Deathguard - From The Very First Model.

[Bukimimaru]

Hi guys. 

 

My gaming group has sparked up a lot of interest in 30k and I want to get involved.

I want to start off small. Very small. I'm thinking 1 HQ and a maybe bodyguard unit.

I'd like everyone's advice on where to start and what to pick up next at each new step.

 

I'm much more interested in cool looking models and fluffy units than what works best on the table, so I guess my first question is:

Where shall I start? What do you guys think is the coolest looking / fluffiest HQ choice to be making a start with?

 

Once I've got my fist model / unit, I'll paint them up, post pic and then (hopefully) have a discussion about what unit to pick up next.

Maybe this will turn into an army building / "watch my army grow" type blog post, maybe it wont end up going anywhere at all, who knows?

 

Now, I don't know the first thing about 30K at all. Is the best place to start with a Legion Praetor, or should I go for a named character?

 

Any help you guys could offer to get me going would be greatly appreciated.

[Jackalwolf]

Clearly either:

 

Mortarion + 5 Deathshroud Terminators

and/or

Calas Typhon + 5 Grave Warden Terminators

 

Both options are amazing models and a joy to paint. You can easily make the named character represent a normal Praetor too, and Calas comes with head or helmet option.

 

Just some pics to make sure you take the plunge:

 

 

These are the bodyguards of Morty, and they're both fast moving, infantry culling troops.

 

 

Calas is the first captain of the Death Guard and his armor matches the Cataphractii pattern of the Grave Wardens.

 

On a side note, if you manage to complete these 12 minis you'll already have a 1000+ points army that's playable :)

[Bukimimaru]

Whoah, those are awesome.

Well as the others are holding off on the Primarchs for now, I think I'll pick myself up a Typhon and some Grave Wardens to start with.

Thanks for your help Grieux, and for making my choice such an easy one. :)

 

I might try a few test paint schemes tonight, I'm not the best painter in the world and all that bone / white looks like it could be tricky to get right. 

[Enigami]

I'm glad to see another Deathguard player getting started!

 

I would probably start out by picking up a Burning of Prospero box or at the very least the MKIII from the box, since MKIII is very Death Guard

 

I'd also second Grieux's recommendations.

 

As far as painting goes, I'd be more than happy to offer some advice. Here are some pics of my models to give you an idea of what my scheme looks like. If you'd like my recipe please pm me. The scheme isn't very difficult.

 

http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv194/Enigami1990/IMG_1958_zpslhvd1dvg.jpg

 

http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv194/Enigami1990/image_zpsrif7ktff.jpeg

 

Feel free to ask me anything from tactics to painting to army lists.

[Bukimimaru]

Thanks man, your stuff looks awesome.

I've done a test scheme on a spare Calth Marine this evening and I'm really happy with it.

I'll post pics in the morning.

I've got 10 Calth marines ready to go and I've got 10 DG shoulderpads on their way from FW to make them fit in.

 

If I understand correctly, tactical squads can't take any special or heavy weapons, so they are all going to have bolsters, but what about the sarge? Is it worth putting a power fist or a combi-weapon on him, or shall I just give him a Bolter too?

 

I've got a half built Dreadnaught that's got two keiries assault cannons base sprayed, so I'm going to get him painted tomorrow night.

[Cryptix]

One thing to note: Death Guard have a special piece of wargear that anyone who can take Power Fists (but not those already equipped with) can replace them with a power scythe like those on the Deathshroud and Callie. Far better than a power fist since you strike at ap2 i3 on most of your sergeants, which sis extremely necessary in this world of artificer armored sergeants.

[Bukimimaru]

Oh, Power Sythes? I think I'll leave my Sgt armless for now then, because that sounds awesome.

Heres a few pics of my first test paint. I've never tried to do a white / bone theme before so be gentle. Lol.

 

Part1: Bone spray and Sepia Wash

 

Part 2: Drybrush in Korak Stone and highlight in Ushabti Bone

 

Part 3: Metals and black bits. DarkAngel  Green highlighted with Lorn Forest for the green bits.

