- Painting Guides
- Conversions
- Dioramas
- Terrain
- Scenarios
- Tactics
- House Rules
- Battle Reports
- Other

Painting guides, being perhaps the most uniform of article type (as all describe the process of painting a particular model), lend themselves to a readily defined structure. All painting guides should adhere to the following format:

List of paints used.
Each painting guide should contain a list of all the paints used to paint the model(s) featured in the guide. This could appear before, during, or immediately following the introduction, as long as it is clearly marked. Some prefer to have the paints listed first, before the introduction. However, it may be the case that the reason for paint selection, or some extra detail, is explained in the introduction, making it therefore more practical to list the paints subsequently. Either way, the purpose of the paint list is to enable the reader to quickly get an idea of the paints required, which can often double as an indication of the complexity of the paint job. It is only fair to provide the reader with this early on, so that those not comfortable with using too many paints (or too few) can determine if the guide will suit their needs or not without having to wade through the detail. List the paints individually, one per line. Try to group them together, browns, greens, blues and so on. Flesh tones, inks and metallic paints merit their own headings to set them apart. Also make it clear which brand of paint you used. Citadel/GW paints are recognized by their names and may be considered the default while other brands (such as Vallejo) deserve special mention. This is also the place to list any extenders/retarders, varnishes or other products used in the process. It should not be necessary to list paintbrushes here, unless you used something out of the ordinary.

Introduction.
This is where you describe any particular reason(s) you had for painting the mini the way you did, your general thoughts on the mini (and painting it), and anything relevant to the process involved. It is normally a good idea to include a picture of the finished article here, so as to allow the reader to get an idea of the skill level required. Of course, you could mention the skill level required (Novice, Experienced, Master), if you are confident in which bracket the guide would fit. If you are not sure as to the level of skill required, don't worry about it, we can always appraise it for you. Advanced techniques, such as feathering, or wet-blending, are worth mentioning here, as many users may not be comfortable with their application. Of course, if your article goes into detail on these techniques at the same time, acting as a guide to the various techniques employed, then mention that here too. The introduction is the ice-breaker, and establishes your connection with the reader, so don't be afraid to add a little humour, a personal touch. This is the place to speak your mind regarding the model before you launch into the detail, so be creative. A good introduction can grab the readers attention, and really launch the article. Most of us know already, after reading the introduction, if it is a good article or not, remember that while writing yours.

Images.
Painting guides simply must contain images. The reader cannot be expected to take your word for it that the colours listed will give the results they are hoping for. In this case, a picture really is worth a thousand words. That doesn't mean you can get away with submitting pictures only! As mentioned before, while we do not expect everyone to submit totally professional images, we cannot accept images in which it is impossible to determine the subject matter either. You will know if your images are suitable or not, if you are honest about it. Ideally, it would be nice to have images taken during the process, illustrating the result of each step. Of course, sometimes a guide is produced after a model is complete, as a result of a request or for whatever reason. If that is the case, take a close-up of the area addressed in each step and include that image within the relevant step.

Steps.
Try to break your painting up into steps that can be dealt with individually. This is sometimes hard, given the model, but generally the step can comprise areas painted with the same mix of paint, or areas enjoying spatial proximity. For example, if mixing up a leather shade that you applied to all belts, leather armour, and boots, these items would form a natural grouping that could constitute a step. Similarly, the hair, face and other areas of skin could form another, the hair and face are often painted first, are located next to each other (spatial proximity), and the other skin areas can utilise the same colours mixed up for the face. There is no real right and wrong here, just try to get logical groupings for your steps and preferably include an image in each step. The steps need not be numbered, but it does help to provide a sequential number alongside the description, such as "Step 1 - Face, hair and hands", "Step 2 - Cloak", and so on.

