Flight of the Tenax (Scythes of the Emperor)

[The Scythes]

Thank you @Valrocanum! I have taken photos during my last build of a Classic Scout (playing off only a handful survived) and the remaining neophytes have access to the Infiltrator Pattern kit we know today for scouts. Expect the photos shortly!

 

Appreciate that @Chaplain Dosjetka! Shall keep on showcasing my efforts indeed. See the goodies below!

 

Thank you @Darknation, I hope to invigorate as much sensory response from your cogitations as I can

 

@Doghouse, my man! Cheers Brother! (Just realised you're Basingstoke, I used to crew the GW Store there 1998-99)

And now, updates.

The Tenax Graphic was looking a bit drab: So I dressed the tough little frigate for War:

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)

In addition, using elements from the work of artist Hardy Fowler, I've retouched and generated 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.

Hope this update helps you get a better idea about the story ahead.

As always, thanks for reading!
Sebastian.
 

[Reyner]

The portraits are great! Also as you are the guy to ask about Scythes how would you do a Lieutenant? What colour would the helmet be or what markings would be on the helm? I'm doing my Primaris marines as reinforcements for the Scythes :D

[The Scythes]

Hi Reyner! For Sotha Brother! ;)

 

I would look to the Codex guide for Ultramarines, aka the Classic ranking systems. The Scythes are a successor Chapter, guarding the Sotharan League and Shieldworlds of the eastern reaches of Ultramar space (Until Hivefleet Kraken struck) so it is reasonable to assume they still adopt their progenitor Chapters systems.

 

There are some interesting notes re:Scythes in the 'Dark Imperium' novel. You can read about those on my website, but fair warning. Spoilers.

[deathspectersgt7]

Looking forward to more on those portraits . Hope you don't mind here is a pic of a Terminator I did . I have 3squads in power armor also.

[Reyner]

@The Scythes: Ah awesome I'll check that out thank you

 

@dss7: Great Terminator and glad to see you did the hip plates yellow I was thinking of doing the same for my Primaris so cheers for that.

[The Scythes]

@deathspectresgt7 Oh nice man Good to see at least 1 Scythes Terminator still about - that said, if we play in the current setting, there's going to be a host of new Terminators shortly!  Quick query, is that a Pop Goes The Monkey Terminator Shoulder?

 

@Reyner top stuff. I also did a quick check myself, Lieutenant appears to be a Gold bar with Red Diamond at the center, across the brow of the helmet in classical versions.

However, I did find this from Warhammer Community, Primaris Guides:

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Primaris-Painting_3.jpg

Edited June 23, 2017 by The Scythes

[deathspectersgt7]

Thanks Yes on the pad .

[The Scythes]

Compiled a Heraldry and Markings article on The Scythes website, including as an example, one of my Scouts amidst classic Sothan colour schemes. Scouts wearing the original "Godwyn Pattern Carapace" which just after Hivefleet Kraken, the Infiltrator Armor pattern was adopted (Years and reference numbers play on miniature release dates ;))

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/scout-colours1.jpg

[Old-Four-Arms]

Greetings Frater,

 

Kudos for bringing to life one of my favourite chapters. Nice job on the old school scouts.

 

A possible item of interest for your Scythes campaign : the upcoming First Strike starter

set includes some cardboard cargo containers.

 

Will be keeping an eye on this thread.

 

 

Regards,

 

Old-Four-Arms 

[The Scythes]

Thanks Old-Four-Arms, glad to hear it :)

First Strike..? Shall keep an eye out! Cheers!

 

Timely, as I'm printing out my ship tiles this week.

[Mr Yellow]

First Strike..? Shall keep an eye out!

Look no longer.

LM

[Doghouse]

@Doghouse, my man! Cheers Brother! (Just realised you're Basingstoke, I used to crew the GW Store there 1998-99)

 

 

That must have been one heck of a commute from New Zealand mate. :D

 

Chances are we may have chatted at the store and not realised, great work on the artwork though it really looks good. 

