It's in my hands!!! Imperial Armour 11 arrives!!!

Hi folks,
it's here and in my hands, well it's on the side but you get the idea! Any questions on the book, the rules or just in general let me know in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer them.

First impressions are "yay, its signed" followed by "ye gads! this cover feels rather thick.", it would seem the improved production doesn't just relate to the artwork but seems to extend to the quality of the physical book itself!

So any questions get asking!
Millest

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RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:

The back story is ok, and intriguing end but not the big twist they promised on their YouTube video. Still good story about the attacks and the end leaves it open for a second book or at least some more eldar love from forgeworld. The problem is telling you anything really does spoil it as its not till like the last 2-3 pages of back story we find out why they attack and its a very "hinted" reason rather then a definative one and a somewhat shoddy reason to start a whole war, thats for sure!!

With regards the corsairs there is a nice section detailing some corsair "warbands" and their colour schemes. Not to mention some awesome colour plates of vehicles. Ruleswise as one would expect drawers heavily on codex eldar but offers the following units:

• Corsair prince
• Blade sworn retinue
• Void dreamer - pseudo warlocks
• Voidstorm squad - cqc specialists
• Harlequins
• Craftworld outcasts
• Dark eldar kabalite warriors
• Corsair squads - guardians
• Wasp walkers
• Jetbikes
• Falcons
• Venoms
• Hornets
• Nightwings
• Night spinners
• Phoenix bombers
• Warp hunters - falcon variant
• Firestorm

In short all the best bits from all the eldar books, and way to many choices!!!

As for IG, Titans and SW no new toys (well apart from the crassus tanks) but doesnt stop me wanting more stuff. only hope if they do a second we get some more things like cadian based engineers (ala DKOK mole mortars etc or elysian lascutters) but still the colour prints are good.

Any other questions?

Forge World Newsletter #292 - Imperial Armour 11 Released!

As always the important bits reproduced below:

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Hi there, Just when you thought Forge World had revealed all of its pre-Christmas releases, in today’s newsletter we are delighted to announce that Imperial Armour Volume 11: The Doom of Mymeara is now available to order.

Imperial Armour Volume 11: The Doom of Mymeara
The Imperial ice world of Betalis III is under attack from the combined might of three massive Eldar war hosts. Their motivation for attacking this seemingly insignificant planet is unknown, but General Myndoras Odon of the Cadian 6th Armoured Regiment is intent on bringing about the total destruction of these Eldar invaders.

Wielding the might of three Imperial Guard regiments and joined by the savage strength of Bran Redmaw’s Great Company and the colossal power of Titans from the Legio Gryphonicus, the Eldar of Craftworld Mymeara, Craftworld Alaitoc and their Corsair allies may soon regret attacking one of the Emperor’s worlds.

Imperial Armour Volume 11: The Doom of Mymeara provides a detailed account of the Eldar invasion, as well as background and rules for its protagonists, the Eldar of Craftworlds Mymeara and Alaitoc, their Corsair kin and the forces of the Imperium. Also included are profiles for new special characters, machines of war, and a new Eldar Warrior Aspect squad, the Shadow Spectres.

This 224-page full colour hardback book, written by Talima Fox, is packed with vehicle and infantry profiles, three Apocalypse datasheets, a campaign section and an Eldar Corsair army list. In addition the book also contains a detailed background and technical section covering the existing Forge World Eldar range.

We’re still able to ensure pre-Christmas delivery for this book as long as you select Express delivery when you place your order. The first 500 copies of this eagerly awaited book ordered either online or over the telephone will also be signed by the author, Talima Fox, making an ideal Christmas gift for any fan of Warhammer 40,000.

Thanks, Ead Brown Customer Service Manager Forge World

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Well I must say they did keep the late release of this one quiet!!! Still pre-orders in and hopefully there will be some new cadian themed toys in the new year for me to drool over :)

Forge World Newsletter #288 - Eldar Specacular!! Titan Weapons and Pheonix Lord!

As always the important bits reproduced below:

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Hi there, In this week’s newsletter we’ve got details of a new Phantom Titan weapon option and a new Eldar special character which are both now available to pre-order, as well as a reminder of our Christmas shipping deadlines – phew! Read on for more…

Eldar Phantom Titan Power Glaive
The Phantom Titan is the mightiest of all the war machines fielded by the ancient and advanced xenos Eldar. Towering above the battlefield, these cyclopean war machines are commanded by a single Steersman, yet this single crewman does not pilot his charge completely alone.

Assisted by the spirit stones of long-dead Steersmen, the living pilot is able to merge his consciousness with those of his predecessors, allowing the Phantom to react and manoeuvre with nearly the same preternatural swiftness as an Eldar infantryman.
For a Phantom to be deployed the threat must be dire indeed, and the weaponry of these mighty Titans varies depending on the nature of the foe they will face. When ranged against enemy super-heavy walkers a Steersman will commonly arm his Titan with a Phantom Power Glaive, a long and shimmering sword similar in appearance to those wielded by Eldar Aspect Warriors, using the Phantom’s speed and agility to close with and destroy their opponents.
Designed by Will Hayes, the Phantom Power Glaive is etched with Eldar runes to draw doom upon its hapless opponents, and also features a twin-linked Starcannon. This weapon, like our Phantom Pulsar and D-Cannon, can be mounted on either of the Phantom’s arms. This full resin weapon is available to pre-order now for despatch in the week commencing 28th November.

Irillyth, Phoenix Lord of the Shadow Spectres
Once a disciple of Asurmen, first of the Eldar Phoenix Lords, Irillyth the Shade of Twilight founded the Shrine of the Shadow Spectres on the Craftworld of Mymeara. Drawn to the small Craftworld in response to a vision of doom and horror, Irillyth gifted the skills of stealth, swiftness and all-consuming firepower to the warriors of Mymeara. After many years, the Phoenix Lord led a great war host to the legend-shrouded world of Bethalmae to destroy a race that would, many thousands of years later, arise to threaten Craftworld Mymeara. Neither he nor any of his warhost ever returned to the Craftworld, and with the loss of their Phoenix Lord the Shadow Spectre aspect fell into decline.

