A Day 17 EPIC FAIL

DAYS 14 - 17: GAME ROOM

I decided, for some reason only Satan probably knows, to redo my game room.  This was a bad idea.  All my models are presently packed up, leaving nothing new to share model-wise.

Hopefully, my game room will be up and running in a few days (complete with pictures of the re-model).  Bare with me until then.

Day 12: Keeping with the Dragon Theme

DAY 12: DRAGON PRINCES

I converted these guys after the 7th edition High Elf book came out.  The addition of Always Strikes First and Star Dragons to the entire army really spoiled a lot of my enjoyment with the High Elves, which was a shame, given that they are the army I first collected when I started playing the game.

I tried a few different things to bring myself back around to the High Elves... a new paint scheme... some new models... new conversions.  Nothing brought my attention back to them.  But now...

Now we're in 8th edition.  The handful of games I've played as High Elves has shown me that now, with bigger units and the "Step Up" rule, ASF is a leveling force.  With all the re-rolls and the first strike, HE get to take a good chunk of models off the opponent's side.  After that, the opponent gets to do exactly the same thing... unlike in 7th, where the opponent would charge in, lose all the models that would otherwise be attacking, and bounce off.

No fun at all there.

Hoping that changes when I start picking them up more.

Some close ups...

The Champion

The Standard Bearer

Day 11: Dragons with Beefy Arms

DAY 11: CARNIVEAN

As I've mentioned before, there's a lot about Legion that I like.

But there's very little I like more than Carniveans.  A pair of P+S 16 attacks... a P+S 18 attack... high Armour... tons of blips on the Life Spiral... a spray attack that can be fired on the way into combat... yeah... these guys are pretty good.

Grr...Arg...

And, as a bonus, they come standard in the Legion WarPack.  This is huge.  Hordes can be a complex and involved game of combos and synergies and perfect timing... but the Carnivean something else of note to the table.

He's simple.

That is to say... he can be as simple or as complicated as you want him to be.  I've found him a great leg up in attempting to learn the game.  I can mess around with all sorts of fun combos in my list (Absylonia + Raek... Nyss Sorceress + a flying flanking win... etc...) and still have a fall back that can carry the game for me if things go badly.

In fact, one of my finer moments was a game against my buddy's Circle list (actually my fiance's toys... but he was using them).  I had a single Carnivean stand up to a Gorax, a Warpwolf, a unit of Trackers, and a handful of Bloodweavers.  All on a single turn.  I had thrown the Carnivean out there to absorb the first wave of Circle assault.  At the time, I figured he'd be killed and my counterattack would have to win the day for me.  Instead, when all the smoke cleared, the Carnivean was still standing with a single blip of life remaining.  Cue up my turn... pop Absylonia's Feat and BOOM!  Full strength again.  A fully jacked up Carnivean AND my counterattack put an effective end to the game on that turn.

Good times...

Really, is there anything better than a Carnivean in a Legion force?

This is better.  For me.  Not the other guy.

Spending Day 10 at the Temple...

DAY 10: THE TEMPLE OF SKULLS

It's big.

The skulls are too massive.

It's bulky.

The skulls look terrible.

It doesn't look natural.

Why are there so many skulls?

These are all valid thoughts on the Temple of Skulls.  These were all my initial thoughts.

Then I got the terrain piece.

And... well... I'm just going to let it speak for itself.

Day 9: Need Some Time to Regenerate!

DAY 9: TROLLS

No.  Not Trollbloods.  I said I would be showing them off for the first time on the 29th.  Today I've got 4 of the Trolls from my Orc and Goblin army to share.

A motley bunch, to be sure...

And the individual close ups:

Battle for Skull Pass with his little buddy.

Old school, metal River Troll

Newer metal one that came out around BfSP

Classic Stone Troll... a might underfed compared to his brothers...

This used to be more than enough for what I used Trolls for back in 7th edition.  I would field 2 units of 2, put them on the EXTREME flanks, and then just watch them fail Stupidity checks the whole game.  Most of the time, opponents would just leave them be - thinking me foolish for keeping them so far from my General, no doubt.  But by the time 6 turns would end, the Trolls wandered across the midline of the table and contested my opponent's half.

