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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Been very tired and very busy lately, but I have managed a few small things: #WargamesAtlantic

A lil commando painted up that was inspired by Havoc from C&C: Renegade and another one that's made to look like Doom Guy to my eye.

WIPs, since all the detailing is still to-be-completed.

A lil Space Brit with a huge plasma rifle that he's barely hauling around.
Beside him, a GIANT commando looking dude aiming down sights on an equally massive plasma rifle.

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porble @porble.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

shared this mech already, but its cowboy o' clock so here it is on a black background #battletech #miniaturepainting #miniatures

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I feel I'm getting things as accurate as possible. The #BattleTech courtroom comedy no one asked for is being written... very... slowly.

defamation case in a Lyran territory, you must prove: (1) that the material in question was published to someone other than yourself; (2) that the material representation is objectively, factually untrue; (3) that the defendant, TBC, did so either as a result of neglect or with the intent to do harm; and, lastly, if you expect compensation for the harm suffered, you must prove that this mischaracterization caused substantial emotional distress.
Mr Vohwinkel, from your written submissions can I assume that the defendant accepts as given point 1, given the broadcast nature of the animated series and its live-action remake in 3053?
VOHWINKEL, MR: Yes, your Honour.
HIS HONOUR: Very good. And you oppose the plaintiff on points 2 and 3? Quite. Mr Malthus, what would you say is the nature of the inaccuracies of your depiction?
MALTHUS, MR: The propaganda your merchant caste has made for Adam Steiner depicts me as a - - -
HIS HONOUR: Lower your voice, Mr Malthus.
MALTHUS, MR: - - - screaming buffoon. An inept strategist who makes clumsy mistakes in war, and who compromises Zellbrigen for personal vendettas.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The Thaw. The Restless, divinely resurrected undead, depend upon carrying pieces of magical ice (Rimestone) that come from a glacier made from the body of the god of the Sea. Being deprived of Rimestone causes the ice preserving them to melt. It's a slow and horrific final death. Also a war crime!

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

New job needs 11 hours of my day, means my chronic fatigue takes the rest of my day. Not going to be able to keep up much with things for a while.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I don't have much free time now that I've started my new job, but I am writing something funny after work... First pic is from Legends and is canon. Second pic is me writing fake legal transcript.

Adam Steiner went on to become Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth, and was lionized in a holodrama that depicted Malthus as a screaming, bumbling idiot. In 3063, Malthus demanded a Trial of Grievance against Steiner and the production company, claiming that their inaccurate portrayal of him cost his status as a Jade Falcon. Informed that he would have to file the proper paperwork in Lyran courts to obtain a tial, Malthus inadvertently found himself in the middle not of a Circle of Equals, but a most unusual lawsuit. The case was eventually thrown out of court, and Malthus detained for threatening the judge after the jurist refused his batchall.

After six months in a Steiner prison, Malthus was

MALTHUS, MR: I have no need of lesser castes to fight my battles for me.

HIS HONOUR: This isn’t a - there are no - this court does not recognize any castes. I would strongly urge you seek legal advice before - you’re shaking your head. All right. As a self-represented litigant, I can provide you some basic assistance in the proceedings, but I cannot give legal advice. Do you understand? You’re - Mr Malthus, please speak with a clear yes or no answer when addressed.

MALTHUS, MR: I hear you.

HIS HONOUR: Right. Well, as plaintiff you’re welcome to make an opening statement.

MALTHUS, MR: I am before you today because of the loathsome lies told by your dezgra Adam Steiner - - -

VOHWINKEL, MR: Your Honour, objection.

MALTHUS, MR: - - - and his propaganda - - -

HIS HONOUR: Mr Malthus, you - - -

MALTHUS, MR: - - - network on Tharkad.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Mine makes each element a unique source of magic. If you tapped into Fire, that was its own type of magic and whatever you learned about Pyromancy didn't teach you anything about Shadow magic. Each element is foundational to the structure of the world, and magic is shaping elements into reality.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

For the record, my budget on that project was $2,000 and I could afford an artist. Sure, I never finished the project. There are a lot of reasons why I failed to deliver, but it sure as hell wasn't the artists or the writers I hired. They did their work, and they were paid. #NoAI #Anti-AI #HumanArt

Harlan Ellison with the quote "PAY THE WRITER!" in large, bold font.
Above "WRITER" there is a little arrow inserting the words "ARTIST, ACTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, EDITOR, TRANSLATOR, TRANSCRIPTIONIST..."

I'm sure there are even more things than this I should list, but I didn't think of them and the font was already getting small

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Not only that, but some of the in-progress pieces I got from working with an EXTREMELY TALENTED artist like @noonmarkart.dev were themselves works of art that blew me away. I'm never impressed by the machine's RNG. If I wanted to roll dice, I would. Images aren't art without people expressing them.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Doing a little bit of painting today, so here's a couple photos of how I handle skin tones! 1st pic is what I started with 2nd pic is after a layer of Army Painter's Pearl Skin acrylic 3rd pic is 3x different Speed Paints for the final skin tone #WargamesAtlantic #ArmyPainter

4x Ooh Rah Marines from Wargames Atlantic

4x Ooh Rah Marines from Wargames Atlantic with Pearl Skin painted on their exposed skin.

