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Human cannon ball?

Fantastic! The crew are so characterfull buddy and i love the way you apply the 8 pointed star, like its been crudely dabbed on by hand. Fantastic. Any chance of getting an up to date army shot of your Traitor Guard?

Great work! I love the loader, especially! Super unique use of bits on that one

Two points of CC: I think the other crewmember in the back could use a bit of chaos-i-fying, and I'd trim off the bones and such from your flag (looks strange sticking out like that )

Keep up the great work!
Rawson

That tank is mean!!

Thanks a lot, people!

@ Biohazard: Don't worry, an updated army shot is coming pretty soon!

@ Rawson: Two valid points, mate. Concerning the loading crew, I didn't want to overdo it with the "creepy crawly" stuff on the basis that I wanted these guys to look like they were still able to actually do their job That said, I should probably have used one of the heads from the Chaos Cultists on the kneeling guy -- unfortunately, Dark Vengeance wasn't released yet when I converted these...
As for the bones: I love the design of that standard too much to change anything about it. Physics be damned!

Right, on to our next update!

With the new Codex Chaos Space Marines and FW’s first Horus Heresy book doubtlessly paramount on people’s minds, let’s not forget all the great models left in the Dark Vengeance box! I am still happily cutting and painting my way through these, as you’ll see for yourself in a minute:

First up, some more cultists:







Quite a straightforward paintjob on the guy with the big gun. As you can see, I added some chaos iconography to the model’s apron. I also think the backpack with the tools dangling from it is a very nice touch! I painted these to look rusty and used:



Next up, a model whose design quite closely resembles the FW Vraksian Renegade Militia models, if you ask me:







I went for the dark grey fatigues typical of my Traitor Guard. The skin portions gave me the opportunity to add some contrast, and the rebreather unit on the model’s back offered a nice chance of adding some rust and grime.



And finally, the third cultist I painted:









While this guy would make a convincing Cawdor ganger for Necromunda, I somehow like him quite a bit less than the other cultists. Maybe it has got something to do with his rather unimpressive “potatoe on a lenght of string” weapon? I’m not sure… The dog tags around his neck are definitely a nice touch, though! I also added some blood to make the weapon look at least halfway presentable

Anyway, with that, I had painted one model of each of the different designs from the starter box. Along with the traitorous commissar I posted earlier, here's the entire first squad:



I quite like the overall impression: They still look like a ragtag bunch, but the limited colour palette and unified basing nicely tie them together as a squad (and, hopefully, with the rest of my Traitor Guard as well).



For the second half of the cultists, I’ll be doing a number of smaller conversions to add a little additional variety: Exchange some heads, add a banner pole, use a couple of additional bitz,…

Here’s an initial impression:



On a related note, the Helbrute’s also still standing on my desk, daring me to start painting it: I guess it won’t be too long now…

Anyway, thanks for looking! C&C always welcome!

Man, flagellent heads are going to be popular in this conversion. They fit so well with the theme.

I really like where you are with the cultists. They are very solid!

They look fantastic together! Like you said, ramshackle, yet somehow unified. Wonderful job.

 Biohazard wrote:
Not a problem on the head, I knew you'd be able to put it to good use.

As for earplugs! The only people who like to listen to stuff are the whoresons of Fulgrim! Pink wearing pansies! You don't need ears to blow stuff up in the name of the Blood God.

Those pink wearing pansies are gonna blow you into bloody chunks with THE POWER OF ROCK. And orgasm when you stick a chainaxe in them Pansies? I think not.

Thanks a lot, guys!

@ Biohazard & Squigsquasher: Whoa, whoa, people! No trash talking in my thread!

Damn, those are some fine Cultists. I can tell that ya put work into every lowly, mutant worthless Cultist. Most people would just get 'em all done quick and dirty, but you really made 'em look quite nice.

I love all of your collection dude!

Lovely cultists.

Thanks a lot, guys!

