Imperial Cadian 1st Gatekeepers

[DogmaRaider]

I've decided to make an attempt at an Imperial Guard army. This long term project hopefully will result in a very nice guard army that I can use in future battles to come. This setup is still very much a work in progress and will change as time goes on. I'll post pictures when I can and will be working on this project continuously throughout the months to come.

One of the issues I have is the numbering of some of my squads and tanks which I don't think is right but I'll continue to work on it. I certainly will be able to perfect my modding and painting techniques now!

Legend
-------
Red - Indicates what I'm working on now
Green - Indicates what I do not have in inventory yet
Grey - Indicates what I have on hand but have not yet started
Dakr Orange - Model/Unit started but now on hold
Blue - Indicates what is currently being painted

==============================================

Imperial Cadian 1st Gatekeepers

Motto: Custodes apud Portam Mali - Guardians at the Gate of Evil

Description: Any army that call itself the 1st can contain the best of best. The Cadian 1st Division is arguable the most highly trained and most powerful among all of the Cadian divisions. This highly honored battalion uses a combination of tactics, heavy fast armor and the strongest will to defend the Imperium of man from those that lurk beyond in the Ocularis Terribus.

Commander: Regimental General Marcus Arelius Tiberius
===========

Regiment Command HQ

Description: Passed down from the original founding of the Cadian 1st with a history equal to that of the Tiberius family, Augustus stands as Unlike other Baneblade class super heavy tanks, Augustus is unique and unlike any other tank of its kind.

Baneblade - Mk. VII - Maximus Command Variant - 11 - Augustus - General Marcus Arelius Tiberius
Baneblade - Mk. V Assault Variant - 11 - Damocles - << Commander Name Forthcoming >>
Baneblade - Mk. V Assault Variant - 13 - Romulus - << Commander Name Forthcoming >>


1st Heavy Armor Battalion - "The Keymasters"

Descripion: The Baneblades of the Keymaster company always spearhead any advance. Commanded personally by General Tiberius, this tank platoon has repeatedly displayed their tactical superiority in every engagement against every enemy they've encountered. The strategy and tactics of this tank company are focused on two levels. First each tank commander and crew are drilled over and over on defence through aggression. No retreat and no surrender are words engraved in the ferocity of each tank crewman by Tiberius. Second, when operating as a group collectively, tank commanders are taught to work together to achieve and hold objectives on the field. Teamwork, ferocity, personal ambition and initiative are mixed and tempered to create the most feared and effective super-heavy tank platoon in the Cadian theater of operations.

Battalion HQ
Baneblade - Mk. IV - Cadian Assault Variant - 1<skull>1 - <<Name Forthcoming>> - << Commander Name Forthcoming >>
Baneblade - Mk. III - Standard - 1<skull>2 - <<Name Forthcoming>> - << Commander Name Forthcoming >>
Shadowsword - Mk. IV Cadian Variant - 1<skull>3 - Marius - << Commander Name Forthcoming >>
Baneblade - Mk. III - Standard - 1<skull>4 - <<Name Forthcoming>> - << Commander Name Forthcoming >>


2nd Armor Battalion - "Wrought Iron"

Description: The "Wrought Iron" of the Cadian 1st Regiment is most appropriately named. This Leman Russ armored company maximizes the speed, maneuverability and overwhelming firepower of their tanks with advanced tactical doctrines designed to overwhelm enemy forces and positions quickly. Utilizing several different variants from many different Forgeworlds, each Leman Russ squadron diversity is matched only by its firepower and tactical prowess of its commanders.

Battalion HQ

<< Work in Progress >>

Company HQ
Leman Russ - Mk XI - 1x1 - Land Raider Crusader Required
Commissar - Leman Russ Executioner - 1x2

1st Squadron
Tank 1 - HQ - Leman Russ Vanquisher - 11x - Turret Required - Modified Stygies VIII Vanquisher
Tank 2 - Leman Russ - 111
Tank 3 - Leman Russ - 112
Tank 4 - Leman Russ Demolisher - 113 - Turret Required

2nd Squadron
Tank 1 - HQ - Leman Russ Vanquisher - 12x - Turret Required - Modified Stygies VIII Vanquisher
Tank 2 - Leman Russ ? 121
Tank 3 - Leman Russ ? 122
Tank 4 - Leman Russ Demolisher - 123 - Turret Required

3nd Squadron
Tank 1 - HQ - Leman Russ Exterminator - 13x - Turret Required - Modified Gryphonne IV Vanquisher
Tank 2 - Leman Russ Exterminator - 131 - Turret Required - Modified Gryphonne IV Vanquisher
Tank 3 - Leman Russ Exterminator - 132 - Turret Required - Modified Gryphonne IV Vanquisher
Tank 4 - Leman Russ Exterminator - 133 - Turret Required - Modified Gryphonne IV Vanquisher


