Confessions of a 40K Addict

Space Hulk Computer Game

2010-01-16T04:01:00.001-08:00

Space Hulk Computer Game

http://www.teardown.se/index.html

While checking my email, I saw a link to this, an awesome game! While it does not equal the rush you get out of space hulk (how many stealers can you kill/missions/3x broodlords vs 3 assault cannons), it seems to work well, and will be great to play when I don’t have Space Hulk with me.

However, stand by for a painting post about the Terminators from Space Hulk, though I am considering Simple Greening them, since my painting does not do them justice....

Development of a List (Part 2)

2010-01-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

So my list so far:
Shas'el, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Cyclonic Ion Blaster, Hardwired Multitracker, 2x Gun Drones=110
--he is designed to really hurt at 18", and then jump away. He has 7 attacks, and a large blast template, so will really hurt any gaunts, or gargoyles

3 Shas'ui, with Missile Pods, Twin Linked Flamers= 129
3 Shas'ui, with Missile Pods, Twin Linked Flamers= 129
3 Shas'ui, with Missile Pods, Twin Linked Flamers=129
--These stay at range, hitting large creatures, with their S7. The Twin Linked flamers will really hurt as well. I am considering upgrading them to Plasma Rifles, but then they would be out of flamer range....they need to be 12" to double tap, but then they can be assaulted....tough decision. In addition, with Plasma rifles, its worth the extra points to be twin linked. Also, not amazing fluff wise, as there is no story with them.

6 Fire Warriors=60
6 Fire Warriors=60
6 Fire Warriors=60
--Lots of scoring units for the objective, and to put fire on many units....S5 is great vs Tyranids.

10 Kroot, 12 Hounds=142
10 Kroot, 11 Hounds=136
--These will be really nasty in forests, as they will have 3+ cover! Also, the 12 hounds are at I5, and 3 attacks each. The whole unit will have 66 attacks on the charge, nothing to scoff at!

3x Broadsides, with Multi Trackers and Twin Linked Plasma Rifles=255
--Expensive, but they can hurt some big bugs!

Sky Ray with Disruption Pods, Target array, and a pair of Burst Cannons=145
Sky Ray with Disruption Pods, Target array, and a pair of Burst Cannons=145
--the Heavy Hitters, with 4 marker lights hitting at BS4, and 12 Missiles, as well as a nice 12 S5 shots a turn. Fluff wise I might go for a Smart Missile System, thoughts? I can just imagine tiny missiles zooming towards gargoyles and punching tiny wholes in their wings....its beautiful!

=1500

I would castle up, and hope to kill everything with the broadsides, and crisis. The kroot would move to the objective, as they ignore difficult terrain. I would use up the seaker missiles quickly, and use the skyray's to tank shock the smaller nids off the objective....

Next Time: Refinement of the list.

Development of a List (Part 1)

2010-01-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

January Army List Challenge

So I decided to walk all my avid readers (or lack there of) to the process I use to create an army list. I saw this post, and immediately started thinking.

The first step is 'what Army?' I have the codexs to old IG, old Chaos, Old Space Marines, Space Marines, Tau and Deamonhunters....Which isn't a lot, but a good sampling. Here I decided to go with Tau, because this was not a deamonhunter scenaria, and I didn't think white scars, or mech marines were appropriate (the two flavors I play). Thus I was left with Tau.

Secondly, I ask myself 'What is the fluff and what is it asking?' Simply put this means, make some fluff (if it doesn't exist), and make a them for the army based on the fluff. I saw flying nids, and thought: Sky Ray....

Next I start surfing through the codex, looking at options that also fit the fluff, or the unit(s) that I am theming the army on. This is a jungle world, so Kroot are appropriate. This is an objective based mission, so transport would be good, but tactically maybe not....The blurb in the codex mentions pathfinders with the sky rays, and in hindsight they are perfect.

Other wargear that looks promising is Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, as that is basically an AA cannon, which ignores cover, Markerlights would be fantastic, as it can knock off the cover that tyranids are always trying to get. Fletchette Discharger doesn't look bad, but the only things assault a tau vehicle will be monstrous, and thus have a low save, so maybe not. Finally I will need a lot of fire warriors for mass of fire, as well as several Plasma rifles, as I need to take out monstrous creatures. Flamers are always strong, as are burst cannons.

Next Time: First Draft, with points.

However, I have one important question: How does pinning effect 'nids, and is it worth buying (like a gun drone squadron with massed markerlights?

Geek Nation Tours

2010-01-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.geeknationtours.com/index.php

Trully Awesome! I would love to go on one of these....the banter would be incredible! Since I have had a dirth of comments recently: What is the 'coolest' tournament or trip that you have taken or been to? (only geeky stuff applies!)

Everyone, please say!

Bat Rep vs SM

2010-01-06T13:26:00.001-08:00

I played Raphael from Belgium today, with his dual librarian, 15x sternguard list! I used my standard white scars, with a Heavy Flamer on the ironclad.

His list was:

1 Space Marine Librarian @ 100 pts (...in Power Armour; The Avenger; The Gate of Infinity)

1 ...in Power Armour (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Psychic Hood; Bolt Pistol; Force Weapon)

9 Sternguard Veteran Squad @ 335 pts (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x3; Combi-Meltagun x4; Heavy Flamer x1; Meltagun x1; Drop Pod)

1 Sergeant (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Bolter; Lightning Claw)

1 Drop Pod (Storm Bolter)

1 Space Marine Librarian @ 100 pts (...in Power Armour; The Avenger; The Gate of Infinity)

1 ...in Power Armour (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Psychic Hood; Bolt Pistol; Force Weapon)

4 Sternguard Veteran Squad @ 185 pts (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Bolt Pistol x4; Combi-Meltagun x2; Heavy Flamer x1; Meltagun x1; Drop Pod)

1 Sergeant (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Special Issue Ammunition; Bolt Pistol; Bolter)

1 Drop Pod (Storm Bolter)

9 Tactical Squad @ 225 pts (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x7; Meltagun; Plasma Cannon; Drop Pod)

1 Sergeant (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Bolt Pistol; Combi-Meltagun)

1 Drop Pod (Storm Bolter)

1 Land Speeder Storm @ 50 pts (Cerberus Launcher; Jamming Beacon; Heavy Bolter)

4 Scout Squad @ 110 pts (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Scout Armour; Bolt Pistol x4; Combat Blade x4)

1 Sergeant (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Scout Armour; Melta Bombs; Teleport Homer; Bolt Pistol; Power Weapon)

9 Tactical Squad @ 190 pts (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x7; Flamer; Plasma Cannon)

1 Sergeant (Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Bolt Pistol; Power Weapon)

1 Land Speeder Squadron @ 90 pts (Heavy Flamer x1; Typhoon Missile Launcher x1)

1 Vindicator @ 115 pts (Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Demolisher Cannon; Storm Bolter)

Deployment started out with him drop podding a line of marines along his board edge, and two speeders and a squad of sternguard on the far right. I in return put my trust in the drop podding multi-melta in the tac squad, and deployed my bikes on the right, hoping to roll up his flank using the termies and dread to provide cover. However, I forgot we were playing dawn of war, and thus was unable to shoot the vindicare.

In his turn, he dropped the large squad of sternguard in the forest next to me, and shot my bikes. However I only lost three guys, but most of my tac squad. When they had to take leadership checks however, the tac squad ran, and got stuck between the command squad and the sternguard.

In the bottom of T2, I shoot his sternguard with my flamer bike squad, and kill 5!, I then shoot hisother squad with my other two units, killing a few, and they choose to fail their ld. I charge with my command squad whipping out the rest of the sternguard, but am down to the apoth and the captain. He passes his morale check.

T3, he uses gate of infinity to take librarian out of CC, and leave my boys stuck in the woods. He continues to push his guys towards me, leaving me cornered in the far right side. He made a very good decisiop with his librarian, and I lost to many guys due to not knowing the rules for assaulting after shooting (only the squad you shot at, even if they are wiped out!). In other shooting, he attacked my turquoise bike squad, killing the standard biker, a melta and taking a wound off the attack bike.

On my turn, my apothecary died due to a low hanging tree, and my captain and flamer squad ran up the middle. The dread came in, and landed next to the vindicare, but failed to hit it, and the termies spread out to cause pain! The remainder of the turquoise bikes shot the vindicare as well, but a tree stopped the potentially deadly melta beam....You would not guess how strong these trees are! Finally I blew up his drop pod, just to annoy him, as it had killed two marines with its storm bolter already! Currently I had 3 kill points to his 1 (1x Drop Pods, 2x Sternguard vs a command squad). But the next turn would decide all!

The turn started well, with my dreadnought surviving, and one member of the turquoise squad surviving as well. So far KP denial was successful! One librarian had a perils of the warp, and the other hit my terminators with avenger. I lost two terminators against the sternguard. However the stunning moment was the scouts shooting the dread with their bolt pistols and immobilizing it....Not good! However he then assaulted my dread with his scouts and Combat squad. I proceeded to mulch two marines, and force them to flee.

In my turn I flamered his scouts with my dread, and ran the last remaining turquoise biker away to conserve the kill point. The black squad ran in, to get some shooting, and the bikes shot the sternguard, killing two. In the assault phase, I attacked a combat squad with my termis, killing three, and the sternguard and 2 librarians with the captain and bikes. However, I only managed to kill one librarian, leaving a stalemate.

In his turn he was desperate for kill points, as I was up 6-1. He quickly killed my last biker and tac squad, and shot and killed all the remaining black bikers...Things were starting to look even! Then the terminators massacred the last tac marines, and marched to the next tac squad. In the CC with the librarians, captain, bikes and sternguard, the captain killed the librarian, and no other damage was done. However, the Sternguard failed their LD test and were run down. At the end of T5, before my turn, it was 9KP to 4, and Raphael had to leave.

Overall it was a fantastic game, and if I had finished my turn, I could have gained another two or three kill points. The deciding factor was that I was able to concentrate my forces, to wipe out a squad a turn, and to take advantage of easy kill points. In addition, I did not give many up, having only 10 Kill points total, while he had a massive 16, of which I grabbed a lot of. I need to keep working on my tactics, as I made several crucial mistakes, and did not fully read the rules on assault after shooting. He had a nice list that I will remember, and I had a great time!

Terminators WIP

2009-12-28T18:55:00.000-08:00

To prove that I am still alive, here are some (grainy) pictures of my almost completed terminators. I decided to give them red hands, and red heraldry, and of course red eyes....The power fists are a much lighter (lightening) blue, that I will keep working on later, so for now all that is left is to finish off the sergeant, paint purity seals, highlight the fists, and do the small clean up details. And of course base them, but I have yet to decide on a scheme for that, so they will stay unbased for now.

Any comments (please)?

