The MBoTF have an extensive list of Dramatis Personae, with many more antiheroes than true heroes. After lengthy consideration and searching for suitable models, I settled just a couple of weeks ago on Ben Adaephon Delat, better known as 'Quick Ben'.
When we first encounter him, Quick is a Squad Mage in the 9th squad of the infamous Bridgeburners, the grognards of Empress Laseen's Malazan Empire. Squad mages are petty magic users rather than the powerful members of the High Mage cadre, being capable of mere illusions and deceptions to aid their squad mates. Hailing from the Seven Cities continent, he is described as dark skinned, tall and lean. Erikson doesn't go in for much more description of characters than that, so I had some flexibility in choosing a suitable miniature!
Except Quick Ben isn't all that he seems, which becomes clear as the series progresses. He seems to know the most about what's going on, vanishes off on unspecified errands, turning up again at all critical junctures, usually with a solution to some problem or other and vague hints of what the heck is going on. It transpires that he was previously a High Priest of Rashan, or Darkness, before burning his vestments and adopting the warren of Meneas or Shadow as the source of his power. But that's just the start of it - there are plenty more reveals as the story progresses when Quick is concerned.
So why an Antihero? Well, the Bridgeburners are pretty heroic, particularly the noble but naive Ganoes Paran and the roundly respected Whiskeyjack. But there's a darker side to both Adaephon Ben Delat and Kalam Mekhar, the bearlike ex-Claw assassin and Quick's closest partner. To avoid spoilers I'll just reference the events of the pursuit across Raraku, the Holy Desert, and Quick's support for Kalam's mission regarding the Empress in Deadhouse Gates (my personal favourite of the series, by quite some way).
This miniature, 'Karick-Dar, Apprentice' is from Australia-based Guild of Harmony miniatures.
He's a bit shiny and needs a burst of Dullcote, which I'll sort before he goes into the post.
I desperately searched for a suitable Kalam Mekhar to go with him. Alas, I came up short - sorry Curt! Still, I hope you like him.
Interesting choice of antihero, excellently painted :)
ReplyDeleteI was totally stoked when I saw this entry as it's so off-the-wall and specific to our geeky interests - thanks so much Phil! I have a few figures in mind for Kalam but we'll see how they work out. Now, what about Fiddler, Trotts, Smiles, Karsa, Ganoes, Bug, etc., etc., etc....? :)
ReplyDeleteHow many years Are you going to run the challenge, my good man? ;-)
DeleteExcellent depiction of Quick, not quite where I would have gone but either way a great job.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. Not heard of that Miniatures company. Nice work. Great choice of colours. cheers
ReplyDeleteIt's a very interesting figure. I like the contrast of the dark, muted color with the bright desert base.
ReplyDeleteQuick Ben looks really cool! I was saddened after finishing MBotF, because I wanted more! Chain of Dogs was my favorite book of the series. Fiddler was my favorite, but all the characters were really well done...now where is my "cusser"! ;)
ReplyDeleteAh, it's great to see some more fans come out of the woodwork! Now I feel the need to try to do up another character...
ReplyDeleteLovely paintwork!
ReplyDelete