tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18464198441953227202024-03-05T23:40:22.259-08:00Musings of a 40k WargamerA blog for my Warhammer 40K and related interests.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-1823868892772104472017-06-08T06:05:00.002-07:002017-06-08T06:05:14.738-07:0040K League 2017 - round 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRjifzIIeQ8hhu8Dt2DfGUl4pypYRIaNP5HsXrMD0ZnB09z4KyK3kLt4te7IcX4q2z2bXlaaeT0t9Rv9rbsQFjX5jmcPUkmyexqzuZS9eGWDG1fl5r5H4egZSdUen7ABgankEU9qUx7S8/s1600/Ankara+Score+Sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="875" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRjifzIIeQ8hhu8Dt2DfGUl4pypYRIaNP5HsXrMD0ZnB09z4KyK3kLt4te7IcX4q2z2bXlaaeT0t9Rv9rbsQFjX5jmcPUkmyexqzuZS9eGWDG1fl5r5H4egZSdUen7ABgankEU9qUx7S8/s640/Ankara+Score+Sheet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Second round of the league is over. So how did this one turn out?<br />
<br />
<i>Gary (Imperial Fists) and Jon (Khorne Daemonkin)</i>. Didn't see this one personally but seems like a good victory for Jon. I'm sure Gary put up a hard fight.<br />
<br />
<i>Marko (Thousand Sons) vs Richard C (Crimson Fists)</i>. To be honest I knew this was going to be a walkover for Marko, so I had already plotted round 3 based on him winning and I was not incorrect. At least Richard seemed to enjoy the game.<br />
<br />
<i>Richard M (Ynnari) vs Dan (Eldar Corsairs)</i>. Another victory for the Ynnari. I do feel bad for Dan because for months he has been doing rather well in practice games for the league but now he's playing it for real his luck with both dice and tactical objectives has plummeted. Better luck next time.<br />
<br />
<i>Ian (Necrons) vs Ashleigh (Astra Militarum)</i>. I expected this game to be quite close as both Ian and Ashleigh are top notch players, and I was not disappointed. Both had nice strong lists but I think the luck was on the side of the Necrons.<br />
<br />
<i>Chris (Skitarii) vs Colin (Death Guard)</i>. Unlike the last time I played against Chris's army, I thought I might have a good chance here and for a half of the game were quite evenly matched. Unfortunately for me he was able to outflank some nasty units and they blasted me from my own objectives and seized victory for him.<br />
<br />
<i>Joel (Dark Eldar) vs Mike (Grey Knights)</i>. Joel was an evil opponent here. Using his army perfectly Joel snatched all six objectives and kept Mike's army away from them the entire game. Fantastic game.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-56188204389289336622017-05-19T13:58:00.000-07:002017-05-19T13:58:41.813-07:00Narrative Play - Faction In-Fighting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc15dYAdUnR0IHhVv92uOMd2GPrq7krTz8Ol915ViH2KDqzKq4m-Uvvjczj_Vu_7FtV6mRC4YovJklecbYMtpofRp-9rxOLqYy3M-wlCVvMz38zErIz3ZM5l5WxESb1yLw0t1gckdYfw1v/s1600/18121491_1816850505302247_621609689303226359_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc15dYAdUnR0IHhVv92uOMd2GPrq7krTz8Ol915ViH2KDqzKq4m-Uvvjczj_Vu_7FtV6mRC4YovJklecbYMtpofRp-9rxOLqYy3M-wlCVvMz38zErIz3ZM5l5WxESb1yLw0t1gckdYfw1v/s640/18121491_1816850505302247_621609689303226359_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite there being a sizeable number of armies (we could say codexes) in 40K a lot of the time we find that our armies are facing what should be allied forces. The nature of the game simply assumes that we play and have fun. Nothing wrong with that but a lot of the time for those of us who like a narrative game it can be confusing as to why these armies are bashing heads, so I'm going to take a look at the potential reasons why they might.<br />
<br />
<b>Imperium.</b><br />
As half the game is made up of Imperial armies it can be very frustrating to see two of them matched. There is so many games where you can call "war games" and I'm not even sure the Imperium plays such war games when they have real wars to hone their combat skills. Likewise, if we're playing our chosen Imperial faction you can't say that one side or the other has turned traitor. I know I didn't like that when it came up when I was playing loyalist space marines.<br />
<br />
For space marines do we have history of them fighting each other and I don't mean the Horus Heresy. Some chapters have come to blows because of their combat doctrines or points of view (<a href="http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Marines_Malevolent" target="_blank">Marines Malevolent</a>, for example). I still think it is unlikely that chapters would start opening fire upon one another just because of this but perhaps the old idea of the Inquisition orders them to could be used but I'd want one side to have an Inquisitorial element to make it work narratively. Again though, like the "war games" idea it happens too often for that excuse to be relevant all the time. There is always some sort of element you could use but I still find loyalist marine chapters fighting going beyond the fluff.<br />
<br />
With Blood Angels and their successors you can use the blood rage as a reason for battle. Their Imperial opponent could well be a former now seen as the enemy by a force suddenly succumbing to the black rage. As the 41st millennium approaches it's end and night begins to fall over the Imperium of Man I can see this potentially happening more and more.<br />
<br />
Dark Angels are another chapter that could easily go to war against an allied force. While I don't think that in the fluff they have ever openly attacked another Imperial force (prior to the Curse of the Wulfen storyline) I could certainly see it if the chapter felt that their former allies had learnt of the Fallen or even may have been holding one, that they might just decide to kill them and hide the bodies afterwards.<br />
<br />
With Grey Knights even I can't think of anything outside of a war game training exercise. They don't turn traitor and there is no reason other than that for their forces to fight one another. They are, however, a perfect opponent for other Imperial forces. If they feel that the other has seen events that mankind (even space marines) should not know then they would have to eradicate them. The same can be said of the Sisters of Battle. If they feel that an Imperial force has been corrupted or turned against the Imperial faith I could see them take up arms in order to put down that heresy.<br />
<br />
The Astra Militarum are perhaps the poor ones here. Although they are the majority of the Imperial military they are also somewhat caught in the middle. As I mentioned above I can certainly see many reasons why Grey Knights, Sisters and the Angels turning their guns upon the humble guard army. For the most part though I doubt it would happen but there is a kind of precedent. One of the Dawn of War games, Dark Crusade if I remember right, has a story line where a force of guardsmen are tasked with holding the remains of a downed Titan but this brings them into conflict with the Blood Ravens who see that the task belongs to them. The guard have their orders and aren't willing to relinquish control so the space marines open fire. An extreme example but one that you could use as an excuse as to why your Militarum forces are fighting Imperial allies.<br />
<br />
<b>Chaos.</b><br />
Chaos needs no excuse to fight itself. Ancient rivalries between legions and war bands, or simply rivalries between gods. Even daemons would fight each other simply because their god commands it. I imagine such conflicts go on all the time within the Eye of Terror.<br />
<br />
<b>Craftworld Eldar.</b><br />
We like to think that Craftworld Eldar like each other and work together but let's be honest they probably don't. So why would two different Craftworlds wage war upon one another? The simple answer is that they have competing goals. Perhaps the farseers of Ulthwe read the winds of fate and decide that something needs to be done to draw the Imperium to planet X before the Tyranids get here, but that twist of the threads might ensure that the great devourer passes within range of Craftworld Saim-Hann. I doubt Craftworlds have much diplomacy with one another and I doubt the cares of another Craftworld factor into things. Eldar will fight Eldar.<br />
<br />
It may also depend on which Craftworld you play. With the time they spent trapped in the Eye of Terror perhaps another Craftworld feels that Altansar have become corrupted and must be destroyed.<br />
<br />
<b>Dark Eldar.</b><br />
This is another easy one. Rival kabals and wytch cults will fight one another out of sheer rivalry. Perhaps one turned up to ravage an Imperial world only to find a rival there already. The perverse pleasure they may get from dragging their own kind back to the Dark City in chains as slaves or worse could certainly ensure this faction will fight against one another.<br />
<br />
<b>But...</b><br />
Yes, Craftworld and Dark Eldar will fight one another perhaps as much as they occasionally ally. That goes without saying. What you might be pondering is what about the Ynnari? Well, for all the good they are doing for the Eldar race there are those who will be opposed to them. Asdrubael Vect, dark lord of Commorragh certainly hates the Ynnari and I'm sure that there are factions within the Craftworlds who may be opposed to them for one reason or another.<br />
<br />
<b>Necrons.</b><br />
