Back in the groove and Heretical Ramblings

Getting back into the blog thing. Finally. Thanks all for you patience, it may or may not be rewarded! (Probably not).

As of writing, I have photo posts scheduled through MAY, and planning on many more once I get my Bloodbound and Ghar photos sorted out.

So, while I am trying to catch up again, I figured Id share some models that HAVEN'T been seen here before.... An Age of Sigmar Lord of Plagues I painted up a little while back. Haven't fully committed to a Rotbringers force... yet. ;)

What I have committed to, though, is a new Thousand Sons army. More about that commitment later... But for now, I assembled a unit of Rubricae this week...

I decided to base them with the AoS Shattered Dominion bases, figured that was good for the Planet of the Sorcerers. Plan was to paint them without bolters in the way... well, plans change... They are currently primed, and expecting to get the first layer of paint not too long after I get off work.

Look! A Distraction!

No new model pics today. Sorry. I know you all are disappointed. Sis-in-Law got married this past weekend, and I had to be social and help out. I did get another box of Sicarians to add to my Ruststalker unit, but they are only about half built.

So, because it amuses me, have a pic of me in a suit and top hat.

2012 in review, 2013 in the headlights

Been a quiet year on the ol' blog, huh? Posted some pictures, talked about my armies, and even posted a bit of (crappy) fanfic. The table was a bit more active though. Ill go through by system, hopefully I wont miss anything...

Oh, and before we get started, you do know my TwitPic folder has a LOT more pics then what I post here on the blog, right?

40k: This year was primarily the year of the Tyranid, I managed to collect and paint a 1500 point army. I also continued work on my Red Scorpions, they are down to a single Assault Squad, and a few Rhino/backs until the company is complete. Ive been working on those Dark Vengeance Dark Angels and Chaos Marines as well, but they are not nearly close to being prepared for anything.

Ive also bounced some half-assed projects around: some Dark Eldar, Space Wolves, and maybe that Dark Angels and Chaos Horde project from a while back, havnt really decided on that yet. There were also a TON of projects that never had models purchased for them.

WHFB: Fantasy didnt get nearly as much love. I did some work on my Ogres, but not as much as I could/should have. I also dusted off my Warriors of Chaos box, and did a bit more with them, but nothing too exciting.

This year, I did not start any new WHFB armies. Im starting to think Im moving on from this game, or maybe there was nothing that really grabbed my attention...

WM/H: More work was done here, this year. My Circle Orboros project was started and continues unabated. The collection is about half painted at this point, and I only need to buy a few more things to finish. On the Warmachine side, my Cryx are nearly all painted, only Rengrave and a Warwitch Siren remain. Im not entirely sure what my goal with this faction is. I might try to go "all the theme forces" like the Circle.

As far as other games... I didnt start any. I looked at Malifaux, but none of the factions jumped out at me, saying I had to start them. Same for Infinity. Dust Tactics and Dystopian Legions are interesting, but break my "No Alt History Games" rule.

Think that is about it for this year... Going to try to hammer out ideas for 2013, for my next post.

2011 in review and looking at 2012

2011 was a year of changes, wasn't it? I just went through my past year of posts.

Lets see. I was doing the Top Ten at FtW, then I quit (sorry, retired). Ron was doing it, then got burned out, and I took it back... Then I dropped the ball and went on hiatus. Now, it is back.

I started a new regular post, my weekly hobby thing, and I must admit that it has inspired me to work a bit more on my models. Just so I don't have to say I didn't do anything hobby related each week.

I've got a new camera, and I have learned a bit about posting pictures on the blog. Now if Id post a few more!

I've been slacking on the gaming side, but I have gotten a few more games in then 2010.

My number of armies was gutted. Almost literally. I have a few Space Marines that I am working on, my Ogres, and Cryx. Those are the armies. I also have a selection of models from most of the other Warmachine/Hordes factions that I am working on. Toying with starting Black Legion Chaos Marines again.

So, what is ahead for 2012?

Your guess is as good as mine. I know of one major change in the works, but I'm not at liberty to discuss that yet.

