Eldar Guardians Attack!

Aaaaand, back to Eldar....

What we have here is a unit of Guardians, painted in my Craftworld's scheme.

I suppose I have a very roundabout way of working on my stuff. I'll take one unit and get about halfway done with it, then I'll just break something else out only to return to the previous one once that new one is done.

Which is exactly what happened here. Pure hobby ADD.

The good thing is, I'm now one more unit closer to having a fully painted Eldar army. After which, it's back to Tau.

No, really! *looks at June White Dwarf*

Oh, and kudos to BlackDog Painting Studios for these awesome backdrops. I think they really improve the look of my pics.

- JD

For Tau!

Nothing like a new release to get the hobby mojo going, eh?


The Tau were my very first army and it was very exciting to see them get a brand spanking new codex this month, replete with new units and new rules.

The scheme on these Fire Warriors was one I started long ago but never really saw through.  The original scheme was the codex ochre, but I decided that for the second iteration of the army I would go for a new scheme.

Since my Eldar have a very clean and precise look, I wanted to try something different for the Tau.  A more "organic" method of painting if you will.  Using lots of weathering and staining to denote an army caught in a long and grueling campaign.

These Kroot were some of the very first minis I painted when I got into the hobby around 2005, back when I didn't know you had to thin your paints and remove flash.  Still, I think they stood the test of time pretty well and so I just re-based them to fit the new scheme.

Got some new mini's I can't wait to crack open from this release...though if rumors about an Eldar release in June hold true, I might be painting two armies at the same time!  Pure elation...

Farseer Complete

My Farseer is finally ready.  The robes were probably the most challenging aspect for me, as I wanted them to look as natural as possible.

I tried the glazing technique to try and get the color transitions looking smooth.  Still need some work in that department but I was satisfied with the way he came out.

Now I can have some serious psychic defense on the table!

Fire Dragons Unit Ready

Another month, another unit complete.  I'm getting close to being able to field a fully-painted, tournament sized army.  Can't wait!

The scheme is exactly the one I used to complete the initial test mini.  Doing that really helped me to run through the rest with no problems as all the colors and method of application had been nailed down.

Now I need to get these guys a ride...

Fire Dragons Test Mini

I kinda like to start with a squad by painting one miniature to an almost-finished state.  This helps me nail down the colors I'll be using and to identify areas that I'll need to be careful not to mess up on.

So here is a test mini for the Fire Dragon squad I've started.  I'm satisfied with the colors and I like how I can now see the effect of the airbrush in the shadow areas.  Still have to get more time in with it but at least now I can see what it can do.

The colors I'll be using will be Macharius Solar Orange for the base, followed by a zenithal highlight of said orange mixed with Bad Moon Yellow.  Then it's a lining-in of Macharius mixed with black and after that I go in with a 2:1 mix of Vallejo Orange Fire mixed with white. 

For the black it's just a highlight of Codex Grey and for the metals I'll be using Tin Bitz followed by Chainmail.

I had a bit of trouble finding a green I could use for the gems from what I have on hand.  Thankfully, some Camo  Green mixed with Bad Moon Yellow did the trick!

I'm still debating whether to keep the sash black or maybe use my Craftworld colors of white and turquoise..

Fire Dragons WIP

Up next is a squad of Fire Dragons. I finally pulled out the airbrush to start messing around with it. It really is like learning to paint again.

I did a lot of reading up on it's use on the web and think I got enough info to start using it for some basecoating and basic highlighting.

Still have a ways to go, but hey, we all start somewhere...

Eldar War Walker Squadron Complete

Finally done! These bad boys took me a while. The model is beautiful but boy are some spots tough to get to.

I also had a hard time deciding on how best to apply the color scheme I'm using for the army, debating whether they should be all white with turquoise panels or vice versa. In the end, I went with both but tied them together with two being identical and one looking like "squadron leader".

With this addition I can now field about 750 points of painted minis. Onwards to 1000!!

Eldar Combat Patrol

Last weekend I got a chance to participate in 'Combat Patrol' tourney at a local store.  It was a great opportunity to get my (now painted) Eldar on the table and try out this new 6th edition of the game. Needless to say, the experience was quite fun and served as a great opportunity to try out some of the changes that this new edition has brought.

The list I ran was as pictured and consisted of:

9 x Dire Avengers - 135
Exarch with Power Spear and Shimmershield

1 x Wave Serpent - 110
Twin-Linked Shuriken Cannon, Lower Turret Shuriken Cannon, Energy Field

5 x Rangers - 95
Ranger Long Rifles, Shuriken Pistols

1 x War Walker - 60
Scatter Laser, Scatter Laser

Total: 400 points

I played 3 games. First round I got destroyed by a Dark Eldar Wych patrol, second game I lost to a Tzeench Sorceror and his cronies, and last round I managed a win against a Space Marine detachment. All in all, good times. It really helped that those I played against were willing to help with rules and generally just had a great attitude.

The 'Combat Patrol' format is a great way to get a feel for the basics of the game and is the perfect starting point for a new army. Games are also rather quick and can be played in about 45 mintues.

