My Journey Building an Ej Halfling Army for the 2026 Mantic Kings of War Slow Grow Challenge Part 1

Joining the 2026 Mantic Kings of War Slow Grow Challenge has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my hobby journey. I chose to build an Ej Halfling army inspired by the halfling forces from the Winged Hussar’s "Stand at Callenspire." Over the past months, I have shared updates and photos on Facebook and the Kings of War Forum, documenting each step of this slow and steady project. This first post in a series will capture the story behind my army, the challenges I faced, and the joy of watching a small force grow into a formidable presence on the tabletop.

Choosing the Ej Halflings and the Inspiration Behind the Army

When the Slow Grow Challenge was announced, I knew I wanted to pick a faction that felt unique and offered a lot of character. I also wanted to represent an army from the Invasion book as then there will not be too many changes over the course of the coming months, so I played it safe. The Ej Halflings immediately caught my attention. Their blend of quirky charm and surprising battlefield effectiveness made them a perfect fit for a slow-building project, besides which I had no interest in building an army of Xirkaali, my Partner has a Salamander Army and as I already had the Halfling models it was a no brainer over Trident Realms

The Winged Hussar’s "Stand at Callenspire" scenario provided a rich narrative backdrop. The halflings in that story are resilient, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to their homeland. I wanted my army to reflect those qualities, so I focused on units and models that could tell that story visually and tactically.

This meant prioritizing units with a mix of ranged and melee capabilities, supported by a few cleverly chosen war machines and heroes. The goal was to build a force that could hold its own in battle while capturing the spirit of the halflings’ stand.

Planning the Army Build Over Time

The Slow Grow Challenge encourages participants to build their armies gradually, focusing on quality and detail rather than rushing to complete everything at once. This approach suited me perfectly because it allowed me to enjoy every stage of the hobby process.

I started by breaking down the army into manageable chunks:

• Core Infantry Units: These form the backbone of the army and were my first priority.

• Heroes and Commanders: Adding personality and tactical options.

• Support Units and War Machines: To provide variety and strategic depth.

• Scenic Bases and Terrain: To enhance the visual storytelling.

  
  

Each month, I set small goals, such as assembling and painting a unit or experimenting with new basing techniques. This steady pace has kept me motivated and allowed me to share progress updates with the community.

For Phase 1 I opted for 2 core units and a Character so I could actually use the proto Army on the table top. Looking through the Army list and my model collection made me settle on Aaron Cadwallader as my Warlord, how much more thematic can an Ej Halfling Army get !, taking Aaron means that Juggers are Core ! win win, so my 3D Printer whirred into action and some Jugger parts were printed along with a Muster Captain model to lead the unit.

So this was 200 points for Aaron Cadwallader and 190 points for a Jugger Regiment. I then had 110 points to spend, looking at the army List I spotted a Halfling Rifle regiment is exactly 110 points ! almost like it was planned, so a Regiment of Halfling Rifles was built.

Painting and Modeling Techniques

Painting the Ej Halflings has been a delightful challenge. Their small size means details matter a lot, and I wanted to bring out their character without overcomplicating the process.

I chose a color palette inspired by the Winged Hussar’s artwork: earthy tones with splashes of brighter colors for clothing and banners. This helped the army feel cohesive and visually striking on the tabletop.

Some techniques I found especially useful:

• Layering and Glazing: To create smooth transitions on clothing and skin.

• Dry Brushing: For highlighting textures on weapons and armor.

• Washes: To add depth and shadow quickly.

• Freehand Details: On banners and shields to reflect the halflings’ unique heraldry.

  
  

I also experimented with scenic bases, adding small tufts of grass, rocks, and tiny mushrooms to evoke the halflings’ woodland environment.

Sharing Progress and Engaging with the Community

Posting updates on Facebook and the Kings of War Forum has been a highlight of this project. The feedback and encouragement from fellow hobbyists helped me stay motivated and inspired.

I shared photos of each completed unit, along with notes on painting techniques and assembly tips. This sparked conversations about the best ways to represent halfling culture and tactics in Kings of War.

The community also offered advice on army composition and gameplay strategies, which helped me refine my list and prepare for future battles.

Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned

Building an army slowly over many months comes with its own set of challenges:

• Maintaining Momentum: It’s easy to lose steam when progress feels slow. Setting small, achievable goals helped me stay on track.

• Balancing Quality and Speed: I had to remind myself that it’s okay to keep some units simpler to avoid burnout.

• Adapting to New Releases: Occasionally, new Kings of War rules or models came out, which meant adjusting my plans.

• Photography: Capturing the miniatures well enough to share online required learning some basic lighting and composition techniques.

  
  

Each challenge was an opportunity to improve my skills and deepen my appreciation for the hobby.

Preparing the Army for Battle

As the army grew, I started playtesting with friends and at local events. The Ej Halflings proved to be surprisingly versatile. Their mix of ranged and melee units allowed for flexible tactics, while their heroes added valuable buffs and leadership.

I focused on learning how to use terrain to my advantage, reflecting the halflings’ woodland background. This meant using forests and hills to protect my units and create ambush opportunities.

The slow build also gave me time to experiment with different unit combinations and strategies, making the army feel truly my own.

Final Thoughts on the Slow Grow Challenge Experience

Participating in the 2026 Mantic Kings of War Slow Grow Challenge has transformed how I approach my hobby. Instead of rushing to finish, I learned to savor each step, from assembly to painting to gameplay.

Building an Ej Halfling army based on the Winged Hussar’s "Stand at Callenspire" gave me a clear vision and a strong connection to the models. Sharing progress with the community added a social dimension that made the experience even richer.

If you’re considering a slow grow project, I encourage you to pick a faction that excites you and set realistic goals. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to share your journey with others.

The satisfaction of seeing a small force grow into a detailed, playable army is well worth the effort.