Tyranid Shield Generator

Thought this looked cool on Youtube and worth sharing.

Flufftastic - Hive Fleet Gorgon - Ferron Splinter Fleet - Ymgarl Genestealers

Hive Fleet Gorgon - Ferron Splinter Fleet continues to target Ferron Proxima. Latest reports have revealed that unknown to the populace hundreds or even thousands of Genestealers have been laying dormant in the desert regions of the planet.

As more and more incursions from the splinter fleet happen more of these creatures are awakened from their slumber and burst forth from vegetation, caverns or even the very ground itself.

As each new nest is disturbed a writhing mass of tentacles, chitinous armour plates or sharp talons erupt from the surrounding terrain hungry and inflamed with an alien need to kill. The populace has been warned to not leave urban centres, in the belief that whatever construction work that's taken place in those areas would already have disturbed these creatures whereas the wide open spaces have lain unmolested for millenia, until now!

Kill squads from the planetary defence force, backed up by Adeptus Astartes and members of the Inquisition, including Magos Biologis Alder Garrick have set out to exterminate these life forms before they can connect with the splinter fleet. Who knows what information their alien biometric knowledge of Ferron Proxima will do to help the alien menace adapt and mutate in it's insatiable desire for Ferron Proxima.

The latest reports back from these termination squads indicate that their missions have been a great success. It's still early days but Magos Biologis Garrick believes that all forms of the Genestealer infestation that showed unstable mutable properties have been eradicated from Ferron Proxima. The kill teams are still meeting alien resistance and other Tyranid bioforms but none of the Genestealers are showing elements known as the 'Ymgarl Factor'. This news has been cautiously but positively received by the Inquisition as this particular strain of Xenos can resurface at any time and any location. Meanwhile there has been spontaneous celebration and litanies of thanks left to the Emperor in the Cathedrals and faith cubicles across Ferron Proxima - praise his beneficence!

A pick and mix of progress

This feels a bit like a 'what's on my pallete' lite but my options were to separate the nid progress and the Deathwing, which is two posts or run them together as one, so I opted for the latter.

Aah, for the love of Termagants! Amazingly, despite the fact I HAVE to paint these as opposed to WANT to paint them and the last time I painted Termagants I found it a wholly unpleasant experience, I actually feel quite positive about these. HAving picked them up on ebay they were already based and running through my Red Planet Basing process first actually feels quite rewarding. Usually that's the last thing you do but turning it on it's head messes with your perception of the task ahead.

However as soon as I started to paint the striations on the Chitin thee weariness came over me and it felt like wading through treacle. So by gaunt number three I'd decided to go back to the 'chunking' process I employed last time I did gaunts. This was simply doing the same bit on each model. It may seem counter productive and slower - paint a bit, put the model down, pick another up, paint another bit repeat until fade. And also the repetition should be more mind numbing but in fact the speed increases and you get smaller wins. For instance I did an outline on all the back plates, and head plates. Striations on the last plate and the neck plate and moved onto the next model. Then it was back to the beginning to do the head, last two back plates and occasionally Fleshborers. Last thing to do were the leg plates.

I don't know why this feels easier and less frustrating to do but it did and any trick I can employ to make the process run smoother I'll do. Overall it was about an hour and half. I'll have to do the same with the highlights, paint all the black bits, highlight them. Do the Bonewhite highlights [and chips on the ground] and then add some toxic green glow effect on the Toxin Sacs to finish off. Quite a compact little job and during these finishing stages, as these bits really do feel like the final furlong once the striations are done, I'll be prepping the other 10 to go through the same process.

And also I sepia washed my Dark Vengeance Deathwing. They were based at the same time, which is another trick to keeping your painting momentum going. Add in another job so when you come to tackle that directly you're already 20% done. All the boring jobs like basecoats and washes are complete.

Once again they'll be a labour of love but with no Freehand badges to paint should progress quite quickly too. I really want to get my Dark Angels to a fighting force, I honestly do. There are obviously a number of things getting in the way. I'm hoping after Throne of Skulls I can devote a bit more time to them for about 3 months and then start working on project X, which should take about 3 months.

So we'll have ot see what I can achieve in that time but it's handy to have a plan, something to work towards.

Lastly here's an update on my hobby matrix clearly you will see some changes. My gaming mojo is greatly reduced, it can't think why any clues? Yes obviously a lackluster Codex but we're not going there. The blogging has increased thanks to the massive support shown by everyone recently, it's starting to feel like a game and I want to get a better high score each month. Unfortunately my desire to blog isn't fully backed up with actual blogging as my desire to paint has gone through the roof. Modelling too has been increased, even though the Skyshield is complete/postponed [delete as appropriate] because I've had a lot of fun with my new Tervigon [blog post to follow], can't say the magnetising has been overly successful, but I still have all my limbs which is the most important thing.

