Pass and Review

I have always been afflicted by what I call "Hobby ADD". Anyone who has read this blog for more than a few months will likely be completely unsurprised. Tonight, I am playing around with a list of  armies I am currently working on, and some possibilities for the future... Figure I may as well go by system, that should keep things simpler to sort. Maybe.

30k
Death Guard - My primary 30k force, currently around 1700 points fully painted, and another 1300 or so waiting for my attention to swing back their way. Theme plan for them is that they are members of the 1st Great Company, and thus (mostly) loyal to Typhon, Mortarion, and Horus.

Night Lords - Still sitting at under 700 points, they started out as my 30k force, but were quickly knocked from that dark throne. I want to add a bit more, maybe move them to a full 1000 points, and use them as an allied force. Don't really have a theme for them currently, but as I write, Im getting an amusing idea to use them as Loyalists instead. I may toy with this idea...

Knight House Hodagi - Currently consists of a single Knight Errant, to be used as a Lord of War or an ally. Long term plans are to add a few more so I can play them as a Questoris Knight Crusade, or as Imperial Knights in 40k. Currently there are a few knights that don't cross over (Styrix, and the three new plastic variants), but I like them all, so Ill probably get what I like and pick the appropriate list to use what I want. Theme for this force is tied in with my ideas for Forge World Gersi, as their subject world.

Skitarii/AdMech/Mechanicum* -  My Skitarii are currently sitting at about 1000 points, with just the Onager painted (though I did work on the Vanguard earlier today!). Plan is to continue work on the Battle Maniple formation, an easy list to work with. In the longer term, I want to add models from the assorted 30k Mechanicum lists, to represent all the resources that my home-grown Forge World has available. Theme for them is that Mortarion stumbled upon and saved their world early on, and they have been supporting his interests during his part of the Great Crusade, and followed him into heresy.

*technically the Skitarii and other Adeptus Mechanicus book(s) are 40k, not 30k, however local opinion is to count them as Mechanicum until we hear otherwise.
 
Chaos Daemons (Nurgle) - Actually a bit of a placeholder, as the only model I currently have is a single Daemon Herald, with a box of Plaguebearers in the mail. Plan is use them as summoning filler for the Occult Binder (Librarian) I am converting for the Death Guard, though if things work out, I might expand into a full army. Theme here is that Mortarion is teaching some few former Librarians in the arts of binding, banishing, and controlling "witchery". Of course, who do they gravitate towards binding? You got it.

40k
Storm Fists - Im sorta losing interest in these guys at the moment. Roughly 2000 points, all painted except a unit of bikers. I have a few other boxes of Space Marines as well, but they are on hold, in case I decide to do a Chapter hop.

Dark Angels and other assorted Space Marines - In addition to the above, Ive got a few units and/or characters from the Dark Angels, Space Wolves, Minotaurs, Black Templars, and Blood Angels. Keeping them handy to use as allies, but only the first is reasonably fleshed out to play solo. Possible I will pick one of these as my next 40k army, but then maybe not. 

Red Scorpions - These guys got boxed up, and on the Forgotten Shelf, but they are still around. A full battle company, minus four rhinos. Biggest thing keeping me from doing anything with them? The yellow/brown I used for their trim is out of production, and the closest variant is still too bright. Havnt been able to mix it properly.

Chaos Marines - Ive got a bit of a collection together right now, almost all in grey plastic. I was inspired by the Crimson Slaughter, but then I got distracted and moved on. As usual. As of right now, they are somewhere between getting hauled out to the shed, and being saved for whenever Nurgle Daemonkin get done.

Necrons - Another bit of a placeholder. Currently I have two boxes of Tomb Blades, as a start to a Reclamation Legion. Might migrate from Space Marines for a while. Or maybe not.

WHFB
Warhammer is in limbo right now, really. We dont really know what is going on, what will change, what is still viable. So, no plans to work on until I hear otherwise from the horse's mouth.
Skaven - Currently I have a fully painted Island of Blood set of Skaven, and a few other units I need to finish painting, or just need to build.

Ogre  Kingdoms - Ogres are sitting at 2000 points, mostly half painted. I can (and have recently) play them, but they are mainly a filler army for when I don't or cant play something else.

Undead Legion - About 2/3s of my legion is built, about 4-5000 points all told. Nothing is painted. Nothing is even primed. Bleh.

Chaos Warriors (Nurgle) - A leftover from the Great Purge, maybe a thousand points of half painted, or unassembled Warriors. I like the idea of a Nurgle force, I just get really bored with these guys. Since Glottkin was released, Ive pulled these guys out a dozen times. Ill look at the models, or make a list, or whatever... then box them up and put them back up. Eventually Ill admit defeat.

