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:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2600/03/21 18:13:47


Post by: migsula


“Of the fabulous hydra it is said, cut off one head and two will grow in its place” - antique proverb


Prelude - Ten Millenia of Memories

Rhisinne, great equatorial plains, two years after the Heresy.

The utter silence tuned into a screaming crescendo smoothly like a curtain unveiled before the act. Fourteen Chimera Personnel carriers sat on the dry ground, their cargo perfectly lined up in front of them. The Stormbird touched down briefly. Clouded in dust it rose again and took away the crescendo. Silence. The dust settled and revealed five figures, two giants in midnight plate, a Het of the Geno Chiliad, a robed man and a frail, incredibly elegant character. A sharp clasp sprung as 166 Elite Geno Guard snapped into attention with near inhuman precision behind the General Governor, Geno 4-4.

The fate of the system was decided between this conclave, with only the desert as the witness. No written or other document would ever reference this event. The true rule was established and the trials of Vipera were initiated. “The Tacit” an elite military formation was born that day, but their history makes no mention of their forming, and verbal account does not cumulate in a unit of mouthless men.



We are Legion

They needed to find him and find him they did. Didn’t feel that way now, did it. It was fething cold, the humidity of the earlier thunder rains was whisked around by the brisk sea wind flowing through the forgotten docklands. The full moon cast a pale, icy glare that froze the shadows of the stand off.
There he was, in rugged civilian clothes, armed with a brace of pistols, Sgt. Jargassor, whom all needed to find - the least of their concerns now.

The entire hunt team had their retinas transfixed on the massive being next to him. A dozen weapons of different make pointed at him for what little difference it made. Standing two and a half meters, a god of war, clad in a huge suit of armor the color of night, the giant stared back, immoveable like a statue, yet radiating explosiveness like an unstable flux core reactor.

The wind turned only to punctuate the stalemate.

‘I am Alpharius, We are Legion‘ The giant announced in a distinctive, flowing, silky, yet authoritarian voice.



A Band of Brothers

Rhisinne, great equatorial plains, 999.M41

Bone jarring grind engulfed the wadi, Wrath of Vulcan, a Storm Lord and two Baneblades: Steel Dancer and Equilibrium powered forward in triangle formation, followed by two companies of Leman Russ Vanquishers, tiny in comparison. The plain on both sides was a hell storm of fire and smoke, as the 2-2-1 Artillery blanketed the approach invisible. Forty-two Chimeras followed the main battle tanks into the wadi, carrying the 3-7 Renor Grenadiers.

In the huge border county hive, a squadron of Valkyrie screamed thorough perilous support beams and hab structures. On board squads of the Tacit sat in silence, meditating the battle plan. Each could feel the stream of data in their comm implants, as their rides banked from side to side to navigate the tight approach and avoid the intense flak.

Sgt. Jurg of 3-7 double checked his watch, briefly revealing a hint of dark blue tattoo. A symbol bearing clear resemblance was also found on Colonel Rafs’ Chest, underneath the ballistic cloth that the Storm Lord crew wore to work. Comissar Grennel wore a signet ring with a snake around two crosses. Each and every one of the Tacit had a burn brand XX on their left pectoral muscle. Then there were the Stealth Cells, like Effrit, who wore much more developed and hidden brands. All told, over a thousand man or women preparing for war, training and training were “Legion First”.



Rhisinne, Ultima Segementum (following extract thought to be a current draft of Ordo Hereticus fact file: re: Rhisienne)

A bastion of Imperial might, Rhisinne, it’s twin guardian moons Vipera and Pythan and 3 satellite worlds Quntus (agri world), Renor (geo mineral worl) and Falkh (Cardinal World) together form an empire of indomitable attrition against the fury of Maelstorm and the countless Xeno foe in the eastern Fringe. The System is gaining respect and referenced with the Likes of Abdus Prima and Gelt, even Ultramar, in productivity and model of Imperial Creed.

Rhisienne’s illustrious history draws close to the annals of the Heresy and it’s aftermath, but the founding of the mythical and elusive Blades of Laerna (Gene Seed unknown) chapter in M36 chartered an age of growth and strength in the region. In particular the pacification of Xenos hostilities in the region was profound.

The Adeptus Terra allow for considerable leeway in the dealings of planetary governing bodies, when the tithes are met and regiments raised. Rhisienne has been exemplary on both accounts, but the behavior, and in particular refusal of the Blades of Laerna to fight together with other Chapters, has warranted two Inquisitorial investigations on their conduct and position of power within the system. No conclusive findings have been made, but nor has anyone been allowed on the twin moon bases of the chapter. Four different Inquisitorial Conclaves have argued the issue. The Chapter seems to have a veto of sorts within the inner chambers of Ordos Ultima Segementum. Not so with the Astartes. Infuriated Captain Sicarius of the Ultramarines, normally the image of calm and tact, has reported his apparent disgust at a Blades of Lerna veteran, who outrageously introduced himself as _Heretic Name Scourged off records_, before disappearing without trace during recent operations against the upstart Tau Empire. This is but one of several shows of disrespect and bravado, or outright non co-operation. Some less taciturn chapters have threatened with open hostilities.

Rhisienne System can boast with two legendary Imperial Guard regiments, the Renor Grenadiers and the Elite Tacit. Furthermore the Rhisienne PDF is a top tier military formation, in high demand across the sector and beyond.

The system is a very model of Imperial values and strength, determined and resourceful.








The continuum of an =I=munda project, to 40k and then Apocalyptic and BFG scale.

As with the initial project ( http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/221869.page ) , two philosophies guide this project:

"As I am increasingly becoming aware of myself as an artist, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay on track so to speak - or rather immensely liberating to just go where the inspiration takes me. "

"I've decided to throw out all the rules and just paint the way I feel I must and not be afraid of color. The project is inspired by Dainton's art as always, the Legion book and the pale, chilling light of the Moon."

Furthermore, the Legion's rash, eager to prove, outrageously creative and utterly dangerous outlook on things is an immense inspiration, together with Imperial Guard armies of 2nd edition that had many different units and schemes. The relationship of superhuman warrior gods and their guard protégées has endless depth to interpret.

You will get to see the hideous Tacit, the Heavy infantry Grenadiers and the distinctive Rhinisienne PDF, as well as super heavy armor, valkyries, different Stealth Cells, Cabal Agents, and of course a few more of the Legion.

I hope this blog becomes an open forum of discussing several aspects of the hobby and everyone feels like they can say their opinions and interact the way they want. I'd love to hear just "I think it's cool" if you think so.

I also do hope to go quite deep in some artistic crap, mainly in how I see the miniature painting having reached the age of "image perfection" and next can come true, unrestricted age of impact, rather than technique. If you look at the evolution of classical painting - and finally the age of camera and then photoshop - you know what I mean...and this is not to go I'm going to go Pollock on my models, but I shall use this samurai image from the genious Goodbrush as an example once again:

http://www.goodbrush.com/
The Green Samurai is on the second page, but all of his work makes my point. Is it technically Perfect portrayal of the image? Is it absolutely Perfect portrayal of the image and feeling?
_________________


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/21 19:01:14


Post by: davetaylor


All I can say is, this will be awesome.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/21 19:23:45


Post by: CMDante


Second that, looking forward to the discussion (and inspiration!) this log creates!

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/21 19:26:14


Post by: Paul Atreides


migsula quality armies apocalypse sized?

I need to fully regain conciousness before I can swallow this.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/21 20:02:00


Post by: grey_death


This thread is going to end up being a prized gem of inspiration and true artistic discussion. Something more than just the PLogs of norm.

Can't wait for it to begin full on.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/22 05:57:34


Post by: D3str0y3r


grey_death wrote:This thread is going to end up being a prized gem of inspiration and true artistic discussion. Something more than just the PLogs of norm.


"and it was with that, that a new horizon dawned on DakkaDakka"
this is gonna be EPIC!
Regards,
-Jason


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/22 07:48:32


Post by: smiling Assassin


I can't bloody wait. Can I reserve a front row seat now?

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/22 16:35:30


Post by: Malika2


Is this the result of your rant in which you try to make this forum more kick ass than Warseer's blogs? If so...I think you might actually succeed here! Now if only you, Synapse and Apologist could combine forces...


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/22 18:21:04


Post by: winterman


I can appreciate the influence of goodbrush on the work here. I really like how you've shifted away from precision to really explore color and depth. I look forward to seeing an army as stunning and emotive as the models shown here.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 10:42:23


Post by: migsula


Firstly, warm thanks for the feedback and encouragement. I am so happy there is dakka And this is going to be Dakka exclusive, if chat with friends outside of dakka doesn't count.

Secondly, now that I've taken a closer look at the Dakka Gallery options, all I can say is WOW!! Legoburner and Yakface, the two of you will make this place truly unique!


Imperial Guard

The glorious sledge hammer of the Imperium, and in it’s nature an encompassing representation of the imperium of man and the variety of worlds and cultures it contains. I feel that the Guard is too often watered down in to modern day military extension into this universe, rather than a true gothic fighting force of 41st millenium. This is not to say the universal character archetypes don’t work.

The FW Death Korps of Krieg to me are the epitome of just how gothic and cool Imperial Guard can be. But at the same time I am very fond of 2nd ed armies that had squads from a lot of different regiments and prefer for my models to have bare faces, atleast most of them, so the masked look truly masked.

I’ve started working on the first of my Rhisienne Regiments, the Renor Grenaiders, and a Captain of the 31st Mechanised, “The Raging Bulldons”. For the longest of times, I’ve had this bretonnian infantry head earmarked for a guard officer. There’s that hint of Patton like attitude and middle age wear and tear combined so well in one head.

Here’s a WIP pic of him and Alpharius of Legion.

This Alpharius carries a Heavy bolter, and will get a stealth team of Missile launcher guys. Where the first team was and will be even more of an tunnel rats, demo, in your face group, the second team will have a very different feel. I’m starting to design rules for these guys too, so when the new IG book comes out they integrate well and I can start playing some games too. I’m quite happy of Alpharius’s facial expression, smug defiance, almost like the face is pulling the trigger.




:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 11:27:11


Post by: Gundam-Mecha


Great work Migs, nice to see some more Aplha Legion Marines.

I'm really interested to see what you do with that guardsmen. How will he be armed? Lasgun or something a bit more dramatic?

Also I can see something nice in the background there... converted stealthsuits. More TWAR stuff perhaps?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 11:28:14


Post by: Gundam-Mecha


By the way did you decide on a head for that Astropath/Adept figure?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 12:11:19


Post by: LordRavurion


Just read your post about blogs on dakka, and you have made a new p&m-blog to go allong with it

I really like the real feel this project has. It does not look (right now) as marines with oversized weapons followed by giant humans. I have to say though, you have set the bar very high for yourself and other blogs if they want to match the work you have done, let alone surpasse...

It is looking very good and I will follow the thread. (and hopefully can comment on things, althoug I am nowhere near as good as you are...



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 12:13:17


Post by: Apologist


As with the initial project ( http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/221869.page ) , two philosophies guide this project:
"As I am increasingly becoming aware of myself as an artist, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay on track so to speak - or rather immensely liberating to just go where the inspiration takes me. "
"I've decided to throw out all the rules and just paint the way I feel I must and not be afraid of color. The project is inspired by Dainton's art as always, the Legion book and the pale, chilling light of the Moon."
*SNIP*
I also do hope to go quite deep in some artistic crap, mainly in how I see the miniature painting having reached the age of "image perfection" and next can come true, unrestricted age of impact, rather than technique. If you look at the evolution of classical painting - and finally the age of camera and then photoshop - you know what I mean...


Fantastically happy to see that written down – the impact and effect of a miniature runs far beyond technical perfection; and it's great to hear someone which such high technical abilities say it. That's not to dismiss the importance of skill with a brush; but the effectiveness of combining different skills is sure to create a memorable and engrossing blog.

+++
The basing work you do is a real highlight for me – it's often easy to dismiss the importance of a context for a miniature, but a well-executed base that shows imagination and narrative really ties the final piece together.

It'd be interesting to hear some thoughts on regarding whole armies as a single piece of artwork: there are a lot of beautifully painted individual models out there that just don't hang together as armies – but it's clear that these troops and tanks have a lot of thought put into the overall effect of the finished army. It must take a lot of forward planning!

+++
Obviously as a staunch son of Calth, I ought to disapprove of the youngest legion taking up your time – but the background for the Alpha Legion is so engrossing and full of potential that I can only look forward to seeing where it leads you!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 14:25:04


Post by: migsula


Apologist, thanks you sir! Firstly, warm welcome to dakka. I am looking forward to seeing your work shared here! The Gallery function is brilliant.

I absolutely love the work you've done with your Sons of Calth. One of the most inspiring miniature projects I've seen. In my eyes, it doesn't get any better than what you've done with the unrestricted vision and impact and the manner in which you share it and let us enjoy it too.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 14:26:56


Post by: migsula


Gundam-Mecha wrote:Great work Migs, nice to see some more Aplha Legion Marines.

I'm really interested to see what you do with that guardsmen. How will he be armed? Lasgun or something a bit more dramatic?

Also I can see something nice in the background there... converted stealthsuits. More TWAR stuff perhaps?


Thanks, something special, as he is a Captain of the famed Raging Bulldons. Somehow that hints of a power fist, now that I am saying it aloud.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 16:05:23


Post by: Gundam-Mecha


A powerfist would look great! I would be really interested how you approach that in "true" scale so to speak also.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 17:59:35


Post by: Platuan4th


Migs, I'm so in love with your True Scale Marines. I may have to attempt to try to make my own.

Now, what to choose Dark Angels or Deathwatch to accompany my Mech Guard or Thousand Sons to accompany my Traitor Guard/LatD?

(If I fail, you may get PMs begging you to let me send you the materials and monetary units to make them for me! )


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/23 19:48:32


Post by: CMDante


This is shaping up to be the best thread....ever!

@Apologist - Good to have you over here, hope to see some of your work here too. Your sons of Calth log is truly a joy to read, love the effort you put into the background alone and you have produced some wicked conversions.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/24 03:18:09


Post by: Malika2


You know I want to see Apologist, Migsula and Synapse team up now huh?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/24 10:12:23


Post by: migsula


24/March/09 Advanced Order

Just placed an advanced order for all the new IG toys and the dex. Somehow this is the most pleasing method of buying minis. The anticipation, not knowing exactly when you get them and then getting them early - although it used to be much earlier.

The Valkyrie will be for the Effrit and obviously hugely motivating to build and paint. The new sentinel is a nice one off, I’ve always loved the sentinel kit, and the new one has articulated legs for great posing options, which knowing my basing is a huge bonus. I’m excited about the new weapon options too and this kit fitting in for Skirmish gaming. Something I intend to continue. The command kits are basically for the bitz box Tons of nice detail and options. They look like Perry sculpts to me!?

I worked a little more on Alpharius and the Bulldons Captain. It’s extremely pleasing to work on them together and to be reminded of the differences in physique and gear constantly, pushing for that interesting contrast between the two. The massive HB, which looks decently sized, not oversized, on my Marine really punctuates the difference. I think I found a great pose for the head too, chin down, with that smug defiant face, letting rip.

I need to keep working on the TWAR for a few more weeks, but am already relishing the prospect on just concentrating my hobby time on this project.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/24 11:09:14


Post by: Metsuri


This is shaping up nicely, can't wait for you give full time attention to this as the I'm interested in seeing how you get the schemes working towards a coherent force even though the units differ in character.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/24 16:30:00


Post by: Malika2


What exactly are these "Stealth Cells"? Are they humans or Space Marines?

As for the Cabal agents, I'd love to see you experiment with some cool xenos such as the Eldar or rarer ones in your awesome style!

It's projects like these that motivate me into trying to come back in the hobby 100% as in buying GW stuff and just go crazy! However, me being in Peru at the moment kind of prevents me from doing that (have to be a hard working social scientist now) and well, even if I do get back home I wouldn't do at it in the scale I would truly want. Money is a big problem and the fact that I feel I've spent more than enough of my money on GW products in the years kind of makes me want to experiment with creating models and stuff from scratch, poor kid forced improvisation!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/24 17:10:51


Post by: Alpharius


I am, obviously, a big fan of the Alpha Legion.

I am now, oddly enough, an even bigger fan of your version and vision for them.

The release of Codex: Chaos Space Marine (Renegades) really made me lose a lot of desire to continue building and playing with my Alphas, the loss of so much "Founding Legion" rules was a blow.

BUT, with the impending release of a lot of cool IG models AND your vision for incorporating Alphas into an IG force, well, let's just say, I'm back in!

And, since Marines would be around in such a force in limited number, I may take a stab at Truescaling some up too!

Overall, very impressive and inspiring work here!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/24 22:06:23


Post by: Llamahead


Brilliant I can't wait to see this. The background is going to really tie this army together. Couple of questions will this be a planned army or a collecting theme? Are you planning to do a full Bret Guard Platoon at some point. I also have to wonder whether the Blades of Laerna are a cover for the Alpha Legion? Second thoughts don't answer the last one.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/24 23:03:38


Post by: grey_death


I'm really excited to see what the new guard kits will have in them. Should prove to be great conversion fodder and most likely will see some work in my warband ideas for the future ^_-. But those are for another thread...


