Building A Thousand Sons Army A Warhammer 40k Journey

Embarking on a new Warhammer 40k journey is always an exciting endeavor, and for me, that journey begins with the Thousand Sons. This legion of traitor Astartes, steeped in sorcery and lore, has always held a special allure. Their intricate armor, their powerful psykers, and their tragic history make them a fascinating choice for any Warhammer 40k enthusiast. In this article, I'll be chronicling my experience of building a Thousand Sons army, from the initial planning stages to the first battles on the tabletop. This process involves not only assembling and painting miniatures but also delving into the rich lore of the Thousand Sons, understanding their unique playstyle, and making strategic decisions about army composition.

Why the Thousand Sons?

My fascination with the Thousand Sons stems from a number of factors. First and foremost, their aesthetic is simply stunning. The ornate, Egyptian-inspired armor, the flowing robes, and the arcane weaponry create a visually striking force on the battlefield. The Thousand Sons are not just warriors; they are scholars, sorcerers, and living conduits of the warp. This duality is reflected in their models, which blend martial prowess with arcane elegance. Beyond their appearance, the lore surrounding the Thousand Sons is incredibly compelling. Their tragic fall from grace, their devotion to knowledge, and their desperate attempts to avert the Edict of Nikaea make them one of the most complex and sympathetic factions in the Warhammer 40k universe. The story of Magnus the Red, the primarch of the Thousand Sons, is a particularly poignant one, filled with ambition, good intentions, and ultimately, devastating consequences. His desire to protect his legion and humanity from the perils of the warp led him down a path that ultimately doomed his sons and shattered his legion. Understanding this backstory adds depth and meaning to the process of building a Thousand Sons army. When I field my models, I'm not just moving plastic figures across a table; I'm enacting a part of this grand, tragic narrative. The Thousand Sons' unique playstyle on the tabletop is another major draw. They are a highly psychic army, capable of unleashing devastating powers on their enemies. Their reliance on sorcery makes them a challenging but rewarding force to play, requiring strategic thinking and careful resource management. Unlike some armies that rely on brute force or overwhelming numbers, the Thousand Sons excel at outmaneuvering and outsmarting their opponents. This tactical depth appeals to me as a player, as it allows for a greater degree of creativity and problem-solving on the battlefield. The combination of stunning visuals, compelling lore, and a unique playstyle makes the Thousand Sons an irresistible choice for my new Warhammer 40k journey.

Planning the Army: First Steps

Before diving into the assembly and painting process, careful planning is essential. The first step in building a Thousand Sons army is to determine the overall size and composition of the force. This involves setting a points limit, choosing a detachment structure, and selecting the units that will form the core of the army. For my initial foray into the Thousand Sons, I've decided to aim for a 1000-point army. This size allows for a reasonable number of units and provides a good balance between flexibility and manageability. A 1000-point army is also a common size for casual games, making it a practical choice for learning the rules and getting games in with friends. Once the points limit is set, the next step is to choose a detachment structure. Detachments are organizational units within a Warhammer 40k army, each with its own requirements and benefits. Different detachments offer different command point bonuses, which are essential for using stratagems during the game. For my Thousand Sons army, I'm planning to use a Patrol Detachment as the core of my force. A Patrol Detachment requires at least one HQ unit and one Troops unit, and it provides a small command point bonus. This detachment structure is a good starting point for a smaller army, as it allows for a focus on core units while still providing some command point flexibility. Choosing the right HQ unit is crucial, as this unit will serve as the army's commander and provide valuable support abilities. For the Thousand Sons, the most common HQ choices are Ahriman and a generic Sorcerer. Ahriman is a powerful psyker and a key figure in the Thousand Sons lore, making him an appealing choice. However, he is also relatively expensive in points. A generic Sorcerer, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective option, providing psychic support and leadership abilities at a lower price. Ultimately, I decided to go with a Sorcerer for my initial army list, as his versatility and lower cost make him a better fit for a 1000-point force. The Troops unit is the backbone of any Warhammer 40k army, providing board control and objective-holding capabilities. For the Thousand Sons, the primary Troops choice is Rubric Marines. These iconic warriors are encased in arcane armor and wield powerful bolters, making them a formidable force on the battlefield. Their slow movement speed is a drawback, but their durability and firepower more than compensate for this weakness. I plan to include a squad of Rubric Marines in my Patrol Detachment to provide a solid core for my army. With the HQ and Troops choices made, the next step is to consider other unit types, such as Elites, Fast Attack, and Heavy Support. These units provide specialized roles and add flexibility to the army. For my Thousand Sons army, I'm particularly interested in incorporating psychic units, such as Scarab Occult Terminators, and fast-moving units, such as Tzaangors. These units will complement the Rubric Marines and provide additional offensive capabilities. Careful consideration of these unit choices is essential for creating a well-rounded and effective army.

