Sword Bearers and the Unforgiven (Updated 1/07/23: Angels Redeemed)

[deathspectersgt7]

YES !!!!    Good to see a return  Brother .

Edited August 21, 2017 by deathspectersgt7

[Interrogator Stobz]

Silver and green dudesmen look great Brother.

[Spaced Hulk]

Thanks for the kind words brothers!

Here's my latest completed model: Juan Ricos, the 'Iron Heart', First Lieutenant of the Sword Bearers 3rd Battle Company.

++ As First Lieutenant, Ricos has earnt the right to wear personal heraldry on his right pauldron. The chequers in the lower left quarter are a commonly seen battle-cypher amongst the descendants of the Dark Angel's Legion, whilst the green field in the upper left denotes his birthplace as Ancient Caliban itself. The black field in the upper right quadrant indicates that his rank (displayed as the numeral '1') was a 'jump step' promotion awarded on the battlefield. The lower right quadrant bears the High Gothic quotation: "Bellum uero ferrum ferro et voluntatem cordibus vestris". Presumably a personal motto, this can be loosely translated into Low Gothic as: "War breeds iron hearts and iron will." ++

A bit of backstory for him:

Beneath the Palace of Thorns

Lieutenant Daan was the first to die. It was a poor death, an ignoble death, and it pains me to remember it even now.

He was on point, leading the platoon through the labyrinthine tunnels of the palace to rejoin the Phantom's Second Company. This was his habit, despite everything the Codex teaches about 'preservation of the chain of command'. Before the Archmagos took him, Daan had been training as a scout of the Ravenwing Order, and ten thousand years of stasis imprisonment and Cawl's relentless experimentation had done little to dull his own native skills and tendencies.

Even so, he did not detect the enemy until it was right above him, and by then it was far too late to do anything but die.

The daemon was an immense, spindly legged nightmare. Arachnid in form, with a chameleonic skin that blended perfectly with it's environment. It had stretched itself out across the roof of the tunnel, it's long limbs reaching down to the floor to form an archway that was indistinguishable from the grim Gothic architecture that surrounded us.

Only when it moved to attack did we become aware of it's presence, and even with Astartes reflexes, the Lieutenant was unable to avoid the killing blow. As he spun around to shout a warning, simultaneously raising his bolter to target the hellish monstrosity directly above, a pair of razor sharp mandibles sheared together like a guillotine across his torso, severing him completely in mid thorax.

As the two sundered halves of his body fell, releasing an ocean of blood and organs from within, Daan clenched the trigger of his auto-rifle, emptying the entire magazine in his death spasm.

Most of the rounds hit the wall or the ceiling, blasting out great chunks of ferrocrete. Two of them, unfortunately, did not.

The first errant bolt struck Brother Harahel directly in the throat, somehow passing exactly through the small gap between gorget and face plate. The resultant detonation neatly decapitated my squad mate, his headless torso crashing ponderously to the floor beside me.

The second round ricocheted from Sergeant Amediel's own battle helm, striking just below the visor protecting his left eye. Incredibly the round did not detonate, but the force of the impact broke his stride, momentarily halting his charge towards the daemon. It also threw his head backwards, so he did not see the pair of obscenely long, blade-tipped legs that lunged towards him with incredible speed. They punched effortlessly through his chest and abdominal armour, his back plate and his power plant. For a moment Amediel just stood there, unmoving, skewered by the thin, skeletal limbs. Then the legs began to retract, raising him into the air towards the spider-daemon's drooling maw. For a moment I thought the razor sharp mandibles which had so easily slaughtered the Lieutenant would be employed a second time, but instead the beast vomited a foul, black fluid directly onto Amedial's face plate. Even from where I stood, over twenty metres away, I could smell the harsh, bile-like acidity of the liquid.

Almost instantly it began to eat through the Sergeant's battle helm, dissolving plasteel and ceramite as easily as boiling water melts snow. He convulsed immediately, dropping his weapons and clawing desperately at the neck seal of his armour. It was futile, of course. That was the first time I had ever heard an Astartes scream, and it is a sound I sincerely hope you never have to hear. Thankfully it did not last long. His body was still shaking even as his cries subsided into a strangled, wet gurgling.

