Hive Fleet Gorgon - Ferron Splinter Fleet

[dwez]

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Hive Fleet Gorgon was a Tyranid Hive Fleet which invaded the Tau Empire in 899.M41. It was relatively small compared to other Hive Fleets, but it was exceptional for its ability to quickly adapt on a biological level to new circumstances of battle. Gorgon in fact manifested more bioform varieties than any other Hive Fleet. This rapid pace of adaptation may have been unique to Gorgon, or it may have been a response to conflict with the Tau, a race who are also highly flexible and adaptable but on a technological level. Gorgon was destroyed in 903.M41 by the combined forces of the Tau and the Imperial Guard.

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However, it has since been identified that a splinter of Hive Fleet Gorgon separated from the main Hive Fleet before the final battle presumably to ensure the retention of the bioform and tactical knowledge learned during the conflicts. This splinter fleet headed towards Segmentum Obscurus where it has spent much of it's attentions on the Ferron Sub-sector, in particular focussing on the largest planet Ferron Proxima. Ferron Proxima is mainly a recruitment world for the Dark Angels, it's native people have long been chosen to join the ranks of the first Legion and it's subsequent second founding chapters. The fallen chapters have a strict rota system for choosing worthy aspirants due to the high levels of successful candidates.

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Hive Fleet Gorgon's innate ability to change their genetic structure may explain perhaps their specific interest in the planet. Recent samples of captured bio-forms have shown that they are somehow absorbing the wraithbone liberally spread across the surface. Their chitinous bodies become infused with the Eldar material, making them even more psychically attuned to their synapse creatures. What is even more disturbing is that they do not seem to need to harvest the fragments, just prolonged exposure on the planets surface will slowly mutate their gene code. It's this discovery that troubles the many Bio-magi and Xeno-biologist who flock to Ferron Proxima to study the various unique fauna and flora who inhabit the red planet's barren, desert like environments, rich in iron deposits and basking under sulphur yellow skies.

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[fuzzbuket]

very nice! i do like the blue!

[ElectricPaladin]

I really love the color scheme you've picked for these guys. It's livid and deadly and awful. I don't know Tyranids well enough to know if you've done any conversions, but the overall effect - however you achieved it - is really great.

[Kevin48220]

Looking good, I agree that your color scheme is terrific. It's got a good contrast and your shading on the heads is really well done.

I also love the lashwhips on those warriors. It's very cool that you've made them look more organic, more muscled--like scorpion tails.

[dwez]

I really love the color scheme you've picked for these guys. It's livid and deadly and awful. I don't know Tyranids well enough to know if you've done any conversions, but the overall effect - however you achieved it - is really great.

Cheers, the biggest Warrior is a Tyranid Prime, it's converted from an original plastic Advanced Space Crusade Tyranid, with some current Tyranid bits added - head crest and extra armour plates. The Lash Whip is a devourer gun cut off with 2 gauges of flower arranging wire and PVA coated string. The last Tyranid Warrior pic is a minor conversion as I was short an arm for the Deathspitters. So it uses a couple of Termagant arm bits and it ends up with 2 elbows, with a bit of extra tubing to hide the mistakes ;)!

I'll be getting round to photographing the entire splinter fleet now it's essentially finished.

[ElectricPaladin]

Cheers, the biggest Warrior is a Tyranid Prime, it's converted from an original plastic Advanced Space Crusade Tyranid, with some current Tyranid bits added - head crest and extra armour plates. The Lash Whip is a devourer gun cut off with 2 gauges of flower arranging wire and PVA coated string. The last Tyranid Warrior pic is a minor conversion as I was short an arm for the Deathspitters. So it uses a couple of Termagant arm bits and it ends up with 2 elbows, with a bit of extra tubing to hide the mistakes ;)!

I'll be getting round to photographing the entire splinter fleet now it's essentially finished.

Wow. Your conversions are freaking smooth. They look like out-of-the-box models, in terms of the quality of the join between the various bits. Very nice!

[dwez]

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Hive Fleet Gorgon - Ferron Splinter Fleet continues to target Ferron Proxima. Latest reports have revealed that unknown to the populace hundreds or even thousands of Genestealers have been laying dormant in the desert regions of the planet.

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As more and more incursions from the splinter fleet happen more of these creatures are awakened from their slumber and burst forth from vegetation, caverns or even the very ground itself.

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As each new nest is disturbed a writhing mass of tentacles, chitinous armour plates or sharp talons erupt from the surrounding terrain hungry and inflamed with an alien need to kill. The populace has been warned to not leave urban centres, in the belief that whatever construction work that's taken place in those areas would already have disturbed these creatures whereas the wide open spaces have lain unmolested for millenia, until now!

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Kill squads from the planetary defence force, backed up by Adeptus Astartes and members of the Inquisition, including Magos Biologis Alder Garrick have set out to exterminate these life forms before they can connect with the splinter fleet. Who knows what information their alien biometric knowledge of Ferron Proxima will do to help the alien menace adapt and mutate in it's insatiable desire for Ferron Proxima.

[dwez]

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The Scourge of Oktavia is a Xenos abomination that has only recently begun to terrorize the good citizens of Ferron Proxima. The Scourge is a bioform of the Hive Tyrant [Tyranicus Praefactor] genus but it has evolved with the ability of flight due to its leathery wings.

