Turning 23 on the 23rd

I will always have a soft spot for the Blood Angels. Exactly a year ago today, I entered my poorly painted Blood Angels army into a local tournament. I lost every game I participated in, but I learned a great deal of terminology and tricks that I still use to this day.

Here is a picture of my first tactical squad and some of the first terrain pieces I had made:



When you compare it to the picture at the top of this post, it is quite apparent that I have a vastly different painting style now. I knew nothing of highlights, or basing for that matter, but I still put a lot of effort into that first squad. My paints were offbrand, my brushes were too (and still are), but I still tried to pay attention to detail.

The picture at the top of this post is a miniature I have been painting as a gift for my good friend Anson, who has really taken me under his wing and introduced me to playing the game the way it was meant to be played. We never get ultra-competitive (although he does beat me every time we roll dice) and we ALWAYS have a good time. I learn something new every time I face his mighty Waaagh, and he is helping me to get down every aspect of the game without being condescending or elitist about it.

His method of mentoring is so successful, that he and a couple of his closest friends have opened up a "Nerd Community Center," as he calls it. It is called Kingdom Wargames and Comics, and it is located in downtown Palmer, Alaska. It is the only place of its kind in the area, and it has quickly become THE local hangout for many young folks. It is great for the kids to have a safe and drug-free environment to go to that is only a couple blocks from the junior high school. I personally think this store is a service to the community, and not just a local business.

Anyway, my friend also turned 23 this month, so I took it upon myself to paint up this fellow. I opted for a more codex-compliant color scheme, as he does not have a BA army, and this piece will likely just go on a shelf or display case. Either way, I wanted to paint it up to the best of my ability, so I spent a good six or seven hours painting this fellow as carefully as possible. Sad thing is, I like this scheme so much I wish I had done all mine this way. Ah well, live and learn. I might still be able to, we'll have to see.

So, happy birthday Anson! Mine is tomorrow, so anybody wishing to send me a free birthday present feel free to do so! Just kidding. (cannedflame2005@yahoo.com) Kinda.

So this blog turns 1 in a month or so. I'll check the exact date and announce it later. Almost 200 posts too! This has been a great year so far. Here's to the one ahead!

Until next time,
--FP135

Baalwing: Heroic Style

Last night I posted a list I was contemplating running for my new concept of "Baalwing", a take on the Deathwing style of lists.

This morning, however, I got my hands on a copy of the Space Wolves codex and was making a few comparisons:

I can get more points for my models with the SW codex. This is good from a money standpoint, because my son's B-day is coming up and I don't need to go spending more money on models.

Furthermore, the characters in the SW codex are more heroic, and many of them have Eternal Warrior special rule. I think this fits my vision for a 1st company list: more heroes that fight the multitudes.

Also, the Psykers for SW have access to much better powers. The librarian for a DeathWing army has only two psychic powers, where a Rune Priest has a choice of many more powers.

The Terminator squad can be larger, the squads more modifiable, and thus more resilient.

I'm thinking of running a Heroic version of the list that looks something like this: (less models, more heroic characters)

Grimnar

Rune Priest
--Living Lightning and Jaws of the World Wolf

10 Wolfguard in Terminator armor
--2 Assault cannons, 9 Powerfists

5 Wolfguard in Terminator armor
--Upgrade 1 to Arjac Rockfist, 3 Powerfists, 1 Chainfist, Assault Cannon

5 Wolfguard in Terminator armor
--4 Powerfists, Leader has Chainfist, H. Flamer

Dreadnought w/ MM

Predator with TL Lascannon

1750 Points


Of course, I will give everything fluffy names and such, but the rules and points values will be identical to the SW versions. This list does not have the support of a fast attack Assault squad, but I think the benefit of the harder special characters will make up for it.

What do you think? I got some good comments on Deathwing lists, but what about terminator Space Puppy lists? Do the benefits of the harder special characters and better psychic powers outweigh the costs of loosing the mobile Assault squad?

Have at it, generals.

Baalwing: Showing My love for the new SH Terminators

First off, let me begin by saying that I am sorry for my recent absence! I have been trying to get more done during the day, which means my computer is getting used a lot less. The time I do spend on here is usually writing the odd list or getting references for our Dark Heresy games. I'll try to keep up with it again, but by now you probably know that I am fickle!

I've finally been trying to get a 1750 pt. "counts-as" army based on Deathwing Terminators painted up, and I'm about 1/2 way there. I was inspired to try this by two things: The sheer beauty of the Space Hulk Terminators, as well the Deathwing-based army made by Ron at From The Warp. He talks about how it suits him in this article.

Why do I think that this army-style might fit me? First off, Terminators are my favorite SM unit. They are what space marines are supposed to be, if you were going by the fluff, the few that defy the multitude and frequently still come out on top. Secondly, despite having two armies that technically are meant to be played as horde (my IG and Tyranids), I don't particularly enjoy playing horde armies. I prefer to have fewer models to transport to the gamestore, as well as less to remember on the tabletop. Lastly, this army just looks pretty if painted up properly. The Space Hulk terminators seem to scream "Use us as Deathwing because we are such handsome vampires!" They have more bling than 50 Cent!

