Year of the Eldar

Lately, I have been reading digitalronyn's blog The Gray Path, an exceptional blog and have decided I need to focus. Presently, I have several armies that I am working on; Space Marines (2), Tau, Eldar, Orcs, Khador, Cygnar, and various D&D figures. I guess working on isn't the correct term, more like stored in various stages of completion is more accurate. Anyway after reading "The Gray Path", I have decided, no I am resolved to finish my eldar. So with the exceptions of my other painting commitments, I will be focusing on my Eldar.

Eldar Grav Vehicles

So durning my search for adding fins to my night spinner I found quite a bit of interesting history on eldar vehicles. I started playing 40k with rogue trader, but quit for sometime. I evenutally can back at the end of 3rd edition. So I didn't know that some of these vehicles existed. When I left, the eldar still didn't have a tank and the new kit was the land raider Mk I. I thought I might share what I have found.

The Eldar Falcon
Named after the consort of the Great Hawk, the Falcon is the mainstay of the eldar army. This tank has the ability to carry a small squad of guardians (warriors) and maintain a battlefield presense. Although it has taken many names and forms in the past, its function has always been the same.

Falcons




Eldar Skimmer "Sirocco" by Mike Biasi (Pre Epicast)






Eldar Falcon by Monolith






Falcon by Armorcast





Eldar Falcon by Epicast






Eldar Falcon II by Armorcast






Eldar Falcon by Games Workshop



Eldar Falcon II by Forgeworld

Still Alive

Sorry everyone, I had let my personal life of finishing school and finding work take over. But I am still alive and will be posting soon. However there will be a change. Previously the blog has been very GW focused, but now that Warmachine's MK II rules are out I will also be posting stuff about Warmachine.

Imperial Stormbird - Wow!

Recently (last night), I was surfing through the Work In Progress forums for some cool conversion ideas and to see what the rest of the community was up to. During my surf, I found this incredible and inspiring piece of work by Bulldoquk.

It’s a Pre-Hersey Imperial Stormbird, a larger troop transport used by the Adeptus Astartes. It was capable of void and atmospheric flight and could hold 60-100 marines. I first heard of this transport in Horus Rising by Dan Abnett. In the book he describes it as being larger than a Thunderhawk. I had trouble comprehending the Stormbird’s size until seeing Bulldoquk’s work.

Here is a blurb from the 40K Lexicanum regarding the Stormbird.

An aircraft used during the Great Crusade just before the Horus Heresy and the introduction of the Thunderhawk. They are void capable as well as capable of atmospheric flight. The actual pattern type is Warhawk VI. They played a similar role as the Thunderhawk Gunship today, and it had many weapons for a supporting troops while deploying from the front hatch.
They were manufactured on Terra by the Yndonesic Bloc for use against the Panpacific tribes during the Unification Wars. Their wings can be folded or collapsed in some manner. They described as bulkier than the Thunderhawk and less-agile. However, the Stormbird can carry up to the equivalent of a modern space marine company, between 60 and 100 marines.
It is also described as having missiles slung under both wings and a cannon mounted on the nose. Stormbirds are piloted by two marines sitting back to back along with two hard wired servitors. It is not known the actual shape or look of a Stormbird, yet early drawings of the Thunderhawk show organic, large, and VTOL Imperial craft dropping marines on a target. Sources


I am thinking I need one of these for my Crimson Fists...

Tau Piranha

It has been a while since I posted anything, life has been pretty busy. However I was able to complete a Tau Piranha for a painting contest at the local gaming store; ALL ABOUT GAMES - As usual there are several things I don't like about the piece (regarding my painting), but overall I like it. I was happy when it was moved from Forgeworld to Games-Workshop.

As far using it in a game, I envision this Piranha hanging on the edge of the battlefield until it can unload it's seeker missiles. Once it has done that, rushing it for an attack on armor or to contest an objective.

TAU PIRANHA
Cost: 85; Fusion Gun, 2 Seeker Missiles
* The shield generators are there for looks.