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Alongside the winged biomorph it has also adapted two oversized Devourer weapons. These horrific mutations allow the beast to lay down heavy fire that can decimate small vehicles as well as the brave people of Ferron Proxima.

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The Scourge has taken to roosting in the abandoned Edvard Henri Memorial Cathedral Tower in the coastal hive city of Oktavia Profundis. Despite sharp shooters from the local militia and planetary defence force they have been unable to remove it from it's nesting area and the Winged Tyrant continues to plague the populace killing with abandon.

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A call for support from the Dark Angels has been despatched, as Ferron Proxima is a recruitment world for them and their Sucessor chapters. The Tyrant may have the skies for the moment but in time it will have to face the might of the Adeptus Astartes.

[dwez]

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Amongst the more common Tyranid genus found to frequent the Hive Fleet Gorgon Ferron Splinter fleet are Termagants armed with the fearsome Devourer weapons. 'Devgaunts' or 'Devilgaunts' as they're often called by the more superstitious residents of Ferron Proxima are often found amongst the broods that strike without warning. Usually joined by it's monstrous brood mother - the loathsome Tervigon. Or bursting from the remains of the sub-orbital deployment pods known as Mycetic Spores, these beasts are not to be dismissed despite their position in the Xenos hierarchy.

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The Devourer weapon is a rotting mass of flesh filled with pulsating worms that are ejected from the weapon thanks to a bio-electric shock. Upon impact with their victim the parasitic invertebrates begin to bore into exposed flesh or infest any orifice they can find. The victim becomes a seething mass of agony as the worms eat through to their brain and certain death. The horrific display can be too much for the companions of the victim. Quite often the sight of their colleague being eaten from the inside and screaming in agony can cause witnesses to flee in horror.

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These particular Devgaunts caught on camera by servo-skull Xt-36^9 show what appear to be a Toxin Sac biomorph. These glands are a breeding ground for caustic poisons and virulent toxic fluids that coat the creatures claws and teeth making it far more dangerous than it's stature would suggest. However, some Bio-magi have posited the suggestion that sometimes these are just vestigial sacs, with no real function aside from providing its brood mother with a means to keep track of its offspring. The very concept that such alien intelligence is at play has brought Inquisitorial censure for those magi foolish enough to publish their works openly.

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[dwez]

In the early days of Hive Fleet Gorgon arriving on Ferron Proxima there was some confusion surrounding some of the larger bio-forms that had descended with the splinter fleet. Various xeno-biologists and bio-magi believed the larger creatures were belonged to the Carnifex family yet some of the more outlandish claims were that these were a 'missing link' an evolved 'proto-Tervigon' that had the ability to spawn the Termagant beasts.

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In time these wild claims were borne out. It transpired that Gorgon was once again adapting to it's surroundings, utilising the Carnifex as a chasis for what would later evolve into the Tervigon. It was supposed that in a previous encounter the Hive Fleet had an abundance of these bio-forms and had added bio-matter and symbiotic incubation sacs to upgrade them into Tervigons until it could find the requisite abundance of biofuel to create the Tervigons from scratch.

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Despite the different scales between the two beasts there are now clear evolutionary steps evident between the Carnifex - proto-Tervigon - Tervigon and despite the intial confusion it is now clear to see that these beasts are related.

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Regardless, these proto-tervigons continue to be seen roaming Ferron Proxima and in slightly different evolved forms across the Imperium. Whilst the bio-magi squabbled and awaited a clear evolutionary apex progentior these proto-Tervigons turned up on world after world. Now that the Tervigon has been classified and catalogued in the Tyranid genepool the proto-Tervigons cannot be dismissed and nor should they be as they continue to fulfil a specific role in the Hive.

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To discover more about the proto-Tervigon please point your cogitators to Imperium data fill #61Z-5L#proto-tervigon# (http://40kaddict.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/nids-part-12-tervigon-tutorial-part-8.html)

[DWest]

Looks very good! However, slight dark humor moment considering the amount of blood on the poor Gaunt: "What? No, of course it's not dead! It's just . . . resting. Until it needs to do its job! Really!" *Tervifex spikes the Gaunt on a talon, spits an acidy glob on it, then throws it at the camera* "See? 2d6 assault move, poisoned and furious charge!"

[KrewL RaiN]

I love the contrast between the bugs and their bases! It's nice to see some rare Tyranid love these days. I hope we get some new goodies soon!

[dwez]

When it became apparent that Hive Fleet Gorgon had managed to create a foothold in the more remote parts of Ferron Proxima there was little the Planetary Defence Force could do by that stage. The alien intelligence had gambled on citing their incursion in some of the desolate wildernesses so as to avoid detection, the gamble being the lack of bio-mass available to fuel their breakout from their planet fall. However, in time the brood nest was able to use hastily formed digestion pits to reclaim what vegetation and local fauna resided in those areas and with this bio-mass were able to evolve their proto-Tervigons into their natural state.

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Aside from the increase in size there was little difference to their earlier counterparts, although some would say they possess a visage many times more frightening than their forebears. Unfortunately those that did voice such thoughts were soon removed from the populace by the local Inquisition or summarily executed by their PDF Commissars. What did hold true between the two strains was their ability to spawn Termagants. Often they would projectile birth them ahead of their charge, using them as shield, to fearlessly engage the PDF before their brood mother slammed into the preoccupied Ferrons. The only respite the PDF could discern was once again due to their limited stocks of bio-mass as often the beasts spawned would number just a dozen although very occasionally it could be many dozen!

