Wednesday, November 16, 2011

It's funny when obsession strikes


I was just thinking the other day that I probably wouldn't be entering into the 2012 Armies On Parade competition. Although I've been working on some lovely models (Thundertusk and Ironblaster) and have quite a few armies I could spruce up, I just wasn't "feeling" that any of those were real options.

Fast forward to last night at my friend's place, where I was playing in a big Warhammer game to conclude our recent campaign. While the vile stunties on the opposite side of the table shuffled forward and readied their cannons, I took the opportunity to check out some of the terrain models in Eric's painting queue. Ever since I first saw the Dreadstone Portal (above) I've known there was some great potential for a wacky Empire piece.


Add to that the very cool Garden of Morr box on Eric's shelf, and my mind started to tick over. There are a lot of fun things I can do with this piece that could really push the boundaries of the craziness that is now the Warhammer World.

Priest of Morr

And after a look through my copy of Blood On The Reik (a wonderful book full of excellent Dave Gallagher concept sketches) I knew I was hooked.

I'll be working on a crazy mix of "Warriors of Morr"/funeral procession that will include a lot of unique models and considerable conversion, perhaps even some original sculpted parts and backyard casting.

What follows are images that will inspire and inform my obsessed mind and hands as I embark on yet another Empire army.

Doomsayer

Corpse Handler

Grave Diggers

Imperial Judge

Amethyst Wizards

Barber Surgeon

Hobby Horse - I don't know what this is, but I know I want one

Amethyst Wizard

Corpse Cart

Lietpold The Black

Wish me luck, I think this is the first time I've worked on an army that was inspired by scenery rather than miniatures : )

Cheers
Dave

PS. All of these images are from Games Workshop's website, Forge World's website, and the Black Library artbook Blood On the Reik, and are used without permission.

11 comments:

  1. Wow. This is going to be epic. And, I need to buy myself a copy of Blood on the Reik, apparently. Because those are some very evocative illustrations. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with this. Keep it dark and dreary and you can't go far wrong.

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  2. That's... really, really cool. Excited to see what you do with this!

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  3. Dave, The picture of a Hobby horse looks like it is based on a Morris Dancing Hooded Beast. I've helped build and dance in one for my dad's morris side. If you would like more information on them, I can dig through for some resources for you.
    I think this is going to be a fantastic build and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

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  4. Dave, this looks as terrific as ever. Very much looking forward to seeing you take this one on! Very, very best of luck, mate!

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  5. boy, i do relate to your sudden inspirations. That book is so expensive, is that the normal price, 70-90 dollars?

    Mike

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  6. Great idea!
    What about using Elspeth von Draken from Warhammer Forge. She will fit the theme nicely....
    Johan

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  7. Hi guys

    Thanks for your enthusiastic support!
    @Concentrationally Challenged - yeah, it's going to be tough keeping the "dark and dreary" and making sure there's enough "pop" to grab the attention of the casual passer-by at Games Day (assuming I make it past the first round at the store level.
    @Devlanmud - Certainly, any extra info would be great! You can send it through to the email address in my profile.
    @Mike - I think was only around $30 when it was first released. I'm not sure how well it sold, but I also have the Collector's Edition, very nice package indeed.
    @Johan - I just took a look at her and she's very nice. The dragon doesn't fit my vision, but perhaps that throne would go nicely on a carriage?

    Cheers
    Dave

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  8. Dave, there is nothing more exciting then when you get the "theme" bug. I know how that goes and the frantic work that follows. Just a bit mentally consuming :)

    Per your comment about being dark and dreary yet needing to "pop"... could you do some display element to draw the person in and then really wow them with the great themed models and painting? Maybe they're walking through a deserted town on the way to a graveyard or walking through a huge ornate city gates? Something that's big and a little over the top to draw the passerby vote.

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  9. I haven't looked through Blood on the Reik in a long time. I forgot about some of those images. Seeing your collection of inspiration and knowing what you are capable of is making me very excited to see this project come together.

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  10. I've gotta say Dave, I'm very much looking forward to this.

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