The Collectors are going to be a heavily converted CSM chapter where each model will have alot of time spent on it so that the army looks as good as I can possibly make it. I will try to game with the army but it will be prodominantly a modelling and painting project to anything that looks good will be included over what works well. the main reason for this army is because I am moving to Vietnam for a year therefore I need something that is going to take me a long time as I wont have access to new model over there. anyway the fluff.


The Collectors aren't an official Chapter of Space Marines. They don't fight under the banner of the Imperium or the Legions of Chaos. Instead they fight for one man. the man who created them...Varlack Creed. Of the origins of Varlack Creed little is known other than he was an extraordinarily gifted genetic scientist who had fallen under the suspicion of the Inquisition in the year 125 M.42, until he disappeared assumed lost on remote Hive World, Drachus. What experiments he conducted in the human Genome and the possibilities for adapatation whilst there have remained unverified; however 20 years after his disappearence news of a Horde of genetically enhanced gangs emerged. Led by a man known only as the Sequencer, these gangs had begun systematically gaining control of the hive world and enslaving it's populace in the name of 'research'.

When news of these atrocities reached the Inquisition they initially deemed the uprising the problem of the local milita as hive world tyrants were not uncommon and were kept under control by other gangs. However when the gangs began overwhelming the worlds militia's and syphoning off it's industrial energy and wealth the inquisition was forced to act. The 108th Cadian Regiment was deployed to restore order to the planet and capture dead or alive the man known as The Sequencer. Within 19 days of the Regiment making planet fall they had activated a distress becon. They reported being overwhelmed by gangs who fought with unusual speed and ferocity using lighting hit and run tactics. The confused and distorted communications being recieved spoke of squads been deliberately led into ambushes and captured alive.

When the Fleet commander recieved the distress call he relayed the transmittion to high command. A request was immediately made to the Imperial Fist Space Marines. They had recently been called upon to supress an ork uprising in a near by sector of space and were the nearest Chapter when the transmittion was arrived. The Company Commander of the Imperial Fists surveyed the reports being recieved and immediately ordered a full tactical deployment of the company.

The hive was reduced to ruins. The gangs although stronger and quicker than an average humans were no match for the elite space marines. However the man known as the Sequencer was never found. The world was quickly brought back under the control of the Emperor and the marines left the world to the Imperial administrators. One of these administrators was Prusius Hode, he conducted a post intervention study of the Imperial Fist deployment and made some alarming discoveries. The gangs had repeatedly attempted to capture Imperial fist combat squads alive despite appalling losses to themselves. This made no apparent sense. The imperial Fist's denied the gangs were ever successful however Prucius discovered in a restricted access file that on one occasion a squad had been captured and more alarmingly never retrieved.

battle analysis indicated that soon after the squad were captured the gangs methods had changed leading to devastating losses and subsequent annihilation. Prucius studied the origins of the war and the man known as the Sequencer, the more he discovered the more he became filled with a sense of horror and foreboding. The gangs had timed their push for absolute power of the world almost exactly as the Imperial Fist Space Marines had arrived in the local sector of space. More alarmingly no squad within the 108th Cadian Regiment could be found that had activated or sent the distress becon. There could only be one conclusion.The Sequencer had wanted the Space Marines to arrive and crush the rebellion. The entire uprising had been orchestrated by one man to provide the perfect bait. For the sake of capturing five Space Marines he had sacrificed 20 years and 10 million lives. This was a most diabolical intelligence.....

Unbeknown to the Imperium Varlack Creed conducted countless experiments upon the marines he had captured, utilising the Marines ability to survive and recover from trauma to prolonge his research into decades. Eventually after years of research he isolated the one thing he had been looking for, the Space Marine gene-seed and how to reproduce it. Varlack Creed offered the gene-seed to the remaining members of his gang. Most died in agony as their adult bodies rejected the gene-seed but some didn't; some survived. Using these individuals Creed discovered the means of implanting the gene-seed successfully in an adult body and preventing the bodies own immune system from causing complete internal organ failure. Now he was finally ready to achieve the pinnacal of his research and become a Space Marine. After his ascension Varlack realised being a Space Marine was more than just the body. It was the armour that inspired fear and awe. Using his old hive networks he sent out a transmittion.

Any man who could kill a Space Marine and deliver the head, body and armour to Creeds Ship, the Locus, would be turned into a Space Marine.

This was an offer that was unique in the history of the Mankind. A chance to become one of the greatest warriors mankind has ever produced. The most ruthless, cunning and powerful members of gangs, cults, tribes and societies all over the galaxy began scheming of ways to capture one of the Emperor's elite. However capturing a Space Marine is not easy, as Varlack himself had discovered. This ruthless selection policy much like evolution itself ensured that only the best and most deadly killers arrived to collect the rewards for their ingenuity. And so Varlacks army grew. Each new warrior was implanted with the gene-seed, the face of the dead marine was fused to the shoulder pad of their old armour to serve as a warning and a reminder. The armour was painted black and the Chapter symbol bound in chains to symbolise the future that awaits all who oppose the Collectors.

Despite the Imperiums greatest minds endevouring to track down Varlack Creed he appears to possess a singular level of intelligence. A true genius he is able to always remain one step ahead and spins numerous webs of misdirection. Fake distress becons, lightning raids on already engaged forces and inter space boarding actions have all been used by Creed to expand his ever growing army. For the first time in their history the Space Marines have something to fear.....capture by the Sequencer.
And here is the first member of the Collectors. I hope you enjoy.

Fluff sound great! What an original idea, eagerly waiting for more!

Your first marine has got my hopes up for what should be a great looking army. Will all the marines have the same paint scheme, meaning are you going to leave the helmets and maybe a shoulder pad the colour of the captured marine?

Your pic looks like it needs a bit of tweaking, there is a lot of empty space surrounding him and some colour enhancement would really improve the pic quiality. This really helped my pics out! http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/How_to_prep_an_image_with_Photoshop

Good luck with the blog, I will be keeping an eye out for updates!

Cain

He looks like a nasty piece of work! Looking cool. The FW astral claws shoulder pads would be great for this, as some are adorned with trophy skulls. I notice you havent got a symbol yet so maybe adapt the astral claws one?

Thanks alot for that link Commander Cain I've tried using the techniques and it has improved the image alot but Im still not 100% happy it represents how the models look in real life. I did try having the marines with differet coloured helmets but there were too many colours in the squad so instead each marine has the chapter symbol on their right shoulder pad that has chains painted around it. I will try to get a good picture to show this. I have some more pictures to up load later.

Thanks for the advice Perkustin I will check those out. I have mainly been using body parts from the zombie kit and painting chains on the marine transers.

Here is the photo shopped picture of the Collector.

More Angles.

Unique, interesting fluff, and some great modelling too! Almost painful to look at, which is generally a sign that you're doing something right

Great start!

Ok so I have finally managed to sort out the image quality after taking some photos on the rarest of events in England...a sunny day. You can see more clearly the chains on the shoulder pad chapter symbol that will be used to show which Chapter the marines armour used to belong to. You can also see more clearly the dead marines face on the opposite pad. As am using the space marine range of minatures it is only going to be the shoulder pads and various bodies and posed that will reveal that the army isnt an imperial army.

I have finished a combat squad of tactical marines. They have all been converted and posed to show a more assault minded squad than the standard leg spread marine pose. The sergents banner was painted free hand based on an angel found on the internet and shows him in chains. I hope you enjoy the improved madels and any suggests are welcome. Thanks.

Not to sound like a broken record, but your fluff IS really interesting! Do the handful of marine chapter icons on the shoulders play into that somehow?

Keep it up!

Cheers,
Rawson

I have been painting the armour using mythril silver to provide highlights and signs of damage. The first squad member was designed to look like he was slicing the throat of a civilian and was a tester to set the theme for the army. I wanted them to look like ruthless killers who tower above regular humans. The civilian was made using parts from the zombie kit which have been used to add body parts to all of the squad.

The second marine is in a more open pose and is shouting his bolter one handed at close range. This model still needs the transfer to be applied.

The third marine is designed to be advancing on an enemy with his combat knife drawn. This require some simple re-posing of the marine at the wrists and helps make the squad look more combat based.

The forth marine was modelled to look like he is running and the legs were cut and re-modelled to show this. He has severed heads tied to his belt to show the nature of the marines as killers and trophy collectors.

The Squad leader was modelled as if he was leaping from a rock to attack an enemy position whilst firing his pistol. He was reposed at most joints and the head is from the rhino kit. I debated not using the banner but then decided it was too good an oppotunity to try some free hand painting. Whilst Im not delighted with it im happy for a first try.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Squad shot so far.

Yeah Scarper the dead faces on the shoulder represents the face of the marine the recruit had to provide to become a space marine. The other shoulder has the chapter symbol of the dead marine still on it and represents the chapter the marine belonged to before he was killed. The symbol has chains painted around it and the marines have different chapter symbols based on which marine they killed. The chains dont come out well on the pictures. I paint them whilst the transfers are still on the sheets and they can still be moved easily. This will be more apparent when I use the same technique for the markings on the Rhino. The Assualt squad will have more marines with the Blood angels symbol.

