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This is part of the NPO Project. The images below represent my first real attempt at creating NPOs for the Asuryani. In the spirit of NPOs being "regular soldiers," I left this as purely Guardians, based on the Guardian Defender and Storm Guardian units presented in the codex. While I briefly considered creating a type of leader that might be on par with an Aspect Warrior (but not an Exarch), I felt that was a step beyond what this project is trying to achieve. I also considered including a Warlock and a Pathfinder. Warlocks are known to lead Guardians into battle, but since they're not part of the unit entry, I felt it was appropriate to leave them out. Similarly, Games Workshop has given us rules for snipers and Pathfinders are the natural representative for that role in the Asuryani armies, but I didn't think it was necessary. I may develop a Pathfinder [Sniper] datasheet later, but that seems like something that is too specific to missions and mission packs that use the sniper rules, so they're not necessary in the general use NPO roster. While I originally conceived of this as the "Asuryani" faction, I later changed it to "Asuryani Guardian" to allow for the possibility of other NPO team options from the Asuryani (I don't personally plan any, but I could easily see where other players might want to take things). Each NPO is presented on two datasheets. The version on the left is the standard version, which I prefer. The version on the right omits the keywords, APL, and Move entries because mission packs often present mission special rules that dictate NPO force composition and NPO movement, rendering these entries irrelevant. The version on the right also leaves out NPO force composition notes, where applicable. For example, Storm Guardian Gunners are limited based on the number of total Storm Guardians, which is shown in the version on the left but not that on the right (since it would be dictated in the mission pack). (click the images to see full size versions) I tried to keep things as close as possible to the composition of each type of squad (Guardian Defender/Storm Guardian) as found in the codex. This required a little creativity which I hope doesn't create confusion. The stats for the flamer and fusion weapon were derived from similar weapons found in various other kill team faction rules (the fusion gun being a meltagun). Both platforms use rules similar to those used for servo skulls (i.e., don't participate in Fights, reduced APL when determining control of a marker, effect of having a Conceal order). I don't know that these are the "right" rules to give them, but they're a starting point. Something I did with both was require that some Asuryani Guardian NPO be within 1" of these platforms for them to perform behaviours (though the Serpent's Scale Platform is supposed to provide its defensive benefits regardless). I based the shuriken cannon rules (Heavy Weapon Platform) on the Voidscarred Corsairs, and the defensive rules for the Serpent's Scale Platform on the shimmershield of the Blades of Khaine (though the range was modified to be in line with the Warhammer 40,000 counterpart). You may see some inconsistencies in the left/right versions, in which case I'll provide the intended rules in replies here. Something I found is that developing the behaviours of each NPO is much more challenging than I first thought it would be. It requires going through a logical sequence and developing correct descriptions, where applicable. I don't know that the versions I've presented here are necessarily the right ones, but they provide a decent starting point. I imagine that discussion here will refine things so that we can improve upon these. While I have begun working on ideas for NPOs from other factions (I'm starting with the other Aeldari sub-factions), each will be covered in their own discussion so that each discussion can remain focused. The intent is to finalize these (only after the other NPO factions have been developed and finalized so that there can be some level of consistency and balance) and present each faction as a downloadable file.

16 Guardians done for my pirate force. I might touch up some spots, but no hurry.

Hi folks, I am not going to epilogate on this element of Lore that saw a Craftworld assaulted by space Bugs. I will instead focus on a kind of challenge I adressed to myself: try to find some alternative variations for Guardians outfits that will keep on remindind the Saim-Hann scheme while giving a little bit of variations. It is a kind of malediction or Doom as in the end the process I experienced is still unconclusive. Such a disgrace for the one on the Way... Generally speaking, I find that Eldars are fun for the rainbow coloured armies they can bring onto the table top through Aspect Warriors; but from time to time, getting all or most of the guardians looking the same can be... a tad boring. Especially if you can potentially field a lot of these. So I went on the Google search bar in order to find out some inspiration. Well, I have had more successful days. In fact most of the uniforms guides were perfect on sketches but they looked like they are unachievable at my painting skill level. Chevrons on the torsos or Cosmic dragon marking on arms will probably not be very visible. Proposals for alteration of helmet colours is the other way to go but I am already doing it. I was looking for something more or at least different. And my lack of imagination did not help. And then I find out this Deviant art deposit by Cyphercodicer2 (Saim Hann Colour Variations by cyphercodicer2 on DeviantArt - kudo to him). I do not know who he is, but his gathered sketches caught my eye. This one especially: So I tried the "not-100%-red" variations on 2 models, being a little less red invasive on feet and fore arms. Here are the 2 test models for the dark grey and the whitish under armour (No intent for sport clothing ad there). Let me know which one you prefer. It can be tough as the darker one is not so well lighted. I should really invest in bulbs. I am atm tempted to keep the dark scheme for the Storm guardian squad of my 12 Months of Hobby April´s pledge. The white one is OK, but I am not fully convinced. Yet as this spotter is done and that I have a second hand D-Cannon with a missing crew member, I may keep it like that and do is sparing partner in the same way when I will paint this support weapon (May be as a Pledge for May?). And the white looks good for my snow bases. Maybe. Anyway, as always, coments are not only welcomed but encouraged... Cheers.