While the Toys Were Out

 Straying from the orc theme, but in the spirit of Halloween, here's my Undead army...

Currently they weigh in around 1750 points. I've got enough zombies to double the size of that unit (or add a second one), more cavalry, three or four carrion, three chariots, and a pair of Skull Chuckers. One of these days...

Right! Back to da orcs!

Somewhere on the Edge of the Oldworld

The most fearsome orc lord of MY corner of the Oldworld and five-time champion of the annual Pointiest Hat award, Grimtoof da Widowmaker has returned to terrify small folk everywhere. Astride his mighty steed, Horace, he has managed to recruit, pummel, and/or blackmail the leaders of no less than five or six tribes of greenskins (tremble at the horde) to follow him out of Black Fire Pass for glory and plunder... well, ok, mostly plunder.

I had the chance to set up a table today and snap a couple of pics of the entire army so far, so I've dispensed with the slow roll of pics...

The giant is an old Tom Meier sculpt from Ral Partha, but it's always been one of my favorites and fits in well with the army. 

Ok, Orctober isn't over yet! Next up I have twenty Orc Arrer Boys on the table - none other than Harboth's Black Mountain Boys! I don't anticipate getting them finished this month, but I plan to field them two units of ten models, and I'm hoping to get at least one painted.

Da Red Hand

My second mob of orc boyz ended up 18 models strong (so far) and I've chosen to give them extra hand weapons (the majority of the models are pimped out with this gear), light armor, and shields (for wading through arrow storms while they march into range).

Again, there are several models mixed in that would fit into the Fanged Maw tribe so I can adjust the numbers between the units if I want to.

It's starting to look like an army, so I think I'll reward myself and paint the general before diving into the next mob!

Da Fanged Maw

The tribe of the Fanged Maw is my first full unit of orc boyz. It was so much fun painting these models. I've given them light armor, shields, and spears.

I knew right away I needed to have shields with grinning faces. Nothing is more iconic in Oldhammer than that!

There are a few models mixed in without obvious tribal affiliation so I can mix and match them with my second unit (coming soon) to vary the size of each. 

I'll have some pics of the completed unit soon, but I want to set up a proper shoot with terrain. In the mean time, I'll have some WiP pics of the second tribe - the Bloody Hand - up later this week!

Orktober!

 Well, this escalated quickly.

My pile of orcs and goblins has grown exponentially in the last few weeks and I’ll be spending this glorious month getting stuck in.

Currently the horde easily musters at over 2000 points...

General (lvl 20 hero) on Warboar
Shaman (lvl 20 wizard)
15 Gruntas (inc lvl 10 hero and standard)
16 Orc Boyz w/Spears (inc lvl 5 hero, standard, and musician)
18 Orc Boyz w/Extra Hand Weapons (inc lvl 5 hero, standard, and musician)
10 Orc Arrer Boyz (inc lvl 10 hero, standard, and musician)
10 Orc Arrer Boyz (inc lvl 5 hero)
20 Gobbos (inc lvl 5 hero, standard, and musician)
30 Stikkas (inc lvl 10 wizard and standard)
4 Goblin Fanatics
12 Scabbies (inc lvl 10 hero)
5 Gobbo Wolfboyz
2 Goblin Battle Chariots
2 Trolls
1 Mercenary Giant

All of these models are in the 1988-91 catalogs, with a handful of exceptions (which are even earlier, like the half-orcs) and the giant which is an old Tom Meier Ral Partha sculpts that fits in beautifully. I have a few more Orc Boyzthan I've listed above. I’ve divided them into two tribes, the Fanged Maw and the Bloody Hand, but there are enough models in neutral colors (and without shields) to mix among either so I can vary the size of each unit.

I want to add more wolf riders and another troll when I find another from the 80's I want to use. There are some Big ‘Uns mixed among the orc units and if I can gather together ten, I’ll reorganize them into their own mob.

More soon!

Pulp the Stunties!

So this is happening...

Ever since getting a copy of Warhammer Armies, I've always wanted to build a force of Orcs & Goblins. I actually DID back in the early 90's but that army was given away sometime around the turn of the century (my pal still has it). I don't actually miss it because the army featured a core of single-pose plastic goblins and some 4th edition stuff I'm planning to avoid (doom divers, I'm looking at you)...

It also featured Ruglud's Armoured Orcs and Harboth's Orc Archers. When I decided to wade back into building an army of greenskins, the first purchase I made from eBay was...

If only I'd paid a tenner... sigh...

I actually got a really good deal and an extra two archers in the bargain to make a full unit of 20 models. Besides these merry lads, I added half a dozen boar riders (one of whom may end up being my general) and a shaman. I already have thirty or so orc boyz that I've collected over the years, but I'm sure I'll end up with Ruglud's at some point as well.

For the moment, my army will be like calling up the fyrd... you're never sure who is going to show up. I'm not going to bother with minimum unit sizes (gobbos are scarce online at the moment and the prices are stupid for the little buggers). Instead, I'm going to paint what I have and add models as the opportunity presents itself. Three or four units, a couple of characters, a war machine (these are plentiful on eBay), and maybe a troll or two should be plenty to get in a game!