Warmachine/Hordes
Circle Orboros - In theory my prime faction. Ive managed to collect all the models I need to make a 35 point tier 4 theme force list for every Warlock in the faction, minus Bradigus. And for that, I just need the dude himself. Problem is I bit off more that I could chew. Half the models are unopened, and maybe three of the lists are fully painted. Someday Ill knock them out. Hopefully.

Farrow - Another example of biting off more than I could chew. I ordered tier 4 for all the Warlocks, thinking "Hey, there are only a few of them, and they all share everything anyways!". Now, I still think this one is doable, if I get my ass in gear. Just a few units and beasts and Id be done. It is just a matter of looking at that box, and seeing it all.

Cygnar -This is where I have started to learn my lesson. I ordered a single theme force. Commander Stryker and his goons. I did pick up a few other models, but they are not on the radar yet. As far as I am currently concerned, Stryker1, Ol' Rowdy, 2 Lancers, and 2 units of Long Gunners are all I need to work on. Once they are dealt with, then Ill allow myself to realize I have that 35 point "All-in-One" to work on still.

Other Games
Deadzone - From what I hear, this still gets played locally from time to time, I just happen to miss out on it. My force is assembled, and one day might get painted.

Malifaux - Bit of a dead duck for me. I know some locals play it, but the locals I play with do not. I have the Seamus crew (mostly) assembled, but no feel for them.

Table - Not a game, but needed for them all. Ive got the Realm of Battle set-up, that I need to paint one of these days. Going to be a quick deal, mostly brown spray and drybrush, with some grey and bone for rocks and skulls. Also got terrain I need to sort out.

Templecon, Ho!

Well, about this time I should be heading to Templecon. My first convention where Ill actually be participating in... a VERY long time.

I should be wandering around the Iron Arena most of the time, with a lost look on my face and a bag full of Circle Orboros, so if you see me, say hi and maybe play a game?

I may, or may not, have the wig with me.

Also, my Flock and Awe co-host Kev the Hobbit will be around, and you know what that means, right? ;)

Happy New Year and all that

Think I was supposed to do my yearly wrap-up a few weeks ago (at least going by my habits so far)... Ahh well.

Overall, I had a decent year in 2014. Dont remember off the top of my head if I had any specific goals, and dont really care anymore if I did.

I didnt game as much as I could have, and I didnt paint anywhere near as much as I wanted. My number of armies has shrunk though, so Ill call that a win.

This coming year, I think Im going to stick with two goals.

1: Build Less.
2: Paint More.

See, from mid-September to the end of December, I didnt paint at all. Nothing. I was too busy trying to build an extra 3k points of undead for a mega-battle that I ended up missing because I got sick. Well, now Ive got a decent chunk of models for the games I play built. Not all built, obviously, but I can have a decent game without stressing that I dont have enough models.

So, Im going to *TRY* to avoid starting the new shiny. Obviously I will fail, but Ill be satisfied if I can keep the financial damage to a minimum.

As of the new year, this is where I am sitting:
40k Storm Fist Space Marines
30k Death Guard Legion
WHFB Undead Legions
WM/H Circle Orboros

I do have extras tacked on to half of these, or will soon. Ive got my 30k Night Lords to use as allies, if I feel like it, and plan to add some Dark Mechanicus and a Knight household for my Death Guard, maybe even some Imperial Army too. For my Circle, Ive got all sorts of Farrow to build and paint.

I still have my Skaven force as well, and we will see if I can resist the call of the Horned Rat when the next End Times book hits....

Extra Life 2014 Wrap-up

This weekend, the Disorderlies and I did our part for Extra Life, helping to raise money for various children's medical centers across the country. 24 hours of gaming, and our team raised over $2600 for our local Johns Hopkins Children's Center. As I write this, I am physically exhausted, but with a warm fuzzy feeling right where my soul would be, if I hadnt sold it to that Damien guy years back.

I wonder what he ever did with it...

ANYWAYS.

Games played: 1500pts of 30k Death Guard vs Rob's early riser Necrons (Tie).
35pts of eKaya's Circle force vs Mike's Thagrosh (I lost).
5-way Deadzone learner game (I might have had a chance at a win).
Some World of Darkness RP. My character ended up as a Ghoul or thrall or something... but he was still moving at the end of the game, unlike the rest of the crew.
MtG card games. I got stomped. Hard.
Spartacus the board game, I won after an indecently quick game.
We tried starting Rune Wars (board game, I think), but that fell apart due to low brain juice.
Cards Against Humanity. I came in second with 12 (Mike won with 15).
We started Ancient Terrible Things, but my eyes crossed, and I woke up on the couch a little while later.
Came back to Zombie Dice.
And wrapped up with Zombies Keep Out. Discovered that that first bite token doesnt really matter when we were all exhausted at slurring our speech anyways.

