Yep, once again I am having to put nearly completed projects on hold due to the time constraint on creating another project. This time, my secret army for this years GBnUIT. I have already completed my research and begun the conversion work needed and the clean up of the figures, which is more of a refresh of a long interesting subject from an earlier DBA-HX army I did years ago (you can see it here - http://miniatureminions.blogspot.com/search/label/Tlaxcallans .
My new army will be a HOTT army and full of some very fun elements. The new army will be an Aztec army, compete with Jaguar warriors riding on jaguars, eagle warriors riding on the wings of an eagle, Quetzalcoatl as a Dragon, as a Behemoth and an abundance of suited warriors and peasant types!
Here's he official army list:
1 x Blade – General @ 2 AP 2 pts
1 x Flyer – Eagle Warriors @ 2 AP 2 pts
1 x Beast – Jaguar Warriors on jaguars @ 2 AP 2 pts
2 x Blades – Suit Warriors @ 2 AP 4 pts
2 x Warband – Cuachiqueh and Otomi @ 2 AP 4 pts
2 x Shooter – Bow/ Atlatl/ Slingers @ 2 AP 4 pts
2 x Horde – 0 to 1 Captive Warriors @ 1 AP 2 pts
1 x Dragon – Quetzalcoatl @ 4 AP 4 pts
Total 24 pts
Alternate: Replace Dragon with a Behemoth – Demon @ 4 AP, or a Hero
@ 4 AP.
Stronghold – Aztec village or peasants with supplies and armed guard
More to follow
Terry
Those Tlaxcallans are lovely, such vibrant colours. Will follow this with interest, strongly considering an Aztec project myself in the near future from the Pendraken range.
MMCV, Thank you fr the kind words re my Tlaxcallans. They were a fun project that spanned not quite 18 months, including nearly a year of research. i studied all of the codex I could find and havea published copy of the Mendoza Codex that really helped, as well as the Leinzo Codex on the Tlaxcallans.
If you decide to pursue a Mesoamerican army, I will be happy to offer any help in understanding the society, uniforms, etc. Their society was very ordered and had all sorts of strict guidelines that if disobeyed meant the death penalty - as an example, only nobles were allowed to wear cotton! Certain shield patterns were carried by certain ranks, and the same with back banners and hair style. The first two can be easily ascribed to, but re-doing haircuts is not worth it!
I took a quick glance at the Pendraken line of Aztecs, and they are very nice. I don't know if fhe back banners and shields are separate, but am guessing the former is due to a separate pack of them being available. If shields aren't, no worry, just one less thing to have to glue on. One comment, I did notice is they offer 1 and 2 captive warriors in correct attire, but with incorrect shields. However, that is VERY easy to fix. The 1 and 2 captive warriors did not have the feathers hanging down at the bottom edge of their shield, so just remove them. I am primarily using Essex figures as I game in 15 MM, and have ot do the same for my peasants and 1 and 2 captive warriors.
Although my HOTT Aztec army is for a fantasy set of rules, with some fantasy elements, the dress, shields and banners will all be accurate based on current knowledge and material available.
Thanks again,
Terry
Black Hat range are worth a look at, I did Pete's for him recently.
Recent - three years...
http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,13704.0.html
Look forward to seeing those. Terry. :)
Yes....The back banners are separate pieces.....Don't think I made any 'add on shields', though.
Cheers - Phil
Looking forward to seeing the first conversions for these 8)
Thanks for the info Terry, I'm also doing a good bit of research, including what I can find of the codex pictures online, some audio lectures, osprey books and working through Ross Hassig's Aztec Warfare, which is full of great information. Think I've a good plan of attack for organising the units and some styling for them. Aiming for doing some earlier period Aztecs, around the rise of the triple alliance, with possibly some home brew rule adaptions to represent the distinct nature of the warfare at the time.
Would love to do some Maya too, but have only come across a few who do them and mostly in bigger scales. A lot less info on Maya warfare about unfortunately but a fascinating culture nonetheless.
A friend did Mayans using Essex Aztecs. I don't know enough off hand to really talk about them with any detail, but do have some info. Sounds like you are well under way then. Chronofus was the best site, but sadly, the last time I checked it had been hacked with a nasty virus. Fortunately I printed off a ton of stuff from him, and it is very detailed and aimed at gamers and figure painters.
I will be sharing a progress report with pictures as my Aztecs progress. Right now there isn't much to see, but a bunch of bare metal figures in he cleaning process. I am also waiting for an Essex order to arrive with a few 28 MM skeleton and zombie types for a head transplant for my Behemoth/Demon - Mictlantecuhtli. Yesterday I cleaned the two Warband elements, did the new wings for Quetzalcoatl, and did the necessary work to convert a standing Eagle warrior so he would fit astride a large eagle figure. I hope to do more work today on the Blade, Beast and general's element.
