Preface

This is a project I have longed to do for quite some time but have never got around to doing - until now!

Following on from the disappointing showing my blood pact entry made at Conflict Scotland, I decided to look for a project that I could really "sink my teeth into", so to speak, and that would allow for a great element of creativity while still being able to draw inspiration from artwork and descriptive information. It wasn't long before the idea of creating a small Genestealer Cult caught my eye again.

Ever since I first poured over the artwork in the original Space Hulk, Genestealer and Deathwing, I was hooked on how cool the Genestealer cult looked. A couple of pieces of artwork in particular really inspired me:




The idea of an insidious group, eating away at the politcal core of a planet and infesting the populous in advance of a full scale invasion was just too great to pass up. The original depth of information available on the cult was also massively inspirational (more can be found here).

Further Inspiration and Background

A fairly lengthy trawl of the internet for more information and artwork turned up some info I was already aware of but didn't have handy, and some new artwork that further inspired me:

Cult Background

Purii - Purii are the most recognisable kind of Genestealers and one of them starts the infection cycle. They can infect members of other species through an ovipositor for genetic material located within their tongue. As the infection and infiltration spreads, the first genestealer takes the role of Patriarch and often grows larger than a typical Purii specimen.

Contagii - Infection Generation - Are the "hosts", members of another species, that have been infected by the "Kiss of the Purii". This causes them to forget the circumstances and the infection itself. As they return to their own societies they begin to have an urgent need to find a mate and to begin a family. The mate also becomes a Contagii. The Contagii are physically indistinguishable from other members of the species, making them the perfect infiltrators. The infection makes them fanatically loyal to their offspring, and to their Patriarch, which typically will re-enter their life all too soon.

Maelignaci - 1st Generation - As the contagii mate, the genetic material they were infected with passes onto their offspring. The maelignaci are very alike pure Genestealera, possessing many times 3 or even 4 arms. However they are unable to use their host species technology or weaponry. Within the cult they generally regarded as expendable shock troops. They are very clumsy and slow.

Hybrid - 2nd Generation - The offspring of the maelignaci bear more resemblance to their host species. However no one would be fooled, and they are also unable to use technology.

True Hybrid - 3rd Generation - The members of this generation could be mistaken for a member of their host species if they wear disguising clothes, or appear in shaded areas, etc. Some of them are capable of using weapons of their host species.

Primacii - 4th Generation - The Primacii are indistinguishable from members of their host species. Still many sport some tell-tale: many are bald, or something else. Their loyalty always lies with the Genestealer cult. Some rare individuals of this generation have psychic powers and take an important role within the cult as a Genestealer Magus.

Purii - 5th Generation - Paradoxically, the Genestealers DNA reemerges and the cycle can begin anew, as new Genestealers have the potential to become new Patriarchs in other worlds.

Inspirational Art



My Aims For The Project

With this project, I really want to get away from the typical approach to modelling the cult. Not that there is anything wrong with this approach (typically guardsmen with head and leg swaps etc), but I want to make my cult less of an organised military unit and more "civilians with claws!". Yes some of the "True Hybrids" will be armed but I don't want such a unified appearance.

I plan to make (at least initially) a group of 6-8. This group will be made up of possibly 1 Maelignaci, 2 Hybrids, 1-2 True Hybrids, a Magus and a Patriarch.

Since the group will represent the early stages of a cult, the Patriarch will not be fully grown, bigger than a Purii stealer, but not massive.




Obviously while still just a mock up, the pose is pretty much there. The blue stealer arm is from the original Space Hulk stealers but will not be used on the final mini due to being too big and lacking detail, just added it here for completeness of the pose. I will probably sculpt my own stealer arm unless anyone knows if the new stealers are a bit thinner and smaller?

The ghoul arms will be trimmed of all bones, scars etc. Not sure whether to put a stub pistol in the right hand or leave it as is, will see how it goes once I start getting into it. The legs will have trousers sculpted and boots added over the feet. Tempted to sculpt the odd ribbed hood thing on as well but want to leave the back exposed to show the mutating of the spine etc. Hard to picture I know but hopefully it will become a bit clearer down the line.

Ideas and discussion would be welcome, at the moment I'm still trying to really pin down some of the ideas.

Cheers,

Dante

Dammit! I was writing a reply and then my computer went weird on me! :(

Ok, my suggestion is to sculpt the Genestealer limbs yourself, problem is that the existing Tyranid bits look too large compared to the bodies.

I assume the model you are working on now is likely a 1st or 2nd generation hybrid, making them more feral. The crawling idea is good, the figure would be savage, running on all fours, jump and devour it's prey. However, I do think they are too crude/primitive/animalistic to carry around weapons. I guess the first generation would be too savage to even carry knives. The second generation would probably carry knives and close combat weapons. The 3rd generation are more human and could thus carry pistols and more complex gear (give them armour that kind of looks like the Genestealer body, as in that they try to emulate their Patriarch).

Wow - how 28 Days! Very nice.

Nice.

I also think it looks a little bit too large.
There is some nice inspiration in For the Emperor, a Commissar Cain novel, for these guys.

Oooh, Dante does Hybrids, this is going to be good!

I'll be keeping a close eye on this. I've got plans to do some hybrids myself sometime in the future. This will certainly provide plenty of ideas...

Looking very cool mate!

I'm also firmly in the campground of "sculpting your own stealer arms", over by the "no stubgun required" picnic table.

I'd also not worry about hoods or anything that'll obscure your mutating back piece.

Cheers
Dave

Thanks for the comments guys.

@ Malika - Thanks for the additional info. I think you (and others) are probably right about the weapons issue. The only reason I was considering adding one was to reinforce the 40k nature.

@ Death By Monkeys - Yeah, I suppose it is quite similar in terms of the feral look. At the moment he does just look like a ghoul with a weird stealer arm but I intend to change that as he progresses. I want to make it practically impossible to tell that he started as a ghoul by the end.

@ Org - Thanks for the pointer, will check it out. Are the Cain books any good? I'm quite fussy about the writing style I like in GW books, mainly sticking to Dan Abnett and a few Graham McNeill books.

