Rule of the Day 04/12/2011
Another rule that was highlighted as a big change in my Friday night learning game with McClure & Caius.
pg 24
Rally Fleeing Troops is now in the Compulsory Moves phase instead of in the middle of the charge / declare / move chargers phase like it was in 7th.
Compulsory Phase Rundown
1. Rally Fleeing Troops
2. Move Fleeing Troops (that didn't rally)
3. Other Compulsory Moves
Feel free to email suggestions to ginger_buddha@yahoo.com.
Cheers!
Domus
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Rule of the Day - Ranks for Steadfast
Rule of the Day 04/11/2011
Suggested by Sandals @ The Ogre Stronghold
and Jim Emerick - T.O. for The Midwest Rampage
pg 54 + Current BRB FAQ
If a defeated unit has more ranks than its enemy, it takes its Break test without applying the difference in the combat result scores.
Simply put, a unit is considered to be steadfast if it has more ranks than its enemy. As with calculating extra ranks for the purposes of combat resolution, the ranks have to be five or more models wide for the unit to be treated as being steadfast.
*skipping flavor text*
It should be noted that a unit does not lose its steadfast status for being disrupted. A flank charge might be able to disrupt a unit, but it can't prevent the warriors in that unit realising they outnumber the foe.
Important notes
Unlike calculating extra ranks, there is no exception stated for ranks after the fighting rank. (pg 52)
In game terms this means - A unit of 15 archers deployed in a line is charged in the front by a dragonrider. The dragonrider causes 7 wounds, the archers none. The unit is now 8 models vs. the dragonrider. Because there is 1 rank (the fighting rank IS still a rank and there is NO exception for steadfast) the unit will be steadfast vs. the dragonrider.
Disrupted Units still count ranks for Steadfast.
Big tarpit units can take flank / rear charges and still be steadfast allowing you to get units into the flank / rear of that enemy.
Cheers,
Domus
Suggested by Sandals @ The Ogre Stronghold
and Jim Emerick - T.O. for The Midwest Rampage
pg 54 + Current BRB FAQ
If a defeated unit has more ranks than its enemy, it takes its Break test without applying the difference in the combat result scores.
Simply put, a unit is considered to be steadfast if it has more ranks than its enemy. As with calculating extra ranks for the purposes of combat resolution, the ranks have to be five or more models wide for the unit to be treated as being steadfast.
*skipping flavor text*
It should be noted that a unit does not lose its steadfast status for being disrupted. A flank charge might be able to disrupt a unit, but it can't prevent the warriors in that unit realising they outnumber the foe.
Important notes
Unlike calculating extra ranks, there is no exception stated for ranks after the fighting rank. (pg 52)
In game terms this means - A unit of 15 archers deployed in a line is charged in the front by a dragonrider. The dragonrider causes 7 wounds, the archers none. The unit is now 8 models vs. the dragonrider. Because there is 1 rank (the fighting rank IS still a rank and there is NO exception for steadfast) the unit will be steadfast vs. the dragonrider.
Disrupted Units still count ranks for Steadfast.
Big tarpit units can take flank / rear charges and still be steadfast allowing you to get units into the flank / rear of that enemy.
Cheers,
Domus
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Rule of the Day - Scout Deployment
Rule of the Day 04/10/2011
First off, apologies re: the previous rule of the day. There were quite a few errors made but this is what I get for posting after a long day at 2:30 AM. Just as with any rule, we all get things wrong occasionally.
Suggested by Wildcard from The Ogre Stronghold
pg 79
Scouts are set up after all other non-Scout units from both armies have been deployed. They can be set up either in their controlling player's deployment zone, or anywhere on the battlefield more than 12" away from the enemy. If deployed in this second way, Scout cannot declare a charge in the first turn if their side goes first.
If both players' armies contain Scouts, players should roll off. The players then alternate deploying their scouting units one at a time, starting with the player who won the roll-off.
Wildcard also pointed out a neat tactic with this rule - When you deploy scouts in your deployment zone, there is no 12" away restriction. This is important if both sides have scouts. Your enemy puts his scouts in your Deployment Zone and then you can counter-deploy and be 1" away. The enemy also CAN'T charge you turn 1 if he goes first after deploying this way further increasing your scouts survivability.
Cheers!
Domus
First off, apologies re: the previous rule of the day. There were quite a few errors made but this is what I get for posting after a long day at 2:30 AM. Just as with any rule, we all get things wrong occasionally.
