Next Level Painting

Red Scorpion Space Marines

2012-02-10T02:52:00.000-08:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

This highly customized pre-Heresy army showcases many original models from the Forge World line. All the space marine infantry sport Mark IV Maximus Armor with it's distinctive helmet that's particularly fitting for this Scorpion themed force. The Rhinos are made from a unique combination of the Deimos Pattern and Repressor kits from Forge World as well. Be sure to click through the Gallery to see close up pics of all these models.

Tyranid Alien Invasion

2012-01-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

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A refurbished Tyranid army is given the airbrush treatment to unleash its bloody visage. You may have seen some sneak peaks of this army on Terminus Est, the proud new owner of this menagerie of alien beasts. The models were originally primed, painted, and dipped in varnish. This obscured a lot of detail of the original models, but allowed us the opportunity to develop a particular paint scheme that would still look good. If you see this army in person, be sure to check out all the additional highlights throughout. Click the pic above to open the full gallery in another tab.

Year End Review

2012-01-18T19:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Next Level Painting's Blog extravaganza. We are going to collect and link to various pictures from the projects of the last year. Each pic will open a new window with a link to the full gallery for the respective armies. Hopefully you see something you might have missed or find inspiration for a brand new contingent. Thank you for taking the time to see all our work and Enjoy!

Blood Angels Infantry

Elite Blood Angels

DOOM Daemon Troops

Forgeworld Salamanders Army

Grey Knights v2.0

Wolf Guard Drop Pods

DOOM Daemons

Angels Encarmine: Blood Angels Battalion

Plague Marine Contagion

Blood Knights

Lamenters

Warmachine: Menoth custom khaki

Adeptus Mechanicus Mech

Land Speeder Storms

Grey Knights

Blood Angels Kitchen Sink

Eldar: Biel-Tan

Ultra Marines Army

Dark Eldar Core

Chaos Cults Battle Force

Adeptus Mechanicus: Drop Pod Dreadnought

Khorne Chaos Daemons

Nurgle Reinforcements

Ork Deff Skullz

Star Wars Space Marines Reinforcements

Descent of Angels

Dark Eldar

Mech Blood Angels

Star Wars Space Marines

Space Marine Salamanders

Blood Orks

Space Wolves vs. Salamanders - 2k Battle Report!

2011-12-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

As a final showcase to these two beautifully painted armies, we pit them against each other in an epic battle royale. Both of these armies are extremely tough, versatile, and a lot of fun to play. Click the picture above to open up a Gallery with the full sized pictures taken during the exchange. Click below to see the army lists used, lots of pics, and a brief summary.

We used the same scenario as was used at Tacticon and similar to the format of the ATC, with all three objectives (KP = Kill Points; C+C = Capture and Control; SG = Seize Ground) and a random Die roll to determine deployment. We rolled and got Dawn of War for deployment and the Space Wolves set up first.

Click picture to open the full gallery

Salamander Space Marines – 2000
(NOTE: this list was put together by a new player and was slightly illegal with 3 Dreadnoughts and Terminators in a Land Raider. One of the Dreads was mistakenly put in a heavy slot as a Venerable, but it didn't detract from our fun at all.)

HQ:

190 – Vulkan He'stan

100 – Librarian w/ Null Zone and Gate to Infinity

Elites:

200 – Assault Terminators w/ 4x Thunderhammer and Storm Shields, 1x Lightning Claws

265 – Land Raider Redeemer w/ Mutli-Melta and Extra Armor

2 Dreadnoughts

Troops:

195 – 10 Tactical Marines w/ Flamer, Multi-Melta, and Sergeant w/ Power Fist

50 – Rhino w/ Extra Armor

170 – 10 Tactical Marines w/ Flamer, Multi-Melta, and Sergeant w/ Bolt Pistol and Chain Sword

50 – Rhino w/ Extra Armor

195 – 10 Tactical Marines w/ Flamer, Multi-Melta, and Sergeant w/ Power Fist

50 – Rhino w/ Extra Armor

Fast Attack:

60 – Land Speeder w/ Multi-Melta

Heavy Support:

1 Venerable Dreadnought

2000 points Total

Click picture to open the full gallery

Space Wolves 2000 points

HQ:

Logan Grimnar:

275

Rune Priest:

Jaws

Living Lightning

Wolf Tail Talisman
105

TROOPS:
Wolf Guard:
Arjac Rock Fist
Terminator armor/wolf claw/storm shield
Terminator armor/wolf claw/Assault cannon
Power armor/Combi-Melta/power fist
Power armor/Combi-Melta/Combi-Plasma
380

Drop Pod:
35

Wolf Guard:
Terminator armor/wolf claw/storm shield
Terminator armor/wolf claw/storm shield
Terminator armor/chain fist/storm shield/cyclone
Power armor/Combi-Melta
Power armor/Combi-Melta
245
Drop Pod:
35

Wolf Guard:
Terminator armor/wolf claw/storm shield
Terminator armor/wolf claw/storm shield
Terminator armor/chain fist/storm shield/cyclone
Power armor/Combi-Melta
Power armor/Combi-Melta
245
Drop Pod:
35

Wolf Guard:
Terminator armor/wolf claw/storm shield
Terminator armor/wolf claw/storm shield
Terminator armor/chain fist/storm shield/cyclone
Power armor/Combi-Plasma
Power armor/Combi-Plasma
245
Drop Pod:
35

Wolf Guard:
Terminator armor/wolf claw/storm shield
Terminator armor/wolf claw/storm shield
Terminator armor/chain fist/storm shield/cyclone
Power armor/Combi-Plasma
Power armor/Combi-Plasma
245
Drop Pod:
35

ELITE:
5 Wolf Scouts:
MeltaGun
85

Because it was dawn of War, I choose to deploy one squad on my objective and keep their pod in reserve. That way I could get more troops out early and the empty pod would come down later to possibly contest an objective.

The Salamanders castle up in the corner.

I make my first drop of three pods including Logan and Arjac on the right.

