List Work: Tech-Priest Enginseer

I've been trying to get that list ready but weather here has made the idea of priming laughable and foolish.

So I painted this guy up :)

Burn! A New List For Next Month

I've been wanting, struggling, to find a Cadian Battle Force List that I like. Something that I might even take over the Steel Host+CAD list I've been using for the last year or so. I might have finally found it thanks to this...

Hiya

Secret confession, I love me some hellhound.

It was the third model for 40k that I've even purchased. First was a leman russ, second some grey knights (Codex: Deamonhunters had interesting ally rules), and then a hellhound. I was a tanker in 40k almost from the start. I loved the old model especially but the new one is drop dead gorgeous. 

Every time I hold a hellhound model I feel like some old timer. I sit there, thinking thoughts like, "I remember back in the day, when we only had fire to purge filth with. Nowadays you young buck guardsmen are spoiled for options to cleans and purify with. Chemicals, melta, depleted nuclear material, phaw! We purged with fire, it worked, and we liked it!" Perhaps I should have been a Black Templar player.

However, they've never worked for me in the most recent dex. They always seem to die too fast and cost too much. Close enough to another russ that I always end up taking that other russ. Check the internet, I'm not the only one who does this either. Sad day for those of us who love to combine our affections for fire and treads.

Enter Emperor's Blade, a mounted veteran formation that is rather good but requires a hellhound variant as its 'tax' unit... :)

Sing it, ginger!

Now, I suddenly don't care if this list is, marginally, less effective than my previous, it has a hellhound and that made all the difference.

Cadian Battle Group Meta-Formation:

Battle Group Command Formation:

Company Command Squad - Plasmagun x2 and Kurov's Aquila

     Chimera - Heavy Bolter and Multilaser

Emperor's Fist Armored Company:

Tank Commander Exterminator - Hull Heavy Bolter, Sponson Heavy Bolters, and Heavy Stubber

     Leman Russ Exterminator - Hull Heavy Bolter and Sponson Heavy Bolters

Leman Russ Demolisher

Leman Russ Demolisher

Leman Russ Vanquisher - Hull Lascannon

Tech Priest Enginseer

Emperor's Blade Assault Company:

Company Command Squad - Plasmagun x4

     Chimera - Heavy Bolter and Multilaser

Veteran Squad - Meltagun x3

     Chimera - Heavy Flamer and Multilaser

Veteran Squad - Meltagun x3

     Chimera - Heavy Flamer and Multilaser

Veteran Squad - Meltagun x3

     Chimera - Heavy Flamer and Multilaser

Hellhound - Heavy Flamer

The techpriest will go with the warlord CCS and provide at least one guy with power armor. They'll move around providing PotMS and Preferred Enemy to whatever needs it, plus orders (24" range is awesome) while the majority of the army will advance and take advantage of this list's great mid-range game. Only the vanquisher, command tank squadron, and main CCS really want to hold back, so I don't intend to hold back as much as an IG list traditionally does, which is what ITC tournaments force you to do anyway.

Any thoughts what few readers I may have?

Mont'ka Review: Cadian Relics

Ok, time for another part of my Mont'ka review. This time we'll look at the new relics Cadians have access to.

Lets hope at least one of them are thermals

Mont'ka Review: Cadian Warlord Traits

Instead of starting with the new shiny formations, relics, or the somewhat intimidating Cadian Battle Group, I decided to start with the new Forces of Cadia warlord traits table. I did this for a simple enough reason, its what I might actually use moreso than anything else from this book. You'll see why in a bit, but first, the traits themselves.

Knights and Wolves and Mont'ka, oh my!

Two minor updates:

First, I finally got in a game recently. Take that almost four month not playing streak! Had some hot wolf on knight action.

Cool, but not that kind

Not Much to Post

I wish I could be more exciting. I actually like updating my blog and writing about things and painting and stuff (look ma, I'm articulate!) However, I am as busy as a one armed paper hanger.

Shown: A One Armed Paper Hanger

I teach high school and my school tried to initiate a new setup this year. Well, it didn't happen. Officially, it didn't happen until the last two weeks before the school year. Well after the staff was sufficiently downsized and transferred to accommodate the direction we were now going in. In order for the schedule to work, I had to sell my preparation period back to the district. The money is worth it but the workload is surprisingly more intense than just having one more period to teach, plan, and grade for.

