Follow the ETC 2012

http://etc40k.wordpress.com/

Use the above link to follow the progress of the teams involved including Scotland :), so you may even see some of me up on there - winning hopefully, lol.

Forged for Battle - Canoptek Acanthrites

Can be seen here

So FW have released a new Necron unit the Canoptek Acanthrites. These guys look pretty awesome and in fact pretty scary too from a cinematic point of view, buzzing around with all those blades. So in terms of model it’s a win for me and a future purchase (a given really).

The big question for me is are they better than or equal to Wraiths which these are just a variant of, from a game play point of view. That is because both are Fast Attack choices, Jump Infantry and have Rending so very similar.

So on the plus side are more durable as while the loose the 3++ save, T5 W3 and Stealth is better at keeping them alive against most weapon big and small, although if you have crazy hot dice all the time then nothing can stop a Wraith no matter what hits them although im sure most people would agree they tend not to have that kind of luck when needed. From an offensive point of view they are worse losing an attack, the option for whip coils and St6 is a massive blow and means they can get bogged down in combat easily for their points. Also not being able to ignore terrain will slow them down which will also hinder them. The only offensive advantage they have is the Cutting Beam which while useful can only offset the amount of time in a protracted combat not help them win it.

If I were to use these in an army it would have to be a largish squad of 6-9 to maximise the durability of the unit that can really anchor a flank or tie up anything that’s not a GK’s squad of any type with a Force Weapon.

So are the better than a Wraith being my initial questions, well at the moment no they are not. Wraiths are just cheaper and better at what they are meant to do these are not, but in no way are they a bad unit in fact there a very good unit for what points you pay, they’re just not Wraith good, which if you take a look at the UK Tournament scene at the moment is full of them, attesting to their potent nature.

Hobby update

So Battlefield Birmingham is now over and i ended up taking 23/38 which im very happy with considering the lack of playtesting and lack of any plan in the construction of the army, so just below midway is an achivment especially considering over 25% of all armies present were Grey Knights (BOO!).

So i would like to thank Harry for organising the event and also my 5 opponants Matt, Adam, Gaz, James and Andy for 5 fun games that i learnt a lot from.

The main thing i learnt though from the whole event is how much fun i can have with the Tyranid dex and glad to announce that i have submitted my list for the 40K UK GT and it will be another random and seemingly confused list that will keep me entertained for a weekends gaming. So if anyone has any opinions please comment.


Tyranid Prime80
Boneswords x2 10
Deathspitter 5
Adrenal Gland 10 105

Hive Guard x3 150

Zoanthropes x3 180
Mycetic Spore 40

Doom of Malan’tai 90
Mycetic Spore 40

Genestelers x8 112

Termagants x15 75
Devourers 75 150

Tervigon 160
Catalyst 15
Scything Talons 5 180

Mawloc 170

Tyrannofex 250
Rupture Cannon 15
Cluster Spines 0 265

Tyrannofex 250
Rupture Cannon 15
Cluster Spines 0 265

Total Points 1747

I miss my Blog.... It will be returning soon.

Just a heads up, its been almost a year since i last post and have missed out on posting loads of really good content so will be back soon with some coverage of Battlefield Birmingham which takes place this coming weekend, where i well be taking my Tyanid Army.

Also i will be covering where my Raptors army is now, my thoughts on the new Eldar Corsair list form IA 11, the planning for the UK Games Expo as well as the 40kUK GT and also the buildup to this years ETC in Poland where i will be the Scottish Vice Captain this year. So stick around there is a lot to come.

Wraithseer

Behold the dead are marching to war once again.... Well having picked up this model on Sunday its now compleate within 3 days so I'm very happy. The colour scheme is the start of my own Craftworld who's name and back story is yet to be written but I'm hoping to do that soon. As a project overall though these guys are to distract and not take over as my Raptors and Orks are in more need at this time for there own reasons mentioned in other articles. The plan is every 2-3 weeks paint up a small unit and by the time i want to play ill have a core force ready to go. Ill be working on my troops 1st and Wraithguard as i can only take the Wraithseer as a HQ if i also have Wraithguard which is a pain but i can live with it. Well that's it for now laters.

FW Open Day - My review

Well first off id like to say thanks to all the people i got to speak to on the day from fellow Bloggers such as Sorrowshard, fellow Freebootas and gamers from around my local area that made the trip to WW to share there resin addictions with the rest of us.