Conclusion.
To complement the introduction, your painting guide should have a conclusion. This does not have to be a lengthy analysis of your result, it can just be a friendly message along the lines of "I hope you enjoyed this guide to painting...", but it does help to round off the article. The conclusion should generally include an image of the finished product. If you provided an image of the completed model in the introduction, you can repeat it, but preferably have a more detailed (if only larger) image of it here. It is often useful to have a smaller version of the finished model in the introduction, say only from the front, then have a more complete version in the conclusion, showing it from more angles (although front and back is usually sufficient). This is the final comment, the big hurrah, so splash out and show off that model. As with the introduction, this is a place to embellish a little, adding some humour if you desire. This is the last section the reader will see before moving on (assuming they didn't quit earlier on), so thank them for reading the article and leave them with something good to remember.

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Articles describing conversions should adhere to the following format:

List of materials required/equipment used.
Each conversion guide should contain a list of all the materials required and equipment used in the conversion process. Naturally, all models used should be included here, no matter how small the part required, along with materials and equipment such as glue, modeling putty, sculpting tools, and so forth.

List of paints used.
If you painted the converted miniature in the guide, a list of paints used is also required. List the paints individually, one per line. Try to group them together, browns, greens, blues and so on. Flesh tones, inks and metallic paints merit their own headings to set them apart. Also make it clear which brand of paint you used. Citadel/GW paints are recognized by their names and may be considered the default, not requiring special mention. Other brands (such as Vallejo) are deserving of special mention. This is also the place to list any extenders/retarders, varnishes or other products used in the painting process.

Introduction.
This is where you describe the motivation for the conversion, such as "I wanted a mounted Gandalf the Grey for a scenario involving...", or something similar. This sets the background for the article, increases interest, and may even inspire someone to do the conversion who had previously not seen a reason for it. Please attempt to give an indication of the skill level required (Novice, Experienced, Master), if you are able. While we can always decide that for you, it is better if we have your opinion in this regard. After all, you have been through the exercise. This is also a good place to clarify any items listed under the materials and equipment that require additional explanation. You will have to use your own judgement here, but generally any item not regularly used in conversions or sold in hobby shops requires a little extra detail. For example, if you used a "sear spring" for a part of the conversion, an explanation of what that is, and where to find it, would be suitable material for the introduction. An image of the completed conversion is also helpful here, enabling the reader to see what you are going to help them create before they get into the detail.

Images.
Conversion guides must contain images. These not only act as a visible indication of what the reader can expect as a finished product, but also help the reader determine where to make the cuts and other alterations on the models. Images that are particularly useful for conversions involve a picture of the model before the cut is made and have had a (usually red) line added to indicate where the cut is to be made. Again, while we do not expect everyone to submit totally professional images, we cannot accept images in which it is impossible to determine the subject matter either. You will know if your images are suitable or not, if you are honest about it. Ideally, it would be nice to have images taken during the process, illustrating the result of each step in the process. Of course, sometimes a guide is produced after a model is complete, as a result of a request or for whatever reason. If that is the case, take a close-up of the area addressed in each step and include that image within the relevant step.

Steps.
Try to break your conversion up into steps that can be dealt with individually. For conversions, any given step would normally comprise the removal of some item(s), the preparation (cleaning up) of items, the creation (sculpting) of items, or the addition of items. Preferably include an image in each step. The steps need not be numbered, but it does help to provide a sequential number alongside the description, such as "Step 1 - Removing the shield", "Step 2 - Reshaping the arm", and so on.

Conclusion.
To complement the introduction, your conversion guide should have a conclusion. This does not have to be a lengthy analysis of your result, it can just be a friendly message along the lines of "I hope you enjoyed this guide to converting...", but it does help to round off the article. As with the introduction, this is a place to embellish a little, adding some humour if you desire. This is the last section the reader will see before moving on (assuming they didn't quit earlier on), so thank them for reading the article and leave them with something good to remember.

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Articles dealing with the construction of dioramas should adhere to the following format:

List of materials required/equipment used.
Each conversion guide should contain a list of all the materials required and equipment used in the creation of the diorama. Naturally, all models used should be included here, along with items such as glue, static grass, modeling sand/gravel, and so on.

