Byzantum Empire

Holiday!!!! I'm back

2011-07-29T20:23:00.001-07:00

Hi All!

Sorry for not blogging on minis for the past few weeks. I went back home for holiday to catch up with my family and friends and its only recently I've gone back to my routine and make no mistake, some minis painting/assembling will be posting up soon!

I've been busy in my other blog http://sidestreaker.blogspot.com/ on other things in life.

Cheers!

my blog here is not the only thing I'm neglecting, look what happen when you leave a cat alone for too long at home... tsk....

Valkyries - WIP

2011-05-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

It's amazing that no matter how long I've been away from this hobby, and when I find the time to get back on it again, it felt just like yesterday from where I left it. To be honest, I have no idea how long this round of hobby period can last, but until the next distraction comes around and pull me away from painting, I will just keep on posting of whatever I have. It feels good to paint again after so long :)

Here they are, a pair of Valkyries, a different colour theme from the rest of my IG, indicating that my veteran drop troops, the Hawks are of a different division. I've decided to have them as open models and paint up all the details within the gunship, and keep the parts removable to appreciate the details.

More to come!

Completed Leman Russ

2010-11-10T01:55:00.000-08:00

Yet another completed armored squad for comments.

Completed Hellhound and Basilisk

2010-11-10T01:38:00.000-08:00

Most recently completed armor for my guards

Leman Russ WIP

2010-08-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

Just a view of things to come, some work in progress for my IG and the humble beginning of my armored company.

Platoon Command Squads

2010-06-25T02:13:00.001-07:00

Not much of update nowadays, with my crazy work schedule and evening classes. Anyhow, here are some updates on my IG, managed to pull out 2 platoon command squads, utilizing some of the parts from the command squad (still saving some of the best parts for the company command squad later).

I'm still far from completing my troops, with another 20-man squad to complete my second platoon and heaps of heavy weapon squad to be assembled and done. Hope to pick up speed soon.

Scout Sentinel Squad

2010-05-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Completed trio of scout sentinels, ready for some recon action! Seen here compared to my Eldar War Walkers.

WIP More Scout Sentinels

2010-04-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

WIP, next up is my scout sentinels, OOP versions which I've collected before they phased out the previous battleforce box for catachan fighters, to complete my trio scout sentinels...

Photo Blog

2010-04-10T23:41:00.001-07:00

Just started a new blog on Photography
http://urbandesignvincent.blogspot.com/
comments welcome! Cheers

Completed Preatorian Hawks - IG Veterans Drop Troops

2010-03-26T10:58:00.001-07:00

Recently completed veteran squad with shotguns, melta guns and sarge with bolt pistol and power weapon. Also converted with attached forgeworld grav-chute. CC welcome thanks!

Preatorian Hawks (con't)

2010-03-13T22:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a loooong time folks!

If some of you remember, once upon a time I planned to pick up IG, well, here I have some works to continue that plan, after finishing off my Ultras (at last!)My first task is to finish off my veterans for anti tank/armor role. Here's a squad with grav chute, lots of GS to give it a unique look and to match up the prototype (which I've painted here), took up almost all the shotguns I have from the marines scout sprue and some coversion on the sarge for a power sword and bolt pistol.

I hope to paint this asap and get on to their transport, the valkyrie...

Test Conversion and Colors for Praetorian Hawks

2009-05-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

I got rather excited with the arrival of my Grav Chute yesterday and prompt me to test out some parts for some conversion, just to see how the grav chute may look like.

Here, I've used a cadian guard, a shotgun from Space Marine Scouts, the grav chute and some green stuff.The shape and design of the grav chute is more geometrical and I thought of elbow and knee pads moulded into similar shape to relate to the grav chute. I've also did a similar styling on the shoulder pads.

I had to be careful as not to overdo it and make sure that this is a conversion that I can do for the next 19 guardsmen as it should be simple enough to maintain its consistency and yet effective.For the colors, I've chosen a scheme similar to the Elysian Taros Campaign color scheme. These para-troopers are a separate division in my army called the Praetorian Hawks and will be distinctly different from the rest of the Byzantum Guards. At the moment, I plan to have 2 veteran squads of this in 2 valkyries. I think some variety of uniform would look interesting on the battlefield.

DEI GRECI: Hektor - the Ogryn Bodyguard (final)

2009-05-21T03:17:00.000-07:00

This is certainly an inspirational project. If you guys haven't seen this, check it out! It's one of my favourite IG blog site out there!

DEI GRECI: Hektor - the Ogryn Bodyguard (final)

Grav Chutes

2009-05-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

Just when I was looking forward to the weekends and can't wait for the day to end, a package just arrived at my office, some grav chute just dropped in via Royal Mail.

I seriously can't commit myself to buy those nice juicy elysian troopers (due to budget) but I do have some ideas on conversions with sprues from cadian/catachan and a bit of help with these elysian parts, which i think can make a big difference. These will be used by veterans along with the Valkyries as drop troopers. Makes dropping out after moving flat out a bit more exciting with the grav chute...:D

Just when I thought of finishing my current hobby schedule before these grav chutes arrived... must resist.... (rolling for leadership test, double 1, damn!)

Completed First Sentinel

2009-05-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

After 2 evenings, here's my first completed sentinel, the OOP edition with flamer and multi-laser. I've left half the hull unglue to reveal the interior and the pilot, and also managed to do some minor conversion with Tau parts to have interchangeble weapons. CC are welcomed thanks!

Platoon and Veteran Squad

2009-04-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 infantry platoon squad and 1 veteran team. Included this time also is the missile launcher. The veteran team is made from a mix sprue of catachan and cadian. there are a bit more of touch up here and there before i move to the next project.

New Recruits!!

2009-04-15T00:46:00.000-07:00

Alright men, line them up! Get your act together, ladies, you'll be lucky if you last more than 5 minutes out there and should be flattered if i even remember your face!!!

Ahem, ok, I'm in the progress of painting up the boys here which I'm sure will be used. Of course more will come once the new codex is released and I finalised on the FOC.

Here's some experimental batch painting, trying to maintain the quality of the first test model. Here's a challenge, try to identify him in the crowd...This lot took me abt 2 evenings to paint...
Its pretty much the same method I used as before, only quicker now as I'm more confident of the colors used and gettin familiar with the design of the models. Oh, and I'm really expanding or maximising the sprues on the heavy weapon team by using normal guardsmen on the heavy bolter here, I'm saving the kneeling models for the mortars as they look more natural...

Oh, and I've decided on the brown base edging, looks a bit better than before.
Thanks for viewing and comments are much appreciated!

Crest Design

2009-04-05T01:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a draft of some crest design which I'll paint on my troops soon, to tell apart squad/platoon members, roles and designation. I figure the red and white will stand out rather well on the green and desert yellow camo pattern. This is done using photoshop CS3.

I just finished primer 2 squads last night, can't wait to get started on the paint job!

More to come as I go along.

My 1st Guardsmen

2009-03-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Alright folks, here they are, my test paint on my first guardsmen for The Byzantum Guards. There's still abit more to be done on the face and the flesh areas but i think its almost there. Numbers and symbol on the shoulder pads are freehand and does not take that long to do, just need to concentrate harder! Overall the whole mini takes me about 2 hours from start till finish, not including undercoat and basing of course. That's because of color testing and determining the camo pattern and design and location of the icons and choosing highlight colors.

Color used are; Commando Khaki, Catachan Green, Desert Yellow, Elf and Dwarf Flesh, Beastial Brown, and Devlan Mud washes.

Next, I'll work on the scheme and design for the veterans, which should be less formal and regimented as the regulars.

Thanks for viewing and comments are welcomed!

New Flag

2009-03-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I've got down to design a flag for my new IG.

The fluff is loosely based on the historical even on the Byzantine Empire, which I have used many of the names like Emperor Augustus and Constantine for the fluff. After doing some research on the flags and the symbol of the Eastern Roman Empire, I've discovered that the the 2 headed aquila was largely made popular since the time of byzantine. Anyway, based on the available information I have on byzantine empire and the official aquila, I've develop this flag as a basis for my IG banner and other logos or symbols.

The background of red and white is based on the late period of the Byzantine Roman Empire and the symbol on the aquila chest represents the Star of Constantine Centuari. I still consider this WIP and will further develop this symbol on this basis.

The Beginning

2009-03-31T02:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog for my new IG army. I've not a single model painted yet but I did assembled a few while waiting for the new codex to appear. Here's some write up on fluffs to give my army some background, as basis for my new army list and design for this upcoming army.

Star System: Constantine Centuari,

Planet Name : Byzantum

Ruling City : Augustus Prime

Type: Colony, Governor Rule, Civilized World and Forge World

THE BEGINNING
After the Horus Heresy, the Administratum realize that the galactic war has taken a heavy toll on the Imperium and would require new means and source to replenish all resources in order to rebuild itself. Many expeditions under the guises of trading ships were dispatch to various parts of the galaxy to avoid being intercepted by remnants of the Chaos forces. They are to seek out new planetary system for resources and expansion to reinforce the Imperium’s feeble grip on the galaxy.

Grand Admiral Constantine led one of these expeditions to the eastern fringe of the galaxy. Though he courageously led the expedition and faced many obstacles along the way, he never lived through to see his success. Lead Admiral Augustus took over the helm and discovered a star system with 3 habitable planets and rich in natural resources and each with a handful of moons to stage as defense ports and manufacturing planets. Augustus named the system after his predecessor, Constantine Centuari in honor of him.

The star system is a bi-star system, common throughout the galaxy with a dominant sun and a second dwarf star, which is dormant and contributes to the recession of the local planet star constellation. Along with it are 14 planets, which only 3 are similar in size and 2 holds life.

Astronomical and geological studies shows that the mass of 3 planets were once from one single planet and the collision with the dwarf star millions of years ago (due to the elliptical orbit of the dwarf star) shattered the planet. Over time its dust and remains formed 3 new smaller ones. It is also believed that this collision sparks the native life-form of the planets.

The three planets are called CA-02, CA-04 and CA-05, named Commodome, Byzantum and Andrianum respectively.

CA-02, Commodome has the most natural minerals and resources within the star system. Deep valleys and high mountains and rich bio-fossil fuel indicates that it was once a life thriving planet but its seas has dried out and its atmosphere is thin, burned out by green house effect. It has a single moon, Rodenius, the perfect location to construct a defense post for planetary defenses as Commodore is planned to be an industrial powerhouse and soon to be one of the most important Forgeworld in the Imperium later.

CA-04, Byzantum is the most livable and wonderous planet with great bio-doversity and rich with life. The paradise-like planet inspired Lead Admiral Augustus to designated this planet to be their central of administration and the start of one of the most successful human colony after the Heresy. The capital, named after him, Augustus Prime would enjoy tremendous prosperity and growth as the centre of trade and administration for the sector.

CA-05, Andrainum is one of the harshest planet in the star system but able to sustain exotic and extraordinary life form with its barely breathable atmosphere. It only turn on its axis once in a full year cycle, leaving one half the planet in winter while the other in harsh heat. However, this planet is equally important as it somehow has a unique unlimited source of energy emitting from its geological features, allowing selected and unique hi risk industrial complex to be constructed and commissioned almost immediately, with the lack of any external source of hi risk energy like nuclear or fusion reactors.

COLONIZATION AND GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

In the early era of the colonization, Constantine Centuari has enjoyed unprecedented growth and prosperity. This has led Byzantum to develop as a Civilized World and while keeping Commodome as a Forge World.

During the early era, the colony maintains the military rule, directly inherited from the Navy led expedition organization structure. As the population grows and the society gets more sophisticated, a local government was formed led, by a Governor with the usual overtone and worship to the God Emperor.

Byzantum has grown into one of the most spectacular colony and Augustus Prime has developed into one of the most spectacular cities in the Imperium of Man.

ARCHITECTURE
The arts and architecture of Augustus Prime and in large parts of Byzantum has the strong resemblance to the Classical Byzantine/Ottoman Architecture, bearing a distinctive difference from the Gothic like image in most parts of the Imperium. The technology and advancements in structure and built environment design was demonstrated in its elegance and beauty. One tends to forget the darkness, chaos and troubles in the Imperium when stepped into one of the many mesmerizing and hauntingly beautiful chapels dedicated to worship the God Emperor

SOCIETY
The many centuries of trades and success of this colony has benefited the people of Byzantum in many ways. They have enjoyed good lifestyle through many generations and accumulation of wealth has created classes amongst them. Noble families are well known and often to be chosen for many administrative purposes. Even the middle class are well taken care to ensure a healthy growth in the major workforce. The less fortunate whom are the minorities have occasionally received generous charity and various programs to elevate themselves from poverty.

FORGEWORLD OF COMMODOME
The powerful industrial house of Commodome has grown to be one of the most successful Forgeworld in less than 300 years of operation. Adeptus Mechanicus has taken serious interest in the early stage of the industrial setup of this planet and has eventually taken over the administration from the Governor of Byzantum to turn it into a Forgeworld. However, the Governor still administrates the shipping route of resources and export of the products from the Forgeworld among the star system and to outer system shipping. As a young Forgeworld, Commodome has yet to come up with their own innovation or pattern of existing Imperium technology, they have however managed to duplicate the STC technology almost flawlessly and has improved/refined the manufacturing process technology to allow for greater production rate. Their advancement in production has also managed to produce more difficult technology like melta weapons and other hi-energy weapons. Over the centuries, Commodome has became a reliable source of military export, particularly of more advance weaponry.

DARK ELDAR INVASION, VENTRUVIUS THE VILE
M38: Dark Eldar invasion began progressively and slowly crippled the star system defense system. Ventruvius the Vile, a Dark Eldar Lord, whom has many years been eyeing on the peaceful colony, waiting for the time to strike as if the fruits are ripe for the reaping.
It started of with small skirmishes with the navy and random attacks on certain parts of the colony planets. These are actually key areas where constant attacks occured, some are decoys to force mobilize the Imperial Guards to distract them from defending the actual target. The Guards overconfidence in their fort and their seemingly impenetratable defenses seems to overlooked the repercussion of these small and insignificant attacks. Fallen for the deceiving tactics of the Dark Eldar, the Navy Defense System find themselves almost crippled.
Soon, the central government was forced to dissolve and a short-term marshal law was declared throughout the entire star system. The military has taken over the governor administration and many major cities were abandoned. However, Byzantum could somehow hold its ground though could never restore to its former glory. Smaller colonies are setup around Augustus Prime as population began to decentralize from a dense urban environment to avoid hi rate of casualty in the event of an alien invasion. This allows for greater flexibility in terms of response time and if all hope is lost, the use of weapon of mass destruction would eliminate the threat in a large scale.

THE PRAETORIAN HAWKS
A decorated officer, Arch General Maximillian Ackber soon began a revamp of the setup and tactics from a conventional Imperial Guard organization, which normally supported by armored company to smaller and more mobile strike forces which has a quicker response time to deal with the sudden Dark Eldar invasion over random location. He would incorporate drop troops from fly-by Valkyrie transports to drop troops into the trouble areas and hold off the attacks while waiting for heavier support to arrive to the scene. The success of these drop troops are well known and soon given a division of their own known as the Praetorian Hawks. Led mostly by recruits form the noble background, these are proud and fearless soldiers, ready to drop into the unknown and some actually would live to tell the story of the horror they faced.
This tactic has proved to be effective in dealing with the constant Dark Eldar threat and soon, after many years of painful defensive wars against the torturers, Constantine Centuari managed to regain some form of order within the star system. Soon afterwards, The Praetorian Hawks would venture into nearby system and ready to answer the call of the Imperium to ensure the dominance of Man in the galaxy.