Irillyth, Phoenix Lord of the Shadow Spectres is a lavishly detailed resin character designed by the talented Simon Egan. Portrayed in a suitably commanding pose and armed with his ancient weapon, the Spear of Starlight, full background for this resurrected Phoenix Lord will be featured in Imperial Armour Volume 11: The Doom of Mymeara. As an exclusive preview, experimental rules for Irillyth can be downloaded from the Forge World website.
Irillyth the Shade of Twilight is available to pre-order now for despatch in the week commencing 28th November.

Christmas Order Deadlines
It’s getting to that time of year again. The nights are drawing in, shop windows are filling with tinsel and baubles, and here at Forge World we are busily processing orders and shipping kits so that they’ll reach you in time for Christmas.
As always the Customer Service team are standing by to assist with any and all enquiries you may have - from product availability and hobby advice to helping to explain the difference between a Titan and a Dreadnought to a confused relative. We can be reached on 0115 916 8177 within the UK, 011 44 115 916 8177 from the US and Canada, and 00 44 115 916 8177 from much of Europe.
It’s always best to place your order early to avoid disappointment, and with this in mind these are our last order dates for pre-Christmas delivery. As always, these dates are subject to change and stock availability so if in doubt, call us.

Standard Delivery:
Thursday 1st December – Australasia, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Africa, the Caribbean, South & Central America, APO addresses and static BFPOs
Monday 5th December – Eastern Europe, USA and Canada
Thursday 8th December – Western Europe
Tuesday 13th December – UK and Operational BFPOs

Express Delivery:
Tuesday 13th December – Worldwide
Thursday 15th December - UK

Thanks, Ead Brown, Customer Service Manager, Forge World

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Path of the Seer - Book Review

Path of the Seer by Gav Thorpe
The ancient eldar are a mysterious race and each devotes their life to a chosen path that will guide their actions and decide their fate. Thirianna abandons her simple existence to embark upon the mysterious Path of the Seer. She will tread a dark and dangerous road that leads her to the other realm of the warp, where daemons are made flesh and nightmares are manifest, for only there can she realise her psychic abilities. After unleashing her powers in battle and communing with the spirits of her craft world, Thirianna turns her skills to discerning the future amidst the myriad strands of fate. Her visions reveal a great threat descending on Alaitoc, and both the living and the dead will march to war to defend it.

The ancient eldar are a mysterious race. Their lives must be in constant motion, moving from one Path to the next, developing their senses of self and the universe. On their craftworld, Alaitoc, Thirianna reaches the end of her journey on the Path of the Warrior. As one of the Dire Avengers, she has sated her anger enough for multiple lifetimes. Thirianna moves on to the Path of the Poet, upon which she fills several crystals with her poetry. One of her two closest friends is Korlandril the Sculptor. The Path of the Artist and of the Poet is similar and the two have much to talk about.


The day finally arrives for Thirianna's second close friend to return to Alaitoc. Aradryan is happy to see Korlandril again, but it is Thirianna that holds his attention. When Aradryan expresses his deep feelings for Thirianna, she is unable to return them. Aradryan quickly abandons Alaitoc, choosing to return to space and become in Outcast. Very shortly afterward, Korlandril expresses his own feelings for her. Again Thirianna gently confesses that she is unable to return those feelings. Korlandril's reaction is much worse than Aradryan's had been. Instead of disappointment, Korlandril's anger ignites and he begins walking upon the Path of the Warrior.

Thirianna begins her journey upon the Path of the Seer. Farseer Kelamith is her guide. He teaches her much about connecting with the skein, a webway to help search possible futures. Thirianna must learn when to nudge events in the best directions and when to not interfere, even if it means the death of someone she cares for.

Thirianna develops her psychic abilities. After unleashing her powers in battle and communing with the spirits of her craftworld, she briefly spies a disturbing, possible future of humans attacking Alaitoc. The Sons of Orar, lauded and feared Space Marines of the Emperor, were about to bring destruction to her world, and both the living and the dead will march to war to defend it.

Thorpe continues to bring the mysterious eldar race out of the shadows and into the light so that W40K fans are able to see and understand them more clearly. In June, 2010, the first title of this series (Path of the Warrior) was released. It followed the character of Korlandril. However, this time Thirianna is followed. As I read, I found it very interesting to see Thirianna interact with her two male friends, Korlandril and Aradryan. Through her eyes, I saw Korlandril's character in a slightly different way. I also saw Aradryan in all his selfish glory. Consider yourself warned that this story has a cliff-hanger ending. Aradryan will continue the battle in the third title, Path of the Outcast.

For me the interweaving of the three books has made this something different to normal Balck Library work and whilst the action is good and well paced it would only warrent three stars. The fact Thorpe has gone that extra mile to link everything together has for me made this a solid four stars out of five.

Available from:

http://www.blacklibrary.com/
Gav Thorpe
softback • ISBN 9781849700801

Forge World Newsletter #285 - Dark Eldar Tantalus & Imperial Emplacement Released

As always the important bits reproduced below:

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Hi there, We have two new exciting releases to announce, the mighty Dark Eldar Tantalus and the Imperial Emplacement hollow resin terrain piece.

Dark Eldar Tantalus
First crafted, so it is said, for the Archon Surasis Grief of the Kabal of the Dark Mirror, the Tantalus is an assault skimmer, somewhat larger and more complex in design than the Raider, and accordingly better armed. Its distinctive twin-hulled design houses powerful engine-reactors slaved to enhanced drives and its unique scythevane armament.

