Regiments of Renown: A Short History and catalogue Part One: Early years

Introduction 

Last post, I discussed 'The Valley of Death', one of the few 'official' scenarios published for Third Edition. As some have commented, myself included, in order to play this scenario you'd need a bucket load of miniatures (and they would have to be painted too) if you wanted to get the most out of it. This got me thinking about easy ways to collect large bodies of troops quickly and effectively in the 21st century. Ebay is obviously your main route gaining troops, but the random piecemeal fashion in which this process reveals itself is rather demoralising. To solve the problem, my mind quickly flicked towards the famous miniature sets released during the 80s (and rebooted several times since then), the Regiments of Renown. After all, a few of these sets and you have practically an army. Its still possible to get these sets for reasonable value as Citadel must have pumped them out in huge quantities and many of the sculpts were in production for over ten years.

So I set about searching for sets of these models at a reasonable price - trouble was, apart from some of the later editions (like the Nightmare Legion) my knowledge of the ranges was limited, and I found it rather difficult to gather in information I needed to begin collecting these sets as it was spread across the internet in a variety of places. 

So I decided to collate my research into this post in case others were interested in doing the same. I have split the regiments into the two series, if you can call them that. The first series was released over a three year period during the Second Edition period, while the second series was released in stages around the release of Third Edition, the first half of these sets were new sets while the remaining sets were reissues. 

I have gathered together any associated artwork, pictures of the models themselves (useful when cruising eBay in the small hours) and any decent painted examples I could find on the internet. Some regiments are clearly more popular than others, and information can be found in abundance, while others are more rare. I'll give each set a personal review and share with you some painted examples. 

Here we go then..

Second Edition Regiments 1983 - 1986

Originally offered in sets of eight plus a command figure. You had to buy three sets to get all three command figures. I find this a bizarre set up and explains why you often see random collections of troopers and character models available for sale. Of course, it makes wonderful sense if you are the owner of the manufacturing company!

Lets have a look at the sets.

RR1 Bugman's Dwarf Rangers

Mini Review: One of the most famous units in Warhammer in any edition, Bugman's could be sliced in half and you'd be able to read Warhammer through the centre, a bit like a stick of rock. As with all dwarfs from the 80s, these models have that distinct Citadel look that I find so endearing. I'm not an expert in pre-slotta solid bases, but I assume that the detail and finish is just as good as the later 80s models.

Availiability:  I've seen these loads of times of eBay. They seem to go for reasonable amounts too. Certainly a popular option and fiarly straight forward to get your hands on. 

RR2 The Knights of Origo

Mini Review: I like these Teutonic style knights. These kinds of warriors are these days represented by (in my opinion) the fairly generic Bretonnians. Here we have something a little different. I have a strong whiff of pagan green knights and questing heroes about these sculpts. They are very germanic and a little bit threatening. They do not lack character in the command figures, and the champion would make a fantastic general but I feel that the standard trooper looks a little plain. I would have to see the unit ranked and painted to decide if I actually liked them.

Availability: Unknown - I have certainly never seen them online, but I haven't actually looked. I suspect they must turn up with the same regularity as other models from this period, no doubt in clusters of models as they were originally released.

RR3 Grom's Goblin Guard (version 1 and 2)

Mini Review: Good old Grom! There are some really nice sculpts here, and judging by the look of them I'd go as fair as suggesting they may even be early Kevin Adams, though Nick Bibby's style also springs to mind when looking at them. As you would expect from the 80s, these goblins are gangly, sniggering things who'd probably enjoy and little bit of nose picking. Curiously, there are also two sets of these available (by this I mean different sculpts) and in my opinion the second is far superior. I would imagine this is probably the reason why the guard was remodlled.

Availiability: Again, largely unknown, though Grom and his gobbos do seem to tunr up with a certain regularity on certain old school blogs and with two sets produced, many of these figures must still exist, somewhere.

RR4 Mengil Manhide's Company

Mini Review: These are classic sculpts by Bob Naismith, and a set that I own personally - though not all of the character models. What I like most about the set were the fact that dark elf troopers and witch elves both appeared so it was possible (and still is if you can find enough models) to build units of armoured dark elves and witch elves with ease. The character models are also really nice and are a joy to paint. Interestingly, these were released many times - I recall bying a set of them (by this time as a reissue) in a clear plastic box in Wonderworld in Dorset in about 1989. Sadly, I flogged them for pittance on eBay when I was poor, homeless and single. I am glad to say I have managed to get most of these models back but the leader and standard bearer both still elude me.

