A wee bit of an update and some pictures to accompany the latest episode of the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast.

I played a couple of games in August, playtesting a skirmish rule system I’ve been tweaking, adapting, and embellishing. There are two variations of it, The Mace of Spades being the fantasy version, and Star Squabble the sci-fi variation.

For the Star Squabble testing, I threw almost all of the terrain I owned onto the tabletop to really fill it up and limit line of sight (there are no range limits in the game). This meant mixing castles and cottages with futuristic sci-fi elements, and I really liked the contrast. See the full photo album over on Flickr.

Some “Scerrain” (scenario-based terrain) – a portal in the middle of the table. The player rolls a D6 upon entering it. 2-5 sees them respawn on a table corner; rolling a six lets them respawn anywhere they like – but a roll of one hands that privilege to their opponent!

Players can also attempt to take control of this machine gun turret high above the battlefield. You can do a bit of damage with that!

In other news, I finished painting a few miniatures, including this fantastic troll from Foundry, a Pict who’s feeling the heat (also from Foundry), and Jeff, the Wandering Wizard.

On top of that, a big unit of goblin spearmen is (finally!) finished. Find out more in my 15mm armies post.

Want to walk around town sporting an obscure 90s tabletop miniature hobby reference that no one will ever understand? Then you need some Goblin Green Bases-themed merch.

Check out our Goblin Green Bases merch on TeePublic

On there, you’ll find t-shirts, hoodies, caps, mugs, stickers, magnets and more. In the infinitely rare chance you bump into someone as stuck in the past as you are, it’ll probably be the finest moment you’ve had this side of the millennium.

Check out our Goblin Green Bases merch on TeePublic

Goblin Green Bases: A Brief Background

Goblin Green bases were a hallmark of Games Workshop miniatures, particularly in the early to mid-90s. This distinct basing style involved painting the bases of miniatures with a bright, saturated green colour known as Goblin Green. The technique was popularized through Games Workshop’s own painting team, known as ‘Eavy Metal, and was prominently featured in White Dwarf magazine, their flagship publication. Here’s a deeper look into the significance and appeal of Goblin Green bases:

Historical Context and Technique

1. Standardization: In the early 90s, the hobby of miniature painting was still developing standardized techniques and styles. Goblin Green bases provided a uniform look that helped tie together various armies and models in photos and in play.
2. Materials and Methods: Typically, the base was first painted with Goblin Green paint. To add texture, a mix of PVA glue and sand was often applied before painting. This created a simple but effective grass-like appearance.
3. Photographic Consistency: For White Dwarf magazine, consistency in miniature presentation was crucial. Goblin Green bases ensured that regardless of the model or its primary colour scheme, the bases would create a cohesive visual theme across various articles and battle reports.

Appeal and Aesthetic

1. Vivid and Bold: The 90s were characterized by bright, bold, and saturated colours in many aspects of culture, from fashion to graphic design. Goblin Green bases matched this trend, making the miniatures visually striking and easily noticeable.
2. Contrast and Highlight: The bright green bases provided a stark contrast to the often dark and gritty miniatures of the Warhammer universes. This contrast helped the models stand out, making their intricate details more noticeable.
3. Nostalgia and Community Identity: Many hobbyists who grew up with White Dwarf magazine and early Warhammer models have a deep nostalgia for the Goblin Green base. It became a symbol of the early days of the hobby, creating a sense of community identity among long-time fans.
4. Complementary Colors: During the 90s, Warhammer models were often painted in saturated, high-contrast colours. The bright greens, reds, blues, and yellows of the miniatures were complemented by the equally vibrant Goblin Green bases. This created a cohesive and appealing aesthetic that resonated well with the visual tastes of the time.

Evolution and Legacy

As the hobby evolved, so did basing techniques. The introduction of more sophisticated basing materials and techniques, such as resin bases, tufts, and advanced texturing methods, gradually led to a decline in the use of Goblin Green. Modern miniatures often feature more realistic and varied basing styles, reflecting diverse environments and adding to the overall narrative of the models.

