tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59747609030539318812024-02-07T03:25:01.625+01:0040k The Last HereticA hobby, painting and gaming blog about the Warhammer 40k universeAlberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-79440970251745991972014-12-09T14:05:00.001+01:002014-12-09T14:05:15.869+01:00Tablescapes Display Board Paint Test and Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUR8pcFrbnsc5yAAJheGNLR07Ah0JU-fpTzIfp968kfhAbBzNTN41-0GHOU5J6DrCoVbDmVn-2MUolL27O56kZB2SirDofv1lnl1GHZvI7pxYQocYJSk3xGcVrWFGV_OhI_J7hWbUo3FuT/s1600/Tablescapes+Forgotten+City+Painted+Sons+of+Horus+Eldar+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUR8pcFrbnsc5yAAJheGNLR07Ah0JU-fpTzIfp968kfhAbBzNTN41-0GHOU5J6DrCoVbDmVn-2MUolL27O56kZB2SirDofv1lnl1GHZvI7pxYQocYJSk3xGcVrWFGV_OhI_J7hWbUo3FuT/s1600/Tablescapes+Forgotten+City+Painted+Sons+of+Horus+Eldar+1.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Secret Weapon Miniatures' Tablescapes finally arrived and before batch painting all the display board tiles I thought I would paint a test tile first. Normally most of my terrain painting and weathering is limited to the bases so I wanted to test whether the jump to a 12"x12" format worked well, or if there was a need to do something different to make it tick. I was especially worried about avoiding the monotony of colours and textures. A separate worry was the amount of time I would need to dedicate to each tile, as there are 35 more to paint and I am definetely not the faster of painters.<div>
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The tile is from the Forgotten City theme, which essentially are broken tiles and boulders with some soil. I wanted the floor to be grey, the soilto be yellow-ish and link both areas with browns; essentially take advantage of those many cracks to fill them with dirt.</div>
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I also added a few flowers and bushes here and there to help break the monotony. Keep in mind this tile is part of a display board and usually will be covered in miniatures - and perhaps a small terrain element - so there will be a lot less open space than in the pictures.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CnTvuyKpihLYAHW2z_-JwFhYo6nVW2T7WxRAa5XW_HQfbwAxa93B8CIP5pFUoDQnLBlMUmawQPyy2JtumzH9vDxV3BMcquDqT3KfnApZBCI7Ag8bmofMSXfCoLw5u2vMno6EpafqebBE/s1600/Tablescapes+Forgotten+City+Painted+Sons+of+Horus+Eldar+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CnTvuyKpihLYAHW2z_-JwFhYo6nVW2T7WxRAa5XW_HQfbwAxa93B8CIP5pFUoDQnLBlMUmawQPyy2JtumzH9vDxV3BMcquDqT3KfnApZBCI7Ag8bmofMSXfCoLw5u2vMno6EpafqebBE/s1600/Tablescapes+Forgotten+City+Painted+Sons+of+Horus+Eldar+2.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire Dragons about to be in a world o'hurt</td></tr>
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Tutorial</h3>
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Let me preface by saying that an airbrush and weathering pigments are required to achieve a similar look to the pictures. It's not to say you <i>need </i>those to paint the tiles - in fact you can just use a large brush like in GW's tutorial - but they will make your like easier and make the tiles look better.</div>
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With that out of the way, I started priming the tile in grey. The primer color is an important decision as it will have a great influence on the look of the finished tile. In this case grey is the most neutral color, as it is neither too dark or clear, and it is similar to the color most of the tile will be covered with. Once the primer was dry, I airbrused dark grey in the spaces between tales, and also around the outline of the soil parts. The purpose is dual: darken the cracks and spaces that are naturally dark, and also provide some color graduation once the final colors are applied. Indeed, the grey will look clearer in the center of the tiles and darker around the edges where the dark grey is; this is why I deliberately allowed some dark grey outside of the cracks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBreAzk2ChnRniH9jJ4dpWtWwiCqCXBxHrTs6q6VMN_70ScqN7BYkyqwMNB4V7T2AHiaCf3lU8wOwyFAn7hlOKk9Q7ETQxYfdYCKxGi8yd8wZSSmVFKb4sdGlQZlMBtB9mUeatFPoskKK/s1600/Tablescapes+Forgotten+City+Tutorial+Black+lining.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBreAzk2ChnRniH9jJ4dpWtWwiCqCXBxHrTs6q6VMN_70ScqN7BYkyqwMNB4V7T2AHiaCf3lU8wOwyFAn7hlOKk9Q7ETQxYfdYCKxGi8yd8wZSSmVFKb4sdGlQZlMBtB9mUeatFPoskKK/s1600/Tablescapes+Forgotten+City+Tutorial+Black+lining.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next step is applying the base colors, grey and dust yellow. The important thing to keep in mind is to not spray the color all over the place, but paint each tile individually. By doing this we will achieve a better color graduation in each tile (as you are spraying at center) and also keep the edges more or less dark.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y7MYlgeTLzOADgs9hNvpIc1-3HonCWfd3l3Fg20BxqrDsIi6A6LKwy0luIQY5ALvrQK6T7rWLGn0Q0503hyyMIU-cignUFLcAhYt4czkPB5QElQYRDcw2XBnwbEjAHlFlxNamr7OCtqe/s1600/Tablescapes+Forgotten+City+Tutorial+dust.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y7MYlgeTLzOADgs9hNvpIc1-3HonCWfd3l3Fg20BxqrDsIi6A6LKwy0luIQY5ALvrQK6T7rWLGn0Q0503hyyMIU-cignUFLcAhYt4czkPB5QElQYRDcw2XBnwbEjAHlFlxNamr7OCtqe/s1600/Tablescapes+Forgotten+City+Tutorial+dust.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Adding more depth to the tile</h4>
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For the grey tiles, I painted the edges with a lighter grey. I used an old Citadel large dry brush, which is flat and about 1.5cm wide. I did not really drybrush anything, just applied <i>gently </i>a bit of paint through the edges. </div>
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For the soil part, I applied some darker brown on the recesses and depressions of the areas; this will help define the volumes as the soil is indeed not sculpted flat, but has some nice variation. </div>
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In the space between tiles and along all the many cracks this tile has, I applied a dark brown wash. Again, this is a gently application of color with a brush directy on the cracks/lines and not covering the tile in it. I used Mig Productions' Dark Wash, which is a very interesting product that behaves differently from Citadel's washes. This particular wash has a very strong capillary motion, meaning if you apply a little bit tin the intersection of 4 tiles (i.e. in the cross in between), the wash will flow its way through the four directions as a result of this motion. The idea is therefore to make small applications in selected areas, then use a fine brush to extend the wash if needed.</div>
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One small downside of this type of washes is that they are slow to dry, so take it easy and let it rest :)</div>
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Once the wash was completely dry -don't try anything whislt is still wet or it will ruin your work - I painted again the areas in which the wash had overspilled.</div>
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Pigments and bushes</h4>
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Now it's time to dust out your pigments (you got it?) and again make gentle, controlled applications. In this case I applied a brown/red dust color in the cracks and between the tiles, and also in some interesting spots in the soil parts. It is difficult to explain with words but suffice to say there are interesting textures in these tiles where it becomes apparent a pigment might look interesting. Just give it a try and you'll see what I mean :)</div>
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I also added some green pigment around the raised tiles, simulating the effect of water/humidity.</div>
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How were the pigments applied? for the most part I used an old brush and picked up very small amounts of pigment every time. The pigment was deposited in a crack or depression, and was extended with the brush or even with the thumb.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the subtle grey around the tiles and small color variations in the tiles that break the monotony</td></tr>
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Once I was happy with the result I applied a coat of satin varnish. Because most of the pigments were in the cracks that was OK but in other situations you might need to apply a pigment fixer or the spray will take a away the pigments.</div>
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Now for the final touch - adding some flowers and bushes. I used Army Painter's Meadow Flowers, which you can see in the picture below. For about 4€ you get this strip with white and yellow flowers. Simply use the tweezers to get a small amount and glue it in place.</div>
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I also added a few bushes from Citadel's Mordheim bushes set.</div>
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Colors and pigments used</h4>
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Please just take this as a reference of the colors that I used. You can make your own selection and most probably use whatever you already have.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwJWi1Pns0s/VIbx3alcXmI/AAAAAAAACDA/OSVEGf23KYA/s1600/Tablescapes%2BForgotten%2BCity%2BPaint%2Bguide.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwJWi1Pns0s/VIbx3alcXmI/AAAAAAAACDA/OSVEGf23KYA/s1600/Tablescapes%2BForgotten%2BCity%2BPaint%2Bguide.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li><b>Primer:</b> Vallejo Surface Primer Grey.</li>
<li><b>Tiles: </b>Vallejo Model Air Dark Sea Grey, Medium Grey and Citadel Administratum Grey.</li>
<li><b>Soil:</b> Vallejo Model Air Brown and Burnt Umber.</li>
<li><b>Wash:</b> Mig Productions Dark Wash.</li>
<li><b>Pigments:</b> Secret Weapon Miniatures Terracota Earth, Dark Earth and Sewage Muck.</li>
<li>Vallejo Satin <b>Varnish</b>.</li>
<li>Citadel Mordheim <b>bushes </b>and Army Painter Meadow <b>Flowers</b>.</li>
<li>Plus an undetermined number of <a href="http://moritz.com/en/more_18?url_from=en" target="_blank">Moritz 25cl beers</a>.</li>
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Hope you liked the tutorial and feel free to post any questions or comments!</div>
Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-37206345603328666582014-12-03T15:00:00.000+01:002014-12-03T15:00:03.429+01:00Tablescapes Display Board unboxing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The much anticipated Tablescapes kickstarter finally arrived home and boy, the wait was well worth it! I ordered a full set of Urban tiles, with a mix of clean and damaged streets, and a smaller display board with a temple ruins theme. Today I'm going to show the unboxing of the display board.<br />
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The concept</h4>
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The Tablescapes system was funded more than a year and half ago, and it's been fighting his way through a myriad of technical and logistical problems. The idea is to make a modular game system designed around 12"x 12" tiles that can be combined in any way, so you could refresh your gaming table every night if you wanted to. I'm personally considering to assemble them fixed in a board but we'll see. A side product of this project are the display boards, which are essentially 4 12"x 12" tiles plus a frame.<br />
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Unboxing</h4>
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The product comes neatly packaged in a 4C Gift Box with a handle, so not only you can keep it stored there, but you can also take it with you comfortably to the game venue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4 tiles of this board, which can be combined in any position</td></tr>
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Inside the box we found 2 bags, one with the tiles and the other with the frame parts. Each tile has been individually sealed within a plastic bag, then put all together inside another plastic bag! While I normally despise excessive packaging, I think this product warrants it as you will want to store the tiles in the plastic bags for transportation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frame parts in the left, four gorgeous tiles in the right</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each tile is neatly packaged</td></tr>
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The frame has 8 parts, plus the neat detail of a plaque for the army name.<br />
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The assembly is easy, using some compression clips on the edges of the tiles. Once it's assembled, the whole thing is pretty sturdy and can be moved around safely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02S9OyFWhnAqXY40f2HEHhvAN0-VO7cHpNdosnWbEUP4-dLkp-kcDpwgvLfGdBKHvcv-KgehhtyscqeNZcdt1yv5GP2LPRcTapoQibmLqgmsY5oA4SS9fFtj6RIlBLZblq82dqJoU3qKv/s1600/Secret+Weapon+Miniatures+Tablescapes+Display+Board+Temple+Ruins+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02S9OyFWhnAqXY40f2HEHhvAN0-VO7cHpNdosnWbEUP4-dLkp-kcDpwgvLfGdBKHvcv-KgehhtyscqeNZcdt1yv5GP2LPRcTapoQibmLqgmsY5oA4SS9fFtj6RIlBLZblq82dqJoU3qKv/s1600/Secret+Weapon+Miniatures+Tablescapes+Display+Board+Temple+Ruins+8.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the rings at the bottom make the tile very solid</td></tr>
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<h4>
What about the detail?</h4>
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The level of detail is surprisingly good for a plastic, CAD model. There are different heights, the stones are full of small cracks and there is more than enough variety to make it look interesting. To be clear, it is not comparable to the level of detail you would get from a manually crafted terrain, and for instance Secret Weapon Miniatures' bases are much more detailed. Is this disappointing? I think not; a full table with that level of detail would have been much more costly to produce, and I very much prefer a balanced level of quality and cost. Don't get me wrong: the tiles look great, and will look much better once fully painted and weathered.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1vMNEpdoJSokfs6KxReEFJ-fO_5CdqcasPyZpVZ3k6hylmQaMpYMrqlA2MOTxcvMevMlYNzeB9LaOyUR8zk2XBwVC8ShKM65Z8OnrR-BGZxECle9b8e8P3kVXRCMcTWD-cLd4L6TfRI_/s1600/Secret+Weapon+Miniatures+Tablescapes+Display+Board+Temple+Ruins+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1vMNEpdoJSokfs6KxReEFJ-fO_5CdqcasPyZpVZ3k6hylmQaMpYMrqlA2MOTxcvMevMlYNzeB9LaOyUR8zk2XBwVC8ShKM65Z8OnrR-BGZxECle9b8e8P3kVXRCMcTWD-cLd4L6TfRI_/s1600/Secret+Weapon+Miniatures+Tablescapes+Display+Board+Temple+Ruins+5.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details are clear and convincing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At this point I couldn't help myself to just put an army on top, so I unpacked part of my Ulthwé Eldar army whose bases have a temple theme. I think it looks great!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxr1pKCZ-39G4B3sI1isZWBdAPpcLzSWLb0XHq0UP-HD0QgHqVEHia0tdLFyEt7ZjmJF7N11KqzihrlcjMvFGbg2GGxBXVGnksr0PBihb-PDJSzgTsIm8ODf0fjPQbe84qWfGyjmJOllc/s1600/Secret+Weapon+Miniatures+Tablescapes+Display+Board+Temple+Ruins+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxr1pKCZ-39G4B3sI1isZWBdAPpcLzSWLb0XHq0UP-HD0QgHqVEHia0tdLFyEt7ZjmJF7N11KqzihrlcjMvFGbg2GGxBXVGnksr0PBihb-PDJSzgTsIm8ODf0fjPQbe84qWfGyjmJOllc/s1600/Secret+Weapon+Miniatures+Tablescapes+Display+Board+Temple+Ruins+9.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like they like it there</td></tr>
