Big Trouble in Little China Miniatures for Skirmish Gaming

I painted up a few Big Trouble in Little China miniatures (Manufacturer - Model Name) a while back for some skirmish gaming:

After 40 years, Jack Burton (Hayland Terrain - Burt), the once hard-headed, fast-talking truck driver has gained wisdom and faced numerous challenges, he now possesses a more nuanced perspective on life, blending the adventurous spirit of his youth with the maturity that comes with age.

His old friend Egg Shen (Hayland Terrain - Foo) remains unchanged, a constant in Jack's life amidst the shifts. Egg Shen's mystic wisdom and presence continue to be a source of guidance for Jack.

In addition, Wang and Maio Yin's three children have grown into unique individuals. Ling (Hasselfree Miniatures - Elite Suzi), a skilled swordswoman, carries on the family's martial arts tradition. Jackie (Hayland Terrain - Lee), inspired by Bruce Lee, has developed proficiency in nunchucks. Wang Jr. (Hasselfree Miniatures - Finn), with a penchant for explosives, has become a firearms enthusiast who also enjoys the art of blowing things up.

The Chinese Wild Man (North Star Miniatures - The Demons: Minor Demon) adds a secretive layer of intrigue to their adventures, as he assists the team from the shadows.

Space Weirdos Battle Report – Big Trouble at the Docks

In a gripping 125-point skirmish, the fate of two worlds hung in the balance as an aged Jack Burton reunited with the timeless Egg Shen, rekindling their partnership from their days of big trouble in Chinatown, in order to investigate a disturbance at the San Francisco docks.

On one side were the champions of good: Old Man Jack, Wang and Miao Yin's three adult children, and the enigmatic Chinese Wild Man - the squad was of course led by the mystical wizard Egg Shen. They faced off against the malevolent alliance of Shattered Glass Optimus Prime and his formidable evil robot Necrons. The dock-themed terrain added a layer of complexity, with shipping containers providing cover and strategic vantage points.

As the robots cast sinister shadows over the docks, explosions and clashes reverberated through the night, blending with the eerie hum of technology. The hopeful atmosphere turned somber as the forces of good started to crumble under the relentless onslaught of Necron ranged weaponry.

Suddenly, Jack Burton seized the opportunity to ascend a towering shipping container, unleashing a barrage of attacks with his TEC-9 that momentarily turned the tide in favor of the heroes.

However, the unexpected struck when a Necron sharpshooter shot Jack down from his perch, dimming the glow of his victory and revealing the vulnerability behind even the sharpest reflexes.

In a desperate attempt to reverse the tables, Egg Shen engaged in a psychic battle against the malevolent Optimus Prime. The clash between ancient mysticism and futuristic technology created a surreal spectacle, but despite Egg's valiant efforts, evil Optimus Prime emerged victorious, overpowering Egg's psychic attack. Egg Shen's fate soon took a dark turn as he succumbed to a relentless onslaught of Necron gunfire.

The Chinese Wild Man's last attempts to turn the tide were futile, as a Necron mercilessly shot him down as he emerged from the shadows.

The docks, once a battleground, now stood silent, a testament to the triumph of malevolence over heroism, as the combined might of Optimus Prime and the Necrons proved victorious.

Sword Weirdos Battle Report - Elsa and the Defenders of Arendelle Triumph over the Blood Cult of Sanguivor

In a recent 75-point game, an extraordinary clash unfolded between the formidable alliance of Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Conan the Barbarian, and their loyal wolf companion, and a menacing warband consisting of three Blood Daemons led by the wicked cult wizard, Sanguivor. 

In a land far from Arendelle, an evil plot was attempted by Sanguivor to unbind an ancient daemonette from her bronze prison. The objective was to claim the coveted bronze daemon statue, with the side that had the most models within one stick's distance of the statue (at game end) emerging victorious.

