After few years of grey pile of shaming me, my relic boardgame has convinced me of starting the paint job, so here it is, starting with the Ogryn and the Ratling

Any AM army starts from infantry, so i just take a box and start from scratch. There is first test model. Any critic are welcome.

The Call to Arms 2026

CHAOS STRONGHOLD

Time to bust out those brushes and paints and stand ready to represent your Forum/s of choice and aid them on the path to claim Victory!!!!

What is The Call to Arms, I hear you ask?

The Call to Arms is a multi-forum event designed to  encourage us all to start a new army, or bolster our current forces.

The Forums of the B&C are divided up into five Strongholds;

The Astartes Stronghold

• Adeptus Astartes
• Black Templars
• Blood Angels
• Dark Angels
• Space Wolves
• Ultramarines
• Grey Knights
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Imperium Stronghold

• Adepta Sororitas
• Adeptus Mechanicus
• Astra Militarum
• Imperial Knights
• Talons of the Emperor
• The Imperium of Mankind
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Chaos Stronghold

• Chaos Daemons
• Chaos Knights
• Heretic Astartes
• Death Guard
• Emperor's Children
• Thousand Sons
• World Eaters
• The Realm of Chaos

The Xenos Stronghold

• Aeldari
• Drukhari
• Genestealer Cults
• Leagues of Votann
• Necrons
• Orks
• T'au Empire
• Tyranids

The Heresy Stronghold

• Age of Darkness
• Epic Scaled Heresy Games

These five Strongholds will act as the hub for each of the five main Factions, and will for the 3 Month duration of the Call to Arms, run independently of the four other Strongholds. At the end of the 3 months, the five Strongholds will face off, and overall winners will be declared.

Dates

Start Date: 15th JUNE 2026

End Date: 15th SEPTEMBER 2026

(Timezone will be GMT -8 [so, North American Pacific Coast time], please make local adjustments for time)

So, how is it all going to work?

1.   As each of the Strongholds are treated independently (except for final rankings), you may choose to focus within a single Stronghold, or participate in several. Your Vows will be treated independently in each Stronghold, meaning a Failed Vow in one Stronghold will NOT effect Vows in the other Strongholds.

2.  Models pledged to a Stronghold must come from the army books associated with those Forums covered by each Stronghold. The exceptions to this are 30K/40K scale Titans and models not associated with a given faction (such as Necromunda models and terrain), which may be pledged to any Stronghold.

3.  You may join in any of the Strongholds at any time within the 3 Month time-frame of The Call to Arms.

4.  For each Stronghold, you have a MAXIMUM of 3 Vows.  For each of these vows, you must finish your active vow before pledging to a second or third vow.  In addition, there are the following additional vows:

       a)  Job's a Big'Un:  you can vow a model with a value of 10 or more points, which you can work can work on alongside your other vows and complete at any time.

       b)  Rapid Deployment: this vow can be for any number of points and can be made at any time even if you have an uncompleted vow.  However it must be completed before completing any other vows (including any Job's a Big'Un vow).

5.  Once recorded, Vows may not be altered, however special considerations may be made upon request.

6.  There is no minimum pledge, you may vow 1 model, or your entire collection, but beware, failing ANY vow in a Stronghold will invalidate ALL completed vows for that Stronghold.

How do I join in?

Each model has a point value based upon its size, and the comparative amount of effort and time it takes to paint said model, listed below are are the points-per-model.  More specific lists can be found in each Forums Rally Point thread, but I've added some generic examples below,

1/2pts  GW provided markers and token (for example, teleport homers, eldar shrine tokens, mine tokens, grot orderlies, squig bombs, etc.)

1pt   Infantry

2pts   Cavalry/Bikers

3pts   Heavy Weapons Teams / Walkers (Dreadnaughts, Sentinels)

4pts   Skimmers / Light Vehicles (Landspeeders, ATV, Armigers)

5pts   Small Tanks (Leman Russ, Rhino Variants)

6pts   Large Tanks (Rogal Dorn, Sicaran, Land Raider)

8pts   Superheavies (Baneblades etc) 

10pts  Chaos Knight etc

Characters

5pts   Leader/Character models

10pts Primarchs

Note 1: Characters with Retinue, I.E. Saint Celestine.  The Leader model is worth 5pts, the other models are pointed as to their type - for example, Saint Celestine and her bodyguard would be 7 points - 5 for the Saint (leader), 1 each for her 2 seraphim buddies.

Note 2: "Named" models are only characters for Call to Arms if they have the character keyword (or equivalent) in their game rules.  For example, the named models in the Wardens of Ultramar, while Epic Heroes, do not have the character keyword and are not characters for this event.

30K/40K Scale Titans

20pts Warhound Titan 

30pts Reaver Titan 

40pts  Warbringer Titan

50pts Warlord Titan

Terrain

1pt    3 Munitorum Barrels, 4 Munitorum Crates, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Column, Octarius Ramshackle Bridges

2pts   Aegis Defence Line Section, Aegis Defence Platform, Galvanic Servo-haulers, Thermic Plasma Conduit Section, Imperialis Ruins Wall Section, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Wall, Octarius Scrap Heap/Barricade

3pts   Fronteris Vox Antenna, Fronteris Auspex Shrine, Thermo-exchanger Shrine, Octarius Oil Rig, Necromunda Fuel Tanks

4pts   Munitorum Container, Mechanicus Transterranic Gantry, Galvanic Servo-crane, Big'ead Bossbunka, Skull Alter, Noctilith Crown, Octarius Ramshackle Walls

5pts   Tidewall Droneport, Tidewall Shieldline, Feculant Gnarlmaw, Miasmic Malignifier

6pts   Fronteris Landing Pad, Mechanicus Forgeshrine, Mechanicus Galvanic Magnavent

8pts   Fronteris Hab Bunker, Manufactorum Administratus,

10pts Zone Mortalis Gang Stronghold

Note: Custom/Scratchbuilt terrain- use this list as a guide as to how many points tour terrain is worth, but please make sure to mention your terrain is custom when Vowing.

Subfactions

In any Stronghold in which you have vowed, you have to choose which SUBFACTION you support with your vows.  This Subfaction must be one of the appropriate subfactions (listed above) for that Stronghold, and is chosen at the time of your first vow in a Stronghold (though may be changed upon request).

NOTE: Your chosen Subfaction doesn't have to correspond to your vowed models, although it typically does - for example, if you support the Heretic Astartes subfaction you can still paint Chaos knights or World Eaters as part of your Chaos Stronghold vows.

How to Vow

Please make your vows in this thread in the following format;

"I, {insert username}, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint {insert units/models} for {xxx pts} for the Glory of the {Subfaction name} and the {Stronghold name} Stronghold on or before 15th September 2025, or bear the badge of failure until year's end."

In addition, please indicate if you vow as a Young Blood or if it contains an entry for the Master of Forge (see below for both).

For example:

"I, Dr Ruminahui, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint 6 possessed, a converted Master of Possession, Lucius the Eternal and a Necromunda Fuel Tanks for 19 pts for the Glory of the Emperor's Children and the Chaos Stronghold on or before September 15th, or bear the badge of failure until year's end.

The converted Master of Possession is my entry for the Master of the Forge."

The post that contains your Vow must include starting pictures that contain all the models from the Vow.

Starting models may be in any of the following conditions;

• In the box
• On the Sprue
• Assembled
• Single Colour Primed
• Sub-assemblies primed in different colours will be acceptable, I.E. chassis in Leadbelcher, with armour plates in secondary colour.

Additionally, you may pledge models you have not yet received I.E. Warhammer: Imperium Subscription, just make sure a image is edited in to your Vow post once you've received the models, and make a post indicating that you have done so.

Your Vow is considered complete when you declare it so, and post completed pictures of all models contained within the Vow. Although "Complete" is to your own standard, we would like you to aim for GW's "Battle Ready", with the miniatures based. If basing is something you don't do, or won't be doing within the Event's timeline, please return the bases to flat black or brown.

Required Completion Pictures: Each vow completion must contain pictures of all completed models - either in the form of a "group" photo or of each model/unit individually.  Indeed, both is recommended, as the group photo really shows off your progress, and the individual photos best show your hard work and facilitates choosing candidates for best painted.  All completed entries for Master of the Forge (see below) must have their own photos.

Once you have made your vow, pop this badge of Participation into your Signature:

Will there be badges?

Yes!!  There will be Badges awarded for various achievements during the event - many members put the badges they have earned in their signatures.  Note, these are separate and different from the ranks and achievements tracked by the forum software.

Badges are awarded for the following:
 

Event Failed: Servitor

1-9 points: Completed

10-24 points: Chosen
25-44 points  Aspiring Champion
45-76 points:  Champion
75-99 points:  Lord
100+ points:  War Master

Princeps - Awarded to all completed 30K/40K scale Titans 
[Stronghold] Champion - Awarded to the member who individually paints the most points worth of models in the Stronghold

Champions of the Horde - The Subfaction with the highest overall points worth of models in a Stronghold

Champion of the Call - The Subfaction that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage in a Stronghold.

