First off, sorry for the pun. Now this, I suppose you could say document, is going to be a living document about my creation of a dwarf army; From the Ground Up. Those who know me I am a dwarf collector of about seven years and have models ranging from the old Longbeards (with swords!) to the current ones that are being released as I write this. My first army was a mismatch of random coloured models and units with no coherent scheme, the next incarnation was with the sixth edition release and was Games Workshop 'official' colour scheme of Karak Hirn. Now I am starting my third force, using background and colours of my own devising.
My first actions were to think of the background, some prefer otherwise but this was the chosen way of myself. Now according to dwarf fluff there are a few major holds, these are the few remaining ones from before the Goblin Wars and the Time of Woe ? as in the original cities. Any other 'holds' are in fact minor settlements or cities forged by the dwarfs, so with this in mind I wrote my fluff; this was done by hand and these are my scans of said fluff. It will be typed up when I get round to it.
Scan One
Scan Two
Next was to make a brainstorm to help with my planning, this was scanned in and can be found Scan three. The brainstorm is there for me to job down any ideas I get to do with the army, most to do with things I dislike about the new range or how to show a difference between models ? mainly characters ? or how to differentiate between clans; this is the next part. Now once more I must tell you about the dwarf society; dwarfs live in clans essentially one big family ? happy or otherwise. Each clan is dedicated to a type of job; jewelsmith, metalsmith, runesmith, warrior etc and so each group or unit will belong to a single clan, the groups or units will often be families; on their banner they bear the colours and icons of their clan but often with subtle changes. Here are my basic plans;
Scan four
My next and current step was to test a few colour schemes, these are my current ones:
Test one
Test two
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Test Three
Test Four
Tests three and four now up for viewing. I am as yet unsure of the colours still but I am starting to lean heavily towards Test Three. Another thing I need to think of is the bases, I think a rocky look would work best but am unsure of how to acheive this correctly - I will be looking into this.
Army list
Dwarf Lord
Runelord + Anvil Of Doom
Runesmith
Thane + Battle Standard
20 Warriors
20 Warriors
20 Warriors
20 Longbeards
16 Thunderers
16 Quarrellers
20 Ironbreakers
Cannon
Two Bolt Throwers
Grudge Thrower
20 Miners
Organ Gun
Flame Cannon
Gyrocopter
As you can see this is a rather ambigious list, it gives me the options for most things in the army and as it is a three and a half thousand points gives me plenty to play with. Other options are not too hard to switch in or swap about. Currently this is what I am aiming for and will paint little else but these listed until completed.
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[ UPDATED 14th Jan O6 ]
https://img314.imageshack.us/img314/1542/test58ga.jpg
The bases for my dwarfs, done in cork. Ripped a bit off, hacked it put and glued it on. After a bit of layering I drybrushed on progressive layers of grey before adding a few glazes/washes of ink to act as stains (near unseeable here ) and finally static grass.
The bases will be done before the dwarfs are pianted themselves - easier this way.
[UPDATED 2-12-06]
And the unit is complete;
https://img133.imageshack.us/img133/9392 ... ete8kv.jpg
Let me know what you think. I like them, and feel free to laugh at the banner but it is my first try at large sized freehand. Practice is needed.
[UPDATED - 21.02.06]
https://img158.imageshack.us/img158/4715 ... ers8pq.jpg
Thunderers completed. The scheme is the same throughout the army with a few changes here and there of course, the Thunderers are no different. I used my usual way of painting the armour (though now is only one metallic colour to three non metallics and an ink), beards and the rest. Guns were the same as the metal but the stocks I decided would look good if given a wooden look.
Now bases, I decided to make the back rank different. Each model is stood upon two layers of rock not one, give it a few 'inches' on their brothers underneath. The base rim may look basic and boring but works and gives me room to add runes or something if I want.
Shields will be done in time, basically when I get a moment. If I really, really need too.. then I can bluetac some on.
Ok, update again. I decided to post what I add to the orginal thread, easier to read
Anyway, two pictures.https://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3043/thanea5ea.jpg
Thane on completed base. I am rather happy with the dwarf, it has been pointed out the beard does not make him stand out but I wanted to keep away from the stereotypical look of "hero = white beard".
And my newest project..
https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8219/cannona3vy.jpg
This took this afternoon alone, personally the model is not my favourite new dwarf stuff and as a result I think it looks rushed. Though the base adds lots of character to the piece. Crew will follow in the next few weeks.
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This is where my current process ends, now as I said this will be a living document and so I intend to edit the orginal post (ie this one) and then place an additinal one telling of an update. This will make the documanet flow and look nice but also allows for comments to be uninterrupted.
Now, I will freely answer any questions you have and consider any ideas you supply me with.
And I take the time to applogise for the crappy pics, some colours will/maybe washed out and look different. Sorry and I will try hard to get a decent set if need be.
KU