Sun and Moon Pheonix Battle Report

2009-12-22T22:41:00.000-08:00

I forgot to take pictures, but I played a battle on Vassal against 'Mav', who was a great opponent. His list was very fluff based, so I felt a bit bad about using my white scars list, but I needed the practice. His list was weak, as it had little cohesion, but he played it well.

SUN AND MOON PHOENIX REVISED

200- Baharroth

195- Maguan Ra

232- Swooping Hawks X 10

-Exarch: HAwk's Talon

197- Dark REapers X 5

-Exarch: Crack Shot

135- Storm Guardians X 10: X 2 Flamers

-Warlock: Singing Spear, EMbolden

115- Wave Serpent: TL Scatter Lasers

240- Pathfinders X 10

80- Fire Dragons X 5

115- Wave Serpent: TL Scatter Lasers

I ran my white scars, with a melta on the dread, and flamers on the smaller bike squad. We played Dawn of War, and Sieze Ground with three objectives.

Setup wise, I deployed nothing, reserving the termies and drop pods. The tac squad came in T1. However, when moving my bikes in, I lost 4 of them due to dangerous terrain tests....I will never go through buildings again!

In Mav's second turn, he shot and killed the rest of my command squad, leaving the captain. In the Bottom of T2, my terminators arrive, I surround his serpents with my bikes, and place my ironclad to the right of the building, in between a serpent and the pathfinders. Shooting, I first destroyed the Fire Dragon's Serpent, and killed two. Then the Ironclad sent a melta into the rear of the other serpent, blowing it up and killing 8 storm guardians....Things were looking good.

In his turn, he shot and assaulted my termies with maugan rah, killing two. I quickly finished the game, whiping out the path finders (they lost the combat by -6), Fire Dragons and Storm Guardians. At the bottom of T3, Mav conceded, as he only had the dark reapers, baharroth, and the swooping hawks left.

It was a great game, with lots of good banter, with the audience and Mav. I learnt a lot about my list, and need to keep practicing. I made tons of mistakes that I need to work on however!

Inquisitor Kill Team

2009-12-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

Next I have a Deamonhunter Inquisitor. I was reading the fantastic Eisenhorn Trilogy, followed by all three Ravenors. The images of Gregor (or is it Eisenhorn, Gregor seems too soft for such a bad ass!) storming through building, burning heretics, Deamonhosts and all manner of nasties inspired me to make this list.

Firstly we have an Inquisitor and his Acolyte. The Inquisitor is just a standard, but has a Power Weapon, as I think P wep’s are fantastic, and the model I have for the Inquisitor has an awesome one. His hench man has melta bombs: I picture him as a cackling explosives expert, who blows up all the ammunition crates, trucks and buildings.

Secondly we have a Storm Trooper Sergeant, and for troopers with Flamers. These would be even better as Sororitas, but I don’t have the witchhunters codex, so I am staying with Inquistorial guard. The image of them cleansing the tainted tribesmen is so appealing; I take them regardless of effectiveness. However, four flamers are quite good at whipping out brute squads, so it does work!

Finally I have a Death Cult Assassin, who I think was designed for kill team. In so many books the lone assassin goes out alone to take on the entire tainted cell, and the DCA can either support the inquisitor in fighting up the center, or help the Storm Troopers if an assault is eminent.

Inquisitor, Carapace Armour, Power Weapon, Bolt Pistol, Frag Grenades=42

Acolyte, Las Pistol, Chainsword, Melta Bomb=13

Storm Trooper Sergeant, Sword, Hell Pistol=20

Storm Trooper, Flamer=15

Storm Trooper, Flamer=15

Storm Trooper, Flamer=15

Storm Trooper, Flamer=15

Death Cult Assassin=40

I still need a name for the Inquisitor and task force...Ideas? I always like ‘Elariath’ but that is probably too much like Eldar or Elves....Task Force Hegemon seems good. The basic fluff depends on the mission, but involves the inquisitor coming to the planet by civilian transport, undercover. He hears of the taint from the DCA ‘Araballa’, and quickly takes control of a nearby squad of ST, who are cleansing the site of a gang war....

Space Marine Kill Team 2

2009-12-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

I might get a lot of flack for this list, and I doubt it is very effective. The fluff is that scout master Telion has realized that the enemy warboss/munitions dump/important objective is unguarded. The catch is that only 5 men can get in through their mode of transport. As the entire campaign rests upon this objective, he groups the best of the scouts in the entire chapter for a lightening strike.

Telion=73

Scout Sergeant, Melta Bombs=28

Scout Sergeant=23

I have no idea if it would work, but the idea is cool, so I might try it.

I have a more serious list tomorrow....

Space Marine Kill Team 1

2009-12-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

So for the first kill team of the series, I created a themed Space Marine Force, where a group of Vanguard Veterens storm the base, under sniper cover, from a squad of scouts.

Vanguard Veteren, Power Weapon, Bolt Pistol, Frag and Krak Grenades, Melta Bombs=40

Vanguard Veteren, Close Combat Weapon, Bolt Pistol, Frag and Krak Grenades=20

Scout Sergeant, Sniper Rifle=23

Scout, Sniper Rifle=13

Tactically the scouts are pretty weak, as sniper rifles do nothing in Kill Team. However, as a group, we decided that sniper rifles would actually be better, if the target was not alerted, representing the easy head shots. Thus there are no saves for models w/out full helmets (like SM Sargeants), and its 2+ to hit.

The vanguard would march straight up the middle, using their four attacks on the charge to demolish opposition, and capture the objective. The Power Weapon is to represent the sergeant, and the melta-bombs are fluffy and used the last five points I had.....

Kill Team Revisited

2009-12-17T03:47:00.000-08:00

I know I haven’t posted in a while, but that’s because I haven’t held a paintbrush or played a game for 2+ months...Except for a weekend of Space Hulk...More on that later!

So today I have the first in a series of Kill Teams. The rules that I am working with are:

1) Be fun and fluffy...You can break the rules a bit, if it is cool, and makes sense

2) 175 points

3) Use whatever combination of individual units from a single codex.

4) No Strength 8+

5) No 2+ saves

6) Between 4 and 15 models

So basically the idea is either a 175 battle, with a lot of individual independence, or against 3 man ‘brute’ squads, which are quite easy to kill (IG, Tau FW, Orc Boys, but also SM Tac Marines, and Storm Troopers....) Objectives and sabotage are important parts of the game, so melta bombs and krak grenades are encouraged. Same with scouts/elite troops....

In this series I will not be focusing on winning, but on having fun, themed forces. Each force has a story, that can develop over time....If you have ideas to make the list more or less competitive, or add to their story, please post! I don’t have that much time, and I love comments!

White Scars III

2009-10-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

So after playing White Scars for a while, I stopped, and started on my Crimson Fists (my physical army). Playing a moderate mech army forced me to change my play style, and giving me new perspective on playing (badly).

I found that if you just do two-four pieces of armor, it will get massacred, with most modern armies geared towards mech. Instead, bikes, with T5 are very hard to kill, but still die to said anti-tank weapons. Therefore you have three options.

1. Give everyone an invulnerable save (Librarian, ST, speed)

2. Have enough bikes in a small enough area that your opponent cannot mass his fire power, ala Saim Hann

3. Don't go near the enemy. Wait until Assault, or T5+ to go nearby. With 24" last turn move, most objectives are in range.

So my result is a hammer to the face style. I take a small group of TH/SS Terminators, a Command squad, and a Drop Poded Dreadnought, and a Tactical Squad in Drop Pod.

The Tac Squad comes in T1, wherever, to cause a distraction and hold objectives. My Command squad sets up for a charge, with another bike squad shielding it. Once the Terminators or Dreadnought come in, the Command squad also hits, rolling up the opponents line. All Bike squads have 4 bikes, with two meltas, a Power Weapon, and an Attack bike with Multi-Melta.

My current list is below, but as I don’t have the codex with my, I would love some input, especially on the Ironclad, as I don’t know the points. I would like to get some Power Weapons on the sergeant, and command squad, but I have no idea where to get the points from (except dropping half the tac Squad). Advice would be greatly appreciated (as would comments!

Captain, Power Weapon, Bike=150

Command Squad, Bikes, Champion, Apothacary=220

4 Bikes, 2 Melta Guns, MultiMelta Attack Bike=185

4 Bikes, 1 Melta Guns, MultiMelta Attack Bike=175

10 Tactical Marines, Flamer, Multi-Melta, Drop Pod=205

5 Terminators, 4 TH/SS, 1LC/LC=200

1 Ironclad w/ Seismic Hammer, DCCW, Drop Pod=180

Leaving me exactly at 1500.

Tactical Squad Euphorius

2009-09-07T18:03:00.001-07:00

Today I have my finished (except for the mistakes I just found) tactical Squad. These guys have been painted over about 7 days (spread over 4 months). I am moderately happy with them, only wishing that I had a better base coat, as Gesso does not work perfectly (I simple greened a couple of Terminators yesterday), and my Blue color is a cheap, watery, streaky color. I will probably either invest in a airbrush or a couple of cans of spray paint!

Once I took the pictures, I discovered a couple of mistakes, mostly on the sergeant, including his belt, lower right purity seal and his eyes (major crosseyed!)

Fluff

2009-09-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

This is the current paint scheme for my crimson fists, which I am painting very slowly, due to the color I have selected for the blue being a store, cheap paint, that starts out to watery, and is streaky. I will have to create a new paint scheme sometime in the future, but until them, its fluff time!

My marines are part of the 4th company, who have been chasing a remnent of the ork horde, that destroyed Ryan's world. Since they are the only company to go off planet, they have been lent most of the veterens and heavy vehicles of the chapter. In addition, the Dark Angels heard of their plight, and decided to furfill a deabt, incured when Rogal Dorn helped fortify the rock. Thus the combined force is travelling through the empire, chasing down the orks, and looking for perspective bases for the crimson fists.

The current Captain, Leonardus, has split command with captain Morovian of the Dark angels, who have a squad of sternguard and an attack bike (so far...I am going to buy some more from a friend). Their current campaign has lead them to face many of the more obscure of the imperiums enemies.

Vassal 40K (the ending saga)

2009-08-27T14:11:00.001-07:00

Well sadly I have been busy for all of august, to explain the dearth of posts, and since I left on the 27th, I was wondering if anyone knew what happened in the final days of Vassal 40k, and if any other packs were released. So anyone who knows about this, please leave a comment. I am on top of google for vassal 40K which accounts for most of my hits, and anything I can do to make that better, and to create a better resource, would be great.

What I find amazing is that a month after the site closed down, people are still playing vassal 40k. In fact, over 400 played in the last 24 hours! This shows me that it is a fantastic system, which should be valued. I am not sure how one can distribute V40K to new users, except by personal contact, which I continue to do! Again, if anyone knows how one could do this, please comment, and I will update this post.

