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Hi All,

I am taking a break from major Tau modelling for the moment as I have been drumming up some ideas for a themed warband of Scythes of the Emperor, survivors from the fall of Sotha. Alot of the forthcoming work is inspired by and utilises elements of modelling I have seen on Dakka by the likes of Apologist, Migsula, Modhail and several others.

My own collection of the Scythes (since 1997 physically/1998 Online here) has waxed and waned, with only my favourite pieces and characters remaining in my display cabinet. Now, I've decided to rejuvenate the army, but at a squad scale. Also.. upsize them significantly to something more in proportion to the historic marines of yore. I'm going to focus on delving deeper into the drive behind this band of warriors, few in number, but focussed on the fight and defeat of their Nemsis, the Hive. I'll introduce you to characters that have long been apart of my collection, now reimagined. This Blog will detail my efforts..

-

The Scout.

Inspiration (the very images which caused me to begin the Scythes of the Emperor in 1997 even..)


In the artwork you can see the original style of SM Scouts, the flowing arm cloth, half power armour carapace. Mohawks..etc
This led me to think, I need at least one example of the Scouts. In doing so I thought about scaling him right up, to the heights similar to that of my future Marine work. But, I decided against that, to focus on his enhanced physique sure.. but ultimately denied full emergence as a complete bio-enhanced marine and therefore, be slightly shorter in stature to his fully armoured brothers.


Ardan, sole survivor from the Tenth Company of the Scythes, 1st Platoon, Fourth Squad.
Based upon the imagery of Scouts from Tyranid Attack, Lost Patrol and Adv. Space Crusade era.



In current times, since the Fall, he is the only Scout among the Astartes survivors. Ardan has long put aside his original tunic, much of it rags after several years of Tyrannic Warfare. Armor wise he has only one pauldron left from the original armor and his left knee plate is reinforced with a trophy, chitin from a Lictor, which even today impresses his Brothers no end. Retaining his original Bolt Pistol and Chainsword, freshly issued from the Chapter Forge on Sotha before the Fall, one can see Ardan has a deep sense of connection to these items and armor by the manner in which he tends to them. The necessity of eventual replacement seems far removed concept to him.

Ardan snap-rolled aside through intuition alone, avoiding the double strike of the Tyranid's twin mantid-talons. But only just, his left pauldron torn away, rent straight through the Chapter emblem artwork. He shouted out in anguish, with a deep level of dismay at the loss, as if a limb had been cleaved away. The Lictor stepped back to pounce anew, finding it's prey stationary and..snarling back. Before even a chance too finish the human occurred to it, Ardan launched his own attack. Seeing the folly in this, the Lictor let it's play thing come, parrying each swipe of the metal buzzing talon the Scout wielded with some expertise and unexpected ferocity.

All too late, the Tyranid realised, Ardan had not meant to lay it low with a flurry of blows. No, the parries had allowed the human in close and now, clambered upon it's upper torso, the Scout reared back swiftly.. drawing out, priming and shoving a cylindrical object straight into it's sensitive maw with a single fluid motion. Mashed sensory tendrils recoiled in pain, the odd mix of human blood and the tang of machined metal were the last sensations the alien ever knew, before the explosion spattered it's bulbous head across the jungle floor without a chance to react. Ardan himself was knocked across the clearing, rolling out the fall, he rose up injured but not badly so.

Observing the kill for a moment, the Scout walked back with a purpose, drawing a mono-molecular blade from it's sheath with a tightly clenched fist. Ardan began to carve carefully, removing his coup from the alien corpse with a Skinner's eye. A small but satisfying compensation for the loss of his original Chapter emblem..

Overall, for a Scout, Ardan is heavily equipped with Enhanced Fragmentation grenades and Krak Grenades (The original 'coin' grenades having proven largely ineffectual against the Tyranid). The kitbag he utilises on Hiveship raids, contains a myriad of traps and explosives designed solely for eradication of Tyrannic organisms. Similarly Ardan's ammunition is a myriad of personally crafted rounds, from Chitin piercing, Biophage and even High Explosive rounds. Whilst not a practice promoted within the original Chapter, his success rate speaks volumes for his craftsmanship. Recently, he made the addition of a Melta Bomb (non-standard), his only explanation being; "They've gotten bigger". Most suspect it is a last resort, his death, when it comes, shall be a final defiant act.