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<h4>
So what next?</h4>
I'll start painting a single tile of this set first to test the colors. An airbrush and weathering powders are absolute must have to paint these. I'm also tempted to add a few details of my own - the ubiquotous skull here and there, a few large boulders, some helmets perhaps. I'll be posting results tuned. Stay tuned and for those still awaiting their tablescape - don't despair, will get to you soon!<br />
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Take care!Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-88867535239424790502014-10-24T17:46:00.004+02:002014-10-24T17:46:37.925+02:00Let GW know how you'd like them to change<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LSM4wVYlYY/UPaoytBkEgI/AAAAAAAABNk/jUCCDbRnQUc/s1600/480865_300402110059711_1629526874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LSM4wVYlYY/UPaoytBkEgI/AAAAAAAABNk/jUCCDbRnQUc/s1600/480865_300402110059711_1629526874_n.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Kirby fighting his way through customers (allegorical)</td></tr>
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We all fellow gamers have our own opinion on GW and what they should be doing instead, and I think most of us agree to a large extent - not necessarily all of this, but at least the spirit of it. If you do want to let GW know you'd like them to change in this direction, please sign this petition.<br />
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<a href="http://www.change.org/p/games-workshop-limited-refocus-your-business-model-on-the-sale-of-a-game-and-support-of-a-gaming-community-vice-the-pure-sale-of-collectible-miniatures?share_id=UsWfLDaSvE&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition#" target="_blank">Link to change.org petition</a><br />
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In summary these are the 5 points:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Realize gamers do game (huh!) and so keep it in mind when designing rules, etc.</li>
<li>Let FGLS manage more SKUs so we can better support them and have a place to play, interact etc.</li>
<li>Prices.</li>
<li>Remember old times when the GW had lots of content, tactics, articles...</li>
<li>LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. </li>
</ol>
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And this is the petition itself:<br />
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<h1 class="h1 bottom-margin-2 embossed-text" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Refocus your business model on the sale of a game and support of a gaming community vice the pure sale of collectible miniatures. </span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></h1>
<div class="bottom-margin-2 petition-description" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As competition from outside organizations grow and GW revenues and profits fall, your company seemingly continues to pursue a business model not in alignment with your customer base's desires and expectations.</span></i><br /><br /><i></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your business model states "We make the best fantasy miniatures in the world and sell them globally at a profit and we intend to do this forever". Realize that you produce a game, and that the models are playing pieces in that game, not the end product themselves. Without the game, there is no need to purchase Games Workshop models. They are not collectible in the same sense as scale military tanks and aircraft, nor are they as utilitarian as historical wargames miniatures, applicable to multiple game systems and supported by real world events. GW models are only useable in the context of GW games, the primary of these being Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Fantasy Battles. </span></i><br /><br /><i></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I and many others collect your models to play the game. Only a fraction of the community do so purely for the experience of owning, building and painting Citadel miniatures. This is why when armies are timely updated and released, model sales for those armies jump. It is not because of marketing through White Dwarf and Online Stores. It is because people want to play with the newest "Toy". Collectors continue with these factions to keep playing the game, not just own miniatures.</span></i><br /><br /><i></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your fanbase and the dedicated gaming and hobby community ask that you adopt the following policies</span></i><br /><br /><i></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1- Support gamers, conventions, and tournaments, primarily through well-developed rules and encouraging competitive play. Despite GW's desire for Warhammer to be a "Beer and Pretzels" game that is simply a reason to buy and collect GW miniatures, gamers want a system that can be used for competitive play as well. Just because this is supported does not mean that fun, narrative driven relaxed play is not possible. Appeal to both sides of the gaming community, not just the one you want to more. You cannot interface directly with the small group playing a campaign in their basement. You can with the 100+ players at a tournament. Doing so will improve your corporate image, impassion your playerbase and ultimately encourage the playing or your game which directly correlates to the sale of your miniatures. This means releasing fairly balanced, well play tested rule sets, and timely FAQs which address the issues players are encountering. The relaxed narrative players will appreciate these clearer and improved rules just as much as the cut-throat tournament gamer. And if you wish to encourage a relaxed form of play alongside this while still reaching out to players, the old global campaigns and campaign supplements can foster this and provide gaming groups with a fun alternative to tournaments and competitions.</span></i><br /><br /><i></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2- Reduce the number of "Direct exclusive models" and support the FLGS. Game Stores are where your community exists. It is not in their home, alone, painting. Most of the hobby may occur there, but it with the objective in mind that on the weekend they will travel down to their local friendly game store and set up across the table from someone and play a game. That is why they put all the hours into building and painting their army. Sure it may be fun to build and paint it, but it is a means to an end, not the end itself. Since the objective of collecting is to play a game, game store owners are going to promote games they can sell in their store. If majority of your product is exclusively available from your webstore, game store owners will not push your product as they lose potential sales. Without that push or those sales, their gaming community abandons GW games, and without the game they abandon GW/Citadel models. </span></i><br /><br /><i></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3- Competitively price your products. You have some room to charge a slight premium because of the quality of your miniatures. But since the ultimate objective is to play a game at the end of the week, players are going to financially invest in what they can better afford to accomplish this objective. All wargaming is a luxury market. If a player can get the same amount of game time for less with another game and have just as much, if not more fun, then that is where they will invest their dollars. This is a big factor as to why so much competition now exists whereas very little did before. A potential aide to this point would be to allow sales of bits, aftermarket 3rd party add-ons, and discount online retailers. This all encourages throughput of your products, and for players to gather larger or more forces for their games. Sales for GW have only become worse with the policies that eliminate these possibilities.</span></i><br /><br /><i></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4- Change your website to be hobby and gaming driven with a webstore option attached for support. This used to be the way it was. Your website should not just be an online marketplace. Your site should be the one stop shop for painting, tactics, gaming communities, upcoming tournaments, etc. etc. The webstore should then be a feature that a player can access after reading a tactica article or a painting guide. It is in game performance that drive sales of models the most, so discussing the performance and ways to use particularly models in game can only benefit you by swaying consumers to purchase it. Beautiful photos and well painted models help, but a vast majority of your playerbase knows is cannot paint as well as your webstore and White Dwarf images, so they fail to be lured in by that trap.</span></i><br /><br /><i></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5- Conduct market research and increase player involvement. With the advent of social media this is easier than ever. Rather than just having youtube videos for new releases, have discussions of in progress design concepts to allow hype to be generated and discussion to occur, then systematically feed this back into your development process. Release trial rules again and gather important commentary from the players to fine tune them. Furthermore understand your consumer base and what they need and want to continue collecting, converting, painting Citadel miniatures and playing GW games rather than just assuming another huge kit or wacky limited edition gaming aide is what they need to be fed. With a generation thriving off constant connectivity and insight into early product development in virtually every market, particularly the growing tech and video games industries which manage to steal potential hobbyists daily, a policy of secrecy and blind assumption only will accomplish an alienation of the consumer.</span></i><br /><i></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In short, rededicate your company to supporting the selling of a game. This is your main product. Your models are the key playing pieces of this game, and will make you the most money. Without the game though, they are worth nothing.</span></i></div>
Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-83878248141383465252014-09-23T16:11:00.000+02:002014-09-23T16:11:13.760+02:00Cheap plastic bases for all<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/002/420/256/751a87eb5c11dfcf04c6b6d23048ed26_large.png?1407799667" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/002/420/256/751a87eb5c11dfcf04c6b6d23048ed26_large.png?1407799667" width="320" /></a></div>
Hi guys, this is quick post to share an interesting kickstarter. Micro Art Studio is a small Polish company that does very nice resin bases, like the ones I use on my Eldar army. They have partnered with CMON (who to be fair don't have a great reputation in Kickstarters) but the deal is, with the current stretch goals, you can get 34 very nice bases for just $22 + postage.<br />
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There are 4 themes - Chaos/rocks and fire, Eldar/mystic stuff, Wood and Steampunk/trash. I've been using the regular resin Mystic bases and I have to say I'm delighted with them - see below pictures. With cheap, matching plastic bases I can afford to base even the regular Guardians, and I'll have a few spares for the Wraithguard I have yet to build.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_53wO903rFLpPb6laseerik_uzA5tVJGqGiPEDV1_rO3_XCZv7hPuOFFYjclJI5eZLf8_Ry3s_qJWY-b5il0WoFIdXzLgoIQLKZU0NhI2svSADQDA_kOv1ck61SajhSu0utg2W57WgG9/s1600/DSCF3081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_53wO903rFLpPb6laseerik_uzA5tVJGqGiPEDV1_rO3_XCZv7hPuOFFYjclJI5eZLf8_Ry3s_qJWY-b5il0WoFIdXzLgoIQLKZU0NhI2svSADQDA_kOv1ck61SajhSu0utg2W57WgG9/s1600/DSCF3081.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XS428-d5wMcwqUejMD30qjMkMzrjwZP7dPfxd37zVmqDhdIBCC6L4esAnxrwWc23jsYDU2CbV6_H8UzTP8E14eh3wUH7RIPI5QT8cSehbJF32ADcN4YpcsR5Wh8zpbcrPg-PzgqSRWhv/s1600/Eldar+War+Walker+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XS428-d5wMcwqUejMD30qjMkMzrjwZP7dPfxd37zVmqDhdIBCC6L4esAnxrwWc23jsYDU2CbV6_H8UzTP8E14eh3wUH7RIPI5QT8cSehbJF32ADcN4YpcsR5Wh8zpbcrPg-PzgqSRWhv/s1600/Eldar+War+Walker+9.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now these are plastic bases not resin, which I very much prefer as there is no risk when sanding, and if you are adding plastic minis you don't even have to bother pinning them!<br />
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<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/002/420/266/c87c619156054179eca3a8df11e42a38_large.png?1407799849" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/002/420/266/c87c619156054179eca3a8df11e42a38_large.png?1407799849" width="400" /></a></div>
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These bases are really attachments that fit onto round lip empty bases, so should work in the beveled bases used in 40K. Like this:<br />
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<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/002/622/820/49ce96bbc1f8672d4068d1e2a1a62106_large.JPG?1411409854" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/002/622/820/49ce96bbc1f8672d4068d1e2a1a62106_large.JPG?1411409854" width="285" /></a></div>
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Here's a link to the kickstarter:<br />
<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coolminiornot/coolminiornot-base-system-featuring-micro-art-stud">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coolminiornot/coolminiornot-base-system-featuring-micro-art-stud</a><br />
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Until the next time!<br />
-AlbertAlberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-21124579656429382182014-07-31T14:09:00.000+02:002014-07-31T14:09:00.351+02:00Eldar Wraith Guard preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvosmmwtyLhefRPf5l2_9unWDrb_yXLo2CM2qgBlwl3-DyJCnxuQxGixY1ZYVCk1h3n-JOVfe2hW3fMZx9usU5QZbGa2LvVfXUJupszKVmDtV-4YPCj00P0ee0LM4LBkBw4EFaBV0VvXu/s1600/DSCF3081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvosmmwtyLhefRPf5l2_9unWDrb_yXLo2CM2qgBlwl3-DyJCnxuQxGixY1ZYVCk1h3n-JOVfe2hW3fMZx9usU5QZbGa2LvVfXUJupszKVmDtV-4YPCj00P0ee0LM4LBkBw4EFaBV0VvXu/s1600/DSCF3081.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a little preview of the Wraith Guard and Spiritseer I recently finished. I treated myself to the Eldar Ghost Warriors Box so I still have a lot to finish. The first squad uses D-Scytes, yes the lovely AP2 flamers of doom. I plan on building another squad with Wraithcannons, and the third one probably with axe/shield. </div>
