The Vexus Crusade, Imperial Fists

[Dejay]

The second five marines look fantastic too. I really like the tone of yellow.

[Petay1985]

Very nice, the campaign markings add just that little touch of originality. Kudos on giving yellow a go, as it's one of the most difficult colours(if not the most) to get right.

Thanks fella, i have to thank Eltanko for the campaign badge idea, you should check out his Vexus Crusade, Black Templar's log if you haven't already!

good to see more of the Fists! i havent noticed this before but i like the metallic that is shown on the edges of the armor. looks pretty nice, how'd you do that might i ask? i am try to think of a way to add wear to armor.

so whats next for the fists from your list?

*for brother #10 the campaign badge is on his backpack right? on the left leg is scripture

Well spotted fella, i must have been looking at the wrong marine when writing the description! i have corrected accordingly! The wear and tear on the armour is simply Mythril Silver carefull lined onto raised edges and the like. I got the inspiration from Gorman and his Iron Hands log, i've used the same technique on my deathwatch!

Next up i am planning on doing the second tactical squad, but am starting to gather the parts for my Captain conversion. I am being strict and getting my 20 tactical marines complete before tackling anything else!

The second five marines look fantastic too. I really like the tone of yellow.

Thanks fella, high praise indeed, especially when your Imperial Fists are so good, thanks for the support fella.

[shaw3029]

Those are some nice looking Fists, Keep it up!

[Petay1985]

Those are some nice looking Fists, Keep it up!

Thanks fella, i intend too

Update to follow...

[Petay1985]

Sergeant Banner, 1st Tactical Squad, 5th Company

Small update, i have decided to give my sergeants banners as i think they really fit the theme of Imperial Fists.

So i have painted up my first banner and added it to the previously shown sergeant, apologies that the photographs are a little poor!

[Dejay]

Banner looks fantastic mate, really suits the Fists

[Petay1985]

Banner looks fantastic mate, really suits the Fists

Thanks fella, i wanted the banner to be interesting without falling into the typical trap of displaying the Chapter's symbol. Hopefully it achieved said goal!

Update to follow...

[Petay1985]

1st Tactical Squad, 5th Battle Company, Imperial Fists Chapter

This tactical squad was one of six that served under the command of Captain Tiberius Vallarn,5th Company for the duration of the Vexus Crusade. Tactical squads making up the fighting back bone of the Imperial Fist's force.



This tactical squad displays an eclectic mix of power armour types, Some marines displaying elements of ancient MkIV battle plate. Other notable marks within this squad are MkV shoulder pouldrons, MkVI greaves and MkVI helmets. In most cases these suits have been mixed inwith the more frequently seen MkVII 'aquila-pattern' power armour suits. The sergeant appears to have MKVIII 'errant-pattern' chest armour, although closer inspection would reveal this to in fact be heavily modified MkVII armour.



The sergeant's back banner, is the standard for the 1st tactical squad of the 5th battle company. This banner is a relic of the chapter, dating back to 31st Millenium and the days of the Primarch. Note the legion number; VII displayed proudly as a focal point of the banner. The white stripe indicates that the banner is to be born by a veteran and the numerals within indicate the company; V and the squad number; 1.

The Imperial Aquilla is thought to be a later addition, as on the Emperor's Children were permitted to display the 2 headed eagle on their armour and colours.



This tactical squad carry standard wargear, inline with the teachings of the codex astartes. 7 of the battle brothers are armed with MkIV Ultra-Pattern Boltguns, these are the standard codex weapon for all marines within a Tactical squad. To further enable the squad's versatility 2 battle brothers have exchanged their boltguns for a MkIII Mars-Pattern Missile Launcher and a MkVI Nostra-Pattern Flamer respectively. Ther Sergeant is armed with standard issue Ultima-Pattern Bolt Pistol and Power Sword, the ultima-pattern power sword is often favoured by sergeants due to its light weight, durability and 'hand-and-a-half' grip affording the wielder more power and control.

[Melchiah]

Looking really good Petay.