Lots of rumblings about a new Chaos Marine codex, and that will likely draw me back out into the multiple army arena, but at the same time, I am considering cutting even more of my Space Marines away (maybe all of them). Who knows?

I am trying to force myself to stay with just the Ogres for Fantasy. Don't want to get over loaded again, but I keep looking at the other armies and getting inspired.

I am planning on keeping with Cryx as my Warmachine army, and starting a new Circle Orboros force for Hordes (more on that next week, hopefully).

Lastly, I hope to branch out some. I really want to give Malifaux a try. No idea which faction, I just know the models are pretty, and the rule system intrigues me. Infinity also interests me, some. I think the Disorderlies Tyrant plays both....

Keep your eyes open, 2012 looks to be interesting.

Three Years On

Three years ago tonight, I got bored and said "Screw it". A few months later, I started the Top Ten, which gathered quite a bit of popularity, though Im not exactly sure how.

The ol' blog has had its high points, and its low points. Yet, its still here, with this being post #338, and having a significant number of followers. The Top Ten has wandered, and morphed a bit, and went into hibernation for a while... and still inspired a few successors. At least five that I know of. I think three of them are still kicking too.

So, Happy Birthday to me! Or something.

Yesterday saw the triumphant return of the Top Ten. A quick peek at Google Analytics has shown that several of you have kept a candle burning. Thanks for that! Aside from the numbering reboot, has anything else changed with it? Just some formatting changes. My plan from here on out is links first, then my chatter (since I know you dont care about that! ;D). Im sure some of you are wondering if we will be dealing with "Dead Ryan Days" again. Im not going to say no more, but Im not stupid. Crap happens. HOWEVER, I will be trying my hardest to avoid those. They annoy me as much as you.

So, on to the name change. It was "Day" Top Ten before, why the change to Ryan's Top Ten? I think its sorta egotistical to be honest. But, I dont feel like changing the name every time I change the day I publish on. Besides, some few may see the name and associate that with the Top Ten I did at From The Warp for all that time. Maybe.

And maybe, just maybe, I think I might have earned a small amount of egotism.

So, whats ahead? More Top Ten, more Weekly Hobby Update Things, and who knows, maybe some other changes.

Current projects, Storm Fists, and painting list

I came to a decision the other day. As much as I like having an Imperial Fists army, and how they look, I HATE painting yellow, and my army was never going to be finished. So, I decided to repaint them, and resurrect my Storm Fists. This is the colors I decided on...

Black armor because its easy to paint. Red shoulders to add color, but on a limited area to keep it easy. Grey head, trim, backpack, and fists to call back to their original colors (solid grey). Debating between hand painting a lightning bolt for the chapter badge, or using the Fist decal. Likely will go with the bolt, as I hate decals.

As far as rules, I am planning on using them as Codex, with the option to swap to Black Templars from time to time.

Of course, with me being me, this is not my only project. Since I sold off my Tomb Kings a while back, I have been lacking a Fantasy army. Last night an impulse buy made that decision for me: I got the Chaos Lord on Manticore. Add that to the unassembled Chaos Warriors and Hellcannon Id socked away, and Ive got the start of a Warriors army. Now to decide which god Ill dedicate them to...

One major benefit to selling off a load of models is that it has made it feasible for me to make a master list of stuff I need to paint. So... I did.

