While I actually have been working on various hobby stuff of late and still have quite a bit to do for my Bolt Action Germans for Adepticon (about 6 weeks out!) This took precedence for me. No surprise if you've followed the blog at all for the last decade now, I have a tremendous amount of "stuff" while I downsized considerably when I moved, I still have several closets of product I no longer particularly want or need and so base10studios was born. when I say "live" in the title here, I boringly mean I started another blog (heh)
I'd be lying if I said my work situation the last couple years, has if anything, been less than ideal. It has certainly prevented me for doing alot of things I would like to do with the Hobby, But one thing I have had is success selling collectibles, both reselling things I've found that I know are worth money as well as selling my own painted models and then just things I never got around to, but bought on the whim that "I somehow thought I would".
As a result I thought I formalize the process, changed my ebay user ID to suit , started a wordpress blog to discuss things and use as front end for people who either dont want to use ebay. and then I started selling away. The first thing I am selling under the new moniker is my Warhammer collection. Specifically my huge (4000 something points at last count in 8th ed rules) Empire Army, a lot of notable pieces are already gone but there are like 25 listings happening and more coming.
I wont just be selling old miniatures here but new items I am painting just for sale in certain markets
and occasionally rules, terrain, other things of mine that I've found or just decided to let go.
I''m not doing commission painting, just think of this as venue to for selling my own work.
So please if you have any interest take a look at the first couple posts and my current ebay auctions
and please follow the blog, even if to recommend it to someone. Its not ideal that I'm using my hobby to help "pay the bills" but the time is right and I am having fun moving alot of this stuff.
Things here wont really change, other than I hope to post alot more this year, base10studios is really just about what I am selling and talking about what I am selling at thats it. No need to clutter up thing here with that.
Well, that's whats up, Ill be back soon with some shots of my German Kradschutzen Motorcycle Squad, a fiddly, total pain in the ass, I almost bailed on a couple time but in the end they are in my Adepticon Nationals list.
New Perry Bros, Plastic Mounted Men at Arms, coming soon in numerous boxes to my house as quickly as possible.. There isn't a release date yet, but when there is- I am all over it.
On the subject of Knights in Warhammer or just general Fantasy armies. One of my complaints in my last post was criticism of the new Demi Gryph knights...outside the rules issues brought up in comments and my major beef that every army now exact has same structure of pre determined roles for all its models.. Lets put all that aside and talk about something much more fundamental; Aesthetics, and how they changed in the Knight department.
Here we have one of my favorite Empire units, my "Knights of the Blazing Sun" I modeled and painted these guys up in 2008 and the height of my 7th edition fervor. While this kit in 2012 is tired as all hell, as it was released I *think* in early 6th edition. (maybe earlier??) They are a prime example of the roots of the 15th Century Swiss and German armies that GW based its Empire IP on. While the iconography is its own, its a good mix of historical reality and fantasy. Just the way I like it. The Bretonnian kits from the same era a cut from the same cloth. These kits obviously have serious staying power, as they are originally modeled in the very roots of core imagery of the game.
The next evolution of Knights comes with Vampire Counts Bloods and Chaos Knights at the tail end of 7th edition. I found both kits appealing still because the retained a certain aesthetic , while it was clearly drifting in the over embellishment category (I like the Blood Knights more than the Chaos) I felt they still paid homage to what the Warhammer world defined as the themes of it core setting.
There reason I keep coming back to the Perrys, Is this is what Fantasy Knights (dead or alive, barbarian or civilized) should be based on. Fireforges Teutonic Knights (below) from 100 or so years earlier are another current great example. Or any of Musketeer Miniatures great Arab or Anglo Saxon Cavalries of various periods. These guys were the real deal, they rode into battle not against Dragons or Undead but against Men- flesh and steel vs flesh and steel, and for the most part their lives were short. They're the reason all this fantasy stuff even exists, They're part the reason we even play wargames, as for many people out there, its not just a hobby its also how we connect with our past.
IF there is single figure in human history that is quintessential symbol of the human condition its has to be the Knight ( more directly the Questing Knight or Knight Errant via Arthurian legend) So shall we not pay the man the proper respect?
(These Fire Forge models finally come out this month I believe)
( No respect here, just six new Cadillacs. some epic headgear, and sign that says "Fat Bankroll")
Finally with these GW's new Demi Gryph Knights, we've stepped thru the gateway. We now have not only the continuing escalated over embellishments in the fantastical detail department, but as dictated by a forced rule structure we're now riding Monsters who are kitted out like a steam tank. Now, I know its a Fantasy game..before anyone comments on the obvious, and Yes. I understand its allowed to evolve. Lets just not overlook that where you take your intellectual property over time is going to dictate your fan base. and sometimes people just aren't going to like it anymore, especially when the Aesthetics are a founding principle in why your attracted to it. (ummm George Lucas anyone???)
