From DavidL - A Miscellaneous Retrospective (44 Points)

For this, my final entry in the Challenge, I present a miscellany of figures that, quite coincidentally, touch on some of my very first entries...

First up, we have what will be my third (and hopefully final) version of Malifaux's Taelor. Way back when I posted my "Hired Guns" crew, I talked about how dissatisfied I was with the "official" versions of this character - neither the plastic or metal sculpts did much for me. I found a suitable substitute in MicroArt's "Alice Tinkerly" but...I still wasn't completely satisfied. Her laid-back pose didn't match Taelor's fearsome combat abilities.

Then I spotted this excellent figure, part of a special edition boxed set from Bombshell Miniatures. The animation of the pose combined with the ludicrously huge industrial wrench told me at once that I'd found my version of Taelor:

The crazy eyes were a bit of a happy accident...

One of Taelor's signature moves is "Weclome to Malifaux!" Indeed.

This next piece is one that I don't plan on seeing featured in many games, but it was too cool not to pick up when I placed an order for my Ikko-Ikki from Kingsford: a giant taiko drum and a horagai player blowing on his conch shell.

This painted up in an evening and will make a fine centerpiece on display with my Ronin factions.

Lastly, we have the final figures for my 25-point Skorne army for Hordes. More Titans! First, the fearsome Bronzeback Titan.

In keeping with his name, I gave his central ridge of spiky hair a greenish cast, evoking a verdigris patina on bronze.

I believe this is the largest model for this base size in the whole WarmaHordes line. I could be wrong, but all I know is: you wouldn't want to see this guy bearing down on you in the middle of a battle!

"I heard they shaved a gorilla."

And here's another Titan, a Defender, to act as bodyguard for my caster.

Although not as large as the Bronzeback, he is at least as equally impressive, with his ornate armor and shield.

As before, I've left his back banner blank pending a decision on what sort of custom sigil to put on it.

Finally, we have the reason why everybody loves to hate the Skorne: the Agonizer. Not only are these guys a pain for any Skorne opponent mechanically, they're the living embodiment of the true depths of Skorne evil. It's a baby Titan (read: baby elephant!) kept in a state of perpetual pain and agony, which in turn is used to fuel the magic of nearby warcasters.

This is my second Agonizer in the list, and painting them never gets any easier. It's kind of funny to feel so ambivalent about one's own army. Everyone has to play the bad guy from time to time, I suppose...

All those hooks! Poor baby...

Inspired by a co-worker who is out sick this week with conjunctivitis, I gave this Agonizer infected eyes oozing with pus. Ewww!

The trio together.

I'll leave scoring for the taiko set up to Curt, but assuming I get 12 points each for the two Titans as was scored for my first Titan entry, this tally should put me just over my points goal, which is fantastic - I arrived at my target via the age old, time-tested method of pulling it out of thin air, so I'll be glad if my estimate worked out.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Curt for hosting this carnival yet again, and to extend a big thanks all the other participants for sharing their amazing projects and paint jobs. I entered into this contest with the intent of simply finishing off my existing collection of unpainted figures (a goal I succeeded in!), but through the course of following the other entries in the challenge, I've been inspired to start three new projects!

I intend to keep working away at the new projects over the course of the year, but I'd be surprised if I'm done with all of them by the time the next Challenge rolls around (should Curt so choose to favor us), and in that case I'll see you all again next year! It's been a wild ride and I can't wait to do it again...

From Curt:

Lovely figures David! Those two Titans are gorgeous (and a bit intimidating) and that Agonizer looks like it would work very nicely in a Cthulhu setting, but I must say my heart is taken with your taiko set - lovely character there.  

And yes! You've hit your target quite handily with this entry David - well done young man!!

It has been a pleasure Mr. L - I hope you join us the next time the Challenge rolls out.