One of the largest Dark Eldar vehicles yet encountered by the Imperial war machine, the cruel reavers who crew this sleek engine of destruction take delight in mounting high-speed attacks, slicing through the hulls of enemy vehicles and rending infantry into crimson shreds, heralded by the screech of the molecular dissonance fields of its scythevanes and the rapid fire of its pulse-disintegrator armament.
The Dark Eldar Tantalus, designed by Daren Parrwood, is a detailed full resin kit that includes a set of etched brass deck panels. Measuring nearly 11” from prow to stern, this twin-hulled vehicle is a great addition to any Dark Eldar army. With its full rules contained Imperial Armour Apocalypse Second Edition, the Tantalus is available now for immediate release.

Imperial Emplacement
Adding to our new range of hollow resin scenery is the Imperial Emplacement, designed by Blake Spence.

This detailed free-standing terrain piece has been designed as a dug-in position for almost any size of Warhammer 40,000 vehicle, from Chimeras and Leman Russ to Macharius and Malcador-based super heavy tanks. The Imperial Emplacement features a wealth of detail such as ammunition stowage, unexploded munitions, a targeting cogitator and an observer’s position. The base of the Imperial Emplacement has been reinforced with trench plates to act as duckboards, and the scenery piece also features plenty of space for crew models as well as vehicles.
Ideal for use as both a gaming piece to fight battles over or the basis of a detailed diorama, the Imperial Emplacement is available to order now for immediate despatch.

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Like the tantalus and the emplacement, pleasantly suprised the emplacement is only £22, may well consider one depending on how my own conversions of something similar turn out.

Forgeworld Sneak Peeks - Imperial Armour 2nd Ed New Imperial Guard Tanks

Hi Folks,
I'll keep this short as I'm sure you are pretty curious as to what I've found! Basically my IA:A 2nd Ed arrived on Saturday and thumbing threw the pages i came across two new tanks for the guard that are coming up. Below are some pics and hints and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to drop me a line. Suffice to say in IA:A 2nd Ed there isn't much new other then some chapter specific variations of the Contemptor for BA and SW, everything else is pretty much replacing old stuff but if you want to know anything just let me know.

The first we have all see is the Macharius Omega, the pic from the book is here:

But as everyone knows this has already featured on the blog so here is a picture of the model we have seen for this:

Next up we have the Crassus Dominus, this is an awesome bit of kit as show by the outline below:

this thing is Hench!!!! it combines one of these:

with three! yes that's right three of these:

Oh yeah and did i mention it can move and fire everything? I think shy of the semi-confirmed Plastic Hydra (my local store manager basically said its on its way and hes not been wrong so far with releases) this has to now be my most wanted tank :)

any thoughts or questions chaps and chapesses?

Forge World Newsletter #284 - IA Apocalypse 2nd Ed & Imperial Emplacement

As always the important bits reproduced below:

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Hi there, With Games Day UK looming on the horizon, we’ve got more exclusive pre-release items to announce today. As with the other exclusive releases we’ve revealed in the last few days, these will be on sale at Games Day UK in limited numbers.

Imperial Armour Apocalypse Second Edition on sale at Games Day UK
First announced at Games Day Chicago back in July, we can now confirm that the brand new Imperial Armour Apocalypse Second Edition Expansion book will be available to buy in limited numbers at Games Day UK, priced at £26.

This book substantially updates and expands the first edition of Imperial Armour Apocalypse with 32 new entries, and is packed with over 90 Apocalypse datasheets for Legendary units such as the mighty Crassus Armoured Assault Transport to the fell Daemon Lords of Chaos. Also included are new Forge World units for Warhammer 40,000 including the Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought and its variants, and the Dark Eldar Tantalus.
This 128 page, full-colour hardback book provides comprehensive and updated descriptions and rules for using all of Forge World’s recent additions to its model range in your games of Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer 40,000 Apocalypse. Within you’ll also find new Apocalypse battle missions to play including ‘The Lion and the Hawk’, ‘Shattered City’ and ‘Fortress Assault’, as well as lots of new options and background to enhance your games.
Imperial Armour Apocalypse Second Edition is available to pre-order now for despatch from the 30th of September.

Imperial Emplacement
Adding to our new range of hollow resin scenery is the Imperial Emplacement, designed by Blake Spence. This is a detailed free-standing terrain piece that will be on sale at Games Day UK in limited numbers, well in advance of its scheduled release date.

Designed as an emplacement for almost any size of Warhammer 40,000 vehicle, from Chimeras and Leman Russ to Macharius and Malcador-based super heavy tanks, and even the mighty Baneblade, the Imperial Emplacement features a wealth of detail such as ammunition stowage, unexploded munitions, a targeting cogitator and an observer’s position. The base of the Imperial Emplacement has been reinforced with trench plates to act as duckboards, and the scenery piece also features plenty of space for crew models as well as vehicles.
Ideal for use as both a gaming piece to fight battles over or the basis of a detailed diorama, the Imperial Emplacement will cost £22.

Forge World and Warhammer Forge Studio

The ever-popular Forge World Studio area will have even more amazing displays, artwork, concept sketches and work-in-progress projects for you to admire at this year’s Games Day - our entire design team will be on hand, split across three areas, allowing you better access to talk to our talented designers and to see some amazing, as yet unseen miniatures. The Studio team have also been hard at work creating a totally new display board for this year’s Games Day, showcasing part of the Eldar assault upon Betalis III that will be detailed in the forthcoming Imperial Armour Volume 11: The Doom of Mymeara.
On the subject of books, jaw-droppingly detailed models are only one half of the Forge World range. We also have a dedicated Book Design team who are responsible for the colour profiles, layout, artwork, photographic art, star maps, page textures – everything that makes an Imperial Armour or Warhammer Forge book the masterpiece it is. Graphic Artists Ian Strickland, Rhys Pugh, Kenton Mills and Sam Lamont will be showcasing their work and explaining exactly what goes into laying out a book, and they may even have their high-tech cogitators with them so you can see this work in action. The chance to see a piece of artwork being worked on ‘live’ cannot be missed!

