Hobby: No retreat! No surrender!

A grizzled Commissar joints the Vilniaus 39th - help name him!

As we rapidly approach 40k 10th Edition, recent reveals suggest that battle-shock, the new system to replace the morale phase, will impact Astra Militarum perhaps more than other factions.

This will only be a problem if you’re army consists mainly of plain ol’ humans with pretty sub-par leadership. Oh, dear!

It looks like battle-shock might be a bit of an issue for the Guard, so looks like they need backup!

Introducing: the Vilniaus 39th’s first Commissar. This political officer will surely keep the troops in line in the face of the enemy.

The Commissar looking a bit grim with his bolt pistol and chainsword, on a very large tactical rock.

And the back.

With this model, I experimented a bit. After applying Black Templar contrast on the cloak, I wasn’t happy with how it pooled in a couple of places but was otherwise happy. A simple drybrush with some Wraithbone really helped I think - not only does it show the difference between folds and edges, but it makes it look a bit more like a worn cloak. I’m happy with it!

I also like how the Commissar looks good in the red, which fits in with my army (and the historical lineage for Commissars), but still complements a much darker colour scheme that’s dominated by the black cloak.

As ever, I’m playing around with names with my good friend ChatGPT. Which one do you think works best?

Cast your vote! Thanks for reading. Next up, the Vilniaus 39th marches forth against a Xenos menace…