Red Scorpions Stormtalon Gunship

March 28, 2013, 5:00 am

I love this model, it was fun to build and I really enjoyed painting it too. My chosen colour scheme is in the livery of the Red Scorpions Space Marine Chapter. Apart from the fact I love the name, colours, army composition and the fluff that goes with it, I am also a Scorpio birth sign, so it just kind of all fell into place. This is my first completed Red Scorpions model and I have a few more units built and ready to be painted in the very near future.

Not only was this my first Space Marine Chapter model, but also the first time I have mixed my own paints up in a batch. It was quite simple, just 2:1 Abaddon Black and Mechanicus Standard Grey with a tiny bit of water mixed together in a sealed mini jam jar. I realised very quickly that I would have trouble matching the grey if I was to mix little quantities at a time, so hopefully this should create a even colour across the entire army.

As you can see, I have picked out certain areas with the Red Scorpions trade mark mustard Yellow using Averland Sunset. I have used the new paints so there should not be any colour alteration throughout the army. It was hard to resist not adding more yellow but I thought that less would be more. The mustard yellow really stands out against the Charcoal, giving it a vibrant finish.

I added some Red Scorpions transfers from Forge World to inject the model with a little character and finish off the Red Scorpions theme.

Even from the rear you can still see the Red Scorpions Icons, also the yellow on the wings and tail tips frame it beautifully. You can't see it that well in the photo, but the Cog of the Mechanicum has been painted on the belly and another Red Scorpion transfer added to the underside.

I made sure that the Chapter Icons lined up on both sides so they don't look out of place. The way the model is built and posed really gives it that "in flight" feel and the profile is very appealing.

After careful consideration, I figured I would equip the Stormtalon with the Skyhammer Missile Launcher. For the role I have in mind it is not a tank hunter so armed this way makes sense. However this did not stop me from making sure all the other options were available for it.

Typhoon Missile Launcher, Frag and Krak as standard.

Twin linked Lascannon, now this would be used for tank hunting.

Twin linked Heavy Bolter. Not sure if I would ever use these, but they are available just in case.

On the underside of the wings I added two halves of a Lighting Aquila (that's what I call it). I love the idea that when it slows down and goes into hover mode, the thrusters are turned and the Aquila is shown to the enemy. It also added a little extra to the underside on the model.

I added a few more transfers to the top of the model, an assault unit marking and a number 4 indicating the Stormtalon is from the 4th Company. I guessed that I would be looking at it's rear for most of the time, so I added a cool looking Red Scorpions Aquila to the tail fin. I think this really adds that little touch.

I decided to push myself and my painting skills with this model, so I added some battle damage over the entire Stormtalon. I was careful to only add damage to the front and corner angles as I figured that would take the brunt of the damage. I did not add to much, for one I wanted to bring out a little of the Red Scorpion background, having Purity in their colours, so I wanted the paint scheme to be more visible than the weathering. And secondly, this was my first battle damage attempt and I did not want to ruin the model.

I made sure I paid as much attention to the inside as I did the out, so the cockpit was also fully painting will all the controls and screens detailed. Adding the "Strength" transfer and paying attention to the cluster of sensors and optics at the front, draws your eye to the nose of the model where most of the battle damage can be found. Giving a quick gloss varnish to the lenses makes them shine a little.

The Techmarine pilot was no exception. He was painted in the usual red Techmarine colour but with the Red Scorpions iconic Black and mustard yellow shoulder pads. I also swapped the head out for a MKIV helmet to really add to the Red Scorpions look. This was also my first attempt as Object Source Lighting (OSL) on the eyes. The blue is a striking contrast to the red of the armour. Overall I am really pleased.

Here you can see the model posed as if it is just about to hit hover mode and unleash it's volatile weaponry upon the unsuspecting foe.

The base was not left out and has also been completed to match my other armies. From above the Stormtalon look great, Death from the Skies is quite fitting I think.

Well that's it, I hope you like the model as much as I do. I am so please with the outcome and I am looking forward to starting my other Red Scorpion units. This just goes to show that with a little time and patience, even the amateur painter can achieve brilliant results. This did take me about 12 hours all together to paint, over the course of about six nights, but persevering got me what I wanted.

Not sure why, but for a little fun I held it up to the sky, took a photo and the removed the stand on the computer. I think it looks quite realistic and if I saw it coming I would scream like a girl lol.

PPS - 31

~ When you feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up, it is already too late ~

↧

The Ostrius System

April 5, 2013, 4:00 am

≫ Next: My Local Gaming Club

≪ Previous: Red Scorpions Stormtalon Gunship

Ultima Segmentum - The Ostrius System

The Ostrius system comprises of a single star, seven planets and a worm hole, located in the Galactic North of Ultima Segmentum on the Eastern Fringe. The system was brought under Imperial Compliance during the Great Crusade and was noted for its exceptional ship building. When the Horus Heresy broke out, the system sided with the loyalists and created a huge armada of ships. But terrible Warp storms surrounded the entire system halting communication and travel for over 200 years, no doubt a design of the Ruinous Powers. When the storms finally abated, the system made contact with the Imperium and the Armada dispersed across the galaxy to Imperial forces. In the ten thousand years since the loss of the Emperor, the Ostrius system has been wrought with wars and unrest and with the new arrival of the Nexus Worm Hole, a new threat approaches in the 41st Millennium.

