Painting update: Scar-Scath

*Squeek*

After finishing Queek Headtaker and Deathmaster Snikch, I decided to stay on single models rather than units. To that end, I finally turned to the 800lb gorilla on my shelf...
...Scar-Scath, Fiend of Vermin.

Copyright Maelstrom Games.

Part of the BaneBeasts range over at Maelstrom, I thought it would be pretty cool to use him as a Vermin Lord (I'm not a big fan of the GW VL model.) I got him ages ago and never got around to him. To be honest, as a beginner, I found the thought of working with my first resin and a larger model (which would show all my mistakes ...) to be a bit intimidating.


To make things a bit easier on myself I am doing the model and base separately (the detail on the base would be very difficult to reach with Scar in the way.)


Priming.

Before priming the whole thing, I got Scar in the position that I wanted and held him in place with Blu-tack. While still blu-tacked, I then primed with Citadel Chaos Black spray. After it was dry I carefully separated the model from the base and peeled off the Blu-Tack. This left me with an unprimed area. This is useful because I know exactly where to glue in the future and also because I think my glue will work better on an unprimed surface.


Microart Studios Base.
Microart Studios has a great range of bases. I have one of their Ancient Bases 50x50mm parts that Maelstrom sent me (to replace the missing Scar-Scath base that should have come with the kit.)
Colours I am using:

• Codex Grey: Flagstones
• Bleached Bone: statue, columns
• Knarloc Green: leaves
• Calthan Brown: branches/ roots
• Snakebite Leather:  Base edge

I also had time to do the washes:

• Gryphonne Sepia: statue, columns
• Thraka Green: leaves
• Devlan Mud: flagstones

On reflection I think I should have used Deneb Stone for the columns and statue as they currently look very yellow. I'm hoping though that layering using a Deneb Stone/ Bleached Bone should build up to a lighter overall shade and correct that. Topping it off with a nearly white drybrush will also (fingers-crossed!) help.


One thing I have learned (and still try to remember when being critical midway through painting something) is not to judge a piece until it is finished. (Often everything comes together right at the end and looks better than you think!)


Scar-Scath.
On Scar himself, I went with a very basic set of basecoat colours:

• Tallarn Flesh: Skin
• Boltgun Metal: Weapon
• Snakebite Leather: Belt, weapon grip
• Calthan Brown and Bestial Brown: Fur
• Bleached Bone: rags/ wraps, nails, bone skulls, bone ornaments
• Dark Angels Green: Warpstone chunk. (OK, it isn't really warpstone, but I think I can make it look close for a thematic tie-in! )

These are basically the same colours I use on my clanrats.


Washes:

• Devlan Mud: metal, fur, rags/ wraps.
• Ogryn Flesh: Skin, hands etc.

The next stage, layering, is going to be a big challenge for two reasons:

1. Getting the colours right on the stone/ statuary on the base.
2. Layering those large areas of skin on Scar.

I will try to post another update later this week. Wish me luck!
:-)


Cheers,

*Squeek*


p.s. Super-quick additional photo update - pretty much got the layering and highlights done on the base...

Rat-men alternatives?

*Squeek*

After finishing-up my Plagueclaw Catapult/ Warplightning Cannon and adding it to my Warlord Army list, I'm thinking about what path to take next and have settled on one of the following:

• Another 10 Plague Monks to boost my unit up to a more respectable (more deadly) x40.
• A unit of 20 Stormvermin.
• A couple of Master Moulders.
• A Warp Grinder (to go with my Gutter Runners.)
• Scar-Scath (to use as an alternative Vermin Lord)

Any ideas or recommendations? (A few people have asked me to do the Stormvermin before, so I might go with that.)

In the "Other random thoughts and machinations dept." (the darkest tunnel to the left of my burrow) I have been thinking about alternative models that have recently taken my fancy. This isn't because I don't like the GW Skaven (I do) If you are like me you may want to consider alternative models for a couple of several reasons:

a.) Spice up your ranks with something unusual as a talking point to your army.

b.) Take a break from painting the same models.

c.) Introduce sculpts that have an alternative back-story.

etc.

A word to the wise: Before investing your warptokens (dollars, pounds or otherwise) always checkout the sizes of non-GW models carefully before purchasing. Think about whether they will be suitable complements to your army in terms of size. Also, if the model will be adding any rules to your force that are outside a Warhammer Army Book, then definitely check first with your opponent for permission to field that unit or model. 

(Yes, I know Warhammer Forge is part of GW, but even so...)

