For the Slow Grow Challenge, I’ve decided to paint up some Dwarves and Orcs.
My goal for 2026 is to paint one troop-sized batch of minis per week, so here’s my caveat that I started a few weeks early. Also, I started the challenge with troop basing, but have reverted to individual bases for simplicity and cross-game versatility,
Here is my progress so far:
Orc Greataxes, Riftforged, and Gore Riders
And some WIP Dwarf Ironclads
Beautiful Orcs! Well, as beautiful as Orcs can be. I really like the old Mantic Orcs, have quite a few myself. Your paint scheme does them good and brings out their gritty, orcy style. I am tempted to paint my own now, thanks.
Thank you so much!
And I agree - the old Mantic orcs are really good-looking models.
Doing a bunch of mantic orcs for my AD - do like like the old chunky style.
I’ve never applied transfers before, so I wanted to share a photo of these guys now before I apply my shield transfers - just in case I mess them up.
Wish me luck.
I agree that the orcs are looking good. As someone that hates transfers, the Little Big Men shield transfers are easier to apply.
Thanks man. And that’s good to know, because I have a huge backlog of historicals to paint up. In fact, I’m going to do up a troop of norman cavalry to accompany these dwarves.
The transfers for these guys - I made them with my laser printer and I was impressed with how easy they were to apply once I got the hang of it. As soon as I get them based and varnished I’ll share the finished product.
1st Dwarf Troop done, along with a special character and a mascot. The shields still show transfer shine because I’m holding off on varnish while I run some tests. The metallics I use have a beautiful luster; I want to varnish them, but also don’t want to dull them. On the other hand, straight gloss looks like nail lacquer. Neither extreme will do, so I’m experimenting with the right satin blend to keep them as lustrous as possible.
Not to trauma dump on you guys, but the dog is painted like my girl, Indie, who passed away this last December. From KoW to Frostgrave and beyond, now she can continue on lots of adventures with dad 
Transfers came out great!
Thanks!
Ironclads Troop #2 - The Golden Boars is complete.
I wasn’t super happy with the metallic shield icon at first, but now I’m quite pleased with it. The only issue is that when the light isn’t striking right, the shield can go dark.
Beyond that I’m very happy with these guys. I decided not to edge highlight the leather - these guys are good enough and it’s time to move on.
OK, so I had to put the brakes on a whole new unit this past week, because I had some catching up to do.
2. This weekend I relaxed and painted up the two Frostgrave thugs seen here. These guys will be accompanying the sorceress and Norman the Norman on a future Frostrgrave adventure. But that doesn’t mean any of these guys couldn’t also find themselves in a KoW army.
3. The two orcs below are additions to the greataxe troop from my first post - that troop needed two extra models. I paint with primaries, and do all of my mixing on the palette, so I was really pleased with the color matches that I was able to make to the original unit. These two guys’ armor will be a bit more lustrous because I didn’t oil wash it like I did the others. That’s OK, I think orcs in shiny armor look menacing.
I thought about making a fur cloak for Norman the Norman. I may still do that when I have some time.
