tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48064733401541442912024-03-15T18:53:21.048-04:00Boisterous ExuberanceSomeone's got to win...Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.comBlogger512125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-10685841069757535022024-03-14T16:00:00.001-04:002024-03-14T16:00:00.142-04:00Unboxing: Rebel Fury (GMT Games)<p>Coming home yesterday, I was excited to see yet another package from GMT, with this month's releases that I had ordered: <b>France '40 2nd Edition</b> (with mounted map), and <b>Rebel Fury</b>. Both of these appeal to me for different reasons, but we'll talk about the France game another time.</p>
<p>Rebel Fury, designed by Mark Herman, is a game covering six battles of the American Civil War: Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and The Wilderness. Despite my love of history, I admit my knowledge of the ACW is not particularly great. Having a game that covers the battles gives me a way to learn about them in an enjoyable way. This game in particular is interesting because the system is based on the well-regarded Gettysburg game from c3i issue 32, which is fairly low complexity, and also seems pretty light on counter density (the battles here look to have 50ish counters on the board at a time? Quite light).</p>
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<p>The game box looks sharp, and has that traditional GMT look that I haven't seen for a few releases. Of note is that this is Volume 1 of a series, and Mark Herman has already been showing some pictures of progress on the next volume on Twitter/X.</p>
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<p>Here we have the back of the box. It has a listed complexity of three, which fits with what I have heard about the Gettysburg game. The Solitaire Suitability of five indicates that there isn't a solo system included, but I should mention there is a solitaire scenario (Fredericksburg), and my brief read of the rules does not show anything that would prohibit good solitaire games.</p>
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<p>First item when you open the box is the dice, two standard ten-sided dice... and this unique six-sided dice.</p>
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<p>That's different. The rules mention it only briefly, in applying in some cases to the Defender in combat, with its interpretation shown on the Attack Results Table in the Player Aid Charts (shown later on).</p>
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<p>Next up is the Playbook, with rules on how to set up and play the scenarios. One thing I found a little disappointing was the lack of historical blurb before each scenario- these brief descriptions of the events and context of the battle are items I find extremely enjoyable in wargames (for instance, I love reading these in the Great Battles of History and Men of Iron games). Sure, I can just, I don't know, read about the battle in Wikipedia. But I really wish there was something included. Anyway, very small complaint.</p>
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<p>And here is the rulebook, full color, and very nice. You can read it <a href="https://gmtwebsiteassets.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/RebelFury/RF_Rules_FINAL_Low-Res.pdf">here</a>.</p>
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<p>Next up, two identical Player Aid Cards, with some rules summaries and charts on the front, and terrain rules on the back. Nice quality, and not too crowded.</p>
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<p>A game tracking card, with unique turn tracks for each scenario. I believe Artillery Points are also tracked here, although it is not listed on this card.</p>
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<p>Here we have an off-map movement display for the Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville scenarios. For the former, it operates as a holding box for reinforcements, essentially. For the latter, it provides options for reinforcement arrival locations (the letters in hexagons correspond to locations on the play maps). Rules for this are included in the main rulebook, with a mention that only Union troops use them in Volume I, so it seems likely we will see this method used in future volumes. A really cool way to handle this.</p>
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<p>Game comes with two countersheets, using blue for the Union troops, and grey for the Confederate troops. The reverse side of these counters show the unit in battle formation (versus the maneuver formation shown above). Each game uses its own unique set of unit counters, and you can tell which scenario the counter is for by the white circled letter on the top left of the counter. HQs likewise have a maneuver and battle side to their counters. Given the counter inventory (note the three time counters...), you apparently are able to play three scenarios simultaneously, one on each of the maps, assuming you have Player Aid Cards and game tracking cards for everyone. That's a cool concept, certainly, and given that these units are not shared between scenarios, reinforces that indeed, these games will have low counter densities.</p>
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<p>Each map has two scenarios that can be played on it, listed in one of the bottom corners. These maps are beautiful- if I may, let me show you a close-up of one of them:</p>
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<p>There are tons of detail, and they look very interesting to play on. The map art was done by Charles Kibler, and I have to say, I quite like it.</p>
<p>And there you have it. A nice product, with a good variety of scenarios using a well-regarded system. Another great game from GMT, and one that I *think* I can get on the table before summer. I'll let you know when I do :).</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-63704538335579775542024-03-06T10:00:00.002-05:002024-03-06T11:26:38.591-05:00Road to the Bokur Brawl (Circle Orboros/Devourer's Host)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSXdeb5riKPDwGjkHEJVC-KrH-vTKdzaMtsDQRT6r296CvPhTXnLX4OGDgL5nTD_QwQTO1udmuZkoGlysSocwyIfC_OtneS-qWjiFPB6j5xCcBHjwehug8So6bCYo_Y-pZEANaDgb3_BDTxi7ENciN0lzUHuEI0ijBe_mkzqzF6PJ6t-x5lSLzRNix2ut/s2992/20240306_055605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="2992" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSXdeb5riKPDwGjkHEJVC-KrH-vTKdzaMtsDQRT6r296CvPhTXnLX4OGDgL5nTD_QwQTO1udmuZkoGlysSocwyIfC_OtneS-qWjiFPB6j5xCcBHjwehug8So6bCYo_Y-pZEANaDgb3_BDTxi7ENciN0lzUHuEI0ijBe_mkzqzF6PJ6t-x5lSLzRNix2ut/w400-h400/20240306_055605.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Starting to get all my minis together</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>My goal is to play in the Bokur Brawl in 2025 (usually in April). I have never gone to a Warmachine tournament, nor a miniatures game convention, but I'm determined to get more involved in the Warmachine community, and to make this happen I thought it might be motivating to actually blog about my goals and progress!