Sherpa

Tau- Working List

When I began to collect and paint TAU, I really didn't have an plan. I just collected the cool figures and tanks. So after a couple of weeks searching forums, I have come up with this working list with the models I already own. I think I might be a little lite on the troops section, but I will have a better idea after a few battles

HQ (175)
Commander Shadow Sun

Elite(232)
2 Crisis suits - plasma rifle, missile pod, multi-tracker
2 Crisis suits - TL fusion blasters, targeting array

Troop (458)
10 Fire warriors, markerlight, EMP Grenades,
** devilfish w/seeker missiles (2),flechette discharger
8 Fire warriors, markerlight, gun drones (2)
11 Kroot

Fast Attack (243)
Piranha - Fusion Blaster, w/seeker missiles (2)
4 pathfinders
** devilfish w/seeker missiles (2), flechette discharger

Heavy Support(390)
hammerhead - burst cannons, Ion Cannon
hammerhead - burst cannons, Ion Cannon
2-Broadsides; Targeting Array

The Tau Sky Ray – what a bargain!

This month I shifted to working on my Tau. Originally, I didn’t plan on creating a Tau force, but a while back a good friend of mine left the game and gave me all his models. I had been helping him paint them (two models) and he decided to give them to me. So after a good start and some sweet deals, I have collected a decent size force.

Towards the end of June, I began stripping old paint jobs, and repairing broken parts. A few of my fire warriors are missing their antennas but they will work just fine. I have decided to go with a mobile force, consisting of a few stationary broadsides for support, which means I will need a few Devilfish.

On the subject of Devilfish I would to point out a bargain, the Tau Sky Ray. The Sky Ray kit has the sprues for all of the Tau vehicles (excluding the Piranha). The Sky Ray is only $6.25 more than the Devilfish which includes that nifty hammerhead weapons sprue which costs $15.00 on the GW website.

My present army list consists of 3 Devilfish, and 2 Hammerhead s for a total of 5 vehicles ($187.5). Fortunately I have most of all the vehicles. But if I was just starting out I would have bought 4 Sky Rays and a Devilfish ($200). Although the cost would have been $12.50 more, I would be able to build the following:

3- Devilfish
2- Hammerheads
2 - Smart missile system upgrades.
2 - Burst cannons options
2 -Ion Cannons with turrets
2 -Railguns with turrets
1 -Sky Ray Missile Turret or -Swordfish turret with twin-linked Rail Guns.

TAU Swordfish
White Dwarf # 271,
Tau Vehicle Design Rules
Page 60-61
Points: 260, BS-4, Armor Front-13, Side-12, Rear-10
Weapons: 1 twin-linked Railgun (with sub munitions), 1 twin-linked missile pod, and 1 burst Cannon

*
Just some ramblings, Sherpa

1500, Maybe 40k Radio is right..

So Lately I have been listening to 40k Radio podcast archives. It's really good and informative. I recommend checking it out, if you have already. Anyway the hosts, Spencer and Scott have been talking about playing games at 1500 points. I admit that this sounds good to me.

So in keeping with that idea, I have begun planning my armies to the 1500 point level with a few options. Up until recently I have been just been buying what is cool, and now my armies are totally out of balance with no real predetermined point value. In the past I was more of a painter than a player so this really didn't matter to me.

However several factors have started to change my mind, such as the rising cost of models (even plastic), and GW's inability or desire to maintain army balance and updates in past Codexes. (That is another rant for another time.) So ...

I learned during the tourney at AAG, that sometimes the best or coolest looking army isn't the most successful. So I am now trying to find that balance between a cool, but effective army.

Also by having some direction before purchasing and with my choice not to renew my White Dwarf subscription, I hope to reduce my spending. Hopefully I can channel this saved capitol into another army or may I dare say it another game..

Painting Malaise - Bah..

