Friday, September 23, 2011
WIP: Grey Knights Razorback
A tad crooked and not perfect, but I am happy with the results of my first Razorback - heck any 40K vehicle. A lot of painting still to do on it and some more assembly, but it's getting there!
Labels:
Grey Knights,
painting,
razorback,
works in progress
Book Review: Galaxy in Flames
Where Horus Rising excelled at character development and False Gods pushed the plot forward, the strength in Galaxy in Flames by Ben Counter was in the detailed action and combat scenes. It was difficult for me to get into this book for the first 40-50 pages but I am glad I slogged through them, because it turned out to be an awesome action-filled combat book. Much as movies like Saving Private Ryan brought World War 2 to gruesome life, so did Galaxy in Flames did for the Horus Heresy and the battle of Isstvan III.
It is a toss up for me on which book I liked better so far - Horus Rising or Galaxy in Flames. This book was all about the combat and the detailed battle scenes were second to none. All through these first three books of the Horus Heresy, you can't help but wish that the Warmaster would change his direction - though as a player we already know the answer to that.
Well written, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and learning more about Garro. The Flight of the Eisenstein is also by James Swallow, who wrote the Blood Angels books and my favorite series (Blood Angels Omnibus) that I've read in the 40K Universe up to this point.
Labels:
black library,
Book Review,
Horus Heresy,
Warhammer 40K
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Newb Army A.D.D. Update
Since determining that I would be focusing on building two Space Marine chapter armies and combing them as I built each up, I've finally decided on which chapters.
I am thinking of going with a White Scars army and a Salamanders army. While still in the developmental phase and potential army list building, I'm looking at a Fast Attack army for the White Scars, focusing on bikes and Drop Pod Assaults and the Salamanders focusing on heavy support and a mechanized force.
I'm also seriously considering bringing in a Veteran Squad in either or both armies of Deathwatch to add some extra firepower and flavor to the armies. I haven't decided which or both yet to include them in. Again, all of this is just developing concepts.
I am pretty sure about the Salamanders, but the White Scars is still out for debate, even if an internal one. The other factor is since it is possible that the next edition will be out by then, I might see what is in the box set like with Assault on Black Reach and make a decision then that may affect the second army. Rumors have it that it will be completely Xenos and Chaos versus Eldar or something like that, but I'm in the camp that it doesn't make sense, as Space Marine armies are too successful to GW for them to drop them but of the edition starter box, but we will see.
Labels:
armies,
Deathwatch,
Salamanders,
Space Marines,
White Scars
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Book Review: False Gods
False Gods pretty much takes up where Horus Rising left off. The shift to Chaos is a pretty quick and slippery one, though you can see that the setup for such a fall took a long time to setup. False Gods has a quicker pace than Horus Rising and I found myself getting worried for a couple of the characters. How it all ends up I suppose we will find out in the next book Galaxy in Flames.
Overall I think this book was on par with Horus Rising but because the pace seems quicker, there is a loss of character development that Dan Abnett worked hard on setting up. It's not that there isn't any character development, it's just not as in depth as in Horus Rising. Still, I am very much enjoying the story of the Horus Heresy.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Couple photos from 'Ard Boys Semi-Finals at Bud's Place
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Newb Army A.D.D. Part 4
As discussed in my last post on the subject, I like the idea of building two armies at once and thus leaving me with 3 armies to field when they are done. Granted this means it won't be until late 2012 at the earliest and realistically into 2013. This means that both Dark Eldar and Blood Angels have been pushed off the shelf - for now. I definitely want to play these armies in the future, but since this is the harsh arena of process of elimination, they are gone. For now.
This leaves the choice of building a Chaos Space Marines and a Chaos Demon army together, or building two Space Marine armies together. So which two do I go for? Some things to consider:
- I already have or will have a Grey Knights army. In both of my options I'm still playing around with Space Marines, though in one I can also play with Demons.
- Space Marines armies are a dime a dozen, but building them is usually cheaper (according to some).
