James WRR’s Leader Month: Nobody expects the Ordo Malleus

+++ LOG OF INQUISITOR ALBRECHT HALFTHOR, ORDO MALLEUS +++

+++ THOUGHT OF THE DAY: A LOGICAL ARGUMENT MUST BE DISMISSED WITH ABSOLUTE CONVICTION +++

The assault on Sanctum Sapiar was a great success. The texts upon which this small, yet unbearably thorny, culture had structured itself were located, swiftly interpreted by sacrificial Servitors, then burned upon the pyre.

My conclusion? There is not much to say. It is a common story after all. These people simply imagined their way into heresy. I have no doubt that it was quite accidental, mind. But a crime cannot be forgiven simply because it was an accident. 

I was surprised that the local population, as seemingly barbaric as they were, was able to mount such a defence. One Brother Donovan of my Grey Knights was slain in the attempt, simply overwhelmed by the mass of desperate arms. But I am told his geneseed was recovered and there were no further casualties. A Space Marine is but a cheap tool to replace. 

Our duty on this world is ended.

REMINDER: Inquisitor Clavicus was seen once again departing my quarters. If I suspect his fruitless investigation into my affairs is set to continue much longer, action will be taken. My writ is just as unquestionable as his.

+++ LOG ENDS +++

+++ LOG OF INQUISITOR ERROL CLAVICUS, ORDO MALLEUS +++

+++ THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: HATRED IS OUR SUREST WEAPON +++

My Grey Knights have proven themselves once more on the field of battle. Much unholy blood was spilled and many bones collected for future study. 

Halfthor was pleased with his little bonfire, believing the work to be done. But the war rages on. Only through the bloodrite and the scrying of bones will answers reveal themselves.

Either Halfthor is too arrogant to recognise this, in which case he must stand down and let a wiser mind take the lead, or he is complicit and must be removed.

The Inquisitor’s quarters house a great many books and scrolls, not all of which I have been able to examine. It is my belief that he has sequestered texts that he was so keen to have destroyed. Iconoclast, my boot. Halfthor is a fraud and, Emperor forgive me, perhaps worse.

I will consult the viscera.

+++ LOG ENDS +++

_________________

And so, with the triumvirate of leaders complete, my Ordo Malleus force is ready for battle!

Inquisitors Clavicus and Halfthor of the Ordo Malleus

Painting these two models over the course of a month has actually been one of the most challenging parts of this project. Obviously, each Daemonhunter had to receive special care and attention — as well as a carefully considered, utterly ridiculous colour scheme — but I think there was also an added pressure: I had to finish on a high note.

I’ve painted so much silver armour over the past few months I really wanted these guys to stand out. And boy, do they! With their near-fluorescent green accents (the lovely Bright Green from Rogue Hobbies’ Pro Acryl set), they really are set apart from the rest of the army.

Hmm. My finger points!

Which I think they should, right? While an army of Space Marines will be largely uniform beyond a few flourishes, a character as individual, strong-willed and revered/feared as an Inquisitorial Daemonhunter should be able to make their heraldry truly their own.

I can’t judge Halfthor’s pink and green styling, can I? I’d probably be executed as a heretic.

Slaying in style

Each of these models are just perfect representations of their character. The masked and hooded Daemonhunter, Clavicus, bears arcane symbology and devil’s heads designed to make him look as fearsome as the monsters he hunts. Meanwhile, the fellow with the robotic leg and cool ponytail, Halfthor, commands the respect of age and wisdom. He’s stoic, technologically advanced and totally serving judge. 

While Clavicus came to me through a job lot of old minis, as most of my army has, Halfthor was a very kind birthday gift from our resident miniature bug-painter Tom. I hope I’ve done him justice! 

A truly radical outfit

In terms of painting these fellows, I’ve obviously decided to go wild with their colour schemes, embracing that 80s anarchy found in old White Dwarfs and source books of the time. Halfthor’s green and burgundy armour would be considered complimentary if it weren’t for the flaming orange gun casing in his hand and shock of blonde hair. Clavicus’s black armour and yellow pauldrons paint him as something of a toxic creature, with the addition of the vibrant green making him look positively radioactive and dangerous… and strangely, I think, Brazilian. 

