Primaris Captain Project – Nwabudike Abiola, Captain of the 5th Company

Continuing with the Primaris Captain project, I set about a task: re-create the old Space Marine Captain model from scratch.  In the past, three of the ten captains for the Azure Flames were based on this model (it was pewter and there wasn’t a lot of other options…).

So, I combined a Primaris Lieutenant body, the cape from the Primaris Jump Pack Captain, a Dark Angels Scabbard, a Forge World head, an old Iron Halo, and some random Primaris arms to re-create the old Captain pose.  Behold!

Abiola’s old model is on the left, the new one on the right.  The ropes on the chest and the flame on the scabbard were sculpted with Green Stuff.

Here’s a better pic of the front.  The face came out really well.  Nwabudike’s first name was chosen from Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri, a game I often steal inspiration from.

The cape was custom detailed with flames, similar to other captains.  The shoulder pad has a custom sculpted flame.  Abiola’s name is on the shoulder.

If you zoom in on the bolter, it says “Mortis.”

So, pretty successful!  This kitbashed mini is a pretty true homage to the old pewter captain!  There’s not much more that I could have done.

Wait, someone’s handing me something.  Who are you and how did you get in my house?

Oh.  Oh no.

It seems that several months after I kitbashed this mini, Games Workshop released the new Company Heroes box set, complete with this stunning fellow:

HAHA had I just waited several months I could have just used this mini and not had to work hard to kitbash, but I’m glad I did.  Abiola’s new model is unique; no one else has a Captain like this.

Next: more Captains!

Primaris Captain Project – Chayton Dakota, Captain of the 6th Company

Just before heading off on my honeymoon, I’ve finished another of the Rubicon-enhanced Captains of the Azure Flames!

Dakota’s original model is on the left.  The classic Space Marine Captain with Power Sword, I modded him to have a Bolt Pistol in 5th ed to be a bare-bones super cheap HQ choice for low points value games. (goodbye 3rd Edition Space Marine Leader with Storm Bolter for 35 points… *sniff*)

During the writing of Big Game VI, Dakota got some characterization.  He became the dour, practical pessimist.  No one expects Dakota to be jovial or enthusiastic.  But the entire chapter knows that he never puts forward criticisms unfounded.  He always supports the other Captains, even when they choose to neglect his caution.  And, on those rare occasions he calls for decisive action, his opinions are given all the more weight.

Dakota’s new Primaris model is the Captain with power fist and plasma pistol, with the same pose as a much earlier classic mini.  I got this mini from the last Swap Meet of the Highland Gaming Club in the Highland Michigan Library, before the club dissolved and eventually made its way to Ypsilanti under the Golden Rhino Games banner.

This mini sat, unloved, in a box, until late last year when I began the Primaris Captain project.  Legions Imperialis delayed it, but it’s done!  Here’s some highlights!

This angle shows Dakota’s face a little better.  Part of the Primaris Captain Project is to add personal names.  Chayton is a Lakota name for Falcon or Hawk.  Dakota’s eyes were painted with a brand new Psycho brush from Army Painter.  The Plasma effect is Baharroth Blue, drybrushed with Altdorf Guard Blue then Pro Acryl Black.  1 part Pro Acryl white was added to three parts Lahmian Medium and carefully washed into the white areas.

Dakota’s hair is XV-88 with a wash of Black Templar Contrast.  This is amazing for dark brown hair!

The cape is Magmadroth Flame over Grey Seer, highlighted with Jokaero Orange (because the new contrast is much more flat).  The flames at the bottom are Altdorf Guard and Baharroth Blue.

All of the Primaris Captain Project minis are converted in at least some way.  Dakota’s hair was custom sculpted from Green Stuff, as was the flame on his shoulder.

Any of the brownish metal is a flat coat of Brass Scorpion with Nuln Oil wash.

Next: I’m on vacation, but after that more Captains and possibly a few more options for Legions Imperialis!

Primaris Captain Project – Orpheon Leonidas, Captain of the 1st Company

When crafting the back story of the Azure Flames 20 years ago, I came up with the character of Leonidas as a brash and obstinate counterpoint to the main narrative pushed by Atrus.  Not everyone is ready to change their entire Chapter livery and practices on the word of one man, much less someone who claims to have received a vision from the Emperor.  Leonidas demanded to wear the old colors of the Sons of the Salamander, and was such an incredible fighter that he was promoted to the Captain of the 1st Company to try to tame him.

This failed.  Leonidas remains a headstrong and effective combatant, but is still completely out of anyone’s control.  He has, however, gained the respect of many within and without of the Chapter.

Leonidas was the son of a Planetary Governor who went against his father’s wishes and joined the Sons of the Salamander.  I gave him the first name Orpheon after the founder of his world.

Leonidas’ original model was created by a guy named Greg who ended up being a bit of a douche.  He gave the model to my buddy Matt, who didn’t use him at all because Matt played Chaos.  However, I played Salamanders and Leonidas’ original model had Chaplain Xavier’s old backpack and hammer, so Matt gave him to me.