Clara Stella:

Bright Star. This luminous sphere of plasma is the systems only light and heat source. With a stellar classification of G it produces around 5,500–6,000 Kelvins. Due to the stars formidable size, the solar luminosity is greater than that of similar classifications like the Sun that Holy Terra orbits. This star, predominantly referred to as Clara or the Sun, is estimated to be around 6.4 billion years old.

Turambar I:

Mining / Desert World. This world is extremely rich in raw minerals, but excessively hot to work on continuously. Every summer fire storms spread throughout the equator for weeks, the only life sustaining areas are in the Polar Regions where the temperature reaches a minimum of 25^o. Mining is carried out all over the plant but work is only ever carried out on the far side of the planet where the temperatures bearable. Recent archaeology on Turambar I has uncovered the tip of a Zenos structure and Initial examinations recognise various glyphs as being of Necron appearance, although they differ from those found on Luna Primus. An envoy to the Ordo Zeno has been sent with news of these findings.

Jollen II:

Jungle World. Rich and vibrant with flora, Jollen II is packed with wildlife. Inhabited by few humans compared to other planets this world is home to all manner of indigenous life, some quite placid and others too dangerous to be studied. The hunting on this planet is to mutually serve the Ostrian’s with foodstuff and as a game reserve for the opulent people of the Ostrius system, but even the hunter can sometime become the prey.

Fornax III:

Industrial World. Over the millennia continent wide manufactorums have churned out resources for the building of Imperial star ships. Enormous transportation vessels transfer materials and equipment to the construction yards orbiting the planet. Most of the planet’s troposphere is un-breathable due to pollutions produced by the relentless fabrication from the manufactorums, and practically all Imperial inhabitants live and work in sealed environments.

Ostrius IV:

Civilised World. Named after the system that it resides, Ostrius IV resembles that of ancient Terra, albeit twice it’s mass and beleaguered with craters of former wars, but still stands as the principal world of the system. Being the hub of all the outlying worlds it functions as the administrative, political and commercial commerce and bears home to Catriona Argenta, Imperial Planetary Governor, Tithe Commissioner and Regent of the Ostrius System. The planet has been laid waste numerous times by all manner of conflicts, but the metropolises have continually been rebuilt and the vibrant countryside restored to their former magnificence. The young and newly appointed Planetary Governor has toiled with the political and military regime of the planets authorities, but has enigmatically accomplished a change to the world’s current state of affairs and Ostrius is once again starting to prosper. However the arrival of the Nexus Worm Hole has unsettled the systems administration and threatens to undo everything that has been achieved.

Luna Primus:

Tomb World. This satellite is a dead rock that is rich in raw minerals but home to an ancient Necron Tomb. When they were first roused by mining rigs, they desolated the surface and launched a huge space faring fleet to attack Ostrius IV. But they were defeated and lost all space able ships in the war. Later investigations and scans have estimated the entire core of the satellite lays a catacomb of the Necron structures. Recent investigations have found evidence that the Necrons have gone into a state of hibernation, only awakening from their slumber when disturbed. Mining and archaeological expeditions to the planet are still frequented, but every settlement has eventually been destroyed.

Luna Sucundus:

Dead World. This second satellite orbiting Ostrius IV is a mineral rich rock with no atmosphere. Over the millennia eons of mining for its resources have reduced its size to over half of its original mass. Unstable seismic events occur on a regular basis, drilling and mining processes are carried out entirely by remote equipment controlled from orbiting mining vessels.

Goudia V:

Death / Zenos World. Once a world considered of not enough significance to terraform, is now home to a new race. A gargantuan Tyranid hive ship crash landed upon the plant after encroaching into the system and being attacked by the Imperial Navy. Within hours of the crash, bizarre atmospherics stopped the Zenos cleansing vessels from entering the vicinity to finish the purge. Several years have now passed and the entire planet’s atmosphere has altered as though being terraformed in a hyper accelerated Zenos process. There have been expeditions to the planet when a window of opportunity arrives in the Thermosphere storms, but few return and those that do speak of unimaginable terrors. It is speculated that the Tyranid’s not only survived the crash but are thriving on the planet’s surface.

Neltorax VI:

Dead World. This planet is completely uninhabitable. With exceptionally radioactive, toxic and corrosive biospheres unable to tolerate any form of life. Even colossal star ships take a wide berth, for fear of the vessel literally being torn apart by the world’s hazardous properties.

Dendrus VII:

Death World. Due to the axis on which the planet rotates, half of this perilous world is in continual darkness and the other bathed in cold light that offers no warmth. It is said that Dark Eldar webways are littered all over the dark side of the planet and many piratical incursions seem to emerge from that region. Although considered highly dangerous, many Ostrian citizens still pursue work in the mining facilities on the light side of the world, where temperatures are severely freezing. Good money can be made labouring there, as long as you endure the frozen climate and Dark Eldar raids.

