Hordes: Gargantuans - Review

I was a little delayed in getting my copy of Gargantuans due to my LGS’ supplier having an issue with “flammable pallets”. I feel this is an excuse along the lines of “the dog ate my homework”, but as I wasn’t going to buy it anywhere else, I had to wait.


However, patience is a virtue, and I even successfully managed to avoid all the online spoilers!

And I’m glad that I did, as once again Privateer Press has produced and excellent product that I would have been disappointed had I spoiled myself before having my own copy.

Gargantuan’s is a 160 page, full colour book available in both softback and hardback for those collectors out there. As with all the previous anthology books, it contains sections on painting, new rules, new model write ups and fiction highlighting the new models as well as advancing the world metaplot.

Just like the Warmachine equivalent Colossals, Gargantuans contains the relevant new rules that covers the new unit type, as well as publishing the Unbound rules again. While Unbound is an interesting change to the game (for those out there with 200pts+ of models), if you have either Colossals, or the original No Quarter issue, these rules are duplication. The only new part is the new formations, and changes to existing models if you want to play Unbound. While I’m disappointed that Unbound has been included again, I’m not sure of any better way of publishing it. I can’t see an Unbound rulebook on its own selling well.

The painting section, once again highlights some of the techniques used to paint the display models. Not everyone is going to want to replicate the paint schemes, but they do make interesting reading for picking up techniques. Along with the painting sections from the faction books, and available in No Quarter, there is a wealth of well written pieces for anyone looking to improve or expand their painting techniques.

For me, as much as I’m looking forward to the new models, I’m also looking forward to the fiction in the books. Privateer Press has built up a great setting and metaplot, and anything to build in that is welcome in my opinion. Once again, we are treated to some excellent stories that not only see the new models do awesome stuff, but the overall plot move forward. As we go on, the Warmachine and Hordes metaplots are becoming more intertwined, and we see the effects of battles in Colossals being played out here. I’m really interested in the Cryx/Legion story as well as the Skorne/Ios plot lines. All in all, excellent writing as usual, if anything it serves to make mediocre models seem much more impressive than they are on the table. Not a bad thing in my opinion!

Anyway, onwards to what everyone really cares about, the new model releases.
I’ll be honest, its tough for me to give much of an overview of the factions other than Legion and Skorne, so take any commentary on the other faction releases with a pinch of salt!
Overall, this has more releases than Colossals, with at least another beast and 2 solos/units per faction above the Warlock & Gargantuan we expected.

Trollbloods
Trolls gets themselves a Warlock unit in the shape of Grimm2, a light troll with Stealth and Eyeless sight, a heavy champions unit and 2 solos (one Sorcerer that attaches to a unit, and a Fennblade commander). While considered the weakest of the Gargantuans, you can’t dispute the Mountain King model is amazing. I wouldn’t say anything here is out of the park outstanding, but a solid set of releases that I would expect to see play.
Circle
 I really don’t like the look of Morvahna2, Circles new mounted warlock. With a strong feat and set of spells and abilities, I can easily see her causing trouble in play. Another strong release is the Warpborn Alpha UA for the Skinwalkers unit. For 3 points you get a whole raft of abilities to make your medium based infantry even better. Their unit release, the Tharn Blood Pack also look mighty strong, and the Rip Horn Satyr promises to find its way into many lists. Compared to these releases, the Razorwing Griffon and Woldwrath Gargantuan do feel a little lacklustre, but I don’t doubt someone will make them work.

Skorne
For me, Skorne get some of the most interesting and powerful new models. Makeda3 is our Warlock Unit, and if you want to play a Warlock that gets into the middle of the action, then she is for you. She has the ability to dish it out, and to keep herself reasonably protected from retaliation. I think she’s definitely on the to-buy list.
Our weakest release is the Reptile Hound, a Lesser Warbeast with a situational animus, and Flank with Reptile Hounds, meaning you have to take at least 2 to make them worthwhile. We do, however, get the only Character Warbeast in the book, in the shape of the Despoiler. With an Affinity for Mordikaar, you wouldn’t be surprised to know he works at producing Void Spirits and supports spell casting. His animus doubles enemy fury and focus costs to cast spells, and he’s not a slouch in combat for a heavy beast.
Our unit is a ranged Cataphract unit, that have Continuous Fire and an AoE! These fill a much needed gap in our roster, and I can see in more than just Xerxis lists. Our Solo, the Mortitheurge Willbreaker, will, however, be found in even more lists. For 2 points you get Beast Master, Ancillary Attack and Puppet Master! Best Release of the Book.
If that wasn’t enough, our Gargantuan, the Mammoth, is easily the best of the large based models. A giant 4 armed monster with a 4 barrelled cannon on its back, yes please! Add in the ability to total anything in melee, and the most armour of them all, I can’t wait to drop this guy onto the table.