More to follow,
Terry
PS, I have some of the Black Hat Aztecs and I really like them, but find they are a large figure, more like 20 MM. I still cut bits off of them to enhance my 15 MM figures.
A little more progress made today. The Jaguar/ocelot warriors were modified and ready to mount on the jaguar figures and the general's element was created, requiring a conversion of two of the four figures that go on that base. One is a demon of the dark warrior priest of high rank, tzitmitl converted from a coyote warrior figure and the other a standard bearer converted from a Cuexo figure.
A very fun project indeed!
Terry
Sounds like you are very busy Terry and look forward to the first pics :).
Making progress and am truly excited about how this is turning out so far! Of course the real story will be when I go to paint it, but the figures are super fun, especially all of the converted ones. All of the figures, save one, are now cleaned, converted, holes drilled for back banners, and additional feather plumage, filed and sanded. Tomorrow I will finish up the shields (have to match the right shield with the right feather suit, etc., as I did with the back banners) and glue both them and the back banners in place. Then they'll be ready to glue to painting sticks - and the painting will involve a LOT of very pretty colors! Once they are glued to the painting sticks and primed, I'll share some pictures of them before the painting starts, which will at least give you an idea of what the army will look like.
I have decided to add a "man" version of Quetzalcoatl to the base with the Dragon. I'll use a large-ish 18-20 MM figure, but nor as large as a 28 MM, since my behemoth is a 28 MM figure. I'll also start working on him tomorrow too.
The only figure I've not done anything on yet is the Behemoth, because I am waiting for a small figure order to arrive with a few 28 MM skeletons and zombies ot see which head to use as a transplant for making Mictlantecuhtli (pron. Mict-lan-te-cuht-li).
More soon,
Terry
Alright then, got the figures glued to painting sticks and primed so they are easier to see, but no painting done yet. A least you will have an idea of what the army looks like, but it is hard to imagine the profusion of color that will be involved! An X next to a figure indicates that some conversion was done that may not be apparent.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2275_zps1lxgsi56.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2275_zps1lxgsi56.jpg.html)
Here's the command element. A general (Patzactli), a demon warrior (Tzitzmitl), a flag bearer (Cuextecatl, flag not yet installed) and a trumpeter.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2276_zpsjts548zd.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2276_zpsjts548zd.jpg.html)
Two elements of heavy hitters - assorted higher ranking suit warriors.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2268_zpshar89uje.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2268_zpshar89uje.jpg.html)
Two elements of Warband - Otomi in the back, and Cuachiqueh in the front.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2272_zpsgnnnhkiu.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2272_zpsgnnnhkiu.jpg.html)
My Eagle warrior. He won't be as colorful as most of the others due to his suit being primarily brown from the use of eagle feathers. But he'll still make a neat element.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2273_zpsl88l5kmx.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2273_zpsl88l5kmx.jpg.html)
My Dragon element - Quetzacoatl. This is a beautiful figure from Reaper Miniatures, but I replaced the wings they provided for two reasons. First, their wings stretched a good 8+ inches across, which on a 2 foot board makes it too overpowering. Second, because the wing they supply is very flat and the metal does not have any tolerance for bending, and thus made the figure overall look flat. So, I took an extra eagle figure like my Eagle warrior is riding and used the wings from it (a fun two hour plus effort), and I like the look much better. I also had to create a base that would support the figure as he comes with a round plastic base for skirmish type play.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2266_zpsgs5wrfob.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2266_zpsgs5wrfob.jpg.html)
My two Shooter elements - bows and atlatl.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2270_zps59yhr5we.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2270_zps59yhr5we.jpg.html)
Two Horde elements of 0-1 captive warriors each commanded by a higher ranking warrior.
Not pictures is my Behemoth element which will be Mictlantecutil, Demon of the Dark. I am using this figure (https://www.essexminiatures.co.uk/collections/25mm-fantasy-undead/products/q121) as the base figure but heavily modified. He'll have a feather shield in his left hand, and a macuahuitl in his right hand, feathers added to his head, bones through his ear lobes, a loincloth and some kind of paper looking banner (all taken from his description). On the base with him will be a dog with a human skull head, also a conversion (from a saber tooth tiger for the body and a skeleton head from a skeleton figure). He is proving a fun challenge. FYI, he had rule over dogs, owls and...shudder - spiders. You can be assured there will be NO spiders used - EVER!
