Qrab's Chaos Dwarf Über Allies (352 points)

Here we are in the final month of the painting challenge and I find myself unable to stop. In my last blog post I alluded to working on something short and explosive and the models I painted this month fit that description. For April I finished a small Chaos Ally Contingent consisting of five more classic Oldhammer models that came out to 352 points.

• Chaos Sorcerer Contingent Commander (240 points)
• Chaos Dwarf Mortar team (42 points)
• Chaos Dwarf Bazuka team (70 points)

The gang's all here.

The 3rd Edition allies system was pretty interesting and allowed folks to add some variety to their armies. As my Empire army of the time found out first hand, it was also subject to abuse. I'm thinking of a particular Dark Elf opponent who, not content with having generally superior troops to choose from, supplemented his army with a couple of Bazuka teams. The mercenary system was also interesting, but that one time I fielded some Ogres, my opponent rolled over half my total when it came time for the mercenary loyalty test and they promptly switched sites. Good times.

Regardless, one of my long term plans is to build up a Chaos Ally Contingent with a broad selection of units to choose from, so back at the beginning of the challenge I set aside a few models to work on in case I was able to finish the challenge before it officially ended.

In the case of the Chaos Ally Contingent, a level 20 "Soulfayer" Contingent Commander is required if the contingent contains more than one chaos 'race.' While I could have gotten away with just painting the two Chaos Dwarf weapon teams, as noted above, I intend to paint a larger contingent. I've got a few chaos sorcerer models to choose from, but in the end I decided on Amon Duul. A relatively simple sculpt, he projects an aura of detached menace suitable for somebody commanding a contingent of chaos allies.

Those who cross Amon Duul don't live long.

Next up is the Chaos Dwarf Mortar and Bazuka. Painting these little armored bastards was pretty straight forward; steel armor, bronze face plates, and little bits of leather where appropriate. Lots of character on these little guys.

Hard to believe this unit costs only 42 points.

These guys bring back some bad memories.

I've got a couple of swivel guns stashed away, but I didn't bother painting one this month because the rules & points for them aren't in Warhammer Armies and I didn't feel like tracking them down. I've also got a Whirlwind and Tenderizer, but building & painting those is something I don't want to rush. For the rest of the contingent, I'd like to put together one of each of the remaining Chaos Dwarf units and then move on to Centaurs. After that will come Beastmen and Minotaurs (even though Minotaurs are garbage in 3rd Edition).

As with last month's models, the weather still isn't right for applying the clear coast, so there is some shine in places that will eventually go away.

My next blog post will feature the mandatory Warhammer Armies stylee army shot, some more close ups, and my thoughts on the challenge.