These models’ poses really didn’t pose much challenge in terms of painting (another reason to love Oldhammer), though I did struggle to get at Clavicus’ face between mask and hood. I think the bit of flesh tone and dots for eyes suggest enough of a hidden visage to do the job. 

A colour scheme that screams "danger" and, maybe, "Lé lé óh"

Of course, being augmented humans with the best healthcare and biomechanical enhancements the Imperium can provide gives them much healthier looking skin tones than my sickly grey Grey Knights. That's another key element that sets them apart.

One of my favourite aspect of this pair of Daemonhunter models is that one is clearly supposed to be more radical, potentially even heretical, while the other is a more clean-cut, inspirational character. Having both at the helm of my army gives it a nice split personality — an ideal representation of a horrific space Empire at war with itself as much as it is with heretics, daemons and aliens.

And so, that’s my quota filled for this year’s challenge! And a month early, too. But I’m not going to rest on these laurels. I’ve got a bit of a wildcard addition to add still…

_________________

Army list as of May

Inquisitor Halfthor
Daemonhunter
Tactical Dreadnought Armour, Bio-Scanner, Displacer Field

Plasma Gun, Power Glove, Digital Weapons, Psyk-Out Grenade

Bionic Leg

Psychic Mastery Level 3
201 points

Inquisitor Clavicus
Daemonhunter
Tactical Dreadnought Armour, Bio-Scanner, Displacer Field

Psycannon, Force Rod, Scare Gas

Psychic Mastery Level 4
454 points

Captain Torkamadus
Grey Knight Terminator Captain | Hero
Tactical Dreadnought Armour
Nemesis Force Weapon

Psychic Mastery Level 4
450 points

Techmarine Tarantus
Techmarine
Basic equipment
Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle
97 points

Squad Deza
Grey Knight Terminator Tactical Squad
1 Sergeant and 4 Marines in Tactical Dreadnought Armour

5 Nemesis Force Weapons

Psychic Mastery Level 4
1,200 points

Brother Bethor
Deredeo Dreadnought
Missile Launcher, Heavy Plasma Gun
Standard Sensor Package, 2 Power Fields, Power Field Synchroniser
270 points

Squad Heliod
Tactical Squad
Sergeant with Bolt Gun, Bioscanner and Power Glove
1 Marine with Missile Launcher
1 Marine with Flamer

7 Marines with Bolt Guns
275 points

Bright Sword
Rhino APC with Techmarine Pilot, assigned to Squad Heliod
2 Bolt Guns
387 points

Riot Corps
Adeptus Arbites Squad
1 Magister with Bolt Pistol and basic equipment

5 Judges with Bolt Pistols and basic equipment
102 points

Squad Apollo
Devastator Squad
Sergeant with Bolt Gun
2 Marines with Beamers
2 Marines with Heavy Bolters

5 Marines with Bolt Guns
379 points

Grand Total: 3,815 points

Ben's Blood Drinkers - HQ Month

A quick post this month as we're on holiday at the end of it.  In May, I painted two key members of the of the Blood Drinkers 5th Company HQ: the Battle Standard Bearer and Captain.

The Standard Bearer is a 2nd Ed model with a banner modified from the 5th Company design in the Ultramarines codex.  This was to continue with the idea that the Blood Drinkers stick more closely to the Guilleman's Codex Astartes than other Blood Angels successors.  I now see there are a couple of bits I missed or need to tidy up but I couldn't have a post without a banner...

The Captain is a later model, but one that so perfectly fits the art on the 2nd Ed box cover that's inspiring my project this year I felt I had to use it.

These two add 176 points to the army total:

The Relief of Plavigorica - Mark's Araby Allied Contingent - May Leader month

 Forgive my handwriting, for I write in pain but also gratitude.  Today we moved against the besiegers, emboldened by hashish, desiring to drive a wedge before the gate, to bolster the defenders and share the provisions we have.  From our Sultan’s munificence our camels were laden with dates, sherbet, flour and honey, while we ate from the land. 