That's not just much a valid tactic anymore.  Now, Trolls really belong in the thick of things... pounding away at (and scarfing down on) the opponent's tougher troops.  Which brings me to today.

Because now I'm stuck with the daunting task of expanding my Troll horde...

Too much?

I think it might be a while before I find a way to appropriately convert all that...

Also, had my first game with the new VC today...

Not too much to report yet, but the points of note:

1) Terrorgheists ROCK.  That scream attack just tore through opposing knights.

2) Zombie Hordes for the win... but they seem to be pretty good starting at around 40 models.  Easy enough to buff up, and cheap enough to drop 2-3 of those and still fill out the Core with some variety.

3) Ghouls seem a bit... underwhelming.  At 10 points a pop with no chance to increase beyond starting size AND stuck in Initiative order?  They just didn't perform quite right...

4) Tomb Banshees can really add some fire to a unit in close combat.  Worth some consideration.

5) Vargheists need mass.  A unit of 3 did jack crap tonight.  6 or nothing, maybe?

I still need to try out the Mortis Engine and Coven Throne... but I'm excited about the prospects of more variety in VC lists upcoming!

Just some thoughts...

Day 8: Tanked

DAY 8: CHAOS UNDECIDED TANK

I've never been big on 40k.

Don't get me wrong, though.  I'm not going to turn this into a "let's bash a game."  If I didn't occasionally want to play 40k, then I wouldn't.  The game itself isn't a bad game.  It's just not my #1 choice of tabletop wargames.

In fact, when I started 40k, it was largely out of necessity.  I was playing in a shop with only one other Warhammer Fantasy player, and the only chance I had to consistently get in games week after week was to start a 40k army.

So start one I did.  Unfortunately, it was a Space Marine army.  Mostly because out of all the 40k armies, they were about the only ones I could tolerate the appearance of.

And so, I played Space Marines.  And I was sad.

And then, I discovered the glory of Chaos.

And being a fluff nut at heart, I loved all the colors of Chaos.  My Chaos force grew to include units from all the gods, and when it was time to include the tanks... I couldn't decide how to dedicate them...

So I came up with this:

Chaos Undecided!

Daemonic Possession, of course...

Lascannon with dual Heavy Bolter for the win!

Enjoy!

Day 7: Dragon Pimp

DAY 7: THAGROSH THE PROPHET

I'm going to just put this out there: Thagrosh is a pimp.  Well... I guess I should be saying that Everblight is a pimp.  Thagrosh is like his wingman/full body condom.

And here's why:

You've got this sweet Dragon Lord with full intention of, well, annihilating just about everyone.  He then proceeds to infest the essence of a totally jacked Ogrun (seriously, this guy is like Mr. Universe on more steroids than currently).  He builds an army of awesome monsters.  Conquers an entire people (two, really...).  Then surrounds himself with the most slender yet curvy and attractive women that race has to offer.

Yes... EVERY OTHER WARLOCK ALLIED WITH THE LEGION IS A HOT CHICK.  And they all answer unquestioningly to Thagrosh.

Wrap that all up in one BAD-ASS model sporting a wicked sword and a David Boreanaz-esque forehead overhang and you've given me more than enough reason to play Legion.  I mean, come on, why wouldn't you?

1) Legion - pimp leader surrounded by monsters and Elf babes.

2) Circle - hippy druids controlled by trees with a possible bestiality thing going on

3) Skorne - psycho nutjobs bent on inflicting pain and capturing souls

4) Trollbloods - downtrodden drunks who like to hit things with clubs and blow shit up (pretty cool, actually - that's why I'm working on them as a second Hordes force)

5) Anything Warmachine - too wimpy to hit the field themselves with 15 foot robots powered by a warcaster's "good feelings"

Oh, and Thagrosh's in-game rules are pretty good, too. 

Are you sure you're getting my good side?

Check out my beefy arm.  Legion of Trogdor?

