The Old World Army Challenge Part VI; The Special Edition

And we are back at it again for the 6th edition of the Old World Army Challenge (OWAC), which will officially start on January 1st 2023.

There is, however, a twist this season :

This edition, the OWAC allows (and welcomes) specialist games, (GW) board games, etc. Provided of course they are from the right(ish) period. The rules are quite similar, in the sense that there is a minimum of figures per month, etc. 

You read that right, for this year and this year only, challengers will be allowed to work on :

Blood Bowl

Space Hulk

Space Crusade 

Warmaster 

Epic 

Man O War 

Mordheim

Necromunda 

Heroquest Warhammer Ancient Battles

Battle Masters

This should make for all kinds of fun and different projects.

Although the classic army building is still available, and we know many of our more purist challengers are keeping it old school (we would not expect anything else from a group of Oldhammerers!).

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

OWAC V ; closing curtains

Well here we are, another OWAC has just ended. It's crazy to think this was our fifth edition already! And it was another resounding success! Every year it seems the quality of the entries and army produced gets better, and this was no exception. But what surprised me this year was the productivity of challengers. Big units, huge projects and just a general desire by the challengers to surpass themselves and push it to the limits (Walk along the razor's edge But don't look down just keep your head, or you'll be finished).

The readers of this blog do not see it, but the camaraderie and help displayed by the challengers in our (secret) Facebook group is my favourite part of this endeavour. It's fuckin' contagious. And it's why I keep at it, as the OWAC created a great community I'm proud to be a part of.

As a closing word, a big congratulations to all this year's veterans, and also to those who died trying. And thank you to all the readers, all those who lave comments, the challengers really appreciate it.

And if you are still thinking about joining, what the hell are you waiting for? Challenge yourself! The reward is beautiful, in all its painted glory. (just look for the OWAC page on Facebook, and send a PM to be added to the waiting list).

There will be a next OWAC in 2023. And it's going to be a special one.

Until then, this blog is closed. Enjoy the Fall. 

OWAC IV Overlord Offerings

The first two OWAC's, I encouraged members to "Pay the piper", i.e. to paint one figure for the Challenge's founder and administrator, me, AKA the Challenge Overlord. This was a way for me to be able to see "in the flesh" the painting style of each challenger, and a small payment for my work on the challenge (I love administering the OWAC but it is very time consuming). 

With time these came to be known by the challengers as "Overlord offerings". Now, last year was a bit different as the Offerings were mandatory, and had to be be painted as admission fees and submitted in the intro post. It makes for a great and fun intro post, and I've started working some themes into them (this year will be everything pink and baby blue, my favourites colours!")

So as the OWAC V is about to start, here's last year's offerings!

Lots of great painting in there, and I truly enjoy everyone of them! It's so fun receiving them through the year! I got one that says "Vive le Québec libre" on the base, some contestants sent me hand written notes and postcards. It was great! And then there's Byron who actually custom sculpted a figure just for me, based on my one of my all time favourite book cover, Fighting Fantasy' Temple of Terror. How freakin' awesome is that?! I am ashamed I haven't painted it yet, and I promise to do so before the end of the challenge!

So thanks to all the challengers. I cannot wait to see the next crop of offerings!

A bevy of Overlord Offerings

The last two OWAC's, I encouraged members to "Pay the piper", i.e. to paint one figure for the Challenge's founder and administrator, me, AKA the Challenge Overlord. This was a way for me to be able to see "in the flesh" the painting style of each challenger, and a small payment for my work on the challenge (I love administering the OWAC but it is very time consuming). 

With time these came to be known by the challengers as "Overlord offerings". It's always a lot of fun for me to receive all these in the mail, and I figured it was time for me to share the work of the challengers on this blog, for all to see! And with the first introduction post only a few days away from publishing, it seems like a good way to start this OWAC season!

Now, this year things are a bit different as the Offerings are now mandatory, and must be painted as a prize of admission. A bit more work for the challenger, but it should make for some fantastic pictures next year!

Without further ado, here are the OWAC II and OWAC III Overlord offerings. Enjoy!

Thanks to all the challengers who took the time to paint all these, I really appreciate every single offering!

Closing words : 3rd edition of the OWAC

Another great edition of the OWAC is over! And it was a fantastic year! The enthusiasm shown by all the challengers was exceptionnal, as was not only the quality of the entry but also the productivity. Quite simply, challengers have outdone themselves this years! On my side of things, it was the first time I did not participate in my own challenge (I had an Epic project to work on) and I have to say it was difficult at times! I am SO ready to join OWAC Part IV! This however allowed me time to work on updated rules for next year's edition, to promote the challenge, etc. Btw, if you look at the bottom of the Blog you can see how many challengers completed one, two or three challenges.

