Chapter Master Liam Perseus – Primaris Captain Project

Along with all of the Captains, I stripped my original model of Liam Perseus, and made new arms.  The sword arm was a Grey Knight sword capped with a 3D printed copy of the end of Voltron’s Blazing Sword, courtesy of a buddy with a 3D printer and a lot of talent.  The other new arm is a Storm Bolter, which I find superior to the Combi-Weapon for a model meant to lead a unit full of Storm Bolters.

The paint job is similar to the old with one BIG exception: Perseus’ new sword was painted with non-metallic metal techniques.  This is to make it look otherworldly so that it is unlike anything else in the army.

Perseus has a backstory in the previous post, but an added note is that He, Atrus, and Antonius were recruited by Inquisitor Eric Boucher to be a part of the secret society of the Scutus Sinistratum: a force in the Imperium dedicated to preserve humanity by any means necessary, even if the Imperium collapses.

Next: More Captains, and then probably back to Legion Imperialis.  Plus, I finally scared up a deck of Pariah Nexus so I might return to the tabletop!

Primaris Captain Project – Zhuang Shan

Zhuang Shan was the youngest scion of the Zhuang family on the mining world of Taihang.  Despite being young, he was press ganged into a conscript legion when the forces of the Archenemy invaded.  Like so many of his brothers, the Azure Flames recruited him once they had come to the rescue of the benighted world.  Zhuang had made Corporal in the legion by surviving against impossible odds and being one of the few in his company alive at the end of the war.

Zhuang made a name for himself in the Scout company, and had the shortest recorded time from induction to ascension to full brotherhood (until Antonius broke this record).  He is still the only Azure Flame in existence to survive the final trial of the Scouts and leave the trial chamber under his own strength.  Zhuang’s reputation as incredibly tough and lucky were well earned, and he was promoted to Captain after the first devastating conflict with the forces of Victor Kalan’s Alliance.

During the Omega War, the entire Second Company of the Azure Flames was tasked with mining out and destroying the hardline connection that allowed the Omega Station’s Command Tower to communicate with the Engine Complex.  Zhuang helped hold off wave after wave of Tyranids backed up by the Cult of the Eternal Dawn while technicians in Termite Assault Drills bored through a literal kilometer of the crust of the Omega Station and severed the gigantic cable system.  Without this hardline, Gorath was unable to stop Leonidas and Voldo Canis from sending the Omega Station to collide with a nearby asteroid.

After the Omega War, Zhuang met his greatest failures.  Tyranid forces invaded Tashka, a system near to the Azure Flames homeworld of Iperin.  Though Zhuang fought nearly to death, the Tyranids had an inescapable foothold on the promethium-rich world.  Disgusted, Zhuang was forced to commit Exterminatus to set the oceans aflame and deny the Tyranid fleet such nourishment.  Zhuang’s failure was not in vain, as he was able to blunt other Tyranid incursions into the Azure Flames’ territory.

However, recruitment for the 2nd Company was insufficient after this, forcing Zhuang to arrive too late to save the newly founded Acacia Marines from the forces of a Chaos Ark of Omen.  Three Acacia Marines survived, and Zhuang escorted them to the nearest Watch Fortress of the Deathwatch.

Zhuang agreed with Chapter Master Perseus about converting the entire Azure Flames Chapter to Primaris, and was the first to volunteer outside the 4th Company.  After his upgrade, he worked tirelessly to forge Duan Chui, his Thunder Hammer that glows as if constantly forging iron, and Long Xi, his overpowered flame pistol.

Full of Determination, Zhuang left for Nocturne, where he placed last in the Salamander Hunt.  His was the largest that year, but Duan Chui pulverized the prized skin of the Salamander badly.

Zhuang participated in the re-cleansing of Altea when the 4th Company was besieged by Orks.  He often leads near the front, seemingly an unstoppable force of nature,

The new Zhuang uses Lieutenant’s legs and Primaris Jup Pack Captain’s torso.  The hammer is a modified Grey Knight hammer with a brazier from the Salamander upgrade pack.  His head is a Forge world substitute and his pistol is an old Astartes flamer with a tank from the Invictor Warsuit flame cannon.  The Mantle is a good old Dark Elf bit.

The old Zhuang was from the Masters of the Chapter box, modified to have a Storm Bolter instead of a Power Sword.

Next: more captains!

Primaris Captain Project – Nwabudike Abiola, Captain of the 5th Company

Continuing with the Primaris Captain project, I set about a task: re-create the old Space Marine Captain model from scratch.  In the past, three of the ten captains for the Azure Flames were based on this model (it was pewter and there wasn’t a lot of other options…).

So, I combined a Primaris Lieutenant body, the cape from the Primaris Jump Pack Captain, a Dark Angels Scabbard, a Forge World head, an old Iron Halo, and some random Primaris arms to re-create the old Captain pose.  Behold!

Abiola’s old model is on the left, the new one on the right.  The ropes on the chest and the flame on the scabbard were sculpted with Green Stuff.

