Floating Rocks For Imperial Fists: Geokinesis Basing Kits

Hey guys! Are you on the hunt for the perfect kit to represent the geokinetic abilities of your Imperial Fists army with some awesome floating rocks? You've come to the right place! Creating a dynamic and visually striking base for your miniatures can truly elevate your tabletop experience, and floating rocks are an excellent way to showcase the raw power and control your Imperial Fists wield over the battlefield.

Understanding Geokinesis and Its Representation

Before we dive into specific kits, let's quickly touch on what geokinesis means in the context of Warhammer 40,000 and how we can best represent it visually. Geokinesis, the ability to manipulate earth and stone, is a potent psychic power. For the Imperial Fists, known for their stoic defense and mastery of fortifications, geokinesis can manifest as the ability to raise defensive structures, create impassable barriers, or even hurl chunks of terrain at their enemies.

When representing geokinesis on a miniature base, we want to capture this sense of power and control. Floating rocks achieve this by defying gravity, creating a visually arresting image that suggests the miniature is actively manipulating its environment. We want the rocks to look natural, yet also clearly suspended, giving the impression of a dynamic and ongoing force at play. Achieving this look involves careful selection of materials, thoughtful arrangement, and a bit of technical skill in assembly and painting. The goal is to tell a story with your base, one that speaks to the unique abilities and character of the Imperial Fists. Think about the scale and size of the rocks in relation to your miniature. Are you going for a subtle hint of power, with a few small stones gently hovering, or a dramatic display with large, jagged rocks suspended in mid-air? The answer will influence your choice of kit and your approach to construction. Remember, the base is an extension of the miniature itself, so it should complement the model's pose and overall aesthetic. A dynamic pose paired with an equally dynamic base will create a much more compelling visual than a static model on a static base.

Kits and Components for Creating Floating Rocks

Now, let's explore some kits and components that can help you achieve this awesome floating rock effect. There are several options available, ranging from dedicated basing kits to individual components you can mix and match to create your unique vision. It all depends on your desired level of customization and the specific look you're aiming for.

1. Dedicated Basing Kits

Several companies offer basing kits specifically designed for creating dynamic and thematic bases, including some with pre-made floating rock elements. These kits often include a variety of rock sizes and shapes, as well as other terrain elements like debris, foliage, and even pre-sculpted energy effects. The advantage of these kits is convenience. They provide a curated selection of components that are designed to work together, saving you time and effort in sourcing individual parts. They often come with instructions or inspiration for creating effective base layouts, making them a great option for beginners or those who prefer a more structured approach. When choosing a dedicated basing kit, consider the overall aesthetic you're aiming for. Some kits lean towards a more fantasy-inspired look, with smooth, rounded rocks and fantastical foliage, while others offer a grittier, more realistic style that's perfect for the grim darkness of the far future. Think about how the style of the kit will complement your Imperial Fists miniatures. Do you want a base that reflects the stark, industrial nature of their fortifications, or something that hints at the ancient, earth-shaping powers they wield? Also, pay attention to the scale of the kit. Some kits are designed for specific miniature sizes, while others offer more flexibility. Make sure the rocks and other elements are appropriately sized for your models; you don't want them to look too large or too small in relation to the miniature itself. Finally, consider the material of the kit. Resin is a popular choice for basing kits, as it offers a good level of detail and is relatively easy to work with. However, some kits may use other materials like plastic or cork, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Resin can be brittle and may require some cleanup before use, while plastic is more durable but may not offer the same level of detail. Cork is a lightweight option that's easy to cut and shape but may require sealing before painting.

2. Individual Rock Components

Another approach is to source individual rock components and create your own floating rock arrangements. This offers greater flexibility and allows you to achieve a truly unique look. You can find suitable rocks from various sources, including hobby stores, online retailers, and even your own backyard! Natural rocks can add a realistic touch to your bases, but they may require some preparation before use. Cleaning and sealing them is essential to prevent them from crumbling or reacting with your paints and glues. You can also use materials like cork, slate, or even chunks of bark to create rock-like shapes. Cork is particularly useful for creating lightweight rocks that are easy to suspend, while slate offers a realistic texture and appearance. When selecting individual rock components, think about the shape, size, and texture. Variety is key to creating a natural-looking arrangement. Look for rocks with interesting shapes and textures, and try to incorporate a range of sizes to create depth and visual interest. Avoid using rocks that are too uniform or symmetrical, as they will look artificial. Consider the overall color palette of your army when choosing rocks. You want the rocks to complement the colors of your miniatures, not clash with them. Neutral tones like gray, brown, and black are generally safe choices, but you can also add pops of color with minerals or weathering effects. Remember that the scale of the rocks is crucial. They should be appropriately sized for your miniatures and the overall base size. Using rocks that are too large will overwhelm the model, while rocks that are too small will get lost in the base. Experiment with different arrangements before you commit to gluing anything down. Try positioning the rocks at different angles and heights to see what looks best. You can also use temporary supports like pins or wire to hold the rocks in place while you experiment.