@ Modhail - Ah, now all the other underground members of the genestealer cult are uniting! I think anyone who played the original and 2nd release of Space Hulk secretly harbours a desire to make some.

@ dave - Thanks mate, yeah I think you are right on both accounts though I do think I will do some type of collar/hood thing just around the neck and over the shoulders. It's too integral a part of what hybrids were in my mind not to.

Cheers,

Dante

I'm currently rereading my Omnibus edition of the Cain series. I'd say they are GW's best. Grim Dark sardonic humour an aspect of the 40K universe which has been neglected over the years. The characterisation in my opinion is better than in Dan Abnett all the main characters feel real. I especially like the almost Rincewind nature of Cain (A coward who however much he trys to avoid trouble keeps running into it). If you enjoy Blackadder you'll probably like the Cain books. The model is awesome, would Gaunt arms produce a slimmer feel for the model? I especially like the fact he isn't standing upright like 99% of the models you see.

Llamahead wrote:I'm currently rereading my Omnibus edition of the Cain series. I'd say they are GW's best. Grim Dark sardonic humour an aspect of the 40K universe which has been neglected over the years. The characterisation in my opinion is better than in Dan Abnett all the main characters feel real. I especially like the almost Rincewind nature of Cain (A coward who however much he trys to avoid trouble keeps running into it). If you enjoy Blackadder you'll probably like the Cain books. The model is awesome, would Gaunt arms produce a slimmer feel for the model? I especially like the fact he isn't standing upright like 99% of the models you see.

Totally agree. Cain and Gaunt novels are good.

He has a model?
I know Gaunt does, but does Cain?

EDIT:Also, I have heard a remake of Space Hulk is coming out.

@ Lamahead - Cheers mate, that sealed the deal for me and I bought the omnibus.

Don't really think gaunt arms would work with what I'm going for here. As usual my mind has overtaken my hands and has gone into "whole squad!" mode so I'm currently pulling together various bits and pieces for the project....more will be revealed soon!

@Org - I think he was talking about my mock up mini. As far as I'm aware there is no official mini for cain (though the new commissar mini for IG looks a lot like him!).

Yes, the news of the new Space Hulk is partly responsible for kick starting this idea!

Have been doing the rough gap filling GS work on the mock up lately so hopefully have something productive to show for it later.

Cheers,

Dante

On my hybrids, I ended up using the new genestealer figures arm. I cut the shoulder away to make it shorter and shaved the arm a lot thinner. I think it works on the ghoul after that. The claw part is still a little on the large side, but what weapon in 40K isn't?

So I think you could make the stealer arm to work.

Love the feral pose!

I always feel a littel funny inside when I see the blue genestealers.

...aawwww.

Dante, killer work. I miss GS hybrids man, it's a real shame we don't get them any more.

Can't wait to see how this pans out. Maybe use some scything talons as well as 'stealer arms?
I'd love to see some big ol' knives in their hands too!

Yeah, the new commissar reminds me of him, just needs a chainsword.



Are you going to give some weapons(other than claws)?

By the way...you do know that you're going to have to build a Cult Limo right?

@ Hammer - Ta mate, been looking over your work again recently for some ideas. I have ordered some new stealers up, will see if I can make their arms work and if not might just sculpt my own.

@ Tek - Lol, I know what you mean! Rest assured, some of the group will be armed. I plan to do a few from various generations, will cover this more tomorrow.

@ Org - Yep, as above, some will be armed. My stockpile of necromunda weapons will come in handy!

@ Malika - Lol, afraid not mate, I already have the "scene" for this group planned out in my head. Need to sketch it out and refine it but I'm really excited about this one!

More soon!

Cheers,

Dante

According to the old Space Hulk artwork the cults had their own aesthetic when it came to weapons and such, kind of similar to how Chaos is all spiky, the Genestealer Cults kind of had this baroque/gargoyle/giger kind of vibe going on. Especially their heavy weapons.

What are you planning for these critters anyway?

Yep, not keen on making their weapons like that, instead I'll follow the image I posted at the start of the thread - stub guns and autoguns!

I have a group of about 6+ planned - 3-4 hybrids, 1 magus and 1 patriarch. A brood brother might make the mix too, we'll see.

Will post more on my thoughts for this tomorrow.

Cheers,

Dante

I would say another weapon, but that would spoil part of the book.

Edited and altered initial post to include new info.

Woo, my parts for the Magus conversion arrived sooner than expected so I've been working on getting the base mini to a suitable state before sculpting begins:



Also, I've been bulking out the legs of the hybrid a bit too.

Off to start GSing the Magus.

Cheers,

Dante

I like your minis and I'm looking forward to see the final hybrid.

Will the cult used for =I=munda?

Very nice work so far.... really inspirational...

you still thinking of doing some of the ribbed vac-suit style clothing? To me they are one of the most iconic elements of the genestealer hybrid models + artwork...

i really am starting to regret selling all my metal hybrid models on ebay before xmas

Yep, I totally agree that the ribbed clothing is key to the hybrid look so all will be getting it in some form.

Also looking at how to make the oval collar thing for the magus.

Cheers,

Dante

Wow i actually never noticed the potential of the air caste pilots before for such a project, until you asked for them n i digged mine up haha,

really cant wait for these to be finished

all the best
Wolf

Some progress for this evening. Begun to put the base shape for the nose on the face and also begun doing the under robes. Hope to finish the face off tomorrow and do some more on the robes.

Also, not sure if anyone has noticed but the hands had a fair bit of cutting work done to remove the items held in each. Very pleased with the left hand in particular with I managed to keep all the fingers intact on and reshape using a scalpel and files alone. Did cut the hell out of one of my fingers doing it though!

More tomorrow.

Cheers,

Dante

Wow what a great start, and lots of progress all ready. It seems like you're really hyped for this, and it looks awesome so far.

I like the work on the Hybrids legs/boots, I'd like to see what you did around the waste if you have time when you're next taking pictures!