I drop right into his grill, popping two transports with tactical marines inside 'em.

He shoots back, wrecking and stunning two pods.

Logan and his Wolf Guard fight an epic close combat with Vulcan and his terminators. It's close and some clutch rolls came through, but Logan is the only one to emerge alive from the fray.

The dread makes himself known.

Logan and the Dreadnought face off in close combat.

A Wolf Guard with chain fist and Storm Shield holds up two other Dreadnoughts.

Miraculously, Logan defeats his Dreadnought and the Wolf Guard is still alive thanks to making his 3+ saves.

Logan chases down a Rhino and takes it out too.

The Space Wolves spread out to control and contest as many objectives as possible.

Scouts come in on the left flank and take control of the objective with a squad of Wolf Guard.

Mass Carnage !

The game ended at the bottom of turn 5 on a roll of 2. End Result: Space Wolves 20 - Salamanders 10. A well fought battle with lots of ups and downs throughout. Both armies are extremely competitive, fun to play, and look great. Thanks for reading and Happy Gaming!

Necrons vs. Grey Knights - 2k Battle Report!

2011-12-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

Mike Haspil, author of APOCalyptic PRODuctions, came up to the crib to see how the new Necron Codex would fair. Mike has been playing Necrons for a long time and is famous for his LED lighted Monoliths he's brought to a couple Grand Tournaments. Unfortunately for Mike, he first played against Kenny's heavy weight Grey Knights army, and subsequently didn't have the best game. This particular flavor of Grey Knights hits hard and fast, leaving little room for error. Click below for Pics and a brief summary.

Deployment was a standard Pitched Battle. It didn't matter much though because Kenny was keeping all his units in Reserve and going second. He also used Draigo's Grand Strategy to give the two Dread Knights with swords Outflank. Normally, he would make them scoring units, but he wanted to try something a little different for this battle. It worked out incredibly well for him, much to the chagrin of Mike.

Grey Knights 2000 points

Draigo
Librarian

Paladin squad
2 Strike Squads in Rhinos

Storm Raven
3 Dread Knights (2 w/ Swords)

Necrons 2000 Points

Nemesor

Court:

2 Lords w/ Res Orbs

3 Harbingers of Destruction

1 Harbinger of Eternity w/chronometron and cloak

1 Harbinger of Despair w/ Veil and Nightmare Shroud

2 x 8 Immortals (Res Orbs in here)

2 x 10 Warriors

C'Tan shard w/ Lord of fire and Spirit of Destruction

5 Wraiths w/ 3 coils

7 scarabs

3 Heavy Destroyers

Monolith

Pre-Battle

Top of Turn 1: Castle Necrons come out to play. I believe on turn 2, the Monolith immobilized itself by moving through terrain. We decided to let it ride because it wouldn't have been a fun play-test otherwise.

Bottom of Turn 2: Kenny gets all his Reserves in on turn 2! the Strike Squads look for support positions on objectives. The Storm Raven and Dreadknights race forward to engage.

Top of turn 3: The Harbingers of Destructin teleport across the board, and get two Rending shots on the Storm Raven. However, they are stopped by cover saves enhanced by Shroud.

Top of 3: The Heavy Destroyers come through and drop the Storm Raven.

Bottom of 3: Draigo and the Paladins advance for through the wreckage ready to charge.

Close Combat Commences

The C'tan takes two wounds, but whiffs all his return attacks. Surprisingly the Necron Warrior squads charged by the Dread Knights make their morale tests and hold.

Top of 4: the C'tan hits and runs away from the combat.

Dreadknights break and destroy the warriors in their turn

Bottom of turn 4: The Strike Squad goes after the Heavy Destroyers and Massacres them.

The Wraiths finally break and the center of the board is cleared by the Grey Knights.

I believe they called the game shortly thereafter. Kenny got full points for a major win, and only lost a couple models including the Storm Raven to the new Necrons. It appears a little more fine tuning may be needed for a successful Necron list. Full size pictures can be found in our Gallery HERE. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it. Happy gaming!

Battle Report! Demons vs. Grey Knights

2011-12-14T17:27:00.000-08:00

Kenny is visiting family in Florida for the holidays. While there, he was able to get a friendly game in vs. Brian, one of our good friends from the 40k Wrecking Crew and author of http://40kfun.blogspot.com

They played a close, fun game in the ATC format. Kenny pulled it out in the end with an edge on Kill Points, tying Objectives and Capture + Control, for a 20-10 win. Click below for more pictures from this epic battle.

Thanks for checking us out! Click the first pic to open the Gallery to full size pictures.

Blood Angels Infantry Brigade

2011-12-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

Click pictures to open the full gallery

Check out the mass of troopers assembled and painted for this latest commission. You'll notice in the above pictures, these Honour Guard have magnetized back packs and jump packs. They were also made from a large variety of kits to outfit them with their unique wargear of melta-guns and power weapons. Browse through the Gallery linked above to peruse almost 100 Blood Angels Infantry models. There are 16 Sanguinary Guard done in a striking bone white Angels Encarmine color scheme and 30 Devestators with blue helmets. The 30 Assault Marines, 3 Priests and 2 Librarians also come with magnetic back packs and jump packs for utmost list variety. Thanks for taking a look!

Battle Report! Salamanders vs. Demons - 2000 points

2011-11-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

To feature the recently completed Space Marines Salamanders army, we ran them through the paces in a battle report versus Kenny's Demons. This game wasn't quite as close as our previous one, but still features lots of pictures of great looking models.

