Rysm Tower

Pre-6th Edition Thoughts

2012-01-21T14:41:00.001Z

I have been thinking. A very dangerous endeavor for me. There are so many ways the rumored 6th edition rules could impact my Imperial Guard armies. I will use the 91st Steel Legion as an example of good things to come.

Vehicles
Vehicles can possibly shoot at 2+ targets. My immediate impression is that my Chimeras just got better. I can hose a unit that got too close with my hull mounted heavy flamer while popping off shots at a light vehicle or a monstrous creature with my multi-laser turret. After all of that I get to have the unit inside shoot. While this isn't game breaking it does help with my chimera build's diverse capabilities albeit only if it doesn't move. Then again if I get heavy stubbers mounted we are back in business. My Vendettas, Leman Russ' Battle Tanks, Manitcores, and Basilisks are going to have a field day with multi-targeting rules. Although I think I am still hitting only one target with a Manticore barrage. Rolling BS to hit with a 5" template and the rest of the following templates from the Manticore will be very nice.

The vehicle damage chart and the way vehicles are impacted by glancing, penetrating, and melta hits will make vehicles much more robust. If I recall correctly a weapon destroyed result only takes away multi-targeting. I like this. The possibility of a vehicle losing a weapon system is rare at best. It happens but it's rare. I think this would better translate the chaos of the crew reacting in the vehicle. I do like that vehicles seem like they have to roll for morale checks after so many hits. This makes total sense. If things are getting too hot the driver would be like, I'm getting out of here. It just adds another level of complexity that is both new and familiar. In other words it will likely be easily learned by veteran players and easily picked up by new ones too.

Bottom line: Vehicles (and tanks in general) become much more capable 40K combatants with a variety of new options and concerns on the 40K battlefield.

Game Phases
Movement, Assault, Shooting, Consolidation. While the realism of combat can never quite be captured into a turn sequence that matches the chaos of the battlefield the assaulting before shooting doesn't bother me. I think it could go either way but it does offer challenges for timing assaults correctly before trying to lay 5" templates around the table. I can definitely see some epic assaults ending with a healthy rapid fire spray combat combat win (consolidating only 3" now which seems fine). The different movement distances would be interesting. I think it will correctly reflect the uniqueness of the beast models while allowing for a more intuitive movement rate for each unit type. Now consolidating at the end of your turn is nice. I like this a lot. It gives a closure feeling to the turn. A moment to reflect as your opponent starts up his movement phase. Only experience will tell if this new phase sequence will work out well. I think it will.

That's all for today. If you had trouble following I would reference the posted 6th edition rules rumors and read through them first. It's worth the read.

Until next time!

40K 6th Edition Rules Leak Confirmed?

2012-01-18T15:54:00.003Z

Yay!

Click here for more... and the best website for all 40K news.

Warhammer 40K... 6th Edition

2012-01-18T15:50:00.001Z

Change is good. I truly believe that. Change tests the limits of what a long standing game edition can handle as it evolves with time. Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition was a failure and as such I transitioned to the Pathfinder series of RPG gaming. Plus its all available for purchase on my iPad. That is a huge bonus. While Warhammer 40K 5th edition is very fun there is a definite transition that has been evolving as each new army book comes out. The Warhammer 40K game as it stands has too many optional rules and quirky game elements that can be simply explained as poor based on the time the army or general game based rule was instituted compared to the newer elements of the game that have expanded on the 40K environment in an often game changing level.

I tend not to complain about army rules...I hope. I think 40K is fair for everyone but there is undeniable evidence that some armies need to do some crazy list building just to remain competitive in top tier tournaments. I am predominantly an Imperial Guard player. I have a plethora of options for my army, although I do hate that everyone says stay in your tanks about my troop squads but it is decent advice, and so I am confident I can remain competitive in the current game system. This brings me to the rumored 6th edition 40K.

I have long been awaiting word of what might come of the new 40K game edition. It's exciting to see how the game could change. It's a challenge. Almost all previous 40K wisdom will go out the window as the meta gamers develop the new ways of reaching a win. As for casual maniac players such as myself I get to experience something new with familiar elements that will make the game even more enjoyable. I have never experienced an edition change in 40K. I only ever experienced the Warhammer 7th edition change to 8th edition. I think that was a good change but I don't know many players that partake in 8th edition sadly. I have a rocking Beastmen army that I would love to run weekly.... as soon as its painted. As for my 40K army inventory I am swimming in Steel Legion troops, Elysian Drop troops, Cadians (blah!), and just about any tank I need to succeed in an apocalypse battle. I am looking forward to using my inventory in diverse ways that link to larger campaigns. It seems that from the rumors I am reading that there will be many new elements (if the rumors are anywhere close to the truth, and they might be) that the game will be faster, deadlier, and much bigger.

I hate small 40K games. I just do. It's not because I feel I need to compensate for a lack of skill with more units. It's because I spent too much money to see a life like sized military unit take on exotic armies in a Sci-Fi setting. Military units are big... because there will be casualties. I don't get to play very often so naturally I want to get a good game in before its back to work again. With that all said I want to point out some cool new rumored rules (roughly described) that I hope will be true.

Units have Evasion. No matter how awesome you are of a marksman shooting at stealthy snipers will be harder. (Fast vehicles will gain here as well.)
Terror. This is a must and should easily work on the 40K battlefield. There's some scary stuff out there.
There are tiered levels of things like Eternal Warrior, Fearlessness, Instant Death, Fleet, etc. Very cool. This is diversifying the capabilities of armies by multitudes.
Tactical Retreat, denying an enemy kill points and victory points by moving off the board for the remainder of the game. This makes sense. Of course meta gamers will ruin this but as a student of military history I approve this dynamic!
Vehicles react to shooting and assaults almost like other units. It's hard to describe but it works from what I have seen. The vehicle damage chart even looks better. I am an IG player though so I am biased.
Overwatch! A unit moving within 12 inches of your unit can get shot, and that goes for deep strikes. Amen! This makes total sense. There are tiered Deep Strikes can deny overwatch though. Special Forces insertions?! Cool.
Wound allocation looks way better.
The Fast rule looks better. This pairs with the movement rules looking unique, and even charge is better looking offering better chances of evenly weighted games with Nids and Daemons getting charges off. Charges might be twice your movement distance.
The phases are switched around with shooting AFTER assaults. I like it. The 40K game table just got flipped on its side on that accord. Change is good.
Retreating units can jump into a transport and regroup automatically. This makes sense. Think about it. If you have a complaint on that one you're probably some one who hates a fair fight. Just secretly add 400 points more to your army and stop crying.
Barrage: roll to hit with BS. If you miss scatter normally. If you hit you move (if your vehicles is multi-blast template enabled like a manitcore) the rest of the blast templates around the original blast with it at least touching it. Hot. Faster, deadlier, awesome!
Parry weapons might have parry, and mostrous creatures have some cool add-ons.
Lastly, I will mention the game types. There seems to be three variations. One is a one player versus one player (1k to 3K pointed lists) with annihilation and randomly set victory points that are totaled based on a random roll result before the game making MSU and KP denial players having to think of ways to better balance your army list. The second game is a allied based (3-5 players) game with two teams with objectives based on the size of the game. Alternate turn activation. The last mission is basically an apocalypse battle with 3K+ sized army lists. Two players, alternate turn structure. All games seem to be 6 turns stock. No silliness there. You also have to hold an objective for a full turn to gain points for holding it.

Sigh... If any of these rumored rules come to fruition in the new game system for 40K I will be very very excited. I will probably be happy no matter what. I encourage 40K players to get ready for the challenge. Each man is a warlord and must learn the new ways in order to field his army in battle and to victory. I will be tracking the changes as they come out until the 6th edition release. Until then I will be making sure I have a diverse Imperial Guard inventory to better prepare for the future 6th edition battlefields. As if I haven't used the word enough, I am excited about this projected change in the 40K game.

Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition?

2012-01-11T14:42:00.001Z

Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition broke the following of D&D into 4 groups? I myself am a Pathfinder fan. Much better bang for my buck. The books are on my iPad for an affordable price. The miniatures are cool. They have maps and modules galore. I like it a lot so the evolution of D&D 5th edition makes me wonder if I will be a Pathfinder player still. Has the term D&D died, or will it rise like a phoenix from the ashes of residual WoW madness and interference to become king once more to its once true and loyal followers.

I await in hopes that I will be impressed, and yet I am skeptical.

The 91st Steel Legion Infantry Regiment "Desert Vultures"

2012-01-10T22:55:00.001Z

Here they are in all of their glory. I was missing a Leman Russ that is being fitted for a Demolisher cannon and I have 4 Vendettas and 4 Valkyries that I can always add along with Steel Legion storm troopers squads in each. I can also convert the Stormlord into a Shadowsword when I need to. Without further ado I am proud to finally show the 91st Steel Legion... and the clutter from me moving stuff around the room just to get the table setup.

Steampunk Art

2012-01-08T19:57:00.002Z

I am a big fan of Steampunk so naturally I search for images that inspire me to write Steampunk stories. Here is what I came up with today. I thank the internet and the people with much better imaginations than mine for this bounty.

91st Steel Legion Infantry Regiment

2012-01-07T21:27:00.001Z

The 91st Steel Legion is coming together quite nicely. A post Christmas reinforcement is going to round out the mighty ranks of the "Desert Vultures" for future games. I need to do the following to ready this unit for its final unveiling in parade formation:

-I need to make a standard bearer with the Desert Vulture flag.
-All of my Chimeras need the Armageddon transfer on the right side to denote combat veteran status.
-Lastly, I need to make a display board for my army.

I want to name a few of the models in my army after the characters that survived the Battle of Helsreach. I really want a female Steel Legion trooper to represent the Liaison chick from the book. I will pass on trying to make a Black Templar army. I am not interested by Space Marines of any type. I am hoping that the rumored release of some new Imperial Guard models includes a plastic Hydra kit. That would round out the 91st Steel Legion very nicely.

My current list is as follows:

HQ
CCS with chimera, 4x plasmaguns, and a plasma pistol*

Troop
Veteran squad with chimera, 3x plasmaguns, and a heavy bolter HWS*
Veteran squad with chimera, 3x plasmaguns, and a heavy bolter HWS*
PCS with chimera, 4x grenade launchers, melta bomb*
Infantry Squad with chimera, grenade launcher, heavy bolter HWS, and a melta bomb*
Infantry Squad with chimera, grenade launcher, heavy bolter HWS, and a melta bomb*
Infantry Squad with chimera, grenade launcher, heavy bolter HWS, and a melta bomb*
Infantry Squad with chimera, grenade launcher, commissar with power sword, and a melta bomb
HWS of 3x Missile Launchers*
HWS of 3x Missile Launchers*

Elite
Stormtrooper squad with 2x flamers in a Valkyrie
Stormtrooper squad with 2x plasmaguns in a Valkyrie

Fast
Valkyrie with multiple rocket pods and heavy bolters
Valkyrie with multiple rocket pods and heavy bolters
3x Scout Sentinels with missile launchers*

Heavy
3x Basilisks*
3x Manticores
3x Leman Russ Battle Tanks
3x Leman Russ Demolishers

*-Always included in lists.

All other units are optional depending on what I need for each battle. I think I might make my Leman Russ tank unit its own regiment. For Apocalypse games that is. I'm all pumped up for a game now.

Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7

2012-01-02T02:04:00.001Z

My son recently received Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7 for Christmas. Naturally my wife and I end up playing it when he is at school, or at his grandparents. We are Lego Wii veterans ten times over but the Harry Potter series has always been subpar. Why? The magic is cool. The characters are fun. The game play is relatively good. The Harry Potter series is consistently the Lego game that has the most bugs that might hamper game progression without a reset.

That isn't the main issue though. The developers did a great job of developing the game levels. They are full of great game play. The problem I have is Hogwarts. It's too realistic! Which would be great of I myself could walk around it. I'm not however so during free play I get lost. This quickly turned me off the Lego HP years 1-4 after I had played through the story. The game has a ghost you can follow because the developers obviously saw this fault in he game play. What happens when players get lost? The age range of the people that will play this game is about 6 to 50+. I can safely say that unless HP is your life, you play Lego HP for 3 months, and you have the marauders map memorized you will get frustrated by trying navigate the halls of Hogwarts.

Still a good game but nothing close to the other Lego Wii games. I should write a letter to Tt.

To whom it may concern,

Hogwarts is so realistic. Too bad I have to follow a ghost everywhere so that I don't get lost.

Sincerely,
Unimpressed

Imperial Armor Elysians versus the New-like Sisters of Battle

2011-12-23T21:36:00.001Z

My friend and I ran 2250 point armies against each other in a thrilling battle of crazy new rules to remember. My Elysians I have played with before but I have the sneaking suspicion that I just don't know how to use my Valkyries correctly. Vendettas are relatively easy but we'll get into that in a second. My friend ran a bunch of sister squads with meltaguns in rhinos, two exorcists, two dominion squads in rhinos, a sisters of repentia squad, a unit of angel winged chicks that showed up late, and a canoness. Uriah Jacobs was is the list too pumping shotgun rounds everywhere.

My list had some Tauros vehicles (love them), a venerator (awesome vehicle), a vendetta, tons of veteran squads and a platoon with a mortar heavy weapons squad and a missile launcher heavy weapon squad. I took two company command squads to have the ability to rally below 50% squads. A smart thing to do with such a flimsy list. I missed not having a commissar. I had a Valkyrie for each veteran squad, and in hindsight I wish I had only taken one Valkyrie with an objective grabbing squad in reserve. I need to get a Valkyrie tactic down as I constantly get them into trouble without a decent payoff.

The game was capture and control with a spearhead deployment. This is one of my favorite scenarios. I had a lot of fun playing the battle out. My friends sisters kicked off the first turn missing all of my Valkyries due to cover saves. He had tons of meltaguns which is different as he usually had tons of flamers. Come to think of it I think my friend did pop a Valkyrie and charged the squad with his sisters of repentia. You can imagine it went bad and I didn't have any troops left over after the nasty charge by the repentia squad. It was brutal.

My turn one was my Tauros vehicles avenging my slain veterans with some heavy flamer action... The canoness and one repentia survived this making for a nasty round of vengeance if I didn't get my Tauros out of there quickly. My venerator did what a lone lascannon can do to any rhino. It shook and shaked but no pop. I wonder what two venerators would do. I definitely want to go infantry heavy next go round with my Elysians.

Turn two is why I say that. I was melta'ed out of the sky. My heavy bolters, rocket pods, and multi-lasers were pointless without good positioning to match all that fire power. I'll get it right some time. I probably should have outflanked with my Valkyrie veteran squads! I just thought of that. I need more play time.

By turn 4 there were sisters within walking distance of my objective and me with no Elysians left near it. Uriah was leading the charge with all the vigor of a wild man unfazed by any shooting I threw at him. Fun character that guy. I did enjoy using a heavy weapons squad of mortars. Cause one casualty and that's a pinning test. That is awesome.

If barrage weapons are pinning I should remember that. I always forget during tournaments. I would probably do better should I remember that in the future. Sigh, I amuse myself with my lack of complete knowledge of warhammer 40k. It's always a new and fun game to me.

My friend pulled the win in the end with tons of sisters on the table and both his exorcists. I am kind of disappointed by the exorcists. They have so much potential but they always fall short of the awesome display of fire power I am expecting. They should be able to split fire. Take that Necrons! I will be making more mortar heavy weapon squads and Elysian officers as I am short.

I had fun playing, and my friend keeps his undefeated streak. He's wicked good at wiggling out of nasty situations. He would be my bet in the Hunger Games. Until next time! I will be working to finish my Steel Legion while I am on break. Keep gaming!

Imperial Guardsmen for the Win

2011-12-21T23:02:00.001Z

I hate Tau but this picture makes me remember why I love assaulting those hooved cowards. Because I'll win.

Rymar's Herd Gets Stomped

2011-12-17T13:47:00.001Z

I played 2250 points of beast men versus some feral vampires last Monday. I had a real fun time fielding my beastmen for the first time. I learned a lot about them really quick. They are hardy in combat but their magic should not be too heavily relied on. You also need to pump up your leadership so your units can handle fear and terror causing units. I ran tons of gors, ungors, and bestigors. I was impressed with all of them. The razorgor did well against the varghulf. I still need some time learning how best to use my minotaurs. I am definitely working two cygors, a unit of harpies, and more bestigors into my list. That will help with magic defense, offensive capability, and war machine hunting.

Now on to the game. Everything was going well for me pregame. It's when I started using magic and trying to make leadership rolls that things went south. My friends wraiths were amazing holding up my minotaurs and a block of 32 gors. Incredible! The next problem was that the terrorgheist with a vamp rider (the general) rolled my flank up pretty well. My other block of 31 gors put up a good showing but the spell that gives +3 attacks and strength pretty much sealed the deal. Turn three most of my army is dead or fleeing. But then I randomly decide to cast amber spear, strength 10 version, and I get the spell off. It hits the terrorgheist riding general after a random hit roll. I hit the vampire general... My friends army starts to fall apart. I end up killing the terrorgheist most of the wraiths, zombies, and skeletons galore. I still lost horribly. But I know what I am doing turn one next time I play vampires. "which one is your army's general?". Mwhahaha. I had a real fun time playing and my next battle scheduled is a mega battle for warhammer fantasy. I'm hoping for some cygors this Christmas.

GAMEPRO 50 Greatest Fighters, First Impression

2011-11-22T18:51:00.001Z

I don't usually pick up video game magazines but I thought it would be fun going through the list of the 50 Greatest Fighters. I have only peeked at 50 through 47 so far. I can tell you right now I will be making a list with my thoughts on where certain characters should be.

I love the overwhelming nostalgia I get when I see older video game characters. It's like seeing an old friend again. The dawn of video game systems in the 1980s was a great time to be a kid. Sure there might have been some Atari or Amiga system out but it was Nintendo that made the life changing entertainment system with so much story and lore that books could be written on the games as if a legitimate topic of research in school history classes. It should be. My son would ace that class.

Video game art is another pop culture stand by that I will always enjoy. Whether it is Link slashing out with the angst of a girly looking tough boy that is mistaken called Zelda nonstop, or zero suit Samus kicking alien butt all over the place with any of the range of awesome weapons she wields. There was such an excited chatter about Samus in just the body glove that it is indicative of a culture of anticipation. What does so and so's face look like? What is that bad guy's true identity? What will the next Halo be about? Name it and people (not just boys anymore!) are scrambling to get a piece of the action. I love it. I need to buy an Xbox 360 already and buy Skyrim. Sigh, that game rocks.

More Pictures from the Steel Legion Attack on the Chaos Cultists

2011-11-19T21:10:00.001Z

I think I got some good pictures of the game last night. My favorite pictures are the pictures of my troops advancing through the woods. I also like the pictures of my newly painted stormtroopers. They looked great but... they ran to the back of the table before I could turn them around. More on that later.

91st Steel Legion "Desert Vultures" Advance on Cultist Held City

2011-11-19T05:44:00.001Z

Crazy battle tonight! My friend played his chaos cultists and alpha legion against my Steel Legion. I ran a list full of surprises but so did he. I think he took the battle but I did kill the cultist leader and had a decent chance of having a few pot shots at the Alpha Legion character. The dude is amazing in combat.

Enjoy these pictures of the carnage at the city gates. It was brutal. The entire battlefield had burning vehicles cluttering attack routes. It was glorious.

Epic Tank Battle

2011-10-31T02:39:00.001Z

My friend and I had a big tank battle today. Only tanks could be on the table. You could only take troop choices if you had them in a tank. If you didn't have treads you didn't touch the table. It was a really fun game. The only objective was to annihilate the enemy. It was all about advancing. I had so much fun with a battlefield made up mostly of armor 14 vehicles. More than ever I need to finish my tank company. I also need another super heavy tank. Methinks a Baneblade just for the coverage area when putting out killing power. As for the game I was happy I popped three super heavy tanks in 2 turns. An amazing feat for me. There was a shadowsword that outlasted all other vehicles on the battlefield because it was hidden in the woods. I tried like hell to kill the shifty beast but it won the duel (it was untouched despite tons of artillery fire).

I made some crazy kills at the beginning of the game but suddenly the momentum shifted to my friend. I then lost a lot of chimeras and almost both of my shadowswords. Both of my shadowswords made it through most of the game (my black shadowsword took a vanquisher round to the heart in turn 6). The momentum then shifted my way towards the end of the the game before it suddenly went back to my friend. It was crazy. What a game. This was an awesome battle and here are some pictures of the epic clash of steel, blood, and tank traps.

The battle resolution was a bloody draw. Once I ran out of manticore ammo things went bad for me. My friend suggested sentinel power lifters for reloading next time. This shall be done! I never thought we would get through 6 turns but we did. What a game!

The 91st Desert Vultures Make their Debut

2011-10-24T12:12:00.001+01:00

I brought my Steel Legion Guard out for the first time and they came out with a bang. The tournament was 1750 points and I took two manticores, a squadron of three Basilisks, a vendetta, and 5 chimeras. My two plasmavet squads were devastatingly effective. Worth their weight in gold. The squadron of Basilisks did amazing. I loved saying, "you have no armor or cover save". The manticores did pretty well. I might try taking more infantry, less chimeras, and more artillery squadrons in the future. Being able to drop pain from a distance is awesome. I can't wait until my steel legion stormtroopers are done. They are going to be the spear tip of my highly mobile army.

At the end of three games I came out with two straight victories followed by a very close game that saw me losing. It was dawn of war with seize ground. If it wasn't dawn of war I would have cleaned up. I beat grey knights with victory points my first game. I beat Orks with victory points my second game (I almost tabled my opponent). For my last game the loss was felt hard as I fell to chaos space marines. My opponent had a very well constructed army list. It could do just about anything. I have to credit him for solid game play and a very good grasp of the rules. I went and picked up third place in the tournament. Good times.

Tron Legacy

2011-10-18T03:31:00.001+01:00

A few thoughts I had after seeing the movie for the second time.