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Looking at those the book is pre-ordered already and I'm very tempted by the emplacement but unless I'm doing a diorama I cant justify it till I get a table :)

Forge World Newsflash - Space Marine Games Day releases + Fantasy Book!

As always the important bits reproduced below:

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Hi there, With Games Day UK only three days away, we’ve got three more exclusive pre-release items to announce today. As with the other exclusive releases we’ve revealed in the last few days, these will be on sale at Games Day UK in limited numbers. So without further ado…

Tamurkhan: Throne of Chaos on sale at Games Day UK
The first of our exclusive Games Day UK pre-releases is the eagerly awaited Warhammer Forge expansion book, Tamurkhan: Throne of Chaos.

This book retells the brutal conquests and bloody battles of the Chaos Warlord Tamurkhan and his horde in their quest to attain the favour of the Dark Gods. In this 208 page, full-colour, hardback book you will find: the saga of Tamurkhan the Maggot Lord, lavishly illustrated and darkly detailed; an extensive bestiary section and a campaign system allowing you to fight the battles of Tamurkhan’s horde in games of Warhammer.
The book also contains The Legion of Azgorh, a fully playable Chaos Dwarf Army list, as well as rules for playing massive battles with forces drawn from all the different Chaos Army books.
Printed on high quality paper, which gives an amazing depth to the full colour artwork, each page is richly embellished with finely detailed illustrations. Full colour maps reveal never-before-seen vistas of the landscape and geography of the Warhammer world. The hardback, leather-effect binding, embossed with gold lettering, has been designed to emulate the faded binding of an arcane tome, down to the inclusion of the classic red silk-effect page marker.
Tamurkhan: Throne of Chaos will be on sale in limited numbers at Games Day UK, priced at £45. Forge World’s Book design team will be on hand throughout the day to autograph your copy, and explain how they put together this amazing book.

Relic Contemptor Dreadnought
Hot from the resin mines comes Simon Egan’s latest creation, the Relic Contemptor Dreadnought.

Given the rarity of the Contemptor-pattern chassis, it is not uncommon for those Chapters blessed enough to count these ancient war machines amongst their arsenal to embellish their armoured sarcophagus with scripture, honour scrolls and additional details to commemorate the heroism and indomitable valour of the Ancient enshrined within.
Fully compatible with the rest of our Contemptor weapons, the Relic Contemptor has been sculpted with a high level of detail, making the perfect painting project and a fantastic centrepiece to any Space Marine force. On sale in limited numbers from our Sales stand, the Relic Contemptor costs £32.

MkIc Deimos Pattern Rhino
The ubiquitous Rhino Armoured Personnel Carrier is a mainstay of the Space Marine Chapters, and has been in continuous use for ten thousand years. Its true origins are more distant still, and ancient records mention the RH1-N-0 Tracked Exploration and Multi-Purpose Defence Vehicle STC accompanying explorator missions during Mankind’s Golden Age. Re-armed and re-purposed for military use, the Rhino has remained a mainstay of the Imperium’s might over the millennia since.

There are many known patterns and designs of this robust vehicle, and the MkIc Deimos Pattern Rhino is among the oldest variants, first issued en-masse to the Astartes Legions of the Great Crusade. This pattern is armed with two turret-mounted bolters, slaved to the target-logis systems of the Rhino’s machine spirit rather than the more common pintle-mounted storm bolter seen on both the earlier MkIb Mars Pattern vehicle and the later MkIIc design that became more common after the Horus Heresy.
The MkIc Deimos Pattern Rhino, designed by Daren Parrwood, is a complete resin and plastic kit, containing a standard Games Workshop Rhino kit as well as sufficient resin conversion components to construct the MkIc Deimos Pattern variant. Priced at £33, this fantastic kit will be on sale in limited quantities at Games Day UK, well in advance of its general release date.

Thanks, Ead Brown, Customer Service Manager, Forge World

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Wow is all I can say, I will definately be getting the Rhino now for my DW squad :D

Forge World Newsletter #283 - Old School Landraider and Dark Eldar Goodies!

As always the important bits reproduced below but apologies it's a tad late:

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Hi there, In this week’s newsletter we can announce two more Games Day UK exclusive pre-release items that will be on sale in limited numbers, well in advance of their scheduled release date…

Dark Eldar Tantalus
First crafted, so it is said, for the Archon Surasis Grief of the Kabal of the Dark Mirror, the Dark Eldar Tantalus is an assault skimmer, somewhat larger and more complex in design than the Raider, and accordingly better armed. Its distinctive twin-hulled design houses powerful engine-reactors slaved to enhanced drives and its unique scythevane armament.

One of the largest Dark Eldar vehicles yet encountered by the Imperial war machine, the cruel reavers who crew this sleek engine of destruction take delight in mounting high-speed attacks, slicing through the hulls of enemy vehicles and rending infantry into crimson shreds, heralded by the screech of the molecular dissonance fields of its scythevanes and the rapid fire of its pulse-disintegrator armament.

The Tantelus, designed by Daren Parrwood, is a detailed full resin kit that includes a set of etched brass deck panels. Measuring nearly 11” from prow to stern, this twin-hulled vehicle is a great addition to any Dark Eldar army. With its full rules contained within the forthcoming Imperial Armour Apocalypse Second Edition, the Tantalus will be available in limited numbers from the Forge World Sales stand at Games Day UK, priced £85.