Luna Tertius:

Waste World. Simply put this satellite has been the dumping ground of the system for thousands of years. There is very little atmosphere present on this satellite, most generated by the pungent refuse gases, and it has very high gravity making it the ideal waste planet. Payloads are launched from orbit down to the satellite’s bedrock with no need for landing on the surface.

Nexus Worm Hole:

Anomaly. This enigmatic singularity appeared late 887.998.M41. Preliminary studies of the anomaly discovered that the Worm Hole is tethered to the Ostrius system somehow and has only moved but a fraction in the period it has been there. The other unidentified end of this irregularity appears to unsystematically wander throughout the Warp, thus being the reason for so many diverse species translating into the system. Further studies have been hindered by the increasing influx of Imperial enemies arriving through the Worm Hole; however this event does so far, appear localised to the Segmentae Majoris of the Galaxy, at least for now.

The first Friday of every month I endeavour to post up another piece of 'Fluff' that's in my head. Eventually this will lead to an ongoing campaign being played out within the Ostrius System, both on the site and on the gaming table. More and more content will be linked to the relevant pages and I will delve into the world and characters of the Ostrius System. To find out more just click on the relevant tabs at the top of the page.

To get a bigger picture of the Ostrius System, Open the picture then save the picture, it is about twice the size.

If you have any ideas or things that may contribute to this expanding Fluff, please feel free to drop me an email, just head over to the contacts page.

~ Ours is not to reason why, ours is to do and die ~

↧

My Local Gaming Club

April 11, 2013, 4:05 am

≫ Next: The Lord Inquisitor

≪ Previous: The Ostrius System

'Cheltenham Warchiefs'

Today I would like to have another shout out for my local wargaming club, Cheltenham Warchiefs! Over the last six months there has been a lot more people attending and the atmosphere is fantastic. 'Click Here' to head on over to the website for even more info!

Not only is Warhammer 40,000 played by also a lot of other game systems. Warhammer Fantasy Battle, War machine, Malifaux, Necromunda, Blood Bowl, Flames of War and a whole bunch more.

They get together every Monday night 7pm - 10pm at the following address:

Hatherly and Reading Cricket Club,

North Park,

Shurdington Road,

Shurdington,

Cheltenham,

Gloucestershire

GL51 4XA.

View Larger Map

So go on, check the website out and I might see your there one night.

Also, please leave a comment if you go to Cheltenham Warchiefs along with your favourite game system at the moment.

Let It Be Known

If anyone would like to promote their local Wargames Club on Realm of Warhammer 40k, please feel free to email me the particulars. Just head on over to the 'Contact' page.

~ The man who has nothing can still have faith ~

↧

The Lord Inquisitor

April 19, 2013, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Universal Objective Markers

≪ Previous: My Local Gaming Club

The Lord Inquisitor

Today I thought I would share a trailer with you all, for an up and coming short animated film 'The Lord Inquisitor'. I stumbled on this website by pure chance a year or so ago, and watched the trailer above. For those of you who have not seen it before enjoy! After watching it I am sure you will all agree it is fantastic and I am eagerly awaiting the end result.

Lots of brilliant content can be found on 'The Lord Inquisitor' website where you can find more videos, picture galleries and profiles of the crew that are creating this short animation. There are also very cool computer wallpapers on there Facebook page.

I am sharing this because there are so many fellow gamers that have never heard of The Lord Inquisitor let alone seen the amazing work they have done. So please head over to there website and delve in!

Please +1 this post and share with as many people as you can.

~ Success is commemorated; Failure merely remembered ~

↧

Universal Objective Markers

April 25, 2013, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Warhound Titan (part III)

≪ Previous: The Lord Inquisitor

Universal Objective Markers

Being as most games are now objective based, I wanted to create some objective markers. This is simply because I don't like the Games Workshop dice or want to buy any and I believe the gaming table looks better with modelled objectives on rather than a dice carrying servo skull. I do want to make some themed objective markers to go with specific armies, but I have not yet got around to getting the materials that I require. So here are the Universal Objective Markers with a little tutorial on how I created them.

They were very simple to make and can be used by any army, which was the whole point of these universal part. They are even numbered to coincide with the Eternal War Mission: The Scouring.

Stage I

First off, get hold of six 25mm bases or your desired size.

Stage II

Get hold of six Oil / Fuel drums. I got these really cheap from ebay but can otherwise be purchased from Games Workshop 'Here'.

Stage III

Glue the Oil drums to the bases; make sure you get them the right way around so they are universal.

Stage IV

Paint your Objective Markers whatever colour you like. I have gone for an industrial kind of look, but it is really down to your own taste.

Stage V

Your now almost done. I finished off the Objective Markers by numbering each one using spare Space marine Vehicle Transfers. This is so they can be used for The Scouring Mission. They are numbered as per below

1 - Number One

2 - Number Two's

2 - Number Three's

1 - Number Four

This will give you the numbers required. After that, add a little damage and chips to them completing the look.