So what did i think of the day?

Overall it was a lot of fun, there were a lot of people there as expected (obviously those who prioritise resin over there mothers) and overall more or less the same as the previous years that I've been. What were the good bits then?

Well having access to the all the FW staff and designers means you get a really personnel feel from the company and a lot of insight into how they work and the thinking that goes into all there kits.

The ability to buy pre-release stuff is also a nice thing and this years releases were amazing, more so in person, than any picture Ive seen to date especially the RoB expansion tile which is a must get (note a trench tile maybe in the works). What i also liked about this was they limited how much of the show model you could order to 1 and made you order the rest so that everyone could get one - they should have done this years ago.

The reservation system was also much improved as you paid and collected on the day which is much better than the system at games day.

What were the bad bits?

The que as it lasted forever. Now this is partly there fault and partly unavoidable. The problem was having only 2 tills and 1 card reader as the venue didn't have a socket for a 2nd machine. Well that is something that cannot be helped but they should no this in advance and warned people to pay cash to speed things up.

The cabinets, by this i mean there back catalogue of models were no where to be seen only the really recent stuff which was a shame and made it feel very empty. I like looking through the older stuff as sometime you forget a certain part and it can inspire you when you see it in person to want to buy it.

No new game, all the had was a rehashed titan game from last year which while cool and I'm sure exciting for new people was a bit blah for the vets. I really think they should have some cool tables and have some cool events or scenarios that involves there figures.

Did anything you did/saw really stand out?

The new Dark Eldar were a bit of a surprise and a good one. The chance to look though IA 11 was cool although its much further of than i would like. And special mention goes to the Phantom Titan which needs to be seen to be truly appreciated it is immense for all the right reasons.

Did you buy anything?

Well dur it would be rude not to although my budget this year is super tight, i managed to convince myself i needed the Show Only Boarding Marine which is cool and comes with a combi melta which is always useful and i also bought a Wraithseer as its like sex on legs amongst the already stunning Eldar line. Pictures of that will be up soon as Ive already almost finished painting it.

Would you go again?

Forgeworld day = Me there, i wouldn't miss it no matter how bad a day it is i love my resin.

Badab Objective Markers

Well been relaxing the last few days and put these together as a bit of fun and variation in the painting schedule, with the thinking of the Raptors doing battle over hotly contested ground fought over by there allies.

I'm really happy with the Marine Errant (in the centre) i actually enjoyed painting him the Star Phantom and the Red Scorpion were fun but glad i only have to do as one offs.

So from now (at least for the next couple of weeks) on the painting bench will be green with Orks as i game with my Raptors which is giving me some good hobby structure while the stress of buying and moving into a new house fills real life with stress!!!!!

The WAAAAGH is brewing

Its been a while so what have i been doing? With a local Tourney im attending (Immortals Warzone in Birmingham) coming up in a couple of weeks im adding the finishing touches to my 1750 Ork army that ill be taking (see above) which i only have 12 more lootaz to go on top of the 12 i have already done, much Dakka in this list. The biggest problem with the army i will be facing is i wont have any chance to actually playtest the list properly before the event itself which will suck but im confident enough to do well with it regardless (famous last words). Overall the quality of the list is somewhat irrelevent thought as this event itself is serving as the initial testbed for my ETC ork army so whatever i learn will be well analysed for future events so i can refine it more so for when it heads to the big time. As well as my Orks my Raptors are now compleate for now minus some Badab themed objective markers which i hope to show in the next couple of days and also some pics of my more recent works as i play in my clubs campaign which starts next week. I also hope to do a review of the FW open day which is on this sunday and is one of my favorite days of the year so really looking forward to that.

BREAKING NEWS

I am pleased to announce i have been welcomed aboard the Scottish Team for this years ETC in Switzerland in August this year.

This is a massive achievement for me as it represents the biggest and best of what the gaming side of the hobby can be. Having 30+ countries all coming together to compete for who will be world champions.

Currently ill be taking an Ork army of some form (although this may change) but hope to add a series of articles describing my journey there. Obviously team secrets will remain as such and my final list will remain hidden till they are all announced closer the time . Hope this is something you will enjoy as much as I will.

Caestus Assault Ram

Been meaning to post this for a while so here it goes.

