I find that sprays are prone to inconsistency due to varying climatic conditions and potentially over-spraying. I do most of my spraying in my shed (workshop) which can get pretty cold and is a dampish place. In winter it is too cold to spray effectively most of the time, so rather than just putting up with grainy or misty spray I decided to look for an alternative. That’s when a friend recommended Gesso. There are several different brands, but Liquitex came recommended, so that’s what I picked up.

Using Gesso is not for the faint hearted. It’s a gloopy substance that looks like it should never be put near a finely sculpted miniature. I water it down slightly, but as it goes on it still seems to obscure their details horribly. Here’s where a little faith is needed. As it dries it clings tightly to the detail. It dries in a few hours, but 24 hours is the recommendation. All of the detail is crisp and sharp and I find the process to be more reliable than spraying. The coverage is anywhere you can get a brush and the finish is a tough undercoat that will easily take your paints.

Anyway – that’s a long winded post to say, “Try Gesso, it’s great!”.

Owen

Related posts:

1. My Miniature Painting Setup
2. Great Bears of Gallowswood: Painting Guide
3. Seeing Red – Painting Khadorans

I sculpted bases for the Commodore and its crew last night. I’ll clean off the miniatures and attach them today (hopefully). I got a text message from Ugo yesterday to say that he found twelve pirate miniatures (including a Goblin pirate!) during a Spring clean. He’s posting them to me, so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in the box.

So, here’s the 35pt painting checklist I set for myself back in January -

• Captain Phinneus Shae
• Buccaneer
• Dirty Meg *
• Mariner *
• Lady Aiyana & Master Holt
• Press Gangers (Leader and 5 Grunts)
• Sea Dog Crew (Leader and 9 Grunts)
• 2 Sea Dog Crew Riflemen
• Mr. Walls Sea Dog Crew Quartermaster
• Bosun Grogspar
• Doc Killingsworth
• First Mate Hawk
• Lord Rockbottom

That’s just leaves Dirty Meg and some Press Gangers to do from the original list. The Commodore has now also made it to the painting list. I think it’s time to start thinking about my 50pt army. I’d love another heavy ‘jack and I think more Sea Dogs would be great.

Owen

Related posts:

1. Mr. Walls: Work in Progress
2. Bosun Grogspar: Work-in-Progress
3. Warmachine MkII Project: Privateers

I picked up the Commodore today, so along with the Press Gangers that will round out 35pts of Privateers. I’ll probably tackle Fiona the Black and Dirty Meg then, and will consider adding another mercenary ‘jack.

Owen

Related posts:

1. Mr. Walls: Complete & Privateer Army Progress
2. Bosun Grogspar: Work-in-Progress
3. Mariner Heavy Warjack: Work in Progress

Finding a balance between competitive play and friendly games is a challenge that we actively address in the club. We pride ourselves on performing well in tournaments, but doing so in a way that is fun for our opponents. In the build up to a tournament our gaming sessions tend to have a strong focus on refining armies and play styles to compete effectively in the tournament. However, the most important aspect of this practice is to play each game in a friendly manner. A game that is played fairly should be enjoyable whether you win or lose. Fairness both refers to the interpretation of the rules and the composition of the army. Winning a game by exploiting imbalances in the ruleset or army composition is a shallow victory. We try to ensure that our armies are competitive, but not over-the-top and we promote a consistent interpretation of the rules for each game we play. Remember, no game is ever 100% fair – all game rules have biases (even if it is only who goes first!). If you rely on those biases, or worse deliberately misinterpreting the rules in your favor, to beat an opponent then you’re not playing the game.

Non-competitive scenario play has an important place in the games the Underground Gamers play over the year. We promote campaigns and leagues that explore the other side of gaming. Lining up your army in a Pitched Battle against an opponent has its place, but it can become pretty boring! Through campaigns and scenarios you can experience a style of game that is deliberately set up to be unbalanced. You learn a lot about your army when facing an opponent that severely outnumbers you. This not only improves your ability to use your army effectively, but can also lead to some great stories. All of this experience feeds not only into the specific campaign or scenario, but into your competitive play, making you a better player.