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As for the first squad, it is painted like the rest of my growing Ulthwé Eldar army in black with heavy blue accents. Because the miniatures are all black and bone, the blue accent is what really makes them pop. In my mind, the blue represents glowing energy, a physical representation of their power that can barely be contained in the carcasses that the wraithbone really is, and so I use it in every area that is not a flat piece.</div>
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I'm only showing half of the squad because I'm waiting for my FGLS to re-stock on the bases, but I have the 5 WraithGuard fully painted to this standard.</div>
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If anything I might add some decals but think they will probably be better without. What do you guys think?</div>
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<br />Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-43953651673458837762014-07-30T13:54:00.004+02:002014-07-30T13:54:45.473+02:00Space Wolf Bust showcase<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWdeVeBNK_k/U9jY78-7EaI/AAAAAAAAB7M/bXuLfiHizSs/s1600/Space+Wolf+Bust+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWdeVeBNK_k/U9jY78-7EaI/AAAAAAAAB7M/bXuLfiHizSs/s1600/Space+Wolf+Bust+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today I have a very Wolfy treat! This is not part of the new releases but I'm glad I finished it in time for the Wolfmania. Let me introduce you Thorunn Frozenfang, a magnificient bust by the talented Freeman. This is in my mind what a Space Wolf should look like, and even though the current plastic range is pretty good, it still has some cartoonish edge to it. This bust is a lot more to my liking.<br />
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This is my first bust and I think came out decently. It is a different beast to paint the face of a 28mm miniature than this, and thus I dared not go for extrme lights and contrasts, and tried to make him look reallistic. This is why for example there are not strong highlights on the shoulderpads - it is a larger scale that requires less tricks to make it pop. It was nonetheless a very enjoyable experience and a nice complement to my Space Wolves army.<br />
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The plan for now is to display him proudly in my desk (perhaps move it next to the TV if my wife is candid enough) and revisit the paintjob in the future if I improve my skills; things like adding more depth to the face or increase the weathering. I mean, the face for example has lots of different layers and glazes, and I added different pigments to the armour but the difference in scale somewhat seems to make this less visible. Anyhow I hope you like it and if you are a Space Wolf fan, might consider as well to treat yourself to a copy of Thorunn. For Russ and the Almighty, greetings and thanks for reading.<br />
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Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-89430258039694065872014-07-24T17:21:00.000+02:002014-07-24T17:21:01.185+02:00Why I didn't purchase Storm Claw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjaaEOd_mD8/U9EjvsD4bII/AAAAAAAAB60/MlSKqj3fCtI/s1600/Storm+Claw+Space+Wolves+Orks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjaaEOd_mD8/U9EjvsD4bII/AAAAAAAAB60/MlSKqj3fCtI/s1600/Storm+Claw+Space+Wolves+Orks.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></div>
GW's last big seller is probably the Storm Claw box - what's not to love having a huge discount on a several kits plus a soft cover version of the rulebook? Despite how attractive this might sound, and being an avid Space Wolves collector, I finally cancelled the order I had placed in my FGLS. They didn't complain at all by the way because they knew it would be gone very fast.<br />
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The problem that I see with Storm Claw is that despite the significant price discount, I'm still a SW player and I don't need the Orks. Even when the hobbyist in me thinks it would have been fun to build the Gretchins and Nobz, it is not what I really want to do.<br />
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You see, as many people who have been in this hobby for some years, I went from having little money and a lot of time to have little time and enough money to be able to afford this box without compromising my supper. So if I want to get the Space Wolves kits and that beautiful Krom Dragongaze mini, I need to sell or trade the Orks, because I just don't have enough time to spend on them.<br />
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As most 40k guys out there, I have a pretty long list of projects both started and in my wish-list, and I know the Orks would have gone straight to the bottom of the list. First I considered buying this box and actually pre-ordered it with the intent of getting rid of the Orks, but then realized that a) I already have enough GHs and Wolf Guard and b) I don't feel like spending time trying to sell the parts that I don't want.<br />
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Think it this way - I'm getting the box for the savings and the special miniature, but in order to get those I have to spend time selling, packing and shipping what I don't need. How much do you value your time? If I need to spend a few hours in taking pictures, selling stuff on Ebay, checking the payment has been received, acquiring the packaging, packing and going to the post, I might as well pay the price difference and save myself all the hassle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcNa2raa7PN2eSMThvExYrwQg_OSrO1fT-SzYxRhWf1vkT-jaQuI9W9JJez3KNvZUj1r4M8QA-ePZPXfTB2gAYKazodwGq58NnLvOiDTej1C2iBVH5b_r5mYHZ5Kj7Jne8orRcpcGFBam/s1600/Space+Wolves+Krom+Dragongaze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcNa2raa7PN2eSMThvExYrwQg_OSrO1fT-SzYxRhWf1vkT-jaQuI9W9JJez3KNvZUj1r4M8QA-ePZPXfTB2gAYKazodwGq58NnLvOiDTej1C2iBVH5b_r5mYHZ5Kj7Jne8orRcpcGFBam/s1600/Space+Wolves+Krom+Dragongaze.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a></div>
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I also don't want to entice GW to keep selling limited editions in this way, because as a customer I feel forced to get stuff I don't want to get in order to get them. If it happens that you want the LE mini <i>and </i>the other kits, then surely it's a great deal, but I suspect this is not the primary intent of this offers. Alas no Krom Dragongaze for me unless a find a good deal in Ebay, which won't probably happen.<br />
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What do you think about StormClaw? have you purchased it?Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-48056071222069553992014-07-21T12:01:00.001+02:002014-07-21T12:01:12.320+02:00The Storm Fang is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Big, ugly and ruthless. Because Fenris likes it this way</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hbuTV3SJdUY/U8zkhBxb9uI/AAAAAAAAB6g/7yYPT-OWxV4/s1600/Storm+Fang+White+Dwarf+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hbuTV3SJdUY/U8zkhBxb9uI/AAAAAAAAB6g/7yYPT-OWxV4/s1600/Storm+Fang+White+Dwarf+side.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-31159536350562025152014-07-21T09:57:00.001+02:002014-07-21T12:00:01.534+02:00The new Space Wolves Flyer - hidden in plain sight?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EVEAnuD_Rg/U8zHxv9rG-I/AAAAAAAAB6E/iF-zPdJJrpc/s1600/Space+Wolves+Flyer+codex+Storm+Fang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EVEAnuD_Rg/U8zHxv9rG-I/AAAAAAAAB6E/iF-zPdJJrpc/s1600/Space+Wolves+Flyer+codex+Storm+Fang.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></div>
We have known for some time that designers at GW like to come back to the existing books and material for inspiration when it comes to create new things for a given army. Just browse back your White Dwarf collection and there are plenty of references to previous artworks as inspiration for new projects. Case in point, Space Wolves. Their latest miniature, Krom Dragongaze, is inspired by a 3th Ed artwork. Before him, Arjac is very similar to the drawing in the SW codex, and the Thunderwolves kit allows you to build a very similar one to the illustration depicting its entry in 5th Ed. So now that the rumours on the Storm Fang are solid that are being stated as facts, let's have a look at the SW material and see if there is any hint as to what this Flyer might look like.<br />
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Let's remember the <a href="http://natfka.blogspot.com.es/2014/07/the-new-stormfang-gunship.html" target="_blank">description </a>given by Natfka in his blog:<br />
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<i>"The Stormfang Gunship has the look of <b>half of a Caestus Assault Ram</b>, and is on the cover of next week's White Dwarf. The previous rumors really list out its abilities well. It comes with <b>a Helfrost Destructor, two twin-linked heavy bolters, two stormstrike missiles</b> and ceramite plating, with power of the machine spirit."</i><br />
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And through BOLS there is a <a href="http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2014/07/40k-rumors-space-wolves-flyer-imminent.html" target="_blank">comment </a>from Warseer:<br />
<i>"I should really have said 'love-child of a Caestus Assault Ram and a Stormtalon'. That is a better description of the model's appearance."</i><br />
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Is there anything in the codex that could fit with this description?<br />
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This illustration comes I think from the 3rd Ed codex. There are some gunships to the right that look more like Thunderhawks in Star Trek that a Caestus Ram. Moving on.<br />
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The below are most certainly Thunderhawks so not our Flyer.<br />
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The below doesn't look to be a Thunderhawk, and it is too narrow for a StormRaven or variant.</div>
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It is like half a Caestus Ram (check) with small wings on the side (Heavy Bolters supports? check) and some engines towards the end. The cargo area also looks bigger than a Storm Raven (capacity 16? check). Is this the StormFang? we'll have to wait a few more days but I think it likely it looks very similar. What do you think?</div>
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Edited: this is how it really looks like!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbuTV3SJdUY/U8zkhBxb9uI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/7Go-QhjduXY/s1600/Storm+Fang+White+Dwarf+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbuTV3SJdUY/U8zkhBxb9uI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/7Go-QhjduXY/s1600/Storm+Fang+White+Dwarf+side.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-24609615548018831822014-07-17T16:01:00.003+02:002014-07-17T16:01:50.178+02:00Space Wolves statlines, rules and points cost from Stormclaw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Folks are starting to receive the StormClaw boxes and so we finally get to know the SW statlines and rules. There's a general points decrease across the board, inline with the previous SM and DA releases, and a very bad change (hint: Grey Hunters). Let's have a look:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From <a href="http://www.wargamez.com.ar/foro/warhammer-40-000/manuales-232-211.html" target="_blank">Manuales</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Krom Dragongaze 135p</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Power armour, Bolt pistol, Frag and Krak Grenades, Belt of Russ (4++) and his axe Wyrnclaw (master crafted power awxe, +2S FP2). Comes with ATSKNF, Acute Senses, Counter-attack, Furious charge and Stubborn. He's of course an IC.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">His Warlord trait makes him declare/accept challenges, with To hit re-rolls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of this for 135 points! in the old 5th Ed Codex, it would have been something like Wolf Lord (100 pts), Belt of Russ (25) and Frost Axe (25). This makes 150 points and doesn't account for Stubborn neither the fact that his axe doesn't seem to be unwieldly anymore. Alas Krom cannot take a Thunderwolf nor a bike which is where you usually see Wolf Lords. I might yet paint some Wolf Guard stripes in my Krom and actually get to use the mini.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5x Wolf Guard in TDA 230 p</b></span><br />
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TDA, 1x hammenator, 1x SB/CF, 1x SB/PF, 1x HF / PF, and the pack leader Beoric with SB and a glaive (+1S FP3). As usual come with Acute Senses, ATSNF and Couter-attack.</div>
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Rules wise they keep the same. Hopefully the new codex will still allow them to be attached to other packs, which was an important difference vs. other Space Marine codexes.</div>
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If I'm not mistaken, with the old codex this would have amounted to 245 points so there is a little point decrease here. Still sounds expensive for their load-out (they don't even carry combi bolters!).</div>
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<b>5x Grey Hunters 125p</b></div>
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Power armour, bolt pistol, boltgun, krak and frag grenades. <b>They don't seem to keep the CCW</b>, which would mean they lose 1A in CC!</div>
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The pack leader (Hengist) has a power axe. Plus 1x GH with plasma pistol and chainsword, 1x with a plasma gun. Rules wise get the standard Acute Senses, ATSNF and Couter-attack.</div>
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This configuration would have amounted to 130 points, so looks like Grey Hunters might be getting 1 point discount by losing their CCW. A terrible trade-off if you ask me, GH were so good because they were equally capable shooting or in CC.</div>
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<b>5x Blood Claws 110p</b></div>
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Power armour, bolt pistol, CCW, krak and frag grenades. </div>
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The pack leader, Egil Redfist, has a PF. Another Blood Claw replaces his bolt pistol for a plasma pistol. Acute Senses, ATSNF, Couter-attack and Rage, so Blood Claws get a generic rule now.</div>
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In the old codex this would have costed 130 points, so that's 20 points less. This doesn't make Blood Claws any better though, they are still overcosted and there is no reason to take them over Grey Hunters... with what we know today.</div>
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Conclusion:</div>
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Aside from the GH losing their CCW there's nothing new here. Some cost decreases to bring them inline with the other codices and that's about it. At this point, even Counter-attack doesn't seem to stay its ground when compared to the other Chapter Tactics. We'll have to wait some more weeks to find out! Until then, thanks for reading!</div>
Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-24475572890510025102014-07-14T15:12:00.001+02:002014-07-14T15:12:06.391+02:00New Space Wolf Formation: Fierce-eye's Finest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Included in the StormClaw box set there is a Space Wolf formation datasheet. What is exciting is that not only it is a fairly interesting one, but one more hint that the Space Wolves codex is about to drop! Without further ado this is the formation:<br />
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From WDW 24:<br />
<i>"Fierce-eye’s Finest hunt as a pack, and once one unit in the formation has shot at or</i><br />
<i>charged an enemy, successive units in the formation who choose the same target reroll</i><br />
<i>failed attempts."</i><br />
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From the description, the formation seems to be composed of 5 Wolf Guard in Terminator Armour, 5 Blood Claws and 5 Grey Hunters. In a week we'll know if those units can be expanded, and if it's possible then it's a formation we might actually be seeing on the tables. Grey Hunters are the bread and butter of all Space Wolf armies, and Wolf Guard are easily found, if only for how cool the minis are (side note: hopefully GW will make all those hammers and shields in the kit usable by giving them a decent price). Blood Claws I've never seen on a table, as who would pay a Grey Hunter cost for less stats and wargear? hopefully the new codex will see them drop in price.<br />
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I'm looking forward to get the full details on this. Assuming this formation works with more numbers of Grey Hunters and Blood Claws, and if you can still stick a Wolf Guard to them (to tank shots), Drop-podded SW might be a thing! drop T1, shoot the 2 specials per pack / combi-bolters from the Wolf Guard / massed bolter fire with re-rolls to the second and third packs shooting the same unit, T2 charge with re-rolls again.<br />
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Are those re-rolls to hit, to wound? Only one more week - can't wait to see!Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-29120257525484986142014-06-27T14:05:00.002+02:002014-06-27T14:05:24.262+02:004 great ways to improve your painting skills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Painting is a key part of our hobby, after all, it is the look of the models and armies what got us here in the first place. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or have been here for a while, if you like or despise painting, these simple tips will help you get consistently better results.<br />
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Where do these come from? well with work, house moving, a pneumonia and a small kid at home, my gaming time suffered a drastic reduction (read: was terminated) and I was limited to painting and collecting. I found this can also be a social activity, with plenty of forums and groups you can share your progress with, and events that can drive your motivation to learn, like painting courses or competitions. This is the summary of the most important things I've learned in the last 6 months and that I feel have really made me progress:<br />
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<b>1-Use a wet palette</b><br />
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If there was a secret tool ever to improve painting, that has to be wet palettes. Essentially it keeps your paint humid and makes blending a lot more easier. You can add some paints and mix them as you want - the more mixes, the smoother transitions will be. Even if you don't want to spend too much time in a given miniature, making a small color graduation is going to make that coat or fatigues look so much better. The improvement will be much more noticeable if you are still painting straight from the paint pot, as the wet palette will naturally water down your paints.<br />
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The wet palette is going to make the paint last much longer before drying, and by that I mean you can add some colours there and keep using them for some days. As long as there is water below, the paints won't dry.<br />
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The other great thing about wet palettes is how simple and cheap they are - all you need is an adequate surface, like an old dish or box cover, a sponge and baking paper. Check an online tutorial, like <a href="http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.com/2009/10/tutorial-wet-palette.html" target="_blank">this one from Massive Voodoo</a>.<br />
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<b>2-Get a high quality brush</b><br />
As most people out there, I've been using Citadel brushes for years and always been happy with them; they aren't that expensive, can last a while and generally get the work done. Nothing wrong with that eh? Well, I recently attended a painting course with master painter <a href="http://volomir.blogspot.com.es/" target="_blank">Volomir </a>and if there was one thing he stressed all day long, was that it was imperative to use quality brushes! the best out there are the infamous <a href="http://www.winsornewton.com/uk/shop/brushes/water-colour/series-7-kolinsky-sable-brushes" target="_blank">Winsor and Newton series 7</a>. Granted one of those costs like 3 Citadels but they are well worth the price. These brushes are very good at keeping a sharp edge and are extremely helpful for blending colors. I was hesitant at the beginning but after trying them, I know I'm not using anything else.<br />
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<b>3-Study some color theory</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOAZ1xx9Ijj6ZJQvaCPJcbiEhLPRvAB2sUsWei_TPEFIITReMg0GzaAalbsvedTnzjbYEbJ_AEFikdbwZUNNpPYVbXetytWy4synMF5MdkclxVznEoGoEbuwVpOWu2ZpPRgBtli5zDNs9/s1600/krg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOAZ1xx9Ijj6ZJQvaCPJcbiEhLPRvAB2sUsWei_TPEFIITReMg0GzaAalbsvedTnzjbYEbJ_AEFikdbwZUNNpPYVbXetytWy4synMF5MdkclxVznEoGoEbuwVpOWu2ZpPRgBtli5zDNs9/s1600/krg2.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a>Color theory is again something that most of us have a sense for but probably have never gotten too much thought about why some colors look good together (turquoise + orange on the example below ) or why that army is so catchy on the eye. At the end of the day, when we are painting miniatures what we are actually doing is trying to make a small scale look like it was much bigger, and because the light and color properties are much different in a 1/1 or 1/50 scales, we do things like edge highlightning or shadows. And <b>the secret to great looking miniatures is creating contrast</b>. Contrast can simply be shadow vs. light. lack and white, but can also be done in subtler ways like using complementary colors (wonder why Orks have red accents?), warm/cool and more. So my advice is read something on the subject and start playing with color combinations based in the theory: for example, use a complementary color for the shadows instead of a black (or even better, mix black with that complementary and a bit of the base color); choose color accents keeping in mind their relation with other colors (see the army above, the blue accent contrasts with the orange weathering), etc.<br />
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<b>4-Attend painting competitions and courses</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzzzU1Mu5dY/T_BGwhVi3CI/AAAAAAAAAjo/iRab1jlhzf4/s1600/games+day+2012+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzzzU1Mu5dY/T_BGwhVi3CI/AAAAAAAAAjo/iRab1jlhzf4/s1600/games+day+2012+013.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mini really caught my eye on the Games Day 2012</td></tr>
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Painting competitions can be a double edge sword - comparing your stuff to incredible pieces of art produced by professionals who have invested 150 hours in that piece alone can be hard, but also a great motivation. I think having the chance to see all that inspiration more than compensates the possible deception, and can be a powerful motivator in the future. Sure you don't need to paint all that well, all that you need is catch some ideas or concepts and try to apply them on your own. For example, I was blown away by the 'Eavy metal painted Sanguinor I saw on the Games Day 2012 but that is something I will not even attempt at the moment; instead I realized most faces were painted in a different way than the usual White Dwarf tutorial of base flesh color + brown wash, and have been making progress since in replicating those. Now I'm quite happy with the way I paint faces and while they will not win me a prize, I can look at those in my cabinet with some pride. So be prepared to be blown away and be positive - use it as inspiration not to demotivate you!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was there... the day after this session</td></tr>
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As for the courses, having someone show you how blendings and glazes are done will save you countless hours of trying on your own. My own experience was not so much of being a better painter after the course, but of having the tools now to become one. Sure my first attemps at blending like I was taught weren't great but even the first attemps already were better than anything I'd done before. Now I know it's down to me putting enough hours to get there. And let's not forget on the social side of things, it is a great way to get to know other people with similar interests and have a great time painting together. This can help you find a painting group, who said painting was not a social activity?<br />
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Hope this was useful, it really reflects my thoughts after doing those points myself, and I think this is the biggest leap I have ever made in painting. Have you had similar experiences or other tips to share?<br />
<br />Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-22429516880383277802014-06-17T14:06:00.000+02:002014-06-17T14:06:24.011+02:00Rocco the massive Orc finally arrived<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dT0Ot3J04IY/U6ArA7Dj3KI/AAAAAAAAB3o/Nv_Xj6_kvk4/s1600/Rocco+cold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dT0Ot3J04IY/U6ArA7Dj3KI/AAAAAAAAB3o/Nv_Xj6_kvk4/s1600/Rocco+cold.jpg" height="400" width="248" /></a></div>
Nearly after 7 months after <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rocco-the-most-massive-mounted-orc-in-54mm-ever" target="_blank">Rocco's Indiegogo campaign</a> finished, I have finally received my copy of Rocco, a giant bad-ass Orc boss and his monster ride. I have seen plenty of unboxings and comments about this campaign and many were negative, so I wanted to chime in and show you what it is so you can form your own opinon.<div>
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First things first, the sculpt by the talented Allan Carrasco is nothing short of amazing, with a very detailed Rocco head and body. The star of the show however is the beast itself, with a level of detail I had not seen before. Just look at those claws or face, make the Fantasy plastic dragons cry (and let me clarify I love those, I own a metal Wood Elf Dragon, a plastic Mercenary Elves and a plastic High Elves so I know them well).</div>
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One of the perks of the campaign was the banner, which is a nice boon and bane all in one. At least it is a boon for those of us not very gifted at freehand but hey, I'm sure we can all produce something half decent if we put enough thought to it. This painted example by JBT himself is a good example; the banner looks good but it is simple enough than most of us can do something similar. Allright enough digression, let's get to the unboxing:</div>
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This is what you got with the campaign: Rocco + monster ride, a banner for Rocco and 3 additional miniatures: Tahar Ama the barbarian, Carmina an Elf-woman with a banner, and Helmut that is a nice little cyber punk miniature. In addition comes printed version of the artwork , which unfortunately is not signed by the authors as promised. The paper is also bent due to the packaging but this is not something that matters a lot to me...</div>
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This is Rocco with shield, lance and horns. The bits at the top right are the 2 halves of the rock in which the beast is sitting on, and below the 2 main parts of the monster's body. There are no mold lines at all, and the level of crispness of the details are superlative. Absolutely top-notch.<br />
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These are the beasts' head, arms, legs, horns and mount. Again compare to your standard plastic dragon, which is not much more expensive by the way.<br />
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This is the banner perk, a nice detailed banner with some hanging skulls as decoration! you could really use this one in a Fantasy army.</div>
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And now onto the extra miniatures! Helmut here is a little man/robot, reminds me of some robots you encounter in Final Fantasy XIII. It could be used as a Mechanicum conversion too.<br />
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Carmina wears an armor alike to Elrond's Elves host at the very begginning of in the Lord of the Rings, and has another banner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaXKBShjfdGcFIbdguFOBcpTGtpj0ICLF4t3ZuCcVmgjFqIfOsctplDCLLuMhURx-I1EmJU2ll1Gra28K9y2p1siC3DvPke4wPX27Oq8Nm2oVtxLYgokYoxz0THfdvRXcYMYfRxCqFpG_/s1600/Rocco+Orc+Figone+Carmina.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaXKBShjfdGcFIbdguFOBcpTGtpj0ICLF4t3ZuCcVmgjFqIfOsctplDCLLuMhURx-I1EmJU2ll1Gra28K9y2p1siC3DvPke4wPX27Oq8Nm2oVtxLYgokYoxz0THfdvRXcYMYfRxCqFpG_/s1600/Rocco+Orc+Figone+Carmina.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>And finally Tahar Ama, a barbarian girl with an axe. All the 3 perks are nice miniatures and whilst I wouldn't have bought those on their own, I'm happy to have them around.<br />
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All in all this campaign has taken 7 months to deliver the stuff, which is unusual for crowdfunding campaings. 75€ for all of this including shipping is I think a more than fair price, especially considering how great the main sculpt is. Whether you want something different to paint, or are looking for alternate Fantasy models, these will not let you down. Look forward to see my progress in some weeks time... thanks for reading!</div>
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-Albert</div>
Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-30817047974956448332014-06-13T13:14:00.000+02:002014-06-13T13:14:19.843+02:00Eldar Fire Prism showcase<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEo7KLsyKPUkBII-SrTaaZVlrQuYdMV-TfrkSzDgKSNDXgzDnr6fGmD7wrG3I35f9Hu_cfqlgcKQxND4m3HGp532GsrwlEC7N-dkSp_CN8dMIlxYiKuKxrkP7g6Us_p1C7cuuXMLnxd13/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEo7KLsyKPUkBII-SrTaaZVlrQuYdMV-TfrkSzDgKSNDXgzDnr6fGmD7wrG3I35f9Hu_cfqlgcKQxND4m3HGp532GsrwlEC7N-dkSp_CN8dMIlxYiKuKxrkP7g6Us_p1C7cuuXMLnxd13/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Greetings! After sitting for a while packed in a box (I moved home) I finally managed to complete this Ulthwé Fire Prism. Oh boy this is a beautiful kit! It has all the elegant, alien lines of the Eldar and adds an incredible turret. If that isn't a big gun, I don't know what it is! Of course game-wise Prisms are still a good option; with 3 fire modes and a 60" range there is always something the Prism can deal with. </div>
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The turret and weapon options are fully magnetised so I can convert it to a Night Spinner or a Wave Serpent with the help of a FW turret. Unfortunately, the Night Spinner parts are still lost in some of the (many) boxes that had to be unpacked yet. Oh well.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWBBhFQ88GM/U5mQcJKRRvI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/2QHCyhtesuY/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWBBhFQ88GM/U5mQcJKRRvI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/2QHCyhtesuY/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty pleased with the color scheme, the lightning blue parts mesh well with the Eldar aesthetic and give a pulsing sense of energy. You might notice the gems are not yet painted - I will just batch-paint them all in the future, when that dreaded day comes. For now I just basecoated where I wanted the gems to be.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivi-8waqvBI/U5mQcNvZ0rI/AAAAAAAAB2U/4kbwMHenqTQ/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivi-8waqvBI/U5mQcNvZ0rI/AAAAAAAAB2U/4kbwMHenqTQ/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The back of the Prism replaces the normal Serpent door for what seem batteries or generators, and fit very well with the overall energy theme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ShbsYk3AxRzvjiBvmjhuoYMzC_liUpc3fzYcFdo8UH-ZW2oB9KxeutDm168xf-ZSOtqTYR86Z-c7LInjorl1CfjBa9k1vK86XmgB1Oucxu5skU4qYZQ19P1YlPqGFbFciw8yUA3AHkHa/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ShbsYk3AxRzvjiBvmjhuoYMzC_liUpc3fzYcFdo8UH-ZW2oB9KxeutDm168xf-ZSOtqTYR86Z-c7LInjorl1CfjBa9k1vK86XmgB1Oucxu5skU4qYZQ19P1YlPqGFbFciw8yUA3AHkHa/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The gunner cockpit - all the pilots in my Eldar army are painted in this blue/greenish scheme, like they're lit by displays.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73rJbO1B4OQ/U5mQhYeZBhI/AAAAAAAAB2w/DNnOp9AuhaE/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73rJbO1B4OQ/U5mQhYeZBhI/AAAAAAAAB2w/DNnOp9AuhaE/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bottom of the turret has more lightning, and you can see in the main body the different sources. I wanted it to be throbbing with energy, but not so much to make it look blue. I think I got a good balance here with the gunship still being black for the most part.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNfCgI5cq4I/U5mQhkQRbVI/AAAAAAAAB20/JaXgVyklF8Q/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNfCgI5cq4I/U5mQhkQRbVI/AAAAAAAAB20/JaXgVyklF8Q/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The turret without the guns - you can see where the magnets are, with the paint scrapping due to the usage. Magnetizing this kit is not only good in terms of game options, but it is a must if you plan to move it around and keep it in one piece.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqZEJ7deDCTBlJMntML5pZq8lvovj41foBiGhttSa2wc9Zfp8TzVgxt-xMd4azM8ELBk6a6pE6a6T9RvUe5AX9Jzh49Z-L88fDAGxTCbSIMgdUAbyDzcV7DnLe-6lu2GBSXOV9DYRYBCL/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqZEJ7deDCTBlJMntML5pZq8lvovj41foBiGhttSa2wc9Zfp8TzVgxt-xMd4azM8ELBk6a6pE6a6T9RvUe5AX9Jzh49Z-L88fDAGxTCbSIMgdUAbyDzcV7DnLe-6lu2GBSXOV9DYRYBCL/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It only has one Ulthwé mark on this side of the hull; I might add a Prism symbol on the other side, and that's about it. This model is so elegant that doesn't deserve to be covered in decals!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeNq2EvFtkg/U5mQlppIilI/AAAAAAAAB3I/R3h_63H0Xsc/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeNq2EvFtkg/U5mQlppIilI/AAAAAAAAB3I/R3h_63H0Xsc/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Ulthwe+40K+8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this is where the magnets are placed. The GW designers didn't make it as easy as it could have been, but it is doable nonetheless and very recommendable. Just keep in min the Prism itself is rather long and you will need a larger magnet for this one; I think this one has a 8mm diameter.<br />
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And that's it. Hope you liked it!Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-71490153204447097272014-01-02T13:49:00.002+01:002014-01-02T13:49:16.250+01:00Eldar Fire Prism and Falcon WIPHello everybody and happy new M2.014! hope the gods of the warp have been kind and brought some nice presents for all (I mean this in a <i>nice </i>way!).<br />
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My self-present was the amazing Eldar Ghost Warriors box, with nothing less that 1 Wraithknight, 2 Wraithlords and 15 Wraithguard! I will paint all of them in due time with my own version of the Ulthwé Craftworld, that is essentially Black/Blue with a few bone accents.<br />
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Here are some work in progress shots of the Fire Prism and Falcon that I have been working on of lately. I need to finish the highlights, paint the gems, add a few decals and add a nice satin varnish on top. Hope you like them!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Iqy4r5TZA0/UsVcV4IGLnI/AAAAAAAABxI/It6cXubZkas/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Iqy4r5TZA0/UsVcV4IGLnI/AAAAAAAABxI/It6cXubZkas/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The hull was primed black, then painted with a dark Grey/blue tone from Vallejo. Afterwards I added some light grey to create a subtle highlight above the engines and the cockpit.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H__quDUd8qQ/UsVcV5iOREI/AAAAAAAABxE/vfjrbIpksyk/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H__quDUd8qQ/UsVcV5iOREI/AAAAAAAABxE/vfjrbIpksyk/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The blue hues are present everywhere there is a grid or exhaust of any kind, to represent the energy emanating from it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXp6IehVOXObRZWoViEF8dBHOqmMzilxN6tb6yDE6Q2rKxtrCOKHB8dBqUvk12mN_bku0_DKrUDPEq1t7bNZRqJaNv-Y37759ABHS9N2cLtvsGMtfHUQTHcjBONNrVOuAcUs6jBJbGvgh/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Falcon+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXp6IehVOXObRZWoViEF8dBHOqmMzilxN6tb6yDE6Q2rKxtrCOKHB8dBqUvk12mN_bku0_DKrUDPEq1t7bNZRqJaNv-Y37759ABHS9N2cLtvsGMtfHUQTHcjBONNrVOuAcUs6jBJbGvgh/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Falcon+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Some blue areas have received a dilluted black/purple filter. This is done to smooth the transitions and to give a slightly different hue to some areas.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n__txwCPe8o/UsVcedjlbfI/AAAAAAAABxg/HEFOi6lgghI/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Falcon+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n__txwCPe8o/UsVcedjlbfI/AAAAAAAABxg/HEFOi6lgghI/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Falcon+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I use 3 different highlight colors, depending on the area. The darkest is a medium grey and the lighter is Pale Witch skin (or something like that) from GW, which is a sort of marble white. For the blue areas I mostly use GW's Blue Horror, from the Edge line.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGv79Ty1DiY/UsVcgJmhVrI/AAAAAAAABxo/URKTKPg1eGQ/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Falcon+Serpent+Hull+bottom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGv79Ty1DiY/UsVcgJmhVrI/AAAAAAAABxo/URKTKPg1eGQ/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Prism+Falcon+Serpent+Hull+bottom.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
The left hull has some highlighting work whilst the right hull has just been airbrushed. It will make a huge difference in the final look. Don't be afraid of trying very clear highlights, just make sure the paing is watered down and applied as thin as possible.<br />
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And that's all for know. I hope you liked them, feel free to post any comments or questions!Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-72036062109691287772013-12-20T15:10:00.000+01:002013-12-20T15:10:18.075+01:00Black Library jumps the shark... again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With <a href="http://www.blacklibrary.com/horus-heresy/macragges-honour.html" target="_blank">Macragge's Honour</a>. A 100-page graphic novel that costs 95€ (almost 1€ per page!) and that will be shipped after 10 weeks.<br />
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There is nothing wrong with Limited or Luxury editions, as long as there is a standard edition that most customers will buy. Loyal customers like me who have printed copies of most of the Horus Heresy books.<br />
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And there is nothing wrong with claiming a high price when the value is right, but 1€ per page and 2.5 months to ship it? warp travel is faster than that!<br />
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Something that I recommend though is watchning the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKZnwDYz1hc" target="_blank">promo video</a> with Dan Abnett and Neil Roberts. At least until someone posts a PDF for all to read, until and if BL eventually releases a normal, reasonal, affordable copy. Because let's get this straight, that is what most customers will do and not because they like piracy, but because that is the only option GW is leaving.<br />
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Apologies for the rant but please allow me to use this small and remote corner in the net to express my frustration at what GW is trying to pull this time.<br />
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Anyone feeling the same? I'd also like to see if anyone is actually interested in purchasing this version.Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-37048096391463263222013-11-15T16:18:00.001+01:002013-11-15T16:18:43.222+01:00Something special in Indiegogo<a href="http://images.indiegogo.com/medias/1093228/primary_pictures/full/20131106063019-ROCCO_620x413_80.jpg?1383748225" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.indiegogo.com/medias/1093228/primary_pictures/full/20131106063019-ROCCO_620x413_80.jpg?1383748225" height="213" width="320" /></a><span id="goog_792480940"></span><span id="goog_792480941"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>If you follow the Golden Demons and the myriad of artists that participate, you might have heard the names of Allan Carrasco and Jérémie Bonamant. They have teamed up for a indiegogo campaign to produce a massive mounted globin figure, and given the impressive results of their collaborations so far, this is going to be a good one.<br />
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I'm not particularly interested in fantasy figures but I want to try out something different. I know some people only want to buy models they will use afterwards, and I can see the logic in that. I suppose in an open-minded, friendly group you can always play by the rules of something else, but obviously it will be harder to use in tournaments and the like even as a counts-as. For some others more interested in the artistic side of things this is not a problem at all. I'm torn somewhere in between, and while I like to be able to field my stuff, I could also go for something that I can't if it's good enough. And I think this will be :) In any case this is the Indiegogo campaign should you be interested:<br />
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<a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rocco-the-most-massive-mounted-orc-in-54mm-ever/x/5410318">http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rocco-the-most-massive-mounted-orc-in-54mm-ever/x/5410318</a><br />
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See some of their previous work and you'll understand why I'm so excited about this:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is friggin' badass Orc and no mistake!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Minotaur puts Bloodthirster to shame</td></tr>
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<br />Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-6139122122659225022013-10-30T16:30:00.000+01:002013-10-30T16:30:00.934+01:00Eldar Fire Dragons Showcase<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrEE6N0ozdRWMBLiGlYgPQi6ZdocFqr4U4bMfezymdDMlKUD7G2NJ3fKuKJBi1UtT7WdbuwfrSG9yuu5Rt7Jqwrc6UgfiQuqmOpCRsK-vp6yuht_jaIzZoyO_iW2trAbOwPr5GsbyOhZV/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Dragons+2+40K.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrEE6N0ozdRWMBLiGlYgPQi6ZdocFqr4U4bMfezymdDMlKUD7G2NJ3fKuKJBi1UtT7WdbuwfrSG9yuu5Rt7Jqwrc6UgfiQuqmOpCRsK-vp6yuht_jaIzZoyO_iW2trAbOwPr5GsbyOhZV/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Dragons+2+40K.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>Howdy! today I bring some classic Fire Dragons for my new Eldar army. I really like these models, I think they epitomize most of what is Eldar - slender and graceful yet with a sense of power, and they look utterly alien which I like as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TjJGu_WoPnY5fG2TWgRmECo6Q829D8pMdetWEpVBWljxsPv5MH0_fG39gOKn7bBEh5_onOIckByB2XgTiuSfqYbrFh2p6YjUKH1FKpaOt1vIfJMSpcUGer8pOfUa2ExZ_7H56IiDWqmN/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Dragon+Exarch+40K.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TjJGu_WoPnY5fG2TWgRmECo6Q829D8pMdetWEpVBWljxsPv5MH0_fG39gOKn7bBEh5_onOIckByB2XgTiuSfqYbrFh2p6YjUKH1FKpaOt1vIfJMSpcUGer8pOfUa2ExZ_7H56IiDWqmN/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Dragon+Exarch+40K.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the Fire Dragon Exarch. I opted for the fusion gun because that's what I will be using in games, and also because the hobbyist in me didn't want the firepike to cover all the details in the body :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJBV5OBjZJlbMeE0DBcCpOc7s1VpbXSIo20467xIWWtdLVksEy5eF4QCl-GrYIM5aYXWe0oZH7im3iqTV4q_cJUHxLyECUHjQxx3ihVG4wTOkq32woX7V5AplkZaGrH4ioPcOBIXJt5yU/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Dragons+40K+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJBV5OBjZJlbMeE0DBcCpOc7s1VpbXSIo20467xIWWtdLVksEy5eF4QCl-GrYIM5aYXWe0oZH7im3iqTV4q_cJUHxLyECUHjQxx3ihVG4wTOkq32woX7V5AplkZaGrH4ioPcOBIXJt5yU/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Dragons+40K+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