Legion of Everblight

Legion gets some interesting releases, but really only one has made it onto my to-buy list.
They do have the privilege of the first Huge based Warcaster in the shape of Lylyth3. Counting as a Battle Engine, and mounted on a sledge pulled by 2 Ulks, this should be an amazing model, but how it performs in game is yet to be seen. I’m concerned that a huge base makes her much too difficult to hide from opposing assassination attempts.
Legion gets 2 light warbeast, the Afflictor and Nephilim Bloodseer. Both are interested with both having Flight, the Afflictor creating new Incubi and the Bloodseer improving spell casting units. Solid releases that will see play in certain lists.
No unit for Legion this time, but 2 interesting solos. The Beast Mistress is a spell casting equivalent to a Jack Marshall. Only able to take Lesser Warbeasts, but packing a couple of spells herself, I can imagine she’ll end up as a Legion Buff bot for those useful Lesser animi. The second solo is the Warspear Chieftain, a UA for the Warspear unit. Much like the Warpborn Alpha, he brings the Warspears much needed abilities such as Huntsman and Relentless Charge, for the bargain price of 2 points.
Legion do win the prize for the most amazing looking Gargantuan. Unfortunately, its rules don’t quite match, but I can still see if getting some table time.

Minions
 Minions get 2 warlocks, one Farrow and one Gatorman. Of the two, I like the look of Rask (Gatorman) better, but I am a sucker for the Gatorman faction. The Farrow get a Lesser Warbeast and Blindwater get an Undead Bog Trog unit. There is also a new Gobber Tinker solo that can repair Warjacks and Battle Engines. However, as he only works for 2 of the Warmachine factions compared to all 4 Hordes ones, I can see him repairing more Battle Engines than anything else.

Overall, another excellent release from Privateer Press. Every faction gets something useful, and while debate will reign over which faction “won” the book, I think no one goes away unhappy.
I already have a couple of the early releases, which I'll review in a week, once I've got them put together.

Easter Warmahordes - The Armies

A new year, and a new set of Bank Holidays for playing Warmahordes over!

This year, we move up from 15pts to 25pts, and also start using the Steamroller 2013 scenarios rather than the ones in the core book.
To ease us in, we are only going to use 4 of the scenarios, Destruction, Incursion, Outflank and Process of Elimination. We’ll also be aiming for a 2 list format with character restrictions. No timed turns though, we aren’t quite ready for that!

We are now only a week away, so I thought I'd talk a bit about what I considered taking, to give an idea behind my list building.
Firstly, I want to take as much painted models as possible, so that practically that limits it to either Skorne or Cryx. I simply don't have the amount painted to manage one 25pt list for either Menoth or Legion, although Menoth isn't far off.

My 4 opponents are going to be Cygnar, Menoth, Retribution and Circle. I know pretty much what the Retribution player will be taking, as I help with his lists, but I'm going to try not to have that effect my decisions too much.
First up, lets look at my Skorne options. I only have 3 Skorne Warlocks, and as 2 of them are already painted, that narrows down my choice quite nicely.

List 1
Master Tormentor Morghoul
* Cyclops Brute
* Cyclops Savage
* Bronzeback Titan
* Titan Gladiator
Paingiver Beast Handlers (Leader and 3 Grunts)
Agonizer
This is a nice beast heavy list, that should be able to wreck most things it comes up against. Downside, it have very little defensive abilities, depending on body mass alone to survive. An option is to drop the Cyclops Savage for some solos that may help, a Willbreaker, Master Tormenter and some Swamp Gobbers being my choices.With 3 of the 4 opponents being able to play a reasonable ranged list I may not make it to the zones before loosing something though.