Quorra gets mad camera time. I am not complaining as Olivia Wilde does a great job of acting. She has some cool scenes. It's just funny how many scenes are basically 'click' there's you a wallpaper of Olivia Wilde.

Another thought occurs to me. I am drinking every time they say anything about the grid. It's amusing, and it is pretty consistent.

Last thought, the soundtrack for Tron Legacy is amazing. The whole rhythm is just on point.

Here are some examples of Quorra's coolness.

Anime Fun

2011-10-15T14:47:00.001+01:00

The one thing I love about anime is the culture literally has no end. They can redo character types forever but it is still good fun. I am nowhere near as Otaku as others but here is som stuff I found funny... or just fun.

-Gurren Lagann is a great anime but the mecha is weird. I love it.
-Two Lucys is better than one. I am such a fan of Fairy Tail. I can't get enough of it. I haven't found any fellow fans though. Oh well, more anime for me.
-The dude dressed as sailor moon... Well... Umm... I have never been to an anime convention but I would hope that I wouldn't fall on the floor laughing too quickly. I would have gone with a Kakashi cosplay because Kakashi rocks!
-The rest is self explanatory. Enjoy.

High School of the Dead, the anime

2011-10-10T03:22:00.001+01:00

I am enjoying this anime. It is unexpected because I don't go much for the zombie apocalypse themes. I am enjoying the cast. The characters are both familiar and interesting. Anime at it's best. There is some interesting bits with a sound effect that accompanies the chest movements of the school nurse... A bit much but hilarious. The fan service is heavy too but I think fan service can be very entertaining but I am a guy so I am biased. Now the blood is great. Great gushing fountains of watery red gore. It's a bit much at first but then you start appreciating it when a zombie gets knocked back to the hell it came from.

I have seen the first two episodes and I love everything about the show so far. The theme music is good. The dialogue is rough with a good amount of swearing. It doesn't hold back at all.

I give High School of the Dead two thumbs up.

On a separate note I am watching a documentary of George Harrison, the now deceased Beatle. Strong stuff! Emotional. Tom Petty, who I think is an great rock star, was a good friend of George Harrison. I learn something every day.

Building Flames of War Models

2011-10-03T01:09:00.001+01:00

It was my first go and I surprisingly fond a lot of advice pre-modelling. This is probably because a lot of people want to see me playing Flames of War. It was a little intimidating to see such a small scale for the miniatures but it works all in all. I was able to figure out what went where thanks to my knowledge of World War II. I found BARs for some of the squad machine guns which I almost missed as I was trying to get all of the troops setup before I started gluing. I was able to get the metal flash off the model no problem. There was too much of it thankfully. I used canvas resin to base the bases like muddy terrain. I can't wait to paint my 101st troops and field them. I am going to need a few more things before I actually play in bigger games. More Flames of War soon.

Next post 91st Steel Legion pictures... I promise! I want them all complete before I start taking pictures.

Steel Legion Art

2011-09-25T18:54:00.001+01:00

The 91st Steel Legion Desert Vultures Prepare for War

2011-09-24T17:49:00.000+01:00

I am still trying to round out my 91st Desert Vultures before they are fielded. I am going to get 20 Stormtroopers painted in Steel Legion colors, I have two more plasma gunners, 3 Heavy Bolter Squads, and I could use 2 to 3 more chimeras. Lacking that I am looking at the following force organization:

91st Steel Legion Headquarters
Colonel Rysm, 91st Steel Legion Commander (Company Command Squad): Missile Launcher crew with two meltavets, with squad mounted in a chimera.
Major Balck, Ordinance Officer assigned to the 91st Steel Legion.
Lieutenant Darring, Officer of the Fleet assigned to the 91st Steel Legion.
Lindric, Astropath assigned to the 91st Steel Legion.
Commissar Yarrick, Advisor to Colonel Rysm.
Commissar Stein (Commissar Lord): assigned lead commissar to the 91st Steel Legion.
Commissar Welles (Commissar Lord): assigned to the 91st Steel Legion.
Commissar Gregov (Platoon Commissar): assigned to Charlie 91.
Commissar Dillon (Platoon Commissar): assigned to Foxtrot 91.

91st Steel Legion Elites
Dagger Squad (Stormtroopers): led by Sergeant Murphy with access to meltaguns and valkyrie transport.
Easy 28 Squad (Stormtroopers): led by Sergeant Luck with access to plasmaguns and valkyrie transport.
The Wailers (Psyker Squad): They're nuts but useful when not wailing in horror at the void. Mounted in a chimera.

91st Steel Legion Troops
Alpha 91 (Veterans): led by Sergeant Vimes with plasmaguns, a heavy bolter, with squad mounted in a chimera.
Bravo 91 (Veterans): led by Sergeant Vimes with plasmaguns, a heavy bolter, with squad mounted in a chimera.
Charlie 91 (Platoon Command Squad): led by Lieutenant Max with a lascannon crew, with squad mounted in a chimera.
Delta 91 (Infantry Squad): grenade launcher and missile launcher attached, with squad mounted in a chimera.
Echo 91 (Infantry Squad): grenade launcher and missile launcher attached, with squad mounted in a chimera.
Foxtrot 91 (Platoon Command Squad): led by Lieutenant Brighton with a missile launcher crew, dismounted.
Gulf 91 (Infantry Squad): grenade launcher and missile launcher attached, dismounted.
Hotel 91 (Infantry Squad): grenade launcher and missile launcher attached, dismounted.
India 91 (Heavy Weapon Squad): three heavy bolter squads.

91st Steel Legion Fast
Death Strike (Valkyrie): multiple rocket pods, heavy bolters, and a lascannon.
Buzzard (Valkyrie): multiple rocket pods, heavy bolters, and a multi-laser.
Trench Ghost Squadron (Scout Sentinel): three scouts armed with a missile launchers. Zulu 91-1 command scout, Zulu 91-2, Zulu 91-3

91st Steel Legion Heavy
Steel 1 Squadron (Leman Russ Battle Tanks): S1-A command tank, S1-B. Unit nickname: Lucky 8s.
Steel 2 Squadron (Leman Russ Demolishers): S1-C command tank, S1-D. Unit Nickname: Jolly Rogers.
Steel 3 Squadron (Leman Russ Exterminators): S1-E command tank, S1-F. Unit nickname: Zeros.
Steel 4 Squadron (Leman Russ Vanquishers): S1-G command tank, S1-H. Unit nickname: Tigers.
Artillery 91 Battery (Basilisks): three self-propelled artillery pieces. 91-11 command tank, 91-12, 91-13.
Missile Artillery 91 Battery (Manticores): five self-propelled missile weapon systems. Two can be used for Anti-Aircraft defense. 91-20 command tank, 91-21, 91-22, 91-23, 91-24.

91st Steel Legion Super Heavies
Steel Inferno (Stormlord): 91-11 designation, rally point and mobile HQ, hospital, and siege line breaker. Commanded by Captain Paulus.
Armeggedon's Fury (Shadowsword): 91-12 designation, Titan Hunter-Killer. 1 confirmed titan kill. Commanded by Captain Witteman.

101st Airborne Infantry Division

2011-09-20T15:46:00.001+01:00

I just started my Flames of War army. The rules seem simple enough, very familiar to 40K game elements in many ways so what the heck, I'm in. Plus I know a ton of people that play Flames of War, so when in Rome... Play Flames of War. I am building a U.S. Airborne army to mirror the best infantry division ever to fight a war, the 101st Airborne Infantry Division. I am really excited to field them. I love using tactics and the Close Combat games of old are by far my favorite computer games ever. I am curious as to how to model the units. Painting them should be easy even for me. A lazy painter's dream. I'll post picks of my airborne company when it is complete.

Flight of the Valkyries, No Really!

2011-09-18T13:27:00.001+01:00

I played in a 1750 point tournament yesterday with my new 40k philosophy of playing for fun. I made an Imperial Guard list with Elysian Drop Troops in mind. I had 6 veteran squads (4 with grenadiers, 2 with demolitions) and each having either a missile launcher heavy weapon squad or autocannon, a commissar with carapace armor and a power sword though he should have had a power fist in retrospect, and 2 two vendetta squadrons, and a two Valkyrie squadron. That was the list. I thought it would provide me with plenty of flexibility though it would be an incredibly challenging list to make work as I suffered casualties throughout the game. My initial thoughts were that grenadier armor is so worth it in the right circumstance. All that rapid fire that usually wipes out my guardsmen was turned aside with ease. So my survivability went up significantly. The demolitions doctrine is always fun. I tossed demo charges, without them scattering back on me! That is so much fun to say the least. My squadrons showed the usual vulnerabilities but if I could get some kills with the combined fire power then I felt it was worth it.

I played against chaos space marines (I lost), dark angels space marines (I lost), and Eldar (I won). My opponent playing chaos space marines had just enough tricks in his army list to come back from some staggering set backs during the game. I was totally in charge turn one, two, and three. Things went down hill after that as his reserves started getting on the table and incidentally on my objective. This would prove to win him the game. I lost all of my Valkyries and vendettas this game. Definitely a learning curve there.

I fought an old friend next and he was playing dark angels. The dark angels are really tough but not unbeatable. They have a unique flavor of having termies everywhere on the table. I had some plasmaguns just for that reason. All in all I was one would away from killing Bilal, I lost all of my vendettas and Valkyries this game too, and despite some serious wounds I caused to his termies he rolled some great saves. It was two similar army types going head to head. He had three land raiders with hurricane bolters, assault cannons, and multi- meltas. Termie squads in each. A rifleman dread. Bilal and an apothecary. So we were both playing on crazy lists. He pulled the win solidly as my transports were gone... And most of my troops squads.

Lastly I played Eldar, yay! Kill points, boo hiss. This was an interesting game. I choose to outflank my entire army, my opponent choose to line almost the whole side of the table. This would have been brilliant had he not been dealing with skimmers. I flew over his wall and proceeded to gain two kill points. He gathered three the whole game but I edged him out with four. I should mention that my Valkyries claimed over 100 wounds this game hitting my opponents HQ squads over and over with heavy bolters, multiple rockets launchers, and multi-lasers. It was sweet. I almost gained two more kill points that way. I love fighting toughness 3 opponents. I won this battle pretty solidly on the back of my superior fire power and range. He relied on his HQ's shooting which didn't pan out well for him. It was a quick game as turn three was when my first squad got on the table.Thoughts at the end of the day. I wish I could have combat squaded my squadrons after deployment. That would have made my list devastating. If I didn't get wrecked on an immobilized and I was able to split fire and move freely good night! Alas, the rules are the rules and everyone has to play by them.

A good time but next time I will bring my 91st Desert Vultures Steel Legion Regiment. That will be nice.

Imperial Guard Motivations

2011-09-07T01:37:00.002+01:00

A Post Grey Knights and Dark Eldar 40K

2011-09-07T01:23:00.000+01:00

They are all the rage and for good reason. They are tough. Dark Eldar have enough tricks to make a Tau player jealous, enough skimmers to make an Ork cry in frustration, and enough vehicles to put an Imperial Guard player in a huff. Well not really but they have a ton of new options for their army. They are still a mystery to me but I am pretty sure I have enough heavy flamers to keep most Dark Eldar armies at bay. The real evil of the new setting 40K now fights its battles in is not the rumor of 6th edition (I can't wait!). It certainly is not the Sisters of Battle codex, which I am happy to see at least something on. It is the psi-bolt ammo of the Grey Knights. That stuff is crazy! Totally fair in my opinion but worthy of planning for when building future tournament lists. I am not all too crazy about terminator troops but what are you going to do? Concentrate firepower and out maneuver your opponent. That's what.

I recently fought against some Grey Knight Dreadnoughts with the rifleman twin-linked autocannon setup and some razorbacks carrying some troop unit that was marine easy to kill. As an Imperial Guard player I know how lucky I am to have my chimeras, and by the emperor do I love them too, but the psi-bolt ammo, twin-linked heavy bolter, psychic power self repairing razorback was something to be envious of.

Decent Armor: normal rapid fire {Strength 4 AP 5} doesn't pop you on the front or sides.
Weapon Superiority: Strength 6 AP 4 Heavy Bolter that is twin-linked on a BS 4!!! Better than a multi-laser.
Fix it!: Psychic power that removes shaken or stunned, rhino so fixes immobilized on a 6+... This can lead to nasty surprises.
Rhino Class: It's a tank so naturally it is at home on any 40K gaming table because it can tank shock, ram, and gets all kind of little bonuses.

I truly am envious of the Grey Knight Razorback, Grade A vehicle by all means. Now the Dreadnought with the strength 8, Heavy 4, twin-linked autocannons.... What Land Raider? Leman who? Oh you can only immobilize these Armor 14 vehicles on a glance? Nope, with just a little bit of cover these nasty Dreadnoughts with take only a turn or two (if you have 3 Dreads) and make that armor 14 vehicle weaponless and immobile in no time. Not to mention no transport is safe. My Hydras are a little pissed that their awesomeness has been out done. When a Hydra gets assaulted its bye bye Hydra, but when a Dreadnought gets assaulted it was a big mistake to all but the most fearsome melee characters of 40K... and monstrous creatures of course.

Lastly I need to mention this psycannon. What a versatile weapon. Assault and heavy modes. My guardsmen are stuck with either standing still to fire a heavy weapon or get the hell out of the way of the nasty assault unit heading its way just delaying the inevitable. So many crazy situations!

I am not disheartened by these new capabilities, if anything I am excited to face such a competitive field. I learned something very important at the NOVA Open this year. Your army list matters a lot but so does how you use it on the table. I am talking about deployments that stymie outflank, denying deep strikes, spreading out against subterranean assaults/flamers/pie plates/etc. Experienced players know that stuff. I am just learning the tricks of the more experienced players that are at the top of the tier. I also know that I will never roll up to a tournament with such a cheesy army list ever again. I am in the tournament to win if I can. I am also there to show a unique army and offer a unique gaming experience. I was so disappointed when my opponents at the NOVA Open were all like, "I have fought this army list 3 times today already." Lame. Shame on us Imperial Guard players. We have so many options available to us! I for one am rolling in with a unique list to this upcoming local tournament.

I guess the bottom line of my ramblings, and I did ramble a bit there, is that there are some scary things on the table these days but don't fear trying non-optimized army lists. I need to be a better general. For the sake of the Imperial Guard, the 506th Elysian Drop Troops, and the 91st Steel Legion "Desert Vultures".

91st Steel Legion "Desert Vultures" Ready for Battle

2011-09-05T01:31:00.000+01:00

I am the proud owner of a fully painted Steel Legion army. With a little help from my friend I have 78 Steel Legion troops painted. I am overwhelmed with joy. The models are beautifully painted to high standard and I just need to gloss and dullcote them. They will look amazing on the table. I need to buy a few more Steel Legion troops to round out my 91st Desert Vultures, brave defenders of Helsreach during the Third War for Armageddon. I was thinking that my Steel Legion list would have no veterans. It will probably come out at 2500 points of:

CCS with plasma guns in chimerasPlatoons in chimerasStormtrooper squadPsyker battle squadBasilisksOgryns with commissar

At least some flavorful like that. There's more though! I need more plasmagun steel legion troops for that added boom. I will probably convert some vox and flamer steel legion at some point. This is not an immediate concern yet. I will be converting some plastic warhammer fantasy ogres into Ogryns and empire flagellants into pysker battle squads. It'll will bring a whole new feel to my imperial guard inventory. In due time though.

Now concerning my 506th Elysian Drop Troop Regiment I have some serious thinking to due. I painted them so lazy. It is a tragedy in creativity. I will remedy this by building on what I have done with the color scheme and having my friend help me fix the colors to be sharper. I am thinking a tad more camo browns and greens. This will kill the underwhelming grey some of my Elysians suffer on their armor. My best conversion idea yet is to use space marine scout bikes with Elysian troops to be my rough riders as I am not crazy about the rough rider model selection so far. This will look awesome and it will allow me to run an Elysian army on a tournament table top.

I am excited to finish painting my inventory of Imperial Guard. I have 36 Elysians to build before I can finish them. I might re-paint my chimeras and other tanks at some point. I want to simplify the tanks' colors to help represent dirt and grime better. So many ideas, so little time and money! Pictures of the 91st Steel Legion "Desert Vultures" coming soon.

NOVA Open 2011 Hurricane Experience

2011-09-02T17:14:00.000+01:00

All in all I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the NOVA Open and I will endeavor to attend the next one. I thought the tournament setup for the 40K games was smooth. The variety of players and armies was exciting. I met some really cool guys, made some new friends, and I learned Warhammer 40K in and out like I have never known it this well. I have a few regrets:

1. I couldn't stay for the entire tournament. I had to get up early for work so I dropped out after game 6.
2. I wish I had brought a crazier Imperial Guard list. My army was cookie cutter and I felt disappointment in that I could not offer a unique game experience to my opponents.
3. I wanted to be better prepared for the tournament than I was. I still have tons of painting to do for my troops and vehicles.

Concerning the venue I was not disappointed in the service of the Hyatt hotel. I was disappointed that it cost $13.00 to use their internet. LAME! I will not stay at a hotel that charges for internet ever again. The valet parking was a dream come true. Parking in Arlington is a pain. That is all I will say about the Hyatt.

Here is a summary of my own games. I lost quite a few games because I did not pay attention to critical mechanics of the games I played in. More on that in a sec. I started off at one of the better brackets to begin with. I waved at my friends who were at the higher numbered tables as we all set about losing that weekend. It was a time full of laughs and stories too many to count.

My List
3 vendettas with 2 meltavet and 1 plasmavet squads embarked in them
CCS with plasmaguns in a chimera
3 manticores
2 Platoons with autocannon Infantry squads embarked in chimeras

Game 1
Imperial Guard versus Deathwing Dark Angels
Unique Army Note: My opponent had troop Terminators, and each termie squad had a cyclone missile launcher.
The game was going well for me on turn one and two but from turn 3 on my opponent never failed an armor or invulnerability save. It was downright ridiculous rolling. I felted cheated by the dice gods. All in all I made some early mistakes by moving my vendettas away from the protective support of my chimeras.
Game Result: Loss

Game 2
Imperial Guard versus Orks
Unique Army Note: My opponent had tea lights set up with cotton balls to flicker and mimic wrecked and destroyed vehicles. My table had tons of visitors and admirers.
I did my best to destroy every threat in my opponents army as quickly as possible. I just about massacred anything of worth in his army but he held on with his boyz. Alas he had suffered too many casualties to claim more than one objective. I took this game pretty handily but it was a great game and great opponent.
Game Result: Win

Game 3
Imperial Guard versus Tyranids
Unique Army Note: I had seen this Nids setup before and I knew exactly how to counter the list.
Long story short, I was going to really hurt my opponent on turn three as he had to weather two devastating rounds of shooting. The sad truth... I forgot to move everything on turn two! I got too excited and so I lost my vendettas and pretty much tried to recover but to no avail. I basically threw in the towel after turn 4 because time was short and I was going to lose anyways. I could have won this so easily!!!!!! My own fault though.
Game Result: Stupid Loss

Game 4
Imperial Guard versus Grey Knights
Unique Army Note: This was my first time fighting Grey Knights... ever. Lots of Razorbacks, paladins, termies, and 3 Dreads with twin-linked autocannons.
The best game of the day for me. My opponent and I seesawed the title of winning, but my opponents psi-ammo dreads and razorbacks were nasty. This was an objectives battle and in the final turn I barely missed taking the game. My opponent weathered the worst of my shooting and took the win. Very fun game though.
Game Result: Loss

A New Day and the Losers Bracket... for people that were losing like me.
Game 5
Imperial Guard versus Tyranids
Unique Army Note: Mawloc, Trygon Prime, and the something or other of Doom that steals wounds to gain power.
I had this armies number from turn one. I opened up with some great moves but in the end I should have finished off the two warrior units as half of their points total was enough to give my opponent two table quarters that were most definitely mine by model representation. I killed every big and ugly monster my opponent had except for the Swarmlord as the thing wasn't doing anything worthwhile to draw my attention. I controlled the table, it was a brilliant act of maneuvering. However I did not know subterranean assault could be used on multiple closely grouped vehicles. Four of my chimeras where hit destroying two and setting up a third one to be destroyed. It was a lucky break for my opponent. Smart move though. In a game I thought I had I lost by not having a high point value for my models versus my opponents army models.
Game Result: Loss

Game 6
Imperial Guard versus Codex Space Marines (painted purple)
Unique Army Note: My opponents army list composition sucked. He was going to lose bad.
My opponent conceded as soon as I laid my army down on the table. I felt cheated. He should have manned up and played the game. Oh well, I spent round six playing a game with another person who had no opponent. That game didn't count as we both tallied a win.
Game Result: Empty Victory

Game 7 and 8
It was getting late and I wasn't going to put a dent on the rankings with my record so I packed it up and left.

It was a fun weekend. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and playing 40K to such an extent that I feel more knowledgeable about the game now. This experience gave me some ideas for the next tournament and I also realized that I want to go to more conventions in the future.

On a side note some dude named Kopach won the 2011 NOVA Open with space wolves. I am not impressed with space wolves at all. I need to fight a competent Space Wolves player and see what all the buss is about. Njal and Missile Launcher spam can kill my IG tracks for all I care. Hahaha, now watch me get my head kicked in by some space wolves. At least I will be playing 40K, and that makes it okay.

The Tank Show

2011-08-21T12:20:00.000+01:00

I had the luck of finding a tank show in my area. I am a huge fan of tanks as most of my friends know. Here are some pictures of tanks and a marine using a flame thrower. Yay!

Legion of the Damned Done Right

2011-08-15T00:07:00.001+01:00

My friend is working on building an army of Legion of the Damned space marines. So far he has not only made his army unique but cool looking too! Here are some pictures with a few Inquisition models mixed in at the end. Notice the expert use of putty to make flames all over the Legion of the Damned models.