The battle commenced with swift and decisive action. One of the Blood Daemons boldly charged forward, only to be intercepted and swiftly subdued via a pounce by the ferocious wolf. Seizing the opportunity, Conan the Barbarian launched a furious assault, delivering the finishing blow that sent the daemon back to the shadows.

Meanwhile, Elsa showcased her formidable magical prowess, deftly harnessing her powers to eliminate another Blood Daemon with a precise icy Magic Missile spell. 

The remaining daemon, undeterred, sought to strike back, targeting Anna. However, the fearless Anna valiantly defended herself, and with help from Olaf, skillfully evaded the daemon's attacks and held her ground until the daemon’s eventual defeat by the powerful greatsword of Conan.

The climax of the battle unfolded as Sanguivor, driven by his sinister ambitions, rushed towards the statue with hopes of claiming victory for the daemonic forces. However, Elsa, ever resourceful and quick-witted, unleashed an icy spell that sent the cult wizard sprawling to the ground. Seizing the opportune moment, the loyal wolf delivered the final blow that brought an end to Sanguivor's nefarious plans.

The outcome of this epic confrontation was resoundingly in favor of Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Conan, and their loyal wolf companion. Not a single casualty was suffered by the valiant heroes, while the Blood Daemons were completely vanquished from the battlefield!

As the victors bask in the glory of their triumph, they serve as a shining example of friendship and unity, reminding us of the power of courage, friendship, and unwavering determination. The legends of this fateful battle will echo through the ages, inspiring future generations in Arendelle.

Sword Weirdos Review and Battle Report - Undead Unleashed!

Sword Weirdos by Garske Games is a sequel to the sci-fi skirmish ruleset Space Weirdos. This new fantasy version has been highly anticipated by its fans for some time. Although the approach to Maneuver Points and weapons is different here – with much more complexity - it does not disappoint, and I appreciated the sheer number of options in creating a unique warband.

I grabbed a few fantasy models from my collection, and in no time created a 100 point contingent of Citadel skeletons to be lead by the necromantic vampiress Cleomydia, Mistress of the Night. Little did I know my opponent would choose Thorns of the Briar Queen models for his warband – an epic undead battle of ghosts versus Harryhausen-inspired skeletons would soon commence!

The Treasure Surprise scenario was rolled. The spear-armed skeletons outnumbered the ghosts, but the ghosts were casters with the Magic Missile spell. Luckily for me, Cleomydia had the Majestic Leader Trait, allowing her skeletons minions to use her Will when testing for the opposed roll, as long as she was in line-of-sight. The game centered around me rushing the skeletons forward (as quickly as Speed 1 skeletons can move), while both protecting Cleomydia and ensuring she remained in line-of-sight of the skeletons. Cleomydia also used her Unlife spell to return dead skeletons back as… zombies!

In the end, the sheer numbers of skeletons and resurrected zombie-skeletons (skeleton-zombies?) was extremely beneficial for me, and while we both took one treasure chest off the board early, I was able to pickup another mid-game without it being a Mimic. My opponent had access to other chests, but they all turned out to be Mimics. Victory for Cleomydia and her undead band!

With just one game under my belt, I do hereby declare Sword Weirdos as my preferred fantasy skirmish ruleset. Like Space Weirdos, the game's mechanics are innovative and accessible, and although they are more complex than Space Weirdos, Sword Weirdos is able to again strike the trifeca of fun, flexibility, and simplicity. I become a bigger fan of the use of the five-inch-long sticks for measuring movement and ranges each time I’ve played either ruleset; the approach tends to suck you more into the action without the need to measure for movement or ranges all the time. The innovative use of dice, again like Space Weirdos, makes rolls simple, but meaningful.

As I eye my expansive collection of fantasy models, I eagerly await my next encounter on the battlefield, ready to delve deeper into the story and action-packed adventures that I know Sword Weirdos will offer.