Maybe this is getting a bit far ahead, but have you thought about the colour scheme? Blue and Purple are quite representative of the Cult. But then again, that's because at the time all Genestealers were only those colours too. Perhaps a modern and gritty interpretation of the cult, rather than something so garish, would look better? I'm interested in what you decide.

Also I morn for the Blood Pact if they have been put on hiatus. Is it indefinite? Or will you be working on them again in the future?

Anyway, fantastic start! Can't wait to see more!

This looks very interesting. Reinventing the cultists is sorely needed, and you are doing a very good job of it.

I am really excited to see how that magus turns out, I really like the elongated proportions on that model and I never could really find a use for it. It looks like you are off to a good start on both models, cant wait for more!

Thanks for the replies folks!

@ Bottle - Cheers mate, I sure am hyped for this .

I haven't actually done any of the surface GS detail yet, just the bulk shaping at the moment. I will be doing an up-to-date, gritty/realistic take on the original scheme. I loved the old dark blue and purple/pink scheme so it will defo be staying, just in a less cartoony look.

The blood pact aren't totally dead, just on hold again for a bit.

@ Mellon - Thanks man.

@ VonStreusel - Ta, a couple of reasons I chose that Tau model were:

- The tall, thin proportions.
- The face - perfect for an aloof magus!
- The arms - they have a sort of old school Genestealer arm look the way the fabric is sitting.

Cheers,

Dante

Not too long ago I to created an army on this theme so if inspiration is needed I hope this helps you







































This is the Army in full hopefully this will supply much needed inspiration if you look closely there is old games workshop Genestealer Hybrid models

Nice robe work on the magos.. very smooth. I do like the tension in the pose of the Hybrid. Without doubt this will be a source of some great inspiration for posing etc. let alone the whole aliens take over the world thing..

Top stuff

~ Tael.

Cool Patriarch conversion, will be taking ispiration from it.

Some more progress on the magus and the hybrid head so far on body so far:




These, as I said before, are just he early stages of the under-robes for the magus, they'll be bulked out a bit more in time, jest doing prep work at the moment.

More soon.

Cheers,

Dante

Even at this early stage in its construction I can definitely tell that the theme is coming across quite strong.

Especially in the hybrid I'd love the all four bending over etc. looks very dynamic it will be interesting to see how you incorporate the hybrid across the board

the tau model looks good its height especially comes across very graceful but yet hiding a very rugged underbelly

Good call on using the ghouls to make hybrids. I think they fit the look of mutated humans perfectly.

I think you can make an amazing diorama with the cult, something like the artwork you put up. Advisors standing around a lazy-looking (haha, that's just my perception) Patriarch, with some lesser hybrids milling around like pets (heck, a pet hybrid on a chain leash would be pretty cool).

Put all that in some sort of bunker setting and it would really communicating the idea of the dark decay of a genestealer cult below an imperial city

Try to get your hands on a couple of the old Genestealer arms sprues. Those claws will be a better fit for a human-sized model.

Org wrote:
Totally agree. Cain and Gaunt novels are good.

He has a model?
I know Gaunt does, but does Cain?

No maybe when plastic great-coat guard come out?!? Possibly in the new guard codex.
I was referring to the hybrid.

These look great a real feel of slavering brutality in the hybrid led by a sinister malign intelligence in the Magus it can only get better.

I love the fact that you made those hybrids on all fours, really makes them look scary! You that 28 Days Later vibe going down!

What about making a more dynamic one, as in one actually jumping? Or maybe one that is eating his foe...

I love the idea, I think it's as good, if not better as the rest of your project IPs.

Short post, haven't had a chance to look/think about it, will check it out more thoroughly later.

Peace.

sA

The face of that Hybrid is quite disturbing.. I can almost see the paint work on it already enhancing that wild expression.

~ Tael.

Ok, some progress shots:





Doesn't look like much but the ears and nose are now done and I've removed the abdominal armour in preperation for some type of belt and old school ribbed armour on the torso (once the collar is on).

Hopefully get some more done before the day is through.

Cheers,

Dante

Woah, I just saw where you were going with the Tau. I didn't realise, I thought you were doing a Tau for gaks and giggles.

Nice, it's a great homage to the retro artwork.

Peace.

sA

Fantastic progress Dante.

The hybrid looks insane as he should. And the magus is coming along very well. I know I've told you before, but these 'slight progress' updates really help those of us wanting to break into sculpting more.

Nothing but good marks from me so far for these guys. Can't wait to see more.

Inspiring as usual!

I really like the way the hybrid is looking right now. I didn't have any clue to make any hybrids when I had the idea to do a small Genestealer Cult for =I=munda, your idea looks just right!
The Magus is looking fine as well, will he remain having 4 fingers or will you sculpt extra fingers eventually?


Keep it up!

I love how you are going with the magus, very good use of the cloth folds already in the model.

Can't wait to see more.

Pfreck wrote:
The Magus is looking fine as well, will he remain having 4 fingers or will you sculpt extra fingers eventually?

Ta mate. Yeah not really sure what to do about that yet. It would be easy to add a fourth finger to the hand holding the staff but the open hand will be trickier to get it to look right. Four would kind of go with an alien theme, its quite subtle but still a nice touch. However, the magus is supposed to be 4th generation hybrid - aka, practically human, so 5 fingers might make more sense.

Will have to see what I think once a bit more is done.

The collar is currently giving me some headaches on how to do it and get it looking right. I have also worked on the staff a bit, maybe postsome pics later.


@grey_death - Cheers mate, never sure whether is just bores people into a lack of comments or whether it is of value to people.

Cheers,

Dante

One thing to remember when the 4th Ed Nid book was released they mentioned a common group of ridges on all the nid models this could be useful to tie them all into the theme.

Yep, already done one on the hybrid (the tiny ridge line in the middle of the forehead above the nose.

They actually appeared on the original hybrids and genestealers anyway (see the artwork and some of the old mini's).

The magus probably won't get one though given that he is supposed to be practically human.