Assembling and Painting the Miniatures

Once the army list is finalized, the real work begins: assembling and painting the miniatures. This is a time-consuming but rewarding process, as it brings the army to life and allows for a personal touch. Assembling the miniatures involves carefully cutting the plastic parts from the sprues, cleaning up any excess plastic, and gluing the pieces together. This requires patience and attention to detail, as a poorly assembled model will not only look bad but may also be more difficult to paint. For the Thousand Sons, the assembly process can be particularly challenging due to the intricate details of their armor and weaponry. The ornate trim, the flowing robes, and the arcane symbols require careful handling to ensure that the models look their best. I find it helpful to work on one model at a time, following the assembly instructions closely and taking breaks when needed. Once the models are assembled, the next step is to prime them. Priming is the process of applying a thin coat of paint to the model, providing a smooth surface for the subsequent layers of paint to adhere to. A good primer will also help to bring out the details of the model and make the colors more vibrant. I prefer to use a spray-on primer, as it provides an even and consistent coat. For the Thousand Sons, I recommend using a gold or metallic primer, as this will complement their iconic blue and gold color scheme. With the models primed, the real fun begins: painting! Painting miniatures is a skill that takes time and practice to develop, but it is also a very enjoyable and relaxing hobby. There are many different painting techniques and styles, but the most important thing is to find a method that works for you and to have fun with the process. For the Thousand Sons, the classic color scheme is a vibrant blue with gold trim. This color scheme is striking and eye-catching, but it can also be challenging to paint well. The blue requires several thin coats to achieve a smooth and even finish, and the gold trim can be tricky to paint without getting paint on the blue areas. I find it helpful to start by painting the blue areas first, then carefully apply the gold trim. Using a fine-tipped brush and thinning the paints with water will help to achieve a clean and crisp result. In addition to the blue and gold, the Thousand Sons models also feature a variety of other details, such as cloth robes, arcane symbols, and glowing eyes. These details provide opportunities to add depth and character to the models. For the robes, I like to use a variety of shades of red and purple to create a sense of richness and depth. For the arcane symbols, I use a metallic paint to make them stand out. And for the glowing eyes, I use a bright, vibrant color, such as green or orange, to create a sense of otherworldly power. Painting miniatures is not just about applying colors; it's about bringing the models to life and telling a story. Each brushstroke, each layer of paint, contributes to the overall impression of the model. When I paint my Thousand Sons, I try to capture their essence as warriors, scholars, and sorcerers. I want them to look both powerful and elegant, both fearsome and wise. This is a challenging goal, but it is also what makes the painting process so rewarding.

