Strike Force Koivisto

The population of Kuàngshān, an unremarkable mine world like a thousand others, has embraced the teachings of the Xianglu Sect.  To most who have visited, the Sect appears as a branch of the Imperial Creed tailored to the culture of Kuàngshān - but rumours still persist about secret rituals by the upper hierarchy of the Sect.

Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Lady Ester Koivisto has brought a force of Deathwatch and Inquisitorial troops to the dusty, industrial planet to follow up on these rumours...

Lady Ester Koivisto, always accompanied by her servo-skull Luun-Pää, has served the Ordo Xenos for over two decades with a quiet determination.  Lady Koivisto seeks knowledge and has travelled widely investigating cases and eliminating alien threats.  Lady Koivisto is a competent warrior whose abilities are magnified thanks to a rare techsuit gifted to her when she destroyed a Hrud nest on Necromunda.  Her favoured weapons are a pair of plasma pistols, utilitarian in design but made by Lefever MDCXLII, the last in an ancient line of master gunsmiths.

Lady Koivisto's sworn protector, Officer Dariush Farzan is willing to give his life for the Inquisitor, but his hefty shield and shotgun make it more likely that others will give their lives first.  Officer Farzan is a devout man; he is never without his personal copy of the Imperial Creed.

Imperial propaganda insists that the abhuman Squats were destroyed by some terrible alien force, but holders of true knowledge are aware that they never disappeared.  Ödmjuk Skænar is one of the Squats who met Lady Koivisto at a trading world.  Bonding over a shared thirst for knowledge, the Inquisitor invited Skænar to join her band - the Squat was more than willing to oblige.

It is very common for Inquisitorial bands to include members of the Adeptus Mechanicus - invaluable for their technical aptitude and esoteric knowledge these Tech-Acolytes are welcomed by wise Inquisitors.  υυ D-40 has been with Lady Koivisto since her first mission and provides the band with a skilled marksperson - their long-rifle was responsible for taking down the Ork Warlord Zoggrok Guthacka, ending a Waaagh before it had a chance to start.

Requisitioned from the Imperial Navy by Lady Koivisto, Gurcharan Bola wasn't missed by his former comrades - he is a jovial man with a propensity for ultraviolence.  Lady Koivisto recognised that Bola's particular skills would be a great help when facing terrifying Xenos; she was quickly proved right when Bola helped slaughter a Tau cultural outreach team.  

Spei Scutum is Lady Koivisto's personal Razorback transport - armed primarily with twin lascannon to tackle armoured targets, Spei Scutum also has a missile pod for anti-personnel purposes.  

The 17th Birmingham, nicknamed 'The Bug Swatters' has provided Lady Koivisto with men several times and they always serve with distinction.  Carrying a mix of weaponry the Bug Swatters sometimes serve as a single unit, but when required break into two; ranged support (lasguns and a grenade launcher) and assault (various cruel blades and clubs).  Soldiers of the 17th Birmingham have taken to wearing trophies from their kills - armour plates from various Tyranid beasts are worn on shoulders, shins and even heads.

Watch-Lieutenant Sister Akintoye leads the Deathwatch contingent of Strike Force Koivisto.  A member of the Onyx Talons, she has served the Imperium for the last 310 years, with half of that being spent with the Deathwatch.  She brings her eagle, Oya, to battle with her - a sign of great status amongst the Onyx Talons.

Providing Strike Force Koivisto with a psychic threat - and shield - is Brother Codicier Rafiel. Seconded from the Blood Angels, Rafiel carries himself with the nobility expected of Sanguinius' line.  

A Blackshield, Brother Marek is a quiet man who keeps himself to himself - but in battle he is a sight to behold; chainsword and powersword in hand he wades through the enemy leaving only blood and gore in his wake. As with all Blackshields, none know of Marek's former chapter - but some say the chipped black paint on his right shoulder reveals white and dark red.

Although he isn't a Blackshield, most of his comrades stay away from Brother Tephras of the Dark Angels.  This suits Tephras, who would rather keep his secrets anyway.

