Conversion Project. Mass Effect Cerberus.

[Pirog]

So, next to my DA I want a semi-massive conversion project.

I'm going to focus on Cerberus from Mass Effect 3.

http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/masseffect3/resources/assets/media/concepts/concept-002-cerberus_trooper-p.jpg

 

And I'll be using Mantic Games Enforces - http://www.manticgames.com/Shop-Home/Warpath/Enforcers/Product/Enforcers-Strike-Section-10-Figures.html

 

My thought is to convert the weapons slightly to represent appropriate WH40k weapons.

I also have scouted a few robots and tanks to be stand-ins for well, tanks, dreadnoughts or whatever.

 

What I'm wondering now is, what codex to use as a template for my Cerberus counts-as. I'm thinking Imperial Guard, Grey Knight henchmen or (sorry, know this is forum is not for xenos) Tau. In case Tau, let's just forget about this post.

However, I don't see these guys as coming in hordes and dying so I was also thinking Draigowing or DW, with the appropriate base sizes of course. Or, if IG, probably Storm Troopers or something.

 

I'd like your thoughts. And also any links or tips you would come by for units to represent them with etc.

If this is, even though I'm probably using Space Marines, IG, Grey Knights as a counts-as, this is still against forum policy. Please forgive me and erase the post.

[Cypher-xv]

Nice! I can't wait to see what you do next. You can also check out the Pan Oceania range from the infinity game.

 

Are they taller than most space marine models? Does anyone have a comparison pic? I was thinking of maybe using them as scouts.

[lothlorienmoon]

I'd use them as IG Vets with carapace armor. It would make the army smaller compared to IG blobs, but that armor I would say lacks the bulk a lot of the other 40k stuff has. Perhaps look up the Elysian drop troop rules, as they have light vehicles and walkers that might work well for the mech style stuff that the Cerberus guys use in game.

[Cmdr Shepard]

Greetings fellow Masse Effect fan... welll I suppose you are given the content of your project ;)

 

If I undertsood your purpose you want not only to make the minis look like Cerberus Troops but also to find an army/codex that represent the fighting style of Cerberus forces...

 

I don't agree about the " I don't see these guys as coming in hordes", in fact they do come in horder in the "original universe".

 

Space Marines, especially TDA "wings" are too advanced for them. If you played Mass Effect 3 you know the truth behind Cerberus troops. ;)

 

I see Space Marine a good choice for representing N7 teams from Mass Effect universe not Cerberus troops.

 

So what army should I suggest to you? I think humanity armies would be a good, especially give the "fluff" parallelism. Cerberus is "anit-xenos", as we would say in a 40K context.

 

Imperial Guard seems a good choice: Troops, Engineers (IG heavy support platform), Atlas Walkers (Sentinels) Gunships (the best examples of gunships come from ME2).

However even Inquisitorial henchmen from GK looks like a good choice.

 

DC assassins counts as Phantoms, Acolytes counts as standard troopers, Coteaz as a biotic (he is a pysker ;) ) Cerberus leader.

I think the best way would be Coteaz henchmen as primary detatchment with allied IG or IG with allied Inquisitor but in that case you'd need a GK troop choice since usually the IC who alter FoC  should be in the primary detachment. However it seems this limitation occurs only for the new Codices since GK FAQ says nothing about the primary detachment limitation.

 

The other question is what's the best 40K weapon to represent the Mattock Assault Rifle used by Cerberus? I think either a bolter or a hot shot las gun would be a good choice.

So this how I'd represent Cerberus in 40K.

 

Phantoms: DC assassins.

Nemesis: Snipers, IG snipers with their "weakness in close combat" seem perfect.

Engineers: IG heavy weapons platform and Tech priest (the first represent the turrets the second the "fixing your vehicles" part ;) )

Atlas: Sentinels

Gunships: Valkyries, Vendettas.

Drop Shuttles: Arvus Lighters from FW

Cerberus Troopers: that's the most difficult choice since you are limited by the FOC yoy choose. IG veterans, Inquisitorial henchmen with bolters/hot shot lasguns seem a good choice.

Centurions: Another difficult choice. If you go with IG I'd say the veterans from the elite slot... I don't remember their name, those with advanced gear and tactics. If you are forced to take a GK detachment they could represent Centurions or Dragoons but I'd say neither of them is equal to a SM.

