Fantasy

I'm learning the new version of Fantasy--Warhammer Fantasy.  Switching from 40k, I'm making rookie mistakes logjamming my blocks of rank and file soldiers.

However, I get the feeling some people are living in a Fantasy.  One analysis of U.S. special-ops in Afghanistan actually uses the phrase "1,066 rank-and-file insurgents killed."  I realize what the phrase "rank and file" has come to mean, but also knowing what it has mean makes this a funny phrase, given that rebels are usually so grossly outnumbered that they cannot afford to line up to be killed like most rank and filers.

Another interesting tidbit that can be inferred from this article: the Afghans think we're cowards for making raids at night.  So no more Nightfight scenarios!  I never liked them anyway...

Cool

Cooler:

Coolest:

Q: What's an SLR?

I was at War Games Con 2010. I had lots of fun. Probably the most fun was tinkering with a point-and-shoot camera. But I found my fingers twitching to twiddle an SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Camera. One would think that “point-and-shoot” would be faster than a more complex camera and that is true if you want just a snap shot (though most digital SLR’s these days do come with automated “point-and-shoot” features in addition to manual controls). However, I encountered many artful armies at WGC 2010 and very much wanted artful records of them: composed photographs that captured the beauty brought by the hobbyist. And even beyond this, I personally believe that a good photographer, with nothing more than perspective, style, and skill can create beauty out of ugliness.

With a compact camera, the range of possible photos is less, and so I had to take multiple shots, learning that of which the camera was capable. With an SLR, I could have taken twice as many photos that would have been at least twice as good. So am I complaining? Not at all. If I had had a tool equal to my skill and/or interest level, I could not have in good conscience left off photographing all the great material I saw at WGC 2010. I could easily have spent 3 days straight viewing the Con through the lens of a good camera. However, I spent more time drinking beer than photographing, and I enjoyed that immensely. And honestly, you have to have priorities, or this hobby will consume your life. I mean, I might go too far with alcohol, but I'll always have AA if I need help; what is there for the obsessive hobbyist?

On a related topic, wouldn't it be cool if some tournaments introduced a hobby-themed photography contest? What you see in GW publications is advertising. I'd like to see some artful photos that add story to the minis: A Seer Council enwreathed in star trails; An Ork horde six feet deep and compressed into a single mob by a telephoto lens; miniature faking the Con ballroom and then shooping in your army as participants above the table rather than just on them. (As above, so below.)


These pictures you see are NOT miniatures. They are actual, full-sized structure that have been made to look like miniatures by creating an extremely narrow depth of field. This can be done in the camera when the photo is taken or (more easily) by manipulating the photograph digitally. Since I don't have a good camera right now, I would like to mess around with this digitally--once I get my desktop computer set back up. For now it is in pieces until such time as I can find the nuts and bolts needed to reassemble my desk. 2010--worst move ever!

See how even people can be reduced to miniatures? Wouldn't it look cool to see Space Marines towering over us in the photograph, looking every bit as "real" as we look? To see our surroundings suddenly take on the dreamlike appearance of our tabletop games? To blur the line between what is real and what is fantasy?




My kingdom for an SLR!

At WAR Games Con 2010

Writing is reality. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God. In the beginning, God spoke creation into being. He told a story and we’re the sequel.
If you weren’t there, then the word, in this case written, is your reality. Must write faster. Writing is processing, mediating, preserving. No deadlines, but must write faster. Digest more so I can consume more. Repeat.
Over and out.

Potential: Realized vs. Squandered

I don't have much time to sift through the myriad comments people make on my blog, but one gem did catch my eye:

"Um...I expected more...It's funny...but I'm still a little disappointed."

Ah, how many times have I heard that in my life? If not in reference to me, then in reference to my work. I can't tell you how often I've let a deadline loom too close for me to think about actually engaging the task at hand. Instead I'm forced to look for a clever way to impress the person that can cut me some slack. I'm probably as lazy as I am because this strategy usually works. What little work ethic I have is probably due to the few people who were @$$h0l3$ to me. (Is that adequate self-editing?)

So does this skill carry over into 40k? Well, anyone familiar with gamesmanship knows that you can put an opponent off of his game by being a real ass OR by being really friendly. You know that saying, "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"? Well, it is easier to win a game if you can first catch the fly (or some part of his attention). Obviously trying honey first is most effective.



