Ork Construction Crews at Work
Caption Contest...GO!
Caption Contest...GO!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
40K Painting: Captain Lysander
Hey BoLS community. It's been awhile since my last post, but I thought I'd show a couple pics of some of the work I've done since BoLSCon (wow, it really has been awhile!).
Featured here is a commission piece I did towards the end of last year of Captain Lysander of the Imperial Fists. My directions were to paint him up in standard codex colors, with a little weathering. Of all the special character space marines in the game, Lysander is perhaps one of the least "busy" models, so it was a pretty relaxing to paint.
The weathering was probably the most fun. For the bullet damage on the shield, I made some shallow holes with a drill bit, and then painted the area around it with tin bitz, highlighting up to mithril silver. The paint wear around the edges were done using the same painting method (minus any drilling, of course).
The mud effects were done by doing a heavy drybrush of scorched brown over some of the lower parts of the model, highlighting up to bleached bone with lighter and lighter drybrushings.
~ If you have any questions about my methods for painting any other parts of the model, feel free to post em!
Warmachine Weekly Roundup 2/7/10
Hi guys,
Well the big news whis week was the release of the new Cygnar forces of Warmachine book, and it is a beauty. You can see the BoLS review of it here. Three new minis were also unveiled:
THQ: Latest DoW-II Chaos Rising Trailer
THQ produces more eye candy, in the form of the latest trailer for the Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising add-on pack. There's something new and Nurgley in there...
Tyranid Challenge- Finalists Coming Soon
OK, everybody, no further entries. Everytime we hold one of these BoLS modeling chellenges the entries get more numerous and even higher quality. We got over 50 entries and are culling them down to the top 10 currently. The finalists and voting will go up early next week.
A hearty thank you and good luck to everyone who entered!
40K Conundrum: To Mawloc or not to Mawloc?
It's not so much their rules on paper, which are good, but not "oh to the fainting couch" good. It's how they interact with the current 40k metagame out there.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wargames Gallery 2-6-10
Pic submited by Wayne Snyder
We gots extra gas kans right???
Caption Contest...GO!
Caption Contest...GO!
40K HOBBY: To Superdetail a Stompa - Part 2
A guestpiece by John Crowdis, taking us through the assenbly painting and weathering of an Ork Stompa using Forgeworld's IA Masterclass book.
FoW: Open Fire Starter Set Overview (video)
Hi guys, lets take a quick look at the Flames of War "Open fire" Starter box. This is the set that many people will use to get started with FoW. Let's take a look.
40K RUMORS: Blood Angel Death Company
Here is the latest we've been hearing from about the tubes regarding the dreaded Blood Angels Death Company:
WFB NEWS: Beastmen Ship
Hi guys,
Today is the the day the Beastmen arrive after all the rumors, talk, and preview shots. You can see the entire new model range inthe Games Workshop New Releases section here. The major kits breakdowns include:
Friday, February 5, 2010
NEWS: Games Workshop NA on the Move
Hi guys,
So we have been getting steady reports of some subtle shifts in the retail policy of Games Workshop stores. It looks like broadly speaking there is a new emphasis on formal retailing (selling of products), and the introduction of the hobby to new customers. This is coming at the expense of a downplaying of the hobby and secondary games side of things. Some customers report being told to curtail their hobby/painting activities in store, and others report an inability to play Specialist Games on the premises.
Finally a bit of inside baseball here, but we've heard that GW North America will be moving their headquarters and staff from Maryland to Memphis to consolidate with the production facilities there. The move is said to taking place in in Q1-Q2.
What are you guys seeing out there?
~Overall a fairly predictable emphasis on direct sales, and further cost-savings moves. Perhaps the hobby and Specialist Games sides of things is felt to be better served by independent retailers. Its anyone's guess as to the HQ move's effect on Baltimore Gamesdays moving forward however.
Wargaming ASKEW: The Break Up
It was love at first sight. The second you opened that first blister and the smell of finely forged metal filled your nostrils, your heart started to race. The bond between army and player is a beautiful thing. Neither have any expections, everything is a new and exciting experience. The future and possibilities are endless. As this new relationship starts, you look at the players around trying to avoid the mistakes they have made.
You have seen the player that spoils his army; buying everything, not even knowing what he really wants from the relationship. Then, there is the player that only focuses on one part of the army never knowing the real army inside. There is also the poor guy that meets his army through a friend or family member-- pawned off or handed down in the Wargaming equivalent of an arranged marriage. You see guys with older armies, the ones from the island of misfit minies and archaic codices. Often these souls are bitter and only seek to punish themselves by playing out some sad charade.
Your relationship is different! There is no way you and your army could ever come to that. As you grow together you learn what your army does and doesn't like. You become inseparable. Everywhere you go you let people know the special bond you have with your army. From the "unique" army lists to paint scheme; where do you begin and the army end?