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As the encounters increased Bio-magi continued to record all reports of the nature of this new Xenos threat. Tervigons were a whole new genus they were rapidly having to come to terms with to draw solutions up for their eradication or at the least containment until the arrival of support from the Adeptus Astartes. It soon became apparent that the creatures had some form of psychic abilities. Initially those skills allowed them to force their progeny to greater feats of endurance or allowing them to control the weaker minded beasts from further distances whilst they stayed in the rear. However at some indeterminate point something changed, whether it be the natural absorption of the Wraithbone shards scattered across the surface of Ferron Proxima or some alien signal that evolved the psychic ability of the creatures following the arrival of the Dark Angel relief force in the battle barge 'Dark Vengeance' no one knows.

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The result though was that suddenly the Tervigons were performing much more varied elements of witchcraft, invariably making them stronger and tougher or giving them the ability to move faster than the eye could see and faster than anything of that size should be in nature. Additionally these skills allowed them to be more aggressive, leading from the front and using further skills to weaken the forces arrayed against the, or making their progeny even more durable in the face of oncoming fire. Regardless it soon became apparent the even the most devastating of creatures the Great Devourer could bring to the battlefields - Trygons and Mawlocs could be pale shadows of what an enraged Tervigon could be - they were seen to tear large tanks apart with ease, smashing Bastions and whole formations apart with their giant crushing claws or scything talons.

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Currently the Tervigons are being kept in check through the efforts of the Dark Angels, disallowing them access to further biomass to increase their numbers. We can only hope the Emperor's Finest will prevail and stamp out their kind.

4324

[SotonShades]

The carapace on that looks amazing mate. Very gribbly, perfect

[dwez]

The carapace on that looks amazing mate. Very gribbly, perfect

"My God Its Full Of Stars"

[dwez]

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It has been noted recently that in many of the Xenos incursions into occupied areas of Ferron Proxima that amongst the hulking beasts and chittering hordes there is a being of immense psychic potential. This creature can be seen floating above it's smaller bretheren, an eldritch light sparking from it's immense cranium and exposed synaptic cells. Unfortunately most field reports stop there as whatever witchery this creature holds results in the decimation of whole ranks of heroic defenders of Ferron Proxima. One minute they are upholding the faith of the Emperor, the next minute they are but lifeless husks.

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Bio-magi have found numerous reports from other worlds of creatures similar to these but one in particular has even more commonality with this brain beast, a creature designated the Doom of Malan'tai, although very little evidence exists of the immense Psychic Blast employed by this so-called 'Doom'. The Ferron brain beast has instead been known to emmit a piercing scream, so powerful as to render armour and defensive fortifications useless. The sonic tyrade causes the heroic planetary defence forces and Astartes alike to fall to their knees as their ear drums explode and their brains are liquified. What is worse is that cyber skull bio-data recording of the brain beast has shown it to somehow gain strength from this wholesale slaughter.

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A priority one kill order has been sent to all forces, however this is proving difficult as quite oten the first indication that the brain beast is in the vicinity is when a giant fleshy pod-like creature falls from the sky and the beast bursts from it's thrashing carcass into the midst of the brave defenders. Before they can react they become overwhelmed by the brain beast or the writhing pod lashes out with it's tentacles spitting individuals on the serrated barbed tips. Additional weaponry is often brought to bear on anybody brave enough to try and tackle the brain beast head on, but not before they run the gauntlet of the brain beast itself.

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These two creatures form an unlikely but effective symbiotic relationship, often with the pod being left ravaged by defenders eager to meet out some revenge for the horrifc devastation the brain beast creates. Quite often the brain beast will be left untouched by enemy fire, surviving hundreds of rounds of ammunition and feasting on the life-force of anything within reach. Many reports also suggest that despite this energy field and prodigious strength one crack shot in the right place is enough to render all this psychic energy pointless as it's vaporised into the warp. Sadly though, for every confirmed kill there is another confirmed sighting. Once again reminding us that the Great Devourer is constantly evolving, mutating and gestating new horrors that must be destroyed for the Emperor and the safety of the Imperium.

[dwez]

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One of the major difficulties for the bio-magi trying to reveal the secrets of the Xenos threat is that threat is evolving and mutating on a daily basis. Bio-constructs appear getting samples, eye-witness accounts and observing their function is only the first challenge because the Hive Mind is constantly using these constructs as foundations for different purposes. These Mycetic Spore Pods are a prime example of the bio-diversity the Tyranid threat can bring to bear. These new spore pods have been seen delivering a variety of troops to the battlefield, disgorging monstrous beasts and chittering hordes as well as potent psychic Terrors.

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Additionally they have been discovered in areas close to the main Tyranid Hives, their designation identified through Xenos bio-data sheets but on closer inspection were found to be weapons batteries. Producing fierce explosive rounds or a torrent of smaller scatter shots that have whittled the eye-witnesses down to a man. These new discoveries are forcing the bio-magi to re-write their findings and reasses all their discoveries to date.

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Alongside this new development there are rumours again that these pods may form some kind of Synaptic link for the Hive - extending it's range of influence as the smaller more feeble minded xenos spread out to forage for bio-matter and increase the Hive's territory.

