Glorious Rebellion!

During what came to be known by the Hinterlands Insurgency; Imperial planet Stuke, of the Scargill sub sector became plagued by civil unrest and disorder. The entire Scargill system was beset by attacks by several invading forces that sought to destroy the forces of humanity in the area. Drukhari, Necrons, Orks, Death Guard and World Eaters all tried to plunder the wealth of the system. The planet Stuke had a far more covert threat in the guise of The People's Popular Front of D'Keddes, a genestealer cult. The planetary governor Pluto Darrke was aware of the infestation but also fully aware that Thatcher Magz planetary governor of Scargill and sworn enemy would like nothing more than to annex Stuke and execute her rival. With this in mind Darrke came up with the cunning plan of employing a mercenary force to end the genestealer threat without sending his main force to chase rebels in the wild steppes of Stukes vast expanses. As luck would have it one of Darrke's spies managed to contact a Kroot force whose skilled forest craft could root out and eradicate the genestealers. Landing a Kroot War Sphere in the wilds was easily acheived with some judicial rerouting of defence forces. Once they landed the Kroot went out hunting, with the scent of genstealer hybrid taint in their hounds nostrils the Kroot war party came upon a small settlement run by the Slaughterers Guild called Mount Offal. With whoops and yells the Kroot attacked!

Ascension Day Reinforcements

Greetings humans, after a long interlude, I have wares to show! What seems like an eternity of not actually finishing anything, I have managed to get some shit done. So without boring anyone with the whys and wherefores of the hiatus here are some old models with a few newer bits added to them.

GSC Cultist and Mr Boneshirt

Before genestealer neophytes got sexy they were generally sculpted by Bob Olley way back in the dawn of time (1990s) back when they were £2.99 for 5, I didn't actually buy them then, I played the long game and bought them on eBay when they were considerably more expensive. The model on the right is one of those cultist, whereas the guy on the left is an old Confrontation ganger from that era too. The Cultist has some Attalan Jackal arms and the guy with shades has an ole conversion beamer from Rogue Trader times that will proxy as a seismic cannon. What I think is particularly worth noting is the guy on the left has a shirt with many bones set upon it, like some Grimdark Lady Gaga!

Boney  Badromancy & Wrecker Maghee

Delaque Gangers and/or Cultists

Quite some time ago, an article in white dwarf had some scenario ideas for Necromunda models, one of these ideas was painting up Delaques as scientists with lab coats. I loved this idea and went with it,and a mere 20 years later finally finished up 20 Delaques for said scenario, Now I have been painting these on and off for quite a while but now I think they're *done. What had given me the final push was 40k 10th edition where I could fit 4 heavy weapons into a Neophyte hybrid squad. I made a couple more conversion beamer/seismic cannon hybrids to give myself a unit of baldies for my GSC army that could be a) members of the guild of dental assistants, b) a squad of militant painters and decorators or c) sperm bank employees on a field trip to give out free samples of Genestealer DNA. These and many more backgrounds can make my games more narrative.

Two basic grunts, one with a shotgun/hybrid firearm depending on what he's up to and a lasgun operator with a chainsword with hazard markings due to Adeptus Administratum health & safety legislation.

Two more grunts to catch bullets for their betters.

Two Juves (l to r) Three Fingered Jarlaff & Cobb Bluearm. One is the unit's icon bearer while the other is struggling to hide his Neophyteness.

The two heavies, Shy Malcolmtent & Burk Clawmeister. Both are metal Delaque heavies with hybrid claw arms at the back to hold their massive weapons (ooer).

Here is the Boffin/Dentist/STD Clinicians gang in their entirety

Tech Ganger and Ratskin

Another two Confrontation models. A Tech Ganger spruced up with Neophyte leader arms and a Rarskin with original weedy arms and a not so recent metal sniper rifle, The Tech ganger can moonlight as some sort of wannabee AdMech or lead some Neophytes into battle. He also has what I assume is some kind of hand flamer on his hip, or is it a sperm gun? The ratskin is just a generic native scout of whatever post apocalyptic world he gets to wander about on.

