Revised Legion Armylist and thus models to be expected list.

XX Legion / Rhisienne, M42 

(total points: 1749pts)  

Primary Detachment

HQ

Lord Inquisitor Berthold Von Lochov, Cabal Emissary  (count as Inquisitor Coteaz #1 pts:100) 

“Berthold, the formidable off-spring of Terran Nobility cast aside as a child with fearsome psychic potential only to grow into a Lord Inquisitor of incredible magnetism, charisma and intellect, is perhaps the most dangerous man on Rhisienne. Von Lochov is a master strategist who’s worth is best measured in the deep respect he enjoys amongst the Astartes, but several forces beyond humanity hunt for his soul”

Articifier armour, bolt pistol, master-crafted nemesis thunder mace, frag / krak / psyk - grenades, imperial eagle

Independent character, I’ve been expecting you, Psyker (level 2), spy-network, stubborn.

dark excommunication, hammerhand, sanctuary or Divination-, Pyromancy-, Telekinesis-table 

“Ambassador of Rhisienne”

Inquisitor Eleni, Ordo Xenos  (Inquisitor #1 pts:79) 

“Inquisitor Valeria Eleni, former acolyte and discipline of Von Lochov, is what the Ordos call a Radical. The end justifies the means.”

Carapace Armour, Bolt pistol, force sword, frag / krak / psyk / psychotroke - grenades, 3 servo skulls

Independent Character, Psyker Mastery Level 1, Stubborn,

ELITES

Legionnaires & operatives Jargassor and Ralf (count as purifier squad #10 pts: 295)

“When the God Emperor created his demigod generals and their Legions of super warriors he made them adaptable and all powerful, but he also designed each to perfect an aspect of warfare and to fulfill a unique role fitting to their Primarch’s character. The XX would be the Emperor’s Special Operations Forces, the most independent, secretive, clandestine, unorthodox and creative of all of his Legions.”

power armour, storm bolter, frag / krak / psyk - grenades

2 Falxes (Nemesis Halberds, seargent has one of them)

1 Nemesis Thunder Hammer

4 Psycannons

hammerhand, breath of the hydra

the aegis, brotherhood of the cabal, combat squads, fearless, preferred enemy (daemons) 

Rhino APC (#1 pts:40)

storm bolter, smoke launchers

The Aegis, Psychic Pilot, Fortitude

TROOPS

Emerald Guard, Von Lochov House Militia (count as henchmen warband #10 pts:98)

“The private army of a Noble house with access to Inquisitorial equipment and training from the Astartes, Loyal to the core, experienced and stubbornly fearless.”

6 Warrior Acolytes with bolters 30

- Master Leopold, Warrior Acolyte with storm bolter 8

3 Emerald guard firesupport servitors, 3 plasmacannons 60

Rh PDF Chimera APC (#1 pts:56)

2 Heavy bolters, smoke

searchlight

amphibious, command vehicle

Stealth Team Damask (count as henchmen warband #4 pts:22)

“Dune Twists are master pathfinders - outcasts whose mutant elders have roamed the great desert for centuries of tribal wars and incredible hardships. Small teams are often lead by Legion agents and advisors”

Twists, flamer 14

Rich & Tusharat the Goggles; Warrior Acolytes 8

Rh PDF Chimera APC (#1 pts:56)

multi laser, heavy flamer, smoke

searchlight

amphibious, command vehicle

Stealth Team Cobra (count as henchmen warband #3 pts:15)

“Legion agents, Hand picked from Imperial military and enforcement organizations to create mobile, independent teams of expert marksmen and demolition experts.”

Karsten, Anselm, Meinhard, Warrior Acolytes with bolters

Razorback APC (#1 pts:51)

twin heavy bolter

searchlight, psybolt ammo

The Aegis, Psychic Pilot, Fortitude

Stealth Team Effrit (count as henchmen warband #3 pts:15)

“Legion agents, Hand picked from Imperial military and enforcement organizations to create mobile, independent teams of expert marksmen and demolition experts.”