However, is gamesmanship beneath a true sportsman? Or is psychological warfare part of the contest between generals facing off across a table of miniatures? What do you think? More importantly, how do you think your opponents feel on the subject?

In Defense of Censorship

What can I add to this? You either get it or you don't.

On a side note, I am curious how old my son will be before I let him read GW books. What do you think they're rated? PG-13? TV-14? R? Well, he's only just learned the alphabet, so I've got a while to decide that one.

The Abominable Snow Job

Well, I've had to edit this because Funny or Die's widget doesn't jibe with Blogger. So thanks to them for this funny pic:


And now for my top ten captions for you to enjoy (because I posted these on Funny or Die scant hours before the next pic went up, prompting people to ignore my genius. Did I just mispell genius? Spell checker says...No! But I did misspell "misspell." Ouch. Irony is a double-edged sword. Those who live by the pen die mightily by the pen, often by their own stroke!):

10) Unable to watch any longer, Tiffany faces the wall and wonders how she ever thought it would be a good idea to slip acid into her sister’s Kool-Aid. (That's for you, Brent!)

9) Frightened by the shrieking chit, the wookie blanched.

8) "HA!" Suzy yelled triumphantly. "I didn't say 'Simon says'!"

7) Despite a good measure of apprehension, meeting her pen pal of 3 years proved even more traumatic for Jenny then she expected.

6) Why Santa NEVER removes his red coat and pants in front of the children.

5) If imaginary friends could see each other.

4) "Stay Puft!" Suzy snapped. "I told you you COULDN'T borrow my Mohair sweater!"

3) It is one thing to see the rampant albino mole on the family crest day after day; it’s quite another to meet one in the flesh!

2) Every bit as scared as the girl, the giant Opossum collapsed, crushing the chair, the yo-yo, and the family dachshund (out of frame).

1) A little tipsy from the Furry-Con afterparty, Harold stumbles into the wrong condo.


Well there you have it. What? You were expecting 40k? Read this entry's title again, sucker! Oh, and if you can do a better caption for the pic, leave a comment!

Okay, fine, quit your mewling. Here:


0) "Behold! The White Dwarf!!!"


There, a little hobby content for you. Happy now? This top-ten list goes to eleven, baby!

Jive Talking

I've been scooped! Well, what did I expect? I never got around to seeing if a "press pass" or "non-participant discount" existed for Astrinomi-con. And it is just as well. You didn't really think I was going to let my toy soldier fetish stop me from celebrating Juneteenth for the 11th (or is it 12th) year in a row?

Yes, this past Saturday, June 19, 2010, I was indulging in my yearly habit of eating fried chicken, drinking a 40 oz malt liquor, smoking some Kools--and the most important part--watching Blaxploitation films! While this year I was able to include some watermelon, Black & Milds and a second 40, I was only able to show one film. Typically I first show a blaxploitation film, something I've never seen but for which I have high hopes. I like to follow that up with something that deals a little more honestly with "the" African American experience (anything from Michael Shultz to Spike Lee). The last in my trifecta is usually some standup from a black comedian, cuz they help me 'keep it real.' After that, I usually have several classics and second generation blaxploitation films on hand from which my guests can choose. (That's how I've managed to see Shaft a dozen times; thank God for that awesome soundtrack or I'd be tired of the movie.) Unfortunately, this year I didn't prepare, and had to settle for just one movie (and a few Dave Chappelle skits). Fortunately, I chose wisely:



This was an amazing movie. It blows my mind that it only did $228,477 in the U.S. Box office. Either Americans are dumber than I thought or some movie studio deserves to go out of business. If somebody doesn't buy me this movie for my birthday, I will. This movie is probably the best parody I've ever seen. I don't think I've ever seen a more loving mockery. The makers had to have seen even more blaxploitation films than I! If you're only going to show one movie at your "marathon," this is the one!

Dyyyyy-nooooooo-mite!

So what does this have to do with 40k, you ask? Uhhhhh...Shut your mouth, you jive-talking mother#&$R^@&!!!

Nerd Herd Alert

Sorry I didn't tweet this last night, but I passed a gaggle of gamer geeks on Kemp Street yestereve. Must have been a little after 10. Here's the sad part: I was jealous of them. I didn't even have time to stop and say hi (and maybe get glimpse at the store's copy of the new Warhammer book?). That's how little of a life I have right now.

