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A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing...

Chaos, it was the only word to describe it.

The Valiant Guardian, it was a battle carrier forged in orbit over sacred Mars. A warship of the Imperial Navy’s Forth Grand Fleet and in service to the Imperial Army’s Nineteenth Terran Regiment. The Valiant Guardian which had served loyally for one hundred and eighteen years, had been destroyed.

Her engines had roared in acceleration and propelled her forward into the battlefleet’s formation. In her bull rush she had collided with the destroyer Ares obliterating her starboard batteries. Two smaller escorts were destroyed entirely when her prow rammed through them. As she reached the center of the formation, amongst the two battleships Glory Claimed and Righteous Conquest, her warp core had gone critical and ignited.

Then there was a flash of blinding light. Her remains had been incinerated along with hundreds of escape pods, transports, and attack craft. The Valiant Guardian ceased to exist.

It seemed she was lost with all hands.

What ensued was a tidal wave of destruction, confusion, and disarray. Seven other vessels were damaged in the blast. Four orbital survey stations had gone silent as their psykers hemorrhaged from the proximity to the death screams of so many souls burned at the warps touch. Several dozen transport shuttles and escort craft were unaccounted for. Casualty reports continued to stream in and the numbers of the dead and dying rose.

Anyone and anything in service to the Master of Mankind was on alert. Every soul had been on a war footing since the traitor forces had turned on the Imperium yet this sector had been well behind the lines of engagement despite the raging warp storms. Was it an act of sabotage or purely grave misfortune that caused the Valiant Guardian to come about its disastrous end?

On the surface of the world below the Imperial Army command were abuzz with activity. Guardsmen took up positions and manned orbital defense batteries. Flights of fighter craft and gunships took to the skies. Another army had formed from emergency response personnel and citizens who were involuntary chosen to aid them. Within the Tower, the planetary governor and the generals of the Imperial Army convened at the sectors primary headquarters.

Amongst all the near insanity the loss of the Valiant Guardian had wrought a flight of three Valkyrie gunships were returning to base. In the wastes beyond the Tower and the sprawling military complex that surrounded it survivors had signaled a distress call from an escape pod hours after the incident. Reportedly they were crewmen from the bridge of the Valiant Guardian. They were to be returned to the Tower for interrogation and scrutiny.

---

Their approach was low and close to the red soil of the planet. Their engines kicked up clouds of dust behind them. As they neared the Tower warnings blared to life as a network of defensive batteries took aim. The pilots immediately voxed their security clearances and sighed with relief when the guns of the base had gone idle and were no longer pointed at them. Everyone was on edge.

Terminal Flight Command with the Tower ordered the three gunships to land at pad twenty nine as they flew into proximity of the base. The survivors were to be immediately taken into custody by Intelligence and debriefed without delay. There were too many questions that needed answering for the loss of a battle cruiser and the destruction it caused.

The valkyries began maneuvers as their landing gear descended. Landing pad twenty nine was connected directly to the Tower and more than capable of servicing no less than four medium sized void transports. Such vessels could carry their own compliment of gunships if necessary.

Flight crews instructed and waved down the fliers. Several platoons of guardsmen and a cadre of stormtroopers stood waiting on the deck. Medicae crews were present but had been walled off by the armed soldiers. When the final bird touched down and their engines began to decrease power they moved in.

That was when the explosions happened. This time it was not the destruction of a warship or the raining debris from orbit. Fixed explosive blasts from the interior of the valkyries blew off the rear hatches. The force of the explosion launched them forward into groups of waiting guardsmen and stormtroopers.

Knocked from their feet by detonations soldiers crawled onto their hands and knees. They barely had a moment to fathom what had happened before the true killing started. From within the belly of the valkyries predators leapt out with bolters firing. They were astartes of a sinister cunning and a breed apart from their brethren.

Their armor shimmered in the sun with the blue-green sheen of a lizards scale. The cameoline upon their backs mimicking the terrain about them playing tricks to the unenhanced eye. In squads disembarking from the valkyries they made their way across the landing pad twenty nine in combat formations.

They continued to gun down the unsuspecting defenders. They moved from cover to cover providing suppressive fire. There would be no armored elements at this sector but heavy weapons teams were not to be ruled out. Nor could one afford to be caught out in the open against the versatile walkers that began to stalk their way towards them,

On legs resembling those of avian creatures they marched over the debris. Easily stepping over anything beneath them they opened fire on the attackers. Their heavy bolters pinned down several of the astartes. While their leader and his plasmacannon incinerated one astartes that was prepping its missile launcher. The attackers risked breaking cover to open fire and push forward. The service tunnels were only a few dozen meters away. Yet if they could not reach them the mission would be a failure and the great efforts to spring this assault wasted.

