eBay this week: A single lonely Zoat / Rogue Trader Era

This week on eBay, I have a single lonely Zoat dating back to approximately the Rogue Trader era. It is both assembled, and painted (a bit poorly, I'll be the first to admit) and has been in my collection since goodness knows when (certainly the 1990s). The listing is here for anyone interested! Hope I can find a nice new home for him?

I've got a bunch of re-listings still on eBay that folks are also welcome to bid on such as an ancient Great Unclean One from the Realms of Chaos era, and a pair of Plague Ogryns (one of which is well painted). 

Wargames Gallery: Moon Station Alpha

On a distant moon, an Alpha Legion strike squadron and their transport docks to take care of business - and possibly re-fuel as well. 

Iron Warriors Cataphractii Terminators

Finished painting the squad of Iron Warriors Cataphractii Terminators!

These hardened warriors are kitted out for close combat duty with 4 of them sporting twin lightning claws, and the fifth a heavy flamer and power fist. Perhaps in hind sight I should have just gone with all five of them as lightning claws, but I do like the heavy flamer in a close combat squad regardless. Not only for softening up the enemy before charging, but also as an anti-charge deterrent. 

Perhaps the most novel feature of the paint scheme here is the wet blending on the lightning claws, combined with dry brushing of reds up the arms to where the yellow and black hazard stripes are located. It is meant to give off a theme of red hot claws capable of slicing through anything. The chaos lord arms in particular work very well here indeed. I've also applied the same approach to the flamer. I am not quite as sold on the approach here, but what it does do well is to tie the squad together in a cohesive painting scheme which the bases round off nicely. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Legion Warmonger Consul

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. A great way to bring in a deep striking force - especially as an allied detachment.

Background.

A small break in the regular reviews today to consider the warmonger consul. They are depicted here as either headstrong and eager for glory, or headstrong and respected for throwing themselves into the midst of it all. 

Strengths.

This is a regular consul upgrade for power armour and terminator consuls alike. The cost is attractive, and for that, the consul gains and Aetheric Juncture Splicer. This is technobabble for a hand held teleport device I think! Fundamentally, this is a great way of getting deep strike into play without having to take a specialist rite of war and should be played as such. 

Weaknesses.

The problem with the splicer is that the technology is not very stable and lacks the calibration of a true teleport room. Hence when arriving from deep strike, the unit must roll a die and suffer a wound on a roll of a 1 with only invulnerable saves permitted. This is not a bad trade off overall, but it does force the player to think about the sort of unit that will accompany the warmonger. At this point, all manner of terminators look very attractive in my opinion!

Secondly with the Tip of the Spear special rule, they always have to charge in the assault phase. So you will want an assault unit with them.

For legions like the World Eaters, you are spoiled for choice. For other legions like perhaps the Iron Warriors, it is a little less obvious what to teleport. 

Builds.

Warmonger with Two Lightning Claws (120 points).

If you're going to charge all the time, then you might as well swing away with some deadly claws?

Warmonger Tartaros Teminator with Chain Fist, Combi-Melta (145 points).

Good for deep striking and killing most things. 

Warmonger Cataphractii Terminator with Thunder Hammer and Grenade Harness (150 points). 

The grenade harness might not be needed if you have a squad of terminators that already has one?

Personally, I like the idea of the power armour with a horde of other units like Rampagers or a Thousand Sons cabal. The terminator armour is just excellent though and the invulnerable save means they will take less wounds - hence I'd always be opting for terminators. I'd prefer tartaros just for the sweeping ability. 

Wargames Gallery: Iron Hands Push

Pushing out from the forge, the Iron Hand breachers squad demonstrates their stone-like grim intent. 

eBay Listings this week: Tinboyz, Plague Ogryns, Ral Partha Darksun, Dragonlance, Great Unclean One and more!

I am having a bit of a clean out - not only today, but over recent weeks, and possibly more in future weeks too. This week I have multiple offerings available on eBay. These include the following!:

Tinboyz. Wow, I haven't dug these out in literally years. Possibly a decade or more. The narrative for Orks used to be that their Mekboyz built these robots in the form of other races to mock them. Why don't they exist any more? They are a very cool concept. This is a job lot listing for 8 Tinboyz, including marines, eldar, and squats. Rather rare as well.

