Introduction
Been brainstorming ideas for a future project that I want to be fun, creative, and impressive on the field once everything is done. Since the new Ogre Kingdoms book and miniatures came out, I’ve really been drawn to them. They are impressive models and like Orcs, they give a hobbyist lots of opportunity to put their own spin on the line. I’ve seen ogres done a few ways – Mongolian-style, Holy Grail/Bretonnian style, etc.
My dad is Hawaiian, which makes me 50%, so I’ve always been drawn to their culture. I’ve never been able to put that into play in my hobby, but I think that the OK miniatures line gives me an excellent opportunity to do just that.
I am still in the pre-planning stages of the project. I have bought a few OK boxed sets – mostly characters such as Golgfag Maneater and the Firebelly and I’ve bought some bits here and there, which I will go through in more detail below, but I also have several other projects going at the moment as well, which is good for a change, since it will give me time to collect supplies and ideas to do this project right. I very much want it to be a fun project. Not too silly – I want it to look good, but want to enjoy assembly and painting rather than trudging through the project to get it on the table.
Below are ideas and plans that I have developed so far – but I’m looking for more resources, so ideas, links to more bits and how-tos, etc. are welcome. Please leave comments, they are very much encouraged.
General Plans/Ideas for Theme
Leis – This was the first thing on my list. Most OK miniatures you see, whether in the army book or painted online are dark, bloody miniatures. My intention is to merge that appearance with the color and vibrancy of Hawaii. By fitting most or all of my ogres with leis around their neck, it will give me the opportunity to paint a stark contrast to the dark colors on the rest of the miniature. Plus, whats more Hawaiian than a Lei?
I went through several ideas for how to create leis for the OK miniatures. Since Ogres are larger miniatures than most other Warhammer figures, it is much easier than it would have been for an Empire figure or other comparable standard infantry model. Initially, the plan was to use green stuff to mold a flower, cast it, then repeat. I DO NOT have great sculpting abilities, so this idea didn’t seem the most pleasant to me. I figured then I would try to find a miniature with a comparable flower piece, and cast it, but the best thing I could find was the Killer Clown miniature from Chronoscape, with a trick flower on his shirt, but this was not quite large enough. So, I went on down to Hobby Lobby and spent some time in the bead section (a very manly sight, by the way). Found lots of different flower beads – as of now I plan to glue these around the neck of the miniatures – I have done this for 1 ogre bull, and will post a pic to show – I think it will work just fine.
Seashells – Hawaii is the king of the tropical islands. I have been fortunate enough to find a huge economy pack of mini seashells. These will adorn the bases of the models – and since the pack of shells has all sorts of different sizes and shapes, no base will look the same. The real question will be whether I decide to leave them their natural color, or paint them myself so that they match the miniature. I figure the bellowers (musicians) could also be made to hold the larger shells as a horn – perfect!
Basing – On the subject of basing, the seashells will be a nice accent. I figured then I would make the bases look like a beachfront. It was that or volcanic. I could mix the two, even throw some ocean tide on the edges of some? Some of the dreadfleet models have made that seem like a good idea – I’ve seen some impressive crashing water effects. Haven’t done a lot of shaping on bases, so I’d want to practice or find good examples of making the sand/beach look realistic.
Tattoos – The OK miniatures often sport tattoos. I wouldn’t change that but would, of course, want the tattoos to be Hawaiian themed – lots of floral patterns, tiki faces, etc. Bright colors would also be an option to contrast further. I am a pretty good painter, but haven’t done a great deal of free-hand. This will be a good opportunity to practice. I have been working with an airbrush for a while, but mostly on large models/40k vehicles. A friend suggested stencils for fake nails to use in combination with an airbrush. Not sure if anyone has any experience with that, but I am planning on looking into it.
Display Board – A project like this needs something to be displayed on. As I mentioned with the basing, a volcano would be an option, but a beachfront is also a cool idea. A display board would make an excellent opportunity to do both. Maybe having a volcano in the background, or at least part of the base, painted black with magma in cracks, etc. Could have a beachfront also. It would need some terrain features also – trees? Huts? Stone idols?