Salamander Space Marines – 2000

HQ:

190 – Vulkan He'stan

100 – Librarian w/ Null Zone and Gate to Infinity

Elites:

200 – Assault Terminators w/ 4x Thunderhammer and Storm Shields, 1x Lightning Claws

265 – Land Raider Redeemer w/ Mutli-Melta and Extra Armor

150 – Ironclad Dreadnought w/ 2 Heavy Flamers, Seismic Hammer and Dreadnought CCW

Troops:

195 – 10 Tactical Marines w/ Flamer, Multi-Melta, and Sergeant w/ Power Fist

50 – Rhino w/ Extra Armor

170 – 10 Tactical Marines w/ Flamer, Multi-Melta, and Sergeant w/ Bolt Pistol and Chain Sword

75 – Razorback w/ Twin-Linked Lascannons

90 – 5 Tactical Marines and Sergeant w/ Bolter

75 – Razorback w/ Twin-Linked Lascannons

Fast Attack:

60 – Land Speeder w/ Multi-Melta

Heavy Support:

85 – Predator w/ Autocannon and Heavy Bolter Sponsons

150 – 5 Devastators w/ 3 Multi-Meltas and 1 Missile Launcher, and Sergeant w/ Bolter

2000 points Total

2000 Points Khorne Demons

Skull Taker:

Juggernaut

175

Herald of Khorne

Juggernaut

Fury

Might

Blessing

135

Bloodthirster

Unholy Might

Blessing

275

ELITE:

8 Blood Crushers

Instrument

Fury

Icon

360

TROOPS:

8 Bloodletters

128

8 Bloodletters

128

7 Plague Bearers

105

7 Plague Bearers

105

HEAVY:

Soul Grinder

tongue

phlegm

185

Soul Grinder

tongue

phlegm

185

Daemon Prince

wings

iron hide

mark of khorne

blessing

unholy might

210

Demons Take the Center of the Table

Top of Turn 1: Salamander Tanks open up on the Demons

The far right tactical squad lays claim to the objective

Bottom turn 1: first shot of the game by the Demons, and the Soul Grinder wrecks the Land Raider

Demons make their advance

Top of turn 2: The Multi-Melta fails to take down the Demon

Blood Crushers and Blood Letters close in on the remaining tanks.

This was unfortunate as the Greater Demon advances on the tactical squad.

Top of Turn 3: trying to get the Terminators and Dreadnought in position

Bottom of Turn 3: The inevitable charge

Demons mopping up the survivors.

Top of turn 4: I finally get in some damage to Kenny's Demons and drop the Soul Grinders

Demons lay final claim to the objective

Losing the Land Raider in the first shot really hurt and kept the Terminators out of most of the game.

A pretty decisive game, but fun was still had by all. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it. Happy gaming!

Blood Angels Elite

2011-11-25T13:55:00.000-08:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

This Space Marine Warhammer 40k Blood Angels army takes full advantage of all the amazing options offered throughout the Blood Angel line of models. The Assault Marine troops are all kitted out with Sanguinary Wings and Death Company bodies and shoulder pads. The Rhinos have extra armor and dozer blades represented by the Forge World Repressor kit. Resin bases were supplied by the client to make the force stand out even more on the table top. Many of these models were assembled from a combination of 3-5 kits to accentuate all the best parts of the intricate armor of the Blood Angels Elite. Click the pic above to open the Gallery to the most Blinged-out Blood Angels army we've ever done!

DOOM Daemon troops for Warhammer 40k

2011-11-02T00:22:00.000-07:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

People have been asking for it, and now it's finally here. The converted Warhammer 40k Daemon DOOM army has been fully fleshed out with the rest of the troops and creatures. These converted models, all inspired by various villains from the video game DOOM have come to life in model form to ransack the tabletop. For example, 'Pinkies' are converted from multiple miniatures, given cybernetic customizations, and represent the fearsome BloodCrushers from Warhammer 40k. The flaming skulls count as Screamers of Tzeencth, and play a similar role in both games. Be sure to click above to open the Gallery and see this army up close.

Space Marine Salamanders Step Up

2011-10-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

Vulkan He'stan, the Forgefather of the Salamanders Space Marine Chapter leads this beautiful army into battle against any foe. He is accompanied by a converted Chapter Master with Thunderhammer and Storm Shield, and the ubiquitous Librarian. A plethora of Forgeworld custom resin bits are included throughout the army. The Salamander specific Dreadnought is here, custom iconography, as well as turrets for the Razorbacks, and examples of Pre-Heresy Armor are mixed within the troops. Many of the weapons have also been magnetized to make them easily swappable between different army lists. And if you take a close look in the Gallery above, you'll see custom Lava resin bases that really make the Salamander's green power armor stand out.

Grey Knights v2.0

2011-10-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

Well, the first Grey Knight army that did so well at the American Team Championship was sold to MBG of Spikey Bits. This new Grey Knights army was done for fun and profit! Conversions abound and allow the utmost use of blends ands fades of the airbrush on the shoulder pads and other armor plates. The tanks are swappable between Rhinos with Stormbolters and Razorbacks with Assault Cannons. The Dreadnought carries a custom resin PsyCannon exclusive to the Grey Knights. The Dreadknights have magnetic hands to swap between fists and swords. This army will make an appearance at the Feast of Blades in Denver later this year, and can be seen up close in the gallery above.

Battle Report! Logan's Wolf Guard vs. Blood Angel Lamenters - 2000 points

2011-09-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

To culminate our series of 'Work in Progress' posts, we present the inaugural battle of Logan's Drop Pod Space Wolves. They are facing off against my Blood Angel Lamenters for their final battle (the army was sold shortly hereafter). The game was fast and furious with lots of mutual carnage and destruction. Many interesting tactics were employed throughout the match, making for a nail biter of a game that was still in contention till the last turn. Click below for Pics and a brief summary.

We rolled and got Spearhead for deployment. Kenny had some good beginner's Luck with his brand new army and won the roll and had me deploy first. It took a while to decide what was the best way to prepare for the onslaught of Logan and his pods. I decided against a castle formation as I didn't have any Land Raiders to protect. The Storm Raven, Baal Predators, and Jump Pack squad were placed in reserve. The Lascannon/Plasmagun Razorbacks did their best to spread out and try to divide the Space Wolves' forces.