List of paints used.
A list of all the paints used is also required. List the paints individually, one per line. Try to group them together, browns, greens, blues and so on. Flesh tones, inks and metallic paints merit their own headings to set them apart. Also make it clear which brand of paint you used. Citadel/GW paints are recognized by their names and may be considered the default, not requiring special mention. Other brands (such as Vallejo) are deserving of special mention. This is also the place to list any extenders/retarders, varnishes or other products used in the painting process.

Introduction.
This is where you describe the nature of the diorama. Is it a scene from the book(s), the film (or both), or a fantasy scenario you thought up. A mounted Gandalf the Grey for a scenario involving...", or something similar. If you have any background to accompany the diorama, so much the better, as it will enrich the experience for the reader and perhaps convey the magic that inspired you to create the diorama in the first place. An image of the completed diorama, albeit a small one, is useful here to capture the reader's attention and give them an idea of what they're going to be able to create by following the guide. Please attempt to give an indication of the skill level required (Novice, Experienced, Master), if you are able. While we can always decide that for you, it is better if we have your opinion in this regard. After all, you have already created this diorama, so should know better than anyone what is required. This is also a good place to clarify any items listed under the materials and equipment that require additional explanation. Furthermore, any advanced techniques employed should be mentioned, just to provide the novice reader with fair warning.

Images.
Diorama guides must contain images, no exceptions. These provide the reader with an indication of what they can expect as a finished product, and assist them in creating the diorama by illustration. For dioramas, step by step images are very important. It is not at all easy to see how the terrain was constructed from an image of the finished product. Thus, if you can, supply images of the terrain as you created it. Don't forget about pictures of the models, as they are an integral part of the diorama, but be sure to give an idea as to how the terrain base was constructed, painted, and decorated. Again, while we do not expect everyone to submit totally professional images, we cannot accept images in which it is impossible to determine the subject matter either. You will know if your images are suitable or not, if you are honest about it.

Steps.
Try to break the process of creating the diorama up into steps that can be dealt with individually. One step could be the planning stage, sketching the diorama on the board that will serve as the base. Another step could be the drybrushing stages for the ground. For the painting of the models themselves, please follow the guidelines for the submission of painting guides. Preferably include at least one image in each step. The steps need not be numbered, but it does help to provide a sequential number alongside the description, such as "Step 1 - Sketching the terrain", "Step 2 - Sculpting the hills", and so on.

Conclusion.
To complement the introduction, your diorama guide should have a conclusion. This does not have to be a lengthy analysis of your result, it can just be a friendly message along the lines of "I hope you enjoyed this guide to creating a diorama of...", but it does help to round off the article. The conclusion should generally include an image of the completed diorama. If you provided an image of the completed diorama in the introduction, you can repeat it, but preferably have a more detailed (if only larger) image of it here. It is often useful to show the diorama from various angles here, showing it from the sides and angles that were not covered during the preceding steps. As with the introduction, this is a place to embellish a little. This is the last section the reader will see before moving on (assuming they didn't quit earlier on), so thank them for reading the article and leave them with something good to remember.

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Articles dealing with the construction of terrain should adhere to the following format:

List of materials required/equipment used.
Each conversion guide should contain a list of all the materials required and equipment used in the creation of the terrain. This would include items such as glue, static grass, modeling sand/gravel, styrene board, and so on.

List of paints used.
A list of all the paints used is also required. List the paints individually, one per line. Try to group them together, browns, greens, blues and so on. Flesh tones, inks and metallic paints merit their own headings to set them apart. Also make it clear which brand of paint you used. Citadel/GW paints are recognized by their names and may be considered the default, not requiring special mention. Other brands (such as Vallejo) are deserving of special mention. This is also the place to list any extenders/retarders, textured paint, varnishes or other products used in the painting process.

Introduction.
This is where you describe the type of terrain you are going to discuss. If you can place the terrain in a particular setting (such as the ambush at Amon-Hen), do so, as that will add to the character of the article. An image of the completed terrain is not a bad idea here, if only to provide the reader with an idea of what they're going to be able to create by following the guide. Please attempt to give an indication of the skill level required (Novice, Experienced, Master), if you are able. While we can always decide that for you, it is better if we have your opinion in this regard. After all, you have already created this terrain, so should know better than anyone what is required. This is also a good place to clarify any items listed under the materials and equipment that require additional explanation. Furthermore, any advanced techniques (feathering, wet-blending) employed should be mentioned, just to provide the novice reader with fair warning.

