The Conclave

I hope the esteemed conclave will humor my multiple threads. I've been trying to plan specific projects and see them all the way through (the Terrain log, for example) or at least see them through to a reasonable point of completion. This format has been encouraging.

With that said, consider this the start of what will be a long  and (hopefully) productive tale of NPC creation. And so it begins with a hazy and ambiguous picture hinting at things to come...

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/photo_zps83b5e8b3.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/photo_zps83b5e8b3.jpg.html)

Nice. Don't think I've seen the box set at the top of the picture before. Looks the guy at the bottom right could be a Ratskin Renegade with little trouble. The gun puts me in mind of Brakar the Avenger. Looking forward to what you produce.

Ruaridh

Early in the conversion process, here are six WIPs:

PDF Troops:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1427_zpsd225d849.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1427_zpsd225d849.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1428_zps710c807d.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1428_zps710c807d.jpg.html)

Ratskins:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1429_zps63aacd9c.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1429_zps63aacd9c.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1430_zpscb7b2557.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1430_zpscb7b2557.jpg.html)

Really dig the bow conversion. Looking forward to seeing more.

Ruaridh

Finishing up the Ratskins (both in need of some GSing):

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1433_zpsdc06fd74.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1433_zpsdc06fd74.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1434_zps5c200008.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1434_zps5c200008.jpg.html)

I'm planning on having them be a combination of raiders/traders who prize technology and abhuman specimens (they eat the abhumans to try and gain their powers, thus the giant rat head). Anyway, pretty happy with them. The "leader" is carrying a broken power sword which is only semi-functional. I like the idea of it only occasionally working, which will ad suspense to battles.

Here are the first couple Skitari/praetorians/whatever:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1431_zpsb739c870.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1431_zpsb739c870.jpg.html)

The skull one needs significant GS work.

On a separate note, all the PDF troops are attached to bases and I'm 95% sure I'm happy with them (well, happy enough. I'm trying to be less OCD about my models so I can actually get some of them finished).  Anyway, that's it for today!

I'm digging these Tehnlog models - hadn't ever seen the set before - need to try and track it down when possible.

nice creative work, the bullgryn mortar-arm is a good choice.

Quote from: aeprod on November 09, 2014, 12:05:09 AM
I'm digging these Tehnlog models - hadn't ever seen the set before - need to try and track it down when possible.

If you can find it, get it. The whole package was about $20, a steal for 15 models plus 3 different wheeled mortar units (still scheming on what to use those for). I couldn't me happier with the techno-native americans either, they turned out to be my favorite (and the most characterful) of the bunch.

Anyway, group shot of the Ratskins!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/photo1_zps6d58ebf5.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/photo1_zps6d58ebf5.jpg.html)

My goal with the NPC groups is to have two "Characters" (that is, two NPCs who are recurring characters) and three generics that'll come and go, with their deaths being inconsequential to the story. Try and guess who is who! (though I'm growing fonder and fonder of various models in the group, and I'm about to spoil half the game anyway).

Moving on, here's a shot of my Ratskin Leader and PDF Leader. Really happy with both of them. They each have a fairly substantial conversion that clearly marks them out of greatness (plus a really obviously nasty CCW for each of them).

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/photo2_zpsa84a4257.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/photo2_zpsa84a4257.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/photo3_zps8def38ed.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/photo3_zps8def38ed.jpg.html)

i wanted some ratskins; yours look great!
where's the giant rat head from?

Those ratskins are ACE!!! Very well done and a good use of the russian plastics!

Thanks for the positive Ratskin feedback! The Russian minis are pretty great to work with as far as NPC pieces go. The plastic is pretty easy to work with and the lack of detail leaves a decent amount of space to add in random bits and bobs to make the models more interesting and more 40K relevant. Also, it's easy to obscure cut marks and blend things together.

Quote from: greenstuff_gav on November 11, 2014, 09:29:57 PM
where's the giant rat head from?

Rat Ogre. I took one of the heads from the kit that comes in two pieces, split vertically down the middle. I went at it with a dremmel to get hollow out the inside and once I was happy with how it fit I glued it on. And there was the bonus of the metal orc-jaw fitting perfectly in there (that was completely unplanned, a real happy coincidence.

Also, looking for some feedback. The zombie-cyborgs were originally the pieces I was most excited about but now that they're here I feel like I don't know what to do with them. Anything beyond a simple weapons swap is going to be a pain (and even then, a couple piece with weapons I like the least are holding them up against their body, so even a basic weapon swap is impossible without destroying and reconstructing huge parts of the model). 