[Repentant Son]

Did you use white or silver to extreme highlight the marines? It isn't bad, it just struck me as... odd. Most of the time bright colors = dark wash, dark colors = light color extreme highlight.

Like I said, it's not bad, just a a little strange. Keep up the oddly well painted IF.

[Hushrong]

seeing the entire squad is looking fantastic petay!

and that banner looks great. the design on it is great! what part did you use/what did you do to make it have that torn look on the bottom?

[sheep]

Really like these guys, though the bases are a little plain.

Cheers

Sheep

[Farnsworth]

That's a great looking banner - Really ties in with the rest of the squad.

[swifty2]

Fists are looking pretty cool mate, the unit looks really good all together.

[Petay1985]

Looking really good Petay.

Thanks very much!

Did you use white or silver to extreme highlight the marines? It isn't bad, it just struck me as... odd. Most of the time bright colors = dark wash, dark colors = light color extreme highlight.

Like I said, it's not bad, just a a little strange. Keep up the oddly well painted IF.

A slight miss understanding, possibly down to my photography, that is a myril silver damage line on the armour, all raised edges and areas of likely wear have been lined with it. Actually works really well, in the flesh you will. The idea is it show s chipped paint and scuffs, rather than a highlighted line exactly.

The model does have a high light, done in 1:1 of bubonic brown and skull white, this is then blended back into the armour with a glaze of watered down sunburst yellow.

seeing the entire squad is looking fantastic petay!

and that banner looks great. the design on it is great! what part did you use/what did you do to make it have that torn look on the bottom?

Its a metal banner from the old Veterans that came in blisters a few years back, they don't sell them with the banners anymore thought.

Really like these guys, though the bases are a little plain.

Cheers

Sheep

Indeed, the bases are something i am yet to address, thus far they are simply scorched brown with a graveyard earth highlight. I am considering adding a flock, but am open to suggestions.

That's a great looking banner - Really ties in with the rest of the squad.

Thanks very much, i was kee nnot to simply paint a large chapter symbol.

Fists are looking pretty cool mate, the unit looks really good all together.

thanks very muchly, i am very pleased with the over all aesthetic. The idea was that they'd almost have a pre-heresy feel with out actually being a pre-heresy army, hense the inclusion of the older marks of power armour.

[neapolitan-guard]

amazing job on the squad.
that yellow is how i always envisaged imperial fists.
can't wait to see whats next.

[sheep]

I would add flock just for interest, It wouldn't be the GW fluro stuff though, def go for something dead or dying, a hay or straw colour would be good I think.

Cheers

Sheep

[salvindogath]

A small suggestion for the bases, maybe give it a light highlight of bleached bone or dheneb stone to give it that little bit more. And as sheep says, some hay coloured grass would look good I think.

[Petay1985]

amazing job on the squad.
that yellow is how i always envisaged imperial fists.
can't wait to see whats next.

Thanks fella, nice to know there other folk who don't see them as bright yellow warriors!

I would add flock just for interest, It wouldn't be the GW fluro stuff though, def go for something dead or dying, a hay or straw colour would be good I think.

Cheers

Sheep

That sounds like a plan, i'll see what i can pick up later in the week, thanks for the advice!

A small suggestion for the bases, maybe give it a light highlight of bleached bone or dheneb stone to give it that little bit more. And as sheep says, some hay coloured grass would look good I think.

Indeed, a further highlight could really help, combining that with 'sheep's' suggestion of static grass this could be a real winner!


Thanks for the comments/C&C everyone, campaign update to follow...

[Petay1985]

The Vexus Crusade, Campaign Progress Update:

Imperial Forces spearheaded by the Astartes fleet punch into the Vexus system, within a couple of weeks the systems orbital defences are destroyed and a number of the systems outer lying planets are brought back under Imperial control. The time line for the initial events for the campaign are as follows:

981 M41:

+0: Imperial representative arrives on Vexus IV, to investigate unpaid tithe taxes, after reports are sent back from the local system Governor. Shortly after, all contact is lost with system.

