Soul Reapers Background II

I have refined the Soul Reapers backgound and fleshed it out a little more.

"Abandon hope for I am Death Incarnate" -Krug the Beheader

Origins
Midus Krug, Captain of the World Eaters Seventeenth Great Company, took the failings of the Heresy bitterly. He was outraged over being forced to retreat from the Walls of Terra only to hide like dogs and cowards in the Eye of Terror. What struck deepest was the slow decent of his Legion. Though the World Eaters were never famed for their professionalism, their conduct or combat tactics, to those within the Legion, there was a core of pride and honor within combat. The Legion's embrace of the Chaos God Khorne had removed all such valor and turned the World Eaters into blood seekers and madmen.

Watching the infection of Khorne enter the ranks of the Seventeenth, Krug decided action was required. Removing his forces from the Legion's fleet, he risked the lives of his brothers to make sure they would not become the fools that his Legion were to become. His actions were gratified when news of the slaughter upon Skalathrax. As the rest of the Legion turned upon itself, the Seventeenth headed deeper into the Eye of Terror.

Coming upon the daemon world of Terkerak, they faced their first battle as an independent force. Krug took the planet by rights of conquest, slaying its former lord, Malekhi, in single combat. Exploring the temple Malekhi had formed for himself, Krug found many passages scribed on the walls about 'reaping souls for the Lords of Chaos'. Believing a greater power than fate had brought him here, the Seventeenth would forever be known as the Soul Reapers.

The texts within the temple told how Malekhi had managed to come to power and he planned to further it; the artifacts of Salmora. The Salmora was a very powerful ancient Daemon Prince; he found and created a total of 12 artifacts. He used the artifacts to wage war against the chosen champions of each of the Dark Gods, in an attempt to ascend to godhood. Seeking the authority to reunite his Legion and destroy the foul Imperium, Krug left his new domain in search of the artifacts.

Using the cover of Abaddon's First Black Crusade to sneak past Imperial defenses, the Soul Reapers have been taking a bloody course across the Imperium till this day. Over time, members of other Legions and Renegade chapters have joined the ranks of the Reapers, swayed by the power Krug promises them.

Homeworld


In their quest to find Salmora the Soul Reapers stumbled across a warp storm located on the North Eastern Fringe near the Ghoul Stars. They named it the Storm of Souls, it is outside of Imperial shipping lanes it is the perfect place to coordinate their search.

Inside the storm their fortress is located on Ehdan a planet covered in ruined cities whose only residents are hordes of mutants, they are all that’s left from the original population. On a large island in the southern hemisphere they found abandoned forges dating back to the dark age of technology. This has been fortunate for the Soul Reapers as they have been able gain favor with the Dark Mechanicus and Obliterator Cult.

Combat Doctrine
The Soul Reapers combat doctrine is still very similar to that of the World Eaters before their fall to Khorne. They still prefer short ranged firefights followed by swift brutal close combat to destroy their opponents.

The Soul Reapers can usually be seen mounted in Rhinos racing toward their enemy so they can disgorge to lay down a withering hail of fire to suppress their prey. Once the enemy is suppressed, they hurl themselves into their foes to deal the final death blow.

The leaders of the Warband methodically plan out their battle plans, because once their troops are committed their blood lust is not easily swayed. This is due to the aggression chips that were placed in the core of the Soul Reapers when they were part of the World Eaters.


The Soul Reapers have an ample supply of Terminator suits due to the Dark Mechanicus forges on Ehdan. Because of this they make great use of teleportation attacks sending their Chosen Terminators in the midst of the enemy.


Beliefs
Over the Centuries the Soul Reapers have fully dedicated themselves to Chaos. They favor no particular Dark God knowing that true strength comes from unity. They are most easily swayed to the dedication of Khorne, with Berzerkers being the most prevalent cult within the Warband; this fact is attributed to the aggression chip. The Soul Reapers do make use of all the Cults if Chaos in very limited numbers. Total dedication to one Chaos God is very closely monitored; so that no particular cult takes hold of the Soul Reapers.

The Soul Reapers believe the only way to exact their ultimate revenge is the find the Salmora artifacts. So far they have collected 3 of the artifacts the first of which was taken from the Daemon Prince Malekhi. Once they have them they know that their Lord will unite the Legions and lead them to victory over the Imperium.

They have made several alliances with few of their former brothers. Even with these alliances they are always careful when dealing with their fallen Brothers. As they loathe them almost as much as those who still serve the Emperor.