3rd Infantry Battalion - "The Lock"

Description: Though the smallest of the first four companies, the 3rd Infantry Battalion contains the most fierce and loyal veteran shock troops on Cadia. Many of these troop squads operate in highly dangerous missions behind enemy lines. As a result, this battalion has the highest per captia casualty rates of the entire regiment. Included in the many ranks of combat hardened veteran and highly trained soldiers of the Gatekeeper Operatum Specialus. These small mysterious squads of soldiers operate outside the normal chain of command and report directly to the certain members of the regiment HQ command administratum.

Battalion HQ

<<Work In Progress>>

Company HQ - 1x1
= Heroic Senior Officer
= Guardsmen(4)
= Support - Special Weapons
- Guardsmen - Lasgun(3)
- Gaurdsmen - Sniper Rifles(3)
= Support - Special Weapons
- Guardsmen - Lasgun(3)
- Gaurdsmen - Sniper Rifles(3)

1st Platoon
Platoon HQ - 11x
= Senior Officer
= Guardsmen(4)
= Support - Special Weapons
- Guardsmen - Lasgun(3)
- Gaurdsmen - Sniper Rifles(3)
= Support - Special Weapons
- Guardsmen - Lasgun(3)
- Gaurdsmen - Sniper Rifles(3)

Veteran Squad 1 - 111
- Veteran Sargent(1)
- Veterans(9)

Veteran Squad 2 - 112
- Veteran Sargent(1)
- Veterans(9)

2nd Platoon
Platoon HQ - 12x
= Senior Officer
= Guardsmen(4)
= Support - Anti-Tank
- Lascannon Crews(2x2)
- Missile Launcher Crew(1x2)
= Support - Special Weapons
- Guardsmen(2)
- Guardsmen - Demolition Charge(1)
- Guardsmen - Sniper Rifles(3)

Stormtrooper Squad 1 - 121
- Veteran Sargent(1)
- Stormtroopers(9)

Stormtrooper Squad 2 - 122
- Veteran Sargent(1)
- Stormtroopers(9)


4th Infantry Battalion - "The Bars"

Description: The Bars owe their name to the undying resolve to hold against any enemy of the Imperium. This troop company of the Cadian 1st serves as the backone of the division. Comprised of both highly experienced and trained Cadian regulars and conscript infantry, the 4th company prides itself the premiere infantry unit of the Cadian 1st.

Battalion HQ

<< Work in Progress >>

1st Company

Company HQ - 1x1
= Heroic Senior Officer
= Guardsmen(4)
= Support - Special Weapons
- Heavy Bolter Crews(2x2)
- Autocannon Crew(1x2)
= Support - Mortar
- Mortar Crews(3x2)

1st Platoon
Platoon HQ(5) - 11x

Squad 1 - Infantry(15) - 111
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)
= Infantry - Vox Caster(1)

Squad 2 - Infantry(14) - 112
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

Squad 3 - Infantry(14) - 113
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

Squad 4 - Infantry(14) - 114
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

Squad 5 - Infantry(14) - 115
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

2nd Platoon
Platoon HQ(5) - 12x

Squad 1 - Infantry(15) - 121
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)
= Infantry - Vox Caster(1)

Squad 2 - Infantry(14) - 122
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

Squad 3 - Infantry(14) - 123
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

Squad 4 - Infantry(14) - 124
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

Squad 5 - Infantry(14) - 125
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

3rd Platoon
Platoon HQ(5) - 13x

Squad 1 - Infantry(15) - 131
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)
= Infantry - Vox Caster(1)

Squad 2 - Infantry(14) - 132
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

Squad 3 - Infantry(14) - 133
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

Squad 4 - Infantry(14) - 134
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

Squad 5 - Infantry(14) - 135
= Infantry - Lasgun(10)
= Infantry - Flamer(1)
= Infantry - Grenade Launcher(1)
= Infantry - Meltagun(1)
= Infantry - Plasma Gun(1)

4th Platoon
Squad 1 - Conscript - 141
= Conscript - Lasgun (10)
= Conscript - Flamer(1)
= Conscript - Grenade Launcher(1)

Squad 2 - Conscript(12) - 142
= Conscript - Lasgun (10)
= Conscript - Flamer(1)
= Conscript - Grenade Launcher(1)

Squad 3 - Conscript(12) ? 143
= Conscript - Lasgun (10)
= Conscript - Flamer(1)
= Conscript - Grenade Launcher(1)