Plague Ogryns. A listing for a pair of Plague Ogryns from Forge World. One is well painted to a very good standard and has seen action on the tabletop despite a naked base. The second is assembled, but that's it. Rare these days as they're long since OOP, but can readily be used in 30k and 40k (think: daemons, spawn, etc.). 

Darksun Ral Partha Miniatures. Arguably the highlight for this week is a large set of Ral Partha Darksun miniatures. I'm selling my entire Darksun miniature collection in one job lot. Some used, some a bit knackered, most in good shape and not painted. I've not seen the likes of this on eBay in a long time. And frankly, I need the space, so help me out here!

Ral Partha Cyclops. Continuing on the same theme is a trio of Ral Partha Cyclops. Painted a long time ago, but not used in ages. A bit bent in places. 

Dragonlance Time of the Dragon. Original boxed set complete for advanced dungeons and dragons second edition. Can't lie: the outer box is damaged, but the interior contents are used to excellent condition. 

And a re-listing for a metal Great Unclean One of Nurgle to finish off. 

More to follow in future weeks. Enjoy!

Exodus Painted

Exodus was a pleasure to paint! My take on him follows the standard Alpha Legion approach that I've worked on over the years with metallic blue main parts, silver edging, and highlights as appropriate. 

The Instrument is not so picked out here - I was aiming for a plainer approach overall which is complemented nicely with the Armageddon Dunes on the base in terms of the colouring. The decal on the tabard is from the standard transfer sheet. 

For the cape of the model, I decided on something much more original!

Behold a pointillism colour transition! The idea here is straight forward enough. Stripes of colour from black to blue and back again have been done diagonally across the cape. These have then had points of colour from the adjoining colours applied to them to help blend them together. From a distance the effect is beautiful. Even close up, it still works, but it becomes obvious how the transition has been accomplished. And maybe that's how Exodus' technology works: pixels of colour that change like a chameleon. Just my take on the concept anyway. Hope you like it!

World Eaters Warmonger / Praetor

A new conversion today - this time for the World Eaters! Plans are afoot for a small allied detachment of this legion. This particular miniature will serve as either a Praetor (in which case the weapon is a paragon blade) or as a Warmonger - primarily for the use of the teleport device (in which case the weapon might be an excoriator?). 

The bits used are most obviously a Red Butcher body. The arms and weapon come from the Dark Angels terminator range. The shoulder pads are Forge World resin Tartaros armour. I wanted this guy to suggest violence incarnate combined with martial skill and intimidation. I think it does so in droves. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Ares Gunship

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. Prodigious firepower. 

Background.

This is a flyer that has been in use since the Unity wars on old Terra. The firepower alone was enough to make the Chancellor of the Antipodean Penninsula (wonder where that is?) capitulate and surrender to the Emperor. 

Strengths.

In many ways, this flier is similar to the Orion. It has 7 hull points with front AV=13 and an eclipse shield.

But the thing that really shines here is the pure firepower. The whole craft is built around two heavy blaze cannons and a magna-blaze cannon. These things are deadly. Lots of shots at S=9 and S=10 (destroyer) with exoshock means that this will kill tanks and other armour with contempt to spare. 

Weaknesses.

The firebomb clusters are nice, but very much not needed here - this is a shooting gunship and not a bombing gunship really. That, and you will probably have your footsloggers in position before the gunship arrives in the game. It is a great addition if you are thinking about having a Lords of War, but I think the Orion just about edges it in a competition between the two. It still looks very cool though and I've seen one or two in the wild - a gorgeous model!

Builds.

There are no options to consider here. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Orion Assault Dropship

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. Worth it. 

Background.

Specifically creates for the Custodes. This is a drop ship that can carry a whole load of them into the fight, precisely where they need to be and fend off on-coming attacks whilst scouring a landing zone simultaneously. 

Strengths.

With front armour of 13 and 7 hull points, this is a craft that should make it to where it needs to be. Helping this out is the eclipse shield which functions a bit like a flare shield but with added shrouding sauce in case of bad outcomes. 

The transport capacity of 24 stands out here. You're going to fit a lot in. 

In addition to this the fire power is fairly prolific. Blaze cannons, bolt cannons, and bolt launchers combine to make 40 (I think I've calculated that number correctly) S=6 shots per turn. Ouch. 

Weaknesses.

You will need to carefully consider what it is transporting in those 24 capacity slots. And then worry about positioning so as to not get shot in the relatively more vulnerable sides and rear. It is not going to go down fast, but a weight of firepower from an enemy can prove devastating. 