Cheers,

Dante

Great idea using the tau guy as magus. Can't waiting for more.

Shaping up nicely indeed, the profile shot of the magus really shows how the change has come about.. front on it is too easy to still just look at a Tau Air caste pilot.

The robes are quite an education observing where you add and leave creases etc.

~ Tael.

Cheers mate, glad people are enjoying observing the sculpting process almost as much as I am!

I can't help but feel he looks a bit like Miguel Ferrer:


Hopefully have some pics tonight of the work on the staff.

Cheers,

Dante

You know, this is now at the very very top of the hobby. I'm a huge fan of the projects you've done in the past, but they've been more about brilliant takes on a subject matter rather than pushing it to previously unseen greatness. THIS IS IT!

Lovely work Dante!!

@ Migs - Wow thanks for the kind words mate. I too feel this one is pushing the boat a bit further than my usual, its a nice change.

More work done tonight:



Done the top coat type thing and started to do the base shapes for the collar. I also had a play about with a possible staff head, though looking at it in the pics it doesn't really go with the general shapes of the rest of the mini so will probably be altered to be a bit smaller and longer.

Cheers,

Dante

Its really starting to take shape, and is exceeding even my highest expectations, which knowing its you, were pretty high. It looks great!

Quick question:

Can anyone recommend the best grit and type of sandpaper for smoothing surfaces on mini's?

Ok, small update on progress:




The rough shape for the collar is in place at last after 3 attempts and the staff top has been changed, early stages yet too.

Both the collar and staff top have been made elongated to keep with the overall "tall and rangy" look of the figure. The base of the staff has also been shaped to keep with the look.

Need to do a lot more on the collar yet, it will get final shape and then I'll start the detail work. What the detail work will be I'm not 100% set on yet, probably some type of ornamentation in a genestealer style.

Cheers,

Dante

Hey this is looking good mate Its really taking shape now, my only problem is the nose i don't know why it just doesnt fit for me, but i think thats because its too obvious (green stuff and all) So when its painted i think it will look fine

I'm liking the staff aswell whats that at the top of it a gem like piece with fire ?

all the best
Wolf

Hey Dante,

Looks great so far.

Like you when I heard about Space Hulk being rereleased I started thinking about the GS Cult.

I have been collecting GS Cult models for a while.

I got the Magus, Patriarch, Metal and Plastic Hybrids. I also have the heavy weapons sprue for the Hybrids.

If you want pictures of the stuff for more inspiration I can post some.

Evil Eli, those pics would be most welcome!

The collar does look rough right now, but I know that's just the beginning of a super silky smooth finish.

The staff head looks better now with the more slimmed down version as well.

Moar Plz.

Wooooooooow this is getting cooler and cooler!

Great Progress!

Thanks lads!

@ grey_death - Cheers mate and thanks for the confidence!

Some further progress for the day:





Inside of the collar has had it's first layer to smooth things out and the outside has had a lot of work done to smooth things out. I've also added a little base work for some armour detail around the torso and the circular plate upon which some cult insignia will go.

The staff top has also had the head on the mini stealer changed, it was too small for me to be able to get much detail on it sculpting it myself so I opted for a skull from a cadian helmet.

I was getting a bit bored with trying to get the collar right for a while there and was almost tempted to move onto something else to get my motivation levels back up but now I'm thankfully enjoying sculpting on him again.

Now it's time for some Kopparberg and time spent with the missus!

Cheers,

Dante

Ooooh, very nice, that hood is looking alot neater and alot smoother now, this model is turning out to be great ! Congratulations

Brilliant stuff how are you enjoying the book by the way? The sinister staff really makes this gy give me the creeps in a subtle way. Rather than the usual charging slobbering psychopath GW way.

You made me think. What would a tau-hybrid look like? Or an eldar? And this model just grows better and better, the creativity and the reinvention of the stealer cult is just stunning.

Thanks guys.

@ Wolf - Cheers mate and thanks again for the mini's!

@ Lamahead - Yeah its a really good book actually, one of the few non-Abnett GW books I've liked!

@ Mellon - Thanks, exactly what I was hoping for! I hadn't thought about how a Tau hybrid might look but I guess if you remove the nose and ears on this guy it would be pretty similar!

Quick progress shot for the night:


Started to do the shoulder section of the hood and also a little detail on the centre circle where an emblem will go. I also added a few tiny dots of GS to make the little Ying Yang ball that featured in the classic imagery.

Cheers,

Dante

Yeah this looks alot better, the shoulders really make that hood, the face, and the centre circle bit holding it all together the centre of the model

Which really compliments the model. well done

Wolf

This really is an amazing conversion/sculpt...I too was an instant fan of the genestealer cult when I first read the contents of the original Space Hulk and Deathwing expansion...The Dark Angels are still my favorite Marine army. One of my favorite paintings was the first one you posted in this Blog...I too was inspired to make a Magus based on that image...I did it over 15 years ago and never painted it...I'll post a pic when I get a working camera.

Keep up the good work, cant wait to see it finished.

The staff is starting to look great, loving the little touch of the tiny skull.

Thanks guys.

Little update:


Sculpted in the cult icon on the chest. The more observant of you might recognise it:


Cheers,

Dante

I don't think I've commented on this project of yours yet, but wow!

The hybrid is looking incredibly feral and dynamic, but the sculpting work on the Magus steps to the fore - exquisite work all-round!

Looking good mate. I think this is one of those ones that'll really come alive with the painting!

Cheers
Dave

PS. I'm probably about a month away from being ready to go with the "other project"

Great progress my man! You know where this group will have to be taken and I intend to see it live for one

I like the direction of the magos, but somehow I am even more excited to see where you go with the lunatic critter we saw first! And the combination and group dynamic will really be something. Top notch work!

