The ADHS Diaries - part 12

So what have I been up to since last I blogged?  Let's have a little look shall we?

Malifaux
I've finished prepping the last of the Bayou collection (well, pending the arrival of some 40mm resin swampy bases I ordered that is) and the last of the Resser Versatiles (Mortimer and the Mindless Zombies) are prepped too.  Still got Amalgam, Plague/Vermin, Frontier, DUA/Umbra and Syndicate to go - but I think I want a break from the poly cement for a while now!

Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game
I've prepped and primed the four Hobbits (Weathertop versions) - and added a Boromir (standard horn toting chap) and Gandalf the Grey (Orthanc version).  I've got some more 3d prints coming to add to the Rohan collection - a proxy King's Hunstman and some Outriders.

Punkapocalyptic
I caved and got a Spark to add to the Children of the Black Blood - Sparks are the ones on motorbikes, so that'll add a different element to the gaming experience.  He's prepped and primed.  Still need to get some scenery however, at least some scatter terrain I think - and a couple of billboads I reckon will look cool.

Rampanthammer
Well... I went and added a few more options to each of the armies!  So far I've received and prepped some Arabyan light cavalry Dogs of War and a proxy Cursed Company to add to the Empire force.  I'm waiting for some 3d printed stuff to add to the Nurgle and Skaven forces - a trio of Dragon Ogres and a Sorcerer Lord for Nurgle and some weapon teams for the Skaven.  I'm currently tempted to add some more Dogs of War to make a small spin-off force, but it seems nowhere in the UK is selling prints of the Polish Lightning Dogs of War Characters any more... 😒 I'd settle for just the Paymaster to be honest!

The Burning Sands
I placed a small order with Alternative Armies at the end of June (see The Silver Bayonet entry below) and it included a freebie towering rock monster.  I decided to include him in the collection of monsters for The Burning Sands.  By Crom that'll be a tough encounter!

The Silver Bayonet
I got a few Alternative Armies bits to add a couple more monster types - the new dog man monster from the Carpathian expansion (I don't have my book with me as I write this to put its proper name 😅).  I also got a couple of Ogre Brigands that I intend to use alongside the various bandits in the collection - might be fun!

Looking ahead...
I'm hoping to start actually painting for the first time in a while - the only other painting I've done this year was the Dead of Dunharrow (once basing scheme for MESBG is sorted I'll add vegetation and then get pics taken to share here!) so I'm a little bit daunted to crack out all the paints - the Dead were easy cause it was just basically a contrast paint and white drybrush!

The ADHS Diaries - part 10

Time for a catch up diary post... with added run down of current hobby fund purchases!

Bolt Action
I decided to get a different tractor for the antifascists (seeing as I seem to have lost part of the original one I did get...).  That'll hopefully encourage me to finish prepping this project as the vile fascists have been prepped for some time.  Then it's just the two forces for the Korean War and that's everything prepped.

Burrows & Badgers
I've got a few scenery bits and pieces coming for this from a range of sources; Alternative Armies, TTCombat, Spellcrow and a random 3D printer.

Carnevale
Well seeing as TTCombat finally added some things I'd been waiting for (ie. the Paladin of St Lazarus) to the single miniatures on their website I've got stuff coming to use up all the current cobblestone resin bases - a Barber and Butcher for the Guild, a Nurse for the Doctors, a Cat Burglar for the Patricians and the Paladin and the Angel of the Blooded Rose for the Vatican.

Gorkamorka

I finally got round to adding the Orc Lookout MDF kit from TTCombat to an order - this should go quite nicely with the Speed Freeks scenery I got recently.

Hardwired/Reality's Edge
A 3D printer I've used on Etsy had a sale on so I've ordered a selection of cyberpunk minis that I've had my eyes on for a while now.  Still need to get some minis as Avatars for Reality's Edge, but pretty well set for Hardwired once they are all prepped.

Malifaux
I've pre-ordered the Arcanist and Ten Thunders Starters.  Ties back to Mei Feng being my first purchase!  I've also got some Charm Warders coming to add to my Shenlong crew - eventually I'll get the Devoted Students box, but for now the hobby fund doesn't allow for them unfortunately.

Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game
Some actual hobby to report on this one - I've painted all the Dead of Dunharrow force! They are awaiting vegetation on bases - but still deciding what to do as I intend all the MESBG stuff we have to be based the same.  I've also prepped some stuff for the Mordor and Harad forces - got a couple more minis on order too.  I also realised I did a really shoddy job removing mould lines from a bunch of Rohan and Harad troops - luckly I spotted before priming, so I need to go back and fix that before they get their undercoat.

Rampanthammer
On a whim I've decided to add another unit each to our Empire, Chaos and Skaven armies - Dogs of War Birdmen for the Empire, an ancient Dragon Ogre for the forces of Chaos and a Plague Catapult to add to the ratmen.  Think that'll do now unless one of the 3D sculptors out there does something I can't resist.

The Silver Bayonet
I've finally ordered the Bone Cart from Alternative Armies - and seeing as their Spring Mega Event is on I took advantage and have added Jack Frost to the collection.

Star Wars Legion
I've ordered some bases that, hopefully, will match the official ones a bit better in size.  I've also ordered an Imperial Officer to add to the Empire side, mostly cause I wanted a mini with a little holoprojector communicator in their hand cause I thought it'd be cool to paint!

Battlescale - an unashamedly enthusiastic overview

I've made no bones about the fact that if there's one part of the wargaming hobby that I do not enjoy it is scenery and terrain. 

I freely admit that I lack the skills to scratch build my own pieces - and indeed I have no inclination or desire to learn these skills - so what is a wargamer like me to do?

Of course, for 28mm there are plenty of MDF options that provide a cost effective solution for the sceneryphobe... but what about scenery to go with smaller metal peeps? 

My favoured size for non-skirmish gaming is 10mm thanks to the large and varied ranges at places like Pendraken coupled with the ease of storage for forces.  But unless we want to wage war on Planet Bowling Ball we still have that scenery problem don't we?

Well, no... thanks to Battlescale there is a superlative option for 10mm (and 6mm, and 3mm etc.) buildings and scenics.  I first found them when I was looking for some suitable buildings for my Tyrone's Rebellion project (see my previous post for more pics)

I'm sure you'll agree that even with my ham-fisted painting the detail and texture in these pieces makes them really look the part!

I was hooked.  I have since added Timber-Framed and Clapboard buildings for various projects - as well as some Adobe buildings for my Operation Compass games and various pieces for general WW2 games set across North and East Europe.

Battlescale are the first, and so far only, company where I have seen some scenery and then looked to find a project to suit! Let that sink in...as a sceneryphobe I'm not sure I can give higher praise than that! (It's an imagi-nations project making use of the Battlescale Mediterranean buildings by the way).

The buildings, hedges, walls and more that I have from Battlescale - regardless of what era or theatre they are for - are all wonderfully detailed and made with care (honestly, no resin product from anyone in any scale comes anywhere near - and I've had a fair few in my years of wargaming!). 

If you have a need for some scenery at smaller sizes please do consider Battlescale -  I strongly feel that as wargamers and hobbyists we need to offer our support and custom to those smaller companies putting out top-quality products for our wonderful shared hobby, and I can think of no higher quality than Battlescale.

NB I'm not on the payroll of Battlescale - I'm just a very very happy customer that felt like waxing lyrical and putting some positivity out there!

Qhreekhul’s Campaign

Even amongst the ranks of a species known for being conniving and ambitious the Grey Seer Qhreekhul One-Horn seems worse than most.  He has commenced a campaign to elevate his standing further, buying alliances from many small clans with either warptokens or political favours or who knows what else.  He plans to wage war on the enemies of the Skaven; attracting ever more Clans to his banner as he does so.

He demands that his inferiors (to his mind, everyone) call him The Exalted Qhreekhul, but he has many other titles including Prophet of The Scurrying Death, Most Clever-Clever One, Teller of Things, and Lord One-Horn.

Qhreekhul rides to battle atop his specially bred Rat Ogre Mount – Big-Big One – a gift from Clan Krust to the Grey Seer to cement their alliance.

Qhreekhul has sealed a kin-pact with another Grey Seer – Qurenk the Deaf, who brings with him a great and terrible Screaming Bell.  Qurenk may act subservient to Qhreekhul, but will most likely stab him in the back as soon as the time is right, but such is Skaven life.