As a reminder, they are still accepting donations for the rest of the year, so if you havnt donated yet and want to, it will still count! Just visit this shiny link, and help make some kids healthy!

Looking forward to 2014

Im not a fan of resolutions. Never have been. If something is worth changing for, then why wait for a set date? Change what you need to change, and be done with it!

Having said that, I have some goals to meet in 2014. The Wife and I are doing a Wargaming tour of Scotland and England in September, and I need a 1500 point list prepared. Im planning on my Storm Fists, for now...

Lets do this all number style, shall we?

Primary Goals
1. Finish painting my Storm Fists.
2. Dust off and play with my Tyranids, once the new book is out.
3. Finish assembling my Skaven, and get back into WHFB.
4. Play at least one game a month.
5. Decide what I am doing with WarmaHordes. Continue with the Circle and Convergence, or what?
6. Get back into my "model a day" painting routine.

Secondary Goals
1. Post a model for Miniature Monday every week in 2014.
2. Continue the Top Ten.
3. Post something beside the Top Ten each week on the blog.
4. Pick up a Malifaux force, and maybe learn to play.
5. Try out Deadzone, and see if it is something I want to play.

Special Goal
Those on Twitter saw a pic I posted recently, of a rather large box... My goal for that is to have it all assembled before the end of February, and possibly have it all painted before the end of the year. It is currently a SECRET PROJECT, but will be revealed in time... And yes, DT, you should be afraid...

2013 in review

Its about that time again, isnt it?

2013 was an "interesting" year in my house. Up through August, I was expecting '13 to go down as one of my worst years yet (still wont win any awards), with car issues and the financial difficulties that often come with those.

And then, September happened. Wife and I said "No more back-lot deals!" and got something "new-ish". With a warranty. We have a car payment, but its still cheaper than the amount we were socking away to pay for repairs. And then, the VA FINALLY settled the wife's disability (only been fighting for 5 years), and we suddenly had disposable income... which means I suddenly had a proper hobby fund again.

So, enough of that, what happened with the hobby over the year? Well, I finished off all my Red Scorpions. Ive since picked up a few models to expand the Honor Guard, but they are sorta gathering dust at this point.

I started a Nurgle Chaos Marine "Black Crusade", but kinda lost interest, and they are boxed away.

Ive got a decent start on a Dark Angels force, that might be used as allies for other 40k armies.

I finished painting my Cryx, and sold them off. Decided I needed to clear them out and remove the distraction.

I have barely done any work on my Circle Orboros collection, though I did pick up a WoldWrath.

I started a Convergence of Cyriss force, currently I need to paint "blue glow" on half the models to finish them, and then paint Aurora.

I started a Skaven force, started with the IoB models, but added a Battalion box and some Stormvermin. The IoB models are done. The Stormvermin are about 30%, and the battalion is still unassembled...

I finally joined in on the Horus Heresy craze, and have a few squads of Night Lords in the works. These are going a lot slower than Id like, as they are a bit more expensive, and few of the locals seem overly interested in 30k gaming.

With winding down on the Red Scorpions, I decided to work on another Space Marine chapter. I put together a squad and Captain from the Minotaurs, but decided they were not quite what I was looking for. So, I dusted off an old favorite of mine, and redesigned the Storm Fists.

2012 in review, 2013 in the headlights

Been a quiet year on the ol' blog, huh? Posted some pictures, talked about my armies, and even posted a bit of (crappy) fanfic. The table was a bit more active though. Ill go through by system, hopefully I wont miss anything...

Oh, and before we get started, you do know my TwitPic folder has a LOT more pics then what I post here on the blog, right?

40k: This year was primarily the year of the Tyranid, I managed to collect and paint a 1500 point army. I also continued work on my Red Scorpions, they are down to a single Assault Squad, and a few Rhino/backs until the company is complete. Ive been working on those Dark Vengeance Dark Angels and Chaos Marines as well, but they are not nearly close to being prepared for anything.

Ive also bounced some half-assed projects around: some Dark Eldar, Space Wolves, and maybe that Dark Angels and Chaos Horde project from a while back, havnt really decided on that yet. There were also a TON of projects that never had models purchased for them.

WHFB: Fantasy didnt get nearly as much love. I did some work on my Ogres, but not as much as I could/should have. I also dusted off my Warriors of Chaos box, and did a bit more with them, but nothing too exciting.

