Epic - Black Templars - Zeal

Well...

They're done! The brotherhood of the zealous...

Finished up in a flurry or urgency on Friday night (for no really tangible reason but) before the following day's club meet (maybe because deadlines help).

As it so happened they got a run on the table (hahaha, no, not all of them) and partook in their first (of probably many) defeats.

Relief. 

Being able to look for other more competitive projects/armies perhaps. A sense of completion for sure.

From this, small beginnings...

To an army with pretty much all the available units (sans-land raiders) available in multiple quantities...
Stormraven transports for Tacticals and Neophytes... 

command units in Rhino transports...

dreadnoughts in drop pods (a couple of them anyways)...

whirlwinds, fighters, stalkers and terminators in thunderhawks...

dreads again... bloody showboaters...

the lord marshal (supreme commander)...

sword brethren in drop pods...

tanks, bikes and speeders to round things out...

I did set them up on meet day - the first opportunity i'd had since finishing the last units (amongst other things) the night before. Safe to say it did bring a big ol' grin to my face once the setup was done and all my little soldiers were neatly shoulder to shoulder.

[later: just did a calc, that's just shy of 10,000 points - take the battle barge upgrade an you're over.]


update 20200130
Ended up putting the AC/WE on stands. Using the 33mm and 60mm acrylic disks and some clear perspex rods - glad i got spares after all. These are glued in place, so permanent. Each disk has two rods - front and back to help with balance and weight distribution - unlike the xiphons which are single rod (but very light).

The fliers are raised to they're just off the deck. Generally they'll be doing landing/air assault, so probably more appropriate from that perspective. Also keeps the centre of gravity lower, so less likely to topple.

At Cancon I found that when they unloaded, having heaps of troops around the model was really... 'expansive' - especially the Landing Craft, the Thunderhawks weren't as bad. This way the models can even pack in under those gigantic wings.
I really like the Landing Craft/Stormbirds but the wings are fricken massive. Makes decent placement on the board when you're playing a bit tiresome... looks cool though :)


[update 20220307]

wow, over 2 years ago since I posted this.
In recent times I've been getting into the 2021-2022 resurrection of Kill Team and have made some 28mm models as a space marine proxy team. GW also released Black Templars as a feature faction for 40k, similar to the Blood Angels, so with strongly themed upgrades etc.

Included in this was an upgraded Emperor's champion, and I picked one of those up at Cancon 2022 for cheap(er). I was also contemplating either using it or picking up another one to use as a blitz objective (statue) for Epic. And today I ordered one. Why not.  I also ordered a set of the BT dice they released a while back.  I have death guard dice for that army and it seems appropriate that my main army is also appropriately accessorised... or something.

Anyway, will drop a pic of the statueified results here when that happens.

[update 20220311]
Now with dice-iness...

Until next time...

New Terrain - Large and Medium Hills

[Original Draft - 20191230]

In a fit of optimism (or hope) i decided that with the potential for the Epic scene to grow in 2020 it might be an idea to aim for an 'official' third table of terrain.

From ebay i picked up another expensive blanket (aka cigar-box terrain battle mat). I did investigate deepcut studios and cigar-box battles from the manufacturers but these options were CRAZY expensive once you add shipping and exchange rate. Couldn't justify it.

[Aside: I don't think i mentioned but i sold out of SW Legion (models sold, terrain donated to CoD). Wasn't a system that really grabbed me. The rules were ok but i just generally like the 40k fluff over SW.  Anyway, found a buyer and decided to put the proceeds toward Epic terrain.]

So now i have one neoprene mat and two blankets. The second blanket is a 'summer' version of the winter scrublands mat i already have. So a bit of minor variation.

[later 2020-02: at cancon (a few short weeks later) i picked up a second neoprene mat from battlefield-accessories, so it's now 2:2]

To compliment the purchase i decided to make some large hills. I was contemplating a hive city but opted for a far easier option given a) no filament printer to run into the ground with panels, b) no desire to learn how to cast resin wall segments.

Bought some mdf placemats and had styrofoam lying about from the new bbq. Time to get old school!

