If you have been eyeing the new Mechanicum releases and wondering how to paint them as proper traitors, this article delivers exactly that.
With fresh kits landing for both Legions Imperialis and the Age of Darkness, painters have been hungry for canonical guidance. As a result, the Horus Heresy team stepped in with a focused look at how Traitor and Dark Mechanicum forces should really look on the tabletop. While red still reigns supreme for loyalists, this piece makes it clear that darker paths allow for far more sinister creativity.
The Philosophy Behind Traitor Mechanicum Colours
At their core, Mechanicum forces stick to reds, blacks, whites, and metallics. However, the Traitor Mechanicum pushes that palette into much darker territory. Instead of clean Martian red, these armies lean into blackened iron, corroded brass, and stained steel. Importantly, the studio stresses restraint. Even when experimenting, staying within a controlled range keeps the army visually cohesive and recognisably Mechanicum.
That said, there is room for variation. Assets bonded to Space Marine Legions, Titan Legios, or Knight Households might borrow heraldic flourishes from their allies. Likewise, vehicles dedicated to darker powers can stretch the palette further, especially as the Horus Heresy grinds on and corruption deepens.
Who Are the Dark Mechanicum Really?
The Dark Mechanicum was never a single faction. Instead, it was a patchwork of rival sects, forge tyrants, and self proclaimed visionaries. Many believed themselves the true heirs of the Omnissiah, embracing forbidden knowledge denied by the Emperor. When Horus offered freedom from restriction, long hidden cults rose quickly, overthrowing orthodox regimes and turning entire forges into engines of heretical innovation.
As the war escalated, many of these groups embraced the occult. As a result, their factories became twisted shrines, birthing horrors that echoed the nightmares of the Age of Strife. This fragmented identity is exactly why their colour schemes can vary so much while still feeling authentic.
General Dark Mechanicum Schemes
The article showcases three general schemes suitable for almost any Dark Mechanicum force. These focus on black iron with brass, weathered gold with dark banding, and steel panels streaked with rust. Each scheme is heavy, industrial, and threatening, which perfectly suits traitor war engines.
Icons play a huge role here. The studio leans into esoteric markings that blend science and sorcery. While most require freehand work, several are already available on Legions Imperialis decal sheets, making them accessible even to less confident painters.
Chaos Dedication and the Road Ahead
Later in the Heresy, some engines became dedicated to individual Chaos powers. These schemes introduce blues, greens, marble whites, and blood soaked blacks. While still restrained, they clearly signal allegiance and corruption. Each example includes a hybrid Chaos Mechanicum sigil, reinforcing that these are not just corrupted machines, but devoted ones.
In summary, this article gives painters a strong foundation for building believable Traitor Mechanicum forces. Whether you prefer subtle corruption or full damnation, the guidance here keeps everything grounded in Horus Heresy lore while still encouraging creativity. With Forge World specific heraldry coming next, now is the perfect time to start planning a truly heretical Mechanicum army.
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