</p><p>I am going to bring Devourer's Host to this event. I spent a bit of time trying to figure out which army I would focus on to make this happen. I have a large number of miniatures assembled and ready to play, but I'd really like to have something painted going into a major event like this, so I chose an army that I felt confident I could paint in time (I like drybrushing, and there's a lot of fur), and it was the first army in the app where this would be true (heck, it's the first army in the app).</p><p>So, with that decided, let me go through what I think I have, and see what I think I need to purchase, and finally, put out a plan for how I'll get it all done.</p><p><b>Warlocks:</b></p><p>There are four warlocks in this army:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Iona the Unseen</li><li>Kromac, Champion of the Wurm</li><li>Tanith the Feral Song</li><li>Wurmwood, Tree of Fate</li></ul><p>I believe I own all four. It seems like Tanith is not particularly popular, and it also seems like Iona and Kromac are a bit more straightforward, so I think I'll focus on getting those two playable and work on my familiarity with them, but maybe I'll try the other two at some point in order to see if one calls to me.</p><p><b>Warbeasts:</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Argus Moonhound - own 1</li><li>Feral Warpwolf - own 3</li><li>Ghetorix - own 1</li><li>Gnarlhorn Satyr - own 1</li><li>Gorax Rager - own 4</li><li>Loki - own 0</li><li>Pureblood Warpwolf - own 2</li><li>Razorwing Griffon - own 0</li><li>Rip Horn Satyr - own 0</li><li>Rotterhorn Griffon - own 1</li><li>Scarsfell Griffon - own 1</li><li>Shadowhorn Satyr - own 1</li><li>Storm Raptor - own 1</li><li>Warpwolf Stalker - own 1</li><li>Wild Argus - own 4</li><li>Winter Argus - own 1</li></ul><p></p><p>I also own a Gnarlhorn/Rip Horn/Shadowhorn Satyr box I haven't opened, and may try to magnetize.</p><p>I have a good mixture of beasts. I definitely need to pick up Loki at some point, and I could probably stand to grab a second Warpwolf Stalker and Storm Raptor, but they can wait until I have enough plays to actually figure out whether or not I'll end up getting them.</p><p><b>Structures:</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Well of Orboros - own 0</li></ul><p></p><p>This is probably something I'll get at some point, as well. Maybe not a must-have, but I'll try to proxy it in a game to see how I feel about it, first.</p><p><b>Solos:</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bloodweaver Night Witch - have 0</li><li>Gallows Grove - have 2</li><li>Kogan the Exile - have 1</li><li>Lord of the Feast - have 1</li><li>Tharn Blood Shaman - have 1</li><li>Tharn Ravager Shaman - have 1</li><li>Tharn Ravager White Mane - have 1</li><li>Tharn Wolf Rider Champion - have 2</li></ul><p></p><p>Again, good coverage. I definitely need at least one Night Witch. I may pick up a second Tharn Ravager Shaman, too. I'll note that Magnus the Unstoppable is allowed in the army, but I don't think he provides anything I need, and I don't see any ways to buff him, so I'm not concerned about him here.</p><p><b>Units:</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Brighid & Caul - have 1</li><li>Tharn Blood Pack - have 2</li><li>Tharn Bloodtrackers - have 2 (and have Nuala the Huntress)</li><li>Tharn Bloodweavers - have 2 (and have 1 Tharn Bloodweaver Haruspex)</li><li>Tharn Ravagers - have 2 (and have 2 Tharn Ravager Chieftains)</li><li>Tharn Wolf Riders - have 1</li></ul><p>Great coverage here, too. I *may* want to figure out a solution to getting a second unit of Wolf Riders, but I may just buy and convert from a Champion. We'll see.</p><p>So, by my count, I own all four warlocks, and 366 points at the time of this writing. Plenty to get started with.</p><p>Here's my plan, then. In the next two weeks, I'll pull out all of my relevant models, and verify that what I think I have matches what I actually have (starting this process revealed I own two units of Blood Pack, for instance). I'll use the time to settle on a color scheme, as well. That means I'll have this piece done by March 20th.</p><p>By the end of May, I'll have a 30 point Recon list built and painted. I'm currently thinking something like this:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Kromac, Champion of the Wurm</li><li>- Feral Warpwolf</li><li>- Ghetorix</li><li>Gallows Grove</li></ul><p></p><p>All of these models will be useful at later point levels, so seem like a perfect place to start.</p><p>By the end of July, I'll have a 50 point list painted, with Iona.</p><p>By the end of September, I'll have a 75 point list painted, along with Wurmwood.</p><p>By the end of November, I'll have at least one 100 point list painted, along with Tanith.</p><p>And by the end of next January, I'll have the second 100 point list painted (there should be plenty of overlap between the two 100 point lists, so this shouldn't be too horrible a task.</p><p>Early January will see a balance update for the game, which may require some changes, but I'll have a bit over three months to figure that out, and get what I need painted.</p><p>In addition to this, I'll try to make sure I start getting games in. I build pretty fast, so I should be able to play full games well before I get them painted.</p><p>Anyway, look forward to updating you all along the way.</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-89132629629995361882024-02-14T10:00:00.001-05:002024-02-14T10:00:00.276-05:00Unboxing: Against the Odds Magazine Annual 2021 (ATO)<p>Unboxing is a loose term, in this case.</p>
<p>Recently arrived in the mail is my copy of Against the Odds Magazine Annual 2021, <i>Operation Roundup: The Allies Invade France in 1943</i>. For those not in the know, Against the Odds (from here on, ATO) has produced a semi-regular military history/wargame magazine since around 2002, with each issue containing a full wargame with mounted counters and rules. The ATO Annuals are known for their questionable year labels (ATO Annual 2021 was literally just released within the last week or so), but also for including a bit more with the game. Sometimes this is more than one game, sometimes it's a slightly larger game. Either way, ATO Magazine games tend to be lesser-covered topics, with a theme of one of the forces fighting 'against the odds'.</p>
<p>I've been a subscriber for quite some time, and have enjoyed every issue that I've received (I haven't played every game, but a few have made the table - take for examples, a session report <a href="https://boisterous-exuberance.blogspot.com/2019/04/playthrough-of-all-or-nothing-against.html">here</a> and various pictures on BGG of my game experiences). This one is proving to be just as enjoyable a package as any.</p>