Wish I had co-workers that were into 40K. My lunch breaks would be way cooler!

Anyone played any 'Combat Patrol' games recently?

Wave Serpent Complete

Wave Serpent transport ready for deployment!

The Craftworlders, tired of traversing alien terrain by foot, have recquisitioned the speed and protection of the ubiquitous Eldar skimmer.

This one had been sitting idle on my desk for a while now so I took advantage of the painting frenzy that's come over me recently and finished her up.

I'm still not wholly convinced on the canopy. I think the black makes it look a tad unfinished. Any suggestions?

Hobby Mode



One down!

The hobby wheels are turning once again and just in time for the newly released 6th edition. I've certainly been idle for quite a while now (life and all that) but I'm very glad to finally be back.

Work continues on my Eldar, and with the new Allies rules, I'm jumping for joy at being able to include some Corsairs from the also fairly new Imperial Armour 11.

My preciousss...

Here I have some WIP conversions for the Corsairs. More to come!

Corsair Bike Squad with Felarch

Corsair Felarch on foot

IA 11: Corsair Army List Revealed

A detailed listing of the new book's Corsair Eldar Army List has been revealed by poster 'Killgore' on Warseer:

Just got back from London to find my signed IA 11 that I ordered using standard delivery waiting on my doorstep
 
The Farseer special character 'Bel-Annath' has a pretty nifty witchblade that can unleash a ap2 template attack once per game and alters the force organisation chart to allow more Heavy support at the expence of elites

The Corsair army is interesting with the option for most of the army to have Jet packs

HQ
Corsair Prince- lots of options, including nightfight, deep strike and orbital bombardment shinanigans
Corsair Blade Sworn Retinue- the Prince's best mates, nice CC unit
Corsair Void Dreamer- Psyker, can use either a destructive, defencive or LD enhancing power each turn

Elites
Voidstorm squad- Veteran CC unit, good source of melta bombs but fragile
Harlequin troupe- nothing new here
Eldar craftworld outcasts- single fast attack or elite unit taking from the Eldar codex
Dark Eldar Kabalite Warriors

Troops
Corsair squad- can be given Falcon or Venom as a transport
Wasp assault squadron- cannot excede number of corsair squads in the army
Jetbike squadron- scouts and can give leader a powersword/ fusion pistol

Fast Attack
Hornet Squadron
Nightwing interceptor
Night Spinner

Heavy support
Phoenix Bomber
Warp Hunter
Fire Storm


Exciting stuff! Though the prospect of fielding an entire army made up almost entirely of Forgeworld models is an expensive one.

Still, I'm sure it could be pulled off using current (and future) Eldar and Dark Eldar models. Hmmm...

Can't wait to get this book!

Eldar List Mongering

Art by GW. Color by MajesticChicken.

Things have slowed down on the painting front, unfortunately. Real life just seems to creep up on you and put a hamper on your hobby progress. Darn responsibilities!

Thankfully, there's another aspect of the hobby that doesn't require as much time and is still pretty darn satisfying. This of course would be list building and army tactics.

The following list is something I've cooked up with the 'theme' being "paint and use the models you already have and really, really like".  Winning is secondary...

HQ

 

Farseer - 138
Singing Spear, Spirit Stones, Doom, Guide, Runes of Warding

 

Autarch - 125
Warp Jump Generator, Fusion Gun, Power Weapon, Mandiblasters

 

Elites

 

6 x Harlequins - 184
Shadow Seer, Death Jester, 4 x Harlie Kisses, 2 x Fusion Pistols

 

Troops

 

5 x Pathfinders - 120

 

9 x Dire Avengers - 150
Exarch w/ Power Weapon and Shimmer Shield, Defend

 

3 x Guardian Jetbikes - 76
Shuriken Cannon

 

Fast Attack

 

5 x Warp Spiders - 142
Exarch w/ Dual Deathspinners, Withdraw

 

Heavy

 

1 x Wraithlord - 155
Eldar Missile Launcher, Brightlance, 2 x Flamers

 

5 x Dark Reapers - 227
Exarch w/ Tempest Launcher, Fast Shot

 

3 x War Walkers - 180
Scatter Laser, Scatter Laser

 

Total: 1497

 

 

The idea is to set up a firebase with the Avengers, Wraithlord, Reapers, and Pathfinders (all in cover preferably) with the Seer throwing down psychic powers on them.

 

The Harlies hang back, maybe in reserve, to act as a counter-assault unit, while the Walkers and the Autarch-led Spiders hit the back field with a flank attack and deepstrike, respectively. Finally, the bikes are held in reserve and are mainly a late game objective grabber.

 

As always, comments are most welcome : )

Warp Spiders WIP

Some spiders in the house! Nothing like a big, hi-res pic to see what you're doing wrong.

These are looking a little too sloppy for my tastes but I like to think that it's just the sculpt showing its age...ha!


Hope we get some brand new plastic spiders next 'dex, but until then these will have to do.

