The Siege Makers

[Beachymike123]

Still, they seem to be a good bully unit, soften them up then pounce on the survivors! Add another plasma gun or two and they will deal with terminators just fine

 

Funny you should say that Xenith. In their playtest form (ie before they had their paints and names) they actually had 2 melta guns, but the range just wasn't there (the idea I had was get as close as possible, shoot and assault) but it didn't quite work out. So I added the plasma gun as a 'keep the enemy's heads down' till they got in close enough. They did better, so I stuck with that loudout. I should also add, you say 'bully unit', which is very true. In the game  mentioned where they went through those units, the only challenge was from the sternguard sergeant who had a powerfist, the rest had suffered casualties that included their sergeants. Nial won but got something like Shrouded or +1 armour save and it was late in the game that didn't benefit him much. Bit you are right, they they can give a good amount of stick out and come up good. 

Note: They also have Veterans of the Long War as befits them, which I think certainly helps a unit such as this. Edited their unit post to include this. 

[Xenith]

Not bad!

 

I always think chosen with special weapons are one of the best units in the codex, especially if they have a rhino to pick their targets. My loadout is usually 4 or 5 plasma guns, though, to murder something good.

 

Even 2 plasmas, a melta, a sword or claws, and the MoS is cool, they can jump out, use the rhino for cover, and put 5 AP2 or better shots into something tough, which then will have to risk charging them with the I5.

[Beachymike123]

OOOOHHHH Xenith, I hadn't thought of that. I might just have another Slaanesh marked unit for this purpose, either to help the Corvus Reapers or go on a small spree as you've described. I've never really been into Slaanesh but now I'm starting to see some possibilities I'd never thought of. Especially as an Iron Warrior, we need to use all available resources to win the Long War, right?  Nice one Xenith, I think I know what may be coming in a later vow. 

 

Now, tonight I got the count as Thousand Sons completed. The Captain will have to wait, but it will be worth it I promise. 

Scions of the Flame (Thousand Sons), Icon of Flame. 

One of the oldest squads within the Siege Makers, the Scions of the Flame are an ever changing entity that have seen some interesting developments throughout their history. The Iron Warriors Legion was known to use whatever was at hand to achieve victory, and this included psykers. To this extent, when the Siege Makers were founded, those who displayed the slightest psychic potential were rounded into a single squad, split and used as necessary just as the old IV Legion was to the greater Imperium. This created a feeling of dissidence among the fledgling psykers, something Helslash nurtured so as to increase their destructive capabilities. Sometimes, they have been known to get above their station, and in one incident they were behind an uprising that saw Helslash imprisoned. But a Warsmith recognises all sorts of battlefields, and upon his escape he immediately executed every other member of the squad. Following this, he denied them access to recruits for a decade, which saw their number dwindle to five. Helslash then said that any who exhibited signs of psyker activity would be monitored, and if they showed signs of insubordination they would be assigned to the Scions of the Flame. In a recent turn of events, Captain Altoth, who uses the Scions as bodyguards on his quest for new STCs, has discovered a recipe for mass producing Vengeance class Bolt Rounds typically found within the ranks of 1st Company Veteran units. Whether this is to be distributed among the Siege Makers or kept for a more nefarious reason remains unclear, but such a thought of traitorous traitors using such technology chills the blood of the most staunchest of scholars. 

Aspiring Sorceror Tomal

Tomal was once a slave who grew up in the lower areas of the Retributon class ship Ironhide. When it was boarded and captured by the Siege Makers, he was taken and found to be a gene match for Perturabo's gift. After three decades of fighting, he began to develop psychic abilities,which he used to deadly effect. However, as he delved deeper into these new found powers he also exhibited signs of grandeur, which led him on the path of Tzeentch with his scheming. After the Helslash Incarceration Incident, he was one of the few surviving members of the Scions of the Flame. He ascended the ranks and became a staunch ally of Captain Altoth, the Archeao-technologist of the Siege Makers. When Altoth embarked upon his ongoing mission, Tomal pledged the Scions as a bodyguard. He now wields a staff believed to be forged from a Changer of Ways' thighbone, and inscribed with various runes of annihilation to smite his foes. 

 

Two down, two to go. C&C is always welcome guys. Thanks for reading   

[Beachymike123]

A new addition to the Siege Makers, I present Squad Novak,'The Trench Breakers'. They are part of my ETL IV vow. 

Squad Novak, 10 Chaos Space Marines, Flamer, Meltagun, Veterans of the Long War, ubergrit, Icon of Vengeance. Champion Novak has a plasma pistol, power sword and meltabombs. 

The Trench Breakers have been dealing death at close range for several millennia. Only the Champion Novak is a Heresy era veteran, the rest of the squad has been pieced together since the those dark days. One thing the squad has excelled at, and where they have earned a grizzly reputation, is the carnage in the confines of trench lines, although they also make use of their skills aboard starships where the confined areas are similar to their chosen battleground. The squad's loadout reflects this, where range is not as necessary as scoring a critical hit. The tactics employed by the Trench Breakers is to storm a trench line, butcher it's occupants, and turn the defense against any counter attack. For this reason the squad carries both Bolters and more short ranged arms, meaning the can switch between attacker to defender in a heartbeat. There is no real set standard for joining the squad, as Novak cares not from which background you come from, be it Great Crusade veteran, to a recently inducted Iron Warrior, you are all welcome as long as you perform the task well. 