I was on a mission to Walmart to get pre-sharpened pencil because I haven't unpacked any pencils or sharpeners since the move, and CVS had the gall to shut their doors in my face at 10:01 P. M. Upon accomplishing my mission, I experienced my very first bout of test anxiety (which is hilarious since I couldn't care less whether I passed today's tests or not) by laying awake until the wee hours.

So now I've just returned from 8 hours of testing (minus the 12 minute lunch break) and I feel like I've just run a marathon. This is definitely a beer and hobby night. (Yes, I know beer and painting don't mix--I'll find something other than painting...if only I had the new WFB RB!)

Roll, Baby, Roll!

Well, Astrinomi-con is next weekend. And I'm just not interested in speed painting an army. What I really want to do is attend but not participate. Guess I'll contact them in a bit for a press pass.

Of course there is another option...



I could see if my friend Brent needs a dice caddy! Think about it--in a fast-paced, high-stress tournament situation, who wouldn't want an extra set of hands to help reglue broken models, put away fallen soldiers and cart bags, boxes, and books from table to table to hotel room to after parties--well, maybe I'm getting a little carried away.

But seriously, I can see it now:

"Brent, how did you let yourself get flamed by 15 Burna Boys?" I ask incredulously.

"They just rolled up! I forgot about them."

"Well, you can kiss your squad goodbye..."

"No! I just need one to survive so I can assault his front mob next turn and clog that opening until I get can help over here." Rolling my eyes I tell him that that is a LOT of saves to make.

"Pick me out some lucky dice," Brent begs. "Maybe the glittery-purple ones?"

"No way, Brent. You've already rolled 3 of those off the table. I know it's my job, but I am getting tired of finding your dice. It's dusty down there!"

"It's this table; look at all this terrain!" Brent complains.

"Yeah, the terrain...or maybe those three pints you had with lunch. Hang on a sec," I say as I turn away. A moment later I turn back and lean in to continue the discussion.

"What was that?" Brent asks.

"Oh, every few minutes I make eye contact with your opponent and let him see my face go blank. I hold his eyes, never blinking myself, until he looks away, which is always after a few seconds. It really seems to rattle this guy. I think that's why he keeps forgetting to shoot with those Lootas in the back."

"That's awesome!"

"Yeah, I know," I say, grinning. "It's kinda fun too. Anyway, these dice are hot," I say as I start counting out 60 red and green dice. "The last three times you rolled these, they were 50% 5+. Trust me."

"Great, thanks, Matt! What would I do without you?" Brent asks.

"Well..." I point across the table. "If you didn't have me, your opponent probably WOULDN'T be talking to a judge about 'slowplay' right now."

An Unwitting Swan Song

When Waaagh Maugrok abandoned the Sorendan moon, Imperial investigators were sent to discover how the Guard were so easily overrun. The following song was recorded by a surveillance drone at post k29, the point of first contact with the green horde. The words are slurred, but investigators were unable to determine which was fried: the drone or the singer.


To the legion of the lost ones, to the cohort of the damned,
To my brethren in their sorrow amongst the stars,
Sings a gentleman, a man cleanly bred, machinely crammed,
And a trooper of the Emperor, if you please.
Yea, a trooper of the forces who has run his own six horses,
And faith he went the pace and went it blind,
And the stars were more than kin while he held the ready tin,
But to-day the Sergeant's something less than kind.

We're poor little lambs who've lost our way,
Baa! Baa! Baa!
We're little black sheep who've gone astray,
Baa—aa—aa!
Gentlemen-rankers out on the spree,
Damned from here to Eternity,
Emperor ha' mercy on such as we,
Bah! Ha—Haa!

Oh, it's sweet to sweat through stables, sweet to empty kitchen slops,
And it's sweet to hear the tales the troopers tell,
To dance with blowzy housemaids at the regimental hops
And thrash the cad who says you waltz too well.
Yes, it makes you cock-a-hoop to be "Rider" to your troop,
And branded with a blasted worsted spur,
When you envy, O how keenly, one poor Tommy being cleanly
Who blacks your boots and sometimes calls you "Sir".

If the home we never write to, and the oaths we never keep,
And all we know most distant and most dear,
Across the snoring barrack-room return to break our sleep,
Can you blame us if we soak ourselves in beer?
When the drunken comrade mutters and the great guard-lantern gutters
And the horror of our fall is written plain,
Every secret, self-revealing on the aching white-washed ceiling,
Do you wonder that we drug ourselves from pain?