Space Marines

Storm Fists

Sternguard Veteran Squad

6x Tactical Squads

1 Assault Squad

Razorback

Predator

Command Squad

Captain

Librarian

2x Dreadnoughts

Terminator Squad

Red Scorpions

Command Squad

Honor Guard

5 Devastators

2x 10man Tactical Squads

Grey Knights

Captain Stern

Librarian

Brotherhood Champion

5 Purifiers

5 Terminators

10 Strike Squad

Stormraven

Dark Angels

Captain

Deathwing Squad

2x 5man Tactical Squads

Blood Angels

5 Tactical Marines

5 Death Company

Lemartes

Warhammer

Chaos Warriors

Lord/Sorcerer on Manticore

20 Chaos Warriors

Hellcannon

Warmachine/Hordes

Cryx

Lich Lord Asphyxious

Withershadow Combine

2 Necrotechs

2 Scrap Thralls

Erebus

Scaverous

Wraith Engine

Khador

Sorsha

Destroyer

Juggernaught

Menoth

Kreoss

Crusader

Revenger

Repenter

Trollbloods

Maddrak

Axer

2 Impailers

Legion

Lylyth

Carnivean

4 Shredders

Circle

Kayla

Feral Warpwolf

2 Argus

Skorne

Morghoul

Titan Gladiator

2 Cyclopes Savages

Of course, this is not a list of all I own, just what I still need to work on. I decided to not limit or force myself to paint anything in particular, other then I am not allowed to add something to the list without finishing something else. Going to try to keep it to a model for model basis.

Top Ten Hall of Fame?

So, Ive noticed, and I am sure many others have as well, that the same couple of blogs tend to show up time and time again. Not that Ive really complained, they wouldnt be here if I didnt really like them.

Anyways, in order to give up and coming blogs a better chance, I am considering starting a Hall of Fame. Basically, I create a link section off to the side, and when a blog gets linked on the Top Ten a significant number of times, I add their link, and dont consider them for six months or so.

There are a few questions Ill need opinions for though... Mainly, is this a good idea? How many times should the cut off be? (I am thinking 10-15) And, is 6 months a decent amount of time? Maybe three months? A year?

Let me know what you think!

Everything you can do, Cryx does just as well!

Time for a bit of weekend fun. I was reading my Cryx book the other night, and realized that they stole something, or can do something as well or better then all the other factions in Warmachine/Hordes! This is all tongue-in-cheek... or would be, if Asphyxious had cheeks... or a tongue. I think a jawbone would help too.

Legion of Everblight: You remember what they say about the copy not being as great as the original? Yeah...

Trollbloods: Trollkin? Yep, we got them. Nasty buggers just wont die, no matter how many times we fumigate. Worse then roaches.

Circle Oroboros: We stole one of your Warlocks, and are not giving him back!

Skorne: I had to think about this one. Skorne torture bodies to make slaves? Our Cephelyx

make slaves through BRAIN SURGERY!

Cygnar: You built the arc node. We perfected its use (on damn near every bonejack!).

Khador: Hey look, cheap, expendable infantry! We got that too, and we can build even more (likely out of yours!).

Protectorate of Menoth: You love Menoth, then you die. We love Turok, then we die, then we love Turok even more.

Retribution of Scyrah: Yep, stole one of your Warcasters too! We might want to give this one back, though.

I might have to do another one of these later, Ive got a few more lined up. :)

Trading Done!

So, as I mentioned the other night, I did some wheeling and dealing with a few armies when I went to visit Deo and friends.

Long story short, I took every army I could find over there, and sold one right off the bat, another two are waiting on someone to get paid, and yet two others are "sold, as soon as the buyer knows they are sitting there". A few other armies were left, and I am hoping they get snapped up as well.

So, in the end, I am left with my Space Marine armies (maybe its a crusade, maybe not), my Cryx, my tiny collection of Cygnar, and my damaged Tomb Kings, that will get replaced with new models soon. My plan is to not start any new armies. What I have is varied enough that if I get bored, I should be able to find something different to work on.

So, what am I doing with the money I made? ...Nothing. At least until the morons in DC decide to write a budget, that is. If the Gov get shut down next week, I might be out of a job for a bit. We can hope this gets taken care of quickly, but I have little faith right now. I would rather be working this 12-2 schedule, then not work at all....

Ahoy! Wall of Text about the Top Ten!!

So, here we go. Sunday and Monday, I was thinking about the headaches that came with the Top Ten. Long hours of work, the frustrations of blogs getting blocked at work, my less then wordy mind trying to come up with flattering descriptions for the links.

Monday night, I slapped together what was probably my most half-assed Top Ten ever. And despite it being a rush job, it felt like coming home. I had forgotten how much I put into these, and how much more I get out of them. The comments on the blog were nice (they always are!), and so were the comments I got from the twitterfolk Id linked. It had all those warm squishy feelings, like roadkill in July. I remembered how doing this helps the community as a whole, and with FTW in stasis, the community needs the help.

So, here we sit. I have a plan, and a request. I am planning on continuing the Tuesday Top Ten, in a recognizable format for the immediate future. That is ten spiffy links, every week. My request is simple. I dont have as much time to wander the blogosphere as I would like, and there are new and exciting blogs that need love. If and when you find one of these, do something about it! It could be as simple as emailing me, or linking in the comments to one of my posts, or you could really share the love by posting the link on your own blog! I will be putting in more effort to follow such links from here on out.

Now, there is actually one other concern about the Top Ten: Location, location, location. From The Warp was an AWESOME place for this type of list. Working with Ron was icing on a cake made of pure Win. However, that really isnt in the cards anymore. I have seen a bit of mention of others doing a Top Ten (Dark Future Games did one, I know I saw another elsewhere that escapes me right now, and SCWH is talking about one), and I fully endorse their efforts, along with the House of Paincakes weekly Top X, and any others that escape my befuddled mind.

However, do I want to go back to doing my list elsewhere, and leaving my own work here? I dont know. (And before you ask, I am sure Ron would have had no issue if I wanted to write something else for FTW, I didnt pursue that by my own choice.) So, for now the Top Ten will sit here on my quiet little corner of the internet. Maybe I should look into doing up some advertisements for it? We will see if Word of Mouth can restore it to its former glory. Or maybe, just maybe, the Tuesday Top Ten will migrate to a new home. Time will tell.

Update...

"So, Ryan, what have you been up to?" Uhh... Ive finished Sevrin Loth, Carab Culn, and a Seether Helljack. Right now I am experimenting with washes on Cankerworm's base, and working myself up to finishing this Command Squad.

"Got any pics?" Nope, I am a slacker, as usual. But I might have some this weekend. Maybe.

"Get any games in?" *hangs head in shame* Nope.

"What has been taking your time up?" Oddly enough, chatting with fine folks on Twitter. Working more then is healthy for me. Very little WoW time really.

"Any ideas for what is next?" I was looking at Night Goblins earlier, but I still think Tomb Kings are my next army, if I can keep the Skaven hordes out of my sock drawer.

Sons of Janus - Army Idea

So, I just had an odd idea: building an Imperial and Chaos army, with the same characters on each side. Sort of a "What If" army. Of course, I had to pick a scheme that would look good for both sides. I think this might work. ;)

Hey looky!

Ron has continued the Top Ten! Go look! He even found three blogs that I wasnt following before!

And now, I go to rewrite some experimental rules I accidentally lost.... Something involving Space Marine Chaplains and Holy Relics...

Keeping up...

"So, what happened to a post every Monday and Thursday?" What, didnt the Top Ten I posted on Tuesday count? I am saying it did. :)

Lets see, what have I been working on? I have continued throwing paint at Carab Culln, Id say he is about half done. I think I also did a bit of work on the Wife's and Sis-in-law's XMas gifts (Yes I am a slacker, I know). I got my Wife a little turtle figure that I am painting, and the SIL is getting an owl.

On the gaming side, the Disorderlies Tyrant and I are still trying to fit a game into our schedules... and its not working out all that well. I think the next chance for one we have might be at the end of the month. Maybe.

Onto good news, my Forge World order finally shipped, my copy of IA10 and Red Scorpion shoulder pads are finally sailing the ocean blue. Maybe Ill see them before the end of the month.

I was looking up the boarding action rules in IA9 earlier (thanks to DT asking about them), and have been thinking more 40k then Warmachine lately, so I think the pendulum is finally swinging again. Kinda on the fence about Fantasy still. Keep telling myself Im going to start Skaven again, enjoy looking at the models, then look at the book and get all "Meh" about it again. Might still be waiting for Tomb Kings after all.