 

Novak himself was inducted into the ranks of the IV Legion just before the Horus Heresy. He never liked trench warfare, and as he matured and the Heresy broke, he saw what had happened to his Legion brothers. So he used that hatred of the trenches and sought out any who used them as a defence. It is from this ideal that he builds the rest of the squad. Novak is a man of few words, a typical Iron Warrior through and through. He has next to no decoration on his armour save his chainmail loincloth and trophy rack, which he clears before every battle. Until recently, he has never truly felt part of a warband, and sold his and his squad's services across the galaxy as trench clearing specialists, and a reason why he maintained the Iron Skull Mask as a way of identifying himself. Now, after some time with the Siege Makers and accepting a formal place among them, Novak knows his services are truly valued, but does not plan on becoming idle. Instead, he uses the resources of the Siege Makers to enact vengeance upon the Imperium of Man, and shattering the trenches in which they feel safe. 

 

As always guys, C&C is always welcome. Thanks for watching. 

[Carrack]

I like the champions helm / head. I wish I could get the horn ridges to look that even when I dry brush. Plus the background is always excellent on your units.

[Beachymike123]

@Carrack: I genuinely don't know what to say to that aside from thank you. It means a lot when I hear that mate. He was originally going to have the Khorne champion helmet, but then I thought that one looked better. And your comment just vindicates my decision. The horns, for the record, are just bleached bone (or whatever it is now) over a brown base coat, the tips are burnshed gold with a very watered down reiksland flesh wash. When I made him, his sword arm is actually an icon bearer arm from the basic CSM boxed set, just swapped the icon pole for the sword at the wrist. The alignment went well so I went with it (not that you can properly see it in the photo, but I was in a hurry to take it as my cat was playing around nearby). Thank you for the feedback my friend, it means a lot at the moment. 

[Beachymike123]

So, my ETL IV vow is complete. I finished the Land Raider this morning. Here is some fluff for you:

The Death of Redemption - Chaos Land Raider, Pintle-mounted Combi-Bolter

One of the last Land Raiders to come from the Forge World Tibraxus in the Great Heresy, before an Ork WAAAGH! destroyed the manufactorum, the Death of Redemption has spilled much loyalist blood since it's creation. It didn't have a chance to be blessed by the Machine Cult before the traitors to the Golden Throne snatched it for their own ends. After Horus's defeat, and the Traitor Legions began to fall back, the Death of Redemption became attached to the Siege Crafters, where it was used as a spearhead unit in battles. When the Siege Crafters were no more and Helslash forged the Siege Makers, the Death saw much action on the field. However, at some point, the crew decided they wanted to take command of the Siege Makers themselves. This failed, and their skulls have sat as trophies ever since. Now, the Death is crewed by Harum and Gethal, driver and gunner respectively, both veterans from dozens of campaigns but whose age is very trying on their bodies. Rather than waste valuable experience, Helslash transferred them to crew the Land Raider, a fate they value as they can still still experience the battlefield. 

 

C&C is always welcome guys. Thanks for watching. Now, to see what I have for a second vow. 

[Beachymike123]

this will be vow 2 for the ETL IV. The are:

• Sorceror with Mark of Slaanesh
• Warpsmith
• Dark Apostle with Mark of Khorne
• Counts as Fabius Bile 
• Ferrum Infernus Dreadnought
• Bastion

 

As each one is finished they will get their own fluff. Good luck to everyone reading and also part of the ETL IV.

[Beachymike123]

Bastion complete as part of vow 2. 

Now instead of the usual fluff for a unit, I thought of a different approach. 

The Battle of Bastion 178

Robersium had seen the Guardsmen trying to gain ground outside of the Bastion, but they were quickly repelled by a blast of fiery Warp energy. The Pyromancer barely had time to see the charred corpses turn to dust before a shell from a distant Basilisk slammed into the battlement. Squad Mika, who had deployed via Storm Eagle, immediately reported casualties, with nearly the entire squad wiped out. They were supposed to act as a suppression unit as the rest of the force spearheaded the attack. Now, they were little more than bloody streaks trapped on the uppermost level. Seeing a change of tactics was needed, Robersium ordered his remaining squads into new patterns. 

"Squad Vornt, fire-aggressive pattern," barked the Sorceror into the vox, all the while with las-rounds and Bolt shells exchanging sides. "Squad Shail, spearhead formation. Skrinen, you and your squad protect our flanks. Ard'swat, you and your brethren will spearhead with myself and Shail. GO!" With perfect unison, the squads moved into their designated roles. As they did so, Robersium also keyed in co-ordinates for the Storm Eagle Grave Slash to attack, namely the Basilisk that had caused this slight dampener. The ancient craft flew off, its engines a bright blew against the orange of the dusky sky.

