Think its time for another random wandering post... always a nice way to kill an hour at work!
Over 40 followers now, and 5,000 hits since I added the counter. Not too shabby!
Monday Top Ten has survived for 12 installments, lucky 13 is coming up.
When I first started this hobby, back in the mists of time, it was at a shop called Things for Thinkers, in Tucson AZ. A few months later, a second shop opened up called Hardcastle Games. I went looking online tonight, and discovered that while TfT closed shop a while back, Hardcastle is still there, just with a new name: Nemesis Games Tucson. Really doubt anyone there would remember me, seeing as I havnt been a regular customer there since '96 or '97. Why would I be looking up old haunts? The Wife and I are half considering migrating elsewhere (no plans currently, just looking!), and I was poking around on the GW site, seeing if there were shops in places she would likely want to move. I might be in luck, depending on where we end up, if Im willing to take a drive.
The new IG codex comes out next weekend, but Ill probably be waiting until midmonth to pick it up, bills gotta get paid before I get my goodies.
I got most of the bone painted on that terminator chaplain, and then... stopped. Ive had the time, just not the inclination to continue painting him. I havnt done much painting at all, aside from primering 500 points of Dwarfs. Now they are sitting on my desk, awaiting my getting around to painting their armor. Hopefully Ill get something done this weekend.
My gaming table tends to accumulate armies when its not set for a game. Right now my Chaos Marines are spread over it, such a sight to see, a vast tide of evil Space Marines just waiting to be unleashed... and repaired. So much damage done to them, and I dont even know what to do with the vehicles. Many spikes and details are broken and lost. The years have not been kind to them. On the other hand, I never use them, except occasionally as terrain. Maybe I should take a few of the worst off and wreck them for the table...
Speaking of the table, I still need to get out and get another sheet of fabric to cover the plywood. Ive got a few styrofoam hills that need to be painted too. I need some more stuff as well. I think we have the "random junk" good, but if we are going to play more Fantasy, Ill need trees. I should hit Hobby Works and see what they have, if not there, then Michaels... get some loose trees and set them on washer bases... Not too sure I wanna pay $30something for three of GWs trees.
I think Ive been looking at Klaus' stuff too much lately, as Ive had delusions of making a "me" in 40k, probably for the Red Scorpions. Probably a VSgt in the command squad. That would fit best for me, I think. There are a few problems though... First, Ive never seen a Space Marine with glasses, and Id have to include them on any model supposed to be me. Second, I know Im not that skilled with green stuff, I tried adding a goatee to a model a while back, and it was just bad. Very bad. Third, and most important, all my Red Scorpions wear helmets. Maybe Ill give it a shot with the Cadians instead, plenty of spare heads there...
Been thinking about that Catachans list I posted before... Ive got the Cadians to fill most of it out, and the color scheme I was going to give the Rambos was originally intended for the Cadians... I should work on them instead... Should...
Been poking at the idea of the Red Scorpions First Company for Planetstrike games... If you dont mind that half the units are Vanguard veteran squads, you can do it easily. 5 Vanguard, 3 Sternguard, 1 Terminator, 1 Assualt Terminator, 2 Dreadnoughts, Commander Culln and Chaplain in terminator armor, and command squad... gives 6 drop pods with locator beacons, three on turn 1. One more for another dreadnought if you take 6 Vanguard...
I should stop now, I doubt anyone got this far down the wall of text...
murglemurglemurgle.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Looking at Catachans
Many people dislike the Catachan Jungle Fighters, mainly because of the overly muscled arms. That has not bothered me all that much, and with the new codex on the way, Ive had the "new army itch".
This is the list Im thinking of playing with... Of course its all subject to change with me getting the codex and actually putting models together, but I figure getting things looked at before cant hurt... As a rough guess, this should be 1000 points, options will adjust that, and if needed Ill drop one of the Russ to make it 1k. ;)
HQ
Command Squad w/medic, banner, vox
Elites
3 Ogryns
Troops
Infantry Platoon
Command w/ medic, banner, vox
3 Infantry squads
Infantry Platoon
Command w/ medic, banner, vox
3 Infantry squads
Heavy Weapon squad
Fast Attack
3 Sentinals
Heavy Support
2 Leman Russ
Plans for special/heavy weapons is lots of flamers and grenade launchers, plus heavy flamers for the command squads. Im thinking mortars for the infantry squads, and either heavy bolters, autocannons, or missile launchers for the HW squad. Officers are looking at power weapons for the LTs, and a fist for the Captain... If I can get combi-weapons, there will be one or two, otherwise its pistols. I have no idea what Ill do with the sentinels, though it will probably be in keeping with the jungle fighter theme.
Ideas/suggestions?