Suggested by Wildcard from The Ogre Stronghold
pg 79
Scouts are set up after all other non-Scout units from both armies have been deployed. They can be set up either in their controlling player's deployment zone, or anywhere on the battlefield more than 12" away from the enemy. If deployed in this second way, Scout cannot declare a charge in the first turn if their side goes first.
If both players' armies contain Scouts, players should roll off. The players then alternate deploying their scouting units one at a time, starting with the player who won the roll-off.
Wildcard also pointed out a neat tactic with this rule - When you deploy scouts in your deployment zone, there is no 12" away restriction. This is important if both sides have scouts. Your enemy puts his scouts in your Deployment Zone and then you can counter-deploy and be 1" away. The enemy also CAN'T charge you turn 1 if he goes first after deploying this way further increasing your scouts survivability.
Cheers!
Domus
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Rule of the Day - Non Pivoting Chariots
Rule of the Day 04/09/2011
Tom McClure & I were teaching our great friend Caius the ins & outs of 8th edition tonight. Back in 6th edition, Caius played this mean goblin wolfrider army with lots of chariots. The new book/rules are making that very real to field again so he wanted to take some units and the new rules for a test drive.
I was very interested to notice a missing rule (from previous editions) and new it to be the next Rule of the Day.
pg 86 - There is no longer a special movement rule under the unit type Chariots to allow them to pivot instead of wheeling.
I expect it will become even more prevalent with goblin chariots now being able to take units of 1-3 and even more so once the Tomb Kings army book lands.
**EDIT - I did some more digging and found it - pg 27 allows a LONE chariot to pivot, just not a unit of chariots.
pg 27 - The one exception is that a single model can pivot on the spot as many times as it wishes over the course of its move.
Cheers,
Domus
Tom McClure & I were teaching our great friend Caius the ins & outs of 8th edition tonight. Back in 6th edition, Caius played this mean goblin wolfrider army with lots of chariots. The new book/rules are making that very real to field again so he wanted to take some units and the new rules for a test drive.
I was very interested to notice a missing rule (from previous editions) and new it to be the next Rule of the Day.
pg 86 - There is no longer a special movement rule under the unit type Chariots to allow them to pivot instead of wheeling.
I expect it will become even more prevalent with goblin chariots now being able to take units of 1-3 and even more so once the Tomb Kings army book lands.
**EDIT - I did some more digging and found it - pg 27 allows a LONE chariot to pivot, just not a unit of chariots.
pg 27 - The one exception is that a single model can pivot on the spot as many times as it wishes over the course of its move.
Cheers,
Domus
Friday, April 8, 2011
Rule of the Day - Frenzied Units & Buildings
Rule of the Day 04/08/2011
pg 126 - under Abandoning Buildings
A unit that is Frenzied, or is otherwise forced to charge, still cannot do so if it is in a building - it must instead exit the building as close as possible to the enemy instead of charging.
Bait a frenzied unit in a building to get em the Frak out. Great for late turns in a Watchtower Scenario.
Suggested by Tipsword from IWFB.com.
Cheers,
Domus
pg 126 - under Abandoning Buildings
A unit that is Frenzied, or is otherwise forced to charge, still cannot do so if it is in a building - it must instead exit the building as close as possible to the enemy instead of charging.
Bait a frenzied unit in a building to get em the Frak out. Great for late turns in a Watchtower Scenario.
Suggested by Tipsword from IWFB.com.
Cheers,
Domus
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Rule of the Day - Accepting a Challenge
Rule of the Day 04/07/2011
pg 102
If your opponent has issued a challenge, you can now accept it with one of your characters or champions whose unit is in base contact with the unit containing the issuer of the challenge. Note that a character does not have to be in base contact with an enemy to accept or issue a challenge, just part of a unit that is. The two models will now fight, as described in Fighting a Challenge, below.
Related FAQ
Q: After accepting a challenge must the challenged model always
move into base contact with the enemy model that issued the
challenge? (p102)
A: If the challenged model is on his own then he must move
into base contact. If the challenged model is in a unit he must
move as long as it does not require leaving his unit. Where it is
not possible for base contact to be made then leave the models
where they are and simply assume that the two models are in
base contact.
Two big changes from 7th edition
1 - You don't have to be in a fighting rank to accept (or issue) challenges any longer. Anyone can accept.
2 - The accepter has to move, not the issuer (as long as he doesn't have to leave his unit)
Ultimately I just intended this to be about the change to who can accept as it a big change from 6th / 7th.
But the accepter moving has to be discussed.
Per the letter of the FAQ - the accepter has to move into B2B if he is on his own. So a dragonrider charges the rear of a ranked unit. If the dragonrider issues, the champ moves to him. If the dragonrider Fails to issue a challenge and the champ does then the dragonrider moves to the champ. Bye Bye Rear Charge Bonus. Be prepared for this in your games.