This is the initial stack up of foam. Glue and bamboo skewers to hold everything more or less in place.

The placemats were all cut into rounded shapes rather than left rectangular for these pieces.

A comparative-size shot using some of the new tactical sticks. Far larger than any of the other hills I've made.

Generally also bigger than any other terrain pieces i've done.
The idea of the hills is to form groupings using the large, medium and small pieces.  The hills are intended to work as impassible terrain.
Once i've finished off all the pieces i'll take everything out and work out which terrain bits work best on each of the 3 maps/mats (colour-wise) - get some recommended assemble ideas together.
[BTW: i did finally paint on the numbers into the area terrain forest pieces. Used washes but it still looks a bit sh!t - but then it's not intended to have trees off except for model placement anyway.]

Required tools. Nice and easy.

Forming the gross shape with the scroll saw - also used an unattached hacksaw blade for cutting too.

Then melted away the hard edges with the portable flame dispenser. Not really looking for texture effect here, just shaping. The flame makes the process a bit more unpredictable too which is nice.

Cover everything with plaster (bought a new tub and have really dug into it too). Was a two step process on the large hills. First to fill divots and provide a 'key'. Then added a second layer by hand to help smooth the surfaces bit and cover any exposed foam.

All the rough was sanded out once dry (finally a use for the summer heatwave).

More or less done with the sculpting. I'll be added texture where i want it using glue and sand (rather than foam and flame). Wanted these all quite smooth before starting that. Fits better with the aesthetics of the existing hills and basing.

I also started work on a second series of 'medium' hills. I have two existing hills of about the same size (a touch lower perhaps). Should help mix the terrain options up even further.
Large hill in the back as a size comparison.  Four Mediums based on two more cut up placemats.

[update: 2020-01-02]
gave everything a solid brush down to remove loose, clinging dust. Then got some random-ish sand glued on. Not sure if i want to apply a second layer or not...
will probably give it today to dry then drush down to remove any loose grains. then on to paint.

[update: 2020-01-03]

yeah, so i clearly can't stick to a plan... or am overly motivated... or random. anyway, more progress.

I started with 'Apollo Grey', but ran out, not buying more of this hideously expensive paint so everything got finished with 'Rocky Dam' instead. Not particularly fussed if the terrain pieces aren't entirely unified, will probably drop on an extra wash before starting with the dry brushing however.

Really liking the way these are turning out. Is a similar texture to the previous 'large' hills so happy to continue.

ahhhh, update: so, i ended up being worried about a unified finish after all... this is not your surprised face... and redid all the hills. Fortunately not a huge project.


[update: 2020-01-14]

While this is not the newest of new news (a matter of getting around to reporting it), as of friday evening these bad boys were done...

All the hills, reworked...

btw, yes, that's the third (and hopefully last) battle mat. Got a run on the weekend with hills and forests. Looked fine.
These are just the new new pieces.... 

And just the feature pieces that started this whole caper...

Fairly happy with the results. i imagine that there a few tweaks and changes i might do on the tuftage etc but overall very happy with the results. They look suitable on the battle field. Probably better on the more arid mats - specifically the other cigar-box mat.


Update 20200121
For no good practical reason barring artistic compulsion i've added some... vine'age to the large hills.

I was in the flgs looking for paints and found some 'birch foliage' that looked intriguing.

While i'm really pleased with the results of these little segments, i'm now not sure about the hills in generally.

They're very rocky and stark... not much vegetation.   I'm thinking of adding a little extra flock here and there (and i generally hate flock as much (and for the same reasons) as xmas glitter!) - maybe a sprinkle around the bases though...

The hills are used on a number of different maps which have different base-colour schemes - it's difficult to get these to match up on all of them.

Dunno... don't overthink it i guess.

I've tried to keep these features on the crevasse/sun-less aspects, where perhaps there'd be more water.

Actually they're semi-modelled (in spirit) off a place i used to run around (and climb) when i was far, far younger.

Anyway, was quite fun. Felt like it was heading more toward diorama'ing than gaming terrain.

Until next time...

CoD - January '20 Game Day - A Mixed Bag

Meet day was (by popular demand) pushed out by a week in January.