The valkyries that had ushered them into the defenses of the Tower roared as their engine engaged full power. They lifted and hovered above the landing pad with their weapons firing. Their lascannons making quick work of the advancing sentinels responding to the assault. One valkyrie had been hit by the plasmacannon but its death would not be in vain. Applying thrust it aimed for its would-be killer. Just several feet above the astartes it raced forward with its fuselage knocking the sentinel from its feet.

They came down in a fiery ball of blue flame as the plasma coils overloaded and detonated. The resulting explosion igniting the remaining promethium of the valkyrie.

With that sacrifice the astartes had vanished. Following predetermined routes they began to spread through the Tower. Within minutes vital defense and communication systems began to fail or reboot. Random fires began to burn uncontrollably on several floors. Dozens of rooms were found to be occupied by the recently deceased, betrayed by those they thought brothers in arms.

The Tower was under siege from within. This base would fall like so many others to the unseen blade. There would be no salvation from the Alpha Legion.

---

So awhile back I got very interested in the Alpha Legion once again. Thanks to kizzdougs take on them something snapped in the black matter of my brain. Was it a my own choice to build up the Alpha Legion or some visual-subliminal-control trigger I will never know. What I do know is that I am stoked about them. What really got them going for me was the fact that my friends and I were playing Heralds of Ruin and it just screamed XX Legion. Small teams stalking the battlefield for their secretive tasks. Loved it.

With this log I would like to catalog my building and painting of such an enigma of a Legion. However, you will not only find those adorned in their colors here. The Alpha Legion are known for infiltration, false flags, and the use of operatives. So do not be surprised if you see an Ultramarine tactical squad appear in this log. Or say a unit of Skitarii, Cadian, or even a Flesh Tearer. For nothing is as it seems.

Now enough chit chat. We all know loose lips sink ships. So let me show you some pictures:

gallery_55057_13248_265320.jpg

There is quite a bit still do but I was just so darned proud of myself for finally getting this going. If you clicked on the kizzdougs link you will see what I am aiming to do. Just need more paint, time, and practice.

So far this is what I have..or is it?

gallery_55057_13248_771861.jpg

Stay tuned, operative!

Edited by hushrong
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Thank you everyone! Definitely pleased that these sneaky-sneaks are being well received.

 

Could I ask which paints you used?

  

You most certainly can. I used Tamiya's TS-54 light blue metallic spray over black primer. Then I used Tamiya's X-25 clear green paint watered down. Great stuff. For better instructions check out the link to kizzdougs log as that's where I am stealing ideas from.

 

Wow these are gonna look amazing when completed! The story was also a great read, definitely looking forward to seeing some characters and other disguised alpha legion as well!

I sure hope they do. I am just happy that a spray can and water down acrylic paint got so much done so fast for me. Otherwise this would have taken years. Also happy to share fluff that's been rattling around in the back of my head.

 

Hopefully something else will be cropping up sooner or later after I get more work done.

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Thank you everyone! Definitely pleased that these sneaky-sneaks are being well received.

 

Could I ask which paints you used?

  

You most certainly can. I used Tamiya's TS-54 light blue metallic spray over black primer. Then I used Tamiya's X-25 clear green paint watered down. Great stuff. For better instructions check out the link to kizzdougs log as that's where I am stealing ideas from.

 

Wow these are gonna look amazing when completed! The story was also a great read, definitely looking forward to seeing some characters and other disguised alpha legion as well!

I sure hope they do. I am just happy that a spray can and water down acrylic paint got so much done so fast for me. Otherwise this would have taken years. Also happy to share fluff that's been rattling around in the back of my head.

 

Hopefully something else will be cropping up sooner or later after I get more work done.

 

So your advice would be to spray, then clear green...

 

And you painted watered down chaos black into recessses as a pseudowash if I'm thinking of the right log?

 

Either way thanks for the advice.

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Really nice colour you've got going, really digging the pose on that running marine as well.

  

Thanks! He is actually my favorite after the squad leader. It's a weird pose and I can imagine him in mid jog literally weighing the options in hands to either stab or shot his enemies.

 

Looking great already, can't wait to see some detailing. Loving the strong green tones coming through.

 

Thank you! I know I want to get some decals to add to these guys but that's a hurdle I'll go over later. Currently I suck at applying decals but I suck even more at freehand haha.

 

I really like the metallic blue, especially the one you've got for your Alpha Legionnaires, but I wanted to have the weird reptilian sheen to these guys. The only thing I am really wondering about now are the eye lenses. Keep them black because these guys are stealthy or go with a reddish orange look?

 

 

Man that intro was unreal - such an awesome little piece of writing.

 

Slick models too!

