Sons of Dorn - The Emperor's Blades

[Deafbok]

Greetings, brothers.

15 years into the hobby, I'm drawing close to actually finishing off painting my collection. I turn 30 on Sunday, so roughly half my life has been spent working on a single crusading force.

I envision this thread as a way to collect my efforts - to track what's left of the painting project, to gather advice on what to do with the last remaining kits that have yet to be assembled, to organise the disparate elements available to me, and to gather additional reinforcements once all the current forces are 100% battle ready, pending wifely Adeptus Ministorum approval. 

There shall be fluff. There shall be army lists. There shall be pictures. There shall, hopefully, be battle reports. 

So, to kick things off, barring a few weapon options and mislaid models, this is the sum of my current collection.

 

+++ FIRSTBORN BATTLE COMPANY (3RD CO) +++

 

+ HQ +

 

Captain [6 PL, 155pts]: Jump Pack, Storm shield, Thunder hammer

 

Chaplain [5 PL, 85pts]: 2. Catechism of Fire, Fortress of Resolve, Litany of Hate, Plasma pistol

 

Librarian [5 PL, 90pts]: 3) Null Zone, Bolt pistol, Force sword

 

Lieutenants [5 PL, 93pts]

. Lieutenant: Chainsword, Jump Pack, Storm bolter

 

+ Troops +

 

2 x Tactical Squad [10 PL, 180pts]

. 7x Space Marine: 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Boltgun, 7x Frag & Krak grenades

. Space Marine Sergeant: Chainsword, Combi-plasma

. Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Heavy bolter

. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Plasma gun

 

Tactical Squad [10 PL, 200pts]

. 7x Space Marine: 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Boltgun, 7x Frag & Krak grenades

. Space Marine Sergeant: Combi-melta, Power fist

. Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Meltagun

 

Tactical Squad [10 PL, 195pts]

. 7x Space Marine: 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Boltgun, 7x Frag & Krak grenades

. Space Marine Sergeant: Plasma pistol, Power fist

. Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Meltagun

 

Tactical Squad [10 PL, 175pts]

. 7x Space Marine: 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Boltgun, 7x Frag & Krak grenades

. Space Marine Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Power sword

. Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Missile launcher

. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Flamer

 

Tactical Squad [10 PL, 180pts]

. 7x Space Marine: 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Boltgun, 7x Frag & Krak grenades

. Space Marine Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Power sword

. Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Missile launcher

. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Grav-gun

 

+ Elites +

 

Apothecary [4 PL, 55pts]

 

Company Veterans [8 PL, 167pts]

. 3 x Space Marine Veteran: Combi-plasma, Storm shield

. Space Marine Veteran: Combi-plasma, Thunder hammer

. Veteran Sergeant

. . Power Sword, Combi-plasma

 

Vanguard Veteran Squad [7 PL, 130pts]: Jump Pack

. 4 x Space Marine Veteran: Chainsword, Plasma pistol

. Veteran Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Thunder hammer

 

Vanguard Veteran Squad [7 PL, 145pts]: Jump Pack

. Space Marine Veteran: Bolt pistol, Power fist

. Space Marine Veteran: Bolt pistol, Power sword

. Space Marine Veteran: Grav-pistol, Power axe

. Space Marine Veteran: Bolt pistol, Power fist

. Veteran Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Thunder hammer

 

2 x Venerable Dreadnought [8 PL, 128pts]: Assault cannon

. Dreadnought combat weapon w/Storm Bolter: Storm bolter

 

+ Fast Attack +

 

2 x Land Speeders [5 PL, 70pts]

. Land Speeder: Multi-melta

 

+ Heavy Support +

 

Centurion Devastator Squad [14 PL, 255pts]

. 2 x Centurion: Centurion missile launcher, Grav-cannon and grav-amp

. Centurion Sergeant: Centurion missile launcher, Grav-cannon and grav-amp

 

Devastator Squad [8 PL, 140pts]

. Space Marine Sergeant: Chainsword, Plasma pistol

. 4 x Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Plasma cannon

 

Devastator Squad [8 PL, 135pts]

. Space Marine Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Chainsword

. 3 x Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Lascannon

 

Devastator Squad [8 PL, 110pts]

. 2x Space Marine: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Boltgun, 2x Frag & Krak grenades

. Space Marine Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Power sword

. 2 x Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Missile launcher

 

+ Dedicated Transport +

 

5 x Drop Pod [4 PL, 68pts]: Storm bolter

 

3 x Razorback [6 PL, 110pts]: Twin heavy bolter

 

