Christmas in July - Polar Bear from Christmas Familiars (Reaper 01553)

 Another one of the Christmas Familiars, these are great figures to use the snow effects I have, but might explain why I just didn't go all in for Frostgrave.  

Christmas in July - Christmas Seal from Christmas Familiars (Reaper 01553)

Just how many times can I put Christmas in a blog post?  

Not in time for Christmas (There I go again), but this little seal is just one figure out of the pile of Reaper holiday packs my buddy Scott gave me back at Mepacon Fall 2024.   Out of the lead/plastic/resin pile, I'd like to see all them finished up eventually.  

(Painting) Balazar, Iconic Summoner Gnome Sorcerer by Reaper Bones

Another Reaper coming off the painting bench, although it's not holdiay... but it is a gnome.

Balazar, Iconic Summoner Gnome Sorcerer is a figure I painted up while at Mepacon last month. With a large and medium brush, I was satisfied with the subtle detail (and to be honest, it's barely acceptable for a figure I don't think I'll use).  

Balazar, Iconic Summoner Gnome Sorcerer

Having finally seen the original Reaper Pathfinder Metal figure, I continue with the degradation of the molds that transferred over to Reaper Bones.  Details, such as a dagger, are marred, and things are so smoothed over along the face that I thought a feature was a tiny brim to Balazar's headpiece, when in the metal version they are very distinct and giant eyebrows.

Just to prove the point, I wasn't able to determine what exactly the head of the gnome's staff was.   On the metal figure, it's easily two pieces of metal curving away.  There's so much odd flash  and trim on the figure, that I originally interpreted it as a gnome-equivalent of a 10-foot pole with a cartoon gloved hand pointing.  

(Kickstarter) Rat Storm Rising by Curtis Fell

 Back a lifetime ago, when Sigmar was barely a whisper said by players who knew way too much lore, I wanted to build a certain rat army.  And to be honest, those mid-90's boxed sets were just the pinnacle of eye candy to draw people into the hobby.  Alas, as I researched things, I became more and more despondent, because to build an decent army beyond all the (literal) bells and whistles, I needed decent troop levies that weren't from the $10 plastic boxes.   And "Stormrats" and "Rat Slaves" in pewter purchased two to a pack were prohibitively expensive.  

Thankfully I got some actual play with some figures during the Mordheim years, but they hold a special place in my heart.   

So you can understand the warmth in my heart as I see the Kickstarter for  Rat Storm Rising by Curtis Fell.  Thirteen classically styled rats in 28mm cast in resin, that can be swapped out as you need them. 

I supported two of Curtis' Space Dwarf Kickstarters, and although they're still sitting in the "lead pile" they're exactly what I wanted and at the right price.  

(Painting) Ankheg by Reaper Bones

 As I'm delving into Tomb of the Serpent, I'm pregaming all of the potential figures I'll need.  I'm not using the exact figures in many situations, so I'm making due with what I have.  

And in the recent office reorganization, this Reaper Bones Ankheg fell out of a bin and demanded an appearance in the campaign. 

RPR 77230

One thing that I did manage to confirm with this figure:  The $4 sealant from Hobby Lobby is great on a sunny 60-degree day with no wind or humidity.  I'm not sure if my warm well-ventilated area was wrong, or I just need to spray away from everything for five seconds before using, because I sprayed away for three and the first spot I started with got the crackle.  

In my office clean-up, this lone Micro-Machine Jawa fell out of a box, but it has rejoined its brothers with a hearty, Outinnniiiii!

(Kickstarter) Wizard Apprentices Volume II - Graduates by Midlam Miniatures

 Midlam Miniatures has another Kickstarter for some fun miniatures... Wizard Apprentices Volume II - Graduates.

(Kickstarter) Gnarlwraith by Krakon Games

Just when I was giving up hope on Kickstarter, Krakon returns with bunch of fun guys.  

Gnarlwraith is another expansion of their Caverns of Kel line, dominated by their varied range of Mykelings. 

(Painting) D&D Myconid Adults by WizKids

After my recent rant of over a decade of Reaper Bones, I've surprised myself with the few D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures I've acquired.  The pre-primed minis are ridiculously adhesive to paint.  The Myconid Adults were a quick base, wash, drybrush, flock, seal. 

WizKids 73405

There's been many waves of Nolzur's figures over the years, and beyond a small and expected price hike to the earlier blisters still in production, I have notice some scale shrinkage, particularly with the the 50th Anniversary-branded products.  I daresay those figures are as close to true 25mm in fantasy that we've seen in the past 25 years. 

