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I'll start off by admitting I really can't stand the model for the GW Avatar. So I bought a myrmidon model from the Warmachine set to be my Avatar of Khaine. I had thought I'd use an extra shoulder pad with the avatar glyph carved into it as the head (option A). I thought that it fit well into the wraithguard/lord style. Then I found a bit in the set that looks like a crazy alien mask (option B ). It was supposed to be a gun or something, but it's kind of cool and a bit more face-like. It's a bit more interesting - I could imagine it hanging in some sacred place awaiting the warlocks to start their rituals. Now I can't decide. What do you think?

Here are the 2 options side by side:


Here is option A (full body)



Here is option B (full body)



I'd love your thoughts on which head to pick. Thanks.

A

Definitely A!

No question, A

A

Looks good. A

I'd say B, because it looks angrier than option A, and Khaine is all about anger.

Kind of thinking the same as Mr. Nobody -- A looks like a wraithlord, while B looks like some sort of weird angry robot.

Reminds me of the old Arjuna series's elemental beasties, unfortunately I couldn't find a pic of one to compare...

edit: this guy has a similar feel, too

I'd prefer A for the reason that the face fits the Eldar aesthetic. Even thought the Avatar's face doesn't fit it, the GW model is unique and instantly recognisable as an Avatar, so in the absence of that, you'd need something that can give people an idea of what it is they're facing.

That said, the model itself is quite small and dumpy when compared to the GW Avatar, so a face-change might not cut the mustard; it's easier to hide behind terrain, and its lack of ranged attack until you're in the enemy's face means it isn't really losing out from this trade-off at all, so unless your gaming group is already happy with it, be prepared to stave off people claiming that you're modelling for advantage.

The other downside is that, because of the height and mask, people might thing it's some sort of Wraithguard stand-in, especially since the mask has the same sloped front. Using the other mask would help eliminate this problem, but then you run in to the issue of people flat out not knowing if it even is part of your army. So regardless of the way you model it, you might still end up having to tell people it's an Avatar of Khaine.

 Avatar 720 wrote:
I'd prefer A for the reason that the face fits the Eldar aesthetic. Even thought the Avatar's face doesn't fit it, the GW model is unique and instantly recognisable as an Avatar, so in the absence of that, you'd need something that can give people an idea of what it is they're facing.

That said, the model itself is quite small and dumpy when compared to the GW Avatar, so a face-change might not cut the mustard; it's easier to hide behind terrain, and its lack of ranged attack until you're in the enemy's face means it isn't really losing out from this trade-off at all, so unless your gaming group is already happy with it, be prepared to stave off people claiming that you're modelling for advantage.

The other downside is that, because of the height and mask, people might thing it's some sort of Wraithguard stand-in, especially since the mask has the same sloped front. Using the other mask would help eliminate this problem, but then you run in to the issue of people flat out not knowing if it even is part of your army. So regardless of the way you model it, you might still end up having to tell people it's an Avatar of Khaine.

This.

I'm not a fan of using a Vyre Myrmidon from the offset. It simply doesn't fit. As you said, it looks like a dumpy Wraithlord.

There's a whole wealth of models out there (If you're set on a Myrmidon I would have suggested getting Hyperion or the plastic Shyeel kit as the legs are less "dumpy")

A is by far the best looking of the options presented.

That being said: The model does not suit the Eldar aesthetic in any way. It is not tall, it is not slender, it does not appear fragile, it does not appear eldar at all.

In fact, it's the opposite.

Don't like the (imho gorgeous) GW Avatar?
Get the FW version!

What's the height of a GW avatar? I tried to compare them and they seemed pretty close. I realize that the FW avatar is really tall, but that seems modeled for disadvantage (and I dislike the FW model just as much).

I guess, I don't like the GW avatar, it looks silly in my opinion. The myrmidons seem more like an Eldar style (as opposed to other models I've seen). It's bulky and ponderous, but I don't think that goes against the fluff. It's a possessed suit of armor after all. And while I love the Hyperion model, I thought it would be too big. I looked for a model with a sword in that style and liked the banshee better than the griffon or phoenix. I'm not sure how to imply the liquid metal core encased in armor, but I don't mind the look.

I'm not a tournament player so I haven't met anyone yet who would balk at it.

I say do an army of Exodites, with a spear-wielding Woldwarden as an Avatar of the Khaine/World Spirit!

the FW Avatar is not freakishly huge. It's the same category as a Wraithlord, size-wise.

The pictures on the FW website are highly misleading in that regard - I was positively surprised when I got mine

Ok, so here's the next step - some fins. I modeled them after the ones on a Phantom Titan, but I'm not sure. What thinks the community?



or

Love the fins. Is there a way you could cut and reposition the legs/knee so the thing was standing taller?

Overall, I think you made a good pick for a stand in.

I'm really liking the fins - they give it a more Eldary profile. Also loving the twist to the head - sinister and creepy

Here's where I am at the moment. I'm going to thicken the fins up tonight.









I'm also going to try to get the dripping blood going on his fist as well.