The Blood Angels ETL VI Campaign Awaits!

[Jolemai]

Right folks, it's that time of year again: the ETL is upon us. This is what we've been building towards.

 
What is the ETL?
 
The acronym for E Tenebrae Lux, the ETL originated as a painting challenge put forth by the Dark Angels sub-forum. This has since blossomed into a full on, inter-forum painting competition whereby an individual vows a legal unit (or units) for a particular faction and has to paint them to completion (in the owners eyes) within a three month time frame. The faction with the most points painted is crowned the winner earning eternal glory (special signatures, etc) and a year's worth of bragging rights.

• ETL I can be found here
• ETL II can be found here
• ETL III can be found here
• ETL IV can be found here
• ETL V can be found here

Our Heritage
 
As you all know, Blood Angels and their Successors study the arts. Our extended lifespan allows us to pursue and master the finer things in life and it is often remarked how exquisite the works of our artisans are. Certainly our preponderance for Artificer Armour, master-crafted weaponry, tapestries and so on show this off and back in the real world, some of the best painted models on the B&C are Blood Angels.
 
In the previous painting challenge, the Librarium challenge (which is currently on permanent hiatus) our faction had a long and distinguished roll of honour whereby we won the event year ofter year. However, for the first three events this hadn't transferred into the ETL:

• In ETL I we finished fifth (out of seven participants).
• In ETL II we finished fifth (out of eight participants).
• In ETL III we finished seventh (out of eight participants).

That said, we threw the form book out of the window for ETL IV:

• We finished fourth (out of seven participants) and within sight of second place
• Our participant level (83) was at a record high
• Our number of vows (130) was at a record high
• Completed points (41,285) was at a record high
• Final score (26,197) was at a record high

... and this set us up nicely for ETL V – where we came fifth. Wait, what?

Despite being in third place throughout, generating our highest ever final score (29,116), and knocking out a completion rate competition high of 86.5 %, we were knocked down into fifth place (out of seven participants) by a small matter of 3000 points come the end of the competition.

Our commitment can't be faulted. Our dedication and morale can't be faulted. What lost us third place was an average vow of 402 points (competition average is usually in the high 700s) and this is what we need to change. Whilst every little most certainly helps (and should you go down this route, knock out the five vows as quick as possible), vowing big (yet manageable) at the start and re-vowing smaller items will put us in good stead for the event. They do say to plan twice, and paint once...

However, we haven't been caught unawares. Due to the Gift of Foresight that many of us are blessed with, the Great Baalite Bake Off and Blood & Zeal events have put us in an amazing place of readiness – the B&Z alone has seen us get almost 1000 PL of models event ready. Furthermore, the participation levels, camaraderie, and utterly phenomenal completion rates seen during these have us in tip-top condition going into an ETL – we have never been this well prepared and it's all down to you and how you've responded. This is it, the last push, the assault on Terra of events, and one we can't fail. With our resources, history, and buoyed by the success of the GBBO and B&Z, we remain a dark horse for ETL VI - but only with your unwavering and appreciated support.

 
Our Competition
 
We will have seven other Factions to see off in this event:

• Age of Darkness (or AoD) are those who play FWs 30k expansion. Make no mistake, their resources are huge, however, we've somehow kept pace the two previous ETLs. Despite their vast manpower they have two glaring weaknesses, the first is their tendency to burnout during the event (meaning if we keep up they can be caught) whilst the second is the perceived stagnation of the game (according to the internet that is). They will be looking to cast off these tags and finally attain their potential – but again, we can't let them out of our sight. This year they will be split into loyalists and traitors where they compete together and against one another for the three titles
• Chaos (comprising of the CSM, 1kS, DG, R&H, & Daemons fora) are the reigning champions with a winning streak stretching back to 2014. To make matters worse, they have also been bolstered by the addition of Codex Thousand Sons and Codex Death Guard. However, all is not lost! Constant winning breeds complacency whilst a backing as large as they can potentially command can result in a lower completion and re-vowing rate. One day they will be caught and made to pay for their crimes against us. Split into Heretic Astartes (C:CSM, 1kS, DG), R&H, Daemons - combined for ETL Magister, but competing against one another for the other two titles
• Dark Angels are due a good run and having had their Codex around the same time as ours there should be enough in the tank for a painting bounce. They will also want to “put us in our place” having finished below us for the past two events. A wounded animal is dangerous and if they can get their motivation going we'll be in trouble – like us, they are sleeping giants of the B&C painting event history. We are with them for ETL Magister, against them for the rest
• Imperial Forces of Reknown (IFOR – comprising of the Guard, Ad Mech, Imperial Agents, and Sisters fora) have the potential to be huge – carried by the Guard and Ad Mech fora, their vows are often massive give the super-heavies at their disposal. With the Sisters star rising following their teaser a few weeks back, recent releases (including Custodes), and wanting to get rid of the wooden spoon from ETL V, they will have a point to prove – and that's before we know if they will be joined by the Grey Knights and Deathwatch fora (confirmed) Playing against one another for Primus Inter Pares & Dominus Exercitus, together for ETL Magister
• Index (comprising of Codex Space Marines) is another historic superpower who we've been slugging it out with over the past two ETLs. Their resources are vast but with an older Codex they could struggle. However, many have a point to prove and that includes the Black Templars who will not only want revenge for Blood & Zeal but will want to show they are still a force to be reckoned with. Dangerous – even moreso if they are reinforced by the Deathwatch and Grey Knights fora. We are against them for the solo titles but join with them for ETL Magister
• Space Wolves shocked everyone with their run during ETL V. However, this could well have been their so called “miracle run” (coined by our run in ETL IV) and the pressure is on for them to keep it going. Couple that with a lack of Codex and it will be hard for them but we should not write them off as to do so is perilous at best: certainly they will be the ones knocking out the super vows rather than the tiny ones. We are against them for the solo titles but join with them for ETL Magister
• Xenos (comprising of the Eldar factions, Necrons, Orks, and Tau) are the new kids on the block and an unknown quandary. What is certain is that they will be taking members from established Factions meaning many of us will be dripped dry of the talent we need. Don't fret if your friend is a secret xenos worshiper, for this is your time to shine and push us to glory! Team Xenos for ETL Magister but split into their four parent fora for the other two titles

 

The ETL VI

Captain Semper has already hinted that basic rules will be the same as the previous years (albeit with an added xenos threat), however, he wont be drawn on which of the two historic start dates he is set to use. This means that we can assume the following:

• Challenge window 01/05/18 - 01/08/18. Regardless of when the date is, the first vow must be made within one calendar month of the start date
• Maximum vows to be five, maximum of 20,000 points per Frater for event; A new one can be made once you have completed the previous one. Any uncompleted vows nullify your entire points haul
• All models to be a legal Codex entry and WYSIWYG
• Two images - an unpainted/primed one and a completed one - are all the evidence you need (although more and participation is encouraged). These will need to be posted in the Stratagem thread when it goes live
• New for ETL VI! - Three titles:

1. Primus Inter Pares: the Forum with the highest score WITHIN its Faction - Favourites
2. Dominus Exercitus: the Forum with the highest score AMONG ALL Factions (similar but not 100% like the Primus Inter Pares of old) - Dark horse
3. ETL VI Magister: the Faction with the highest score among all Factions - Dark horse

What Can I Do?

• Basically, we have between 3 and 5 weeks to get ready. Use this time to plan your vow(s) into manageable chunks and then get them finished modelling-wise and undercoated. For example, paint all your red models as one vow, your black models as another, vehicles as one, etc
• If you are magnetising, vow the expensive choice! Also, things like hunter-killer missiles count as they are WYSIWYG so add them to your vehicles even if it's via blu-tac!
• Remember that the level of completion is what you are comfortable with. For example, my gaming group requires a minimum of three base colours and for the model to be based in order for it to be considered battle ready. That's as far as I'll be going, though I may throw in some detail if needed (seriously - I can shade, and highlight when I have more time)
• Imperial Knights, Forge World Knights and Titans will again be likely candidates for our vows
• Assassins, Deathwatch, Legion of the Damned and units available through stand alone Formations (i.e. Stormtalons from the Adeptus Astartes Stormwing) are not permitted due to either having their own sub-forum on here or being part of another ETL-Faction's Codex
• Relevant BA units from the GWs Indices, FWs Indices and BA-legal experimental FW units are permitted. For points, you will need to use the most up-to-date source
• Participate! Check our stratagem thread regularly, join in the with banter, check other threads for inspiration; ask, and be absorbed by the event. The ETL grafts together the whole website in one voice and with one goal and as with any online community, you get out of it what you put into it.

In short, take up your paint brush and take up the challenge laid down by the PCA forum to bring honour to our Faction. We are the sons of Sanguinius; it's time to once again make our father proud.

 
Death Company and Feast of Blades
 
Following the ETL in September is the From Rage to Salvation event. As is our way, those who fail their ETL vows (and thus gain the Oathbreaker vow) will form the Death Company. During the RTS they will have a final chance to complete their vow before the year is out and gain salvation by casting aside their Oathbreaker vow early.

 Feast of Blades will run for many of our HQs painted during the ETL and given the amount mustered during B&Z many of us should have a suitable choice. If you're interested, follow the above link and make sure your vow is completed!