If this sounds like the kind of wargaming you want to experience then come see us. We are currently based in Gamers World, formerly called Models Inc., (on Jervis Street) in Dublin’s city centre. We play a large variety of war games, board games and roleplay games including Warhammer, Warmachine, Hordes, Bloodbowl, War of the Ring, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, Epic Armageddon, Battle Fleet Gothic, Warhammer 40k, Flames of War,  Memoir ‘44 etc. In fact there are very few games we don’t play … The club is based on the premise of friendly games in a friendly environment. We endeavour to create an enjoyable and social environment to have your games in. We run competitive events for Warhammer Fantasy and Bloodbowl throughout the year. We also encourage and run non-competitive campaigns for all our systems.

Gamers World offers excellent facilities for war games, board games and roleplaying. There are several 6′ x 4′ boards, large amounts of terrain and a dedicated area for roleplayers. Snacks and drinks are available in the shop and there are many take-aways, food serving pubs and restaurants nearby.

We meet every Tuesday evening (6pm – 11pm) and membership is free. If you are interested in joining then simply join our Google Group, introduce yourself and drop down to see us.

Related posts:

1. Models Inc. renamed to Gamers World
2. Models Inc. has moved…
3. Tournament Check List

Mr. Walls is next on the painting bench.

Owen

Related posts:

1. Lady Aiyana: Complete
2. Master Holt: Complete
3. Master Holt: Work in Progress

As with Holt (and several of the Privateers) the base still needs some ‘liquid’ and then a matt varnish.

Owen

Related posts:

1. Lady Aiyana and Holt: Complete
2. Master Holt: Complete
3. Master Holt: Work in Progress

Every war starts somewhere…

The chanting was what annoyed him the most. Let them worship however they choose, but the incessant murmur was what grated on him. The Menites were numerous as they approached this small Khadoran hamlet. It was typical of southern Khador, a homestead with fields of wheat. Irusk wondered how much of it would be left when he expelled these pious invaders.

There were at least two enemy ‘casters guiding the army and there were several ‘jacks. This was no expeditionary force. This was a crusade meant to do in Khador what they had done in Llael. Kommander Sorscha Kratikoff had been sent to protect his right flank. The mighty Maxkrad river offered effective protection to his left.

The delirious chant intensified as a small part of the enemy force broke towards a farm house on high ground. If they held it they would have a commanding vantage point over the entire battlefield. Irusk summoned the Devastator from his army and yelled at some Shocktroopers and Widowmakers to join him. He looked forward to spilling Menite blood on his beloved home soil. They will feel the might of the Khadoran empire.

Okay, enough talking about the campaign. Time to get stuck in. Peter and I are going to play out the ANNIHILATION campaign exactly as described in the PDF. Peter assembled a 100pt Protectorate of Menoth army lead by Epic Severius and the High Reclaimer. My army had Irusk and Sorscha leading from the front. Tonight Peter and I played out the first two games and already the losses are starting to hurt. Before I get into the battle reports let’s look at the full armies. Peter’s army is made up of -

My army comprises -

It’s really tough composing the complete army while trying to anticipate loss. You want to have spares, but you don’t want redundancy. The ‘jacks are potentially quite durable (in campaign terms) as they have to be completely destroyed to be taken out of action. That said destroying them is necessary in MkII games as even a heavily damaged ‘jack can be dangerous.

The other factor in choosing a force is what scenarios will be fought. I’ve generally found Khador to be a good scenario faction as their ‘jacks and units can be difficult to budge from objectives.

Game 1: 15pt / Mosh Pit Scenario

Peter’s force for the opening battle of the campaign was led by Epic Severius and comprised a unit of Bastions, Zealots and the Blessing of Vengeance. My army was commanded by Irusk and contained a Devastator, some Man-o-War Shocktroopers (min unit), a unit of Widowmakers and a Manhunter.

