Well, this will be another entry title to avoid if you aren't interested in wargaming.
With the re-emergence of the Nemesis Crown in the forests of the Empire, I have been persuaded to join in the Warhammer Fantasy Battle campaign over the summer.
The first problem was, of course, which army to go for. This was tricky.
My first thought was to go for Night Goblins. Completely unreliable troops, and lots of random-but-potentially-lethal special options (squigs!). They would have made an interesting change from the Dark Angels, however one thing stopped me. Night Goblins are green. And black. And I have painted a lot of green and black troops.
Okay...
I've always liked the look of the undead armies, and very nearly ended up collecting an undead horde when I first got into gaming. Nowadays, there are two routes, Vampire Counts and Tomb Kings. The latter is an Egyptian feel to things, and concentrates mostly on skeletons and variations thereof. Vampire Counts allows other undead, but with both armies you need lots of troops...which fall apart (literally) once your commanders are killed.
To cut a long story short* I've gone for Empire troops. Not the most imaginative choice, perhaps, but more scope for a different colour scheme to other things I have, and there are some tactical challenges to using them.
Over the last couple of weeks I've picked up a couple of cheap sets from eBay, and with the freebies I looted at the weekend I've now got a reasonable starting force of 1,000 points.
All the troops I have are assembled and undercoated and I'll make a start on them this week.
* Too late!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
White Dwarf XXX
It seems that a lot of things are marking 30 years this year. As well as myself and Star Wars (released last week in 1977) the White Dwarf magazine has been running for thirty years as well.
GW were holding huge events all weekend, including a mega tank battle at the Bath store. This was fun, albeit total confusion. Jasper and I managed to field 21 vehicles in total (mostly wrecks and works in progress from me) and even then didn't have the highest count.
Jasper:
Leman Russ
Rhino
Dreadnought (good ol' Bomb Magnet himself!)
Mine:
Land Raider
3 Razorbacks
1 Whirlwind
Dreadnought
2 Leman Russ
Chimera
Predator
3 Land Speeders
1 Attack bike
Wrecks:
Predator, 3 Rhinos, Vindicator
The game itself was manic; Jasper and I ended up overseeing our end of the table, as we had eight grots taking part who weren't to hot on the game mechanics. Fun, but hard work. We managed to stop one little tyke from bullying smaller players into using his (loose) interpretation of the rules - surprisingly this meant he didn't kill things as easily, whilst his opponents had a chance at killing us. Once we realised what he was doing, out losses began mounting at a more realistic rate. Total losses were around 5-6 of the above list, whilst we racked up something similar. This was despite our Slanesh allies going nuts and attacking us by mistake (losing a Razorback) and my total inability to kill a group of bikers (firing the entire arsenal from the Land Raider, Leman Russ, Whirlwind and two Razor backs at them, for no kills). Matt fared better, as he was able to successfully roll the dice.
"Man of the Match" has to go to the little girl who had 'borrowed' two of her Dad's Carnifex models to add to our side. These are biologically engineered creatures from the Tyranid army (think Alien) who scour planets for biological matter to use (think Independence Day). The creatures are usually nasty enough, but these guys ripped through at least five tanks without taking a wound. She had great fun rolling all the dice and removing the 'dead' tanks.
After two hours of play, and having helped our side take out almost all the enemy at our end of the table (mopping up, really, after the Carnifex rampage), our opponents decided they wanted to defect; so Jasper and I packed our force away, and left the survivors to it.
During the fun and games, I managed to get several Empire sprues of plastics (enough for a couple of complete units!) whilst Matt has now started his Tau (well, once he finds his feet).
So a fun day, even if rather geeky.
GW were holding huge events all weekend, including a mega tank battle at the Bath store. This was fun, albeit total confusion. Jasper and I managed to field 21 vehicles in total (mostly wrecks and works in progress from me) and even then didn't have the highest count.
Jasper:
Leman Russ
Rhino
Dreadnought (good ol' Bomb Magnet himself!)
