Reminiscing

I was doing a little work on the computer tonight (which I didn't feel like doing) and my mind started to wander.  As most of you know if you've followed my blog over the years, I am a miniature wargamer.  It's a wonderful hobby that I have enjoyed for quite some time.  My thoughts drifted tonight to a few years back when I played a ton of Heroscape with my sons and with friends.  It was always a great time with a few "friendly" arguments over rules along the way.  

My kids grew up, friends moved away, life became more complicated, I got busier.  Heroscape stopped being manufactured.  Tile, terrain, dice, and figures got boxed and put away.  For whatever reason, I thought about the game tonight and really missed it.  I sat here for awhile wondering what was it about the game that made it so much fun to play.

I found this gem of an article that summed up the greatness of the game far better than I could have hoped to do.  I would like to share it with you.  If you were a player back in the day or maybe even still rolling shields and skulls, take a minute or two to read it.  I'm sure you'll be nodding your head as you do and getting a wee bit nostalgic as well. Long live Heroscape!!!  

Heroscape Article

Monster Mash (Up)

I've grabbed a few new beasties to add to my miniatures collection.  They will be used as giants in my tiny 28mm world.   These creepy creatures were all acquired from Happy Hen Toys.  I purchased from them in the past and it's always a smooth easy transaction.  The Yeti is from Safari.  Great looking figure.  The creature is about 4" tall.  The Kraken is by Papo.  I have several of their figures and this one is one of their best.  Its well sculpted and pretty decently painted.  The Ice Spider figure is by Schleich.  Awesome pose.  The idea of an Ice Spider just struck me as bad a$$. The Kraken and Ice Spider are about 2.5 " tall.  I'll get some stats together for them and try to work them into a game soon.  Until next time...

Kid No More

Sidney Crosby played his 1,000 game last night in a Pittsburgh Penguin uniform.  He was the number 1 draft pick for the team back in 2005.  It has been a true privilege to watch this amazing hockey player for the past 16 years.  True to form, the Penguin's captain led the team to two straight wins over the New York Islanders during their recent series.

Last night he was honored for his achievements at PPG Paints Arena.  Family, friends and teammates paid tribute to one of hockey's all time greats.  Former teammates and hockey rivals chimed in via video their praise of number 87.  The only disappointment was that the fans could not be there to honor their hero in person.  Such is today's world unfortunately.  

Thank you, Sidney, for all that you've done for the Pens, the league, and hockey overall.  You will always be a legend in the sport, not just for the goals and trophies, but for your humbleness, leadership, example, hustle, and love of the game. I look forward to watching you and the Penguins for many more seasons to come!

Crosby with Malkin and Letang

Blizzard Conditions

Here are two of the most fierce looking Frost Giants you will ever see.  On the left - The Everlasting One and on the right is a Frost Giant Jarl.  Both figures are from WizKids.  They are pretty decently sculpted and have very active poses.  The paint jobs are adequate.  Both are bigger than the majority of Frost Giants in my collection.  I think they'll make some pretty COOL additions.

Her Majesty

I started off this crazy new year painting Svetlana, Frost Giant Princess, from the Reaper Bones Miniature Line.  For whatever reason, I've been on a Frost Giant kick as of late.  This is a great model.  The detail is nice and the figure reflects a sense of royalty in its pose.

I went with light blue skin and white hair.  The leathers got a dark brown with tan edging.  The cloak was painted a charcoal-grey and the fur boots were painted white.  Her spear tip was painted metallic white and then washed with blue and purple metallic washes.  The eyes were painted a yellow-green metallic color.  After everything dried, dark washes were applied to various areas and then the model was dry brushed to bring up the highlights.

I clear-coated the figure.  After it dried, I went back in and gave the leather areas a coat of semi-gloss.  The spear tip and any metals were given a coat of high-gloss.  Lastly, the spear tip was coated with iridescent glitter.

This one of the best overall paint jobs I've done to date. It's not perfect, but nothing ever is. The first figure of 2021 is done.  Not sure what I'll paint next.  I'm thinking something a little more Sci Fi.