Since his biological enhancement never reached it's full potential before the Fall however, there is clearly an underlying tone of a Marine realising he will only ever be, half what his brothers are. Any spite over this issue seems redirected upon the Tyranid and not his own thankfully. It has to be said, it clearly does not affect his combat ability. Further, his tactics and prowess are utterly lethal, honed against some of the most dangerous creatures in known space. In the training halls of their only Gladius Frigate, he is more than a match for any of the Battle Brothers. With remarkable agility, borne of heightened reflexes, he can dodge strikes that would invariably kill him if they landed. Which is no surprise given the foe he continuously seeks to fight.

Ardan, the Scout, is a somewhat cold, focussed and slightly bitter figure. Possibly more serious than is reasonable to some. Yet he remains one of the most accomplished members of the Survivors and an exceptional point man during Hiveship raids and Counter-Insurgent Tyranid hunting.

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Quick Size image :



Painting soon, possibly add some more details, then onto my first Space Marine in Power Armour.

~ Tael.

thanks guys,

the head is a Catachan piece, if I recall, it is from the Catachan Heavy Weapons team sprue.

Thanks for the image WingWong, its very very nicely done. I've been painting Scythes marines for years now, with a slightly different bent on the scheme, but I'm dabbling about keeping this collection 'Classic' despite the predominantly black scheme.

That's a great example indeed.

~ Tael.

It's been great to step back into making the Scythes, and what a response. Thanks for your feedback all, its been a great way to kick off this project indeed!

Further, the emergence of some long time enthusiasts for the website has been a highlight.

Some questions to answer!

about the stranded Scythe who runs into that chick, armors up and messes gak up. "Solitude" I think was the title

Wow, that is a while back. IIRC.. that was Stavus, who without ruining anything since he's been a long time Scythe.. will make a comeback. I should republish those pieces again on the site..

You should throw a scale up with the scouts from that boxed set to show the young ones how small they really are.

Have a squad about for reference, I'll mock something up later today

Where did the artwork come from? I think I recognise the black and white one, but the colour art is new to me.

Hmm.. B&W is obvious, but the colour piece was by an Italian artist, who was commissioned by GW to do art for Tyranid Attack, but was ultimately ditched. It was later published on collectible card albums for European artists. Complete random that I found it.

what a full marine made by you would look like.. Are you going with the modern chapter badge, or the old "horseman" badge?

If you refer to the central Scout in the colour image, I have always stuck with the single Scythe emblem, not the crossed scythe. I guess it was a first impression moment, ever since.. I can't abide the inelegant double cross scythe logo. Personal artistic taste (and temperment ) However, ..argh giving away too much.. I do intend to settle down and paint a Horseman for a special character.

Thanks again guys, been a real boost to the project. If I can tear myself away from making Scrapper's of Xanthos & Modhail's style.. I might just finish Ardan hahaha.. well that and I am still waiting on some parts in the mail

Also.. I will double post to put up some artwork I've been working on..

~ Tael.

There is a lot of conjecture about the Fall of Sotha and how many Astartes were able to evacuate to Miral, let alone get out of the Sothan system itself, the fact of the matter is the Scythes have not been seen in number for well over two decades since the Fall. Even less so, a single Scythe warship.

It is known that the Fleet and system monitor squadrons were annihilated. Whatever was left, made it only to Miral and then was hunted down by the following Hivefleets. So it can be understood, sightings of a lone Astartes Frigate, pirate killing and Tyranid hunting along the Eastern Fringe are often considered raving half truths or simply misidentification of other Chapter fleets, rarely sighted as it is.

The strongest record comes from the survivors of the Merchant Squadron that was led through the blockade by the Tenax, the last surviving warship of the line at Sotha. The following extracts were combined from post action debriefings at various port authorities during a later systematic quarantine of surviving ships;

"She slipped in right close (Comment : subject indicates a classic Fire Intervention manoeuvre with hands) took the brunt of that killer mist.. then fired her guns right down the beast's throat.. goaded it to bite the damned ship in half they did! Well.. right before I'm praying to the almighty throne.. those marines up and work the other flank, firing into a roving ship-killer behemoth. That ship.. she was everywhere that day..but not when we cleared into Miral.. no.. she didn't make it I think"
- Felix Gammon, Co-Owner of the Devlan Pinnacle.