Builds.

There are no options to consider here. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Telemon Heavy Dreadnought

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️

2.5/5 stars, rounded down. Not as good as it should be. 

Background.

Hand crafted by the Emperor himself (well - at least one part of the armour is), the Telemon is an exceptionally rare beast. Only the most remarkable Custodes gets to be interred, and the order would sooner the dreadnoughts remain unoccupied than some lesser Custode pilot it. Truly a waste of resources!

Strengths.

With 8 wounds, this is a dreadnought much like a Leviathan but with bonus durability! The stat line is seriously impressive - and intimidated.

The best part are the ranged weapons. The accelerator with S=8 and AP=3 is the pick of the bunch to be honest. That's not to say the rest of them are bad, they're just too short range. Except for the default bolt launcher which is still nice.

The melee weapons are deadly to say the least. S=10 and AP=2 is excellent. Even nicer is the sunder rule, just a pity we miss out on brutal to be candid. 

Weaknesses.

The movement rate is 6. I'm going to repeat that. The movement rate is 6. It is just too slow to get where it needs to be, sorry. And the weapons range is too short. This is not a unit that is realistically going to see much play, even though the model is epic and cool. I mean, play the model, but just don't expect much?

Builds.

Telemon with Iliastus Accelerator Culverin (390 points).

Expensive. Slow. But nice range and melee potential. The main problem is that the core of your army will get there first. 

This Week's eBay: Primus Medicae, Great Unclean One, Dragonlance, and Quantum Gothic

This week on eBay, I have several items for sale. As per usual, I am selling older bits and pieces that haven't seen much recent use and I want to turn them into cash to fund the next additions to my collection. Or as my wife says: I have to get rid of things before buying new things. So help your bro out?!

The first one is a Mint Condition Primus Medicae. Now, I suspect my long time readers will wonder why on earth I want to sell this one rather than use it? In truth, I've not quite figured out how to best use it. I originally bought it to slot in with my Alpha Legion Lernaeans - the extra IWND rolls are crazy good in principle, but my use of the elites slot usually counts against me here I have to say. Hence the Primus Medicae has been sat in his box for half an eternity - I basically bought it upon release. This is unopened in its box. 

The second one is one of my treasured possessions. A metal Realms of Chaos / Rogue Trader Era Great Unclean One of Nurgle. Why sell such an item? I actually have two of them, but neither have been used in a decade. I don't intend to use them either. So its time. He has seen many battles and many victories and defeats. He's also a little delicate, so I promise to wrap him carefully for postage. 

 

The third one is a Catalyst Missile Launcher from Quantum Gothic. I've been using it as scenery and terrain on and off for years. But given how I've never painted it, and how I've got plenty of other terrain, it is surplus to requirements. I've seen some interesting conversions for Whirlwinds and similar using this piece, so go wild if you want!

And finally on the roleplaying game front, I am offering up the core of my Classic Dragonlance collection. Classics volumes 1, 2, and 3, as well as Dragonlance Adventures as a single job lot. I haven't so much as opened them up in a decade and my younger family don't show too much interest. Plus I need space on the shelves. I hope these will find a great new home as they have certainly been well loved over many, many years, and over no fewer than three total play-throughs with a variety of RPG groups over the years prior. If you buy this, please play it and give it life once more - I'd love to hear if your group plays them through!

Good luck to anyone bidding! I'll have more up in future weeks as I clear out some older stuff to make way for newer items. 

Wargames Gallery: Take It Down

When the Iron Warriors receive the command to "Take It Down", they don't need to be asked twice. 

One Day Painting Challenge Outcome: Iron Hands Heavy Support Squad

It was a long day with lots of things in between the painting and drying cycles. But here is the final product! What do you think?

The painting recipe follows the standard approach that I take with Iron Hands. I don't want them glossy like the Raven Guard recipe that I use, so I have a black undercoat followed by Eshin Grey base coat. Then washes are applied with a combination of nuln oil and black. Highlights are in greys and the trim done in silver.

The decals come from a mixture of Alpha Legion (the "X" on some shoulder pads) as well as cogs from mechanicum decals which I think work well. I've even sneaked a Word Bearers decal on the top of the tank hatch that one of the marines is standing on just for flavour! Although the red eye lenses could do with more work, I am very pleased with this outcome overall! 

