Just got back from the GW Canada White Dwarf tour event at the GW store in Metrotown. Not a lot of news that I hadn't heard before but there were some interesting titbits.
The City of Death codex will only have the boxed city terrain as a release. All the other 40K releases appear to be scheduled for the Medusa V worldwide event this summer. So that is when you should see miniatures such as the plastic Marine Snipers (which look very good).
Canada will be getting its own version of White Dwarf starting this year. Its scheduled to be released at Games Day and it will start at number 1 and not continue the numbering from the US and UK versions. And now at least they will be able to spell colour correctly.
The new Tau codex was on hand and there are some interesting new additions to the Tau. An Ethereal can take an Honour Guard and for 2 points each member can have their BS increased to 4. The Crisis Suits can take an Airburst barrage weapon that ignores cover saves. The Vespid do indeed carry a Str 5 AP 3 weapon but it is 12" and Assault 1. They have an I of 5 so they will strike first in hand to hand against Marines (their obvious target) but I can't see them lasting very long after that.
The Vespid pictures that have been circulating online are actually not very well painted. The miniatures that were available for viewing today were painted to a much higher quality and its really apparent that the figs are metal. Crisp lines and very nice detail.
The new Tau Crisis Suit Commander has the same jointless knees. No joy there.
The Forgeworld Battlesuit looks amazing. Its a shame GW can't make one in plastic.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Builder Campaign Week 2
Managed to get in only two games today for the campaign but there were also a lot fewer people at the store today. I managed to get a clear victory against the Tau. I got very lucky with some firing against some Stealth Suits and the Tau player had some very bad luck rolling to hit with a Crisis Suit.
My battle against the Space Wolves went down to the last man. Literally. I had one figure left and the Space Wolf player had two. Unfortunately one of them had a Power Fist and that rather settled that.
I once again underestimated the impact of that Power Fist and all the Power Weapons that the Wolf Scouts can carry.
Not a mistake I'll make again. Its the second game against him that his scout formation has won for him. Next time I keep a respectful distance and just shoot the hell out of them.
My battle against the Space Wolves went down to the last man. Literally. I had one figure left and the Space Wolf player had two. Unfortunately one of them had a Power Fist and that rather settled that.
I once again underestimated the impact of that Power Fist and all the Power Weapons that the Wolf Scouts can carry.
Not a mistake I'll make again. Its the second game against him that his scout formation has won for him. Next time I keep a respectful distance and just shoot the hell out of them.
A creeping fondness for 40K
Well I'm starting to see what the appeal of 40K is.
Army building is a big part of the game and really quite an interesting puzzle on its own. I've been driving my girlfriend crazy printing out Army Builder lists the last two weeks each with minor, yet critical :-), changes from the last set of lists she printed out.
As well the modelling and building is certainly fun. Far more than a game like Warmachine or Confrontation. Mind you I can't see how you'd make a Confrontation figure look better so that isn't a fair comparison. I just put together a Veteran Sergeant with Power Fist yesterday and the process was a lot of fun and I'm really looking forward to painting it up.
The game, while not as tactically rich as games like Warmachine or, most certainly, Confrontation still has some interesting tactics to it and the new rules have added some interesting wrinkles in terms of assault casualty allocation and how to maximise the impact of the forces you have.
Mostly though I've been having a lot more fun playing 40K than I thought I would.
Army building is a big part of the game and really quite an interesting puzzle on its own. I've been driving my girlfriend crazy printing out Army Builder lists the last two weeks each with minor, yet critical :-), changes from the last set of lists she printed out.
As well the modelling and building is certainly fun. Far more than a game like Warmachine or Confrontation. Mind you I can't see how you'd make a Confrontation figure look better so that isn't a fair comparison. I just put together a Veteran Sergeant with Power Fist yesterday and the process was a lot of fun and I'm really looking forward to painting it up.
The game, while not as tactically rich as games like Warmachine or, most certainly, Confrontation still has some interesting tactics to it and the new rules have added some interesting wrinkles in terms of assault casualty allocation and how to maximise the impact of the forces you have.
Mostly though I've been having a lot more fun playing 40K than I thought I would.
More on Canadian Pricing
In order to get a better idea of the amount of premium there are on Canadian GW prices I decided to take some US and Cdn prices at random and compare then based on the exchange rate posted today from the bank of Canada. Here is the result (click for a larger version).
On average the Canadian price is 20% above the current exchange rate. So you're being asked to pay a 20% premium to shop in Canada. Now to their credit this appears to be getting better. The Dwarf Battalion box for WFB is fractionally odd the exchange. But GW has a huge catalogue of products that are not properly priced in line with the exchange.
So, for example, if you wanted to buy the Chaos Space Marine Megaforce from a US online retailer who offered you a 30% discount on the US price you would be saving close to 60% over the Canadian price.
Why would you but from a Canadian retailer if you knew this?
Update: I went back and looked at the prices for some of the recent Space Marine releases (and updated the image above as well) and as you can see those prices are much better than most of the other samples. The Space Marine Battleforce is only 3% off of the current exchange rate and the Close Combat Terminator box is actually cheaper than the exchange.
So it appears that for new purchases the exchange is almost correct. So for new GW purchases you might not be paying any premium over US prices.
But older items are still not in line. The Imperial Entrenchment box is 57% higher than the exchange. The Epic Eldar Warlock Titan is $10 more that the exchange rate. These need to be fixed.
On average the Canadian price is 20% above the current exchange rate. So you're being asked to pay a 20% premium to shop in Canada. Now to their credit this appears to be getting better. The Dwarf Battalion box for WFB is fractionally odd the exchange. But GW has a huge catalogue of products that are not properly priced in line with the exchange.
So, for example, if you wanted to buy the Chaos Space Marine Megaforce from a US online retailer who offered you a 30% discount on the US price you would be saving close to 60% over the Canadian price.
Why would you but from a Canadian retailer if you knew this?
Update: I went back and looked at the prices for some of the recent Space Marine releases (and updated the image above as well) and as you can see those prices are much better than most of the other samples. The Space Marine Battleforce is only 3% off of the current exchange rate and the Close Combat Terminator box is actually cheaper than the exchange.
So it appears that for new purchases the exchange is almost correct. So for new GW purchases you might not be paying any premium over US prices.
But older items are still not in line. The Imperial Entrenchment box is 57% higher than the exchange. The Epic Eldar Warlock Titan is $10 more that the exchange rate. These need to be fixed.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Power Swords aren't that tough
I'm really beginning to see the point behind Power Fists.
In our game last night Zach's Necron Warriors were able to drag my Captain down because of his inability to wound anyone with his Power Sword. It sure looks nice but I'd much rather be mulching Warriors with a Str 8 Power Fist than a Str 4 Power Sword.
I'm going to be replacing the captain with a Veteran Sergeant with Power Fist for the next few games to see how that works.
Update: My Veteran Sergeant with Power Fist is, for the points, far more effective than my Captain ever was. The Veteran Sergeant did some serious damage today and was well worth the cost. Something that hasn't been the case with the Captain and Power Sword.
In our game last night Zach's Necron Warriors were able to drag my Captain down because of his inability to wound anyone with his Power Sword. It sure looks nice but I'd much rather be mulching Warriors with a Str 8 Power Fist than a Str 4 Power Sword.
I'm going to be replacing the captain with a Veteran Sergeant with Power Fist for the next few games to see how that works.
Update: My Veteran Sergeant with Power Fist is, for the points, far more effective than my Captain ever was. The Veteran Sergeant did some serious damage today and was well worth the cost. Something that hasn't been the case with the Captain and Power Sword.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
The Pilgrim's March
Just did this QND image of the area of space where the March Warden operate. Click it for a larger version.
Razorback progress
Some progress on the Razorback. The base colours are done and the highlighting on the main areas of the vehicle are done as well.
I can't, at this point, decide whether to finish the highlighting on the metal or progress to starting to do some of the detail work on the side panels.
I can't, at this point, decide whether to finish the highlighting on the metal or progress to starting to do some of the detail work on the side panels.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Battle fluff
Some "homebrew" fluff for some of the battles last weekend from our 40K Builder Campaign
Recent Battles
Esti Adalpi
2243780 M41
Necron activity in and around the Church of Saint Sebastian of Adalpino continues. While Adeptus Ministorium and Adeptus Mecahanicus officials are argue over who will attempt to analyze the relics in the Church, Captain Suraenus increases the marine presence at the Chruch and attempts to solicit Adeptus Mecahanicus aid to try and determine the method by which the Necrons are infiltrating the area.
A patrol sweeping the outskirts of the now decimated church area stumbles upon a group of Necron warriors attempting to assemble a teleportation device. The patrol attacks immediately and calls for backup. Captain Suraenus and his assault squad arrive in their Razorback just as the Necron Warriors attack. Suraenus and the assault squad advance using the covering fire provided by the patrol and the Razorback. The Necrons are able to send a withering barrage of fire at the Marines and before the squad can get into assault range they are serious depleted.
Suraenus and his Marines finally crest the last rubble filled blast hole and charge into the ranks of the Warriors. But even his Power Sword and faith in the Emperor aren't enough and Suraenus and the assault team are hacked down by the Necron warriors.
Seeing their leader fallen on the field the remaining troops quickly mount an assault to try and rescue Suraenus. In their fervor they cut down the remaining Necron warriors and are able to spirit Suraenus' wounded form away in his Razorback. Wounded perilously Suraenus has to be replaced by Veteran Sergeant Tbibideau.
Esti Adalpi
2242780 M41
A band of Necron warriors supported by Destroyers teleported into the sepulture of the Church of Saint Sebastian of Adalpino and attempted to steal the reliquary. Not knowing what they are looking for the Warriors laid waste to the Church and the surrounding area turning it into a waste of broken statuary, rubble and corpses. Elements of the Repenters Patrol lead by Captain Suraenus were dropped into the area via Thunderhawk to attempt to protect the reliquary and defeat the Xenos threat.
Unbeknownst to the Necrons the real reliquary items had been interned underneath the sepulture of Saint Sebastian and the items they were attempting to steal were simply copies. Captain Suraenus and his warriors guarded the real reliquary while members of the second Tactical drove off the Necrons with fire from their Plasma Gun and Missile Launcher.
Deploro Elido
22419780 M41
Elements of a Tau military patrol were stopped on the outskirts of mining station AM-DE 71101 on the, unnamed, seventh planet of the Deploro Elido system. Adeptus Mechanicus monitoring stations outbound of the planet discovered traces of the Tau ship as is passed and sent warning to the March Warden Strike Cruiser Unchained Wrath. The ship had a small contingent of Marines on board lead by Captain Hurmanus who rushed to the area to investigate. Upon entering the system the Unchained Wrath was attacked by the Tau vessel and was forced to flee the system but not before it was able to determine the co-ordinates of the Tau infiltrators and drop Captain Hurmanus and his troops into position to confront them.
Hurmanus and his troops dropped some twenty seven kilometres away from the last known position of the Tau. Assuming that their target was the mining station Hurmanus lead the way and the Marines made the trip in less than an hour. The Tau were confronted and ordered to leave the planet and the system. A Tau warrior declared himself to be on a trade mission to meet a Rogue Trader by the name of Kai Mandi Maladhi. Unable to determine the veracity of this information Captain Hurmanus refused to negotiate with the Xenos filth and emphasised his request for them to leave by shooting the Tau dead.
A horrific battle broke out immediately as a team of Tau Stealth Warriors revealed themselves and two warriors wearing Crisis Suits jetted into the area. Caught in a horrific crossfire Hurmanus took the battle to the Tau. First engaging the Fire Warriors and then the Stealth troops in hand to hand combat. Despite staggering losses on both sides the Marines were able to drive the Tau off. The Unchained Wrath re-entered the system when it detected that the Tau had left and was able to rescue Hurmanus and the survivors.
Recent Battles
Esti Adalpi
2243780 M41
Necron activity in and around the Church of Saint Sebastian of Adalpino continues. While Adeptus Ministorium and Adeptus Mecahanicus officials are argue over who will attempt to analyze the relics in the Church, Captain Suraenus increases the marine presence at the Chruch and attempts to solicit Adeptus Mecahanicus aid to try and determine the method by which the Necrons are infiltrating the area.
A patrol sweeping the outskirts of the now decimated church area stumbles upon a group of Necron warriors attempting to assemble a teleportation device. The patrol attacks immediately and calls for backup. Captain Suraenus and his assault squad arrive in their Razorback just as the Necron Warriors attack. Suraenus and the assault squad advance using the covering fire provided by the patrol and the Razorback. The Necrons are able to send a withering barrage of fire at the Marines and before the squad can get into assault range they are serious depleted.
Suraenus and his Marines finally crest the last rubble filled blast hole and charge into the ranks of the Warriors. But even his Power Sword and faith in the Emperor aren't enough and Suraenus and the assault team are hacked down by the Necron warriors.
Seeing their leader fallen on the field the remaining troops quickly mount an assault to try and rescue Suraenus. In their fervor they cut down the remaining Necron warriors and are able to spirit Suraenus' wounded form away in his Razorback. Wounded perilously Suraenus has to be replaced by Veteran Sergeant Tbibideau.
Esti Adalpi
2242780 M41
A band of Necron warriors supported by Destroyers teleported into the sepulture of the Church of Saint Sebastian of Adalpino and attempted to steal the reliquary. Not knowing what they are looking for the Warriors laid waste to the Church and the surrounding area turning it into a waste of broken statuary, rubble and corpses. Elements of the Repenters Patrol lead by Captain Suraenus were dropped into the area via Thunderhawk to attempt to protect the reliquary and defeat the Xenos threat.
Unbeknownst to the Necrons the real reliquary items had been interned underneath the sepulture of Saint Sebastian and the items they were attempting to steal were simply copies. Captain Suraenus and his warriors guarded the real reliquary while members of the second Tactical drove off the Necrons with fire from their Plasma Gun and Missile Launcher.
Deploro Elido
22419780 M41
Elements of a Tau military patrol were stopped on the outskirts of mining station AM-DE 71101 on the, unnamed, seventh planet of the Deploro Elido system. Adeptus Mechanicus monitoring stations outbound of the planet discovered traces of the Tau ship as is passed and sent warning to the March Warden Strike Cruiser Unchained Wrath. The ship had a small contingent of Marines on board lead by Captain Hurmanus who rushed to the area to investigate. Upon entering the system the Unchained Wrath was attacked by the Tau vessel and was forced to flee the system but not before it was able to determine the co-ordinates of the Tau infiltrators and drop Captain Hurmanus and his troops into position to confront them.
Hurmanus and his troops dropped some twenty seven kilometres away from the last known position of the Tau. Assuming that their target was the mining station Hurmanus lead the way and the Marines made the trip in less than an hour. The Tau were confronted and ordered to leave the planet and the system. A Tau warrior declared himself to be on a trade mission to meet a Rogue Trader by the name of Kai Mandi Maladhi. Unable to determine the veracity of this information Captain Hurmanus refused to negotiate with the Xenos filth and emphasised his request for them to leave by shooting the Tau dead.
A horrific battle broke out immediately as a team of Tau Stealth Warriors revealed themselves and two warriors wearing Crisis Suits jetted into the area. Caught in a horrific crossfire Hurmanus took the battle to the Tau. First engaging the Fire Warriors and then the Stealth troops in hand to hand combat. Despite staggering losses on both sides the Marines were able to drive the Tau off. The Unchained Wrath re-entered the system when it detected that the Tau had left and was able to rescue Hurmanus and the survivors.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Builder campaign week 1
Yesterday saw quite a few games in our local Builder campaign. I'm guessing that there were
My games were against Necrons, Tau, Space Wolves and another Marine player. I managed two wins a draw and a loss. The loss, against the Space Wolves player, was really my own doing. I fired Rapid Fire weapons and wasn't able to assault his Marines. I also left a tactical formation too close to the table edge and was swamped by a formation of Wolf Scouts. They sure can carry a heck of a lot of Power Weapons.
Perhaps the best game was the draw I was able to salvage against the Tau player. I was unable to take out his Crisis Suits despite being able to concentrate a significant amount of firepower on them. I did though take out his Stealth Suit unit by Assaulting it with my Captain. Thankfully he survived the hail of fire that took out the rest of the unit he was accompanying.
Quite an interesting day of gaming and I'm hoping to get a few more games in on Wednesday.
My games were against Necrons, Tau, Space Wolves and another Marine player. I managed two wins a draw and a loss. The loss, against the Space Wolves player, was really my own doing. I fired Rapid Fire weapons and wasn't able to assault his Marines. I also left a tactical formation too close to the table edge and was swamped by a formation of Wolf Scouts. They sure can carry a heck of a lot of Power Weapons.
Perhaps the best game was the draw I was able to salvage against the Tau player. I was unable to take out his Crisis Suits despite being able to concentrate a significant amount of firepower on them. I did though take out his Stealth Suit unit by Assaulting it with my Captain. Thankfully he survived the hail of fire that took out the rest of the unit he was accompanying.
Quite an interesting day of gaming and I'm hoping to get a few more games in on Wednesday.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Razorback photo
I've got the basecoating done on the Razorback. It needs some metal details added and then will begin the, probably long, process of highlighting and then weathering.
I have both Heavy Bolter and Lascannon turrets for the vehicle. I bought another Razorback and instead of creating a Razorback with it I am going to just build it as a Rhino instead.
I have both Heavy Bolter and Lascannon turrets for the vehicle. I bought another Razorback and instead of creating a Razorback with it I am going to just build it as a Rhino instead.
Marine Photos
So I have managed to finish my first set of Marines. One small tactical unit (with meltgun and flamer via the Trait system. Gotta love Cleanse and Purify) and the army's Captain.
I still need to finish basing them and I ned to add some small details like weathering on the legs and in the heavy weapons.
I still need to finish basing them and I ned to add some small details like weathering on the legs and in the heavy weapons.
Vehicles
So the first unit of my Marines are done and ready to get based. So I have moved on to the Razorback I've included in my 400 point force. It already saved the day in my first game so I've grown quite fond of it.
Now this may be difficult to believe but this is the biggest miniature I have ever painted. I spend a lot of time gaming in smaller scales (Micro Armour, 6mm and 10mm) so a 30mm scale vehicle is a very large endeavour for me. I am still getting used to just how much physical area there is to cover with paint. I can see why people do like to paint them though. They are large enough that you can spend some time painting them and really see the results of the effort you put into it (not something you can do with Micro Armour :-). As well, you can also spend a lot of time kit bashing the vehicle.
I hope this isn't the start of some new and disturbing trend in my gaming.
Now this may be difficult to believe but this is the biggest miniature I have ever painted. I spend a lot of time gaming in smaller scales (Micro Armour, 6mm and 10mm) so a 30mm scale vehicle is a very large endeavour for me. I am still getting used to just how much physical area there is to cover with paint. I can see why people do like to paint them though. They are large enough that you can spend some time painting them and really see the results of the effort you put into it (not something you can do with Micro Armour :-). As well, you can also spend a lot of time kit bashing the vehicle.