- 6th Edition will be out by the time either of these choices are built. Can probably count on these both being updated to 6th edition by the time they are built with new codex's.
- Both have great support through Forge World and GW shows them all some love.
The Space Marines.
The next step is to decide which two chapters I want to build. In a perfect world, I'll choose two that compliment each other, just in case I get half way through and settle on a unified army of two chapters instead of two individual chapters. In a perfect world I'll end up with two outstanding armies.
So my next step is to decide which two armies. They will both need to be radically different in terms of tactical organization, so I'm not just playing the same army painted two different ways. My options are nearly endless with the combinations, but I will be keeping to established chapters from the lore of the 40K universe. Possibilities include but are not limited to:
- Ultramarines
- Salamanders
- White Scars
- Ravenguard
- Howling Gryphons (Badab era)
- Carcharodons (Badad era)
Friday, September 16, 2011
WIP: Grey Knights Razorback
I can see now why people have so much fun painting tanks. Fairly straight forward and a lot easier than a regular miniature. Most of the pieces, and the chassis has been primed. Some white, some black, a lot grey.
I don't have weathering powders yet, but I do intend on getting them in the near future. For now, I've just done some work with highlighting/dry brushing on the tracks and using Badab Black Wash on the smokestacks and floor of the Razorback.
I didn't go super detail on the interior communications wall, as in the end it will only be visible from a few inches away and in an enclosed space. However, I think it will show up just nicely once it is all put together.
Next up, I need to the rest of the interior and then I will put the Chassis together and start working on more details and getting the outside hull painted appropriately.
Labels:
Grey Knights,
painting,
razorback,
works in progress
New Items from Forge World
The very cool looking Dark Eldar Tantalus (above) and Land Raider Proteus (below). Not available for order yet and debuting for sale on September 25th at Game Day.
Labels:
Dark Eldar,
forge world,
Space Marines,
Warhammer 40K
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Newb Army A.D.D. Part 3
When I left off last, I had narrowed down my selection of potential second armies to the following:
- Blood Angels
- Chaos Demons
- Chaos Space Marines
- Dark Eldar
- Space Marines
The Blood Angels is a strong army, with fluff that I really like. No, I'm not a romantic emo-vamp lover, but I like the Blood Angels from what I've read (codex, Omnibus) and from what I've seen on the gaming table.
The Dark Eldar is an awesome looking army, with a roguish style that appeals to me (I usually end up playing Rogue characters in RPG's, MMO's). I like the fluff, their models, the tactics. I don't even mind the fact that they are glass cannons.
Chaos Demons. Awesome looking models and from what I've heard, a decent army.
Chaos Space Marines. According to various reports I've heard and read, I really like the versatility of this army. I like the fluff and think that some of the traitor marine chapters look really good in the modeling aspect.
The Space Marines. I have no doubt that while it will take years, I'll have plenty of Space Marines. I'm particularly interested in building chapter fluff armies, including Ravenguard, Salamanders, White Scars, Ultramarines, Howling Gryphons and Carcharodons. Maybe even pre-heresy Luna Wolves.
As I mentioned in the beginning it may make sense in making two armies at once depending on the mix. For examples:
- Chaos Space Marines and Chaos Demons. It is my understanding that Chaos Space marines can have Chaos Demons in their ranks. To me it makes sense to build these two armies together, with perhaps a little more emphasis on the Chaos Space Marines and finishing off with a Chaos Demon army when building them.
- Space Marines chapters. This makes sense to me, though also means that while building the armies I may be playing fluff, with two chapters representing until each chapter is done. Not sure which two chapters I'd start with though.
- The Blood Angels and Dark Eldar IMO are pretty similar and if I go with either of these armies, while I am sure I will get the other I'm not so sure I'm interested in building them together if that makes sense. It just doesnt' feel like a good mesh like the above two examples. Whichever army I do go with between these two though also means I'll be pushing the other one back until a later date.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
WIP: Grey Knights
I got a lot done today in the hobby (for me at least). I got the first coat of Skull White painted on the helmets and shoulder pads of the 5-man Purifier Squad.
