The return of the Old World led me into the realm of Khemri, which has an aesthetic that has always attracted me but that I never had the chance to explore in the past. One of the few new models in the Tomb Kings army is the necrolith bone dragon (Necrolith Bone Dragon). When I think of bone dragons, I can’t help but remember my beloved Heroes of Might and Magic, where the bone dragon is a classic of the Necropolis, and which in Warhammer never had a worthy representation (beyond the zombie dragon, which still keeps a good portion of its flesh). I think the concept of a dragon for Khemri is an interesting idea, but the miniature has a lot of untapped potential. My plan is to break almost every joint to reposition it in a way that offers an alternative to the standard kit, preserving the crocodile-dragon essence but giving it a far more evocative pose. Join us to see what we can do with all these chicken bones!

A challenge is set to paint a dragon for the Big3 livestreams... Well, clearly it had to be something imposing. A classic dragon, with no doubt about its appearance, so from the entire GW catalogue I think Krondys is a spectacular piece and feels like it was made for a challenge like this. It’s a good change after having done the Dakkajet for the Goal and I feel like diving into a project of this size. Let’s see how I progress!

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @xavier_ruiz_marti

Honestly, when I signed up for this challenge (of course I did, I’m part of the Big3 and like the others we’re here forced by our own big mouths...) I was thinking big! I wanted a dragon, a powerful and complicated scene. A duel! A duel, but between two dragons!! (Yeah, I got carried away here... xD) Then I thought about it and toned things down a bit, so now it’s a duel between a dragon and a powerful enemy....
The thing is that as of today I’ve chosen the Ionus Cryptborn kit, which is my favourite dragon in the whole catalogue, but I’m not sure yet whether the duel will actually happen or not. So we’ll start with the dragon and then we’ll see...
In any case, it’s a fantastic piece that I’m going to suffer and enjoy in equal measure!
By the way, this will end up going to a Golden. I don’t know exactly which one, but 100%!

Maybe it’s hard to believe that I’d get roped into these challenges... and it would be pretty funny if, being the ones who came up with it, I didn’t dive in headfirst! I chose this dragon (because yes, despite all the teasing... it IS a DRAGON!), because ever since the new Old World faction of Cathay appeared, I’ve been wanting to paint something from the new range. This DRAGON (just so we’re clear...), is a miniature I liked from the moment I saw it in the previews and with it I will probably go to my next Golden Demon!

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @paloji83

Motivation to get myself into this mess?? (Huuu haaa huuu haaaaa huuuu haaaaaa — that extra motivational audio was mandatory) Well first, I like signing up for challenges because they force me to work on miniatures that push me out of my comfort zone. In this case? Scales, all the scales in the world. On the other hand, it’s a challenge that, in my case, fights against my grey pile of shame and that’s always a good thing. And third, because with all this nonsense talk, there isn’t a single Dwagon, so much nonsense talk and still no Dwagon... Tssss

Brand: Kaha miniatures
Instagram: @pato_handmaker

Painting is a fairly solitary hobby, especially when you’re an expat with no local contacts interested in the hobby. Taking part in this painting challenge allows me, in a way, to paint as part of a community. 
On top of that, painting a monster to a level where I can submit it to a competition is something I know I’d never manage to do without outside support. DragonlyFans works for me as that final push that encourages me to do it.

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @xgusix

I’m José and I’ve been painting miniatures for a couple of years, hopping between Twitch communities, learning and enjoying the hobby. I’ve never posted anything, and this year I’ve decided to join DragonlyFans as a personal challenge: I want to force myself to finish a big, complete project at the best level I can manage. My idea is to build a duel scene with the Draconith Guard, kitbashing parts to create a dynamic pose and sculpting my first large base. It’s my first dragon, my first diorama, and my first serious attempt. It’ll probably turn out like a blob, but that’s exactly why I’m here: to finish it.

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @jrodri_m

Hi! I’m Pol, better known as “Eli’s partner” or lately “Sightor from the couch”. I’ve spent years painting and playing Age of Sigmar, and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to leave speed painting behind and finally face a big project: Ionus Cryptborn, Warden of Lost Souls. Once the hero Eonid ven Denst, he challenged monsters and Nagash himself before being transformed by Sigmar into a Lord-Relictor able to command the fury of lightning and guide the Stormcast through the shadows. My goal: paint this dragon with everything I’ve got… and survive the attempt!

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @sightor_80

I’m Eli, though many of you know me as Eleera. I started in the world of minis at the end of 2023 and haven’t stopped painting since. When I saw this miniature I knew I wanted to turn it into Deathwing, formerly Neltharion, the corrupted Dragon Aspect whose awakening triggered the Cataclysm on Azeroth, the world of World of Warcraft. I’ve always been fascinated by his descent into madness and his devastating power, so this challenge is the perfect excuse to give it a try. It will be my first conversion, so don’t expect miracles… but I’ll put everything into finishing it on time.
Wish me luck!

