Millicant's Horus Heresy (Blood in the Void - 28Jun)

[Millicant]

Hail brothers,

 

As I dive further and further into the gilded rabbit-hole of the Horus Heresy, I realize that my path isn't as clear as I wish it was. So many conflicting desires, themes, and ideas have me nearly paralyzed as I plan my way forward into the glory of the Great Crusade (and the utter anarchy of the Heresy). This thread aims to serve me as a platform to share and circulate my ideas, hopefully garnering some feedback and discussion from the community. I need the latter to help focus my efforts, otherwise stagnation awaits me like the reaper of progress. It also aims to serve the community as yet another source of inspiration (or perhaps a guide of what not to do) amongst the already overflowing wellspring of awe-inspiring content here at the Bolter & Chainsword - particularly the Age of Darkness sub-forum.

 

Here are a few of the things I plan to cover/discuss as this thread progresses:

• Legion discussions and decisions
• Hobby planning
• Painting and modeling progress
• Fiction - both Black Library and my own contributions

I feel obligated to begin with a confession: I don't own any Horus Heresy models. There, I said it. I do, however, own all the Forgeworld Horus Heresy books to date along with the Crusade Army List and the Istvaan Campaign Legions books from the Collectors set. I have read them all cover to cover (some more than once) and am thusfar enamored with the Horus Heresy. My utter lack of models is only part of my current predicament, however. I am temporarily stationed on the opposite coast from my home and family, and therefore my hobby setup as well! (Priorities, amiright!?) I've been stuck here in the "Q" (military version of extended-stay hotel) for 4 months already and have another 1-2 to go.

 

One of the perks of this forced absence from any sort of hobby ability has been the production of the full Battlescribe catalogues for list-building within the Horus Heresy. If you are unfamiliar and are looking for a way to easily and quickly build lists for your legion or Mechanicum forces, check out this thread for details. This has been a laborious and challenging project, but I have a lot of pride in the result. Thankfully with heavy community involvement, it has become a product of our Horus Heresy group here on the Bolter & Chainsword.

 

The result of the past few months is that I have developed what I will vainly call an intimate knowledge of the army lists for the Horus Heresy. I have used this knowledge for good to test, re-test, and test once more my catalogues and assess errors as they arise and are discovered by the community. I have used this knowledge for evil to plot, scheme, experiment, and otherwise essay every legion and every theme of army that suits my whimsical fancy. Evil done unto myself, it seems. This only gets mentioned because it is part of the problem of determining a course of action. They all seem viable. They all seem awesome. Back to my earlier statement - it is the paralyzing effect of OPTIONS.

 

So here I stand on the precipice of decision. I must solidify a plan in order to make progress. There are many factors and many awesome courses before me. I humbly ask you, my brothers, to help guide me in this endeavor.

[Kilofix]

• Identify Fluff and gameplay Rite of War that appeals to you

Pick a Legion

Start with at least 20 Tactical Marines and a Centurion (pick Consul)

Pick more Troops, and key Elites (Apothecary, Techmarines, Contemptors, Rapiers, Terminators), Heavies (Land Raiders, Predators, Artillery), and / or Fast. - 2500 is a typical HH point level

Buy and paint models

Post photos!

Play some games

Collect more models

[Millicant]

Enough of my meagre introduction and on to the content!

This currently stands at the heart of my decision-making conundrum. I want my army/armies to match my terrain.

First up, the jewel of my eye, Zone Mortalis. Here are the tiles I have completed so far:

I still want to add some streaking to the walls and some weathering powder to the floors. Anybody have any good advice on what color(s) of weathering powder to use for the floors?

The set is intended to look like the interior of a ship. I'm theming the board and any army that will accompany it after boarding actions. To that end, I'm in love with Breachers. I think they are about the coolest unit out there and I plan to build several units of them. As far as bases are concerned, a good friend of mine has reliably assured me that we can cast bases out of the tiles themselves so they will be exact matches for the Zone Mortalis decking. I am VERY excited about this prospect. However, complications arise in the form of more terrain... (below)

The other terrain I plan on using I just bought a few days ago. The Forgeworld Realm of Battle Cityscape. Four tiles, enough for a 4x4 battlefield, are en-route to my home right meow. For inspiration on how I want to paint these tiles, we need look no further than the incredible job done by the Painting Bunker. Here is an image I'm using without permission:

http://thepaintingbunker.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/forge-world-realm-of-battle-cityscape-1.jpg?w=614&h=383

These are the two primary "themes" that I will be using for any and all Horus Heresy armies that I start. The real question I'm left with: Is there any way to base my models so they will look appropriate in either setting?

