Frater Cornelius Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Okay, here we go. It is finally time to open this one up seeing as I have progressed far enough with the fluff and planned models to present some info. This is going to be a 'behind the scenes' thread where I just put my WIP, my musings and ask for a few opinions. There will be another one presenting the finished versions in a more coherent manner. Long story short, I like medieval lore and history and naturally I like knight. Hence my liking for the Imperial Knights. So instead of creating an army of only Knights or adding them to an existing one, I have decided to create a whole Knight House from ground up and represent the auxiliary forces as Men at Arms for said Knights. Here is some early info I have put down regarding the general idea about the House. Enjoy Creation: Pre-Imperial Expedition Fleet First Contact: either Great Crusade or Heresy (I want the House to participate in the HH) Loyalties: Mankind first. Imperium and Mars second. They wear the Imperial Aquila with Pride, but if saving loyal citizens means crossing some Imperial agencies (I am looking at you, Inquisition), then so be it. Succession Laws: I am still not sure about this one, but I guess election sounds like the most reasonable. Can't have the House be run by incompetent fool that require a rebellion to put down. Gender-Laws of inheritance: Agnatic or Agnatic-Cognatic (only males or females only when there are no eligible males). Yes, I am old-fashioned like that House Demeanour: Uphold the Honour. This goes above all. They make vows to uphold their own honour and that of their house. Breaking it would be a personal shame too great for some to deal with. Luckily, through the unique freatures the Imperial Knight Throne Mechanicus has, betrayals and dishonour are extremely rare. After all, what is a knight without his honour? House Flaw: The Knights of the House listen to and understand the strategy of the campaign's warmaster... and then do what they were going to do anyway. They have their own men at arms and as mentioned, if they deem that a better outcome can be achieved, they will do their own thing in the name of the Emperor and Mankind. Do also do not take orders very well. Luckily, this has never escalated, because the opposing side usually had the good sense to back down when a bunch of Knights started breathing down his neck. Also, death before dishonour. Those Knights would rather die than see themselves in shame. Although this has caused avoidable material damage and casualties, no death in His name was in vain. Hero Figure: Working on that one Domain size: One system that includes a trading hub for nearby systems and a Forge World. Knight are mainly located on their home world and govern the system. No need to spread beyond. Leave that to the Imperium. Controlling that hub means a good sum goes into their treasury. Thus they rarely have need to ask for compensation for their work, especially when protecting pilgrims. Homeworld: Cross between medieval and baroque/gothic. Knights vs Gothic Horrors is the theme. Here are a few images I used for inspiration: Hidden Content http://hydra-media.cursecdn.com/mtgsalvation.gamepedia.com/2/29/Thraben_clifftop.jpg http://media.wizards.com/images/magic/daily/stf/stf157_gavony.png http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/225/1/8/planechase__kessig_by_adampaquette-d6i1ge3.jpg http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/magicthegathering/images/f/f6/Kessig.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110923093206&path-prefix=it http://media.wizards.com/images/magic/daily/stf/stf163_mulch.jpg http://media.wizards.com/images/magic/daily/stf/stf157_coverImage.jpg http://media.wizards.com/images/magic/daily/stf/jhvcretfxgcfvnbnukcjhdjhd.jpg http://media.tumblr.com/3a7e17251858e696e2831a91cb17522c/tumblr_inline_ms76b4i3Eu1qz4rgp.jpg http://vamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Vamers-Review-TCG-Magic-The-Gathering-Innistrad-Werewolf.jpg http://media.wizards.com/images/magic/daily/stf/uytsdrtyuhijkishfjskdnmfd.jpg http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/225/1/8/forest__mps_lands__by_adampaquette-d6i1h8p.jpg http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/54/5b/545b5e09e164f6473a8613c8232eb2f3.jpg?itok=pwGbQoK4 http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ibv65CHlYPw/TmZxmem1PYI/AAAAAAAANCU/d2Mdm_fJYW0/s400/Innistrad%2Bposter.JPG http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMJBNzdjjP0/UEELnOgQgsI/AAAAAAAAAq4/zKS6TclNSw8/s1600/daybreakarcher.jpg http://deathmarked.