This year, I did not start any new WHFB armies. Im starting to think Im moving on from this game, or maybe there was nothing that really grabbed my attention...

WM/H: More work was done here, this year. My Circle Orboros project was started and continues unabated. The collection is about half painted at this point, and I only need to buy a few more things to finish. On the Warmachine side, my Cryx are nearly all painted, only Rengrave and a Warwitch Siren remain. Im not entirely sure what my goal with this faction is. I might try to go "all the theme forces" like the Circle.

As far as other games... I didnt start any. I looked at Malifaux, but none of the factions jumped out at me, saying I had to start them. Same for Infinity. Dust Tactics and Dystopian Legions are interesting, but break my "No Alt History Games" rule.

Think that is about it for this year... Going to try to hammer out ideas for 2013, for my next post.

Project write up/Brain wander

Been a while since I did a meandering brain dump post, huh? Sorry, time to end that. ;)

Lets see, starting off, I have 4 purchases between now and the end of October, all already approved by the wife. Dark Vengeance (which is already on its way), the new Chaos Space Marines book, the Hordes 2-Player set, and a WoldWrath.

So, lets start with 40k. The Tyranids were a practice army. "Could I paint a horde, with a reasonable color scheme, and stay sane?" Could, and did, sorta. So, now I take what I learned, and apply it to my next two projects. Yes, two. Before I decided on Tyranids, I was torn between a list of other armies, which Im sure Ive listed before. Two of the armies that I kept looking back at are now in the starter set, so I am saying Screw It, and starting both Dark Angels and Chaos.

The Dark Angels are the simpler of my two ideas, basically a typical Company Strike Force, with support. Thinking about going 60/40 with mixing robes and non-robed models. I LOVE the robed models, but dont want to rule out adding some pre-heresy style armor. Not sure how far Ill go with it, as it will be competing for resources with my SUPER CRAZY CHAOS HORDE!

Chaos... the army idea is, well, chaotic. Basically, its three armies, each of which can be taken as allies for the other two. Chaos Marines, Chaos Daemons, and Traitor IG. The problem with this idea, is which Legion? Reasonable plan would be to wait til the book comes out and decide then, but you dont apply reason to Chaos!

My original idea was the Death Guard, Mono-Nurgle Daemons, and Catachans with "jungle rot" (I even figured an easy way to convert!). I was also tempted to do the same, but with a Khornate theme. But then the first DV sneak peak pics started floating around, about the time I was reading The First Heretic, and, well, you saw the pic of the Chaos Lord. 

I really like the Word Bearer version, but there are a few small problems with it. First, I am a completionist, and will have to have ALL THE DAEMONS! Going with a single Chaos God cuts the number of units Ill be looking at down by 75%. Happy wallet! Second problem (which is something shared with the Khorne version of the army), is Im not sure how to make appropriate themed Traitor Guard. Slapping Chaos stars on Cadians is all well and good, but doesnt really scream religious fanatics to me. Depending on how they are packaged, I might go with Chaos Cultist models as the IG, but that seems more appropriate for the Khorne list. Ill have to look around for alternate models...

As for the Hordes side, my Circle Orboros project continues unabated! ...wait, did I post here about my Circle Orboros project? Quick look says I didnt. Huh, whoops. Ok! So, my project is to have a Tier 4 Theme list for every Circle Warlock (remember where I said I was a completionist?). Somewhat ambitious, but not insane. How far am I? I need 3 Warlock models, 2 Warbeasts, 5 units, and 2 solo models. Not too bad at all. Oh, and that 2-Player set knocks out a good chunk of that. Big trick to this type of project is to pick models and units that can fill gaps in multiple lists. Currently, my collection is about half painted. Might have to go back and take some more pics of them now...

Not quite dead yet

Right. Pretty quiet here lately. I am still kicking, and still painting. Been quiet because Ive been trying to decide on some stuff.

For WarmaHordes, Ive pretty much dedicated myself to painting and collecting Circle Orboros. In fact, I received my newest order earlier today: a few new warbeasts, a second unit of druids, Mohsar, and the Lord of the Feast. My overall goal for these guys is to get a tier 4 list for each and every Circle Warlock. So far, I have Baldur 1 & 2, and Mohsar "collected". I have the model for Cassius, but his full force is further down the road, as I want those plastic Skinwalkers, rather then the expensive metal ones. So, what is the paint status for this collection? Aside from the new stuff in today, and a Wayfarer I picked up on Saturday, its all painted. Ill see about taking pics... eventually.

Ive got myself a shopping list made up, what I think is the most efficient order to pick up models and knock out tier lists, and I might even stick to it! A few things are on hold for that new 2-player set, like any caster needing Skinwalkers or more Argus (Kaya2, Cassius, Grayle).