Basing for the cityscape is harder. Originally I planned to use Secret Weapon Miniatures Urban Streets bases. I like them and I always like supporting Mr. Justin (who is a fantastic individual btw) but I'm not 100% sold as they don't perfectly match the cityscape tiles. Nothing does, however, and that is part of the dilemma! Does anybody know of any scenic bases that match the FW Cityscape tiles?

http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/images/BUS2501.gif

So, all of this to say: How on earth do I base my models!? I very much want them to work for either setting, but I'm not sure that it will be feasible.

Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think. The bolded questions are what I'm particularly interested in getting feedback on.

[Kais Klip]

First of let me get this out of the way and say that as someone with ridiculous standards for terrain and thematics, your board and cityscape is 100/100 Ace Awesome, the white on both boards just looks incredible.

 

For your bases, go for more realistic urban clutter, rebars and wires as opposed to chunks of masonry. Our ships are cities in space after all, and rubble geared towards the interior side of urban fighting will work excellent with your dense board and the Zone Mortalis environment.

 

Again, awesome work my man.

[Komrk]

If you're looking for a ZM/Urban fighting Legion, Fists are the way to go

 

Edit:

 

Also, that's some sexy terrain

[Millicant]

After the terrain comes the actual armies I want to model and play. They are numerous...

Here is a short breakdown of the armies I plan to build. The first two are fairly definite, the second two are highly desirable, and the last is the fevered dream of a poorman.

Primus Legio - The Dark Angels

I currently play Dark Angels in 40k. They are my first and only army, and I love them. I am a son of the Lion through and through. There is virtually no way I would consider NOT building a First Legion army. Plus, if I manage to convince a friend of mine (Ed) to build a Horus Heresy army, his first choice would be Night Lords. Nice synergy there...

(Dramatic pause)

However, I have some reservations. While my loyalty to the Lion (and the Emperor) is unswerving, I have some concerns about committing to a Dark Angels heresy-era army. I'm going to list them in the hopes that somebody can talk me out of them.

1. A black army. I don't find black a very appealing color to paint or to look at on an army. With the exception of FW's latest paint job on the Gorgon Terminators (I LOVE that metallic off-black scheme they used - very nicely done) it is a plain and terribly un-inspiring color to paint an army. While the cobalt blue of the Ultramarines, the deep metallic red of the Word Bearers, even the white and red of the Scars yield great excitement in the hobby-center of my brain, black only breeds disappointment.
2. No Forgeworld representation in the foreseeable future. As a faithful son of the Lion, patience is in my blood. However, I am loathe to begin before they are properly represented since there will be beautiful color plates, distinct designs, and new units/tactics/fluff to build upon once they show up in a book.
3. Fluff representation. This is the hardest one to swallow, my friends. With a few exceptions, I detest the Heresy-era representation of the First Legion. Unremembered Empire was the first time that I felt the awe of the Dark Angels that I wanted to feel from the beginning. ADB has also managed to avoid contempt, but it took Abnett's glimpse of them amongst the Ultramarines to remind me why I love this legion. The flip side of this problem is that there is so much written that it becomes difficult to write my own fluff to match my forces. I have already had some very kind words on this subject from some of the brothers here, but I remain somewhat demoralized on this front. It ties into #2 - I have to wait and trust that Forgeworld will give the Dark Angels the representation they deserve.

It seems obvious to me that the mighty First Legion will be on hold until they receive their FW book. Only then will I be able to determine how to represent them on the table-top and which to field of battle (ship or city) to assign them. Originally this was slated to be my primary and largest Horus Heresy army - standing above the others as my prided legion.

