The Objective Showcase

[Soldier of Dorn]

As the other showcases, a place to exhibit custom objective markers for your armies, because despite my searches, we don't have one yet. :P

 

I'm afraid I don't have any of mine own yet, which is half the reason I'm posting this thread. I need inspiration, dammit. xD

[Vash113]

Objectives are an oft overlooked opportunity for modeling and painting interesting additions to an army. I've worked on a number but these are all I have finished and painted so far:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/Vash113/40k%20Images/IMG_20170227_243028177_zps23s6rlfl.jpg

This is my favorite Space Wolf objective, the legendary Wolf Blade Haegr's private stash of mjod!

 

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/Vash113/40k%20Images/IMG_20170227_243050102_zpsa5u9aweg.jpg

Fallen Gene-Seed in need of recovery.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/Vash113/40k%20Images/IMG_20170227_243106115_zpsde1egb5y.jpg

Desperate last stand.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/Vash113/40k%20Images/IMG_20170227_243122575_zpsnneqorkl.jpg

In need of extraction under fire.

[N1SB]

My FLGS uses merely undercoated barrels as objective markers, so it always felt anti-climactic for our lovingly painted armies to fight over cans of Promethium.  Thus I started making some of my own, and I judge the success of these based on how my FLGSmates would come up to me and ask, "hey, can I borrow your objective markers...if you're not using them, of course" while I'm playing another game.  Happens quite frequently.  Just sharing these, which range from practical to narrative to the humourous:

 

 

http://oi68.tinypic.com/3325nk0.jpg

 

 

I really want to take a few moments just to share the ideas and learnings from use.

 

 

 

 

++ Six Maelstrom of War Objectives ++

 

 

Above are six 40mm i.e. Terminator-sized bases, that look like they came from an industrial complex.  Initially meant as bases for my Zone Mortalis army, I decided to use them as Objective Markers instead.  Note that they are numbered 1 to 6 using Roman Numerals.

 

These were done cheaply and quickly.  I'll share what components I used, but also the idea, so you can reproduce it with things that you have or can custom-make, because there were some good learnings from this.

 

It happens these bases were made by, I think, Micro Art Studios (http://shop.microartstudio.com/) that I got 2nd-hand so I'm not sure.  IMHO, the GW Sector Imperialis base set is even better; they just weren't invented back when I made these.  In fact, if I were to do this project again, I would use something from the GW range myself as they're even a better fit for 40k/30k.  Minimum work from you, they're ready-made, and look really good.

 

Because these were Objectives, I speed-painted them in dull autumn tones.  That's by design, as they're just background, whereas our armies miniatures are the focus.  I spray painted them a gunmetal colour, washed with (in my case due to personal preferences) Tamiya Smoke (that paint Mike McVey from 40k 2nd ed talked up when he left GW), then drybrushed in places a brown, then an orange, to create a bit of rust.  That drybrushing in places turned out very interesting on the tabletop itself; although meant as a rust effect, it kinda doubles as a lighting effect, like your Troops are scanning the area with some flashlight gun attachment searching for the Objectives.  Feels a little more cinematic.

 

The last detail was the Roman Numerals.  These were straight from some Forgeworld brassplate our gaming group had.  Normally, I would paint these brassplates, of course, but at the time I was rushed to prepare these for a Maelstrom game, so I just glued them on.  It turns out NOT painting the brassplates was probably a GOOD idea.  It's because when we place Objective Markers, we put them inside defensible positions, like in a building or behind a wall.  It's often shadowy in those corners, we CAN'T see the numbers clearly.  Because these were unpainted brass, they reflect light.

 

Final learning on this, is the size of the base itself.  40mm seems the optimal size for an objective marker IMHO, because it's just slightly larger than a regular 28mm unit.  That lends the Objective more gravitas, the importance of it.  The other reason is because these ones are flat, so being slightly wider since they're not taller makes sense visually.  And the last point on this is you can safely place a 40mm marker on top of almost all building terrain and stuff from GW and many other miniature makers; it's like they were designed for this size comfortably.

 

Conclusion - 40mm bases seem quite optimal from our experience compared to other things, you have more options now, you can speedpaint them but I suggest added that little bit of easy drybrush effect for a little rust/lighting effect to make them more cinematic.

