Privateers in the Phoenix King's service

I generally do not like elves. There, I said it. Except if they are of the trickster kind. So this is the second warband I've started where I did not have any strong feelings toward the subject. And again the reasons are pretty much the same as for my fimir warband. I wanted a new challenge. And to be honest Werekin's enthusiasm for the pointy eared foops kind of rubbed off on me.

So let me introduce my take on the sea elves. They are privateers and buccaneers in the Phoenix King's service. Of course they do not exist in any official capacity, with the Phoenix Court being dedicated to erase piratism in all forms. But there are times when off the books assets are needed.

Wayfinder



Feast-Master



Lookouts



Minstrel





Sea Ranger



Wildkin




Since the models are still in the bluetac phase, obviously, I'm more than grateful for any and all feedback on them. Don't hesitate to let me know what you guys think.

Hate elves too. I didn't even bother downloading the warband. I do think they would make a nice DE corsair warband, and they look ragtag enough to be pirates. Getting some HE bits would make them look a bit less like their DE kin.

I know what you mean about them being rather DE, however I'm on a somewhat limited toy budget at the moment so I don't want to spend to much on these guys and gals. I'll try to get them to be a bit more HE in the painting phase. But isn't HE masquerading as DE to commit piracy the perfect alibi?

My what a big horn he has!

I do love elves.   

If anyone can turn those minis into something cool, I'm sure you are The Man for the Job. If possible, have FUN with the painting et al!  

@ Elflover - you are right, the horn is a bit big. But do you have any tips on how to build a lyre or perhaps a pan flute?

@Alan - thanks old sport! We will have to see how it goes.

I'm currently eyeing the Lothern Skycutter. It would make a nice addition to the crew. They could race around the canals in it, without the eagle obviously.

I have some citadel wood elf musicians from the 80's playing panpipes & lyre. My Albion Harper plays a lyre extracted from a 40k Eldar model, a difficult to find model and even trickier conversion.

A magic flute could be easily sculpted using any thin weapon handle or banner pole cut off with holes drilled into the plastic or metal. Depending on how thick your component is your minstrel could be blowing down an oboe or a didgeridoo!

To avoid more jokes about my proud minstrels I decided to swap out the horn for a pan flute, perhaps more elfin anyway.

The forms are coming together but some greenstuffing is still required.



The minstrel



A lookout



the second lookout



a wildkin



a sketch of the next minstrel

Well they are LOOKING COOL! I love the Minstrel belting out a number. GREAT WORK all around!   

Wonderful! Are these all from Dark Elves corsairs, or are you using pieces from other kits?

Joao

Thanks guys!

The bits are from a rather varied selection. The main parts however are Dark Elves Corsairs for bodies, arms and heads, the Lothern Skycutter provided the High Elves parts, mainly the minstrels bodies and the lookouts heads and some arms. I highly recommend both kits, lots of nice parts and details on them. To round out the models I have also used Empire arms, wayfinders greatsword and the bow and arrow for the wildkin. They provide that renaissance look I like. There are also some Dark Eldar heads and the panflute is from the Kroot kit. So all in all a rather eclectic mix.

Thanks a lot for the info, Alex! I already have the corsairs kit (even though I don't usually collect dark elves) but will check the high elves kit. Looks really nice and full of interesting bitz.

Joao

I like the idea of the mix and match of model parts. Great fluff idea. They started off as high eleves with the right gear but then they fell on hard times and used whatever they could, weither it was dark elf gear or empire gear. Nice models too.

Elves are sexy. These uranai look heavily armoured so they must come from a wealthy clan! It's true that you find some outstanding head options from those dark eldar kits.

Get your kroot flute at the ready Joao!

@Joao - no problem buddy

@Flipchuck - hmm, I think there might be some different views here (not that it's a problem). I don't see them using dark elf or Empire equipment as much as standard elven gear. My vision of elves have never really fit into the modern warhammer (very) high fantasy stuff. I like my elves a bit more cosmopolitan than that. But I'm really glad you like the models

@Werekin - they are a bit heavily armed for mariners aren't they :)they better not fall overboard with that armour on. However since there aren't any good lightly dressed elves to be found in GW's range I went with this guys. Maybe the new Wood Elves will provide some interesting warriors, I still need a feast-master.

By the way, Sea Elves vs Dwarf pirates? Dwarfs are tough as stones and they destroyed my warband in two turns before a Fimir warrior appeared from a canal to bitch slap the rest of my "brave" warriors...

Pimp hand or Irish whip?

have you seen White Knight's Sea Elves? They're residents of Marienburg's elf quarter so they're dressed in Imperial garb. These should come available soon(ish)

@Werekin the wrestler - definitely an Irish whip

@Captain - I hadn't seen those warriors before, they look really great and are more to my taste when comes to elves.

an other take on the feast-master and the wayfinder ... What do you all think, right or wrong direction?

I still need to figure out a good equipment choice for the wayfinder, a two handed sword kind of kill the useful initiative he has. I'm leaning towards a spear (harpoon) and maybe a shield.

I haven't a clue what a Feast Master or Wayfinder is or should look like. However, if OH-SO-COOL is part of their resume, you've got them down pat. GREAT WORK!   

thanks Alan

I scoured the net for clues to what the hell a Feast Master is and what he is supposed to look like, and I believe I have found the elusive dancer. Werekin has really been digging into the roleplaying side of warhammer.



Now I need to find a bare chested elf, bring on the new wood elves   

Wonderful!

What book is that from, do you know?

I guess you could use the chaos marauder's torso for that; give it a go and see if it doesn't look too bulky.

You could also use the Truthsayer model, I guess (the one on the left), but I think he was included in GW's latest ethnic cleansing...

http://www.beastsofwar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Storm-of-Magic-Truthsayer-Dark-Emissary.jpg

Joao

It's a rather good picture isn't it.

I think it might be from WFRP 3rd edition, perhaps the core rulebook. Werekin might know?

The marauders unfortunately looks to be as bulky as catachans. But a flagellant torso actually might work, I'll have to try it out when I get home. Of course the wardancers do fit into this niche rather well but they are just too foresty for my liking.

The truthsayer seems to have gone the way of the dodo

Cool stuff! And you're right about flagellants and wood elves; they might have some suitable parts for your character.

Speaking of Wood Elves, have you seen some leaked images of their latest releases? They look promising.

Joao

I'm almost curious enough to read the warband now. Almost. What's a Wood Elf doing SAILING with his hoighty-toighty cousins?