However, Goblin Green bases still hold a place of fondness for many veteran hobbyists. Some continue to use the style for its nostalgic value, while others incorporate elements of it into more modern basing techniques as a nod to the past. The bright green base remains an iconic and instantly recognizable part of Warhammer’s rich history, symbolizing a formative era in miniature painting and gaming.

We’re over a month into 2024 already, and I managed to get a few things done and finished in January.

Perhaps the most notable was getting to roll some dice and have a game. We played Brutal Quest, using the city of Mordheim as the setting, and adapted a scenario from the excellent Sci-Fi Skirmish Scenarios book to give us something to play for. It was a lot of fun.

I did plan to have an audio battle report on the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast like we’ve done in the past. However, instead of recording a pre-game, mid-game, and post-game chat, I recorded the audio from the entire game. It seemed like a worthwhile experiment, but in hindsight, I’ll struggle to edit three hours of audio into a listenable podcast episode. Hopefully a wee video into and some photos will suffice.

The deadly ruins of Mordheim

The good guys

The bad guys

The Wandering Monster – an idea we pulled from Sci-Fi Skirmish Scenarios.

Baddies’ Hobgoblin Sorcerer Zargul Fireweaver hits a speculative long-range fireball in the 19th minute of injury time.

In 15mm News

My Battlemasters-inspired bad guys 15mm army now has three full units, I’ve added some trolls and Chaos Warriors into the mix, alongside my Orc Warriors and big rock demon-type guy.

I say Battlemasters-inspired because we have greenskins and Chaos Warriors fighting on the same side. And because Battlemasters was a really cool game. My Chaos Warriors (along with my other 15mm units so far) need some decals on their shields, but I’ll get to that when I get to it.

I did the troll’s skin with the Frostheart contrast paint. Here are some work-in-progress pics.

Whatever Floats Your Boat

Man O’War and Armada have been recently discussed topics on the podcast, and I’ve been slowly building my own fleet to set sail, too.

I picked up these nice Man O’War proxies on Etsy. A Royalist Galleon, three Royalist Corsair Ships, and three Royalist Buccaneers.

I got some Armada-appropriate sized MDF bases from Warbases and used Vallejo Plastic Putty to create the sea effect.

I’m using the Asurmen Blue contrast paint on the water, dry brushed with my old pot of Skull White. That’s also a mid-90s Enchanted Blue around the edge. I’m going for a bright and bold look with these ships, rather than getting too involved in the smaller details.

Sarah, Hoggle, Ludo, & Didymus

I posted recently about how my daughter has gone mad for Labyrinth, and that I’d painted up a Jareth miniature.

She’d been going on about “getting her own toy”, and I found these great wee miniatures on Etsy. They’re made of a very durable plastic, which is handy. I’ve just started to paint them up for her, though she still plays with them in between, and has managed to chip the basecoats a bit. I’m not being precious about it, though. They were bought to be played with by a two year old.

But it’ll be a few years before she gets to push these around…

I first heard about the concept of “slow hobbying” in a 2021 episode of the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast. During this conversation, guest Rik talked about a blog post on the Ninth Age forums (which sadly no longer seems to be available). The idea struck a chord with me, and it’s always something I’ve wanted to revisit and try to solidify.

With that in mind, here is an (admittedly quite grandiose-sounding) attempt at a “manifesto” for the Slow Hobbyists out there.

In the realm of tabletop miniature wargaming, we, the Slow Hobbyists, proudly declare our allegiance to a philosophy that values depth over breadth, tradition over trends, and the joy of a well-crafted experience over the rush of the new. Our manifesto stands as a testament to our commitment to the slow and deliberate pursuit of the hobby we love.

1. A Miniature-Agnostic Approach

We embrace a diverse array of miniatures, choosing models based on our personal preferences rather than succumbing to the pressure of the latest releases. Our armies are a unique reflection of our individual tastes and creativity.