The best of classic fantasy literature mixes the REAL with the SURREAL, where its still fantastical but "it could be possible". Where pockets of our normal existence or our past exist only to be threatened by the abnormal or Supernatural. Crossing the boundaries to where everything is fantastical and nothing is grounded in reality is another mans game, that is not the imagery I put in my own head that attracted me to WFB in the first place. It calls up a completely different set of rules, that are in opposition to other and really boils it down to a black and white choice. Some people can just take it for what it is and have fun with it, I suppose I am burdened with the need for some sort of intellectual rationalization with my miniatures. Sounds like total bullshit I know, but its true.
(Mad props to the Perry's, Percival would be proud)
Needless to say, I will be decking out a good dozen or so of these Perry Men at Arms when they finally see the light of day. "Cheeearggge"!!!
Well the love affair had to end sometime, I saved you all my complaints about the Games Workshop total ripoff masked as "painting improvements" by redoing there entire paint line. Adding some base or some white to the core color and repackaging and renaming it as a new color. while this is clear money grab aimed that those who dont know any better..did you really have to change all the paint names? so now if I need some Bubonic Brown , I have to go find *Zamesi Desert* and add something to it, because its not exactly the same because as you added a shade to the full color step??
More colors doesnt make for a better Paint line, especially at almost 4 dollars an ounce. I personally was quite happy with the Foundation/ Core/ and Wash setup they had going..I remember them dialing back the amount of colors they offered not 2 years ago, and agreeing it was a good idea and now?. Regardless I have barely cracked mega paint set from last year that will last me quite sometime with my mix of Reaper and Vallejo paints I use. Just another thing from GW, I dont need to buy. Ok. -I just lied about saving you my complaints about the paints. Sorry.
The new Empire models, what can I say? other than I hate them. The book cover looks an outtake from something you'd see in Malifaux. all he's missing is the clown makeup. I am see a couple of single figures I might like (if they aren't finecast) but overall GW has taken this ostentatious, over the top, left turn with their art and modeling since 8th edition. Every single model is so overdone with totally unnecessary crap, over-armored or over embellished, with graffti-like iconography, Its like a bad ren-fair on acid. I assume I am in the minority here because on our local forums, good folks I know are drooling over these, and I just dont get it. We couldn't even get a new Knight kit, we had to get Demi Gryph knights so they could be on 40 mm bases because every single WFB army now absolutely must have monstrous cavalry. I must also mention how much I am not into two headed griffons or Wizards wielding steam punk style laser guns? WTF?. How I long for the days and look of early dark and spooky style 7th edition.
Warhammer has totally *jumped the shark* kids, and if you aren't realizing that its because you have so much invested in it, you cant accept that it now looks like tasteless, gaudy, uber-expensive crap and plays like it too, because every army is basically now the same.
I am going to rebuild a Human army that can double as historical or fantasy army out the excellent Perry Bros. War of the Roses Plastics with select metal figures from various manufacturers. I'll hold on to some select GW figures but I am selling off the majority of my Empire army, Yep, you read that right I am selling if off and done. I dont even need to see the new rules. Hoping that next edition would be any better just isn't realistic. There are too many other good games out there. and what better time to sell off your multiple best appearance winning Warhammer army, than when a new Army book comes out.?
I am still in Games Workshop hobby for the Lord of the Rings, but really wonder how long it can last. The last releases for LotR were overall, decent, but odds are not in my favor that it can continue. The company has made an obvious change in direction of whom there target customer is and its certainly not people like me. I am hanging by my fingernails because I've met so many good folks in hobby I'd still like to game with, but Games Workshop seriously makes it hard.
Ahh , The Empire, how did I *use to* love thee?, let me count the ways.
Oh, the weary legs of the Empire. My Empire makes it 4th return to tables at Adepticon for the WFB championships in just 6 days. My 5th Adepticon and 4th with this army. I've had a woeful lack of updates since 8th edition broke. Started in 2007 just after the release of the current book This army has fought a huge amount of battles. Unfortunately 90% of them were in 7th edition. While the initial 8th edition look seemed like the Empire got a huge boost, over time other armies adjusting strategies and the change in the overall dynamic of the game, knocked that back a bit. I'm bringing the lowest model army ever this year. because of the demand for more warmachines and the most expensive troops and it being a necessity to drop 300 points on a lone Wizard to stay competitive. Speaking of wizards I do have couple new Wizard models I have done post 8th edition however..(Shadow and Death) however playtesting forces me back to Empires 8th ed. crutch of the Lore of Life. And those new models are staying in the case. After wrestling with the other lores its what works for me and my models..If I had 30 Greatswords, (actually I do- I scored enough old metals ones from a friend to do it, I just never got a build going with them I liked to dictate getting them all built up and painted) or Halberdiers (I have not a one)...I might be able to roll with another Lore but it turns out..I just need the buffs to be able to handle hordes of S4 troops. Point being here is all this army has been hear before other, no new models other that some new flagellants and the Bear (marching with the swordsman) but even that was last summer.
This is all the models for Championship tournament and my half of the Team tournament combined, I wish I could fit all this into 2200 points..but not even close.