Squad 4 - Conscript(12) - 144
= Conscript - Lasgun (10)
= Conscript - Flamer(1)
= Conscript - Grenade Launcher(1)

Squad 5 - Conscript(12) - 145
= Conscript - Lasgun (10)
= Conscript - Flamer(1)
= Conscript - Grenade Launcher(1)


Adeptus Mechanicus Support

Description: << Forthcoming - You don't think that they'd trust 4 super-heavy tanks and all that armor to mere guardsmen do you? >>

Magos Mechanicus << Name Forthcoming >>

Techpriest << Name Forthcoming >>

Enginseer 1
Enginseer 2
Enginseer 3

Servitors(4)

[asmodai_dark86]

That is... a disgustingly huge army. Even the great deadley headley doesnt have an army that big, and he's got tons of stuff.

Is this an actual army list? Do you really intend to buy an army that big? Because if you intend to spent that much money on an army I'd suggest raising a chapter instead - less models to paint whilst still being impressively huge (also, you will so get fed up of painting cadians if you do this army)

[Hortwerth]

Good luck!

Some of your unit numbers repeat on different units, like 3Co platoon HQ and HQ, Storm Troopers and Veterans...

[MasterModakai]

You know, I was there when you were brewing this list, but I did NOT realize just how massive you were planning to make this army of bad boys. Guess we'll be able to call you the King of IG Battle Force boxsets

[Fred_Scuttle]

Great Idea - well thought of names and theme. Will look BAD ASS all laid out - if your camera has a wide enough lens!!!!

[Gaz]

You sir, are insane. I'll definatly be keeping an eye on this one ^_^

[Arrg]

That is impressive. I wish you luck in painting all that.

[DogmaRaider]

First thanks for all the good luck wishes. I really want to see this one through the end.

Originally Posted by Hortwerth

Some of your unit numbers repeat on different units, like 3Co platoon HQ and HQ, Storm Troopers and Veterans...

I'm still screwed up on the numbering. When I did the numbering, I was trying to make distinctions between the squads or tanks that are at the company command level as opposed to the platoon level. I'm confused because I read the paragraph in the IG codex about command squad number and how they're indicated by a skull as the middle digit. I think now that indicates a squad at the company level. I'm guessing that platoon command units simply following three digit numbering scheme.

What I've done to correct it is Company HQ squads are designated by the middle character being a skull as in:

31 - 3rd Company - Command HQ - 1st Squad

and the platoon command squads will have the skull as the last digit.

31 - 3rd Company - 1st Platoon - Command Squad

I've also added a legend and updated the list as to what I have on hand.

[old guard]

Sorry chap I may be about to sow still more confusion. First of all fantastic idea for a unit.....But, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that squad numbers were issued to cadian troops as conscripts, that being the case a typical cadian squad having completed basic would be assigned to a regiment, any regiment that had 'vacancies'...therefore your squad numbering would only apply if you were setting it at the time of the first founding (whenever that was...any ideas fluff heads?). So your numbering should essentially be random 3 digit numbers, seniority being indicated by 'low' numbers.

as a bonus (unless you intend to free hand them) it does mean you wont need to chop up decals to get the numbers you want, you could go straight from the box so to speak.

Sorry!

[DogmaRaider]

To be honest I'm a fluff newbie in terms of the IG. I didn't even know it was supposed to be random. Does anyone have a reference for that? I looked in the IG codex and I didn't see it.

As for their "time period" I would say they're based in the current now timeline (whatever that is...).

If I had to come up with a fluff reason why the number ing is the way it is due to General Tiberius. When I get a chance I'll put up more of his fluff that I have floating around in my head. His family's military history defending the Cadia goes way back. The philosophy doesn't involve rolling up shattered units into other squads but instead providing adequate replacements to maintain the strength of platoons and squads. He believes and has seen over time that maintaining platoons and squads at effective levels and allowing them to form an identity makes them a more effective and feriocious fight force. The military organizational and tactical system perfected by he and his family for generations has made the Cadian 1st what they are today. That's why the numbers have maintained their consistency for so long.

Here's a picture of my workbench area as well as my first tank, a standard Leeman Russ. I haven't decided how to customize it yet. I've read the Tread Heads article on Black Gobo many times and have some good ideas.





More to come later.

[Great_Destroyer]

my god....
Looking forward to see this army.

[pyramid_head]

just letting you know - Armored fist squads arent in themselves platoons, they are attached to other platoons but come from their own parent platoon

[DogmaRaider]

Originally Posted by pyramid_head

just letting you know - Armored fist squads arent in themselves platoons, they are attached to other platoons but come from their own parent platoon

With those, what I want to do is start them out seperate and then fill them in as I go. The main focus that I have right now is on the armored and troop aspects of the army. I might combine the two Platoons that I have already for Armored Fist into one and supplement with two other squads to form a whole platoon. Its still up in the air. For right now they're placeholders and will be developed later.

