Sons of Horus First Company Update 22

Hello all!

Having struggled to find some hobby time recently, it was really good to finally sit down and get some good hobbying in! I have now managed to finish assembling what I had left for my First Company. The only thing left to add is some rocks on the bases and hopefully I can get them base coated in the next week.

First up to finished was the 10 Reavers, with these guys completed it brings me up to 30 Reavers. The 10 that I have completed include 6 Special weapons, 2 for each unit of 10. I included 4 meltaguns and 2 plasma guns.

The First Company wouldn't be complete without the characters to lead it. Abaddon is the man that will lead the force most of the time but to add some more options I wanted to create some of the better known characters. To that end here are my interpretations of Kalus Ekkaddon (leader of the reavers) and Falkus Kibre (leader of the Justaerin). 

Kalus Ekkaddon: 

I have him armed with a lightning claw and a plasma pistol. These seem like good fits for his character. I believe that he was described in one of the books with a pistol and sword, but this seemed a bit to similar to standard reaver so I decided to go with something a little different. 

Falkus Kibre:

Originally, you may have seen, I had him armed with a sword and volkite. I liked this but I didn't quite feel right, a sword and volkite didn't seem brutal enough for Kibre. I swapped it out for a combi-bolter and thunder hammer. 

Last up in the construction queue were 2 dreadnoughts. I had planned to use these 2 models elsewhere in other projects but I couldn't work out which legion or project they would fit with, so decided that they would fit well with the First Company. 

Deredeo with auto cannons and missile launcher. 

Leviathan with cyclonic melta lance and siege drill. These 2 will add some extra fire power to the Company and provide some anti tank, which will free up the Justaerin and reavers to take on the infantry. 

Next up will be getting these base coated ready for painting. Once that's complete everything that I had planned for the First Company will be undercoated and they will be one step closer to completion. 

I will be having a break from painting the SoH though as I need to spend some time getting some Orks painted ready for my local clubs tournament at the end of September, as well as getting a few bits ready for an upcoming campaign with Kaelo. I have 2 Trukks, 10 boyz and 1 nob that I need to complete but I will add in a few extra of each to help boost my painted numbers! 

Happy hobbying!

Darien

Sons of Horus First Company update 21

Hello all!

Work has been very busy over the last 2 weeks and as such has hindered my progress some what. I have manager to some progress though. Starting with base coating the Mastodon and my 2 remaining Dreadclaws.

These are the last of my vehicles for the First Company. Once they are complete, I will be able to transport everyone in the army across the table. 

I am also working on getting the last of the units assembled that I will be adding to the First Company. I have 10 Reavers on the go, 6 armed with special weapons (4 melta and 2 plasma guns). 2 each of will be going in each squad. 

I used the plastic special weapons from BaC. I mixed up 2 hand holding and 1 handed. I have started on model to represent the leader of the Reaver Kalus Ekkaddon. I decided to go for a lightning claw and plasma pistol, as I found no description of what he took to war so made up my own mind! 

He is essentially done except pads and back pack. I have also been preparing a model Falkus Kibre, again no description of his wargear (if you know anything about Kibre and Ekkaddon wargear please let me know!). He is again work in progress, I have made use of Abaddons body and the terminator preator arms. I will be adding some etched brass to him to make him more SoH. 

I had a second leviathan and a deredeo sat in boxes not doing anything and couldn't decide which of my other legions they would fit in. In the end I decided the would go best with the SoH First Company, so I got them washed and ready for assembly. 

I am hoping work improves and I can get back to some decent hobby time. In the mean time I will keep chipping away at these bits. 

Happy hobbying!

Darien 

Sons of Horus First Company Update 16

Hi all!

After a long stretch of painting I decided to have a break and get my last few models assembled for the First Company. I started with a simple kit bash to make a Master of Signal. I have added one to the army so that I can make use of the Black Reaving RoW.