I'm starting to seriously miss the MSU capabilities of 7th edition. My Championship list is 4 big block of troops, 4 characters and war machines..not my idea of a well rounded Empire army, but these are the day we find ourselves in.
I know I posted similar photos to these last year..but its become routine every Adepticon and old habits die hard.
Looking forward to seeing some great people and having great time with 4 games on Saturday and 3 on Sunday..Hopefully these guys can give there opponents a run for there money this year but If I am going to keep playing competitive Warhammer, I need to get a new army on the table. wish me luck folks!
So I’ve seen a lot of opinions out there about Empire in 8th Edition Warhammer. I’ve read everything from knee jerk hyperbole about how Empire is now the crazy, most powerful army to numerous overtop strategies of taking 6 wizards a dozen Warmachines, or spaming this, that or another. .If your idea of fun is being an abusive bunghole to your opponent or gambling on dice rolls to get you big wins. You probably don’t read this blog anyway and this isn’t for you.. I don’t claim to be greatest player, nor do I have years of tournament wins to my credit , but when it comes to the hobby I have lived, breathed and slept with the Empire since Jan 2007. and with 300 something games under my belt and 4000+ points painted to a competition level. -It is the one army I can talk about with complete confidence in a fun and thinking mans way.. But enough about me,-on with the review!
Taking advantage of Bloggers new page feature, see the link above or the sidebar for this article at over 4000 words its bit long for a blogpost!
Five of us regulars met for our Bi-weekly club night last evening. Rich came by with all our new shiny WAB books he had group ordered for us and the other four of us threw down some Warhammer. The plan was to prep for the Mid West Rampage tournament this weekend. MWR is a 2250 tournament with 5 games however games 2 and 3 are 2500 point games with a 250 point Dogs of War float. This is what we wanted to test out. I have never used my Braganza's Besieger's unit...as it's my only DoW unit that's what I was going to field. Billy and Chris played Dwarfs vs Wood Elves with Pirate Slayers and Volands Venerators as their DoW...I had Braganza with the Empire against Aaron's Warriors of Chaos with a unit of Ogre Ironguts. Below the batrep from the game, my second try with Battlefield Chronicler. Unless we have all painted models on the table, I'll probably start defaulting to this for Bat Reps.. Aarons heavily themed Chaos army is so converted and custom sculpted..it's a shame its will probably only be primed for the weekend...I'll reserve photos of his awesome work until he gets some paint on them..but for sneak peak check out his blog Xenite's miniatures for a look at his awesome work.
Deployment
Key
Warriors of Chaos, Cult of Slannesh 2500 (Mark of Slannesh- MoS )
CL - Chaos Lord on Manticore, MoS, Crown of Command, Diabolic Splendor EH- Exhalted Hero, MoS, Shield , Glaive of Purification, Steed Sor- Chaos Sorceror- Tzeentch, Lv 2, Disc, Homunculus, Dispel Scroll, Power Familiar
CW1- 15 Chaos Warriors, FC, MoS CW2- 15 Chaos Warriors FC, MoS MH - 5 Marauder Horse CH1- 6 Warhounds CH2- 6 Warhounds CK- 5 Chaos Knights FC, MoS CC1- Chariot, MoS CC2- Chariot, MoS MC- 12 Chaos Cultists (Marauders) OG- Ogre Iron Guts- Dogs of War
WPS 17
Empire- Army of Talabecland 2500
GEN- General of Empire- Helm of Ratslayer, Holy Relic, Pistol, Great Weapon WP-Warrior Priest- Icon of Magnus, Armor of Meteoric Iron, Great Weapon Wiz( red)-Wizard, Level 2, Rod of Power Wiz (white)- Wizard, Level 2, Seal of Destruction.
SWD- 24 Swordsmen, FC Mil1- 9 Free Company Detachment Mil 2-9 Free Company Detchament HG- 10 Handgunners, Marksman, HLR Xbow- 10 Crossbowmen FreeC- 10 Free Company , FC CAN- Great Cannon KTS- 5 Knights of the Inner Circle, FC, Steel Standard FAST- 5 Pistoliers, Outrider with Repeater pistol VG- Helblaster Volley Gun ST- Steam Tank BZB- 13 Braganza's Besieger's (crossbows)Dogs of War
WPS 17
Magic Aarons level 2, uses the Lore of Tzeentch, his spells are Flickering Fire and Pandemonium I have on Level 2, with the Lore of Fire, he has Fireball and Fiery Blast My other Level 2 has the Lore of Light, he has Burning Gaze and Phar's Illumination
WoC Turn 1
Aaron wins and chooses to go first, His plan is engage me ASAP to avoid my heavy shooting. He keep his Lord hidden from y artillery but moves everything else up as much as he can. His Magic Phase starts with Pandemonium on "14", I go Seal of Destruction right away hoping to get rid of that nasty spell for the game, no luck. I roll a "1" ..its Dispelled this round but still in play.