Current Disposition
Two thirds of the Soul Reapers are currently deployed to the Ammoriss system; he has had visions of the resting place of the “Minds Eye” one of the powerful Salmora artifacts. Krug is leading the Chaos uprising on Ammoriss with a precarious alliance with a Grand Company from the Iron Warriors, the Warband the Sons of Slaughter and a Warhost of Daemons. The campaign is currently focused on the Southern most continent with the balance of the Chaos forces laying siege to the Pierefoy. The Pierefoy is the political and military hub for the Southern Continent. If the Pierefoy falls the rest of the Southern Continent will be easy pickings.

Krug has sent his two most trusted Sorcerers to the Ridgeback Massif. It is a rugged mountainous area where one of the Salmora artifacts is believed to be hidden. These two travel in secret and avoid any contact with their Chaos allies. For surely the leaders of the other Warbands would want to claim the artifact for themselves. They are performing powerful rituals to taint the population while they search; creating foul Chaos spawn and Rage Zombies to wreak havoc amongst the local population and military.

The final third of the Soul Reapers are currently raiding the Imperial shipping lanes from their base in the Storm of Souls. They are lead by the Soul Reapers most powerful Daemon Prince Vorenous the Reaver. He's a massive killing machine standing almost 20 feet tall.

Soul Reapers Ammoriss Battle Report

The Engines on the Stormbird thundered as it lifted off, from the rendezvous point on the Ridgeback Massif. They had just dropped the Sorcerer Jhor Locke to his battle group. Titus was irritated with this inglorious task as he would much rather be slaughtering the servants of the Corpse God.

Just as the Stormbird reached the edge of the mountain range, the pilot spotted a small column of yellow armor. The Imperial Fist armor was heading south west obviously on the way to reinforce the Imperial forces defending the Pierefoy. The Daemon Prince grinned because he knew the Dark Gods would be pleased with his Butchering of the Sons of Dorn.


This was a 2000 point Pitched Battle with 4 objective markers.

Here is the Soul Reapers List
HQ
(DP)Daemon Prince of Tzeentch
Wings, Warptime


Elites
(T)4 Terminators with 3 combi-plasma, Heavy Flamer, 1 powerfist, Icon of chaos glory


Troops
(CSM1)10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist
Rhino (orange)
(CSM2)10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist
Rhino (Blue)
(PM)7 Plague Marines with 2 meltaguns, personal icon
Aspiring Champion with power fist
Rhino (Red)
(Z)8 Khorne Berzerkers, personal icon
Aspiring Champion with powerfist
Rhino (Green)


Fast Attack
5 Chaos Spawn (S1)/(S2)

Heavy Support
(O)2 Obliterators

Defiler replaces flamer with CCW
Defiler replaces flamer with CCW


Here is the Imp Fists list
(L)Lysander
(C)Chaplain w/jump pack

Dreadnought, AC, Extra Armor
Dreadnought, AC, Extra Armor
(T1)5 TH/SS Terminators
(L2)Land Raider Redeemer w/ Multimelta, Extra Armor

(T2)10 Tactical Marines - Flamer, Multi-Melta, Power Fist, Rhino (R1)
10 Tactical Marines - Flamer, Lascannon, Power Weapon, Razorback w/ TLAC (RB)
(T3)10 Tactical Marines - Flamer, Plasma Cannon, Power Weapon, Rhino (R2)

(A)10 Assault Marines, Power Fist, 2x Flamer




Lysander and the Terms deployed in the LR redeemer.
Chaplain deployed with the assault marines.



IF turn one sees the LR rush forward and pop smoke, followed closely by the Rhinos who move six so they can take shots at a Rhino and the S2 Spawn; resulting in a dead Rhino and a wounded Spawn. The LC combat Sqd takes a shot at the Oblits and misses. Dread 1 fires the AC at the PM Rhino and blows off the TL bolter. Dread 2 and the RB both fire at the Defilers; with the AC shaking and stunning the defiler on the right and the RB destroying the Defiler on the lefts BC.

SR turn one was extremely lucky for the Reapers. The Spawn scuttle forward at a good pace S1 goes 9 inches and S2 goes 11. The DP leaps over the wood bearing down on the LR. The BCless Defiler fleets forward, while the other one moves nd fires the BC at the assault sqd; killing two. The Oblits fire LC’s at the LR, they hit twice one is saved by the smoke the other penetrates and rolls a 6; unluckily killing one Term. CSM squad 2 fires 2 meltas at the Terms killing one more, leaving the squad with 3 plus Lysnader.

This is followed by the brutal assault I’ve ever seen against CC Terms. The DP and S2 assault the remnants of the Terms; Titus fights Lysander hits 5 times and kills him, the Spawn attack the Terms with 8 attacks wounding him 6 times killing 2. The Term Sgt attacks and kills one Spawn. Then the Term SGT rolls boxcars for his LD test and is run down. I have never seen my buddy roll so many ones for Terminator saves before; I really felt bad.