Delving into the Lore of the Thousand Sons

As I build my Thousand Sons army, I also want to delve deeper into their lore. Understanding their history, their motivations, and their key figures will add depth and meaning to my gaming experience. The Thousand Sons were one of the original twenty Space Marine Legions, founded during the First Founding in the early days of the Imperium of Man. Their primarch, Magnus the Red, was a powerful psyker and a scholar of arcane knowledge. Under his leadership, the Thousand Sons became known for their intellectual pursuits and their mastery of psychic powers. However, their reliance on sorcery also made them a target of suspicion and censure within the Imperium. The Edict of Nikaea, a decree issued by the Emperor himself, forbade the use of psychic powers by Space Marines. Magnus, believing that his legion's psychic abilities were essential to their survival, defied the Edict. This act of defiance ultimately led to the tragic events of the Horus Heresy, a galaxy-spanning civil war that nearly destroyed the Imperium. During the Horus Heresy, Magnus attempted to warn the Emperor of Horus's treachery, but his efforts went awry, inadvertently breaching the psychic defenses of Terra and allowing Chaos forces to invade. In the aftermath of this disaster, the Thousand Sons were branded as traitors and forced to flee into the Eye of Terror, a warp-infested region of space. In the Eye of Terror, the Thousand Sons fell under the sway of Tzeentch, the Chaos God of magic and change. Tzeentch warped and mutated the Thousand Sons, turning many of them into dust-filled armor animated by psychic energy. These Rubric Marines, as they are now known, are the iconic warriors of the Thousand Sons, a haunting reminder of their tragic fate. The lore of the Thousand Sons is filled with compelling characters, epic battles, and tragic events. Magnus the Red, Ahriman, and other key figures in the legion's history are complex and fascinating individuals, driven by ambition, loyalty, and a thirst for knowledge. Their stories are intertwined with the broader narrative of the Horus Heresy and the ongoing struggle between the Imperium and Chaos. Understanding this lore adds a new dimension to the tabletop game. When I field my Thousand Sons army, I'm not just moving plastic figures across a table; I'm enacting a part of this grand, tragic narrative. I'm imagining the battles they fought, the sacrifices they made, and the price they paid for their ambition. This adds a layer of emotional investment to the game and makes each victory and defeat more meaningful. There are many resources available for delving into the lore of the Thousand Sons. The Horus Heresy novels provide a detailed account of the legion's early history and their role in the civil war. The Warhammer 40,000 rulebooks and codexes contain background information on the Thousand Sons' current status and their place in the 41st millennium. And online resources, such as the Warhammer 40k wiki, provide a wealth of information on the Thousand Sons and their history. I plan to continue exploring the lore of the Thousand Sons as I build my army, seeking to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and their destiny. This will not only enhance my gaming experience but also enrich my appreciation for the Warhammer 40k universe as a whole. The intricate tapestry of the Thousand Sons' lore provides a compelling backdrop for my tabletop endeavors.

Initial Thoughts and Future Plans

Building a Thousand Sons army is a long-term project, but the journey so far has been incredibly rewarding. From planning the army list to assembling and painting the miniatures to delving into the lore, each step has been a new and exciting challenge. I'm particularly proud of the progress I've made on painting my Rubric Marines. Their intricate armor and vibrant colors have been a joy to work on, and I'm excited to see them take to the tabletop. I'm also looking forward to experimenting with different psychic powers and strategies in my games. The Thousand Sons are a highly versatile army, and I'm eager to discover their full potential. In the future, I plan to expand my Thousand Sons army with additional units, such as Scarab Occult Terminators and a Daemon Prince. These units will add more firepower and flexibility to my force and allow me to create a more well-rounded army. I also want to continue exploring the lore of the Thousand Sons and learn more about their history and their motivations. This will deepen my connection to the army and make my gaming experience even more immersive. Ultimately, my goal is to create a Thousand Sons army that is both visually stunning and tactically effective. I want my army to be a reflection of the Thousand Sons' rich history and their unique playstyle. This will be a challenging but rewarding endeavor, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me. The Thousand Sons represent a departure from my previous Warhammer 40k armies, offering a fresh perspective on the game and a new set of tactical challenges. This journey of building a Thousand Sons army is more than just assembling miniatures; it's about immersing myself in the lore, mastering new strategies, and forging a connection with a fascinating faction in the Warhammer 40k universe. The initial steps have been taken, and I'm eager to continue on this path, witnessing my Thousand Sons force grow and evolve on the battlefield.