WIP - slow - 171st Cadian Airborne (Kasrkin)

[KasrkinRyu]

Greetings everyone.

 

For the last year I have slowly being putting together a small Kasrkin force which one day Id like to use with the Scion rules. Because of my current location and work it may be a while before I get a game but I am enjoying painting, converting and writing fluff. I am aiming for a 1250pt list. I have not played a game since I was 12 when third edition had just been released. With that in mind Id love any feed back. To my fellow guardsman I wish upon you the Emperors blessings.

 

+++++ Imperial Force Archives +++++
++++ Force Description  ++++
++++++ Cadian Sector ++++++

++++++ 171st Airborne Company ++++++

 

171st Cadian Airborne Company (Kasrkin)

The 171st were created out of the necessity for a quick deploying, rapid reaction force. Similar to the famed Elysian drop troops and taking inspiration from the Cadian 1433rd Airborne who fought in the Cryptus Campaign. It was envisioned 171st would allow the hard hitting Kasrkin Storm troopers take to the skies and become an air mobile unit. The Kasrkin are already considered the best Cadia has to offer and combined with the officially sanctioned Airborne assault formations they can rival even the mighty Tempestus Scions.

Believing a unit never truly dies as long as the colours still stand this new airborne company was given the name and colours of the 171st. A Kasrkin unit wiped out to the last man during the 12th Black Crusade. The original 171st had been a mechanised unit that prided itself on its speed and bravery. Earning the motto "Celer et Audax", "Swift and Bold". A motto that encompasses airborne operations perfectly. The 171st were reborn, raining hell and fury from the skies. A fitting tribute to those who fell in the Gothic Sector.

 

The 52nd Naval tactical squadron were chosen by sector command and attached to the 171st. An early emphasis was placed on intense cross training to ensure the two units could function as one. Similar to how Chimera crews and shock troopers become one entity in the more common armored fist units. The level of co-operation between the two units is such that the door gunners on the 52nd Valkyries are actually 171st Kasrkin members who fill the position on a rotation basis. Similarly all pilots and gunners of the 52nd are rotated through the Officer of the Fleet position with the ground forces. This ensures each unit has the upmost understanding of how the other operates and 100% trust can be placed in each. The aircraft of the 52nd have adopted the famous Cadian green colours and for all intents and purposes have been adopted as a Cadian unit.

Summary:

Home-world: Various worlds from the Cadian System.
 

Colours: Standard Cadian green and tan, light green berets. Commissars wear a red sash and crush cap with a red band

 

Unit Insignia: Cadian gate, Ace of Spades, Skulls represent squad command, Letters represent Platoon.
 

Battle Cry: "3-48" "Swift and Bold"

 

Adopted Unit Song:       Lay me down in the cold cold ground, Where before many more have gone

                                         When they come I will stand my ground, Stand my ground I’ll not be afraid

                                         Thoughts of home take away my fear, Sweat and blood hide my veil of tears

                                         Once a year say a prayer for me, Close your eyes and remember me

                                         Never more shall I see the sun, For I fell to a traitor gun

                                         Lay me down in the cold cold ground, Where before many more have gone

 

Current Strength: Under strength company folded into 1 platoon plus supporting units.
 

Allegiance: Cadia, Our Savior and Holy light - The Emperor of Mankind.

Doctrine: Air Assault, Deep Strike, Reconnaissance, Combined Arms operations.

It should be noted where as larger airborne units such as the Elysian's and Catachan 22nd make mass airdrops the 171st is a lot smaller in scale. More comparable to the Tempestus Scions. Mass airborne assaults take time and resources to assemble. The 171st is based on speed, the key to their operations is rapid reaction to what ever threat may appear. Never the less the 171st can and do operate in more traditional airborne roles and can be fielded in a more traditional "Shock" role in larger combined arms detachments.
 

Previous Activities: The 171st were heavily involved in the 13th Black Crusade. Their rapid reaction made them a valuable asset in quickly putting down cultist uprisings and quelling traitorous movements in and around the Cadian sector. However, over the weeks as these engagements became ever increasingly protracted, casualty rates began to rise. They were present on Cadia when the REDACTED made his final push on the planet. They fought valiantly as did all who were present. After the cataclysmic event resulting in the destruction of the planet the few survivors of the 171st were lucky to make it off world. 

