Incorporating your Nerd Crush Unit into an army.

This is a well written article about things to consider when building an army around your Nerd Crush Unit (NCU) and how to incorporate them in and still be viable.

http://darkfuturegaming.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/using-your-nerd-crush-unit.html#more

Homework & painting

Another fortnight has gone by and I have finished my next master class piece of homework.
Again that grainy effect is apparent, but at least from a distance it does not look too bad.

And my latest batch of rats that I tried the zenithal undercoating with.  Not happy again, but hey its another eight to the fodder.  I am happy with how the eyes are looking on my guys now.  Painting them first and then painting the skin in to them works better than trying to put it in after for me.

That brings my Skaven army up to 55 playable models!

Foot-dar or Mech-dar

Currently (with the models I have) I'm looking at the following core to my army:

HQ:
Farseer with Singing Spear 105pts
Cheapish HQ, the spear gives him a punchy short ranged option, probably keep him with the troops.

Elite:
Wraithguard x5 (standard wraithcannon 12" S10, ap2, assault 1 distort) 160+145 for transport
Mounted in a Waveserpent with Shuriken Cannon, scatter laser and Holo-field.
This is my get across the board and shoot the back of your tank unit.

Troops:
5 Dire Avengers Exarch upgrade with twin link catapults, and a 4++  95
Anti-infantry, 18" Catapults with a rending like ability (6's auto wound and make the shot AP2)

10 Guardian defenders with Heavy weapon platform.  105
Not sure which heavy weapon to take, probably the scatter laser, but maybe the missile launcher for flexibility.

3 Guardian jetbikes  51
Harassment unit, if they're alive use to get objectives

Heavy Support
War Walker: Scatter Laser and Bright Lance. Holofields  85
If the scatter laser hits, the bright lance becomes twin linked. War walkers can move shoot move like infantry, good for ducking around a building, shooting then ducking back.

746 Points.
The question is where to from here?
I'm thinking about saving my pennies to get another battlebox, that'll allow me to have a second transport and max out my dire avenger squad, and I'll also have the option of either one big or two smaller guardian squads. It'll also get me a Vyper jetbike, which look like it would be fun to paint.

But I'm not sure whether I want to head for a mech army or a foot slog, Eldar are pretty fast at running across the board, and youu can get SO MANY OF THEM! without transports, but I wonder if they would be too fragile?

Thoughts/suggestions?

Death Guard & Daemons

It is no secret that I am going to embark on a Chaos Marine Army for 40k.  Well obviously it is 40k, I mean come on, can you have Death Guard in WHFB, noooo.

The Theme for my army is Nurgle, but I intend to throw the traditional foot slogging title frequently given to Death Guard & Nurgle troops out the window.  As such it is a fast and mechanised force, currently named "Swift Rot".

There are certain units I want to include in the list regardless of effectiveness, these being Plague Drones of Nurgle, Heldrake & Chaos Space Marines.  As I do not want to play a pure Daemons army, the only way I could ever field the PDoN is with an allied force.  So this entire army and foray back into 40k is because of the jetpack flies with dodgy looking proboscides (yes, that is the plural of proboscis.)

The Core of the army will be the Plague Marines, unlocked as a troop choice by taking a Chaos Lord with the Mark of Nurgle.  These infected hobilars will charge across the field using their metallic equines purely as a fast transport and if said transport is not destroyed before disembarking, used as a mobile shield.

To keep with the mechanised/fast theme, I would like to ensure that many of my units have the capability to cross ground quick.  However in saying that the advancing units may still get shot to ribbons without other prime targets or distractions for the opponent.  As such I intend on using Nurglings as my required troop choice from Daemons.  Whilst not as strong as a Plaguebearer, they still have a reasonable toughness and can infiltrate in.

Army at this point
Bearing in mind the requirements from theme & core, the army is starting to form.

|HQ| Chaos Lord (65pts) - Bike (20pts), MoN (15pts), Power Armour, Sigil of Corruption (25pts), Power Axe (15pts), Burning Brand of Skalanthrax (30pts) = 170pts.

|Fast Attack| Heldrake (170pts) - Baleflamer (0pts) = 170pts.

|Troops| Nurglings (45pts) = 45pts.
|Troops| Nurglings (45pts) = 45pts.

|Fast Attack| Plague Drones of Nurgle (126pts) - Plaguebringer (5pts), Rot Willy (15pts) = 146pts.

Current total = 576pts.

So that is the army at present.  More to come as further decisions are made.

Apocalypse

Well the  heavily reinforced rumours are saying that Apocaplyspe is next month. I was wondering if people thought that all the armies will all get Army Box releases or if it's going to be essentially another generic supplement?