Emperor's Praetorians - The Imperial Fists

My absolute favorite story to date in the entire Horus Heresy series is The Crimson Fist by John French. It covers the battle of Phall, a massive and stunningly awesome void-battle which immediately captured my imagination. I was overjoyed to find that Phall receives additional coverage in Horus Heresy 3: Extermination. Imagine my delight when Ed announced that his second choice of legion was the Iron Warriors - the hated enemy at the battle of Phall.

Furthermore, the painting of a VII Legion force couldn't be more exciting! There are many sources of inspiration to draw from, not least of which is right here in our very own forum. To add simplicity, it seems obvious that any Imperial Fist forces would be themed for Zone Mortalis and the brutal void-warfare operations of ship boarding combat. Zone Mortalis bases, then.

Lastly, my obsession with boarding actions and Zone Mortalis seems to fit like a bodyglove into the mien of the Imperial Fists. Breachers, Terminators, Contemptor Dreadnoughts, and even the character from my favorite story: Alexis Polux.

The Imperial Fists were slated to be my second Horus Heresy force. My plan called for a Zone Mortalis force, built only for boarding operations. But wait, there's a wrinkle...

Disciples of the Red Planet - Adeptus Mechanicus

Before a few months ago, I had no particular interest in the Mechanicum or its forces. But I saved my pennies, I ate Ramen Noodles and resisted the call of so many gorgeous models (plastic and resin ones, I'm happily married), and was finally rewarded with my very own Warhound Titan. A Mars-pattern Warhound, I have one of every weapon magnetized to the arms. Its towering hull plates bear the name Dirae Venaticus and you will be hearing more about it before too long, I assure you.

I originally planned to paint it in the scheme of the Legio Astorum, the Warp Runners. The appeal of the deep marbled blue and bronzed gold look was the primary reason, though now I am tempted by the Legio Gryphonicus with their slate grey and yellow. Plus, they are listed as having fought with the Dark Angels, which is always a plus...

For quite a while I was unsure of how to base this monstrosity of a model. I toyed with many, many ideas but wasn't satisfied with any. Finally with the purchase of the Forgeworld Cityscape I can say with certainly that it will be based for the city board. Burning rhino underfoot, perhaps. Maybe even with a legion's colors still barely visible through the plasma blastgun scorches...

Bringing this rambling section around, the advent of the Mechanicum lists in HH3: Extermination gave me another brilliant idea. I wanted to build a force to match my Titan. Though it is wont to walk alone, even the fearsome Dirae Venaticus must fight as a part of a pack. To add the cherry on top of this delicious idea was the notion of the war for the Red Planet. The mechanicum fought itself, this is certain, but the Emperor's Praetorians, the steadfast Imperial Fists, were also heavily involved. The synergy is getting heady...

I didn't originally plan for a Mechanicum force. But once the idea lodged there, it doesn't seem to want to go away. A perfect match for my Titan and a counter-point to the Imperial Fists, it seems too good to be true. However, are they based to match the Fists - Zone Mortalis? Or do they match their Titan and wear city bases? More conundrums that eat away at my will to decide.

The Shadow Crusade - Ultramarines and Word Bearers

These two legions are intrinsically linked by the incredible story of Calth and the Shadow Crusade.

The Ultramarines appeal if only because I greatly appreciate their views on empire-building. They do not simply conquer or kill, but focus on the scholarly pursuits, the integration of worlds into the new Imperium, and famously the logistics of warfare. They are a legion who seems to understand the goals of the Great Crusade and seeks to advance the Emperor's cause for the betterment of humanity.

I have never modeled or painted a traitor. My loyalties lie strongly with the Emperor and Terra. For me to even consider creating a traitor force is a concept with which I have struggled long and hard. Ultimately, the status of arch-traitor and architects of the heresy leads me to believe that if I were ever to take on a traitor legion - there could be only one choice: Word Bearers.

Both are immensely appealing in terms of modeling and painting. The rich cobalt blue and gold of the Ultramarines would be a joy to recreate, and the deep metallic crimson of the Word Bearers makes me want to get out my airbrush right away.

