Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures

 So apparently I am on a roll, this is the third post tonight. Like most gamers, I like computer games and tabletop wargames, but I love Role Playing Games. I have played quite a few (OK, a lot)and read many more. 

Currently, I play in two games online using a: 

• Virtual TableTop (Roll20, Foundry VTT, Alchemy)
• Discord (to handle conversations, out-of-game chats, and music)
• Obsidian (for notes) 
• A reference site for character sheets and rules (D&D Beyond, Demiplane, or 5e tools). 
• Token Stamp 2 (for making tokens) 
• As for maps, I use whatever I can find or create using online sources. 

And one game using the usual stuff; 

• Books, Big Sheets of Paper, Dice, Character Sheets, Pencils, and Miniatures

Now playing online is awesome, and actually fairly easy once you get the hang of it. The ability to play with friends around the globe is amazing.  When home computers first became a possibility for the average home, I just wanted one so I could organize my AD&D tables and encounters. Little did I know that 40+  years later, I would be able to play online.  

However, I still enjoy playing on an NVTT (Non-Virtual TableTop).  I love the face-to-face conversations, the facial expressions, the DM's raised eyebrow, the nonsense, the bluffing, and ...  

(Whew! Long road to this destination of this conversation.) 

THE MINIATURES!

I love plopping down a nicely painted monster or miniatures that the players so painstakingly painted to represent their characters. I have miniatures on my shelf that, when I look at them, take me back to the great adventures I had with my friends. (Yes, very nostalgic).

I believe that my attraction to miniatures began when I was young.  I was kind of sickly as a child, and my mom needed to take me to the doctor often. (Maybe not more than any other child, but it just seemed that way to me.) After, we would head to a small mercantile store in town and I would get a small plastic figurine of a knight. There was a series of these knights, and their parts, weapons, and shields could be interchanged.  

So when I began playing the new Advanced Dungeons and Dragons game with miniatures, I was enthralled. (Hence the verbiage under the title). Very shortly after playing, I began painting miniatures. 

Ok, Sherpa, we have established you like miniatures, so what is this about? 

Well, DMs for NVTT's need miniatures, and lots of them. My friend who has been playing and DMing longer than I (by only two years) has well over  2000 miniatures (a very low guess, I think). 

So, how does a DM build up his collection of miniatures quickly?  Well, bargain hunt for them, look at posts, eBay, Craigslist, ask friends, and Amazon. 

Right now, Amazon has Wildspire Miniatures sets for a really good price.  There is enough in a set to get a DM started; they are of very nice quality and easy to paint. 

Miniature Storage Revisited

Several years ago, I mentioned Tablewar's incredible magnetic transport cases.  Today, there are several types of similar cases, as well as DIY options. Just a quick look on Amazon and you can see several different cost-friendly magnetic storage solutions. 

Last Christmas, Mrs Claus presented me with a new magnetic transport case. It came with 4 shelves per case (the picture is of two cases stacked and attached to each other), made of white plastic and clear plastic fronts. They are definitely not the top tier of cases, but they work and look pretty good. 

Jucoci Miniature Case

As mentioned several times before in this blog, I try to find ways to build, craft or substitute things to lessen the cost of items that support my hobby, which in turn increases my budget for buying miniatures.  I don't own a 3d printer, they seem really messy and not for me.  And although I have a couple of airbrushes, I still like using a brush. 

So this is what I am getting at;  several v-blogs show using containers, tin sheets (has to be tin, NOT aluminum), and magnets to make storage and transport cases.  Check them out. Duncan Rhodes has a great video about making cases. 

However, just remember for RPG miniatures for games like Dungeons and Dragons to put metal washers on the miniature base, and a sheet of magnetic material in the tote or container.  Most RPG game tables use monitors or TV screens for their maps, and magnets on the screens may or may not cause issues. Better safe than sorry.. 

Shadow War Armageddon

Earlier this week I was binge-watching the current content from my favorite creators, mostly tabletop gaming stuff.  When this video grabbed my attention, it was from Uncle Atom of Tabletop Minions.  He was talking about resurrecting Shadow War Armageddon in the gaming community.