We have done with Hope and Honour, we are lost to Love and Truth,
We are dropping down the ladder rung by rung,
And the measure of our torment is the measure of our youth.
God help us, for we knew the worst too young!
Our shame is clean repentance for the crime that brought the sentence,
Our pride it is to know no spur of pride,
And the Curse of being Human holds till alien turf enfolds us
And we die, and none can tell Them where we died.


We're poor little lambs who've lost our way,
Baa! Baa! Baa!
We're little black sheep who've gone astray,
Baa—aa—aa!
Gentlemen-rankers out on the spree,
Damned from here to Eternity,
Emperor ha' mercy on such as we—

[interrupted by a guttural roar of voices]
“WAAAaaaggghhh!!!”


The song was found to be blasphemous and the singer's end fitting.


Endnote:
I've never much cared for Rudyard Kipling, but his "Gentlemen-Rankers" caught my eye. I've tweaked it a little to fit the grimness of the far distant future. But not much. I guess war that spills off the tabletop sucks in any millennium.

The Sadness of Second Place

What's this jibber-jabber?

This fool actually added a picture to his blog finally? Well, all right!

Yeah, I'm quite distraught that I can't dive right into the WHFB RB. They need to hurry up and release it before I accidentally create my own game system centered on Chuck Norris and Mr. T. I'll bet they'd sell me the rights pretty cheap and I bet I could market it. Anyway, I've been sprinkling samples from my developing game in other peoples' comments sections, but I thought I would repost a couple of them here, because it gives me an excuse to share one of my favorite mental images with the world (see pic).

The Beard of Charles: Being the pinnacle of Mankind's achievements in the realm of facial hair (a distant second going to Mr. T as the Bearded Lady in the Movie "Freaked"), Chuck Norris's beard affords him a 2+ Invulnerable Save.

Turn the Other Cheek: Should Chuck Norris choose to show a measure of mercy and 'turn the other cheek,' the other side of The Beard of Charles affords him additional protection. Chuck Norris may reroll his Invulnerable Save. If he does so, he loses one attack in the next round of fighting.

Mission M-Possible

As in "maybe possible."

Well, this blog has been languishing in cyperspace for nigh on a year, and I figured it was time to revist its purpose. By any reckoning I have failed in my recent hobby undertakings. But on the other hand, I've weathered some fairly serious life-changes in the past year and, thank God, have landed on all fours, so to speak, so I'm not complaining. Now I have the expectation of some free time in the coming months (four posts in four days?!?! Next thing you know I'll be monetizing) and am eager to spend some of it with my man-dolls.

In years past I've been able to participate a little in two different gaming communities. More recently, while my gaming and blogging have been meager, I have been able to indulge in lurking and mathhammar during stolen moments, which has given me a perspective on a broader community and has strengthened my grasp on the theory of the game. So why am I not diving back into playing 40k now that I have a chance?

Well, the FLGS is having a long event to build up our Fantasy armies, begining with the release of the new RB. In keeping with my initial mission, the event is focused on prepping for 'Ard Boyz 2011. This still appeals to me because I still value gameplay over painting or (sadly) even being a good sportsman. Maybe we should rename 'Ard Boyz "Ass'oles." ... Nah, that takes it from sounding like a "fabulous porn" (dare you follow the link?) to sounding like a gay porn. Anyway...

I suspect others at the FLGS will have more time, money, and experience to bring to competition, BUT a new RB might level the playing field a little, if I actually have some time to spend with it. I'm usually a quick study. We shall see. But what does this mean to you, my reader(s?)? (Hi, Simon! And Brent?) Well, you might actually get to see some conversions and possibly even painted minis. "My" Orcs and Goblins army is really my wife's, and she is keen to own, assemble and paint. Sounds like a sure-fire way to over-achieve to me, but whatever makes her happy.

Oh, and one last test: "Hasselhoff"

Chuck NorrHammeris

Someone in the Blog of War finally asked a Meaningful Question.

My "modest" answer was too long for the comments form, so it has been relegated to a much smaller readership. Here are a few of my Special Rules for including Chuck Norris in your 40k army:

Important Things to Do: Chuck Norris is a busy man, and therefore always successfully seizes the initiative. Any army including Chuck Norris will NOT deploy any units other than Chuck Norris, as all other units are superfluous and therefore a waste of Chuck's valuable time. The enemy army will (quickly) line up at a place to be determined by Chuck Norris (not Chuck Norris's "controlling player," because who but Chuck can control Chuck Norris?) and prepares themselves for an ass-kicking (or worse).