The Wave Serpent in the back is their assigned transport. Same as the Dragons it is still missing the gems... so many of those! I will show it some other day, for now I will just anticipate I wanted do something different and show Eldar are the Children of the Stars so I painted a nebulae and stars all over it ^^ yes I might have jumped the shark on this one.<br />
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<b>Some notes on the painting</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eYngXUuc14/UnEBSthNeuI/AAAAAAAABu4/G8MeiMyOUU8/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Dragon+grenade+40K.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eYngXUuc14/UnEBSthNeuI/AAAAAAAABu4/G8MeiMyOUU8/s1600/Eldar+Fire+Dragon+grenade+40K.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The models were painted with airbrush, using a similar method to my Blood Angels:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Basecoat with Vallejo's Red Brown primer.</li>
<li>I then created some pre-lights by lightly airbrushing a soft grey from a zenital angle. This makes the next red coat to have some color modulation. It's a very simple and effective technique.</li>
<li>For the body I applied some tones of red, Italian Red from Vallejo comes to mind, to which I added a small part of yellow to get a more orange tone.</li>
<li>The helmet was painted Yellow obviously.</li>
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Then it is a matter of adding the shadows with controlled strokes of either a very dilluted dark red paint, or a less dilluted wash. The lights were added with watered down light oranges, yellows and white. The Citadel Edge paints are great for this work (in general).<br />
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The guns were painted light grey and then washed with brown, then cleared it a little bit. The weapons link visually the Fire Dragons with the rest of Eldars (Guarians and Avengers mainly) due to the bone color of their weapons. Notice how the muzzle of the weapons has a scorched look, this can be achieved with purple and red glazes.<br />
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The bases are the awesome Urban Streets rubble from Secret Weapon Miniatures. The rest of Eldar models use a different base though. I went for this choice to fit with the Exarch model that is stepping on some tank residues.<br />
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Here's some more pictures, hope you like them! Feel free to post any comments or feedback.<br />
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<br />Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-56491613569160524872013-10-16T17:00:00.000+02:002013-10-16T17:00:01.199+02:00Shadows Of Treachery Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shadows of Treachery is the latest Horus Heresy short story antology that Black Library has released. Unlike Age of Darkness, Shadows of Treachery feels much more solid and consistent; this is not only to a very solid roster of authors, but especially because it mainly focuses on 2 Legions, their Primarchs and First Captains, a similar timeframe and related events. In this case, it is the Imperial Fists and the Night Lords. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Up to now, the Imperial Fists main contribution to the story so far was picking up the survivors of the Einsenstein after their escape from the Isstvan system, bringing the news to Terra and start fortifying the defences. The Imperial Fists were also in charge of retrieving as many supplies as possible from Mars when the civil war broke out in the Red Planet. It is also known what it was Rogal Dorn who organized the disastrous counter-attack that ended up with the dropsite massacre.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As for the Night Lords, we have had brief references of their skirmishes with the Dark Angels in some remote region of space, and I believe play an important role in the recent Vulkan lives, which I haven't read yet.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So what about this compilation? I was a bit disappointed with Tales of Heresy and Age of Darkess but given the roster of authors is top notch - Abnett, McNeill and Dembski-Bowden amongst other- and that the Legacy Edition was available, I went for it. See below a short review of each story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>The Crimson Fist by John French</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is the largest story in the book, almost a mini novel on its own. The Crimson Fist explains what happened to the Imperial Fists force dispatched by Rogal Dorn to support the other loyalist Legions in the fight in Isstvan V. About 20% of the Legion, which was a huge fleet in that time, was sent to Isstvan and did not participate in the dropsite massacre; we finally get to know their fate. Not that I want to spoil anything but </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">the cover we can already see Imperial Fists with assault gear fighting Astartes of the +++CENSORED+++ legion. It might also ring a bell if you saw this</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"> amazing diorama from Games Day ...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the story we get to know a little bit more about the impenetrable Rogal Dorn and the Imperial Fists' First Captain Sigismund (who had previously appeared saving some bacon in Mechanicum). On the other side we find out the origin of the bodyguards of the Primarch of the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">+++CENSORED+++ legion and get to know more of their efficient way of fighting. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">All in all an enjoyable read, if yet its final is not very imaginative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>The Dark King by Graham McNeill</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">The Night Lords are arguably of one the Legions that have spent less time in the spotlight (pun intended) and finally get some much deserved love, although they are still to get a full novell of their own. In the meantime, The Dark King preludes the origins of their Primarch Konrad Kurze in a similar fashion as other Primarchs have had mentions of their first steps in their worlds of adoption in their novels; think of Fulgrim or Perturabo but with some more detail.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">I don't know much about the Night Lords lore and fluff but suffice to say, this story has a quite different flavour to those of other more <i>normal </i>Primarchs; Kurze arrives to Nostromo after being dispersed from Terra to find a violent hive society, and after sometime surviving by eating different types of meat (hint: there are no cows in the hives) decides to put some order on his on way, which is terror. This is where we see hints that things were not allright in the Night Lords legion many years before the Heresy, same as we saw in Fulgrim, Angel Exterminatus or A Thousand Sons, and rather than the Heresy was made possible because most of the traitor Legions were already hiding something. It is these little tidbits of information that together add a much needed sense to the overall story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>The Lightning Tower by Dan Abnett</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Can the mighty, imprenetable, hard as a rock Rogal Dorn feel fear? if it's not fear, let's just call it a very deep concern. This short story is bolter porn-free and revolves around a conversation of Rogal Dorn and the Sigillite in Terra, where they discuss the origins of that fear. What can it be so grave, so daunting, so horrible that can affect Rogal Dorn? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">The Night Haunter is part of this conversation and we learn that Dorn and Kurze had some issues in the past, but is it Kurze the reason of the fear?</span><br />
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<a href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111026163208/warhammer40k/images/3/34/Techpriest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111026163208/warhammer40k/images/3/34/Techpriest2.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>The Kaban Project by Graham McNeill</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">The second short story of Mr. McNeill explains the origins of that sentient machine that attacked Dalia Cyphera and her friends in the novel Mechanicum. Although this was not a part that deserved much explanation, it is very nice to have a complementary story around Mechanicum, for this is one of the finest Horus Heresy novels to date, and one that - time will tell - could be recalled in the future as the origin of a new Mechanicum army. The story itself isn't that great but again, those that enjoyed Mechanicum will be interested. Hopefully we'll get some more stories on the Knights next time?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>Raven’s Flight by Gav Thorpe</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">In the context of the Horus Heresy storyline, one of the big questions marks so far is how could there be any survivors from Isstvan V, and especially how Corax got away. Well this short story sheds some light about it. Personnally I feel it gives a too simplistic explanation and that it could have been more developed but to be fair, it is only a short story and it's best to get a (simple) answer that no answer at all, IMO.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>Death of a Silversmith by Graham McNeill</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">This is really a filler that adds nothing to the general storyline. A very short story on the Luna Wolves and a character we had not heard about in a long time...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>Prince of Crows by Aaron Dembski-Bowden</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: inherit; line-height: 18px;">The second story of the Night Lords and one that I found very interesting; after a series of skirmishes with the Dark Angels, the Lion manages to ambush the Night Lords and in leaves Kurze badly wounded after fighting him. The remnants of the Night Lords ships flee and it is up to their First Captain Jago Sevatar to take the control. To do so will have to fight the inherent treachery of his Legion if he wants to strike back at the First Legion. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">Whilst the previous Horus Heresy compilations so far have been somewhat disappointing, this book feels much more solid and consistent. it sheds some light around details or secondary affairs far from the main action that some might find interesting, and definetely gives much more context to the Imperial Fists and Night Lords. If you are not interested in neither the details or those Legions and just want to see the story advance, I would probably recommend to skip this lecture. Otherwise it makes for a pleasant distraction (I read it one story at a time while going to work in the train) and the Legacy Edition at 10.5€ is definetely a great value. <b>Verdict: 3/5</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">Have you read this book? what do you think?</span></span></div>
Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-85067442302103182622013-08-23T16:30:00.000+02:002013-08-23T16:30:00.416+02:00Eldar Wave Serpent WIP 1<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I67X2u2rGCo/UhcZi9CrO6I/AAAAAAAABsk/wlmyKD46FJ8/s1600/Eldar+Wave+Serpent+40K+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I67X2u2rGCo/UhcZi9CrO6I/AAAAAAAABsk/wlmyKD46FJ8/s1600/Eldar+Wave+Serpent+40K+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Hi there! Wave Serpents are the new rage in terms of power gaming (these things are pretty darn good!) but the reality is, it has always been one of the best vehicles in terms of hobby. Just head to CMON or google a bit and you'll find some <a href="http://www.coolminiornot.com/319154?browseid=6480192" target="_blank">incredible pieces of art</a> painted over a Wave Serpent Hull. Now I'm not nowhere near the level of these artists but it was nonetheless an idea that has been in my mind for some time and when I heard the codex Eldar was due for a release, I decided I would get a small contingent for fun: a Farseer and some bikes, some Guardians / Avengers in Serpent, and of course the mighty Wraithknight!<br />
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This has to be my favourite side of 6th Ed, the pace of codex releases is so fast that it is difficult to keep track! but it is encouraging to find every 2 months or 3 some amazing new kits. And here we are, painting my very first xeno outside of Orks, and that was well 15 years ago. Ah those 2nd edition Gretchins painted in goblin green and blood red :)<br />
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Back to Eldar. It is a difficult decision to decide how to paint an Eldar army, since you can pretty much use any color. Then there also fluff or game considerations of course, like I would go Saim Hann if I wanted to go biker/skimmer heavy. Given Eldar are meant to be the Children of the Stars and their long decadence, I decided to go with a dark black/blue scheme and add some touches of "space" (more on this later). It will be a Craftwork Ulthwe contingent with some creative licenses.<br />
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The first Wave Serpent has a black base with blue hues around it, to give it a sense of energy. The challenge is I went all in and inspired by t<a href="http://microartstudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=80" target="_blank">his wonderful army</a> by Hortwerth, I will try to paint a nebulae on top of the serpent. The easy part is that an airbrush can blend the colors nicely, but the tricky part is painting light colors like yellow on top of black (it looks very dull) or blue (becomes green). With some patience and a few thin layers this is where I am now:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaNKC0zwM54/UhcbTMdNNFI/AAAAAAAABsw/ys-7b-x4QiM/s1600/Eldar+Wave+Serpent+40K+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaNKC0zwM54/UhcbTMdNNFI/AAAAAAAABsw/ys-7b-x4QiM/s1600/Eldar+Wave+Serpent+40K+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside is being painted with an eery blue</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWkYD3EM_qA/UhcbTEXc-zI/AAAAAAAABs0/5_TfSfS5A6E/s1600/Eldar+Wave+Serpent+40K+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWkYD3EM_qA/UhcbTEXc-zI/AAAAAAAABs0/5_TfSfS5A6E/s1600/Eldar+Wave+Serpent+40K+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted the bottom to show some "energy". Still undecided about going bone with the guns</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_SAQA0fU4I/UhcbTA5hxbI/AAAAAAAABs4/JMVd_FwSHII/s1600/Eldar+Wave+Serpent+40K+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_SAQA0fU4I/UhcbTA5hxbI/AAAAAAAABs4/JMVd_FwSHII/s1600/Eldar+Wave+Serpent+40K+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This baby still needs a lot of work: finalizing the highlights, add stars to the nebula, paint the guns, and the dauting task of painting some 20 jewels. Doh!<br />