 Resurrection Shadow War Armageddon

This really piqued my interest. Especially regarding my last post. As I mentioned earlier, I was becoming less and less interested in Games Workshop publications. I have been looking into indie games, free games, older rule sets, or fan-made or modified rule sets (INQ28, INQUISAMUNDA).  Also, check out Yaktribes.

Then, Uncle Atom mentions "Shadow War Armageddon". I purchased the boxset, assembled and painted mostly the terrain, bought more terrain, and then ..... stored it away.  I did this because the latest Necromunda, Stormcloud Attack, Kill Team 2018, and Dark Imperium came out. 

Which by the way, I have not played a single game of each...Aaargh.. 

Back to "Shadow War Armageddon", 

Uncle Atom's video got me to open up the SWA box set and remember how excited I was to play this game and the fun I had assembling and painting the terrain.  He's right, this is a good game and should be revisited. Unfortunately, I don't have the ruleset with all the factions in back. I just have the one from the box set, but.... I downloaded the pdfs from Games Workshop before they took them down.  (Smiley Emoji).

Kill Team, Warhammer 40k and Warhammer 40,00 - Rogue Trader

 My apologies for the unedited ramble, but it has been building for a bit. 

Warhammer 40K and Warhammer 40,000 -Rogue Trader

 
In 1987, I encountered Warhammer 40,000 - Rogue Trader and I was enthralled. Since then Warhammer 40K has grown, expanded, and became more than a game, it is now an empire. It has several editions (books upon books), novels, miniatures, models, spin-offs, a streaming service, and a massive fan base, which is awesome.  So what is my issue? 

 

In the beginning it was fun, one book, a wacky set of rules, a dark setting, painting, crafting and creativity.  I have never cared if I won or not, I just wanted to have fun.  We had hover tanks made from deodorant containers, building from desert topping containers and deadly plants made from Styrofoam balls and cocktail sticks. If you had a rules issue you talked it out, rolled out and moved on.  You knew that you army was at a disadvantage rules wise, but it was fun when they miraculously pulled of a victory. You couldn't wait until the next White Dwarf came out showcasing a new miniature and it rules to used in the game.  It was the only way new content was added to the game. It was Warhammer 40,000 - Rogue Trader that got me into miniature painting, terrain building and war gaming.

Now eight editions later, my love for Warhammer 40K is beginning to fade.  I seems more of a chore or task that a hobby.  I realize that this all on me, but it seems I spend more time, money and energy being ready to play, then actually playing.   I have 4 armies that I really enjoy and have been trying to collect codexes for each since 4th edition. All for a game that I have played only 6 times in the last 10 years. Again I realize that this is all on me,  for 4 years I was in a remote location, and moving 6 times make finding groups to play difficult, but honestly I am tired of codex bloat, games workshop trying to control the fans and FOMO. I mean wasn't this game originally meant to be fun? No wonder Guy (Midwinter Minis), Ash (Guerilla Miniature Games) and others are painting and playing retro-hammer.

Honestly,  my Games Workshop purchases dropped significantly over the last two years. I have begun looking at INQ28, Planet28 and One-page rule sets for two simple reasons, cost and they are fun.

Warhammer 40,000 - Rogue Trader and Kill Team

In the beginning, I didn't need a lot of miniatures and I could build everything else. The rules may have been a bit confusing and strange, but they were fun. My imagination and creativity went wild.  I realize now after all these years (sometimes it takes me a while) that I like smaller armies.  The idea of moving large armies got more and more tedious to me. And painting an entire squads of miniatures to only have them wiped out in a single turn, was well disappointing. I noticed that  I began to purposely select 500 point games.  I finally realized that I preferred skirmish level games. 

 I began looking a fan made skirmish games, such as Heralds of Ruin, In the Emperor's Name, Death Squads, Necromunda and may others.  I was ecstatic when Shadow War Armageddon, Necromunda and Kill Team 2018 (core, elites and leaders) came out. I was excited ready to play again, sadly due to all the moves and life issues, I never got to play.  But I was Ready!

