Read all of this before you start as it will save you any trouble later.
First thing you must do is make your “pledge”. It can be anything gaming related, big or small, and you don’t even have to finish it. No, in here, happiness is the road. Have fun doing whatever it is, but it is not a race. Accompany your work with pictures or we might think you are do something sinister and just using us for cover.
You are also presented with a few questions. It is to get the conversation started. Try and keep your answers ‘conversational’, no text speak, and certainly no “basically”. This is how we all get to know each other better. While you are here feel free to tell us a story, show a picture, joke, tales of love or woe, or just add your own little bit. This is the whole point…in here it is just us.
If you have never taken part before we may bark and bite, but we also like a cuddle! It is all done in the best possible taste and it is character building. feel free to give as good as you get.
A few other things to note: NO RELIGION & NO POLITICS! Glasgow pub rules are in effect. If you need to make a better point then it is fine, but don’t take the piss. And always keep it civil.
Play plenty of music to go with your work. Loud and through proper speakers. Write us a playlist of things we might not have heard before.
Now, after all of that there is only one ‘real’ rule in here and it cannot be broken: NO DICKS! (Exceptions may be made for little fighting men with little plastic/resin/metal wieners)
And don’t forget the highlights of the weekend: The Weekender on Friday and XLBS on Sunday. And the little show that is the unofficial Hobby Hangout over at twitch.tv
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It looks like 2021 really is turning out to be a peculiar year – for at least the second time, our usually-dependable pal Sundancer, who so often – and so punctually – escorts us into the Weekender with a cheery wave (and a few head-scratchers for good measure) is running late. So let’s show him that he’s not taken for granted and kick this thing off between ourselves for now….
Questions:
I’ve been 3d printing space marines to try out different painting schemes. Up until recently, every miniature was “sacred” to me, and I struggled to try new things out, for fear of “spoiling” them. But now I’ll happily 3d-print some minis, slap some paint on, make a right mess and – without a second thought – toss them into the bin. Which got me wondering:
Do you treat every miniature as your next masterpiece? Does fear of getting it wrong, or spoiling your mini(s) prevent you from trying out new things, or are you happy to burn through half a dozen and end up with just one or two that you’re really happy with?
Is it ever ok to treat minis as disposible?
Until recently, I was finally reconciled with my painting style. It’s a bit like when I go to the open mic/jam night to play along with whoever turns up – the kind of music I play isn’t necessarily the type of music I really enjoy listening to myself. Similarly, my own painting style isn’t necessarily the kind that I really appreciate the most; but neat and cartoon-y is good enough for now and although I wouldn’t say I was thrilled with it (and there’s definitely room for improvement) I’ve stopped being disappointed with the minis I turn out. But I’m keen to try new painting styles – although my painting is neat (and I finally mastered how to paint eyes!) it’s still far too slow for my liking. While I’m finally happy with the results, I’m not so happy with how long it takes to get there. So I’m trying a few different techniques so see if things can get quicker (currently at the “grungy” grimdark look that super-heavy drybrushing creates).
Are you happy with your own painting style?
If there’s anything you’re not happy with, which one thing would you change that would make the biggest difference?
As I’ve been painting Space Marines, I’ve been battling with reds and oranges (of course they’re Blood Angels – we all know that only GW staff paint Ultramarines and only masochistic psycopaths battle with *that much* yellow for Imperial Fists). I’ve got all kinds of Citadel, Army Painter and Pro Acryl reds and I’ve yet to find a “go to” red that will cover in a nice even coat. Don’t even get me started on how awful orange is as a highlight/accent colour!
Do you have any particular colours/brands that you particularly don’t like when painting?
What’s your go-to colour? The one that you’re always happy to dip a brush into, and slap on a mini with a satisfying “aaaah, that’s how it should be”? If you could only use one colour for painting (over a white/black primed mini) which one would you reach for? (I’ll be honest, Citadel’s mechanicus stardard grey is a joy for me).
Lastly….
Watering down your paints.
