Chaos-Forsaken-Tzeentch-Age-of-Sigmar-Warhammer-WIP

WIP: Tzeentch Chaos Warband – Warhammer: Age of Sigmar

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Those that walk the Path to Glory seek immortal power from their mercurial master. Yet the will of  Tzeentch is capricious and his Path is strewn with The Lost and The Damned.

Greetings Arcanites! As it’s #WorkInProgressWednesday on the webz I thought I’d share some of the current miniatures on my work bench. My Slaves to Darkness army for Warhammer: Age of Sigmar continues to slowly grow and evolve. I’ve had less time to blog and paint than I’d like recently (why cant I just paint all day, is that too much to ask, life?). Never the less I’ve been working on these gribbly minions of Tzeentch for a Path of Glory warband.

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Yeah I know. Forsaken. Models that even when they were released were so laughably bad that I remember saying a cold day in hell was more likely than me ever buying this kit. Then Games Workshop went and put them on Last Chance to buy and in my mind they became collector’s edition! There was something about them that made we want to redeem them. I reasoned that half of the issue was the awkward posing so they could rank up in old Warhammer. Surely 32mm round bases and a bit of cherry picking could fix a multitude of sins?

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On the whole I quite like the 5 models I’ve assembled. They’re still pretty ugly but I think some sympathetic conversions and curated parts from the (equally lamentable) Pink Horrors kit has improved things. I decided to forego the use of mutated heads in favour of sinister, anonymous helmets like my Warriors of Chaos. I think this has toned them down a bit.

As you can see I’ve just basecoated and applied a wash of Drakkenhoff Nightshade so far, but I have to say that I’m rather excited to finish them off when I can. I still can’t believe I ended up buying this kit at full RRP though – for shame!

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Next up, a conversion I’ve been playing with for a while. This is my custom Tzeentch Warshrine Keeper who also doubles up as a Tzeentch Sorcerer Lord too. Excuse the bad picture, but currently I’m working on layering up the vibrant magenta of his cape and working detail into his skin tone with glazes. Currently known as Balazaan Voidcaller: Magus of the Panopticon I’m enjoying working on his two-tone complexion. His daemonic side is a pallid purple, replete with writhing tentacles which I’m blending into his pale human flesh. I aim to paint and lightsource his flame in the same way as my Chaos Sorcerer of Tzeentch on Disk.

Chaos-Tzeentch-Exalted-Standard-Bearer-Age-of-Sigmar-Warhammer-WIPI love this conversion. As soon as I saw the Chaos Lord clampack model I knew I wanted to convert it into an Exalted Battle Standard Bearer. It’s a shame their rules suck in Age of Sigmar – hopefully Tzeench Arcanites will get a Bloodsecrator equivalent in the future. Either way, the model is lovely. If your’e wondering, the headswap is from the Forsaken kit and the banner is a Finecast Blasted Standard with a Dark Angels thurible hanging from it. This as yet unnamed champion is the shepherd to his warband’s flock of Forsaken – his standard an incandescent beacon capable of searing through the madness and battlelust of the damned.

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Lastly, here’s a classic gribbly from the early 2000’s! I’ve added to this venerable, metal Chaos Spawn with parts from the plastic Flamers of Tzeentch kit to make what used to be called a Fyrewyrm. When he’s finished he will be gouting flame from his maw which I’ve converted from the Burning Chariot kit.  I’m currently sketching in colours from my army scheme and I’ve built him a cork bark base to elevate him.

Hopefully I will get some of these guys finished and showcased on the blog in the coming weeks. What do you guys think so far? Have you tried Path to Glory in it’s latest Age of Sigmar incarnation yet?

WIP: Blanchitsu Black Knights

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Resplendent in the finery of a bygone age, Black Knights are a decaying mockery of once noble templars. Now these baleful revenants are consumed with loathing for those who’s hearts still beat within their chest.

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Quick post today guys, it’s been really busy again lately! Here are some more of Tim’s impressive collection of John Blanche inspired undead. This time we’ve got the first part of a unit of Black Knights.

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There’s something wonderfully understated about these models. I remember that even when they were released they had a very old-school,  oldhammer vibe about them. Devoid of exaggerated, oversize weapons and garish bling, these models have a classic timelessness about them.

Such modest detailing was an excellent opportunity to work some freehand weathering on the barding and wight’s armour. I built up the effects or tarnish and corrosion with many thin washes of black  and brown over an undercoat of Boltgun Metal. I then added applied thin glazes of Vermin Brown selectively to areas I wanted to appear streaked with rust. I then worked back over this with very thin edge highlights of Mithril Silver and tiny lines to emulate scratches and the ravages of time.