 

Part 4: The clean up:

 

Its not perfect, but considering the model was originally based bright red, I had to give it a good coat in bone first and I've lost a little detail. This (Hopefully) shouldn't be an issue when I get some new FW models. 

 

I've also managed to dig out this guy:

 

 

My friend advises me that twin assault cannons are the way to go on dreads, so with a bit of kitbashing, I've got myself a Dread to join my motley crew.

 

I've got some FW shoulderpads coming, so I'm going to paint up my remaining 13 Death Guard Tactical marines (all with Bolters apart from the armless sgt who will eventually get one of those cool scythes). Then next month I'll put in an order for Typhon and some Grave Wardens.

 

 

[Jackalwolf]

Dude you're productive! Great looking and effective color scheme. And that weathering is cool as sh**t Enigami!

[Bukimimaru]

Haha, Yeah, I get pretty passionately obsessed with projects. At least until the next one comes along. XD

There's a big Heresy even coming up in September that I'd like to get involved with, but its 2,000 points so I'll need to get busy if I'm going to have a fully painted army by then.

 

I've just picked up a Power Scythe off ebay pretty cheap. :D

[Jackalwolf]

Heh I'm sure the real DG players will advice you better but you can easily have an army od 2,000 points with less than 25 models:

 

HQ

- Calas Typhon running Pride of the Legion

 

Troops

- 5 Deathshroud terminators

- 10 man veteran squad

 

Elites

- Quad Rapiers with your nasty ammo

 

Heavy Support

- 5 Grave Warden terminators

- Spartan Tank

 

LoW

-Mortarion

 

That's like 10 troops, 10 terminators, 2 characters, 1 tank and 1 to 3 rapiers. For suuure you can get it done by September :)

[Bukimimaru]

That sounds cool. 

 

Although there is one specific rite of war that's grabbed my interest:

The Reaping - makes Veterans and Heavy Support Squads Troops and allows you to take Rad Grenades (-1 Toughness to Enemys in CC) + gives your Guys Move through Cover. However no one may make Run Moves nor Deep Strike

 

Also, despite my best efforts to start slow, I may now also have a Sicarian... lol

[Enigami]

I'll second Grieux's list with a few additions. I'd make sure to have transports for all your guys if possible. You'd still be comfortably under Pride of the Legion's restrictions. At least in games I tend to play, troops in the open go poof very quickly (even termies). Additionally, if the nasty ammo for the mortars Grieux has referred to is phosphex, I believe you'd need a siege breaker in addition to Typhon (although, I may be wrong).

 

If you are interested in the reaping, here's what I tend to lean towards. However, it may be quite a few models if you are wanting to keep the model count down.

 

Praetor 165

- Tartaros terminator Armor

- Power Scythe

- MotL: The Reaping

-  Rad Grenades

- Iron Halo

 

Deathshroud Command Squad (4) 395

- Land Raider Phobos

 

Tactical squad (10) 160

- Rhino

 

Tactical squad (10) 160

- Rhino

 

Legion Heavy Support Squad (7) 210

- Missiles

 

Legion Heavy Support Squad (7) 210

- Heavy Flamers

- Chem Ammo

- Rhino

 

Deredeo Dreadnaught 220

-Aeiolos

 

Legion Artillery Tank Squadron 155

- Medusa 

 

Legion Vindicator squadron 290

- Legion Vindicator

- PotMS

- Legion Vindicator

- PotMS

 

All that leaves a few points to play around with. The reaping is fun, but I would probably say it doesn't make that much of difference until 3000 and at lower points values I'd rather have some shatter shell quad mortars than some missile heavy support guys.

 

I tend to play my Death Guard without any Rites of War. I know it might seem like that much fun, but I find the options available without any restrictions are worth more than what any of our rites provide.

 

P.S.... PotMS Vindicators are super fluffy, relatively cheap (points and $), and crazy awesome. 

[Bukimimaru]

Awesome, thanks for the advice guys.

As usual the premise of "starting small" has gone completely out the window.

Here's my weekend progress:

 

14 x Tactical marines all base coloured. The guns haven't been glued on yet and the Sgt's scythe should be here tomorrow, but the DG shoulder-pads will be a couple of weeks.