As far as 40k, WHFB, and all else GW... Dunno. As Ive stated on Twitter, Im not sure if GW has priced themselves out of my reach yet. I dont want to "Doom & Gloom" or Ragequit, so Im taking my time to decide. Knowing me, another couple months and Ill decide to go with it. Maybe. Im not entirely sure, but I think something will change, no matter what, and I dont mean just upgrading from 5th to 6th.

So, what about other games? Infinity, Malifaux, others? Nothing is really grabbing at me right now. Malifaux swamp gremlins are amusing, but not enough to want to start a new system right now.

Last thing before this wall of text falls over and crushes us all: The Top Ten. My home computer has been restored to its rightful place of power. In theory, I could start it up tomorrow morning, after work. In practice, Im thinking Im going to let it stay. For now. Maybe. Dunno.

Circle Photodump

Been a while since I posted, huh? Ive been busy though!

My Wold Guardian, just finished today... In this pic, I still need to add the grass, and finish that little stone on the base. I am actually not happy with the recesses of the stone, far more green then I wanted.

Cassius and Wurmwood.

One of my units of Woldstalkers, the other unit looks the same.

 My fuzzy warbeasts, from the battle box. Im waiting for the plastic set to paint Kaya.

 Light wold beasts, front...

 ...and back.

 Megalith just wants a hug. I painted some of the wood green, to show it more alive...

 Sentry Stone and Mannikins. Yes, one is missing an arm.

 Shifting Stones and Stone Keeper.

 Pretty sure Ive shown Baldur, but here he is again.

Two of my happy little trees. The other two still need assembly.

Still on the table, a unit of Druids and Baldur2. :)

Weekly Hobby Update Thing #22

 First up, Baldur the Stonecleaver. I am not very happy with the shading on the sword, might have to correct that soon.

 Next is the models I received yesterday afternoon, Baldur's Sticks and Stones. About half of them as assembled as I type this.

I also did some work on Ogres and Red Scorpions, but not enough to show off.

Weekly Hobby Update Thing #21

Last update of the year! Though, I bet for many people, this will be the first they read of the year. ;)

My Ogres had no improvement all week. They only got set up on the shelf overlooking my desk. (Guilting me, they are.)

On the other hand, my Red Scorpions actually got some love, for once. The combat squad of Devastators that had been sitting got mostly finished. Mostly meaning they need squad, company, and campaign badges, and basing. Not too bad, just need to break out the Skull White paint!

Lastly, I did a bit of work on Baldur. A bit meaning that I need to do his face and base, and he should be done. I also made an order, and he will have a 35 point "sticks and stones" list set up very soon...

Weekly Update Thingie #15

So, I was going to tell you what I worked on, but decided to show you all instead!

My Circle Orboros battle box is underway. I love how the hide is turning out. Still need to tone down the copper. It looked duller in the bottle...

Chaos Lord for my upcoming Black Legion army (oh, did I forget to mention that I am starting Black Legion again? Oops.) I plan to use the Space Wolf codex until the new book comes out, so this guy is geared to "Count As" Logan Grimnar... I wonder why? I really dig the "undersized" axe head. It looks so puny in his hands.

My first Ogre Bull unit, still some work to go, but I really like how they are turning out.

The SlaughterMaster and converted Battle Standard Bearer, in the first stage of getting their flesh painted.

Weekly Hobby Update Thing #14

Alrighty, painting was done! I intended to include pictures, but didnt get any done, and Im writing this at the last minute at work. Whoops.

Ogres - First unit of Bulls have their flesh, pants, and metals done. Im currently in the middle of painting the leather stuff.

Khador - I finally primed the remainder of my Khador models, after a game I played on Thursday night. 35 pts, against a friend of the Disorderly Tyrant named Timothy who played Thornfall Alliance with Lord Carver. Fun game, almost pulled off a win, but poor target selection and leaving an easy path to Sorscha cost me. My list was:

Sorscha
2 Destroyers
2 Juggernauts
3 Man-O-War Shock Troops
Ragman

Lastly, Ive been painting the hides of my Circle battlegroup. Im actually really liking how they are turning out, and am considering expanding these after I finish the battle box.

Weekly Hobby Update Thing #6

This was a slow painting week. Very slow.

I finished assembling all of my Warmachine and Hordes box sets, and primed them. For those keeping track at home, this was the Legion, Circle, Skorne, and Khador box sets. From there, I did the basic flesh color on the Legion models... and stalled out. Havnt gotten any more painting done since, and it is highly unlikely I will be getting any more done next week.

Ahh well, they cant all be winners.