Images.
Terrain guides must contain images, there can be no exceptions. These provide the reader with an indication of what they can expect as a finished product, allowing them to see straight away whether the terrain will be of use/interest to them. For terrain, as for dioramas, step by step images are very important. It is not easy to see how terrain was constructed from an image of the finished product. Thus, if you can, supply images of the terrain as you created it. Again, while we do not expect everyone to submit totally professional images, we cannot accept images in which it is impossible to determine the subject matter either. You will know if your images are suitable or not, if you are honest about it.

Steps.
Try to break the process of creating the terrain up into steps that can be dealt with individually. One step could be the preparation of the base that will hold the terrain. Another step could be the drybrushing stages for the ground. Yet another the fixing of scenery such as static grass. Try to include at least one image in each step. The steps need not be numbered, but it does help to provide a sequential number alongside the description, such as "Step 1 - Preparing the base", "Step 2 - Gluing on the boulders", and so on.

Conclusion.
To complement the introduction, your terrain guide should have a conclusion. This does not have to be a lengthy analysis of your result, it can just be a friendly message along the lines of "I hope you enjoyed this guide to creating terrain for...", but it does help to round off the article. The conclusion should generally include an image of the completed terrain. If you provided an image of the completed terrian piece in the introduction, you can repeat it, but preferably have a more detailed (if only larger) image of it here. As with the introduction, this is a place to embellish a little. This is the last section the reader will see before moving on (assuming they didn't quit earlier on), so thank them for reading the article and leave them with something good to remember.

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Creating a (worthwhile) scenario is not a trivial matter. Anyone can dream one up, but it will not necessarily play well. Scenarios pose a problem in that it is relatively simple for someone to knock one up and submit it without much thought. Do not give in to this temptation. It is equally simple to spot these "quick and nasty" submissions by their overall quality. We will expect you to have playtested the scenario sufficiently enough to be sure that it offers a good game. The result of this playtesting can take the form of a thorough review, or a number of condensed battle reports. ideally, the battle reports should illustrate potential for the success of both good and evil, so as to demonstrate some balance in it's design.

All scenario guides should adhere to the following format (which is basically a duplicate of the format of scenarios as they appear in GW publications):

Description.
This serves both as an introduction to the scenario and as a description thereof. Part of the allure of a given scenario is the setting, the background, and the images conjured up. This is where you should let loose the creative writer in you and attempt to ensnare the reader in the world represented by your scenario. Naturally, the more vivid the images that spring to mind when reading your description, the more attractive the scenario will be. A little bit of history is not out of place here, so don't be afraid to write a fair amount (but be wary of boring the poor reader, it's a fine balance).

Participants.
A list of all the participants in the scenario, both good and evil.

Points Match.
If you have devised terms for a points match, define them here.

Map.
A map of the terrain in which the scenario takes place is essential. It may be generated on a computer, or on physical media and scanned in or photographed, but it must be provided. Do not directly copy maps from Games Workshop and just change the other scenario details, as GW's maps are easily recognized. Redraw them, if need be, but do not risk actions that may upset anyone. Do not worry if you cannot create an authentic Tolkien look to your map, just do the best you can. If you have put in some effort, it will be evident enough.

Layout.
Describe the layout of the terrain in which the scenario takes place. This may refer to the map provided and discussed above. Whether the map included measurements or not, they should be stated here.

Starting Positions.
State the starting positions and/or deployment zones of all the models in the scenario.

Objectives.
State the objectives that must be met in order to achieve a Major/ Minor Victory for either side, as well as the circumstances that will constitute a draw.

Special Rules.
State any rules not covered by the rule books, or that will override them for this scenario. This is also where any models unique to this scenario are to have their statistics listed.