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/25 01:34:42


Post by: GitSmack


I'm really looking forward to following this thread as your =I=munda idea grows into a full apocalypse army.

The question I have is: are you going to use this same level of character work on each individual model in your army, or are you going to expand the scale of your style so that the army, as a whole, takes on the depth of character that each of your individual =I=munda models has?
I've followed your TWAR blog and love the work that you've put into each model there, but with an army like IG, it seems like it might be easy to lose momentum trying to put that much individuality into each rank and file model. And if you do push through and put that much detail into each model, I wonder how you would make this work to enhance the feel of the army as a whole?

After your initial post, I'm really curious about your thoughts on individual model and overall army image, and how you intend to use them to achieve the maximum impact.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/25 16:21:58


Post by: migsula


25/March/09 Today you get answers to good questions, rather than one of my odd monologues.


GitSmack,

To make it work, one needs a strong vision, which turns into a well worked out overall concept for the army, and great execution and a LOT of attention to detail. It's like product design in many respects (which I do for a living, though some would say which I live for ) But silly, self evident talk aside:

Obviously not every single miniature will be crazy scratch build, but everyone will be converted, I think everyone will have sculpted detail, and while there are going to be strong color themes running parallel through the army, I do plan to add small details and depth that reinforce the individuality of certain units. I want to add a lot of narrative and character to the Vehicles too. This seems wrong to me with 40k armies in general, the vehicles look entirely with out personality - despite becoming the extension of their human crew, in the most interesting and deep universe out there. I loved the article of a certain Shadow Sword in the new WD, the cursed gun four and named crew.

The vision also needs to happen in time and place! Hence I treat my basing as such a hugely important element in my projects. I want to have a feeling that they really are the landscape that these warrriors fight on, with narrative and real material feel and texture. Not just something to put sand on and keep the model upright on the table.


Llamahead,

A planned fighting force. Not in anyway restricted by the rules - eve if I do plan to make it mostly fit the IG dex. I think this will become and eternity project. Something like the TWAR, which I see myself returning to now and then. Or like the Crescent Guard marines have been. But then again, more than both, as this started with =I=munda and real natural narrative and excitement from the Legion book and art and our gaming group's attitude. As for the last question




:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/25 17:27:13


Post by: Grandmaster


This has got me very excited, I can't wait to see what you do with a Valk


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/25 17:42:13


Post by: jackinthetank


Your Alpharius is very impressive. I really like how big it is - it really portrays the size of a chaos space marine. Looking forward to seeing some more work.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/25 20:08:55


Post by: Malika2


Hmm, perhaps you could try to create little stories around each figure. I know you are already doing that, but perhaps you could go more detailed, kind of like how Apologist seems to describe his units and equipment.

Perhaps the continuation of your project could also be the continuation of the storyline itself?>


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/25 20:12:59


Post by: grey_death


I expect the stories to be in the gear. In what they wear. In the scars and bandages they sport.

With everyone seeing even a LITTLE greenstuff, you'll really get a feel for each members history.

Guard are the best force for a project with this much personality. I fully expect Migs to fully capitalize on that diversity with every figures details.

I think I need a box or two of the new guard now...


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/26 06:46:10


Post by: migsula


26/March/09 Shapers

Today, little progress shots of Alpharius and Bulldons captain and an Ad. Few weeks ago, good friend CMDante shared showed images of his sculpting tools, including “shapers” that are like brushes with a shaped silicone head that doesn’t stick to gs at all. BUY THEM! They revolutionised my sculpting - mostly the feel, where it came an absolute joy from something of a chore! So each guy in the project will get sculpted detail.

Here’s a pic of the guys and the shapers.




At the front you see a 40mm wip base that I intended for a heavy weapon team. I try to put some of them on 40mm bases for more intense little situations and better integration to a squad on 25mms.



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/26 07:47:42


Post by: smiling Assassin


I will be taking a special interest in how your guardsmen work out. Good luck, I trust that this will be above and beyond what we normally expect of you. That Alpharius looks frankly terrifying.

Happy Hunting.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/26 12:49:27


Post by: grey_death


Some nice progress. The double belt on the guardsmen is a bit off looking, maybe just making the buckles look the same will fix that.

I feel like all heavy weapons teams should be on large bases. The goal being mini-dioramas. And since they hardly ever move, making them all 'dug in', as you mentioned, really worksfor them.

BTW, what thicknesses of plasticard are you working with on Alpharius?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/28 12:00:13


Post by: migsula


Cheers guys,

Grey,

The plan is to put TWO guys on the 40mm base, in infantry squads! Using a smaller base shouldn't be a problem and I feel it ties them much more into a unit on 25mm bases. These units and their accompanying heavy weapons will be moving about, so likely to be missile launchers. The plan is to use 40mm for squad teams and the heavy weapon squads get the large 60mm ones and a more dug in look as befits their battle field role. ps. the goal with all my bases is mini-dioramas.

The belts, I want a wild west style, one belt for ya trousers, one for the weapon. Paint will fix it nicely, the trouser belt will be dark, and the strap the color of the weapon holster.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/26 17:35:00


Post by: CMDante


I agree with grey_death, the two belts looks a bit weird at the moment, though I look forward to being proven wrong.

I think for the wild west style a few should have "slanted" belts, sort of hanging low at one hip gunslinger style.

The upper body looks a little bulky on the trooper at the moment, could be the angle, not sure how you could sort this easily en masse though. I think its cause by the fact the trousers are a bit tighter to the leg than the regular cadian ones. Sculpting some extra "baggy bits" might work but would be a hell of a chore on so many troopers.

It will probably all look fine once the arms are on mind. Which arms are you using?

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/26 17:54:53


Post by: jackinthetank


I second Dante's ideas.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/27 11:46:16


Post by: migsula


27/march/09 Discussing Miniatures as art and emotions.

Based on a discussion I had today with one of my gaming buddies.
Nico wrote:

Reading though your blog I realised I haven't seen miniatures as art, which they really can be. I'm not saying they should be, people enjoy putting up an army to play with and are happy with it. That's the biggest part of hobbyists around.

Minis and art is quite interesting now that the thought poipped in my head. This project of yours is also quite defining of it. A clear vision, not just technically, but specially with the feeling and atmosphere of it all. A sense of true existence of another world, place and time.

....

. Legion is a good book since it took the aspect of love and caring into the 40k universe, making it much richer. That then again is difficult to potray on a mini of a warrior blasting away with a heavy bolter.


Thanks Nico! I'm happy to add a perspective to your mini thoughts.

I think you are right about the feelings, but the difficulty is the challenge and to me the enjoyment. I hope to express a lot of different emotions through the project. And I thank you for bringing it up so explicitly. I think it's here were the juxtaposition of a Space Marine who shall know no fear and the Common soldier becomes such a gem. When you add in a Legion who has seen the end and who have deep, hidden motives; and humans who are sworn to these marines, in a code of martial honor and duty, secrecy and lies, not comradeship and warrior brotherhood THAT's when it gets really interesting!

And when all of that happens visually under the pale moonlight - in Rhisianne's case it had to be twin moons, for the story line alone, but also so there was moonlight in abundance - that strong vision starts to have clear and different parameters.

Do you mind if I quote our conversation at dakka? This is a great blog entry for the day.

m


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/27 17:34:16


Post by: grey_death


Mini's are art. No way around it. But it's only when you accept it and understand what it means that you really start to cross the mental boundries of 'the hobby' and really start to create something extraordinary.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/28 02:47:45


Post by: Foda_Bett


Amazing work as usualy Migs!
Is there anychance I can get a how to for your "true scale" marines?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/30 13:11:00


Post by: migsula


Thanks Foda, when the hassle of preparing my TWAR for war is done, I'll post the progress shots from the first Alpharius that are pretty self evident


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/03/30 18:04:19


Post by: Paul Atreides


We might just as well reinforce our keyboards with metal plates so the wont break of falling jaws. Thats how much potential I see in this.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/02 14:16:54


Post by: migsula


02/April/09 Raging Bulldons

I'm starting to get seriously excited about the new Guard. MUCH more variety and much more tactics involved, with a good deal more dynamics. There’s a brilliant discussions going at news and rumors about the upcoming book - for once an intelligent debate prior to a new book launch.

Overall the variety will be brilliant for Legion.

I just have to find/design the stats/rules for the few Alpha Legion. If I made a squad, it'd be simple to use death watch or grey knights, but since I am not going to make a full squad... Obviously it’s much more fun to design them as a special character, much like Ursakar Creed and his sgt. Thankfully our group is just brilliant for this kind of things, and it’s quite easy to get the pts costs right by balancing against existing rules and costs.

Yesterday I went through my bitz warehouse and collected and sorted a good deal of usable and needed bitz for the project. I now have an ample supply of Horns for the Renor “Raging Bulldons” - a Grenadier unit. Each Raging Bulldons brigade has three companies of infantry: two surface mechanised companies and one air mechanised company, riding in valkyries; and an armoured support company with it’s own artillery elements. It is one of Rhisienne’s most famous regiments, eve if technically not from Rhisienne itself.

10more days of TWAR and I get to totally unleash myself on this project.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/02 17:03:17


Post by: migsula


Legion

(The wh40k.lexicanium.com/wiki/alpha_legion has a brilliantly compiled body of text on the modus operandi of my Legion that I find very inspiring and in line with what I'm after. This is a direct quotation from there.)


02/April/09 Alpha Legion
(The wh40k.lexicanium.com/wiki/alpha_legion has a brilliantly compiled body of text on the modus operandi of my Legion that I find very inspiring and in line with what I'm after. This is a direct quotation from there.)

The Alpha Legion is the Chaos Space Marines Legion about which the least is known. They are experts in infiltration and their armies contain numerous Chaos Cultists in addition to regular Chaos Space Marines. Unbeknownst to all but a few outside the legion, the Alpha Legion had two primarchs; Alpharius and his twin Omegon (sometimes referred to collectively as just 'Alpharius Omegon').
Summary

History
Pre-Heresy
Pre-Heresy Alpha Legion Space Marine.
The last Legion created during the First Founding, work on the XXth Legion was begun only some few decades before the discovery of their Primarch, Alpharius. As a result, when Alpharius Omegon took command of the Legion, it was young, zealous and completely committed to embracing the primarch's directions.

Alpharius believed that secrecy and fluidity brought success, and taught his Legion to apply all such military techniques to both their training and their operations. The Legion's victories in the Great Crusade all feature some form of subterfuge, misdirection or rapid, unexpected movement. Such victories required great skill and dedication to achieve, and the Alpha Legion quickly became an insular and proud formation.

After Alpharius' disagreements with Roboute Guilliman, the Alpha Legion threw themselves even further into their preferred method of operations, largely cutting themselves off from standard Imperial practices and orchestrating greater and greater victorious examples of their approach to the Crusade, even when more conventional attacks would have been more efficient. The most notorious example of this took place on the world of Tesstra Prime, where the Alpha Legion, instead of taking the opportunity to capture the planetary capital and force the world's surrender, allowed the enemy to dig in and defend it so that they could then expertly take the defending forces apart in a number of different ways. After a week of suffering seemingly random mishaps as well as brutal ambushes, the defenders were forced to capitulate, having taken 90% casualties. When asked why the Legion had not taken the simpler strategy, Alpharius is reported to have replied that they avoided it as "it would have been too easy." This campaign brought him censure from almost all of his brother Primarchs; only Horus, always impressed by Alpharius and his work, praised the Alpha Legion's skill.1

With such examples existing in the Imperial records, it is perhaps easy to see why the Alpha Legion sided with Horus when the Warmaster made his pact with Chaos; their martial pride and Alpharius' avoidance of all his brothers apart from Horus seemingly led to their downfall. However, another given reason is that, a scant two years before the Horus Heresy began, Alpharius Omegon was contacted by a Xenos organisation known as the Cabal, which presented the primarch with visions of the Heresy to come and other predictions of the future as well as knowledge about the nature of Chaos. They were shown that the only outcomes of the Heresy were that, if the Emperor won, humanity's existence would be ensured for ten or twenty thousand years of decay before they and the galaxy were consumed by Chaos and that, if Horus won, humanity would perish inside two generations, taking the Chaos powers into oblivion with them, thus saving the rest of the galaxy. The Alpha Legion was asked to take on their greatest challenge; to use all their skills of subterfuge, misinformation and sabotage to destroy Chaos from within. Secretly still loyal, they were challenged to defect to the side of Horus and ensure the final destruction of Chaos. Alpharius Omegon appeared to accede to this request, but like nearly all actions of the Alpha Legion, their true motivations are eminently unknowable.2

The Horus Heresy

Legionnaires during the Heresy
After the virus-bombing of Isstvan III, the presumed loyal Alpha Legion was one of the legions sent by the Emperor to destroy Horus at his base on Isstvan V. Assigned to the second wave, the Legion instead turned on the loyalist first wave. It is thought by many that much of the traitors' Isstvan V strategy was planned by Alpharius and the Alpha Legion.
During the Heresy, the Alpha Legion split off from the main body of Horus's forces early and did not attack Terra, instead embarking upon a series of delaying actions in an attempt to hold Imperial reinforcements in place. They also engaged in smaller actions, defeating a White Scars force on Tallarn and a Space Wolves unit at Yarant. Despite their contributions, however, Horus was defeated.1

Post-Heresy
The last time the Alpha Legion was known to be active on any large scale was immediately after the Heresy, when instead of retreating to the Eye of Terror like the other traitorous Legions, they moved on into the Galactic East, apparently seeking to fulfill mysterious objectives of their own devising. Whether or not being brought to battle with the Ultramarines was one of these objectives is unknown, but it occurred all the same.

On the world of Eskrador, the Alpha Legion was assaulted by Ultramarine forces. Alpharius was reportedly happy with such a development, as it allowed him to demonstrate the superiority of his flexible, multitudinous and unexpected military strategies on the notoriously precise, methodical and perhaps even moribund Ultramarines. However, the Alpha Legion primarch was apparently taken by surprise when Gulliman departed from his own strictures and led a surprise assault by his elite units on the Alpha Legion headquarters. In the resultant personal combat between Alpharius and Guilliman, it is believed that Alpharius was killed. The Alpha Legion responded, not by breaking and fleeing as Guilliman expected, but by turning on the Ultramarine detachment and harrying them so mercilessly that by the time they had returned to the main body of the Ultramarine force their casualties were almost total. The Ultramarines were driven from the planet in the subsequent battle.

Since then, the Alpha Legion has rarely been seen, and in fact has been declared wiped out by the High Lords of Terra no less than three times, in M31, M32 and M39. These claims have always been disproved by a subsequent sighting of the mysterious Legionaries, who continue to operate against the Imperium for reasons of their own.1

Recently, the Alpha Legion was active in the Kaurava system, fighting the Dark Eldar on Kaurava IV.

Organisation
Pre-Heresy
All Space Marine legions set arduous tasks and trials for potential recruits, but prior to the Horus Heresy the Alpha Legion set these initiation tests for squads, not individuals. Squads succeeded as a group or not at all - foolhardy heroics were frowned upon. The overall plan was paramount and more valuable than any one Space Marine.1

The first batch of Alpha Legionaries were notably tall and strong even for members of the Astartes, physical attributes which suited Alpharius' focus on misdirection. For the Primarch put into place a directive that, as far as possible, all Alpha Legion marines had to attempt to look alike; and the visage they patterned themselves on was that of Alpharius and Omegon. As a result, all Alpha Legionaries were at the very least shaven headed, with many going so far as to have cosmetic surgical alteration. Their height also made it easier for them to be confused with the Primarch, although the twins were still the tallest in the Legion. When asked by non-Legion members, all Legionaries gave their names as "Alpharius", even when more than one was present.

This was an extension of the Legion's philosophy that they were a body of one that could strike in many places at once. This complete solidarity with each other expressed itself in other ways. Decisions within the Legion were made in a fairly open and reasonably democratic way, with all ranks - including the Alpha Legions' non-Astartes operatives - allowed to interject and comment freely during planning sessions. This freedom was allowed not just on military matters - the Alpha Legion internally discussed matters of philosophy and galactic policy that would have been forbidden or frowned upon in other Imperial institutions. Later recruits for the Legion were selected by the Primarch primarily based on high intelligence and personal initiative.

The Legion also made a habit of recruiting non-Astartes specialists in every theatre and campaign they entered, commonly members of the Imperial armed forces, though almost any human could be approached by the Legion for his knowledge or skills. These operatives often remained in their original position, ready to respond to Alpha Legion commands. Compromised operatives were not discarded if it could be avoided, and Alpha Legionaries would go to great lengths to retain them or hide their existence, lengths that included the fatal silencing of other Imperials. Operatives were tattooed with a small hydra symbol.

Whilst known to have possessed Terminator and 'stealth' squads (who appear to have worn blackened or dulled armour), the majority of the Legion appears to have armed and equipped themselves in a similar fashion unless tactically imprudent. The Alpha Legion were known to operate behind enemy lines and even mingle with enemy civilian populations. In such situations they were apparently able to pass unnoticed with a combination of appropriate dress and psyker mind-clouding.2

Post-Heresy
Even less is known about the internal organisation of the Alpha Legion since the Heresy than was known before. On occasions there have been successful assassinations of members of the Legion thought to be high-ranking officers, but their removal has had little visible effect on Alpha Legion operations.