He was made with Reaver legs, torso, shoulder pads and head. I added the back pack and arm from the Master of Signal kit. I was going to give him a power sword but I couldn't find one to fit on the right hand! So I went with a plasma pistol instead cause they look cool! 

I then moved onto the first of 2 Leviathans. Great model and it went together nicely. I really enjoy posing dreads and like trying to capture a sense of movement and power in the pose. 

The 2 Leviathans are aimed at a different role each. This is my anti infantry one, armed with grav flux and a claw. I am really pleased with how he has come out and I'm excited to get him painted up. 

Lastly I started working on my additional Reavers. I will be arming them with some special weapons and added them across, what will be 3 squads of 10. I am undecided if i should model the special weapon marines with the melta gun in 1 hand and put an axe in the other or if I should use the standard marine arms with the gun held in both hands. What do you think?

I have ordered 2 bare heads that I will be using to represent Ekkaddon and Kibre. I will be getting these 2 built as soon as they arrive in the post.

Happy hobbying!

Darien 

Sons of Horus First Company Update 9

Hello all!

Progress has been slow this week, however I did manage to put the finishing touches on my 20 Reavers. Its great to have reached the end of these guys! Now that they are completed I have around 2350 points of my Sons of Horus First Company completed, 19 Justaerin, Abaddon, 2 Contemptors, Chaplain and the 20 Reavers. Here they are with my Chaplain, Isaac Cordactus, at the front.

Most of the squad are armed with pistols and axes, however I have added 2 power fists and 3 power swords to each 10 man squad. This will make then a touch more affective on the battle field. They come with a high number of base attacks and having some AP2 and 3 in the squads should help to swing combat results in there direction. One of my Chieftains has a hand flamer and I have included a plasma pistol as well because it looks cool! 

I have found that the Reavers can pack a real punch when they get to combat, however you need to make sure they make it there! They will most regularly be dropped into the battle in a Dreadclaw Drop Pod. This offers them some protection at the beginning of the game and can get them to combat safely without taking to much fire.

Coming up next will most likely be my remaining 11 Justaerin. I have a special project in mind but that requires a bit of prep work before it can begin, which I will be doing whilst I paint the Justaerin. I have an order on the way from Forgeworld which will add a few more units to the First Company, including some much needed fire support. I am feeling good about what I have left to complete for this army and I think that the vehicles will paint up quickly. I am confident that by the end of May I will have nearly everything completed for them. 

Darien

Sons of Horus First Company Update 8

Hello all!

Todays update isn't what I was hoping to show, I was planning on having my 20 Reavers completed. Unfortunately work has gotten in the way. That said I have made good progress today and another couple hours of work should see these guys done!

I have completed all the basic colours, washing, highlighting on the red, along with eyes and Eyes of Horus. I am now halfway through highlighting on the brass and only have the silver left to do. Then the 'ard coat and medium wash. 

Here is a group shot of all 20 on the painting table. 

I am confident that I will have these guys completed by Sunday's weekly progress report and we be able to show then off properly in an update next week. Once these guys are done I will be looking to complete another 11 Justaerin and I will begin the prep work on my support vehicles. I have a Spartan, Land Raider and 2 Dreadclaws ready for priming. To go with these I also have a Fireraptor and another Dreadclaw awaiting assembly. I am also planning on a purchase from forgeworld (to have a chance in the Titan comp!), this will most likely be made of a Typhon heavy siege tank, maybe a Leviathan, and some other bits to support my feet on the ground. I am considering adding a Vindicator or 2 as well, as I think these will fit in with the relentless and hard hitting nature of the SoH. 

Darien 

Sons of Horus First Company Update 7

Hello all!

This week I thought I would share with you my First Company as it stands currently. I have now fully completed around 1750 points worth of this army!

Abaddon and Cordactus 

I am now working hard on getting 20 Reavers completed. I have added the red to all of them and I am half way through completing the silvers. All being well I should be able to have these completed by the end of this week. 

