Well, since this hobby challenge was my idea, it only makes sense that I would also take up my paint brush and stride bravely (foolishly?) into the teeth of friendly competition.
Before I go further I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Jake Ciarapica (Hutton pre-marriage). I am probably best known for being a host on the podcast Unplugged Radio, I really enjoy the hobby, often relishing the painting and project as much as the actual game.
On Black Friday, I was lucky enough to pick up a large collection of Mantic Abyssals, including the new Vanguard stuff, for 70% off. (Thanks Critical Hit Games in Abingdon, MD!)
This has given me a more then adequate starting point, though being a wargamer I 100% expect to buy some additional pieces despite not needing them :).
The rules for this challenge are pretty flexible; however, even with that extra ability to choose, I completely expect the other members to paint more, and quicker then me. This will be ok, because, unlike my last army project, I want to really try to enjoy the process of creating this army. I want the choices to be guided by more aesthetics, rather then a tournament style list.
With this in mind, my goal will be to finish something new every month, and fingers crossed I can meet the points goals every month, but if not. oh well.
The month leading to the start of this project has been filled with the all important brainstorming and planning of this project. In my research, I decided I wanted to avoid some common themes among Forces of the Abyss, namely, I don’t want lava or ash basing, and I don’t want red skin anywhere in the army! I also want an interesting, thematic army, that has basing and a color scheme to keep me invested.
The more I thought and debated, the more I kept coming back to one theme, pale, creepy, underground morlocks, worshiping a grotesque cult of seductive demons, which allows me to use some non-mantic minis I have had my eyes on.
For January, I am committing to painting a regiment of tortured souls, which will be represented by Malifaux’ Will O Wisps and Mau ‘Ti-Bu-Su by Mantic Games. I also want to paint a test model or two of lesser abyssals.
Regiment of Totured Souls (145 Points)
Mau’Ti-Bu-Su (160 Points)
These two choices would put me at a total of 305 points, well over the 250 point goal!