Space Wolves 2000 points

HQ:

Logan Grimnar:

275

Rune Priest:

Jaws

Living Lightning

2000 Points Blood Angel Lamenters

HQ:

130 – Reclusiarch

100 – Librarian

Psychic Powers: Shield of Sanguinius and The Blood Lance

ELITE:

215 – Terminator Assault Squad (5)

3 Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield / 2 twin Lightning Claws

165 – Sanguinary Priests (3) [50 each; 1 with power weapon: 165 total]

TROOPS:

120 – Assault Squad (5)

Flamer and Sergeant with Power Weapon and Bolt Pistol; No Jump Packs

60 – Razorback [35 point Assault Squad discount]

Lascannon and twin-linked Plasma Gun; Dozer Blade

120 – Assault Squad (5)

Flamer and Sergeant with Power Weapon and Bolt Pistol; No Jump Packs

60 – Razorback [35 point Assault Squad discount]

Lascannon and twin-linked Plasma Gun; Dozer Blade

120 – Assault Squad (5)

Flamer and Sergeant with Power Weapon and Bolt Pistol; No Jump Packs

60 – Razorback [35 point Assault Squad discount]

Lascannon and twin-linked Plasma Gun; Dozer Blade

125 – Assault Squad (5)

Melta gun and Sergeant with Power Weapon and Bolt Pistol; No Jump Packs

35 – Rhino [35 point Assault Squad discount]

Rhino; Extra Armour, Dozer Blade

235 – Assault Squad (10)

2 Meltaguns and Sergeant with Power Fist and Bolt Pistol

FAST:

120 – Baal Predator

Flamestorm Cannon and Dozer Blade

120 – Baal Predator

Flamestorm Cannon and Dozer Blade

HEAVY SUPPORT:

215 – Stormraven Gunship

Twin-linked Lascannons and Multi-Melta; Extra Armor

Pre-Battle

Top of Turn 1: Razorbacks Scatter

I pop Smoke Launchers on the Razorbacks.

Bottom turn 1: Logan and Arjac drop right in the middle of the board.

Backfield pods drop to shoot meltas at a Razorback and go after a Seize Ground Objective.

Believe it or not, this lucky Razorback survived 5 penetrating melta hits thanks to the cover granted by smoke launchers.

However, Logan and his crew were able to destroy the Razorback in front of them.

Top of turn 2: Storm Raven with Terminators, Priest, and Reclusiarch come in along with a Baal Predator. Kenny wisely made sure nothing was in charge range, so I had to be content with blowing up a Drop Pod with the Storm Raven's Multi-Melta.

This Razorback rolled away and opened fire on Logan's squad with twin-linked Rapid firing Plasma guns, but didn't do any casualties.

Bottom Turn 2: Wolf Scouts and a Drop Pod come down in my back corner to challenge the Librarian and squad holding my Capture and Control Objective

The Tank Hunting Assault Cannon in Logan's Squad gets through my Flat Out Cover save and Destroys the Storm Raven!

The Lamenters disembark looking for Revenge.

The Wolf Scouts blow up the Rhino, but fail their difficult terrain roll to charge.

The furthest Razorback gets charged and destroyed by Wolf Guard.

Top of turn 3: Terminators advance to charge Logan and Company. Baal Predators and Assault Squads come in to counter-attack.

My Jump Pack Assault Squad gets ready to charge the Wolf Guard threatening my back field. The Librarian fires his Blood Lance Psychic Power and destroys the Drop Pod.

My table side, preparing to shoot and charge.

Melee Ensues!

We get stuck in the thick of it, but nobody runs.

bottom of turn 3: the final Drop Pod descends on a Seize Ground Objective near the Storm Raven.

Aftermath: the Blood Angel Lamenters kill Logan, Arjac, and his Wolf Guard Squad! But they are counter charged in turn by the Wolf Guard reinforcements. One plucky Terminator makes his Storm Shield saves and sticks around with the Reclusiarch.

The Scouts are dead, but their Wolf Guard Sergeant avoids the Power weapon attacks and splatters the Lamenters sergeant with his Power Fist. The Librarian will exact his revenge in the following turn.

The Recusiarch kills the Wolf Priest for another Kill Point, and then goes down in a blaze of glory with his Terminator brethren.

The Librarian is successful, but the Wolf Guard Terminator holds out another turn against the Assault Squad.

Space Wolves Bottom of Turn 4: The Baal Predator set to tank shock onto the Seize Ground Objective is immobilized by a Cyclone Missile Launcher.

Top of Turn 5: The second Baal Predator tank shocks the Wolf Guard to contest the Seize ground Objective and tie it up.

Kenny tactically keeps the Chain Fist Terminator in front of the objective and stops the Baal Predator in its tracks.

We roll, and the Game ends at the end of turn 5. Final Tally: Space Wolves 25; Lamenters 5

Wolf Guard claim Seize Ground

Lamenters claim Seize Ground

Post Battle

In retrospect, I probably should have kept more to the board edge to make things more difficult for Kenny's deployment. I had planned on racking up some easy kill points by destroying his pods, but I rarely got the shots or rolled immobilized. I take some satisfaction in killing Logan Grimnar and his super squad, but the resiliency of the Wolf Guard won out in the end. It was a great game with lots of fun maneuvers and great drama. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it. Happy gaming!

Wolf Guard Completed WiP pt 6

2011-09-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

Finished! The Drop Pods sport an alternative paint scheme with burnt yellow on the fins to represent their descent from orbit and the Veteran status of this custom army. This force was done as a side project between other commissions and allowed us to really savor the creation process step by step. Kenny also included a plethora of extra details and highlights to make the miniatures as characterful as possible. Logan Grimnar leads his hand picked Wolf Guard into the fray with a gruesome opening salvo from space.

Click below for a series of pics and the Army Roster List!

