Mighty Chaos Warband of Nurgle (400pts)

Perhaps the greatest attraction of the Lost and the Damned is the opportunity provided within to roll for and create your own Nurgle warrior and his accompanying, wandering warband. Now you may or may not recall that I had a self-set project to create a model for each of the possibilities on the Warband Retinue table. The majority of these 19 options have been absorbed into my Chaos Allies project or my Orc Allies project, but the remaining models (and a few other Nurgle side-projects) can now be absorbed into my main Lost and the Damned army by way of a cool mechanism in said book which allows for new and/or existing warbands to be part of the larger army.

So here is my warband as a unit in the army, led by a Mighty Champion (further on the path to Chaos then an Aspiring champion and less so than an Exalted champion - 200 and 600 points respectively), my Mighty Warband is worth 400pts and the equivalent of D4+4 rewards, so about right in terms of followers from the Retinue table. 

So amongst this chaotic rabble (just how it should be), you may be able to make out a Troll, a maggotty spawn, 6 Dark Elves, 4 Cultists and a Chaos Magus and Warior, an Undead Chaos champion and the mounted Mighty Champion himself. I really like the eclectic mix of models, races and characters in the same unit and one day I'll write up a backstory for this lot, how they came together and how they have fought their way along the path to damnation. The idea behind an undead chaos champion and a spawn and the path they took to get there are just too tantalising... 

So there we go, a 400 point unit taking the tally so far up to 2455pts of rank and file... A hefty character will be next...

 

The Lost and the Damned Retinue Table Challenge

After a few years of collecting, converting and painting, I've completed the original goal of this blog - to create an entry for each of the possibilities of the Lost and the Damned retinue table. One of the great outcomes of this project was that I could choose some of my favourite models to paint in relatively small batches and combine this with my love of converting if their were not any models that captured my imagination. Thankfully Citadel kindly provided a whole raft of characterful models in the 80's so these were my go-to choices.

To celebrate this feat, I've eventually gotten all of the models out that I painted for the challenge (whilst the family were out) and photographed them all together (some task - as was writing this post) and then taken a photo for each of the individual groups too. So here we go:

All 19 possibilities for creating a retinue for my Chaos Warbands

There's minotaurs, orcs, a chaos sorcerer, mercenaries.

A Shaggoth, Nurgle Beastmen, brigands, harpies, a troll and some (generic) Beastmen.

Some Elves, Chaos Warriors, Goblins.

Centaurs, Chaos Dwarves, Skaven and Human Runaways.

Ogres and Cultists.

The retinue options all posed together like this almost create an army, which of course is one of the next steps in my quest. But I do like the chaotic, rabble-like and disparate factions here and the fact that they aren't ranked up units as such, more a collection of individuals who have banded up with other racial and like-minded peers and formed an uneasy alliance together.

In case you are unfamiliar with the Retinue Table (quite obviously my favourite aspect of the whole Realm of Chaos project), here is the table from which you can roll up your Chaos Champions followers:

And here's each of my interpretations of the text:

1. 2D4 Human Mercenaries and Captain.

I had to go for the classic Citadel fighters - although these are the Foundry version, I love their rag-tag appearance and the model for the captain was an obvious choice, with his imposing broadsword and authoritive pose. This posse have a future role in my project work, a larger mercenary group named Rasham/s Forgotten Bandits (The Blotted). Expect to see additional models and the start of a baggage train..

2. 2D6 Human Runaways.

From the same stock as above, but choosing the less well armed models for this group. Painted in the same colour scheme as above so that they can eventually join the Blotted, I like the idea of how these thugs have deserted a larger group (perhaps a unit of an army), cobbled together some possessions and weapons and made their way through the lands as minor bandits. They probably all hate each other and are desperate to be a part of a larger movement. Easy pickings for a Chaos Champion to recruit them.

3. D4 Minotaurs.

Proper Chaos now. These beasts are all from Citadel's Minotaur Lord range and have all had a range of conversions and adaptions made to make them slightly unique. These add to the chaos attributes they are likely to have and are deliberately painted to have a variation of bright and pale skin tones.

