We Will Never Forget

To all of the victims, their families and heroes of 9/11, you are all still in my prayers. That day will forever stay etched in my memory. I remember it being a beautiful, sunny day and I was hearing the reports on the radio as I drove to work. I could feel my heart starting to race with fear. I got to work and sprinted across the parking lot to get upstairs and see what was happening. I got to the TV in the lounge just as the second plane hit the tower. I remember, I stopped breathing for several seconds. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I remember our Help Desk being uncharacteristically silent with no phones ringing.

My boss came around and told us all to go home and be with our families. I left immediately and I can't remember ever wanting to be beside my wife and children more than on that day. My wife was terrified. I was glued to the television all day.

My parents and grandparents tell me that they remember ever minute of the day that John Kennedy was assassinated. They could remember where they were, who they were with and what they were doing. Sadly, 9/11 has had the same impact on me.

God Bless America and all of those who have sacrificed so much in the name of freedom. We owe you more than we can ever hope to repay. We Will Never Forget.

40k Book Review - Imperial Glory

Until a couple of weeks ago, I was between jobs and beginning to climb the walls. So to maintain my sanity, I got back into reading. I had a stack of books almost as tall I was, so I figured I'd work on that. About 4 days ago, I finished the newest IG book, Imperial Glory by Richard Williams and I enjoyed that one immensely. Some great firefights and running battles with a host of colorful characters. I kind of envisioned as Band of Brothers episodes as they fought their was through various battlefields...and the ending was great. Best I've read in a while. Well, now I'm nearly half way through The Chapter's Due by Graham McNeill. This one is the latest book in the Uriel Ventris series (Captain of the Ultramarines 4th Company). Up until now, I was not a huge fan of the series, having a difficult time getting into it, but this latest installment is nothing less than awesome!! I'm having a tough time putting it down and I even get cranky when someone (aka, wife and kids) forces me to put the book down.

The book needless to say has got me on an Ultramarine kick, so don't be surprised to see some Ultramarines minis pop up hear at Kantor Base. Oh, and I actually finished painting a 750 point Grey Knights army AND played my first game over the weekend. It did no go well, but I had fun playing with a painted army for a change, so I'm hoping there will be more of that.

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.

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??

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

Happy 4th of July

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

Hmmm....Very Interesting.....

This new Storm of Magic expansion has grabbing my interest. Finally, some ass-kickin' monster models - in plastic. The Chaos Lord on Manticore looks bad ass! So does the Dark Elf Lord on Dragon. Hmmmm. I'm feeling the tug of WFB getting stronger and stronger....

Happy Father's Day

Just want to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day...you've always been my hero. Love you, Dad.

A happy Father's Day to all of you dads out there. It's a tough job, but it's the best job I've ever had. Enjoy the day and God Bless.

Stuff I'm Working On...

Not too long ago, I tried organizing my work area and was shocked at how many projects I had started and never completed (or in some cases, never started). So I decided to try and put some of my free time to use and get some things assembled, painted and possibly sold.

The last few days have been split between the new Grey Knights and Imperial Fists. Pardon the crappy resolution. The batteries on the camera died and my wife's iPod was close at hand. Bad idea. Anyway, the Grey Knights are part of a 1250 list that I created when the new codex was released and the Imperial Fists were out of a desire to start a codex chapter that was vanilla, but not the goody, goody boy scouts that the Ultramarines are.

I'm also jumping on my High Elves and I have my eye on a Tomb Kings project as well. More to come.

40k Book Review - Horus Heresy

In an effort to inspire my kids to read more, I spent considerable time over the last few weeks trying to catch up on the ridiculously tall stack of books that I have accumulated over the last year. I recently finished two of the Horus Heresy books: Legion by Dan Abnett and The Battle For The Abyss by Ben Counter. I was a bit disappointed in both stories, to be honest. I struggled to maintain my interest in Legion, finding the book to be somewhat dull and not nearly enough action. The story focuses on the Night Legion, one of the Traitor Legions. I was hoping for some epic battles, but it was more (to me, at least) of an uninteresting political novel.

Battle For The Abyss was a tad better, with a little more combat than the previous book, but I had some difficulty keeping some of the characters straight. I also expected to see a bit more of the Ultramarines featured in this book, but again, I was disappointed.

This series started off well, but it seems to have wavered somewhat. I will continue to read the series and finish it, because I don't like leaving books unfinished (weird, I know), but I've just picked up the new Space Marine Battles Novel, Battle of the Fang by Chris Wraight. I hear this one's pretty awesome.