Archive of the Aett

Army Showcase - Warhammer 40k #PurgethePit Campaign 2019

September 05, 2019

Most of you will know me from Twitter ( @oftheaett )

If not Hello!

I'm Andy and I'm a UK based hobbyist and miniature enthusiast - painter/ kit-basher and proud member of the #warmongers and #Warhammercommunity. Come say hi on my socials!

Hail Warmongers!

Thanks for all your support so far for the #PurgeThePit Campaign this December. (07.12.2019)

This post will serve as an awesome showcase for people to share their armies prior to the big day!

This post will be updated as and when there's something to share, so be sure to check back regularly!

If you want your force to be featured here please get in touch either on social media or in the comments below. We'd love to see your armies and read their backstories!

Enjoy! - Andy of the Aett

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The Vigilant Blades - by Dr Dave @dave_the_dr

Their story -

The Imperial Fists were a pragmatic Legion and the chapters that they formed during the Second Founding were no less so. But being pragmatic does not mean that they are not hopeful. They know that Dorn is dead and the facts lend themselves to that conclusion. But the evidence leaves room for hope that he may not be so. And if there is hope then the pragmatic approach is to stay vigilant and watch for further evidence.

The Feast of Blades is a periodic event that calls together all of the Sons of Dorn. Winning the Feast of Blades earns both the champion himself and his Chapter great honour, as well as the right to bear the artifact known as the Dornsblade.

But what is less known outside of the Brotherhood of the Sons of Dorn is that he who bears the Dornsblade is then tasked with leading a force comprised of at least one member of each chapter, collectively known as the Vigilant Blades, out on crusade to look for evidence of Dorn's survival. The fire of hope in finding any evidence fades with every feast, but is occasionally is rekindled as the Vigilant Blades discover some artefact, some tenuous link to their Father. A piece of armour, a weapon or an ancient text, the artefacts are varied but treasured none the less.

When the psychic scream echoed from Beta Chi 138 the Vigilant Blades led by their current Champion Armand Thane, had recently translated into a nearby star system whilst tracking down one of those artefacts. The scream from The Pit was of such coincidence that they could not simply ignore it and thus they found themselves descending upon the Hive City, competing with friend and foe, ally and enemy alike in order to be the ones to discover the truth behind the scream…

A word from the creator -

I've been wanting to paint some Imperial Fists for a while but didn't really want a whole army. I also liked the idea of including members from different successor chapters but wanted to keep them cohesive, so paint just one shoulder pad in the colours of their chapter.

I have been collecting and saving little bits for this force and here are the first three: a Crimson Fist, a Black Templar and a Red Templar. I have two more members of the task force to work on, which will be an Imperial Fist (Armand Thane), and an Invader (I like the idea of a green shoulder pad...) and their daring and reckless nature...).

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Commander Shadowsun's Strike Force

Their story -

Commander Shadowsun was summoned by the ethereal council in the dead of night by an urgent messenger who was gasping for breath and would give the commander very little time to get ready.

When they arrived at the council chambers Shadowsun was shocked to see the full council on session anxiously waiting for her arrival. When she had taken her seat they explained to her they had recieved a faint signal that match one of the ships from the 4th sphere expansion fleet that was believed to be lost along with 3/4 of that expansion fleet and is believed to be a member of the water caste ethereal who could be a successor to the ethereal supreme aun'va who was murdered by a culexus assassin but only the ethereal council and a select few such as Shadowsun were aware.

The problem was that even though they had only recently recieved this signal it was fading fast so an investigation would be need to be do with all possible haste and with the level of secrecy needed for this mission the council could only trust this important mission to the legendary commander shadowsun.

The ethereal council told Shadowsun the signal was coming from a planet that the imperals called Beta Chi 138 and had arranged for a Orca drop ship to depart with all possible haste. They gave Shadowsun an hour to gather a small strike force before she had to depart.

Knowing now why she was summoned in so much haste she made all possible haste to the Kauyon barracks establishing a comm link up soon as she left the council temple to her veterans to assemble.

Knowing space on the drop ship would be small and that she could only take soilders she could trust she called five XV25 pilots and XV95 pilot to her personal chambers at the barracks.

When they arrived confused for being summoned so late at night Shadowsun briefed them on their mission but keeping the details about aun'va secret as required. The soldiers then hurried to to transport their suites to the waiting drop ship while Shadowsun did the same and in less than an hour their ship was leaving orbit on route to Beta Chi 138.

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Inquisitor Spinoza's task force - by The Reluctant Inquisitor - @TheReluctantIn

Their story -

15 years after his last reported sighting a message has be revived :

This is Inquistor Gregor Eisnhorn requesting Ordo back up at once. I’m on route to Beta Chi 138 on inquisitorial business to investigate major Xenos activity in the hive there. Message Ends.

Upon receiving this message from the long lost Inquisitor the Ordo Xenos have tasked interrogator Spinoza to go with a small detachment of Inquisition troops to assess the provenance of the message and its sender. To aid Gregor Eisenhorn and find out were he has been for 15 standard;

Upon boarding one of the black ships from Holy Terra Interrogator Spinoza is informed that there is someone on the bridge for requesting an ordnance at her earliest convenience. Spinoza arrives on the bridge she is met by a single towering giant in gold resplendent ceramite armour.

“Well met Inquisitor, The Emperor Protects and punishes those who have fallen, There is in this case the question of the Daemonhost that must be addressed”

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The Iron Guardians - By Fitzy Paints @fitzypaints

Their story -

Formed by Cawl in secret, when creating the Primaris marines they are the admech on Mars' own standing marine force. Deployed where the Adeptus Mechanicus cannot be seen to go, and fight the battles they can not themselves.

Their primary goal secure and defend admech forge worlds and territory secure resources for the imperium hunt lost STCs.

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TalosUK88's Salamanders - @talosuk2099

Their story -

Translation from the Warp into the material universe was like unto the most virulent and cataclysmic storm ripping a tear in the fabric of real space. The Strike Cruiser, ‘Puritan Flame’ did not enter the system gracefully. She was spinning on her dorsal axis, her bow still wreathed in etheric lightning; the force of breaking free of the Warp’s grip buckled her hull and sent shockwaves through her masterly crafted flanks.

She was a serving vessel of the former XVIIIth Legion, the re-forged Salamanders Chapter; she was ancient and proven in battle a thousand, thousand times over. On board were the Forgefather’s accompanying task force of Astartes and attendant Chapter serfs. Vulkan He’stan’s ceaseless search for the artifacts of his Primarch father had taken a turn for the worse since the Rift had split the galaxy in two. A solitary pulse had sparked amidst the roiling Warp for the briefest of moments, its origin traced and efforts were made to set a course that would lead them here, to this system, now.

The Puritan Flame took some time to be coaxed back into a stable course and heading to the inner system. A flurry of traffic was intercepted by the servitors and serfs manning the archeo-tech of the signals stations. The origins of the signals were posited as core ward, a major planet Beta Chi 138 as the records had it. Initial analysis pointed to numerous signals from Xenos and Heretic already in orbit or already planet side. There were precious few signals that passed signal recognition identifiers from the Imperium, there were however a number that when processed where confirmed as Inquisition in origin.

“Shipmaster, take us into high orbit, put us right over the convergence point of those signals. Find out why we are here”. He’stan did not await confirmation of his orders; instead he turned from the bridge and headed down to the hanger bays where the remainder of his allies awaited his word.

“Khagan, are our brothers ready for a hunt?” He’stan’s vox popped once before the White Scars voice rumbled over his helm vox.

“We are primed and ready Forgefather, set us loose on the wind.”

I bring the Emperor’s Wrath, His Justice and Our Father’s Will to this place.

I bring immolation to our enemies and deliverance to His subjects.

We are the Emperor’s avenging angels, His sword against the prevailing darkness.

Into the Fires of Battle, and Unto the Anvil of War

A word from the creator -

No crazy kit bashes here unfortunately, just an opportunity to get some models painted that had been languishing for much too long. I had the Pyroclasts assembled and primed at least a year ago, so the Purge was a good opportunity and kick in the rear to actually get them done!

I did struggle a little with what to take before settling on a small contingent of the Forgefather’s search for the artifacts of Vulkan, with a little help from a White Scar. I was hoping to fit @PlutoniumOD’s incredible model he sent to me as part of the Twitter model swap, as well as @OfficePainter’s stunning White Scar. I have no doubt he will stomp face soon!

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Ie'Lasharai - By @UNITYoALL

Their story -

The rough gothic translation is "The sound of wind in the forest" Throughout the myriad histories of the many worlds of the many races, there have always been legends of dark gods in the deep forests. Gods wearing the skulls of animals and covered in vines and moss. Gods that come and go, seen only by the lucky or some might say unlucky. Gods that spirit away children and usurpers of the forest.

Ie'Lasharai are those dark gods.

