Vis Ex Adversis - IV Crusade Resurgent

[Hymnblade]

In October, I decided to get back into 40k, after being gone since early 4th edition in my late teenage years. I dug out what was left of my old collection, stripped the paint off most of it, and have been repainting and expanding it. This will be my hobby log. First up, I'm going to post a bunch of the stuff I've done so far. Going forward, I plan like to start posting projects and games as they happen.

 

I used to be a member of B&C waaaay back when, but I don't even know what my screen name was back then. If any of you remember "The Death of Brother Naeron", howdy!

 

 

Most of the surviving remnants of the Fourth Crusade. One of the longest-running crusades in the Chapter, its service record traces continuously back nearly to the Heresy itself, with battle honors beyond number. In 999.M41, while they fought on the Chaos-infested planet of Griven, the Cicatrix Maledictum erupted and crippled the battle barge Terrible Swift Sword, stranding these Templars in my parents' attic hostile territory for over a hundred years. With their distress calls finally answered, they are eager to once again take the fight to the enemies of Man.

 

 

As though guided by a malign intelligence, the same tendril of Warp lightning which destroyed the Terrible Swift Sword's plasma reactors also arced through its apothecarium. Deprived of gene-seed stores and the equipment with which to implant them, the Fourth Crusade's neophytes were left stunted, trapped indefinitely halfway between human and Astartes. With more battle experience than some chapters' veterans, these Neophytes have more than earned their initiation, but it remains to be seen whether the apothecaries can continue the implantation process after it was halted for over a century.

 

 

On Griven, the Vindicator tank Dorn's Hammer was mothballed after mere months due to shortages of ammunition and fuel. Its machine spirit seems eager to make up for lost time, blasting traitors to ruin with even greater fury than before.

 

 

As the flagship lost atmosphere, most of the Crusade's ancients were tragically lost to the void, and Chaplain Reimund was mortally wounded. He could spare no time to be dead while the Crusade sorely needed his spiritual guidance, so when the few remaining Thunderhawks salvaged an empty dreadnought chassis, he once again took up the crozius and his sacred duty.

[Marshal Mattias]

Some great classic stuff here, and a very dynamic chaplain dread! Looking forward to seeing more.

[Hymnblade]

Here's a deployment shot from a game I played last weekend. 1250 points, me against Alpha Legion. Check out those sweet green/purple chameleon-paint tanks!

 

 

We played the "Stand at Saint's Wall" mission from Faith & Fury, with the Black Templars as the defenders and the Alpha Legion attacking. Half of my army starts in reserve, and the attacker gets Sustained Assault. The attacker wins as soon as he enters the Grand Honorificum by claiming the objective in the center of my board edge, so my goal was to hold him off for the duration of the game.

 

My tanks traded shots with his, dying to Kill Shot within a couple turns, and the Devastators went down to one man not long thereafter. His Venomcrawlers advanced up my right flank. Meanwhile, most of my reserves came in from the left board edge and sold their lives dearly to bog down his tanks and characters. Critically, Chaplain Dreadnought Reimund defended the right flank, smashing a Venomcrawler and the Master of Possession with his mega-crozius!

 

At this point, it was turn 5 and I was nearly tabled, but he had no units left on my side of the board, and was unable to reach my objective in time. My last model to die was the Chaplain Dreadnought; after charging a Predator and smashing it, it exploded and took his final wound. A glorious death! The Templars narrowly eked out a win, holding off the Alpha Legion for a full seven turns.

[Hymnblade]

I finished painting my Devastator Sergeant, so here's a squad shot! I'm working on becoming less awful at pictures. The two plasma cannons on the ends were my first attempt at a plasma glow, which only sort of worked. The two in the middle I'm closer to happy with.

 

 

In desperate need of supplies, the Fourth Crusade sorrowfully salvaged what they could from the carcass of their battle barge. One of the few things they had in abundance was reactor fuel: the same fuel that powers a ship for a day would power a plasma cannon for a millennium. Although each member of the squad has at least one bionic replacement for flesh lost to the dangers of plasma weaponry, they have repaid that loss a thousand-fold to the minions of Chaos.

Edited March 6, 2020 by Hymnblade

[Hymnblade]

My wife bought me a box of Vanguard Veterans for Valentine's Day (how's that for #relationshipgoals?). After finishing the Dreadnought and the Devastators, it was finally time to paint them! Together with five old Assault Marines and the bits box, I made an 8-man squad, plus a Marshal and a Castellan (coming soon). I'm especially pleased with the Deathwatch storm shields, which are just beautiful bits.