Also not pictured is the human form of Quetzacoatl which I am also working on, another involved conversion.
More to follow as I am now starting to paint them.
Terry
Great work.
Love the Quazicotal conversion.
They should look stunning once painted.
:-bd =D> :-bd =D>
Looking forward to seeing these painted :)
Great project so far, looking forward to seeing more!
All of the above. :)
Cheers - Phil
Finally got some time to finish creating the two special figures, Mictlāntēcutli, demon of the underworld (Behemoth), and Quetzalcoatl, winged serpent in human form to go on my Dragon base. These are the last two figures for the army. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2298_zpsx7ghyeww.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2298_zpsx7ghyeww.jpg.html)
Here are all the pieces made except the two feathers I decided to add during he putting together of the figure - one on each side below the feather headdress.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2299_zps5ds9m5eb.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2299_zps5ds9m5eb.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2300_zps9hu8txgs.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2300_zps9hu8txgs.jpg.html)
Two different angles of the assembled figure sitting on a 40 x 40 MM base he will go on. He's not primed yet as I just finished him so some of the details may not show well.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2301_zpsrdnkjkpd.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2301_zpsrdnkjkpd.jpg.html)
Here's Quetzalcoatl in human form. I will add dragon type nostrils with paint to give him a more serpent look.
I will prime these before turning in tonight and tomorrow the painting starts!!!
More to follow,
Terry
Scary and awesome
That dog is super uncanny 😂
:-bd
Cheers - Phil
:-bd =D> :-bd =D>
Lovely work
I took a couple of pics of the Demon and his puppy after I primed them as they allow you to see the detail a little better. I've also started apply base and pre-coats to the figures and I am genuinely excited about doing this army. Actually one I've wanted to do for a very long time, and have had the figures forever.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2306_zpsdzswok0d.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2306_zpsdzswok0d.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2305_zps0s5txxzf.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2305_zps0s5txxzf.jpg.html)
Oh, and I measured he original wings on the Quetzalcoatl, and they are not 8 inches as I was thinking, but right at 4 inches. Still they were too flat and too big for my liking.
Hoppy Trails
Terry
These are truly pictures of work in progress, but thought they might give you an idea of just how much fun a Mesoamerican army can be. If you like colorful troops, this is pretty hard to beat! Again, I am still working on the base coats so please don't expect too much.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2310_zpssal1rhot.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2310_zpssal1rhot.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2311_zpsgluy9ywv.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2311_zpsgluy9ywv.jpg.html)
Quetzalcoatl front and back. He is pretty much done as far as base coats go, but the top feathers will be green Quetzal feathers. I still need to do the mouth, eyes and teeth as well, but he is coming out as I had hoped!
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2312_zpsyttbebgk.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2312_zpsyttbebgk.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2313_zpsfqh6c9gg.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2313_zpsfqh6c9gg.jpg.html)
Mictlantecuhtli front and back. He doesn't look all that great right now, but there is still a lot to do on him. The shield with have the skull design, with yellow feathers tipped probably red and parrot green with a turquoise band about a fourth up from the bottom. His bones will show up better after a light wash is applied. The rim of the shield will be red.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2318_zpsuxatbvxo.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2318_zpsuxatbvxo.jpg.html)
Quetzalcoatl as a human, only with parrot green skin. I have decide that instead of putting him on the base with the winged serpent version to base him separately as a Hero. This wa sa strange figure started with in that he had a eagle helmet but a feather suit with a ocelot tail!!!! Of course I removed the tail and did a lot of work to make the helmet look less eagle like and more dragon like. Quit a bit to do on him still too! Decided to make this change after I found out that Quetzalcoatl was seen as several different things, one being a Hero!
I have also been slowly working on other figures, but not enough to share as it is just basic stuff, but I figure every little bit helps and that once these bad boys are done the rest will move rather quickly. The ones pictured are the most demanding!
More to follow,
Terry
A good and colourful start :) :) :)
Looking really good !!
Cheers - Phil
Do you offer your opponents dark glasses when you use it ?
I was going to say that I thought the colour combinations were a bit on the 'dull ', side.
Too monochrome, and plain, perhaps ? ;) ;D ;D
Keep it going, Terry.....I think this/these will look absolutely awesome !
Cheers - Phil
Simply awesome work Terry 8). They will certainly brighten up any table they grace :).
Great work
Excited to see the final product - the multi-color is funt to look at!
Very much appreciate everyone's comments. No pictures tonight, but may try for a few tomorrow. I have finished the base coats on the Eagle Warrior and am quite pleased. Same for Quetzalcoatl, plus making good progress on Mictlantecuhtli, Demon of the Underworld and his dog, and also Quetzalcoatl in human form. Plus doing quite a bit of work on some of the base coats for the suited warriors.