Yet just before dawn, the Skaven catapults brought down part of the west wall.  Therefore, our noble Emir diverted our spearhead to defend the breach.  He met Chief Vilethrottle in single combat amid the rubble, and slew him. Alas, our Emir’s wounds are grave and may be beyond the assistance of the magi.

Our corsairs fought an immense rat ogre who towered above them. Fierce stormvermin pushed back our spears. Evil fire throwers tore holes in our ranks. Our carpets - including my own - were brought down by their jezails.  And yet, at the point of defeat, with a great shout, the starving and desperate people of Plavigorica led by Vojvod Milos, surged out, sparking panic in the Skaven ranks.  With Vilethrottle slain, their captains could not stop a rout.  

Now we rest in safety and are thankful.  Our brave Emir lies in the Vojvod's own bedchamber.  Our alchemists and the local physicians have worked through the night but he does not rally.  He said "Let it be known, my wish was again to look upon the Old World, so beloved of my youth. I am at peace".   And I, Snorri, say this now: Although we have prevailed, surely there are no victors in these wars we wage.

---

This month, I am painting the contingent’s leaders – the commander, a contingent standard bearer, and a sorcerer.

I managed to get hold of a copy of Suliman the Saracen on eBay in late 2024.  I bought a Footsore warhorse, to which I added some tassels in hope of a slightly more arabesque look. 

But the opportunity for a camel was too tempting. I think the best camels are from Perry Miniatures’ Mahdist war range. 

To get another camel through the OWAC needle, I converted a standard bearer from a Gripping Beast Arab spearman. I’d painted myself into a corner in terms of banner size, with both the archers and corsairs having pretty big flags, and I didn’t want to make this one even bigger despite it being an army standard.  So, the hastily constructed backstory is it is the personal banner of the Sultan.  Although making the journey in person would be beneath him, sending his standard shows his endorsement, and serves as an inspiring rallying point for the troops (without being too large!)

A camel's profile is similar to a horse with a lower speed but higher toughness and willpower.

• In melee, riders have a +2 save from being slightly higher up, except when facing opponents with spears or polearms, when it is the normal +1 for being mounted.
• Camels repel horses.  A horse mounted unit must make a Cl test* to charge camels. 

For my story, this contingent is sent by Alkadi Nazreen, the Sultan depicted in Brian Craig’s Orfeo trilogy**.   The Emir is his military leader. The political leader, the Grand Vizier, will be painted in June.  He is really just a well-appointed member of the baggage train, who’d rather not be sent on this trip but needs must.  

Another important leader, and one of the Magi, is the sorcerer and astronomer Al-Nrikman. He is a level 20 Magus with the ability to summon a djinn.

 

The Citadel sorcerer is the foot version of the flying carpet rider painted last month.  Byron kindly offered to send me one all the way from Tacoma, but I managed to find one in the UK, on the Demon’s Lair website.  The djinn is from Ral Partha Europe, and is the equivalent of a level 6 air elemental. 

Al-Nrikman also has an imp familiar, N’tonik, who (as far as can be told) has the worst profile in all Warhammer:

---

The contingent so far:                              

January:  10 Arabyan Guard + Hashishin: 165pts

February: 10 Desert Archers:110 pts

March: 10 Araby Corsairs:198 pts

April: 2 Flying carpets ridden by fakirs and a Snake charmer: 325 pts

May:  Contingent commander: Level 20 hero on camel:109pts

Contingent standard bearer: Level 5 hero on camel with magic standard: 83pts

Sorcerer: Level 15 wizard: 155pts

Djinn: 600pts

Imp: 1pt

Total:947pts

Next month is the wildcard, which for me will be the baggage train.  More camels!

*Rider's Cool is the stat used to test for control of horses in WFB 3rd Edition - when they are spooked by fire.

**Nazreen is a convert from Estalia.  In some ways this makes him more interesting, (how did he become Sultan?), but I think a truly Arabyan character might have been better (just as Stands with A Fist from Dances with Wolves, should have been Sioux). 