Empire Turn 1
Given ample targets for shooting, I move my Flagellants to draw those nasty knights away from my General and his block of Swordsmen, my Knight are poised to go left of support and the Stank moves up to protect my right. In magic Phase I try to burn up some warriors the left with little result, I do get 3 of 6 hounds on the right with a Burning Gaze causing them to flee.I then unload alot of shooting, my Cannon overshooting one Chariot but popping the over, Crossbows shoot up and kill 2 Horsemen on the right and 5 of the 12 Marauders on the left side. 1st blood goes to the Empire!.
WoC Turn 2
Aaron's brings the fight right away, both his Chaos Knights and Ogres charge my Flagellants His Hounds charge my General and Swordsmen and my Detachments counter charge. He positions his other units, moving his Exhalted hero and unit of Warriors up my left flank. with right flank serious softened from my last round of shooting, he starts pulling everything away from my right flank. Aarons Sorcerors miscast takes a wound and the magic phase ends. In Close Combat, Aaron mistaken does the combats in the wrong order, allowing me to crush his dogs overrun and get a detachment into that combat with the flagellants to hopefully to buy the tarpit an extra round and divert some attacks..no such luck...still take 11 kills on the Flagellants and the Detachment runs away taking 4 losses..those Knights and Ogres are locked up for at least one more turn.
Empire Turn 2
I decide not to run my Knights into that Ogre and Chaos Knight Combat and run down those remaining Marauders..they almost escape but thanks to the Steel Standard they dont., My knight are now behind Aarons lines and out of sight of his Lord, a good place to be. My Swordmen, marchblock move 4 inches ahead. Not sure where the warriors are going I bring my Pistoliers out and hope to get some Feigned Flight happening. I then bring the Steam Tank over 1 inch away from the Chaos Knights (who are Frenzied) so once they get out of that Combat with my Flagellants they must charge the front of the Tank. Magic is uneventual. My Cannon misfires and it a malfunction so no shooting until turn 4. I put a ton of shots on that second chariot but can't get the "5's" I need to damage it. Braganza and the guys keep shooting up the Chaos Warriors with the Exhalted Hero headed their way. In Close Combat my Flaggies take 8 kills, which free's up the Knights and a lone crazed madman keeps the Ogres held another round.
WoC Turn 3
Free of the Flagellants but again Frenzied, those Chaos Knights must charge my Steam Tank I hope my 1+ armor save can keep me with enough wounds to grind them down on my turn. Both Aarons Lord and Chariot go for the easy kill Charging my Pistoliers..I was going to run and I wasnt really expecting the Lord to charge them, just the Chariot..since I would be running away from the Lord and not the Chariot..I endangered my whole right flank to panic checks if I ran that way so I held and the got wiped out, leaving greasy spot where the Manticore stopped to feed on them as the Chariot just rolled on thru. Aaron Exhalted Hero has a long Charge so he charges out of the unit to take on Braganza's Besiegers solo, He challenges Brazanga..whose got good stats WS 5, BS 5, but has only a 5+ armor save and easily dies to the Chaos Hero. However the unit has a good static res. rank, standard, outnumber, plus I am on a hill..and the Hero loses but makes his break check. My Stank ends up only taking one wound from the Chaos Knights. It could have been worse.
Empire Turn 3
March Block, Aaron can't get his second unit of Chaos Warriors out of range of a Flank charge from my General and Swordsmen, I try to bring the Detachment along but they within range of the Manticore and have to make a terror check, they fail and run away. My Knights turn around to run threaten the wounded Chaos Sorceror, and my Fire Wizard gets out of the away of the oncoming Warrior unit headed toward my Cannon and that Exhalted Hero. Again not much luck in Magic..the Fire Wizard tries to get those on coming chaos warriors..either gets 1 or just fails (don't recall) , The Light Wizard tries to fry the chariot but again I can't wound. I dont have any shooting target this turn and in Close Combat, that last Flagellant dies and my Swordmens crush those warriors with the flank charge, they need snake eyes from the combat res and run, they do get away and I am a 1/4 inch short of hitting Aarons Sorceror. Having some bad runs with the Steam Tank getting greedy for Steam Points I am only bidding "saftey steam" this game..good enough..I kill two of the 5 Knight but they hold against me. The Besiegers no fighting without their namesake, win combat against the Exhalted this time, but he holds.
WoC Turn 4
That second Chariot of Aarons in now in my backfield and being a real pain, it charges my huntsmen, and I cant getway so I hold. His Chaos Warriors minus the Exhalted charge my Cannon, and His Lord on the Manticore charge my fleeing detachment and kill it but its puts Aarons lord under the nose of the Helblaster. Aarons Sorceror goes for a Flickering Fire on my knights with high roll but I stop it with a high roll., Aaron Fleeing second unit of warriors rallies. In combat the chariot crushes my huntsmen and overruns right into the other detachment I have back there...This Chariot is Aarons MVP for sure, His Warriors obliterate my Cannon Crew whose demise causes my Red Wizard to panic and he fails and runs away. Aaron's luck runs out with the Besiegers thou..he loses combat to them and this time runs..he easily gets away with a high flee and pulls the Dogs of War Crossbow off the hill in pursuit.