IF turn 2 sees Dread 1 move forward and the Rhinos fall back. Dread 1 fires the AC and SB into the Spawn killing one. The LC combat Sqd, the PC Sqd and the MM Sqd fire at the DP causing 2 wounds. Dread two destroys one defiler while the RB shakes the other one.

SR turn 2 sees the DP and Spawn 2 rampage in the direction of the Rhino Sqds. CSM Sqd 2 rushes forward in their Rhino with the Melta gunners protruding out the top hatch. The defiler clamors over the wreck of the other defiler and fleets 6 inches. Spawn 1 moves 7 inched towards Dread 1. The PM’s and Zerkers dismount and move forward.

CSM Sqd shoots and immobilizes Rhino 2 with the PC Sqd in it. Spawn 2 assaults Rhino 1 immobilizing it. The PM’s Melta Dread 1 and destroy it. The DP assaults the LC combat Sqd and kills 3 including the LC; they fall back. The defiler assaults Dread 2 and immobilizes it; Dread 2 destroys the BC on the Defiler.



IF turn 3 sees the Assault Sqd lunge forward to take on the PM’s. The RB shoots and kills an Oblit, while the PC Sqd destroys CSM 2’s Rhino, 2 die in the explosion. The MM Sqd Kills the last Spawn of S2 with MM and Flamer fire.

The Assault Sqd and Chaplain kill 5 PM’s; the PM’s kill two in retaliation. The Dread kills the second Defiler.

SR turn 3 sees the DP moving toward Rhino 2. The Spawn and Zerkers move in to swarm the Assault Sqd. CSM 2, fires 2 Meltas to destroy Rhino 1. The Obli fires and kills Rhino 2 with the explosion killing 2.

The DP assaults the PC squad and Kills 5, they fail to wound him, fall back and get caught. The Zerkers and Spawn assault the Assault Sqd; During the fight the PM’s are destroyed as are the Assault Sqd. The Chaplain, Zerkers and Spawn consolidate and all unbelievable fail to move more than an inch; so the combat is over.



IF turn 4 sees the Chaplain falls back near Combat Sqd 2. The Dread fires at the Zerkers killing 2 and the RB shooting at the DP who makes his 4+ save. The MM squad unleashes hell onto the DP, he simply grins and makes 10 saves!

SR turn 4 sees the Zerkers and Spawn assault the RB immobilizing it and destroying the LC’s. CSM squad 2 and the DP assault and wipe out the MM Sqd; they consolidate towards the objective.



IF turn 5 sees the Chaplain hurl himself at the Zerkers cutting down 2; then the Zerkers claim the Chaplains Skull for their Lord.

SR turn 5 sees Titus killing the last two members of the LC Combat Sqd, and the Chosen Terminators finally show up! They them proceed to Vaporize Combat Sqd 2.

Victory to the Soul Reapers, the Dark Gods must be pleased.


As he boarded the Stormbird Titus looks back and smiled as he watched the smoke rise from the field of battle. His first combat action on Ammoriss was a success and he knew that as long as he was at Lord Krugs side this pitiful world would fall to the Dark Gods.

After thoughts:
The game was riddled with horrible dice rolls, but overall it was pretty fun.

I lost 3 outta 5 Spawn, which isn't bad for a unit with no save. I didn't see them as a slow unit, but again this is dependent on dice rolls. They were a lot of fun to use, the only thing I would't do with them is field less than 4. Two units are more survivable than one. IMHO.

Maps were made using Battle Chronicler.

The Soul Reapers and the Battle for Ammoriss

I've been participating in a 40K campaign run on my favorite painting and modeling forum the Ammobunker. It is called the Battle for Ammoriss it is the Ammobunkers own little sector of the Imperium to wreak havoc upon. The second round of the campaign just started up, my Soul Reapers have been leading the Forces of Chaos on Ammoriss since the middle of the first round of the campaign.

Here is the latest Fluff for the Soul Reapers and the forces of Chaos on Ammoriss. (disclaimer: I know I'm not a literary master; so please be constructive in any criticisms.)

The fighting on Ammoriss has been hard fought for the forces of Chaos, with little ground being actually taken. There was a lot of random slaughter but no major victories.

Warlord Krug sat on the bridge of his flagship the Death Incarnate; he was contemplating on how to rally his weak traitorous Brothers. He had already sent small groups of his own warband the Soul Reapers to each of his allies with little effect. He thought about the long gone days of glory and unwavering commitment of the once strong Legions. Maybe he was too focused on finding the Salmora artifact hidden on Ammoriss.