The Siege Makers were part of a larger force of Chaos warbands working together to take down the Imperial Rule of Gratious IV. The world was largely a Hive World, with several of these Hives producing top quality merchandise for the local sector in the form of weapons and armour. The idea was to capture the planet and turn its manufactories over to the Dark Mechanicum. Each warband was designated a Hive, and the Siege Makers were after Hasut Hive. Bastion 178 was part of a main track to the Hive, and control of the Bastion would mean control of reinforcements to the Hive. Whereas the majority of the Siege Makers were attacking the Hive itself, Robersium had a small task force with which to take the Bastion, the lead elements of whom were Siege Makers, the rest were drawn from the Nihilists who formed a rearguard. 

Shail and the Iron Teeth ran full pelt towards the steel door. A Heavy Bolter barked as they drew closer, although it's lack of accuracy was an indicator the weapon was automated. Regardless, an Iron Warrior was knocked back, his head twisted at an unnatural angle. Another was jarred back as his arm disappeared at the elbow, but the Khorne worshiper continued forward. Robersium manifested a fire storm that he poured through a vision slit as he neared, which was met with the screams of it's victims from the other side. Shail attached a Krak grenade to the locking mechanism, and the squad drew back slightly. A small crumpling sound indicated the door was no longer locked, and it swung to the side slightly.

The first one in was Kiten'Amie, a Possessed from Ard'swat's pack in the body of a fallen Genesis Chapter marine. His strength lifted a disorientated Guardsman to his doom by smashing his back against the interior of the structure. The rest of the Possessed followed, their supernatural speed and strength bringing death to the few remaining dozen humans left.

The Iron Teeth then stormed upstairs, their chainswords drawn and whirring. The defense here was more organised however, and volleys of las-fire hit the iron clad giants. The majority of the shots caused no more than slight burns to the ceramite armour, but one brother went down, a few shots having pierced the soft armour on his neck. From the dozens of pin prick shots spurted his life blood, but he knew he had given his life for the Blood God, a feat he took great pride in as his world went dark. Shail, meanwhile, was butchering his way through the mortals as he made his way to the Commissar leading them. The two exchanged brief blows, but Shail was victorious by a clear mile. As he decapitated his opponent, he felt the powers of the Warp course through him. He saw a Guardsman fire a melta gun in his direction, but a shimmering field of Warp fire stopped it. That was the last action of the Guardsman as he was cleaved in two by a chainsword. 

Following in the wake and tasked with taking the battlement, Vornt and the Iron Death blasted their way to the uppermost level. Their ancient Siege Shields provided excellent protection as they advanced within the structure. A platoon had been trying to hold them off, but the mortals were picked off by precision Bolter fire by the veteran Astartes. The squad finally emerged to see the dying day, where a couple of Autocannon teams were firing on the Siege Makers' brothers below. A quick burst from their Bolters ended this rain of fire. The squad quickly took up firing positions to support their Chosen brethren,who were coming under more and more fire from a dozen or more directions. But the ancient Iron Warriors and their Fallen Angel squad mate had survived for several millennia and knew how to survive. 

"Bastion secure," said Robersium into the vox as he joined the Iron Death on the uppermost level. "Enemy is attempting to counter attack. Minimal casualties reported, Nihilist units are ranking up to protect our rear." 

+Excellent,+ replied Helslash from the other end of the vox, his voice as gruff as ever. +I need you to hold it as long as possible. Resistance here is minimal but heavily entrenched. I am assigning additional Nihilist units to the Bastion to relieve you, after which you are to redeploy to our location. Understood.+ Robersium sighed into his rebreather. 

"Loud and clear, my liege." Through fire tinted eyes, he felt the Warp flowing through him, and knew his day would come. 

 

C&C welcome guys. Many thanks for reading. 

[Beachymike123]

Right, something wound me up tonight on the 40k FB page. Rather than lash out and shout, thought I'd turn it into fluff. I thought to myself, how would Helslash deal with it? Answers below 

Gratious IV had fallen. The Siege Makers were consolidating their position. Robersium had reported that the Bastion was their's, and Imperial reinforcements would be difficult to obtain. Once the Hive had fallen, he allowed his men a certain length of freedom before moving on. This was to bite him where he didn't expect it. 

Following reports that all military resistance was gone, Helslash made a point of reviewing thearea of war. With Rualteth at his side, they began a sweep of the warzone. The Nihilists, the human element of their forces, reported that all was well, all flanks and rear secure. Their warmachines kept a vigilant eye on the field. As Helslash and his Lieutenant swept through they found their true cause for concern. 

They entered the Arbites office, blood splattered across the walls. Squad Mich had taken this, losing two members in the process. As the Warsmith entered the Interrogation Station, he saw what he reviled. 