Like everyone else, I seemed to have been affected by the painting malaise. I started this miniature for the monthly painting contest at AAG, but just can't seem to finish it. Each month AAG has a miniature painting contest, with a theme. This month's theme was "It ain't easy being green", meaning that a majority of the miniature needed to be painted green. So in keeping with the theme, I decided to paint an Autuarch in green. In the beginning I was really fired up for the contest, and had a good start. However after a few set backs, some other household projects, and well .... I missed the deadline. So what to do now? I think its time to test my stripping skills .
What is it about this time of year? .. Bah

Battle for MYR - AAG Campaign (3rd Battle)

Autarch Fritz, I have failed you.. I will now fall upon my chainsword or maybe the power weapon, cause the chainsword might get a bit messy...

Last night was my third battle in 10 years, it appears I really need to hit the books. A few bad moves and a incredibly accurate, powerful Orky, grotling throwing gun thingy (Shokk Attack Gun) devastated my eldar army. So many guardians wasted, in attempt to be safe and effective, sadly I lost sight of the objective. So I am now going to search the forums and review the books for insight, for next week I face the Blood Angels. "TO THE BLACK LIBRARY..Autarch in training".

Second Battle at AAG,

Last night was the second round of the “Battle for MYR” tourney. I loss the battle, but had a lot of fun. My opponent was very gracious, patient and showed a high level of sportsmanship. Since this was only my second battle in ten years, I was really concerned that I wouldn’t be much of a challenge for him. However "insert bogus name here = Racer X" was really good about not pointing out my deficiencies and lack of skill. Also a really interesting thing happened about halfway through, Racer’s friend Speed showed up. Speed is currently working on a Eldar army, and is very knowledgeable about Eldar tactics. Needless to say and much to Racer’s chagrin, Speed became my tactical advisor. Thanks again Speed.

So our 1200-point (approx.) battle was a Seize Ground Mission on a Pitched Battle Deployment. We rolled up 5 objectives, and had quite a bit of terrain. Since we only had a few troop choices each, we were pretty concerned about capturing enough objectives.

So Racer X with his Sons of Prometheus Chapter (Salamander Successor) set up in the NW corner or the table, while I setup in the SW. I was able to make quite a few incredible saves and maintain a safe distance from his marines for the first couple of turns, but eventually Racer X was able to get is heavy weapons to the center of the table. This signaled the end for much of my force, but I was able to get a few good shots in.

Overall I think I did well with my choices, but I was really impressed with my vYper Squadron.
Due to the randomness of the setup for the campaign, I was unable to take any heavy support choices, so my vYpers had pull double duty anti personnel and anti armor. I was quite pleased with the vYpers. The shuriken cannon and holo-field upgrades were well worth the cost. The cannons were great for taking out space marine body armor, and the holo-fields kept the vYpers in for most of the game.

Again I would like to thank Racer X (and Speed) for a great game and conversation.

Sherpa

Army list summary:
1 Farseer (HQ) @ 168 Pts; Singing Spear; Shuriken Pistol; Ghosthelm
Spirit Stones; Runes of Warding; Guide; Doom; Jetbike

4 Guardian Jetbike Squadron (Troops) @ 98 Pts
Shuriken Pistol; Linked Shuriken Catapults (x3); Shuriken Cannon (x1);

8 Dire Avengers (Troops) @ 275 Pts
1 Exarch; 2 Avenger Shuriken Catapults; Bladestorm
1 Wave Serpent @ [135] Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Linked Starcannons

8 Dire Avengers (Troops) @ 275 Pts
1 Exarch; 2 Avenger Shuriken Catapults; Bladestorm
1 Wave Serpent @ [135] Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Linked Starcannons

1 vYyper (Fast Attack) @ 120 Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Bright Lance; Holo-fields
1 vYper (Fast Attack) @ 115 Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Starcannon; Holo-fields
1 vYper (Fast Attack) @ 115 Pts; Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Starcannon; Holo-fields

Campaign for MYR; AAG 40K Night

As I mentioned earlier, I recently joined a 40k Tourney/Campaign at my local game store. Last week we rolled up our army options and bonus points. We were to start with a 1000 points consisting of 1 HQ and unlimited troops, then roll on a chart to determine the rest of our force.

So as the only Eldar player in a group of consisting of a majority of marines (majority), imperial guard, and necrons; I was hoping to get a heavy weapon option. Instead I rolled an elite and a fast attack, needless to say I am most likely out gunned.

