Carcharodon Predation fleet Mako: Image repair 2-9-17

[airinhere]

UPDATE:  September 2, 2017.  Images have been (mostly) restored.   

 

 

 

 

 

++++++++++++++++++Predation fleet Mako++++++++++++++++++++++
 
+++++++++++++++Inbound astropathic contact++++++++++++++++++
 
+++++++++++Source+++ Megalodon Infernus Council+++++++++++++
 
+++++++++++++++++++++Level++4++request++++++++++++++++++++++
 
+++Contact of Tyranic elements reported dispersing from Hive Fleet Leviathan.+++
 
+++Multiple Xenos and Imperial planets reported infested/consumed+++
 
+++Track of current path leads into critical systems.+++
 
+++Forge world Ferrax IX  listed as possible target.+++  
 
+++Hive world Skaldjaeger selected for chapter replacement.+++
+++Recruitment processes begun.+++
 
+++Carcharodon predation fleet Mako, Vulpinus, Paucus  assigned to probe and deter Tyranic 
 
destruction of Ferrax IX.+++
 
++++++Astropathic contact limited due to Hive mind.+++++++  
++++Physical rendevous possible at Hallidax system.+++++  
 
+++++++++++++++++++++Slay the beast.++++++++++++++++++++  
 
++++++++++++++++++++end communication.++++++++++++++++++
 
 
Fleet Commander Marcus Pluvius paused as the transmission ended.  The slow 
babble from the astropath repeated scattered parts of the message as its mind 
unwrapped from the burden of such long range contact.  Skaljaeger and Ferrax IX 
repeated in a loop becoming nonsense as they melded together as a jumble of 
syllables.  The attending servitor hefted the astropaths limp, blind body with a 
mechanical rattle.  a slow hiss of hydraulic power being used as they rose and 
turned to exit the room.  The doorway slid silently open as they exited, the 
darkness of the commanders council chamber pierced by the bright lights of the 
outside hallway.
 
"Tyranids."
 
More xenos filth to destroy.  A never ending wave of the feral, mindless hordes 
that seemed to push ever closer into the borders of the Imperium.  Uncaring of 
what species inhabited a planet, they were ruthless and efficient at their 
task.  Single-minded of purpose.  Six thousand years and they were still the 
same implacable foe.  But, they were predictable.  Mindless monsters that 
rushed headlong after their next meal.  
Slowly rising towards his command console, a green orb lit up as he pressed his 
pale, sinewy hand onto it.  Glowing to life, the command console displayed a 
holographic projection of nearby space.  with rapid movements the movements of 
the recorded Tyranic infestations appeared.  Red lights flooding across his 
star-map.  The updated charts showed a clear path of predation leading towards 
the valuable forge world of Ferrax IX.  The data instantly shared among his 
fleet data-system.  
 
Three small blue dots among the horde of red displayed.  Three predation fleets 
assigned to a single task.  These xenos have brought the wrath of humanity upon 
themselves.  And fresh recruits awaiting afterward.  Already the young of 
Skaldjaeger were discovering the truth of life among the stars.
 
 Kill or be Killed.

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere
Tags edited

[airinhere]

I recently started working on a new army after about 20 years of not being active at all with 40K.  I do have a fairly large army of Knights of Blood (plays as Blood angels) and some Xenos (Necron and Tyranid).  However, after lurking here a bit, I found a wealth of inspiration for my own (much more current) army to draw from.

 

I will try to add some of the "before" images of the refurbished predators, land raider crusaders and bikes I have recently stripped clean. I am also working on cleaning up some terminators and tac marines to start rebuilding as proper Carcharodon Astra.

[airinhere]

These are some of the rather incomplete devestator squads I am assembling.  One squad of 5 with 3 Plasma and one heavy bolter, second squad with 3 las cannon and one heavy bolter.  Each squad has a sergeant with an auspex and chainsword.   Each squad shall be transported by an "acts as razorback" Imperial Hellhound with heavy flamer.

 

Still waiting on shapeways shoulderpads and additional heads for all the troops.  Basic primercoat and an attempt at making my own ink washes for weathering the armor.  

 

 

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

Alright!  time to start with some test models and see what I can do to create a satisfying color scheme and method to do the tribal type markings for the armor and weapons.  Due to difficulty bringing paints onto the island I live on, I am mixing and thinning DecoArt hobby paints that I found at a local school supply store.  I also am using a multicolor sepia ink set to allow me to try for some more advanced ways of shading.  If anyone has any helpful ideas on how to "mix my own" (especially with the inks)  I would really appreciate the input.

