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Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Personal Log of Inquisitor Selene - On the Gaian Worlds - Entry 1

Truly the Gaian system is a jewel in the cosmos. Amongst the innumerable solar systems that dot the galaxy it is a rare system that boasts an H-congruous world in the manner of the Terra of old. The Gaian system boasts not one such world but three. Were this to be a natural occurrence it would be breathtaking, the truth however is even more awe inspiring. The three habitable worlds of the Gaian system all share the same orbit, each spaced evenly along their orbital track. This is testament not to the infinite variety of the universe but the breathtaking power of the race that once ruled it, the Aeldari. For the worlds of the Gaian system are Maiden worlds, verdant paradises created by that race at the height of its power.

Why then is there no human inhabitation in the Gaian system? The answer is that the descendants of the culture that created these worlds live there still, the Aeldari subclass known as Exodites. While their technology is less advanced than their Craftworld kin, at its height it still outmatches that of the Imperium, furthermore the Exodites boast a proud warrior culture and are attuned with their environment in a way no human can truly understand. The three worlds are linked by the Webway, both to each other and the wider remnants of the once great Aeldari empire. The Exodites of the Gaian Worlds use these links to migrate across their three worlds, trade with their sundered kin and in extremis strike preemptively at emerging threats to their jewelled worlds.

The Exodites are split into many clans, the greatest of which is Clan Zenil'tar. Rendered into Gothic this loosely translates as the Clan of the Broken Blade.


***

This project started when a friend of mine decided to jump back into 40k with a Dark Eldar army, we were talking about doing a doubles tournament together and what I should take. I've been collecting Ulthwe Eldar since 3rd Edition and have also accumulated various Dark Eldar and Harlequin models over the years, but I wanted to do something new for this, after all there is no better time to be absorbed in a project than right now! I didn't want to buy and paint more of what I already had so I decided to do something a bit different. I decided to go for Exodites. Rules wise I'm building towards a Ynnari list, I have plans for a 1750 point army (although that will inevitably grow!) using a Craftworld and a Dark Eldar detachment. When the GW webstore went live once more I took the leap and purchased a range of AoS and Dark Eldar kits. I'm happy to say I can now present the first three completed models for your enjoyment!

Dragon Knight - Shining Spear






Chief Kin - Incubi





Dragon Chariot - Vyper







If you liked these then stay tuned because going forward I will be presenting more models, more dinosaurs, more background, and if the world ever returns to normal hopefully a battle report or two!

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/05/14 18:41:18


   
Made in us
Walking Dead Wraithlord






Always glad to see more Exodite armies. Love them so far!
   
Made in ca
Fixture of Dakka





Surrey, BC - Canada

Very nice start fingol23.

Cheers,

CB

   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Thank you both! Now that I'm happy with the colour scheme I'll be taking a more methodical approach to the rest of the project and try and paint full units. First up are some rangers, because every army needs a troops choice.

Personal Log of Inquisitor Selene - On Clan Zenil'tar - Entry 1

Of the myriad Exodite clans that dot the Gaian Worlds Clan Zenil'tar is preeminent. Both in number and skill it is recognised by the others as the greatest military force amongst the Exodites and therefore takes on the role of the worlds' primary protector, receiving tribute from the other tribes so that it its Dragon Knights and Warrior Bands are free to train and hone their skills. Despite this tribute the Kin of the Broken Blade are not entirely dependent on the tribute they receive, their warriors are also accomplished hunters and their knights excel in husbandry. The cream of the Dragons they breed are kept for the warriors of the clan but the rest are traded with the other clans and even the Drukhari of Commorragh.

Hunter Kindred - Rangers


This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/05/16 20:27:05


   
Made in us
Walking Dead Wraithlord






Highly effective mix of parts!
   
Made in ca
Grisly Ghost Ark Driver






The wraithbone weapons work great with the otherwise dark scheme you have!

See what's on my painting table Now painting: Kruleboyz Gutrippaz 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




 youwashock wrote:
Highly effective mix of parts!