2. The Art of Patience

We reject the notion of instant gratification and embrace the slow, meditative process of painting. A little progress each week accumulates into a masterpiece over the course of a year. Our armies are not just collections; they are the product of patience, dedication, and love for the craft.

3. Deep Dive into Rulesets

We immerse ourselves in the intricacies of rulesets, delving deep into the nuances of each game system we adopt. We value mastery over variety, savouring the richness of each rulebook and relishing the strategic depth that comes with a profound understanding of the mechanics.

4. Resistance to Hype

We resist the allure of new releases and the constant drumbeat of hype that surrounds them. Our choices are guided by genuine interest and the desire for a lasting connection with our miniatures and the games we play. Trends may come and go, but our commitment endures.

5. Nostalgia as a Guiding Light

We cherish the nostalgia of old rules systems, classic miniatures, and the timeless aesthetic of traditional craftsmanship. Our journey is a celebration of the history and evolution of the hobby, honouring the pioneers and the classics that paved the way.

6. Quality over Quantity in Gaming

We may not have the opportunity to play games frequently, but when we do, it is a cherished occasion. Each game is an immersive experience, and we savour the camaraderie, strategy, and narrative unfolding on the tabletop.

7. Favouring Storytelling and Narrative Experience

We prioritize the narrative experience on the tabletop, weaving rich stories around our armies and battles. Each miniature represents a character with a history, and every game unfolds as a chapter in an ongoing saga. The narrative adds depth and meaning to our hobby, transcending the mere mechanics of play.

8. Rejecting the Notion of Perfect Balance

We reject the pressure for every game to be perfectly balanced and fair. Embracing the unpredictability and quirks of the rules, we find joy in the narrative twists that arise from the unbalanced nature of our chosen games. It is in these imbalances that stories become more vibrant, unique, and memorable.

9. Being Good Stewards of the Hobby

We recognize our role as custodians of a rich and storied tradition. We lead by example, inspiring younger generations to embrace the slow, deliberate approach that defines our passion. We encourage patience, creativity, and a genuine love for the craft, nurturing a community where the values of the hobby endure and flourish, and all are welcome.

10. Community and Camaraderie

We build a community based on shared values, camaraderie, and a genuine passion for the hobby. Our gatherings are not just about the games but also about the exchange of ideas, tips, and the joy derived from our collective creativity.

In embracing these principles, we, the Slow Hobbyists, stand united. Our journey is one of mindful creation, enduring appreciation, and a commitment to the timeless essence of tabletop miniature wargaming. Together, we forge a path that enriches our lives and leaves a lasting legacy in the world of miniatures and games.

Miniature wargaming is a fun and engaging hobby that can quickly become expensive if you’re not careful. The costs can add up quickly, from buying the latest models and paints to investing in terrain and accessories. However, there are ways to enjoy the hobby without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll provide tips on how to enjoy miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting on a budget.

Start Small

It’s easy to get carried away when starting a new hobby, but it’s important to pace yourself. Start with a small army or a few models you can practice painting and playing with. This will not only help you to avoid overspending but also allow you to learn the basics before investing in more models and supplies.

Look for Deals

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and promotions from your local hobby store or online retailers. Many retailers offer deals on older models or stock clearance sales, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. You can also find deals on used models from online marketplaces or hobby forums.

Use Alternative Materials

There are many alternative materials that can be used for terrain and scenery, such as cardboard, foam, and even household items like paper clips and toothpicks. This can help you to save money on expensive terrain sets or scenery pieces.

Share Supplies

Consider sharing supplies with friends who are also into miniature wargaming. This can help to save money on supplies that can be expensive, such as paints or brushes. You can also swap models or trade paints and supplies that you no longer need.

DIY Your Accessories

Instead of buying pre-made accessories, try making your own. You can create your own dice trays, measuring tools, and even terrain pieces using materials like foam board, cardboard, and hot glue. This not only saves you money but also adds a personal touch to your wargaming experience.

