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Those Seraphim legs look the business. Nice and angled with clean sharp lines, i'd buy a million of em if they were for sale.

 Xendarc wrote:

The only thing I can think to mention at this stage is to remember that corsets typically help to accentuate the 'hourglass' female body type. I get that what you're sculpting is power armour and not an actual corset but the shape is still relevant I believe.

You do understand how corsets function right?

Actual shaping corsets are only semi-rigid, not hardened ceramite, lol. Not that Sisters of Battle actually have any internal organs or musculature based on the typical artwork of them. But still.

The "corsets" on the Sisters is purely aesthetic. It's not even the armor from the typical artwork. Just a covering. Probably whichever original Ecclesiarch who signed the requisition form for the Sisters' modern armor had a bit of a fetish. Hey, if you're going to surround yourself with women, you might as well dress 'em up all hot, right?

For the seraphim leg thrusters there are three positions I can think of that might look good.

You could put thrusters on the side of their knees.
I can imagine small rockets/jets looking like they're attached to a pivot joint (maybe pointing slightly outward). Now I'm no physicist but this could give a dynamic feel to the models, especially ones with a knee pointing forward.

Second spot would essentially be the same thing but lower down on the outside of their calves.

Lastly (and probably my favourite one) you could give them 'high heel' thrusters.
I drew a real quick example of what I mean as I was having trouble describing what I was thinking.

This is just a basic concept as you can see but garnished with cables and more in keeping with the rustic aesthetic of 40k (maybe even beefed up a bit to compensate thrusters) it would be a plausible concept.

I also though about thrusters on the thigh though the jump pack thrusters on the GW sisters reach almost to that point so it seems like a bit of a waste.

Anyway, these are just a few ideas.
Hope that helps


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Veteran Sergeant wrote:

 Xendarc wrote:

The only thing I can think to mention at this stage is to remember that corsets typically help to accentuate the 'hourglass' female body type. I get that what you're sculpting is power armour and not an actual corset but the shape is still relevant I believe.

You do understand how corsets function right?

Actual shaping corsets are only semi-rigid, not hardened ceramite, lol. Not that Sisters of Battle actually have any internal organs or musculature based on the typical artwork of them. But still.

The "corsets" on the Sisters is purely aesthetic. It's not even the armor from the typical artwork. Just a covering. Probably whichever original Ecclesiarch who signed the requisition form for the Sisters' modern armor had a bit of a fetish. Hey, if you're going to surround yourself with women, you might as well dress 'em up all hot, right?

Don't worry I know how they work. My partner owns several corsets and I'm usually the one to pull in and tighten the drawstrings

As you said, the SoB corset shape is simply for aesthetics. But then so is much of the military equipment the Imperium has at their disposal.
I guess the point I was trying to make is that the aesthetics kinda matter to each army (much like the impractical but distinguished Dark Angel robes).

Love the nuns baby! how about some Space nuns in terminator armour with some fembot weaponry?

These are really cool. I really hope I can buy some in the future.

I would do something like Iron Man thrusters or alternatively like the Eldar Titans, with thrusters around the sides and back of the calf.

It would actually be quite cool to see SoB with thruster gauntlets like Iron Man

If you want some inspiration take a look at the new clockwork angels from Warmachine, there are definitely some conversion options with those.

Personally I like the old SOB but the biggest problem is the almost cloned look of them all with their neat hair and identical faces, I'd like to see a load of alternate heads to create some individuality

 Xendarc wrote:

You could put thrusters on the side of their knees.
...
Second spot would essentially be the same thing but lower down on the outside of their calves.

Lastly (and probably my favourite one) you could give them 'high heel' thrusters.

My idea was somewhat of a combination of your last two ideas. A thruster on their lower calves for additional boost and smaller ones on the outside of their ankles for flight control. But i fear that the ankle ones will look off as it adds to much bulk to the feet. This is the same with your 'high heel' thrusters.
It comes down to aestetic vs. functionality. Because a thruster in or below the calves (similar to iron man) it in my opinion the best option aesteticwise. It doesn't work against the slender sister armor design and in combination with the sightly angled armor creates a forward momentum (i hope). But in my mind i see the seraphim not like an assault unit with only forward movement. I see them more like a fast "disruption" unit jumping in and out of combat and fireing their pistols while both assaulting and boosting backwards. For this i'd need a thruster that can create forward and backward thrust. But mounting them in the side of their legs will be either too small or offset the whole design. I haven't found a middle solution yet.