Happy news

Well, I usually poke fun at people who have to blog on certain days, regardless of whether they have something to talk about or not. I prefer to put out material as I have it. Lately, however, Ive been sharing my "wisdom" on Twitter, and the blog has been quiet. Soooo.... In order to bring this to life, I am going to try (try being the operative word here), try to post something at least twice a week. Probably Monday and Thursdays. Hey look, its Thursday! Whatcha got Ryan?

Sorta long story, but it ends up with a happy ending. For me.

About a month and a half ago I had a performance review meeting with the owner of my company. I showed up 45 minutes late, wet, and in less then optimal interview clothing. Within the first three minutes he said "Due to the praises your bosses have been singing, we are giving you a raise, the only question is how much". He told me Id find out when I had my second review.

So, I had my second meeting (showed up on time for this one!) a few weeks ago, with the money man and my boss. Things went well, and he told me a number that was suitably impressive. I was told Id see it either this payday or next.

This payday went, and no raise. Ok, I was expecting that. My Boss called last night and said there had been a mix up, and they were giving me my raise as a separate check this time. I find the envelope and... Lets just say that if I didnt have car repairs that needed doing, Id be starting a new army today. Probably Skaven.

So, now that I know how much more I am making each month, I can safely say that I can seriously start adding to my armies once again. Not at the "single guy" rate, but far more then "one small order every 3-4 months". Probably a unit or two every other week.

So, the point I was trying to get to? If I can get the Sis-in-law to take some pics, things are going to get more interesting around here soon.

Now, I go and look and decide whether I am adding to Cryx or Red Scorpions first.... Ahh hell, Both. :)

Riding off into the sunset...

My hands are shaking. My eyes are watering. Was this the reaction my mom had when she dropped me off at the Air Force Recruiters for the last time, knowing the next time she saw me I wouldn't just be her little boy anymore? Probably not, but maybe a faint echo.

By now you have likely read the most recent Tuesday Top Ten. Did you read the news bit at the bottom? Did it leave you screaming and ranting and cursing my name? Or did you say "Its about time, maybe Ron can saving this sinking ship"? Something in between? Im guessing a reaction of "Well, that sucks, but lets see what happens" is going to be the most common.

So, the question everyone is likely to be asking is "Why?". Well, Ive heard (especially in relation to a hobby) that "if it becomes a second job, its time to move on". Well, I realized as I was going through the old posts that yeah, it has become a job. And so, I move on. Obviously that is not all there is to it. When I started it almost two years ago, I did so to kill some time at work. Now, work is changing and I may not have the time I once had. Other stuff is happening, that is really not worth talking about here yet.

So, moving forward. I am passing the torch into Ron's keeping, and he will carry it forth to light those blogs that have posts worth sharing. And trust me, there are many out there. And I wish him the best of luck with it, whether he keeps it, or finds someone to fill my 9 1/2 boots. I sincerely look forward to seeing what the future holds over there. And in case you are wondering, I may wander back from time to time with a "guest list", if needed. I am keeping my massive blog roll, I just will no longer be looking at it as "should I mark this for the Top Ten?". Maybe I will even comment a bit more. One can hope.

With the future of the Top Ten in good hands, what about my hands? Am I starting a new project? Have I been poached by someone else to do something elsewhere? Am I quitting the hobby? The answer to these is no. Im going to keep working on my Cryx and Red Scorpions, and trying to hammer out a blog post a little more often then I have lately. Maybe even try to get my own stuff posted on the Top Ten. ;)

In the end, the Tuesday Top Ten is my baby, and like all proud parents, I have to step back and let that baby grow.

2010 in review.

Well, lets cut to the guts. 2010 sucked for my hobby time.

Painting: next to none.
Gaming: Three games? Maybe four...
Building Armies: I started Blood Angels and Empire, neither got to the 500 point mark. Some work done on Cryx and the Red Scorpions though.
Blogging: Crap. I think I was lucky to get two posts a month.

And now, the shining point... The Tuesday Top Ten.