Now even some bolt pistols need hazard stripes, it's an nanny Imperium gone mad! Meet lawful Jezzup and Two Grox Humping.

Colony 87 Civilians

An ongoing project of mine is occasionally painting up non military types for my amusement. Here are two Colony 87 models from Crooked Dice. A veritable treasure trove of unusual models. The model on the left is I think some kind of psychic who is also playing the circle game with you (please punch yourself in the arm). On the right is the pilgrim a model I had intended to paint many years ago but the end of his staff came off and it was quite a pain to re-pin. 

Garze the Gesticulator & Nondescript Holy Joe.

Suspicious Looking Law Enforcement Commander

One of the best things about the hybrid neophyte boxed set is the multitude of extra heads you get. This allows for many of your loyal citizenry to get heads swapped to become more unsavoury characters with not so pure human genes. This is an old metal Arbites model that can be the law in a small settlement or due to his weird appearance and skin tone the champion of a 'turned' police unit on Ascension Day. The dismembered beaky marine on his base tends to give off an anti-imperial vibe but hopefully not quickly enough to give the game away when the rebel scum are pouring out of the sewers.

Beadiaii Khandle-Wormspag; nemesis of the unlawful (unless you know the secret handshake).

 

The whole group arrayed slightly artistically on the table ready for assignment to various parts of the cabinet of accomplishment.

So there you have it! Fifteen various bad guys that will no doubt be a thorn in the side of the Imperium, or if I ever get traction in my gaming group some fun Rogue Trader games.

Thanks for reading.

*Without the four special weapon troopers, I will have to state for fluff reasons that the Delaque have disguised their flamers/webbers/grenade launchers to look exactly like ordinary hybrid firearms.  

Four Cultists About To Bring Doom to the Imperium!

Greetings viewer. Just a quick update on some more members of the Assembly of D'Keddes my genestealer cult army. As the new 10th edition has dropped I'm trying to fill in gaps in my army, but the first two aren't gaps, just models I wanted to finish.

Neophyte Leaders

These two were constructed before GW decided to give neophyte leaders nothing in the way of options for the data cards. This is fine and dandy as I believe there will be a bit more to choose from is 2024 or 2025 but for now they can just hang around in the throng. For those interested they are on the left a human bomb from 1990's Imperial Guard and on the left is an even older confrontation miniature. Both are metal models where generic IG arms were then attached but I though a couple of new GSC arms would do the business. The bomber has an Attilan hammer in one hand and I think an Attilan gangsta posed bolt pistol. On the left we have an Attilan shotgun and hammer. Also of note is the collection of human(?) bones attached to his waist. Very grimdark. They are attired in the bland colours of D'Keddes so they won't stand out to enemy snipers that much. Or will they?

 

Smasher McBoom & Specs the Bone Collector.

Tarrelian Metamorphs

A while ago I made some Tarrelian/genestealer hybrids as I had a plantiful supply of never to be used Saurus. I made enough to fit the 15 being sized unit and then Cult Icons got good. So I made one and now they have a maximum of 10. Grrrrr. So now I have sixteen I think so I can make another four to make two units of ten or quite while I have the wrong number. When I was making the Icon bearer I made a buddy for him so he wouldn't be scared on the painting table with all those mean Drukhari. Anyhow that's the last ones I have constructed so it's on to other less species fluid aliens.

Blind Bill the Icon Bearer & Buddy Flamerchops.

So that's all folks for this update. Hoving into view are my virtually finished Wrack conversions that are a wee bit bizarre and (hopefully) gruesome. Until then, hobby responsibly and enjoy the wild ride that 10th edition will no doubt be!

Thanks for reading.

Alien Hybrids, Receptacles & Psychotic Murder Bikers

Greetings, welcome to another  episode of "What I done in 2021", one of those unsolicited things you get on the internet, like Nigerian princes and flat earthers. This update is of a xenos flavour, so here we go;

Tarrellian/Genestealer Hybrids 

The Gang

Heroes of the Imperium and Anarchists

Greetings, welcome to another thrilling edition of Jason paints stuff. This episode; Appointment with Terror.* Some of these models have been knocking around for many yonks and a couple were converted 2 weeks ago giving them a ridiculous turn around for me. As usual some are largely useless in wargaming terms but fun all the same and may possibly be seen as bystanders in other posts. Most of these models were completed with the aid of contrast paints, and minimal effort on my part, others had a bit more time wasted on them.