Next:  Gamorreans and Gnomes, as we get closer to Historicon, Perhaps some extra terrain for the City of Carf

Project 350: It's a glacial pace down to 468 (292/176) from 469 (294/175).  So long as I keep my Gamma world Actual Plays up to date, I'm simply going to target one idea/session in drafts each week, and take the steps to execute it. 

(Painting) D&D Carrion Crawler by Wizkids

 Impulse buy and impulse paint, a dangerous combination. 

A weekly visit to my mother to check in on her and to cut the grass.  My reward? A trip to Cloud City Games and a surprise purchase of a Carrion Crawler, from the Wizkid's D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures.

Wizkids 73535

The carrion crawler is one of those iconic D&D monsters, and I'm surprised I've never owned one. 

The paint scheme is inspired by two things:  (1) Mister Mind, evil worm and mortal enemy of Captain Marvel (Shazam!)  and (2) a desire to actually try the lone jar of green Citadel contrast paint.  

My Mandela Effected mind forgot about the red spots the diabolical worm, and while I don't like the actual look of the paint, it is quite effective, with good coverage.  The mini itself didn't have any mold lines or spots to trim. I am a  bit disappointed that the figure was $5.99 at my FLGS, and it's only $4.49 on the website.  

My most memorable scene with a carrion crawler was in the Red Box Dungeon Masters Rulebook, in the included adventure for Gygar's Castle.   The kobolds in the courtyard could mess up the party pretty fierce, but the carrion crawler could wipe them out before they even got over the wall...

Recreating the classic first in encounter in the Mentzer Red Box (DM Rulebook)

Next:  More Episcopalian Gnomes, sci-fi terrain, and even more miscellany. 

Project 350:  Maintaining at 469  (294/175), from last week's  469 (293 drafts /176 scheduled posts). 

(Painting) Bob the Beholden

 It's two months till Historicon, I've got a few projects to augment the boards for the games Maja and I are running (Historicon events are up on Tabletop now.  I'll post about the numerous cool events next Monday).    However, a few random figures escaped the lead pile and showed up on the painting bench.  

I did feel obligated to paint one or two. 

Beyond my gross cultural appropriation of their space brethren, I really don't have many classic dwarves painted up in my collection.  Although I can find no information on "Bob" here, I have the feeling that he's an overpriced boutique mini company's figure that I picked up at a flea market for a buck. 

The pig is even more disturbing with just shading.

Next:  A couple more fantasy things before returning to Gnome Wars and Sci-Fi.

(Kickstarter) OSM Presents - Dwarfs - The Thunderbeard Custodians

 I've always loved the figures I've gotten from Old School Miniatures, so I would be remiss if I didn't mention their most recent Kickstarter - Dwarfs - The Thunderbeard Custodians.

From the Kickstarter:

Nestled deep within the stone-clad belly of Karak Drogan lies one of the oldest breweries in the Karaz Ankor—and the most heavily armed. That’s no metaphor: the barrels are booby-trapped, the mash paddles are rune-inscribed bludgeons, and the head brewer answers to the title Brewmaster Thengrim, wielder of a bottomless tankard and an even deeper grudge.

These aren’t your average ale-crafters. No, sir, these are the Thunderbeard Custodians, guardians of Grudgebearer’s Anvil, the sacred forge-temple where the ancestors supposedly hammered the very first runes into being (though some say they were just trying to fix a broken bottle opener).

Each Custodian is part monk, part warrior, and part dangerously unsupervised bartender. Their warhammers are forged from the same alloy as the Anvil itself and etched with ancient oaths that’d make a Slayer blush. When they march to battle—mugs in hand and beards frothing—they strike with the fury of stone, steam, and stout.

Even if you miss the early bird pledge, $60 for 16 metal figures is a bargain nowadays, although the thought of UK shipping and this current environment could mean anything.  

(Painting) Joseph Nash McDowell and His Cinnamon Bear

There's a reason Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff (KARTAS) remains my favorite podcast.  Sure, after 600+ episodes, it’s formulaic, and sometimes predictable,  but every segment produces some little kernel of information... or inspiration.  More than six months ago, in episode 620, "Where All My Bones Gone?"  the last segment is a whiz-bang overview of  anti-Catholic, grave-robbing, presidential cosplaying, musket collecting, and medical doctor, Joseph Nash McDowell.  It was agreed that McDowell would make a great 19th-Century villain, but I have grander ideals. 

I'm custom building an army for Gnome Wars, based on some of his shenanigans. 

An order from Brigade games was finally placed, and of course, I pushed off my massive lead pile to work on the new toys that showed up.  

Let's start off with the command group for the Kemper Episcopalian Medical Militia. 