By this time we were all firing, the roar of bolt rifles deafening in the close confines of the tunnel. But even as the beast's chitinous armour split and shattered, as spindly, segmented legs were severed and pale, viscous ichor began to pool beneath it's bulbous body, I knew it would take more than mere boltguns to finish such a monstrous opponent. As I fired, I could see the wounds healing over, the chitin reforming and fresh blade limbs beginning to grow out of the beast's abdomen. And so I made a decision that many, perhaps even I myself, would consider foolish. I dropped my rifle, and ran forwards.

I had covered only half the distance when the spear-limb ripped into my chest, lancing straight through my primary heart. The agony was indescribable, and I needed no Apothecary or medi-servitor to diagnose the severity of the injury. As the leg began to retract, pulling me towards the daemon in exactly the same way as Sergeant Amedial, I forced myself to remain calm, repeating the mantra of the Faithful to focus my mind and ignore the pain burning through my torso. I knew I had but one chance of survival.

And so, as I was dragged past the blood soaked, dismembered remains of the Lieutenant and the still smoking, headless corpse of my Sergeant, I was able to reach out and grasp the one weapon which might defeat our enemy. Amedial's broad sword – 'Grief Bringer'.

It is a fine blade. Perfectly balanced, power active and forged of the highest grade Martian steel. Cawl's artificers had utilised classical Calibanate designs for many of our close combat weapons, and Grief Bringer is a perfect example of their craft. As I rose into the air, my power armoured weight lifted easily by those terrible spear-like limbs, I swung the blade upwards with all my remaining strength.

In a single, vertical cut, the sword sheared easily through the daemon's fleshy bulbous abdomen and skeletal thorax, splitting the beast cleanly in half.

And that, Remembrancer, is how I acquired my sword and lieutenant's stripes, and of course the mechanical heart that beats even now in my chest. But most of all, I learnt an important lesson.

To defeat the darkness that assails us, we must be prepared to sacrifice everything.

Losses are acceptable. Failure is not.

- From the personal remembrances of Juan Ricos, known as 'Iron Heart' by his brothers, First Lieutenant of the Sword Bearers 3rd Battle Company.

Thanks for looking!

Edited October 9, 2017 by Spaced Hulk

[Greenz]

Nice! I haven't been on the DA forum in a while. Real life and Chaos have stolen me away. I was quite happy to see your thread right at the top. Those primaris marines are terrific. I'm still not 100% sold on them yet, but your colour scheme looks amazing on them.

[Phoebus]

Spaced Hulk, did Lieutenant Ricos succeed a Lieutenant Rasczakiel? Is his section considered rough around the neck, if you will? Are they all kept in check by a Sergeant named Zim, who refuses promotions? Edited September 29, 2017 by Phoebus

[Bryan Blaire]

Spaced Hulk, did Lieutenant Ricos succeed a Lieutenant Rasczakiel? Is his section considered rough around the neck, if you will? Are they all kept in check by a Sergeant named Zim, who refuses promotions?

 

All kidding aside, that’s a great-looking miniature!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

I saw that earlier and wondered as well!

 

Love the figure, you did a great job on the mini and bits selection, he looks great!

[Interrogator Stobz]

Shame he is too tall for proper Mks of armour like III and IV, but he looks like he's having fun with his sword swinging nonetheless.

[Spaced Hulk]

@ Greenz: Thanks mate! I haven't been very active on the forum either for a while (my six month old son has seen to that ). On the Primaris marines, I wasn't sure about them myself to begin with, mainly because of the new fluff. However, I was re-reading the Index Astartes Apocrypha one day (I've always loved the original Rogue Trader era background) when I realised that 40K has a long history of changing and evolving, so why not simply roll with it? In truth I think I'd become a bit tired or even bored of 40K before 8th Edition (I suppose twenty years in the hobby will do that eventually) which is why I'd been concentrating on my 30K DA instead. The new edition, and it has to be said, the progression in the story line, has really revitalised my interest.