 

 

++ Dead Terminator? W.I.P. ++

 

 

Everyone got a dead Space Marine miniature as an Objective Marker so here was mine.  Again, I traded for this, so I don't even remember which set it came from.  GW actually has better Space Marine casualties miniatures, which I would use if I hadn't already painted this, because those look really great.

 

This is something great for maybe the Relic mission in 40k, where you can drag the Objective away.  I imagine this Marker as the suit of a dead Terminator officer, like maybe it holds a vid recording of its final mission or teleportation codes that are crucial for your faction's intelligence.  I can see Troops dragging this suit away by the collar.  The fact that it's a body makes it almost intuitive, like you can also imagine your units dragging their wounded comrades into cover.

 

At the same time, it's also just a suit...and it's painted in Alpha Legion colours.  There's no body in there, presumably eaten by a Genestealer or something, but could this Objective Marker have been planted by the XXth to deliberately leak false intel?  Again, it's a case of where it doesn't really matter what I painted it as, but given the choice, Alpha Legion offers more potential intrigue.

 

It's a Work-In-Progress because I'm still thinking of sticking a skull with bionics in the headslot, and an auspex (and thumb) in the suit's hand.  I just got to remind my Astra Militarum friend to get me an auspex.

 

Conclusion - GW's Space Marine casualty miniatures look really cool, it's almost intuitive to be used for the Relic mission in particular, and though it's a W.I.P., just showing it with Alpha Legion colours to add more mystery.

 

 

++ The Baby Rhino ++

 

 

There was a conversation in my FLGS.  It was a player backseat driving during someone else's game:

 

"Why don't you just sacrifice that Rhino?"

 

"Sacri...what, do you think Rhinos grow on trees?"

 

"No...I think they grow on farms.  You've got to raise them and domesticate them and stuff."

 

So I lol'd and then made a baby Rhino.  It's got to be trained and stuff before your Marines can ride it.

 

I actually had a bunch of 1:72 scale vehicles I was thinking of converting into Grot Tanks for an Ork army before just getting the really awesome FW ones, so I repurposed one sheerly for this joke.  Applied an Iron Hands brassplate on what doesn't look exactly like a Rhino, it's a 2nd World War amphibious vehicle, but it's enough to "sell" the idea of a Baby Rhino.

 

I made it in case there was a mission in Zone Mortalis or Age of Darkness (this was during the time I was just getting into 30k) where the Objective randomly moves...which I have yet to come across.  That was a thing in the original Space Hulk where the Objective Marker was called a Cat and it runs around to avoid you grabbing it, like a real cat.

 

Conclusion - it was a silly idea, made as a joke, but I still use it sometimes, and I find Marine players have a real emotional attachment to just an idea of a Baby Rhino.  I think of it as something GW might write about in their tongue-in-cheek Regimental Standard newsletters.

 

 

++ Techpriest Explorators ++

 

 

In other games, tabletop or roleplaying, I found "defecting scientist" to be a Mission Objective.  The equivalent in 40k/30k, I think, would be some sort of Techpriest Explorator.

 

The benefit of the Techpriest in particular is that they're very, very flexible.  This is within the context, always mentioned but highlighted in 30k, that the original Mechanicum that followed the Fabricator General of the time actually went Traitor.  So a traditional Techpriest look suits either faction really for Imperium vs. CSM or Age of Darkness games.  And since they often have 3+ saves, you can justify them wearing basically power armour, just giving you a wider-range of models to choose from.

 

(As a counter-example, I had considered, and subsequently ruled out, Objective Markers based on Inquisition models for 40k.  Because if important intel was at risk of being captured, I reckoned Inquisitors would rather self-destruct or self-grant the Emperor's peace rather than fall into enemy hands.)

 

I have two Techpriest/Marine miniatures here that, in a pinch, I use as Objective Markers.  The reason is, they don't look like they're actually fighting.  They seem to be observing the battle around them or studying something.  They're more concerned about collecting data than being shot.  It's like they gathered some lore so important, it doesn't matter which side gets it, so long as the knowledge is preserved.  Really fun for the war documentary style of 30k.

