Greek/Roman Marines - DIY Chapter

[Unknown Chronicler]

"The End draws near, the enemies of mankind grow in strength as we weaken but like the heroes of old we will stand fast against the darkness that encroaches around us. Brothers, let this be the day we are remembered, for this will echo for all time! For the Emperor and the living!"

 

- Lord Commander Alexandros Honorius

 

Welcome brothers and sisters this is my new log for a big project that I'll be working on for the next few months.

 

My goals for the project are:

1. Improve my freehand, greenstuff skills and painting abilities

2. Develop an interesting story for the army, with fitting backstory that links in with existing canon to satisfy my inner creativity

3. Stick to existing canon where possible, and make up fitting stuff where I want to do something fun and new

 

So for my personal interests I will be starting a Greek/Roman army. Here is a drawing I just started yesterday, it is supposed to represent a Centurion of the Chapter:

 

 

The backstory will be developed as I move along the creation of the marines, the bare bones are that this army represents one of the 21st Founding (If I read the new codex correctly there are a few others besides the ones GW had listed), who appear to share similarities in characteristics with the Death Guard before their fall to chaos as both of these make use of infantry in large masses and attacks while also being able to take a large amount of punishment before succumbing to their wounds, but most Imperial scholars consider this ludicrous, instead it has been speculated that they may have descended from the Imperial Fists but neither of the chapters acknowledge this as a fact.

 

I'm sticking to codex markings just so it is easier for squads but that may change over time, this chapter makes deviations towards the Codex Astartes in organization as well as names of ranks (which will all be revealed over time).

 

I have already decided though that the right shoulder pad of every marine will have personal heraldries or honours, mainly I wanted to encourage the idea of individuality of every marine. I will also be making drawings of Space Marines of this chapter every week as a study to draw them and will post them here so you can get a basic idea of chapter style, characteristics, armour modifications and hopefully markings.

 

Now there is the plan, now lets just see if I can implement it and if I am able to accomplish it! 

 

 

[apologist]

Looking forward to it. I listed some very similar goals in in own blog, a few years ago

Will these be Sons of Anateus, or a new chapter of your own creation? I think the implication of those was that they used Death Guard geneseed. I've wanted to see an army of them for a while.

Best of luck

[Unknown Chronicler]

Cheers Apologist, I have heard of the Praetors of Calth from a friend but I haven't been able to find the blog. But I have seen some pictures and I was immensely impressed that it sent my mind blazing with ideas.  

 

Now to stop myself before I go all fanboy, yes this is a chapter of my own devising and I put a bit of planning into it but there is much to improve still but I think I will be doing something similar in aspect as the Sons of Antaeus. I am not mistaken somebody on the B&C has already started a blog on creating the army and I am eager to see where he is going with it, I may do true scaling with my army but I am unsure as to how at the moment I want to proceed with the idea.

[Adeptus-Alaska]

cool, just cool. as a military history buff and former MH major in the Uni. I can tell you you are beginning an oddessy the could put Homer's to shame!

 

now, for the nitty gritty. a couple of things I have noticed on the boards.

 

1. the sanguinary guard/Spartan style muscle breastplate thing......over done. really over done. I recommend reserving it for leaders and IC's.

2. bronze, again, over done.

 

 so to set yourself up for success(and apart), I recommend the following.

 

1. do your homework! the Greeks(and Romans for that matter) had an incredibly developed martial history. google is your friend, look up everything! weapons , armor, rank structures. this will give a tremendous insight into your project. at that point it will almost do itself!

2. Shields, this is a touchy subject for me. the Greeks actually had DOZENS of shield designs. check out the movie TROY, while not completely accurate there is an example of realistic shields when the Trojans line up outside the walls. there are a ton of different shields(the special features state that they are from different units/campaigns)

3. pick one! either Rome or Greece. If you do both, you might overload your Army project with things that don't really flow together.

 

I could be wrong, you might be that guy who can do it! but if you do need any help at all, PM me, I have over 2 doven books on the subjects

 

prime.

[Unknown Chronicler]

It is good to see another military history buff but then again I expect no less from fellow Warhammer players because real history is important for making chapters. I have to agree the Sanguinary Guard bitz are over done and so I will not use them at all instead I GS it myself, I also won't be painting any bronze colour either because like you have mentioned it is used too often and I would like to say the Minotaurs are the perfect example of a Bronze Spartan like army (Period!).