The Legion's symbol, the hydra, is a multi-headed mythical beast which could keep fighting even if one of its heads was cut off. This legend seems to reflect the Alpha Legion's command structure, as well as echoing its doctrine of multiple attacks.

Alpharius believed in planning and co-ordination, he always sought alternatives and multiple solutions to any given problem, with different elements working together for the end result. These doctrines, thoroughly embraced by the Legion as a whole, have apparently been continued by the traitors and have proved effective, especially in the disparate and secretive way they now operate.

Extensive preparations are made before actually attacking, including using spies and corruption to weaken an enemy's resolve. Not only is an enemy attacked from every angle, but every attack is often coordinated to achieve the most destructive results. Often, cults and traitors will be employed as a support network to Alpha Legion actions. Many actions are planned to utilise and support local cultist activity. These cults go to considerable effort to spread propaganda, perform sabotage, and carry out acts of unrest and rebellion, providing a distraction and weakening the enemy before the Alpha Legion strikes. In this regard, they are similar to the specialist operatives once employed by the Legion, and who may still exist as the leaders of these cults.1
Notable Members
Alpharius - Primarch
Omegon - Leader of the Effrit Stealth Squad / Primarch
Ingo Pech - First Captain
Mathias Herzog - Captain of the 2nd Company
Sheed Ranko - Captain of the Lernaean Terminator Squad
Arkos - Lord 6
Bale - Lord (dec.) 4
Firaeveus Carron - Lord (pres. dec.) 5
Sindri Myr - Sorcerer, Daemon Prince (dec.) 4
Sources
1:Index Astartes IV
2:Legion by Dan Abnett
3:Inquisitor (game system)
4awn of War
5awn of War: Soulstorm
6:Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks - Part One


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/03 17:48:40


Post by: migsula


There's now a super detailed compilation of the new rules at dakka news if someone hasn't seen it yet..

I must say the Vendetta (Valkyrie with 3 twin linked LC for 30pts more) looks to be the legion ride Too bad the parts aren't included in the valkyrie kit, so I gotta do a duplicate convert which are always a slight chore.

I want at least 3 Vs in the list, maybe more in the future. Few Chimeras and a griffon, maybe a new russ variant or five And have already started collecting bitz for my version of the "tank ace" shadow sword.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/03 18:17:12


Post by: Llamahead


Brilliant are we going to see Raging Bulldon nose art?
I can just imagine the Alpha Legion deliberately luring the loyalist fools onto the guns of the Shadowsword.
What does a Raging Bulldon look like a kind of bulldog/armadillo thing or something so much cooler? Are the horns for the helmets or for something more subtle?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/03 18:44:47


Post by: smiling Assassin


migsula wrote:I want at least 3 Vs in the list, maybe more in the future. Few Chimeras and a griffon, maybe a new russ variant or five And have already started collecting bitz for my version of the "tank ace" shadow sword.


I want it now. Yes.

Oh, an I'm doing some Grenadiers for my guard. However, I'm looking at doing the Mitre style 18th Century caps for them -- inspiration from a picture in the Humor Thread. Go Grenadiers!

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/03 20:27:28


Post by: migsula


Llamahead wrote:Brilliant are we going to see Raging Bulldon nose art?
I can just imagine the Alpha Legion deliberately luring the loyalist fools onto the guns of the Shadowsword.
What does a Raging Bulldon look like a kind of bulldog/armadillo thing or something so much cooler? Are the horns for the helmets or for something more subtle?


Yes!

I don't know exactly yet but a cross between a pitbull and a real bull that has evolved on a dead world - and nothing subtle now, I want to be totally gothic in a 40k way so plenty of Horns!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/03 20:37:21


Post by: Malika2


Oh and you need an overkill of bionics if you want to make it truly gothic in a 40k way!

But first...FINISH YOUR TWAR STUFF MAN! UPDATES UPDATES!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/03 20:45:35


Post by: smiling Assassin


Yeah I second Malika. Finish the damned TWAR, stop dreaming.

Then do the Bulldons

I'd like to see you Migsulify the vehicles... Haven't seen that before.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/04 14:09:03


Post by: Shas'El Tael


It's been great reading over all these I-Munda borne threads of yours Migsula, having lost track of your work for a long while. I used to browse Dakka awhile back (years) and keep up to date with various folks online galleries, ended up forgetting the site name and thus.. coming across it anew and finding your projects was a nice surprise.

Couple of years on and it's great to see the work of folks I admire. Even more, I've been able to read through the process and ideas for the first time.

Always enjoyed your visceral style and eye for remodelling pieces. It's been a real find tonight discovering your threads and seeing these projects.. such as Legion. The enlarged Marines are, too me, singularly better than the Crescent Guard which are 'upscaled'. Whilst a great collection.. these Alpha legionnaires carry that God-of-War bearing you aimed for, the aesthetic the Crescent lack.

Sure, I'm old school, learned in the fiction of Astartes rarity, living dreadnaughts of muscle and sinew. So these models speak to me as the best interpretation of a Marine in 40k scale.

Referring to an earlier post of yours on the Ages of Painting, I cannot help but agree on your thinking. I garnered some serious cash painting for Ebay sales, but soon the market thinned as folks only spent money on pieces of art, that would never see a tabletop. The Age of Perfection. Your word usage entitles similar thoughts of my own experience towards miniature painting over the years (since 1993). I even entered GD in Australia, placed.. but.. it was a hollow experience as I didn't like the attitude of my peers or the culture of competitive painting. The constriction of technical perfection, in my eyes at least, invariably compresses expression out of the art.

A well modelled piece, painted with an engaging style is far more interesting to me. Which brings me back to your latest work and why, I always enjoy it. Having recently read several of your blogs, I could tell just in your commentary what would lie ahead, invariably becoming an impressive model.

Looking forward to the continuation of the Legion indeed.

~ Tael.




:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/04 14:21:35


Post by: migsula


Thank you Tael! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts - with which I agree. Crescent Guard in particular was always just going to be a betterment of a sad excuse of the Space Marine Plastic. At the same time it was doable at army scale and the plastic termies weren't even out yet. The best part of that army is essentially that it looks that much better than non reworked marines, while Legion Marines look quite close to how SMs should look in this scale.

And welcome back to dakka.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/04 14:34:28


Post by: Shas'El Tael


Completely follow your rationale, the displeasure with Marine plastic design (anatomy even) and improving upon it with your builds and the feasibility of upscaling in number. So my passing comment doesn't imply a lack of care for the work.. I was mainly hurrying to my point over the completeness a Legion marine has.

As for joining Dakka, cheers

~ Tael.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/04 20:08:45


Post by: CMDante


Gotta agree with Tael here. I spoke with Jes Goodwin at last years Conflict Scotland and he got quite defensive about the marine plastics when I brought up the issue of scale. He actually suggested that many of the other designers are sloppy in their measurements when sculpting, hence the reason IG are the same size as marines and that BL writers and fluff writers over embellish their size, but realistically, the marine mini's are way too small for what they should be.

I too enjoy your "free" artistic approach to this project, looking forward to the results. I have attempted to emulate your painting style over white undercoat but I think it is just too big a jump for me to drastically change my painting style like that.

Still, it's something I admire and one day aspire to be able to do.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 13:13:53


Post by: migsula


CMDante wrote:

I too enjoy your "free" artistic approach to this project, looking forward to the results. I have attempted to emulate your painting style over white undercoat but I think it is just too big a jump for me to drastically change my painting style like that.



Thanks mate! That's prolly because you are way too accurate, careful and talented to go with the free flowing, painterly, "lets see what happens style" that seems to be the direction I enjoy the most and where I feel at home.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 13:19:13


Post by: migsula


CMDante wrote:I spoke with Jes Goodwin at last years Conflict Scotland and he got quite defensive about the marine plastics when I brought up the issue of scale.


Not surprised. Must be hard for someone whom 90%of the hobbyists consider a god, to at least in part know how he's supposedly greatest piece of work, was simply flawed from the birth. And then have someone tell him as much, even if in polite terms. As talented as Jes is, he possibly remains a bottleneck for the next true leap in turning the imagery into 21st century quality models. Don't get me wrong, he's a great talent and we owe him a LOT! But at the same time, the SM plastics and their lack of courage to change the design is one of the biggest missed potentials in the whole of the company IP.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 16:45:20


Post by: Llamahead


Also you've got to wonder how much of it was technical/ marketing constraints, he could well have been told to make them at a size where 10 could fit on an XbyX sprue and therefore couldn't make them truescale even if he wanted to.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 19:19:26


Post by: CMDante


Perhaps at the original time of making but nowadays, with the current kits that GW produce, loaded with unessecary amounts of extras and variations, I don't think it would be a constricting factor. When I asked Jes if they or FW were likely to produce pre-heresy or true-scaled marines any time in the next 10 years he outright said no.

To be fair, it doesn't bother me too much. The marine plastics are fantastic models and a truly great display of design and sculpting quality. Sure they are under scaled, but if they weren't all these great true-scale logs wouldn't be around and wouldn't be in the least bit original as they are.

As it is I have seen at least 10 different approaches to making true-scale marines, all fantastic and showing true creativity and skill. Part of the reason I frequent these and other forums is to see these logs and long may they continue.

If they inspire at least a tenth of the people who view them to try their hand at getting creative with their modelling then it can only be a good thing. I know I keep saying it but the creativity Mig's has shown in his logs on these forums reinvigorated my love for this hobby and took my modelling to a whole new level. I hope more people get as inspired.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 19:24:26


Post by: Malika2


Perhaps at the original time of making but nowadays, with the current kits that GW produce, loaded with unessecary amounts of extras and variations, I don't think it would be a constricting factor. When I asked Jes if they or FW were likely to produce pre-heresy or true-scaled marines any time in the next 10 years he outright said no.

Unnecessary? How so? I think it great that these kits include all sorts of little extras which could be used for other conversion.

As it is I have seen at least 10 different approaches to making true-scale marines, all fantastic and showing true creativity and skill. Part of the reason I frequent these and other forums is to see these logs and long may they continue.

At least 10? Damn...now you got me curious! I only know the upscaled tactical marine (small bits of plasticcard in between everything), the chaos warrior version and the terminator version.

Where are the other (at least) 7?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 40090/04/06 19:54:21


Post by: CMDante


Different methods of plastic spacing etc.

By unecessary I mean in terms of they don't "NEED" to be there but its good all the same that they are. If they needed space though, they could easily sacrifice these extra's for larger scale marines.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 20:12:20


Post by: Malika2


I think the problem is that they would have to redo the entire range then. It would also mean that they would become incompatible with older marine models. I know the older models were smaller, but working with 28mm and 30mm models is easier than 30 and almost 40mm models.

I can get why they don't do it from that point of view.

Besides...I guess many people who make bigger marines enjoy the challenge of building them like that as well.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 20:51:49


Post by: smiling Assassin


It would also be worse for beginners, in my opinion. I don't know why -- I think more people are attracted by the more relatable physique of the Marine (e.g. Not what we expect as less realistic). And also, the whole range would be void -- there's not much point throwing away 2 (?) Decades' worth of kit, moulds, models and armies just because it's less realistic, and less true to the art. It's an impossible situation for GW.

I guess it's up to us just to make them the way we like them.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 20:52:00


Post by: migsula


As a fitting reference to your discussion, here's a crappy, but telling Iphone pic of freshly primed Alpharius and a standard GW marine.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/26298-Iphone%20marine%20scale%20comparison.html

I'll do a proper comparison shot later.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 21:02:20


Post by: Malika2


What are those scary tanks in the background?

The thing is, to add up to the argument why GW wouldn't make them true scale, or at least that we wouldn't have to demand that from them. It's Migsula's story about art. Not just the painting of the large (more true) model is art, the whole creation of it could be seen as an artistic expression. The models thus become the artist (in our case modellers) interpretation of the concept. The same as how sculpts/paintings/drawings/songs/etc are expressions/interpretations of things/reality/etc. The model is thus an artform of its own.

My own little experimentations in scratchbuilding stuff from random household articles could in a way be seen as just such. I try to create my "interpretation" of something with whatever I can get my hands on. The "type" of art (models) is the same, only the method is different, or maybe not because in the end of the day we both use whatever we can get our hands on.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 21:04:54


Post by: smiling Assassin


GW aren't interested in making art, though. Are they? Maybe. It's hard to say if through the miniature wargame , is the driver art, or strategy, the models the pawns in a game of faceless chess?

Oh, and I think (?) the big spiky one behind them is a Chimera with a Predator turret. Solid conversion, I've been looking for a damned Pred Turret for a while.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 22:22:10


Post by: CMDante


Oh boy, can't wait to see Alpharius painted! He looks like a total beast next to that squat .

I think I'm going to have to give one of these style of true-scale marines a try someday, they are just too cool not to!

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/06 22:34:09


Post by: Malika2


smiling Assassin wrote:GW aren't interested in making art, though. Are they? Maybe. It's hard to say if through the miniature wargame , is the driver art, or strategy, the models the pawns in a game of faceless chess?

Oh, and I think (?) the big spiky one behind them is a Chimera with a Predator turret. Solid conversion, I've been looking for a damned Pred Turret for a while.

sA


Of course GW isn't, they are a company that sells plastic/metal/resin toy soldiers. It is the modeller who is the artist in this case. A guy who sells paint and paper isn't always interested in art either, it is the buy who might be.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 00:48:04


Post by: YetiSchool


Thanks for that pic Migs. I had no idea Alpharius was that big next to a standard marine. Now I really want to make one of them.

As far as the art question, Malika has it right. The art comes from the modeler, while GW is merely producing the canvas.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 09:49:23


Post by: Shas'El Tael


That Astartes is impressively large when compared to an original model. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into my own small collection of them.

With regard the plastics of GW, there has been a decided march onwards of quality and even production ability. Jes created the marines by hand back in the day, now we have CAD models altered from database and spat out to a mould maker as is.

No surprise we are seeing so many FW kits, become GW main kits. Scan, adjust, print, mould.. voila'!

GW will never recreate the marine range so substantially as to accommodate their own fiction. Which is unfortunate, as I really lost my taste for marines when a 4-5ft tau was near shoulder height. In fact, I just threw in the towel and began collecting the smallest warriors in the galaxy.

Ultimately, given the base model, everyone interprets their image of a marine through their conversions and alterations. Not often you see one Sargent identical to another. Upscaling marines is an extreme expression of achieving a visually pleasing result to people, such as myself.

Anyhow, miniatures and scales aside, merrily await the continuation of the Legion

~ Tael.
I am also noting a complete MACophile compatriot the more I read Migsula's posts.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 09:56:54


Post by: migsula


Shas'El Tael wrote:
I am also noting a complete MACophile compatriot the more I read Migsula's posts.


guilty as charged:


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 18:47:29


Post by: migsula


7/April/09 Process is slow, but immensely enjoyable.

As I am slaving away the TWAR infantry and really eagerly waiting for the tournament and finally fielding my crazy creation of past two years - I get to enjoy one of the most enjoyable parts of the hobby. Collecting and organizing bitz for the work in progress. This is a nice chore, during which I design some of the most wild conversions in my head and consider a lot of aesthetic choises.

It’s also fun to look ahead and consider what I might achieve in the following year of committed effort and fun with the Legion. I’ve also spent a lot of quality time, or rather double time in the toilet with the IG rumors. However, I feel this might be the first army I really build based on what I want to build next, rather than any army list considerations. I should accumulate enough stuff to make a decent list for tournaments should I later choose to go.

Another topic that I hope to discuss in more detail at some point is inspiration and mainly drawing it from interesting and unassociated sources. My wife who is a fashion designer, is one such source. In fact, it was no surprise for me to see Vivienne Westwood (no, I am not married to her) credited in the links by John Blanche and his femme militia project. I have a big book of Vivienne’s work charting her entire career, which I find a great source of inspiration and reference for the spirit of 42nd Millenium.

Here’s a pic of small updates and my “Legion only” bitz assortment, soon to expand beyond this tray.









:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 18:57:34


Post by: CMDante


Oooh horns!

Glad to see an update in this log when I get home from work. That bits tray looks mighty packed with cool stuff. Need to get some pics of my own bits trays now to compare !

What are the missile launchers for?

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 19:04:00


Post by: smiling Assassin


How I'd like to steal that Tray... At least you're organised.

Alpharius Mk. 2 looks meaner. I'm not sure how to pick between the two -- which do you like more?

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 19:11:42


Post by: CMDante


The only thing I would say about the marines is they are awfully similarly posed, with the exception of the arms, are you planning to vary them a bit on the next few?

Any plans to have any action poses too? Like a running marine?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 20:16:42


Post by: tcraigen


migsula wrote:7/April/09 Process is slow, but immensely enjoyable.

As I am slaving away the TWAR infantry and really eagerly waiting for the tournament and finally fielding my crazy creation of past two years - I get to enjoy one of the most enjoyable parts of the hobby. Collecting and organizing bitz for the work in progress. This is a nice chore, during which I design some of the most wild conversions in my head and consider a lot of aesthetic choises.