Brother Halvard Frostkin of the Space Wolves is an anomaly, whilst most of his pack took easily to the role of Long Fang, Halvard missed the thrill of besting his foes in hand to hand combat.  When the rest of his pack was killed defending Snøfonn IV from Hive Fleet Lotan, Halvard was granted permission to serve with the Deathwatch - here he takes every opportunity to avenge his pack the best way he knows how.

Sister Sergeant Korina is a proud marine of the White Minotaurs chapter - she carries a famed relic of her chapter; the Heraklean Club.  This artificer-crafted Power Maul has crushed countless Xenos in the service of the Deathwatch, every battle adding to its fame.

Brother Genericus continues the Ultramarine's long but ultimately uninteresting history of service in the Emperor's name.  

Hailing from the Shadow Wolves chapter, Brother Hàoyú takes a pragmatic view of war; kill more of the enemy than they can kill of you.  His weapon of choice, the Frag Cannon, allows him to share his philosophy with his fellow marines - the shrapnel tearing through scores of Xenos.

Sibling Santana of the Knights of Gryphonne is a fearsome warrior.  Armed with a pair of artificer Lightning Claws, on the battlefield they stalk the most heavily armoured enemies - it is said that once Santana has identified a target they will not stop until their Claws have tasted blood.

Brother Iskandar of the Contenders chapter believes in versatility - his combi Heavy Bolter and Flamer make him a deadly threat at range and close up.  Iskandar advances implacably, starting by firing bolt rounds at distant foes, before engulfing those who get near in burning promethium.

Strike Force Koivisto is blessed to include a Dreadnought; Brother Torox Rageheart of the Flesh Tearers. This ancient warrior has fought and vanquished foes on thousands of worlds - and has not slowed down since being interred in a Dreadnought after falling whilst serving in the Deathwatch.  His armament clearly shows his nature; crushing claws, whirring chainfists, hurricane bolters and hunter-killer missiles make Torox a walking arsenal.

Zundrulf Redbeard - Dwarf Slayer Pirate

Zundrulf Ironhull was one of the captains operating out of the great stronghold of Barak-Varr.  His ship, The Pride of Barak-Varr, was famous for the speed and safety in which she delivered the priceless treasures across the seas.

One such voyage, while carrying a shipment of the valued Falim’s Triple Pedigree Ale, was attacked en route and although it took three ships of human pirates to overcome Zundrulf and his crew, the manlings took the cargo.  To add insult to injury, the pirates bored holes in the hull of The Pride of Barak-Varr and left the defeated Dwarven crew to sink.  Zundrulf rallied his crew and managed to steer his ship to a friendly port.  There he left his crew, took the Slayer Oath and swore to atone for the loss the only way a Dwarf could.

Finishing off this multi-year Mordheim Hireling Agency project is one of the Long Drong's Slayer Pirate minis from the old Dogs of War army for WHFB.  

I hope you've enjoyed the little snippets of story I've shared throughout this project - it has been a labour of love for sure!  I've struggled, but somehow I was able to keep going and now I get to enjoy that little sense of achievement - and on my birthday to boot! 🎉

For those that do like my little corner of Mordheim - there will still be warbands, Dramatis Personae and other bits and bobs no doubt to come so please do check back some time!

Zob Rockgut - Ogre Wanderer

Zob Rockgut always had a strong sense of wanderlust and once he'd come of age, he decided to go for a walk.  A long walk.  Zob kept on walking, attaching himself to various armies along the way to earn his food, and eventually found himself at Mordheim.  Immediately Zob stopped walking - it seems he has found what he was looking for.

This is one of the handful of survivors from the long-long-abandoned Ogre Kingdoms project.  He represents the 'Irongut' sprue in the Hireling Agency - his metal is actually the best I've ever painted (shame it was years ago now and I can't remember the recipe!)

Zikrit Many-Kill - Clan Mors Clawleader

Clan Mors boasts many fearsome warriors, more than any other Skaven clan it breeds for war.  Amongst its Clawleaders it counts killers like Qholk Throatslicer and Mad-Mad Vutch the Red, but only a few have reached the heights of Zikrit Many-Kill.