The last three members of Squad Mich were there, the desk of Imperial lackey turned on its side. There, a female human, her blond hair draped across her face, her features etched in fear as her hands were bound behind her back. One member, who held a plasma pistol, had her pinned, while the other remnants of the squad cheered on. Mich, whose helmet, crested with glory, was firmly fixed, acknowledged the Warsmith and his second in command. 

"He's here boys, let's continue," were the last words Helslash heard as his vision went red. The squad member holding the female unlatched his armour, and immediately his member was noticeably firm. As were the other members of the squad, who were now circling like vultures upon a carrion corpse. 

But Warsmith Dushk Helslash hadn't desecrated the planet for this. He hadn't burned thousands of Imperial lackeys on this world for the indulgence of some half blood Astartes. He fought for a far greater purpose. The destruction of the Imperium was his goal, and this world was but one step. What he was witnessing was just pointless. As he saw Mich's men take their stance, he grew so enraged, even Rualteth backed off slightly. 

Opening his palm next to his hip, his ancient power sword Asarath flew to his hand. The closest member of the squad was the first to feel his wrath. Cleaved from the hip to shoulder, he fell in a display of blood and guts.The second had hi pistol drawn, not thinking he had drawn it against a warrior of the IV Legion, a veteran of countless campaigns and treachery. The helmet of the would be beater smashed against the wall, its features irrecoverable. Mich looked in horror as Helslash approached him, the Aspiring Champion's armour still open.

"M..my liege, are we not free to indulge our desires?" Mich was now backing away, his member now clearly flaccid. "Surely w..we should indulge our desires." Mich then felt the grip of the Warsmith's fingers upon his neck, before being thrown against the wall. As Mich gathered his bearings, he felt those same fingers grip the back of his throat and haul him in front of his would be victim. 

"You may leave," Helslash said to her, making a point of how their positions had now changed. "My men are gathered below. Report that you are my administariu team and they will provide you with a safe haven. Tell them the Warsmith sent you."

"T..th..thank you," were her only words as she sprinted out of the room, pulling her skirt down as she did so. Helslash then turned his attention to the Champion Mich, who was still dazed. 

Standing above him, the power of the Warp flowing through his veins, Helslash grabbed the Champion by his chin. Hauling him up, Helslash ripped the horned helmet from Mich's head. 

"By the Dark Gods, have I not..." The Indomidatus armoured glove smashed Mich's head to a pulp in one swift action, leaving nothing but a blood stained smear on the wall as a reminder of Mich's hopes and glories. As Helslash turned towalk out, he caught Rualteth's glowing eye.

"Why waste such a talented champion, my lord?"

"Because I had a mother once," were Helslash's last words as he left the room. 

[Beachymike123]

So the ETL IV is finally over and I managed to complete my vows this year (whoop whoop). As the dust settles and we await the final report as to the victor, I decided I'd catch up on some fluff for the units from my second vow. As its my first day off in three weeks (damn having two jobs again), I will update the thread as much as I can throughout the day but I might do some units now and the rest later. We'll see how the day pans out. 

So without further ado, the first of my characters from Vow 2:

 

Barius Alani, Sorceror, Mark of Slaanesh, Plasma Pistol, +2 Mastery Levels, Sigil of Corruption, Veteran of the Long War

Born a son of the Khan, Barius Alani was once a proud warrior capable of using speed to outdo his opponents in combat. Unlike most White Scars, he actually preferred fighting on foot, getting to know the lay of the land. He progressed through the ranks and became a capable junior commander, leading small strike forces against key enemy positions. He became particularly skilled against Eldar targets, getting to know how to break their swarms of blades. However, he was attached to a strike force in the Dubray sub-sector, to counter the efforts of the Eldar and Dark Eldar to bring ruin to the Imperium. While this was supposed to be a quick strike to behead the serpent, it instead became a protracted campaign when unintended Ork opponents showed up. The White Scars, who were at a minimal force as it was, were forced to engage the greenskins and suffered horrific losses. Of the thirty Scars deployed, seven were killed and sixteen were rendered 'battlefield unsuitable' due to the extent of their injuries. With only 7 marines under his command, Alani decided to draw the Orks into a trap where he was able to use the terrain to their advantage. Although a large swath of xenos were killed, a great number still remained. It was time to execute the leader to scatter and break the Orks. 

Alani struck from the shadows and engaged the Warboss in combat. The two struck at each other and, although his armour was broken and rent in several places, Alani knew he had to act fast lest his opponent mount his head on his trophy rack. The Scar was able to swing his power axe and slice through the Ork leader's arm holding a rather ornate sword, but this was short lived as the warboss levelled his custom Blasta Snazzgun and unloaded a devastating volley at the Astartes Champion. This blew the axe head clean off and threw the superhuman off his feet. The warboss was about to level his firearm when the Scar grabbed the fallen sword and turned it against its former owner, decapitating the greenskin in one foul swoop. The end result was desired - the Orks scattered, although only three Scars of the seven still stood, including Alani himself. A relief force was known to be underway, sent from Chogoris to take over. But the Sword of Tongues, now in the hands of a better fighter and one capable of realising its true potential, began to speak to the Khan descendant, urging him to choose freedom. Alani realised what was happening, but was seduced by the daemon of Slaanesh trapped within, whispering of greater speeds and greater kills, and the rewards. 

