Strength & Foresight - Eldar Command Group

Back in December 'Winterfest' was launched on The Emporium of Rogue Dreams Facebook page. Build and paint an Eldar single model, unit or vehicle by 12th January. The Command Group category was my favourite category from the early 1990s Golden Demon awards. I loved seeing a tight group of four themed models, usually comprised of a selection of commanders, leaders, champions or musicians plus a standard bearer:

David Knowles Squat Command Group (Golden Demon 1991)

Barry Lees' 1st place Ork Command Group (Golden Demon 1991)

I decided I'd build and paint a Command Group for the unit category under the premise of 'What I might have entered into the Command Group category at Golden Demon 1994'*.

*Assuming that the Command Group category still existed in 1994!

My Eldar Command Group (theoretically entered at Golden Demon 1994)

The Command Group is based on figures and components available in 1994. The gyrinx is an unmodified limited edition Rogue Trader figure, but the other three are extensively converted.

Leader

I wanted the leader to imposing, yet practical. Several eldar commander types (Farseer, Autarch) wear coats or cloaks over armour, so that's the look I went for. The colour scheme is borrowed from my eldar scout force so he can lead them if necessary.

The gyrinx colour scheme is a grey-blue that nods to recent blue paintjobs on more recent interpretations. I added the stripes on spine and legs to reinforce the feline nature (prior to adding them everything was a bit too wolfish!).

I was convinced to add the rune to the rear of the coat - I'm glad I did, even if I was worried I wouldn't pull off the freehand!

The conversion was based on one of the flamboyant early-1990s Imperial Psykers. I removed the head, psychic hood, both arms & holster. I also carved out the entire central section of the body, before replacing it with one of Jes Goodwin's early space elves / eldar. 

Champion

I kept the champion's paintjob darker than the leader's. The only late change was the fringe under her bust - originally this was also dark blue, but she needed a splash more colour to liven up the colour scheme.

The champion is based on one of Trish Carden's lovely Marauder Wood Elves. I added the shuriken catapult and sculpted a nice, new coat. Her thermal detonator is actually a magic orb from a Citadel Wood Elf sorceress.

Image from Collecting Citadel Miniatures Wiki.

Standard bearer

The final figure in the group got a nice big banner. The design is loosely based on one of Jes Goodwin's sketches. I'm not 100% happy with the way I executed it, but it's fine for now!

I started referring to this guy as Elvish Elvis and I can't get it out of my head!

The conversion is a splice of a space elf / eldar upper torso with Harlequin legs and the banner arm from a high elf standard bearer. All Jes Goodwin sculpts and I think they pull together nicely!

I plan to add to this group with a few more exotic eldar characters such as the trader from the RT adventurers range. Enough to make a 10-strong Stargrave crew anyway!