From https://www.warhammer-community.com/2018/11/22/diary-of-a-horse-lord-part-3fw-homepage-post-3/

Riders/Warriors

"We are the riders of Théoden, sons of Eorl! Whose swords will sing today?"

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This guide provides a quick yet effective method for painting Rohirrim warriors, striking a balance between efficiency and detail. It uses an all-over Agrax Earthshade wash to unify tones, while additional layering and highlights create a natural, weathered look fitting for warriors of the Mark.

Pre-Stage: Basing Preparation

"The world changes, and all that once was strong now proves unsure."
– Théoden, The Two Towers (Film)

1. If you are following the Rohan Basing Scheme, start by painting the entire base with Mournfang Brown before moving on to the model itself. This ensures a smooth transition into later basing steps.

Stage 1: Base Colors

"Forth, and fear no darkness!"
– Théoden, The Return of the King (Film)

At this stage, focus on blocking in the base colors cleanly, ensuring full coverage over the primer. Since an all-over wash will follow, try to minimize pooling of thick paint.

1. Cloak – Castellan Green – The sturdy, thick woolen cloaks of the Rohirrim protect them from the chill of the open plains. Apply a smooth basecoat, using two thin layers if needed for even coverage.
2. Cloth (Tunics, Underclothes) – Baneblade Brown , Rhinox Hide , or Dryad Bark – Rohirrim garments are simple, woven from undyed wool and flax or dyed in earthy tones. Choose a mix for variation between models.
3. Inner Shield – Baneblade Brown , Rhinox Hide , or Dryad Bark – The inside of the shield is typically wooden, often left unpainted or lightly stained.
4. Hard Leather Armor (Bracers, Shoulder Guards, Reinforced Sections) – Rhinox Hide or Doombull Brown – These are hardened leather plates, offering protection while maintaining flexibility.
5. Boots – Rhinox Hide – Worn and sturdy, Rohirrim boots are built for endurance in the saddle.
6. Belts & Leather Straps – Rhinox Hide or Doombull Brown – Keep some variety among warriors, as leather varies in tone from wear and dyeing processes.
7. Wood (Spears, Axe Handles, Bows, Shield Backs) – Rhinox Hide or Dryad Bark – Typically made from ash or oak, Rohirrim weapon handles are dark, strong, and practical.
8. Shield Face – Waaagh! Flesh or Khorne Red – The shield is a warrior’s pride, often painted in deep greens or reds, the colors of the Mark. Apply in thin coats for smooth coverage.
9. Shield Design – Rakarth Flesh – Whether a stylized horse emblem or a simpler motif, Rakarth Flesh provides a good base for later highlighting.
10. Flesh – Kislev Flesh – This serves as the foundation skin tone before shading, representing the hardy complexion of the Rohirrim.
11. Hair – Zandri Dust – Most Rohirrim have fair or light brown hair, reflecting their Anglo-Saxon and Norse-inspired heritage.
12. Gold (Trim, Decorations, Sword Hilts, Helmet Emblems) – Retributor Armour – The gold accents on helmets and weapons reflect their craftsmanship and noble heritage.
13. Metal (Chainmail, Weapons, Helmet Crests, Buckles) – Ironbreaker – Rohan’s warriors favor practical steel over excessive decoration. Keep this layer thin to maintain detail.

Stage 2: Shading & Depth

"So it begins."
– Théoden, The Two Towers (Film)

This step unifies the model by adding shadows and depth, bringing out texture while giving the warrior a rugged, battle-worn look.

1. All-Over Wash – Agrax Earthshade – Generously apply to the entire model, allowing it to settle in recesses. This step adds instant depth to clothing, armor, and weapons while giving a slightly worn appearance.
2. Deeper Eye Sockets & Crevices – Wyldwood (slightly watered down) – To enhance facial depth, carefully apply Wyldwood into eye sockets, deep folds, and between fingers for extra shadow.

Stage 3: Refining Shadows & Midtones

"The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the deep, one last time!"
– Théoden, The Two Towers (Film)

With the shade dry, it’s time to reinforce details and midtones, restoring some base colors while keeping the depth created by shading.