I think one of the best part of the hobby is having all your parts and collecting new and interesting bits and just playing with them. They have so much potential and variety if used right. I always find a pile of parts very impressive and enjoy sorting them for some reason. Painting the model is relaxing and challenging but playing with the bits I find the most fun. like a kid with lego you can choose where you go and what you end up looking like.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 23:31:11


Post by: Ghost in the Darkness


I think that they will never do True Scale even as a small kit because GW will not want to admit that their models don't line up with the fluff, and besides the fact everything is already out of scale.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 23:35:29


Post by: Malika2


Ghost in the Darkness wrote:I think that they will never do True Scale even as a small kit because GW will not want to admit that their models don't line up with the fluff, and besides the fact everything is already out of scale.


It would mean that over 20 years of work would become obsolete. Of course they won't do it. But then again...we don't need/want GW to make true scale marines if we can do it ourselves!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/07 23:40:38


Post by: CaptainRavenclaw


Wow. Inspired.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/08 05:04:13


Post by: Shas'El Tael


Bits boxing is a whole other labour of love;



I use a workshop system for my bits, and several 'Project' drawers, where I can put everything away in one shot. 'Day' globe in the lamp when ferreting through the boxes at night.

Looking at the bits on your desk, I have an idea what youre up too with those wing skulls from Marine banner poles..

~ Tael.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/08 06:09:55


Post by: migsula


CMDante wrote:The only thing I would say about the marines is they are awfully similarly posed, with the exception of the arms, are you planning to vary them a bit on the next few?

Any plans to have any action poses too? Like a running marine?


This is where the pictures fail to carry much of the message - 1st stance is very aggressive, leaning forward and the legs are in motion, the 2nd has legs braced wide, standing straight and letting rip.

Of course the direction they are looking at makes a huge impact on the similarity of the pose, and that's definitely different "if" there is a 3rd.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/08 06:24:49


Post by: D3str0y3r


WOO!! update! looks great as usual. Are the bulldons gonna have just the two horns like that or can we expect to see a third in the middle?

and this is entirely un-related, but is that a silver demon in that picture Tael?
regards,
-Jason


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/08 06:27:28


Post by: migsula


Tael, I also have those, but at my granny's place, so I collect project specific boxes when working on something.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/08 07:44:51


Post by: Ghost in the Darkness


I wish I could be that organized but I don't have a permanent desk where I do my work.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/08 09:38:43


Post by: RandomX


Fantastic stuff, Migs.

And thanks for the tip-off for Goodbrush. Just wow. If I were to paint/illustrate (something which I am VERY interested in) I would try for a similer style, which is also similar to some of Adrian Smith's stuff.

And miniatures are very much art, and I am personally glad for the artistic outlet that it affords me, personally. Playing the game is great, but mostly its about the painting and converting and storytelling.

This is going to be truly inspiring for everyone here at Dakka, and I am very excited to be following it! Cheers and thanks!

Eric


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 13:38:52


Post by: migsula



14/April/09 Here We go!

Buckle up, full speed ahead now As I continue on my concept models of things to come, I’ve settled for my first unit:

“The Dune Twists”

A group of really rag tag sand people/mutants, led by a Legion agent (So I will use penal legion rules that I feel are perfect for this!) and of course a Legionnaire in desert armor. The conversions will be based on the crypt ghoul IG I did for Shaddes offe Greye, but with much more gear, some goggles, etc. The basing will have the same shade as all the rest of basing, but less industrial feel and more sand and plains. There will be a secondary theme of solar worship, where the mutants see the sun as the manifestation of the Emperor. This has not been kind for their health, but they are devout and cunning, with murderous intent and able leaders.

The third Alpharius will have a shawl and lots of gear. He will have a desert scheme that is chipping away from his blue armour. I’m flirting with and idea that he is carrying/dragging an injured Twist to show the scale and Legion’s loyalty (if not the human side).

Now, if only my arms could move as fast as my head, as I already have about dozen other ideas I desperately want to make.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 14:48:19


Post by: Shas'El Tael


Sounds delightful, especially looking forward to the Dune folk. The evolving back story rings nicely, especially the manner in which the Legionnaire motivates his charges/displays his 'humanity'

I completely agree on the issue of lacking hands for ideas.. I'm churning out models faster than ever before with all the characterful model inspiration flying about and still got more mad cap ideas..

..though I'm not suggesting for a minute folks slow down or anything..

~ Tael.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 19:07:17


Post by: CMDante


Absolutely know what you mean mate, I have exactly the same problem of not enough time to make all the things I come up with in my head!

The back story for the twists sounds cool, any slight mutations planned for them ala Eisenhorn twists?

The idea for the 3rd Alph sounds good, not sure how you plan the dessert scheme though. Not a fan of marines in non-chapter colours and scheme so hope your not planning on going the usual "desert camo marines" route that has been done to death?

Whatever you do I'm sure I'll be as impressed as anything, as always!

Looking forward to paint on these guys!

Are you assembling them all first or doing some then painting etc?

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 19:14:48


Post by: Malika2


Maybe an idea for some of your mutants. For some reason I think that the Crypt Ghoul and Kroot kits would be very compatible with each other, they are both skinny! (great argument huh?) Kroot limbs could be used to lengthen certain mutants and the Kroot torso has this great diseased vibe...well not diseased, but those bellies kind of remind me of those starving African children. Kind of crude way of putting it, but that might be the vibe you're going after when creating mutants, a class of "people" who are living in extreme poverty and are suffering from hunger, sickness and so on.

Might also be cool if you could get your hands on some Muties from GorkaMorka. If you are doing the thing in an Apocalypse scale, why not include some cavalry for your Mutant Detachment. What about these mutants by the way?

What will your agent look like, any ideas on it? *is very curious*



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 19:38:11


Post by: VonStreusel


Do you think you'll get around to doing a non-power armored Legionaire as described in Legion? I think that would be pretty cool alongside the muties, but I could also see one leading a black clad assassination type squad. ANyway, looking forward to seeing more!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 20:15:35


Post by: Wehrkind


The problem I had with the kroot and ghoul kit bash is that their size is REALLY different. Kroot don't look that big on the table, but they are about half again to twice as big as the ghouls. It's a shame, too, because I really wanted to use them fo a while too.
The kroot arms, however, do work pretty well with IG/Flagellant sized bodies.

As to the truescale from GW, I think obsoleting their entire Marine line would be the best move they could do for the new codex. So long as the new guys still use a 25mm base so the rules still lined up, how many people would repurchase huge swathes of their collection to have the biggerized, cooler minis? If Migs here decided to cast and sell his creations, I know I would buy 20-30, and I can make passable versions myself


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 21:13:28


Post by: Llamahead


Depends what look you want I find the Beastman and Ghoul plastics work well together to produce hideous hunchbacks, even though their grossly distorted. Thinking about it Plague Monks could work as well, I've seen some converted to Genestealer Cultists which worked great.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 22:11:49


Post by: migsula


CMDante wrote: Not a fan of marines in non-chapter colours and scheme so hope your not planning on going the usual "desert camo marines" route that has been done to death?



Mate, do you know me at all ??


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 22:13:44


Post by: migsula


Wehrkind wrote:The problem I had with the kroot and ghoul kit bash is that their size is REALLY different.

Agreed, I'll use some of their rifles though and convert them into muskets. Maybe some arms too, slighlty modified. Otherwise I think the one I built for shaddes is just right - only more ragged and more gear and more "great plains"




:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 22:14:57


Post by: migsula


VonStreusel wrote:Do you think you'll get around to doing a non-power armored Legionaire as described in Legion? I think that would be pretty cool alongside the muties, but I could also see one leading a black clad assassination type squad. ANyway, looking forward to seeing more!


I will do one black Clad - I think he hangs out with the elite Tacit. I want them all in PA though


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/14 22:28:34


Post by: migsula


So here's a little bit of progress.

Basing for the "Dune Twists" who will inhabit great equatorial plains, rocks, sand and bush - more than just arid desert. Anyway, they are passing by a Track-Lev track. I want to find sub-themes for the basing too. This will tie the group and the marine into the group nicely. The bases with out track, get related service point hints. Scorched, maybe they just took out the train.

Alpharius is going to be much more dynamically posed, slightly crouched like the squad, and looking and firing to right - his legs part have been cut to 6pieces and rebuilt - so very different to Alpharius and Alpharius. I've built him two alternate left hands. A power fist and a Faulx similar to the first. I'll be likely to go with the latter, as it just fits the idea of a silent sand storm better. As a small touch, he has a belt buckle with a similar symbol to a symbol on his bolter. "Pirate heraldry"...just so happens that was also sculpted on the fist, so that's a consideration. I think the Twists might carry a rugged banner with the same symbol.




The second pic is of the bases for the Renor Raging Bulldons command squad. They will be on the move and include an advisor - tattooed I would assume




Good night!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/15 00:19:12


Post by: Mister Feral


Ah the tease!

I suppose what I like most about this log (aside from the theme and the magnificant modelling marvels of course ) is the deep thought process behind what you're doing, and it's most certainly an inspiration to me at least (another one who spends more time pondering about models than actually painting them).

Concering your plans, oddly enough the other day I was persuing a similar train of thought but with the idea of incorporating some of the FW Tallarn stuff into my own renegade collection, so I look forward to the shawls and goggle-clad fiends that you'll conjure up. (Tuskan Raiders anyway )

Anyway, keep it coming migsula!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/15 03:43:49


Post by: VonStreusel


Looks amazing, and thats what I thought, that another Alpharius would lead the Tacit. I'm very excited to see where the Twists go, as I had a similar idea about a dust shawled marine. Good Luck!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/15 06:53:41


Post by: CMDante


migsula wrote:
CMDante wrote: Not a fan of marines in non-chapter colours and scheme so hope your not planning on going the usual "desert camo marines" route that has been done to death?



Mate, do you know me at all ??


Just making sure!

Those bases are, once again, very cool. I think they are one of my favourite bits about your work because while there is clearly a lot of thought and effort put into them, they are understated and don't overpower the mini but still convey a perfect context.

Now we demand models on those bases!

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/15 08:24:07


Post by: captain.gordino


Migsula, I think you've made true-scaling one's marines the new black.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/15 10:27:10


Post by: migsula


Thanks lads, some more work tonight pics tomorrow night the latest


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/16 05:23:47


Post by: Shas'El Tael


How bizarre.. I made a post almost directly after you posted the latest images Migsula. It's just.. gone...

Well.. mutter.. to reiterate..

I like the ideas behind the Twist and the whole desert 'Lawrence of Arabia' theme of the bases. The idea of bringing out the 'humanity' of the Alpharius by carrying a wounded Twist sounds a great modelling idea wise. Let alone the whole shrouded, desert scheme concept.

Look forward to these follow up images you mention.

~ Tael.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/16 08:33:56


Post by: migsula


16/April/09 Stealth Armor

I made really good progress yesterday and a few hours more tonight that's not in the pic yet. Alpharius is even more massive than his two brothers, his bulk nicely emphasized by the skinny twists. I used GS to and leg cutting to pose the ghouls more interestingly and clearly more upright. I’ll leave some crouched too for a nice collection of different poses and stages of back problems.

The Legion Agent (penal legion squad enforcer) is also shaping up nicely. I used a flagellant body, with gs and a Wood Elf hooded head that gave him a nice, somewhat young and noble, “assassin, complexion. He’s also tiny in comparison to Alpharius. Alpharius got Bedouin style shawl, but while sculpt wise the first layer came out great, I’m still undecided how it integrates with the rest of the mini. I’ll dry-fit it tonight and if it works, glue it and then sculpt the rest of the layer.

He might end up with black stealth armor after all, with some coatings of dust and earth and faded symbols. I quite like how that might look with the head wear.

I also sculpted some extra ground/sand to go under the vallejo sand paste and to make the bases more 3d and organic. Less like bases really.

This squad is flirting with a lot of our own historical references, so I need to make sure it transfers into something more in its 40k context.

(edit) here's a pic, done some more work on them tonight:




:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/16 18:43:34


Post by: CMDante


Got to admit, when you first mentioned the shawl on the marine I thought "cool...but how is he going to make that work?"

I thought you might have done a marine out of armour "undercover" like in Legion. IIRC they wore chainmail with tunic and shawl over the top? Would be cool to see but I guess it would be a lot of sculpt work since you would have to basically create a marine sized human figure. One for the future maybe?

Looking forward to seeing how you take the real world references and "40kify" them.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/16 18:46:30


Post by: smiling Assassin


Wait, I'm off for a week and I come back and there's all this to trawl through?

*Orders Pizza*

*Unhooks the phone*

Thanks Migs.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/16 21:09:30


Post by: migsula


smiling Assassin wrote:Wait, I'm off for a week and I come back and there's all this to trawl through?

*Orders Pizza*

*Unhooks the phone*

Thanks Migs.

sA

thanks mate! That's gotta be the best bit of praise a blog can get.



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/16 21:44:09


Post by: Eliazar


That's awesome! I am looking forward to the finished Alpharius (by the way, are they going to get some secret in-legion names, too?).

And the flagellant with a wood elves head looks like he will soon be seen roaming my renegade crew, too


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/16 21:46:09


Post by: Pfreck


Great progress Migs!

I really like the pose you did for the third Alpharius. The rest of the squad is looking mighty fine as well, I really like what you did with the bases!
On a gaming side note; seeing that you're using the new IG rules for this army - what would the Alpharius' count as?

Keep them Alpharius' coming, I really need some idea's for arms for my own art-scale Deathwatch Marine!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 08:21:45


Post by: Col Hammer


Not much to comment yet because they're just bare bases. Though the rail-line going through all of the bases is a nice unifying theme.

The rag covered head, from what I can see, looks nice already. Looks like he will be posed to shoot to the side (the straight arm with the bolter). Nice, actiony pose.

The ghoul kit is excellent source for muties in 40K.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 13:53:40


Post by: migsula


Pfreck wrote:
On a gaming side note; seeing that you're using the new IG rules for this army - what would the Alpharius' count as?

Keep them Alpharius' coming, I really need some idea's for arms for my own art-scale Deathwatch Marine!


I will use house rules - our gaming group is coolness first. They will get vet sgt. stats, and a few legion specific special rules. One of them is going to be a captain level warrior...or even more

For tournaments, I will keep the Alphariu's going to the extent that I can have a small squad of allied Grey Knights. That's the current plan atleast.


Hammer,
Yes, real action pose, shooting right, falx just swinging back to left. Head will be tilted heavily to right and chin down.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 14:21:10


Post by: UCPesmerga


As always Migs, your WIP shots leave me wanting more (in a good way).


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 19:39:20


Post by: Bottle


This Alpharius looks like it will be the most imposing yet! Have you come any closer to deciding if you'll roll with the shawl or not? (I'm in favor of it)

Can't wait for an update!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 19:42:49


Post by: Malika2


All Alpharius still be carrying a fallen mutant?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 20:04:54


Post by: migsula


Malika2 wrote:All Alpharius still be carrying a fallen mutant?


Still considering it, the mutant would be thrown over his shoulder.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 20:05:51


Post by: migsula


17/April/09 Sculpting tools and Progress

Quite happy now (Yes, Bottle, the shawl's in!), I think I managed to give a nice sense of material to the shawl, so it doesn't look limb and unnaturally smooth like GW fabric often and take into consideration the marine head gear, not just the head underneath. I used Alpharus' and a Beduin pic as reference. The heavy "rope" like band gives an aura or "regalness" that fits the model IMO.

Also pictured is the Legion Agent, which I'm starting to like quite a bit. And at the foreground the shapers that really are a god send for GS work.

I think this project is insane, if I have an army done to this level of detail and love, I hope in a good way. It's definitely a true labor of love.

I find myself using 2/3s fantasy components for my =I=munda and now legion projects. I think the fantasy range is a true treasure that people should utilize more for their 40k projects. I'm really dying to get my hands on those new Empire Plastics: great swords and the huntsmen. The latter will be prolific conversion fodder for the army.



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 20:09:25


Post by: Malika2


I'm just wondering when I see the amount of detail and dedication you put in this...what will happen to the vehicles? It will become truly insane I think!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 20:12:35


Post by: Llamahead


migsula wrote:This squad is flirting with a lot of our own historical references, so I need to make sure it transfers into something more in its 40k context.

So skulls and rivets it is then......
How about Chainswords? For me nothing is as archetypically 40K as a Chainsword.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/17 22:13:17


Post by: smiling Assassin


I love the Agent. He brings back memories of the old fashioned Dark Emissaries, and the wispy, forgotten and dark background they inhabit.

I also think the way that you themed the bases with the track is excellent. It ties them together in an obvious, unifying way.

Happy hunting.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/18 02:36:22


Post by: YetiSchool


Migs I think this latest group might be my favorite of your work. I can't wait to see your mutants take shape.

Ah, paint-shapers.....I have been looking everywhere for them....no luck yet but I'm going shopping tomorrow.

I know you've probably been asked this before, but I've not been able to find it in your posts....What are the yellow components you use for your bases?

Looking forward to more!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/18 08:28:19


Post by: Shas'El Tael


Man..before I can even post a "Ooooohhh...Ahhhh.." reply, you add the next stage of WiP chuckle..