Some time ago, my cousin Andy gave me the WFB Chaos Lord on Manticore for my birthday, which was quite an excellent present, since it’s one of those kits that I was always drawn to but would probably never have purchased myself. Because, no matter how you cut it, there’s not that much use for a Manticore in a 40k army in the first place. But while I am still figuring out a use for the beast in question (trust me, I have a couple of ideas…), the kit is very much worth it for the rider bits alone:

You see, the kit comes with enough parts to build two riders for the Manticore: one heavily armoured Chaos Lord and an equally imposing (and quite menacing) Chaos Sorcerer, both with several weapon and head options. While I immediately squirreled away the Chaos Lord for a conversion involving a juggernaut (which you’ll be seeing on this blog sooner rather than later, especially since lords on juggers are so very useful now), the sorcerer was somewhat less essential to me: As you may have gathered, Khorne isn’t too down with that whole psyker thing…

The obvious solution was to make the sorcerer into a member of my Traitor Guard. Already having built a Company Commander and Lord Commissar for my traitors, it was high time to add a traitorous Primaris Pskyer as well.

For this conversion, I took a page from OST’s sorcerer conversion that he did for his Iron Warriors. I was quite inspired by that model, and so I sat down to build my own chaotic Psyker. Take a look:









As you can see, the basic conversion is very similar to OST’s sorcerer, although I made a few small changes: First of all, I didn’t use the chain cloak on the model since I wanted to keep it for a World Eaters conversion (The new Horus Heresy book also tells us that chains do play quite a big role in the World Eaters’ iconography, so that decision turned out to be spot-on). I also wanted the sorcerer to look like he was just about to unleash the powers of the Warp, so I posed his left hand to reflect that. Most of the other parts are directly from the original kit, with only some bits and bobs added to “40k-ify” the model a bit.



The rock formation on the base came from the Chaos Lord in Terminator armour. I added half an old WFB skeleton for some additional flavour. I also wanted to make it look like the model was floating, so I used some deft gluing to create that illusion. Take a look:



When it came to painting the model, I made sure to have the colours fit the rest of my Traitor Guard. I also added the trademark crude chaos symbols to the model’s cloak. Overall, the paintjob is a bit cleaner and less ragtag though, in order to make the model look more dignified and regal.



I really think these bitz are some of the best GW has ever put out: Just look at that menacing facemask. Brilliant!

To show how the sorcerer is channeling the powers of the Warp, I added simple OSL effects to the runes all over his equipment as well as to the open palm of his left hand:



The hand was more of a spontaneous idea, but I think it really works.

As for the potential uses of this model, the most obvious role it could play would be that of a Primaris Psyker. However, given the model’s imposing frame, I think it could work reasonably well as a CSM Sorcerer as well. And finally, it may even serve double-duty as a cult leader in games of INQ28 as well: As a matter of fact, this guy looks so cool together with the Dark Vengeance cultists that I am considering adding on of the small, cog-like chaos icons worn by them to this model to tie them together even more.

As with the rest of my Traitor Guard, there’s very little background in place at this point. However, the myterious and menacing nature of the model makes me think that this sorcerer may have been instrumental in the original regiment’s fall to the Ruinous Powers. Hmm….



Anyway, let me know what you think! As always, thanks for looking and stay tuned for more!

*Rolls tongue up off the floor*

Again I check in on this thread and the work is off the chain absolutely amazing I am preticularly loving that traitor guard sorceror floating along in all his malign malice dealing out death the selection of champions as well serve as a source of inspiration for all chaos players.

I shared your thread on Facebook the other day and my Wargamer friends were impressed very impressed and today seeing as I have cash I shall be cracking on with my own Warband ideas and inspiration flowing.

Keep the good work going Kraut I have a feeling when I check in next there will be more surprises and dark wonders and forbidden temptations.

I really like your cultists, Kraut, but the sorceror looks more then impressive! I love that model. The pose, how his feet don't touch the ground, the hand... awesome!

All of this stuff is awesome, every photo gets more and more impressive.

I was just wondering if you could tell me what your recipe was for the reds you use, as it looks amazing and would be very beneficial to my Bezerkers

Thanks for any advice and keep up the simply outstanding work you are doing brother!