And yes, I haven't abandoned my Lichemaster project. In fact, I have a couple of posts on the way, but my house is in a bit of disarray at the moment and I haven't been able to set up to take proper photos - maybe over the coming three-day weekend!

The Heroes of Fruglehofen

Yes, I know I said I was starting with Gimbrin's Mine... again. Due to vagaries of the warp or machinations of some evil power I am still waiting for some of the dwarves I need for the defenders. Forging boldly ahead, I've finished the named characters of Fruglehofen (also still on the lookout for a pair of Bogels who should be en route).

Albi 'Mad-Twister' Schutz owns the village trading post and is a retired champion wrestler. He is a popular figure in Fruglehofen and the citizens will look to him to lead them in time of crisis. I've painted him pretty much like the cardboard counter that comes with the game.

Grimwald Calico is a Brettonian anarchist lying low in Fruglehofen after a failed assassination attempt on the mayor of Quenelles. The text says he is armored in chain and equipped with a shield, but I'm going to stat him in leather. He has a bomb which should prove entertaining, especially as I'm going to work out some way it could backfire in skaven-like fashion. I haven't even seen an official model for Grimwald on eBay in a year (though I admit to not policing the auctions on a regular basis), so I resorted to an old Ral Partha casting from the same era. Many of their models from the period would be too slight of build to fit in with Citadel, but I think the pre-slotta base and heavy cloak help him look right at home.

(EDIT: Thanks to Orclord at Stuff of Legends, I have a proper Grimwald on the way!)

Antonio Epstein is half-Italian and half-Reiklander and was on his way to an exotic party in the southern lands until he spied the lovely Riolta Snow. He will be an unwilling defender of the village, but will try to impress the Elven archer with his derring do! I took the opportunity of the plain doublet to add some stripes to show his is a fancy lad!

Riolta Snow is a High Elven archeress and wealthy dilettante on holiday touring the Old World. To her misfortune, she is in Fruglehofen when the Lichemaster attacks, but she will be a valuable in defense of the village. A fellow traveler, whose name she can never quite remember, seems intent on following her around...

Gim Grundel is a halfling and runaway from the lands of the Empire to the north. I've already showcased him on the blog, but wanted to include him to soothe my OCD.

I've slowly been amassing a collection of fighters, mercenaries, and townsfolk to use as the defenders of Fruglehofen. These models are a mix of original 80's lead and modern Wargames Foundry castings. The original scenario calls for 20 with hand weapons and 20 with bows, but I may reduce the archer contingent a bit. There are no missile weapons in the Lichemaster's army beyond any spells the big guy can throw. I actually haven't decided on what rules I'm going to use, so that will have some bearing on what I need to do to try and balance the game.

I'm having a lot of fun with this project! I'm preparing to build a custom board for Gimbrin's Mine and I'll chronicle the method behind the madness in an upcoming post.

Mikael Jacsen, Ranlac the Black, and Gim Grendel

Yes, I know I said I was starting with Gimbrin's Mine, but these models were calling to me. I think I'm going to use an armored skeleton model I already own for Ranlac the Black, so all I need are a few dwarves (I'm in the process of gathering the models for them as I wanted adventurer types rather than rank and file soldiers).

I picked a 3rd or 4th edition Vampire Counts shield for this hero because Gary Chalk's illo shows a corner of Jacsen's shield with some manner of clawed wing. I didn't like the purple and the red I chose is featured on many of  the undead models in my army.

I think I'm going to use this guy as Ranlac the Black...

It is obviously different from the official model, but I've probably sunk enough money into this collection for now. I have an unpainted Krell model, but I'm not sure I like it in comparison with some of the other models I have with double handed weapons. He may end up with an axe or scythe in my games.

Switching gears to the first of my defenders of Fruglehofen, here is Gim Grendel!

This is one of my favorite models from the early range and I bought him several years ago. The tiny sword blade was broken when the model arrived in the mail. I ended up cutting away the whole right hand and replaced it with a plastic hand and sword from a plastic Empire soldier, cut and filed down to an appropriate length. I still want to do something with the shield, but haven't decided on heraldry or maybe some sort of  hand-daubed graffiti which might be more appropriate for the tiny village.

As long as I'm at the keyboard, I also added a model to my larger undead army, Darius Crowe...

He joins the Lichemaster and Dread Dalgath to provide magical support for the army, ensuring plenty of chances to cast Dance Macabre!

More as I get them painted...

Chaos Hounds

This has ZERO relationship to my last post, but I've had these models finished for a while. I have enough hounds to make a second pack, but no more handlers... I'll have to add that to my list of models to acquire!

Terror of the Lichemaster

When I got back into collecting classic Citadel miniatures, one of the first things I did was start gathering undead models to replace one of the first armies I'd ever built. To launch things right, I went and spent way too much on one of THE classic models to lead them.. Henrich Kemmler!

eBay being what it is, this was probably a recast, but when I was just getting back in I didn't even know that was a thing. Maybe I got ripped off, though honestly I don't care as I have the freaking Lichemaster painted and standing front and center among my undead collection.

So fast forward to today. It's been a while since I visited the Old World, but I still try to keep up with the blogs in the community. Rochie's current project over on Buried Under Lead inspired me to dig through all of the Oldhammer stuff I have hidden away with an eye toward starting a new project.

In case it wasn't obvious, I have always been a fan of the Terror of the Lichemaster. I've owned the original campaign boxed set for years. The simple campaign (and the follow up Vengeance of the Lichemaster in the Citadel Journal Spring 1986) is a fun set of games with a large variety of models - dwarves, skeletons, townsfolk, etc. Looking through my models, I already have much of what I would need to play a version of these.

Besides the dreaded Lichemaster, I have Mikael Jacsen (another stupidly expensive purchase). Although I can easily find the other undead champions on eBay, I'm not really a fan of the models. I already have a pile of badass undead characters and they can be called into action in their place. I already have plenty of skeletons and zombies too, though I may need to paint a few more for summoning.

On the other side, I can press Bugman's Rangers into service for the dwarves of Gimbrin's Mine. I also have a pile of Wargames Foundry Medievals to field as the villagers and I'll mix in some Citadel Fighters and Villagers for variety. I actually have a few of the 'named' defenders of Bogel's Farm and Frugelhofen including Albi Schutz, Antonio Epstein, Riolta Snow, Gim Grundlel and Samgaff. Many more are available and can be found cheaper when listed as "C46 Villagers and Townsfolk" rather than under any search for "Lichemaster" (Thanks to Matt for listing this information on his Lichemaster project on Oldhammer in Toronto as I was unaware most of these models were generic). Some of these, don't match their description. For instance, the Bogel menfolk are all armed with crossbows, but the models depict them in their farming finery. Again, these were obviously pulled from the generic ranks of townfolk, but I will end up substituting models to fit into my little corner of the Old World.

Along with collecting and painting the models, I'm going to build custom boards for the battlefields. Gimbrin's Mine and Bogel's Farm will be quite small, maybe no more than 2x4' given the number of models needed for those games. I'll be looking at keeping them modular, so there may again be differences to fit my needs. For Frugelhoffen, I doubt I'll try to represent every building as I only think it necessary to outline the path of the roads, but there needs to be at least enough room to cram in 50+ models for the defense.

This will be a long term project, but I intend to work on the campaign in stages. Gimbrin's Mine will be first which means I only have to paint about half a dozen models, but I will need to construct the cliff so that might take a while!

Waaagh Rogue Trader!

Something I did manage in 2019 was to add a pile of new painted models to my Rogue Trader era collection...

These models are original, purchased in brick and mortar stores decades ago. They've been biding their time in various boxes and cupboards, moved from home to home, waiting to release the Waaagh!

I think I'm going to add a base to the buggy. Even though that's not how it was done back in the day, it makes sense to protect the model and make it blend in with the rest of the collection.

I still have another 20-30 Orks, another buggy, and an Ork Dreadnought tucked away. I'd like to get another Dreadnought to be able to build the second variant. Hopefully I can get around to adding them to the painted pile this year.

So far, I've been avoiding anything after the Book of the Astronomicon (1988). Apart from an Oldhammer Orc Shaman (Ork Psyker) and the prospect of converting some 'captured' Bullock Jet-Cycles, Landspeeders, or Vincent Blackshadow Bikes, there aren't a lot of options. It might be time to hunt for one of the old Battlewagon kits for a centerpiece and venture into the 1990-91 era of plastic arms for things like Madboyz and Stormboyz... hmm... I think have some of those original metal Ork jump packs around here somewhere. I still feel like the three Ork books fit into the Rogue Trader era, but the aesthetic of the models changed. There's a lot of variety in the originals so it will probably be fine, but I'll have to actually paint up a few to see (yes, I have a pile of those too).

Stay tuned...

Happy 2020

I'm not doing a retrospective for last year - my post count was dismal even though I managed to paint quite a bit. I just haven't been taking photos. I mean to set up a game table in the near future and just throw my entire Rogue Trader collection on the table in a massive scrum.

In the meantime, I've had this model on my desk for a while now - the BOYL 2018 Null Steersman, sculpted by John Pickford. No, sadly, I wasn't able to attend, but I know people.. IMPORTANT people. Ahem.. anyway, something moved me to make the model the first addition to my collection for the new year.

For those who don't know, this model was inspired from sketches developed for Space Fleet by Jes Goodwin. Will Beck was commissioned to create a new concept sketch for the model based on those.

When I first got my hands on the model, I sat down and made my own drawing to work out the color scheme, based on Will's original art.

I just new hazard stripes had to come into somewhere! In my Rogue Trader universe, this lad will join the crew of the Rogue Trader, Marco Steelknife. If he's good, he might be able to get in on the away team aboard Natasha's Luck..

I hope to post a little more often in 2020, but I maintain three other blogs and my mood isn't always the determining factor in deciding which one gets the most attention!