Flight of the Tenax (Scythes of the Emperor)

[The Scythes]

Hello all,

It has been another stretch of time since my last post back in 2012 for my websites 14th. A few intermittent posts to fellow Sothan friends since, business and professional sailing adventures for a couple of years; but largely, I was as quiet as the deadworld of Sotha. (1 minute silence..)

Since the project with FalcesImperator on our joint Scythes Factual History brief in 2009, an astounding amount of love has been shown to the Scythes.

You need only visit the very well maintained Scythes of the Emperor Lexcanium page which includes in part my original work with FalcesImperator; long since maintained by folks at Black Library such as L.J Goulding, our current patron and champion for all things Sothan at GW.

Since 2012 we have had mention in the more recent Space Marine codex, officially under the Ultramarines (Luke, I am your father...) and even full mention of our origins in The Unremembered Empire novel.

I've compiled an Essential Reading Guide for the Scythes' with help from Goulding and others; after I noted 'Shadow of the Beast' (by Goulding) reviewed on Colourblind Painter in August.

To be brief, since 2012, the Scythes have appeared in 8 stories from Black Library. Written by L.J Goulding, Dan Abnett, Guy Haley and Richard Williams.

Suffice to say, there's some serious Sothan love the last few years. Let alone all the modelling threads for the Scythes such as GrizzlyBear's great precursor to Kraken force.

After such a long intro, I'd better be showing something.. well, I've begun completing my long overdue Flight of the Tenax project.

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/gallery/archive-artwork/the_tenax.jpg?i=863529982

She's a tough little warship, the protector of a small civilian convoy. I'm finishing the last pages of a short fiction about their flight from Sotha and establishing the crew in the new (2012-2015) GW timeline for Sothans. I'll be completing a campaign not unlike a Warhammer Quest campaign, using Necromunda and Second edition rules.

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/IMG_0507-300x225.jpg
Near mint rulebooks acquired, Check!

Should be an interesting ride as the survivors on the Tenax, embattled from more than just the Great Devourer, continue on and make it to the Heart of Cronus, the last Chapter flagship, which in a very humbling addition, includes Forgemaster Sebastion, a nod by LJ Goulding.

Text:

The Scythes of the Emperor fleet, generally considered to have all been destroyed by the Tyrannic assault about the worlds of Sotha and Miral, has recently begun to feature in spacer tales of late. In particular the fanciful sightings of a small but tenacious Gladius class Frigate, the perpetrator of several random supply seizures using valid, but long thought destroyed Astartes requisition notices. This has lead local authorities to consider the possibility that enterprising Privateers may have discovered these among adrift Sothan vessels. However the story becomes more interesting when the remains of pirate raiders and lifeless Tyrannic bishops have been discovered adrift along the Fringe, bearing wounds only Astartes weapons could make. These stories have caused some to dare a hope there may yet be a few Sothans left alive, despite widely accepted thinking to the contrary.

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/tenax_ship_colours.png

 

The Tenax, Scythes of the Emperor Fleet, Gladius Class. Hull laid M40,977, Calth shipyards.
A respectable service record, notable actions against Orks at Corinth, Tau at Sy'Kell then Dal'Yth, and Eldar of the Verdeworlds. Heavily damaged during latter two Crusades. Placed as picket during Hivefleet Kraken invasion of the Sotharan League. Recovered what survivors remained of abortive Vth and Xth Co. actions aboard hibernating bioships. Last recorded leading the final Odessa refugee breakout. Ordered to rendezvous at Miral with Heart Of Cronus post escort. However failed to report prior to Chapter withdrawal, no contact since. Presumed destroyed M41.993, with all hands along with the loss of 16 Battle Brothers and 14 Neophytes. May His Light preserve their Valor.

Full vessel build, components and history available here on my site. (Developed with FFG 40KRPG)

Portraits for the Scythes of the Tenax (Both Brothers and Scouts - which can be seen on my site). These will be assigned to each character, linking to a Character Page, charting their career and potential last moments as the Roguelike Campaign progresses.

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Scythes-Portraits-Array1.png

 

A sample of the portraits, rest to be viewed on my site when the Campaign opens.

 

Edited July 11, 2017 by The Scythes
Sorry, but no images of Xenos outside those very limited depictions allowed in the rules, glimpses in The Forge isn't one of them.