Space Wolves 2000 points

HQ:

Logan Grimnar:

275

Rune Priest:

Jaws

Living Lightning

DOOM Demons Invade Warhammer 40k

2011-08-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

Four custom models from Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 and Lord of the Rings lines converted into the villains from the video game DOOM series. The Cyberdemon and Mastermind opponents from DOOM inspired the Soul Grinder conversions. The Daemon Prince of Tzeentch has green flame to represent the classic shooting attack. The Baron of Hell and Hell Knight are made from the Daemon Prince and Balrog kits, while extensively converted with green stuff modeling putty. Check out the full progression in our Gallery.

Wolf Guard WiP pt 5

2011-08-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

Space Wolf Scouts sneak in to this week's update with their Wolf Guard veteran. The Scouts provide an awesome distraction element and demand the opponent take measures to defend against their ability to come on the board from the enemy's table edge. The Space Wolf kits provide extra heads to swap with the standard Space Marine box kit. These models are an enormous improvement on previous sculpts, and are a joy to paint up and display.

Click below for more pics and the army list

Space Wolves 2000 points

HQ:

Logan Grimnar:

275

Rune Priest:

Jaws

Living Lightning

Wolf Guard WiP pt 4

2011-08-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

The third squad of Wolf Guard are presented ready for battle. The smooth fades of the shoulder pads give a unique look to theses veteran Space Marines. In contrast to a flat color, these blends highlight the textures and details incorporated into the molds. In the pictures below you can also see the transition of the figures before being washed to the finished product. The shadows and darkened areas are created by allowing the wash to naturally flow through the recesses of the models.

Click below for more pics and the army list

Space Wolves 2000 points

HQ:

Logan Grimnar:

275

Rune Priest:

Jaws

Living Lightning

Wolf Guard WiP pt 3

2011-08-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

Logan, his crew, and the first two squads of Wolf Guard make their appearance. One of the great things about these models are how customizable and unique each figure can be. The Space Wolves plastic models especially lend themselves to having a lot of visual variety throughout the army. In this case, Kenny decided to use all non-helmeted heads to represent the veteran status of each character. These first finished models have extensive hand blended details to accentuate the individualistic nature of the Space Wolves Space Marine Chapter.

Pics and Army List below the fold

Space Wolves 2000 points

HQ:

Logan Grimnar:

275

Rune Priest:

Jaws

Living Lightning

Wolf Guard WiP pt 2

2011-08-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

When Logan Grimnar and Arjac Rock Fist drop, they make best use of both their abilities and augment the assault cannon and psychic powers of the Rune Priest. The other Wolf Guard drop pods afford many opportunities between their plasma and melta shots. The grey tone and hue of blue in the Space Wolves' armour is contrasted by the shade of orange blended into the yellow of the shoulder pads.

Pics and Army List below the fold

Arjac Rock Fist converted from Scibor Miniature

Assault cannon and Arjac

Space Wolves 2000

HQ:

Logan Grimnar:

275

Rune Priest:

Jaws

Living Lightning

Wolf Guard Work In Progress

2011-07-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

We wanted to show a little more of the process behind creating an army project, and so begins a new series of posts documenting some of the steps and stages. Kenny wanted to make a personal project that he has been contemplating for a long time. “Ever since the Codex came out,” he's been chewing over options and possibilities. The army had to be different, yet very characteristic of the Space Wolves as a Chapter. He decided on a list featuring Logan Grimnar and Arjac Rock Fist descending in Drop Pods with their Wolf Guard brethren. Almost every model has been extensively converted to represent the specific weapons and wargear for each Space Marine.

Pics and Army List below the fold

Arjac Rock Fist converted from Scibor Miniature

Logan Grimnar Conversion

Combi-Melta and Combi-Plasma wolf Guard in Power Armor

Shoulder Pads await assembly

First Airbrush Coat

First Wash

Space Wolves 2000

HQ:

Logan Grimnar:
275

Rune Priest:
Jaws
Living Lightning

Vanguard Adeptus Mechanicus

2011-07-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

New iron comes forward to join the line. The Adeptus Mechanicus utilize ancient technology to take hold of the objectives and defeat the enemy. A unique combination of colors and models compose this force made by MBG. The various turret options allow him to play with Rhinos or deadly Razorbacks with shots of their own. The Land Raiders were made with multiple magnetized side sponsons to be converted from Crusaders to Redeemers by Spikey Bits. The army can crash through enemy lines and bring Imperial mercy to any foe.

Finecast Nurgle

2011-07-13T01:50:00.000-07:00

Click picture to open the full gallery

The new Finecast range of GW models were used in this addition to a preexisting army. Having painted many of the metal plague marines, the resin were better. They were more accepting of wash and gave greater gradation of shadow.

Assembly was a mixed bag. On many of the models there weren't just mold lines, but mold misalignments. These required re-shaping the model to become smooth. However, glue adhered quickly and more solidly than with plastic or metal models.

The Nurgle Prince used to be especially difficult to paint, being a bowling ball of brokeness. Now he's a joy to paint up and play.

The Eldar Experience

2011-06-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

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Riding aloft their fast moving skimmer tanks, the Eldar take the field with lightning speed and grace. Multiple Wave Serpent troop transports sport heavy Bright Lances to pierce the armor of enemy vehicles. They are loaded with Biel-tan Guardians, conscripts in the war for survival. A Falcon skimmer tank carries a deadly cargo of a Farseer and his Warlock Council all armed with singing spears. Once disembarked, they will make short work of any target in their sights. A band of Saim-Hann jetbikers and Vypers add their guns and velocity to the force as well. This army was listed on eBay and sold to a customer in France who will hopefully have many great games with it.

Veteran Ultramarines

2011-06-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

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Calgar's contingent of First company marines in his custom Land Raider Crusader roll out to engage the enemy. Bolstered by the Tactical Squads in Rhinos, they seek out and defend objective points. The Predators provide fire support along with the Land Speeder Typhoons. On first turn, a Drop Pod will land with a Dreadnought to disrupt the enemy lines and take out any key element with his multi-melta. The Vindicator is one more tank hunting for targets of opportunity. The paint job and modeling are custom made and detailed for this army.