Mine:
Land Raider
3 Razorbacks
1 Whirlwind
Dreadnought
2 Leman Russ
Chimera
Predator
3 Land Speeders
1 Attack bike
Wrecks:
Predator, 3 Rhinos, Vindicator
The game itself was manic; Jasper and I ended up overseeing our end of the table, as we had eight grots taking part who weren't to hot on the game mechanics. Fun, but hard work. We managed to stop one little tyke from bullying smaller players into using his (loose) interpretation of the rules - surprisingly this meant he didn't kill things as easily, whilst his opponents had a chance at killing us. Once we realised what he was doing, out losses began mounting at a more realistic rate. Total losses were around 5-6 of the above list, whilst we racked up something similar. This was despite our Slanesh allies going nuts and attacking us by mistake (losing a Razorback) and my total inability to kill a group of bikers (firing the entire arsenal from the Land Raider, Leman Russ, Whirlwind and two Razor backs at them, for no kills). Matt fared better, as he was able to successfully roll the dice.
"Man of the Match" has to go to the little girl who had 'borrowed' two of her Dad's Carnifex models to add to our side. These are biologically engineered creatures from the Tyranid army (think Alien) who scour planets for biological matter to use (think Independence Day). The creatures are usually nasty enough, but these guys ripped through at least five tanks without taking a wound. She had great fun rolling all the dice and removing the 'dead' tanks.
After two hours of play, and having helped our side take out almost all the enemy at our end of the table (mopping up, really, after the Carnifex rampage), our opponents decided they wanted to defect; so Jasper and I packed our force away, and left the survivors to it.
During the fun and games, I managed to get several Empire sprues of plastics (enough for a couple of complete units!) whilst Matt has now started his Tau (well, once he finds his feet).
So a fun day, even if rather geeky.
Friday, May 18, 2007
From the Front Line - Beginings
This was something I put together in preparation for a WH40K campaign running soon at the local GW. As the Dark Angels Commander, this is the background to our forces being present.
Beginnings
The Dark Angels battle fleet had been shadowing the Imperial ship for months. Years of investigation by the Dark Angels agents across a hundred worlds had led to a full third of the Chapter being re-deployed. The opportunity to locate another Fallen was too great to miss. However the Eldar surprise attack on their quarry had complicated matters.
Deep in the bowels of the ship, in the most sacred Sanctum, five cowled figures stood in a circle. The air was thick with incense, shrouding the men as much as their hooded robes. The glow of vidscreens added a haunting backlight that only made the faces in the hoods even darker.
The door hissed open, and another figure arrived. The swirl of air allowed a brief glimpse of blue power armour emblazoned with runes and psychic hexes.
“Is it true?” one of the hoods asked of the new comer.
“Brothers, it is confirmed. Some images were intercepted just before the Eldar attacked. They show a Mark I Aquila-class shuttle leaving the Corvinus as she came under fire. Markings are consistent with those used by the Legion.”
“Then it is one of the Fallen?”
“Unconfirmed.”
“What happened to the shuttle?”
“Our observerators saw the shuttle hit and enter the atmosphere. Assessment is that it was badly damaged, but not critically. A 48% chance of survival for crew and passengers. 89% for Adeptus Astartes. Best estimate for a landing point is ...” He gestured at a vidscreen, “Here. Close to this city.”
“Then the time for secrecy is over. It matters not that we are detected now.” One of the figure straightened up, and threw back his hood. “We should deploy forces before further Imperial forces arrive.”
“They may already be on their way. A distress call was sent before out Astropath could intercept it. There are at least two Imperial Guard fleets in the area, including Astartes reinforcements. The Ultramarines 2nd fleet is closest.”
“Very well. Send word to our brothers. Deploy the Ravenwing to the crash site. Prepare support forces to launch a drop pod assault and establish a beach head as soon as possible. And ready my armour. I shall over see this operation personally.”
“Yes, Master.”
