Great backstory for why is the cannon greaveyard-themed 
Great job on it, very creative. It's much more than just taking the Empire cannon 
Great job on it, very creative. It's much more than just taking the Empire cannon 
Geralt of Rivia joins the Kislev! More Kislev units and an army picture
- Thread starter Nagash Worshiper
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@Shadespyre
That's a great idea thx! If I find any similarly sized Shields in the bitsbox I'm definitely going with that!
@Borgnine
Thx, sometimes it's just just so fun to figure out backstories even if they're not realy making any sense
So these are the poor engineer students now slaving bellow deck! I have absolutely no idea what they load the cannon with or if they're any good at aiming (if they're aiming at all).
If one haven't seen the excellent tutorial by @Farmer7574 on painting verdigris yet I recommend it as inspiration. I didn't do the exakt same procedure as I'm a bit of a lazy painter but I'm quite happy with the result!
The cannon and crew are done for now until I can find something to add to the wheels.
Now onto the rest of the crew and then it's just a matter of finishing the ship itself!
That's a great idea thx! If I find any similarly sized Shields in the bitsbox I'm definitely going with that!
@Borgnine
Thx, sometimes it's just just so fun to figure out backstories even if they're not realy making any sense
So these are the poor engineer students now slaving bellow deck! I have absolutely no idea what they load the cannon with or if they're any good at aiming (if they're aiming at all).
If one haven't seen the excellent tutorial by @Farmer7574 on painting verdigris yet I recommend it as inspiration. I didn't do the exakt same procedure as I'm a bit of a lazy painter but I'm quite happy with the result!
The cannon and crew are done for now until I can find something to add to the wheels.
Now onto the rest of the crew and then it's just a matter of finishing the ship itself!
It turned out quite professional, well done sir! Also, how are ghosts using a non-ghost cannon? 
Also, how are ghosts using a non-ghost cannon?
@Shadespyre yeah it looks a bit odd doesn't it?
@Mad 'At glad you like them! They'll look a bit better once I make them thicker though
@Borgnine I figured if they can physically touch, hurt, someone they should be able to carry pieces of iron. The whole crew is a bit of a mystery as they're bound to the Dark Maiden. What they look like at the moment might not be their true form and what they you see them doing on the ship might or might not actually be happening.
Small update!
This is "Lookout Ludwig" who on an expedition to Lustria failed to warn the entire fleet of Duke Roland of the oncoming Zombie Pirates thanks to his terrible eyesight.
Luthor Harkon suddenly realised that his all-out attack had turned into an ambush and, being in one of his more gracious state of mind, decided to "reward" Ludwig with eternal service in the crow's nest.
@Mad 'At glad you like them! They'll look a bit better once I make them thicker though
@Borgnine I figured if they can physically touch, hurt, someone they should be able to carry pieces of iron. The whole crew is a bit of a mystery as they're bound to the Dark Maiden. What they look like at the moment might not be their true form and what they you see them doing on the ship might or might not actually be happening.
Small update!
This is "Lookout Ludwig" who on an expedition to Lustria failed to warn the entire fleet of Duke Roland of the oncoming Zombie Pirates thanks to his terrible eyesight.
Luthor Harkon suddenly realised that his all-out attack had turned into an ambush and, being in one of his more gracious state of mind, decided to "reward" Ludwig with eternal service in the crow's nest.
I just love watching this whole ship project, I'll almost be sorry when it's finished!
As for ethereals holding physical things - all my wraiths have physical weapons because I liked how it looks; in which case the answer is always "magic"
As for ethereals holding physical things - all my wraiths have physical weapons because I liked how it looks; in which case the answer is always "magic"
@Nagash Worshiper That cannon has turned out brilliantly - I like the mix of cold ethereal tones and warm metal side by side. The wheels also look better now that they're painted too.
Glad you gave that tutorial a go, you've applied it really well to your cannon
Maybe we can convince him to build a fleet!