Stage VI

Base you Objective Markers. I have chosen to base them the same as my other armies, just so that universal them continues. You can read how I base them 'Here' or by heading over the 'The Forge' page.

Setup

That's it, you're done. A complete set of Universal Objective markers. For setting them up in the Scouring Mission, just turn them upside down so the numbers are hidden then shuffle them around. This will keep the number hidden until it is time to reveal them.

They are really easy to make and still look good on the battlefield As to what's contained in them and why you would be fighting for them, well that's entirely up to you. How about they contain liquid used in the Life Eater Virus, or fuel that you need to keep from the enemy. Let your imagination go wild.

PPS - 12

~ Success is measured in Blood; Yours or your enemy's ~

↧

Warhound Titan (part III)

May 2, 2013, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Grey Knight Razorback II

≪ Previous: Universal Objective Markers

Construction Coming Together

So here is Part III of my Warhound Titan. Here are the links to 'Part I' and 'Part II' if you have not already read them. In this post, I will go through the construction of the Head and Torso with the difficulties faced and also my enjoyment of magnetization. The whole model has started to come together and is looking quite impressive. I will apologise in advance for the photo quality as these were taken on my phone, but I will be taken some top notch photos of the whole Titan when it is completed. Enjoy...

Void Shields

I think this is where my love of using magnets really started. From the outset I want to be able to represent the damage taken on the Titan and also be able to dismantle the model for transportation purposes. I took the plunge and started on the void shields. I used 3.2mm x 2mm magnets with a corresponding sized drill bit. Pretty basic and very easy to accomplish with the Forge World resin, making sure the polarity was right I glued the magnets in and they were done. Now I have not created them as yet, but I intend on making some small magnetized smoke markers for the damaged void shields. when a void goes down the void shield its self gets removed and a column of smoke gets added on for effect. Should look good when completed.

Sensor

I am not really sure why I did this, I think it was because I could, but I magnetized the sensor on the underside of the Air Filtration Unit on the body / canopy (that's what I think it is, if you know differently please comment) this is also probably where I started to get a little excited using them.

Head

I really enjoyed this part of the assembly, it is one of the focal points of the model and looks awesome. I wanted to be able to show off the inside of the cockpit so out came the magnets yet again. These were place so to secure the two halves of the head together. The one thing I have achieved throughout the whole magnet process, is to recess them perfectly so once painted they are very hard to see. With the head done I moved into the cockpit interior. I magnetized the Princeps and two Moderati.

The idea behind this is to note vehicle damage. The result of a 1, one Moderati gets removed, the result of a 2, both Moderati get removed and the result of a 3, the Princeps gets removed. It is just my way of noting the damage just like the structure points and the legs in the last post.

I have not got photos of it for this post, but the armoured plat covering the waist has also been magnetized and this will have another bit of damage attachment to represent an Immobilised result.

Here is the painted cockpit, I have not yet finished the outside due to having a few issues with yellow. I wanted to do as good a job as I possible could. I tried to give the appearance of age which I feel has come out quite well. it was really fun to paint I can't help but keep looking at it. Better photos will follow when the Model is complete. All the gauges and screens were quite hard to do but thankfully I could remove the crew to reach some of the harder places. I love the way the Princeps looks over the crew and when the cover is on, he can also look right out of the eye slits.

I decided to paint the crew in blue with a spot of yellow to tie in with their background fluff (found 'Here' if you have not read it). The Imperial Aquila with a purity seal that sits between the two Moderati is kind of cool. I could just imagine that beneath the sealed panel is a self destruct button, used at the last moment to prevent the Titan falling to enemy hands and taking a few things out with it.

Yellow! Argh... so I attempted several times to paint the head yellow, resulting in failure every time. The worst thing about it was the citadel paint would not come off! And believe me I tried everything, I ended up having to scratch the paint off which unfortunately left the top canopy with slight scratching. However it does give the head a kind of (I have been in war zones for centuries) kind of look. Before it is finished I might try once more. Any tips would be VERY helpful. Please comment.

Torso Interior

Imperial Aquila icon and shrine.

Mechanicum symbol and shrine. Candles and all.

The Warhound Titans name 'Canis Nex' has been added to the computer console on the brass plaque above the screen.

Right arm Gun Servitor

Left arm Gun Servitor

Amazing fun to paint, I have almost finished the interior. I painted this before gluing the parts together otherwise I would have never been able to paint it all. I have a few more details to finish off as well as the Techpreist and Servitor.

Dry Fit, Dry Fit, Dry Fit! I must have done that a hundred times before finally gluing. I did need to shave down the resin on some parts and add quite a bit of green stuff on others, but the final fit is near on perfect. After researching I found virtually everyone pinned the torso, but I found that the amount of glue require plus the excellent surface contact negated the use on pinning.

Extras

At the rear of the torso there is a block, not sure what it is supposed to be, but I wanted to do something with it. So I purchased an Imperial Guard tank vox transmitter off of ebay, magnetized it (again with the magnets) and with a little trimming and green stuff I was able to add it to the back of the Titan. And I think it looks fantastic! It adds that little extra.