 

I have two Valkyries which I run in my alpha legion list (proxies for a Xiphon + Primaris)

Thank you kindly! Fluff, beside the minis, are what have me hooked to 40k. I am just super pleased when I can type up my thoughts and apply them to forces I really like.

 

I had been thinking about getting valkyries too. They would make such great Trojan horses...

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you everyone! Definitely pleased that these sneaky-sneaks are being well received.

 

 

 

 

 

Could I ask which paints you used?

 

  

You most certainly can. I used Tamiya's TS-54 light blue metallic spray over black primer. Then I used Tamiya's X-25 clear green paint watered down. Great stuff. For better instructions check out the link to kizzdougs log as that's where I am stealing ideas from.

Wow these are gonna look amazing when completed! The story was also a great read, definitely looking forward to seeing some characters and other disguised alpha legion as well!

 

I sure hope they do. I am just happy that a spray can and water down acrylic paint got so much done so fast for me. Otherwise this would have taken years. Also happy to share fluff that's been rattling around in the back of my head.

Hopefully something else will be cropping up sooner or later after I get more work done.

So your advice would be to spray, then clear green...

 

And you painted watered down chaos black into recessses as a pseudowash if I'm thinking of the right log?

 

Either way thanks for the advice.

Yes, my steps are as follows:

1- Prime models black. You need that first coat obviously.

2- Apply the Tamiya TS-54. It also comes in a spray can so its quick and easy to apply an even coating.

3- When the metallic blue is dry get the X-25 from Tamiya. I simply dabbed my brush into the pot to get some of the paint then I would dip it in my pot of water before putting it on the model. Some parts came out fantastic while other parts have more green. I would definitely recommend experimenting with this to find what you like. I kind of just rushed it with the batch I have pictured.

 

After that I would do a watered down black wash where needed. I have yet to do this myself but I think I will have time today. After that it's just painting weapons, trim, eye lenses, and other things stuck on your minis.

 

I hope this helps. I am also no master but please ask whatever you wish and I'll do my darnedest to help.

 

---

 

Currently no updates as I have had some family visiting for the summer. The Alpha Legion's hold-pattern order has been lifted...

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Really nice colour you've got going, really digging the pose on that running marine as well.

  

Thanks! He is actually my favorite after the squad leader. It's a weird pose and I can imagine him in mid jog literally weighing the options in hands to either stab or shot his enemies.

 

Looking great already, can't wait to see some detailing. Loving the strong green tones coming through.

 

Thank you! I know I want to get some decals to add to these guys but that's a hurdle I'll go over later. Currently I suck at applying decals but I suck even more at freehand haha.

 

I really like the metallic blue, especially the one you've got for your Alpha Legionnaires, but I wanted to have the weird reptilian sheen to these guys. The only thing I am really wondering about now are the eye lenses. Keep them black because these guys are stealthy or go with a reddish orange look?

 

 

Man that intro was unreal - such an awesome little piece of writing.

 

Slick models too!

 

I have two Valkyries which I run in my alpha legion list (proxies for a Xiphon + Primaris)

Thank you kindly! Fluff, beside the minis, are what have me hooked to 40k. I am just super pleased when I can type up my thoughts and apply them to forces I really like.

 

I had been thinking about getting valkyries too. They would make such great Trojan horses...

 

 

 

Thank you everyone! Definitely pleased that these sneaky-sneaks are being well received.

 

 

Could I ask which paints you used?

  

You most certainly can. I used Tamiya's TS-54 light blue metallic spray over black primer. Then I used Tamiya's X-25 clear green paint watered down. Great stuff. For better instructions check out the link to kizzdougs log as that's where I am stealing ideas from.

Wow these are gonna look amazing when completed! The story was also a great read, definitely looking forward to seeing some characters and other disguised alpha legion as well!

I sure hope they do. I am just happy that a spray can and water down acrylic paint got so much done so fast for me. Otherwise this would have taken years. Also happy to share fluff that's been rattling around in the back of my head.

Hopefully something else will be cropping up sooner or later after I get more work done.

So your advice would be to spray, then clear green...

 

And you painted watered down chaos black into recessses as a pseudowash if I'm thinking of the right log?

 

Either way thanks for the advice.

Yes, my steps are as follows:

1- Prime models black. You need that first coat obviously.

2- Apply the Tamiya TS-54. It also comes in a spray can so its quick and easy to apply an even coating.

3- When the metallic blue is dry get the X-25 from Tamiya. I simply dabbed my brush into the pot to get some of the paint then I would dip it in my pot of water before putting it on the model. Some parts came out fantastic while other parts have more green. I would definitely recommend experimenting with this to find what you like. I kind of just rushed it with the batch I have pictured.

 

After that I would do a watered down black wash where needed. I have yet to do this myself but I think I will have time today. After that it's just painting weapons, trim, eye lenses, and other things stuck on your minis.