Land Raider Proteus
The Land Raider is perhaps the most iconic of all Imperial armoured vehicles. Its distinctive silhouette is recognisable to foe and ally alike, announcing the indomitable presence of the Adeptus Astartes, the heroic and super-human Space Marines. Many patterns and designs of this honoured and ancient war machine exist across the myriad worlds of the Imperium, and among the oldest of such designs is the Land Raider Proteus.

Mechanicus tech-savants believe that the Land Raider Proteus is a precursor to the Phobos pattern vehicle now found amongst the armouriums of the Adeptus Astartes. Bulkier and faster than the Phobos, ancient and forgotten data-looms describe the Proteus as a forward assault vehicle, commonly fielded in Explorator missions during the dawning days of Mankind’s fledgling galactic empire.

This full resin kit, designed by Phil Stutcinskas, is packed with some amazing details and two different hull-mounted weapon options to supplement its twin-linked sponson-mounted lascannons. Available for the first time in limited numbers at Games Day UK, the Land Raider Proteus is priced at £80.

Games Day UK Seminars and Reservations
Tony Cottrel will be hosting a couple of Seminars during the day. To get tickets for the Seminars follow the signs to the Westside restaurant and you wil find the Seminar room. The tickets are limited to one per person on a first come first served basis. The seminars are limited to 142 seats each so it is best to get there early to avoid disappointment.
Sadly we can no longer accept reservations for Games Day. Reservations this year will not be held at the Forge World sales stand but will have their own area next to the recruitment stand in the main foyer.

Games Day Italy Reservations Now Being Taken
With Games Day Italy, at the Forum Guido Monzani in Modena on 16th October, rapidly approaching, we are now accepting reservation orders for this event. This is the best way of ensuring that we will have exactly the models you’re looking for, packed up and waiting for you to pay for on the day.
To place a reservation order, please send an e-mail entitled ‘Games Day Italy Reservation’ to fwreservations@games-workshop.co.uk, making sure to provide your full name and a list of the items you’d like to reserve. You can also phone the Forge World Customer Service team on 0011 44 115 916 8177.
You can place a reservation for anything currently available from the online store, as well as our Event Only MkIII Boarding Space Marine and Chaos Dwarf Hellsmith figures and the models in this newsflash. We will provide a confirmation e-mail before the event that will contain your order number and a total cost in Euros, payable upon collection.
The cut-off date for Games Day Italy reservation orders is 3rd October, so make sure your e-mail reaches us before this date.

Games Day Australia Update
A huge selection of the Warhammer Forge and Forge World ranges will be available from the Forge World stand at Games Day Australia, which will be held on 1st October at the Australian Technology Park, Redfern, NSW. Both our 2011 Event Only MkIII Boarding Space Marine and Chaos Dwarf Hellsmith models will be on sale, and to mark the return of Games Day Australia, we’re also offering an exclusive last chance to buy some of our previous Event Only models as well.
If you have placed a reservation for Games Day Australia, you’ll soon be receiving a confirmation e-mail with your order number, details of any items we’ve been unable to reserve, and a total cost in AU$ payable on the day.
Please contact GW Australia Customer Service for full details of pricing at the event, or download a pdf copy of our updated 2011 Forge World catalogue and brand new Warhammer Forge catalogue.

Thanks, Ead Brown, Customer Service Manager, Forge World

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First off I must say the DE model is nice and looks suitably big and scary, a nice addition to the DE and one I wouldn't mind facing off against just to see one.

Second, I love the pre-heresy/old school/reimagened origional Land raider. I like the way it stays faithful to the origional but how some of the side panels etc reflect the current versions. One thing I must say though is "80 frigging Quid???? FW have you lost your mind???" I like the model but for £80 I would much rather have two plastic raiders or spend £62 on the MKIIB (which whilst nice is still bloody expensive). I appreciate this is a true full resin kit but it's just way too expensive. Nice to look at and I would pick one up if I didnt have things like bills or a brain as an Inquisitors ride but i think for once they have out dafted themselves on price even for me!

any thoughts or comments on this months newsletter?

Atlas Infernal - Book Review

Atlas Infernal by Rob Sanders
quisitor Bronislaw Czevak is a hunted man. Escaping from the Black Library of the eldar, Czevak steals the Atlas Infernal – a living map of the Webway. With this fabled artefact and his supreme intellect, Czevak foils the predations of the Harlequins sent to apprehend him and thwarts his enemies within the Inquisition who want to kill him. Czevak’s deadliest foe, however, is Ahriman – arch-sorcerer of the Thousand Sons. He desires the knowledge within the Black Library, knowledge that can exalt him to godhood, and is willing to destroy the inquisitor to obtain it. A desperate chase that will bend the fabric of reality ensues, where Czevak’s only hope of survival is to outwit the chosen of Tzeentch, Lord of Chaos and Architect of Fate. Failure is unconscionable, the very cost to the Imperium unimaginable.

As any 40k aficionado will know this novel is about Inquisitor Czevak. The Inquisitor is a very, very hunted man, and after escaping from the Eldar’s Black Library of Chaos. This book centres on him and his survival


As the novel sets out from the very beginning Inquisitor Bronislaw Czevak cannot make a single step without being hunted by some of the most powerful beings in the universe! The problem is that not only does Czevak carry the knowledge of the Eldar Black Library in his head but he has also stolen the Atlas Infernal (which isn’t just the name of the novel), a living map of the Eldar Webway. Both of these items on their own could be very dangerous indeed in the wrong hands, but to have both!! Those wrong hands come in two forms, principally those of Ahriman, Arch-Sorcerer of the traitorous Thousand Sons Legion; an already superhuman being who sees the Atlas Infernal as a means to aspire to godhood. The threats also come in the form of other Inquisitors eager to kill him for perceived heresy, and finally the Eldar Harlequins eager to return him to the Black Library itself to preserve him and the knowledge he has obtained.