One Day Painting Challenge: Iron Hands Heavy Support Squad

Welcome to the "One Day Painting Challenge" that I've challenged myself to complete! The idea is simple. Take a squad. Paint it up. And complete it in one day. The main issue with this kind of challenge is allowing sufficient drying times between layers to ensure the next one is nice and smooth. But let's get to the subject of the challenge itself. 

This is a Horus Heresy Iron Hands heavy support squad. I have assembled them with autocannons from the plastic kit upgrade range. The miniatures themselves contain a mixture of parts from Forge World resin Mk 3 armour, the same in plastic, Forge World Iron Hands upgrades (torsos, legs shoulder pad), and a single head from the character heads produced very recently for a bit of variation. The bases are custom with a lot of grit, some cork, a sawed in half tire, and spare tank bits. 

I want to go a bit beyond just the paint job. I want to also have time to apply decals in select places on the miniatures - although I completely lack the dedicated Iron Hands decals, so this might be interesting. Time for the undercoat!

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️

2/5 stars. Just. It simply is not as good as a regular contemptor from the space marine legions. 

Background.

The Custodes' Contemptor. It is the same technology as the Astartes Legions in the main part. Here, it is designed to reap infantry rather than any other target. This is both a strength and a significant weakness.

Strengths.

The stat line is great. WS=6 is very strong in the game. Indeed, this alone means that it will be more than a match for any other contemptor on average. 

The warblade has S=8 and instant death so will readily chew through space marines. But that's about it. The incinerator is good enough with S=6. 

Weaknesses.

The major problem here is that this contemptor does not have a fist. The blade is categorically not as good as a fist since it lacks the brutal rule. For this reason alone, I have awarded 2 stars out of 5. It is fundamentally not designed to take on vehicles and as a result the range of targets within the game that it can handle is not as wide open as regular contemptors -- even if it can handle those explicitly. Don't get me wrong, it is still deadly, but the 2 stars is simply because of the lower threat range compared to regular contemptors. 

Builds.

There are no upgrades here, hence no build to select between. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Caladius Grav-Tank

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars, rounded up. Although expensive, these grav tanks have a solid place in this army.

Background.

Hailing from the dark age of technology, this grav tank combines the anti-gravity technology of a bygone age with the ability to bring a strong weapon to the middle of the battlefield. 

Strengths.

If you are going to take this tank, then you will want the Arachnus Blaze Cannon upgrade. Seriously: this is just a beast on the battlefield. It has lance and is a bit like a lascannon otherwise with exoshock in play as well. This is incredible and has the potential to wipe a tank off the battlefield every turn. Combined with the movement rate of 16, I regard the points cost as worthwhile here even if it is slightly on the pricey side. 

Weaknesses.

The armour values leave something to be desired with 13 on the front and sides, and a mere 11 on the rear. You will need to carefully watch your positioning. 

Builds.

Caladius Grav-Tank with Arachnus Blaze Cannon  (260 points).

Yes it is slightly on the expensive side considering its defensive capability. But the offensive capability will leave your opponents weeping when played correctly. It might also leave you with few friends. So maybe only take one of them. Two at most. I mean, three is great of course. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Sagittarum Guard Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️

1.5/5 stars, rounded down. Not useful.

Background.

Sentinels on the walls of the palace itself. These Custodians practice long range and precise application of firepower to destroy the foe.

Strengths.

I need to be a bit brutal here. There's not much point in this unit. You are effectively exchanging your custodian spear for something resembling a heavy bolter. The only up side is the one-shot disintegration shot. This is totally worth while and the only reason it gets 1.5 stars rather than a flat 1 star rating from me.

Weaknesses.

By and large everything about this unit is not useful. This is a melee army fundamentally, with some fast moving high AP units to help out with knight killing when absolutely required. These Sagittari are just not worth it. 

Builds.

3 Sagittari, 1 with Vexilla and Destructor (185 points).

I suppose if you just have to field this unit in second edition, then it will look something like this. Maybe with extra bodies if you must. Its just too expensive for what it is doing and I've never once seen them played.

Wargames Gallery: Infiltrators

What happens when the two sneakiest legions meet?