 

I have studied the greeks and romans military strategies, ranks, formations, structures and history extensively since I was in 6th grade because of my fascination that both of them have such a great structure in warfare (Romans = Legions, shields, Empire etc. , Greeks = Strength in the Individual not the whole necessarily, independence, and most of all style!).

 

I have already made plans to make the shields of all my marines different to either show their personal honours, campaigns and heraldry. I will be merging both societies together and take the best militaristic aspects of them as it is actually quite easy to achieve with enough hours to think about, just like the drawing above it is a mixture of both Greek symbolism and Roman armour style which I will be varying depending on the history of the soldier, so cheers!

[Unknown Chronicler]

Theme wise like I mentioned was that I am going for an Ancient Greek and Roman feel but with a Warhammer 40k twist into it all. So instead of buying marines today (which I regretted a bit) I decided to focus on names, history and heraldry - this will really promote the idea that these marines are "Space Romans/Spartans". I haven't decided yet but I might add some medieval things in the mix to make it truly unique but for now I have a few sketches for 2 squads:

 

 

So ignoring the titles given by a few members here is the list of names for the company:

 

(Chapter name not yet made), 2nd Company

 

Legion Master (Chapter Master) Alexandros Honorius

followed by his Praetorians (honour Guard)

Egnatius Kessius, "Defender of Tartarus Hive"

Kassandros Theron

Gallus Diomedes

Makarias Nero

 

Centurion (Captain) Aquillus Lamachus

with Command Squad

Xanthos Androcles

Neleos Justus

Malek Stellios

Aramus Leontiades

Scythas Meores

 

Squad Theodorus

 

Sergeant Augustus Theodorus

Astaxias

Cleon, "Son of Sparta"

Hastati, "Guardian of Hive Obscurus"

Ireneus

Demetrios Acacius

Galeus Eutropius

Heron

Isidor

Heliodorus Maxilian

 

Squad Astinos

 

Sergeant Endymion Astinos

Severas Domitio

Regulus

Gaius Corbulo

Priscus

Marcellus

Maximus Altarius, "Sword of Sparta"

Quintillius Lucius

Brutus, "The Minotaur"

Dasius Enkomi

 

Squad Adonis

 

Sergeant Adonis Cathal

Demetrius Christos

Eukleides Gervasius

Helios

Herocles

Kadmos

Leandros Agapas

Lysandros Maksimos

Nilandros Odysseus

Quixes Orion

[Acez]

This looks awesome I look forward to seeing some progress. Have you thought of colours besides not bronze?

[Adeptus-Alaska]

no bronze???? no Sang Guard torsos???? in a Greco-roman army????

 

 

well done man. I love the work so far.

[RazorDaemon]

Roman armor was often silver (in color not material), while the Greeks used bronze more often, though both colors/metals were used to some extent in both cultures. Both used leather, some troops even had only leather armor. Color of the padded cloth under-armor could vary, but usually red, blue, white and/or black. The pteruges, the dangly bits on shoulders, "skirts" and sometimes helmets, also varied in color and could be leather, cloth, or sometimes metal.

As far as the Sanguinary Guard torsos, while that style was used a lot in Greek armor, for the Romans it had decreased to high ranking Generals, Caesar, and depictions of Gods, because it was costly to get, hard to make, and heavy to wear. Especially on Caesar and the Gods it would be more ornamental with ornate designs than an intended battle use. The majority of the Roman troops varied between leather armor, chain-mail, segmented plates or occasionally scale-mail. For a reference, see the Elder Scrolls Imperial Legion, especially in Skyrim as they added more variants to the armor and pretty details. There is a large period of time, as well as a wide array of locations, with many differences.

*Deep Breath*

Sorry if I dragged on with that....anyway, sounds great so far, I too am intrigued by history...if you couldn't tell. Names for each individual, kudos on that, I've considered doing that as well but have thus far been lazy, and on my bouts of productivity I am usually just modelling and painting .

Puppetswar.eu has some great bits you could mix in conjunction with what you hand craft or leave as is

http://puppetswar.com/product.php?id_product=167

http://puppetswar.com/product.php?id_product=89

If you want some plumes and crests on their own

http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=47_51

Can't wait to see your progress.