"You see, the trick was to put your fire right into the holes on those hiveships.. the spore would barely be ejected and we got them. The marines told us that one.. not to let them get out and about, they're tricky (omission) that way. With seven ships putting fire on target when directed, we pummelled every hiveship from bow to stern. Pretty sure thats the only way we got out (Comment : Speaker makes the Sign of the Throne).. never did see what happened to the Tenax, so vested in saving my own ski.. my crew.."
- Javi Gal'Ruis, Ore Trader - Retired M41.997 Owner of the Eastern Viable

The most curious extract comes from a then, young lieutenant, serving the watch on the Sothan freighter, 'Able Duty'. Forced to captain the vessel on evacuation, he provides a vivid account due to his professional background;

"Initially the Tyranid ignored us, a haphazard grouping of Merchant navy types, barely a dozen cannon between us. I was hailing all channels for cover, as we were heading right down the maw of several Ship-Killers. Next thing the Gladius Class, Tenax moves through our formation, using our shadow.. and rises into the lead, cannon at the fore. That single surprise is what did it. Next thing I'm hearing fire orders from Astartes commander, Zavek, Zavir.. well, the short of it.. we're firing in concert with his salvoes and we applied fire broadside of the carrier ships, cutting the inbound spore launches almost to nil. Left us to navigate through their lines more easily for sure.

Mind you we had to be quick about it, still.. those Astartes, they didn't back down an inch, not once. When we cleared they came about and charged into the pursuing Ship-killers to buy us time. That Frigate was bleeding air like a robes about a priest..(Comment : Speaker pauses in thought, unsure)..yeah, no chance. Look.. this will sound wild, but just as I was thinking at the time, they're done for.. we translate and next it's the rapids of hades own.. the wake of a hivefleet and all. Thing is.. my auguries picked up two warp breaches when we left.. two hey, ours and who else?.. yah, I'm thinking the same.. they translated into the face of those Hiveships. Bold as ever.. but true to the form they showed. Wouldn't be much left of the Ship-Killers if they pulled it off..if not (Comment : Speaker waves a dismissing hand) ..they went out in style."
- Captain Kael De'Marlo, Merchant Marine - Currently assigned Ore Hauler Picket 'PC282' Segmentum Fleet, Gunboat 18.

What ever the final truth, the last ship of the line fought to the end, protecting the remaining civilian evacuees. Whilst some debate could be opened on the possibility of their escape, the cold reality of a warp jump through opposing lines, near a gravity well... does not engender much faith other than in the beginning of yet another rumour.

~ Tael.

Progress update:

Some parts have arrived!.. and I have immediately set about my first scaled up marine. It is a fastidious affair, but as the greenstuff has set, the bulk and size seem..just right. I feel as if I am working on my first ever Space Marine kit.

Once completed I will move onto something more daring, but for now, learning the technique to building one is a good fun.

With these pieces, I've finally added the last details to Ardan, so painting begins shortly.

~ Tael.

.
Very quick photos :

A Comparison of Scouts and Marines :



And a WiP of the legs of the first marine, I've learned alot of what not to do and what could be done better just from this so far..



The shoulders seem distorted, but in RL are quite classical in their shape. I've gone for a heavier front shin plate and a reduced rear calf plate. Still working through the thigh armor now.

In future I will remove the thigh armor ribbing, it's potential as a GS aid/guide is limited and is more a hindrance. I aim to clean up the boots last, and add some tread on the rear of the right foot to match the boosting styrene sheet.

So far, an enjoyable project..

~ Tael.

Hi All,

Thanks for your feedback, appreciate the comments alot, mostly because the whole 'huntin' Nids' angle is quite true, this first Marine has been largely left untouched components wise, because I liked the slower pace of the leg positions.

This first, as yet undisclosed character, is a cautious Marine.. noted for being studious in his approach to running about Hiveships. Like birds going silent in a forest, there are signs within Tyranid ships even, that portend danger.

I chose this character after realising the inherent pose would develop, but also the fact it eases me into modelling this kind of piece. Following that, as Migsula mentions, we all have differing techniques.

Mine is a merger of those who have showcased their work, and I also tend to have more faith in my Greenstuff 'clean up' skills than shaving and sanding down inserts like Migsula does for example. (His latest Aplharius has a great photo of the shin inserts smoothly integrated)

I tend to add the insert, then bulk out and clean up with GS. The height will be similar, and finish not unlike similar work, but the method is something I'm more sure of.