Empire Turn 4
My General and Swordsmen Re-engage the rallied Chaos Warriors, my Knights Charge the Sorceror who flees and I redirect into the Ogres., My Fleeing Wizard, rallies and my other wizard moves back to cast at the Chaos Lord. Magic goes nowhere for me this round, and the big shooting event is my Helblaster barring down on Aarons Lord. For whatever reason my Helblaster has Aarons number everytime I use it against him..I get 22 shots , 11 hits and 7 Wounds..all wounding...Kill the Manticore outright and put two wounds on the Lord who lives but is now on foot. My Swordmen break his warriors again who flee almost off the board exposing their flank to the oncoming Besiegers. My tank gets a good grinding roll off and kills the Chaos Knights off and has Seven Wounds remaining..enough to be mobile. My Knights dont fair so well against the Ogres I kill one, but lose two of my own Knights and the Ogres hold.
WoC Turn 5
Aaron's Chariot now free of my second detachment, charges my rallies Wizard caught between Chaos Warriors and Chariot I run and die. Again Aaron Warriors Rally for another round of combat with my General and Swordsmen. The Chaos Lord charges my other Wizard..trying to get out of LoS of my HelBlaster and not run into the line of fire of my other shooters, he succeeds. My Knight stick with the Ogres and again, and there isnt much of a magic phase, The Exhalted Hero has rallied unwounded, tries to find somewhere to be useful.
Empire Turn 5
Both General and the Besiegers charge the remaining Warriors who run off the board My Knights Kill the Ogres, and survive with 3 of 5 left, my Steam turns around and goes after that damn chariot and in the process the Engineer in the Stank uses his repeater pistol to shoot down the wounded Chaos Sorceror, got to love the versatility of the Steam Tank, My Wizard throws a Burning Gaze at the Chaos Lord who laughs it off. there are Army objectives in this game mirror whats going in the actuall tournament..I could find anything in Battle Chronicler to represent them (although you use a Unit called "objective:) they were not really relevant here so I left them out. anyway my Free Company moved out to capture one.
WoC Turn 6
Aaron's last gasp, His Exhalted Hero rear charges my General and Swordsmen hoping to get lucky, doesnt loses and flees..it doesnt matter as he wont get a chance to rally, but he rolls 3d6 and gets and 11, I roll 2d6 and roll "boxcars" catching him anyway, that's how this game went for Aaron., His Marauder threw some axes at my Free Company killing one and his Warriors stayed put on the hill, Aaron moved that chariot so the Tank could charge it and not the Warriors who are worth alot more points.
Empire Turn 6
We didn't finish my last turn as it was clear I had won and it was getting late. If the game did continue, I could have charged my knights at the Warriors on the hill hoping to get them below half or just held..my Stank was definitely hitting that chariot, Shooter target those surviving horseman where they could to try keep Aaron from contesting that quarter, and that's it. As it ended at the top of 6, I had 3 quarters and a bunch of Banners, despite appearance all my expensive stuff was still on the table, and I only took 630 in loses..so pretty clearly at least a Solid Victory..for the Empire. Aaron played a great game...he's hasnt been playing that long and is steadily improving..we are looking forward to great time this weekend..I'll a few comments on Rampage overall before I leave on Friday.
Aaron sent me this morning, just to remind of what he thinks of my Helblaster. This is by Wayne Kemp of the Heelanhammer Podcast. Awesome and Hilarious... We'll have to get Aaron his own Helblaster!
Since this month is Adepticon, I am going to be posting a bunch of new pics of the all the stuff I am lugging out to the 3 day event this year. I have been woefully behind in taking pics of lots of new stuff I have been working and hope to get that corrected this month. Starting off here we have my new unit of Talabecland Swordsman, My Hochland Swordsmen made the rounds for the last couple years and have now been relegated to my back up unit replaced by these guys as my command block. These guys started as a 9 man detachment and are now a full unit. Joining them I also have my new General hitting the field this year (from GW's great new 3rd wave of Empire Releases last summer) and the requisite Warrior Priest, and older model for me I know..I should probably do up another one of these eventually. I started Empire right when the 7th ed Army book was released (Jan 07) and now have over 3ooo points fully painted.
Bunch of Empire Kit bashing going on here, the command rank is Left to Right Warrior Priest, New Unit Champion, Standard Bearer and Musician are all converted from a host of Empire kits, lots of heads coming from that Greatsword kit, Then the General.
When I saw this model, I said I am definitely running this guy WYSIWYG, as either a Captain or this case the Army General.
The Standard bit swivels and is set in the post with a pin. so I can angle is better for photos. I may leave that way for easy transport.
I have already posted one shot my new Razorfish Militia, but I have some new shots of them a host of new units coming of the next couple weeks..thanks for checking them out!.