I love the way he is floating like he is possessed

Kraut, I was never a big fan of the world eaters or Khorne himself BUT these World Eaters are just a whole new load of awesomnes

Ahh pants - I was just ordering some bits to be able to make some rather nice, rotting inwards, skinny Plague Marines, thinking the idea was original and here I see it down before me! Big big pants! Even worse, is you've done better than I ever could! In all seriousness though, the entire blog looks great and can't wait to see more!

Just hoping for no more Plague Marines... hehe

Great job on the sorcerer! I think that is my favorite one yet!

Whoa, thanks a lot, people! Glad you like the sorcerer!

@ Rysaer: No problem! I usually use two recipes for red: Both start out with a basecoat of GW Mechrite Red which is then washed with GW Devlan Mud (or, failing that, Agrax Earthshade).

For the more crimson look of my Traitor Guard, I then add a coat of GW Red Gore.

For the more bloody colour of my World Eaters, I add a lslightly thinned, thin coat of GW Blood Red. Done

@ Pluxtheduck: First of all, don't feel discouraged! It's always easier to steal great ideas from interesting threads and make them all the more awesome on your own models That said, there's but a single Plague Marine in this thread, so you may have the wrong thread to begin with, mate. You may be talking about GuitaRasmus' thread -- that's the one with all the jaw-dropping Nurgle goodness

WHOA! The Sorceror is awesome mate, excellent work.

EDIT Just read Squigsquasher's reply

That guy is awesome, for the cultists, maybe you could try swapping arms for extra variety

Thanks for that Kraut, I'll give it a go.

Keep up the stellar work!

@ Big Boss Grimbad: Indeed, that's what I am planning to do! Just switched a lot of weapons and heads around yesterday to make my cultists look as different as possible More on this as it develops.

@ Rysaer: You're welcome!


Right, after all the side projects, it’s finally time for a true World Eaters model again. Like many other chaos players, the release of the new codex has given me all kinds of ideas for additions to my army (more on those soon). For starters, let’s take a look at another officer of the 4th assault company!

I already told you that I quite enjoy building champions and characters for my different armies. And one of my favourite resources when doing so is the Chaos Lord in Terminator armour, a kit that comes with lots and lots of options and offers quite a bit of bang for the buck. I’ve already used the kit to buy several models, so when I received yet another as a gift quite some time ago, I was quick to get to work.

I didn’t want to repeat myself too much, though, so I thought about how I could differentiate the model from the last character in Terminator armour I had built. Here’s the result:







As you can see, the eye is instantly drawn to the model’s enormous axe — quite fitting for a servant of Khorne, I think! The weapon was built by combining a Minotaur axe head with the staff from the Chaos Lord kit. For the other hand, I decided to use a Lightning claw for no other reason than the “Rule of Cool”. Funnily enough, the model’s equipment could be almost called legal (if not very sensible) in the new edition. The axe could also probably work as an Axe of Blinding Fury from the new codex. The lightning claw came from the Space Wolves Terminators, by the way.

Most of the other parts are straight from the Chaos Lord kit, although I made a number of small changes. Chief among these is the addition of a Bloodletter “facemask” to the model’s breastplate: This came about due to my desire to come up with a somewhat more ornate armour for the model and was partly inspired by the design of Lord Nemeroth (the villain of the Space Marine video game) and by this older Chaos Lord in Terminator armour (I’ll still need to buy that one one of these days…).

I also added a cool chain with skulls and bones as well as a SW shoulder pad covered in fur to make the model look more like a hunter. With some final bitz and bobs, the model was finished.

When painting this guy, I went for my usual formula of red and bronze, with a very pale skin for contrast. I decided to paint the lightning claw in turquoise and add slight glow to the rune on the axe, in order to add some pop to the model. Here’s what I ended up with:









I have to say that I am pretty pleased with how the paintjob turned out. Here’s a couple of additional detail shots:



Shaving the Space Wolves iconography off the Lightning Claw left it looking a little barren. So I added a small icon of Khorne and another suitably chaotic pendant for decoration. I think it makes sense that a millennia old veteran of the Long War should wear all kinds of talismans and trinkets like that.