As to the overall competition between the Strongholds, there will also be Badges awarded for the following;

Masters of the Horde - The Stronghold that completes the highest overall points worth of models.

Masters of the Call - The Stronghold that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage.

Grand Marshall - Individual with the Most Points of Models Painted across all Strongholds.

Finally, the following will be chosen by vote by the members:

Favourite Young Blood - This category is for participants who have been building and/or painting models for less than 12 months.  Anyone wishing to participate as A Young Blood will need to specifically declare that are are doing so when making their Vows.

Artificer - Top 3 best painted models from each Stronghold, chosen from a selection of models from the Stronghold made by the forum Moderators, Administrators and Librarians. 

[Stronghold] Artificer - Best painted model/unit for each Stronghold, chosen by the members from the 3 Artificers for the Stronghold.

Master of the Forge - Best Conversion or Kit-bash. Anyone wishing to participate for the Master of the Forge Badge will need to specifically declare that they are doing so when they vow the model.  Each member can only submit one model/unit

Master Artificer - Best painted model/unit for Call to Arms 2026, as chosen between the 5 Stronghold Artificers.

That's it, you've done it, you've made it to the end!!!

If you have any questions or queries, contact me,  @Dr_Ruminahui and I'll be more than happy to help you out.

F.A.Q.s

Q- If I have models with different coloured heads or shoulder pads, can they be primed different colours IE. Black templars or Eldar Guardians?

A- Yes, this is acceptable.

Q- I want to paint Traitor Guard, is there a way to pledge them to Chaos?

A- Yes, for the purposes of Traitor Guard, the Astra Militarum units may be pledged to Chaos. The Realm of Chaos is the most appropriate forum.

Q- Are 3D prints allowed?

A- Yes, as long as they are board appropriate, 3D prints can be pledged to the Call to Arms. Use the points associated with the unit they represent.

THIS THREAD WILL REMAIN LOCKED UNTIL JUNE 15, 2026, AT WHICH TIME VOWS MAY COMMENCE.  

In the meantime, please continue to use the main announcement thread and the Faction rally points to discuss your participation and to ask questions.

Yes, it's the Blood Ravens! 

This was born out of the way I started 40k. I bought the recruit and command sets because I needed something to practice doing a metallic paint job on to learn how to do the basics before I moved onto the Alpha Legion. The problem was, afterwards I had this huge pile of adeptus astartes with nothing to do with them. I had originally intended to sell them but then I realized with a little kitbashing, I had almost the entire kill team for astartes here. So I grabbed some bolt rifle parts off eBay to convert my second squad of assault intercessors and started.

I primed in Tamiya ts-6 matt black spray for a nice satin. The real challenge was finding the right red. Most painting guides get the blood ravens scheme from dawn of war wrong, either way too purple like in the GW video or end up just copying the blood angels bright red. I needed a really dull red that isn't burgundy. My prayers finally being answered when I found pro acrylic burnt red which is the exact right shade.

Then black legion for ribbing and connection seals on the armour and Zandri dust in the shoulder pads and sergeant's helmet

The Call to Arms 2026

HERESY STRONGHOLD

Time to bust out those brushes and paints and stand ready to represent your Forum/s of choice and aid them on the path to claim Victory!!!!

What is The Call to Arms, I hear you ask?

The Call to Arms is a multi-forum event designed to  encourage us all to start a new army, or bolster our current forces.

The Forums of the B&C are divided up into five Strongholds;

The Astartes Stronghold

• Adeptus Astartes
• Black Templars
• Blood Angels
• Dark Angels
• Space Wolves
• Ultramarines
• Grey Knights
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Imperium Stronghold

• Adepta Sororitas
• Adeptus Mechanicus
• Astra Militarum
• Imperial Knights
• Talons of the Emperor
• The Imperium of Mankind
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Chaos Stronghold

• Chaos Daemons
• Chaos Knights
• Heretic Astartes
• Death Guard
• Emperor's Children
• Thousand Sons
• World Eaters
• The Realm of Chaos

The Xenos Stronghold

• Aeldari
• Drukhari
• Genestealer Cults
• Leagues of Votann
• Necrons
• Orks
• T'au Empire
• Tyranids

The Heresy Stronghold

• Age of Darkness
• Epic Scaled Heresy Games

These five Strongholds will act as the hub for each of the five main Factions, and will for the 3 Month duration of the Call to Arms, run independently of the four other Strongholds. At the end of the 3 months, the five Strongholds will face off, and overall winners will be declared.

Dates

Start Date: 15th JUNE 2026

End Date: 15th SEPTEMBER 2026

(Timezone will be GMT -8 [so, North American Pacific Coast time], please make local adjustments for time)

So, how is it all going to work?

1.   As each of the Strongholds are treated independently (except for final rankings), you may choose to focus within a single Stronghold, or participate in several. Your Vows will be treated independently in each Stronghold, meaning a Failed Vow in one Stronghold will NOT effect Vows in the other Strongholds.

2.  Models pledged to a Stronghold must come from the army books associated with those Forums covered by each Stronghold. The exceptions to this are 30K/40K scale Titans and models not associated with a given faction (such as Necromunda models and terrain), which may be pledged to any Stronghold.

3.  You may join in any of the Strongholds at any time within the 3 Month time-frame of The Call to Arms.

4.  For each Stronghold, you have a MAXIMUM of 3 Vows.  For each of these vows, you must finish your active vow before pledging to a second or third vow.  In addition, there are the following additional vows:

       a)  Job's a Big'Un:  you can vow a model with a value of 10 or more points, which you can work can work on alongside your other vows and complete at any time.

       b)  Rapid Deployment: this vow can be for any number of points and can be made at any time even if you have an uncompleted vow.  However it must be completed before completing any other vows (including any Job's a Big'Un vow).

5.  Once recorded, Vows may not be altered, however special considerations may be made upon request.

6.  There is no minimum pledge, you may vow 1 model, or your entire collection, but beware, failing ANY vow in a Stronghold will invalidate ALL completed vows for that Stronghold.

How do I join in?

Each model has a point value based upon its size, and the comparative amount of effort and time it takes to paint said model, listed below are are the points-per-model.  More specific lists can be found in each Forums Rally Point thread, but I've added some generic examples below,

1/2pts  GW provided markers and token (for example, teleport homers, eldar shrine tokens, mine tokens, grot orderlies, squig bombs, etc.)

1pt   Infantry

2pts   Cavalry/Bikers

3pts   Heavy Weapons Teams / Walkers (Dreadnaughts, Sentinels)

4pts   Skimmers / Light Vehicles (Landspeeders, ATV, Armigers)

5pts   Small Tanks (Leman Russ, Rhino Variants)

6pts   Large Tanks (Rogal Dorn, Sicaran, Land Raider)

8pts   Superheavies (Baneblades etc) 

10pts  Imperial Knight etc

Characters

5pts   Leader/Character models

10pts Primarchs

Note 1: Characters with Retinue, I.E. Saint Celestine.  The Leader model is worth 5pts, the other models are pointed as to their type - for example, Saint Celestine and her bodyguard would be 7 points - 5 for the Saint (leader), 1 each for her 2 seraphim buddies.

Note 2: "Named" models are only characters for Call to Arms if they have the character keyword (or equivalent) in their game rules.  For example, the named models in the Wardens of Ultramar, while Epic Heroes, do not have the character keyword and are not characters for this event.

30K/40K Scale Titans

20pts Warhound Titan 

30pts Reaver Titan 

40pts  Warbringer Titan

50pts Warlord Titan

Terrain

1pt    3 Munitorum Barrels, 4 Munitorum Crates, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Column, Octarius Ramshackle Bridges

2pts   Aegis Defence Line Section, Aegis Defence Platform, Galvanic Servo-haulers, Thermic Plasma Conduit Section, Imperialis Ruins Wall Section, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Wall, Octarius Scrap Heap/Barricade

3pts   Fronteris Vox Antenna, Fronteris Auspex Shrine, Thermo-exchanger Shrine, Octarius Oil Rig, Necromunda Fuel Tanks

4pts   Munitorum Container, Mechanicus Transterranic Gantry, Galvanic Servo-crane, Big'ead Bossbunka, Skull Alter, Noctilith Crown, Octarius Ramshackle Walls

5pts   Tidewall Droneport, Tidewall Shieldline, Feculant Gnarlmaw, Miasmic Malignifier

6pts   Fronteris Landing Pad, Mechanicus Forgeshrine, Mechanicus Galvanic Magnavent

8pts   Fronteris Hab Bunker, Manufactorum Administratus,

10pts Zone Mortalis Gang Stronghold

Note: Custom/Scratchbuilt terrain- use this list as a guide as to how many points tour terrain is worth, but please make sure to mention your terrain is custom when Vowing.