It seems that Qhreekhul has perfected the dangerous summoning ritual for one of the Verminlords, powerful daemons of the Great Horned Rat – he has formed a bond of sorts with the entity known as The Scurrying Death.  Perhaps Qhreekhul’s campaign is indeed blessed by the Great Horned Rat!

Amongst the Clans already allied to Qhreekhul’s campaign are:

Clan Rekkit

A poor but savage Warlord Clan, what they lack in resources they make up in numbers.  An easily bought source of fodder for Qhreekhul’s battles, the promise of riches and a fancy war panoply where enough to bring the Rekkit into the fold.

Zikrit Many-Kill – a Warlord and skilled fighter, Zikrit has a chip on his shoulder the size of Morrslieb and only killing seems to lift his dark mood.

Spear-rats

Spear-rats

Sword-rats

Sword-rats

Clan Krust 

A minor thrall of Clan Moulder for many years but looking to break away.  The leaders of Clan Krust have thrown their support behind Qhreekhul and he can rely on swarms of rats and bands of hulking Rat Ogres to supplement his army.

Verminmaster Vritch – a master of the breeding, training and creation of all manner of vile creatures, Vritch is keen to test his creations on the battlefield; he hopes to prove Krust’s superiority even over Moulder.

Rat Ogres

Rat Ogres

Rat Ogres

Rat Swarm

Rat Swarm

Clan Feekus 

Seeking a chance to elevate themselves in the eyes of their Clan Pestilens masters, Clan Feekus has taken the opportunity to send reinforcements to Qheekhul’s side.  They seek any opportunities to spread their vile creations and view this alliance as another such opportunity – currently they are testing out what they call the Skinpeeler Pox.  

Bubo Pox-Brewer – an enigmatic Plague Priest, Bubo cares little for the politics of the Skaven; he seeks only to spread disease in the name of the Great Horned Rat.

Plague Censers

Plague Censers

Plague Furnace

Clan Klunkk

Long ago Clan Klunkk stole designs from Skryre and fled, seeking to forge their own path – thought lost (or more likely wiped out by the Great Clan Skryre), most give no thought to them.  However in recent times machines and weapon teams have been seen in Qhreekhul’s forces in the colours of Clan Klunkk.

Frikiskikk Warpgnawer – appearing almost as much machine as Skaven, Frikiskikk is a Warlock Engineer and the primary contact point between the returning Clan Klunkk and Qheekhul.

Jezzails

Jezzails

Poison Wind Globadiers

Poison Wind Globadiers

Doomwheel

Warp Lightning Cannon

Clan Sneekstab

Qhreekhul tried to make arrangements with the Great Clan Eshin to obtain some of their agents for his cause.  For now the Eshin have seen fit only to send warriors from their thralls, Clan Sneekstab; it seems they are waiting to see how things play out a little more before committing more valuable resources.

Skritritch Venomblade – although mostly used by their Eshin masters only for the simplest missions, occasionally a member of Clan Sneekstab shows enough aptitude to progress further and become an Assassin.  Skritritch is one such individual, who fights with the fearsome three-sword style.

Gutter Runners

Gutter Runners

Gutter Runners

Wild Blog Post Appeared!

The best laid plans of mice and men and all that.  But, I’m still here, I’m still at least thinking about hobby, so that’s a win right? Between a resurgent depression (managed to not follow through plans though so that's something) and *gestures at world* it's all been a struggle.

But anyway, a few bits by way of update since my last (failed) attempt to get back on the blog horse:

Black Ops
I’ve purchased two small forces for games of Black Ops – from CP Models 15mm range.  I’m going a bit imagi-nations with this, making the bad guys a paramilitary wing of the Freemen-on-the-Land movement and the good guys a special task force trying to take them and their utter nonsense down.  I’m planning quite a bit of fun terrain for this one – although I’m trying to stay the right side of post-apocalyptic looking! (whilst Zona Alfa waves frantically in the distance)

Kobolds & Cobblestones
When looking at my available scenery for The Silver Bayonet I decided to see what else I could conceivably use the same buildings and scatter for.  Well, Kobolds & Cobblestones seemed a good fit – and with Ral Partha Europe’s Demonworld range it was easy enough to put together a couple of gangs’ worth of miscreants.  I opted for the Dwarf Loan Shark and the Orc Warlord characters to lead, pretty much simply because I could get the suitable-looking single minis from RPE!

En Garde!
A further spin-off from the scenery contemplating, this is a very small project pitching Landknechts against an evil warlock of some kind.  The miniatures came from Alternative Armies and are as much an excuse to paint some Landsknechts in a less uniform style than my 10mm Empire force as anything else.

Rampanthammer
I’ve added a third army in the form of a Skaven force.  A mixture of Magister Militum’s Ratmen and 3D printed bits and bobs – got a few more bits being printed to finish this army.  As I will have some 10mm jungle and Aztec scenery I’m toying with adding Lizardmen as an opposing force (although of course the four armies can fight each other for reasons) – if I do that will be from Eureka who have all the good stuff I’d want for the scaly chaps.

Malifaux
I've kept adding bits and bobs to the stack of boxes awaiting their time on the hobby table.  Most recently the Explorer's Society and Outcast starter boxes and a few random single minis for OOK purposes.

Outremer
I've decided to shrink the scale of my previous Outremer stuff - so out with the 28mm and in with the 15mm (waiting on an order).  This will allow me to get double-duty out of most  of the scenery I'll need for The Burning Sands and free up some storage.

As for future plans I think I’m aiming to mostly add finishing touches to existing projects so that I can really start to sink my teeth back into the practical side of the hobby rather than the theoretical and acquisition side!  More scenery across the board is a given – 10mm Rampanthammer scatter/detailing, 15mm Modern paramilitary camp, 15mm The Burning Sands stuff and .  Beyond that there’s a few more Malifaux boxes I want, mostly the Malifaux Burns new title master boxes for my favourites – although I do intend to finish off the Umbra keyword too; and Jedza still catches my eye! 

Anyhoo – the best place to keep up to date with me is probably Twitter (I’m in the friendly hobby bit, honestly, it’s a good vibe!) and I'll be ramping back up on The Wargames Website especially for Rampanthammer as that's the best place for 10mm WFB style stuff, but I fully intend to update this blog, particularly with my ham-fisted attempts at writing background fluff and any interesting WIPs, and anything I actually complete painting! (no laughing at the back!!)

State of the ADHS Nation - December 2021

It has been a while hasn’t it?  Between new puppy, brain gremlins, work and more there just hasn’t been much spare mental capacity for hobby.  There’s been no painting for weeks – and barely any assembly/prep.  Just one of those things, but I’m trying to formulate ways to start making progress once more.

If you follow me on Twitter you may have noticed I had a birthday at the end of October – and it was something of a milestone so I got spoilt!  First up my better half decided to go for a huge stack of Malifaux boxes – which I supplemented through some canny purchases (including some pre-owned bits) using some gifted birthday money.  This is what has joined the collection (some has also been ordered from various store clearouts of old M2 stock on Black Friday so I’m waiting for those):-

Arcanists

Colette Core Box

Waiting in the Wings

Toni Core Box

Troubleshooters

Union Steamfitters (awaited)

Slate Ridge

Bayou

The Brewmaster Core Box (awaited)

Zoraida Core Box

A Light in the Dark

Amphibious Assault

Gautreaux Bokors

See Ya Later

Silurids

Big Brain Brin (awaited)

Listen Up!

When Pigs Fly

Explorer’s Society (and Ten Thunders)

Lucas Core Box (awaited)

Neverborn

Dreamer Core Box

Teddy

Things That Go Bump

Pandora Core Box

Juvenile Delinquents

Outcasts

Hamelin Core Box

Brotherhood of the Rat

Tainted Filth

Leveticus Core Box

Desolation

Marlena Webster

Necropunks

Resurrectionists

Molly Core Box

The Lost

Reva Core Box

Draugr

Mourners

The Returned

Seamus Core Box

Bête Noire

Undertow

From Trials… I got this awesome 10mm scale ruined castle.  It’s going to be perfect for all sorts of settings in 10mm, but will be a great focal point for my Rampanthammer in particular:

It comes in two layers that easily and cleanly fit together – I’m very impressed!

My workplace had also done a collection for my birthday, and as some colleagues know my better half they tapped her up for ideas – and she suggested Pendraken gift vouchers… so now I’ve got the things to replace my ACW tribute project in 10mm (I need the space after all), I’ve finally taken the plunge on the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth vs Ottoman Empire project I’ve had in my mind for ages and I even had enough left over for some Aztecs to do 10mm Tribal plus some 15mm market tables for Burning Sands (and Of Gods and Mortals etc etc).  Not bad at all!

I’ve ordered the rulebook for Gamma Wolves (thanks to Trials… helpfully suggesting mecha as a small side project when I had some cash burning a hole in my pocket over the autumn) – and I’ve got a selection of Reaper CAV mecha minis that I intend to use.  These seem great value – much cheaper than Battletech options so a good way to dip the toe into the mecha wargaming world.

The new hotness in wargaming right now seems to be The Silver Bayonet – well I didn’t want to miss the hype train (as it’s a fun setting hot-or-otherwise!) so I’ve got that rulebook coming too.  I also had enough cash spare to get some test minis from the 18mm AB range (via Eureka UK) – enough for a ragtag bunch of monster hunters and a few opponents to boot. Other enemies etc will be a future purchase for sure once I can get a feel for how AB scales up against MM, RPE, AA etc.

There’ll be more on both Gamma Wolves and The Silver Bayonet once I’ve got them and can digest and sort more concrete plans!

So whilst the ‘doing’ might still be proving tricky, the plotting, planning and acquisition side is certainly continuing! 😊

Daemons of Nurgle

Today I'm sharing the Daemonic options for my Rampanthammer Nurgle force - starting with a unit of Plageubearers.  These are from Magister Militum where they are called Morbi Plague Demons.  They are nice, chunky minis:

I got some free Giant Slugs in an order from Alternative Armies - perfect as Beasts of Nurgle I think:

Finally I got a couple of bases of Nurglings - these were from a 3D printer on Etsy:

I think these will go well with the Great Unclean One I won from The Wargames Website!

Warriors of Chaos

I've added more warriors to the Chaos half of the Rampanthammer project - these came from Magister Militum.

First - a couple of units of Chaos Knights (one shown as they are the same):

The Drummer and Banner Bearer are from the Magister Militum Command Pack - from which I also used a mounted commander who will be a Champion of Nurgle:

He's suitably evil looking I think!

Finally, from the Command Pack I was able to bodge together a unit of elite Chosen:

I'll have to give them a suitably impressive banner too I think!

These, added to a couple of units of Chaos Warriors I've shared previously cover most of the Warriors of Chaos side of the Nurgle force.

Ogres from Ostland

I'd previously shared the last of the human soldiers from the Empire elements of the Rampanthammer project - but the contingent from Ostland has been joined by a unit of that province's Ogre population!

These are from Black Gate Miniatures - their Armoured Ogre Warriors.  I picked my favourite six from the pack to form this unit.  The Ogres are closer to the old school style than the more modern Ogre Kingdoms that a lot of the Black Gate Miniatures range is inspired by, but for this project that's a very good thing. 

Last of the Empire's Humans

I've got the last of the human elements for the Empire part of the 'good guys' side of the Rampanthammer project.

First up, a Mortar:

The Mortar piece itself is from Pendraken's Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth range.  The crew are from their Landsknechte range.

I also have a couple of units of Knights - these are Pendraken Medieval Late European men-at-arms on barded horses:

Finally, to use as an Elector Count and overall leader for the army I got the 'Elf Hero on Griffen' from Alternative Armies for a Griffon mount.  It's designed for 15mm, but it was all I could find that came with saddle etc.  I used a TB Line Eastern European Heavy Cavalry rider from Pendraken, with a headswap and a banner pole (repurposed lance) from Pendraken's Early 16th century English/Scots men-at-arms that I mistakenly ordered (a happy mistake as it turns out!):

As you can see, the Griffon is rather large - but the more I look at it the happier I am with it.  I felt that the Empire half of this project needed some centrepiece to really put the army in the fantasy world rather than just be Landsknechte with a Wizard.  I think this chap fulfils that need quite well! 

A most superbly disgusting prize!

Over on The Wargames Website (go, join and get stuck in!) there was a very generous giveaway of a painted 10mm Great Unclean One - and I was fortunate enough to win! 😁🎉

It arrived today - and I am over the moon!!

Look at this big rancid boi!

The only problem I have now is trying to paint the rest of my army to something approaching this standard!! (A good problem to have, I admit!)

Guns large and small

Artillery has always been an important component of the classic Empire army - luckily Pendraken's Landsknecht range has a couple of options.  I opted for the Organ Gun as a counts as Helblaster Volley Gun - which I'll use as Heavy Missile (Venomous upgrade).

I also received some Magister Militum 'Mounted Burgunzians with Pistols' which rather handily are perfect Empire Pistoliers! These will be Light Riders (Short-Range Missiles):

When I started planning out this project I hadn't factored in getting some Pistoliers - but I'm really pleased I got an opportunity to include some from a fellow 10mm Warhammer bod (now go check out all the good stuff on The Wargames Website - there's a few of us there sharing our projects!).

Flails and Zweihänder

A couple more units for the Empire army today!

First the rather excellent Flagellants from Crom's Anvil - I'll use these as Bellicose Foot (probably with Hatred upgrade):

These are the models that started this whole project - and along with things like the Steam Tank I posted previously are what elevates it from a Landsknecht force into an Empire army.

Of course one of the iconic units in the Empire are the Greatswords - Pendraken's Landsknechte range has this covered (you may have noticed I used the Zweihänder armed models as Sergeants in the spear/halberd units):

I've still got a few more units from Ostermark to share at some point...and eventually some allies too!

Handguns and Crossbows

Bolstering the State Troops I've shared previously are some units to provide a ranged threat.  The miniatures are all from Pendraken's Landsknechte range.

First, a unit of Handgunners (Heavy Missile, Weighty Projectiles):

Then a unit of Crossbowmen (also Heavy Missile, Weighty Projectiles, but look a bit different):

I found some homebrew rules from farfaraway.org that covered detachments in Dragon Rampant.  To that end, I made two detachments of Halberdiers - one for each of the above units - to act as bodyguards:

I'm really enjoying how this project is shaping up! There'll be more here soon!

Characters, Troops and a Tank

I've started prepping the various bits and pieces for the Empire side of the Rampanthammer project.

These will all get a sand dip prior to priming!

First, a Captain mounted on a barded warhorse:

This is the Earl of Surrey from Pendraken's Early 16th C. English/Scots range. I picked him as he had the fanciest helmet.

I also cleaned up and based the Wizard I got - a 3D printed MiniRat Studio mini:

Removing the supports was a bit of a stress - but thankfully I didn't wreck anything in the process!

For the State Troops I turned to the Pendraken Landsknechte range - started with Spearmen (well, these are Pikemen but I'm not going to split hairs!):

I also prepped a unit of Halberdiers:

Finally for now, I cleaned up the Steam Tank (another MiniRat Studio design):

Like with the Wizard, it was a stress removing the supports but I think I did a decent job!

Battle Wizard and Steam Tank

I knew early on in the Rampanthammer project that it would be pretty easy to just Landsknecht it up for the Empire - of course the Flagellants I posted previously help provide a more WHFB feel, but I couldn't help but think I needed to add a bit more of the fantastical to really step up the vibe.

So I started looking around, the short-lived Warmaster could have been an option, but being now long OOP it's hard to come by and pretty expensive when you can find it.  But, what GW takes away, others will provide - and so it is with things for Warmaster it seems!  There's a few 3D Printing services that have some designs available for various WHFB armies in 10mm - sadly the units out there seem to come in strips (such a shame!) but there are a few pieces that are individual... so I ordered a couple to add to my Empire Army! These were sculpted by MiniRat Studio and there's a couple of sellers out there that are offering prints.

First, a WHFB-style battle wizard - this chap is clearly not-Balthazar Gelt on foot *ahem*, but I think he fits the bill - there's not all that many other wizarding options at 10mm it seems, and this is the only WHFB style dude I've found:

I've not removed the supports yet, but you can clearly make out his mask, staff, scenic base and smoke-billowing potion bottle.  I'll probably use him as an Elite Foot with Wizardling in Dragon Rampant.