 

I hope this helps. I am also no master but please ask whatever you wish and I'll do my darnedest to help.

 

---

 

Currently no updates as I have had some family visiting for the summer. The Alpha Legion's hold-pattern order has been lifted...

 

Thanks for the help- it already looks great and you've sold me on using the spray for my own cell when I finally start it!

 

I've had horrible luck with Tamiya spray myself- anything about it that you'd advise doing differently from any other spray, ie: primers?

Edited by Ugolino
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Thanks kizzdougs! If it wasn't for your Alpha Legionnaires and tutorial I wouldn't have made it this far. You have also given me an idea on how to paint my main army too :)

 

Ugolino, I have to say I was very happy with their products. Just like any other paints shake the heck out of them before use. Plus I always have test dummy minis aplenty to see how the paint goes on. The only reason I never used Tamiya before was the fact that I lived in a very humid place in Japan and that ALWAYS screws up sprays.

 

Best of luck with your cell and please let me know when you start them up!

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In terms of decals, the forgeworld alpha legion sheet is really high quality, much easier to apply than your standard GW decals. Get yourself some Microsol and Microset. I've found with such a smooth and glossy/metallic finish on my alphas, the transfer beds down to the surface with little effort, applying successive layers of microsol works really well.

 

The eyes are a difficult one, did you want to go OSL or not? If you don't like the standard red there's some great alphas (and I think a collected visions picture) of alphas with yellow eye lenses. I'm not sure having black eye lenses will make a bright metallic blue unit be more stealthy...? Although carcharodons look pretty dark and brooding with black lenses, so it might be a good option.

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In terms of decals, the forgeworld alpha legion sheet is really high quality, much easier to apply than your standard GW decals. Get yourself some Microsol and Microset. I've found with such a smooth and glossy/metallic finish on my alphas, the transfer beds down to the surface with little effort, applying successive layers of microsol works really well.

 

The eyes are a difficult one, did you want to go OSL or not? If you don't like the standard red there's some great alphas (and I think a collected visions picture) of alphas with yellow eye lenses. I'm not sure having black eye lenses will make a bright metallic blue unit be more stealthy...? Although carcharodons look pretty dark and brooding with black lenses, so it might be a good option.

I use yellow lenses because of that. Makes them look extra evil.

 

http://i.imgur.com/uienhY1.jpg

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  • 2 weeks later...

Our Scales Are Many Shades...

Thanks kizzdougs! If it wasn't for your Alpha Legionnaires and tutorial I wouldn't have made it this far. You have also given me an idea on how to paint my main army too :smile.:

Great to hear that bro!! I'm really glad you found some of my work useful :smile.:

I'm glad you went through it all and found a great way to paint up Alpha Legion. I never gave thought to using metallics before except on my old Iron Warriors. Tamiya should also cut you a check because I am buying more of their paints now because of you.

In terms of decals, the forgeworld alpha legion sheet is really high quality, much easier to apply than your standard GW decals. Get yourself some Microsol and Microset. I've found with such a smooth and glossy/metallic finish on my alphas, the transfer beds down to the surface with little effort, applying successive layers of microsol works really well.

The eyes are a difficult one, did you want to go OSL or not? If you don't like the standard red there's some great alphas (and I think a collected visions picture) of alphas with yellow eye lenses. I'm not sure having black eye lenses will make a bright metallic blue unit be more stealthy...? Although carcharodons look pretty dark and brooding with black lenses, so it might be a good option.

I will have to pick up that sheet, and the Microsol and Microset. I was looking at yours and kizzdougs Alpha Legion and I really like the use of the emblems. Among a myriad of other things...

I use yellow lenses because of that. Makes them look extra evil.

Yeah, black lenses for stealth on a chameleon-painted armor on a giant is kind of out there. I like the idea when 1000heathens did it for his Iron Warriors. Basically, since the lenses aren't glowing they cannot attract attention in the dark. The brooding, lifeless, dolls eyes of the Characadons is cool too.

Yellow is a neat idea. I do remember two pieces of artwork (a tartaros termie and one with three assault marines) with yellow lenses. I will have to test it out and see.

---

As I stated before you will see some things that do not seem to belong at first...so here is a small sample of that:

gallery_55057_13248_853348.jpg

May I present Captain Amali Sauriph of the Ultramarines Fourth Shadow Company...

gallery_55057_13248_163757.jpg

His record is scrupulous at best if barely existent.

Obviously you can see the sculpt work. Did the best that I could to add little hydra heads but I need a lot more practice and maybe better tools. I do hope it will look better painted up. Other than that I haven't had much time to paint so there is nothing to show off in that department.

Hopefully more to come in the future. Thanks for stopping by, operatives!

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