The Necrons are spread across a large number of dynasties and they, being separate "factions" if you will, will fight. They fight for territory whether reclaiming what was once theirs or pushing into a rival's in a grab for power. Perhaps an ancient dynasty never full awoke so various Necron Lord's descent upon it to take what resources they can and repatriate those sleeping warriors to their own cause.<br />
<br />
<b>Orks.</b><br />
Orks are like Chaos, they will happily fight one another regardless of the reason. The Imperium has probably endured so long simply because Orks enjoy fighting each other over working together to conquer the galaxy. Find that rival warboss. Crush his skull and claim his boyz as your own and lead your Waaagh! to glory in the stars.<br />
<br />
<b>Tau Empire.</b><br />
Outside of the conflict between the Tau Empire and the Farsight Enclave I have a tough time working out how this faction could have a inter-faction battle. Not unless you are willing to see a Tau civil war, although I tend to see that as the Tau / Farsight conflict anyway, so you could always use that. Not like anyone is going to know outside of yourself. You could perhaps have a break-away group following the recent assassination of Aun'va which needs to be forcefully put down or re-integrated into the Greater Good.<br />
<br />
<b>Tyranids.</b><br />
This is the one where quite frankly I have no idea. There is absolutely no way in my mind as to why two hive fleets would fight one another. They are the same controlling mind so it just would not happen. If one hive fleet was dying or too weak, it would happily just roll over to be devoured by another, ensuring all DNA and enhancements were given over to the hive mind. They just would not fight. Even genestealer cults would give up once their "gods" arrived.<br />
<br />
However, saying that, many years ago I did run a campaign set on a world where ancient Eldar had hidden hundreds of thousands of trapped daemons deep under ground and I hade to include something to allow the possibility of multiple opponents of the same faction. As those daemons began to break the prisons it released a powerful psychic shriek which disrupted the telepathic communications of any hive fleets in the area forcing them to become separate from the hive mind. Multiple tyranids could then fight as rivals seeking to restore bio-matter in a sort of hive war.<br />
<br />
So you can do it but you need to come up with something good to explain why two separate hive fleets would come together to fight one another.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-66595158963346249052017-05-18T08:08:00.003-07:002017-05-18T08:09:32.517-07:008th edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq1j3g7T0Ck0HrVG9ELI4qkeL_3EcHRvrs-m8Np0Xi7PJsK8Rx1Ulwrglq9GJYmnKsjbLBG6ncvj6vjnu6wLFhnMS1O4U6nOmFKhHlRyiNCdHujL-lTOGk2GMSKQ9LfRcnlz_ZwOOb4l0/s1600/40k_logo_front.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq1j3g7T0Ck0HrVG9ELI4qkeL_3EcHRvrs-m8Np0Xi7PJsK8Rx1Ulwrglq9GJYmnKsjbLBG6ncvj6vjnu6wLFhnMS1O4U6nOmFKhHlRyiNCdHujL-lTOGk2GMSKQ9LfRcnlz_ZwOOb4l0/s1600/40k_logo_front.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've been rather quiet on the recent daily 8th edition updates. I wanted to see how they came together before posting rather than doing a day to day review. But I'm sure you have all been keeping up to date on them anyway so I'm just going to share my thoughts,<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm excited for 8th. I wouldn't have made such a sweeping change to the game mechanics especially considering that so many 40K players didn't want the system to go the same way as Age of Sigmar. But most of what has been posted am I pleased about and a few minor niggles that have had me sitting on the fence for a bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
In general I am happy with the new rules and extremely pleased that at last vehicles may become a lot more survivable rather than be a temporary expensive gun box before exploding. Immediately that is a big yay from me. I'm hoping that what Games Workshop have said about everything being balanced and usable is true. At present there are plenty of units in each codex that never get a look in and few players seem to take named unique HQ's as the generic ones are better mechanically. I'm hoping that GW will fix that and everything gets a decent spot in the limelight.<br />
<br />
<br />
The new detachments also got me very excited. 14 new detachments! I've always said that the game needs more generic detachments rather than being stuck with the Combined-Arms Detachment and the seige attacker/defender ones from Stronghold Assault. At last we may be truly able to make the list format we want rather than being forced into a HQ plus Troops and then everything else. Although it was interesting to note that the three detachments previews none of them had a slot for Lords of War.<br />
<br />
<br />
What didn't sit well with me... Summoning (such as it is) has gone the way of Age of Sigmar. In other words rather than just let you try and summon, you have to waste points to bring in what you want. I hate that in AoS and I don't like it here. I don't do it any more in 40K anyway but that's not the point.<br />
More importantly, they have taken the Age of Sigmar alternating unit combat rule which is something that ruins AoS for me. It should be pick a combat and all units fight simultaneously. The AoS way of doing things is not tactical at all and quite frankly just screws over one player or the other.<br />
<br />
<br />
No system is ever going to please everyone. It's a shame that a couple of my local players are considering dropping the game because of the changes. I can see why they feel that way but I can't see that the changes are going to ruin the game. Even with the elements that we don't like we should be trying to embrace the new direction and see where it takes us in the months ahead.<br />
<br />
<br />
Right now though, I just wish Games Workshop would just drop the free PDF rules so we can read them for ourselves and get into the new mindset ready for the 8th edition codexes/battle tomes.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-87849313905842953022017-04-24T12:29:00.002-07:002017-04-24T12:29:42.397-07:00More 8th ed info<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq1j3g7T0Ck0HrVG9ELI4qkeL_3EcHRvrs-m8Np0Xi7PJsK8Rx1Ulwrglq9GJYmnKsjbLBG6ncvj6vjnu6wLFhnMS1O4U6nOmFKhHlRyiNCdHujL-lTOGk2GMSKQ9LfRcnlz_ZwOOb4l0/s1600/40k_logo_front.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq1j3g7T0Ck0HrVG9ELI4qkeL_3EcHRvrs-m8Np0Xi7PJsK8Rx1Ulwrglq9GJYmnKsjbLBG6ncvj6vjnu6wLFhnMS1O4U6nOmFKhHlRyiNCdHujL-lTOGk2GMSKQ9LfRcnlz_ZwOOb4l0/s400/40k_logo_front.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We have some excellent new info from the bod's over at Games Workshop about how 8th edition is going to work. If you haven't seen it, have a good read <a href="http://natfka.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/ongoing-updates-for-live-40k-qna.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a> and enjoy.<br />
<br />
From what I have read there I am excited once more. Even I, Mr positive for 8th, was beginning to flag a little with the rumours of what was to come. After reading this again and again, I'm fired back up again.<br />
<br />
Bring on 8th edition!Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-41045833533519623072017-04-23T05:41:00.002-07:002017-04-23T05:41:41.565-07:008th edition FAQ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq1j3g7T0Ck0HrVG9ELI4qkeL_3EcHRvrs-m8Np0Xi7PJsK8Rx1Ulwrglq9GJYmnKsjbLBG6ncvj6vjnu6wLFhnMS1O4U6nOmFKhHlRyiNCdHujL-lTOGk2GMSKQ9LfRcnlz_ZwOOb4l0/s1600/40k_logo_front.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq1j3g7T0Ck0HrVG9ELI4qkeL_3EcHRvrs-m8Np0Xi7PJsK8Rx1Ulwrglq9GJYmnKsjbLBG6ncvj6vjnu6wLFhnMS1O4U6nOmFKhHlRyiNCdHujL-lTOGk2GMSKQ9LfRcnlz_ZwOOb4l0/s320/40k_logo_front.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have an 8th edition questions FAQ from Games Workshop. You can read it in it's entirety <a href="https://www.warhammer-community.com/2017/04/22/the-new-edition-of-warhammer-40000-your-questions-answered/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
There are a couple points that I want to make here though.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What happens to my codexes?</b></i><br />
<i>The rules in our current range of Warhammer 40,000 codexes aren’t compatible with the new edition of Warhammer 40,000. These books will be going off sale very soon. If you do want to pick any up, now’s the time – as all of the great hobby content and background information will be as valid as ever.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Ok... that's fine, but what does that mean for recent releases such as Traitor Legions and The Gather Storm books? If as I expect they are now going the way of the dodo that's a dick move by GW to do that considering that is a shed load of money that has been spent by players. Although I suppose it depends when the new edition comes out but I'm guessing that Death Guard will be the first codex of the new edition (and that makes me happy).<br />
<br />
<i><b>What do you mean “3 ways to play”?</b></i><br />