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

I have started working on painting some devastator marines.  Spent the last couple days playing around with some shading methods for the armor.  I am pleased with my first ever attempt at OSL and trying to create a glow effect with the plasma coils.  Hopefully the heads and shoulderpads I ordered will arrive soon so I can finish the models.  

 

Next I want to start working out how to do some tribal type patterns without looking like Monster energy drink Bro's.....

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

As new marines complete their training in the field and promote from scouts to full battle brothers, they are entered into the devastator squads.  Upon entry into the devastator quads, the young warriors receive their first marks of honor.  Intricate, geometric tattoos that are used to define each warrior.  The lower left leg is the first part to be marked.  Soon, proficiency with their main weapon can bring marks upon their right hand and forearm.  Close combat honors allow the left arm and hand to receive marks.  Survival of serious injury deems the injured area to be covered with a tattoo also.  These tattoos Follow the marine for life.  Veteran marines and senior commanders often have finely detailed tattoo-work across their whole bodies.

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[Noctem Cultor]

They look good so far. Very nice plasma effect also I find glow effects something I never quite pull off but yours looks good.

 

Just a few things that may help. First lighting, as you have a light paint scheme it means your images suffer, Have you tried curving a piece of paper under the model to refract light or a light box? It will help us get a better idea of your models as im sure they look better than the pictures are showing (the always do the eye can not be replicated).

 

Second is more of a question. Are you planning on adding red stripes like some of the older artwork or Black shoulder/knee pads with white markings (so much more forgiving that the tribal in black). Also white on the lower part of the face to mirror the underside of a Great White?

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad165/Liamgregg1988/spaceshark_zps052d60ce.jpg

 

I look forward to seeing more!

Edited February 1, 2015 by Noctem Cultor

[HighGothic]

Nice however i would say the grey looks slightly too light.

 

Cool idea with the tattoos though.

[airinhere]

After much delay, my shapeways shoulderpads have arrived!  I have already applied them onto my terminators and tactical squads.  I am in the process of adding them onto my bike squad members, but there is a slight amount of painting that lies between now and assembling all of them.  Nevertheless, an eagerly awaited (and difficult to obtain) element!

 

I have considered adding a red stripe on the helmet of each battle brother, but with so much variation in helmet style, I am leaning away from any overall decision there.  Same applies with the white helmet face.  In many models I see, the white has a very distinct look that cautions me away from it.  I would prefer to experiment with ink or paint based washes to try to slightly darken the armor and leave the face untouched than risk painting away the facial features with a single errant paint stroke.  If only there were white ink washes that would cover!

 

I am still waiting on a squad of assault marines ordered over ebay to arrive (mail service to the tropics is unpredictable), but once it arrives I will have a load of chainswords to pass among my tactical marines.  I also stumbled upon some chainaxe bolter bayonets to use from forgeworld.  Love the idea of a close combat weapon for 1 point each on all my tactical guys!

 

 

 

I have the metal arm devastator squad, but their sergeant was able to be upgraded with a test model of the new shoulderpads.  

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

Blinding rainbows of sound cascaded across the walls as the Apex crossed back into real space.  The ancient, Desolator class Battleship still bore the proud markings of the God Emperor across her bow, but she was alone in the universe.  Long ago, all her sister ships had descended into madness as the various legions rebelled against the Empire.  Frozen slag peeled off her weathered beams as she made the transition from motionless movement across the warp and into linear movement in real space.  A rush of chilled gasses flooded through the halls and chambers of the Apex.

 

+++++++++++++Signal received:  Tyranid hive element "Argos"  acquired+++++++++++++

 

              ++++++++++++++Preparation for void combat.  ++++++++++++++

 

++++++++++++++++++The beast hungers, feed it with death++++++++++++

 

As each life support system realigned itself to real space, another image appeared on the sensors as the remaining fleet appeared from the warp.  The frigate Persistent  listed hard to port and belched a steady ribbon of black smoke from its mid ship gun placements.  Lights flickered on across each ship of the fleet as they awoke to the sensation of the physical world.  