One thing I liked about this novel was the chances we got to explore new areas or areas little touched by the Black Library writers. It was refreshing as well to see the imagery adding to the plot but not wholly dictating it. Sanders has taken a great opportunity to look at the lives of those unfortunates touched by chaos but not in thrall of it by looking at loyal citizens that just happened to get caught in the wrong place. The end result of the timing and location of the action is that you get a real feel for where our heroes are and how important it is that their mission succeed. As noted by other reviewers and I point I will reiterate is that for once the level of detail complements the plot instead of working against it and you’re left with a fully realised and atmospheric stage for the drama to play out on.

As for the characters, there is an odd mix, some are likeable, some are merely tools (in both senses of the word) and some just don’t seem right. However no matter how bad or, on the flipside, well written the characters are Sanders really does a good job of fleshing them out and making them work in to the story. Some of their plot points and the way they interact seems a bit over the top but it seems to work. One example is the Relictor, all I will say is Superhuman, yes, when he meets the GKs…. Well come on you have to be kidding!! I really didn’t like that part (about the only part I didn’t like in some way) as the outcome just shattered any ideals that one might have had from previous and accepted fluff. I know Sanders was breaking new ground and trying something new but it just really didn’t work for me, other might like it and to be fair the imagery and action was superb, it just didn’t sit right with me.

The plot whilst steadily onwards and flowing is broken neatly and constructively by jumps, flash backs and general reminiscence, where previous meetings and experiences are dealt with and as the plot goes on are explained. Whilst these could be annoying in other stories here the revelations and styling of them work well and adds to what is in effect a great mystery novel. The plot devices, the cast (I much prefer in this case to think of them as a cast then characters) and the overarching story make for an interesting and unusual read from the Black Library and one that no doubt leads the way for more Czevak novels, and who knows even a Ravenor style set of sequels! A generally good read and a must for any fan of the lesser man coming good. A solid 4 and a half out of 5 and one for the shelf.

Available from:
http://www.blacklibrary.com/
Atlas Infernal by Rob Sanders
416 pages, softback • ISBN 9781849700696

Blood Reaver - Book Review

Blood Reaver by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
Driven on by their hatred of the False Emperor, the Night Lords stalk the shadows of the galaxy, eternally seeking revenge for the death of their primarch. Their dark quest leads them to a fractious alliance with the Red Corsairs, united only by a common enemy. Together with this piratical band of renegades, they bring their ways of destruction to the fortress-monastery of the Marines Errant.

Blood Reaver is the latest offering (quite literally as ADB seems to work well when it comes to the Dark Powers) for Aaron Dembski-Bowden seems to write their exploits at a level that must be sponsored by those same dark powers. I must say that despite being a loyalist through and through that I really enjoyed Soul Hunter and how it put a new spin on the Fall and the wars of chaos from the view of the Night Lords. I really liked how it took the aspects of the much talked about but often undealt with aspects of relative time (warp time) and absolute/galactic time (time in the real universe – though even that term is subjective given which side of the chaos line you fall) and how this will wear even a company of Space Marines, even Chaos ones, down to the bone. In short they find they are running out of everything and it’s up to the former Apothecary Talos to pull the Exalted's Warband out of its nosedive and restore it to the 'glory' days of its status as 10th company.

Despite being Space Marines and therefore usually cardboard cut-outs I found the characters were self-interested and thus interesting. So I really liked Soul Hunter, the way that the author made the Astartes seem both like relatable characters from their own perspective, and monsters from the perspective of their slaves and/or victims.

Blood Reaver is more of the same, However, it conspicuously lacks several things, and does several worse. One thing I have noted as have several other reviewers is how it lacks explanation for how the character Cyrion's telepathy seems to have disappeared – though I expect this is explained in the audio book (which still hasn’t arrived at mine yet). This explanation wouldn't have improved the story, but for a story that relies so heavily on continuity and characters being established in the previous novel, leaving it out is frustrating and doesn’t help those that don’t have the audio book.

What I really like is that Soul Hunter doesn’t rely on pre-established knowledge and were both wonderful excursions into relatable characters, which is so rare in Warhammer 40,000. Blood Reaver faces the problems that the middle of any trilogy faces, that you're expected to know what's going on and it doesn't go anywhere interesting. Even when the Covenant of Blood, the cursed ship, goes down with the Exalted one board the warband has already jumped ship to an identical one, albeit it with more lighting and a few different bits of decoration (oh and a problem with a bad smell!).

Personally though despite being a sequel and suffering everything that entails I think the book is a definite good read and a must have, I mean more relatable marines and chaos ones at that! What is the Black Library trying to do? Get me to start a Chaos force as well? I love the books and the characters and despite everything and that First Claw are the kind of dogs you should never turn your back on, I think I’m beginning to like them. So once again a solid novel from ADB and one that rates a solid four and a half again! What is it with me liking Chaos books again? I think I may have to turn myself in to the inquisition at this rate!!!

Available from:
http://www.blacklibrary.com/
Blood Reavers by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
Softback, 416 pages • ISBN 9781849700382

Blood Gorgons - Book Review

Blood Gorgons by Henry Zou
The Blood Gorgons Chaos Space Marines are called to one of their recruiting worlds as the populace is struck down by a plague of mutation. Sargaulis one of few survivors of the first expeditionary force, and is determined to uncover the mysteries on Haute Bassiq. Facing a hostile environment, shadowy xenos enemies and treachery from within his own forces, Sargaul must dig deep into his hatred and determination to leave the planet alive.