As models, the Primaris marines are excellent. The strange thing is that I've never really liked true-scale conversions, even though I can appreciate the skill involved in making them. I think it's because when you put them next to the standard marine line, which is obviously what the majority of people collect, the difference between them destroys the idea that we're all working in the same, shared fictional universe. Which is why the way that GW has introduced the Primaris actually works for me, because it creates a reason for the scale difference.

@ Phoebus: Cheers brother, but I don't know what you mean? Any similarity is purely coincidental As is that fact that I'm currently painting Sergeant Zimm:

As you might have guessed, I re-read Starship Troopers recently as well. Still one of my favourite sci-fi novels, and I quite often name models after characters in my favourite books and films. For example, one of my earliest Sword Bearer's characters, Balian, took his name from the Ridley Scott film Kingdom of Heaven.

@ Bryan Blaire: Thank you kindly mate It's not the most involved conversion/customisation I've ever done, but the Primaris Lieutenant was probably my favourite model in Dark Imperium, so I didn't want to alter him too much.

@ Interrogator Stobz: I'm guessing you're not too fond of Mark X or Primaris Marines then brother? Not to worry, there'll be more Mark 3 and 4 models appearing in the near future (maybe even a combination of the two). Thanks for the reply anyway brother

[Punk possum]

I know is been said before but your Primaris look great in silver and green. I love the subtle changes and the Starship troopers references 

[Spaced Hulk]

@ Punk possum: Cheers mate, glad you like em!

Well it's been a while but I am still alive Been distracted by real life and other projects, but I have started working on the Sword Bearers again.

Here's the current state of progress on the Intercessors (basically just need a few highlights and to freehand the iconography):

And here's the first (painted) battle brother of the chapter's rebuilt 2nd Company. The Revenants, as they are known, are a dedicated assault company that specialises in psychlogical warfare and terror tactics.This particular warrior is a 'Shadow Guard' (named in honour of our esteemed and venerable moderator ), elite Intercessor squads who act as bodyguards/command squads for the 'Shadowcasters', Librarians permanently attached to the Second Company.

As with the original Revenants, the entire 2nd Company wears black power armour, although the chapter symbol on the left shoulder pad is displayed on a green field like the rest of the Chapter. Skull face masks are still in use, but mainly by Reivers and Revenant Bike Squadrons.

Thanks for looking, should be more updates soon

Edited November 25, 2017 by Spaced Hulk

[JJD]

It’s always nice to see new sword bearers. I hope your little one is doing well. They sure do take up your hobby time but they’re worth it.

[Spaced Hulk]

Cheers mate! Yes, our little'un is doing great thanks, he's already quite fascinated with the little plastic soldiers on his Dad's work desk Hobby time is still limited of course but things are gradually settling down. And you're absolutely right about them being worth it - they totally change your perspective about what's important in life .

Anyway, enough seriousness. This wouldn't be one of my topics without lots of pics of unpainted models, so here are few of my latest additions to the ever expanding painting queue:

2nd Company Reivers

Zadkiel, the Chapter's last surviving Interrogator Chaplain, accompanied by two Ashen Blade bodyguards:

Nakir, once known as Issac Mathius, First of the Reborn, Bearer of the Sword of Balian

Thanks for looking, C&C are always welcome .

[Guest]

Looking great as always SH :P

[ephrael]

That Interrogator Chaplain conversion is brilliant, it gives me a few ideas for one myself. May I ask where the Chainmail loincloth is from? Did you sculpt it yourself or purchase it somewhere? It’s perfect for the DA in my opinion.

[Greenz]

Brilliant work as always Hulk! That chappy’s crozius in particular is terrific! You really need to stop it with these primarus fellows, you’re making me second guess myself here

[jbaeza94]

Edit: Sorry read the message wrong Edited November 28, 2017 by jbaeza94

[Spaced Hulk]

@ Brother Arkley: Cheers mate!

[StormLion]

Those look great, what body did you use as the Chaplain?

