March Challenge, Blurry Pics, and Sacrifices

The new Photobucket continues to frustrate me but I think I have finally broken the code. Insult to injury, my old reliable camera is starting to go on the fritz so this latest round of pics is even worse than usual. To wit: First up are my March Freebootaz challenge. In this case I did the last of my heavy weapons platforms. These signal the end of my IG painting (until I buy more that is). The bases are special molds where the gunner is mounted to the base and the a-gunner can be removed to simulate a casualty. These are only the figures I painted with this batch and the a-gunners are being drawn from existing models. These are the other figs I painted so far this month. These are from the Chronopia line and when I got rid of the few figs I had I kept them; they are great for slaves, chaos sacrifices, or even renegade psykers. I was thinking about running a game where they are objective markers that a chaos player has to hold on to in a set place in order to fulfill a ritual. Of course the opposing player has to rescue or protect them. I have spent much time prepping my Dark Angels from the 6th Ed boxed set. I also prepped a second tac squad (the terminators and bikers are still on the sprue). The guys are assembled, primed and ready for action...and they are going to have to wait. I still don't feel the urge to paint them. In the mean time, I am working on some Aegis defense lines and a Bastion, plus some other terrain I've been sitting on for a while. After that but not sure if before or after the Dark Angels, I have some Heresy-Era Ultramarines, plus a couple of misspent Ebay purchases. Decisions, decisions.

The Second Battle for Salem

The Ultramarines landing team, led by the recovered Chaplain and bolstered by a devastator squad proceded to a water processing plant. Upon arrival, they found the local PDF garrison about to be attacked by a mechanized force. Unsure who was loyal, the Chaplain broadcast a missive to both sides, ordering them to stand down in the name of the Emperor. The IG force defending the site quickly responded and what could have been a three sided battle became to against what was in fact a mercenary force, determined to seize the plant for their own ends. Highlights include the IG and Ultras almost getting their hides handed to them by the mech-ed up mercs but ultimately driving them back. Also, the Chaplain was gunned down. Again. I'd love to post photos but my camera crashed with nothing recoverable. FUUUUUUUUUUU-

The Fruits of Roswell

To sum up: 'Nids IG officers with power gloves (to keep up with the new meta in 6th ed), vehicle crews, heavy weapon a-gunners, and aircrew (for engine starts and taxiing those Valkyries around the airfield): Chaos Cultists: And Chaos Chosen:

Liberation Point

The Ultramarines secure the landing pad and the spend the next few hours securing the adjacent buildings. Word is sent from Captain Sicarius to the acting commander that reinforcements are inbound at this time. "Be advised that this is our first attempt at using anything other than a drop pod so we will not be risking a large contingent at this time. Apothecary in training, Maren will be there to assist with the wounded and to gather gene-seed from the fallen. Systems are still in a state of decay but we are assessing our options as we speak. You maybe without immediate support so take whatever actions are necessary to protect the landing pad. If we have to abandon ship, we will need that pad." The Senior Sergeant quickly acknowledges his Captain and he immediately puts his troopers to task.

Chaplain Trajan comes to in an ad hoc medical area setup to protect the injured Marines. A trooper quickly informs the Chaplain that the landing pad has been secured. Trajan asks about men under his command and is saddened by the loss of two of his brothers. "I shall see to it that they will be remembered till the end of our days." Trajan says a quick word to the Emperor and blesses the fallen in his name. "Chaplain, I have been asked to inform you that you have prisoners to interrogate." The trooper seems to give a slight reaction to the phrase interrogate. Chaplain Trajan thanks his protector and blesses the trooper as he oversees the injured.

The Ultramarines spend their time setting up the defenses of the landing pad. The Marines are pleased to see that all of their injured needed only time to return to duty. Word has already been passed that two of the Marines are beyond medical care.

Chaplain Trajan looks upon the newly acquired prisoners with disgust. All of these men wear the Imperial Guard uniforms. From the appearance of their freshly craved icons of Chaos, these men were loyal just days ago. What would have turned these men so easily? Matters not, but I shall find the answers to these questions and but oh so much more....   
 
Within a few short hours the first Thunderhawk arrives bringing fresh troops and equipment. A scout squad, a tactical squad, and a devastator squad quickly run down the landing pad as a Tech Marine and servitors begin to pull out defensive cannons.

NON-RP Section
Scout Squad 5
Tactical Squad 10
Devastator Squad 5
Tech Marine 1
Tech Servitors 2
Icarus Quad Gun
Thunderfire Cannon
Apothecary Maren 1

All Chaos Renegades were exterminated. 11 ex guards are being held. Chaplain Trajan can ask 10 questions. After that, the traitors are worthless...

Missive From Roswell

Most of the way through my time here. There are no gaming stores here so my chagrin. Good news is I have painted 48 figures in my two weeks here. Bad news is that I have run out of figures to paint so am getting caught up on my reading. My camera has decided to no longer store pictures so I will post an update when I get back home.

Liberation Point Alpha

The liberation of Salem had begun, but only now had the Second Company learned whom they were libertating it from. After examining the augaries, Capain Sicarius decided that seizing a location that offered fuel and equipment for the maintenance of the company's flyers would be their prime location to seize. He made ready to seize the site personally but the counsel of his fellows convinced him to let Chaplain Trajan lead two squads instead; squad Vandar adn Squad Solinus, both equipped with missile launchers and meltaguns. The two squads embarked in their drop pods and launched... [This is a narrative-style game so we bent the rules regarding having models on the table and had it start with both squads deploying from their drop pods. Note-I only own one drop pod so the second one was proxied with the silver thing]. The squads deployed and spread out to surround the landing pad. Each squad split into two smaller squads to help cover all sctors. Immediately the opened fire at the renegade PDF that surrounded them. It was then in the distance they spotted the forces of the archenemy... Squad Solinus, without the chaplain, immediately had members cut down by fire from renegades. One half was able to stand its ground and hold the enemy at bay but the sergeant, succumbing to fire from the renegades and fallen marines broke and ran back to the drop pod. It took two full rounds for him to rally his courage even as the second half of his squad nobly stood their ground and held their positons. On the far side of the landing pad, Squad Vandar and the Chaplain Trajan kept up a wall of fire against the chaos marines that charged them. The squad took casualties in close combat but held, to be rescued as the second half of Vandar broke off from shooting at PDF troopers in the platform and charged into the fray. The chaos marines were broken but managed to escape. As the squads were reorganizing, the second squad of chaos marines came into range and opened fire on Squad Vandar-striking the Chaplain in the back and laying him low! In turn they were at last defeated, as were the renegades, their last two members breaking and running. Of the two squads of Ultramarines, ten had been casualties. However, quick medical attention resulted in only two being lost permanently. Still, of just over a hundred marines, even two were a high cost. [This was a great game and not meant to be a test of skills between David (who GM'd) and myself. Even with the noble power of the Ultramarines and their stalwart (and poorly shooting storm bolter) drop pods it could have turned against them at any time towards the end. I can't wait for the next mission.]

Leftovers

More Chaos- I call this my leftover Daemon...because he is made out of leftovers. Essentially all those great parts that come with the plastic demon prince kit, and some Robogear spider legs (and love-the secret ingredient is love). Partially inspired by Lt. Gregor over at the 40K Radio Freebootaz, partially to use more leftovers, and partially inspired by my desire to knock out projects that have been stuck in "that would be a great idea" mode, I present my first looted vehicle; this Orkified Leman Russ: Painting this will be my last project until I'm off to Roswell for a month. I have some figs set aside to keep me busy out there though so the time will not be wasted.