We all know it’s a good idea. It makes the finish lovely and smooth and can even make painting much more enjoyable overall. Even for little things (in fact, especially for little things) it’s always worth thinning your paints.
But do you ever smear your half-dried-out paint straight from the pot lid and think “ah, it’s only a little bit and the coverage will be better anyway”? Honestly? Never?
Anyway, enough waffle.
Let’s hear what you’re listening to while you’re painting this week. I’m off to The South Coast Blues Jam jam on Sunday. So lots of blues down here on the south coast:
So for my Reading Week I’ve managed to get no schoolwork done…so I should do that. Probably won’t have much time for hobby for the next week what with a few tests and such, but I’ll be trying to finish my Stark Outrider. The horse is pretty much done. I’m not a fan of cav minis when the rider is fixed tot he horse…tricky to paint…
Questions!
Do you treat every miniature as your next masterpiece? Does fear of getting it wrong, or spoiling your mini(s) prevent you from trying out new things, or are you happy to burn through half a dozen and end up with just one or two that you’re really happy with?
I usually like to try out new things with minis, the only time I haven’t really done much of that is with my Marines, beyond the heraldry stuff. Usually I like to try out new things, though.
Is it ever ok to treat minis as disposible?
For the amount they cost? Probably not… That being said, I do sometimes sell off older minis so I can buy newer ones, but not often.
Are you happy with your own painting style?
Most of them time, yeah. I do switch it up sometimes, like with my Marine armour I changed to a bit more of a ‘speedier’ paint job.
If there’s anything you’re not happy with, which one thing would you change that would make the biggest difference?
Well…cheaper supplies would help as I do sometimes get forced to use stuff far beyond the point where it is decent. Even paint I usually use right up until the point they are rock hard…
Do you have any particular colours/brands that you particularly don’t like when painting?
Not a fan of painting yellow and white, but that’s more because of the coverage and such more than the colours themselves.
What’s your go-to colour? The one that you’re always happy to dip a brush into, and slap on a mini with a satisfying “aaaah, that’s how it should be”? If you could only use one colour for painting (over a white/black primed mini) which one would you reach for? (I’ll be honest, Citadel’s mechanicus stardard grey is a joy for me).
Khorne Red from Citadel. I love that colour.
But do you ever smear your half-dried-out paint straight from the pot lid and think “ah, it’s only a little bit and the coverage will be better anyway”? Honestly? Never?
I still use half dried paints, but I will still thin them…which usually requires a lot more water than I intend so they get really thin and patchy and take even MORE layers to get a good colour… 😛
This week’s pledge is to finish assembling minis so I can get everything undercoated before winter sets in
Do you treat every miniature as your next masterpiece? Does fear of getting it wrong, or spoiling your mini(s) prevent you from trying out new things, or are you happy to burn through half a dozen and end up with just one or two that you’re really happy with? – For the past couple of years I’ve been content to accept mistakes and just move on. I’m also happy enough trying out new techniques.
Is it ever ok to treat minis as disposable? – They’re your minis so treat them however you want. Being able to just print the mini again if its from your 3D printer really helps though.
Are you happy with your own painting style? – Happy enough, though for one-offs I like to try out new techniques or styles.
If there’s anything you’re not happy with, which one thing would you change that would make the biggest difference? – As previously stated, I’m pretty content as is.
Do you have any particular colours/brands that you particularly don’t like when painting? – I have no particular colours I don’t like, though I’ve notice I tend not to use greens and blues. I don’t know why. In terms of brands I only really use GW, simply out of habit and ease of access.
What’s your go-to colour? The one that you’re always happy to dip a brush into, and slap on a mini with a satisfying “aaaah, that’s how it should be”? If you could only use one colour for painting (over a white/black primed mini) which one would you reach for? (I’ll be honest, Citadel’s mechanicus stardard grey is a joy for me). – I can’t say that I have one. For many years I only painted Blood Angels so everything was red, but I never really grew attached to the colour.