 

Present Activities: After prolonged crusading in revenge for the loss of Cadia the unit is currently being withdrawn from the front lines for rest and re-organisation.

 

Organisation (At full paper strength):

171st Cadian Airborne
 -A Platoon (4 Squads)
 -B Platoon (4 Squads)

 -C Platoon (C Squadron, Sentinel recon platoon) "Ghost Riders"
 -D Platoon (Heavy Support, Militarum Auxilla)
 -E Platoon (Intelligence, Logistics, Liaison, Medical, Maintenance support staff etc)

 52nd Naval Tactical Squadron "The Preachers" (Attached to the 171st)
 -6 Valkyrie Transports
 -3 Vulture Close Air support Gunships
 -3 Sky Talon Heavy Transports

-Various ground crews and maintenance staff
 
Recruitment:
 All Kasrkin are automatically entitled to enroll. Also open to veterans and white shields who show promise and can complete the arduous training cycle.
 
Unit rituals:

  - The company training regime is similar to a normal Kasrkin unit except with the obvious emphasis on airborne operations. The long training cycle culminates with a final week of tests. These tests are both physical and mental in nature. Challenges range from timed assault courses, live firing exercises and tactical problem solving. Designed to exhaust the men, the pace is relentless. During the course of the week each Kasrkin is also required to complete numerous simulated airborne assaults and extractions, along with 4 Grav chute jumps, followed by a night jump. The night jump signals the starting phase of the 3-4-8. The final of the tests, it is a 30 mile speed hike across the Cadian Steppes, carrying a full combat load and a 40lb day sack, to be completed in 8 hours or less. It is a right of passage for the members of the 171st.

 

Awards, Honours and Ribbons:
  Imperial Awards:
  Crimson skull - Numerous
  Order of the Scarlet Wing - Numerous
  Medallion Crimson - Major Nixx (posthumously)
 
  Cadian Awards:
  Order of the eagles Claw - Unit citation presented by Battle fleet Cadia
 

Unit Champions:
 Major Kephas Nixx - KIA. First company commander. Hailed as a hero in the company. He was a major driving force in the creation of the 171^st. He was killed in action by calling down an orbital strike on his own position in order to save the majority of the company from almost certain destruction.

 

++++ Sub-file  ++++

++++ Unit personnel  ++++

 

++++1st Lieutenant P. Autumn - Plt Co Squad - A Platoon 171st Airborne Company++++

Autumn began like many Cadians as a trainee and then private soldier in the White shields. After graduating to a Shock regiment in his teens he quickly earned his Corporals stripes and went on to lead a 5 man section against the green skins. By the age of 20 he had made Sergeant. It wasn't until his actions against the traitorous forces around the Cadian gate that he caught the eye of his superiors. A young, yet experienced soldier with unorthodox methods, some noting with hesitation, yet a dedication to duty and honour. A perfect candidate for the new airborne formation. He rose from the ranks to join the officer class and entered the 171st training program gaining a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.  After proving himself in a number of combat drops he finally made the rank of 1st Lieutenant and took command of A platoon. Autumn takes great pride in the units Cadian heritage and ability of his men. With the loss of Company commander Major K. Nixx, Autumn is the acting CO of the 171st under the supervision of Commissar Rayne.

 

++++Sergeant R. Mayer - 1st Squad - A Platoon 171st Airborne Company++++

Mayer was one of the original Sergeants of the 171st. A Kasrkin since his earliest days hailing from Kasr Feros. Within the company he is known for supporting his Lieutenant in any action, earning the respect of the men. Although they had a shaky start Autumn and Mayer have become the closest of friends. A known brawler who likes nothing more than to get hands on with the enemy...and allies alike. Famed for being charged by a group of traitor rough riders and then proceeding to down 3 of them in 3 shots.

 

++++Sergeant L. Webber - 2nd Squad - A Platoon 171st Airborne Company++++

Webber is the leader of A platoons Plasma squad. Hailing from Kasr Viklas he has been wounded in action no less than 8 times, over half being plasma related. The most serious resulted in him loosing his left arm and a large portion of his face. For his troubles he was promoted to Corporal. Rumor has it under his beret he is as bald as the Big E. Out of battle he is a relatively quiet man but in battle he is a stout leader who always leads from the font. His reaction to his wounds, "the Emperor protects". Currently the subject of a running bet in the platoon to see which body part he will loose next.