Great stuff Migsula, but I think I will start reserving my adjectives about your work so I can ensure you know I mean it when something blows me away. There's a consistent level present, which is easy to acknowledge, so this will explain future nonchalant comments.

The agent concept adds a nice flavour to the unit, which in itself is shaping up very well. Speaking of which, the not-so-obvious plug of your new tools certainly shows the work they can effect.

My patience is well deserved for two updates and some concept ideas from you.

I spied the helm, that will be a nice touch, for a couple of my Scythes I intend to slap one on their utility belt to match their standard 40k scale miniature variants of old, none of this "I'm a Sargent I don't need head gear" non-sense.

Look forward to further progress.

~ Tael.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/18 08:33:35


Post by: CMDante


Quick question mate.

Are you using regular marine arms for these guys or are they converted in anyway? They look really good and to a nice scale, not a fan of the usual terminator arms on true-scale marines but I thought that might have been because standard arms would be too small.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/18 10:30:13


Post by: migsula


YetiSchool wrote:

I know you've probably been asked this before, but I've not been able to find it in your posts....What are the yellow components you use for your bases?



They are parts from 1/35 military kits. I've used them extensively in my bases for 2+ years. The ones on these are from a German WW2 "Vindicator"

CMDante wrote:Quick question mate.

Are you using regular marine arms for these guys or are they converted in anyway? They look really good and to a nice scale, not a fan of the usual terminator arms on true-scale marines but I thought that might have been because standard arms would be too small.


Both. I've picked the standard marine arms that are too "big", such as those carrying the banner poles for example or some of the pointing swords. I also use Terminator arms.

Thanks for all the good comments guys! While I certainly have a strong vision and seem to be going at it at will, your comments are great for the process and make me push to new directions and consider new perceptions. Well, it's the reason I share, so keep it coming


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/18 10:50:19


Post by: Kleldar


oooooooh wow thats awesome. could you tell me how you make the space marines else then plasticcard what gw parts do you use


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/18 14:22:11


Post by: Mohaniker


GW produce is excellent, but are taking it and producing things that are simply awe inspiring. Pretty much every part of the hobby you have taken to the next level and beyond. Its like you've taken the hobby from a plain dark room into outdoors and shown us the plethora of... everything we have been missing.

Its got to the stage that I go onto the internet for primarily two things; to see if there is anything new on BOLS, and to see if there are any new Legion posts.

Thank you so much Migs for giving us an insight into your take on the hobby, and I wish you all the best.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/19 02:09:26


Post by: lolzman


just wondering if you ever saw this? I give credit to word bearer for this drawing. its helped me alot. ignore the weapons which i tried to paint....



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/19 06:58:32


Post by: migsula


Mohaniker wrote:

Thank you so much Migs for giving us an insight into your take on the hobby, and I wish you all the best.


Thank you good sir! I am flattered and very happy to hear your comments.

lolzman wrote:just wondering if you ever saw this? I give credit to word bearer for this drawing. its helped me alot. ignore the weapons which i tried to paint....


I haven't. It's a nice drawing. The arms are a little short IMO, but otherwise, great bulk and volumes!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/19 19:49:18


Post by: CMDante


Not sure about that drawing for sizing, the torso and legs look a little thick compared to the head to my eye.

Mig's this log, particularly your true-scale marines had me hunting for marine terminators at conflict today, unfortunately they didnt have any otherwise I would be working on TS marines right now too!

Looking forward to the next updates.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/20 11:42:40


Post by: Apologist


Fantastic stuff – the Bedouin-style shawl on Alpharius is a fantastic touch, and the pose is great. I especially like how clean his right hip is, with all the equipment on the left. Not entirely sure why that jumped out at me, but there you go!

The agent is also very spiffy, though the sleeve of his left arm seems a little awkward at the moment. Perhaps it's the angle of the camera, but it seems a touch off. I really like the head – particularly the extension of the hood – and the addition of the grenade makes a nice balance between the low- and high-tech elements.

What I'm really looking forward to is the mutants. I think the heads of these guys are really going to make or break them – too feral-looking, and you'll lose the impact of them being mutants rather than monsters; and too normal looking will not hang well with the basic body. I'm not sure how I'd tackle it, but I have every faith that these are going to look like the best bits of the sand people from Star Wars and the muties from 2000AD.

Looking at the agent again, I really think the sharpness of his face works wonderfully to suggest a slightly sneaky quality. Have you had any thoughts about skintone etc? If the robes are pale, a darker or ruddier skintone would look great.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/20 13:44:40


Post by: migsula


Apologist wrote:

What I'm really looking forward to is the mutants. I think the heads of these guys are really going to make or break them – too feral-looking, and you'll lose the impact of them being mutants rather than monsters; and too normal looking will not hang well with the basic body.

Looking at the agent again, I really think the sharpness of his face works wonderfully to suggest a slightly sneaky quality. Have you had any thoughts about skintone etc? If the robes are pale, a darker or ruddier skintone would look great.


Exactly. That's going to be really tricky to get right. I want to push quite far towards the mutant aspect. I will be giving them shawls too and maybe one or two will get goggles. I'll also hint the Imperium or Legion resources have armed them fairly recently with some modern lasguns etc, while a few still carry their own kit.

I will keep the skin tones very unsaturated through the army! Even if I use color generously elsewhere - the whole moonlight feel and suggestion these guys operate at night is important. That's not to say there won't be darker skin tones, just that they be low in saturation The agent will get fairly dark fatigues to go with mostly black (which I'll paint as very organically highlighted dark grey...black should never be 100% black unless in total shadow, an important lesson I've come to see fairly recently.)

Thanks for the comments.

I will post one more update tonight or tomorrow, then will be in Milan the rest of the week.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/20 14:47:16


Post by: Boss Salvage


Great progress Migs, really digging the newest group, mutants and all. As usual, you're inspiring me to go mess with 40k stuff, when I've got squarebasers demanding some paint

- Salvage


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/20 18:07:24


Post by: Wehrkind


I really love the operative, and he is probably the favorite model of mine from this project. For the moment, at least
I don't know about the head cloth on the marine, but I think once it has some paint it will work better for me. I do wonder if a basic hood with a cloth over the face if needed would have been better. Still, it wouldn't be the first time I didn't like something made of GS and plastic, and then found it made of win after some paint.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/20 18:12:22


Post by: Malika2


I like the Bedouin-style shawl, especially since...well it gives me flashbacks to my anthropology classes on gender and such in which we had many case studies dealing with the Bedouin!

I'm only concerned that the Bedouin style head looks smaller than the other Alpharius heads. Or am I mistaken?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/21 06:33:07


Post by: D3str0y3r


great looking force so far! out of curiosity, what range of paints do you use?
thanks,
-Jason


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/21 06:48:37


Post by: migsula


Malika2 wrote:

I'm only concerned that the Bedouin style head looks smaller than the other Alpharius heads. Or am I mistaken?


You are Well, in the sense I've sculpted the gs on the same head Alpharius "1" has.

D3str0y3r wrote:great looking force so far! out of curiosity, what range of paints do you use?
thanks,
-Jason


Vallejo Model Color mostly! The only GW I use is metallics, washes and inks. All the rest is Vellejo Model or Game.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/21 16:06:33


Post by: migsula


Quick update. See you next week. I think I'll paint something when I get back for a change. I think Alpharius with the heavy bolter.



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/21 16:17:29


Post by: CMDante


Alpharius looks great mate, can't wait to see the finished, painted version.

For the agent, not sure having the rail in front of him in the base is a good idea, kind of gets in the way of being able to see the whole mini. Could just be the pic though.

For the twists, are you planning on using that ghoul head as is or will it get any special treatment?

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/21 16:26:13


Post by: migsula


What, 3ple post???


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/21 16:26:39


Post by: migsula


What just happened with the triple posting is quite funky, All ghoul heads get treatment

As for the base, that's what you get It'd look silly for him to stand on the rail with that pose and with the flowing tabard he wouldn't fit in the front. I wanted both "specialists" on the rail bases to tie them with the mutants.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/23 23:16:22


Post by: Bottle


I am really impressed with the shawl! I think the imprint of the "ear piece" (I know not what to call it) already helps tie it back into 40K.

I also like the GS work on extending their loin clothes, that's something I need to work on myself and your pictures will provide a helpful reference point!

One request Migs, when they are all finished can we have a group photo with the tracks all connected up to create the scene?! (One or Two rows, it's up to you) p:


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/24 20:55:40


Post by: Llamahead


Great stuff I like the Alpharius's pose. If you've got the tracks are you planning on the train?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/27 20:36:27


Post by: migsula


Bac from Milan - buried with work, but full of new ideas, both work and hobby.

Llamahead wrote:Great stuff I like the Alpharius's pose. If you've got the tracks are you planning on the train?


I sort of am...or at least themed terrain


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/27 20:41:18


Post by: smiling Assassin


Go for it Migs. I don't I've seen any of your terrain work, aside from a couple of display bases.

I love the progress on the mob. I love the idea of the upright, titanic Alparius with the sly Advisor, leading the gibbering bunch of Twists through the desert. As with all your work -- cinematic. Something tangible in the imagery.

Is that polyfiller on the bases?

Peace.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/27 21:02:37


Post by: migsula


smiling Assassin wrote:
I love the progress on the mob. I love the idea of the upright, titanic Alparius with the sly Advisor, leading the gibbering bunch of Twists through the desert. As with all your work -- cinematic. Something tangible in the imagery.

Is that polyfiller on the bases?


Thanks man! Lovely description.

It's actually Vallejo "Sandy paste" a great modeling "goo" that dries like sand and can be shaped while drying.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/28 15:09:02


Post by: migsula


27/April/09 IG Toys, and dex are here!

At the brink of hobby hibernation after super interesting times at work, I am pulled back by the arrival of new IG toys. The first project is obviously going to be working up a custom Vendetta for the Legion cell.

The 1st of May festives are fast approaching and since in finland it includes dangerous consumption of booze and little else, I am going to spend mine working on the project and relaxing after hectic times.

Stay tuned!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/28 15:19:19


Post by: lolzman


yay!!!!!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/28 16:11:08


Post by: Xanthos


Some great pieces in those new IG kits, I´m looking forward to seeing what you make of them. Any favorites so far?

Also, I actually decided against the Valkyrie for price reasons.. Haven´t done so in a long time (heck I even buy stuff from Forgeworld ), but Ijust felt that the price was a bit too steep. For now.

I may chage my mind after seeing the (no doubt wonderful) work you´ll do on yours. I am weak willed when it comes to new models...


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/28 18:34:55


Post by: CMDante


I picked up the new codex and a cadian command set, not found a use for it yet though with my current project so they are sitting waiting for use.

Looking forward to your take on the valkyrie mate, I'm sure I'll be blown away as always. Is it going to be a camo affair or will we see some cool hyrda patterning like on the cloaks of some of your first cell's specialists?

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/28 22:56:18


Post by: migsula


The Vendetta scheme will be "military" with freehand hints befitting of the theme and also not just paint, but 3d texture and symbols where it adds to the design. I also need to find a way to convert atleast 3 valks to Vendettas. I like the concept much more and rules wise it's a win win. One of them can be very different. The Legion can ride in custom fitted style

Going through the Codex - VERY IMPRESSED btw -, Colonel Straken could well stand in for an Alpha legionnaire, if I go to a tournament! So I'm thinking of swapping the latest Alpharius's gear just for those occasions. With our group, it will be house rules.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/30 07:53:02


Post by: migsula


30/April/09 Task at hand.

Quick update before a meeting. I did a little bit of work yesterday and the task at hand is becoming quite distinctly “insane” in it’s scale. So much thought goes into each and every model, unit and thus the whole army. With this much converting action going, painting might time wise be at a right balance and something I hope to do this weekend. I’m starting to view this more and more as an art project, an outlet for my artistic whims and enjoyment, where gaming brings a nice social outlet and the rules another set of possible inspirations rather than limits.

Reading about Colonel Straken’s rules, it was clear, he was going to be the Alpharius that goes into tournaments, so I re-equipped accordingly. I lost the bulk of the boltgun, but the addition of slung shotgun, really adds to the guerilla operator feel that I look for with this Alpharius. I also dry-fitted a lot of arms for the Raging Bulldons Captain and ended up with a smug combination to highlight his bravado. I added a cigar to underline this. The Agent is also ready for prming and I’ve begun adding detail and “characters” into the the dune twists, which will take an eternity to build, to flesh the concept out. One of them is a shaman for example.



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/30 09:03:36


Post by: captain.gordino


Wow, that's out of sight. A true inspiration. I wish I had that many shapers. The smallest ones my art store had were pretty large. I think they'll still be handy, but still...


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/30 19:30:54


Post by: CMDante


Love that Alpharius mate, I think he is shaping up to be one of my favourites. The twists are shaping up well and the pose on the colonel is cool, not sure about the pose of the sword arm on the agent though, looks a little awkward though could be the pic?

Looking forward to the painting!

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/04/30 23:30:32


Post by: YetiSchool


I agree with CMDante. That Alpharius is crazy good. I have to say it again though... those mutants are my favorite work of yours so far, Migs. I just love the feeling of the Ghould models and what you are doing with them is incredible. What is it about the newer Fantasy models that is so much more characterful than any of the 40k stuff out right now.

I am running into the same thing with my necromunda collection....its all wizard and flagellent and ghoul sprues now....I don't even remember the last time I use 40K plastics.

Anyway, I can't wait to see your paint scheme on these bad boys.....any hints on what they'll look like?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/01 14:38:55


Post by: Shas'El Tael


This unit is developing well indeed. I like the addition of a shotgun to the Legionnaire, the reasoning is solid. Eager to see the Twists evolve.. or 'devolve'?..

I have to say though, the commander on the left with his crop, thats just class. Reminds me of a cartoon I did involving a player who takes this notion to the extreme..



~ Tael.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/01 21:01:35


Post by: Llamahead


Great stuff really like the "Lawrence of Arabia" look on the Alpharius the twists are great, will you be doing one actually wearing a Cadian helm I'll be interested to see how you do that.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/03 11:42:33


Post by: migsula


Yesterday I broke painters block and Alpharius 2's armour is almost done to freehand/chipping phase I'm capping the summer/outside bball season today and then intend to paint some more.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/03 15:07:33


Post by: grey_death


Can't wait to see how he ends up migs.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 07:12:17


Post by: migsula


4/May/09 Alpharius.

Some proof that I am painting! Here’s Alpharius 90% done next to the finished Alpharius. Pic is taken in artificial light, and the first one has been varnished, first with gloss, then dullcoat. The shades will be exact match after similar treatment to the first. Infact, now that it’s morning and day light, the shades are the same and it’s just much brighter with out varnish.

I hope to finish tonight and post some thoughts too. Really happy and a bt relieved I can repeat the scheme, despite its experimental and free flowing nature. Thank god I had that ref pic set from the first one.


(BTW - I uploaded the same pic twice to test dakka's picture packaging, which at times looks pretty harsh. Maybe it would be better limit the overall size a little and package the pics less? Mobile me linkage has slightly, very slightly, but still noticeably, better quality than dakka)


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 10:00:16


Post by: Mellon


Phew, you really know how to paint.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 11:47:59


Post by: Brother Bartius


As always Migs, loving your work.

I'm glad your painting skills are just as good as your modelling.

Looking forward to seeing more.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 12:03:19


Post by: migsula


Please take a look if any of this interests you and spread the word. Ideally I'd sell to friends and like minded hobbyists, who get joy out of the models, on the self or table top. As work continues on the Legion and yet another 40k army, I've decided to sell off some of my older armies. I desperately need space, and storing armies away from sight, with very little use, is not what I want for them.

Here are a few pics. As in the past, I'm hoping to find new homes, where the models get frequent action rather than max out on ebay. I've sold two armies in the past through Dakka to very satisfied new homes in US and Portugal. Now I have 4!! forces to sell. A super effective Space Marine army, 3000pts of TAU, with new snow bases and weathering, a Cadian Continent of IG that just isn't compatible with Rhisienne basing and a small but very carefully painted Eldar Force.

You can make offers to my PMs, or email me at: mikael.silvanto@mac.com


Storm Jackals, entire force:

In tournament:


Command elements, of nearly 3000pts of TAU, an army that "made my name" as a hobbyist and got me a WD invitation.


Guard Continent of my huge Imperial Army:

more pictures can be seen here:
http://www.pbase.com/migsula/demonhunters&page=3

Farseer of my small Eldar Force, the rest of it can be found in the same dakka gallery:

Pathfinders from same army:





:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 13:04:32


Post by: migsula


Now, the finished article, prior to dullcoat and in natural light for once







:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 14:15:58


Post by: Boss Salvage


ACE

The shoulder pad and chest iconography especially - very interesting take on the hydra there, Norse or so? Beat to hell heavy bolter is pretty wild, and going with the boosted terminator arms to hold it up was indeed a solid choice. I also hadn't really noticed the green in Alpharius I's armor until II here was painted, a great effect.

Glad to see you painting again Migs, good luck selling the armies.