Finally I have another sad piece of news: TSOALR is no more. It was a fantastic comic (and still is) with over 600 strips (not counting guest strips). Sadly the author has had to stop making them, due to time considerations. The site is still up, and I hope people continue to appreciate the plethora of comics, which cover almost all of the vast range of GW IP!

So to the hobby, which while GW attempts to shut it down, resides strong, on the web!

EDIT: http://www.mininova.org/tor/2862769 aparently works....

Deamonhunters

2009-07-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

So I played a deamon player today, and he very kindly let me use a deamon hunter army!

Now when I started this blog I was not a good player, and I am not a good player now either. But I like to think that I have improved, both with list building and with tactics. The list I designed was this:

Inquisitor Lord, Destroy Deamon, Grimoire of True Names, Deamon Hammer=95

2x Mystics, Familiar, 3 Acolytes with Storm Shields, Close Combat Warrior=101

Chimera with 2 Heavy Flamers=85

10 Grey Knights, inc Justicar and 2 Incinerators=295

10 Storm Troopers with 2 Plasma Guns=120

Well the list was extremely strong, as I castled up on a hill, and demolished a squad a turn. I never got the Inquisitor Lord in Close Combat, but I am sure he would have been devestating, with I5, WS 5, and S8, while his oponents had half their weapon skill. And, he would be rerolling to hit and to wound, due to Destroy Deamon! In addition, the 4+ invulnerable saves, and Power fist would also have helped!

However, to make it an all comers list, I would drop the Deamon hammer, Grimoire, and banishments, and try and fit in some anti-tank, by taking a thunder hammer, and another close combat servitor. the three power fists would munch through tanks, and grey knights, with Strength 6 are no slouchs either. Finally the plasma guns can stop a vehicle in a desperate situation!

Inquisitor, Thunder Hammer=65
2x Mystics, 3 Close Combat Servitors, 2 Acolytes with Storm Shields=127
Chimera, Smoke, Extra Armor, 2 Heavy Flamers=93

10 Grey Knights, Justicar, 2 Incinerators=295
10 Grey Knights, Justicar, 2 Incinerators=295

10 Storm Troopers, 2 Plasma Guns=120

Again, castle until T4, and then run for the objectives, sacrificing the Inquisitor and retinue so the Grey Knights can win assaults, and hold objectives.

Sternguard Veterens

2009-07-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

So in my Crimson Fists army, I need a squad of Sternguard, due to Pedro's special rule, and because they are very cool (if not very strong).

The ideas for them are

1) the box set, which looks cool, but is pretty expensive ($35).

2) The deathwatch conversion kit, which has cool heads, and special bolters w/ scopes, combined with two red hands and a white head will be good enough ($25)

3) Dark Angels Veteren Kit, the bolters are cool, and the robes are awesome. I don't think it will be to obviously Dark Angels, and the extra bits are very useful. It only has five models, so I can't make two squads, but the plus side is that it could also be a command squad, if I need it to be!

4) (edit) Use the Deathwatch Conversion kit, to make actual deathwatch, with count as sternguard! the black will add a nice contrast with the blue and red of the rest of the army. In addition they will look more cohesive with chaplain cassius (or his equivelent).

what do you guys think?

Vassal Maps

2009-07-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

A bit of pumping for Vassal, which has three days left! I created a map pack a while ago, as I was playing with my friends on Vassal, in a Combat Patrol Campaign. So while doing that we had a bit of problem, as we had to create maps, and, knowing each other very well, and being moderatly competative, we never could agree on maps.

The solution is the following map pack, which are not designed to be fair, but fun, as that is what a 1K, 500 and Combat Patrol game is about! The first map I made was 'A walk in the Street'. It is to teach people the basics of the game, and thus is quite open! In that game, we each took a basic troop squad. My friend (playing arbites) decided to ally with me. Together we easily killed the two SM players, however 6 tau easily massacre 3 arbites, when they are 5 inches away!

The second map was made cause I wanted to try out the trenches. Again, not fair, but generally a single shooty army vs two other armies is fair. Or it is a sprint to the center, with whoever gets it first, getting a large fire advantage. However the three hills make the battle open ended! 'Alone in the Desert' is a reference to the inumerable movies where the heroes are stuck alone somewhere, waiting for the inevitable!

'Dark Eldar Hate Industry' was basically an excuse to use the boxes. When I was deciding which race to make the wrecks, I chose DE, cause they fit the field, and because I know several DE players. The hill in the top right is dominant, as the field of fire is very strong. The sides are relativly empty, but inside is harder to reach, balancing out outflanking, which is slightly overpowered in CP (in my opinion).

'Me, Myself and the Nightlords' is probably the best map in the collection. I play that the hills are just above man height, so if you are within 5" of one, you get cover from oposite hill. The hills aren't perfect, but I love the roads. I picked Nightlords cause they look different from all the other options, and blue goes well with snow!

Orkville is another fun map, but very one sided. When my tau deploy on the hills, they win almost every time, actually the large building in the middle, clear story, and general openness make it suprisingly fun! I added some of the battle effects to make it more alive.

Finally 'Wolves Like it Cold'. This map was to make use of the snow covered buildings, one thing I hadn't yet touched on, and to try a different style of map: cluttered sides, open center. The grey splodge inbetween the rhinos is a Space Wolf Dreadnought, as I wanted something other than just rhinos. However, in game it can move, as it is not terrain. I generally like the idea of the tanks hiding behind the hill and the Wolves dying in seconds.

So everyone, which is your favorite? Any comments, or suggestions? Poll is on the right --->

Favorite Blogs

2009-07-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

So being a student, I don't have oodles of time (don't you love that expression?), so I have selectivly chosen 25 (ish) blogs that I have added to my role, and sadly, they are all that I am able to look at. I do not surf the Bell of Lost Souls roll, nor From the Warp's, but I would like to update the list, as there are a few blogs that I am not as happy with (no offense to their respective owners, as they already surpass me, and I know how hard it is to maintain a quality blog!).

Of the blogs on my roll, there are a few that I am really impressed with:

Bell of Lost Souls: Probably the best, most widely read blog on 40K, with several very impressive authors, and generally fantastic. The blog that I read first, before even looking at my blog roll!

From the Warp: Ron is a fantastic person, and his painting is second to only one other blog around, but his speed is stupendous, and very impressive. In addition, he has fantastic collaborative posts (that I need to contribute to more often!) and very impressive convertions. Now that Tim (dezartfox) has joined, FTW may get even better.

Dave Taylor Miniatures: Games Workshop lost a fantastic person, in Dave Taylor, and his prodigious painting, well maintained blog, and very impressive visualisations of Dan Abnett's work!

Admiral Drax: Despite not actually doing anything related to the navy, Drax has a fantastic colection of guard miniatures, despite being a teacher in a tiny cabin (or so he says....) His paint scheme leaves a little to be imagined, but it is still impresive the amount of miniatures he has painted, and the level of organization he adds too the guard. Personally I believe he should be renamed Minitorium advisor Drax...(the four mistakes are intentional)

Jawaballs, Black Mat and Fritz: I group these together as they are so impressive, in similar ways. The mastery of the '5th dimension' is very impressive, and the entire club is full of strong players. Extensive youtube battle reports, and a large following make these blogs very strong, though the layout leaves a little to be desired...

I have missed out a few blogs, but those are the ones that I believe set the standard that all others are judged. However, if anyone wants to suggest other blogs that are worthy of my (humble) blogroll, please comment!

RIP Vassal 40K

2009-07-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

As any person who has read my blog will know, I love vassal, and play it a lot, due to problems getting real games in, and being able to experiment with various builds, against a large variety of opponents, which, combined with extensive blog reading, has allowed me to jump to a decent level of competence, where I can routinely beat my friends, and actually have people listen to my opinion.

Sadly, The End has Come, and there is nothing we can do about it. I think there will probably be a petition, but even if we get 2000 people to sign it (the amount on vassal 40K every week), GW is unlikely to listen. The only thing we can do is continue to play, and distribute the module (5.2b), to everyone, through blogs and personal connections. Stick it on a disk, and donate them to your FLGS or GW or workplace. Create a download link on something like mediafire, and tell the world. Continue to support a valuable part of our hobby.

Of course the on the other hand, GW had to do this. It allows BoLS to continue, as it increases participation, and is even holding a tournament. However, V40K is not actually helping GW, merely helping a small number of people, who would not normally get to play. As the Tau say ‘for the greater good’ that a small number of people get angry, then to allow a large number of rogue sites, harming GW. Most blogs have a disclaimer up (the BoLS one is very extensive, if you want to copy), but they are still a small part of the hobby, where people who have almost no idea of the fluff make up most of the buying power.

What vassal did was to extend the hobby online to more people. The ability to do battle reports and cool pictures has not really been explored, and as a testing ground it is unparalleled (except if you live in upstate NY or Austin, Texas). The sense of community from Vassal is much more than the blogging or forums, and you really got a feeling for the many types of people who play 40k around the world (I played aussies, germans, Canadians, 50+ years olds, and 12 year olds, but had fun with (almost) all of them!).

Anyway, RIP Vassal, may you live your last 10 days well!

OWWWW!

2009-07-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

Yell at me if you want, for going off topic, but right now I am in a lot of pain! I was playing with my friends three man catapult, doing the usual stuff, eg distance, hit the tree, nail the bird nest, launch it up and catch the balloon....normal

Then another friend (number 4) decides to let go of his end of the catapult after it was launched, and it slingshots round, and whacks me in the eye. I sit in a hospital for 4 hours, and now am one eyed for several days!

I guess I should count myself lucky, as if it had hit me a few milimeters down, I could have permenantly damaged my eye....

Paint and Hobby Box

2009-07-11T01:59:00.000-07:00

Today I have my mini painting box, which I use when bored of my room. It has all the paints that I use for that day,

-a palette, simply a piece of plasticard that will be used once completely covered, as it is recycleable, terrain wise
-a water cup (or jar, which works perfectly well, and is a good way to store well painted models
-newspaper to cover a table, as it really sucks to be banned from painting in family area over a tiny bit of spilt paints
-paper towel for cleaning brushes, drybrushing, and general clean up
-gesso for when I am in the mood
-brushes, a large selection, so I always know where they are
-files, as I can do all my hobby work as well
-Minis, in a section, and as long as you don't throw the box, the paper towel and newspaper will protect them
-Hard Wooden Box, extremely secure, and transportable, I also use it for small games, as a Leman Russ can stand (just) in it, and you can fit entire 1000 point armies for short journies.

Easy enough, what do you guys do your your hobby transport?

(almost) Finished Dreadnought

2009-07-04T03:34:00.001-07:00

So today I have my somewhat finished crimson Fist Dreadnought. Things to note are the right, red footplate, that I am putting as a complementary color on all models, fluff wise as the mark of the 3rd company (fluff coming soon), and painting wise to differentiate with Ultramarines, who everyone seems to play.