4x Ooh Rah Marines from Wargames Atlantic
1x with Pallid Bone for a yellowish skin tone
2x with Peachy Flesh which ended up looking a bit sunburned
1x with Warrior Skin, and that's really the one that turned out the best

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Some lizardmen with assault rifles here. Been testing out all the different greens I have to see which ones I liked best. #WargamesAtlantic

Ghoul Green, Shamrock Green, Forest Sprite, Camo Cloak, Plasmatic Bolt, Highlord Blue

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

23 responses so far! #BattleTech docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

8.7% Blood Spirit
4.3% Burrock
13% Cloud Cobra
13% Coyote
26.1% Diamond Shark
13% Fire Mandril
17.4% Ghost Bear
34.8% Goliath Scorpion
17.4% Hell's Horses
17.4% Ice Hellion
21.7% Jade Falcon
13% Nova Cat
26.1% Smoke Jaguar
30.4% Snow Raven
13% Star Adder
8.7% Steel Viper
13% Clan Wolf

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

I'm thinking of running a public #BattleTech campaign depicting what would happen if the Clans invaded from the opposite direction. Anyone could participate by reporting their games (factions played & game outcome) for classic, Alpha Strike, and Aerotech. 1 round = 2 weeks. Any takers?

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Before I lost my job, I ordered Five Parsecs From Home: Tactics from my local game store. Just picked it up, and am really loving it.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Fiddling with 5x virtue/vice axes Wisdom / Rashness Fortitude / Hesitancy Temperance / Hedonism Justice / Prejudice Defiance / Piety Yes, I know piety and dutiful obedience to authority was *typically* a virtue. But I'm viewing this as which are harder to overcome. It's harder to disobey than obey

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I've been thinking about #ttRPG design after reading through Daggerheart. Really loved their Hope & Fear mechanic, but it made me think of something else. For anything to happen, a character needs the means, motive, & opportunity. Skills/Traits cover means, die rolls covers opportunity. But motive?

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I've decided to publish a #BattleTech campaign system I was working on to Itch. I'd say it's about 80% rules complete, but I've not been able to play-test it myself. If you were looking for something a little different from Chaos Campaigns, maybe give it a go? avernus-labs.itch.io/battletech-f...

avernus-labs.itch.io

BattleTech: Frontline v0.8 by Avernus Labs

A fan-made campaign system for BattleTech

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

I am "proud" to announce our first BattleMech made by committee of 67 participants! The 50-ton Pshara PSH-4RA. It's shit, and none of you who voted on this are getting what you wanted. PERFECT! In the thread below, I'll detail how these decisions were made. #BattleTech @battletechcom.bsky.social

A classic BattleTech 'Mech sheet for this dumpster fire.

An Alpha Strike card for the same 'Mech!

Visual approximation! I cut the top of a Wraith off and stuck it on a Triskelion's legs. Includes a stamp of approval so you know it's official.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Just re-posting to make sure everyone who participated knows what we've "accomplished" #BattleTech

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Wendy, Were-rat Spiderthing @curatrix-ribston.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

hey I'm looking for wargames made by women, I know there's the work of cavegirl that's got some interesting stuff but I'd like more names other myself, so if you've written a game in that space and you're a girl or you know someone who fits pleaaaaase reply

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The survey to build a BattleMech by committee expires in just a little over 2 days! This is your last chance to help make something truly awful. Be sure to throw in some spoiler votes! Survey closes 3 Aug. 2026, 11:59 PM GMT+8 #BattleTech @battletechcom.bsky.social docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

What sort of Engine should power it?
34 responses

0% Internal Combustion Engines
2.9% Fuel Cells
2.9% Compact
8% Standard
41.2% Light
17.6% XL
11.8% XXL

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Two more days! If these votes are too normal, I might not have to build anything custom at all. I will be checking MekBay against the results to see if there's an off-the-shelf solution. It's the committee's job to make sure I can't! #BattleTech

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

And, lastly (at least for now), are my OC merc company, the New Dallas Rangers. This paint scheme is based off the colors I chose when I played MechCommander 2 for the first time. #BattleTech @battletechcom.bsky.social

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Next up is my SLDF force, which I'm especially proud of! My favorite part of this is the Mongoose stealth / no stealth. #BattleTech @battletechcom.bsky.social

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Sublight Games @sublightgames.com · 28/07/2026

Did you know you can sign up for a free Stardust account? You get several free lore articles, announcements via email (you can turn them off), and the first novella when it drops this October. And of course, yet more to come. Our Voidfarers can upgrade or downgrade at any time, no gimmicks.

sublightgames.com

Stardust

Stardust is an original transmedia sci-fi universe from Sublight Games.