Game Breaker: Chuck Norris is not just a Special Character; he's an EXTRA special character. He doesn't just break bones; he breaks entire games as well and therefore may not be used in standard tournament play--UNLESS he wants to be used, in which case it would be wise to view this "rule" as more of a "guideline." If two players cannot agree on this issue, roll a D6 and on a 1+, Chuck Norris gets his way. We find this is typically the least bloody, least tearful way to resolve all possible disputes involving Chuck Norris at the gaming table.

Epic Win: Chuck Norris always wins. (Sorry to waste ink on the obvious, thus driving up the price of this codex for you, the consumer. However, Games Workshop insisted on that line for the sake of clarity. Why they started bothering with that now is a mystery, but it may have something to do with a fear of reprisal from Mr. Norris. If only Mr. Norris would condescend to be on the Board of Directors at Games Workshop, we might see some real improvement in the rules. Again, sorry about wasting all this ink, but the authors also fear reprisals from Chuck Norris. "Mr. Norris for Emperor in 2010!!!" Ok, back to the rule...)
Roll a D6 and consult the following Chuck Norris Victory Table:

1--Chuck Norris wins: There's no shame in losing to Chuck Norris--you'll be able to tell your grandchildren someday about the time you played Chuck Norris--so shake his hand like a gentleman. Just be prepared for a few broken metacarpals.

2--Chuck Norris vanquishes you: Shake his hand (prepare for broken metacarpals) AND put on a padded sumo-wrestler outfit. The extra cushioning will save your life when Chuck Norris bitch slaps you to the wall/floor. Also, prepare for a liquid diet; your jaw will take 6 months to heal.

3--Chuck Norris conquers you: Shake his hand (prepare for broken metacarpals), brace for bitch slap (prepare for broken jaw), AND relinquish all minis currently in your possession. Kneel and swear eternal fealty to Chuck Norris (I mean, really, why haven't we all done this already?) and finally, swear never again to command the army with which you just lost so heinously.

4--Chuck Norris dominates: Shake his hand (prepare for broken metacarpals), brace for bitch slap (prepare for broken jaw), hand over all your minis and swear both never again to command the lost army and also to serve Chuck Norris eternally, AND offer to deliver a message for Chuck Norris. He will then hand you a sealed envelope and ask you to deliver it to your wife. You may not open the envelope, but know that it contains Chuck Norris's phone number and that you should probably start looking for a new place to live.

5--Chuck Norris wins absolutely: Shake his hand (prepare for broken metacarpals), brace for bitch slap (prepare for broken jaw), hand over all your minis and swear both never again to command the lost army and also to serve Chuck Norris eternally, offer to deliver Mr. Norris's digits, AND show him a picture of your wife. When his eyes fall upon her image, she will become instantly pregnant. You now have the honor of raising a primarch of our age.

6--Chuck Norris's Epic Win: Shake his hand (prepare for broken metacarpals), brace for bitch slap (prepare for broken jaw), hand over all your minis and swear both never again to command the lost army and also to serve Chuck Norris eternally, offer to deliver Mr. Norris's digits, and show him a picture of your wife. Not only is she now pregnant with his child, you are as well. You will both bear his progeny, and, inexplicably, they will be identical twins. While you may be apprehensive about the delivery (and good luck with that, by the way), be thankful. Chuck Norris just rolled a 6--the only thing saving you from a roundhouse kick to the face is the fact that you are carrying his baby!



Well, maybe I have just enough steam to go parse my comments for that other blog...

The Grass is Greener in Vancouver

And now Dallas.

Wouldn't you know it. When I lived in Dallas, I knew some guys who were friends with someone involved in Astronomi-con. I believe some guys even flew up there one year and had a blast. Sounded like it was a large event that would be a lot of fun for the participants and a lot of work for the hosts. Anyway, there was always talk of bringing an Astronomi-con event to Dallas, but I couldn't see any good reason for importing Canadian organizers when we have our own.

Well, now that I am no longer in Dallas, I find out that this con will be held a mile or so from my former apartment (and just up stairs from homebrew AND pipe stores in which I once liked to lurk).

So don't miss Astronomi-con if you're in Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver, OR Dallas:
http://www.astronomi-con.com/

Strange, don't you think?