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Matt Lewis' Ork Waaagh band - @lewismatt1984

Their story -

The small Kill Kroozer dove towards the surface of the scrap planet below. It had been clipped by PDF batteries as it had entered orbit, and it shook as it descended with each loose bit of metal that tore off its flank. As it entered the atmosphere, it left a smoke trail that was visible to the human eye. With an ear-splitting whine the engines seemed to reignite and the Kroozer smashed into the planet, gouging a deep trench through the grey slum.

Eventually, the engines dulled their roar and the Kroozer came to a rest, fires still raging across it, small explosions echoing from within. With a hiss and a thump, a hatch came loose, and the first ork fell out, closely followed by several of its mates. As they gathered amongst the shadow of the kroozer, they scavenged what they could, either from within or from what lay around, and occasional brawls broke out between orks as they fought over a particular weapon or piece of scrap that had caught their eye.

Eventually one Ork emerged from the Kroozer, bigger than the rest. It dragged the others into some sort of order, either with a shout or a smack of its power klaw. Once the boyz had gathered around, the Ork turned his head, taking in his surroundings, then with a guttural roar he set off into the slum, the boyz following after him, whooping and roaring in turn. The Pit was close, and visions of Gork (or possibly Mork) lead them on.

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Baron Festergax's Blighted Horde - By @Tom_The_Hobbit

Their story -

Baron Festergax, Blight of Hilarion The buzzing of hundred’s of flies is interrupted by a squeal of glee from somewhere in the dark, followed by the ringing of bells. Suddenly you're face to face with the hulking form of Baron Festergax. Two yellowed, recessed eyes stare back at you, betraying the look of happiness coming from the lips of the Baron. A crawling maggot escapes the creature's curved nostrils, only to be picked up by the giant before you and being tossed into his mouth. Bellowing smoke and incense, from the power plant attached to its ancient armour, causing nauseating mists to flow and pool in the alleyway you seem to be trapped in. The creature dashes forward, with a momentum not thought possible due to its size. Its legs awkwardly carry its hulking body with grim energy. All thoughts about the family you had just stolen some food from fade from your mind, as the walls seem like they are caving in around you. The last thing you see is this hulking, green armoured, beast barrelling towards you its weapon a long, narrow, straight blade made of iron, dripping with some odd green slime wound back and ready to reap like a farmer using a scythe on his crops… Festergax, awoke with a start as his ship, Plagueclaw, translated back into real space from the warp, they had arrived as close to Beta Chi 138 as they dared. Without wanting to alert other ships to there presence, they had already detected several other vessels in the region on their long-range scanners. He opened a vox-link to his retinue “Prepare for planetfall, expect close fighting we’re heading for a hive, The Pit, that’s where the Grandfather want’s his garden startin’ with lots ‘o fresh corpses!”.

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The Blight Guard - by @BigBootButch

Their story -

Blight. A lonely backwater, only good for tough soldiers and tougher food. A semi industrialised world lost to the Imperium for millennia, does what it can to equip a professional but backwards force. Tanks with fixed guns widen breakthroughs opened by mounted cavalry. The infantry prepare to storm trenches or hold their own. The pit. A nightmare maze with a prized treasure at the heart of it. Cavalry troop 9-Theta, led by a young lieutenant and her vanquisher, will force their way into the fight and win glory for Blight, the Guard and the Imperium.

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Alabaster Blade - by Slow Man @TheSlowPainter

Their Story -

The Daughter of Saturnine’s ancient and daggered prow ripped through the rolling tides and cloying madness of the immaterium, leaving multicoloured warp lightning cracking across its crenellated battlements and wispy trails of phosphorus light clinging to the yawning maws of its weapons batteries. Engines screaming, Gellar fields wailing, the vast and mighty Charybdis class grand cruiser violently tore its way back into real-space, the golden yellow of its hull rendered as muted bronze from the blue light of the systems distant star. She and her crew had come in response to an unexpected summons, a violent psychic Mortis-cry that had echoed out like a tidal wave, reaching even the most distant parts of the Imperium. There at the ragged edge, the crusaders who sailed aboard her fought bitterly to reclaim what was lost in the name of the Saint and the Emperor, so it was the Imperial Fists did come to the forgotten and blighted star system of Beta Chi.
They acted as is their nature, decisively and without hesitation. Void shields alight and plasma drives ablaze, the vast Saturnine pierced through the void surrounding the Beta Chi system like a golden arrow loosed from its hellish quiver. At the bridges Auspex station, dozens of unique vessel contacts were reported in quick succession; Imperial, Xenos, Archenemy, as well as ships of configurations never before seen by any aboard the Saturnine; All of them converging on the planet of Beta Chi 138 and the source of the Mortis-cry. Already landing vessels of varying types were detected descending down upon the world, their parent vessels weaponry making a shield blistering firestorm of the planets orbit. Vox hails from the Saturnine to other Imperial vessels went seemingly unheard or ignored, even with the captain of the Saturnine invoking the name and sworn oaths of fealty of their own honoured chapter and the authority of Terra they bore, did nothing to stop the unfolding madness that had descended on the combatants.
However, the clear and present danger of the Mortis-cry could not be ignored. With weapons fire roaring across the Saturnine’s void shields like oil over water, a plan was swiftly formed, taken from the pages and tenets of the Codex Astartes. The Saturnine would perform a single low orbital pass of the planet and in doing so deploy a heavily armed and mobile Rapid Strike Force. This strike force, drawn from the 4th company who called the Saturnine home, would be formed of two demi-squads and several support vehicles. The first was a Demi-Squad of company veterans, led by Sergeant Ryker and roaring to battle aboard a true relic of the chapter and a past golden age, The Grav Rhino Godsbane. The second was a demi-squad of scout Neophytes, split into two fireteams, one traveling at speed on bikes, the other acting as sniper support. Finally, the Rapid Strike Force would be led by a hero of the Chapter, Vallo-Diaz 4th Company Champion, Slayer of the Beast of Hydraphur & Hero of the Alien Wars.
Deployed aboard their Thunderhawk Transporter, Rapid Strike Force ‘Alabaster Blade’ would punch deep into the heart of the pit at speed and purge its source. Lest the psychically tainted source of the pit fall into the treacherous hands of the Archenemy or the perfidious xenos assailing it.

A word from their Creator -

It’s always been my dream to build and heavily convert a thematic force for 40k and the Sons of Dorn have always held a special place for me, ever since I saw them back in a now very old 3rd Edition White Dwarf Battle report alongside the Legion of the Damned! So Purge the Pit is the perfect excuse for me to finally stop theory crafting and actually do it. Heavily converted, characterful, super fluffy, true-scale, 90’s lovin’, Imperial fists space marines, here I come! Don’t forget the Kitchen sink too I guess!

Joking aside, it's going to be a really tough challenge for me to get this all done between as of writing and the event. I really want to lavish these models with time and attention, after all, the warmongers community is full of kind folks with awesome looking mini’s and I’d really like to add to that if I can. That said, this is also going to be my first participation event like this, ever. So no pressure folks.

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The Ironstorm - by Jon @Kirioth

Thier story -

“What are your orders, my Lord?” Captain Dryar murmured, his head still bowed.

After a moment of silence he glanced up at the towering, chain wrapped figure of Chapter Master Alagos, the lenses in his helm compensating for the dim light, picking out the rivets and armour that made up his Leviathan chassis.
“Screaming. Betrayal. Convergence of forces…” The huge shape of the Chapter Master shifted, a huge three bladed claw snapping closed.

“I would order retrieval and study by the Archmagos, but to do so would require forces that we cannot spare. Our encounter with the Shield Wolves have left many of our brothers in need of repair.” he said.
“It is destruction then, my Lord?” Captain Dryar stood, sketching a deep bow. “Very well. I shall prepare a Vanguard-“
“Prepare the Ironstorm.” The Chapter Master turned to face him, mechadendrites twisting in the air with a life of their own. “It has been too long since they were last unleashed. They will ensure the destruction of whatever lurks in this Pit.”

“The Ironstorm? They are… erratic. They hold no regard for where their shots land. All lives are equal in their worthlessness for them.” Dryar took a deep breath. “After the massacre at Golgotha…”

“They will destroy all they encounter or die in the attempt.” Chapter Master Alagos took a heavy step forwards, leaning towards his Captain.

“I have been saving them for a moment such as this. The Ironstorm shall have their chance to earn their redemption through death, be it their enemies or their own. See to it, Captain.”
“Your will, my Lord.”

He watched them stomp across the hangar to the waiting Thunderhawk, their skull helms already in place. The three Centurions led the way, hefting their extensively modified Heavy Bolters in armoured hands. Behind them came the lumbering form of a Redemptor Dreadnought, a colossal Gatling cannon held in his grasp. A not insignificant number of the Chapter had gathered to watch them leave, including Chaplain Xeres, the bulk of his dreadnought body standing completely still, his green lenses staring at the strike force preparing to descend to the planet below.
“Brothers of the Ironstorm, you go to death. Velstadt, Vargayr, Jureael. In death you have served, Iskran, and in death will your duty end.” The Chaplain intoned the Rite of Passing loudly, and slowly as the Ironstorm processed past.

“You go to death, and in its grasp will you find purpose. Destroy all in your wake, or know failure.”
The Ironstorm said nothing as they walked, simply nodding at the words of their Chaplain. One by one they entered the waiting Thunderhawk, until finally the ramp raised, hiding them from sight. The aircraft blasted out of the hangar and was gone, delivering it’s bloodthirsty cargo to the conflict below.

Beneath the roaring of engines and the rattling of the Thunderhawk’s chassis, the Ironstorm stood, firmly planted. The silence was broken shortly before planetfall, the tone of conversation dry and hungry and the same time.

“We have been given a chance for redemption, then.”
“So it would seem, brother.”
“Do we deserve this chance?”
“No.” The Redemptor Iskran chuckled.

The vox projector in his skull helm crackling. “But here we are. Our orders are simple. Find the source. Destroy it. Purge everything. Everyone.”

With a heavy thud the Thunderhawk slammed down into hard dirt, the exit ramp hitting the ground. Breaking into a lumbering run the Ironstorm moved out, weapons ready, fingers twitching towards triggers. Shapes moved in the near distance…
Death, redemption, success, failure… None of it mattered. All that mattered was the purge.

A word from the creator:

A long time ago I saw a conversion for the Space Marine Centurions that stuck with me, and I could never track down the source or even the image I saw again. I loved the idea of the Centurions carrying their weapons like traditional Devastators, instead of the underslung one handed approach taken by the kit itself. When Purge the Pit was announced, I had a few different ideas for forces, but kept coming back to the Centurions. I went back and forth due to the very non-flexible nature of taking 3 heavy weapons specialists, but the fact is I've wanted to do this conversion for a long time and this was the perfect excuse to do so. Adding in a Redemptor with a similar pose/idea was a no brainer given the number of Dreadnoughts I've already messed with. As with most armies/forces I put together, I have no idea how effective it will be, but I had a blast converting them and that tends to be thing that matters most to me!

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Become a Patron!

Past Event - Purge the Pit - Warhammer 40k #PurgethePit Campaign 07.12.2019

September 03, 2019

Event Details - (This event has now passed - but future events may be in the pipe line - get in touch!)

I am honoured to announce a new & exciting Warhammer 40k Campaign being held at Warhammer World on the 7th December this year. (07.12.19)

Hosted by two amazing members of the #Warmongers Twitter community, Dr Dave @dave_the_dr & Pandora's Bitz Box @pandorasbitzbox . Purge the Pit will be an awesome opportunity for you all to, not just meet up & play with a bunch of fellow community members, but also built & paint with them too!

Purge the Pit will be a special Campaign which has been designed to revolve around a unique 400pt force from any and all armies of the 40k universe. Your imagination is your only limitation! So this is a great chance to get creative & show off your skills. (Guidelines on how to structure & organise your force will be listed below).

We really encourage you guys to make something new & all your progress can be shared across both Twitter & Instagram under the #PurgeThePit

They'll even be a prize for the winning player! So get involved!

We'll be posting updates between now & December on this blog, but if you have any questions in the meantime, get in touch either in the comments below or on social media! We'd love to hear from you!

For now - enjoy the story.

Campaign Rules -

The standard Warhammer 40k Rules shall apply with the following additional rules:

• Each team has 400pts to spend on miniatures and war-gear;

• You can select any and all war-gear that is available to a miniature listed in its codex profile - so if you wanted to buy a single assault marine and equip him with two chainswords, you can, so long as you pay the relevant points;

• All miniatures must be WYSIWYG – so if you have equipped that assault marine with two chainswords, the miniature must be converted have clearly identifiable war-gear;

• Each miniature shall act as an independent unit – for example, you could select a single tactical marine or if you had a squad of 5, each miniature can act independently; However any non-character model(s) of the same army, within a 2" radius of each-other will be considered as one unit for the purpose of being targeted by enemy units and wound allocation.

• No unit can shoot or assault on the first turn – but every unit can move as normal

• Each team starts with 3 command points – no more, no less, and you are free to use them however you wish;

• No one dies! - When a unit is reduced to 0 wounds they are placed on their side. On their next turn the controlling player rolls a D6 and on a roll of 3 or more the unit is returned to play with half their original number of wounds

• The game ends when the objective is captured or destroyed – to capture/destroy/extract the objective, a unit must be within 2". The controlling player then rolls 3D6, and on a score of 12 or more. If there are two units (friendly or enemy) within 2", then each unit rolls, with the first player to roll 12 or more (rolling in player sequence) successfully capturing/destroying/extracting the objective.

Deployment -

• Each team is deployed in their designated zone – all units must be a minimum of 24" away from the objective, which is placed at the centre of the board;