Glad you gave that tutorial a go, you've applied it really well to your cannon
Maybe we can convince him to build a fleet!
@Shadespyre And that comment right there is one of the reasons one keeps updating a plog to see! Thanks! And yes, magic is the best answer to everything right
@Farmer7574 Glad you like it and a fleet is actually something I would consider if my friends had more ships for my to combat
Here we have a second pair of brothers, Mickey Rondes and Édouard "le Ver" Rondes (a small price to the one figuring out the reference )
The Rondes brothers spent their life as gamblers. Somehow, no matter the odds, they always seemed to come out on top. Such a reputation naturally leads to a life not spending to much time at the same place and so the life of sailors was perfect. They could join a pirate crew on a voyage and then jump ship at the next port before anyone would realise he'd swindled everyone of their share. They almost managed to escape Harkon by playing a game of dice. Luthor promised that should he loose he would set the brothers ashore at the first piece of land they would see. Mickey and Èdouard felt right good about themselves when they won, right up to the moment when Luthor blinded them.
Since the Rondes brothers would never see land again Luthor decided he could just as well keep the fellows around if he ever felt in a gambling mood. Mickey and Èdouard likes to hang around at the bow, perhaps they imagine that they'll one day glimpse a piece of land?
This troubled fellow was only known as "The Strangler" in life. He was a serial killer from the streets of Bordeleaux, who slipped aboard a merchant vessel to escape the town guard. Out to sea they were boarded by the Dark Maiden and "Mr. Killer" here, unknowing that the enemy captain was anything but human, snuck up behind Luthor and tried to choke him. At the moment Luthor was in a mirth full mindset and found the fellow hilarious so he therefore decided he'd be a fine addition to the crew.
Next is the sad story of "Swabbing Siegfreud" who worked as a cleaner in one of Marienburg's many taverns. He loathed the work but needed the money to move inland into the Empire. He was a brilliant swimmer and would often challenge others to swimming competitions to earn a bit of extra coin. One day the current dragged him out to sea and by freak chance he was picked up by the Dark Maiden. A cruel fate awaited him there.
Ships Cook Luis Remi Martin was once incredibly famous all over the Old World for his marvelous and delicious cuisine. A few hundred years ago he was serving the Emperor aboard his royal ship a when a storm took them by surprise.
Being shipwrecked for weeks drove the poor gourmet chef mad and when Luthor stumbled upon him the chef was preparing a five course meal for a dead crew. All "guests" were aligned around a hastily built dinner table and the food was made up of body parts and luxurious spices.
I have no idea if the mad cook is enjoying his eternal employment as the Dark Maidens cook or horrified by his terrible fate.
@Farmer7574 Glad you like it and a fleet is actually something I would consider if my friends had more ships for my to combat
Here we have a second pair of brothers, Mickey Rondes and Édouard "le Ver" Rondes (a small price to the one figuring out the reference
)The Rondes brothers spent their life as gamblers. Somehow, no matter the odds, they always seemed to come out on top. Such a reputation naturally leads to a life not spending to much time at the same place and so the life of sailors was perfect. They could join a pirate crew on a voyage and then jump ship at the next port before anyone would realise he'd swindled everyone of their share. They almost managed to escape Harkon by playing a game of dice. Luthor promised that should he loose he would set the brothers ashore at the first piece of land they would see. Mickey and Èdouard felt right good about themselves when they won, right up to the moment when Luthor blinded them.
Since the Rondes brothers would never see land again Luthor decided he could just as well keep the fellows around if he ever felt in a gambling mood. Mickey and Èdouard likes to hang around at the bow, perhaps they imagine that they'll one day glimpse a piece of land?
This troubled fellow was only known as "The Strangler" in life. He was a serial killer from the streets of Bordeleaux, who slipped aboard a merchant vessel to escape the town guard. Out to sea they were boarded by the Dark Maiden and "Mr. Killer" here, unknowing that the enemy captain was anything but human, snuck up behind Luthor and tried to choke him. At the moment Luthor was in a mirth full mindset and found the fellow hilarious so he therefore decided he'd be a fine addition to the crew.