As the months and sometimes years go by, you continue to play the same army. You add new units for your army. You make sure it is painted well. Still time goes by you begin to wonder. You look at the store walls to the other armies. It is ok, looking does not mean anything. Sometimes even pick up a new codex you know-- for opponent "research". You flip through the pages harmlessly enough to the glittering new units displayed and painted to perfection. In your head you think, it wouldn't be cheating if I just pick up just one unit from another army. It is not like you can make an army out of one unit...
You go back to your army and play a few games, things start to feel different. You find yourself getting upset or bored with the performance of your army. You start to post on forums claiming everything else is broken, but your army. Metal starts to chip and you stop taking the time to fix it. The dust collects and you don't brush it off. The dice stop spinning the way they use to. Your friends ask you what is wrong? You just cannot explain it. Then, that same guy comes walking into the store with that old army; he slowly takes it out with his shoulders slumped and face sullen. The rock in your throat drops to your stomach. You realize your future could be right before your eyes!
Your head falls as you stare at the ground in disappointment. Then, you realize this could be your chance to break free. Why hold on to something if it only means living on memories past? So you let go. You pack up your army knowing that it is over. It is time to move on.
Can you still be friends? Even though it is over you know your army will understand; to the point you can always go back and at least play a few games together just like old times. Finally, you go down to that wall of unopened armies and look with the benefit of experience. This new army will be something fresh where you can create new and exciting memories... just like it was the very first time.
How do you handle army fatigue? What do you do you do when you decide to move on to another army? How do you know it is over an army you have been playing?
As always you can come and visit me at Blood of Kittens where we are having Ork Week!
THQ: Warhammer 40k MMO to be Unveiled!
Via Eurogamer
THQ has promised to "fully unveil" the new Warhammer 40K MMO at this summer's E3 2010.
Boss Brian Farrell told investors this IP could run for several years, and therefore represents the "highest ranking revenue opportunity" the publisher has.
Farrell added that in Warhammer 40K, THQ has a "very competitive MMO".
So far we know little about the game. Darksiders' Vigil Games will develop under the creative lead of Joe Madureira - presumably alongside the Darksiders sequel due out before April next year.
Madureira's said combat will take place on a larger scale than Mythic's Warhammer Online and that there will be "tons" of customisation and the "coolest looking characters of any MMO, ever".
E3 takes place on 15th-17th June 2010. We'll be there.
~Some type of movement at long last. This one has been running dark for years, but note that unveiled and shipped are two very different things. It will be interesting to see what lessons THQ can take from EA's Warhammer Online to produce a superior product.
WFB RUMORS: Schedule Rumors
So with the Beastmen upon us, the speculation moves forward to who will be next on the Warhammer Fantasy Front. The two biggest contenders are currently Ogre Kingdoms and Tomb Kings.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Hobby Article: Magnetic Flying Bases
Playing Saim-Hann, and Destroyer spam Necrons, I used to go through a lot of flying bases as they break off at the peg from being used two or three times a week. The solution? Self contained magnetic flying stands that work for jetbikes, destroyers, land speeders, and anything else that uses the flimsy flying stand.
ODDBALL: First they Came for the DnD Players and I said Nothing...
"A man serving life in prison for first-degree intentional homicide lost his legal battle Monday to play Dungeons & Dragons behind bars..."
40K BATTLE REPORT: Orks vs Space Goats - Deff-rollapolooza! (Video)
Hi everybody.
The BoLS video battlereports continue. This time we have your two favorite columnists Jwolf and Goatboy, throwing down with deff-rolla laden Orks facing down those rascally Space Goats (wolves). Who shall prevail, the Green Horde vs the Space Vikings?
40K ARMY LIST: 10th Company - Can it work?
In Defense of the 10th Company
I have been getting emails and requests from a lot of readers asking if doing a whole Space Marines 10th Company Scout armylist is viable and could it hold its own on the tabletop. Well, it there is anything ole Darkwynn likes its a challenge, so lets roll up our sleeves and get to work!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
40k Hobby: Rivets Made Easy
Col Festus here to show you the low down on rivets. Ever want to add some extra armor to that battle tank? How about custom made Ork vehicles from scrap metal? Well let me introduce you to a little tool that I swear by.
Forces of Warmachine Cygnar: Review
The Forces of Warmachine: Cygnar book arrived here at BoLS last week. And this 144 page tome contains anything and everything a Cygnar player (or one of their rivals) could ever want to know about the so called Jewel of the Iron Kingdoms. Lets dive in.40K HUMOR: Hitler Learns of the Doom of Malan'Tai (video)
40K RUMORS: Battle Missions Minis Tidbits
tidbits via Scryer in the Darkness:
So here are a few tidbits on some of the new plastic kits due out in March to accompany the Battle Missions book.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Lone Wolf Issues C&D to Privateer and Others
Yesterday, saw a bit of activity on the legal front.
Lone Wolf Development, the company behind the Army Builder list construction software has sent out a set of Cease & Desist notices to various forum operators including Privateer Press, demanding the term "Army Builder" be monitored and their users educated on its proper definition as a registered trademark. Here's the central issue from the letter:
40K SHOWCASE: Imperator Titan (Must See!)
