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Inspired by the Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland I created this set of miniatures using Anvil Industry parts. Cold weather specialists (often called mountain troops although the two are not always the same thing) are an underrated type of soldier, but proved remarkably effective in many conflicts especially the aforementioned Winter War, known in Finland as Talvisota. The Winter War was one of the most obscure conflicts of the 20th Century until the internet discovered it and made it into a meme thanks to the Soviet advantage of numbers, but even more so of equipment where the Soviets had thousands of tanks and aircraft, but tiny Finland still held out for over three months forcing even Stalin to negotiate.

Regimental fluff, the Talvisota regiments of the Imperial Guard are much valued as light infantry particularly in cold environments thanks both to their resilience and mastery of the ski. While much of their equipment looks similar to that of the Valhallans the two groups have something of a rivalry, not that the taciturn Talvisotas give many details about it. Unlike many regiments named after an entire world Talvisotas come from the harsh polar region of the civilized world of Zyachry, and developed a very distinct culture. Generations ago the planetary governor tried to fully subjugate this region, but met one military disaster after another, so conspired with a few Administratum officials to win the war by pretending it was an uprising of heretics against the Imperium itself, and thus brought in the Imperial Guard. Chiefly this was several regiments of Valhallans, beefed up massively past their usual strength to hide the scale of the operation, they nevertheless failed to win a decisive victory. Despite the Valhallans' famous tolerance of the cold most spend their lives in their enclosed cities, so sometimes have limited familiarity with the wilderness let alone one like the Talvisota region which seemed to have nothing better to do than try to kill people. After action reviews discovered that while over-strength these regiments were extremely green and lacked fully qualified officers, and did not receive training on important tools such as skis till after they had suffered several shocking defeats.
Despite many setbacks the ground war was being slowly won, by the combined Guard and PDF elements, but it dragged on too long and drew the eyes of other elements of the Imperium. In particular rumors swirled that a rebel sniper inflicting horrendous casualties was actually from the Inquisition, this was used as an excuse, but drew exactly the wrong kind of attention. Upon looking into the situation the Inquisition quickly discovered the truth that the conflict was a regional matter, and beneath the notice of the Imperial Guard; however before Governor Molotov could be brought in for a hearing he tragically accidentally repeatedly stabbed himself in the stomach while shaving. Similar fates befell his supporters in the Administratum, and the planetary conflict was broken up, with the Talvisota region being acknowleged as independent from the planetary government, and most lost terriotories returned, but them being liable for their own Imperial tithe consisting of several Guard regiments and their equipment.This conflict while a defining event for the region is little remembered by the Valhallans, even the regiments which took part, and if they do know of it they remember it as the glorious and successful suppression of some heretics. They would also sometimes dismiss these troops for not being true ice-worlders.
I have plans for a squad and some heavy weapons in heavier gear, but I wanted to start with people not wearing flak armor for flavor (like most of the classic Guard minis were). The Canids don't represent anything, I just wanted to try doing a couple. I made these using Anvil Industry bits, I had wanted to make mountain troops for awhile, but them coming out with the skis spurred me into action.













The most feared soldier of the Talvisota regiments White Death is such a frighteningly effective sniper that some have claimed he's a member of the Vindicare temple. Given the quick wearing out of the barrels of the traditional long-las (40-50 shots) these regiments prefer a bolt weapon for their precision shooters since overall it means less to carry, and gives the ability to bring a variety of rounds for special purposes. Aside from the long rifle White Death also carries a SMG for closer work. This mini is a tribute to Simo Hayha.

Very interesting concept for an army and pretty cool fluff. I'm looking forward to see more

Neato. I love the dogs. Are they kitbash or factory with the armour?



Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Ashes and Temples wrote:
. This mini is a tribute to Simo Hayha.

Simo didn't use a scope. But a cool model and idea anyway.

Dogs came like that with the armor from Anvil.

I am aware Hayha did not use a scope, but that was largely from limitations of the scopes at the time, they would fog up and frost over from the cold, and would reflect light at the front. More modern scopes don't really have the problem so I'm conjecturing a similar shooter would use a good scope if one was available. Since he carried a SMG for a sidearm I also put on on the back to represent that.

Thanks for the kind words all around.

Superb. As an avid snow and mountain guy (lockdown permitting these days), I approve.