Over the past few months, we’ve shared the journey of our upcoming range of Dwarves for Warhost, from early sculpts, to growing shieldwalls, to the rising banners of the Command Group. Today, we’re excited to take the next step in that journey.
For the first time, we can show you what these initial sculpts, the ones with hand weapons, spears, and bows look like, fully painted and ready for battle.
Painted by the Underground Painter’s Desk
All of the models in this showcase have been painted by our good friend Les Mandeville, better known in the hobby world as The Underground Painter’s Desk.
Les is not only a highly skilled painter, but also an active gamer and demo organiser. He regularly runs participation games and takes on commission work, helping bring armies and projects into life for players across the community.
When it came time to decide who should paint the first full set of Dwarves, there was never any doubt.
We sent Les all the resin masters we have so far, not only so he could use them in his demo and participation games this year, but because we genuinely love his painting style. His work strikes that exact balance between character, realism, and tabletop impact. These are models that look fantastic in photographs, and even better when assembled on the battlefield.
A Painter’s Perspective
When Les first shared the painted Archers on social media, he wrote:
“New Dwarven Archers on the Underground Painter's Desk today. You are going to love these. Nothing like the bog standard dwarves on the market. 12 unique miniatures. Perfect for the Guild Hunter scouts. It was truly an honour to receive these first castings, thank you, Andy Hobday and Paul Hicks.”
Hearing that kind of response from someone whose opinion we respect meant so much to us. It perfectly captured what we hoped this range would become: something distinctive, full of personality, and worthy of the setting it represents.
The Archers - Guild Hunters in Colour
The first painted unit we’re showcasing is the Dwarven Archers, representing the Hunters’ Guild scouts described in the Warhost sourcebook.
In paint, these models truly come alive. The layered clothing, sturdy boots, and rugged equipment tell the story of warriors who spend as much time on caravan roads and mountain trails as they do on the battlefield. Les’ palette brings out every texture, from leather straps to fur trims, without ever dominating the sculpt.
They feel grounded, practical, and believable. Exactly how Dwarven archers should look.
Warriors with Hand Weapons - The Shieldwall Takes Shape
Next, we have the Dwarven Warriors armed with hand weapons and shields, the mainstay of any guild muster.
These models look superb ranked up. Weathered shields, worn metal, and varied armour give each warrior a sense of history. No two look quite the same, yet together they form a unified, disciplined force.
Les’ painting really emphasises their role as contract-bound soldiers: reliable, battle-tested, and ready to hold the line no matter the odds.
Spearmen - Order and Discipline in the Ranks
Completing this first painted wave are the Dwarven Spearmen, standing ready to anchor flanks and guard choke points.
Here, the relationship between sculpt and paint shines. The clean lines of spears and shields are balanced by worn fabrics and subtle weathering. These are not parade-ground troops - they are working warriors, called up from the halls and tunnels to fulfil their oaths.
Here, the relationship between sculpt and paint shines. The clean lines of spears and shields are balanced by worn fabrics and subtle weathering. These are not parade-ground troops - they are working warriors, called up from the halls and tunnels to fulfil their oaths.
Together, they look every inch the disciplined group described in the Warhost lore.
A Showcase of What’s Coming
This painted collection represents the heart of the upcoming Dwarf range. These are the packs most players will build their armies around - the core troops, the guild warriors, the scouts, and the shieldwalls.
Seeing them painted gives a clear preview of what your own armies could look like once these miniatures reach your hobby desk.
On the Table This Year
Les will be using these painted Dwarves in his demo and participation games throughout the year, giving players the chance to see them in action, marching, fighting, and holding the line exactly as they were designed to do.
We couldn’t be happier that the first painted examples are being put to use in the community, rather than sitting on a shelf.
That, after all, is what this project is about: getting great miniatures onto tables, into games, and into stories.
Our Thanks
We’d like to give a huge thank you to Les Mandeville for the care, time, and enthusiasm he’s put into this project so far. His work has helped us to share painted images with you.
If you’re looking for commission painting, a demo game, or simply want to see more outstanding hobby work, we highly recommend checking out The Underground Painter’s Desk.
Looking Ahead
With sculpting progressing and painting now underway, the Warhost Dwarves are closer than ever to becoming a reality. More units, characters, and specialists are still to come, we can’t wait to show you how they’re shaping up.
For now, enjoy this first proper look at the Dwarves of Warhost in full colour.
The forge is hot.
The banners are gathering.
And the mountain host is nearly ready.
The banners are gathering.
And the mountain host is nearly ready.