Rumor has it my first opponent likes to play Salamanders; which means stay away from the meltas and flamers. So I am going to play the only options I have left; speed and range.

So with limitations of 1168 points of the following 1HQ, 1 Elite, 1 Fast Attack Unlimited Troops; I have created the following list.

Craftworld Morda -

1 Farseer Agarwaen (blood stained) @ 168 Pts
Singing Spear; Shuriken Pistol;#Ghosthelm
Runes of Warding Guide [20]
Doom [25]
Jetbike [30]
Spirit Stones [20]

3 Guardian Jetbike Squadron @ 76 Pts
Shuriken Pistol; Linked Shuriken Catapults (x2); Shuriken Cannon (x1);

8 Dire Avengers @ 290 Pts
Exarch
2 Avenger Shuriken Catapults
Bladestorm

Wave Serpent @ [150] Pts
Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Linked Starcannons
Star Engines [15]

1 vyper Squadron (3) @ 360 Pts
Shuriken Cannon Upgrade (x1); Bright Lance (x1)
Holo-fields [35]

5 Banshees (Howling Banshees) @ 273 Pts
Power Weapon; Shuriken Pistol; Banshee Mask
Exarch @ [43] Pts
Mirrorswords; Banshee Mask
War Shout [5]

Wave Serpent @ [150] Pts
Shuriken Cannon Upgrade; Linked Starcannons
Star Engines [15]



I will let you know how it worked out; I need to get moving need to build a few models for this weeks game.
Sherpa

Eldar Army List

I was working on my Eldar today, when it occurred to me that I hadnever finalized a list. I had been going off a mental list, but really hadn't assigned point values. So to keep me focused and on track, I created the following list. The list is pretty generic; I may change it to include more vYpers (personal favorite).
If I drop the scorpions and a bike or two, I might be able to get 7 vYpers on the table.

Sherpa

HQ:
Seer Council on Jetbikes;
1 Farseer with singing spear, runes of warding,
-- doom and fortune powers.
3 Warlocks with witchblades and destuctor power.

Elites:
9 Striking Scorpions in Wave Serpent with TL Shuriken Catapults

Troops:
5 Guardians on Jetbikes (last minute objective grabbers)
9 Dire Avengers including Exarch (2 Avenger Catapults and Bladestorm),
-- in Wave Serpent with TL Bright Lances.
9 Dire Avengers including Exarch (2 Avenger Catapults and Bladestorm),
-- in Wave Serpent with TL scatter lasers.

Fast Attack:
1st Squad: 2 vYpers with Bright lances and Holo-fields (anti-armor)
2nd Squad: 2 vYpers with Star Cannons and Holo-fields (anti-personnel)

Heavy Support:
2 Fire Prisms with Holo-fields and Star Engines. (contesting objectives)

Technical Difficulties

My apologies for not posting lately, my PC got a nasty virus, which resulted in a complete reformat, and reload. I also caught a nasty bug from my son. Unfortunately the only way I could recover was bed rest, but now my PC and I are ready for action.
Sherpa

A great gaming store

I was thinking about what makes a great game store the other day. When I first started gaming, the local game store was the hang out for the disinherited (D&D players and gamers); the individuals that society didn’t really understand at the time. In the past we had to special order our stuff from bookstores, toyshops and hobby centers. Then we needed to locate other players and then find a place to play. Many games were played in freezing garages, next to the family station wagon. Then came a place where we could find all these things at once, the game store.

A store dedicated to the games and only to the games we loved. It was the place you could talk about custom encounter charts, random chance modifiers and fields of fire for hours without someone raising an eyebrow at you. I wasted many days of my youth in the local gaming store without spending a dime, but it was fun. My apologies to those store owners.

So what makes a great gaming store? Is it product knowledge, great inventory, award-winning service, great deals or that firm handshake and smile when a deal is made? Sure all these things are great, but not necessarily the makings of a great gaming store. Don’t get me wrong, I like all of those things and get a little pissy when some of those things are missing, but none of these things compare to a sense of community.

