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I wasn't quite sure where to put this topic. P&M, Background, general, or what.

I've picked up some Chaos-y bits as well as some old GW characters to counts-as for chaos heroes like Lords, Sorcerors, mounties and such. I also grabbed a super cheap set of the Splintered Fang Warcry guys, and I really love the idea of making a Chaos army project around a warband in the Realm of Ghyran that isnt muscle-bro barbarians or plague-pox nasty boys.

I know Nurgle is Alarielle's sworn enemy and I don't mind incorporating a bit of rot/corruption into the theme but I think the modern Nurgle models we've been getting are way too OTT for me.

I've got a lot of it planned out for counts-as warriors and Chosen and a running idea for Knights (use elk/deer mounts instead of horses because of the Forested terrain)

But what I'm having trouble with is how to really sell the "Chaos in Lifeland" theme. I'm not quite sure what details (mushrooms, branches from dryads, antlers, sculpted vines or flowers) or what paint colors would best represent a band of forest dwellers that sold their souls to Chaos. All I can come up with is brown/green for primary colors, bright floral colors for accents and oxidized iron/copper for armor. But that isn't really coming together for this project for me.

I would really appreciate any new ideas or references to other people doing a similar theme, even if it isnt any brand of Chaos.

The elk/deer thing won't work IMO. The only mounts that exist like that are in the Wanderers, and they're more spirit creature than animal that can be trapped/tamed.

Also worth mentioning that the Splintered Fang are a kind of oddity. They're coming from an area of Ghyran where there's a civilization, effectively, rather than tribes.

I think if you go for a classic 'evil forest' look instead of a 'plagued forest' look you'll get what you want

How about an unnatural color scheme? Like deep purple and electric blue on otherwise normal woodland creatures/folk. In this case they'd be Tzeentch aligned, but you could use Slaanesh colors for a hedonistic "back to nature" cult.

I think basing will really be the way forward. What about having a scorched armored force with burning embers along the edges?

Could have lush bases that are scorched and withered under and behind your minis. Would look really striking especially on the larger ovals and rounds.

That would probably make people think realm of fire, though.

True. Kinda want to run with it myself now.

Some really cool ideas here.

I've been tossing around the idea of unnatural colors ala purples, electric blues, bright oranges and greens. Maybe almost similar to poison dart frog coloration.

I also like the idea of dark spooky forest or a Grimm's fairy tale but I'm not sure how to go about that. Probably almost black wood effects contrasted with bright colors with ink or dark wash around the edges?

The "burning legion" idea with verdant bases reduced to cinders also sounds awesome, but like NinthMusketeer mentioned I think it would better fit an invading force of despoilers rather than Ghyran renegades

What aspects of life are the really nasty sides?
Angry forest spirits are cool and all, but that's all stuff with focus and purpose.

Chaos is archaic and consuming, corrupting and mutating.
What cones to mind with that is rampant feculence of parasitic bioforms that prey on other life, rather than being nice and using the soil.
Blue mold, tapeworms, fungus, facehuggers, etc.

Take a look at Horticulus Slimux for a jist.
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A bit away from the Nurgly side could be looking at life itself being infectious; things being alive that really shouldn't be.
Like how Chaos tanks have screaming faces.

Chariots that have sprouted legs instead of wheels, brambles growing out of the frame, riders formed from fungus that rises out of a deck made of mycelium carpet.

Is there a specific god you had in mind? That might help you pick out certain elements of the realm of life you might want to emphasize.

You could, for example, come up with a minor god associated with the realm of life that was corrupted during the Age of Chaos and build your army around that theme instead. (I fluff my Sylvaneth around this idea of a life-giving river spirit that has been consumed with a need for revenge)


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Buddingsquaw wrote:
A bit away from the Nurgly side could be looking at life itself being infectious; things being alive that really shouldn't be.
Like how Chaos tanks have screaming faces.

Chariots that have sprouted legs instead of wheels, brambles growing out of the frame, riders formed from fungus that rises out of a deck made of mycelium carpet.

I love the idea of replacing mechanical stuff partially or completely with organic stuff, tyranid legs, talons, rib cages, etc.

So I think I'm going to lean more heavily into the Splintered Fang lore to theme the army. I don't think I'm going to use much Tzeentch or Nurgle in the army. Mostly Khorne and Slaanesh (Khorne for my death blob of foot soldiers, Chosen, Warriors, Lord and a bloodsecrator and Slaanesh for Daemon Princess, Lord on Daemonic Mount and Chaos Knights)

I think I really like the idea of poison or venom as something natural that is also very lethal. I want to paint things in purple black with poisonous green accents for most of the army, and then pick specific details to paint in bright colors ala how poisonous animals are brightly colored to warn potential predators.

Also for anyone interested to see the list (battlescribe, not shopping) I'll probably be posting it in the War Council section.