Velmates

Usually, I like the clean aesthetics of GW sculpts and prefer them very much over ones that try to be realistic but end up messy, as you said (e.g. I have not problems with the new direwolves). With Kragnos, I have three points why I do not agree with this: 1. model size: while smaller models look overloaded with stuff quite easily, bigger models tend to benefit from richer details 2. paint quality and model size: there seem to be big areas of smooth plastic on this model which need a good painter to make them look good, meaning make them not look like skin but fur (even the GW painted model looks just .... brown) 3. (subjective) I look at the model and think ... boring? bland? I don't know, it's just the feeling of disappointment - I have hoped for "more" Bottom line: I think a company like GW is absolutely able to pull off a design/sculpt that includes fur without making the model look overloaded.

Funny that no one commented on the model's fur/skin so far. Actually, I am a bit disappointed of the model from a collector's point of view (I don't play Destruction (yet) but collect the big centerpiece models of all factions). A model of this size could have gotten a much richer detailed coat of fur apart from the obligatory hairs around the hooves that all horses have in Warhammer. As smooth surfaces that should actually be fur/hair are the most difficult to paint realistically, I would have been very happy with a bit of support here. I am not complaining because I am lazy but painted fur always looks a bit off, IMO.

While I understand perfectly that this is up to personal taste, I am a huge fan of models introduced with scenic bases, be they small infantry or very large centerpieces. Of course it doesn't make any sense in-game, but then you could also argue why has everyone the same pose and cannot move...? Stupid question, I know, but it stems from a similar prerequisite thought. From a painter's perspective, scenic bases are just awesome as the miniature doesn't end at its feet and it offers many options for a mini-diorama.

As all new armies start with great models lately (Eidolon, Teclis, Kroak), and I went for the bait initially and started IDK, I have to resist buying a whole new army. BUT this one will get a spot of honor next to Teclis in the showcase. Definitely. Stunning piece! I am looking forward to the rules!

Right now I don't have the time to calculate points but I would be interested if you could just come up with a fleshed out list and see what else could fit in 2000 points apart from the named units and characters.

Wow, amazingly good ideas and clean execution. I especially love the pose of the king with the deepmare to add to the effect. Great job!

I really love the paint job on the models from White Metal Games. They used a similar dark color scheme like you did on your models. I did not go for the under-water style with my own army but I guess I would unpack my old airgun and get going. With an airbrush you can achieve a coherent feeling across the whole miniature which is important as you put the general color scheme behind the more prominent lighter and darker "wave pattern". The same goes for the base. However, I think you can pull this off with just drybrushing, especially if you want to do the pattern only on the base and go for a more classical approach on the miniature itself. The blueish tint and the dark colors on the mini would support an under-water feeling even if there is no explicit wave-pattern. For stones on the base I always used small natural chisels and rocks that I incorporate into the overall base and sand/technical color from GW. I use corals and fish from the IDK sprues. Lastly, I have to add that I am in no way a professional painter, thus, my advice is purely my opinion on how I would approach this issue. No guarantee that this will work... 😅

Large areas of skin on the shark and eel models are difficult to get right, especially if you want to get equal looks on a lot of models or are very perfectionist. I would suggest to stick with an easy pattern that you can sketch out with a pencil and put in color later. Ideally you do a whole unit at once to avoid too big variety. Alternatively, you go for a random pattern by drybrushing, washing, stipulating, or airbrushing. Ultimately, real eels come in a huge variety of colors, from plain brown-grey to mesmerizing color patterns (google for snowflake eel, for example) and nature does no pattern twice, so be happy with whatever results you can produce.

I would need to see your other units and leviadon in order to compare for differences. Anyhow, when looking at your eels in the pictures, I have to admit I do like the dark color scheme. I think overall dark schemes like yours are difficult to pull off, however. I would either go for a lighter eyecatcher, e.g. some details like fins, etc., or object sourced lighting (the eels come with a variety of options in form of lamps, the shields, spears, etc.), or a starker highlight on most parts of the model like skin and armor (but keeping the overall dark primary colors). This, and the base needs some more flavor, imo. Rocks, corals, a wave patterned seafloor, etc. I hope I could help.

@Frowny has already said the important stuff. I wanted to add here, that if you really are new to AoS, don't go with a competitive net list. While it might win games for experienced players, in my opinion and (I have to admit, experience) there are 3 reasons not to do it: 1) it might not win you games at the beginning as some lists require experience of the game and knowledge of the faction, thus 2) it can be frustrating to start with a list everyone tells you should win but doesn't, and 3) your opponent, especially if he is new too, and you won't have a happy time as some lists simply aren't fun to play with and against but are purely tournament lists developed to win in a competitive setting.

Haha, I was thinking the same thing as I first saw these models. They look kinda weirdly proportioned. The big heads make them rather look like children.

Hi, y'all. I am starting anew with my Idoneth Deepkin after having a whole bunch of miniatures sitting on the shelf waiting to be painted for the last 3 years. It was a rather busy time lately but I hope I can find the time to start and finish this army of amazing models in the next couple of months. I will go and see through this forum to get inspired. Looking forward to discuss with you! Cheers, Vel.