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A chapter master for my 'Blood Eagles' chapter. In my background they hail from a world also inhabited by giant eagles. If the space wolves can domesticate their local fauna, then why not us? He is going to be used as Mephiston in games. I'd really like to hear any thoughts, questions or C+C on any aspects of the model. Thanks for looking!

Well... This is creative.

Other than that. You may run into problems using him as Mephiston. Given that you are using a huge model on a 40mm base.

Surely the fact that he's a huge model only disadvantages me? You can hide mephiston behind a tank whereas this I think I might struggle with! Surely it would be acceptable to mount a mephiston model on a 40mm base, just as you could with other characters?

Why not just use the Mephiston model in the game and kep this guy as a display-board centerpiece? Or use it as a counts-as landspeeder or dreadnought?

Foreigners, they just don't get the awesome. Well done old bean

In any friendly/casual game, I can't see you running into any problems using him as Mephiston: as you've said, this model will no longer benefit from Meph's greatest advantage, his small size (can't shoot what you can't see). Also, his Thunderchicken is very pretty, and as anyone who knows me will tell you, I do loves me some pretty chickens.

"There are no wolves on Fenris."


they aren't the local fauna, they are mutated space marines. There is canine in the gene seed of the sons of Russ.

I love it, and I admire the courage it must have taken to put so much effort into something that some people might complain about on the table. And anyone who does complain has forgotten the point of this hobby; to put awesome looking armies on the table.

I do have a minor point though: the Chapter Master himself is looking very plain compared to most Captains and Chapter Masters. Not that I would complain about that in general; I'm quite happy with the idea of captains who don't feel the need to wear all their medals and capes and things on the battlefield, but in this case I think some extra decoration would have been justified.

Having said that the model is well painted; the Eagle's feathers especially look brilliant, with the rows of blending along the wings!

Nice man. The eagle looks boss.

DoomMouse wrote:Surely the fact that he's a huge model only disadvantages me? You can hide mephiston behind a tank whereas this I think I might struggle with! Surely it would be acceptable to mount a mephiston model on a 40mm base, just as you could with other characters?

I haven't said that it wouldn't be acceptable.
I am very tolerant towards "rule of cool" models.
All I wanted to point out is that in my experience Mephiston is a number one threat to most of my opponents, and since he has no invulnerable save he heavily relies on cover saves.
Using a huge monster on a large base is a disadvantage.... I think there is no debate about that.

Rule of cool still applies. So have fun with your chief librarian and his giant ass eagle mount. ^^

Very neat looking. I would have gone with a 2 headed eagle personally, but this one looks pretty slick.

When I saw the title of this I just thought OH GOD...

But this is really impressive!

I like it. He does look like he is in huge danger of falling off though.

Thanks very much for so much positive feedback, everyone! Wasn't too sure how well this would be received : P

@DIDM - I meant thunderwolves cavalry. As far as I know, they aren't space marines... are they?

@Soul Samurai - I can see what you mean about the fact that he's a little plain. I might add some more freehand to him on the shin guards and the cloak. Maybe another purity seal or two. Thanks very much for noticing the wings. That blending took a crazily long time!

@More Dakka - Lol, that would be cool, but I think if it had two heads I would have even more explaining to do when I produced the model for a game!

@carlos - I think he may need some leg straps to hold him on. He does look a little precarious up there!

The chapter master's name is Arvon Greysky, but I havn't thought up a name for the eagle yet. If anyone wants a go at naming an eagle, I'm looking forward to suggestions!

DIDM wrote:"There are no wolves on Fenris."


they aren't the local fauna, they are mutated space marines. There is canine in the gene seed of the sons of Russ.

That's never been completly proved and there are several other theories.
That just happens to be the stupidest one...

OP-Nice work...
You may have problems at Tournaments but i'd let you play it

The eagle is amazing.

I would suggest give him a bit of decor. I would also lose the Plasma Pistol and change his hand so he's holding some reins or a harness of some sort. Great work so far though

While I like both the idea and the execution, particularly the base, the model seems a tad off, perhaps the space marine is a tad too far forward on the eagle, don't see how you could slide him back without the wings getting in the way. That is all the advice I can really give. Anyway, great job, cool idea.

I can't decide how i really feel about this...i like the idea, but i can't completely get behind the execution. The marine looks too big for the the eagle.

The painting on the eagle is great, especially the wings. The base is nice too, but i do think that by comparison, the marine himself falls a little short. He doesn't really stand out, despite being red on a white bird. It took a few looks to find that white cape on the white bird with the white background.

The idea was there and the painting did come out nicely for the most part. I do say good job though, since you did in fact do a good job.

Thanks everyone - you've given me a fair bit to think about. Particularly about what changes to make should I ever feel the urge to model another space marine riding an eagle

I think I need to keep the plasma pistol - partly because I don't trus myself to be able to sculpt convincing reigns!

So the general consensus is to jazz up the rider a little. Does anyone have any suggestions, or shall I just look through my box of spares and do a little more freehand?

I'll just do a bit of freehand then!

DoomMouse wrote:The chapter master's name is Arvon Greysky, but I havn't thought up a name for the eagle yet. If anyone wants a go at naming an eagle, I'm looking forward to suggestions!

Steve!

Seriously though, QT McWhiskers.

Although sir, that is awesome to a degree that makes my eyes water.

A million internet cookies to you!

Although both Steve and QT McWhiskers are very good, something automatonsleuth said gives me an idea

automatonsleuth wrote:In any friendly/casual game, I can't see you running into any problems using him as Mephiston: as you've said, this model will no longer benefit from Meph's greatest advantage, his small size (can't shoot what you can't see). Also, his Thunderchicken is very pretty, and as anyone who knows me will tell you, I do loves me some pretty chickens.

I officially name this eagle 'Thunderbird' : )

And thankyou very much Mr Blap. That's my second favorite type of cookie, right after genuine edible ones.

It reminds me of when i jumped on my dog as a kid and he panicked and would start running

lol, what sort of dog was he? I assume he was quite big! I think my next project will have to be a marine riding a massive dog... oh wait they have those

To be honest I wasnt expecting much when I clicked on this. But when I saw it...damn thats sweet. I wouldnt care what he was played as, you can use him in a game against me lol. Well done!

Thank you very much sir, maybe the capitalisation of the words GIANT EAGLE don't really lend themselves to subtlety

More Dakka wrote: I would have gone with a 2 headed eagle personally

+1

Agreed.

I would have no issue with you using this if we played.

I suppose it would be almost easy to convert one with that new WH griffon kit out!

Physically awkward. I like it, but I think using something in non-PA would have fit a little better. Love the creativity though!