New Tooth & Claw

[Kagetora]

greetings,

haven't played in years (2&3E). drawn back into the fold. gamestore suggested B&C for advice.

when I did play 40k, I used orks & tyranids, basically horde armies.

I play ancient army wargames, mostly feudal & teutonic stuff. I've slowly begun a japanese army from the sengoku period. I've been wanting to do something sci-fi oriented for a change of pace.

perhaps, space samurai. not necessarily genuine in theme. mostly imagery with a futuristic feel. I don't think I could properly represent a sci-fi army equivalent to an ancient one.

was playing with the painter and came up with this:

I understand space solves are viking in theme. yet, there is something akin in their ferocity that echoes the samurai-style I am seeking to represent. wolves wouldn't be out of place either. although, I am more partial to tigers.

any tips? suggestions? warnings?

any recommendations on how to begin building an effective army of wolves?

[Token]

To me wolves dont seem highly trained, atleast not early in their career, since blood claws, as the noobs are called are as skilled as a normal guardsman in shooting and hand to hand combat skill. I guess you could call them ashigaru, though ashigaru probably wouldnt have alot of armor..

[LakotaWolf]

i have played around with this idea as well

[Lord of Hats]

To me wolves dont seem highly trained, atleast not early in their career, since blood claws, as the noobs are called are as skilled as a normal guardsman in shooting and hand to hand combat skill. I guess you could call them ashigaru, though ashigaru probably wouldnt have alot of armor..

 

The Blood Claws have more or less the same state line as the C:SM scouts, and notice that being as good as a guardsmen isn't an insult. The guard is highly trained and disciplined for the most part. Being able to shoot as good as guardsmen at the onset of your career isn't something to be sad about :rolleyes:

[Kagetora]

To me wolves dont seem highly trained, atleast not early in their career, since blood claws, as the noobs are called are as skilled as a normal guardsman in shooting and hand to hand combat skill. I guess you could call them ashigaru, though ashigaru probably wouldnt have alot of armor..

since ashigaru were conscripted foot soldiers, they were afforded whatever their daimyo would provide. Typically, their armour consisted of conical hats (jingasa) made of lacquered hardened leather, breastplates and occasionally greaves protecting the legs.

as Lord of Hats has noted, perhaps this term would best be applied to scouts?

samurai would be the cavalry. maybe terminators or bikes?

[LakotaWolf]

i have ideas for fabrication of some truly unique figures.........check your messages

[Stormshrug]

Space Wolves are good for armies with a lot of personality in individual characters above and beyond one's HQs, since Wolf Guard have basically all of the customizability of HQ choices without the price tag (and they can be "hidden" in squads).

 

Many warrior cultures make individual challenges and achievements a focal point of their society. The tradition of heroes calling out a (and then engaging) a single a opponent on the battlefield is certainly a part of the media surrounding Samurai culture (and has been for centuries, appearing prominently in the Tale of the Heike. How much it reflects the truth of the battlefield is a separate matter entirely, of course). This tradition can be seen at many other points in history, including in The Iliad, where heroes call out their lineage and achievements before fighting stylized duels, and it certainly fits with the fictional history of the Space Wolves.

 

Given this part of the (media) culture of the Samurai, it seems like highly differentiated, individualized sergeants would be a nice option.

 

So, just from a "using the rules to match your fluff" standpoint, I think Space Wolves are a good choice for such a thematic army. The only other army I would seriously consider is Blood Angels, because the unstoppable determination reflected by Feel No Pain is basically a universal rule possessed by all fictional Samurai.

 

-Stormshrug

[jester262]

becasuse of the thunderwolf cav I think space wolves fit better than blood angels. Samurai originally fought on horseback. I can't wait to see pics :)

[Mithril hound]

Great idea! Post some pics homes :lol: .

[Godhead]

I would also give white scars a consideration, or any bike mounted space marine army. Relic blades could very easily be the katana.

[Kagetora]

So, just from a "using the rules to match your fluff" standpoint, I think Space Wolves are a good choice for such a thematic army. The only other army I would seriously consider is Blood Angels, because the unstoppable determination reflected by Feel No Pain is basically a universal rule possessed by all fictional Samurai.

I agree on your points entirely. the blood angels are my competing choice. I actually have a similar thread in their forum, looking for opinions and advice.

Godhead, the white scars and dark angel's ravenwing were also on my list, but I didn't want to overwhelm myself right away. that tends to distract me with too much thinking and not enough doing. I don't plan on going heavy with the bikers right now, so these two possibilities can wait.

I am planning on making a decision by the end of the weekend. my model order with GW will go in, and the die shall be cast. then some serious building with pictures to follow, jester262 & Mithril hound.

space wolf imagery also may add a certain rougher look and feel to the army. blood angels do have their visual elements as well.

wonder what would happen if I combined both model kits? different clans, different looks? maybe just different companies? a friend of mine is going to lend me the space wolf codex, so hopefully I can sketch a few possibilities this weekend.

I appreciate all of you taking the time to share your opinions. please, keep them coming.