A Tale of Four ...Inquisitors?

It's hard to believe that three years and a few editons of 40K have come and gone since our last post! Other than AirmanG, none of us have really played 40K in the last few years. When the latest edition of 40K was released a month ago, myself, Bossman, Boltergeist, and AirmanG decided to try it out. To go along with the new edition, we've decided to do a monthly painting challenge similar to GamesWorkshop's "A Tale of Four Gamers".

For our first month, we decided to paint up the minimum needed for a Patrol Detachment, plus anything extra. A few of us are trying to finish up old projects and get rid of our backlog of miniatures.

AirmanG decided to paint up the new Nurgle miniatures from the Dark Imperium box set. Here's what he's done so far.

Asmodai is still trying to finish his Crimson Slaughter models from the Dark Vengeance starter set.

Boltergeist is working on an Imperium force, and is starting out with some Flesh Tearers Space Marines.

And sneaking in last, is Bossman who is also working on an Imperial force based around Raven Guard Space Marines.

We're already working towards our second month's goal, which is two units of our choice. Check back between now and then for some work in progress posts!

Battle for Stones River 2014

$35 Battle for Stones River 2014

It's that time of year again! Get your tickets now for our 1863 point Warhammer Tournament, 2014 Battle for Stones River. The event will take place on March 1st in Murfreesboro, TN, at the Lane Rice Agricultural Center. The price per ticket (which includes lunch) is $35. You can either pay through the PayPal link above, or you can pay at our sponsor Grand Adventures Comics in Murfreesboro, TN.

We hope to get all of the details worked out within the next week or so, but be sure to get your ticket now as we have sold out the past few years!

WIP: Death Guard Plague Marines

Hey all, back again to show a couple of things I've been working on. There have been rumors and speculation that a few of us here at the Istvaanians will be doing another Tale of Gamers style league soon to get our armies done and some games in. My army of choice at the moment is my all nurgle CSM army with demonic allies.


I recently went all out and got hold of a few FW Death Guard upgrade kits, along with some Mk II and III heresy era legs and Maxmini biohazard backpacks. I'm pretty pleased with the results-- they all work together and give a cohesive look to the models. These have been primered white and given an airbrushed basecoat of old style Gretchin Green foundation paint.

 

This is my WIP Chaos Lord. He carries the Burning Brand of Skalathrax, modeled as a Nurgle toxin cannon with a fuel tank backpack (known at the gaming table as the Goop Gun). The base model is the chaos lord from Dark Vengeance. He obviously has a ways to go, but I like how he is shaping up. As usual, let me know what you think.

-- Boltergeist

A Tale of 6 Gamers - Happy Holidays

A Tale of Gamers - Happy Holidays - 12/29/2011

With the Holidays here all of us will have a lot going on other than working on our armies. So for the next two weeks we won’t be adding anything new to our armies. Instead, use these two weeks to get everything finished in your 1750 point army. The points for these two weeks have also changed and there will be a few other changes coming as well.

Happy Holidays

• Email or give your updated army list to Danny.This should be everything in your army listup to this point, including your “Core Army”. All models need to be WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get).
• The models in your “Core Army” will not change through out the challenge, but you are allowed to change the unit size and wargear as long as the models are WYSIWYG.
• Models can be in any condition for this challenge, but try to have at least at least three colors and the bases finished on everything by the next Challenge on January 12, 2012.
• To count towards your results, all models must have at minimum 3 colors on the figures and 1 color on the base.

Scoring

• 5 points for completing your 1750 list with at least 3 colors on all models
• 5 points for completing your 1750 list with at least 1 color on the bases

Extra Challenge(s)
Sit Back and Relax! - 0 points
This one is so easy, its almost not even worth mentioning! If you’ve gotten everything finished, then pat yourself on the back and take a break. If you still have stuff to do, then you better get to it!

The Change Up! - 0 points
Up to this point we’ve been working with the same “Core Army” and building off of it. Now that you’ve gotten in a few games you might be rethinking about how your plays or maybe something just isn’t working for you. Starting with the next Challenge on January 12, 2012 those restrictions are coming off, so use this time to get some new stuff built and primed, or maybe even painted.

Insane Challenge!
Part Four of “The Devil is in the Details” - The Over Achiever - 3 points
All of the previous “Insane Challenges” and led up this one. Get everything, and I do mean everything, finished from all three of the previous “Insane Challenges” and score an easy three points! In case you’re wondering, those games you got in last time count towards this goal. So, if you only got in one game last time, then you only got one more to go!