Arch Lector, Barded Mount Warrior Priest BSB Barded Mount w/ Imperial Banner Empire Captain on Pegasus
24 Swordsmen FC 9 Free Company Detachment 9 Free Company Detachment
24 Swordsmen FC 9 Spearmen Detachment
5 Knight/ Musician/ Champion
10 Handgunners, HLR
10 Huntsmen
20 Flagellants
5 Pistoliers w/ Champion w/ Repeater
Great Cannon
Steam Tank
Vampire Counts
Vampire Lord Lv 3 DK.w/Lance, RF, Vampire Lv 2 BSB w/ Drakenhof Vampire Lv 1 Necromance /w Corpse Cart
20 Zombies 20 ish Skeletons (War Banner) 20 Grave Guard (Banner of the Barrows) 20 Ghouls 5 Hounds 5 Hounds 5 Hounds 5 Blood Knights ( Flag of Bloodkeep)
The setup....
Another classic game with my friend Bill, his "VC Deathstar" featuring Vamp Lord, Vamp BSB with Drakenhof in the GG with banner of the barrows is nigh impenetrable..you just have to feed it hope everything else goes your way. Also Bloodknight can pop the steamtank easily on the charge. so I set up with my most manevurable units, Knights, Pistoliers near the Steam tank on my right flank to run interferance. Both my blocks and detachments with the middle with the Flagellants on the left flank and my Cannon and Handgunners on a hill to the rear. My huntsman were also on right side of the table in some woods near the Blood Knights as well.
Bill had set up his Death Star, and Skeletons in the middle, dogs and zombies on one flank, while Blood Knights and 2 units of dogs on the other. Corpse Cart was in the back field. Bill had 2 vampires with Danse, and of course the Lord has the book of arkhan so as usual the magic was going to be tough with three "danses".
The Action...
As both lines advanced toward the table center, my more manuevable stuff starte shooting his dogs taking out one of the untis. I survive the first couple magic phases ok, as bill devotes his spell power in building up thr zombies to about 40, I hit them with my Flagellants who on the charge do very well against zombies it take 4 turns but I am averaging a +8 CR everyturn and they by turn 4 eat up all the zombies and unit of dogs trying to help out.
The VC eventually get the remaining dogs and the deathstar into my My Swordsmen block with my Warrior priest...some dogs get in there as well due to charge on my detachment that accidentally hits the main block first as its too wide and snaps over.
In close combat the VC lord does 7 or 8 kills by himself..I kill all the dogs...but the my block is broke by huge combat res (over +10 net) and is run down, My Warrior Priest dies and I lose a banner, but.the VC lord and his Deathstar are now far behind my command block near my cannon.
During the same turn the Blood Knights also "danse" in toward my command block but are short! This allows me to charge them with my Command Block and the Steam Tank has clear charge in the flank. My command block never even gets to attack as the stank ends up causing with 6 or 7 wounds Kills the whole unit of Knights. With the blood knights gone and the Stank unscathed. things are looking up.
My Knights and Pistoliers, Huntsmen and Captain on the Pegasus are all harassing the skeletons and corpse cart. My knights take it out and the Skeletons numbers are down to close to 12. The ghouls are not able to get into anything but are trying reforming hoping a combat will stick so they can flank The VC Deathstar eats up my Cannon (I dont mention my Cannon in this much because it was all but useless, mis-firing with mafunctions twice it only shot on turns 1, and 4, only killing 1 blood knight turn 1 that invocated back next magic phase). Seeing the Steam Tank closing on its flank..the VC Lord decides to out of the unit single handedly and danse into the stank..hoping the Strength 7 charge can do enough wounds to cripple the tank before my next turn. unfortunately bills dice are weak, he only lands 3 wounds and I make 2 of the 5+ saves, so the tank only takes 1 wound, The following turn I generate 3 Stream Points and turn that into 7 grinding attacks, and 4 wounds on the Lord...with only a 2+ armor save he needs 5+ and comes up short the VC Lord Dies and his army will soon crumble.
Despite his Vamp BSB and Grave Guard most likely surviving the game they are out of the game position wise at this point and I have too many units moving in on the Ghouls..and dwindling Skeleton block..faced with crumbling checks Bill concedes. Proving once again, the best counter the Empire has against the Vampire Counts is the Steam Tank.
Round 2
Empire VS Warriors of Chaos 1000 points
The Lists...
Empire
Warrior Priest, AoI, Icon of Magnus - General Captain- BSB 24 Swordsmen 9 Free Company Detachment Cannon 5 Pistoliers 5 Knights Musican Standard 20 Flagellants
Warriors of Chaos
Exalted Hero- General Level 1 Sorceror- Spell Familiar
Standard deployment here for a 1000 point game..infantry in the middle with fast, mobile stuff on the flanks. My opponent Aaron is a veteran gamer but new WFB player..so he's just learning the ropes. I ran my 1000 point list from the Adepticon Escalation tourney this spring as it shows a good variety of what the Empire can do. Aaron lists was all Slannesh when he has the oppurtunity to do so, His spells were The Lash, and Titilating Delusions.
The Action...
I go first move my Blocks ahead...bring my knights up one Flank to catch some dogs..and I bring my pistoliers up the other side to go after the Marauder Horse...The WoC blocks march ahead with both dogs screening them at an angle, while the spawn lumbers in the rear. the Marauder Horse come out to screen the Spawn from shooting.