Raven Guard in the Sky

2011-05-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

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This commission was inspired by modern military air cavalry and painted in the chapter colors of the Raven Guard. The standard Space Marine Scouts heads were swapped with Imperial Guard Veterans to achieve a more militaristic look. The smooth blends of khaki on the helmets really accentuate the conversions and bring the models to life. Three units of Scouts in Land Speeder Storms make for a really interesting and mobile troop element to the army. They can be sent ahead at the start, or held in reserves for late game objective grabbing. A really fun force that came together brilliantly.

Dark Eldar Core

2011-05-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

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Another project in development. This Dark Eldar force was begun in conjunction with an apprentice painter to develop the Next Level Painting techniques. The army is a work in progress that will grow over the coming months to showcase the Games Workshop 40k Dark Eldar models.

Completed Grey Knights

2011-05-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

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Here's the final product, all ready for this weekend's tournament. It should be quite a lot of fun to play, and the paint job came out really nice. We've gotten quite a few compliments and a number of inquiries about this particular Grey Knights army. I calculated that to commission the painting of an identical force would run $790.00, and for painting, model purchase and assembly it'd come to $1395.00. This list could of course be modified to match any specific army. Click below to see the full army list for this Saturday.

HQ
Draigo
275

Libby
Stave
Shroud
summon
titan
quick silver
Warp Rift
210

Troops
4 Paladins
apothecary/stave
Halberd /master crafted
Hammer/master crafted
Sword
325

Strike squad
Hammer
Psycannon
120
Rhino
Warp stabilizer
45

Strike squad
Hammer
Psycannon
120
Rhino
Warp stabilizer
45

Fast Attack
Storm raven
Las/melta
Extra armor
220

Heavy
Dread Knight
Great Sword
Teleporter
230

Heavy
Dread Knight
Teleporter
205

Heavy
Dread Knight
Teleporter
205

GREY KNIGHTS Work In Progress

2011-05-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

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The Vehicles (2 Rhinos and a Storm Raven) got done first. Kenny was able to experiment with different colors and textures.

Dark Turquoise was used for the windows, and blended by hand to achieve the jeweled effect. It was used again with the Dread Knights for the eyes and sword. The first photos show two of the Dread Knights after airbrushing.

Here's the first finished Dread Knight with sword.

Edit: Update 5/5/11

Edit: Update 5/10/11
I used the airbrush to apply dark and light silvers.

The shoulder pad were done separately.

I began applying black and blue washes, followed by dry brushing.

I blue was then shaded in to the surface area to create a "sheen" , and to the eyes to aid with "OSL".

I hand blended the whites into the eyes to finish the "OSL".

Lightning effects were added to the weapons, and final details were completed.

FINISHED!

The army is complete.A full article is coming out this week. Enjoy this preview!

Chaos Cults Battleforce

2011-05-04T03:34:00.000-07:00

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A recent painting and assembly commission of the Chaos Battleforce Box to be used for game demonstrations. This modest army features a variety of colors and schemes by utilizing all the various Marks of Chaos. Especially vibrant are the blue Tzeentch Possessed Chaos Marines, and their added icon increases their invulnerable save to 4+ on a D6. This makes the unit a formidable force in close combat and a great complement to the other units. We also converted one of the models to represent a Lord to make a legal small army for play and game demos.

Dreadnought Drop Pod Descent

2011-04-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

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This army was commissioned by Rob Baer and was done in time for the Gladiator Tournament at Adepticon. It was originally conceived as a six Dreadnought Adeptus Mechanicus contingent, and took on some of the colors of the Blood Angels which was the parent codex rulebook used to represent the force. The conversion work done by Rob was outstanding, especially on the Space Marines that included bionics sculpted from old Necron models. You can see more about this army on the Spikey Bits Blog in the run up to Adepticon Here and Here.

Adepticon Team Tournament Champion

2011-04-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go out to our very own Kenny Boucher, who won the 2011 Adepticon Team tournament along with Team Spikey Bits/WC. This year Adepticon hosted over a hundred teams with four players on each team. The tournament is easily one of the largest and most competitive in the world, and we are immensely proud that our resident painter was able to represent and bring home the big Win. Well Done Kenny!

Khorne Chaos Daemons Devastate

2011-04-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

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This is a personal army project completed in between commissions. It features a Bloodthirster and Khorne Daemon Prince from the Ultraforge model range. The linchpin of the army is a large Bloodcrusher unit that is tough, resilient and eats everything in its way for lunch. The Skulltaker and Herald of Khorne are converted from original Berzerkers riding Juggernauts with green stuff sculpted onto them to signify their ascension. The reds have been reverse highlighted to represent the Daemons rising from the Warp and riding into glorious battle.

Below is a Battle Report featuring this army from the first Feast of Blades Final Championships. Enjoy!

So me and my friend Tulio both qualified for the Feast of Blades finals and had a great showing with our daemons. He ran a more balanced list, and I ran my Khorne Crusher/star list.

We ended up 3rd and 4th with a tie on battle points...

Round 1:

first Game was against Chaos space Marines...

I think he had:

warptime/nurgle prince

6 oblits

predator annihilator

10 berzerkers in rhino x2

10 1k sons in rhino

7 plague Marines in rhino

mission was VP

I dropped in my crushers and letters first wave so my Bloodthirster, Khorne Daemon prince, and 2 Soul grinders would come in during the late game.

I pretty much tabled this list. He had nothing to stop the crushers after I dropped the berzerkers and Daemon prince. But the Thousand Sons did a respectable job of locking the crushers in combat for a while.

Check out my Chaos star in the Background.

a late game clean up pic

round 2:

My buddy Chris-

He and I have been trying to meet at a tourney for a while now. So this was a great game. He was rocking like 4 rhinos with like 40 Grey hunters including Ragnar, Wolf Guard Battle leader, and a Rune Priest with all the trimmings. He also had 3 long fang packs, and 2 typhoons....a real nasty list...and a great general.

