[40K] Works in Progress

On Saturday, our 40K league is hosting a Model Work Day. The idea is to allow a time to bring in models that need some work and learn from each other.

I'm thinking of bringing some of these guys

and trying to turn them into something like this

Courtesy of Darkfuturegames.blogspot.com

Am I up to it? Probably not. But I have a lot of bare basic Marines and some cool BT upgrade goodies, so we will see what happens.

[40K] The 500 Point Dilemna

Our local 40K group is doing an escalation league. I'm pretty excited about getting in on the "ground floor" of this, and I am fairly confident that GW won't be dropping any FAQ bombs on me during the duration of the league; mostly because I will be playing a faction that's already got one. (At least I think I am....)

I'm considering something other than my lovely Black Tide, and man is Big Sword yelling at me. I'm kind of considering something similar, but with a little more GW love....

Yeah, I'm thinking about Grey Knights. My main issue is that I don't have the codex yet, so making a list is an entirely hinky proposition. So at the moment, I am still thinking BT- but I am open to other ideas.

However, making the list for the league is a new kind of thought puzzle entirely- the first two weeks  will require some creative thinking.

For the first two weeks, we have to build our armies using the Kill Teams organization rules- but our missions will come from the Big Red Book.

My initial thought was to use a Ven Dred and some Termies, and bam! I would be done. However, after re-examining the board with the league rules, I realized we're not using KillTeams for anything except force org in weeks 1 and 2.

So I need troops and something kill-y in order to have a shot at winning. So maybe a LRC with some space doodz inside??  I don't quite know- I need something with troop selection, but good defense capability.

Ideas welcome as always, and GK thoughts are still running through my head. Or maybe Orks. I miss the green guys and their craziness... and their red paint, and their trukks....

[40K] In Your Faces

Come on and tell me what you need
Tell me what is making you bleed
We got two more minutes and
We gonna cut to what you need
So one of six so tell me
One do you want to live
And one of seven tell me
Is it time for your muthafuckin' ass to give
Tell me is it time to get down on your muthafuckin' knees -Lo Fidelity Allstars, Battleflag
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I have a couple friends that have made some noises about playing, but are unsure what army might fit them best. They enjoy some tactics, and "in your face".

They've eliminated a lot of choices, so now it's time to find an army to kick ass (and smash face).

Space Wolves?

Blood Angels?

Grey Knights?

Ultramarines?

Or something else entirely...

weigh in with the awesome!

[40K] Adepticon Already?

This week, our 40K group started a new league. This time around, it's an Adepticon League. The idea behind this is to give those that want to go some practice at the point level and experience in the general type of scenarios likely to be played there.

So while everyone else is talking about the NOVA Open and how they did there, we're looking forward to spring and even going to far as to discuss a potential travelling team.

The sign up table amuses me pretty seriously- the "Captain" position stayed open and people signed up UNDER it. No one wanted that "title". It was a giant game of "not it". Finally Paul volunteered, but it was funny watching the guys try to avoid "being in charge" at all costs.

In all fairness, no one will really be in charge. The idea is the Captain will be the point of contact and help get the ball rolling for when and if the guys decide to go up for the Tournament.

We talked a little about lists and painting. For our league, the lists don't have to be static at the moment. The idea is to be able to adjust as you play to help you get a better build as well as learn to play more efficiently.  Additionally,  we're not being too uptight about paint levels either, but I know that some of our interested players are looking at their "grey, grey and grey" armies with a little trepidation in anticipation of going "up north". (We're south of the tournament location by about 2 hours.)

There were no "take backs" or "do overs" this week, which was a little different than how we generally do it. It certainly wasn't cut throat, but it was a different from how many of us operate.  One of my pals pretty much swore himself  blue because he forgot to use Living Lightning. He was good natured about it, but he was certainly aware of his mistake.

Right now, it sounds like they all want to go and play as individuals, rather than try to do the Team Tournament. However, I do know that there was at least one guy who would like to do Teams as well.