Here’s a better pic of the front.  The face came out really well.  Nwabudike’s first name was chosen from Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri, a game I often steal inspiration from.

The cape was custom detailed with flames, similar to other captains.  The shoulder pad has a custom sculpted flame.  Abiola’s name is on the shoulder.

If you zoom in on the bolter, it says “Mortis.”

So, pretty successful!  This kitbashed mini is a pretty true homage to the old pewter captain!  There’s not much more that I could have done.

Wait, someone’s handing me something.  Who are you and how did you get in my house?

Oh.  Oh no.

It seems that several months after I kitbashed this mini, Games Workshop released the new Company Heroes box set, complete with this stunning fellow:

HAHA had I just waited several months I could have just used this mini and not had to work hard to kitbash, but I’m glad I did.  Abiola’s new model is unique; no one else has a Captain like this.

Next: more Captains!

Primaris Captain Project – Chayton Dakota, Captain of the 6th Company

Just before heading off on my honeymoon, I’ve finished another of the Rubicon-enhanced Captains of the Azure Flames!

Dakota’s original model is on the left.  The classic Space Marine Captain with Power Sword, I modded him to have a Bolt Pistol in 5th ed to be a bare-bones super cheap HQ choice for low points value games. (goodbye 3rd Edition Space Marine Leader with Storm Bolter for 35 points… *sniff*)

During the writing of Big Game VI, Dakota got some characterization.  He became the dour, practical pessimist.  No one expects Dakota to be jovial or enthusiastic.  But the entire chapter knows that he never puts forward criticisms unfounded.  He always supports the other Captains, even when they choose to neglect his caution.  And, on those rare occasions he calls for decisive action, his opinions are given all the more weight.

Dakota’s new Primaris model is the Captain with power fist and plasma pistol, with the same pose as a much earlier classic mini.  I got this mini from the last Swap Meet of the Highland Gaming Club in the Highland Michigan Library, before the club dissolved and eventually made its way to Ypsilanti under the Golden Rhino Games banner.

This mini sat, unloved, in a box, until late last year when I began the Primaris Captain project.  Legions Imperialis delayed it, but it’s done!  Here’s some highlights!

This angle shows Dakota’s face a little better.  Part of the Primaris Captain Project is to add personal names.  Chayton is a Lakota name for Falcon or Hawk.  Dakota’s eyes were painted with a brand new Psycho brush from Army Painter.  The Plasma effect is Baharroth Blue, drybrushed with Altdorf Guard Blue then Pro Acryl Black.  1 part Pro Acryl white was added to three parts Lahmian Medium and carefully washed into the white areas.

Dakota’s hair is XV-88 with a wash of Black Templar Contrast.  This is amazing for dark brown hair!

The cape is Magmadroth Flame over Grey Seer, highlighted with Jokaero Orange (because the new contrast is much more flat).  The flames at the bottom are Altdorf Guard and Baharroth Blue.

All of the Primaris Captain Project minis are converted in at least some way.  Dakota’s hair was custom sculpted from Green Stuff, as was the flame on his shoulder.

Any of the brownish metal is a flat coat of Brass Scorpion with Nuln Oil wash.

Next: I’m on vacation, but after that more Captains and possibly a few more options for Legions Imperialis!

Primaris Captain Project – Orpheon Leonidas, Captain of the 1st Company

When crafting the back story of the Azure Flames 20 years ago, I came up with the character of Leonidas as a brash and obstinate counterpoint to the main narrative pushed by Atrus.  Not everyone is ready to change their entire Chapter livery and practices on the word of one man, much less someone who claims to have received a vision from the Emperor.  Leonidas demanded to wear the old colors of the Sons of the Salamander, and was such an incredible fighter that he was promoted to the Captain of the 1st Company to try to tame him.

This failed.  Leonidas remains a headstrong and effective combatant, but is still completely out of anyone’s control.  He has, however, gained the respect of many within and without of the Chapter.

Leonidas was the son of a Planetary Governor who went against his father’s wishes and joined the Sons of the Salamander.  I gave him the first name Orpheon after the founder of his world.

Leonidas’ original model was created by a guy named Greg who ended up being a bit of a douche.  He gave the model to my buddy Matt, who didn’t use him at all because Matt played Chaos.  However, I played Salamanders and Leonidas’ original model had Chaplain Xavier’s old backpack and hammer, so Matt gave him to me.

I upgraded Leonidas with a Dreadnought sized Heavy Flamer when Vulkan He’Stan became a prevalent character back in 5th or 6th Ed.  He won me so many games I stopped using him because Vulkan He’Stan was kind of completely irresponsibly overpowered.

Now, in 10th ed, as I upgrade all of my old Captains to Primaris models, Leonidas has gone through the Rubicon Primaris and is a more modern looking stand-in for Vulkan He’Stan:

Greg’s old model for Leonidas is on the left.  I re-based him and added the heavy flamer.  Leonidas’ new model is on the right.  As you can see, he fits the scale of 10th better.