3. Supporting Structures and Techniques

The key to making floating rocks look convincing is a solid supporting structure and the right techniques. You'll need to find a way to suspend the rocks in mid-air without making the support too obvious. This is where your creativity and technical skills come into play!

a. Wires and Rods

Clear acrylic rods or sturdy wires are popular choices for creating invisible supports. They can be carefully embedded into the rocks and the base, creating a seemingly gravity-defying effect. Clear acrylic rods are a great option for a truly invisible support. They're strong, lightweight, and virtually disappear when painted correctly. You can find them in various diameters, so choose one that's appropriate for the size and weight of your rocks. To use acrylic rods, drill a small hole into both the rock and the base, then insert the rod and secure it with super glue. Make sure the holes are aligned correctly so the rock sits at the desired angle. For heavier rocks, you may need to use multiple rods for added support. Sturdy wires, such as florist wire or armature wire, offer more flexibility in terms of shaping and positioning the rocks. They can be bent and twisted to create dynamic arrangements, and they're also easier to conceal than thicker rods. To use wire supports, drill holes into the rocks and the base, then insert the wire and bend it to the desired shape. Secure the wire with super glue, and then use modeling putty or texture paste to blend the wire into the rocks and the base. One trick for making wire supports less visible is to paint them the same color as the background. This helps them blend in and disappear against the surrounding terrain. You can also use flocking or other basing materials to further camouflage the supports.

b. Magnets

For a more advanced approach, consider using magnets. This allows you to create truly floating rocks that can be easily removed for transport and storage. Magnets offer a unique level of versatility. They allow you to detach the floating rocks for easier storage and transport, and they also provide a satisfying tactile experience – the rocks seem to magically hover in place! To use magnets, you'll need to embed small neodymium magnets into both the rocks and the base. Make sure the magnets are aligned with the correct polarity so they attract each other. You can use a drill to create recesses for the magnets, and then secure them with super glue or epoxy. The strength of the magnets will determine the weight capacity of the floating rocks, so choose magnets that are appropriately sized for the rocks you're using. Neodymium magnets are very strong, so even small magnets can support a surprising amount of weight. For larger rocks, you may want to use multiple magnets for extra stability. One challenge with using magnets is concealing them. You don't want the magnets to be visible, as this will detract from the illusion of floating rocks. You can use modeling putty or texture paste to cover the magnets, and then paint them to match the surrounding terrain. Another trick is to position the magnets in strategic locations where they will be hidden from view, such as on the underside of the rocks or within crevices in the base. Magnets can also be used to create dynamic bases with interchangeable elements. For example, you could create a base with several floating rocks that can be rearranged in different configurations. This allows you to customize the look of your base and add variety to your army.

c. Combining Techniques

Don't be afraid to combine different techniques to achieve the best results. For instance, you might use a wire frame to provide the main support for a rock, then use a clear acrylic rod for added stability and a touch of invisibility. The key to creating convincing floating rocks is to experiment and find what works best for you. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, so don't be afraid to try different techniques and materials. The more you experiment, the better you'll become at creating realistic and dynamic bases. Remember that the supporting structure is just one element of the overall base. The way you paint and texture the rocks and the base will also play a significant role in the final result. A well-painted base with realistic textures can make even a simple floating rock arrangement look stunning. Consider using techniques like drybrushing, washes, and weathering powders to add depth and realism to your bases. You can also add other terrain elements, such as sand, gravel, or vegetation, to create a more natural-looking environment. Finally, don't forget to have fun! Basing is a great way to express your creativity and add personality to your miniatures. So relax, experiment, and enjoy the process of bringing your visions to life.

Painting and Finishing Touches

Once you've assembled your floating rocks, the painting and finishing touches are crucial for bringing the effect to life. A well-painted base can elevate your miniature from good to outstanding. Here's where you can really sell the illusion of geokinesis and create a cohesive look for your miniature and its base.

1. Rock Textures and Colors

Think about the type of rocks you want to represent. Are they weathered and rugged, or smooth and crystalline? The texture and color you choose will play a big role in conveying the character of your terrain. Start by applying a base coat of paint to the rocks. A neutral color like gray or brown is a good starting point, as it will provide a solid foundation for subsequent layers. You can use a spray primer for this step, or apply the base coat with a brush. If you're aiming for a weathered and rugged look, consider adding texture to the rocks before painting. You can use texture paste, sand, or even small pieces of cork to create a rough surface. Apply the texture paste with a brush or a palette knife, and then let it dry completely before painting. Once the base coat is dry, you can start adding highlights and shadows to the rocks. Drybrushing is a great technique for adding highlights to textured surfaces. Simply dip a dry brush into a lighter shade of paint, and then brush it lightly over the raised areas of the rocks. This will create a subtle highlight effect that emphasizes the texture. Washes are perfect for adding shadows and depth to the rocks. Apply a wash of a darker color to the recesses and crevices, and then let it dry. The wash will settle into the low areas, creating shadows that add dimension and realism. Experiment with different colors and shades to create the desired effect. You can also use multiple washes to build up layers of color and create a more complex look. Consider the color palette of your Imperial Fists army when choosing colors for your rocks. You want the rocks to complement the colors of your miniatures, not clash with them. Earth tones like gray, brown, and tan are always safe choices, but you can also add pops of color with minerals or other weathering effects. If you're going for a more fantastical look, you can use brighter colors and metallic paints to create crystalline or otherworldly rocks. Remember that the color of the rocks will also affect the overall mood of the base. Darker colors will create a more somber and gritty feel, while lighter colors will create a brighter and more optimistic feel. Choose colors that match the personality of your army and the story you want to tell with your base.