In saying all this and the recent comparison photo, I realised two things about Ardan. His modelling technique doesn't approach height via the same as the Marine. Ergo, I need to redo his shin armor for height boosting, and retain a more standard thigh length. I have remodelled this, and in a second issue, added an old school Scout belt plate..





This ends up with a more statuesque pose certainly, less energy, but I feel it works when alongside the 'modified' proportions of the new Marine piece. He will receive a codpiece and 'gear' shortly, but the predominant work is complete now.

From a modeller to those just beginning, sometimes.. you just have to accept you went the wrong way, and remodel a piece from the ground up (I pulled Ardan apart to add all the new pieces). I now sit here, more satisfied he resonates the origins of the original scout miniatures than before. Continuing, the black marker line is something I do to align piece back into a pose I like.

Malika2 : The Artwork I rendered from shots of my own BFG collection. I'm a graphics professional by background, so enjoyed messing about quickly to produce the piece for the 'story'.

n answering others, the boots are unpowered, hence the overall lack of armor as the original scouts bore no power gear at all.

~ Tael.

Cheers CMDante, about to finish off his Mohawk and build on some of his gear to blend it more readily. The severed arm on the base is WiP, about to savage that too and add some gore.

Hobbit; I had thought of the Empire General kit for large enough billowing arms, but I've decided to go more brawn and show some flesh. Also, ruffled cloth I figured would be one of the first things to be worn out after many running battles with the Tyranid. I think it's one point where I diverge from canon and into interpretation.

I've posted a comparison for scale on page 1, Ardan isn't much different, even after this adjustment.

~ Tael.

Hi All,

Hobbit ~ I'll upload a comparison shot in the morning, Ardan is nearly finished painting, so I will use the light to best show the results so far.

Whilst I waited on parts and worked over the components that made Ardan, I fiddled on some backpacks I had mocked up for my original Truescale marines, before I spied the work of Apologist and Migsula.

In an idea of the Scythes adding trophies to their armor I put these together as one off, singular changes to a classic marine look as I build the characters;



Tempted to go with the first, ..maybe second, the third.. hmm, WiP in retrospect.

Colour photos of Ardan tomorrow morning!

~ Tael.

Righto, digicam ISO having fun this morning..mutter.. I'll grab another camera when I'm done.

Nonetheless.. the current progress, I decided to stick to my style of painting the Scythes in the end ;




You can pick out Ardan's only remaining Scythe emblem, some of his modified Bolt rounds and the 'Big One' MeltaBomb he keeps handy. This with assorted super-krak and super-frag grenades.

Yet to finish some shading, and details. Overall, some of the subtle hues are lost in the images, such as the grey to soft black of the armor and the deeper hue to the yellow armor lines. Hopefully more easily shown by the other camera I need to get for the final shoot.

And for Hobbit, the heigh differences Scout vs Marine (incomplete)


~ Tael.

Thanks for the feedback guys, understandably restrained being just a In Progress shot. I've readdressed the skin tones on the arms last night and fixed a couple of 'whoops' errors. Waiting on a new camera as I type, should have images over the weekend.

As for basing? I'd like to go possibly arid terrain, with Tyranid body parts.. as if the Scythes' have ambushed a 'Seeker' hiveship on some backwater world. I was thinking a Hiveship base style, but decided against it due to competing attentions.

Also...



The reworked legs, with dual plated greaves, and double plate back plate, and a redone belt line (similar fashion to the way in which the shoulders are treated with new rims)

As you can see, there is a hairline crack on the left calf, and above that two dents, those I will smooth out after the GS is set over night. I have the torso at 75% complete.. so.. I imagine I'll be painting Sunday? Monday?

More soon!

~ Tael.

Thanks SJ

Here's an update on my first Marine, yet to be identified, with several small finishes to be done after this first 'Dry Fit'..





I'd love to pack on more kit, since with fewer marines.. more gear to go around, a comment made by a fellow Scythes enthusiast I'm bouncing ideas off with here : http://warhammer.org.uk/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=56151

I'm being cautious with this first model, with an idea to simply produce a classic "Marine".. so boltgun to the fore, For the Emperor! (staccato muzzle flash), steady pacing. Essentially, this guy is the rifleman of the group, taking ground and laying down some close quarter's cover fire.

