The Promethia Crusade: Reinforcements Arrive!

[Firepower]

Try Castrol Super Clean if Simple Green isn't getting the job done.

 

Yay Grimaldus!  Such an iconic character and such a spot on encapsulation of the Templar aesthetic.  He was a long paint job, but worth every second.

 

You can kinda cheat on the banner by using a decal instead of a freehand cross (microsol and microset are your friends when it comes to decals).  You can also create finer scripture-squiggles using a micron pen.  The ink takes a while to dry though, and if not left to set for a good while will smudge easily from touch or varnish spraying. 

 

In terms of bitz selection, the axe guy looks Templary.  I'm not a fan of those braided cords on my Templars though.  Real marines use chains ;)

 

Gotta thin those paints.  Some very thick layers going on there.  A finer, quality brush may help you with that free handing and the wide highlights, but in the end it will still come down to control.

 

Tactical Squad box will give you good torsos you can use on general marines, but Assault Squad only has the ump harness chests.  On the other hand, Assault Squad has more dynamic leg poses (but only 5 as opposed to 10) and close combat weapons.  Your call.

[T-Rock]

I might have to check that out. Seeing as roughly half of my models/bitz are reclaimed from my decade old ignorance, I've had a hell of a time getting the quality I want painting over semi-painted models, even after the liquid green bath. Resulting in some of the uglier, more uneven looking bits on my models; the shoulders especially. Definitely can see that on my axe-templar. 

 

The paint thinning process and highlighting are a constant internal battle between my desire for better looking models, and my desire to have a painted army on the table top. Patience isn't exactly a strong suit of mine, so I keep slapping on one thick, rushed layer hoping it'll turn out fine. Not always the case. I'm hoping this new crusader squad (and a nice, new set of Christmas brushes) will give me the opportunity to apply what I've learned the last few months. Now that I have enough units painted to play, I can hopefully force myself to be more patient with these guys.

 

Thanks for the advice! Banner stuff sounds like it'll help immensely as well. 

Edited December 29, 2015 by T-Rock

[Marshal_Roujakis]

Ink/Washes will help give more depth to your models as well, if you feel that you're not adequate enough for that really crisp edge highlighting (like what Firepower does all the time :p)

then try drybrushing on the edges, which is a fast process to do on Marines... also mold lines... these are apparent on your axe guy so you might want to shave them off on your future ventures.

 

Agree with Firepower on the banner tip, decals are good for Banners and tanks (although I have to keep practicing free hand so I always free hand) printing out icons and decals can also be your option as long as you get the size right. 

 

and lastly, barrel holes... bolters can't fire if the barrels for their bolters are just one solid piece... try drilling holes for the bolter barrels.

 

Good luck Brother, and may your Crusade bring pride to the Chapter.

[T-Rock]

Thanks! Yup, washes have been a lifesaver with my cloth painting. How would that work on black armor exactly, though? Ah, great recommendation on the gun barrels. Hadn't really considered that! Seeing as I'm on break (I'm a teacher), I've spent the evening painting Grimaldus and continuing my WIP Land Raider! As always, criticism and advice is encouraged! Still some fine tuning to be done, but I'm off to bed and was too excited to not post him.

 

While it's nothing revelatory, I'm pleased that, with some better brushes and some more patience, I'm seeing an encouraging difference with him compared to where I (re)started a few months ago. Thanks again for everyone's advice and help!

 

http://s29.postimg.org/wtlry8krn/IMG_0447.jpg  http://s28.postimg.org/fkl3qtzex/IMG_0446.jpg

Edited December 29, 2015 by T-Rock

[Firepower]

Ink/Washes will help give more depth to your models as well, if you feel that you're not adequate enough for that really crisp edge highlighting (like what Firepower does all the time )

then try drybrushing on the edges, which is a fast process to do on Marines... 

 

Flattery is not paddleum-proof.  Nothing is paddleum proof. 

 

 

Thanks! Yup, washes have been a lifesaver with my cloth painting. How would that work on black armor exactly, though? Ah, great recommendation on the gun barrels. Hadn't really considered that! Seeing as I'm on break (I'm a teacher), I've spent the evening painting Grimaldus and continuing my WIP Land Raider! As always, criticism and advice is encouraged! Still some fine tuning to be done, but I'm off to bed and was too excited to not post him.

 

The Raider definitely needs a splash of color (or white).  Lots of folks tend to paint the smaller panels towards the front and back of the side armor white, for instance.  For Grimaldus, take a chance to try the 'erasing' method I mentioned earlier.  The thick lines of the scripture, for example, could by narrowed by erasing a bit of their width with the brown you used for the scrolls.  You can do the same to tighten up the thicker lines of gray you used to highlight the black armor.  Just take more black and carefully 'push' the gray towards the edges.  The simplicity of it is one of the best parts of working with black. :)

[AndrewChristlieb]

Pushing the black out is great for cleaning up your drybrushing if you choose to do that also. Almost all of my troops at least are drybrushed then I went back and ran black up to the edge to cover up the grey haze that drybrush leaves on the flat armor panels. Mainly because it's quicker to paint the black back over the flat panels quickly when I'm trying to push out a big batch of models then it is to line highlight everything. I've had good success with vehicles the same way.