Overall I feel quite positive, there are still shadows of 'can't be bothered' and 'hobby funk' skirting around in the back of my mind, watching and waiting to pounce but hopefully I can evade them or mitigate them with the tricks I've detailed above. Having a deadline definitely helps, something to work towards. It can hinder too, feeling compelled to deliver something and sweating over the impending date's arrival. The positives outweigh the negatives though

Terrain is everything - Hail the Omnissiah a new Print & Play building scheme

Here's a new scheme for the 'Print & Play' terrain, if you've made the first building then it's exactly the same footprint with exactly the same options to keep or remove the windows, this time a lovely diamond leaded effect. So the building is the same with just a different colour for variety on your battlefield.

These would ideally be suited for the foamboard that has the black foam core. I was going to make one but didn't get round to it, sorry. However, that black foam would make these easily playable from the off, without looking too much like a quickly knocked up bit of terrain.

To access the full STC please point your Cogitators here, be fair warned it is 84MB in size [I make no apologies for this, I could probably render it as a .jpg or spend hours trying to reduce the file size but what the hey?!]:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B97Rk-BalgZbZlhBcEpaQy1vU0U

Meanwhile all the other Print & Play and standard terrain templates are available here:
http://40kaddict.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/terrain-is-everything-hail-omnissiah.html   

Flufftastic - Hive Fleet Gorgon - Ferron Splinter Fleet - Tyranid Warriors

Hive Fleet Gorgon was a Tyranid Hive Fleet which invaded the Tau Empire in 899.M41. It was relatively small compared to other Hive Fleets, but it was exceptional for its ability to quickly adapt on a biological level to new circumstances of battle. Gorgon in fact manifested more bioform varieties than any other Hive Fleet. This rapid pace of adaptation may have been unique to Gorgon, or it may have been a response to conflict with the Tau, a race who are also highly flexible and adaptable but on a technological level. Gorgon was destroyed in 903.M41 by the combined forces of the Tau and the Imperial Guard. 

However, it has since been identified that a splinter of Hive Fleet Gorgon separated from the main Hive Fleet before the final battle presumably to ensure the retention of the bioform and tactical knowledge learned during the conflicts. This splinter fleet headed towards Segmentum Obscurus where it has spent much of it's attentions on the Ferron Sub-sector, in particular focussing on the largest planet Ferron Proxima. Ferron Proxima is mainly a recruitment world for the Dark Angels, it's native people have long been chosen to join the ranks of the First Legion and it's subsequent second founding chapters. The fallen chapters have a strict rota system for choosing worthy aspirants due to the high levels of successful candidates.

Hive Fleet Gorgon's innate ability to change their genetic structure may explain perhaps their specific interest in the planet. Recent samples of captured bio-forms have shown that they are somehow absorbing the Wraithbone liberally spread across the surface. Their chitinous bodies become infused with the Eldar material, making them even more psychically attuned to their synapse creatures. What is even more disturbing is that they do not seem to need to harvest the fragments, just prolonged exposure on the planets surface will slowly mutate their gene code. It's this discovery that troubles the many Bio-magi and Xeno-biologist who flock to Ferron Proxima to study the various unique fauna and flora who inhabit the red planet's barren, desert like environments, rich in iron deposits and basking under sulphur yellow skies.

'nids part 126 - PROJECT Y Scratchbuilt Tyranid Skyshield Landing Pad pt8.

Whilst I was taking some pictures of the Skyshield I thought I might as well let the new owners have a bounce on the trampoline.* Here we have 30 Termagants, a Quad Gun [which may reside here thanks to a nearby Aegis] and their Tervigon Brood mother. Plenty more room for more gaunts, just ripe for an apocalyptic barrage ;)

One thing to note is without walls I can overhang some of the bases should I wish to be shady, although I suppose a normal Skyshield can also hold more, when it unfurls it's walls.

PeteB had an interesting matchup against someone running a Skyshield with his nids. He also had a Venomthrope in there and was taking a 2+ cover save. I was adamant this wasn't possible as the Skyshield offers a 4+ invulnerable and that wouldn't stack with the Venomthopes Shrouded rule.

However, in the discussion I kind of realised that with the shields up you probably are entitled to a cover save. Now you'd probably have it as 4+, because it's pretty much like an Aegis but technically Fortifications offer a 3+ cover save [BRB pg18] so you could claim a 1+ [although it would essentially be a 2+ given you always fail on a 1] cover save. So, having been convinced he'd been swindled I kind of reversed my way of thinking, what do others think?

   

Another interesting note is that Stronghold Assault suggests that when buying Fortifications as Network the rules for deploying the components that must be in touch with each other is expanded to inlcude other parts of the Network. therefore I could position half my Aegis Defence line on one side of the Skyshield, touching one of the Capillary Towers and then continue the line the other side of the landing pad. Why you would choose to do such a thing - leaving a big gap to access underneath the pad is deebatable but it's an interesting option for deployment depending on the terrain already on the board.

Other interesting aspects of the Skyshield is that unlike a Bastion there is no Armour Value for this structure so you cannot target, or destroy it. Additionally anything underneath the pad cannot be targeted by Barrage weapons. The weapon will hit the upper surface alone, therefore should you face someone with an Apocalyptic Barrage weapon there is a safe place to hide. Seriously, we're reduced to skulking again!?

There are a lot of other unique and interesting things to learn about with Skyshields and I think Apocalyptic Productions really has the most comprehensive overview of their strengths and weaknesses. Obviously there are extra bits to consider given the Stronghold Assault addends but I thoroughly recommend checking it out.