Beginnings
The Dark Angels battle fleet had been shadowing the Imperial ship for months. Years of investigation by the Dark Angels agents across a hundred worlds had led to a full third of the Chapter being re-deployed. The opportunity to locate another Fallen was too great to miss. However the Eldar surprise attack on their quarry had complicated matters.
Deep in the bowels of the ship, in the most sacred Sanctum, five cowled figures stood in a circle. The air was thick with incense, shrouding the men as much as their hooded robes. The glow of vidscreens added a haunting backlight that only made the faces in the hoods even darker.
The door hissed open, and another figure arrived. The swirl of air allowed a brief glimpse of blue power armour emblazoned with runes and psychic hexes.
“Is it true?” one of the hoods asked of the new comer.
“Brothers, it is confirmed. Some images were intercepted just before the Eldar attacked. They show a Mark I Aquila-class shuttle leaving the Corvinus as she came under fire. Markings are consistent with those used by the Legion.”
“Then it is one of the Fallen?”
“Unconfirmed.”
“What happened to the shuttle?”
“Our observerators saw the shuttle hit and enter the atmosphere. Assessment is that it was badly damaged, but not critically. A 48% chance of survival for crew and passengers. 89% for Adeptus Astartes. Best estimate for a landing point is ...” He gestured at a vidscreen, “Here. Close to this city.”
“Then the time for secrecy is over. It matters not that we are detected now.” One of the figure straightened up, and threw back his hood. “We should deploy forces before further Imperial forces arrive.”
“They may already be on their way. A distress call was sent before out Astropath could intercept it. There are at least two Imperial Guard fleets in the area, including Astartes reinforcements. The Ultramarines 2nd fleet is closest.”
“Very well. Send word to our brothers. Deploy the Ravenwing to the crash site. Prepare support forces to launch a drop pod assault and establish a beach head as soon as possible. And ready my armour. I shall over see this operation personally.”
“Yes, Master.”
Bremen
I managed to wangle a two-day trip to Bremen this week, which allowed me an evening to wander around the Alt Stadt. I had dinner at the windmill.
And finally, the Musicians of Bremen
And finally, the Musicians of Bremen
Dyrham Park - Tulip Mania
A few weeks ago I went over to Dyrham Park for the Tulip Mania event. The house and family had strong links with tulips and the Netherlands, and so has a big weekend each May when the tulips flower.
Alas, many of the tulips are inside the house where I could not take photos, but here are a few from the morning's walk.
Looking across at the church.
I had to wonder where the occupant had gone...
A couple of shots of the tulips...
On the way back I managed to find the herd of deer.
Alas, many of the tulips are inside the house where I could not take photos, but here are a few from the morning's walk.
Looking across at the church.
I had to wonder where the occupant had gone...
A couple of shots of the tulips...
On the way back I managed to find the herd of deer.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
From the Front Line - The Great Squig Hopper Derby
The local GW store is running a series of events to mark the 30th year of White Dwarf.
One of these will be the Squig Hopper Derby.
The problem I had is that I don't have a squig. Or a rider for it. Easily resolved, of course.
I managed to paint these in a little over an afternoon, from undercoat to varnish.
So, here is Dodge, the Goblin Champion-to-be, riding his squig "Vyper".
One of these will be the Squig Hopper Derby.
The problem I had is that I don't have a squig. Or a rider for it. Easily resolved, of course.
I managed to paint these in a little over an afternoon, from undercoat to varnish.
So, here is Dodge, the Goblin Champion-to-be, riding his squig "Vyper".
Friday, May 11, 2007
From the Front Line - Movie Marines and Ordnance
Okay, last night was interesting.
First up...Movie Marines!
Some donut (sic) in the US WD team decided that the current Marine stats line didn't reflect the marines from the stories. So he created Movie Marines.
Each marine is an Independent Character with stats WS, BS, S, T = 6 and two wounds a piece and four attacks.
Bolters are Assault 4, S6, AP4, and Rending.
Bolt pistols are Assault 4, S6, AP4, and Rending.