Thus it was in the three weeks it took for the relief force to arrive, Barius Alani's mentality was broken down, corrupted by the Sword of Tongues even when it was locked away. Just before the force arrived, he broke it from it's stasis pod, intending to destroy it. But once it was again in his hand, it took an even stronger grip. And thus Barius Alani, Scion of the Khan, turned his back on his former brothers and set off alone, no longer with a righteous path set out in front of him but instead choosing to forge his own, darker path of his choosing. Since that day, Alani has joined forces with the Siege Makers, often leading smaller sections of the forces he is given, but he has also developed psychic powers of a sort. These are in fact derived from the powers of the Sword of Tongues as it grows in strength. Although Alani would never admit it, he secretly fears his powers growing stronger in case the daemon decides to attempt to break free from its prison. 

 

Tunni, Dark Apostle, Black Mace, Mark of Khorne

Recruited shortly after the Scouring, Tunni was once an apprentice to a Warpsmith after his recruitment and subsequent training. However, when the Warpsmith was discovered to be planning an uprising on the Cogs of Madness after the Siege Makers formed their pact with the Dark Mechanicus there, he was swiftly executed in a swift but brutal manner. Rualteth, Lieutenant of the Siege Makers, was tasked with carrying out the orders of Warsmith Helslash, and did so with great pleasure. After taking the crafter's largely bionic head, he also decided that Tunni would be brought in under the Lieutenant's direction. Having always been a loner, Tunni began to copy Rualteth in worship of the Blood God, emulating the carnage on the field. But this wasn't enough for the apprentice. Whereas Rualteth had a greater eye for target soft spots and weaknesses in their armour, Tunni wanted to tear things apart, smashing his opponents bunkers to dust. 

Rualteth and Tunni regularly hold gladitorial combats to slake their bloodlust. It is from one of the Death Trials (for those to fight to clear their name where they have spoken against the Warsmith or the Cogs of Madness) that Tunni gained his current weapon of choice, the Mace of Dread, by besting it's previous owner. With this weapon he has smashed apart bunkers and enemy armour. 

His most recent actions have seen his taking on the 1st Company of The Emperor's Watch during the Siege of Mortrev. He suffered some serious wounds, but shrugged them all off. His crowning moment of glory was killing the First Chaplain who was wearing sacred Terminator armour. He pulverised the helmet after knocking the Chaplain off his feet from a lengthy combat. He has since sent the armour to the forges in the Cogs of Madness for refitting so as he can wear it himself, although there is no word lately of how long it will take. 

[Xenith]

Great models, great fluff, you're really developing a characterful army!

[Beachymike123]

Thanks Xenith. I try my best for both models and fluff, the latter to me is what drives me in this hobby of ours. 

 

Now, some more units:

Baelis, Warpsmith, Aura of Dark Glory

A more junior member in the forges of the Cogs of Madness, Baelis has made a name for himself relatively quickly. He has a knack for jury rigging machinery in the heat of battle so as it can perform, whether it is actually any good or not is a different matter. He can adapt to any given situation though, which has also earned him the respect of other Siege Makers, and even those in the Nihilists with whom he has served alongside before his induction into the Astartes ranks. However, his armour is often scratched and dented from constant use, and his left hand has been replaced by bionics. The bionics are often changed to whatever the situation is, ranging from a melta-welder for damaged armour to claws when entering tight spaces and anything in between. Although young, he has been marked by the more senior members of the Siege Makers - he has the potential for great power, and that is something they have learnt to keep in check if they intend to retain their own power bases. 

 

Mikhal Grabheart, Fabius Bile counts-as

Originally, Grabheart was an Apothecary for the Prophets of Mercury Chapter. Although the chapter was declared Martyr Extremis following the Abyssal Crusade, there were some who survived against the odds by turning upon their former Brothers. So sure of his skills, that when Brother-Apothecary Mikhal discovered he was one of three Brothers left, he exchanged his life for his skills to the Black Legion attackers, the Jaws of Darkness, as they took what was left of the fleet. He handed over sacred geneseed and reconditioned those injured. For several decades he served as a medical officer and created many new Legionnaires. Finding a new sense of freedom from the rigorous schedules of Chapter life, he began to develop new techniques and in some test subjects increased certain aspects. His skills soon became sought after by other warbands seeking to replenish their numbers, but in this the Jaws themselves came under attack from several rivals wanting to take the Apothecary and his skills. It was actually a fallen Chapter, the Bones of Calister who followed Khorne, who broke the largest part of the Black Legion warband, slaying many and offering their skulls to Khorne. Grabheart, as he had become known now, decided that he would once again leave his erstwhile allies, taking with him a ship and a large number of those he had implanted.