 

I hope it helped... If you need further assistance feel free to ask. I'm both a 40K and Mass Effect fan so I find this project interesting ;)

[Pirog]

Thanks for all your input.
I'm still a bit unsure about the "coming in hordes"-part. As, regarding to the ME-wiki, there are only about 150 operatives in the Cerberus cells (unsure if this includes the non-fighting operatives hiding under cover in parts of the Alliance).

 

But I will take all your ideas in consideration. My thought atm was something like:

 

Phantoms: DC assassins.

Nemesis: Sniper. Vindicare.

Engineers: Techpriest with that turret-thing. But that is only available to vanilla Marines, right?

Atlas: Dreadnoughts

Gunships: Valkyries, Vendettas. Or The GK/SM-flyers.

Cerberus Troopers: Either regular GK strike squads, space marines or IQ henchmen with upgrades.

Centurions: Probably just a regular squad sergeant.

Guardian: Dunno. SM with shield and pistol?

 

So, at the moment I'm leaning more towards a MEQ-codex of some sort. Either SM or GK.

 

EDIT: This is probably the website I'll look to for the APC and shuttles. http://www.antenocitisworkshop.com/antenocitis/g-o-t-vehicles-1.html?p=2

[Cmdr Shepard]

Thanks for all your input.

I'm still a bit unsure about the "coming in hordes"-part. As, regarding to the ME-wiki, there are only about 150 operatives in the Cerberus cells (unsure if this includes the non-fighting operatives hiding under cover in parts of the Alliance).

 

But I will take all your ideas in consideration. My thought atm was something like:

 

Phantoms: DC assassins.

Nemesis: Sniper. Vindicare.

Engineers: Techpriest with that turret-thing. But that is only available to vanilla Marines, right?

Atlas: Dreadnoughts

Gunships: Valkyries, Vendettas. Or The GK/SM-flyers.

Cerberus Troopers: Either regular GK strike squads, space marines or IQ henchmen with upgrades.

Centurions: Probably just a regular squad sergeant.

Guardian: Dunno. SM with shield and pistol?

 

So, at the moment I'm leaning more towards a MEQ-codex of some sort. Either SM or GK.

 

EDIT: This is probably the website I'll look to for the APC and shuttles. http://www.antenocitisworkshop.com/antenocitis/g-o-t-vehicles-1.html?p=2

 

Before the events from ME3 there were few operatives in any cell: the weren't an army and the Cerberus troopers you posted the pic never exist.

During ME3 Cerberus become a horde army (did you play the ME3 MP ;) ): they even forcfull inducted/indocrinated prisoners to make those troopers!

 

Back on the 40K modelling aspect: since it's your army you can do whatever your want. The main rule of conversion proects is to have fun and to like the lookj of your army.

If you want my opinion of I confirm you SM and Vindicare are far  more sepcialized for "standard" ME3 inspired Cerberus forces.

 

If you want to do an all elite, Kai Leng-like operatives then SM and Imperial Assassins are indeed the best choice. Remember very few operatives in the pre ME3 cells were N7-like operatives. Most of those 150 operatives were scientists and undercover agents, not soldiers. That's relevant only if you want you 40K version of Cerberus to be similar to the orginal one.

 

I hope my adivces were useful.

If you ever made a Miranda Lawson miniature let me know... I love that character ;)

[Pirog]

Alright.
Well to be honest, the main reason I would probably field them through a more elite codex is due to the Mantic Games Enforcers not having too many variations of the model and also, due to the fact that I don't want to have to convert 25876359694 miniatures just to try out a fun game of a thousand points or so. :P

 

I'd like to field Miranda as an HQ choice just for the fun of it, yes. :)

 

So. Back to the conversions.
I guess, converting the weapons is the most important part. I'll probably go away from ME when it comes to that and at least convert the muzzles of the different weapons to replicate bolters, plasmas and whatever.

 

If going for a more elite (Meq) kind of codex, what would you suggest?

Pro's with standard SM/DA/BA would be their simple weaponry and the possibilities to go all out shooty army.

Con's would be the lack of maybe a few of the specialized troop conversions such as a vindicare assassin. I guess I could always alliance him in the list tho.

 

Going GK the Pro's would be a few more specialized units and arsenal to represent different weaponry, vehicles and troops of Cerberus.

Con's would be the psyker part of the army. All the special close combat weapons and psyker powers. I don't see them fit in that scale to be honest.