Next is the sad story of "Swabbing Siegfreud" who worked as a cleaner in one of Marienburg's many taverns. He loathed the work but needed the money to move inland into the Empire. He was a brilliant swimmer and would often challenge others to swimming competitions to earn a bit of extra coin. One day the current dragged him out to sea and by freak chance he was picked up by the Dark Maiden. A cruel fate awaited him there.
Ships Cook Luis Remi Martin was once incredibly famous all over the Old World for his marvelous and delicious cuisine. A few hundred years ago he was serving the Emperor aboard his royal ship a when a storm took them by surprise.
Being shipwrecked for weeks drove the poor gourmet chef mad and when Luthor stumbled upon him the chef was preparing a five course meal for a dead crew. All "guests" were aligned around a hastily built dinner table and the food was made up of body parts and luxurious spices.
I have no idea if the mad cook is enjoying his eternal employment as the Dark Maidens cook or horrified by his terrible fate.
This sailor is called "Marksman Marcus", finest gunman on the seven seas. Or he was the finest gunman on the seven seas, until Harkon ended his life. Even when a shooter is skilled enough to hit his opponent five times in the heart from across the deck of a ship it matters little when facing one of the aristocracy of night. Though it was enough to impress Luthor to "hire" Marcus. He is rarely allowed to participate in the shootouts at Larboard Larry.
Introducing: Boatswain of the Dark Maiden. Once upon a time there was a man from Sartosa. A living legend who's name was spoken in hushed tones across the seven seas.
It is rumoured that he pillaged the port of Marienburg without firing a single shot, navigated his ship to the city of Lothern without an elven guide, burned the Cathayan Emperors fleet of Dragonships overnight and stole the entire mansion of the Sultan of El-Kalabad and all its riches without any witnesses.
The only thing this legendary figure wished, was to die at sea by going down with his ship. Sadly Harkon ended his life and the legend was forgotten as he is now not even a captain but the boatswain of the Dark Maiden, forever doomed to sail a ship that is not even his own.
Maybe now you thinking "who's the jerk giving orders in the background?" Graymane here (as he is called in my gaming group) once belonged to a friends Dark elf army. After many epic games (and fierce rivalries) fought between the Dark elf corsair and the undead he fell and was turned into a vampire pirate.
There is no need of a quartermaster in the crew when the captain eternaly reigns supreme so the best title describing Graymane is that of a glorified First mate. When Luthor is away, perhaps on the Black Coffin, Graymane assumes command of the Dark Maiden. However he knows that the ship will never truly obey his command, for the Master might return anytime.
Introducing: Boatswain of the Dark Maiden. Once upon a time there was a man from Sartosa. A living legend who's name was spoken in hushed tones across the seven seas.
It is rumoured that he pillaged the port of Marienburg without firing a single shot, navigated his ship to the city of Lothern without an elven guide, burned the Cathayan Emperors fleet of Dragonships overnight and stole the entire mansion of the Sultan of El-Kalabad and all its riches without any witnesses.
The only thing this legendary figure wished, was to die at sea by going down with his ship. Sadly Harkon ended his life and the legend was forgotten as he is now not even a captain but the boatswain of the Dark Maiden, forever doomed to sail a ship that is not even his own.
Maybe now you thinking "who's the jerk giving orders in the background?" Graymane here (as he is called in my gaming group) once belonged to a friends Dark elf army. After many epic games (and fierce rivalries) fought between the Dark elf corsair and the undead he fell and was turned into a vampire pirate.
There is no need of a quartermaster in the crew when the captain eternaly reigns supreme so the best title describing Graymane is that of a glorified First mate. When Luthor is away, perhaps on the Black Coffin, Graymane assumes command of the Dark Maiden. However he knows that the ship will never truly obey his command, for the Master might return anytime.