The army needs some greenstuff, but I was out, when I was assembling the model, so that will have to weight. There are subtle highlights throughout, which can be seen in other pictures, but do not look as good. I am considering buying some additional arms for him, but I am not sure about the best combination....For my mech army, a lascannon and missile would be nice, but assault cannons are also very effective, and the arm makes him much scarier in close combat. I also want to upgrade the storm bolter to a heavy flamer, but I have no idea where to start!

In the beginning of August or end of July, I will post a picture of my entire Space Marine army, as they are not with me now....

Dwarves of Khazad Methal

2009-07-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today I have my small(ish) dwarf army, designed pre War of the Ring. Basically it consists of a box of rangers, a box of warriors, Balin's Guard (him and eight khazad Guard, 6 iron guard, some heroes, hobbits and a standard bearer. Overall it comes to around 1250 points according to legions. If I was going to update it (for LotR, not WotR), I would buy a seige bow, another box of warriors, and gandalf, who is really useful in dwarf armies.

I have had several battles with the list, only loosing to elves. Against orcs (or is it Orks?), it does really well, as the high toughness, and better fight value, combined with devestating heroes (Balin, Dain, Gimli, banner) and strong elite units (iron Guard and khazad guard) really destroy orcs. As most of my models will kill their oponents, I am not to worried about loosing fights and being surrounded.

They are known as the dwarves of Khazad Methal, as that is the name I gave them when we did a tournament in my GW store, when it was still open.

My IG Army

2009-06-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today, very late, but still happening is my Imperial Guard army. It was my first army, where I learned how to play (badly), basic modelling and painting, and codexs. I bought them on ebay (in unopened boxes) after a friend bought some chaos Marines, and was assembling them. I was immediatly enthralled, and bought a basalisk, Leman Russ, twenty guardsmen, and three heavy weapons teams. However the heavy weapon teams were made into 7 bases, and a large amount of specialists.

The current army is mostly painted to the cadian scheme, but I am slowely converting them to a custom scheme that I have created to go with my Crimson Fists (who are not dead, and will get a post soon!) and my Inquisition. You can see the new scheme in second row of infantry, with red armour on black drybrushed grey fatigues.

The army has not recieved additions for over a year, but is still there, and models are used occasionally. I included my inquisitor, as he always is used with the army. The Leman Russ is my favorite model in the army, with several blood staines, fun highlighting, and generally looking better than the rest of my army, except for my newer models.

The basalisk is missing, having been traded to a friend, but I am going to try and get it back, now that the IG are fun to play again. Who knows, with another squad of infantry, a valkerie (the actual reason for restarting the army), a chimera, and the basalisk, I will have a decent (if ragtag) army again.

Overall it sits in the cupboard until photo time, or I get the urge to try out new techniques or paint schemes! What do you think I should add to finish it?

Combat Patrol

2009-06-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

First, I have decided to put a random 40K related picture up with every post, and I hope it will be relevent, but will often just be fun pics...

I have recently been playing a large amount of combat patrol, doing a tournament with my friends. I was running my tau shooty list, which is:

12 Fire Warriors

10 Kroot, 5 Kroot Hounds

Piranha

It is very shooty, with the piranha going after light vehicles (only type of vehicles in CP!), and generally being annoying. The Fire Warriors are devestating, and the kroot very good except against dedicated CC units, which get shot (a lot). Possible changes include dropping the Piranha for either another sacrificial FW squad, probably with carbines, or a crisis suit, but there is no need right now, and with a 4/0 record, no pressure to change what seems to be working.

I played some basic Space marine armies both of which were pretty easy, and one actually designed for Tau/nids/Guard! The better one I faced:

10 Tac Marines with flamer and heavy Bolter, in Rhino=205

Land Speeder with two Heavy Flamers=60

Devestator Squad with 3 Missile Launchers=135

Overall once I got rid of the speeder and the rhino, I started marching my kroot forward, who ate a combat squad, and then destroyed the devestators with the fire warriors. When in cover, it is hard to decide who to shoot, FW or Kroot!

Finally I created some cheesy lists. Firstly is an Assault Blood Angels list, designed to table people by T4. joint assaults guarantee a dead enemy, while single assaults be Vets or DC, are still going to win easily. If you tie up everyone, there is nothing they can do. Remember DC have Rending, and all marines have krak grenades....:

Veteren Assault Marines, Power Fist=175

Assault Marines, Power Weapon=155

4 Death Company with Jump Packs(2+2)=70

Secondly I made a mech guard army, purely to scare my friends into taking meltas and missile Launchers....I also can squeeze a Sentinel in there by dropping the stubbers and power Weapon:

Command squad, 4 Flamers, Power Weapon=65

in Chimera, Heavy Stubber=65
Infantry squad with Grenade Launcher and Autocannon=70
in Chimera, Heavy Stubber=65

Infantry squad with Grenade Launcher and Autocannon=70
in Chimera, Heavy Stubber=65

The Army that I really liked however was the Adeptus Arbites, who despite seeming crippled by the Thin Black Line rule (only half of total units, have to be troops and HQ can Deploy) the ability to choose board edge to enter on is fantastic! And in Combat Patrol, all tanks have AV 10, means they can easily kill them with outflanking Multi-laser Sentinels. Shock Teams are very strong (deepstriking with multiple flamers), Storm Teams are annoying to shoot at, but in reality T3 and max save 4+ is not fantastic, but the basic arbites are very good. Shooting up to 18 gives them range, and once within 12, they really start to hurt, especially when the assault later (but then again I was playing tau....).

Overall Combat Patrol is fantastic, whether you are building up your collection (SM for me), doing a small tournament on Vassal during school time, or just teaching someone to play!

White Scars Part II

2009-06-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

So, after playing 4 games with them, I am starting to understand how they play: Pretty easily. The Toughness 5 of bikes is fantastic (check out http://warpstoneflux.blogspot.com for some fantastic Nurgle tactics). In addition, the TH/SS terminators are fantastic, especially with support. I am going to say right away, I am by no means a very good player, and my list has yet to face anything really strong (Ork Nobs, Nidzilla, Double Lash, or any good Tournie List). However, my opinion after a week:

They are very nice, easy, fun army, with many levels, but they are not really competative. There was a very nice post on Jawaballs, about dropping armies that are not in the top tier, and I understand that. My white scars army is really fun, but I would not build one in real life, as they are to expensive, and not powerful enough.

Tactics I have used, liked or Created:

Refused Flank: This is really useful, especially with turboboost (remember no terrain while going 24!). I almost never move less than 24 on my first turn, to get into a stronger position. Then, while the enemy is trying to deal with the unexpected threat, drop the terminators in, and just roll up the line.

Use the Predator as a distraction: Always do this, as it is very strong for its points, but will not win you games. Shoot it at what it can kill easily, so light troops, not at what is most important, so hopefully the enemy will divert firepower to silence it, which is better for your hammer and anvil squads. For example, in my game against Tau, the player deepstriked his command squad behind my pred, instead of the bike squads, or hydras. A bad decision, but psychology is half the battle, and a PMA is essential!

when in doubt, RUN (or Turboboost): You only have 4 squads of bikes in 1k, or 7 in 1500, so a single one lost is very bad. If you are in danger, get out, and come back later to grab the objective, with more guys, in a concentrated strike!

Units:
Khan: I have not tried him, but I want to be more comfortable with my list before using him. I do not have enough space for him in my 1500. Maybe 1750, where I add a second Termie squad, and upgrade Khan. I don't think the Special ability is that good, except with maybe the Predators. The sword is very 'meh'. Furious Charge and Hit and Run are very nice, but probably overkill, unless you are fighting a dedicated CC unit, which you should be shooting, not assaulting. If I had a spare 50 points, maybe, but for now, I am not taking him.

Th/SS Terminators: Fantastic, but only in a 4/1 ratio of TH to LC, as the LC lighten the load a lot. I will experiment with a second squad later. They are going to be on every list I make, and are my first buy, when I start buying models again.

Imperial Guard: I love them, buying to codex tomorrow.

Finally, my current 1500 List, which is almost the samea s before, except with Power Weapons in the bike squads:

Captain Neo, w/ bike, Power Fist
Command Squad, bikes, Company Champion, Apothecary

8 Bikers, Flamer, Meltagun, Power Weapon, Attack Bike with Multi-Melta
8 Bikers, Flamer, Meltagun, Power Weapon, Attack Bike with Multi-Melta
5 Bikers, 2 Meltaguns

4x Thunderhammer/ Storm Shield Terminators, 1x Paired Lightening Claws

Dakka Predator w/ Autocannon, Heavy Bolter Sponsons
Dakka Predator w/ Autocannon, Heavy Bolter Sponsons

Overall, I love them, but these random musings hardly do them justice. Find me on Vassal, or try them out!

Battle Reports

2009-06-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

All Battle Reports have been moved to V40kConfessions.blogspot.com, and a link has been added on the right to all of them. In addition, I am starting a Win/Loss Tally. To all my oponents, please comment, either on the battle, the report, your feet, or anything you feel like. Thanks--Sasha

Vs Necron Skimmers

2009-06-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

I play LetTheGalaxyBurn today in Vassal. It was both of our first time with our lists. He was running a Necron List, that I didn't like, and I think by the end, neither did he.

Lord=100
10 Warriors=180
10 Warriors=180
3 Destroyers=150
3 Destroyers=150
3 Destroyers=150
3 Heavy Destroyers=195
3 Heavy Destroyers=195
3 Heavy Destroyers=195

It was an interesting list, but he made a major mistake early on. Instead of castling up, and demolishing me with his ridiculous firepower, he spread out. I immediately reserved everything (which somehow he did not think was possible...?). I then preceeded to demolish a unit a turn with my Dakka Predators, and my command squad ate a warrior squad. He then sprinted to his objective around turn 4. I deepstriked my Terminators in, who survived his shooting thanks to a 2+/3+ save. They attacked his lord and warriors holding his objective, and killed 6 for no casualties. The rest of my army started taking his to pieces. We left it at the end of Turn 4, when he had 2 units of destroyers out of CC, Me easily controlling on objective, and him having no chance of moving my terminators.

Stuff I learned from this battle:
1) Skype is brilliant for V40K, making it much faster and better
2) My bike squads are not strong enough on their own. I charged a squad of Heavy destroyers with a combat squad, and did not even cause one wound....A power weapon/fist is probably necessary
3) TH/SS Terminators are fantastic, a brilliant 'kill me or die' unit, that works really well, with the rest of my army rolling up the flank.
4) I really rely on good reserve rolls, as a full squad did not arrive till T4, making my life much harder!
5) I will have to drop something, to add a bunch of P weapons/fists to my army (to all sargeants, and probably one more in the command squad).
6) Dakka Predators are worth everypoint, but I am still undecided by the Storm Bolters.
7) Its a strong list, that is basic, but effective.

People, if you see me on Vassal (my name is 'Sasha') please give me a shout! I would love to play you!

