"Release The Myrka."

"The Myrka can deal with it."

This 46mm long metal miniature of a "genetically modified... unknown deep-sea creature" is produced by “Black Tree Design", and can be bought as Code DW509 Myrka from the manufacturer's "Doctor Who" miniatures range. "A large species of reptile used by the Silurians for heavy backup in times of war", the "bullet-resistant" beast which can attack using a powerful electrical charge first appeared in Johnny Byrne's January 1984 BBC Television story "Warriors Of The Deep".

The Myrka was first super-glued onto a "Citadel" 75x42mm oval base, primed with two coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Green, and drenched in Strong Tone Quickshade by "The Army Painter". The monster was then heavily dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Green, so as to bring out the detail of its "strange kelp-like growths" under its chin and around its "rubbery" body, before subsequently being washed with "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green.

"Age Of Sigmar WIPs" - The three Bloodletters just need their teeth and tongues to be shaded

After a second (and final) dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Green, the Myrka's "wide, pale eyes" were 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" White and Pale Grey. Lastly, the four-legged reptiles's base was gritted with sand, undercoated "Citadel" Abaddon Black, dry-brushed in Doombull Brown and Rakarth Flesh, then washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Momentarily setting aside my month-long “Doctor Who” marathon, I have also found some considerable inspiration to press on with my Khorne war-host for “Age Of Sigmar”, courtesy of “Games Workshop” announcing the imminent release of a “brand new Blades of Khorne Battletome… along with some awesome new kits!” I’ve actually been pottering away to take my Bloodletter-based army core to 500 points over the past few weeks, and the news of some “expanded rules” for them has helped me make more progress on the final three figures I need to complete a twenty-strong infantry unit of Khorne’s Chosen.

Skulltaker WIP - The Lord of Skulls has had all his gold parts shaded and dry-brushed

In addition, my paint-brush has managed to finally get to grips with my Chaos force’s leader, the brutal herald Skulltaker, whose “particular hunger for the heads of heroes” means his miniature is absolutely covered in numerous skulls. Of course, as part of their “complete guide to fielding your very own army dedicated to the Blood God” “Games Workshop” have re-sculpted the Slayer Sword wielder as a multi-part hard plastic figure. But fortunately, I own the old “Finecast” version, which despite being made of resin is far more compactly posed than its successor and subsequently looks infinitely more painter-friendly.

The Lord Of Skulls is definitely getting a lot of love from its Nottingham-based creators currently, and I couldn’t help also pre-ordering the Blood God’s Judgements along with his new battletome and Skull Altar. These “Blood Blessings are Khornate equivalents of endless spells, summoned to battle by Slaughterpriests” and should quickly go to the top of my painting queue once they arrive within the next few days…