Heavily armoured, and wielding sword and pick, Zikrit carries a grim trophy rack with mementoes of his most famous victories over man, orc, dwarf and even other ratmen.  He has come to Mordheim to continue to test his skills – he hopes to add to his grisly trophies during his stay.

This is, of course, the original Queek Headtaker mini - one of my favourites from back in the day.  I bought him purely to include in the Hireling Agency.

Yves le Renégat - Bretonnian Renegade

A peasant outlaw from Bretonnia, Yves fled his home when he shot the Duke's favourite hound that was poised to kill his village's only pig.

Making a name for himself as a skilled archer, Yves sells his bow to any and all – he may have once been a man of principles, but they don't keep him in food or ale.

I came up with (an admittedly basic backstory) for a Bretonnian peasant so bought the bits for a single archer from some box-splitter on eBay a few years ago.  I kept him simple - he's no fancy dan after all.

Xoxopehualoc - Skink Warchief

There aren't many lizardmen in Mordheim, but the Slann have still sent some agents to carry out their bidding – for the learned people that remain it’s a worrying sign, for surely if the Ancient Ones are paying attention to the happenings in the ruins there is some dreadful portent that has been foretold.

Xoxopehualoc is a Skink, and one of the more war-like examples of his kind.  What Xoxopehualoc is doing in Mordheim is known only to Quauhtli and sometimes the two cold-blooded Lustrians will work together.

I got this little chap from a sprue-splitter - he's from what is now known as a 'Seraphon Stegadon'.  I think he's now called a Skink Alpha, but no promises as I'm beyond out of the loop!

The Wyrd Plotter - Horror of Tzeentch

Summoned by a mysterious warlock known as Eins, the Wyrd Plotter has found the magickal energies that permeate the very ground and air of Mordheim much to its liking.

Now, at the unfathomable whim of its god, the Plotter remains, working acts of mischief and mayhem that further whatever plans the Great Conspirator has for the Cursed City.

This is an old school Pink Horror of Tzeentch - I went with magic effect hand because when you find a simple and effective method of doing something it makes sense to rinse it, right?  I don't really like Tzeentch much so it was a bit of a chore - but I am happy to have one of each of the 'foot soldier' Daemons in the Hireling Agency nevertheless.

Wulf - Middenlander Mercenary

More than a few Middenlanders have made the journey to Mordheim – the gruff warrior who only answers to ‘Wulf’ is but one of the fortune-seekers.

Wulf carries a pair of wicked maces into battle, and wears a monstrous helm giving him a fearsome appearance – his eagerness to break heads for gold gives him a reputation to match.  

This rather bloodthirsty chap is an old Citadel Chaos Thug mini.  Given his wolf pelt headdress draped over his fierce helm I opted to tie his story to Middenland - although I think this warrior has fallen into the worship of a god other than Ulric...

Wilmar Stahlhut - Talabecland Mercenary

Hailing from Talabecland, Wilmar is a mercenary like many others, out to seek his fortune in the cured city of Mordheim.  He carries a fine zweihänder sword and offers his services to the various bands that have gathered from across the Empire.

Wilmar is quite short-statured so some whisper behind his back that his father was a Halfling.  It’s surely just a coincidence that he eats two breakfasts and his feet are more than a little hirsute.

This is an old Citadel Mercenary from 1987 - I decided to make him from Talabecland as part of my plan to have as many of the provinces represented as possible.

Wilhelm Hasburg - Priest of Sigmar

A priest of Sigmar and bearer of an ancient relic from the days of the Heldenhammer, Wilhelm is a venerable man, respected and revered by the Witch-Hunters for his decades of service casting down the witch and the daemon.

Now an old man, Wilhelm has travelled to Mordheim, recognising the immense danger it poses to all of mankind.  He hopes his final acts will help the devout Sigmarites that battle in the ruins prosper against the forces of ruin.

This is Wilhelm Hasburg from the old Dogs of War unit Johan and Wilhelm - Johan appeared on the blog previously.