1 x Dread - just started getting some green on him

5 x Heavy Bolter Support Squad all based and washed.

5 x Rocket Support Squad all based and washed. I am missing a rocket launcher which I'm going to have to try and source from ebay or something.

1x Sicarian - sprayed and ready for a wash

1 x Legion Centurion. I've kitbashed him from the Calth set Centurion and a few other bits and pieces. When hes finished I think he'll fit right in.

 

 

 

[Bukimimaru]

 

 

As far as painting goes, I'd be more than happy to offer some advice. Here are some pics of my models to give you an idea of what my scheme looks like. If you'd like my recipe please pm me. The scheme isn't very difficult.

 

 

http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv194/Enigami1990/IMG_1958_zpslhvd1dvg.jpg

 

 

I've never really painted any larger vehicles before (aside from the occasional Rhino). 

I'd love to know how you got such a great finish on that Vindicator so I can try the same kind of thing on my Sicarian. :)

[Jackalwolf]

Geez you´re putting me to shame! I´ve been painting the same model since December lol. Great stuff!

[Bukimimaru]

Well my Centurion is finished. I changed the colour of his hair and darkened his eyes so he doesn't have that creepy stare thing going on anymore. 

The picture doesn't really do it justice, but I am happy with the model all in all.

 

And my first Power Scythe has arrived. It was a total slag to assemble because the wrists didn't match up at all. I ended up gluing the wrists and clamping them down until they stuck. 

 

I've got my first game on Sunday (proxying a load of stuff) with our group's 30k veteran. 

 

EDIT: Anyone know how to get my pics to display in a higher resolution? They look so small compared to everyone else's. :)

[Bukimimaru]

Not much of an update today I'm afraid.

I have secured myself a Cheap (kinda) Spartan Assault Landraider from a friend. Its unbuilt and unpainted, which is perfect, so I'll be picking that up the weekend after next.

 

I've also settled on the bases I'm going to be using across the whole army: GW's Sector Imperialis.

It's a bit lazy, but I went with these as I simply don't have the time to custom make all the bases and I wanted something I could batch paint and just go with. 

 

 

The next question is: what should I do to weather these guys? I know Deathguard are traditionally beaten and weathered to hell, so inkeeping with the metal and city themed bases, what would be the best method of weathering them? 

[Bukimimaru]

Bit more work done on these guys, no pics yet though.

The Sicarian is coming along nicely and I've finished assembling my second tactical squad.

I've build and stated painting the Praetoran from the Calth Set as well as 5 Cattaphracci terminators all with power claws. These guys will probably be a stand in for Typhon and Grave Wardons until I get me hands of the proper models in a month or so.

 

Still not got my shoulder pads yet, so all the Tac marines are looking pretty puny with their bare arms. >_<

 

Picking up the Sparatan on Friday and Sunday I'm getting enough left over heavy weapons to finish my second Heavy Weapons squad.

 

Finally, I've managed to dig out 5 more MKiii marines from my bits box. They've got no arms so I have absolutely no idea what to do with them.

Any suggestions guys? Another Heavy Squad, a Support Squad, Some Vets? What do you guys think? 

[Pearson73]

Nice kitbash of the chaplain, especially the scythe.

[Bukimimaru]

Thanks man, it was super easy to do, I just clipped the 3 sides off the mace and stuck a Tyranid Talon on there.

I'm thinking about using the spare marines as Vets. Does this load-out sound viable:

Heavy Flamer

1x Combi-flamer and Scythe on the Sgt.

EDIT: after speaking to a few people at my FLGS I've decided to kit them out as a Support Squad with 5 flamers.

Hopefully pics to follow.

[infyrana]

Great work!

 

For weathering, usually the rusted grimey oiled look is always in for DG, in addition you could do a scratched / chipped armour look to represent impact with the industrial / city environment.  If it's a concrete city environment then a light dusting on the lower legs might work.

 

Just check any of the guides out there for advice and ideas.  I personally can't get on with GW washes to achieve the DG look, so like a guide from fluffy bunnies or elsewhere, I like to do a light varnish layer and use burnt umber oil paint to give it an instant grimy look.  There's lots more you can do though.