 SilverMK2 wrote:
I would do something like Iron Man thrusters or alternatively like the Eldar Titans, with thrusters around the sides and back of the calf.

It would actually be quite cool to see SoB with thruster gauntlets like Iron Man

Like i said this was something i was going for. But i have to look at the eldar titan model. Maybe it as some more inspiration for me. And thruster gauntlets would be problematic for the pistols they carry. But maybe i'll design SoB power fists that way.

Thanks for all the replies.

 Jehan-reznor wrote:
Love the nuns baby! how about some Space nuns in terminator armour with some fembot weaponry?

Well fembot weapons would be silly (if you mean those breast mounted weapons) but creating heavy armored sisters ... hmmm ... it IS a cool idea. I might give it a try.

 SoulDrinker wrote:
If you want some inspiration take a look at the new clockwork angels from Warmachine, there are definitely some conversion options with those.

Personally I like the old SOB but the biggest problem is the almost cloned look of them all with their neat hair and identical faces, I'd like to see a load of alternate heads to create some individuality

I have to look at those models. I have seen them but never looked at them for conversion purposes. But i'll do this right now.
And i agree there are no really different poses for the sisters. GW just had only a few different models and just replaces the weapons but nothing else. This is why i started this project. I don't want to change the design, just add something to it to better distinguish between different unit types and mostly keep the old aestetic. But i also want to create modular models for avoiding the clone army look.

this is really really cool.
I've always like the SoB but the models were eh, despite the great potential.

What you have done so far looks super awesome, and I'm excited to see what else comes out of this.

 Smitty wrote:

 Desubot wrote:
Man she's got legs. and knows how to sculpt them

looking great

She never begs, she knows how to choose 'em.

Im glad some one got that.

Loving this blog already!
Variation in the SOB is very much needed, and I can't wait to see how they turn out!

I have to agree and add my voice to the praise, these are awesome.

i would also second the thought that if you cast these I would hop in line to but some.

Thanks for all the praise. I intend to cast them but there is still a long way to go.

My biggest concern with them is scale in combination with beein multipart. I know that some legs are larger/smaller than others and i have already dropped to work on a few legs entirely.

I have calculated the needed propotions of the armature before starting but adding the actuall putty can offset those propotions. And i fear that my rework of the torso-hip joint might get me into problems with the leg-length. I have compared a dry fitted legs+torso next to a marine and it looks ok but without a good head and shoulders it might change.

My goal for this week is to finish at least the basic shape of the arms and rework the heads i already did so that i can actually make sure if i'm still on the right track or need to scrap/redo more pieces.

Another thing i have to think about is hands. If i want them to be compatible with GW weapons i somehow have to create flimsy hands that can hold onto those weapons.


And my mind is also a bit distracted from the idea of creating SoB "terminators". I just had to start working on a concept for that to ease my mind.
I have started to work on a complete new armor scheme for that. (The first legs where 2mm or so to long and i had to redo them.) The ideas is to keep most of the SoB style but bulk it up some more with addition layers of armor while still keep the exagerated female propotions of the SoB models. But i'm not entirely sure if i should create a new sister armor type - a heavy armored variant - or follow a more terminator style approach.
Personally i don't think that the clunky looking terminator armor fits into the SoB style but on the other side creating something entirely new isn't very grim-dark 40kish. (Although GW did the same with the SM walking boxes(aka Centurions)).
What is your take on that? rework Terminator armor or a new heavy armored SoB?

I've made a quick sketch that i can upload once i'm at home.

Can't wait to see your ideas!

I would say a new hvy armour

 btldoomhammer wrote:
SoB "terminators".

Feth yes.

So, now back at home time for the concept art i promised.



I kinda like it. But i might bulk it up some more. It also looks kinda anime mecha-like. But i think that fully defined breasts would look silly on a heavier suit of armor. And i need to make another sketch from the backside. My idea was to design/decorate the backside like a bulky fleur de lys and more round than the terminator armor. And the leg position is kinda off (you might notice the pencil lines in background where they where even more off. ) And i think that i'll don't build them with power fists and more medieval melee weapons like swords, hammers, and the like as i think that it is more fitting.


And another quick picture of the work i did for the heavy weapons legs. I plan in adding another support running alongside the leg. But before i can add them i want to finish the feet details and add the lower leg armor. The picture is a bit blurry but my zoom isn't sharp enough.