[Marshal_Roujakis]

similar to AndrewChristlieb, I use drybrushing on my models as well, but unlike him, I tend to use a heavy Nuln Oil wash over the entire model after I've drybrushed grey and a thin drybrush layer of white (and after painting any metallic and white panels ), that way the flat panels get covered in a black finish similar to a charcoal texture while leaving the edges with a thin highlight that seems like natural lighting. It's a very lazy method :p but it leaves a natural dust covered look to my Templars' armor that shows the details on their armor and looks good if they are fighting in an urban environment.

 

2 examples:

 

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o622/Marshal_Roujakis/DSC_0220%202_zpsdph5rvnu.jpg

 

http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o622/Marshal_Roujakis/DSC_0541_zpsa8ddid1h.jpg

[AndrewChristlieb]

I'll have to try that nuln oil trick. Man I go through some nuln oil thoigh :/.

[T-Rock]

Practice, new brushes, and everyone's advice are slowly but surely paying dividends. Cheers, everyone. My current squad in process. 

 

http://s17.postimg.org/tfubv6zuj/templar.jpg

[deathspectersgt7]

[Honda]

Practice, new brushes, and everyone's advice are slowly but surely paying dividends. Cheers, everyone. My current squad in process.

 

 

That squad looks really good. You should be proud of them, they will fight well for you.

 

Please do continue.

 

Cheers,

[M@verik115]

I have no idea what you are on about, but your painting seems more than fine to me.

Maybe I'm just mediocre too, but I've seen FAR worse armies out there... FAAAAR worse. 

[T-Rock]

Thanks man! As far as on the tabletop, I'm more than happy with my current skill level. In comparison to the awesome stuff on B&C though, I still have quite a ways to go. I'm an impatient perfectionist, so I instantly compare my work to the Sword Brothers posting on here, despite the fact I'm just starting. I figure the higher I set the bar, the faster I'll learn, and I'm having far too much fun to get frustrated. Seeing as I'm a teacher and coach in the real world, I'm quite enjoying being the wide eyed neophyte for a change. 

 

Speaking of which, I've kitbashed some death company bitz on to my next few Templar. I'm really pleased with the results, so they'll be up soon as well. After that hopefully I can motivate myself to do more work on my neglected vehicles.

[Firepower]

 I'm an impatient perfectionist, so I instantly compare my work to the Sword Brothers posting on here, despite the fact I'm just starting. I figure the higher I set the bar, the faster I'll learn

 

^^^This guy gets it.  Think of your brushes like tiny pain gloves with bristles.

[T-Rock]

Update!

 

A snowstorm has descended from the warp and is about to smash in to the East Coast. Schools have been closed, so instead of stock piling food or grading papers, I had a paint marathon. 

 

Due to the marathon, the fact all I have is my iPhone camera, and I'd rather add to my crusade than show evidence of it, I have a backlog of models that I wanted to share. The initiates are kitbashes from the death guard kit. I had to edge off some blood drops, but I really like the dynamic poses and cloth bits, as I feel they go really well with the Templar aesthetic. These fellas are mostly done, but probably still need a little refining. I'm in the process of getting my hands on a hobby drill to clean up my bolters. C&C welcome! 

 

 

 

http://s11.postimg.org/o8zm72n9b/IMG_0541.jpg  http://s11.postimg.org/502jh233z/IMG_0544.jpg  http://s11.postimg.org/r5mn7ct33/IMG_0546.jpg  http://s11.postimg.org/unyn3qtz3/IMG_0549.jpg  

          Sword Brother Inastas                   Sword Brother Thalhaiden                  Sword Brother Angrad                    Initiate Brother Naclides

 

http://s11.postimg.org/73hk2gsan/IMG_0551.jpg  http://s11.postimg.org/5s9stzwov/IMG_0553.jpg  http://s11.postimg.org/iie1734n3/IMG_0555.jpg  http://s11.postimg.org/55aw4gzsv/IMG_0556.jpg

         Initiate Brother Thorias                     Initiate Brother Aimard                 Initiate Brother Vanrich                          Culexus Assassin 

 

http://s11.postimg.org/x6oxi6533/IMG_0558.jpg

      LRC Spearhead (WIP)

 

http://s11.postimg.org/o06muvzun/IMG_0561.jpg

 Neophyte Recruit Class of 2016

Edited January 22, 2016 by T-Rock

[Firepower]

Clearly, the Emperor sent this blizzard to aid you in your efforts.