Mission was 5 objectives:

I dropped in Bloodcrushers, 2 grinders, 2 units of Bloodletters. I wanted him to shoot the grinders with long fangs to take some pressure off the crushers... It sorta worked ...after a turn of advancing my crushers he decided to, “Go big, or Go Home.” He charged my crushers with 30 grey hunters with furious charge and did a number on them. After a few turns, all the Grey hunters were dead and so were the crushers, but i had every objective. That is, until he made some moves with the rhinos to contest all but one. Game ends with a solid victory for me.

Round 3:

Mission was 3 objective

my opponent was a cool dude named Mark Phillips

He was running a super ugly ork list.

Big Mek(kff)

War boss(mega armor)

2 battle wagons(deff rolla)

6 mega nobz(semi complex)

4 trukks with shootas boyz and klaws

9 killa kanz

Kinda rough, my crusher don't like walkers.

I dropped in my preferred wave of crushers and letters, but I rolled a mishap for some letters and scattered another unit 12 inches towards his killa kanz. I lost 2 scoring units turn 2 basically...bad start.

I was able to make some good moves and open up a wagon with a grinder and assault the mega nobz and boss with crushers. He counter charged with kanz, but i was able to get the thirster and prince into the combats to smash the killa kanz. After that, Mark knew he couldn't stop the crushers. Game went on to turn 6 and I almost tabled the list and secured a max win.

Had a great time at Feast of Blades and can't wait to do it again. Thanks to everyone who organized this event. It was extremely well run.

Nurgle Reinforcements

2011-03-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

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Grandpa Nurgle, Lord of disease, pestilence, and purulence. The Great Unclean One sends his followers to reinforce the fight with the Imperium. Desecration surrounds these elite troops carrying melta guns, combi-meltaguns, and mighty Obliterators. The crates and barrels signify the objectives these forces seek out and are determined to win.

ORK SMASH!

2011-03-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

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More repeat business from a previously satisfied customer. This time it's Orks adding to an already existing force of Deff Skullz. They should make a big splash with the added mobility and the destruction the Deff Rolla' Battle Wagonz can deal out against enemy vehicles. The Trucks too will make sure and get the Boyz where they need to be, and delivering whatever mayhem they might bring.

Star Wars Space Marines Reinforcements

2011-03-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

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Check out these recent additions to an existing army. The Star Wars Space Marines get added firepower in the form of a Vindicator, 2 Landraiders, and a Dreadnought. The Dozer Blades are magnetized to the chassis of the Rhinos. They can be removed or added for a variety of lists. We love repeat customers, and went so far as to paint this over the weekend so he would have it for the Con.

Descent of Angels Tactica

2011-02-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

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DOA TACTICS:

I realize that everyone has a different approach to 40k. This article is simply my approach to the “Descent of Angels”, specifically regarding the Storm Raven.

First off, lets discuss the “load out” of the Raven. I will always utilize extra armor and thus its my american express card, “never leave home without it”. As far as weapons go, I always take the twin lascannons and twin multi-melta. It is cheap and effective at cracking open some tanks. The infantry is my “anti-infantry”, so I don't take the “Lawnmower” set up, but the amount of shots it has is very impressive.

The cargo is easily the most important element in this equation. I realize that some people like Death Company, Honor Guard, and various nasty units. As far as I am concerned, don’t waste the pimpness of the Storm Raven on these units. I am all for the nasty throw away units that have ridiculous offensive capabilities! Unfortunately these units are a “fail” in the points department. Terminators are the key, and for only 215 points your looking at a unit that can smash the enemy, then survive the next round of shooting! I always load mine up with 3 storm shields, and 2 sets of lighting claws.

Also, I always run them with a Reclusiarch and Corbulo. The chaplain has a super obvious reason in this unit, fearless and “litanies of hate” and Corbulo has a much more important roll. Aside from the obvious priest duties he provides the game changing re-roll. YES it is a game changer. I use it to re-roll a critical failed cover save on the Storm Raven, usually from an ap1 weapon. This has been the nastiest combo in a high percentage of my games. I also have been known to re-roll a successful reserve roll in order to keep the Storm Raven off the table for a extra turn. Both are extremely effective uses of the re-roll.

The Dreadnaught! You must take some form of dreadnaught in the Storm Raven, it is the “nail in the coffin”. I swear by the librarian furioso with wings and shield. He provides a psychic hood and a disgusting ability to fly around the battle field. If he jumps over a hill and charges a unit 18 inches away he usually pays for himself right there. He also seems to get out of combat in my turn instead of the enemies turn, the huge problem with the blood talons version.

The redundancy is another crucial element. Re-rolls on reserves, armor saves, wounds, and attacks are built in to the list, but also unit selection. I incorporate a unit of vanguard vets, all with storm shield! This is a second “unkillable” unit to complement the terminator payload. Combined with DOA rules this squads gets a reliable charge off in almost every game. This squad combined with the terminators is typically enough to fight back an entire army long enough to allow my assault squads to claim the objectives.

The goal of this type of army is to surgically strike the enemy in the middle of the game, while going second. Your opponent will only have 2-3 turns to fight back and push you off the objectives. This quickly becomes unmanageable when he is pushing back the vets, terminators, and the librarian dreadnaught.

Blood Angels 2000 Kenny Boucher

HQ:

Reclusiarch:

130

Reclusiarch:

Jump Pack

Infernus Pistol

170

ELITE:

3 Sanguinary Priests:

Corbulo:

105

Priest:

Jump Pack

Power Weapon

Priest:

Jump Pack

Librarian Furioso:

Wings of Sanguinius

Shield of Sanguinius

175

5 Terminators:

2x Twin Lightning Claws

3x Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield

215

TROOP:

10 Assault Marines

2x Melta Guns

Power Fist

235

10 Assault Marines

2x Melta Guns

Power Fist

235

FAST ATTACK:

5 Vanguard Veterans

2x Infernus Pistol/Storm Shield

2x Power Fist/Storm Shield

Lightning Claw/Storm Shield

Jump Packs

340

HEAVY SUPPORT:

Storm Raven:

Twin Multi Melta

Assault Cannon

4x Blood Strike Missles

Extra Armor

Locator Beacon

230

Dark Eldar Defiant

2011-02-24T18:06:00.000-08:00

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A devastating band of piratical raiders descend on to a hapless populace. The raiders make short work of any infantry, and the ravagers obliterate any armor. The distinctive colors make sure the enemy remembers their beating, and lashes their victims into relinquishing more pain. The painting fades and highlights throughout the army, bring out the details, and accentuate the wash effects to make for an outstanding force ready to decimate any opponent.