<p>Opening my mailer, I was presented with a nice bagged up package:</p>
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<p>Pulling things out, I started with the set of mini games on top, the full set of the <i>Five for Fighting</i> series with mounted counters:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSsT1b1Cs3JwtCnZD8jSQc_YxSEr6CBB3buDL6SgKb7NfLxP6Eq8wy_EXxkw7qsq4nLiKmPNpJehcaFWoMbq5uAuXk0yxbfMEUU1XfnUdh9zGihO23o34hnk5lZ4Xi0feRi_g6ixhhlFR1jWHpxtDfwHjXyYGYSUQh7EfSZNjDPTrxPb7km-pgJGcPfoB/s1263/20240213_060754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1263" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSsT1b1Cs3JwtCnZD8jSQc_YxSEr6CBB3buDL6SgKb7NfLxP6Eq8wy_EXxkw7qsq4nLiKmPNpJehcaFWoMbq5uAuXk0yxbfMEUU1XfnUdh9zGihO23o34hnk5lZ4Xi0feRi_g6ixhhlFR1jWHpxtDfwHjXyYGYSUQh7EfSZNjDPTrxPb7km-pgJGcPfoB/w400-h356/20240213_060754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<p>I have played three of these five games (they all use the same system), and I think they have some issues, but actually make for a good introductory wargame. There is also a combined game called <i>Tuesday, The Führer Slept Late</i> that has better reviews than the individual games (not included with this issue). Anyway, as I already have these and the mounted counters, I will probably look for an opportunity to give these away.</p>
<p>Moving on, the magazine itself has a striking cover:</p>
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<p>A painting of the USS Emmons at Normandy, painted by Dwight Shepler.</p>
<p>Inside the issue, we have our Table of Contents:</p>
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<p>Issues of ATO magazine have a variety of articles related to military history, with the cover topic the focus of the largest article and game in the magazine, usually another article or two somewhat related to the cover topic, and then a few articles about unrelated topics. This is similar to what is done by other magazine game publishers, so no real surprise to anyone with experience here.</p>
<p>I won't delve too much into the historical articles (buy the issue if you are interested!). I learned quite a lot from all of these articles, as I always do from ATO issues. However, I will make a few comments on specific articles:</p>
<p>Push to the Sea! is not a historical article, but rather a scenario for the <i>Five for Fighting</i> series shown at the beginning, using the Sword and Juno postcards. It focuses on the 21st Panzer Division, and provides a variant combat rule where you use a die to resolve combat instead of a card draw (I very much like this change, as it solves a complaint I had with the original games).</p>
<p>Maneuvering to War is about the Louisiana and Carolina Maneuvers prior to our entry into WWII (read more about the former <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Maneuvers">here</a>). I knew nothing about this until reading this article, very interesting!</p>
<p>Operation Wolf Hunt seems to be an article covering the hypothetical progress and aftermath for the game <i>A Cornered Wolf</i> included in this issue. It feels a little out of place.</p>
<p>Widening the GIUK! provides expansion rules for a recent ATO Pocket Battle Game release, <i>Mind the GIUK!</i> I thought I had all of these, but I am pretty sure I don't have this one. It is a recent release, so I must have missed it somehow. Anyway, it adds rules for air units and commandos, which are on the mounted countersheet for the game, should you have that, and a random events table.</p>
<p>Spandau Ballet provides additional rules for <i>The Cruelest Month</i>, the game in ATO's 2020 Annual. The counters are on that counter sheet, but have rules included in this issue, which includes a variant British squadron, Balloon Units, and additional ground units. The game seems well regarded, and more options are always better, so seems like a win.</p>
<p>Okay, onto the games. This issue comes with two, and a full expansion for another game.</p>
<p>First, we have the cover game, Operation Roundup.</p>
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<p>Fourteen pages of rules, a map, and 176 counters. Designed by Ty Bomba and developed by Russ Lockwood.</p>
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<p>A quick look over the rules shows a pretty interesting game with pretty standard rules. A few things I noticed are that the German reinforcements for the game are determined randomly at the start of the game, so sitting down and beginning, you don't know exactly what you are going to get (you'll know most of them, but additional Luftwaffe support and forces from the Russian front may or may not come). Notable also is that the victory conditions are tied to which reinforcements you are allowed to have during the game. If you are provided more reinforcements, you will need to have more significant battlefield successes in order to win. Makes sense, and may provide a bit of additional replay in this game.</p>
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<p>There are also quite a number (twenty) of optional rules to make each game unique.</p>
<p>Second game is "A Cornered Wolf", a game covering a hypothetical air assault on Hitler's military headquarters in Rastenburg. Designed by Paul Rohrbaugh and developed by Steve Rawling, it comes with a map and 80 counters.</p>
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<p>The game seems pretty simple, although it does use Paul Rohrbaugh's typical card deck for activations and combat, which isn't something I love- it leads to too many situations where a defending player may throw useless attacks out to trigger the turn end, and in an 8 turn game, that can really disrupt the balance. To be fair, this is a complaint I have about Combat Commander, too, not just Paul's designs.</p>
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<p>The German player is trying to escort Hitler out of the bunker while fighting off the Soviets. The Soviets are trying to kill or capture Hitler (and other VIPs), but can also score points by going to specific sites on the map and looting intelligence. You want high cards for some things, low cards for other things, and you will use die rolls to resolve yet other things. That seems a little all over the place to me... but maybe actually playing the game would reveal that the design is perfectly good as is. Will have to play and see.</p>
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<p>Two scenarios are included, one each for a July and August attack, with different levels of preparation for each side.</p>
<p>Finally, we have a new scenario for <i>Arctic Disaster</i> titled <i>Immer Voran!</i> The game <i>Arctic Disaster</i> comes in ATO issue 47. We also get a whole bunch of addenda counters, plus counters to play the new scenario, where you are trying to trap and destroy the Scharnhorst.</p>