More soon,
Terry
Things seem to be slowly trudging along!!! Painting an army with so much color and detail is always a slow one. Here are just some WIP update pictures. The skeleton parts on the Demon will bring things more "alive" (if I may use that word for a Demon the Underworld/Dead) once I hit the bones with a wash. Until then you'll have to just imagine how he will look. His dog I know looks funny, but is taken directly from one of the Codex, only with a skeleton head added, which I took from a picture of him I found on line. I am also sharing the Eagle Warrior (also taken from one of the Codex) and one of the Blade elements of Suit Warriors just to give an idea of the color that such an element will look like.
Trust me there is still a considerable amount of work to be done!!!
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2319_zps4oj7i2bn.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2319_zps4oj7i2bn.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2320_zpscw48fwct.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2320_zpscw48fwct.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2321_zpsww02rxdw.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2321_zpsww02rxdw.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2322_zpsjz9osykw.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2322_zpsjz9osykw.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2323_zpstzzoxdjp.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2323_zpstzzoxdjp.jpg.html)
More soon,
Terry
Coming on brilliantly.
They certainly are. :)
Cheers - Phil
Just a painting update, but no pictures worth showing. However, a lot has been accomplished. The base coats for the Eagle Warrior and the Quetzalcoatl , and Quetzalcoatl as a human are finished and I will start the washes and other detail work on them now. Very leased with them....but painting Aztec/Mesoamerican shields is a trial - even the simple ones!!! Also got the weapons painted on the the two Horde elements and a second coat of skin tone started on the the Hordes as well. All but the shield is finished on Mictlantecuhtli, which will be the skull shield design...of course!. Close to being finished are the Ocelotl Warriors (need to do shields and the black dot markings) on their suits), and I have started on their Jaguar mounts. Re the Jaguars, one will be a Stanford orangey-brown spotted jaguar while the other one will be a melanistic jaguar (the correct name for the all black or mostly black jaguar/panther, but still with some orangey-brown and traditional spots showing. Actually even full black jaguars/panthers have the spots but except in the right light, they are very hard to see.
More to follow, and photos.
Terry
Really looking forward to the end result. :)
Cheers - Phil
Not a good light day, but I managed a few pictures of the first two completed figures - the Eagle Warrior and Quetzalcoatl in human form. I apologize for the blurred picture of the eagle Warrior, but my shutter speed was not fast enough to capture a decent picture as he flew by!!!!I'll get you a better one next time.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2338_zpsmxidd5lr.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2338_zpsmxidd5lr.jpg.html)
Eagle Warrior
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2339_zpsb2nfb6sb.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2339_zpsb2nfb6sb.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2340_zpssbapgh1p.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2340_zpssbapgh1p.jpg.html)
Quetzalcoatl in human form
I am really pleased with how both figures came out. However, I'll bet I tried at least 7 different mask face paintings on Quetzalcoatl before I tried this one, and this one gave me the look I was after - i.e a sort of a serpent look. The starting figure was a mystery to me as I have no idea what he was supposed to be - he came in a feathered suit with a bird/eagle helmet (that looked more like a chicken head), but also had a jaguar tail???? Needless to say, I removed the Jaguar tail and heavily modified the helmet. The helmet paint work is sort of a mix of him from various depictions in several codices.
Once the humidity drops I'll spray the protective coats and base them.
More to follow
Terry
Very nice, indeed, Terry !! :)
Cheers - Phil
Looking good Terry
Very, very nice Terry 8).
Quite a bit done the past few days, and will try for some wip pics tomorrow. Thursday morning will be my last painting day for at least 10 days due to having cataract surgery, first left and then right eye.
Started doing some of the beautiful face painting a few of the Aztecs wore and that is fun. Should be able to apply the wash to the skeletal part of Mictlantecuhtli and then he should start looking pretty good. He's nearly done, as all base coats are finished. Have also nearly finished the base coats on the Ocelotl Warriors and they are a colorful lot (or would that be "lotl"!!!)!
Hopefully more tomorrow,
Terry
Best wishes for the surgery
Same from me, Terry.
Cheers - Phil
And I
Just catching up on this project, lovely work and looking forward to seeing more. All the best for your surgery.
Fingers crossed it all goes OK.
Thank you all for the well wishes and prayers.