2 x Razorback [6 PL, 120pts]: Twin lascannon

 

+++ PRIMARIS REINFORCEMENTS +++

 

+ HQ +

 

2 x Captain in Gravis Armor [6 PL, 115pts]: Master-crafted power sword

 

Primaris Captain (Indomitus) [5 PL, 105pts]

 

Primaris Chaplain [5 PL, 85pts]: 5. Recitation of Focus, Fortress of Resolve, Litany of Hate

 

Primaris Chaplain [5 PL, 85pts]: 2. Catechism of Fire, Fortress of Resolve, Litany of Hate

 

Primaris Lieutenant (Indomitus) [4 PL, 90pts]

 

Primaris Lieutenants [8 PL, 150pts]

. 2 x Primaris Lieutenant: Master-crafted auto bolt rifle

 

Primaris Lieutenants [8 PL, 150pts]

. 2 x Primaris Lieutenant: Power sword

 

+ Troops +

 

2 x Assault Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 95pts]

. 4x Assault Intercessor: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol

. Assault Intercessor Sgt: Heavy Bolt Pistol

 

4 x Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 100pts]: Bolt rifle

. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades

. Intercessor Sergeant

 

+ Elites +

 

Aggressor Squad [6 PL, 135pts]: 2x Aggressor, Aggressor Sergeant

. Auto Boltstorm Gauntlets/Fragstorm Grenade Launcher

 

Bladeguard Ancient [5 PL, 85pts]

 

Bladeguard Veteran Squad [5 PL, 105pts]: Bladeguard Veteran Sgt

. 2x Bladeguard Veteran: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Master-crafted Power Sword, 2x Storm Shield

 

Judiciar [4 PL, 85pts]

 

Primaris Ancient [4 PL, 80pts]

 

Primaris Apothecary [4 PL, 60pts]

 

+ Fast Attack +

 

2 x Inceptor Squad [6 PL, 120pts]: Assault bolter x2, 2x Inceptor, Inceptor Sergeant

 

Outrider Squad [6 PL, 135pts]: Outrider Sgt

. 2x Outrider: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Twin Bolt rifle

 

+ Heavy Support +

 

Eradicator Squad [5 PL, 120pts]: Eradicator Sgt

. 2x Eradicator: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Melta rifle

 

2 x Hellblaster Squad [8 PL, 165pts]: Plasma incinerator

. 4x Hellblaster: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades

. Hellblaster Sergeant: Bolt pistol

 

+ Dedicated Transport +

 

2 x Repulsor [16 PL, 346pts]: 2x Storm Bolters, Auto Launchers, Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Krakstorm Grenade Launcher, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Twin lascannon

 

 

+++ 1ST COMPANY TASKFORCE +++

 

+ HQ +

 

Captain [5 PL, 95pts]: Master-crafted boltgun, Relic blade

 

Lieutenants [4 PL, 85pts]

. Lieutenant: Combi-melta, Power fist

 

+ Elites +

 

3x Sternguard Veteran Squad [6 PL, 85pts]

. 4x Space Marine Veteran: Special issue boltgun

. Veteran Sergeant

. . Special Issue Boltgun/Bolt Pistol

 

Terminator Assault Squad [9 PL, 183pts]

. Terminator Sergeant

. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield: Storm shield, Thunder hammer

. Terminator w/THSS: Storm shield, Thunder hammer

. 3x Terminator w/x2LC: 3x Lightning Claw (Pair)

 

Terminator Squad [18 PL, 223pts]

. Terminator Sergeant: Power sword, Storm bolter

. Terminator w/CF: Chainfist, Storm bolter

. Terminator w/Heavy Weapon: Assault cannon, Power fist

. 3x Terminator w/PF: 3x Power fist, 3x Storm bolter

 

++ Total: [451 PL, 8,369pts] ++

 

Created with BattleScribe

EDIT: Double-posted the army list, cleaned up formatting for ease of reading.

Edited September 4, 2020 by Deafbok

[Deafbok]

When lockdown hit here in South Africa, I threw myself into my painting. I figured it would be an outlet that allowed me to remain sane - and finally tackle the Pile of Shame ! 

 

Sometime last year I got my grubby paws on my first Contrast paints, and tested this scheme - Black Templar over a metallic base. I was sold pretty much immediately. Before, I'd been using mostly Tamiya, which is just completely outshone by the Citadel range. I'm also a lot more patient now than I was even 5 years ago, so was able to pay more attention to detail.

So, those models that still needed paint got a silver spray.

 

Those that were painted got tossed into a Cleen Green bath! 

