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Hi, quick opinion poll.

For Paradigm's April painting contest I am going to make and paint a Chapter Command Squad for the Dark Angels (ie Azrael's bodyguards). I have four of the five figures sorted in my head, but wanted a bit of Dakka input about the Standard Bearer.

I have an old metal Brother Bethor model who is relatively static and wanted to give him a power fist and shield for a few reasons:
- it makes sense that he would benefit from extra protection due to being more noticeable to the enemy
- if carrying the standard, his ability to use a long range weapon will not be as good, so he is more likely to be a close-combat fighter
- the power fist again makes more sense when he's got a banner pole in his right hand, because with a chain sword in his left hand, unless he is one of the 10% of the population (current Earth data, wouldn't want to guess the 41st millennia Imperial figures) he's going to have less control with a chainsword

See, I've put thought in to my fluff.

I want to give him a Deathwing Knight Storm Shield because it will increase his presence, rather than the more standard cross-shaped shield and it will protect him better.

Do I mount the shield on his backpack? - this would look cool in it's own way, but would not be much use in a battle because why did he bring it if it's on his back, he should have brought a gun!
Do I mount the shield in left hand and convert a power fist to have banner pole in? I prefer this option from a style perspective, but can't seem to find a right hand power fist - any suggestions?

I'm only keeping poll open for 3 days, because I need to crack on with building him.

Thanks in advance!

Personally would like to see it on his back because if done right would look bitchin

Otherwise you could always make a "FANCY" back pack banner

 Desubot wrote:
Personally would like to see it on his back because if done right would look bitchin

Otherwise you could always make a "FANCY" back pack banner

The backpack position appeals very much so will probably use in another model.

Could think about backpack banner.....


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Typical! Just found a couple of right hand power fists on eBay.

So if vote goes that way it is possible.

One's sanguinary, but may be able to mod, probably going to try and get one that's close-fisted. Will make it easier all round.

I vote on his back as well. When he gets to where he wants to fight he can just plant the flag, un-sling his shield, and dare anyone to try and come and take it. Maybe put a spike on the bottom of the pole to show it can be planted?

It's a 50:50 split so far. Ultimately it's my choice though and this is just to see what the wider audience think.

bloody thing wont left me vote! I would vote for in his hand though. Give him a lot more presence; standing there, storm shield in one hand and banner in the other, basically daring the enemy - "c'mon then ya heretical fethbags!!!"

*it let me vote afterall*

 Januine wrote:
bloody thing wont left me vote! I would vote for in his hand though. Give him a lot more presence; standing there, storm shield in one hand and banner in the other, basically daring the enemy - "c'mon then ya heretical fethbags!!!"

*it let me vote afterall*

That's the look I was going for. On his back is sort of time-worn soldier hiking across the tundra and has it there if he needs it. Not quite as dramatic.

 Januine wrote:
bloody thing wont left me vote! I would vote for in his hand though. Give him a lot more presence; standing there, storm shield in one hand and banner in the other, basically daring the enemy - "c'mon then ya heretical fethbags!!!"

*it let me vote afterall*

Seconded.

Alternatively, and depending on the base you're using (this would be best on a 32/40mm base), model the banner planted behind him (perhaps anchored in a terrain feature or an enemy corpse for maximum 'we have arrived' feel) , and have both Shield and Fist at the ready to defend it. This creates a whole scene around the mini, who!e remaining practical for gaming.

OH OH if you wanna get more fancy

get a spare "Watcher" to hold the shield. since if battle ensuing he will probably trade with the watcher to go to town.

You will probably need a 30-40m base though :/

Paradigm wrote:

 Januine wrote:
bloody thing wont left me vote! I would vote for in his hand though. Give him a lot more presence; standing there, storm shield in one hand and banner in the other, basically daring the enemy - "c'mon then ya heretical fethbags!!!"

*it let me vote afterall*

Seconded.

Alternatively, and depending on the base you're using (this would be best on a 32/40mm base), model the banner planted behind him (perhaps anchored in a terrain feature or an enemy corpse for maximum 'we have arrived' feel) , and have both Shield and Fist at the ready to defend it. This creates a whole scene around the mini, who!e remaining practical for gaming.

Desubot wrote:OH OH if you wanna get more fancy

get a spare "Watcher" to hold the shield. since if battle ensuing he will probably trade with the watcher to go to town.

You will probably need a 30-40m base though :/

My genius fellow Dakkarites! I'm very tempted by Para's suggestion. And if I magnetise the banner arm it could be used in game in hand, or in diorama (minus hand) behind him as suggested . . . (I could also make a separate banner for each standard then too). [cunning face wasn't available]



Automatically Appended Next Post:
I'm not sure I made sense there, but I have an idea, it's brewing, but I probably can't do it with the old metal brother bethor figure. It'll be too static.

Well, the poll hasn't even ended and I think I know what I'm going to TRY (important word) and do. I was already leaning to current poll leader (banner in power fist), but Paradigm's suggestion of banner being in the ground got me thinking...

Then planning....

Then drawing the plan for the diorama to display the figures (Doi! ). So at the moment it looks like the banner will be in right power fist, but removable so it can slot in to diorama behind the figure. I am toying with how to make the banner physically swappable to allow fielding of each sacred standard or chapter standard.

As I said, "going to TRY to do". Here's the diorama plan with tactical marines standing in for the command squad and Azrael. This will help me orient the bases when I make them up so they flow with the diorama.


Still really interested to hear everyone's thoughts and suggestions and I think I could still be turned to backpack mounted if given the right spark of inspiration.

Thanks again

Fascinating! It's back to a tie - it's like some sort of psychology thing

Marking this as closed. Thanks everyone for your input. Will go with winning choice as it fits with a few suggestions, but I will be backpack mounting a shield in the future definitely.

THE END