Availability: Pretty easy to pick up, as I said they were released many times over the period. A must for Dark Elf collectors really.

RR5 Harboth and the Black Mountain Boys

Mini Review: The first appearence of Harboth's troop is, well, rather underwhleming, especially when comparing them with their second edition. Still, they don't lack chram and would easily stick amongst any goblinoid force. Harboth himself has a wonderful 'doorman' charm about him with his crossed arms and rather uncompromising facial expression. Certainly a rare pose from any period. The rest of the models are harder ro rate with the lack of visual evidence but jugding by the finished troopers above they scrub up nicely with a little effort.

Availability: Certainly rarer than the second edition of the unit but still out there. I've had a few bids on the pre-slotta versions of the years but haven't yet been successful. They are certainly a unit I would like in my Grand Plan.

RR6 Mad Mullah Aklan'ds

Mini Review: Is there a Citadel pun in the name? Aklan'ds? Ackland? Good old Tony, GWs first principle artist after THE BLANCHE. These were one of the units I had no knowledge of, and in compiling this post first laid eyes on the models. They are certainly interesting and would be useful in representing Araby in a Old School army or scenario.

Availability: Never, ever seen them online! Anyone know any better?

RR7 The Bowmen of Oreon/Oreon's Wood Elf Archers

Mini Review: Another set with two versions. I really don't like these models - even the characters, but that is just me. I much prefer the models produced for Skarloc later on the the 80s. They are all a bit too much of a Jason Connery rather than a Michael Pread! (Old school 80s link there, did you see that?)

Availability: EVERYWHERE! In my experience, there is a large abundance of these hideous models as no one really wants to buy them and everyone wants to sell... You may think differently, but I really wouldn't want to be going near these bland models, especially with all the Goodwin goodness that 80s elves have elsewhere.

RR8 Golgfag's Ogres

Mini Review: Again two sets - both classics! Nothing else really needs to be said. The second set is more detailed than the first, but with a suppportive paintjob they'd rank up nicely with any other models of the period.

Availability: The second set seems more numerous than the first, as you would expect, but these models seem to be fairly straight forwards, if a little expensive, to acquire.

RR9 Mudat's Mercenary Half Orcs

Mini Review: These half orcs are another regiment that I was unaware of before I started this research project. Not classics by any standard but the way the models learn forwards as one (ensuring a unified rank up) is rather modern, especially when considering recent plastic sets.

Availability: Unknown - anyone what to offer any further infomation about these models?

RR10 Elwing's Elf Cavalry

Mini Review: Another of the units that I was ignorant of before this little endeavour. From what I have seen (posted above) I am really interested in this unit, partly as its elven cavalry and partly as an example of early mounted Citadel figures. The models do look a little primitive, especially when compared to later elven units but they don't lack charm.

Availability: Unknown. There are none on eBay as I prepare this post.

RR11 Karnac's Lizardmen Raiders

Mini Review: Crude and simplistic sculpts they may be, but these early lizardmen would make an interesting painting project. What colour scheme would you use? The modern electric blues or something more traditional?

Availability: Unknown. There are none of ebay and I have never seen a painted example.


RR 12 Flying Gargoyles of Barda

Mini Review: I love these models. Original (even today, though I suppose furies could be compared with them) and suitably wacjy for 80s Warhammer. The scupting is certaibly interesting and they have a look that suggests that the flying bases was a later idea and the models suggest they were designed to be standing upright rather than flying.

Availability: I have seen these several times for sale and they went for a pretty penny too! Certainly one of the more expensive units to collect.

RR13 Lothern Elf Sea Guard

Mini Review: All I can find out about these models is represented by the artword above. I couldn't find any imformation about these models. Can you help? Do you have some images that I could post or a link to this article. After all, how can we collect these egnimatic models without actually knowing what they look like.

Availability: Again, unknown. A search on eBay and the Google resulted in the image above. A 80s Warhammer mystery! Can you help solve it?