Wave Serpent

Finished the Wave Serpent although I may freehand some briar thorns on and put some transfers on. I also need to fineline the cockpit. Overall, I am reasonably happy with the job.

As you can see, I haven't put any guns on. I'm still trying to find a colour scheme for the heavy weapons that I like.

Close up of the not very clear lightning details on the front 'stones.' I'm going to put some clear gloss over these to make them shine a bit more. I may also repeat the Motif on a larger scale on the front of the hull next to the cockpit.

This angle I think needs some decals to break the monotony.

Rear view: I like this view as it shows how much the fine lining makes the details stand out.

Overall the paint scheme went:

Goblin green over the whole model, followed by two heavy-ish washes of green ink. Then a layer of the dark green base colour. All of the panel lines were then done in black ink, then the fine lining done with a 1:1 of goblin green and white.

Started working on some guardians last night. Got two and the weapons platform done. May use the rest as a test bed for painting skills like soul gems.

Problematic Army Painter White Primer

I talked to Rob and Paul about my issue with the aforementioned primer when I came up on our first hobby weekend.  They postulated that I may have been doing the priming when it was too hot, and as a result some of the primer was drying before it hit the model, resulting in a granular look.

Paul mentioned it again recently when I posted up my master class WIP.  And at that time I took careful note to ensure I was doing the priming in colder conditions (easy to do in winter...).

I have primed using other AP colours before and the result is smooth.  Heck I have done fifty Skaven now and not had this issue on them.

Given the problems you have seen and the example shots below of some tester models, should I assume that it is not actually my technique but that either this can of AP White Primer is borked, or the White in that complete range is knackered.

Grainy effect from AP White Primer - spray application

So if I am correct in my assumptions as to the sub-par quality of my existing white and my upcoming DG units, can you recommend any particular brands of white primer that you know first hand to have done a good job.  I am leaning towards Tamiya, which would be handy as there is a model shop 500 metres away.

Bases for Death Guard

I have an idea on how I would like to do the bases on my forth coming Death Guard.  As usual my idea goes against the norm that most people have used previously, at least those that have posted pictures and ideas online have used.

What I would like to do, is use the bases as a visual representation of the various plagues etc the Nurgle marines are spreading.  Ideally I would like lush grass and meadow flowers, but the closer to the actual marines feet, have the grass and flowers spoiling as he makes his way through them.

I had considered using some green earth (which is quite brown) weathering pigments on the foliage closest to  the marine and also mix some of this up with water for a slightly muddier look around their boots.  Do you think this sounds good enough guys?  I know I know, I should try it as well.

But if you have any other suggestions, please hit me up.

And the dead shall march again: A necron list in the making

Hi Guys,

Once again I am doing some list bashing to help me figure out what to make as my next purchase.

I am looking at a foot slogger Cron list rather than a Cronair varient.

Here is the list:

Tournament Painting points

The following is a tournament painting check list put up some time ago at http://www.thefieldsofblood.com/
(Thanks to Peter Dunn for letting me repost).

Wraithguard

So I just had my birthday, And as a typical man-child I spent all my vouchers/birthday credit on plastic crack. I'm finding painting an excellent way of Staying chilled throughout exams. No idea what my motivation will be after exams are finished.  :)

Codex Iyanden - Rules that are filtering out

Army Of Iyanden Rules: 

Voice of Twilight - replaces Conceal as the Primaris 
Blessing. Warp Charge 2. 
Gives ALL Wraith BATTLE FOCUS AND FURIOUS CHARGE in a 12" bubble. 

Warlord Traits: 

1) Roll a D3 - Warlord gets this many rerolls for To Hit, To Wound, Armour Pen and Saves. 
2) All friendly units FNP 6+ within 12". 
3) Warlord and unit - Hatred. 
4) Spirit Mark up to two enemy units per turn. 
5) +1 to Deny The Witch. 
6) Warlord ReRolls all failed armour saves. If he loses a wound, he loses this trait. 

Gifts of Asuryan 

Celestial Lance 
It's a lance like the Shining Spears get with AP2 and Str 8 when shooting. Has Spirit Shatter: if you kill a Character or MC put a large blast where it died. Str is equal to the dead things toughness. AP - 

Soulshrive 
AP 2 Master Crafted Melee weapon with STR 3* and Spiritstealer - add one to the strength of the weapon for each unsaved wound made. 

Wraithforge Stone 
During the Movement Phase, nominate a single Wraithlord or Wraithknight and roll a D6. 1 or 2, nothing happens. 3+ it regains a wound suffered earlier in the battle. 

