What To Do With Extra Lords Of Virulence A Comprehensive Guide
Having extra Lords of Virulence in your Warhammer 40,000 collection might seem like a predicament at first. These powerful Death Guard characters are imposing figures on the battlefield, but what do you do when you have more than you need for your primary army list? This comprehensive guide explores a myriad of options for your extra Lords of Virulence, from converting and kitbashing to selling and trading, ensuring that these formidable miniatures don't gather dust on a shelf. We'll delve into the lore and tabletop roles of the Lord of Virulence, understand why you might have extras, and then provide creative and practical solutions to maximize their value. This article aims to provide both seasoned veterans and newcomers with actionable advice and inspiration for dealing with surplus miniatures in their collections.
Understanding the Lord of Virulence
Before we dive into the possibilities for your extra Lords of Virulence, it’s essential to understand what makes this character so compelling in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The Lord of Virulence is a specialized Chaos Space Marine character within the Death Guard faction, dedicated to spreading the plagues and gifts of Nurgle. Their primary role on the tabletop is to provide powerful buffs to nearby units, particularly those equipped with Plague weapons, making them a crucial support character in a Death Guard army.
Lords of Virulence are masters of chemical warfare and biological weaponry. They stride across the battlefield in heavily corrupted Terminator armor, wielding devastating plague-encrusted weapons that can melt through enemy ranks. Their presence enhances the firepower of nearby Death Guard infantry, making them significantly more effective in both ranged and melee combat. On the tabletop, this translates to abilities that improve the strength, toughness, and overall effectiveness of units around them, making them a cornerstone of many Death Guard strategies. The Lord of Virulence's aura of corruption can bolster Plague Marines, Blightlord Terminators, and other core Death Guard units, transforming them into an even more formidable fighting force. Understanding this tactical importance helps to contextualize the value of these miniatures and why having extras can open up strategic options or creative projects. Furthermore, the Lord of Virulence's backstory as a champion of Nurgle, dedicated to spreading disease and decay, adds a compelling narrative element to the miniature. This lore can inspire conversion ideas or inform your decision to include multiple Lords of Virulence in your army for thematic reasons.
Why You Might Have Extras
There are several reasons why you might find yourself with extra Lords of Virulence. One common scenario is purchasing multiple Death Guard Combat Patrol boxes or army sets, which often include a Lord of Virulence as a key component. These box sets offer excellent value for building a Death Guard army, but they can lead to duplicate characters. Another reason might be changes in your army list composition. As new rules, codex updates, or strategic shifts occur, the optimal composition of your army may change. A Lord of Virulence that was once a staple might become less essential, leaving you with an extra miniature.
Additionally, some players may purchase extra miniatures for conversion projects, planning to create unique characters or diversify their army’s appearance. The Lord of Virulence, with its distinctive Terminator armor and array of Nurgle-themed weaponry, provides a fantastic base for such conversions. The detailed sculpt and imposing presence of the miniature make it an ideal candidate for transformations into other characters, such as a Chaos Lord in Terminator armor or a custom-built Plague Champion. Whatever the reason, having extra Lords of Virulence is a common occurrence in the Warhammer 40,000 hobby. The key is to find creative and practical ways to put these miniatures to good use, rather than letting them sit unused. The following sections will explore various options, from strategic redeployment within your army to creative conversion projects and even avenues for selling or trading your surplus miniatures.
Repurposing Your Lords of Virulence
Now that we've identified why you might have extra Lords of Virulence, let's explore the various ways you can repurpose them. The first and perhaps most straightforward option is to consider using multiple Lords of Virulence in your army. While Warhammer 40,000 has rules limiting the number of identical characters you can field in certain detachments, there are ways to incorporate multiple Lords of Virulence strategically.
One approach is to build a larger army that includes multiple detachments. Each detachment can potentially include a Lord of Virulence, allowing you to maximize the buffs they provide across your forces. This strategy is particularly effective in larger games where a more diverse and expansive army composition is beneficial. Another tactical consideration is redundancy. Having multiple Lords of Virulence ensures that if one is targeted and eliminated, you still have another to provide essential buffs to your Plague Marines and other Death Guard units. This can be a crucial advantage in competitive games where maintaining consistent support for your frontline troops is paramount. Furthermore, you can vary the wargear options on your Lords of Virulence to create specialized support characters. One might be equipped for maximum ranged support, while another is geared towards melee combat, adding versatility to your army. Ultimately, incorporating multiple Lords of Virulence into your army is a strategic decision that can significantly enhance your Death Guard’s overall effectiveness on the battlefield.
Converting and Kitbashing
If fielding multiple Lords of Virulence isn’t your preferred strategy, converting and kitbashing offer exciting possibilities for transforming your extra miniatures. Conversion involves altering the miniature’s appearance and equipment, while kitbashing combines parts from different kits to create a unique model. The Lord of Virulence, with its heavily armored frame and distinctive Nurgle aesthetic, is an excellent candidate for these projects. One popular conversion is turning a Lord of Virulence into a Chaos Lord in Terminator armor. By swapping out certain components, such as the head, weapons, and shoulder pads, you can create a formidable leader for other Chaos Space Marine factions or even a custom character within your Death Guard army.