Lots of "Spirit of the Game" issues here but that is the current literal reading of the rules.
Cheers!
Domus
pg 102
If your opponent has issued a challenge, you can now accept it with one of your characters or champions whose unit is in base contact with the unit containing the issuer of the challenge. Note that a character does not have to be in base contact with an enemy to accept or issue a challenge, just part of a unit that is. The two models will now fight, as described in Fighting a Challenge, below.
Related FAQ
Q: After accepting a challenge must the challenged model always
move into base contact with the enemy model that issued the
challenge? (p102)
A: If the challenged model is on his own then he must move
into base contact. If the challenged model is in a unit he must
move as long as it does not require leaving his unit. Where it is
not possible for base contact to be made then leave the models
where they are and simply assume that the two models are in
base contact.
Two big changes from 7th edition
1 - You don't have to be in a fighting rank to accept (or issue) challenges any longer. Anyone can accept.
2 - The accepter has to move, not the issuer (as long as he doesn't have to leave his unit)
Ultimately I just intended this to be about the change to who can accept as it a big change from 6th / 7th.
But the accepter moving has to be discussed.
Per the letter of the FAQ - the accepter has to move into B2B if he is on his own. So a dragonrider charges the rear of a ranked unit. If the dragonrider issues, the champ moves to him. If the dragonrider Fails to issue a challenge and the champ does then the dragonrider moves to the champ. Bye Bye Rear Charge Bonus. Be prepared for this in your games.
Lots of "Spirit of the Game" issues here but that is the current literal reading of the rules.
Cheers!
Domus
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Rule of the Day - Chars. on Flying Beasts in Units
Rule of the Day 04/06/2011
This is not directly a written rule but rather a change from 7th edition, though I think it is an important one.
pg. 70 - Fly
Pg. 83 - Monstrous Cavalry
Pg. 85 - Monstrous Beasts
pg. 97 - Characters
The above pages contain all of the rules needed to understand this change.
In 7th edition, there was a rule that characters could never join units while mounted on a flying creature.
There are lots of rules now dictating what units a character can & can't join, but being on a flying monstrous beast is no longer one of them.
Can't Join Monsters
Can't join Flying Units
Can't Join Chariot Units
Can't join Swarms
Can't Join War Machines
Can't Join units when riding a monster or if he is a monster
Who benefit from this? Elves that can ride great eagles and Dark Pegasi. Humans can ride pegasi so could also benefit. Lizards that can ride terradons.
I think that covers it. Full Credit where credit is due here - I didn't realize this change until I read a battle report on TheWarhammerForum by Ben Curry from the Bad Dice Podcast where he used this tactic.
He put the unkillable DE Lord on a Dark Peg in a unit of Spears, also with the crown of command. This guy was able to charge out and basically lock down any unit with Stubborn 10 (likely re-rollable) or kill mages / war machines, etc... Lots of utility here. He doesn't get a Look out Sir, but you actually would prefer enemies shoot him instead of the unit (given his un-killablyness).
This is probably the single best of this unit as the magic items available make the elf hard (if not impossible) to kill. But don't let that stop you from trying it!
Just another tool to consider when building your list.
Cheers!
Domus
This is not directly a written rule but rather a change from 7th edition, though I think it is an important one.
pg. 70 - Fly
Pg. 83 - Monstrous Cavalry
Pg. 85 - Monstrous Beasts
pg. 97 - Characters
The above pages contain all of the rules needed to understand this change.
In 7th edition, there was a rule that characters could never join units while mounted on a flying creature.
There are lots of rules now dictating what units a character can & can't join, but being on a flying monstrous beast is no longer one of them.
Can't Join Monsters
Can't join Flying Units
Can't Join Chariot Units
Can't join Swarms
Can't Join War Machines
Can't Join units when riding a monster or if he is a monster
Who benefit from this? Elves that can ride great eagles and Dark Pegasi. Humans can ride pegasi so could also benefit. Lizards that can ride terradons.
I think that covers it. Full Credit where credit is due here - I didn't realize this change until I read a battle report on TheWarhammerForum by Ben Curry from the Bad Dice Podcast where he used this tactic.
He put the unkillable DE Lord on a Dark Peg in a unit of Spears, also with the crown of command. This guy was able to charge out and basically lock down any unit with Stubborn 10 (likely re-rollable) or kill mages / war machines, etc... Lots of utility here. He doesn't get a Look out Sir, but you actually would prefer enemies shoot him instead of the unit (given his un-killablyness).