List 2
Tyrant Xerxis
* Basilisk Krea
* Titan Gladiator
Cataphract Cetrati (Leader and 3 Grunts)
Praetorian Swordsmen (Leader and 5 Grunts)
* Praetorian Swordsmen Officer & Standard
Swamp Gobber Bellows Crew (Leader and 1 Grunt)
Tyrant Commander & Standard Bearer
Here I’m attempting a Xerxis block, but I can’t seem to fit in everything I want. Note, no Beast Handlers, as I can’t afford them, and a heavy warbeast. Ironically, I don’t feel that I’d need them if I had a light warbeast, such as a Savage. Anyway, the plan is to slowly advance the 16 DEF, 24 ARM Cetrati up the field and see what can actually do anything to them. Good against ranged lists, but lacking in overall pace as everything would be stuck at the speed of the Cetrati.

Some interesting options, and certainly I like both lists. However, these two lists have a couple of big painting projects in, and I simply don't have enough time to complete them. If I'm to Play It Painted, as is my plan, then Skorne are off the table.

I have much more to choose from in Cryx, and much more painted, making list construction a bit more varied.

List 1
Warwitch Deneghra
* Deathripper
* Skarlock Thrall
Bane Thralls (Leader and 5 Grunts)
* Bane Thrall Officer & Standard
Bane Lord Tartarus
<9pt Focus Efficient Heavy>
+2pt Solo

This list is fun and uses many of the units I love in Cryx. Most of the list is Stealthed, meaning I should be able to advance reasonably safely, I have a heavy of some description (usually Seether) for heavy lifting duties, and weapon master infantry to make people cry. I have 2pts left for a solo, either Gorman (for even more debuffs), War Witch Siren (because) or a Bloat Thrall (for some range, and pie plates). Not yet sold on which to take yet.

List 2
Skarre, Queen of the Broken Coast
* Deathripper
* Deathjack
Satyxis Raiders (Leader and 5 Grunts)
* Satyxis Raider Sea Witch
Pistol Wraith
Pistol Wraith
Satyxis Raider Captain

I love the synergy of this list! The Satyxis package is strong in most lists, but the additional Inspiration from Skarre tops it off. Pistol Wraiths and Black Spot go together amazingly, and Deathjack loves Seas of Fate, and acts as a bit of a Scarlock. I did consider swapping out the Deathripper for a Stalker, but the ability to throw Black Spot or Perdition at further range is too useful.

List 3
Asphyxious the Hellbringer
* Cankerworm
Mechanithralls (Leader and 5 Grunts)
Necrosurgeon & 3 Stitch Thralls
Revenant Crew (Leader and 5 Grunts)
Satyxis Raiders (Leader and 5 Grunts)
* Satyxis Raider Sea Witch
Captain Rengrave
Satyxis Raider Captain
Warwitch Siren 

A bit of a mixed list, but I just want to give Gaspy3 a shot. Cankerworm is a must, as with Gaspy he punches well above his weight. Satyxis love Ashen Veil, and a load of infantry to annoy the opponent. Not as tested as the other two lists though, and Gaspy3 would be a brand new caster to try.

Well, that's what I'm thinking, I'll report back once I've played a few games.

Privateer Press TempleCon Announcements

This weekend was the first of the big gaming conventions of the year, TempleCon in the US, and Privateer Press are using it to make some big announcements.

This time last year we had the announcement of Colossals/Gargantuans and Level 7, and this year the big announcements were equally as awesome.

The big announcement has to be the introduction of a new Warmachine faction, the Convergence of Cyriss.

Cyriss, or The Maiden of Gears, is the newest of the Gods of Immorean, who has slowly been gaining followers since her discovery. First featured in the Witchfire Trilogy adventure, back in the early days of the Iron Kingdoms, they represent humanities wish to up lift themselves through technology.

The exact fluff details on why the Convergence is fighting will be uncovered when the Forces book is released, but some idea of how they will play has been revealed.

The force is made up of uplifted humans (human souls put into machines) as well as advanced clockwork machines. So far we have only seen pictures of a few of the models, but the aesthetic can be described as steampunk art deco.

Convergence Warcasters are much like their more fleshy counterparts, except they all have a Field Marshal ability that will give models in their battlegroup such as Arc Node and Shield Guard. As they are mechanical, they can also be repaired using Repair and Bodge actions, which is handy because one of the light Vectors has repair!