After some time wondering and plying his skills as a mercenary with additional specialised skills, and with losses accumulating, Grabheart knew he had to alter his course of action. Additionally, he was now hunted by several warbands who discovered he had escaped and was still at large. Coming upon the Cogs of Madness, and trying to avoid confrontation, the Apothecary declared his intention to join the Siege Makers. Helslash originally ignored the request, but upon discovering some of his own medical staff had fallen to a test Warp virus, he relented. The ship and crew were surrendered to the Siege Makers, although Grabheart was allowed to retain some Astartes for personal protection. Now, Grabheart has begun his experiments once again, and finding that the love of technology among the Iron Warriors cold work to his favour...

 

Gerath, Ferrum Infernus Chaos Dreadnought, Twin-linked Autocannon, Malefic Ammunition, Power Scourge, Host of Daemonic Iron

Gerath the Pillager. Gerath the Desolater. Gerath the Failed. By the last name is this once great champion now known. He had made a bid to take control of the Siege Makers by using force, and had nearly succeeded. But power struggles have consequences, especially when they fail. 

In 917.M37, by Imperial dates, Helslash, Rualteth, Chaapozaand a small force of Siege Makers were on a quest to wrestle control of an ancient xenos artifact from Imperial forces. They had with them the Nihilists for support, and on the Coogs of Madness Gerath the Desolater had been left in command. Gerath had ascended the ranks of the warband, proving himself an able combatant and a true heir to Perturabo's genetic legacy. He had a great way with words too, able to rouse a defence into a suicidal counter attack if needed. Helslash naturally didn't trust him, but given the choice of others, he knew he didn't have much choice. Gerath had a small following within the Siege Makers, and as the top level commanders left on their campaign, Gerath put into motion a plan. 

He had contacted a rival Dark Mechanicus Magos, who was part of a Tzeentchian warband with a large number of renegade Astartes and traitor Guardsmen. The warband, the Rakers of the Abyss, quickly captured key position and either imprisoned or killed those who put up resistance. Gerath declared that any Siege Makers would be dealt with immediately if they didn't side with the Rakers, although few sided with the traitor of traitors. Things looked grim as the Cogs of Madness went into shut down following a conflict of interests between the main cogitator systems and the new Magos attempting to access them. 

Helslash and Chaapoza were furious upon their return. They had captured the artifact, but in the process lost their world. However, they still had their fleet, and Helslash was an Iron Warrior, the best siege troops in the galaxy. Not even their home would stand their wrath. Chaapoza knew ways into the inner areas that avoid heavy damage to the main structures, and he and what was left of his own military forces would escort the more hard bitten elements of the Siege Makers forces and Helslash himself. The Nihilists, although mortal, had several armoured columns that they would use to push ahead. Thus the Battle for Madness began. 

The first to arrive were the vanguard units of the Siege Makers. Their targets were the holding cells, where they freed their comrades and rearmed them. This wasn't without it's casualties, however, but many relished in the opportunity to enact vengeance upon the invaders. The Manufactorums saw some of the heaviest fighting, with idle machinery providing both cover and assault launch points. Both Siege Maker and Nihilist fought side by side to reclaim their home, even as Horrors and Screamers of Tzeentch manifested and threw Warpfire at them. 

However, Helslash had made his way into the most secluded parts of the Cogs. Gerath, having noticed the absence of the Warsmith from the main fighting, knew there would be a confrontation sooner or later. As Chaapoza and his own forces butchered the opposing Magos and their forces, he reactivated the Cog's main network, allowing the defence network to power up. Gerath and Helslash battled each other as opposing Skitarii were torn apart by high powered energy bolts. Gerath was able to tear Helslash's Terminator helmet from the suit in a display of power, the Warp giving him a temporary boost in strength. But this was only fleeting. The Warsmith smashed the once Chosen Champion back, and using Asereth sliced his legs feet off at the ankles. As Gerath writhed trying to deflect blows from the ancient sword, losing his right arm at the elbow in the process, he realised his coup had failed. But Helslash wasn't going to let the upstart off with just death, which would be far too easy.

Instead, he sought out Xathian and a Sorceror named Glacius, both of whom followed the Changer of Ways. They surgically interred him into an ancient Ferrum Infernus Dreadnought body, where he was largely dulled of his environment. However, they also bound the essence of a Tzeentch daemon into the hull too, who would constantly vie for control of the now shared body. On occasion, Gerath is sent out into battle, where the daemon has considerably more control. At the end of the battle, the sarcophagus is put back into the cells beneath the surface of the Cogs of Madness, where the failure howls at the world around him, being driven more and more insane at the lack of sensation. 

 

Thanks for reading folks, any C&C is welcome.  

 

[Carrack]

Great stuff, as usual, Mikhal Grabheart is my favorate of your latest additions, both in model and background.

[Beachymike123]

Thanks Carrack. He was a blast to write about. His background was actually inspired years ago in an Inquisitor game, although I worked the Abyssal Crusade part in to fit this latest incarnation. I decided to make him a Counts-as Fabius Bile to match the crazed Apothecary idea and rules. That said, when I made him the I felt he lacked a Chirurgeon type diddly-whatsit, so the arm coming form his backpack was added at the last minute. Its just made from sprue, a couple of backpack vents, small spikes and some combat knives, but does the trick. The rest of him is mostly CSM parts with Apothecary bits. 