I'd love to hear from those of you that have gone to Adepticon- what was your experience like? What helped you "get ready"? Was there anything you would like to have done differently? Any advice you want to share?

[40K] Help for a new player callout: BLOOD ANGELS

So I'm not the only new player at the FLGS anymore! There's a new guy, Nick, who is super nice. I need links, links, links and MORE links to send his way for his Blood Angels. He's BRAND NEW- (played 2 games) and could really use some easy to understand strategy, tactics, codex discussion and more for his reading/learning pleasure.

Please help me help another new player! You guys have always come through for me... I want to pass it on.


Be Well,

Lo

[40K] After Much debate

I've decided to post the cataloged list of what I got for Christmas. i truly debated about it for reasons of my own...I'm not bragging, I'm trying to be organized. There are not any points attached (I am working on that), but I thought this might be easier than saying "no, I don't have that".

I hope my system makes sense... and AntiPope, I was wrong. I DO have side sponson heavy bolters for the Predator. I just forgot. It's easy to do- I didn't assemble any of this, so it's not as personal to me as it could be.

                          
1        ?    power sword             
2        ???            no left or right arms      
1        Assault Bike                 
3        Bikes                 
1        LandRaider     TLLC, TLHB, 2Sponson Storm Bolter             
1        LandSpeeder     heavy bolter             
3        LandSpeeder     Typhoon Missile Launcher (2), heavy Bolter             
1        Rhino    Dozer blades, Hunter Killer missile, pintle storm bolter, light, smoke        
1        Predator    TLLC, 2 Sponson las cannons or Turret autocannon, 2 sponson heavy bolters               
1        Librarian     Force Weapon             
1        Logan Grimnar                  
1        Ragnar                 
3        Wolf Priest     variety of wolf tooth necklace, wolf tail talisman, etc             
2        Captain    Chainswords             
2        Captain    Chainswords             
1        Chaplain/banner     crozius             
1        Commander Shrike    TLC             
2        Dreadnaughts    AutoLauncher, Missile Launcher; Assault Cannon, power fist, heavy flamer              
1        Dreadnaughts    Bjern Fell handed             
2        Dreadnaughts    power fists, multimelta, storm bolter             
2        Heroes     Bolters             
1        Inquisitor                  
1        Iron Priest                  
10        Assault Squad     jet packs    (3 illegal figs- will need modding)           
10        Scout    bolter/ccw             
9        Scout    cammo cloak, sniper rifle              
2        Scout    heavy bolter             
1        Scout    melta             
1        Scout    Plasma Cannon             
3        Scout    Shotgun             
9        Scout    sniper rifle             
EDIT  EDIT  EDIT!!! 41        Space Marine    Bolter Guns (2 hands) Not pistols, no CCW.            
3        Space Marine    Bolter pistols, knives             
17        Space Marine    Chainswords/ccw, bolter pistols             
1        Space Marine    Dual Wielding bolter pistols
5        Space Marine    Missile Launcher  
8        Space Marine    Flamers             
1    EACH     Space Marine    heavy Bolter,  Las Cannon,  Multimelta ,  Plasma Cannon,  power sword        
2        Space Marine    rocket launcher             
1        Sternguard    unopened box             
15        Tactical Squad    2 Flamers, 1 Missile Launcher             
1        Terminator     Power fist, heavy flamer             
1        Terminator     Power fist, multimelta              
3        Terminator     power fist, storm bolter              
5        Terminator     power fist, storm bolter              
2        Terminator     storm Bolter, power sword             
10        Terminator     Storm Bolter, power fist             
1        Terminator     Typhoon Missile Launcher, laser guidance, storm bolter             
2        Terminator     Typhoon Missile Launcher, laser guidance, storm bolters             
2        Terminator Leader    storm Bolter, power sword             
1        Whirlwind     Dozer blades, whirlwind missiles             
2        Wolf Guard    assault cannon, power fist             
2        Wolf Guard    storm Bolter, chainfist        2nd Ed,     
2        Wolf Guard    storm Bolter, power sword             
9        Wolves             

[40K] Entering the fray

If all goes well, I'll be joining in the gameplay next week at the local FLGS. The scheduled league format is an escalation league, using some alternate battle/deployment scenarios.