Here’s a look at the glowing rune on the axe head. I have to admit I am not 100% satisfied with the effect yet, so I may have to go back and touch up this particular part.



I added a damaged Space Marine helmet from the 40k basing set to the model’s base as a small detail. Adding some weathering and a spot of Tamiya Clear Red to the helmet made it clear that its owner hadn’t given it up willingly…



And with that, the model was complete. I rather like this guy’s composition: He looks pretty brutal and powerful, yet where Huntmaster Isgarad’s pose is aggressive and dynamic, this guy’s rather relaxed pose is menacing in a “Let them come!” kind of way. And although adding the huge axe was really a spur of the moment idea, seeing the finished model made me think about what the model’s story was…



Huntmaster Torus, Taker of Skulls

Zegram Torus is an officer of Khorne’s Eternal Hunt, yet he does not command an arm of the company. A silent and solitary figure among his brethren, his task is more grim than any other, for he serves the 4th assault company as a Headsman. His work is twofold: He takes the heads of those legionaries who fall in battle, making sure their passage into Khorne’s own realm is paid. But he also hunts down those who have drawn the company’s ire: Traitors, cowards and tricksters — those beyond contempt and undeserving of an honourable death. Torus comes for them, and their lives are ended by the razor-sharp edge of his giant axe, Strafe.
Torus seldom speaks, and it is said that to hear his voice is to be close to death. His grim presence fills even his own brethren with unease. But his task is a necessary one and those whose heads he takes deserve their punishment.



As always, thanks for looking and stay tuned for more!

We need to get new friends. Lol Ive been pondering a Headsman literally the past few days, mine will be power armoured though. Torus is look good buddy, Ive never tried the glowing effect before so Im not sure how to fix the axe? Maybe a thin wash of asurmen blue in the detail?

That is cool!

That dude rules, KrautScientist! I'm just not sure if his axe is big enough.

Thanks a lot, guys!

@ Biohazard: Don't worry, buddy: I know how you feel! It used to be that way with me too, when GuitaRasmus would routinely build models following exactly the same concepts I had come up with. To make matters even worse, his were always light years cooler than mine Still, when you're building guys spilling bloods with huge axes, you probably automatically arrive at the whole Headsman idea sooner or later -- so not to worry

@ Moltar: Well, that was the biggest axe I had lying around, mate. It'll have to do

Since Biohazard recently asked for an army shot of my Traitor Guard, let's oblige him :

Some time ago, I showcased all the World Eaters I had yet managed to paint on this blog. Today, I would like to do the same with my ever-growing detachment of Traitor Guard. This will serve two purposes: It will give me an excuse to show you all some pretty pictures, while it will also provide me with a way of collecting my thoughts on this army so far and to develop a couple of ideas about what’s next. If you are a regular reader of this plog, much of this will be familiar to you, but please bear with me ;-)

So let’s start off with a little family portrait. That’s my detachment of Traitor Guard so far:



Not bad for something that I only started to keep me amused from a conversion standpoint, don’t you think? Incidentally, the history of my Traitor Guard is full of strange coincidences: Back when I started them, there was basically no way to legally use them: The “Lost and the Damned” army list from Codex: Eye of Terror was, by that point, terribly outdated, and the 5th edition rules did not allow for allies. Granted, I could simply have used them as straight up Imperial Guard, but I didn’t want these guys to turn into a full scale second army, but rather into a force that could complement my World Eaters or be used in far smaller games. Still, I kept plugging away at them, and the army grew…



Everything started with this company/platoon command squad I built: One traitor for each of the combat roles. From left to right: Medic, standard bearer, commander, veteran with Plasmagun and veteran with Voxcaster. I also added a Rogue Psyker.



Next came my regular traitors, kitbashed from Cadians and WFB Chaos Marauders. Another squad of these has already been built, but I yet have to paint them.