Book Review: Helsreach

2011-08-11T12:26:00.001+01:00

I was hesitant when I started reading Helsreach. I can get very bored by the dull personalities of space marines. They really are a let down when not in combat. I can only imagine how hard it is to write stories with them in a way that shows emotion and personality without going off the reservation of the concept of the 40k space marine that we has been explained in the codices of Games Workshop. With all of that said I was instantly happy to be reading Helsreach when the 91st Steel Legion was introduced with the tough Major Ryken and the General Staff liaison Tyro. While only minor characters in this epic story of apocalyptic battle its always the Imperial Guard that makes me love reading 40K novels. The Imperial Guard struggles to keep pace with all the threats that attack the Imperium from all sides of the galaxy, and because of this the outcome is always uncertain. The good guys don't always win. Then again sometimes winning is just a matter of surviving.

With my hesitation fading quickly the story kicked off following the inner turmoil of Reclusiarch Grimaldus of the Black Templars. While space marines often lack depth their chapters characteristics more than make up for it when you have a talented writer to lead the way. I have to admit I was almost done with the book when I was so excited by the combats unfolding that I had to see who the author... Aaron Dembski-Bowden! Of course, he introduced me to 40K literature with Soul Hunter (a fantastic book in its own right).

My favorite part of reading 40K novels is the inspiration I get from reading about the units, chapters, and xenos factions in the 40K setting. For instance I will totally be making the 91st Desert Vultures Steel Legion with Major Ryken. I have the models, I just need to paint some ochre coats. I would also like to paint an Andrej, the Steel Legion Storm Trooper as homage to his side story in Helsreach. All in all the Steel Legion was well represented as a disciplined force with backbone. They weren't super human. They retreated when they needed to. They lost tons of troops and material, but they had backbone and toughed out the battle. The final outcome is a real nail biter. It would be folly to not see legendary characters and equipment in such a fantastic city battle. Dembski-Bowden had to have read some Stalingrad experiences to get this story right. The street to street fighting was brutal. The Orks were without exhaustion. The Orks proved very scary opponents for one of the Imperiums strongest bastions of men and material.

Helsreach gives something to both Ork and Imperium forces fans. It is a wild ride that will having you wanting to read more. Aaron Dembski-Bowden is ushering a great era of Black Library treasures. If you see Dembski-Bowden on the cover read that book. It's worth it. I hope to read more of the Imperium's fight to defend Armageddon in the future.

I hope Games Workshop makes a specific Steel Legion army at some point. That's just my wish. Maybe a collector's box with four infantry squads, a company command squad, five chimeras, and an ochre paint for their coats. Of course this would all be plastic.

Friday Morning Inspiration

2011-07-29T12:31:00.000+01:00

Here is some Imperium Forces art that I thought was unique and cool.

I need to find a way to make female Imperial Guardswomen. I think that would be some cool fluff. Off to take care of some stuff. Keep gaming!

Game Night, CSM and Blood Angels

2011-07-27T00:44:00.000+01:00

I went and played against some Tau and Chaos Space Marines the other night. My NOVA Open list faired alright but I was a little rusty and the Tau player was on point. Marker lights hurt. All I am going to say. I lost to the Tau 10 kill points to one. In my next battle I fought Night Lords Chaos Space Marines. I always love playing against Night Lords. They are such a cool army. In the end my friend won after he blitzed my lines outright. I whittled down his units to almost nothing but I timed each game and by the time I was about to start moving on objectives we were out of time. A brilliant display of bravery on my friends part. He didn't mess around. He got right to it. I was better able to marshal my forces this game. I think I was just thrown off with the kill point scenario. I hate kill points. Here is a picture from the Imperial Guard (506th Elysian) v Night Lords battle.

Blood Angels ready for action.

Well painted Blood Angel character and Sanguinary Guard.

Gabriel Seth bringing the boom boom pow.

Rock an' Rolla CSM Dreads.

Noise Marines never leave home without their turn tables.

Death Watch Space Marines.

Lucius the Eternal if I am correct.

Home made Thunderbolt. My friend is brilliant. He already has two of these, thanks to Elmers foam board. He also has a Marauder bomber. He is making more thunderbolts and a Marauder Destroyer next.

Working with Resin and My Elysians

2011-07-18T01:55:00.000+01:00

I was working with my bargain Elysian Drop Troops from eBay the last two days and a few things became apparent. They were:

1. For 25 Elysian Drop Troops the only thing I am missing is a matching 25 sets of arms. No worries, I have about 10 sets plus I have tons of IG trooper bits to take from. A word of advice, the arms for tank crews for the chimera and leman russ (etc) kits are ideal for using on Elysian Drop Troops. They allow for the Elysian shoulder armor to go on without cutting away at a Cadian armor shoulder plate.
2. Resin takes longer to work with but Krazy Glue (spelling?) works fast. I am using the precision to to great effect.
3. Forgeworld Elysian Drop Troops are amazing models. I love the detail and equipment they utilize. Totally worth the effort, although they could be cheaper.

Here are some pictures of what I have so far.

All of the arms are Cadian. Once painted you will only know the difference if you look for the webbed pad on the elbow area. It won't be there. I could paint it there. Too much work. Either way I have tons more Elysian Drop Troops to build... and order. My wife will love that last bit.

Congrats to Japan. A much needed morale booster. USA always ranks in the top three so no worries for us.

My Seventh Chimera, Over Kill?

2011-07-12T13:42:00.000+01:00

I have my NOVA Open list ready. It is a bit plain but it has a competitive composition of ouch with more ouch for my opponents. I have seven chimeras now. I will only be satisfied when I have 10 strictly for apocalypse and steel legion lists... Sigh, what a grand site that will be. I put together my seventh chimera and it was an older version of the model. It was loaded up with tons of extra bits! Now that is what I am talking about. I need another land speeder so I can make my second Tauros vehicle. Emperor knows I have the bits now.

I have a few things to paint before the late August tournament. My display board is taking longer than I would like but it will come along I am sure. The whole ammo crate look was easy to plan out. I should be painting that soon. I have plasma gun and autocannon troops to paint, and lastly I could finish up my Vendettas and thee last chimera. Let's hope I find the time.

I promise to take pictures of my tournament army and the display board by the end of the month. Until then I must bide my time with 6th edition rumors and sisters of battle updates. I am buying the white dwarf with their new codex info, and a unit of sisters repentia for apocalypse battle support. It's going to be sweeeeeeet! (Stevie Siskan SNL lol anybody?)

Last thoughts:
-Sucker Punch is out to own and rent. Just heaven!
-I made a Lego space shuttle yesterday for my son that looks awesome.
-I hate this summer heat, it just awful stuff.

First Run with NOVA Open List

2011-06-27T14:34:00.000+01:00

I played my good friend Hannibal last night. NOVA Open list to NOVA Open list. It was a battle worth remembering in every way. There was a lot going on the board with his Sisters of Battle maneuvering beautifully, and my own army finding its own footing. I was very impressed with my Imperial Guard as I tried new things. I quickly identified some weaknesses, and with only a few tweaks I think I have a decent list with balance in the Movement, Shooting, and Assaulting phases.

What a battle! It came down to both armies wiping off the other army's units off the opposing objective. I was unable to kill the heavy weapon squad and sergeant left over on his objective. This definitely gave him the win. In my case I really need to utilize my Vendettas better. If I focus more on target selection with the goal of wiping out whole areas of the board then I think I will have better rounds of shooting. With only a short amount of time for each game I need to familiarize myself with what I want dead first and moving towards the goal of the game being played (objectives, kill points, etc).

With all that said I am more than ever ready to paint up the rest of my army to a standard that will look great at the tournament in August. Dark Eldar, Grey Knights, Space Wolves, and Blood Angles meet my Storm Eagle Rockets courtesy of the Munitorum. I am really excited about the NOVA Open. I just hope I rank somewhere around the top, but..... I don't get that much play time so middle might be more realistic. Until August!

Titans, Artillery, and More!

2011-06-25T12:50:00.000+01:00

I visited my friend McGyver the other day and he had some really cool stuff he'd been working on that I was overjoyed to be the first to see. I took pictures of course. I will probably get some serious Chaos pictures in the coming weeks but for now these pictures will have to do. The secret to most of the models shown is that the minimal amount of pieces required to build the models is used while other pieces are substituted. Almost all of my friends tanks don't have a bottom, and you would never be able to tell. If you give him 3 Leman Russ tanks, he can build six, if not nine if he has extra bits. His imagination is nothing short of brilliant. Check it out.

This Basilisk was made with Chimera sides, treads, and a front armor plate. The cannon is a sharpie and pen with a super glue container lid for a recoil drum on the top. Super heavy tank wheels were used to seat the cannon in place. It looks legit, and the sand bags were created with molding putty. You simply flatten out the putty, flip one end over the other, and then place it where you want it. It's thank easy. When this tank is painted it you won't be notice that it was scratch built with bits. The amazing thing about the crew area is that the steel legion troops are actually working on turning a wheel to adjust aim and ram another shell into the breach.

Need to find a use for all of those Deathstrike missiles? Once again super glue lids can cover the holes normally left over once you build a Manticore tank using the smaller missiles. So this big missile now looks really cool as seen below, and with a few left over sprues you can whittle down a launch ramp. The Deathstrike missile tanks seen below are all scratch built only using chimera sides and treads with left over rhino and super heavy bits.

This is an artillery trailer. My friend shortened the chimera siding to make it smaller. You can see the cut on the top right on the visible chimera side. There are shells loaded onto the trailer, a very simple platform bridges between the chimera sides, and there are tons of little details like an assault cannon is used as a heavy stubber on the very back with sand bags built up to protect the trooper manning the stubber.

This tank commander is from my friend's steel legion army. It is a very authentic pose and I am jealous that none of my tank commanders have that pose. Although I do tend to shy away from exposing my vehicle operators in combat.

Using the mega bolter from the shadowsword kit my friend made a unique Punisher Leman Russ tank. This tank is totally scratch built using only bits and plasticard. It looks grungy and nasty. I love it! It looks like it could truly wipe out a unit of Dark Eldar in a round.

Here is a picture of my friend's 3rd Steel Legion titan. Yet another unit design sans forgeworld bits.

Do you have a battle cannon laying around? Look what you can do with it.

Take note of the brilliant use of molding putty for the sand bag fighting position.

This looks awesome. It brings flavor to any 40K battlefield.

One scratch built chaos titan!

Two scratch built chaos titans!

I have shown this Imperial Guard titan before but the detail in the cockpit is worth showing off.

Why yes it was scratch built. I like the use of the computer fan on the back of the titan.

I think this scratch built Ork stompa speaks for itself. Ork vehicles require only that you build a model and then drop it 3 good times. Makes all the difference in the world. Orks just rock.

The real Sons of Anarchy.

Munitorum Resupply Complete

2011-06-19T16:13:00.000+01:00

Today is a good day. My friend, the Munitorum, hooked me up with breakfast. I don't have any work, wish my friend didn't either because that would so be 40K game time! Haha, I have homework for school to do so I am proper stuck. No worries though!

I don't know what your taste in music is but I pretty much listen to anything. A long drive to work will do that to you. If you are a pop culture expert and love the 80's check out this new Katy Perry music video out. The video was very Sixteen Candles in my opinion. Sigh, I miss the 80's so much. Good times all around.

Lastly, thanks to the Munitorum I am fed, thanks to Katy Perry I had an 80's flashback.

My First Finecast Miniature and My Painting Improvements

2011-06-19T15:53:00.000+01:00

I was really excited to put this Finecast Commissar together. The went was easy to build, the detail was amazing, and it fit all together like a dream. It wasn't long before I was neglecting my tournament prep painting to jump on painting the Commissar up. In fairness I decided that this would be my Commissar Ibram Gaunt, hence the camouflage cloak. I will continue to work on the camo cloak more. I am happy with the blended look but I was hoping for a little more contrast.

Man down! Medic! Bring the super glue. While cleaning up, Gaunt fell from the table onto my hardwood floor. The joint where his wrist is, for the hand holding the bolt pistol, is so detailed that I guess it couldn't handle the fall. The detail is impressive on the model, and the hand was easily glued back into place.

NOVA Open Planning

2011-06-18T02:47:00.000+01:00

I have been so busy lately. My proudest achievement of the last two weeks has been the finishing of the last Gaunt's Ghosts omnibus. I highly recommend all of the Gaunt's Ghosts books. Great reading with tons of gritty 40K action to be had. No punches pulled. Now about the NOVA Open, I have gotten nothing done of late. Well, I did airbrush the last of my vehicles but I keep wanting to work on other projects in my Imperial Guard army. I am going to buckle down and get some painting done. I have read a lot of cool articles on painting and I think I will be able to get a nice look to my army, the 506th Elysian by the time they take the field late August. I am hoping to acquire some real honest to Emperor Elysian Drop Troops in the mean time. They aren't needed for the NOVA Open but by the adeptus astartes it would be nice to have such a unique array of models in the ranks of my army. I will try and finish the vehicles up so that I can take a picture of what I am bringing to the tournament. That's all for now. Be bold and hold the line. The galaxy needs you!

Song of the week: Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine

My Imperial Guard Collection and Models My Friend Created

2011-06-02T12:28:00.001+01:00

I had all these pictures that I have wanted to post for some time now and so I chose today to be that day. I will start with a picture of my Imperial Guard army, the 901st Cadian Front.

The 901st Cadian Front has the following regiments: the 506th Elysian Drop Regiment, 88th Steel Legion, 66th Cadian Mechanized Infantry, and 28th Kasrkin Stormtroopers. I am very proud of my collection but 4 of my recently acquired Manticores are not in the picture. They will be next time though. By the way this picture is of my army. All but the Manitcore following this picture are of my friend's collection.

This is a tech priest of a skimmer. I love the idea, and my friend has an entire Skitarii/tech priest army he has yet to show me. Read the book Titanicus if you want inspiration for a tech priest army. The book is amazing.

Orks. Some of the shown vehicles can be pulled back, let go, and roll forward in a comically appropriate shuttering mimicry of a toy car because there are toy cars that have been converted in the shown army. Orks done right. I didn't notice anything odd about these Orks. The army has flavor and a very GW look.

Need I say anything about this Dark Angel? Flames on the sword just... its awesome!

This is one of my favorite space marine chaplains on a bike that I have seen so far. It just screams don't mess with me.

Because of this Dark Elf being converted into a Sister of Battle I am going to try and convert a Finecast Lelith Dark Eldar model into an Imperial Guardsmen. Wish me luck. This model is so cool looking with the huge bolt pistol being held by the lithe chick.

This fortress was inspired to repel Eldar skimmers. It has nails on the wall tops to make it impossible for skimmers to land on them. Quite inspired! Repel the xenos!

This is a scratch built Manticore that I am the proud owner of. With a little love it will be a vehicle with tons of character on the battlefield. I plan on using as an air defense pattern Manticore.

2,000 points of Grey Knights with an a cool display board.

A Steel Legion titan that stands as tall as me. A true centerpiece for an Imperial Guard Steel Legion army. My friend knows how to bring the battle to the enemy.

Steel Legion, Done Right!

2011-05-31T04:07:00.000+01:00

I kept telling my friend to set out his Steel Legion for an inspection (a display of the inventory) and he finally did it and allowed me to witness the Uldun Steel Legion sans the troops. The troops too would have been breathtaking... Well, it was still breathtaking but I hope to get the full display in the future. I am also revealing my first Elysian Tauros. This will be featured in my 506th Elysian Drop Troop regiment. I need to make more in fact. Here you are, the 2nd Uldun Steel Legion (because being the 1st would be too presumptuous)!

The Steel Legion tank company. The bane of Ork invasions to say the least. Notice the converted Hades Drill to the right just in front of the super heavy tanks.

Baneblades and a Malcador. Dropping 10 inch pie plates like its going out of style.

The Hell Hounds are the first rank of tanks with Chimeras following close behind. Any Imperial Guard army needs a solid 10 Chimeras. You'll never regret it. Your enemy will.

Two Shadowswords (strength D baby!) and the mighty Hellhammer. These super heavies bring the pain.

Six enclosed compartment Basilisks (back row), which my friend says they usually do the most damage in his Apocalypse games. One open topped Basilisk, a Medusa, and 3 Recovery vehicles that add to the repair capability of a tech priest. Speaking of which I used a tech priest to repair a volcano cannon my last Apocalypse game. They are worth the points!

These are some unorthodox Armored Sentinels that I envy a great deal. The back row sentinels have a low profile which is awesome, and the front row sentinels float/fly. Tell me that isn't creative. My friend is brilliant to say the least.

That is a Steel Legion army. There are two Valkyries I did not get into the pictures. This is what your 40K army collection should look like.

Sigh, to see these in action charging.... Poor Orks.

My friend did this Tauros out of a space marine Land Speeder and motorcycle bits among other bits. It looks awesome and didn't cost an arm and a leg. I will be making more of these for my 506th Elysian Drop Troop Regiment.

There you have it. My friend is quite the creative genius. He is able to see things and create new models with just a few moments of thought. I only wish I was as artistic as he is. In the mean time I am utilizing his tips to help make a decent Apocalypse army for myself. I hope this blog post inspired some of you folks. The Imperial Guard has tons of legendary regiments full of character that you can build on to make your own fun armies. Let me know if you tried something you saw here. The Emperor Protects!

Saturday Morning Musings

2011-05-28T14:20:00.000+01:00

I have much to talk about today. The first thing I wan to say is how great the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie is. A solid 4 out of 5 stars, great action, Johnny Depp continues to create a legend out of Captain Jack Sparrow, and the story was full of variety and flavor. I was a pleasure to see. Do not leave the movie after it ends if you happen to see it in the theater. There is a ten second clip at the end you might get a kick out of.

I received many reinforcements for my Imperial Guard of late. My brilliant friend constructed an Elysian Tauros for me that looks amazing. I received a Manticore from my other friend, and this will definitely help with the tournament I am playing in August. Funny enough I am trying to scratch build two other Manitcores using Valkyrie hell strike missiles. If that turns out well I will have four Manticores; three to send deadly salvos off at the enemy with one armed to kill pesky flyers. Boom! Dark Eldar Razorwing crashes to the ground. Ka-Boom! Thunderhawk slams into the ground with its turbo-laser in a gnarled heap. That will be fun for my next Apocalypse game. I am always working to build a good collection of Guardsmen and my latest instinct is to improve my Elysians. That means 2 more Valkyries, more troops (Cadians and Forgeworld Elysians), a Thunderbolt fighter, and a Finecast Commissar. I hope these Finecast models work out for GW. I have to admit I am kind of excited to work with them. I just need to find the time.

I am loving the Gaunt's Ghosts Omnibus series. I finished the first two omnibus' already. What a great unit to follow. Dan Abnett does a great job of keeping the balance of who will win, chaos or the Imperium, in question. My favorite characters have to be Chief Scout Sergeant Oan Mkoll, Scout Trooper Mkvenner, Master Sniper "Mad" Hlaine Larkin, Medic Ana Curth, and lastly Colonel Commissar Ibram Gaunt. I am going to make two Recon Scout squads of 10 veterans modeled after Mkoll and the Tanith First and Only. They will be in black camouflage uniforms with green stuff camo cloaks. It should be a cool project. It's because of the Gaunt novels that I like my veteran squads better than my vehicles. There is something about have your troops arrayed on the field of battle advancing into cover and making assaults against the fearsome xenos of the galaxy. Good stuff!

I am watching the miniseries Little Dorrit of late and the one thing that strikes me is how well woven the story is. Dickens did a brilliant job with all the intrigue (I hope the miniseries is close to the book lol). All the stories of the characters being tied together in one shape or form just adds to the fullness of the story. A sense that things are always going on. There is not a dull moment. Albeit the ending is weird as hell. I am dedicated to writing a story just as varied and full of interesting characters as Little Dorrit if I ever write a book. If ever. Sigh... Maybe one day. First I have to get an animation company to do Gaunt's Ghosts in an animated series format worthy of something close to the caliber that Cartoon Network has reach with Star Wars the Clone Wars. That would be awesome.

Last thought of the day. Make S**t Happen! If you have a good idea, work out the details and do it.

506th Elysians versus 88th Steel Legion

2011-05-23T03:13:00.000+01:00

I am annoyed. The more I think about it the more I feel like I wasted a lot of time and effort in collecting the Steel Legion troops I have. I have a solid Cadian and Elysian mix of troops with the full range of weapon capabilities and several unlimited load outs for each unit. For my Steel Legion they have 2 things consistently; grenade launchers and missile launchers. The problem with that is they don't have enough to make hardy veteran squads without depleting other squads of special weapons. The Steel Legion troops look awesome but they took for ever just to get into their bases. Plus I hate to make meltagun conversions when I could buy meltaguns and have them look awesome for my troops with the pose I want with plastic miniatures.

Now for the real list topper. I want some forgeworld Elysian bits (helmets and weapons pack) with some legit Elysian squads. I will settle for three squads of troops. Say what you want about Elysians but I love their play style. I have tons of Kasrkin/stormtroopers to augment their ranks for apocalypse games and I have my eyes on two more Valkyries/Vendettas for the future. Ideally I want to bring my Elysian troop count up by 50 models 6 more meltaguns and plasmaguns), grab two valkyries, model a long range scanner, develop a unit organization chart for the 506th Elysian Regiment, and model some terrain for them. Dugouts and camouflage net fighting positions would be cool. Something in the way of A Bridge Too Far (excellent movie!).

Oh well, I will make due with the 88th Steel Legion but Colonel Rysm is sticking with the 506th Elysian and 28th Kasrkin for now. They are tough battle hardened units with bright futures ahead of them. Just some thoughts on my mind.

Death Guard versus Steel Legion Apocalypse 5K

2011-05-17T16:08:00.000+01:00

I totally bit off more than I could chew against a friends Death Guard army recently. It was a fun and gritty battle. Let me just say this, my friend is a brilliant 40K tactician. He never just moves a unit, there is always a plan. He is the first player I can only say that about. Now about the game.