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I’d advise painting the arms and shields for these models as separate sub assemblies. It’s easier to glue them on at then end.

These are some of my favourite miniatures in the undead range – what do you think? Do you like the timeless simplicity of the Black Knights or prefer the bolder, World of Warcraft style of Nagash and his Mortarchs? Have your say below!

 

WIP: Blanchitsu Crypt Horror

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Ghastly shrieks and guttural howls come from deep within the necropolis. The charnel stench of open graves belies the presence of the corpse-eaters. Surely, to venture further through these forsaken crypts would be to consign oneself to eternal residence amongst the silent, desecrated dead…

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Just a quick blog post today to show you some work on the first of a unit of Age of Sigmar Crypt Horrors I’ve been working on. These are some of the most underrated models Games Workshop make. I must admit that I wasn’t a fan when they were released, but much of that was down to the colour scheme the ‘Eavy Metal team had chosen. In bare plastic, these miniatures have so much dynamism and covey real sense of raw power.

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Imagine if this came charging out of the shadows at you!

As with may of my Blanchitsu style models I begin messy with dry brushes of Mechrite Red and Scorched Brown over a black undercoat to set the underlying colour values and add some contrast.

I then slowly build up the skin tones over the base colours with successive glazes of Bleached Bone – over 20 different layers in all! Next I tint the skin with very thin glazes of Graveyard Earth, Bubonic Brown, Agrathax Earthshade and black. This helps me model light and shadow on the miniature. Its particularly effective on models like this which have very pronounced detail and musculature.

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Then washes and glazes of reds added to back and other areas of raw skin – started off with Vallejo Dark Red and Scab Red. Bleached bone re-applied. – repeated this process until happy with effect.

Bones painted same way as my Skeletons but I added more yellow to the mix and not as many highlights. This was to contrast from the bone coloured skin tone. I applied red washes and glazes added to create dried blood effects for extra gory detail.

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I’m pretty pleased with how this guy is progressing so far – let me know what you think in the comments below!

Showcase: Blanchitsu Skeletons

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The unquiet spirits of ancient warriors once again heed the summons war. Blasphemously tethered to their mortal remains they march from crypt and barrow beneath the tattered banners of a bygone Age.

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Shambling from their tombs this week, a rotting regiment of Blanchitsu inspired skeletons.

I’m fascinated by the way symbols can be misappropriated and subverted. Born from a love of Mordheim: City of the Damned, these miniatures are covered in the rich symbolism that defines the world of Warhammer.

Skeleton Warrior by John Blanche from White Dwarf 338 March 2008 © Games Workshop – used without permission.

Skeleton Warrior by John Blanche from White Dwarf 338 March 2008 © Games Workshop – used without permission.

Once again I've used a restricted palette and initially sketchy painting style to evoke the qualities of John Blanche's artwork in my miniatures

Once again I’ve used a restricted palette and initially sketchy painting style to evoke the qualities of John Blanche’s artwork in my miniatures.

I’ve used the twin-tailed comet device but is it a desecrated holy Sigmarite symbol, an esoteric icon of power or does it symbolise something more nefarious altogether (maybe the fallen Be’lakor, the Dark Master himself)? I’ve left it deliberately ambiguous. Perhaps in different times it has meant all of these things – its meaning as transient as the tides of power in the Mortal Realms.

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In my research I looked at lots of esoteric symbols and seals to create the freehand design on the banner. The septagram or heptagram is a seven-pointed star which over the centuries has become an occult symbol associated with synthesis. However I mainly chose it because it looked cool and more interesting to paint than a pentagram. I also painted one in the necromancer’s grimoire to form a deliberate link between these two objects of power.
Age-of-Sigmar-Skeletons-NecromancerThe necromancer was actually the first model I painted for this army. He was converted from an Empire wizard with a flagellant head as it looks so craven and sinister. He’s one of my favourite miniatures in the army especially as he gives me a great excuse to use the classic Chaos skeletal familiar (still work in progress).