This is probably the single best of this unit as the magic items available make the elf hard (if not impossible) to kill. But don't let that stop you from trying it!
Just another tool to consider when building your list.
Cheers!
Domus
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Rule of the Day - Flaming + Magic Weapons
Rule of the Day 04/05/2011
pg 69 BRB - Flaming Attacks
Unless otherwise stated, a model with this special rule has both Flaming shooting and close combat attacks (though any spells cast by the model are unaffected, as are any attacks made with magic weapons they might be wielding).
In short, the only way that attacks from magical weapons will be flaming is if the weapon has the Flaming rule itself.
That character with the Fencers Blades in a unit with the Banner of Eternal Flame will not count as having Flaming Attacks.
Tactical Uses - Only a few I can think of though there are likely others...
Put a Char. in a unit with the Flaming Banner across from Dragon Princes. Dragon Princes charge think they can't be hurt and the character proceeds to whoop up on them. This also works vs. Characters with the Dragonhelm or Dragonbane gem.
Cheers!
Domus
pg 69 BRB - Flaming Attacks
Unless otherwise stated, a model with this special rule has both Flaming shooting and close combat attacks (though any spells cast by the model are unaffected, as are any attacks made with magic weapons they might be wielding).
In short, the only way that attacks from magical weapons will be flaming is if the weapon has the Flaming rule itself.
That character with the Fencers Blades in a unit with the Banner of Eternal Flame will not count as having Flaming Attacks.
Tactical Uses - Only a few I can think of though there are likely others...
Put a Char. in a unit with the Flaming Banner across from Dragon Princes. Dragon Princes charge think they can't be hurt and the character proceeds to whoop up on them. This also works vs. Characters with the Dragonhelm or Dragonbane gem.
Cheers!
Domus
Monday, April 4, 2011
Rule of the Day - Flaming Attacks & Regen
As I'm working my way through understanding 8th edition I am going to start a new post series - Rule of the Day.
For me, the best way to learn the new ruleset (& I mean really learn it - enough to be a competent rules judge for a tourney) is to ;
a) Play lots of games
b) Answer Rules questions online using the BRB
*typing out the answers really helps them stick for me
The plan is for these to typically be more obscure rules but I truly expect all kinds. Most of these will likely come up from either games or online rules questions.
Rule of the Day 04/04/2011
pg 74 BRB
Wounds caused by Flaming Attacks cannot be regenerated, and if a unit is wounded by a Flaming Attack it loses the Regeneration rule for the remainder of the phase (it can be used later in the turn, though - it just takes a short time for Regeneration to overcome the flames).
Tactical Use - Always use Flaming attacks first vs. Regenerating units when applicable. (Thank you Mr. Obvious)
With Lizards this gives me 2 main tactics.
1) Sallie Fire on a Hydra / Abom / Trolls / etc. followed up by Chameleon Skinks. Removal of Regen lets the Cham. Skinks poison work its magic.
2) Saurus hero with Burning Blade in a unit of Saurus. Saurus hero goes first (due to I) and the remaining saurus unit attacks also ignore Regen. NICE!
Cheers!
Domus
For me, the best way to learn the new ruleset (& I mean really learn it - enough to be a competent rules judge for a tourney) is to ;
a) Play lots of games
b) Answer Rules questions online using the BRB
*typing out the answers really helps them stick for me
The plan is for these to typically be more obscure rules but I truly expect all kinds. Most of these will likely come up from either games or online rules questions.
Rule of the Day 04/04/2011
pg 74 BRB
Wounds caused by Flaming Attacks cannot be regenerated, and if a unit is wounded by a Flaming Attack it loses the Regeneration rule for the remainder of the phase (it can be used later in the turn, though - it just takes a short time for Regeneration to overcome the flames).
Tactical Use - Always use Flaming attacks first vs. Regenerating units when applicable. (Thank you Mr. Obvious)
With Lizards this gives me 2 main tactics.
1) Sallie Fire on a Hydra / Abom / Trolls / etc. followed up by Chameleon Skinks. Removal of Regen lets the Cham. Skinks poison work its magic.
2) Saurus hero with Burning Blade in a unit of Saurus. Saurus hero goes first (due to I) and the remaining saurus unit attacks also ignore Regen. NICE!
Cheers!
Domus
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
And now for something completely different...
I'm on a bit of a hiatus from Warhammer. I'm going to play some games using Lizardmen but I find myself not very excited about 8th edition.
So, I've been playing a ton of Descent:Journeys in the Dark recently. This is a great board game using miniatures made by Fantasy Flight Games.