Modelling wise, I ever so slightly adjusted his left leg to point outwards by mere mm's. Crazy the difference that makes. For the shoulders, I'm going to build up atop the 'shoulder' mount of standard marine arms, since I found (and curious for critique here) that it seems about right in relation to his neckline. So I'm merely bulking out with the Shoulder armor.

He's a solid git alright..


best!
Tael.

Hi All,

Thanks for the feedback and critique, helped me decide on a few extra things. I took photos of the torso for those interested. Like I had mentioned awhile back, I've blended alot of the truescale marine builds into this variation. But I did like Pfreck's idea of using the Terminator chest piece and blending a SM Back onto this. It works and when doing the GS, the sweep about the rear side is easily achieved and uniformity is maintained.

I chose this chest as it matches that of Ardan, and I'll keep the theme throughout the collection.

Yet to settle in and do the belt 'buckle', torso and abdominal plate, that is something I may end up doing last when I have the twist of the torso -just right- for the pose.



Thanks for the GS tip CMdante, noted and added to my bag'o'tricks! And yes.. Space Crusade Bayonet FTW! chuckle.. was thinking of a chainblade..?

For those curious, I mentioned previously that I adjusted the left leg outwards by a fraction, which opened up the original pose more. My next piece will be far more adventurous.

The normal marine arms, ..I actually feel are just about right. I mean, if you stand up.. observe the size of your arms in relation to your legs, and where they touch around the hip region.. you soon realise how monkey like they are on a standard marine. At this 'Scale' they suit well enough and when positioned flush of the new shoulder line, they work. From here, just like in the new terminator plastics, there is an inner shoulder plate to bulk out the area upon which Terminator shoulders are glued. I intend to follow suit.

Bottle, .. I like to recycle, when I'm done.. you will think it was a new base

best!
Tael.

Thanks for the input Teufelskeri, I'd be very interested in the information you have found on the Scythes and their sources, I'm tidying up the history I have collected over the last few years of gaming. Mostly because I had simply forgotten to reference what I had read when I added information.

Please do PM me anything, I'll incorporate that, I'm already joining forces with another avid Scythes fan. His work is actually the most quoted on the internet for the Scythes! chuckle. We are working on producing a close to canon Scythes History, in saying that, your help would be great. Once we're done, we can set about posting it with full source references etc

It is funny that I'm probably the only Scythes painter who completely breaks away from the original scheme AND the original emblem style. All based on my personal aesthetics. I might just use a double Scythe on the Marines, the shoulders may just be big enough to accomodate two of the home made decals I have, see how I go

~ Tael.

The Lost
Brother Stavus, Fourth Company, 1st Platoon, Third Squad.




One of the most remarkable survivors of the Fall, Stavus was long considered fallen. alongside brothers of the Fourth during the initial boarding actions at the edges of Sothan space. Those first, desperate, engagements against a wholly new kind of Tryanid strain quickly determined the truly exceptional amongst the super-human Astartes warriors. In a series of tragic events he was to be left stranded upon a forgotten world, somewhere along the Damocles Gulf. Years later, through a chance encounter and resultant escape effort, he would be reunited with his kin, aboard the Tenax.

Rolling the bolt round casing between his finger and thumb, Stavus looked at the surface, a face smeared across the warping reflective surface of the cylinder. He rolled the casing back and forth slowly, watching with an appraisal that saw more than what was crafted upon it. He saw the casing fall, and sizzle into the flesh-floor of the Hiveship, the round open up a Tyranid before him as another received the following. Suddenly the explosions spread alien shades of eviscera and sinew across the bulkheads of the Phrax, as the resolute Destroyer fought free of an awakened living ship.

Muzzle flashes took snapshots of living, the dead and alien maws snarling. He fought to leave the dying warship while the casings rained down on metal floors. He held his ground for any of a hundred brothers to make that last rendezvous. None came, lives spent like so many rounds he had dispensed into the face of this foe and yet they came. Trading with the dead, he kept his vengeance alive. He kept firing, kept hoping. But only the Tyranid danced macabre in the light of his defiance. Soon, even the Phrax cried out and so he shot down his closest would be killer, then stepped away. Ejected amidst explosions and fire, his hand seared from the last casing he had caught, just as the world below reached out for him.