The warjacks, called Vectors, have a number of unique rules that will make them stand out from the other factions. Instead of having their own MAT and RAT, they will instead inherit the stats from their Warcaster. Depending on how this works, this could have some interesting implications for play. They also have an Induction Coil, that will allow them to pass on 1 focus to another Vector when they spend it. This means that Vectors are going to be very focus efficient, and I’d imagine Convergence forces are going to be Vector heavy.

Released at Lock and Load, Privateer Press’ Convention held 31st May – 2nd June, we can expect a full Forces of book, as well as a starter Battlebox. While exact details are still thin on the ground, the Q&A after the keynote said that the line will feature a high percentage of plastic models, but Warcasters, Solos and at least one Vector will be in metal.

At release, and long term, expect to see a Convergence Battle Engine and Colossal, although it doesn’t sound like any cavalry will be coming any time soon.

The Convergence of Cyriss promises to be an interesting faction to play against, suiting those who like a Heath Robinson style of play. I’m not totally sold on the miniatures, however I’ll be picking up the Forces book for the juicy fluff.

As well as a new Faction, Privateer Press announced a brand new game, also set in the Warmachine/Hordes universe. High Command is a deck building game, that will allow you to take control of your faction like never before, and fight across the length of Immorean.

Coming out towards the end of the year, with the Warmachine set before the Hordes set, you’ll be able to take control of one of the 4 core factions and build up a force to take and hold key objectives.

At this moment, not much else is know about the game, especially game mechanics. However, with high quality art work, and being non-collectable appeals greatly to me!

 

 

This year promises to be a great year for fans of the Iron Kingdoms. As well as the above announcements, there is the new fiction line coming, as well as Gargantuans for Hordes, and another Warmachine book later in the year which will feature more Warcasters.

If you are interested in the full videos, I’ve included them below.

Convergence Of Cyriss

High Command

On The Painting Table - January

I'm going to go back to monthly on these, and I'm classing my last post as a round up!

Shockingly, I have more finished models, although to be fair these have been half done previously.

 My Warmonger Warchief again, for the reason I've got him based!

Inspired by the snow outside, I've finally experimented with creating a snow base. I always planned to use this sort of theme for my Legion, but you know what I'm like with my basing.

Anyway, I think it worked well, although I need to perfect the snow mix as it was a little more fluid than I wanted, and I lost a little bit of detail.

Undead Pirates are one of the things that drew me to Cryx in the first place, so Captain Rengrave is a must.

The wood deck base is the same type as I've created for my Satyxis, and that I'll eventually base the Revenent Crew onto. Onto a smooth layer of Green Stuff/Milliput I score a deck pattern out, and leave to dry. Brown painted, wash and a quick dry brush and they are done.

Finally, I can field the evil that is the Widow Shadow Combine!

Cryx's 3-man character unit, these should fit in nicely with my other Lich characters.

They all also have their names painted on the backs of the bases to remind me which Lich is which.




Sharp eyed readers will also notice I've put some arc marks on them. It has taken me long enough, but I'll be slowly going through the back catalogue and making sure they are all marked up for play.

Looking forward, I want to get my Satyxis finished off at last, hopefully I can get the scheme looking how I want. I've also got some random models I'm working on to keep some variety.

On The Painting Table

I've not talked about my painting for a while, mainly because I hit a bit of a wall after making a big noise.
I started November with a selection of models and a challenge to myself to get as many painted as I could. Turns out November was the worst month to pick, for a variety of reasons. Needless to say, I failed dismally. Even worse, the only model I did finish was a present and I didn't even take a photo of it!
Between then an now, I have managed to get some done though, and given the shear volume of lead I got for Christmas I need to get moving with the painting. Here is a rundown of my efforts!

Tyrant Xerxis

Khorne Beserker

Warmonger War Chief

Lylth

Agoniser

Sauron

Machine Wraith

Gorman DeWulff

As you will notice, I’m slipping on my basing again. I’ve yet to develop what I want to use on the Legion models (I want a snowy base, but am not yet confident to do it), the Skorne one was a test, and the random models are for fun only.
I’ve also now got a much clearer painting station thanks to the Christmas Present of a paint rack. I’m currently working through a few of the models that are currently part painted, so hopefully have another update soon.

15pt Army Challenge - Another Army Down

Hot on the heals of my completed Harbringer, I've finally put the finishing touches on the Skorne, graduating them to a finished 15pt force.