On top of that, I am just about to start my Master's thesis. My subject is the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War (JCCW), a little known congressional committee that oversaw the Civil War. I feel like such a hipster dealing with this topic since they have largely been ignored in many, many histories on the Civil War even when some discuss them indirectly. "They're an important committee, you've probably never heard of them."

However, being about to start all of this means that I have research, reading (oh boy, the reading!), and get to finish up my other classes that somehow still expect me to give them my full attention (crazy, right?)

This means I have had almost no time for Warhammer 40k and, a hobby I've given almost no time to here, Mage: the Ascenstion (look it up, its the best RPG ever.) Thankfully, I have other blogs (Skulkers Surprise!) to keep me entertained.

I missing gaming.

I'm bored.

Once December hits, I plan on completing my Cadian force, finishing building my knights, and maybe getting them painting.

If you've read to the end of this, three things. First, what the hell is wrong with you? I wrote it and I'm bored. Secondly, what are you up to hobby wise? I need something to live vicariously through. Thirdly, would anybody be interesting in reading about RPG related things in addition to 40k things? I'd be glad to share some Mage related goings on, when I have them, but I do not want to bore people who might come here for hobby related things.

New Knight!

I don't have too much to say about the new knight at this point. Clearly, it will be some time, if ever, that I acquire one because the cerastus knights are very expensive. Despite that, I do want one and will be watching for...alternatives. Perhaps I'll customize my own? Either way, the naysayers are wrong and this is a significant contribution to knight lists. Perhaps the toughest knight out there and the only one with a D ranged weapon. That alone means it deserves consideration.

That, and just look at it!

Productive Afternoon

I stayed home today because I'm sick and that is what considerate sick people do when they do not wish to spread the plague (listen closely folks.) I figured I'd get some work done remotely because I am responsible and blah, blah, blah..,

So, of course, the Internet was down for most of it.

Still, not entirely unproductive.

Baron Gawain of House Pelletier

Shame, shame, shame...

I've been saving up for a Titan for a long time, years really (though that sometimes gets set back by other purchases like awesome knights.) Recently I had every plan to finally pull the trigger and get a Titan...until I got into a car accident. Between everything, I now cannot afford to purchase a Titan. Car hell sucks and boy do these burns still itch.

It has got me thinking though. Did I really want a Titan? Actually, that isn't a good question because the answer is a resounding, "HELL YESS!!!" What might be a better question is why did I want a Titan? Don't get me wrong, the models are awesome, especially the now discontinued Lucius Pattern beastie. At the same time, do Titans kinda represent that line, where you're no longer a guy who plays some ridiculously expensive game and are now the person with too much money and time on your hands? If so, then I suppose its for the best that I didn't get to purchase that Titan. I don't have too much money (quite the opposite most months) and I don't have the time (especially with my thesis coming up.)

In the end, this might be a blessing. I really need to focus more on my guard and knights. I have a baneblade (and equally sexy model in my opinion) that needs some love and paint, plus a Valdor that needs painted properly and assembled. Heck, I've still got a few knights I need to assemble.

Before people look at that list and revise their opinions on me and money, I did not pay anything near retail for any of them. Patience and deals my friends...(when was the last time I paid retail? '05? geez.)

Getting rambling now, just wanted to type something so that I don't have to see the picture of what wasn't to be at the top of my now neglected-until-next-summer blog.

The Ground Shakes

Welp, it appears that I hate having money. I'm getting one of these this month.

All full of sexy right angles

I've wanted one since I got into 40k but never quite had the money for it. Still kinda don't but my wife actually suggested I get it for Christmas (because God is good and likes heavy firepower) and who am I to tell her no. Actually, I probably would have told her no but the Lucius Pattern (accept no substitutes) is discontinued so the longer I wait the harder it will be to get an actual FW model. While I don't have that big an issue with recasters, a milestone like this feels like it should be done right. My plan is to find some time to finish my Cadian army and assemble the to-be-painted portions of the titan before Christmas break, and then get the titan painted and based then. Plans being what they are, we will see, but expect this guy to be in battle reports come the new year (as well as painting updates between now and then.)