[Unknown Chronicler]

@Acez The colour I was thinking of a Pre Heresy Word Bearers grey as a main colour while the shoulder pads would be a semi light orange colour and the trimmings white (maybe marble white)

 

@furioso-prime I may use a the Sanguinary guard torso once, but that is a maybe other then that I will be making my own torsos

 

So hopefully tomorrow I can get a Centurion squad to start this army off but I won't be able to assemble them until Friday maybe earlier if work doesn't get in the way. I will be converting models heavily and greenstuff details and free handing, but I am still new to those things so I will do my best, cheers!

[The_Chaplain]

Interesting concept for an army.  I just wanted to throw an idea that came to mind out there as I was reading through, if you do get your hands on some centurions- the bare heads are modelled with metal framing on their lower jaw.  I mention that, because with a little work, they could be modelled into cyber-pavice<sp?>- the sideburn/false beard parts of roman helmets.

 

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Helmet_centurion_end_of_second_century.jpg/400px-Helmet_centurion_end_of_second_century.jpg

For what im talking about.

[Unknown Chronicler]

@The_Chaplain I will definitely try it! Thanks for the insight

 

So anyways to get to business not one of my better days of hobbying where I was verbally abused by simply suggesting an idea of exchanging the siege drills of the Centurions with Thunderhammers and storm shields as possibly it could look better, but I myself am only considering it. So after being called numerous foul words from chaos I was a bit upset but am still thinking the idea may be a success when I try it someday. So what do you guys think? A large storm shield that covers half of the body with a Thunderhammer or just no and scrap the idea?

[The_Chaplain]

@The_Chaplain I will definitely try it! Thanks for the insight

 

So anyways to get to business not one of my better days of hobbying where I was verbally abused by simply suggesting an idea of exchanging the siege drills of the Centurions with Thunderhammers and storm shields as possibly it could look better, but I myself am only considering it. So after being called numerous foul words from chaos I was a bit upset but am still thinking the idea may be a success when I try it someday. So what do you guys think? A large storm shield that covers half of the body with a Thunderhammer or just no and scrap the idea?

That's not as far fetched an idea as you think, have a gander at this thread: http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/280183-malekors-crusade-wip-centurions/

 

Just find a sufficiently large storm shield, add some heavy duty cable, and job done.  As for the thunderhammer, again, find an appropriate sized bit, model it into the oven mitt that centurions have and boom done!  Alternatively, you can try your hand at making something akin to the forgeworld seismic hammer for the ironclad dreadnought- as a "counts" as. drill.  Everyone wins, and you have a unique set of centurions. Cheers.

[Squeaky]

@The_Chaplain I will definitely try it! Thanks for the insight

 

So anyways to get to business not one of my better days of hobbying where I was verbally abused by simply suggesting an idea of exchanging the siege drills of the Centurions with Thunderhammers and storm shields as possibly it could look better, but I myself am only considering it. So after being called numerous foul words from chaos I was a bit upset but am still thinking the idea may be a success when I try it someday. So what do you guys think? A large storm shield that covers half of the body with a Thunderhammer or just no and scrap the idea?

 

You could go for a flail like thing or a nine tails whip? but hammers seem a little barbaric for greek/romans :) but still dont see why you would get abuse for suggesting it.. maybe a dire thunder hammer? Its your army do what you want mate

 

I think your marines should have heads like this for your centurions or what The_chaplain suggested would be cool

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/368/gladiator497hivn4.jpg

 

or maybe your honour guard maximini do some awesome heads just like this rather than attempt to make 5 or however many if you like my idea that is ... anyway heres a link http://maxmini.eu/conversion-bits/head-swaps/gladiator%20-helmets-bits

[Unknown Chronicler]

@The_Chaplain It is good to see that they look good with hammers but I may go with flails or the weapons of the Deathwing but that is for another time if I want to make more than one Centurion squad

@Squeaky Thanks mate for suggesting the helmets, I hadn't thought of that actually but I may make a squad that is Gladiator oriented. We shall see what comes up when the time arises

Now I ran into the problem with a Chapter name as all the ones I wanted to use are already taken and I wanted something original. First it was Eternal Legion (which I found out was taken over at Deviant Art and there is a perfect fanfic codex out there which I highly recommend to see for inspiration!) but I just can't think of something good to use for a Greek & Roman themed army which would strike fear in the hearts of the enemy while bringing pride to my own Chapter. Anyone can help with that? Next post will be with Centurions, I promise!