I'll be honest and say there are elements on the models I'm still not happy with. I have real problems painting flesh tones, and the Skorne flesh colours have given me twice the issues. Hopefully I'll master it and go back to improve them, but for now they are table-top quality. Also, I'm wanting to do some free hand on the banners, but have yet to decide what.
Of course, they all aren't based yet either, that's another job to do.

However, I'm going to call the complete and move on.

Next up to complete really has to be the Menoth, building on my recent success with the Harbringer. To complete that army, I'm looking at painting a minimum unit of Zealots, Unit Attachment, a Crusader and Repenter. This should be fun!

Warmahordes Info from Lock and Load

In Britain we are celebrating our monarch's diamond jubilee with a 4 day weekend and rain!

However, over in America, Privateer Press is hosting their gaming convention Lock and Load, where they are letting out a lot of cool information regarding their up coming releases for Warmachine and Hordes.

Can you guess where I'd rather be?

Anyway, I've been searching the internet for all the little titbits of information I can that is getting onto the net, and more importantly pictures of the pretties to buy. I won't be posting any specific rules, as I'm not interested in the specifics until I get my rule book, but I might make some comments based on some things I've read.

Obviously, I'm not at LnL myself, so none of these photo's or video's are my own. I'll try and credit the source where possible, but please accept my apologies if I make a mistake or leave a credit out.

Anyway, onwards!!

Colossals - The Book
LnL attendees were lucky to get access to a swath of pre-releases, including the Colossals book. We now have a decent idea of the contents of the book, and I'm quite happy with what's on offer. Each faction gets a new warcaster (Epic3 Nemo, Asphyxious, Vlad, Kreoss; Epic2 Vyros and a new Mercenary Dwarf), their faction Colossal and we get a write up for Epic Alexia. As well as the write ups, we also get a comprehensive painting guide for large models, the full and updated rules for Unbound, as well as a truck load of fluff!

While this release sees a significant reduction in the number of models, this is a decision PP took to help with the play test of Colossals, as well as allow Hordes to catch up with the options available. I applaud their decision, as does my wallet! I've got a massive list of things I want as it is, this way I might actually make a dent in it.

Cryx

Asphyxious and Vociferon

With the Kraken already spoiled, its is Gaspy3 who I was particularly looking forward to seeing, and he doesn't disappoint.

Kreoss Banner

Not only does he get an upgrade, he gets a minion to go around with him!

As a future release we've been promised Bane Cavalry. I've not been a fan of the Soul Hunter miniatures, but I've a big fan of Bane's so am hoping for some nice cavalry soon.

Menoth
Unfortunately it seems like Menoth once again gets the short end of the stick when it comes to previews. It seems that their Colossal or Warcaster models wasn't for show at the show, and I'm not sure if they appear in the book. However, I have found this picture of Kreoss3. There are implications that Menoth will get some light cavelry in the future, however no concept art to be found.

Cygnar
Not many previews for Cygnar, mainly because both of their models were on sale! However in the staff panel they talked about light cavalry for Warmachine factions, and Cygnar's are going to be Gun Mages.

Khador

Epic 3 Vlad

Similarly to Cygnar, most of Khador's releases for Colossals were on sale at LnL. I did find this nice photo of Vlad3 though (from Lost Hemisphere).

Staff panel talked about Greylord Outriders the Khadoran light cavalry unit, as well as an Iron Fang Kovnik solo.



Retribution
The Hyperion, in a half painted state. I like the look of it, and am looking forward to seeing the fully painted version. In the staff panel were some concept art for a new unit that Eiryss3 will be the unit attachment for. Sounds intriguing.

Gargantuans

The next Hordes book will be a full release book, including a load of new shiney stuff! Predicted release date in 2013, but I imagine we'll have model releases before then.

To the right, you can see the concept art for the Legion's Archangel!!
There are also photo's of the model being worked on, and it looks amazing. Thankfully I have a Legion force so I don't have to come up with a poor excuse to buy one.
Legion also have to look forward to the first 120mm based warlock as Llyth3 will be mounted on a sleigh.

The staff panel talked about a new idea, Warlock units. Both Skorne and Trollbloods get an Epic3 Warlock with a couple of friends along to help. Circle look to get Morvahna on a goat.