Then we have Luthor himself at the stern. The chest is rumoured to hold a Lustrian mystic artifact folding space so there is no telling of how much treasure that can be found inside (if there is any at all!). Depending on Luthors state of mind he might decide to play his favourite tunes on his beloved piano while using the chest as a bench.
I can just see in front of me how he madly plays the piano while the ship and crew are all involved in a fierce battle all around him!
Couple of group shots with the whole crew
And a snap from what's going on bellow deck
I can just see in front of me how he madly plays the piano while the ship and crew are all involved in a fierce battle all around him!
Couple of group shots with the whole crew
And a snap from what's going on bellow deck
Simply a masterpiece, both the ship itself and the story you spun about all of the crewmen, really, really impressive :bowdown:
I love the story about the Boatswain and the blinded brothers - I love such stories, maybe that's why I expected the twist about 'seeing' the land Moustache on the cook is also a great decision, that one piece makes it obvious, that he's the cook 
On all the closeups the ship looked bigger, on that big shot it looks rather crowded The piano is a great addition - from where do you have that 'Harkon' crest? It's just perfect for this project
I love the story about the Boatswain and the blinded brothers - I love such stories, maybe that's why I expected the twist about 'seeing' the land
Moustache on the cook is also a great decision, that one piece makes it obvious, that he's the cook On all the closeups the ship looked bigger, on that big shot it looks rather crowded
The piano is a great addition - from where do you have that 'Harkon' crest? It's just perfect for this project 
Eternal Salvation
Ghoul
Hey man, it's looking good! Have you drybrushed the ship itself? Especially since you used real wood, it would be awesome to see the texture pop!
Wow, been very busy so completely forgot to update this!
@Borgnine
Glad you like the stories! I'm a fan of your own background for the sphinx/effigy for example and yeah it's a bit crowded but the crew can be removed so it's not a problem
The piano is a cheap mini from Thomarillion, glad you liked it, the crest is from Games Worskhop Empire griffon. Here's a pre-shot of it
Front:
Back:
@Eternal Salvation
I'm drybrushing it right now as a matter of fact. It's not realy made of wood but thin cardboard so it's a bit hard to make it look ok. It's still going to be very dark, as the ships name, but you're right that it needed something more than just plain black
@Borgnine
Glad you like the stories! I'm a fan of your own background for the sphinx/effigy for example and yeah it's a bit crowded but the crew can be removed so it's not a problem
The piano is a cheap mini from Thomarillion, glad you liked it, the crest is from Games Worskhop Empire griffon. Here's a pre-shot of it
Front:
Back:
@Eternal Salvation
I'm drybrushing it right now as a matter of fact. It's not realy made of wood but thin cardboard so it's a bit hard to make it look ok. It's still going to be very dark, as the ships name, but you're right that it needed something more than just plain black
Some final additions!
Added a sharp speartip to the foryard. Don't realy know why but I like how it looks. Maybe it could be used to ram a sleeping sea monster or the something
And a couple of anchors
Four swivel guns for some more firepower. Don't know if the crew even know how to operate them or if the ship itself does but they usually kill stuff on the tabletop
Did some painting on the hull and the lanterns. The light is very bad so it doesn't show but in a proper lit room it's now a bit more dark-gray than black
Now it's just a matter of making a proper flag and then it's on to the next Mortarch! I wonder who it'll be
Added a sharp speartip to the foryard. Don't realy know why but I like how it looks. Maybe it could be used to ram a sleeping sea monster or the something
And a couple of anchors
Four swivel guns for some more firepower. Don't know if the crew even know how to operate them or if the ship itself does but they usually kill stuff on the tabletop
Did some painting on the hull and the lanterns. The light is very bad so it doesn't show but in a proper lit room it's now a bit more dark-gray than black
Now it's just a matter of making a proper flag and then it's on to the next Mortarch! I wonder who it'll be
Turns out making a flag was very easy!