Classic Warhammer Fantasy Miniatures: The Tikiwood Sentinels (Wood Elf Army)

Nestled deep within an enchanted forest, a unique and spirited band of Wood Elves known as the Tikiwood Sentinels passionately defend their sacred home against the forces of darkness. Led by their valiant bowleader, Thornstrike, and guided by the wisdom of their enchanting sorceress, Blossomshade, this lively and diverse group consists of the mighty wood golem Spiritbark, mystical Dryads, elusive Waywatchers, and fearsome tiki-masked halflings. Each group brings their unique skills and abilities to form an extraordinary and unforgettable team. Together, the Tikiwood Sentinels employ their diverse talents to protect the forest from the encroaching darkness.

Thornstrike is the respected leader among the Tikiwood Sentinels, and he is known for his courage and determination. Thornstrike is known for his deadly accuracy with his bow. Thornstrike's sword is called the "Blade of the Forest." It is a powerful weapon that is said to be made of the finest steel. It is engraved with ancient runes, and it is said to be imbued with the power of the forest. Thornstrike is incredibly skilled with his sword, and he is able to wield it with deadly precision. Thornstrike often leads the Waywatchers in their hunt, as they silently strike from the shadows, eliminating key targets and sowing confusion among the enemy ranks.

Blossomshade is a powerful sorceress who is deeply devoted to protecting her forest. She is a master of nature magic, and she uses her powers to repel her enemies. She is particularly skilled at fighting the undead and the Dark Elves, two of the greatest threats to her home. Blossomshade is also a wise and compassionate leader. She is always willing to help those in need, and she is always looking for ways to improve the lives of her people. She is a true inspiration to the Tikiwood Sentinels, and she is a symbol of hope for the future. 

In times of great need, Blossomshade is known to call upon the power of the legendary Queen Ariel herself. Queen Ariel is the goddess of the Wood Elves, and her power is immense. When Blossomshade calls upon Queen Ariel, it is a sign that the situation is dire. However, it is also a sign that there is still hope. With the help of Queen Ariel, Blossomshade and the Tikiwood Sentinels can overcome any challenge.

The tiki-masked halflings, despite their small stature, are a formidable and awe-inspiring force to be reckoned with. They expertly blend the ancient art of song and dance with the ferocity of battle, creating a unique combat style that is both mesmerizing and terrifying. As they charge into combat, their captivating and haunting chants echo through the forest, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies. These masked warriors are truly a fearsome presence on the battlefield.

The spiritual heart of the Tikiwood Sentinels is the wood golem Spiritbark, who serves as the ultimate guardian and protector. With his immense strength and resilience, Spiritbark can tear through even the most formidable of foes. Spiritbark, once a noble Treeman, was transformed into a living tiki totem by the mystical powers of the tiki-masked halflings. Seeking to strengthen their bond with the forest, these enigmatic beings remade Spiritbark with the essence of tiki, enhancing his connection the forest. In this new form, Spiritbark stands as a symbol of unity and harmony between the Wood Elves and the tiki-masked halflings, embodying the spirit of their shared love for the forest.

The Dryads, as magical creatures bound to the trees, command the very essence of nature to entangle and ensnare their foes, creating a formidable barrier between the darkness and the sanctity of their home. They patrol the forest, looking for signs of danger. They heal wounded plants and animals and protect the forest from harm. The Dryads are a symbol of the strength and resilience, and they will never hesitate to fight for their home.

Soaring high above the Tikiwood Sentinels, the majestic eagle Windtalon keeps a watchful eye over the enchanted forest. As a trusted and loyal companion to the Wood Elves, Windtalon is a symbol of freedom and the untamed spirit of the skies. Windtalon's keen eyesight, unmatched by any creature in the forest, allows him to spot approaching enemies from great distances, enabling the Tikiwood Sentinels to prepare for battle and strengthen their defenses. In times of need, Windtalon's razor-sharp talons effortlessly tear through the flesh and armor of any who dare to threaten his friends. Thornstrike and Windtalon often work together to coordinate the Tikiwood Sentinels in battle. Windtalon's aerial perspective allows him to relay valuable information to Thornstrike, giving the Sentinels a tactical advantage in the heat of combat.

The Tikiwood Sentinels play a crucial role in defending the enchanted forest from those who seek to corrupt it. As a united force, they are a symbol of the power of unity and the enduring spirit of the forest, proving that even the mightiest of foes can be vanquished when the hearts of brave warriors beat as one. Their combined might, along with their unique blend of song, dance, and battle, make the Tikiwood Sentinels an awe-inspiring and unforgettable force within the Wood Elf realm -- a testament to the power of unity and the enduring spirit of the forest.

Tau XV25 Stealth Battlesuits

I recently finished painting up some Tau XV25 Stealth Battlesuits for use in One Page Rules (Grimdark Future: Firefight) and Warhammer 40,000: Fireteam.   

I wanted to build a squad of transparent troops to reflect the cloaking technology of the Tau.  I painted the other miniatures (markerlight drone and the a homing beacon) in a mottled pink camouflage pattern (using a small piece of sea sponge) to match the surrounding landscape, complete with pink flower tufts from Shadow's Edge Miniatures.

Classic Warhammer Fantasy Miniatures: Dryads

I recently again painted a few classic Warhammer Fantasy Battle miniatures, this time the Dryads sculpted by Trish Morrison back in the mid-1990s.  

I won these off of Ebay about a year ago and they had been sitting around primed Army Painter Leather Brown until a week ago.  I picked out some simple details, washed them with Army Painter Dark Tone, and then lightly dry-brushed them.  I aligned the style of their bases to join my pack of Wood Elves by added some pink flowers in an attempt to tie them all together.

Blackstone Fortress Spindle Drones

A few months ago I finished painting up eight Spindle Drones, found in Games Workshop's Blackstone Fortress game.  These metallic-organic arachnids help defend Blackstone Fortress from intruders.  I primed these robotic war machines in metallic silver, then washed them with a purple Army Painter wash.  I finished up their bases simply, with some crackle media and flock.

I may have a few uses for them - they could be used for 15mm "tri-pod" aliens (a la War of the Worlds) in a superhero game, for One Page Rules: Grimdark Firefight as proxies for Snipers (Rebel Guerrillas faction), or for an additional small unit add-on in a game of Warhammer 40,000. 

Classic Warhammer Fantasy Miniatures: Bloodletters of Khorne

A few month ago, I picked up some mid-1990s Khorne Bloodletters from Ebay.  This iteration of Bloodletters are much more chunky than the 1989 originals (the arched, lithe Alan Perry versions from the Slaves to Darkness volume of Realm of Chaos).  

The models that I won were sculpted by Aly Morrison and Colin Dixon around 1996.  I repainted them, adding in a deeper, more vibrant red, along with some blue highlights and over-brushing.  I then rebased them to match a small, fully painted Chaos army I also won off of Ebay.  I think they match those models fairly well and combined they will give me a smallish Chaos force to meet my Wood Elves in future skirmishes....

Unreleased Blood Bowl Miniature Sells for Thousands on Ebay

On the day that the New York Times has an article titled Here’s How Bored Rich People Are Spending Their Extra Cash, I noticed that an unreleased Witch Elf Referee miniature has sold on Ebay for $2,425.  

Which begs the question - what does one do with an unpainted miniature purchased for this price?  Flip it?  Paint it?  Have it pro-painted?  Proudly display it?  Giddily gaze upon it each morning to start your day?

Collecting Citadel Miniatures has more on the history of this particular miniature which was a Fanatic Games miniature that was never released.

Classic Warhammer Fantasy Miniatures: Ariel, Mage Queen of Loren

I painted up another classic Warhammer Fantasy Battle miniature, this time it's Ariel, sculpted by Gary Morley, again from back in the mid-1990s.  She was one of Citadel's "super-sized" Warhammer models -- similar to other Morley sculpts such as Nagash and Ariel's Wood Elf companion, Orion.  I won her off Ebay in a steal of a deal, and repainted her over the course of a few months (as a side project alongside other painting projects).  

