Better Know a Blogger: Part 27- Dragons Eye Miniatures

Here are Jonathan's answers to my questions:

Well this is a bit of a long winded answer, so you'll have to bear with me and my reminiscing... My first experience of wargaming was when I was 7 years old and I didn't even realise it at the time! I was in the local department store, back in my home town of Ballymena, in Northern Ireland, being carted around by my granny, while she was shopping. Being a kid, I walked around the toy section not knowing what I wanted until I wandered into the music section of all places (specifically the heavy metal section) and on one of the shelves was a model I would never forget. It was Inquisitor Karamazov on the Throne of Judgement, and I couldn't believe my eyes. I didn't know what it was, or if it was a toy, all I knew was that I wanted it! In a fit of excitement I dragged my granny over to get me it, only to be told no! I was despondent, as could be expected, and after much pining it slipped my mind for 10 years. 

It wouldn't be till I was 17 did I rediscover again by accident the grimdark of the 41st Millennium, when my mother bought me the Index Astartes. I was hooked on the background story of the fate of the raven guard, and was awed by the audacity of Abaddon and the Black Legion, I was hooked. But I still didn't know there was a game involved, I thought it was only a story universe and would be another 2 years to I claimed my first real model! 

The first model I ever owned, as you might believe would have been either some Raven Guard or Inquisitor Karamazov, but no, it was the 3rd edition Battleforce Box for Chaos Space Marines. My brother had been playing 40k with this friend's in the army during their down time (he started with necrons because he loved to be hated), and he wanted to get his little brother in on the action as well. Unfortunately, I don't have any of them painted as they were in original Black Legion regalia as I have a habit of repainting models... They were reconsecrated to Nurgle in the most inefficient way possible... (painted green and gold and had sand glued to them to try and make it look like corrosion... It did not go well). 

I absolutely love every aspect of the hobby, it's really hard to choose which is my favourite. Painting has always been my passion since I was young (I painted a lot of science fiction and fantasy fine art) so that has naturally progressed into my models these days, of which most of my hobby time goes into. It is always a joy to improve on every single model (well, most of the time), and show something I can really be proud of. As should everyone in the hobby, no matter if you are new to the hobby or a vet, or a Golden Daemon winner, be proud of what you create! 

I love to play as well, but always to create great stories, and have fun with my fellow wargamers! I'd always say enjoy the moment when it comes to gaming, as everyone will have their special moment to shine on the table top.

Funnily enough leading on from the last question, this is one where luck wasn't shining one me... Having fought a brutal skirmish against the ultramarines, my Nurgle Daemon Prince was roving the table like a God of war that none could stand against! The battle was almost done and having taken every wound but his last, my Daemon Prince assaulted a unit of scouts, it should have been easy... The squad fell all but for the last, combat knife in hand the plucky scout jumped into the air stabbing the Daemon Prince in the face, and promptly getting banished back to the warp! The scout was forever christened Archie (I really can't remember why...?), the day was won by that plucky little scout for the Ultramarines!

5. What are you working on right now? 

I really should be working on getting ready for Dave Westons Birthday Bash 40k Tournament in February, but I was highly distracted by Magnus the Red after getting him for Christmas.

Otherwise a few other small projects, Cannoness Veridyan (I need to fix her as I literally dropped her before starting this interview haha), Dark Aelves, Witch Aelves and Stormcast Eternals for Age of Sigmar, as well as some Haqqislam for Infinity the Game. I really need to get some focus... Mind you I probably should at least hunt down Inquisitor Karamazov, seeing he started it all, and I've never owned him. 

Mostly fall over things, I'm slightly clumsy... I have a reputation in work and at home. Work-wise, easiest way to explain my job is that I'm a Scientist. I work for a Clinical Nutrition company based in Liverpool, providing foods for special medical purposes. There are people around the world that can't have food like the rest of us, and lead very restricted dietary lives, it's a very worthwhile job helping people that can't have the same life as the rest of us. 

The blog is a safe place to explore many different wargames, hopefully soon to include more. I believe the hobby is more than who can win across a table with toy soldiers. Painting, stories, my journey that I want to share with everyone, even if it's not exciting to the degree I have a Warlord Titan (... Hugs self... "someday... someday..."). 

I loved writing my articles on the Chaos God's, particularly Slaanesh, which I hope brings some new insights on this deep, strange and horrifying entity, that has become a bit of a one dimensional joke to some extent these days, and it's still not complete! I'll be finishing them as soon as I can wrest my mind and soul back off Tzeentch!

Soulblaze. I think we can all agree its wayyyy too overpowered for the game... 

Actually probably either fearless or ATSKNF as they both limit far too many equipment choices and army special rules. The GrimDark needs to be HORRIFYING!!! (particularly reflected in the game mechanics). 

Currently, my Khorne Daemonkin, as I love getting in the groove/mindset of a general of Khorne. "Objectives you say...? Hold that thought while I clog the enemies guns with my minions before I take their Skullz for Da Blood God!!!!!!" 

Loud and Proud! This hobby, all hobbies even, are part of us, they make us who we are. Own your hobby! Own your weirdness! Be true to yourself and you'll be all the happier for it. 

Khorne Bloodreavers make excellent Chaos cultists for Khorne Daemonkin armies. I wrote an article on the subject, and suggest you check it out! 

Causal, but I do love a tournament or two! I would suggest checking out fromthefang.blogspot.co.uk for Alex's excellent tournaments such as Blogwars (RIP) and the newly founded Double Trouble, a new spin on the doubles format! 

Nintendo! All else is HERESY! 

See above. 

Pizza Hut (Because I like to break the rules). 

Depends on whether a mixer is involved... Pepsi on its own. Jack Daniels Honey and Cola otherwise. 

So I really enjoyed taking part, and would like to thank you Michael for letting me waffle on at your audience, mine can be sure to know that, not only their brains will now be tainted by my madness! I look forward to seeing you in February and you never know, you maybe seeing me across a table near you soon! 

Cheers 

Jonathan 

dragonseyeminiatures@blogspot.com 

Thanks to Jonathan for taking the time to answer my questions. 

If you have a gaming blog and would like to take part in Better Know A Blogger, email me at corrm83@gmail.com to sort it out. I am also looking for regular readers to take part in a Better Know a Reader section. If you are interested, drop me an email at the above address.