Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Dropfleet Commander a.k.a. Battlefleet Gothic second edition

So recently I was introduced to Dropfleet Commander. A spaceship game written by Andy Chambers that is in essence an updated version of Battlefleet Gothic but not set in the 40k universe. The game is fun, but I really wanted to play because of the models. Especially the "evil" aliens, the Scourge. Their ships are beautifully organic. Much like a Tyranid fleet, but built instead of grown. The studio paint scheme for the faction is absolutely beautiful, but I wanted to do my own scheme so I decided to go with a bioluminescent deep sea predator look. I think it is working nicely. Here are my first three ships: the Angelslayer, the Miasma, and the Wardog.



Thursday, February 22, 2018

Addanbelah Craftworld

The Aeldari of the Addanbelah craftworld are considered savage by all but the Aeldari of Saim-Han. Though they are still as advanced as any craftworld Eldar they are more willing than any to throw themselves into conflict on any scale. The bloodlust of Khaine has resided in these Aeldari since the fall. Originally hailing from one of the Aeldari home worlds currently within the Eye of Terror. The world, whose name has been long lost to the Fall, was a world of ash deserts that one would not expect the advanced and leisure seeking Aeldari to populate and for the most this is true, but within the hedonistic society the Aeldari had become there were those who practice restraint and the world of the Addanbelah Aeldari was home to a large order of warrior monks who practice forms of combat and ascetic living that became all too familiar with those who fled on the craftworld. The monks of the time called their way of life Addankiamenad-Belah, or the Way of Ash. This was later incoperated into the Craftworlds name and came to mean Those who walk the path of Ashes. They are named after their practice of burning the bodies of the warriors who fall in battle.

The Addanbelah are warriors above all and even the guardians of the craftworld are renowned for their prowess with sword and shuriken. Of the smaller craftworlds the Addanbelah have the largest number of Aspect Warriors and Warlocks. Their Autarchs are renown for their tactical acumen and their Bonesingers are master weapon smiths. Even the number of Engines of Vaul and titans within their armies are impressive for a small craftworld such as Addanbelah.

The colors of war of the Addanbelah are as dark and somber as its people. The armor of its guardians are decorated in the warpaint of their tribe and each squad has its own individual identity and warrior traditions. To the Addanbelah ones tribe means everything and each tribe traces its history to before the Fall to one of the orders of Addankiamenad-Belah monks. Each has its own marshal traditions and the head of each sits on the council of Autarchs that leads the craftworld to war. The Farseers of the Addanbelah are the wisdom but the Autarchs are the driving force of the craftworld.

Due to the similarities in temperament and social structure the Addanbelah are close allies with Saim-Han and Beil-Tan. Each is ready to send help in times of need and in the battle for Beil-Tan's Infinity Circuit many Addanbelah died in its defense. It was after this tragedy that the Autarchs of Addanbelah swore to Yvraine that the cause of the Ynnari would also be theirs.

While waiting for my airbrush I have been painting a few figures for my new Aeldari army as well as working on their story. I have finished my first few models so far. It is a pain not having my airbrush for base coating. Still the results have been pleasing and I am happy to be working on my favorite race and one of my favorite armies again. In addition to painting I have been reading the Eldar novels. I just can't get enough of their tragic lore. Here is my first finished model for the new army.

Her name is Ishtharia and she is the head of the Council of Seers. She was one of the foremost seers of Addanbelah and her accurate predictions lead them to send aid to Biel-Tan before the Masque sprung her deadly trap and so the Addanbelah were able to reach Biel-Tan before it was too late. Their aid was integral to defeating the daemons of Slaanesh before they could complete the destruction of the Craftworld. During the final battle though the previous head of the council was killed and after their return to their Craftworld the Autarchs named her the new head of the council.