I brought my newly purchased Steel Legion troops; problem number one-no meltagun or flamer troops in my Steel Legion army. The 88th Steel Legion is a tough unit but they are officially on platoon duty with their missile launchers and grenade launchers. I do have 5 plasmaguns (and I loves me some plasmaguns) so there are two veteran squads right there. I will be re-tasking Colonel Rysm to the overall command of the 28th Kasrkin as he will be able to do more there. Needless to say, I took a beating going up against a chaos warhound and plague tower. The plague mortar wiped out a full platoon in cover on one objective. The two demolisher cannons on it popped chimeras for days. The warhound was alright for weathering its firepower for two turns before I turned my attention away from the plague tower to concentrate on trying to bring it down.

I fought tons of Death Guard and Nurgle demons that were toughness 5 or better and the Death Guard were hitting or wounding on 2+ with power weapons.... Ouch. That is all because of well planned synergy by my opponent. He had the Daemon character that boosted the abilities of his Death Guard deployed on the table. Brilliant! I was surprised he didn't risk deploying the Daemon character forward. He had the character well guarded and out of line of sight. Feel no pain helped keep lots of Death Guard from succumbing to my several hundred lasgun shots. That and the toughness 5 hahahahah. It was a fun game, but I ended at the end of turn 3 because it was getting late.

Bottom line: I was solidly on two objectives out of the three, and all of the objectives would have been his in the next two turns if he wanted them so..... I lost. I learned so much though! My friend really had me working some concepts out.

My new strategy involves combat teams such as the following:
-Stormlord (20 Veterans, 20 Stormtroopers), 2 chimeras with 10 veterans each, tech priest, commissar with power fist, priest (priests and commissar in chimeras), salamander scout, 2 Vanquisher Leman Russ' with co-axial heavy stubbers and hull lascannons
-2 Vendettas, 1 Valkyrie (multiple rocket launcher and heavy bolters on all) 3 veteran squads with a commissar to add backbone, 2 follow on stormtrooper squads to help consolidate objectives
-4 to 6 leman russ with 4 chimeras with a commissar and 4 veterans squads
-2 to 3 manitcores (Imperial Armour versions) one fitted with AA missiles just to keep the Eldar away, 1 to 3 shadowswords with 4 turret sponsons, hydra (Imperial Armour), any other ordinance vehicles, ratling sniper squad with Ogryns/commissar/Company Command Squad with melta or plasmaguns, and a squad of 10 stormtroopers with flamers (you choose the combo of foot sloggers but ideally they can tie up big nastys or elite troops that are trying to take out your super heavies and manitcores while staying hidden from line of sight thus not needing a chimera...hopefully)

There you have it. I got my butt kicked and came up with the Apocalypse game management system of combat teams. Each has synergy, allows for special abilities required to take far away objectives with little support or act as a juggernaut of steel to allow for the troops to take the objective from hordes of Orks and enemy titans. Not only that but you can better track your movement, shooting, and assaults. This is critical in big games. A missed assault or a strength D weapon that isn't used is a tragedy.

The combat team idea allows you to make your own formations (although there are formations out there that are similar to the combat team concept like the shadowsword escort formation or something, not a fan myself) and naming the combat teams allows for easy game recollection for later battle reports and unit history to be developed. The combat team concept also makes you do what you should be doing in any war game; direct the efforts of a unit of troops and vehicles towards an objective naturally. You track a lot during an apocalypse game, deployment is so much easier with a game plan developed ahead of time that is based on how you built your army list.

The Introduction of the 88th Steel Legion

2011-05-10T14:29:00.000+01:00

It had been so peaceful just the day before. The forest seemed only inhabited by peaceful woodland creatures, albeit a few nasty predators were present but they were quiet about their business of finding supper. These local predators didn't have guns either. The Orks charging the dug in positions of Colonel Rysm's 88th Steel Legion didn't get the briefing that this sector was supposed to be too dense to facilitate a major advance into the flank of the Imperial Guard forces arrayed around the hive cities of this region. Their screams of anticipation might have made other guardsmen units run right then and there, but Colonel knew a thing or two about how to train guard units for real combat.

A staccato of blasts sent groups of Orks reeling as the perimeter defenses were activated. The horde of Orks barely registered the casualties such was their bloodlust. The adjutant turned away from the battle to look at Colonel Rysm who nodded in reply. The vox operator went to work in calling in coordinates for artillery support. Within seconds trees were thrown in the air by great gysers of dirt sending deadly splinters of metal and wood through the advancing mob of Orks. The dead only slightly hampered the advance of the Orks. Their small arms fire started to reach the 88th's positions. The soft forest soil made the advance of the Orks tough with many having to correct their direction with a risk of stumbling and being trampled to death. The defensive positions Colonel Rysm set up were meant to be angled so as to offer great firing positions with good counterattack avenues for his forces. He smiled to himself. His first battle as commander of the 88th was about to come to the time of make or break and he knew he had prepared his troops well.

The artillery slowed to a halt allowing the steel legion troops to offer withering hails of lasgun fire with the green super bright streaks of plasmaguns and the thumps of missile launchers and heavy bolters. The 88th's bayonets were already fixed. Colonel Rysm knew that there was only one way to make an impression to an Ork, and that was through a showing of martial strength in hand to hand combat. With a yell of encouragement Colonel Rysm stood and urged his men to charge into the advancing Orks. Stunned by the sudden charge the Orks smiled relishing the opportunity to get close with the 88th to show their displeasure about the abuse the xenos they weathered during their charge. A thunder of steps drew the attention of the Ork Warboss leading the attack. From hidden positions to the rear of his forces Ogryns were rushing his troops and chopping brutally into his force with wild abandon.

The hesitation in the decision of which threat to attack allowed the 88th to smash into the Orks utilizing close combats tactics that supported the easy killing of the ever tough Orks. Green heads fell to the forest floor with blood splattering against trees. A soft drizzle started raising a slight mist about the forest. Colonel Rysm waded to the toughest fight his men were engaged in. Almost all of the Orks were either running or dead. One last group was making a last effort to break the steel legion troops. Colonel Rysm sliced his power sword with mighty strokes knowing that only his best effort had a chance of killing an Ork quickly. The tide rolled back from Colonel Rysm's headlong attack. The Ork Warboss gutted a trooped with ease before yelling into the sky with bestial glee. The Warboss slowly turned his head to regard his next opponent, Colonel Rysm. The Warboss was ripped with a ridiculous bunching of muscles ensuring Rysm of a very quick death if the crude power blade of the Warboss were to connect with his body. Colonel Rysm and the Warboss rushed at each other as two Ogryns filled the right side of the Warboss with ripper gun rounds. The two finished off the Warboss with a pummeling of huge fists.

It was over. Looking around the battlefield the Orks were in full retreat. A unit of chimeras with the reserves of the 88th popped out of their camouflaged positions and advanced to press the advantage. Gouts of flame with slow plumes of smoke drifting skyward through the trees further north was all that was left of the main battle for Colonel Rysm and his troops. The 88th suffered minimal casualties but the dead and wounded stole all innocence from the newly formed steel legion troops. It was an honor to be counted among Armageddon's best. Today with the help of the Ogryns timely charge the 88th defeated a major threat to the sector. Now it was time to find more Greenskins to fight. Until the 88th liberated the forge hive of Dallicus they would have to walk to their battles. The holy chassis of the chimera was a treasured commodity in the sector. Colonel Rysm still swore about the fighta bommas that destroyed most of his chimeras. The Imperial Navy was still apologizing for not intercepting the maniac pilots of the Orks. Until the next battle...

88th Steel Legion

2011-05-05T15:29:00.000+01:00

The call has been sent out and the Imperium's best are answering. I have formally created three permanent regiments in my army. They are as follows:

506th Elysian Regiment commanded by Colonel Cody
28th Cadian Kasrkin Stormtroopers commanded by Colonel Hoth
88th Steel Legion commanded by Colonel Rysm

Colonel Rysm has overall command of these regiments which are gathered into the 901st Cadian Front. They were originally ordered to be front line troops in Cadia, but they were redirected to handle a crisis situation near Armageddon. The Ork incursion is a growing menace that must be dealt with by the Imperium's best. The 28th Kasrkin has proven itself in a fierce engagement against Xenos at the battle of Krimon. Colonel Hoth showed courage under fire as his unit suffered severe casualties while they held the central objective, an imperial landing pad, that was critical in resupplying the Imperial forces on Krimon. This aided the effort for the Imperial forces to win the battle.

The 506th Elysian is decorated for its impressive Valkyrie deployed attacks. Striking deep into enemy territory the Colonel Cody is a cunning commander that always finds the area his forces are most unwanted at by the enemy. At the Battle of Krimon his veterans saved many a defensive position from being overrun by aiding line infantry at critical moments. The Vendetta's from his regiment known as The Drakes are well known for their devastating fire power. Ork Stompas, Land Raiders, and enemy armor fear the wrath of the Drakes.

The 88th Steel Legion is a new regiment created after the severe losses taken during the 3rd Armageddon War. The new troops are eager to live up to the honorable unit history. Colonel Rysm served as a commander in the Cadian Shock Troop regiments, he has experience leading Kasrkin troops into battle, he has led the 506th Elysian against Daemons valiantly, and his recent assignment to command the 88th Steel Legion and ultimately the 901st Cadian Front has him preparing for the biggest battles of his career.

The Steel Legion is awaiting it's full compliment of Chimeras, heavy artillery pieces, and a Stormlord super heavy tank. It's is being named Steel Inferno.

On a side note I have a ton of models to build. Wish me luck!

Night Lords Street Battle

2011-04-24T05:49:00.001+01:00

I was itching for a game today when a new friend of mine called me up to see if I was free for a game. "What luck!" I thought. I had no idea what I would be up against but with the 506th Elysians I knew I would be prepared to have some fun.

Night Lords (CSM) versus 506th Elysians (IG) 2K battle

The Night Lords had the following:
2 raptor squads with special weapons and power fists
2 csm tac squads, one with a rhino
Havoc squad with ML and Lascannons
Defiler
Land raider with god hammer pattern lascannons
Termie squad
Predator with autocannon and lascannons
Termie chaos space marine captain

506th Elysians
CCS with 2x meltaguns, vox, chimera w/ hull HF
Vet squad with ML and GL in a chimera w/ hull HF
Vet squad with ML and GL in a chimera w/ hull HF
Vet squad with 3x meltaguns in a Vendetta
Vet squad with 3x meltaguns in a Vendetta
Vet Squad with Demolitions and 3x flamers in a Vendetta
PCS with HB and vox in a chimera w/ hull HF
Infantry squad with flamer, vox, commissar with a power sword in a chimera w/ hull HF
Infantry squad with flamer, vox, commissar with a power sword in a chimera w/ hull HF
Griffon Mortar
Exterminator Leman Russ with sponson HB
Manticore
3x Vendettas with sponson HB

It was a treat to play against this Night Lords army. My friend plays them sneaky. He hid the raptors at the start of the game only to pop out later and beat up some veteran guardsmen. I had a good volume of fire on the Night Lords and luckily lots of ones were being rolled for armour saves by them. In the end it came down to my veteran guardsmen capturing their objective while my infantry platoon, protecting my objective, watched as an infantry squad commissar won a critical duel against a chaos terminator thus clearing my objective of enemy troops.

My friend had tons of tricks and his Defiler killed a leman russ exterminator and a griffon mortar. Probably making it the MVP for the Night Lords. My MVP was my commissar that killed the chaos termie, the reliable rapid fire lasgun, and my veteran squads in vendettas. My demolition squad of veterans with flamers threw a demo charge that scattered back on to the vet that threw the charge. 2 guys survived the blast. They were killed in the following assault. It was ugly.

Two Night Lords termies badly shot up assault a badly shot up infantry squad sergeant and the accompanying commissar. Best duel of the game.

The commissar slips a hit in with his power sword killing the Night Lords termie seconds before the chainfist could be used. The commissar thought himself extremely lucky and ducked into a quiet hiding place with his consolidation move.

This is how Night Lords are supposed to look like. I have never seen it done better. The whole army was a work of art. The Raptors had cool wings, and I was truly terrified at the prospect of meeting this army in an assault with any of my guardsmen.

My friend created this awesome Steel Legion themed titan. I will try and get a picture of his entire Steel Legion army displayed some time. It is what I try to aspire to.

Steel Legion

2011-04-20T00:56:00.000+01:00

I have built some Steel Legion troops recently and they look awesome! I can't wait to paint them. I never regret buying Imperial Guardsmen as they look epic arrayed on a table ready for battle. The vehicles are fun but storing them is a trick. I have some new painting techniques I am going to try out to make my Steel Legion troops look like veterans of the Armageddon wars. I need to pick up a Commissar Yarrick to lead the troops. I might even grab a Baneblade to make the Fortress of Arrogance. My apocalypse list should be 10,000 without any space marines. It'll be sweet.

I have started calling my collection of Imperial Gaurd the 901st Cadian Front. I have a Cadian regiment, Steel Legion regiment, Elysian regiment, Stormtrooper regiment, and eventually I will have a Catachan regiment. Their resolve and courage will protect the Imperium in future battles. I hope to have my troops ready for the July apocalypse battle. The battlefield will be aglow with the lasgun/plasmagun/melta/missiles/bolter/autocannon rounds! Sigh, it'll be great.

Exhausted!

2011-04-11T02:12:00.000+01:00

I am beat. A weekend of travel with tons of things going on, and so many obligations or future events to plan and attend. I am glad to be home and I am loving this iPad2 as I am blogging from it right now. It is the future and I will happily lead the way in the second wave of tablets. So I guess that makes me a follower more than a leader but nonetheless there it is. I am happy, tired, and left with tons of unfinished business. I need to plan a fantasy warhammer game and a 40k game. I have some Steel Legion that arrived in the mail and I am working on building a Steel Legion platoon as a cool mini-project. I am off to bed.

Thanks to my long time friend for the fantastic party this weekend. I have a video of me dancing somewhere that I must destroy or hide.

I can haz iPad?

2011-04-08T03:57:00.000+01:00

My wife and son surprised me with an iPad2 as an early birthday present. Needless to say I am going nuts with how awesome the iPad2 is. I am blogging on it now. Sigh... This rocks. I am off to travel to a wedding this weekend and I am armed with technology to keep me entertained on the car ride. Expect more blog posts in the future. I am currently working on making a 4th Vendetta pattern Valkyrie, a chimera with a command atenna array, and a platoon of Steel Legion Imperial Guardsmen. The Steel Legion platoon is my last minute grab at metal figures from GW as they are transitioning to plastic and resin. I am glad I have my Kasrkin because they are the best model GW has ever made for the 40K line. Anyways, I am off to bed. Keep prepping for the next apocalypse game. It may be just around the corner. I would like to thank my wife and son again for this awesome gift.

Sucker Punch Reload

2011-03-27T17:21:00.000+01:00

Sucker Punch Finally

2011-03-27T17:13:00.000+01:00

I asked all of my friends if they wanted to see Sucker Punch this weekend. All of them! To a man they all wanted to see the movie on either a day I was working or a week from the day I wanted to see the movie. Keep in mind that I was the prophet who saw the previews for Sucker Punch during the Comic Con 2010 coverage. I told everyone about it. It's glorious arrival to the silver screen was not a moment I wanted to miss. Being that I had no friends available to see the movie with me, I went it alone. It had been a while since I went to a movie alone, but nevertheless I went.

A few words on the movie....
It was the best action movie I have seen in years with the coolest cast I have seen in years, and memorable comic book style moments that will let this movie live as a top tiered action movie far into the future. They did everything right with how they portrayed the bad guys, the mission scenarios, and the iconic characters/stereotypes used.... brilliant! Just amazing. The spirit guide was cool as hell with lines that will be repeated in his style at hobby events for years to come. The girl heroines were frigging amazing! Cool weapon load outs, outfits that are very memorable... sorry lost my train of thought, oh yea, and they had cool personalities. They did a great job of selecting the cast for this movie and I will be owning it as soon as it comes to DVD.

This is a movie worth watching! Owning! Buying collectors edition fan gear. Sigh.... It was totally worth going to it alone. I would have been very disappointed if anyone had ruined the movie for me. Very angry indeed!

Last thoughts:
Favorite Character: Rocket (the spirit guide and the rest of the girls are a close second)
Favorite Mission: All of them.
Favorite Bad Guy: the Samurai.

YOU MUST WATCH THIS MOVIE!

The Future of the 506th Elysian and Progress on My Beastmen Army

2011-03-24T13:43:00.001Z

I have quite the Imperial Guard army collection. The inventory I have still lacks some finishing touches on making sure I get that magic number of three of each vehicle for squadron and Apocalypse formation purposes. If I was to get another two Manitcores, a Vendetta, a Valkyrie, two Leman Russ Battle Tanks, five Chimeras, two Basilisks, three Hydras, ten Commissars, and 100 more Cadians I would have an Imperial Guard army not just in name but in size too. Realistically I will probably get more Chimeras, a Manticore, a few Commissars, and more Cadians. I can't wait to have a big throw down for Apocalypse. I want to run my Salamander with heavy tanks and artillery support. By the Emperor I love me some 40K!

I was lucky enough to spare some time to build almost the rest of my Beastmen army for Warhammer Fantasy. I am hoping to get a game in one of these days. More later!

Sucker Punch is out soon... I fainted. But yay!

Tourney Report: March 2011 506th Elysian IG

2011-03-20T13:39:00.000Z

I had a blast getting some games in yesterday. I was dying to roll the dice and move some guardsmen into righteous combat. I played in three games (all three mission scenarios were used). I would like to thank all of my opponents as they were very sportsman-like* during the games. Here is a summary of the games I played with my 506th Elysian Drop Troop Regiment Imperial Guard (1500 points):

*We'll get in to the one exception in the Game 2 summary.

506th Elysian list
Commissar with power sword
4 Veteran Squads with meltaguns: 2 squads in chimeras (multi-laser and heavy flamer), 2 squads in vendettas
1 Veteran squad with plasmaguns in chimera (multi-laser and heavy flamer)
1 Veteran squad with flamers in chimera (multi-laser and heavy flamer)
2 Vendettas with heavy bolters
1 Manticore with hull heavy flamer
1 Leman Russ Battle Tanks with heavy flamer

Game 1: Imperial Guard versus Codex Ultramarines
SM Captain
Combat Squad with plasmagun (I don't know if this is legal)
2 Tactical Squads flamer in one squad plasmagun in the other squad (Razorbackwith TL lascannon and Rhino)
Dreadnought with TL Lascannon
Land Raider Crusader (TL assault cannons, multi-melta, hurricane bolters)
5 assault terminators in the above land raider

The battle scenario was capture and control with a spearhead deployment. I went second, but during the scout movement I turbo boosted (or whatever the term is) with both of my vendettas. After a few close calls from twin-linked lascannon fire against my vendettas I quickly disabled the razorback, took out the twin-linked assault cannons on the land raider, and proceeded to utilize my average of 42" range to kill space marines from afar. The idea was to draw the land raider and termies out from influencing the combat that would eventually take place at my opponents objective. He had no chance of taking my objective or contesting as he deployed too far back in his deployment zone (he would advance almost his entire army despite this bad positioning) and he had the chance to keep the termies in reserve but he didn't. Keep in mind my opponent has not played a 40K game in 5 years. Turn after turn I controlled the game with shooting. I actually started shooting at the tactical squad he had on his objective on turn 4 because I didn't want him to try and move another unit on there before I got my veterans on the objective. By turn 5 I had sufficiently drawn out my opponents army into a wild goose chase away from anything of worth, he had only 2 space marines left on his objective who made two turns of leadership tests much to my chagrin. The game ended after turn 5 with me holding my objective and contesting my opponents. Miraculously neither of us lost a single unit. He lost vehicles but he had a few remnants of space marine squads knocking about as far away from any objective as you could be. I think I utilized good luring tactics with the strengths of my vendettas' movement and fire power. This would be a minor victory for me.

Game 2: Imperial Guard versus Tau (the cheater)
3 twelve tau fire warriors
3 devilfish? transports for the fire warriors
1 hammerhead with railgun (he said this thing had a BS 4 and I think that might be BS indeed but I let him play it that way)
1 squad of drone snipers
1 (5 dudes and 6 drones) crisis suit squads with commander in crisis suit with drones galore
3 broadsides or something

A quick discussion about terrain with my Tau opponent. My opponent wanted to make these rocks on the table impassable terrain that skimmers could land on. I asked if they could be assaulted if on the rock. He said no and so I called malarkey and said nothing can land on the rocks as I thought his landing on the rocks concept was screwy in the first place. He kept saying that skimmers hover and are thus immune to terrain. I am fairly intimate with skimmer rules and I know you got to test for terrain you take off from and land in. Already there is an issue and the game hasn't started. I almost let him get away with that silliness too as I am a laid back player.

My opponent goes first in the pitched battle, five objective scenario (4 points for each objective held, 1 point for contested). Three of the objectives are in my opponents deployment zone, two are in mine. Game starts with my opponent using his BS 4 hammerhead rail gun that shoots down one of the turbo boosting vendettas and killing the squad inside. Not good for me but no worries. My turn I kill some fire warriors near one of his objectives and he tries not to take the 25% or more casualty leadership test. I had to read the rule out loud for him. He passes the test sadly. This objective on the far right would be the only objective he would hold for the game. Throughout the game this guy was relatively nice but he tried to land his skimmers in terrain without taking tests, he pushed the limits of how far his skimmers could move by swinging the vehicle out an extra 6 inches. I am not familiar with Tau but for all of his shooting I would think he would need to move less to shoot that much of the vehicles weapons. It wasn't an issue as the ion cannon or whatever Strength 5 AP 5 Assault 3 or 6 sucked sooooo bad for him. Worst weapon ever for a vehicle. I love my multi-lasers. Long story short I was losing chimeras and my other vendetta bit it turn 2. My I still had 2 chimeras and 4 veteran squads and my commissar by the end of the game. My cheating opponent wanted to bring in a deep striking unit of crisis suits with hi commander on turn two without rolling for reserves. He said deep striking units don't roll for reserves. I said unless he has a special rule that is malarkey. I confirmed my point in the rule book and even got the tournament organizer over to verify the ruling and he was all pissy about having to roll for it. The deep striking unit in question came on the table turn 4 or 5. It was close to my objective and the unit wrecked my chimera but I flamed the hell out of his drones and crisis suits. His casualties moved him away from contesting the objective and that was his idiot move. The Emperor protects.