Because that was the order of things, the Primaris got done first:

There are some elements of the Indomitus set that still need to be finished off, so they're missing. I'm waiting to see if the Assault Intercessor Sergeants will have any options available to them (I have piles of Deathwatch Thunder Hammers waiting to be used...), the Chaplain needs a damn helmet (I have issues with models not wearing helmets - missing information from the HUD, actually functioning as armour, etc...) and the Judiciar head is probably my least favourite head option ever. Ideally, I'd love the standalone Primaris Chaplain head on both, but Reivers may be a good replacement option, too. 

 

Gravis Captain
 

 

Primaris Chaplain - Probably my favourite model so far - the sculpt just oozes menace, and stretched my skills to paint. 

Primaris Ancient - This was actually the first time I've ever painted a banner!

Primaris Apothecary - I kitbashed this guy using the second Ancient from the marine half of Dark Imperium. I MAY go back and resculpt that Narthecium using a spare Aggressor fist. 

 

Primaris Lieutenants - Made some slight adjustments to these guys to avoid repeated poses, and the "Every man has a helmet" rule struck again.

 

 

 

 

 

Intercessor Squads 1-4 - These were the first models painted in my new style, and you can see the progression in confidence, I think. The basing was also a learning curve - UV resin is just AWESOME when combined with shades. The trick, it seems, is to lay down the shade FIRST, then add the resin over it. Also, make sure you have access to a sunny spot, or it dries a bit funny. 
 

 

 

Hellblaster Squads 1-2 - Again, these were some of my earlier models. I experimented a bit with the basing again.

Aggressor Squad - By the time I got to these guys, I'd cemented my style. I'm really happy with the scheme, and I'm looking forward to putting these guys on the table. 

 

 

Inceptor Squads 1-2 - Whoever designed those flying stands needs to be taken into a dark alley and shanked repeatedly with the blunt ends of the broken ones...

Seriously, they're annoying as all heck to deal with. I'm either going to replace them all like I did for the guy with the pipe on his base, or invest in some magnets. 

That said, I had a lot of fun with washes when I worked on the jump packs. 

Outrider Squad - My first bikes! These were the first models I painted on the sprue, and I am SO GLAD I DID. It would have been impossible to get at all the details if I had opted to assemble them first. My only gripe was the push-fit design - I chose to snip off the rods and glue them together instead, as it got incredibly fiddly and some of the pieces weren't aligning after painting. 

 

 

Bladeguard Veterans - I LOVE THESE MODELS. They were an absolute blast to paint - look, I still have some detailing to do (Yay for freehand heraldry and transfers!) and the bases need finishing off, but this has been easily one of my favourite units. 

Next up, the 1st Company elements!


 

 

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Fine work on the models.

[Yosef Hausakluif]

Great color scheme; they really look all cohesive with one another and the application is really consistent too!

[The Pounder]

Nice consistent colour scheme!

[Deafbok]

Thanks for the responses, gents! 

Contrast has really worked well for me with this scheme, and I'll happily recommend it to anyone. 



I've been working on my Firstborn over the last week or so, and have completed 35/42 bolter-armed battle brothers for my Tactical squads so far. I'll see if I can get some decent pics up during the week - between adding that last squad's 7 basic troopers and everyone's special/heavy weapons!

I've already completed all but 2 of the possible sergeants I have in the army, so it'll be fun to see who fits where. 

Speaking of which, I'm in 2 minds about how to do the specials/heavies/sgts - I could paint them as members of specific squads, but then feel a bit odd about switching them out for games if I ever do so, or I could leave them with blank shoulders and feel like I've not quite finished them. 

Current thinking is:

 

2x squads with HB/Plas/Combi-plas and chainsword sgt
1x squad with MM/Melta/PF & combi-melta sgt
1x squad with MM/Melta/PF & combi-plasma sgt
1x squad with ML/Grav/Power sword & bolt pistol sgt

1x squad with ML/Flamer/Power sword & bolt pistol sgt

Paint those up as the "official" battle company guys and then figure out what to do with the rest from there.

[Deafbok]

Hobby progress has been slow as my wife and I have, after 8 years of saving, finally bought our first home! 

This means that a lot of packing is currently taking place, so time and space are at a premium. Work has also NOT been easy - teaching during the pandemic has made me question my career (and to be honest, I'm looking to get out of it. There has to be something better for my sanity out there) 

That said, with the drop of the 9th ed codex and the Battlescribe updates I've put some time into listbuilding.