The 1st Company so far

25% of the 1st Company is now finished. Not sure how much further i want to go with this. Another Sternguard unit is likely as they are always a star performer and maybe a Vaguard unit just to fill the gap of not having a unit of them yet. A Character or 2 will also be added so they will act like a self contained force in any future Apoc games i plan on using them in.

The 3rd unit of terminators are finally done.

Well that's me finally back on the updates, in the next few days ill have a quick run down of my tournament experience with my IG, a few pics of Ceatus Assault Ram, details of some future tourneys i plan on attending and announce a new segment that will run during my clubs Badab War Campaign.

IG Update - 1 Week gone, 1 Week to go

My Commissar Lord, who was missing in the last pics as i lost him but he has now been rescued and back on active duty.

And the army so far, mostly the tanks are done and ive since finished the tracks but otherwise a good weeks work.

Hopefull in a few days I can show off the finished army. And to the Badab lovers out there I will soon be back with some new updates on my Raptors so watch out!

IG Tourney Army - Progress so far.

Well as part of my new years resolution of entering more tournaments, ive come up with this IG army put togeher using parts of my Armeggeddon Steel Legion and Tank Companies to take to the first one this year. The event (Caladonian Uprising) is on the 22/23rd of this month so as you can see there is a lot to be done still, but i have a little confidence that ill manage it.

Ill try and post another pic next week to show my progress and the army list is bellow.

1750 Pts - 5th Edition Roster

HQ: Lord Commissar (1#, 80 pts)
1 Lord Commissar @ 80 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Refractor Field; Bolt Pistol; Power Weapon; Aura of Discipline; Independent Character; Summary Execution; Stubborn)

Elite: Psyker Battle Squad (8#, 135 pts)
6 Psyker Battle Squad @ 135 pts (Psyker (Santioned Psykers Only); Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Close Combat Weapon x6; Laspistol x6; Psychic Choir; Ultimate Sanction; Soulstorm; Weaken Resolve)
1 Overseer (Flak Armour; Close Combat Weapon; Laspistol)
1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)

Elite: Ratling Squad (4#, 40 pts)
4 Ratling Squad @ 40 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Laspistol x4; Sniper Rifle x4; Infiltrate; Stealth)

Troops: Infantry Platoon (28#, 367 pts)
1 Infantry Platoon @ 367 pts
4 Platoon Command Squad (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x4; Lasgun x2; Plasmagun x2)
1 Platoon Commander (Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon; Bolter; Junior Officer)

1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)

7 Infantry Squad (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x7; Flak Armour; Lasgun x7; Combined Squad)
1 Heavy Weapons Team (Lascannon; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x1; Flak Armour; Lasgun x1)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)

1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)

7 Infantry Squad (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x7; Flak Armour; Lasgun x7; Combined Squad)
1 Heavy Weapons Team (Lascannon; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x1; Flak Armour; Lasgun x1)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)

1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)

Troops: Infantry Platoon (28#, 347 pts)
1 Infantry Platoon @ 347 pts
4 Platoon Command Squad (Unit Type: Infantry; Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x4; Lasgun x3; Flamer x1)
1 Platoon Commander (Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Bolt Pistol; Power Weapon; Junior Officer)

1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)

7 Infantry Squad (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x7; Flak Armour; Lasgun x7; Combined Squad)
1 Heavy Weapons Team (Lascannon; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x1; Flak Armour; Lasgun x1)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)

1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)

7 Infantry Squad (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x7; Flak Armour; Lasgun x7; Combined Squad)
1 Heavy Weapons Team (Missile Launcher; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon x1; Flak Armour; Lasgun x1)
1 Sergeant (Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Laspistol; Close Combat Weapon)

1 Chimera (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Multi-Laser; Amphibious; Mobile Command Vehicle)

Fast Attack: Hellhound Squadron (1#, 130 pts)
1 Hellhound Squadron @ 130 pts
1 Hellhound (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank, Fast); Inferno Cannon; Heavy Bolter)

Fast Attack: Hellhound Squadron (1#, 130 pts)
1 Hellhound Squadron @ 130 pts
1 Bane Wolf (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank, Fast); Chem Cannon; Heavy Bolter)

Heavy Support: Leman Russ Squadron (1#, 180 pts)
1 Leman Russ Squadron @ 180 pts
1 Leman Russ Demolisher (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Demolisher Siege Cannon; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon; Lumbering Behemoth)