Use Budget-Friendly Paints

There are many budget-friendly paint options available that can produce great results. Consider using craft paints or student-grade paints, which are often much cheaper than professional-grade paints but can still produce excellent results.

Learn From Free Resources

There are many free resources available online that can help you to improve your painting and playing skills. Watch tutorials on YouTube, read blogs, or join online forums to connect with other hobbyists and learn from their experiences.

Summary: Miniature Hobbying on a Budget

In conclusion, miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting can be enjoyed on a budget with a bit of planning and creativity. Starting small, looking for deals, sharing supplies, DIYing accessories, using budget-friendly paints, and learning from free resources are all great ways to save money while still enjoying the hobby. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!

Miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting is a hobby that can take a lot of time and dedication. However, it’s possible to enjoy this hobby even when you’re short on time. In this blog post, we’ll provide tips on how to enjoy miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting even if you’re struggling to find hours in the day.

Prioritize

When you’re short on time, it’s important to prioritize what’s most important to you. Do you enjoy painting the most, or do you prefer playing games? Decide which aspect of the hobby you enjoy the most and focus on that.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead can help you make the most of your limited time. Set aside specific days or times to work on your hobby, and stick to that schedule as much as possible. Having a plan can help you stay focused and avoid wasting time.

Set Small Goals

When you’re short on time, it can be daunting to tackle a large project. Instead, set small goals that you can achieve in a short amount of time. For example, aim to paint one model or play one game per week. Achieving these small goals can help you stay motivated and feel like you’re making progress.

Simplify Your Projects

Instead of tackling complex painting projects or building intricate terrain, simplify your projects. Choose models that are easy to paint, or use pre-made terrain instead of building your own. This can help you save time and still enjoy the hobby.

Use Shortcuts

There are many shortcuts you can use to save time. For example, use spray primer instead of hand-priming your models, or use washes to quickly shade your models instead of layering paint. These shortcuts can save you time without sacrificing the quality of your work.

Find a Community

Joining a community of miniature wargamers, collectors, and painters can help you stay motivated and inspired. You can learn from others, share your work, and even find people to play games with.

Embrace the Process

Finally, it’s important to remember that enjoying the hobby is about the process, not just the end result. Embrace the time you have to work on your hobby, and enjoy the process of painting, building, and playing games.

Summary: Miniature Hobbying When Short on Time

In conclusion, even when you’re short on time, there are many ways to enjoy miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting. Prioritizing, planning ahead, setting small goals, simplifying projects, using shortcuts, finding a community, and embracing the process are all great ways to make the most of your limited time. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the hobby!

Imagine a tabletop where pink orcs battle green-skinned high elves. Where yellow dwarves hold out against hordes of blue-furred ratmen.

This is, of course, a highly exaggerated scenario of what it might be like to be a colour blind (or “colour deficient”, as my optician recently corrected) miniature painter.

I mean, for one, the colours of paints are written on the pots. So it’d be incredibly hard to get things so “wrong”.

I was first diagnosed with colour blindness at an early age, when a test was sprung upon me at primary school. You’ve probably had one yourself. You’re asked to pick out numbers or letters from these discs of coloured dots. It’s rare for me to find one I can spot.

I suppose the early signs were there – I thought grass was red for a brief period of my life. But as a fairly arty kid (I was decent at drawing) this wounded my pride a bit. You don’t want to be known as “bad” at anything when you’re young, so I’d sneakily check the names of colours written on pencils prior to using them. No more red grass and purple skies for me.

I started collecting and painting miniatures at primary school too – though I never gave the colour blindness thing a thought, in relation to it. At least as far as I can remember. As I say, the names of the colours were on the pots. Goblin Green was green for goblins, Sunburst Yellow was ideal for bits I thought should be yellow. And Blood Red was most definitely not for grass.