 

++++Sergeant C. MacKenzie - 3rd Squad - A Platoon 171st Airborne Company++++

MacKenzie is a fairly recent transfer to the 171st. He sports his fathers close combat weapon, a family heirloom and has a tendency to get into melee combat

at any opportunity. This has made him a little unpopular with the men as he tends to charge into battle, how ever he has shown on numerous occasions to go out of his way to safeguard the lives those in his squad.  Further files regarding his father suggest dealings with the Inquisition leading to a MIA status. The truth is not known completely but some think he was falsely accused of heresy, tarnishing the family reputation and meaning MacKenzie cannot rise into the officer class.

 

++++Colour Sergeant D. Bourne - A Platoon 171st Airborne Company++++

By age "Colour" Bourne is the oldest member of the company. He refused a battlefield commission in his previous unit because he "works for a living". Whilst this earned the respect of the rank and file his officer was not impressed and had him transferred to the fledgling 171st, at the time considered somewhat of a suicide unit. Upon joining the 171st he accepted the rank of Colour Sergeant, a high honour in any guard unit and arguably the most respected of the non-commissioned ranks. His experience in numerous campaigns against various foes provides the unit with a solid backbone. Apart from the colours itself, his slightly graying mustache and bellowing voice makes him easily distinguishable of the battle field. He can often be found along side Commissar Rayne, keeping morale high and the men at their best.

 

++++Commissar Rayne -  171st Airborne Company++++
 

The profile of Commissar Rayne is somewhat sketchy at best. Little is known about her background but her violet eyes give away her origin as undoubtedly Cadian. Whilst it is rare to see female commissars it is not totally unheard of. Some often question why a Kasrkin unit would need a commissar. Very few dare to question Kasrkin loyalty however the due to the nature of the 171st they are often deployed into battlefields that would test the resolve of even the hardiest trooper. Operations against traitor units are common place and in these situations she has the authority to judge these heretics on sight allowing the Kasrkin to perform their duty without reprisal from Imperial command.

 

 

++++ End Archive  ++++

++++ Updates Pending  ++++

Edited November 12, 2020 by KasrkinRyu

[Dosjetka]

In my experience, 30 miles with 40 lbs of gear completed in 8 hours or less is not what I'd expect from elite troops. I'd tweak with the numbers a bit more. Increase the mileage and/or the carry weight to make it more punishing while keeping it realistic.

Then again, if the weather conditions are extreme or the terrain is a mess, I retract my above statement and say that it's actually absolutely fine. ;)

 

Otherwise, good stuff. :tu:

[P3AKHOUR]

40 pounds of what tho? Make it a small daemon in a baby harness.  That'd be super irritating after  8 hours and also a great introduction to getting up close and personal with the horrors that pour through the Cadian Gate.

[KasrkinRyu]

Thank you for the reply gents. I based the figures on the final test the British Royal Marines do. I think I will try and expand upon the terrain as I like that idea a lot!

 

Whilst a small daemon in a baby harness would certainly be a test of endurance and paints an interesting mental image I am not sure if the Ordo Malleus would approve. :P

[KasrkinRyu]

So this is my 5 man melta squad. I know my painting leaves a lot to be desired but I enjoy it a lot non the less.

 

[WarriorFish]

Nice dark green on them, I like the bases too - simple but effective :) What's next to paint?

[KasrkinRyu]

Nice dark green on them, I like the bases too - simple but effective What's next to paint?

Thank you for the reply. I'm just waiting for another sergeant to convert and then one more hot shot volley gun and then I can finish my command squad and plasma squad. :)

[Brother Captain Ed]

So this is my 5 man melta squad. I know my painting leaves a lot to be desired but I enjoy it a lot non the less.

 

 

They look pretty good to me!

[jpwyrm]

Cool background KasrkinRyu. I think you are set for a nice little force with a lot of character and conversion possibilities.

 

Since you based your background on real life military forces, will you include equivalent specialties through out your squads? (i.e.: comm specialists, scout/pointman, demolition expert, terrain specialists, etc.)