Extras – Pineapples and coconuts! Palm Trees on bases! Been looking for miniature pineapples and coconuts with mixed results. Found some beads that look like pineapples, but they arne’t the greatest. Coconuts are easy to do with green stuff. Found some palm trees that are appropriately sized, standing a bit taller than the ogres – they are decent quality, but I would paint them myself – they are intended for model trains and aren’t painted very well to begin with. Thought about grass skirts, but that would be a pain, unless there is an easy way. I want to do my best to add the theme to the miniatures – so extras are essential.
Army Specifics
As I discussed earlier, the OK Army and Miniature Line is what attracted me to this project to begin with, so I’m all about trying to make each entry fit into the theme. Some are going to be much harder than others. The most difficult part is that the OK seem to be Cold Based, where Hawaiians are a warm culture or Fire based. The Firebelly is perfect – wish the whole army looked like him , but that is only one. I think that I want to start with a Magic Based army, so Slaughtermaster/Butcher/Firebellies are definitely part of the army, but I won’t discount Tyrants/Brutes either.
Lords/Heroes
Tyrants/Bruisers – If I had to pick a model, I would pick Golgfag Maneater. I LOVE this model. He has a bit of Hawaiian Flair to him as well – the big Shark tooth icon is great and can be elaborated upon. Love the model, would love ideas to make him more Hawaiian.
Slaughtermaster/Butcher – Magic in the Hawaiian theme is a must. Outside the theme, I’ve always been a fan of the butchers (since the butcher in Diablo, actually.) The name itself is cool, the fluff is cooler. These models aren’t soooo outside the theme themselves. Anyone who knows anything about Hawaii or at least, those who have listened to comedians talk about it, knows that they love to eat. Pig Roasts are a common type of celebration. How many movies have you seen with a big, fat Hawaiian guy chopping up meat? Pig carcasses, pigs with apples in their mouths, etc. Bloody Leis!!!
Firebellies – I don’t even have to mess with the Firebellies. They are perfect. Barefoot, big diaper, tiki mask, fire!
Hunters – I love Hunters, but not sure how I can make them more Hawaiian outside of the general plan in place for all of the Ogres anyway. Changing the sabretusks to something more Hawaiian would be great – boars? I’ve looked at the Savage orc boarboys models, the razorgor (I think), and pig models from Malifaux. While we’re on the subject, I need some chickens running around on bases too – chickens in cages, feathers flying around… yes!
Core
Ogres – Easy enough – theme them out as is in the general theme. Maybe some changes in weapons?
Ironguts – Armor doesn’t do much for the theme, but I don’t think it will hurt it. Perhaps there is a way to make it seem more in line with the theme. Thought about replacing weapons with palm trees. Hawaiian ogres swinging uprooted palm trees at their enemies… coconuts flyin!
Gnoblars / Trappers - Love gnoblars… and just like any of the goblin family – they are fun and humorous additions to the list. Thought about going with a color change – yellowish skin, but I’m not sure. If the trappers had pigs and chicken models, that would be neat. Definitely need some hula gnoblars with coconut bras on… throwing coconuts?
Special
Mournfang Cavalry – Not sure. Love the models…. Leis on the mournfangs? :call-me:
Leadbelchers – Obvious – the leadbelchers don’t shoot scrap – they shoot pineapples, coconuts, and chickens!!!
Rare
Thundertusk – A must, but not sure how to make it more Hawaiian. Rainbow colored fur? :rainbow: Pineapples tied to tufts of fur?
Ironblaster/Scraplauncher – Just like the leadbelchers… shooting Hawaiian food and livestock… larger though, can shoot pigs.
Again, thanks for any input you could give. Still, as I said before in preplanning with a lot of other painting projects going, so I’ll be doing a little bit at a time. I will post pics as I work.
