Ard Boyz. Blah.

So today was the WHF Ard Boyz tourney over at the bunker. I was tabled on game 1 - not playing a smart game at all, with some amazingly bad rolls. Cool opponent though - that group drove the 11 hours from Maryland!

I left after that game*, not having a chance to place and my leaving wouldn't adversely affect the other games. The plus side is I met a lot of cool folks I've only known by screen names or by podcast voices (Joe & Chuck over at the Waaaghcast). Also saw some regulars there, either playing or just hanging out.

In the end, I realized super competitive events like this are not for me. Thinking back to other tournaments, it's typically the soft scores I do better in (sportsmanship, appearance) versus battle and objective points. John over at Plastic Legions does a good job of dissecting the topic.

Unfortunateley I had to miss both Core Comp and a local 1500 tournament in order to attend Ard Boyz, both of which are consistently fun times. But now I know - the whole Ard Boyz experience has been nothing if not educational!



*leaving early allowed my to take my wife to see New Moon - she was a little annoyed I was going to bail on her...so my getting stomped worked out in that respect. Too bad the movie was less than stellar.

Too much gaming, not enough time!

With our kids getting older in age, I'm finally able to go out and do some more gaming. I'll never be able to get the amount I'd like, but still a decent amount.

I'm currently wrapping up a Bloodbowl league at the local game store - man is it fun! Playoffs should be announced soon, and if I'm lucky I'll make it in! I can't rely on any other Chicago sports team to excel so I'm taking matters into my own hands!

Also coming up is the 'Ard Boyz Finals tournament held at the Chicago Battle Bunker. The winners from across the country will be there, and one of the local Adepticon Tourney organizers will be running it, so it should be a good time. I plan on fielding a completely painted 3,000 point army.

Also, my buddy Steve is running a UK Masters style WHF tournament at Games Plus in December. I'm very much looking forward to this, as Games Plus - for whatever reason - doesn't have much of a Warhammer following. Time to change that! From the looks of registration, there should be some new faces there. This will also be a good time to run some 2250 O&G goodness. I was plannning on Orcs for the upcoming Core Competency Tournament but the wife would kill me for being gone so many weekends. Have to pick my spots...

Lastly, we have the annual 'Nerd Night' coming up. This is just a night of board games/card games with sci-fi action movies playing in the background. It's an annual event (every Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving) and is a great time.

All in all, a great time for gaming. Now only if my wife would stop talking about a third kid. Argh! Better get in all the gaming while I can!!!

'Ard Boyz Prelims!

So today was Round 1 of Ard Boyz. What a day! Had 3 great games against neo-maxi cheese lists - good time!

Game 1 vs. Slann/2 Engine Slann. We danced around for a bit before I finally managed a flank charge on his Slann unit with DPs and a Dragon (overran into his unit). Meanwhile my other Dragon broke and ran down one of the Engines. Major Victory for the twin dragons!

Game 2 vs. 19PD Tzeentch list, 3 blocks of 20 Horrors, 6 Heralds, Scribes, 2xFlamers, 2xHounds, Fiends, Furies. I got into combat early with the Dragons but his area affect spell from the Horrors & Beast Cowers was too much for my 4DD and 4 scrolls to bear. Minor loss for me. I'll get you next time Flickering Florido!

Game 3 vs. Crone Hellebron-led DE. Was doing OK shooting his all combat/no shooting/magic list until I charged his Witch Elf unit containing Crone & BSB. Ouch, even with the two Star Dragons. I was wiped out save one Prince on Dragon. Alex - a 20 year veteran of the game - took first place and I won't be surprised to see him at the finals competing for a top spot.

That said, we only had four people show. Four! As a result I took third despite a Major Victory/Minor Loss/Major Loss record. Also walked away with some GW product which was cool. That will go towards my round 2 list; nothing like feeding my addiction via itself! Heh heh.

Thanks to the Dice Dojo for hosting.

Heelan Hammer logo

I've entered my logo into the Heelan Hammer competition. Winner will get access to their SAWC section (Super Awesome Wargamers Club) which includes bonus strategy and painting tips. Here's my entry:



And the thread with all entries can be viewed here.

Check out the Podcast if you have the chance, it's the best strictly-WHF podcast out there IMO.

Bring it on!!!

'Unkredible 'Ulks iz in da' House! My FLGS is hosting a Bloodbowl this league that has a whopping 16 players! We'll see who's left standing when the dust settles!





Bonus points given to those with completely painted teams at season open. I will need every free point I can get!

Making Progress

Been a while since I've posted, but there is progress. Here's my WiP Giant, getting prepped for this year's Core Comp Tournament coming up in November:




Still some details and touch-ups to be done. Just the Giant, and a unit of Night Gobbos and I'll be ready to roll!

Took some time but here's some progress on the pumpwagons - the budget version! Still needs some grass and I'd like to repaint the banner on the one, but good enough to see their first action tomorrow night against Oden's demons! Charge (random distance but still)!!!

Painting competition - final voting!

