"Abdul Goldberg stole your ship off you - the poker game was rigged and you're sure he put something in your drink."
"The authorities chased you all the way to the spaceport where Abdul Goldberg was waiting with the getaway ship, however the double-dealing rat had done a bunk..."
You get the idea. Abdul Goldberg is a mysterious antagonist who is repeatedly used as a plot point for scenarios. This underhand, double-crossing swine appears to be a mix of crime lord and smuggler, undertaking nefarious deals on the wrong side of the law.
Happily, the Emporium of Rogue Dreams Facebook group embraces just such characters, and has run a competition to create a version of Abdul for use on the tabletop. As no images exist of the villain, this has allowed folks to delve into their creativity and produce their own, very personal version.
I started with the head. I wanted my incarnation of Abdul to be characterfully someone you shouldn't trust. After playing around with some options, I dug out an old Citadel Corsair of Umbar who had the requisite look. I then went off-piste and turned up the militaristic Traitor General from Citadel's 2000AD/Rogue Trooper line. With the addition of a small pet, this was the resulting conversion:
My Abdul is not an all action gunslinger, but a wily, aging smuggler. He doesn't get his hands dirty, but operates a network of fixers, and hires muscle for the inevitable enforcement work.
The business activities and financial affairs of Abdul Goldberg remain under constant surveillance. At face value, it would appear that the dealer in rare goods and exotic creatures operates a legitimate and successful business, in spite of a penchant for socialising with known smugglers and other criminals. Goldberg also appears to have the ear and patronage of numerous high-ranking Imperial officials and nobles, including several planetary Governors.
To date, numerous minor associates have been incarcerated for a range of illegalities, including extortion, bribery, money laundering, significant bodily harm, drugs trafficking, slavery, handling of stolen goods, burglary and murder. No links to Goldberg have yet been proven.
It is only a matter of time before the suspected crime lord overreaches himself, and evidence is obtained to permit enforcement actions to be undertaken.
I gave Abdul a khaki outfit to reinforce the militaristic feel, but then offset that with the less formal blue hood.
His little pet armadillo is an attempt to individualise Abdul further. The little creature was from Foundry and I went for a bright pink carapace to contrast with Abdul's outfit.
I suspect Abdul will be seeing action as an NPC in some game or other in the near future!
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| Abdul Goldberg personally strikes a deal with an inter-stellar trader for a consignment of latinum ingots. Low price, no questions asked. |
He's brilliant Jon, I love the choice of parts and they all come together perfectly. He's got that wily space-fagan look. Not to be trusted at all.
ReplyDeleteDamn you WP, now I need to make some space urchins!
DeleteYes, please do!
DeleteI echo what WP said, that's a brilliant interpretation.
ReplyDeleteIt's all great, but the armadillo is what seals the deal.
Fantastic.
I think the armadillo is my favourite element. I like the colour contrast and the way it echoes the shape of the hood. And I like models with pets :)
DeleteReally like that model, great conversion.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jason :)
DeleteThis Abdul Goldburg bloke is turning up everywhere and always with a different look to confuse authorities. I love the Keyser Soze vibe all these different versions and apparitions of Abdul gives him. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteThat's an excellent point - this isn't my version of Goldberg, just his current persona and guise :)
DeleteOh yeah, that is cool beans... love it, and who wouldn't want a pet space armadillo?!? Cracking job mate :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks mate. I do want a pet space armadillo - they're so cute!
DeleteI love how varied the looks of hum are depending on the painter and yours is one excellent version for sure.
ReplyDeleteI really like how he looks like he's been through a lot and is ready to do anything to meet his goal.
I think WP summed it up with his space-Fagin comment. This guy has spent a lifetime building up an empire. He has plenty of experience, leverage and zero morals or empathy!
DeleteNice work. I like the way he looks like he could handle himself nicely in a gunfight, but that his real strengths lie elsewhere. And the armadillo (on his shoulder no less!) is just that little bit barmy in a way that gives him so much character.
ReplyDeleteI would suspect that he's a pretty fine marksman, but he would encourage his underlings to do the dirty work. Glad you like the armadillo, I'm very fond of it too :)
DeleteQuite nice indeed, and I like how he he looks as if he could fit in with the older figures you have, or newer sculpts as well.
ReplyDeleteAll of these Abdul Goldbergs have me thinking about doing my own version...
Everybody should have Abdul Goldberg in their collection!
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