Looking great now

the cult symbol is a classic, allthough, why did they have the stealer cult symbol and the thousand sons pattern the same? (T.sons have a yellow version of this)

thats allways bugged me

JD21290 wrote:Looking great now

the cult symbol is a classic, allthough, why did they have the stealer cult symbol and the thousand sons pattern the same? (T.sons have a yellow version of this)

thats allways bugged me

"bugged" was a pun, right? :-P

Actually, it is not very complicated. The agrement to standardize their forces iconography happened before the horus heresy, so it was something so simple as a joke, or if you will, an easter egg. Anyhow [CENSORED] and [CENSORED], well most of them at least, met in quiet on the eastern outskirts of the galaxy to discuss some things that were coming up. And someone cracked with the stupid joke: "Hey I know, what if we equipp your [CENSORED] with this slightly insectoid markings, and we also do it to the entirety of our vanguard army segments. That way the soilders will go all "WTF??? Who are we shooting at?". Much entertainment was to bead from that prank during the following milennia, as I'm sure you can understand.

Thanks folks, hadn't expected to see any more comments on this until I posted some more progress!

@ dave - no worries mate, I'm probably about the same. How are things coming along with the new baby?

@ Migs - Absolutely buddy, fully expect to meet up with you and the rest of the gang at GDUK.

I really need to get some more work done on the hybrid, he's sort of fallen by the wayside due to my enthusiasm with the magus.

@JD21290 - Yeah, though I think the iconography your meaning was really only ever introduced on the models and transfer sheets, can't really recall that specific stuff ever being used in the art for the cult.

@ Mellon - Ah good times! I'll never forgot when I first read how [CENSORED] told [CENSORED] that it would be a good idea to [CENSORED] with the whole of the [CENSORED] and then thats why SOB's wear armour and carry guns!

Cheers,

Dante

Awesome work!

I miss the old GS cult.

Always nice to see a fresh take on an old, but classic concept.

that pun was not intended



Dante, i know that the symbolo on the T.sons was only ever a transfer, but it does bring something kind of random to mind.
tzeentch is the master mutator and changer (and all that other crap)
in theory hybrids are mutants aswell, may be a link, or just random.

The symbol is great! I'm getting all nostalgic here, bring back memories do the days that I ran around with some WD filled with Tyranids articles for Epic (which had those symbols in it as well) at some summer camp for elementary school!

For those who might not be aware, The Genestealers Cults use to have three army options.

You had the classic Genestealer/Space Hulk Invasion Force - Heavy on Genestealers & Hybrids

The Classic Cult that we all know and love!

Then there was the Daemonic/Genestealer Army, a combination Chaos and Genestealer Cult!~

Having Chaos Iconographic would really fit in GS Cult.

A Imperial World be corrupted by a Chaos Cult who are in turn in being Converted by the genestealers has a certain symmetry.

Beamo wrote:

I miss the old GS cult.

Who doesn't

Been a while since I've updated this so its time to dredge this up from the depths!





Since the last pics clearly a fair bit has gone on. I decided to add a sash around the waist rather than the belt type thing I had planned. I was inspired by some pics of assassins creed 2 and just felt it went well with the look. I also added some rims to the shoulder guards to make them look more ornate (these still need sanded a little to neaten them up, literally just finished them). The lower part of the robes has also been pretty much completed, just a little tidy up needed and a miliput wash.

The face collar and base of the shoulder guards has received a miliput wash hence the white lines and dots etc.

The sash at the back isn't done yet which is why the area hanging down is quite short. I'm going to use some thin foil to make it flow away from the body a bit so it looks more natural, adds a little more movement and flows with the robes better.

Getting close to being ready for paint now though. Just need to finish the new staff top, tidy the hands and a general tidy up and miliput wash of the whole thing.

More soon.

Cheers,

Dante

Looking great mate! The sash is a great addition, will work nicely juxtaposed against the sharpness of the collar.

This guy has helped me work out some stuff for my runt psykers. Hopefully I can get shots of them up on Monday.

Cheers
Dave

Looking awesome. Im watching this closely and will no doubt be making use of some of your conversion ideas for my own g'stealer cult.

The symbol is that of a self-eating snake, and is originally a Tzeentch symbol. The confusion started from an old piece of artwork (before 93) where renegade (traitor) Thousand Sons were in the same picture as a genestealer magus. Genestealer magi were psychers, and could be quite powerful (up to level 4) and in the picture, the Thousand Sons were "mind slaves", under the magus' control. Also note, as the original artwork was before 2nd Edition codex chaos, the Rubic of Arhiman had not yet been written into the fluff. I will look for the artwork over the rest of the weekend for you all.

Why are you adding the millput wash? What does it do?

I thought milliput was a grey modelling media and not exactly something that could be used as a wash, so I'm quite intrigued.

Literally just some milliput superfine placed in a small pot and mixed with a little water until it is the consistency of milk. Apply to the model with a brush to fill tiny cracks, join lines (where putty meets plastic/resin/metal/other putty, and any small tool marks.

@ Perturabo - Would be interesting to see the artwork you mention. The symbol on my magus has been taken from the Tyranid symbol from 1st edition (40k not RT). While the self eating snake was indeed a TS symbol and also ended up appearing as a decal for GS cult and in GS cult art, this symbol is different and as far as I'm concerned, quite unrelated to that.

Loving you're blog,I can't wait to see more soon.

I found this on cool mini or not and thought of this blog,hope you can draw inspiration from it.



Also found him on the same site:

I'm going to invoke a "you owe me" for this, but i'm going through all my rogue trader era and 2ed edition stuff for this. I do not, however, have a 2nd edition tyranid codex and (crying) can't find my "black codex" that came with the 2nd edition box. But still, i found some great pictures. I am scanning them all now and will post them all by Wednesday.

Also, I have failed to find any instances of the self-eating snake used as a symbol to tzeentch other than the old transfer sheet and that one picture (which I still can find) leading me to reverse my original statement. I have seen the symbol on many genestealer pictures, but no other chaos ones. I therefore conclude that it was put onto the chaos transfer by mistake.

I love the old fifties pulp influences in the Magus he reminds me a lot of the aliens of this period rather than the later gribbly monsters. As we know have a special effects budget and don't have to give some guys robes and a rubber mask. Equally these bad guys are much more interesting as they relied on plot not effects budget!