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<p>Unfortunately, although I do own this game, I have not played it yet. It has decent reviews, so I hope to get to it sometime in the future.</p>
<p>So, there you have it. It's a nice package, with plenty of content to keep you occupied, and multiple new games to try out. Go pick it up, read, learn, and play some games!</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-78896622391643936702024-02-10T09:00:00.002-05:002024-02-14T09:38:36.898-05:00Unboxing: Vijayanagara: The Deccan Empires of Medieval India, 1290-1398 (GMT Games)<p>Next game in the huge package mentioned in my last post was<b>Vijayanagara: The Deccan Empires of Medieval India, 1290-1398</b>. Two things about this game appealed to me. First, this game represents the first entry in GMT's new Irregular Conflict Series. GMT <a href="https://insidegmt.com/what-is-the-irregular-conflicts-series/">posted an article</a> a few years ago about this series, but essentially, these games have some similarity to COIN games, but don't quite qualify as one. They are in their own series, and may have quite some variance in how they differ from the COIN model. Overall, I am a fan of the COIN series, so this seemed like a decent enough draw for me to check out.</p>
<p>Second, I know nothing about this topic. That's a turn off for a number of people, but I actually find I much prefer wargames where I know nothing about the topic. How else am I going to learn, unless I branch out? Knowing that, please understand that this unboxing will be light on insight into the game's mechanics and theme. It's high on my list to get on the table, and fortunately it offers a solo mode AND I believe I can get some people to play, meaning it may see table time sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>The box itself looks great, continuing GMT's run of absolutely incredible box covers. The front and the back of the box:</p>
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<p>The solitaire rating of nine is due to the robust solitaire bot system included, that I believe mirrors the functionality of the COIN system bots, so should be fun to play against. The complexity of four feels lighter than the average COIN game, and that is totally fine, not every game needs to be terribly complex. Two other things to note from the back- the player count is 1-3. That's awesome and not super common. There are tons of two player wargames. Having another offering where a third player creates the full experience is great news. Yet another reason I would have picked this up (had I paid attention ahead of time, haha). Finally, the playtime of 1-2 hours is really nice, too. Will be exciting to see if that holds true in actual experience.</p>
<p>Next, we have the books included in the game:</p>
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<p>Rulebook, available <a href="https://gmtwebsiteassets.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Vijayanagara/Vijayanagara_rulebook_web.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> on the GMT website.</p>
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<p>This book is specifically rules for the bots, if you are playing with fewer than three players. There are also additional components to support this later on.</p>
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<p>A beautiful Learn to Play booklet (available on the GMT site <a href="https://gmtwebsiteassets.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Vijayanagara/Vijay_booklet_LearnToPlay_v5_web.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>). I love that they are starting to include these in games- creates a very easy way to get into the game. Well done, GMT.</p>
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<p>Finally, a Playbook is included, which may be one of the first things I end up reading, given my lack of knowledge regarding the history of the game. That pronunciation guide is a great inclusion too- wargame publishers, please consider something like that in other games!</p>
<p>Now we get to the player aid cards, and there are quite a lot! First up, we get three identical faction aid sheets, which are pretty standard in the COIN games, helping you see what your options are on your turn, and what to expect from your adversaries.</p>
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<p>The Mongol Invaders are not a player faction in this game, but will be controlled by either theBahmani Kingdom Amirs or Vijayanagara Empire when they appear, and will be a constant threat throughout the game.</p>
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<p>A handy Sequence of Play card, with a visual instruction on how to set up the deck for the game.</p>
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<p>This is on the back of the Sequence of Play, and I was not sure what this was, so I had to check inside the rulebook. This is an optional way to resolve a tie at the end of the game, and is a variant of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagh-chal">Bagh-chal</a>. That's... really cool, actually. I'm sure someone out there is going to hate on this, but I love it, very thematic (the rulebook has a picture of the source for the board) and unique.</p>
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<p>Next up we have the player aid cards for managing the non-player factions. I don't know the system at all, but again, I have heard good things about the COIN bots, so I have no reason to doubt these will be excellent.</p>
<p>All of the cards have a nice finish, and are on pretty good paper stock. Lovely components. On to the counters:</p>
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<p>Pretty light in this department, but that's typical of the COIN games, too. The majority of these are to mark control of provinces by one of the three factions. Again, pretty common.</p>
<p>Next, a beautiful mounted map:</p>
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<p>A better view, with more detail is on the GMT page <a href="https://gmtwebsiteassets.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Vijayanagara/Vijayanagara_NearFinalMap.jpg">here</a>, and although it is listed as 'Near-Final', I do not see any difference between it and the map in the box.</p>
<p>The game comes with some dice:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHe_r_kuKRrEyLjc_mXQRcsAop8sfulQ6D3q-9OEzEFz8zRuhxZuKNSrv7gb3pH7CbOBjLRSM7OTo0Fta9PXuP2aqstrym8VtejjT3Qui1swTHnB_k_knRqSZeYijb_o9dOvi3rXjvmAcxy4a2Don9XncPWz_TgV_NeipE9s1WvxsQSP4M05PSntRGr4T/s1074/20240209_062245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="903" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHe_r_kuKRrEyLjc_mXQRcsAop8sfulQ6D3q-9OEzEFz8zRuhxZuKNSrv7gb3pH7CbOBjLRSM7OTo0Fta9PXuP2aqstrym8VtejjT3Qui1swTHnB_k_knRqSZeYijb_o9dOvi3rXjvmAcxy4a2Don9XncPWz_TgV_NeipE9s1WvxsQSP4M05PSntRGr4T/w336-h400/20240209_062245.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
<p>The game also comes with a big stack of cards that are the primary engine by which the game progresses:</p>
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<p>Quite a number of different cards in this stack, including Event cards:</p>
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<p>Mongol Invasion cards:</p>
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<p>These cards look to correspond to the non-player bots, showing the decision trees for them:</p>
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<p>Finally, the rest of the cards are a bit of a mix:</p>
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<p>There are Succession cards, a Dynasty card, and some reference cards. There are rules for events that happen with the Succession and Dynasty cards, but I'm not qualified to talk about that yet. Maybe they fill a role like the Viceroy in Gandhi?</p>
<p>Finally, as with COIN games, the game comes with a bunch of wooden pieces.</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1AK3ek7msYHJO8rfQZ9D26zfIte6qu09pEtYb0HnmCbLjkK4T8RhR_tmZtTWf5QuhKRYoevPnsGD-_P6BNsoDgfvhbcKd522AFrmUVDxAcwBEzHkhVuDK8ZyXjaCSNcH9ZgHbB4jcEzH-udN7RIvbMeFnMe7gHoYAjWCfIm8FdgTvxonzPdSUfSrrddA/s1496/20240209_062521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1496" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1AK3ek7msYHJO8rfQZ9D26zfIte6qu09pEtYb0HnmCbLjkK4T8RhR_tmZtTWf5QuhKRYoevPnsGD-_P6BNsoDgfvhbcKd522AFrmUVDxAcwBEzHkhVuDK8ZyXjaCSNcH9ZgHbB4jcEzH-udN7RIvbMeFnMe7gHoYAjWCfIm8FdgTvxonzPdSUfSrrddA/w400-h319/20240209_062521.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<p>These pieces represent the Governors, Troops, Amirs, Structures, and Rajas used in the game. Pretty typical stuff, if you have played any of their COIN games.</p>
<p>And there you have it. The content of the game looks great and I'm excited to give it a shot. This one in particular I have a plan for, even- I'm currently doing a solo game of Marvel Champions on my one game table at home, but once that play is finished, I'm going to set this up, and play it solo, where I will take some notes to post here on my blog. Doing it this way for my first play will be best for me, because I can read the historical context of each card when it comes up, which helps inform me more about the period. It is a great way to play and learn.</p>
<p>Anyway, that's it for now, thank you for stopping by!</p>
Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-86105263975510635312024-02-08T14:00:00.006-05:002024-02-14T09:38:44.835-05:00Unboxing: Panzer North Africa (GMT Games)<p>As part of mail call yesterday, I received a huge package from GMT Games, filled with P500 items. I figured I would post something about a few of the games I received, starting with Panzer North Africa. This is the sixth game in GMT's Panzer series (a remake of Yaquinto's Panzer series from around 1979), and is the second stand-alone volume in the series, which created a perfect opportunity for me to pick it up, and see how I like it. It's quite a large package! GMT lists the box as 3.5" deep, which I did not verify, but certainly seems accurate. Speaking of the box:</p>
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<p>We have the front and back of the game box. Very nice looking art, and a striking cover. The back of the box obviously talks about what is included, but we'll spend more time looking over the components in this article. The Solitaire rating is a 9, given that a solitaire system is included with the game. The Complexity of 6 may just be for the basic game, disregarding the advanced rules... but they don't specify, and I haven't played this yet, so I can't really guess. Either way, this game seems a bit on the complex side. That's appealing to me, although that does mean this is probably sitting on the shelf a while until I find someone eager to play it, since it might be tough to teach. We shall see.</p>
<p>The back of the box mentions six double-sided geomorphic maps. Let's take a look at them:</p>
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<p>First thing I noticed when pulling these out was how long they were. Other games with geomorphic maps (for instance, Advanced Squad Leader) have maps significantly shorter. It feels a little awkward, but the focus on armor might want longer range in the game to showcase the units effectively, and probably will play just fine. These two maps are on the same sheet, just on the backside from one another. One with a giant hill dominating the landscape, and the other, fairly open, but with some rough terrain batches.</p>
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<p>All of these maps are really nice looking, I will say. This set has another very open looking setup, and then a map with some groves around a small oasis. I think the groves block line of sight, so this one could be quite interesting. And looks like it has a gully off on the right? Very cool.</p>
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<p>Another open map (these battles are in North Africa, for the record, so this is expected), and one with an airfield with some small towns on either side of it.</p>
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<p>Another open map with a (paved?) road, and then a series of hills with a lot of other pieces of terrain incorporated. That looks like a nasty map to have a fight on.</p>
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<p>I worried for a second there that I had already uploaded these. But nope- more open maps.</p>
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<p>Finally, more open maps, but one with a gully down the center.</p>
<p>Admittedly, these are not the most exciting series of maps I've seen in a game, but as I have mentioned- this is North Africa. If you look at maps of some of the areas of major battle, you see that this isn't far off. Plus, as we'll see in a second, the maps are designed to be more flexible than they appear.</p><p>So, when I refer to flexibility here, what do I mean? Overlays:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>These go on top of the map, modifying it. They look incredible, and you get six sheets in this package (first one visible above).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>These will turn any map into something interesting and unique.<p></p>
<p>Included next are a series of books. Six of them, in fact.</p>
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<p>This is the TO&E Manual (Table of Organization and Equipment). There is a lot of detail about the organization and orders of battle of the formations involved in this theater and period of the war:</p>
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<p>There is a ton of information in this book. It looks like its primary use is for designing your own scenarios (the published scenarios have the information on included units). A great source of information, certainly.</p>