Devastator advanced into the Blessing of Vengeance and used a double handed throw to hurl it towards the nearby Bastions.

With the Devastators armour wide open he was very vulnerable. The Zealots threw their bombs at it causing minor damage. When the Bastions charged however they totalled it. This only left the Man-o-War in the Mosh Pit. Severius moved up and feated. He moved the Man-o-War out of the pit and proceeded to attempt to get the Widowmakers to shoot their komrades, but only killed one. The Mosh Pit was in Menite hands. Game over.

Owen: Ouch! That really hurt. Not only did I lose the scenario, but I also lost my only Devastator. The double-handed throw was the wrong option. Rain of Death into the Bastions would have been a better. I could have (coulda, shoulda, woulda!) contacted three of them with Bulldoze and boosted 2/3 of the POW 18s. Even with their wound sharing shenanigans I could have taken out a couple of them. The loss of the two Shocktroopers effectively makes that unit unfieldable as I’ll need to pay the min points just to field the single remaining Man-o-War. That’s make him a very expensive solo. Between these losses and the loss of a Widowmaker I’m down about 16pts. I only killed 6pts of Zealots! That could really hurt later in the campaign.

Peter: Well, I don’t think I could have asked for a better scenario for Epic Sevvy, everyone needs to get into the middle of the board, well within his control area, and with the limited number of models available at 15 points it was always going to be relatively easy to clear out the Mosh Pit with Sevvy’s feat. Being able to use the Shock Troopers to kill each other was great too.

I’m not sure Owen could have done much more damage to me by using Rain of Death on the Bastions, as I would have only lost a single trooper at most, and if the Blessing of Vengence hadn’t been thrown he could have charged in with four dice on the charge and three for any extra shots.

Sadly I couldn’t take out any extra Widowmakers, they always seem much better shots when they aren’t on my side. I’ll take the win though, and be grateful that I only lost a few zealots.

Game 2: 25pt / No Man’s Land Scenario

For the second game Peter decided to mix things up and go with the High Reclaimer instead. Here’s his list – a full unit of Temple Flame Guard, Vilmon, a Castigator, a full unit Bastions and a Revenger. I decided (after Irusk’s disgraceful defeat) to use my alternative ‘caster, Sorscha. My list had two Destroyers, a unit of Widowmakers, the Great Bears of Gallowswood, a War dog and a Man Hunter.

No Man’s Land would force the two armies into close proximity, but on a broader front than the previous scenario. Peter automatically ‘won’ the starting roll as he won the first game, but he decided to give me the first turn. I pushed my ‘jacks forward in the middle, advanced the Manhunter and Great Bears rapidly up the left flank and moved the Widowmakers forward in a wood.

On my second turn I moved the ‘jacks up into No Man’s Land and followed up with Sorscha and the War Dog. The Great Bears spread out in the hope that the High Reclaimer would struggle to protect the Castigator with Burning Ash clouds. The Manhunter pushed up into the far end of the wood Vilmon was in and the Widowmakers were left with only him to shoot at, but they missed.

The Castigator launched itself towards a Great Bear, but failed to hit with its attacks. In the middle the Temple Flame Guard charged the Destroyers, slightly damaging one of them. The Bastions pressed forward to the edge of No Man’s Land and the Revenger followed up. The High Reclaimer cast a few Burning Ash clouds. Peter forgot to activate Vilmon (which would prove costly).

My turn three would be the last action of the game. I gave each ‘jack a focus and started proceedings with Sorscha. She moved up between them and feated, freezing almost all of Peter’s army. She struck down a TFG and cast Razor Wind at the High Reclaimer doing a few damage. The ‘jacks activated next and trampled across the TFG killing all bar one. The Widowmakers moved up and took out the final one. That was the scenario win, but since I still had a couple of units to activate it I decided to try to do some more damage. The Great Bears charged the Castigator and totalled it and the Manhunter advanced into Vilmon. I got lucky with his damage rolls and took out Vilmon.