 

 

 

 

The Fourth Crusade's motto and battlecry became "Vis Ex Adversis" - from adversity, strength. None embody this principle more than Sword Brother Beren and his squad. Although the Crusade held fortified positions in the mountains, reconaissance and pre-emptive attacks still played a critical role in their ongoing defence, breaking the backs of the worst attacks before they could fall on the Crusade's main force. Beren's squad never missed a chance to take part in these forays, throwing themselves into battle even as their jump packs ran dry, their magazines ran empty, their chainswords clogged with the blood of witches, and their very armor ran out of power. By the end of their time on Griven, they rode to battle in crude plate armor, wielding hand-sharpened blades of mere steel, and yet their effectiveness never seemed to diminish. For outstanding bravery and masterful prowess, all seven Initiates were inducted into the Marshal's household together. Since the Crusade's recovery, they have demonstrated that with properly-maintained wargear, they are more dangerous than ever.

[Hymnblade]

In other news, my city is currently on "Shelter In Place" orders. When I heard this was coming, I figured it was a good reason to break my rule against accumulating a backlog, so I went and bought an Invictor, an Impulsor, and a squad of Intercessors. This should keep me busy during the lockdown. After a century of attrition, some Primaris reinforcements will help bring the Crusade back up to fighting strength!

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Great job on the Assault Marines!

[ThirtySixNights]

Difficult times to ahead brother. Your Marines look great though!

 

Might I suggest some crosses on the jumppacks too? Really adds a lot to them!

[Hymnblade]

Might I suggest some crosses on the jumppacks too? Really adds a lot to them!

Thanks for the suggestion! It really did make those jump packs pop.

 

[Hymnblade]

I finally got around to the finishing touches on Marshal Gavril. With it, a bit of fanfic to wrap up the Crusade's history on Griven.

 

=][= Marshal Gavril, is it? As of last communication, Marius had the command. Are you his successor?

✠ Acting Marshal, Lord Inquisitor. I was Castellan under Marius, and assumed the command when he perished aboard the Terrible Swift Sword. I cannot permanently take command until I receive the High Marshal's blessing.

=][= I plan to send word to your chapter master shortly. Which word will depend on what you tell me. I'll be blunt: I have a mind to execute all of you, and send Helbrecht only the progenoids.

✠ You consider us liabilities?

=][= Your forces vanished for over a century, and now here I find you, living on this Throne-forsaken planet with legions of daemons and mutants. What else would you call it?

✠ I believe we were preserved for a purpose. We didn't coexist peacefully here. We fought and bled and died for a hundred years. Many of my brethren went to their graves, hoping that their sacrifice would allow the rest of us to serve the Emperor one more time.

=][= And what is that purpose?

✠ I believe that the Eternal Crusade will guide us to it.

=][= So you'd ask for, what? A hundred years respite to rebuild your forces, exempt from tithes, before returning to active duty?

✠ No, Inquisitor. The fourth crusade stands ready.

=][= What is your fighting strength?

✠ I have forty-seven battle brothers still under my command.

=][= Forty-seven is a small fighting force, even for the Astartes. How many were you before this ordeal?

✠ We numbered three hundred and eighteen at the first headcount after planetfall.

=][= You took losses over five in six, and you want to fight on?!

✠ To do anything else would be to spit on my Primarch, my founder, and the graves of my brethren.

=][= ...

=][= ...very well, Gavril. My fleet-Magos believes that your battle barge can be made marginally voidworthy in a matter of weeks, although complete repairs will take much longer. We can tow you to the Gideon system, where a shrine world is experiencing sectarian strife. All of the combat is planetside, so you can safely complete ship repairs there. I'll judge how your forces sort out the faithful from the heretics. Consider this your proving grounds.

✠ We will, Inquisitor. Your trust is not misplaced.

=][= Very well. I'll make the necessary arrangements.

=][= ...one more thing, Marshal. You say you numbered three hundred and eighteen, when all this began.

✠ Correct.

=][= And yours is called the Fourth Crusade.

✠ Indeed.

=][= Then if we assume there are at least four Crusades of your chapter, and assume that yours was of a typical size, simple arithmetic would say that your Chapter is guilty of the sin of Legion-building. What do you say to this, Gavril?