Here you can see the Void Shields attached and removed, will look good with little smoke markers. Not sure what to make them out of though. Any ideas?

Here is the blast door to seal off the reactor from the main interior. Imperial Aquila one side, Mechanicum symbol on the other.

The Techpriest and Servitor have both been magnetized for easy removal. Mainly to better see the interior. With the blast door fitted (that can also be removed) you can really see the tight space the Techpriest works in. The Servitor that I also got from ebay is posed as though it has just come up from the service lift to continue its duties. The Techpriest is from Forge World but I cut off his right arm and converted it to fit in the tight compartment. I will do another post I think with the entire Titan crew and a little description of them.

Undercoating

If you have read the other posts, you will be aware of my concerns and research into undercoating and what to use. Being as I prepared the resin to the best I could, I settled on using normal Games Workshop Chaos Black Spray paint and hoping for the best. The moral of the story here, is that if you prep you're model well enough and invest time into the cleaning process. Normal paint will adhere to the model perfectly with no problem at all. I have avoided all of the horror stories I have read about paint pealing off, the paint not taking hold and more. So yes, prep it well and the paint sticks!

Stats:

Pins used

68 total, no more have been needed yet.

Magnets used

50 total, three for the head crew, four for the head canopy, sixteen to hold on the canopy, four to hold the torso crew in place, two for the Vox Transmitter, four on the Void shields, two for the interior sensor. a total of 35 for the torso.

That's it for this post, I really hope you have enjoyed it. I am looking forward to hearing you're comments and advice especially on the Yellow paint for the head. And if anyone has ideas for sturdy smoke markers, please let me know. Part four will be arriving soon. And remember, if you are building one yourself, Dry Fit, Dry Fit, Dry Fit!

~ Burn the heretic. Kill the mutant, Purge the unclean ~

↧

Grey Knight Razorback II

May 9, 2013, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Book Review: Descent of Angels

≪ Previous: Warhound Titan (part III)

Grey Knight Razorback II

Here is one of my Grey Knight Dedicated Transports. It comes in very cheap for what you get points wise and fills a gap missing in a Grey Knight army of heavy weapon firepower. I won't rattle on about it's profile and stuff. I chose to include it in my army for the above reason and it also gets my Strike Squad into position a lot quicker without deep striking in. Anyway, more photos below.

I have to be honest with you on this. I absolutely hated painting this vehicle. If it was not for the fact that I had already started, I may have even asked my brother to paint in for me. The end result has turned out ok, but I am far from pleased. I think it boils down to one thing. I don't like painting Grey Knight vehicles. I have another one to finish off that will be similar to this one but with different markings on it.

Anyway, I hope that it might be enjoyed by someone out there.

I went for a two tone colour scheme because it injects the lack of colour needed to make it stand out. Pretty basic really.

The rear ramp does open and close and the interior has had some attention. I may revisit it at a later date and fully detail the inside, but nobody looks inside anyway.

I did attached the searchlight to the other side of the radar thing, and the other hatch has also been completed. This gives me the option to kit it out with optional extras or not as I see fit. I do intend to paint the Rhino Hatches so it can be turned into a Rhino if points are limited in games.

That's it for now, hope you liked it and keep rolling sixes!

PPS - 19

~ All souls call out for salvation ~

↧

Book Review: Descent of Angels

May 16, 2013, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Universal Vehicle Damage Markers

≪ Previous: Grey Knight Razorback II

Descent of Angels

Here is my first book review on Realm of Warhammer 40k. I endeavour to review every Warhammer 40k novel I have read in the hope it might inspire others to pick up a book a read. I am not a professional critic so these are going to be my own opinions.

Anyway, the first book I am going to review is the one I have just finished reading. Descent of Angels by Mitchel Scanion. Book VI of the Horus Heresy.

*** WARNING SPOILERS BELOW ***

What's it about:

The next instalment in the ground-breaking Horus Heresy series by Mitchel Scanlon, telling the tale of the civil war that nearly tore the human Imperium apart, ten thousand years ago. The novel explores the dark and mysterious history of the Dark Angels Legion and their Primarch Lion El’Jonson.

When the Imperial fleet rediscovers the planet Caliban, the Emperor is reunited with his missing son the Primarch Lion El’Jonson. As Dark Angels old and new join the Great Crusade, a chain of events is set in motion that will change Caliban, its people, and the Legion forever.

My thoughts:

Compared to the first five novels of the Horus Heresy (Will review those later) it was a very strange read. It follows a young boy called Zahariel El'Zurias on his induction into the Order, a monastic order of techno-barbarian Calibanite knights, very confusing as I expected guns and marines straight away They have motorised swords and pistols, but ride horses and reside in fortresses and Terra is a myth. It introduces their leader Lion El'Jonson and the great quest to rid there planet of great beasts.