Dr McDowell, "Cinnamon", and Jed Sawbuck

It makes sense that McDowell liked to dress up like Andrew Jackson, because, in reality, he looked like Jackson's and John C Calhoun's love child.  With the available Gnome Wars figures, the Southern Doctor is not close to him in real life, but by far the best fit, with a little flourish.  The Southern Doctor is currently on the list of figures to be remastered at Brigade Games, and I hope remain one of the few individual figures available for sale (unlike the army units).  Treat him as both a Doctor and an Officer for game play.  Melee is d6.

Cinnamon is an Upright Bear or Grizzly Bear Rearing from North Star through North Star (Brigade here in the US). Using the regular bear rules from the rulebook.

Good 'ol Jed, completely fictional, is a medical student of Dr McDowell's.  As a medic, he saves the figure on a 5+ on 1d8, but if he’s successful, the figure is -1 movement for the remainder of the game.  The effects are cumulative.  He's the Northern Gnome Doctor, and is in the same casting purgatory as his rival southern brethren.

The rest of the militia is sitting on my painting bench, in various states of progress.  I do need... a flag, and I may borrow the Kemper Military School of Missouri (no relations, but partial inspiration for the concept). 

Next:  Gnomes, Cultists,  Ducks .... and Mushroom Dudes

Project 350: Holding pretty steady at 473 (297 drafts/176 scheduled posts), up from 472 (295/177).  A couple side projects, some work on International Gnome Week, and most importantly, no one around to play some games!

(Painting) Ghost by Reaper Bones

 Perhaps it is the newness of opening up the blisters, but while my larger projects are moving at a grind, two out of the three blisters I randomly opened up last week on a whim?  They are finished. 

Today is just a Ghost from the original Reaper Bones line.

RPR 77007 - Ghost

I know exactly why I grabbed this one: a simple and quick paintjob a la my Irish Ghost Brigade for Gnome Wars.  

Easy-peasy, even if I should have double checked the flocking material for my graveyard pieces. 

Next: Star Wars, Gnomes, and Ducks!

Even the Price of Sheep Are Going Up.

 I'll be honest, I haven't purchased from Old Glory since my Samoa Project, and that was 11 years ago.

But before Brigade and now Badger have a huge footprint at the HMGS shows, Old Glory was the anchor vendor at the shows, although I was caught up in needing to order items ahead of time, because my preferences weren't part of the regular travelling inventory.  

I've missed most of their online news since COVID, but this week they launch some new  25/28mm figures for their Farm Range.

FAR-05 Sheep

Even though they are nice sheep, I'm still amazed I don't freak out over the $15.00 for four sheep.  

Even the lead mutton has gone up in price!  

(Kickstarter) Butter Town Bugbears by Hayland Terrain

 Hayland Terrain has launched a Kickstarter for Butter Town Bugbears, a set of 8 metal 28mm bugbears.

Previous sets can be purchased as add-ons.    Shipping from the UK, so I'm a little grumpy about that. 

(Painting) Christmas Dragon - 01581 - by Reaper

 My friend Scott gifted me a bunch of Reaper holiday minis when we met up at Mepacon, There's a host of other painting projects I'm working on, but there's not better time to paint Christmas minis, than, well...Christmastime! 

The one for today is 01581, The Christmas Dragon.  

I know we can make this like a draconic elf almost, but fiddling around with an ice theme makes me ponder whether or not to dig out my Reaper Frost Giants.  

No Queue Update or Project 350 unless I'm posting on a Friday.

(Kickstarter) Hail To The King! 28mm Dwarven King on Throne

I can't remember the last time I painted up a fantasy dwarf, but Macrocosm Miniatures makes great figures and have great turnaround time for delivery, so it's a no brainer to at least promote their Hail to the King! Kickstarter. 

The figures from their Dwarf Slayers line are also available as add-ons for £7 per dwarf.   

If you dig the Dwarf Guard to the throne, additional figures are also available for £7 per dwarf.

(Painting) Lowly Paladin, Demarius Hobb'yu

A quick welcome to the newest fantasy figure who will never see the tabletop, Demarius Hobb'yu.

Demarius was my hour of painting and contemplation I spent with my daughter Maja at Hobby U while we were at Historicon.  A dot of leather on a belt, a base, and some ballast is all I added at home.  Hopefully Maja will be over this weekend to finish up the two that she painted. 

Not sure if he's old Partha (Iron Wind) or a different manufacturer, but he's a solid figure for us guys who like vintage figs in 25mm

The Grenadiers of Lore welcome their new friend.  Even a minor healer is welcome, with all the monsters that share their miniatures case.

Next in the Queue:  There's a lot a random stuff after my Gnome Wars painting rush, and the subsequent packing for the con.  If anything pops up on Fridays during #RPGaDay2024 in August, it's going to be outside the norm. 