Awesome can't wait to see the entire army come together.

wow... this is really cool. I really like how your running with that Tau in a completely different tangent to what it originally was. Keep it up!

Here's some more pics for inspiration. This is the best I could do, as my US White Dwarfs only go back to 180.

wow strange but reaslistic!

great work

Amazing sculpting on that Magus!

Using a Tau air caste figure... what an inspired choice! It suits the theme so well!

surely this thread should be viewed in soft focus for that misty eyed nostalgia look.

I loved the GS cult back in the day.

Awesome work as always. I cant wait to see how these all look when finished.

@ Peturabo - Cheers for posting the pics mate, it's good to see those old ones again, also the close up of the old magus is really helpful for some ideas for details.

Thanks for the kind words guys and for keeping me motivated by keeping this thread alive!

Hopefully have some final, unpainted pics soon.

Cheers,

Dante

Dante, I'm not feeling this as much as your other projects.

The quality of the sculpting is tremendous, top class and smooth as a baby's bottom.

But. One but. I just hope the paint-job you do is a gritty and realistic as you can. I've never liked the nu-rave dress sense of the Genestealer Cults.

Anyway, peace. Stay safe, I'll be looking forward to progress!

sA

Progress!





He's pretty much done as far as sculpting is concerned now with the exception of the staff top. Since the last pics I have added a ring, the back of the sash and the vent type things at the collar (in tribute to the old classic magus mini). The vents look a little messy in the pics but its just the shavings from where I've sharpened the edges (need to brush them out).

The final step will be to give everything a milliput wash to smooth joins where GS meets resin etc and to finish the staff.

Thoughts and opinions are welcome.

@ Smiling - Don't worry mate, the paintjob will be in the gritty realistic style.

Also.... a future project?....





Cheers,

Dante

Is the guardsmen going to be a hybrid?

Excellent work as always CMDante, all the minute details are class.

The enigmatic Guardsmen type intrigues me though, any hints?

Looking evil as it should Dante! Keep it going!

He won't be hybrid related.

The right arm might be made of .... iron....like an iron hand?

Anyone whos seen the illustration I'm basing it off will get it quickly.

Cheers,

Dante

Bah, I feel stupid now.

I know of the piece of art you're talking about!

If it turns out similarly to the artwork, it's going to be amazing.

Boy I loved Colonel "Iron Hand" Straken,I loved the whole catachan codex,downloaded it of GW's site once.

Good job he's back now!

Update:




Following some feedback from Mig's, JRN, Grey_Death and others I decided to make some modifications to the magus. The main point of feedback was a need for more detail to break up the large areas of fabric.

As you can see the jacket has been changed, I've also added a belt which will have a pouch or something added and ridges and veins on the head.

Cheers,

Dante

Looking good Dante.


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I like the draw strings.What you planning for the top on the staff?

Wow, the drawstrings are nice and all, but the icon you sculpted on his chest is really nice detailing.

Looking really good. Great additions and I love the assymetry of the lacing.

When do you think we'll see paint?

Cheers
Dave

I dig it.

Some of the more subtle form of the cloth on the legs is lost in the transition to the new coat, but I do like it more now.

Are you planning to tatter the edges a bit? Or will he be the 'pristine' leader type? I feel he's due a bit of tattering and weathering though from all of the artwork environs.

Cheers guys.

Painting-wise, he's getting there but still bits and bobs to do. Need to get a top for the staff too so probably a couple of weeks off yet.

@ grey_death - Ta mate. Your right but the tunic will get brought to life with paint. As for tattering, not sure really. I quite like the pristine look though I am considering a small rip or moth hole or two.

I think I'll try to make the bottom edges of the robe look weathered with paint.

Cheers,

Dante

Ahh im glad to see some more updates, this is really looking good now, love your modelling on that robe there.

Good stuff

Wolf

Looks good, can't wait to see it fully painted!

when will we see paint?

Fantastic jobs
and i just love the old school nids

I found the (my) answer to the self-eating snake icon origin. I'll post more detailed results with pics tomorrow.

Dude, I saw this over at Warseer and I just had to show it to you!

http://www.warseer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63413&d=1245817479

When I first saw the Tau I thought, ok thats different. Now Im just blown away. Very nice prgress. This is going to look awesome

Malika2 wrote:Dude, I saw this over at Warseer and I just had to show it to you!

http://www.warseer.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63413&d=1245817479

Great find! Nice use of bits and color scheme. I'm dying to see Dante's scheme, but I don't want to rush him too much...ssshhh...he might be coming back

Cheers
Dave

davetaylor wrote:
Great find! Nice use of bits and color scheme. I'm dying to see Dante's scheme, but I don't want to rush him too much...ssshhh...he might be coming back

Cheeky bugger!

@ Malika - Yep looks cool, the only thing I would say is that it looks too chaos cult and not enough genestealer cult in style. Nice bits bashing and painting though.

The other day I realised the left hand had gone walk about and turned up on the floor with the little finger broken off so I may actually make the hands 5 fingered now.

Things still to do sculpting-wise are:

- Fingers on hand(s).
- Something hanging from the belt (probably a pouch and some jewels on string - Jes style)
- Staff top (seriously, anyone with the old magus going spare I'd be happy to trade for it)
- Lip around bottom of tunic (to sharpen the edges up).

At the moment I'm quite into getting some Blood Bowl bits and pieces done as I have been working on this guy for so long that I was getting a bit worn out with him. Once I finish painting the Mighty Zug I'll get right back into the swing with him. Plus I will have had the chance to practice my painting in prep for him.

Cheers,

Dante

Check out ebay for the magus:

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/237216.page;jsessionid=6E2EDAE1A9310D424FE197B4E407E5D8


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Oops...posted the wrong link! Here uis the link to the magus on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=170347882493&Category=44125

Right.

The new Space Hulk, what can I say, seeing the pics of the new mini's and the return of my second ever GW game sent out signals to the hive mind and rekindled my enthusiasm for this project again.

