalry escorts

Foundry

Foundry standard bearers with some add ons.

The priapic pagan

Thanks for taking a peek !

Some very fine hairy Germans, JP! Yes, Foundry figures remain at the top of their class, don't they? I like how the skin came out,  the rather muted colour palette you used on those that wear clothes, and the effect on the hair. 

I would almost be tempted to say you drive a hard bargain for the Lust bonus, but actually I think the standard is rather suitable. So 110 points added to your tally!

Martijn