The league starts at 750 points. I'm making both a BT and SW list, with hopes on deciding ...um, soon.

I actually have TWO BT lists, and only one SW one. Why? Mostly because I don't understand SW and how they work together. Plus, they're expensive.

As always- suggestions, comments on bad math or obvious rules violation concerns always welcome.


BT List #1
HQ: Chaplain, Master of Sanctity- 110

-attached Terminator Command Squad
1- Sergeant, Storm Bolter, power weapon, Furious Charge, Crusader Seals--45pts
1- Cyclone Missile launcher, Furious Charge, Crusader Seals-- 70pts
1-Chainfist, Furious Charge, Crusader Seals -- 50pts
1- Assault Cannon, Furious Charge, Crusader Seals -- 65pts
(squad total 230)

Troops Slot 1
7-  Initiates --112pts
5- Neophytes-- 50pts

Troops Slot 2

7- Initiates -112pts
3-Neophytes- 30pts

--Dedicated Transport-
Rhino with dozer blades, Hunter Killer Missile, Smoke Launcher, SearchLight, Power of the Machine Spirit --104 pts

Total 748

Advantages: I have all these models.
Disadvantages: Almost no CC, which is the "point" of BT, to me.

BT List #2

HQ: Chaplain, Master of Sanctity -110 pts

Elite: Terminator Assault Squad, Furious Charge, Crusader Seals- 225pts

Troop Slot 1
7-Initiates--112 pts
5- Neophytes--50pts

Troop Slot 2
7 Initiates--112 pts
3 Neophytes-- 30 pts

Dedicated Transport--
Rhino, Dozer blades, Hunter Killer Missile, Smoke Launcher, SearchLight, Power of the Machine Spirit--
104 pts

Total 743

Advantages: Much more CC/ "in your face", which is why I LIKE BT.
Disadvantages: Out of all those 25 terminators, absolutely no Assault guys. No TWC, No TH or Storm Shields anywhere. I'd either have to hope for "counts as", or do some trading.


SW List

HQ:Logan Grimnar -275pts (yes, I'm crazy)

Fast Attack: Skyclaw Assault Pack
1x plasma pistol, MotW
4 x bolter, CCW Total 120 pts

Troop Slot 1

3 Wolf Guard, Terminator Armor
2x power fist
1x chainfist, 1 MotW-- Total 149pts

Troop Slot 2
3 Wolf Guard, Terminator Armor
3xPower fist --Total 93pts

Heavy support:
Predator, TLLC- Total, 105pts

Total: 742 points

Advantages: I have all the models. I know what they look like (this is a HUGE plus for me as I am STILL learning what all came in the bags.) I would learn something about most rules that confuse me (Jumpers #1 on the list). I would have some serious shoot/assault options.

Disadvantages: It doesn't have any real cohesive feel, and I can't figure out any situations that would cause an instakill with this list.

So thanks for any comments... and now I have to see how a real game goes...

[40K] The Dude and The doods

All right guys- I know I groaned about how I didn't have even a SINGLE dude of my own to paint for a bit. I've been pretty plain that I was hoping for An Emperor's Champion and possibly a Battleforce box for Christmas for a while. My personal take on the whole "build an army" thing was to do it low & slow- get my feet wet a little and as I get more figs, THEN get into 40K full scale again.

My husband, the AllAwesomeguy, TheDude; decided he knew better. He decided I needed to "sink or swim" and guys, you will be STUNNED at what he got me for Christmas!