Hang-Dog Days of Summer

Summer break starts Monday. Sort of. Anyway, I'm supposed to be working at the moment, but it FEELS like the summer-goof-off days right now! So a quick diversion.

I just discovered that the big clock counting down on the Games Workshop homepage is telling me when I can preorder Edition 8 of Warhammer. So it looks like I can place my order at 4:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 15th. I wonder if Galaxy will be open then?

Yeah, don't come here for the cutting edge new. The book should be out next month. I'm disappointed; I only get so much time off in the summer. I want the book ASAP. I'm NOT looking forward to preordering, I'm looking forward to reading while I'm out of work--that's a 500+ page book!

Oh well. Guess I'll go scrounge around for rumors of a new Orc and Goblins Army Book...

Eldar Wraiths

Wraithguard get a 4+ cover save for standing behind guardians. That's nice. What is even nicer is that Wraithguards are tall enough to obscure 50% of a Wraithlord (at least my older Lords). Though expensive, 10 WGuards are a scoring unit, very hard to kill (espcially if there is cover and a farseering casting fortune), can kill tanks, AND act as a shield to Wraithlords. The following screen works:

WG WG WG WG WG
.WG WG WG WG WG
..WL WL WL (had to put periods cuz blogger jacks my formatting)

Also nice: A screen of Wraithguard is tall enough to obscure the rear arc of a Wave Serpent on a short peg. So if you are tired of taking it up the rear after unloading a squad of fiery dragons, cover your ass with Wraithguards! But wait, that's not all: WG don't need to be within 6" of the enemy either. Deployment, plus base, plus range of weapon means you can park your back hatch 15" away from the target vehicle--hopefully far enough away to avoid an enemy assualt.

Order now!

Is this cheesy of me, or are others playing Wraiths like this?

El Testudo: A Slow Read

Okay, I'm slow, in more sense than one. So I'm creeping toward a foot-list. I may be a bit masochistic as well. I've been tinkering with a Footdar list (not finished yet), but I had a new idea last night that I wanted to air out, likely to be shot down as quickly and easily as the infantry referred to on said list. But first:


I. Ignoring annihilation missions, but considering other missions, deployment types, and then whether you place your objective(s) first or second, there are only 24 game types to consider. Assuming you always place the objective closely (because you don't have fast, outflanking, or deepstriking units) and that the opponent will always screw you during placement by spreading objectives, then there are only 4 out of 24 scenarios where the objective placement is disadvantageous to a foot army.


The question then is are there times when objective placement can be disadvantageous to a mechanized army? The answer is yes, in a few situations. One would be where the foot army has many squads with a decent chance to succeed on a death or glory bid, thereby mitigating the effectivenss of someone tank shocking their way in to contest an objective. (This isn't so much an advantage coming from objective PLACEMENT as it is from the fact that there are objectives at all, which will force the enemy to risk his vehicle by attempting to drive through squads of dangerous infantry.) Another situation where the foot list has the advantage is when the terrain and objectives are placed such that abundant vehicles start failing difficult terrain tests. Yet another situation which favors foot armies is any table that includes second and third stories in the buildings and ruins: a tank/transport can't drive up and contest/claim an elevated object. I'm sure there are other situations that can benefit infantry, but basically I'm satisfied that mech doesn't have an automatic advantage over foot just through objective placement; the 4 out of 24 scenarios that allow the faster army to screw the slower army through object placement are balanced out by other considerations.


II. One viable strategy for a Foot army is to camp out on/between objectives and hunker down. This makes sense for a tough army or one with a large body count. It doesn't sound like the best idea for Footdar. But if I were going to try it, basic tactics would be:


Find cover (including intervening models), go to ground, make use of Fortune as available, don't fail morale checks (use Avatar and embolden), and rotate the front line of meat shields as necessary. Also, can't let my "horde" get stretch too thin chasing tempting targets. So far as I know, a foot army has to sit and take a beating unless it has far reaching guns or a lot more models than Eldar can muster. Finally, as mentioned above, going for elevated objectives works more for me than a meched list.


III. Eldar ranged Anti-Tank is much less effective than that wielded within 12" or in CC. Several times more effective in fact. So this list includes almost no ranged AT weaponry (my "real" Footdar list is striving to be more balanced). Monstrous Creatures, Witchblades, Wraithcannons, fusion guns, Haywire grenades, Harlequin kisses, and star lances are much deadlier than Bright Lances or even combined Prism Fire. And the squads in this should be able to handle themselves (for a while) in close combat.

