Rogue Quest Level 12: The Paladin - Gondamer Rossal

 

All good things must come to an end, and this update represents both the end of my painting for 2015 (probably), and the end of the collaborative 'Rogue Quest' project I've been working on over the last 12 weeks with Asslessman over at Leadplague.

 

 

Over that 12 week period we have mutually encouraged and supported each other in the creation of a new group of futuristic adventurers - figures which most likely would not have otherwise been painted - themed along the lines of traditional RPG character archetypes. My final figure for my 6-strong band is Gondamer Rossal, my Paladin, based on the Citadel LE10 Limited Edition Power Armour Marine, sculpted by Bob Naismith.

 

At first glance, Gondamer Rossal might appear to be a typical deep-space mercenary, with his worn and battered power armour. But those who have opportunity to consider the man further might determine that battered appearance of his armour comes from constant combat, not from neglect. They might note the powerful multi-laser and remark on its unusual configuration. They might wonder at the mysterious 'P' and 'A' emblazoned on his jump pack. They might even note the zealous light, blazing in Rossal's eyes.

 

For Rossal is a warrior of faith. A warrior sworn to unceasing staunch defence of his race. A learned man might know of the Praetego Antiqua - an order devoted to the protection of mankind. A learned man might know too much...  

 

 

Unlike Asslessman's deliberately pure and shiny looking Paladin, I wanted my interpretation of the archetype to be gritty and worn - a veteran of countless engagements. I therefore used plenty of washes to grime up his armour, before adding paint chips and exposed metal from the heavy wear his armour has been getting.

  

 

Because the sculpt is somewhat over detailed with all the cabling and armour plates, I kept the colour scheme very simple with the orange and black and white cables. I originally painted all the cables white, but he started to look like a clownfish, so I pared it back a little.

 



 

 

The figure has a rather unusual 'P' and 'A' sported on his backpack. I assume these were originally meant to stand for Power Armour, but I've decided they will signify the order which Rossal is part of.

 



 

I'll confess from the outset, that I originally planned to use a different model for my Paladin, but the other figure didn't really fit the vibe that the other members of the party had. I adapted the figure from the original LE10 Power Armoured Marine by cutting out the helmet visor and adding in a section from a Catachan Imperial Guardman (a task that was much more fiddly than I suspected it would originally be). I resculpted the helmet around the face to try and imitate the original helmet. I didn't quite nail the angles, but it looks OK I guess. The only other change to the figure was the removal of the combat blade on the gun, which I think actually improves the overall look of the weapon.

 

Comparison against an unmodified LE10 Marine.

 

I must confess, I've enjoyed the process of making these figures immensely. I have the start of a nice band of mercenaries or a rogue trader and his retinue I can use in 40k or Inquisimunda. And of course, I hope to use them in an actual Rogue Quest game once there's a ruleset nailed down! I've also made models for a Fighter and a Ranger - both of which I plan to paint up early next year.

 

But for now, I'll leave you with a final shot of my adventuring party. I wonder what they'll encounter round the next corner...?

 



 



See also:

Rogue Quest Level Two: The Barbarian

Rogue Quest Level Four: The Rogue

Rogue Quest Level Six: The Bard

Rogue Quest Level Eight: The Magic User

Rogue Quest Level Ten: The Cleric

Rogue Quest Level Twelve and a Half: The Fighter