[Spaced Hulk]

Cheers mate! The body (including the head) is from the finecast Asmodai model.

[Spaced Hulk]

BIt of an update, as I've started working on some updated Sword Bearers fluff. Basically trying to reconcile my original background for the Chapter with the advancement of 40K's timeline. As usual, there are some WIP model pics as well Thanks for looking!

Originating in the 14th Founding, the Sword Bearers have been based in the furthest outskirts of the Eastern Fringe since their inception. Like many Space Marine Chapters, they were created to counter a specific weakness within the Imperium's borders. For the Sword Bearers, this has resulted in their long standing stewardship and defence of the distant Gateway world of Mire.

There are at least seven Gateways to the East, each one a stable warp route through the vast expanse of the Ultima Segmentum. The Mire Pathway is the most north-easterly of these, skirting past the Ghoul Stars to the Mire system at the most extreme edge of Imperial space. This makes it the perfect starting place for long range Explorator missions into the galactic void, as well as providing an invaluable trade route to the most distant and isolated outposts in the Imperium. Unfortunately, such a stable corridor also provides the enemies of Mankind with a perfect invasion route back into the Imperial heartlands.

As a result, each Gateway world is exceptionally well protected, with many of them boasting the presence of a nearby Adeptus Astartes Chapter in addition to heavily armed system defence fleets and orbital weapon arrays. Every other Gateway also has the advantage of support and reinforcements within a relatively short distance. However, Mire's location, so far to the east, means that its defenders have long realised that whatever threats they have to face, they will do so on their own.

Baltus Sar, survivor of the Mire Cataclysm, Lieutenant of the Third Battle Company, Adeptus Astartes Sword Bearers

As with almost every Adeptus Astartes Chapter, the organisation and composition of the Sword Bearers changed dramatically following the birth of the Great Rift and Lord Guilliman's Ultima Founding. However, like their cousins of the Crimson Fists and the Scythes of the Emperor, the Knights of Mire were dangerously close to extinction even before the Fall of Cadia. The events which led to the near destruction of the Sword Bearers have never been disclosed, yet alone officially documented, but what is known is that a great calamity befell the Chapter in the year 935.M41. The so-called Mire Cataclysm resulted in the destruction of the Fenspire, their mountain fortress home; a casualty rate of at least seventy per cent (and possibly as high as ninety percent according to some sources); and most crucially, the loss of their entire gene-seed depositary and reserves.

For the remainder of the 41st Millennium, the remnants of the Chapter clung precariously to existence, surviving as raiders and scavengers as they slowly began to rebuild their strength. Perhaps crucially, they continued their guardianship of Mire and it's warp gate, even though their ability to effectively defend them had been drastically reduced. With their fortress monastery destroyed, the survivors created a new base of operations inside the shattered shell of the Forlorn Hope, the former flagship of the Sword Bearer's fleet. An ancient, pre-Imperial warship of unknown design, the Forlorn Hope had served the First Legion and it's descendants for over ten thousand years, but had finally been rendered both immobile and irreparable during the Mire Cataclysm. Trapped in a stable high orbit above the Chapter's home world, the ruined hulk of this once great warship now formed the basis of a new orbital defence station, from which the Sword Bearers could once again sally forth to defend their territory.

Captain Aradiel, Master of the Third Battle Company, Adeptus Astartes Sword Bearers

Intercessors of 4th Squad, Third Battle Company, Adeptus Astartes Sword Bearers

Letholdus, Voted Lieutenant of the Revenants, Second (Assault) Company, Adeptus Astartes Sword Bearers

[Interrogator Stobz]

Well done making Primaris look interesting

[ephrael]

I love the use of the HH DA helmets on your Marines. Have you tried splicing in any of the FW torsos yet? I’m going to try it myself as soon as I have time.

[Dark Rage]

Damn, missed the latest update the pose work as always is brilliant, really like what you done with these primaris additions, very nice.

[Spaced Hulk]

Thanks for the kind words brothers, and apologies for neglecting this thread. I've been focusing on my 30K DA recently. However, I do have a bit more Sword Bearers fluff and a couple of nearly finished models to add now.