His rail guns started rolling nothing but ones thank the Emperor. Cheaters never win. I ended up making a turn five objective grab taking three objectives and contesting one. Whereas he only had one objective. He almost wasn't contesting that one objective I said he contested. That would have made it four objectives to 1 but oh well I won by a lot despite the table having mostly Tau on it. It was a massacre victory per the scenario mission and I enjoyed it as my favorite victory to date in 40K. The guy is nice enough but he was so full of it. Cheaters never win! He brought up at least 10 issues during the game and only gave me 4 minutes for my last turn. He deserved to lose. This was my second straight win.

Game 3: Imperial Guard versus Blood Angels
2 full assault squads with jump packs Sgts with powerfists
Reclusiarch
10 Death squad troops in a Land Raider Godhammer (TL Lascannons sponsons)
Dreadnought with TL lascannon and missile launcher
Baal Predator with TL assault cannon and sponson inferno cannons
2 sanguinary priests or whatever with inferno pistols

I was in the top 4 at the end of Game 2. The top 2 players were running Eldar and Orks. I needed to win with a massacre to have a chance to take the tournament. My opponent was a really cool guy. He used smart tactics, played his Blood Angles correctly, and he got first turn but did nothing so I proceeded to snipe his army off the table staying far away from the Death Company in the Land Raider. He was rightly impressed by the my army list. I was geared to get some built up Blood Angel hate aired out. Sadly it was against a very honorable opponent. I lost 2 chimeras and the 2 veteran squads because I tried to heavy flamer the assault squads, but not well enough. Otherwise I led the Death Company on a wild good chase with my vendettas until I killed them off. Reclusiarch, a priest, and about 5 assault squad troops was all my opponent had at the end of the game. It was a 5 to 4 kill points victory for me. I could have denied him 2 kill points but I got greedy. I looked over at the Eldar and Ork game as I wrapped up my game and I looked at the hordes of Orks as they overran the Eldar player. I could have cleaned the Orks off the table with my heavy flamers! I could have been a contender! Oh well, at the end of the day I was undefeated and 3rd place. Here are a few pictures from the game. Not the best because I was busy thinking of ways to win with my 506th Elysians. NOVA Open 2011 here I come!

The Ultramarines set up too far back right before they charge forward to flounder at the base of the hill under withering Imperial Guard salvos. The ruins to the bottom left is where the Ultramarine objective is located.

From a healthy distance the 506th pours on the fire power. Text book style. Notice the hidden manticore.

Gun the Baal engines, these weeds are thick! What a land raider looks like before it explodes.

The winner. His Ork army is beautiful. I salivate at the thought of dropping flamer templates and pie plates on his army. You can't miss! Maybe next time I shall meet the Orks on the battlefield with the 506th Elysian. Next time.... (I love fighting Ork armies, they have to be one of the most fun armies to play and play against.)

Report from the Battlefield of Krimon

2011-03-06T15:29:00.000Z

The battle for the death world Krimon went splendidly. The game was roughly 10K of Imperium versus 10K of Xenos. There was a decent turn out of players despite many cancellations. Here are the details.

Xenos Units
-Ork Stompa
-Lootas squad
-Multiple Boyz or Nobz squads (whatever they are called)
-Killa Kans about 6
-2 large Ork war bosses
-3 battle trukks
-Death Kopters 3
-Tons of Orks!
-Eldar Rangers (manning a quad autocannon with AA rule)
-Eldar Fire Prism
-Eldar Warp Spiders
-Farseers and Warlocks galore
-Eldar Walker thingies
-Eldar Avengers
-Eldar Scorpions
-Tons of Eldar!
-2 Necron Monoliths
-C'Tan Immortal Dude (T8 dude that died to Sternguard hellfire rounds, go Sternguard)
-C'Tan lord with resurrection orb (he was finally killed near the end of the game)
-tons of Necron warriors
-2 units of scarabs (annoying!)
-More Necron skimming thingies. The Necrons went through a lot, and we nulled the phase out rule.

Imperium Forces
Elysians (using Elysian rules only)
-3 Vendettas
-3 Valkyrie Assault Carriers
-3 Drop Sentinel Scouts with heavy flamers
-10 Veteran Squads
-2 Platoons with commissars
-2 Company Command Squads
-Stormtrooper Squad
-Lightning Fighter (was not deployed to help even out lack of enemy AA capability)
Blood Angels and Grey Knights
-Lemartes with Death Company
-Death Company squad
-Grey Knight Termies galore
-Squad of Sternguard
-Stormlord
-Stormraven (ugh, I know, I am still washing the disgust of blood angel allied-hood from me)
-Death Company Dreadnoughts
-Librarian in Termie armor
Mantis Warriors
-2 Tactical Squads in rhinos
-2 Dreadnoughts
-Land Raider
-Drop Pod
-Squad of Termies with a Termie Librarian
-Razorback with Lascannons and Devastators

Game Summary
The Imperium won the deployment bidding and selected Careful Planning for its strategem. The Xenos picked Blinding Barrage and Strategic Redeployment for its strategems, and they used these strategems brilliantly. I was thoroughly impressed. All of my Elysians were in reserve so turn 1 they were deep striking on all three objectives (the chaos ruin to the left, the landing pad in the center, and the chaos temple to the right). I lost one sentinel in a mishap, a few vets were lost to dangerous terrain rolls. All in all I was right were I wanted to be with plenty of air support. My Valkyries (in flyer mode) owned the battlefield firing lascannons, rockets, multi-lasers, and heavy bolter rounds with wild abandon. Not one Valkyrie took a hit. The lootas got close a few times though. The game started off with the Xenos covering their side of the table and the Imperium looking sparse on the other side. The Blinding Barrage took away many options for the Imperium ground forces shooting selection. The Xenos turn 1 involved shooting up my stormtroopers and veterans, advancing into position to contest the center objective, rattling the stormraven with the AA gun, and the Ork Stompa with one structure point after all the Vendetta shooting and Venerable Dreadnought assault (the stompa stomped the dreadnought) firing up some Imperium troops in anger. All in all two objectives were heavily contested with the casualties mounting up on both sides.

Turn two saw the the Stompa reduced to no actions able to be taken its next turn but still alive, the Death Company's assaulted mopping up some Orks and Necrons, my stormtroopers rally after taking heavy casualties (down to 4) and they yo-yo back onto the objective, Eldar Rangers and AA gun are terminated by my Valkyries and scout sentinel, and the Eldar Farseer and warlocks are rocking the casbah.

Turn three there was yet again a mighty barrage at the Ork Stompa but the thing wasn't doing anything terrible so it lived to do the strategic redeployment with the rest of the Xenos. It later died turn 4. Long story short by turn four the Imperium was mopping up the C'Tan (Blood Angels took care of them), and what was left over of the Necrons and Eldar. Lots of Elysian infantry died holding on to objectives but in the end all three objectives were solidly controlled by the Imperium on a battlefield marred only by the presence of a unit of 4 Necron Warriors engaged in combat with an Elysian power sword wielding commissar named Riecker and a unit of three scarabs left over. A Total Victory for the Imperium. A great game, albeit a little unbalanced, and a fun time had by all.

Top Performers
-The flyers: Elysian Valkyries are nasty. The Stormraven is a skimmer on crack but 6 Valkyries out shined it making it seem like a Land Speeder in comparison to the massed air power of the Elysians.
-The Stormlord: One of the best super heavies in Apocalypse. I was very impressed with it, I will have to make one. The Sternguard firing from the back with all the lascannon sponsons equals death death death.
-Death Company and Grey Knights: Tough as nails.
-Veteran Squads: Carapace armor, Demolitions, 3 special weapons, good ballistic skill... need I say more?
-C'Tan: These guys are ridiculous!
-Sternguard: They did a drive by killing on the T8 C'Tan. Enough said.
-Farseer: These guys are awesome. They just ooze psychic energy.
-Eldar war walker thingies: Tons of shooting and rather inconspicuous.
-Ork Stompa: These things are fun.
-Ork Lootas: Dangerous with a capital D.

Battle Highlights
-Massed redeployment of the enemy, what a gambit! It saved them from the Imperium noose closing around their troops allowing them to contest another objective and gain separation from the toughest Imperium units.
-Blinding Barrage was an excellent move by the enemy. The Xenos used their strategems wisely.
-Because my Valkyries were flyers I could get a well equipped Veteran squad and a ton of heavy weapons to any part of the battlefield that turn!
-The assault on the Chaos Temple objective. I have a cool picture of my Veteran Squads advancing on the objective. The Eldar put up a tough fight. Very tough. Each inch advanced was a battle in itself.
-Stormlord's lascannons finish off the last Necron Monolith.
-Ork Stompa stomps a Venerable Dreadnought with a single attack. Boom!
-C'Tan (T8) walking through Imperium units as if on a stroll in the park.

And now pictures.

Turn 1, Elysians deep strike whilst a tide of Xenos advances menacingly.

The battle for the Chaos Temple objective.

The battle is joined!

Valkyrie assault, shoot the Stompa from behind.

The center objective is held by Stormtroopers... and a crap load of Grey Knights, Mantis Warrior, and Blood Angel space marines. I was getting shot up being on the landing pad for all to see and fire at me.

Elysian Veterans advance on the Chaos Temple. This is my favorite picture because of the angle.

Where did all the Xenos go?

Sir, the ruins are in our control. Ready for new orders.

What a game! Until next time.

506th Elysian Drop Troop Regiment at Review

2011-03-05T02:45:00.000Z

Here they are.

I need more infantry! Time to buy some Elysians and Hostile Environment Cadians from Forgeworld.

Descent of the Angels of Death

2011-03-03T21:07:00.000Z

The valkyrie assault carrier shook as it made entry to the death world of Krimon. The darkness of the void transitioning to the bright glow of a jungle covered planet with fortress cities doting the landscape. Colonel Rysm knew that his unit would be able to isolate the enemy easily with the massive squadron of valkyrie assault carriers and vendetta pattern valkyries. The 506th Elysian Drop Troop Regiment was briefed that Krimon was inhabited by a colony of Xenos. The fortress cities dark walls depicted a cruel culture that enjoyed the endeavors of sadists on a slave population of humans. That left only a few possibilities for who the referenced Xenos occupants might be. The hand of chaos could not be far with so much misery and natural resources accessible on Krimon.

The heavy canopy of jungle foliage promised a mysterious world full of death and pain with each sway of the leaves indicating the movement of large predators startled by the engines of the valkyries swooping in for assaults. Rays of green darted out from the cities to the front of the Elysian assault. A few valkyries fell out of the sky struck by the enemy anti-aircraft fire with Elysian troops hurrying to jump out of the aircraft to an uncertain future in the jungles below. Colonel Rysm swore before ordering all the vendettas to target the heavy weapon batteries targeting the Elysian assault.

The harassing fire slowed as plumes of white appeared on the distant city walls where batteries were destroyed. Just as the valkyries were about to get within range of dropping troops a salvo of cruiser fire poured forth from the heavens tearing great trenches into the land around the cities. Some of the salvo landed on communication arrays in the cities. Colonel Rysm braced himself for the jump waiting as his troops exited the valkyrie yelling out war cries and oaths. With a blast of the orbital jump pack's stabilizers Colonel Rysm was on the water slogged ground yelling out orders.

Squads of Elysians charged forward as Elysian missile launcher crews fired at the city walls opening breaches for soldiers to charge in and start engaging Dark Eldar sentries. The battle had begun. Colonel Rysm charged forth wondering if the reinforcements would arrive on time. He hoped they would.

Update!
Apocalyspe game this weekend with Dark Eldar and more enemies of the Imperium. Pictures and battle report soon. Point size definitely over 10K per side.

Day Dreaming

2011-02-21T14:53:00.000Z

My imagination is going crazy right now. I love how people can capture a fantasy setting in art and share it with everyone. Here are some pictures that I found to be fun and reminded of cool things like final fantasy, steampunk, and more.

Good stuff?

Prepare to be Amazed...

2011-02-19T20:03:00.000Z

I fought an Empire v. Empire 2K battle last night. It was brutal. I don't think my list was all that bad but I lost three whole units to the Hellstorm Rocket Battery. It never misfired! It was crazy but also very awesome. On the bright side my unit of 30 Greatswords with a Warrior Priest held out against a charge of like 30 Knights of Morr. After the first round of combat my Greatswords were rocking out on those Knights. My magic was lackluster even though I took two level 2 wizards. Ah well, good times nonetheless. I lost pretty handily because of the devastating fire power of the rocket battery.

Good news! I bought the Beastmen book and I have official decided on an army name: Rymar's War Herd. Rymar will be my Beastlord commander with the nefarious Malagor and Morghur there to help tear down all signs of civilization. I now need to get some more Gors, Ungors, Bestigors, and tons of other models. My wife will love that hehehe. I will try and pace myself so I collect a cool Beastmen army.

I have my 4th Valkyrie complete, with detachable wings! That should lighten the storage situation. I think I am ready to bring the pain on March 5th during the Apocalypse game. I will have Elysians dropping in from all over the table attacking the Xenos with the discipline of a Cadian Shock Troop unit. I hope it works out.

That's all for now. Until next time. Donate to NPR! I did.

Empire versus High Elves (my first 8th edition game)

2011-02-10T22:11:00.001Z

I played a friend in Warhammer Fantasy on Monday, 2K per army. I was excited to see how 8th edition has impacted the game and boy was I surprised. Naturally High Elves can rock out in the magic phase, irresistible force all over the place (note to self: buy Cygor). I think I used my dispel dice like twice. Here is what the lists looked like:

High Elves:
Chariots (2), Level 3 wizard lord, a unit of swordsmen, a unit of sea guard, 3 ballistas, a unit of 10? reavers

Empire:
two units of 30 swordsmen with 10 men halberd detachments, 20 greatswords with a 10 men handgunner detachment, 2 cannons, 2 mortars, two units of 5 pistoliers, 19 free company (they did nothing all game, my expendable unit), BSB captain, 2 priests of Sigmar, and one Arch Lector

Some key notes:
-The High Elf wizard took lore of Death with a 100 point book that made doubles on a spell casting irresistible force. The sun of WTF took out my greatswords and a unit of swordsmen. It was well planned and executed. I have to hand it to my opponent for lining that up so well.
-Mortars are devastating against elves. I was doing well hitting almost all the time. It was nice but it felt like cheating.
-Combat is interesting with initiative playing a larger roll. The re-roll to hit the his elves gained against me was harsh but not terrible.
-I love random charge ranges. It is awesome.

Bottom line, I lost but it was a fun, and quick game. I can't wait to have all of my Beastmen built. I should have a ton of minotaurs, bestigors, and gors. CHARGE! Malagor use your magiks!

Where did you go?

2011-02-06T14:56:00.000Z

Fairy Tail 13.... Where the hell is the manga? It is out in Japan I guess but I can't read Japanese! I posted a picture of the cover, which it reveals a possible progression of the Dragon Slayer/wizard storyline. Natsu's opponent during the big magic guild battle appears to have a new posse. Drama!!!! I have seen a ton of the advanced Fairy Tail covers up to Manga 17 and I can't wait for the US releases of the manga. I CAN'T WAIT!

I have an update on my 40K Imperial Guard army. I am happy to say I now have 3 Valkyries in total, two multiple rocket pod assault carriers and one vendetta. Nice, very nice. I need to get 3 more Valkyries to finish off my Apocalypse 506th Elysian army. One vendetta and two assault carriers to be exact. Assault carrier Valkyries are awesome because they can move far and unload/fire all but the heavy bolters. The vendettas will be a nice addition for tank busting duties. I should look into getting a few Thunderbolts and Lightnings for an all flyer Apocalypse army. Hit me if you can.

I am trying to conceive a viable Valkyrie heavy NOVA Open Tournament list. I am thinking 3 squadrons of Valkyries, two per squadron. Five veteran squads, one company command squad, and possible a platoon laced with heavy weapon teams. Now I know this sounds fragile but I want a unique list that I will have fun playing at the tournament. If I play it right I could do all right I am sure. Plus everyone would know I was fielding Elysian Drop Troops. Most of the IG armies will be tank, tanks, tanks. Boring all around if everyone shows up with that.

Speaking of tanks I need to convert my Leman Russ tanks so that they have hull mounted heavy flamers instead of lascannons. I am converting my Chimeras with hull mounted heavy flamers also. It is so worth it. With a BS of 3 I would rather hit what I fire at every time and take my chances with wounding when the enemy is close up on my scoring units rather than miss and have my Chimera ripped open.

I watched the movie True Grit last night with some friends. Wow, that was a great movie. The imagery was stunning. The acting was spot on and full of life. The setting was complete with all kinds of period references included. There was an Asian merchant in the frontier town. I thought that was very thoughtful and historically justified. The train tracks weren't complete. There was so much detail! I would own this movie. I give it five stars. True Grit is a must see movie.

I was going through my Dungeons & Dragons books the other day and I smiled when I picked up my Pathfinder books. The most recent Community (NBC sitcom) episode was all about Dungeons & Dragons and I am feeling like having a game. The Pathfinder books are great because it takes Dungeons & Dragons and stream lines the rules while keeping the good complexity and not being silly 4th edition D&D (4th edition is FAIL). I will post a game synopsis if I am able to squeeze in a game.

NOVA OPEN 2011

2011-01-23T14:18:00.001Z

I signed up for the NOVA Open this year and I have no idea which 40K IG list to run. I am just excited to be a part of the tournament. Since I am building an Elysian army I will have to rethink my list building to field a general IG list that is tournament legal. It shouldn't be hard but with all my models being so wonderfully painted Elysian colors people might be disappointed by the amount of chimeras I am going to field. I need to convert some of my chimeras hull heavy bolters to heavy flamers. Heavy flamers are just better.

I watched The Cat Returns with my son the other day. It was a good anime. I always feel so relaxed when I watch fun anime like The Cat Returns or Howling's Moving Castle. I am going to try and watch some Fairy Tail anime in the future. The manga is taking forever to come out so I guess I will try to watch the anime if the internet will facilitate such a possibility... It will. That is all I have.

Beastmen?

2011-01-23T14:07:00.001Z

I haven't played Warhammer Fantasy in forever because 40K is just more fun. I am finding it hard to sell my Empire army, and I have a fantastic Empire army that I find completely boring. I am also hesitant to say that it would be fun to paint such a large army. I just don't enjoy painting state troops any more. The Warrior Priests are cool but I can keep a few of those for the memories. I have never played an evil army, and for some reason the urge to build a Beastmen army is calling to me. I like the Gor and Bestigor models. Goat/men have always been cool looking in my opinion, that sounds hilarious I know. Now give the "beastman" a great ax and you have a cool warrior. I don't know. It's just something I am thinking about.

Victory at Hadax Ridge

2011-01-09T15:41:00.000Z

Death Salvo and I put 3K each on the table for a mega battle of his Chaos Space Marines (1K) and Chaos Daemons (2K) versus my 506th Elysians (2K) and 6th Company Raven Guard (1K). This allied battle was to be a final show down after the warp storm manifested above Hadax Ridge. We used standard force organization charts for each of our allied armies. The scenario was Capture and Hold or something (one objective each) and the deployment was Pitched Battle. I was lucky to have an objective scenario.

Death Salvo's Forces of Chaos:
2 Daemon Princes (plenty of Breath of Chaos)
1 Blood Thirster
1 Ku'Gath
5 Bloodletters (x2)
5 Screamers
5 Fiends (x2)
1 Plague Hulk (IA rules)
1 Blight Drone (IA rules)
5 Chaos Space Marines (x2)
1 Obliterator (x3)
5 Nurgle Chaos Terminators
3 Chaos Terminators
3 Blood Crushers
1 Chaos Sorcerer

Colonel Rysm's 506th Elysian and 6th Company Raven Guard (me!):
1 Company Command Squad
2 Platoons with autocannons and missile launchers throughout
4 Veteran Squads (2 in Chimeras, 2 in Valkyries)
2 Valkyries with rocket pods (carrying 2 Veteran squads)
1 Manticore with hull mounted heavy flamer
1 Leman Russ Battle Tank with hull mounted heavy flamer
1 Squadron of Scout Sentinels (2 sentinels in all) with missile launchers
2 Ten man Tactical Squads with flamer, missile launcher, SGT with chainsword in a rhino
1 Predator with autocannon and heavy bolter sponsons
1 Librarian with Null Zone, Avenger, Terminator Armor with Storm Shield
5 Legion of the Damned troops with a flamer and heavy flamer
5 Sternguard Veterans with one flamer in a rhino

There were some unique units present on the battlefield as usual. Death Salvo did some great conversions on his models. His army without fail always looks better than mine. He is an artist of all things Chaos. Here is the summary of the game.

Turn one I had my entire army deployed (except for my Legion of the Damned squad) on the table edge to open up lanes of fire while also allowing my vehicles room to move. My objective was in the middle of my deployment zone and Death Salvo's objective was likewise on the opposite side of the table. Turn one I only had two squads of Chaos space marines in cover on Death Salvo's objective to shoot at. I didn't waste a Manticore missile as that would have been pointless. Death Salvo came on strong with his deep strikes during his first turn. He was probably off balance because he only had two objectives to worry about (mine and his) and he couldn't ignore my units that were not near the objective because I could literally hit him with shooting anywhere he went on the table. The table was 8'x4' because of the size of the two allied armies. He didn't scatter too bad except one of his daemon princes had a mishap and went back into reserve. This hurt his total forces on the table though.