[Ishagu]

I think the Deathshroud are better models, and far more impressive on the tabletop then the Grave Wardens.

 

But hey, Death Guard have some of the best kits, easily. Great, great Legion to collect. Mortarion has grown on me, one of the best Primarchs imo.

[Bukimimaru]

Thanks guys.

Bit more progress on my chaps done:

Based and started painting the Calth Praetor and some Cataphrachi Terms

Made a start on the 5 man Flamer Support Squad (still need 1 more flamer)

Built and sprayed 10 Vets (2 Plasma and a Plasma pistol / Scythe on the SGT)

Built and Finished my Primus Madicae

Added a few more layers to my Rocket Squad (Still need 1 more Rocket Launcher)

Also started building the Spartan. I went with the Heavy Bolter / Pintle melta and Quad Lascanon Sponson load-out.

The order for Typhon and some shoulder-pads has not arrived yet, but I've got plenty to be going on with.

More pics to follow if I get a chance to paint any more this week.

Edit: Does anyone know how I can get these pics to display a little bit larger?

[Bukimimaru]

I've been playing around with a list using the models that I've already got (Plus my Blood Angel Vindicator which will have to stand in as a DG one for now).

This is what I've come up with:

 

Rite of War [The Reaping]

 

+ HQ +

Legion Centurion PRIMUS MEDICAE  [Artificer Armour, Rad Grenades]

Legion Praetor [Cataphractii Terminator Armour  Chainfist, Combi-Weapon, Iron Halo, Master of the Legion, Mastercraft a Single Weapon, Rad Grenades,

 

 

+ Elites +

Contemptor-Mortis Dreadnought [Kheres Pattern Assault Cannons x 2, Searchlight and Smoke Launchers]

 

Legion Terminator Squad [Legion Terminator Sergeant, 4x Legion Terminators, 4x Pair of Lightning Claws]
Legion Spartan Assault Tank [Armoured Ceramite, Flare Shield, MultiMelta, Quad Lascannon Sponsons, Searchlight and Smoke Launchers, Twin-Linked Heavy Bolter]
 

Legion Veteran Tactical Squad [9x Legion Veteran Space Marines, Veteran Tactics: Marksmen]  [2x Plasma gun]
Legion Veteran Sergeant [Artificer Armour, Bolt Pistol, Power Scythe, Rad Grenades] [Combi-Flamer]
 

 

+ Troops +

Legion Heavy Support Squad [Heavy Bolter, Legion Sergeant, 4x Legion Space Marines]

 

Legion Heavy Support Squad [Legion Sergeant, 4x Legion Space Marines, Missile Launcher]

 

Legion Tactical Squad [9x Legion Tactical Space Marines]
Legion Tactical Sergeant [Artificer Armour, Melta Bombs, Power Scythe, Rad Grenades]

 

Legion Tactical Squad [9x Legion Tactical Space Marines]
Legion Tactical Sergeant [Artificer Armour, Melta Bombs, Power Scythe, Rad Grenades]

 

Legion Tactical Support Squad [Additional Wargear, Chem-munitions, 4x Legion Space Marines, Support Squad]

Legion Sergeant [Artificer Armour, Bolt Pistol, Melta Bombs, Rad Grenades]
 

 

+ Heavy Support +

Legion Sicaran Battle Tank [Accelerator Autocannon, Armoured Ceramite, Lascannon Sponsons, Pintle-mounted Heavy Bolter, Searchlight and Smoke Launchers]

 

Legion Vindicator Tank [Armoured Ceramite, Combi-Bolter, Laser Destroyer Array, Searchlight and Smoke Launchers]

 

Total: 2,466 points.

 

Any thoughts on where I should spend those last 33 points? 

 

EDIT: Vexillas are apparently the way to go. I'll probably put a vexilla on each Tac squad and the Vets.

[Bukimimaru]

Well this thing was a nightmare to build. The front hatch is green-stuffed up to hell on the left hand side. A buddy of mine is going to help my plaster-card over it later. All in all I'm happy with it. Now I just need to stick the tracks / sponsons on and then  paint this beast.