Space Marine Bikers

2009-06-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

FoxPhoenix (http://foxphoenix40k.blogspot.com/ posted this list
Kor'Sarro with his bike Moondrakkan6 Squads of SM bikers, as troop choices, with +3 Bikes and Attack Bikes with Multi-meltasThis list runs you just under 1500 points at 1495. In a 1750 or a 2000 point list, you could fill 3 Fast Attack slots with more biker units, or give the troops special weapons like meltaguns. This sounds like an absolutely deadly list to use against some IG treadhead lists.

However, after reading/watching fritz’s ideas (http://saimhann.blogspot.com/) I decided to make some changes:
Drop most of the bikes squads, as they are tough, but not very strong. Instead get a squad of Terminators, to lay down the hurt, and a command squad, so I have two extremely powerful CC units, and the rest supports. However to create room, I decided to drop Korsarro, and instead take a captain with Power Weapon or Power Fist. I will however try out Korsarro, for his Furious charge and Hit and Run, which, combined with a command squad would be devastating, but maybe overkill. So my 1500 list is:

Captain, bike, P fist=160

Command squad, apothecary, champion, bikes=225

8 bikers, Melta Gun, Flamer, Attack Bike with Multi-Melta=280

5 Bikers Squad, 2 Melta Guns=160

3 TH/SS & 2 LC/LC terminators=200

Dakka Predator, Autocannon, Heavy Bolter Sponsons, Storm Bolter=95

Group the bikes with the Meltagun and multi-melta in one squad, and the sarge w/ flamer in the other. You don’t have a lot of models, but they are all T5. Also, the two scary units, the command squad and Terminators have better saves (the command has 3+ armour, 3+ cover, and a 4+ FNP and Terminators are 2+/3+)

Try to go second, and hide your bikes. On the second turn, charge forward, getting captain stuck it, with bike squad supporting. All bikes should have saves, either from Turboboosting, or from models in the way. The meltagun squads should take out tanks like there is no tomorrow, as if they tank shock you, and you fail your moral test, you are running 3D6! Remember, you are trying to support your two hammer squads, while the bikes just provide support and grab objectives. Then when Terminators come in, attack all out. Terminators go straight in the middle, and are sacrificed, as is the command squad. Dakka Predators site down, and demolish units, usually aiming for CC hordes (orks?) or really specialist units that can hurt you (HB heavy weapon teams or command squads)

I don’t love the dual melta gun squad, so I might drop it, for some other things, the options are:

-Land raider: strong, hard to kill, but not really in theme, and would die from every spare anti-tank weapon
-Second Terminator squad: Tempting, but probably overkill, as the focus on 5th ed is to capture objectives, and delay your opponent, not to kill them. The command squad and TH/SS termies are already quite strong. I might however, increase the TH/SS squad by one, for a larger charge radius.
-Assault squad: Again, a nice idea, but it doesn’t really fit. The bikes are just as good.
-drop podding sternguard: a tempting idea, with two attacks each, special ammo, and great placement, these can be a early contest unit. However, as they would have to come in first turn, they are less powerful, if I had a second drop pod though...
-Drop podding Dreadnought: probably more tempting than the sternguard, just because it’s a cooler idea, but it doesn’t really fit with the scalpel and reed © tactics of this list.
-another dakka predator: Nice, but not needed, the 4 S7, 12 S5 and 4 S4 shots put out by the two predators is fine)
-scouts in Land Speeder storm: I have not tried these out, and they seem fun, but I don’t really see how they are useful, except as objective grabbers, which my bikes already are.
-Land Speeders: Very useful, adding some shooting, and movement, and still having more troops. However AV 10 is not fantastic, and is not as good at T5, with 3+/3+ saves...
-Sternguard in Razorback: A fun option, made better as I love the models, and they are in my Mech force. I will have them painted up soon. However, to be truly effective they need some extra help, either from Cassius, or other scary units. Also, they need to be within 12” to really devastate a squad, leaving them open to assault. Finally, they are not fantastic against guard, my main opponents for the next few months.

It seems a strong list, and at 1750, adds another big squad of bikes, to give it more bodies. At 1K, I use the captain, two big bike squads, a Terminator squad and a dakka predator.

Any advice? I will be play testing this a lot on vassal, so find me there!

New York

2009-05-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Why is it that there are no clubs in New York City? There are several active communities further upstate (Jawaballs and Fritz for example), but somehow a city of 8 million only has two Games Workshop stores, and two second rate CLGS (Crappy Local Game Stores). However, for all those familiar with New York Georgraphy, all these are down town, south of 34th street, when most of the city lives uptown or in different boroughs. There used to be three more stores, all full, with active membership, and fun communities but they are shut down, and now that entire membership base is lost. Of the five close friends I made in those stores, only one still does GW games, and only through thewarstore, and tournaments farther away. He does not have a local store.

So my question is twofold: does anyone play 40K in Manhattan, or the greater New York area, and does anyone know why a city of 8 Million has no GW whatsoever, when Ypsilanti, Michigan (pop 22000), does?

Surely GW should be pushing more GW into the largest city in America, not shutting it down...

On a seperate note, the reason for the lack of posts is not inaction, but the fact that I cannot post at school. I have a detailed list discussion coming up tomorrow, as well as some other stuff.

Current 1K List

2009-04-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

My current list that I am using on Vassal, which I have to say is a fantastic application, that everyone should use.

Chaplain Cassius...125
5 Sternguard, 2x Combi-Meltas...135

These Guys stick together, destroying units with their helfire rounds. It would be even better if I could get them a razorback, as they die really easily, but Cassius helps out, w/ T6 and FNP making the unit much more survivable. Throw tons of wounds on him, where his FNP can help out, as each wound saved is another 25 points saved!

5 Terminators, Heavy Flamer...205

I almost always forget to roll for the terminators, and am experimenting with deploying them at the start, so their 8 shots don't go to waste, and they can draw fire away from my beautiful Sternguard. When they do deepstrike, they always create problems, often contesting an objective, and drawing troops away from my main line, a fatal mistake, as then I can decimate both sides. I would love a couple of chainfists, as they are my main anti-tank unit, a major failing of the list.

2x 10 Tactical Marines, Melta-gun, Missile Launcher...350

These take most of the objectives, take up wounds. Often I combat squad them, even in Anihilation, as the two combat squads w/ the sargeant and the melta gun are good support units. The missile Launchers another question mark in my list, as I love Heavy Bolters, and Multi-Meltas add some much needed anti-tank to my list. If I had ten more points, I would add a plasma gun, and MM to give them a stand back force, and sacrifice the sargeant and 4 regular marines to draw off the enemy and grab deep objectives. Currently, however, they do fine, and are better than scouts.

Dakka Predator, Autocannon, 2x Heavy Bolters...85

This tank is brilliant, with AV 13 deflecting a lot of shots, and adds some very good light infantry/vehicle killing ability. Most people give them a storm bolter, as its a defensive weapon, but personally the 10 points needed could be better spent. If I had spare points, maybe.... The other question is whether or not to switch out to lascannon sponsons (which are much better than the turret, giving you 4 shots a turn capable of hurting a vehicle. However, I then loose my anti-infantry capability. Personally I love it, and it has paid for itself most games, taking down things ranging from waveserpents, an entire necron squad over 3 turns, and not getting hurt in return, finishing off a necron lord, destroying an IG command squad and more.

Thunderfire Cannon...100

This is a fantastic piece of artillery, especially when its sitting in a fortified ruin, so is much better protected. Sadly its not great at anti-vehicle, but against swarms.....It is amazing.

Overall, this list is strong, but if I had any spare points I would buy a Dread in drop pod to take down Vehicles, or maybe a TW Las. At 1250 it is much more potent as the dread with TW Las and Heavy Flamer, a pair of Heavy Bolter Attack Bikes, a pair of chainfists for the termis, Plasmas for the Tac Marines, and another Combi-melta for the Sternguard juice up the Anti-Tank, and make the force much stronger.

Can any of you give me some advice? I am still an Amateurish player at best, so any masters, please tell me what I can do better!

My First Win!

2009-04-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

I won my first game yesterday! Well that is real game, in 5th Edition.

I was playing Wrexasaur, with his 50 guardian list, with 6 war walkers, and Eldrad.
I was playtesting my current marine force, with a captain, a Tac Squad with Multi-melta, and plasma gun, a tac squad with Missile Launcher, P Fist, flamer and razorback, A squad of Sternguard in a razorback, a Terminator Squad, and an attack bike with Multi-Melta.

We played Capture and Control, with Pitched battle. I started out by castling on the right side of the board, where both objectives were. However, five minutes in, I realized that I forgot to deploy my second razorback. Wrexasaur would not let me place it next to the squad, out of LOS, or even let it come in from reserves, so I had to take my combat squad off the board, and reserve it. It would not appear until Turn 4....

In the beginning, I sprinted my Attack Bike forward, to block LOS to my razorback, who was charging down the edge. In his turn, I lost three marines.

Second Turn, my Terminators come it, and decimate an entire squad with a heavy flamer, and storm bolters. then the sternguard unload from the razorback (with the captain accompanying) and proceed to shoot at eldrad's squad. However, the rock we were using said 'block Line of Sight' on them, and as I was shooting over an inch of them, on the far left corner. However, as the terrain was 'BLOS' even though that part was clear, they could not shoot....duh!

Third Turn, a combat squad assaults his right flank, holding up to guardian squads and a squad of war walkers long enough that they cannot contest my objective. In his turn, he brings in the Bright Lance War walkers, and proceeds to kill one (1) terminator!!! I then shoot at eldrads squad, killing 4, and place the attack bike in the way, that if he charges it, he cannot reach his objective in time. At this point, my combat squad on the left is down to just the sargeant, but he will not die, so I have plenty of time to finish off the game. As I now elimate his BL warwalkers, and am about to massacre the two guardian squads near his objective, he forfeits the game, on the bottom of turn three.

A great game, and my list is starting to shape up. However, I am continually disapointed in my sternguard, and am going to try different units instead. Any Suggestions?

New Models

2009-04-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

In a trade yesterday, I got some new models, including two full Tactical Squads, a Rhino, and an Attack Bike with a multi-melta. In addition, I got a heavy flamer terminator to augment my existing squad, a Heavy Bolter Scout, and some extra Marine Special Weapons. Sadly the models were already assembled.

The problem is that the Rhino is missing the right part of the top hatch. Does anyone know where I can get one, and also, where I can get the bits to convert it to a Razorback, which I think is a significantly better option than the rhino, as I always Combat Squad my units.

Also, I saw in another blog that someone took 4 Razorbacks, and only 3 Tac Squads: Is this legal? If so, why not (other than monetary Reasons) get 10-15 and make a moving shooting wall, and chase your oponent off the table. At 40 points a model, and a Heavy Bolter, I think they are fantastic!

So lets open the floor: What is the best trade you have made?