Therefore, I spent a little time this week working on the magus. Some sanding and a little repair work mainly, but I also extended the sash down his back:




The left hand (right in the pic) went missing one day a while back, when I found it, the little finger and middle finger had broken off and the little finger was gone to the evil dust world of Dyson. Hence the new finger and repair work on the hand.

Still searching for a cheap old magus figure with staff for a staff top as I've been unable to find anything else that works well. If anyone has one in good nick for trade or cheap sale, let me know please!

More on this soon....


Cheers,

Dante

Ahhh ! He's back, the model is looking very nice indeed.

Top notch, can't wait for the finished products.

++++Incoming Transmission from Hyperion Orbital Observation Deck 117++++

++++Encryption Level Gamma+++++

Message begins:

Imperial Frigate "His Burning Wrath", repeat, Imperial
Frigate "His Burning Wrath" do you copy?

We are picking up readings from an unidentified craft in sector 6... it has literally appeared out of nowhere...

+++static+++

..vised, we have re-routed two cobra class destroyers to intercept and investigate...

+++static+++

...tting full array analysis now....Holy Throne!....look at the size of it!

...st be some kind of Hul..........

++++Transmission ends++++

Order confirmed.... Space Hulk inbound.

Cheers,

Dante

Looking forward to more of this and all the excitement and bitz and what not the SPACE HULK will bring!

Great stuff! Although I was hoping the Shotgun guy was going to be a leader of an opposed squad of veteran 'Nid hunters like Sergeant Stone.

Finally this threads back just as the the great father(the hive mind) approaches.

And so, at last, the painting begins!

Bear in mind this is very early stage WIP, but I'm excited to be working on him at last and thought I'd share some (quite a few actually!) pics with you all:






And some close ups on the face:



"The hive fleet are coming!"

"We are already here...."

Cheers,

Dante

Damn Dante your skin tones always manage to blow my mind!Can't wait to see how this turns out,I'll be watching this one for sure.

Probably worth pointing out that the last close up of the face is the most representative of how the face actually looks. The other two the lighting is a little harsh from above on.

I tried out Vallejo White primer for the undercoating on this chap and I have to say, its the best primer I've ever used let alone the best White primer! It went on nice and evenly in 3 thin coats, didn't craze and bobble like GW's, and didn't clog any detail. Perfect!

The head and pouch are pinned so I can remove both for painting to give me better access to the other areas around them.

I've tried some liver spot type things on the back of the head but not 100% sure I like them, thoughts?

Cheers,

Dante

Uggh that old guy sure looks creepy and the liver spots definitely add to it! Brilliant work as ever.


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Is it utterly inappropriate to say that the creepy facial colours reminds me of when they pull the mask of the creature in Scooby Doo!

Really like it, it's like those stylised African hunter statues carved in ebony. Only thing perhaps might be a slight purpling or greying tint about the skin to accentuate the brows and cheekbones, to subtly reinforce the alien heritage. I just feel the current skintone is perhaps alittle too 'healthy'?

**edit** perhaps the lip colour is too full and flushed, perhaps a bit of the grey/bluish might be it.

It's quite lovely as it is and that's just my 2pennys

The skin is actually shaded with hormaguant purple at the moment, so it is actually quite purple in hue, it looks pretty clear in the pics like that on my screen, maybe ur colours are off on yours? There's definitely no browns in there.

I see what you mean about the lip colour but remember, he is still supposed to be technically no different from a regular human being in appearance, have to convey that somehow in the painting as well. I have added a really thin glaze of hawk turquoise though to get a little more alien tone.

More throughout the week.

Cheers,

Dante

I like the liver spots adds character to the head , gives it an aged look .

Cheers mate. Still not 100% sure on them yet myself but we'll see how it looks when more has been done on the body.

Started roughing in some of the colours for the torso and robes yesterday but nothing worth showing.

Cheers,

Dante

This is fantastic, Dante. Really looking forward to seeing more of this.

.... wow... I will comment when I find the words to express my feeling towards this amazing Project.

Can't wait to see more Dante, he looks great so far!

Creepy magus

I'm very impressed with the sculpt and the painting is as ever excellent.

I do however think he looks too 'human' in terms of visage and skin tone. The fluff brigade my harp on about magi blending into human society but in miniature scale his dark secret should, I feel, be a little more exaggerated.

Darker recesses could really reinforce this and would complement his atrophied skull. Also, with your skills I'm sure you could create a beautifully lined and aged face that suggests prolonged life and morbid wisdom. At the moment I think he looks way too clean but obviously you have a very definitive outcome in your mind. Also, he's far from finished so I may be getting ahead of myself in terms of the complete article.

This sort of image shows how powerful the head piece plays in a successful model. You could just stop right there, as that near finished face pulls together the entire model as a whole. Well, it appears that way to me. Naturally I don't expect an all stop here haha.

Having watched your Blood Bowl pieces progress, I look forward to this project's completion and your lovely, smooth painting style.

With regard the Liver spots, I began doing similar on my Tau over the years and my avatar even has a few. For the Tau it comes off as a G'kar (Babylon 5) inspired pattern. My only thought on your work here is using a limited number such as what you have so far, because it works very well and is a nice 'oh hey!' thing to note about the finish.

Back to lurk mode among the 'Stealers slinking about this thread..

~ Tael.

Cheers guys.

@Anti-Mag - I prefer the more subtle approach. The four fingers, tyranid emblem, accentuated skull and the general shape of the collar (styled after the head carpace of zoanthropes) are enough for me to say it is clearly a genestealer magus.

@Tael - Lol, I won't lie, I considered stopping there!

It was actually your liver spot effect on the tau that inspired me.

I actually wish the lurking stealers would get involved a bit more in the discussion, so don't be a stranger mate, your input is always valued.

Update:

Work on the collar and some roughed in colours. Also, you can see a quick test I did for the "ying yang" symbols that will decorate the robes.





I'm expecting some criticism that it's all too dark but bear in mind its very early stages, the collar is really the only area, other than the head, that's had any significant work done.