Anyway, it feels like a cop out to just do them as-is with only a couple weapon swaps, but putting hours upon hours in modifying them just so they can be decoration in scenarios every now and again seems a little silly. What does the conclave think, should I break out the dremmel, buckle down and see what happens, or just glue them to bases and move on to more exciting fare?

which ones are the cyborg zombies?
without looking, could chop cyborg bits down and go for zombie-plague-infected hive workers?

I assume you mean the skitarii types with the skull face conversion when you say zombie-cyborgs?

It will be a lot of work to remove the weapons held across the torso (I have faced the same dilemma with other models from this range). I would be tempted to paint these guys up as is, and have them represent xenos mercs. The armour doesn't have the right shape for Imperial guys in my opinion, and sinking a lot of time into them to change things is kind of against the point of buying cheap models as grunts.

Ruaridh

Ah, I haven't been very specific and realize now that I hadn't posted close up pics (and for that matter this pic isn't great either). I'm referring to the blue figs in the middle here, who have been pretty popular as far as the Russian minis go:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1398_zpsc47290d4.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1398_zpsc47290d4.jpg.html)

i would break out the dremel, i took the guns off my insurgents quite tidily and it wasnt too hard to not destroy the model, i havent got round to putting new weapons in yet but i was careful and dont see it being a problem.
i want me some of those techno cyborg blokes, had forgotten about them.
my fluff for them has them as veteran soldiers that have been used and experimented on by an inquisitor continuously for years in order to test out various glands and implants, trying to create a "new man" that is immune to disease and hardier than your average joe. the inquisitor has now perfected his new man program and so he has discarded these proto types, abandoned and left to die on a random planet they have survived, gotten aboard a ship and are now looking for the inquisitor in order to have a pleasant chat about which limb he wants pulling off first
simple additions of wires/tubes coming out of the skin, possibly a few frankensteins monster type stitches to look like skin and limb grafts with different colours to show the different donors type thing along with some cranial scarring should give me the look i am after.
anyway.... thats what i plan to do with them

I did a couple of rather basic conversions with the ugly guns held across the body on my cyborgs. Broke out the ProCreate and a couple of bits to convert the bulbous machine-pistol into a flamer and the ugly rifle into a lasgun wrapped in cloth:


Ruaridh

Quote from: Van Helser on November 22, 2014, 05:03:33 PM
I did a couple of rather basic conversions with the ugly guns held across the body on my cyborgs. Broke out the ProCreate and a couple of bits to convert the bulbous machine-pistol into a flamer and the ugly rifle into a lasgun wrapped in cloth:

I know I've seen those before but thanks for reposting. Good inspiration.

In the meantime, I've finished the 3 Mechanicus folks. The Skitari Warriors are on either side, the one in the middle I've dubbed a Skitari Assassin (he may be an actual NPC Character). I'm debating adding some blades to his fist, though I kind of like him as is. The two other alien warriors I'm going to be chopping up for bits.

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1455_zps065bb318.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1455_zps065bb318.jpg.html)

Close up on the skull fellow, as I'm relatively happy with how his face turned out (although looking at it up close now I may want to go clean it up a bit more, though I may just go with dark colors in the rougher areas and let shadow obscure those parts):

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1457_zpsd8ac2d50.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1457_zpsd8ac2d50.jpg.html)

Double posting, but there's a picture involved so I don't care :P

Terrible photo, but you should be able to see the weapons/modifications clearly enough.

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/photo2_zpsb354aea8.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/photo2_zpsb354aea8.jpg.html)

And on that note, I've finished converting 18 of the 20 Russian models I got (barring some minor tweaks here and there) and the two remaining ones are going to be chopped up for spare parts. I'm planning to break out the spray paint later this weekend and then get to painting in a week or so (have some travel for work coming up). Feels pretty great to be heading towards a conclusion to this plog!

I do like the work you've put into the Skitarii. The extra gubbinz around the skull really add to the robotic menace of the model. I would definitely add fist spikes to the other.

The zombie cyborgs have been very well converted. I especially like the flamer conversion.

Looking forward to seeing paint on them.