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Alongside this unproven possibility is the real change these pods are having to the surrounding landscape - they are changing the environment and polluting it with the foul alien DNA of the Xenos. These pods are effectively terra-forming the Ferron landscape to make it more suitable for the alien interlopers. These pods may yet be the most dangerous element in the alien assault, purge the alien!

[White Tiger88]

Love that blue very nice Bugs good sir! So i must ask have they heard about are over all Tentical Master Slaanesh? (Those Tentical Genestealers are the scariest thing i have seen in ages....my Demonettes would even run, Mind you they might be TOWARDS them.....)

[dwez]

One of the most common Tyranid Bio-forms to have infested Ferron Proxima is the Termagant 'Gauntii Virago' Although seemingly without number these beasts, up until now, seemed to have had a maximum population level. This evolutionary ceiling has been attributed to the limited numbers if 'brood mothers' that spawn the gaunts. Additionally, the Hive mind is actively utilising it's available bio-matter and unbelievably it's alien intelligence is ensuring it does not commit it's resources to what is essentially a very limited beast.

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That's not to say Termagants are not a threat to the population, bio-magi data suggests that there may be many more gaunts secreted in the catacombs and underground spawning chambers that the Hive Fleet has started to fortify. It also appears that the Tervigons may have developed new reproduction methods that may increase their ability to spawn in larger numbers. There is no evidence of this happening in the wild yet but the Dark Angel and Planetary Defence Forces that are currently containing their incursion have started to bolster their defences in readiness of any increase in their numbers.

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Most of these gaunts are born fully formed with their own symbiotic weaponry. Despite the shock of birth they are spat like projectiles from the Tervigon's womb, immediately moving on, shooting their obscene bio-weaponry and even attacking innocent citizens of the Emperor. The abomination has even been witnessed whereby they have literally been shot out of their brood mother onto battlements and defended buildings. The staunch faith of these brave soldiers kept them alive to tell of the horrors witnessed. Having passed on this vital knowledge the Inquisition gratefully bestowed the 'Emperor's Peace' on them with summary executions so they could not spread the foul knowledge to the citizens of Ferron Proxima, their names subsequently added onto the 'Ferron Roll of Heroes' for services to the Emperor.

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Another point of note is that these Termagants are highly mutable, often having enhanced strength or poisonous sacs that will lay low any human. Some of these bio-morphs can be traced back to their progenitor but equally some seem to be vestigial growths whose only purpose can be surmised as to keep track of it's various offspring. Again, such observations could be seen as heretical, even the concept that there is an intelligence behind the Xenos filth's actions is tantamount to balsphemy. However, some members of the Ordo-Xenos have sufficient powers to grant the Bio-Magi currently observign the nature of this alien scum the licence to postulate such radical theories.

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Termagants are considered one of the lower life-forms that make up the Tyranid menace but they must not be underestimated. The people of Ferron Proxima will face more of these creatures in the future and it is upt to the staunch defenders of the is planet to stamp out their taint on the red planet.

[jugger]

Awesome job on these, lovin' that color scheme!

[mikeramos]

Beautiful paint job

[Darren Richardson]

wow that is one of the best Nid hordes I have seen in a long time, the workmanship on the conversions and the paintmanship on them is truely austanding, I tip my virtual hat to you good sir...

I I may get excuted for saying this, but keep those Nid's coming!

[dwez]

Thanks everyone, kind praise indeed.

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It was during the Tyranid assaults on the Tau forest world Sha'draig that it sought to evolve the Hormagaunt bio-form. Numerous time it would alter the beasts genetic make-up to counter the individual threats that the Tau threw at them. Carapace armour was improved to counter more powerful pulse rifles, lighter and more agile variants were spawned to weave through the tangled forest and then later on they were bio-adapted to hunt down Kroot. The downside to this constant evolution being they were right back to the beginning of weaker armour and the whole process had to begin again. It is not a decision the Hive Mind takes lightly when it mutates the genome of it's bio-forms but when it is the only solution to the problem it will adapt to overcome.

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When Hive Fleet Gorgon was defeated and the three Hive Ships escaped to guarantee the experiences and bio-metric knowledge learned in fighting the Tau it was one of these ships that eventually arrived on Ferron Proxima. This splinter of Hive Fleet Gorgon continued to produce many Hormagaunts, blindly believing that their success on Sha'draig would also transfer to Ferron Proxima. Unfortunately the dry barren deserts were unsuitable for the Hormagaunt species. With little cover to take advantage of quite often the Hormagaunts were destryed before they could close with their enemy. It is believed that many Hormagaunts were then bio-retrofitted with with projectile shooting symbiotes. It was increasingly apparent that the Termagant variant of the gaunt family was far more adaptable and versatile within the Ferron environment.

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But once again the bio-magi's studies and theories have been put forward that there may in fact be a vast sea of dormant Hormagaunts within the rapidly expanding Splinter fleet. Hormagaunts of a new nature that may yet be able to overcome the sparsely vegetated environments and survive the relentless defensive salvoes of those unfortunate creatures the Tyranids wish to devour. Only time will tell if these gaunts can be the next evolutionary step in overcoming the obstacles set before it.