I've also decided to order some castle molds from Hirst Arts and I am going to start a new project with my 7 year old son. We are going to cast, build and paint our own chess set. I will then teach him how to play chess. I'm not worried about him catching on because we already play games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. He doesn't quite understand the tactics and strategies of those games yet but he understands the rules and the how to play.
I created a rough 3d concept of the board I want to build based on a similar project I found on the Hirst Arts Message Boards.
It was important to me to incorporate the Cavern Floor Mold as I ordered that so I could create Descent dungeons in 3D. I also ordered special casting plaster that is 3x more durable than plaster of paris yet still mixes thin and pours easy into the molds. Everything should arrive next week and we will begin casting.
Cheers,
Domus
So, I've been playing a ton of Descent:Journeys in the Dark recently. This is a great board game using miniatures made by Fantasy Flight Games.
I've also decided to order some castle molds from Hirst Arts and I am going to start a new project with my 7 year old son. We are going to cast, build and paint our own chess set. I will then teach him how to play chess. I'm not worried about him catching on because we already play games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. He doesn't quite understand the tactics and strategies of those games yet but he understands the rules and the how to play.
I created a rough 3d concept of the board I want to build based on a similar project I found on the Hirst Arts Message Boards.
It was important to me to incorporate the Cavern Floor Mold as I ordered that so I could create Descent dungeons in 3D. I also ordered special casting plaster that is 3x more durable than plaster of paris yet still mixes thin and pours easy into the molds. Everything should arrive next week and we will begin casting.
Cheers,
Domus
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Unseen Lerker 3 Now available
Shameless plug for Unseen Lerker! I typically write the hobby corner for this mag but upgraded to event coverage of Adepticon for this issue.
Get Unseen Lerker Here
Get Unseen Lerker Here
Friday, May 28, 2010
Momentum
I lose it, I gain it, I lose it, I gain it.
Seems to be a never ending cycle.
I was re-energized in the hobby after Adepticon. Started buying and planning for yet another new army (Ogre Kingdoms). Somewhere along the way, I lost my juice and got re-involved in Computer games.
MWR 5 was just last weekend. Despite some personal feelings re; the weekend, I had a great time I am currently very enthused about the hobby. 8th edition on the horizon has me a bit nervous now though.
GW is gonna shake things up. The game, as I know it, is changing pretty drastically it seems. Only time will tell if this change is for better or worse. For now, I am just going to try and start converting and painting again. Let's see where I get.
Seems to be a never ending cycle.
I was re-energized in the hobby after Adepticon. Started buying and planning for yet another new army (Ogre Kingdoms). Somewhere along the way, I lost my juice and got re-involved in Computer games.
MWR 5 was just last weekend. Despite some personal feelings re; the weekend, I had a great time I am currently very enthused about the hobby. 8th edition on the horizon has me a bit nervous now though.
GW is gonna shake things up. The game, as I know it, is changing pretty drastically it seems. Only time will tell if this change is for better or worse. For now, I am just going to try and start converting and painting again. Let's see where I get.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
DE Wips
Lot of WiP pics here...
First off with the Spearmen
There are 2 different units and each unit is comprised of different components. Unit A is comprised of Grave Guard legs + DE torsos and Unit B is comprised of Corsair Bodies + Spears. Both units will get shields. Neither unit is glued to the base (just pinned atm) so some of the models are a touch out of position. Both units still need some GS work / unit filler work.
Next is a WiP shot of the bases I will be using for my first unit of Dark Riders. The plan is to have the Driders hanging onto the Stalagmites and crawling on, over and around them.
Last, but not least, are the beginning WiPs of the work I am doing on the spiders. Just working on the lower body sections atm - adding a carapace type shell and rounding out what was a flat bottom. Any constructive criticism is welcome here as sculpting is still a weak link for me.
First off with the Spearmen
There are 2 different units and each unit is comprised of different components. Unit A is comprised of Grave Guard legs + DE torsos and Unit B is comprised of Corsair Bodies + Spears. Both units will get shields. Neither unit is glued to the base (just pinned atm) so some of the models are a touch out of position. Both units still need some GS work / unit filler work.
Next is a WiP shot of the bases I will be using for my first unit of Dark Riders. The plan is to have the Driders hanging onto the Stalagmites and crawling on, over and around them.
Last, but not least, are the beginning WiPs of the work I am doing on the spiders. Just working on the lower body sections atm - adding a carapace type shell and rounding out what was a flat bottom. Any constructive criticism is welcome here as sculpting is still a weak link for me.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
WIP RBT
Small update for early October...
I will post more pics of assembled models soonish...
