December 31, 2015

Hordes: Minions Wrong Eye & Snapjaw (Solo)

My last post for 2015. I thought I squeeze in a few more Painting Points before the year is up
 
My 50 point Gatorman Army is getting closer and closer to completion, all that is left is 3 Units of Gatorman Posse (I'll probably start assembling them tomorrow afternoon and over the next two weeks they will probably be painted).
 
I'm also still trying to find time to squeeze in practice games. LVO is fast approaching and I still have a lot to learn with my Khador Army. Hopefully sometime this weekend I'll be able to get in a 50 point game with them.
 
Wrong Eye & Snapjaw
Wrong Eye & Snapjaw
Painting Points: 6
 

December 30, 2015

2015 Year in Review

Well once again it is that time of year where us gamers do a recap of our accomplishments (or non accomplishments) from the year.
 
I had pretty high ambitions for 2015 when it started out, but then the weather warmed up and my Cycling started to take over my life (and health...losing 90lbs from cycling). Cycling 3 times a day made it hard to get any other hobbies in for the day, then on the weekends it was usually going out riding with a group for longer rides which took up most of the day and throwing in some out of town weekend Tours.
 
2015 started out with my post "What's in store for 2015", so I will be using that original post and we will review how the year has went.
 
Bolt Action
 
This was a game I had thought was really going to see the gaming table a lot in 2015 (with having 3 fully painted armies and models to add). I had ranked this game as a Top 2 for me to play in the year. As you can see in my Sidebar, I played 0 games of Bolt Action. BUST
 
X-Wing
 
X-Wing was predicted to be my Top game for the year, with pre-painted models and games only lasting about 75 minutes, I thought for sure this would be played a lot. I started the year with a pretty decent start, playing 7 games.....then nothing. Not even the new movie got me re-excited for the game. I also personally feel that Fantasy Flight Games started releasing their Waves a bit too fast for me. I enjoyed it when the Waves were not one right after another and gave you sometime to collect the models. BUST
 
Dungeons & Dragons
 
With the release of D&D5E in late 2014, I got really excited for this game and jumped back into role playing. My oldest and youngest son both joined me and we found a weekly gaming group. We did finish the first 2 official modules for D&D5E. Then the group wanted to play an alternate universe that did not interest me so the roleplaying stopped.
 
The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game
 
Like with X-Wing, this game started hot for my oldest son and I, then died on me. We managed to play 8 games for the year.
 
Warhammer 40K
 
I had rated this game farely low (3 on a scale 1-10) for being played in 2015. The first 4 months of the year that changed. I managed to get in 8 games, paint a few models and we started a map based campaign. Then as I mentioned above, the weather got nice and I stopped all gaming from April-September.
 
I really do like W40K 7th Edition, but GW's prices are extremely high, and I feel there are too many codexes out now for all the different variations you can have in the armies.
 
Warhammer Fantasy Battles / Kings of War
 
As I predicted with a score of 1, Fantasy did not see any gaming time for me, nor any interest.
 
Warmachine/Hordes
 
This one I had scored it a 3 and that depended if the bug bite to play again. Well in September for some reason that bug must have bite me pretty hard. Warmachine got me back into gaming for 2015. Since September I managed to get in 7 games and this month I was able to paint up 32 models.
 
My son and I are also registered to attend the Las Vegas Open for Warmachine in February, and we are also signed up for Privateer Press's 'Lock & Load' in Seattle in June of 2016.
 
With Warmachine/Hordes, I enjoy the farely low model count in the army (takes less time to setup a game). PP does a nice job with their Steamroller Rules each year with different scenarios, and with 'deathclock' the games are played pretty fast. For some reason, I really really enjoy the sculpts of the models, especially Hordes and I enjoy my time painting them.
 
Thinking this game may be a bust, it turned out to be a late hit for me.
 
Flames of War
 
Just like Bolt Action, another BUST for me with 0 games played.
 
Legends of the Old West
 
I still had no inclination to play an Old West game in 2015. I scored it a 2 and it received a 1.
 