[Marshal Traben]

 Something from Greek/Roman history or myth maybe? 

[The_Chaplain]

Can't go wrong with Myrmidons- classically, they were the army that followed Achilles in the Trojan War, a figure who may as well have been the fantasy equivalent of a space marine.  But in modern language a myrmidon is someone who is not only doggedly loyal, but also follows orders to the crossed T's and dotted I's.  I think that sums up the fanaticism that some chapters go about their modus operandi, don't you think?

[Unknown Chronicler]

Sorry for the long wait but here is an update on the first Centurion, I just bought it today so there is very little but I hope it suffices for the moment:

<img alt="9923687586_5b7aceb178.jpg" src=""="" 9923687586_5b7aceb178.jpg[="" 5517="" farm6.staticflickr.com="">

 

I also used the Space Marine Chapter background generator and here are the results;

 

DIY Chapter: Eternal Legion

 

Why was the Chapter founded?

- Standing Force

 

When was the Chapter founded?

- 35th Millenium (allegedly)

 

Who is the Chapters Progenitor?

- Imperial Fists

 

Gene-Stock Purity?

- Pure

 

Codex Demeanours?

- Scions of Mars

 

Chapter Flaws?

- We stand alone

 

Who are the Chapter's heroes/ founding fathers?

- Chief Librarian, Ajax Braestus - Ork's Bane

- Master of Sanctity, Herculon Maelok - Eldar Slayer

- Company Captain (2nd Company, Seconded), Gnaius Domecius Corbulo - Ork's Bane

 

What type of planet is the Chapter's Home World?

- Hive World - Urban

- Uninhabited World - Dead - Vault World

 

Relationship with Home World?

- Stewardship

- Direct Rule

 

How closely does the Chapter follow the Codex Astartes?

- Unique Organization

 

Combat Doctrine?

- Siege

- Drop Pod

- Lightning Strike

 

Special Equipment?

- Rare Weaponry/Armour

- Blessed Wargear

- Modified Weaponry

 

Chapter Beliefs?

- The Emperor Above All

 

What is the Current status of the Chapter?

- Over Strength

 

Friends?

- Adeptus Mechanicus and Imperial Guard Regiment

 

Enemies?

- Orks and Tyranids

 

So there is a rough outline of the chapter, also I ordered from Forge World the Sons of Horus Legion Command Set and I have an idea to use them for my army. While saying that I am planning on making a World Eater Praetor for a friends Pre Heresy army so that will come up very soon as well. Cheers!

[jeremy1391]

Dude that centurion is awesome so far!

[Unknown Chronicler]

Thanks mate, I am going to add leather strips to the shoulders just like the Cataphractii Terminators. Also I plan on blogging my soon to be started Pre Heresy Iron Hands, so stay tuned to that in the future ;)

[Unknown Chronicler]

Ok another update on the Centurion, since this guy will be my sergeant of the squad I added the crest on the top and greenstuffed the helmet, also I will be adding a cloak so consider him not finished just yet, enjoy!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/9940004396_5f93524a55.jpg

[Unknown Chronicler]

So I have returned! I have disappeared into the Warp due to work, though I can't promise I will post regularly anymore I will continue this army and I have had success I making this Chapters history, colour scheme, ranks and a bit of other stuff. So first here is a captain I was doing a few months a go for a friend, h is 99% done so let me know what you guys think!

 

Dartas Vilmon

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/11774648314_ba2dc137d3_z.jpg

 

Now here is the colour scheme, and lore will come later

 

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/11774233975_cd9298afc6_o.jpg

+++Brother Altrias, 3rd Company, 2nd Squad.+++

+++taken at the Battle of Tallassar Prime+++

 

Enjoy! :)

[The_Chaplain]

Been a while brother, color scheme looks good to me. 

[zxyogi]

OoooooH!!

Looking forward to seeing MORE!!!

[Harry Jones]

Great idea for a chapter. Had a similar idea a while ago (Check Profile Photo for Colour scheme).

 

Though we went in completely different directions for history and such.

 

Anyway, I have some name suggestions (Not gonna use these):

 - Sons/Swords of Mars (Like what the Romans believed themselves to be, plus it fits considering their close ties with the Mechanicum).

 - Hammers of the Emperor.

 - Caesars Legion. (Caesar referring to the Emperor)

 

Well, good work and good luck at work.

 

The Emperor protects.