- Salvage


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 14:27:13


Post by: Flachzange


Boss_Salvage wrote:ACE

The shoulder pad and chest iconography especially - very interesting take on the hydra there, Norse or so? Beat to hell heavy bolter is pretty wild, and going with the boosted terminator arms to hold it up was indeed a solid choice. I also hadn't really noticed the green in Alpharius I's armor until II here was painted, a great effect.

Glad to see you painting again Migs, good luck selling the armies.

- Salvage


What he said!!
Stunning work all around.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 14:28:17


Post by: Malika2


Woooooooooooooooooooow!!! You are scaring me more and more with your skills! I'm afraid to paint now because I know my stuff won't be near as cool as those!

I started building my Word Bearers this weekend, heavily inspired by your Legion and Apologist's Ultramarines. Just wanted to say thanks for being such an inspiration to the lot of us here!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 15:46:01


Post by: tinfoil


Simply beautiful. Your paint scheme has a way of glowing grimly that is ineffable. The stuff looks battle-weary, yet potent and mysterious. Really exquisite.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 16:14:20


Post by: grey_death


Fantastic work yet again migs. I really enjoy the expression he has. It has a casualness about it, as if to say 'This again..?' about killing his enemies.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 18:31:03


Post by: CMDante


Saw this, this morning before going to work but didnt have time to comment....

The big guy is looking great mate, very accurate likeness of the original Alph too.

Looking forward to seeing him on the finished base.

The only thing I'm not sure about is the white/cream on the bolter. I can see it merging with the base, light metal tones and flesh tones a bit too much. Obviously it fits with a "camo colouring" theme but just doesn't stand out much, but at the same too much by being so light (if that makes any sense!).

I think it's because it's supposed to be a moonlight theme, yet the shading on the weapon doesn't match the zenith lighting on the armour. I'm sure you probably plan to remedy this given he is still WIP but just wanted to get my thoughts across.

+++EDIT+++ Balls, guess I should have refreshed before commenting huh? You productive crazy Finn you! He looks great and it looks like you alayed my fears about the weapon by darkening it up. Great job!

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 18:45:36


Post by: RiTides


Wow! These guys look great, and have so much character. I love your armies, too


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 19:08:11


Post by: migsula


Thanks you soooo much guys!! All of you. Good comments!

I'm actually very impressed that the rather free-flowing and "artsy" style gets thumbs up from so many of you. I'm totally captivated by the process and the "freedom" but there are times when I think, self what the hell are you doing now, when I'm doing my best to forget everything I am "supposed" to do based on previous work.

Cheers! You deserve something special next


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 19:22:38


Post by: Mister Feral


An excellent second Alpharius, proves that you have the skills and the consistancy to pull it off.

The desert camo on the Heavy Bolter casing is a superb use of a spot colour, and the fact that the armour makes me think of the swirling ocean, well that's just plain cool.



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 19:35:38


Post by: CMDante


migsula wrote:Thanks you soooo much guys!! All of you. Good comments!

I'm actually very impressed that the rather free-flowing and "artsy" style gets thumbs up from so many of you. I'm totally captivated by the process and the "freedom" but there are times when I think, self what the hell are you doing now, when I'm doing my best to forget everything I am "supposed" to do based on previous work.

Cheers! You deserve something special next


Mate you know the free-flowing "artsy" style gets the thumbs up from me, it's something I'd love to achieve myself and I really enjoy seeing it here. It's just so refreshing to see something done so differently in our hobby from the norm on most forums etc.

Not that there is anything wrong with the norm, its just refreshing to see things from another angle.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 19:38:52


Post by: CaptainRavenclaw


Very impressive. Keep up the good work.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 19:48:44


Post by: Ghost in the Darkness


Wow thats all i can really say. They are simply amazing. Keep up the good work.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/04 22:20:07


Post by: RandomX


That is very nice, Migs.

I love how individual everything is, even the Alpharius's who are designed to look similer, each is unique and tells a story, which is what I personally love most about every one of the models. Individuality is most important to me and my models, and I strive to make each one unique, something that you have absolutely nailed on the head. I can't wait to see and read more as you continue with Legion!

And bummer about the selling off of the armies. But I dig your reasoning behind it, armies that look like that should be out and seen.

Eric


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/06 07:07:00


Post by: migsula


Thanks guys.

For the ARMYSALEs I promised more pics, and here are some. I will take the TAU out for individual shots this weekend, but these together with the first pic for level of painting, give a good idea of size of the force and what's in it.



click it for more in the same gallery.

Better pic of the guard too:



and best painted trophies from GTs, fanatics etc.





:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/06 15:29:52


Post by: migsula


I found a good size comparison pic from my HD. This in between Varnishing, so that's why Alpharius is still all shiney.




:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/06 17:00:11


Post by: Logan




Great collection and great minis, of course! Short question: For what did you get the Golden Demon?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/06 17:00:59


Post by: Shaman


I dont have anything constructive to say .. only wow.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/06 18:37:29


Post by: migsula


Logan wrote:

Great collection and great minis, of course! Short question: For what did you get the Golden Demon?


UK GD squad category Gold for "Rosethorn Now", my take on Eisenhorn and his team a few decades after the trilogy finishes.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/06 19:17:27


Post by: Wehrkind


The shiney on the Alpha boy looks pretty good actually. Or else your painting skills simply warp the fabric of space time to the point that silly things such as "light" and "reflection" are no longer relevant.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/06 21:38:38


Post by: migsula


6/May/09 Game Plan

I have to think about the big picture a bit. I need to make some sort of game plan overall, like "finish one unit each month". I don't really want anything more coherent with this project, but then, if I don't have a monthly pacemaker, I won't see enough results to keep me going, I think.

SO, PLAN FOR MAY:

- finish building and converting a Vendetta, with a fully painted interior!

(just started building... and for Once, I will have to brake my "rule" of never painting anything before full assembly)


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/06 23:42:35


Post by: Shas'El Tael


New Alpharius is top rate. With two of them showing in the unit shot, they certainly have a combined presence. Really impressed your new technique repeated so well, I have a list of paints and "application" notes on a pad myself to ensure that kind of uniformity.

Having a duo to look at, you get a better sense of various touches you apply to these models. Skin pallor, contrasting hues etc.

love it.

Edit : Good fun browsing through the army collections, it's been fun spotting models I never knew were yours originally! Though the tau, well.. knew of them well when they appeared

~ Tael.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/07 02:05:58


Post by: littleboyblues


Been following your stuff now for about 3 months Migsula...
Just recently got off my butt and joined Dakka.
Anywho nothing you haven't heard before.

Your pieces really made me quit "fast painting" and sit down and go " Wow! I suck!" Now I get less done, but I've started treating every model with a little more tender, love and care. I've been reading countless painting and modeling tutorials and noticing all sorts or weathering and random things as I walk around my work place. A friend and I are also starting a little =I=munda of our own. (So I can copy your true scale mostly... Only a dark angel.) Which I will have a log for as soon as I get some stuff off of my plate.

So thank you Migsula for being an inspiration with literally EVERYTHING you do and making me better by enterweb osmosis.

Littleboyblues


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/07 06:53:55


Post by: D3str0y3r


you can see Migs eisenhorne retinue here on CMON :
http://www.coolminiornot.com/135153
its awesome! and so is this plog!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/07 07:45:45


Post by: migsula


littleboyblues wrote:So thank you Migsula for being an inspiration with literally EVERYTHING you do and making me better by enterweb osmosis.

Littleboyblues

Thank you sir. Looking forward to your blog and welcome to dakka!!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/07 20:53:37


Post by: migsula


Has anyone got a clue when the Forge World Vendetta conversion kit is out??

I'm set for one, but if and when I intend to make all my Valkyrie's into Vendettas' I won't be able to repeat. As the first Ride will be Legion custom, it doesn't matter if it is a little different


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/07 21:10:32


Post by: Malika2


An Alpha Legion coloured Vendetta? Hmm...intriguing!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/07 21:12:40


Post by: migsula


Malika2 wrote:An Alpha Legion coloured Vendetta? Hmm...intriguing!


No, much more clandestine, but still, for those in the know, clearly a special bird


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/07 21:14:05


Post by: Malika2


Holy crap...it isn't going to be what I think it's going to be right? That would simply me...well...you know...mindblowing!

Hmm, that probably isn't going to be it since you mentioned it was more clandestine.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/07 21:20:21


Post by: migsula


Nah, that'll have to wait for the plastic Thunderhawk kit


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/07 23:18:44


Post by: CMDante


Don't think any sort of release date has been mentioned yet but given the parts have been shown at GD's and FW are usually quite quick with their turnaround from there, I'd guess a couple of months?

Good to see you have a plan in place and that you haven't been too strict with yourself, I think that will help maintain the creativity which is so evident in all your work, while at the same time maintaining a point of focus on both the project at hand and the greater aim as a whole.

Really looking forward to the valk, can't wait to see your skills transfered to this "canvas".

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 12:00:11


Post by: migsula


10/May/09 Viper

First of all - some people have been saying the Valkyrie kit is a bitch to put together, and I totally disagree. Lovely piece of kit and awesome scale for once. You could really fit an infantry squad inside.

I built my first as a special Viper model, A Vendetta version used by the Legion, where the wing mounted Twin Lascannons are replaced with hunter-killer missile racks for both air to air and air to ground fire missions and fire and forget targeting and homing systems. In tournaments, this will count as a Vendetta, but for home games, it will count as 6 hunter killer missiles with the AA mount rule

I obviously had to include the Heavy Bolters, and convert one gunner into a sniper operative. You just don’t pass Black Hawk down as inspiration when building the first of these bad boys. Furthermore I built a radar system in to the nozzle of the craft, for the missiles and another custom targeting system above it.

Here be pics. Priming today, then rest of the month for painting it as well as I can. In the last one you see the connecting points masked for gluing the thing together after the interiors and hard to reach areas + crew are painted.











:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 12:05:59


Post by: Brother Bartius


I'm loving the sniper in the doorway.

Pure special forces.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 13:03:09


Post by: CMDante


Nice subtle conversions on a really cool kit. The sniper is a cool touch too. Also, nice use of the Ork shells on the HB, really adds some drama.

Looking forward to painting!

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 13:44:08


Post by: TheMightyWarhamster


really agree on the kit. it's great to put together and hugely detailed.
the new weapons loadout looks nice. you could also run it as a vendetta with incediary missiles.
two little things: the sniper might profit from goggles, if he's flying over a desert, both against glare and airborne sand. also, did you make him a harness? it looks like that in the third pic from the top.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 14:02:17


Post by: Sgt.Harris


well i have seen this log alot on my time on dakka, so i thought i would use my first post to say that this log is AWESOME!

im really inspired by your modelling techniques and im thinking of doing something like this

laters, Joe


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 15:36:46


Post by: poptarticus


Door gunner FTW.

"How do you shoot women and children?"

"Easy, you just don't lead em as much."



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 16:07:07


Post by: Northen


Good work. Looks like a sweet kit.

The gunners are good personal add too.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 16:45:07


Post by: gameandwatch


Migs, if I may call you Migs, always been a big fan of yours, as you may have noticed, My DOOM nids forum was dedicated to your inspiring TWAR army. Keep up the goodies!!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 16:57:04


Post by: captain.gordino


That spray of ammo casings is epic. I just about peed my pants when I saw that you're going to do a valk. Way cool, that.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 17:10:05


Post by: Malika2


Hmm consider that ammo casings idea stolen!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 17:44:07


Post by: migsula


And now the whole thing (+ Alpharius + agent + captain) are primed!

Yes, I built the crew simple harnesses to stay on board when the ride is bumpy - goggles would have been a pragmatic addition, need to think about that next time. Also - I am using the flying stand, at the time of taking the pics, I was still working on the scenic base, but now that is also primed and ready for paint

Thanks for the comments!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/10 20:13:52


Post by: Llamahead


Got to love the calm centred look on that sniper casually resting his rifle after taking a shot out of a moving gunship like that.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/11 05:37:45


Post by: Inquisitor Earl


See this is just making me want to start another project. The Valk is so damn cool.

Perhaps I should get on and start that Gun-cutter I've been thinking about...


Hey Migsula, what do you use for priming? Seeing as you are a painting god and all, it'd be great to know what you use for best results.

Cheers
Earl


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/11 07:40:44


Post by: migsula


I use GW Skull White spray for priming.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/11 09:06:50


Post by: Ghost in the Darkness


Anyone who runs is a Viet-Cong. Anyone who stands still is a well disciplined Viet-Cong.

Great Valk, keep up the good work.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/11 22:52:36


Post by: tcraigen


I like the snake on the side near the door nice touch and yes the ork ammo spray is wicked.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/12 15:51:34


Post by: smiling Assassin


Shall we dance?

This is badass. Painted, now, please!

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/12 20:59:38


Post by: Bloodthirster


This is great work Migsula makes me want to paint a Alpharius. In fact i might just do that although if you don't mind me asking what colours did you used i don't have a clue how to paint Alpha Legion.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/16 10:22:06


Post by: migsula


16/May/09 DAMAGE

I’m in the process of beginning to paint my Valkyrie, and was drooling over Grey Death’s fantastic Land Raider. The longer I looked at it I felt, there were a number of issues I felt should be taken into consideration when it comes to weathering. Atleast I try to. I’ve discussed this with Grey too, but thought it’d be ok to post the issues here to everyone’s benefit.

I think the dreadnought has better (smaller patches) volumes of weathering in better locations (edges and ccw hand/feet).

With the Land Raider, super tough, ceramite beast, I find the large amounts of paint chipping in the middle of a flat surface carries the wrong message for me. The effects are all the same, "chipping" more than denting, burn marks etc. Exceedingly well highlighted it looks like a technical addition, "because you are supposed to do it" rather than, "insert battle showreel, with LR driving through hellish firefight and how it looks when it all calms down (after a month of this in freak weather possibly)"

If you go to this extent with chipping, working physical dents and chips on the actual model would really add to it too! What would CAUSE these dents?? Surely not bad quality paint and dust and UV radiation?, when the thing is supposed to fight in toxic environments, sea beds, desert storm etc.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the tank. One of the best Land Raiders I've ever seen, but I always find honest analysis beneficial  If anything, it's also beneficial for me. I am painting my Valkyrie and I am thinking how the damage and tear is caused!! It should be very different in the wing surface and the touching part of the loading ramp for example!

Lets see if I can get you a reference in the next week or so.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/16 10:23:19


Post by: migsula


Bloodthirster wrote:This is great work Migsula makes me want to paint a Alpharius. In fact i might just do that although if you don't mind me asking what colours did you used i don't have a clue how to paint Alpha Legion.


I used Vallejo Prussian Blue in several thin layers over white prime and wash of Lemon Yellow.

In the gallery is a step by step pic.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/16 10:57:11


Post by: smiling Assassin


migsula wrote:16/May/09 DAMAGE


I think we need to draw some harsh, but hazy lines between battle damage, and weathering. As you say, the environmental effects of the 41st millenium must vary in inordinate amounts. The millions of biomes, climates, and hitherto unknown weather patterns that may be conceptually encountered by said Land Raider Crew would leave their mark. While modelling we try and get as close to the reality as possible, and really we have to tweak about with some of the effects that are shown in battle damage -- even if they look strange -- to get the most faithful result.

Both you and Grey are looking towards mainly one thing -- the desert. Vast amounts of sand, rocks, bleached by a sun of whose magnitude we can only guess at in the vastness of our imaginations. For a start, I'd look to draw on some real world imagery first -- this picture of a Tank during Desert Storm can be a good example:



To be honest this tank shows little amounts of real damage -- even though it has presumably been through a few fights. The crew laid out Reactive Armour plating down the front, and from this we can see (as well as the skirts) that a lot of dust congregates down these areas. This is a great way to draw a parallel with what we can model. However, their are relatively few actual chips out of the paint -- is this because it is especially designed to be hard wearing, or simply because not much fire has been directed at it, we will not know. But if we look at the former option, we can deduce that 39-odd Millenia later, they'd have anti-chip paint. This then leaves us in a visual quandary, because it is shown that on Grey's gorgeous LR there are chips by the dozen, and it looks tremendous. This is most probably down to his superb techniques, and skill with the realism of battle. However, what we see as a visually pleasing technique isn't actually the most realistic -- most fire would be directed at the front of the LR, and most would be around the vertices of the plating, due to the increased exposure around these areas. Glancing shots would still chip some off the side, and any gouging would be masked by the tough ceramite. On the other hand, whatever we see as unrealistic or less... practical (for want of a better word) weathering still produces a very aesthetically pleasing result, and that's what matters.

Environmental damage down -- battle damage now.

I've dragged up this (sorry it's a bit large) picture of the USS Liberty after battle, I think it's pretty fitting:



From this I've drawn two pointers for now:

_1 - Damage is indiscriminate on wide, open plating. This means that due to the orientation of the ship to the enemy, the damage is random in placing. However, look towards the bottom of the picture, and you'll see a line of what look like smaller gauge shell craters along the side. This tells us the valuable lesson that once targetting is done, damage can follow a pattern -- think about the lines of bullet holes you see on walls, however candid. Notably, for the 41st millenium, think about Autocannon shells. Fired off in quick succession, as opposed to one at a time, the damage is indiscriminate in first placing, but follows the pattern. This is helpful, we can apply damage as closely to real life as possible.

