A DIY unit idea

[Inquisitor Kravin]

Hi Everyone

The re-organisation prompted by the new codex has also prompted me to revisit an old idea. This started as an attempt to save money by using scratch built models instead of buying multiples of the same model that I've always felt underwhelmed by as it tends to be little more than a glorified marker but I'm now really liking the idea as characterful and cool. If I've written my concept fluff correctly it should be clear what these will count as. I'd like to hear what you think and then I shall be breaking out the plasticard and polystyrene foam.

 

Deep in the heart of the Great Wolf's flagship is a vault that is guarded at all times by members of the Great Wolf's Wolf Guard. Within are the last surviving examples of ancient artefacts that some claim once linked the few stable islands on Fenris with the great continent of Asaheim. Many were lost to the upheavals of the "world forge". These are the "Sjaljordgrinde" , a direct translation is impossible but it might approximately mean "Spirit Gates".  When sanctioned by the Great Wolf the Spirit Gates are used to transport the warriors of Fenris to the enemy's heart.

 

Each gate consists of a stone pentagram with columns rising from its corners to meet above the centre of the stone platform. Each of these columns is etched with ancient runes. The platform is large enough to accommodate a pack of Fenrisian warriors. To activate the gate requires a Rune Priest. The Son of the Storm uses his innate connection with the World Spirit of Fenris to channel eldritch energies into the gate. The greater the range the greater the strain on the Rune Priest and so it is that the gates are usually limited to an effective range of a few hundred leagues.  In his mind's eye he visualises the location to which the Great Wolf wishes to send the warriors. A swirling storm of light leaps from pillar to pillar. On the planet below the first warnings are flickering tendrils of lightning and a rumble like distant thunder.  With a clap of thunder a shimmering image of the Spirit Gate appears and the Space Wolves leap through the swirling air to land on the planet's surface.

 

The energies of the storm contained within an empowered gate have been known to discharge as lightning bolts that can strike down nearby enemies. The Rune Priest usually sustains the presence of the Spirit Gate's phantasmal duplicate on the planet for as long as he can as its presence shines in the sea of spirits acting as a beacon for the gates of his fellow Rune Priests and even members of the Wolf Guard who teleport to the surface. There is a danger however, physical damage to the Spirit Gate's astral projection can cause feedback to the Rune Priest or even damage the stones as they sit in the Spirit of Fenris's hold so if the enemy subject it to a concerted attack the Priest will be forced to close the Gate.

 

Opinion of the Spirit Gates varies amongst those who use them. Some see them as a proud part of their unique Fenrisian heritage but many more see them as a necessary evil with a hint of the unnatural about them. To venture so close to the realm of the spirits of the dead is seen as something best avoided and so their users a frequently adorned with talismanic wards and fetishes. Nevertheless the Great Wolf's word is law and there are times when the mysteries of the Spirit Gates are better than risking inglorious incineration in low orbit aboard a Storm Wolf gunship.

[DobbyKroket]

My guess would be drop pods.

 

 

I really like the idea and I hope that your models will do the fluff justice

 

rps