Subfactions

In any Stronghold in which you have vowed, you have to choose which SUBFACTION you support with your vows.  This Subfaction must be one of the appropriate subfactions (listed above) for that Stronghold, and is chosen at the time of your first vow in a Stronghold (though may be changed upon request).

NOTE: Your chosen Subfaction doesn't have to correspond to your vowed models, although it typically does - for example, if you support the Emperor subfaction you can still paint traitor legion models as part of your Heresy Stronghold vows.

How to Vow

Please make your vows in this thread in the following format;

"I, {insert username}, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint {insert units/models} for {xxx pts} for the Glory of the {Subfaction name} and the {Stronghold name} Stronghold on or before 15th September 2025, or bear the badge of failure until year's end."

In addition, please indicate if you vow as a Young Blood or if it contains an entry for the Master of Forge (see below for both).

For example:

"I, Dr Ruminahui, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint 6 legionaires, a converted praetor, a rhino and a Necromunda Fuel Tanks for 19 pts for the Glory of the Warmaster and the Heresy Stronghold on or before September 15th, or bear the badge of failure until year's end."

The converted Praetor is my entry for the Master of the Forge."

The post that contains your Vow must include starting pictures that contain all the models from the Vow.

Starting models may be in any of the following conditions;

• In the box
• On the Sprue
• Assembled
• Single Colour Primed
• Sub-assemblies primed in different colours will be acceptable, I.E. chassis in Leadbelcher, with armour plates in secondary colour.

Additionally, you may pledge models you have not yet received I.E. Warhammer: Imperium Subscription, just make sure a image is edited in to your Vow post once you've received the models, and make a post indicating that you have done so.

Your Vow is considered complete when you declare it so, and post completed pictures of all models contained within the Vow. Although "Complete" is to your own standard, we would like you to aim for GW's "Battle Ready", with the miniatures based. If basing is something you don't do, or won't be doing within the Event's timeline, please return the bases to flat black or brown.

Required Completion Pictures: Each vow completion must contain pictures of all completed models - either in the form of a "group" photo or of each model/unit individually.  Indeed, both is recommended, as the group photo really shows off your progress, and the individual photos best show your hard work and facilitates choosing candidates for best painted.  All completed entries for Master of the Forge (see below) must have their own photos.

Once you have made your vow, pop this badge of Participation into your Signature:

Will there be badges?

Yes!!  There will be Badges awarded for various achievements during the event - many members put the badges they have earned in their signatures.  Note, these are separate and different from the ranks and achievements tracked by the forum software.

Badges are awarded for the following:
 

Event Failed: Servitor

1-9 points: Completed

10-24 points: Legionaire
25-44 points  Sergeant
45-76 points:  Consul
75-99 points:  Praetor
100+ points:  Legion Master

Princeps - Awarded to all completed 30K/40K scale Titans 
[Stronghold] Champion - Awarded to the member who individually paints the most points worth of models in the Stronghold

Champions of the Horde - The Subfaction with the highest overall points worth of models in a Stronghold

Champion of the Call - The Subfaction that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage in a Stronghold.

As to the overall competition between the Strongholds, there will also be Badges awarded for the following;

Masters of the Horde - The Stronghold that completes the highest overall points worth of models.

Masters of the Call - The Stronghold that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage.

Grand Marshall - Individual with the Most Points of Models Painted across all Strongholds.

Finally, the following will be chosen by vote by the members:

Favourite Young Blood - This category is for participants who have been building and/or painting models for less than 12 months.  Anyone wishing to participate as A Young Blood will need to specifically declare that are are doing so when making their Vows.

Artificer - Top 3 best painted models from each Stronghold, chosen from a selection of models from the Stronghold made by the forum Moderators, Administrators and Librarians. 

[Stronghold] Artificer - Best painted model/unit for each Stronghold, chosen by the members from the 3 Artificers for the Stronghold.

Master of the Forge - Best Conversion or Kit-bash. Anyone wishing to participate for the Master of the Forge Badge will need to specifically declare that they are doing so when they vow the model.  Each member can only submit one model/unit

Master Artificer - Best painted model/unit for Call to Arms 2026, as chosen between the 5 Stronghold Artificers.

That's it, you've done it, you've made it to the end!!!

If you have any questions or queries, contact me,  @Dr_Ruminahui and I'll be more than happy to help you out.

F.A.Q.s

Q- If I have models with different coloured heads or shoulder pads, can they be primed different colours IE. Black templars or Eldar Guardians?

A- Yes, this is acceptable.

Q- I want to paint Traitor Guard, is there a way to pledge them to Chaos?

A- Yes, for the purposes of Traitor Guard, the Astra Militarum units may be pledged to Chaos. The Realm of Chaos is the most appropriate forum.

Q- Are 3D prints allowed?

A- Yes, as long as they are board appropriate, 3D prints can be pledged to the Call to Arms. Use the points associated with the unit they represent.

THIS THREAD WILL REMAIN LOCKED UNTIL JUNE 15, 2026, AT WHICH TIME VOWS MAY COMMENCE.  

In the meantime, please continue to use the main announcement thread and the Faction rally points to discuss your participation and to ask questions.

The Call to Arms 2026

XENOS STRONGHOLD

Time to bust out those brushes and paints and stand ready to represent your Forum/s of choice and aid them on the path to claim Victory!!!!

What is The Call to Arms, I hear you ask?

The Call to Arms is a multi-forum event designed to  encourage us all to start a new army, or bolster our current forces.

The Forums of the B&C are divided up into five Strongholds;

The Astartes Stronghold

• Adeptus Astartes
• Black Templars
• Blood Angels
• Dark Angels
• Space Wolves
• Ultramarines
• Grey Knights
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Imperium Stronghold

• Adepta Sororitas
• Adeptus Mechanicus
• Astra Militarum
• Imperial Knights
• Talons of the Emperor
• The Imperium of Mankind
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Chaos Stronghold

• Chaos Daemons
• Chaos Knights
• Heretic Astartes
• Death Guard
• Emperor's Children
• Thousand Sons
• World Eaters
• The Realm of Chaos

The Xenos Stronghold

• Aeldari
• Drukhari
• Genestealer Cults
• Leagues of Votann
• Necrons
• Orks
• T'au Empire
• Tyranids

The Heresy Stronghold

• Age of Darkness
• Epic Scaled Heresy Games

These five Strongholds will act as the hub for each of the five main Factions, and will for the 3 Month duration of the Call to Arms, run independently of the four other Strongholds. At the end of the 3 months, the five Strongholds will face off, and overall winners will be declared.

Dates

Start Date: 15th JUNE 2026

End Date: 15th SEPTEMBER 2026

(Timezone will be GMT -8 [so, North American Pacific Coast time], please make local adjustments for time)

So, how is it all going to work?

1.   As each of the Strongholds are treated independently (except for final rankings), you may choose to focus within a single Stronghold, or participate in several. Your Vows will be treated independently in each Stronghold, meaning a Failed Vow in one Stronghold will NOT effect Vows in the other Strongholds.

2.  Models pledged to a Stronghold must come from the army books associated with those Forums covered by each Stronghold. The exceptions to this are 30K/40K scale Titans and models not associated with a given faction (such as Necromunda models and terrain), which may be pledged to any Stronghold.

3.  You may join in any of the Strongholds at any time within the 3 Month time-frame of The Call to Arms.

4.  For each Stronghold, you have a MAXIMUM of 3 Vows.  For each of these vows, you must finish your active vow before pledging to a second or third vow.  In addition, there are the following additional vows:

       a)  Job's a Big'Un:  you can vow a model with a value of 10 or more points, which you can work can work on alongside your other vows and complete at any time.

       b)  Rapid Deployment: this vow can be for any number of points and can be made at any time even if you have an uncompleted vow.  However it must be completed before completing any other vows (including any Job's a Big'Un vow).

5.  Once recorded, Vows may not be altered, however special considerations may be made upon request.

6.  There is no minimum pledge, you may vow 1 model, or your entire collection, but beware, failing ANY vow in a Stronghold will invalidate ALL completed vows for that Stronghold.

How do I join in?

Each model has a point value based upon its size, and the comparative amount of effort and time it takes to paint said model, listed below are are the points-per-model.  More specific lists can be found in each Forums Rally Point thread, but I've added some generic examples below,

1/2pts  GW provided markers and token (for example, teleport homers, eldar shrine tokens, mine tokens, grot orderlies, squig bombs, etc.)

1pt   Infantry

2pts   Cavalry/Bikers

3pts   Heavy Weapons Teams / Walkers (Dreadnaughts, Sentinels)

4pts   Skimmers / Light Vehicles (Landspeeders, ATV, Armigers)

5pts   Small Tanks (Leman Russ, Rhino Variants)

6pts   Large Tanks (Rogal Dorn, Sicaran, Land Raider)

8pts   Superheavies (Baneblades etc) 

10pts  Imperial Knight etc

Characters

5pts   Leader/Character models

10pts Primarchs

Note 1: Characters with Retinue, I.E. Saint Celestine.  The Leader model is worth 5pts, the other models are pointed as to their type - for example, Saint Celestine and her bodyguard would be 7 points - 5 for the Saint (leader), 1 each for her 2 seraphim buddies.

