Imperial Fist Legion Tactical Squad

I finished my second unit of Imperial Fists. Progress has been slow with this project, though not for a lack of painting. The Mark III armour is very challenging in general and the yellow makes it worse. I am quite happy with the results however. Dallas asked if I was going to weather them up. I initially balked at this as it took so long to paint the yellow. I changed my mind after considering the state of the loyalist legions during the Horus Heresy. Considered from the Imperial Fist point of view, they are in seriously deep s#!t. 3 Legions nearly destroyed, 3 legions apparently building a new Imperium in Ultramar (terrible book by the way) and the Space Wolves and White Scars off doing God knows what. The Imperial Fists are pretty much it and I can see them being tasked to help put out every little flare up in Segmentium Solar, in addition to trying to re-enforce Terra for the inevitable apocalyptic invasion by Horus. Sending their armour off to the cleaners is probably on hold for now. So after some research on Youtube I came up with a weathering strategy that I think worked well. I used weathering powders for the lower legs and feet. Yellow armour is very unforgiving with weathering powder. Too little isn't visible on the model, but too much and it looks like they're wearing thigh high leathers. I think I found the right balance.

This was originally supposed to be a small army, but a never ending stream of packages from Canada Post have made it anything but. Still not equal to the traitor forces accumulated by Greg, but with Dallas' Blood Angels and some Shattered Legions' we should be able to have a Battle of Terra game in the new year (probably not the new year.) Next up is a 20 man Tactical Squad.

Lernaean Terminators for 30k Alpha Legion

Cataphractii Terminators for the Alpha Legion

More lake painting to share.  This is a squad of Lernaean Terminators for my 30k Alpha Legion forces.  These are plastic Cataphractii Terminator figures from GW spiffed up with decals and conversion bits from Forge World, including embossed shoulder plates made specially to fit the bulky Cataphractii models.

Close-up of one of the Lernaeans

In 30k each of the Space Marine Legions has their own little menu of specialized elite units they can select forces from in addition to the standard rosters of tactical squads, assault squads etc. One of these selections tends to be a Terminator unit - I think just about every Legion has some kind of fancy Terminator unit option.  In the case of the Alpha Legion, their elite Terminator units are known as "Lernaeans".  They wear Cataphractii armour and carry a slightly altered weapon loadout, using volkite chargers and power weapons in place of the traditional combi-bolters and power fists/chain fists.

View showing the rear detail on the figures - and you can see the large gaps I left among some of the shoulder plates..oops...

Plasma weapon for extra support, in place of the more traditional heavy flamers or reaper autocannons

Forge World hasn't yet issued sculpts for Lernaeans, so I thought I would try combining the plastic Cataphractii figure kits with accent pieces from Forge World.  The results were...well, they were OK, but I goofed in a couple of ways.  The first problem is the spacing and sequencing of the shoulder plates...try as I might, I could just not quite figure out the precise placement of the multi-layered shoulder segments on these figures.  As a result, several of the figures are sporting sizeable gaps in their shoulders - I think there is supposed to be a small gap, but not large ones like I ended up with...I'm just not a very sharp model builder...

The bulky and ominous Cataphractii terminators are sharp-looking models

The other issue is the close assault weapons.  These are Cataphractii conversion bits from Forge World, but they are chain-axe-style weapons rather than power weapons, which is what the Lernaeans are supposed to be sporting.  These chain-axe things have a grim, spiky look that I'm not entirely pleased with - they seem more like things the World Eaters or Night Lords would use to open bottles.  Looking back I regret not finding some different weapons that resembled the sleeker look of power weapons - or just keeping them with traditional power fists, which is still an option for the Lerneaens, but at the time I was fired up to have them look different, and the regrets did not occur until everything was glued...oh well, now that they are painted, I'm sure they will work out fine.

Now which one is Alpharius?

Despite the modelling issues, I'm glad to have some Terminators finished for the Alpha Legion. And I really, really like the look those embossed shoulder plates for the Cataphractii terminators. The casting from Forge World was very sharp (never a guarantee) and it really helps set them apart.  I would like to try this for some other Legions (or add more for the Alpha Legion) again in the future.