 
Tags
 
/equip modhat

The correct use of tags can be found here. Basically, this is a method of making things easier to search to people can gain fast, easy access to your work and that of others. The official ETL tags are:

• E Tenebrae Lux
• E Tenebrae Lux VI
• ETL
• ETL VI

... in addition to all the usual things like Blood Angels WIP, and so on. If we can remember to add these to our work then that would be great.

[Jolemai]

External recruitment thread live

[Panzer]

I'll definitely join, though only with small vows.

My aim is to clear my pile of shame which consists of:
- 5 DI Hellblaster
- 5 DI Intercessor
- 10 Intercessor
- 5 Reiver
- 2 Primaris Lieutenants
- 1 Primaris Ancient
- 1 Primaris Captain in Gravis Armour
- 1 Captain with Jump Pack

For a total of about 1k points if I manage to do all that.
Note that I also still have to build and prime almost all of that which I won't do before I've finished everything before. ^^

[Paladin777]

I’ve got a built yet unpainted box of intercessors, a kitbashed Dante, I will have 8 sanguinary guard a sanguinary ancient, my axe flybrarian, possibly a lieutenant, and 5 DC. Depending on the ruling, those other 10 intercessors I posted that we’re basecoated might be added to the list.

[Majkhel]

Ha! I will definitely pledge and pledge big as most of my army consists of the pile of shame

Edit: would there be categories similar to those we had in B&Z?

[Jolemai]

Ha! I will definitely pledge and pledge big as most of my army consists of the pile of shame

 

Edit: would there be categories similar to those we had in B&Z?

No catagories, just paint what you want :)

 

As for a large vow, I'd you feel you can feasibly do it then go for it :tu: just keep in mind that failures are punished in the ETL.

I'll definitely join, though only with small vows.

 

My aim is to clear my pile of shame which consists of:

- 5 DI Hellblaster

- 5 DI Intercessor

- 10 Intercessor

- 5 Reiver

- 2 Primaris Lieutenants

- 1 Primaris Ancient

- 1 Primaris Captain in Gravis Armour

- 1 Captain with Jump Pack

 

For a total of about 1k points if I manage to do all that.

Note that I also still have to build and prime almost all of that which I won't do before I've finished everything before. ^^

What's in your queue to get done this month?

I’ve got a built yet unpainted box of intercessors, a kitbashed Dante, I will have 8 sanguinary guard a sanguinary ancient, my axe flybrarian, possibly a lieutenant, and 5 DC. Depending on the ruling, those other 10 intercessors I posted that we’re basecoated might be added to the list.

Sounds good :tu:

 

From that list, what are you comfortable painting in one go via batch painting?

[Xenith]

Count me in, although I still have a month vacation in the middle, hopefully I can knock out a decent number of points. 

[Panzer]

 

I'll definitely join, though only with small vows.

 

My aim is to clear my pile of shame which consists of:

- 5 DI Hellblaster

- 5 DI Intercessor

- 10 Intercessor

- 5 Reiver

- 2 Primaris Lieutenants

- 1 Primaris Ancient

- 1 Primaris Captain in Gravis Armour

- 1 Captain with Jump Pack

 

For a total of about 1k points if I manage to do all that.

Note that I also still have to build and prime almost all of that which I won't do before I've finished everything before. ^^

What's in your queue to get done this month?

 

 

Nothing and everything, really. Busy with work and I'm moving this month.

I do have 5 Reiver WIP (and like 2k of T'au lol), however I'm going to make an exception and skip finishing those so I can do stuff for the ETL. ;)

[Soulhunter1995]

I`ve been waiting for the Blood Angels ETL prep thread, I`ll be standing with my brothers and sisters of blood for sure

[Jolemai]

 

 

 

I'll definitely join, though only with small vows.

 

My aim is to clear my pile of shame which consists of:

- 5 DI Hellblaster

- 5 DI Intercessor

- 10 Intercessor

- 5 Reiver

- 2 Primaris Lieutenants

- 1 Primaris Ancient

- 1 Primaris Captain in Gravis Armour

- 1 Captain with Jump Pack

 

For a total of about 1k points if I manage to do all that.

Note that I also still have to build and prime almost all of that which I won't do before I've finished everything before. ^^

What's in your queue to get done this month?

 

Nothing and everything, really. Busy with work and I'm moving this month.

I do have 5 Reiver WIP (and like 2k of T'au lol), however I'm going to make an exception and skip finishing those so I can do stuff for the ETL. ;)

All the same, unless advised otherwise we can expect to only have a maximum of five vows. So you could do all the Incessors as one vow, 2/3 characters as another, and so on - and you've still got 3-5 weeks to prep the first vow even if you don't want to do it in bulk.

