This project was a real treat-getting to paint none other than Neferata herself for a Warhammer: The Old World Vampire Counts army. And not just her, but also her feline companion, Bastet. Both models were part of a commission, and it was such a cool opportunity to work on such an iconic character from the setting.

For anyone into Warhammer lore, Neferata is the original vampire-the first of her kind, and the founder of the Lahmian bloodline. Once the queen of the ancient city of Lahmia, she mastered the elixir of immortality, though not without consequences. Since then, she’s become a master manipulator, operating from the shadows, influencing the politics of the Old World through her vast network of agents. While other vampires rely on brute strength, Neferata is all about control, subtlety, and long-term schemes.

This particular model is the classic, old-school foot version-no Age of Sigmar reinterpretations here, just that proper Old World vibe. It’s got a lot of character and a certain nostalgic charm that I really enjoyed bringing to life.

Color-wise, I went for a dark, moody palette. Her gown is painted in deep dark blue tones, with subtle shifts into violet and cold navy-blue reflections catching the light. I wanted the fabric to feel regal and almost liquid in appearance-elegant, but with an unsettling, otherworldly coldness that fits Neferata perfectly.

Her skin is painted in a pale, cold blue tone, reinforcing her undead, aristocratic presence and giving her an almost statuesque, lifeless beauty. The overall inspiration for the scheme came directly from the cover artwork of Neferata by Josh Reynolds, which portrays her in a far more brutal and lethal light rather than romanticized beauty-emphasizing danger, violence, and ancient vampiric cruelty.

Her sword was a fun challenge. I decided to go for a green NMM (non-metallic metal) effect, aiming for that eerie, magical glow rather than a traditional steel look. It contrasts nicely with the colder hues of the dress and becomes a strong focal point of the model without overwhelming it.

And then there’s Bastet-her companion, quietly reinforcing that aristocratic, predatory calm that surrounds Neferata. It’s a small addition, but it really completes the scene and adds personality to the piece.

Overall, this was one of those projects where lore, mood, and painting techniques all came together really nicely. Always a pleasure to work on such a legendary character—especially in her classic Old World form.