I upgraded Leonidas with a Dreadnought sized Heavy Flamer when Vulkan He’Stan became a prevalent character back in 5th or 6th Ed.  He won me so many games I stopped using him because Vulkan He’Stan was kind of completely irresponsibly overpowered.

Now, in 10th ed, as I upgrade all of my old Captains to Primaris models, Leonidas has gone through the Rubicon Primaris and is a more modern looking stand-in for Vulkan He’Stan:

Greg’s old model for Leonidas is on the left.  I re-based him and added the heavy flamer.  Leonidas’ new model is on the right.  As you can see, he fits the scale of 10th better.

Leonidas’ body is the Primaris Captain with Jump Pack body.  The head is from the Black Templar Marshall.  The arm is a Primaris arm upgraded with a Grey Knight Halberd, topped with a Blood Angel Power Sword.  Another Primaris Arm was chopped and slotted into a Terminator Heavy Flamer (the previous edition so slightly smaller than the most modern version).  Finally, Leonidas’ cape is an old Dark Elf Sea Dragon Corsair cloaks.

Leonidas’ left shoulder pad has been upgraded with a sculpted flame (possibly against his own wishes!)

Each scale on the Sea Dragon Cloak was highlighted twice, top and bottom.

The Spear was upgraded with a Sisters of Battle flame bit sculpted on with Green Stuff, and painted with a technique to make it look like it was molten hot out of a forge.

Next: more Captains get the Primaris treatment!

Four Strands Re-Launch! Updates, New Novel, and Surprise Announcement!

Welcome back!  Fourstrandshobby has returned, with a new scheme same as the old scheme!

A while ago, WordPress updates made the old scheme for this site unworkable.  This was after years of hackers breaking into the site again and again.  It turns out that scheme was vulnerable.  I chose another one that was very… blue.  And ugly.  And as such I wasn’t incentivized to post.

But, thanks to Lexington, I have a new scheme that looks like the old scheme, but works with modern WordPress and is secure!

In the intervening years, I’ve been up and down, but I’ve always made time for Modeling, Painting, Gaming, and Storytelling.  I played a lot of 9th edition 40K and then 10th when it came out.

I also got into Legion Imperialis!  I have a huge Sons of Horus force that grows all the time and will soon be joined (opposed?) by a Solar Auxillia force!  Click the link below to see the brand new Image Gallery!

Legion Imperialis Image Gallery

More importantly, I’ve been writing!  Big Game V: The Battle of Iperin was a novella made of vignettes contributed by multiple people on the old BGV forums and was chiefly written by myself, Lexington, and Joe.  Big Game VI: The Omega War was a more focused narrative written by Lexington and myself.

However, the newest novella to be featured on Fourstrands is Home Fires: An Azure Flames Novel.  This finishes what I’ll refer to as the Azure Flames Omnibus at least in terms of main stories.  I also have a short story between BGV and BGVI, and I am considering another between BGVI and Home Fires to make a complete Black Library style omnibus.  Click the link below, or the one in the Features bar.

Home Fires: An Azure Flames Novel

I’ve also done several projects for the Azure Flames!  I’ll post a few pics below, but most will have their own posts soon.

But finally, and most importantly for my life, I’m getting married!  Me and my Fiancée bonded over the classic Adult Swim show: The Venture Brothers.  As such, I commissioned an expert to 3D print the Monarch and Dr. Mrs. The Monarch from their wedding.  I then painted the duo myself.

Coming up next: Legion Imperialis Thunderhawk Gunship, some Solar Auxillia, and hopefully a battle report against loyalist scum, the White Scars at AFK!

Techmarine Touch-up and Multi-Melta replacement

As part of my case touchup project, I’m still doing primaris, then firstborn, then repeating, adding custom decals in between.

For my firstborn project, I wanted to do a Contemptor dreadnought, but something more immediate caught my eye.  My old Techmarine with Servo-Harness model was severely damaged in the case and needed a strong paint touch-up.

Additionally, during the Tanksgiving mega-battle, I realized one of my removable Multi-meltas for my Land Raider had been lost!  Thanks to Brian of Dice Abide and Red Wunz Go Fasta, I was able to kitbash a replacement.

Next: Infiltrators!

Primaris Ory-Hara the Silent, Chief Librarian of the Azure Flames

In keeping with my custom of alternating Primaris and Firstborn projects, I have completed a Primaris Librarian that I’ve had for years but have never used much because of the lack of paint.

Considering the age of the older model for Ory-Hara, I decided that he crossed the Rubicon Primaris.

Next: my Techmarine in Full Servo Harness was severely damaged recently, so he’s getting a touch up.

8th Squad 3rd Compant Assault Marines touchup!

Touchup complete!  Next: Primaris Librarian!

Tanksgiving 2021 at AFK!

Tis the season to donate to local charities, and owner Dan of AFK has a heart bigger than his newly resized store!  A yearly event, Tanksgiving is a 40K game where only tanks and monsters are allowed (with exceptions).  Players can place any vehicles for one item of canned food or $1 per 10 power level.

Additionally, any model removed as a casualty can be set up as an oncoming reserve for one item of canned food or $1 per 10 power level.