So I whipped out my RBT in a 3 color minimum. This model has a lot of paint work left to be done and is currently only flat colors. It does give me a chance to decide on my scheme and a chance to show off one of the basing materials I will be using for this project.
I will post more pics of assembled models soonish...
So I whipped out my RBT in a 3 color minimum. This model has a lot of paint work left to be done and is currently only flat colors. It does give me a chance to decide on my scheme and a chance to show off one of the basing materials I will be using for this project.
Assembly Started
This assembly happened back in August but I'm just now getting around to updating my blog here. Nothing new to see if you are also watching my PLOG over on TWF.
Some Units Based & assembled. Still need to GS some gaps and I may remove the circles on the feet of the Cold One Knight Lizards (undecided atm). Every fig is simply pinned to the base and will be removed so the figs & bases can be painted separately.
The basing material is a stuff called Durhams Water Putty which costs about $8 a can US and I got it at Menards. Mix the stuff up with water and poured it in a cookie sheet. (**Use an old one or you might get smacked!) I waited 24 hours and the stuff was still moist in the middle so I put it in the garage and forgot it for a week. When I checked back later, the stuff was rock hard.
I have some snippers from Sears that will cut anything and I use those to cut it into roughly base sized shapes. I then hack at it with clippers, pliers and then exacto knives. The stuff glues well to plastic, but it does not glue well to itself. I had to insert a pin in the sorc base between the two layers to give the glue something to grab onto.
Some Units Based & assembled. Still need to GS some gaps and I may remove the circles on the feet of the Cold One Knight Lizards (undecided atm). Every fig is simply pinned to the base and will be removed so the figs & bases can be painted separately.
The basing material is a stuff called Durhams Water Putty which costs about $8 a can US and I got it at Menards. Mix the stuff up with water and poured it in a cookie sheet. (**Use an old one or you might get smacked!) I waited 24 hours and the stuff was still moist in the middle so I put it in the garage and forgot it for a week. When I checked back later, the stuff was rock hard.
I have some snippers from Sears that will cut anything and I use those to cut it into roughly base sized shapes. I then hack at it with clippers, pliers and then exacto knives. The stuff glues well to plastic, but it does not glue well to itself. I had to insert a pin in the sorc base between the two layers to give the glue something to grab onto.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Something Wicked this Way Comes
I was going to build and work on my new army in super secret fashion. But I found after building the ogres I really enjoyed blogging about my army.
So, I will keep a blog here and update my progress as I go. It's not the most well traveled spot on the interwebs anywho. :-)
Dark Elves are my new army of choice. They offer, to me, the ultimate gaming experience in all of Warhammer. The ability to play in all three phases - well. On top of that, the army list can easily be scaled to a maximized list for playing in 0 comp tournies and scaled down for "softer tournaments".
My list starts as what I plan to run at the Core Competency tourney in November in Chicago. It's a 2 day tourney where soft scores + fluff gets you more points than anything. OH yeah, and 40% core is a requirement! This list will be great as it provides me a solid foundation for my Dark Elves and enough spearmen for almost any build. It will be very easy to add units to this army to scale it up in size / power.
The Army List
Lvl 3 DE Sorc
Web of Shadows (Themey but fail item - easily replacable for other tournies)
Focus Familiar
Dark Pegasus
20 Spearmen - Full Command
20 Spearmen - Full Command
20 Spearmen - Full Command
10 Crossbowmen with Shields
10 Crossbowmen with Shields
5 Dark Riders with Musicians and Crossbows
6 Dark Riders with Shields and Full Command
6 Dark Riders with Shields and Full Command
5 Harpies
5 Harpies
6 Cold One Knights with Banner and Musician
6 Shades with Great Weapons
14 Executioners with Full Command
1 Repeater Bolt Thrower
139 -ish models
224x points
As to the models
There will be heavy conversions. Each unit of spearmen will be created using different models with similar elements (spears, banners, etc...). The harpies will be converted around a piece of artwork directly linked to the theme. The crossbowmen will be converted based on some inspiration from German GD painter George Damm.
The big conversions that will set the theme of the army will be for the Dark Riders. I will be converting them all into Driders using Spider Rider Spiders, Beastmen and Dark Elf bits. Below is a very rough conversion test of my ideas just to see how well the bits worked together. I am really happy with the results but foresee a ton of cutting, pinning and sculpting in my future to make these a reality.
As to the Theme
My army will be based around my vision of the Drow that I have in my mind which was largely influenced by all of my AD&D gaming experiences in the 80's. I have never seen a well done entire Drow army and I think it's time.