Peter: Wow, what a difference 3 focus makes. I went with the High Reclaimer for this match and I think I panicked into keeping everything inside his control area. This meant I only managed to get a unit of TFG into the scenario area in turn 2, and they were depressingly easy to despatch once Sorscha had made them all stationary. Losing them also means I won’t be able to use their attachment in any upcoming games, wasting a couple of points in my full army list.

My original plan for the game had been to set up on one side of the table, run everything into the middle and then work my way along the zone keeping smoke up for cover. I think this would have been far better as a plan, and I honestly don’t know why I changed my mind at the last minute.

The mistake with Vilmon is the most upsetting thing, since he would have been incredibly useful for holding points in the next couple of scenarios, and also losing the Castigator limits my crowd control options in the same way as Owen losing his Devastator. Who knows what effect that will have when trying to clear the larger zones in the final game.

The biggest worry now is making it through the next game without suffering too many losses, I’m getting low on infantry at this point and the next scenario looks fairly punishing if it drags out.

Owen: I almost felt bad dishing out the damage at the end of that battle. The game was won, but I still went after all of the targets I could. This is where the campaign makes you think a little differently. The Devastator was a big loss from the first game and it was nice to see the Great Bears repay the favour. Peter was unlucky to lose Vilmon as had he activate him he’d surely have been impervious to the non-magical attacks of the Manhunter. The Tramples from the Devastators were a thing of beauty.

The campaign is really hotting up and it is starting to live up to it’s name. With over 85 points still to field (excluding ‘jack points) in the remaining two scenarios we may struggle to field whole armies in the final game!

Two down and two to go. I’m barely ahead in the campaign and we’ve both suffered significant losses.

Owen

Related posts:

1. ANNIHILATION – A Campaign System for Warmachine and Hordes (Part 1)
2. ANNIHILATION – A Campaign System for Warmachine and Hordes (Part 2)
3. ANNIHILATION Campaign System (Files)

Here are a couple of files that you might find useful if you plan to run an ANNIHILATION campaign -

• ANNIHILATION v1.0 Campaign Rule (PDF) (as seen here and here)
• ANNIHILATION Campaign Structure v1.0 (PPTX) to allow you to change the game structure and scenarios to suit your own campaign.

Feedback would be most appreciated.

Owen

Related posts:

1. ANNIHILATION – A Campaign System for Warmachine and Hordes (Part 2)
2. ANNIHILATION – A Campaign System for Warmachine and Hordes (Part 1)
3. Let the ANNIHILATION begin!

WAGING WAR

Armies do not have infinite resources with which to wage a war. The loss of every trooper weakens the ability to fight effectively not only in the current battle, but in the following battles. The example campaign used in ANNIHILATION is designed for two players and comprises four games escalating from 15 to 25 to 35 and finally to 50 points in size. The complete pool of points available to construct the army that will fight in these games was 80% of their total sum, i.e. 100 points. This is just an example and you can choose to have a campaign last for as many games as you want and those games can be as large as you want. You could also adjust the percentage to represent a greater or lesser penalty for sustaining losses.

The basic campaign for ANNIHILATION has the following structure -

This is a very simple campaign structure where each game follows on directly from the previous one. All of the scenarios are described on pages 90-93 of Warmachine Prime MkII. The winner of each game receives a number of Game Points that are 10% of the points size of the game. There are some additional bonuses and penalties for winning and losing -

• Game 2: The winner of Game 1 automatically wins the starting roll for this game. This represents the tactical advantage the army gained from winning the initial engagement.
• Game 3: The winner of Game 2 can choose any one unit (excluding their warcaster) to benefit from Advance Deployment for this game. This represents the eagerness of the army to dominate their enemy.
• Game 4: The player with the most Game Points so far (if there is one) gains a -1 modifier when making CMD checks for this game. This represents the confidence the army has to vanquish their foe.