I like the concept, I think it really bulks up the SoB without making them not look like SoB. Maybe making the additional plates more angled with sharper edges, it might remove some of the anime feel. It'll be great to see the concept sculpted

Yes, please! A new looking armor for the SoB! Clunky terminators with Fleur-de-lis just isn't the SOB style!

 Desubot wrote:

 Smitty wrote:

 Desubot wrote:
Man she's got legs. and knows how to sculpt them

looking great

She never begs, she knows how to choose 'em.

Im glad some one got that.

I've been listening to them for a few months now. I'm ashamed that I didn't start listening earlier!

 Hive Fleet Lazarus wrote:
I like the concept, I think it really bulks up the SoB without making them not look like SoB. Maybe making the additional plates more angled with sharper edges, it might remove some of the anime feel. It'll be great to see the concept sculpted

Yeah I would agree with this, sharper edges would make it look very cool and more SoB.


I'm really digging the concepts coming out of this!

I utterly adore that heavy armoured battle sister DH. I completely agree about not needing the more defined boob armour. I think the shoulder pads also suit it really well.

Two things i don't like about it.
1 - The calf armour. Looks waaay to muscled compared to the lower shin. It's more of a personal niggle rather than something wrong with the drawing.
2 - The heavy bolter. The way she's holding it looks really flimsy.

Other then that it's a great looking concept sketch.

Diggin' the concept art of the Termi Sob.
I like where you're going with the general design though personally I think the shapely:bulky ratio is a bit out. I imagine the leg and waist armour to be a bit more solid, like a halfway point between body-hugging SoB PA and TDA.
I like the Heavy Bolter on her arm too as it gives it a more unique feel as opposed to a Sister kitted out exactly like a SM terminator.
As for the melee weapons, slightly disappointed that you'd move away from PF's (are you intending to field them as count as Terminators?)
Either way, were you to reconsider them, definitely check out some IG designs.
OR...
You could use those spiky iron halo bits, clip out the middle/skull and use the curved, pointy end as a sort of holy brass-knuckles.

Either way, I'm loving this project.

Keep up the great work
Peace

Holy brass knuckles.

This is idea of the century.


Now i want to see some really butch SoB with knuckle dusters punching on with an ork warboss or something.

Another thought occurred, would it be possible for you to use scout hands/bolters as a way of saving yourself from scratch building new hands/weapons?

 Snrub wrote:

Holy brass knuckles.

This is idea of the century.


Now I want to see some really butch SoB with knuckle dusters punching on with an ork warboss or something.

Hahaha thanks, it's an idea that's been on my mind for a bit but I've not had the chance to give it a shot.
I figure if other people like it too and can actually make use of it there's no reason to keep it to myself

 Snrub wrote:

Two things i don't like about it.
1 - The calf armour. Looks waaay to muscled compared to the lower shin. It's more of a personal niggle rather than something wrong with the drawing.
2 - The heavy bolter. The way she's holding it looks really flimsy.

Other then that it's a great looking concept sketch.

Thanks for the reply.
I have to think about the calf/shin propotions and i may end up doing another more detailed leg sketch as i'm thinking of adding some techy details there.
And i know that the heavy bolter is kinda strange. While i really like the idea of her holding it like that it isn't in scale with the actual GW heavy bolter size. A real heavy bolter would be to large to be wielded like that. This is something i have to think about when i have a decent scaled sculpt to test it out with the actual weapon loadouts.

 Xendarc wrote:
Diggin' the concept art of the Termi Sob.
I like where you're going with the general design though personally I think the shapely:bulky ratio is a bit out. I imagine the leg and waist armour to be a bit more solid, like a halfway point between body-hugging SoB PA and TDA.
I like the Heavy Bolter on her arm too as it gives it a more unique feel as opposed to a Sister kitted out exactly like a SM terminator.
As for the melee weapons, slightly disappointed that you'd move away from PF's (are you intending to field them as count as Terminators?)
Either way, were you to reconsider them, definitely check out some IG designs.
OR...
You could use those spiky iron halo bits, clip out the middle/skull and use the curved, pointy end as a sort of holy brass-knuckles.

