Monday 7 December 2015

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:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

17 comments:

  1. He looks excellent and I love to see a totally different interpretation of the concept. Your band has a very good coherence models wise and they really define a whole setting and background by themselves already.
    I suppose RQ : Terrain and RQ : Villains could be another pair of projects ;)

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    1. Thanks JB! I only decided to paint his armour coloured last night - up until then I had it in mind to paint him with bare steel armour like yours. But as soon as I decided to go for painted armour, it let me down the path of weathering and chips.

      I think both groups hang together really nicely. I'd love for us to do a cross-channel game with them at some point - here's hoping!

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  2. I only just picked up this guy on Ebay the other day! So it's interesting to see someone else's paint scheme on him before I have a crack at my own one.

    Just looking at him now I noticed how similar he looks to the female power armour off of Robotech. Maybe that's why I've always liked this mini so much :)

    That's a really cool conversion you did on his face Jon. I didn't notice he had a blade on his weapon, but your right, it didn't look that cool with it.

    Top job buddy :)

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    1. It's my eventual aim to have a squad of 5 of these - this guy, 3 normal guys, and a FW Thallax as a heavy weapons construct.

      There are some pretty whacky colour schemes on this guy out there - I've seen some where folks have really gone to town with all the cables, which is a bit risky in my view as he's overloaded with detail :)

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  3. Cracking job Jon - great mini choice, lovely convertion & painting, and an excellent way to close out the group. Hats off to you sir!

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    1. Thanks Alex! It was interesting painting 50% of the very same figure you did for your Rogue Trader a month or so back. I was looking at your guy for inspiration ;)

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  4. Great work. That face conversion really makes it seem like a contemporary figure, rather than a confusing jumble of parts. Now he seems like an overladen veteran.

    And as you noted the removal of the combat blade really improved the look of the gun. Just one thing though... paladin with no sword? Heresy! ;)

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    1. I hadn't really thought about it in that way before, but I think you've hit the nail on the head - the original blank faced helmet means the figure lacks a focal point.

      As for the sword, I imagine his rather large weapon is a metaphorical double-handed blade ;)

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  5. Well done to you (and Asslessman) for finishing the project on a high note. Having attempted similar seemingly simple face transplants I know precisely how much more fiddly a job it actually is, so kudos for pulling that off.

    I have a pair of those LE10 models that I am planning to paint as Thallax types. Adding a modern FW Thallax isnt something that I had considered, but now its an ideas that I dont think that I can ignore...

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    1. Thanks cheetor. In fairness, we just stole the idea from your/Mrsaturday's Judgement Day project.

      I do like the LE10 figure, it's suitably odd with all the exposed cables. He fits my idea of power armour much better than that worn by Space Marines.

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  6. At first I was confused, as I didn't know of that variant of the mini with the face. It took me the whole post to realize it was a conversion. So I'm relieved to see I knew the stuff... but on the other hand I'm astonished by your ability to perform that! Wow, applause!
    Really great character and a lovely group!!

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    1. Sorry for the confusion ;) Glad to see I didn't undermine your knowledge.

      I'm pretty pleased with how the group hangs together. Interestingly I think they needed the big lump of orange armour - it was a needed injection of colour :)

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  7. At just 12 weeks, these bunch of minis already represent a great level of paint job. Well done! :)

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    1. Thanks! I'm pleased with how they've all come together :)

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