Ruaridh

Ugh, so these pictures aren't great, but I'm doing some travel for the holidays (as opposed to my near-constant travel for work these past few weeks) so I want to get some progress posted before another hiatus. Just know, even if it's hard to see, I have been painting!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1495_zps2782aed7.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1495_zps2782aed7.jpg.html)

Mutants/Blood Reavers/Random Scum are done! See below:

My two least favorite (the gun, which is supposed to be a futurey shotgun/autogun, is not straight and I pretty well screwed up the lighting effect on Mr. Hat):

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1510_zps878f98e1.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1510_zps878f98e1.jpg.html)

My two "berserker"/close combat fellows (not the best pics, but the face on the left came out best of all between the teeth and red glowing eye effects):

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1515_zpsc9b54dd1.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1515_zpsc9b54dd1.jpg.html)

The Blood Reaver's Leader, complete with ambiguous sword:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1520_zpsbe7c4cb2.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1520_zpsbe7c4cb2.jpg.html)

Working on some backstory for these folks. They'll be a Mercenary Group called the Blood Reavers lead by Juda Rathbone (sword guy), one of the few surviving members of a regiment given organ implants by the AdMech. Side effects include shirveling of the facial organs (no nose or lips) in addition to mental imbalances. Thus his minions are made up of a mix of the few other survivors from the original experiments along with posers who want to emulate the look (by surgically removing their lips and nose).

These minis will all also moonlight as random mutants and hive scum, as needed.

From a more practical painting standpoint, this was my first experiment with lighting and I'm pretty happy with what I learned (if not the result). You could probably guess which ones I did first and which ones I did last as I like to think there are some pretty marked improvements. As they're NPCs I didn't really feel the need to go back and "fix" them, but I'm looking forward to applying what I learned to some actual characters the next time I pick up the paint brush.

All in all these folks painted up MUCH quicker than expected. I'm looking forward to finishing the remaining 13 assembled and basecoated NPCs that are on my desk to close out the plog. Victory is in sight!

Quote from: Alyster Wick on December 27, 2014, 07:35:09 PMposers who want to emulate the look (by surgically removing their lips and nose).

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only fashion.

It's all looking good to me. I'm afraid I don't have much insightful commentary beyond that, but I don't want you to think this stuff is passing by unnoticed!

I like what I see. Good work with the glowing eyes. It looks the part. The thing I was most happy about with my group of these models is that they can fulfil so many roles - cyborgs/cultists/xenos/rebels/hereteks/anything! I see you're leaning the same way. Great minds and all that.

Ruaridh

Quote from: MarcoSkoll on December 28, 2014, 06:51:41 AM
It's all looking good to me. I'm afraid I don't have much insightful commentary beyond that, but I don't want you to think this stuff is passing by unnoticed!

Thanks! The encouragement is definitely appreciated.

On that note, I've been very productive of late, behold the men of the Planetary Defense Force:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1528_zpsfef5bb15.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1528_zpsfef5bb15.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1529_zps18e9c2fb.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1529_zps18e9c2fb.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1533_zps3bbc3116.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1533_zps3bbc3116.jpg.html)

I took A LOT of short cuts and one day I may go over the metallics with a couple rounds of highlights to make everything pop, but as it stands I'm pretty happy. Somehow the leader ended up with a red power fist, which must somehow figure into the Imperial Fists Successor Chapter that inhabits the sector (per my stalled background). It just kind of happened unplanned as I was looking for an interesting color to break up his armored/mechanical arm.

Anyway, the Ratskins should be coming not too far behind. As a sidenote, I find it fascinating how everytime I pick a brush up after a hiatus there is a strange combination of skills I have to relearn coupled with revelations about how I've somehow been doing it wrong. Dunno if it's age, patience, and a willingess to experiment or what, but whatever the cause it's definitely exciting.

Disclaimer time: I took a TON of shortcuts with these guys (though there are some aspects I didn't skimp on). Anyway:

First two:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1544_zps25284e3e.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1544_zps25284e3e.jpg.html)

Daniel Grim (with the face mask), the #2 Ratskin Leader, and the bow fellow:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1545_zps6d38ebfe.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1545_zps6d38ebfe.jpg.html)

Here's the leader (he has a tech fetish). Also, from that picture is iron gob looks terrible, I'm gonna have to redo that:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1542_zps34bf5ee6.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1542_zps34bf5ee6.jpg.html)

(Better angle of his rat head dress: http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1543_zpsf3146580.jpg)

BONUS: These Ratskins believe eating the flesh of beastmen will grant them powers (in the sector background there was some unauthorized genome experimentation done by the admech on a large number of people to try and generate better soldiers for the imperial war machine, thus the "beastmen"). Anyway, this group worships an entity they call the White Rat. As a surprise to the players, I've created an actual White Rat. He's rather tall, standing slightly above Covenant (one of the taller GW models) even in his hunched over state.

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1546_zps60925546.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1546_zps60925546.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1547_zpsd77c173c.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1547_zpsd77c173c.jpg.html)

(Mods, if this is threadromancy please delete - really not sure what the etiquette here is, given the low post rate, and this is still well on the front page...)