A shrill ring made him aware that last casing now trickled across the walldesk of his alcove, then it left the edge and fell away, to be caught again.
"Stavus.. we launch in twenty minutes, Ardan's just located the proto-nest" he was suddenly interrupted.
A hundred faces looked on as he nodded in acknowledgement to the one among them that still lived. Turning back, he placed the spent casing on it's end, at home amidst several electro-candles, rotating it about until his own etched name marred the reflection. Returning to his work, he slid aside the familiar scribing tool and brushed away the fine shavings. Then methodically selected each round from serried ranks; Illian, Haetus, Rael, Herus, Locan.. sliding each into their resting place,
"I will fight with you always brothers.."

Noted through training for being particularly astute in a tactical fire support role, Stavus is considered a lynch pin member to any Scythe action. His ability at range or in close quarters asserts just how devastating an Imperial Bolter can be, when placed in gifted hands. During engagements, Stavus will position himself with superb foresight, tenaciously refusing his position to the enemy with accurate, incessant fire. A fusillade which can just as easily keep heads down as remove them. This is not to say he is wary of hand to hand combat, the foot long assault blade which projects menacingly under his boltgun's muzzle, deftly greets any enemy that feigns a hope at contesting the marine's chosen position.

Seen above, Stavus carries two satchels of sickle clips, super Krak and Frag grenades, a utility line and standard grenade discs in a hip pouch. This kit is predominantly used during Hunter missions, seeking out scouting Xenopmorphs on outlying worlds, when speed is more advantageous than rate of fire. Should he be involved in a boarding action, it is not unknown for Stavus to carrying four more clip satchels affixed about his utility belt. Once one is depleted he discards it, then methodically slides the remainder forwards to keep his clips in easy reach. Possibly the most notable feature of his armor is the 'Mortis Aquilae', a Sothan decoration for ability in ranged arms, which he was awarded only weeks before the Tyranids arrived over Sotha.

Since his return among fellow brothers, Stavus shows signs he has clearly struggled to come to terms with his own survival amongst the death of every brother in the Fourth, only to be stranded during Sotha's final hours. Years of solitude have for now, entrenched whatever mental reasoning he has found solace in, but it has left him somewhat reserved and distant. Amongst the Scythes of the Tenax, his skills are greatly respected and with an understanding of shared experience, they are sure Stavus will come to integrate with the crew given time.

-

Quick Size image :



I decided to post what I have done so far, with a new freelance project looming it would be awhile before I eventually complete Stavus. So yet too add some more details, but for now all on hold, I'll repost when I have done the final spots (some are obvious) though for now, I am really unsure if I want to weather this crisp finish

~ Tael.

Hi All,

Thanks for the really positive response guys, I did a quick tally and all up this is the hours for build (actual work after GS cure time);

Conversion 4hrs
Painting 5.5hrs

A lot of black blending and more brown/yellow hue has been gobbled by digital pixies, but the overall Dark Grey to Black toning seems to have stood the test to show through. Otherwise, unit marking and right shoulder details left. That and weathering, which I am really finding hard to bring myself to do considering the personally satisfying finish of the main colours.

I should have taken a higher angle photo, the base is littered with bolt casings and a spent clip. I did have some trouble spots, but 'artful' placement of kit has helped -a lot- chuckle. I had intended for a combat knife, but the modified pommel was hidden in the final build, so I have saved it for a later piece.

@Dante : Thanks for your thoughts Dante I'm still surprised your Blood Pact lad didn't place btw! I'm beginning to rack up a large collection of models painted to 90% completion chuckle.. so many model ideas.. I just want to churn them out! I'll finish Stavus when I am finalising the second Marine I believe.

Next up then, is a support role Marine..

As for the freelance project, I do graphic design work and a large brief just landed so time to make some money for my addictions

Just mentioning my continued inspiration from the work of Apologist, Migsula and Pfreck.. do check out their variations on this building theme!

have a great weekend all,
~ Tael

Hi All,

Rough day in the studio (graphic design's my gig), but scored a great project for May to finish out, so not all bad before the weekend!

Thank you for the great feedback and positive vibes, when I sum up the courage to "smear and wear" all over Stavus and Ardan I will chuckle.. its been a good pick me up after a tough week! I enjoyed reading through and seeing folks thoughts on the 'yay or nay' of TS Marines and the variation of Scythes I do.