Leonidas’ body is the Primaris Captain with Jump Pack body.  The head is from the Black Templar Marshall.  The arm is a Primaris arm upgraded with a Grey Knight Halberd, topped with a Blood Angel Power Sword.  Another Primaris Arm was chopped and slotted into a Terminator Heavy Flamer (the previous edition so slightly smaller than the most modern version).  Finally, Leonidas’ cape is an old Dark Elf Sea Dragon Corsair cloaks.

Leonidas’ left shoulder pad has been upgraded with a sculpted flame (possibly against his own wishes!)

Each scale on the Sea Dragon Cloak was highlighted twice, top and bottom.

The Spear was upgraded with a Sisters of Battle flame bit sculpted on with Green Stuff, and painted with a technique to make it look like it was molten hot out of a forge.

Next: more Captains get the Primaris treatment!

Legions Imperialis Training Mission – Lexington’s Debut!

I’ve been sparse in posting recently because I’ve been preparing to get married.  However, I was working hard on previous projects for Legions Imperialis in order to set up a Training mission for my Best Man and longtime friend of Fourstrands, Lexington.

We played a 1500 point mission, Sons of Horus (Lexington) vs. Manachean Bulls (me).  I was busy setting things up so I wasn’t the most prolific photographer, but here’s the board at the top of turn three:

By the end of the game, the traitors were triumphant!  Let The Galaxy Burn!

As a Best Man’s gift, Lexington for TWO full starter boxes for the Legiones Astartes, more than enough to have a tactically viable force!

Next: my triumphant return to 40K painting with the continuation of the Primaris Captain project.

Legio Praesagius Warhound Titan

Legio Praesagius walks for the Emperor!  Vengeance for Calth!

This features custom waterslide transfers, and the straight lines were painted with the assistance of automotive masking tape.

This completes the 1500 pt list for my Solar Auxilia teaching list.  Anyone who wants to learn LI can now do so with a fully painted army!

Next: Unless I desperately need something for LI, I think I’ll be moving back to the Primaris Captain project for the Azure Flames.  Additionally, look for this model and all the others in my teaching lists in a game where I show Lexington the ropes!

Solar Auxilia Armoured Column

Big batch paint completion for LI Solar Auxilia!  The Manachean Bulls will be supported by some heavy armour!

Leman Russ Vanquisher Squadrons.  I painted different stripes to allow me to more easily use them as separate if desired.

Emperor’s Husband Malcador Tanks with Battle Cannons and Heavy Bolters

Finally, some of the legendary Baneblades!

Next: Legio Praesagius walks for the Manachean Commonwealth, for the Omnissiah, and to bring vengeance to the hated Surturvora!

Manachean Bulls Ogryn and Leman Russ proof of concept

Finally finished the four infantry frames for the Manachean Bulls with the Ogryn:

Additionally, I built 8 Leman Russes, 4 Malcadors, and 2 Baneblades! (partially).  I came up with a paint scheme that will hopefully let me paint them super fast with high quality.  However, all schemes need a test.  So, I painted one Leman Russ completely to make sure the scheme worked.

The tank was primed Grey Seer on the sprue.  Then, partially assembled (turret, body, and rear struts seperate).  Here is the scheme after that:

• Metal areas were painted flat with Two Thin Coats brand Sir Coates Silver.
• The entire tank (except the dude popping out of the hatch) was washed with 50/50 Nuln Oil/Lahmian Medium.
• Yellow areas were carefully painted with Iyanden Yellow contrast.
• Blue areas were carefully painted with Asurmen Blue contrast.  Lines were cleaned up with Grey Seer and Nuln Oil.
• Gold metal is Retributor Gold with a light wash of Gulliman Flesh where there was detail
• Tiny details were added, along with decals.

Note to all LI players who want to build Russ tanks: the rear struts WILL BREAK FOR LIKE NO REASON.  Be EXTREMELY careful when clipping them off the sprue or cleaning them.

Next: more tanks!

Legion Imperialis Manachean Bulls

Google sucks.

That’s the post.

Just kidding, if you saw the thumbnail you know that there are new images of things I’ve painted.  Namely, three more sprues of Legion Imperialis Solar Auxillia infantry.

However there was a problem.

When I needed reference for the commander for the Auxillia Tactical Command (the lesser command base) I looked up the image on Google Image Search.  This is what I did when I first chose the color scheme for the Saturnine Rams.  They had a lovely blue with yellow scheme I thought would be complimentary to the Sons of Horus and look good against them on a tabletop.

However, the reference images I found for the color scheme THIS time named them the Manachean Commonwealth Bulls.

*rage simmers*

Oh well, crying doesn’t fix misapplied decals.  I’m glad I caught it this early.

Here is a redone Legate Commander and another new one:

Here are the Tactical Command bases (which will be used more frequently):

Lasrifles:

Flamers:

Veletaris:

Sentinels with redone decals:

Next: Charonite Ogryn and then tanks!