<i>We realise that people like to play Warhammer 40,000 in different ways. 3 broad systems are covered in the new edition: 1) Open play is the most flexible, and easiest to get started with, allowing you to use any miniatures you like. 2) Narrative play is where you can refight the iconic battles of the 41st Millennium, or create your own campaigns and sagas. 3) Matched play is designed for more balanced and competitive games, ideal for gaming clubs, leagues and tournaments. However you want to enjoy playing Warhammer 40,000, there will be rules for that.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
My guess is that Open Play will be the new Unbound much like the default rules for Age of Sigmar. Considering how players didn't like a no points AoS then I don't think that will be played as is.<br />
<br />
Narrative Play seems odd. It reads as though you decide what both sides have and throw in some special rules. Doesn't appeal to me.<br />
<br />
Matched Play seems the way forward and I can imagine that everyone I know will want this as the default.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Why should I not just stick with current Warhammer 40,000?</b></i><br />
<i>This is the version of Warhammer 40,000 you’ve been asking for. We’ve listened to your feedback, and we really believe that this is the best Warhammer 40,000 has ever been.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Actually it's not what we've been asking for. We've been asking for a tidy up of the current rules system not a brand new overhaul. It will be interesting to see how 8th will be accepted. I already know at least one person who is getting ready to drop playing because of the proposed changes. I hope it won't happen but I can see people not being keen on it.<br />
<br />
It is an interesting time for the game and we should look to the future with hopeful expectation.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-40055781673490104472017-04-21T12:13:00.002-07:002017-04-23T13:08:35.193-07:0040K League 2017 - round 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFOy_V-Nxdego_T7f2fv-rnyrEu0XYZMPWBeEKwe4uRjxTlEFKvh4033ZwdkdmnlL7Ip3HPPjNFTzEiQ3tds2nY6KqGPWf0Qa4x2evTbZlSnQu_6D1iNmOyL7WpLqN5i_2ns1rkminG1L/s1600/Ankara+Score+Sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFOy_V-Nxdego_T7f2fv-rnyrEu0XYZMPWBeEKwe4uRjxTlEFKvh4033ZwdkdmnlL7Ip3HPPjNFTzEiQ3tds2nY6KqGPWf0Qa4x2evTbZlSnQu_6D1iNmOyL7WpLqN5i_2ns1rkminG1L/s640/Ankara+Score+Sheet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The first round is over and done. The table shows how we stand after that round and who everyone will play next.<br />
<br />
<i>Dan (Corsairs) and Ian (Necrons)</i> was a hard played draw right down to the end. The tactical objectives decks working well to keep them neck and neck.<br />
<br />
<i>Richard M (Ynnari) and Joel (Dark Eldar)</i> was a really tough game but the dice gods were on Richard's side and he was able to contain Joel's pirates in his deployment zone, limiting his ability to grab the objectives.<br />
<br />
<i>Mike (Grey Knights) and Mark (Thousand Sons)</i>... I didn't see a lot of this but everything seemed very much in Mark's favour. He got a couple things wrong as you will with that many psychic powers in effect but the dice were with him over the poor Grey Knights.<br />
<br />
<i>Gary (Imperial Fists) and Chris (Skitarii),</i> well, I didn't expect Gary to seize victory. Chris' Skitarii army is tough as nails and should have been more than capable of tearing the Imperial Fists down. I'm guessing it fell again to luck with the cards. As I have Chris next round we'll see how it plays out then.<br />
<br />
<i>Colin (Death Guard) and Richard C (Crimson Fists)</i>... this should have been an easy win for me following Richard and I's usual games, but the objectives deck was entirely in his favour not mine. He walked away with 11 VP at the end of turn four and I had just 1. Frustrating game.<br />
<br />
<i>Ashleigh (Astra Militarum) and Jon (Khorne Daemonkin)</i> was a big ass game as far as I could see. Ashleigh's table side was just solid with troopers and orange jumpsuit clad penal troops. The firepower he was pouring into those poor chaos forces must have been severe but still Jon pulled an unexpected victory back.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-19671090773951337782017-03-31T14:17:00.001-07:002017-03-31T14:17:43.073-07:0040K League 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnnL5JwxGufnUfpbvXkUJEsz1ed9hk-KGncY_2yQwpP1A2HOZhaa1fr6rvWLwfa5V7BywoiZZMiFxwOOQ6ufETCAuPZqKB4c2SMsfFqhVN-p7yU-FjKjaqLselF6Az5-p69YlU5vz2Y2Y/s1600/Ankara+Score+Sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnnL5JwxGufnUfpbvXkUJEsz1ed9hk-KGncY_2yQwpP1A2HOZhaa1fr6rvWLwfa5V7BywoiZZMiFxwOOQ6ufETCAuPZqKB4c2SMsfFqhVN-p7yU-FjKjaqLselF6Az5-p69YlU5vz2Y2Y/s640/Ankara+Score+Sheet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the past we've not had the best of luck with our 40K leagues. Too many people dropping out and just too many people wanting in and making it unwieldy. This time around I've narrowed it down to those players who will stay the league and limited it to certain number of players who can commit to it.<br />
<br />
2000 points and each round is a month with each of the maelstrom of war missions played in order. Simples. The major difference is you don't play a codex necessarily as you play the faction (yes, this does favour Imperial, Chaos and Eldar but its for fun). Your primary army/codex each round can change providing it stays part of your faction. Players can take allies though as normal. Just a little something to make it different.<br />
<br />
The first round starts in a couple weeks. Wish us luck.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-72069420881722201042017-03-26T20:00:00.000-07:002017-03-26T20:00:14.557-07:00Kings of War update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxeE2dXIO75QMc0MgnSPItcaR1xW9431c7EPTTdBddhIyjshVZ2Nifj4N_OHGlgkwNFOuRd9GuAK95_DNC3xFtzYsFmX_1CjIRLcJ8oCt-Ox2n9rQ5TiQx_0Y2kGjN9HE4NSPKx-e9_cc/s1600/KingsOfWar-Stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxeE2dXIO75QMc0MgnSPItcaR1xW9431c7EPTTdBddhIyjshVZ2Nifj4N_OHGlgkwNFOuRd9GuAK95_DNC3xFtzYsFmX_1CjIRLcJ8oCt-Ox2n9rQ5TiQx_0Y2kGjN9HE4NSPKx-e9_cc/s320/KingsOfWar-Stack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A couple weeks ago I finally managed to get two games of Kings of War down the club. Both small 1000 points. I played my old Tomb Kings as the Empire of Dust and Multch had gone out to buy some models to play as Basilia (think religious kingdom of holy warriors and summoned angels). The game is fast to play, with each game taking no more than an hour including set up and rules referencing. The rules are quite simple and even with my usual dislike of the old movement trays and wheeling, I enjoyed the game a lot. Mantic have made the perfect fantasy war game here I feel. I won't be giving up on Age of Sigmar as it is still fun and we have quite a few players for it but if I have a choice KoW will be the game I'd rather play.<br />
<br />
<br />Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-90517816096594720912017-03-26T09:37:00.001-07:002017-03-26T09:37:48.593-07:00Death Guard<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BceinBiT9jQ" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Colour me overjoyed that Death Guard are getting some more love, and hopefully, by that scythe, we'll get Mortarion as a character. Can't wait!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On other news, to keep my mind off of Mother's Day, I managed to sit down this afternoon and finally finish the Daemon Prince and Heldrake I started two months ago. That's how long it has been since I last had chance to paint anything.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNahF9tgJB1w2IhwCYnuK9ZhEVYNjxNnQeJtOCqxprVfqULxhw1kJ-h5IfitqQHpczxG3TnOBq6wZLYJGO8TWvLgh-LzUuSLkp1aGSCl2xYm1u3Z2vGuf9aS7RObhHgLEutIFF3u-uZI6/s1600/DP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNahF9tgJB1w2IhwCYnuK9ZhEVYNjxNnQeJtOCqxprVfqULxhw1kJ-h5IfitqQHpczxG3TnOBq6wZLYJGO8TWvLgh-LzUuSLkp1aGSCl2xYm1u3Z2vGuf9aS7RObhHgLEutIFF3u-uZI6/s640/DP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One Daemon Prince.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvUDGqOvfF2N0ueeaXsIOqUb-2N-9x-YLKbZThPmSA2Cdld-dQ_dCcBqqb-VyBuxaLlk_UYo42A07ZMk_dR7KVxWB9MkM29Ph2LOcjHuEuoq8JyDPKOZ2g2msdrvTiEVeYK3hYChIJKI_/s1600/17342782_10154493317692379_4743192261591517867_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvUDGqOvfF2N0ueeaXsIOqUb-2N-9x-YLKbZThPmSA2Cdld-dQ_dCcBqqb-VyBuxaLlk_UYo42A07ZMk_dR7KVxWB9MkM29Ph2LOcjHuEuoq8JyDPKOZ2g2msdrvTiEVeYK3hYChIJKI_/s640/17342782_10154493317692379_4743192261591517867_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZXPH-a_mowsocaLtVtd3CDVwLdHLrRkQzQOOJmEBop8jdh4mdD6VaSZ5EJeJQblKW-_p9BXpr4eS7EJz9-d6UhgXTMKncP5Qt954EOx2VvljqEVJN55PeyTmPx1jMbpqn3Xulog3CfJl/s1600/17426031_10154493317727379_7044109940661533069_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZXPH-a_mowsocaLtVtd3CDVwLdHLrRkQzQOOJmEBop8jdh4mdD6VaSZ5EJeJQblKW-_p9BXpr4eS7EJz9-d6UhgXTMKncP5Qt954EOx2VvljqEVJN55PeyTmPx1jMbpqn3Xulog3CfJl/s640/17426031_10154493317727379_7044109940661533069_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I hated painting the Heldrake. The lightning effect over the wings and body are a real sod to do. Frequently I had to go back and try to recover from uneven strokes of the brush. The second one is going to need a different colour scheme.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-68954697056670528102017-02-27T05:25:00.001-08:002017-02-27T05:26:07.121-08:00Kings of War<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgjloPmTz7TIJqusK8-o5xedsobG72M7TIURcPm415URRlThc_AdAA-5PIWqdUSyI2hpp1a6eRpshzOk-UYydirC-kQ8AZ4jmST1SIWHDPUapDdLoUC9qRSmBy2-I-tOd2LnPZdalYQYK/s1600/KingsOfWar-Stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgjloPmTz7TIJqusK8-o5xedsobG72M7TIURcPm415URRlThc_AdAA-5PIWqdUSyI2hpp1a6eRpshzOk-UYydirC-kQ8AZ4jmST1SIWHDPUapDdLoUC9qRSmBy2-I-tOd2LnPZdalYQYK/s320/KingsOfWar-Stack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
