TOKTIEN, SPINY CHAOTIC DWARF – 35MM

Toktien - a collector figure in 35 mm size

Toktien is a fantasy figure from AK Interactive in 35 mm size. The figure of 35 mm is the height of the figure, not a scale: it is a format common among collector and gaming figures. The figure is supplied unassembled and unpainted, so what you are buying is a casting to be finished, not a completed model. The 35 mm format carries more detail than small gaming miniatures and at the same time stays in a size that paints well with a fine-tipped brush.

The subject

The byname of the character refers to a spiny dwarf from the chaos camp, that is to a stocky, heavily equipped figure where the center of gravity of the painting tends to be the armor, the metal and the coarse leather. With subjects like this it pays to spend time on the metal areas: a base in dark metal, lightening of the edges and finally deliberate traces of rust and scuffing where the gear would really chafe. The particular execution, the number of parts and the material of the casting are stated on the box.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts in lukewarm water with dish soap and let them dry, which removes the remains of mold release agent and the grease from your hands. Cut the casting gates off a little way from the part and sand the remainder in two passes, so as not to take detail away; run a scalpel held flat along the parting seams rather than sandpaper, which rounds fine relief off. Make a dry test fit of the parts before gluing and, once dry, overfill any gaps with putty or a two-part modeling compound. Choose the glue to match the material of the casting: super glue on resin and printed parts, liquid cement on plastic. We recommend gluing the figure to a base before painting and holding it by that. A thin coat of primer follows, so that it does not flood the detail of the face and the small fittings. In painting at this size it proves best to work from the darkest tone toward the light: base color, shadow with a glaze into the hollows, lightening of the surfaces and finally a sharp highlight on edges and metal elements. Always try the paint on your brush on a palette, because on a small area thick paint shows at once.

Who the figure is for

• Figure painters looking for a strong single piece on which to practice techniques
• Collectors of fantasy subjects and tabletop game players
• Modelers who want to build a small vignette around one character
• More experienced beginners, because 35 mm size already calls for a steady hand and thin coats

The figure is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.