BlackJack Legacy Kings of War Slow Grow Challenge

Since Kings of War: Third Edition was released last decade (October 2019), we’ve really enjoyed the number of people starting their own Kings of War journey. Over the past few months we’ve seen plenty of people beginning a new army or adding extras to their existing force (and not just an additional bajillion war engines).

However, one of the most impressive communities has been created by Andy Burdis over at Blackjack Legacy. Last year he launched a Slow Grow Challenge, with the aim to build and paint 250pts each month. It will all culminate in a Kings of War day here at Mantic HQ on April 25th, where budding generals can command their armies to victory… or fall weeping into a pile as their newly painted faction is crushed to pieces.

The first deadline was January 31st, so we thought we would highlight a few of our favourites… and the Mantic ones (because we’ll sulk if we’re not included). We can’t show everyone but we’ve been amazed by the dedication and progress that everyone has shown. Anyway, enough chatter – let’s see those armies! If you right click, you can open the images in a new tab to see them bigger 🙂

THOMAS RICHTER – BASILEANS

This shows how important colours and basing are for a cohesive theme. The blue and white is very similar to the studio paintjob and Thomas has done a great job with these first units. The bases, in particular, are a super example of the joy of multibasing.

TONY HOWELL – ABYSSAL DWARFS

With the new Abyssal Dwarf release around the corner, it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing plenty more angry dwarfs in the coming weeks and months. Tony’s Slave Orcs are a nice first unit to get the army started. Plus, they’re joined by a cool Iron Caster.

KRISTIAN REEVES – NIGHTSTALKERS

Nightstalkers are proving to be a popular choice and Kristian Reeves’ Scarecrows were just one example of the many Nightstalker armies. Again, a strong colour theme really helps to make this a cohesive force. Nice work.

MARK SMITH – NORTHERN ALLIANCE

Some rather nice Northern Alliance Clansmen from Mark here. Several Northern Alliance armies have been cropping up on the Challenge. If you like Mark’s paint scheme, he’s uploaded a step-by-step painting guide on the Kings of War forum.

ROB BURMAN – OGRES

Well, it’s my blog so I’ll put my own army here if I want to and you can’t stop me :p

I am doing big goblins, aka Ogres. I possibly got a bit carried away with the challenge and have painted 975pts (with Grokagamok).

RICHARD STOCKDALE – NORTHERN ALLIANCE

Talking of getting carried away, Richard Stockdale has gone Northern Alliance crazy! This is enough for about 10 months of the Slow Grow Challenge. Richard’s amazing effort shows what you can really do if you put your mind to it. Actually we’re expecting an army a month from Richard now. Chop! Chop!

MARTIN THIRLWELL – ABYSSAL DWARFS

I better include Martin too – seeing as I work with him and he’ll only sulk. You may be asking ‘but where are his actual Abyssal Dwarfs’? Well, Martin has his peepers firmly set on the new hard plastic Blacksouls/Decimators, which are being released very soon!

So, there you have a very quick round-up of some of the highlights of the Blackjack Legacy Slow Grow Challenge. Although you’ve missed the first deadline, there’s still plenty of time to get involved. Head on over to the Facebook Group and join up. We might even see you at Mantic HQ on April 25th.