 

(A very easy alternative - use Servoskulls instead!  I just thought they were a bit small, not as interesting on a large battlefield.)

 

Conclusion - we think usually in terms of Marines for Objective Markers, but after considering some options, I found the Mechanicus/m might make more sense as stewards of important data.

 

 

 

 

++ Final Thoughts ++

 

 

Here's IMHO the key takeaway ideas, considering Objective Markers determine the game:

 

- IMHO, they're important, but still the background, so I paint them in neutral, dull colours sometimes

- BUT for Maelstrom missions, the numbers are important, and those get put in dark corners...leave THOSE shiny

- GW's new releases are so awesome for Objectives now, I wish I had them before, but you can benefit from them

- Marine-based Markers are cool, but maybe consider Mechanicus/m-related ones, too

 

And the last thing I wish to add, which I never stated explicitly throughout but I hope you can feel it, is not an idea but a sentiment; these Objective Markers are my For Fun projects (which is why I made things like a Baby Rhino).  Painting models for my army because we're continually optimising it is more For Function; I enjoy them but I feel the need to get them done for to achieve a goal.  Objective Markers have no expectations, something I spoil myself as a minor indulgence when I get bored from painting yet another Marine; it's a totally different experience...and almost always delivers a better result.  They're For Fun projects that get used.

 

So I think these ideas and learnings are useful, so I'm glad to share them, but since OP was talking about getting the motivation to do this, that honest sentiment of Objective Markers being For Fun projects might be even more helpful.  

Edited February 27, 2017 by Not 1 Step Backwards

[steamius]

I am very sorry, but I dont have pictures. What I have is this VERY old video. Where a did a step by step video of my SW markers.

[apologist]

Here's a set of objective markers I painted up to go with my Iron Warriors:

 

 

The strength of generic markers like these (they're scenery detail pieces from a defunct game from Studio McVey) is that they're interesting enough for models to interact with visually, but not so dominant that they cover significant portions of the board.

 

 

 

 

Painting models for my army because we're continually optimising it is more For Function; I enjoy them but I feel the need to get them done for to achieve a goal.  Objective Markers have no expectations, something I spoil myself as a minor indulgence when I get bored from painting yet another Marine; it's a totally different experience...and almost always delivers a better result.  They're For Fun projects that get used.

 

They're very enjoyable to paint. As Not 1 Step Backwards says, because there's less expectation or pressure when painting something with no direct relation to your army – and so you tend to get great results. I'd add that they're a great place to experiment with colour schemes and painting techniques. 

[Honda]

Oh why not. Here are some of mine though a few might be considered...unconventional...

Standard STC (can build anything)

Gandalf

Dark Angels witch

Forbidden pleasures

[Kierdale]

Honda, those are fantastic!

I particularly love the remote control rhino. I remember seeing it long ago and had forgotten about it. It brought a smile to my face to see it again.

Here are my objective counters for my Psychopomps...

The full set:

Rogue Trader and The Edge of Illumination aren't glued in place :D

Most of the time it'll be like this:

The horn-mounted scope is from the WHFB Empire master engineer. Designed to rotate down over the servo-skull's right eye when needed.

Dark Tongue icon for `6` on the back of the skull. One wonders what's in the bag...

And a close-up.

[Son of Carnelian]

Memorial site for Legionnaire Revalius, 1st Sergeant of the Blood Angel's 77th Company. Martyred at the Battle of Signus Prime, his grave marker stands as a testament to his bravery and sacrifice.

+++

Thought for the Day: Honor the fallen.

[Corswain]

I don't have any to show off but I do love me some custom objective markers. Love the thread and loving all the posts.

 

@Honda - That standard STC is brilliant!

[Ciler]

Those are my objectives(on the right) and teleportation beacons (on the left). I feel they are quite underwhelming compared to some of the stuff around here.

http://reho.st/self/b38333f2b72cf5e4551c10a74ef33b6aa869f2eb.jpg

 

The cherub also doubles as a devastator marker when not in use as an objective.

Edited March 2, 2017 by Ciler

[Corswain]

I think the banner is a brilliant idea for an objective marker. Might have to steal that when I finally get round to making my own.