Feeling Green on Day 6

DAY 6: NURGLE SPACE MARINES

I've got the Nurgle's Rot.  It is most unpleasant.

Taking Blood Bowl to the Super Bowl on Day 5

DAY 5: DA TAMPA BAY ORCANEERS

Blood Bowl is a fantastic game.  But, like many great things in life (Firefly and Stretch Armstrong to name some), Blood Bowl never really got the fanfare it deserved.

The few people I know who do play the game also fall into giving Blood Bowl the "Stretcherfly" (it's going to be a thing) treatment.  Ancient, broken, Blood Bowl minis.  Warhammer Fantasy "stand-ins" bravely wielding their swords and shields on the turf.  Sometimes even 40k Space Marines that "count as" Halflings (a commentary on the only anatomical feature the Emperor didn't bother to enhance?).

To that effect, I knew that even though I play games of Blood Bowl more irregularly than I skydive with foreign nationals, I still needed my own team.  One that was made for the pitch, and no other playing surface.

And since today is Super Bowl Sunday, Blood Bowl seemed an appropriate showcase piece.

Enter the Orcaneers...

Da Throwers

Da Blitzers

Da Black Orcs

Da Uvver Black Orcs

Da Goblin (and top scoring teammate)

Blood Bowl!

Another Orc and Goblin Project for Day 4!

DAY 4: GOBLIN SQUIG RIDER!

BBBBBOOOOOOIIIIINNNNNGGGGG!

It's funny... I started Warhammer back in 6th edition.  The starter box back then came with a handful of Empire and a handful of Orcs.  I hated them all.

Now... they are two of my primary armies.

I also mentioned a few days ago just much great a boxed set Battle for Skull Pass was... this model is just further evidence to me.

The Giant Squig Hopper is one of my favorite GW sculpts... note the BfSP additions.

 - a tied up Slayer underfoot

 - a Dwarf helmet with a sign on it

 - the Dwarf Thane's axe hand

Sadly, I haven't used this model since 7th edition... I really must change that in my next game...

25 more to go!

Day 3 - An Epic Fail and a Two-for-One Special!

I was really tempted to make the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man my next project showcase.

There was only one problem.  And not the problem most people have with their Mr. Stay Puft model is that they don't have a Mr. Stay Puft model.  My problem is that I built mine 4 years ago... and the last time I used it was 4 years ago.  So it kind of went into a box and now it looks like this:

I tried to think of something that couldn't possibly destroy us...

So.

Yeah.

That's a pretty shameful fail.

I found some of his arm pieces.  Don't know where the head went.

To atone for my epic fail, I will now present TWO unseen projects.  And one is a guest project!

First, a Wold Guardian done up by my fiance, Bree:

Good stuff, right?

I can't really say much else there, or speak to inspiration or anything... since, you know... I didn't actually paint this little guy.

Onto a project I can speak to!

Spooky!

Overhead spooky!

Also, we use models in this game...

I didn't actually build this terrain piece.  It was a commonly used piece at my now-defunct gaming hole.  It was, however, unpainted until I took custody when the game store died a horrible and possibly syphilitic death.

Once I got around to painting it, I started with a basecoat of Liche Purple, then simply subsequent drybrushings of gray.  Single out the little skulls, sand it, and flock it up and you're almost there.  Finally, I tinted some resin and poured it in to simulate blood.

I've used this as Arcane Ruins, Altars of Khaine, and some other random stuff.

One of my favorite pieces.

Enjoy.

Until tomorrow!

Projects to Build On: 2 of 29

DAY 2: HIGH ELF PRINCE ON GRIFFON

I love the Battle for Skull Pass.  In fact, the vast majority of my Dwarf army is made up of BfSP figures.  As are most of my Night Goblins (and 15 of my Trolls).  All in all, I think the BfSP was an excellent way to build up new armies for Warhammer.

The Island of Blood box?  Not so much...

Don't get me wrong.  The Skaven selection is fantastic.  The Rat Ogres are great models.  The number of Clanrats/Slaves you get is an impressive start to a Skaven army.  And weapon teams are always a good thing.