As the challenge administrator (i.e. Overlord) this year was a resounding success. Not only did we only lost 5 members to the Field of Bones, by far our lowest number, but the members have been especially organized this year; post posted within deadlines, blog post edited, etc. It's immensely rewarding to notice massive improvements for everyone between the first OWAC and this edition. Kudos to all!

Now, the most important part is the painting, and we had an amazing crop of painters with a stunning variety of armies, including our first Gnomes and Norses! We also had not one, not two but three challengers complete a Skaven force, a feat which was only done once in our history!

A few stats :

48 335 : That is the total number of points painted this year by the victors! 

13 : Only 13 members used a mulligan this year, which is incredibly low.

28 : That is the number of victors for this year, each now a painted army richer than they were 6 months ago!

If it wasn't obvious from reading the challenger's wrap-up, there will be a 4th edition of the OWAC starting on January 1st, 2021. Big changes are coming, as we will shake things up with some changes to the rules, and more importantly OPENING THE DOOR TO THE FAR FUTURE OF THE 41ST MILLENIUM! Yes, Rogue Trader and 2nd edition 40K army will be allowed.

Comment here or contact me through the blog if you are interested in joining our waiting list for the OWAC, Part IV.

We are always looking for sponsors to hand out prizes to our valiant challengers, contact me through the Blog or comment below if you'd like to sponsor the challenge.

Until 2021, have a great Fall everyone!

One month left...

May is done!! One month left to the third edition of the OWAC! Keep at it guys!!

January done!

...and only one casualty! Which makes this the least bloody first month of your short history. Congratulations to all!

Onwards to February, the little bitch with only 28 days!

Closing words : 2nd edition of the OWAC

Another great edition of the OWAC is over. When I started this challenge, my hope was that it would grow into a tradition, a yearly ritual for many Oldhammerers, and I believe we are moving in that direction. Once again we had tons of awesome painting, close deadline, gnashing of teeth, drama and in the end a whole crop of new veterans, as well as many veterans of now two campaigns. 

The camaraderie and friendship we see on the Facebook group of the challenge is awesome, and the bond challengers now have with one another is great to see.

Congratulations to all those who participated, whether you pulled it off or not, and thank you for your enthusiasm and efforts during those six gruelling month. Soon, new veteran names will be etched on this blog for all eternity.

Hopefully you've had so much fun that you're already planing your next force, because yes they will be another edition.

GO FOR THE TRILOGY OR GO HOME!

See you next year for PART III (hopefully in 3D)

Keep painting
Iannick, your benevolent Overlord

For anyone interested in joining OWAC III, you can either PM me on Facebook (Iannick Martin) or contact me through the blog. But be warned the hazing is pretty hardcore.

Red April

And April 2019 is done. We've lost I believe 6 contenders that month, making it the bloodiest in the history of this challenge. From now on, and through the ages, it shall be known as "Red April". Congratulations to all those still standing! And may the fallen rest in peace.

Challenge mid-point

With March done, the challenge is half-over!!! Congratulations to those still standing!

On to April!

February DONE

As usual, February was a difficult month for most challengers. Short month, crappy winter, etc. But most of us made it alive to fight another day! 

So best of luck for next month.

Hey March...

The OWAC II starts with a BANG

January, the first month of the OWAC II, is officially over, and wow what a way to start this Challenge! I am really impressed by both the quantity and quality of miniatures submitted. If this is any indication of what's to come, I think we are in for a treat!

Also of note, we only lost one member to the Field of Bones, which is a vast improvement over last year!

So a big congratulations to all standing Challengers, it was an awesome start.

Get ready for February bitches, the hardest month of the Challenge, with only 28 days! 

And btw, Mulligan are now fair game. Just remember you only get one, just it wisely.

OWAC II

The OWAC II is scheduled to start on January 1st, 2019!! Challengers have been picked, miniatures are being prepped, and excitement is slowly building.

See y'all in 2019!

Your benevolent Overlord

Iannick

Closing words : 1st edition of the OWAC

Last summer I met with Chris, to play a game of Oldhammer. IT was then we discussed the idea of an Oldhammer painting challenge. I was searching for my Oldhammer mojo, with me working on different projects like Epic, skirmish Sc-Fi, etc. and I wanted it back. Some kind of peer pressure activity would surely help, right?

It also happens that I love painting challenges (I'm part of the Analogue Challenge every winter). You get to help one another, meet new gamers, gain inspiration and, most importantly, THEY ACTUALLY WORK. Yes, where motivation (and lazyness) is often the issue for us gamers, painting challenges are a proven remedy, and apparently nothing lights a fire under a miniature painter's ass more than competition (and facing the shame of his peers). 

Officially slated for a few gamers, 12 at most, it just snowballed from there and before I knew it we were 36 and I had to refuse people! It turned out like an international event, too, with people from Italy and Ireland all the way to Japan!

The beginnings were a lot of work, to explain the concept and all, but also because many members were "Facebook" people and never used Blogger. Starting a challenge with that many people wasn't easy. 