[The Scythes]

haha true point @Doghouse, quite likley. and thanks for the promo photo Lamenter

 

So I've been working on the armsmen or auxilia of the Chapter to fill out the 'more than human' of the crew (Chapter serfs being ex-neophytes). I spied some artwork. After a bit of extensive editing I've come up with a direction for potential Auxilia:

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/scythes-auxilia-small.jpg

A highly honoured fighting unit with origins stretching back to the Horus Heresy. Having its ranks filled with the best Chapter Neophytes, who for whatever reason, do not meet initiate requirements. They remain highly trained, dedicated warriors, continually driven to prove their worthiness. Regularly seen performing local patrol and custom duties about Sotha and her cities. Additionally as armsmen aboard Chapter fleet vessels. Ornate armor and uniform hides low light visor, vox-helm, high powered las-carbine (or bolt pistol/combat shotgun),carapace under armor and ceremonial blast-weave cloak with ablative combat shield.

 

 

Over several short stories and novels (Horus Heresy & Slaughter') I've noted that Sotha is Greek themed to Ultramar's Rome. Greek Horse Gods, Sotharan League of "Nation States", Sothan laconic attitudes (a term derived from Sparta's own sense of wit), dislike of anyone less than Sothan and mention of citizens in flowing robes etc.

 

So, decided to own this theme a little and offer hints at Greek styling. Mix ceremonial with combat practical. Either way, we see very few of these Serfs or Chapter Auxiliary, thought it would be fun to explore in the campaign.

[The Scythes]

Sidetracked due to Laurie J Goulding's Scythes painting competition for a signed book.

 

Brother Carras Aeson, 3rd Co. 2nd Sqd.

 

An initiate recruited from Radnar, fighting through foes and Sothan born brothers' disdain to achieve a front line assault position.

Soon attaining the honour of a power falx, in recognition of exceptional prowess at close quarters. As history tells, Carras was among the very few to be fighting on Miral, where all was close quarter and vicious. Injuries from tyranid talons rarely left small wounds and eventually even Brother Aeson met his match. Having fought within a reserve assault squad, reinforcing the line whenever a break through seemed evident, he and his squad mates would boost to the walls with jetpacks roaring and falx swinging.

 

Closing on a particularly commanding hive warrior, Aeson was overwhelmed by a wave of lesser minions in his effort to reach and slay the beast. Losing his left arm and suffering further grevious wounds before recovery. Incapacitated for the duration, he was taken from the field of battle.

 

Long since recovered aboard the Cronus, Miral remaining in his mind as an old but raw memory, Carras has taken up his power falx with cybernetic limb anew, fastening his heavily damaged chapter icon with chain (twice blessed) he now weilds both weapon and rage with a furious vigour, reaping trophy after trophy from the red chitin hides of the Kraken born. All the while hoping to live up to the legend of his Sothan born brothers, lost on Miral and Sotha, their names listed and set upon his hip as written reliquary.

http://the-scythes.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wpgallery/img/t.gif

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/aeson1.jpg

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/aeson2-e1499754632759.jpg

 

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/aeson4.jpg

 

[Schultzhoffen]

Fantastic model. Fantastic concept. I love everything about it. I'll be following this thread and checking on your site. This is the type of thing that inspires and captures the imagination.

 

I also see that you're in my neck of the woods...:)

Edited July 11, 2017 by Schultzhoffen

[KrautScientist]

Love this guy! A wonderful paintjob, and that power-falx is a nifty idea!

 

The base is disgustingly effective as well -- could use a bit of strategically applied gloss varnish, though ;)

[brother tycho]

Doing some lovely work mate, keep it up! 

[Daemon2027]

Wow that guy is wonderfully painted. Love the alien base, maybe add some ooze being force out by the weight of the marine on whatever it is he's standing on.