Guardian Helm of Xellethon 
Auto Pass Look Out Sir when in WG or WB units. WG and WB in this unit can make and accept challenges. 

Spear of Teuthlas - Psyker Only. 
Singing Spear, Str 9 at range. Has Rending, Armourbane and Fleshbane. 

Heroes of Iyanden. 
A Wraithlord or Wraithknight may be the Warlord. 

Shadow Council. 
5 Spiritseers for one HQ. 

My Master Class homework: Session 3 - Basecoats

As you guys know I made a major error in a paint. My replacement one finally arrived today and I started this at 5.00pm

Shown below is how it looks as at midnight.  This camera is a bit rubbish.  The small image looks pretty damn fine, but the close up sickens me.

Anyway, Paul told me to post it, so here it is.

Teachers model (also better picture..)

Eldar Jetbikes: Why I rate them.

Eldar Jetbikes - My go to Troops Choice for the new Eldar.

The Eldar Codex has been out for a week or so and there has been plenty of time to digest the changes.Lets have a look at why they are so  sexy.

Ghost Warriors: Eldar Wraith Army

Further to my previous post here is my WIP Eldar Ghost list.

Into the Valley of Death: Wind Rider Eldar musings

After having a look through the new Eldar codex I put together two themed lists to see how people feel about them. The first of the two is a Wind Rider host.

Tank commander

This is the model I will use as my 1st Land Raiders' commander. So cool!

Now, I am on the fence about how to paint my Land Raiders.

If they are dedicated transports to my Justaerin, you would think they would be in the 1st company colours, the same as the Justaerin I have already painted. Much the same as DA Deathwing Land Raiders are bone white like the rest of the 1st company.

The other option is just to paint it the green I am yet to come up with.

And another thing, would the crew also be in the same scheme, or would they have to be in the green.

All the Land Raiders in the book are kinda half and half green and black, so maybe that will be the way to go.

Meh, something to think about I guess.

Hobby Points Painting System!

Our mighty overlord Rob postulated using a points system to help encourage us to paint models we already have before we buy more.  I think this is not only a fabulous idea but one I am going to roll with in an effort to help curb my spending as well.

How it works?  Simply add up the points you have earnt as per the table below.  You obviously can only score for each model once, unless you strip and repaint of course.  When you want to purchase more goods you need to remove that from your running credit total.

Item	Value	Frequency
25mm base	1	per model
40mm base	2	per model
60mm base	5	per model
Monster	10	per model
Small vehicle	15	per model
Large vehicle	20	per model
Terrain feature	10 - 20	per piece
Bonuses
Character	2	per model
Extra options	0.5	per model
Based model	0.5	per model
New technique attempted	5	once per technique
Transfers/Unit markings	1	per unit
Weathering - battle damage	1	per unit
Weathering - dirt & grime	1	per unit
Completed unit	2	per unit

Example:
5 x Chaos Space Marines (5 pts) + 5 x bases (2.5 pts) + 5 x extra options (2.5 pts) + completed unit (2 pts) = 12 HPPS in your tally.

Honesty and common sense would be the overriding factors on this as well.  And pictures of each would be expected.  Subjective pieces such as terrain would be by concensus.

Thoughts?

Skycutter Chariot

This is the base model with a couple of lances to act as struts. They are going to be cut off just in front of the hands then glued to the 'nacelles' I sculpted into the green stuff.

More progress!

So I have finished assembling the rest of the Justaerin squad, such a cool kit. Its hard to not make a staunch looking badass.

I have 2 bare heads and the Sgts power sword I will paint seperately.

3 Gryphons

So as the image shows I have 3 of the IoB Gryphon riders. I have seen a couple of full on conversions where people have stripped the rider off completely and run the monster as an eagle (very cheap flyer unit for High Elves). Or I was thinking of stripping the wings off and having them as some kind of allied monstrous cavalry eg Demigryphs, or house ruling in something for them. Basically I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. The paint Job on the one at the back left is bad enough that I would happily attempt to do any and all conversions on that one first :)

Great success! Kind of.......

So I kind of screwed up the green again lol, however managed to pretty much finish the termy.

Not sure about the leather skirt and matching straps on the shoulders, but it does look very good, my camera doesn't do it justice sadly.

Very keen on a Deathwing army of these guys now!

Back to the drawing board!

Well the previous attempt at a Sons of Horus scheme didn't work out too well, so that model is going to be finished and given to a mate who nags me all the time for one.

This is what I'm working on now, need to get the black sorted for the Justaerin terminators and I have a new scheme in mind for the standard Sons marines.

Time for some experimentation!