Seemed quieter, more relaxed somehow, possibly slightly fewer people but still a great turnout with lots of different systems being rolled.
Worth mentioning really, the variety here is fantastic, not just a dozen 40k games with couple of token 2 infinity board representing diversity - nope, something for everyone.  SW Legion has the biggest following, but 40k, kings of war, a number of historical eras represented, fantasy, space, dead-games, lives games, even some card- and board- games.


Kingdom Death
After being postponed for several months (honestly, only due to there being many other things going on) we managed to get our (first) demo of Kingdom Death.

Was well worth trying/playing and am hoping that some of the other Epiceteers enjoy it as well (more demos scheduled for the near future).
I can't see myself buying into the game itself (yet another thing to paint and store) but the beauty of the local scene and these types of games in general (as noted by other players recently, specifically of blackstone) is that if one person has the game then not everyone else needs to (as opposed to i.e. 40k where everyone has their own army etc)... and needs to as opposed to wants to :)

If the local group starts up a campaign or has a session or whatever i'd be happy to roll dice for KD again.

Strange what amuses us but, actual erasable pens!!  KD uses stat card things and the pens we used were erasable!   Not the old hokey version.   These i will buy into!!

In Passing...
On a similar note as i was wandering around the tables, some familiar silhouettes caught my eye. Absolutely fantastic to see the terrain getting some use on a table!!

Epic
Two games of epic were played between us. A very small representation but other players had stuff on on the day, or were playing other games (good to be diverse).

First Game
First up Imperial Guard (Cadians) vs Tyranids (Hive Fleet Dagon).

Both players are building Tyranid armies so even though it wasn't nid vs nid there was learning to be had.

The Candians (which i faced at Castle Assault a couple of years back) have some very heavy hitting formations, and a depth to them as well making them really bloody tough.

Great model, that Leviathan...

I believe it was a Cadian Victory on turn 4, but the Tyranids put in a decent showing based on post-game chit chat.


Spoiler
Having finished the painting only (late) the night before this was my first opportunity to get my full Templar Army out for display. Better pics will be forthcoming...

Second Game
The second game was my Templars vs Tyranids.
Unfortunately i didn't get any decent action shots of the new army's first game!! So dumb.

This is the Tyranids set for the match.

I have a couple of broken, almost dead formations up the top (opponent's side) of the board - from memory the drop podding tactical and sword brethren.

Was a decisive victory to Tyranids 3:1 on turn 1. I had nothing much left and would have been overwhelmed on turn 4.
Can't say i'm super impressed with this list/loadout but i definitely learned a lot, hopefully some of which i can apply at cancon.

A couple of point of (personal) interest:
- i'm considering making a Tyranid army myself, possibly next, so playing them was definitely helpful in terms of what they take and how they operate. I've never actually played the old-list nids prior so definitely helpful.
- potentially we could have 3 Tyranid armies (if i get mine done, plus these two chaps) in the local scene which would be an interesting mix i think.
- in our game my opponent also had some spacecraft/drop podding units, which highlighted some strategy/usage issues (regarding my list).
- again, in our game, my opponent's list had virtually no AC/anti-AC presence for for the first 2 turns i was able to peck away at things with my AC uncontested. Didn't help alter the result that much, but notable.
- if models were base-to-base with impassable terrain they counted as in cover. Hadn't given it much thought but it seemed about right.


All up it was a very entertaining day.
With cancon only two weeks away, followed by the next CoD meet it is a very busy hobby era.

Until next time...

Epic - New Templars - pt11 - Final Batch

[Original Draft - 2020-01-03]

All about finishing off the painting at this stage.

Cancon is later this very month and i have almost everything i need painted (sans Lander).

So far i'm well into the painting steps, washes, dry brushes, leadbelcher highlights and onto white panels.

It is a hard slog just doing batch painting, basically i pick a wing or widget or panel or dodad and paint all of that item on all the models. seems to keep me more motivated than doing 'all the white on one model' approach. Eighteen Stormravens... bloody hell. But again, the small bites at the project gets you there eventually.