The Krablokistan 47th's Regimental Standard Bearer

As my Astra Militarum army has been getting some non codex additions (dismemberers, bounty hunters)I thought they might as well get something fun that actually is in the book. Hence the regimental standard. Out came the Dremel© (well cheap Dremel knock off anyway) and a metal Catachan sergeant was butchered. The bits box was plundered and various trophys were added along with some brass rods. So the banner has it's own central image depicting the regiments nickname and most famous victory, the burning of the heathen xenos mountains of peace and tranquility and religious home of the Q'Bork race (now extinct). Other items of note are a Biel Tan banner, T'au banner from the Pur'La sept,, Tarrelian warleader's head dipped in vinegar and mounted at the crosspiece and the (so far) crowning glory ; High priestess mask of the heretic death cult of Eros XV. The current banner bearer - sergeant Busta 'squint' Trabble will attempt to be at the forefront of any large scale engagements for the 47th'

Buster 'squint' Trabble posing for a publicity shot.

WIP - Sanctus Vindicare Assassin Conversion

Hello. as the blog post title implies, I have made a start on a Sanctus Vindicare Assassin conversion.  The main body is a Vindicare with one of the Locus model's spare heads. One of the old metal genestealer familiars goes on the base to become his super cover save cancelling buddy. Anyway here he is;

As of yet not much to get impressed by but as I'm using it as an entry into a Yaktribe painting competition I thought I'd put it here as well. I actually wanted to convert the familiar to be holding the Sanctus hand but in the end it seemed it wouldn't look as good as the familiar resting his hand on the leg, giving him super special vision. Anyway that's all for this update. Next one will either have some painted up guardsmen or a bit more paint on this one.

Thanks for Reading.

Just Another COVID 19 Update

Aloha! Welcome one and all! Just a quick (that may end up long) update on my painting progress. I would say hobby progress but as there's a global pandemic going on, bugger all gaming is happening. As previous posts have alluded to 2020 was going to be this brilliant gaming fest when we played a 40K league and everyone had a great time. That's obviously on hold now so on the plus size I have managed to paint some shit up.....

Colonel Schaeffer's Last Chancers

Probably my favourite thing about the Astra Militarum fluff is Colonel Schaeffer's Last Chancers, a nod towards the Dirty Dozen movie where a group of army criminals attempt to assassinate a high ranking German officer in WWII. GW brought out a version out with their 'crimes' in a White Dwarf and a series of rules for each model to make for interesting suicide missions. They were modeled as coming from different AM regiments from across the galaxy and really showed out the diversity of the army with various uniforms and two female troops. 

The whole gang

Once again Citadel contrast paints were used. Colour-wise I used Militarum Green for the trousers (and skirt), Creed Camo for jackets, Gullimann flesh for skin tones and Goregrunta Fur for most of the webbing. A lot have Basilicanum Grey and Black Templar in there as well.

Warrior Woman, Ox, Fingers, Rocket Girl, Hero and part of er, Wheels?

Animal, Colonel Schaeffer, Shiv, Demolition Man, Brains and Scope

They all had cool sounding names and each had special rules that possibly worked well in 3rd or 4th edition 40K (I never played it much). For example Brains (second from right in the above picture) could hack and computer system on a 2+. Very thematic and useful in small skirmishes but in the Grim Darkness Of The 41st Millenium 8th edition not so useful. another rule Ox (second from left picture above this one) lost his shit if Brains died and doubled his strength and toughness for the remaider of the game. I am tempted to recreate the rules for the Last Chancers for the current edition, but with the general lethality of the game 12 models with special rules seems like effort.

Catachan Jungle Fighters

Next up are some more Catachan Jungle fighters. Using contrast paints I knocked these up in pretty much record time. They seem to be much brighter then my previous units so I hope they can blend in without too much visual trauma. These were done at the same time as the Last Chancers so I used the same colours.