I never get tired of the sunsets at my cabin...

This wraps up my painting from Lake Superior in 2017 - about 31 figures completed this year.  Not as many as last year or as many as I had hoped - but there is always more to paint anyways, right?  In particular I had hoped to get some 30k vehicles painted for the Alpha Legion, but that will have to wait for a little while.  They are still building into a good sized force - about 60 infantry models and a Deredeo Dreadnought. I hope to get them into some kind of game soon! Meanwhile a few vehicles will move forward in my "pending pile", but who knows what my butterfly-style attention span will turn to when I get back home...

Alpha Legion 30k Tactical Support Marines

Tactical support Marines for the Alpha Legion

Labour Day 2017 has come and gone, and I was able to put the time spent at the lake toward a bit more painting. Here is a post with some outcomes from that painting - a few more troops for the XX Legion.  These are tactical support marines in Mark IV power armour carrying plasma guns.  They are plastic kits from GW, and have embossed shoulder pauldrons and decals from Forge World.

I love the little decals from Forge World - I wish they would do entire sheets of those small decals...

In 30k the so-called "tactical support squads" provide extra punch for the regular tactical marines who are equipped only with bolters.  By concentrating the harder-hitting weapons together in these units, tactical support squads hit pretty hard.  This was particularly critical in the 7th edition of the rules, with its restrictions on targeting, where everyone in each squad had to target the same enemy unit, so isolated special weapons could not fire at other more opportune targets.  Way less of a problem when the whole squad is equipped with high-powered weapons!

The 8th edition of the game is much more sensible when it comes to targeting (your models shoot whatever you like among what they can "see"), but these tactical support squads are still an important means for your 30k Legion forces to concentrate the high firepower required to take out other Legion Marines.

I love those embossed shoulder pauldrons with the Legion symbols...just awesome...and addictive, unfortunately...

A view of the power packs and features on the shoulders

While "volkite" weapons are my absolute favourite special weapons in terms of looking cool and effectiveness in the game, the plasma gun still offers plenty of punch, and looks pretty neat.  Even better, the 8th edition of the rules has done away with the infinitely moronic "gets hot" rules, so you don't need to worry about three or four models from this unit becoming casualties in the game simply because they fired their own weapons. 

Ready to eliminate loyalists and/or eye-witnesses...

This group will join another set of five similar models painting back during Curt's most recent Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge to make a full 10-man tactical support squad. The Alpha Legion forces continue to grow...alpha to omega!

Up next - some Terminators!

Alpha Legion Praetor

Hello - my name is...Alpharius...?

 Some more meandering painting progress from the lake.  This is a Praetor from the Alpha Legion, building on the command figures I painted a few weeks ago. Most 30k gamers will recognize the figure as the plastic Ultramarines command model from GW's "Betrayal at Calth" box set. I was not crazy about this model, but since I have accumulated a couple of those boxes, and I thought I would try putting at least one of them to use on the table.  I don't have any Ultramarines on the go at present, so I decided I would paint him up in the colours of the XX Legion, the Alphas.

Chain fist for...solving problems...yes, that's it..

The figure is sporting Cataphractii terminator armour, carrying a fancy "combi-weapon" that is both bolt gun and melta gun, as well as a nutty chain fist for that more up close and personal work 30k Legion commanders are expected to handle.

The decals from Forge World really came in handy on this figure

As I said I was not crazy about this figure. For starters, Space Marines should wear their helmets - it's dangerous out there! And there is something about the sideways angle of the pose that is at odds with the ominous armour and big guns.  Seriously, when you are that big and well-protected, just turn around and face whatever it is, and shoot it!

Whacky cloak? Of course! It's 30k, after all...

On the plus side, the ornate details on the armour are nicely done, implying a higher rank without anything too over-the-top, and providing a lot of spots for decals and Legion icons, allowing you to customize the figure to the Legion of your choice (assuming you don't wish to be painting the lame dopes of the XIII Legion).