Frag missiles are ordnance template, S6, AP3
Krak missiles are small template, S10, AP1
Chainswords are Rending.
Armour save 3+ with re-roll, 3+ invulnerable save.
Each Marine is 100 points (although perhaps 150 from later information)
With the month of fun to celebrate 30 years of WD, they were running a movie marine challenge - take on the squad of ten with a 1000 point army (upped to 1500 after my game) with a potential prize for whomever kills most movie marines before being wiped out.
I managed to nail one of them before I was wiped out. Fun to try once.
What really pissed me off was the GW guy running it, herein known as Dopey. He's from the Bristol store, and was all "oh, these are how marines are supposed to be!", having seen the issue of WD that contained the rules. He came in part way through my game, after Zak had started us off (hence the mistake in points values) and we were playing the scenario where each side is trying to get off the opposite table edge. When he mentioned the Independent character bit, I pointed out (with tongue in cheek and half my army gone) that the movie marines now had no scoring units. "Oh, but they're movie marines, you don't play scenarios with them, they just kill everything!" was the reply. He didn't like our questions about how "Movie Guard" or "Movie Eldar" would work, since they too seem to be far more powerful in the stories...
Whilst I did enjoy the game as a one-off, I wasn't prepared to play again, even as the Movie Marine player (far too one sided!).
Anyway, had a second game against George and his Eldar (the little fellow can really paint well!). We had to call it a day after turn three as Dopey (GW guy) wanted to cash up early. I lost, having lost the entire Ravenwing squadron...but that's another story. I fielded a heavy bolter in the tactical squad, and oh boy is that good at mowing down Eldar. I think the guy single headedly accounted for 10 kills. The rest came from the Whirlwind. Ohboyohboyohboy. Indirect fire, S5 against T3 troops. With a template big enough to nail 3-6 models per turn. Amazing against squads that are skulking behind cover trying to avoid be hit by a mad man with a heavy bolter! And all for 85 points. Me need more. I can see why they are so useful in Cities of Death (not what we were using). You just plonk it behind a nice big piece of scenery so that nothing can see you. And then point and say "Die!". Ahem.
First up...Movie Marines!
Some donut (sic) in the US WD team decided that the current Marine stats line didn't reflect the marines from the stories. So he created Movie Marines.
Each marine is an Independent Character with stats WS, BS, S, T = 6 and two wounds a piece and four attacks.
Bolters are Assault 4, S6, AP4, and Rending.
Bolt pistols are Assault 4, S6, AP4, and Rending.
Frag missiles are ordnance template, S6, AP3
Krak missiles are small template, S10, AP1
Chainswords are Rending.
Armour save 3+ with re-roll, 3+ invulnerable save.
Each Marine is 100 points (although perhaps 150 from later information)
With the month of fun to celebrate 30 years of WD, they were running a movie marine challenge - take on the squad of ten with a 1000 point army (upped to 1500 after my game) with a potential prize for whomever kills most movie marines before being wiped out.
I managed to nail one of them before I was wiped out. Fun to try once.
What really pissed me off was the GW guy running it, herein known as Dopey. He's from the Bristol store, and was all "oh, these are how marines are supposed to be!", having seen the issue of WD that contained the rules. He came in part way through my game, after Zak had started us off (hence the mistake in points values) and we were playing the scenario where each side is trying to get off the opposite table edge. When he mentioned the Independent character bit, I pointed out (with tongue in cheek and half my army gone) that the movie marines now had no scoring units. "Oh, but they're movie marines, you don't play scenarios with them, they just kill everything!" was the reply. He didn't like our questions about how "Movie Guard" or "Movie Eldar" would work, since they too seem to be far more powerful in the stories...
Whilst I did enjoy the game as a one-off, I wasn't prepared to play again, even as the Movie Marine player (far too one sided!).