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Faith K. Falkner @faithfalkner.com · 28/07/2026

We didn't like the way Patreon did things, so we built our own, just for Stardust. (Don't worry, we'll be there, too.) Can we get the number of free accounts to 100 before launch in October? ☺️

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

So far I've been sharing only my favorite paint schemes for #BattleTech but failure is part of learning! Here are some of my disappointments, my Rasalhague & Steiner minis. Neither turned out how I'd hoped,* but I got better! @battletechcom.bsky.social *The Devastator & Marauder turned out okay!

A Locust, Blackjack, BattleMaster, and UrbanMech.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Today I'm posting my Federated Suns minis! Again, these results are all thanks to @thearmypainter.bsky.social 's speed paints!, but the blue stripes were done with Sharpie Creative Markers. #BattleTech @battletechcom.bsky.social

A Wolfhound, Locust, Firestarter, and UrbanMech

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Ichor Magazine @ichormagazine.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Announcing Ichor Magazine, an amateur magazine of sword and sorcery touched by the sublime. A home for new authors dipping their pen into the violet ink of unknown horror. Not ready for a NESS submission yet? We may be your perfect intro market. Opening for subs September 1st 2026

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Took a bunch of photos of my #BattleTech minis, and plant to post a few a day! All painted using Speed Paints from @thearmypainter.bsky.social Have a look at this Magistracy of Canopus force! @battletechcom.bsky.social

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Who wants to help me build a BattleMech by committee? Still taking responses for a little over a week! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... #BattleTech

What sort of Armor should we use?
27 responses
14.8% - Hardened
29.6% - Standard
18.5% - Light Ferro-Fibrous
18.5% - Ferro-Fibrous
0% - Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
18.5% - Reflective

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Have I done anything productive? No. But I did buy a blind box of Jurassic World mini figs

Some nonsensical 2-legged, 4-armed "dinosaur" chasing an UrbanMech with a scene from Terminator 2 under it where Arnold says "This is the vehicle's top speed."

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Dark Web Lesbian Razgriz @dwlesbianrazgriz.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

hey folks, im uh, once again, really short on rent and i really need the money. I'm very open to negotiating on price as long as some commissions come in. i'll work with whatever your needs are and i'll even give discounts if you order 4 or more miniatures or enough of anything else.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

RIP absolute legend, Sam Neill. I've never heard a bad story about you, and I hope that never changes. Your performances in Event Horizon and In the Mouth of Madness are genuinely unforgettable and will influence the art I make until I die.

Sam Neill's character from In the Mouth of Madness looking through the torn page of a novel out past the 4th wall.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

The Build a 'Mech by Committee survey is continuing until the end of July! Looks like keeping pilots alive is a little more expensive than most people care to bother with, but maybe they'll get like a single MedKit like out of an FPS. #BattleTech forms.gle/iZSfkEprt94G...

* (12%) Full Head Ejection.
* (36%) I don't care. First aid kit.
* (24%) Death is good for them, actually. Builds character.
* (4%) MechWarrior Aquatic Survival module.
* (24%) Booby Trap

There were two booby traps because I corrected a typo in the original question.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Completed my obligatory Magistracy of Canopus force for #BattleTech Meant to be 1st/2nd Canopian Brigade colours.

A Stalker, Banshee, Cyclops, Catapult, Wraith, Orion, Rifleman, and Spider painted in a Magistracy of Canopus color scheme (green and brown)

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Finished painting up my mercenary company today!

A Highlander, Gunslinger, Marauder II, Archer, Rifleman, Grasshopper, Starslayer, Blackjack, Firefly, and a couple Urbies painted in navy blue and neon green

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Truly the flattest UrbanMech I have ever painted. #BattleTech

A crushed UrbanMech painted in Draconis Combine colors (red and tan) which is a base for a Highlander to stand on.

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Got 24 answers so far in my survey to build a Medium BattleMech by committee, and so far it looks like we'll be building a 50-ton 'Mech if trends continue like this. If you, too, want to build a 'Mech that disappoints you on EVERYTHING you wanted, you can! #BattleTech forms.gle/iZSfkEprt94G...

A pie chart showing results of 24 votes
29.2% for 60 tons
29.2% for 55 tons
12.5% for 50 tons
16.7% for 45 tons
4.2% for 40 tons
8.3% for 35 tons

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Avernus Labs @avernuslabs.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

I want to know what would happen if you built a 'Mech for #BattleTech by committee because it'd be funny. Since the 3rd Star League is just not corrupt enough, and the 1st Star League doesn't have enough weird tech, this is for an imaginary 4th Star League: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

docs.google.com

SLDF BattleMech R&D Committee

Thank you for your participation in the 4th Star League Defense Force's Military Acquisitions Committee (BattleMech Sub-Committee). We have a single slot available today to order a new Medium 'Mech. B...

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