The main problem I see is the model count is only 111--Eldar are expensive. So would a true horde (Ork or Tyranid) overrun me? Will gunner armies (Guard and Tau) be able to shoot my 66 troops dead from a distance?

As I've said, this was a thought experiment, an extreme list meant to list all of one type in one place, but I am curious what people might think are worthy elements to include in a viable Eldar list.

Note: Except for the Guardians, everything in this list has a good chance of DESTROYING a Land Raider. Also, remember that 10 Wraithguard is a squad of troops. Finally, this list (accidentally) maxed out every slot of the force organization chart. Weird.

So here the list. If you are still awake, what do you think of it? (As you can see, I've buddied squads up to support each other. And yes, some of them will probably end up being suicide squads.) :(


2500 Pts - Eldar Roster - Footdar

1 Avatar @ 155 pts (Unit Type: Monstrous Creature; Fearless; Daemon; Inspiring; Molten Body; Wailing Doom; (pp.24 & 61 Eldar))

1 Eldrad Ulthran @ 210 pts (Psyker; Doom ; Eldritch Storm ; Fortune ; Guide ; Mind War ; Divination; Independent Character; Ghosthelm; Rune Armour; Runes of Warding; Runes of Witnessing; Spirit Stones; Shuriken Pistol; Witchblade; Staff of Ulthamar; (pp.50-51 & 61 Eldar))

10 Wraithguard @ 396 pts (Fearless; Wraithsight; Wraithcannon x10; (pp.46 & 62 Eldar))
1 Spiritseer (Warlock) (Psyker; Enhance ; Fleet; Spiritseer Upgrade; Rune Armour; Shuriken Pistol; Witchblade; (p.27-28 & p.60 Eldar))


1 Wraithlord @ 100 pts (Unit Type: Monstrous Creature; Fearless; Wraithsight; Flamer x2; Wraithsword; (pp.47 & 66 Eldar))
1 Wraithlord @ 100 pts (Unit Type: Monstrous Creature; Fearless; Wraithsight; Flamer x2; Wraithsword; (pp.47 & 66 Eldar))
1 Wraithlord @ 100 pts (Unit Type: Monstrous Creature; Fearless; Wraithsight; Flamer x2; Wraithsword; (pp.47 & 66 Eldar))

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 Guardians @ 135 pts (Fleet; Shuriken Catapult x10; (p.39 & p.64 Eldar))
1 Warlock (Psyker; Conceal ; Fleet; Rune Armour; Shuriken Pistol; Witchblade; (p.27-28 & p.60 Eldar))
1 WP Conceal
1 Weapon Platform (Scatter Laser)


14 Storm Guardians @ 167 pts (Fleet; Close Combat Weapon; Shuriken Pistol; Fusion Gun x2; (p.39 & p.64 Eldar))
1 Warlock (Psyker; Enhance ; Fleet; Rune Armour; Shuriken Pistol; Singing Spear; (p.27-28 & p.60 Eldar))

5 Fire Dragons @ 80 pts (Fleet; Fusion Gun; Melta Bombs; (pp.32 & 62 Eldar))

4 Swooping Hawks @ 122 pts (Unit Type: Jump Infantry; Fleet; S-Hawk Wings; Lasblaster; Haywire Grenades; Plasma Grenades; S-Hawk Grenade Pack; (pp.35 & 65 Eldar))
1 Swooping Hawk Exarch (Unit Type: Jump Infantry; Fleet; Intercept ; S-Hawk Wings; Lasblaster; Haywire Grenades; Plasma Grenades; S-Hawk Grenade Pack)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 Guardians @ 135 pts (Fleet; Shuriken Catapult x10; (p.39 & p.64 Eldar))
1 Warlock (Psyker; Conceal ; Fleet; Rune Armour; Shuriken Pistol; Witchblade; (p.27-28 & p.60 Eldar))
1 WP Conceal
1 Weapon Platform (Scatter Laser)


14 Storm Guardians @ 167 pts (Fleet; Close Combat Weapon; Shuriken Pistol; Fusion Gun x2; (p.39 & p.64 Eldar))
1 Warlock (Psyker; Enhance ; Fleet; Rune Armour; Shuriken Pistol; Singing Spear; (p.27-28 & p.60 Eldar))

