I’ve long held a fondness for the III legion since the old days of Rogue Trader. The Index Astartes article prompted me to get back in to 40k. However I was struck by the tragic nature of their fall. Then the Horus Heresy books came along, and how could I not love the Fulgrim novel. I actually liked the ending – it is now a bit anti-climax given Fulgrim escaped the painting… but that is for another post.
I’ve been pondering it for a while, but I have finally got around to starting a pre-heresy force. I am basing it before the events of Istvaan, so it is whilst the legion was still loyal, however I will add in some specific traitor units whilst keeping the bulk ‘either way’ in appearance. I also think it will be fun to convert up some of the characters. I am much more of a painter than a gamer, so shall probably concentrate of what I want to paint, as opposed to what I ‘should’ paint!
My initial thoughts were to base it around Marius Vairosean’s third company, but as mentioned about by swopping the Captain/Command it can easily be another company, such as Solomon Demeter’s Second…..
So far I’ve got a paltry 4 Marines and 1 Sergeant – but there is more to come….
Here is a pic my local GW store took of my guys….

Anyway… I’ve been greatly inspired by Brother Heinrich’s Night Lords and jumped at the chance to ‘enlist’ in the 15th Company in the form of an alter ego…. I felt it only appropriate to return the favour, so here is what everyone’s favourite Night Lord would look like if he wore purple….
Behold my WIP First Sergeant Henricus Vestalis, Praefectus Vigilum of the Third Company.

Here are few quick pics I floated by Brother Heinrich to see if he was ok with the plans. I have since magnitised the Phoenix Spear and pistol, to allow for them to be alternated. The back pack is also magnetized, should I want to add a jump pack at a later date. Any comments and criticisms all appreciated – it’ll help me improve.

 

I am going for Longitudinal crests for SNCOs and Transverse for Captains. Obviously as the crest on the First Sergeant is more elaborate than a standard sergeant.
I’ve also posted my version still WIP of Marius Vairosean previously in the Heresy forums, I’m debating what to do with him now, as I am not convinced he looks ‘heresy’ enough……

He's had the Eye of Horus replaced with a brass etched one, so it looks less chaosy and has been painted purple, but I'm not feeling the love. It is mainly the chest that I'm not liking. The body might end up being relegated to a Lt or something.
Any comments here will be appreciated.
I've got a few more line marines to finish the squad off - sadly they'll need to be re-photo'd as they are too blurry.