Beyond the Gates of Antares
 
I gave this game a score of 7. I was pretty excited to see a sci-if version of Bolt Action and I really thought I may get into this game. The official rules were released late in 2015, and I did NOT purchase them. A lot of locals did purchase the rulebooks and starter sets. For now I am holding back, maybe I did not jump into it because I actually played some W40K this year (and still have plenty of armies for W40K).
 
That's about it for 2015. The year started off really strong and is finishing really strong (with a hiatus in between).
 
Stay tuned on Friday January 1st when we find out What's in store for 2016!
 

December 29, 2015

Hordes: Minions Bull Snapper (Warbeast)

My Minions Gatorman Battlegroup is now completed. For my Battlegroup, I have my Warlock Rask, and for my Warbeasts; Blackhide Wrastler, Ironback Spitter and Bull Snapper. I am now ready for some 'Tooth & Claw' games.
 
The Gatorman really fit my painting style with dark colors, so I can quickly get them painted and onto the battlefield.
 
Up next will be my Solo, Wrongeye & Snapjaw. Not sure if they will be done before New Years, if not they will be one of the first posts for 2016. After they are completed, then it's 3 Units of Gatorman Posse and I will then have 50 points completed.
 
Bull Snapper
 
Bull Snapper
Painting Points: 2
 

December 28, 2015

Hordes: Minions Ironback Spitter (Warbeast)

Earlier today I had said it was good weekend for me and painting my Hordes Gatorman. Two posts in one day. After I finished my Warlock Rask yesterday morning, I had then decided to start on my next Warbeasts Ironback Spitter.
 
Just like with Rask, I opted to stray away from the Privateer Press colors for this models. I did not care for the 'orange' look that Privateer Press used, and elected to go with my shades of green to be consistent with the rest of my Gatorman Army.
 
I had also started painting my Bull Snapper at the same time (at least what I thought was Bull Snapper and it turned out I had started on Snapjaw instead. So Snapjaw will be moved over and Bull Snapper will take it's place in queue).
 
Ironback Spitter
Ironback Spitter
Ironback Spitter
That's 3 Hordes models completed this weekend..... I wonder how my son is doing painting his models...
 
Painting Points: 5
 

Hordes: Minions Rask (Warlock)

It was a good weekend for painting some Hordes Gatorman for me. I actually got quite a bit accomplished and a few models prepped and waiting in queue.
 
Up next we have the Minion Warlock Rask. For now he will be leading my Gatorman Army (may eventually be alternating with Barnabas).
 
Usually when I paint my Privateer Press miniatures, I try and stay with the color scheme that the Studio has done. In this case, the Studio version of Rask was a bit too 'yellow' for me and I wanted mine to be a little on the darker side (to be more uniform with the rest of my Gatorman).
 
Rask
Rask
Painting Points: 1
 

December 27, 2015

Hordes: Minions Blackhide Wrastler (Warbeast)

Well I officially started on a Hordes army for myself. A few years ago I started collecting a Trollbloods army (still have them) but did not start painting them. I did finally get enough models for the Trollbloods to fill them to 50 points and eventually they will see the painitng table. Any ways a few weeks ago I decided that I wanted to do a Gatorman Army for my first painted Hordes Army. So I found a nice 50 point list that is more melee based compared to my Trollbloods and purchased the models.
 
Since my Khador are done for now (a very short 'now') it was time to change it up a bit and paint some Gators this weekend. My plan is to get my Warbeasts and Warlock done first before my Units so that my son and I can practice with some 'Tooth & Claw' games.
 
So up first for the Gatorman was 'Blackhide Wrastler'.
 
Blackhide Wrastler
Blackhide Wrastler
Painting Points: 5
 

December 26, 2015

WM: Mercenaries Eiryss, Angel of Retribution (Solo)

First off, if I have any Canadian or English readers out there, Happy Boxing Day!
 
With yesterday being Christmas, it usually means we are all home not doing much until Christmas dinner is ready. So after opening presents and getting my daily bicycle ride in, I decided to do some more painting.
 
