Painting the D&D Archdevils: Hutijin, Moloch, Titivilus

Quick Answer

To paint the D&D Icons of the Realms Archdevils set, start with a dark primer, then layer reds and golds for Hutijin, deep purples and brass for Moloch, and icy blues with silver for Titivilus, finishing with a wash and drybrush for depth.

Painting the Archdevils: Step-by-Step

1. 1. Prime and Base Coat: Apply a thin coat of black primer over the entire miniature. Once dry, base coat each archdevil with its primary color: red for Hutijin, purple for Moloch, and icy blue for Titivilus. Use thin layers to avoid obscuring details. Common mistake: applying primer too thickly, which fills in fine sculpted details. Shake the primer can well and spray from 8-10 inches away.
2. 2. Layer and Highlight: Build up highlights by mixing the base color with a lighter tone. For Hutijin, add orange to red; for Moloch, add pale pink to purple; for Titivilus, add white to icy blue. Focus highlights on raised areas like muscle ridges, armor edges, and wing bones. Checkpoint: keep your paint consistency like skim milk—too thick and you lose detail, too thin and you'll need many coats.
3. 3. Apply Metallics: Paint metallic areas: gold for Hutijin's armor and weapons, brass for Moloch's tarnished gear, and silver for Titivilus's icy chains and crown. Use a fine brush for precision, and let each coat dry before applying the next. Common mistake: using metallic paints over a dark base without a solid undercoat, which makes them look dull. Apply a thin layer of grey first for brighter metallics.
4. 4. Wash for Depth: Apply a dark wash (black or dark brown) to recessed areas like armor joints, wing membranes, and facial features. Let the wash flow naturally into the crevices, then wipe excess from raised surfaces with a damp brush. Checkpoint: too much wash can muddy the entire model. Use a small brush and apply only to the recesses, not the whole surface.
5. 5. Drybrush for Edge Highlights: After the wash dries, drybrush the raised areas with a lighter version of the base color. For Hutijin, use a bright orange; for Moloch, a pale lavender; for Titivilus, a pure white. This step adds crisp, dramatic highlights. Common mistake: using too much paint on the drybrush, which leaves streaks. Wipe the brush on a paper towel until almost no paint comes off before touching the model.
6. 6. Detail and Finish: Paint small details like eyes, gems, and runes with a fine brush. Use a gloss varnish on metallic areas and a matte varnish on the rest to protect the paint and create contrast. Let the varnish cure for 24 hours before handling. Checkpoint: varnish can yellow over time if applied too thickly. Use thin, even coats and shake the varnish can well before use.

Product Facts

• D&D Icons of the Realms: Archdevils - Hutijin, Moloch, Titivilus: Hutijin commands two companies of pit fiends, making up Cania's aristocracy, and can easily crush rivals with his soldiers. This backstory justifies painting Hutijin with regal, fiery tones—think deep reds and bright golds—to reflect his power and status among the archdevils.