I also started on some weapon details for my Terminator/Paladin Squad.
Last, but not least, I have the whole chassis cut from the Razorback sprue and have started to prime it. I'll be finishing the prime later tonight before work. If, I can keep this up, I'll have the start of my army done in no time!
Labels:
Grey Knights,
painting,
Paladin,
Purifiers,
Terminator,
works in progress
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Newb Army A.D.D. Part 2
I think a great place to begin when deciding which army I would like to collect next is to present which armies I do not want and why. This will either help or might just be an exercise in the process of elimination. In either case it seems a good place to start.
- Armies I'm not interested in:
- Black Templars. Not crazy about the models nor the background from what little I've been exposed to.
- Dark Angels. As with the Black Templars.
- Sisters of Battle. Cool models and was one of the first things that exposed me to the 40K iniverse that caught my attention. I'm just not crazy about their special rules.
- Orks. They just don't appeal to me. I like fighting them, but don't see myself as an Ork player.
- Tyranids. While they do look cool, I'm just not into them right now. As a side note and I have to admit some selfishness here, if my wife ever gets into 40K, she has already declared that the Tyranids is what is most interested in. This means if she does end up playing one day, I'll most likely have access to a Tyranid Army anyway. While tempting to collect to maybe push her a little into 40K, at the end of the day if she does not get into it, I'm not ready or willing to be stuck with a Tyranid army yet.
- Eldar. I like the lore and fluff about these guys, I'm just not crazy about their models.
- Tau. Communists. 'Eh' models. I'll pass.
- Space Wolves. While powerful and looks good, I'm just not crazy about them. Passing for now.
- Necrons. Upcoming release soon, expected bad-assery. I remember thinking these models were cool looking way back in the day. Here and now though, just not that interested. Passing for now.
- Blood Angels
- Chaos Space Marines
- Chaos Demons
- Space Marines
- Dark Eldar
- Imperial Guard
Next time, I'll take a look those armies remaining and see if I can't distill them down even further and perhaps even come up with a couple of finalists.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Newb Army A.D.D. Part 1
So here I am, just getting started on my first army - the Grey Knights. Scheduled to perfection, or not, I should be fielding a full 2000 point army by my birthday in March or shortly thereafter with some for a sideboard.
Yet, I'm already thinking of my next army. The one that will come after the Grey Knights. I'm considering making purchases for it as early as the end of this year or the beginning of next year while still finishing up my first army. Army A.D.D. is in full swing.
Not many people know this - actually only 1 or 2, but my first army was going to be Space Marines. Then, even as I was budgeting out and preparing to buy quite the expansive army (used) the Blood Angels came out and caught my eye. My first game to end in something other than a loss was proxing a Blood Angels army (a tie, I've yet to win, though in fairness have barely played just over a dozen games).
Then the Grey Knights came out and I was ready to start buying my first army and they were all shiney and new, seemed easy to paint, had some powerful options and I really like the fluff. Grey Knights it is and I'm very happy with them and looking forward to playing them more. It's even looking like by next month I may be able to get my game on in a more consistent manner.
Perhaps because I do like to plan out so far in advance, I'm in the mode lately of trying to figure out what armies I want to eventually have and which one should go next. Or should I build two armies at the same time? I figure I'm not the only one with 40K Army A.D.D. so I decided to write about it - not just for my own sake but other newbs out there as well. So let's look at the army choices out there:
- Dark Angels
- Black Templars
- Blood Angels
- Grey Knights
- Space Wolves
- Space Marines (various chapters, themes, pre and post heresy)
- Chaos Space Marines (renegades, pre and post heresy, etc)
- Chaos Demons
- Orks
- Tau
- Eldar (various Craft worlds)
- Dark Eldar (various Kabals, Cults and Covens)
- Imperial Guard
- Sisters of Battle
- Tyranids
- Necrons
- My current Army. The Grey Knights is an Elite army, good for mid-range shooting and a middle of the board game strategy (for the most parts). They are MEQ (Space Marine Equivelant) and are indeed Space Marines; just specilaized. If, I want to go in another direction with my second army, I need to keep this in mind.
