WAAGH! Drillteef is here with an article on thematic Daemon Summoning in your games of 40K.
Hey, folks. I know there has been a lot of hullabaloo about the ability of many different forces to summon Daemons. I’m not going to go into the balance aspects of this because, to be honest, I’m not qualified to comment on it at this point. However, I do have something to say about it from a fluff perspective.
I do understand the argument that, even in his darkest hour, a Space Marine Librarian probably ought not be summoning Daemons. However, the ability for it does exist in the rules.
Let’s make some lemonade, shall we?
Forces of the Imperium
There has been a lot of speculation about the Emperor as a warp being. Indeed, some argue that he is a God, much to his chagrin. Perhaps you are not summoning Chaos Daemons and are, instead, other-worldly beings which are attuned to the holy power of the Emperor?
Model some shining angel Space Marines for the Daemons you summon. Paint them shining silver and gold with blazing eyes with weapon and wargear loadouts which match the Daemon you are summoning… perhaps power swords for Bloodletters or outstretched hands crackling with power for Pink Horrors. Perhaps find some models of armored knights mounted upon mighty steeds for your Bloodcrushers. And for your apotheosis from the Possession power, I guess you’ve figured out what you’re finally gonna use that Primarch model for, haven’t you?
Other ideas include the use of Legion of the Damned and Mordrek.
Orks
I plan on starting a new phase of my Tuska project. I do plan on doing a full Tuska Daemon army someday and this is a great way to get started and use the models before I have a full army to play with. I’ll start with some pink-skinned Ork Boyz built from the Fantasy range and a big ol’ Tuska model for my Possession model.
Eldar
Forgeworld has everything you need to make counts-as Eldar Daemons. Seriously, if you’re not inspired by the Eldar section on the Forgeworld site, I don’t think I can help you. The Avatar model is simply amazing and Shadow Spectres are absolutely perfect for this task.
Any Other Ideas?
If folks have any other thoughts, I am all ears because I’m sure this can be a win/win situation. It’ll create some great variety on the tabletop and allow you to feel good about what’s happening in the story you’re telling.
This is a post I can get behind.
Personally I’m a bit of a Mechnicus (Dark or whatever) nut. My summoned daemons are just Mechanicus assault troops teleported onto the field 🙂
Yeah, I immediately thought of your AdMech army when I read this.
It’s been heavily updated since back in the day. Not sure if that is the army I’d move forward with for this but it’s a possibility. Also my Ratmen army might go this direction. It’s between Nids or Daemons for their counts-as 😀
Either way, I always loved that army! It looks rad.
That’s a great idea!
Eldar – Psychic teleportation of Wraith Blade troops (Bloodletters, Plaguebearers), Harlequins through the webway (Daemonettes), Warlock Acolytes (Horrors), Assault bikes (Screamers) etc.
There’s lots of easy, fluffy counts-as options for all the armies, I think.
The real question for me is, if it’s that obvious why didn’t GW think of this and simply have appropriate, racial variations on the spell? Even Tyranids could have the powers, “summoning” tunnelling, hidden or flying monsters is obvious whilst the bigger ones could be summoned via spores…
That’d be one way to get my Avatar model on the board. Summon him at half-court! I love it!
Paint the summoning model like a pro wrestler, “Tag Me in, Brother! Ooooooh, yeah!”
Kind of random but I am still waiting for someone to make old school wrestler themed Ogryns.
Can you dig it?!
Love your article! I was just having this same conversation with guys at my FLGS last weekend trying to get them to see the light. The warp isn’t all bad demons running amuck. I plan on using an old Saint Celestine model heavily converted to represent an angel being summoned!
Genius.
One of my Eldar Farseers is fluffed out as a “Master of Elements” (link at bottom), so I’ll be converting/painting some daemons up as “Summoned Elementals” of each element. They’ll probably be based on the original daemon models, though some of the Wood Elf dryads might work well for the earth elementals (Nurgle daemons).
http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/513327-Eldar%2C%20Farseer%2C%20Water%20Effects.html
Don’t forget these guys!
https://www.google.com/search?q=d%26d+miniatures+elementals&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=5OuHU-nsG-ersQTU2oGoBg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1379&bih=1233
Great article. This could also be a great way to include eldar exodite models as the full sized dragons would make great greater daemons and the dragon cavalry would make awesome seekers, bloodcrushers, etc.
You could take a WFB river troll and splice it with a deffdread dread to make a giant warboss on mega armor and it woul be purprtionate to a daemon prince or current greater daemon
Some really awesome ideas, y’all!
I am converting a Hulk action figure by adding an Orky faceplate, Uge choppa, wings and such to make a Mork/Gork “avatar” based on the bloodthirster possession power. Orks may not have the power by the time I am done, but its a cool idea, I think.