   

As a Tyranid player who believes in Fortifications I'm convinced the Skyshield is going to be something worth considering in our arsenal. A lot of Tyranid lists are beginning to feature Bastions, something that was very much dismissed prior to the new Codex. I'm not saying their emergence is a mistake, there is LoS blocking potential that a Skyshield cannot provide. But, they are more vulnerable, when destroyed your opponent can gain a VP. They can now be targeted without being occupied - when you purchase them they're classed as claimed so can be targeted, although you do get Automated Fire without requiring it to be occupied. Additionally gun emplacements on the battlements become Emplaced Weapons, therefore also get auto fire and there are more options to upgrade - increase BS to 3, add Void Shield Generators and the escape hatch for last minute dashes for objectives...

A Skyshield is not subject to a number of these negatives and although it doesn not have access to the upgrade that Invulnerable Save is highly valuable in a game that is introducing as many Ignores Cover weapons as it can think of.

With Throne of Skulls under 2 months away I'm really excited I'll get the opportunity to field as much of my scratchbuilt Tyranid Fortifications as I can. Currently I'll be spending around 250pts but I may try and fit more in to have the escape hatch and perhaps a VSG on the Bastion.

   

Ultimately these are all about keeping my soft and squishies alive long enough to reach turn 5 at least.

So, there we have it. I'll try and get the walls done but we'll have to see how the other bits [more Termagants :( ] go first.

Tyranid Capillary Towers | part 1. | part 2. | part 3. | part 4. | part 5. | part 6. | part 7. | part 8. | part 9. |

part 10. | part 11. | 

Tyranid Skyshield Landing Pad | part 1. | part 2. | part 3. | part 4. | part 5. | part 6. | part 7. | part 8. |

 
Trampoline* Back when I was uber obsessed with Google maps I noticed so many trampolines in folks back gardens. Occasionally I'd get the compulsion just to start plotting them on a map. I know, it's weird but once you start it becomes quite addictive, when do you stop. Anyway, feel free to try it out and add some trampolines, the map is open to anyone to amend. Team GB actually has some successful trampolinists but from this evidence we should rule the world!

'nids part 125 - PROJECT Y Scratchbuilt Tyranid Skyshield Landing Pad pt7. TO DONE!

The Tyranid Skyshield Landing Pad is pretty much done. Aside from the walls its complete in all it's gory glory.

It's very much what I originally planned, there are some compromises but I think it's all ended up fairly well. I know there are some alternatives I could have pursued - using clear perspex for the pad and adding the Capillary support strands as Milliput on top and underneath so it was transparent. It certainly wouldn't have warped, but in truth that's something I could still do, or anyone wishing to follow in my footsteps.

I was a little worried when it came to glossing and adding the blood effect. My combination matt varnish made up of Army Painter Anti-shine and DoCraft Matt Varnish had created a complete flat matt finish which was wonderful to behold. I was using the Gloss Varnish from my Best Painted win at the Scythe and Teacup to coat it afterwards, a bit of an unknown paint from Miniature Paints. Luckily none of the bits where it pooled ended up opaque, I tried very hard to dab away any excess. 

I actually got through pretty much my entire bottle of Tamiya Clear Red X-27. I was upset recently to learn ModelZone, the local model shop in Manchester where I got it from, has since gone bust so I'll have to source it online.

But the end result is worth it and adds yet another dimension to the colours and the end result.

I tried to apply it deliberately so I didn't remove all the hard work in putting highlights on the model. I've no idea if that edge works as a bunch of muscular fibre strands, it's really just an inconsequential texture, I thought about adding a Bonewhite edge similar to the Sphincter ring but I think it works better as flesh.

Still surprising myself ;)

When you look back at the process of making this you'll see I was very particular about ensuring the correct tower went on the correct slot. Suffice to say when I started painting I thought I was being careful to preserve that. However, I'd somehow numbered the anchor points anti-clockwise instead of clockwise. So, when I first came to add the towers I had to force them on, scuffing the paintwork on the edges and with quite large gaps on the join. When I realised my mistake the towers went on so much better, as they'd been designed to do.

Still, some of the joins are a bit wide. Obviously something went a little haywire here, it's not too bad and when the walls go on their tolerances are much tighter and will most probably hide any of these gaps altogether.

The same gap, nevermind. It's the bigger gaps between the fibre bundle support strands and the towers that are more annoying, so much for being careful.

Although this join is so much better. There's still a bit of a gap to the support strand. I'd hoped to sculpt these so the tower butted up perfectly to the strand but these were always guestimates as the added Milliput, clay and warping would change the shape greatly.

Here's my big blue tick, for getting it done! Come back tomorrow for some bonus pictures of it with troops onboard ;)

Tyranid Capillary Towers | part 1. | part 2. | part 3. | part 4. | part 5. | part 6. | part 7. | part 8. | part 9. |

part 10. | part 11. | 

Tyranid Skyshield Landing Pad | part 1. | part 2. | part 3. | part 4. | part 5. | part 6. | part 7. | part 8. |