My original plan called for the third undertaking to be two forces in opposition. The Word Bearers and the Ultramarines as antithesis to each other, fighting in the cramped confines of Calth's caves or prior to that, the rapidly disintegrating cities of its surface. Again, which area to base them for? Such a very difficult question, as you can see. It constantly plagues me.

The Forgotten Sons - White Scars

To be perfectly honest, I have never even considered the White Scars until Chris Wraight's excellent book, Scars. I still don't care for the overly oriental theme, but the misunderstood and neglected mentality of the Scars appealed to me. Their obsession with speed doesn't hurt either - a force themed in such a way could be devastating.

The idea of painting a white and red army only exacerbated my sudden desire to build this legion. What a fun project to take on and a rare sight in most gaming communities as well.

This is the latest of additions to the grand plan, being number 4 on the list. They would almost certainly be themed for the cityscape board, as Zone Mortalis doesn't seem to capture the essence of the V Legion.

Where does that leave me?

I have no idea. If you read this whole thing - you deserve some sort of reward. Please do me one more favor - give me your thoughts.

[depthcharge12]

Here's my take on the First Legion, black isn't quite a pain if you spice it up with trims and heraldry. Weathering can be hard to figure out and I've been holding off on transfers until they arrive.

 

(Sorry for the bad pics)

 

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/treacyjohn2/9a4ef8eb8b46ff33bc8d3d162ca43a73_zpsda41f380.jpg

 

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/treacyjohn2/47cc90f551a48a79698d427a6298d381_zpse377c7c1.jpg

 

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/treacyjohn2/200f077f699686a3dab584bece21cd89_zps216d4249.jpg

 

 

Various armor sets above

 

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/treacyjohn2/c7411f20c0c0adee40a6e70528794b00_zps2916c00d.jpg

 

My dread

 

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/treacyjohn2/b372c78237a84d5b8df9c12757d8c9d4_zpsc895a720.jpg

 

Ridemaster Gerard (praetor)

 

 

I will incorporate some greyish black to try and do some zenithial highlighting, but I've always wondered how I would do it with an airbrush.

 

Hope it helps you turn to the Dark [Angel] Side :P

[Corvus_Danseur]

I feel your pain! Although I think I have now made the decision to stick with the Blood Angels for my part the Imperial Fists tempt me sorely as well.

 

My take on your dilemma: 1) Mechanicum is very much a standalone project that you could run on the side as a nice break from painting marines should fatigue set in. 2) Might be an idea to get some old/models you don't mind stripping if need be and paint one of each up in the schemes of the possible legions. That can find out if the actually painting of a specific scheme really grates. Or if one is so natural as that it makes the decision for you. 

 

Just my two pennies :).

 

/Salute

[Brother Captain Lucian]

Incredible terrain.. just incredible.

 

As for my thoughts, other than the above..

 

I would go with Imperial Fists and Mechanicum, it strikes me as the army that you wrote most passionately about.

[Millicant]

Thank you for all of you words, gentlemen.  I'll go back and try to respond more accurately soon.  

 

However, I feel I should address a few things after reviewing the mountain of text that I have heaped upon you all.  

 

1. I painted the Zone Mortalis tiles.  Thanks for your kind words - this is the first feedback I've gotten on them!
2. I did NOT paint the cityscape tiles pictured!  I say again - DID NOT.  That is an image I stole from the Painting Bunker and serves as my inspiration for what I want mine to look like.  Please visit his blog for more photos - he did a truly magnificent job on the tiles and the buildings to accompany them.  
3. This isn't really a "help me choose a legion" thread as I'm more or less decided.  
4. This IS really a "help me figure out my basing thread" for the moment as that is where I'm stuck.  It will become more things later on as I actually add painted models and whatnot.  

 

TL:DR for my first three posts:

 

I like Horus Heresy

My primary terrain is Zone Mortalis and soon Cityscape from Forgeworld

My long-term plan is to build a large force of Dark Angels, a Zone Mortalis force of Imperial Fists, and a set of two opposing forces of Ultramarines and Word Bearers.  Also maybe some Mechanicum to fight along side Dirae Venaticus. 

What I really want at the moment is some help figuring out how to base my models.  