AS I have mentioned in a previous post despite wanting to play a fantasy war game I could never get into the old Warhammer Fantasy Battle. Just far too complex a set of rules that I found was just not fun to play and I really did not like the setting for the game. The Old World was just a strange hodge podge that never really made much sense. Then along came Age of Sigmar. I rejoiced because the game was nice and simple, and I loved the setting - which reminded me of those old 70's progressive rock album covers. But as time has gone by I've found myself losing interest in Age of Sigmar. Partly because I am finding that I want a little more to the rules set and also because at the heart of it, I want to play a generic fantasy war game. Up on my radar suddenly pops Kings of War from Mantic.<br />
<br />
Just watching a dozen or so battle reports on Youtube and reading through their forums, I have developed quite an interest. The system is simple - you can even download a <a href="http://www.manticgames.com/SiteData/Root/File/FREE%20RULES/KoW-rules.pdf" target="_blank">basic set of the rules</a> from their website as well as intro army lists for the main rule book armies. The setting is nice and generic as I like and because of the way it is set up there are some great opportunities for modelling the units. Thirdly, the game is miniature neutral. Although Mantic sell their own miniatures, the point is that so long as the miniatures are the correct scale you can use any model. Sneakily, the armies are also loosely based on what Warhammer Fantasy Battle used to have so you can just import your old established armies over.<br />
<br />
Kings of War has 11 factions in the version 2.0 core rule book:<br />
<br />
<b>Abyssal Dwarfs:</b> Chaos Dwarfs in Mantica. Simpler put, they're Nazi Dwarfs. Slavers who focus on shotguns, war machines, and fiery golems.<br />
<b>Basileans:</b> Fluff-wise, the Basileans are a lot like the Byzantine/Eastern Roman empire but can summon angels. They have armoured knights, men at arms and nuns riding giant cats.<br />
<b>Dwarfs:</b> Exactly like all other Dwarfs in all other settings, hard and tough and beardy, but unlike Warhammer or Lord of the Rings Dwarfs, they are an expanding empire. They have cavalry... BADGER CAVALRY!!!<br />
<b>Elves:</b> The elite, noble Elves, who are better than you. The Elves are 'good guys' but are responsible for a lot of bad things in Mantica, including splitting the gods into good and evil half-gods, and educating a gifted human child who would grow up to be Mhorgoth the Faceless, the most feared necromancer in all of Mantica. Exactly like the Elves from every other fantasy universe then.<br />
<b>Forces of Nature:</b> Exactly what it says on the tin.<br />
<b>Forces of the Abyss:</b> Servants of 37 evil half gods who live with their masters in Mantica's Hell. They look like the horns and pitchfork devils, with some big ogre demons throw in for good measure.<br />
<b>Goblins:</b> Separate from Orcs in the setting, although they can ally with each other.<br />
<b>Kingdoms of Men:</b> Generic human army intended to be used with your other fantasy and historic miniatures. Different from Mantic's own human models described above.<br />
<b>Ogres:</b> Mercenaries who sometimes get ballsy and make their own little kingdoms. They enjoy fighting, adventure and telling wildly exaggerated stories about their exploits. Ogres don't hold grudges or have any inherent racial prejudices, so they are happy to ally with anyone from Elves to Demons and everything in between. The ogre models produced by Mantic are excellent.<br />
<b>Orcs:</b> Brutal and horde-based; called "greenskins" and "a sea of green," with the Ogre's tendency towards cannibalism thrown in.<br />
<b>Undead:</b> Generic undead including everything from vampires and werewolves to zombies and mummies.<br />
<br />
There are also 9 army lists contained within the Uncharted Empires supplement. These lists are intended to rip off a number of different fantasy miniature lines, particularly missing Citadel armies from the core rule book:<br />
<br />
<b>The Brotherhood:</b> Another holy order style army, this one more inspired by Bretonnia and Azeroth. Has both big and small water elementals in addition to lots of cavalry options.<br />
<b>Empire of Dust:</b> Essentially Tomb Kings with a larger emphasis on healing than the more standard undead.<br />
<b>League of Rhordia:</b> An alliance of humans and halflings.<br />
<b>Nightstalkers:</b> An odd list in that there aren't really any major miniature lines to represent it. Spooky and strange creatures that resemble Eldrazi and pumpkin monsters in the art. Mantic have announced they plan to release a full product line for this army in the future.<br />
<b>Ratkin:</b> Pretty much Skaven.<br />
<b>Salamanders:</b> Lizard people of a couple different stripes. Formerly known as Reptilians.<br />
<b>The Herd:</b> Beastmen, either taken from the Warhammer Fantasy line or from another line, such as Wrath of Kings.<br />
<b>Trident Realms of Neritica:</b> An aquatic faction, mostly consisting of fishmen and sea beasts.<br />
<b>Varangur:</b> Vikings and raiders reminiscent of Warriors of Chaos. Formerly known as the Shattered Clans.<br />
<br />
In addition there are future armies planned that don't yet have full lists yet, although some have beta lists available:<br />
<br />
<b>Northern Alliance:</b> A good Elf/human faction from the far north. Said to field various ice-themed creatures as well, such as yetis.<br />
<b>Ophidians:</b> A mix of Arabian and Persian motifs with undead servants and Conan the Barbarian style snake men.<br />
<b>Twilight Kin:</b> Dark Elves with a bit of smexy Dark Eldar thrown in for flavor; live in caves beneath the desert after getting thrown out of the main Elf homeland. The Twilight Kin do have a temporary basic list you can download from the Mantic website.<br />
<br />
<br />
I've already got a nice sized Tomb Kings army from the days of Warhammer Fantasy so I can field as either generic undead or more likely, the Empire of Dust. I'm also tempted by a couple others, mainly Neritica (cthulhu people!), Nightstalkers and Elves. The costs of Mantic's own barmy bundles is reasonable so I may pick up more as well.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to tempt a few of my fellow players away from Age of Sigmar to this in the coming months as I think they will enjoy this more than AoS for the most part. But the best thing is there is no reason to not play either game because of only one set of miniatures.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-82612240398121490952017-02-06T07:32:00.000-08:002017-02-06T07:32:36.805-08:00Where do we go from here?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7XdAQpq_1Xw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7XdAQpq_1Xw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Buffy fans will recognise that song. What does it have to do with a 40K blog? I'm glad you asked. The recent announcement that the game was getting it's first loyalist Primarch back has set the old internet forums going hell for leather again. Some of it positive as it should be but there is a lot of negativity that I feel isn't justified. The lyrics to this song are perfect for the current online atmosphere.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Where do we go from here</span></i></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">The battle's done,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">And we kinda won.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">So we sound our victory cheer.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Where do we go from here.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Why is the path unclear,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">When we know home is near.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Understand we'll go hand in hand,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">But we'll walk alone in fear. (Tell me)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Tell me where do we go from here.</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For more years than I can count there has been a huge push from the fan base to advance the storyline. Now at last we are getting somewhere. The Doomsday Clock is counting down the seconds to midnight. Cool things are happening and... everyone loses their minds.