So, between counting as Space Wolves, or Dark Angels, I figured it was less of a stretch to go for Dark Angels. At least that way I can still incorporate a lot of the vanilla Codex units like Dreadnoughts and assault squads, to keep the BA flavor.

So here's what I'm tinkering with lately:
HQ-
Belial w/thunderhammer and storm shield
Librarian in Terminator Armor

Elites-
Dreadnought with Multimelta

Troops-
Deathwing Terminator Squad w/ Assault Cannon

Deathwing Terminator Squad w/ Assault Cannon

Deathwing Terminator Squad w/ Assault Cannon, Sgt. Chainfist

Deathwing Terminator Squad w/ Heavy Flamer, Sgt. Chainfist

Fast Attack-
Assault Squad (10 Man) w/ Sgt. Powerweapon, Sgt Combat shield

Heavy Support-
Predator w/ TL Lascannon, Pintile-mounted Stormbolter, Extra Armor






Seems a bit light on the anti-AV14 weaponry, but hopefully enough powerfists, chainfists, and even the rending assault cannons should close the gap up a bit. I need a Land Raider pretty badly, and I could use some assault terminators as well, but I don't know if I'll be able to pull those together any time soon. My buddy might be able to pull me together a land raider, if I trade him enough of my other stuff. We'll have to see about that though!

Well, feel free to discuss. What kind of problems will I face with a list like this? What are its strengths? What kind of strategies have you seen work for this kind of army?

Valk Retrofit: Vendetta conversion

Bits used for this conversion:
-Leman Russ side sponsons
-2 Twin-linked Lascannon Dreadnought Arms
-2 Razorback Lascannons

And voila! Vendetta. Unfortunately, now I have to move the name to the rear somewhere.

4 Dollar Tyranid Mycenetic Spore Pod

You too can create a spore pod for a fraction of the cost that you would think!

Materials:
"Poof" Brand Football, Jumbo Size (Walmart = $4)
Hot Glue sticks (Walmart = 100 mini sticks for $3)
Jumbo Paperclips and Toothpicks (Walmart, about a dollar)
Total: 8 dollars for 2 spores, 2 dollars per spore after that as long as you have the glue and paper clips.

STEP 1: Cut the football in half.



STEP 2: Peel back petals


STEP 3: Use Jumbo Clips and Hot Glue to support the Petals


STEP 4: Add gooeyness and tentacles with Hot Glue, and spikes with Toothpicks

STEP 5: Base, Prime, and Paint!



I am not finished painting this, as you can see, but I am desperately trying to get people to get away from those lousy Plasma Hatcher toys that they have been using as pods. I hate those things. They are not representative of a spore pod at all, in my opinion. This method provides a gooey, organic looking pod at a fraction of the cost. I hope this provides you guys a decent alternative to pre-bought or sub-par spore pods for your tyranids.

Until next time,
--FP135

Valkyrie is Named! Results are in!

With only a half-hour left to vote, and an overwhelming majority, it is pretty clear that the winner of the naming contest is... (drumroll please...)...

... 3 Year Gambit!

Apparently a lot of people thought it was fitting tribute to my wife's 3 year wedding anniversary gift to me. Credit goes to 08ak1 for the great suggestion. Coincidentally, he is also an Alaskan, and I'll have to be sure to show him the result of his suggestion personally the next time we meet to battle it out!

The second-choice was my old platoon nickname: Nightstalker. It also is the name of a couple of famous units, like an AC-130 and the unit of special-operations Black-Hawks used in Mogadishu (as made famous in the movie Black Hawk Down).

Neck-and-neck with that was the name Alascadian Glory, paying tribute to the regiment. Warhammer 39,999, Also an Alaskan, voted for it to pay tribute to the best state in the Union. Ok, ok, we may not be the best, but we ARE pretty awesome!

So, I'm off to design the nose art now that I have a name for this vessel. Also in the works, expect to see a new design for a Mycenetic Spore Pod for all you tyranid players out there. But first... today is game day! I have a game to prepare for.

So until next time...
--FP135

Valkyrie Naming Poll, Vote Today!

Ok, here are the Creme de la Creme of the suggestion box names for my Valkyrie:

"3 Year Gambit" (This valkyrie was my 3 year anniversary present)

"Discendo" (I descend)

"Occumbo Ex Caeli" (Loosely Latin for 'Death from the Skies')

"Nightstalker" (coincidentally the nickname of my old platoon in the service)

"Volatilis Pango" (Flying Hammer)

"Alascadian Glory"

I'll be keeping the polls open for less than one week, so get in there and give me some votes! I need to get this vehicle named, so I can get to painting on some nose art!

Until next time:
--FP135