The suddenly the comms system came alive as three ships appeared from the Warp. The bridge crew sprang to life getting ready to smash the arriving ships, then a familiar gravely voice rang through the comm. The lead ship was the Despicable Deed the personal ship of Krugs second in command; the foul Demon Prince Titus the Butcher.

Krug knew this was a viciously good omen for the forces of chaos; Titus was Krugs most reliable minion. Once given a task he would complete it with a single-mindedness that even Krug himself would have a hard time breaking.

Krug decided to call all of the leaders of Chaos to the Death Incarnate for a council; for he knew that with Titus at his side even the Daemon Princes on Ammoriss would step in line. It was time for the forces of Chaos to fight with a singular goal; they would need to poor their weight into only one or two sectors until they fell. Only then could they move on to the next sectors and make Ammoriss fall.

When the leaders arrived there was much debate on where to focus their attacks. In the end it was decided to focus on the Southern most war zones. The main effort of the Chaos forces would be focused on the capture of the Pierefoy; accomplishing this task would render the servants of the false Emperor blind with no communications and little hope of reinforcement.

The 16th Grand Company of the Iron Warriors along with 5 companies of the Ammoriss Bloodpack was to immediately redeploy to the area around the Pierefoy.

The Host of Daemons under the Herald of Nurgle Bargoth Poxflesh has been summoned and sent to Fortunes Landing in Wazone 12; to infect as much of the population as possible for the glory of Nurgle .

The Sons of Slaughter would keep raiding in the area around Lake Macintosh.

The newly reinforced Soul Reapers would split into three battle groups; the Harvesters, the Butchers and the Reavers.

The Harvesters under command of Krugs two Sorcerers, Xusia the “Soul Eater” and Jhor Locke the “Changer of Ways” ; they would be sent to the Ridgeback Massif. Their task is twofold firstly they will use their mystical powers to create as many rage zombies and spawns of chaos as possible; thusly creating as much havoc in the area as they can. The second task is the whole reason the Soul Reapers answered the call to aid the forces of the Dark Gods on Ammoriss; find the Salmora artifact the “Minds Eye” which is hidden somewhere in the Massif.

The Butchers under command of the Daemon Prince Titus the “Scourge of Lambosia”; they would be tasked with commanding the siege of the Pierefoy. The single-mindedness if Titus will not allow the forces of Chaos to fail in their task.

The Reavers would be under command of Lord Krug himself. They would be a reserve force stationed on the Death Incarnate ready to aid the forces of Chaos by Dreadclaw and teleportation.

With the plans laid out and forces mustering the fate of Ammoriss is bleak for the weakling forces of the Imperium of man.

Skull Champion Update

Here's todays progress on the Skull Champion. I should have him done tomorrow.



Update: I just finished the flesh on his arm. I really like the new skin tone; what to you guys think?

The Rage of Chaos!

Time for me to stop procrastinating; it's time to finally paint my Khorne Berzerkers for the Soul Reapers, and retire the last squad from my old WE army.

So as a way to force myself to finish the squad I have given the squad to my buddy who bought the rest of the old army.

Here is the Test model to refresh the mental palette. Although the skin tone is going to change to have a more pallor look.



Here are the WIP's for the rest of the Squad.



The Skull Champion carries 8 skulls to represent his dedication to Khornes sacred number. These are comprised of 6 skulls, one severed head and his own head as a final offering.

2000 point unconventional Chaos Marines list

Here is an unconventional Chaos Marine list. I've included more Lesser Daemons and 6 of the greatly under-appreciated Chaos Spawn. The list looks like it will be a hoot to run; plus it's list that I have wanted to try out ever since I got the tide of Spawn Apoc box.!

HQ
Daemon Prince of Tzeentch
Wings, Warptime, Doom Bolt
180

Elites
4 Terminators with 3 combi-plasma, Heavy Flamer, 1 powerfist, Icon of chaos glory
160

Troops
10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist
Rhino
255

10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist
Rhino
255

7 Plague Marines with 2 meltaguns, personal icon
Aspiring Champion with power fist
Rhino
256

8 Lesser Daemons
104

7 Lesser Daemons
91

Fast Attack
6 Chaos Spawn
240

Heavy Support
2 Obliterators
150

Defiler replaces flamer with CCW
150

Defiler replaces flamer with CCW
150

Total 1996

Defiler with close combat tentacles

I finished buiding the Defiler. I absolutely detest the stupid CCW that the Defiler comes with so I convered my own. I'm calling the conversion the Soul Reaper pattern close combat tentacles!



Close up of the tentacles.



I figure that if you can possess a vehicle you can have retractable living metal tentacles.

The tentcles were made from floral wire. I hand wrapped each one individually and they are all vary length.