I got some inspiration from Rob Hawkins excellent blog! I made a more lazy version of using paint and edited a picture shamelessly stolen from the Internet.
I got some inspiration from Rob Hawkins excellent blog! I made a more lazy version of using paint and edited a picture shamelessly stolen from the Internet.
@Nagash Worshiper Lovely work, the banner looks cool - reminds me of the days where you'd get the sticker banners in blisters and kits (think of got loads of those around at home somewhere...)
What's that piece you've used on the back of the piano?
(think of got loads of those around at home somewhere...)What's that piece you've used on the back of the piano?
Suck...my...why have I missed this whole thing! 
Dude, seriously, that is one of the most ambitious projects I've seen so far! Hail to you buddy, and keep the pics of progress coming!
Dude, seriously, that is one of the most ambitious projects I've seen so far! Hail to you buddy, and keep the pics of progress coming!
That HARKON crest is so well done, I thought you took it from Dreadfleet maybe, not rework it yourself - well done! And drybrushing really did add some texture to the ship
@Farmer7574
Haha sounds nice! the only thing close to it I can think of is the transfer icons.
The piece is from the Empire General on Griffon with some gs work for the HARKON text.
@Theerteen
Haha, I'm not surprised considering the number of blogs active on this forum Glad you like the project! Thanks for the praise!
@Borgnine
Thank you, I'm quite pleased with it
And the final piece is done! The flag can be removed and used as an objective marker if needed. I'll try to upload some better pictures of the whole model as soon as possible.
In the meantime I'll begin work on the next Mortarch
Haha sounds nice! the only thing close to it I can think of is the transfer icons.
The piece is from the Empire General on Griffon with some gs work for the HARKON text.
@Theerteen
Haha, I'm not surprised considering the number of blogs active on this forum
Glad you like the project! Thanks for the praise!@Borgnine
Thank you, I'm quite pleased with it
And the final piece is done! The flag can be removed and used as an objective marker if needed. I'll try to upload some better pictures of the whole model as soon as possible.
In the meantime I'll begin work on the next Mortarch
@Nagash Worshiper Awesome banner - tops the ship's mast off nicely. Squid face from Pirates of the Caribbean springs to mind
@Farmer7574 Thanks! Glad you like it! Haha, yeah, I've probably watched those movies three times over by now. They've been a great source of inspiration.
So it's time for Mortarch nr 4: Neferata, Queen of Mysteries, Regent of Lahmia, First of the vampires and Mortarch of Blood. Not a conversion project but after working on the ship it's kind of refreshing to just paint something.
I like the Mortarch kit. It was very fun to build and I'm very much enjoying painting it. I'm painting her closer to the official look rather than making my own version.
So far I've made some progress on Nagadron. The legs aren't assembled yet as it made it much easier to paint. I'll need to purchase more paint before I can continue though
I like the Mortarch kit. It was very fun to build and I'm very much enjoying painting it. I'm painting her closer to the official look rather than making my own version.
So far I've made some progress on Nagadron. The legs aren't assembled yet as it made it much easier to paint. I'll need to purchase more paint before I can continue though
benvoliothefirst
Grave Guard
Smart of you to leave the legs unassembled! I saw that in the instructions and said, "Nah, how hard could it be to paint them AFTER assembly?" I'm regretting that decision now.
Love the background on Graymane! Nothing like using a rival's dead models against them in a campaign, MWA-HA-HA!
Love the background on Graymane! Nothing like using a rival's dead models against them in a campaign, MWA-HA-HA!
@benvoliothefirst
Haha! I was also very close to that trap
Glad you like the background on Graymane! It's so fun to have him face of with his alive elven brothers. I've been thinking of giving him an undead DE regiment as bodyguard but that would be a project long down the road!
Haha! I was also very close to that trap
Glad you like the background on Graymane! It's so fun to have him face of with his alive elven brothers. I've been thinking of giving him an undead DE regiment as bodyguard but that would be a project long down the road!