Ralph, Kranj & Egran, Warrior Acolytes with blotters

Leonard Delel, Rogue Trader  & The Formicarius (count as henchmen warband #8 pts: 109)

“The Charter or Rogue Trading is one of the oldest and most powerful legal documents in the Imperium of Man. Rogue Traders are tasked to push the boundaries of imperial trade and produce to uncharted and at times extremely high-risk / high return territories. Leonard Delel is an examplery one, ambitious, cunning and seemingly with seven lives to spend. Delel’s special expertise is in Xenotech and he is currently subject to an Inquisitorial investigation.”

Delel and the formicarius, 5 Death cult assassins

Shortfuse, Warrior Acolyte meltabombs 9

Chronodaem Mystic 10

1 Crusader 15, power axe

FAST ATTACK

“Sparrow” Gun Cutter  (#1 Storm Raven pts: 255)

“Attack craft capable of rapid and clandestine insertions of infantry are an important part of XX operations and the legion employs a wide range of different craft, often custom equipped for specific missions. One of them, call sign “Sparrow” is a formidable gunboat and the personal cutter of Von Lochov.”

Twin-linked multi-melta, twin-linked assault cannon, mind strike missiles, Hurricane bolters, Psybolt ammunition

assault vehicle, power of the machine spirit, fortitude,…

HEAVY SUPPORT

“XVJ32U22” Imperial Minerals Skitari Cyclops, Mars Pattern (#1 rifleman dreadnought pts:136)

“The Legio Cybernetica is a treasured facet of the Mechanicum. Since the great Crusade it has played its role among the noblest Astartes Legion. The Cyclops are incredibly destructive and mission specific robotic shells housing advanced machine-spirits. Cybernetica tech-priests engineer organic-synthetic minds from biological components to work as the neural system of these automatons. Cyclops form the Alfa strike component of the Imperial Minerals’ fighting arm”

Twin-linked auto-missilepods, with flux-core rockets

smoke, searchlight

the aegis, preffered enemy, psychic pilot, reinforced aegis, fortitude

“Master Alpharius”, 1st Dreadnought,  (#1 Dread Knight pts:260)

“Master Alpharius, a Dreadknight Pattern dreadnought with teleporting technologies unlike anything the Forges of Mars can manufacture today, is a relic of immense destructive power and a sage counsel to his chapter. From his legendary triumphs in flesh, through epic injuries, he has continued serve the chapter in death since the Heresy. ”

Heavy inferno cannon, Nemesis greatsword, personal teleporter

dreadknight armour, nemesis doomfists

Jump Monstrous creature

the aegis, ATSKNF, preffered enemy daemons, psyker, reinforced aegis, 

Dark Excommunication, Hammerhand

“Master Omegon”, 2nd Dreadnought,  (#1 Dread Knight pts:160)

“Master Omegon, Legion dreadnought, Dreadknight pattern. ”

Heavy inferno cannon

dreadknight armour, nemesis doomfists

Jump Monstrous creature

the aegis, ATSKNF, preffered enemy daemons, psyker, reinforced aegis, 

Dark Excommunication, Hammerhand

or in short: 1749pts Pure Grey Knights

Coteaz 100

Xenos =I= (psyker, force sword, rad greandes, 3 servo skulls) 79

10 Purifiers (4 cannons, 2 halberds, hammer) 295

Rhino 40

10 Henchmen (6 bolters, 1 storm bolter, 3 plasma cannon servitors) 98

Chimera (two heavy bolters, smoke, light) 56

3 Henchmen (two acolytes, flamer acolyte) 22

Chimera (multi laser, heavy flamer, smoke, light) 56

3 Henchmen (bolters) 15

Razorback (HBs, psyammo, light) 51

3 Hechmen (bolters) 15

8 Henchmen (mystic, 5 death cultists, 1 crusader, acolyte with meltabombs) 109

Storm Raven (multimelta, assault cannons, hurricane bolters, psy ammo) 255

Dreadnought (twin autocannons, ammo) 136

Dreadknight (shunt, inferno, sword) 260

Dreadknight (inferno) 160

Holger, Master of Ordnance, Emerald Guard.

My second take of the brilliant Nurgle Lord, and first of three Plasma Cannon models for the retinue. The first one, Borsus of the Red Storme Riseth thrown in for reference and to show how different the Legion palette is.

I've promised more and better pictures of the various henchmen and what not, and once I have a few more finished I will do that.

