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I used to play Tyranids back in 4th/5th edition but have always wanted to make my own custom space marine force. I developed my army's backstory and in my mind I always imagined them with the ponytails you would see from old 30k art and even some chaos models.

(like this http://store.miniwargaming.com/images/P/newimage.asp-543.gif )

I also designed my army with a similar concept from the Night Lords where instead of decorating their army with glorious sigils and emblems, they decorate themselves with skulls and spikes. I think I got the idea of this from lots of black metal bands wearing spiked arm and knee guard lol


I was even considering just using some chaos models but play them as loyalists because I don't think you can get the hair plumes as individual bits. Anyone done anything like this before? I'm not too great on conversions and the such.


And as a related/side question: Is there any special customization you give your army besides just painting them their own colors?

I'd just use the Chaos Models. There's a display case at my FLGS with a squad of them painted up like Space Wolves for some reason and it looks pretty good. I never was able to ask the owner why somebody used CSM as loyalists though.

Another option is third party bitz places. Just look up 28mm helmet crests and you should be set.

As far as customization, I use a Micron Pen on my tanks to write silly stuff like GI tankers did in WW2.

Also my Space Marines are almost all in Mk 4 armor.

I like your chapter idea, however I am not a fan of the idea to paint up some Chaos dudes and call them Loyalists.
Your chapter concept seems kinda dark (which is totally cool) but I feel that you may find, in the end, that they simply look like a chaos army.

If I were you I would consider kit-bashing between regular and chaos marines and cut away/file off any obvious chaos insignia.

Something else you may consider (as Chef of Cadia mentioned) is looking into 3rd party bits. Do not forget about Forgeworld either.
I feel like the Sons of Horus kits may be right up your ally as far as spikiness is concerned

I hope this helps

Nothing wrong with skulls or spikes on loyalists provided it's done right, aren't the Mortifactors covered in skulls and have dark armour. They come from a tribal barbarian life and it's been carried on into their Space Marine lives.
Stay away from the Daemonic and provided you have a well laid plan I reckon it wouldn't look too bad or Chaos-y.