[rossjk]

Markers I made for my Relictors.. very simple - made with banners, plastic rocks & styrene strip for the numbers

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p218/typicalaquarian/Warhammer%2040k/Space%20Marines/objctv%20markers.jpg

[Chaplain Raeven]

Some markers I made when I started playing the game. They don't see much use nowadays.

 

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p553/GreyRavenC/DSCN30993_zpst478n3ww.jpg

[Kierdale]

I particularly like the hatch ones, GreyRavenC.

I know the old version of City Fight let you sneak minis about via sewers so you needed six manhole-markers.

 

I've got a fair few hatches spare so I think I might make some too. :tu:

[Honda]

Lot's of cool objectives here and it's nice to see what other people are thinking because that spawns other ideas.

 

@rossjk: There is a genius and elegance in simplicity.

[BrotherCaptainArkhan]

Got two sets of proper objective markers, and one set which could be used as something in smaller games:

 

For 30k Ultramarines, first a set of objectives representing the aftermath of the Battle of Armatura, specifically members of Orfeo's honour guard, messenger pods from his doomed ship, a field satellite relay and the Macragge Invictus banner:

 

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj598/Mjolnir771/P1030071_zpsx5uyl3qt.jpg

 

Also a set of counters which could be objectives in small ZM games, but normally are counters representing Interlocking Tactics:

 

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj598/Mjolnir771/IMAG1997_zpsrm4epk3z.jpg

 

And finally, a set of multipurpose objectives I made principally for my long-dormant Sons of Tyr, when Maelstrom of War first became a thing:

 

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj598/Mjolnir771/P1020634_zpsb8eb2e6e.jpg

 

[BlueBelly1863]

So glad this thread is a thing! I mentioned to my brother how a thread like this should exist and here I find it does! Here are four objective markers I made today from bits I had lying around. It was a nice project for the day, and they'll be useful in the upcoming edition. Hope y'all enjoy!

I may redo the freehand on the Salamanders banner, I'm not sure yet. I really liked the red border along the base, hopefully itll make the objectives be obvious on the tabletop.

(apologies for the questionable quality of the photo. Wanted to get it uploaded ASAP)

Edited June 7, 2017 by BlueBelly1863

[Maschinenpriester]

Got two sets of proper objective markers, and one set which could be used as something in smaller games:

 

For 30k Ultramarines, first a set of objectives representing the aftermath of the Battle of Armatura, specifically members of Orfeo's honour guard, messenger pods from his doomed ship, a field satellite relay and the Macragge Invictus banner:

 

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj598/Mjolnir771/P1030071_zpsx5uyl3qt.jpg

 

Also a set of counters which could be objectives in small ZM games, but normally are counters representing Interlocking Tactics:

 

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj598/Mjolnir771/IMAG1997_zpsrm4epk3z.jpg

 

And finally, a set of multipurpose objectives I made principally for my long-dormant Sons of Tyr, when Maelstrom of War first became a thing:

 

http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj598/Mjolnir771/P1020634_zpsb8eb2e6e.jpg

 

 

The messenger pod looks especially great! All of them though ^^

Is that a bit from a particular sprue or is it scratchbuilt?

[Kizzdougs]

These are my Zone Mortalis objective markers :)

 

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l522/kizzdougs/DSCN5853_zpsz2sqstzx.jpg

 

I made them for my Alpha Legion, but they're pretty generic so they'd fit with most armies :)

[Liberame]

Oh why not. Here are some of mine though a few might be considered...unconventional...

Dark Angels witch

This looks awfully familiar...

[Archaeinox]

Here's a thing 

 

[The Mad Hermit]

I love it!

[Laserplane]

So many good ones, I especially love the flags by Rossjk, they fit it but are still numbered and easy to see in the fierce whirlwind of battle

[Brother Cambrius]

Some of mine from a year or four ago:

My personal favourite, based off of an objective made in White Dwarf during "A Tale of Four Armies":

WIP:

And last, a good use of the 2nd Edition Marines:

I likely will be making more soon, LYNX/AXE mini canister tops and fizzy drink screw bottletops make great stands/plinths for objective pieces.

Cambrius

[Bouargh]

Here are mines. Nothing too fancy as they are all from GW boxed sets.

Edited November 5, 2022 by Bouargh