Skitarii Praetorian Centurions

I know I released the first of these to mixed reactions, but having just finished the squad ready for painting I am very excited about them. The right paint job that emphasizes their weight and the materials combined with the scale that goes missing with out reference is going to make this a great looking part of the Army that adds another important point in the range of scale in the force.

With out further ado:

“Praetorians are the absolute elite of  Skitarii (the official term for Mechanicus military forces), augmented with a sophisticated array of bionics and powered suits of armour. The Centurions are heavy battle suit originally built for the Astartes fire support roles, but modified versions were created for the Skitarii and have become the hammer of many Praetorian missions”

PIP - new Alpharius

Fresh off the iPhone, these guys are 80% done. Freehand markings next, then more darkening and definition layers, weathering and finally base. What is left is the absolute bliss part of painting these.

Next steps for the Twentieth Legion.

It's a nice feeling. Army in the bag. Satisfied, yet eager to out do the existing stuff after learning so much through the process. Now that I have critical mass, I can also spend (even) more time on individual things and have quite the list of things in planning.

Big news

• I now have a full, high quality airbrush set up - will be looking into integrating this new tool with out everything looking airbrushed (a look I personally hate)
• I have learned to use different pigments, filters and other tricks, but yet to make them really sing

Specific units being built or specifically planned

• Imperial Guard Vendetta, incorporating everything I learned with the vehicles + the airbrush
• 3 marines 75% painted
• 3 henchmen 75% built
• Second Cyclops Automaton (the big mechanicus robots brother)
• Want to get bag to building the Dune Twists war mammoth
• Henchmen chimera
• The big trench system terrain set.

More vague in schedule and scope, but definitely in the to do list

• Full Imperial Guard infantry platoon, if and when GW finally releases a new plastic regiment - the longest over due addition to the game IMO
• Eldar allied detachment. Wraith heavy - complimentary color scheme, but still in moonlight
• Bane blade or similar

Thoughts?

Of the fabulous hydra it is said, cut off one head and two will grow in its place!

To do this - I need to go to the beginning - all the way. This post is part one of three reports of Legion reaching Army size. Second will be more musings, close ups on armor and three new Marines, and third my grand plan going forward. Before (or perhaps after) you dive into looking at the pictures, please grab your favorite Warhammer 40000 Codex, Rulebook or Art book. This should be the frame of reference as much as the other painted miniatures you see in the inter webs, or perhaps more so.

Thanks. And Sorry.

Founding (2009)

“Of the fabulous hydra it is said, cut off one head and two will grow in its place” - antique proverb

Prelude - Ten Millenia of Memories

Rhisinne, great equatorial plains, two years after the Heresy.

The utter silence tuned into a screaming crescendo smoothly like a curtain unveiled before the act.  Fourteen Chimera Personnel carriers sat on the dry ground, their cargo perfectly lined up in front of them. The Stormbird touched down briefly. Clouded in dust it rose again and took away the crescendo. Silence. The dust settled and revealed five figures, two giants in  midnight plate, a Het of the Geno Chiliad, a robed man and a frail, incredibly elegant character. A sharp clasp sprung as 166 Elite Geno Guard snapped into attention with near inhuman precision behind the General Governor, Geno 4-4.

The fate of the system was decided between this conclave, with only the desert as the witness. No written or other document would ever reference this event. The true rule was established and the trials of  Vipera were initiated. “The Tacit” an elite military formation was born that day, but their history makes no  mention of their forming, and verbal account does not cumulate in a unit of mouthless men. 

41st Millenium

We are Legion (2008, the original story from Jade Vessel =I=munda campaign)

They needed to find him and find him they did. Didn’t feel that way now, did it. It was fething cold, the humidity of the earlier thunder rains was whisked around by the brisk sea wind flowing through the forgotten docklands. The full moon cast a pale, icy glare that froze the shadows of the stand off. 

There he was, in rugged civilian clothes, armed with a brace of pistols, Sgt. Jargassor, whom all needed to find - the least of their concerns now. 

The entire hunt team had their retinas transfixed on the massive being next to him. A dozen weapons of different make pointed at him for what little difference it made. Standing two and a half meters, a god of war, clad in a huge suit of armor the color of night, the giant stared back, immoveable like a statue, yet radiating explosiveness like an unstable flux core reactor. 

The wind turned only to punctuate the stalemate.