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<p>A 68-page Basic & Advanced Rules book. GMT provides this online, <a href="https://gmtwebsiteassets.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/PanzerNorthAfrica/PNA_booklet_Bsc%2BAdv_Rules_FINAL_web.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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<p>A 24-page Optional Rules book. Again, GMT provides it <a href="https://gmtwebsiteassets.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/PanzerNorthAfrica/PNA_booklet_Optional_Rules_FINAL_web.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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<p>A playbook, which essentially tells you how to read the scenarios, but also provides the solitaire system for the game (the way I will mostly likely get it on the table, alas).</p>
<p>Two scenario books are included, providing 32 scenarios and a campaign game.</p>
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<p>The first such book, with its table of contents (so you can see what scenarios are included.</p>
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<p>And the second book, with its table of contents. A decent looking selection of scenarios, from my brief glance. Plenty of play in this box!</p>
<p>There are eight countersheets included, providing forces for the Germans, British, and Italians, plus a lot of status counters. I love seeing the turret facing counters, without knowing much about the system, I already know I'll like it, just from that, haha.</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTS_tr3nslqTjLn3FhoVDc3YoSFZtqtxBdvxS102sg9vBK3NSrNvLCcsOGHoolDoKmfxCM5Pfnxx3gC6FVqBI4qFTzwmxnyHECWVHkJiXYGcutWRgeF11cnL6glrwVLPerFiBC-V3dpGDVX9BEPEhprSugzFNvWtlNP_cHxyWHrpAW4EGcJ15zcb-ky1I/s2989/20240208_060041.jpg"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTS_tr3nslqTjLn3FhoVDc3YoSFZtqtxBdvxS102sg9vBK3NSrNvLCcsOGHoolDoKmfxCM5Pfnxx3gC6FVqBI4qFTzwmxnyHECWVHkJiXYGcutWRgeF11cnL6glrwVLPerFiBC-V3dpGDVX9BEPEhprSugzFNvWtlNP_cHxyWHrpAW4EGcJ15zcb-ky1I/w400-h236/20240208_060041.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrdt0brnw5WQRSfXssvxdWvzo_x_XuZFBoqCY6Gxd9o1otMIldy4NlAktTvRgPtpXt9F8BNPOJ5_qBK3cqoFvGQPc10JoH8J4-_NwZJn5FM1P8j4mVpCwEHLfpUS1L_7vlpeH-7VtWRN1D6MJe-Aylp_yYxRRJhm6EJyA9gpVZLZyO-NKm_b2Pf0O2W0D/s2828/20240208_060120.jpg"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrdt0brnw5WQRSfXssvxdWvzo_x_XuZFBoqCY6Gxd9o1otMIldy4NlAktTvRgPtpXt9F8BNPOJ5_qBK3cqoFvGQPc10JoH8J4-_NwZJn5FM1P8j4mVpCwEHLfpUS1L_7vlpeH-7VtWRN1D6MJe-Aylp_yYxRRJhm6EJyA9gpVZLZyO-NKm_b2Pf0O2W0D/w400-h311/20240208_060120.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN8ct0saphgU-fsmzKz95Z-5-iSmWAnU0pzQSG7al0dBB3ALpfl00rCcIbJJ6RIcBUcynwfe4vENZE0cYp47hQYJ3g843qjDq5yIr5Pi4dTmBG5l5TF3HsxJ-i5FX6JLI-MzxHOnP3ZvmbZw_-pV-LDUxbTM8lj5r2SDRRxXGP05Q-f_cbFdOlWH2XynG/s2912/20240208_060135.jpg"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN8ct0saphgU-fsmzKz95Z-5-iSmWAnU0pzQSG7al0dBB3ALpfl00rCcIbJJ6RIcBUcynwfe4vENZE0cYp47hQYJ3g843qjDq5yIr5Pi4dTmBG5l5TF3HsxJ-i5FX6JLI-MzxHOnP3ZvmbZw_-pV-LDUxbTM8lj5r2SDRRxXGP05Q-f_cbFdOlWH2XynG/w400-h319/20240208_060135.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLsXL_UlirSf8ZlQRa78X3cs77faxSMhsyi_d96O6g0puzXtEKYpVxD6q06icArDa2tOLREUJPDoi6NccOyEwxlRE7USMvn7Fe1yjR-dSrtyFe53UV-kVVEsEF4hFewC2298ApJGBi_Dyjp69GJO69bFCbHh-IXP87fr4pIQdXdgEtYUCRvyYQEPYjfad/s2992/20240208_060149.jpg"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLsXL_UlirSf8ZlQRa78X3cs77faxSMhsyi_d96O6g0puzXtEKYpVxD6q06icArDa2tOLREUJPDoi6NccOyEwxlRE7USMvn7Fe1yjR-dSrtyFe53UV-kVVEsEF4hFewC2298ApJGBi_Dyjp69GJO69bFCbHh-IXP87fr4pIQdXdgEtYUCRvyYQEPYjfad/w400-h340/20240208_060149.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<p>The counter art looks sharp, and since this is a stand-alone game, having all the status counters will at least give me some flexibility in buying other expansions (although I guess I won't have I need to play the scenarios in other expansions yet, but I can make up some scenarios).</p>
<p>Next, we have some player aids. First, a set to help players read the counters/cards:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUc0qAW0UXoCRbCF37l3juVz8yjF8rNMUk5jC6HQprgzkLPOHcry5Y035k71hOl9UIE3a_r-d1dZLXYegCVVJG155ex4cCesWgmI02h6gKwkUqhKVBwCPTzWZlCdowE6jTZQ_d2voSpN4ps8om5ePFnPsVY4r0bLbpUca6RI70MCUbeZ1e1Im1Uf2550D/s733/20240208_060258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUc0qAW0UXoCRbCF37l3juVz8yjF8rNMUk5jC6HQprgzkLPOHcry5Y035k71hOl9UIE3a_r-d1dZLXYegCVVJG155ex4cCesWgmI02h6gKwkUqhKVBwCPTzWZlCdowE6jTZQ_d2voSpN4ps8om5ePFnPsVY4r0bLbpUca6RI70MCUbeZ1e1Im1Uf2550D/w331-h400/20240208_060258.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div></div>
<p>There is information on both sides of these, and are not duplicated. We also get a pair of player aid/table cards for the game, with information on the front and back:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDTO7LhCOmLkUWjHClSm-tvUfrIWJlsnm39jmDYSSEE_0vmv6ijtFVSQROw_XMQ2VkkmEEEinzdxOoj7KvON1Gh4hSpHpjwy5FaM8HCE7oBR7HcFOwneTGSFk7ii6eQrDL95pGsZbwc6A-1kA5igghovYbCwW4koZiOAq1eqPB7Plqcjjblz6KLdHQyfX/s2977/20240208_060325.jpg"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDTO7LhCOmLkUWjHClSm-tvUfrIWJlsnm39jmDYSSEE_0vmv6ijtFVSQROw_XMQ2VkkmEEEinzdxOoj7KvON1Gh4hSpHpjwy5FaM8HCE7oBR7HcFOwneTGSFk7ii6eQrDL95pGsZbwc6A-1kA5igghovYbCwW4koZiOAq1eqPB7Plqcjjblz6KLdHQyfX/w400-h350/20240208_060325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxGQuCF45YdI1tPJbX1rCsZFxGnTZI3CBPHxSV9twTjO6FkA40fPHsPViVZ1enKq5mNQI5w06-i-2ATr6ASZtb1boQf61vECdM6EkrSIY4O3dHIpWETM59GN_5ImQ3RrKG4g23KCyn36_hddv4m5LaZaslE2hGIPQy-9yK1fT91TLrC9bYjGrak1OcXkQ/s2992/20240208_060332.jpg"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxGQuCF45YdI1tPJbX1rCsZFxGnTZI3CBPHxSV9twTjO6FkA40fPHsPViVZ1enKq5mNQI5w06-i-2ATr6ASZtb1boQf61vECdM6EkrSIY4O3dHIpWETM59GN_5ImQ3RrKG4g23KCyn36_hddv4m5LaZaslE2hGIPQy-9yK1fT91TLrC9bYjGrak1OcXkQ/w400-h297/20240208_060332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>Dice are included (d10s):</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjmoop_D5_Q61f9SJuTrDdbm61rV1vHHCKApjP-9nD74ebYBHirEkP4Tg_ls_e_HEjysFltNv-iSdMw2o7zfuyZ31r4zyh62hwFhA9nTgnzYLBpgNGdshjJAP965aBzXUla2_K4F3uHyf2pp1W6gQVonoXIyDw72CzN5Cpq30oY050AbePKBFGyYhQLfl/s392/20240208_060402.jpg"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjmoop_D5_Q61f9SJuTrDdbm61rV1vHHCKApjP-9nD74ebYBHirEkP4Tg_ls_e_HEjysFltNv-iSdMw2o7zfuyZ31r4zyh62hwFhA9nTgnzYLBpgNGdshjJAP965aBzXUla2_K4F3uHyf2pp1W6gQVonoXIyDw72CzN5Cpq30oY050AbePKBFGyYhQLfl/w400-h340/20240208_060402.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>Finally, we get a bunch of data cards for the units in the game (contents say there are 49 such cards):</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOB-1kSy30omYzHL6nOdCmdSyk_ej4p72_jsr5_5siCo6ZyJ4YV5Vrz8XZaHHmzUYTsmpS7cHwxzsnmnviMnQDSZoVAlaoIbjySlW52JLG3nWRYYN66w_KS0IzP29IoM4hNPUXLak1DnoeiIZDTVltKuLzwuj91emF48bh0TzdaweJDxq2ucx6XJEHHBH/s2992/20240208_060421.jpg"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOB-1kSy30omYzHL6nOdCmdSyk_ej4p72_jsr5_5siCo6ZyJ4YV5Vrz8XZaHHmzUYTsmpS7cHwxzsnmnviMnQDSZoVAlaoIbjySlW52JLG3nWRYYN66w_KS0IzP29IoM4hNPUXLak1DnoeiIZDTVltKuLzwuj91emF48bh0TzdaweJDxq2ucx6XJEHHBH/w400-h388/20240208_060421.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>There are thick and very nice quality!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGi8Rh3VsRSkTny6bv52hokZHIsn_tzN1XIZ4PqK7wJXkrRLBefmsc0bQoNxrqpqE8p4YSiXobEgrqpcuX9YXv0z7I3S4s6bHP_b4u7dCIEvPV6SNurdEeZp83-zODwLxvbbxEJsSU52noflkmU8DIS2r6hLv2aoBkQV5Ud15raxdHrZNXIupzJruPdeY0/s2992/20240208_060434.jpg"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGi8Rh3VsRSkTny6bv52hokZHIsn_tzN1XIZ4PqK7wJXkrRLBefmsc0bQoNxrqpqE8p4YSiXobEgrqpcuX9YXv0z7I3S4s6bHP_b4u7dCIEvPV6SNurdEeZp83-zODwLxvbbxEJsSU52noflkmU8DIS2r6hLv2aoBkQV5Ud15raxdHrZNXIupzJruPdeY0/w400-h293/20240208_060434.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>Finally, here is a close-up of the front and back of one such card:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa-4Dttwcll951TTWs_kACYwrO1gX36mW0Ah3w6yBxwNkUDXhcvqENddrTQ8OkK0OtarHsFygozTJuhkSHJmposviuyP1DD7jq3pGPmyX9uxo1JjGvA3EJoK6ywoZ3QVi6RxL0s_-YhDmhETbn2h8K5s3bKLPC8EZHDWyEj8IDrYWyCE5Ua3B5k404j2C/s2693/20240208_060513.jpg"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa-4Dttwcll951TTWs_kACYwrO1gX36mW0Ah3w6yBxwNkUDXhcvqENddrTQ8OkK0OtarHsFygozTJuhkSHJmposviuyP1DD7jq3pGPmyX9uxo1JjGvA3EJoK6ywoZ3QVi6RxL0s_-YhDmhETbn2h8K5s3bKLPC8EZHDWyEj8IDrYWyCE5Ua3B5k404j2C/w400-h331/20240208_060513.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-i78YaDqtkBpdFnyMQiOYdL7nkwUGzQZ8RTm-Q69xS6r4QQBuz9yR8uW0zZjItsgmdNWYqTuPmNSojlGzkuTtrqwTRPDgUFh8-Up-Z9gk0ipwH2bBMsAAINfRo6qtDBHXsLI0HxvHQ3Ghsa3idRVk6JUr2csswUON1N5eUwhVyTr1Xrp9NNTuax74X5I/s2364/20240208_060500.jpg"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-i78YaDqtkBpdFnyMQiOYdL7nkwUGzQZ8RTm-Q69xS6r4QQBuz9yR8uW0zZjItsgmdNWYqTuPmNSojlGzkuTtrqwTRPDgUFh8-Up-Z9gk0ipwH2bBMsAAINfRo6qtDBHXsLI0HxvHQ3Ghsa3idRVk6JUr2csswUON1N5eUwhVyTr1Xrp9NNTuax74X5I/w400-h331/20240208_060500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>You can see quite a number of other sample cards for the various nationalities on GMT's <a href="https://www.gmtgames.com/p-941-panzer-north-africa.aspx">official page</a> for the game, as well.</p><p>Without a doubt, this is a great product, with a lot of replay value, and tons of options for playing. I do not have much knowledge of the game itself, yet, other than reading enough about it to convince myself I would enjoy it enough to order. But the presentation is fantastic- I can't wait to give it a try.</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-50033854152787680662024-01-11T18:01:00.001-05:002024-02-14T09:38:52.941-05:00Unboxing: Norman Conquests: Men of Iron Volume V (GMT Games)<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This
arrived just a few days ago, and I have been going through it. I have the first two volumes in the series- <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14683/men-iron" target="_blank">Men of Iron</a> and <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/62225/infidel" target="_blank">Infidel</a>, </span>and although I have not picked up the following two, it's a
series that has always appealed to me. There
were many interesting battles in the Middle Ages, and it’s a period that is a
bit of a gap in my collection, especially at this scale. This year, I feel like I am going to lean
harder into these board wargames, and receiving this seems like a great way to
start the year. So, let’s take a look at
it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXLWMSQxNdUzMTD48pg-fm_7Y3mGy0pDr3HsnZY3yAFNL9D6h-flZUAOMvqMY_sOBYEdB8dkXs4jp0t_Ber6z-ApHAS0DttRegEyYaytMi0XevH4ozX1y_cQQVexpoOXHj4vhqRVpLWicrJNuHF4llEK2JhjzLvH0JdIkcrAQTAwxUf0wZUJcKDsApbyF/s870/20240109_145024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="696" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXLWMSQxNdUzMTD48pg-fm_7Y3mGy0pDr3HsnZY3yAFNL9D6h-flZUAOMvqMY_sOBYEdB8dkXs4jp0t_Ber6z-ApHAS0DttRegEyYaytMi0XevH4ozX1y_cQQVexpoOXHj4vhqRVpLWicrJNuHF4llEK2JhjzLvH0JdIkcrAQTAwxUf0wZUJcKDsApbyF/w320-h400/20240109_145024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>What a beautiful box cover. GMT seems to have changed their box style in the years since I last bought many wargames, moving from the distinctive look of the prior boxes to ones where the art takes up more of the box front. For example, here is the box front for the previous game in the series:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gmtgames.com/images/product/medium/584.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://www.gmtgames.com/images/product/medium/584.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><p>A really good step by GMT, which is not only more attractive on the shelf, but also feels like a more modern presentation. Opening the box, here's what we see:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpf7Sd3oyD4uI7E2OzeuQ8hEHG5CPeBWSxe_Ay6QlY7Y4XZE5Kl-hkY5LZWJKUrlhn87gyqWCDcZGwOgLoQnqEfR2G14jnsK5YFovF2fIJVajcesQUN-y3CCFduz3pPnQX7I4-Qf6w4Mky4519vzXQp59sya8iEP7sx8BKvXBCTpuMok_biZ189jdAIhV/s898/20240109_145117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="716" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpf7Sd3oyD4uI7E2OzeuQ8hEHG5CPeBWSxe_Ay6QlY7Y4XZE5Kl-hkY5LZWJKUrlhn87gyqWCDcZGwOgLoQnqEfR2G14jnsK5YFovF2fIJVajcesQUN-y3CCFduz3pPnQX7I4-Qf6w4Mky4519vzXQp59sya8iEP7sx8BKvXBCTpuMok_biZ189jdAIhV/w319-h400/20240109_145117.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><p>The combined series rulebook, at 28 pages of full color. A brief look through it shows that this game seems to stick mostly to the same rules as the original Men of Iron (Blood and Roses and Infidel had a number of exceptions to the rules, all called out in this rulebook). If my memory is correct, the original game had both a black and white rulebook and playbook. This is a very, very nice improvement.</p><p>Moving on, we come to the playbook.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEqCYqzAvSL7dqvGvi8UR2lny96VdwgdYtoyPNwlOah9UOOo_RP5rqe20EbCm15a6PohJML6G4ZRAzBoEmyC4f6-WbQPVphJW4MMqSpbzxdazNQPmfoWRnTKkBoiz5q0sTRAwwWGcxeBsLj1bzjqcxl-cOldgzueEwsDP8DGdXy0riPDOXPFgZLiJ_Hua/s898/20240109_145255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="764" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEqCYqzAvSL7dqvGvi8UR2lny96VdwgdYtoyPNwlOah9UOOo_RP5rqe20EbCm15a6PohJML6G4ZRAzBoEmyC4f6-WbQPVphJW4MMqSpbzxdazNQPmfoWRnTKkBoiz5q0sTRAwwWGcxeBsLj1bzjqcxl-cOldgzueEwsDP8DGdXy0riPDOXPFgZLiJ_Hua/w340-h400/20240109_145255.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><p>From there, you can see the included battles, covering quite the range (over 200 years!). Some of these battles are pretty well known (Hastings, obviously), but I admit, quite a number were unfamiliar to me. A good excuse to learn some history. Another mention- the full color is a very nice presentation for the playbook.</p><p>Next we get a pair of player aid cards, one for each player.