In the morning my son said I should I paint Eiryss, Angel of Retribution next, so yesterday I was able to complete her from start to finish.
 
Eiryss, Angel of Retribution
 
Eiryss, Angel of Retribution
Painting Points: 1
 

December 25, 2015

WM: Mercenaries Cylena Raefyll & Nyss Hunters (Unit)

First off I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas 2015! I know it is a bit late in the day already, but I finally was able to get some time to write this post.
 
Well the last 10 models for my 'original planned' list for the Las Vegas Open in February is now completed. Having Christmas Eve off from work, I was able to sit down at the painting table and knock this Unit out. My goal with them was just a 'table top' quality paint job, and I am actually quite happy how they turned out.
 
Cylena Raefyll & Nyss Hunters
Cylena Raefyll & Nyss Hunters
Up next will probably be Eiryss, Angel of Retribution a Mecanary Solo, then after that I am undecided. I can add more to my Khador Army, or start on some Hordes. I am leaning towards starting my Gators for Hordes.
 
I also may make a slight change in my list for the LVO (swapping out Sorscha 2 for Butcher) but all the models needed are done. Butcher is more of my play style (having him go in for the Assination), but I still need to playtest Sorscha with the full 50 points.
 
Painting Points: 10
 

December 24, 2015

Battle Report: WM 12/23/2015 Khador vs Cygnar (35 Points)

Another practice game for my son and I last night, once again we played 35 Points so I can get more familiar with my army and time management, and once again I was cutting it pretty close with my clock.
 
I was down to my final 8 minutes and down 2 Control Points to 0 and I saw an opening and I figure I better go for it. Cygnar left their Warcaser Stryker in nice LOS of my Warcaster Sorscha. I first moved Conquest up 4 inches to get a bit closer so that all his guns would have range on Stryker. I then Activated Sorscha and moved her 6 inches and getting Stryker within her Control Range. I then popped Sorscha's Feat which doubles any damage above the targets ARM without Immunity: Cold. I had 2 Focus on her so I decided to try and cast Razor Wind against Stryker, but failed. Then it was time for Conquest to take his shot. With his Main Guns I boosted the Attack and just barely got a hit on Stryker. I then boosted his Damage roll and did 9 points of damage. With Damage being doubled by Sorscha's Feat, Conquest did 18 points of damage which outright killed Stryker. What a lucky shot. If Conquest would have failed, my Winter Guard were going to move into position to do a Combine Range attack against Stryker which I know would have finished him off.
 
35 Points "Incursion"

Player 1: Dragi
Faction: Cygnar

Lord Commander Stryker
- Squire
- Ol' Rowdy
- Stormclad
Journeyman Warcaster
Stormblade Infantry - Leader & 5 Grunts
- Stormblade Infantry Officer & Standard
Sword Knights - Leader & 9 Grunts
- Sword Knight Officer & Standard


Player 2: Dean
Faction: Khador

Forward Kommander Sorscha
- Sylys Wyshnalyrr
- Conquest
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich
Gobber Tinker
Winter Guard Infantry - Leader & 9 Grunts
- Winter Guard Officer & Standard
- 2 Rocketeer's
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt
Winter Guard Mortar Crew

35 Points of Khador completely painted.
Sorscha see's her opening on Stryker.
 
 

December 21, 2015

WM: Khador Conquest (Colossal)

My big guy is completed...Khador Conquest, my first Colossal for Warmachine. I painted him a little bit each night last week and then completed him last night. At a whopping 19 points, he currently is my only Warjack for my Las Vegas list (I am debating on bringing a second list more melee oriented around Butcher that does have 3 Warjacks, though I am still undecided).
 
I have 1 more Unit to paint for my 50 point Sorscha 2 list for Las Vegas. Once that Unit is completed, I will then decide if I want to continue painting more Khador for the Butcher list, or move onto some Hordes models.
Conquest
 
Conquest
Painting Points: 25
 

December 15, 2015

Battle Report: WM 12/14/2015 Khador vs Cygnar (35 Points)

Last night I met my son for another practice game at our LGS (Empire Games) to get ready for the LVO. It is my second game playing with the Steamroller 2015 scenarios (first game was last week which I lost, not documented). We have been testing with 35 point lists so I can familiarize myself more with the rules and my army before we make the jump to 50 points.
 