Thanks for the complements guys I will try to continue the fluff as I add more squads as I have plenty more ideas.

Great work and fluff! I love how the shoulder pads look!

Great idea and execution. The metal wear on the armor and highlighting of the yellows are fantastic. This army has captured the essence of grimdark warriors, keep up the great work! They are all unique and dynamic, the effect of an entire army will be equal parts terrifying and awesome. Great stuff!

Ok long time between updates, sorry for that but I've moved to Vietnam over the last month so not had much time to paint or Blog. I've managed to finish the tactical squad and Im really happy with how the squad looks overall and they have provided me with some basic troops to experiment with for the theme of my army and the look I want to go for. I like the colours and the scalps on the shoulder pads give the army a chaos theme without looking too over the top. I've never been a fan of the tenticles and horns on the chaos models and I want my army to at first look like a marine army and only when you look closer do yolu realise its a chaos army. Below are some picures of the other combat squad and a group shot. C&C appreciated.

I have started work converting Varlack Creed and I will post progress picks, Im using the space marine Librarian as the base model. However I cant find super glue in Nam at the minute so progress has been held up. So I started painting something else I brought with me to work on. Heres a clue....

These are some sweet marines, will be following this with great interest

Wow, some nice gruesome shots right there. Although I would think there might be a bit more blood

Still, very characterful

Very nice! Keep up the good work.

This is great work man, I really love the direction that you are going. Keep up the good work...subscribed!

Wow, I love them !

I just have 3 minor criticisms :
- IMHO, the armours should be more weathered to represent the fact the army is growing out of salvaged parts, with a few staying bare-helmeted to represent their "scum/rogue/ganger" origins - it looks a bit too clean for me...
- there are a few mould lines that really mess with the awesome painting, and that's a pity... (see helmets, mostly - the use of washes doesn't help, as the wash pools around the recesses of the mould lines) Mostly visible on the second squad member.
- the fluff is awesome, but I think it would fit more the "grimdark" 40k universe if the "scientist" was, instead, a "rogue Magos Biologis" or "Heretek Magos"...

Nice idea, really original, and great execution - both modelling & painting wise... You're goot to go!

Brother-Captain Scott - Cheers for the positive feedback.

kenshin620 - I have considered more blood and i am tempted to slash some on the marines at a later date but its one of those things where if it looks bad its hard to correct. My Assualt marines will be alot bloodier. One half of the tacticals is supposed to represent a back field unit covering the other so they are less bloody. This squad was definately an experimentation to see if the idea would work. i will be try to make the rest of the army alot more individual and dark.

Fire_for_effect - thanks i'll do my best. The dreadnought is progressing nicely.

Tellis - Thanks I will try to add some fluff everytime I finish a squad or character.

Yggdrasil - Cheers, I've checked out your blog before and see your another Chaos player. Also using the zombie kit for parts, there's so many useful parts in that kit. Thanks alot for your feedback, between you and kenshin you have both made comments that I had already been considering and having doubts about. I want to weather the armour more especially the yellow but the few marines I tried the weathering on the helmet on I wasnn't happy with the look. If anyone has any links to a tutorial for weathering yellow it would be appreciated. The silver on the black provides enough weathering I think. The helmetless idea I've been toying with, initially I was going to use the SW models and have the majority of the army helmetless but then I found the marines look more intimidating with their helmets on. Im still not sure which would look better. Maybe the Assualt marines will be helmetless. The mold lines I did try to clean up but they are a pain in the ass and a few times I forgot them. I will make a concerted effort to prep properly for the rest of the army. Cleaning up the new finecast librarian is a nightmare. I will read up on the fluff ideas you have provided, to be honest Im pretty new back to the hobby after a long break and Im not that up on the fluff so I will do some reading and edit my fluff accordingly. keep the advice coming.

Well, for the weathering you could also consider making "real" cuts in the armour with your hobby knife, or drill bullet holes in them... For weathering yellow try and look for Ork Bad Moonz pics (maybe in the gallery?), their main colour is yellow. And if you see one that pleases you, PM their maker about how they did the weathering ?

Have a look at this one : http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/226767-Bad%20Moons%2C%20Orks%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.html

As for the bare heads, I also thought the SW would look fine... But I agree that the helmeted heads make them more intimidating. So I'd say maybe 2-3 per squad would look good. And it could be a reason to use heads from many GW kits, which would represent the different origins of the various individuals who went to great lengths to get their piece of armour !

I also think, maybe, a bare arm or two would help representing the fact that they cannot always salvage everything of the armour they've found, as it usually came from killing its original owner... Maybe add a few other crude wires & cablings, dubious power sources, to show their low resources ? That might be a bit OTT, though...

As for the fluff, the Dark Heresy RPG books are a real treasure trove for information about the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Inquisition, the organisation of planetary governments, etc...

Thanks for that link I will try using some browns to weather the yellow as at the moment it is too clean in comparisson to the black. the only problem I have is that Im in vietnam so unless I order direct from GW Im stuck with the models I've brought over here with me. I can always remove the heads at a later date but for now Im stuck with helmets. I'll look out for the books as at the minute alot on my info is just coming from Wiki and various websites and codexs. Made some more progress on the dreadnaught, finished one arm and green stuffed some minor conversions and the body attached to the other arm (previous marine inside the dreadnought). I need some advice about the marine on the base, Im not sure what chapter to paint him as I want something that stands out from the model but at the same time will also complement the black and yellow colour scheme as any other wounded marines will be the same chapter throughout my army. At the moment Im leaning towards a Blood Angel or Dark Angel as I've been using red as my third colour. Suggestions welcome.

Ok here is some more progress on the Dreadnaught. It not far from completion now and its just minor details that need completing. I decided to go for a blood angel marine getting stamped on for the base as the red would go with the red I've been using as a third colour. The marines other arm will be holding a bolt pistol firing up ineffectually at the dread. The power drill arm will get some blood splatter I think and both arms willl have a flamer on them. the banner will again be free hand and will be another image of an angel in chains. I appreciate that the updates aren't much but the finished dread is coming I just thought I would keep you updated.

Very interesting idea you've got going here; it's funny since a guy I went to high school with moved to Vietnam to teach English. (that's what I figure anyways)

l33tninj4 - Thanks, most English people here seem to be teaching! On a related note if there is anyone who reads this in vietnam and wants to play 40K then message me on here.

Ok the Dreadnaught is finished!Heres a picture but I'll post more tonight as I have to go to work now so I dont have time to edit them. There will also be background for how the Collectors aquired it. C and C welcome.

very nice loving the dread

Wow, finished Dread looks great indeed !

Could we have a close-up on the banner, I don't really see what's the icon ?

Your yellows are so vibrant, I love it...

Kroak - Thanks alot, its a great kit to work with.

Yggdrasil - Cheers, I've tried to take a close up of the banner but I think its little blurry, I'll try and take another soon. Its supposed to continue the angels in chains motif that I started on my tactical sergeants banner. Its an angel with his head bowed and his hands thrust forward bound in chains. I just google angel drawings and look through the images until I find one suitable. Its surprisingly easy to paint as well.

Ok here are more pictures of my finished Dreadnought. Its heavily inspired by Jack Campbell's Red Scorpions Dreadnought. I loved the pose when I saw it and knew I had to recreate it for my army. The model combines the venerable and Ironclad kits and I will be using the remaining parts to build another dread in the future. The kits are both amazing for parts and made paint the model really easy. I was worried that I would have to cover or remove alot of Loyalist marine iconography buy it wasnt a problem as alot of the imperial stuff was optional. The body attached to the left arm is supposed to represent the previous Marine occupant of the dread (Yanaris). I added blood to the power drill but Im not to sure about it. Im really happy with how the blood angel came out and it almost made me wish I'd used red as my second colour its so much easier to work with than yellow!

Overall Im pleased with how its turned out. Any critique's or questions about how I did things are welcome. next for the force should be the Assault squad but the desire to start Varlack is almost overwhelming. I dont want to finish all my good stuff first though! The usual problem.

Here is the background story for how the Collectors aquired the Dreadnought. Like I said previously Im not perfect in my 40K fluff so bear with me. Any advice will be adapted into an editted story, I'm sure Yggdrasil will have some useful advice. Below that are the pictures so if your not interested in the fluff then just scroll down. Thanks.

The dark silhouettes of his marines could just be made out in the dim light of the Thunderhawk Gunship. Their combat readiness and the palpable feeling of barely restrained anticipation filled him with confidence and pride. The image took on a red hue as the landing lights kicked in and the unit instantly began last minute weapons checks. These men were hardened survivors, he didn't envy the poor souls they were desending upon. His harsh gaze travelled along the rows, until it settled upon the grizzled features of Grishnor. Their eye locked and a barely perceptable nod was exchanged before Grishnor drew his helmet down replacing his individuality with the remorsless uniformity of the space marine. Grishnor had been with him in every major engagement that he had fought. They'd been together from the begining. A barely parceptible jolt as the craft touched down and the landing doors were flung open. The marines charged through the opening and he rose to follow. The shocked and astounded look on the Head Imperial Liason's face as Kishnor's power axe descended in a bone shattering arch brought a savage grin to his face. The rest of his Marines tore into the remaining members of the welcoming commity dispatching them with point blank bolter fire and harsh steel by the more blood thirsty of his followers. Varlack surveyed the landing pad and the twenty corpses now being looted and dragged away by his men with satisfaction. Not the Marines they were expecting.......