But then challengers started getting in a groove, and it ran more smoothly. It got real fun, even if challenging. And, if after the 2nd months I got a bit afraid of our drop-out rates, it stabilized after that and I'm real proud we got 26 challengers at the finish line.

So was it a success? Hell yeah it was. Beyond my wildest expectations, in fact. I love seeing the (now) OWAC veterans already planning their next challenge, thinking about their armies, etc. and I hope the challenge eventually becomes a special moment of the year for all involved. As I mentionned on Facebook, there's a guaranteed spot for every victors of the challenge next time around.

Now, I did take notes, and there's gooing to be a few changes for the next round, although nothing major. 

I want to thank Clarence for the logo, Thomas, Chris and Colin on the Admin jobs., and all of the challengers who participated in the challenge, whether you reached the end or not! This fun 6 months ride was possible because of all of you!

See you all in November, December or January (I haven't made up my mind yet), and get ready for round 2!

Keep painting,
Your benevolent Overlord
Iannick

A numbers wrap up of the OWAC

Here are the final stats of OWAC. It was a fun ride and I would do it again, just not soon....

I thought I'd point out a few things about the challenge that I gleaned from the spreadsheet I used for tracking progress.

We had 37 people enter the painting challenge. 27 made it out. We left 10 challengers on the field of battle, or we took 26% casualties. 10 challengers had real life get in the way and could not finish this journey. We now honor them as "the fallen". We had a good number barely make it across the finish line.

Those 27 challengers painted a total of 33141 points of Old World goodness. Points calculated using 3rd or 4th ed army lists. The average was 1227 points per person.

Overachievers - I think everyone went over the target goal of 1000 points. But the biggest offenders are John Bentley Scott Abbott Mustafa Bekir and Fredrick Kober. They all painted over 1500 points.

It was a rough road for some. We were allowed to miss one month (take a Mulligan) during the Challenge. Real life often gets in the way of our hobby so this allowed some leeway. 14 challengers took a Mulligan over the course of 6 months.

Evil wins the day. The break down in armies overwhelmingly favored evil by a margin of 2 to 1. Isn't Evil always more fun? We had 18 Evil armies make it to the finish line as opposed to 9 good armies. Chaos and Dark Elves were favored the most with 5 challengers each.

Now some honorable mentions,

John Bentley for painting the most points. 1869pts

Dave Lister for being closest to the target of 1000pts. He would win on the Price is Right.

Scott Abbott and Thomas Grove drew First Blood. They each submitted their first entry on Novemeber 17th 2017.

And lastly a BIG THANKS to Iannick Martin for herding this group of cats for the last 6 months. Also Chris Sabick for helping with Admin duties.

Cheers, the OWAC Statistician

Closing time

Ladies and gentlemen, challengers, friends...the first edition of the OWAC IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED!

Hearthfelt congratulations to all the challengers who survived those 6 gruelling months, who endured the nagging of your overlord, the abuse of your comrades in arms, the shame of the mulligan. Not only are you now the proud owners of a new 1000pts army, but you get the eternal glory that comes with it, and the coveted title of "OWAC veterans". Be proud of your achievement!!

You know what time it is?

Of course, stay tuned for the recap posts, which will trickle starting tomorrow, and will include what we all want to see; pics of the completed and beautiful armies!!

Keep painting,
Your benevolent Overlord

Iannick

Final Countdown!

We interrupt the normal blog posting to remind everyone that the end of the challenge is in sight...yes, it's the FINAL COUNTDOWN!!

Carry on...and Glory awaits! 

One. Last. Month.

March is done!! Only April stands between you and eternal glory!

Soon, you shall be referred to as veterans of The OWAC, and one day your children will get to hear your tales of hope and courage, despair and missed deadlines, as you faced 6 months of grueling painting but survived to tell the tale.

Knock this out of the park, glory awaits!!!

Iannick,
Your benevolent overlord

November & December Progress report

Our statistician in chief Jeff Allen was nice enough to produce this handy chart of all the challenger's progress; the green is what has been done, and the number on the grey is what's left to do. Slowly but surely we are all getting there!

Also to all Challengers : January marks the mid-point of the challenge. We encourage all challengers to post a pic of their force to date along with their January submission.

Keep painting, 

Gentlemen, start your brush...

Yes, comrades in arms, fellow challengers, the day is finally here! It is November 1st, and that means the 1st Edition of the Old World Army Challenge © (OWAC) is OFFICIALLY ON! 

Over the next 6 months, fellow challengers and readers will get to see classic lead be painted and freed from their plastic prisons, ready finally to take the battlefield. Armies will rise in front of your eyes, from a sad metallic state to beautifully colourful work of arts! 

We want to wish the best of luck to all the Challengers! May your brush tip be straight, your water clean, and your hands steady!

Have fun y'all!!

The Old World Army Challenge Board of Administrators