Hey guys! I'm super stoked to share the progress on my successor chapter Sternguard project. It's been a labor of love, and I'm really excited about how they're turning out. This project is more than just assembling and painting miniatures; it's about crafting a narrative, forging a distinct identity for my chapter, and bringing them to life on the tabletop. I envision them as a grim and determined force, veterans of countless battles, each marine a walking arsenal of hard-earned experience and specialized wargear. The Sternguard Veterans, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. These guys are the elite, the seasoned warriors who have seen it all and lived to tell the tale. They embody the resilience and adaptability of the Space Marines, capable of tackling any threat with unwavering resolve and tactical acumen. I've been spending a lot of time thinking about their backstory, their heraldry, and the specific roles they'll play in my army. The color scheme is still a work in progress, but I'm leaning towards a dark, metallic base with contrasting highlights that will make them stand out on the battlefield. I want them to look battle-worn and imposing, like they've just stepped out of the fires of war.
The Inspiration Behind the Chapter
My inspiration for this chapter comes from a mix of sources, including established lore, historical military units, and even some of my favorite sci-fi books and movies. I wanted to create a chapter that felt both familiar and unique, a chapter that could believably exist within the vast and sprawling universe of Warhammer 40,000 while still carving out its own niche. I've always been drawn to the idea of chapters that have faced immense hardship and adversity, chapters that have been pushed to the brink but have emerged stronger and more resolute. These are the chapters that truly embody the indomitable spirit of the Space Marines, and I wanted to capture that essence in my own creation. I also wanted to explore the idea of a chapter that has a strong connection to a specific planet or region of space, a chapter that has forged a deep bond with the people they protect. This connection would inform their traditions, their culture, and even their combat doctrine. The Sternguard, as veterans of countless campaigns, would be at the forefront of this connection, acting as ambassadors and protectors of their chapter's chosen world. I'm still fleshing out the details of their history and culture, but I have a few key ideas that I'm really excited about. I envision them as a chapter that values discipline, resilience, and adaptability above all else. They are not afraid to break with tradition if it means achieving victory, but they also hold a deep respect for the ancient ways of the Adeptus Astartes.
Current Progress and Challenges
So far, I've assembled a good chunk of the Sternguard squad, and I've started working on the base coats and initial highlights. I'm using a combination of airbrushing and traditional brush painting techniques to achieve the look I'm going for. The biggest challenge I'm facing right now is deciding on the final details of the color scheme. I have a few different ideas in mind, but I want to make sure that the colors I choose are both visually appealing and thematically appropriate for the chapter's background and personality. I'm also experimenting with different weathering techniques to make the models look more battle-worn and realistic. I want them to tell a story with their appearance, to show the scars of their past battles and the resilience they've developed over centuries of war. Another challenge is the sheer amount of detail on these models. The Sternguard are packed with intricate armor plates, weapons, and accessories, which means there's a lot of painting to do! But I'm enjoying the process, and I'm taking my time to make sure that each model is painted to the best of my ability. I'm also thinking about how to incorporate unique details and markings that will further distinguish my chapter from others. I might add custom decals, freehand designs, or even small conversions to make each model truly one-of-a-kind.
Next Steps and Future Plans
My next steps are to finish painting the first five Sternguard models and then move on to the squad's Sergeant. I have a few special ideas for the Sergeant, including a custom pose and some additional wargear options. I also want to start working on the chapter's banner and other accessories that will help to tie the whole army together visually. Beyond the Sternguard squad, I have plans to build out the rest of my successor chapter army, including Tactical Marines, Assault Marines, and maybe even a Dreadnought or two. I'm also thinking about adding some unique support units, like a squad of Reivers or Inceptors, to give my army some additional flexibility on the battlefield. I'm really excited about the long-term potential of this project, and I can't wait to see my chapter grow and evolve over time. I'm also planning to write some short stories and background pieces about the chapter's history and its key members. This will help to further flesh out their identity and make them feel like a real and believable part of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Ultimately, my goal is to create a chapter that I can be proud of, a chapter that embodies the spirit of the Space Marines and tells a compelling story on the tabletop.
Sharing and Feedback
I'll be posting regular updates on my progress, so stay tuned! I'm also eager to hear your feedback and suggestions. What do you think of the color scheme? What kind of backstory would you like to see for the chapter? Any ideas for unique details or conversions? Let me know in the comments! I'm always looking for inspiration and new ideas, and I value your input. This is a community project in many ways, and I want to share my passion for Warhammer 40,000 with all of you. Your feedback helps me stay motivated and focused, and it also helps me to see my project from different perspectives. I'm excited to continue this journey with you, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for my successor chapter Sternguard. Thanks for following along, and I'll be back soon with more updates!