Project 350:  Is currently on hiatus at 506 (327/179).  I'm about halfway through the #RPGaDay2024 prompts and behind three episodes of Gamma World.  By the end of August, it looks like we'll be under those numbers.  The full size gaming table is still set up in my living room, piled with the figures and terrain from the Historicon Gnome Wars games, and I'd love to get a game or two in before everything is put away properly.

(Painting) Skeletal Spearmen (3) by Reaper Bones

 **BIG DISCLAIMER** I love Reaper Miniatures.  I've supported them since the first FLGS I worked at stocked their whole Dungeon Dweller line (with the rare Mouslings) in baggies and red cardboard.  My last FLGS that I had the privilege of running, I stocked the entire line of Dark Heaven.  I've supported the Bones Kickstarters since 2 and they've been my go-to brand for impulse buying.

That said my,  FLGS moved to a big bold spot in the local mall (which is generating impressive foot traffic and impulse sales).  In a move to fill wall space (and diversify from the official D&D minis which tend to linger,) they stocked the entire Reaper Bones line.  The sight of individual blisters warmed my heart and brought back nostalgia from the Dark Heaven metal figure days. 

I've attempted to support the FLGS with purchases, tournaments, and activities, but that's been waning as of late.  I decided the easiest project, even if I'm not playing D&D anytime soon was to purchase from the Bones line, going up with each blister numerical by stock number. 

Back in the day, the metal figures' stock number started with 2001, today the Bones stock number starts with 77001, Skeletal Spearmen (3)

My biggest "back in my day/get off my lawn/yells at cloud" moment was the sticker shock.  Metal Reaper skeletons were $1.50 each.  They were the cheapest figures in the collections and folks would buy an entire sleeve of the bad boys.  

25 YEARS AGO.

Nowadays, those original sculpts in metal are now $5.99 MINIMUM.   So I shouldn't be too surprised that the previously dirt cheap Bones are now $6.99 for three plastic skeletons.  In world where I remember phone calls were a quarter and anybody would gladly shave your back for a nickel, I need to remember that two-plus decades of inflation would impact things significantly.  

Now, I like the Bones material, but it is fare too malleable for imbalanced large objects and for thin casts.  All three of the spearmen had significantly warped spears.  I know the whole water trick to straighten them out, but over time Bones material will warp back.  

The other issue I had with Bones is the detail.  Even a cursory wash prior to applying black primer by hand (too many chipped Bones in my collection not to hand prime and eliminate the issue) show some very superficial detail that didn't fill in like previous metal Reapers.  

Still, they're low-level skeletons, so I can forgive that, but the flash marks are slightly better than some hard plastic Halloween figures I got from Dollar General for $2.00.  Sure, the flash is far worse from the Dollar General ones, but at a Quarter a figure, I can deal with that.  

I went a simple rush job like I did on the damaged Skeleton Swordsman I painted up in 1999: Black hand primed, bone base, white drybrush, and a "dirty black" wash, with only minor touch up.  Perhaps I can highlight again with bone, but I'll also need to hand-line a lot of the depth that the wash just didn't catch.  They might see some bleaching if I decided to use them in the Pulp Egypt game repeatedly, but I'm satisfied with this speed painting round.  

The three Bones Spearmen (center) compared to a Ral Partha (L) and Reaper Dark Heaven Swordsmen (R)

My poor review of the pack if probably 75% me.  I've been dwelling in the range of "boutique" Historical metals, where "Veteran with Pick and Pistol" is quite expensive in metal for $5.00.  Prices are what they are as even the Ral Partha skeletons are $5.50 a piece in metal, so anything cheaper in plastic is a bargain.  

I will point out the the original three Dark Heaven skeletons (sword, halberd, and bow) that are $6.99 apiece, are available in the Dark Heaven Legends Classics line for $8.99 for all three.   Unit packs of five of a particular pose are also available for $15.99.  

Next Up on "One Pack at a Time" - 77002 - Orc Archers

Next Up on the General Painting Queue - Some special Halloween figures for the Halloween game, perhaps some recent or random fantasy minis, and continuing to complete the last large project to complete the Lake's Jetty scenario to start Season Four of my Pulp game.  

Project:350 - The blog backlog is holding steady at 477 (319 draft ideas/158 scheduled posts) from 478 (320/158) last week.  Might be able to slide in some gaming this weekend, thanks to a local basketball tournament for once, and only two RPGs write-ups in the "to-do" bin. 

(Kickstarter) The City Guard of Midlam - Volume Two, by Midlam Miniatures

I almost missed another flash Kickstarter from Midlam Miniatures, this time The City Guard of Midlam - Volume Two.

The City Guard - Volume One, Captain Grimjaw's Unit, will also be available through the Kickstarter.