4. Dragon Ogre Shaggoth

There was a lot of converting and re-sculpting on this beast. Based on a more modern GW model, I Nurglified him with a Plaguebeareresque head (horn and one eye), re-sculpted a rotten old belly, gave him a rusty flail and of course added a carrion crow companion. This model was heavily influenced by the converted Dragon Ogre as found in the Lost and the Damned book.

5. Troll

Such a cool Citadel troll, he didn't need any converting but did deserve to be raised a little higher to make him more imposing and add a bit of swamp around him. I can't imagine his aim will be impressive with that rock, but certainly enough to squash anyone who comes to close. His stupidity is somewhat tempered by his little Nurgling advisor.

6. Chaos Sorcerer.

A whole range of  models that I could have chosen for this entry, but went with the most obviously Nurgle in appearance, complete with brand Nurgle logo on his forehead. I can easily imagine him pledging allegiance to a Champion of Nurgle and bringing his own stench and range of sorcery to the proceedings.

7. D6 Orcs:

Orcs were my original collection as a young teenager and I re-visited some of my favourite models to warband together. I knew these would eventually be part of an allied force so I went with a command and a couple of lackeys for now.

8. D6 Bandits.

I decided to use Chaos Thugs for the Bandits as I already had the models and didn't want to have too many humans as per the first two entries. Two of these have been converted - the leader was an orc and given an ogres's head and the ogre given a more grisly horses head totem for the banner. I like having added height in a rabble like group so I think the ogre model fits in (and adds muscle to the group of bandits). I imagine these bandits to be pretty successful at their trade.

9. D4 Harpies.

A deviation from the collection of classic Citadel miniatures here. After much thought I realised that I just did not like the classic Harpy models and also struggled to find any modern ones that worked for my aesthetic. So it was to the conversions I turned - Lord of the Rings goblins with a variety of wings from Reaper bones and randoms from my bitz box. I also wanted to try and create some height for a flying unit, so perched three of them on rock formations.

10. D4 Ogres.

The ultimate mercenaries, Ogres are a mainstay of a chaos retinue. And of course I knew exactly which models I would choose for this. These classic Jes Goodwin sculpts were a dream to paint and they just ooze character. The gaudy nature of their clothing was to represent their obvious skills as money-earners, but perhaps not the best taste in attire.

11. D4 Centaurs

Again I found the classic Citadel centaur models a bit weedy and bland, so I went and converted some chunky Nurgle versions. I had to cut up a fair few good models - a plaguebearer from the palanquin set, a warrior, beastman and Bob Ollet Black Orc to be precise and marry them to some plastic lizardmen of all things. Heresy of lead and plastic combined! Loads of other additions were applied and this group may be one of my favourites - they look pretty dynamic.

12. Culists and Magus.

One of the great things about this project was that it gave me the chance to collect some models that I've longed to paint, without having to paint too many at once (this can easily turn me off). These Red Redemptionists always turned me on and fitted in perfectly with the similarly masked sorcerer. Paint jobs to match and a homage to a Fighting Fantasy illustration on the banner and the job was a good-un. 

13. D6 Goblins

I must have painted about 17 million Goblins in my lifetime, so it was quite refreshing to only have to paint six for this group. Although I think Goblins generally like to band up in bigger numbers, these Marauder Goblins have enough attitude to be short on numbers and have even drafted in a shaman to aide them. The leader is known as Blag.

14. Chaos Thug/Marauder/Warrior.

I like the concept of the path of chaos and how a relatively lowly thug can catch the eye of his patron through his battlefield endeavours and rise in prominence and performance. From thug to marauder to the ultimate fighting machine, a chaos warrior. From left to right: thug, warrior and marauder. The further progression along the path, the better the armour and the more mutated you become. Perfect. 

15. D8 Skaven.

The last group I painted for this challenge, I chose some of my favourite Jes Goodwin Skaven sculpts. Seer, slaves, leaders, bombadier; they're all in there under the leadership of a larger and more modern (and slightly converted) Skaven warlord model which I quite liked. Again a bit of extra bulk and height makes it visually and narratively more interesting.