[Ratboy1664]

Always nice to see a chapter represented so well, bravo sir. If you are interested in all things Scythes I made a diorama of the last stand at the Giant's Coffin in my 'Project Den' plog in the Hall of Honour.

[Bryan Blaire]

Awesome work and very nicely painted Scythes!

[Grizzly_bear]

I'm loving where this is going Brother.

 

Can't wait to see more and read this book you have going on

Edited October 30, 2015 by Grizzly_bear

[CaptainTaco]

Really great painting, and good work on compiling the fluff. I've always been partial to the Scythes. Where did the resin marine frigate come from?

[The Scythes]

Hi All,

 

- Thanks Ratboy! I've already bookmarked your diorama - about time I redid my showcase gallery of Sothan's about the internet.

 

- Hi Bryan, cheers! Been far too long not mixing up yellow and black.

 

- Grizzly! Brother! Indeed, editing opening chapter tonight to lead into the first mission. Something to keep my focus through the campaign.

 

- Hi Captain Taco, cheers for that. The Gladius Frigate is from Forgeworld for Battlefleet Gothic. Not sure if it is available anymore however. Its due for a repaint in my newer style of Sothan gold/black.

 

- Sebastian.

[Commissar Molotov]

Very pleased to see you returning to your endeavours. You have, for many years, been a hobbyist whose works I've really enjoyed. The Scythes have always been a chapter that've interested me, and your take on them has always been awesome. I look forward to seeing what you're getting up to! 

[deathspectersgt7]

Followed.

[Stoneheart]

Looking good! Followed :) 

[augustmanifesto]

Amazing. Glad to see this long-term project is still alive and kicking! Your work was a major inspiration to me with my own approach to rendering yellow! Cheers / *followed* 

[MikhalLeNoir]

Ooohhhh a second army of my now favourite chapter. Awesome

[The Scythes]

Thanks Molotov :) Been enjoying your Truescale work! :)

 

Deathspectre, Stoneheart - thanks guys!

 

AugustManifesto - Imperial Fists eh? Can only imagine the trek to get that perfect yellow; so critical for such a Chapter :)

 

MikhalLeNoir - Indeed, the Scythes are appearing more and more - such is our resilience ;)

[The Scythes]

And on we go.

 

This group is more assault focussed with specialist elements. Their main use is to skulk ahead when hunting down lone Tyranid scouts or seed swarms. Then the larger more tactical focussed force arrives and purges the alien.

 

Modelling wise, these are largerly complete with some greenstuff gap filling to do before basecoats.

 

First we have the next Sergeant, with the usual unpowered battle plate of classic scout leaders. He's sporting a drum fed bolt pistol and chainsword, with bionic arm - as many Scythes marines tend to exhibit.

 

I also added a cape, the reverse of which is being completed with the hood.

 

You'll notice these guys are loaded for bear; they're ahead of the main scout force, so whatever they encounter, they need to hold their own for longer than most. Yes, thats a meltabomb tucked away there.

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/gallery/scouts-wip/photo-3-11-2015-15-25-30.jpg

 

Dual role for supporting the assault and tactical elements, my Forgeworld missile launcher scout in homage to the original Tyranid Attack models and art:

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/gallery/scouts-wip/photo-3-11-2015-15-23-50.jpg

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/gallery/scouts-wip/photo-3-11-2015-15-23-42.jpg

 

Followed by a not often seen assault addition, the Flamer specialist (yet to add a couple of promethium cans to his belt line plus Infra-lenses)

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/gallery/scouts-wip/photo-3-11-2015-15-22-35.jpg

 

And another specialist, the sniper, hooded and kneeling within whatever vantage point he finds to cover the others as they move ahead. The most perfunctory model in the project, sans hood.

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/gallery/scouts-wip/photo-3-11-2015-15-21-51.jpg

 

Lastly, one of two outright assault scouts - the second is undergoing some cloak surgery.

 

First thing you may notice, he's weilding a Falx, which in a recent short story by Black Library was a noted Scythe weapon of choice. And before you ask, I have no idea where the blade came from, possibly.. Dark Eldar. This particular scout has about eight grenades on his person.. (only a couple viewable presently)

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/gallery/scouts-wip/photo-3-11-2015-15-20-43.jpg

 

I'll post up my short fiction as a PDF soon, alongside the next additions to the 18 scouts aboard the Tenax.

 

Till, then, Purge the Alien!