[Brother Captain Lucian]

Ah, well for my Dark Angels I went for a ruined monastery type of basing. But that was mainly thinking about Caliban, and their monastic way of life. You could also go for a forest heavy basing, again to represent Caliban or perhaps more of a flight deck themed basing for the Thramas crusade.

 

For the ultras and word bearers, I would go for the city rubble type of basing, mainly as I find the initial fighting more interesting than the cave fighting.

Same with the Mechanicum,  I think it would be more fitting than zone Mortalis style  basing.

 

Hope that was more in the direction of what you asked for :)

[Greyshift]

I honestly don't think you'll find any bases that will match both the FW cityscape and the ZM tiles, but if you want something to match the cityscape alone I think youve already found the best ones in Secret Weapon's urban streets. These, with some of the urban rubble bases mixed in for variety, once painted in the same scheme as the tiles will look stunning in my opinion. I think the key is to use the same tones for both. I look forward to seeing the end result whatever you go for as the FW tiles are awesome!

[Millicant]

I honestly don't think you'll find any bases that will match both the FW cityscape and the ZM tiles, but if you want something to match the cityscape alone I think youve already found the best ones in Secret Weapon's urban streets. These, with some of the urban rubble bases mixed in for variety, once painted in the same scheme as the tiles will look stunning in my opinion. I think the key is to use the same tones for both. I look forward to seeing the end result whatever you go for as the FW tiles are awesome!

 

Hmmm I'm afraid that you are correct.  I can't see much of a way for them to overlap smoothly.  

 

However your second point is spot on - it's all about using similar colors so as a "backdrop" for the models themselves so when the bases aren't focused on, they'll look right at home in either place.  

 

So I have to work blues and greys into my Cityscape paint scheme....

[Millicant]

In case any of you guys haven't seen it yet - this table has served as my inspiration: The Battle of Phall

http://chaptermasters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_6078.jpghttp://chaptermasters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_6069.jpg

To that end I have contacted Matt of Sabol Studios to discuss commissioning some pillars, consoles, and other scatter terrain similar to the Phall display board. He has quickly talked me into commissioning him to build an entire 4' long starship wall similar to the one seen in the pictures/link.

We're discussing now and I will share all the details as we sort it out. He is clearly very talented. However, if any of you have any experiences to share with other high-quality commission terrain builders or with Sabol Studios, I'd be glad to hear it.

[Millicant]

Currently looking for opinions on weathering powders.  I'd like to add another color to the floors of my Zone Mortalis boards (above in blue paint scheme) but I'm a bit of a chicken with trying new colors.  

 

Any recommendations?

[Slips]

Maybe try an oxidized copper/brass kind of color? In very small amounts near the tile edges (of the squares that make up the floor not the tile itself) or rivets and joints. It would be a teal-ish color or a teal-green combo so maybe Gauss Blaster Green from GW. Something that you could use in very small amounts to vary up the homogeneity of most building paint jobs.

 

If you need ideas, you can always watch the 20+ min video on GW with Duncan on how he would paint the Sector Imperialis Board. Good suggestions in there and you might find inspiration there. Though we do not lack master painters here on the B&C :P

[Millicant]

Maybe try an oxidized copper/brass kind of color? In very small amounts near the tile edges (of the squares that make up the floor not the tile itself) or rivets and joints. It would be a teal-ish color or a teal-green combo so maybe Gauss Blaster Green from GW. Something that you could use in very small amounts to vary up the homogeneity of most building paint jobs.

If you need ideas, you can always watch the 20+ min video on GW with Duncan on how he would paint the Sector Imperialis Board. Good suggestions in there and you might find inspiration there. Though we do not lack master painters here on the B&C

Hmm not a bad idea. I don't want to go too overboard on the "rusting ship" look, though, since I figure it will be maintained by the Imperium's finest (... finest mind-scrubbed servitors and press-ganged slave sailors that is ...)

Back a few posts - Depthcharge I do like the variety you have imbued your legionaries with. I like the white and the checkers, I'm assuming that's inspired by the Dark Angel novel covers?

