29 September 2016

Dragon Metal Tag VI - Necromundan Vent Dragon

Sorry, very sorry. I know I was tagged for Dragon Metal back in May by Whiskey Priest after his gorgeous (and cute) Dragon Rider. I had an idea that I was going to shift the focus a bit and do a dragon themed jetbike using the Warzone Mishima Dragon Bike. So I bought one second hand, stripped off the old paint job, broke some bits, and then saw Agis Neugebauer's gorgeous version. I decided to give up there and then!

Gorgeous Warzone Dragon bike painted by Agis Neugebauer.

So I hesitated. I pondered. I thought about doing a classic fantasy dragon - why not? But I wanted to do something a little less predictable. Eventually, I rummaged around, and pulled together these parts; namely 1) tail of a lictor, 2) Colony 87 Cameleoid, 3) Wings of a Colony 87 Gargouille.



And then I did this:




That's right folks, a bizarre, sci-fi creature, completed with long neck, wings and a tail. A creature that likes to seek out old safes and build a nest from the precious metals within.

A Necromundan Vent Dragon no less!! This is the kind of dragon that excites me - a little twist of focus, that ticks the boxes for all the clichés, but is shifted into a setting I can get behind!

Many a trader on Necromunda has heard the scuttling in the air processing pipes, the hissing behind the walls. They can lock up their valuable astrogold behind reinforced steel doors, in combination safes or strong boxes. But the vent dragons can smell it. They come deep in the night. Watchmen run off in terror. They flap through the vents and crawl across the ceiling. Their corrosive spittle burns away doors and bars, revealing a glimpse of astrogold in the low-lights' glow. In the morning, shelves will be empty, strong-rooms bare. And deep in the ventilation shafts, a nest is being made, with the glint of precious metal.





Fortune hunters locate a vent dragon's nest in an abandoned corner of the hive.

Who's next for the Dragon Metal tag? Mr Saturday, I choose you!

18 comments:

  1. He is great!

    Very imaginative use of bits and plastic and a great little background for him also.

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    1. Now what to do with the remaining 80% of a lictor? ;)

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  2. Inspired Jon, really. The dragon is lovely and a fantastic idea, but the safe steals the show.

    Im burying my hyperplatinum in the garden just in case though...

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    1. Funnily enough I didn't originally plan it with the safe, I built it just to increase the presence of the dragon. It was originally just a box too, then I decided it could be a safe, then the gold was the next logical step.

      As for burying your hyperplatinum - they can smell it you know?!

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  3. Fantastic. Nice sci-fi spin on a traditionally fantasy subject matter.

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    1. I really wanted to do a sci-fi dragon! I'm glad this approach ticks the boxes :)

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  4. What a great dragon! The safe with the acid burns is an amazing touch, and it really sells the story of the figure.

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    1. As I said above, the safe was an afterthought, but it turns out its critical!

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  5. Yeah, really cool Jon!

    The little story with it is great, coupled with him perched on the safe....fuck yeah!

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    1. Thanks buddy! Glad he's pressing all the right buttons :)

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  6. I love to see how varied the dragons have been so far.
    I really like the treasure keeping vibe that is an essential part of many dragons in this one. Oh and the total compatibility with your RT set is just perfect.

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    1. It will be great to see them all in sequence, large and small, at the end of the project :)

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  7. The 'tail to head' process just blew my mind. Great idea and a damn nice work!!!

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    1. There's got to be more tails that can be used similarly :D

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  8. This is so cool. A superb take on the Dragon Metal Tag. I love the dragon, and I REALLY love the box. Great weathering, and the gold spilling out is mighty fine. I can't see this little guy not getting a goodly dose of game time.

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    1. It really amuses and pleases me that the box is getting the attention. I enjoyed making it, and painting it even more!

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  9. Very clever idea. Love the paint job too: the dark blue and pale green work really well together. Might steal that idea!

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    1. I have a feeling I saw the colour scheme in Ben 10 or some similar kids cartoon. Steal away!

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