Pacificon Iron Bolter Tourney List

I'm not a big time tourney player anymore, but I do attend a few a year at the local gaming conventions.

HQ
Daemon Prince of Tzeentch
Wings, Warptime, Doom Bolt
180

Elites
5 Terminators with 4 combi-plasma, Heavy Flamer, 1 Chainfist, Icon of chaos glory
200

Troops
10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist and combi-flamer
Rhino Havoc Launcher
280


10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 Plasma guns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power weapon and melta bombs
Rhino Havoc Launcher
275

7 Plague Marines with 2 meltaguns 1 with personal icon
Aspiring Champion with power fist
Rhino
261


8 Khorne Berzerkers 1 with personal icon
Aspiring Champion with power weapon and melta bomb
Rhino
243

8 Lesser Daemons
104


Heavy Support
2 Obliterators
150

Defiler replaces flamer with CCW
150

Defiler replaces flamer with CCW
150

Total 1993

I'm debating swapping out the IoCG on the Termies for IoS, but am not sure that I want to give up my rerollable LD.

General tactics are rush the DP and troops up one side of the table; under supporting fire from the Defilers, and Oblits depending on the oponent.

The Termintors are my anti-MC, anti-heavy infantry unit and are meant to DS where they are needed most.

The Lesser Daemons are an annoyance unit meant to support one of the other units in CC.

The Havoc Launchers are there to make the Rhinos a threat to hoard units.

Comments and suggestions appreciated.

Space Wolves Rumors Mk III

Some new Space Wolf rumors from Bolter and Chainsword and Warseer.

First up a clear picture of the Grey Hunter and Blood Claw from WD.



New info from Bolter and Chainsword.

The Space Wolf army is themed on movement. Move, Assault, Fire, Move, Assault, Fire, etc. Its not meant to be a static army. It's also an army to be filled with lots of Troop Choices.

13th Company are not officially dead but are special choices based on your army. This Im not clear on whether they are a "Legion of the Damned" choice, or something based on the HQ you purchase.

Pack Leaders are now unit upgrades and are not purchased from Elites.

Grey Hunters are strongly rumored to be able to take a second special weapon in their squads.

Long Fangs "May" be able to have some sort of a special rule where they can move and fire, but not assault.

Blood Claws have been re-worked to level with 5th Edition in respect to "Bezerk Charge."

Hot off the Warseer rumor thread posted by member Bun Bun.

What I have heard with respect to the Saga's is that

Wolf Lords will be able to take two sagas. They will have a wide variety of weapon options. I have also heard that they will be able to make on unit of Wolf Guard a troops choice but I need confirmation on this.

Wolf Priests will basically be a chaplain and apothacary combined in that they will have a Power weapon, Iron wolf amulet and Healing balms and potions as standard. So they will ignore armour saves, have a 4+ invulnerable save and confer Feel no Pain on any unit they join. They will be able to take one sage and apparently cost about 130pts.

Rune Priests will come with Force Weapon as standard and will be able to take some very nifty psychic powers unique to them. They will be able to take one Saga.

Iron Priests will be brought in line with the Techmarines of the normal codex. I do not know if they will be HQ or Elite but they too will take one Saga.

Wolf Guard battle leaders will be an upgrade for Wolf Guard packs and will be able to take one Saga as standard.

Cheers,
Jim

FYI: if you are interested in Flames of War or historical gaming in general, check out my new blog the Historical Angle.

First Space Wolf Razorback built.

Here is my first Razorback with the "Big Jim" pattern front armor. I'm busy sculpting Wolf icons to mold and use on all of my tanks.



After looking at the new minis some more, I've decided to paint any of the Blackmane wolfs head icons (like the one on the GH's left knee) red; this is to signify honor to the days of the Great Crusade. When the chapter badge was a red wolfs head.

Since I use the Night Runner badge for my GC I needed figure out a way to have it make sense to have the badge of another company on my troops.

First look at the new Space Wolf miniatures!

Thanks to anselminus at Warseer. Even though the picture is blurry, these new miniatures are looking great! If you look closely the legs on the new miniatures seem to have lost the semi-squatting pose of the standard marine legs!



I am going to go crazy before the new Space Wolves codex is here!

Update: GW in their infinite wisdom have decided to officially let the Wolf outta the bag.

Incoming! Space Wolves

The Space Wolves were one of the first Space Marine Chapters founded by the Emperor; fierce and barbaric heroes of legend who charge fangs bared into the teeth of the enemy. In October, this Chapter of ferocious warriors is being re-launched with a brand-new Codex and range of Citadel Miniatures.

As a newsletter subscriber, we thought you should be among the first to catch a glimpse of the all-new Space Wolves.