Author Henry Zou expands the Bastion Wars Series once again with a rather intriguing foray in to the world of the Traitor Marine. Not the legions this time but one of the few chapters to fall from grace, The Blood Gorgons. The Gorgons are at the forefront of the new trend within Black Library fiction that is starting to show that even the Traitor Marines have a deep and fierce loyalty to their Chapter or Legion. This is emphasised more in this novel due to the binding plot device of shared organs that Zou uses to link the brothers via a “blood-bond”. This creates not only an urgent need to reach, to fight beside, and (if needed) to rescue his bond-brother but also almost supernatural skills where marines can kill using the view from their brothers eyes. This as a whole makes the bond with the chapter more important to those bonded brothers. There are however a few unbonded members and this is where the trouble starts. This helps things move very rapidly and readers can safely indulge their blood lust almost from the start. From the beginning, up until the very end, this story is non-stop action with numerous battles and duels and more than makes up for some of the slower paces Black Library novels of late.


There are so many characters in this story, almost too many but most play minor roles though it is worth keeping track of them throughout. Yet each character that plays a lengthy role has been given a creative background, a rounded background and most importantly and interesting background. Even the background of the Chapter itself is detailed and well thought out, something often lacking from the history of the more minor chapters out there. This helped me wrap my mind around the traitor/loyal mind-set of a Chaos Space Marine and made them seem, despite all their mutations etc, all the more believable as “people”.

There was throughout the book a very interesting use of the characters and locations that not only helped tie the story together but helped set out what I can only hope is a growing story line within the 40k universe whereby the Bastion Stars take a bigger role. Ok, so the story may have jumped a bit both from character to character but also from place to place but this certainly helped with tying it all together. The unique culture and the way it was portrayed showed that the writing of Mr Zou is improving and there may be a new Dan Abnett in the wings. So for me this book with all its amazing imagry (think sea shell or conch shell styling’s) and the action makes a solid four and a half stars.

 
 
Available from:

http://www.blacklibrary.com/
Blood Gorgons by Henry Zou Softback, 416 pages • ISBN 9781849700061

Forge World Newsletter #277 - Heresy Era Heavies, Dark Eldar Vehicles & Transfers

As always the important bits reproduced below:

===============================================

Hi there, In this week’s newsletter we are excited to announce four great new products: an addition to our Dark Eldar range in the form of the terrifying Reaper, a Space Marine Heavy Weapons set, and two decal sheets for the Eldar and the Astral Claws.


Dark Eldar Reaper
Akin to the Ravager, the Reaper is a swift and deadly gunship. Its sleek, dart-like hull is built around a single, monstrously-powerful weapon codified by the Xenosavants of the Adeptus Biologis as a Storm Vortex projector. This cannon operates much like the smaller Haywire blaster, and unleashes a cascading pulse of electromagnetic energy that is far more powerful than anything possible in a hand weapon. The vortex chamber at the Reaper’s heart is a cage for howling energies harvested from the spires of Commorragh itself, which when combined with its speed and manoeuvrability makes the Reaper an elegant but still devastatingly lethal weapon when compared to the brutal armoured warfare practiced by lesser races.

The Dark Eldar Reaper is a complete resin and plastic kit which contains a plastic Dark Eldar Raider kit and a set of detailed resin conversion parts, designed by Stuart Williamson, which allow the reaper variant to be added to any Dark Eldar army.
Experimental rules for this sleek and powerful craft are available now to download from the Forge World website, and the Dark Eldar Reaper is available to pre-order now for despatch in the week commencing 27th June.


Space Marine Heavy Weapons Set
The noble Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes are supplied with weapons and armour by ancient alliance with the Adeptus Mechanicus. Some of the less common patterns of heavy weapons created by these techno-magi date from the hallowed and ancient days of the Great Crusade and the Astartes Legions of old. These shoulder-mounted patterns afford greater protection to the wielder as they allow less of the firer to be exposed to incoming enemy fire as they unleash their destructive salvo.

This Space Marine Heavy Weapons Set, designed by Phil Stutcinskas, contains four resin heavy weapons: a Plasma Cannon, Multi-Melta, Heavy Bolter and a Lascannon, as well as supporting and counter-balancing arms, and backpacks that can be used with the full range of both Citadel and Forge World Space Marine kits.
This detailed resin upgrade set is available to pre-order now for despatch in the week commencing 27th June.


New Astral Claws and Eldar Decal Sheets
Our final releases for this week’s newsletter are two new additions to our range of A4 Decal sheets, designed by Kenton Mills and Paul Rudge.

The Eldar Decal Sheet is packed with over 1,000 individual decals that are suitable for use on both vehicles and infantry. Craftworld, Path and Aspect runes are all included as well as unique runes for the doomed Craftworld of Mymeara and the Corsair bands of the Sky Reavers, Sunblitz Brotherhood and the notorious Void Dragons.

The eagerly-anticipated Astral Claws Decal Sheet contains over 500 Chapter badges, Tyrant’s Claw symbols, blazons and the Maelstrom Warders heraldry suitable for use on both vehicles and infantry. The sheet also contains Chapter badges for the ill-fated Tiger Claws Chapter and is packed with the Astral Claws ‘true’ lion-headed Chapter device as well as the heraldry of Lugft Huron that became synonymous with the notorious Badab War campaign.
Both of these decal sheets are available to pre-order now for despatch in the week commencing 27th June

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Liking the look of the heavy weapons but could do to be more "modern" but the look is good and well in line with the look of the pre-heresy range.
not a bad issue this month.

Age of Darkness - Book Review

Age of Darkness edited by Christian Dunn

After the betrayal at Isstvan, Horus begins his campaign against the Emperor, a galaxy-wide war that can lead only to Terra. But the road to the final confrontation between father and son is a long one – seven years filled with secrecy and silence, plans and foundations being formed across distant stars. An unknown history is about to be unveiled as light is shed on the darkest years of the Horus Heresy, and revelations will surface that will shake the Imperium to its very foundation...