We have also been playing with the Death Clock since all games at the LVO will be using this format. Time management has been hurting me in these 2 games. The first game I lost because my time expired, and last night I got the win via Assasination just as time expired.
 
35 Points "Close Quarters"
 
Player 1: Dragi
Faction: Cygnar
 
Lord Commander Stryker
- Squire
- Ol' Rowdy
- Stormclad
Journeyman Warcaster
Stormblade Infantry - Leader & 5 Grunts
- Stormblade Infantry Officer & Standard
Sword Knights - Leader & 9 Grunts
- Sword Knight Officer & Standard


Player 2: Dean
Faction: Khador

Forward Kommander Sorscha
- Sylys Wyshnalyrr
- Conquest
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich
Gobber Tinker
Winter Guard Infantry - Leader & 9 Grunts
- Winter Guard Officer & Standard
- 2 Rocketeer's
Lady Aiyana & Master Holt
Winter Guard Mortar Crew

During deployment I had forgotten that my 'Flag' does not award me any Control Points unless it is controlled by my Warcaster. I used my Winter Guard to go for my 'Flag', it worked out in the end since they were used to defend my Flag, but I should have ran that Unit to capture my opponents Flag and use Conquest to defend my own. Lesson learned, that's what these practice games are for.

Due to 'Kill Box' I was able to receive 2 Control Points at the end of Turn 2. My son then received 1 Control Point when he eliminated a WG on my Flag. After a few long distance shots at Stryker through out the game, I was able to finish him off with a Combined Melee Attack from my Winter Guard using Kovnik's speech that granted me +3 STR and Lady Aiyana's 'Kiss of Lyliss'.

A lot of painting for him to complete for Las Vegas.
Stormclad struck out swinging against the Winter Guard.
Winter Guard preparing to finish off Stryker.
 
 
 
 
 

December 14, 2015

Hordes: Minions Gobber Tinker (Solo)

It was a pretty sucessful weekend for me, along with finishing Sylys on Friday night, Saturday I spent the day working on a Minion Solo, Gobber Tinker.

That is one thing that I really enjoy about Warmachine/Hordes, I love the look of the models and enjoy painting them, especially models like Gobber that are a little different.

Gifted with an innate mechanikal aptitude, gobbers often find themselves in high demand on the battlefields of western Immoren. Almost every commanding officer can find a use for a talented gobber tinker. Armed with their tools and a trusty sidearm, tinkers can develop a reputation for solid work in harsh conditions and make considerable fortunes—if they survive the rigors of war.

Gobber Tinker
Gobber Tinker



Painting Points: 2

December 13, 2015

WM: Mercenaries Sylys Wyshnalyrr (Solo)

I a so glad most of my TV shows are done until after winter break, I am able to get more and more Warmachine models completed. Friday afternoon/night I started and completed my Sylys Wyshnalyrr, a Mercenary for hire.
 
An Iosan scholar well versed in the arcane arts, Sylys Wyshnalyrr barters his talents to the armies of the Iron Kingdoms in exchange for access to their libraries and safe passage across their lands. Given Sylys’ attention, even the most puissant warcaster would find his own sorcerous ability strengthened, gaining an invaluable edge in battle.

 
Sylys Wyshnalyrr
Sylys Wyshnalyrr
Painting Points: 1
 

December 11, 2015

WM: Khador Great Bears Of Gallowswood (Unit)

Last night I was able to complete yet another Unit for my Khador Army, the Great Bears Of Gallowswood. Once I get going on a deadline, I just roll them out. Grant it none of my paint jobs are of excellent quality, but at least they are table-top worthy and I can play with a painted army.
 
Completing this Unit just puts me over 50% for models completed that I need for the Las Vegas Open (in less than 2 months). More than likely I will be adding a Unit of Widowmakers to the paint queue just in case I decide to go with a different list (Butcher Warcasters).
 