++++++++++

Brother Yanaris stirred within the cryorganic web of his sarcophagus. Impulses surged through the electro-fibre implants connected to his remaining flesh and into the huge armoured shell that had become his tomb and his salvation. The piston and advanced auto balancing motors hissed into action as he guided the huge bulk of his dreadnought from the statis room where he resided in an artificially enduced state of unconciousness between battles. Checking the onboard database linked to his cranial nanochip Yanaris processed recent communications and was startled by the date. He had only been in cryo sleep for 42 days following the Companies minor deployment in Segmentum Solar Sector of the Galaxy. There shouldn't have been any enemies this soon into the return trip powerful enough to require his intervention.The fact that he had been wakened indicated his brothers had encountered an enemy they had previously been unaware of. Running diagnostic checks and instantly streaming data Yanaris prayed it wasn't Tyranids this far within imperial space. They could ill afford the resources necessary to prevent planetary infestation. Yanaris repressed the urge to remember the feeling as the huge talon had scythed down neatly severing both his legs at the thighs. His brother assault marines had charged the creature at huge personal cost as he'd lain helpless feeling his life blood pumping out and making his peace with the Emperor. Only to wake, encased in something new.
As he continued to review transmittions and traverse the huge Ship towards the drop pod bays he recieved a transmittion from Commander Ishrial.
"A Gunship was deployed to liase with the local Imperial Command on Indor XI 3 hours ago. It was believed; through our intel and previous communications that this was to be a show of force for the Imperial Command. To demonstrate their ability to request Blood Angel aid when necessary. This was to be in exchange for intel on cultists thought to be opperating within the system. A Gunship transported a small detachment of 3 tactical squads to the rendevous point to perfunctionarily complete our part of the deal. Upon deploying from the Gunship they were ambushed and slaughtered almost to the last man. Some survivors have been tracked using implants and communications relayed from the remaining Sergeants."
"The enemy force Commander? Who would dare our wrath?" intoned Yanaris through his inbuilt coms relay.
"Initial reports suggest the ambush was expertly set up and our brothers were attacked by fellow marines..."
'Impossible, there have been no reports of activity by the Traitor Legions in this sector for centuries.' reasoned Yanaris.
"I am aware of this Brother. We have fought together a long time, it was for this reason you were awakened. I want you to spearhead the drop pod relief force and determine the enemy we are faced with here. Outfit yourself with Ironclad weapons systems. Some of our brothers have been taken within a Level III grade Currency transportation Vessel and our Assault teams doubt their ability to penertrate the defences." ordered Commander Ishrial.
"I would be honored to liberate and avenge our Brothers. I am arriving at the Drop Pods now." stated Yanaris.
"Good. Three Assault Sqauds will be accompanying you in the initial deployment. With you providing the spear point. This should be more than enough to irradicate these heritics and rescue our Brothers"
"Commander, has it occured to you that this could be the work of Var..."
"Yes it has. Dead or alive. It matters not to the Emperor or Lord Dante." interupted Commander Ishrial with finality.

++++++++++

Checking the chamber of his Bolter, Jungen, 3rd member of 4th Tactical Squad in the 3rd Company of the Blood Angels, again cursed the lack of ammunition he had remaining. The liason had been an ambush. The squads had deployed from the Thunderhawk in a standard pattern for Imperial formalities. No adverse communications had been recieved prior to the meeting to suggest there was any cause for caution. His first feelings of unease had arisen when he observed his sergeant striding towards the assembled Imperial delegation and he'd noticed a slight blood stain on the cloak of one of the welcoming committee. Jungen had quickly scanned the faces and uniforms of the other members of the delegation. Ill fitting uniforms, incorrect posture, excess sweating; something wasn't right. The leader of the delegation didn't appear to know the protocol for welcoming Space Marines and the sweat was now coarsing down his face. He was whispering something over and over again like a silent beidiction. Jungen saw that the Sergeant had also detected something was amis as he had ceased his advance and was scanning the surrounding buildings. Jungen saw movement and turned to shout a warning to his squad.
'Incom....' Shouted a Brother Blood Angel.
The ground rose to meet him as he was flung forwards by the force of the blast. Jungen struggled to find a frame of reference as he fought to regain his feet amid scenes of carnage. He turned to see the Gunship a blazing wreck and Brother Marines spilling out ensheathed in flames. May the Emperor preserve them, they hadn't deployed in time.
"Four missle's came from that building. We need to advance, we're too exposed out here." came the calm and clinical voice of Seargent Khan over the comms. Bolter fire was taking a heavy toll on the Marines caught on the landing pad but already their superhuman training and psychology had kicked in. Blood Angels didn't retreat. The squads surged forward as one, lashing suppressing fire into the surrounding builds as they neared the landing pad exit. Jungen felt rounds pattering off his armour like hail and felt the black rage rising. He barred his teeth and sprinted for the open cargo bay. As they had entered the bay they were met by a devestating fullisade of close range bolter fire and then were amongst the enemy fighting up close and personal with Space Marines wearing black power armour decorated with various trophy body parts. A huge Marine armed with a power axe decapited a Blood Angel next to Jungen spraying him with arterial blood. His vision was distorted and he was grabbed forcefully by an iron grip and dragged into an adjourning corridor.
"Well that wasn't quite the welcome we were promised." stated Hargon with his usual sardonic drawl.
"We need to find a defendable position and dig in to await drop support." gasped Jungen.
"Yeah I gathered." muttered Hargon.
So here they were running out of ammunition and barely preventing these relentless marines from over running their position. There were only four of them left and it wasn't looking promising.
"And the Angels decend." observed Hargon with grim satisfaction in his voice.
Jungen looked skyward to see a drop pod screaming through the low atmospheric fog and slam into the ground amongst their foes. There was a gout of steam and smoke before the pods arms slammed open and a huge jet of ultra heated chemicals flew from the opening incinerating three enemies unlucky enough to be close. Then the Dreadnought was amongst the enemy. Despite their efforts to avoid the huge flailing arms and their crushing claws the remaining Marines caught in the open were quickly decimated and flung from the landing pad like rag dolls.
"I almost feel sorry for the bastards. They sent Brother Yanaris." grinned Jungan.

++++++++++

Varlack's dust smeared brow furrowed as he observed the casualties being wrought upon his men by the newly arrived dreadnaught through the vaults reinforced windows. His mind worked furiously to consider all possible scenario's and escape strategies. He considered and dismissed numerous options in a matter of heart beats before finally his face broke into a broad grin.
"I knew you wouldn't take long Creed." observed Kishnor returning his grin.
Varlack strode over pushing his sweat soaked grey hair from his eyes. "I need you to open the Vault doors and engage the Drop pod forces until the Dreadnought is commited. No retreat, no mercy."
"I'll lead the counter attack personally." replied Krishnor without hessitation hefting his huge power axe into the air and bellowing orders to his squad.
"Nothing rash, we have what we came for," warned Varlack glancing over at the pile of slaughtered Blood Angles and their stockpile of looted Power Armour. "This is only to provide time for our tactical withdrawal."
"I thought you said no retreat."
"We're the Collectors, we always retreat, only it's called tactical withdrawal." said Varlack with a knowing gleam in his eye. "Now go. But remember I need you so dont engage the Dreadnaught directly."
Varlack watched Kishnor assemble his squad infront of the huge adamantine vault door before giving the signal to acivate the release. Grishnor bellowed a war cry that could be heard even through his helmet and charged into the unsuspecting Assualt troopers. Varlack's raptor gaze tracked Grishnor's progress as he hacked and slashed his way through the onrushing marines seeking to reach their yellow helmeted sergeant. The two combatants clashed together, trading huge blows that rocked each other without managing to penatrate the otheres guard. They circled each other warily, begrudging respect causing each to gauge their opponent carefully. Grishnor surged forward with unexpected speed given his huge bulk but the Blood Angel Seargent raised his power sword to block the sweep of Grishnors Axe and aimed a lightning fast riposte that shattered through the right eye socket of Grishnor's helmet and continued on to score a ragged line across the side. Grishnor circled away clearly dazed by the blow. Varlack felt a pang of concern for his champion and took an instinctive step towards the doors. Grishnor threw away his pistol and gripping his Power Axe two handed he bulled into the Blood Angel knocking aside his desperate thrust with his sword and brought his Axe down with devestating force into the gap between the Sergeants shoulder pad and neck armour. The axe almost passed clean through the Blood Angel's torso leaving smoldering armour and exposed flesh. Leaving it embeded Grishnor leaned back and raising his fists to the air and unleashed a savage victory roar. Varlack was reminded of how he had discovered Grishnor in the first place; fighting in the underground pit matches back on Drachus where Grishnor had become infamous for his blood thirsty victorys. Varlack felt a wave of relief wash over him and began to turn. Suddenly a wave of blinding light followed by a gust of super heated air washed over him pushing Varlack to his knees. He looked up but was blinded by the after effects of the blast. When his vision finally cleared there was no sign of Grishnor or any of the other combatants that had been contesting the vault doorway. A groan to his left inexorably drew Varlacks attention. Grishnor lay just within the vault doors, it was a wonder his was still alive looking at the damage wrought to his armour. His legs had been blown off at the knee caps and his right arm was a bloody stump, his armour was cracked and blasted across almost its entire surface. Varlack staggered over and pulled the helmet from Grishnor's head revealing the crimson gash where Grishnor's right eye used to be.
"Activated a melta bomb......always were crazy the Blood Angels." gargled Grishnor as he attempted to life his head before allowing it to drop back to the floor.
"Stay there. Your not finished yet. Although you should be." whispered Varlack rising to his feet and shouting orders to the Collectors nearest to him.

