Gates of Azyr

Something a little different this week. I got a copy of Gates of Azyr by Chris Wraight this past weekend, and have read it twice since, so I figured Id give you my brief view.

To start off, it really is pretty limited in scope. It is basically the two forces (Khorne Goretide and Stormcast Eternals, The Hammers of Sigmar) sweeping in and having a messy brawl. What happens before this, or after, isnt really covered much. Of course, this keeps the page count down, and makes for a quick read.

Pretty hefty on the action, as expected. Characters are surprisingly fleshed out, especially the Goretide. Traditional Khorne-marked characters are almost without exception depicted as near mindless berserkers, only hunting for the next skull to remove from neck, but the three main characters here seem to defy this stereotype. Threx Skullbrand is the closest to "traditional", but even he manages to keep hold of his personality.

On the Stormcast Eternal side, the heroes dont seem quite as fleshed out, but that might be more because no one really knows what to expect from this new faction. They all have their voices, and over a longer book will probably really shine. In particular, Im looking forward to more about Ionus Cryptborn. We get a limited idea of what the Reforging is (Basically: painful), that they come from all over, and while they are highly trained, the force is still *new*, not truly tested yet.

As a teaser taste to the Realmgate Wars, this was an interesting start and I am looking forward to more tales in the Mortal Realms.

Cygnar All in One Rundown

 Figured some of you might be curious about what is so special about this box... Well...

Lets start with the obvious: $100. That is the difference between MSRP according to Privateer's site, and what I ended up paying for this box. Oh, ignoring the mini rulebook, because they are not available separately.

So, for those with questions, a quick run-down. The models are the same as before. The part that did surprise me was that the Defender and Avenger were full kits. Meaning they have the bits for the Ironclad, Cyclone, Centurion, or Hammersmith as well. I was expecting just the essential parts, as seen in the battle boxes and 2-player starter. Those who deal with magnets will get some use out of this box.

The mini rulebook is the same, and all needed cards are included. Also included (basically the only NEW thing in the box) are two large cards with quick ideas on using this force, and for expanding the collection. The Tips & Tricks are pretty handy ideas for a starter (which I am with this particular faction), and should keep me from going into my first game with this force completely clueless.

The Growing Your Force bit shows what looks handy for going up to 50pts. Im not too excited about adding Mercenaries rather that staying in-faction, but I cant really fault their choices. Lastly, they have alternate 35pt lists, using about half of what is in the box, or that was added in if you followed their suggestions to get to 50pts, and the rest with new casters and models. The two that they suggest are Captain Caine and Captain Haley, with a mix of faction and Merc units.  We will see if I follow their suggestions...

Base stamps

I am of the opinion that an unfinished base makes for an unfinished model. I don't care how well painted a model is, if the base is the basic black and I can see the tag, it is unfinished. Even if there is no tag, basic black looks unfinished to me.

Having said that, my bases are VERY simple. A bit of sand glued on, and painted brown. Battlefield basic, as I like to call it. However, since I started working on this Malifaux band, I wanted something more. Zombie hookers do not look right crossing the battlefield basic.

So, I went hunting resin bases, and discovered very quickly that Id spend between 25% and 50% on bases that Id spent on a force to begin with. And Id have to go back if I wanted to expand. Unacceptable. I know plenty of people swear by resin bases, but Id rather throw money at new models, not their bases, 

That is where Happy Seppuku comes in. They make a series of stamps that you can use with green stuff (or your putty of choice) to make themed bases. So, I figured Id give them a shot. $25 bucks for two stamps later, I've got two chunks of what appears to be silicone, each 3 inches by 5 inches. One side is detailed. I got the Brick Fishscale and the Ground Snow/Mud.

I will admit, when I first looked at what Id been sent, my thoughts were "well shit, this wont do at all!". The detail appears VERY understated. But, I slapped some green stuff on a base anyways, and stamped away... and was pleased with what came out of it. Now, lets be honest. This is NOT Golden Daemon/Golden Paintbrush work. This is barely advanced army work. Having said that, for your average table top quality army, this will push you from basic category to serious.

I plan on painting them for next Tuesday's post, but so far, I am pleased. My only real complaint is that they take a decent amount of greenstuff to properly make. Though, I might have overdone it a bit, as a rookie mistake. My biggest suggestion would be to follow directions, and make sure to cover the gap in the base (if there is one) as the greenstuff will flow down there as quick as possible when you stamp it.