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @eleera.paints

My project is the Sisters of Twilight on Forest Dragon, a miniature I’ve always liked even though I have no idea about the Wood Elves lore. I bought it when it came out in Finecast, back in the days when it seemed like everything was going to be made in that “wonderful” resin. My wife loved it, but between my lack of technique and the respect it inspired in me, it ended up forgotten at the back of the wardrobe. This challenge, however, has given me the push I needed to bring it out, assemble it, and finally paint it as it deserves.

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @jesus_j_menendez

I’m joining DragonlyFans with a clear goal: to truly find out what my maximum painting level is. I always end up rushing and finishing my minis below what I could achieve, so this challenge is my chance to push myself, build good habits and get valuable feedback to improve.
My project is Nightfall, tragic guardian of the ancient Mantle Mountains. He was the one who rose against the shadow rift that corrupted the land, but his sacrifice shattered him forever. Now he soars over a realm scarred by the darkness he tried to stop… and that calls to him every day.

Brand: Bite the Bullet
Instagram: @chaosburn

Ever since I started sculpting miniatures I’ve always felt curious about painting. Many times I’ve been encouraged by fellow sculptors and painters to start a figure. But it’s very hard for me to gather the motivation and initiative to really commit to it, and I end up leaving pieces half-painted. 
My goal with this challenge is to finally take a stand, commit, and see that I’m capable of taking a project all the way to the end with the highest quality I can give it.

Brand: J.Models
Instagram: @lau3delucas

After years of speed painting to complete armies and gaming units, I need a clean break. I want to start painting without rushing, without feeling like I have piles of pending minis, and focus only on the one in front of me, taking it to the highest level I can. Let’s see if that way I can truly progress in my painting.
My project is a scene with a general on dragon, perched atop a rock while his cavalry charges beneath its wings. A dynamic composition that will force me out of my comfort zone… and make me paint with intent.

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @rvcalrissian

I’m Alejandro Pérez Ayora (APA), in the hobby since 1997, tireless collector of little plastic dudes and occasional painter when inspiration strikes. For this DragonlyFans I’m presenting an original bust from Juanka Fungels, reimagined as Grundback, Stone-Neck, a young fire dragon whose temperament is as solid as his natural armor. His head can split an anvil, and together with his dwarf rider he advances like a living battering ram. In the highlands where the Phoenix-Flame clan guards its relics, few doubt his ferocity: wherever they charge, the rock trembles… and so do their enemies.

Brand: Fungels Miniatures
Instagram: @alejandroperezayora

I’m Juandy, and for this DragonlyFans I wanted to take on one of the most imposing dragons I’ve seen: Gharum’Dol, the Fire-Gutted Wyrm of the Deep World. Beneath the hollow mountains of Thraz-Kur, this colossal creature absorbed the world’s heat for ages, becoming a monster as heavy as it is unbreakable, more living forge than dragon. His awakening, triggered by dwarven greed, split the earth and unleashed a power that had been held back for centuries. My goal is to capture that ancient, volcanic force in the miniature… even if he ends up being the one who dominates me.

Brand: Bite The Bullet
Instagram: @Juandyminis

I present Prince Vhordrai, Lord of the Crimson Keep, one of the most tragic —and dangerous— vampires in the Mortal Realms. In life he was a noble knight in Neferata’s service, until Nagash decided to “correct” him in his own way: breaking his mind, rewriting his soul and chaining him to a spectral fortress that wanders between realms. Now Vhordrai awakens only to carry out the Great Necromancer’s will, trapped in an eternal cycle of blood and duty.
I want to paint this mini because it’s one of the most spectacular in AoS… and because it’s a commission from a friend, so this way I don’t put it off. Besides, in the Big3 you always get good advice (except from Volomir, who doesn’t show his).

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @pacoxo_minis

I’m Pedro, though most of you know me as Tyri or Tyricrak. I’m entering Dragonly because I want to keep learning and growing alongside a community as creative as TheBig3’s, and because at last, after more than twenty years, I finally have the chance to paint this mini I’ve always wanted to tackle. The dragons of Athel Loren’s forest are creatures that live in symbiosis with the Wood Elves, living extensions of the forest itself, and I want to respect that spirit by painting it in “vanilla” tones: greens, ochres and a nice forest base.
My goal is to enjoy, learn and end up proud of what I’ve submitted.

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @mancha_pedro

I’m Ross, one of the people to blame for Freak Wars existing, so I’m used to getting myself into these kinds of challenges and initiatives that give so much back to this amazing community. I don’t have much time to prepare a more elaborate entry, but hey… there’s always DragonlyFans 2.0 🙃
For this challenge I’m bringing a chibi Smaug, and I haven’t yet decided whether to go for a more organic paint job inspired by the Hobbit movie, or to jump headfirst into a more cartoon style. Whatever it ends up being, the idea is to learn, practice and have fun along the way 😏.

Brand: NomNom Miniatures
Instagram: @rosensmetal

I’m Alberto Winterland, and today I’m not presenting an ending, but the beginning of a journey that will put my limits as a painter to the test. I’m kicking off the DragonlyFans challenge, and for something like this I needed a creature worthy of it: the imposing dragon from Beholder Miniatures, a colossal piece full of details that will be both my canvas and my battlefield.
My vision is to turn it into a banner for everything I’ve learned —and everything I still have to learn—. Glazes, blends, successes and disasters will join me, but I’m ready.
The journey starts here. Let the brushstrokes speak!