A Tale of 6 Gamers - The Long Road Ahead

Well, it's been two weeks since we started our "A Tale of 6 Gamers" event, and everyone seems to be in it for the long haul! I don't think any of us got as much finished as we would have liked, but we did a Thanksgiving holiday in the middle of our two weeks. So, a little bad timing on my part. Anyway, for those of you keeping track at home, here are the next set of challenges as we start to add 250 points every two weeks! Tonight or tomorrow I will post up everyone's results from the first two weeks.

A Tale of Gamers - The Long Road Ahead - 12/01/2011

Hopefully this week everyone will start with a fully painted and based 1250 point “Core Army”. If not, getting them finished should be your top priority! Over the next two weeks, we’re adding another 250 points worth of models to your list. Remember, you can also change the wargear and unit size to your existing “Core Army” as well. You will have until December 15th, 2011 to complete the first additional 250 points to your “Core Army”. Choose your models wisely!

The Long Road Ahead

1. Add an additional 250 points to your “Core Army” and email or give your updated army list to Danny.
2. The additional 250 points can be what ever you want, and all models need to be WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get).
3. The models in your “Core Army” will not change through out the challenge, but you are allowed to change the unit size and wargear as long as the models are WYSIWYG.
4. Models can be in any condition for this challenge, but try to have at least one new or unfinished unit to work on.
5. To count towards your results, all models must have at minimum 3 colors on the figures and 1 color on the base.

Scoring

• 3 points for completing your additional 250 pts with at least 3 colors on all models
• 3 points for completing your additional 250 pts with at least 1 color on the bases

Extra Challenge(s)

Only 3 Colors? - 1 point Why stop at just three colors on your models? Take the time to get a shade and highlight on each of your colors where you can. Your models (and your points) will thank you.

The Best of the Best or The Quick and the Dead! - 1 point While you can chose any models in your codex for you next 250 pts, you might want to think about making it an elite or fast attack choice. If you do, you’ll get 1 point!


Insane Challenge!

Part Two of “The Devil is in the Details” - 2 points How did you do last time? Did you get everything done on all of your models? Keep it up with all of your new additions. While you’re at it, let’s spice up those bases some more. Add flock, static grass, etc. to your bases and paint them with as much attention as your models. If you got all the Challenges done last time, then your almost done!

White Scars: Back in the Saddle!

Hey all, Boltergeist back with my Tale of Gamers update. I've been playing White Scars on and off since the Index Astartes article back in 3rd edition. I sold that army sometime during 4th ed, then remade them when 5th came out.

I've always played them as a hybrid army, but wanted to take this opportunity to both expand my forces to an all-bike list, as well as try out some new painting techniques. I'm fairly pleased with how these are forming up. My older models are essentially just white primer shaded with SW blue and a mixed final shade line, so I wanted to do something to add some depth. These are basecoated in VGC Ghost Grey to appear white but still allow me room for a final highlight of true white.

I looked at the basecoated model under a bright light, then simulated the natural shadows with various greys to accentuate it, and I'm happy with the results. I still need to finish the skintones on a few of them and various odds and ends like eyelenses, but the squad is almost complete.

 And for those of you keeping score at home, I've completed my 1250 base army for the Tale of Gamers challenge. These to the right have basic colors only at the moment, but they are still painted for the contest purposes, and have decals already applied. Due to weather issues I didn't get my additional HQ primered, so I doubt I'll get it done by the Thursday deadline, but I figure I'm in pretty good shape as far as points go. Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think about the paint scheme!

A Tale of 6 Gamers - The Beginning Army Lists

Now that we've officially gotten things started here at our FLGS, I wanted to keep up with everyone's army as we progressed. If you remember from a few days ago, we went from 5 to 6 people that have decided they are manly enough for the challenges ahead! Here's a closer look at our armies. Since we're doing this for fun, none of us are going to get upset if the other is a little over or under the 1250 points to start with!