[Mr Yellow]

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wpgallery/img/t.gif

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/aeson1.jpg

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/aeson2-e1499754632759.jpg

 

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/aeson4.jpg

    

Edited July 11, 2017 by LamenterMarine

[Noserenda]

Damn that guy is badass :D 

[The Scythes]

@ Noserenda - Thanks man! And he's from the original 3rd Company force too (my background) perfect that your Primaris are filling out that Company anew :D

 

@LamenterMarine - Cheers brother! :D Thank you!

 

@Demon2027 - thank you, ooh good idea. I was a little rushed (3days) to get him in before the competition closed. But future tyrannic bases, nice idea!

 

@Marcusc - Cheers! And will do :)

 

@KrautScientist - Thank you and good point about the glistening hive ship interior. Sadly with limited painting window and no gloss varnish it wasnt to be - However, a definite in future terrain projects!

 

@Schultzhoffen - Thank you! And yes, though realised I had not changed my locale - I'm down in the Christchurch these days on a design project - 'enjoying' the snow at the moment.

 

Thanks everyone!

 

I have also made a "Goulding Demon" Gallery for all the entries sent in for Laurie Goulding's Scythes competition - http://www.the-scythes.com

 

Check out other Scythes players! :)

 

Till next update!
Sebastian,

 

[Kierdale]

Excellent work! :tu:

[Reyner]

Argh wish I had good painting skills for that competition the entries are great! How did you make your power falx?

[The Scythes]

Thank you @kierdale appreciated!

 

@Reyner, hey man! It was fun seeing all the various models, mine was a bit rushed - going to redo his black and clean him up a bit. Still keep the damage though! ;)

[The Scythes]

In gearing up the Sothan Survivors, herewith my Power Flax tutorial:

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/scythes-wip-example.jpg

 

Here is a guide for the Scythes of the Emperor Power Falx that was seen on my competition entry. The following shows key components I personally would choose (and have used), however the blade in my competition version I have not identified (rushed build and well, a deep bitz collection). So much like yourself, I'm seeking suitable blades for repeated builds.

 

Firstly, let's look at what consitutes a falx (in this example a Dacian Falx). You can also read my indepth version on Falces (falx. plural)

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/falx2.jpg Dacian Falx, double edged, two handed sword

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Falx.jpg Single edged Falx, similar to historically modified Scythe-halberds

 

 

With these historical designs in mind, lets go bits shopping:
(Zombie Scythe, Dark Elf Chariot Halberd, Wood Elves Tree Revenants, Skaven Clanrat Spears, Dark Eldar Power Sword, Dark Elf Corsair Swords)

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/scythe-bits-examples.jpg

 

Having browsed for Scythe blades, swords with fine curved double edges, it's time to find the power weapon handles. These were chosen for a lack of wires and cables, making for a cleaner modification:
(Dark Angel Veteran Power Weapons; 2 pairs, 4 versions and Deathwatch Power Weapons; 2 versions)

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/scythes-weapons-use-1024x1024.jpg

 

Combining these you can start to create weapons suitable to the Scythes of the Emperor Chapter. Falx combat blades and Falx power weapons. At this stage you will need to cut the join edge of the blade, trimmed to suit length and attachment to the handles:

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/scythes-example-falx-1024x674.jpg

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/scythes-combat-blades-1024x719.jpg

 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Photo-3-11-2015-15-20-43-e1446521155720-300x300.jpg

 

As you can see this is fairly straight forward. However, taking the detail to a new level is challenging. To create a Power Node requires a thin slice of a 1mm styrene rod (Node) and fine wire (I used brass mesh wire .5mm):
 

http://the-scythes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/scythes-falx-example.jpg

On review, I can see my own work is slightly off centre! Despite many minutes of careful gluing using fine dots of superglue.

Ultimately I hope this helps my fellow Sothan Brothers equipping their marines with Power Falces and stylised combat blades. The weapon style appears to be (in fiction) an honour weapon bestowed on particularly gifted fighters.
 

**If anyone knows the blade I used in my own Falx, please state below, thank you!**

 

Thank you for reading,
Sebastian. :)