Demi-Squad Yestine

'It is said that any brother of the Crimson Shrikes Astartes chosen to be elevated to the elite of the First Company must undertake a series of trials to prove they are worthy, the most notorious of which is known as 'The Piercing'. The megafauna of the Shrikes' homeworld is covered in barbs as long as a man's arm, and covered in the most virulent toxins. The chosen is taken to a suitable tree, and subjects himself to having these thorns pushed through his body. He is then left to hang for nine days and nine nights, a sacrifice of himself to the Emperor. The toxins wash through his blood, causing hallucinations and visions to fill the Astartes' mind. Not all Marines survive this torment, and those that do are said to have some foresight of future events granted unto them, including the manner of their death. Whatever the truth, the warriors of the First Company, also known as the 'Thorn Wreath', are brooding, Introspective souls. They let the screams of the heretic and the crash of the Bolter speak for them'

'Rituals of the Raven Guard and Successors' - Tominas Rotajz

Below can be seen Demi-Squad Yestine of the First, led by Jor Yestine. These brothers were a fearsome force during the initial phases of the War, and Jor was the obvious choice to lead 'Hunter Revealed' after the mortal wounding of Captain Shraane. Indeed, after the War's conclusion, Brother Yestine's command capabilities and consistent tactical excellence even against the forces of the Emperor's Children Traitor Legion led to his promotion to Captain of the Ninth Company. 

Productive days and The War Escalates.

So, with the (relatively) lovely weather we're having, I've spent a productive day getting models sprayed and prepped for future painting. There won't be much actual work put into the below, but I just wanted to show how the army will develop over the months and years. But first some WIP's of my Sternguard, which I really need to finish but just seem to be avoiding!

They seem a little washed out here, but the robes look really nice in the flesh. I really do have to get a decent camera and soon! They just need the arms and weapons completing and they'll be ready to go.

Next, a few little additions to the Shrikes' motor pool. The Rhino with the Stalker front is the personal transport of the Captain of the 3rd, and not because I forgot to actually put it on my Stalker at all....

And a small pile of bits and pieces that will be getting a lick of paint sooner or later. This includes a Contemptor, two Thunderfire Cannons on which the Techmarines have had arm swaps to try and make them look different, and my new Captain armed with the Teeth of Terra and storm bolter. The Marines will eventually be a Devastator unit, but I'm not in a rush for those just yet.

My Knight in his current state. Two washes of Nuln Oil give a nice look to the metals, which will then be drybrushed with Leadbelcher and Ironbreaker, before pinpoint washes with Typhus Corrosion in joints and bolts that wouldn't move much. The armour plates will be a mix of Stegadon Scale Green with highlights, yellow and black hazard striping and bronze edging, which will have Nilkanth Oxide washed over. The intention is to make this Knight look like a machine that has existed for over fifteen thousand years, which also leads me to ask...anyone have any good weathering techniques? Never done it before but I think a small amount would look really good on the plates.

And finally...

The horrors of the Ethnarch in the Fourth Shrine War have lead to a sector-wide charnel house of death and pain. The weeping and terror of mortals on every planet have created a heady musk of fear that draws dark beings from a time long forgotten. The Pleasure-Flayers of the 3rd legion translate into the Kerishian system...

House Erritian

'For over fifteen thousand years our House has endured. We have seen the mistakes of your Imperium. The kinstrife of the War of the Fallen Son, through the battles of Thor to the current days of the Fall of Man. We endured, and we prospered. And now we are in our darkest hour. Your conspiring and your treachery have brought the great usurper to our doorstep, and threatened our homeworld. We must unleash our greatest paladins to bring ruin to this horror. But be aware, son of the Corpse-Emperor, do not mistake our assistance as compliance..'

Intercepted transmission

Knight Baron Qzu-Lau, Frost-Breaker, Jade Serpent, Star-Render, Lord of the Knight House Erritian.