✠ I would say that is not a safe assumption to make, Lord Inquisitor. The Fourth Crusade is an ancient and storied force, not a typical one.

=][= ...

=][= ...I see. Remember that I'll be watching, Marshal.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Fine works.

[Brother Christopher]

Nice progress there. How many Vanguar Veterans Jump Pack Sword Brethren have you painted so far? Do you use them in games, if you do - how do they perform?

[Hymnblade]

I have the one squad of 8. Four thunder hammers, four chainswords, all with storm shields. I've only used them in three games so far, all against the same Knight player. In the first game they did great, in the second and third he realized they were my most threatening unit and prioritized avoiding/shooting them. Overall I think they're a pretty good unit, but you have to protect them a bit, since even with storm shields, it's not that hard to kill eight Marines with focused fire.

[Hymnblade]

I got started on the Intercessor box. First, I kitbashed two Sword Brethren sergeants from ETB Sequitors, and awesome hammers from B&C's own EmperorsFistBits.

 

 

[Brother Christopher]

I have the one squad of 8. Four thunder hammers, four chainswords, all with storm shields. I've only used them in three games so far, all against the same Knight player. In the first game they did great, in the second and third he realized they were my most threatening unit and prioritized avoiding/shooting them. Overall I think they're a pretty good unit, but you have to protect them a bit, since even with storm shields, it's not that hard to kill eight Marines with focused fire.

 

So overall, it seems they are pretty good - nice. Especially considering the opponent that you faced - knights can be tough opponents.

 

You also have some good additions to your force - nice use of WFB (AoS?) models and - as always - great paint job.

 

By the way, I don't recognise the helmets (I've just realised that you used them for some of your Vanguard Vets) - what kit are they from or where did you get them?

[BadgersinHills]

Great work! Very characterful, and it's always a good thing to see more Templars. If I may, maybe you could try taking your photos on a darker background to let the white helmets and bases stand out? Black may be a bit much, maybe a dark blue might work. 

 

 

(Perhaps that's my inner Nostraman speaking.) 

 

 

By the way, I don't recognise the helmets (I've just realised that you used them for some of your Vanguard Vets) - what kit are they from or where did you get them?

 

They're from the Forgeworld heads for the Dark Angels. They work really well on the Templars, Hymnblade. 

[Hymnblade]

Two of the Vanguard Veteran helmets, on the sergeant and the leftie chainsword, are from the Venerable Dreadnought box (along with the Marshal's iron halo) - the box has lots of neat bits that I didn't use for Reimund. The helmets with the narrow ridge over the top are indeed the Forge World DA helmets. They have no DA iconography, so they fit right in!

 

Speaking of helmets, I discovered in a conversation yesterday that it's not canon to for Sword Brethren to all have white helmets. I'm not even sure where I got the idea it was, but I painted them that way back in third edition, and I'm not going to stop doing it now, haha.

 

If I may, maybe you could try taking your photos on a darker background to let the white helmets and bases stand out? Black may be a bit much, maybe a dark blue might work.

That's a good idea, I'll try it out!

[Medjugorje]

very nice conversions.

[Brother Carpenter]

In 3-ed white helmets on sb (or veterans as they were called then) were as far as I can see normal or at least common.

My sb have white helmets and black shoulderpads with either white or red crosses.

 

Nice models. Btw

Edited April 9, 2020 by Brother Carpenter

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Your Sword Brethren SGTs look great! The thunder hammers' fiery heads are a good touch. Edited April 9, 2020 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Hymnblade]

I'm still plugging away on those Intercessors, but most of my hobby time for the last week has been going toward Tabletop Simulator. I signed up for a 5-game tournament on TTS, held over 5 weeks. I've never been to a tournament, but it sounded like a nice chance to get some coordinated games. This is the list I'm using, a version of a "Primaris Black Tide" idea I've toyed with:

++ Brigade Detachment +12CP (Imperium - Space Marines) [107 PL, 14CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selection**: Black Templars

Battle-forged CP [3CP]

Detachment CP [12CP]

+ Stratagems +

Specialist Detachment [-1CP]: Indomitus Crusaders

+ No Force Org Slot +

Cenobyte Servitors [1 PL, 6pts]
. 3x Cenobyte Servitor: 3x Close Combat Weapon

+ HQ +

Chaplain Grimaldus [6 PL, 90pts]: 2. Psalm of the Remorseless Persecution, 5. Fervent Acclamation, Litany of Hate