Took a few minutes this morning to get a few snaps of the newest completed elements - the Ocelotl Warriors and Mictlantecuhtli. Plus another more focused shot of my Eagle Warrior.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2346_zpsmozeaugb.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2346_zpsmozeaugb.jpg.html)
The Ocelotl Warriors. I decided to go with scale Jaguars to mount them on, and one is a typical spotted jaguar, while the other is a melanistic jaguar. The latter means he tends toward black, but even so still has spots but also has more of the darker pigmentation. Actually a black panther is really a melanistic jaguar, with full darker pigmentation - but still has spots, which can only be seen in certain light or at certain angles.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2347_zpsf0a6nolu.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2347_zpsf0a6nolu.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2348_zps1uywoska.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2348_zps1uywoska.jpg.html)
Two views of Mictlantecuhtli with his dog. You can also see the owl figure I just received and will add to the base at the left front of the figure. I'll have him sort of on a short shrub or on a clump of rocks. In the myth, Mictlantecuhtli is the keeper of the underworld/dead at the fifth or lowest level. The owl is the bringer of the dead and the dog is the guide of the dead.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/Owl%201_zpstx9awsy6.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/Owl%201_zpstx9awsy6.jpg.html)
The owl will be painted along these lines to fit the theme of the element.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2349_zpstfdsjaxq.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2349_zpstfdsjaxq.jpg.html)
Here's the Eagle Warrior again.
Next up will be the Cuachicqueh (shorn ones) and the command element with general, priest , standard and a native with a horn/conch.
I'll back to it as soon as I am able, but this will bring you up to date.
Terry
Looking damn fine, Terry !
Cheers - Phil
You've just gotta love these, especially that man and his dog 8).
Top Terry
:-bd =D> :-bd =D>
Thank you all for the kind words and well wishes for my eye surgery. My first cataract surgery went fine today, and I am also feeling fine. I am having trouble seeing right now due to the large patch over one eye, so my glasses do not really fit, so it a chore to see, but i am sure will be worth it very soon.
I'll share new progress on this project as soon as I am able.
Terry
Look forward to that Terry...
Glad it all went well. :-bd
How long do you have to wear the eye-patch ??
Cheers - Phil
Good to hear it went well :-bd
So far so good! Just got back from my first follow-up visit, and everything seems to be going fine.
Phil, I no longer have to wear the patch all the time, but just when I sleep now, so I don't accidentally rub or apply any pressure to the eye - do that for a week. The eye is still giving a blurry fog like view and is a little tender feeling, but I am amazed at hoe much brighter everything is. Doc said it will take several days to a week for the eye to recover from the trauma and settle down. The big problem is that my depth perception is way off right now, so I feel very unstable - therefore, a good thing I like and enjoy movies because that's about all I can do for now. I suspect that with my right eye being done next Thursday, the 5th, that it might be at least a week after that before I can start painting again, but really still an unknown. But I am anxious to get back to it!!!
One fear I had going into the surgery is seeing my figures that I've painted afterwards, so as soon as I got home, I went to see if they were as horrible looking as I was fearing! Fortunately they look OK to me and are brighter looking, which I am really pleased with, as my figures always seemed to have a dark look ot them!
While having time to ponder, I am thinking of adding one more element to my army - a god element. That would be represented by Huītzilōpōchtli, or the god of war. The name literally means hummingbird, which is what the Aztecs believed a warrior who died in battle came back as. Might be a fun figure to do, and I'll look for a largish 28 MM figure to make him form. One source shows him to have blue skin, so that might be fun too! of course I wouldn't be able to play him all the time, being a high point element and you are only allowed 12 points total of elements costing more than 2 points - but gives options to let me change up the army as well as do up another fun figure.
Hoppy Trails
Terry
Terry, I'm glad to hear it all went well and that you can now see your figures in their true glory as we've been delighted to throughout! The God of war figure sounds like a lot of fun, I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
Hope the eye gets back to normal, as soon as, Terry ! :)
Like mmcv, I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the God of War !
All the best for next Thursday !!
Cheers - Phil
Fingers crossed
Good luck for Thursday, Terry.
Fourthed
Well, I am officially back in the saddle again.....out where a friend is a friend.... Oh wait, that's a cowboy song, and I'm talking about Aztecs!!!! What I am trying to say is that my eyes have healed nicely, and I have a new clear vision, but am no longer near sighted! So I have tried a couple pair of reading glasses to let me do close work, and today tried a new pair of +3 magnification which seemed to at least allow me to see the figure so I can paint it. But I will have to change my method a bit. I finished Quetzalcoatl, my Dragon, and he is going to look terribly menacing to any opponent! I'll do the clear coats tomorrow, and glue him to his base and then share a couple of pictures with you. I really do like the figure and especially after I changed out the wings. The wings that come with it are nice, but too flat and the eagle wings I used truly look a lot better and seem more scaled to the figure. Quetzalcoatl was a feathered serpent and not the typical dragon of Tolkienesque.