Love the ratskins, I had exactly the same thought when I stumbled across these guys the other day. The bow armed guy is anachronistic, reminds me of Serenity, and a very cool idea. Your PDF troopers look more than suitable for NPCs, I have the Valhallan ones myself any may need to order these too.

Cheers
Aurelius

love the ratskins, must've missed that update originally. am aiming to create an alien race that worships some ancient gods (necrons) and so that bow idea really sparked off some ideas, thankyou

Glad you both like them!

Quote from: Radu Lykan on March 19, 2015, 09:19:06 AM
love the ratskins, must've missed that update originally. am aiming to create an alien race that worships some ancient gods (necrons) and so that bow idea really sparked off some ideas, thankyou

Honestly, just go buy a couple necron kits and let your imagination go. I've got a few different projects I'm working on right now using necron parts, some meant to be inspired by them but some that are completely unrelated. Random bits scale really well with a variety of archetypes (given most of these archetypes are on the radical side, but still).

I somehow missed the finished Ratskins - they look really good. Just the right amount of feral and futuristic modelled on them.

When will the White Rat be done?

Ruaridh

I'm a big fan of your zombies and your PDF. The Russian Tehnolog models always amuse me for their comicbook villain stance (http://www.classicmarvelforever.com/images/doctor_doom.gif) and I think you did a good job with what you had!

I loved the Ratskins in their WIP stage but I feel a bit underwhelmed seeing their colour scheme. I think it's your choice of colour palette that isn't sitting right with me - the clothes they wear are (nearly) the same colour as their skin, giving them a very unfinished look. You've chosen all three primary colours as your spot colour (Here's a handy guide (http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/278442-your-guide-to-spot-colours)) which is fine if it's your bag, but if you're wondering why your models are looking a bit 'busy' even with so few colours, try swapping one of those primary colours out.

Can't wait to see what you do next!

Quote from: RobSkib on April 07, 2015, 09:57:01 PM
I'm a big fan of your zombies and your PDF. The Russian Tehnolog models always amuse me for their comicbook villain stance (http://www.classicmarvelforever.com/images/doctor_doom.gif) and I think you did a good job with what you had!

I loved the Ratskins in their WIP stage but I feel a bit underwhelmed seeing their colour scheme.

That's very much for the color wheel suggestions! Honestly I've always struggled with color coordination a bit (unfortunately this carries over to my wardrobe as well...) so it's nice to have that guide. Initially I was going for an eclectic and patched together looked w/ the Ratskins (as though they scavenges much of the fancier stuff that they have) but it just didn't come out quite right. Once I finish painting up the models on my plate I'll have to give it another try.

Quote from: Van Helser on March 24, 2015, 10:46:48 AM

When will the White Rat be done?

Ruaridh

He is freshly undercoated, and depending on how productive I am once I hit vacation next Friday he may get done (he's the first in line after I finish my Storm of Brushes projects).

Beyond that, I'm reviving this thread (it's on the first page so it doesn't count as threadromancy!) since I realized that Tehnolog models are up on Amazon and I still had a decent amount of money on an Amazon gift card from Christmas. So, yeah, I have ten more models in the mail... (all of which will add to my general hive/interstellar ship population).

On that note, I still have some cash left and am looking into getting more of the Space Pirates (my PDF troopers above) just so I could field a larger group and keep my unique characters only playing when they're actually representing themselves. If you've interested in splitting the box (or trading some Orky bitz  ;D) PM me to hash out the details.

I have 4 completed NPCs that need to be painted. My Master Hunter-Killer, two combat servitors/skitari, and the White Rat. Given that I have 20 Tehnolog minis in the mail, I need to get a move on!

On that note, behold the Master Hunter-Killer!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1884_zpsi3uzc1uj.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1884_zpsi3uzc1uj.jpg.html)

He gave me an opportunity to test out the white and red schemes that I want to use on the other mechanicus NPCs (who don't have fancy reflective cloaking material built into their systems). Strictly speaking that means he can change the shade of his entire body other than his shoulder pads and thigh pads, but oh well, it looks better this way (rule of cool strikes again!).

I'm pretty happy for him. got to experiment with a few different techniques without the pressure of working on PCs. Pretty happy with the results overall.

Also, I'm probably not going to use all of the Tehnolog minis, so if anyone is interested in bartering for some orky bits (I need basic arms and some nob arms/guns would be great) PM me.

Once I ice of the paint on my current NPCs I'm going to be reviving my PC Plog, so I figured I'd combine my terrain efforts w/ the NPC thread.