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykds3kvpfEb8w0B2ECn_2Akom8s-zCrkDpjS2wNb9R0WVjA7smnn22aD2aYGAghOZNEVNyQbATCWyYnemxypQ5fTWlRA3Z-_J7dsydEH5hExvby-y48weR_2aermFpq6xZOLTwYBmhqvi/s1600/tumblr_okt9m6QVtc1ukcpnbo4_r1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykds3kvpfEb8w0B2ECn_2Akom8s-zCrkDpjS2wNb9R0WVjA7smnn22aD2aYGAghOZNEVNyQbATCWyYnemxypQ5fTWlRA3Z-_J7dsydEH5hExvby-y48weR_2aermFpq6xZOLTwYBmhqvi/s200/tumblr_okt9m6QVtc1ukcpnbo4_r1_500.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was as shocked as anyone when Magnus the Red popped up and Fenris was all but wasted. I mean wow! We have a traitor Primarch and surely that meant that GW couldn't stop there. Which loyalist Primarch would make a return? Well, my money was on Leman Russ considering the whole Wulfen and Fenris business but no. Instead we get the fall of Cadia, the birth of an Eldar god and the Primarch of the Ultramarines returns! This is a great time to be a Warhammer 40K gamer. We are at last getting everything that we wanted.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So why is everyone so frightened that when 8th edition comes along that we'll be reduced to an Age of Sigmar type game or that the current universe will come crashing down and something new appear in it's place? GW have already said, and I have no reason to disbelieve them, that the game and the universe are not entering the "End Times". </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ6A5Ep5L19ne2gfgs_xQgbJzwno6kxLK-Nv02l4EPaiDJw9nhsVzM8HAIQobQohLLxFVtEGoos4-ezkifqKzzpMoprMTr3H6wxOqXMSWj5Nu-ByPpPFSS52nkX9ICHg5F9Qe2o0KNuuS/s1600/99120102065_MagnustheRed02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ6A5Ep5L19ne2gfgs_xQgbJzwno6kxLK-Nv02l4EPaiDJw9nhsVzM8HAIQobQohLLxFVtEGoos4-ezkifqKzzpMoprMTr3H6wxOqXMSWj5Nu-ByPpPFSS52nkX9ICHg5F9Qe2o0KNuuS/s200/99120102065_MagnustheRed02.jpg" width="193" /></a>The problem is, in my opinion, that we have what we wanted but now fear of change and of the unknown is gripping people. I'm not a fan of change and I don't like new editions when they aren't necessary (and I don't consider GW making fresh cash every few years necessary for an edition change), but right now I am super excited for the game. These new characters, balanced super heavies and the direction that the game is going, is just going to make the game better. I recently said on a Facebook discussion that the universe has always been grim dark but now the game is becoming epic. Sorry, EPIC! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the years to come god-like heroes and villains from all factions will stride the battlefields of the 41st millennium and it is going to make the game better, whether you are a competitive tournament player or a casual play at home with your mates type player. This isn't a time to be frightened for the future. It's time to embrace the game, reload that bolter under your bed, and claim the galaxy for yourself!</div>
<br />Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-69393240677322498582017-01-08T08:26:00.000-08:002017-01-08T08:26:16.562-08:00Are Tournaments Even Playing 40K Anymore?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzDmVcaooA3R4czE9zzlzTJBrdtKW8Gk-xhSX-EB2wkZSfAGuqATb9yLxP9xo4LbO5tKhaYFj-UkZRu40_3GB0RrB42A1Igq96p1dzIoXug1r9howuSD3IrkNf0ClpkvEtUt1v-vcN2YM/s1600/4b9ebe68a0154e918763010aea6c2739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzDmVcaooA3R4czE9zzlzTJBrdtKW8Gk-xhSX-EB2wkZSfAGuqATb9yLxP9xo4LbO5tKhaYFj-UkZRu40_3GB0RrB42A1Igq96p1dzIoXug1r9howuSD3IrkNf0ClpkvEtUt1v-vcN2YM/s320/4b9ebe68a0154e918763010aea6c2739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I run two invitational Warhammer 40K tournaments a year for my local players. I'm always looking at ways to make the events better and more appealing. After all, at some point I want to open up the events to more players at some point and make these events something good for the local region.<br />
<br />
I run the rules as written. If it is legal in a regular 40K game then it is legal for the tournament. Forge World units and rules equally suitable. But then these events are designed to be competitive. I want players to bring their best lists and their A game.<br />
<br />
And that is where I find my current level of confusion and surprise. I keep looking online at other event's tournament rules and scenarios for inspiration. What I find surprises me. It looks like so many tweak the rules, changing rules, disallowing perfectly fine units and options, and using bland looking home-brew scenarios. It looks to me as though tournaments are not playing 40K but some strange hybrid of their own making.<br />
<br />
A tournament should be fun but competitive. I don't think players should not be penalized in army selection and the rule book missions are perfectly suitable for tournament play. Now I do prefer those missions which use the tactical objective cards and I can understand the point of view which says they are too random for tournament use but in the couple of occasions that they have been used for our tournaments they worked fine.<br />
<br />
It's hard to balance these things and I guess I'll just keep looking and pondering ways to make our invitational events fun.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-60013743174106299762016-12-09T16:52:00.002-08:002016-12-09T16:52:56.480-08:00Chaos is Coming part 2This morning I ordered myself a copy of Traitor Legions, a plastic daemon prince and some havocs as my personal christmas present. From what I have seen I am looking forward to trying out the new Death Guard rules. They sound just what I need to secure an end to my current losing streak.<br />
<br />
Anyone getting some nice 40K goodness for the holidays?Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-14349471099774487442016-11-23T15:23:00.002-08:002016-11-23T15:23:43.909-08:00Chaos is comingWith all the new Tzeentch CSM stuff on the horizon I am really hoping that Nurgle will get some 40K love. A nice Mortarion daemon prince would be nice and some new Nurgle toys.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-63891712732589817952016-10-10T16:00:00.000-07:002016-10-10T16:00:06.356-07:00Narrative Play part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnUSplhd1yMCbKHBHY7kd73QPWAjoV-CCn5BHsZ2L-NNg727hozqaFP1bhX9JzPsm9VZyQg4erW8374GBQ4WXX7Bzuqa2DnPdHRZkiM5EE8RkzP8MxhovnH_4H2yG7aPsDMRjHFVKKQZI/s1600/tumblr_nisvtquSHX1tjrvjno1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnUSplhd1yMCbKHBHY7kd73QPWAjoV-CCn5BHsZ2L-NNg727hozqaFP1bhX9JzPsm9VZyQg4erW8374GBQ4WXX7Bzuqa2DnPdHRZkiM5EE8RkzP8MxhovnH_4H2yG7aPsDMRjHFVKKQZI/s640/tumblr_nisvtquSHX1tjrvjno1_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It isn't always possible to get a group of players together on a regular basis to play a narrative campaign. This means that sometimes you have to find a single opponent and challenge them to a narrative game. With a single regular opponent things become much more simpler if a less impressive. Such games can still be fun though and you don't have to worry about players not meeting up often enough. You and your opponent can take your time and enjoy the details.<br />
<br />
The layout below (taken from a rather nice blog entitled <a href="http://goingoncampaign.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Going On Campaign</a>) is a great example of how to play a one on one narrative. The idea is that one player plays the attacking force and the other, obviously, the defender. You play a scout battle and the outcome determines which way the war goes. If the attacker wins then things become a sabotage attempt and so forth. You could just play a game for each one or you could come up with your own scenarios or special rules to match what is written below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBNXsgKIcYXwuvw54cvI7yCE2n-EB1oX0y_16TI8wgcMebzabqSWGgg8mELbOf-scO6FML8S7O586So-djFrPTOyjm-uM30lqiY5-KYFMWZXl8Mqt7LgQUTRxsNcKKFEWnYCXH-J6OjXl/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBNXsgKIcYXwuvw54cvI7yCE2n-EB1oX0y_16TI8wgcMebzabqSWGgg8mELbOf-scO6FML8S7O586So-djFrPTOyjm-uM30lqiY5-KYFMWZXl8Mqt7LgQUTRxsNcKKFEWnYCXH-J6OjXl/s400/Untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The only problem with this sort of set up is that once you have played the third round, it is obvious which player has won over all. You are simply playing to see whether it is a major or minor victory. This could lead to one player just dropping the whole thing because they can't win. The problem with narrative games in general. You need an opponent who is just as dedicated to the outcome, good or bad, as you are. It is still a good but basic start to narrative play.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-44859938459792493632016-10-08T09:06:00.001-07:002016-10-08T09:06:28.434-07:00For the Emperor!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJX2oQcjoe9mQQrj4WrdhFkotee_9wpRuticJrMKutyq0qB5PyDV7KmaVew8m8vDQnwkhdOOgoxsTrAMbKhG1t6ytvjgHwjS1YY8fRn9uOVa0PuBkJUiB-OLPAH5Lgl9pptG-HCJkaoXn/s1600/5xMOmXx2_sI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJX2oQcjoe9mQQrj4WrdhFkotee_9wpRuticJrMKutyq0qB5PyDV7KmaVew8m8vDQnwkhdOOgoxsTrAMbKhG1t6ytvjgHwjS1YY8fRn9uOVa0PuBkJUiB-OLPAH5Lgl9pptG-HCJkaoXn/s320/5xMOmXx2_sI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've recently purchased a friend's Grey Knights army. So much for my loyalty to Nurgle but now I can surprise my opponent's when I bring them out. Just wanting a new Sisters of Battle codex so I can have a combined force. I also want an Avenger Strike Fighter to give better aerial support.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-8949888756842948332016-09-26T03:38:00.000-07:002016-09-26T03:38:03.670-07:00Midas Crusade 2016Over the weekend we held the third Midas Crusade tournament. The last one was end of April but due to real world issues I forgot to cover it. But the third one went rather well with little in the way of hiccups. Once again Jon offered the use of his sizeable garage and we spent a day playing some 40K.<br />