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Should these new Hormagaunts prove less than the challenge, no doubt the Hive will adapt once again and continue to spawn Termagants based on their past success in the new and varied battlefields of the 41st millenium.

[Dimitrios]

Awesome work! Crisp & clean painting and a really good grasp of contrasting and complementary colours... well either that or you stumbled across a good combo, but either way... looking good :)

[dwez]

Got back from Throne of Skulls at the weekend clutching this in my lardy fingers:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/T_ad5FuTVEiS7ma8jxGgS9bCWsSE3C3sQK-JYSYd3PIA=w518-h691-no

Hive Fleet Gorgon - Ferron Splinter Fleet done good

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/uocWfKZMHRwRPnsn1aZL6sO0PWxxn8p5VPaqt44elbA4=w921-h691-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fLT9havCZtg/Uy914Ye54rI/AAAAAAAARUk/4SivMXsZvsY/w921-h691-no/040-P1080329.JPG

[iNcontroL]

that is a gorgeous display.. well deserved award!

[Proiteus]

Fantastic work mate, the sheer amount of TLC and effort put into your army is clear to see. I also loved the fact that while other armies were simply displayed your army looked like it had infested the cabinet shelf lol.

So what's next?

[Peter Zuidgeest]

Congrats with the award really Great army!!

[dwez]

Thanks guys


Fantastic work mate, the sheer amount of TLC and effort put into your army is clear to see. I also loved the fact that while other armies were simply displayed your army looked like it had infested the cabinet shelf lol.

So what's next?

I tried the same thing at the last Throne of skulls, just didn't have the Bastion and Skyshield, instead I crammed every possible Tyrnaid I had in my army. I'd asked the events team if ti was OK they said sure, it's your space fill it how you want so I put about 2,500pts in at least with the trees and and craters and digestion pits. I didn't win and actually thought perhaps going OTT had lost me votes because I can understand some not voting because they feel it's not the army I'm running in the tournament.

Still, this time it worked and it does look more like a diorama, which is making me look forward to my Armies on Parade board which will be later this year. I had planned to do a Fortress of Redemption but will probably hold off on that because I have committed the next 3 months to getting some of my Dark Angels painted. I need a 1,500pt force to knock around with. Then we'll see what leads up to AoP, some cool ideas coming for that one...

Loved your Gretchin army, got a few pictures which will eventually go up on my blog after the battle reports. I particularly like this guy:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RNLkSQ94UdM/Uy92R-uTKqI/AAAAAAAARW0/V2VFtjg9k3w/w518-h691-no/058-P1080347.JPG

[Fr05ty]

Is this still in display in GW HQ in Nottingham? Might have to swing round and give it a closer look then!

[dwez]

Is this still in display in GW HQ in Nottingham? Might have to swing round and give it a closer look then!

Sadly not, it's good but maybe not THAT good. There'll be more pictures coming up in this thread though, when I can compose some suitable fluff to go with the various fortifications.

[Fr05ty]

AWWW that sucks! I go to Uni of Nottingham and it's just a 10 minute walk to GW HQ, would've been worth it to see such a diorama! Keep the pictures coming though, would love to see more :D

[dwez]

It was late on in the incursion of Ferron Proxima that Hive Fleet Gorgon introduced a new bio-menace.The tactics so far had usually followed a path of bio-engineering a new bioform that would threaten Ferron's defences and that way the Hive Mind could ascertain whether it was worth committing further resources to that bioform. However in this instance three new bioforms were created and deployed under the watchful gaze of the tried and tested Zoanthope genus.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pAF3bBllJdc/U4B-RXpnRgI/AAAAAAAAS2o/FGvXzHw36C4/w959-h719-no/P1080428.JPG

Having the enhanced brain capacity of the Zoanthrope alongside these three new test subjects would allow the Hive to monitor their progress, strengths and weaknesses in real time and at an accelarated pace compared to it's previous prototyping tests. As these four abominations were often seen within close proximity to each other the valiant defenders of Ferron proxima took to calling them the 'Four Horsemen of the Ferron Apocalypse' in referrence to the ancient Terran fables. At first this naming practice was overlooked. up until the the very words 'Four Horsemen' began to bring about the unmanning of the most staunch auxillia in the PDF. Once this fear started to spread members of th Astra Militarum Commissariat were deployed to submit fatal alternatives to the grip of fear. In truth though the names were continued to be spoken, just in more hushed tones, while the light of terror in their eyes shone on regardless.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e3xUN6Cl5Oc/U4B-axTp0rI/AAAAAAAAS2o/DvCtB03hdIY/w539-h719-no/P1080431.JPG

The Hive Mind's conduit was nicknamed 'Famine', in part because it was initially thought to be a reincarnation of the 'Doom of Ferron Proxima'. However, this was a case of mistaken identity and although it did not have the life sucking powers of that nightmare creature it did posses many other skills of the emperian. Although it was not initially considered the most threatening of it's twisted bretheren it's Psychic abilities received an unexpected boost when the 7 planets within the Ferron system aligned causing an unexpected change the manifestation of all Psychic powers within the system. Sanctioned Psykers of the Imperium have begun referring to this change as the 'Phase'. It's too early to tell what impact it will have on Hive Fleet's control of it's witch powers but so far there have been great improvements alongside drastic failures.