++++++++++

Yanaris could feel the battle turning. They had taken casualties but the Collectors had been forced back all the way to the Vault doors. The bolter fire directed at him barely registered as it pattered of his thick steel hull whilst he surveyed the scene. He had thought this might be the work of the twisted genius Varlack Creed, the so called Sequencer and the sight of his yellow and black armoured 'space marine' abominations only confirmed it. Yanaris's tracking systems scanned the doorway and zeroed in on a figure stood in the vault doorway. The figure was encased in Terminator Armour and stood unmoving in the blowing wind rushing into the vault. His long grey hair whipped across his face obscuring his feature's monentarily, offering Yanaris tantalising glimps of his face. Is this him? Yanaris felt a tremor of unease. As if just to look at the man brought a primal fear buried deep within one's own DNA to the surface. The fear of the predator. The moment passedalmost instantly as Yanaris reasserted his iron self control honed through years in the heat of battle.
"I need not fear this man when the Emperor walks with me." intoned Yanaris as he brought the Dreadnoughts huge frame around to face the figure and willed the legs into motion building up speed for the charge. The flamers attached to each giant fist were triggered with a thought causing gouts of superheated chemicals to race towards the standing figure. He should have been incinerated. Yanaris's world appeared to slow to a series of instants as the flames seemed to roil around the motionless figure causing his features to be lit by the red and yellow flames as they rushed past. They gave his gaze an almost demon cast and the motion of the flickering lights appeared to twist and alter his visage even as Yanaris looked. He continued his charge, intending to pulverise the figure under the four ton weight of his machine.
Suddenly inexplicably his forward momentum was halted as he was smashed from above by a collosal force that sent him pitching to his knees as the ceramite of his artifical body attempted to take the strain. What had struck him? In all his years fighting nothing had delivered such a blow. Yanaris attempted to straighten but the pistons in his legs were unable to provide enough force to lift whatever pinned him. He raised his Power fist to the obstruction and cleanched the mechanism, expecting to feel the material crumple like paper only to find nothing happended.
'Its Adamantin. You wont be able to crush it.' Spoke a voice from infront of him, in a matter of fact tone.
Yanaris twisted his head within the Sarcophagus in order to try to see the figure but all he could see were the ceramite plasteel encased feet of the figure. Yanaris heard the decompression valve being activated at the rear of his armour and the pneumatic pipes and pistons being severed at his joints. He realised that he was trapped helpless under the immense weight of the vault doors. He had been lured into a deadly enticement. He could hear the crack and rattle of bolter fire increase dramatically through the gap in the door and with a sinking heart realised his Brothers were being slaughtered by a carefully held reserve force of Collectors. His Sarcophagus was brutally torn open for the first time in nine centuries. Yanaris blinked in an attempt to clear the tears from his eyes as they tried to adjust to natural light for the first time in so long. Through blurred vision Yanaris watched helplessly as the figure approached and casually raised a foot before bringing it down on his head. Then there was darkness.

++++++++++

Yanaris awoke confused and disorientated. He attempted to raise his head but his nervous system had beome so dependant upon the electro fibre inplants that he was unable to move his own flesh. A strangely cold hand grasped his jaw and slowly raised his head and Yanaris looked into the cold pityless eyes of the Sequencer.
"I thought I was going to have to commence without the pleasure of your company....Brother." rasped Varlack.
'Brother? You and your band of abominations are a blight on humanity.' spat Yanaris.
"It's a shame we can't discuss the pro's and cons of your flawed arguement but Grishnor over here has need of your cybernetic life support systems."
Yanaris's eyes flicked to a huge warrior with crippling injuries lying on an operating table infront of him. His eyes then moved up from the warrior to his own body and he could see that he had been exposed completely from his Sarcophagus. His pale wasted flesh was raised in respose to feeling cold air for the first time in centuries, his eyes continued to rise until they once again looked into the cold lifeless gaze of Varlack Creed.
"Im not sure if you can still feel pain but I do intend to find out. Purely for research purposes you understand. Oh and Grishnor here, has need of one of your eyes." Varlack informed him in a clinical detached manner.
Yanaris then watched powerless as the surgical knife mercilessly approached his right eye. He began to scream within his mind as the knife reached his eye and began to cut. The last thing he saw was a flicker of life finally sparkle in the eyes of Varlack Creed.

This blog is just awesome. I'm too cheap to buy CSM, so I make traitor legions out of my old vanilla marines. Good inspiration :]

baneofmorgoth - Cheers mate, I personally prefer the SM models to the CSM ones but glad your getting the inspiration. All the models I've made use only the SM battel force and Zombie box set. Its great for adding body parts to your marines.

I resisted the tempation to start Varlack Creed and have instead been working on my Assault squad. I wanted these to look dynamic and look like they are the first wave of my force that decend and slaughter civilians. I've again used the zombie kit to build a civilian. The main problem I've had is trying to make the model look like a 40K civilian rather than a zombie! I added grenades and a badge and also green stuffed a nose and covered the lower teeth to made the face look more human. Im not entirely happy with it but I've learnt alot for the next model. I also painted stubble on the face and added a tattoo to add more realism to the civilian. Any advice people can think of to make the model look more 40K for the future would be appreciated. As for the marine himself I've kept the standard scheme with some more red in places. The pose was relatively easy to produce and just involved cutting into the zombie shoulder with a hobbie knife then gluing the chainsword carefully in once the model has been painted. It balances naturally but i can imagine it will be a nightmre to transport and play with!

Im pleased with how it looks and hopefully a squad of these will look suitably threatening. Next I willl be working on the rest of this squad.
Here are the pictures, C and C welcome.

Omg its like an army of Jason Voorhees

I am in awe. Your fluff is terrific and your models are beautiful to say the least. Good job and keep it up!

Great fluff - and just to prove I read it all here is a typo I found
"a barely perceptable nob "
Made me laugh a bit!
But really great idea! And I reckon that is exactly what and evil genius geneticist would do in the 41st millennium - make his own army of super-humans.

I love the minis - particullarly the jump pack guy killing the diseased looking civillian (I reckon he just looks ill rather than like a zombie - so you are on the right track). But why did you leave the purity seals on? surely they are too cool and mercenary to be into piousness.

Lunahound - Well it is halloween soon. Its the reason I left them all helmeted rather than using spacewolves and having them look like just barbarian SM. I think not seeing their faces makes them look more menacing.

King Pariah - Thanks alot, Im glad people are liking the fluff, I wanted to keep it going but it wasnt getting much reaction for a while.

Weetyskemian44 - Haha, thanks for pointing that typo out its adds a whole new dimension to their relationship! i've edited it out now. The fluff will continue and Im looking forward to writing Varlacks entry as it will expand on his background. Yeah its the look I had to go for eventually just a dirty civillian (maybe ill). The other zombie heads aren't as bed. I wish I had more spare marine bodies to use so they could all be fighting blood angels. I did consider removing the Purity seals for that reason but it seemed like alot of work. Maybe I will go back and remove them at a later date.

Really great stories. Looking forward to more! I agree with keeping them helmeted. They are faceless killers. The only humanity their enemies see is the corpse face of the beheaded loyalist marine victim that once wore the armor now used for mockery as the new chapter badge. Good theme.

Radiation - Thanks for the feedback. I think Im going to stick with the helmets, I was toying with the idea of having some assault marines helmetless but I've now decided against it.

Here is the next assault marine in pieces ready to start painting. I always paint my marines in separate pieces before assembling them at the end. This marine will be landing on the legs of a fleeing civillian whilst de-capitating him with his axe (hopefully).

Alright update, I've finished another Assault marine and I think it may be my favourite model to date. I've tried to pose the marine as if he is landing on a civillian and breaking his leg whilst at the same time de-capitating him with his power axe. I bent the zombies legs and green stuffed sleaves on to try to reduce the strange proportions of the zombies. I tried a lightening effect on the power axe that I will also do on the power fist for the sergeant. The pose took a while to get balnaced but i currently balances without any added weights. It is however very fragile! Unfortunately by the time I've finished it here in Vietnam the light has gone so I couldn't get good picture so I'll post a preview and post better pics tomorrow.
C & C welcome guys.