Three grunts and a meltagun guy.

A company commander and two cronies, one with a plasmagun and another with a bolter.

The two pictured above with the Commander are both plastic models I got in an eBay job-lot. The one with plasmagun is known as trooper Beard and has the distinction of killing a Screamer Killer during the Second Battle of Lernin Kerv. Trooper Boltgun has no such stirring war story. Maybe he will for the Third Battle of Lernin Kerv that hasn't occurred yet.

Genestealers

No painting update would seem right without some Genestealer Cult models sneaking in to here they are; three Hybrids that have certainly seen some action, like trooper Beard, but due to me not having ever mentioned them in a battle they will remain anonymous for now (just how they like it). Contrast colours were once again the heroes.

These Hybrids seem somewhat lost as they are not dressed for jungle combat.

Another unit sat on the nearly finished area was my Magus and his two little bug eyed friends. Familiars are fun and they can give the Magus some additional spellage at crucial times of a game plus some extra attacks to thin out some rank and file. This gets my GSC army to well over 80% painted by my guess. The main item to finish now is the Patriarch and then  its off to convert up some vehicles to finish the army off.

The familiar on the left has seen lots of action judging by the missing claws on his gnarly little paws.

More Asta Militarum Types

My final three models are a little bit more interesting I feel, if only because I have given them back stories. On the left is an Orlock Juve that's been given a shotgun to play with. Not the best weapon to shoot single handed but it's a testament to cadet Onanism's wrists that he even attempts to shoot it like a pistol. In the centre is an old confessor model. Given the same colours as the rest of the guardsmen he will, (more often than not) represent a veteran with a plasmagun who is the squad's unofficial chaplain when there are no sanctioned Preachers around. He may wend his way into the entourage of an Inquisitor as plasmaguns are a good way to teach the ungodly about The Emperor. Thirdly on the left is a model I bought several years ago from Iron Mammoth Design. Now they seem to be available by Rattrap Production but I can't see them on their website. Anyway, the model on the left is a Shaolin Monk whom I stuck to a rock as he looked all meditatey and then lost interest in painting. Then came Contrast paints and an idea for a combat instructor for new recruits in my Krablokistan army. So Master Xhuc Pan Tang was born. A monster in close combat (for a human) due to his martial arts. Carrying nothing but a staff (which in game terms has to be a blade of conquest) he will more than likely be hitting the tabletop in a batrep near you when the restrictions lift.

So that's it for now 27 more models have made the big time. Hopefully, in the not too distant I can get rolling dice for these little soldiers  and create magically theatrical batreps to enthrall and excite all and sundry. Anyway, feel free to comment below and tell how great I'm doing without much effort. Until next time (there's a very good chance there will be more Catachans) cheers for dropping by.

Thanks for reading.

Genestealer Cult Progress

Some new inductees into the Assembly of D'Keddes! Today I have a few more contrast paint commandos. The best thing I think about contrast paints is there is no massive gap between finishing stuff so I don't forget the paint combinations or highlights (especially now as there is none!). So anyhow, here's the pretty pictures....

Two Fat Hybrids and Some Half Orlocks

Recent games and the Psychic Awakening book have  made me redo my lists. Having painted up most of my Neophytes I had to get a bit creative, especially as I wanted another seismic cannon in my shotgun armed strike team. Also I have some spare special weapons to start doling out so I can swap loadouts and have the models to put on the table without having to refer to them as "that Neophyte with the flamer actually has a webber". I had some Neophyte torsos left over so I hacked apart some old Orlocks and hey presto! More cultists. I also chopped up the two gorkamorka  wartrack gunners to create a couple of chunky hybrids, one with the aforementioned seismic cannon and another with an autogun. I'm pretty happy with the results so hopefully they can start doing great work for the cult in the near future!

Because the Ork models heads were sunk into their torsos, I had to give both models medallions to cover up their surgery. It also means that can go down to the local Assembly of D'Keddes discos and pick up female cultists for procreation purposes. Lucky them?