Space Wolf Grey Hunter
This stunning Grey Hunter has been assembled using the forthcoming multi-part plastic box set; just one of the fantastic new Space Wolf sets coming in October!


They sent this pic in the latest newsletter.

The Chosen of Chaos, Soul Reapers HQ's

Sorry for the lack of miniatures updates of late. I've gotten totally swept up in the Space Wolves rumors and playtesting my list for the 'Ard Boys. Here are two of the HQ's from my Soul Reapers.

First up we have the Daemon Prince Titus the Butcher





Next we have the foul sorcerer of Tzeentch; Jhor Locke the “Changer of Ways”

Space Wolf codex Rumors are Sweeping the Internet!

The Space Wolf codex has an October release date.

Here is the current round up of all the rumors we have so far.

The Space Wolf codex has an October release date.

LC's are called Wolf Claws in the new codex, you can choose to either re-roll to hit or to wound.

Canis Wolfborn is the new SW SC; He's riding a very big wolf in a not so weird way as that sounds. Let just say those bloodcrushers look like grots!!! Also Canis is power armoured and has 2 wolf claws. The wolf has some cybernetic bits on it.

IIRC taking Canis also allows you to take two cav choices, 1 can be SW mounted on wolves, the other is just wolves.

Njal Stormcaller returns to the Codex with a new model, holding a gnarled staff out before him.

Bjorn the Fellhanded returns to the codex.

All special characters have been resculpted.

Wolf Scouts will remain the same and they also have the option be mounted in a Land Speeder Storm

There will be 2 main plastic kits, however 1 of them can be used to make pretty much every SW troop choice by combining the oooodles of spares on the sprues with normal vanilla marines kits (e.g. a box of devastators plus the extra from the sprues will make your Longfangs. IIRC there are around 30+ heads on the sprue!!! there may also be a special vehicle, but I'm not sure if it's a complete kit or if there will be an upgrade sprue to add to the existing kit.

There's also a funky new way of kitting out your characters called Sagas, it is similar to the Vampiric Powers used by WFB VC, but IMO much more fitting for SW, and very fluffy, in fact it is IMO one of the best ideas GW have had in ages. You choose "sagas" for your characters, perhaps someone with Saga of the monster killer (I made that name up by the way) may be better at killing monsters (high strength things) in some way, although there could be drawbacks to this as he may need to kill so many of such things per game to continue his saga......

Space Wolves gain access to an Assault Cannon Land Raider variant.

The current options for jump packs are going to change. BTW Jump Pack marines are called "Skyriders" in SW Codex.

Plastic Wolfguard Terminators; they are ambidextrous, ie they will have right and left handed weapons options like Stormbolters.



New rumors out of Spain, posted up on BoLS seem to come from the old Warseer rumor thread, posted by Shadowphrakt. These rumors were very dubious, as he was duped.

The Saga of Space Wolves Rune Lord Njal Stormcaller and original minitature

Njal Stormcaller has always been one of my favorite Space Wolves Heroes. He's got an interesting background and a wonderful looking miniature, even thought the pose is rather static.

Njal Stormcaller's long saga began many years ago upon the cold oceans of Fenris. In ships of wood and skin his tribe put to the sea after their lands sank amidst the trial of fire and water. For many months they wandered the raging oceans of Fenris in search of new lands. After a mighty sea battle they defeated their rivals and took possession of the land born with the turning of the great year. In battle the young Njal fought with such ferocity that not even a full-blooded warrior dare stand before him. Leaping from oar to oar he threw himself upon the enemy ships, clearing the whole decks and casting foes into the engulfing waters.

At the battles end he lay exhausted on the deck, a spear point embedded in his breast. The pall of death lay upon him. Njal's valor would have ended there, doubtless passing into the legends of his tribe, but his bravery had not gone unnoticed. His dying body was plucked from the enemy ship by a Wolf Priest of the Space Wolves and was taken back to Asaheim.

Njal lerned quickly under the wise direction of the mighty Rune Lord Heimdall. Heimdall was the most ancient of the Rune Priests and the cclaimed victor of the Tokaran war. Njal was fighting by his lords side when Heimdall ws slain by a Bloodthirster of Khorne. Njal was not daunted by this massive abomination. Mustering all the power that his anger and grief could generate he succeeded in sending the creature back into the relms of chaos from whence it came. He then summoned up a psychic storm which shattered the remnants of the chaos forces, and brought victory to the hard-pressed Space Wolves. It ws in this way that Njal earned his name of Stormcaller.



Here is my Njal Stormcaller miniature it was probably painted around 1995-6. I'm thinking of doing some touch ups and using him in my newer army. What I am sure of is that I'll update his bse to match the forest bsing I am currently using.