Here are better pics of the Assault marine, Hope you like them.

incredibly awesome all around

How do you keep the assault marines from tipping over? They seem like they would be rather top heavy. They look freaking fantastic though!!

I want more fluff!! its great dude, but I am to assume that the tyranids lost that battle that was described?

Dajobe - Thanks, glad you like them.

baneofmorgoth - Its just a case of balancing the model when posing them. The civillian is posed as close to the front of the base as possible to counter balance the marine behind him. However I think when I start gaming with the army I might glue something under the base for added stability. Cheers for the positive feedback!

Nira - More fluff will be coming dont worry. I intend to write fluff everytime I finish a squad or character. So the Assault squad will get a story, not sure whether to write a battle for them or a story of how each member joined the Collectors. Which do you think? The Tyranids were just to provide a back story of how he lost his legs, but yeah the Blood Angels defeated them. However my regular opponent is a Nids player so I will be writing more Nid stuff in the future as Varlack is very 'interested' in the genetic possibilities of the Tyranids....

well it might be best to do a battle for the entire assault unit insted of each individually because readers might lose intrest or it might be a large goal on your side and it might take away from your modeling time. but its up to you. I love tyranids so any refrance to them catches my intrest immidiatly. your models look nice to

Nira - I agree I think I'll do a battle involving the squad. At the moment I'm leaning towards Dark Eldar but don't worry the Tyranids will be back but I have plans for them in the future. Im glad you like the fluff it's fun to write.

I've finished another Assault marine, this one isn't killing anyone as I thought it would be too much to have every member of the squad killing a civillian at the exact same time so some members will be simply running. He's posed quite similarly to my Tactical sergeant but I do like the pose so it doesn't bother me too much. I've tried to add some accessories to dempnstrate movement and speed like the banner streaming from his jump pack. I've also included a group shot so far. Next up is the squad sergeant with a power fist.




Automatically Appended Next Post:
Looking at the photos I might add a body part to the base to help tie him into the rest of the squad. What do you think?

These dudes must be the coolest things anyone has ever made from vanilla marines. Im serious. They are atually so inspiring that my next army could be sm traitors, and your marines and your marines alone are the inspiration. Theyre poses are more than outstanding, mate, GREAT JOB!!

Mr Merlin - Thanks alot for those comments they mean alot Im glad you like the marines. Just shows what you can do with just a few small conversions. I've looked at your orks before and been really impressed with the painting and really characterful conversions. I think we both like to make each model a mini diorama.

Its been a long time since my last post. RL has taken oveer a bit and I've been busy settling into life in Vietnam. However I have a week off so I'm going to be painting and (hopefully) finishing my Assault squad. Here is the finished Seargent with a power fist. I did toy with the idea of having him crushing the head of a civ with his power fist but bottled it and ended up with the standard pointing pose that all power fist armoured marines in the galaxy have. I tried to add a lightening effect to the powerfist but im not sure it comes across well in photos. Im fairly happy with it but its difficult to get yellow lightening to stand out on a yellow background. The last marine will be getting converted today and he will be dispatching another helpless civillian/zombie. Its hard for me to post WIP pics becuase I usually paint my models before gluing them so WIP pics arent that inspiring but let me know if you are interested. C and C welcome as usual.

The green stuff work has been finished for the final Assault marine. The unlucky civillian is catching something and Im fairly sure its gonna hurt....Im slightly worried about balance issues for this one but hopefully it will work. I may also try OSL for the first time. I will get some painting done today and after that its onto the man himself, Varlack. WIP pics.

Wow, thats all I can say!

Your stuff just keeps getting better and better!! Do you have plans for a guy getting his face hacked off? If so, that will be amazing, lol.

Baneofmorgoth - Thanks mate, Im happy with how the army is going. I hadn't thought of that but now you mention it I will definately have to have a marine taking a scalp. Thanks for the idea.

Lots of photos today! I've finished the final Assault marine and hes one of my favourite models so far. Boom Headshot! The conversion work as mainly repositioning on the marine and green stuff on the civillian. The main challenge was gluing the model in place. It required a penny glued under the base to stabalise the model and it will be a nightmare to transport and play with but hey, its supposed to be a show army! I tried to paint an OSL effect from the plasma shot but im not sure i made it bright enough or that it comes across well on the photos.
I have included a squad shot of the Assault Marines and i think they look really dynamic as a unit. The 'flying marine' stands ouot a littel but when I expand the squad to 10 in the future I will model some other marines in similar flying poses. They are all fragile but I think it was worth it for the poses.
Finally I took an army shot so far. I always enjoy seeing other peoples army shots as the army expands so I thought I'd take one. The army looks cohesive but the units still stand out individually which im really happy with.
All this expedition needs is a leader.........

awsome look going with these guys

Love the idea of the assault marine melting the face off a guy

It looks awesome, but it must be so insanely unstable.

Rogue Wolves - Thanks they look like I imagined which doesn't happen very often. I hope the leader turns out as good for my next conversion.

Tarar2d2 - Haha thanks, I got the inspiration from the golden deamon entry with the skeleton getting shot. it was surprisingly easy to convert as I had alot of half heads from the scalps for the shoulder pads.

Ovion - Unstable isn't the word mate! these will be a nightmare to play with! Luckily im stuck here in Vietnam for the next year so I wont be playing. I have stuck coins under the bases which does help but the last one is definately the least stable, U need to position the civillian as far to the edge of the base as possible to try to counter balance the marine. Im glad you like the models.

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback it really does help and motivate me to try new things. Im trying to write some fluff for the assault marines but its not flowing at the minute. I will also start work on varlack and post WIP pics as I think Im going to need some advice. Cheers.

Might have to look for something heavier than coins.

The other thing I might suggest is take something rigid like 1mm plastic card (or heck, something heavier like a thin sheet of metal) and just make a flat extension to the base. Because it's flat it won't make the base "illegal" because you can position models on top of it, but it will also assist with balance.

Remarkable models though. The Plasma to the face is just awesome.

Veteran Sergeant - Thanks for the advice I will try something heavier when I find something suitable. Thanks for the positive comments as well.
I've started work converting Varlack Creed. Im using the Librarian model as the base as I've always really liked the model and the pose. First off I had to clean up the finecast model. there was alot of flash and due to the large amount of fine detail alot of miscasts. I had to scrape off all the imperial iconography and remove the head which would have been alot harder with metal so there are pro's and cons. I just hope they fine tune the process in the future. Im using the head from the Necromancer, as soon as I saw the model I knew the head was perfect. I've then used the sleaves ffrom the model as the base for his cape wich is going to be made of chains. They will be glued over the sleave so that it cant be seem. Im not sure about the staff at the minute. I've used an avatar hand surrounded but zombie hands which will have chains added as well. What do you think of it? Im limited for parts but any suggestions are welcome. Ive also used the staff head on the book to add more skulls. The base has a dead Blood angel on it and wil prob have severe burn damage. It would have been good to make him more like a scientist with Tech marine parts and biaonic arms but I dont have the model. SO what are your thoughts~?

that is really cool, I like how you are posing them as if they are routing an enemy. I look forward to seeing more.

That AS guy shooting the zombie(?) in the face is cool
Exactly how I imagine it would look like!

i love the plasma gun marine! great job!

Lord Dreden - Thanks that the look I was going for, over running a civillian out post with spacemarines getting killed defending them.

Forruner Mercy - Thanks, it came out better then I thought it would, the OSL doesnt come out well on the photo.

Mr Merlin- Cheers mate.

Ok so I've not had much time to paint over xmas but finally got a chance to start painting Varlack. Doing him slow and steady so painted the bottom half first to get the colours right. Im not sure about the yellow tabard what do you think? Im hoping that once the rest is painted and the arm added the black will make him look alot less yellow. I also have decided to add a face to the shoulder pad which I wasnt going to do. Hope you like it sorry its not much but just wanted to show im still alive!

Ok so that was at the start of today and this is how he looks at the end. Im really happy with how his face has turned out. I tried to be as detailed as possible and the necromancer head is really well sculpted so it gives a very natural evil expression. I think its definately the best face I've painted. I've added a stripe to the tabard and considered a more elaborate border but bottled out. A few things need minor touching up but otherwise the bottom half is finished. Just base coated the top half really but I'll hopefully get a chance to do more this week. Hope you like it.

Whoa, dude, these are amazing! I did a individually converted Chaos army myself but it didn't come close to these levels of awesome, and your fluff is wonderful! What have you got planned next?! I think some traitor guard or cultists would be great if you did them as gangers that haven't got their armour yet. Keep the awesome flowing, man!

LostSoulCasey'sLaw - Thanks mate, I wasn't planning on doing cultists to be honest I want a more elitist army where you can only get in if you have the armour. I really like your nids by the way.

Sorry for the long time with no updates but I can promise you all I have finished Varlack.....unfortunately my girlfriend has taken my camera. However I do now have a week whilst shes away to work on something else. The options are

1) 5 man Tactical squad (alll will be converted not sure how)
2) 2nd Dreadnought
3) Rhino

So which would you like me to work on next?

