SkullWatch XIV 6

A few new contenders have thrown their skullz into the ring (well, someone's skull, anyway.) The race for a podium finish is very very tight.

• StuartL 426
• DavidB 218
• Barks 134
• Millsy 131
• KyleC 128
• ReillyOG 48
• TeemuL 40
• MikeW 39
• CurtC 22
• PaulOG 19
• GeoffreyT 17
• TomL 11
• ChrisW 10
• GregB 9
• ChrisW 1

Notable Skullz

DavidB's classic gothic cemetery hides a few skullz

GeoffreyT's Boschian visions sport a skully visage.

GregB's lovely 30K marines indulge in skully accents.

JamesM's gangers also accessorise with skullz.

KyleC has another skullicious offering.

MikeW has these Harryhausenesque legions.

Sylvain also has skeletal warriors!

Millsy knows baddies have skullz.

Classic skully motifs from PeterB!

StephenS shows us the OG Nagash- Skeletor!

Skull of the Week

JamieM's wonderful animated calaveras.

You can still offer up your skullz! Just tag your post 'Skull Duel' and tell me how many skullz you have submitted with a total for the whole challenge!

From PeteF: My Mӧrk Borg Character (5 points)

 

One of my gaming buddies decided to run a game of Mӧrk Borg.  Although I lean towards historicals, and sometimes fantasy mass battles, I’ll play any game, me.  I asked Chat GPT to describe Mӧrk Borg and this is an edited version of what it came up with:

Title: Unveiling the Dark and Dystopian World of Mork Borg: A Role-Playing Game Like No Other

In the vast realm of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), one game has emerged to captivate the imaginations of players seeking a unique and immersive experience – Mork Borg. Created by Pelle Nilsson and Johan Nohr, Mork Borg is not your typical RPG; it is a dark and surreal journey into a world that blurs the lines between horror, fantasy, and the bizarre. Let's delve into the shadows and explore what makes Mork Borg a standout in the RPG landscape.

Mork Borg invites players to a world on the brink of collapse, a desolate and decaying landscape known as the Eternal Rot. Imagine a place where the sun has dimmed, and the inhabitants are plagued by existential dread. This is the backdrop against which Mork Borg unfolds, offering a stark departure from traditional high-fantasy settings.

Mork Borg embraces a rules-light system, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned RPG veterans. The emphasis is on storytelling and player agency, with minimalistic mechanics that prioritize creativity over complex calculations. This simplicity allows for fluid and dynamic gameplay, encouraging players to focus on the unfolding narrative rather than getting bogged down by intricate rules.

Unlike conventional fantasy RPGs, Mork Borg delves into themes of despair, nihilism, and absurdity. The game challenges players to confront the darker aspects of existence, creating a narrative that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. This departure from the norm adds a layer of depth to the storytelling, inviting players to explore the complexities of their characters and the world they inhabit.

We’re having fun with the game and it’s dark dark setting.  My character is a flail wielding heretical priest – he’s already in trouble with the world’s dominant, apocalyptic religion and aims to spread sunny optimism to places it really doesn’t belong. 

The model is a 3D print given to me by the games master to paint up for our next session.  Wish him luck as characters don’t tend to survive too long in this setting!

 

1x 28mm model = 5 points

(Stepping outside the library for a breather for this possibly final entry of Challenge XIV - I had planned on a final Antique Books entry but not sure if I'll have time to complete it.  Thanks for all the minioning!)

Great model there Pete, and a wonderful description from ChatGPT as well on the setting. I can see how this chap brings sunshine to others.. whether they like it or not! 

Thanks for all the posts this challenge and cant wait to see what you bring in the next one!
5 pts for you
Kyle

From LeeH: Empress Matilda and Stephen of Blois (Challenge Library: Local History) (30 Points)

England has a bloody and often complicated history. In the last year, I have focused on the Wars of the Roses but I could easily have looked for civil conflict on these shores back to the 12th Century and a period known as The Anarchy. Empress Matilda (also known as Empress Maude) was one of many claimants to the English Throne, although her claim was strong, as daughter and heir to the anglo-norman King, Henry I. She spent much of her early life in Germany and was married to the future Holy Roman Emperor Henry V. 

Henry I’s succession had been secure, but the future was thrown into doubt when his only legitimate son, and heir to the throne, William was drowned in the White Ship disaster in 1120. When Henry died in 1135, despite being named his heir, Matilda faced opposition from the barons. Instead, the crown was claimed by her male cousin Stephen of Blois. He was the Duke of Normandy and had inherited extensive lands in both France and England. Upon the death of the King, Stephen was quick to cross the English Channel and, with the help of his Brother the Bishop of Windsor, took the throne for himself. 

The conflict between Matilda and Stephen saw the widespread breakdown in law and order in England in a period that became known as The Anarchy. These two models were the freebies from the two Partizan shows in 2022. I largely painted these with contrast paints but I have also used some of the Vallejo Express paints, in particular Dwarf Flesh which I think is my new favourite flesh wash. 