Am also waiting for some clear perspex rod for the final 4 Stormravens that missed out. Couldn't settle for the chopped clear plastic (not overly surprised).

Decided to add some extra rockets under the Stormravens wings for the Gunship versions (they also have cut down lascannon so help with identification).
Also re greenstuffed the Landers a number of times during the painting process to fix ugly stuff i noticed. they're still far from beautiful, but better than they were.

Won't be checking in at each step, just the main ones.


check in 20200110
that date felt oddly binary to type.

the landing craft are done. yhay. i did some small extra liquid greenstuff fills and patches along the way but got there in the end. suffice to say i'm "happy enough" with them.

All of my 'AC' class units received gold windscreen. i just like the look. from memory i did similar on the halo: GC warthogs.
So thunderhawks were already done this way. landers done now. xiphons got golded and also added a splash of agrax to the engine exhaust, as they were a bit plane, then refinished with stormshield. stormravens are golded now too.

a side-by-side size comparison with the thunderhawk.

box... almost...
i managed to put in everything in the army... except the stormravens (SR). the SRs would take up possible 2/3 of a tray by themselves. so, close, but no lho stick.

that said, i really like this box; it has a handle, the trays lock, it's metal so the magnets work etc. i'm thinking of keeping it anyway and have a separate tray/flat box (seen potentially suitable at supercheap auto) for the SRs - not as neat as 1 box but [shrug] this is about the best option i could fine. it's kind of on the heavy side but [shrug] not much you can do about physics.
i was contemplating as i went to yesterday's game session that this army is big and annoying to store, however it's kind of an anomaly; based on my wanting to be able to produce many more list variations for testing purposes.
none of the other armies i have on the queue will have anywhere near this number of units in them and i could potentially fit two of the smaller armies in this same box without issue... eventually... and famous last words probably.
if i do end up keeping this box i may spray paint it black and detail some templar icons on there or something a bit interesting.


later: testing the magnets...

Until next time...

Blackstone - first game of the year (2020)

Last night we got together for a session of Blackstone.

Was entertaining as usual, plus good hobby chat etc.

Progress...
When last we checked in with our (sometimes) bold adventures they'd defeated the first shrine (1 of 4) then hightailed it back to precipice to recoup. When you finish a shrine it resets the 'threat level' (to zero/easier) and doesn't add one for returning to precipice immediately after the shrine.

With little in the way of extra coin to trade with we used the ships facilities to get the 'inspire card' for the eldar - success. So three of our explorer now can auto-inspire upon starting an expedition . For any non-blackstoners, this is substantial boost to their stats and abilities.

So onto the shuttle they trotted and back to Blackstone. The intention was the start back at The Gateway (Chamber 7) as we didn't have enough clues to spend to return to one of our known chambers (and this would have been kind of pointless anyway).
Anyway, i stuffed up and we built Chamber 8 instead.

Wasn't noticed until the map was complete and in the interest of momentum we decided that the shuttle was bumped off course, or the autopiloted plotted a return course back to the previous coordinates (Chamber 8) instead.
I think it's reasonable to say that flowing narrative and gameplay is far more important to our little group than a persnickety adherence to protocol. Something to watch out for in the future.

The map above shows our progress for this session (highlighted blue).
We started in Chamber 8, and exited via Passage 13.

[Chamber 8]

This took us into the Blackstone Labyrinth (random map or challenge from the card deck) where we fought a combat map.

[random map, c/o Passage 13]

Thence into Passage 18 were we had a optional challenge that we all passed on (no grievous wounds for us thank you) and arrived at Chamber 10.

[chamber 10]

From Chamber 10 we popped a very short distance into Passage 24, where we got shot at by a sniper
or something but managed to avoid any wounds.
So next time we pick up at Chamber 4.


Brief Overview
We faced a moderate mix of enemies; negavoltists, traitor guard, ur-ghuls, spindles and cultists. Some obviously more scary than others, but our rolls were relatively lucky and our strategies relatively conservative.
I don't think there were any overly tense moments when the explorers were in danger of getting hammered hard.