My turn I have several charges..My Knights Charge the Dogs..eat them up and 2 remaining ones break. They flee with a big roll (13 or so)and do not catch them and plow right into the front of a 20 man block of Chaos Warriors...not good, My Flagellants on the otherhand hit the Marauder footmen. slide over but thanks to Aaron dogs being the in the way, the WoC general is out of the combat. I break the Marauders and the they flee..the Flagellants persuing away. My Pistoliers shoot up the Marauder Horse killing all but two. My Knight do zero wounds to the WoC but fortunately I make my saves from the wounds that are returned..I still lose due the +5 static res on the WoC block, I flee, easily escape and rally the next turn.
Things go south for the Warriors here as the Marauder footmen do rally but keep getting recharged by the Flagellants, I got "3" martyrs on both charges and some strong dice and even with the general in combat..the marauders lost again running and rallying with only general + 3 men left. Finally with some help of the rallied dogs Aaron kills all but one of the Flagellants however that lone guy held up the combat and allowed my full block of swordsmen to charge in finish the job. (the general dying in a challenge with my Warrior Priest)
The unit of Warriors and the Sorceror (who miscasts losing his 1 magic level) are now near my deployment zone basically out of the action..while Aarons Spawn is tied up in combat with my pistoliers for several turn until i finally kill it with only 2 men left... In the end Aaron had only his Warriors left, and they werent in a position to anything but try to score turn 6 for some extra points. I had only lost 1/2 points. for my Pistoliers and Flagellants, a solid victory for the Empire that I hope gave Aaron a good feel for the game.
Not that I am expert by any stretch but having played the army exclusively now for three years I’d hope I’d have a particular insight . I read a lot of stuff on various WFB forums on how to correctly play Empire “The Empire” or the puny humans of the WFB universe.
The Empire has the most well rounded force in the game, they are average at everything but excel at nothing, Potent combination's of units do exist, and they do have access to some of the most powerful shooting in the game, as well as the exclusive and under used Detachment system. I am not a power gamer so I don’t endorse or playing Gunlines, running multiple Steam Tanks, basing every game around using the War Altar. I constantly struggle between the Theme of my army and its competitiveness, trying to be competitive with basically Strength 3, Toughness 3 army in the current power environment is my goal and its no doubt a challenge.
For this discussion I’d like to talk about the Empire in the context of one of my favorite local tournaments, Core Competency Which has one themed caveat that is the basis for the event, your army have 40% of your 2250 points( or 900 points ) must be Core Troops. This isn’t standard by any stretch in today's tournament environments. Most players in GT style event don’t run anywhere near 900 points of Core troops, In fact I played an fellow at last years Adepticon WFB championships who had the audacity to drop less than 300 points of Empire Core troops on the table for our match. Fortunately the Empire has some great, cheap core troops and I am sure going to use them. Here is my planned list for the event
Heros
Luthor Huss- Prophet of Sigmar , Army General
Warrior Priest, Icon of Magnus, Armor of Meteoric Iron
Captain of Empire, Battle Standard Bear with The Imperial Banner
Captain of Empire, on Pegasus, Sword of Striking, Pistol
The fist comment most people mention at this list, is what? No Lord..Normally I always take a Lord
however given the theme of tournament and that Special Characters are allowed Renegade Priest Luthor Huss fits in perfectly as my Army General for 180 points, you get a Fear Causer, with a 4+ ward save something any other character needs to take 70 points in items to gain. An Arch Lector will give you leadership 9 and and extra dispel die, which is very nice however he's 225 points after items, Empire Characters are for the support of your units not take on every bad ass enemy hero in the game. The goal of this army is support the blocks of troops against the number one nemesis of an Empire Army, "Psychology".
Fear, Terror and Panic wreak havoc on Humans and this Army has redundant psychology protection, Both Priests not only grant their units hated, but are immune to fear, Luthor Huss even Causes fear. The Imperial Banner allows anyone within 12" to re-roll any failed Psychology result and as well as any failed rally tests, yes, I am only leadership "8" but I'll take my chance with always having two rolls to roll 8 or less. The Captain on the Pegasus is my assassin, his role varies from game to game, from march blocking, to war machine or wizard hunting...he is always a target...but if they zeroing in on him they arent targeting your more important units.
Core Troops
900 points of Core are
24 Swordsmen/ Full Command
9 Free Company Detachment
9 Free Company Detachment
24 Swordsmen/ Full Command
9 Free Company Detachment
10 Handgunners, Marksman with Hochland Long Rifle
10 Huntsmen, Scouts Skirmishers
6 Knights Champion, Full Command
20 Flagellants, (core due to Warrior Priests)
The Swordsmen / Free Company Detachment combination is for me the back bone of the Empire, others will make arguments for Halberdiers, Spears, Archers as core blocks or detachments but in the end WS 4, with a 4+ Save to the front is great adjustment for the S3, T3 of the troops at 6 points each, its been a long hard stuggle to justify using my Greatswords over the second block of Swordsmen, where you pay 4 points a model more for Str 5 and the Stubborn rule..thru years of playing them, I've finally left my Greatswords for games above 2250 and am sticking with the grunts. 3x 3 units of Free Company is the way to go for me...at 3x3 you get 6 attacks vs 5 against standard infantry and odd are with less room to strike back 5 men will remain to cancel your rank bonus. Protecting the flanks of the blocks is key, IF elite infantry or character flank my core blocks and characters
it is quickly game over for the Empire, all the rest of my core troops are there to help support those two blocks of infantry survive.