Heavy Support: Leman Russ Squadron (1#, 180 pts)
1 Leman Russ Squadron @ 180 pts
1 Leman Russ Demolisher (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Demolisher Siege Cannon; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon; Lumbering Behemoth)

Heavy Support: Manticore Rocket Launcher (1#, 160 pts)
1 Manticore Rocket Launcher @ 160 pts (Unit Type: Vehicle (Tank); Storm Eagle Rockets; Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Limited Ammunition)

Total Roster Cost: 1749

Hobby Resolutions for 2011

1) Play a minimum 104, 40k games averaging 2 per week

2) Enter 4 tourneys over the year

3) Run 2 successful campaigns at my gaming club

4) Play at least 1 6k+ game with my Orks in Apocalypse

5) Play at least 2 other games of Apocalypse

6) Get more involved with the UK ‘Bootaz and relating events

7) Compleate 1 Battle Company of my Raptors

Well thats my aims for this year, and i hope to keep coming back to them as i get closer to compleating them and provide a write up.

Veterans of the 1st Company

Ive just finished up the another Terminator squad and starting work on a 3rd which will most likely be the last as with the Sternguard gives me 25% of the first company members and for now thats all I wish for. Saying that another Sternguard unit isnt out the question and a Vanguard squad would be kinda cool and then another 5 man Termie unit would give me half the 1st company hmmm.

Most recent finished squad.

The unit that was dropped from my tourney list but painted before i had decided that.

The future squad, just need to wait to the new year to order the shoulder pads from FW.

Land Raider Achillies "Thunderchild"

Well as it was my birthday last week and ive been off ill sick ive manaaged to get this newest addition to my Raptors finished.

Along with news the IA 10 is due early next month with the slightly modified version of the rules for this beast, then it just shows how good a time it is to be working on a Badab themed army at this moment in time.

Boarding Action Marines V1

Well here is my 1st attempt for some C&C

1000 Pts - Space Marines Roster

HQ: Master of the Forge (1#, 125 pts)
1 Master of the Forge @ 125 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Artificer Armour; Servo Harness; Digital Weapons; Bolt Pistol; Power Sword; And They Shall Know No Fear; Blessing of the Omnissiah; Bolster Defenses; Combat Tactics; Independent Character)
1 Servo Harness

Elite: Techmarine (1#, 65 pts)
1 Techmarine @ 65 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Artificer Armour; Servo Arm; Bolt Pistol; Power Weapon; And They Shall Know No Fear; Blessing of the Omnissiah; Bolster Defenses; Combat Tactics; Independent Character)
1 Servo Arm

Elite: Terminator Assault Squad (5#, 200 pts)
4 Terminator Assault Squad @ 200 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield x4; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield x1; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)

Elite: Terminator Squad (5#, 230 pts)
4 Terminator Squad @ 230 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Power Fist x4; Storm Bolter x3; Assault Cannon; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Power Sword; Storm Bolter; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)

Troops: Tactical Squad (10#, 185 pts)
9 Tactical Squad @ 185 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x7; Flamer; Multi-Melta; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol; Power Weapon x1; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)

Troops: Tactical Squad (10#, 195 pts)
9 Tactical Squad @ 195 pts (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol x9; Bolter x7; Flamer; Missile Launcher; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)
1 Sergeant (Unit Type: Infantry; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Power Armour; Bolt Pistol; Power Fist x1; And They Shall Know No Fear; Combat Squads; Combat Tactics)

Total Roster Cost: 1000

Where next.

Well although ill be working with a new yet undetermined army for the Calidonian Conflict, i will be carrying on with my Raptors in preperation for my campaign next year.

The way im going to do this is building the army to be playable for the specific GW expansions. What i would like you guys to suggest is which expansion i should work on first be.

Options are:
Planetstrike - Both a 2500p Attacker and Defender list
Cities of Death - 1000p
Spearhead - 2500p
Boarding Actions (IA 9) - 1000p

Apocalypse will be a future project ill do when all the others are compleate so i can take a look on my entire collection and fill in any gaps and see if any themes can be expanded.

Please post and discuss below and hopefully in a weeks time ill announce my descision.

Freeboota Open quick review

Well its the 1st day back and still exhausted after a long week end of gaming and drinking. The weekend itself was split into 2 events a singles 1750 points on the Saturday with my Raptors and a doubles 1500 points on the Sunday with my Iron Warriors both 4 rounds, so that’s 8 games in one weekend. I’m not going into batreps but will give a brief overview of what i played and any key moments i had in the game.

