We re-enter the rainbow with Red, the lowest frequency of visible light. I daresay red excites human beings more than any other color on a primal level; because when a caveman sees red come out of someone, it is a warning that they are injured. I used Red as my inspiration for choosing and painting these miniatures.
Approaching from the left side of our panorama are our sheroes and their magical companions:
- Faun Warrior by Christine Van Patten (SKU 44165) (not from Bones 1)
- Seoni, Iconic Sorceress by Bob Ridolfi (SKU 89006)
- Shroomies by Jason Wiebe (SKU 30072) (not from Bones 1)
- Animated Rag Doll from Familiars 2 by Various (SKU 77196)
I couldn't resist giving these sheroes reddish skin because of the Red theme, but Seoni the Sorceress wears red clothing anyway.
Of course I couldn't resist painting the mushroom person with a Red cap.
I had difficulty understanding what I was painting on the Animated Rag Doll, because of the poor definition on the casting, but with the Red theme, I decided to paint it a bit like beloved classic rag doll Raggedy Ann, with red yarn hair, 1 button eye, and a pink dress.
First, our sheroes must deal with some kobolds in Red.
- Kobolds from "Kobolds (Bloodscale)(6)" by Ben Siens (SKU 77010)
These are not the last of the Kobolds. Expect more to appear in the future, perhaps in Orange.
Next up, some fearsome fire elementals.
- Large Fire Elemental by Julie Guthrie (SKU 77082)
- Medium Fire Elemental by Bob Ridolfi (SKU 77083)
- Wall of Fire from "Wall of Fire (3) Spell Effect" by Kevin Williams (SKU 77080)
- Burning Sphere from "Burning Sphere (3)" Kevin Williams (SKU 77081)
One of the advantages to casting miniatures in plastic is that you can change the color of the plastic; these miniatures were cast in translucent Red plastic. It took me YEARS to work up the courage to paint these guys. I used fluorescent orange and chartreuse paint, which dries to a translucent film, and I just kept adding yellower layers and reducing my coats to the tips of each lick of flame. I also hung them upside down to dry, so the wet paint was drawn to the tips by gravity.
Only now I realize I screwed up: I planned to paint fluorescent blue points for their eyes, like the blue cone at the center of a candle's flame, to give them some personality. I just plain forgot!
And finally they come face to face with the Hag whose unspeakable crimes forced our sheroes to action.
- Witch from Witch, Cauldron & Cat by Julie Guthrie (SKU 03549) (metal: not from Bones 1)
- Weasel from Familiar Pack I by Julie Guthrie, Richard Kerr (SKU 02018) (metal: not from Bones 1)
- Altar of Evil by Bob Olley (SKU 77139)
I discovered there is a fearsome "Blood Hag" with vampire-like abilities and (happy coincidence) various fire-based powers and resistances. I took some liberties with her appearance, imagining her to wear Red because otherwise blood would stain her outfit.
I wanted to paint my mustelid miniature, and I discovered the Least Weasel has a lovely red-brown pelt. Again, I took liberties; the Least Weasel is WAY smaller than this miniature might suggest. Maybe the Hag has been enchanting it to make it bigger. Hey, it's magic; I don't need to explain it.
I figured the evil altar would get plenty of blood on it from all the gruesome sacrifices, so why not make it red. As long as those skulls stand out and tell players: 'evil'.
As I write this, I estimate I have fewer than 50 fantasy miniatures left in my Bones 1 shipment. In spite of this, I lose interest in painting these as Spring brings its own color and shifts into Summer.