I took advantage of the situation next turn and worked to take out as much of his army as possible. Some key moves I did was to distract a unit of fiends by tying them up with my Legion of the Damned, and I shot up a Blood Thirster with a Tactical Squad putting some wounds on him. I didn't charge either of these units but they charged me next turn. I was able to keep these units in combat for a while. The Blood Thirster would have been in combat much longer had I remember that Space Marines do a No Retreat roll instead of just fleeing. Can you run away from an initiative 10??? No. I scored some critical kills on the Daemon units by having hull mounted heavy flamers on all of my IG vehicles. This proved to be a real game changer. I usually have a hard time putting wounds on Death Salvo's Daemons. In this battle I was getting wounds on his Daemons all day long. I think I was able to kill a Daemon Prince, who was making my Manticore sweat, during turn two. Turn two is where the game MVP started to shine. I had an Officer of the Fleet in my Company Command Squad (CCS) which gave Death Salvo a -1 to his reserve rolls. Death Salvo only was able to get 4 or 5 units on the table. Not the units he wanted by the look on his face as he rolled. He was able to kill some of my troops in my Platoons by having his Nurgle termies deep strike right near my objective and heavy flamer my troops (killing 6), and his Blood Thirster went into combat with my other Platoon (this combat would last the entire game making the platoon's points back tenfold!).

Turn three I only lost a few troops from my infantry squad (around 10 counting both platoons), 2 scout sentinels (lol), a platoon officer (failed dangerous terrain test), a Tactical Squad (10 space marines), and 5 Legion of the Damned (the SGT would die in my assault phase of turn 3). I was able to kill off the Nurgle termies, kill off a Blood Crusher unit to a man... I mean Daemon, and put more wounds on Ku'Gath. The squads of fiends were at a manageable size (are they ever manageable at 5 attacks per model?!). I took 2 casualties during shooting to get's hot. I still like plasmavets and plasma CCS. Very effective units. Death Salvo was once again stuck with only a few units coming in on his reserve roll. The entire game I was rolling up his flank with a chimera full of flamervets. I was almost right on top of his objective. My Sternguard effectively put more wounds on Ku'Gath (poisoned rounds and flamer). My Leman Russ was doing well because of its hull mounted heavy flamer allowed it to contribute to the chaos of the clumped together forces attacking near my objective. At the end of turn 3 Death Salvo suffered some bad rolls, his Chaos sorcerer had a deep strike mishap so I placed it in difficult terrain, and his Blight Drone was an awesome unit but it was restricted after its deep strike. He (Ku'Gath) failed a charge due to difficult terrain. Death Salvo was starting to turtle so he could protect his own objective and avoid further deep strike mishaps.

Turn four Ku'Gath dies to my Sternguard Veterans (but they would die later to an Obliterator), all of Death Salvo's units on my side of the table are retreating except for the Blood Thirster (still in combat with the platoon it charged) because Blood Thirsters never retreat. I am within 6 inches of Death Salvo's objective after taking combi-melta fire (rolled a 1+1=2 on the damage chart). He even charged with his Chaos termies and immobilized my flamervet chimera. My Valkyries zoomed around the table. All of Death Salvo's left over reserves finally come in but alas too late to significantly contribute. He deep striked everything safely around his deployment zone or in open areas near my units. He failed to take out the flamervets and he had a blood crusher ( a lone one) still locked in combat with a tactical squad of mine. This had gone on for two turns and I am only grudgingly admitting that because I could not kill the thing (one wound left!) and I lacked a power weapon on my sergeant. I even had Null Zone in effect! It is my own fault though. Anything Khorne will own you in combat. The Blood Crusher was around 7 inches from my objective. Had it not been in combat I could have killed it in the shooting phase. Next time power weapons!

Turn five Death Salvo concedes. He had to get home and cook dinner. He was a good sport and by no means was I tabling his army. I sum up my victory to the following factors:

1. Officer of the Fleet- Death Salvo was unable to get his reserves in faster. My Officer of the Fleet cost 30 points and it was the model that won me the game.
2. Plasmaguns and hull mounted heavy flamers- Plasma kills monstrous creatures (daemon princes) and heavy flamers auto hit and your just have to roll to wound with a strength 5 and I will take those odds! Plus the Hull mounted heavy flamers encourage you to move your vehicles every turn instead of relying on a bad ballistic skill to hit and wound tough daemons.
3. Adeptus Astartes- My Raven Guard lent helpful capabilities and a tough backbone to my army. I could have probably pulled off the victory with just IG as I continue to improve with my tactics with IG. Having my Elysians win this battle with the help of my Raven Guard made my day.

This was a memorable battle. I want to thank Death Salvo for being a good sport. He is learning to use both Daemons and Chaos Space Marines at the same time. This can be exceedingly complex for most players but if anyone can do it Death Salvo can. He puts a lot of work into his army building and planning for his battles.

The Epic Battle of Hadax Ridge and It's Impact

2011-01-09T13:33:00.000Z

The 66th Cadian was unable to stop the miniature Eye of Terror from forming in the system they were protecting from Chaos incursions. Hadax Ridge was overrun by a Daemonic host of unmatched strength to fulfill the commands of Warp born Daemon Princes. Things looked bleak for the Imperium until elements of the 506th Elysian started to filter into the system to merge with the survivors of the 66th Cadian. The new 506th Elysian went on to rally the Imperium defenders and repel a Traitor Astartes (Chaos Space Marine) attack on the opposite pole of the planet from Hadax Ridge. This victory was short lived. A terrifying monstrosity took form in the motor pool of the 506th Elysian. This Daemon Prince fought its way out to a Chaos temple to meet with Traitor Astartes that had infiltrated the area to help guide the Daemons spilling from the glaring warp gate in the night sky. The delighted howls of the damned carried on the wind as they sacrificed citizens from the local nomads.

Thunderhawks flying close to the ground departed from the area of the Chaos temple. Their heraldry if seen during daylight would identify them as 6th Company Raven Guard thunderhawks. In the abandoned habs near the Chaos temple the dark forms of Raven Guard space marines darted from cover to cover making not a sound. Using hand signals they guided in Elysian Drop Troop infantry ahead of a formation of Chimeras with a Manitcore and Leman Russ battle tank. At dawn the Raven Guard space marines and 506th Elysians commenced a lightning counterattack slaying Daemon and Chaos Space Marine from afar. A terrifying Blood Thirster daemon waded into an Elysian platoon after shredding up a tactical squad of Raven Guard. Ordinance pounded the forces of Chaos with devastating effect. If not for the arrival of the Raven Guard and the legendary Legion of the Damned Adeptus Astartes (Space Marines) the Imperium might have collapsed under the intense assaults of the Daemonic host. By early afternoon the forces of Chaos began their retreat from the system. The combined fleet of Imperium ships in orbit slowed the Chaos host's ability to be reinforced providing crucial advantage to the 506th Elysian victory. Imperium naval fleet officers celebrated their victory with handshakes and a toast.

The Chaos cruiser that was receiving harassing fire from the Imperium fleet turned to depart the system as the warp storm gate roiled in anger flaring as it became smaller. In a matter of minutes the warp storm was gone. A chaos sorcerer looked out into the void where the warp storm once was. The Chaos space marine captain next to him smirked, "Abaddon will be disappointed with your failure."

"This is only the beginning. Revenge is a venture in careful planning and now we know the enemy," the sorcerer responded.

Angered by the sorcerers lack of concern the captain reached for his power sword but stopped abruptly as if being grappled by some unseen force. "You are angered because of the men you have lost..." Turning slowly the sorcerer regarded the captain who still struggled. "Let me ease your concerns, the chaos space marines that died will continue to serve the warp. In just the last battle we proved that we can open a warp storm anywhere we need to. Five of your weak men succumbed to the will of the warp and are now destined for greatness. I found two psykers from the populace to serve me as sacrifices in the future..." the sorcerer paused in his reply. "We won you fool!" the sorcerer exclaimed.

"I would like to see what Abaddon thinks," the captain struggled to say.

The sorcerer guffawed, "We have gained favor with Khorne, nothing else matters. Chart a course for the Sabbat Worlds. I am eager to see what Warmaster Macaroth thinks of a warp storm appearing in an unexpected location... The warp wants his blood and we must obey."

The unseen force released the captain abruptly. The captain's much scarred face boiled with rage, "It shall be done," he replied through clenched teeth. He stormed out of the observatory deck. A loud boom rang through the hallway as the Chaos cruiser stopping shaking from Imperium naval fire. The captain could be heard cursing and hitting the walls as he made for the command deck.

At Hadax Ridge:
The Raven Guard librarian nodded to Colonel Rysm who then gave the order to commence firing artillery at the Chaos temple. With each strike on the temple a burst of red lightning lanced through the air above the temple. Over the distant impacts of ordinance Colonel Rysm said, "It's a good thing the Raven Guard 6th Company showed up when it did. Without your help the forces of Chaos might have claimed all the worlds in this sector. While lightly inhabited there is enough here to start a forgeworld with proper planning."

"You are correct. The Emperor protects and we work to serve him in denying the archenemy any place of sanctuary. Next time we must eliminate the chaos sorcerer. I've seen him before and he is unique in some way."

Colonel Rysm looked at the ground as he processed the information. "So you want us to prepare to move out immediately and follow the Chaos cruiser? I expect you already have intercepted that those will be my orders that my adjutant is running over to tell me about right this very minute."

"I apologize if you find my talents unsettling. You will get used to them as we continue our campaign in combating the incursions of Abaddon's forces. My name is Kyric."

The librarian held out his hand. The adjutant commented, "Sir, we have orders to mobilize immediately and pursue..."

Colonel Rysm shook his head slowly with a 'I'll be damned' grin on his face. "Colonel Rysm, 506th Elysian. Let's go hunting some Traitor Astartes!" Colonel Rysm shook Librarian Kyric's hand firmly.

"Ok you bunch of dogs, prepare to redeploy to the troop ships!" Rysm bellowed to his command staff.

Imperial Armour 8 Elysians versus Sisters of Battle 2500pts Scenario 6 of Planetstrike

2011-01-08T16:40:00.000Z

My friend and I agreed to try out the IA8 Elysians in all their glory in the nastiest Planetstrike scenario. It was an intense battle. My Elysians were already at a disadvantage because I only have 2 Valkyries so far, I had to use Chimeras as Tauros /Venerators, and I still had a lot to learn about their play style. Here is what I found.

-Surgical strikes with Stormtroopers are amazing. Not an Exorcist or Leman Russ fired all game.
-What I did wrong with the surgical strikes is you should drop at least 2 units close to each other to support each other. That is critical for survival.
-Tauros are amazing vehicles that should by a magnet for vehicle and heavy weapons fire as they boost across the table. They get a 4+ save versus immobilized results. Boost first, flame later. Very important to remember as they can carry weapons that your opponent won't want to see up close.
-The infantry units have an interesting make up as Platoon and Company Command Squads only get one special weapon on the troops. There are other benefits though. The orders to give a +2 cover save and the one to regroup and act normally are essential.
-Once you deep strike it is a good idea to run first. You are made to get on objectives, and then fire. A Heavy Flamer will make any lazy Elysians die in a heartbeat. I lost a Platoon of Elysians (21 strong) to a Heavy Flamer and regular Flamer. Not a proud moment for me but a lesson learned let me tell you.
-Valkyries are Flyers with Hover mode in Apocalypse games. If I have to tell you why that is awesome you shouldn't be playing Elysians.

With all that said I will be working to acquire the following models in the future:
-2 to 4 Valkyries (2 Vendetta pattern)
-2 Lightning or Thunderbolt fighter bombers (they are heavy choices...and FLYERS!)
-2 Tauros with Heavy Flamers
-1 Tauros Venerator

My 506th Elysian quote:

Elysians Drop Troops, almost like an angel coming down from the heavens, but we use Valkyries and gravity chutes. Not very angelic at all to be honest. It allows us to get close to the enemy and kill him though. I'd imagine that is something you wouldn't get from an angel. -Colonel Rysm, 506th Elysian, briefing Inquisitor Hannibal after combat trials.

Reinforcements Arrive

2011-01-02T15:15:00.000Z

The conflict at Hadax Ridge concerned the leaders on Terra. With the possibility of a miniature Eye of Terror so close to the heart of the Imperium the stakes were never higher. The 66th Cadian Mechanized Infantry Regiment suffered devastating losses in prolonged combat with the Archenemy. Reinforcements finally arrived for the final show down. Right when the 66th looked near to collapsing, the forces of the 501st and 502nd Elysian combined with the 66th CMIR to form the new regiment the 506th Elysian. The mix of Drop Troops, Storm Troopers, Veteran Infantry, Mechanized Transports, Heavy Artillery, Valkyries, and of course tenacious new recruits to fill the numbers of Drop infantry platoons. The 506th Elysian has finished training with the new mix of forces. Colonel Rysm is now prepared to face the Archenemy once again. Now where will the next battle be?

++++Message from Fortress Hades++++

+++Sender: Inquisitor Hannibal+++

++++Priority Orders for the 506th Elysian++++

+++Embark immediately for Fortress Hades. Bring the 506th into a defensive position in order to facilitate the arrival of the Adeptus Astartes. The White Consuls and Ironfists are en route. Archenemy planetstrike is imminent.+++

++++The Emperor protects.++++

Imperial Guard v. Chaos Space Marines 1750

2010-12-28T01:48:00.000Z

Some people like tanks, and then some others don't. Death Salvo is in that category of people that doesn't like tanks. In a friendly 1750 point game of Imperial Guard versus Chaos Space Marines the following things occurred:

-Turn 1 my IG wiped 5 CSM vehicles off the table, 1 CSM Dreadnought, 3 Rhinos, and 1 Vindicator.
-Nurgle CSM are tough, I had a heck of a time trying to wipe them off objectives. I had more than enough firing and they handled tons of punishment.
-I think I finally got into a good vibe with my guardsmen!
-We played Seize Ground with the Pitched Battle deployment. Perfect for IG in every way.
-I pulled off the win by the start of Turn 5 with three of the five objectives in my control.

I think Death Salvo did a great service by sticking with the game even though he was not happy with the performance of his troops. He is a Daemon player. Die hard, card carrying, and loyal to the max Daemon player. He plays them well. He did some spectacular conversions on his Chaos Space Marines and the vehicles he has. He takes the hobby so far with his imagination. I am lucky to have such a worthy opponent. Here are some pictures of the battle from Turn 1 while Death Salvo was moving.

I am getting closer to getting my army fully painted. The brown and black scheme blended perfectly on this battlefield. A total coincidence I assure you.

Sigh, I love my Valkyries. I need a third one! My newly constructed Manticore is in the top left.

In other news:

-I have an Iwata airbrush! YAY! Christmas was good to me.

-My Manticore is fun! It looks awesome, was fun to build and it performs spectacularly.

Conclusion to The Battle at Hadax Ridge

2010-12-24T14:43:00.000Z

The 66th Cadian Mechanized Infantry Regiment thrust platoon after platoon of troops into the the Hadax Ridge Hab units to try to repel the Chaos Daemon incursion to the area. During the Warp Storm a chaos temple was discovered as wind displaced the sand that hid the temple for centuries. The Daemons blasted their way through platoons of infantry men. The fighting was chaotic with small victories won on each side. Only the resilient ranks of Cadians pouring into the area kept a total disaster from occurring.

I deployed some huge units of infantry. That is how I like it. Lots of troops with just enough supporting vehicles. I am quite fond of my Valkyries as they continue to save me from being out maneuvered time and again.

Death Salvo's daemons are tricky to handle. This was a battle against a Tzeetch Daemon Prince (333 points!) and two heralds (nasty buggers). Tzeetch and Khorne units always pay for their worth in combat. I am less impressed with the Nurgle units only because I feel they can be out maneuvered most of the time. When they get on an objective it can be tricky as they can take more punishment than anything else in the game, in my opinion. Ah heck, all the Daemons are a beast to mess with!

As night fell the 66th was forced to dig in to the emptied Hab sector while keeping vigilance on the dark Chaos ruins. The commanders of the 66th awaited orders as pure bedlam raged at the Imperial Guard Headquarters. News of Raven Guard Astartes arriving from a hurried void journey mixed with news of a Chaos incursion unmatched in scale as of yet taking place on the polar opposite of the planet. Inquisitor Hannibal reported that a master plan by the archenemy was to establish a small version of the Eye of Terror. Way points were already in place and the Imperium had precious moments to react before it was too late.

A big battle was brewing.

Operation Whiteout Battle Results

2010-12-06T21:56:00.000Z

Operation Whiteout went off without any problems. It was 15,000 points and one strategic asset per side. The sides we as follows:

Daemon Host and Allies
Death Salvo-Daemons
Salamander-Daemons
White Consuls-Chaos Space Marines
Tau Fiend-Tau
Enemy at the Gate-Necrons
(Strategic Asset-Careful Planning)
Army Composition: Lots of Daemon Princes, Chaos Space Marines, Daemons with Tau crisis suits, Necron troops, a monolith, devil fish, Chaos Land Raider, a chaos warhound, and a gargantuan Tzeetch Daemon.
Daemon MVPs: Blood Thirsters (a single one accounted for two warhound titans and survived the battle), Gargantuan Tzeetch Daemon (literally dropped hell on Imperium forces), Daemon Princes in general (shrugged off strength D hits all game.....), Tau crisis suits, The Deciever Necron

Imperium Army
Inquisitor Hannibal-Grey Knights and Assassins
Colonel Rysm-Imperial Guard and Raven Guard
Princeps Lucifer-Legio Tempful
Princeps Short-Warlord Titan
Brother Captain Blazer-Salamander Space Marines
(Strategic Asset-Disruptor Beacon)
Army Composition: 2 Shadowsword super heavy tanks, 2 Warhound titans, 1 Reaver titan, 1 Warlord titan, tons of Grey Knight termies, Dreadnoughts, Tactical space marines, IG veterans, 2 Valkyries, various armored vehicles, ratling snipers (yay), sternguard vets with Pedro Kantor, an interesting spread in general.
Imperium MVPs: 2 Valkyries with veterans (for surviving the onslaught of the Daemons and contesting an objective), The Grey Knights and Assassins (They turned the tide of the battle contesting another objective), the Warlord titan (cleared off many Daemons with its devastating Apocalypse Missile Launcher barrages and volcano cannons, it saved the game by killing off all the Daemons on the third objective), the valiant salamanders that weathered the worst of the Daemons first attacks, and lastly the Reaver titan of Legio Tempful (that held the gate closed).

All I can say is the battle was brutal. The Imperium forces had 13 weapons that fired strength D. It mattered not as Daemons have eternal warrior. I would have been better off bringing horde guardsmen with manitcores. Ah well.... It was a friendly game thanks to Salamander and Inquisitor Hannibal the opposing team captains. Some notable events:

YOU SHALL NOT PASS-The Tau defended their Daemon Allies objective with tenacity. Fierce fighting erupted in the vicinity by turn two thanks to the arrival of the assassins and the Redemption force of Grey Knights. It was brutal counter attack by the Imperium but the Tau made it a hard fought battle for the Imperium.

ENEMY AT THE GATE-The Necrons fought tooth and nail to gain access to the fortress where the main Imperium objective was located throughout the entire game. They were almost there but not quite. I think the Necrons feared to move from the warm green grass they stood on to enter the frozen base.

IF A SENTINEL FALLS AT THE BACK OF THE BOARD...-Chaos Space Marines sniped my Sentinel with a meltagun. Later they used a Chaos Space Marine Captain to run down my Ratlings. I have since called child services.... but I found out the player actually works for child services lol. That joke was a hit.

THIRSTY THE BLOOD THIRSTER-This blood thrister killed two warhound titans and helped kill my last shadowsword. Insanity!!!!!!!!

There were many other notable events but pictures speak louder than words... or something like that. Before I post the pictures the outcome of the battle was a Draw with two objectives contested and one objective covered only with the corpses of the archenemy (unclaimed in other words). If the battle had gone on any longer the Daemons would have won it. We had roughly four turns if I remember correctly. A good show for a game going from 1300 to 1930.

A clear and quiet morning, and then the Daemons arrived.

Enemy at the Gate! Why aren't they advancing? Oh they like the grass under their feet.

The Warhound Titans and Daemons charge each other... The Daemons won that battle.

Melta vet guardsmen hold off a Daemon Prince for two turns. They did eventually die. A valiant effort nonetheless.

The Battlefield appeared so calm before the Daemons advanced. The Daemon to the bottom left was a real beast. He was the gargantuan Daemon. Size doesn't matter as nothing could hurt the damn thing. Believe me I tried.

Daemons hunt down the Warhound titans. This ends badly for the Imperium.

Back shot! Booyah! Didn't end up wounding the gargantuan Daemon of Tzeetch, and I don't know if this back shooting style is allowed but fluff wise I guess I could see it.

Oh noes, my last Shadowsword gets ripped up by a horde of Daemon Princes. The red daemon was the killer of the two warhound titans. Incidentally my other Shadowsword ate it turn one when the opposing Chaos Warhound turbo laser'ed it to death.

Here comes the cavalry... I mean Grey Knights. Redemption at last!

Denied! For three turns, until the onslaught was too much and the Necrons, Daemons, and Chaos Space Marines brought the hulking Reaver Titan to its knees before they dragged its carcass back to the Daemon forges.

There you have it. I wish I took more pictures of the Tau, Daemon, and Grey Knight/assassin battle. That was an unexpected battle for the outcome of the game. I had a ton of fun, and I'd like to thank anyone who played in the game. A Draw is a fine way to motivate people for the next big battle. Until next time! The archenemy yet lurks in the Sabbat Worlds. The Emperor's justice will find them eventually.

