This next month we go dual-mode again, with the two parallell themes being completing “Squads” (units, teams, gangs, retinues, etc) and completing “Scenery” (aka terrain, which includes vignettes, diorama bases, and whatnot). Here comes the very interesting explanation/clarification bit:

Well, obviously a “Squad” (a term I’ve chosen this month for alliteration’s sake) is often a military term, and often means a unit of about 10 or so individuals. Since many of us are wargamers (at least in theory), something like the unit of Skeletons here is a wargamning unit, and so fits perfectly.

Though in the interests of flexibility, inclusion and achievability, the “squad” size we’ll be using is a minimum of three models. This lets many of those boardgame units also qualify.

Of course, not everyone is a gamer of any kind, so Hell, the models don’t even have to be a strict “unit” or squad. Figures from different forces, ranges, manufacturers. All good, as long as they fit together thematically.

Three also lets those bigger bastards be an achievable unit for something like this. I should take new photos of my Ogres sometime…

Vehicles? Tank Platoon and Panzer Zugs? Sure, why not? We will stick with the “three or more” minimum, though. But by the same token again, they don’t all need to be the exact model. If you can make ’em fit thematically, then I’ll go for it.

The other half of the challenge is simpler to define. Scenery. Big stuff? Sure. Naturally. Of course.

Scatter stuff? Why the hell not? We’ve got to get it into these challenges occasionally, right?

Boardgame stuff? Definately!

Emplaced weapons, tanks that are dug-in? You might think that they’re a grey area, but I’m 100% fine with calling them scenery or terrain, as that’s the sort of thing they’ll be used for in many situations.

Similarly, models of things like GW’s new “Endless Spells” are something I’m happy to include in this category, especially cos they don’t fit well into many of the others, aside from perhaps “Neglected Models”.

Besides, some spells are clearly also scenery.

All the usual caveats apply. I don’t care what scale your stuff is. 28mm, 6mm, 15mm, “Epic”, 54mm, Micro-armour. They’re your toys, and the objective here is simply to motivate me, you, us, to get more of them finished.

As always, the biggest distinction between this painting challenge and many others out there are that I only care about you completing these models. It’s not a “start-to-finish” challenge set during a single month, so regardless of whether you just missed out on finishing that diorama or tank this month, last month, or six months ago – or you’ve got stuff that you’ve been chipping away at for six months – or, indeed – if you’ve got models that have been shelved for months or even years, feel free to dig them out and join in.

Similarly, if you want to go start-to-finish, then feel free to go right ahead. It’s about completing cool things. The challenge is designed to easily fit into your (and my) painting schedule and be flexible enough to encompass quite a lot, and hopefully just act as a bit of an impetus or inspiration to get this stuff completed.

I WILL do a round-up of all the participants I’m aware of following the end of the month, though – so once again – please DO LINK to this post when you finish something that you want counted in the round-up – because I WILL forget your post otherwise. It happens every single month. And frankly, it’s a bit worse as I’m rather behind in getting the Community Round-Ups posted up and I unfortunately don’t see that improving until at least a couple more months.

Also, if you’re doing the Awesome August ’19 Community Painting Challenge, be sure and link your finished units over there. There’s still a solid week left to go!