"Grim-Darking" Imperial Space Marines - how?

[Xenith]

Hi all,

 

I currently have a bunch of guitar wire, and want to go crazy with it on my marines, however I feel that such gubbins look best on Chaos or Orks, where things are more...hotch-potch, or less regular.

 

That said, the Imperium is a big place, and very grim, so seeing lots of cables, training wires etc should be the norm.

 

I was wondering if anyone had some photos or other visual cues as to how to incorporate wires, cabling, etc onto Imperial Space marines, with the effect of them looking more arcane, techno-punk etc., without sending them too much in the direction of chaos.

 

I'm thinking things like additional power cables from weapons to the armour, more servo skulls, etc, without them looking too Iron Handy (These would be on Blood Angels)

 

Any input is appreciated!

 

EDIT: I guess this is essentially pushing the models towards Blanche's artwork?

[DavianCool]

Augmentation on heads like on the neck or mouth, nose etc. That could work.

[bluntblade]

Have your Legion on a Penitential Crusade or on really bad terms with the Mechanicus. Either of those can justify a rather worn down aesthetic.

[Major_Gilbear]

Really, what you are describing, sounds to me a lot like Iron Hands minus the bionics...? Therefore, would doing an image search for Iron Hands give you a few ideas?

 

I also think you should track down some of the Rogue Trader artwork - a lot of artwork there with ideas (example 1, example 2, example 3) that I'm sure you could adapt.

[Xenith]

Have your Legion on a Penitential Crusade or on really bad terms with the Mechanicus. Either of those can justify a rather worn down aesthetic.

I don't need justification, I just want to do it! What i was looking for were art or model examples of how it's been done!

 

Gilbear, thanks for those - yes, I the idea is pushing toward iron hands, possibly Adrian Smith artwork, very individual, unique marines and weapons.