Xander Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 (edited) Warning: May contain Bioshock and Bioshock 2 spoilers! Our local store, Black Knight Games is having a call-to-arms for Malifaux. Spend some cash, get some models, paint them in the time limit and get some store credit. Pretty simple. This is my progress blog for said event, it's a replica of what I will be posting on the BKG forum. I hope you like it! Call to Arms: Malifaux -- Souls of Rapture (Leveticus Crew) The Plan (June 21st, 2011): A man has a choice, I chose the impossible. My brother roped me into doing the Call to Arms for Malifaux. When he described the game to me, the setting seemed very reminiscent of Bioshock, a video game which I have a great fondness for. I had always wanted to model some Bioshock-themed models, but never wanted to do a full "army" of them for Warhammer 40k or anything; this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do it. I began looking at various crews and set out to try and find something that would work as a Counts-As crew and a great starting place for models. I settled on Leveticus. The Steampunk Abominations and Hollow Waifs work perfectly for Splicers. After some thinking, I also thought that Leveticus himself could work well for Jack (the player character);his use of Plasmids can represent the use of Magic. After staring at Rusty Alyce for a while, I thought she was a perfect match for the proportions of a Big Sister: her hair and clothes even looked like the grown-up Eleanor Lamb. The next step was figuring out how I would make the Big Daddy models and what they would represent. Looking things over, they could easily be swapped for the Desolation Engine or Killjoys within the Outcasts, but since Leveticus can hire Constructs and Undead from outside the Outcasts (at no extra cost) they could also represent a Peacekeeper or a Guardian (which might be more thematic and representative). Likely, I will try each of them and see what works well for the crew. For the models, there was really only one choice, Brad Shier's Hard Suit: (Note: I didn't paint this, but I did order 2 of these models! They haven't arrived yet. ) For Little Sisters I had intended to buy The Stolen figures. But I neglected to write down what I wanted until I was making the order at the store, and I mistakenly bought a Candy model instead. She'll still work, but I don't like the model as much as the girl in The Stolen boxed set. Anyone want to swap Candy for her? Additionally, I picked up this set: This has a great splicer (Flesh Construct perhaps?) and a decent little sister. Though I still really want the model from The Stolen. *sigh* So that's the plan. I may do more characters in the future, if I get inspired, but this is enough for now. Update #1 (July 8th, 2011): I am Andrew Ryan, and I'm here to ask you a question: Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow? After doing some other painting and finishing off a contest entry, I was able to start modeling some of my Rapture crew. I began by cutting of Leveticus' left hand, and using a Warhammer Ghoul's hand instead. I wanted the pose to be shooting the Electric Plasmid lightning. I also put a pistol in his hand, but on reflection, I think I might use a red wrench instead (as Leveticus does not use pistols, and the wrench seems more iconic somehow. I will probably trim down the nails a bit and thicken up his wrist. I want to put the chain tattoos on his wrists when I paint him. I am also still looking for a better head. Next I started working on the Big Sister. I started working on her scuba gear first. I found a perfectly sized round plastic piece for the helmet (from the Chimera tank Lasguns), and using a bit of plastic tube from Gale Force Nine, I made the port-hole window. I will be adding more detail to this as well. For the scuba tank I used a Dwarf steam drill from the Dwarf Miner kit; I also used a valve from that kit as well as a small manhole from the Chimera kit. Using more plastic tube, I cut rings to make the cage/basket that is attached to the tank. From here, I intend to add more plastic build out the cage. I also started adding the splint-things to her left leg. I will need to clean it up a bit, but I like the effect so far. I will mimic this on the other leg as well. I decided that I would magnetize the scuba Helmet and the original Rusty Alyce head. Rusty looks a lot like Eleanor Lamb, so I wanted the option of having her - sans helmet. Lots more details to add to both of these guys, but a good start so far. Here's a pic of the models that I will be making into splicers. I like their overall look, so I might not change too much with them. While they are not strictly identical to the splicers from the game, I like their aesthetic enough to think that they could be Rapture denizens. I will likely try to make at least one rabbit mask for one of the females, however. I also want them to have all their limbs, so I will be supplementing some of them with ghoul and zombie components. I dug out a load of bits I thought might help me with the project and I snapped a pic, because, who doesn't love pictures? (and bits!). That's all for now, thanks for reading! Update #2 (July 10th, 2011): What is the difference between a man and a parasite? A man builds. A parasite asks 'Where is my share?' A man creates. A parasite says, 'What will the neighbors think?' A man invents. A parasite says, 'Watch out, or you might tread on the toes of God... I will let the pictures do the talking for me with this update! Update #3 (July 14th, 2011): Hop hop Mr.B, there's no time to waste. My Hard Suits arrived yesterday along with the rest of my Malifaux order (some bases and Candy). I am really impressed with the Hard Suits. They are the perfect size for this project. The Candy should work out well for a Little Sister. I got to work on the Big Daddies right away. I will be making one Bouncer and one Rosie. For the Bouncer, I decided I wanted to bulk up the suit a bit. Next I will be putting plasticard rod around the helmet to make it look a bit more Rosie-like. The drill-arm they supply is pretty small, so I will likely use something different. I am looking at a few ideas, and will likely choose