Ben's Alpine Gnomes (1111.5pts) OWAC VII - Month 6

Sound the kazoos in triumph! 

Okay, we don't have to use kazoos, but that just means I'll have to find other ways to celebrate completing my first OWAC. Before we say goodbye though, here's a quick account of the last few models that helped round out this gnomish militia.

A pair of carts to form a baggage train. Although these models don't have points, they might come in handy for narrative scenarios or transporting loose change.

Seven more Pike-Gnomes to answer the call!

The Cantonical Standard, which in the rules is sort of like the General for the gnomes, but instead of being on a hero, it appears in the largest unit you field. After some Thomas the Tank Engine comments about the artillery, I wanted to make more within that theme, and so here's a big blue face to match!

A goose in a scarf! Jeremy's a filler model for any unit, or maybe a musician, but wherever he's pitching in, you'll be sure to know he's there!

And four more Crossbow-Gnomes to round out the unit to a fleshy fifteen! Two of these models I sculpted by hand, and while they're a little cruder than I'd like, they blend in well enough with the rest of their kin. It turns out that sculpting in 15mm is no small feat, and having learned from this outing, I may have to invest in even thinner gauge armature wire.

the full army in aerial view

And there you have it! The Full Gnomish Breakfast... erm, Force.

 The Finished Army

15 crossbow gnomes - 90pts

2 illusionists - 56pts/each

1 alpine giant - 160pts

11 guarden gnomes with light armor, bsb, and musician - 150pts

1 champion with halberd and light armor - 39pts

5 fox riders - 75 pts

19 pikegnomes with light armor, bsb and musician -136.5pts

24 pikenomes with light armor bsb and musician - 169pts

2 champions with pikes - 35pts/each

cannon - 50 pts

organ gun - 60 

total points

1111.5/1000

 

Wrapping up my first OWAC is a bittersweet process. I'm proud of the work I've done here, and it'll be nice to have full use of my desk back, not to mention the ability to paint whatever, since I'm not keeping track of palettes or deadlines. At the same time, its a little sad that we're done here, especially since I'm unsure of how to best honor these little friends. Maybe giving them some movement trays and a spot on the shelf would be thanks enough, or finding someone at an FLGS who remembers herohammer and all its glory.

I'll admit, the process has had its ups and downs. Looking back on my posts, its not hard to see how impacted my hobby cycle can get by various roadblocks (injuries, health, and explosions,) but at the same time being able to write this means I made it through and can reflect. It felt productive, and seeing it all here is tremendously gratifying. I've made plenty of warbands at this point in my hobby career, but armies are fewer and farther between. They're special in that way that you can feel incredibly accomplished, but you're not sure what for? Painting and building? Consistency? Taking care of your creative needs? Sharing it with others in a coherent way? Take your pick.

Someone said once (I'm sure it was in a blogpost somewhere,) "you never finish an army," and in a quiet moment of reflection, I suppose that's true. I'm thinking of ways already to expand this little force to 1500pts. Its a slippery slope, but maybe falling down it wont be the end of the world.

 

Speaking of slippery slopes, I suppose I should start contemplating the next project I could do for OWAC, since this one was so satisfying. Before I bounce, I just wanted to say thank you to the community and organizers, and congratulations to my fellow OWAC graduates. Its been a killer six months, and I couldn't have done it without y'all. See you later, Space Cowbois!