+2: Imperial guard Squad are sent to planet surface, after no word heard from Imperial representative for 2 days. Message sent back to cruiser, Hope of Mordis, from Squad upon landing that they had been attacked upon landing, no further contact made. Presumed that all troop KIA.

+5: Message received by the high lords of Terra, of the attacks on the landing party. And subsequent request sent to the Imperial fists Chapter Master to investigate further, with the assistance of the Vandoland regiment.

+9: After meetings, via astropath, the Imperial Fists despatch a force, led by Captain Lysander, to the Vexus sytem. And make contact with High Marshal Helbrecht whilst en route. Who commits a Crusade company, led by Castellan Throgus.

+70: Imperial Fists forces exit the warp, on the outskirts of the Vexus system, and rendezvous with the supporting Vandoland forces, and to await the arrival of Black Templar Company.

+83: Black Templar forces arrive in system, and meetings are held between Captain Lysander and Castellan Throgus. It is decided that Imperial Fists forces will be led by Captain Tiberius Vallarn, 5th Company, acting as support to the larger Black Templar’s force.

+90: Attacks begin on the Orbital Defence systems of Vexus IV, V and VII. Ready for close range Infantry and armour drops to planets’ surface. The frigates, Thressian and Castus Demmo, are subsequently crippled by defensive fire.

+92: All Defence systems are finally destroyed, incurring additional sever damage to the light cruiser, Might of Torro, which allows the first troops to be transported to the surface of Vexus VII, forces secure a landing zone and await arrival of heavy armour.

+103: Second wave deployed to affirm the surrender of rebel forces on Vexus III. Planet submissive to Imperial rule once more.

+104: Heavy armour deployed to Vexus VII, imperial forces expand their perimeter and strike out at key targets, hostile resistance encountered in Pevoria City (planet capital), threat level high, subsequent Astartes support requested by field commanders.

+105: Imperial Fist strike force makes planet fall on Vexus VII, Captain Vallarn and elements of the 5th Company lead Vandoland Regiment forces in city clearance operations, events later know as 'The Battle For Pevoria City'. Rebel forces un-prepared for Astartes intervention and are mostly killed, those that survive flee to rural regions.

+107: With Pevoria City classified as secure, Imperial Fist forces depart Vexus II and return to orbit, Imperial Control largely restored.

+112: Vexus II, VIII, X and XI make contact with Imperial fleet, all planets submissive to Imperial Rule, Vandoland regiments dispatched in force to secure martial law and ensure stability. Many of the planetary governor's are missing, believed to have fled to the capital world of Vexus V.

+119: Imperial Fleet move into the system's core, home to Vexus I, IV and V. Black Templar fleet ensures inner system space is secure, Imperial Fleet makes ready for ground assault.

+120: Imperial Guard Forces make planet fall on Vexus I, minor engagements to secure landing zones are short lived, Vandoland forces expand their perimeter with ease.

+121: Elements of the Imperial Fleet secure space around Vexus IX, the Mars Class Cruiser Invious Merridius is destroyed by ground based orbital defence missiles.

+122: Heavy Armour deployed to Vexus I, some rebel forces surrender to Vandoland Regiments. General of the 19th Regiment has all rebel prisoners executed as public display of power, all remaining insurgents are believed to have fled to rural regions, Imperial Rule is once again secured.

+123: Imperial Guard Forces make planet fall on Vexus IX, first wave is destroyed by rebel forces. Second wave makes planet fall in quick succession, rebel forces are weak from fighting and are subsequently massacred by the Vandoland 343rd Regiment.

+124: Black Templar Fleet engaged by rebel ships, despite having the element of surprise rebel ships are destroyed. Black Templars carry out barding actions on the Pressia Delorna, events later known as 'The Retaking of the Delorna'.

+125: Imperial Rule is confirmed on Vexus IX, Vandoland forces on Vexus I, VII and IX report agricultural exports impossible, crops are dead on a planetary scale.

- - -

For information on the 'The Retaking of the Delorna', see Eltanko's log; The Vexus Crusade, Black Templar's

Update to follow with 'The Battle For Pevoria City'...