5 Fire Dragons @ 80 pts (Fleet; Fusion Gun; Melta Bombs; (pp.32 & 62 Eldar))

4 Swooping Hawks @ 122 pts (Unit Type: Jump Infantry; Fleet; S-Hawk Wings; Lasblaster; Haywire Grenades; Plasma Grenades; S-Hawk Grenade Pack; (pp.35 & 65 Eldar))
1 Swooping Hawk Exarch (Unit Type: Jump Infantry; Fleet; Intercept ; S-Hawk Wings; Lasblaster; Haywire Grenades; Plasma Grenades; S-Hawk Grenade Pack)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14 Storm Guardians @ 167 pts (Fleet; Close Combat Weapon; Shuriken Pistol; Fusion Gun x2; (p.39 & p.64 Eldar))
1 Warlock (Psyker; Enhance ; Fleet; Rune Armour; Shuriken Pistol; Singing Spear; (p.27-28 & p.60 Eldar))

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 Harlequin Troupe @ 130 pts (Fleet; Flip Belts; Furious Charge; Hit & Run; Holo-Suit; Harlequins Kiss x5; Fusion Pistol; Fusion Pistol; Shuriken Pistol x3; (pp.48-49 & 63 Eldar))

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 Shining Spears @ 132 pts (Unit Type: Jetbike Infantry; Turbo-boosters; Eldar Jetbike; Laser Lance; TL Shuriken Catapults x2; (pp.37 & 65 Eldar))
1 Shining Spears Exarch (Unit Type: Jetbike Infantry; Turbo-boosters; Eldar Jetbike; Star Lance; TL Shuriken Catapults x1)

Black is the new Black

Black is dé·mo·dé? Nonsense. It has been and ever shall be the best color for a backdrop. This is just as true for a blog as it is for a picture of Elvis painted on velvet. Probably because black is the best color in the universe. Just ask Darth Vader. Or Mr. T. Black isn't back--you are!

Ok, so I ordered a check clock today. Mostly for my games of 40k, but I couldn't help but add a tournament chess set. Getting the chess bug again. Wonder if 40k has enough tournament players to implement an ELO rating system yet?

Also getting the itch to own 120 Guardians. Yes, it is possible my new job is driving me mad. More on that later...

Back...in action? Well, that's putting it a little strongly...

I am alive.

Moved to WF
Got a job
About to buy a house

I've had no time to read what people are thinking, but I'm coming back to the hobby with a strong suspicion: Meching up the Eldar is wrong. No time for an elaborate post, so here are the big reasons:

1) My tanks are too large and tall and oddly shaped to take advantage of good cover. Compare a Falcon on a peg to a rhino and you'll see what I mean.

2) 2 of my tanks do not screen 50% of a third tank, unlike human's boxy vehicles. And if somehow I can finagle the cover, I've denied the screened tank LOS from its guns.

3) My tanks are pricier

4) My infantry multitask better than my vehicles.

Is this old hat? Is my thinking straight on this?

There's more, but I'm starting to think that 8 points for a guardian is pretty good, especially since I can upgrade him in different ways for fairly cheap. Anyone ever heard of a Guardian horde working?

Ok, more later...

Leper, Outcast, Unclean

One bright side to being unemployed is you have time to read the morning news. This morning I read that employers, doubtful about economic recovery, are replacing full time employees with temps by the tens of thousands. I have been wondering why all those new faces were appearing in my department the last couple of weeks. Now I know!

Another possible bright side may be more time to play/paint. I'll certainly be writing more. Mostly cover letters to prospective employers, but just to keep the typing fingers limber, I may get to dash off a few lines here from time to time. My unemployment has occurred at a low point in my personal finances, so I may not even be able to scrape together tournament entry fees, BUT at least relocating to WF will put me in closer promity with my brother (who has all of my paints!) and his burgeoning Ork horde.

And now, Dear Reader(s?), here is where we sort the dedicated among you from the chaff: a poem, written at work whilst completely oblivious to the termination coming at the end of the week... (Yes, it's turned into that kind of blog.)

“Dead-ends”

I loitered too long in school;
I learned to think on my own.
This is sometimes a liability.
I thought I could pass for a drone, but
years in a box taught me different.
I have forgot how to march with men.
Now who knows what good I am?
So I seek a solitary path.
A vessel of wrath
or a vessel of mercy?
I walk the line,
A mesel of verse.


Who knows? Perhaps I would not have been cast out if I didn't have these burning, itching, and sometimes scrofulous desires to scribble every once in a while. God save us from the cubicle.

And now for my shower...