- The navigator continued to provide a solid defensive role, both with and without the servitor. The retrieval of a failed destiny dice was a huge boon too.
- The missionary continued to flame anything in sight and with the extra hex of movement is crazy fast to do it.
- The eldar was now utilitarian as a proactive ranged threat, and to a far lesser degree with overwatch.
- Probably the rogue trader was the least 'specific function' of the team [which was something i also found when running the second rogue trader in the earlier sessions]. Kind of there to mop up and support if anything got too close, which seems to work ok too within this group dynamic. Probably a function of the missionary and eldar being highly successful at whittling down enemy so there is little to do.

Aside: It might be interesting as an exercise to try an expedition without the missionary, navigator and eldar and see how much those characters dominate the proceedings. It feels like they do an awful lot, but that might be familiarity talking. The ability to auto-inspire as well almost feel a bit OP too and all of the other characters we haven't used don't get this - the second RT for example really struggled to inspire.


End of Session Game State
Just dropping in the end of session cards etc so i can find them easily for next session.

[rogue trader and navigator]

[missionary and servitor]

[eldar]


Paint
A couple of the unfinished models got a token lick of paint the night before the session, but not enough to approach 'finished'. Mainly wanted to move the servitor along a bit as we actually use him.


Until next time...

Commuting Music

Not related to hobbying in any tangible way.

Some months ago (September to be exact) i was probably bored and in traffic and decided to run with what was a rather unimportant science experiment that i thought of previously.

Namely, i wondered how long it would take to listen to all the music on the USB stick (in my car).

So into my phone i recorded the starting date and time (2019-09-10 at 3:24pm), rewound back to the first track of the first album and let it run.

Through the months i've recorded the progress passing through 'd', 'j', 'p' and 's'.     These letters were normally alphabetical 'choke points' where i had a bunch of albums by the same artist or lots of artists with the same first letter. i.e.   'j' had 24 albums worth -   john coltrane (x5), john schofield, josh abrahams, jamiroquai (x5), joe satriani, jimi hendrix, john butler, james morrison (x3), jj johnson... etc etc.

It is fair to say that the number of tracks i bypassed (or repeated, as i sometimes do) was kept to a bare minimum (maybe 10 or so) thus representing a reasonably true outcome. Some 'extra tracks' or tracks with lots of rubbish at the end were skipped (looking at you mr bungle).

This, to the point that i even left albums running and dialled down the volume when i really, really, really didn't want to listen to the music (take a bow, pink - i actually listened to my headphones while driving instead).
There were some times when the music was off, and some (rare) times when i had the radio on.
There were 2 albums added during the process boosting numbers slightly but they were added after the letter had be passed ('c' for crowded house, and 'q' for queen).

Anyway, so the experiment started 2019-09-10 and concluded 2019-12-18 some three months later... at 's' for Stevie Wonder.

'So close,' you might say, 'why didn't you finish?'

My work situation has altered greatly in the last three months. I went from a 55-80 minute drive morning and night 5 days a week, then dropped to 3 days a week for the last 2 months of that, and now i'm working from home permanently (yhay, not complaining).

The point being that the exercise was also based on a certain amount of available listening time. The remaining nth portion of the collection could theoretically last years (actually, I'm already into the 't's but consider the experiment done and dusted anyway).

A secondary goal was to try to listened to all the music and find things i didn't know about that might be interesting. To be honest there wasn't much of that in there, plenty of good music but no huge surprise tracks that i've had to study off the clock as it were.

Some numbers...
There are 152 albums of which i listened to 134 of them (88%) and there were 1833 tracks of which i listed to 1642 (89%) of them.  Remaining albums is 18 and remaining tracks is 191.
I don't know the running time of all the albums collectively and couldn't be bothered working it out. If we were to propose 3 minutes (and very few of my genres of choice are 'pop') per song @ 1642 songs that's 82 hours or 3 days of solid music.

I guess the point is that if someone goes, 'that will last you years', or 'you could go years and not listen to all of that', maybe they're right, maybe they're not, and there's a sure way to find out.

How bored was i ?!

[update:   2020-01-24. if you've seen the episode of big bang theory where sheldon needs to complete tasks... that.]

Until next time...