‘I am Alpharius, We are Legion‘ The giant announced in a distinctive, flowing, silky, yet authoritarian voice.

A Band of Brothers  (2009)

Rhisinne, great equatorial plains, 999.M41

Bone jarring grind engulfed the wadi, Wrath of Vulcan, a Storm Lord and two Baneblades: Steel Dancer and Equilibrium powered forward in triangle formation, followed by two companies of Leman Russ Vanquishers, tiny in comparison. The plain on both sides was a hell storm of fire and smoke, as the 2-2-1 Artillery blanketed the approach invisible. Forty-two Chimeras followed the main battle tanks into the wadi, carrying the 3-7 Renor Grenadiers.

In the huge border county hive, a squadron of Valkyrie screamed thorough perilous support beams and hab structures. On board squads of the Tacit sat in silence, meditating the battle plan. Each could feel the stream of data in their comm implants, as their rides banked from side to side to navigate the tight approach and avoid the intense flak. 

Sgt. Jurg of 3-7 double checked his watch, briefly revealing a hint of dark blue tattoo. A symbol bearing clear resemblance was also found on Colonel Rafs’ Chest, underneath the ballistic cloth that the Storm Lord crew wore to work. Comissar Grennel wore a signet ring with a snake around two crosses. Each and every one of the Tacit had a burn brand XX on their left pectoral muscle. Then there were the Stealth Cells, like Effrit, who wore much more developed and hidden brands.  All told, over a thousand man or women preparing for war, training and training were “Legion First”.

Rhisinne, Ultima Segementum  (following extract thought to be a current draft of Ordo Hereticus fact file: re: Rhisienne) (2009)

A bastion of Imperial might, Rhisinne, it’s twin guardian moons Vipera and Pythan and 3 satellite worlds Quntus (agri world), Renor (geo mineral world) and Falkh (Cardinal World) together form an empire  of indomitable attrition against the fury of Maelstorm and the countless Xeno foe in the eastern Fringe. The System is gaining respect and referenced with the Likes of Abdus Prima and Gelt, even Ultramar, in productivity and model of Imperial Creed. 

Rhisienne’s illustrious history draws close to the annals of the Heresy and it’s aftermath, but the founding of the mythical and elusive Blades of Laerna (Gene Seed unknown) chapter in M36 chartered an age of growth and strength in the region. In particular the pacification of Xenos hostilities in the region was profound. 

The Adeptus Terra allow for considerable leeway in the dealings of planetary governing bodies, when the tithes are met and regiments raised. Rhisienne has been exemplary on both accounts, but the behavior, and in particular refusal of the Blades of Laerna to fight together with other Chapters, has warranted two Inquisitorial investigations on their conduct and position of power within the system. No conclusive findings have been made, but nor has anyone been allowed on the twin moon bases of the chapter. Four different Inquisitorial Conclaves have argued the issue. The Chapter seems to have a veto of sorts within the inner chambers of Ordos Ultima Segementum.  Not so with the Astartes. Infuriated Captain Sicarius of the Ultramarines, normally the image of calm and tact, has reported his apparent disgust at a Blades of Lerna veteran, who outrageously introduced himself as _Heretic Name Scourged off records_, before disappearing without trace during recent operations against the upstart Tau Empire. This is but one of several shows of disrespect and bravado, or outright non co-operation. Some less taciturn chapters have threatened with open hostilities.

Rhisienne System can boast with two legendary Imperial Guard regiments, the Renor Grenadiers and the Elite Tacit. Furthermore the Rhisienne PDF is a top tier military formation, it’s Guard regiments in high demand across the sector and beyond. 

The system is a very model of Imperial values and strength, determined and resourceful. 

The VI Edition (2012)

A matrimony of flesh and engine, a one in a million mechanicum body for a uniquely gifted sentient gasped violently. Like a diver bursting from depths for that first animalistic inhale. The noosphere sifted, fluid, organic, but binary.  The sift caused a flurry of responses, the system sensing its new gift, feeling its tremendous potential. 

That gasp echoed in eternity. A thousand sinister and sadistic beings reacted with what would be best described as surprise. But that surprise was followed by feelings that would savage planets and devour populations. 

The test flight was a success. 