Ariel will lead a pack of Wood Elves that I also purchased off of Ebay, for which I only did some very minor enhancements.  I aligned the style of all their bases, highlighted each model with pink, and then added some flowers in an attempt to tie them all together.  They should be a very small (but fun) Wood Elves force to play with down the road.

Blood Bowl: Repainted and Re-based 3rd Edition Orcland Raiders from Ebay

I've been fortunate recently to land a few great deals for 3rd edition Blood Bowl Dwarfs and High Elves that were both painted well and posted for very reasonable prices on Ebay.  I bought an Orc team from a seller based on how well painted his High Elves arrived, and similarly his Orcs arrived painted very well too.  With just a couple hours of effort I was able to spruce them up, dip, and re-base all of them.

The Orcs were my original Blood Bowl team back in the mid-1990s.  They have a special place in my heart and I'm very happy now to have a nicely painted Orc team (along with Varag Ghoul-Chewer and some Goblin Special Players!) that match the aesthetics of the rest of my Blood Bowl teams.

"Painting" 40K Plague Marines with Sharpie Pens

One of my more recent attempts at painting with Sharpie pens was some Plague Marines to help support the Nurgle Poxwalkers that I completed some time ago.  After priming them green, (with a zenithal overprime of a lighter green primer), I used Sharpies to paint them.  The metallic colors were used for all metal areas on the models and this effect was the most successful.  I dipped them using Royal Walnut Satin Mixwax Polyshade.  To match the Poxwalkers, I used normal acrylics to paint the the bases and added the same flocked foliage.

This approach saved some time over painting them with acrylics, but they turned out pretty messy.  But once again, because the models are Nurgle this method definitely works better than it would have on other types of models.  They match the Poxwalkers pretty well, and together they make a great Havoc Brothers (Disciples of Plague) skirmish force for Grimdark Future: Firefight.

Blood Bowl: Repainted and Re-based 3rd Edition High Elf Galadrieth Gladiators from Ebay

A few months ago, I got a great deal on Ebay for some 3rd edition Blood Bowl Dwarfs that I touched-up and re-based.  Then, just a few weeks ago I came across an entire High Elf Galadrieth Gladiators team, along with Prince Moranion, that were painted well and posted for a reasonable price on Ebay.  Seeing that they were painted in the same colors scheme as the Seattle Seahawks sealed the deal, and I purchased them.

After they arrived, I realized they were painted even better than I had thought from the pictures.  I did some slight touchup, added a few details (mostly highlights), and then dipped, re-based, and flocked each model.  With just a few hours of effort, I now have a nicely painted Elf team that matches the aesthetic of the rest of my Blood Bowl teams.  I'm very happy with the results, and even bought another (Orc) team from the same seller based on how these turned out.

Classic Warhammer Fantasy Miniatures: Dark Elf Army

Over the course of the last many months I've been collecting a number of painted units from Ebay with the intention of creating a small Dark Elf Warhammer Fantasy Battle army.  Most of them were painted to a good standard, and I simply needed to touch up each unit, adding some details, re-basing, and dipping (using my normal method) for some consistency.  I added the Dark Elf Assassin I painted a few months ago, and also added a Dark Elf Repeating Bolt Thrower that I painted up a couple of weeks ago.  Finally, I printed some appropriate banners from Kinko's, and the army was complete.  I'm very happy with the minimal painting time and cost.

The figures are a mix of Citadel and Marauder Miniatures from the mid-1980s to around the mid-1990s.  My favorites are the two Doom Drakes - proto-Cold Ones - that have a more primal and fun look, (at least to me).  Finding square bases of the appropriate size will continue to be a big challenge, but I've already started buying painted units from Ebay for small Chaos, High Elf, Dwarf, and Empire forces (when the price is right).