New Codex.. New Rides for the Space Elfs!

I love when there is a new codex! Every new codex brings new model and (better or worse) mixes things up. This the 5th Eldar Codex for me, and I am looking forward to seeing the changes.


JET BIKES!
 
Speaking of changes; New (old) Eldar Jet Bikes.  I remember my first Eldar jet bike, it was metal (all metal) and it's canopy kept falling off.  In those days, I hadn't mastered superglue very well and all my metal models (which was all my models), kept falling apart.  I didn't get to use the bike very much, but it was really cool. Sadly I no longer have my older models due the great purge (a long story).

The original jet bike didn't have fins or side engines, it was skimpier and somewhat sleeker than its next incarnation, but this next version was PLASTIC! and it stayed together.This version of the Eldar jet bike was the standard for many years and served Eldar  faithfully for many years.

During the release of the 4th edition codex, saw glimpses on the internet of the new and improved jet bike sculpted by Jes Goodwin (big fan of his 40K artwork, especially Eldar!), it was never released and we continued on with the old jet bike.  However Jes' work had an impact. Bootleg versions of his work appeared on ebay, and players were constantly trying to convert their old bikes to capture the new look, because the look was awesome.

NOW! we have the latest Eldar Jet bike, its about time. Personally I have to many unfinished versions of the plastic "mark 2" Jet bikes to trade out for the new bike, but I am going to get a few just to update my army.  And I may try to modify some of the "mark 2"s to capture the sleeker look of the older bikes. All in all its a great time to be a Windrider.

D&D Ramblings and 5th Edition

So I started with AD&D and dabbled with 3.0 (3.5) versions of Dungeons and Dragons. When 4th edition was released, I got heavily into Dungeons and Dragons. I bought almost every Core Books, Supplements for the games and all of the essentials line. 

I found 4th edition to be a new and fun take on the game, the prep time for the GM was greatly reduced.  In addition there was so much for the player to choose from. At its core concept 4th edition was awesome.  However (in my opinion) the same things that make it awesome took it a point of manageability.  Combat sessions were long and players took to much time reviewing there options


Now I am not into the whole edition wars thing. I think each edition has its own Niche.  If it didn't the earlier versions would have died out, but all the versions are alive and surviving.  Out of print books keep going up in price not for collector, but for players who want the books. And there are some great websites with new fan made material.  And Pathfinder has set a new standard for delivering quality material for the gaming community.

So now Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition (Next) is out, and I am looking forward to playing a few games. Unlike my excursion in to 4th edition, I think I will slow my roll and create more of my own stuff, maybe update some of those great AD&D modules to 5th.  I may even post a few of my thoughts and ideas here.

For any interested in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, Wizards has offered a couple of PDFs for  the basic rules for the game.

The Crimson Hunter /Hemlock Wraithfighter - Kinda

I have always wanted a Eldar Flyer, especially the Eldar Phoenix.  Unfortunately like most gamers, I am on a budget and $ (US)+ shipping is a little out of my league.  Maybe someday I will be able to add an actual Phoenix to my army, but until then I will make due with the Wraithfigher.... Kinda.

So taking courage from Andrew Hicks Eldar Conversions (awesome work)!

I am attempting to turn the hunter / wraithfighter into generic eldar flyer with common elements of all the eldar flyers. I am not sure how this will turnout,  it won't really be cannon, however thinking it will be fun and unique.. It could be an abomination.

I intend to keep the fuselage of the hunter/wraithfighter, but the fins, wings and armaments should be resemble the different type of eldar flyers.  However the over  exaggerated fins of the hunter won't be used.. I am thinking the fins of the nightwing, phoenix, vampire or phoenix bomber are more like the eldar.

Also the weapon armaments should reflect the appropriate models.
Phoenix:
* twin-linked Shuriken Catapults
* twin-linked Missile pods
* pulse laser

Nightwing:
* twin-linked Shuriken Catapults
* twin-linked brightlances

Crimson Hunter:
* twin-linked brightlances
* pulse laser

Hemlock Wraithfighter:
* two heavy d-scythes
* Mindshock Pod