Thank you! I can't claim credit for the ranger conversion idea as I came across it whilst doing some initial research for the project, I'm quite happy with the Incubi as a way of making use of the remaining parts though.

Today's update brings my counts as Visarch and another two Dragon Knights to give me a legal squad.

Personal Log of Inquisitor Selene - On Clan Zenil'tar - Entry 2

Clan Zenil'tar's name is an allusion to Aeldari mythology, specifically the confrontation between the Aeldari war god Khaine and the Ygnir titan Kaelis Ra [cross ref: Nightbringer?]. The myth claims that Khaine commissioned a hundred blades from the smith god Vaul with which to arm the mightiest heroes of the Eldar race so that he could confront and kill Kaelis Ra. Vaul however could only complete ninety nine of the promised blades before Khaine came to collect and so the smith added a normal blade to those he gave Khaine. This blade was borne by Lanthrilaq the Swift, who though he fought with great skill could not hold against the unending wave of Necrontyr [cross ref: Necrons], the blade dulled and broke and Lanthrilaq fell. It is from Lanthrilaq's bloodline that Clan Zenil'tar claim descent, and it is his memory that their name and sigil honour.

Din'larstill, the Protecting Blade - Visarch

The sigil of Clan Zenil'tar is borne into battle by a champion known as Din'larstill. This is not a name but instead a title, translating roughly as the 'Protecting Blade', and it reflects the role of this warrior who is oathsworn to devote their life to protect the Exodites of Clan Zenil'tar and the Gaian Worlds. When a Din'larstill is slain a great tournament is held and the tribes finest warriors and hunters compete for the honour of taking up the blade and banner as the next Din'larstill. Once a winner is chosen they foresake their family and past to become Din'larstill, never again will they be called by their past name and their days will become a cycle of training and war.

Dragon Knights - Shining Spears



[i]The Gaian Dragons - Report by Magos Biologos Urthwart

The Dragons of the Gaian Worlds are consummate predators, lightning fast and capable of jumping clear over a man they are perfectly adapted for hunting in the dense forests of the Gaian Worlds. It is not just their agility and razor claws that make them so terrifying however, for they possess two further advantages. The first is the ability to spit venom at great distance, the second is that they are highly intelligent pack hunters, fully capable of working together to bring down much larger prey or surrounding and ambushing those few creatures faster than they. The inquisitor tells me that the Exodite warrior elite ride these creatures into battle, if that is true I pity those who seek to stand against them


I'll finish off with two further pictures, the first is a group shot now that I have a legal (if not particularly effective) patrol detachment.



The second is a WIP teaser that I hope you might enjoy!


This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/05/18 15:38:10


   
Made in us
Walking Dead Wraithlord






That turtle is sweet as all get out. Looking forward to seeing how that turns out.
   
Made in ca
Fixture of Dakka





Surrey, BC - Canada

More great progress fingol23.

Cheers,

CB

   
Made in us
[DCM]
Boom! Leman Russ Commander





United States

Very nice pieces- I especially like how you've done the thunder lizard cavalry mounts- great colors and realistic application!

"He fears his fate too much, or his desserts are small, who will not put it to a single touch; to win- or lose- it all."

Montrose Toast


 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll wrote:The wraithbone weapons work great with the otherwise dark scheme you have!


Thank you! I deliberately wanted to keep my use of metallics to a minimum, so bone seemed like a good fit for the weaponry.

youwashock wrote:That turtle is sweet as all get out. Looking forward to seeing how that turns out.


The layout of the howdah was just begging to be turned into a Ravager.

Captain Brown wrote:More great progress fingol23.

Cheers,

CB


Thank you!

Meer_Cat wrote:Very nice pieces- I especially like how you've done the thunder lizard cavalry mounts- great colors and realistic application!


Cheers, I think I've used more orange on those five models than I have over the last decade of painting models.

Today's update brings the second of the army's quartet of characters and another unit of rangers.