_2 - Glances leave their mark. Look at the tower to the top left -- the black striping down it's side is most probably a few glancing blows from shells or from smaller calibre yield. We have to think about the shells that miss -- it's accounted for in the game's rules, but we so often forgo it in place of dramatic craters and pitting of the surface.

I hope that that hasn't sounded like a rant/preach. I just wanted to lay down my thought process on this issue as I myself am thinking about applying damage to my current projects, and would like to hear your take.

Peace.

sA



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/16 21:55:36


Post by: grey_death


I really enjoy the open and honest conversation on this topic. And am glad that my work has shown a little bit more light on it.

I think the direction of the dreadnought and the land raider are somewhat different. The Dreadnought has much the same amount of weathering in much the same patterning that the regular marines have. The thought being that their ability to maneuver more, lends them to less damage all over and only really catching along their exposed edges that catch or scrape by coincidence. The Land Raider I went for the look of a hard used tool that really hasn't seen much down time. The countless battles and skirmishes over the long Badab War campaign. The wear and tear building up. The battle damage as well.

The main issue I see is that the chipping effect is used to represent BOTH wear and tear as well as battle damage. But in keeping with the set army theme, the chipping is the main weathering component.

sA brings up a good point in that the variety of weathering/damage should be used to full effect for weathering vehicles. Take his two examples into account when thinking of this. (For the record the Bradley is from this decade ^_-, that reactive armor started going on the beast after 2003!) The bradley shows a good amount of dirt and grime, but unfortunately, that piece hasn't seen much in the way of battle time (no denting or burn marks on those plates at all) and you honestly can't see much of the normal wear from just getting trained and getting it over there! The paint is indeed resilient, but still chips to hell and back in the field after hundreds of missions and field problems. Much of my knowledge is from working with these same vehicles day in and day out in my time as enlisted in the Army with 1st Cav.

Battle damage should definitely be represented differently than normal wear and tear on any 'hyper-detail' projects. I'm eying the battle damage picture sA provides for an example. There is some chipping here and there from the smaller caliber shells, but much of it is denting or burn/smudges on the paint. There is something to be learned in the pattern of those markings too. The center seems to be the only spot actually chipped and has only cracked the paint surrounding it, as well as leaving a dark smudging all around it.

Now where my mind wanders to is what do those dents and dings from battle damage start looking like after countless missions over a few years of a marine units campaign? And this is where we start to speculate instead of 'know' what the answers are.

Ok, I think that's enough from me for now ^_^. Great convo!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/17 09:25:21


Post by: smiling Assassin


GD, I knew you were there! I remember something in the injuries thread... Anyway. Great stuff. I couldn't put my finger on the Bradley - I've been around them before at shows, but I obviously don't have the sheer experience and man hours that you do! That's why it's important that we pool ideas, you've got the knowledge, the memories etc. etc. I completely dig you're reasoning on the Dread/LR comparison. It's important to see such a difference, and if we didn't, then it we tantamount to an insult to the models and our vision.

Something I see as a problem, as you say, is applying both battle damage and weathering -- and having them stand out as unique and clear in their own way. Thinking about it, I've got the idea that you apply battle damage first -- the major damage. As in, craters, large dents, large scratches, etc. etc. This actually is a change in the topography of the plating, not just in the paint, or the skin-deep attributes of the bodywork. However, heavy puntures of the sort that we see on the ship are probably less common on tanks or APCs -- am I right? This, I would guess, be because any deep punture in such a confined space would be really deadly for the crew and for the hardware, and also people don#t generally get direct hits on a tank with such AP shells that you'd use in naval combat. This is where we have to draw the line in the picture.

Burns are definately one of the best ways to show wear and tear, because with GW's "AWESOME" obsession with Flamer weapons, you're going to be set on fire a lot I'm going to try and bear in mind here that unless you're ambushed from behind (unlikely in a full-frontal SM open-field sort of Warfare), you're going to get directional fire up front. That being along the huge breaching deck down front, and along the sides. This fire/Las-charges will be directional, so going from front to back. It would be a pretty sorry state if we represented burn marks as 'dots' on the body; however around the shell holes you'd find this.

For me, I'm erring away from the paint chipping, simply because I'm basing my fluff on an intense urban wasteland atmosphere -- temperate, but dusty. However, this will open up new avenues in terms of where I put the damage, being able to be ambushed from, well, everywhere! I'm going to have to seek you peoples' advice.

This is great!

Peace.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/17 10:54:46


Post by: Bloodthirster


migsula wrote:
Bloodthirster wrote:This is great work Migsula makes me want to paint a Alpharius. In fact i might just do that although if you don't mind me asking what colours did you used i don't have a clue how to paint Alpha Legion.


I used Vallejo Prussian Blue in several thin layers over white prime and wash of Lemon Yellow.

In the gallery is a step by step pic.


Right thanx that's great help time to get to work


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/17 13:04:24


Post by: migsula


cool - good discussion - sorry that I have no time to make proper comments now, off to stockholm for a few days.

Beautiful LR as I said and waiting to see it finished upon my arrival back

With the TWAR, I tried to study several different methods and effects in weathering: wear and tear, damage, rust, soot, different depths of scratches etc., and with the lessons learned I hope to do something nice with this project.






:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/19 20:34:22


Post by: migsula


Back in town - we should be having the Jade Vessel finale this weekend! So I may not have that much time to dedicate for this now, but instead you should get a full pictorial of the finale in the Jade Vessel blog


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/23 13:13:45


Post by: migsula


I've been painting the Valkyrie this week. It's a nice kit to paint I must say - but having done the interiors too, it really takes time. After I'm done with this one, I'll post lots of pics and then get back to the Dune Twists.

The Planetstrike is perfectly timed for this project. I have a campaign in mind where the Imperium and the Chaos come to sort them out and retake Rhisienne. And I'm really looking forward to all the new terrain.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/23 13:33:08


Post by: Malika2


Hmm Imperium vs Chaos. Will the Alpha Legion be Chaos alligned? What I loved so much about Legion was the fact that the legion's loyalties have become very vague.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/23 15:30:13


Post by: Alpharius


Malika2 wrote: What I loved so much about Legion was the fact that the legion's loyalties have become very vague.


Same here!

I think that we'll eventually find that the Legion's loyalties lie with both sides. A Legion split down the middle, more or less...

It would help 'explain' a lot!

Looking forward to your Valkyrie migsula!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/23 16:23:21


Post by: Malika2


I think that we'll eventually find that the Legion's loyalties lie with both sides. A Legion split down the middle, more or less...

It would help 'explain' a lot!

I assumed (after reading Legion) that the Alpha Legion was loyal to humanity rather than the Emperor, Chaos or the Cabal. The Cabal predicted that the universe would be saved if humanity would die quick which would be caused by a victory for Horus. If the Emperor would win, the universe would end 10 thousand years later (our current 40k universe). I don't think the Alpha Legion wants humanity to die out, but at the same time doesn't want the Primordial Annihilator (Chaos) to win. I think they are kind of working with the Cabal (when it suits them) to follow to try to save the universe from Chaos, but at the same time try to find an alternative so that humanity could be saved as well.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/23 16:45:37


Post by: Alpharius


Sounds good!

I also think that Alpharius and Omegon will eventually have a falling out over just how to accomplish all that.

And as a result, some of the Legion will end up drifting towards Chaos, which will help explain how we've been seeing "Chaos Alpha Legion" since the Heresy...


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/23 18:34:31


Post by: Chaplain Pallantide


Let me get this straight, some of the Alpha legion are not Chaos?? Do they suffer from mutations and such or are they renegade due to their own way of doing things??

Just curious, I love chapters that aren't necessarily good, yet they are most definitely not evil. A nice shade of gray so to speak.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/23 18:43:48


Post by: Flachzange


Alpharius wrote:Sounds good!

I also think that Alpharius and Omegon will eventually have a falling out over just how to accomplish all that.

And as a result, some of the Legion will end up drifting towards Chaos, which will help explain how we've been seeing "Chaos Alpha Legion" since the Heresy...


Well, the fact that we have not seen any loyal Alpha Legionaires, doesnt mean that theyre not out there We all know that they favor covert operations so who knows where theyre actually present and where not.

Chaplain Pallantide wrote:Let me get this straight, some of the Alpha legion are not Chaos?? Do they suffer from mutations and such or are they renegade due to their own way of doing things??

Just curious, I love chapters that aren't necessarily good, yet they are most definitely not evil. A nice shade of gray so to speak.


Thats is certainly what the book Legion implied. Officially, the Alphas sided with Horus, but appearently theyre following their own, or the cabals scheme. Its all pretty vague, which makes it so awesome And I am totally with Malika. They want whats best for humanity, not the Emperor.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/23 20:16:00


Post by: migsula


The best quality of British SciFi - inspiring, yet vague enough for us to interpret the way we find the most inspiring.

I certainly have my own theories of what happened after the Heresy - and what the agenda for the Cells at Rhisienne is


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/24 09:23:48


Post by: Balefire_storm


migsula wrote:26/March/09 Shapers

Today, little progress shots of Alpharius and Bulldons captain and an Ad. Few weeks ago, good friend CMDante shared showed images of his sculpting tools, including “shapers” that are like brushes with a shaped silicone head that doesn’t stick to gs at all. BUY THEM! They revolutionised my sculpting - mostly the feel, where it came an absolute joy from something of a chore! So each guy in the project will get sculpted detail.


Where to get hold of these ones? Wouldn't mind getting my hands on some of them.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/25 15:55:11


Post by: migsula


I goolged them as "paint shapers" and ordered online. I tried searching my email, but couldn't find a link for you.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/25 16:13:55


Post by: Llamahead


For weathering stuff I'd suggest you ask Gundam-Mecha his Thunderbolt and T34 were both awesome examples of this and I'm sure his KV1 will be as well.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/25 16:22:32


Post by: Balefire_storm


migsula wrote:I goolged them as "paint shapers" and ordered online. I tried searching my email, but couldn't find a link for you.


Thank for the tip. Will continue my search on Google.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/26 22:44:09


Post by: lucas


This army is simply amazing and has inspired me to try my hand at a true scale pre-heresy army. Your sculpts are amazing and the paint job on those marines is stunning. I love how all of your works are so full of character.

Also, could someone please point me in the direction of somewhere that I can find an explanation of what =I=munda is? Is it just a variant of Necromunda or something? This amazing army and CmDante'S Blood Pact have built up my curiousity of what =I=munda is.

Keep up the awesome work!
Lucas


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/27 07:13:19


Post by: Malika2


Look in the skirmish games section for more info on potential =I=munda rules.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/27 20:46:40


Post by: migsula


Lucas - see the original =I=munda "Jade Vessel" thread in this forum that gave birth to the whole craze.

I've been painting the Valkyrie bit by bit. The going is slow, mostly because I have little spare time, and also because, this being the first vehicle establishes the whole concept for tanks and valkyries to come. I want to get it just right and am carefully considering each step. I want the overall effect to be distinctly in line with the spirit of this project too. It's harder with vehicles.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/28 00:06:19


Post by: PsychosisPC


Balefire_storm wrote:
migsula wrote:26/March/09 Shapers

Today, little progress shots of Alpharius and Bulldons captain and an Ad. Few weeks ago, good friend CMDante shared showed images of his sculpting tools, including “shapers” that are like brushes with a shaped silicone head that doesn’t stick to gs at all. BUY THEM! They revolutionised my sculpting - mostly the feel, where it came an absolute joy from something of a chore! So each guy in the project will get sculpted detail.


Where to get hold of these ones? Wouldn't mind getting my hands on some of them.


The ones I use are called Colour Shapers, they are manufactured by Royal Sovereign. I think there is another company that calls them Clay Shapers. Available in the United States from places like Dick Blick Art Supplies and Jerry's Artarama. I believe both of those companies will ship internationally.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/28 15:03:02


Post by: Werdes


Balefire_storm wrote:
migsula wrote:26/March/09 Shapers

Today, little progress shots of Alpharius and Bulldons captain and an Ad. Few weeks ago, good friend CMDante shared showed images of his sculpting tools, including “shapers” that are like brushes with a shaped silicone head that doesn’t stick to gs at all. BUY THEM! They revolutionised my sculpting - mostly the feel, where it came an absolute joy from something of a chore! So each guy in the project will get sculpted detail.


Where to get hold of these ones? Wouldn't mind getting my hands on some of them.


Maybe this can help?

http://sculpt.com/catalog_98/CLAYTOOLS/clayshapers.htm


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/28 16:32:17


Post by: Alpharius


Nice find - Thanks for that!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/29 06:47:46


Post by: migsula


So nice to see the blog spreading the hobby lore and craft


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/29 13:38:57


Post by: Werdes


No problem, just glad to help.

Check out this guys thread and scroll down to the bottom to see alot of nice sculping tools

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/270/236631.page


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/31 13:24:05


Post by: migsula


Thanks to chatting with a mate, or rather venting how bored I am with the hobby at the minute . I did a bit of painting and now have all the boring stuff in place and can start the experimenting (fun).I'm planning a semi translucent camo pattern akin to what the USAF F22s have.

Like in this pic, but with lighter overall shade and more gradient within the pattern itself.

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_F-22A_F-16s_Over_Water_lg.jpg

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/planes/f35/f16-f35-f22.jpg

I think it looks gorgeous with the geometric edge stripes and markings.



:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/31 14:48:57


Post by: smiling Assassin


Hmm. Somehow I though you'd go macro-digital.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/05/31 23:03:05


Post by: CMDante


Looks cool, certainly one of the most unusual looking camo patterns I've seen but I can see why your taken with it, it will looks unique and set the vehicles apart even further from "the rest of the crowd".

Now I just need to find some motivation to work on my projects before I get sidetracked by another idea! (curse Jes' "The Gothic and The Eldritch"!)


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/01 19:49:13


Post by: 1xx700007117


niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/02 10:43:08


Post by: migsula


02/June/09 Decals

With some less official updates, I thought it best to return to sort of official BLOG updating.

Some more progress. I accidentally found a great way of doing realistic paint chipping. Use some microsol and a coarse brush on about one hour or so dry paint. Super realistic effects. So in additions to the decals I managed some nice base work on the chipping to come.

I'm now adding a layer of gloss varnish over the decals and then onto washing the beast. I must say doing blotchy, not totally covering camo, was quite intimidating - or leaving it like so that is - but I just have to go with the vision and trust that the washing and weathering ties it all together where the unevenness adds realism and impact and doesn’t look unskilled and rushed.

I'm late in "schedule" for the project, but I've really enjoyed the paint when I feel so approach and watching it come together slowly. I think the overall scheme, sort of sand green, with darker sand green patterns and white markings that look like sand green on the dark sand green, if it makes any sense, looks really nice. It will be a great base for all my vehicles. The only worry is how to work in some blue. With the Tanks I know. I will do the old school Russ trackside triangles with blue and white, same with the Chimeras, but the Valkyrie doesn't have a natural place like this.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/02 22:57:21


Post by: CMDante


I hope you have been taking WIP pics of the development so we can all gawp in wonder at them mate! I really like seeing the various stages to your work, its a good insight and regularly provides me with a lot of alternative methods and ideas.

I can understand your concern over the camo, it is an odd pattern and one that, to the untrained and uninformed eye, could look a bit odd. I'm sure it will all come together well though.

Looking forward to the finished piece.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/02 23:05:53


Post by: Malika2


You still need to tell us how you do those paintjobs because...damn! They are some of the most amazing ones I've ever seen!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/03 14:59:48


Post by: Werdes


I cant wait til you finish your Valkyrie/Vendetta/Viper


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 03:58:13


Post by: lucas


The amazing work of Migsula, Synapse, and Apologist, as wellas my love of the Horus Heresy books have convinced me to start up my own pre-heresy true-scale marine army. The work in this blog is amazing. Keep up the great work and I can't wait to see more!

Anybody have any suggestions as to what legions they want to see? Alpha Legion, Ultramarines, and Wolrd Eaters are already out of the question because these guys have done them all so well already.

Awesome job!

Lucas


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 13:57:07


Post by: Alpharius


OT, and probably better off in its own thread but, I'd say Night Lords, with as few silly bat wing helmets as possible, and lots of 'terror marking' helmets (basically, skulls painted on to the face of the helmets) as possible.

Other than that, I still say you can't have too many Alpha Legion armies running around!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 14:01:57


Post by: Malika2


The lightening patterns and such in the armour? Intriguing...

What about the Blood Angels? We don't see that many of them around. Pre-heresy, true scale and very...very ornate. Remember the older fluff of the Blood Angels (before they were reduced to Emperor Berserkers). Ornate suits of armour, all engraved/decorated because the marines were also artists and all that sort of stuff. Very ornate, but not over the top like the Emperor's Children.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 18:17:58


Post by: migsula


Mine aren't pre-Heresy though - just to make it clear

lucas wrote:
Anybody have any suggestions as to what legions they want to see?


White Scars


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 18:19:08


Post by: tcraigen


Malika2 wrote:The lightening patterns and such in the armour? Intriguing...