2. Blending with the Base

Seamlessly blending the floating rocks with the base is essential for selling the illusion. Think about how the rocks interact with the surrounding terrain. Are they hovering above a dusty wasteland, a ruined cityscape, or a lush forest floor? The base should tell a story and provide context for the floating rocks. Use the same colors and textures on the base as you used on the rocks to create a sense of visual harmony. This will make the rocks look like they're naturally part of the environment, rather than just floating in mid-air. You can also use basing materials like sand, gravel, and flocking to further blend the rocks with the base. Apply these materials to the base around the rocks, and then use a brush to blend them into the rocks themselves. This will create a smooth transition between the rocks and the base, making them look like they're emerging from the ground. Think about the direction of light when painting your base. The light should fall on the rocks and the base in a consistent way, creating realistic shadows and highlights. If you're using a light source to illuminate your miniatures, consider how the light will interact with the base and the floating rocks. The shadows and highlights created by the light can add depth and dimension to your base, making it look even more realistic. Use weathering powders and pigments to add realism to your base. Weathering powders can be used to create dust, dirt, and other effects that will make your base look like it's been exposed to the elements. Simply apply the weathering powders with a brush, and then use a damp brush to blend them into the base. You can also use pigments to create more subtle color variations and weathering effects. Pigments are finely ground powders that can be mixed with water or other mediums to create washes and glazes. They're perfect for adding subtle color variations and weathering effects to your rocks and the base.

3. Adding Energy Effects (Optional)

To further enhance the geokinetic effect, consider adding energy effects around the floating rocks. This can be achieved with paints, cotton balls, or even sculpted elements. Adding energy effects can take your floating rock bases to the next level, making them look even more dynamic and impressive. These effects can create the illusion of psychic energy swirling around the rocks, enhancing the sense of geokinesis. If you're using paints to create energy effects, start with a bright color like blue, green, or white. Use a small brush to paint thin lines and swirls around the rocks, creating the illusion of energy flowing around them. You can also use drybrushing to add highlights to the energy effects, making them look like they're glowing. For a more dramatic effect, consider using fluorescent paints. Fluorescent paints will glow under a black light, creating a striking visual effect. You can use fluorescent paints to highlight the energy effects, making them stand out even more. Cotton balls can be used to create a soft, ethereal energy effect. Simply stretch out a cotton ball and shape it into a cloud-like form, then glue it to the base around the rocks. You can paint the cotton ball with a light color to make it look like it's glowing, or you can leave it white for a more subtle effect. Sculpting energy effects can be a more challenging but rewarding option. You can use modeling putty or other sculpting materials to create energy tendrils, lightning bolts, or other dynamic shapes. Sculpting allows you to create truly unique and eye-catching energy effects that will set your bases apart. If you're sculpting energy effects, consider using a wire armature to provide support. A wire armature will help you create complex shapes and prevent the energy effects from breaking or bending. Once you've sculpted the energy effects, you can paint them with bright colors and highlights to make them look like they're glowing. Remember that the energy effects should complement the overall aesthetic of your army. Choose colors and shapes that match the personality of your army and the story you want to tell with your bases. If you're painting a dark and gritty army, you might want to use darker colors and more jagged shapes for your energy effects. If you're painting a bright and heroic army, you might want to use brighter colors and more flowing shapes. By adding energy effects to your floating rock bases, you can create a truly dynamic and impressive display of geokinesis. These effects will add a sense of power and movement to your miniatures, making them stand out on the tabletop.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Creativity!

Creating floating rocks for your Imperial Fists army is a fantastic way to showcase their unique abilities and add a dynamic element to your miniatures. Don't be afraid to experiment with different kits, components, and techniques to achieve the look you envision. Most importantly, have fun with it and let your creativity flow! The possibilities are endless, and the result will be a truly unique and impressive display for your tabletop army. Remember, the base is an extension of the miniature itself, and it's an opportunity to tell a story and create a memorable impression. So go out there, gather your materials, and unleash your inner geokinetic artist! The Emperor protects, and so will your awesome floating rock bases!