DIY Blood Angels - Japanese Inspired Rising Suns

[Vivster]

Well this is my DIY blood angels i have decided to do and they are inspired from a japanese theme of warriors and death.

OK guys I have had a massive re-plan of my colour scheme while still incorporating some elements from my previous ideas. The main reason for this was that I would struggle to paint white vehicles like landraiders and since i don't own an airbrush, the idea seemed a bit daunting to me. So what have I changed you might ask?

Well the Colour Schemes are as follows:

Dante, Sanguinary Guard, Tyhco, Sanguinor (all counts as) - painted black

Tactical Marines:

Assault Marines:

Devastator Marines:

Elite Marines (ie. Sternguard, Captains, Command Squad etc):

Death Company:

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Inspirations for these guys:

http://cdn.niketalk.com/e/ec/ecf32e66_64b3d1af.jpeg - for distinguishing between different squads - I felt that since this is a Japanese Themed army - I will go for that effect since the helmets closely resemble the hair of samurais.

Death Company Skull Helmets inspired by the helmet worn by Chaplain Brother Carnak in the movie Ultramarines. I want it so that the Death Company are hanging on the edge of their lives and so they resemble that with their skull helmets since they have a very Laconic attitude to Death. It also ties in with the idea of the Japanese god of Death (even though they are predominately Buddhist) - Shinigami.

http://geektyrant.com/storage/page-images/Ultramarines.jpeg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1286554759247

Chapter symbol Ideas for the Army:

http://www.vinylskins.com/php/showskin.php?c1=0.01&c4=nomark&c2=65 or The Japanese flag inspired red dot on a white background.

On the left hand side instead of chapter squad marking they have traditional japanese kanji:

Still WIP

http://i48.tinypic.com/fckvet.jpg

Name Idea for the Chapter:

• Rising Suns
• Red Suns
• Fujimi Warriors
• Blood Samurais
• Sushi Eaters (lol - no offense intended) - but seriously i am not choosing this

What would you guys change?

What do you think?

Any ideas you would like to add?

Also i would like to add some different colours in my army instead of having it monotone. So golden nipple people will be in black, standard pa in red, dc in black or maybe white and priests in silver?

Thanks

[Wulfebane]

Forewarning, I haven't read a single word...yet. I will later when I have time. Just wanted to toss out something on aesthetics. Love the schemes  and japanese themes in general for that matter, but I would veer away from outright using japanese iconography and kanji. The Imperium is based 40,000 years from now. Any semblance of any of today's languages and iconography would have become heavily diluted and/or forgotten by then. Even should a fragment of it be discovered via archeotech digging ventures, I doubt it'd be in any substantial amount to precedent a whole chapter to bear it.

 

I would definitely keep with the feel of the aesthetics, but I would personally avoid any literal translations or icons.

 

I like the name too, btw.

 

Edit: Also, it'd be interesting to see how you cross the BA Sanguinary Guard with Samurai. The similarities between the Sang helms and samurai demon masks makes for a pretty easy transition.

[Gripharius]

I agree with Wulfsbane, I'd make some Japanese inspired but simpler (and easier to paint) symbols for the Chapter markings if I were you. I'd also avoid using the Japanese red son symbol so directly.

 

Your paint scheme looks great, really well done.

 

As for the names, I'd play up the Sons/Suns angle and keep it Japanese inspired rather than a direct copy. Some subtitly will work wonders, I think. Maybe Crimson Sons or something.

 

I can see a lot of the Hagakure type quotes working themselves into the tenets of your Chapter, too.

 

In fact, consider removing the typical "rage" aspect of a BA Death Company and replace it with a ritual suicide seppuku or harakiri theme. Marines that believe they have failed in some way or that their honor has been irrevocably besmirched could go through a ritual of self-sacrifice and other things, repainting their arm and then joining the Death Company. They advance into the enemy seeking redemption in death, and their martial prowess increases not because of rage but because of their fatalistic attitude, their abandonment of any self-preservation, and their desire to throw their lives away in the destruction of the Imperiums enemies. Something like that would be cool. A silent, cold Death Company rather than a screaming band of rage-sick lunatics.