 

Fleet Commander Marcus Pluvius strode across the bridge to observe his fleets transition as it burst back into reality.  Six Battleships, Shadows against the inky blackness of space came alight as they reanimated their systems.  Another two larger hulking figures at either end of the fleet appeared.  The Battle barges Betrayal and Feasting holding the flanks of the fleet safe against danger.  In every direction a steady stream of Frigate class ships appeared.  Only one with any visible trouble.  Punching a code into his helm, he hailed the persistent as it listed further out of control.  Without waiting for another chance, he coded a fleet wide call changing heading by a sharp forty five degrees.  Every ship in unison tilted its bow and veered safely away from the wounded craft.  Some few craft still appearing took the visual lead and turned to match the fleets course.   Having already turned away and motioning on his primary console, Marcus ushered a set of commands for part of the fleets resources to track, and dock the wounded Persistent as it careened safely away from the fleet.  Two small Mechanicus vessels with beam arrays and grappling hoses sped after the now dark Persistent and matched speed with it.  At the touch of another button on his helm, Marcus redirected his fleet onto its original course and allowed the wounded Persistent and its new aids to limp slowly behind the main fleet.

 

"Command check, Trident, Arbor of one, Word of redemption, Darkened Skye, Power of Faith, Helping hands.

 

Each Battleship returned a simple response of "Ready" as their name was called.

 

"Fleet check, Betrayal, Feasting."  No reply needed and none expected.  Each of the battle barges veered slightly apart from the main fleet followed by two Battleships and a small force of frigates.

 

Marcus sat upon his command seat as he slowed to quarter speed.  His brothers needed time to spread themselves apart.  Betrayal had been tasked with rising above the Tyranid, Feasting would dip below their spread out fleet.  At the right time, the Apex would rush in and attack the beasts at range.  When they peeled off, the fleet would ensnare the Monsters and eliminate them.  A proven and simple tactic, but it just needs to slow the hordes approach.   At best the foolish monsters would turn their fleet to engage or pursue.  Then the true hunt would begin.  Truly like predators of ancient Terra, they would take bites from their prey until it were dead.

 

Well, after much Ebay ordering and waiting, I am finally receiving my Christmas presents.  It took a lot of cleaning (YAY Dettol and simple green!)  But now I have some nicely remodeled troops and armor.  I am even in the process of making some of the chicken leg dreadnoughts.  Still waiting on a handful of parts (dual linked auto guns for my Mortis dreads......) and my BFG fleet is still in transit, but should arrive shortly.  I have decided that an airbrush is going to be VERY useful for all this, but I still prefer to do the detail work by brush.  Maybe a Badger 350 or something simple like that.  Makes applying paint and simple highlights seem like a much less labor intense effort.

 

Anyways here is a little selection of all the stuff I have been rebuilding.

 

Two Landraider crusader models with Assault Termies, a small Terminator Tac squad to cover them and the Company Librarian Ayumu Hokusai with his two Lexicani adepts.  Epistolary Hokusai leads his forces from the front as they crush their foes in bloody combat.

 

The two Predator annihilators "Grey Maw" and "White tip" with the Vindicator nicknamed "Chubb"

Supporting these armored beasts is the Heavy weapons teams I have already shown.

 

Front line forces consist of 24 Scouts armed with sniper rifles, heavy bolters and chainswords/huck-big knives.  Even the new guys love to get some blood on them.

 

Another 20 tactical marines with a flamer and heavy bolter per squad are ready with a assortment of chainsaw weapons.

 

Lastly, there are the 12 bikes and 5 heavy weapon bikes of the Forward strike teams.  Plasma, melta and grav weapons make them a fast moving and dangerous force.  Of course chainsaw weapons are everywhere there too.

 

To help reinforce and offer flexible support there are six dreadnoughts with two techmarines and a master of the forge keeping them running.  The venerable Blackfish has held numerous heroes of old and is know for its brutal close combat claws with heavy flamers built in.  Two other dreads are the chicken leg types with Mortis dual linked las cannons.  Lastly there are three Mortis pattern with dual linked auto cannons.  Playing off the Mortis rules in Forgeworld, I opt for the higher point values for them to provide skyfire  against the Tyranid flying forces.  

 

Sooo much to paint.......  and still waiting on random parts and my BFG fleet.  

[deathspectersgt7]

Nice looking Sharks and like the fluff.

[Doghouse]

I agree, they are looking really good. :tu:

[airinhere]

Blackness engulfs the room as the air takes on the taste of fresh ozone.  Pressure wells against the door, drawing all nearer to it as the metal begins to shriek.  Blood flows from your ears as the pressure grows, sight fails as the pain increases.  Silver flashes pierce the room, fiercely cutting across all.  as you collapse an explosion screams and a wave of force overtakes you.  Lying unable to stand, figures step into the room.  Grey armor with blue.  The sign of the shark on one shoulder.  The horned skull of the Librarium on the other.  The pressure grows again as blackness spills from the warriors hands.  Blackness.