Lets face it we play these game for the social interaction, if not we would all be behind our keyboards playing a MMORPG or an Online RTS. Granted some of us do, but any gamer worth his or her salt loves the intense interaction of an RRG session or a Tabletop Tourney. It is that connection to our community that makes the games alive for us.

Which leads me to believe that community is the key to a great gaming store. Sure it’s nice to have all the great merchandise, product knowledge and such, but nothing beats having a place where you belong. However I believe most successful gaming stores do a great job of supporting the community, but for the community to survive we need to do our part.

In today’s environment when all the stuff that had to be special ordered before, can now be purchased with a click of the mouse. No driving, no searching, no waiting, no interaction, and no community. Sure it’s great to be able to get stuff so readily and in some cases the only way, but we need to be careful or we could all be playing in that freezing garage again.

So before you order that thing online, take a moment pick-up the phone and call the local game store. Sure it might take a little longer for you to get the item and you most likely will pay a little more for it, but that’s the price for community. I for one don’t want to be all bundled up, sitting next to the family station wagon again. It kind of takes the fun out of a natural 20, not really.. woo

40K night at AAG

Tonight is 40k night at AAG, our the local game store. So I think I will go to hang out. I probably won't get into a game, I am still pretty fuzzy on the 5th edition rules. Maybe watching a few games, will help remove the haze.

Sherpa

Happy New Year

Greetings Everyone and Happy New Year,
We wish all well this up coming year. However with the New Year comes the New Year Resolutions. So among the usual resolutions, I have resolved to finish an Army, maybe two this year.

Sherpa

Thank you Mrs. Claus

Mrs. Claus was very nice to me this year; I was gifted with a couple of gift certificates to the local game store. As always now I am faced with the big question, what do I spend them on? I am currently working on 3 armies, that’s right 3. The upside thing about working on 3 armies is, you don't get bored painting the same repetitious color. The downside none of them are finished.
I don’t seem to have enough time to paint one, and here I am trying to paint 3. It would also help if I could focus. I am beginning to think I am ADHD, but that subject would be a whole different blog.

Anyway I now have a little extra cash to pick up some new figures or a vehicle, but I really am at a loss on which to get. Presently I am in the process of building up my Crimson Fists Army, but there are still a few things I need to complete my Eldar and Tau. So after making a list and checking it twice (sorry had to do it), I have narrowed it down to following selections:

The Space Marine Land Raider / Crusader / Redeemer
- The number one bad boy of the space marines, it’s like the soccer mom’s hummer. Its big, its expensive and looks damn intimidating rolling down the street. My crimson fists are a little lean on heavy support and transport, and this machine would do the job for both. For nostalgia’s sake, I was thinking of scratch building a couple of MK I’s for my fists, but I don’t they would ever look as good as the Mk II.

A Space Marine Devastator Squad
- That’s right the boys with the big toys. These guys would also be a great addition to my fists, but there are only 5 in the box. And honestly, I would most likely break them up to complete some partial tactical squads. So I think I might just order a couple of space marines with heavy bolters/ plasma Cannons/ Lascannons for that purpose.

Eldar Farseer and Council
- A little psychic guidance could be good for my eldar, they have been working with an substitute farseer (an adequately painted warlock) for quite some time.

Tau Sniper Drone Team
- Not only does this set look good, but it could also be a good tactical choice. Although with 2 hammerheads/ Ion Cannon and 2 XV88s, I have plenty of heavy weapon support at present.

Tau Piranha
- I loved this model when it was first released by forgeworld, but it was really out of my price range. I could get 2 of them, which would cover the fast attack options nicely.

Regardless of my choice, I intend to show their progress on this blog, but now I have to go. I need to get ready for my Dungeons and Dragons (4th ed.) game this week. It’s has been a lot of fun. The new rules are pretty good, and plays like a miniature strategy game. Currently we are using counters, which gets confusing sometimes. Hmmm miniature strategy game, reaper has some good miniatures. They would look good on the table, no counters … oh crude, I think I need a new list.