More view of the real-estate on the armour for the decals from Forge World

The side-angled focus of the pose is not my thing, but he is certainly looking dramatic overall, what with the cape and the fancy weapons. Based on the practices of the XX Legion, I think we can assume this fellow's name is...Alpharius?

Up next, some more grunts for the XX Legion...

Infinity... and beyond!

For my last game in Winnipeg, Byron treated me with an introductory game of Infinity. I have read a few battle reports on this blog and I was intrigued by the game system. Furthermore, I am myself a big fan of Japanese anime and the game is obviously inspired by shows like Bubblegum Crisis, Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell, or Blame. So reasons were many to try this game.

Byron set up a cool urban terrain with buildings he made. Games are usually played on a 4' x 4' area, but this one was a bit smaller.

For the first basic scenario, we both had three basic troopers. I set up one of my guys on the roof providing cover fire to his buddies moving forward. Everything just felt right.

Here is a ground view of the battlefield. The game is only three turns, but there is always lots of action. While one player makes his units execute orders, the other player must be attentive for any opportunity for reaction fire.

For the next scenario, I took command of a Panocean squad which included three regular trooper, one elite, one sniper, one close combat specialist and one commando. All these figurines were masterfully painted by Byron.

The objective was to claim the central building by being the last and only side standing on the roof. One security guard had to be "pacified" in the process.

Panocean troopers looking over the buildings at the 500' enemy commander.

The game uses "real" line of sight. So the little guy in the red circle could shoot at my guy in the foreground.

Troops supporting each other, getting ready to advance into the building.

We played three games in about 3.5 hours, and each scenario was providing the right feeling about fighting on the street with fire weapons, as well as a good dose of anime cinematic. All-in-all, it was very fun and I am even considering collecting a faction. But for sure I will be looking forward to play Infinity again and come back to Winnipeg next year for more discoveries and fun.

Thanks again to Byron for a great opportunity to try a new game that I truly appreciated.

Elysians VS Viet-Crons

"For our game this week we will crack out the 8th edition 40k rules and return to the unfortunate Imperial planet of Toxo IV.  This time, trouble has emerged in the equatorial jungle sectors, with a number of attacks reported on Binary Petroleum transportation facilities.  Planetary militia forces sent to investigate did not return, and scraps of surveillance footage transmitted from servitors shortly before they were destroyed showed only an ominous visage of a deadly Necron warrior, but of a sort never seen before in the Imperium... Binary Petroleum executives called in some favours with senior Imperial officials in the sector, and the Imperial Guard has now despatched one a regiment of Elysian Drop troops to the area." (Blurb by Greg)

"Our Khommunist Leader, His Rivetness Ho-Shi-Minh of the Hanoi Dynasty, has been suffering from metallikh rheumatism for a few aeons. “Research and Innovation” detachments have been sent to various locations throughout the galaxy to find a cure. A reconnaissance group dispatched to Toxo IV found containers full of a smooth substance called “Imperialum Foetidus ad Puppim” (at least, that’s what the label said), that, according to the group commander, could be used for a full immersion treatment for all Viet-crons suffering the debilitating condition of metallikh rheumatism. Plans were laid to develop the location into a spa with full robotic maintenance services when weak flesh creatures interfered."

During the 2016 Painting Challenge, I painted a Viet-Cong style army of Necrons, with rice-straw hats, sepcifically designed as potential opponents to GregB's Elysian army. For about two years now, GregB and I have been planning to have our armies clash in style in a jungle setting. Dallas was kind enough to host the game and prepared a terrain with palm trees and the appropriate scenery. ByronM joined me in directing the Viet-Crons while DaveV, Dallas and GregB shared command of the Elysians. We used the 8th edition of the rules.

Greg's awesome Elysian army. That's a lot of cool vehicles. Note the amazing jungle terrain prepared by Dallas.

The Viet-Crons, eager to fight the battle against the enemy that inspired their creation.