This is the list Im thinking of playing with... Of course its all subject to change with me getting the codex and actually putting models together, but I figure getting things looked at before cant hurt... As a rough guess, this should be 1000 points, options will adjust that, and if needed Ill drop one of the Russ to make it 1k. ;)
HQ
Command Squad w/medic, banner, vox
Elites
3 Ogryns
Troops
Infantry Platoon
Command w/ medic, banner, vox
3 Infantry squads
Infantry Platoon
Command w/ medic, banner, vox
3 Infantry squads
Heavy Weapon squad
Fast Attack
3 Sentinals
Heavy Support
2 Leman Russ
Plans for special/heavy weapons is lots of flamers and grenade launchers, plus heavy flamers for the command squads. Im thinking mortars for the infantry squads, and either heavy bolters, autocannons, or missile launchers for the HW squad. Officers are looking at power weapons for the LTs, and a fist for the Captain... If I can get combi-weapons, there will be one or two, otherwise its pistols. I have no idea what Ill do with the sentinels, though it will probably be in keeping with the jungle fighter theme.
Ideas/suggestions?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Planetstrike Fever
It looks like I am coming down with this, much like many other people. I love games that lend themselves to a story, and while you can make one stick to a normal game of 40k, its a lot easier and more interesting when there is an obvious attacker and defender. Wars happen for a reason, not just "oh hey, we both happened to be in the same area, lets duke it out!"... ok, maybe that does happen in 40k, especially with the Orks. ;)
With the Planetstrike Fever comes the look at my armies, trying to decide what, if anything, I can do to make this more interesting. First thought was to make specific armies for each side... Attackers is simple: the Red Scorpions. All I need to do is line up drop pods, and everything can deep strike. My planning on them being non-specialized works well with this idea.
Defenders took a lot more thought. Originally I was thinking the Imperial Guard, but they usually arrive too late to make good defenders (aside from the PDF, obviously). Imperial Fists were my second thought, though I see them more as bunker busters then bunker holders... this train of thought led to the Iron Warriors. With Chaos Marines being my second 40k project army, Im keeping my rules about only two projects, plus I think I have some of my previous army buried in one of the closets. The defenders getting more HS choices helps flesh out the Iron Warriors theme that they lost with the new codex. Doing this also gives me a chance to play with some painting ideas Ive been reading about...
Of course, with my attention span, who knows how far Ill get with these, but I do know the Red Scorpions will be getting their drop pods!
With the Planetstrike Fever comes the look at my armies, trying to decide what, if anything, I can do to make this more interesting. First thought was to make specific armies for each side... Attackers is simple: the Red Scorpions. All I need to do is line up drop pods, and everything can deep strike. My planning on them being non-specialized works well with this idea.
Defenders took a lot more thought. Originally I was thinking the Imperial Guard, but they usually arrive too late to make good defenders (aside from the PDF, obviously). Imperial Fists were my second thought, though I see them more as bunker busters then bunker holders... this train of thought led to the Iron Warriors. With Chaos Marines being my second 40k project army, Im keeping my rules about only two projects, plus I think I have some of my previous army buried in one of the closets. The defenders getting more HS choices helps flesh out the Iron Warriors theme that they lost with the new codex. Doing this also gives me a chance to play with some painting ideas Ive been reading about...
Of course, with my attention span, who knows how far Ill get with these, but I do know the Red Scorpions will be getting their drop pods!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday Top Ten #12
1. Senji says: "Stompachu, I choose you!"
2. CJ does his first sculpt ever, and now I have to go steal his hands.
3. Klaus' "Little Lenin" is also very well sculpted, check out the detail on the hat...
4. You have seen Aventine's Lamenters, right?
5. Jabberjabber's Bloodcrusher is nicely painted.
6. Gone to Ground is a new 40k webcomic, and something Im looking forward to reading each week!
7. Alvin's new Alpha Legion Terminator Lord has gotten me thinking of dusting off my Chaos Marines...
8. Nick has a very sweet looking Angels of Redemption army!
9. Flip shows off his IG command, complete with a really old psyker model... wait, I remember when that model came out, does that make me really old?
10. Helios Raven talks about spray paint.
2. CJ does his first sculpt ever, and now I have to go steal his hands.
3. Klaus' "Little Lenin" is also very well sculpted, check out the detail on the hat...
4. You have seen Aventine's Lamenters, right?
5. Jabberjabber's Bloodcrusher is nicely painted.
6. Gone to Ground is a new 40k webcomic, and something Im looking forward to reading each week!
7. Alvin's new Alpha Legion Terminator Lord has gotten me thinking of dusting off my Chaos Marines...
8. Nick has a very sweet looking Angels of Redemption army!
9. Flip shows off his IG command, complete with a really old psyker model... wait, I remember when that model came out, does that make me really old?
10. Helios Raven talks about spray paint.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday Gaming
Mikie came over for a few games this weekend. We played 1250 Red Scorpions vs Necrons, and a 500 point Dwarfs vs Wood Elves.
