From GregB: Apothecary Of Hope At Burch's Bluffs (35 Points)

Are you feeling the hope? No? I can help with that...

Burch's Bluffs...I mean, wherever I managed to travel on Challenge Island, there was just one spot we all knew I had to visit, right? The huge majority of my Challenge X submissions so far have been WW2 subjects, but the wait was getting too long and I put down the panzer truppen and got my brushes into the grim darkness of the far future, and take in the view from such a divine location on Challenge Island...

Ah, what a lovely spot on an at-times dodgy Island destination...

My recent efforts have generated a lot of WW2 stuff, but most participants will know GW's 30k setting is an ongoing passion of mine. Years of Challenge production have boosted the ranks of my 30k collection - in multiple scales.  So when Curt asked what topic I might enjoy for this map spot, there was no hesitation.  Some spots on Challenge Island might cause me to have to rummage around in my basement-room-of-shame for an appropriate figure.  Not so for Burch's Bluffs...the location calls for a 30k-themed figure or submission, and, well, lining one of those up took about four seconds...

Such a fine-looking legion symbol, embossed on his shoulder plate.

Here is an Apothecary from the 16th Space Marine Legion - the Sons of Horus, the Warmaster's very own Legion - wearing Mark II legion powered armour. He's carrying a bolt pistol on the off chance that he needs to shoot anyone, and the obligatory chain sword (he is a Space Marine, after all) but the spooky optics, drill/saw blade "glove" and assorted fluid containers all speak to his specialist function. He will accompany his fellow Sons of Horus on the various battlefields of the galaxy, and in those rare instances where the feeble efforts of those still loyal to the so-called "Emperor" might cause losses or injury in battle, will do his bit to make sure his fellow legionnaires keep on fighting with a minimal loss of time.

Right shoulder pauldron sporting the, er, "symbol of the medical profession"...

This is a resin model from Forge World. Some years ago they released a pack of two Legion apothecaries. I picked up a set second-hand from a local hobbyist who was moving on from 30k.  I painted one for the Sons of Horus last summer.  At one point I thought the second one should go to a different Legion, but then, come on...naturally the Warmaster's personal forces would need at least TWO apothecaries...it only makes sense.

No dirt on this apron. He has standards to maintain!

Because of course the Warmaster is also very busy with charity work, and this medic will also contribute to these worthy charity efforts, helping to provide vaccines and basic medical care to the survivors of planetary communities which took too long to see that things are changing, got in the way, or just fell victim to pro-"Emperor" terrorism.

Very cool figure - lots of detail.

Supported by the Dark Mechanicum, he will also support valuable medical research - for example, how long could an average human lung system survive on a planet that was, oh, I don't know, hit with a virus bombardment followed by a pan-continental firestorm? Does being run over by a Land Raider alter this? The medic will help Science answer these sorts of important questions. It's all part of the Warmaster's bold commitment to...knowledge. Yes, that's right. Knowledge.

The new apothecary takes his place with his Warmaster and XVI Legion bretheren.

Here is the obligatory Challenge Island progress shot. Up next...well, probably some more WW2 stuff, but I expect to head for Mudry's Mesa....

Progress so far...up next, Mudry's Mesa...

For points, this is a single 28mm figure. With the bonus points for the Challenge Island spot, it should be worth 35 points.  Thanks for looking!


It was anticipated that you would just have to visit your own island location Greg, and you have done so with a fantastic figure. Lovely stuff!

TamsinP