A 40k scale Emperor titan comes to life in Atlanta, in the words and pictures of its creators. You won't want to miss this!
EDITORIAL: JWolf's Guidebook for Competitive Fun and You
Jwolf here.
If you have no interest in competitive play, you can feel free to stop reading, as this article is about tournament play. This past weekend Goatboy and I played in a Fantasy Doubles Tournament at Battleforge Games...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wargames Gallery 2-1-10
Pic submitted by Linus Lindgren
What they don't tell you about in Archon school...
All yours gang...
All yours gang...
Hobby: All That Glitters Is Not Gold!
Hey guys, Col Festus here. I wanted to talk today about a simple technique that can help add some character to your minis. Of course the technique that I'm speaking of is the art of painting gemstones.
EDITORIAL: Spirit of the Game, Part 2
Tyranid Hobby Challenge-Reminder
A reminder guys, to get in your Tervigon/Tyrannofex Challenge pics by this Friday. We've already gotten a bunch in and will be selecting the finalists over the weekend for the big poll next week. Full details on the Challenge are here.
~Good Luck everybody!
Goatboy's 40k Thoughts: I'm Tired of Talking About Bugs
Yup, the title says it all. I am tired of talking about bugs. I am tired of arguing about some rule about deep strike or some other nonsense of what can be effect by the dirty finger touch of Doom. I instead want to talk about the future. The future of what I will probably want to play.
As we all know, another 3+ armor save army is coming down the pipeline. I know we all complain about it, but really why wouldn't GW come out with more of these types of armies? The basic design is already 3d-CADed, the ability to create sprues and designs is pretty easy, and as we can see from the amount of players that bring the Emperor's finest to tournaments, the model type is extremely popular. So be prepared for more 3+ Astartes in different and more exciting flavors. Like Banana, Peach, and even Expresso.
So with that said, lets look at some of these Blood Angels rumors. Initially, if these things came out before Space Wolves I would have said bunk on a lot of it, but with the Space Puppies out and the arrival of 40k Hero Hammer in full effect I can say that these are probably pretty spot on. I don't really think this is a bad thing, as most of the time the design constraints of 40k make a Superhero guy not nearly as good as it does in Fantasy. So yeah, look for some crazy special characters that reach the upper limits of a Land Raider.
So Mephiston is supposed to make Njal look like a Harry Potter reading, tie dyed wolf shirt wearing, wannbe who wishes he knew as cool of psychic powers as the "Ultimate Space Vampire". Rumors are putting him at 300 points with lots of crazy rules, ways to cast powers quickly, and some sick combat stats. I am not sure if he will be worth it, as all the other rumors from the dex is really point towards some extremely expensive dudes on the table. Who would have thought "Ultimate Space Vampires" were so tough eh? I thought they all had some kind of jaundice and liked to say "per se". So he looks "cool" not necessarily good. Usually when I see something at this points range I either a) ignore it b) see if crippling it will cripple the army.
The rumor Librarian Dreadnought sounds cool. I hope he isn't as expensive as Bjorn. I like the idea of it, but the pumped up points costs is rarely worth it. When have you seen 1 dreadnought gets its points back. Usually it takes 2 to 3 to really get a chance to get your moneys worth. 1 is easy to kill, 2 is a bit of a pain, but 3 is hard as heck to get rid of. We'll have to see if it's other powers are worth it too. But as a guy who loves big robots, the idea of a super cool "Ultimate Space Vampire" dreadnought does make me happy hah.
The other interesting rumor is the new transport vehicle. From all the rumors it sounds like a flying, fast Baal Predator, that can hold some dudes that might be able assault if they have a gas tank on their back. The other interesting bit is that the other marine chapters might get this too. I think this might be true because a) there are a lot of marine chapters b) they sound good so all marine chapters want them c) it will be a $50 dollar kit so GW will sell lots. I know my local store owner is rubbing his hands together at just the thought of the new kit. It sounds neat and with the amount of fun the Valk was I am sure this will be hitting a table top near you.
The other thing is the change of what are troop choices. We have all seen how the troop choice is now one of the major factors in creating a "good" army. So the most obvious rumor is the push for assault troops to be a clear troop choice in the new codex. Depending on their wargear load out and the rumor ability of riding the new must have plastic vehicle kit of 2010 will determine if they are worth the extra points on their back. Scoring assault troops might be worth it so will see. I know I have been quietly hoarding a ton of jump packs lately.
So really from what I can tell from this new codex, basing it off what we have seen in Space Wolves as well as Tyranids is that Psychic Powers are back big time, more heroic Superheroes, and probably multiple good choices in each force org choice. I am hoping this is another good addition to the overall army landscape of 40k. Until I get my paint stained hands on a codex (previews in March I think?) I really won't get a chance to truly review and define my own personal "Ultimate Space Vampire" army. Until then I will be painting more bugs, hoarding jump packs, and watching Dracula and Lifeforce on DVD non-stop. Questions etc - email me GoatboyBOLS@gmail.com.
Some pics - and a Tyranid figure because I painted one.
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