Swiss's Dark Elves Jan 18 update

[Swissdictator]

Alright, so this is my second dark elf army.

Going for a Cult of Slaanesh theme.

I have no idea what to do for basing. Didn't the CoS invade Lustria? So could I do that for basing? Would basing as if they were an altar (which would then be my display board) be better?

Also got some crazy ideas for my cauldron rolling through my head.


Color Scheme Tests

Not sure if I succeeded at non-metallic metals or not.

Here's a test corsair.










Here's an early WIP of a Sister of Slaughter. Not sure if I got the skin right or not.

[Dyvim tvar]

I have to say I am not a fan of the color scheme ...

You could achieve a better-looking Slaanesh theme without using pink and purple everywhere. Use more traditional and natural colors for armor, leather, etc. and then add details an pink and purple.

[Gidean]

I have to say I am not a fan of the color scheme ...

You could achieve a better-looking Slaanesh theme without using pink and purple everywhere. Use more traditional and natural colors for armor, leather, etc. and then add details an pink and purple.

I will +1 Dyvim on this.

[direweasel]

I think your non-metallics look good, could use a little more highlight. The trick with NMM is to create pretty stark contrast, you need just a little more to make it pop.

I like your corsair more than your sister. I don't really like the fig you chose for the sister - she's more like a wingless harpy or something. And as others have said, not sold on the color scheme, but they're your figs, not ours. If that's what you want your minis to look like, go for it. You're the one who has to paint a few hundred of them.

[r1d3]

The corsair I do like.
The sister of slaughter is not so good in my opinion.

[Swissdictator]

Testing the basing scheme. Display board will likely be some sort of altar.

[Swissdictator]

Debating between the red on the armor or the pink on the armor

[Amboadine]

Personally I think the pink looks better on your models.

[r1d3]

I prefer the pink one, too.

[CitizenKhaine]

I like the red, especially if you darken it up with a black wash and do some spot purple colour or even purple leggings

[Swissdictator]

So I tried the red highlighting up to pink (on the right). I think it looks better. What do you think?

[direweasel]

Yes, the one on the right does look superior to the one on the left. Definite improvement.

[Dyvim tvar]

Definite improvement

[Swissdictator]

Glad people like the red highlighted up to pink. I think it is a lot better too, and it helps give the contrast the red offered while having the advantages of the pink.


I am going with blue marble basing, on the assumption my display board will be some sort of altar, or at least have a marble surface. If you have some suggestions on where to take that, I'm definitely up for it. Looking to make an impressive display board... albeit one that won't need its own cart to move around. I want to be able to transport it in my Cobalt. Though using magnets to secure extra details that could then be safely stored in a protected box/foam is doable.

[Amboadine]

These are getting better, update by update,

[Swissdictator]

Thank you!

Here's the Corsair standard bearer. He's not done yet. Going to touch up the skin a bit, and I will be doing some freehand work on the banner. Not sure what yet.

[Amboadine]

That is a very bright banner. Looking forward to seeing the freehand, needs something fairly substantial in the middle to break it up.

[Swissdictator]

That is a very bright banner. Looking forward to seeing the freehand, needs something fairly substantial in the middle to break it up.

I agree, not sure what to paint yet. I want more than just the Slaanesh symbol, but if I painted it right it could be pretty bad ass.


I got a bunch of bases painted enmasse today. A lot easier to do with the technique I am using for the marble effect.


First group of guys together, to get a sense of how they look as a group.

[Payce]

Love those bases.

Always makes me happy to see people taking elaborate care with their movement trays. Well done.

[Amboadine]

Love those bases.

Always makes me happy to see people taking elaborate care with their movement trays. Well done.

Completely agree, it is these little extra touches that make such a different to the look of an army.

[Swissdictator]

So I've heavily reworked the theme of the army.

I wasn't so happy with the pink. While I can paint it well, it just looked off. Plus I was losing interest in the Cult of Slaanesh, as I really like the Corsairs and sturdier elites (Black Guard and Executioners).

So I decided to ditch the theme.

I've always wanted a blue and green army. Tested it on some corsairs, and I was sold. Purple remains kind of as a secondary color to break things up a bit. With my love of the Corsairs and how their cloaks looked, and after reading the Khaine book, I began to really like Mathlann. So I'm going with that theme. A raiding force that heavily honors Mathlann.

That ran into another problem. They blended in with the bases. I may reuse the theme if I ever do Slaanesh or Tzeentch stuff (I've always been a fan of Nurgle since 2006). So I had to change the bases to keep my color scheme. So I opted to do bases that look like wooden planks, which may help sell the theme of their being devoted to Mathlann god of the sea.

[Swissdictator]

Yes, the rank and file have blue helms with purple plumes while the champion has his hair died blue (but no helm).
Also giving them a scale look on the back of their cloaks. I will probably paint and shields in this way too.

[Malys the younger]

The scales on the cloaks look great, well done.

[Amboadine]

The scales on the cloaks look great, well done.

Have to agree, nice work there.

[T.D.]

Unique and stylish colour scheme