Every Empire list should include 1 Cannon, even thou my luck has been shit with it of late, killing
that Dragon, Giant or Bloodthirster on a good day make this 100 points indispensable. IF your Pistoliers
stay on the table to make to turn 3 these guys are very useful, unfortunately they are always target number 1, so running off the table getting shot up or what not...most of the time they're cannon fodder, but if they are still on table turn 6, odds are the Empire has won the day...I go back and forth with these guys..dropping my Greatswords for Swordsmen allowed me to put them back in the list. we'll see how my last practice games go.
Rare Choices
Steam Tank, Engineer w/ Repeater Pistol
I played for the last two years without the Stank, In favor of messing around with other semi-useful Artillery. The Steam Tank is great but not for shooting the cannon...the way I roll misfires..I loving using something that doesn't force me to roll the Artillery die...as a Terror Causing, Flank Protector that can dish out the pain in close combat I love it..not to mention I've been getting great use of the the S2 Steam Gun...If can just remember to make my engineer fire that repeater pistol when need be I'll be all set!.
(Spring 09)
Playtesting
So far I have this list or slight variations of against High Elves, Beasts of Chaos, Warriors of Chaos, Lizardmen, Daemons of Chaos, Vampire Counts and Tomb Kings.. 10 games in total. Results are mixed, generally against the same of lesser tier army's the list does very well, if not winning, Drawing or losing as result of an incident that's got nothing do with list performance, Against top tier armies like DoC It really boils down to luck, (an all Khorne list scoring an 18 WPS recently tabled me in 5 turns.) Although I had very good game against a Core Comp VC list the other night that could have went either way turn 4, and didnt go my way.. The real counter to things like VC and DoC is the War Altar solely to be able to cast a bound 5 "cleansing flare", I do run alot of Warrior Priests so it fits my Theme, however I dont see myself getting one anytime soon and the fact that making the army competitive could rely on one gimmick from one unit irks me to point of not using it.
If all else fails I may bump Luthor Huss up to an Arch Lector on a horse and trim some points elsewhere..the jury is still out on that decision I'd still like to get in a few more practice games in. I'll be following up on this and WFB in general over the next Month as the tourney approaches.
Just a quick update on my Steam Tank..hard to believe it took me over a month to get this far from when I started on it. I've been busy, plus the Vacation, plus this thing is loaded with lots of little details. I've got tons of detailing still to do to bring out the copper and burned golds.The iconography is pretty much done, and of course I still need to figure out how to base it- I'm sure I'll be messing around with it for awhile. I am taking it to game at Bunker Vet Night tomorrow.
Here we have the new Empire Plastic Steam Tank. I've played without one for years not wanting to get and fiddle with the expensive metal model and I never thought I'd really like it, but as time as gone on and the WFB meta game expands. I find myself needing one from time to time. Now its plastic..although annoying only about $7 cheaper than old metal model but thankfully its a great kit. Although pictures of the painted sprues these are all over the new White Dwarf...I thought I through up some shots of the unpainted sprues and go into some WIP shots.
Good selection of extra parts, and alternative cannons, you can model a more traditional one with all the Sigmar Heraldry or one that comes from a more obscure province. I really like the fact the driver is an full model not just a bust plus you can model it so you can see inside the tank and since there is some nice interior detail you might as well paint it.
Rear Assembly complete, alot of little gaps and things to sand and fill...this is assembled with just a rough cleaning...obviously I have some work to do.
Rear of the tank, again..awesome detail..I love painting stuff like this..time consuming sure but the results are great.
Boiler front and interior assembly.If you are going to have an open top this section needs to be painted first before you assemble the rest of the tank... lots of great details here. The gun also snaps in, so you dont have to glue it and the gun elevation is moveable.
I will add more photos here until the project is complete...It is going to take me awhile as I am working on few other things as well right now. I expect it to be built by Sunday night..and then primed so I can take it out to play on the 17th..I don't think I will get to painting it until mid-july but we will see. check this post periodically for updates if you're interested.
Plastic Legions is a hobby blog covering my own Wargaming, model building and miniature painting pursuits.
It's focus is modeling and painting figures and scenery for various Fantasy, Sci Fi and Historical games.
This blog in its 16th year and still running. This years projects includes warbands and terrain for Games Workshops- Warcry, Old School AD&D projects and old favorites like Rangers of Shadow Deep, Zombicide and Fallout: Wasteland Warfare I do occasionally list past projects and figures for sale. please see my eBay user id: base10studios for my latest auctions.
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