Help with Vassal

2009-03-30T05:03:00.000-07:00

I am having some trouble with Vassal: I took some snapshots of a battle, and saved them using default settings. But now, I cannot open them, in any application! I tried Vassal, Windows Picture Manager, Picasa, amd several other utilities. Can anyone help me out? I had a nice Battle Report written up, and I don't want to loose it!

Thunderfire Cannons

2009-03-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

I used the thunderfire cannon twice a few days ago, first against Dark Eldar and then against Mech Eldar. In the First game, I loved it, but against tanks, that have Armor 12 on both front and side, its is not that good.

However, lets start by discussing its actual stats:

It has three modes: Surface, Airburst, and Subterrainian.

Surface is S6 AP 5, which was perfect against Dark Eldar, but sadly not very good at anything else. However, with the BS of 4, it rarely scatters (check out http://mathhammer.blogspot.com/2009/03/mathhammer-scatter-dice-probability-ii.html) and add in a blast, it is devestating against infantry. I decimated a Guardian, and a Warrior Squad with this, due to the barrage blast rules, and an abundance of hits!

This brings us to the barrage blast rules, which state that any squad or vehicle that has multiple blasts, of the same type, places, and scatters the first blast, and then places succecutive ones in relation to the first one. If you roll a hit, you can place it wherever you want, touching it. This means that even if you scatter off around 3-4 inches, which is normal (Scatter 7-4 (BS)) you can place the templates back in place.

Again, as you measure hits, before resolving them, it is easy to get more than 10 hits a turn with the TFC. Add on the 60" range, and I love it.

The next type of amunition is the Airburst, which is S5, AP 6, but ignores cover. This is not that useful, as you usually will have cover, and only against orks, Eldar sometimes (pathfinders!), Nids, and IG, will it ever be useful. However it is good against Vehicles and Skimmers, denying them their cover save (Saim Hann cough, cough). I don't use this type normally.

The Final type is Subterranian, which is S4, and causes difficult Terrain tests. I am not sure where you would use this, but no doubt, it has its uses. I can think of any squad of Assault troops, that are closing to quickly, or maybe a late game objective grab, or other situations.

However, the real selling point for me, is the cost: for 100 points, you get a Techmarine (base 40 points) with Servoharness (35 points) and the cannon, for only 25 points. That is a steal! The techmarine, who will loose the TFC to concentrated fire, as it is destroyed on a glancing or penetrating hit, can then be free to go fix vehicles, join units and cause general havoc. I personally wouldn't take 3 in an army, but one is always useful, for an out of the way firing option, as I really don't like the whirlwind. It is simply a replacement, that is more accurate.

One question I was asking myself, was whether you get a Kill point in Anihilation for the Techpriest but not the TFC being destroyed, and vice versa. The Techpriest is not a IC until after the TFC is destroyed, so I am not sure.

So what do you guys think? Do you use them?

Battle Report (X2)

2009-03-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I started getting my sister interested in 40K. I hate to say it, but I think she played more to be with me, than for fun. But regardless, we used the Assault on Black Reach Orks and Sm, and came up with some wacky senarios.

The first one, (which I don't have pics of) was a version of capture and control, only using a pair of dragons, who granted special powers. One did a S5 3" blast, and the other immobalized a squad, so they could not move, shoot, or attack for a turn, on a 5+.

The game started simply, with her grabbing the objectives quickly. I rushed my terminators in, killed a deathkopta, but was cut down by the warboss and Nobz (with a little help from a boyz mob). Afterwords, my Dread was shot down by the two remaining deathkoptas, and it was all over. She had won her first game of 40k.

The next day we played again, this time on a 4x4 board, with hills and forests (notebooks and board game tops!). Again we played capture and control. Our setup is below.

I ran my termies into his warboss, and this time they massacred them, killing all the nobz, and reducing the warboss to one wound. The dreadnought sat there killing Deathkoptas. No one, other than the warboss could hurt him.

by turn 4, all the terminators, a squad of nobz, the warboss, 5 orks, and a deathkopta had been killed, one cc.

Then I charged my tac squad in, and at the end of Turn five, there were two boyz mobz against the dreadnought, and I was holding the other objective. We rolled the dice for turn 6: a 6. The game went on. At this point, my sister was getting bored, so we decided to break up the combat. Immediatly, the big shootas immobilized the dreadnought, and then the squad ran to their objective, just making it.

The other squad proceeded to my objective, overwhelming the Space Marines, and killing them all. The game ended with the Dreadnought in the middle, and a boyz mob on both objective.

This was my first Battle Report: Can you give some advice?

Vassal

2009-03-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am throwing down the gauntlet: I started vassal last night, against a great guy called 'Rob'. We played 1000 points, his salamanders verses my Crimson Fists. Unfortunatly, we were unable to finish. However I have caught the bug. So all of you out there: I will be online 9:30 to 12 ish to play vassal. Name 'Sasha'. Please come, it will be fun!

Post here if you want to make sure to get a game!

I will post a Battle report later, from the weekend (with Pics!!!)

Dreadnought

2009-03-21T05:12:00.000-07:00

I was painting up my AoBR Dreadnought, and have decided a couple things:

one, I love vehicles, they are fantastic to paint
two, I need some magnets, what do you guys think is the best place to get them? the war store, a random store, or someplace else?
three, the sarcophagus needs something, to center the model. I was thinking painting it Ice Blue, with silver highlights, to break up the model. Alternativly paint it white, like a veteren, or is there another option?

advice please

Space Marines (part 1)

2009-03-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

So the original purpose of this blog was to encourage me to paint more. In addition, it is to document the rise of my crimson fists force. Currently I have a random assortment of ‘cool’ Deamonhunter units, with a grand total of 1250 points roughly consisting of
12 Grey Knights (2 justicars, 2 Psycannons, 8 regular)
4 Terminator (1 psycannon)
Brother Captain Stern
2 Deathcult Assassins
Vindicare
13 Storm Troopers (2 sarge, Melta Gun, Plasma Gun, Flamer, Grenade Launcher, 7 regular)
Inquisitor, various retinue

In addition, I have a leman russ, about 30 cadians, 10 heavy weapons, Sentinel, 5 Ogryns, Chimera. Total, I can play 1500, but the list is not cohesive, none of the units work together, and there is no focus.

However recently I got disappointed with my GKs, and started Crimson Fists. I only have
2 captains
10 Tac Marines
6 Scouts (2 missile Launchers, 4 snipers)
5 Terminators
Dreadnought.

So my idea to make the list cohesive is to get the Space Marine battleforce to push the troops fully, and add all the weapons. I will probably also get some bits to upgrade the combat squad to sternguard, who I think are absolutely great!
If I get the battle force, my list would look like:

Captain, P Weapon
10 Tac Marines, flamer, Missile Launcher
10 Tac Marines, flamer, Missile Launcher
5 Storm Troopers
5 Sternguard, Combi-melta, Rhino
5 Assault Marines, P. Weapon, Melta-bombs
Dreadnought, DCCW, Multimelta
Inquisitor, Psycannon, 2 Heavybolter Servitors
==1000 points exactly. It has some cohesion, basically being a gunline, with the Dread, Sternguard, and Assault squad as counter strike, and the ST going off for random objectives, or being a meat shield.

I will get a picture up later.
any advice on the lists? I really need it!

Tau Combat Patrol

2009-03-05T14:24:00.002-08:00

I recently picked up the Tau codex, and have been focussing on the Combat Patrol level, as it is easier to learn, when doing it in small armies, so you can figure out the different suit configurations, and decide what choices are actually valid. After searching various forums, and debating with etrius, I came up with several lists.

The first, is a Infantry heavy list, that sits somewhere, and shoots the enemy to death. What would happen is that the kroot stay back, and provide counter charge, with the Piranha taking down solitary people, and generally scaring people.
12 Fire Warriors, Shas’ui, Bonded -135
12 Fire Warriors, Shas’ui, Bonded-135
10 Kroot-70
Piranha, Burst Cannon, Gun Drones-60

The Next list is much faster, a mobile strike force that will be able to deal with almost any threat out there. It does not have the pure firepower of the first list, but the speed makes up for it. I would sit the smaller FW squad on my base, to provide covering fire, and act as a distraction, while the two Suits, and the fish would charge the enemy, scaring, and demolishing a squad a turn
12 Fire Warriors, Shas’ui, Bonded-135
Devilfish -80
6 Fire Warriors (carbines? Advice please)-60
Shas’ui, burst cannon, missile pod, multi-tracker, gun drone-60
Shas’ui, burst cannon, missile pod, multi-tracker, gun drone-60

The final list has the most coherence (at least to my warp addled mind!). Now we have two mobile crisis suits, with a strong base, where the enemy will be destroyed anyway. The pathfinders are there to make sure one squad per turn dies. I am considering dropping the Shas’el for a team of stealth suits, but I don’t love them, especially in a game, where they will be a major target.
Shas’el, Burst Cannon, Missile Pod, Multitracker, 2 Gun Drones-95
Shas’ui, Bust Cannon, Missile Pod, Multitracker, Gun Drone-60
6 Fire Warriors-60
6 Fire Warriors-60
4 Pathfinders-48
10 Kroot, kroot hound-76

I am a bit disapointed by the lack of response to the kill team rules, but here is an easy topic. Please criticize, as I actually want to start a Tau combat patrol. Also, and of your lists are appreciated!

