Happy Hogswatch Everyone!

For the last three years, at least, I have read Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather" every December. This year however I wanted to share it with Helen. We have been reading a few pages every night for the last month. With 30 more pages to go, we should be done in time for Hogswatch!

So, to coincide with enjoying the Hogfather again, I wanted to make a little Hogswatch display box. If you are familiar with my blog you'll know that a few years ago I painted up the Hogfather miniature from Micro Art Studios. I had picked up Elf Albert at the same time, but never got him completed. This year I would right that wrong.

I used a baseball display box for the diorama, and balsa wood with planks carved in it for the floor. The tree was re-purposed warhammer terrain. I used some beads I had lying around from an old necklace for the ornaments. The backdrop is just a fireplace picture I found.  All in all it came together fairly quickly. I would like to redo the backdrop and format it to fit properly though.

Hobbies this Week, in review:
 - Elf Albert (I am very happy with the 5 o'clock shadow)
 - Built a few models to be secret late Christmas presents (which I will have a mad rush to paint)
 - made my self dizzy playing Star Wars Battlefront

Space Marines, Batman, and X-wing in the near future!

Kevin

"You can't give her that!' she screamed. 'It's not safe!'
IT'S A SWORD, said the Hogfather.  THEY'RE NOT MEANT TO BE SAFE.
'She's a child!' shouted Crumley.
IT'S EDUCATIONAL.
'What if she cuts herself?'
THT WILL BE AN IMPORTANT LESSON."
 - Terry Pratchett, Hogfather

Same Bat-Time

Batclaw to the top of the building followed by a Batarang to drop the thug

I was able to get in part of a game of Batman this week at Lords of War Games and Hobbies. My dynamic duo went against Chris and his very nicely painted Joker Crew led by Harley Quinn. Despite being able to play only 3-4 rounds, the game has me hooked!

The game is very dynamic. There is a lot of atmosphere and it really captures the feel of Batman (especially the Arkham video games). The Action Point system will take a bit to get used to. You have to plan out your character's whole turn before you activate them. There were a couple of times I wish I had placed my action counters more strategically.

My big takeaway from this first game: know all of your characters traits, items and specials.  There are some awesome combos if you plan it out.

This week, in review:
 - Started painting Batwoman
 - Started to build and paint a Discworld Christmas display box (pics next week...hopefully)
 - Started to paint Discworld Elf Albert
 - Built a unit of 10 Blood Angel Space Marines (I can now blend in when painting at LoWH)

Until next time, same Bat-channel
Kevin

“Don't wish, Miss Tick had said. Do things.” - Terry Pratchett

na na na na na na na na BATMAN!

It has been a productive week for painting.  I managed to complete my Arkham City Batman and Arkham City Robin models for the Batman miniature game.  They where a blast to paint.  They are simple and have alot of character that captures the personality.  I am hoping to get my first game in later this week.

Hobby this week in review:
-Painted Batman and Robin
- Started Batwoman
- working on some Batman Counters
- Played a few rounds of "Letters to Santa" (Christmas version on the Love Letter Card game)
- Completed "the Gutter" level and "The Rotten" boss in Dark Souls 2 (with some help from a few friends)

I think next I will be working on a holiday painting project for myself.  A few years ago I posted about finishing up the Hogfather Discworld model.  I have had his trusty manservant Albert dressed as an elf sitting by the painting station for a while.  No better time then the present.

However with all the excitement over the new pre-heresy marines from GW, and talking about the game with the guys at Lords of Wargames and Hobbies...maybe you will see some new Blood Angels soon...

Kevin

"Death in person did not turn up upon the cessation of every life.  It was not necessary.  Governments govern, but prime ministers and presidents do not personally turn up in people's homes and tell them how to run their lives, because of the mortal danger this would presents. There are laws instead."  "The Hogfather" by Terry Pratchett