I remember the days when any large battle in WD featuring the Empire always featured both a War Wagon and a Steam Tank - well I have plans for the War Wagon, but when I spotted a Steam Tank in 10mm I really couldn't resist! 

Again, the supports are still attached, but they look a pretty easy job to clean up.  The Tank features some nice Empire-inspired detailing (shields, scroll etc) which help pump up the WHFB-ness.  In Dragon Rampant I'll use it as Heavy Riders, with the Chariot and Missile upgrades (maybe the Mystical Armour upgrade to represent its thick armour 🤔).

I've got the rest of the army on order - but I do admit I'd quite like a general mounted on a Griffon if I can find one some where that looks decent to really finish it off in style.

From there it's finding suitable stuff for their opponents - which after further deliberation will be Chaos - and I'm aiming to fulfil my boyhood dream of a Nurgle army! 😈

Hairy Religious Fanatics

I spied that Crom's Anvil had made available some rather hairy Religious Fanatics (check them out here) - well that got me to thinking about the old WHFB days.  I'm not about to dig out those rulesets, but there's no harm in a couple of small projects for Dragon Rampant, right? 😏

So I looked around - Pendraken is a fine choice for most troops types for the Empire (Landsknechts), and I saw a supplier of Ogres that will make a fine adversary.  With that in mind, my logic kicked in and I decided the Empire force had to be Ostermark (as it's the first one any Ogres would come to having trudged through the Dark Lands).  Purple and Yellow it'll be then for those not-Landsknechts!

Anyway, project cemented in my mind I placed an order for a twin pack to make up a unit of Bellicose Foot with Hatred!  I'm toying with trying the increased/decreased unit size upgrades from Rebels and Patriots with this project - in which case I'll make this one a Large!

I've taken a quick pic of the three sculpts - they are really nice, the flails will paint up equally well as leather whips or chains:

I'm very impressed and happy with these angry hairy chaps - it's strange sometimes how one little thing can set off a whole new project!

Horde of Buildings 15mm 'Human' Buildings

Another Christmas acquisition - the 15mm Horde of Buildings 'Human' building set.  Now, as longer-term readers of the blog will know, my United Nations of Orcs and Related Peoples are not the typical greenskin - they are the ones living in houses, cottages, towns and cities rather than the ramshackle huts of crude forts that most settings lumber the poor Orcs and Goblins with.  So, whilst Alternative Armies markets them (quite sensibly) as Human Buildings, for me they are perfect for UNORP!

I was lucky enough to receive the full set of five buildings - which are available singly or as a pack with a saving attached.

So, before I run through the different buildings, my first impressions: very clean casts, lots of texture on the thatch, tiles, wood and stones and only very minor air holes that required filling (in fact only one of the buildings had these - and that was right at the ground level and easily filled).  The buildings all have a nice substantial feel to them too.  They all have lots of character and charm - these aren't cookie cutter straight line boxes.

So, first up the Small Hovel - a nice thatched timbered cottage:

And a matching Large Hovel - same kind of vibe, just longer sides!

Moving onto the brick buildings now - first the Small House:

Just look at that roof - the tiles, the characterful shape!

Next - the appropriately named Tall House:

You might be able to make out the small area of white at the bottom - that was where a small number of holes needed just a touch of filler (Vallejo Plastic Putty was my choice).

Finally, the Large House:

It's a little difficult to see, but this building isn't a rectangular shape, but rather a corner.  It's really different and is a substantial piece - providing a nice centrepiece style item to the 15mm scenery collection.

I'll quite possibly pick up another Hovel or two - and I'm thinking about a second Small House to turn into a pub (if I can source a suitably sized sign of some sort!).  That should populate a nice small town to provide an objective to defend  (or attack in the case of Na Coiltte Dorcha or those pesky human barbarian tribes!).

I am very impressed with the quality of all of the buildings and can strongly recommend them to anyone looking for some 15mm fantasy scenery (of course, they could also work for some historical settings depending on if you like a slight fantastical/whimsical feel).