- Sebastian

Edited November 3, 2015 by The Scythes

[Grizzly_bear]

That's it I give up my scythes project......

 

These are fantastic brother, 100% perfect

[MikhalLeNoir]

That's it I give up my scythes project......

These are fantastic brother, 100% perfect

I would kill you if you end my dearest 40k Thread

[The Scythes]

Thanks Grizzly - though seriously cool modelling in your Sothan thread. I'm looking to adding armor mods later in the campaign as the marines get worn down.

 

These lads are fresh out of the pan, about to walk through the fire - so, serious inspiration from your weathering to be sure.

 

MikhalLeNoir - not to worry, need as many Sothans around as we can!

Edited November 3, 2015 by The Scythes

[The Scythes]

Follow up to the campaign and introducing forthcoming members of the Tenax, whom I will be modelling here. This companion novel (a living work in progress reacting to models and the campaign) begins with Chapter 1, 'Flight of the Tenax' which you can download here via my website.

 

 

"Today launches the companion fiction series 'Flight of the Tenax' for my Scythes of the Emperor campaign. A living account of the survivors aboard the Tenax and their convoy of Sothan survivors. This gives you the background to the campaign, the ongoing struggles in between missions and the set up for missions they will undertake.

 

It is my hope through this ongoing series of chapters you also become invested in characters among the Scythes and feel their every victory, or every loss as acutely as they will."

 

 

I hope you enjoy and start picking our your favourite characters in time as I showcase modelling them here.

 

- Sebastian.

[oldschoolsavant]

Those legs....? Old scout legs, cut down Mk2, something else ?

[sockwithaticket]

Very cool. Like the alternate symbol a lot. Have a lot of time for people who bother to convert scout models.

[The Scythes]

Hi OldSchoolSoviet - the legs are from Tyranid Attack/Advanced Space Crusade Scout models. I've been scouring the internet to pick up enough to convert their legs.

 

Oddily they come in grey and neon green plastic; the foot is mono-pose, so oft times I have to shave the boot and reposition or sculpt new boot 'foot' areas. Of late, the original boots 'foot' section has turned out to be a convincing replacement for more interesting poses (at rest, running, stalking etc).

 

Thanks Sockwithaticket; takes time to do! ;) Symbol wise, doing one Scythe icon for scouts, then the classic Double Scythe for the marines. :)

 

- Sebastian.

[oldschoolsavant]

Thanks. I do have a bag of twenty or so somewhere, but they're red/blue/yellow, possibly from an older boxed game (launched around the same time as Space Fleet ?).

 

Think it's the grey throwing me, as the detail is clearer.

[The Scythes]

Hi OldSchoolSoviet, I think your lads are from Ultra Marines!, a Space Hulk 1st Edition tile boardgame that used Scouts for Space Wolves, Blood Angels, Marines and Dark Angels. There was also 'Lost Patrol'.

 

Grey models come from Advanced Space Crusade and Tyranid Attack it seems. :)

[The Scythes]

Taking a break from modelling and painting, I've begun work on the scenarios for the Scythes to cleanse the convoy. If you have read the 'Flight of the Tenax' first chapter, you'll understand the set up and those involved.

 

In the build up to their first mission, I’ve begun remixing Space Hulk artwork to create the spaces within the transports and cargo ships of the convoy. A small randomisation table will be drafted for the type of spaces they enter and the foes they’ll encounter.

 

For some, you’ll notice a similarlity to Warhammer Quest; a format which suits this sort of explorative close combat type of game. Should be interesting and down right deadly.

 

Here are the first large rooms that will make up Cargo sections. I have to create engineering, atmospherics and crew quarters as other potential areas.

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ship-rooms.jpg

 

Updates soon :)

[Stercus]

Hi OldSchoolSoviet, I think your lads are from Ultra Marines!, a Space Hulk 1st Edition tile boardgame that used Scouts for Space Wolves, Blood Angels, Marines and Dark Angels. There was also 'Lost Patrol'.

 

Grey models come from Advanced Space Crusade and Tyranid Attack it seems. :)

Ultramarines! I bloody loved that game. Spent hours drawing up new rules so I could adapt it for use with space crusade models and board sections.

[hushrong]

This looks tantalizing! Awesome chapter, tons of background, and did I read something about scenarios similar to warhammer quest?

 

Looking forward to more!