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At the same time I am also painting the Vyper that comes with the army force; I'm not really sure about the nebula on the small rear wings so I might just go black / blue on this one. What do you guys think?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6h3URGG4M5I/UhccO5FvfeI/AAAAAAAABtI/_5Grbdue5-U/s1600/Eldar+Vyper+40K+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6h3URGG4M5I/UhccO5FvfeI/AAAAAAAABtI/_5Grbdue5-U/s1600/Eldar+Vyper+40K+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let me know if you have any feedback or questions! cheersAlberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-26898188525199536712013-08-19T17:00:00.000+02:002013-08-19T17:00:00.527+02:00Musings about finding your own painting style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HExj-WYmNjU/UhIJk2vk4TI/AAAAAAAABsU/tWPXnSYJ-u4/s1600/iPhone+502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HExj-WYmNjU/UhIJk2vk4TI/AAAAAAAABsU/tWPXnSYJ-u4/s1600/iPhone+502.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
It is interesting that many renowned painters area able to define their style in the interviews or posts; some say it is reallistic and gory (Third Eye Nuke), grey/blue (Arsies), based in washes (James Wappel) and so on... and it got me thinking about my own style - after 20 years in the hobby I still don't have defined paint style! or should I say, my paint style is not established yet and I keep looking for it. If I was to look at the armies I've painted over the last few years, there is a big difference between my light Space Wolves, painted a la GW, the dark, dirty and realistic Blood Angels I painted when I got onto airbrushing, and the latest Dark Angels which are still dark but clean and with high contrast. All of this in a time frame of 3 years!<br />
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I think the reason behind is because I keep looking for ways to improve my painting, even when I have win several best painted at large tournaments. I just keep looking around and finding wonderful, inspiring paint jobs that make me want to up my level. I guess it's just like players that want to become better at it and play better players; we often see this desire of improvement from a gamer point of view but not as much as a hobbyists. I'll do a brief recap of my last armies to show my evolution.<br />
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The Space Wolves were an army I had always liked. Back in the day in the late 90s I painted some Blood Claws, Scouts, Long Fangs and Land Raider in dark grey, just with a drybrush. It gives me the creeps to look at them now :) but hey, I was so proud back then! by the way those Long Fangs with mixed plastic/metal components has to be the most difficult model ever to put together!<br />
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So about 3 years ago I decided to expand the army and went with the same aesthetic as those painted by GW - a light grey blue with simple edge highlighting and shadows in the recesses. The armour plates have no color graduation at all, unlike today where is the part I probably care the most about. But with all the wolf pelts, fangs, runes, beards, axes, knives and other viking stuff, who cares about the armour? I based them with a high contrast snowed rocky setting and it's an army that looks nice in the tabletop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkkCNZxY789NkSxwYGq_PVGuKcTf0UVMzeNDc1auh_GntyfArJcaLAGVuVpz62tmtXOzg-_XQ0Chs68ecnXYRFpvpWVPOTpvwvuPU4DDNJsVT4EM7O35pCQcgncEtp1RglI5IDnZvXHWK/s1600/40k+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkkCNZxY789NkSxwYGq_PVGuKcTf0UVMzeNDc1auh_GntyfArJcaLAGVuVpz62tmtXOzg-_XQ0Chs68ecnXYRFpvpWVPOTpvwvuPU4DDNJsVT4EM7O35pCQcgncEtp1RglI5IDnZvXHWK/s1600/40k+006.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light, almost cartoonish. But still able to scare the s*** out of many opponents :)</td></tr>
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Then I got an airbrush and was very tired of all those edge highlighting, so I set about painting an army that was very different to the Wolves - it is dark and realistic, full of battle damage and dirt, and it has very little contrast.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa--yxJ71GE/UMT-e0yEBEI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/kP0I2ATlpT4/s1600/Blood+Angels+40k+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa--yxJ71GE/UMT-e0yEBEI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/kP0I2ATlpT4/s1600/Blood+Angels+40k+031.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5lENTYmiUo/UMT-uFsL12I/AAAAAAAAA2g/2xFFuDoNrZQ/s1600/Blood+Angels+40k+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5lENTYmiUo/UMT-uFsL12I/AAAAAAAAA2g/2xFFuDoNrZQ/s1600/Blood+Angels+40k+021.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirty and realistic, little contrast</td></tr>
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Nowadays I keep painting in a dark style but I strive to get very light highlights, increase the contrast and add OSLs in the weapons. I put a lot of effort onto creating color transitions in the armour with the airbrush, and have started to consider things like warm/cold colors. These are all things I have seen in our great community and luckily there are a lot of talented painters out there who are willing to share their work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL2jD6Z8Favcl_qKrQimezdeJN1TG4zjJ4ZLvebqfCBevOP2fM59C16Yp5yg0FwxStvcQkUWYW4aPi5wiLk3zxa9kDvuwhvjUM8sUEEtMkFshVf3K50GRHZ4NMoLFI69-my-2fUSqgDsg/s1600/Dark+Angels+Land+Speeder+Vengeance+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL2jD6Z8Favcl_qKrQimezdeJN1TG4zjJ4ZLvebqfCBevOP2fM59C16Yp5yg0FwxStvcQkUWYW4aPi5wiLk3zxa9kDvuwhvjUM8sUEEtMkFshVf3K50GRHZ4NMoLFI69-my-2fUSqgDsg/s1600/Dark+Angels+Land+Speeder+Vengeance+4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ditto dark with clear highlights and OSL</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPRMO-y9SdM/URDWMREBk8I/AAAAAAAABWg/fVSeHkXIHbg/s1600/Dark+Angels+Veterans+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPRMO-y9SdM/URDWMREBk8I/AAAAAAAABWg/fVSeHkXIHbg/s1600/Dark+Angels+Veterans+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark yet clear and with more contrast</td></tr>
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Yet I know that this is not yet my final take and that my paintjobs in 12 months time will look different to those I do now. What will change? well I would dearly like to do good NMM, and I want to keep increasing the contrast.</div>
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What has been your evolution? have you settled on one style or are still finding your own?</div>
Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-8877545588471354252013-06-18T17:30:00.000+02:002013-06-18T17:30:04.428+02:00Dark Angels Nephilim Jetfighter Showcase<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDjEwSCyLyM/Ub73Yi4CEZI/AAAAAAAABqg/kFdCw1bIjhA/s1600/Dark+Angels+Nephilim+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDjEwSCyLyM/Ub73Yi4CEZI/AAAAAAAABqg/kFdCw1bIjhA/s1600/Dark+Angels+Nephilim+4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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After sitting in my table for some months now, the Nephilim jetfighter is finally finished. And boy, it is a great model! it looks very Space Marine with its boxy shape and gothic finishes, but also very Dark Angels. Personally I prefer this model over the Storm Talon any day, it looks more "realistic" and menacing.</div>
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Paint-wise, the key to painting black is, well, no to paint black. I know it sounds strange but think about when you've just primed black a model, there is no definition or shapes, and it is indeed very difficult to make out the shapes and details. This is why most areas are painted dark-grey, leaving the black for the final shadows or deepest recesses. This can be seen for example in the nose, than is one of the light points.</div>
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The second secret would be the edge highlighting. This model uses 4 different tones, from dark grey to almost white. The idea is that the highlights should be consistent with the color around it. In the case of the nose again, notice how the edges that receive the light have an almost white highlight, while as the line goes down to the heavy bolters it gets darker as the panel is also obscured. Does this make sense?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0veRvJuLCjVhkaHAI9mVv3_bbVfu7PC2Q66TihTJgfa9C-VBu6eUpqktpdDHFQAk4N5BzM1rjD2XSXenFlVAozp1bYey2SAY7IAM3WTFcTV07UGaUhY5Mg5iWpjelMLm0Ej84-nSf6XTb/s1600/Dark+Angels+Nephilim+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0veRvJuLCjVhkaHAI9mVv3_bbVfu7PC2Q66TihTJgfa9C-VBu6eUpqktpdDHFQAk4N5BzM1rjD2XSXenFlVAozp1bYey2SAY7IAM3WTFcTV07UGaUhY5Mg5iWpjelMLm0Ej84-nSf6XTb/s1600/Dark+Angels+Nephilim+3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The reason it's missing the side antennas is just I haven't painted those yet - the model is completely magnetized so I can swap it to a Dark Talon, should I want to play a veeeery casual game.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5y9NxitvNs4/Ub73YiyseXI/AAAAAAAABqc/n178xOT3yzw/s1600/Dark+Angels+Nephilim+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5y9NxitvNs4/Ub73YiyseXI/AAAAAAAABqc/n178xOT3yzw/s1600/Dark+Angels+Nephilim+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The brown dirt in the wings is the effect of the oil pants. Alternatively spraying burnt umber is a good way to achieve a similar effect.<br />
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The base... well as much as I love resin bases, especially like those from Secret Weapon Miniatures, the reality is that I didn't want to spend more money in this one so I just created the base with some bits and sand from the park.<br />
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The pilot is painted turquoise in an effort to replicate the light from his console. A black pilot in a black ship would be very difficult to spot.<br />
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Hope you like it! let me know what you guys thinkAlberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-44888081811280756682013-06-17T17:30:00.000+02:002013-06-17T17:30:00.125+02:00Imperial Guard Manticore Conversion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Manticore is one of the best Heavy Support choices out there, with its ability to dish out S10 pies where needed. Now the plastic GM model has always seemed to me more of an ICBM launcher than rockets, and I very much prefer my own version. It is based in the ubiquotous Chimera, of course, and replaces the 4 large rockets by the Space Marines Air Defence missile support by Forge World. It has the standard diameter so it fits perfectly in a Quad Gun support, or be used to transform a Razorback onto a Whirldwind, which by the way was my original purpose. But then I somehow decided I preferred a S10 pie over a S5 one :)<br />
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I realize now it looks a bit like the old G.I.Joe Wolverine! no Cover Girl in the IG version though.</div>
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Back to the Manticore, I built it so I could use it in different ways - a plain Chimera, Manticore, Whirlwind (in a Razorback chasis) or even a Hydra, using the Guad gun. Here's in standard Chimera APC shape:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KYNOlgIHYOexImMUXkvFFnnyu66Q2EBB58_TSoC4T7Mbei_V4DakCugY4U4Np0TE61F7UjoQGJuekRhtFhnPzNXmcQ89QaorR23fRPtj3oCyyBHuW9kLqUge4CCnzCaJAjB9ErRrcfCI/s1600/Imperial+Guard+Chimera+dozer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KYNOlgIHYOexImMUXkvFFnnyu66Q2EBB58_TSoC4T7Mbei_V4DakCugY4U4Np0TE61F7UjoQGJuekRhtFhnPzNXmcQ89QaorR23fRPtj3oCyyBHuW9kLqUge4CCnzCaJAjB9ErRrcfCI/s1600/Imperial+Guard+Chimera+dozer.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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When stripped of the topmost part of the hull / turret and ramp, there is a nice cargo area that can accomodate different types of guns.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grwLv2s7GTM/Ub7xepp93qI/AAAAAAAABpI/uU_RZLf8ALc/s1600/Imperial+Guard+Chimera+interior+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grwLv2s7GTM/Ub7xepp93qI/AAAAAAAABpI/uU_RZLf8ALc/s1600/Imperial+Guard+Chimera+interior+detail.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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A few magnets here and there allow the magic. The guns are also magnetized although admittedly, I will hardly move away from the versatile multilaser / heavy flamer configuration.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yP4NZRHKIIY/Ub7xe0yVpwI/AAAAAAAABpQ/aiCNrToqvvw/s1600/Imperial+Guard+Chimera+magnetized.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yP4NZRHKIIY/Ub7xe0yVpwI/AAAAAAAABpQ/aiCNrToqvvw/s1600/Imperial+Guard+Chimera+magnetized.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ1fWleoIBg/Ub7xexxQgTI/AAAAAAAABpY/r2SgyCbecFU/s1600/Imperial+Guard+Chimera+turret.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ1fWleoIBg/Ub7xexxQgTI/AAAAAAAABpY/r2SgyCbecFU/s1600/Imperial+Guard+Chimera+turret.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hope you like it! CheersAlberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-83783507140728062592013-06-14T17:00:00.000+02:002013-06-14T17:00:00.776+02:00An imperial player view on Eldars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.puttyandpaint.com/images/uploads/artistworks/381/cache/fs1__sized_l.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.puttyandpaint.com/images/uploads/artistworks/381/cache/fs1__sized_l.png" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
For all of my hobby life, this is the first time I'm really excited about collecting an playing a non-Imperial army. I have always find the Eldar to be one of the most interesting armies out there, both from a hobbyist and player perspective, and with the new codex I just can't help myself to start a small army. As SW player I have struggled to get close and personal in my games against Eldar, they would just dance around me for 2/3 turns, then hit with a seer council or fire dragons in Serpent, all while getting re-rolls for everything while having me cast powers through Runes of Warding!<br />
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As a player, I have been stunned by the organic shapes of the tanks, the wrong humanoid proportions or the wraith constructs. I guess having played against some incredible armies like this one below has been a huge motivation for me.<br />
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<a href="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/322/img3157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/322/img3157.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now I'm in love with the new Eldar codex. For one, I'm glad that its power level is way below that of Tau, Daemons or Necrons, for I have very little interest in that. Game wise all I care is it's fun to play and boy, I bet it will be! A mech army will be quite resilient, while jetbikes, Swooping Hawks or Warp Spiders provide very mobile components. But it is yet a T3/5+ army so it needs to be played with finesse. Compared to SW/BA that I'm used to play, I don't need to rush to midfield and I don't want to start any attrition war, but instead maneuver around my opponent and hit with a sting, instead of a sledge-hammer, when the time is appropiate.</div>