Really amazing stuff.

I get what you mean about the cultists, i prefer the elite route over horde too.
Looking forward to seeing pictures and i'd suggest the 5 man Tactical squad for your next project although another Dread in a sweet action pose would be my second choice.

Awesome work and love the backstory keep it up!!!

Shredsmore - Thanks I'm glad you like them

Lostsoul - I will definately go the elite route just to avoid painting hordes! Im a slow painter. My other army is Eldar so they are elite as well. I might do the tacticals but I want to convert them so maybe I will try to make obliterators instead with the models,

Fury - I'll keep working at my slow ass pace dont worry but Im worried Im going to run out of models.

That is n amazing army. I love how each marine is individually converted. Keep up the amazing work!

Great army overall and great use of zombie parts.

Haha, don't worry dude, i'm the slowest muthafrakka in town! Obliterators would be sweet, crank them out at whatever pace works for you, WIP pictures would be cool though!

recycledgenius - Thanks for the praise it makes it easier to keep painting in this heat over here its getting hard to motivate myself.

Pie_vendor - The Zombie kit is amazing, if I ever collect a Warhammer army it will be undead.

Lost Soul - I will try to do WIP pics in future.

Ok after a long wait there will finally be some updates. Here are the first pics of my new Dreadnought. He's going to have his head left visible so that its clear there is a man inside the machine. As you can see he's also found an unfortunate friend who will be getting squeezed. Not got much more done but there will be pics of Varlack tomorrow finished at last! And I'm also working on some fluff for him as well.

Looking good. Hes going to fit into the theme very well!

This is going to look great when its done!

Cheers guys I'm looking forward to getting started on this one.

Finally finished Varlack Creed, scourge of the galaxy. The famed and illusive leader of the Collectors. I will add more fluff soon but for now here are the pics. Painting this model has been hard work. The finecast mis casts make painting frustrating at times when the surface isn't smooth. Also I didn't have a good enough idea of what colour scheme I wanted when I started. Im fairly happy with how the colours have turned out but maybe there is too much red? What do you think? Im not happy with pretty much the entire right arm. The staff end was made using the avatar hand and hands from the zombie kit. There will be a back story for it but I think it might be too big? Im limitted for parts but I might try to change it at some point. Im not sure whether to have the trophy rack on top so I've taken some photos without what do you think? I might add some free hand on the armour covering his stomach. Do you think the marine on the base detracts from the model too much? Im worried it adds too much red. The cloak of chains was made simply using a cheap necklace from ebay.

Overall Im happy to get it finished. We've all had the model that we've looked forward to painting but then it takes longer and longer because you want it to be perfect and the little details become annoying to the point you just want it finished. If I end up re-doing Varlack I might have techmarine servator arms fanning out behind Varlack in the shape of angels wings. I would have also liked to make him look more of a scientist using vials from the DE range. Anyway enough from me heres the model what do you think?

Looking good, mate!
I'd say, if the red marine bothers you, pepaint him.....I dont know in wich color, though.....I personally think he looks fine.
And definetly keep the trophy pole on his back!

I think it looks great, dude! I wouldn't change anything about the model but if you ever decide to remake him you'll know what you want to do differently.

that guy looks amazing!

Oh my god, that is amazing.

Mr Merlin - Cheers mate your comments are appreciated as ever. I read about the Eldar teaching you a lesson on your blog. mwwhhaaaaa. I need to keep him red to tie in with the marine on the dreadnought base. I forgot to add the transfer to his shoulder pad so that will be getting added.

Lostsoul - Thanks mate, yeah next time I know where I went wrong but now I see the pics he's growing on my so I will prob leave him at least for now.

Rogue wolves- Thanks alot I wasn't sure but the feedback is good to hear!

Baneofmorgoth - Haha cheers the internet is my only source of feedback here in Nam so appreciate all the comments

If anyone wants any tutorials or close ups of anything in my army feel free to ask. I will try to update on my dread as I make and paint it to show my process a little more.

Here is some fluff to expand the back story for Varlack providing more details on his motivations and eventual air. I am keen for him not to be the typical Chaos Lord who wants to kill everything and rule an army of slave as per usual I would rather he was a character with shades of grey rather than just black or white. Anyway read if your interested skip if your not. sorry its quite long but its basically setting up the Chapter. Not sure where Im going with it but my friend is collecting nids so might link in at some point.

Xethius struggled to raise his head. He could feel his arms and legs were firmly secured and his armour had been removed. A Space Marine Apothecary for over fifty years he felt naked with out it’s cremate plates encompassing him like a second skin. His recollections of the events leading up to his incarceration remained hazy and the back of his neck was excruciatingly painful. Slowly his enhanced sensory organs began to stabilise his perceptions and he could make out his surroundings. He was in some kind of holding cell stripped of all equipment and lit only by a bright halogen bulb that cast a sterilising light over the whole room preventing any kind of subterfuge.

Xethius attempted to correlate his situation with the disjointed images he remembered from his mission. They had been attached to a squad of Terminators tasked with clearing a known inter stellar craft which had gone silent in the previous months and was considered extreme risk due to it passing through areas of space known to harbour Genestealer cult cells. They were to provide support only in the event the Terminators were forced to retreat to the transport ship. Upon docking with the stricken vessel it had quickly become apparent that there was something drastically wrong as scanners could only detect life in the depths of the vessel and nothing near the navigation bridge. The Commander had ordered the five man Terminator squad deployed with orders to secure the vessel and locate any survivors. After that the images became one nightmarish blur. Slashing talons, a fighting retreat; followed by hordes of savage beasts surging from vents and intersecting corridors. A fleeting glance through a viewing portal revealed the unimaginable. Their carrier ship was spinning in space unanchored and displaying alarming levels of battle damage with vapour trails of vital oxygen purging into space. They were trapped. Memories of hearing the rapid concussive sound of bolters being fired at close range from behind the xenos. Who could it be? Was it fellow marines from within the ship? Then the dawning realisation as his brothers too began to fall to the relentless barrage of bullets. These were not the emperors.

Xethius was roused from his revere by the sound of the solid lock being forced open on the door to his cell. Two hulking Marines in jet black power armour walked into the room. One slapped him casually across the face with his armoured hand causing his vision to blur once more.
“You will be speaking with Creed. Any attempt to resist or escape will lead to amputations.” Warned the marine who had struck him with appalling casualness.
The other moved to his side and unfastened his hands. The pain as the blood rushed along his arms reactivating his nerve cells was excruciating. His arms were roughly seized on either side and he was escorted from the cell. Xethius was led through the interior of some kind of interstellar vessel until he was dragged into what appeared to be a laboratory. In front of him was a man dissecting one of his battle brothers. Initially he appeared to have not even registered his arrival he was so engrossed in his work. But then he spoke and Xethius was filled with a primal instinct to listen and focus all his will on the owner of the voice as if his life depended on it,
“Do you know why you are alive whilst your brothers are all dead?” Asked the man.
“No I do not.” Xethius replied.
“Because you are a man of science. You have been trained as an apothecary, therefore you understand science and will therefore understand what I will tell you and more importantly understand the implications.”
Xethius remained silent. His thoughts were racing as he recalled rumours and reports regarding a figure shrouded in mystery and legend.
“People say that I am a monster. This is fine if you wish to scare children but if you wish to discuss the future fate of humanity then I will not be viewed as a monster I will be viewed as the saviour,” The man still worked on the dissection and hadn’t even turned to address him.
“You’re Varlack Creed. Your actions have hardly been beneficial to humans.” Stated Xethius.
“Well done; I see my reputation is growing at a satisfactory rate as I had planned. My actions now are irrelevant. The history books are written by the victor and will be forgotten as so many other tragedies in this vast galaxy. What I seek to do is take humanity to the next level of our evolution. Ideally this would have occurred naturally but as the Imperium is well aware, time is running out.” A tone of mockery entered his voice as he spoke the word Imperium “Mankind is beset by enemies from all sides, the unstoppable Tyranids from the outer rim, the foul Orks, Eldar which raid our planets with impunity, the Tau who claim peace but if history has taught us anything its that religion cannot be reasoned with and the Chaos within us tainting all who it touches with false promises. Who is there to lead us in this time of need?” asked Varlack.
“The Emperor will guide us as he always has, with him at our side we cannot fail.”
At the sound of the Emperors name Varlack spun around a scalpel clutched in his hand and an expression of rage on his face.
“The Emperor! He lies in his golden throne whilst mankind is reduced to a fighting withdrawal across its entire empire. He has disserted us in our time of need! For a darker age a darker saviour is needed. A man who is willing to do what is necessary to preserve the genes of men.” With alarming speed Varlack regained his composure and continued “The Emperor gave me the idea, if he could construct a gene seed which created the Space Marines and allowed them the strength and fortitude to create the empire then a new gene seed was required to save it. Only the emperor didn’t go far enough. He used only human DNA. I will use anything and there in lies my power. A visionary for the new era.”
“Your insane. Mixing human and xenos DNA is heresy! I would expect nothing more from someone who has sold his soul to Chaos.” Spat Xethius.
“Chaos? I serve no gods.” Varlack was once more calm, “Those Legions who prostrate themselves before primal gods and lose themselves to their base instinsts disgust me. Mankind must save itself. Look to your left if you don’t believe me.”
Xethius looked to his left and saw a huge staff. It appeared to be circulating some kind of liquid around its mechanical parts. His gaze travelled to the end where there were four severed human hands. They surrounded a larger hand banded in the black and yellow colours of the Collectors. The hands were all attached via a tube which was pumping a red fluid into them. It was then that one of the hands twitched causing Xethius to flinch.
“The tubes are a form of cardiopulmonary machine?” gasped Xethius.
“Yes.” replied Varlack. “The hands each came from an acolyte of the four greater gods of Chaos who came to my ship seeking to convert me to the ways of their masters. I listened patiently to each of their proposals as any educated man would do. Each was found lacking and as a result became part of my Staff of Hands. The applicant for Khorne offered me endless battles in order to spill blood for his god. A man who seeks only to kill is no more than an animal, have we evolved a mind and reasoning only to abandon it? I think not. Slanesh offered me the joys of the flesh. One need only look at the perverted Eldar to see what lies down that road. Nurgle offered me the chance to live forever and rule an empire of the diseased and disfigured. Tzench the cleverest and most manipulative of the gods offered me what he thought I desired and was the one which most tempted me. However his obsession with the powers of the Psyker and the warp were his undoing. I will not tolerate the taint of the warp to distort and destroy the future I am building.
So they all in turn became part of my staff and as result I can call upon the aid of any of the gods without sacrificing anything of myself. I have outsmarted the gods themselves; a situation they find most vexing and I’m sure has earned me their enmity for eternity.”
Varlack had remained standing and held Xethius’s gaze through out the duration of his speech. It was only when he finished speaking that Xethius realised he had been riveted to every word he said. This was a dangerous man with a gift for words and the intelligence to achieve his ambitions.

