The Solbond Gardhird

The Solbond Gardhird is more than a grudgeband-it is a walking oath, a vow given form in steel and memory. Forged in the aftermath of the Shattered Star’s fall, the Gardhird is composed primarily of Ironkin who carry within their cores the cold fury of that tragedy. Each member, from Hearthkin to Einhyr, fights not for conquest or wealth, but to uphold the sacred charge sworn by the last survivors: no Kin shall die unprotected again. They are High Kahl Trokk the Denier's personal vassals and warband, his trusted companions and oathed champions.

Where the Gardhird marches, their presence is unmistakable; silent helms, rune‑etched armor, and the disciplined precision of minds united by a single purpose. They strike with the inevitability of a collapsing star, advancing in interlocking fields of fire while their champions deliver the final, crushing blow. To allies, they are steadfast guardians; to enemies, they are the relentless echo of a promise that cannot be broken.

Among the Gnostari Dominion, the Solbond Gardhird is spoken of with reverence. They are the oath‑bound, the grief‑forged, the Ironkin who refused to let their Kindred’s memory fade into dust.

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Yay! My Crusade group is gearing up for a new year and new campaign. This time I will be taking out the Ironkin of the Gnostari Dominion in the form of the Solbond Gardhird oathband. They are going to be pretty much my entire, newly built/aquired collection of Votann models, minus a third Memnyr and second Einhyr Champion, so it will be a good way to get all of these stubby robits painted and bathed in the blood of the unworthy!

As of right now the two main Crusade planners are putting their heads together and bashing something out in terms of how the campaign will work. We won't be doing the 500 Worlds thing, as it isn't really Crusade, but will be doing some sort of custom campaign that will probably use parts of a bunch of different Crusade books. I'm looking forward to it!

So, I have my lists made up and my units named- this is the starting 1000 points of the Gardhird:

Uthar the Destined : High Khal Trokk the Denier

Memnyr Strategist : Varrik of Ruunes

Einhyr Champion : Veyr Durmla

Hearthkin Warriors : Seykyr's Hird

Hernkyn Pioneers : Farstryde Riders

Einhyr Hearthguard : The Sol-Hammer

Ironkin Steeljacks w/Volkite : Sondur-Oath Wardens

Kapricus Defender : Chisel-Point One

Sagitaur : Oath-Runner One

Sagitaur : Oath-Runner Two

Its a fairly standard list for me- I try to keep my Votann lean and mobile in the Needgard Oathband Detachment, so Trokk will be in with the Hearthkin half that has a HLas autorifle/cannon, theyn, and plasma knives in a Sagitaur. The other half of ion blaster Hearthkin will rock out in the second Sagitaur and probably hang back in the first turn to sticky any rear-line objective. The Einhyr and Champ will sit in Reserve until needed to drop down and fill someone with plasma, and Varrik and his Steeljacks will provide a mobile turret that will run up the middle of the board. Pioneers and Kapricus flank while hopefully getting Agendas set up.

I've played a couple of games at/near this level of points for my Votann and they've been decently potent. If I can get enough Yield Points to turn on Fortify, then the -1 to Wound vs higher-S weapons really helps out my durability and makes my units last longer than expected. When you have to start using anti-tank weapons to get better than 4+ to Wound on even regular warriors, it can really help out. 

Anyway, I'm pretty excited for a new campaign and looking forward to putting out some battle reports and more painted units. Hopefully this will all kick off in February, so right now I'm working on painting up the last of my characters and then I'll get started on the units. Until next time, thanks for looking!