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/innistrad-enemy-color-duals.jpg Homeworld rule: Direct if High King is around, strewardship otherwise. House Hierarchy: Strict unless there are extraordinary events. House beliefs: Humanity shall prevail - they swear oath to always hunt the enemies of man and protect the weak (amongst others) Good relations: AdMech, Imperial Fists (fought alongside during HH, good relations lasted - I am a fan of Dorn ), Ecclesiarchy (they protect pilgrims), the common folk (even IG among them) Stressed relations: Administratum and Inquisition. They do not like the dehumanizing aspects amongst them. There were some controntations in the past, but not enough to warrant hunting them, especially since the Ecclesiarchy usually protects them and the local AdMech has expressed its displeasure towards investigations so close to their Forge World. Few Inquisitors were major enough to go up against that. One did have a high status and wanted to pursue a personal vendetta, but ended up vanishing. Main enemies: All that threaten mankind - mainly the Forces of Chaos. Basically, they are just regular human beings that mostly go without augmentation. They kill the enemies of man, help evacuations and spend 'off-time' protecting pilgrims. They do not demand payment for that (seeing as controlling a trade hub does net them a good sum), but they do not carry them either. They walk on their sides to keep enemies away. So it is natural and actually more knightly to have an army without wheels. The emphasis on shooting is also understandable. If you are a regular human being, what chance to you stand in the middle of combat. It also is impractical to charge away when you are protecting someone or let them shoot you. But they still advance or hold their ground and do not play the hit and run game. So it is honourable nonetheless. However, all are trained in close combat. It is a sign of nobility to know how to handle ones-self close up. Those that have the highest rank also have the appropriate tools to engage in melee combat. Imperial Knights Also, the higher-than-average tech adds an interesting feel. You know those mystery shows and thrillers where you had Templars use some arcane devices? That is what it feels like. See, it all checks out. The most noble ride on steeds (or Knight as the case may be). Humans using advantages to do their duty. Walking and riding, no cars or tanks. Onagers will be used as pack-mules on top of weapon platforms. The way it stands, Skits (men at arms) + Cult (local religious cult) + IK (the Knights) is the best way to represent such a Knight House with well trained and well equipped dudesmen. The all-walking-theme really appeals to me as well. Feels more epic. The Skitarii Vanguard will have body of Scions (those awesome knightly plates) carrying Vanguard guns and Vanguard helmet, as it looks akin to knights. If I play Rangers, those will be woodsmen. Kataphron will be remote controlled machines (operated by humans though). The Tech Priest Dominus will be the Arch Bishop or something. All very akin to the images above. So, opinions on this wall of text? Maybe suggestions (either fluff or what Faction might fit the above better than my current choice)? Let me hear it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olis Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 I think, with the mention of dislike about 'dehumanising' by other Imperial agencies, I think you explore what that outlook would do to the House in regards to the AdMech and their dehumanising of people. Doe the House have a blind spot in their rationale? If the AdMech are seen as dehumanisers, what does that matter to the House? What do they do when they are faced with something that contradicts their ethos?  There's plenty of angst and conflict to be had with this avenue of thought. I think the article would be richer if you at least touched upon this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Hm. Yes, that is an interesting dilemma. On the one hand they are dependent on the AdMech for supplies and trade and other advantages like AdMech activity in the sector keeping troublemakers at bay. On the other hand they are the prime example of turning humans into numbers. Â Good thought. I definitely touch on this when the fluff develops further. As I said. Those are just my first sketches after an overdoses of herbal tea and metal ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshall Egregorius Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Good background so far. I will give it a full read through (only got a cursory glance in now) later on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted May 23, 2015 Author Share Posted May 23, 2015 Hm, then here is something more to develop your reading skills Kastelans:I have a fluff update on the Cult units. The Cult is representing the religious group that is active on the Knight World. Despite not worshipping anything, it has the approval of the Ecclesiarchy, since it is a pro-humanity group. They believe in the unification of humanity and their rightful place as rulers of the galaxy. They see the Emperor as the pinacle of human excellence that everyone should aspire to be.The Tech Priest will be the Arch Bishop or Cardinal.Here comes the interesting bit. I mentioned that this world is basically a baroque/medieval world where humanity stands against gothic Horrors like Geists, Ghouls or other forms of undead. Naturally, there are Werewolves. Upon their final transformation during the full-moon, their minds will be lost and they become beasts of dark and evil.However, sometimes a bit of humanity hangs on and attempts to fight.In rare cases, the