Until tomorrow then, Hoppy trails
Terry
Sounds like great news, Terry ! :)
I'm sure you'll find your 'new method' in no time.
Cheers - Phil
Seconded :) :)
Great news Terry and i'm sure once you get used to wearing glasses, you'll be back to your normal painting. Worth getting them checked so that you get the prescription right, as each eye can vary.
Glad to hear it!
Was not a very good day for taking pictures, overcast and threatening, but unfortunately no rain!!! Been several weeks since we've had any so we do need it. Also, temps are staying in the
upper 90's due to a stalled high north of us! Our weather is dependent totally on the location of the Jet Stream - if it's above us, then it's hot and humid and if it's below us mild and comfortable!
OK, this is not meant to be a lesson in Tennessee weather so let's get to the pictures of Quetzalcoatl. Due to the poor light, the colors are not showing up great but you can at least get an idea.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2366_zpsjfi8ym7v.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2366_zpsjfi8ym7v.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2365_zpsgjfttsyi.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2365_zpsgjfttsyi.jpg.html)
The crimson color of his head ended up turning more of a dark plum to reddish-purple shade, but he still looks pretty cool. And what a fun figure to paint! We need to have Leon make this figure so you can game him in 10 MM scale - HOTT does nicely at that scale.
More soon,
Terry
:-bd =D> :-bd
That looks great Terry 8).
Fab Terry
Love this, the colours in the wings especially look magnificent
Very nice indeed
Take care
Andy
Again, apologize for the poor pictures. I tried doing a couple this morning using the flash and they are better and let you see just how colorful ole Quetzalcoatl really is.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2373_zpspyzl6uai.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2373_zpspyzl6uai.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2374_zps3ewwsxj6.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2374_zps3ewwsxj6.jpg.html)
Terry
Quality Quazicotal!!!
STONKING !! :-bd :-bd
Cheers - Phil
Wow! That really brings the colours out Terry. Top work.
Beautiful!
:-bd =D> :-bd =D> :-bd
The better lighting reveals the colours :)
There's lovely :-bd
Very nice indeed
Take care
Andy
To give you an idea of the on-going work on my HOTT Aztec army, here are the remaining elements that I've been working on. They are a fair bit away from being finished or even washed, shaded and highlighted, but I am trying to make a little progress every day.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2378_zpschdl55x4.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2378_zpschdl55x4.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2383_zps5dxvjlqw.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2383_zps5dxvjlqw.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2384_zpsobghoobq.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2384_zpsobghoobq.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2385_zps52i9x1y3.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2385_zps52i9x1y3.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2387_zpsx4ng3rnq.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2387_zpsx4ng3rnq.jpg.html)
More to follow
Terry
Going well Terry
Wot Will sed. :)
Cheers - Phil
:-bd
Nice to see more progress and they are going to look stunning once finished 8).
:-bd =D> :-bd
Coming on nicely
Take care
Andy
Closing in on finishing a few more elements, and have decided to also create a Fire Coyote Warrior. This was a lower rank priest warrior which wore a black coyote suit with red feathers or strips of cloth/paper attached randomly all over on suit and helmet. I don't know of anyone who makes this warrior in 15 MM, so I am trying to create one.
I first tried cutting very tiny thin strips of paper to glue to the figure, but at 15 MM, I couldn't get them small enough. So now I am trying a piece of unraveled string, which makes a good size for the figure. I first heavily coated the string in white glue to make it stiff and then will cut tiny pieces that I can hopefully glue to the figure tomorrow. We'll see?????
I also found thi son YouTube and thought I'd share the link. Can you imagine going into battle dressed like this and with headdress like these guys are wearing!!!! Sure is colorful though!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soNn7QB-RJc
Hoppy Trails
Terry
They didn't believe in camouflage, did they ?
Cheers - Phil
No, seems camouflage was not high on their list of to-dos! Worked on the Fire Coyote Warrior today and although he's still rough this will give you an idea of how he will be looking.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2401_zpsvjapdigv.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2401_zpsvjapdigv.jpg.html)
More soon,
Terry
Coming along nicely, Terry ! :)
Cheers - Phil
Very nice indeed 8).
They'll be camouflaged amongst all the other brightly coloured warriors... Maybe the suits and tassels and feathers act as a distraction and make it harder to judge distances and movements in close combat.
Lovely work as ever Terry, looking forward to seeing more!