I agree that it needs to be bulked out on some areas. I might redo the sketch if i find the energy to do. And the decission to move away from the fists was mostly based on the fact that (as far as i know) current SoB models don't have the option to use them. And i thought it would be the same with the sisters "holy trinity" of bolter - flamer - melter, that SoB decided not to use them. But maybe GW was just to lazy to come up with a gool looking SoB power fist. You think that i should include some sort of power fist as well? I have to look for IG fists and see what i'll come up with.
And one of my chaos choise terminator has a brass-knuckle. Not too bad of an idea for sisters. I'll think about it.

 Xendarc wrote:
Another thought occurred, would it be possible for you to use scout hands/bolters as a way of saving yourself from scratch building new hands/weapons?

Are the hands of the scouts sculpted onto the bolters? Because i'd need melter and flamer too and the easiest way would be to not sculpt it on each weapon. This way i wouldn't get into trouble recasting GW weapons. (especially if i want to sell a few of those casts. )
But scout arms might be an idea. I only have scout sniper and they have arms and hands rather unflexible. I assume this is different with a normal scout box?

Stick with the "holy trinity" deal for ranged weaponry, I didn't think it affected their melee weapons though
As for the scout arms,

Here's the clearest image I could find. Most of them have a strap hanging from the handle to the grip/rest which looks nice.
I realise now that they might not suit your needs so much
You could still use them but you'd have to clip off the bolters flush from their hand and possibly pin the weapons to them.

peace


Automatically Appended Next Post:

lexicanum wrote:Wherever possible the Sisters of Battle use the holy trinity of weapons, that of the bolter, flamer, and melta. There are few exceptions to this rule, the most notable being melee weapons.

Lex seems okay with it; you should be fine to use PF if you wish and not violate any fluff

 Xendarc wrote:
Stick with the "holy trinity" deal for ranged weaponry, I didn't think it affected their melee weapons though

What i wanted to say with the melee weapon stuff is that i expected a reason described in the background why sisters limit their melee weapon options (as in excluding power fists) similar to their ranged weapons. (I'm not too experienced with all of SoB fluff) But the more i think about it it was probably just a design decission based on the limited model range of SoB. If IG has IG-sized power fists there should be no reason why sisters can't use them. They wear power armor so they definitely have the strength to use a decent sized power fist. And the idea of powered brass-knuckles is kinda growing on me. Might give it a try.

A slimed down "feminine" version of the power fist would suit a SoB termie much better then the standard astartes "LOOK-AT-MY-GIANT-FIST!power fist"

There is a rather nice power fist in the Cadian Command Squad kit which has quite a nice general shape and i think would work perfectly.

I haven't found a good picture of the mentioned IG power fist bit but i found a few artworks of both male and female inquisitors and IG officers with power fists.

And while i blue taced one sister together for a few shots i noticed a few things.
1. My camera is out of juice - again. (Blarg) My rechargebeable batteries are totaly crap it seems ...

2. The models are only tiny bit taller than the GW ones so the scale seems okay. But the legs might be a tiny bit to short if i overdo it with the neck and shoulder area. I have to be carefull.

3. The hips of the legs are to small and need improvement. This will get difficult as there is not much space to bulk them up without loosing the flexibility of the joint there. Maybe i have to carve all the torso joint side wider as well.

4. I need to sink the head joint deeper or change it entirely to a different style. The current heads are sitting to high.

5. There isn't much space left for a tabard. So i either have to sand them even thinner on the connection area or i have to carve away the armor on the crotch area to make room. But this would also mean that there won't be the option to assemble the legs without the tabards as they would lack of additional details then. I'll try to avoid sculpting the tabards onto the legs but maybe it is the best option remaining. But i'll try my best.




Edit: So batteries are recharged and photos taken. And i have a question for you as well.

But first the pictures:



This is the state i'm at (mostly). I have a few legs more or less ready for adding the final details like icons and stuff. I have a few wip torsos and started on working on the arms today. I know that the shoulders are to wide. But i can easily file them down once the armor is on. I just glues punched out plasticard circles on and added the wire to it. But even the thin plasticrad is too much and pushes the arms outwards. But as it is just for ease of working i can file them down no problem.

And the question i have is related to the quick mockup i made with blue tac. While i liked the idea at first to add additional stabilizers for the sisters fireing the really heavy guns looking at the mockup now i'm not so sure anymore. What do you think. Is it too much?



Edit 2:

I forgot to add this photo. It is the current try at creating the legs for my SoB "terminator". Even after filing down the legs i think they are still to thick. But you can at least see where i'm at.