[Beachymike123]

Call of Chaos time! This year I'm mostly entering my renegades and heretics, but there will be a couple of units for my Iron Warriors. For them, I'm doing a Nurgle Lord, a unit of Havocs, a unit of 3 Obliterators and a unit of 2 Obliterators. At present I have only a pic of the Nurgle Lord - the rest are soaking in a dettol solution to be repainted. 

Here's the chap in question (along with the Enforcer from my Nihilists):

Fluff to come soon. 

[Iron-Daemon Forge]

Beachymike123 - Will you also be adding background to the units you've vow toward Call of Chaos?

I'm looking forward see how the Renegade turn out.  Lot my vow this year toward trying to get my Chaos Guard army to 1850pts after three year saying this army would go forward.  Just that way it need to get done now or it never will happen.

[Beachymike123]

Beachymike123 - Will you also be adding background to the units you've vow toward Call of Chaos?

 

I'm looking forward see how the Renegade turn out.  Lot my vow this year toward trying to get my Chaos Guard army to 1850pts after three year saying this army would go forward.  Just that way it need to get done now or it never will happen.

I certainly will be IP. I already have ideas how I want to flesh the peeps out. The Lord will be a sort of wanderer returned, one of the obliterator units will be former Iron Warriors granted daemonhood/afflicted with the Obliterator virus, the other will be following on from Barkesh's theme in the army, while I haven't decided on the havocs yet. I'll flesh them out more once they have paint and a test game too. 

As fr the renegades, I know how you feel. I used to use the IG codex but switched over to IA13's Renegades and Heretics list, which is much fluffier. However, I'm hoping this will be the kick up the proverbial to get back into my renegades. Until today I hadn't updated my Nihilists thread in the Lost and Damned sub-forum for 5 months! If you want to see my renegades (at least older pics of them at least) there's a link to the thread in my sig. Similar format to this - largely completed minis at present with accompanying fluff, but started adding WIPs too as of today. Feel free to have a look and leave c&c. Cheers IP. 

[Beachymike123]

*Brushes the dust from this thread and reactivates several dormant systems. Helslash grinned as he recognised his home.*

 

Greetings fellow traitors. As you may be aware, I vowed some units in the last Call of Chaos, and failed to produce a single unit in the end. My reasons for this are simple - I instead have been having issues with my marriage that I felt should take priority. Whereas I have no qualms in talking to anyone about it, I'd rather do so away from this thread.

It has given me time to reflect on a few things though, and how The Siege Makers are going to move forward. 2016 looks to be a year filled with some great movies coming out, and I've already been to see some of them (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Deadpool). I feel I should definitely get some more games in this year too. But without further ado, as I get back into the swing of 40k, I took a few WIP shots earlier of some units I'll be working on over the next couple of days (I had some holiday to take, so guess who's not doing much over the next few days  ). 

Nurgle Lord (the one from CoC I never finished)

Renegade Sorceror. Not sure which way to go with him but hey, I'll figure something out 

Spawn. These were made from sheer boredom and a large amount of milliput left over (I forgot how much that stuff seems to stretch)

Helbrute (former Sentinel in my R&H). I had to deconstruct him as I just wasn't happy with his body and I need to do the interior anyway

Relic Predator with Plasma Destroyer, Daemonic Possession and lascannon sponsons. This chap was the main reason I got the milliput and why there is so much left over. 

I'll post bits up over the next few days including fluff. Thanks for reading folks, c&c is always welcome. 

 

 

[Carrack]

Cool models. I can't wait to see the helbrute done up. What is on the back banner for the Nurgle Lord?

[Beachymike123]

Thanks Carrack. Its one of the smaller banners from the SW grey hunters/bloodclaws pack. The bit covering his abdomen is from that too but i shaved the details off so i can paint my own icons on there.

[Beachymike123]

Quick WIP - the Nurgle Lord is coming along. I've gone with lighter colours as I feel these will have a better effect down the line with what I want to do with him. Should be done in the next couple of days, all things considered. 

 

C&C is welcome as always. Thanks for reading. Also, sorry about pic quality, I had bad lighting at he time. 

[Beachymike123]

Finally finished my Nurgle Lord, aside from basing. I used a couple of the Technical paints with him, and I am loving Typhus Corrosion (first time I've used it). Great grubby results although I need to practice with it a bit more (looks back at my Plague Marines unit). I decided early on that I wanted him to be lighter colours so I could get details to stand out better than greens or browns. Not that I have anything against it, just wouldn't have been what I was looking for. I also opted to make the Nurgle shoulder pad more like sores growing through, hence the use of Blood for the Blood God. I will, however, leave it till you read the fluff as to why I didn't paint his eyes in the normal way (which you may or may not see looking in the pic). So anyhow, as is tradition in this thread, pics and fluff below. Feel free to leave any C&C. 