Despite it's fragile outer structure Famine controls all four of the Horsemen as an extension of the Hive Mind, it's recommended by the Bio-magi studying this new danger that despite it's lower threat level than it's brothers it should be considered target priority Alpha, to sever the connection between the other Horsemen and the Hive Mind.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AWGMdtrVpfs/U4CAqGnArnI/AAAAAAAAS2o/xD66GH0QkZw/w959-h719-no/P1080451.JPG

If appearance alone be the judge of danger then this creature from the Carnifex family would otherwise be considered target priority Alpha. The creature itself is a Behemoth, a nigh unstoppable bio-tank armed with some of the most potent Brainleech Devourers the Xenos can engineer. Although not as manoeuvrable as the winged Hive Tyrant that also can be found armed with such weaponry this creature, dubbed 'War' due to it uncompromising battlefield role, advances under the protection of it's siblings. It uses the mental fortitude of Famine whilst being protected under the cloud of Pestilence...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FejJre9Nw5Y/U4CAdPEktXI/AAAAAAAAS2o/gcdS5WOgOts/w539-h719-no/P1080447.JPG

..this foul, loathsome creature is still much a mystery to the bio-magi. It seems to contain and exhude some of the most virulent toxins and poisons ever encountered on Ferron Proxima. Gaining samples have proved extremely fatal. The creature is shrouded by a toxic mist that obscures most of it's biological functions and also manages to cover the advance of it's siblings and other creature from the Xeno's threat.

Due it's Toxic nature the nickname Pestilence was adopted. Despite its slender size and less fearsome appearance it is often this creature that will terrify more than the rest of the Horsemen. For what can a man do, even one blessed by the Emperor [insomuch as that man was conscripted into the PDF and there by default MUST be blessed] when behind those writhing tentacles and slime dripping maw once could die instantly just by being close to this abomination.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ObbGHm_Hls0/U4B_u9MeGyI/AAAAAAAAS2o/FhTQ4QuzpPM/w539-h719-no/P1080440.JPG

Yet for all Pestilence's fatal characteristics it is this Lictor that has earned the moniker - 'Death'. For it is death incarnate, an untimely end no one can foresee. Often striking from the shadows, having patiently stalked it's prey. With an adaptive camouflage that can help it blend into it's surroundings usually the first sign of it's presence is the mantis like talons that have suddenly appeared protruding from a Guardman's chest. Identification of this member of the four horsemen has been the hardest as it's given role of the fourrequires it to range further ahead than it's bretheren, even beyond the control of Famine and given this level of autonomy quite often the connection between the four has not been made. rest assured though that if you see one of these creatures the rest will surely follow but whether you see all four at once depends on if you survive the meeting or whether they choose to reveal themselves.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2GyujgEcwjg/U5HSUpbmQCI/AAAAAAAAS88/HbX_rXPpaXg/s719-no/P1080429-MIX.jpg

[Azhrarnx]

Excellent color scheme and skill in painting, also the model composition is superb.

[Levaticus]

System suddenly mentioned in fluff as having seven planets aligning to create a psychic "phase" just as seventh rolls around........ seems legit.

[dwez]

System suddenly mentioned in fluff as having seven planets aligning to create a psychic "phase" just as seventh rolls around........ seems legit.

Its almost as if I was making some thinly veiled commentary on the state of 40k today :D

[dwez]

Although there has recently been little evidence of activity from Hive Fleet Gorgon on Ferron Proxima, the truth is the exact opposite. Much of it's biomass was siphoned off to create many of the larger monstrous creatures and now that it has suffered heavy losses of those same monsters the Hive Mind has adapted once again. It has exerted its will over creatures already inhabiting the red planet and swelling their numbers with raw recruits. If the great Devourer cannot smash it's way into subduing the planet it will infiltrate its way, as it was before so will it be again.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_r_v4e8E3I/U7AMv52b3GI/AAAAAAAATbU/6-CISh1xp6w/s1600/P1080583.JPG

The Genestealer is rightly feared is the premier close combat unit in the 41st millennium although the Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer would describe them as 'generally slow and sluggis' with 'puny claws' and 'short, multi-jointed limbs'. The truth is they are far from slow and their claws are as sharp and tough as adamantium, however they seem to be clad in chitinous armour that is so weak and brittle that bio-magi have spent considerable research hours trying to puzzle why the Hive Mind has employed tiny bio-organisms to regurgitate this feeble resinous armour substance onto the Genestealers. The whole process is convoluted, inefficient and above all the armour is practically useless.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fd4pYmPkRE/U7AMylMOskI/AAAAAAAATbc/hOtPStcEHVw/s1600/P1080584.JPG

But the real problem is not their ability to render limb from limb nor is their inherent weakness a cause to praise the Emperor, for their numbers are legion and they are everywhere it seems. Where before they would appear, lurking in no man's land, just flitting shadows moving from one ruin to the next; now we find them in the next building or the very rubble the honoored defenders of Ferron Proxima take cover from. As battle is joined these brave men, women and Astartes will discover the area they had secured before battle is joined is suddenly infested with these foul beasts.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2aLuETKh-g8/U7ANcCgjvsI/AAAAAAAATdU/JmqFehEkYKQ/s1600/P1080599.JPG