I’ve gone with black séance candles on these two and the unit icon bearer. For the object light-sourcing I followed the guide in an old White Dwarf and looked at lots of pictures of candles online to note how the flame burns. A candle flame tends to be yellow/white and doesn’t have the same properties as a fire or burning torch.Age-of-Sigmar-Skeletons-5

One of my favourite things about Warhammer and Age of Sigmar is the gothic vibe and I’ve added little memento moris such as hour glasses, skulls and withering roses. I used an autumnal laurel wreath as another small theme on the banner top and hanging from the champion’s belt. It’s a symbol of decaying imperialism and the transience of power.
Age-of-Sigmar-Skeletons-Mad-Skeleton  Age-of-Sigmar-Skeletons-Sad-Skeleton

I wanted this unit to look ragtag and only used unhelmeted heads. Although skulls all look the same, I tried very hard not to repeat too many of the same parts so picked up skulls from all over the range.  For instance the Champion head is from the Crypt Ghoul kit. For fun I also used an angry skull and a sad skull from one of my brother’s spare Chaos Marauder horsemen banners.

Colours

I used the following steps to paint my skeletons and used lots of thin layers and glazes. Below you will find possibly the world’s longest recipe for painting bone…

Bone

  • Scorched Brown base
  • Bestial Brown, Bestial Brown/Bubonic Brown 1:1 drybrush.
  • Nuln Oil wash
  • Bestial Brown/Bubonic Brown/Bleached Bone 1:1:1 layers
  • Agrathax Earthshade glaze
  • Bestial Brown/Bubonic Brown/Bleached bone 1:1:3 layers
  • Graveyard Earth glaze
  • Bestial Brown/Bubonic Brown/Bleached Bone 1:1:5 highlights
  • Bleached Bone highlights
  • Bleached Bone and with white for top highlight

Metals

  • Boltgun Metal basecoat
  • several Nuln Oil washes.
  • Scorched Brown, Bestial Brown and Vermin Brown washes
  • Mithril Silver highlights.
  • Bestial Brown, Vermin Brown and Troll Slayer Orange for rust

Shields

  • Scorched Brown then Bestial Brown then Bestial Brown and Bubonic Brown 1:1.
  • Bleached Bone highlights
  • Very thin glaze of Biel-Tan Green

As ever, drop us a comment if you like what you see. ‘Till next time!

Showcase: Blanchitsu Dire Wolves

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The fell winds of Shyish stir the bones of long dead beasts. Haunting banshee-howls pierce the night and then comes the carrion stench, thick and heavy in the air. Make haste traveler, the hunt of the Dire Wolves has begun!

Things have been a bit dead here at Technasma with real life getting in the way… However now things are not just dead, they are Undead and back from the grave with a vengeance! We’ve got some all sorts of grizzly and ghoulish miniatures to share, all inspired by Warhammer’s Arch Illuminator, the inimitable John Blanche.

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Readers may remember the Blanchitsu style Bloodletter we showcased a few months ago. He was so much fun to paint I decided to create an army painted in this style. In truth it grew from a number of kits I’d bought for a Vampire Mordheim warband and snowballed from there. The Dire Wolves were the first unit I completed.

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Dire Wolf by John Blanche from White Dwarf 338 March 2008 © Games Workshop – used without permission.

The concept art back from when the Vampire Counts range was re-released in 2008 was utterly inspiring. (Aside: Its a shame that Games Workshop have stopped showing us behind the scenes of the design process – they hide such talent and inspiration.) The Undead of Warhammer took on their own identity – Dire Wolves, no longer your average barghest or hell hound, became necromantic constructs; prehistoric beasts summoned from mass graves – grizly amalgams of jaws and matted hide.

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I converted my Dire Wolves to bring them even closer to the original concept art. I added chains to the stomach of one, purity seals and more skulls to other models, even tiny coins and talismans nailed into their hides. I strove to emulate John Blanche’s use of sepias and reds. The very limited palette was a challenge and turned into a bit of a labour of love, but I love the rich autumnal colours.

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As I explained in a previous post about my Cairn Wraith, I start by underpainting the model and laying down some of the key colour values. Here I drybrushed Mechrite Red and Vallejo Charred Brown. I then started with the flesh, painting successive glazes of Bleached Bone – Over 20 different layers to build up colour. With bright, white-based paints I find you need to use very thin coats or the paint will dry chalky and leave ‘coffee stain’ marks. After all they do say patience is for the dead!