Each player started with 3 CP (even if Unbound) and received 1 CP each command phase.  At any time, 1 CP could be purchased for one canned good or $1.

All food and money would be donated to the local food bank for Thanksgiving.

It’s a big fight!  With TITANS! THAT SUCK KIND OF!

Turns were taken as follows: One side got their Command and Movement Phases, then the other.  One side took a shooting phase, and damage was recorded but not applied.  The other side took a shooting phase, and then all damage was applied.  Finally, one side charged and fought but damage was not applied, then the other side charged and fought and all damage was applied.  If applicable, all sides took morale simultaneously.  This gets rid of the problem that Apocalypse games always have: whoever goes first blows the other side off the table.

The entire complement of vehicles of the Azure Flames, raring to go!

Other Forces were ready to fight as well!

The Azure Flames set up supporting the Reaver and Warhound against the Warlord.

The leftmost boards were saturated with Tyranids.  Despite being Tanksgiving, the ‘Nids brought infantry.  They were literally pushed around in piles.

One of the crowning moments of the game; a Drop Pod fell to block a charge lane.  An enemy Knight charged it… and WHIFFED!  This delayed the charge another turn.

After it was unceremoniously blown off the table, I dropped $15 and resurrected the Reaver.

Long time contributor to Fourstrands, Rob, brought his Ultramarines on turn 2, complete with the Lord of the Imperium himself: Roboute Gulliman!  He turned the Azure Flames tank column and the Reaver from a threat to a powerhouse!

Opposite the Tyranids was another Reaver, an Imperial Guard 7th Edition Air Wing, and some Tau.  The Nids chewed them all up.

Sadly, I had to leave before the end, but the REAL winner was the local food bank!  People were spending money like crazy!  It was extremely fun!

Industrial Terrain 2000 Points with Terminators

When Zach and I arrived at AFK Games, someone had set up some very industrial terrain for a demo of a new MDF terrain system.

We couldn’t resist and decided to play a game on it.

So, naturally, I took a list with 42 models in Terminator Armor.

In the end, we tied 67 to 67!  It was an amazing game!

50 Power Casual Team Tournament

This weekend past, I participated in a Team Tournament at AFK games.  Each player got a 50 power list, and was paired with a random player versus two other players.  Secondaries could only be chosen from the Grand Tournament book, and could not be chosen from codexes.

Here’s my list:

• Patrol
  • Librarian, Force Sword, Plasma Pistol, The Tome of Vel’cona, Flaming Blast, Fire Shield, Drakeskin, Warlord, Lord of Fire
  • Tactical Squad x5, Chainsword, Combi-Plasma, Multi-melta
  • Aggressors x3, Flamestorm Gauntlets
  • Ironclad Dreadnought, Chainfist, Meltagun, Hurricane Bolter, Ironclad Launchers, 2x Hunter Killer Missile
  • Bike Squad x3, Power Fist, 2x Meltagun, Attack Bike, Multi-melta
  • Eradicator Squad x3, Melta Rifles

Winning earned you an additional ticket, but just playing and showing up on time earned so many more that most people were on equal footing.  Tickets could be spent on raffles for door prizes.

Game 1 – The Scouring

Bozeman (Salamanders) and David (Dark Angels) vs. Andrew S. (Sons of Bile) and Chris (Nihilakh Necrons)

Chris and I had one of the worst first turns I’ve ever had.  Rolls were terrible.  After that we did not really recover, but the battle was extremely bloody.  Due to time limits, we only made it to turn 3.  Had the game gone on longer we may have had a chance due to extreme losses on the other side.  The stars were the Nihilakh Necrons, who scored LOADS of points because all of their units have Objective Secured!

Game 2 – Scorched Earth

Bozeman (Salamanders) and Andrew M. (Sororitas – Sacred Rose) vs. Andrew (Space Wolves) and David (Dark Angels)

Aggressive first turn moves allowed me and Andrew to set the pace of the battle.  Deep Strike attacks from Saint Celestine and Ephrael Stern take vital objectives and cause chaos.  Except for a near invincible Space Wolves Dreadnought, most enemies go down for a win.

Game 3 – Sweep and Clear

Bozeman (Salamanders) and Andrew S. (Sons of Bile) vs. Jesse (Legio Metallica Mechanicus AND Thousand Sons)

Jesse was the Ringer for this tournament, and brought SIX different lists and rolled randomly each time.  Due to an imbalance of players, Jesse took TWO of his lists against us!

Andrew’s teleporting Terminators brought some needed pressure, cutting off Ahriman’s push to the right side of the board.  We took a lot of extremely mobile fire from Mechanicus walkers that can advance and shoot.  However, by the end, we managed to wear down Jesse’s armies and score a great deal of points.

Results:

I won 5 tickets for showing up on time, with printed lists, and not needing anything from an AFK employee.  Two wins one loss gave me 5 more.  I used these to win a really nice paintbrush and a pot of Black Templar contrast paint.

It was a really great time!  I bought everyone drinks and my feet were in incredible pain!

Next: some updates for Assault Marines and more Primaris units, plus hopefully Orks?