Too Cold, Too Cold

I had mentioned awhile back that I had got a bunch of minis for cheap from a game called The Banner Saga.  I put up pics of some of the Dredge figures in an earlier post.   I just completed six super cool figures from the same game.  These guys are called the Varl.  They are giants with horns protruding from their foreheads.  Like all the rest of the miniatures, they are super detailed and nicely sculpted.  I had to do the old hot/cold bath to get some of the weapons straightened out, but it was a pretty easy fix.

I painted these guys to look like Frost Giants.  They're not as big as Frost Giants from other companies, so I will use them as half giants.  I decided to make them into two factions, so I gave them different looks.  I also modified a couple of them.  Take a peek.  I hope you like them.

More than likely these guys will be my last paints of 2020.  At least as far as my hobby goes, it was a good year.  For all of you who do me the honor of checking out my blog, a big "thank you" and a wish for a happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous 2021!!!

The Start of the Day

About 8 years ago, the family (including my in-laws) decided to rent a beach house in Nags Head, NC for a little summer vacation.  It was a nice time enjoyed by one and all.  One morning as everyone was getting up, I suggested we all go out to breakfast together.  It was a slightly overcast so even the most loyal sun worshipers were okay with the idea. 

We found a local restaurant and the entire tribe headed inside (15 of us) to grab some grub.  Our waitress was a matronly African-American woman with one of the most pleasant smiles I have ever seen.  I don't think I have ever had a sweeter nicer waitress anywhere before or since.  The woman was a gem.  When it came to my turn to order I told her I wanted something that was more of a traditional Southern breakfast.  I also said told her I didn't want grits (sorry folks...not my thing!)  She said she had an idea and would surprise me with it.  Heck, I'm always up for some adventure and thought "why not?"

My meal came out last.  When the waitress put it in front of me, she smiled again and said, "Tell me how how you like it."  It was a huge plate of chicken and waffles.  I had never had it before.  I'd heard of it, but never had eaten it.  I'm happy to say, I LOVED IT!!!!  I've been eating it ever since.  The fact of the matter is I had some this morning which prompted me to write this.  If you haven't had some chicken and waffles, you don't know what you've been missing.  YUMMY!!!!

Reading is FUNdamental

Does anybody remember that slogan from when you were a kid? (I'm old. I admit it.)  I just got the new book from my old buddies, the Writers 3.  I got to know these guys a few years back and have been reading their stuff since.  I have featured their books on this blog several times in the past.  The guys do me a solid and put up pics of my minis on their social media every once and again.  

Future Imperfect contains a sci fi short story by the Writers 3 called "Peace at Last". SUPER!!! There are a bunch of really good stories by other authors in it as well.  Worth it!!!

Here is the link to their website in case you want to find out more about them and their books.  https://jflushing.wixsite.com/writers3

Rollie Pollie Trollie???

Forgive me for the title...sometimes I can't stop myself.  The trolls are from the Reaper Miniatures Bones Line.  I've had them for some time.  Searching for something new to paint over the Thanksgiving Holiday, these two felt  right for some reason.  The greenish one with the axe is a Mountain Troll and the white one with the rock is an Ice Troll.

It took me a few days to finish them.  I am pleasantly pleased with how they turned out.  Take a look and see for yourself.  Stay safe out there!

Storm Warning

Here are some Stormcast Eternals I just finished.  It has been some time since I worked on any models from Games Workshop.  Love the look of the figures.  Nice details.  Active stances.  I did a decent paint job on them.  Overall, pleasantly pleased!

When Your Ship Comes In

With Halloween coming, I decided to get out this amazing miniature from Reaper Miniatures.  It is the Shipwreck Revenant from their Bones Line.  So freaking cool!!!  

Halloween came, but no treat.  Too much going on and I didn't want to rush the painting.   I took my good old time and finished it up today.  I think it looks great.  I feel this might be the best paint job that I have ever done on a figure.  

Take a gander at the finished product, ya scurvy dogs!  Hope you like the pictures!!!