The Hobbit - Radagast the Brown

I must admit I was a little anxious after seeing images of Radagast and being told about him by people who had seen the film before me. I had always thought of the brown wizard much like how GW had done with a model some years ago, though I must say I was pleasantly surprised by Sylvester McCoy's performance and enjoyed the whimsical nature of the character. I walked into the cinema feeling like Saruman and left more like Gandalf.

Anyway, the model is superbly detailed and has a lovely dynamic pose. Which I think contrasts with Gandalf quite nicely. Painting the two wizards makes me want to get a model for Saruman, perhaps the one on a horse. I painted him in darker shades of brown as I didn't think the paint scheme on the box was grubby enough. I thought of the colour of soil and went for that. It really was a treat to paint such a detailed and multi-layered model that was so radically different to what I normally paint. To improve my painting I try to paint as many different models as possible and so far I am finding these Hobbit miniatures a delightful diversion from the grim darkness of the far future or the blood-stained lands of the Old World.

6 months of 6th ed

Celebrate good times

So yes, it occurs to me that we are approaching the 6 month anniversary of 40k 6th edition (I hope you all have your bunting ready) so I thought I'd take a look back and see how it's affected the meta in general.

Now, I am a 5th ed player. I'll get this out into the open straight from the word go to clear things up. I'm not a veteran in the sense that I've been around for the long haul, I don't have any fantastic memories of the 'glory days' of 40k (not that I've heard that really, 5th ed seemed to go down very well).

The Hobbit - Gandalf the Grey

The Hobbit, I loved the book and was horrified Peter Jackson would ruin it; but alas my fears were unfounded and after the long wait I sat down to enjoy a good movie. I really enjoyed the film and was delighted when I was given the 'Escape from Goblin Town' starter set for christmas. Many years ago I was drawn into the hobby by the Lord of the Rings and looked forward to reigniting my passion for the Strategy Battle Game. It really is a great game system I would recommend to anyone though I must admit it has been years since I have had chance to play.

Moving on the models in the set are very nice and surprisingly well detailed for plastic. They really do capture the spirit of The Hobbit and look great on the tabletop. The scenery is a nice addition that is unfortunately absent from the fantasy and 40k starter sets. The first model I opted to paint was Gandalf for little other reason than I had recently bought some grey paint.

The Blackwing Part 3 - Spiritual Guidance

Here follows briefly a rough outline of my first Blackwing Commanders background and his model. I am yet to base him as I like to base several models at once to save time. Overall I am happy with his paint scheme though the photos have blurred some of the details, I think he sets the tone well for my army of dour and secretive special operations marines fanatically devoted to the Emperor.

Chaplain Anselm of the Rock

Named for an ancient Terran philosopher, Chaplain Anselm is the current chief spiritual advisor of the Blackwing. He was chosen as one of the founding members of the chapter for his loyalty and devotion to the Inner Circle. He is described by those who know him as a generous father figure who enjoys sitting down for deep intellectual discussion over afternoon tea. He is righteous in battle and devout in prayer as any chaplain should be. Anselm is however hiding a secret from his inquisitorial masters.

Slavishly loyal to the Dark Angels he has been carrying out their agendas in the Hellcaris system and ensuring by any means necessary that the Inner Circle's secrets do not come to light. More than one inquisitor has died from a tragic accident in recant years and several low-level prisoners have disappeared in the dead of night. Loose ends need to be tied neatly; a task Anselm is all too ready to carry out.

Unlike many chaplains Anselm does not carry a crozius, for his was stolen by a mysterious Dark Eldar Pirate and Anselm has vowed to take it back. To replace his weapon Anselm went into the chapter forges for ten days and ten nights, emerging with a blood red blade dubbed Gorecleaver whose sole purpose is to slay the one who wronged him.

Specialist Games are taking over my life!

So I have managed to survive all my work and have finally burst through into my free week singing and dancing!

Well, singing at least

With that big monkey off my back it's time to get back to posting some things. With my having a week of nothing to do (it really is feeling pretty good) I thought I'd get round to sorting some of my hobby stuff out. That was when it hit me.

All my stuff is specialist games now.

All of it.