Been brainstorming ideas for a future project that I want to be fun, creative, and impressive on the field once everything is done. Since the new Ogre Kingdoms book and miniatures came out, I’ve really been drawn to them. They are impressive models and like Orcs, they give a hobbyist lots of opportunity to put their own spin on the line. I’ve seen ogres done a few ways – Mongolian-style, Holy Grail/Bretonnian style, etc.
My dad is Hawaiian, which makes me 50%, so I’ve always been drawn to their culture. I’ve never been able to put that into play in my hobby, but I think that the OK miniatures line gives me an excellent opportunity to do just that.
I am still in the pre-planning stages of the project. I have bought a few OK boxed sets – mostly characters such as Golgfag Maneater and the Firebelly and I’ve bought some bits here and there, which I will go through in more detail below, but I also have several other projects going at the moment as well, which is good for a change, since it will give me time to collect supplies and ideas to do this project right. I very much want it to be a fun project. Not too silly – I want it to look good, but want to enjoy assembly and painting rather than trudging through the project to get it on the table.
Below are ideas and plans that I have developed so far – but I’m looking for more resources, so ideas, links to more bits and how-tos, etc. are welcome. Please leave comments, they are very much encouraged.
General Plans/Ideas for Theme
Leis – This was the first thing on my list. Most OK miniatures you see, whether in the army book or painted online are dark, bloody miniatures. My intention is to merge that appearance with the color and vibrancy of Hawaii. By fitting most or all of my ogres with leis around their neck, it will give me the opportunity to paint a stark contrast to the dark colors on the rest of the miniature. Plus, whats more Hawaiian than a Lei?
I went through several ideas for how to create leis for the OK miniatures. Since Ogres are larger miniatures than most other Warhammer figures, it is much easier than it would have been for an Empire figure or other comparable standard infantry model. Initially, the plan was to use green stuff to mold a flower, cast it, then repeat. I DO NOT have great sculpting abilities, so this idea didn’t seem the most pleasant to me. I figured then I would try to find a miniature with a comparable flower piece, and cast it, but the best thing I could find was the Killer Clown miniature from Chronoscape, with a trick flower on his shirt, but this was not quite large enough. So, I went on down to Hobby Lobby and spent some time in the bead section (a very manly sight, by the way). Found lots of different flower beads – as of now I plan to glue these around the neck of the miniatures – I have done this for 1 ogre bull, and will post a pic to show – I think it will work just fine.
Seashells – Hawaii is the king of the tropical islands. I have been fortunate enough to find a huge economy pack of mini seashells. These will adorn the bases of the models – and since the pack of shells has all sorts of different sizes and shapes, no base will look the same. The real question will be whether I decide to leave them their natural color, or paint them myself so that they match the miniature. I figure the bellowers (musicians) could also be made to hold the larger shells as a horn – perfect!
Basing – On the subject of basing, the seashells will be a nice accent. I figured then I would make the bases look like a beachfront. It was that or volcanic. I could mix the two, even throw some ocean tide on the edges of some? Some of the dreadfleet models have made that seem like a good idea – I’ve seen some impressive crashing water effects. Haven’t done a lot of shaping on bases, so I’d want to practice or find good examples of making the sand/beach look realistic.
Tattoos – The OK miniatures often sport tattoos. I wouldn’t change that but would, of course, want the tattoos to be Hawaiian themed – lots of floral patterns, tiki faces, etc. Bright colors would also be an option to contrast further. I am a pretty good painter, but haven’t done a great deal of free-hand. This will be a good opportunity to practice. I have been working with an airbrush for a while, but mostly on large models/40k vehicles. A friend suggested stencils for fake nails to use in combination with an airbrush. Not sure if anyone has any experience with that, but I am planning on looking into it.
Display Board – A project like this needs something to be displayed on. As I mentioned with the basing, a volcano would be an option, but a beachfront is also a cool idea. A display board would make an excellent opportunity to do both. Maybe having a volcano in the background, or at least part of the base, painted black with magma in cracks, etc. Could have a beachfront also. It would need some terrain features also – trees? Huts? Stone idols?