<br />
As usual it was 2000 points, fixed list, with three rounds of three hours each and tactical objectives missions. The VP's scored totalled over the day to determine the winner. Anything 40K is legal but not HH stuff.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately we had two players drop out at separate times in the weeks running up so i had to jump in and play, and the eighth player, Gary D, could not make it until the second round started. I set it up so I effectively played Gary D and we drew. Neither of us were playing to win anyway so it wasn't a big issue.<br />
<br />
Armies played were:<br />
<br />
Colin - Chaos Marines (Death Guard) with Chaos Knight ally.<br />
Chris - Craftworld Eldar.<br />
Jon - Necrons.<br />
Ash - Astra Militarum with Genestealer Cult allies.<br />
Benjo - Dark Angels.<br />
Mike - Craftworld Eldar.<br />
Dan - Eldar Corsairs with Craftworld Eldar allies.<br />
Gary - Space Marines (Imperial Fists).<br />
<br />
It was a hard fought day for the top spot but Chris' Eldar successfully spent the day claiming objectives and stole first place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8JvQks_n2kshjN_ctuTPI-otyo_AZ8ZUnUSSHeKX9w2xjegZ9HGvSeCwuBQHLAzfeKSb4feFvSKmrb2_5ZS6Cd0mL8IPeI-8Ct65tr8FBpkmBtM8-TOD9ADhi0arwQYL0YKF3Ac1ZCRU/s1600/14359209_10153957234702379_5259893655648958120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8JvQks_n2kshjN_ctuTPI-otyo_AZ8ZUnUSSHeKX9w2xjegZ9HGvSeCwuBQHLAzfeKSb4feFvSKmrb2_5ZS6Cd0mL8IPeI-8Ct65tr8FBpkmBtM8-TOD9ADhi0arwQYL0YKF3Ac1ZCRU/s640/14359209_10153957234702379_5259893655648958120_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Broodlord and genestealers outflank into the Dark Angels.</i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2aQCzX83iCzSVdJaGqkWV-Bjh3lU9JAXFqd_qhHcmWHnGm0DYd_IQ9jslsqLovc_06bmfnW88jdujADFpiAOWQAQephfIAEfo5-CVLUDqC79-7-1sbZozm79K9Ky6dm1UydNas5FRAH3/s1600/14440890_10153957129357379_8019079521821507547_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2aQCzX83iCzSVdJaGqkWV-Bjh3lU9JAXFqd_qhHcmWHnGm0DYd_IQ9jslsqLovc_06bmfnW88jdujADFpiAOWQAQephfIAEfo5-CVLUDqC79-7-1sbZozm79K9Ky6dm1UydNas5FRAH3/s640/14440890_10153957129357379_8019079521821507547_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mike brought some interesting Eldar toys with him.</i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgahrQgzgfOzEbeeXQ8iB0B25ytR1LoyilbhUIZVgMRkt6YiFRiyhywnTZz_3PSScH5Y4oB74WPDJbtITrmMi5L0ihJieaDC-Lo8I5HqdG9PjZRMpvscTELSlQmFnKO1y8do1bUwSmVk6/s1600/14457388_10153957227697379_8196182676211437717_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgahrQgzgfOzEbeeXQ8iB0B25ytR1LoyilbhUIZVgMRkt6YiFRiyhywnTZz_3PSScH5Y4oB74WPDJbtITrmMi5L0ihJieaDC-Lo8I5HqdG9PjZRMpvscTELSlQmFnKO1y8do1bUwSmVk6/s640/14457388_10153957227697379_8196182676211437717_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1JPHEWUej7Rx8Kof7OWbYDsHLZTs7O5pZbCCea6-uIWOSpBrq5pIyEnUy9kYBaKwhZHaNn912WgSXV8oapOryFu9nOjmQi4pKXGWrYpP0o7fCj9t-o-c27HP472hqYVuSLNIu7Z2VXZP/s1600/14462987_10153957129402379_1062636331897026214_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1JPHEWUej7Rx8Kof7OWbYDsHLZTs7O5pZbCCea6-uIWOSpBrq5pIyEnUy9kYBaKwhZHaNn912WgSXV8oapOryFu9nOjmQi4pKXGWrYpP0o7fCj9t-o-c27HP472hqYVuSLNIu7Z2VXZP/s640/14462987_10153957129402379_1062636331897026214_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Astra Militarum gun line.</i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKQNW_jR7cZGVn_4SVJjoK1T2Et31oVgH29WDIiYWWdxowb5xyFYGKD6MENhJNGeyBe40vomXfskHb2n1ZkYBDdu3J-iL2cXgGAiicni_vDvNDOJCP-uZHlchS6Ya0pcXYK3C4X5O8ArN/s1600/14469441_10153957617032379_307135124798380884_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKQNW_jR7cZGVn_4SVJjoK1T2Et31oVgH29WDIiYWWdxowb5xyFYGKD6MENhJNGeyBe40vomXfskHb2n1ZkYBDdu3J-iL2cXgGAiicni_vDvNDOJCP-uZHlchS6Ya0pcXYK3C4X5O8ArN/s640/14469441_10153957617032379_307135124798380884_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Death Guard prepare to surge forward. The Knight did a great job of stomping genestealer hybrids!</i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZUardWbxodzvBHbFn9zZlbCeLOenGWVd9mNWwAAIXh49iKKoyItcJAzlM_Hq5OxAy9QURQY0b45nHbyu-oGooHDMJkadoOIS_IPZGMIBQ_7SUChIXdGGQfHCmy1a72AM7-lS-Ft2Xylu/s1600/14469544_10153957232982379_6063038472852094237_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZUardWbxodzvBHbFn9zZlbCeLOenGWVd9mNWwAAIXh49iKKoyItcJAzlM_Hq5OxAy9QURQY0b45nHbyu-oGooHDMJkadoOIS_IPZGMIBQ_7SUChIXdGGQfHCmy1a72AM7-lS-Ft2Xylu/s640/14469544_10153957232982379_6063038472852094237_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Lots of conscripts being pushed forwards!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9o8U1EAsiVZQSGCOlHJCBkiqn-nPaG8mTMYNarqRYNkQ9QRgPV0Wv844WlfUbj3JkHKNdl_p-qyz_YAiuYYAqmXJUnfb6aUTchdbm9-5z_5_RJtDXz2wGmKsh3V3KLK5ZwosbMNPlUOQ/s1600/14469647_10153957616327379_8807514816682748011_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9o8U1EAsiVZQSGCOlHJCBkiqn-nPaG8mTMYNarqRYNkQ9QRgPV0Wv844WlfUbj3JkHKNdl_p-qyz_YAiuYYAqmXJUnfb6aUTchdbm9-5z_5_RJtDXz2wGmKsh3V3KLK5ZwosbMNPlUOQ/s640/14469647_10153957616327379_8807514816682748011_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Eldar battle lines.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYnXuSg_eiLGyhVQZtO187nHCGlJb-xvSlJ_1Z_DgEXQg09wWeIFQRxQ8h5RtQateXRCyQOG_WqYnMRH25nTNZ59dgKif6CAoSYpmDB5xOQ_YwmKLLcf_ngr710MykdPkJcpPtSoQjRQ8/s1600/14470466_10153957615497379_8952338862180994136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYnXuSg_eiLGyhVQZtO187nHCGlJb-xvSlJ_1Z_DgEXQg09wWeIFQRxQ8h5RtQateXRCyQOG_WqYnMRH25nTNZ59dgKif6CAoSYpmDB5xOQ_YwmKLLcf_ngr710MykdPkJcpPtSoQjRQ8/s640/14470466_10153957615497379_8952338862180994136_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Necrons and Eldar face off across no man's land.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKL1CpbdoaDAOPyqiioCJeIanHQCKbXxQjU6fv3p43vX2YTEI8OriR78KOnxknLCsHpClER_Ydnsqb983zevw3IUKk491VRqpVkhhqKmiWuZ4LGTrRivWhuAiZNfS_PISp8fwcVbl5xqu/s1600/14470625_10153957616772379_4763565635399488943_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKL1CpbdoaDAOPyqiioCJeIanHQCKbXxQjU6fv3p43vX2YTEI8OriR78KOnxknLCsHpClER_Ydnsqb983zevw3IUKk491VRqpVkhhqKmiWuZ4LGTrRivWhuAiZNfS_PISp8fwcVbl5xqu/s640/14470625_10153957616772379_4763565635399488943_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The unexpected genestealer cult allies shortly before being trodden on.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-45587813618578367562016-09-20T08:16:00.000-07:002016-09-20T08:16:05.638-07:00Narrative Play part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDJ_kfL_Aol91Z4zTD5K7fAze6jTHV4229nEu5n6ASc-ndq_InwFp1lLBMGTKNi5qYmehrUa5dVOtf9a-WNURdK2N00eS16ewKw2jkGoNg-Mie0kyOk4wjp4hApSJAx0V1Y8Myr3NHDhf/s1600/10359076_767180739981087_3140434183651328226_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDJ_kfL_Aol91Z4zTD5K7fAze6jTHV4229nEu5n6ASc-ndq_InwFp1lLBMGTKNi5qYmehrUa5dVOtf9a-WNURdK2N00eS16ewKw2jkGoNg-Mie0kyOk4wjp4hApSJAx0V1Y8Myr3NHDhf/s400/10359076_767180739981087_3140434183651328226_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I cannot just sit down and play a board game or card game without immersing myself into the world of that game. It doesn't matter that the game is Magic the Gathering or something like the Serenity/Firefly board game. I have to immerse myself and know why I am doing what I am doing or what a given action would entail in the real world. With Warhammer 40,000 I take that even further. Unlike everyone else I know I cannot just turn up to a game and play. I have to know why I am fighting Dark Angels and what relevance the mission has. Without that I may as well be playing chess against a computer. Sure it is fun but ultimately it is missing something. I am a narrative gamer and I'm proud to admit it.<br />
<br />
The problem is that being a narrative gamer when no one else is can be a real pain. I have tried with my local club to introduce a narrative element with the Midas Crusade. The MC was based upon the Crusade of Fire campaign book from Games Workshop. I did it as an open-ended campaign where players could challenge other players for control of planets. I envisioned players colluding together or seeking to build that perfect list to drive the Orks from Volistad. But it never happened. There were a few attempts but no one was interested enough. It ended up with me making posts and basically running the fluff for three years. I recently decided to drop it entirely.<br />
<br />
So how do you run narrative games? Well, I have realised that you can't do with a games club. It needs a handful of dedicated players willing to immerse themselves. Willing to go beyond just turning up with some dice and an army. It needs someone, an organiser, to come up with the overall story line, the missions and be able to alter things as wins and losses mount up. It needs structure but not too much detail.<br />
<br />
