I have been playing Warhammer for about 15 years, with periods of intense activity (including tournament play), then a barren wilderness, and now I play about once a week within a small group. I have a number of armies, but have always rejected the Empire because of the number of figures involved, even though the flexibility of the army has always appealed. The 7th edition army list ticks virtually all the correct boxes for me, so I am finally taking the plunge with a project that has been in the back of my mind for a long time.
This army is an exercise in frugality and practicality. I want to collect the figures as cheaply as possible. I want to assemble them and paint them as quickly as possible. But I also want the finished army to look good.
I have chosen Ostland for two main reasons. My opponents are typically beasts and warriors of chaos, with occasional games against vampires and dark elves. The chaos incursions typically originate in the north, while the vast forests of Ostland are said to be heavily populated with beasts, so it seems appropriate. Mainly though it's the colours - I prefer the black and cream of Ostland to any of the other northern provinces. It should also help in the speed painting of the units.
Enough chatter, here's the first unit, a detachment of militia. These were a test to check out some colour combinations and to see if I would be happy with the end result of the simple technique. The figures were bought already assembled from ebay, I just cleaned them up and got on with the painting.
The method is just about the simplest possible. Spray black. Paint on the base colours (Foundation paints are good for this, as are coat d'arms if you can get them). Then wash with devlan mud. That's it. No additional shading, no highlighting. I can't think of a simpler method - maybe dipping would give a similar result.
Next up is another detachment, this one I have constructed myself, to give it a witch hunter theme. You can also see my cheap and cheerful movement tray, made from cereal box cardboard, adhesive magnetic paper, magnets and plastic sprues. Turn it upside down and nothing falls out.