In this case, the Alpha Legion has just declared a charge against Raven Guard Mor Deythan armed with melta and bolt gun. The combi-meltas have already been fired though, and the Alpha Legion tactical squad can be seen in a whittled down moment. After the charge, the Alpha Legion do well and exchange blows with the Raven Guard. The key difference though is the power fist on the Alpha Legion squad leader that really rips apart the Mor Deythan. Victory here goes to the Alpha Legion. What is left of the Mor Deythan routs, and the Alpha Legion sweep them off the battlefield for good - albeit at a heavy cost to the remains of the squad wherein only half the squad remain! But they've accounted for the enemy at a 2:1 ratio, so its a more than reasonable melee for the Hydra. 

 

 

New eBay Listing: Iron Warriors dreadnought - near mint

I have an Iron Warriors dreadnought from Forge World up for sale over on eBay. Near mint condition - I bought it years ago, but am parting with it as I don't have the time to sensibly convert it to look anywhere near as loyalist as I want it to for Horus Heresy. 

Link: Iron Warriors dreadnought.

I even have the bags that I bought them in! Plasma cannon on the right arm, and chain fist on the left arm. Available as a bid, and with a buy-it-now option as well. Relatively rare and OOP these days. 

Emperor's Children Phoenix Warden / Praetor

The second post in one day? Certainly! As noted in my plans for the months ahead, my top priority is to explore the Emperor's Children range and build a small detachment. I have long been intrigued by the loyalist aspect of the legion. After reading Fulgrim and the other novels surrounding the Isstvan campaign, I can see myself tilting nicely toward having a loyalist third legion element to complement my (obviously also loyal) Alpha Legion. It will also sit nicely with the Iron Hands forces that I have: either for friendly shattered legions purposes, pre-heresy, or serve as a traitor counter point!

I have gone out of my way to source the parts for this one. The main body is most obviously from the Palatine Blades. The spear is a phoenix spear, and the resin shoulder pad is one of the Emperor's Children. The jet pack is also from the resin range that I specifically bought for this miniature. Although not obvious from the image, the bolt pistol is from the vanguard veterans range and features filigree along the main body. Arms and plastic shoulder pad are obvious enough. The head is from the new heads range released by Games Workshop - I intend the hair to be painted platinum white, but I really liked the dynamism here. It is not a strong as with Eidolon, but really suits the Third Legion aesthetic. The head is also positioned very carefully to be looking square down the barrel of the bolt pistol. The pose is intended to communicate a fluidity of movement with the bolt pistol leader, and the spear positioned behind his back ready for striking at the opportune moment!

Meanwhile the base consists of four lengths of plastic pipework buried underneath a plastic door that I had lying around. I've glued a lot of debris around this to suggest a ruined battlescape where this character has landed. He will provide a beautiful and elegant counter point to the otherwise hard edged Iron Hands siege breaker posted earlier today.

Overall, I am more than pleased with how this conversion and kit bash has turned out! Really flexing some creative muscles now! 

Iron Hands Siege Breaker / Praetor

It is not the new siege breaker model. Not sorry. This miniature is a bit of a kit bash to produce a Siege Breaker - or possibly praetor - to lead my Iron Hands detachment (or indeed lead a Shattered Legions contingent -- really looking forward to those new rules now!). 

Clearly the thunder hammer and the bolt pistol are from the plastic range, whereas the torso and legs are resin parts from the Forge World resin range for the Iron Hands. The shoulder pads are similarly bespoke from Games Workshop. 

I've also gone a bit of a adventure with the basing. The las cannon on the base is from the Imperial Guard range and sources from the sentinel if memory serves. Balancing the miniature on top of the cannon was a bit of trial and error (which is to say: lots of dry fitting!). The base otherwise has Armageddon Dunes painted on to it ready for undercoating. I think it has worked well enough though and communicates - arguably - some of the desperation of the drop site massacre which it what I originally intended when I set out. This miniature is meant to be a survivor and a leader for the scattered and shattered forces that he has been able to gather around himself following that campaign. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Custodian Venatari Squad

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️

1.5/5 stars, rounded up. The rules are below par and this is not a unit you are likely to see on the battlefield as other units perform the same job better, for less points cost.

Background.

Predatory eagle minded Custodians who haunt the rafters. These Venatari are a very peculiar breed although the title is supposed to be a high honour.

Strengths.

I like the melta bombs - can't lie. With that said, this is a unit that suffers from something of a lack of focus, or if it has focus, then others do things almost as good or better for the same points. Equally, I must be one of the only people I've ever known who likes the miniatures for these Custodians!