Mercus, the Weeping Wolf

Chaos Lord, Mark of Nurgle, combi-plasma, power fist, sigil of corruption, blight grenades. 

Mercus was once a respected member of the Luna Wolves and only begrudgingly changed his warplate colour to the Sons of Horus. Following the Horus Heresy, where he carved a reputation as a dogged hunter, he was one of the few who never knelt before Abaddon, preferring instead to return to his original Legion colours, even if he no longer fought for The Emperor. To Mercus, the Luna Wolves were the greatest Legion, not the entity they became, renamed by the Emperor as a token thank you. Leaving the remnants of his gene-brothers to their mourning, he was absent from the Monument when the Emperor's Children stole the Warmaster's body.    During the Legion Wars, Mercus plied his trade to any who wished his services. Preferring to largely operate alone, he would mostly recover artefacts or take out opponents for a good prize. He also took a surprising amount of work from mortal denizens of the Eye of Terror. It is known that at this time he began to amass a small mercenary force compromised of several militias and a large stockpile of atomic and chemical weapons. In the opening years of the 34th Millennium, he is known to have begun operating alone again for a long while, going by the name Rogue Wolf. 

His isolation away from other Astartes and the general human populations for such a long time, along with the Traitor status given to him so long ago, began to take a toll on his psyche. He adapted himself more into a wolfish predator, stalking and running down his prey until they had no fight left. The only faith he had anything in was his lovingly crafted Combi-plasma Ioboldi, and his power fist The Crimson Lagoon. But every so often, a voice would remind him of his impending mortality, that he would never be glorious in the eyes of men, either in glory or infamy. But he knew the denizens of the Warp had their ways of seduction, and he knew they fed off his anguish at his brothers becoming Abaddon's Black Legion. He was reminded of this every time he saw or fought them. In particular, he developed a loathing of the Sons of the Cyclops faction within the Black Legion, who likewise developed a sense of contempt towards him. In several run-ins with them, he fought alongside followers of the Plague God Nurgle, and began to attract his attention. At first he attempted to resist, but eventually relented and saw the benefits of his new found patron. In 507.M37, he fought alongside the Siege Makers in attacking a group of these Tzeentchian warriors. Impressed by his skills, Warsmith Helslash offered the Rogue Wolf a place among the Iron Warrior warband, which was accepted in the loosest of terms. 

Several decades later, and having ascended in prestige among the Siege Makers, he once again fought against the Sons of the Cyclops. This battle was much larger however, and Neverborns were present in droves. A Changer of Ways materialised on the field of battle, and the ascending Nirgle champion challenged the bitter feathered enemy. The two engaged in combat, but as the Greater Daemon was bested, in its death throws it plucked out Mercus's eyes before being banished back to the Warp. But the initial pain was one of his greatest ever gifts received, and Mercus looked with a new found vision, one where he could see the souls of men and the ever shrinking life force they hemorrhaged. 

Refusing any bionic replacements, his eye sockets now constantly weep blood. He is now known as the Weeping Wolf because of this, but he believes that to receive such mechanical trinkets would deny his gift from Grandfather Nurgle. Now, he still leads in the battlefield, knowing where he will be best guided by Nurgle's hand and slaying any who oppose his work. He also awaits the day he faces the Greater Daemon who took his mortal eyes, if only to thank him for bringing him closer to his patron.

 

 Hope you enjoyed folks. As I say, C&C is always welcome. Take it easy. Iron Within, Iron Without. 

[Beachymike123]

Its that time of year again. The ETL V is upon us and I have answered with:

Berzerkers, who I aim as being a siege unit and they have reinforced armour at the front

 

Khorne Chosen, with Sanguinary Guard helmets. The idea I have for them is either fallen Blood Angels or some sort of cult who haven't fully succumbed to the bloodlust. 

 

X3 Spawn. For 2 of them I'm keeping them as experiments, but one of them I'll give a little bit more background 

 

Infernal Relic Predator. This is one I've been saving for a while as I like the idea of a daemon being bound to the hull, either willingly or not, I haven't quite decided. 

 

Good luck with your vows guys, and may the Dark Gods bring you glory. 

[Beachymike123]

For those unaware, brothers Celtic_Cauldron and Master Avoghai are recruiting for an assault on Gilgamesh. It's another forum where we pledge units to take certain sectors in a campaign, very similar to the ETL in how we pledge point. Worth a look and if you're interested, please sign up. Who doesn't want to shed more loyalist blood on pastures new? http://gilgamesh3.forumactif.org/   

As part of this, I have pledged my Berzerkers and Relic Predator that I've also vowed from this year's ETL, as well as a unit of Terminators who aim to spearhead into the Librarium Sector (the Berzerkers will go into Saint Asperine's Cathedral while the Relic Predator will go into the Plasma Reactor). 

My Terminators, known as the Hellforged:

They are just the Assault on BlackReach Terminators, but I will add spikes, trophies etc before painting them (probably using some milliput too but only after adding the other bits). Updates to follow soon.