Back to the D&D stuff for this post – this time it’s the Big Bad from the Legend of Drizzt D&D Adventure Boardgame. Errtu, the Balor. A Balor of course, is a supernatural being from Irish Mythology. In D&D of course, a Balor is pretty clearly their non-copyrightable version of Tolkien’s Balrog. Just as an aside, Warhammer’s Balrog archetype evolved into the Bloodthirster of Khorne, which also follows the same visual archetype.
This one has been sitting around on my painting desk for a long time as well – a simple model that I hadn’t been especially inspired to work on, but admittedly, without the distate that I hold for the previous model from yesterday’s post. Over a couple of months, I did two or four sessions to add in the putty for the flagstones on the floor, and with Monster MAYhem, over at Dead Dick’s Tavern and Temporary Lodging happening this month (and not having gotten to it during Monster March) the challenge gave me the nessecary kick up the arse, I got cracking on it.
I clipped the flame-whip from its anchored spot on the model, and had some trouble with the wings not wanting to stay set in a more open position, but both look okay at least. lot of Contrast paint here, though layered and with various highlighting and so forth over the top, as well as a reasonably simple flame effect on both the whip and sword.
I also added some weathering powder to the ground, to give a scorched look to where the Balor has walked and stands. I now see a little reddish spot on the base there that I’ll have to get to and remove.
And now I’ve got the big bad from the third D&D Board Game done – there’s a few regular villain and monster models left to go, but once they’re done I’ll have the third set of these models complete, which will be nice.
And here, a group of adventurers help provide a scale shot for the big boy.
Azazel's Bitz Box. 
Noice! Lovely job mate, and it’s always interesting to see the linkages between myth and modern representations. There must be something about big red angry winged monsters with fiery beat sticks that just resonates! 🧐
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Alex – it can be pretty hilarious to see how far modern interpretations of folk/mythic creatures differs – but then again there’s a lot of variance in the actual folk tales when they’ve been handed down over a few hundred or thousand years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great work mate, the depth in the wing membranes is brilliant. Great bit of research on the evolution from Balor, to current company iterations
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Dave – three different layers of contrast for the wing effects – with the final one being thinned black feathered into the dark red of the previous one. Probably my favourite part of the model since it came out as quite an effective blend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it, Azazel! I actually remember Errtu from Salvatore’s work. I really like what you did on the eyes and the flames are terrific!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks mate! I read the first few books, but I don’t recall this guy – probably didn’t get far enough into the series, I suppose….
LikeLike
I also remember this guy from Salvatore and was thoroughly annoyed by how easily he was defeated…
Your paintwork looks great!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Well, I guess Drizzt got that reputation of being a Mary-Sue for good reasons after awhile….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job- the last group shot showed him to be bigger than expected.
Cheers,
Pete.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yeah, a lot of these large PVC models from the D&D games and Reaper really look much smaller than they actually are until you see a comparison shot – I think it’s the soft details that do it when compared to resin/metal models or much higher quality plastic models from companies like GW or even CMoN’s boardgame stuff…
LikeLike
Lovely painting mate, he reminds me of a more “cuddly” version of the Khorne demons of my Warhammer days.
Cheers Roger.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Haha, you know, you’re not wrong there – not at all – but I certainly bet it wasn’t the sculptor’s intent! 😀
LikeLike
As others have said, the eyes and flames are great!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Tarmor – still slowly getting more competent at the flame effects, but any additional practise is good for the reps!
LikeLike
That’s a big beastie – and I think you nailed the flame and basework. Kudos!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Mark – just practise for a “proper” Balrog down the line. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice! 🙂 And certainly a big’un!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks John – this one’s certainly larger than an orc for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
From almost-Slaanesh to almost-Khorne 🙂 Very nice, and I love the red, especially on the wings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Daemon prince-proxy-a-go-go! Are generic DPs even still a thing in AoS? Either way, I can use them in that sense for 40k at least!
LikeLike
Great job persisting on this one, mate. That is one big, fiery pig! The whip looks pretty tough to try and get a good flame effect on but you painted it up very nicely indeed. Hopefully this is a mini that will see action on the tabletop in the near future!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah the whip is all bendy and whippy. I can actually move it to a couple of different positions and it’ll stay put. I should have done so for these photos actually – well, something for the round-up in that case! 🙂
As for hitting the table – Drizzt is the next of the D&D boardgames we plan to play, but we’ve been taking a break to play a ton of Zombicide first, and a bit of Marvel Champions once I re-learn the rules!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That kind of bendiness when painting is enough to drive someone mental! Could be cool for pictures though like you said 🙂
Now that does sound fun! I hope you enjoy all of that board gaming!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Brilliant work on the flame whip and sword mate! if this ones only practice i’m certainly looking forward the next one !!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha thanks Pat! I might even get to work on the next one for Monster March! (?)
LikeLiked by 1 person
😅👍🏻
LikeLike
Wow, you’ve done such a great job on these minis. I’m slowly making my way through them, and they’re a real mix of delightful whimsy and… am I actually painting a potato right now? I’m especially impressed by those goblins. Your painting clarifies so many details that are really mushy and unclear in the sculpts. And your Balor has inspired me to finally give it a try some time soon.
LikeLike
How did you open the wings up? hot water?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is correct! 🙂 Then immediately immersing in cold water for a minute or so.
LikeLike