Note 2: "Named" models are only characters for Call to Arms if they have the character keyword (or equivalent) in their game rules.  For example, the named models in the Wardens of Ultramar, while Epic Heroes, do not have the character keyword and are not characters for this event.

30K/40K Scale Titans

20pts Warhound Titan 

30pts Reaver Titan 

40pts  Warbringer Titan

50pts Warlord Titan

Terrain

1pt    3 Munitorum Barrels, 4 Munitorum Crates, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Column, Octarius Ramshackle Bridges

2pts   Aegis Defence Line Section, Aegis Defence Platform, Galvanic Servo-haulers, Thermic Plasma Conduit Section, Imperialis Ruins Wall Section, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Wall, Octarius Scrap Heap/Barricade

3pts   Fronteris Vox Antenna, Fronteris Auspex Shrine, Thermo-exchanger Shrine, Octarius Oil Rig, Necromunda Fuel Tanks

4pts   Munitorum Container, Mechanicus Transterranic Gantry, Galvanic Servo-crane, Big'ead Bossbunka, Skull Alter, Noctilith Crown, Octarius Ramshackle Walls

5pts   Tidewall Droneport, Tidewall Shieldline, Feculant Gnarlmaw, Miasmic Malignifier

6pts   Fronteris Landing Pad, Mechanicus Forgeshrine, Mechanicus Galvanic Magnavent

8pts   Fronteris Hab Bunker, Manufactorum Administratus,

10pts Zone Mortalis Gang Stronghold

Note: Custom/Scratchbuilt terrain- use this list as a guide as to how many points tour terrain is worth, but please make sure to mention your terrain is custom when Vowing.

Subfactions

In any Stronghold in which you have vowed, you have to choose which SUBFACTION you support with your vows.  This Subfaction must be one of the appropriate subfactions (listed above) for that Stronghold, and is chosen at the time of your first vow in a Stronghold (though may be changed upon request).

NOTE: Your chosen Subfaction doesn't have to correspond to your vowed models, although it typically does - for example, if you support the Necrons subfaction you can still paint Orks or Tau as part of your Xenos Stronghold vows.

How to Vow

Please make your vows in this thread in the following format;

"I, {insert username}, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint {insert units/models} for {xxx pts} for the Glory of the {Subfaction name} and the {Stronghold name} Stronghold on or before 15th September 2025, or bear the badge of failure until year's end."

In addition, please indicate if you vow as a Young Blood or if it contains an entry for the Master of Forge (see below for both).

For example:

"I, Dr Ruminahui, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint 6 pathfinders, an ethereal, a converted Imotekh and a Necromunda Fuel Tanks for 19 pts for the Glory of the T'au and the Xenos Stronghold on or before September 15th, or bear the badge of failure until year's end.

The converted Imotekh is my Master of the the Forge submission"

The post that contains your Vow must include starting pictures that contain all the models from the Vow.

Starting models may be in any of the following conditions;

• In the box
• On the Sprue
• Assembled
• Single Colour Primed
• Sub-assemblies primed in different colours will be acceptable, I.E. chassis in Leadbelcher, with armour plates in secondary colour.

Additionally, you may pledge models you have not yet received I.E. Warhammer: Imperium Subscription, just make sure a image is edited in to your Vow post once you've received the models, and make a post indicating that you have done so.

Your Vow is considered complete when you declare it so, and post completed pictures of all models contained within the Vow. Although "Complete" is to your own standard, we would like you to aim for GW's "Battle Ready", with the miniatures based. If basing is something you don't do, or won't be doing within the Event's timeline, please return the bases to flat black or brown.

Required Completion Pictures: Each vow completion must contain pictures of all completed models - either in the form of a "group" photo or of each model/unit individually.  Indeed, both is recommended, as the group photo really shows off your progress, and the individual photos best show your hard work and facilitates choosing candidates for best painted.  All completed entries for Master of the Forge (see below) must have their own photos.

Once you have made your vow, pop this badge of Participation into your Signature:

Will there be badges?

Yes!!  There will be Badges awarded for various achievements during the event - many members put the badges they have earned in their signatures.  Note, these are separate and different from the ranks and achievements tracked by the forum software.

Badges are awarded for the following:
 

Event Failed: Xenocide

1-9 points: Completed

10-24 points: Warden of the Stars
25-44 points  Warrior of the Stars
45-76 points:  Hero of the Stars
75-99 points:  Champion of the Stars
100+ points:  Master of the Void

Princeps - Awarded to all completed 30K/40K scale Titans 
[Stronghold] Champion - Awarded to the member who individually paints the most points worth of models in the Stronghold

Champions of the Horde - The Subfaction with the highest overall points worth of models in a Stronghold

Champion of the Call - The Subfaction that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage in a Stronghold.

As to the overall competition between the Strongholds, there will also be Badges awarded for the following;

Masters of the Horde - The Stronghold that completes the highest overall points worth of models.

Masters of the Call - The Stronghold that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage.

Grand Marshall - Individual with the Most Points of Models Painted across all Strongholds.

Finally, the following will be chosen by vote by the members:

Favourite Young Blood - This category is for participants who have been building and/or painting models for less than 12 months.  Anyone wishing to participate as A Young Blood will need to specifically declare that are are doing so when making their Vows.

Artificer - Top 3 best painted models from each Stronghold, chosen from a selection of models from the Stronghold made by the forum Moderators, Administrators and Librarians. 

[Stronghold] Artificer - Best painted model/unit for each Stronghold, chosen by the members from the 3 Artificers for the Stronghold.

Master of the Forge - Best Conversion or Kit-bash. Anyone wishing to participate for the Master of the Forge Badge will need to specifically declare that they are doing so when they vow the model.  Each member can only submit one model/unit

Master Artificer - Best painted model/unit for Call to Arms 2026, as chosen between the 5 Stronghold Artificers.

That's it, you've done it, you've made it to the end!!!

If you have any questions or queries, contact me,  @Dr_Ruminahui and I'll be more than happy to help you out.

F.A.Q.s

Q- If I have models with different coloured heads or shoulder pads, can they be primed different colours IE. Black templars or Eldar Guardians?

A- Yes, this is acceptable.

Q- I want to paint Traitor Guard, is there a way to pledge them to Chaos?

A- Yes, for the purposes of Traitor Guard, the Astra Militarum units may be pledged to Chaos. The Realm of Chaos is the most appropriate forum.

Q- Are 3D prints allowed?

A- Yes, as long as they are board appropriate, 3D prints can be pledged to the Call to Arms. Use the points associated with the unit they represent.

THIS THREAD WILL REMAIN LOCKED UNTIL JUNE 15, 2026, AT WHICH TIME VOWS MAY COMMENCE.  

In the meantime, please continue to use the main announcement thread and the Faction rally points to discuss your participation and to ask questions.

The Call to Arms 2026

ASTARTES STRONGHOLD

Time to bust out those brushes and paints and stand ready to represent your Forum/s of choice and aid them on the path to claim Victory!!!!

What is The Call to Arms, I hear you ask?

The Call to Arms is a multi-forum event designed to  encourage us all to start a new army, or bolster our current forces.

The Forums of the B&C are divided up into five Strongholds;

The Astartes Stronghold

• Adeptus Astartes
• Black Templars
• Blood Angels
• Dark Angels
• Space Wolves
• Ultramarines
• Grey Knights
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Imperium Stronghold

• Adepta Sororitas
• Adeptus Mechanicus
• Astra Militarum
• Imperial Knights
• Talons of the Emperor
• The Imperium of Mankind
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Chaos Stronghold

• Chaos Daemons
• Chaos Knights
• Heretic Astartes
• Death Guard
• Emperor's Children
• Thousand Sons
• World Eaters
• The Realm of Chaos

The Xenos Stronghold

• Aeldari
• Drukhari
• Genestealer Cults
• Leagues of Votann
• Necrons
• Orks
• T'au Empire
• Tyranids

The Heresy Stronghold

• Age of Darkness
• Epic Scaled Heresy Games

These five Strongholds will act as the hub for each of the five main Factions, and will for the 3 Month duration of the Call to Arms, run independently of the four other Strongholds. At the end of the 3 months, the five Strongholds will face off, and overall winners will be declared.

Dates

Start Date: 15th JUNE 2026

End Date: 15th SEPTEMBER 2026

(Timezone will be GMT -8 [so, North American Pacific Coast time], please make local adjustments for time)

So, how is it all going to work?

1.   As each of the Strongholds are treated independently (except for final rankings), you may choose to focus within a single Stronghold, or participate in several. Your Vows will be treated independently in each Stronghold, meaning a Failed Vow in one Stronghold will NOT effect Vows in the other Strongholds.