 

I guess going SM/DA/BA with all out tacticals and maybe alliance some GK in there, representing specialized and maybe even prototype units of Cerberus. going away from the ME fluff a bit and more like asking myself "what if...?".

[Cmdr Shepard]

Alright.

Well to be honest, the main reason I would probably field them through a more elite codex is due to the Mantic Games Enforcers not having too many variations of the model and also, due to the fact that I don't want to have to convert 25876359694 miniatures just to try out a fun game of a thousand points or so.

Well considered how complex/difficult the conversion process can be I understand your point ;)

I'd like to field Miranda as an HQ choice just for the fun of it, yes.

So you are going for the pre ME3 Cerberus... it's good since I like the Drew Karpyshyn era of Mass Effect more then the current one. Just remember to make Miranda as wonderful as she really is... ok I made clear my opinion on her ;)

So. Back to the conversions.

I guess, converting the weapons is the most important part. I'll probably go away from ME when it comes to that and at least convert the muzzles of the different weapons to replicate bolters, plasmas and whatever.

I don't want to be pessimistic but if you aim to recreate Mass Effect weapons it won't be easy. Mass Effect weapon style is very unique. The curves of the Avenger, the iconic double barrel. The Mattock would be one the easier choice since it resemble the Elysian Drop Troops lasgun but since you want MEQ we have to look for bolters....

Umbra Ferrox to represent the mods seen in ME3 or Tigrus pattern? Goinging away from a close replica may be your only choice.

If going for a more elite (Meq) kind of codex, what would you suggest?

Pro's with standard SM/DA/BA would be their simple weaponry and the possibilities to go all out shooty army.

Con's would be the lack of maybe a few of the specialized troop conversions such as a vindicare assassin. I guess I could always alliance him in the list tho.

Going GK the Pro's would be a few more specialized units and arsenal to represent different weaponry, vehicles and troops of Cerberus.

Con's would be the psyker part of the army. All the special close combat weapons and psyker powers. I don't see them fit in that scale to be honest.

Psykers won't be a problem. After all Psykers are very similar to Biotics. If you want MEQ GK are not a bad choice.

You have Biotics (Psykers), Assassins (top operatives), a count as Atlas (Dreadknight) and all of the Inquisitorial henchmen for Phantoms (DCA), Guardians (crusaders), Standard troops (acolytes) and centurions (GK themselves). I'd say to prefer PA over TDA, if you want to stay close to the original concept.

I always liked to make a Mass Effect Inspired army but since I wanted to make a Krogan army I hadn't find the inspiration. And no... I don't want Orks counts as Krogans as someone suggested in the past. I see Krogan more similar to SM even though with a lower I, higher T and more wounds. Perhaps the Mechanicum Thallax from Betrayal book...

Talking about SM Legions... Sons of Horus tactics sounds very Turian like ;)

[Pirog]

I didn't mean I wanted to represent ME weapons. I meant the opposite. That when it comes to the weapons, that is probably where I will go far -away- from ME. As I want my opponent to be able to see what weaponry, Warhammer-wise, they are carrying. So if I use weapons from another range or those weapons already carried by the Mantic Games Enforcers I will atleast convert muzzles and magazines to show if they are bolters, plasmas, meltas or whatever.

 

Aye, GK it probably is then.
Currently looking for a stand-in model for the Atlas. :)

[Cmdr Shepard]

I didn't mean I wanted to represent ME weapons. I meant the opposite. That when it comes to the weapons, that is probably where I will go far -away- from ME. As I want my opponent to be able to see what weaponry, Warhammer-wise, they are carrying. So if I use weapons from another range or those weapons already carried by the Mantic Games Enforcers I will atleast convert muzzles and magazines to show if they are bolters, plasmas, meltas or whatever.

 

I know I know... ;) I was just talking about the possibility to make the 40K weapons to look like the ME ones but being cleatly identifiable on the table...

 

 

Aye, GK it probably is then.

Currently looking for a stand-in model for the Atlas.

Conceptually the Dreadknight is perfect. A pilot inside a walker-like vehicle (well DK is MCs but you see the conceptual similarity ;) )

Visually it requires some modification but considered the amount of DK conversions posted here on B&C you may find some inspiration.

 

Anyway thinking about GK and Cerberus: they have the "by any means necessary" common belief...