Operation Whiteout: Imperium versus the Scourge of the Galaxy

2010-11-27T15:32:00.000Z

The line in the smoldering ruins of a now forgotten hive city has been drawn. Hardened veterans of the Imperium are stalking into foxholes that once were defended by long dead guardsmen. Scorch etched silhouettes, jagged craters, and thousands of small arms impacts tell the tale of a desperate fight for survival. The snow laden clouds drop a gentle flurry on the battlefield bringing a moment of calm to the depressing scenery.

The growing sound of armored vehicles rumbled in the morning air with the slight rattling of loose gravel. The guardsmen work at shoring up their defensive positions with an autocannon crew on watch. The constant scrape of entrenching tools becomes more frequent. Squads of Space Marines run out into no man's land to set up ambush positions. Their power armor bearing new purity seals to prepare them for the coming battle.

A great horn blow carried from the rear lines of the guardsmen. All turn, except for the Space Marines, to look back at the Titans. The huge war machines made the ground quake as they moved to support the front lines. Guardsmen cheer the titans on as they advance. The battle seemed all but won.

The horizon suddenly flares to life with a great tearing of the fabric that is reality. The clouds start to melt away with a hissing sound as the size of the warp hole reveals itself slowly. Ash falls with snow. The burning smell of flesh is strong. Great drums beat a slow but purposeful beat. A choir of daemonic chanting rises over the sounds of the moving Imperialist forces. Guardsmen cover their ears and cry out in agony as words older than time touch mortal ears that were never meant to hear such heresy.

The crackle of bolter fire begins as running battles between the Space Marines and the enemy move towards the front lines. Inhuman wails of pain and triumph announce the arrival of a sinister presence. A rain of fire begins to melt the snow leaving only the growing cold of a heartless winter wind. Guardsmen roll to grasp their weapons firing at Daemons arriving only meters away from their positions. Snow and dirt sprays up around Bloodletters as they turn to regard the defenders of the Imperium who would dare shoot at a servant of Khorne. With glee the Daemon advances blindingly fast to butcher an entire fighting position. Fresh spilled blood steams on the ground around the Bloodletter as it turns to look up at a Warhound titan. In a blinding salvo of mega bolter fire the Daemon was banished.

The Warhound turned to regard a great mound of rotting flesh as it advances with what looks like malice on its mishapped face. Guardsmen die or run from the Daemon. Already a line of Leman Russ' tanks lay in heaps in the line of destruction the Daemon was carving through the battlefield.

The battle is joined. Chaos has called its challenge out to the Imperium. Who will win the battle that is Operation Whiteout? Results of the 40K Apocalypse battle to be reported post December 4th. So far it is 12K+ for both Chaos and the Imperium.

Running Through the Woods, Because You Should

2010-11-26T22:31:00.001Z

Lance shrugged off his backpack. His manner suggested a certain amount of haste. The dark canopy of the forest closed out all but a few lances of sunlight. Lance stopped. He didn't know which way to go. Being an explorer is never an easy job. There are no warnings of killer butterflies in the explorer manuals. The authors always talk up the beautiful Amazon women of Grellan Island, or the golden statue dogs in Cazcaz. Never killer butterflies!

He could hear them nearing. He dared not turn around, instead Lance darted forwards running past his traveling companion Wiley. Wiley was a really nice fellow. It was a sincere tragedy that he was kicked to death by the horse lady thing. It was very lucky all the same. Seeing Wiley meant Lance was on the right path. The rope bridge that led to relative safety was only two miles east... or was it north? "Wiley has the map!" Lance realized.

In a comical effort Lance gathered the will power to turn in a long curve until he ran around the four exhausted butterflies the size of small dogs chasing after him. It never occurred to Lance that their larger size might tire the abominations of nature out quicker. Their rate of flight was nothing to brag about, but their sabre sharp stingers made one avoid any fool hardy discussions that might bring a person to point out the fore.

The large trunks of the oak trees made running difficult for Lance. He was breathing ragged gasps of air thinking to himself, "I'm an explorer. I'm not meant for endurance running. I do action scenes. Leap for a ledge, jump into a moving conveyance, and punch out one or two baddies. Probably just one. If the baddie was big I would run." His thoughts offered him no comfort. He decided to stop thinking as he passed the corpse of Wiley.

Wiley was a guy that enjoyed the odd extra meal. Smart as a scholar. Quick with worthwhile wisdom. In the end he was a little too curious to see what woman stood 10 feet in height. When he rounded the bush he caught the mythical creature in a very private ceremony that involved changing her tunic. Lance made sure he hid under his bed roll as flat as possible after Wiley's limp body landed neck first after a somersaulting flight through the night air. Lance was sad to lose his friend, and in the end his friend Wiley taught him one last lesson. Shake the bush before you round it on a female horse mythical creature... thing.

Fifty meters behind Lance three butterflies, surprisingly territorial in nature, fell to the ground dead. Plip. Plop. Plump. Lance was unaware of this turning of luck. The last butterfly started to gain on Lance. Not really but it tried. Struggling to protect its hoard of rare rubies, the butterfly knew it most stop this intruder from raiding his humble tree dwelling at the top of the forest canopy, hidden amongst the dark branches, and camouflaged by fake spider web that was the product of many evenings of evolving the ability to make fake spider webs. It was a trait that some of the butterflies thought they could do without, but that is family for you.

Poomp. The fluttery sound of wings stopped. Lance slowed his pace until we was walking with a look of idiotic concentration on his face. Straining to hear any hint of a fluttering of wings Lance mastered his fear and turned ready to stare death right in the face. The butterfly impaled itself on a tree as if to rest but its little heart gave out. Some tongue-like body part hung out of the butterfly's mouth strongly decreeing its death to any explorers not familiar with what a small dog sized butterfly looks like in death.

Lance cried out with happiness. Taking great gulps of air in Lance swore to find some sort of rocket pack or something of the sort next time he visited Rick's Victorian Steam Powered Conveyances for Explorers. Lance thought he might be due for a discount of some sort. Rick promised him one after buying gear for five expeditions at the store. Lance shook his head to bring himself back into the now.

He was struck by how beautiful the scenery was around him. A gentle stream poured a cool mist from high above. The large pale yellow rock surrounding half of the little grotto had a steamy appearance. It was amazing. The green skinned beauties standing behind him with leveled shotguns completed the scene. He stopped as he realized he had just seen the legendary Dryads of the Butterfly Woods, AND THEY HAD SHOTGUNS!

TO BE CONTINUED...

Presenting the Camouflage Scheme for the 66th Cadian Regiment

2010-11-17T16:04:00.000Z

After three hours of using a spray gun, Iwata Eclipse airbrush, Tamiya paints, and multiple compressors my current inventory of Imperial Guard is finished. I swear by spray guns and airbrushing vehicles. It is a beautiful finish, and so much easier to get the effects that you want for your camouflage patterns. My Army will look awesome during the Apocalypse battle on December 4th. Here are my vehicles (they only need some details like treads and pilots painted).

I have some guardsmen to paint now. I feel complete looking at these pictures. Advance 66th Cadian, and sweep away the forces of the archenemy at all costs!

Electric Mumford

2010-11-14T12:51:00.000Z

I just returned from seeing Mumford & Sons in Philadelphia. That was one hell of a show. I would definitely see Mumford again. They rocked out so hard I was just dumbstruck. The amount of expertise and emotion they pour into their music at such a young age is incredible! Cadillac Sky was hilarious as was King Charles. Jokers the lot of them! I had a great time, and Philadelphia was alright. Not great, but alright. Mcgillicuddy bar was a disappointment. They never served me the nachos my friend and I purchased. Where are my nachos Mcgillicuddy?!!!!! I would like to thank my friends that journeyed to Philly with my wife and I. We had a blast.

I finished Storm of Iron and that book was intense. I loved the seesaw of the battle. It truly inspired my thinking of how to plan the Apocalypse battle I scheduled for the 4th of December. I highly suggest reading it if you get a chance. Honsou was a very interesting character, and I cannot wait to read more about him. I am now reading Titanicus. It looks promising so far. Reading about titans can bee scary and depressing... In a good way. I love thinking about my Shadowsword tank killing a Warhound titan the last Apocalypse game. Good times.

Be on the look out for news and pictures from my upcoming 40K Apocalypse battle. It promises to have some unique armies, painted vehicles (mine), and cool scenarios (snowstorms). Stay tuned.

The Battle for Hadax Ridge

2010-11-08T12:42:00.002Z

The suspicious occurrences in the outlying area of Hadax Ridge moved the commanders of the 66th Cadian Mechanized Infantry Regiment (CMIR) to send a patrol out to the area. The main garrison in the area repelled a Chaos Space Marine incursion (no battle was actually fought by either player for this), but the victory was short lived. Chaos' bloody talons gained its grip on the Hadax Ridge area and the patrol sent out to investigate returned to the main garrison badly beaten. Some veteran Kasrkins were so shaken they were deemed unfit for duty until the commissars and priests could rebuild their faith in the Imperium.

The garrison is being fortified to withstand further Daemonic incursions in the region. Psykers have been executed to stop the corruption of the Warp from overwhelming them beyond the control of the Imperium. Calls for assistance are being ignored by a Black Templar Space Marine Company traveling to fight off an Ork invasion on an Imperium planet. The 66th CIMR stands ready to fight off further attacks as night falls on the Hadax Ridge region. Unfortunately on this planet the night last 18 hours... A guardsman's nightmare and a daemon's dream.

The Battle Report
I hate rolling for Dawn of War (roll to see if you can see the enemy to shoot them) and Annihilation (kill points). It's my least favorite mission scenario, and I rarely do well at it. No worries though, I pushed on and tried to learn some new tactics with my new IG (Imperial Guard) army. Death Salvo brought his new Daemon army. We played a 2,000 point list each for the battle. Due to the Daemons going second, and that they deep strike the entire army I had nothing to shoot at on turn 1. Dawn of War visibility handicap managed, early jump on killing off Daemons piecemeal not going so well. I mentioned during Death Salvo's deployment that he should try being aggressive with his deep strikes. This hurt me very badly. Daemons get in there quick and I was badly scattered and ill equipped to handle the invulnerable saves that kept so many Daemons alive despite the withering salvos of my guardsmen. Death Salvo made some unbelievable rolls for 5+ invulnerable saves. His dice were on fire in that regard. My dice were hot too, but we negated each other with Death Salvo's rolls edging me out quite a few times.

Long story short, Death Salvo racked up 10 kill points (I had none, lol) by the end of turn 4, and I had a few units down to a Daemon or two. I was off balance making it terribly difficult to take back control of the battle. Some critical tactic reasons for this was the close proximity of the Daemons to my troops making scattering templates a real hazard and limiting my target options. Another reason is Daemons are tough, they are strong enough to blow up vehicles on a charge. It helped greatly that Khorne Daemons have tons of attacks that allowed their armor killing attacks to slip past the 6+ requirement to hit my fast moving vehicles. All in all, it was still a warm up game for Death Salvo and me. It was his first Daemon game and my 5th IG game.

Finally, targets! They are a little close to my tanks tough...

Space Hobbits one and all, stand fire against the Daemonic onslaught! Only one ratling died, but the unit ran off the table. I still think Ratling Snipers are fun to play with.

Daemonic victory picture moment.

I had a ton of fun playing against this new and challenging army of Daemons Death Salvo brought to play with. I look forward to the battles to come. Who will take Hadax Ridge in the end? Will the battle find the 66th CIMR at their garrison? Is a planetstrike game on the horizon?

Forgeworld Rysm News
I just built two Valkyrie transports and they rock the casbah! I was so excited about playing with my Kasrkin vets figurines that I immediately was inspired with my final painting scheme for my army. It consists of Chaos Black (of course), Charadon grey/brown (whatever it is), Graveyard Earth, Dark Angel Green for plasmaguns (my favorite weapon, because with IG vets you get 3 of them!), etc. I strong brownish earth tones scheme in general. More of a rocky wasteland scheme. I want to use Darksun (the mustard yellow) on my Valkyries with some brown camo marks. I think that would look cool with sky grey undersides.

The Official Debut of the 66th Cadian Regiment

2010-10-28T02:35:00.000+01:00

I played a 2k and 1500 point list of mainly Chimeras, Leman Russ', and Veteran squads all over the place. It was fun playing such a different feeling army. I lost in kill points versus Salamander Space Marines with Vulkan, and I tied Tyranids in capture and control. I have never hurt T6 monsters like I did today with my Cadians. I was rocking out. I am loving my ever growing collection of Kasrkin stormtroopers (I use them as veteran squads). Plasma veterans are so much fun. Rapid firing any other infantry unit is always a fruitful endeavor. I love the grenadier armor. It makes your troops tougher by a mile. The Primaris Psyker was extremely effective. The Commissar was fun but I feel I didn't play him to his potential. Chimeras are golden, but I must get my hands on a Valkyrie and Manticore. That will round out my vehicles nicely. I would really like more Kasrkin plasmaguns. I guess I'll get more meltaguns too but I love plasmaguns now! They are eh with space marines but with IG its a whole other ball game.

Most Anticipated Movie on the Horizon

2010-10-16T15:54:00.000+01:00

SUCKER PUNCH

I need say no more. Samurai, World War II, Dragons, cool cast of characters, and all in the same movie. Heaven.

Good News Galore!

2010-10-15T13:51:00.000+01:00

I am hooked on the Tudors. I can't wait to watch the next episodes. It's good to be the king.

My brother is coming back to the area. His banishment is over, he shall return as a hero.

What I Am Up to Lately

2010-10-14T13:51:00.000+01:00

I just ordered the collector's edition of Ultramarines. I can't wait to have movie night in late November. All I can say is, finally! I thought GW would take until next year just to get the movie out. Thank the Emperor for the finishing of Ultramarines the movie.

I am reading Fairy Tail 12 and it is good. It is all the action and magic you can swallow but I am missing Lucy in the picture. I like her better than Erza. Lucy always seems to be played down. Here's hoping she gets to show off her powers soon.

Zenescope Entertainment, where have you been all my life. I need to get into the Grimm Fairy Tails series and Beyond (After?) Wonderland series. It is like a toned down Heavy Metal. Plus all the main characters are girls. I haven't found the first book in either series at the book store yet. I'll keep hunting though.

Grimm Fairy Tales by Zenescope

Beyond Wonderland by Zenescope

I am in the process of dipping my painted and finished Space Marines and Imperial Guardsmen (mostly Kasrkin). The process is a bit long but it is worth the look and the added protection to the work I've done. I finished putting together a Demolisher Leman Russ, Pedro Kantor, a Death Krieg Commissar, and 3 Sanctioned Pyskers last night. I love when metal models just need their base glued to them. Basically Kasrkin, Ratlings, Sternguard Veterans, and Sanctioned Psykers.

Future Acquisitions are slowing as I need to get a handle on painting what I have. I haven't touched my fantasy army but they are there in all their glory. More soon!

The Casualty Count for the Apocalypse Battle

2010-10-11T14:21:00.000+01:00

The Roster for the 6th Company Raven Guard and the 66th Cadian Mechanized Infantry:

6th Co. Raven Guard
2 Vindicators
3 Land Speeders
2 Dreadnoughts
1 Ironclad Dreadnought
2 Ten man squads of Sternguard Veterans (combi-meltas on all)
2 Drop Pods (Deployed the Sternguard Veterans)
1 Predator
3 Ten man squads of Tactical Marines
3 Rhinos (Deployed the Tactical squads)
1 Kayvaan Shrike
1 Chaplain with a jump pack
5 Vanguard Veterans
1 Land Raider
5 Assault Terminators
2 Five man squads of Terminators

66th Cadian Mech Inf
1 Shadowsword Rex Corax
1 Doomhammer
25 Storm troopers (2 ten man and one five man squads, deployed in doomhammer)
3 Chimeras
3 Veteran squads (deployed in chimeras)
2 Leman Russ tanks

Casualties
KIA: Doomhammer, Leman Russ, 2x Rhinos, Predator, Land Raider, 2x Land Speeder, 10x Terminators, 2x Assault Terminators, 9x Sternguard Veterans, 5x Vanguard Veterans, Kayvaan Shrike, Chaplain, Drop Pod, 13x Tactical Marines.
Wounded: Ironclad Dreadnought was immobilized.

A Huge Battle at the Hobby Shop (12,000 points)

2010-10-10T14:45:00.000+01:00

This was a bit of an impromptu Apocalypse battle. I missed a tournament so I decided to use the day I was going to have for 40K to throw down some serious points. It ended up coming together really well for both sides and we all had a fun time. The sides were like this:

The Ruinous Powers: (2 super heavies)
-Hive Fleet Galganet (6K of Tyranids with a horde of Genestealers and a horde of T6 Monstrous Creatures)
-The Rebel Imperium (combined 6K of Raven Guard Space Marines, Cadian Shadowsword, Cadian Doomhammer, and Imperial Guardsmen)*
Strategems-Careful planning, Shield Generator, Flank March
*Obviously my troops are warriors of the Imperium but for this battle they were mock renegades.

The Imperium: (3 super heavies)
-Blood Angels and Imperial Guard (7K+ with two Warhounds and a Thunderhawk gunship, the Black Templar and greyish space marines)
-Space wolves (3K, mostly infantry)
-Imperial Guard (2K of tanks, tanks, tanks; brownish tanks and guardsmen)
Strategems-Careful planning, Shield Generator, Flank March

Here is a picture of the battlefield.

Advance! The Ruinous Powers Advance.

Genestealers ambush the Imperial Guard command squad and a Leman Russ tank.

The Black Templar Warhound advances into the fray!

A group of Terminators that deep striked.... disappear. Rough Riders are good.

It's getting crazy, which way do we advance?!

The battlefield from a Thunderhawk's view. Where did the Black Templar Warhound go?

The Nids overrun the fortress of Redemption. Easily.

The ruinous forces lose their objective. That Thunderhawk make a huge impact.

Rex Corax at work.

The Rex Corax Shadowsword has it's first titan kill with a little help from a Sternguard Squad in a drop pod with combi-meltas. They dropped all the void shields and structure points in one turn. Heck yea! It was awesome, and the Tyranids watched on with indifference as they munched on Space Wolves.

The Doomhammer is immobilized and the Leman Russ is too. Their existence was short. The Doomhammer will be a Shadowsword next time.

The Imperium fights to retake the Fortress. It was pure... chaos!

Just ouch! My small squad with Shrike was going to disappear quickly.

The ending of the battle saw a healthy tie. The battle for the center objective almost went for the Ruinous Powers had the rough riders and Space Wolves failed their leadership test after the melee. It was a big game and some things that stood out was that Thunderhawks (basically flyers in general) are amazing. Warhound titans are ok, Shadowswords camped near a Shield generator rock, and Tyranids are amazing for rushing objectives. I'd like to thanks all the involved players because this was a fun game with zero arguments. That is how you play 40K. Until the next battle, and more thoughts on the battle later.

Rex Corax

2010-10-07T11:13:00.000+01:00

Here is my baby. I named the Shadowsword Rex Corax. May it's Volcano cannon wreck havoc on the apocalyptic battlefields of the future. The Raven Guard carefully helped craft this super heavy tank for the 66th Cadian Mechanized Infantry Regiment.

It's not done, so wait for the finished product.

Introducing the 66th Cadian Mechanized Infantry Regiment

2010-09-18T14:38:00.002+01:00

The 66th Cadian Mechanized Infantry Regiment was formed with Cadian veteran officers and troopers that fought against the 13th Black Crusade. The 66th Cadian is well known for its veteran infantry platoons and their tenacity to defend the Imperium against the threat of Xenos and Chaos. Utilizing a variety of assault weapons the 66th Cadian favors lightning advances of Chimeras supported by Valkyries. When the mission requires it the 66th will call upon its Storm trooper platoon to help meet mission objectives that have a high degree of difficulty. The loyalty of the 66th to the Imperium is unshakable. They are often called on to lead sweeping advances that signal the beginning of a large Imperial Guard offensive.

66th Cadian Mechanized Infantry Regiment
Commander: Colonel Rysm
Deputy Commander: Major Payne
Garrison: Cadia, scorched earth sector, engaging Traitor Astartes.
Uniform: A mix of temperate forest (greens) and winter (grey white) camouflage.
Unit Mascot: stylized 66 set over lasguns.
Significant Battles Fought: 13th Black Crusade (in the defense of Cadia)
Unit Motto: Advance!

1st Platoon- Wolf
3x 10 veteran grenadier trooper squads with a Chimera for each squad
Valkyrie Vendetta (Whiteout 1)

2nd Platoon- Ranger
3x 10 veteran grenadier trooper squads with a Chimera for each squad

Valkyrie Vendetta (Whiteout 2)

3rd Platoon- Ghost

3x 10 Storm troopers squads with 2x Chimeras

Valkyrie Vendetta (Whiteout 3)

Valkyrie Vendetta (Whiteout 4)

4th Platoon- Hunter

10 veteran scout trooper squad

5 trooper Ratling sniper squad

3 Sentinel Squadron (Frost)

5th Platoon- Aegis

4x 10 white shield trooper squads

3x 3 heavy weapon team white shield squads

2x 6 special weapon team white shield squads

6th Platoon- Hammer

3 Leman Russ Battle Tanks (Mountain)

3 Hydra Flak Tanks (Guardian)

Shadowsword dedicated to Primarch Corax of the Raven Guard (Corax)

Stormlord (Blizzard)

The Raven Guard 6th Company Space Marines at 1500 point Tournament at YHP

2010-09-12T17:17:00.000+01:00

I recently fought in a tournament with my mechanized mayhem Raven Guard Space Marines. My list composed of the following:

1500 points, Raven Guard Space Marines
SM Captain with thunder hammer
5 Sternguard Veterans with rhino (CPT here)
5 Sternguard Veterans with rhino
10 Sternguard Veterans with 2 meltagun combi-bolters with rhino
10 Tactical SM with heavy bolter, flamer, chainsword and bolt pistol for SGT with rhino
10 Tactical SM with meltagun, multi-melta, chainsword and bolt pistol for SGT with rhino
Predator with autocannon and heavy bolters sponsons
Vindicator
Vindicator

I picked this list because I have 20 Sternguard Veterans, they are my favorite unit, and I finally had a chance to use them so why not. They were durable, ate up abuse like it was nothing, and they were as effective as 10 Tactical SM or maybe even better. Their special ammunition is amazing.