Personal Log of Inquisitor Selene - On Clan Zenil'tar - Entry 3
Given their name it is perhaps unsurprising that swords play a key role in the hierarchy of the Clan of the Broken Blade. In particular a triad of heirloom swords are wielded by key individuals within the Clan. One is held by the champion known as the Din'larstill, the second by the Clan wise woman, the Qualistara, and the third is held by the Chief and is the symbol of their authority to rule the Clan. The current Chief, Eldros, has bestowed his blade onto his son and Warleader, Tulivandrel. This could be a sign of his confidence in the boy, but more likely it is simply that wielding a sword from the back of a Carnosaur is somewhat impractical.

Warleader Tulivandrel - Archon




Hunter Kindred - Rangers


The Umbra Spiders of the Gaian Worlds - Report by Magos Biologos Urthwart
Umbra Spiders somewhat resemble the arachnids of ancient Terra, yet are far greater in size. What makes these creatures truly remarkable is the silk they produce. This silk has properties which allow it to perfectly absorb nearly the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum, it is almost entirely non-reflective. It seems that some amongst the Exodites, particularly their hunter kindreds, weave this silk into cloaks. Concealed by these garments the hunter kindreds and their sniper rifles are highly proficient hunters of both beast and man.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/05/20 16:01:34


   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Kinguard of Zenil'tar - Incubi





Personal Log of Inquisitor Selene - The Kinguard of Zenil'tar - Entry 1
The Kinguard are the finest warriors amongst Clan Zenil'tar, rivalled only by the Dragon Knights. These warriors act as bodyguards for the Clan's hierarchy, surrounding them in a spinning wall of glaives which can cleave a warrior of the Adeptus Astartes in two in a single blow. As well as these iconic weapons they are also clad in finely crafted armour that offers a much greater degree of protection than that worn by the Warrior or Hunter bands, a reflection of the fact that their role places them in the heart of the fiercest fighting in any battle.

   
Made in us
Walking Dead Wraithlord






The Incubi look quite cool. The glaives really sell the idea.
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




 youwashock wrote:
The Incubi look quite cool. The glaives really sell the idea.


Thank you, I'm pretty pleased with the result although trimming the ball joints on the arms so they fit the flat socket and still line up is a pain!

I realise that for an Exodite blog there have been a disappointingly low number of dinosaurs so far so today's update brings you two more, and I've just finished converting a rather larger beast that will hopefully be featuring in the blog before too long.

The Conclave - Warlock Skyrunners



Personal Log of Inquisitor Selene - The Conclave - Entry 1
Those of Clan Zenil'tar who possess psychic strength along with skill of the blade are inducted into the group known as The Conclave. This group act as advisers to the ruling line, although their powers of precognition pale in comparison to the Qualistara. On the battlefield these warriors are potent fighters, the most militant of them riding to war on the backs of Gaian Dragons. Their armour is inscribed with runes of protection whilst their blades are attuned to the psychic talents of the wielder, these armaments are further supplemented by the psychic abilities of the Coven working in concert which boosts their powers to a level which would humble an Astartes Librarian.

   
Made in gb
Storm Trooper with Maglight





Back in the UK and hating it

Awesome looking army!

   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




 LavuranGuard wrote:
Awesome looking army!


Thank you!

Since my last update I've painted another three Kinguard and had another couple of sets of flower tufts arrive which has allowed me to update the bases on the models I've done so far. I'm just waiting for a pot of snow texture to arrive from GW and I can finish the bases off completely with a spring thaw look. As its been a while and another three Kinguard aren't the most exciting update on their own I thought it was time for another group shot.






   
Made in us
Walking Dead Wraithlord






Never mad to see a group shot. Awesome looking stuff. I like the spring thaw idea for the bases.
   
Made in gb
Furious Fire Dragon





Midlands, UK

Exodite armies are always a very cool project to see. so much imagination, kitbashing and conversion fun, and it gives such a personalised result. The possibilities are endless.

Out of all these very well done models, my favourites might be the rangers. They're understated compared to a lot of the others, but really effective. Also very much looking forward to seeing how the Leviadon turns out!

I'm also happy to see them thematically, since my Biel-Tan have a fondness for aggressively protecting Maiden Worlds...