“Now let us return to the reason for you being alive. I desire access to all the Space Marine Primarch genenomes. It will speed up my research and allow me to concentrate on the second stage of my hypothesis.” Stated Varlack.
“The lords of Terra will never agree to that.”
“Believe me I can continue to take them from living Marines I have already collected the samples from over sixteen Chapters including four Chaos Legions. By providing the samples you prevent more of your brothers being taken. Allowing me to focus on the true enemies of Mankind.” reasoned Varlack.
“What will you do with them?” Xethius asked.
“I will create the strongest and purest human DNA code which will be able to incorporate the benefits from xenos DNA without becoming tainted by it. Allowing the resulting offspring to be human …but evolved.” Revealed Varlack with a gleam in his eye.
“Madness! It would never work. You are delusional and insane.” Shouted Xethius.
“On the contrary I am the only one of all the billions of souls in our empire who has envisioned the solution to our survival in these dark time and has the ability to implicate it. Come and see for yourself.” Varlack gestured for Xethius to approach the operating table.
On trembling legs he approached, the table. From his previous position it had looked like his brother had been alone on the table now it was revealed otherwise. Xethius’s stomach contracted involuntarily as his mind registered what he was seeing. Next to Brother Fointus was a clinically dissected Genestealer, some of its internal organs had been removed and transplanted into Brother Fointus. What made his blood run cold however was that some of the organs were beating, Fointus was still alive!
Xethius lunged for Varlack attempting to end this abomination once and for all but his arms grasped air and with two perfectly timed blows to his knee and back Xethius slammed down onto the metal grating. Marines rushed into the room and hauled him to his feet. Varlack stood facing him, once again calm and composed.
“Take him and deliver him to our contacts within the Imperium.” Ordered Varlack before pausing in thought, “However he doesn’t need his hands to deliver the demands, remove them. I may need them for my staff.”
Xethius let out a howl of anguish. He had been willing to sacrifice his body for the Emperor but now he would lose even his soul. The last thing he saw as he was dragged kicking and screaming from the room was Varlacks eyes shining with mirth before he pulled up his surgical mask and turned back to his work.

Oh man, that is a great piece of fluff!It is very well written and I love where this is going. I'll definetly be here for the next part!

Btw, will Varlack only be using Tyranid DNA or is he going to use other xenox races as well?

Cheers mate wasn't as sure about it as the others it's kind of lacking in action but needed to explain motives. As for the DNA he'll use anything that works. Prob Nids ofr adaptability as they will provide the key to absorbing other DNA so he's starting there so he can learn how to absorb DNA. The Eldar will be useful for longevity, Orks for survivability, Tau for well maybe not Tau! Necron tech could be salvaged.
The reason he is slaughtering civilians is to entice the Space Marines to intervene allowing him to gain armour and DNA. Any ideas or input from anyone is appreciated. Definitely going to be buying the new Decimator Deamon Engine from forgeworld. Hope they deliver to Vietnam!

This is terrific work, and I love your fluff.

I have a suggestion for you... and it's just a suggestion so take it for what it's worth. Rather than painting the chains directly on the chapter symbols, could you get small chains (which are available) and model them across the shoulder pad containing the symbol. It'd me more obvious, impacting and I think more menacing as the chapter symbol would then literally be "bound in chains".

Just a thought. Please keep up the wonderful work.

I would suggest Kroot as the basis of adaptability / easier incorperation of genetic traits. It's similar to the 'nid material without that pesky risk of domination by the hive mind.

^^Orks are also very adaptable....

Another thought: when Imperial citizens are slaughtered, doesn't the Imperium just send regular guard?

Loving the fluff, loving the models, loving the paint scheme, I'm just loving the Collectors in general!

Subscribed..... and inspired to start my Traitor armies

Gitzspiltter - Yeah thats a great idea I had already considered it myself but couldn't find chains small enough, Its quite difficult to paint the chains on the chapter symbols realistically. Plus I need more diverse chapter symbols as I only have the basic so might have to start free handing them.

Ovion - I don't really know alot about the Tau or Kroot as I was away from the hobby whilst they were released so I will read up on it. The main reason for the nids is that my friend is starting to collect them so we wanted to be able to ally with some kind of fluff behind it. Also the nid DNA must be the most adaptable in the universe at absorbing the best traits from other species so it seems a logical place to start. The hive mind would be a problem though! Thanks for the ideas keep them coming.

MrMerlin - Yeah Orks would be very useful but Varlack values intelligence so I think he would look down on Orks as primitive. they will be collected at some point! About the imperial guard, yeah they would be sent but I figure that due to the disturbing nature of his massacres and a proven record of decimating imperial guard regiments that The Collectors now have a reputation and the Imperium is so keen to capture them that Marines are sent as soon as possible. Hence Varlack being pleased his reputation is growing. It was a point I had to find a way around as I made the first model before the fluff! haha. Thanks as ever mate.

InquisitorRoeth - Glad you like them they were made to look good rather than play well so Im always happy to get positive feedback. Starting is surprisingly easy just a battleforce and zombie kit! I used to be good guys only but the dark side has finally claimed me. Although I will deviate back to my Eldar when they eventually get re-released!

Look on the internet for 40-link per inch chain. I know I've gotten it from both Asian and US suppliers. It's not expensive and in 40k scale it's a nice, fine chain. If you want something with a heavier look... 30 or 32 links per inch is probably more fitting (but might be too much for your shoulder pads).

Model rairloading supply companies are great sources. Here's a link to one 40 link per inch supplier... A-Line chain.

I think the Kroot idea was spot on as well, but Nids could work too.

As for explaining the Kroot, I was going to get all long winded and explain, but why bother when...



Courtesy of Wobbly Model Syndrome.

I love your Collectors, from the color scheme to the fluff, they're a great looking army.


(Sorry that's huge!)

Gitzsplitta - Thanks for those links mate I will definitely look into it, to be honest here in Vietnam they have everything somewhere I just need to track it down!! If not next time Im home Ill get on it.

Chemical Cutthroat - The cartoon perfectly demonstrates the phrase a picture tells a thousand words. I had no idea the kroot worked like this. The Kroot are now prime targets for harvesting, poor bastards. Plus it adds a cannibal element to the army.....hmm the possibilities....thanks again for the great input really appreciated, I will have to download codex Tau.

Those are some creepy, but very well built and painted models. Excellent work.

Really like where this is going. Can't wait to see some more updates!

Glad I could help!

Sometimes a little humor and random insight really hit the spot.

Varlack Creed's fluff is the first I've read on Dakka so far, and I must say, I LOVE IT!
It's a great take on an altogether new enemy of the imperium without being xenos or chaos.
I also love all the models you have made for the Collectors
Sub and Exalt!

The new installment of fluff is awesome, man. Can't wait to see your next mini!

Captain Cy - Thanks pal, I'll try to keep up the standard!

Chemical Cutthroat - Yeah it was a point made very well and humorously. Keep up the advice.

tarar2d2 - First one eh! No pressure for the next installment then! ha. Glad you liked it as I wasn't sure whether people would be interested in the fluff but without it they are just evil marines. I'll write some more soon.