High Marshal Helbrecht [9 PL, 150pts]: Warlord

Primaris Lieutenants [4 PL, 69pts]
. Primaris Lieutenant: Power sword

+ Troops +

Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 106pts]: Auto Bolt Rifle
. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Thunder hammer

Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 106pts]: Auto Bolt Rifle
. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Thunder hammer

Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 106pts]: Auto Bolt Rifle
. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Thunder hammer

Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 106pts]: Auto Bolt Rifle
. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Thunder hammer

Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 106pts]: Auto Bolt Rifle
. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Thunder hammer

Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 106pts]: Auto Bolt Rifle
. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Thunder hammer

Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 106pts]: Auto Bolt Rifle
. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Thunder hammer

+ Elites +

Apothecary [3 PL, 50pts]: The Aurillian Shroud

Invictor Tactical Warsuit [6 PL, 131pts]: Fragstorm Grenade Launcher, Heavy bolter, Incendium cannon, 2x Ironhail Heavy Stubber

Invictor Tactical Warsuit [6 PL, 131pts]: Fragstorm Grenade Launcher, Heavy bolter, Incendium cannon, 2x Ironhail Heavy Stubber

Invictor Tactical Warsuit [6 PL, 131pts]: Fragstorm Grenade Launcher, Heavy bolter, Incendium cannon, 2x Ironhail Heavy Stubber

Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [13 PL, 144pts]
. Dreadnought melee weapon: Dreadnought combat weapon, Storm bolter
. Dreadnought melee weapon: Dreadnought combat weapon, Storm bolter

+ Fast Attack +

Attack Bike Squad [2 PL, 37pts]
. Attack Bike: Heavy bolter, Twin boltgun

Attack Bike Squad [2 PL, 37pts]
. Attack Bike: Heavy bolter, Twin boltgun

Attack Bike Squad [2 PL, 37pts]
. Attack Bike: Heavy bolter, Twin boltgun

+ Heavy Support +

Hunter [4 PL, 75pts]

Whirlwind [4 PL, 85pts]: Whirlwind vengeance launcher

Whirlwind [4 PL, 85pts]: Whirlwind vengeance launcher

++ Total: [107 PL, 14CP, 2,000pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe

 

There's only been one tournament round so far. I went up against an Imperial Fist gunline with plenty of artillery, and lost pretty badly. Bringing a bunch of vehicles against IF is a bad idea. My opponent was a great sport though, and I'm looking forward to the next match.

[Medjugorje]

I ve won against our last tournament winner (Imperial Fist) in a test game for an big 2 day tournament (which was called off) and had won very high. And in my list there was a Land Raider and he had played the spam of thunderfire cannons, 30 Intercessors, a Leviathan with 2 Assault Stormcanon arrays,... 

 

It is possible if you have a 4++ and 5+++  - but I can understand your problems without Impulsors for your Intercessors.

[Hymnblade]

The first combat squad of Intercessors, together with their Impulsor. My wife saw how I painted the shield dome and called it an "evil ladybug", which I think is delightful.

 

Next up, a Lieutenant made from the third Sequitor, and then the rest of the Intercessors.

[Hymnblade]

I ve won against our last tournament winner (Imperial Fist) in a test game for an big 2 day tournament (which was called off) and had won very high. And in my list there was a Land Raider and he had played the spam of thunderfire cannons, 30 Intercessors, a Leviathan with 2 Assault Stormcanon arrays,... 

 

It is possible if you have a 4++ and 5+++  - but I can understand your problems without Impulsors for your Intercessors.

Yeah, my opponent had 2 Thunderfires and 2 Scorpiuses, and used his Scouts to block off any good place to deploy the Invictors. This left me with one big ruin in my deployment zone, so I couldn't get everything out of LOS, and with all the artillery it barely mattered to hide just a few things.

 

By the end of his first turn, I lost all the vehicles but the whirlwinds, and had about 25 Intercessors left. I used the White Scars trait from Indomitus Crusaders to do a mass advance-and-charge (the same scouts were now <18" from me). If I rolled better on advance/charge distance to get another squad or two in, and if his captain (just about the only counter-charge threat in the list) hadn't managed to punch Helbrecht to death, I might have still pulled it off.

 

I've definitely thought about how the game would go if I had gone for a more mechanized list, and I think I agree that it be better in this matchup. Still, I'm happy to see that the Indomitus Black Tide at least kind of works.

[Medjugorje]

I hope to see a few battle reports in the future. And maybe I can post one...