Brand: Beholder Miniatures
Instagram: @albertowinterland

You know what we always say: time to step out of the comfort zone. I almost never paint monsters, mounts or large figures, so this dragon is the perfect opportunity. Even though there are two in the sprue, my idea is to focus on one and paint it at the best level possible, with no conversions and no ambition beyond making it truly good. If I finish it before the deadline, maybe I’ll experiment with some scenery instead of the flying base… or even with the second dragon.
In the story, Zugrok was savoring victory when the sky opened and a living lightning bolt descended, turning triumph into nightmare.

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @fcatminis

I’m Ursus_Minis and for this Dragonly I wanted to go for the Ionus Cryptborn kit, even though I’m not very clear on its original lore. What I do know is what I want to create: a High Elf sun dragon, mounted by a mage and intended as a future centerpiece for a Lothern Sea Guard army.
This project is my way of leaving my comfort zone and aiming high: learn, enjoy and, if the result is good enough, submit it to a painting competition as well.
Now it’s time to let Asuryan’s light do its part.

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @ursus.minis

I’m Wesopa/Nacho, one of the organizers of those Freak Wars art contests where every year artists parade through that could make a paintbrush cry. Legend has it that I signed up to organize the event hoping something would rub off on me… but clearly, talent isn’t contagious.
My project is Lolo, a very special dragon: he doesn’t hoard gold, he hoards art. In his kingdom of Freakopolis, the best artists keep effigies of him as a symbol of excellence. Let’s see if, by painting him, I finally manage to pick up at least a bit of that legendary good taste.

Brand: Freak Wars
Instagram: @nacho_freakwars

I’m Kesselpainter, and I’ve finally decided to rescue this project that has been waiting far too long. The base has barely been started and the model combines the dragon from the Ionus Cryptborn kit with a 4th edition Tyrion as rider. Ever since they announced The Old World I wanted a flashy High Elf dragon for the tabletop, but I kept putting it off… until now. These photos are from the end of 2023 and I haven’t touched it since, so this challenge is the perfect excuse to get serious and make it really cool.

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @kesselpainter

Hey there! I’m CriCri, though most people know me as Esteso, and I’m coming to DragonlyFans with more motivation than hands… because what a mess I’ve got myself into 😅. I’ve taken on another Asian dragon, no less, and it’ll be the first time I paint a big dragon of this size: Shu Long Lierna.
The challenge seems like the perfect excuse to learn, improve and, above all, have fun while trying to make this beastie look worthy. So here we go: brushes ready, just enough patience, and maximum hype.
Let’s have fun with the painting, that’s what we’re here for!

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @cricrithreed

I’m Toni (CHKMINIS) and this challenge has finally given me the perfect excuse to build this beast that has been staring at me from the shelf for months with a “what about me?” face. There’s no way I’m going into a crazy project like Rafa’s, nor do I plan on taking it to the Golden; this is pure fun.
I want to recreate something inspired by the game of my life, Warcraft: a dragon that radiates magic and cold, mounted by a converted rider to evoke the great antagonist of the universe, Arthas Menethil.
It’s scary to see so many sprues… but that’s what challenges are about!

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @chkminis

Soy Jesús, y después de meses escuchando hablar del maldito DragonlyFans, ya tocaba que viera la luz. Este es mi segundo reto del Big 3: el anterior se me quedó a medias… así que a ver si esta vez consigo llegar al final con dignidad.
¿La mejor forma de motivarse? Pues meterse de cabeza con un dragón enoooooorme, claro. No sé en qué estaba pensando cuando dije que sí, pero ya estoy dentro, así que solo queda darle, disfrutarlo y rezar para no arrepentirme por el camino.
¡A ver hasta dónde llego esta vez!I'm Jesús, and after months hearing everyone talk about the damn DragonlyFans, it was about time I finally joined in. This is my second Big 3 challenge: the last one ended… halfway done, so let’s see if this time I can at least finish with some dignity.
And what's the best way to stay motivated? Easy: by diving head-first into a HUUUUGE dragon, of course. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking when I said yes, but here I am, so now it’s all about painting, enjoying it, and praying I don’t regret this decision.
Let’s see how far I make it this time!

Brand: Squidmar Miniatures
Instagram: @fordiewemust

I’m Berek, a proud veteran of every single challenge since the glorious old days of the AoS hobby climb. By now I should know better than to say yes… but here I am again, knee-deep in DragonlyFans. This time I went straight for the Ionus Cryptborn kit because, obviously, suffering isn’t enough anymore — now we suffer with style.
After so many challenges, what I really want is to enjoy the process, push myself a bit, and see if all the experience I’ve gathered is useful for something more than telling war stories. I just hope I don’t abandon this one halfway like other “epic” projects.
Here’s to another challenge!

Brand: Games Workshop
Instagram: @berek_ps