 

I have taken to modeling and painting for my Inquisitorial warband, but with the start of the B2B Badabb challenge, I felt I should begin my efforts to bring the Carcharodon forces back to life.  Todays topic, Librarians.

 

I have created a three man Librarium for my Army.  A little creative greenstuff modeling on some old terminators and a few spares from my bitz box and I have some models I am quite happy with.

 

Allow me to introduce Epistolary Quinto Sendul,  Epistolary Tsol Hiro and Codicifer  Suresh Blache.  Each warrior equipped with Terminator armor, Force weapons and Psychic powers.  

 

 

I made their insignia and psychic hoods out of greenstuff.

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

Pledged some Scouts to the B2B challenge and finished them tonight.

 

Two more squads to complete my scout section!

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

These Terminator armored warriors are rare among their Carcharodon brothers.  The Crux Terminatus, said to bear part of the Emperor's own armor is only present on suits from the chapters Librarium.  All other battle brothers able to wear the powerful armor wear the chapter mark on both shoulders.  These rare suits are adorned with the symbol of the Librarium on top of the Crux while the chapter badge is displayed on their right shoulder.  Many of these suits suffer damage over the centuries and long ago scars and some mismatched parts betray the delicate care focused on repair and maintenance focused onto these relics of bygone times.  

 

Epistolary Quinto Sendul,  Epistolary Tsol Hiro and Codicifer  Suresh Blache have arrived .  Each warrior is able to lead or be part of a deadly supporting mission for the Carcharodons.  Their powerful attacks balanced with their solemn demeanor and the silence that so often surrounds these hulking warriors.  Few words are spoken by these men, but those they do share carry special weight.

 

Epistolary Quinto Sendul and Epistolary Tsol Hiro wielding a deadly Force sword and a Force staff (warding staff)  

 

Epistolary Tsol Hiro and Codicifer  Suresh Blache with their Force swords drawn.

 

I think it is time to fill out the ranks of my Scout force.   Two squads of scouts sit ready to receive their colors and set upon the battlefield.

 

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

Carcharodon Scout squads deployed and prepared for long term insertion and intel gathering.

 

24 scouts.  

 

8 per squad 

 

A mottled camouflage pattern on their cloaks to help disguise them while in cover.

Their chainswords are made with the same white teeth that are used throught the entire chapters arsenal.

Acting as a preparatory force, Carcharodon scouts provide a huge resource of manpower for their chapter.  

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

Time for some dreadnoughts

 

3 auto cannon Mortis style dreads

2 las cannon Mortis style dreads (one with sentinel legs "chickenwalker")

1 Venerable with dreadfire arms  

 

 

small radar dishes are added to these to indicate skyfire rules.

Smoke launcher and spotlight added to these.  Auto cannons from Bitspudlo.  

 

Almost all of these are old assault on black reach dreads that I have found on ebay.  Careful removal of some hull markings and a few bits from  various sources and I have two squads of dreadnoughts that carry a good deal of firepower.  

 

The dreadnoughts used by the Predation fleet Mako are to make best use of injured or seriously wounded marines.  Isolated from resupply for extended periods of time, these metal beasts are a way to extend the fighting force of the Carcharodons despite injuries they might have taken.  

 

The venerable dreadnought "Cor Esh" is the rare exception.  A strong and skilled sergeant who was favored serving in the Assault veteran squadrons.  His frequent use of flame and promethium in assault was responsible for multiple victories for the chapter.  Upon his internment into a dreadnought his close combat style was agreed as a specialist model.  Providing rear support for his fellow dreadnoughts or performing independent strike missions, his armored form has survived far longer than his fellow dreadnoughts.  

 

Extended legs have been recently experimented with to attempt faster modes of movement with greater fields of fire.  Sadly, the bulk of armor atop such legs has proven to be unstable and movement speed is not increased.  The added range of fire is noted as being useful for the Las cannon wielding models.  Their high damage shots able to penetrate even the strongest foe their many enemies throw at them.  

 

Techmarine and apothecary assets are often available when dreadnought models are deployed.  Their value as machines of war is matched by the gene seed of the marines operation them.  The loss of either machine or gene seed would be a painful blow to the chapter.

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[Chandrian]

and i thought having 4 Dreadnought was a lot !!! 

 

i really like the glow effect on the Terminator eyes! 

 

Keep up the good work airinhere   

[airinhere]

I spent the afternoon working on the chickenwalker  Mortis.  Each of the dreads will bear significant weathering and battle damage from their extensive field repairs and frequent use.  