[depthcharge12]

 

Maybe try an oxidized copper/brass kind of color? In very small amounts near the tile edges (of the squares that make up the floor not the tile itself) or rivets and joints. It would be a teal-ish color or a teal-green combo so maybe Gauss Blaster Green from GW. Something that you could use in very small amounts to vary up the homogeneity of most building paint jobs.

 

If you need ideas, you can always watch the 20+ min video on GW with Duncan on how he would paint the Sector Imperialis Board. Good suggestions in there and you might find inspiration there. Though we do not lack master painters here on the B&C :P

 

 

Hmm not a bad idea.  I don't want to go too overboard on the "rusting ship" look, though, since I figure it will be maintained by the Imperium's finest (... finest mind-scrubbed servitors and press-ganged slave sailors that is ...)

 

Back a few posts - Depthcharge I do like the variety you have imbued your legionaries with.  I like the white and the checkers, I'm assuming that's inspired by the Dark Angel novel covers?

I'd be happy to shoot a close up of some of them when I've got a moment :)

 

Thanks for the complements as I stand in the shadow of some awesome 1st legion makers like Elmo on B&C and rudijetz on heresy30k.

 

 

The devils in the detail as they say :P black is such a hard color to do because you can't quite airbrush anything on to make it look pretty other then maybe a grey-black zenithial highlight.

 

I found ghennas gold paint to be too bright, so I went with brass color and did a nuln oil wash. The checkers were all freehand and inspired by the covers and some visions of heresy artwork.

[Millicant]

Depthcharge I would love a few more shots.  I just re-read Savage Weapons and it re-invigorated my love of Dark Angels.  

 

ADB - I think I owe you an apology.  I often said that it wasn't until Unremembered Empire that I truly felt the First Legion had be accurately portrayed.  I was wrong.  Re-reading Savage Weapons had me leaping off my couch with righteous joy as the Lion apologized to Curze and buried his sword to the hilt in Night Haunter's chest.  "Loyalty is its own reward." 

 

OoooOOOooOo gives me chills.  

[Millicant]

Just a small update (with lots of pics)

I've finished the doors for my Zone Mortalis table. In conjunction with the now in-progress details and wall from Sabol Studios I'm making progress on my terrain. The whole theme of my Zone Mortalis table is the interior of an Imperial starship - the wall will only help to emphasize that. It will be a glorious platform for my Imperial Fists and eventually Thramas-era Dark Angels to fight aboard. Can't wait.

Still looking for any advice on weather powder colors for the ZM tiles. I'd love to hear people's thoughts.

[Hyaenidae]

Man, this is cool. Can't wait to see this finished.

 

I cheated, and bought 2 Space Hulk Boards to put together, lol. The narrow corridors are lethal as hell.

[LongGone]

Good Sir, your ZM stuff is just top notch. Any table top general would be proud to play on that terrain. 

 

As for weathering powders, the only thing I can think of that would fit both ZM and cityscape is a light gray. Astartes aren't really snoopin' and poopin' aboard spacecraft, so just a light coat of 'dust' is about all they're going to pick up on their boots and greaves. The same could be said for cityscape, although there is definite potential for them to get a lot more poop whilst snoopin' groundside. 

[Slips]

It depends on what type of interior it is; Highly used interior of a Space Marine / Imperial Vessel? Probably none or a bit of light grey in corners and recesses since the most surfaces would be cleaned by Servitors.

 

Insides of an abandoned imperial vessel left adrift in space? Light - Dark Grey in a medium to thin layer practically everywhere...since..y'know...its abandoned.

 

Insides of a World Eaters vessel? Blood...oh god the blood...but seriously, maybe only a few dried bloody footsteps with the occasional weapon dent on the bulkheads.

 

Mechanicum? Oil, sacred unguents...y'know..

 

Just some Ideas. Though I concur with LongGone, a light coat of dust would be the best and most versatile.

[Dono1979]

Any word on whether you are proceeding with the Sabol commission, I was THIS close to engaging him to build an Apoc board for me, but we simply couldn't work out a feasible way to ship it to Australia that wouldnt cost me my house. Very keen to see concept art and any progress.

 

LOVE you ZM, I may be starting one very shortly and yours is definitely inspiring.

[deathspectersgt7]

Great looking ZM Boards .