But do you ever smear your half-dried-out paint straight from the pot lid and think “ah, it’s only a little bit and the coverage will be better anyway”? Honestly? Never? – I use a wet palate so it thins the paints a little bit anyway. I don’t deliberately dilute them though unless its required for a specific painting technique though.
I totally forgot that we didn’t get an Unofficial Weekender yesterday. Thanks for picking it up @blinky465 , @sundancer deserves a rest now and then.
My pledge this weekend is to assemble a few bits and bobs I’ve been ordering, including a few things from Midlam Miniatures (thanks to last week’s show (did the Kickstarter as well)), some more card ruins from Battle Systems and a couple of Reaper Bones miniatures, including a dragon.
Might even paint something as well (probably more Northumbrian Tin Soldier Night Folk).
Do you treat every miniature as your next masterpiece? Does fear of getting it wrong, or spoiling your mini(s) prevent you from trying out new things, or are you happy to burn through half a dozen and end up with just one or two that you’re really happy with?
Not every miniature. It kind of depends. For unique characters (such as all Moonstone miniatures, Night Folk) I’ll try a bit harder, for others such as a random plastic npc bowman I need for a game of Rangers of Shadow Deep I’ll paint him fast and quick.
Is it ever ok to treat minis as disposible?
I suppose you could treat a miniature as a practice mini painting wise. I don’t, but all miniatures I paint I want to keep. I have sacrificed the odd miniature to the gods of kitbash and conversions, if I need a part for another miniature, a miniature may loose an arm for example.
Are you happy with your own painting style?
I like to think that I continually develop my painting style (current I paint in the style known as messy). Most miniatures I’m fairly happy with but there are always parts that I wish I could do better.
If there’s anything you’re not happy with, which one thing would you change that would make the biggest difference?
My highlighting work. Currently it’s a cross between layering and drybrushing. I want smoother transitions and a less scratchy look.
Do you have any particular colours/brands that you particularly don’t like when painting?
It used to be browns, how to make them look more interesting, but I think I’ve become better this year having had a fair amount of practice, although it still needs work. Don’t really have a paint line I don’t like, just certain paints that are consistently bad in particular lines (such as Army painter purples).
What’s your go-to colour? The one that you’re always happy to dip a brush into, and slap on a mini with a satisfying “aaaah, that’s how it should be”? If you could only use one colour for painting (over a white/black primed mini) which one would you reach for?
I use Army Painter’s Desert Yellow for a load of stuff but their Army Green has seen the most use this year, great coverage as well.
But do you ever smear your half-dried-out paint straight from the pot lid and think “ah, it’s only a little bit and the coverage will be better anyway”? Honestly? Never?
I almost always thin my paint, except for drybrushing of course. But yes, a few times I’ll quickly use paint straight from the pot.
That’s a lot of questions, I need a cup of tea now.
I’m not dead! I just had to kill this one Dragon. And then collect the bounty. And there was this interesting cave. And some ancient tomb… Yeah I pretty much fell down the “Just one more quest” rabbit hole that is Skyrim XD Is it really already Sunday? Blast.
Do you treat every miniature as your next masterpiece?– No. I’m to self aware that I’m not that good. My minis are for gaming. Hence I don’t paint “display pieces”
Is it ever ok to treat minis as disposible? – No because someone took time and effort and maybe even love to create it. A mini might not be useful to me but it very may well be to someone else.
Are you happy with your own painting style? Most of the times. When I can bother myself to paint.
If there’s anything you’re not happy with, which one thing would you change that would make the biggest difference? Weathering. Seriously that’s a thing I struggle with big time. I never seem to get it right and it always “ruins” the paintjob. That’s why I use it so rarely.
Do you have any particular colours/brands that you particularly don’t like when painting? The old hex pots with screw lid from GW where horrible. Not so much the paint but the pots. Other then that I couldn’t tell. Every brand has the “one odd behaving” colour.
What’s your go-to colour? Bleached Bone types. Off-whites that really just need one coat on a skeleton or a skull and some brown wash to make it look good.
But do you ever smear your half-dried-out paint straight from the pot lid and think “ah, it’s only a little bit and the coverage will be better anyway”? Honestly? Never? Well… except for my ancient citadel colours all other paints I have are screw tops. No lid to smear from.