Remember to keep track of the losses sustained by each army after each game. Don’t forget to award any bonds that may apply.

THE WINNER

Total up the Game Points accrued by each player over the course of the four games. The player with the most points is the winner, but there are different degrees of victory. Subtract the Game Points of the losing player from those of the winning player and compare them on the table below -

Okay, that’s it. The game structure is quite straight forward as are the victory conditions. The rules for army composition and attrition on the other hand are more complex, but a player who does not heed early losses may find himself unable to field a viable force in the later battles. With the game points weighted towards the later games this could prove disastrous.

Owen

Related posts:

1. ANNIHILATION – A Campaign System for Warmachine and Hordes (Part 1)
2. ANNIHILATION Campaign System (Files)
3. Let the ANNIHILATION begin!

OVERVIEW

This campaign system is designed to represent the initial engagements fought between two factions over a period of a day or two. It is an escalating campaign comprising games that progressively grow in points. The factions have limited resources and losses in each game will have an impact on their ability to fight effectively in subsequent battles.

SELECTING YOUR ARMY

Each player must choose their complete force pool before any of the battles are fought. They are limited to spending 80% of the total points across all games. For example, if the campaign will comprise four games of 15, 25, 35 and 50 points then the player may choose a total pool of 100 points ((15+25+35+50) * 0.8). The number of ‘casters should be based on this points total. For example, two ‘casters are allowed in 100 point games, so the pool may contain two casters. Each caster should be distinct, i.e. you cannot include an Epic and basic version of a ‘caster in the same pool. It is important to note that free warjack and beast point allowances from ‘casters are not part of the pool. The total pool must obey all field allowance restrictions for the number of ‘casters. Here is an example 100pt force pool for Khador -

Warcasters

• Karchev the Terrible
• Supreme Kommandant Irusk

Warjacks

• Destroyer (#1) 9
• Destroyer (#2) 9
• Devastator (#1) 9
• Devastator (#2) 9
• Juggernaut 7

Units and Solos

• War dog (#1) 1
• War dog (#2) 1
• Battle Mechaniks (Leader and 3 Grunts) 2
• Great Bears of Gallowswood 5
• Greylord Ternion (Leader and 2 Grunts) 4
• Iron Fang Pikemen (Leader and 5 Grunts) (#1) 5
• Iron Fang Pikemen Officer & Standard (#1) 2
• Iron Fang Pikemen (Leader and 9 Grunts) (#2) 8
• Iron Fang Pikemen Officer & Standard (#2) 2
• Widowmakers (Leader and 3 Grunts) (#1) 4
• Widowmakers (Leader and 3 Grunts) (#2) 4
• Winter Guard Mortar Crew (Leader and Grunt) 3
• Koldun Lord 2
• Man-o-war Drakhun (with dismount) (#1) 5
• Man-o-war Drakhun (with dismount) (#2) 5
• Manhunter (#1) 2
• Manhunter (#2) 2

For convenience it may be worth considering troops of the same type as a group from which you can assemble different units. For example, there are sixteen Iron Fang Pikemen (excluding the UAs) above. Two of those are Leaders, so the maximum number of IFP units that can be fielded in one battle is two. However, the units do not need to be fielded as described above. Continuing the example, two min units could be fielded instead of a min and a max. As casualties mount up the number of troops that can be included will be reduced and this complicates things. More on that below.

THE GAMES (AND AFTERMATH)

Each game can be played using any scenario the players like and the armies should be built using normal composition rules. Losses during each game will impact what troops are available for later games. Here’s what should be noted after each game -

• Grunts destroyed in each unit
• Beasts and ‘jacks that suffer more than half damage
• Beasts and ‘jacks that are destroyed
• Beasts and ‘jacks that survive (and the warlock/’caster that was controlling them)
• Solos, Unit Officers, Characters, Drakhuns, multi-wound grunts, etc. that suffer more than half damage
• Solos, Unit Officers, Characters, Drakhuns, multi-wound grunts, etc. that are destroyed

When choosing a force for your next game the attrition suffered can begin to take a toll -

Warcasters and Warlocks

• A ‘caster or warlock that is destroyed must ’sit out’ the next game. Any ‘jacks and beasts that survived a game cannot receive a bond if their ‘caster/warlock was destroyed.