 

One of the few times I'm glad to live in the midwest, all the same :lol:

[The_Chaplain]

 

 

A snowstorm has descended from the warp and is about to smash in to the East Coast. Schools have been closed, so instead of stock piling food or grading papers, I had a paint marathon.

 

Quite the fortuitous snow storm fellow east coaster, nice to see you are using the time off well! 

Edited January 23, 2016 by The_Chaplain

[Marshal Mattias]

Excellent work brother, and good kitbashing! I love some of those poses you've created.

[T-Rock]

Will hopefully be posting campaign updates with a little more regularity starting soon. The holidays, weather, and some life circumstances had put it on hold for a while, but we're planning on kicking it back off this weekend. In honor of the campaign beginning in earnest, I typed up a quick "Crusade Launch" sermon to signify the official start of the Promethia Crusade.
 

 

Removed for reasons. 

 

Edited February 18, 2016 by T-Rock

[T-Rock]

Update!

 

Got the Dark Angels veteran sprues to do some kitbashing. I know not everyone is keen on the whole "robed" thing, but I think these guys are turning out pretty well. Also bought some Centurions that I am attempting to Templar out a bit. Will be posting updated pictures once I paint and refine more!

 

http://s16.postimg.org/f1j4y0lr9/IMG_0638.jpg%20http://s16.postimg.org/ks9bbqtr9/IMG_0639.jpg%20http://s16.postimg.org/6kjmn3h2d/IMG_0640.jpg%20http://s16.postimg.org/52y6bjcbp/IMG_0641.jpg%20http://s16.postimg.org/6gpt6ubl1/IMG_0642.jpg

 

http://s16.postimg.org/ks9bbqtr9/IMG_0639.jpg

 

http://s16.postimg.org/6kjmn3h2d/IMG_0640.jpg

 

http://s16.postimg.org/6gpt6ubl1/IMG_0642.jpg

Edited February 7, 2016 by T-Rock

[Brother Christopher]

Adding the torso tabards from the BT upgrade kit was a great touch. Both of the "DA" guys are looking great. The kitbashed/converted sword is especially good - I've never seen this done before (admittedly, I'm not sure if the blade is "straight", but I have the same problem with my "teeth of terra" - I should get a bionic eye like a proper marine, or simply get new glasses). Also, you might consider doing something about the DA dagger handle which sticks out from the skull on the backpack. If you're a purist, that is. These DA swords (blades, handles) are quite specific to the DA, but doing something about them can sometimes be difficult. The Centurions are turning out great. Black suits them perhaps more than other models. Cheers!

[T-Rock]

Thanks man! I was hoping the skull in the dagger would be generic enough to work, but perhaps not. I'm definitely a purist, so maybe I'll see if I can fit the hilt of the ceremonial Templar sword in the upgrade kit. Yeah, the swords are two different sizes so I had a rough time equaling them out. Probably need to do a little trimming to make it more even. 

 

Battle Report:

 

Played my first 2000pt game last weekend against a friend's Chaos Ork army. If ever there was an army Templar would really, really want to stab it was these guys. To make things even better, my opponent is a modeling/painting/terrain guru, so it was by far the most beautiful looking game of 40k I've yet to play. 

 

Armies:

 

My army was made up of a LRC Spearhead. Two of which had squads of 5 initiates, 5 Neophytes, and a Sword brother. The last Land Raider had 6 Honor Guard and Grimaldus. The Spearhead was flanked by two vindicators. The lone Land Speeder was part of my raptor wing, so I had two storm talons in reserve.

 

My opponents army had... a lot of Orks. I mean A LOT. He also had three fliers, some orky ordinance cannons, Deff Koptas, and two giant anti-tank smasher things. Seeing as this is my first game against Orks, I'm clearly clueless about their names. Additionally, he had some khorne demons, "plague orks," and a Blood Thirster. Thank God he failed his rolls to bring on that beast, as it would've been a game changer.

 

Deployment:

 

As you can see, my deployment was slightly less time consuming. The whole 6" rule for the Spearhead is a pain, and I had little choice but to deploy in and around some dangerous terrain. I was hoping to have my vindicators thin out his hordes and ram by LRCs right up the gut of the table and grab the objective markers that were focused towards the center of the board. Just realizing the objectives weren't place in this initial picture. 

 

http://s29.postimg.org/obvzny7wn/IMG_0594.jpg

 

http://s13.postimg.org/fi14yfg07/5579937.jpg%20http://s13.postimg.org/6pk6aquvb/9047359.jpg%20http://s13.postimg.org/not4q062v/9219173.jpg

 

http://s13.postimg.org/6pk6aquvb/9047359.jpg

 

http://s21.postimg.org/3re7c1uav/9028914.jpg

 

Turn 1:

 

Things started off a little slow as we started the slow trudge towards each other. My vindicators dropped some shells on his Deff Koptas, coming one model away from first blood. That's okay. I'll get it next turn. I know it wasn't Templar of me, but upon realizing he had precious little that could hurt my armor, I decided it'd be smart to sit on top of these objectives and pump as many shots in to his horde as possible.