That said, the first wave of Tehnolog figures arrived today! Here they are assembled on the top of the tower (preconversion)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1897_zps9fla391o.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1897_zps9fla391o.jpg.html)

Here they are spread out in a dramatic (staged) trans-floor fire-fight!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1896_zpsmhn9kzx2.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1896_zpsmhn9kzx2.jpg.html)

The individual levels are not connected so they can be four different buildings (or any combination of buildings and floor that you want). I don't have any tables large enough for big sprawling games so I figured that I'd give myself the option "sprawling" in the up direction. That will be the theme of my next round of terrain (along with some miscellaneous walls and rubble for cover. Right now scatter terrain is really the only "fortification" terrain I have).

That first pic is totally pre-embellishment. Here's my first test building. I'm going to paint it up and see how it looks after the thing dries tomorrow. Cheers!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1898_zpstyas4vx5.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1898_zpstyas4vx5.jpg.html)

It's looking great already! The tower idea is brilliant, consider it stolen. What sort of paste have you used for the walls?

Elmer's brand Wood Filler Max. It takes a little getting used to but once you do it goes on quick. Really cheap and simple way to protect the styrofoam while adding heft and texture. I'm pretty sure any wood filler would do though, just swing by your local hardware store.

Building up when you have limited gaming space? Why didn't I think of that?! I may have to spend this summer constructing a tower of perilous drops and few guard rails...

The Hunter-Killer paints up well. I hadn't yet contemplated buying that particular set as I wasn't sure how well they would fit in, but you've achieved something good with a lowish quality starting point.

Ruaridh

Quote from: Alyster Wick on June 06, 2015, 09:07:15 PMThe individual levels are not connected so they can be four different buildings (or any combination of buildings and floor that you want).

I may well steal this simple, yet versatile concept.

Things like the hunter-killer are looking good too. It's actually quite effectively menacing as a model in that black colour scheme.

Quote from: Alyster Wick on June 06, 2015, 09:07:15 PM
The individual levels are not connected so they can be four different buildings (or any combination of buildings and floor that you want). I don't have any tables large enough for big sprawling games so I figured that I'd give myself the option "sprawling" in the up direction.

Well there you go - what a clever idea! Are you going to make ladders or something to go between floors, or have 'lift' entry doors at each level?
Ever since watching the new Dredd, I have thought vertical terrain pieces would be a great idea. Never really considered the space saving before, but now that you have said it seems like a really clever solution!

Still WIP, but here's a shot of the board I put together using my first test building and some catwalks (so I can connect them all!). Overall, I'm incredibly happy. Most of the action in this game took place on the second levels (battle report here: http://www.the-conclave.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2555.msg34412#new) and it was just a great success.

Quote from: Aurelius on June 11, 2015, 04:19:36 AM
Are you going to make ladders or something to go between floors, or have 'lift' entry doors at each level?

I'm going to take a crack at some streamlined rules for being in the building, with an option for using stairs inside or a lift. Ideally you could actually place models inside, but having a 4 story building with actual floor plans would be too difficult.

For moving between levels on the outdoor platforms I'm going to put together some ladders and (at some point in the future) modular staircases. But that's long term, I'm wanting to make more models right now and have plenty of terrain for gaming, so we'll see how much terrain I get done (though I have a fancy bridge that I started on a lark to connect the buildings, that may force me to make at least one more building so I can actually use the darn thing. I'm far too pleased with myself, will share it as soon as it's in workable order).

Quote from: Van Helser on June 09, 2015, 10:16:45 AM
The Hunter-Killer paints up well. I hadn't yet contemplated buying that particular set as I wasn't sure how well they would fit in, but you've achieved something good with a lowish quality starting point.

Ruaridh

The Hunter Killer base model(s) are not great, but they were the third set in a box that was about $20. The other two sets of 5 were the zombie-mutants (a classic, as I know you're aware) and the ones I used to make my ratskins, so frankly they were a bonus. Considering I expected nothing I am quite happy with how they turned out.

Some updates! First, here are the AdMech Servitors/Skitari/Kill Team Members:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1972_zpss6llmgij.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1972_zpss6llmgij.jpg.html)

Back:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1973_zpsgscpde4j.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1973_zpsgscpde4j.jpg.html)

I'm not totally sold on the crosshairs of the skull-headed fellow, but it'll do for now. Here's the full group together:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1975_zpsdfpuewjs.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1975_zpsdfpuewjs.jpg.html)

The plan is to have these two used as general AdMech cronies as-needed in different scenarios. However at some point I want to run a specific scenario where the warbands are being hunted by a high-level kill team and two use these two as a distraction while the hidden Hunter Killer sneaks into position.