What's worse is they will not immediately burst forth from the rubble, but lurk in the corners and rubble, usually revealing themselves at night and hiding. With such a dangerously close threat often the brave soldiers will unleash all their fire power to clear the area, only for the Genestealer to melt into the ruins or duck down, waiting, lurking, for some inexplicable signal to leave the confines of the manufactorums and derelict structures. Often this signal is the arrival of the great winged Hive Tyrants that have been seen to lead the hordes of aliens but also it can be that the brood of Genestealers that were targeted were not alone, that more broods hide behind them and all along while the closest threat was trying to be dealt with the ravening hordes are upon you - chose wisely your next target

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oT44Zt8Hx8/U7ANk30FtuI/AAAAAAAATds/U51Uu2LEO90/s1600/P1080602.JPG

To see more of these foul creatures point your cogitators here: http://40kaddict.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/nids-part-148-to-done-genestealers-more.html

[dwez]

Among the many monsters that have found their way to Ferron Proxima the Spawn of Proxima is one of the most fear-inducing. Biomagi are still not entirely sure how disparate Hive Fleets are able to bio-engineer organisms to a similar template despite little inter-fleet contact. It's often seen as a primary goal of all servants of the Emperor to ensure the co-mingling of Hive Fleets, and therefore the transference of resources, tactics, alien intelligence and enhanced evolutionary expereiences, is the greatest threat of the Xenos. However, if confirmed identification of specific genus types above and beyond the standard bioform prove, inter-species contact is not essential for the alien Hive to adapt beyond the confines of it's own fleet biologies.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp7Hrjg6d_8/VLKNiAeuxaI/AAAAAAAAWs4/edZoCd6t0Aw/s1600/P1090293.JPG

The Spawn of Proxima is one such construct. Alpha-level Bio-magi have traced it's origin to a conflict in the Baal system where a beast matching it's description, known locally as the Spawn of Cryptus, appeared as a vanguard to an incurseion by Hive Fleet Leviathan. To date there has been little indication that Leviathan, Gorgon or the Ferron Splinter Fleet of gorgon have ever been in direct contact with each other. That's not to say in the deepest darkest reaches of space there hasn't been a meeting of alien minds, better that than the concept these different fleets are communicating across the void through some other obscene alien conduit.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2LdEzh6eeU/VLKObZbuWbI/AAAAAAAAWvQ/bHWJ23iUhZA/s1600/P1090312.JPG

The Spawn of Proxima has behaved in exactly the same manner as it's progenitor, surrounding itself with a brood of highly aggressive betaloned Genestealers that seem to emerge from the shadows at will before slinking off leaving the warm fetid remains of their unfortunate victims.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9X74-B1-u8/VLKNufISuQI/AAAAAAAAWtY/0qcj1UfbRsQ/s1600/P1090297.JPG

Even now though elements of the First Legion are arriving at the Ferron Space Ports ready to tackle this new threat. His appearances have increased as many of the Genestealer incursions within the Manufactorum districts has reduced. Once again it 's difficult to decipher if this is a redistribution of organisms, and evolution of its grand alien plan or the constant heroic defence of Ferron Proxima has dealt a death blow for one threat only to be faced by a more focused but deadly enemy. Only time will tell but time is something not on our sides as Hive Fleet Gorgon continues to try and Xenoform Ferron Proxima. The more it can convert the natural biology to their alien filth the greater chance of losing this valuable planet.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNjfLFXp1aY/VLKOVGdx3aI/AAAAAAAAWvA/vUmk1S9TLuI/s1600/P1090310.JPG


To see more of the Spawn of Prooxima point your cogitators here: http://40kaddict.blogspot.com/2015/01/nids-part-157-spawn-of-cryptus.html

[dwez]

For a variety of reasons I've not kept up my forum posting quite as I used to. Most of the forums are inaccessible at work and finding time, while keeping up my blog and various other personal projects, just hasn't been possible. That said it's worth noting that Hive Fleet Gorgon has had a number of reinforcements over the last two years, so it might be worthwhile at least recordign those efforts here.

With 8th Edition still warm in my hands it seems odd to be showcasing a dakkafex. It seems bare-bones and screamer-killer may be the sensible choice but I still love the model

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRIkIPHju5E/VQmuyJkRW4I/AAAAAAAAXao/lHnkrD-irPA/s1600/P1090421.JPG

With the Index Devourers with Brainleech Worms were superceded by the all new and all disgusting Deathspitter with Slimer Maggots. But thankfully the Codex doubled the Devourere shots so I wasn't about to give up proxying Fleshborer Hives for Devourers.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-JzXaoQBxE/VQmuyDo4B8I/AAAAAAAAXao/2m8JdKu62Jc/s1600/P1090425.JPG

However, thanks to the wonders of magnetisation I may well look to make some Monstrous Deathspitters up in due course. At the time I only had the two Carnifex, I've since added a third but here are the original brothers.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVMS3zmN2KE/VQmuyOFc3XI/AAAAAAAAXao/G86kQdbC0Xk/s1600/P1090430.JPG

If you wish to see more pics, point your cogitators here: http://www.40kaddict.uk/2015/03/nids-part-166-dakkafex-no2-3-to-done.html

[dwez]

Those reasons still keep getting in the way of sharing how my Hive Fleet Gorgon has progressed, in fact this latest update was form a model completed in March 2015! Maybe one day I'll find time to catch up with everything. So I give you my Malanthrope