 

As for your training finale, just change lbs to kg - now you get some real tough guys in the Kasrkin! Or make them run the course on a planet with a scorching sun à la The Chronicles of Riddick.

[KasrkinRyu]

Thank you comrade.

 

Yes I was planning exactly that. In fluffy terms in my head I have ideas of who does what and backgrounds etc. In the modelling sense with my skills there is only so much I can accomplish with the Kasrkin models :( My second thought was to ally in Imperial guard. But then I realisedI was spending too many points and loosing what I originally wanted to make. So I think I have decided on using the Inquisition codex as a way to add a little more flavor via "counts as" units.  I understand this may not be to everyone's taste, but as someone who likes the fluff, rule of cool and will not be playing competitively I think its the best option for me. I'm just waiting for the new supplements to arrive to see if that opens any new possibilities.

Edited December 3, 2016 by KasrkinRyu

[Icepick]

The inquisition codex certainly allows for a lot of customization, so i'd say go for it! While it the actual number of unit choices is rather low, almost anything can be modified to fit your personal taste, and it opens up tons of conversion possibilities. A good choice!

 

I'm a sucker for all things related to kasrkin, so i really like your write-up. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your content :)

[KasrkinRyu]

Evening all. I have another small update for the 171st. This week some of the bits and pieces I ordered from eBay came. So it felt like a mini early Christmas for me. I apologise for poor picture quality as all I have is my phone

 

http://i.imgur.com/Zz9HurQ.jpg

 

I had a little bit of spare time so I decided to have ago at painting the servo skulls who will be accompanying my incoming Inquisitor/Commissar count as . Ive never painted anything so small but I'm happy with the results. I asked the Mrs what she thought, "They are so grim and disturbing" was the reply, I will take that as a compliment I don't know if it was my imagination but it seemed like a breeze after painting so many pewter models Currently they are just named "1" and "2" but feel free to add name suggestions! I was thinking of "Cain" and "Abel" but perhaps the religious reference is a little too heretical?

 

http://i.imgur.com/kP0Qlfa.jpg

 

I was watching Warhammer TV and came across Duncan's Tips of the Day. In particular the Muzzle burn video caught my eye. It seemed so simple that even I would manage not to mess it up. Here is a link to the video if anyone is interested;

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIKEfVoqC5U&index=62&list=PLEaPE4sLDA7ucJ0dkiVZSW6ghZUNGFHIW

 

So I took a trip to my nearest Games workshop and came away with the following. There was a nice little bonus too! The shop was doing a Christmas give away. A choice of goody bags containing bases, bits, glue or issues of White dwarf. Well Ive recently run out of glue and knew i needed some so I nabbed a glue goody bag (sounds like a drug problem lol). It also had a mini blue paint pot inside, but I have no idea what colour it is? Can anyone identify it for me?

 

http://i.imgur.com/peXnCa8.jpg

 

Finally I gave it a shot at adding some Muzzle burn to my Melta unit. I'm really happy with the results and recommend it. Duncan's videos are really helping me a lot and I love this new community friendly spirit Games workshop is taking.

 

http://i.imgur.com/Zuw1Z0r.jpg

 

Well that's all from me for now. I have another internet order incoming soon and then air support is needed...Also trying to not give in and succumb to those alluring sisters too...Thank you for reading and may the Emperors blessings be with you.

Edited July 16, 2017 by KasrkinRyu

[HackedDuck]

 

I think that paint is the macragge blue found here - https://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Space-Marines-Starter-Paint-Set-2016

 

I agree Duncan's vids are really good and you definitely pulled it off, the same goes for the servo skulls. Great stuff!

[KasrkinRyu]

Ah thank you for your help sir, looks like that's the one! Well one more update from me. It has been a productive weekend but this may be the last one for a while.

 

My Hot shot volley gun command squad is all finished (except 1 or 2 transfers ). Even though I modded the rifles to look like the Volley gun I still wasn't happy that they looked sufficiently different from standard rifle men. I toyed with adding the stabilizers from the Space marine scout sniper but IMO it didn't look right so in the end I decided to go with the Catachan rucksack with the ccw attached.