Aside from a burn out week, and I think one other vacation, the Top Ten kept everyone happy this year. I wasnt quite as on the ball with The Rest of the Story, but it helped some.

So, where can I lay the blame for this mess? Directly between my keyboard and chair I am afraid. Playing WoW killed a lot of my time, and when my computer went belly up, I swapped to my wife's computer... which is not sitting right next to a mountain of unpainted models waiting to guilt me into painting them.

Somewhere around October, I think, I actually set all my Fantasy stuff aside. As of right now, the plan is to let it rot until the new Tomb Kings come out. The new Skaven stuff may be trying my patience, though.

The 40k side of things are not quite as dire, but still not getting much work. I got some more Red Scorpions, and IA:9, but they are now boxed and awaiting the return of my interest.

Lastly, Warmachine. I managed to keep up with Mk2 and the main faction books as they came out, then lost interest between Cryx and the Mercs... Interest has since returned, and Ive actually added to my Cryx collection recently, and even plan to add more in a few days... Question would be, will I get around to painting them? I hope so. I have an idea for getting me back at my painting desk, assuming the Wife agrees. Cross your fingers.

If I get painting again, I should get playing as well, right? Maybe. In '09 I got a significant amount of gaming in due to having my table set up in the spare room. Now, the room it is in is loaded with storage. I need to get off my butt and get that sorted out, then maybe I can get Keith or Deo to show up for a trouncing. I am also trying to get a game set up soon with the Disorderlies Tyrant, maybe get beaten in WarmaHordes again (and this time Ill even write about it!).

As for the Top Ten and TRotS? Well, plans are in motion there, and I wont ruin the surprise yet.

Burnout

Dont you hate it when you get burnt out on something and dont realize how much so until it is almost too late?

Yeah, it can happen. At least to me. Its not just the Top Ten/TRotS, or the slogging through a ton of blogs, or the half a**ed paint jobs Ive been struggling to push out over the past year or two. Im not sure why or what, but I am bleh for now.

Im taking a step back, taking a breather, and will hopefully be ready to dive back in, in a week or so. That means no Top Ten this week, and once again The Rest of the Story will be sidetracked.

Off Topic - Veteran's Day

Unlike most bloggers, I didnt post a message yesterday supporting our Veterans. "Why Ryan, are you anti-vet?" No, not even close. I know many veterans worthy of the highest respect, and I know a few who probably dont, but are getting it anyways.

The reason I did not say anything is that it seems self-gratuitous to celebrate the day when I am a veteran as well. I know some people here have seen mention of my few years in, but I dont mention it much.

I am a veteran, I served nine years in the US Air Force as an Intelligence Analyst. I may not have seen combat, and the worst place I ended up was in South Korea (which was a nice assignment compared to some), but I did what I could to the best of my abilities. I am proud of my service, but usually do not talk about it, not out of trauma or shame, but because I dont think doing what you think is the right thing needs to be trumpeted to any and all.

However, I have to question something. Whether it is Remembrance Day with solemn respect and poppies, or Veteran's Day with parades and sales, why do we only remember once a year? Many of our Veterans are real heroes, giving flesh and blood and more in exchange for freedoms many take for granted. I may think my brief service is not entirely worthy of celebration, but the real heroes should be remembered and thanked when and where possible.

Dont remember them just on Veteran's Day, remember them every day.

Peeking at the Storm Raven

(Pic stolen from Warseer, which stole it from GW)

Yeah, I know, everybody and their uncle has posted this pic today. Everybody has also shared their opinion... Usually I just let it all go by, but I decided this one would get mention.

Do I like it? Hate it? Want to take it on three dates then "forget" to call it back? I think that on a scale of 1-5, it gets an Ehhh. I dont think it looks as horribad as some people are saying, but it isnt really all that great either. My biggest problem with it is the wings, or rather the position of the wings. Why are they nailed to the tail? It looks VERY front heavy... I think that if the rumored rules that allow other chapters (such as my Red Scorpions) to use it come through, Id mount the wings a bit closer to the front, like around the midway point. If those rules never come around, well, I wont worry about it! ;)