My pledge: watch The weekender and XLBS. Which I will do now. Thanks to @blinky465 catching my fumble XD
Ohh…. another shiny in the quest log…. *wander of*
I haven’t painted enough to actively like/dislike anything to be honest.
As for painting straight out of the pot ?
That I have done … and it worked for Citadel/GW paints as they are thick enough to work as such.
I’ve only grown to hate ‘lava orange’, but that was more due to me not using it for the intended purpose.
Say what you will about GW paint sets, but at least they print the intended use of their paints on their pots.
At the moment I’m still not done with my planning stage for my WW2 soviets. I think I do have my painting supplies sorted.
Vortex mixer, ultrasonic bath, super glue, primer paint, flow improver, airbrush cleaner … all ready.
Now to find time to actually do some hobby and see if I can get to the priming stage.
@sundancer I soo know how deep that rabbit hole goes … and knowing it I downloaded Skyrim on my Xbox (Gamepass) again.
Not sure if that was a good idea … 😀
It’s moanday and I have fulfilled my pledge… hasn’t happened in a long time XD
Playing Skyrim really makes me want to play the miniature game… but at the same time I know it would only be a time sink. *sigh* The shiny syndrome is really persistent…
On the subject, what tabletop miniature wargaming games are based on a video game IP or the other way around? And I’m not talking about board games with minis. “Proper” miniature games if you forgive the term proper.
Here is a list that’s from the top of my head:
The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms (Modiphius)
Fallout Wasteland Warfare (Modiphius)
Battletech (Catalyst Game Labs)
Almost every current System and then some (Games Workshop)
I’m pretty sure the list should be longer but my brain draws blanks at the moment…
My favourite strategy game on the ZX Spectrum – hell, I’m going to say my favourite computer game ever – was Laser Squad; it was a computerised version of a tabletop game back in the mid-80s. I recently recreated (elements of) the Laser Squad game on the tabletop (using dedicated hardware for tracking piece movement) including hidden movement. Rather than a video game based on a tabletop game, it’s now a complete circle (with the computerised app-driven miniatures verison closely resembling the ZX Spectrum game on the tabletop – ableit on a grid, so I guess it is now more like a boardgame!)
Wasn’t X-COM turned into a tabletop game?
That was a spin-off from Laser Squad (which was a remake of a tabletop game) so I guess that’s another example of the “full circle” of game development?
I fail to recognise the term “proper” miniature games – if I had my way, everyone would be made to throw away their tape measures and cut down their tables to not more than 2-and-a-half feet and draw a grid on them 😉
A couple of years ago I found a seller on etsy selling metal MOTU the minis. I’d just got myself a He-man (fantasy football conversion) player and was thrilled to find some baddies to pit him against.
I never quite got around to completely painting the set I’d ordered (there’s a second set that I couldn’t justify paying out another thirty quid on while these remained unpainted!)
But to be honest, it’s only really Teela and a few edge highlights on TrapJaw and Evil Lynn and I reckon I could call these done. While I was quite pleased with the results, the miniatures themselves were a little on the “28mm side” of things (I prefer the slightly chunky 32mm/heroic scale myself).
So when Pop Minis released their cartoon version of MOTU back in August, I justified buying and printing them on the basis that “well, the others are *nearly* complete” – and these new ones were a hefty 35mm scale. I spent just a couple of evenings, painting up the half-dozen or so characters.
Yes, I still insist on painting that little green triangle on Skeletor’s head. And, ok, they’re not complete either, but I quite like how Orko turned out.
Admittedly, they’re a bit goofy looking, and the lack of action poses was a bit disappointing. But they were great fun and not a lot of effort to churn out (I’ve also got the second set that includes Beastman and TrapJaw et al). Once again Evil Lyn is the one keeping things from being “done” but I reckon I could mix up some purples and get both finished in one sitting!
But then I discovered a new Patreon this month.