Hell's Angles

Also finished are Atalan Jackals. These are some of the best models in the Genestealer Cult range that for various reasons haven't been seeing a lot of table time recently. This will hopefully change as there are a couple of new opportunities since the PA book came out. 

I have also finished up my Jackal Alphus which is one of the more effective and useful models in the GSC army. Anything that can give a +1 to hit for *all units within 6" on a specific target. Only now there is a strategem to increase that to 18"! This is massive and something I will be pissing off my opponents with in the near future.

Jackal Alphus Mary

 Big Ugly Abominant

Another completed character, the Abominant! Probably the most durable model in the cult army. Hits like truck too. Put him with a unit of Aberrants and there will be blood!

Stumbolklunk the Terrible and his assistant Little Gavin.

 Everybody's Favourite Gunslinger

This isn't actually true. Most of the guys in my gaming group hate him. Those that have come up against him anyway. He got a 15 point hike in the last update and a 75 points is still a very good price. Deployed correctly he can take out characters and improve the shooting of the locals. Fantastic model too,

The Hybrid with No Name.

So there you have it, 15 more cultists to help overthrow the Imperium. Be afraid Imperium, be very afraid!

* Not really all. Those members of the cult masquerading as legitimate military employees are incapable of following the direction of a chick on a dirt bike. Come on GW, don't make my army out to be sexists! Allow my Leman Russ crew to be inclusive to all!

Thanks for reading.

The Crusade of Dy Celiac IV

The saga of Brother Sergeant Buttafucco's escape from Dy Celiac IV was worthy of entry into The  Emperor's Great Colouring Book of the Astartes in itself. Having to disguise himself and his two remaining Eliminator squad mates as burly washerwomen to reach the orbital monitoring station was an act of genius only exceeded by the jobsworth attitude of the shuttle security detail. A brutal bloodbath later where several technicians were killed because 'they looked a bit purple' enabled the warning signal to be sent out. The message was simple, Dy Celiac IV had been overthrown by the Assembly of D'Keddes, a genestealer cult and the Blood Angel force was presumably wiped out. By the most random of chances, a single Astarte strike craft was close enough to respond. Buttafucco was surprised to receive a small force of Blood Angels including Lord Mephiston himself. After a detailed briefing the Blood Angels leader - Brother Captain Nivea ordered a swift assault on where the hierarchy of the cult was thought to be. And so the Crusade of Dy Celiac IV began......

Civil War, Sort Of

For some time Patriarch Vexermillidies had been troubled by doubts. For many years his cult had grown strong on Pruscilla, an Agri-world of little note. Then came the Custodes. A vicious battle had been fought and won and the invaders were eradicated. Vexermillidies had been sorely wounded in the battle by the accursed Custodian's axe and had very nearly lost his life. What had been particularly galling was the siren song of the Star Children had been growing stronger signifying their proximity. After his head wound however, the siren song had become a grating screech. Thus it had been for months and then Star Children had arrived. The nearer they came the more it pained the Patriarch, to such an extent that when the bio-forms started landing his cult, rather than aiding the invaders, they were mentally commanded to gather once more around Custrad Castille. The Tyranid creature in the temple that had been protected for many seasons had become agitated that the cult were not attacking with the Star Children. It sent out a pheromone signal to attract attention of it's peers. Vexermillidies, head pounding flew into a rage and eviscerated the creature after a brief struggle. Still raging the Patriarch removed the head of the creature and hurled it into the central square outside the temple beside a transmitting device. The pheromone  signal however, did not cease and a spearhead of Tyranid creatures arrived to find out the source of the signal. By this time a large portion of the cult had assembled and the pain in Vexermillidies was increasing, the only possible solution was to kill all the Tyranids on Pruscilla to bring relief, that was the start of second battle of Custrad Castille.

The Battle of Custrad Castille

Patriarch Vexermillidies was in a state of agitation. Agri-world Pruscilla was going to be subjugated, of that there was no doubt. The Cult had control of the small province of Custrado and was starting to send out enthralled merchants and workers to spread the infiltration. No, this wasn't a problem, what was of concern was the word that a considerable force of Adeptus Custodes had landed in the capital Demidrullio and were now speeding towards Custrado, knowing that conflict was inevitable Vexermilledies sent out a mental command to his cult to meet in the hills just outside Castille Custrad, as a distraction must be caused to protect the contents of the temple. It would be vital to neutralise the force before they could discover what was in the Castille, no matter the cost.

Greetings, back in August I had the pleasure of a game of 40K against Billy with his very nicely painted Adeptus Custodes army. Having never played them before, I was rather looking forward to it. A quick look at the codex was pretty interesting reading. Everything is T5 (or above) with 2+ armour saves and other de-buffs to make killing them difficult. The best thing about them though is they come in small numbers. They also are very tasty in close combat. Pretty good at shooting too. So the main feature of these guys are they plod forward killing the enemy at will shrugging off lots of small arms fire and probably a fair bit of slightly bigger arms fire. So the battle will be all about will my expendable hordes be up to the task of killing 25 or so unexpendable warriors of the Emperor.

HQ;
Shield Captain in Allarus Terminator Armor: Castellan Axe
Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike: Hurricane Bolter, Superior Creation, Warlord. Auric Aquilis
Troops;
Custodian Guard Squad. Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield. Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield. Custodian: Guardian Spear
Custodian Guard Squad. Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield. Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield. Custodian: Guardian Spear
Custodian Guard Squad. Custodian: Guardian Spear. Custodian: Guardian Spear. Custodian:Guardian Spear
Elites;Allarus Custodians . 5 x Allarus Custodian: Castellan Axe.
Vexillus Praetor: Storm Shield, Vexilla Defensor
Fast Attack;
Vertus Praetors. 9x Vertus Praetor: Hurricane Bolter.
Total: [110 PL, 8CP, 1,997pts]

Brigade Detachment
Cult Creed: Cult of the Four-Armed Emperor
Stratagem: Broodcoven
HQ;Jackal Alphus Mary
Magus Frowl: Familiar, Power: Mass Hypnosis, Power: Might From Beyond, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Inscrutable Cunning
Patriarch Vexermillidies: Amulet of the Voidwyrm, Familiar, Power: Mental Onslaught, Power: Might From Beyond, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Shadow Stalker
Primus Pincus Wrex; Bonesword, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Alien Majesty
Troops;
Acolyte Hybrids [6 PL, 95pts]: Cult Icon
. 6x Acolyte Hybrid
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Autopistol, Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Autopistol, Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cultist Knife

Acolyte Hybrids : Cult Icon. 6x Acolyte Hybrid. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Autopistol, Heavy Rock Saw. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Autopistol, Heavy Rock Cutter. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cultist Knife
Brood Brothers Infantry Squad : Brood Brothers Leader. 9x Brood Brother
Brood Brothers Infantry Squad : Brood Brothers Leader. 9x Brood Brother
Neophyte Hybrids: Cult Icon. 10x Neophyte Hybrid. Neophyte Hybrid: Grenade Launcher
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid: 2x Mining Laser. Neophyte Hybrid: Webber. Neophyte Leader: Autogun, Autopistol, Power Maul.
Neophyte Hybrids. 9x Neophyte Hybrid. 2x Neophyte Hybrid: 2x Grenade Launcher
. Neophyte Hybrid (Mining): Mining Laser. Neophyte Hybrid: Seismic Cannon. Neophyte Leader: Autogun, Autopistol, Chainsword
Elites;
Aberrants. 4x Aberrant (Hammer): 4x Heavy Power Hammer. 4x Aberrant: 4x Power Pick. Aberrant Hypermorph: Heavy Improvised Weapon
Clamavus
 19x Purestrain Genestealer
Fast Attack;
 Achilles Ridgerunner: Flare Launcher, Heavy Mining Laser, 2x Heavy Stubber
Achilles Ridgerunner: Flare Launcher, Heavy Mining Laser, 2x Heavy Stubber
Atalan Jackals . Atalan Jackal: Demolition Charge, Shotgun. Atalan Jackal: Demolition Charge, Shotgun. Atalan Jackal: Demolition Charge, Grenade Launcher. Atalan Leader: Demolition Charge, Power axe. Atalan Wolfquad: Atalan Incinerator, Shotgun
Heavy Support;
3x Brood Brothers Weapons Team: 3x Autocannon
Goliath Rockgrinder with Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Mining Laser, Heavy Stubber
Goliath Rockgrinder with Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Mining Laser, Heavy Stubber
Total: [112 PL, 14CP, 1,998pts] 

To provide a bit of narrative, as part of Rouboute Gullimann's new Imperial policy of the Indomitus crusade (or whatever it's called) and the fact that the Adeptus Custodes have abandoned their laissez faire attitudes, a large force of them (25 is large by their terms) ave been dispatched to investigate and probably kill anything out of the ordinary on Pruscilla, a relatively prosperous agri-world.  What isn't know is there is a fairly well established  genestealer cult on the planet. To add a bit more spice to the story Stuart decided to place a Hive Tyrant within the temple of the Castille. As I can't go round using Hive Tyrants in my games willy nilly, it's assumed (by me anyway) that somehow this creature was seperated from it's Hive Fleet but somehow the pod containing it latched onto the cults psychic spore landing  pretty close in Custrado. The cult recognised the Hive Tyrant as a star child and is currently protecting him until they can find a female Hive Tyrant and breed them. Now as I'm struggling to keep up to date with my batreps, I will try to keep waffle to a minimum and try to keep the prose succinct and impartial. Lets see how I get on;

Some sneaky Custodes. Not happy with having T5 2+ armour they are hiding in the woods. What's a self respecting Patriarch to do? 

As if that wasn't bad enough! The Emperor's favourites on jetbikes are shivering in the Castille. There are also three Custodian Guard lurking behind some rock formations. SPOILER ALERT; I get first strike by killing those three.

My deployment zone has a veritable patchwork of painted and unpainted models. Purestrains and Patriarch on the right. Rockgrinder/Chimera hybrid next to it with Ork Trukk/Achilles hybrids to it's left. There are also Brood Brothers and Neophytes bravely taking position behind some walls.

On the landing pad is another Brood Brother unit with more Neophytes and Jackals behind them. Aberrants and Hybrids are using tactical brilliance to hide underground, ready to spring a trap on the Custodes later.

A Rockgrinder's-eye-view of the preceedings. 

The Neophytes and Brood Brothers heroically defend some sort of transmitting device. If the Custodes get hold of it the entire globe will drown in a sea of baby oil and bronzer. Incidentally as previously spoiled, the combined might of numerous mining lasers and other nasty weaponry got a first strike VP on the central Custodes unit.

To the left the Magus offers encouragement in a safe position. Also in a safe position are the Jackals. They're so safe they will have to do quire a bit of maneuvering to get round the dim witted Neophytes standing there like, well cattle.

The Custodes objectives.

With the help of the Clamavus the Genestealers get into long charge range. Incidentally the Clamavus failed to keep up with them as he has a 'bad knee'.

The Custode bikers are worst than their footslogging companions as they seem to spend a lot of time 'lubing' rather than getting into combat.

The Custode Guard with Vexillus Praetor amble toward objective 2. They don't need it I think, just like the way the sun shines down on it so they can get some great selfies for the communal Adeptus Custodes instagram account.

Shit gets real! The Aberrants suddenly appear, Probably from the large Chapel type building that the Custodes forgot to look in.  

Some Hybrids appear out of nowhere ready to dish out some death and destruction to the rear ends of the Custodes!

A long charge is made. Cult Of The Four Armed Emperor be praised for the Cult Of The Four Armed Emperor's +1 to charges.

The Aberrants  manage to make their charge! Scratch one large unit of Dawneagle Bikers (or whatever). The Aberrants kill a few bikers then I find to my amazement their spears give them a ludicrous strength bonus even when the aren't charging! I also totally forget to decrease any damage by one in this combat.

The Custodes appear to be ignoring the Hybrids as they try to chop them up!

This rather arty picture was taken by Stuart. The Dawneagle riders trundle over the Castille walls to shoot some Hybrids in the back. Not very sporting is it? 

