On the Workbench [May] - Heresy Era Dark Angels Praetor and Command Squad

Greetings!  While I will no doubt look at running a more effective Praetor (in terminator armor, or on a jetbike, etc.), I had the models for a standard Praetor and command squad in the bits box, so I decided to put them together as a showy command element for the force.  Who doesn't love a legion banner, after all??  The Praetor was build stock and mounted on a piece of cork. I used the same custom mix of model railroad ballast on his base that I am using on all the rest to tie him in with the force.  I wanted the bit of extra height for the model to help him stand out as a command element in the end.

While he doesn't have any specific First Legion bling, I'll manage the look through paint and decals.  He's a great looking model, and will do nicely with his great sword and archeotech pistol. All good weapons for a leader in the First Legion.

Some customization then went into the command squad.  I imagined the two body guards to be Terran veterans from the Wars of Unification.  The banner bearer is a recent Calabanite recruit given the honor in recognition of some great deeds done in service to The Lion on Caliban.

This warrior has a simple load out with bolt pistol and power fist.  These guys are expected to charge and be charged.  No fancy long range weaponry needed. A large command crest helps call this warrior out as an honored veteran in the command echelon. He is responsible for punching anything big and armored that might come looking for his Lord.

The Dark Angel's shoulder pad seals the deal. This is definitely a Dark Angels model! The next warrior is a duelist who gave his leg in service during some past conflict and is now supported by a legion artificer bionic limb. He also sports the crest of an honored command veteran. I am going for individuality between these two body guards, more than anything else, to call them out as unique honored warriors within the Legion's command structure.

I thought the use of mk.III armor for this scrappy duelist fitting. He's seen a lot and he's willing and able to give more.

The banner bearer sports a Dark Angels mkIV helmet upgrade which I'm using to identify recruits from Caliban in my force.  The rest of the model is primarily stock, with a DA shoulder pad and the chainsword arm from an upgrade pack.

He want's for a power sword, but chainswords are iconic within the Horus Heresy era and I need a few among the force for color, if nothing else. This is primarily a showpiece model anyway.  Not sure he'll be fielded in any games.

Yikes...a blank canvas on this banner...decals?  Free hand?  a mix?  ugh...this will challenge me.  The legion banner should be a show piece for the army and I need to do something very cool here.

So there you have it.  An upper-echelon command element for the First Legion.  I guess I'll need to identify at least a company level designation for this force now, if not a chapter (or whatever they called their larger organizations within the legion.  I don't have that at top of mind, but I believe they had chapter masters, so chapters feels right to me).

I'm looking forward to priming these models and getting paint on them.

Cheers and Happy Gaming!