 

 

Each warrior entered into the dreadnought is honored with his personal mark painted on the armored plates.  Some Dreadnoughts have extensive replacement parts that hide the true number of men to serve as crew.  But all of the chapter dreadnoughts bear witness to the honor of the men interred within.

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

Completed the second Mortis las cannon variant tonight.  I also started work on the venerable dread.

 

 

The venerable dread will have more complex markings on it.  

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[Brother Alanticus]

I like these. Might make a charchadons army myself.

[airinhere]

Tonight I completed my Blackfish Venerable dreadnought  Cor Esh.  He carries a chapter banner made of defeated enemies and glorious hunts.   Currently his trophies include a Tyranid head freshly removed after a solo mission aboard an infested shipwreck adrift in space and Necron phase crystals that still give off an otherworldly glow.

 

 

The glow of the Necron crystals remains long after they are removed from their frightful machines.   A Hormagaunt head also dangles as a prize after having to wade through hordes of the monsters infesting the wreckage of a brothers ship.  Their geneseeds were recovered largely due to Venerable Brother Esh.  The tribal markings on his shoulder mounts mirror similar tattoos he earned during his years of service.  Now they serve as a reminder of his ancient honor.

 

 

Many brothers serve as Dreadnoughts.  Unwilling to waste the time and effort spent training their brothers, the Carcharodons often look for creative ways for their brothers to continue serving even after the greatest of injuries.

 

Heavy weapon support models such as these Mortis pattern Dreadnoughts offer anti air support and massive firepower.  Dropships are often used to place these where needed.

 

Oil and rust are the dreadnoughts constant struggle.  Either one leaks oil and makes slippery messes wherever he goes, or the metal rusts solid and needs repairs.  Such is the everlasting work of the chapter techmarines.  

 

 

These brothers serve even beyond death.  

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

No thread about a fleet would be correct without some proper star craft.   I have managed to get my hands on a few proper marine ships.  Four Strike craft, 3 Nova, 3 Gladius and six Hunters.

 

I am hoping that my flight stands arrive soon in the mail, but I have been using these foam blocks to hold the models while I paint them.

 

 

Three Gladius frigates and 3 Hunter frigates provide support for two strike cruisers.  One strike cruiser has been modified to include additional flight decks and a secondary bombardment cannon instead of its normal port and starboard battery of weapons.

 

 

3 Nova Frigates and 3 Hunter frigates provide ship to ship firepower in support of another two Strike cruisers.  One Strike Cruiser has an under slung dual lance battery instead of its normal port and starboard weapons systems.

 

 

Each Nova frigates sports a bow mounted Lance battery and one strike cruiser is heavily modified for ship to ship combat.  The port and starboard weapons batteries have been removed from one Strike Cruiser and a power supply has been added to power a dual lance system mounted under the prow bombardment cannon.

 

 

Three Gladius frigates bring close support weapon systems to support the two strike cruisers they are assigned to.  One strike cruiser is specially modified to support ship to ship boarding actions.  Additional hangar space and a second prow mounted bombardment cannon brings added firepower for the Carcharodons.

 

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

Dreadnought squadron Papau has received orders for battlefield support orders.  These three Mortis pattern dreadnoughts are armed with dual auto cannon, smoke launchers and spotlights.  

 

 

Tribal patterns are painted onto the hull armor as each suit is passed from one brother to the next.  Due to the transient nature of the residency, and the highly dangerous lifestyle faced by the dreadnought operators, there is often substantial damage and wear on each dreadnought.

 

 

Rust patches and oil spills are common on the dreadnoughts as they are often dropped planet side and then left until recovery is safe.  Frequently the time spent on planet is outdoors without proper support facilities. 

 

 

Worn armor and rusty plates are used in makeshift battlefield repairs.

 

Dreadnought squadron Papau Supported by two Las cannon Mortis pattern dreadnoughts from squadron Chuuk.  Venerable dreadnought Cor Esh leads them in his Blackfish model close combat dreadnought. 

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere

[airinhere]

Time for rapid deployment strike forces to prepare for insertion into theater of operations.

 

3 squads of bikes with multimelta support trike.

 

One support team of attack bikes with multimeltas.

 

One command squad led by captain.

 

Plasma guns, melta guns and grav weapon loadouts available based upon mission requirements.

 

After a month of no painting, I finally have some free time to restart painting my Carcharodons.

 

 

Edited September 2, 2017 by airinhere