Concept art for the Skorne and Circle warlocks were shown in the staff panel. It looks like the Skorne Mamoth is more like a massive Titan with a couple of cannons on its back. I like the sound of that.

There is lots more stuff out there, but rather than copy other people's work, I'll post some links.

http://losthemisphere.com/blog/21781 - The guy's at Lost Hemisphere have recorded the staff panel and put it online. Well worth a look, as it includes the slideshow as well as info on Level 7.
http://losthemisphere.com/blog/21690 - Lost Hemisphere again, but they've got a nice selection of photo's from the 'con.
http://nqmagazine.wordpress.com/ - The official No Quarter Blog. Some more great pictures, as well as info on the tournaments that occurred.

What's on the Painting Table

Post Warmahordes weekend, I've not got anything that must be painted quickly, so I'm back to my hap-hazard style of painting. However, I thought that if I tried to keep track of it, I might get stuff finished rather than end up with masses of stuff nearly finished.

• Skorne Beast Handlers and Cyclops Brute - These guys were almost finished when I decide to take Cryx for the weekend. They just need finishing touches and they are good to go.
• Harbringer - With some effort I have put together my Harbringer of Menoth. A wonderful model, that has some really evil joints on it. So far I've put down the first layer of paint, but need to invest in some new detail brushes before I continue.
• Bases - If you might have noticed in my pictures, I'm not at all good at basing my models. Its always something I've intended to do, but kept forgetting. Given I have a bucket load of basing materials that I've accumulated over the years, I really have no excuse. So, I'm going to go back and base all my models. At the moment I have a few test ones, which hopefully will lead to a fully based army.
• Captain Rengrave - He was started back when I was painting the rest of the Revenant Crew, but as I wasn't expecting to field them he took a back seat. 
• Lylyth - Again, finishing touches more than anything. 

That's what I can remember!

Hopefully I can also try and avoid buying much before the next Warmahordes weekend in August. I'm going to allow myself the next Warmachine expansion book, and painting supplies, but otherwise see how I go.

I'll edit this with some pictures later, posting at work so no camera or miniatures to hand !

 

And here they are. Harby has a base coat of paint on, and more importantly she's together. Pinned all over the place, and hopefully won't come apart while I'm painting it.





My attempts at basing. They look good, but I have a couple of issues in that a) I didn't use enough PVA and b) I need to adjust the positioning. Overall thought, I'm satisfied, and so will work on the rest at some point.

Painting Update

I have this tendency to only post updates when I've got new finished models to show. However, given how I paint (many things, a little at a time) this results in large gaps between posts. So, I'm going to try and post more often, even if they don't have pretty pictures.

This weekend I hope to get much painting done, so I won't post anything yet. Instead, I'll take a look how far I've got with each of my planned armies.

Cryx
This started as the most complete, so in principle should be the closest to completion!

 Iron Lich Asphyxious - Done
* Cankerworm - Ran into a small problem, I'm missing the jaw for some reason. Still 50% done though.
* Nightwretch - Done
* Nightwretch - Done
Bane Thralls (Leader and 5 Grunts) - I'm about 33% of the way through a full unit.
Pistol Wraith - Done

Menoth
I've put much of this force on the back burner until I can get the Harbinger put together. I did sort the Choir out though, as it may need to be loaned out to my Menoth opponent.
Harbinger of Menoth - To be constructed
* Repenter - To be Undercoated
* Crusader - To be undercoated
Choir of Menoth (Leader and 3 Grunts) - Full Unit Done
Holy Zealots (Leader and 5 Grunts) - Undercoated
* Holy Zealot Monolith Bearer - To be undercoated
Paladin of the Order of the Wall - Done

Skorne
As with my Cryx, these guys were well on their way to being complete at the start. I have swapped a Savage for a Brute, so technically putting me a step back.
Master Tormentor Morghoul - Done
* Cyclops Savage - Done
* Cyclops Brute - 50% Done
* Titan Gladiator - Done
Paingiver Beast Handlers (Leader and 3 Grunts) - 50% Done
Bloodrunner Master Tormentor - 75% Done

Legion
I think I've got a paint scheme I can replicate accross the warbeasts, but have yet to do anything bigger than a Shredder. I've also realised I don't have the horns for Thagrosh, something I need to look for before I order anything from the parts department.