Anyway, terrain! Here's my first building. Overall relatively happy with it (though I cashed the gray spray paint bottle on this one).

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1977_zps6nicmch7.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1977_zps6nicmch7.jpg.html)

Here's a mockup w/ the catwalks:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1978_zpsn4rdpees.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1978_zpsn4rdpees.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1979_zpsltjiwxc8.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1979_zpsltjiwxc8.jpg.html)

I tried to make a brown wash using watered-down brown paint and liquid laundry detergent. It didn't quite turn out the way I intended, but whatever the wash did to the gray paint job I'm actually pretty happy with. I will say that while I like the way the way my mesh and wax paper covering goes on it's pretty difficult to paint it up, but at the end of the day it's good enough.

My last Tehnolog shipment came, meaning I have 5 more models for my PDF (the commissar looking folks I posted already) who will be getting some heavier conversions to differentiate them from their mates. Again, my dream there is to be able to field 7 or 8 of them without having my NPC "Characters" moonlighting as straight NPCs.

After them, though, are my Imperators!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1968_zpsuamqptfv.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1968_zpsuamqptfv.jpg.html)

They will be the personal guard to the Chair of the Council of Planets in the sector. In addition to getting these fellows in, I also got my shipment of Instant Mold!!! I gotta say, I'm not sure how I pictured the stuff working, but it is...interesting. Not letting the good be the enemy of the perfect, however, I can envision hundreds of applications for it. Here's my first run of GS pieces:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/ce5d123b-1aef-4661-8b6d-0dd9f1897e86_zpslf1dqcoz.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/ce5d123b-1aef-4661-8b6d-0dd9f1897e86_zpslf1dqcoz.jpg.html)

Not bad, right!? I chose heads because they're probably the most difficult and least forgiving things you could do. My takeaway is that this is fantastic for NPCs, statues, etc. May be difficult to do an actual PC, but it's a great start. There are also some fun ideas I have which will probably end up in my PC thread, but regardless, here's my first fun experiment with one of the Imperators above:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_1982_zps8zxaa02p.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_1982_zps8zxaa02p.jpg.html)

Super happy with it. The Instant Mold is great for Grim-darking up more generic minis. And that didn't take long at all, I literally set the piece when I woke up, let it set for a 90 minutes or so while I did domestic duties, then slapped it on and did some blending before heading into the office. Anyway, more to follow...

Great stuff with the eagle chest plate. That came out really well!

As for the faces, for a first attempt with Instant mould it's not bad but it looks like you made the first mistake I did when using it. You really need to force the GS into the half with the most detail (the face for example). Then you can add the second half of the mould and away you go.

Another problem I found was getting the balance of GS right. (Slicks head is too 'long' for example). To fix this, once you do the initial press, take the mould apart and remove any excess GS that squidges out (Flash). Do this a couple of times until the 'flash' is almost minimal. You should then have a piece that's the correct size as the original.

The Skitarii are looking the part (and I'll be interested to hear any results if you do run that scenario where they're playing the part of sheepdogs).

As far as the instant mould, I'd suggest looking around for advice on press moulds (although Lord Borak is very much on the money with his hints), but the chest eagle (a Crosius, right?) is enough of an argument for this stuff on its own.

The terrain is looking great. Catwalks are always good for games - adding another way to traverse the table leads to many more interesting scenarios and combat.

I recently got some Instant Mould too for work on a space marine. I tried making the replica parts from milliput, but the detail was awful. I thought I had messed up the mould, but perhaps the milliput just doesn't flow into the hard to get parts properly. I now have renewed hope for duplicating shoulder pads!

Ruaridh

Quick update, should have more as the weekend progresses (I have TONS of bits laid out in front of my 20 Tehnolog models and I'm determine to kitbash until I've got some workable pieces).

Recently I vowed to start using all the bits that I'm saving "for a special occasion." I know I'm not the only one that has a cache of pieces that I just can't bring myself to use because they require that one special model. They're not doing anything in my bits box so they're getting slapped on some minis!

Anyway, here's a mockup of my first Imperator. Will probably swap out the sword, just haven't found the right piece yet.

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2018_zps6a9z9jxi.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2018_zps6a9z9jxi.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2019_zpsmewr2trk.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2019_zpsmewr2trk.jpg.html)

Pretty happy, my one question is do I give them all power weapons? It's cool in concept for the royal guard to be armed that way, but it may make games tricky. That said, I'm happy to just have two of them on a board at once and making sure that they play the roll of minis to avoid. If I keep them in powered carapace armor they'd be imposing but not game-breaking.