RR14 Notlob's Orc Artillery

Mini Review: Love this set! Goblinoid artillery in all its 80s glory. Now, I don't know if the actually ballista was sculpted for this set was originally designed for Notlob, but the sculpt certainly got around. It was later used for all kinds of purposes; released alongside dwarfs and humans as far forward as the early 90s. The ballista is also really useful as it can used in Third edition to add some artillery support to any army with little fuss - all you need to find are a few infantry figures to represent the crew.

Availability: Here, the ballista is fairly easy to source but the crew are far harder. They turn up occasionally but certainly not in major numbers. A more challenging regiment to complete in my opinion.


RR15 Despoiling Hobgoblins of the Dark Lands

Mini Review: Nice sculpts aren't they? Chunky, crouched and mean, these hobogoblins are no way involved in silly big hatted Chaos Dwarfs and a good thing too. I'd be happy to collect, paint and field these at some point in the future. As, I am sure, would many of your readers.

Availability: I've seen these for sales on and off over the years. I'd say they are failry straight forwards to collect.

RR16 Disciples of the Red Redemption

Mini Review: Ahh, the talented hand of Jes Goodwin once again becomes apparent. These models have been released many times over the years (and make excellent chaos cultists) and rightfully so. Love them. Want them? Anyone selling?

Availability: Loads of the them on eBay. Fairly easy to pick up in bulk too. I am sure that plenty of you readers have a few of these models in your lead pile.


RR17 Knights of the Cleansing Flame

Mini Review: Again, these look like Goodwin sculpts, though far rarer than some of the other of his regiments. These I'd never heard of before I started this little project. Not classics by the great man's standards (though the standard bearer is excellent) but they still deserve a place in any human Oldhammer army - don't you agree?

Availability: Again, unknown. Nothing on the 'net at the moment - but considering their pedigree, these models are going to sell and be valued. Anyone got a set painted we could post here?

RR18 Eeza Ugezod's Mother Crushers

Mini review: If you like your models BIG 'N' CHUNKY then go no further. These orcs are big, bad and detailed. They are also not by Kevin Adams, a man who's vesion inspired the later 'look' of a Citadel orc or goblin. These are very different, and that makes them interesting and worthy of collecting. I'd certianly like to add them to my lead pile at some point.

Availability: Again, these are fairly straight forward to get hold of. Prices may vary but you shouldn't have a real problems as long as you are patient.

To be continued - next post we shall explore the second set of releases- the more famous boxed sets of the later 80s.

Until then, enjoy.

Orlygg.

Acceptable in the '80s: The Valley of Death : Lost Third Edition Scenario, a slice of history and some miniatures

INTRODUCTION

Warhammer II, or Second Edition, was famed for its scenarios. Lichemaster, Orc's Drift, The Magnificent Sven to name but a few, but Third Edition was a different beast that took a different path. With Bryan Ansell's realisation about the amount of money that could be made selling miniatures, the scope would have to shift away from small games, to massive battles with hundreds on hundreds of troops on both sides.

This was certainly possible for some, with individual collectors having gathered a huge number of metal models since the late 70s but was a pipe dream for many other gamers. But there was always hope!

The Valley of Death represents this shift. Gone were the quirky linked games, and in their place, larger and larger battles. The Valley of Death is indeed a large battle, so large that the article suggests that you play the game on the floor as your table may not be large enough.

Now there is no substitute for actually reading something. So for your pleasure, I include the complete scenario below for you to read, download or merely glance through. Once you have had a gander, we can move on to discuss the scenario in a little more detail. 

Valley of Death pdf

BACKGROUND 

Right, hopefully you have had a look at the article. As was traditional during this period, the scenario begins with one the amusing narratives concerning the major characters in the game. Something that many of us ape today in our own battle reports. 

The major factions being the nice (for a Dwarf) Barnok Blatterzarn and the not so nice (for an Orc) Vomitskrag Krusher and his Orc Nasties. According to the background, the goblinoids have been busy raiding through the early summer (the traditional time for such things, apparently) and have begun to squabble and fall out. To energise 'da gitz', Vomitskrag decides to attack a nearby Dwarf stronghold. The Dwarfs, of course, decide to resist. 