 Thagrosh, Prophet of Everblight - To be undercoated
 * Shredder - Done
* Shredder - Done
* Carnivean  - To be undercoated
Blighted Ogrun Warmongers (Leader and 2 Grunts) - 90% Done (final touches on 1)

Some people might not view this as a huge amount of progress, but given the amount of time I get to paint, I think I'm doing pretty good!
Only downside is, none of these include being based. Basing is something I've never quite gotten the hang of, and as a result 99% of my miniatures have unpainted bases. Perhaps its time I knuckled down and got basing.

Painting 2012 - The starting Pictures

I've located the camera, and taken a few pictures of the starting points for the 15 point Warmachine and Hordes forces. I've snapped a group shot of the miniatures, and a close up of one of the fully painted ones to give an idea of the scheme I'm aiming for.


Cryx
This is the most complete of the armies, with all but the Cankerworm and 3 of the Bane Thralls to do. Unfortunately the Cankerworm is missing its jaw, so I need to order a replacement.


The overall scheme is the same as for my Deneghra force as I intend for the miniatures to be interchangeable between casters. Using a dark metallic brown for the armour, and dark green for cloth areas to tie the army together.

I already have a decent number of upgrade options to include at higher points levels. The Deathjack would add an nice heavy jack, and the Withershard Combine are a nice utility addition. I've also got a painted Revenant Crew with UA and Captain Rengrave and a to be constructed Skarre that forms the core of a pirate themed force.
Future purchases will include the Bane Thrall UA, Bane Lord Tartarus and some more warjacks.

Menoth
This force is a long way off complete. I've not had much luck getting the warjacks to look how I want them to, although I've managed to pull off the scheme I'm after on the infantry much better.

I'm pretty much going with studio colours for them (and most of the armies, I'm attracted just as much to studio schemes as the models) with much of the armour being ivory coloured, sections of dark red and lots of gold!

The Harbringer model has a load of work yet to be done to it, its current state is after the 3rd attempt to put it together. I'm going to need to pin it all over the place!

Future upgrades will be in the form of an Avatar of Menoth and whatever takes my fancy! Considering working up her theme force, but I may get tempted by some of the other great miniatures.





Skorne
This would qualify for the most painted force, if it wasn't for the fact I'm having no luck continuing to paint the Beast Handlers. That'll teach me to half paint something and then come back after I've improved. They'll need to be stripped and started again, and at the same time I'll paint up the Tormenter.

Scheme is again close to studio, lots of blood red, gold and black. There are other close ups of the warbeasts on the blog somewhere if you want a better look.

This is likely to go beast heavy, with a bit of infantry. I want to get a Bronzeback Titan, and have a Titan Cannoner to construct. I have a unit of Pretorians with UA, and a Tyrant Commander. I also fancy getting some of the heavy infantry units, as well as the cavalry, but I'll really have to see what works best.






Legion

The smallest force of them all, mainly because its made up of mostly medium based models!

The Carnivean will be being stripped back along with the Skorne Beast Handlers. Despite the spines coming up nicely, I managed to fail at the skin tones and then destroyed my good work when it was put into storage. Thankfully I've made good progress on the Warmongers, with two already done and the last being completed now.

I intend to see if I can't keep this force to the themed force going up. I already have a Seraph and a box of Warspears. Just means investing in a Spawning Vessel and a Warchief.

Although, I do also have Lylyth and a Sorceress that I can use, and I do love the Raptor miniatures, so I may branch out!

Painting 2012

I've finally picked up the paint brush again!

I've always found winter to be a tough time to paint, the light isn't good and the weather is usually terrible for undercoating anything. As a result, I haven't done much painting since before Christmas.

However, as traditional for the New Year, I'm setting myself some goals. My primary one is to get painted a 15 point army for each of my Warmachine and Hordes factions. In addition, I'm trying to use just what I have, rather than go spending more money.

Cryx
I've already got a 15pt Cryx army painted, but I have enough miniatures (painted and otherwise) to put together a second force, this time under Iron Lich Asphyxious.

Iron Lich Asphyxious (*6pts)
* Cankerworm (5pts)
* Nightwretch (4pts)
* Nightwretch (4pts)
Bane Thralls (Leader and 5 Grunts) (5pts)
Pistol Wraith (3pts)


The only things left to paint in this list are the Bane Thralls, and 50% of the Cankerworm. 