So I meant to make more progress this weekend, but between family obligations and a game of Battletech I came up a bit short. On the plus side, all 20 Tehnolog pieces are filed and prepped and there was some headway made with the Imperators. Also, Battletech's mechanics are also surprisingly similar to Inquisitor's in some ways (mostly the intricacy of damage and the sheer number of modifiers). The upside (other than a fun, cheap new game to play) is that I'm getting ideas on how to streamline some Inquisitor games and also finding new players that should be open to Inquisitor and somewhat familiar with the play style.

Anyway, you're all just here for the pictures so here's the one model I am close to finishing (need to do a lot of slow painful work sanding down, lining up, and filling gaps on the halbred but other than that he's in good shape), the Imperator Captain, head of security for the Planetary Governor/Chair of the Council of Worlds:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2024_zpssqbd51ri.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2024_zpssqbd51ri.jpg.html)

And on that note I have a whirlwind 8 weeks of work, family, and personal travel ahead of me. I'm unlikely to post many updates until September.

Reviving my NPC/Terrain Plog. There'll be a 7 week or so break as I'll be on the road for work. My PCs will get some paint while I'm out but I can't lug the terrain with me, so they'll have to wait for an undercoat after I get back.

Anyway, here are some shots of my modular bridge and buildings. The lamp posts are magnetized! (I really want a character in power armor to rip one out and use it as a weapon)

MAX HEIGHT!!!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2465_zpst8cna3yz.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2465_zpst8cna3yz.jpg.html)

WITH MINIS!!!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2466_zpsdzhkwpvc.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2466_zpsdzhkwpvc.jpg.html)

Vertigo...

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2467_zpsevjaiulm.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2467_zpsevjaiulm.jpg.html)

Connecting the catwalks:

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2468_zps2o00uoew.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2468_zps2o00uoew.jpg.html)

A different view, and some battle-damage!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2469_zpsse2jborm.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2469_zpsse2jborm.jpg.html)

Another variation...

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2470_zpsqoztzhnf.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2470_zpsqoztzhnf.jpg.html)

Building #2, ready for primer!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2471_zpsy022lcbr.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2471_zpsy022lcbr.jpg.html)

That's it, hope to have these all painted up a couple days after I get home.

The buildings are looking good, I like how they stack. The Imperators are also really cool, what colour scheme are you thinking of? Maybe purple to get that 'royal' look?

Looking really good. Magnetising the lamp posts is a really good idea. I made some terrain a couple of years ago, and all the pipes and little details have come off. Magnets would be a good way of securing things, and adds to the modularity of the terrain.

Ruaridh

Quote from: Aurelius on September 30, 2015, 04:26:40 AM
The Imperators are also really cool, what colour scheme are you thinking of? Maybe purple to get that 'royal' look?

Definitely gold for the armor. I was considering a blue cloth with some white trim for a nice clean look. That said, there's something a little more sinister about purple that I kind of like. I want the Imperators to have a kind of ambiguous menace about them in the campaign and purple might do the trick.

Quote from: Van Helser on October 04, 2015, 10:05:59 AM
Magnets would be a good way of securing things, and adds to the modularity of the terrain.

Ruaridh

You know they weren't overly expensive, and given how strong they are (I was initially concerned that the super glue would give out before they separated so I added a bit more of a plasticard buffer) I'm thinking of picking up more to use on bigger projects. I won't get into specifics now (plus I really, really need to finish these buildings before I go off half-cocked on another terrain building binge. That and I really need to finish recruiting for an actual campaign so I can use the damn terrain).

Quote from: Alyster Wick on September 27, 2015, 09:19:50 PMThe lamp posts are magnetized! (I really want a character in power armor to rip one out and use it as a weapon)

Were I anywhere near you, Silva would certainly consider taking up that offer. (As it happens, she's significantly stronger than most power armoured characters. The LRB's one-fifth S bonus may be a little undergenerous, perhaps.)

I forgot to comment on the Imperators before, which is a bit of an oversight, what with the clever use of pressmoulding (with what I believe is an old Crosius in that case). I've never actually worked with the Tehnolog figures myself (mostly because I already have too many things to not finish!) but they constantly show potential as NPCs or even PCs on occasion.

Quote from: MarcoSkoll on October 05, 2015, 12:30:55 AM
I forgot to comment on the Imperators before, which is a bit of an oversight, what with the clever use of pressmoulding (with what I believe is an old Crosius in that case). I've never actually worked with the Tehnolog figures myself (mostly because I already have too many things to not finish!) but they constantly show potential as NPCs or even PCs on occasion.