Oh no! Some flying cavalry appear. They left two remaining Aberrants coughing on diesel fumes as they try to be heroic elsewhere.

Some Allarus Custodians appear from their super oily teleportarium/tanning booth and attack the Patriarch with big throwing axes I think. This is one of those times where I'm sure I could have postioned him a bit more safely.

Having kicked the shit out of the Aberrants leaving two behind as they weren't of any consequence, the bikers go to inflict stupid amounts of firepower on lightly armoured Hybrids.

Quite a lot of the senior members of the cult try to look as unthreatening as possible as some mini Primarch takes a good hard look at the aliens. Another thing I forget in this turn is my bikers are -1 to hit. 

When this happened I was quite confident that my guys had this covered....

A while later I wasn't so sure.

The closest target to a considerably large part of my army is the aforementioned demi-Emperor revs his Rhino sized jetbike. Shortly after this the Rockgrinder charges into the Dawneagle bikers, failing to kill many but in the returning  fight gets destroyed but that was ok as they self detonated causing petty revenge mortal wounds. It was all part of my plan. Probably.

Turn three and I have a healthy lead.

Most of the Allarus Custodians are gone, as are most of the Genestealers and the Primarch. Highlight of this scrap was when the Primarch made one of the Custodian hit his mate. Didn't kill him but it was funny.

These guys walk right past the Ridgerunner to shoot my Clamavus skulking in the woods.

Two combats that didn't exactly go my way. The Rockgrinder, Brood Brothers and Primus all carked it this turn. 😩

There are now considerably less bikers and aliens in this area. Testament to the brutal nature of the game.

Due to the superior numbers of the Cult I manage to score quite a few objectives and rolled a maximum for Supremacy. Stuff like this skews the scores a bit.

"DIE COMMIE SCUM!". Or "YOU THERE! FILTHY XENOS ABERRATION WITH THE SOUND SYSTEM. KINDLY SHUFFLE OFF THIS MORTAL COIL! THANKS!". So ended the saga of the Clamavus 😟.

Either the Vexillus is dry humping the wreckage of the Ridgerunner or the crew have made peace with him and have kindly offered to take him down to the offy for 20 Dunhill and a bottle of Pinot Grigio. 

Meanwhile two callously dismissed Aberrants climb the Castille walls to overlook the carnage (and grab an objective).

The tactical objectives fell redonkulously kindly for me. The opposite could be said about Billy's.

Final Score. 20 - 2 to the bug eyes.

Meanwhile Back In The Temple.....

That was a fun game. Totally skewed victory points wise but rather enjoyable to play in. After fighting the Custodes I have a new found respect for anyone playing them. When every game you play you are outnumbered, severely, it will make any game involving VP's challenging. They are bloody hard to get rid of though. Custodes are absolutely lethal in combat too. If I was to critique Billy's tactics he probably should have flown his bikes over the Castille first turn. Perhaps because we have a running complaint about mining lasers in the group Whatsapp, that might have delayed him. I don't complain about them at all. Once again though I forgot vital rules in my army, namely the Aberrants reduction of wounds thing and the Jackals -1 to hit. In the end neither really were game changing but had the cards been kinder to Billy, it would have been a different story. Billy put my army to shame with his paintedness. It has, however spurred me on to get cracking with my Cult, and now most of of Purestrains are done, so there won't be any more united colours of Cultetton pictures in the future. So there you have it, the cult defeats the Custodes and the planet of Pruscilla under threat of insurrection. Also will Patriarch Vexermillidies find a playmate for the Hive Tyrant? Only time will tell, or not if I get bored.

The real reason the Cult led the Adeptus Custodes away from the temple.

Despite suffering massive losses the remains of the cult were victorious. Patriarch Vexermillidies had been severely wounded but survived (barely). Only a hand full of  Custodes managed to leave the battlefield. It was now imperative that they were hunted down before they could bring more meddlesome Imperial agents to Pruscilla. As a matter of course cultists had attempted to sabotage the Custodes transport even as the main force was engaging them. This should buy enough time for a second assault and a relocation of Tyranid life form in the temple.

Thanks for reading.