I`ve been waiting for the Blood Angels ETL prep thread, I`ll be standing with my brothers and sisters of blood for sure

More then happy to have you with us :) What have you in mind?

[Panzer]

 

 

 

I'll definitely join, though only with small vows.

 

My aim is to clear my pile of shame which consists of:

- 5 DI Hellblaster

- 5 DI Intercessor

- 10 Intercessor

- 5 Reiver

- 2 Primaris Lieutenants

- 1 Primaris Ancient

- 1 Primaris Captain in Gravis Armour

- 1 Captain with Jump Pack

 

For a total of about 1k points if I manage to do all that.

Note that I also still have to build and prime almost all of that which I won't do before I've finished everything before. ^^

What's in your queue to get done this month?

 

Nothing and everything, really. Busy with work and I'm moving this month.

I do have 5 Reiver WIP (and like 2k of T'au lol), however I'm going to make an exception and skip finishing those so I can do stuff for the ETL.

All the same, unless advised otherwise we can expect to only have a maximum of five vows. So you could do all the Incessors as one vow, 2/3 characters as another, and so on - and you've still got 3-5 weeks to prep the first vow even if you don't want to do it in bulk.

 

 

Yeah I was thinking about making infantry+character groups.

Like 5 Intercessors+JP Captain, 5 Intercessors+Ancient, 5 Intercessors+Lieutenant, 5 Reiver+Lieutenant, 5 Hellblaster+Gravis Captain. ^^

[Jolemai]

That seems nice and manageable, plus you get to reward yourself with a character having had to paint the line troops.

[BluejayJunior]

Perfect. I still haven't painted a bunch of the units I built for B&Z. 

I have 2 tactical squads, a scout squad, a 4-man SG squad, a Furioso Dreadnought, DC Dreadnought, Terminator Capt, Primaris LT all build and primed.

And I have a librarian, assault squad, and devastator squad that I need to build. 

I should have plenty to pledge. I'll be sure to keep them manageable. 

[Spyros]

I 'd love to participate. But if I manage to do it will be with small vows only, I am a slow painter.

[Captain Semper]

Small vows are just as welcome! Good to see my fellow Athenian again! :D

[Jolemai]

I 'd love to participate. But if I manage to do it will be with small vows only, I am a slow painter.

Every little helps :)

[Jolemai]

Perfect. I still haven't painted a bunch of the units I built for B&Z.

I have 2 tactical squads, a scout squad, a 4-man SG squad, a Furioso Dreadnought, DC Dreadnought, Terminator Capt, Primaris LT all build and primed.

And I have a librarian, assault squad, and devastator squad that I need to build.

I should have plenty to pledge. I'll be sure to keep them manageable.

Manageable is the key.

 

As cool as it is doing a 3k vow (and in the past, this earned a unique badge), getting a high a completion rate is the name of the game and that can only be done by finishing my manageable vows :)

[Spyros]

Small vows are just as welcome! Good to see my fellow Athenian again!

 

Hail cousin Angel! Good to see you!

 

Better start cleaning that Cypher issue though, the last thing we need in Imperium Nihilus is an additional heretic legion forming...

[Paladin777]

My vows are probably all going to be a squad, or a squad plus character so I don’t bite off more than I can chew.

[Slothysaur]

As far as base coated is concerned, the last ETL I participated in counted my red primer spray as an acceptable base coat entery. Since then I have upgraded to an airbrush and my base coat consists of a 5 step layering process I borrowed from Luthermax. I will post a picture of a model I have just base coated when I return home, but off the top of your heads, will this be fine?

[Panzer]

I think a basecoat is already too much but ask Semper to br completely save.

[Mightykin]

Count me in! I'm hoping to win back to back feast of blades with a HQ I paint!

[Soulhunter1995]

I`ve got a BaC Contemptor, Tycho, 3 Vets, Chapter Ancient, Sanguinary Noviate, two 5 man intercessor squads and an old 3rd edition predator :) I`ve got a few bits to choose from

[Xenith]

As far as base coated is concerned, the last ETL I participated in counted my red primer spray as an acceptable base coat entery. Since then I have upgraded to an airbrush and my base coat consists of a 5 step layering process I borrowed from Luthermax. I will post a picture of a model I have just base coated when I return home, but off the top of your heads, will this be fine?

 

Base coat is singular, a 5 step layering process is more than one coat of paint, and likely more paint that many will put on finished models, so I would assume it won't fly :)

 

As long as the armour is one flat colour all over, it should be ok, but check with Semper. 

[Captain Semper]

Models must be at undercoated stage at most (any color)

 

If ia model is worked on more than that then it is eligible as an out of competition entry.