My goal is to have my 50 point list completed by the end of this month (December), then more than likely will slowly start on some Hordes models (with a few Khador mix-ins to change it up a bit).
 
Great Bears Of Gallowswood: Yarovich/Volkov/Kolsk
Great Bears Of Gallowswood: Yarovich/Volkov/Kolsk
Painting Points: 3
 

December 10, 2015

WM: Khador Koldun Kapitan Valachev (Unit)

At the same time I was painting my Forward Kommander Sorscha, I decided to paint my Kodun Kapitan Valechev. The colors were very similar and I need to save as much time as possible.
Koldun Kapitan Valachev is a Unit Attachment for my Khador Army, and will be used as an attachment for my Nyss Hunters Unit.
 
Koldun Kapitan Valachev brings the iron strength of the Motherland to mercenary units fortunate enough to serve under his command. Skilled in the dark sorcery of the Greylords, he can chill enemies with icy blasts, propel his unit upfield on freezing winds, or remove debilitating magic afflicting his men. Those serving under him are truly part of Khadoran military machine.
Koldun Kapitan Valachev

 
Koldun Kapitan Valachev
Painting Points: 1
 

December 9, 2015

WM: Khador Forward Kommander Sorscha (Warcaster)

We're rolling rolling rolling getting models done for the Warmachine Las Vegas Open in February 2016.
 
I was able to get two more models done this past weekend.
 
First up, we have Forward Kommander Sorscha.
 
I thought the ice on her was going to give me issues, but I am quite happy on how it turned out.
 
Forward Kommander Sorscha
 
Forward Kommander Sorscha
Painting Points: 1
 

December 7, 2015

2016 Lock & Load Badges Are On Sale!

 
Badges for Lock & Load 2016 are now on sale!

As we announced last week, Lock & Load GameFest 2016 is going to be even more unique than Lock & Load experiences of years past, thanks to changes in our annual schedule. We’ve decided to make Lock & Load the anchor for the year. This means all of our organized play seasons will begin and end at Lock & Load GameFest—right alongside our Iron Gauntlet World Championship. The annual Keynote Panel has also been moved to Lock & Load, so if you want to know about the hottest upcoming releases from Privateer Press, you don’t want to miss this event.
 
Badges for the event are now on sale—$72 for a will-call badge or $75 for a shipped badge. With badges now available, you should book your hotel room right away! This year, we’ve set up three blocks of rooms for the event with three excellent area hotels. As an incentive to book your room in our block, we’re offering a free exclusive miniature to anyone who stays in our block for both Friday and Saturday night! Each room reservation that spans those two nights will receive two copies of the miniature, so you won’t have to argue with your roommate about who gets it! This year’s exclusive model will be a special variant model of Colbie from the Black River Irregulars. Colbie will come complete with a stat card so she can be played in your WARMACHINE army at the show and beyond. There will be a standard release of Colbie at a later date, but you can secure this Lock & Load exclusive sculpt and start playing Colbie in June by booking your hotel with our partners.
 
© Privateer Press Inc. All Rights Reserved
 
*Work in progress, final product may change

We hope that all of you can join us this June for Lock & Load GameFest 2016. It is no exaggeration to say it is the weekend we all look forward to most each year. To all of our friends from Lock & Loads past, we’ll see you sooner than you think, and to the new friends who will make it out for the first time this year, we can’t wait to meet you!

To purchase your badge, click here.
 
To book your room and receive our special rate, call the listed number and mention the Lock & Load GameFest or click the listed link to book online.
Coast Hotel Bellevue—425.455.9444 or book online.
Courtyard Marriott—425.454.5888 or book online.
Hilton Bellevue—1.800.643.7907 or use group code LOCKCI and book online.
 
 
Since I just recently gotten back into Warmachine/Hordes and we are attending the LVO Open in February, I thought why not and let's attend the 2016 Lock & Load. The other day I booked our hotel room at the Hilton (before they sold out) and today the badges were purchased for the both of us. I am not sure how many tournaments I will play at this event, I may be going to attend the seminars. We shall see when they finally release all the event information.