It's the High Elf side that's a little lacking.  10 Sea Guard?  Okay... don't get me wrong.  I like Sea Guard.  If I wasn't too lazy, I'd actually play High Elves more than once a year (there are, after all, where I started).  Also, I'd use Sea Guard.  Problem is, they are really the only repeatable unit in the box. 

I don't need 40 Swordmasters.  Or do I?

At any rate, I definitely don't need 20 Reavers (the number I'd get with 4 boxes, for the math challenged among us).

And nobody needs 4 Griffon riders.  But that first one... man, it is one beautiful and fun to paint model.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed painting it.

And now for something completely different...

I think I really want to try out a nice choppy Vampire Lord with the new book.

Here's what I'm thinking:

Vampire Lord

 - Sword of Bloodshed

 - Talisman of Endurance

 - Heavy Armor

 - Enchanted Shield

 - Quickblood

 - Red Fury

From there, I haven't decided if I want to add a mount or leave him on foot.  That's an argument for later.  As it stands, he's in the 400 point ballpark and generates 8 Always Strikes First Attacks... with a potential for 8 more Strength 5 re-rollingly good Attacks.

I think that might be pretty fun... and since I play 3k points in my neck of the woods, I can still afford a Lvl 4 Necromancer to moderate my Magic Phase.

29 Finished Projects To Build On! Day 1

I got the new 8th edition Vampire Counts rulebook today, and as I was reading it, certain things began to cross my mind.

On the book front, it's as beautiful as any of the other 8th edition rulebooks.  Full color.  New and classic artwork.  Some great looking new models.  And what appears to be a solid rules base.  Not to mention a cover that, while some people despise, I think is hilarious.

Khaaaaaaaaan!!!

But that's not really what I'm out to talk about today.  I started this blog so I could document my hobby progress, and I've done a dismal job of that.    Partially because I really haven't had a whole lot of hobby progress.

That whole crappy "real life" thing keeps getting in the way, and the lack of a game store in town I'll willing enter is surely hurting my hobby social life.

I'm working longer hours, playing less games, and playing those games against the same very small core of people.

And then, for Christmas, the ever-so-accommodating and loving little lady presented me a shiny new Ravagore, and a Trollbloods warpack for Hordes (the latter being her subtle way of telling me that she does not personally wish to square off with my Legion anymore).

I set out to work on the minis right when the new year rolled around.  Having not had the hobby I used to have, I've only completed the Ravagore, a Troll Axer, and a Troll Impaler so far, but it was enough.  Enough to convince me that I need to relegate some more time to the hobby.  In part for my own enjoyment, and in part to lower my blood pressure.

February seems as good a time as any to start rediscovering my hobby passions, and being a leap year gives it an extra zing of importance.  So for the next 29 days, I'm going to pick one completed project a day to showcase in my posting.  Hopefully this is kickstart my re-entry into the hobby and push my forward.  To make sure I'm not simply rehashing old projects, I plan on making February 29th my Trollblood Warpack, fully painted and ready to kick some ass.

Other topics will likely pop up during this process, but I will be sure that even on days I talk about something else, I will continue to showcase a project to motivate me.

So without further adieu... I give you:

Day 1: The Arachnarok Spider

I love this model.  The kit was amazing.  The base had TONS of space to add stuff to, and even though the pictures aren't the best quality (isn't it more important that I'm posting again, after all?) - I think they get the point across.

I've used the Arachnarok religiously since the new O & G book came out.  I can't say for certain if it has justified itself points-wise in every game... but sheer cool factor is a bigger concern for my tabletop anyway. I even let this sucker hit the table in most of my Storm of Magic games (which, by the way, I think is the most amazingly fun way to play Warhammer in years... more on that another time).

This kit took me about 3 weeks on-and-off to get built and painted.  You may even notice that the Goblins on top are a mixed units, too.  There's a common Goblin hanging out up there with a banner, and a Night Goblin (who is kind of hard to see in the pictures) with a bow rocking the howdah as well.

We don't discriminate in my Orc and Goblins army.  All the green is destined to fight and die as one!

Until tomorrow!