This is very different to the other novels, due to not even talking about Astartes for the first half of the book but gives a very good insight into there knightly origins. The young knight Zahariel declares a quest and kills the last Calabinite Lion, creating a special brotherly bond between himself and Lion El'Jonson.

about half way after the last beasts are killed, the Imperials arrive and Astartes drop from the sky on wings of fire and it is here one of the first references comes in about the Descent of Angels.

The lion is told he is a Primarch and a son of the Emperor and the young knights are put through trials by the Astartes to see if they are fit to become Space Marines. The book stays with Zahariel throughout and his Cousin Nemiel who eventually are given gene seed and made Astartes. the older nights are genetically modified to become better and stronger. This does give a great insight into the recruitment of humans into the Astartes ranks, something I have not read about before.

The 1st Legion as it was is renamed to become the Dark Angels, led by Lion El'Jonson and are given the point down sword with wings either side as the legion symbol. For Dark Angel fans, I would imagine this a great part for any background fluff reading these parts.

The rest of the book again follows Zahariel and him getting picked out as a junior Librarian that aides Luther, El'Jonson's second in command. They take over the watch of a planet that are having difficulties coming under compliance from the White Scars. An emissary from this planet comes aboard the Dark Angels flagship with a booby trapped shuttle, planning to destroy the fleet. This is scuppered by Zahariel and Luther, but Luther confesses during this time that he is jealous of the Lion and nearly just let it explode, but Zahariel foiled this but venting it into space.

The Lion declares war on the planet and takes a small group down to the planets surface to fight an unknown enemy that seems to be the planets gods. I did get a little confused with this, but I think it was one of their first encounters with Chaos. It was eventually defeated by Zahariel.

After getting back on board their ship, Lion El'Jonson sends Luther and Zahariel back to their home world to aid with more recruiting. This seems like he is a bit cheesed off with Luther and Zahariel with what happened and with Zahariel not telling the Lion.

Here the books ends and to be honest, I was a little disappointed with the abrupt ending and no major battle happening.

Parting Shot:

A good book and a must read for those reading the Horus Heresy collection. Would I read it again? No. I personal did not enjoy it that much and found it a bit of a chore to read. For me there was not enough Astartes and fighting going on and defiantly not as good as the first five books. Perhaps it was the story line or the writing style of the author that I did not get. Who knows.

My star rating:

êêê

You're comments and thoughts on the book if you have read it, are most welcome.

Please remember that these are only my personal views and opinions. They are by no means intended to criticize the novel, author or the Black Library in any way.

~ Walk softly and carry a big gun ~

↧

Universal Vehicle Damage Markers

May 26, 2013, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Universal Vehicle Damage Markers Repost

≪ Previous: Book Review: Descent of Angels

Universal Vehicle Damage Markers

With the 6th Edition Resin dice slowly becoming unavailable from Games Workshop and the fact that I personally don't like those dice anyway, I decided to make my own Vehicle Markers. For a long time all I ever used was spare dice, but I still had to keep looking at the rule book to see what the number represented and they got mixed up a few times. I also got hold of some different markers that other people created and used them for a while, but I wanted to create my own, so I did.

At the end of this post you will find a link to download these markers as PDF's along with some simple instructions to get a really effective end product.

Below are some pictures of the Marker Sheets, you could print these off if you really wanted to, but they are at the correct scale and of a higher quality in the PDF's linked below

Universal Vehicle Damage & Hull Point Markers

This Marker set comprises of the following:

Crew Shaken
Crew Stunned
Weapon Destroyed
Immobilised
Wrecked
Hull Point Counters (1 - 4)
Smoke

These represent the basic markers needed for most vehicles in Warhammer 40k, including a smoke marker. For a wrecked vehicle, most people dismantle or turn the vehicle upside down, but the Wrecked marker is handy for those who have put a lot of love into the painting and don't want it scratched.

I have not included the Exploded result as I intend to make some specific crater markers for those, which I will share for free when completed

Universal Vehicle Speed & Flyer Markers

This Marker set comprises of the following:

Zoom Mode
Hover Mode
Flat Out
Cruising Speed
Combat Speed
Locked Velocity
Hull Point / Missile Counters (1 - 4)
Evade

These markers cover ground vehicle and flyers speeds, it also included a Missile marker that you can use the Hull Point counters placed on the targeting reticles, to keep track of how many missile / rockets you have launched. It also has the much needed Evade marker, essential for keeping track of what you're or you're opponents flyer is doing.

The great thing about the Hull Point markers is that you can also use them as wound counters. it also saves getting you dice mixed up on the board.

Below are some photos of the marker in use, so you can get an idea of the scale.

The two PDF downloads can be found below:

'Universal Vehicle Damage & Hull Point Markers'

'Universal Vehicle Speed & Flyer Markers'

How to make them

Print them out using colour ink.
Glue them onto 2mm thick / mounting card (can be found at you're local craft store).
Cut them out with a sharp knife (WARNING, be careful knives are sharp).
for the best result cut out another a glue them to the reverse side.

Hope you enjoy and make use of them as much as I have, all I ask is for you to point other people to the blog to get hold of their own.

Here is a link to the previous markers I used before creating my own 'Confessions of a 40k addict' I guess my inspiration came from here.