Top work
Been doing several things since I last posted. First I decided that some of the "fire/flames" on my Fire Coyote Warrior were too long, so I clipped them....and yes, in so doing pulled several off. So I have re-glued those and also added about another half dozen in what appeared to be bare spots. I think he looks much better now. Just have to paint the back side of the shield and the base coats are finished, ready for shading and highlighting.
I've also done some more base coat painting on various other figures, and decided that I didn't really care for the pose of the one Blade element that had everyone leaning over so I am scraping that and replacing it with poses that are more vertical, so as to match better with the other Blade element and also to reflect a more ordered close body of troops as opposed to my two Warband elements.. This involved some head swaps and some other modification due to not having enough vertically standing figures. It;'s the four guys in front that I've scrapped, but am able to save and still use he back banners if need be.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2383_zps5dxvjlqw.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2383_zps5dxvjlqw.jpg.html)
Lastly, I received the excellent figures from Outpost in super time, and Jeff was very helpful in meeting my figure requirements (Thanks Jeff) for creating my god element - Huitzilopotchtli, or the Hummingbird god, god of war and of the sun. This will again be made from a 28 MM figure with some modifications, but not as extensive as Mictlantecuhtli. Here are couple of pictures of what I started with and after the basic work has been done to the figure and the new parts created. I'll assemble him tomorrow. Love the back banner Jeff sent me and with the head dress, that will make for a very colorful and imposing figure, plus he was represented as being painted turquoise blue and holding a serpent in his right hand.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2411_zpsb4sbslrs.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2411_zpsb4sbslrs.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2413_zps353ndqde.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2413_zps353ndqde.jpg.html)
More soon,
Terry
That's some serious commitment there.
Base coats are finished on the basic figure of Huitzilopochtli, the Hummingbird god and Aztec god of war and the sun. Have to say this has been a really fun figure to paint, and look forward to now doing the shading and highlighting, which will add some life to him. I am now working on the large back banner and his shield.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2419_zpsxqgpfnmy.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2419_zpsxqgpfnmy.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2420_zpsjjawqyx9.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2420_zpsjjawqyx9.jpg.html)
More to follw,
Terry
Impressive already :-bd =D> :-bd =D>
That is beautiful
The bright colours really work, will really stand out in the table!
Superb! =D> =D> =D>
Lovely painting
Take care
Andy
OK then, The Aztec Hummingbird god figure is finished, just need to finish the back banner and the shield and I can apply the clear coats and base him. Spent four hours today shading and highlighting him, as I didn't want to use any washes. I am pleased and he will make a nice god element in he army. Cowboy Action Shooting State Match for workers starts Saturday so tomorrow will be spent getting ready. So no further work until after the weekend.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2425_zps94cmtqvw.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2425_zps94cmtqvw.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2424_zpskyvgv2so.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2424_zpskyvgv2so.jpg.html)
More to follow,
Terry
:-bd =D> :-bd =D>
Good luck with the Cowboy action shooting
Thanks Paul! I am not expecting to place, as there are just too many shooters far better than I am. I do it for the fun, and the camaraderie of the people. And it's fun to play dress up!!!! I did manage a 4th place win a couple years back though!!!! Can you say PURE LUCK!!!
One of my very first matches, so please excuse all of the errors!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb3stz77NQs
Hoppy Trails
Terry
That's one impressive looking figure Terry! Oh and good luck with the shooting :).
Superb
Stonking ! :-bd
Cheers - Phil
Had to miss the workers match at cowboy shooting due to coming down with a terrible intestinal disorder. Not fun! Am still recovering, but did manage a hour or so with the paint brush today. Oh well, there's always next year!!! :(
More Aztecs soon!
Terry
Get well soon Terry
Sorry to hear that Terry, hope you are better soon.
Love the Huitzilopochtli figure!
On the mend so have been getting in some brush time. Finished the Aztec god of war, Huitzilopochtli, and tried to get some decent pictures on an overcast day. Not pleased with the pics but they will give you an idea of how the figure came out. I am very pleased with the way he turned out. I decided to leave the shield off, as it just didn't seem to look right. I can always add it if I ever want to, but for now here he is.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2435_zpsjewah7sg.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2435_zpsjewah7sg.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2436_zpsrdgk3hxx.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2436_zpsrdgk3hxx.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2437_zpshqgkpqfr.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2437_zpshqgkpqfr.jpg.html)
He appears to be shiny in these pictures, but that is not the case. I get a sort of egg shell finish with the way I do my protective clear coats.
I have also finished the three Blade elements, one of which is the General element. I'll try to get pictures of them tomorrow. The tournament is two weeks away, but I think I can make it, although it's going to be close!!!