[Vivster]

What about white death company - like ghost marines come back to seek their vengeance

[Messor]

Are they literal or figurative ghosts? That's an interesting idea, though I find it easier to visualize Gripharius' suggestion. Would this ghost company still fall under the Japanese theme? If so, I'd appreciate if you could share a web source or two where I could read about this cultural aspect. I'm mostly just familiar with the common stuff. I would also strongly advise against the overt japanese markings or names, though I'd be personally less opposed to the Red Sun as the symbol, so long as it's the single spot on white, without the rays.

 

Also, to echo Griph('s it cool if I call you Griph?), that's a really nice color scheme, strikes a great balance between the BA and the theme you're developing.

[Vivster]

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yūrei#section_2

Thats a wiku link about japanese death ghosts things in plays/acting I think?

 

This is an interesting quote I found:

Today, the appearance of yūrei is somewhat uniform, instantly signalling the ghostly nature of the figure, and assuring that it is culturally authentic.

 

White clothing: Yūrei are usually dressed in white, signifying the white burial kimono used in Edo period funeral rituals. In Shinto, white is a color of ritual purity, traditionally reserved for priests and the dead. This kimono can either be a katabira (a plain, white, unlined kimono) or a kyokatabira (a white katabira inscribed with Buddhist sutras). They sometimes have a hitaikakushi (lit., "forehead cover"), which is a small white triangular piece of cloth tied around the head.

Black hair: Hair of a yūrei is often long, black and disheveled, which some believe to be a trademark carried over from kabuki theater, where wigs are used for all actors. This is a misconception: Japanese women traditionally grew their hair long and wore it pinned up, and it was let down for the funeral and burial.

Hands and feet: A yūrei's hands dangle lifelessly from the wrists, which are held outstretched with the elbows near the body. They typically lack legs and feet, floating in the air. These features originated in Edo period ukiyo-e prints, and were quickly copied over to kabuki. In kabuki, this lack of legs and feet is often represented by using a very long kimono or even hoisting the actor into the air by a series of ropes and pulleys.

Hitodama: Yūrei are frequently depicted as being accompanied by a pair of floating flames or will o' the wisps (hitodama in Japanese) in eerie colors such as blue, green, or purple. These ghostly flames are separate parts of the ghost rather than independent spirits.

[Messor]

So like the Chapter's own personal Legion of the Damned?

[Vivster]

Kinda yeah, also what would you guys say was the best unhelmeted face for commander dante - only gw bits please. I was thinking something like this:

 

http://www.bitsandkits.co.uk/space-wolf-marine-head-e-p-5469.html

 

Or

 

http://www.bitsandkits.co.uk/space-wolf-marine-head-m-p-5477.html

 

Since they look like samurais and it ties in with the head crest idea

[Gripharius]

Messy, feel free to call me Griph, lol.

 

I personally don't like the mini-Legion of the Damned Death Company, but luckily it's not my Chapter so that doesn't really matter :)

 

I echo Octavulg's sentiments, although maybe not his reasons, that the Legion of the Damned works because its unique and because whether or not its preternatural is not made definitively clear.

 

Just throwing down Space Ghosts in power armor seems less grimdark and more fanciful to me.

[Messor]

Yeah, it might be more effective if they weren't actual ghosts, but Marines that, for X reason, assume the mantle of dead Brothers, possibly for vengeance, perhaps some sort of penance, or maybe just an unusual scare tactic.

[Gripharius]

Considering that the white color scheme is inspired by the white burial kimono used in the burial rituals, having the Marines who join the Death Company ritualistically repaint their armor white does not necessarily need to mean they are ghosts, only that they are preparing themselves for their graves.

 

This fits perfectly with my idea of the seppuku-themed Death Company, which i probably favor largely because it is *my* idea, lol.

