Redbrand Ruffian #2 / Human Bandit

 

The second in my series of ruffians is not nearly as unique, but that is the point! I like to make my groups of baddies to have some unique recognizable elements that can step in as NPCs, and some more generic models I can use in multiple encounters.

You might notice that I went with a model that isn't strictly identical to LMoP stats. I like a variety of weapons on my baddies that make them more interesting to paint and also to play with. A spear will force some tactical decisions that can make game-play more interesting. I think varied equipment is also more fitting of a ragtag group of criminals. More generally, these projects are my interpretation of my favorite modules, so I make changes as I see fit. 

This model was made by Vae Victis, and was really nice to paint. It has an excellent balance of clean detail and feature depth that made it take paint smoothly without being too busy. I resized it a bit, as I do with nearly everything; it is on a 25mm base.

 

 

 

 use repeatedly in encounters 

Bull Ray Familiar

 

 

Another model from Reapers aquatic themed familiar pack VII. I did some light re-sulpting of this model; It was a faithful rendition of living rays, but had a cartoonish mouth with sharp teeth unlike the actual critters. I prefer my animal models on the realistic side, so I filed off that area and did a little work with greenstuff to give it a mouth more fitting a real ray. They have funny little mouths and I think the model is more realistic and a lot cuter!

I based my paint-job on a real species, the common eagle ray/bullray.  Sadly, while the bull ray was once "common" it is now a critically endangered species.

Redbrand Ruffian #1 / Nadia the tax collector

This is the first in my series of bandits for LMoP. I initially prepped and batch painted a collection of 12 models that were existing parts of my collection, freebee models, or the occasional purchase. The only real unifying theme was a bandana type element (rather than a cloak) I could use to visually link them. At a point I switched over to completing each model one-by-one to give each one a unique element for individual interest. Batch painting for me tends to be a little sloppy to keep things moving quickly, so the models in this collection aren't perfect, but they'll more than do the job as generic low level antagonists. I think this one will make a nice leader type for ruffian encounters in town.

This nice piece was sculpted by Galaad Miniatures. I took some liberties with her outfit design, and altered her scale a bit (I tend to scale things to be in line with "30mm" so that they work well with "28-32mm" scale physical models I own), but I think she it pretty faithful to the concept. 

 1 done, 11 to go!

 

 

Bullywug Mutant #2 / Inshon With Extra Eyes

 

Another fresh face belonging to my small collection of bullywugs. I stuck really close to the original color palate, but each does have a unique element. I really like the little fish snacks this fellow carries on its belt; details like that make it seem more like a creature with motivations than strictly a monster.

Wind Dragon, Grenadier

 

I enjoy painting dragons, but this one had a rough journey. I completed this *10 year WIP* this weekend - whiew! I love this model, but it was a struggle from day one and I was never quite able to make it live up to my vision-in-paint. It is an old piece, originally made in 1985, and when I got it it was a rescue piece - caked in paint and missing parts. I do enjoy salvaging the classics, but maybe I should've let this one go because it got me off on the wrong foot. 

 In particular the eye area was a hot mess. I have seen some versions of this piece with beautiful expressive eyes that weren't possible for me. I basically free-handed them in, such was the damage. The other parts were easier - the tail, etc, were simple to re-sculpt. still, a bad foot. I had an idea for the dragon being a brass dragon of sorts, with scales corroded with age to create a pattern. I think I came close to what I wanted, but missed the mark. The claws aren’t right; I tried a few things but none quite stuck. The blue-green is a little too bold, and I think I should've gone with a color palate similar to the hair instead. For the base I wanted an arid theme so the verdigris could remain the focus, but it always felt incomplete despite fussing with the idea for years.

Ah well, not every piece scratches that itch, some I'm just glad to have off the shelf-o-shame. I'm sure in time I will regard it as a labor of love.

Bullywug Mutant / Inshon With Four Arms

 

A model from my collection I have never shared before. I have a handful of  toad-like humanoids I fancy as bullywugs. I actually think the mutant theme works really well with bullywugs, and the lore of different types of tribes with different features plays well in to this idea.

 It is a simple paint scheme with its roots in the early days of my collection. The copper verdigris and golden eyes are my favorite bits, but easy to execute. The result isn't splashy but works to my advantage as it is pretty easy to fill the ranks.  I ultimately hope to have enough to run Dwellers of the Forbidden City, and the lesser known but excellent 4th ed adventure Reavers of Harkenwold. 

Why two very similar views? I dunno <shrug>, it felt right.