From GregB: And People With Skullz Shall Lead Them (16 Points)

Bladeguard Ancient (left) and Chaplain (right) for the Raven Guard. Figures from GW.

Hello again everyone, and welcome to AHPC XII. Great to be with all of you again. The first bit of work to share will find this edition of the Challenge picking up with me in mid-project - I am working on building up a force of Raven Guard Space Marines for Games Workshop's "Warhammer 40,000" setting. These two figures are part of that ongoing effort - both are multi-part plastic figures from GW's "Indomitus" box set. They are painted in the colours of the Raven Guard Space Marine Chapter.

Bladeguard Ancient

The Bladeguard Ancient - an ominous fellow who brings this inspiring battle standard to the heat of battle in order to inspire his fellow Marines. As one does.

In Space Marine forces, the "Ancient" is usually the Marine who carries a flag into battle (unless they are a Marine interred into a Dreadnought, but that is a whole other thing). Carry a flag into battle, 40,000 years from now? Well, yes, as one does. You see warfare in the dark dystopian future of Warhammer 40,000 carries with it a sort of dark-age aura. Thus we have genetically-modified super soldiers like the Space Marines doing baroque things like carrying flags and standards into battle. A symbol to rally around is a universal combat motivator, even 40,000 years into the future. This member of the already-scary "Bladeguard" makes his buddies fight even harder with his inspiring battle standard.

The standard is huge - it's a big model. Very over-the-top, and a lot of fun to paint.

But let's reflect on that battle standard a bit, as there is something odd here. Is that a flag? Well, no. Flags are nice, but, what if we kicked things up a notch? Why stop at telling the story of an inspirational martyr? Why stop at putting this martyr's image on a flag? Why indeed, when you can just BRING THE MARTYR'S REMAINS WITH YOU TO WAR? Makes sense to me! Not sure who the skeleton belonged to - maybe a Marine who fell fighting Horus' traitors during the Heresy? Yes, probably that. 

As GW said, this guy is "handy" in a fight...amirite? 

I have to hand to it to the figure sculptors/designers for GW's "Indomitus" box set. They leaned into the sillier aspects of the setting with the right mix of OTT inspiration and affection to create some lovely and fun figures to paint and game with. Look at this nut case! He is CARRYING A SKELETON HAND TO SLAP PEOPLE WITH. I love this. I wish I had five more of these guys to paint for other Chapters.

Chaplain

"Looking for inspiration? I CAN HELP WITH THAT..."

In the year 40,000 we gain an insight into the role of the Chaplain in a Space Marine chapter with a quick glance at his rules. What's this here? "Litany of Hate"? Isn't that the name of the algorithm Twitter uses? Anyway, sounds about right for Warhammer 40,000. Whether it is the Litany of Hate or the Litany of Starbucks, this fellow will jump into battle to inspire his fellow Marines to even greater deeds of heroism in the name of The Emperor, who is of course no longer around, but Is Still Always Around.

This figure is modified, for a couple of reasons. I needed the original top of his "Crozius Arcanum" (a.k.a. fancy baton) for another project. But then when I wanted to paint this fellow, I couldn't just have him carrying a stick, so I cut another skull bit from elsewhere on his armour, and stuck on the top of the baton to create a satisfactory badge of office.

I also love his fancy pistol. Not just because it looks heavy, and has a seal on it, but its name "absolvor" - nice that the Space Marines combine the notion of "absolution" and "revolver". Ah, I love 40k. As I said, the designers for this box set really found a sweet spot - the "Indomitus" box is a tribute to the things that make Space Marines a bit silly, very nicely done. 

I just assume those are all "thank you" notes pinned to his armour, courtesy of fellow Space Marines he has inspired...

I also replaced the un-helmeted head with a Mark III marine helmet. I did this because it is nice to have 30k shout-outs on 40k models, and also because I hate Space Marine figures without helmets. Space is dangerous. The Emperor spent Lots Of Money to create you. Wear your damn helmet.

These two figures are rather monstrous 28mm figures, but 28mm figures all the same, so the two of them will account for five points each, giving a total of 10 points. Just another 990 points to go. Thanks everyone - look forward to sharing more as we go. Cheers and Merry Christmas!     

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Haha! Fabulous brushwork my friend. It is heartening to know that, in amongst the self-harm that GW seems to be inflicting upon itself these days, it's nice to see them still being able to put out quality products like this.

I really like both of these figures, especially your take on the Raven Guard armour colour - far more interesting than straight black. All the baroque details in these figures really tell a story, creating such wonderful characters. I particularly admire what you've done with the 'Ancient' standard bearer. His cream tabard is brilliant, especially when set against the red and grey armour. I can hear him shouting to his battle brothers, 'Guys, If you think I'm old, check out poor Harry here...'  Also, great work on the crozius modification on the Chaplain. I laughed at your 'thank you note' purity seals - They could also be little shopping lists like, 'If you're out, pick up some gun oil, deodorant and espresso beans...'  The Litanies of SaveOn Foods.

I'm going to give some bonus points for the big, honkin' standard as it's pretty darn cool.

Welcome back to the Challenge, Greg!

-Curt