AirmanG - Necrons

Anrakyr the Traveller = 165

Command Barge = 165
Praetorians (x5) = 200
Warriors (x13) = 169
Warriors (x13) = 169
Immortals with Tesla Carbines (x5) = 85
Scarabs (x6) = 90
Doomsday Ark = 185
Tomb Spyder (x2) Gloom Prism (15) = 115

Total = 1243



 Pad Guy - Iron Hands (Codex: Space Marines)

Master of the Forge w/ Conversion Beamer = 120
Tactical Squad (x10) w/ flamer, combi-flamer, missile launcher, rhino, dozer blades = 220
Tactical Squad (x10) w/ flamer, combi-flamer, missile launcher, rhino, dozer blades = 220
Dreadnought w/ TLLascannon, Heavy Flamer = 145
Dreadnought w/ TLLascannon, Heavy Flamer = 145

Iron Clad Dreadnought (Heavy Support) w/ Heavy Flamer, Hunter Killer Missile x 2, Drop Pod = 200

Iron Clad Dreadnought (Elites) w/ Heavy Flamer, Hunter Killer Missile x 2, Drop Pod = 200

Total = 1250

Spacewolfcmd - Necrons

Necron Lord = ???
C'Tan = ???
C'Tan = ???
Immortals (x5) = ???
Immortals (x5) = ???
Warriors (x16) = ???
Warriors (x16) = ???

Total = 1250




Asmodai - Orks

Big Mek = 120
Mad Dok Grotsnik = 160
Ork Nobz (x5) Painboy (61) Battlewagon (140) = 441
Ork Boyz (x11) with Nob (56) in a Truk (55) = 242
Ork Boyz (x11) with Nob (56) in a Truk (50) = 237
Deffcopta (x1) = 50

Total = 1250

Bossman - Necrons

Overlord (90) Warscythe (10) Resurrection Orb (30) Phase Shifter (45) = 175
Warriors (x15) = 195
Warriors (x15) = 195
Immortals (x5) = 85
Flayed Ones (x9) = 117
Destroyers (x5) = 200
Scarabs (x5) = 75
Monolith = 200

Total = 1242




Boltergeist - White Scars (Codex: Space Marines)

Kor'sarro Khan = 205
Space Marine Bike Squad (x4) Attack Bike (50) = 190
Space Marine Bike Squad (x4) Attack Bike (50) = 190
Space Marine Bike Squad (x8) Attack Bike (50) = 310
Space Marine Bike Squad (x8) Attack Bike (50) = 310

Space Marine Attack Bike Squad (x1) = 50

Total = 1255

A Tale of 6 Gamers - The Beginning

As promised, here are the rules for the first two weeks of our "A Tale of 6 Gamers" event. For those of you keeping track, we've now got one more person joining us. Fellow Istvaanian blogger, Boltergeist, has decided to take up the challenge. Remember if you want to get this thing going at your FLGS, let me know about it so I can help you promote it there!

A Tale of 6 Gamers - The Beginning - 11/17/2011

This week we are starting with what will become the core of your army. Pick any Warhammer 40K army of your choice, and create an army of 1250 points (including wargear, etc.). These models can be anything from new in the box to completely painted and based. In the spirit of the challenge however, at least try to have one unit to work on! You will have until December 1st, 2011 to complete your “Core Army”. Choose your models wisely!

The Beginning
Make a 1250 point “Core Army” and email or give your army list to Danny.
The “Core Army” must have at least 1 HQ and 2 Troops, and all models need to be WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get).
The models in your “Core Army” will not change through out the challenge, but you are allowed to change the unit size and wargear as long as the models are WYSIWYG.
Models can be in any condition for this challenge, but try to have at least one new or unfinished unit to work on.
To count towards your results at the end of the first two weeks, all models must have at minimum 3 colors on the figures and 1 color on the base.

Scoring
3 points for completing your “Core Army” with at least 3 colors on all models
3 points for completing your “Core Army” with at least 1 color on the bases

Extra Challenge(s)
Take it to the Next Level - 1 point
Swap out those old boring bases for something a little better! Upgrade your plain bases to new resin bases or add some new textures like static grass and rubble to your existing ones.
Two Heads are Better than One - 1 point
Paint and base one extra HQ choice for your army that is not already painted. The model can already be assembled and primed, but must not be painted. (Note: This model can be used towards the next 250 points!)

Insane Challenge!
The Devil is in the Details - 2 points
A few small details can make a model stand out. Do that to every model in an army, and it makes the whole army stand out. Paint all of the little details like eyes, belts, ammo clips, squad markings, etc, and maybe even add decals to your entire army. As your army grows, you’ll have to continue to add these little details, or it may cost you!