Werner von Türmstadt - Road Warden

In most of the Empire, the officials known as Road Wardens police and protect the key trade roads between the great cities and prosperous towns.  Following the destruction of Mordheim one such Road Warden found himself without a road to protect (well, unless you count the length of land showered with burnt wreckage and bits of Mordheim).  Maintaining his sense of justice, Werner has now become the unofficial warden for Smithtown, Gutter's End and even Brigandsburg.  It’s safe to say he has his work cut out for him!

This is the Mordheim Road Warden figure (rather obviously!).  I got rid of the mounted version years ago as I have no intention of having mounted miniatures in our games of Mordheim.  I gave Werner a purple uniform to indicate his ties to the Ostermark.

Weisskreuz - Penitent Knight

Sometimes when a member of one of the numerous knightly orders falls short of the expected conduct, rather than explusion or execution the Grand Master of the order will issue an order of a penitential quest – some dreadful nigh-unachievable mission to atone for the misconduct.

Weisskreuz is one such disgraced knight.  Seeking solace in his quest, and in his prayers for redemption to Verena, Weisskreuz has recently appeared alongside warbands in the ruins of Mordheim, but none know who or what he seeks.

This chap is a 1986 Feudal Man at Arms from Citadel where he had the name 'Reinhart'. I added a scroll bit to a plain shield and used chestnut ink to add the 'devotional writing' that I imagine he is carrying into battle in the finest traditions of GW games.

Wart - Kind and Gentle Soul

It couldn't be helped really, some folks just lack the ability to do anything other than hit things, hard.

Wart is a kind and gentle sort of soul, one of life's likable people. The other people in the quarter of Mordheim he called home looked out for him and he found work with a builder's crew, earning a crust from his untiring strength; whistling tunelessly while he hammered the ground flat for whatever building the crew were working on.

When the comet fell Wart's life changed – his crew was wiped out and so were most of the people he used to know.  Wart would most likely have become prey to some monster or another, but Old Durchsieber took him in.  Wart repays the kindness the matriarch of Gutter's End shows him by looking out for her and her daughters.

This chap is from the 1987 Citadel Imperial War Cannon (aka Feudal Artillery) where he is a crewman.  I rather liked his expression so decided to add him to the Hireling Agency.

Volker von Mordheim - Deranged Lunatic

With the horrors that happened during and immediately after the comet's fall and the destruction of Mordheim, it is no surprise that many of the former inhabitants lost their mind.  Some tag along with the Witch-Hunter bands, viewing them as saviours in these dark times, others swore allegiance to the twisted Cults that stalk the ruins.  Some, like Volker, have had their minds so shattered by what they witnessed that they cannot differentiate right from wrong, good from evil, friend from foe.

This is one of the Zealot miniatures from the Witch Hunters warband by Citadel.  I particularly liked this one for the hand puppet so when I found one for a decent price I snapped it up for the Hireling Agency!

Vladimir Forestkin - Priest of Taal

A Priest of Taal, Vladimir is attuned to the wild places.  Feeling the shift in the energies of the world following the comet's fall Vladimir felt compelled to travel to Mordheim.  He fights alongside the warbands that are loosely aligned against the forces of ruin and death, bringing his skill with his stone spear and the prayers to his wild god with him.

This is an OOP Amber College Wizard - I thought the mini fitted the bill for a Priest of Taal so added him to the Hireling Agency.

Vladik from the North - Kislevite Kossar

A member of the Ungol people of Kislev, Vladik is proud of his heritage.  He fights in the traditional style of the Kossar; with battle axe and bow.  He has spent years in the armies of Kislev, fighting back the threat of Chaos from the Wastes. 

Times are hard in Kislev and Vladik has travelled South to the Empire to seek his fortune, perhaps one day he will return to his homeland, but for now he sells his martial skills in return for gold crowns.  Able to fight the enemy at both range and in close combat, Vladik is a welcome hireling to any warband that is willing to pay his fee.

This is a Kislev Kossar (strangely enough) from the ultimately rather short-lived range (other than the Winged Lancers and Ice Queen who were around a lot longer of course!).