My first stab at a list in 9th is a Steel Rain list - boy am I glad to have drop pods back as a relatively realistic option!

 

+++

+++

 

+++

 

The basic idea here is to split into three elements: Backfield, mid board, and counterpunch.

Backfield:
(1 pod)
Devastators

1 Tactical squad

Chaplain

 

Chaplain buffs Devs and acts as a countercharge element to protect them. 

Mid Board:
(3 pods)
Veterans

2 Tactical Squads

Apothecary

 

These guys dominate a particular area, with the Apothecary buffing their wound rolls with the Eye of Hypnoth and keeping them alive. The Company veterans in particular should prove hard to shift with his help, whilst throwing out some decent firepower and having the equipment to hold in combat. The surfeit of Plasma here should hit hard on turn 1 with the Devastator doctrine active, and could be pushed through again with Adaptive Strategy in later turns.

 

Counterpunch:

Chapter Master

Lieutenant

Terminators
 

This is the reactive element of the force - they will come down to whack any developing threats or support depending on the situation. They're not meant for subtlety at all - just drop in and break something. 

 

Drop Pods:
Aside from the obvious use in deployment, the pods will be used to block off sections of the table for enemy units - at least 2 will be deploying forward with the veterans and tacticals, but 1 should always be available to run interference for the devastators and lock down a flank. 

 

I am considering switching the melta tactical squad for one more oriented towards holding the backfield with the Devastators (With, say, a missile launcher and a barebones sergeant). It's the one area of the force that doesn't quite seem to fit. Finding room for one extra pod to completely lock down the backfield also appeals.

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Imperial Fists) [100 PL, 8CP, 1,997pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selection**: Imperial Fists, Imperial Fists Successor, Inheritors of the Primarch

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

+ Stratagems +

Relics of the Chapter [-2CP]: 2x Number of Extra Relics

+ HQ +

Chaplain [6 PL, -1CP, 120pts]: 2. Catechism of Fire, 5. Recitation of Focus, Architect of War, Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity, Fortress of Resolve, Litany of Hate, Plasma pistol, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter

Chapter Master [8 PL, 180pts]: Chapter Command: Chapter Master, Jump Pack, Storm shield, The Imperium's Sword, The Shield Eternal, Thunder hammer, Warlord

Lieutenants [5 PL, 95pts]
. Lieutenant: Astartes Chainsword, Jump Pack, Storm bolter, Teeth of Terra

+ Troops +

2x Tactical Squad [5 PL, 110pts]
. 3x Space Marine: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Combi-plasma
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Plasma gun

Tactical Squad [5 PL, 120pts]
. 3x Space Marine: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: Combi-melta, Power fist
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Meltagun

+ Elites +

Apothecary [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, The Eye of Hypnoth

Company Veterans [8 PL, 177pts]
. 3 x Space Marine Veteran: Combi-plasma, Storm shield
. Space Marine Veteran: Combi-plasma, Thunder hammer
. Veteran Sergeant: Combi-plasma, Power sword

2x Sternguard Veteran Squad [6 PL, 100pts]
. 4x Space Marine Veteran: Special issue boltgun
. Veteran Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Special issue boltgun

Terminator Squad [9 PL, 205pts]
. Terminator Sergeant
. Terminator w/CF
. Terminator w/Heavy Weapon: Assault cannon, Power fist
. 2x Terminator w/PF: 2x Power fist, 2x Storm bolter

+ Heavy Support +

Devastator Squad [8 PL, 150pts]
. Space Marine Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol
. 3x Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Lascannon
. Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Missile launcher

Devastator Squad [8 PL, 150pts]
. Space Marine Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol
. 4x Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Plasma cannon

+ Dedicated Transport +

4x Drop Pod [4 PL, 70pts]: Storm bolter

++ Total: [100 PL, 8CP, 1,997pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe

[Deafbok]

I ran the following list in my first game of 9th and my 1st game since lockdown started in March!