Updates wise, the third marine is awaiting a couple of hours green work, but for now I won't be updating for about a fortnight as I try and get this work project in before end of May.

Thanks for reading, be sure to check out Apologist, Migsula, Pfreck, Modhail, Xanthos and CMdante's work for some inspiring stuff, that I am sure.. is being updated! chuckle.. onwards to more =I=Munda & TScale Marines!

Here is a list of my favourite threads and those that inspire my work :
Apologist's TS Tutorial
Apologist's Ultramarine Heritage and Historical Materials (ie. More uber TS Marines)
Modhail's Boarding Party =I=Munda
Migsula's Alpha Legion Marines, TS among IG conversions (inspiring oh my!)
Pfreck's =I=Munda with TS Marine (Gave me the idea of the torso conversion as it retained the Aquilae on the chest)
Xanthos' work on =I=Munda
CMDante's class Genestealer Hybrid thread

Be sure to check them out in the meantime!

~ Tael.

A few months ago, when I began this project, another Scythe's painter was also of the same mind. In fact, some of his work graces this very blog. We began talking and soon realised that since 1999 (Launch of www.the-scythes.com and the first SM website registered by GW) and his own history of The Scythes during a wane in my work on the Scythes had generated a swathe of rumour-milling and false truths about our favourite Chapter.

For the last three months, comparing my notes from years back and the broad publication resources of Falces Imperatoris (My contemporary) we have confirmed and laid out the most comprehensive history of the Scythes, righting the faux pas our combined histories have set among fellow collectors of the ill-fated Chapter. But! Little did we know the very Inquisition was already hard at work!



We have been told this Inquisition Report by Interrogator Sandoe, delves into the background and subsequent demise of The Scythes of the Emperor Chapter. Following this, Interrogator Sandoe will release reports on rumours of a Chapter Barge led Scythe force operating on the Eastern Fringe and a rarely sighted Sothan Frigate that bears strikingly similar colours to the Scythes of old. Suffice to say, the 'interview' process was unpleasant for both myself and Falces Imperatoris.

These releases will be available soon as High Resolution PDFs and Low Resolution PDFs. Original artwork, accurate details, from an age old inspiration.

~ Sebastian.
www.the-scythes.com

Thanks guys,

It has been fun to flex some artwork creativity. I am presently finalising a few key images and we're set to publish. Dal'yth, I would be interested in a hardbound copy, the artwork is all created at larger than A4 scale. However, for now I'll hold on till the appendix are finished too. That's a cool idea though.

Thanks for your support and feedback!

~ Tael.

All shall be revealed, I'm finalising the colour plates this weekend and compiling the files after a few checks

More shortly,
Tael.

Thanks guys

Work and good old Real Life(tm) have kept me largely from getting stuck into the Scythes remodelling in a big way, hence the project hiatus declaration a couple of months back. I have a specialist and heavy marine prepped in parts and after a trip overseas for two months, I intend to complete these two additional figures; since truescale modelling is pretty time intensive, well for me anyhow, I hope to have greater spare time to finish these two.

Slotting into my design work, the artwork for this "History Report" has been a nice diversion and a nice recharge of creative energy for my work projects.

MyBlack Formula?

Surprisingly straight forward actually. I utilise Vallejo colours so keep this in mind when I mention paints.

White Undercoat, (GW Citadel Spray)

Wash with Watered down Black [Model Color 159 (70950)]

70/30 Mix Black [159] + Dark Grey [Model Color 994] painted over surfaces, avoiding seams.

Wash with Watered down Black, concentrating on darker tones where appropriate.

Highlight edges with Dark Grey

Feather Edges with Dark Grey where appropriate.

Sharp Highlight with Basalt Grey [Model Color 162 (70869)]

This should leave you with a smooth black that has some lighter tones and crisply highlighted edges to define the large surfaces.

I then give a very light wash with German Cam. Medium Brown [Model Color 145 (70826)] to leave some grime and dirt residues. Which haven't shown up in the photos due to the dominant black tones, but in person you see the effect more easily. This has been my 'Grime and Grit' wash since before Devlan Mud appeared in the Citadel range. Though I still prefer German Cam. Medium Brown.

Also, when I create paint based washes, I use a small dot of Dish Washing Fluid to create better flow.

Hope that helps or offers a different approach for folks

best,
Seb/Tael.

