Two Painted Veterans

Well, here are two painted Sternguard Veterans for you guys. I'll tell you a secret and I hope you don't all hold this against me. I didn't paint them black. I merely spray painted them black and painted on top of that. I'm also beginning to think that's why my black Veterans never seem to look quite right. I think on the next Veteran I work on (hopefully tonight), I will give it a good coat of Chaos black before I continue on. Or I may paint details and then paint on black to clean it up. And if I like the results, I may go back to these guys and paint on black, too. I've already got a "Veteran" squad to repaint. Back in the day (until about a year ago, that is), HQs got command squads and they weren't Veterans. So now I still have a Veteran Squad that is in all blue instead of traditional Veteran black. I should (and eventually will) repaint them.

Why do Veterans wear black? Well, in the early tribal days of the indigenous peoples of Besradine, home world of the Astramalleus, warriors would smear black paint over their scars to show their enemies that they had been in a lot of fights and were nobody to be taken lightly. When these warriors became Marines, they continued the practice by painting their armor where they had received scars and wounds. At first it was allowed as a symbol of warrior spirit and pride but, since Marines can endure wounds that would kill most men and live far longer, over time each Marines armor eventually became a motley and messy set of black painted patches and stripes. It was eventually decided by the Chapter Master that the practice would be discontinued among the rank and file but Veterans would be allowed to paint their armor completely black to show the many battles they had participated in. All veterans have the choice to wear black and few refuse. Chaplains and Librarians, being officers, also wear black. Captains, as representatives of the Chapter and the Grand Satrap of Besradine, wear the Blue and Black like line Marines. The one place the issue is not defined in among Sergeants. Some wear black to serve as an inspiration and example to the squad they lead. Some wear blue and black to help emphasize squad unity and coherency. As the issue has remained a question of leadership style and personal preference, no word has been given on the subject and as long as it does not interfere with morale, the issue will more than likely remain one of personal taste.