@ ephrael: Sorry for the late reply mate. No I haven't tried using the FW torsos yet. To be honest, the DA torso upgrades are all quite small, so I'm not sure how well they'd blend in with Primaris marines. If you've tried it I'd be interested to see the results though.

So, update time. First of all, I've been working on fleshing out the Sword Bearer's organisation and structure in the current 40K timeline (eg: post Gathering Storm/Indomitus Crusade). Here's the first draft:

SWORD BEARERS CHAPTER ORGANISATION

(Circa Second Century M42)

THE ASHEN BLADES

Once known as the Penitent, the Sword Bearer's First Company now call themselves the Ashen Blades, and consist solely of survivors of the Mire Cataclysm. As a mark of respect for their fallen comrades, the entire Company wears white armour, a reminder of the radioactive ash which fell like rain across surface of their home-world in the wake of the Fenspire's destruction. Few in number, the Ashen Blades are usually deployed as 5 man veteran squads and granted access to the most deadly and ancient weapons in the Chapter's armoury, including their few remaining suits of terminator armour.

THE REVENANTS

In some ways the Second Company is the least changed of all the Chapter's formations, for despite the introduction of the Primaris space marines it has retained it's original modus operandi. Since the earliest days in the Sword Bearer's history, the black clad Second Company has been known as the Revenants, a dedicated assault force specialising in terror tactics and psychological warfare. Although gravely depleted during the Mire Cataclysm, the few surviving Revenants preserved their tactics and traditions, and the Company was heavily reinforced following the arrival of the Primaris Relief fleet.

Unsurprisingly, the Revenants proved a natural home for the Chapter's new complement of Reiver squads, and these skull helmed warriors were quickly inducted into their ranks. Other additions include multiple squads of heavily armed Inceptors and a small number of specialised Intercessor fire teams. Regardless of their battlefield role, all have become renowned for their brutality and skill in close quarters combat.

Uniquely, the Revenants also have extremely close ties to the Chapter's Librarium, and many of the Sword Bearer's psychic battle brothers are permanently attached to the Second Company. Known as Shadowcasters, these potent psykers are trained to spread fear and confusion through the ranks of their enemies, creating an aura of dread and despair that accompanies the Revenants into battle.

BATTLE COMPANIES

Companies three to six are each designated as a Battle Company. Primaris Marines form the bulk of these formations, supported by the few remaining members of the original Chapter. Intercessor rifle squads provide at least fifty per cent of their fighting strength, but the exact composition of each Battle Company depends on the tactical preferences and disposition of it's commander. The Fourth Company, for example, specialises in siege and urban warfare, and includes a sizeable complement of Aggressors and Hellblaster Squads within their ranks. In contrast, the Sixth Company are renowned as an airbourne assault force, consisting largely of Inceptors and jump pack equipped assault marines.

RESERVE COMPANIES

Companies Seven and Ninth are reserve companies, and consist purely of Primaris Space Marines trained to fulfil any combat role. They are used to reinforce the Battle Companies, either replacing casualties or adding additional squads or officers to accompany strike forces on campaign.

The Eighth Company does not currently exist within the Sword Bearer's battle rosters. It is undetermined whether this is due to a lack of numbers in the still rebuilding chapter, or for more obscure reasons known only to the so called Inner Circle.

TENTH COMPANY

Like almost all Space Marine Chapters, the Tenth (or Scout) Company is a training unit consisting of new recruits, or Neophytes. With so much of the Sword Bearer's genetic legacy lost in the fires of the Mire Cataclysm, the Chapter has become dependant on the gene-seed reserves dispatched from Mars with their Primaris reinforcements. This means that almost all new recruits belong to this new breed of Space Marine, a fact that sits poorly with the original members of the Chapter despite their shared First Legion heritage.

And here are the latest additions to the Sword Bearers ranks:

Thanks for looking, C&C are welcome as always

[deathspectersgt7]

Looks like I missed a post   . Looking Good Brother .