With the reds done:

With the silvers done:

All 20:

Isaac Cordactus 

In update number 5 I showed off my chaplain, Isaac Cordactus, for the first time and ask for some ideas regarding rules for him. Thank you to all of you that made suggestions! There were many great ideas and I now have a more finalised version of what they may look like. I thought it would be great to get your feedback on what you think of the rules. 

First Chaplain of the Sons of Horus 1st Company

WS 6   BS 4   S 4   T 4   W 3   A 4   I 5   LD 10   Sv 2+

Wargear:
Crozius arcanum (Power maul)
Power fist
Bolt pistol
Artificer armour
Iron halo
Frag and krak grenades 

Special rules:
Legions Astartes (Sons of Horus)
Independent character
Zealot
Outflank
Assassins eye

Potential rule version 1:
Kill for the living, kill for the dead:
Cordactus leads his brother Reavers into battle with a level of zeal and viciousness far above all others. His presence on the field of battle inspires his brothers to fight harder. He leads charges of deadly affect and as he meets his foes his mighty crozius swings in an vicious arc into any unfortunate enemies standing in his way.

Cordactus can only join Reavers Attack squads. He grants his unit the Hammer of wrath special rule and he himself gets D3 Hammer of wrath hits using the profile of his Crozius Arcanum (power maul). He and his unit also gain the furious charge special rule.

Potential rule version 2:

Cordactus can only join Reavers Attack squads. He grants his unit the Hammer of wrath special rule and he himself gets D3 Hammer of wrath hits using the profile of his Crozius Arcanum (Power maul).  Due to his inspiring presence, all Reaver squads within 12" of Cordactus benefit from his Zealot rule. Additionally his unit can make use of the Zealot rule in every turn of combat rather than just the first. 

Finding the right balance between being a fluffy character and not just overpowered is difficult! What do you think? 

Darien

Sons of Horus First Company Update 5: Chaplain Cordactus

Hello all!

The latest addition to my Sons of Horus First Company is Chaplain Isaac Cordactus. Cordactus is a particularly vicious fighter who was born into the gang wars of Cthonia. He spent his youth leading daring raids on other gangs, often arriving unseen and from unexpected directions.

When the Great Crusade reached Cthonia, Cordactus was one of the first to pass the Astastes test and was quickly added into the ranks on the XVI legion. Isaac was a very skilled close combat fighter and was placed into a one of the 23rd company assault squads.

He was soon in command of this squad and receiving battle honours during every war. These honours lead him to being noticed by Kalus Ekkaddon, captain of the First Company Reavers. His battle record impressed Kalus and he offered Isaac a place in the elite Reavers of the First Company. It only took 3 battles before he was named Chieftain of his squad and he continued adding to his growing honours.

In the heat of battle Cordactus lead his men in a way that always brought the most out of them. They fought harder and without fear. Within a span of 10 years he was not only leading his squad but  several squads into battle. The zeal he showed for battle was becoming legendary within the First Company. The Chaplaincy of the legion took note and appointed Isaac the role of First Company Chaplain, a role he relishes and excels at. Cordactus' preference for war is to take the lead of several Reaver squads in drop pods and surprise the legions enemies, surrounding them from all directions. 

I will be creating a unique set of rules, based of the standard chaplain rules, for Cordactus. I am currently trying to decide what rules would be good to represent Isaac on the table top, I would like to find something unique to him that fits into his background above. 

What do you all think would be a good rules for him? 

Darien

Sons of Horus First Company Update 3

Hello all!

I have done very little painting in the last week and the 11 Justaerin are still waiting to be finished. What hobby time I have found I haven't fancied doing any painting, instead I have spent the time doing some other small bits and pieces.

I have moved my 20 Reavers onto 32mm bases and while I was doing so also upgraded the 2 units with 3 power swords each. Whilst removing them from the 25mm bases I knocked one of the bolt pistols off and decided that a plasma pistol would look cooler so added one in!