LostSoul - Cheers as always I'm trying to fill out Varlack a bit more so the next one might involve him again. As for updates.....

So I've been working on the 2nd dread and managed to get his body and right arm nearly finished apart from last minute touch ups. I know a Plasma is crap in game terms but rule of cool won out yet again. I've realised I've prob mad the least efficient army to fight nids ever but who gives a gak. next up will be the other arm crushing the civi. Having a few issues with my paint thickening up in the constant heat here so the yellow isn't coming out as good as it used to. Also Im worried as my paints are starting to run out and my models! Thinking of ordering some from eng but dont know whether to get 5 assault marines and assault terminators or the new deamon engine from FW? Decisions.....any thoughts on a preference?

Great stuff.

Why not a kharn the betrayer type with heads....instead of skulls....

The Kharn idea is pretty cool. Personally i would like to see the Assault Terminators. I'm not sure how i feel about the daemon engine yet.

Promising beginning Icarium. Never doubt the rule of cool... it's there to protect awesome projects like this one!

That Daemon Engine is really really cool. I don't play Chaos and I want to paint one.

Not sure how you'll work it into the fluff, but if you do, it's a damn cool model, and makes a great ominous hulking centerpiece.

The Kharn idea is great, I will have him as Varlacks 2nd who he unleashes when he needs carnage. Will have to wait until I can buy more models though. I want the terminators and the engine so its annoying....the usual dilemma in gaming!

The terminators would be thunder hammer storm shield just so I can have the hammers smashing civilians all over the place! For the engine I would work it into the fluff that its not a deamon but some experiment that Varlack did on one of his really evil followers. I want it to be a center piece because like Chemical says it will look awesome. The rule of cool continues.

Thunder hammers smashing around civilians sounds unbelievably cool. Maybe some guys getting smacked by storm shields too?

I think you could really do the Daemon Engine justice though, maybe with civilians strapped to it's shoulders or something.

Now i can't decide which i'd rather see. Either would be awesome!

Great fluff man keep up the good work, suscribed.

So how does this 'chapter' get around the universe? Do they hijack civilian transports and have unaltered gang members pose as crew to smuggle their marines from planet to planet? Have they 'collected' some Imperial Naval vessels?

It seems like a big issue since they need to be on the move constantly.

Epherous wrote:So how does this warband get around the galaxy? Do they hijack civilian transports and have unaltered gang members pose as crew to smuggle their marines from planet to planet? Have they 'collected' some Imperial Naval vessels?

It seems like a big issue since they need to be on the move constantly.

fix'd

Dr Gonzo - Cheers mate I'll do my best!

Epherous - At the moment whilst he is just collecting his samples he only has one ship that he uses to travel around the galaxy and he keeps its location secret. He does have a huge spy network which he uses to keep updated on the imperiums actions and attemps to catch him. I picture him like the character Tehol in Steven Erikson's Malazan novels (Best fantasy series ever!) in that he is a genius and has plans within plans at all times. The ship he has was collected from a space marine force. Its is an issues especially as he will need to expand eventually. Any ideas or suggestions welcome!

ITS ALIVE! Ok long time no updates but finally finished the second dread!!!! It was a long drawn out process and as a result Im not as pleased with it as the previous one but then thats to be expected as I used all the best bits on the first one! I like how the civillian being crushed as come out and the way the marine appears to be looking at him. Next up will be a five man marine squad and then Im out of models so I need to push the boat out on these guys!!! I will have one taking the face from a civilian but other than that Im open to suggestion for carnage. So what do you want to see? I will also do a tutorial for them.

C and C welcome.

How about a marine breaking a civilian's back over his knee, as you would do when breaking a stick.

That dred is really nicely painted! Kudos!

How about a marine kicking someone in the nuts? Would look very funny!

Still loving these and glad to see your still doing them

tara2d2 - Good idea. I dont know how I would do it though! It would take alot of work. I'll see if its possible and let you know.

Mr merlin - Cheers mate, your thoughts appreciated as usual. It would be fun to make but I kind of want to keep the army serious and scary....if at the same time he was kicking him he was shooting his head off however.....now we are talking!

bigfish - thanks sorry for the slow updates! Im loving your orks.

I forgot that I also have a rhino to paint! Whoooo exciting....

Great dread, dude, i love the posing!

I don't have any ideas for your last models but i'm certain they will look excellent as per usual!

The newest fluff was enticing. Keep up the great work, as I keep saying. You have an amazing idea here.

Dat Dread!!

Ok sorry for no new models for a long time but I haven't been that inspired by a Rhino and 5 marines. Fortunately I am returning to the UK for xmas so I will hopefully pick up some new models. I have already ordered the Chosen Marines from the new Dark Vengeance box set from ebay. I know I said I didn't want my marines to look too Chaosy but those models are just too awesome and I will fluff it out that they are the more fanatical of Varlacks followers. The reason for this post is that Im not sure what is allowed in the new Chaos codex. Can they still take terminators and could they be armed with Thunder Hammer storm shields? Thanks.

They can take terminators. They don't have the TH/SS option.

 King Pariah wrote:
They can take terminators. They don't have the TH/SS option.

Indeed. Terminators allowed, though only one Heavy weapon per 5 models, and the usual combi-weapons & PF / LC / PWeapons...

Nice to hear you haven't completely given up yet !!

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm gutted. I really want to model some civies getting smashed around by hammers! Do I go Space Marine and get them anyway???? But I also really want to convert a demon Prince. I could use them as Mutilators and make them bigger somehow. I also like the new raptors which might have to be incorporated somehow......decisions decisions.

 Icarium wrote:
Thanks for the replies guys. I'm gutted. I really want to model some civies getting smashed around by hammers! Do I go Space Marine and get them anyway???? But I also really want to convert a demon Prince. I could use them as Mutilators and make them bigger somehow. I also like the new raptors which might have to be incorporated somehow......decisions decisions.

Model them with a slightly smaller hammer (half haft, not full, so the grip doesn't extend much below the hand) and use them as Power Mauls.

That's not a half bad idea. Model the Termi's with power mauls instead and voila! still get to model termi's smashing up civies.

+1 to Power Mauls !

Plus, you get that nice "crowd control" feel with Power Mauls... !

Sounds like a plan. Are power mauls any good in game? Not that it really matters! I'm thinking of also picking up a dreadknight......but as a counts as I'm guessing its far too big to be a hellbrute. Could be a demon engine I guess. Either way it will look awesome so I'll worry about that after!

If you mounted a pair of the Gatling Cannons you could happily have it count as a Forgefiend. (They use the same sized base too).

Power Mauls are pretty good - the best TAC choice by far, making them Str6 AP4.

Logically, game wise, the best one with Power Weapons is to have a mix, such as 1 Power Maul, 1 Power Sword, 1 Power Axe (Though if you have any Power Fists, the axe is a bit redundant).

Glad to have you back, can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve!

The time has come to finally get some new models back on this blog! I've been out and bought reinforcements and started painting again. First up some assault terminators. I decided to keep the thunder hammer and storm shields because they just look cool. At the start of the blog I said this was my rule so I'm sticking to it. I know they aren't allowed game wise but I will just count them as power mauls and I will probably build some combi weapons and have them strapped to their backs at some point. In terms of converting I had to re position the arms as the generic poses are awful and static. I have used the panels I had spare from the dreadnoughts to extend the shields and I think they work, I used pieces of sprue to make the heads of the hammers more bulky as the standard ones look a little small in my opinion. I didn't do a very good job on the green stuff and will make more of an effort in future to make this look better. The civilian was another zombie with a nose and sleeves added. I wasn't sure whether to added an electric effect at the head of the hammer and try OSL what do you think? Anyway enough of the jibber jabber on to the pics. The pics aren't very good so I will try to get better ones later.
Also a hint of whats coming in the future...

Looking good mate!

very nice action pose!

THREADSURECTION! After a long hiatus I hope to get back to painting The Collectors. The main reason I stopped was due to a very very very frustrating error whilst moving house....I lost the box containing Varlack, the assault marines and one of the dreads. Un be fething leavable. So that really took the wind out of my sails as those were the best models I have ever produced. However a year later I have been re-reading the thread and looking at the models I still have to paint and have decided to get back on the horse and re build them better than ever. So here is the progress on the counts as Forgefiend/Deamon Prince. I also have terminators. the chosen from DV, 5 tactical marines and a rhino to help restore my painting and converting mojo. May have an attempt at Varlack take 2 but since Im stuck in Vietnam I have limited parts to work with.

Great to see you back and giving more love to the Collectors. Progress on the DP looks great! Sorry for the lost box issue. Moving into a new place is what has my hobby time on hold right now too.

Yeah it's nice to hear you haven't lost hope !

The Collectors deserve to be fielded as a complete army !

Sorry about the loss, but.... Welcome back !

Glad to see you back, can't wait to see the Dreadknight fully complete.

I remember seeing this thread a LONG time ago! I always enjoyed the idea behind this army. Sorry to hear you lost some of your troops, literally, but it's great to see you're making a comeback.

Can't wait to see more of these guys!