What I plan to do with this short series of posts is to put forward some ideas for narrative campaigns that hopefully might work for you. But first, do any of you have thoughts on this? Have you played a dedicated campaign and see it through as more than just another game of 40K or whatever your game of choice is? If you don't enjoy them, I'd be very interested to see why not.<br />
<br />
The floor is all yours.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-1040761941740197642016-09-13T02:29:00.000-07:002016-09-13T02:29:06.820-07:00No More Conquest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynGHRlyZ8HxOB2rE9cS52YMQH7Lcc8F0c4pouODd9-nfd4Ox1p0-fN_Q3F0gsO-T8wHxltPxh69HOFOH29Gm0kkKfJzzPpnFP_yJbVpZSl6JK28bngjnRlydE5Y_Hvp_1FgngH3sqK2MH/s1600/WHK01_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynGHRlyZ8HxOB2rE9cS52YMQH7Lcc8F0c4pouODd9-nfd4Ox1p0-fN_Q3F0gsO-T8wHxltPxh69HOFOH29Gm0kkKfJzzPpnFP_yJbVpZSl6JK28bngjnRlydE5Y_Hvp_1FgngH3sqK2MH/s320/WHK01_logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A few days ago it was at last revealed that the partnership between Games Workshop and Fantasy Flight Games has ended. No more GW related games from them. Normally I would not be too bothered after all FFG are well known for the board games and I have the 40K ones that I want and I have everything for the Deathwatch RPG. However, this also means the end of Warhammer 40K: Conquest, their living card game.<br />
<br />
Conquest had a good future ahead of it. We have had three expansions and two new faction expansions (Tyranids and Necrons). It makes me angry as I feel now that I have wasted my money on this game. Card games like this, as good as they are, die off when there are no further expansions. The history of CCG's is full of such cast aside games. Surely the two companies could have come to some arrangement over this? I mean, really?<br />
<br />
A couple of people have pointed out that part of the licensing agreement was that FFG would not make any miniatures based games as that is GW's domain. FFG have announced a skirmish war game based upon their own fantasy world of Runebound and I think that may have been the death knell. But again I ask, could they not have worked something out?<br />
<br />
So, as we have hardly anyone who bothers to play any more anyway, it looks like Conquest will end up either gathering dust on a shelf or I may flog it all on EBay. It is going to make me think long and hard before I pick up anything else like this.<br />
<br />
Anyway, rant over.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-51820697290815035092016-09-10T15:23:00.001-07:002016-09-10T15:23:31.821-07:00Painting DayDue to work and other commitments I haven't had the chance to sit down and do some painting/building for several months. So having a day off today I gave myself the afternoon to get some done. Managed to get the Chaos Knight finished bar it's basing, and a few more plague marines and a rhino done. Lots of undercoating too so I can just sit down Monday evening after work.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately what I wanted to do fell through. I have two boxes of Raptors to build and I want them for a game I have against Raven Guard this coming Thursday. But when I went to my pile of new stuff both boxes were missing! NNOOOO!!!! No idea where they have gotten to so I'm going to have to have a full on search when I get chance.<br />
<br />
I did get slightly distracted watching TV in the background but it felt good to get back into painting.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-82902764437495397122016-09-08T14:41:00.002-07:002016-09-09T16:04:53.821-07:00What to field?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3UhB5bURY2bQTnLbAUvUs0WS1j26Xuqg6A99beRzyLYtc5m4Ri2oWprd2HpaiLHbeZSgkOwFMjH3_76XnXOO5KZEWfSlAw6ByehlQHLMvZ4uaxzGlXCJpruProR1HPnohyHgoy3xk2tR/s1600/Bpef-4jCYAAZSRB.jpg-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3UhB5bURY2bQTnLbAUvUs0WS1j26Xuqg6A99beRzyLYtc5m4Ri2oWprd2HpaiLHbeZSgkOwFMjH3_76XnXOO5KZEWfSlAw6ByehlQHLMvZ4uaxzGlXCJpruProR1HPnohyHgoy3xk2tR/s320/Bpef-4jCYAAZSRB.jpg-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, in a couple weeks we have the third Midas Crusade Invitational (MCI) tournament coming up and due to a drop out I am having to step up and be both organiser and the 8th player. I need to work out what to take in a 2000 point tactical objectives based tournament.<br />
<br />
What I currently have finished is as follows:<br />
<br />
Typhus.<br />
Chaos Sorcerer.<br />
20 Plague Marines with icon of despair, two meltaguns and the champion has plasma pistol and power weapon.<br />
20 Plague Marines with icon of despair, two meltaguns and the champion has plasma pistol and power weapon.<br />
10 Chaos Marines whose champion has a power fist.<br />
5 Chaos Terminators with three power weapons, one lightning claw and a power fist (because of what comes in the box) and one reaper autocannon.<br />
3 Chaos Bikers.<br />
15 Chaos Cultists.<br />
1 Helbrute with multi-melta.<br />
2 Chaos Rhino.<br />
1 Chaos Land Raider.<br />
1 Defiler.<br />
10 Plaguebearers.<br />
1 Chaos Knight Errant with daemonic possession.<br />
2x Vengeance Weapon Platforms with Punisher Cannons.<br />
1 Bastion.<br />
1 Aegis Defence Line with Autocannon.<br />
<br />
Some things still to be built:<br />
<br />
2 boxes of Chaos Raptors.<br />
1 box of Zombies.<br />
1 box of Plague Marines.<br />
1 box of SM Terminators (so I can have a unit with lightning claws).<br />
Cypher.<br />
2 boxes of Dark Angel veterans (to be Cypher's Chosen squad).<br />
<br />
I need some ideas what to field so I can finish building and painting before the weekend of the 24th September. Any suggestions?Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-16447237758969517332016-09-02T14:38:00.003-07:002016-09-02T14:38:49.760-07:00Why no narrative?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTTBkSqzophJwszMybVMwu4UcoY_K3BYV6E9SKhTLHVuDQaJ5As6TjueX3R9h3yvvVXKvtUR1uk74mtq1EL2eWshwPyLzfPqNcZHoPqDBG3M73XwCkgw_uDhWhUwEd2KL3HHx-Ha_Afc4/s1600/tumblr_m1tysnzxPN1qb6t6wo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTTBkSqzophJwszMybVMwu4UcoY_K3BYV6E9SKhTLHVuDQaJ5As6TjueX3R9h3yvvVXKvtUR1uk74mtq1EL2eWshwPyLzfPqNcZHoPqDBG3M73XwCkgw_uDhWhUwEd2KL3HHx-Ha_Afc4/s320/tumblr_m1tysnzxPN1qb6t6wo1_500.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I haven't used this blog for well over a year now. Part of it has been starting two new jobs and settling into a new relationship. But there has also been a slow grump growing over me which stole a lot of my love for 40K. That grump has been the ongoing Midas Crusade narrative campaign that I was trying to do. Basically a lack of interest from local club members. I seem to be the only person interested in doing such a narrative. It has got to a point that now after about three or four years of trying to do reports for it that I have given up bothering.<br />
<br />
I can't fault anyone though. We all come to the hobby for different reasons and most of the people I know are in it just for the game and not for anything else. I've always been more interested in playing something with a storyline. While I don't like overly complicated campaign rules something where players with same factions can work together even plotting in the shadows appeals quite a lot but no one else does.<br />
<br />
So, I've dropped the Midas Crusade narrative, and have instead started writing narratives for the games that my Death Guard play. I'm using another blog page: <a href="http://thedeathguard.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">March of the Damned</a>.<br />
<br />
Slowly that funk is fading and I want to get back to discussing the game and getting some motivation for my painting - something else I am finding a hard time organising.<br />
<br />
Hope you are all still around and looking forward to reading your posts.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-91082380230420973032016-03-05T06:48:00.000-08:002016-03-05T06:48:21.568-08:00Battle Report - Death Guard vs Eldar Corsairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz7JuA1S8CuYQuLAgmn5CVjCpPJPFYam0NWZ-hQwrQ7oaRk0-yJj7HlRpQEeuR3ij1y1XwG4x2ybEJtHf7J7X5htdx782HuTG3vvn6PeV3nPvCGs86uNuqG1WiRCZjtVEh8QmSS3qXLcO/s1600/12676_175539152640925_1944815929_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz7JuA1S8CuYQuLAgmn5CVjCpPJPFYam0NWZ-hQwrQ7oaRk0-yJj7HlRpQEeuR3ij1y1XwG4x2ybEJtHf7J7X5htdx782HuTG3vvn6PeV3nPvCGs86uNuqG1WiRCZjtVEh8QmSS3qXLcO/s320/12676_175539152640925_1944815929_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
My first Warhammer 40K game of 2016 was against my good friend Richard McManus. I haven't had a game against him for a couple years now I don't think so I was really looking forward to this. He has bought into the a Forge World Eldar corsair army and wanted to give it a try. He didn't have much and I still won't play any Death Guard who aren't painted so it was a small game of just 1000 points.<br />
<br />
I remember the old FW corsair list was quite nasty. I never played against it but I did watch a couple games. At the time I found them, like their craftworld cousins, rather too good. This time around they seem much more balanced. Their psychic powers are a bit odd but can be tactical and strangely they have their own perils of the warp table that makes me wonder why you would ever include a Void Dreamer in your army. A roll of 1 turns the psyker into a daemon of Slaanesh and goes over to your opponent's control! That never happened however.<br />
