Recoil in fear, mortals, at the approach of Xenopygos the Mindbender, Sorcerer of Tzeentch!

This converted Champion of Tzeentch (073253/9 Mace and Spell Book) is the psyker in my 40k Chaos Marine force. I’ve had this model lounging around in a blister since at least 1996, and always figured he would be part of a Chaos allied contingent for my Genestealer Cult.

For the current 40k Second Edition Army Challenge (Mark 07) I created a special character, Xenopygos the Mindbender. He’s a former medic, twisted to Chaos. I started by creating an illustration of the champion on a disc of Tzeentch, and then just drew whatever came to mind. I developed the wargear to align with what I drew.

I will admit the initial inspiration was because I wanted an 80s throwback to Dr. Mindbender, mercenary ally of Cobra (the enemy of G.I.Joe). As a result, his origin as a doctor and his purple attire are directly connected. Beyond that, his further connection to Chaotic metal and the 80s is in his wargear. He bears the spellbook “Codex Halfordiensis” containing high octave (and high octane) sheet music penned by the metal god himself: Rob Halford. His mace has been swapped out for a warp-infused censor I created from epoxy putty, a plastic skull, beads, and wire which I twisted to give it the feeling of it being swung around as he zipped across the battlefield on the disc.