And finally I’ve got some really cool, action-packed 32mm/heroic MOTU minis!
The problem is, of course, I’ve got a pile of unpainted minis again!
So this week’s pledge is to at least block in the new minis – and maybe get the “old” ones finished and based….
You’re setting yourself up for a very big PoO with all those 3D patreons
I’m working through these newly printed ones already. I’ve also got about eight different primaris marines I’m trying different painting techniques on – I reckon at least half will end up in the bin, but there are a couple of heavy-drybrushed ones that don’t look too bad. I love this new style TrapJaw. And the sorceress already looks great with some orange feathers with yellow edges – I’m trying to keep to “quick and not-dirty” (so not perfect painting, but good-enough-for-tabletop).
My promise to only print out new minis when I’ve painted the last lot has long gone out of the window!
My promise to only print out new minis when I’ve painted the last lot has long gone out of the window!
I guessed as much 😉
It’s Tuesday and yesterday I had my first interaction with a RPG app called “Roll 20” with a one off session of Aliens with @tuffyears@panzerkaput and @grimwolfuk and I learned something about myself and the way I look at RPGs.
RPGs are a social thing for me. It’s not just the game but also the coming together and all the physical aspects that goes with it. Be it snacking, drinking, taking notes and dice rolling. (Not using minis. That’s just wrong. Don’t @ me!) For obvious reasons I can’t meet with them in person because I’m in another country. So that leaves drinking, snacking and taking notes and rolling dice.
Roll 20 takes that away. Yes it is a helpful tool to some people and it surely has it’s place. Especially on gaming systems requiring special dice that not everybody has for a one-off event. But not for me. Just sitting and staring at a screen, occasionally clicking on an icon is just boring. And it doesn’t keep me focused. I start to wander off into the internet and other things because it’s not engaging enough. And that’s unfair to the DM and the other players.
Additionally it’s very hard to use when you only have one ordinary 1080p monitor. Imagine playing a RPG and only being able to see one sheet of paper every time. Not being able to lay out your character sheets or look at the maps the DM is showing while still having your character sheet within your eyes sight or comparing notes with the rulebook. It starts getting to be an exercise in window management. To really be able to use it you either need an ultrawide monitor or a dual monitor setup.
This all being said I like to point out and stress that this is purely the app/website that displeases me and spoils the fun. Neither did our DM nor the other players “fail” me in respect to roleplaying. It was an experiment and Tuffy really did a great job at creating the mood and all but Roll20 just took too much away of what little aspects I like and love about RPG are left in playing it remotely.
Playing a RPG via the means of discord works when the chemistry between the players works and everybody has a grasp of the system they are using. But that is already bear minimum for me personally to keep me involved in a game. And reducing it even more to something what’s basically an MMORPG without shiny graphics is just nothing I can get behind. And I really feel sorry for being so harsh on it but it really annoyed me and still was wandering in my mind when I woke up so it needed to be purged.
So with that out of my system: have a nice day and don’t let them take away your dice! 😉
@sundancer So far I’ve only watched a few videos that featured a virtual table top … and just watching that stuff feels awkward.
The only ones that have managed to somewhat keep my attention are effectively recordings of team/zoom meetings.
Nothing beats seeing players and dm react to stuff that is happening.
Listening to a couple of voices is tricky because most people aren’t exactly voice actors so I quickly lose track of who is doing what …
As for minis in RPG’s. If it’s a dungeon crawler type thing it helps keep me focused when the inevitable combat happens.
Just sitting and staring at a screen, occasionally clicking on an icon is just boring
About fifteen years ago, I used to play poker in local pub leagues but never really understood why so many people were enthralled by playing online, for pretty much the same reason; socialising by staring into a 4″/21″ screen just doesn’t feel right. Clicking an icon instead of reaching across and physically moving things around just doesn’t do it for me. Looking someone square in the eye and actually talking to them as you weigh them up if very different to… well, let’s be honest, sitting and typing 😉
I’m totally with you on this one.
But not the other. RPGs without miniatures? What is wrong with you man?!
sundancer 3 years ago.