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Imperial Fists) [69 PL, 12CP, 1,500pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selection**: Imperial Fists, Imperial Fists Successor, Inheritors of the Primarch

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment CP

Gametype: Matched

Show Primaris Only

+ HQ +

Lieutenants [4 PL, 75pts]

. Primaris Lieutenant: Bolt pistol, Master-crafted Power Sword

Primaris Chapter Master [7 PL, 145pts]: Chapter Command: Chapter Master, Iron Resolve, The Shield Eternal, Warlord

. Heavy bolt pistol, Master-crafted power sword and Relic shield: Master-crafted Power Sword, Relic Shield

+ Troops +

3x Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 120pts]: Bolt rifle

. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades

. Intercessor Sergeant: Thunder hammer

+ Elites +

Bladeguard Veteran Squad [5 PL, 105pts]

. 2x Bladeguard Veteran: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Master-crafted Power Sword, 2x Storm Shield

. Bladeguard Veteran Sgt: Heavy Bolt Pistol

+ Fast Attack +

Outrider Squad [6 PL, 135pts]: Outrider Sgt

. 2x Outrider: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Twin Bolt rifle

+ Heavy Support +

2x Repulsor [16 PL, 340pts]: 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, 2x Storm Bolters, Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Twin lascannon

++ Total: [69 PL, 12CP, 1,500pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe

Yes, I done goofed by giving the Chapter Master both the Shield Eternal and Iron Resolve.

This was not a competitive list by any stretch of the imagination and it showed as both Repulsors went boom by turn 2, the Bladeguard got eaten by a Venomcrawler moments after their ride disintegrated around them, and the Outriders looked utterly bemused as the rest of the army evaporated whilst they took an objective in a corner before being blatted by the Chaos Knight from across the board.

Tabled by turn 4, mulched on objectives...

Think my Repulsors will be sitting as display pieces for a while!


Start of my turn 2, from what I remember.

Edited November 18, 2020 by Deafbok

[Deafbok]

Started work on a Techmarine conversion this week.



My dad dug up an old box full of RTB01 marines which included a classic Techmarine servo-harness, so I'm trying to be a little ambitious.

That lightning claw will be changed out at the wrist for an Aggressor arm with flamer, & I'll be having a look for more "Mechanicus-y" bits for the axe. Guitar wire mechadendrites should do nicely, & I'll be looking to magnetise options.

What does everyone run Techmarines with these days, anyway?

[jeremy1391]

When I run a tech marine I keep it simple, servo arm, bolter, chainsword.

[Dosjetka]

That's a heck of a lot of painting done in the space of just a few weeks/months, Deafbok! :o The end result is impressive and I'm glad you've now got a painted collection of Dornian successors. Well worth the effort, in my view.

 

With regards to Techmarines, I usually run them with a boltgun/storm bolter, power axe, and servo-arm. Keeps cost down and does the job nicely. :tu:

[Deafbok]

Finally finished moving house & getting my hobby space set up, so it's the end of the hiatus on this log! 

Firstly, thanks for the kind words, gents! 

Cheap and cheerful Techmarines do sound like the best idea - I guess they're support characters, after all! 

My FLGS did "Mystery Minis" packs before Christmas, & I scored an extra Bladeguard veteran & an Assault Intercessor out of them, which is cool. The best addition, though, is these guys...

 

 

 

 

 

In the 15 years we've been in the hobby, a lot of friends have joined, then fallen by the wayside. They tended to leave their stuff with my dad, and he's just done a big cleanout of his hobby room. 

One of my mates, a UK expat who moved back a few years ago, left these behind. They're armless, and have no power packs, but are otherwise in great condition. I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to do it yet, but they'll definitely be refurbished & given the best paintjobs I can muster in honour of their vintage GW status. 

Any tips on the modelling side are welcome, as I'm not sure which kits will best serve my ambitions of making these guys fit for use - All the available weapon arms I have are from the Deathwatch kits - not a great fit, & all hold bolters in the right hand only!

EDIT:
I'll definitely be adding some vows to the Sons of Dorn Expansion event, as I've still got plenty left to paint! 

Edited January 2, 2021 by Deafbok

[War Angel]

The sternguard or vanguard kits come with plenty of extra bits to fill these guys out. Speaking of which, your first post has the Vanguard in the3rd company, but Vanguard are (at least they were in 7th) veterans assigned to first company.

 

Great looking army, have you been painting them the entire 15 years?

[Deafbok]

Oof, 3 months between replies...

 

Apologies, War Angel - to answer your questions, I've been looking at fluff reasons to field the 10 guys with jump packs with all their toys instead of limiting them to the assault loadout, and figure they're the survivors of the original 20 default assault marines - now functionally veterans in all but name. This allows the 3rd Company to remain at roughly full strength, whilst also highlighting that the Firstborn elements of the chapter are both experienced AND understrength due to attrition.

 

I started collecting 15 years ago, so some of the models have been around that long, though I started repainting to something approximating the current scheme about 10 years ago, and then about 3 years ago I got Citadel paints for the first time whilst doing a Death Guard commission. Trying Contrast over metallics meant another whole wave of repainting, and I haven't looked back since!