2.  Models pledged to a Stronghold must come from the army books associated with those Forums covered by each Stronghold. The exceptions to this are 30K/40K scale Titans and models not associated with a given faction (such as Necromunda models and terrain), which may be pledged to any Stronghold.

3.  You may join in any of the Strongholds at any time within the 3 Month time-frame of The Call to Arms.

4.  For each Stronghold, you have a MAXIMUM of 3 Vows.  For each of these vows, you must finish your active vow before pledging to a second or third vow.  In addition, there are the following additional vows:

       a)  Job's a Big'Un:  you can vow a model with a value of 10 or more points, which you can work can work on alongside your other vows and complete at any time.

       b)  Rapid Deployment: this vow can be for any number of points and can be made at any time even if you have an uncompleted vow.  However it must be completed before completing any other vows (including any Job's a Big'Un vow).

5.  Once recorded, Vows may not be altered, however special considerations may be made upon request.

6.  There is no minimum pledge, you may vow 1 model, or your entire collection, but beware, failing ANY vow in a Stronghold will invalidate ALL completed vows for that Stronghold.

How do I join in?

Each model has a point value based upon its size, and the comparative amount of effort and time it takes to paint said model, listed below are are the points-per-model.  More specific lists can be found in each Forums Rally Point thread, but I've added some generic examples below,

1/2pts  GW provided markers and token (for example, teleport homers, eldar shrine tokens, mine tokens, grot orderlies, squig bombs, etc.)

1pt   Infantry

2pts   Cavalry/Bikers

3pts   Heavy Weapons Teams / Walkers (Dreadnaughts, Sentinels)

4pts   Skimmers / Light Vehicles (Landspeeders, ATV, Armigers)

5pts   Small Tanks (Leman Russ, Rhino Variants)

6pts   Large Tanks (Rogal Dorn, Sicaran, Land Raider)

8pts   Superheavies (Baneblades etc) 

10pts  Imperial Knight etc

Characters

5pts   Leader/Character models

10pts Primarchs

Note 1: Characters with Retinue, I.E. Saint Celestine.  The Leader model is worth 5pts, the other models are pointed as to their type - for example, Saint Celestine and her bodyguard would be 7 points - 5 for the Saint (leader), 1 each for her 2 seraphim buddies.

Note 2: "Named" models are only characters for Call to Arms if they have the character keyword (or equivalent) in their game rules.  For example, the named models in the Wardens of Ultramar, while Epic Heroes, do not have the character keyword and are not characters for this event.

30K/40K Scale Titans

20pts Warhound Titan 

30pts Reaver Titan 

40pts  Warbringer Titan

50pts Warlord Titan

Terrain

1pt    3 Munitorum Barrels, 4 Munitorum Crates, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Column, Octarius Ramshackle Bridges

2pts   Aegis Defence Line Section, Aegis Defence Platform, Galvanic Servo-haulers, Thermic Plasma Conduit Section, Imperialis Ruins Wall Section, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Wall, Octarius Scrap Heap/Barricade

3pts   Fronteris Vox Antenna, Fronteris Auspex Shrine, Thermo-exchanger Shrine, Octarius Oil Rig, Necromunda Fuel Tanks

4pts   Munitorum Container, Mechanicus Transterranic Gantry, Galvanic Servo-crane, Big'ead Bossbunka, Skull Alter, Noctilith Crown, Octarius Ramshackle Walls

5pts   Tidewall Droneport, Tidewall Shieldline, Feculant Gnarlmaw, Miasmic Malignifier

6pts   Fronteris Landing Pad, Mechanicus Forgeshrine, Mechanicus Galvanic Magnavent

8pts   Fronteris Hab Bunker, Manufactorum Administratus,

10pts Zone Mortalis Gang Stronghold

Note: Custom/Scratchbuilt terrain- use this list as a guide as to how many points tour terrain is worth, but please make sure to mention your terrain is custom when Vowing.

Subfactions

In any Stronghold in which you have vowed, you have to choose which SUBFACTION you support with your vows.  This Subfaction must be one of the appropriate subfactions (listed above) for that Stronghold, and is chosen at the time of your first vow in a Stronghold (though may be changed upon request).

NOTE: Your chosen Subfaction doesn't have to correspond to your vowed models, although it typically does - for example, if you support the Blood Angels subfaction you can still paint Space Wolves or Ultramarines as part of your Astartes Stronghold vows.

How to Vow

Please make your vows in this thread in the following format;

"I, {insert username}, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint {insert units/models} for {xxx pts} for the Glory of the {Subfaction name} and the {Stronghold name} Stronghold on or before 15th September 2025, or bear the badge of failure until year's end."

In addition, please indicate if you vow as a Young Blood or if it contains an entry for the Master of Forge (see below for both).

For example:

"I, Dr Ruminahui, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint 5 crusaders, a converted Chaplain, Mephiston and a Necromunda Fuel Tanks for 19 pts for the Glory of the Black Templars and the Astartes Stronghold on or before September 15th, or bear the badge of failure until year's end.

The converted Chaplain is my entry for the Master of the Forge."

The post that contains your Vow must include starting pictures that contain all the models from the Vow.

Starting models may be in any of the following conditions;

• In the box
• On the Sprue
• Assembled
• Single Colour Primed
• Sub-assemblies primed in different colours will be acceptable, I.E. chassis in Leadbelcher, with armour plates in secondary colour.

Additionally, you may pledge models you have not yet received I.E. Warhammer: Imperium Subscription, just make sure a image is edited in to your Vow post once you've received the models, and make a post indicating that you have done so.

Your Vow is considered complete when you declare it so, and post completed pictures of all models contained within the Vow. Although "Complete" is to your own standard, we would like you to aim for GW's "Battle Ready", with the miniatures based. If basing is something you don't do, or won't be doing within the Event's timeline, please return the bases to flat black or brown.

Required Completion Pictures: Each vow completion must contain pictures of all completed models - either in the form of a "group" photo or of each model/unit individually.  Indeed, both is recommended, as the group photo really shows off your progress, and the individual photos best show your hard work and facilitates choosing candidates for best painted.  All completed entries for Master of the Forge (see below) must have their own photos.

Once you have made your vow, pop this badge of Participation into your Signature:

Will there be badges?

Yes!!  There will be Badges awarded for various achievements during the event - many members put the badges they have earned in their signatures.  Note, these are separate and different from the ranks and achievements tracked by the forum software.

Badges are awarded for the following:
 

Event Failed: Servitor

1-9 points: Completed

10-24 points: Veteran
25-44 points  Sergeant
45-76 points:  Lieutenant
75-99 points:  Captain
100+ points:  Chapter Master

Princeps - Awarded to all completed 30K/40K scale Titans 
[Stronghold] Champion - Awarded to the member who individually paints the most points worth of models in the Stronghold

Champions of the Horde - The Subfaction with the highest overall points worth of models in a Stronghold

Champion of the Call - The Subfaction that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage in a Stronghold.

As to the overall competition between the Strongholds, there will also be Badges awarded for the following;

Masters of the Horde - The Stronghold that completes the highest overall points worth of models.

Masters of the Call - The Stronghold that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage.

Grand Marshall - Individual with the Most Points of Models Painted across all Strongholds.

Finally, the following will be chosen by vote by the members:

Favourite Young Blood - This category is for participants who have been building and/or painting models for less than 12 months.  Anyone wishing to participate as A Young Blood will need to specifically declare that are are doing so when making their Vows.

Artificer - Top 3 best painted models from each Stronghold, chosen from a selection of models from the Stronghold made by the forum Moderators, Administrators and Librarians. 

[Stronghold] Artificer - Best painted model/unit for each Stronghold, chosen by the members from the 3 Artificers for the Stronghold.

Master of the Forge - Best Conversion or Kit-bash. Anyone wishing to participate for the Master of the Forge Badge will need to specifically declare that they are doing so when they vow the model.  Each member can only submit one model/unit

Master Artificer - Best painted model/unit for Call to Arms 2026, as chosen between the 5 Stronghold Artificers.

That's it, you've done it, you've made it to the end!!!

If you have any questions or queries, contact me,  @Dr_Ruminahui and I'll be more than happy to help you out.

F.A.Q.s

Q- If I have models with different coloured heads or shoulder pads, can they be primed different colours IE. Black templars or Eldar Guardians?

A- Yes, this is acceptable.

Q- I want to paint Traitor Guard, is there a way to pledge them to Chaos?

A- Yes, for the purposes of Traitor Guard, the Astra Militarum units may be pledged to Chaos. The Realm of Chaos is the most appropriate forum.

Q- Are 3D prints allowed?

A- Yes, as long as they are board appropriate, 3D prints can be pledged to the Call to Arms. Use the points associated with the unit they represent.

THIS THREAD WILL REMAIN LOCKED UNTIL JUNE 15, 2026, AT WHICH TIME VOWS MAY COMMENCE.  

In the meantime, please continue to use the main announcement thread and the Faction rally points to discuss your participation and to ask questions.