the one I like best. I will likely be magnetizing the drill attachment for weapon-swaps. I also bent his left arm, and intend to give him a very aggressive posture: the way he looks when you get too close to a Little Sister. For the Rosie, I had to remove the Hard Suit head - I used a small hack saw to get the job done. Next I put down the first layer of green stuff, trying to get the shape of the Helmet correct. Still lots of work to do. The little porthole on the helmet is not glued, just placed on there to visualize what it might look like. In contrast to my Bouncer, my Rosie will be in mid-walk holding the rivet gun in his right hand. Hopefully he will look very lumbering. Edited July 14, 2011 by Xander update 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silent Jet Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 I can't wait to see the finished product! Are you also going to make part of Rapture for them to display in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yazza Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 cool idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan Caroland Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Looking like a lot of fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAGabriel Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Looks fine, too bad that Canada is so far away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinncent Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Looks fine to me, can't wait to see this finished Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerealkiller195 Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 always been a fan of the bioshock franchise, alyce does have the "perfect" body for the big sister. Keep up the work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edonil Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 This looks incredible...I'm looking forward to this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoboStele Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Oooh, very neat idea! You did a fine job with cutting off Levi's left arm, as that's tricky considering it's molded right into his torso. I considered cutting it off for my Levi as well, and ended up deciding against it...kinda wishing I had gone for it now. Looking forward to seeing how this turns out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatnicguy Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Can't wait to see you pair that converted alyce! Love the white plastic frame on the backpack, im impressed u went that far! Did you paint the zombie and the child figs? Goin to be a magic crew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FoeRender Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 I loved the games Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ciaran Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 This does look like it'll be a ton of fun! Definitely subscribing to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted July 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Thanks for all the comments everyone! I've been doing some more work on Levi and Alyce and should have some more pics later today. @thatnicguy: I have yet to paint anything. All painted models shown are models I have ordered and have not yet received. @LoboStele: Yes, cutting his arm off was a bit scary, but I am glad I decided to in the end. More soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moondog Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Never played the games but it does look like an ace conversion project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted July 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 (edited) Updated with more pics! Check the first post. Edited July 11, 2011 by Xander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popg0estheworld Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 And the big sister helmet even comes off? Man, this is an awesome conversion. Big kudos on concept and execution (and it is still steampunk!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted July 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 Thanks Pop! Yep, the scuba gear is magnetized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan Caroland Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 Don't you just hate talented SOB's like this ... :paralyzedpuppet Seriously though, very nice, and well, well done! Looking forward to seeing this project through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gru6y Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 I love how the Big Sister Alice is turning out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linc_101 Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Dude, I have to say I'm really, really impressed. I actually live in Hamilton, and I'm in the Call to Arms event myself, though I'm still waiting for my order to come in. I can't wait to see the Rapture crew finished, so would you kindly hurry and finish please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister_Q Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Wow - that's looking great. Can't wait to see it all painted up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalmPlains Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 I can't wait to see the finished product! Are you also going to make part of Rapture for them to display in? That would be sweeeeeeet. Although I gotta say, some of the Terraclix stuff would work well for this purpose! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FoeRender Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 big sister came out awesome so far . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soundwave Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 This is awesome, do give us more to look at! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatnicguy Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 This is outstanding man! cannot wait to see how you paint em up! No pressure but you have some serious converting skills hope your paintings on par!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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