1. Deep Recesses (Extra Definition in Shadows) – Mix Abaddon Black + Rhinox Hide + Lahmian Medium (1:1:2) OR use Wyldwood – Use sparingly in deep folds of cloaks, armor edges, and under belts.
2. Cloth – Baneblade Brown – Reapply this over tunics and cloth to restore color, avoiding shaded recesses.
3. Leather (Belts, Pouches, Bracers) – Gorthor Brown or Doombull Brown – Lightly highlight raised edges to add contrast.
4. Boots – Doombull Brown – Stipple slightly on the toes and upper sections for a weathered, well-worn look.
5. Wood (Spears, Shields, Bows) – Dryad Bark – Gently layer over the washed wood areas, leaving shade in the recesses.
6. Shield – Waaagh! Flesh or Khorne Red – Reinforce the shield’s base color, avoiding deeper recesses where shade has settled.
7. Cloak – Castellan Green – Restore the cloak’s rich color, keeping shaded folds darker.
8. Shield Design – Rakarth Flesh – Carefully clean up the design if needed.
9. Gold – Liberator Gold – Lightly layer over Retributor Armour, brightening raised details.

Stage 4: Highlights & Final Details

"Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!"
– Théoden, The Return of the King (Film)

This stage adds definition to key areas, making details pop.

1. Cloth – Karak Stone – Highlight raised areas of tunics and sleeves.
2. Hair – Karak Stone or Ushabti Bone or – Drybrush lightly for a natural highlight.
3. Wood – Karak Stone or Gorthor Brown – Edge highlight or drybrush lightly for worn effects.
4. Hard Leather Armor – Doombull Brown and/or Tuskgor Fur – Edge and/or stipple edges for worn texture.
5. Leather (Belts & Straps) – Baneblade Brown or Tuskgor Fur – Edge highlight for subtle contrast.
6. Shield – Skarsnik Green or Tuskgor Fur – Highlight raised edges for depth.
7. Shield Design – Pallid Wych Flesh – Final highlight on emblem edges.
8. Teeth – Pallid Wych Flesh – Pick out teeth for a realistic finish.
9. Flesh – Kislev Flesh – Lightly reapply on raised areas like cheekbones and nose.
10. Cloak – Deathworld Forest – Softly highlight raised folds for depth.
11. Metal & Gold (Final Edge Highlight) – Stormhost Silver – A fine edge highlight on armor, weapons, and gold trims to give a realistic gleam.

Royal Guard Capes & Rohirrim Banners

"Where now the horse and the rider?"
– The Two Towers (Book & Film)

The deep green of Rohan’s Royal Guard capes and war banners symbolizes their unwavering loyalty to the House of Eorl. These banners, emblazoned with golden horse motifs, whip and snap in the wind as they ride into battle, rallying the warriors of the Mark. Their cloaks, woven from the finest dyed wool, mark them as elite warriors, sworn to defend their king and people.

1. Basecoat – Caliban Green – Apply smoothly over the cape fabric or banner. This forms the deep, noble green that distinguishes the Royal Guard.
2. Shade – Agrax Earthshade – Apply a controlled wash into the folds and recesses, allowing it to settle naturally to enhance the depth of the cloth.
3. Reapply Base Color – Caliban Green – Once dry, reinforce the raised areas of the banner or cloak, avoiding deep recesses.
4. Highlighting the Fabric – Gradually mix in Loren Forest with Caliban Green , layering up along the peaks of folds and raised edges to create a rich, flowing effect.

For banners, you may wish to drybrush lightly at the very tips where fabric may be sun-bleached or weathered. The result should be a deep, regal green, worthy of Rohan’s finest warriors.

Horses

1. Use this horse painting guide to maintain consistency: https://paintpad.app/recipes/3059-painting-horses

Basing

1. Follow the Rohan Grassy Plains Basing Guide: https://paintpad.app/recipes/3169-rohan-grassy-plains-bases

Final Touches & Personalization

"No man’s life can be counted safe, for war is upon us."
– Théoden, The Two Towers (Film)

With small variations and details, your army will feel alive with history and personality. Now ride forth, for death and glory!

1. Links to Variations based on regions of Rohan: