21 Apr 2008
This Gnoblog will be dedicated to my beast themed VC army that I am starting to create. As of yet, they don't really have a home, so when they decide which corner of Sylvania they came from, I'll adjust the title accordingly.
My first order of models came today, consisting of a Varghulf, Zombie regiment and box of skeletons. I'm not really sure how to fit the skeletons into my theme as of yet, so they will be staying unassembled for now. The Zombies will be modeled as victims of my beasts. Seeing as they are only ever raised during battles, this seems appropriate.
My plans for Dire Wolves involve the use of Goblin Wolf Riders, as I really don't like the whole rotting corpse feel to the new sculpts.
My ghouls will be more beastly, as I feel fits the idea of the unit.
These little beasties should be arriving from America in a few weeks, depending on how long it takes for delivery.
This guy here will represent a less bat-like Varghulf, once he arrives (hopefully within the week).
Edit: I have him, now I just need to get a pin vice so I can drill and pin him
The Fluff (Drum roll)
Beirach was once a Vampire who lived the courtly life, blending into human society as a middle level aristocrat. For a few centuries this seemed fine, except the need to constantly move and change names so as not to arouse suspicion wore upon Beirach's nerves. The lure of eternal life in high society, which had at first seemed so desirable, was becoming tainted by the advancing bloodlust that surfaced more and more often. After 500 years, little changes within human society, and after seeing the same plotting and scheming from hundreds of different power hungry aristocrats over the years, Beirach decides to give up his charade of humanity and is overcome by the bloodlust flowing through his veins.
Leaving behind the humans that so vexed him, Beirach has returned to Sylvania, taking up residence somewhere within its forbidding forests. Having fully embraced the bloodlust within, very few traces of humanity remain for Beirach and he has become a creature just short of the crazed Varghulf. He retains some degree of sanity through his study of dark magics, allowing him sufficient grip on reality to control his physical form. Years of brooding and utilising his magic has allowed Beirach to exert a degree of control over the beasts and other creatures of the forests.
Along with the lowly beasts, Beirach has been able to influence a number of other Vampires, many of whom join with him when he marches forth under the control of the bloodlust. Some Vampires are much like him, having given up a large part of their human guise. These creatures still retain enough will power to fend off insanity, though not nearly enough to resist Beirach's influence. Others have completely degenerated into beasts, retaining just enough control of the Necromantic arts to keep themselves alive and regenerate any wounds suffered. These Vampires offer little resistance to Beirach, and he is easily able to dominate their will and control them as he does all other creatures of the forests. To be continued later
@JJ: Noted, and I've removed it for now. When I finish the rest I may or may not add it back in.
The Forces of Beirach
Primarily comprised of vicious and weak willed forest creatures, the size of Beirach's host ebbs and flows with the tides of battle. When he is is pressing the enemy, Beirach is able to combine dark magic and prodigious willpower in order to attract roaming beasts to join in the bloodshed. Conversely, when Beirach is under siege from the enemy, be it magical assaults, rains of projectile fire or the hack and slash of close combat, his focus shifts to maintaining the strength of his own arms, and ensuring those creature closest to him do exactly as he wills it. In times such as these, large parts of the host may disperse in search of easier prey when confronted by impending pain or death.
Swamp Ghouls
Bearing little resemblance to the more widely known Crypt Ghouls, these creatures have developed in a manner more suited to the harsh environment of Sylvania's dark woods and fetid swamps. Their thick shaggy manes protect their neck and head, while rippling muscles as well as a lack of nerve endings go someway towards preventing injuries to the rest of their bodies.
My first ghoul unit with completed magnetisation. And their base showing the magnetic sheeting I used.
Varghulf
The transformation into a Varghulf is a strange one, as each Vampire undergoes a slightly different process and may exhibit a range of different physical attributes. Some Vampires simply become more of a beastly creature, gaining masses of fur, barreled chests and muscle bound arms, resulting in variations on enormous wolf like forms. Others remain smaller in chest and arm, but grow skin flaps that are just short of true wings. These creatures resemble bats to some small degree, though they are incapable of flight and their strongly built legs grant them a speed of movement far greater than any ordinary bat could achieve.
Jaarl
The history of Jaarl is unknown before Beirach found him, but it is obvious that he should never have been turned into a Vampire. Those with a strong connection to the winds of magic can still sense the taint of the Blood Kiss around Jaarl, a sure sign that he has been a Vampire but a few years. In spite of this, already his mind has decayed beyond hope of redemption, as evidenced by his transformation into a wolf like Varghulf state. Even his true name is lost, with Jaarl being the closest approximation that his feeble mind can conjure up. All of this matters little to Beirach, as a weak will is easier to dominate, and Jaarl has quickly proved to be an effective and loyal instrument of war in the grasp of Beirach's power. Once unleashed upon the enemy, his howls of excitement strike terror in even the most seasoned warrior, while his enormous frame coupled with an uncanny speed allow Jaarl to tear through steel and splinter bone with ease.
And the progress so far on Jaarl. Note the zombie hand he is gripping, and the hand I am sculpting which has a HE archer head in its grasp.
His arm is almost done, and it is fitted so that I can have two different attachments.
The standard arm with axe(Head had to be pinned as I snapped it off.
I think it may be slightly off centre now.)
The attachment, with magnet that sort of works to hold the arm on
and the second arm, which is being sculpted to fit my hand holding an archer head.
Nieren
Nieren was once a self controlled Vampire, one of the few who had developed the gift(or curse) for flight after undergoing his Vampiric transformation. Although he could control his facial appearance, it was impossible for him to mask the wings which his arms had become. Being clearly inhuman, Nieren was forced to scrounge a survival off farmers and travelers, only taking those that were incautious enough to venture into the night alone. As years passed, the lack of personal contact or even the pretense of humanity was slowly sapping his grasp on sanity. With this slow descent into madness, Nieren's cautious approach to feeding began to recede, and more often he would take risks when hunting for fresh victims. Eventually the disappearances began to be noticed, and hunters both vigilante and of the holy orders began to close in on him. Retaining enough wits to realise his predicament, Nieren decided to flee into Sylvania where he hoped to be safe from the hunters. Using his gift for magic, Nieren sought out places where dark magic gathered most strongly in the hope he could regain a measure of control over his body and mind. Unfortunately for Nieren, the source of dark magic was not natural at all, but of Bierach's conjuring in order to lure foul beasts for his host. Unable to hide his presence from the powers of Bierach, he was beset by wild bestial urges every time he let his self control slip even a fraction. After weeks of constant concentration to ward off the attacks, Nieren's will was finally overcome.
Now a shadow of his former self, Nieren's transformation has been further progressed by his dark master. His features no longer bear any resemblance to a human form, and the bestial urges are now constant companions that completely consume his mind.
I haven't done the other side of the chest, as I had to let the GS dry first.
Thrall Vampires
Kithass
A few of my more inventive Zombies. Most will just be plain though.
Presenting "Bob the Builder"
He needs a few more lessons in human anatomy I think.
"Martha"
She is admiring her 'pretties'.
My first order of models came today, consisting of a Varghulf, Zombie regiment and box of skeletons. I'm not really sure how to fit the skeletons into my theme as of yet, so they will be staying unassembled for now. The Zombies will be modeled as victims of my beasts. Seeing as they are only ever raised during battles, this seems appropriate.
My plans for Dire Wolves involve the use of Goblin Wolf Riders, as I really don't like the whole rotting corpse feel to the new sculpts.
My ghouls will be more beastly, as I feel fits the idea of the unit.
These little beasties should be arriving from America in a few weeks, depending on how long it takes for delivery.
This guy here will represent a less bat-like Varghulf, once he arrives (hopefully within the week).
Edit: I have him, now I just need to get a pin vice so I can drill and pin him
The Fluff (Drum roll)
Beirach was once a Vampire who lived the courtly life, blending into human society as a middle level aristocrat. For a few centuries this seemed fine, except the need to constantly move and change names so as not to arouse suspicion wore upon Beirach's nerves. The lure of eternal life in high society, which had at first seemed so desirable, was becoming tainted by the advancing bloodlust that surfaced more and more often. After 500 years, little changes within human society, and after seeing the same plotting and scheming from hundreds of different power hungry aristocrats over the years, Beirach decides to give up his charade of humanity and is overcome by the bloodlust flowing through his veins.
Leaving behind the humans that so vexed him, Beirach has returned to Sylvania, taking up residence somewhere within its forbidding forests. Having fully embraced the bloodlust within, very few traces of humanity remain for Beirach and he has become a creature just short of the crazed Varghulf. He retains some degree of sanity through his study of dark magics, allowing him sufficient grip on reality to control his physical form. Years of brooding and utilising his magic has allowed Beirach to exert a degree of control over the beasts and other creatures of the forests.
Along with the lowly beasts, Beirach has been able to influence a number of other Vampires, many of whom join with him when he marches forth under the control of the bloodlust. Some Vampires are much like him, having given up a large part of their human guise. These creatures still retain enough will power to fend off insanity, though not nearly enough to resist Beirach's influence. Others have completely degenerated into beasts, retaining just enough control of the Necromantic arts to keep themselves alive and regenerate any wounds suffered. These Vampires offer little resistance to Beirach, and he is easily able to dominate their will and control them as he does all other creatures of the forests. To be continued later
@JJ: Noted, and I've removed it for now. When I finish the rest I may or may not add it back in.
The Forces of Beirach
Primarily comprised of vicious and weak willed forest creatures, the size of Beirach's host ebbs and flows with the tides of battle. When he is is pressing the enemy, Beirach is able to combine dark magic and prodigious willpower in order to attract roaming beasts to join in the bloodshed. Conversely, when Beirach is under siege from the enemy, be it magical assaults, rains of projectile fire or the hack and slash of close combat, his focus shifts to maintaining the strength of his own arms, and ensuring those creature closest to him do exactly as he wills it. In times such as these, large parts of the host may disperse in search of easier prey when confronted by impending pain or death.
Swamp Ghouls
Bearing little resemblance to the more widely known Crypt Ghouls, these creatures have developed in a manner more suited to the harsh environment of Sylvania's dark woods and fetid swamps. Their thick shaggy manes protect their neck and head, while rippling muscles as well as a lack of nerve endings go someway towards preventing injuries to the rest of their bodies.
My first ghoul unit with completed magnetisation. And their base showing the magnetic sheeting I used.
Varghulf
The transformation into a Varghulf is a strange one, as each Vampire undergoes a slightly different process and may exhibit a range of different physical attributes. Some Vampires simply become more of a beastly creature, gaining masses of fur, barreled chests and muscle bound arms, resulting in variations on enormous wolf like forms. Others remain smaller in chest and arm, but grow skin flaps that are just short of true wings. These creatures resemble bats to some small degree, though they are incapable of flight and their strongly built legs grant them a speed of movement far greater than any ordinary bat could achieve.
Jaarl
The history of Jaarl is unknown before Beirach found him, but it is obvious that he should never have been turned into a Vampire. Those with a strong connection to the winds of magic can still sense the taint of the Blood Kiss around Jaarl, a sure sign that he has been a Vampire but a few years. In spite of this, already his mind has decayed beyond hope of redemption, as evidenced by his transformation into a wolf like Varghulf state. Even his true name is lost, with Jaarl being the closest approximation that his feeble mind can conjure up. All of this matters little to Beirach, as a weak will is easier to dominate, and Jaarl has quickly proved to be an effective and loyal instrument of war in the grasp of Beirach's power. Once unleashed upon the enemy, his howls of excitement strike terror in even the most seasoned warrior, while his enormous frame coupled with an uncanny speed allow Jaarl to tear through steel and splinter bone with ease.
And the progress so far on Jaarl. Note the zombie hand he is gripping, and the hand I am sculpting which has a HE archer head in its grasp.
His arm is almost done, and it is fitted so that I can have two different attachments.
The standard arm with axe(Head had to be pinned as I snapped it off.
I think it may be slightly off centre now.)
The attachment, with magnet that sort of works to hold the arm on
and the second arm, which is being sculpted to fit my hand holding an archer head.
Nieren
Nieren was once a self controlled Vampire, one of the few who had developed the gift(or curse) for flight after undergoing his Vampiric transformation. Although he could control his facial appearance, it was impossible for him to mask the wings which his arms had become. Being clearly inhuman, Nieren was forced to scrounge a survival off farmers and travelers, only taking those that were incautious enough to venture into the night alone. As years passed, the lack of personal contact or even the pretense of humanity was slowly sapping his grasp on sanity. With this slow descent into madness, Nieren's cautious approach to feeding began to recede, and more often he would take risks when hunting for fresh victims. Eventually the disappearances began to be noticed, and hunters both vigilante and of the holy orders began to close in on him. Retaining enough wits to realise his predicament, Nieren decided to flee into Sylvania where he hoped to be safe from the hunters. Using his gift for magic, Nieren sought out places where dark magic gathered most strongly in the hope he could regain a measure of control over his body and mind. Unfortunately for Nieren, the source of dark magic was not natural at all, but of Bierach's conjuring in order to lure foul beasts for his host. Unable to hide his presence from the powers of Bierach, he was beset by wild bestial urges every time he let his self control slip even a fraction. After weeks of constant concentration to ward off the attacks, Nieren's will was finally overcome.
Now a shadow of his former self, Nieren's transformation has been further progressed by his dark master. His features no longer bear any resemblance to a human form, and the bestial urges are now constant companions that completely consume his mind.
I haven't done the other side of the chest, as I had to let the GS dry first.
Thrall Vampires
Kithass
A few of my more inventive Zombies. Most will just be plain though.
Presenting "Bob the Builder"
He needs a few more lessons in human anatomy I think.
"Martha"
She is admiring her 'pretties'.
My VC gnoblog, Beirach's Beasts
My Slaanesh WoC gnoblog
Not a great fan of the alternative ghouls though 
But, I love the whole army 
I think the fluff you have created is incredible, however - minute criticism - I would omitt the second paragraph, and leave it with just the first and last ones, as they have a far greater impact on their own, than with the inclusion of the second 
Just my honest opinion... Loving the army though 
It is a lead based pewter, so I was wondering whether I need to treat it any different when working with it? Any ideas?
. But as far as your safety is concerned, you've done pretty much all you can. You could wear glases if you wanted as well 
- lead dust in the eye wouldn't be much fun 