Extras – Pineapples and coconuts! Palm Trees on bases! Been looking for miniature pineapples and coconuts with mixed results. Found some beads that look like pineapples, but they arne’t the greatest. Coconuts are easy to do with green stuff. Found some palm trees that are appropriately sized, standing a bit taller than the ogres – they are decent quality, but I would paint them myself – they are intended for model trains and aren’t painted very well to begin with. Thought about grass skirts, but that would be a pain, unless there is an easy way. I want to do my best to add the theme to the miniatures – so extras are essential.
Army Specifics
As I discussed earlier, the OK Army and Miniature Line is what attracted me to this project to begin with, so I’m all about trying to make each entry fit into the theme. Some are going to be much harder than others. The most difficult part is that the OK seem to be Cold Based, where Hawaiians are a warm culture or Fire based. The Firebelly is perfect – wish the whole army looked like him , but that is only one. I think that I want to start with a Magic Based army, so Slaughtermaster/Butcher/Firebellies are definitely part of the army, but I won’t discount Tyrants/Brutes either.
Lords/Heroes
Tyrants/Bruisers – If I had to pick a model, I would pick Golgfag Maneater. I LOVE this model. He has a bit of Hawaiian Flair to him as well – the big Shark tooth icon is great and can be elaborated upon. Love the model, would love ideas to make him more Hawaiian.
Slaughtermaster/Butcher – Magic in the Hawaiian theme is a must. Outside the theme, I’ve always been a fan of the butchers (since the butcher in Diablo, actually.) The name itself is cool, the fluff is cooler. These models aren’t soooo outside the theme themselves. Anyone who knows anything about Hawaii or at least, those who have listened to comedians talk about it, knows that they love to eat. Pig Roasts are a common type of celebration. How many movies have you seen with a big, fat Hawaiian guy chopping up meat? Pig carcasses, pigs with apples in their mouths, etc. Bloody Leis!!!
Firebellies – I don’t even have to mess with the Firebellies. They are perfect. Barefoot, big diaper, tiki mask, fire!
Hunters – I love Hunters, but not sure how I can make them more Hawaiian outside of the general plan in place for all of the Ogres anyway. Changing the sabretusks to something more Hawaiian would be great – boars? I’ve looked at the Savage orc boarboys models, the razorgor (I think), and pig models from Malifaux. While we’re on the subject, I need some chickens running around on bases too – chickens in cages, feathers flying around… yes!
Core
Ogres – Easy enough – theme them out as is in the general theme. Maybe some changes in weapons?
Ironguts – Armor doesn’t do much for the theme, but I don’t think it will hurt it. Perhaps there is a way to make it seem more in line with the theme. Thought about replacing weapons with palm trees. Hawaiian ogres swinging uprooted palm trees at their enemies… coconuts flyin!
Gnoblars / Trappers - Love gnoblars… and just like any of the goblin family – they are fun and humorous additions to the list. Thought about going with a color change – yellowish skin, but I’m not sure. If the trappers had pigs and chicken models, that would be neat. Definitely need some hula gnoblars with coconut bras on… throwing coconuts?
Special
Mournfang Cavalry – Not sure. Love the models…. Leis on the mournfangs? :call-me:
Leadbelchers – Obvious – the leadbelchers don’t shoot scrap – they shoot pineapples, coconuts, and chickens!!!
Rare
Thundertusk – A must, but not sure how to make it more Hawaiian. Rainbow colored fur? :rainbow: Pineapples tied to tufts of fur?
Ironblaster/Scraplauncher – Just like the leadbelchers… shooting Hawaiian food and livestock… larger though, can shoot pigs.
Again, thanks for any input you could give. Still, as I said before in preplanning with a lot of other painting projects going, so I’ll be doing a little bit at a time. I will post pics as I work.