- Do I want to go with more shooty or more assaulty with my next Army? What strategies do I want to work with?
Sunday, September 11, 2011
WIP: Grey Knight Stuff and Hobby Updates
I haven't been able to find too much time lately for painting and assembly, but I did manage to pick up my first Razorback and have started clipping the pieces from the sprue and seeing how they will eventually go together. I've decided that this Razorback will be straight from the box without any conversions, so I can learn how to put one together. Future Razorbacks for my Grey Knight army will include doors from Forge World.
Painting-wise, I manage to do some Mithril Silver highlighting and some Gryphonne Sepia Washing earlier this week.
And then earlier tonight added some Burnished Gold highlighting to the gold lettering...
... and started on the Beached Bone layer for the helmets and shoulderpads of the Purifiers and start work on the skulls and seals. Only a couple of models made it this far (the Beached Bone layer) but I may get a chance to finish this layer later tonight, along with some more clipping out the Razorback.
My next step, after finishing the Beached Bone layer, is to wash the areas (except shoulderpads and helmets) in Gryphonne Sepia wash and put another layer of Beached Bone on the helmets and shoulderpads. I'll also finish clipping out the Razorback. My goal is to have all of this finished by mid-week, but as with everything that I schedule beyond work and school, we shall see.
In other hobby news, I will be going down to Bud's Place on Saturday morning to watch the first round of the 'Ard Boys semi-finals, which I am looking forward to. I've started Galaxy in Flames and a book review of False Gods will be appearing on the blog here later this month. Other than that, I've just been listening to a lot of podcasts and exploring themed and fluffy Space Marine lists (especially those for Salamanders and Ravenguard).
Labels:
Grey Knights,
painting,
Purifiers,
update,
works in progress
Monday, September 5, 2011
Book Review: Horus Rising
After reading this great novel, I have to say that I am glad I waited until I understood some of the 40K Universe history before picking this book up. While the book is written in such a way, that the universe will reveal itself to you as you go, there are some reveals in this book that just make so much more sense and has much more of an awe factor if you wait until you have some of the basic concepts of the 40K universe down. Specifically who are the Xenos, the Imperium, Chaos and perhaps a little bit about Space marines in general.
This information I came across outside of the book through the fluff in codexes and the general rulebook, along with conversations with friends more knowledgeable about the 40K universe than I. The result is that I was able to follow the novel pretty well and was genuinely surprised and completely understood the significance of some of the reveals in this book.
I've heard good things about Dan Abnett the author and had even listened to an interview with him before picking up the book. I did find it a tad slow getting into for the first 30 or so pages, but by then I was sucked in and kept coming back for more as the story progressed. So much so, by the last third of the book I had a hard time putting it down at all.
Strongly recommended but IMO more for someone who has at least some of the basics of the 40K universe down first. I think the reader, like myself, will get just that much more enjoyment out of it.
Labels:
Book Review,
Horus Heresy,
Space Marines,
Warhammer 40K
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Why 40K? Part Two
Conclusion
While many other games have a variety of these aspects, Warhammer 40K is the only one to have them all. Furthermore they are so interwoven that it becomes this incredible well rounded hobby that scratches the itch of so many of my interests.
For examples:
Social Aspects, Cooperative Play and Competiveness is found in most other gaming systems, sometimes seperate, sometimes together.
I still like a good RPG and fantasy world and while some are on par with Warhammer 40K (D&D worlds such as Forgotten Realms or Ebberon; MMO world's such as Eve Online and World of Warcraft; RPG worlds such as Rifts; fantasy worlds such as Middle Earth), I can't think of any that I would put above when encompassing all of the other aspects named here. This isn't to say an interest in these other fantasy worlds doesn't still exist - they do!