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Next I applied washes and glazes of reds, starting off with Vallejo Dark Red and Scab Red to emulate rot and contusions. I used thinned down Bleach bone lines on the skin to make it look flayed but also to emulate John Blanche’s painting style. The flat areas of the model are a canvas to apply textures to.Age-of-Sigmar-Dire-Wolves-blanchitsu-sq-2

Very thin glazes of Bubonic Brown, Agrathax Earthshade and Vermin Brown were applied sporadically across the model to tint the underlying colours. The line work, red and brown glazes were applied ad nauseam until I was happy with the result and then final highlights of Bleach Bone and white were applied. This might seem laborious but to be honest the process was really relaxing and enjoyable!

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I opted for mangy, sepia coloured manes, building up from Scorched Brown to Bestial Brown and Vermin Brown, with a wash of Agrax Earthshade in between.

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For the teeth, bone and claws I started with layers of Scorched Brown and Bestial Brown. After a wash of Nuln Oil I used Bubonic Brown and Bleached bone to add some mid tones and highlights and finished with a glazes of red to tint. Near the end of the process I applied applied a glaze of Graveyard Earth across the whole miniature to pull colours together and add that freshly disinterred feeling!

I hope you liked my Dire Wolves. I wanted to share a bit of my process in this blog post as we do get quite a few questions about our painting techniques, so let us know if you thought it was useful or not in the Comments.

GUEST SHOWCASE: Skitarii of Metallica by Adam

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Through a haze of incense and the voltaic crackle of the noosphere, Metallica’s cyborgs march to war!

I’m Adam and I’m thrilled to be asked by Technasma to do a guest post. As bit of an introduction to me; I’ve been in the hobby for nearly 16 years now, and I’ve collected a few armies in my time. In this post I wanted to talk about my latest force – the Adeptus Mechanicus! I’d been hoping to see these guys as a full on faction for a long time, so when they finally came out earlier this year there was no way I could resist.

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After a bit of deliberation I settled on Metallica as my Forgeworld of choice, for two reasons. One, because the colour scheme looks really cool (always a key consideration!), and two, because white will lend itself really well to being chipped, weathered and generally beaten up.

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Every time I start a new army, I always like to try and push my painting forward by trying some new techniques – this time round it was getting to grips with weathering vehicles, inspired by more than a few visits to Nottingham and seeing some of the amazing stuff Forgeworld have been putting out.

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When I put together an army, I tend to have a rough list in mind, but I buy whatever from it I most feel like painting at the time. I also force myself to only buy a new unit when I’ve finished painting the current one – the only downside to this is my armies tend to grow very slowly as result! So far it consists of a squad of Vanguard, some Kataphron Destroyers and a Dunecrawler. I wanted some flexibility with how I field this, so I decided to magnetise the weapons so I could chop and change which was fiddly but worth it!

dunecrawler-eradication-beamer dunecrawler-neutron-laserThe Duncrawler was a lot of fun to paint. I decided early on I didn’t want to use the off white colour that GW paint their Metallica models with, instead opting for a battered pure white more in line with how Forgeworld paint their Horus Heresy World Eaters. It was pretty simply to achieve – a base of Ceramine White, followed by an ink wash of equal parts Nuln Oil, Agrax Earthsade, Lahmian Medium and water. Once that was dry I sponged layers of Ceramite White back over the raised areas to build up a nice dirty effect.

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The weathering I’ve done so far has been achieved by sponging on layers of Abaddon Black and Leadbelcher. I’m going to be adding some Forgeworld weathering powders to this one next, once I get hold of some!

Next up on the painting table is the awesome Tech Priest Dominus (who I’m super excited about painting!). Hopefully I can share him with you soon! Let me know what you think in the comments…

Reflections on 2015

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This almost was a lengthy, self-indulgent introspection on the hobby, but we’ll spare you that.

Really all we wanted to say was thanks to any and all of you that are out there reading this and supporting our little corner of this great hobby.

Your comments, likes and shares here and on our social media have been such a positive source of inspiration and motivation. It really has been the best and most productive year of hobby for both of us here at Technasma!

In the New Year we hope to be posting more regularly again and look forward to showcasing some of our latest projects. We’ve shared some on our Instagram already – sneak peaks below…

I’ve also recharged all the photos here on the blog and fixed a bug that was making the colours look really dull. So go and check out some of our older posts now in glorious technicolour!

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Necrons of the Derelict Planet

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Skaven Warlord of Clan Izzett

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Blanchitsu Bloodletter

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Sorcerer of Tzeentch

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Rivals Cog Automaton

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Chaos Warriors of Tzeentch

Wishing you a very Happy New year guys! Come back and see what’s new in 2016 and once again thanks for your support.

Cheers

Colin & Tim – Team Technasma