I ended the first quarter of 2026 in quite a good spot. My goal was to finish a Stormcast Eternal, a witch, and some elves with anger management issues. Or perhaps deity issues. Either way, as the last days of March crept by, I took a look at my quarterly progress.

Stormcast Eternal

First on the list – the Stormcast Eternal. A win!

I finished this particular model with plenty of time to spare. That being said, it consumed a good portion of my hobby time, mainly because I spent a lot of it experimenting with non-metallic metal techniques. Does the technique still need work? Absolutely. However, I can already see improvement compared to my previous attempts.

I also avoided the classic gold-armoured look that Games Workshop typically assigns to these Sigmarines (if you know, you know). Instead, I opted for a red enamelled steel appearance. I considered adding weathering and chipping effects, but after the amount of energy I invested into the NMM work, I decided to hold off for now.

There’s always the option to revisit finished models later.

Labyrinth Witch

As mentioned in my previous blog, I decided to give the Labyrinth Witch from Labyrinth Models another shot this quarter. I’m glad I did, because she actually ended up being completed before the Stormcast Eternal.

During the first quarter of 2026, I laid down the majority of the base coats before applying shades and speed paints to areas that needed additional depth. From there, I built up the highlights until I felt satisfied with the overall look.

I also experimented with a small amount of NMM on this model, though nowhere near the level used on the Stormcast Eternal. Overall, I’m quite pleased with how the model turned out.

Idoneth Deepkin

The third set of unfinished models for the quarter consisted of the Idoneth Deepkin Akhelian Morrsarr Guard and the Akhelian Allopex crew.

As mentioned previously, the bolt thrower crewman for the Allopex still needed assembly. Thankfully, I made genuine progress with these miniatures over the quarter.

I completed all of the Morrsarr Guard riders as well as the Allopex driver. As for the bolt thrower crewman, I assembled him in stages, primed him, and began applying paint. At this point, roughly eighty percent of the project is complete.

Overall, I’m very happy with this quarter’s results.

Looking Ahead to Q2 2026

So, what’s on the table for the second quarter of 2026?

Well, the lone Akhelian Allopex crewman remains on the list, which leaves room for two additional projects.

The first project consists of the Ganger Girls Gonks: Peril Pledges started last year – wonderful miniatures filled with character. The second project involves two Reaper Miniatures models for my Mordheim Shadow Warriors warband. These particular miniatures have been staring accusingly at me ever since I first added paint to them over a year ago.

It’s time to finally move them into the finished pile.

If you’re interested in adding them to your own collection, look for Mellonir Windrunner and Arthrand Nightblade through the Reaper Miniatures website or your local game store.

I hate the idea, but I may also add a bonus project: a Skaven Rat Ogre that has been sitting on my desk for a while now.

Last time I included a bonus model, I failed to finish anything that quarter.

We’ll see how this one goes.

As always – paint fearlessly. It’s just paint, and you can fix any mistakes!!