The Forces Of Prospero; Ongoing Pre-Heresy Thousand Sons Log

[Proiteus]

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/013/3/a/forces_of_prospero_project_banner_by_proiteus-d4m6ob9.jpg


INTRO
Last February I read ‘A Thousand Sons’ and they’re by far the most interesting Space Marine legion ever. Of course I was already interested in them thanks to the Horus Heresy Artbooks so when I brought it I already knew a bit about the Thousands Son interesting background and suspected that I would want to build an army of them after reading it. As expected I started work on a Scarab Occult army shortly after finishing the book.

Luckily at the time the two best releases required for such a project came out Codex: Grey Knights an army of psychic Astartes and Tomb Kings with some nice bitz to use. I was also keen to build an army with a small amount of models after completing 64 infantry and 19 tanks for my last project. Lugging that stuff up a hill to my gaming club ain't fun lol.

Of course the main part of this army has already been completed but the best thing about the Thousand Sons the many factions that make up the legion such as the Psychically skilled Scarab Occult, The Prospero Spire Guard, The Legio Cybernetica and the main troops who I can now do thanks to the 6th allies rules. And since BOLS is where most Pre-Heresy Thousand sons logs are I thought this would be a great place to get feedback on this ongoing project.
Here was the army at Open War in May this year…


http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/107/6/9/pre_heresy_thousand_sons_scarab_occult_army_by_pro iteus-d4wgws5.jpg

IN THE BEGINNING
At the time I had no way to convert a decent pre-heresy terminator so I was considering the idea of using artificer armoured marine as ‘counts as’ terminators for a while as marines are always spoken of in the 40k fiction of being able to take down hold squads of infantry and having an small army of elite dramatically posed marines was tempting.
Of course that idea didn’t work well as the teleporter packs I created for them to represent the terminator’s deep strike ability made them look like interceptors, so that is what they ended up being.


http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/054/f/9/pre_heresy_thousand_sons_squad_by_proiteus-d4j5yk2.jpg

Terminators
So given on how my artificer armour idea wasn’t going to work I decided to focus on converting terminator armour, I had already come up with some ideas on how I could do it with the legs being the only problem then I saw the micro art studio legs and everything fitted into place.

I also used a pair of chapterhouse shoulder pads I had ordered during a previous project out of curiosity and the Scibor Scarab Shield to replace the storm bolter plus a few other bits. I went with the power armoured helm because I prefer it to the angular terminator version.


http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/207/7/0/ph_scarab_occult_terminator_up_by_proiteus-d41pstd.jpg

[Proiteus]

TERMINATOR SQUADS
Part way through the project I also decided to scrap the invisible magic bolts for actual weapons so I’ve brought several of the SM commander’s storm bolter which was the easiest to convert. However rather than trying to remove the awkward mould line on the top detail I got rid of it and was going to replace it with a bolter sight from the tactical box set, but instead I made my own sights using the parts of the interceptor teleporter packs instead.

My favourite squad members is first the hammer user, I love seeing thunder hammers in Dawn Of War and Space Marine as you really feel the impacts. So I decided to copy the animation when the force commander raises it in the air then brings it down on an enemy from DOW. Second is the guy reading his book and no caring about the battle around him.
Finally there’s the reaper Autocannon which will represent my Psycannons, I got rid of the skull and added a eagles wing to the side to make it less chaos themed, I also swapped a halberd to the left hand.


http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/090/7/c/ph_scarab_occult_terminator_squad_1_by_proiteus-d4uic3t.jpg
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/093/5/f/ph_scarab_occult_terminator_squad_2_by_proiteus-d4uvvjg.jpg
http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/106/a/4/ph_scarab_occult_terminator_squad_3_by_proiteus-d4wd9qg.jpg


I love seeing one of my squads charge into combat as they completely dwarf standard models, just look at their size compared to the black reach marine. The dreadnoughts are quite big as well so this is an army of giants! > 2836

BANNED BY GW
Only problem with these terminators is they were banned at a small tournament between stores at Warhammer World within 5 minutes of getting them out, so I can’t use them in most GW stores or Warhammer world but I soon came up with an alternative model for them which I’ll discuss later.

[Autarch]

Man I love what you have done. The red/gold/purple looks fantastic. The modeling is top-notch as well. I love the terminators. Looking forward to seeing more!

[Proiteus]

DREADNOUGHTS
I got a pair of Contemptors at Gamesday last year, then saw the relic versions on the same day, I later exchanged them for a pair of relic dreads at Warhammer World and converted some Thousand Sons dreads.


http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/317/5/0/ph_thousand_sons_dreadnought_by_proiteus-d4g1yol.jpg

Aside the basic bits such as putting a scarab over the Aquila and a nice head crest on the helmet I converted the heavy bolters to Autocannons. I shorted down the IG Heavy weapon team Autocannons because I felt they would have looked odd if I had kept them at their original length.
Another edition was 2 strong magnets to make the arms exchangeable, now they weren’t wide enough so I brought some plastic tubing the same width as the arms to put them in and thanks to the Dread‘s size this hasn‘t effected the model too much.

THE POWER OF THE TUTELARIES!
With the army completed I Soon started work on the tutelary objective markers. Tularies where warp entities that the thousand sons summoned to enhance and help channel their powers. So I was going to make some for objective markers, my original plan was to convert them from Bloodletters and Dyrads but I was later inspired by the amazing conversion work done by Isotope99 (http://www.lounge.belloflostsouls.net/showthread.php?t=11823) who converted Tularies for everyone of his warriors, so I decided make each of my tutelary objective look different from one another with one for each cult.