   
Made in us
Hardened Veteran Guardsman




Eldar Exodites are my current project, but yours are so much better. I love the color schemes. I love that the two dragon riders' mounts look so similar, but different colors. Excellent scales! That dragon turtle is awesome as well.

-STS

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/05/27 09:01:48


Grey Knights 712 points Imperial Stormtroopers 3042 points Lamenters 1787 points Xenomorphs 995 points 1200 points + 1790 points 770 points 369 points of Imperial Guard to bolster the Sisters of Battle
Kain said: "This will surely end in tears for everyone involved. How very 40k."

 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




youwashock wrote:Never mad to see a group shot. Awesome looking stuff. I like the spring thaw idea for the bases.


Thank you, the bases are a bit of an experiment for me to be honest so I hope they go well!

Bellerophon wrote:Exodite armies are always a very cool project to see. so much imagination, kitbashing and conversion fun, and it gives such a personalised result. The possibilities are endless.

Out of all these very well done models, my favourites might be the rangers. They're understated compared to a lot of the others, but really effective. Also very much looking forward to seeing how the Leviadon turns out!

I'm also happy to see them thematically, since my Biel-Tan have a fondness for aggressively protecting Maiden Worlds...


Thank you! I quite like how the rangers have turned out as well, I briefly considered trying to do something more complicated with the guns but decided that simple rifles worked fine, the sniper rules can be justified by a combination of shot selector, specialised ammo and the fact that these Eldar are expert hunters. The howdah for the Leviadon is definitely jumping to the head of the queue when I undercoat the next round of models as I can't wait to see what it looks like when its finished myself, especially as I just bought a second to pre-empt the price rise.

Your stunning Biel-Tan would be welcome to fight in the defence of the Gaian Worlds at any time!

slade the sniper wrote:Eldar Exodites are my current project, but yours are so much better. I love the color schemes. I love that the two dragon riders' mounts look so similar, but different colors. Excellent scales! That dragon turtle is awesome as well.

-STS


I'm glad you like them! Feel free to use any of the concepts in your own army! I found the trick with the patterning on the dragon mounts was to loosen up with it and just paint what felt natural rather than aim for consistency or perfect symmetry with the patterning.

Today's update brings a model I was initially hesitant to include in my army as it doesn't initially scream Exodite. However I decided to include it for several reasons:
1) Transports are super important for an assault heavy army
2) I couldn't think of a decent counts as idea without buying yet more turtles which would require me to buy some of these anyway for the conversion parts
3) Exodites aren't actually luddites and this model is as bared back as Eldar tech gets, plus I could see it having multiple uses for the Exodites both on the battlefield and on hunting expeditions

Personal Log of Inquisitor Selene - The Gaian Worlds and the Dark City - Entry 1
While they thankfully do not share the sadistic predilections of their Drukhari kin the Exodites of the Gaian Worlds none the less have a close relationship with Commorragh, primarily centred around trade. The Exodite clans provide the Drukhari with produce, fighting beasts and even the odd captive survivor of a defeated invasion or expeditionary force. In return the Drukhari sell them arms and armour to outfit their warrior bands, some of this weaponry such as splinter rifles and raiders are the same as those wielded by Kabalite raiding parties whilst others, such as the rifles used by the hunter kindreds are custom pieces built to Exodite specifications. It seems the Drukhari value this relationship for they have on occasion mustered alongside the Exodite tribes in defence of the Gaian Worlds, although admittedly discerning the true motives behind such actions is almost impossible with these Xenos.







   
Made in us
Walking Dead Wraithlord






It fits well with the rest of the models, and breaks things up a bit visually. I like it.
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Unfortunately I haven't painted any further models since the last update. Why then is there an update? Because winter has come to the Gaian Worlds (and then mostly gone again)!

In other words my Valhallan Blizzard arrived and I got to finish off the basing.






   
Made in ca
Grisly Ghost Ark Driver






I love those spring bases! Absolutely beautiful.