This image has my first Space Marine attempt when I was about 12 and I am planning on leaving him in that state (for old times sake)

My first tactical squad (touched up)

Ok having trouble with the pics sorry

Chaplain and two upsized old plastic termies

Anyway, I'm really happy with my emperor's children helldrake, so while I don't normally post things here (so intimidating) I thought I would in this case.

Still have to do the base, but that can wait until I decide on how to spruce it up a bit.

Here's some pics of the two weapon options:

The picture above shows some of the things I'm not so sold on about the model - namely its stubby tail and its funny little rear legs.  Still, it gives a good view on the wings - if I do another, I think I will give it wider stripes and carry them back onto the rear wings as well.

Finally, a "danger view" photo.

not sure anyone remembers me.

I have been in the Warhammer hobby for nearly 30 years now, and I am active in the Hobby on and off. This really depends on my ADHD.

In the past, I had several threads on here:

I have not been active for nearly 2 years now. 

I had some health issues, and then lots of stress at work, and then my ADHD was interested in other things. Basically, life happened.

Funnily, I had a vivid dream last week about a Warhammer tournament 10 years ago, where I played against an AMAZING Tyranid army.

The opponent had painted their tyranids like toads and based them on amazing swamp bases. It looked awesome. 

The thought was born- "Hey, this is something you can do, too!"

Plus- the new more agile and dynamic Tyranid models look so much better that the static and awkward models of the past. 

So- in my head, a new project was born!!!

What I will do now- I am now creating a new Work In Progress Thread where I will collect all my Warhammer projects.

I will use this new thread and not do Thread Necromancy. 

Links to the old threads are above. 

So I will have all my stuff in one thread, and do not have to curate several. 

What do I have sitting here, collecting dust: 

I have an ongoing pretty big (and sadly only half painted!) Night Lord army.

I have some Necrons.

I have some imperial stuff, loyal Space Marines, lots of Inquisition figures (different inquisitors and operatives) and even an Imperial Knight which I have not even assembled yet, not sure if he will join Chaos or remain loyal. 

Have I mentioned my ADHD?

So yes, there is not only a pile, there is a MOUNTAIN of Shame. 

I am hoping that with a new project that motivates me, I can get back into the hobby.

Assembling and painting and being creative is actually a very big part of caring for my mental health. 

I have been battling with issues for years now, and Warhammer actually helped me through the darkest patches of my life. 

So even more reason to get back into it!!! 

The last Warhammer related thing I did (ages ago) was buying the Kill Team box featuring the Night Lord Kill Team (I am German, so yes, the box has German writing). 

The box is still unopened and collects dust, none of the figures have been assembled. 

I hope I will be able to get back to it:

But back to what brought be back this time:

Tyranids! 

I am planning on doing a melee army which I will paint like slippery toads on swamp bases, complete with swamp weeds and reeds and lots of mud and slime.

It will be disgusting.

I got some decoration material for that:

I did not want to spend too much money, so I bought some used models (most already assembled) on Ebay.

I repaired, assembled and primed the Ebay models. 

No idea if this is in any way competitive or not, I am mainly after the painting and modeling anyways. 

I just got some models that looked cool. 

I think it is roughly 1000 points (however, since I do not even have the latest rule book, no idea if that point system is even used anymore). 

I love the Cthulhu vibes with these!

These are also very cool looking:

The mighty Swarm Lord

And here is, hands-down my favorite model of the army. This guy just looks seriously amazing.

I built him that he rears on his hind legs, and the dead terminator lies at his feet:

Defenders of humanity, beware!!!

Story goes, the terminator managed to cut of a tentacle, before succumbing to his wounds:

And the Swarm Lord got the dead marine from the decorations box:

I even was so motivated that I assembled some spore mines from some leftover bits and green stuff.

Yes, I am aware that these bases might not be legal, but they were bases that were sitting around and since I am not playing tournament (or playing at all) at the moment, this is not very important. I could also use these as objective markers. 

Yes, my modelling skills are a bit basic, but hey, Spore Mines are blobs with tentacles, so I think that I have achieved. 

I also assembled these spore mines, since I wanted to test the paint scheme first, and did not want to use any of the "real" models. 

I want to try around first, and see what works best, and then decide how exactly I want to create my slimy swamp toad cthulhus. 

And now lets close this post with a citation from the Lovecraft Cthulhu mythos:

"That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die."

Something sinister in the swamp has awakened. The end of humanity is near. 

The Call to Arms 2026

IMPERIUM STRONGHOLD

Time to bust out those brushes and paints and stand ready to represent your Forum/s of choice and aid them on the path to claim Victory!!!!

What is The Call to Arms, I hear you ask?

The Call to Arms is a multi-forum event designed to  encourage us all to start a new army, or bolster our current forces.

The Forums of the B&C are divided up into five Strongholds;

The Astartes Stronghold

• Adeptus Astartes
• Black Templars
• Blood Angels
• Dark Angels
• Space Wolves
• Ultramarines
• Grey Knights
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Imperium Stronghold

• Adepta Sororitas
• Adeptus Mechanicus
• Astra Militarum
• Imperial Knights
• Talons of the Emperor
• The Imperium of Mankind
• Deathwatch (note, Deathwatch models can be vowed either in the Astartes or Imperium Strongholds)

The Chaos Stronghold

• Chaos Daemons
• Chaos Knights
• Heretic Astartes
• Death Guard
• Emperor's Children
• Thousand Sons
• World Eaters
• The Realm of Chaos

The Xenos Stronghold

• Aeldari
• Drukhari
• Genestealer Cults
• Leagues of Votann
• Necrons
• Orks
• T'au Empire
• Tyranids

The Heresy Stronghold

• Age of Darkness
• Epic Scaled Heresy Games

These five Strongholds will act as the hub for each of the five main Factions, and will for the 3 Month duration of the Call to Arms, run independently of the four other Strongholds. At the end of the 3 months, the five Strongholds will face off, and overall winners will be declared.

Dates

Start Date: 15th JUNE 2026

End Date: 15th SEPTEMBER 2026

(Timezone will be GMT -8 [so, North American Pacific Coast time], please make local adjustments for time)

So, how is it all going to work?

1.   As each of the Strongholds are treated independently (except for final rankings), you may choose to focus within a single Stronghold, or participate in several. Your Vows will be treated independently in each Stronghold, meaning a Failed Vow in one Stronghold will NOT effect Vows in the other Strongholds.

2.  Models pledged to a Stronghold must come from the army books associated with those Forums covered by each Stronghold. The exceptions to this are 30K/40K scale Titans and models not associated with a given faction (such as Necromunda models and terrain), which may be pledged to any Stronghold.

3.  You may join in any of the Strongholds at any time within the 3 Month time-frame of The Call to Arms.

4.  For each Stronghold, you have a MAXIMUM of 3 Vows.  For each of these vows, you must finish your active vow before pledging to a second or third vow.  In addition, there are the following additional vows:

       a)  Job's a Big'Un:  you can vow a model with a value of 10 or more points, which you can work can work on alongside your other vows and complete at any time.

       b)  Rapid Deployment: this vow can be for any number of points and can be made at any time even if you have an uncompleted vow.  However it must be completed before completing any other vows (including any Job's a Big'Un vow).

5.  Once recorded, Vows may not be altered, however special considerations may be made upon request.

6.  There is no minimum pledge, you may vow 1 model, or your entire collection, but beware, failing ANY vow in a Stronghold will invalidate ALL completed vows for that Stronghold.

How do I join in?

Each model has a point value based upon its size, and the comparative amount of effort and time it takes to paint said model, listed below are are the points-per-model.  More specific lists can be found in each Forums Rally Point thread, but I've added some generic examples below,

1/2pts  GW provided markers and token (for example, teleport homers, eldar shrine tokens, mine tokens, grot orderlies, squig bombs, etc.)

1pt   Infantry

2pts   Cavalry/Bikers

3pts   Heavy Weapons Teams / Walkers (Dreadnaughts, Sentinels)

4pts   Skimmers / Light Vehicles (Landspeeders, ATV, Armigers)

5pts   Small Tanks (Leman Russ, Rhino Variants)

6pts   Large Tanks (Rogal Dorn, Sicaran, Land Raider)

8pts   Superheavies (Baneblades etc) 

10pts  Imperial Knight etc

Characters

5pts   Leader/Character models

10pts Primarchs

Note 1: Characters with Retinue, I.E. Saint Celestine.  The Leader model is worth 5pts, the other models are pointed as to their type - for example, Saint Celestine and her bodyguard would be 7 points - 5 for the Saint (leader), 1 each for her 2 seraphim buddies.

Note 2: "Named" models are only characters for Call to Arms if they have the character keyword (or equivalent) in their game rules.  For example, the named models in the Wardens of Ultramar, while Epic Heroes, do not have the character keyword and are not characters for this event.