It was monitored by several cloaked Pegasus Surveillance kites, and other less impossible craft, all connected to the noosphere. The mechanical man in his ballistic grave trailing cables as thick as an Astartes thigh would have smiled had he not lost that ability aeons ago. 

That was not the only smile on the bridge of a massive displacement of nothing in high anchor over Ragoos. If someone had the means to reveal its nature and decipher its name, it was called Gamma, a hugely powerful subsystem. Two gigantic Astartes Captains shared a grin before addressing the others. It was quite the ensemble. So unorthodox and specialized that only the 20th Legion could muster and master such. 

When the God Emperor created his demigod generals and their Legions of super warriors he made them adaptable and all powerful, but he also designed each to perfect an aspect of warfare and to fulfill a unique role and character. The Imperial Fists would build his forts and surrender no ground,  led by Dorn genius of war architecture. Perturabo and his Iron Warriors would be his siege lords, assault destroyers without peer, able to crack open any defense. Leman Russ was the Emperor’s executioner. His loyal wolf pack that would hunt down everyone and anyone who needed to die.

When the Emperor had carefully considered all aspects of military strategy and tactics, theoretical and practical, he had one role left for insurance. The Rogue Agent, The XX. They would be the Emperor’s Special Operations Forces, full-filling the final gap in the perfect army. The most physically fit, independent, secretive, clandestine, unorthodox and creative of all of his Legions. 

What was set in motion in the Rhisienne system exemplified all of those qualities. The Emperor’s design was flawless. 

+++ 

It all started 20 years ago. A young kid found the mysterious world of 40k through Space Crusade and then 2nd Edition.

Playing the game with other kids my age, I was naturally the most able with technique, but one of the kids was really doing his own thing. While all the others were admiring the freehand flames on my Dark Angel Captain’s cape, I was in awe of these bright green, loosely painted marines mixing parts from RT era and other model kits and doing the unexpected. 

By the 3rd Edition, I had left and come back, and got hooked so I would not leave again. I also once more met a friend with ability to produce such genius originality that that it made me reconsider all of my own work.

Stupendous amounts of hard fun and work later - a fun Necromunda campaign with solemnly Inquisitorial twist changed things for me. We called it =I=munda.

During the campaign and reading the Legion book, I just had to try portraying GW art and Legion the book, in a single concept Marine. Painted for impact not technical perfection. Something I had been searching since the start of the hobby. I finally found the space where I like the work I produce and it resonates originality and freedom in my own possibly biased opinion. Despite the growing up business, the hobby remains an unrestricted canvas were I can just have fun, explore and enjoy, without the pressures and budgets of real world. 

What I remember very fondly from second edition was the mix and match of imperial allies. Marines and guard standing side by side. So the allies rules have obviously been the best news with the new edition. The first Leman Russ demolisher kit was just released when I got in the hobby, so that will also feature... But more importantly, the second edition has had a seminal role in inspiring this project.

Having first nailed the marine in a way that presents the legion character and the Astartes physique “correctly”, I was happy to find away with the humble Imperial Guardsman. A regiment that would typify some of the crazyness of 40k in comparison to modern military. The original plan for IG was to be:

1. a mass canvas bringing out the marines and esoteric agents
2. good on their own
3. fit in with the existing palette
4. not be too drab and sink in terrain totally like my previous guard.

The army is now at gaming strength, aiming for tournament strength, and after the latest forays to the gorgeous new Dark Vengeance boxed set, and the Dread Knight Venerable Dreadnought, the plan is simple. Find the stamina to do Guard in numbers, and ignite the forge world to produce tanks!

I do have one sincere ask for GW. A new plastic guard regiment or two, please. Those are looooong over due.

Stay tuned.

While we wait...

relax and read something:

http://www.puttyandpaint.com/projects/2562

A stunning example of a B&W paint job, now at the top of my inspiration folder to serve as a reminder, that the light/shadow work of a miniature should work strikingly without color.

Anyway, I've begun putting together two small teams of three henchmen with Bolters. Handy little teams that are dirt cheap in pts cost but can ride around in a chimera or future razorback and claim objectives.

Like all units in the army - both will have their own sub themes (and take an insane amount of care for a game play model worth all of 5pts). This first team is a little more overtly pompous, henchmen from Inquisitor Berthold Von Lochov's own family guard. But also hardcore experienced and worn Legion operatives. A mix of mostly Empire and Chaos cultist parts.