Space Wolves riding giant Wolves, more SW codex comfirmations

That pic is from the FW site of Saul Remis' Space Wolves Great Wolf; I would imgine was the inspirtion for the new SC.

Soonerhef of the Bolter and Chainsword points out this in the marine section new trade order form:

a listing for Canis Wolfborn ($41.25)

Insane Psychopath confirms the listing with this post:

"He's got a very big wolf in a not so weired way as that sounds. Let just say those bloodcrusher look like grots!!! to him"

Brimstone also mentioned this on the SWC.

"I know of at least one new Special Character in the codex and the return/evolution of old ones."

75hastings69 on Warseer fills us in a few items:

"LC's are called Wolf Claws in the new codex, you can choose to either re-roll to hit or to wound.

Njal Stormcaller returns to the Codex with a new model, holding a gnarled staff out before him.

I have heard 2 main plastic kits, however 1 of them can be used to make pretty much every SW troop choice by combining the oooodles of spares on the sprues with normal vanilla marines kits (e.g. a box of devastators plus the extra from the sprues will make your Longfangs. IIRC there are around 30+ heads on the sprue!!! there may also be a special vehicle, but I'm not sure if it's a complete kit or if there will be an upgrade sprue to add to the existing kit."

Hastings gives up a little more:

"And beginning of October for release is indeed correct.

There's also a funky new way of kitting out your characters, it is similar to the Vampiric Powers used by WFB VC, but IMO much more fitting for SW, and very fluffy, in fact it is IMO one of the best ideas GW have had in ages. I'm not going to say any more on this as it will spoil the surprise."


The Plot thickens!

New Space Wolf codex Tidbit, Wolf Guard don't use Lightning Claws!?!

I found this conversation on the Space Wolf Community forum involving Brimstone of Warseer fame, very tastey!

Wookie said "just wondering HG how do you make the lightning claws if you don't mind divulging or if you can give me a link to how to do it :D
I can tell they use power fists"

Brimstone replied "Lightning Claws pah, the Wolves of Fenris have no use for such items."

Then Metaal made a post about a tutorial on how to make LC's


Brimstone came back with "I was obviously been a little too obscure, I'm talking about the new codex."

Geifer retorted "Hints, subtlety, obscurity, all these things are ill placed on a Space Wolves forum.

It's a strange design decision considering the last Space Wolves model released was a certain Wolverine. Obsolete before its first birthday? Then again, GW has a reputation to uphold."

Brimstones final post "Who said they were lightning claws?" Then he disappeared as quickly as he showed up.

So it looks like Lightning Claws will get some sort of Special rules treatment in the New Space Wolf Codex. The anticipation for the new SW Codex is killing me!

'Counts as' Talon of Horus mock up

Lord Krug needs a new shooter! He is moving into the wonderful workd of 'counts as'.



This is the mock up, to represent the Talon of Horus. It still needs greenstuffing, but I think this should work out.




With this simple weapon conversion and swap I should be able to use him as a cheap Chaos Lord or pull off a 'counts as' Abaddon; as there is not description of what the Talon looks like in the codex now.

Lord Krug the "Beheader"

This is Krug the "Beheader" Warlord of the Soul Reapers warband. He is also known as the Scourge of the eastern fringe and Terror of the Ghoul Stars.



As much as I love the look of a Chaos Lord in Terminator armor, they really aren't that great in game. He has been relegated to story driven play or large points games over 2000 points; where I can field enough Terminators and Landraiders to keep him safe.

Then I got to thinking, if I am usually fielding him in large points games why not spend the extra 110 points and use him as a counts as Abaddon.

Abaddon is a monster, his stats and special rules are befitting the vision I have for Krug.

So I am thinking a conversion may be in order. I'll replace his right lower arm with a Talon of Horus I have in my bitz box. My only trepidation is that he turned out very nice.

What do you guys think?

'Ard boys part Deux, and a Defiler

First up here is the first of two Defilers I'm working on. They will have metal tentacles coming outta the left side of the torso.



Here is what I've come up with as an alternate to the first list, outta the minis I have.

HQ
Daemon Prince of Tzeentch
Wings, Warptime, Bolt of Change
200

Elites
4 Terminators with 3 combi-melta, Heavy Flamer, 1 Chainfist, Icon of Tzeentch
Landraider transport
410


Troops
10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist and combi-flamer
Rhino Havoc Launcher
280


10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 Plasma guns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power weapon and melta bombs
Rhino Havoc Launcher
275

7 Plague Marines with 2 meltaguns 1 with personal icon
Aspiring Champion with power fist
Rhino
261


8 Khorne Berzerkers 1 with personal icon
Aspiring Champion with power weapon and melta bomb
Rhino
243


8 Lesser Daemons
104

Fast Attack
6 Chaos Bikers with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist
268


Heavy Support
2 Obliterators
150

Defiler replaces flamer with CCW
150

Defiler replaces flamer with CCW
150

Total 2491

I playtested the list twice last evening pulling out a draw against Mech Marine Raider spam and a big win over a Dual Lash Chaos. So I'm feeling confident I can do well with the list and give my opponents a good game.