Kill Team

2009-02-28T14:11:00.000-08:00

Etrius and I were discussing the old rules for kill team, and decided to rewrite them. Our current version is below, and we will be testing them, over the next couple of week. However, we would highly appreciate any additional playing. For comments, either post them below, or email them to 40Kconfessions@gmail.com

Kill Team:
You can spend up to 160pts on anything in the list following the following restrictions:
· No 2+ svs· No models with more than 2 wounds
· No bikes, jetbikes, vehicles or anti-grav platforms
· No weapons above strength 8 or with more than 3 shots
· Kill team must be 4-15 members in strength
· The team comes with frag grenades as standard
· Every member of the squad can have up to 15 pts of wargear or from the basic weaponry, below (of course unit champions can have up to the usual amount)
· Each model acts as an independent character and although they set up in the same place they are under no compulsion to remain in squad coherency if they wish, they may, however return to squad coherency, if they move within 2” of each other, they are counted as being part of the same squad.
· All can hold an objective

Kill Team Upgrades:
The Kill team may get a set of upgrades to aid in reaching, or completing their objective.
·Silencers (5 points a model): Realising the need for stealth (after beating up the most gung-ho member of the team, don’t worry, he isn’t killed) they equip silencers. When silencers are equipped, instead of getting a klaxon counter every time they shoot, you roll a dice. On a 4+ no klaxon counter is added. You may not silence a heavy weapon.
·Powerful Explosives ( 10 points, also known as “Da Big Bom” by the orks): if the kill team has been set a sabotage mission, they may take this upgrade (you can take it anyway, but it isn’t much use…or is it) this is a heavy explosive charge (if you didn’t guess that you probably need help dressing yourself) that is more effective than normal melta-bombs or the like. When the team has reached the objective they must destroy, they place the bomb. You must then choose the amount of turns until it is set off, between 1 and 3, when the time runs out, it explodes with a large blast template, this levels cover in the area on a 5+ and destroys the objective on a 3+. The brutes, however, can attempt to disarm it. Every turn a squad is in contact with it, they roll a dice per squad. On a 6+ it is disarmed.
·Power weapon (15 points per model)
·Bolt Pistol (1 point per model)
·Shock Maul (3 points per model): 4+ poisoned
·Cc Weapon (1 point per model)
·+1 to armour (25% base cost, rounding down)
·Camo Paint/cloaks/blockers (25% of base cost, rounding down): Decreases spotting distance by 1.
·Veterans (25% base cost, rounding down): +1 WS, BS, I, and Ld

Goons and Boss goons:
You get a number of 3 man squads, depending on your race:
5 Space Marine squads
5 Chaos Space Marines
8 Ork Boys
8 Eldar Guardians
8 Dark Eldar Warriors
9 Termagants
6 Gun Drones
5 Necron Warriors
10 Guardsmen
6 Inquisitorial Storm Troopers

One squad has to have your “boss” goon. He represents the evil mastermind, arch-heretic, snotty do-gooder, self centred tau…etc. Essentially, he is the leader of your forces, and most of the time, the target of your team. The boss can buy up to 15 points of wargear from the relevant list or can take. The boss is the basic upgrade for the unit (e.g. veteran sergeant for SM’s.)

Rules:
Until the alarm is raised all goons act as sentries i.e. roll a D6 for each squad, highest roller moves the in the direction he wants, moving their basic distance.

Kill teams also have a standard special rule:
·”Oy Ugly!”: this special rule allows a player to voluntarily sound the alarm, but limit who is affected. You pick one of you members, that member is immediately spotted, but the others are still hiding. Since the guards are more alert, roll a dice for each kill team member or squad. On a 5+, the guards have spotted them as well.
Sounding the alarm:The alarm can be raised in a number of ways:· Any sentry or kill team member moves within a sentries spotting range (initiative+D6 in inches)· If a player opens fire with no silencer
· If sentries are assaulted and die the alarm is raised on a 6.· If sentries survive the assault then the alarm is raised on a 4+

Klaxon Counters:
Klaxon counters can be used to affect dice rolls for goon squads. For every klaxon counter, the brute player adds one to his control rolls.Acquiring Klaxon CountersKlaxon counters can be acquired in the following situations.· 1 for every time a jump pack is used.· 1 for every shot fired but which did not raise the alarm.· 2 for every heavy weapon shot that did not raise the alarm· 1 for every assault where people survived but did not raise the alarm
These klaxon counters also influence alarm rules. They subtract 1 from the roll needed (e.g. 4+ to 3+)

Alarm Raised (oh, bugger):
Goon squads move as normal and are all controlled by the defender. Alarm lasts for 6 turns after alarm is raised after that the kill team must abandon the battle before the area is overwhelmed by nearby troops. The kill team lose automatically.

Death of all kill team members:
As you may have guessed, the kill team lose.

Please, please, give feedback, as we want this to be high quality, and that only happens with help from many people! Comments below:

Etrius

2009-02-26T11:54:00.000-08:00

This is Etrius (there is a prize for whoever finds out what that name is from) I am more of an “old school” type of person then Lord in some ways. For example, I prefer kill teams to combat patrols by far…(sadly the rules have been taken out of 5th ed…for all of you people with the same opinion as me, watch and wait…) but I digress.

I haven’t done much like this before, mostly because people couldn’t give a flying turd about how big my collection is (probably because one of my best friends is a skater…he plays Warhammer secretly). So, yeah, I’ll start with what I have in my collection. *ahem*

I have 4689 points of Ultramarines (going by the old codex, haven’t gotten the new one yet…sooooon…) it consists of (key things only) 40 Marines, 8 terminators, a chaplain in terminator armour, on a bike, and on foot (not all at the same time) and a librarian in terminator armor and on foot. I don’t have too many conversions in my army, but the main ones are some razorbacks converted from rhinos (using spare lascannons from a Land Raider Crusader) and Sanguinius, but more on him later.

I actually got into fantasy before 40k, normally it is the other way around, not sure why I got into 40k, probably just liked the guns…again, I digress.

My only fantasy army is a large force of da Orkses and da goblinses (we don’t care much aboot dem) it is about 2500 points. Da green tide is unstoppable, except against one of my friends (ironically the skater) who consistently manages to beat me using dastardly tactics (and vampire counts). Da big WAAAAAAAAAGH will soon crush him though…I hope.

Lets see, lord did some funny stories, so I cannot help but match him…

I was playing against someone at my local hobby shop, who played space orks (if you haven’t guessed we were playing 40K, you probably need help wiping your posterior.) He had this odd idea, which played out very well for me, that almost all space orks had massive cans of gas strapped to their backs. This includes Grazgul Thrakka, zzap guns, any vehicles, and essentially any people with more than two wounds. Oddly though, it didn’t seem to apply to flamers (No idea how he worked that out)…yet again, I digress. We were doing a 1500 point match though, as it turned out, I only needed about 300 points. I rolled first, which was a big plus, and I had a secret weapon up my sleeve. One class A Vindicare assassin, he let off a beautiful shot at the zzap guns. He hit, and wounded and caused 2 wounds due to special ammunition, it was beautiful. Did I neglect to mention that his “gas tanks” exploded with a large blast template? Did I mention that they could destroy anything under the blast template on a 4+? I didn’t think so, he didn’t have a firm grip on reality, and it promised to be the most entertaining turn of 40K I have ever played. The zzap exploded, it set off the one next to it, and a nearby wartruk. Those both exploded killing about 10 orks and setting off another wartruk…and Grazgul Thrakka. He exploded along with the wartruk, vaporising another 10 orks and setting off the warboss and more of his vehicles. As the dust cleared, there were 5 ork boys left, desperately legging it to the edge of the table.

Please welcome Etrius! What are your best 40K moments?

A New Addict!

2009-02-26T11:49:00.001-08:00

Etrius, a very good friend of mine has kindly agreed to co-author this blog. He will be posting lists, reviews, kill teams, insane ideas, and pure nonsence! Please send any advice, for an even more novice blogger to 40kconfessions@gmail.com! He will post his intro later!

Combat Patrol

2009-02-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

I was looking at the blogging community, and I realized there are plenty of high level blogs out there, that deal with complex tactics, and winning tournaments. However, I have decided to focus on the beginner side of the scale, for two reasons: no one else does it, and two, I still know it pretty well!

So to start with, there are two ways to learn to play 40K (in my humble opinion). The first is to play Assault on Black Reach, which will quickly bring your game up to par, but is hard to understand, if you don’t have someone who knows the rules around. I realized this when I tried to teach my brother to play. He looked at the rulebook for an hour, and then decided he did not understand any of it! The second, easier way, is to play combat patrols.

For those of you who do not know, these are small games, of 400 points, with no 3 wound models, no 2+ saves, vehicle armour must be 33 or less (front, side, and rear added together) , and at least one troops choice. The game relies on random objectives, usually complete annihilation, safeguarding a unit back, or objectives, but pick whatever you want. It is meant to be fun! This means that you have small, fun, fluffy lists that often consist of only a few units, so are easy to use. The board is usually 4x4, with a lot of terrain, and movement is very important. GW had the rules up for a while, but recently took them off their site. However http://www.patrolclash.org.uk/ is a very good site.

As I said earlier, the emphasis is on fun, fluff, and movement, so static units will be left behind, while the others are destroyed. Therefore rhinos and equivalent transports are invaluable. Some popular lists are centred on battle forces, so a good list would be:

Tactical Squad (10 marines, heavy bolter), rhino =205
5 assault marines, Power weapon=115
5 scouts, cc weapons, melta bombs=80
=400 points, 4 squads, good speed, and lots of power. As all the models are in the battle force, you can quickly have the base of your army. Throw in Assault on Black reach, and you are at 1000 points, and playing games, with three mini-games, making the game easier!

My current list is
4 Grey knights, psycannon, justicar=175
Inquisitor, storm bolter, cc weapon, Bolt Pistol, 3 heavy bolter Servitors =105
5 Storm Troopers, 2 flamers=60
5 Storm Troopers, 2 flamers=60
Again, 400 points, a bit slower, but with a good static firebase, a very strong cc squad, and 2 small objective squads, it should do pretty well!

Finally, a list that is somewhat fluffy:
5 Sternguard veterans, 2x Combi-Plasma =135
5 Vanguard, Combi-Flamer=115
5 Tac Marines=90
Land Speeder, 2 Heavy Flamers=60
The Fluff would be that the two veteran squads were having a competition, and the Tac Squad was watching. Then the Land Speeder gets chased back. It would be quite strong, with the Land Speeder prepping the assaults of the two veteran Squads (both have two attacks). The Tac Squad goes objective seeking, while the others finish of the army!

Which is your favorite list? Do you have one? Any tactics? Emails to 40Kconfessions@gmail.com. Later, on, my friend will step in with his crazy ideas including new Kill Team rules, and review of various mini-dexs (from BoLS), and various, disturbing comments. What do you want to see?

Broken Lists Part 1

2009-02-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

Surfing throught the SM codex, I thought of a couple of fun, incredibly cheesy ideas:

Captain
5 Scouts
5 Scouts
Land Raider
Land Raider Crusader
Land Raider Prometheus, Multi-melta
=1000 points! Actually a viable list, as very few armies have enough anti-tank to deal with three landraiders! Put one character in each, and sit on an objective. It will always win kill points, and usually capture and control. Seize ground, drop the captain off to dispute one objective, and his landraider to another, and sit on the other two!

Master of the Forge
5 Scouts, snipers, cloaks
5 Scouts
Dreadnought, drop pod
Dreadnought, drop pod
Dreadnought, drop pod
Dreadnought
Dreadnought
Dreadnought
=1000 points Just for people who have dreadnoughtaphobia!

Captain
5 Tac Marines, Rhino
5 Tac Marines, Rhino
5 Tac Marines, Rhino
5 Tac Marines, Rhino
5 Tac Marines, Rhino
5 Tac Marines, Rhino
Land Speeder, Multi-melta
Land Speeder, Multi-melta
Land Speeder, Multi-melta
=1000 points Armoured Spearhead taken to a new level!

Junior Officer =40
Infantry Platoon, Junior Officer, 2x 10 Guardsmen =160
Infantry Platoon, Junior Officer, 2x 10 Guardsmen =160
Infantry Platoon, Junior Officer, 2x 10 Guardsmen =160
Conscript Platoon, 50 Conscripts=200
Conscript Platoon, 50 Conscripts=200
Conscript Platoon, 20 Conscripts=80
=1000 points, 200 guardsmen! need I say more?