I witnessed a neat looking Blood Angel Stormraven before the game. The guy using it was really cool and explained how ti was constructed. Here it is.

Very nice looking model. I love finding unique models like this, except for when I find out I am playing them in the first round, DOH! It was a hilarious coincidence. Here you have it a picture of the Stormraven at work in my first game Raven Guard versus Blood Angels. The game ended with the BA having 9+ kill points and my RG having just one. Some bad rolls paired with a devastating Stormraven hurt me the most. When I mean bad rolls I mean my opponent was rolling well. Hahahaha, c'est la vie.

My next battle was against Necrons and this was a crazy battle that went down to the last second. My opponent's troops kept re-spawning, but he was hating my hellfire rounds. At one point he deep striked his Monolith on an objective that was in difficult terrain. He then proceeded to roll a one and become immobilized for the rest of the game. I advanced into withering salvos of fire without the help of my neutered Vindicators (one destroyed, the other weapon destroyed and guess which weapon). In a desperate assault Captain Brennus of the Raven Guard made the Necrons flee from the 5th objective with his Sternguard Veteran squad giving the Raven Guard 3 objectives and a win in the final seconds of the game. Wow, that was awesome, dramatic, sensational, and a game winner at the buzzer. Here is the immobilized Monolith, and the second picture is the scene of the final assault that won the game just before I assaulted the Necrons holding the objective at the time. The objective was right next to a factory building centered on the side visible. It was a glorious showing by my Captain and Sternguard Veterans and I wish I had taken a picture of the assault after the Necrons had fled the objective.

My last battle was against some really cool Salamander Space Marines. Vulkan was present and I was taking nasty fire from a Techmarine with a Thunderfire Cannon. I was able to clear his troops off his one objective and hold mine for the remainder of the game. It was close for a while because he almost killed my Tactical SM holding my objective, he had already killed off one combat squad. Yikes. A well timed charge silenced the Techmarine and his toy. I was some how able to not take the brunt of a 10 strong Terminator squad with lighting claws and thunder hammers and storm shields. My Vindicators were killing terminators, scouts, and tactical marines by the boat load. I was able to get the jump on a flamer and melta weapon specializing Space Marine army. Lucky for me. This game put me over the top and placed me in 4th place for the Tournament. Here is a picture of the beginning moves, the opposing objectives were across from each other on the roofs of the two right hand buildings. Also this Dreadnought was not fielded but it is an example of the artistic talent of my opponent. Just amazing!

It was a great day, all my opponents were fun and honorable warriors, one even went as far as to say the game we played was the best he has ever played/enjoyed. I was honored to hear this. I had a ton of fun and I ended up ranking 4th place (sweet!) with my panzergrenadier Raven Guard list. Not very Raven Guard but I wanted to try something different. I owe a lot to my friends Death Salvo (who visited the tournament), Inquisitor Lord Hannibal (who's son was born healthy that day, thank the Emperor), and my 40K mentor Scott (he isn't playing 40K at the moment but he is a wealth of knowledge). They prepared me for so much, not to mention they have to listen to my crazy ideas.

Battle in the Desert 2,000 points Tyranids versus 1k IG and 1K SM Raven Guard

2010-09-04T02:34:00.000+01:00

So far this battle takes the cake. There was a ton of high point models on the table and the killing never stopped. There were 5 objectives that we scattered across the table. The terrain was mostly low walls and craters. We deployed with spearhead with the Imperium going first. I kept a unit of SM Scouts, Land Speeder, and a Storm Trooper squad in reserve. Hive Galganet deployed everything with 2 Trygons staring me in the face with the intent to steal the initiative. In hindsight we might have crept into the 12" circle in the center of the table but it wasn't by much I don't think.

Turns 1-2
Five inch ordinance templates, combi-plasmaguns, meltaguns, and heavy bolters brought the hurt to the Trygons. There was desperate salvo after salvo as I did everything to bring down the biggest threats on the table, or so I thought.

On the other hand the Hive Guard popped tanks and shot up infantry. They shined with their great supporting fire. They weathered counter-fire easily because of the target saturation on the board of Tryanid monstrous creatures everywhere! The Tyranifex did decent. A Trygon flipped the Vindicator. Both Tervigons rolled doubles early in the game while birthing termagaunts. This was devastating, but not game breaking.

Turns 3-4
Two Trygons dead, but the forces of the Imperium are some what scattered as the Storm Troopers come in with the Scouts in a flanking maneuver on a less than desirable side of the table. Hive Tyrants hurt. The Land Speeder zooms around trying to kill off some termagaunts while trying to stay alive. The Raven Guard Sternguard Veterans and Librarian are still alive despite retreating and losing 6 of their number to shooting. They advance into the center of the board with a unit of IG veterans in a silly advance towards no objectives. Oh well, did I mention I killed 2 Trygons? The left flank is crumbling for the Imperium whereas if I had advanced into the right flank I would have had better luck.

The Tyranid shooting obliterated all the infantry reserves, killed off all but 1 tank, and they still finished it off with a charge. Hive Fleet Galganet took 4 objectives with the Imperium only holding 1. It was looking dire so naturally the meltaguns veteran guardsmen charge the Tyranifex. The Tervigon felt left out so it joined the part. The Nids won that one, but the Emperor would have been proud. The game wrapped up at the start of turn 5 with the Tyranids winning.

Highlights:
-Hive Guard are a must!
-Sternguard are very versatile, and even better with a transport.
-Grenadiers is a good option for IG veteran squads.
-Plasma is great against nids.
-Monstrous Creatures are just brilliant. They take such a beating it is crazy.
-The Hive Tyrant was tough with the 2+ armor add-on.
-Termagaunts do better with toxin sacs.

I had so much fun playing this game. Here are some pictures of the game.

The Battle is set! Can the Trygons steal the initiative? No, thank the Emperor!

One Trygon bites the dust after a ridiculous amount of shooting.

Two dead Trygons, and I think it is obvious how lucky I was but the situation got away from me and now I am out of position.

Send in the reserves! Ah crap, wrong side!

For the Emperor! Stow the meltaguns boys. It's time to use your bayonets. We die so that others may live. Right?!

The Ground Will Quake!

2010-08-26T14:13:00.000+01:00

I am really excited because I purchased two, yes two Shadowswords yesterday. I bought them in preparation for the September Apocalypse game I am organizing. I will post pictures as I build the center pieces to my Raven Guard Space Marines and Cadian Mechanized Regiments. Although I read some cool quotes about the Death Korps of Krieg involving the Tarsis Ultra campaign and I was in love with their style immediately. One Shadowsword is getting the Raven Guard treatment but the other is getting the Imperial Guard Treatment. I wonder what the Death Korps of Krieg painting scheme looks like? Perhaps I will make a unit of Death Korps for my next project. First I want to make three 10 man squads of Kasrkin with either Chimeras or Valkyries for transport. After that I will work on Death Korps formations of Heavy Weapon squads, Infantry Platoons, Leman Russ', Artillery, etc. So much to do.

The Store Keeps Closing Too Early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-23T22:10:00.000+01:00

Here are some pictures from my latest game against Death Salvo's Tyranids. It was 2K Tyranids versus 1K of Imperial Guard and 1K of Raven Guard Space Marines. I made sure my force organization did not go over the limit with both lists combined.

Setup, I am Deployed but Death Salvo is thinking of what to put in reserve.

I guess a lot went into reserve.

Here come the reserves! Watch out, Trygon Prime!

All units kill those beasts! A whole turn of shooting and only 3 wounds on the Trygon Prime. Not good.

The Onion! If you don't know, you just don't know.

We didn't get to finish the game but it was fun. We are going to use the same lists for a future game. Until then! An apocalypse battle in October needs to be planned.

A Pleasant Modelling Experience

2010-08-22T13:17:00.000+01:00

I just put together 10 boltgun/heavy bolter space marine scouts. It was fun modelling the scouts as they were easy to put together and add bits to further enhance their tough appearance. I have a feeling I am going to like maneuvering them around the game table a whole lot more.

Ebay has been very helpful in ramping up my little arms race. I should have a really nice representation for my Raven Guard 6th Company in the future. Can you handle 2 Vindicators!? That should be interesting.

Upgraded Scouts, Kasrkin, and Ebayz

2010-08-16T13:10:00.000+01:00

I was so annoyed yesterday with my Sniper Rifle Scouts I went ahead and bought some boltgun Space Marine Scouts for less than half their price on ebay. I was really lucky finding the deals. I also found 10 Kasrkin for $15. Yes I bought them. They have a going price of $41.25! Naturally I thought they needed a better home. I can't wait to build my Scouts and field them. I think I will like moving them around more and getting those objectives while firing with effect with boltguns. We'll see.

News from the Frontlines Tyranids versus Raven Guard 1K

2010-08-15T15:35:00.000+01:00

Here are some pictures from the game. It was fun and I can't wait until my army is fully painted.

Deployment.

Turn 2 Advance. The objective is the crystal amidst all the Termagants.

Ouch! That much Termagants will make anyone's day worse.

A cool Predator. Not mine though.

Contact Established with Hive Fleet Galganet

2010-08-15T15:21:00.000+01:00

I played a 1000 point game against Death Salvo and his Tyranids yesterday. There was one objective and we rolled scatter dice for all terrain and the objective. Death Salvo ended up gaining the objective in his deployment zone. We rolled off for sides and he and I both rolled 6's and then the second roll he rolled a 6 and I rolled a 5. So naturally the objective was contested immediately. The restrictions for this game was no space marine vehicles and only one heavy choice for the Tyranids. The winner gets a 8"x8" strong point in their deployment zone for the next battle which will be 1500 points no list restrictions.

The battle saw the Tyranids deploy 3 Tervigons, a Trygon, 3 Hive Guard (or maybe that other guard unit), and lastly plenty of birthed Termagants. I deployed 2 small squads of regular Terminators, a Librarian with Smite and Avenger, a Tactical Squad with plasma cannon and flamer, a small Devastator squad with 2 heavy bolters and 2 missile launchers, and a 10 man Scout squad with sniper rifles and a missile launcher.

Predictably I advanced my Terminators towards the objective while firing away at the growing Termagant masses (luckily 2 Tervigons exhausted themselves on turn 2). I was doing great killing unit after unit of Termagants until I reached assault range and was assaulted by the Trygon (good bye Librarian and Termies) and two 11+ Termagant squads on my Tactiacl Squad (good bye Tactical Squad). To Death Salvo's credit he totally setup a beautiful trap on the objective, patiently was shot at for 3 turns, and was a very fair opponent. I was literally wiped away from the objective on Turn 4, the turn of charges. That was game over for me. I still had a Devastator squad, a Scout squad (that didn't hit crap!), and... and a lone Scout hoping not to be shot at by Hive Guard again. It was a victory for the Hive Fleet Galganet Tyranids.

I made some personal goals for my one man campaign. I rolled on a table of personal mission and I had the mission where I had to kill 4+ units of the enemy (Neutralize enemy Forces in the Sector). I believe I did do this. Death Salvo will correct me if I am wrong. With that personal mission being a success I lost the game mission but obtained my personal objective. That counts as a Hard Fought Victory on my campaign chart. Yay! Next game will be a tough one though. Hive Fleet Galganet and the Raven Guard know where each other is. A big battle looms on the horizon. Cue dramatic music.

***A note of Scouts with sniper rifles. They are horrible, they look cool, but they are down right horrible. I have done nothing worthwhile with them other then assault a squad of IG troops and win. That was a fluke. If you use Scouts use boltguns or bolt pistol with a close combat weapon (each setup with the heavy bolter with hellfire rounds). This allows the Scouts to move more, kill more, and make a bigger impact on your game. Both the boltgun and close combat setup allow you scouts more shots or a shot with a follow up assault. This is needed to get kills because trying to hit with sniper rifles will drive you insane. You never hit anything, you never wound anything, and the target always makes their cover or armor saves. It is frustrating and I officially hate sniper rifle Scouts. I will be using my sniper rifle Scouts as boltgun Scouts next game. Never again will I use sniper rifles because they do suck terribly.***

I finally received my Apocalypse Rulebook. Yay! I am so planning a big battle in the next few months.

My friend played in the NOVA Open with his Skaven and left with a record of 3 Wins and 1 Loss. I am hoping he did well enough to get to Vegas for that Tourney. He played a great tournament in my opinion. I wish I could have watched the glorious battles in person.

Escalation, Hive Fleet Galganet Detected

2010-08-14T15:29:00.000+01:00

The war room was silent. The sergeants and captain of the 6th Raven Guard company all considered the communication they just finished listening to. The PDF commander of Ertos III screamed in agony as he made his last transmission that Tyranids were assaulting the PDF positions near the main Imperium colony on the planet. Captain Brennus grunted in irritation. He was hoping to get to the Cadian Gate within the next two months to help lift the Chaos Space Marine siege.

"We have to investigate this," Captain Brennus announced.

Chaplain Korvus nodded his agreement, "I will tell Librarian Hyde of your intentions, he must prepare for this challenge."

"Yes, Korvus that is a good idea. Sergeant Quenterran make the scouts ready for a patrol mission that will likely require them to hold off a horde before we can pool 6th company's resources for a full on assault," Captain Brennus ordered.

Sergeant Quenterran cocked an eyebrow and replied, "It is unlike you to want to face the enemy with the combined force of the company. Primarch Corax would have us strike the enemy with multiple attacks on several different fronts to further weaken his forces."

"That is precisely what we will be doing Sergeant Quenterran, but Tyranids tend to be in massive hordes at the heart of their strength, and so the entire company will be required to split into multiple strike units to operate in the areas surrounding the Tyranids main concentration. Emperor help us if they gain access to Ertos IV. If that daemon world is harvested we will have a future fight on our hands to rival that of Tarsis Ultra," the captains words left all in the room thinking of ways to hunt down the Tyranids. Captain Brennus knew that ultimately it was not you that were the hunter when fighting Tyranids but often the hunted.

The sergeants were dismissed to make preparations for land fall. Captain Brennus knew a lot of the fighting would come down to Librarian Hyde's ability to battle the Tyranids psychic attacks. He trusted the 6th company's ability to withstand the punishment they would see under the harsh waves of charging xenos.

A Variant of the Steel Legion List

2010-08-10T12:12:00.000+01:00

2,000 point Imperial Guard

HQ
-Command Squad: Captain with bolt pistol, 2 troops with grenade launchers, 1 troop with a plasmagun, 1 vox caster troop. Chimera with multi-laser and heavy bolter.

Troop
-Veteran Squad: sergeant with bolt pistol, 3 meltaguns, grenadiers, vox caster, chimera with multi-laser and heavy bolter.
-Veteran Squad: sergeant with bolt pistol, 3 meltaguns, grenadiers, vox caster, chimera with multi-laser and heavy bolter.
-Veteran Squad: sergeant with bolt pistol, 3 plasmaguns, grenadiers, vox caster, chimera with multi-laser and heavy bolter.
-Veteran Squad: sergeant with bolt pistol, 3 flamers, grenadiers, vox caster, chimera with multi-laser and heavy bolter.

Fast
-3 Armored Sentinels with autocannons.
-3 Scout Sentinels with autocannons.

Heavy
-2 Leman Russ' with battle cannon and lascannon.
-2 Leman Russ' with demolisher cannons with heavy bolter and heavy bolter sponsons.

I think there are still some point left for either a heavy weapons squad or a hydra.

**This is based off a list I saw on Imperialis Domanitus, and I give the blogger full credit for thinking the basis of the list up. I am only showing what changes I would make to the list based on my rough understanding of the Steel Legion theme.**

Approximately 1300 point skirmish IG vs Raven Guard

2010-08-08T17:03:00.001+01:00

I had a window of time to play some 40K last night so I played 3 turns of a quick skirmish with my friend Death Salvo. I played my toned down Raven Guard, and Death Salvo played my IG veteran squads using Rhinos as Chimeras. We played the table length wise and had to rush to set terrain up and there was one objective on the IG side of the table.

Turn 1: IG Leman Russ', Armored Sentinels with autocannons, and Chimeras (plus mortar) kill my chaplain, 3 Assault Squad Marines, and a Land Speeder Tornado. This immediately puts me in a bind.

Drop Pod deep strikes with 10 Sternguard with combi-meltas and destroy a Leman Russ and destroy all weapons and mobility of the Command Squads Chimera. All other troops advance.

Turn 2: IG immobilizes a Rhino, kills all but 1 Sternguard Veteran, and blows up my drop pod.

I advance further and my missile launchers do basically nothing all game. This is frustrating and I am beginning to think Multi-Melta is the way to go because when you hit a tank you want to make sure something bad happens to it without failing to penetrate its armor.

Long story short, the IG owned my Raven Guard. Death Salvo barely knew the rules for IG and he did this well. Think of how deadly he'll be with his ever growing force of Tyranids. Good game, very educational.

I will try and post my lists tomorrow.

Soul Eater gets 5 Stars!

2010-08-08T16:47:00.001+01:00

I have almost finished the first 13 or so episodes of Soul Eater. I am loving this show! It has cool characters, great drawing, the stories have interesting twists, and I think the voice actors do the show justice. Soul Eater has a different feel to it that I was unsure that I would like but I definitely do like this series. I'll have to buy the next season. I give Soul Eater 5 stars. It packs humor, action, and good music all in one hell of a ride.

One last thing, I can't decide who my favorite team or characters are. Soul and Maka are cool, but Tsubaki has some real cool things going for her. Kid Death is a bit dramatic but he has hilarious moments with the Thompson twins Liz and Patty, who happen to be really cool too. Liz and Patty are guns in weapon form so.... that might win them the popularity contest. Although Tsubaki can now turn into a bad ass Katana. Decisions decisions.

40K Zen

2010-08-06T15:17:00.000+01:00

The Raven Guard 6th Company (my own 40K army, and probably others too, but I like mine best) is alive and well. There is no changing to Blood Angels in the future, or any other chapter for that matter. Unless of course I collect so many Space Marines that I need to start a new chapter. That is way in the future though. The fact of the matter is that my despair over not having any luck with my game play is plain and simply my fault as a new 40K player. The internet community of fellow Codex space marine players have offered enough advice that I think I finally get it. I think I have the knowledge to wield my army appropriately now. I also think I can make a Raven Guard list worthy of the chapter's tactics. I am very happy right now, and enjoying any games I can get in. I have some Imperial Guard troops that are light on vehicles but can be added to make fun allied scenarios. Can't you just see the Cadian's trying to hold on until the Raven Guard deep strikes to their aid? I can't wait to do that scenario. I still have much painting to do but it should all come about some time soon. A fully painted Raven Guard 6th Company with IG Cadian auxilaries. It'll be cool.

A word on James Joyce,
I was assigned in my literature class to read Joyce's Proteus, frankly I couldn't. The work was confusing, ill constructed, and maddening full of obscure language and mythilogical references that I didn't even recognize. I won't ever read Joyce again. That was garbage. Hopefully some one gets it and enjoys it because he seems real popular for some reason. I don't know why I must admit. Oh well, enough writer bashing.

Legion of the Damned and More!

2010-08-03T12:35:00.000+01:00

I am still collecting crucial pieces to my Raven Guard Space Marine inventory. My next acquisitions will be heavy flamer and flamer troops. I recently bought a Legion of the Damned (LotD) Flamer and Heavy Flamer troopers. I will probably get a few more though because they have the burning torch on their backpack that looks awesome. Next I will be getting Space Marine Bikers, another Vindicator, and a squad of Legion of the Damned troops. I put a priority on the Legion of the Damned Squad, and more Flamers from LotD.

Future army list building change. I will make one tactical squad assault oriented by not adding a heavy weapon, or by adding a heavy bolter. This will allow me to freely advance the squad into combat without thinking of ways to get a single missile shot by not moving. I want these guys to move. I would have two flamers if I could in the squad but I can't. I think I will keep my Sternguard squads small with flamers added to make them a real killy unit. You can't beat 7 Sternguard shooting up an opposing infantry unit and charging it with their high amount of attacks if the situation requires it.

Raven Guard and Tyranids (WHAT!) versus Sisters of Battle - 1750 points

2010-08-03T12:12:00.000+01:00

Another fun game. I'll admit the fluff is going to great lengths to explain the nid and space marine alliance, but who cares. It was quite a bttle. We rolled annihilation (kill points) and pitched battle deployment. I think the kill point scenario hurt both the 750 points of nids and my space marines because with all the Imperial Guard auxilaries the Sisters had access to was astounding. The Chimeras were the MVP of the game. With all the multi-laser and heavy bolters on the Sisters side of the table it forced my team to advance to take out the long distance threat. I think the game was well played by my team, but once again Hannibalsw's Sisters of Battle played a great game. It was a win for the Sisters of Battle at 12 kill points to 4 kill points.

Lessons learned:
-Armor keeps your infantry alive longer. This needs to be stressed from time to time... because I forget it.
-Soulless assassins are nasty.
-Flamers are so great for starting off an assault. In fact they usually make it so you don't need to assault.

Sisters of Battle MVP: IG Chimeras
Raven Guard (Space Marines) MVP: None
Tyranids MVP: Tervigons (They birthed so many termagaunts, or 30 each, easily.)

And now for some pictures!

The right flank effort. I painted a Tactical Squad as Raptors (a sub chapter of the Raven Guard), they are the green guys in the building to the far right. Most of the fighting took place here and the far left of the battlefield with the center being just a skirmishing area.

Another view of the right flank as the Tyranids and Raven Guard advance to assault the building.

The left flank starts to get crazy. Zerg rush! Ah... I mean Nid rush. Silly Starcraft II.

Lightning Claws on the Prowl

2010-07-31T06:57:00.000+01:00

My latest Raven Guard additions.

Nevermind the IG Sentinel in the background!