[Hellios]

I would agree that I'm not a fan of sticking Chinese characters all over space marines. I'm not saying they shouldn't be incorporated in some way, but maybe a bit of subtlety is in order. I've personally used a mix of hangeul, kana and Chinese characters to write things on my Dark Eldar. However it has all been stylized to look more like spiky runes. There is a good chance that someone wouldn't recognize them for what they are, but if told (assuming they could read them) they could probably work out what has been written.

 

If you want to use Chinese characters I might also suggest that you use the simpler ones. I don't know how skilled you are but painting complicated Chinese characters onto a small space isn't easy. Also simpler ones are easier to integrate and hide within another design. For example if we take the Kanji 剣. Just take the two lines on the right that look a bit like a blade. It is much easier to paint or to use as inspiration for something else.

 

Anyway you should do what you feel like. Do a test model or two. If your idea works for you then that is great. If not try my suggestion and see if you can use simplified 'Kanji' or just take take inspiration from the Chinese characters.

[Vivster]

Well I use a sakura micro pen that might prove useful and i am used to writing and speaking different languages 

However, i have taken all your guys' advice and decided not have kanji strewn on the legs and such - but at the same time i don't want it to be following the codex astartes symbol wise.

Also, what if I make these guys a rogue chapter and you could say that the white dc have been brought back to life due to the powers of the warp and are back to seek revenge on those who killed them.

 

Or I could also go with Griph's original idea in collaboration with the white theme. What are your thoughts if I make them rogue/ renegade?

[Vivster]

Anyone?

[Vivster]

Right guys, my model for Dante has still not arrived!

So I drew a picture

 

It is my idea of how I want my Dante Model to Look like:

I present to you - Lord Shogun Tokugawa of the Rising Suns

http://i49.tinypic.com/as68j.jpg

 

I can't draw faces so please excuse me on that....

 

All comments appreciated

 

Thanks 

[Octavulg]

Regarding the kanji...that's clearly the chapter's battle alphabet, possibly derived from something on their home world.

 

Your Dante looks like Dante.

[Vivster]

So how do you suggest I make him different then?

[Messor]

I would use/convert a totally different body, preferably with a sword. An axe just feels out of character for a Japanese/samurai theme. Just my thought on that.

[Octavulg]

Use Dante, but switch the axe for a sword. Sculpt a more Japanese-looking mask. Use some Emperor's Children bitz for more Asian-style eagles, or use some other symbol altogether (like, say, a sun).

[MadGreek]

I like the idea of the DC being a company of  Kamikaze Marines who have shamed themselves and seek retribution. 

I like the white DC idea. 

Also, on your bare headed Marines (if you have any, I tend NOT to) I can picture the bandana wrapped around the forehead. 

 

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Ensign_Kiyoshi_Ogawa_hit_Bunker_Hill_%28new%29.png

 

I think the Kanji will look good, but like said above, not OVER done.  Perhaps a squad marking (number) or the Sgts name in Kanji on the knee or shoulder pad.  For the DC, plain shoulder pads (no saltires) with the Kanji symbol for death on one side and the rising sun on the other?  Also, they tended to have writting on the bandanas next to the sun.  If the pen is a problem, you can always get some waterslide decal paper and make your own decals with your PC/Printer.  I have some of the paper, though I haven't used it yet, so i can't speak to quality or ease of use.

 

I would also replace Dantes axe with a sword.  Perhaps one of the Kromlech "Vibro Katanas." 

 

Just some thoughts.

[Vivster]

@Octavulg - I was insisting on using Dante but now I guess I have to go for a Death Mask since it is WYSIWYG.

@Messor - I am going to use the long sword from the Sang Guard Box

@MadGreek

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Ensign_Kiyoshi_Ogawa_hit_Bunker_Hill_%28new%29.pngI love that idea. Consider it taken! :P

You can just imagine this guy running down the battlefield coming to kill you

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Thanks guys, you stopped me from making a Space Wolf Dante

Also another question regarding the Sang Guard:

Can i model all of them with death masks since i want to use the normal helmets elsewhere? If you were playing against me would you be OK if I said the death masks dont count.