First up the Necrons came along, and tried to slap me silly, but when the game ended Id scored more kill points then my entire army was worth, and still had most of my force in one shape or another... One of my tactical squads is getting demoted to IG conscript status soon, if they keep up the shoddy performance they showed this weekend. They couldnt hit, couldnt wound, and when charged by the flayed ones, the only model that really mattered (VSgt with powerfist) was cut down in the first round. The only thing the survivors could really do was make armor saves!
Lessons:
When that Scarab Swarm comes jetting around cover on the flank, let them come to you. Dont pull yourself out of position for a round of rapid fire, its just not worth it.
Plasma Cannons knock Necrons down good! Too bad most of them kept getting back up.
If your opponent gets to redeploy your mishapping deepstrikers, just be grateful they didnt die on their way in.
Second game was a trial run for the Escalation Thing, I took the list posted previously, he had 8 dryads, 10 archers, 6 light horsemen, and a caster. I spent the entire game making appropriately Dwarfy comments about trees and Elves.
He ran his horse guys up the side, where they took a load of dwarfen shot, and lost 4 of their models. They then ran around the side, shot a bit at my cannon crew, charged in, lost combat and fled... only to rally, and charge an otherwise engaged unit of thunderers in the rear... only to flee one more.
His Dryads walked up the middle and charged my warriors, and then spent most of the rest of the game trading hits (and failure to wound, and making saves) with them. For only having a 5+ ward, they sure made a lot of saves! I ended up flank charging them with my thunderers, for lack of other targets worth the effort. Eventually I cut them down like the trees they were!
His archers and caster (equipped with bow and doohicky of not allowing armor saves) started at range, but started moving when their targets were all in melee. His caster was lackluster at best, as he ended up with the Tree Singing spell, and there was only a single wood on the table. His only having 3 casting dice didnt help him either, as I tossed all four of my dispel dice nearly all the time.
Lessons!
I need to guess ranges better, and remember that Dwarf handguns get +1 to hit.
Mikie needs to ditch the caster for a more warrior-ish leader. The only thing that made the caster worthwhile were her bow shots.
My Thane needs to drop his shield for a great weapon. It was nice having a 2+ save in melee, but I never needed it! Wounding my targets on a 2+ would be far more useful, and its not likely Id even notice the whole going last bit... On that note, I think I also want to include some warriors with great weapons... or maybe some Longbeards, even though I really didnt need any help on the panic side...
First up the Necrons came along, and tried to slap me silly, but when the game ended Id scored more kill points then my entire army was worth, and still had most of my force in one shape or another... One of my tactical squads is getting demoted to IG conscript status soon, if they keep up the shoddy performance they showed this weekend. They couldnt hit, couldnt wound, and when charged by the flayed ones, the only model that really mattered (VSgt with powerfist) was cut down in the first round. The only thing the survivors could really do was make armor saves!
Lessons:
When that Scarab Swarm comes jetting around cover on the flank, let them come to you. Dont pull yourself out of position for a round of rapid fire, its just not worth it.
Plasma Cannons knock Necrons down good! Too bad most of them kept getting back up.
If your opponent gets to redeploy your mishapping deepstrikers, just be grateful they didnt die on their way in.
Second game was a trial run for the Escalation Thing, I took the list posted previously, he had 8 dryads, 10 archers, 6 light horsemen, and a caster. I spent the entire game making appropriately Dwarfy comments about trees and Elves.
He ran his horse guys up the side, where they took a load of dwarfen shot, and lost 4 of their models. They then ran around the side, shot a bit at my cannon crew, charged in, lost combat and fled... only to rally, and charge an otherwise engaged unit of thunderers in the rear... only to flee one more.
His Dryads walked up the middle and charged my warriors, and then spent most of the rest of the game trading hits (and failure to wound, and making saves) with them. For only having a 5+ ward, they sure made a lot of saves! I ended up flank charging them with my thunderers, for lack of other targets worth the effort. Eventually I cut them down like the trees they were!
His archers and caster (equipped with bow and doohicky of not allowing armor saves) started at range, but started moving when their targets were all in melee. His caster was lackluster at best, as he ended up with the Tree Singing spell, and there was only a single wood on the table. His only having 3 casting dice didnt help him either, as I tossed all four of my dispel dice nearly all the time.
Lessons!
I need to guess ranges better, and remember that Dwarf handguns get +1 to hit.
Mikie needs to ditch the caster for a more warrior-ish leader. The only thing that made the caster worthwhile were her bow shots.
My Thane needs to drop his shield for a great weapon. It was nice having a 2+ save in melee, but I never needed it! Wounding my targets on a 2+ would be far more useful, and its not likely Id even notice the whole going last bit... On that note, I think I also want to include some warriors with great weapons... or maybe some Longbeards, even though I really didnt need any help on the panic side...
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