Notes.
Anything of particular interest or significance that does not constitute a rule. This is where you might describe the flow that most games take, or the intention you had for one (or both) of the sides in achieving their objective(s).

Playtesting Results.
This is where the results of your playtesting should appear, along with a summary that acts as a conclusion to your scenario article. Remember that the result of all your playtesting can take the form of an analytical breakdown, a number of condensed battle reports, or a combination of the two. Try not to get bogged down with every detail though. What you are looking to convey should be the amount of ease with which the victorious side achieved their victory, or, in the event of a draw, just how close it was. This should help readers to evaluate the balance inherent in the scenario. If the result of playtesting caused you to amend the list of participants, detail it here. Some readers may wish to attempt the scenario with the original participants, or tweak it to accommodate them. You can close off by giving your thoughts on the finished scenario, perhaps inviting readers to provide feedback for you.

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Tactics pose a similar problem to scenarios in that the very nature of the articles invite abuse. It is a relatively simple matter to write down some tactics and submit them. We expect, however, that the tactics described in any article were devised with much thought, and that they have been subsequently proven in battle. By this, of course, is not meant that they have to be foolproof, unbeatable, only that they have been applied with some success, or at the very least, with some promise of success.

Articles explaining tactics will more often than not have their format dictated by the nature of the tactics themselves. See if you can find an article on tactics that has already been accepted. This will give you an idea of the sort of quality that will get your article accepted too. While not required, images do help to make such articles more interesting and attractive. Even a simple photo of some Riders of Rohan at the top of an article on Rohirrim tactics can do a lot towards increasing the article's appeal. However you decide to format your article, keep to the general guidelines and strive for quality.

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House rules involve creating new rules to accompany a new character, or the amendment of existing rules for an existing character. Again, this is somewhat open to abuse. Generally, amendments to existing rules are not that popular, so try to restrict yourself to house rules for new characters of your own creation. There is some overlap here, as your rules may appear in a conversion guide for your new character, and images of your character should appear here. Preferably, if doing a guide for the actual conversion, just make mention of the fact that you have/will be submitting a house rules article to accompany the new character, and create a separate house rules article.

Please include images of your new character, if you are introducing house rules for one. This will provide some basis and background for the rules that render them more interesting and acceptable. The format of such an article is left to your discretion, but however you decide to format your article, keep to the general guidelines and strive for quality.

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Battle reports can make for pretty dull reading, unless spiced up with some creative narrative. Try to write in such a way that the battle report reads more like a storybook account of someone's personal experience of it, rather than simply stating the details of each moves. A little humour can really bring your battle reports alive.

All battle reports should adhere to the following format:

Description.
This serves both as an introduction to the battle report and as a description of the location and terrain of the battle. A little bit of background for the battle will help to give it colour and depth, which makes for a more immersive experience for the reader. A map of the terrain is also required, showing the dimensions and points of interest. As always, do not reproduce any copyrighted material here, supply your own work or the work of others whose permission you have obtained.

Setup.
Describe the way in which the participants are setup before the battle commences. This is where images are invaluable, make liberal use of them.

Turns.
Describe the events of each turn, grouping the turns into sections, each with their own appropriate heading. Particularly dull or uneventful turns may be grouped together and briefly glossed over, but give eventful turns the detail they deserve. Humour can be effective here too, if used judiciously. Try to provide an image for significant events, or to illustrate anything of interest.

Conclusion.
Supply the particulars of the result of the battle, analysing your thoughts and tactics and, ideally, those of your opponent as well. There are plenty of good battle reports in White Dwarf for you to use as examples. Try to emulate the way in which the battle report reads more like a colourful story than a sterile blow by blow account of proceedings. Remember to strive for quality, and enjoy yourself while writing the article, and the rest should take of itself.

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If you have an article in mind that does not fit into any of the topic categories listed, try to pick one of the topics that most closely matches it. It is not terribly important that you match any given topic, just as long as you keep the general guidelines in mind. Try to keep the article structured, using sections (if not steps) to isolate the key ideas and components. As always, include images where appropriate, and strive for quality.

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