Intellect, Artistic Aspects, Cinematic Imagination and Story-Telling can be found in other games as well, especially those of miniature table-top wargaming and many RPG's, but again with the lack of other aspects to be found. When it comes to story-telling and fantasy worlds, the only other gaming system even half-way close to 40K is D&D and then yet again, falls short in the other aspects of the hobby.
The Warhammer 40K sparks and satisfies my eclectic interests of:
While many other games have a variety of these aspects, Warhammer 40K is the only one to have them all. Furthermore they are so interwoven that it becomes this incredible well rounded hobby that scratches the itch of so many of my interests.
For examples:
Social Aspects, Cooperative Play and Competiveness is found in most other gaming systems, sometimes seperate, sometimes together.
I still like a good RPG and fantasy world and while some are on par with Warhammer 40K (D&D worlds such as Forgotten Realms or Ebberon; MMO world's such as Eve Online and World of Warcraft; RPG worlds such as Rifts; fantasy worlds such as Middle Earth), I can't think of any that I would put above when encompassing all of the other aspects named here. This isn't to say an interest in these other fantasy worlds doesn't still exist - they do!
Intellect, Artistic Aspects, Cinematic Imagination and Story-Telling can be found in other games as well, especially those of miniature table-top wargaming and many RPG's, but again with the lack of other aspects to be found. When it comes to story-telling and fantasy worlds, the only other gaming system even half-way close to 40K is D&D and then yet again, falls short in the other aspects of the hobby.
The Warhammer 40K sparks and satisfies my eclectic interests of:
- Story-telling
- Artistry
- Gaming
- Reading
- Writing
- Photography
- Fantasy Worlds
- Tactical Intellect
- Scenario building
- Miniature hobby including terrain building
- Social
Why 40K? Part One
After listening to so many episodes of Independent Characters (a podcast), the subject of "why 40K" has underlined many of the topics discussed. Wanting to define my own purposes behind why 40K, I came up with the following reasons of why I am so attracted and attached to Warhammer 40K.
Social Aspects
While it is true that other game types has this as well and I have social circles surrounding RPG's, MMO's, card and board games, the community surrounding 40K is that much more intense (in a good way) due to the similar aspects we all get from the game from other factors. The RPG and MMO social networks are just as strong and fulfilling. There are other aspects though that bring this to even more fruitation.
Competitiveness
Not just in the form of who won what game, but who has a cooler army or a better painted army or a more fluff orientated army, etc. etc. While a marginal part of what I get from Warhammer 40K, it is still a part of it and beyond the simple W-L methodology of many games. This allows for people to shine despite a W-L record.
Artistic Aspects
Modeling and especially painting allows me to express myself creatively as well as admiring the works of others. Above all else, this facet of Warhammer 40K is something I haven't found elsewhere, though realize it does exist in other miniature games. However, other miniature games don't necessarily have the other aspects as listed here. Furthermore the artistic talent of writing to be found in the game is superb, with the only other game system coming close, being that of Dungeons & Dragons. While I haven't done this yet, I look forward to branching my own writing talents into Warhammer 40K as my experience and knowledge of the 40K universe grows and the mechanics of the game.
Intellect
This is not a game for those of low intelligence. Tactical mindness, a love for problem solving and figuring out the meta-game of Rock-Scissors-Paper, mathematics and project management all are integral parts of the Warhammer 40K hobby and game.
Cinematic Imagination
While found in other gaming systems as well, such as RPG's or MMO's the militant and dystopian vision of science fiction meets well with my own interests in the field of science fiction is exciting. The story telling of the Warhammer 40K universe is broad and deep, with aspects found not just in the rule books but in the short stories and novels as well. Learning and reading this type of background and then seeing it displayed in front of you on the gaming table is an awesome experience.