Now 3 years later,  a new set of rules for Kill Team (sigh..more editions).  Thanks to my locale gaming store, I got an awesome deal on the Kill Team - Octarius boxed game and the Compendium.  I most likely would have only got the Kill Team Starter Set and Compendium.  In either case, I am reluctant to get on the edition treadmill again. And yet, I am ready to start painting again. 

Conclusion or just wrap the rambling (crap) up.

Warhammer 40,000 - Rogue Trader got me into war gaming,  Warhammer 40K (and its 8th editions, tons of rules, strategic and tactical cards, codexes and restrictions) almost drove me out, and will Kill Team keep me in.  However the real issue is me, what do I want from my hobby? What keeps me motivated and happy?

So getting back ... with changes.

I have been getting settled and thinking about revitalizing my hobby and blog.  Originally, when I started this blog in 2008, I intended it to be a shared space with several of my friends.  The blog being more of space for sharing tips, tricks and other things about miniature painting.  However things just didn't work out as planned.  Youtube had just started and there wasn't much out there for miniature painters.  

Looking through my blog today, I began to notice that many of my links were outdated and youtube now has lots of  content that do a better job of explaining things.  My blog now seems a bit dated.  OK, more like archaic.  I have been thinking of making a few changes, hope you like them.

Moved Again

 So I have moved again, which means everything gets packed, stacked and stored until I get settled again.  I have moved 4 times in the last two years.  It may take sometime until I am ready to paint again.

Something New - RAGING HEROES

I have always been impressed with Raging Heroes, and have been browsing their website for many years. No sure if I was willing to take the risk, but the recently had a price reduction on one of its "Sisters" units. I have been waiting for Games Workshop to release plastic "Sisters of Battle" models, and have been looking at the Raging Heroes to use as proxy.  However Games Workshop did release the plastic "Sisters of Battle" this year... and I still ordered the "Sisters Exemplar".. Why?  well  I think it is the sculpting and posing of the miniatures.  They seem more dynamic, stylized and "ass-kickery" than Games Workshops "Sisters of Battle". 

Wow! It has been a long time

It is really hard to believe it has been almost 3 years since my last posting. So much has happened since then, several moves, new jobs and health issues. Sadly very little painting, and the pile of shame (opportunities) continues to grow. However this is a new year, with new projects and possibilities.

Since then so many cool games and miniatures have been released. I am looking forward to completing these projects.

Iona Starkiller

Hasslefree has awesome miniatures, great for role playing and such. However this one just screams Warhammer 40k.  The stance, detail and look, Iona Star killer definitely screams Aeldari.  I wish that Games Workshop would occasionally provide stats for outstanding figures created by other manufacturers. I know that this would violate many laws, business principles and open a Pandora’s Box of IP issues.  However it would be so cool for them to say “Hey this miniature so fits into our IP, that we acknowledge the craftsmanship and would like it to be a part of the 40K Universe.  If ever there was a miniature that would adopted, I feel that Iona would be that miniature.  

40K Kill Team 2018

I mentioned before, my hobby is pretty stagnant and I am working revitalizing my drive.  In the past it was so daunting to paint an entire 40k army, multiple vehicles, Troops and Headquarters.  I would usually burn out and stop painting. In addition I had always like the skirmish level games, primarily for the cost of entry and secondary the time it took to play a game.  I started playing 40K with the original 1987 Warhammer 40K, Rogue Trader.  So in July when Games Workshop re- re-released 40K Kill Team, I was encouraged to start again.  I think the smaller squad sizes will help me get started and transition into the larger armies.  Not mention I can assemble 14 of the 16 factions, several time over. I think I will start with my first love; the Eldar, Aeldari or the Asuryani from the Craftworld.Ulthwe’.

Sad State of Affairs

When asked about my hobbies, I always answer I am a miniature painter, a role playing and war gamer.   I am proud of my hobby and always trying to get others interested. However the constant moving, downsizing of living space and lack of focus has serious affected my hobby. Over the years I have continued to purchase miniatures, boxed sets and games, only to never finish or in some case never begin them.  Although I Dungeon Master semi frequently, I haven’t played a game of 40k in over 6 years.  During that time I have amassed more paint, more brushes and supplies, only to let them set in their bins and cases. Which leads me to ask “Am I really a miniature painter?” and “Can I really consider myself a wargamer?”  My workspace has been torn down, moved and relocated so many times it is no longer organized or even functional.