Then, of course, my Traitor Ogryns: These guys were enormous fun to build and paint, and I think I managed to come up with quite a characterful unit there. Depending on the army list used, these could be played as regular Ogryns, Ogryn berserkers (from the Vrakisan Renegade Militia list), Big Mutants (from the old LNTD list) or possibly even as Chaos Spawn (when used in a CSM army).

I also built some characters for the army of course:



First up, Lord Urash, commander of the Marauders for now — until I come up with an even better model or he is usurped by one of his followers…



Then a champion with an obvious Nurglite bent, to be joined by a fittingly pestilent squad of traitors, one of these days…



A champion of Khorne, who makes a great traitor commander even now, but could end up leading a squad of beastmen or something similarily brutal at some point.



As you’ll recall, I also built a rogue Primaris Psyker, to add a little magical Oomph to the army. He could also do double duty as a champion of Tzeentch, to balance out the other two guys…



And finally, a renegade Lord Commissar, converted from a Dark Vengeance cultist leader — the opportunity was simply too good to pass up!

This army also marked my first foray into the wonderful (?) world of tanks: I built and painted a Basilisk that had been captured by the traitors:



Quite a challenge for me, although I am pretty happy with the result!

And so, that’s the current state of the army. All of the above assembled for a family portrait looks like this:



Again, I am quite awestruck at the amount of models I managed to convert and paint, seeing how this was basically intended as a “just for fun” project! I also think the different parts of the army work together rather nicely, from a visual standpoint. The army is still pretty small, though: All that you can see above will add up to about 750 points tops. It’s also quite possibly a case of style over substance: I only included what I liked, so I have no idea how these guys would perform on the table.

But that’s beside the point: My Traitor Guard will probably mostly come in handy to bolster the ranks of my World Eaters and to add a little extra flavour in bigger games. And since several of the units could also conceivably be used as selections from Codex: Chaos Space Marines (traitors as cultists and Ogryns as Chaos Spawn, for example), it doesn’t matter that the army is as small as it is. After all, it’ll never become a classic IG gunline army, I can promise you that much…

You might have noticed that the Lord Commissar is conspicuously absent from the picture above: That’s because he has been busy assembling a little retinue of his own:



Of course the release of the new cultist models was really a godsend for my Traitor Guard: I chose to paint them all in matching colours. So even though they are looking like a rather ragtag bunch, they still read as a unified force and tie together with the rest of my Traitor Guard pretty well, as you can see.

So all in all, I feel that the time and money have been well spent on this little endeavour: I ended up with a force that was a blast to build and paint, plus I can use them in multiple ways, either as a part of my main 40k army, or on their own in smaller games. Some of the models could also make pretty convincing cameos in games of INQ28 or Necromunda (The Primaris Psyker and chaos cultists come to mind…).

So what’s on the horizon for Urash’s Marauders? I already told you that another squad of traitors is ready for painting. And I am currently working on the second squad of cultists from the Dark Vengeance box (expect some pictures of the conversions very soon…). That will give me about twenty more models to add to the force.

I also have a couple of leftover horses and riders from the WFB Marauder Horsemen in my bitzbox, so I may just end up building a squad of Rough Riders — to be perfectly honest, I am already dryfitting parts…

Beyond that, a squad of followers for the Nurgle champ could be interesting. Or some beastmen to be led by the Khorne guy. And what about Slaanesh? I may have to add another champion, to round things out. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll go and add a Valkyrie to the army one day. Not for the combat effectiveness, mind you: I just think that it’s a gorgeous model that would look great in my Traitor Guard colour scheme ;-)

Whatever will be next, though, the great part about this army is that it gives me lots of room for experimentation. And whenever I get tired of painting power armour (as every Marine player is wont to, from time to time), it’s always there to offer a nice change of pace.

If you want to know more about how this army was assembled, the different posts on Urash’s Marauders can be found here. I’d also love to hear your opinion on the army so far, so drop me comment!

As always, thanks for looking and stay tuned for more!