human can be helped to overcome this curse with the help of the Preachers or Bishops. Those that manage to do so will be free from the beast. Even though their bodies are still that of a Werewolf, their mind are once again human. Those become loyal and devote followers of the Cult, helping during services, in some cases as confessors and other work around the cathedrals, churches and chapels.In times of war, they take the to the battle field alongside the Bishops and Priests or other members of the clergy. They are strong and tough enough to protect them from harm and devote enough to protect them. Equipped with the marvels of the AdMech, they become an unstoppable force.They are my version of the Kastlan Bots. I will use Skin Wolves from FW, give them that holy cloth that Priests wear over their shoulders ane make them look like big versions of the Electro Priests.The Cohort formation will then be renamed the Sactified Cohort.I got the idea from the Powermetal band Powerwolf. They have a conceptual album called Lupus Dei. It is about a werewolf who used to be a bloody killer but found its way into the light of God. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted May 23, 2015 Author Share Posted May 23, 2015 This is the very first prototype of the Vanguard. No adjustments or corrections. I just slapped a Carbine and a new head on an used Scion I had and called it. Right now I am thinking about how to fix the right arm, because that little bit of Skitarii cloth was unavoidable without having to remove a part of the gun itself. Anyway, take a peek Hidden Content http://i.imgur.com/hbWQpp9.jpg http://i.imgur.com/r9P96yS.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MithrilForge Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 make some purity seals that run across the shoulder plate and down over the forearm, greenstuff is your friend Or.... you make a small round buckler to cover that part of his forearm ...call it a "gun shield" maybe even paint squad marking's on em, i think it would work what with the helm and chest plate being the way they are...! good concept and background ! cheers Mithril Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vel'Cona Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 Oh man, this gonna be good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted May 24, 2015 Author Share Posted May 24, 2015 The buckler idea is pretty nifty actually. I am sure there is a fantasy box with infantry shields. I will see how that works. If not, I simply make some wrist mounted device like com screen or something. Â Anyway, going to the medieval faire now. Tomorrow I will finish the last 5 from the unit and finish base and legs of the Acheron. Been slacking with that lately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW1 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I like the way they're looking. Would a round shield with a lions head work for the buckler? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted May 26, 2015 Author Share Posted May 26, 2015 It can not be too big, lest it will be mistaken for a Stormshield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vel'Cona Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 Maybe it's a shield made from irradiated metal? That would help to explain Rad Saturation for your Men-At-Arms, as the shields would be seen as "imbued with magic" or the like because of the weakness they cause in enemies. The fact that they slowly kill their wielders would be seen as reasonable sacrifice by the knights! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted May 26, 2015 Author Share Posted May 26, 2015 Hm. Hold up. Technically it does not make sense to have the shield on your main hand, seeing as it would be the rear one when shooting. When wearing a shooting shield, then it should be on your off-hand, which is not the primary issue on the models. Hmmmm... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted May 30, 2015 Author Share Posted May 30, 2015 Hidden Content http://i.imgur.com/sdeCFvl.jpg The humble and somewhat blurry beginning of the battle cardinal preacher man He will get a proper pope-ish hat, more lavish robes and holy trinkets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vel'Cona Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Looks rad! Can't wait for more WIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted May 31, 2015 Author Share Posted May 31, 2015 Thanks. I finished the lowest robe layer. Today I will try to do the second layer. After that it is the armour plates and last layer of robes. End of next week it should be ready if I can overcome my general laziness Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted June 1, 2015 Author Share Posted June 1, 2015 http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah177/nevscorner/Tech%20Priest_zpshsvyxelg.jpg  That is the image I am working towards. Holy Techno Space Pope. Image-wizardry is curtesy of Charlo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vel'Cona Posted June 1, 2015 Share Posted June 1, 2015 That is a sweet hat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.