Three Cultists or Other Peoples' Painted Models

I know there's a wide range of opinion regarding painted models. Some people purely want to game in the most efficient way possible, so basic painting or even commission painting is the way forward. Personally, I want to look at models in my collection that are mine; I built them, I painted them, I play with them. Every so often though, I come across a model that just begs me to buy it. Last year, it was a small selection of figures painted by John Blanche; the other week it was some figures by Andy Ritson offered for sale on the Oldhammer forums.

I can't claim to know that much about Andy other than what MarkH wrote in the trade thread:

Back in the day (the early to mid 80s) visitors to GW Sheffield would have seen some rather nice models painted by a chap named Andy Ritson. Andy used tube acrylics and was back then on the cutting edge of the art. Those of you who have seen the 'Mad Max' display game in recent years and in the 80s will have seen the talent of this gentleman.

Sadly, I have no idea which Mad Max display game MarkH is referring to, and I've never been to GW Sheffield, early to mid 80s or otherwise. That said, I was immediately taken by these three lovely figures:

 

Although I referred to them as cultists, these three dagger-wielding figures are all based on the C30 series Amazon Sisterhood Novice.

Compendium 2 illustration (courtesy of Stuff of Legends)

 

Bare metal Novice

 

All three of the models have been given a striking paint job, but also subtly converted. One of the Novices has received an open-mouthed head, while another has received something far more sinister. Something dark lurks at the centre of this cult I think.

Can anyone ID the donor models for these faces?

 

The centre figure (I'm choosing to think of her as the cult leader) has also received a beautiful little dragon to her shoulder. After having spoken with MarkH, we're not sure whether this lovely little creature is sculpted or taken from another model - anyone know?

 



Although I picked these up purely on an impulse, I do plan to make use of them - probably in some sort of Eternal Champion setting. I can imagine Elric being rather annoyed that some cult has visited Melnibone and stolen away with a newly hatched dragon for example! I may also put together some attendent guards with quartered yellow and green shields to protect the all important members of the cult (eventually of course!).