I've also grown really fond of Standards, flags and other large canvas sections with which to show the moon light and water painterly approach to such material feel and in general one key visual aspect that separates Warhammer 40000 from warfare as we know it today. So I'm trying to include as much of them in the army as I can, eventually culminating in to Alpharius carrying a Legion War Banner.

And a reminder of my scale. 

Tanks - first sightings!

Visceral

Water painterly

Moonlit

Weather crafted

Raw

yet realistic and materialistic!

Going all the way back to the principles and drivers of the Legion project and melting them together into a successful new entry to large flat surfaces and the world of tanks has been a time consuming and immensely satisfying affair. The end result is a great foundation for stuff to come and definitely a learning experience. 

I started with a great deal of expectations as I was personally very satisfied with the Venerable Dreadknight (I still owe you proper pictures) and the Mechanicus Automaton. Both models however, where in ways scaled up infantry - walkers and full of detail to apply both my experimental style, directional moon light and dramatic assault of gothic weather.

I am nearly there now! With a few more sessions left and then the mother of all photo sessions to bring you the full army in all of it's gory or glory depending on your taste. I hope to finish painting this weekend and do the photos the following.

Thank you for your patience and here are a few WIPs.

Working on it.

Quick hello,

Working on four tanks factory style. Nothing exciting to show yet, but after this weekend I have either finished all the boring stuff on all of them - ie. all base colors and it's time to bring them alive with sense of scale and material and narrative, OR finished one or two of them all the way. :) and then it should be time for proper pics.

Legion WIP update.

Artistic endeavors and musings

Artistic endeavors and musings it says in ABOUT this blog - so here's one to respond to a kind post at Dakkadakka (the best Warhammer 40000 forum in the inter webs)

To understand Blanche is to understand a difference between a creator artist and a sublime illustrator. It's a fairly evolved thing to grasp for most gaming obsessed minds. Both have a great importance for successful sic-fi/fantasy world, but obviously you need a Blanche to create the world that a Dainton can paint in stunning detail. This is my personal opinion anyway. Abnett has then gone and written about what others have ignored, in brilliantly imaginative detail and without any remorse on his loved heroes. 

In life as in the hobby I've been interested in defying the norm and creating and making stuff. 

I have somewhat successfully ignored the labels we like to stamp on hobbyists (gamer vs. painter vs. cheesy this or that vs. GD winner vs. fluff head vs....) From the past I have several third place tournament finishes and 7th place from the UK GT finals in circa 2003, when it was the cheesiest circuit on the planet that involved a few 150 heats of which a 150player final was put togther. I enjoy the fact I went in with a beautifully modeled and very different list and gave those who've dedicated their hobby to the dice gods a good run for their money. I've also been to the Golden Demons once and it went all right. 

BUT, Neither one is for me.

What I love is a good group of friends who want to create beautiful miniatures, great stories and memorable games. Those three can well combine for a tournament, but they are rare gems and I can only recall two out of a dozen or so. More often it's a gaming group getting together. That I miss dearly after moving away from mine a few years ago - so the blog and dakka are place holders for when I hopefully find a few folks who share the motivation. 

I'm some what troubled by the word "like minded" when talking about friends. I have had the utmost fortune to have friends who are not likeminded and create great moments together. I find like minded collectives often quite restrictive and sometimes really elitist. As an example, the +I+munda movement that in large part was kicked off by few of my friends and me getting together to play a campaign followed up and aligned with John Blanche sharing his Inquisitor themed models in the White Dwarf. It has grown into a select and connected group who've done fantastic work and gaming without any of my involvement. Though I am happy to call them my friends. 

But somehow it got framed as the "golden age" of the hobby. When pretty much everyone in the group is missing out on playing army scale for example. Truth is that this is the golden age of the hobby because Games Workshop has created such a brilliant canvas and improved it's offering so dramatically and all different scenes and pockets of the hobby have benefitted tremendously. 

Progress smells like plastic fumes!

I've kept going. No pics yet, but a quick heads up that I've now finished a Chimera. This one is the most simple of the two, partly because there's now crew visible, but also to allow some of the other vehicles be more "loud".