Not just a battle box. Not just guys from AoBR. No- he went ALL OUT. He is friends with a guy who was parting ways with his army and the two cut a deal. I wound up with An Army Transport: Battalion AND A Motor Pool bag- each full of foam and the makings of at least 2 ARMIES inside them. Plus, Codexes, rule books and templates. I got it all!

here's the overview:

Troops: close to 100 Space Marines, over 20 Scouts (probably closer to 30).
Elites: Well over 25 Terminators. 6 Dreads.
Fast Attack: 4 LandSpeeders, 3 Bikes and an Attack Bike.
Heavy Support? Land Raider, Predator, and Whirlwind. Plus a Rhino, just for good measure.

That's just a SUMMARY of what he got me. There's so much more in there, it's unreal. Every single thing in the cases are decked out with very cool weapons, too.  (MISSILES! At least 5 Typhoon Missile launchers! Flamers, Meltas, TLLC- there's a little bit of everything in there.) I was unashamedly squealing like a girl when I opened up those bags and saw what was inside. The best part? Catch this:

He was telling anyone who would listen: "I know I have a good wife- she's excited to get Space Marines for Christmas".

I think I'm gonna keep him!

Of course, this collection of doods is going to need a little thinking. The previous owner of this pile of awesome was very obviously a Space Wolves player. There's a Grimnar, Ragnar,  an Iron Priest, 9 Wolves, and one of the Dreads is a metal Bjorn the Fell Handed model, plus other assorted Wolf Priests and so on. The non-specific models are painted as a SW army,  which is ok for now.

The question becomes- do I throw the non-specific guys in the "bug juice" (Mean/Simple Green) to turn them into BT, or do I try them out and see if I like them? A little of both?

To be truly fair, I don't hate the idea of Space Wolves, but for the most part, I don't like the models. I just don't find them super attractive. From what I understand, the playstyle is pretty close to the "brick" standard I try to keep myself to. Of course, the only way to find out is to play them.

Now, just to make a list....

[Weekly Whimsy] Lola is My Lady

[Welcome to Weekly Whimsy! Lovely, lethal, long loved- Lola; angel of annihilation. Also, actively analyzing the adoration of armies.]


swing swing swing
chop chop chop

My axe is my buddy- ICP, My Axe
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earlier this week, the talented J Croxford was featured on FTW's Top ten for this lovely piece:

Seeing it really struck a chord with me. I had forgotten what originally drew me to Khador and their frozen wastelands, their harsh women, and their furry hats. I'd forgotten all about Lola.

Lola originally caught my eye, and then I was drawn to her faithful escort, Butcher. His manic, brutal mien was as alluring as her strong lines and great curves. I knew the moment I saw those two, I was hooked. 

[40K] Where Are The Ladies?

So I have an idea for a Killzone team that would need at least 2 ladies. The idea is spawned out of the old Armageddon crew- I'm thinking of Chad Black, his lovely Anita, along with Father Pain and Mercy. They would most likely be Black Templars, or possibly just really DARK Space Marines. One of the ladies can easily be out of the Witchhunters/Sisters of Battle- she's essentially a nun; I can find a figure.

The other? I really envision a bad-ass babe in SpaceMarine armor. Is there such a thing?

On that thought, does 40K have any serious butt-kicking females at all?

Sure, there's Lelith, and some of the Wytches. Are they HQ slots, though? Are they "leading the charge"?

In WarMachine, there's no end of sure-fire hell raising women. Sorscha, Haley, Deneghra, Fiora, Ashlynn, Kaelyssa- each faction has a killer; no-holds barred lady to lead the forces. Hell, the AVATAR of MENOTH is a woman.

Is it too much to ask for a girl with great gams in armor for my 40K shenanigans?

Failing what I really want, what can I convert? Do I need a degree in greenstuffing to get anything close?

