Ok, I’ve done some thinking about this, and well, I don’t really feel like I can join in with this because I haven’t really added models for years. Since restarting painting Warhammer and Chorfs especially, I’ve been pretty steady in production of material. I actually am kinda proud of my efforts. I’ve had these and several other armies though for years and not touched them though. So, how do I figure all that in? I get on kicks with painting, not always Warhammer stuff too. For a few years, I was doing custom Vintage Star Wars figures, because well, in my cave of all that’s fun and cool, I have a pretty big collection of Vintage Kenner Star Wars toys. This:
I use that same cabinet though to keep my minis. They were always there, while I was on my SW kick, and without people around to play the game, painting became a solitary continuation of my love for doing figures. I’ve been at this a long time after all, on and off. I guess I started painting minis when I was 10-11 years old with old Grenadier and Ral Partha minis for D&D, so that means I’ve been at this for a good 40+ years, in spirts.
I guess my return to the hobby is not really a return so much as a continuation of my love of painting. I’m challenged with Warhammer as a vehicle to produce cool models, even if I’m not the best out there. I have to admit too, Chorfs always called to me, much more than many other armies in Fantasy. My geekdom always gravitated to dwarfs in WH Fantasy - I have a pretty large army from 4th-6th ed. and I have enough models to produce 2 more armies if I really wanted to. It’s kind of natural that I pit them against their evil counterparts. The aesthetic of Chorfs though always grabbed me: they were fun, silly even enough so that I still smile when I work on these guys. I started this project ages ago, and I guess something burned in me to “git er done” even if it meant coming back 10-15 years later.
So, I kinda just wanted to get this out there. For me, it’s not a Battle Against the Grey, it’s a Battle Against Myself, because it calls to me and I enjoy it. I guess that’s why we’re all here.
Very cool images to see! Never collected Star Wars memorabilia but I can see the allure. I’ve kept my wallet far far away from danger on that front.
BATG is not for everyone and it doesn’t have to be. Some folks like their hobby to be uninhibited by guilt or bookkeeping. Some (many as it turns out) folks like the motivation of keeping a tally and are spreadsheet nerds.
Maybe an off topic showcase blog would be more your speed? Check out @Oxymandias numerous off topic collections and armies with different themes. All very flavorful and well documented for our viewing pleasure.
That said, if you don’t usually buy anything new then you’d be well on your way to securing some BATG medals just by painting your old models here or there. If you like keeping track of a year’s worth of progress then that could still be a fun collection of your non-chaos dwarf stuff you’d like to share.
In my mind it doesn’t have to be a “miniature” to count as -1 for BATG. I’ve counted some random 3d prints, toys I’ve painted for friends, and have my sights on finishing a custom picture frame I’ll probably count..
BATG is more structured than some prefer but it’s really just a method we used to encourage folks to post more than just chaos dwarfs to this forum. We’re all working on various projects from DIY doll houses to refurbished garden tools. (Yes those are real examples)
I think most people would agree that BATG is really a battle against yourself. Whether that be battling purchasing habits, motivation, or your past performances. But externalizing the guilt/blame to our grey legions adds some fun flavor to the monthly/yearly tracking. For a couple years, BATG had some fun graphs, memes, and shitposting to accompany it but it has settled mostly into individual pursuits for those who enjoy it.
Thanks for your comment and for your explination on your take on BATG. Glad you enjoyed the toy room pics too.
It’s funny, but part of my coming back to painting fantasy too admittedly is that it’s a heck of a lot cheaper to paint my old models that I have than buy new models / toys to kitbash. Imagine that, someone returns to Warhammer because he wants to save money! I’ve looked at what models cost these days and am gobsmacked at how pricey things have gotten!
I’ve looked at what models cost these days and am gobsmacked at how pricey things have gotten!