 

http://s29.postimg.org/wvfdlpg93/IMG_0597.jpg

 

Turn 2:

 

I moved my forces up just enough to camp on some objectives and continue dropping ordinance from my vindicators, and shredding through his advancing infantry. At this point my Land Raiders are able to pump shots in to his demons. First blood is mine! As it turns out, hastily assembled ork helicopters don't stand up well to giant, explosive shells being dropped on them. Also, my storm talons come on (thanks raptor wing!) and blow up one of his giant ork walkers. Seeing as those are one of the few things he has that can touch my Land Raiders, it was a great kill.

 

Bad news, his flyers come on and absolutely destroy my storm talons. In my desire to kill his anti-tank weapon, I decide not to jink. Considering some ork weapons literally blow themselves up on certain rolls, I though I'd be fine. Guess not.

 

http://s29.postimg.org/7hvdw3tdz/IMG_0600.jpg

 

http://s29.postimg.org/dzeafm3rb/IMG_0603.jpg

 

 

Turn 3: 

 

The pain train continues! I decide to hold off for one more turn and let my Land Raiders unleash their full payload before dumping out their angry marines. Black Templar really love stabbing things in the face, but I think they'd respect the simple math behind thinning the horde a little bit. At this point the game is fairly close, as we've each been claiming objectives, but he begins to worry at the number of models I continue to eat through.

 

http://s8.postimg.org/6d2snyd51/3984207.jpg

 

http://s10.postimg.org/wrd20z41l/4115311.jpg

 

http://s13.postimg.org/tp7zkqi87/7662575.jpg

 

 

 

Turn 4:

 

Time to dump the marines! At this point my trigger finger was itchy and his blobs were beginning to close in on objective markers I needed to hold. My winning these two objectives would give me two victory points. Additionally, I'd receive a point for winning combat. Luckily, the combat plays out in my favor, thanks to the Orks morale check failure. I win both combats and sweeping advance the pathetic, chaos worshiping green skins. On the other flank, my crusader squads eat through the weakened orks and demons. Grimaldus maneuvers himself for the final epic showdown with his Warboss, Badruck the Black, soon to be featured in our campaign. My marines maneuver to seize needed objectives and engage Badruk's honor guard.

 

Meanwhile, I continue dropping templates on his backfield.

 

http://s13.postimg.org/l5olmz9vr/4148986.jpg

 

http://s13.postimg.org/71sqel2o7/9705016.jpg

 

http://s13.postimg.org/ne2s4bgzr/9358694.jpg

 

Turn 5:

 

Unfortunately, I'm left rather out in the open now, and his flyer drops a very painful bomb on one of my crusader squads. My other squad is home free, and Grimaldus charges in to battle with his honor guard to do battle with Badruck's shoota boyz! Naturally, I challenge the Warboss to a challenge, which (in anti-climactic fashion) is a bit of a pillow fight.

 

At this point, I'd wracked up enough victory points to have a fairly sizable lead, and the game ended before we could get to turn 6

 

http://s29.postimg.org/yj9xmm4qv/IMG_0608.jpg

 

http://s13.postimg.org/uwqiqoxqf/IMG_0609.jpg

 

http://s29.postimg.org/iilxndw93/IMG_0614.jpg

 

http://s29.postimg.org/89tghk87b/IMG_0617.jpg

 

End!

 

Ultimately, it was a great, fluffy game. I can absolutely imagine hordes of demon infected orcs charging an armored spear head of Templar, while vindicators shelled them to cover the advance and storm talons zipped overhead. Sadly, the storm talons got put down quickly, but killing/wounding his two multi-wound anti-tank walkers was important. 

 

Hope you enjoyed!

Edited February 9, 2016 by T-Rock

[T-Rock]

Potentially awesome news, brothers! One of our own is on his way to infiltrating the Black Library and working on the Black Templar fluff from within!

...Okay, so I'm exaggerating a bit. In truth, my open submission application was accepted, my test briefs were given the thumbs up by the submission team, and now they are on their way to the editors for final judgement. If they approve, I'll be ushered in to the BL writing team. Obviously, this is the hardest part, and is in no way even close to a sure thing. However, being this close has me excited.

I'll do anything short of chopping off a limb to get a crack at writing some Black Templar stuff, so here's to hoping!

Edited March 10, 2016 by T-Rock

[Sete]

Remember: Psyker Hate.

No filthy Librarians.

No God Emperor.

 

I wish you the best of luck! ;)

[Marshal Mattias]

Best of luck, that's exciting stuff for sure!