[Melchiah]

@DogmaRaider
One day the men in white coats will come for you, for being crazy enough to do this task. But hey least you'll have the tanks, guns, and shear numbers on your side

[schoolcormorant]

I too collect cadians, i love them, but you will soon start bleeding from your ears if you don't vary your work, FW stuff will keep you sane and your shoulders blood free; i cannot wait to see this army.
what isa the scheme gonna be? where are they fighting? are you going to use camouflage on your tanks?
trust me i do have more questions!

[Mortare]

What models are in the big brown boxes on your desk?

[DogmaRaider]

@schoolcormorant
Believe me when I say when I started this list I wanted to make sure it was varied enough so I wouln'd go inance. As Melchiah pointed out, I have to dodge the white coated men. I just finished one of the Leman Russ tanks but I now have to go back greenstuff the small cracks and make a few highlights. I'm moving on now to some of the Conscript squads. I have enough variety to keep my going for a while.

@Mortare
The one brown box is empty however the other one contains one my pride and joys. I purchased a Lucius pattern Baneblade at the Baltimore GamesDay this year. As much as I want to dive into that one, I'm going to wait so I can get some practice on a couple more tanks and squads before I tackle that one. I want to really plan those out so I don't end up ruining them. I have big plans for that 1st Company of mine.....

I have a FW order going in at the end of July for some more items that I need for the squads and tanks. I'm pacing myself as to the incoming stuff so I don't get discouraged or overwhelmed.

-------------------------------------

A couple of ideas that I have floating around right now:

- The Paint Scheme: This is perhaps the most important decision I have to make. The painting is going to take me quite a while and I must admit I dread it. I have some ideas about it and am still considering what to do. I don't want it to just be another carbon copy of the standard Cadian paint scheme yet want it to look unique. I'm leaning toward a green type of scheme but haven't commit as yet. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have a better idea.

- Raised Squad Numbering, Cadian Gate and Rank Symbols: On each of my tanks and troops, instead of painting the squad number and sign of the Cadian gate on my guys, I'm going to see if cutting the Cadian Gate symbol , squad lettering and rank chevrons out of plasticard, shaping it and gluing it on the soliders. That really a lot of work but I think it would make the troops and symbols stand out like the raised eagle on their front chestplate.

- The Flag: No great division of Cadia can be without a flag. I'm looking to designing a flag that I can use in the command squads and on the lead tanks of the army. I know for certain that a big flag is going on my lead BaneBlade "Augustus" steaded by one of the hands (either left or right) of my commanding general Tiberius. I think that will look spectacular.

*Near the mid of end of the week I'll have some pictures of the tank and the first conscript squad without paint on.

[schoolcormorant]

quote

- The Paint Scheme: This is perhaps the most important decision I have to make. The painting is going to take me quite a while and I must admit I dread it. I have some ideas about it and am still considering what to do. I don't want it to just be another carbon copy of the standard Cadian paint scheme yet want it to look unique. I'm leaning toward a green type of scheme but haven't commit as yet. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have a better idea.

- Raised Squad Numbering, Cadian Gate and Rank Symbols: On each of my tanks and troops, instead of painting the squad number and sign of the Cadian gate on my guys, I'm going to see if cutting the Cadian Gate symbol , squad lettering and rank chevrons out of plasticard, shaping it and gluing it on the soliders. That really a lot of work but I think it would make the troops and symbols stand out like the raised eagle on their front chestplate.

- The Flag: No great division of Cadia can be without a flag. I'm looking to designing a flag that I can use in the command squads and on the lead tanks of the army. I know for certain that a big flag is going on my lead BaneBlade "Augustus" steaded by one of the hands (either left or right) of my commanding general Tiberius. I think that will look spectacular.

*Near the mid of end of the week I'll have some pictures of the tank and the first conscript squad without paint on.[/quote]

The plasticard idea will look great, but you will probably need to find a way of getting each one to match or a system that will make it quick...er...or a scalpel!

[Lab Monkey]

gold.. armour.. plates..

custode-style

[DogmaRaider]

Originally Posted by schoolcormorant

The plasticard idea will look great, but you will probably need to find a way of getting each one to match or a system that will make it quick...er...or a scalpel!

I was thinking of a template made out of plasticard that I could trance onto another piece and then cut then out. Same thing for the numbering. I'm just hoping its thick enough to standout. I migh have to layer it two or three deep which would stink!