Then I did what most hobbyist kids do, and take a long break from around the age of 15. A break I never thought was “a break”, more of an “I’ve grown out of that”. But I came back to it all in my mid-30s – again – as many hobbyists do.

It was only then that I started to think about the colour blindness thing. There’s so much content out there aimed at helping folks with their painting, whereas, back in the day, we were limited to segments of White Dwarf once a month.

I became aware of terms like “colour theory”, “colour palettes”, and “the colour wheel”, which enable painters to use colour in an almost scientific way. You don’t need to look far to see the effects of this. The standard of painting out there these days is truly exceptional.

It’d be wrong of me to say that I couldn’t make use of colour theory myself. I simply haven’t read enough into it yet. This is purely because I try to make sure that 90% of my painting improvement time comes through practice, which leaves only 10% for consuming content and tutorials. I might get to it at some point in the future, and only then will I be able to determine whether or not it’s accessible to me.

The thing I struggle with the most in my painting is the classic “you’ve missed a bit” syndrome. This is because, depending on the colours I’m using, a primed area often won’t stand out to me as much as it probably would for most other painters. Likewise, I can make a small mistake and it won’t stand out to me at all, whereas someone else might spot it right away. I’m not complaining about this. Everyone will have their own unique challenges in the hobby, and this just happens to be mines.

I mentioned the usefulness of having paint colours written on the pots. But come to think of it, that isn’t always true of the modern Citadel paints. For example, I briefly used Naggaroth Night on the premise that it was blue (which was a silly mistake on my part, considering I know my Old World lore). It isn’t hard to find out the colours of paints if I’m in any doubt though, so again, I’m not complaining. Just observing.

I regularly publish pictures of my own painting work on this blog. I accept that I’m nowhere near the standard of many other miniature painters out there, not because of any colour deficiency, but because those folks have put a lot more hours of hard work into honing their craft. For me, it isn’t about comparing my painting with anyone else’s. It’s about looking at what I’ve done this month, compared to what I did 6 months ago, and thinking “there’s a definite improvement here”.

I paint miniatures because it’s a cathartic analogue hobby with steep learning curves and a pursuit of mastery. I don’t see colour blindness as a disadvantage because I’ve never known any different. If I only have my own work to compare against, then it can’t hold me back. I might not ever win a Purple Demon award, but I’m having a lot of fun. And surely that’s all that matters?

Next up: 8 Tips to Rekindle Your Miniature Painting Motivation

It’s the internet, and you’re never more than 2 feet away from an “inspirational” quote.

But the fact that most social media feeds are gummed up with images of people in yoga poses with meaningless slogans printed over them, doesn’t mean we can’t draw on some sage wisdom for our own hobby.

With that in mind, here’s my (ever growing) list of quotes that absolutely weren’t about painting miniatures, but at the same time, are totally apt for the craft.

Let’s dive in…

“If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.” – David Bowie

“Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.” – Salvador Dali

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” – Anton Chekhov

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton

“You want to know how to paint a perfect painting? It’s easy. Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally.” – Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.” – Bruce Garrabrandt

“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” – Seneca

“Human beings, it seems, are at their best when immersed deeply in something challenging.” – Cal Newport, Deep Work

“The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day … you will never be stuck … That way your subconscious will work on it all the time. But if you think about it consciously or worry about it you will kill it and your brain will be tired before you start.” – Ernest Hemingway

“You set yourself a goal and carry it out – not all at once, but over time. You use your hands or your body to create something.” – Erling Kagge, Silence in the Age of Noise

“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” – Kurt Vonnegut

“In the end, mastery involves discovering the most resonant information and integrating it so deeply and fully it disappears and allows us to fly free.” – Josh Waitzkin, The Art of Learning

Is that you suitably inspired now? Ready to crack on and battle through that pile of shame? Great!

Be sure to bookmark this post. Next time you’re struggling to find the motivation, give it another once-over.

And I’ll be building it out over time with more great quotes as I either remember them, or stumble across them. Hopefully you’ve found it useful in some small way 🙂