2x28mm = 10 Points plus the 'Local History' bonus from the Challenge Library. 

Now I need to put my thinking cap on because I have no idea where to go from here in the Library. Whatever I do I had better do it quick! 

Always a lovely painting from you Lee, and more so with the history lessons behind the models/genre! 

As for next spots, perhaps a trip to literature there. Am sure there are a few books on the War of the Roses that can be used as reference? 

30 pts for now Lee
Kyle

From EdwardG - A small Napoleonic offering to keep the numbers tally ticking on (25pts)

 Hej hej all,

I beg the forgiveness for a very long lag between submissions. My trip to Tokyo was excellent from a work perspective but a total disaster on the hobby front. Working each day 9-9 with a business dinner after, didn't leave much time or energy to paint once I'd gotten back to the hotel. 😵 

So because of all that I'm massively behind my mini painting plan, and I've only got one mini to submit this week. 

He's again a 28mm Foundry mini, he's painted in the uniform of a Voltigeur sergeant (heretical because the mini looks to be that of a grenadier!) and I've painted him up for Silver Bayonet. Because it's a fantasy game, I'm going to ask to claim the fantasy section bonus. Pretty please 🙏

Points for the entry: 

28mm foot mini = 5pts

Section bonus = 20pts

Total = 25pts

Thanks all! See you in the very near future for a final post. Question is how much can I get done!?! (It can assure, it will be more a points grenade than a bomb...)

Best,

Edward 😀 

Konnichi-wa Ed-san.. and welcome back from the land of the rising sun.. which after my trip there had a whole different meaning ( those after work drinking events can go on for a while.. ). Glad you survived, and got a piece painted all the same here!

So.. a fantasy entry with a naps models.. well mate.. given minion discretion here... and considering the proportions on the model is a bit comic like vs realistic.. I guess we can claim it to be fantasy.. this time ;) 

25 pts for you
Kyle

From Codsticker: Bloody Miniatures- The Witchfinder General and Pikemen en Melee (40pts)

 Last night I came to the horrible realisation that the latest edition of the AHPC will come to a finale 8 days from now; if I didn't pull my finger out I wouldn't get even close to my target of 350 pts. So, here I am trying to sneak the last two weeks work in under the wire for today. 

First, I have pack BM 034, The Witchfinder General:

The poor victim of his investigation: no doubt a witch as she was found to cohabitate with several cats and- even worse- can read! Impossible for a woman of her lowly status unless acquired through other-worldy means.

Fortunately for the small community, this upstanding puritan investigator has rooted her out:

The evidence against her is weighty. This fellow would know as he is quite smart (you can tell because he wears glasses).

The long arm of the inquisition, this harquebusier was responsible for tracking her down and bringing her to judgement

It doesn't look good for this young woman; surely the pyre is next for her.

With the Pikemen en Melee (BM 035) I chose to give them matching equipment as I figured they probably came from the same regiment.

As I have painted quite a few in blues and reds I went with green (GSW Pickle Green) coats for this group.

I imagined all the buffcoats and harness were all sourced from the same manufacturer.

Just the trousers and socks have some variability.

This man refuses to give up his pike; I may crop that weapon and turn him into an ensign (I couldn't settle on a flag so he got a long stick).

That is 40 pts for this entry:

8 x 28mm miniatures @ 5 pts each + 40

Great work once again Rob. Lovely painting on these sets, and you have really gone through a fair few of them throughout this challenge. I almost see the second set coming to the rescue of the would be witch there... or if not then at least keeping the crowds at bay while she is prepared to burn!

40 pts for you here!
Kyle

From BenitoV: German Sdkfz 250 (25 points)

It's Sunday, which means blogging day. This week I had the opportunity to finish one long-forgotten small piece of German armoury of my lead pile, that coincidentally fits well with the unintended recon theme developed this year in the Challenge: a German Sdkfz 250/1 

Around 6,600 units were produced during the war. Personally I never understood the rationale of this model. As an APC could only transport basically half squad and it was less practical than the bigger sister, the 251 model. As a recon vehicle it did not have the versatility and speed of other full wheeled vehicles, specially by road. 

The rear tracks system implied not only more production complexity but also more cost.  Summarizing, to me a waste of production resources and another headache for the guys in charge of logistics.

Despite the critics above, the 250 makes a nice addition on the table, playing as a support asset (basically a mobile HMG) for your German troops. I painted the model for late war with the 3-color cammo scheme.

With respect to the manufacturer, I have no idea. It is a block of thick resin, with very rough detail, that I acquired in a bring and buy table in my club around 2010-12 together with some 28 mm other models, many of which are still waiting to be painted. The gunner is a Warlord plastic kit that I found in my box of spare parts. 

I'm not entirely satisfied with the quality of the model and I'll very likely print another model with 3D printer next summer to replace this.