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This is a brief overview of the new codex from the point of view of an Imperial player (for now!). So I won't be covering all the units, but just touching those that look interesting so far.</div>
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<b>HQs</b></div>
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The <b>Farseer</b> is a lv3 psychic that can provide re-rolls to 2 units per turn (with Divination/Guide), plus a third power for a measly 100 points. It will be near auto-include.</div>
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The <b>Spiritseer</b> makes Wraith units scoring, and since I don't plan on using any will see little usage. Other than that is lv2 psyker with access to teh Runes of Battle and Telepathy branches, so no re-roll buffs for you.</div>
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The <b>Autarch </b>is a combat oriented character which ironically is best kept from it. Instead it provides reserves manipulation, which are important for this type of army where some key units (read War Walkers) are very fragile. That aside there is a very interesting build with the Mantle of the Laughing God, that provides Stealth/Shrouded with re-rolls, and a jetbike to make it a very mobile, difficult to take down tank-hunter.</div>
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<b>Warlocks </b>are now Wolf Guard-esque in the sense that can be assigned to join certain units. While the idea of providing Shrouded to a home camping unit is nice, they are just Ld8 and W1 so it's not exactly reliable. The Seer Council though could be nasty, yet very expensive.</div>
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The <b>Avatar </b>is of course very characterful; it might not be the most competitive option and will die to missiles like in 5th, but I'm loving his fluff and the FW models and is not a terrible choice.</div>
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<b>Elites</b></div>
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<b>WraithGuard</b> are reasonably tough with T6 although only 3+/W1, and come with a 12" S10 weapon so I can see them working as a sort of walking Vindicator (remember this is the point of view of an Imperial player); so will be taking a lot of shots early in the game, and for 160 points aren't that expensive. Now if they could be infiltrated with Ilic...</div>
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<b>Fire Dragons</b> have destroyed me more than 1 Land Raider (actually quite a lot of them!) but with the plethora of Lances the Eldar army can get, seem less important now. I would still take a unit of them as most SM armies still carry Land Raiders full of Terminators...</div>
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<b>Striking Scorpions</b> have move through cover and other goodies that allow them to make it to the assault, however I'm not sure they hit hard enough for this type of unit. I don't really see Eldars doing many assaults, especially in the very shooty game 40k is today.</div>
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<b>Howling Banshees</b> and <b>Harlequins </b>I rate them lower, as don't have good ways to making it onto combat, and even there the most they'll do is destroy a tactical or infantry squad before being wiped out. Perhaps there are better ways to use them, but I just don't see them.</div>
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<b>Troops</b></div>
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<b>Dire Avengers</b> are the cheapest way to access a Wave Serpent, but are as survivable as the cheaper <b>Guardians </b>so I'd probably lean towards taking 10 Guardians for a similar price, leaving them sitting in an objective shooting a heavy weapon while the Serpent moves forward.</div>
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Speaking of <b>Wave Serpents</b>, these seem to be the star of the codex. The reason being their shield, which can be used offensively or defensively. When used to attack, it's a D6+1 autocannon that ignores cover and causes pinning! if the Serpent is also equipped with a Scatter Laser, then the Shield shots would be twin-linked. It's easy to see that 3 or 4 Serpents can provide a ton of firepower for a reasonable price, are difficult enough to take down and can protect / move around troop choices. If the shield is used defensively (which admittedly will be in T1 when going second), then downgrades internal hits to glancing on a 2+ roll. Pretty damn good for someone who comes from a world of AV11 shoe boxes with a storm bolter...</div>
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<b>Jetbikes</b> is the another great feature of the codex and are serious contenders for the best troop choice in the game. They are extremely mobile, with decent defences and good shooting. Can be used to harass the opponent early on as well to contest objectives late game. I expect to see a lot of them, both in Eldar armies as well as allies.</div>
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<b>Rangers </b>are like Sniper Scouts - a cheap scoring unit that sits in a ruin and harasses Devs and MCs. With the rise in popularity of the Riptide, Nurgle units and other high T units, they can have a place.</div>
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<b>Fast attack</b></div>
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There are some very interesting units that I had never seen on the table. My favourite so far are <b>Warp Spiders</b>, who have a terrific (and complicated) movement being Jet Pack infantry with a Warp Jump Generator, and carry very nice S6 weapons. Essentially they are a super mobile unit that threatens infantry and light tanks alike. The minis are also beautiful if yet a bit aged.</div>
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<b>Swooping Hawks </b>have even older looking minis but are very interesting in tournament game. The combination of no scatter when deep striking plus their ability to go to reserve on any given turn to return the following is too good to pass. It's my T4, I know we'll only play until T5 as there is no more time so I'll send whatever Hawks are still alive to reserves, only to drop them T5 by an objective. Boom. Shaenigans aside they can drop a large blast, ignore cover, no LOS required grenade at 24" which is perfect to get rid of cultist squads, pathfinders or infantry platoons camping behind ruins. For about 100 points they are a good deal I think.</div>
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<b>Shining Spears</b> are non-scoring jetbikes. 'nuff said.</div>
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About the <b>flyers</b>... it is often said flyers are the elephant in the room of the 40k universe. In this case they would be the mosquitos, as they are terribly fragile with AV10 all around and a hefty price tag. The models are very nice but game wise it is unlikely they will survive a turn. Similar to the DA flyers, you are paying through the nose for the ability of being almost inmune to anything that has no AA in its profile, however the comparison with price tag of Vendettas/Night Scythes or the raw power of the Hell Turkey makes them look subpar in comparison. </div>
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<b>Heavy Support</b></div>
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This has to be my favourite slot - plenty of options and all of them seem to have their place. <b>War Walkers</b> are even better than before as they can Battle Focus back to cover after shooting, and if not will sport a 5++ save. It is also worth mentioning most of their shots will be twin-linked thanks to a nearby Farseer or the Scatter lasers lock rule (if a scatter laser impacts, the rest of weapons of the unit are twin-linked).</div>
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The <b>Fire Prism</b> has 3 fire modes now, with a large blast, small blast and lance. The lance gets the highest strength and lowest AP, and now it doesn't need a second Prism supporting it so it provides great flexibility at a reasonable price. Very solid.<br />
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The <b>Night Spinner </b>shoots a S7/S8 weapon and can have a template version. Not bad although it lacks the flexibility of the Prism nor the sheer number of shots of the Walkers.<br />
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<b>Dark Reapers </b>are very fragile and are too specialized on killing machines, but could work if using a Bastion to man the AA weapon (they ignore jink saves). I love the minis though so at least they will make it to the cabin... and perhaps to the board. We'll see.<br />
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The <b>Support battery </b>is very solid. 90 points give you 3 S9 AP2 shots, and will have a field day from behind an Aegis or some ruins. If the points are short I can see them replacing a War Walker unit.<br />
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And the mighty <b>Wraithknight</b>... I think the disappointment comes from comparing it to the Riptide, which is very good. I have yet to see a Tau army without one which suggests the thing is either too good or too cheap. The Wraithknigth on his own is fine I think; yes it gets very pricy and yes, poison will kill it. However... it also does other things like deep striking in front of a gunline and wreaking havoc, and attract a ton of firepower that would otherwise be directed to weaker units.<br />
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The <b>Wraithlord </b>on the other hand I don't know what to make out of it. It feels like you are getting half a Wraithknight, in terms of firepower, cost and statlines (wounds). Again unless I'm going for a Wraith army I don't really see its place.<br />
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<b>So what am I looking at?</b><br />
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The idea is to start a small Eldar force based in the units I like the most as a hobbyist, which happen to be pretty decent when gaming as well :) Something like this:<br />
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Farseer<br />
Autarch in jetbike, mantle of the laughing god, spear<br />
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5x Dire Avengers, Wave Serpent with Scatter lasers, Holofield<br />
5x Dire Avengers, Wave Serpent with Scatter lasers, Holofield<br />
5x Dire Avengers, Wave Serpent with Scatter lasers, Holofield<br />
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10x Guardians, heavy weapon, Wave Serpent with Scatter lasers, Holofield</div>
6x Jetbikes, 2x Shuriken cannon<br />
6x Jetbikes, 2x Shuriken cannon<br />
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5x Warp Spiders</div>
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3x War Walkers (2xScatter Lasers)<br />
3x War Walkers (Scatter Lasers, Lance))<br />
Fire Prism, Holofields<br />
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So the Farseer sits in backfield buffing units. The Guardians sit on an objective, and the War Walkers / Prism take good shooting positions. The Serpents remain back shooting, ready to move forward when (if) needed. This seems like a pretty solid base to begin with.<br />
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Then we have the mobile elements; the Autarch in jetbike goes tank-hunting solo.The Warp Spiders move through a flank, looking for side armour or for backfield units. The jetbikes should stay a couple of turns behind LOS / in reserve, then push forward in the late game.<br />
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And there you go. I think Eldars have some very solid units in the form of Serpents, Jetbikes or War Walkers that will be the backbone of many armies. Other constructs like Wraithguard based could be a thing, depending on the FAQs (if Ilic is allowed to infiltrate a Wraithguard unit, who wouldn't take them with a FP2 flamer?). Exciting times ahead for the Eldar fans!Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974760903053931881.post-37248050732258468522013-06-03T13:53:00.004+02:002013-06-03T13:53:56.217+02:00Is 40k becoming Apocalypse lite?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fDXwkEg-I9R54f5VI9t6y2MQxw0j4caB-Ddbk40q-0dmWla_EPnaFihMgD_RJqN0v96cWn2s4eR-hHEVTfE3UMVRSVU8juVW2NGT8K3jl6pEPQG63Mt9E5iDCxNKKe6xVZOjI2mX_nQ/s1600/bloodknight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fDXwkEg-I9R54f5VI9t6y2MQxw0j4caB-Ddbk40q-0dmWla_EPnaFihMgD_RJqN0v96cWn2s4eR-hHEVTfE3UMVRSVU8juVW2NGT8K3jl6pEPQG63Mt9E5iDCxNKKe6xVZOjI2mX_nQ/s1600/bloodknight.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
The Dreadknight was the first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot-in-the-door_technique" target="_blank">foot in the door</a>. Then we heard about the Riptide, and the interwebs were so crazy about how OMFG good it was at killing things that nobody paid much attention as to what was a mecha doing in a 40k game.<br />
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(to be fair, we have assumed genetically enhanced super humans in power armours riding giant fenrisian wolves so why not).<br />
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Then came the Eldar Wraithknight, and now this abomination (in both being a Daemonic engine and a cosmetic torture). What bothers me now is not this thing, which ugly and expensive as it is will sport healthy sales as long as it kills handfuls of MEQs in the tabletop.<br />
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What bothers me is that Space Marines come next, and being the 40k poster boys I'd be very surprised if they don't get their own MC. Are we all going to be playing Mecha 40k?<br />
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Unsurprisingly this thing comes along with the newest version of Apocalypse, and GW will make sure that this is not another Baneblade or Stompa that most 40k have never even seen one live. Instead they will ensure model compatibility back between standard 40k and Apocalypse, even if there are different rules or if it doesn't belong at all.<br />
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By the way, this thing has some long story behing it seemingly. I'll give it to GW that the newest version has improved the looks of the old Epic model, if only because that thing below is absolutely awful.<br />
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The only upside to this is that I can keep dreaming about ever seeing Mechanicum Knights!<br />
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<a href="http://diesirae40k.blogspot.com.es/2013/06/que-no-pare-el-ritmo.html" target="_blank">Images from Dies Irae 40k here</a>.Alberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487187149055065307noreply@blogger.com0