As you can see, it’s a mess and when I work on stuff I am not focused. Projects seem to never get done. I watch a lot of youtube videos by Miniac, Uncle Atom, Warhammer TV and Sorastro, only to never pick up a brush. And I must admit when I see all my unpainted miniatures, it seems my love of war gaming and miniatures becomes more of an obligation than a passion.  My war gaming has become a Sad State of Affairs and I think it is time to refocus.  I have always found that I function well with a list, a set expectation, designated time allowance and accountability.  The next couple of months maybe a little strange as I try to sort things out, and develop a plan.  However I think I will start with a list, first of all will be to clean up my workspace and get a little more organized. As for the accountability portion, that will be this blog.

Special thanks to Atom Smasher, for the Re-Ignition

So I have been pretty dormant the last couple of years with regards to gaming and modeling.

In the last year and half I have moved 3 times, had 3 job changes, dealt with a serious family illness, refurbished (minor) and sold a house. 

Sadly, it left me little time for gaming or the desire to do anything gaming related. It seemed that the blazing fire for gaming had gone out, leaving just a slowly dying ember. 

However over the last couple of months the flame has been re-ignited.  The new releases from Games Workshop, Wizards of the Coast and Infinity Miniatures have peaked my interest again.  Also I been having the urge to build terrain.

 

Bust most of all, I would like to especially thank Atom Smasher at Tabletop Minions.

Atom has been a great motivator for me, reminded me what fun the hobby can be and why I got into it.  I highly recommend his vlog. 

And baking soda? who knew! great tip 

Miniature Scenery!

So I have checking out the Miniature Scenery website for quite sometime, and I am always amazed at the stuff  I find there and the value. 

Take for example the ARF Trak, it's only $29!.. and its really cool.

Or this awesome flying machine (Tornadodo); good for any Sci-fi based game, and its only $40.
This would be a great kit to review! 

Miniature war gaming Sure have come a long way from this;

Web Surfing and Alternative Models

So the best part of playing with tabletop and RPG miniatures, is checking out the new cool miniatures. I am always looking for alternative models and Scenery.


Well I found some really good ones!

Puppetwars.eu

awesome site! all kinds of cool alternative models for 40k.  I especially like the weapons and turrets.  I may use these for when I build my Land Raiders MK1's and variants. Also there are some great conversion material her.

Quantum Gothic

Just some really, really cool terrain pieces that would work really well with the 40K universe and its Gothic feel. 

Scibor Miniatures

Just some really nice work here, especially like the Dwarves (female and male). I could use them for alternative rpg characters. 

Statuesque Miniatures

The female resistance fighters are awesome, could be great to use as female shock troops to support your sisters of battle.  Also some great female heads here for heroic 28mm conversions. 

Hi Tech Miniatures

Incredible stylized miniatures, they would be great for a patriarch or for character models in 40k.

Miniature Scenery 

Just some really good, durable and nice terrain for your gaming table. 

As always there is still quite a bit of stuff out there on the inter-webs, and I will be adding more as I find it. 

wargames-models-mod.com

Great cnc buildings for multitude types of games 

A Smaller Venue - 40K Skirmish Games

First of all, I really like 40K from it's beginning of Rogue Trader to it's current edition. It has a great background and lots of resource material.  Recently I have been checking into Infinity, a skirmished level game.

I have found some spreadsheets that convert 40K material to Infinity, but have also been looking into other fan made material base on the 40K.   All of it is pretty interesting.

Fan Made Skirmish Rules
In the Emperor's Name
KIllzone
Kill Team

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

It has been a while

I can think of several excuses for not posting to this blog over the last couple of years.
* That right YEARS, 2 to be exact. That is quite a substantial length of time. 

However they would all be lame. And honestly, it would just be a waste of time and doesn't change the fact that I have been slacking.  So rather than berate the past, I am moving on..


Initially this blog was intended for tabletop war gaming, but its time to expand to other topic RPG. Originally, I was at a gaming convention for RPGs, when I was exposed to Rogue Trader (40k).