<br />
The mission was the awkward Tactical Escalation. We faced off against one another and I was a little surprised at what was fielded by my opponent. He had a prince, a void dreamer, two squads of basic corsairs, 2 units of jetbikes, so vyper type things (maybe hornet's?) and a warp hunter. I wasn't expecting quite so much in the way of vehicles but that made it much more of a challenge. One unit of corsairs and both HQ's sat in reserve ready to leap from the webway to cause me problems.<br />
<br />
My list was a basic level 3 sorcerer, a 5 man squad of csm, two squads of 10 man plague marines (with 2 meltaguns each), a rhino and a helbrute. I had been expecting more ground troops but as I still don't have much painted this was what I could managed to field.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o7wXncd44IYnR4EsJOGQF5FRv4PSnbB-Bw38BQzWwiMpi2EOB8q6oDV6hPZvyOyAfSfhIefKcJ0Uquey5Oa9RUtVE8tVovIW3-_5psO8VWiF26Cg_S95HTqbXy5CZsNsuzEPS9XilHCp/s1600/12814670_10153467483072379_3151795366368611632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o7wXncd44IYnR4EsJOGQF5FRv4PSnbB-Bw38BQzWwiMpi2EOB8q6oDV6hPZvyOyAfSfhIefKcJ0Uquey5Oa9RUtVE8tVovIW3-_5psO8VWiF26Cg_S95HTqbXy5CZsNsuzEPS9XilHCp/s640/12814670_10153467483072379_3151795366368611632_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRApRm91gaeHsbqib1hlzTsHwHWw4SFeqjo9755jXK1dkc0IPo20aX778fEorE3DQsVkuiaZRv1czJA6ZfXI2-Clyv7l_Wc3P4CKJEO3YroKwbmOXULo2IZLV7WF0BEGN9ivtMOdWQzBmd/s1600/12524258_10153467483092379_2426882524236344877_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRApRm91gaeHsbqib1hlzTsHwHWw4SFeqjo9755jXK1dkc0IPo20aX778fEorE3DQsVkuiaZRv1czJA6ZfXI2-Clyv7l_Wc3P4CKJEO3YroKwbmOXULo2IZLV7WF0BEGN9ivtMOdWQzBmd/s640/12524258_10153467483092379_2426882524236344877_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Usually in these missions I find myself overwhelmed by the number of capture objective cards I draw so I made a point of starting next to the two objectives in my deployment zone. I then didn't see a capture objective card until the last turn when I was uncannily sitting with a single model on that very objective. My opponent on the other hand simply swept forward and starting grabbing a perfect set of objective cards. Oddly though, we seemed to draw the same ones throughout the game.<br />
<br />
The Warp Hunter proved to be the biggest pain in the backside as it just sat there at the back and pummeled my forces. I lost so much to that tank that quickly I realised that there was no way I was going to pull a win out of this game. Two attempts at summoning plaguebearers and my sorcerer suffered a perils from one, losing a wound, and the second deviated and went into ongoing reserves. Neither unit did much more than be a speedbump for the corsair warriors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbXfnUmUQAG3FMu0sQ-bnxkFFkXPtJIbqlHkLQ73AF0O1_kSmPE1lntihHM2yJordxLNGz1JESFdosw8vV4hckQZjJ7oj9Xy1Zg1E5phKG2RdNvEDQjmuy1i84l_ZvmCZRplGyBAahUiy/s1600/12813913_10153467483167379_2735088401702420276_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbXfnUmUQAG3FMu0sQ-bnxkFFkXPtJIbqlHkLQ73AF0O1_kSmPE1lntihHM2yJordxLNGz1JESFdosw8vV4hckQZjJ7oj9Xy1Zg1E5phKG2RdNvEDQjmuy1i84l_ZvmCZRplGyBAahUiy/s640/12813913_10153467483167379_2735088401702420276_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My sorcerer went down to a warlord challenge before even getting a chance to swing his staff. By that point I was resigned to my fate so I didn't worry. The game ended turn 6 I think when my last model came off the table. Richard had beaten me 15 vp to 1 vp.<br />
<br />
It was a fun game despite the crushing loss. Corsairs... Interesting to play against. We're going to have a rematch in a couple weeks and we'll see what transpires then.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-31895939520531041962016-02-28T06:13:00.000-08:002016-02-28T06:13:12.191-08:0040K Conquest tournament - Battle for Helle's Reach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQaEx4aqH2ThwXqLtBWfhlFCJY1OFGrPeqMGfigydjcruqvoDW8txDd03wBoo8Hh0z9RDTQxh_17o-mGZeSvfMVnnni5aSSUM7fElMjfRx63K8RAfSCwY6T6y1-IMCawhgfI0v5AiqMog/s1600/WHK01_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQaEx4aqH2ThwXqLtBWfhlFCJY1OFGrPeqMGfigydjcruqvoDW8txDd03wBoo8Hh0z9RDTQxh_17o-mGZeSvfMVnnni5aSSUM7fElMjfRx63K8RAfSCwY6T6y1-IMCawhgfI0v5AiqMog/s320/WHK01_logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>On the edge of the Traxis sector lies a series of war-torn worlds known by the men and women of the Astra Militarum stationed there as Helle's Front. Although not rich in resources or population (or biomass) whichever faction controls these systems will be in a key position of striking at several nearby tactically significant systems. </i><br />
<br />
In order to get my local players back into playing 40K Conquest I have started organising a monthly casual event. Tonight we managed to get all six of us local peeps together to fight over Helle's Front.<br />
<br />
<b>Warlord Breakdown:</b><br />
Broderick Worr - 2<br />
The Swarmlord - 2<br />
Ragnar Blackmane - 1<br />
Nazdreg - 1<br />
<br />
<b>Final Scores:</b><br />
1st: Luke Townsend (AM - Broderick Worr) - 3-0-0<br />
2nd: Darren Davis (SM - Ragnar Blackmane) - 2-0-1<br />
3rd: Steve Osbourne (Tyr - The Swarmlord) - 2-0-1<br />
4th: Colin Goodman (Orks - Nazdreg) - 1-0-2<br />
5th: Matt Gibson (AM - Broderick Worr) - 1-0-2<br />
6th: Brian White (Tyr - The Swarmlord) - 0-0-3<br />
<br />
My first match was against Darren Davis and this was a very tough game. I was getting resources but not the cards to spend them on. He quickly got some space wolves down and first turn started his warlord hunt against my Nazdreg. Despite both our warlords having a major scrap which I thought I was going to win, he turned the tables and forced me into a defensive game that I wasn't prepared for. I got a little flustered I think as before I knew it he had secured three planets and won.<br />
<br />
The second game pitted me against Brian White and his Swarmlord deck. Like myself, Brian is a very casual player and we had a really good fun game. He felt a bit down I think as he had chosen what he felt was the wrong synapse unit (savage warrior prime) and he found his deck wasn't working as he wanted it to. My deck on the other hand, kicked off fantastically well and managed to score me my only win of the night.<br />
<br />
My final opponent was Luke Townsend who is already a top notch tournament player so I never held out any hope of winning this game. He'd been at an X-Wing tournament earlier in the day so was fairly tired which I thought might give me an advantage. I managed to gain command across the board on the first turn but in subsequent turns he was able to put down more and more units than I was able to compensate for. I had real trouble deciding where to deploy units and where my warlord needed to go. In the end the game came down to him bloodying and then defeating my warlord with some very hard hitting guardsmen!<br />
<br />
Luke's winning deck was:<br />
<br />
Total Cards: (50)<br />
<br />
<b>Warlord:</b><br />
1x Broderick Worr (Decree of Ruin)<br />
<br />
<b>Army Unit: (29)</b><br />
4x Anxious Infantry Platoon (Decree of Ruin)<br />
2x Void Pirate (Core Set)<br />
2x Cadian Mortar Squad (Core Set)<br />
2x Sanctioned Psyker (Core Set)<br />
2x Iron Guard Recruits (The Scourge)<br />
2x Steel Legion Chimera (Zogwort's Curse)<br />
3x Elysian Assault Team (Core Set)<br />
3x Tallarn Raiders (Zogwort's Curse)<br />
3x Blood Angels Veterans (Core Set)<br />
3x Righteous Initiate (Decree of Ruin)<br />
3x Sacaellum Shrine Guard (Boundless Hate)<br />
<br />
<b>Attachment: (3)</b><br />
1x Commissarial Bolt Pistol (Decree of Ruin)<br />
2x Bodyguard (Core Set)<br />
<br />
<b>Event: (9)</b><br />
2x Summary Execution (Decree of Ruin)<br />
2x Preemptive Barrage (Core Set)<br />
2x The Emperor’s Warrant (Descendants of Isha)<br />
2x Muster the Guard (The Howl of Blackmane)<br />
<br />
<b>Support: (10)</b><br />
1x Forward Barracks (Decree of Ruin)<br />
3x Troop Transport (Boundless Hate)<br />
2x Rockcrete Bunker (Core Set)<br />
2x Catachan Outpost (Core Set)<br />
2x Inquistorial Fortress.<br />
<br />
Next month we decided for fun that we should each play a random faction so that we don't have the same matches. I've pulled Tyranids so that should be interesting as I have only played them once or twice since their release.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1846419844195322720.post-45615276070115629232016-02-24T06:53:00.002-08:002016-02-24T06:53:55.296-08:00Been a few months since my last update. Starting a new job and the club having it's Christmas break sort of got in the way. As it is the new year has not been great for the club. Too many players not turning up on an evening or unnecessary arguments has begun to hurt things. Hopefully things will pick up as we get going. It's not too long until the Age of Sigmar league kicks off and we have another day event planned as well.<br />
<br />
I hope the rest of you have some good gaming going on and I'll try to catch up on your posts as I can.Eryx_UKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15745459114536513706noreply@blogger.com2