Cheers,

Dante

Looking very excellent there, I actually like him with this dark, brooding color scheme.

He´s got a nice understated feel of power about him too, really nice stuff.

Wow I love the way it looks, yes it looks dark, but as you said it is in the early stages, I can't wait to see how it looks.

Mmmmm. I like it.

I thought there was going to be a bit more purple. Something that would make that skin look a bit paler, xenos pale. I'm not sure the deep red is doing that just yet. I'm also keen to see the hands painted Dante. I know it sounds strange, but they're looking quite big at the moment against that red. I know that some shading on them will help that out.

I still like it, and the little symbol on the robe is a nice touch.

Cheers
Dave

You have 10 days- get painting!

You know what I am on about....;-P

oH, and nice work- great adherence to the original, but with a modern day pallet and the symbols could really make this piece;-)

cheers
W

That model has real presence.. loving the face espicially

warhound123 wrote:You have 10 days- get painting!

You know what I am on about....;-P

oH, and nice work- great adherence to the original, but with a modern day pallet and the symbols could really make this piece;-)

cheers
W

Actually I have more, much more.

Unfortunately I won't be making it this year, but next year I'll be better prepared.

@ Dave - The tone of the robes isn't quite there yet as its just a rough base coat, I assure you he will look genestealer enough when he's done.

Cheers,

Dante

Loving it. Truely Outstanding.

CMDante wrote:

Unfortunately I won't be making it this year, but next year I'll be better prepared.

Not at all?? Not even with the footballers??

Good to hear mate. Shame you won't be making it to the Demons this year : (

On a side note, have you seen the trailers for Pandorum? Looks like there might be some Genestealer Cultish/Mutant type action in there that I'm keen to see closer.

Cheers
Dave

He's looking great so far. I can't wait to see what you have in mind for the soldier-type guys.

I love the redish/purple scheme.
Keep up the good work,I really can't wait to see the magnus done!

davetaylor wrote:
On a side note, have you seen the trailers for Pandorum? Looks like there might be some Genestealer Cultish/Mutant type action in there that I'm keen to see closer.

A linky. Really good call Dave. Looks very Space Hulk/Stealer-esque.


++++++++++++++++++

Too bad about not making it to the Demon this year Dante, next year for sure!

Oh that trailer is great! There's even a freaky mutant kid at the end!!!

ohhh that weird mutent thing at the end was freaky as sin.....oh and was that skin the guy was pulling of himself?

Minor amount of work done on this guy since the last post:



Really just to show how the collar looks with the head.

Have lost motivation a bit for him again since realising I wouldn't be making it to GD.

Other projects beckon!

Daaaamn I'mso glad to see my pilot go so far !

This is very impressive Dante Looking forward toseeing more more more more

THAT LOOKS LIKE a sHOP MODEL.

congratualtions on being awsome

Nice!

I think we've left any concerns about a Tau ethereal resemblance waaaay behind. This guy looks irredeemably lethal and latently gribbly. He definitely radiates a genestealer/cult vibe.

wow that is mind blowing so far

ghosty wrote:THAT LOOKS LIKE a sHOP MODEL.

congratualtions on being awsome

Not sure I get your meaning? A shop model?

tinfoil wrote:Nice!

I think we've left any concerns about a Tau ethereal resemblance waaaay behind. This guy looks irredeemably lethal and latently gribbly. He definitely radiates a genestealer/cult vibe.

Glad to hear it

I think things often look very different once the paint starts going on. It's easier to see the intended purpose of some of the shapes etc, the collar probably being one of the prime examples here. Plus everything flow together better when you can't see the putty etc.

Cheers,

Dante

what i meant was that i honestly would believe if it was being sold in GW, i would think GW made it. meh...not good at making sense

CMD.. very nice even at basic colour level. The head colours really hold their own against even these broad colour swatches.

One thing I enjoy most in modelling work is the small details, in this case it is the forehead ridge and the way that satchel sits on his hip line. Subtle but really makes the model, at least for me. Everything else is classic GW magus, so to be expected, if you follow? (That said, superbly modelled, goes without saying at your skill level)

Look forward to further progress, though might add, watching you work on faces has changed my approach on my own 'human' painting, so much so I'm having to work hard on figuring out how to make my Characters stand out as I've been treating all the minions to high end finishes haha!

best,
Tael.

tinfoil wrote:I think we've left any concerns about a Tau ethereal resemblance waaaay behind. This guy looks irredeemably lethal and latently gribbly. He definitely radiates a genestealer/cult vibe.

I don't mean this as a criticism, but I'm not sure about that, honestly. I don't feel anything feral about the model. It's still very lean and serene...elegant, really. While the original GCult Magi may not be feral per se, I also wouldn't describe them as elegant. There's still a hint of hunch to their shoulders, if you know what I mean. You can imagine them skulking around. I envision this Magus striding openly and proudly in the daylight rather than lurking in the shadows. Now, I also don't see it as a Tau model anymore, and the artist has obviously made it his own.

I guess I just don't completely get an old-school GCult vibe from it. As a new-school reimagining, it's obviously a success. It's tremendous work. It's just a different and new artistic vision, which is cool. And hey, those old models are getting awfully old.

He does have a very haughty and arrogant look about him. You can just see in his expression that he is thinking.

"I may have to hide in the shadows from society for now, but the Fathers Brood and I are better than all you normals. When the revolution comes I will have my revenge on all you week, worthless and ignorant humans!"

I absolutely love the pulp sci-fi vibe, like Ming the Merciless, with a splash of David Lynch's Dune thown in

CMDante i'm sorry but i must "borrow" that picture to make my avatar. i used to play genestealers way back in rt days, had hybrids a magas (or magus) and the patriarch in the throne and everything!!

sadly was young back then so i've not got any of them now :(
but thanks to the 3rd ed of space hulk and christmas i have 30 'purestrain' genestealers and a broodlord

i must say that your project is amasing! the sculping is really good and the idea really plucks a cord in me!
cant wait to see them painted



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sorry just saw the painted magus, very nice

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