Anyway, had a second game against George and his Eldar (the little fellow can really paint well!). We had to call it a day after turn three as Dopey (GW guy) wanted to cash up early. I lost, having lost the entire Ravenwing squadron...but that's another story. I fielded a heavy bolter in the tactical squad, and oh boy is that good at mowing down Eldar. I think the guy single headedly accounted for 10 kills. The rest came from the Whirlwind. Ohboyohboyohboy. Indirect fire, S5 against T3 troops. With a template big enough to nail 3-6 models per turn. Amazing against squads that are skulking behind cover trying to avoid be hit by a mad man with a heavy bolter! And all for 85 points. Me need more. I can see why they are so useful in Cities of Death (not what we were using). You just plonk it behind a nice big piece of scenery so that nothing can see you. And then point and say "Die!". Ahem.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Lord of the 300
Went to see 300, or rather, Lord of the Rings (The Tarantino Edit).
A good film, don't get me wrong, I couldn't help spotting the LotR inspiration...
...the heroes are being followed by a lone figure with long fingers (first scene he wraps them around a rock). Cue "preciousssssss" comments.
...the cave troll was back. I guess he was one of the few people for whom LotR didn't really kick start the flagging career.
...the Oliphaunts had been given remodelled rider's stations, and a coat of paint.
...an amulet passed from one to another before departure.
Some of the Immortals even looked like Orcs.
Imagery that was clearly cut from the final edit included
- the Spartan king standing at the head of the gorge shouting "You shall not pass!" at the approaching Persians
- his wife reforging his family's broken sword...
Mind you, it was a whole lot better than the travesty that was Troy...
A good film, don't get me wrong, I couldn't help spotting the LotR inspiration...
...the heroes are being followed by a lone figure with long fingers (first scene he wraps them around a rock). Cue "preciousssssss" comments.
...the cave troll was back. I guess he was one of the few people for whom LotR didn't really kick start the flagging career.
...the Oliphaunts had been given remodelled rider's stations, and a coat of paint.
...an amulet passed from one to another before departure.
Some of the Immortals even looked like Orcs.
Imagery that was clearly cut from the final edit included
- the Spartan king standing at the head of the gorge shouting "You shall not pass!" at the approaching Persians
- his wife reforging his family's broken sword...
Mind you, it was a whole lot better than the travesty that was Troy...
Friday, May 04, 2007
New toy
I succumbed and bought a juicer. My only condition was that anything I drink must be made from mostly fruit. Veggie-based drinks just do not appeal.
I've only had a couple of days to experiment , but have so far found the following:
Things That Can Be Juiced:
Squishy fruit
Squishy vegetables
Not-so squishy vegetables
Things That Cannot or Should Not Be Juiced:
Squishy Fruit with Hard Centres (anyone know how to dig peach stones out of brick work?)
Celery (you can juice it, but it tastes like crap)
Cfer the Neighbourhood Cat (won't fit down the pipe)
In addition, I have learnt that:
(a) You need a jug to collect the juice. The worktop doesn't work so well for this.
(b) Even oranges will fire back up the spout and hit the ceiling if one neglects to use the pushy-downy stick thing.
I'm working on a way to make (b) an effective missile defence system. But I'm going to need more oranges, and a long handled mop.
I've only had a couple of days to experiment , but have so far found the following:
Things That Can Be Juiced:
Squishy fruit
Squishy vegetables
Not-so squishy vegetables
Things That Cannot or Should Not Be Juiced:
Squishy Fruit with Hard Centres (anyone know how to dig peach stones out of brick work?)
Celery (you can juice it, but it tastes like crap)
Cfer the Neighbourhood Cat (won't fit down the pipe)
In addition, I have learnt that:
(a) You need a jug to collect the juice. The worktop doesn't work so well for this.
(b) Even oranges will fire back up the spout and hit the ceiling if one neglects to use the pushy-downy stick thing.
I'm working on a way to make (b) an effective missile defence system. But I'm going to need more oranges, and a long handled mop.
International Star Wars Day!
Just wanted to remind everyone that today is International Star Wars Day.
May the Fourth be with you.
I'll get my coat before the beatings begin.
May the Fourth be with you.
I'll get my coat before the beatings begin.
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