The bucklers are interesting for some helpful protection against certain types of incoming attacks. Their own attacks in turn are reasonable but the upgrade to the lance is very attractive for the AP=2 component alone. 

Weaknesses.

For the points cost, there are other units that do things better. The grav vehicles and jetbikes are better. The ground slogging troops can move almost as fast and hit well. Perhaps the points cost is for deep striking. If so, then there are still other units who do it better. In all honesty, this is not a unit that I can recommend to the reader. 

Builds.

3 Venatari, All with Lances (260 points).

Far too expensive for what they are and what they can do. Sure, the attacks are nice, and the deep strike great. But who is going to bother except for those people like me who just like the miniatures. Most people don't even like the sculpts which suggests my tastes are poor!, but my advice still stands.  

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Pallas Attack Speeder Squadron

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3/5 stars. The rules are solid.

Background.

The hunter killer grav craft employed by the Custodes. They're skimmers and they're rather fast and dashing. As you might expect, they are used for hit and run exercises which they are well able to perform. 

Strengths.

Another skimmer in the fast attack section, this time with armour values. They come with a flare shield to help keep them alive as well as the usual deep strike and outflank. What I really like about them are the blaze cannons. These are simply splendid for what they do: S=8 and AP=2 with two blasts, albeit at short range make them a threat to many things in the game. And these vehicles are cheap enough to have a full squad of them without breaking a sweat. 

Weaknesses.

The armour values make this an easy-to-kill craft fundamentally - as well as being a priority target. 

Builds.

3 Pallas Attack Speeders (180 points).

The full squad, without any other upgrades is the way to go here. I would not want to swap out the blaze cannons for the devastators as the AP is just inferior. Stick to the blaze cannons here. The points cost is nice and cheap here which is attractive enough to use them. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Agamatus Jetbike Squadron

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars. Rounded down - just. An odd unit but capable of knight destroying.

Background.

A custom grav-skimmer rode by the Custodes. They serve a role of rapid response and suppression for the army and do it rather well. 

Strengths.

The movement rate of 16 is very impressive. The solarite power lance is similarly great with AP=1 and at S=10. These Custodes will get into position very rapidly and hit even harder where they need to. And in an army that lacks something in the armour killing department at range, this is a very good addition. In short then, this is a knight killing unit. 

Weaknesses.

Only 1 attack base is poor. But perhaps you only need that since you'll get the charge in, and if you're facing something like a knight, then that is also a nemesis unit, so you probably get 3 attacks on the charge. Not brilliant. But hopefully that'll be all that you need?

Builds.

3 Agamentus, 1 with Las Pulser (300 points).

I like the las pulser for the heavy 3 S=9 attacks. But oh my, it costs a lot of points to upgrade. Equally, three of these are a bit overkill, but sometimes will be nice. They could certainly soften up an armoured target before a charge though, so worth having at least one in my opinion. 

Wargames Gallery: Salamanders Contemptor Onslaught

The Iron Warriors look on grimly as the Salamanders' contemptor enters firing mode on the unit in front of him - there are no reactions left to be executed other than to stand there and take the shots. 

Iron Warriors Tactical Squad Painted

A full Iron Warriors tactical squad, fully painted!

I probably should have added a Vexilla, but I can't have it all, and they do have glorious bayonets affixed so I am certainly happy!

Hobby Projects in 30k for the months ahead

I've been pondering about my 30k / Horus Heresy projects recently from a hobby point of view. As my readers will know, I've been involved in the game since Rogue Trader, and have absolutely loved the Horus Heresy game in particular. Indeed, 30k is the reason that I'm still into the hobby - no doubt about that at this stage. So, I've been pondering projects and armies that I've been collecting for a while and thinking about what to plan next. The following is a stream of thought about those considerations and a vague road map for the time ahead on the hobby front!

I've decided to order this in terms of army by army. I will freely admit that some factions appeal to me a lot more than others (that, and the games I tend to play are typically lower points levels to ensure a reasonable completion time scale, which in turn means that I can introduce an allied detachment very easily). Heretical members of otherwise loyalist factions. The inverse. Those who have no place. And those whose models are simply cool! In doing all of this, I've been thinking along the lines of "main armies" versus those that I simply want a small detachment of, to those that I want a single model from.

I've put stars next to each faction to arrange them in priority for myself. I've also used square brackets to denote completeness / not going to expand further at this point in time.