[40K] A Newer Player's Questions: Random

It was 40K night last night, so I took the opportunity to watch, ask questions, try to learn, and of course; get more confused in the process. [This is a normal process for me. I'm actually getting a LOT closer to feeling confident about playing a game than I was a month ago.]

So onto the many random, unrelated questions I've gathered recently. I plan to start a series with a more focused set of questions next week. But today, you get random.

1- It has been suggested to me (repeatedly) that I might enjoy Blood Angels since I freely admit to "playing like a brick". I have resisted pretty heavily for a couple reasons.  These include: they don't have a lot of customizable options; They're a lot more mobile than I feel comfortable with (I like go-fast in theory; in practice I lose my mind); They are the new internet rage and seem to have a reputation for being very competitive (which I could not live up to) and lastly- for those of you that know me in real life: They're angels. We know how crazy I get about angels... I think I'd go positively mental trying to do justice to an Angel ARMY.

Can anyone convince me either way that I am wrong or missing a point on these guys?

2- Power of the Machine Spirit is in my Codex, but there's at least a little confusion on how it applies now. Can someone explain it as it works for my army now?

2a- Same goes for Drop Pods. Do I have the old rules or the new ones?

3- Command or Assault Squads apparently "NEED" a ride. I'm still a little fuzzy on why, but I'll believe you because it seems easier that way. If those guys are Terminators (because I tend to change my mind), they CAN'T take a transport. But they can Deep Strike? If that's accurate, is there a benefit or advantage of one over the other?

4- On transports: They look cool, but seem very squishy. The transport in question was a Land Raider. I'm wondering if they are worth my trouble. I heard something about not moving too much and still be able to shoot but failed to ask for more details...is it per turn, or overall that the restriction applies?

5-I have a real and legitimate reason for not being able to use rare earth magnets. Is there something else I can use for modding and modeling?


And, because 40K is more fun with pictures- a shot from last night that was pretty awesome. No real reason, just: it' looked fun.

The Chos in front, facing the LR actually ARE Chaos dudes. The Chaos guys facing the camera, coming OUT of the Raider, are completely modded to "count as" Space Wolves. Grimnar is about to have lunch.

[40K] A List I Don't Hate

Four 40K posts this week- I must really be getting into it!

I worked on making a list I don't hate, and came up with something I like quite a lot. Additionally, I might possibly be able to proxy this. One of my enablers-er- FRIENDS- I meant friend! thinks I could probably borrow what I don't have through The Dude.

There are a couple of legalities questions (can a character with dual lightning claws wear a combat shield, can I have a Cru squad without Neophytes) but here we go.

HQ- Marshall
Dual Lightning Claws
Combat Shield -120

HQ- Command Squad
1 Sergeant, Terminator Honors, Lightning Claw
9 Squad Members, Terminator Honors,  Thunder Hammers (5), Combat Shield (4), Furious Charge, Crusader Seals (10)- 525

EC- AAC- 140

Troops-

Crusader Squad 1
8 Initiates- Plasma gun, missile launcher
2 Neophytes, Shotgun & CCW
Rhino -214

Crusader Squad 2 & 3
10 Initiates 10 Crusader Seals
6 Neophytes
Missile Launcher- 500

Comes up to 1499.

My enabler-FRIEND- wondered why I didn't try to go for 1850, which is what the local league is currently running. Aside from not knowing the rules well enough yet, I don't have enough figures to proxy for that size army. But those are all excuses. Honestly? I'm not ready to play in the league, especially at that point level. I don't mind losing, but I'd like to have a chance.

Again, send along comments, criticisms and general 'you stink and this is why' . I promise to listen and even try to learn from it all.

[40K] The List (for now)

As promised, I came back with a legal list (at least I think it is).

I need to so some more work, but I have a1500 point list.
The problem? I - absolutely- completely- totally- immeasurably- without remorse- fucking HATE it. The only thing I like on it even a little is the Dread. The EC isn't terrible, but I wish I could make the whole thing more coherent.

