From StephenS: Limbust! (Limbo and Lust) (50 points)

G'day All!

Submitting two weeks in a row, and hitting two circles of Hell, it might be time to check if we need to crack out the ice-skates down there.

My submission for the first circle of Hell is Darth Vader, in all his 32 mm plastic glory from Atomic Mass Games. This has sat in limbo on my painting desk since its release in 2018, as I find painting black a challenge and didn't want to stuff up such a signature character. I have done my best to differentiate between the materials of his suit by varying the shades and highlights for the black.

My second model is the character Rincewind, a failed wannabe wizard, from the Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett. It is a 28 mm figure from Micro Art Studio in Poland. When I was a wee lad of 12, I remember walking into a local book shop with some birthday money to buy a specific book, and walking out instead with a copy of The Colour of Magic, after being mesmerised by the cover. 30 odd years later and I still love the world and writing of Mr Pratchett. Rincewind has always been my favourite character, and I have been itching to get my hands on a mini to paint up. It is great to have my lust for all things Discworld slightly sated by adding this figure to the display cabinet. I almost kept this miniature for the Inconstant Circle, but couldn't hold out. I think the miniature captures his belief that certain doom is only around the corner quite well.

Wizard spelt with two Z's. That's how you know he is the real thing...

The book that started the obsession...

2 x figures for 10 points and a 40 point bonus for the two locations, hopefully netting 50 points all up.

Cheers,

Steve

From Millsy:

I have the same Darth Vader in my collection but I think you've done a better job on the blacks Steve. I also opted for a gloss finish on the helmet but your pained highlights look more realistic which is weird but that's painting minis for you!

Rincewind is such an iconic character and you've packed him with every bit of it. The basing in particular is really cool and gives the mini a real sense of place.

Nice work! 50 more points.

Cheers,
Millsy

From LeeH - "HO-HO-HO" [5 pts]

Well, that nine months shot past in a blur and here we are again for Challenge XIII. As is my tradition I am kicking off my painting campaign with an alternative Santa...or in this case Hogfather. Terry Pratchett's Discworld is full of memorable characters but none made me laugh as much as Death. And when Death stepped in and donned the outfit of the Hogfather some of the best humor ensued. So when I saw this model I had to buy it and put it aside for the Painting Challenge. 

“IT'S THE EXPRESSION ON THEIR LITTLE FACES I LIKE." said the Hogfather.

"You mean sort of fear and awe and not knowing whether to laugh, cry or wet their pants?"

"YES. NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL BELIEF.”

― Terry Pratchett, Hogfather

I have a few days off work before the holiday and that means lots of painting... Actually, it means multiple bursts of activity in the hobby room in between other seasonal-related chores. Keep the wife happy and everything else falls into place! I was up early today and got cracking on this model but I have also been making up the first set of flags for my 6mm Wars of the Roses project. With a bit of luck, a following wind, coordinated with the wife's afternoon nap, and I may get some paint on those as well before the day is out.

Best of luck to everyone taking part this year and thank you once again to Curt (and Lady Sarah of course) for hosting this madness for the thirteenth year. Now that's what I call having an understanding wife! 

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Welcome back to the Challenge Lee! I love your Death/Hogfather, especially the grim little gifts that he's toting. I think if I saw him I'd be in the latter group for 'joyous response'.  :)

Now that you're on the scoreboard you can rest easy and go back to keep the missus happy during this busy time of the season. Have a good one, mate!

- Curt

From Barks: Discworld witches (53 points)

Terry Pratchett’s witches are a crucial part of his rural communities. Each one brings her own style to their role of combined village doctor, midwife, veterinarian, and defender of the voiceless.

These 40mm figures are from Micro Arts Studio in Poland and can be used for the Witches boardgame. They represent teenage apprentice witches. I'm quite happy with the lantern- I used Iyanden Yellow Contrast then a little bit of white in the centre.

Tiffany Aching

Annagramma Hawkin

Dimity Hubbub

Petulia Gristle

I was going to eke these out for various Sorceress Sarah uses, but couldn’t resist getting them all out in one go.

4x 40mm figures: 28 points

Teleporter use: 20 points

Sorceress bonus: 5 points

From StephenS - Alberto Malich (5 Points)

For last years challenge my first opening salvo was Death dressed in a Santa costume (it makes sense if you’re a fan of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels). Almost a year later, my first entry will be Death’s servant, Alberto Malich the Wise dressed as an Elf from the novel ‘Hogfather’. Mixed with the satisfaction of getting my first runs on the board, is a touch of shame it took nearly a year to get paint on him. Though to be fair, like a lot of us, I have an uncounted collection of much older unpainted minis...