Finally,  if my maths are correct, the post today is worth 25 points: 20 for the vehicle and 5 for the gunner

 Great work here Benito. Lovely paint job on this kit here. If it is a solid lump of resin it might be one of the first gen castings from Warlords when they had so many pieces in resin. Not sure they do it as such anymore, but who knows. 3d Printing some in the future will be interesting, more so to see how different the detailing are. Good luck there. 

25pts for you here
Kyle

From Rhunt Test print rook (5 pts)

 This is my last entry. Dad is travelling and next week I get to go to the UK and visit Warhammer World. I have other things on the table but won't finish them before he leaves today (Friday).

This week all I have is this test model that my dad printed on this new printer. He had to make it work so he can print me Osgiliath Veterans. He let me have this to paint but now he's given me the vets so I'm working on them.

Thank you everyone for letting me be part of this challenge. I loved it so much. All of your models are so awesome and I really liked seeing them. Thank you also for all of the help you gave me. I learned a lot.

I can't wait for next year. This is the best thing ever.

Rhys it was an absolute honor to have you in the challenge, and to see your painting progression throughout the challenge. Wishing you all the best with your painting adventures in the future, and have a wonderful time at Warhammer World! A great mecca for any hobbyist for sure!

5 pts added to you, and a hope that the weather in Nottingham is pleasant for your travels!
Kyle 

From DallasE: Lunar Astronaut, Cosmonaut, Shuttle Pod, Terrain and Squats! (59 Points)

OK so I've got a little bit of painting done this week - mostly on the new hotness here which is Black Site Studio's Lunar. Today I've got my last two models (astronaut and cosmonaut) plus some craters, and a vehicle from an unexpected source!

Here are the two spacefarers. They're from the "Heroes and Icons Vol.1" pack from Black Site, but each has been converted... the cosmonaut (left) originally carried two geology hammers, and the astronaut (right) had two pistols... that didn't make much sense to me, so I did a bit of converting to give 'em a pistol and hammer each. I also had to replace the shafts on the geology hammers as they were twisted resin that manfully resisted all attempts at straightening. Worked out well I think.

I used the last small CCCP decal from the sheet on this model, I like the look of the tan suits with white helmets and boots. I used GW Rakarth Flesh as a basecoat, highlighted with Pallid Wych Flesh, washed with Agrax Earthshade. The helmet is Corax White with Vallejo pure white on top.  

The NASA astronaut is painted just the same as his colleagues too - basecoat Celestra Grey, highlighted Corax White and Vallejo pure white. 

The stars-and-stripes flags on the sleeves are done by hand. It's easy - paint a few long parallel stripes in Mephiston Red and then the canton over top in dark blue. Even in this larger scale, I call that done.

Recognize this? It's the Escape Pod from the Star Wars: Legion "Crashed Escape Pod" Battlefield Expansion. I couldn't imagine when I'd be using this in a Star Wars game but the style and scale seemed perfect for Lunar, so that's how it got painted!

The model was basecoated Celestra Grey then Corax White...

...then the Vallejo pure white over top. The Soviet flags are Mephiston Red highlighted Evil Sunz Scarlet.

The decals are from the Lunar decal sheet and really finish off the model well. I reckon this space pod looks a bit cobbled-together and janky so that means Soviet to me. I did some sponge chipping with German Camo Black-Brown, despite some misgivings... if this pod is going straight from the Earth to the Moon, how does it get weathered in a vacuum? I suppose there will be some bits of space dust to chip away at the paint, but I imagine that the Soviets with their sense of economy may get these things back down to Earth and reuse them.

 

Here are all the models I've painted for the game so far. You can see on the Soviets that I've repainted to give white helmets and added the CCCP decals, I think they look much better with that contrast.

I've also painted some craters this week. These are all vacuum-formed plastic items that have been kicking around for years, but they did take a bit of work. The vac-formed plastic is pretty thin and tends to warp at the edges - remember that these were all originally cut from a sheet, there was no 3D printing back then! So I cut some plasticard to shape and superglued the craters down to it before painting them. I reckon that's half a cube, the ruler is 6" long.

Lastly here's a couple of models that have been around awhile - they're Squats in Exo-Armour, metal models from the old days of 40K.

I wanted to get these dudes painted to round out a squad of five - I had already painted three "Termineggs" from Wereweevil for my Squat army and these guys fit that bunch to perfection. They'd been sitting primed on the painting desk for ages so it is good to get them up in the cabinet.

Now for the scoring:

2x 40mm Astronauts/Cosmonauts        14 points

1x 40mm space pod vehicle                  25 points

2x 28mm Squats in Exo-Armour          10 points
0.5 terrain cube                                     10 points

Total                                                       59 points

See you next week! 

Nice to see this growing, and expanding across the moon there! Those decals really hit the mark on the helmet. 

Easy 59 pts for you there
Kyle