As I was messing around with the bases I added some assorted rocks to them to get them ready for undercoating. Having started this I carried on and added rocks to all 30 Justaerin and my 2 contemptors as well. I will have to base coat the rocks on the Justaerin by hand.

I will be getting the airbrush out soon and laying down an undercoat on the Reavers and Contemptors ready for a couple full days of painting I have planned. I may also undercoat the Dreadclaw that I have built, and try and get a second one built to do in this batch as well.

I have also been working on a character conversion to be able to use during our upcoming campaigns. I had originally planned and built him as a Praetor but once I had decided to concentrate on the First Company I realised that this wouldn't really work. Abaddon is really the 'Praetor' character in the First Company and at a push you could say that Falkus Kibre (Lead the first company in Abaddon's absence) could also fit as a 'Praetor' although I see him as more of a Centurion. Kalus Ekkaddon is also named as the Captain of the Reavers and again would fit in as a Centurion. So with the Preator and 2 centurions already named, I plan on doing models for both Falkus and Kalus, I had the idea of making my character a Chaplain.

Above you can see that he is armed with a power fist and sword. My current plan if he is to become a Chaplain would be to replace the sword with a Crozius, possibly the one from Betrayal at Calth. My other idea is that I will use him as a Preator but paint him green rather than black and fit him into another SoH company rather than the first. He is still very much work in progress and I plan to add some more bits, etched brass, to Sons of Horus him up a bit more!

Happy hobbying!

Darien

Legio Astraman

Good evening all.

I'm taking a little break from the usual midnight clad to bring you something all together different. For the last few years I've been amassing a loyalist titan legion. In the early days I decided upon Legio Astraman simply because I love green but had no green armies to speak of (oi! back in the box Grotsnik). So started the saga of Legio Astraman. I'm very aware that there are very few Astraman titans kicking around, I know of another player in the USA that has a modest force but I've never been one to shy away from an underrepresented force in the war gaming world.

I've actually been painting these with the older Games Workshop paints (which I managed to stock pile before they disappeared for good). The green is a base of Knarloc Green with Goblin Green layered on top. The blues and whites are using the newer paints (Administratum Grey, Ceramite White, Kantor Blue and Calledor Sky) although I'm still using Shinning Gold for the trim.

This week I've been adding a bit more colour to the panels on the titans - namely the knees pads on the two Reavers. All the parts of the titans were primed in Halford's black matt primer and then were given a base coat of Leadbelcher, Warplock Bronze and Rhinox Hide (1:1:1) which I mix up in a washed out tester pot from Wilkos or B&Q. Once dry I then washed the parts liberally with Nuln Oil and then when dry again give them a rough dry brush with Leadbelcher .

So here are the various stages;

Kantor Blue 

Administratum Grey

Calledor Sky

first pass with the Ceramite White

finished pad

finished pad

Knarloc Green

Goblin Green

finished pads (minus the detail work on the emblem pad)

To get the straight lines (all my stuff is brush not airbrush) I use sellotape (as it curves around raised sections) and a sharp pencil to mark out the lines - the rest is freehanded on with said brush. Sometimes a little adjustment is needed but usually it's ok out of the gate.

So this is where they all stand for now;

Reaver Titan 'Ardua Dominus Mortem'

armed with three apocalypse launchers

Reaver Titan 'In Monte Iratus'

armed with two volcano cannons and turbo laser destroyer

Warhound Titan 'Dominus Canem'

armed with two turbo laser destroyers

Warhound Titan 'Velox Venator'

armed with vulcan mega-bolter and ursus claw

I'm hoping to bring you more updates from these soon and perhaps some older WIP shots of their creation, along with the other titans I'm still adding to their number.

I'd love to know what you guys think.

(More Night Lords coming soon...)

Peace out

KF