Hello!
More Fantasy WIPs have arrived! Some LOTR proxies I'm keeping off patreon just to be safe. The complete set of WIPs from this post can be accessed in the usual way. Emails have been sent out. Please check the link information because they regenerated this month.
Based on the mini poll, community members were interested in seeing the Winged Hussars and Aragorn so that's what happened.
Starting with the Winged Hussars. Historically, they were an elite heavy cavalry force of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. They were renowned for their devastating shock charges, iconic rear-mounted feathered wings, and exceptional combat record against superior numbers.
The Winged Hussars played pivotal role in major conflicts, including the 1683 Battle of Vienna. They also won significant battles like Kircholm (1605) and Kłuszyn (1610) against overwhelming odds and was considered a dominating force on the battlefield for two centuries. Apparently, they were also called Angels of Death as they represented the martial excellence of the Commonwealth. So now we know where Big E got the nickname for the Space Marines.
Anyways, I looked through a ton of references and talk to a community member with knowledge of their visuals to come up with my version. The wings are essential to their look and was designed to look intimidating. It's said the wings actually spook enemy horses so their inclusion is actually a very ingenious warfare tactic. I also tried to mimic their armor style with the rounded trim and unique Hussar helmet with the armored visor. Historically, they seemed to come armed with lance, sword and pistol so I'll include those weapon variations. I also gave the horse the style of armor and ornamentation commonly seen for the Winged Hussars.
Next up is one of the most famous LOTR characters and one of my favorites! Yes it's Aragorn played to perfection by Viggo Mortensen. If you've seen the LOTR trilogy, you know why he's so awesome. Some highlights I remember off the top of my head is his intro at the Prancing Pony, the fight against the Ringwraiths and that hilarious scene where he tosses Gimli into a horde of orcs (you'll have to toss me) 😄. There is so much backstory and lore to this character that I can't possibly cover it all. But here's a video and in depth wiki page if you want to learn more.
True story, I actually have this poster from Return of the King. One of my favorites so I wanted to make my own version. On the visual side of things, I went with the ranger costume he wore for most of the trilogy. So you can have his hood up for the Strider look as well. Now that I think about it, I should make a version where's he's sitting ominously with a pipe. I also included some special lore artifacts Aragorn carries including Narsil, the Elfstone necklace and Ring of Barahir. All of them have very interesting historical significance in the LOTR universe.
Poses and diorama content are up next! Sci Fi voting will also be up later this week. Please have your suggestions submitted in the next few days. Thanks!