So the scenario sets us what is, to me anyway, the classic Warhammer scenario. A massive army of greenskins attacking the hardy dwarfs. Just thrown in a few human and elven allies, a whiff of undead and s sprinkling of chaos and you have the perfect recipe.

But the Valley of Death is not perfect. You need a huge amount of models to play it in its presented form. Vomitskrag's forces comprise of 65 models (three characters, 2 trolls and 60 orcs), Gan Greens' force (love the pun) exceeds 140 goblins while the Dwarfs are supposed to field over 120 models to boot. So that would comprise of over 380 models on the field, plus scenery! 

Even 'back in the day' that must have been some task! Sure, you could always divide by 2, 3 or 4 etc, but then the game would loose its epic battle feel. 

What I do like is the background material that describes each of the units. What is given isn't much, but there is enough to build the forces up, convert and paint them so that each unit is characterful and a little different. No reams of identikit troops here. Some of the background is positively Pythonesque (Slashing Slashers Slashing Slashers, for example) and has that dark humour you'd expect from GW during its heyday. 

TERRAIN AND DEPLOYMENT 

The first thing your probably noticed is the sheer size of the battlefield. Its certainly of Perry standards and is something that all of us should really aspire to create. Additionally, the range of terrain would pose some interesting tactical points. There are multiple crossing points, bridges and fords, as well as forest, boulderground and rivers. Quite a broad mix compared to the truly random mix in modern Warhammer. This makes for a more realistic battlefield (for a fantasy game anyway) that appears like it could be a real place.

The order of battle is also of interest, with specific units appearing on different parts of the battlefield and detailed rules based on race and terrain type. It seems complex, but you must remember that the scenario was designed to be played with a GM. Also of interest, are the complete lack of points values. The scenario is purely about a narrative, not an army list. Who will live and who will die, which characters will distinguish themselves on the field and which will disgrace themselves?!

One thing that really interests me is the nature of the victory points. I was impressed by the sheer amount of them. Perhaps this too is a factor of 80s Warhammer missing from the modern perspective? It shouldn't really be about the armylists that build the opposing forces, but the conditions for victory that both sides should meet.

Nest, I would like to discuss this little gem of an article, also culled from issue 97 of WD. Its a report about Ansell's vision towards the then new plastics technology and the views of the engineer behind these plans, Bob Naismith. Not only is it a fascinating piece of history, but it is written in a totally non patronising way and there is no sign of the dubious adjectives of cool and awesome that seems to pepper the pages of modern WD.

From Sprue to You

Dark Future, then called Highway Warrior, even gets a mention!

Ah, the Balgorg, or should that be the balrog? Early Warhammer's demon is obviously inspired by Tolkien's famous novel, so much so that these days a C and D letter may have been on the way! Great model though, suitably big and scary. The wings were later used on the Bloodthirsters. The beast shares the page with a Dark Elf repeating crossbow with full rules. I've never seen this on eBay, anyone out there got one?

A better resolution advert of the dwarf adventurers also appeared in the issue.

To end this post I shall include some of the lovely photographs that appeared of painted Citadel, via the skilled brushes of the 'Eavy Metal team.

What a fantastic war elephant! 

Some old favourites here as well as a few rarer pieces.

Love those mounted orcs!

Well, that is about your lot from issue 97. Next time we will be looking at the next issue's Chaos thug and centaur releases.

Until then, enjoy.

Orlygg.

Are you an Oldhammer General?

A flying visit today, just to prove that I am not dead really! The abomnible combination of work, family, commuting ( a new ill for me) and not to mention the wife's new desire to move house have all conspired to prevent me from blogging, or indeed, even painting!

One thing I can do is direct the many hundreds of visitors that this blog gets daily, thanks to you all, to quality third edition related links.

Last time it was the incredible Three Flies For Nurgle, and those of you who have not frequented that blog, then why not?

This time its the fascinating Oldhammer Generals blog. The propriator of said blog is none other than Jonathan Merry Esq. He has gone to the trouble of scanning for us some of the startling dioramas put together by the legendary Colin Dixon ( a man who deserves a post entirely devoted to his early 80s work ) which, though simple by model standards, have an immediacy and narrative often lost on more contemporary  efforts.

But that is quite enough from me, I like the images to speak for themselves.

How many of those classics are in your collection then?