As to the colors
Skin color for the drow is the most important choice. Lots of the text refers to them as having obisidian skin. R.A.Salvatore & the Drizzt books started depicting drow with a dark purple-gray colored skin.
My skin color will be based on the image from the Super module Queen of the Spiders which was published to contain all of my favorite D&D modules in one series.
See my first attempts at this rough color scheme.
I love the WE sculpts. She has been a ton of fun to paint on so far. So much so that I have decided to paint up a unit for the Chicago Golden Demons.
Basing
The basing of the army has been a bit of a challenge. I need to create cavern floor to represent the underdark. I was going to use cork as I could get nice textures with cork and it is both cheap and easy to work with... But I found that I'm not happy with 'pure' cork for a number of reasons, the big one simply being durability. On a suggestion from a friend, I have been messing around with Durhams Water Putty. I initially didn't like this stuff but later found I just hadn't allowed it enough time to thoroughly 'dry/cure' due to the thickness I was creating. This stuff may fit the bill nicely. It is also cheap and easy to work with. I am also playing with some Sculpy on a suggestion from Cathy Wappel. I really like working with this stuff and definitely see me using it a lot in all future projects.
The basing will feature numerous additional elements. Some will be sculpted and some will be generated using green stuff press-moulds. You'll have to tune in later to find out more.
TTFN
So, I will keep a blog here and update my progress as I go. It's not the most well traveled spot on the interwebs anywho. :-)
Dark Elves are my new army of choice. They offer, to me, the ultimate gaming experience in all of Warhammer. The ability to play in all three phases - well. On top of that, the army list can easily be scaled to a maximized list for playing in 0 comp tournies and scaled down for "softer tournaments".
My list starts as what I plan to run at the Core Competency tourney in November in Chicago. It's a 2 day tourney where soft scores + fluff gets you more points than anything. OH yeah, and 40% core is a requirement! This list will be great as it provides me a solid foundation for my Dark Elves and enough spearmen for almost any build. It will be very easy to add units to this army to scale it up in size / power.
The Army List
Lvl 3 DE Sorc
Web of Shadows (Themey but fail item - easily replacable for other tournies)
Focus Familiar
Dark Pegasus
20 Spearmen - Full Command
20 Spearmen - Full Command
20 Spearmen - Full Command
10 Crossbowmen with Shields
10 Crossbowmen with Shields
5 Dark Riders with Musicians and Crossbows
6 Dark Riders with Shields and Full Command
6 Dark Riders with Shields and Full Command
5 Harpies
5 Harpies
6 Cold One Knights with Banner and Musician
6 Shades with Great Weapons
14 Executioners with Full Command
1 Repeater Bolt Thrower
139 -ish models
224x points
As to the models
There will be heavy conversions. Each unit of spearmen will be created using different models with similar elements (spears, banners, etc...). The harpies will be converted around a piece of artwork directly linked to the theme. The crossbowmen will be converted based on some inspiration from German GD painter George Damm.
The big conversions that will set the theme of the army will be for the Dark Riders. I will be converting them all into Driders using Spider Rider Spiders, Beastmen and Dark Elf bits. Below is a very rough conversion test of my ideas just to see how well the bits worked together. I am really happy with the results but foresee a ton of cutting, pinning and sculpting in my future to make these a reality.
As to the Theme
My army will be based around my vision of the Drow that I have in my mind which was largely influenced by all of my AD&D gaming experiences in the 80's. I have never seen a well done entire Drow army and I think it's time.
As to the colors
Skin color for the drow is the most important choice. Lots of the text refers to them as having obisidian skin. R.A.Salvatore & the Drizzt books started depicting drow with a dark purple-gray colored skin.
My skin color will be based on the image from the Super module Queen of the Spiders which was published to contain all of my favorite D&D modules in one series.
See my first attempts at this rough color scheme.
I love the WE sculpts. She has been a ton of fun to paint on so far. So much so that I have decided to paint up a unit for the Chicago Golden Demons.
Basing
The basing of the army has been a bit of a challenge. I need to create cavern floor to represent the underdark. I was going to use cork as I could get nice textures with cork and it is both cheap and easy to work with... But I found that I'm not happy with 'pure' cork for a number of reasons, the big one simply being durability. On a suggestion from a friend, I have been messing around with Durhams Water Putty. I initially didn't like this stuff but later found I just hadn't allowed it enough time to thoroughly 'dry/cure' due to the thickness I was creating. This stuff may fit the bill nicely. It is also cheap and easy to work with. I am also playing with some Sculpy on a suggestion from Cathy Wappel. I really like working with this stuff and definitely see me using it a lot in all future projects.