Alberto is a powerful wizard, who through an aborted attempt to stave off death (he had a few people he wanted to put off meeting in the after-life) ended up as Death’s servant in exchange for hitting the pause button on his life-timer. The model is a 28 mm figure from Micro Art Studio’s Discworld range. I’ve been a huge fan of the Discworld series since I read my first book over 20 years ago, and in my mind at least, I think the miniatures really capture the spirit of the characters.

Together again at last...

So here is a fitting model for the festive season, even if he isn’t feeling the Christmas spirit himself.

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Cheers,

Stephen

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Brilliant work Stephen. I really like the mottled green of his trousers and tunic and the work you did on his face is superb. I also like how his red shoes tie in with Death's festive robe - well done. I've never read the Discworld series (it was so much of the 'it' series at the time that I naturally (for me anyway) rebelled against picking it up), but maybe I should give it a try. Who knows, you may have a convert. ;)

Merry Christmas Stephen!

From MattT - All you Pretty Things (10 points)

Something a bit different to break up all the Napoleonic figures on the painting desk. I find it helps to stop painting fatigue, plus its a bit of fun.

Anyway may I present to you Discworld Miniatures Greebo. Figure painted up for a friend of mine who wanted a a Bowie tribute so he got the full Ziggy treatment.

Right back to the Napoleonics there's painting to be done.

What an awesome way to kick off Friday! Great tribute here Matt, you've really captured the look and that distinctive red looks bang on. I'm sure your friend will be delighted. 

Phil 

From StephenS - The Hogfather (5 points)

It's great to be back as part of the challenge and considering the season, it's perhaps fitting to kick off with this figure. I present Death as the Hogfather, from the book Hogfather by Terry Pratchett.

I fell in love with Terry Pratchett's books over 20 years ago, but this is the first time I've managed to drag any of his characters into my hobby.



















The figure is from Micro Art Studio in Poland, and the casting was superb. It is in 28 mm scale but definitely on the larger, heroic side. This miniature was painted up as a gift, but I will definitely be getting some more from them in the near future. The resin base it sits on is also from Micro Arts Studio.

You will have to excuse the quality of the photos, but it's almost time for Santa to visit!

It's good to get off the mark!

Cheers,

Steve


"Some things are fairly obvious when it's a seven-foot skeleton with a scythe telling you them"

- Terry Pratchett, Hogfather

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Lovely figure Steve and very apropos for the day.  I've not read the book but this figure oozes character. I especially like the red of his cloak, his rather goulish skintone and his unsettling blue eyes. Not somebody I'd want to be coming down my chimney!

Welcome back Steve!

From BurkhardS - Discworld's Death: the Anti-Hero for Curt (20 Points)

I am not sure if Curt even remembers, but when he announced the theme for this year Challenge, I was cursing like mad. I had no idea what to do actually. Even worse not only was this the theme for this year (which meant the mini I would send to Curt would have to follow this theme), but also the theme for the last theme round. So I decided, that I would only do one mini for both and simply send Curt my theme round entry. Well that was about three months ago and in all the weeks that followed I contemplated what to do, I actually had a couple of ideas. And I felt that two were actually so good, that I could not decided which one to do and which one to pass by. So in the end I chose them both and here is my entry fee, which will be on its way to the plains of Canada soonish.

So what will Curt get? It is Death from Terry Pratchetts Discworld novels. I think he actually makes for a perfect Anti-Hero. Obviously when you think about Death the "Anti" part of "Anti-Hero" is obvious. Death is the inevitable end to everyone's life, coming for you without remorse regardless of your wish to remain or not. But why is he a Hero? Well Discworlds Death is a bit different. He is not unknown to show compassion for his customers, even trying to cheer them up at times. But in addition to that he is a loving and caring father and like any hero not without his faults. As such he looses his job at one time (only to get it back with vengeance). In addition to all that he is there to give a helping hand (although this can at times lead to peoples... err Death) or step in for someone else if needed. Like the time he takes over for the Hogfather (Discworlds version of Father Christmas) to make sure the job gets done. 

One thing that I love about this mini is the little details, like the Death of Rats that are part of the actual mini.

In the past years, I have always send my entries with completed base to Curt. This year I have left the base plain. The reason is simple. In the novels Death lives in a house on a plain of existence that is completely in greyscale. Now I thought, that it would be great to either have some furniture or plants painted in greyscale on the base to show this. Now I completely suck at painting greyscale, while Curt is one of the undisputed masters at it, so I thought "why ruin something, when you have someone who is great at it". I hope Curt will forgive me this!

From Curt:

A wonderful interpretation of the anitihero theme Burkhard and thank you for the lovely figure. I'm particularly impressed with your painted effect of the Sands of Time hourglass - it looks so realistic. I also like this blue 'eyes' as it gives him a softer, more humane look, which I think reinforces the overall character.

Thanks again Burkhard, Death will be a formidable addition to the Antihero pantheon forming in my display cabinet.