Another option is to convert the Lord of Virulence into a different type of Death Guard character, such as a Plague Champion or a Chaos Sorcerer in Terminator armor. These conversions can involve more extensive modifications, such as repositioning limbs, adding new details with modeling putty, or incorporating parts from other kits. Kitbashing allows you to create truly unique models by combining bits from various kits. You could, for example, add tentacles, extra armor plates, or different weapons to your Lord of Virulence to create a highly customized character. This approach is particularly effective for creating themed armies or characters with specific backstories. The possibilities are virtually limitless, and the only constraint is your imagination and skill as a hobbyist. Converting and kitbashing not only provide a creative outlet but also allow you to personalize your army and make it stand out on the tabletop. These projects can be both rewarding and practical, turning surplus miniatures into valuable assets for your collection.
Selling and Trading
When creative repurposing isn't the route you want to take, selling or trading your extra Lords of Virulence can be a practical way to recoup some of your investment or acquire new miniatures for your collection. The Warhammer 40,000 community has a thriving secondary market, with various platforms and avenues available for buying, selling, and trading miniatures. Online marketplaces like eBay and dedicated Warhammer trading groups on social media are popular options for reaching a wide audience of potential buyers. When selling, it’s essential to accurately describe the condition of the miniature, including whether it’s new on sprue, assembled, painted, or converted. Providing clear photos is also crucial for attracting buyers. Pricing your miniature competitively is key to making a sale. Research the current market value of the Lord of Virulence and similar miniatures to ensure your price is attractive while still reflecting the miniature’s worth.
Trading can be an excellent option if you’re looking to acquire specific miniatures for your army. Many hobbyists are open to trading, especially if you have something they need. Local game stores and Warhammer clubs often host trading events or have bulletin boards where you can post your miniatures for trade. Online forums and groups dedicated to Warhammer trading are also valuable resources. When trading, it’s important to establish clear communication with the other party and agree on the value of the miniatures being exchanged. This can help ensure a fair and mutually beneficial trade. Selling and trading your extra Lords of Virulence not only declutters your collection but also provides an opportunity to fund new hobby projects or acquire those elusive miniatures you’ve been searching for.
Alternative Uses and Creative Projects
Beyond the typical repurposing strategies, there are several alternative uses and creative projects you can undertake with your extra Lords of Virulence. These options cater to hobbyists who enjoy the artistic and narrative aspects of Warhammer 40,000, offering unique ways to showcase their miniatures and engage with the lore. One intriguing option is to use your extra Lords of Virulence in diorama projects. Dioramas are miniature scenes that tell a story, and the imposing figure of a Lord of Virulence can be a compelling centerpiece for a diorama depicting a Death Guard battle, a Nurgle shrine, or a plague-ridden landscape. You can incorporate various elements, such as terrain pieces, other miniatures, and custom-built details, to create a visually stunning and narrative-rich display.
Another creative project is to use your Lord of Virulence as a display piece. A well-painted and based Lord of Virulence can be a striking addition to your collection shelf or display cabinet. You can experiment with different painting techniques, such as weathering, highlighting, and special effects, to create a miniature that truly stands out. Additionally, you can create custom bases for your Lords of Virulence, incorporating thematic elements that reflect their allegiance to Nurgle. These bases can include details like pools of toxic sludge, decaying vegetation, or miniature Nurglings swarming around the Lord of Virulence.
For hobbyists who enjoy the narrative aspect of Warhammer 40,000, extra Lords of Virulence can be used in role-playing games or narrative campaigns. You can create unique characters with detailed backstories and use them as antagonists or allies in your games. This adds a personal touch to your gaming experience and allows you to explore the lore of the Death Guard in more depth. These alternative uses and creative projects provide a refreshing way to engage with your miniatures beyond the tabletop battlefield, fostering your creativity and enriching your hobby experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having extra Lords of Virulence doesn't need to be a problem; it's an opportunity. Whether you choose to incorporate multiple Lords of Virulence into your army for tactical advantage, embark on creative conversion and kitbashing projects, or explore the secondary market through selling and trading, there are numerous ways to make the most of these formidable miniatures. Alternative uses, such as diorama projects and display pieces, offer additional avenues for creative expression and engagement with the Warhammer 40,000 universe. By exploring these options, you can ensure that your extra Lords of Virulence become valuable assets in your collection, rather than gathering dust on a shelf. The key is to approach the situation with a blend of practicality and creativity, allowing you to tailor your approach to your specific needs and interests within the hobby. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to Warhammer 40,000, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the possibilities, empowering you to make informed decisions and maximize the potential of your extra Lords of Virulence.