Beasts and ‘jacks

• Beasts and ‘jacks that are destroyed may not be used again.
• Beasts and ‘jacks that suffer more than half damage may be used in the next game, but suffer a permanent -1 to either their MAT, RAT, DEF or ARM (randomly chosen) due to the rushed repair job/healing. All damage is removed from the beast/’jack before the game begins.
• Beasts and ‘jacks that suffer more than half damage that ’sit out’ the next game are available for the following game and are fully repaired/healed.

Units

• Grunts are destroyed permanently and their unit suffers a permanent loss. The units point cost remains the same, even if it is under strength. The exception is when a max unit drops to the min unit size (or below), then it drops to the min unit point cost.
• Units that suffer losses may be combined with the restriction that no more units than original Leaders may be fielded.
• Models in Unit Attachments that are destroyed are no longer available. However, if any models in a multi-model unit attachment survive then they may be included for the full cost of the UA.
• Multi-wound grunts and Unit Officers that suffer more than half damage must ’sit out’ the next game. If they suffered less than half damage they are returned to full health with no penalty and are available for the next game.

Combining units may be a little complicated. As leaders are not tracked separately they may always be considered to be a grunt. Units still cost either their min or max points even if there are not enough models to make up their full size and the player must attempt to field as close to legal unit sizes as possible. For example, if five Iron Fang Pikemen (from the group of sixteen) are killed the player may either field one unit of six, one unit of ten or a unit of six and a unit of five. The unit of five will still cost the same as a min unit.

Solos and Characters

• Solos and Characters that are destroyed may not be used again.
• Solos and Characters that suffer more than half damage may be used in the next game, but suffer a permanent -1 to either their MAT, RAT, DEF or ARM (randomly chosen) due to the rushed healing. All damage is removed from the model before the game begins.
• Solos and Characters that suffer more than half damage that ’sit out’ the next game are available for the following game and are fully healed.

Bonds
Beasts and ‘jacks that survive a battle may develop a bond with their controller (if they survived too). Select one ‘jack or beast that survives and randomly choose a bond for it. Each warcaster/warlock may only have one bond at a time.

Okay, that’s it for part one. Part two deals gives a basic campaign structure for planning your games and determining the winner of the campaign. This campaign should be considered a draft and feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Owen

Related posts:

1. ANNIHILATION – A Campaign System for Warmachine and Hordes (Part 2)
2. ANNIHILATION Campaign System (Files)
3. Let the ANNIHILATION begin!

The base still needs some ‘liquid’ and then the whole miniature needs a varnish.

Owen

Related posts:

1. Master Holt: Work in Progress
2. Lady Aiyana: Complete
3. Lady Aiyana and Holt: Complete

Lady Aiyana is also on the painting table. I’ve started her by doing colours that match Holt at the same time as I was painting them on him, but I’ll wait until he’s finished before I tackle the rest.

Owen

Related posts:

1. Bosun Grogspar: Work-in-Progress
2. Master Holt: Complete
3. Mariner Heavy Warjack: Work in Progress

Okay, this is my last Learning to play Hordes article. Did I hear a collective sigh?! Anyway,I think I’ve got a measure of Saeryn, or at least she’s not a complete mystery to me. I had a game on Tuesday night and everything clicked. My dice luck was poor, but I managed to get a win. Anyway, this article is about that game and some of the hordes tips I picked up along the way. Of course I’m no expert, far from it, but I don’t feel like a complete newbie now!