Menoth
As I'm likely to play against an Exemplar themed Menoth force, I decided to go in a different direction. This list, in principle, also meets the Harbinger's theme force, but at the moment that gives very little benefits.


Harbinger of Menoth (*5pts)
* Repenter (4pts)
* Crusader (6pts)
Choir of Menoth (Leader and 3 Grunts) (2pts)
Holy Zealots (Leader and 5 Grunts) (4pts)
* Holy Zealot Monolith Bearer (2pts)
Paladin of the Order of the Wall (2pts)

The only miniature painted so far for this list is the Paladin, and part of the Choir. In fact, I'm having a lot of trouble painting the scheme on the warjacks. I've stripped the Crusader down about 3 times now, and having to do so again. I'm also "enjoying" putting together the Harbinger model. I need to pin it a ridiculous amount, but so far they keep breaking when I attempt the next part. A challenge!

Skorne
Personally, I fell in love with Skorne with the Titan model. Therefore, it makes sense to go beast heavy and run Morghoul out of the battle box.


Master Tormentor Morghoul (*7pts)
* Cyclops Savage (5pts)
* Cyclops Savage (5pts)
* Titan Gladiator (8pts)
Paingiver Beast Handlers (Leader and 3 Grunts) (2pts)
Bloodrunner Master Tormentor (2pts)

Now I run the problem that I painted the battle box models one way, and have since "improved" my painting techniques. The Beast Handlers are half painted, but I'm not happy with how I'm painting them now, so I may have to strip them back and start again.


Legion
This force is going to be quite light on models, mainly because I own a lot of the medium based stuff for it. This force also is tier 1, but again the benefits don't kick in at this level.

Thagrosh, Prophet of Everblight (*5pts)
* Shredder (2pts)
* Shredder (2pts)
* Carnivean (11pts)
Blighted Ogrun Warmongers (Leader and 2 Grunts) (5pts)


The skin tone of the warbeasts has been a problem for me, but I hope another attempt with more confidence will soon get that sorted. Two of the Warmongers are already painted, with the 3rd on its way to being done. I'm actually starting to paint Lylyth first, as she was already undercoated, but Thagrosh is ready to be undercoated.



I shall post some pictures later, I'm not 100% sure where the camera is, and work is beckoning.

My other painting plan for the year is to finally finish off my 40K armies, but more on them later.

Random Miniatures Post

I find it very easy to get distracted by all the shiny miniatures that are out there. As my wife can attest, I have many boxes of unpainted lead that I've bought in the past on a whim. At the moment I'm trying very hard to only buy and then paint, miniatures I'm going to use. This is why I'm mainly painting Warmachine and Hordes stuff, but I have just bought some Dinosaurs for an upcoming D&D game I'm playing in.

Warmachine and Hordes, Getting Started

After a short delay, due to illness, I continue my Warmachine/Hordes series.

If my other posts have peaked your interest in starting either Warmachine and/or Hordes, then I'm sure you are asking, what do I need? Well, time to answer your questions!

Warmachine and Hordes, Unit Overview

This is my third in my Warmachine and Hordes overview for new and interested players.

This time, I'm going to give an overview of the types of units available to you, and most importantly look at the difference between Warmachine and Hordes.

Warmachine and Hordes, The Setting

What makes a wargame is not just having a good set of rules and interesting miniatures, but having an interesting and flavourful background to play in. 40K is a prime example, the rules may not be as good as some, but the setting makes up for much of its flaws.

Warmachine and Hordes has an awesome setting, combining classic fantasy with steam punk elements and black powder firearms, to create a world that is unique and full of variation that makes it a joy to play in.

Warmachine and Hordes, An Overview

With the recent Games Workshop price rises, gamers around the world (and more locally as well) have been looking for a new miniatures game to play. These days there are a number of excellent games and miniatures lines out there, but the one I've been a huge fan of since they first came out has been Warmachine and Hordes by Privateer Press. So, as a public service (and an attempt to tempt friends into buying a force so I can use mine) I'm going to do some Blogs on both Warmachine and Hordes.

More GW Commentry, plus Mantic Games and PP.

I'm going to try and make this the last post I make about GWs recent price rises and move to resin.  I think I've made my peace with it all, and am going to look forward to trying to convert more people to play Warmachine/Hordes and be thankful that I have a number of usable GW armies should I want them.