See what's on my painting table Now painting: Kruleboyz Gutrippaz 
   
Made in us
Walking Dead Wraithlord






There's no bases like snow bases. Or something like that. They look really good. Makes a nice backdrop for all your colors without being too stark.
   
Made in gb
Posts with Authority






Norn Iron

Lovely stuff. Very much liking your conversion bit choices and how you put them together.

I'm sooo, sooo sorry.

Plog - Random sculpts and OW Helves 9/3/23 
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll wrote:I love those spring bases! Absolutely beautiful.

youwashock wrote:There's no bases like snow bases. Or something like that. They look really good. Makes a nice backdrop for all your colors without being too stark.

Thank you both! The hardest thing I've found with both the bases and the patterning on the cold ones is putting aside the urge to make regular shapes, once I got out of that mindset it becomes a whole lot easier!

Vermis wrote:Lovely stuff. Very much liking your conversion bit choices and how you put them together.

Thank you very much, the guiding principal throughout has been that I want to get as much use out of each kit as possible.

Over the weekend I got a second wave of Exodites undercoated which can only mean one thing for this update, its time for the long awaited turtle!

A'Tuin Warbeast - Ravager





Chelys Galactica - Report by Magos Biologos Urthwart
It has long been hypothesised that the fauna of the Aeldari Maiden Worlds is the result of genetic manipulation on the part of the Aeldari. The Chelys Galactica, or A'tuin in the Aeldari tongue, is perhaps the single most convincing piece of evidence in support of that theory. Somehow this gargantuan beast is capable of flight, despite no visible form of lift and the weight of its protective shell. Whilst no specimen has ever been recovered in sufficient condition to autopsy I would speculate that flight is achieved via the presence of cells of buoyant gas within the shell. Although given this is the Aeldari we are talking about the phenomena could be psychic in nature.

Last testimony of Sgt Johnson before his execution for cowardice
We fled through those woods, every other step another soldier would fall to the bullet of an invisible sniper or be dragged into the dark by one of the Aeldari Dragon mounts. I almost wept with relief when I burst into the clearing and saw a squadron of tanks from the 3rd Armoured lined up before me. I was beginning to rally what remained of my squad, hoping that we could use the open ground to claim vengeance on our pursuers, when a shadow fell across me. I looked up to see a gigantic beast flying, against all reason, over the treeline. On its back was an Aeldari war platform carrying three of their anti-tank guns. The first Russ went up immediately, sending shrapnel rattling off the hull of its squadron mates. The second followed quickly, a trio of shots shearing the turret from the hull. The third managed to fire back, but the heavy bolter rounds simply rebounded from the monster's shell whilst it dodged the battle cannon round with almost lethargic grace. The poor crew did not get a chance at a second shot.

   
Made in us
Walking Dead Wraithlord






Oh, yeah. That's awesome. Flying space turtle is where it's at. Great work!
   
Made in gb
Drop Trooper with Demo Charge





Surbiton

Laser dinosaurs for the win! Really like the paint job. Reds and teal is a classic.
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Thank you both, I'm glad you're enjoying the blog.

As the last update was a centrepiece model that means its back to painting the rank and file for this update.

Warrior Band - Drukhari Warriors





Personal Log of Inquisitor Selene - On Clan Zenil'tar - Entry 4
As I have mentioned previously the Kin of the Broken Blade owe their preeminence to their military might and the protection that affords the Gaian Worlds. Whilst the Dragon Knights and Kinguard may be the elite of their warhost it is the Hunter Kindreds and Warrior Bands that compromise the majority of its strength. The former fight as hidden snipers, concealed in the shadows by their cloaks of umbra silk. The Warrior Bands are the more aggressive warriors, carrying weapons from the forges of Commorragh and often mounted onboard Raider skimmer craft they seek to close with their foe and punish them with close range volleys before falling back out of reach before any significant retaliation can materialise. While their weaponry is that of a Kabalite their armour is of Exodite make, its most distinguished feature being the cloak of cured dragon hide that each warrior wears.

   
Made in us
Walking Dead Wraithlord






Those dragon cloaks have always made for good Exodites. Awesome squad.
   
 
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