More soon,
Terry
Impressive, Terry. Very impressive, certainly looks god like.
Great, I love him.
:-bd =D> :-bd =D> :-bd
All hail Huitzilopochtli
Looks really good
Take care
Andy
That looks really spiffy, Terry. :)
Cheers - Phil
Thank you everyone for the kind remarks. Mesoamericans are always fun to do....if you enjoy colorful costumes and uniquely dressed troops! Had better light today so retook some pictures of the hummingbird god, plus my three finished Blade elements. For you pleasure I present....
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2541_zps0uvlkm9m.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2541_zps0uvlkm9m.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2542_zps6oh5ucmk.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2542_zps6oh5ucmk.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2543_zpskd1lp3c2.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2543_zpskd1lp3c2.jpg.html)
And the Blade elements (Blades are an element type in HOTT. Element types in HOTT are determined by both the weapons they use and their manner of fighting)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2544_zpslnphikcs.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2544_zpslnphikcs.jpg.html)
The Command element - L-R: Horn blower (not or Royal Navy fame!!!), high Priest, Standard Bearer (standards were used to communicate with the troops) and the General.
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2545_zpsijlczr1i.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2545_zpsijlczr1i.jpg.html)
Two elements of suit warriors played as Blades
Closing in and more soon!
Terry
Damn fine job, Terry ! :)
Cheers - Phil
Brilliant Terry
Superb work Terry
FAN-tastic!
X_X
Now them's a bit nice!
Stunning work Terry 8).
The army is painted, shaded and highlighted. May not be great, but I consider it done. the remaining 4 elements figures are drying from being glued to their bases., and tomorrow I will start doing the bases. Cutting it close as I only have three days to be totally finished - the tournament is Saturday. I'll try to get you all some pictures, but if not tomorrow, after the basing is finished.
Terry
Fingers crossed for some piccies, Terry......Looking forward to those. :)
Cheers - Phil
Getting them finished for Saturday comes first :!!
Don't tell Phil I said that :-$
I heard that.....Pardon ? ;)
Cheers - Phil
Nothing dear
Friends, Sorry I was not able to post any pictures. The past several days have truly been marathon painting and modeling days. I finished basing the army at 3 AM this morning so it would be ready for the tournament (even though I don't play). Now that it is over I can relax a bit and will post a report of the event and also share pictures of the completed army. Supposed ot be nice sun tomorrow so will try to get it done then.
Terry
Good to hear you got it done in time #:-S #:-S #:-S
Thanks Paul. Sorry to say the sun that we were supposed to have today is cloud and overcast so very little light to take pictures. I'll try again tomorrow.
Terry
Still enjoying!!! gloomy and overcast skies, but tried for some pictures anyway. So, here are some pictures of the finished Aztec army identified by element type. Thank you for all of your support and kind words!
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2597_zps5z2lrqcc.jpg) (https://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2597_zps5z2lrqcc.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2598_zps0jdjyt0r.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2598_zps0jdjyt0r.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2599_zpsl2gsqc5m.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2599_zpsl2gsqc5m.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2600_zps6mpdfexr.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2600_zps6mpdfexr.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2601_zpsesh3c9ck.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2601_zpsesh3c9ck.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2602_zpsicm7tj16.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2602_zpsicm7tj16.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2603_zpsoke1du70.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2603_zpsoke1du70.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2604_zps5oiqkgod.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2604_zps5oiqkgod.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2605_zpsz8dfaqby.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2605_zpsz8dfaqby.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2606_zpsptcic4jh.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2606_zpsptcic4jh.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2607_zpslxygobpq.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2607_zpslxygobpq.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2608_zpsjtlqbdzi.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2608_zpsjtlqbdzi.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2609_zpsuaf2uvvj.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2609_zpsuaf2uvvj.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2610_zpsqxzuovvd.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2610_zpsqxzuovvd.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2612_zpsicj2u3ke.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2612_zpsicj2u3ke.jpg.html)
(https://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/DSCF2613_zpsygj3gjuz.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/DSCF2613_zpsygj3gjuz.jpg.html)
Now it's back to finishing up a few projects I had to set aside to make this one, but what a delight it was to do!!! Although painting those shields was not always quite the joy!!!!
Terry
Completely brilliant
Cracking!
Those really are spectacular! Well done!
Yes. Agree with above. Terrific job, Terry. :-bd
:-bd =D> :-bd =D> :-bd
Simply awesome work Terry. You should be very proud of your efforts on this army.
Excellent, Terry ! :-bd
Cheers - Phil.