Why bother posting it? Because it's some where to start. I'm trying to dial out the bad advice from the very, very smart (special thanks to nikephoros over at Bringer of Victory and Weinas at Indy40K) as well as get a feel for what I like and what I don't. Also, this list is one that I have almost enough models available to proxy and test. I would only need to borrow about 7 Scouts for Neophytes, and we'd just have to say all the bits/weapons present on the models were the ones on the list.

So here it is. Comments, suggestions and absolute ass-ripping are more than welcome, I'm willing to start all over and not sweat it. If there's any glaring illegalities, lemme know, please. Also, I have no real sense of how lists are supposed to be written out, so I'm going to do it the way that makes sense to me and you can help me in the comments, right?

HQ- Commander:
Marshall
Artificer Armor
Terminator Armor
Frag Grenade
Holy Orbs of Antioch - 126pts

HQ: Terminator Command Squad
5 models
Furious charge
Missile launcher
Assault Cannon-263 pts

REQ'D - NON HQ -
Emperor's Champion
Accept Any Challenge -140 pts

Elite: Dreadnaught
Twin linked Las cannon
Heavy Flamer
Tank Hunter
Venerable
Extra Armor
Hunter-Killer
Smoke Launcher-188 Pts

Troops : Crusader Squad (x2)
10 Initiates
6 Neophytes
Power Fist
Flamer
Frag & Krak grenades - 578

Troops: Crusader Squad
10 Initiates
Power Fist
Frag & krak Grenades- 205

[40K] A Newer Player's Q's: Options

I have a couple sample lists finally. A buddy from the game store helped me get started- I was pretty much missing the point when trying to build my lists and was coming way -way- WAY under. I simply didn't understand or know how to operate all the dang options and wargear BT present.

Once I got that out of the way, there came the question of- what STYLE list did I want to run?

I personally see several options- a pure "fluff" list with chaplains, holy sigils, blessings, and so on; a foot list; a fast list; and a small but mighty combination list. I'm sure there are others, or better twists on those- but that's what I see.

For my sample list, I really wanted to go with the fluff- that's why I like the Black Templar so much. They're so incredibly evocative and offer so many options for naming, details and thoughtful touches. I chose a chaplain for my HQ and worked the rest of the list from there.

Before I share my lists- onto the questions. How do you handle picking options or wargear for your armies? Do you try to make things fit with your theme, or effectiveness, or some combination thereof? Do you have a lot of choices, or are you stuck with things that you don't like? Am I crazy, or is 100 points of wargear way to friggin much?!?!?!?!?!

------------------------------------------------------

OH, I am so glad I tried to post this!

I just went through typing out the whole list I came up with (with my friend's help)- I was pretty excited about the ideas and options I had in front of me- when I realized...

I forgot The Emperor's Champion.

Crap.

I'll be back later today with a legal list, I swear!

[40K] A Newer Player's Q's: Army Building

I'm thinking this might be a series until I get a better handle on what the crap 5th Ed is all about.

Yes, I think I have * FINALLY * decided what army I'll play. I just have to get figures. And that leads me to the question of the day:


What comes first in army building: the figures or the list?

I don't possess any figs of my own yet. I'm of the opinion that I shouldn't just buy crap willy nilly- I should have a purpose and an army or list in mind. However, there's been some encouragement to use available figs as proxies, building a list to suit them.

Going with the first option gives me control over what goes in my list, what I like and don't like, as well as what flavor or type of army I field. Going with the second limits me to what I have available, but I get to see if I really like the intended army before spending a metric crapton of cash.

Either way, I've discovered that I need one of those Army Builder things (I just happen to be testing one out right now) because it's not the math -it's the details and the math combined. I know I'll get better, but at the moment, I can't keep track of all of it at once.

So at the moment, I'm playing with numbers and imaginary dudes, trying to get a handle on point allowances and Force Org (you're supposed to have a lot of troops, right?) . See you at the next installment.