Fantasy World
The universe of Warhammer 40K is large and well categorized and documented. Not so much "all" the information can be brought together in a database and not have several holes, but the fact that it is constantly being added to and filling those holes. It is one of the top fantasy worlds IMO and I love exploring such places.
Social Aspects
While it is true that other game types has this as well and I have social circles surrounding RPG's, MMO's, card and board games, the community surrounding 40K is that much more intense (in a good way) due to the similar aspects we all get from the game from other factors. The RPG and MMO social networks are just as strong and fulfilling. There are other aspects though that bring this to even more fruitation.
Competitiveness
Not just in the form of who won what game, but who has a cooler army or a better painted army or a more fluff orientated army, etc. etc. While a marginal part of what I get from Warhammer 40K, it is still a part of it and beyond the simple W-L methodology of many games. This allows for people to shine despite a W-L record.
Artistic Aspects
Modeling and especially painting allows me to express myself creatively as well as admiring the works of others. Above all else, this facet of Warhammer 40K is something I haven't found elsewhere, though realize it does exist in other miniature games. However, other miniature games don't necessarily have the other aspects as listed here. Furthermore the artistic talent of writing to be found in the game is superb, with the only other game system coming close, being that of Dungeons & Dragons. While I haven't done this yet, I look forward to branching my own writing talents into Warhammer 40K as my experience and knowledge of the 40K universe grows and the mechanics of the game.
Intellect
This is not a game for those of low intelligence. Tactical mindness, a love for problem solving and figuring out the meta-game of Rock-Scissors-Paper, mathematics and project management all are integral parts of the Warhammer 40K hobby and game.
Cinematic Imagination
While found in other gaming systems as well, such as RPG's or MMO's the militant and dystopian vision of science fiction meets well with my own interests in the field of science fiction is exciting. The story telling of the Warhammer 40K universe is broad and deep, with aspects found not just in the rule books but in the short stories and novels as well. Learning and reading this type of background and then seeing it displayed in front of you on the gaming table is an awesome experience.
Fantasy World
The universe of Warhammer 40K is large and well categorized and documented. Not so much "all" the information can be brought together in a database and not have several holes, but the fact that it is constantly being added to and filling those holes. It is one of the top fantasy worlds IMO and I love exploring such places.
Friday, September 2, 2011
New items from Black Library and Forge World
Some new stuff from Forge World today:
Been looking for that new Servitor with Conversion Beamer for your Grey Knight Army? Here's a new one from Forge World that will do!
VALTHEX ASTRAL CLAWS MASTER OF THE FORGE
How about boarding marines for Forge World encounters? Or perhaps new Thunder Shield Space Marines?
SPACE MARINE BOARDING ASSAULT
And from Black Library we have an upcomng release for audio!
Gaunts Ghosts salvations reach
Been looking for that new Servitor with Conversion Beamer for your Grey Knight Army? Here's a new one from Forge World that will do!
VALTHEX ASTRAL CLAWS MASTER OF THE FORGE
How about boarding marines for Forge World encounters? Or perhaps new Thunder Shield Space Marines?
SPACE MARINE BOARDING ASSAULT
And from Black Library we have an upcomng release for audio!
Gaunts Ghosts salvations reach
Thursday, September 1, 2011
September Goals
September should be a great month for hobbying for me. As you may have noticed, the blog here has gone through some changes and will continue to do so throughout the month. As for blog posts I intend on posting this month they include:
Hobbywise, my goals for September are:
- My first Battle Report in narrative form.
- Updates on my works in progress.
- New and updated hobby pages and links.
- Book review of Horus Rising.
Hobbywise, my goals for September are:
- Finish the Purifier Squad I am currently working on.
- Assemble and paint a second Purifier Squad.
- Assemble and paint Castellan Crowe.
- Finish reading Horus Heresy.
- Read False Gods.
- Play a 1,000 point game with my brother-in-law.
- Possibly play a 500 point game or two.
- Get some hobby supplies.
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