16. D8 Chaos Dwarves.

The classic Maruader troll slayers were used for the Chaos Dwarves, largely because I wanted a unit of beserkers and also because the models have a lot of character (the Citadel Chaos Dwarves are expensive too). I went for gaudy and pale colours again to tie in with other units and also to create a less uniformed look; the colourful hair creates an impression of chaos anyway.

17. D6 Beastmen

A nice little collection of disparate models, a chaos hound has joined some traditional beastmen models and a Marauder minotaur has been re-purposed as a leader. He needed some zebra stripes too.

18. D6 Dark Elves

This unit again gave me the opportunity to choose some of my favourite elf models and re-purpose a few other models I had lying around. A couple of old Citadel wardancers were my first ever elves to be painted and then I added some more modern witch elves. Great poses all. I then found a Mordheim elf who had the appearance of an assassin and also found a vampire model who was given a couple of new weapons and seems to ft right in with the others.

19. D6 Beastmen of the Patron God (Nurgle obviously)

The final group are a real kitbashing of plastic models. I went to town on the converting of these as part of my BitzBox Challenge and these are all made up of a variety of parts and kits. The paint scheme helps them tie in with the rest of the retinue, but they are by far the lightest group to carry as the only ones without a hint of lead.

Thanks for reading! Oh and I'm intrigued - what's your favourite?

Retinue Table Challenge: 8 Skaven

The last of this challenge is complete! With these 8 skaven I now have models for the the entire Lost and the Damned Retinue table to roll up and play with. It's also helped me keep focused in my painting exploits.

These Jes Goodwin Skaven sculpts were a joy to behold, loads of character and interest in them that reward a keen eye and earned some additional painting time. I was going to batch paint them but in the end painted each one individually, as seemed deserved for such unique and interesting sculpts. Of course now I want to add to these eight by makin an allied contingent, but that will wait for another day. Of course I'm sure you've realised that there is an odd one out here - the addition of a much newer GW SKaven sculpt - in truth he wasn't supposed to be part of he troupe but he arrived to me cheap and broken and just demanded to be converted, so he ended up with a claw and some additional skaven bits, in this case a plague censer attached to his belt and a beast man shield. I think he fits in pretty well and his extra bulk provides a bit of a beefier hero character (allied contingent commander?) to the gang.

On my return from holiday I'll take photos of all the models that represent the completion of this task and re-introduce you to some of the first models painted in this exercise. Many thanks for the encouragement and commentary along the way, much needed motivation to carry on...

Retinue table challenge - 4 Minotaurs

Continuing my nearly complete series on collecting all the possibilities of rolling a Chaos Warband retinue from The Lost and the Damned, I present 4 Minotaurs:

They don't rank up too well but there's another 2 from the Citadel Minotaur Lord range which will be added to these to make a unit of 6, and as a complete collection they all rank up just about fine.

So I just have 8 skaven currently sitting on my painting desk to go to complete this challenge and then I can take a much anticipated (by me at any rate) photograph of them all together.

Slowly, by following this path, my small collection of models is gradually becoming a chaos allied force and on it's way to becoming a full blown, 3rd Edition Warhammer Army..

Retinue table challenge - 4 Harpies

Another one finished for my Lost and the Damned Retinue Table Challenge - D4 Harpies. Only the Minotaurs and Skaven to go now before I'm done.

I've been enjoying getting back into my converting, rather than just painting old miniatures and this was no exception. The Goblins from the LotR range are nicely mutated with some interesting shapes, textures and poses to play with. I simply removed all the weapons to go for a more feral appearance and substitute them with some bones and heads to show their primitive and evil ways. The wings are from a variety of sources (all bitzbox) as I'm trying not to buy any new models for a while and work on the backlog. The curved wings on models 1 and 3 are from some Reaper Bones female statue/angels that I had knocking around and model 2's I believe are from a Dark Angels sprue and the model 4 from an old dwarven banner top.