These two types of gaming have been my passion for the over 30 years.  It was the use and painting of miniatures for dungeons and dragons that got me interesting in 40k. So over the next couple of weeks, the blog will be changing.

So time to move on!

Death From The Skies....or Greed

Ok first, I just want to say, I think 40k is awesome. I have been playing the game, painting the miniatures and reading the books since its rogue trader days. I have in the past owned beakies, squats,MK 1 Rhinos and Land raiders, and currently have three 2500 point armies. So my following rant has nothing to do with the game or my desire (hatred) to leave it. I will continue to play as long as possible.

However the recent email from GW regarding “Death from the Skies” has got me to thinking about price increases, the closing of battle bunkers and exclusive orders. It seems that GW is trying to increase profits, decrease overhead (liabilities) and remove the middle man. All makes great business sense and looks good in the financial report, but what's the long term effect?

Price Increases
In all actuality, the price increases don't affect me much. I have quite a few miniatures that have not been painted yet, I don't really care if my models are out of date, I don't mind scratch building, I actively seek low modeling / painting alternatives and I don't compete in tournaments, so I tend to buy very little over a year.

Also I look around and I see price increases in everything else; food, fuel, housing, so why not in my hobby. It only makes sense. However eventually the cost of the hobby maybe to much and I will find something new. Life is like that. As far as price increases go, I tend to agree with Shawn Gately at Blue Table Painting.

Closing of Battle Bunkers
I recently saw several posts that GW was closing its battle bunkers throughout the US. Since I have never visited a battle bunker or lived near a battle bunker, the news didn't affect me. I play at the local game stores and in the garages of fellow gamers. And as time goes on, I play less and less. I find that I am moving more to the hobby side and less to the game. Sadly, these closures meant nothing to me, till now.
 
Exclusive Orders
So now there is content only available from Games Workshop. Not the local hobby, game, or the local toy or book store, only Games Workshop. My question is how long until all stuff from Games Workshop becomes exclusive? I realize that there will always be some stuff stocked in the local stores, but what and how much?  I have already noticed that some stores stock only the bare minimums and have to order everything else.  So as a customer, why not order directly from GW, thus effectively cutting out the middle man. No price reductions for retailers, Good business model. ..maybe, but we still need a place to meet and play.. the local game store..

Wrap it up, Sherpa!
Personally, I got introduced to 40K at a convention hosted by a local game store. I played at a local game store and whenever possible I purchased from a local game store. I was supported by other players and in turn I got others into 40k. Originally, I only purchased citadel paints, hobby tools and miniatures, but now I am not as exclusive. Now as I spend more time in the games store, listening to players talk about other games, look at the expensive, limited selection of GW models, I begin to wonder about low cost alternatives, and whenever possible I share these with other players.

I have also noticed that many retailers are not pushing the GW range and instead suggesting alternatives; Dust, Warmachine, Malifaux, Mercs, Flames of War and Infinity.

40k players are already looking for alternative models for land raiders, rhinos, titans, etc. (it’s a big list).  And there are countless small model makers creating really cool and interesting alternatives. I would list them, but I don’t want to bring down the wrath of GW on them.
 
So to me the question is simple, sustainability VS  Profit?

Do you erode the community and exploit those who have purchased your products for today’s increased profits, by increasing prices, excluding retailers and closing places to play.

 Or

Give back and try to find ways to make your models affordable, accessible, substainable and profitable for retailers?

A good example of this is the GSL vs OGL,
In my local game store; Pathfinder (way to go, Paizo!), D&D 3.5,and  Fantasy Flight's Deathwatch rule.
4th edition books? 1/2 price...D&D encounters? whats that?


 
 And now the latest Exclusive release from Games Workshop..

Death from the Skies, our brand new book, is available to order exclusively from games-workshop.com today.

Death from the Skies contains everything you need to know about fighting aerial battles in the 41st Millennium. Comprised of detailed rules, background information, scenarios and stunning artwork, it features selected material from White Dwarf magazine, the Crusade of Fire supplement as well as exclusive new content, enabling you to fight out white-knuckle aerial battles.

Looks great and really cool, but I will pass for now.  I need to check into Mercs, and buy some Pathfinder pdfs..(Why to go Paizo!)