My entry of Big'Un Orcs is one of five finalists - I'm honored!

Please head on over to vote. Pretty easy to create a membership. In fact the painting competition was their way of driving up membership. Pretty smart idea.

Final results posted 8/1. Wish me luck!

Painting Competition is on!

So we have 14 entries completed (out of the 26 originally pledged). Some really strong entries posted here.

Voting for top 4 will take place this week, prizes as follows:

Special Prize, $50 GW prize, and $25 GW prize. Not sure what 4th place would get. Good luck to everyone!

O&G - painting contest

Here's my entry for a painting contest. Deadline is the 17th and I'm happy to say I've finished a touch early!



There will be 30 or so entries, about 2/3 fantasy and 1/3 40k. Needless to say I'm very excited to see how my Big'Uns stack up against other hobbyists.

UGG RTT

So yesterday was the 1500pt RTT over at UGG. I used my O&G army, and was happy with it for the most part. My list consisted of:

- 25 x2 Orc Boyz
- 25 Big'Uns
- 5 Spider Riders
- 5 Wolf Riders
- 1 Boar Chariot
- 7 Squig Hoppers
- 2 Spear Chukkas
- 1 Doom Diver
- 2 Black Orc heroes (1 BSB)

Game 1 was against friend and long-time nemesis Steve and his Lizards. He had

- 1 Stegadon
- two Salamanders
- large block of Temple Guard
- ranked skinks with 2 Kroxigors
- some scouts


Deployment was different in that we each had two 12"x12" quadrants to deploy in, each of our quadrants was opposite each other, and one person deployed his whole army first (half in each quadrant). Sounds confusing, a little odd but still fun.




My shooting did well the whole game; I managed to kill the Stegadon early thanks to a 3 wound hit from a Chukka, and finishing it off with the Doom Diver. The DD was able to rain death on the Temple Guard for most of the game.

I had Steve on the ropes for most of the game until towards the end where I goofed. With two of our units stuck in combat, I moved my General and BSB out of their block over to help. I'd forgotten that his mage was still lurking about and he took the opportunity to cast Uranon's T-bolt on my general, killing him! That was about a 300 point swing garnering Steve a draw! It was well earned on this part, hanging in there and capitalizing at the right moment. Fun game as always.

Game 2 was against Brian B and his High Elves:
- 2 Lion Chariots
- 2 Eagles
- 10 archers
- 14 White Lions
- 2x 7 White Lions
- Korhil
- L2 mage, BSB



Fighting my own army! My plan was to overwhelm him with numbers, but was going to be a tough one for me. Impact hits and shooting were key against ASF HE. My shooting was decent (DD, 2 chukkas) but I'd left impact hitters at home for the most part.

His eagles were on my warmachines early (although I managed to hit Korhil's chariot for 3 wounds, and later destroying it). My Orcs weren't able to break through the stubborn White Lions though, falling victim to MSU flank attacks and Lion Chariot assaults.

Solid HE list used by a savvy general - good game. Played out pretty much as expected.

Game 3 was against Matt and his O&G:
- 2 blocks of 20 boyz
- 1 block of Big'Uns
- 2 Boar Chariots
- 20 gobbos w/ 3 fanatics
- 1 rock lobba
- 1 Giant
- 2 fighty heroes



My first Orc on Orc game! Neither of us had magic, so this was to be a propah fist mashin' time! The scenario called for a piece of scenario; two points in the center of board. Any units crossing in between this line would suffer d6 kills. Not hits, not wounds - kills. Also, objective points were awarded for being in between the two points in the last turn (after taking the d6 kills).

We basically deployed our blocks across from each other (the line was set up by the judge after we deployed), with his Giant + hero on one flank, chariots and rock lobba on the other. I had a chukka on each flank, accompanied by fast cav. His giant was going to be trouble.

With that line between us, our lines stared at each other while he decimated both of my flanks. I had to make a move or it was just a matter of time! I swung my Wolf Riders around to draw out his Fanatics, as that would dictate what I did. Fortunately they didn't cause too much damage. Subsequently I charged my line forward as this Giant was going to swing around into my flank, his chariots the same on my other flank.

My General's block of Big'Uns had to cross the line to engage, suffering 6 kills! Activating the banner of Butchery I was able to win the combat, running down his general's block. Elsewhere I flanked his NG unit, chasing (but failing to catch) into the flank of his outside Orc unit. I swung my Wolves around to the other side, anticipating their breaking and being destroyed (which they later did). Meanwhile my BSB's unit broke his unit but failed to catch it. Basically my timing was good and my center ate up his center, while his flank units were still trying to engage. His Giant did manage to kill the Wolves and a block of Orcs late, bringing the game to a draw (stupid Wolves animosity, charging into the Giant!) Fun game, if only the Orcs could organize and combine forces!

Overall my Orcs did OK, going 2 draws and a loss on the day. At least it wasn't all losses! I'd like to improve my play with O&G to a respectable level. Bit of a challenge as the army is generally considered disadvantaged against the newer lists. My mistakes today were my own tactical blunders though, and not the list. Time for more practice!

