Graeme's Skaven scouting party for January (202.5 points)

Yeah, you smell a rat. A few of them, in fact...

Some inspiration from WD 137.

I've squeaked in with my first month's contribution, a whisker before the end-of-month deadline. Already, it's been a real challenge for me. I've learned a few valuable lessons about planning, avoiding distractions, setting realistic targets and focussing on getting models completed. Hopefully, I'll be able to put those lessons to good use in the following months...

You don't give a rat's ass! Do you?

Okay, on to the stuff you're here for... with fewer rat puns...

I tried to focus on rank-and-file models rather than characters. Okay, they were among the most expensive rank-and-file models available, but let's call that a compromise...

So, the bulk of January's contribution is made up of Gutter Runners. One of the reasons I love these models so much is the amount of detail packed into them. This definitely slowed the painting down, though.

Skaven armies generally have a very dark palette, and I tried to stick with predominantly browns and muted greens, but added quite a few splashes of colour with these guys, as I can see these scouts looting anything they can get their grubby little claws on.

Seven done, out of the ten planned for the army.

One Clan Chieftain (level 5 hero) to lead this ragged little mischief, with a Clan Skyre Poisoned Wind Globadier to add a little warpstone to the recipe.

Next up is the muscle: a Rat Ogre and accompanying Beastmaster. The original Rat Ogres must be some of my favourite Skaven models - not a lot of variety, but loads of menacing character. I may try a conversion of two if I've getting brave near the end of the challenge. Getting some texture and shade over such a large amount of fur was a challenge, but it seemed to work out quite well with the lighter brown shades I used here. I've already found out darker fur is more challenging.

And finally a group shot of the furry little advance party.

I've got a few more finishing touches to make and some more work to do on the bases, as these didn't quite turn out how I wanted. I've got static grass and grass clumps to add, but I want to get the base colour sorted out before I do that. That should be sorted out for next month, as I want to make them nice and consistent across the whole army.

In terms of points, we have:

- 1 Clan Chieftain (level 5 hero), with hand weapon, shield and light armour: 31 points

- 1 Clan Moulder Beastmaster, with hand weapon, and light armour: 10.5 points

- 1 Clan Moulder Rat Ogre, with hand weapon: 38 points

- 1 Clan Skyre Poisoned Wind Globadier, with hand weapon: 25 points

- 7 Clan Eshin Gutter Runners, with hand weapons, light armour, and slings: 98 points

- Total for January: 202.5 points