Dark Angels. I’ve always been a fan, I will freely confess. This is, of course, known to my hard core long time readers. But in the Horus Heresy, this legion is not a priority for me and I don’t own any appropriate miniatures for it. That’s not to say that I’d never collect them, or a small force. They’re just not top of the list. Love the Primarch model though. Hence I have a low priority (one star out of five) for them. ⭐️

Emperor’s Children. I have secretly coveted collecting a small detachment for a long while. So much so, that this will be my next pet project! Surprise! Top priority! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Iron Warriors. One of my main army collections. Not as extensive as my Alpha Legion by any means, but loving them all the same. Very happy with this legion! Not looking to expand at the moment, but will consider it. I am content with the army as it stands right now, but I do need to paint up what I have assembled. [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️]

White Scars. I don’t own any and I have no plans to own any either. Not a priority, but not ruling them out in the future either. I also find white a tough colour to paint. Low to zero priority overall.⭐️

Space Wolves. I like the fluff and the miniatures, but once again I don’t own any and have no plans for even an allied detachment. Maybe one day a small detachment to "look after" the loyalty of my Alpha Legion? Zero priority. ⭐️

Imperial Fists. They just don’t speak to me. Sorry folks! Don't hate me! Zero priority. ⭐️

Night Lords. I’m not a big fan. I’m not opposed either. Just can’t see me collecting them right now. Low priority. ⭐️⭐️

Blood Angels. I like their vibe. I like how they play. But they are a low priority for me. ⭐️⭐️

Iron Hands. I own small numbers of these as part of my shattered legions collection. There’s a possibility to expand, but I need to complete the ones I have so it is only a medium priority to expand, but a relatively high priority to complete the ones I have. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

World Eaters. The tragedy of this legion speaks to me and I’d very much like to explore the range. Medium-high priority. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ultramarines. Far too vanilla for me due to 40k, but I do like the rules. Zero priority. ⭐️

Death Guard. I collected this legion in 40k as a main army. But I haven’t bothered with them in 30k. Maybe one day. Medium to low priority. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thousand Sons. Now here is an unusual legion that I’d like to know better and would be a good painting challenge. Seriously tempting for an allied detachment somehow. I'd love to blend 40k bits with 30k body parts to create a force on the edge of corruption. Medium-high priority. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sons of Horus. Lots of traitor players (rightly) love them. But for me I’ve seen them all on the battlefield and internet already. Except maybe for having Horus himself, its a zero priority for me. ⭐️

Word Bearers. I have a bit of a love-hate thing for them. I have a good detachment of Gal Vorbak going that I’d like to round out with Tal one day. High priority for Tal alone. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Salamanders. I have a detachment as part of my shattered legions. I’m complete with them for now. [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️]

Raven Guard. Same as the Salamanders. Love the shattered legion detachment I own. I also have an unpainted Corax yet to complete. [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️]

Alpha Legion. My main army that I’ve never stopped expanding since first edition. Always a priority, but I’m largely done unless there’s a cool new release or I see an opportunity for something interesting or a conversion.  [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️]

Mechanicum. I’ve a small detachment of robots but they’re mainly unpainted. Medium Priority. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Knights. Who doesn’t love knights?! High priority to complete at least the Lancer and a couple of armigers! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Titans. No more at the present time, but love the ones I own. One day I’d like to at least consider buying more… i.e., a Warlord! Just not right now. Some lame excuse about saving up. ⭐️⭐️

Daemons. One of my main 40k armies. They’ve translated well to 30k, but I don’t feel the need to expand here or do anything with them other than summoning some occasionally?!. [⭐️]

Imperial Army. Not my thing. Unless serving the Alpha Legion? Zero priority. ⭐️

Custodes. I have a few. I might get a few more. But honestly not my play style or favoured paint scheme either. Low priority. ⭐️⭐️

Sisters. I’d actually like to have them! I have zero. So I’m not starting on them. Tough! Unless I win the lottery and retire early. ⭐️

Assassins and Agents. Would seriously consider this. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Black Shields. So very tempting. But not until I see the new rules. Priority pending, but probably high!

So in summary, it is a tiny detachment of Emperor's Children next for me, along with finishing the painting of some miniatures that I already have built in the collection. Maybe Argel Tal at some point. And I want that Lancer assembled soon as well. Time is the enemy as per usual!