Toms Goblins and Orcs: Rank and File #4

MAY.

This month has been awesome!

It's seen the completion of my planned army, and now comes the push to add some extras. But before getting ahead of myself, here's the last orc boys regiment 👊

These boys were a little bit of a struggle, but then as soon as I was half way through, they were a breeze. So strange how that sometimes happens... Here's the rank close ups...

The rust is a technical paint from the Army Painter - part of the John Blanche paint set

I tried to make them as easy as possible.  They're super nice sculpts, so that made it a lot easier. But it's why there's no colour variation, and all the 'bits' are the same brown colour.

Some of the orcs have been converted by their previous ebay owner.

Like this boy, with his beloved hammer and cleaver....👇

And then you gotta love picking up a model and then belatedly realising your fingers are covered in paint 😂😬👇

Here's a shot of the back of the orcs. You can see that I did the classic Thing of not checking whether they rank up neatly before plastic gluing them to their bases. It's why there are two orcs not on the required diagonal - and therefore those two can only be on the end of the rank. 

On to the Command! These models have been sat in my lead pile for a decade or so, and I think they were all 'extras' in bulk ebay buys when I was purchasing orcs for my big hat chaos dwarfs... 

This guy has a thing about eyes...👇

The drummer 👇

Took me so long to realise the drum is made out of a nailed in snotling 😬

And now on to the regimental standard, which I'm super proud of. He's now been promoted to Army Standard he came out so well! The banner design was inspired by this banner by ladykito on Instagram

My banner is paper. It's been doubled up and glued with PVA before painting, so then when it's attached to the banner pole it'll be quadruple paper. I used a new brush to paint the design on, which may be why it's come out so well! (I use greenstuff world gold sable #2 brush for everything except drybrushing)

And here it is attached and flying! 

The pole is 1.2mm brass rod, drilled right through the hand (which disintegrated, so I had to make some fingers out of greenstuff. It is the first time I've had to so something like this with GS!). The skull is from the current GW skulls set. I had to add some of the greenstuff to the back of the skull to poke the brass rod into and to shape the back of the skull.

It (the skull) is a bit too eye-catchy, but hey - it's done!

Both designs on the flag are inspired by images in the Warhammer Armies book (I asked ladykito about her banner).

Eye on the shield to fit in with the champions.

Group shot again 🙂

And now onto the promised ogre from last month! 👇

I think this ogre regiment is becoming one of my favourites! 👇

And then I also added two bases of snotlings. Every O&G army has them!

Sooo, that's all the planned minis. Now onto some extras, and I have this rushed timestamp pic where most of them are backwards...

Here's the git I was most excited to paint. Such a classy classic.

I did chicken out of adding any checks, dags or flames...

Here he is, doing what he does best - adding insult to injury...

I changed the rim colour of Grom's base to fit back in with the army 🙂

Then onto the squigs, and herders!

And their squigs. I did a classic thing of not checking my already painted squig hoppers from the last OWAC, so these squigs have purple lips

And yes, I know there's four squigs, when herders can only herd three, but hopefully I can rustle up a few more for June 🙂

Last but not least, some mushroom fuelled majiks from this night goblin shaman 👇

Basecoat // All over wash // Highlight

Aaaaand that's it for May!

Only thing left is the links back through and the points check for the month.

Intro: link

January: Rank and File - link

February: Rank and File - link

March: Rank and File - link

April: Leaders - link

May:

93.5...   17 x Orc Boyz

53...      1 x Orc Boss

11...      1 x Orc Musician

11...      1 x Orc Standard

40...      1 x Ogre

15...      1 x Night Goblin boss (that's the finger flasher)

30...      2 x Snotling bases

8...        1 x Squig Herders

80...      4 x Squigs

28...      1 x Night Goblin Shaman

Total: 369.5

So the plan for next month - the FINAL MONTH, is to make some terrain. I have some of the recent Old World plastic fences, some more of the K&M trees to base, and fingers crossed a paper building from the pages of White Dwarf. I have already painted some animals from Warlord (link) with which to populate the landscape 🙂

See you then! 💚