I had previously considered a range of different models to create the Harpy look, but none of them really fitted too well with the Nurgle theme of my growing collection. I nearly went down the more feminine/avian look, with sculpted boobs and claw feet from plaguebearers, but realised quite quickly that this was a lot of extra work for very little return. Who says Harpies have to be female? A small compromise (and to add some gender ambiguity) I sculpted some longer hair!

This is my first attempt at basing flying models, I only briefly contemplated using the transparent, plastic flying stands before thinking along more creative lines. Initially I was thinking of having them perched in trees, or about to fly from a branch, but the prospect of making four trees from wire was a bit daunting and could easily look shit. A much easier solution was to create rocky outcrops from some extruded foam off-cuts from my dungeon tile project. With a pva/sand coating they were quickly textured to look like rock faces. Easy. I just had to delve into my diminishing pile of skulls for the final decoration to the bases.

WIP - you can see the small conversions and the extruded foam/sand combo for rock form and texture

The image that inspired my idea - apologies for not being able to give credit to the creator, but my these are awesome.

Retinue Table: 8 Mercenaries

Rasham's Forgotten Bandits, aka "The Blotted". An irregular company of hire-swords formed of deserters, rebels and plain besmeared characters; Arthur Rasham brought them together to fight under his disgraced banner, the walking fish. Unfortunately the band is currently comprised of only eight members, as some of the deserters, have of course deserted as soon as new fighting was imminent, but the remaining fellows are a pretty tight group, a rabble joined together for a love of earning money by doing as little fighting as possible. This is partly achieved through wearing a strict uniform of grey and brick red - they look the part and appear to be a successful warband - and have indeed acquired several jobs alone through appearance and charade.  

The uniform itself was pilfered by Rasham's ex-wife, who once worked as a washer woman for the army of the Elector Count of Talabheim. The rest of the uniform is stashed in a cave ready for more possible recruits in the future. It still hasn't been washed.

So in order to stay ahead of their real reputation ("The Blotted") they must be in perpetual motion, hoping to earn coin in many far flung corners of the land. They currently find themselves in a northern territory working for a mysterious, bloated, acolyte; asked to patrol the northern bank of the River Druhx, with the only task being to challenge anyone attempting to cross the small stone bridge. Easy money, they think...

Arthur Rasham. The leader of the Blotted and once a fearsome fighter, renowned for his strength and wavy broadsword. Now he lives off reputation and a silver tongue alone, as he tries to hide the gout from which he suffers from in his right foot.

Old Bill Borthwick. Fought alongside Rasham when a younger man, but has recently developed a worrying habit of losing his weapons and forgetting simple instruction. He has been given the task of banner bearer for now.

Jim "Mustard", Rasham's new right hand man. He thinks the nickname is because he's hot with a sword, his peers know it's because he's so keen to lick the arse of the boss.

Ginge Porter. Likes to work from a distance with his trusty crossbow. Has been known to shit himself so the others aren't too worried about him being away from any possible action.

"Tripod" Smithers, retains his reputation for madness in battle, but due to him losing his leg, became a bit of a liability. Hence why he's armed with a weapon of distance. However the loss of his limb has only added more significance to his nickname, acquired from anyone who has seen him bathing.

Young Toby Clyne. Small time thief, pickpocketer and general annoyance amongst the crew. His ability to pilfer from an enemy makes them put up with him delving into their own scant possessions.

"High Born" Hosty. Always refers to the lie that he was born into money (he believes the lie he was told) and assumes that he should be better off than he is. He takes it out on any enemy who looks wealthy, trying to bring them down to his level with a bloody blow to the head.

"Bright Eyed" Bill Watts. Last Saturday, retreating as quickly as he could through the thick mud, from an enemy he hadn't even got close enough to see, Bill stumbled face first and nicked his forehead with his own spear. Thankfully none of the other lads had seen so his story quickly became one of how he had narrowly dodged an incoming arrow. No one believed him, his cowardly reputation and shitty lying preceded him.

And a close up of the freehand banner, prior to weathering from the Tamiya Mudstick.

So 8 Mercenaries for my Retinue Challenge; only a few more entries until I can call this Lost and the Damned project finished; 3 minotaurs, 3 harpies and 8 skaven to go....