You know I thought it was Lemartes's Crozius, but alas I did a google image search and it isn't (wouldn't you know it, Lemartes's has the blood drop in it) so the exact Crozius is lost to time. But yes, the Tehnolog figures are great to work with. The plastic is soft and easy to work with. On multiple occasions I've been able to cut and sand away the plastic in much the way you'd work with green stuff after the fact and I've been able to create detail without having to go through the trouble of mixing up some GS. I can't recommend them highly enough for whipping up a legion of NPCs. Speaking of which....

My first 2 of 4 miners/laborers (wanted some more "faces in the crowd" for a market scenario I'm planning):
(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2659_zpshb3jfa2v.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2659_zpshb3jfa2v.jpg.html)

Next are my first two members of the Red Triangle gang:
(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2661_zpsawjqkai0.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2661_zpsawjqkai0.jpg.html)

Now that the new stuff is out of the way, here's my 2nd completed building, bridge, and the base-coated Imperators and wave 2 PDF troops!!!

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2656_zpsmoyjotjh.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2656_zpsmoyjotjh.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2657_zpsodcuvlf1.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2657_zpsodcuvlf1.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2658_zpsubo418ys.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2658_zpsubo418ys.jpg.html)

Nice looking stuff mate! I'm going to have to invest in some of these models once my current projects are done (that'll be the day). The Red triangle gang sounds like a a really naughty road worker gang. I can just see an inquisitor investigating the sinister thefts of triangle shaped road signs now.

So I went way, way down the rabbit hole with two of my NPCs yesterday and as a result I'm totally behind where I wanted to be terrain/NPC-wise overall, but I don't care. On the "good problems to have" front I'm developing far too much affection for my NPCs and find myself wanting to make them all actual characters, which kind of eliminates the purpose of having faceless hordes to spice up a scenario/to run scenarios in a "public area".

Anyway, you're all here for the pictures so here it goes:

Rats, which will feature prominently into scenarios as a "look, there's movement over there!" device. I also am really keen to have "rat fights" going on in the background of this scenario taking place in an underhive black market (I'm taking a crack at a rudimentary money system during the campaign as my two players are a "freedom fighter" and an aspiring cult leader, so not heavily resourced individuals). Also, my ratskins needed rats...

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2668_zpsgpogylik.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2668_zpsgpogylik.jpg.html)

Here are the tables/bar tops for any number of scenarios. They've got primer on them now but the pic isn't too interesting so I'll update when they're all the way finished. Also, one day in the far future I plan to run a Star Wars Bar type scenario taking place on the lawless planet on the outskirts of our gaming sector, complete with weird creatures. Thus, the bartop will get much use into the future :)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2669_zpsuodplrfe.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2669_zpsuodplrfe.jpg.html)

Now for a front and back view on my 3 new NPCs. The fellows on the right and left took me far longer than they should have. I just kept wanting to add gubbins! They are a mutant, miner, and ganger respectively (the back of the ganger is quite boring so I removed him from that shot).

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2679_zpsgpaxjcg2.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2679_zpsgpaxjcg2.jpg.html)

(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx83/alysterwick/IMG_2674_zpsrga9wnwb.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/alysterwick/media/IMG_2674_zpsrga9wnwb.jpg.html)

All good stuff mate! Rats is a Genius way to piss people off who love Bio/movement scanners. I'm going to store that idea away for future reference.

Quote from: Alyster Wick on December 23, 2015, 07:55:19 PMOn the "good problems to have" front I'm developing far too much affection for my NPCs and find myself wanting to make them all actual characters, which kind of eliminates the purpose of having faceless hordes to spice up a scenario/to run scenarios in a "public area".

I quite like developing some of my NPCs up into more developed characters (although normally still GM controlled). I think of it as somewhat like Wedge Antilles in the original Star Wars trilogy - not a major protagonist (or villain, for that matter) and not personally driving the plot, but who nonetheless keeps finding themselves involved in legendary stories.

A recurring support character role is how I intend to have Leander and her crew showing up in stories (as a semi-legendary titan, not a number of forgettable ones) , but I've also done similar things with Commissar Leith (assigned as a liaison for the Departmento Munitorum, so she'll often find herself working alongside different individuals) and Sgt Fox (the head of my NPC Guard squad - if the plot calls for him to have an identity, anyway).

I love the versatility of the Russian models, and you've pushed them even further. All this lovely scenery makes me desparately want to expand my living quarters so I can house some rad terrain  :'(

I'm interested to see how the paint comes along, because if you're anything like me, converting is the easy bit... ;)