With the advent of dark vengeance and the new codex, I have taken up the cause and sold my soul to the Dark Gods. For varied painting, what I'm going for is a mixed bag of things starting out with the following and working my way from there.
Black legion
Lord Terranix
Sorceror Tumikupah
5 chosen
Helbrute
10 marines
Alpha legion
5 havocs
Night Lords
5 warp talons
Word bearers
Dark apostle
20 cultists
20 cultists
Dark Mechanicus
Warpsmith
Heldrake
Forgefiend
This comes in at just over 2000 pts and so there is some flexibility with HQs for some variety. My plan with this army is to convert and paint everything before expanding, which I plan to start with some death guard and zombies!