~ Only in Death will you find Peace ~

↧

Universal Vehicle Damage Markers Repost

May 30, 2013, 2:25 pm

≫ Next: Raven Guard Assault Squad 2

≪ Previous: Universal Vehicle Damage Markers

Universal Vehicle Damage Markers

With these markers being so popular with other gamers, I thought I would repost the free downloads for more to enjoy. If other game system players would like different versions of these markers, please feel free to contact me for requests.

I will soon be creating apocalypse markers and vehicle destroyed templates for most vehicles that are free to download and use as these are an essential tool that is need for our game!.

At the end of this post you will find a link to download these markers as PDF's along with some simple instructions to get a really effective end product.

Below are some pictures of the Marker Sheets, you could print these off if you really wanted to, but they are at the correct scale and of a higher quality in the PDF's linked below

Universal Vehicle Damage & Hull Point Markers

This Marker set comprises of the following:

Crew Shaken
Crew Stunned
Weapon Destroyed
Immobilised
Wrecked
Hull Point Counters (1 - 4)
Smoke

Universal Vehicle Speed & Flyer Markers

This Marker set comprises of the following:

Zoom Mode
Hover Mode
Flat Out
Cruising Speed
Combat Speed
Locked Velocity
Hull Point / Missile Counters (1 - 4)
Evade

The two PDF downloads can be found below:

'Universal Vehicle Damage & Hull Point Markers'

'Universal Vehicle Speed & Flyer Markers'

How to make them

Print them out using colour ink.
Glue them onto 2mm thick / mounting card (can be found at you're local craft store).
Cut them out with a sharp knife (WARNING, be careful knives are sharp).
for the best result cut out another set and glue them to the reverse side.

Hope you enjoy and make use of them as much as I have, all I ask is for you to point other people to the blog to get hold of their own.

~ For the Emperor ~

↧

Raven Guard Assault Squad 2

June 5, 2013, 4:15 pm

≫ Next: Book Review: Savage Scars

≪ Previous: Universal Vehicle Damage Markers Repost

Raven Guard Assault Squad 2

"From the darkness we strike: fast and lethal, and by the time our foes can react... darkness there and nothing more."

In this post I will be sharing a friends Raven Guard army, this is the first of quite a few posts on his beloved Raven Guard, each post will share another of his fantastic units. The first being this Assault Squad. I thought I would do a short interview with him to find out more behind his army and thoughts.

Me: "What inspired you to start a Raven Guard army?"

Kurt: "I have always played Marines since before time immemorial. I was drawn to Raven Guard as I am a huge fan of the fluff behind the whole game and the Raven Guard fluff about them being a covert, independent army, who almost do their own thing rather than follow the direct chain of command appealed to me. Also the prehistory (Grate Crusade and Heresy) is very characterful."

Me: "Does the fluff side of the Chapter have an influence on what models you collect?"

Kurt: "You could say that, I have quite a vast collection of Marines now (as you would expect for someone playing since 2nd ed) and while I do have the usual Rhinos, Razorbacks and Landraiders, most of my armies comprise of scouts and assault Marines with Drop pods and flyer support, to get that sneaky sneaky covert feel that calls down thunder when needed."

Me: " What is you're favourite unit in the army and why?"

Kurt: "I am quite fond of my drop Pod Sternguard suicide unit. Combi-plasma death on turn one, even Dreadknights have to worry about that Also my Stormtalon seems to always take big scalps almost every game."

Me: "And finally, how would you describe you're style of game play?"

Kurt: "My lists are always fluffyish, I am not a power gamer and enjoy the game whether I win or loose, as I play to enjoy the experience and have a laugh with my fellow gamers."

Me: "Thank you very much for giving us an insight into your Raven Guard and for share them on the site."

I hope you have enjoyed this post and more of Kurt's army will be posted soon.

~ Do not fail your Brothers. Though their bodies die, their spirit must return to the Chapter. That is your charge ~

↧

Book Review: Savage Scars

June 13, 2013, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Worcester War 2013: Tournament

≪ Previous: Raven Guard Assault Squad 2

Savage Scars

So taking a break from the Horus Heresy novels I have started to read, I decided on reading Savage Scars by Andy Hoare. This book evolves around Space Marines, The Imperial Guard and the Tau Empire. But even better is that it focuses on Dal'yth Prime which coincides with my 4th Hunter Cadre from the Dal'yth Sept. So for me it was a must read.

This novel took me a little longer to read that normal because I have been busy painting in the evenings, but my review of this fantastic read should give you an insight into why I crammed every other spare moment into reading it.

***WARNING SPOILERS BELOW***

Click Here to Read More »

↧

Worcester War 2013: Tournament

June 20, 2013, 3:45 am

≫ Next: Worcester War 2013: The Results

≪ Previous: Book Review: Savage Scars

Worcester War 2013

In a little over one week, I will be attending my first ever organised event at Worcester War 2013. This is being held in Worcester, England and arrange by the guys over at 'Code 40k', check out their blog for some great content. It is a single day event consisting of three 1500pt games and I will be attending with my brother and two friends from my local gaming club 'Cheltenham Warchiefs'.