I hope this isn't the start of some new and disturbing trend in my gaming.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Marine progress
So I have started work on painting up my Captain and a half tactical squad that I intend to use as a Razorback mounted Assault force.
Quite a lot of time yesterday was spent putting in two small Ikea CD racks on my paint table. I saw a tip over at WeeToySoldiers that suggested using CD holders as a way to store miniatures that you were in the process of painting. Fully a quarter of my table was covered with figs so this was a really quick way to store minis in a convenient way and clear up some table space. Since I have a lot of 15mm to 6mm figs on the go I can actually store a heck of a lot of figs in the two cases I bought.
Quite a lot of time yesterday was spent putting in two small Ikea CD racks on my paint table. I saw a tip over at WeeToySoldiers that suggested using CD holders as a way to store miniatures that you were in the process of painting. Fully a quarter of my table was covered with figs so this was a really quick way to store minis in a convenient way and clear up some table space. Since I have a lot of 15mm to 6mm figs on the go I can actually store a heck of a lot of figs in the two cases I bought.
Friday, January 13, 2006
The paint scheme
What the March Wardens will look like.
The metal is brass. The Green kneepad is actually the patrol marking and it may be changed to brass with a coloured stripe or letter to indicate the Patrol.
The metal is brass. The Green kneepad is actually the patrol marking and it may be changed to brass with a coloured stripe or letter to indicate the Patrol.
The March Wardens
Still rather vague but its a start
The Pilgrim's March
Situated in the Ultima Segmentum 26 light years spinward from San Leur the Pilgrim's March is a string of nine systems starting with Suro Nexim and arcing south west to end 117 light years later at Deploro Elido. The March gets its name from the procession of holy sites that have been organised, by the Ecclesiarchy, into a pilgrims route, or march, through the nine systems. The entire march can take up to ten years to complete and is often the ultimate act of worship for faithful Imperial citizens. The March was formalised in 271 M38 after members of the Adeptus Ministorum noticed the popularity of the many religious sites that dotted the systems that make up the March.
Starting with the Church of the Emperor Triumphant in Edalia city on Suro Nexim, continuing to the Monastery of the Sisters of Quiet Penitence on Latona to the network of shrines to the martyrs of the fall of Pavalonis that fill the catacombs under that city on Deploro Elido the systems that make up the March are unnaturally blessed with religious sites, artifacts and features of interest that draw the faithful from all parts of the galaxy.
It is estimated that close to 20 million pilgrims are on any of the planets in the March at any one time. The systems are all the exclusive domain of the Ecclesiarchy which is responsible for the continued maintenance of the systems and the protection of the millions of pilgrims that flow through the March. By 763 M39 the task of protecting the citizens, pilgrims and religious officials of the March had grown beyond the capabilities of the Ecclesiarchy and its own troops. The lure of spoils and slaves drew Eldar pirates. Ruinous cults and other heretics were also drawn to the March and pressure from nefarious Xenos elements such as the Tau and the Arch-arsonist of Charadon stretched the Ecclisiarchy past its limits. A petition was made to the Lords of Terra for the creation of a chapter of the Adeptus Astartes specifically tasked with the protection of the March from elements too powerful to be dealt with by local militias, PDF or Adeptus Ministorum troops.
The March Wardens
Debate on the subject raged on some time and it wasn't until 864 M39 that the chapter was approved. Funds for the raising of the Chapter were raised by selling special Apostolic Indulgences amongst the many pilgrims to the March. The Chapter was intended to be a quick reaction force that could be stationed in the systems that made up the March and also quickly respond to needs as they arose across the entire March. As such the structure of the Chapter was significantly different than Chapters designed more in line with the dictates of the Codex Astartes. The Chapter is not divided into Companies as normal but is instead divided into nine Patrols that are assigned to each of the nine systems in the March. With the exception of the Patrol assigned to Esti Adalpi each Patrol takes the name of the system to which they are billeted. Based in a series of Strike Craft each Patrol is able to send Marines in groups from a single Tactical formation of ten Marines to almost 100 troops depending on the dictates of the situation.
The Chapter was not given fixed planet-side monastery or fortress to call its home but was initially settled in a renovated Guard orbital battle station while the Chapter's first Battle Barge, The Emperors Swift Sword, was readied. The Chapter is based in three Battle Barges, The Emperors Swift Sword, Suffer the Faithful and Merciless Pursuit, which each travel a route through three of the nine systems in the March. Each Patrol can then call on the resources of those battle barges if the need arises. The Emperors Swift Sword is considered the fortress-monastery for the Chapter and it is there that the Chapters head, Warden Ipelius, resides.
The Chapter while not young still suffers from a deficit of the type of material that most Chapters take for granted. Land Raiders are in low supply and are reserved for the Warden's use and the use of the Chapter's single formation of Terminators. The Chapter has to rely on Predators and Land Speeders as mobile fire support platforms. Even then the number of Land Speeders available is very limited and most patrols can only count on the support of a single formation of Land Speeders.
While the Chapter currently has the frames, armour and internal systems for two Dreadnoughts it has not had any Marines deemed worthy of being enshrouded in the Tactical Dreadnought armour. Terminator armour is a very precious commodity in the Chapter and while five suits have been set aside for use by members of the Warden's Bodyguard the remaining suits have been reserved for use by high ranking members of the Chapter and even then only in emergency circumstances.
Patrol Disposition
There are nine systems in the Pilgrim's March; Suro Nexim, Astus Figo, Interrus, Misnus, Latona, Est Adalpi, Pelias, Postulo and Deploro Elido. Each system has a dedicated Patrol of Marine that consists of anywhere from 80 to 110 Space Marines and their support staff and servitors. The fleet assets of the Chapter are split between each system as well with a mobile reserve of troops and fleet strength accompanying each of the Battle Barges. Each Patrol is then able to counter threats in space and on land depending on the circumstances of the emergency.
The Pilgrim's March
Situated in the Ultima Segmentum 26 light years spinward from San Leur the Pilgrim's March is a string of nine systems starting with Suro Nexim and arcing south west to end 117 light years later at Deploro Elido. The March gets its name from the procession of holy sites that have been organised, by the Ecclesiarchy, into a pilgrims route, or march, through the nine systems. The entire march can take up to ten years to complete and is often the ultimate act of worship for faithful Imperial citizens. The March was formalised in 271 M38 after members of the Adeptus Ministorum noticed the popularity of the many religious sites that dotted the systems that make up the March.
Starting with the Church of the Emperor Triumphant in Edalia city on Suro Nexim, continuing to the Monastery of the Sisters of Quiet Penitence on Latona to the network of shrines to the martyrs of the fall of Pavalonis that fill the catacombs under that city on Deploro Elido the systems that make up the March are unnaturally blessed with religious sites, artifacts and features of interest that draw the faithful from all parts of the galaxy.
It is estimated that close to 20 million pilgrims are on any of the planets in the March at any one time. The systems are all the exclusive domain of the Ecclesiarchy which is responsible for the continued maintenance of the systems and the protection of the millions of pilgrims that flow through the March. By 763 M39 the task of protecting the citizens, pilgrims and religious officials of the March had grown beyond the capabilities of the Ecclesiarchy and its own troops. The lure of spoils and slaves drew Eldar pirates. Ruinous cults and other heretics were also drawn to the March and pressure from nefarious Xenos elements such as the Tau and the Arch-arsonist of Charadon stretched the Ecclisiarchy past its limits. A petition was made to the Lords of Terra for the creation of a chapter of the Adeptus Astartes specifically tasked with the protection of the March from elements too powerful to be dealt with by local militias, PDF or Adeptus Ministorum troops.
The March Wardens
Debate on the subject raged on some time and it wasn't until 864 M39 that the chapter was approved. Funds for the raising of the Chapter were raised by selling special Apostolic Indulgences amongst the many pilgrims to the March. The Chapter was intended to be a quick reaction force that could be stationed in the systems that made up the March and also quickly respond to needs as they arose across the entire March. As such the structure of the Chapter was significantly different than Chapters designed more in line with the dictates of the Codex Astartes. The Chapter is not divided into Companies as normal but is instead divided into nine Patrols that are assigned to each of the nine systems in the March. With the exception of the Patrol assigned to Esti Adalpi each Patrol takes the name of the system to which they are billeted. Based in a series of Strike Craft each Patrol is able to send Marines in groups from a single Tactical formation of ten Marines to almost 100 troops depending on the dictates of the situation.
The Chapter was not given fixed planet-side monastery or fortress to call its home but was initially settled in a renovated Guard orbital battle station while the Chapter's first Battle Barge, The Emperors Swift Sword, was readied. The Chapter is based in three Battle Barges, The Emperors Swift Sword, Suffer the Faithful and Merciless Pursuit, which each travel a route through three of the nine systems in the March. Each Patrol can then call on the resources of those battle barges if the need arises. The Emperors Swift Sword is considered the fortress-monastery for the Chapter and it is there that the Chapters head, Warden Ipelius, resides.
The Chapter while not young still suffers from a deficit of the type of material that most Chapters take for granted. Land Raiders are in low supply and are reserved for the Warden's use and the use of the Chapter's single formation of Terminators. The Chapter has to rely on Predators and Land Speeders as mobile fire support platforms. Even then the number of Land Speeders available is very limited and most patrols can only count on the support of a single formation of Land Speeders.
While the Chapter currently has the frames, armour and internal systems for two Dreadnoughts it has not had any Marines deemed worthy of being enshrouded in the Tactical Dreadnought armour. Terminator armour is a very precious commodity in the Chapter and while five suits have been set aside for use by members of the Warden's Bodyguard the remaining suits have been reserved for use by high ranking members of the Chapter and even then only in emergency circumstances.
Patrol Disposition
There are nine systems in the Pilgrim's March; Suro Nexim, Astus Figo, Interrus, Misnus, Latona, Est Adalpi, Pelias, Postulo and Deploro Elido. Each system has a dedicated Patrol of Marine that consists of anywhere from 80 to 110 Space Marines and their support staff and servitors. The fleet assets of the Chapter are split between each system as well with a mobile reserve of troops and fleet strength accompanying each of the Battle Barges. Each Patrol is then able to counter threats in space and on land depending on the circumstances of the emergency.
Tyranids no. Marines yes
So after looking at what a 400 point force of Tyranids looked like I decided to paint some Marines instead for our local Builder Campaign.
This is actually a bit of a relief for me not only since it will lower the painting demands for the campaign which is a good thing given my schedule but it also gives me an excuse to start working on the background for the Chapter that I have been dying to do for over a year now.
This is actually a bit of a relief for me not only since it will lower the painting demands for the campaign which is a good thing given my schedule but it also gives me an excuse to start working on the background for the Chapter that I have been dying to do for over a year now.
Still no GHQ
Well the big package of GHQ Micro Armour has yet to arrive. I was thinking that I would see it right after Christmas and I did indeed receive one small package but the big order has yet to arrive.
What Customs and/or Canada Post has been doing to it for two weeks is beyond me but its certainly not making me think any better of either of those august institutions.
Update
It appears that Canada Customs is only partially to blame. GHQ decided to rebuild the mould for the Russian Infantry I purchased and so that delayed the order somewhat.
They are currently here and I am waiting for a slow period to open them up and start putting them all together.
What Customs and/or Canada Post has been doing to it for two weeks is beyond me but its certainly not making me think any better of either of those august institutions.
Update
It appears that Canada Customs is only partially to blame. GHQ decided to rebuild the mould for the Russian Infantry I purchased and so that delayed the order somewhat.
They are currently here and I am waiting for a slow period to open them up and start putting them all together.
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