The Viet-Crons had to defend three objectives. Two groups of Warriors as well as the Flayed Ones were kept in reserve while the rest of the army deployed in the middle band of the table.

[Cue the "Ride of the Valkyries" by Wagner]. All the Elysian transports entered at the same time, trapping the Viet-Crons in the middle. A few support Elysian elements were airdropped and took position in the surrounding cover. Just for this outstanding opening "scene", I had to admit that it was worth painting the Viet-Crons.

The Wraith quickly took care of some snipers hiding behind the palm trees.

The Flayed Ones mowed down a group of heavy stubbers.

With the simultaneous entry of all the flyers, there was action everywhere! Imagine rocket explosions against the Monolith and strafing runs against the impassible Viet-Cron Warriors. Dallas fired 40 shots against a group of Warriors, but a combination of luck/unluck resulted in no losses for the Viet-Crons. Tough little buggers.

 The Destroyers are guarding the approach to the Monolith.

 A view from one of the flyers. Multiple rockets were shot at the Monolith, but thanks to the "Living Metal" special rule, the huge structure was able to self-repair some of the damage.
 

 Menace in the sky and chaos on the ground. Elysian troops are trying to break through.

 Transports are unloading courageous troops into the fray. What could go wrong?

 Viet-Crons are pounded with missiles and harassed with close assaults. I must admit my troops are quite resilient, and it takes a lot to decimate a unit. Then there is the "reanimation protocol" that brings back units from the dead. Very handy and apparently very annoying to the opposing side.

A group of scarabs engaged some weak-flesh Elysians. The little bugs proved their worth more than once.

Heavy combat near the Monolith. The Lychguards would eventually catch up to one of the flyers and crash it down.

A view of the intense battle near the Monolith.

The final shot of the battle, showing lots of de-activated warriors. At this point, the Elysians had too few ground units left to claim more than one of the three objectives.

Imperial News Network (INN)  sent reporters for live coverage of the "Cleansing of the Xenos" mission.

The Elysian commander pointing at a weak spot in the metallic structure, just seconds before a particle whip separated the atoms in his body.

All in all, I had a lot of fun playing this totally crazy battle, with combat and explosions all over the place. The cinematic of this game was on par with any Viet-Nam war movies. Thanks again to all those who participated.

Piloting School

I had an opportunity to try a game of "Check Your 6!" at DaveV's last Wednesday and in addition to DaveV, I had some great instructors to help me for my first flight: Rob, Bill and KevinH. The scenario was inspired by the very first encounter during the Second World War, in 1939, between 9 Luftwaffe bombers en route to sink some British Navy ships in the Firth of Forth in Scotland and 6 British early Spitfire I's.

The 9 JU-88As in formation. As the Spitfires were getting closer, the bomber groups would get closer to each other and provide a dense defensive coverage.

My two Spitfires, "V" and "C", with green pilots. I was told by the veterans to hold my fire until the last to save my ammo.

Pilot Bill wondering which pub the squadron pilots should go to for celebration after this engagement.

The Spitfires engaged the bombers from their left flank. However, despite repeated strafing runs, the bombers were undamaged, and the Spitfires had to fly behind the enemy formation.

 DaveV, satisfied with the outcome of the battle so far.

One Spitfire down! This is not good. Also, because I had green pilots, one of them ran out of ammo very quickly and had to rush back to the base.

My Spitfire "V", steadily approaching a damaged bomber...

... Now having moved behind, ready to shoot at point blank. Steady... Steady...

From the cockpit, the pilot of "V" can see the rest of the German formation.

Daka! Daka! Daka! In the simultaneous exchange of machinegun fire, my plane was damaged but Spitfire "V" managed to shoot down a bomber. Yay!

Meanwhile, as the bombers were approaching the British Navy, there was intense combat and two Spitfires as well as one bomber were shot down. At this point, DaveV declared a victory for the British, because enough bombers were damaged to make them abort the mission. It was a tough battle, but very enjoyable and fun.

I really like "Check Your 6!". The rules are intuitive yet they let you feel the subtle differences between the various aircrafts of WW2.