Ha, ha, ‘Ard boys Chaos marine list

This is my ‘Ard boys Chaos marine list. There is no way I can afford to travel to the finals this year if I were to be lucky enough to win; so I’ve decided to just play something purely for laughs. This list is purely built to field some of my favorite miniatures.

Locally I’m known as the anti-cookie cutter list guy; I never field more than one cult unit in any of my lists, and it really depends on my mood as to which cult I use. This time I’m not using any.

For my HQ I’ve decided to pick a Sorcerer of Tzeentch. He weighs in at 200 points with a Personal Icon, Warptime and Doombolt. He will be riding either a Bike or a Disc of Tzeentch. I just need to decide which unit I want him to accompany.

For the Elite choices I decided to take two deep striking Terminator squads of four. Each squad will have an Icon of CG, 3 combi-weapons and a heavy flamer. One squad will have combi-meltas and the other will have combi-plasmas. I love the new plastic Termies and it would be a shame not to use them.

The basis of my Troop choices will be 3 squads of 10 basic chaos marines with icons of CG, including a Champion and a Rhino in each. I really like basic Chaos marines and always field 2 squads, no matter what I read on the internet. I will also be bringing 2 squads eight of Lesser Daemons. These guys get a bad rap; they are great for grabbing objectives or supporting units in assault. Besides I have some nifty Beastmen Ungors painted red to represent them; a very classic look for demons IMHO.



For Fast Attack I will be using a squad of 6 Chaos Bikers and a squad of 8 Raptors. The Bikers will have duel melta guns, an icon of CG and a Champ with a fist. The Raptors will have duel Flamers, an icon of CG and a Champ with a fist. Bikes are some of my favorite models in 40k; sure they take finesse to use and are really expensive, but sometimes you’ve gotta say what the Hell!

I’ll finish the list up with three choices from the Heavy Support section. First up a squad of 2 Obliterators, I love these guys, but refuse to spam them. Next I’m gonna take a pair of Defilers each with the flamer dropped for an extra CCW. How can you field a Chaos marine army without fielding the only uniquely Chaos vehicle in the list?

HQ
Sorcerer of Tzeentch
Bike/Disc, Warptime, Doombolt, Personal Icon
200

Elites
4 Terminators with 3 combi-melta, Heavy Flamer, 1 Chainfist
165

4 Terminators with 3 combi-plasma, Heavy Flamer, 1 Chainfist
165

Troops
10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist and combi-flamer
Rhino
265

10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist and combi-flamer
Rhino
265

10 Chaos Space Marines with 2 Plasma guns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power weapon and melta bombs
Rhino
260

8 Lesser Daemons
104

8 Lesser Daemons
104

Fast Attack
6 Chaos Bikers with 2 meltaguns and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist
268

8 Chaos Raptors with 2 flamers and icon of chaos glory
Aspiring Champion with power fist
220

Heavy Support
2 Obliterators
150

Defiler replaces flamer with CCW
150

Defiler replaces flamer with CCW
150

Total Points 2466

So I've got 34 points to play with, but have no good ideas of what to do with it; maybe Havoc launchers on the melta squads Rhinos.

Comments and criticisms are welcome as long as they are kept constructive; I know the list is not hard by any stretch of the imagination.

Feel free to manipulate the list to optimize it some more, I do have one of each cult squad at their sacred number.

I figure the army will be fast enough to get up in my opponents face quickly and start dropping the termies and daemons where they are needed most.

There is no doubt you are right a winged DP is probbly the better choice for an HQ, I'm not opposed to swaping out the Sorcerer. What do you think about giving a DP the mark of tzeentch for the 4+ invul and the second power? This way he can use Warptime and have a ranged attack.

I could easily drop the Raptors for 8 Zerkers including a champ with a P.weapon in a rhino, if I leave the Havocs off the Rhinos.

One last thing the Bikers must stay in the list, as I am finally painting them and wanna put 'em on the table.

Space Wolves Venerable Dread Completed

Let me officially introduce the Venerable Dreadnought Skeld Redmane to the denizens of the 40k Blogosphere! Painting is done and he's ready to smite the foes of the Imperium!







I'm now going to take week off from the Space Wolves to focus my work on the Soul Reapers.