So day one started with me very hung-over but ready for the challenge ahead. 1st thing i noticed was that although this was a tourney a fair few of big UK tourney players had made it down - the competition had arrived. There were also 36 players involved.

Game 1 - Vs Tim King with Eldar
Mission - Head-hunter (wipe out squad leaders for points)
His list was a Ulthwe list fairly fluffy footdar led by Eldrad but being played with the Captain of the Scottish ETC team, not the easy start i was looking forward to.
Key moment was the Sturnguard coming down scattering into a better position then combat squading, shooting down a Avatar to a wound and half Guardian squad which essential gave me a flank that he tried to defend, but was over run by my out flankers.
Win to me

Game 2 - Sam with Space Wolves
Escape the flood (both armies start on one side of the board but with objective going to the other side)
Logan with Wolf Guard Termies some Drop Pods, Rhinos, Land Raiders and 2x Long Fangs was a good list but played in a mission that i would struggle to loose as it was ruled i could out flank straight onto the furthest and most valuable objective.
Key moment was the Sturnguard again coming down wiping out a unit of gray hunters and rune priest in a round of shooting.
Win for me

Game 3 - Gary Marsh with Witch Hunters
Race for the loot (grab objectives and take them to your deployment zone)
Standard list that you’d expect to see with 3 exorcists played by a guy who new the army inside out and the army itself was gorgeous to look out and won best painted overall.
As good as the last mission was good for me this was the opposite and against such a experienced player i was never going to win so played for the draw.
Key moment not reading the mission properly and letting him have two objectives to my one although i was only 2 inches away from a draw.
Loss for me

Game 4 - Stu with Chaos SM
Retrieve the Spy (nominate an enemy unit that you have an spy in, kill the unit and get the spy back to your deployment zone)
A fellow ‘Boota and a great opponent with a mixed up chaos list with Kharn the Betrayer a brutal fight and a narrow victory at the end.
Key moment for a 3rd time was the Sturnguard who dropped crippled and then ied up a Tzeentch Daemon prince and killed a Defiler, stars of the whole event.
Win for me

So that’s my quick round up for day one, as the doubles didn’t involve my Raptors im not interested in going into that but I did finish with 2 wins and 2 losses so a decent enough result for the day.

The overall feeling i got from the event was a positive one with a good mix of gamers and some fun missions (although they were written poorly, it worked out on the day). My biggest criticism for it was the scoring and random match ups which made little sense and didn’t seemed to have any intelligent thought behind it more what was easy and simple rather than sensible and logical.

Also sorry for the poor English used in this but fatigue has set in.

Land Raider Achilles

So Forgeworld have released there latest SM vehicle the Land Raider Achilles, and a lot of talk of is it over powered or underpowered has been splattered all over the internet.

So why am I interested in this, well first of all I’m a resin junkie which doesn’t help, second I’m working on a SM army, not only that its a tanks being released with the Badab war in mind - something I’m also interested in due to the army I’m doing, forth its a siege tank which i have soft spot for, and being a fan of that style of play this tank fits and last of all its new and shiny.

So my initial thoughts when i read the rules were this is a little too expensive compared to the existing LR variants and here is my run down of thoughts that came to that.

Weapons - Below par against a regular LR, too short range and random mix (although not bad)
Transport - Far below and no assault ramp makes this only useful as a gun platform
Durability - Amazing compared to everything but do you really want a 300 point tank that wont die vs. one that is cheaper and more useful overall, I’m not sure.

Having had a few days of thinking about it and discussing it with some of my gaming group my thoughts have not changed. I understand a lot of people are expecting this to just sit on objectives with scouts of something’s inside to make it scoring, but i just think that makes it more expensive and for a tank that needs to move round to be effective i think this tactic is being wasteful.

So what my conclusion, rules wise I like it, on face value I don’t think its 50pts better than a normal LR but it makes up for it in not dying which is nice, I also like the fact that meltas don’t work as hopefully it will encourage people to use less of them and bring lascannons (and not millions of missile launchers) back into there lists. Its a true metagame changer or as much as a FW unit can be depending if there played or not and for that reason I give it a thumbs up.

Hopefully ill pick one up for Christmas and give is some test runs in the new year and do a re-review then.