Thursday, July 21, 2011

Victory At Last!!!!


I got together with my buddy Mike and played a 1500 point game of Warhammer with the new Storm of Magic expansion. Let me preface this with the fact that I do have the new book, but haven't read a word, but I was curious to give it a whirl and Mike was willing to accommodate. I brought my High Elves and he brought his Dwarfs. Keep in mind that I HAVE NOT won a single Warhammer Fantasy game in all the years I've been playing tabletop wargames. Well, my friends, that losing streak ended this evening. My only regret was that I didn't take notes, nor did I bring my camera.

The unit of the game had to be my Sword Masters. They cut down a Chimera, a giant Doombull that had once been a Dwarf Runesmith that fell victim to a miscast. They also defeated and ran down a rather large regiment of Dwarf Warriors. All in all, I enjoyed the Storm of Magic expansion. Now I just have to go and read the rules.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

That's One Bad A** Frost Giant


I just started reading The Plague of Shadows by Howard Andrew Jones. I'm about 50 pages into the book and I can't put it down. The story is set in the popular Pathfinder Campaign Setting by Paizo Publishing. That RPG system has stuck to the old D&D 3.5 rule set and honestly I can still see the appeal. It kind of takes me back to my old 1st and 2nd Dungeons & Dragons days. Those were some great times. Anyway, one thing led to another and I started looking at the Reaper metal miniatures...and check this out!

Now I don't like working with metal models from an army standpoint, BUT I do miss the old days when one miniature represented you on the gaming table. Hey, anyone up for Pathfinder??

Monday, July 11, 2011

BatRep - HE/Empire v. Skaven 1500pts





As I mentioned in a previous post, I got together with our gaming group and played a 2-on-2 game of WFB. Aaron and myself, playing Empire and High Elves respectively squared off against Mike and Paul, both fielding Skaven. From the get go, I could see this was going to be a tough game. Here are the highlights.

I neglected to get the army lists recorded, but keep in mind this was more or less a practice game for me as I learn my army and the game.

Skaven won roll off and opted to move first. This was a straight battle with no special rules.

Turn 1
The Skaven aggressively began moving their lines forward in order to close the distance. The Skaven magic phase dealt a crippling blow to my Archers, who I was depending on to whittle down the numbers. A Plague spell brought down 7 of my 10 Archers. Our magic phase, resulted in a successfull Flames of the Phoenix spell, killing 7 clanrats and wounding the Plague Priest. I began moving my Reavers around the Skaven left flank and was able to take out the Warpfire Thrower (one of two war machines).

Turn 2
The skaven continued to advance and I foolishly held my Spearmen and Sword Masters back, while the Empire contingent charged the Rat Ogres on our right and killed one in the ensuing combat. Magic was ineffective AND I forgot to move my Reavers around to the rear to intercept the last Skaven war machine. Bad move.

Turn 3
Another skaven Plague spell hits my forces and destroys half of my Sword Masters before they can get into combat. Not having any place to move without risking running off the table, clanrats charged my Reavers. Spearmen are charged, lose combat, flee but rally at the beginning of the next turn. Our magic phase goes well and Flames of the Phoenix accounts for 15 more dead rats. The last Rat Ogre falls and the skaven slaves are destroyed. Things appear to be looking up.

Turn 4
Skaven charge spearmen and send them running. Clanrats foolishly pursue...off the table with the Flames of Phoenix spell still in play, which ultimately finishes that unit. The Greatswords move forward and meet the clanrats charge and Empire Swordsmen along with their detachment of halberdiers also charge. Off to our right, my Reavers are finished off, doing only minimal damage to the enemy.

Turn 5
Remaining Archers are killed off as are the Empire Knights and Mortar crew. While the Greatswords cause substantial damage they and the Swordsmen are finally killed. With only the War Priest and the Mage left, we concede the battle to the Skaven.

Post Game
I think this loss was solely on the High Elves. Three major factors contributed to the result. First, losing my Archers so early in the game. That was from the result of a die roll, so I couldn't control that. Second, Forgetting to move my Reavers around to the rear in order to take out the second remaining ranged threat, and finally, I should have charged with my units when I had the chance, but did not. I allowed them to remain unengaged for an additional enemy magic phase, which decimated my forces. My partner Aaron a more cunning strategist, fared better and hung in the fight a bit longer. All in all, a fun game with a good group of people.

Sword Masters - Done!


I did something today, that I haven't done in some time. I actually finished painting a unit of models. A regiment of 10 Sword Masters of Hoeth from the Island of Blood set. I still have to base them, but that's beside the point. I'm glad to have them done.

This unit is part of my 1,000 point introductory list, as I continue to learn the army and how it works. The plan is to eventually build this out to 25 models and to magnetize a movement tray. Next up will my High Elf Mage, which also comes from the Island of Blood set. I'm hoping to finish that one tonight and get started on the Spearmen tomorrow!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Painting High Elf Mage (Island of Blood) - Part 2


My Island of Blood High Elf Mage is finished. I had decided to paint this model before assembling in order to make it easier on myself...and am I glad that I did. It took long enough to do it with easy access to every detail. I couldn't have imagined doing it after it was built. Anyway, here's a shot of the painted mini still on the sprue. Painting was nothing special. Once again, extensive use of washes rather than highlighting. I want the army to have a darker feel to it. After all, the Storm of Magic is nothing to dress up about!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

The Storm Has Arrived!!


I picked up my Storm of Magic book today as well as the new Magic Cards. At first glance, just thumbing through it, I think its a nice complement to the 8th Ed. rulebook and I'm psyched about being able to incorporate monsters from other armies into my High Elves. Unfortunately, they were already sold out of the terrain when I got there, so I'll have to wait. I won't choose any monsters until I read the book - I've spent to much cash on kits that never get used.

I was disappointed with the cards, due to the fact that the website led me to believe that there was room for the other magic cards, but what they don't tell you is that you have to actually remove the Storm of Magic cards first. Thanks, GW!

The plan for tonight is to kick back in the recliner and start reading the new book, but so far - I recommend it.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Painting High Elf Mage (Island of Blood) - Part 1


I seem to be playing Fantasy more than anything else lately, so I'm going to dive into my Island of Blood set and get those models painted, starting with the Mage. This one looks like it's going to be a pain in the butt to paint (judging by the first one that I foolishly assembled without considering how difficult it might be), so I decided to paint this one BEFORE assembling it. This model comes in three easy snap-together components. What I did was leave them on the sprue to maximize the exposure to the details. I cleaned off all of the flash, only leaving each piece attached in the areas that would provide the most support, so I can handle the model.

NEXT STEP: Priming

Thursday, July 7, 2011

WFB - Doubles Game Tonight


I'm partnering up with another High Elf player tonight for a 1500 point game. Which is to say that I'm responsible for 750 points. Now, keep in mind, I haven't spoken to my partner, so I have no idea what he's bringing, but we are battling it out with the Skaven this evening. For my half, I'm fielding:

1 Mage (level 2)
15 Spearmen w/ cmd
10 Archers w/ cmd
10 Sword Masters of Hoeth w/ cmd
5 Ellyrian Reavers w/ Harbinger

On a side note, until yesterday, I only had a single model painted; the Mage. Well, I'm pleased to announce that 7 of my 10 Sword Masters are now painted. For me, that's a lot of painting in one day. Anyway, wish me luck. I hope to post pics tomorrow.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy 4th of July


Just wanted to wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!!