I have been practising with my chosen army over the last month or so, and have finalised the list I am going to take. Now it is by far a 'Tournament Winning List', I wanted to play with the models I like and have a fun game, rather than going for the win. Obviously I will be playing to win at leased one game, but for me the whole experience and atmosphere is what I will be there for.

However, I don't want to just be walked over so this post is to basically get some advice from as many people as possible on playing at a tournament environment Below are a few worries that I have and a few questions as well. If anyone would like to comment, please feel free!

Click Here to Read More »

↧

Worcester War 2013: The Results

July 4, 2013, 2:30 pm

≫ Next: Necrons: Imotekh & Royal Court.

≪ Previous: Worcester War 2013: Tournament

Worcester War 2013 - Grey Knight Army - 1500pts

Well Saturday 29th June 2013 was a fun day! Myself, my brother and two friends went to Worcester War 2013 organised by 'Code 40k'. It was a very fun and interesting day even though I didn't win the whole event, I had a great time and met some great people. As you can probably guess by the above picture, I played my Grey Knight army, 1500 points worth.

I don't have any bad news as I had a great time and Won one of my games, which was my goal for the event. I do have two pieces of good news though, the first being I won one of my games (yay me), the second, I didn't come last ha ha.

Any-ways, I was concentrating so much on the games, that I didn't take any photos of the matches, I can roughly remember how they went though, so below if a brief description about the three games I had for anyone interested.

Click Here to Read More »

↧

Necrons: Imotekh & Royal Court.

July 12, 2013, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Book Review: Legion

≪ Previous: Worcester War 2013: The Results

Imotekh the Storm Lord & Royal Court

Welcome to the first post of my Necron Army. In case you were wondering I'm not Dale this is Mark his Brother; he has asked me to contribute to the blog so I thought I'd start with my Necron's even though Blood Angels are my main army.

I've been gaming now for 25ish years and I don't know about you, but apart from tournament play, I think I've met maybe 1% of gamers with fully completed army's. In all this time "I" personally have never played with one, so that was the driving force behind this army. It also didn't see the light of day until it was complete to get the "tadaaa" when I took it along to the gaming club.

Click Here to Read More »

↧

Book Review: Legion

July 18, 2013, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Necrons: Warriors, Imortals & Scarabs

≪ Previous: Necrons: Imotekh & Royal Court.

Legion

Getting back the the Horus Heresy novels, I last read Legion. This takes place two years or so before the Heresy starts and dips into the Alpha Legion and an Imperial Guard force. You really get to understand the secretive nature of the Alpha Legion and you learn a little about the Primarch too.

There are lots of twists and turn in this book and yet another great piece or work by Dan Abnett. This really helps tie in the events that happen during the drop site massacre in Istvaan V.

***WARNING SPOILERS BELOW***

Click Here to Read More »

↧

Necrons: Warriors, Imortals & Scarabs

July 25, 2013, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Nemesis Dreadknight: Brother Diego

≪ Previous: Book Review: Legion

Necron Warriors

Welcome to the second post of my Necron army, just a short post this time. For those of you that have read the first post 'Imotekh & Royal Court' you will know the reason behind me collecting this army. Imotekh's Lord of the Storm special rule.

Click Here to Read More »

↧

Nemesis Dreadknight: Brother Diego

August 1, 2013, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Necrons: Ghost Ark

≪ Previous: Necrons: Warriors, Imortals & Scarabs

Grey Knight Nemesis Dreadknight: Brother Diego

Introducing, Brother Diego, my second Nemesis Dreadknight for my 4th Brotherhood Grey Knight army. I have spent quite a bit of time on this model and have done a lot of not so much converting but I would say altering. Mainly the repositioning of the left leg, both the Dreadknight and Pilot, but also the clever addition of magnets to enable a full weapon swaps if required.

Those of you that may not have noticed, this Dreadknight has also been given a Halberd close combat weapon as opposed to a Greatsword or Daemon Hammer. This was really fun to make and I will explain how I did it later. I have also been learning to use my camera a little more efficiently, so these photos are slightly different from the others on the blog and I hope they are more pleasing to the eye. Anyway more photos below.

Click Here to Read More »

↧

Necrons: Ghost Ark

August 8, 2013, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Special Mission I: Bird Down

≪ Previous: Nemesis Dreadknight: Brother Diego

Necron Ghost Ark

Welcome to post no: 3 of my Necron army. Another short post, a choice for my Troops, the Ghost Ark.

Click Here to Read More »

↧

Special Mission I: Bird Down

August 12, 2013, 7:00 am

≫ Next: 360° Photo - Nemesis Dreadknight

≪ Previous: Necrons: Ghost Ark

Special Mission I: Bird Down

We have all played the normal Eternal War missions found in the main Warhammer 40,000k rulebook, and with 6th edition these are still quite varied. But I wanted to mix things up a little, so with the help of my brother, we have come up with a few different missions for you all to play. For best results, download the PDF file from the link below and print for better quality.

Click Here to Read More »

↧