Contents:
•Rules of Engagement by Graham McNeill
•Liar's Due by James Swallow
•Forgotten Sons by Nick Kyme
•The Last Remembrancer by John French
•Rebirth by Chris Wraight
•The Face of Treachery by Gav Thorpe
•Little Horus by Dan Abnett
•The Iron Within by Rob Sanders
•Savage Weapons by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

Age Of Darkness is the latest book in the Horus Heresy series and is the first compilation of stories, this collection was edited by Christian Dunn and seems to have worked well. This book is an compilation of 9 short stories set during the Heresy itself and attempts to bridge the gap between the initial phase of the Horus Heresy and the next stage of novels in the series and take a different approach to the schisms within chapters, something merely hinted at in the past.


This book features stories from a wide range of authors, chiefly the Black Library big guns such as Graham McNeill and Dan Abnett, as well as the established authors such as Nick Kyme and Aaron Dembski-Bowden and relative newcomers such are included too. As such, the stories vary in quality and content but they are generally of a very good standard.

A great thing about this compilation is that the shortness of the stories make this book quite accessible to on journeys or lunch breaks. However, the shortness of the stories does have the downside that there is a lack of major developments in regards to the Horus Heresy as a whole but the flipside is that many legions or individuals do get some nice development over the course of the book.

Overall, this is a solid anthology that does add to the Horus Heresy Series and does explain to a certain degree some of the events between the betrayal at Istvan V and the upcoming assault on Terra. However, I personally don’t want to give too much away on this book so won’t be going in to each story. The book works well and there as mentioned are some very interesting spins on things, be it the mood and events within a Legion or the preparations taking place by legions on both sides to prepare for the upcoming assaults.

Personally as the stories are so different from one another and to a degree from the Black Library standard so far they really stand out and make for a great addition to the series. For me it’s a solid 5 stars, not necessarily for the quality of writing (though this is high) or for the development but for the different nature of many of the stories, prime examples being the ultramarines story. A great set of stories and a definite add to the collection.

 
 
Available from:
http://www.blacklibrary.com/

Age of Darkness edited by Christian Dunn
Softback, 416 pages • ISBN 9781849700368

Promethean Sun - Book Review

Promethean Sun by Nick Kyme

The Great Crusade reaches a feral world known only as One-Five-Four-Four. The forces of the Imperium arrive to deliver the primitive natives from enslavement at the hands of the alien eldar. The Iron Hands of Ferrus Manus and Mortarion’s Death Guard fight in theatres of war across the world, but the most vicious combat takes place in the deep jungles, where Vulkan and the Salamanders bring the Emperor’s wrath to the heathen aliens.



Vulkan and his sons must brave the deadly jungles, battle monstrous reptilian beasts and contend with the vile sorcery of the eldar if they are to liberate this world and bring the Emperor’s light to its backwards inhabitants.

So despite the fact this novella cost £30, plus a further £10 postage charge (which despite much swearing and gnashing of teeth I duly paid – note BL, if you charge this much for a 128 book why can’t you at least be reasonable on the postage?) I snapped one up straight away, mainly because I’m anal and needed it to complete the collection. So when it finally arrived I dropped everything else I was reading and cracked on with this post haste! So although Promethean Sun is a very short read, only 128 pages, I found it to be an interesting read by one of the good Black Library authors, and one who always seems to get good reviews from me! Can’t imagine why, must be northern solidarity.

The Story takes place on the world known as One-Five-Four-Four, which given the naming conventions of the Great Crusade we can assume this is the fourth world discovered by the 154th Expeditionary Fleet. Crusading alongside the 154th are the Eighteenth Legion, The Salamanders.

Some of you will be glad to know that the Salamanders are not the only legions featured in this short story, nor is Vulkan the only Primarch. We also get an introduction to the Iron Hands and the Death Guard, lead by Ferrus Manus and Primarch Mortarion respectively.

The break from “tradition” within this Horus Heresy Series novel is that this story features not Daemons or traitors we find all three legions are pitted against The Eldar in this novel. That’s right it’s nice to see the Xenos making an appearance (and rightly getting their arses handed to them).

The story is a nice link in to the short story compilation Age of Darkness, in particular the Salamanders story, and links us to Heka’tan who appears in both books. Also for all you Salamanders fans we also get to meet Gravius (sound familiar?) so it’s a nice link in to all the different facets of the current Salamanders Novels and Short stories.

The story’s plot is straight forward and does everything you would expect from a Space Marine novel, it is a basic cleanse mission on planet One-Five-Four-Four. It is a story with two threads, firstly the cleanse and marine action to keep us hooked but also there is a strong thread that runs through the story concentration on the story of Vulkan and how he was reunited with the Emperor. this is one of the most detailed retellings of a Primarch reuniting with the Emperor, and Nick certainly uses the “accepted” background of the Salamanders and their Primarch.

Although the plot is deceptively simple, there is a lot of description as Nick continues to develop the history and background of the oft forgotten eighteenth legion and who knows this might open it up for some more Horus Heresy action soon. Unfortunately though there is only a bit of character development, namely in flashbacks which detail the coming of the Emperor to Nocturne, and how the people of the world react to his appearance, though as it’s a short story that’s understandable.

The layout of the book is well put together, the faux Salamander skin works and the colour pages in the centre as with all the Black Library novellas are a nice touch. The pages don’t show anything new other than to provide some nice pics and some history, but are welcome and I have included a few interspersed within the review.

I understand that lots of people were majorly annoyed this was a limited edition book and I apologise if I’m crowing about getting one but the book is definitely worth it and should be picked up whenever its seen on eBay, all being well however it should be in a short story compilation soon, and then when it is buy one! It really is that good. Its short and sweet and by the god-emperor does it deliver. Without a doubt this is the best short story I have read for a very long time. I have quite rightly given this a full 5 star rating, though as it’s no longer available I haven’t included any purchase details.