The Mobilization Continues - Sons of Horus Seeker Squad

Seeker Squad for the XVI Legion

The XVI Legion continues its ominous troop build-up, with a new, 10-man "Seeker Squad" joining the ranks of Hope and Change. These models are plastic figures from a "Betrayal at Calth" box set, bodged with bolters scavenged from Space Marine "Sternguard" troops and shoulder pauldrons from Forge World.

Sergeant on the right, with a handy power fist to follow up in the event any more, direct, "hope" needs to be adminstered...

The so-called "Seeker Squads" are supposedly sent to the battlefield by Legion commanders to take out specified enemy personalities or units. Thematically, it is strange to have a large group of heavily armoured genetically modified fellows in rather visible battle armour tasked with something like an assassination, but in a strange way it seems to suit the character of the 30k "period". There is a single personality out there that irritates a Legion commander? Well, send ten sharp-shooting guys to finish them/it off.  No need to sneak around...we're coming for you...

I love these Sternguard bolters

Seems to fit well with the character of the Sons of Horus (and the Alpha Legion too). To accomplish their more specified tasks the Seeker Squads receive some special issue ammunition to assist with their mission.  The ammo offers bonuses depending on what shells are used, and the controlling player will have a small menu of different bolter shells to choose from. The Sons of Horus and Alpha Legion can also make use of "Banestrike" ammunition, specifically designed to take out other Astrates.

So fancy ammo means fancy bolters for these fellows.

View showing the back packs, vents etc.

That is where the bolters from the Sterngaurd figures seemed to me to fit very well with these figures. I've seem a number of other folks use these plastic weapons in different 30k circumstances, and it is a good idea I have copied shamelessly.  The bolter with the drum-shaped magazine is a particular favourite so I went with that for the nine regular troops. Overall I like the effect of the large magazines, the optics and large straps. They look arrogant, elite and well-equipped.  In other words, it's "Horus for Hope" brand-compliant.

Smaller Eye of Horus on one pauldron...

And a larger, embossed one on the other...the Sergeant feels like the boss is always watching, no doubt...

The sergeant's bolter has the more regular-sized box magazine, but I also gave him a power fist in the event the target of the Seeker Squad in a given mission needs a good punch in the face on top of whatever else has been dished out.

Seeking hope and change...loyalist fools beware!

This posting will bring a brief respite to the parade of reinforcements for the Sons of Horus for now.  I'm hoping, however, to head back to the lake later this week, and I hope the painting gods will support another run of painting, drinking and sunset-enjoying. There is, after all, always something new to add, or some unit to "round out", for a 30k nut like me...