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOHzhL_uQDA/VQ7sjWVNjsI/AAAAAAAAXbo/HfU13JtNo48/s1600/P1090439-001.JPG

Obviously this go is fast becoming an 'auto-include' for most nid players, despite the fact I think he took quite a few hits in his 8th incarnation. In fairness his 7th rules went on and on and on, and he's probably far more balanced now but he's definitely not quite as good.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrENk52DpgE/VQ7shr1RtdI/AAAAAAAAXbg/76vcUFRDNZ0/s1600/P1090438-001.JPG

Still he's a really impressive looking model, I recall my local GW Store Manager didn't even know what it was when I used it in my Armies on Parade display that year - they thought it was a conversion! Most of the current conversions look pretty awesome though, using Tyrant tails and Carnifex bodies etc. In the mean time I'm particularly proud of it's toxic trail of death and slime it left behind.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EXq5PtGTX-g/VQ7tBkePukI/AAAAAAAAXdo/KoxXCdoG4xI/s1600/P1090455-001.JPG

If you wish to see more pics point your cogitators here: http://www.40kaddict.uk/2015/03/nids-part-167-malanthrope-to-done.html

[dwez]

If you're in the UK there's a small independent tournament that has been around for 5 or 6 years called Blog Wars. Orignally it was a tournament for bloggers but it evolved into a more inclusive event until it reached it's peak at Blog Wars X. The event aimed to be unique in that army choice HAD to include a Special Named Character, it was also famous for the raffle prizes which everyone is entered into and is often worth more than winning the tournament - I won a Deathwatch Overkill box! Anyway, I went repeatedly with Deathleaper as my Special Character and one year actually painted the model!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHQbT_KtoP8/VU9erS_E3NI/AAAAAAAAYEY/wIllLH4QBUc/s1600/P1090551.JPG

He was universally rubbish, I think in only a couple of games out of nine he justified his inclusion, invariably because he hid for the entire game eventually scoring an objective. I'd also take him as my Warlord, and he'd be killed before utilising his trait until I stopped, nominated another model as Warlord and in the subsequent game he actually killed a character which finally would have confered the benfits from his trait!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8_3-Sqgebg/VU9epw2qsMI/AAAAAAAAYEQ/htZZ9RdDpaY/s1600/P1090550.JPG

I've not got around to using him in 8th yet, I think he's equally hit-and-miss but I do like the model and the base in particular (http://www.darkartminiatures.com/40mm_Urban_Hero_base/p1768314_12506459.aspx) was fun to do with my dubious freehand skills picking out the blogger logo on the banner to celebrate the tournament.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zf4z13-sp9Y/VU9e317xJaI/AAAAAAAAYFQ/1A9--bifSLo/s1600/P1090558.JPG

If you wish to see more pics point your cogitators here: http://www.40kaddict.uk/2015/05/nids-part-169-deathleaper-to-done.html
If you wish to know more about the upcoming Blog Wars replacment - Nevermind the Blog Wars, point your cogitators here: http://fromthefang.blogspot.com/p/nevermind-blog-wars-11th-november-2017.html

[dwez]

The Free Radical Collective is a seemingly benevolent techno-cult operating out of the Ferron Proxima badlands. Their agenda is presented as a free transfer of technology mainly to the masses and in the process decrying the traditional values and oversight of the Adeptus Mechanicus.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34YmCeRjXBc/UqRzQARfhjI/AAAAAAAANgI/L_QjBzbm1sQ/s1600/C360_2013-12-06-13-28-23-243.jpg

With the co-operation of members of the Dark Angels a surgical strike into the heart of the Free Radical Collective's HQ discovered various materials of a Heretical nature. The involvement of the Dark Angels may suggest that their hunt for a member of 'the Fallen' was close to success and evidence would support there was some depraved chaotic links. However, more worrying was the forensic biology reports that some of the Collective were not tainted by Chaos but were in fact some obscene Xeno/human hybrid.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6aAu8-SR9f0/VX2Xa3XJ3_I/AAAAAAAAY18/i6uW8zfWTR8/s1600/P1090729.JPG

Inquisitor Ephion Rook has called for support from the Ordo Xenos in confirming his suspicions, that the recent appearance of Hive Fleet Gorgon may have been not the first incursion onto Ferron Proxima but in fact a later stage that has been infecting and conspiring in the dark recesses of the red planet for decades or even millenia.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duLaQ4h7-F4/VX2XccMCzxI/AAAAAAAAY2E/eu4pBlyh7hw/s1600/P1090730.JPG


What is even more disturbing in the evidence secured by the Inquisition/Deathwing strike team that teleported into the Collective's HQ was that there are clearly more of these bases hidden within the rusting hills that dot the Ferron landscape. This was in fact only a small cell and those members that were captured, which were few compared to the many killed by the heroic efforts of the combined force, may well not be the leaders or even the hunted 'Fallen' the strike force had hoped to find.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ISzYNhZNME/VX2XxgHv0wI/AAAAAAAAY30/cGR8wZNWrts/s1600/P1090745.JPG

More datastreams are available. point your cogitators here for pictviews of the more tainted xeno/human hybrids: http://www.40kaddict.uk/2015/06/nids-part-172-genestealer-cultists-to.html

Or here for the full background on the Free Radical Collective: http://www.40kaddict.uk/2013/12/flufftastic-free-radical-collective.html