Lenny had a Haley led force comprising a Centurion, Lancer, Hunter, a full unit of Long Gunners (with UA) and a minimum unit of Stormguards. My army was the same as last time, but I dropped the Legionnaires and replaced them with a minimum unit of Warmongers. I also dropped the Nephilim Soldier and added two Harriers instead.

Here’s a shot of Lenny’s army advancing across the table. He kept the ‘jacks close to Haley accompanied by the Stormguards. The Long Gunners are to the left of the picture.

The Striders clipped the Hunter with a CRA, but the action was about the kick off. The Shepherd moved up to heal the Carnivean just before it hurtled across the terrain into the Lancer and managed to knock out it’s Arc Node. The Angelius flew over the wood and managed to swing it’s tail towards Haley who was behind the Centurion. He missed, but at least had her in melee range. No other damage was done, but Saeryn moved forward and feated. This protected the beasts from the Cygnaran backlash.

What I’ve Learned…
Saeryn needs her beasts front and centre. She has a spell to debuff her enemies and one to wipe out groups of infantry. The beasts are exceptionally powerful on the feat turn. Immunity to melee attacks makes them practically invulnerable just when it’s needed. It can be used offensively and defensively. Saeryn’s defense itself can be boosted, but she needs the fury on her to transfer damage.

Saeryn’s army doesn’t get a lot of support from her, other than the beasts. If the beasts are the hammer, then the rest of the army needs to absorb and stall the opponent. The Striders are a great harrying unit and the Warmongers can soak up a lot of damage. Both have the ability to deal out a lot of damage to troopers and beasts/’jacks.

The Shepherd, Gobbers and Feralgeist are great supporting solos/units. The Shepherd extends the threat range of the fast moving beasts. The Feralgeist makes it very hard to finish off beasts particularly with Respawn in play too. The Gobbers bring just a little extra ranged protection.

So, I’m no expert, but at least I feel like I can play Saeryn without embarrassing myself. I’ll play her a bit more and then I’ll try some more of the delicate warlocks.

Owen

Related posts:

1. Learning to play Hordes: Part 3 (Battle Report)
2. Learning to play Hordes: Part 2
3. Learning to play Hordes: Part 1

Glue the strips to the coin and cut a small piece of balsa to represent a spot for tying up boats. You could leave it there, but it might be worth coating the wood in heavily watered down PVA glue (1:1) to toughen it slightly. If you’re doing a ship deck you should cut the wood so that it looks like planks and fit them inside the raised edges of the base.

Owen

Related posts:

1. Sculpting your own bases with Green Stuff
2. Master Holt: Complete
3. Tournament Check List

I’ve written a basic basing guide before, but this time I decided to attempt to sculpt a couple of simple stone pier bases. With these done I can get Lady Aiyana and Master Holt assembled and painted. Here’s a step-by-step guide of what I did.

Step 0: What You’ll Need

Step 1: Building the Basic Structure

Step 2: Adding the Green Stuff
There are several different types of two-part modelling putty, but I’m using Green Stuff as it’s the one I’m most familiar with. To prepare the Green Stuff cut a section of about 1.5cm (1/2″) off the strip and remove the plastic. As the yellow and blue parts are in the strip side-by-side the bit in the middle usually cures (i.e. it’s a bit hard!). I use the hobby knife to remove this tiny middle bit. The first thing to know about working with Green Stuff is that it is sticky. Before working with it I wet my fingers with a small bit of water. Now blend the yellow and blue bits until it is green.

Step 3: Sculpting the Base
After step two the base will be covered in finger prints. Use the empty plastic blister to gently flatten and smooth the Green Stuff. Again – make sure the plastic is a little wet or it’ll stick to the Green Stuff and possibly pull it off the base. If the blister doesn’t quite smooth out everything us a flat part of the (wet) modelling tool to smooth the rest.

I’ve also built a wooden pier base from balsa. I’ll write a short article on that soon.

Owen

Related posts:

1. Making Wooden Pier Bases using Balsa
2. Basic Basing
3. Master Holt: Work in Progress