A Tale of 5 Gamers - The Rules

Okay, for those of you joining us from the world wide web, here are the guidelines for my "A Tale of 5 Gamers" event that I'm running. It's pretty straight forward, but if anyone has any questions, feel free to either post them up here in the comments section or shoot me an email. On Thursday morning, I will post up the rules for the first round, "The Beginning". Once I get everything ready, I'll post up the photos and army lists from myself and the guys at the FLGS.

A Tale of 5 Gamers

The Rules!
Completely finish 2500 points of any 40K army, and make a 1863pt army with display board in time for the Battle for Stones River 2012.

All models must be finished with at least 3 colors and bases painted with at least 1 color.

W.I.P. photos are encouraged, but not required. All models will be photographed on the completion date at GA. If you can’t make it, let me know as soon as possible and we can arrange a time to meet at GA or you can email the photos.

Every two weeks, you will be challenged to add up to 250 points worth of models for your army. In addition to that, I will give you two extra challenges to try and complete if you feel up to it. You can earn up to 6 points for completing your additional 250 points of models and up to an additional 2 points for the extra and insane challenges. Remember, you can only get those additional 4 points if you’ve completed your required 250 points first! Then if you’re crazy enough, you can earn 2 more points by completing an Insane challenge. Be warned though, these Insane Challenges we be cumulative, but you’ll have a better looking army in the end!

The Timeline!

11/17/2011 - The Beginning - Start with 1250 points in ANY condition, and make your “Core Army”
12/01/2011 - Finish your 1250 “Core Army”; Add 250 points
12/15/2011 - Finish 1500; Add 250 points
12/29/2011 - Finish 1750; Add 250 points
01/12/2012 - Finish 2000; Add 250 points
01/26/2012 - Finish 2250; Add 250 points
02/09/2012 - Finish 2500; Make Display Board for Battle for Stones River
02/23/2012 - DONE!

The, um, uh.....Scoring!
3 Points for finishing every model with at least 3 colors
3 Points for finishing every models base with at least 1 color
1 Point for each weekly Extra Challenge
2 Points for the weekly Insane Challenge

A Tale of 5 Gamers

Over the last few weeks I've been putting together my first event based on Games Workshop's "War Diary - A Tale of Four Gamers" series that they have ran off and on in White Dwarf over the years. For those of you unfamiliar with it, the idea behind "A Tale of Four Painters" is a very simple one. Four friends get together and over the course of a few months build and paint a new army to a set points level. I've decided to take a stab at this, but modify it a little. Starting this Thursday, the 17th of November, myself and four others at our FLGS will begin our own three and a half month journey called, "A Tale of 5 Gamers". Here's how it will work.

We're each starting with a 1250 point army in any condition, from new in box to mostly completed. This 1250 point army will form our "Core Army", and we'll be building on it as the event continues. Then, every two weeks, I will be challenging the five of us to add up to 250 points worth of models for your army. In addition to that, I will also be giving out two extra challenges and one insane challenge for everyone to try and complete if they feel up to it. Every other week, players can earn up to 6 points for completing those initial 250 points of models and up to an additional 2 points for the extra challenges. They can only get those additional 2 points if they’ve completed their required 250 points first! Then if they’re crazy enough, they can try to earn 2 more points by completing an Insane challenge. These Insane Challenges we be tough, but they’ll have a better looking army in the end! I will be posting all of this up in more detail as we go through the weeks.

I got the idea to do this while looking for motivation to finish my own armies. As I looked around the FLGS, I noticed that almost all of the regular guys had really nice looking unfinished armies! It felt like we all had the same thing happen to us. We would get started painting and building this great looking army, and slowly but surely all of us would have something or another come up and nothing ever got finished. So, I thought this might be a good way to keep people motivated and get some awesome looking armies on the tables.

As I said above, I'm going to document all of this on the blog. Hopefully on Thursday I can get everyone together at the FLGS and get some before pictures of thier armies. Then, every two weeks, I'll do another army photo to show off what they've done. I'm also going to include their army lists along the way. The event is timed so that by the time we are done, each of the participants will have a fully painted and based 2500 point army with a display board. I wanted to include the display board because right after this is over it will be time for the best tournament in the south-eastern United States, the Battle for Stones River! Since painting scores are included in the tournament, some of these guys will have a huge head start on the competition.

I want to encourage the rest of you to participate in this as well. I'll post up all the details for what we will be doing over the next few months so that those of you reading this can follow along with us. If you do decide to do this, or better yet get a group of guys to do this, let me know! I'll even post up your work here or give a link to your own blog if you have one. Look for another post by mid-week for the first round details and challenges!