Repainting the Hirst Arts Wizard Tower

Way back in fall 2012 I completed a rather spectacular online swap, whereupon I traded a mountain of comic books and graphic novels for two huge boxes brimming with fantasy terrain, buildings, walls, fences, accessories and bits galore. Seriously -- this is the sort of trade that comes along once in a lifetime. The other fellow wanted to divest himself of his 28mm fantasy stuff, and I just so happened to have a ton of comics and graphic novels to send his way in exchange. Chicago Skirmish Wargames has been enjoying the spoils of this deal ever since.

Anyway, among the many, many terrain items packed away in this huge box was a Wizard Tower made from Hirst Arts bricks. It was painted dark gray and was otherwise unfinished. Nevertheless, it made its way onto the battlefield in several games, including this one where you can see it in the front-most table.

I always planned on repainting and rebasing it, and, as I'm due to become a father in the next week or so, I figured this was a good time to finish off this terrain piece as a sort of "swan song" for this phase of my wargaming career. A final project before real life takes over for a little while, if you will.

Here is what I came up with. The exterior got a quick repaint and drybrush, followed by some green and brown streaks to suggest that the elements have not been kind to this particular watchtower.

The overgrown cobblestone pathways are pieces of Lemax decorative vinyl cut up and glued to the base. The edges are hidden with gravel, sand and flocking to make the whole thing appear old and time-worn.

I had a little fun with the back corner by crafting a little built-up rocky foundation using blue foam chunks and pea gravel. (While building the foundation, I once again marveled at the fact that you can sand blue foam with a piece of sandpaper.)

The foliage is a mixture of clump foliage and static grass. I really like the whole "overgrown ancient ruin" look for my fantasy terrain. Even though this tower is certainly occupied by someone (or something), I still made sure to put some vines and creepers up the sides.

What's up with this guy? Is he exploring the depths or fleeing from the tower's denizens?

Up top I had fun with my newly acquired packet of little fake leaves. It takes just a few to give the impression of windswept parapets.

There you have it! This terrain piece will be equally at home on back alleys of a fantasy cityscape or in the trackless depths of the wilderlands. Look for it in future battle reports!

-- Patrick, Chicago Skirmish Wargames club member