You're welcome Kalidane

Right important news!

I am awaiting some final commentary from Andrew to add to a couple of images I created then I shall compile and release on Saturday (late Friday for some).

Thanks for your encouraging feedback, I hope you enjoy the revised, official history report forthcoming!

best,
Sebastian.

Evening All,

After a couple of months of snatched spare time, Andrew and I have completed the First Edition copy of the 'Scythes of the Emperor : A Factual History'.

I feel we have both served our penance for the odd historical inaccuracies that have persisted among Scythes players due to our (Andrew Taylor & Myself) notoriety as collectors and players of the Scythes. Some pieces of my original history were misremembered facts and for Andrew, his fiction was so convincing many believed the very characters he created for his own collection were in fact, GW canon!

So, here we are. After twelve years of collecting the Scythes I think I can say, this is the most accurate history compiled to date. Fully sourced and cited from Games Workshop and affiliated publications. We have often gone with precedent facts, due to GW's penchant for some odd revisionist time line notes in recent years.

Presently we're offering the Low-Res format due to download constraints. We're looking for a more substantial solution before we release the High Resolution file (as it is quite large). If you would like notice on this release, please message me and I will notify you once we have secured a download site.

What this is not
The Scythes of the Emperor : A Factual History is not a codex or even a hobby guide. This is a several page report on the history of one of GW's most ill-fated but resilient Chapters. Please don't be upset at the lack of painting guides, tactical doctrine suggestions or house rulings. Though I have included the official colour scheme in the credits and utilised Andrew's historically accurate Marines in the artwork. However, both Andrew and I are collaborating on a new version of www.the-scythes.com, combining our collections to create a site full of all these hobby details, directly relating to the Scythes, naturally. Even more amazing, Andrew might just convince me to paint Scythes in their traditional scheme! ..I know, shocking hey?

What we hope
Our intention is for Space Marine collectors to explore the possibility of a Scythes force with the confidence of knowing the background with which they get inspired is accurate and presents a myriad of possible Scythe forces fighting and surviving along the Eastern Fringe. Much like my small warband of marines and Andrew's complete Scythe Company with Battlebarge, there are various ways to represent them in the 40k realm. One thing every Scythe collector can agree on, there's always going to be a lot of scouts and Tyrannic war veteran marines, but how you play them is really up to you and your hobby group.

The Future
This is the first edition release, new facts may come to light and even gasp! There may be errors in the release. We hope to incorporate in later editions these new addendum. If you find something we have missed, please contact us and we will cite the source and add it to the next edition with credit. Andrew and I will be working on more materials for www.the-scythes.com and future reports, the first of which is an appendix exploring our collections and divergent histories.

And now, feel free to download and share the following PDF file then enjoy the read :


The Scythes of the Emperor : A Factual History Report [18mb PDF]



Thanks for your comments and critique over the years!
Sebastian.

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed the read! I'll pass on your feedback to Andrew also.

We'll be working on more projects for www.the-scythes.com, but those are going to be released over time, but I'll keep folks updated here for sure.

CMdante, scoot me a PM, be glad to help out if I can

best.
Seb.

Hi All,

In further addition to the release of the most comprehensive collection of Scythes History, I would like to announce the relaunch of The Scythes of the Emperor website.

http://www.the-scythes.com

I have included work of my own and Andrew Taylor's (co-author of the report) most excellent Scythe collection. You'll find the Report, News, Gallery, Artwork (original GW items too!) and some of my fun projects such as the Hulk Hounds and even an incrediably nostalgic graphical report on the Scythes boarding a Hiveship, created for a campaign in 1998 on the first Scythes website (If you remember these images, then you really are a long time supporter!).

Andrew and I hope you enjoy the visit, seeing some of my oldest and newer pieces as well as the huge images of Andrew's on collection aboard the "Heart of Sotha" Battlebarge (It's so big it has it's own section on the site).

I am presently travelling actually, finding myself rejuvenated and inspired, a lot of these graphics projects are being attacked with great enthusiasm once again. I made a very good call deciding to upload my art files to the laptop!

my best,
Sebastian.

Thanks Ferrum and all the above for your thoughts! Cheers!

Naturally more models when I unpack my hobby desk after I return from travelling, for now though, it has been great fun reinstating the Scythes site and completing these visual projects

have a good weekend all!
Sebastian.