Humor Me

Photobucket is blocked at work and I needed a place to put this.

Ach, I'm making progress. I promise.

Car accident, burnt arm, school year starting, and my own school taking off (the Italian front is fascinating) means I've done exactly zero painting. That doesn't mean I've given up though. Only five chimeras and basing stands between me and an army I want to take to LVO. Just need things to slow down a bit.

So close...

Just a small update on the chimeras before I do some steel painting.

Another one bites the dust...

I love this model and how it turned out. I might even have to revisit my older idea of a sentinel centric army at this point.

I over inked the momento mori on the lascannon and had to redo the white. I now totally see why people advise me to dry brush after inking. I'll have to go back and do others at one point.

Next is five chimeras and the army is finished, baring basing. Look for some, more, speed painting fun.

Almost there...

This guy is quickly becoming my favorite model in the army :)

Renegade Lord of War Analysis

An excellent blog, The Dice Abide, just posted a review of the various LoW available to Chaos Renegades. "But Helmet," you find yourself saying, "this site is mostly IG. Why link to information about chaos?" Great question. Most of the renegade options they stole from us, literally in some cases (dirty traitors), so a lot of the information applies to both. Plus, the example models he showed are amazing (the Warhound!)

A Little Recon in Force

Just because B&C's ETL challenge is over doesn't mean my army is. Moving on from infantry, I'm getting this armored sentinel finished and ready for deployment.

My veterans are finished...

I'm not a 100% thrilled with these guys but they are finished, as of right now. If I'm still unsatisfied with them, I'll come back to them later. I've chimeras and a sentinel looking for paint and very close to finishing my summer goal. It'll be a photo finish folks.

Group shot, had to prove they're all finished

A blurry meltagunner.

My favorite mini in the bunch. Unique pose with a few SM Scout bits thrown in.

Sergeant McAxe, normally just a CCW but a poweraxe when working with platoons

Getting So Close

So very close to finished. Love the look of those bronzed meltas.

Another Painting Update: Cutting it Close

I'm almost done with the three squads of meltavets. I've resigned myself to not finishing the whole army by the end of summer but these guys are getting finished, so help me God.

The overall quality of most of them at this point.

Group Shot!, squeeze it in guys.

A Minor Painting Update

I have not gotten a lot of painting done in the last few weeks. This leaves me fearful that I will not get the army finished by the end of the summer but I am at least still confident that I can finished these veterans by the end of August. Even though I could barely stop my hand from shaking from fatigue (got about three hours of sleep last night) I still got in an hour tonight as I try to get back on track to consistent painting.

Worked on the biggest open and smooth portion of their armor, the shoulders (because this is 40k.)

Six of the thirty already had the whole armor finished.

50 points, 50 points...hmm...

I had two games yesterday, battle reports to follow, and I'm pleased as I reasonably could be with my list, except for my Armored Sentinel. Now, I don't expect a lot from fifty points, especially with that fifty being invested in one BS 3 shot. Despite that, I'm considering swapping them out for five ratling snipers. I'd love the opinion of my scant readers...

That, and they're a cool concept.

Semantics

The plural of Russ is Russ.

Shown: Several Russ and friends (i.e. a good time about to happen)

There, I said it.

Summer Painting: IT LIVES!! IT LIVES!!

Welp, got me some infantry finished...

The Commander, plus a good sample of the overall, lowish, painting quality...

Summer Painting Continues...

Haven't talked about my next group of 'to be painteds' yet so I figured I'd post and update.

How they started...

Leman Russ Painting: Finale

So, I finished up some Russ.

The command Exterminator...

Tactica Leman Russ: Demolisher

This second tactica will focus on my favorite Leman Russ variant, the Demolisher. This death dealing, smoke belching, earth churning machine has always held an interesting place in the hearts and mind of IG players, and for good reason.

Oddly, one of my favorite 40k pics

My Little Ponies: The Wife Paints

My wife doesn't play miniature games but enjoys painting from time to time. She recently had an idea that wouldn't give...painting the characters from My Little Ponies: Friendship is Magic.