 

http://i.imgur.com/Gqce2VV.jpg

 

This next chap is Lieutenant Autumn, my force commander. Kasrkin Sergeant body, scion head, scout marine pistol and the chainsword is from an old Steel legion Sergeant i found in my storage box. He was the first Kasrkin I painted and every time i look at him i think "thin your paints" but he can serve as a reminder of where it began. Ah one last note, I decided all my Officers and NCOs will have a vox backpack to represent the "Clarion Vox-net".

 

http://i.imgur.com/65VfcUX.jpg

 

Thank you again for looking and reading. Emperors blessings.

Edited July 16, 2017 by KasrkinRyu

[Cap'm Heckus]

The scout bolt pistol was a great choice. I will probably steal that. Looking great.

[WarriorFish]

I think the guns turned out very well, I had to do a double take to see they were the originals at first. Great work, keep this up and you'll soon be hitting the table in force :tu:

[Icepick]

Those guns are pretty cool! I will be shamelessly stealing that idea ;)

 

Nice work, keep it up!

[jpwyrm]

Excellent conversion work. Even though they look great as is, I think your original idea of using the SM scout snipers stabiliser would help make the hotshot volley guns stand apart even more.

 

Just my two cents though, keep up the great work!

[KasrkinRyu]

Thank you everyone for the kind comments, its a real morale booster!

 

@Cap'm Heckus - Thank you sir, my only regret is that I didn't use the non silenced version (i think its a silencer anyway) as it seems a little big looking at it in the pictures

 

@++ PRÆFECT SOCIORUM ++ - Id love to have a small game when I get the last few units sorted. I pretty much had my 500 point list finalized but the Imperial agents codex has thrown a spanner in the works. I was a little upset to hear the rumors Servo skulls may not be a thing anymore, I will just have to see how that turns out. On the other hand the Officer of the fleet included with the Imperial Aeronautica formation sounds very interesting, IMO he should have been an option for the Scions from the start as deep striking is their thing! But then the problem remains that the FAQ still says allies cant start on transports. Hmmmm...

 

@+FRATER DOMUS+ - Do it! I look forward to the results!

 

@ jpwyrm - I did do a dry run with blue tack and the main problem i had was the stabilizer legs came down past the models knees. I think on the longer sniper barrel its not as noticeable. But I'm still on the look out for shorter after market version or one day i might try and convert some.

 

As always, the Emperor protects!

Edited December 12, 2016 by KasrkinRyu

[Reyner]

Love your Kasrkin man especially that Lieutenant:O

[KasrkinRyu]

@ Reyner - Thank you sir I appreciate the kind comment! Reinforcements are still incoming so stand by for updates.

 

I'd like to pick the brains of the guardsmen here. Ive been trying to think of some fun and fluffy lists for my Kasrkin and Ive had an idea. But I have a question!

 

If you take camo netting on 1 vehicle that's in a squadron, does the whole squadron benefit? I read that with relic plating this was true and was wondering if the same applied for camo netting? Or does it have to be purchased for each individual vehicle/unit regardless of being in a squadron.

 

May the Emperor watch over you all.

Edited December 15, 2016 by KasrkinRyu

[duz_]

It would be on a model by model basis as per the cover save rules. It wouldn't confer.

 

Relic plating is different because of how deny the which works. Which is based on targeted unit.

[KasrkinRyu]

It would be on a model by model basis as per the cover save rules. It wouldn't confer.

 

Relic plating is different because of how deny the which works. Which is based on targeted unit.

 

Thank you for the quick reply! On to plan B

Edited December 15, 2016 by KasrkinRyu

[KasrkinRyu]

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I spent some time with family and did not have much time for my Kasrkin, but I made a little progress that I would like to share. I am sure many of you had wonderful Christmas hauls of hobby related goodies. My haul was a little small but I was non the less over the moon.

 

I finally got the much needed final Sergeant to begin converting and some more Cadian transfers.

 

http://i.imgur.com/DiM34EE.jpg

 

After a few hours of swearing and sticking my fingers together he came out looking like this. I have a little back story in mind for him and I'm really happy with the over all result.

 

http://i.imgur.com/E3fBf0D.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9lygxL8.jpg

 

I have a few more days holiday so I plan to paint him soon.

The Emperor Protects.

Edited July 16, 2017 by KasrkinRyu

[Lorde_Malus]

I absolutely love the realism of your fluff. I am a veteran myself and this screams that the unit is a real tangible thing, props brother guardsmen!