What about the Blood Angels? We don't see that many of them around. Pre-heresy, true scale and very...very ornate. Remember the older fluff of the Blood Angels (before they were reduced to Emperor Berserkers). Ornate suits of armour, all engraved/decorated because the marines were also artists and all that sort of stuff. Very ornate, but not over the top like the Emperor's Children.


I would agree wit this, Id love to see some BA in this form. I know many people have bigger and better grievances with GW but this has got to be one of my biggest. The BA live longer than anyone else and worked hard to perfect not only the art of war but actual arts and that is what made them falling into a degenerative rage and blood lust all the more tragic. I Hope I can try my hand at a few one day but sadly right now have very little time to even finish current stuff. I like the nightmarish idea for the night lords but, a collection of ornate god like angels of death is always going to get my nod.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 19:08:47


Post by: migsula


Ok, I think you deserve a pic / HOWEVER, firstly, it's a PIP and this time I must make major disclaimers about the picture not doing any credit to the paint job. I just lose all the subtle effects on the wings.

Overall, obviously I've enjoyed this beast, and hopefully when I am done it should really look like a 15 tonne flying tank, not a plastic kit.




:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 20:16:23


Post by: Flachzange


Im going to go ahead and say: Wow:
Then Ill pick up my jaw and patiently wait for more pictures.

Honestly migs, this is crazy. I am SUCH a big fan of the subtle camo scheme on this. Beautiful


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 20:51:33


Post by: Bloodthirster


That is top class stuff Migs, I to love the subtle camo and honestly say WOAH!!! mmmm Drool


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 20:53:03


Post by: Malika2


migsula wrote:Mine aren't pre-Heresy though - just to make it clear

lucas wrote:
Anybody have any suggestions as to what legions they want to see?


White Scars


True scale bikes?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 21:25:42


Post by: CMDante


Really nailed that camo scheme there mate. Wasn't sure how it would work initially but it looks spot on. Love the damage and weathering too.

More please!

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 21:39:54


Post by: migsula


Thanks guys! That means a ton for me! I'll work the final interest and smooth blends with Mig pigments, finish the base and few lenses and then hit it with Matte Varnish to tie down all the different finishes and take proper pics from all angles. A lot of subtle and less subtle legion references. I really like how the decals come through the washes and weathering. I've cut a lot of XX and other suitable ones that still fit the IG feel, but mark this bird out.

The underside of the thing is light sky grey!

Glad you like the direction of the came, for I will do all my vehicles with it, only better when I learn the application just right. It looks even more distiguished from the sides, where all the main volumes and darker from the middle. It really works as a camo too. Want to try it on a russ...or actually a Shadow Sword! With ground vehicles I will mix in white and blue markings too, here it just didn't fit.

Thanks again!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 21:45:43


Post by: Llamahead


Thats just beautiful great weathering and a nice futuristic cammo which doesn't look like a dazzle pattern.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 21:51:03


Post by: Malika2


This blog is just getting cooler and cooler!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 21:55:11


Post by: smiling Assassin


/drool.

I like what you did there. However, I don't see the gradients/feathered edges of the blotches as much as I would have thought. I like it a lot, but the only criticism I have is that the two splotches on the wings look a bit too symmetrical from a glance.

Anyway, top class stuff as always from you Migs And I love the weathering!

Peace.

sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 22:22:28


Post by: lucas


migsula wrote:Mine aren't pre-Heresy though - just to make it clear

Really? I thought they were pre-heresy. I thought they were pre-heresy because Guilliman killed Alpharius during the heresy. Although, with all the secrecy of the Alpha Legion, nobody can be sure it was actually him.
Thanks for everyone who suggested a Legion for me, I didn't mean to derail the thread or anything so I'm going to make a new thread to discuss my next army.
That valkyrie is really top notch. I love the camo and the numbers and symbols on the wings are a really nice touch.

Can't wait to see more pics when it's all done!

Lucas


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 22:38:05


Post by: Malika2


In the novel Legion all Alpha Legionnaires called themselves "Alpharius" to confuse everybody.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 22:39:36


Post by: CMDante


Alpharius is the name all members of the legion referr to themselves as, part of the whole intrigue and deception the legion is famous for. Read the HH novel "Legion" for more if you haven't already.

@Migs - I think ground vehicles certainly need a dash of colour in the form of blue and white markings.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 23:01:44


Post by: lucas


I actually just finished Legion yesterday which is why it's been great to follow this blog while I've been reading. Legion has become my favourite of all the Horus Heresy books so far. I hadn't thought of him calling the models Alpharius for that reason. I actually thought he was making a model of Alpharius/Omegon.

Great work nonetheless.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/04 23:27:58


Post by: Malika2


He already has three marines...Alpharius, Omegon, and?

I'd love to see a transport for those Alpha Legionnaire, I doubt they would fit in the Valkyrie. Perhaps a unique drop ship? Kind of mixing the Valkyrie but with a more STC like design, stealing elements from the Thunderhawk and Land Speeder.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/05 13:46:07


Post by: Werdes


I doubt that will look anything like a plastic kit when you're done with it keep it up!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/05 15:17:58


Post by: Mastiff


Excellent work Migs. Super job of capturing the greasy,oily streaks of a working machine. Looking forward to seeing a side view pic.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/06 10:02:01


Post by: migsula


Thanks lads. Nearly there and with a big appetite for painting an infantry model next

And after that - this is jut one of those weird moments - but I MUST make a standard 40k civilian car. You know, the Toyota of the Imperium. I just want to see how it might look like and it would fit our =I=munda and other games, + this project perfectly.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/06 10:37:17


Post by: Deff Dread red Edition


This is one of the most excellent things I have ever seen.


Hope to see more soon,I like the idea of the "Toyota of the Imperium" can't wait to see that.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/06 13:59:50


Post by: Malika2


By the way, are we going to see any of the characters from the novel Legion in this force? Or will that be a total mystery since they are all caled Alpharius?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/06 16:24:53


Post by: smiling Assassin


The 40k Civilian car would be awesome.

Definately a Soviet Lada



sA


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/06 16:36:04


Post by: migsula


Yes, something like a gothic lada.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/07 16:52:51


Post by: CMDante


The wounded vole of the imperium! Awesome!

Can't wait to see what you come up with for it as I've always fancied doing something similar. What I love is how you model the more mundane (more interesting in my mind), everyday aspects of the imperium. It's this type of work that has inspired me the most and is responsible for the current direction of my own modelling.

I guess it really inspires for two reasons, it brings the humanity of the imperium alive and it also allows for completely original and innovative modelling.

Looking forward to more as always mate!

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/07 18:20:19


Post by: Mastiff


migsula wrote:Thanks lads. Nearly there and with a big appetite for painting an infantry model next

And after that - this is jut one of those weird moments - but I MUST make a standard 40k civilian car. You know, the Toyota of the Imperium. I just want to see how it might look like and it would fit our =I=munda and other games, + this project perfectly.


Hehe, that sounds like a fun project. There are so many things we never get to see from the Imperium that would be part of their every day life.

Although I'm thinking they would be Ladas, not Toyotas


(edit: Doh! I see someone already posted that. )


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/08 10:40:22


Post by: Inquisitor Earl


CMDante wrote:

What I love is how you model the more mundane (more interesting in my mind), everyday aspects of the Imperium. It's this type of work that has inspired me the most and is responsible for the current direction of my own modelling.

I guess it really inspires for two reasons, it brings the humanity of the Imperium alive and it also allows for completely original and innovative modelling.


The more mundane stuff inspires me also. What I love is the really unexpected directions you can go with the imagery of the Imperium. I'm currently starting a model railway that's loosely based around an Adeptus Mechanicus mine. It combines my interests and allows me to start thinking about modelling things like menials, servitors, engineering equipment etc.


Migs, I love how you are making the Valk feel like a flying tank. I get what you mean about not making it feel like a plastic kit. I've seen many people paint up the new kit in bright shiny colours with really fake-looking weathering and although they are technically superbly painted, they are toy like. Isn't it much more satisfying to make something 'feel' real rather paint it perfectly? I reckon so.

Anyway, I'd love to see your take on an imperial civilian car. There were some good descriptions in the Ravenor novels, I’ll see if I can find the pages.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/20 11:18:44


Post by: migsula


pheeeeeeeewwwww... I've been swamped with work, in a good way, recently. But finally had a minute to add the first layers of varnish on the Valk and the HB Alpharius. With a matte coat to follow, I should be free to move on the imperial ride for the masses and other fun things

ps. Does anyone know if Krylon matter varnish is sold anywhere in Europe??? Testors is banned by the Eu, so can't get any more.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/23 20:52:41


Post by: Bloodthirster


Any work on the agent Migs, I'm looking forward to seeing how this one comes out.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/23 21:27:02


Post by: Llamahead


Hmm or a Volkswagen maybe, I've now got an image of a Lada with added skulls........and rivets lots of rivets!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/23 22:06:55


Post by: CMDante


I thought they introduced a new....formula(?) of testors that is available in the EU? I've certainly seen a number of UK suppliers selling the stuff. Let me know if you can't get your hands on any and I'll see what I can do.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/24 07:40:06


Post by: migsula


Hey, can you check? I will order some stuff and ask my local stores.

When it was banned, the guy who told me at the local store, said Testors were hectically trying to find a new formula. I just hope they didn't remove the ingredient that made it so great, without finding equally good and sound replacement.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Llamahead wrote:Hmm or a Volkswagen maybe, I've now got an image of a Lada with added skulls........and rivets lots of rivets!


It will be a mix of people's car typologies, but essentially my own design. At the moment, I'm thinking of 3d modeling the whole thing, or at-least the main volumes and then printing it and adding all the detail. I guess the big question is wether I should spend that much energy and also do full interior.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/24 08:26:26


Post by: Bloodthirster


Sorry Migs but I don't know.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/24 19:53:39


Post by: CMDante


Yep, I'll have a look and let you know mate.

EDIT - http://www.barrule.com/Workshop/scratch%20builders%20paradise/varnish%20lack%20vernis%20barniz.html

and

http://horsingaround.com/acatalog/Testors_Dullcote.html

If they don't deliver to Finland let me know and I'll pick some up and send it on to you or give you it in person at GD.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/28 13:45:43


Post by: Dragonlover


I read through the whole thread a few days back, and don't remember seeing the answer to this, so what colours did you use for the blues on the Alpharius models?

I must say that this thread is both brilliant and depressing, brilliant because of the skill, and care that's gone into each model, depressing because I will never be able to paint as well as this.

Dragonlover


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/06/28 21:49:00


Post by: Xanthos


Hey Dragonlover, you should check out Migs´ other thread here:

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/120/208707.page

He starts working on the original Alpharius about page five, and paint scheme and details follow. This thread is sortof a followup to that one.

Hope that helps..


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/02 10:17:02


Post by: migsula


Cheers mate, do you know if those are of the new "EU legit" formula???


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Xanthos is correct. As for the blue I use a Vallejo Model Color called "Prussian Blue" throughout for the blues in this project.

speaking of the project:

02/July/09 Summer Brake

There’s currently way too much interesting activities, both professional and seasonal, to keep me working on the project the way I have thus far - so expect no frequent updates before the fall, and those cold, dark night when Bball at the park, BBQ, the beach is out of the question. It’s also so busy at work, I won’t be able to have a summer holiday, so that is a major factor too.

AND...what little modeling time I will have, is kinda likely to be lent for some fellows called the T.W.A.R and that’s Michael Bay’s fault!! I feel like it would be the time to add that Hierophant.

Rest assured though, the Legion ain’t going anywhere, just one of the pleasures of the hobby that you can take it easy when the sun is out


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/07 21:32:16


Post by: migsula


07/July/09 Humble Update

It was raining - big time - all of tonight, so before Bball practise, I did this.

As ever, a lot of thought comes into my basing, but with the Legion project I really try to portray the multitude of landscape and cityscape on Rhisienne and really underline the sheer inhuman scale of war in Warhammer 40 000. So we have the Muties, working through the destroyed tracks in the great plains, and we will have some serious Hive cities too.

So with this in mind, I’ve built a base for the heavy weapon team. I think the team will end up in the command section. Two courageous individuals, and a missile launcher, carefully converted poses to follow.

(THE MODEL FOR SCALE PURPOSE ONLY)


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/07 21:47:28


Post by: CMDante


Mate, that is one bad ass looking base!

Really capturing the gothic future look of 40k. Where is the resin wall section from? It's perfect!

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/08 08:16:49


Post by: Bloodthirster


Awesome! Loving the base Migs it really does capture the gothic 40k image.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/08 09:12:08


Post by: migsula


Thanks guys,

Scale is everything in this project and while the Marines need be massive compared to humans, the city basing really needs to communicate vast, inhuman scale and gothic architecture!

Dante, it's cut from a piece by Hasselfree Miniatures. Looks more 40k art than GW plastic, so it felt fitting Or rather looks like part of something vast!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/08 11:09:53


Post by: Northen


The base looks smashing. Nicely captures feeling of gothic hive.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/08 11:40:18


Post by: Werdes


Epic base :O


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/08 12:01:37


Post by: Deff Dread red Edition


Excellent looking model.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/08 15:45:39


Post by: littleboyblues


Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks the the building kits for 40k don't look as 40kish as it should. Some great things can be made from them with kit bashing or bitzory, but stand alone tiny tiny buildings don't capture the world I envision.

Mig I love the base. However as I'm a picture guy I skimmed through and at first glance thought "Holy birdcage migsula! Thats a big ass base for a tiny lil guy!" but upon reading I noticed he was only for scale. Can't wait to see what you'll be doing with it.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/14 22:00:27


Post by: migsula


I am slowly getting the two models done for the base. It's silly - with this whole project - , somehow I just had to scratch build a missile launcher, I wanted something were gothic old skool meets proper AT missile launcher and then spent a whole evening building just the gun and the gunner.

Hopefully pics of the finished weapons team, who will be very much hugging the terrain, about bust some metal ass.

It would be much easier if the whole army was individuals, but now that there are proper, regimental, guard units in the mix, getting the right repetiton and pattern, without getting boring makes it more fun.


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/16 21:16:08


Post by: CMDante


Dedication is its own reward eh?

Looking forward to pics of the new Migs pattern missile launcher.

I know what you mean about the painting, at least if its camo you can make the pattern different on each.

Cheers,

Dante


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/16 21:45:29


Post by: Necros


Wow, that Valkyrie is just beautiful. That's the look I really hope to go for when I do mine. I doubt I'll come close, but I'll try


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/17 08:23:10


Post by: migsula


17/July/09 Bouncing up and down the creative high way.

The Twins.

I love cooking. Picking up good ingredients, experimenting with the way you use and prepare them, finding the right combinations, tasting and tweaking, and then enjoying the results. Someone once asked one of the best chefs in the world, this one actually was french and not of el bulli or fat duck fame, what does it take to become a great cook. His answer was simple: taste.

Cooking is exactly like modeling. Or design. Or several things I actually like in life. What makes modeling so special, is the almost endless, constantly evolving offering of ingredients and the limitless reservoir of reference and inspiration. This combination leads to fantastic journeys in creativity, where you can start without a goal and through the process it leads to surprising results. It’s captivating and the best part in the hobby for me. Best part of this project too.

As I was working on the Heavy Weapon team, a pair of warriors very much shaped and posed by the concept of the base. I knew I wanted them hugging the cover, one looking right the other one left. I had a great ingredient - an instant pose I liked, he was to be the loader. Having decided to not use the catachan macho pack with vest bits for the Raging Bulldons, I was looking at a lot of sculpting. Basically making meatballs with a twist - but as you know this project is about bacon icecream.

I built the gunner and everything was great.

But putting together the loader made me look at the base again, to think how to make it more about right and left, looking at more of the catachan bitz I was not going to use, to think how to reinforce the concept of two men in the same situation, nothing homo sexual mind you, and the answer was simple. Twins.

One of the joys of modeling is the brilliant fabric of 40k that is so fertile as a ground of creativity, it helps direct the taste, yet allows for successful transfer of character typologies. I was a fan of G.I.JOE as a kid and Cobra had these twins Tomax and Xamot, who were affiliated with the best of the best Cobra had to offer - the Crimson Guard.

I now have the concept and can do the seasoning. There are - distant - game play considerations and might think of giving them individual bases, but somehow that would feel wrong. The reason I have chosen to explain this process is the fact tat it is so seminal to the way I work, how many times I may change direction and how the best models always surprise me.

On Sunday we have the Jade Vessel finale, withe final two and me the GM. I think the amount of bacon icecream between the 3 of us is quite something. I can hardly wait to see the latest and final updates to the player gangs and to even present a surprise from a fellow chef outside of finland.



WIP




:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/17 08:32:35


Post by: Deff Dread red Edition


I like it!I like it alot.I like the rocket launcher,looks a bit strange to me though.As for the twins,I like their posing and must ask where you got that piece of wall terrain that stands on their base?On a side note what's with the viking helmet?


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/17 11:25:59


Post by: Bloodthirster


Epic stuff Migs! I have to say out of all the work you've done this my favourite. I mean it drools character and narative good job!


:: Legion at Rhisienne :: (Artistic endeavors and musings) @ 2009/07/17 11:58:07


Post by: jamessearle0


yeah man its all lookin really nice, havae you got a side on picture of the laucher??