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I have finally started work on my battle for Iwo Jima IG army, and have almost finished positioning the CCS into a semblance of the flag raising. However, I plan on using an astropath in the army, and cannot for the life of me figure out how to model one that could possibly fit with a WWII theme. Anyone have any ideas or pics?

Perhaps a model with a long-range vox could work as a counts-as astropath.

I had thought of that, but I was worried that folks would complain that it looked too much like I just had a Vox caster in the unit, not an astropath.

Then again, I don't have any other vox casters in the army for him to talk to, so maybe that would work.

You could always go with a gasmask type. Look around for images of that weird WW2 steam punk type stuff. There is a boat load of art work and the like for that. Might inspire you on how to convert your astropath

Astropaths are all about predicting your own troop movements. What about a senior adjutant type to accompany your company commander. Lots of maps, an intelligent air and dripping with gold braid?

The other alternative is another dedicated comms guy. Are you using a MOO? if not then you could have a naval shore-party type in contact with the reinforcing troop ships.

Another potential might be some kind of special forces guy who is timing the arrival of the flanking forces.

Off topic.. You should post pictures of this army.. im very curious!

Overlapping a bit with Flintys last suggestion: A french resistance fighter in a beret and scarf (baguette would probably be over the top), carrying good maps over and personal knowledge of the local area. He would give a WW2 commander much the same advantages as an astropath would give it's 40k counterpart.

And I second loofacops request. Pics please!

A french resistance fighter seems a bit of a disconnect for a Pacific Theater force, I recommend a Recon type with maps and comms.

I'll post pics as soon as I can...the CCS is almost done, although I have a Cadian banner as a stand in, until I get Old Glory finished. It's not an exact replica of the flag raising, as I need the unit to also be playable; however, from the right side (the side from which the historic photo was taken) the profile's shape is very close.

Keeping with the theme, all chimeras will have turret heavy flamers to represent the large use of flame tanks in the campaign. All infantry will be marked as 2nd Div 9th Marines.

The Russ's will be marked as 4th Marine Tank Btn, and the Vendettas will be painted and marked as VMF-213, who porvided air support. Yes, the Corsiar was a Gull Winged prop job, but at least the Vendetta has bent wings.

BTW, I went with the idea of comms and a map for the Astropath, and my OotF is a kitbash of CCS and tank commander bits.

chwheel wrote:A french resistance fighter seems a bit of a disconnect for a Pacific Theater force, I recommend a Recon type with maps and comms.

Yes, you are quite right about that... I blame my brain for that one.

I like the theme man, rather original. Especially the flag-raising. Is that the first or second time they're lifting it?

Personally, I'd go with a heavily-decorated officer for your astropath. He's the guy making sure the boats land on Yellow 1&2 at the right time, right?

Someone like

Holland Smith, commander of US forces.

Lots of medals, a little table with maps and a Signal Corps radio:
.

Stick him on a 40mm base if you have to, that would be a sweeeet model!
You might be able to grab a suitable commisar model, or use the tank commander torso as a start.

Oh Im sorry I had a brain fart.. Duh! Have an Australian. I dont remember the specific name of the force, but they were the dudes who would sit on some random pacific island atoll by themselves with a radio and some binoculars and fed the Marines some damned good intel. Maybe a guy with a boonie hat, big knife, radio and binoculars !

Definately sounds like a promising idea! Are your vets going to be modeled after the the Marine Raiders?

I'm all for the vox idea, give him a bit of a confused look and a map and I would certainly acept him as an astropath!

i'd say go with an officer standing over a tablemock up of a battlefield or over a map unfurled over a table. you'd probably have to put him on a 40mm base to fit it all but it's give you the best look IMO of a guy that gives your army +1 to reserves.

Have you considered a native american type? They were used as messengers in the pacific in WWII since their language was better then most codes. This secure communication would help getting reserves quickly and in an appropriate place.

The model of Shiv from Schaeffer's last chancers could be a decent start for the model.

CommissarKhaine wrote:Have you considered a native american type? They were used as messengers in the pacific in WWII since their language was better then most codes. This secure communication would help getting reserves quickly and in an appropriate place.

The model of Shiv from Schaeffer's last chancers could be a decent start for the model.

That was ingenious. I can't believe I didn't mention the code talkers, since I did a 5 page report on them before christmas

loofacop wrote:Oh Im sorry I had a brain fart.. Duh! Have an Australian. I dont remember the specific name of the force, but they were the dudes who would sit on some random pacific island atoll by themselves with a radio and some binoculars and fed the Marines some damned good intel. Maybe a guy with a boonie hat, big knife, radio and binoculars !

The coast watchers were more about monitoriing the Japanese movements. They would fit better as Master of the Fleet, rather than an astropath

I think native americans could bring up the uncomfortable conversation of the movie Wind Talkers with Nick Cage.

I find it's best to get through the day without getting me started on Mr Cage...

Any progress, Alerian?