Mech Blood Angels

2011-02-09T17:24:00.000-08:00

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An intimidating amount of armor thunders across the battlefield in this fast Blood Angels tank company. The Blood Angels are unique in there ability to have more heavy tanks than other Space Marine armies while also being empowered by overcharged engines! Each vehicle has been highly individualized with iconography and free hand painting in addition to the modest weathering effects on the tracks. Open the gallery to see close ups of all these awesome vehicles..

Star Wars Space Marines

2011-01-24T19:22:00.000-08:00

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A converted Warhammer 40,000 army using models from the Space Marines GW line and the Star Wars miniatures game. The figures have been magnetized in multiple places by the client so they can represent various factions from the 40k universe and their unique play styles. It also incorporates aspects from Star Wars fiction such as the 501st, Vader's Fist, and the Clone Wars. The All Terrain Scout Transport represents a Space Marine dreadnought, and the scorching effects are emblematic of a battle hardened force.

Space Marine Salamanders Sanctify

2011-01-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

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A tournament tested Warhammer 40k army, built to be one of the most competitive Codex Space Marine forces available. This army offers a plethora of solid Space Marine entries that take utmost advantage of the options available. Vulkan He'stan leads the detachment and boosts the power of the army's Thunder hammer Terminators, and the plethora of melta guns and flamers throughout the army. Each tactical marine is also modeled with an out of print Salamanders shoulder pad, and the corrosive paint effects represent being from the volcanic world of Nocturne. This army should prove to be a formidable contender in any arena, be it painting, playing, or modeling.

Blood Orks Terrorizing

2011-01-05T15:42:00.000-08:00

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This totally unique force is a client's custom Ork army to count as “Looted Blood Angels”. The converted vehicles represent various transports, tanks, a dreadnought, and a looted Storm Raven. The units include a number of Warhamer Fantasy models in heavy armor to show the increased resiliency versus incoming fire. Extensive use of the airbrush allows smooth transitions in color to achieve the metallic blends and rust effects, as well the flame bursts. The final stages of hyper highlighting brings out all the details of the Ork skin and completes this suitably scary Warhammer 40k army.

Battle Report #1: Blood Angels vs. Space Wolves

2011-01-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

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Check out this link to a friend's blog that narrates a monumental battle between the Space Marine Blood Angels featured earlier, versus Space Wolves, all atop the fine scenery and terrain pictured in our last post. It's a very engaging read with numerous action filled photos. Enjoy!

Battle Report #1: Blood Angels vs. Space Wolves

Terra Terrain

2010-12-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

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A top notch table to play out the adventures of the 41st millennium or any futuristic war game. This scenery was made to closely resemble the client's already existing bases and models and so recreates a blasted wasteland with sparse vegetation and ruined buildings. Both The Realm of Battle Gameboard and the buildings are highly reconfigurable for endless variety. This table top was also composed of the Imperial Sector box, the Battlescape, 2 Woods, and the resin Barricades set. The painting was completed in just a few days with the help of an airbrush so the terrain can quickly be put to good use.

Plague Marines Putrefying

2010-12-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

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A sizable Chaos Marine army done for commission in honor of Papa Nurgle. The force includes multiple Forgeworld pieces and conversions including a Plague Hulk, Dreadnought, and a Nurgle Daemon Prince with wings. Plague Marines ride to battle in their custom rhinos with corresponding Forgeworld insignias. Be sure to take a close look at the gallery to see the hideous effects and highlights.

Wolf Guard Rampage

2010-11-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

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Another fine looking Space Wolves army completed for commission. Logan allows the Wolf Guard to count as troops, and the variety of weapons and armor they can take make for a truly unique force. The army can field a number of drop pods containing both Terminators and power armor space marines with a terrifying plethora of weapons to combat any threat. All this is led by another set of brutal Thunder Wolves to take on most anything the opponent can throw at them.

Blood Angels Descendant

2010-10-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

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A brutal Blood Angels detachment floats down from on high. The Storm Raven soars above the rest of the army while the troops assault unabated. A mixed arms force of fast Rhinos, jump packs, and priests combine to a highly tuned synchronized force. All this is backed up by Mephiston and The Sanguinor which ensures all the bases are covered.

Dark Angels Determined

2010-10-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

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An impressive amount of armor rolls onto the field in this Dark Angels army that takes full advantage of Land Raiders, combat squads, and the Chapter Master Azrael. The Headquarters selection will mow down enemy squads and the armor of the tanks will ensure they arrive on target. The tight details and highlights bring cohesion and intimidation to the army as a whole.

Abaddon and Tzeentch Terminators

2010-10-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

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Totally custom Chaos unit to crush the opposition. The Mark of Tzeentch improves the invulnerable saves of all the Terminators and the accompanying Daemon Prince. All this in addition to Abaddon means very little is going to stand in their way once delivered into the fray.

Emperor's Children Seductive

2010-10-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

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Check out the killer fades and highlights on this purple themed Emperor's Children army. The army sports an amazing amount of template weapons to take full advantage of the Lash of Submission. A counter-charge element of three dreadnoughts and a defiler make an impressive centerpiece to the force.

Space Wolves Abundant

2010-10-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

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Gallery of a recently completed Space Wolves army that includes a nasty force of Terminators, Razorbacks, and Thunderwolf Cavalry.