First of the three marines is also finished. The other two are up to 80%. I'm working hard to give each of them a distinct personality, battlefield role, and story. The first one might be a fallen angel. Battle brother sharing the Legion mission, if not gene-seed.

I have also been reading the forums a little bit. Trying to get my head around 6th ed and tweaks needed to my build plan.

AND the new White Dwarf was delivered yesterday. Well done Mikko for the nice Blanchitsu article. Looking forward to when the WD guys have the time to shoot and interview my long and often travelled gang ;) And who knows, maybe Legion ends up being the first Army scale project fitting for a Blanchitsu. A joint army of the month and Blanchitsu perhaps.

I am getting ahead of myself, but that is the best way to keep things moving at pace!

Setting a deadline.

On 1st of March, one of the most insanely converted and painted Warhammer 40000 armies ever built will go to war.

THE BAY AREA OPEN

I am contemplating between the team tournament (if I find a good match) and the massive task of finishing 2000pts (I'm up to 1250ish today) and living with the consequences of doing a crazy army list to reach that and then having my beautifully made models die to some possibly half painted copy paste list.

The latter don't sound so good, does it? In time, I'm sure my list will be very strong too, but I also need practice, since I only managed to play like half a dozen games of 5th, after very active 3rd and 4th editions.

WIP update : Legion, Good and Bad

Here's a random update of what's cooking. Adding to the mix a Leman Russ Demolisher 50% assembled.

You see here models that will end up in the Bad retinue, the very first concepts for the Good Retinue and Legion project (Space Marine squad and Von Lochov's retinue)

I'll try to focus so I can actually deliver something soon.

See how badly scaled the DA Librarian is to the Cultist models most of whom are actually a tad taller. This plays nicely for my project though. My own marines being "correctly" scaled to GW Background, I get to make good use of a lot of Space Marine parts/models for =I= projects. The Librarian will be a fine canvas for one.

TERRAIN delivery - "Rhisienne" taking shape

This, Ladies and Gentlemen, makes me a happy man!



I have something to share that has always eluded me. A full set of quality terrain ready for gaming (ie. 95% finished, up to gaming quality and I can add decals, little more weathering, graffiti, and other detail over time.)

I've been working on these on and off for many many years, but for the past year they were all packed away from the move. Well this weekend I fired up big time, and the set is ready for gaming. I rewarded myself by ordering the gorgeous new Citadel bunker/trench system kit and the landing pad I've been wanting since it came out.

So some quick iPhone pics of "Rhisienne" at different stages this weekend,

buildings getting a desert dusting (some also a rusting)

Legion Venerable inspecting the new terrain (prior to ground washes)

Buildings and tiles (prior to ground washes)

Finished tiles still masked

Sample tile, masking removed, all ready to go late tonight!

Armor & Lenses

The order of IG armored vehicles arrived - and so did the new lens. The latter is unbelievable.

That means my long time plan of having two very specific modes of photography and set up needs to come to fruition. A nice template that fits WIPs from the iPhone and something worthy of a Leica designed lens for the finished units.

So that's what I'm designing and thinking about at the moment. I need to find the perfect back drops for both, is what it boils down to.

In the doing front, I'm putting together three more legionnaires and just finished painting the heavy stubber dude, converted from the cultists.

Abort mission - but Venerable finished!

Sunday's game did not happen. Executive orders from a friend's girlfriend ruled out the planned battleground.

However, I finished the Dreadknight on time and am quite excited with the result and getting to move on to new units.

I shot quick ones with the iPhone, but hope to do a proper shoot to show the weathering in particular. I used liquid masking and then later picked the revealed areas out with different rust and dirt treatments and it worked out very nicely. This will be the scheme I will use for all the Legion armor, but the Guard will have slightly different scheme with camouflage and large blue and white stripe markings, 2nd edition style. (but with a moonlight mix, realistic weathering and more emotion)

Dreadknight WIP

Venerable Omegon

Chapter Hero

Dread Knight pattern

Protector of Rhinsienne

It took a while longer to build, and I missed my one unit a month goal for September, but then it was a special month otherwise.

Here is a WIP picture for you guys, I am now happily into the painting phase, and will finish this guy by the ned of the month, hopefully with some time to spare for what ever I decide to do next.