Eomer + Lord of the Rings

Eomer was Third Marshall of the Mark. 

I have survived the first week in my new role as Bishop's Youth Ministry Coordinator for the Waikato Diocese. This has meant less painting time in the evenings, as I say goodbye to the summer holidays and hello to a year of learning.

However, it's Painting Table Saturday and with thanks to Nick and his challenge to paint a mini each week in 2016, I have another fighting man for the gaming table. 

I had a request for more Lord of the Rings miniatures, so here is Eomer, one of my favourite characters from the movies by Peter Jackson. Mainly because he is played by a kiwi I have sat down and chatted with, Karl Urban. We were both house dads in Auckland, looking after our kids between gigs. We talked about the balance between family and work. It was before Star Trek came out. Can you imagine a better Bones McCoy?

Of course, I read the books in my childhood. Back then I didn't notice Eomer as much as other characters. Even Eowyn stood out more than him. So I can reflect upon the movies as having opened my eyes in that respect.

Eomer was Third Marshall of the Mark. A faithful countryman and honoured leader of his people. Later he was called Eomer Eadig, "the Blessed". During his reign Rohan became a rich and fruitful land again, healed from the ravages of the War.

This one was on the painting table for a while and even required repair before finishing. A 1985 sculpt from Mirliton miniatures, the detail on his mail and belt is superb - in a way it's a shame that I had to give him a shield. Painted to tabletop standard, I decided to put extra time into the shield design. A great looking figure. He certainly wouldn't look out of place in a game of SAGA.

"Now is the hour! Riders of Rohan! Oaths you have taken, now fulfill them all, to lord and land!"

God bless. Enjoy your week!

PTS 95 + 40k + Vikings + Chaos Dwarf

Yes, it's Painting Table Saturday #95. Late due to hard drive failure. It's ok, a new one is on the way. First up here is an old Librarian from the 90s that has been dusted off and given some finishing touches, like the Epistolary and Dark Angels insignia.

The Squats from my good friend Lewis are looking good on the painting table.

An old barbarian bowman from Asgard miniatures. I have a dozen of these barbarians sculpted by the legendary Jes Goodwin.

Eomer from Mirliton miniatures  (1985) required repair. He now has a new set of pins.

From Hasslefree another superb sculpt. A chaos dwarf that has been loitering with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

As with the Librarian above, I painted this Necromunda miniature back in the 90s. Note that the grass on the base was putty I sculpted and painted. That's how I rolled back then. He will be a Thunder Warrior in my Rogue Trader Kill Team.

Another gift from Lewis is this SAGA viking. I enjoyed painting him in muted natural colours. The head wound is bound and his clothes are striped. A bloody axe and a wild staring blue eye.

God bless you and have a great week.

PTS 82 + Viking Shields + White Dwarf

The White Dwarf.

Edition 82 of Painting Table Saturday and the 1980's Citadel Vikings are finished, with some fantastic shields. Some were scratch built and I did my research online for different viking shield designs. The results of my paint work are none too shabby. They look authentic, to my eyes at least. These miniatures will look great in my next game of SAGA.

I also have a blast from the past. The White Dwarf! He made a special appearance in Hero Quest and it's this plastic miniature that I'm painting. The similarity between the sculpt and the cover of the 90th edition of the (now extinct) White Dwarf magazine is obviously intentional. I even recall buying that issue of the magazine! So I'm old enough to remember and not too old to forget...

I hope to finish this nostalgic figure during the week.

Hero Quest Dwarf

The White Dwarf

Viking Shield, made from a plastic furniture-hole-plug and putty.

Wee Three Vikings!

Kiss my axe!

God bless you and have a great week!

Dungeons and Dragons + NZ Festival of MindSports 2015

Dungeons & Dragons Party. 

A fantastic start to the NZ Festival of MindSports in Thames this weekend with Tunnels and Trolls added to the roster of games, thanks to Mark Thornton stepping in as a Game Master. I also returned as Dungeon Master with some superb DWARVEN FORGERY™ terrain for an exciting session of Dungeons & Dragons.

With the North Island Wargaming Convention happening in the same building, there was a whole lot of gaming going on! Ancients, Flames of War, Warhammer (Fantasy Battle and 40K), Warmachine/Hordes and plenty more. I took some time to wander around the tables and take photos. Lots of eye candy.

There was also an enterprising young entrepreneur named Richard Morita and his new Edo Jidai - Duelling Samurai game. I had a great time chatting to him about how the game came about and his plans for the future. I also ended up going home with a copy. Thanks mum!

At my table, the D&D game was full of mirth and youthful enthusiasm. Special merit goes to Honour. Her wizard managed to counter the beastman shaman's spell and turn his fire elemental against him (and then kept it as a pet). Thanks and blessings also to Mark Thornton, a veteran gamer, a scholar and a gentleman. I can't wait for the games next weekend!

Enter if you dare!

DWARVEN FORGERY™ terrain!

Liam, Caelan, Levi and headless Charlie.

Mimic!

Lord Duffleduck I... table dancing?

This is Sparta!

You hear a hissing sound.

NICON 2015.

A new game!

Duelling Samurai Deluxe Edition.

A good day to die!

Little boxes (made out of ticky-tacky).

SAGA!

Nippon.

Skull Mountain.

Never split the party.

Rat attack!

Now you see me...

End of Day One!

Tunnels & Trolls Whitebook Edition!

Arena of Khazan.

Mark's signed copy of Tunnels & Trolls.

Richard Morita, Edo Jidai game creator, far right.

God bless you all and see you next week!