Night Gobbo

In preparation for a 2k tourney this weekend, here's the latest addition to the growing Waagh! Doom Diver now in the works...

Pumpwagons Redux, BIG'UNS

Some updates (finally!)...

Not being 100% satisfied with my first pumpwagon attempt, I broke it down and tried it again. With the help of many bits from a recent gamer's sale, I was able to put something together that feels more orc-like:



















I may remove the standard but am not sure...I may also remove the spikes on the side of the left pumpwagon. They look like guns to me:














The trick will be to somehow get snotling models for the crew.

The same gamer's garage sale allowed me to acquire the proper bits to make a good Big'Uns unit. In addition to jaws and shoulder armor, I placed some plasticard under their feet so they appear taller. Normal Orc, Big'Un, new plastic Black Orc (thanks Marc!) and Grimgor on the end, just for comparison.











The Big'Uns ranked up. I'm excited to paint this unit as I think they'll stand out nicely.

Chity chity bang bang

Here's the beginnings of my scratch-built Snotling Pump Wagon. Built from some random chariot parts, sprue and plasticard, this is my first attempt of two.







Not sure if I'm 100% happy with this version, but maybe the 2nd version will yield good results.









With it's 50mm base, and dead horse/obstacle...

Giant Progress

Well, progress on the Giant. Along with a few other small items. A shot of my conversion on the Giant...to make him suitably Orcy...









And an Orc Shaman - which I'd like to jazz up somehow...

And a River Troll for good measure.


Next up on the event calendar, possibly 2250 at the Bunker on the 16th...and 2500 on the 25, assuming my schedule allows.

My, what big teeth you have...

With the Waagh! growing, it's time to start thinking display board. I've toyed with the idea of a sacked Imperial City, but at Adepticon I came across these Armorcast pieces:

Each piece is 6" long and about the height of an Orc. They look suitably Orcy, but I need to figure out how best to implement them...

O&G Odds & Ends

With Adepticon passed and things getting back to 'normal', I've made some random progress on my growing Waagh.









These are my scratch-built spear-chukkas I started way back in October. I cut the central stem in half so they're shorter and more git-friendly. I also added support beams on the bottom so it's more sturdy. Basecoat colors added. With a goblin crew, not sure exactly what models to use short of ordering/ebaying actual chukka crew models. Night Goblins may have to suffice for now.

Just about done with my second unit of Wolf Riders. Just need to add grass and quivers.


And lastly, I've started piecing together some Night Goblins. Picked up some clearance GF9 bases from Games Plus. I cut off the bevel on one side and presto! I can connect two small units to make one big happy one.

(this will be 8 ranks deep, and not 5 ranks)

Adeption 2009 - that's a wrap.

WHEW! So Adepticon 2009 has come and gone. Had a great time - didn't fare too well in the singles competition. Lot of super-competitive lists this year. Typically Adepticon has been more about fluffy lists than competitive. Someone attributed the change to the lack of Grand Tournaments this year. Makes sense.

Here's my teammate and I assembled ready to roll! Mark really pulled through in the end in terms of painting. For a slow painter, he accomplished a ton!






Our first team game; slaves look across the field to waiting demons.


Can slaves stand up to a block of 8 Blood Knights with a Lord?


Unfortunately no.



In the meantime Orcs make their way upfield.

Waaaggh!






I didn't take any pics in our second game, but got some good shots of game three:



Staring eachother down...

Wave upon wave of rats!









Demon Bloodletters outflanked and outnumbered - swarmed by vermin!

This was just a ridiculous 14' long model of an Ork spaceship. The amount of detail was awesome. Now, to build a fleet of these...

High Elf update. Yup, High Elves.

With mt 1k O&G army ready to roll, it's time to get the High Elves ready for the all-day Fantasy Championship at Adepticon this weekend. I've been working on the Swordmaster army for seemingly forever now - this Battle Standard Bearer for even longer (9 months). I struggled for a long time on what to put on this flag; how to justify it's huge size. After many attempts at dragons, eagles, runes, etc. I finally came up with a suitably Elvish design I'm happy with:





Just some minor touchups on some infantry standard bearers and this list will be ready to rock.

Spring update. With grass!

Happy Spring! I'm in the closing stages, having painted all base coats. Just details and extras left over like adding grass to bases:



Here's a shot of the 1k army. I even have a display board (just the board!) large enough to hold my Orcs and my buddy's Skaven.


And to test my painting ambition even more, here's a shot of my target 1500 list for the next UGG tournament, probably in late April:


Would just need to paint:
- 1 troll
- 1 chariot (half done)
- 20 Night Goblins
- 3 fanatics
- possibly 1 Orc Shaman depending on my exact list

It wouldn't be necessarily competitive (no shooting, no magic) but would be painted and hopefully fun to play.

I've also added some tidbits to the blog, including an ongoing win/loss record (thanks for all the losses Steve!) and a 09 painting/purchase Pledge.