Also how can I place the chapter banner and the sword (since I want to alternate between the two without spending too much money) - Should I just leave the sword attached to his side or something.

Also I found a really nice quote for the chapter: Taken from the Japanese National Anthem.

May the reign of the Emperor continue for a thousand, nay, eigth thousand generations and for the eternity that it takes for small pebbles to grow into a great rock and become covered with moss.

Also: How about this head for Dante - Just an idea?

http://www.bitsandkits.co.uk/chaos-warrior-head-b-command-p-2429.html

It supports the idea that these guys are the Angels of Death

[MadGreek]

Personally, don't like that head. Still think you'd be better served hitting ebay for some Kromlech heads. Even if you only use 1 for Dante as a death mask. I used all Sang Guard death masks, even though they won't always count as such. Using them on a diff model should be fine with most, as long as your clear.

[Vivster]

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=150654434534

- for the head should i go with the top left one since it is more ornate than the others. But, since Dante will have black armour i'm not sure how to paint that.

 

The chaos skull may prove useful in like a reclusiarch or astorath.

 

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=160980404645 - should i use these for dante or a sanguinary guard sword?

 

The reason i'm not going to use a lot of the feudal backpacks is because i have a jump pack army. However they may be useful captains and such.

[MadGreek]

Heads.  Upper left head seems to be the "Boss" head, so I would use that one for Tokugawa.  Since it says on ebay you get 10, I am assuming 2 of each, I wouldn't use the other one.  The skull like one might look good on your Lemartes, to really make him separate from the standard Chappie, or Astorath (or both, you get 2).  The rest would be Captains or Sergeants, or maybe a Sang Guard unit.  Not sure what you are going to building in total.  It might be worth asking, if youcan get ahold of them, if you can order specific helmets in the group.  MaxMini let me do that with some things.  Then you could just get 1 "Lord" Helmet, 1 "Skull," and then 5  of 1 kind for SG, and perhaps, with a double order, 10 of another for all the Caprtains, etc.  Worth asking anyway.

 

Swords.  Depends again on how many you will be getting.  An order is 6.  If you only go with 6 I would probably give Tokugawa 1 to count as Dantes Axe, and maybe a few in the SG as Power Glaive Swords.  If it was ME, I would get enough so every Sgt level and above character who was wielding a Power Sword had a Vibro Katana replacement.  In this scenario I would use normal weaponry on the SG, or get something else (I bought some cool looking glaives that I will probably count as axes) for the SG and use something distinctive for the leader.  By having ALL those troops with the Katanas you have easily carried the Japanese theme through your whole army.

 

Do you like the back banners in your army?  If you do I would get the backback for those, and then spread them through the rest of the army.  Then use the backpacks as Sgt or above level decorations, OR on an entire special unit, like foot slogging DC.   Those packs heave a cool looking face on the back that will, once again, carry the theme through the army.

 

So you know, I am in the middle of a conversion myself, and I am replacing EVERY head - requiring some carefull dremel work on the older metal models.  I am also replacing all Chapies Power Mauls, alot of chainswords with chain glaives (from Anvil Industry), and using alot of Anvils weapons as bolters, and every power sword is a greek themed sword.  So I am going "all in" with the theme.  Thats what I base my recommentation to you on.  Not sure how far you want to go.

 

As a side note.  I am thinking the shoulder pads that are "Layered" looking (on Anvil I think they are the rennaisance ones, GW I think they are "Pre Heresy") might, I say again might look good in your army.  They kind of remind me of the way the back of the Japanese lamellar plates are on back of the helmets. 

[Vivster]

Thanks for the advice Greek:

I have some more cool looking conversion bits online - tell me what you guys think of them. :)

 

http://puppetswar.eu/product.php?id_product=141

http://puppetswar.eu/product.php?id_product=203

http://www.maxmini.eu/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_23&products_id=187

http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=79_30_87