Here are some rat-men themed models that recently caught my attention:

The Warhammer Forge Skaven Warlord on Brood Horror

Please visit: Warhammer Forge for more information

Please visit: Warhammer Forge for more information

To anyone who has been looking for a decent alternative mount for a warlord this beauty (?) has to take the cake! If you are like me and you haven't scratch-built or converted anything to use as a Bonebreaker Rat-Ogre or Warlitter and your Warlord still has to unceremoniously trudge into battle, this could be just the thing (if you have many warp-tokens that is...)

While many Skaven players overall seem to prefer a Warlitter  to a monstrous creature, this would undeniably have impact on a gaming table, as well as the ranks of your enemies!

I haven't checked out the rules, but something to remember may be that if this is a monstrous creature (and surely it is) it can't join units, so would be a pretty good target to be cannon-sniped by an opponent. Also, as a Forgeworld item you would usually ask your opponent's permission to field this.

BaneLords Quick-blade

Please visit BaneLords for more information

Please visit BaneLords for more information

This awesome looking standard bearer definitely brings something different to the table in terms of rat-men aesthetics. (If there is such a thing). As Pete Dunn over at the excellent Fields of Blood points out, Quick-Blade brings a more brutish, hulking look to your army (btw nice paint job Pete!)

I am a big fan of the BaneBeasts and BaneLords sculpts having purchased Scar-Scath from them. 

(Lizard-man/ Slann Player? Check out Keirioc-Cro...)

Avatars of War Vermin Clan Lord

Please visit Avatars of War for more information

The Vermin Lord has a small range of weapon/ arm variations. He reminds me of Queek with those banner poles, although (thankfully) not quite as extreme in terms of "attachments"! 

I hadn't heard of Avatars of War until recently, but you can see that they have a great looking selection of lords and heroes for a variety of fantasy races, as well as units for some of them. Based in Spain, they have developed a system for miniatures battles using cards and only 5 or so minis per side (Find out more about Arena Deathmatch here)

Choices, choices! When I do get to play it is usually with a small, casual group of friends, so I don't think there would be any problems in fielding these models. The only problems (as usual) are warptokens and time!

Comments of course welcome.

*Squeek*

Scar -Scath arrives...and is unboxed!

*Squeek*

He has arrived...the great lord that my army has been waiting for! I have magic, I have war-machines, I have muscle, and now, NOW I have otherworldly EVIL as well!
(Insert high-pitched - yet still evil - laugh here!)

...or at least I have a model that COULD stand-in as that embodiment of Skaven evil, the scheming Vermin Lord.


I first came across Scar-Scath, Fiend of Vermin, from a post on another blog, and since then have visited the Bane Legions website several times. The models look great and could well accompany any number of different armies, and the range is expanding, with monsters ranging from tree-men to giants. I determined to buy Scar-Scath, as I thought he might be a really good centerpiece for my Skaven army, striding tall among the bent-backed, scurrying Skaven horde around him, massive polearm in hand.

I recently ordered the model from Maelstrom Games and a box duly arrived from the UK while I was on a business trip. I was really happy to get back and see the box there, not least because anything coming in the post from the UK by Royal Mail makes me worry. (Even worse if it is Parcel Force....Parcel FARCE more like) Note that isn't a slight on Maelstrom (I could choose a safer more expensive shipping option if I wish!), just my fears based on prior experience with the UK postal system.

Anyway, the box did arrive, and in perfect shape too! So what is in it?

Let's take a look...

As a total noob with resin miniatures, I appreciate this!

Wrapped up safe and sound in bubble wrap.

Pieces in a bag.

The head of Scar-Scath.

8 pieces.

The pieces are really clearly defined with lots of detail. The one thing I don't quite understand is that there was no base for the model in the box. Is it the case that with resin models people just always want to sculpt and create their own? Perhaps I missed where it said that on the website? It seems a bit strange as the foot (on the right in the picture) looks as though it has a rod molded for insertion in a hole on a base. I guess I will have to find one somewhere...

After getting out the model and making sure nothing was broken I decided to put Scar-Skath next to one of my Skaven to see how he looked in terms of size. Although Maelstrom have helpfully put sizes (H:84mm x W:96mm) on their site next to pictures of each model (so I had a rough idea) I was definitely nervous as I put him next to a Warlock Engineer for comparison. Would he look ridiculously large? or not impressive enough?

Here is the shot...

Yes, he IS rather large (and will look larger with the head on and when carrying the polearm) but I actually think he is going to look just about right! Not a giant - more a very large and powerful manifestation of a summoned being.

Now the challenge is just to assemble and paint my first ever resin figure!

*Squeek!!*