The basing will feature numerous additional elements. Some will be sculpted and some will be generated using green stuff press-moulds. You'll have to tune in later to find out more.
TTFN
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Model Selection Process
So, I have been thinking about various ways to pick models. I know I have to pick something I WANT to paint, or the effort just won't happen.
I've been toying with the idea of re-painting some models I have completed for other projects by attempting to add to them to bring them to the next level.
One model in particular sticks out in my mind for this attempt. My WE Horse. A new base, re-paint the armor, mane, hooves and a fidly bit here or there and I have a very nice looking horse. One I think would look nice under the right rider.
That would be this fellar right here.
I'm taking a close look at the ogres I recently completed as well to scour possibilities.
As for new models to start with, I am considering;
Heavily Converted Dark Riders (*A borderline unit as they exit the GW established universe)
Witch Elves
Converted Executioners
Shades
(*Anyone see a theme emerging here....)
An Assasin...
Lots of ideas in my head, I need to get some test painting going.
I've been toying with the idea of re-painting some models I have completed for other projects by attempting to add to them to bring them to the next level.
One model in particular sticks out in my mind for this attempt. My WE Horse. A new base, re-paint the armor, mane, hooves and a fidly bit here or there and I have a very nice looking horse. One I think would look nice under the right rider.
That would be this fellar right here.
I'm taking a close look at the ogres I recently completed as well to scour possibilities.
As for new models to start with, I am considering;
Heavily Converted Dark Riders (*A borderline unit as they exit the GW established universe)
Witch Elves
Converted Executioners
Shades
(*Anyone see a theme emerging here....)
An Assasin...
Lots of ideas in my head, I need to get some test painting going.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Raising the Bar
This year has proved to be an interesting one hobby-wise for me on many levels. A solid return to the hobby after too-long spent playing online in the World of Warcraft has been lots of fun.
I spent the first part of the year creating my ogres with Caius for the Team Tournament. At Adepticon, I got to handle most of the Rogue Demon entries and was both blown away and inspired by the talent evidenced on those minis. During the day, I browse tons of websites / blogs and I am in general inspired by the depth of talent in our hobby.
I have been planning on attending the Chicago Games Day and entering my Wood Elf army into Armies on Parade. I don't expect them to be the best painted army in the competition but I do expect them to be very competitive thematically.
I now think it's time I created some entries for the Golden Demon painting contest. I have wanted to enter for quite some time now but I am always very doubtful of my abilities. I think the only way I will ever progress to the next level is to seriously try and compete. So, I begin the process of raising the bar I set for myself and creating at least one entry for the Golden Demons.
I have been scouring the web over the last few days, reading tutorials, reviewing demon winning models, and bookmarking as many preparation-sculpting-painting-basing articles as I can.
I have some ideas of models I would like to use and will begin the selection process shortly. I am both nervous and excited about the prospects of starting down this path and look forward to painting out of my comfort zone. I am going to be fairly transparent on my first attempts and reaching out to as many great painters as I can for advice throughout this process. I will detail my choices and progress here. All comments / advice will be welcomed.
Couple this with a couple of other ongoing hobby projects (Touching up my WE, a New Base for my WE and starting my DE army), and a ton of HoneyDo's around the house and my plate will be quite full.
I spent the first part of the year creating my ogres with Caius for the Team Tournament. At Adepticon, I got to handle most of the Rogue Demon entries and was both blown away and inspired by the talent evidenced on those minis. During the day, I browse tons of websites / blogs and I am in general inspired by the depth of talent in our hobby.
I have been planning on attending the Chicago Games Day and entering my Wood Elf army into Armies on Parade. I don't expect them to be the best painted army in the competition but I do expect them to be very competitive thematically.
I now think it's time I created some entries for the Golden Demon painting contest. I have wanted to enter for quite some time now but I am always very doubtful of my abilities. I think the only way I will ever progress to the next level is to seriously try and compete. So, I begin the process of raising the bar I set for myself and creating at least one entry for the Golden Demons.
I have been scouring the web over the last few days, reading tutorials, reviewing demon winning models, and bookmarking as many preparation-sculpting-painting-basing articles as I can.
I have some ideas of models I would like to use and will begin the selection process shortly. I am both nervous and excited about the prospects of starting down this path and look forward to painting out of my comfort zone. I am going to be fairly transparent on my first attempts and reaching out to as many great painters as I can for advice throughout this process. I will detail my choices and progress here. All comments / advice will be welcomed.
Couple this with a couple of other ongoing hobby projects (Touching up my WE, a New Base for my WE and starting my DE army), and a ton of HoneyDo's around the house and my plate will be quite full.
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