30K/40K Scale Titans

20pts Warhound Titan 

30pts Reaver Titan 

40pts  Warbringer Titan

50pts Warlord Titan

Terrain

1pt    3 Munitorum Barrels, 4 Munitorum Crates, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Column, Octarius Ramshackle Bridges

2pts   Aegis Defence Line Section, Aegis Defence Platform, Galvanic Servo-haulers, Thermic Plasma Conduit Section, Imperialis Ruins Wall Section, Zone Mortalis/Gallowdark Wall, Octarius Scrap Heap/Barricade

3pts   Fronteris Vox Antenna, Fronteris Auspex Shrine, Thermo-exchanger Shrine, Octarius Oil Rig, Necromunda Fuel Tanks

4pts   Munitorum Container, Mechanicus Transterranic Gantry, Galvanic Servo-crane, Big'ead Bossbunka, Skull Alter, Noctilith Crown, Octarius Ramshackle Walls

5pts   Tidewall Droneport, Tidewall Shieldline, Feculant Gnarlmaw, Miasmic Malignifier

6pts   Fronteris Landing Pad, Mechanicus Forgeshrine, Mechanicus Galvanic Magnavent

8pts   Fronteris Hab Bunker, Manufactorum Administratus,

10pts Zone Mortalis Gang Stronghold

Note: Custom/Scratchbuilt terrain- use this list as a guide as to how many points tour terrain is worth, but please make sure to mention your terrain is custom when Vowing.

Subfactions

In any Stronghold in which you have vowed, you have to choose which SUBFACTION you support with your vows.  This Subfaction must be one of the appropriate subfactions (listed above) for that Stronghold, and is chosen at the time of your first vow in a Stronghold (though may be changed upon request).

NOTE: Your chosen Subfaction doesn't have to correspond to your vowed models, although it typically does - for example, if you support the Blood Angels subfaction you can still paint Space Wolves or Ultramarines as part of your Astartes Stronghold vows.

How to Vow

Please make your vows in this thread in the following format;

"I, {insert username}, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint {insert units/models} for {xxx pts} for the Glory of the {Subfaction name} and the {Stronghold name} Stronghold on or before 15th September 2025, or bear the badge of failure until year's end."

In addition, please indicate if you vow as a Young Blood or if it contains an entry for the Master of Forge (see below for both).

For example:

"I, Dr Ruminahui, heed the Call to Arms and pledge to paint 6 seraphim, a converted vindicare assassin, Saint Celestine and her bodyguard and a Necromunda Fuel Tanks for 21 pts for the Glory of the Adepta Sororitas and the Imperium Stronghold on or before September 15th, or bear the badge of failure until year's end.

The converted assassin is my entry for the Master of the Forge."

The post that contains your Vow must include starting pictures that contain all the models from the Vow.

Starting models may be in any of the following conditions;

• In the box
• On the Sprue
• Assembled
• Single Colour Primed
• Sub-assemblies primed in different colours will be acceptable, I.E. chassis in Leadbelcher, with armour plates in secondary colour.

Additionally, you may pledge models you have not yet received I.E. Warhammer: Imperium Subscription, just make sure a image is edited in to your Vow post once you've received the models, and make a post indicating that you have done so.

Your Vow is considered complete when you declare it so, and post completed pictures of all models contained within the Vow. Although "Complete" is to your own standard, we would like you to aim for GW's "Battle Ready", with the miniatures based. If basing is something you don't do, or won't be doing within the Event's timeline, please return the bases to flat black or brown.

Required Completion Pictures: Each vow completion must contain pictures of all completed models - either in the form of a "group" photo or of each model/unit individually.  Indeed, both is recommended, as the group photo really shows off your progress, and the individual photos best show your hard work and facilitates choosing candidates for best painted.  All completed entries for Master of the Forge (see below) must have their own photos.

Once you have made your vow, pop this badge of Participation into your Signature:

Will there be badges?

Yes!!  There will be Badges awarded for various achievements during the event - many members put the badges they have earned in their signatures.  Note, these are separate and different from the ranks and achievements tracked by the forum software.

Badges are awarded for the following:
 

Event Failed: Servitor

1-9 points: Completed

10-24 points: Veteran
25-44 points  Sergeant
45-76 points:  Captain
75-99 points:  General
100+ points:  Theatre Commander

Princeps - Awarded to all completed 30K/40K scale Titans 
[Stronghold] Champion - Awarded to the member who individually paints the most points worth of models in the Stronghold

Champions of the Horde - The Subfaction with the highest overall points worth of models in a Stronghold

Champion of the Call - The Subfaction that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage in a Stronghold.

As to the overall competition between the Strongholds, there will also be Badges awarded for the following;

Masters of the Horde - The Stronghold that completes the highest overall points worth of models.

Masters of the Call - The Stronghold that has the Highest Participation vs. Completion Percentage.

Grand Marshall - Individual with the Most Points of Models Painted across all Strongholds.

Finally, the following will be chosen by vote by the members:

Favourite Young Blood - This category is for participants who have been building and/or painting models for less than 12 months.  Anyone wishing to participate as A Young Blood will need to specifically declare that are are doing so when making their Vows.

Artificer - Top 3 best painted models from each Stronghold, chosen from a selection of models from the Stronghold made by the forum Moderators, Administrators and Librarians. 

[Stronghold] Artificer - Best painted model/unit for each Stronghold, chosen by the members from the 3 Artificers for the Stronghold.

Master of the Forge - Best Conversion or Kit-bash. Anyone wishing to participate for the Master of the Forge Badge will need to specifically declare that they are doing so when they vow the model.  Each member can only submit one model/unit

Master Artificer - Best painted model/unit for Call to Arms 2026, as chosen between the 5 Stronghold Artificers.

That's it, you've done it, you've made it to the end!!!

If you have any questions or queries, contact me,  @Dr_Ruminahui and I'll be more than happy to help you out.

F.A.Q.s

Q- If I have models with different coloured heads or shoulder pads, can they be primed different colours IE. Black templars or Eldar Guardians?

A- Yes, this is acceptable.

Q- I want to paint Traitor Guard, is there a way to pledge them to Chaos?

A- Yes, for the purposes of Traitor Guard, the Astra Militarum units may be pledged to Chaos. The Realm of Chaos is the most appropriate forum.

Q- Are 3D prints allowed?

A- Yes, as long as they are board appropriate, 3D prints can be pledged to the Call to Arms. Use the points associated with the unit they represent.

THIS THREAD WILL REMAIN LOCKED UNTIL JUNE 15, 2026, AT WHICH TIME VOWS MAY COMMENCE.  

In the meantime, please continue to use the main announcement thread and the Faction rally points to discuss your participation and to ask questions.

I picked up some sector imperialis bases for the legionary rank and file but i ran out of money so i used regular bases for the possesed and obliterators and a recycled sigmar base for the master. 

As I’m sure we’ve all do every time we open that backlog cupboard we all wince a little at what could have been, should have been and may never be.

Now I am settled into my new house with a hobby room/office (my hobby room in which I have the misfortune to work), I’ve got all the bits and bobs that have been in my parents’ loft for the last decade and have had a bit of a stock check and it’s bad, not terrible but definitely not good.

The goal for the remainder of 2026 is to get this backlog cut down significantly so I don’t feel guilty if I buy more shiny stuff or get into the 3d printing side…

1k World Eater list:

• Lord on Juggernaut [Built]
• 10 Berserkers [Built]
• 10 Berserkers [Built]
• 10 Jackhals [Built]
• 1 Maulerfiend [Painting]
• 1 Land Raider [Painting]
• Khârn (Unowned)

Tyranids, ~1500 Points:

• 1 Winged Tyrant [Built]
• 1 Parasite of Mortrex
• 10 Genestealers
• 10 Hormagaunts
• 10 Termagants (Flesh Borer)
• 10 Termagants (Combat Patrol)
• Space Hulk Genestealers [Buillt]
• Space Hulk Brood Lord [Built]
• 1 Hive Tyrant (Metal)
• 1 Broodlord (Metal)
• 1 Zoanthrope (Metal)
• 3 Venomthrope

Genestealer Cults ~500 Points

• Magos [Built]
• 5 x Metamorphs [Built]
• 1 x Rockgrinder [Built][Painting]
• 30 x Acolyte Hybrids [Partially Built]

Imperial Guard ~500 Points

• 1 x Vostroyran Heavy Bolter [Built] [Painting]
•  
• 1 x Stormlord [Built]
• 1 x Baneblade [Built]
• 2 x Vostroyan Sniper [Unbuilt]
• 2 x Vostroyan Command Squad [1 Owned, 1 on Order]
• 3 x Vostroyan Squad [1 Owned, 2 on Order]
• 3 x Vostroyran Lascannon [On Order]

Luna Wolves - Primaris/HH

• 1 x Spartan [Built] [Painted]
• 1 x Command Squad [Built] [Painting]
• 50 x Marines [25 Built & Painting][25 unbuilt]
• 1 x Drop Pod [Built] [Painting]
• 1 x Sicaran Venator [Built] [Painting]
• 5 x Terminator [Built] [Painting]
• 2 x Contemptor [1 Complete] [1 Built & Painting]
• 2 x Predator [1 Built & Painting] [1 Unbuilt]
• 1 x Vindicator [Unbuilt, just found it]

Orks

• 3 x Deffkopta [Built]
• 1 x Killakan [Built]
• 1 x Boss on Trike [Built]
• 1 x Buggy thing [Built]

Misc

1 x Warhound [In bits :(]

1 x Cerastus [Built] [Painting]

1 x Pirhana [Built]

1 x Lizardman Spearhead

1 x Skaven Spearhead

1 x Stormcast Spearhead

Ok, so it turns out it is actually pretty awful. 
 