Here are a few links you may find interesting.

http://www.solegends.com/citjour87a/index.htm

http://oldhammergenerals.blogspot.co.uk/

So do yourself a favour, support Jonathan over at his blog and (hopefully) he will put on more quality old school goodness like this soon.

Big post promised on the weekend. We will be having an in depth look at the only scenario published for Third outside the rulebooks.

Orlygg.

Three Flies For Nurgle! Outstanding Nurglesque miniatures!

The Dog's..? The Badger's..? The Flies eyes?

I get plenty of emails about Old School Citadel and Third Edition and I love to share with readers of this blog the photographs of incredible miniatures that I receive.

But when you receive a Nurgle (most of us owned one but flogged it cheap about 10 years back) Palanquin painted THIS WELL, you really stand up and take notice.

Forget Moriarty, Orlygg, this miniature painter (or leadsmith, to coin a phrase?) has gone above and beyond the call of the Realm of Chaos and gone totally painterly. The result? An astonishing blend of Blanche and Old Master. The culprit? None other than Loris Accaries, a new man on the blogger scene but someone who is certainly going to make a big (if slight putrid) splash!

If Da Vinci had got into Realm of Chaos, the result would probably looked something like this! 

Accaries skill as a painter has brought this twenty-five year old sculpt alive and given in an immediacy that is vibrant and very fresh (for a rotting corpse like daemon...)

And believe it or not, there is loads more to come. So do yourself a favour! Follow the link below and join this blog. I, for one, cannot wait to see what the master of the decayed delivers to us next!

http://three-flies-for-nurgle.blogspot.fr/

Orlygg.

Do you have a Miniature Moriarty? Or, a discussion about our lead nemesis.

Sherlock Holmes had one...

So did Luke Skywalker...

Here's mine... My miniature Moriarty... My Lead Nemesis!

Today, I want to talk about those miniatures that we all own. They sit unpainted, or, indeed, partially, if not completely painted, upon our painting desks. Not proudly. They are not ranked neatly, or lovingly positioned so all who may wander past will notice our proudest paint job and comment (positively, hopefully). They are usually crammed to one side, buried under rolls of tissue used for cleaning brushes, un-opened letters (if you are like me) and even half consumed meals or beverages.

They are our Moriartys in miniature!

If you are still not nodding your head knowingly, perhaps not yet casting a furtive glance in the direction of your painting hole in a guilty appraisal of shame, then let me explain what I mean by a Miniature Moriarty.

"Professor James Moriarty is the archenemy of Sherlock Holmes, a fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Moriarty is a criminal mastermind whom Holmes describes as the "Napoleon of crime". Doyle lifted the phrase from a real Scotland Yard inspector who was referring to Adam Worth, one of the real life models of Moriarty. The character of Moriarty as Holmes's greatest enemy was introduced primarily as a narrative device to enable Conan Doyle to kill off Sherlock Holmes, and only featured directly in two of the Sherlock Holmes stories."

Thanks Wikipedia.

So a miniature Moriarty would be that (or those, if you are particularly cursed) models that you just CANNOT get a decent paint job on. No matter how hard you try, how many colour schemes you attempt, how often you leave it, you never feel satisfied with your work. 

The miniature always looks crap. It sits, unused and unloved until it is inevitably cast into the Bitz Box of Doom or stripped and sold on eBay. 

That is how I would like to describe the Skeleton Chariot I started some months ago in the early days of this blog. You may have even wondered why it hadn't appeared in a battle report or even as a 'look what I have finished lately' post. 

It was my Moriarty. 

It had defeated me.

I just couldn't get it to look the way I imagined it SHOULD look. 

Here is the chariot for another angle - at least its done!

So if you blessed by not having a shameful secret (or think you are) how can you recognise a Miniature Moriarty? To help you decide I have created a little checklist that you can run through if you are unsure.

Here we go...

1) No matter how hard you try your paint always 'does its own thing' and blobs and runs in places you don't want it to go.
2) The colour scheme always looks awful, not matter what you try. Either too flat and lacking depth or cartoony.
3) Base looks awful, even though you have used the very same technique that you always use.
4) You start to despise the figure you are working on.
5) This feeling of dislike spreads to other models and you become reluctant to paint anything else in case the 'contagion' spreads to other models.
6) The 'contagion' spreads, you become disinterested in painting, your miniatures stand idle and the jar full of models you just bought from eBay float in their dettol bath unloved for weeks. Your table becomes a dumping ground for random objects placed their by your wife, dust breeds, the table becomes an embarrassment that you just cannot face tidying up
7) You blame it all on that one miniature that started the whole downward spiral.

And now, the most important aspect of a Moriarty Miniature! Number 8 in the list. Remember, that we are talking about a nemesis here, an archenemy. Its a personal thing, between you and the lead.

So...

8)Only YOU can see the faults. Only YOU care about the flaws. So only YOU can make the change... Everyone else will just look at the model and say... "I like the way to did the...'

So...

Just paint.

Cheap chaos warrior from eBay. 99p I think. I didn't even bother stripping this one, I just whacked a purple/black ink wash over the top of the original paint, waited for it to dry and them drybrushed with chainmail and silver. 

The only way to escape your Moriarty is to paint. Better you get the lead mountain painted than quibble over the quality of your painting. We all have models that we love the finished result of and we all have models that are a bit, well, naff. 

At least they are painted.

Believe me, before I went retro I could spend ENTIRE editions of Warhammer and 40k trying to get an army finished because I was never happy with the result and endlessly re-painted and re-painted and became miserable. 

Now I just 'get 'em painted'! 

So, have you ever had a lead nemesis? Have you ever tangled with a Miniature Moriarty?

I guess I found MY Adventure of the Empty House.

It was a Chaos Dwarf!

Orlygg.

Acceptable in the 80s: White Dwarf 97 part one

Long time no see, or so it seems. Welcome back to another edition of 'Acceptable in the 80s', the history of Warhammer Third Edition. Today, we are moving on to a brand new issue of WD, this time number 97.

Have a quick gander at the cover.

I feel that this issue is an important one for several reasons;

1) It was the first issue where Rogue Trader content outstripped that of fantasy,

2) It saw the only true scenario published for Third Edition

3) The Ultramarines and their background were introduced for the first time.

Obviously, this is not the place for 40k, you can check out my Rogue Trader blog for that analysis but we shall be focusing on that scenario in exhaustive detail in a future post. 

The gobbos who guarded Bryan Ansell's cigars must have choked on their mushrooms when this issue was published as there were stunties aplenty for sale in the guise of halflings and dwarfs.

Let us have a look at the miniatures.

Halflings

Sculpted by the prolific hands of the Perrys and Trish Morrison, this range of heroic hobbits positively drips with humorous character, so no grimdark going on here. As we have come to expect from miniatures of this period, the sculpts are varied and detailed. The little folk are armed with a wide range of weaponry, from forks to improbable two handed blades. There is even a piggy back job, a boozer with a barrel and even a 'lady' armed with a crossbow. I cannot say how frequently these models appear for sale but you don't have be an eBay addict to realise that these amusing and characterful models are going to be well sought after. Just looking at this collection gets the creative juice flowing does it not? These models are just begging to be painted!

Dwarfs
And then came the dwarfs, like many of the hobbits before them, plenty of these dwarfs had been released before, but here they were in full colour. Some of these models would later be Norse, Troll Slayers, Giant Slayers and so on (or, indeed, had previously been so). There are also character models that I haven't seen anywhere else, such as assassin, pistolleer and the samurai (which I've seen go for £15 online in the past). Again, like the hobbits these are engaging and exciting sculpts that beg to be painted, ranked and set against a unit of filthy gobbos!

Only a quick stop today, but a few links to other stuff. I have been busy with Dark Future models recently...

If you are interested in seeing more follow this link.

http://route666darkfuture.blogspot.co.uk/

Orlygg.

DA RETURN OF DA GOLDEN GOBBOS! The second Oldhammer painting competition: This time, it's MONSTERS!

After the success (if you could call it that) of the first competition, and discussions with other members of the community I am proud to officially launch the second Oldhammer painting competition.

This time, it's monsters!

Yes, that is correct! Anything goes! Be it big, be it small, be it good, be it evil! As long as its a monster it can be entered into this competition.

To be precise, any 'creature' that would have been mounted on a large 40mm square base in the Warhammer Third Edition rulebook. Or, indeed a base larger than that, if that tickles your fancy! 