Raptora; I added some more rocks to add to the telekinetic effect.
Pavoni; I was going to use a wood elf sorceress but then the plastic dark elf one came out, I decided to give her a ghost/serpent like tail as it seemed suitable to a cult that has healing powers. The hardest part was attaching her to the base, in the end I glued the end of her tail into the base and painted an effect to make it look like she was emerging through the pillar.
Atheneans; I planned to add some spikes on his back to give him some more detail but I instead gave him some much cooler looking wings.
Pyrae; I was planning to ditch this guy as he seemed a bit dull compared to the others, but then I painted him! Now I’m debating if I should paint the flames yellow or purple?
Corvidae; Still a simple but great Tutelary.


http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/102/4/1/thousand_sons_tutelary_objectives_by_proiteus-d4vx4wf.jpg

I tried several techniques but in the end used the white dwarf tutorial for the spirits on the vampire counts’ mortis engine with 2 alterations, I used the new light blue dry brush paint and finished it off with a coat of the new blue glaze. The end results speak for themselves.

That pretty much covers the basics so far, I hope you subscribe and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback on my Thousand Sons conversions which I'll upload more of in day or two?

[eldargal]

Really pretty.:)

[Cow]

I love you stuff it looks so awesome, I really hope my stuff comes anywhere near that nice when its finally painted

[Dlatrex]

Well done sir! I think you have a great looking army right there. Do you have conversion plans for additions? Any chance you'll do the Primarch? The concept of using the individual cults to variagate the Tularies is wonderful.

[Proiteus]

Any chance you'll do the Primarch?

LEADERS OF THE 15TH LEGION!
Of course, but when doing a pre-heresy army trying to represent the Primarch is a hopeless task as there is nothing in the rules that can do them justice. Magnus is the same and perhaps even more given that he took down two xenos titans by himself in the novel.

So after finding the ideal model on Scibor Minaitures I decided to convert a ‘Little Magnus’ based off ‘Little Horus Aximand’ In Horus Rising one of the Luna Wolves captains who’s splitting image of the Primarch earned him the nickname ‘little Horus’ which he was often called by. I added the chest plate horns and replaced the damaged small shields that went over the arms with eagle wings from an imperial Aquila symbol, I also had a friend increase the hairline with greenstuff. I spent the last 3 days before the tournament painting up little or ‘Mini Magnus’ as he is now called and I was unsure about the model afterwards as something felt off about the model.


http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/086/1/8/pre_heresy_thosuand_sons_mini_magnus_by_proiteus-d4u43ch.jpg

Afterwards I swiftly made plans to make a new commander model soon after the completion of Mini-Magnus not just because his dull contrast to the more colourful basic troops which is something a commander should never be, but also because I couldn‘t use him in those generous GW stores that allowed me to use my terminators.

So I created a Pyrae Commander, I had to change the robes because after 3 attempts at painting white the first one was a mess as it is such a unforgiving colour. But I think they’re a great way to make him stand out of the army as the commander. I plan to place a Space Wolf shield on the base that’s been burned through with a heat beam when I get the time.


http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/223/7/d/ph_thousand_sons_pyrae_commander_by_proiteus-d5aovm4.jpg

[Cow]

I have been following your work on deviant, are you planning on explanding it much more, especially with the mechanicum and spire guard

[Proiteus]

WEAR YOUR BATTLEGEAR WITH PRIDE!
Here's something fresh off the press which you thousand sons fans will love. Like the last army I did; The Grot Rebellion! I wanted to make a t-shirt for my Pre-heresy Thousand Sons to wear at tournaments and I came up with this funny concept of one of my thousand son marines booting a wolf cub up the backside on the front, then have the legion symbol and the line 'Avenging Prospero, one space puppy at a time! On the back of the shirt.'


http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/269/7/5/ph_thousand_sons_t_shirt_design_by_proiteus-d5fyg7u.jpg

Special thanks to Matt Ward for drawing the image for me to colour and print on the T-shirt.

[Cow]

That is awesome, and I love that he has got all the details from your marines into the picture

[Proiteus]

THE ROBOTS OF THE PYRAE!
Conqueror Robots
With the main Thousand Sons force completed it was time to expand and begin work on their allies first up was the Legio Cybernetica robots employed by the Legion’s 6th Fellowship and Pyrae temple. When the robots were described in the book strangely the way I pictured them was the old space crusade dreads so what better model to convert my basic dreadnoughts than a pair I got for cheap of eBay.

I decided to give up on trying to find 8 sentinel Autocannons and used the ones from the heavy weapon team instead, only this time I didn’t shorten the barrels as I wanted to make the robot look designed for long range support. I then used Ravenwing assault cannon parts to attach them to the main body. Other details include the armoured plates from the Furioso dread to cover the blank parts on the legs and grey knight apothecary bits for the scanner and searchlight.


http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/153/e/0/ph_thousand_sons_conqueror_robot_up_by_proiteus-d520b9h.jpg

But it has to be said these old models do take a long time to paint, credit to the golden daemon winners who won with old models back in the day. I’m very pleased with how the pair came out using the chaos thousand sons paint scheme as described in the book, halfway through painting the model I decided to paint the upper half gold, which makes it look less like an ultramarine robot and more a thousand sons‘.

I was a bit worried about the blue and red clashing but I feel the gold ties the robots and thousand sons together really well.

Cataphract Robots
Another robotic unit that will be joining my army soon will be the Cataphract, basically a robotic terminator. I guess I’ll start with the main body; the first thing I did was add a joint between the epic knight titan torso and Stealthsuit legs to increase it’s height using a part of a Necron destroyer’s spine. I reused the head design from an old project using a Cadian helmet and pulse rifle tip as it adds more posing options and makes it look even less human.
The Storm bolter is the from the grey knight terminators, the original plan was to place a chapterhouse combi weapon underneath but I instead went with a grenade launcher, I also added the smaller Necron spine bit to allow me the option to rotate the weapon.
I refused to have the robot holding anything as it should be built in so I converted the sword from a lightning claw based off the golden soldier’s blades from Hellboy 2. I did cut a triangle shape from plasticard but then lost it, luckily I found a much better solution by sticking together a pair of Falchions. Lastly I added the shield to look a power generator for the weapon and a defensive shield for parrying.
One final addition to the model was the 2nd weapon as most robots I’ve seen in the art books have a shoulder mounted weapon so I added one just for show but this soon changed.

I made a earlier model and one of the biggest criticisms was the fact the legs looked too Tau based in origin. So in response to this I removed the hoof feet and sentinel toes and replaced them with interceptor backpacks and plasticard to create more robotic looking feet. I then covered up the joint using part of the barrel of the burst cannon.

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/260/4/c/imperial_cataphract_robot_2_up_by_proiteus-d5f1wl5.jpg

The model will be painted using regal blue and gold as stated in the novel like the current (chaos) thousand sons. They were to be stand ins for my terminators at the Throne Of Skulls tournaments as the non GW parts has banned me from using them, however this has changed because the pre-heresy terminators are soon to be released I'll be using them instead (then as paladins in the main army). However they'll instead be used as allied Wolf Guard terminators with the 2nd weapon representing the combi weapon instead.

I look forward to hearing your feedback on the robots?

[Proiteus]

THE PROSPERO SPIRE GUARD
Aside from the obvious benefit of psychic marines the Grey Knight codex presented another opportunity; Prospero Spire Guard henchmen which I'm surprised to not see included in other grey knight thousand sons army projects. From the few descriptions from the two novels I imagined their appearance as regal looking but practical and I believe I’ve hit that target.


http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/275/3/7/prospero_spire_guardsmen_by_proiteus-d55fszt.jpg

I was worried about the top knot at first but it works well with all the other details, however finding that many high elf top knots proved the larger problem. The ceremonial sword was going to be at the side but it was hard to place on and see due to the gun so I mounted it on the back. Speaking of which they were to be armed with Lasguns then I found out henchmen are armed with a laspistol and close combat weapon so I armed them with boltguns instead, using some bits from an interceptor backpack and the clip of an old bolter to convert the lasgun into a assault rifle.

Heavy Weapon Teams
The first Spire Guard squad to be created was the support squad which replaced my useless Vindicare Assassin, fielded as a henchmen squad with 6 warriors with boltguns, 3 plasma cannons servitors and my Hidden One Agent Inquisitor with Divination the squad does a lot of damage for 145pts. I might be making some alternative weapons for the ‘Firestorms’ turrets most likely a missile launcher in case I wish to field them as Imperial Guard allies instead of henchmen.


http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/223/d/a/prospero_spire_guard_heavy_weapon_teams_by_proiteu s-d5aob1z.jpg

The turrets were converted based on a tutorial I found on the web for a sentry gun (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6uuhIK-EJ1A/SUHS9xe6bTI/AAAAAAAAAWE/AnnQlV4asQg/s400/sentrygun_bitz1.jpg) but I mounted it on an epic land raider instead of a heavy weapon platform to better represent its ability to still move after all the guardsmen have been wiped out.

Strike Teams
My latest completed squad is the first Spire Guard strike team. In game it is a henchmen squad consisting of 4 warriors with Boltguns and 5 warriors with carapace armour (the riot shields) with 2 Boltguns and 3 Plasma guns.


http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/260/2/9/prospero_spire_guard_strike_team_by_proiteus-d5ez8lp.jpg

I created the Plasma Carbine weapons using guard flamers and a plasma pistol which are easy items to come across instead of buying the actual Plasmaguns themselves. If I get the time before the tournament next month I'll also add the ceremonial swords on their backs like the last squad. Another model that will be added to the squad soon will be my Zanatorian Weaponsmith (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs45/i/2009/151/3/3/Zanatorian_Mastermind_by_Proiteus.jpg) representing the Jokaero to give the squad some interesting gameplay, which I’ll build after the 2nd squad is completed.

The Commander (Inquisitor Coteaz) is currently in the works but I hope to have him and the 2nd squad completed in the next two weeks in time for Open War!

[olberon]

holy prospero!! looks verry nice

Love the termies too bad you cant use them :S

[wittdooley]

This is a great project and I can't wait to follow it more! Why were the terminators banned?!

[Proiteus]

This is a great project and I can't wait to follow it more! Why were the terminators banned?!

The robes and shoulder pads are non GW parts.

[wittdooley]

Oh snap. Didn't realize the Robes were another as well. Who makes those? Don't know that I've seen em before.

[Emerald Rose Widow]

Words cannot describe how much awesome this is. I love the thousand sons and you did a pretty amazing job artfully recreating them here. I mean you are an artist, an amazing artist.

Incidentally I hope they do a forgeworld Magnus like they did with Angron recently, that would be amazing and I would buy it in a second.

[isotope99]

Love those flamer/plasma combos and the assault rifle conversions and the servitor.

Maybe I missed it, but what are the heads, elysians?

Going to have to extend my force one day with some human spireguard. Have a good idea for a defense line with psykers throwing up invisible forcefields using the clear large round flying bases cut in half.

[Proiteus]

Have a good idea for a defense line with psykers throwing up invisible forcefields using the clear large round flying bases cut in half.

I considered that idea myself but with the high elf rods with crystals on the end with perhaps a single thousand sons controlling them as you don't want the defense line pieces too thick. If you do use that idea I highly recommend using clear plastic spoons, it may take some time to successfully cut the ends off without them snapping. But as you can see the end result speaks for itself.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/fjk177/188.jpg
Whoever these belong to is a freakin genius!

[Cow]

That looks pretty badass

[Proiteus]

THE HIDDEN ONES OF THE THOUSAND SONS
The Thousand Sons are by far the most interesting of all the legions, it’s just a shame the Thousand Sons today are so boring to play in the chaos codex. A perfect example would be the Hidden Ones who were made up of the Thousand Sons’ scouts and would operate as spies and espionage agents, some programmed using telepathy so well they were unaware of their mission.

I created this guy to represent an Inquisitor in smaller point games and I’m very pleased with how his paint job went. I decided to give them both battle scratches as they will have likely been out in the field for some time, hence the camera and comm on his armour. Since 6th edition he's become very useful since he can now cast psychic powers he now included in most of my lists, having him use prescience on my plasma cannons is brutal!


http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/020/a/3/pre_heresy_thousand_sons_hidden_one_agent_by_proit eus-d4n130i.jpg

[Proiteus]

THE ZANATORIAN LEGACY
I've been frantically finishing the last few models for the Prospero Spire Guard faction of my pre-heresy Thousand Sons Army in time for the Open War tournament yesterday. The first two models was my Jokaero Weaponsmiths for my henchmen squads, however instead of monkeys I used an old conversion concept from my previous Zanatorian Machine Cult Project (http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/321/e/1/iron_guard_robots_by_proiteus-d4gg7e2.jpg) hence the name 'Zanatorian Weaponsmith'.


http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/288/7/6/ph_prospero_weaponsmiths_by_proiteus-d5hvy5c.jpg

Created using a tau stealthsuit torso, servo skull, tesla coils (from battle of macragge) and some guitar wire. Like the psychic powers and warlord traits I also created smaller cards for the Weaponsmith modifications that effect the unit he is in, on a roll of a 1 nothing happens but on a 6 I get to re-roll on the table twice.


http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/288/a/a/weaponsmith_cards_by_proiteus-d5hvybq.jpg

After their completion they were attached to the spire guard squads which have so far performed alright in the 4 games they have taken part in.


http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/288/7/8/7894ddcd6609ae33f8669b0a1607174c-d5hvysz.jpg

[Proiteus]

THE GUARD COMMANDER
Since I’m using the henchmen squads for the Prospero Spire Guard I need to field Inquisitor Coteaz so I’ve converted the finecast Inquisitor to represent him as a general. First he was holding the hammer in his left hand which looked silly given how much it likely weights so I changed it to the other hand and gave him a heroic like pose with the hammer facing down, that was till I got this comment...


. . . he ends up looking like he's trying heroically . . . to play croquet. (http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/260/1/9/up_prospero_spire_guard_general_by_proiteus-d5f0lgv.jpg)

After which I changed the pose immediately! I also later added in a steel scorpion, another conversion from my previous Machine Cult army to represent his cyber eagle or even a servo skull if I ever choose to use one.


http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/289/7/c/prospero_spire_guard_commander_by_proiteus-d5hzssi.jpg

FUTURE EXPANSION FOR SPIRE GUARD?
Should I get the time and money I will likely add some more spire guard units to the army using guard allies which will include 1 of each of the following...

Command Squad; simple enough.
Penal Legion ; Need a troop choice but can't have veterans with poorer weapons than the basic troops and I'm not painting up an infantry platoon! Not sure how to convert them at the moment, most likely as a team of specialist spire guard?
Vendetta Gunship; Likely using the conversion concept I came up with for the Prospero disc speeder. (http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/downloadAttach/124630.page)
Leman Russ Executioner; Using the FW Deimos Pattern plasma predator (http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Images/Product/AlternativeFW/xlarge/dempredex1.jpg) to represent it.

Of course they'll have to wait as my next focus for this project will be the Cybernetica units.

[Meph]

Wow dude, awesome thread. Great, great build and an awesome paintjob to boot. Love the Prospero Spire Guard, great conversions. :D

[KrewL RaiN]

Very inspiring stuff. I have a soft spot for all these amazing pre heresy Thousand Sons projects! I wish to do some someday when I can afford to do so :<

[Proiteus]

OPEN WAR 18
Well last Saturday was fun as the Prospero Spire Guard took to the field after only 1 practice game and proved interesting to play thanks to the weaponsmith upgrade roll. Sadly I got butchered in game 1 against Dark Eldar which has never been a good match up for me, then a minor loss against Imperial Guard in game 2. I did win the 3rd round against a necron player but after 16 scarabs swarms chewed through both spire guard squads only to suffer 20 wounds against my re-rolling plasma cannons where they all vanished. :D
Here are a few images of the whole army (which I've found on the web so far).


http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/downloadAttach/130930.page

I also won Best Army which I consider to be a very nice bonus, also later that week I went to Warhammer World and played a campaign against my mate's orks and during one game Coteaz (with fiery form) and the ork warboss challenged and killed each other with one blow each.


http://www.dakkadakka.com/s/i/at/2012/10/20/f7da91ca8b4c7e5a99517122c0d77587_10465.jpg__thumb

Now all that's left is adding the swords on to my spire guard then I'll start work on my Legio Cybernetica Cataphact Kill Team.

[Proiteus]

BEGIN THE ACTIVATION RITES!
Well the Spire Guard's performance overall has been interesting but the list seems more friendly than competitive, hopefully that won't be a problem at Throne Of Skulls in January as I've heard it's not as competitive as it used to be. But before that I have a Kill Team to prepare for Operation Protineus next month and I've have chosen to field a unit of Cataphract Robots which were used by the Pyrae Cult during the Great Crusade that way I can also use them in my thousand sons army as allies.

However because this is a Kill Team I can't just have robots so I need someone to lead them and who better than a Techmarine. I decided not to give him a servo hardness as he will never be used as a techmarine, he will be either another wolf guard terminator or a rune priest with Divination to represent him increasing the robot's effectiveness and to fill out the allied HQ slot.


http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/318/1/b/thousand_sons_techmarine_up_by_proiteus-d5kzkuf.jpg

One of the rules of a Kill Team game is the option to give any special rule from the rulebook to 3 models such as the Techmarine leader who will either have FNP or Shrouding to increase he survivability. I've used the others to convert some devastating loadouts on two of my robots...


http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/318/7/7/imperial_cataphract_robots_up_by_proiteus-d5kzkzj.jpg

'Golem Loadout'
The one on the right has a Frost Blade with the special rule 'Smash' giving me a strength 5 ap 2 I4 weapon allowing me to deal with 2+ armoured targets or 'Smash' anyone who brings a tank. For him I converted two power gauntlets which makes him look very menacing, however not as much as the one on the left.

'Firestorm Loadout'
The robot on the left has a combi-melta which I have given the 'Torrent' special rule (yes this is legal) so I added a shoulder mounted flamer for the bolter's template, but best of all I converted this awesomely destructive weapon I call 'The Firestorm Cannon' which destroys everything it fires upon however it suffers from a long recharge time so it can only be fired once per game (i.e the metlagun's torrent shot). I feel he'll be a big bullet magnet because of this.

Now to begin painting them up in the blue and gold paint scheme.

[isotope99]

Clever use of the command squad champion shoulder pads and ravenwing searchlights on the techmarine. I don't recognise that melta weapon though?

[magickbk]

Clever use of the command squad champion shoulder pads and ravenwing searchlights on the techmarine. I don't recognise that melta weapon though?

Melta Cannon from the Devil Dog?

[Proiteus]

FORCES OF PROSPERO CODEX COVER!
In previous projects I’ve often commissioned an artist to create a kind of codex cover for the army and with Throne Of Skulls coming up I thought it was time the Thousand Sons got one featuring some of the armies best units such as the spire guard and terminators.

I was pleased to find an artist called Noldofinve on Deviantart (http://noldofinve.deviantart.com/) who was interested in creating a codex cover for me, she sent me this rough sketch a few weeks back and has just sent me a work in progress image of the cover. Needless to say I can’t wait to see the finished piece given the quality of her other 40k artwork.


http://www.dakkadakka.com/s/i/at/at2/2012/11/16/9d723625e269edfc63dd6b750652ab1f_10465.jpg

[Proiteus]

A FINE WARMACHINE
At first I tried to paint all 4 robots together as I have only a few weeks before the Kill Team tournament, but since this was my first time painting them I decided to complete one first and see how it worked. And here is the completed robot...


http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/327/d/e/legio_cybernetica_cataphract_robot_by_proiteus-d5lwmk0.jpg

The head was originally blue but it blended too much with the torso so I tried painting it in gold instead which worked a lot better. The trickiest part was the energy cell on the combat weapon.
Someone did make the observation that it looks like a Cygnar Warjack from Warmachine, which was made even more amusing due the the fact they'll be 4 of them lead by a techmarine.

Either way I'm very pleased with the final model and just wished I could include more than a squad of 5 in the army. Now to complete the remaining 4 by the end of the month.

[Proiteus]

THE PYRAE ROBOTS UNLEASHED!
Well I've finally completed my Cataphract Robotic Kill Team that will be representing a Wolf Guard terminator squad at Operation Protineus this Saturday at Warhammer World. My only hope is that the event is spoiled by cheesy Kill Teams like 9 flamers of tzeentch for example.


http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/346/9/2/ph_cataphract_robot_kill_team_by_proiteus-d5nsq7d.jpg

I rotated the Techmarine's staff round so the staff top was facing the front, he'll also have the FNP rule to help him survive the firepower Kill Team leaders are likely to attract.


http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/345/2/a/thousand_sons_pyrae_techmarine_by_proiteus-d5npwyn.jpg

Next with have the 'Smashbot'; because of he's twin power gauntlets that represent a Power Maul with the Smash rule I had no where to put his ranged weapons, the storm bolter didn't look right so I replaced it with an old ork pistol and created a attached servo skull to represent the single plasma gun shot.


http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/345/4/e/cataphract_robot_with_power_gauntlets_by_proiteus-d5npwn6.jpg

This one is by far my favourite as he looks like he's ready to take on any opponent, sadly that menacing look will likely cause him to attract at lot of enemy fire.


http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/345/2/b/cataphract_robot_with_firestorm_cannon_by_proiteus-d5npwga.jpg

Well I let you know how they get on Saturday till then I'm going to take a well earned break from the hobby, at least till Friday when I have to start work on the terminators and defense line for the 19th Jan.

[Meph]

Woah, gorgeous conversions, mate!

[SotonShades]

:eek:

That is all there is to say really. Very very well done. Look forward to seeing more of it.

[Proiteus]

KILL TEAM REPORT
Saturday was a lot of fun it was very fast paced and the games went well aside from one round against 3 flamers and 4 Screamers of Tzeentch to add insult to injury 2 of my bots died from plasma overheats, best game was fighting 15 sisters of battle through a hail of bolter fire with smashbot being somewhat of an unstoppable Juggernaut. Here a pic of the bots in action against a tyranid warrior kill team off facebook, also because of the event being 10 days away from Xmas my Xmas Squig conversion got some use as an objective for all 8 games.


http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556357_527517717267713_1571735115_n.jpg

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/355/e/3/the_traditional_xmas_squig_by_proiteus-d1qys66.jpg

For the next one in April I'll be taking a break from the Thousand Sons to assemble The Outcast Dead after Throne Of Skulls.

RALLY THE DEFENCES!
Defense line is fully built now to paint it. I'm thinking white with gold trim to match the city of Tizca and contrast a little with the red of the spire guard what do you think?


http://www.dakkadakka.com/s/i/at/at2/2012/12/17/548becd66a6db0c2a10254a80b78e989_10465.jpg

[Proiteus]

MAN THE DEFENCES!
Well with Throne Of Skulls 1 day away everything is now complete, first off is the defence line which I'm glad I chose white (based off of their City Of Light) cause I didn't have to do any real painting for the base after spraying the white basecoat from an angle. The gold trim thou was a right pain and I found myself painting 1 section each evening before adding the battle damage and scorch marks.


http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/017/3/4/prospero_spire_guard_defence_line_by_proiteus-d5rrsxs.jpg

Should help keep my Spire Guard alive instead of them cowering in terran.

THE SCARAB OCCULT MARCH!
Now as you all know GW disapproves of my major use of non-gw parts on my terminators at GW events which makes sense, so I needed some suitable alternatives for Warhammer World events. It was originally going to be the robots but then Forgeworld released their pre-heresy terminators and I wanted a squad to convert and here they are...


http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/017/0/4/ph_thousand_sons_terminator_squad_by_proiteus-d5rrtmr.jpg

Aside from the same weapon conversions of my previous terminators I added details such as the jewel scarab and horse hair plume to make them look similar to the terminators featured in this piece of artwork with the Primarch. (http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110320044056/warhammer40k/images/a/a9/Magnus'_Coven-Personal_Bodyguard.jpg)


http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/017/6/2/ts_scarab_occult_warrior_by_proiteus-d5rrtd3.jpg

I might make another squad for larger GW events and to have the option of fielding 25 Grey Knight Terminators till then I'm likely to use these guys as a sort of Command Bodyguard for Corteaz and my upcoming Librarian conversion.
I'm curious to know which terminator variant do you like these ones or my robed conversions?

[isotope99]

I still like the robes though these feel more heresy appropriate.

Just finished gluing my necromechanicus back together so see you there.

[SotonShades]

I do love the robed guys, but this squad just made my jaw drop! You have really captured the look of the Thousand Sons.

If you guys end up facing off against one another, we HAVE to see some pictures of it! Hell, if I didn't all ready have plans this weekend, I'd be popping up to see that fight in the flesh.

[Proiteus]

Just finished gluing my necromechanicus back together so see you there.

Jesus... I mean "Throne!" the last time we met I was asking for your opinions on my ideas for this very project and now here we have the completed project. :D

[Vorlon]

I.....you....jaw.....floor....
Seriously though, this is some of the best conversion work Ive ever seen. Everything oozes so much character and detail. Well done!

[Proiteus]

THRONE OF SKULLS REPORT!
Sadly I was unable to make a very competitive list with the models available so I took my friendly list relying on the ladder system to balance it out, but they've dropped it for an all random system which forced my not so competitive list to stuggle. Not to mention I was plagued by bad luck on Saturday.

Game 1 Vs Necrons (Lots or Warriors, Lords and a Monolith) Close lost but a lot of fun.
Game 2 Vs Necron (Barges and Long Ranged stuff + Doomsythe) Masscared, shot me up from a distance and plagued by bad luck rolling double 1 for a point blank melta shot on the flyer!
Game 3 Vs Grey Knights: Once again bad dice rolls but nearly grabbed victory periled my terminators and interceptors with psyshock missile from his storm raven.
Game 4 Vs Grey Knights: (20 Terminators, 2 Dreads and Inquisitor) Won thanks to my plasma cannons, dude wouldn't walk his terminators into range which allowed me to weather him down from a distance. Good Game!
Game 5 Vs New Dark Angels (with Bellal and Knights): Tabled Victory thanks to Coteaz and his Dividnation powers ie forced re-rolling of saves, new terminators are very nasty thou.


http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/71819_545077775511707_1489158362_n.jpg
Game 4 with a strong defensive line and Plasma Cannons on the high ground nasty!

Problem is there is no ladder system anymore, it's all randomly drawn so I was fighting players with all wins on GAME 2,3 & 4. They said it was dropped so they can avoid arguments amongst very VERY competitive players on the top tables.
They should at least have a top and bottom half otherwise you need to have a very competitive list in case you dealt against a skilled opponents.

My army was nominated for Best Army and competition was tough as there was no real clear winner as every army was getting a lot of attention, but in the end character and bizzare appearance won it for the 'Mexican Orks' (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=545077975511687&set=pb.212614545424700.-2207520000.1358975735&type=3&theater) :D


http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/64203_545078882178263_838105350_n.jpg

A BREAK FROM THE FORGES OF PROSPERO
With Throne Of Skulls now done I was tempted to begin work on the 2nd Expansion consisting of...

A Sorcerer (Rune Priest),
Pyrae Robots in Drop Pod (Wolf Guard Terminators),
Recon Squad (5 Grey Hunters),
5 Devastators (Long Fangs),
& maybe some Land Speeders (FW Jetbikes)

But with two different variants of the army to play I've decided to take a short break from my thousand sons for a while, I'll instead be focusing on my other project The Grot Rebellion (http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/231/5/0/grot_collage_by_proiteus-d5bokfe.jpg) who have been out of action since 6th edition. I'll likely be repainting or at least redoing some of the details on the existing units with what I've learned during this project, I'll post a link on this thread when I start the new log.

But do keep an eye on this log as I will be uploading small editions to the Thousand Sons whilst working on the grots. Till then check out the army's completed codex cover by Beata Kurkul
(http://noldofinve.deviantart.com/)

http://th00.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2013/017/c/d/sons_of_magnus_by_noldofinve-d5rse1g.jpg

[Fizzybubela]

Nice codex cover! :D

[Proiteus]

BOTS BEFORE GROTZ?
The plan was to leave the Thousand Sons project for a while and redo my Grot Rebelz Army (http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?367091-DA-GROT-REBELZ-Fully-Converted-Guard-amp-Ork-Army-Project). But thanks to a recent newsletter from Forgeworld I’m thinking of doing just a bit more for this project and it’s all thanks to their new mechanicus robots and the new Tau codex which is proving an interesting read and... well here I am ready to convert some legio cybernetica robotic units to proxy tau allies.

The Cataphract Robots (Battlesuits)
My first thought when seeing the new FW bots was Legio Cybernetica Robots representing Battlesuits. Each of the allied Battlesuit squad will be armed with a twin-linked fusion blaster and a missile pod to make them the excellent at taking out heavy armour. So I'm thinking of converting the main weapon by adding two barrels from the FW meltagun, I likely extend the lower barrel out a bit more. The alternative would be to directly attach the meltaguns to each arm but I feel the rifle represents the extended range of 18 a lot better. As for the missile pod I'll scratch build a missile launcher and attach into the back with a robotic arm. I used photoshop to get a rough idea of what the conversions would look like...


http://www.dakkadakka.com/s/i/at/at2/2013/4/7/c5aa327070c8dae774ae360c50203a9a_10465.jpg

The new Conquerors (Broadsides)
What also drew me to use the new tau rules was the fact broadsides are now dreadnought sized and I already have 2 robots that with a weapon refit could be suited for such a role, especially since I no longer field more than 2 dreads and it will be nice to field them with the dreads. I'll likely be going with missile broadsides to deal with the grey knight bane that is flyers, so they'll be getting armed with a lot of rocket launchers and I'll maybe convert some missile drones to go with them.


http://th06.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2012/173/d/6/ph_thousand_sons_conqueror_robots_by_proiteus-d54ehkh.jpg

FIREBLADE AND FIRE WARRIORS?
As for the the Fire Warriors, I'm thinking a more elite or heavy version of the Spire Guard. I'm thinking of space scout bodies but a bit more flashy with the drop trooper helms or perhaps give them armour like the hidden one agent?

Please let me know what you think to the conversion ideas below? & Also if you have any suggestions for converting Spire Guard Fire Warriors?

[Proiteus]

REMEMBERING THE THOUSAND SONS!
As I wrote out my new list with the Tau Allies yesterday I realized something, nearly all of my lists are focused on the Spire Guard and now the Automotons, I have very few Thousand Sons units in the army so rather then building more robots I've decided to focus on converting some more thousand sons units.

When I started this project I had the idea for a Dreadknight proxy of a Thousand Sons; a sorcerer with a large Tutelary (like the one below and maybe even the large eagle from the upcoming high elves) unleashing the full force of his psychic powers. Aside from the big familiar I'll likely convert some base details such as a few floating rocks or scorched SW corpses.


http://www.dakkadakka.com/s/i/at/at2/2011/7/3/f232ab6918c0355afb2673e41d9fd6ed_10465.jpg

I'm thinking of working on this model since I still have the parts, but first I want to hear what your thoughts are about this proxy concept from a gaming standpoint.
Do you think it works or is is too much?

OUT WITH THE OLD
With Maelstrom games being closed down, Warhammer World is now my only real gaming/tournament venue, where sadly my large terminators can't be used. Because of this rather than have them kicking around doing nothing I'm likely going to be putting 1 or 2 squads up for sale in the next month and instead convert some more forgeworld ones and use the remaining first converted terminators as Paladins.

So would anyone be interested in buying some of the old Scarab Occult Terminators?


http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/106/a/4/ph_scarab_occult_terminator_squad_3_by_proiteus-d4wd9qg.jpg

[SotonShades]

I think the idea for the Tutelary Dreadnight is incredible! So long as the size is close to that of the real dreadnight model, the concept should more than make up for any minor discrepancies.

It is a real shame that you are thinking of selling those scarab occult models. I would certainly consider buying them as they are more than good enough to be display pieces. However, where abouts are you based and/or would/do you have transport? Both of my gaming clubs are not too far from where Maelstrom was, and if you can get to WW, you could almost certainly get to us. I'd hate to see you have to get rid of such excellent models just so you could get games.

[Meph]

That's a great idea for Dreadknight proxy. I'm looking forward to it. :D

[Proiteus]

Yeah, now I'm wondering how to make it look unique to the other Tutelaries? I'd like to paint it yellow and give it a fire like glow but I highly doubt I'm skilled enough to pull that off. Giving it gold armour might make it look too much like a Tzeentch Daemon and less spiritual like the other Tutelaries.

Suggestions?

[Meph]

Yeah, now I'm wondering how to make it look unique to the other Tutelaries? I'd like to paint it yellow and give it a fire like glow but I highly doubt I'm skilled enough to pull that off. Giving it gold armour might make it look too much like a Tzeentch Daemon and less spiritual like the other Tutelaries.

Suggestions?

Well, I'd say, paint him ghostly blue like the rest to tie them together. You can always play around with a secondary colour to put some focus on his eyes, his swords, glowing runes, etc... like purple, green, white with soem streaks. Y'know, something that can blend with the blue while still adding some subtle contrast.

[Proiteus]

ANTI-AIR DEFENCES
Flyers have been the bane of my Thousand Sons Grey Knight army so I've finally got round to converting up a quad gun for my defence line. Rather than going with Autocannons I decided to go with the more traditional form of anti-air; a missile turret to represent my quad gun.


http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/114/2/1/spire_guard_anti_air_turret_by_proiteus-d62ttlj.jpg

I used parts from the land raider, sentinel, leman russ and a baneblade sponson plate in the conversion. I may try and extend it's height with a platform or raised base as it is a bit low for a quad gun.

[Proiteus]

UNSTOPPABLE FORCE!
Back when I started this project I had the idea for a Dreadknight proxy of a Thousand Sons sorcerer with a large Tutelary unleashing the full force of his psychic powers. Because in the Horus Heresy novels when a Thousand Sons sorcerer lets lose his full powers whole squads of enemies are killed with ease often crushed or burnt and unable to do them any real damage in return.

The idea for this conversion came from an Anime Series where a character could summon a gigantic, humanoid being that surrounds him.


http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m314/Nightwing_45304/Naruto%20GIFs/susanoo.gif

Recently I've been tweaking with my Dreadknight conversion and with most of the parts finally here I'm likely to begin assembly sometime this week. However it maybe sometime before the model is completed so here is a blu-taced rough version.


http://www.dakkadakka.com/s/i/at/at2/2013/5/7/79a706ac6c809fc3ecd0aa46aa7d74aa_10465.jpg

The commander on the base will be converted up similar to the first Thousand Sons commander (http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/223/7/d/ph_thousand_sons_pyrae_commander_by_proiteus-d5aovm4.jpg) I made but this time in Power Armour and made with all GW parts. The Dreadknight tutelary is armed with a shield using the tzeentch disc and a sword from the daemon prince, I would have loved for it to have been the balrog's flame sword to match the one the commander will wield but cheap plastic Balrogs or at least the sword is impossible to find. I may alter the dreadknight's helmet to match the commander's as if he is a large psychic projection of the commander in the warp?
I'm thinking of adding a green stuff cape on the tutelary to hide the hollow lower back torso, I also need to decide to use a clear flying stand or mount something large onto the circle on the rear of the base and pin him to it?
As you can see I have a dead space wolf terminator on the base, I wanted a burnt out wolf corpse as well but have had no luck finding a single vampire counts dire wolf to use, anyone got a spare dire wolfie who needs a good home?

Anyway what do you think?

[Cpt Codpiece]

:eek:

that about sums up my initial thoughts :)

if you can get hold of or have already some KELAR/FUTURE floor polish, then id say go ahead with the flying base idea (as it makes the plastic less foggy and stops glue fogging too. or use a flying base to the rear of the tutelary mounted on a subtle pillar or something

i will say it again :eek: thats gonna be one hell of a conversion (more so than it is already)

[miteyheroes]

When I first saw this I thought the tutelary was pinned to the top of the commander, through the sword.

Not sure if that'd be possible, but it'd be even more epic that it currently is if it is possible.

[Proiteus]

GETTING BACK TO WORK
Sorry for the lack of updates I've been working on a Steampunk gauntlet for an expo I attended on Saturday, I maybe upload a photo for you lot to see. Anyway with that out the way I can get back to working on my commander and his large tutelary dreadknight for Throne Of Skulls next month, which you can see below is coming on quite nicely. Base is still crying out for a burnt wolf, anyone got a spare plastic dire wolf? :D


http://www.dakkadakka.com/s/i/at/at2/2013/5/29/88c99a5faba1996ef5edd2d822f62587_10465.jpg

[Dimitrios]

Its looking awesome... however I wonder if I could recommend something to you? I think it would be awesome if the little dude and the summon had the same body language... It would imply that the larger summon is infact a pyskic projection of the marine rather than something that he has called to assist him.

In short terms, maybe you could reposition the arms of the marine to reflect the position of the summon in the background?

[Proiteus]

In short terms, maybe you could reposition the arms of the marine to reflect the position of the summon in the background?

I'd like to do that but the sorcerer is going to be armed with the wizard's flame sword so trying to do the lighting effects on something that close would be difficult and I can't find a suitable alternative sword for him to wield that looks magic based but at the same time not too chaos looking?

[jae4x4]

love the true scale!

[Proiteus]

COMMANDER ZUL'AZADAR OF THE 6TH FELLOWSHIP
Since my old commander can't be used in non GW tournaments I decided to make this new version. Also no Thousand Sons Captain or sorcerer wears terminator armour in the art books or the novel, not even Ahriman of the 1st so I decided to also go with artificer armour for this version.


http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/165/5/2/pre_heresy_thousand_sons_commander_by_proiteus-d68z9vn.jpg

Like the last one this model will represent my Grand Master but for most games he'll likely be on the Dreadknight base channeling his power through his massive tutlary. By the what do you think to the purple scarab detail? Does it work on this model or do you think it would look better in gold?

All that is needed to complete the Dreadknight now is the dead space puppies on the base!

[Hexx2019]

AMAZING... need to keep up with reading this one!

[Bigred]

NICE Proiteus

Check this:
4243


That bottom piece is from one of the Fantasy Storm of Magic pieces...

Just throwing ideas out there.

[Proiteus]

That bottom piece is from one of the Fantasy Storm of Magic pieces...

Thanks for the suggestion thou that bitz match up is too common for my liking. :)

[Proiteus]

THE LITTLE THINGS
I needed to create a Spire Guard armed with a lasgun for my new list who would most likely be manning the defence quad turret so I converted this Spire Guard Combat Engineer.
I also realized I didn't have a objective for 'Relic' missions so I created this large magic tome.


http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/171/2/4/spire_guard_engineer_and_relic_by_proiteus-d69x0o0.jpg

THE PROJECT'S GRAND FINALE
Well I'm done for this project for now but what better way to finish off the Thousand Sons but with this awesome looking Dreadknight Proxy of a Thousand Sons Commander with a powerful Tutelary familiar.


http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/171/1/6/thousand_sons_dreadknight_conversion_by_proiteus-d69x16a.jpg

I did experiment with the idea of adding some blue lighting effects for the Tutelary but it's very difficult to make work on red armour and the ruins, the glow effect from the sword however came out perfectly.
The Tutelary is pinned to the ruin using a clear flying base so he's very far forward from the pillar and thanks to the positioning of the arms and shield you can't see it unless from looking at it from a certain angle. Of course I enjoyed adding the Space Wolves especially the one with the burnt face.

I'll be entering him into the 'Throne Of Skulls' monster miniature contest next Saturday.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE 15TH LEGION?
I'll be taking a break from the Thousand Sons to work on my Grot Rebels, but after they're up to date I'll be returning to convert my Cybernetica robots into Broadsides and creating Spire Guard shock troops for Fire Warriors. Also I may add a few more Thousand Sons infantry units and a another commander like model for use as a Librarian.
Of course if I'm able to get a hold of a decent full army picture I'll post it up on this log, till then!

“FOR THE CRIMSON KING!!!”