My goal for the rest of the year is to put a bit of a dent in this. I have managed to complete a Votann combat patrol so I haven’t been totally idle.

Priorities: 

1) World Eaters, as of 10th Ed that list is a clean 1k so completing that will at least let me play small games.

2) Lizardmen Spearhead (Heresy here I know) but it’ll open another game mode to me.

3) Luna Wolves, I’ve got about 25 marines half done, the drop pod is half done as is the Sicaran so if I can just finish what I started to paint I’ll probably have a reasonable force and as they’re primaris I can probably play them in both settings if I want.

The Vostroyans will arrive sometime in the next 4 months and I think I know I’m kidding myself if I want to do the warhound at the moment- I have a newborn so picking up a brush or sprue for a normal dude is a lot more viable lol.

After a long hiatus from 40k (play MESBG mainly) I have decided to give it another crack with 11th edition around the corner.

My friends and I are organising a slow grow and this thread will document my WIP as I gradually build my starting 500 points and above.

For such an occasion it only feels right to push the hobby boat out and culminate around 10 years worth of ideas and create my own Chapter. The key features I wanted was their main colour to be Citadel's Dark Reaper base paint and their chapter badge to be an owl. I'll collate my ideas for their background but in the meantime using a little AI magic I present to you:

While I wait for the Armageddon launch box I've painted up a spare Primaris marine as a test model and personal I'm delighted with how it's turned out. 

More to come.

Cheers,

Brother Tancred

I've been lurking for quite a few years and have mostly enjoyed the WIP section of the Forge.

I subscribed to Conquest as it launched in France last year and have started painting after finally coming up with a color scheme and name for my diy Chapter the Void Cuirassiers.

Time permitting I may write a little backstory for the chapter, but first a little backstory on me !

I started Warhammer 40k in 3rd edition and remember the transition to 4th and the introduction of the new plastic terminators and plastic space marine multipart captain, which were the last miniatures I bought.

I sort of dropped out of the hobby and moved on with my life but my collection was waiting for me at my parents house and I thought I'd return to the hobby when my kids would be older. Unfortunately, my parents house burned down in 2013, and as the fire started in my old room... almost all my collection was lost. My father and uncle somehow managed to salvage a few minis though (I may post pictures of those later).

Now my eldest is 10yo and Conquest was a great opportunity to get back to the hobby. The idea is to stick with what is included in the conquest series, so miniatures may take some time to get finished as I don't have all the paints necessary.

Aaaaaanyway, (sorry for the long read), here's my first test model, a sergeant based on the easy to build intercessor sergeant from Conquest, with weapon and head swap (salvaged from my old burned down minis)

and the terrain from conquest at this point (I never had this much terrain when I was young!)

Feel free to comment and point me in the right directions if you see room for improvement (and there is plenty!)

So Ive decided to move this thread from just my custom chapter (The Void Panthers) to all my armies that share a narrative thread. So you'll see my void panthers, necrons (currently) and orks (coming up). I hope you enjoy.

++EDIT OVER++

So I've slowly been working on a custom chapter for myself. Not the first time, i've done it...but this one I've put some very particular care into. Once I get all my ideas pieced and sorted, I'll throw it up on the Liber Astartes page. Anyway...lets talk about themes first: The two primary inspirations for this chapter is Robert E. Howard's, Hyborean Age, and the 80's Cartoon, The Thundercats. I have a few WIPs of stuff I'm working on, but I've really only completed one model...which is the Chapter Master. Based off of the new Emperor's Champion...I just couldn't resist...I've put every skill I had into this one....pushed myself in painting and even experimented with LED's for the first time: http://bolterandchainsword.com//public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.png

Inspiration:

Model:

Thanks for looking!

What do you get when these 2 kits love each other very much?  A chaos defiler, hopefully.

Bluff? Bravado? Intent to dissemble or dissimulate? All of the above; doubtless. Such was the task – perhaps nature – of the Marines Mendicant. From his non-standard armour to the seemingly meaningless glyphs and logographs adorning his plate, everything about the pseudolegionary rang false.

Regardless of his intent, the Golden Hands weren’t going to allow the Mendicant to escape this time. They had already assembled a formidable doc-ident on their target. Perhaps an Argent Herald – that much was suggested by armour-spoor – but the Hands didn’t put credence into that. 

No; more likely one of the orphan Firebreak. Such had been surmised when he used that blade of his to open up Brother Utigent – and then escape. Not before the rest of his clade had been killed, mind (so the Golden Hands noted proudly); and nor had the Mendicant escaped unharmed.

He was hurt; bleeding. And irreparably so, judged the Hands, for they had employed Inquisitorial anti-coagulants. Chaem-magick that had taken the Stars and the Mendicant quite by surprise…

With 11 round the corner i decided to dust off (quite literally) the models and either paint those that were still unpainted or spruce up the painted ones (as i have gotten better at painting, laught all you want when you see the completed models, but i assure you they are better then what i use to produce). 

This blog will cover this restoration in both 40k and BFG as BFG is the best game GW ever made and i will take no questions. To start with i choose a pair of Kastelan robots and their datasmith, as they were models i had put off as being difficult to paint.  I have finished the datasmith and i am at the last 10% for the Kastelans themshelves. 

I hope to finish the Kastelans this weekend and move onto painting a skitarii marhsal and sprucing up 10 old painted skitarii for him to lead. 

choose files...

My offering will be focussed around a Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes bearing suspiciously familiar heraldry who find themselves on the wrong side of the Cicatrix Maledictum...and more than likely, facing the very real prospect of their own mortality as a host of existential threats pile on their doorstep.

So rage, rage against the dying of the light, and let fly the Sons of the Condor...

So I've decided to re-designate my project to make a single marine from every founding legion circa 40k as 'The Crusader Host', each with a custom base intended to reflect the legion. These posts will consist of archives until we get to the 

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Taking a break from the STC-Ryza terrain because I am waiting for a special paint I need for the next step to arrive. Instead we will be focusing on my next pieces of terrain, a termagaunt and hormagaunt! Now, dear reader you may be tempted to say "HD3! Those are models! Not terrain! You've decieved us! I shall track you down on the island where you live and cut you down for such duplicity!" But bear with me, I swear this is part of the terrain project and the punchline will be well worth it. First though! I'm doing an experimental terrain even for me on the bases. I got this from the great zorg, who has made what I consider to be the best of all tyranid paint schemes, hive fleet zereus.  For those who don't know, hive fleet zereus colloquaially know as "zerg" was the first known tendril of tyranids to arrive in our galaxy some time before the age of strife. These Tyranids had a predominantly brown colour scheme and tended to secrete a bio-mechanical mucus called "creep" which helped process and digest bio-mass and made Tyranid units more effective reflex wise while in contact with it. I've attached a an image of creep with an extant tyranid "zerg" here. To create this on my base however, I decided to try something more out there. 

First, using a hot glue gun I layered heated glue over the bases then sculpted it a bit with some scissors to look like more textured. Then hitting with a black rattlecan from tamiya, I did a base coat of mechanicus grey and a heavy wash of druchi violet. The real bases are only sculpted but I have included my finished prototype.  I'm generally pretty happy with how close this is to replicating the original creep and also how easy and cheap it was. The next step will be beginning on my tyranids proper, which i've decided to do with a dull brown and orange colour, in lieu of the more common purple on the non-carapace sinews. Once I figure out how to paint that in properly, that is.

Bit of background: Started 40k in late 2nd ed. Been a Thousand sons fan/player/collector most prominently at the start of 3rd. Couldn't afford or even get a hold of some of the old pewter Rubric marines(I had some), so my first gen Thousand sons are a lovely hodgepodge of converted chaos marines scattered with the old pewter ones. One of these days I will have to find them. I played heavily from 4th through 7th. And built a substantial Thousand sons force, but M&P wise I did not put my best effort into the paint part of it. Battled Cancer through 8th and 9th, and slowly turned from less of a gamer to more of a hobbyist since. I largely worked on Necrons in the last few years but recently I have been returning to my first love. The awesome and ever amazing 15th legion! I want to re-start the army basically. Start fresh. So here goes in my attempt to keep motivated and adding to the Thousand sons.

I'll start off with an Sorcerer I completed a couple months ago: