Finished it this morning. Took just over a week to complete. Warduke was the only AD&D figure I bought back in the day, because he looked the most interesting. I still have him around (somewhere). I initially went with the original sword and shield, but then I had a rummage through my melee weapons box and found the big honking sword in the later pictures. Personally I think it looks extremely close to the original and also totally kick-ass. It was a cheap knock-off sword that came in a set. I( sanded the plastic off the hand-guard and replaced them with plastic gems. I went with the left arm and leg off the Thor figure to save time as they already had moulded scale armour. Just painted over teh silver with black and then dry-brushed a metallic blue over that.
As for his ride Fiendfyre, I wanted something that looked better than the original, and meaner. I had a quick flick through the Papo catalogue and found this dragon. Not cheap, but I think the look is worth it.
WARDUKE:Head: Cast of original Warduke (supplied by Dark Horse. Thanks, man!)
Right arm/Right Leg/Torso, Left Hand: MU Cable
Left arm/Left Leg: MU single pack Thor
Sword: Original Warduke/Cheap knock-off
Shield: Original Warduke
Spikes: kebab skewers
Straps: leather thong plus links from chain
Loincloth: face towel
Belt: thick vinyl + dolls eyes + skull from Chap Mei pirate belt
Mount: Papo Dragon of Darkness
I primed the belt with a dark bronze meaning to paint it a lighter colour, but decided to leave it as it was. I always thought there was something a little out of place about the yellow belt on the original figure.
With the original sword:
With the new sword:
Warduke and Fiendfyre:
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You're never to old to have your Botty used as a Bongo.