A tiny bit of fantasy: High Elf Dragon mage, 10 Spearmen: 500 points, and it is legal!!!

So that is my version of todays anti-fluffy lists! Some are just fun, but the Landraider one is quite good. What is your best list?

Grey Knights (Part 2)

2009-02-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

As a continuation of my earlier post, I will now post some army lists, and more detailed discussion of various Grey Knight and Demonhunter options. I cannot create lists that will table people, simply because, I am not that good (yet!)

First up is the 1000 (998) point list that I use, it is relativly effective, and I have all the models, both major plusses! It consists of

Brother Captain (61) 3 Terminators (138)=199

Inquisitor (25), Psycannon (30)
3 Heavy Bolter Servitors (75)=130

5 Grey Knights (125), Justicar (50), Incinerator (15)=190

5 Grey Knights (125), Justicar (50), Incinerator (15)=190

5 Storm Troopers (50), 2 Melta Guns (20)=70

Inducted Imperial Guard Infantry Platoon (218)
Junior Officer, Bolt Pistol, Power Weapon (46)
4 Flamers (20)= 66

Infantry Squad, Flamer, Veteren Sergeant (76)
Infantry Squad, Flamer, Veteren Sergeant (76)

Generally, the BC and Termies deepstrike, with the Officer charging forward with the GKs and STs, and the Inquisitor staying with the rest of the guard. For 1250, I drop the Storm Troopers, and add an armoured fist squad, and leman russ.

This shows the maximum effectivness of GK, the strong basic troops, and abundance of heavy weapons. If I could, I would add Light Troops to the guard, and give the STs deepstrike, substituting melta for Plasma. However then I would need to take a guard HQ...

This list can deal with almost anything you see in 1000 points, as there are few land raiders at that level. This is a strong list, but it would not win tournements. Another list I made, to start off my crimson fists army looks like this:

Captain, power weapon =115
Tac Squad (Flamer, Missile Launcher)=170
Tac Squad (Melta gun, Multi-melta) =175
Inquisitor, Psycannon, mystic, 3 heavy bolter servitors =138
5 Grey Knights, Justicar, Incinerator=190
Dreadnought, Multi-melta, DDCW=105
5 Storm Troopers, 2 Plasma Guns, Rhino=105

If I could, I would try and squeeze some more rhinos in there, but as they are quite expensive (in real life, that is my current list. Again feedback appreciated!

So there you have two lists, with several similar elements, that play in similar ways: Which one do you think is better?

40K universe

2009-02-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

This is a post, asking what has done the most to enhance the 40K universe, over the last year: 40k radio, other podcasts, BoLS, other blogs, forums, or GW. I am going to argue each case individually:

40K Radio: over the last year (and a bit) this podcast, created by two good friends has exploded from being a hard to understand podcast, with a tiny group of listeners, to a huge show, invited to large events, a multi-thousand person fanbase, almost 500 people paying to get slightly better time, and hobby wide recognition. Yes you can argue that most of their news is first on BoLS, but it is not prioritized and analyzed, so the average person can decide what is important. When they mention something, it is definitly important. Also, they put a spotlight on models that are just coming out, something which BoLS regretably does not, they mention and forget quite easily. In addition, 40K Radio is very useful to new hobbyts by explaining armies, which are often quite complicated, to their audience. We see how a new player (Scott) is now very proficiant, which is encouraging for all, and most importantly, they have broadened the online world of 40K to more people.

Other Podcasts: this is not other podcasts specifically, but in general. We can combine Worlds End Radio, a fun podcast, with D6 Generation and others. Personally I don't think this is a strong choice, but still a ever present force. They expand the world away from a relativly large universe in the future, and make it much bigger with alternative products, games, opinions and more. Not my favorite.

Bell of Lost Souls: this website has had a lot going on recently, and has definitly marked its place as one of the top, possibly the top website for GW related news, ideas, tactics, rumors and more! With two new members, Goatboy and BrassScorpion, they have reached a new level of posting, generating a huge audience. As the original flylords now, computer games are effecting the number of 40k players, but regardless BoLS remains bigger than ever. Every day, they get new updates, whether about guard, huge campaign books, or tactics, they are always top of the line, and very good! Also, their ease of reading makes it the easiest way to get all your 40K info. This is definitly one of my favorites!

Other Blogs: blogs like FtW, Saim Hann, Ultramarines Blues,(dare I say this blog?) and countless others have been consistently bringing the hobby to new levels. Every day, you can go online line and find topics as diverse as Nob tutorials, Ravenguard lists, painting contests, tactics, and more. They constantly bring more to the hobby, getting the best ideas, and giving them to everybody. Again, do not vote for individual blogs, but the community as a whole. A very solid choice!

Forums: these are very useful, whether to debate tactics, describe your experiances, or talk about rumors. Many people are members of certain forums, and rivalries even exist between some (ATT and TA). They are popular, and effective. However, they have the problem of huge amounts of ideas, being tossed around at once, making it hard to get a concise opinion. however most new developments come from these places. For instance, Dakka-Dakka's Yakface recently released a fantastic FAQ, that many people are adopting as rules.

Games Workshop (itself!): This catagory is not for stuff like 5th Ed or codexs but for stuff that GW has done, from a non-monetary perspective: Gotten rid of a lot of hobby articles, released very bad FAQs and closed lots of stores: what has it done for the community? Some diehards will argue that it did an extra-ordinary job on Codex Space Marines, and yes it is a fantastic book. But what else? I am not sure, please tell me!

So people, please vote, or comment. I am trying to get the word out there! I personally will not vote until the end, to prevent biases!

Grey Knights

2009-02-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

I want to start this with saying that I do not have the knowledge, insight or plain genius to do complicated tacticas, and will mostly be documenting my opinion on whatever I have thought about recently.

My first main love was the Grey Knights. To me, they are both very cool, awsome looking, and easy to play (so I thought). However before I go into my tactica, I am not a high level tournement player, and I am sure a lot of other members of blogs and forums can do much more detailed, and accurate analysis of Grey Knights, but here is my opinion.

To me, the place where Grey Knights excell is cityfight, or very dense terrain. they have very good close combat (S6, W5) for a basic troops choice, good shooting (storm bolter), fearless (a complicated rule, that will be discussed later), and power armour. A few other troops can equal one or more of these stats, (khorne Beserkers, Deathwing, saim hann) but always have a draw back. Remember, a minimum sized squad of GKs, with an incinerator (especially useful against deamons!) costs just 165 points. Through 4 of these in an army, with rhinos, and you have 800 points, of objective taking goodness. In addition, they can have very cheap troops in the form of storm troopers. a squad of 5, with 2 melta or plasma guns costs 70 points, and I believe you should have as many of these as you can fit in your army!

So to play GK, you can either run them as expensive Space Marines, which will only work in big games (2000 or more) or as cheaper Deathwing, hitting hard on a flank, and demolishing it. This tactic works better, when your oponent realizes how strong all the individual units are.

It goes without saying that Guard hate GK, as all models have S6, which instant kills guardsmen, and can bust their vehicles, AP 5, their main save negated, lots of templates, and a small force, so a refused flank works well. This tactic is similar to that discussed in Way of the Saim Hann today (I would put the link up, but I don't know how!).

My next idea is how allies affect GKs. Obviously you can't have SM allies, with Grey Knights, but the oposite is true. there is nothing stopping you taking a SM character, two troops choices, and then lots of GK. How this would help, I am not sure. Alternativly, you can buy a cheap infantry platoon of IG, with a flamer in each squad, and quad flamers, BP and Power weapon for the command for only 196 points, around that of a SM tac squad or GK squad. If you get two of these, then you can get Leman Russes, which are fantastic tanks, especially with the new codex on the horizon.

Thus I end my editorial today with a list, but the points might be a bit of, I don't have the codex on hand!

Inq Lord, Psycannon, 2 Mystics, 3 heavy bolters 159
Inq, Psycannon, 2 Mystics, 3 heavy Bolters 144

3 deathcult assassins 120
4 terminators, psycannon 199

6 GK, Incinerator, Rhino, 220
6 Gk, Incinerator, Rhino, 220
5 Storm Troopers, 2 Plasma Guns 70
5 Storm Troopers, 2 Plasma Guns 70
Guard Platoon x2 (392)
J. Officer, BP, Power Weapon, 4 flamers 66
Squad, Flamer 65
Squad, Flamer 65

1495 (with some errors!)

This list will not table someone, but has good shooting, lots of models, and several threats. I would like to work in an Orbital Bombardment, which is great for Capture and Control, to keep your oponent nervous!

My History

2009-02-16T08:37:00.001-08:00

OK, so now that I have a blog, I should probably go over my collection, gaming history, and other stuff.

I started playing GW products 3 years ago, and decided I wanted Guard. I had never been to a GW store when I started, as a friend got me into the game. Via Ebay, I got my army, which (even now) is severly depleted. I painted them a very boring cadian scheme with different helmets for different jobs (eg red for medics, green for special weapons, white for veterens/sergeants ect). I probably have around 1000 points, sitting in various boxes around the house. no doubt, when the new codex comes out, I will find, and paint them all again.

My next army was fantasy, where I got the Battle for Skull Pass box, and promptly started greenskins. Waagh Gorehead continued for a few months, and I was reasonably successful with it, for a beginner!

I then took a break for a few months, due to large amounts of work. When I came back, the High Elves looked like just the army for me. The new book had not come out yet, but I was addicted instantlz. However, my concentration was very poor, and I never got many models painted. I probably had around 1500 points of HE, but I was most confortable playing 1000 points. My favorite memory was bringing a dragon mage, and a squad of spearmen, to a 500 point game (yes it is legal!)

About a year and a half ago, I started playing demonhunters. These indefagitable defenders of the Imperium sounded to good to resist, and also, I found a very nice player who did not want his army. They are my favorite army for a while, but like most people, I quickly realized they were very hard to play with! My greatest success was in a Games Day combat patrol, where I brought a my GKs, and came second!

Finally, with the advent of 5th edition, the New Space marine codex, and losses from my Deamonhunters, I got Assault on Black Reach, and started my crimson fist army. I currently have 2 captains (one from black reach, one from the White Dwarf subscription), a squad of sniper scouts, a tac squad, a dreadnought, and a squad of terminators. More on that army later, as they will occupy most of my time!

Anyway, that is my GW history, much less interesting than many players, but I hope to improve on it! I am also quite new to blogging, so if anyone wants to help me out, please send me an email!

First Post

2009-02-15T14:21:00.000-08:00

Woot! First post! I have been following blogs for a while, and only just started my one! This blog will document my random musings (boring), Very slow progress with my various armies (interesting to some) and other 40K (and GW) related stuff!

Anyway, thanks for looking!