The Swordmasters (Part 1)

 

The Swordmasters. Or, more formally, the Swordmasters of Hoeth. Martial artists with really big swords. These guys were one of my favorites back in the early days of WFB 6th edition, not just because of their game stats back then, but 'I just love the 'batter's up' stance of everyone in that unit. If I recall, I had about 20 of the metal miniatures and ran them in one big massive block. (I still have PTSD from watching them being pulverized by orc rock lobbas...). 

A few months ago, around the time that the High Elf Arcane Journal was released,, I bought a second-hand collection of High Elves, most of which were from the Isle of Blood set*.  It had two 10-man units of Swordmasters however and I have since felt compelled to tinker on them. Rebasing them to 25mm bases really gives them a more beefier vibe**. With a desire to paint something that doesn't have a beard, horns or that wonderful (imagined of course) undead smell, I figured I would tinker on a single High Elf just to see how well it goes. 

Contrast Paints (first coat).

The Contrast Paints that I used for the basecoats are Guilliman Fleshwash for the flesh, Space Wolves Grey for the clothing articles that will end up white, Aggarros Dunes for the gold and hair, and finally Ultramarines Blue all over the rest of the model. 

Contrast Paint (second coat).

I was happy with the vibes I was getting from just the Contrast Paints alone! But I wanted to see it through and take him all the way to the finish. 

Metallics added.

On the next step I employed some metallic paints, classic and modern, to see this model through to the end. Retributor Gold was painted on the surface of the areas previously painted with Aggarros Dunes (except the hair). On the blue areas (except for the helmet's top knot) I painted over that with Polished Blue. And I got to say, I think this really pops! 

The translucent effect this achieved was a pleasant surprise.

Mithril Silver, another classic Citadel Colour paint from decades ago, was highlighted onto the blue metals. The heaviest application of it was on the sword as I wanted it to standout the most.  

Auric Armour Gold was the next layer over the gold followed by a highlight of Stormhost Silver. 

Mitheril Silver highlight.

And that's essentially it. There are a few gem stones that need to be dealt with, but I'lI get to them, as well as the base trim, when I knock out this next batch:

"We're next. Hopefully."

*Sadly, it didn't include White Lions, Sea Guard or that sweet Griffin. 

** We are talking about Elves here, so...