No, I'm not a brony (not that there is anything wrong with that (wow, did that sound cliche'.)) I just happen to have two small children and a wife.

Still, it was kinda cute and those who've seen the show can probably easily tell which character is what from the members of the mane six she has finished thus far.

'Casual' Tournament Report

I went to a tournament yesterday at my FLGS there were only six of us because most of the players at this store don't often go to a tournament that isn't ITC or competitive. You'll see the humor in this once you see the armies involved...

Starting with my own, a Steel Host that is WYSIWYG...

Space Marine Battle Company Challenge

The Burning Eye issued a challenge for bloggers to post 'their' battle company, or what they'd lie to see as a Space Marine Battle Company. Being a tank heavy player (because you've seen my posts right?) I've always been a big fan of the Aurora Chapter. For those that don't know, the Aurora Chapter are an Ultramarines successor that, thanks to a typo somewhere, receives several times their allotment of vehicles from the mechanicus, primarily a disproportionate number of Predator tanks.

The only reason I don't play these guys are because IG is a thing.

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day in the U.S. (and several other countries) and I just wanted to post this in thanks to all of the brave members of the armed forces, regardless of your country of origin, that volunteered to put your life on the line for the ideals of country, patriotism, freedom, justice, civilization, and many other noble pursuits. Some who took that sacred challenge paid their lives and it is on days like this that we should all issue a collective 'Thank You' to everybody who gave the rest of us the freedom we all so dearly treasure.

Painting, Day 3 & 4

Made some progress. Got just about all of the details done on the demolishers, started the base coats on the exterminators, and even went back to my executioner and added some green to match is regiment mates. I like the green and think that it and grey will be my colors. I'm holding off and continuing the demolishers until the rest are at the same place, then I'll apply washes. I'm going for a darker look so I'll see what is needed after that.

Tactica Leman Russ: Battle Tank

I've decided to write a few articles about my favorite unit in the IG codex, the Leman Russ. Each will focus on a single flavor of these tanks, including (ultimately) the FW variants. Today we look at the Battle Tank.

Damn the alpha hull is pretty

Painting Demolishers, Day 2

I've decided to do 'daily updates' on painting my demolisher tanks. I put that in '' because I might not get to paint daily but, when I do, I'll do an update. I'm trying to do an hour a day but my wife won't help hold me to that until this summer formally begins for us, in two more weeks. Each new update will just update the date could...and now I realized I'm rambling. Here is a pic:

I basically just evened out the grey on the turrets (not shown) and added some green to the side. I was going to do a strip but I figured that was too hard. All tanks are going to be color coded by 'squadron' (purely fluff) and these guys are green squadron.

The paint clumped in a few places despite my best effort and watering it down. I had to take a razor under the door handles on the top hatches. Dohh. Clearly a newbie mistake that I thought even I was beyond.

Next, boltgun metal on stuff.

Painting Demolishers, Day 1

I managed to fit in some painting last knight. Good solid undercoat in my opinion. Needs a strip on the side, some detail painting, and then a nice, black, wash and it'll be finished...for now. If I get better at painting I might come back for unit markers and the like.

Heavy Breathing Ensues

Its real purdy...

New Painting Goal: 1850 Mechanized Guard

I've been following the few discussions about how Imperial Knights will be handled in nationwide tournaments now that they're Lords of War (sigh) and it isn't looking favorable to them. Just a few things that keep coming up as "balances":

• D table is only d2 wounds
• D weapons have no strength value (so no Instant Death)
• Stomps do not select models but kill from the knight like any other attack
• Removing models (6 results on stomp) can be Look Out, Sir!'d
• +1 Maelstrom points for every 3 hull points removed
• Enemies get +1 to Seize the Initiative if they don't have a LoW of their own
• 0-1 Super-Heavy Walkers (so only one knight anyway)

Some tournaments are even looking to having ALL of those in place...

Overkill much?

With that in mind, I'll be going back to IG for my summer painting goal...and that means TANKS!

Sweet, beautiful tanks

The Summer Goal

Well, a new Imperial Knight codex and an upcoming summer leaves me with a self imposed painting challenge to get an 1850 army up, painted, and ready to go. As of right now, that army will be all knights, using their new faction.

Lead By This Guy