Changes 

After running the first competition, we have obviously learnt a little bit about running a competition of this type. 

1) One, be tighter on the deadlines. You miss the deadline and that its it. We will not be stretching the closing date as we did last time. Voting will be handled over at the Bloodforum. The poll will become active as soon as the closing date has passed. Voting will be carried out over the next 14 days and will then cease and the winner announced.

2) Never ending stories! Narratives that support the monster's background. This was inspired by Gaj's lengthy, and very entertaining, narratives that he writes in support of his battle reports. They are an amusing nod to classic Citadel ads that often included stories of this type. Here are a few examples from 'back in the day'!

As you can see, each ad was support by full rules and an amusing story to introduce the 'flavour' or the unit or creature type. I feel that this is a perfect addition to our competition and one that many entrants included previously. If you are particularly flash with photoshop style programs and feel like you could create your own 'ad' like the examples illustrated then please feel free to do so (just enclose them alongside your pdfs and Word documents.)

Regulations for Entry

1) Miniatures entered into the competition can be from any manufacturer or even private sculpts but need to be in spirit of the 'citadelesque' nature of Warhammer and Rogue Trader mythos. Original Citadel, Marauder, Ral Partha, Grenadier etc miniatures are, obviously, the main focus of these blogs but don't be afraid to enter something else if your really passionate about it. 

Considering that we are drawing on the 1980s and early 90s as inspiration that gives you a great deal of freedom. One thing that is important in Oldhammer is the freedom to do what YOU want with no restrictions about paint schemes or army lists etc to interfere with your imagination. 

2) Miniatures are to be based monsters, preferably mounted on a square 40-50mm base (the monster base) though there is no real restriction on the shape of the base. 

3) Miniatures need to be accompanied with full stats, equipment and narrative 'fluff' background story!

Obviously the stats and equipment are pretty straight forwards, but as Warhammer 3rd edition is the main focus of Oldhammer, 3rd edition stats are preferred but are not necessary. Feel free to use 1st, 2nd or even WFRP stats if you prefer. Rogue Trader stats are also very welcomed. As for the fluffy background story, there is no need to write Lord of the Rings. I would suggest a word limit of about 300 words to make reading backgrounds easier for us all but to give a little bit of space for development if you so wish. Obviously, the theme of your background is up to you but existence in, relevance to the worlds of Warhammer 3rd and Rogue Trader are preferred.

4) The winner is to be judged by us all. 

Voting will be organised over at the specialist Oldhammer forum after the closing date has passed (5th January 2013). If you are unaware of this essential resource for retro lead and classic Warhammer gaming then follow this link (http://bloodforum.treps.net/)

5) Have fun! 

Get out there and hunt through that mountain of lead and find that figure you have been meaning to paint for years but haven't because it doesn't fit in with the army or armies you are currently working on. The emphasis is on creativity here rather than straight up flash painting, after all, there are other competitions out there for being anal about your skills. DON'T FEEL INTIMIDATED TO ENTER!

6) KEEP THINGS SECRET! In the spirit of competition, don't post WIP on blogs or forums.

Let's keep things nice and secretive before the big day. I am sure you will agree with me when I say the thing that excites me the most about this little competition is having a good look at what other collectors and painters enter.

7) Send in your entries as jpeg images (or equivalent) with written texts, rules and equipment lists attached as a Word document. 

This should stop the problem of not having images available to browse when voting. In the previous competition, entries arrived in a large number of different formats. This should make things easier for us at this end and should ultimately raise your viewing pleasure after the closing date has passed. 

Launch Date: 1st November 2012

Closing Date: 5th January 2013

Voting 6th - 20th January

Winner Announced 21st January 

If you are interested in entering a miniature in Oldhammer's Golden Gobbos then just email me at:

orlyggjafnakol@hotmail.com

Provide your name (real or nick), preferred email address and link to your blog/web page if you have one.

Plenty of time to mull things over, I am sure that you will agree! Additionally, there were some very generous (and modest) individuals who offered prizes for the last competition. We have been discussing the notion of an 'online trophy' but donations as prizes would be very well received - thank you!

Contact me if you have any further questions.

Enjoy!

Orlygg.