Tried to go for a deep maroon for the armor. Did 2:1 mix of Mechrite Red and Chaos Black. Came out a little more on the purple side but I do like how it complements the Bone and Green (which is the now defunct GW Scaly Green...lovely color!)

Gonna need to tidy up those highlights and pretty up the gems and gun barrel next. Let me know if you think the scheme works!

WIP Warwalkers and Painting White

Messy!!

A quick update on my progress...I've started work on some vehicles for the army.  I'm planning on having these be painted in my Craftworld's scheme, which is a white main color, red gems, and Hawk Turquoise details (stripes, logos, etc.).

I have honestly never worked with a color that is as fickle as white. It has taken MANY coats to get to where the mini is at now and it's still not where I would want it.  I've tried mixing in some Foundation Astronomican Grey to see if that helps with coverage and have so far liked the result, but it's still taking too long for my tastes.

I'm looking at coming up with a different technique so I can knock these out faster so any tips would be greatly appreciated.  A technique that sounds enticing is priming white then just lining-in with a grey or blue, but I'm afraid that will end up looking too flat.  Another is going crazy with an airbrush.

I might just opt for a different scheme altogether (maybe just switching the main color with the detail color...but that might be too much like the Iybraesil scheme).

Pathfinder Unit Complete

Pathfinders unit is finally complete! A paint scheme change midway through my first model and the constant battle with painting white caused me to take longer than expected. Was also not sure as to whether or not I was going to do camo on them. It really depended on how well I could pull it off. Thankfully, I was satisfied with the result.

Ooh, and better camera means better pics!

Okay, now on to some vehicles...

Pathfinders WIP II - Le Camo

Painting continues on my unit of Pathfinders. These three are pretty much near completion. Just need a wash on the cloth, some highlighting on said cloth, and then a touch up on any overbrushing/washing that results.

As you can see, I'm doing camo on the coat. I wasn't very satisfied with my first attempt but after consulting with a friend and making some adjustments it went much better. Turns out larger blotches and lighter colors were much more effective at getting decent-looking snow camo. Hooyah!

Eldar Corsair Logo and 750 Army List

I wanted to do a kind of a 'piratey' symbol to use on army list printouts and maybe as decals for troops and vehicles. This is what I came up with. It's a little rough around the edges but I think with a distort/weathering filter (or weathering on the model itself) it will look fine.

Also, take a look at my initial army list. I'm going to try and complete painting on playable increments to coincide with a league that one of my local stores will be running. First list is for 750 points:

1 x Autarch - 92
Power Weapon, Mandiblasters, Avenger ShuriCat

9 x Dire Avengers - 150
Exarch w/ Power Weapon, Shimmershield, Defend

1 x Wave Serpent - 145
Twin-Linked Bright Lance, Spirit Stones

5 x Pathfinders - 120

1 x Vpr - 60
Scatterlaser

1 x Vpr - 60
Scatterlaser

2 x War Walker - 120
Scatter Laser x 2

Total: 747

Eldar are tough to make small lists out of so I'm sure this list has some deficiencies. In any case, the plan is to run the Autarch with the Avengers inside the Serpent. They will try and contest enemy objectives while the Serpent targets enemy vehicles. Vypers will try to outflank enemy positions and vehicles. Pathfinders hang back to claim an objective and target any advancing units while the Walkers hang around close by and shoot up anything that tries and get too close. Well, that's the general idea.

Autarch Painting

This is a very special model in my collection as it is the one I've poured the most time and effort into. The reason for this is two-fold - 1. I'm entering it into a local commander painting competition and wanted to give it my absolute best shot and 2. I figured a well painted commander will inspire me to put the best effort into the painting of the rest of the army.

So on to the colors used:

•  Armor: Basecoat 2:1 Mechrite Red/Chaos Black followed by Red Gore, Blood Red and Flaming Orange Highlights
• Cloth: Basecoat Shadow Grey "blended" (or at least my best attempt) up to Skull White using  Space Wolf Grey as a midtone, Turquoise Details
• Gold: Basecoat Shining Gold, Ogre Flesh Wash, Burnished Gold Highlight
• Gems: Black, Regal Blue, Enchanted Blue, Ice Blue, Skull White
• Sword - White undercoat followed by blending Black out into Turquoise
• Leather, Pouches, Grenades : Chaos Black Undercoat followed by a 1:1 Chaos Black/Grey Highlight

Humble beginnings...

I was initially very intimidated by the prospect of trying out techniques that I had never used before (namely blending and freehand) but was ultimately very satisfied with the result. I'm glad I gave it a shot and am looking forward to improving. Let me know what you think!

  

Welcome to Storm of Blades!

Welcome to my little corner of the Warhammer miniatures and wargaming blogosphere.
My name is Juan, and I'll be showcasing my armies and keeping track of works in progress on this site.

I'm currently building and painting an Eldar army and will be showing you my progress as I go about getting it up to 1500 points.

I enjoy fleshing out my armies not only on the way they look on the tabletop, but also on their background so make sure you check out my Eldar army page on this site!

Drop me a line any time and feel free to comment on my progress. Thanks for visiting!