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc-4S-4i-KKz43T2mHEPPZnCDfbYedEGC_90V6f07l_gMDSIzE4tk-bKnf6Qzmy-7qaJ0bLMtuZfJXb9ksEQ-1BTXDvnMy79N2H7ssg2EdRrvt94LKEtyNWrFcdfWFL7mY8M1ALlyZc33y1pDR_cG_o4b1Q1tZ7HjxVgvRx_7W_2BirZe5jUDl1ZAfRi1/s746/20240109_162354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="746" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc-4S-4i-KKz43T2mHEPPZnCDfbYedEGC_90V6f07l_gMDSIzE4tk-bKnf6Qzmy-7qaJ0bLMtuZfJXb9ksEQ-1BTXDvnMy79N2H7ssg2EdRrvt94LKEtyNWrFcdfWFL7mY8M1ALlyZc33y1pDR_cG_o4b1Q1tZ7HjxVgvRx_7W_2BirZe5jUDl1ZAfRi1/w400-h350/20240109_162354.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>In hindsight, maybe some pictures of the inside and back of these would have been smart, but it's been a LONG time since I've really done a post like this. I'm rusty, okay? Geez.<br /></p><p>Next, the Flight Point/General Track card, helpfully marked with the Flight Levels for the various forces for each scenario (although, it's not clear to me what the Norman Reinforcements flight level of 12 for Stamford Bridge represents, as they are not mentioned as having a different number in the scenario).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkn-Gl3wb6NN6Jh_4oyNY2jqYGaFM6yNOzfALtfEZzR0bD5tUIyZl0xHFmhAQEDmlblIy4wS13OHTLeQYIw4sYRGMLMcuie4ImLfJQF7fIpjFzuPQXE-jD3GaGwF-bgmbC2mf3Y3noA2Uy2s3ECVBJfPMSn9WvTA6gdblAFlEupbkZKMAt7Z2dpNaZpZF/s802/20240109_162413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="802" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkn-Gl3wb6NN6Jh_4oyNY2jqYGaFM6yNOzfALtfEZzR0bD5tUIyZl0xHFmhAQEDmlblIy4wS13OHTLeQYIw4sYRGMLMcuie4ImLfJQF7fIpjFzuPQXE-jD3GaGwF-bgmbC2mf3Y3noA2Uy2s3ECVBJfPMSn9WvTA6gdblAFlEupbkZKMAt7Z2dpNaZpZF/w400-h291/20240109_162413.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The game comes with two and a quarter sheets of counters (double-sided). Here is countersheet one:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHawu1mlJN3biSn5TMnI8v-RasL8oRd0nIyPaie5VrsraYDhXM7CnhPUwr7oSksICNSRLMkRUQXrPDez2E7y32HEJAzFPKHFM93N186ecoBTyNgMrzZfRJ7-wCHDs2O-Vy0Cnhqr_VKDmOtVuFJg33TKjZUg3M_WK8ZdJq5oeLYmCC1nkH5mFgNq7vBiy/s841/20240109_162436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="841" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHawu1mlJN3biSn5TMnI8v-RasL8oRd0nIyPaie5VrsraYDhXM7CnhPUwr7oSksICNSRLMkRUQXrPDez2E7y32HEJAzFPKHFM93N186ecoBTyNgMrzZfRJ7-wCHDs2O-Vy0Cnhqr_VKDmOtVuFJg33TKjZUg3M_WK8ZdJq5oeLYmCC1nkH5mFgNq7vBiy/w400-h300/20240109_162436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A mixture of game markers, Saxon, Norman, Norwegian, and Papal units. Very colorful, sharp looking counters, in my opinion. Countersheet two:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH6nNReOy5wVWfiM7hHwFrnT5OLMc77-nVXpxgXyNAE9JGSJbkkM7HVfvxyeLf8hPBDNmDIkUBbSeju_FFvROEqU4PIM3IwzDKtf-UsxOnPNVnjifSOwIJOTAgcJ-UOWDdZcl-6N6ijr-75yaMA3wTLeHmTzmlqNdGFCICkhTNEQh_49etPCM0oF1DgrQ/s796/20240109_162448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="796" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH6nNReOy5wVWfiM7hHwFrnT5OLMc77-nVXpxgXyNAE9JGSJbkkM7HVfvxyeLf8hPBDNmDIkUBbSeju_FFvROEqU4PIM3IwzDKtf-UsxOnPNVnjifSOwIJOTAgcJ-UOWDdZcl-6N6ijr-75yaMA3wTLeHmTzmlqNdGFCICkhTNEQh_49etPCM0oF1DgrQ/w400-h308/20240109_162448.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This one includes Royalists (for the armies of King William's son, Henry, and then for Henry III's and Edward Plantagent's forces), and Baronial units (for the army of Simon de Montfort). Again, I love the look of the counters, GMT does a great job. Finally, the quarter sheet of counters:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdfREAWUJvrCFV75dEzxRN_eDvafT99YlatbaObQTW83lyoOWxWUEg6vUPmAkjvsohkW457X1ZNF-4Gcb-cIgUO3Kz4t1HJOU7NTVHtuam7bej27CK-M3UZGSbRRwEqh9ODs1SLjqqDeaAXZBwiBTCA7TtBsA6g4iPCRrSToT8uH3NN6pF-XQQUVxbFjB/s656/20240109_162455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="656" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdfREAWUJvrCFV75dEzxRN_eDvafT99YlatbaObQTW83lyoOWxWUEg6vUPmAkjvsohkW457X1ZNF-4Gcb-cIgUO3Kz4t1HJOU7NTVHtuam7bej27CK-M3UZGSbRRwEqh9ODs1SLjqqDeaAXZBwiBTCA7TtBsA6g4iPCRrSToT8uH3NN6pF-XQQUVxbFjB/w400-h300/20240109_162455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>More Royalist and Baronial forces, and the important Shield Wall counters (which are only used in about half the scenarios of this game).</p><p>Next up are the maps. <i>Norman Conquests</i> comes with three paper maps, two of them printed on the front and back. Map one:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYTZhDJ9N6QiTZjY9hhxKaww7w5368iMSxlftP9q3h1n4675zTM_8JPyM_LDdfaWu1_ooom_AL9j3q-oSA5o48ls65byirRrepdWQBO1CgCHRm4_RuUHxS60I42JHyuLRqaNRQqT9-u4gQIuahyC2YC8S3eL37HKPAPRkE41cNhDcQ5u-ELBeiWZf2ZRh/s888/20240109_162546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="888" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYTZhDJ9N6QiTZjY9hhxKaww7w5368iMSxlftP9q3h1n4675zTM_8JPyM_LDdfaWu1_ooom_AL9j3q-oSA5o48ls65byirRrepdWQBO1CgCHRm4_RuUHxS60I42JHyuLRqaNRQqT9-u4gQIuahyC2YC8S3eL37HKPAPRkE41cNhDcQ5u-ELBeiWZf2ZRh/w400-h243/20240109_162546.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecNaKaDiujN1dRWkNcMVaE_He5il5NErBURPcl2A0ScegDjagJIGu6XZJ4ZGSKETpIvP7KnHtbldWVyA0qZUse-N5Yy-TC4SlB1qRkJTdiHspFOXyNBVG2Nk0tYa90JR1DZX2W7aXghXSCbrcJ_uCL5EevxCqkj27APz5lCUOVhAsFoPGYhRW1IrVSSbG/s898/20240109_162558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecNaKaDiujN1dRWkNcMVaE_He5il5NErBURPcl2A0ScegDjagJIGu6XZJ4ZGSKETpIvP7KnHtbldWVyA0qZUse-N5Yy-TC4SlB1qRkJTdiHspFOXyNBVG2Nk0tYa90JR1DZX2W7aXghXSCbrcJ_uCL5EevxCqkj27APz5lCUOVhAsFoPGYhRW1IrVSSbG/w263-h400/20240109_162558.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><p>With maps on the front and back, there are maps for four different battles on this one map sheet. On appearance alone, the maps aren't particularly interesting, sadly, as armies of this period tended to prefer flat, open, terrain (the rivers are uncrossable in these scenarios, except, of course, at the bridge in Stamford Bridge). The constraints of the impassable terrain likely has some effect on the table though- in the Battle of Fulford, for example, the Saxon and Norwegian armies both have their flanks against both the river and the marsh, limiting enemy maneuver.</p><p>Next map sheet:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyGnLROSuC1VV9yKcFt03Gu6cobEG0zrNS_WtKOBIQJY3pIchdZvrlNe34mKFKm6ASn_mE4P-wQBHplzaNmy0et9cCJgSKai2h5xEh7T520r2XBBGbqCFeHZRz7494iK0PXG721TFYU-enOPtol4NZGlIIyaCH_gpYyZLZKERF8zzwHz3A60KJwWfVSpY/s898/20240109_162630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="898" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyGnLROSuC1VV9yKcFt03Gu6cobEG0zrNS_WtKOBIQJY3pIchdZvrlNe34mKFKm6ASn_mE4P-wQBHplzaNmy0et9cCJgSKai2h5xEh7T520r2XBBGbqCFeHZRz7494iK0PXG721TFYU-enOPtol4NZGlIIyaCH_gpYyZLZKERF8zzwHz3A60KJwWfVSpY/w400-h260/20240109_162630.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5VyHf-xRdgjtLOt98Gk3zEet-Ds1M4PeTE15RO4pg62M4oKUA9brvu0jm53BH5gn-HyGWrZAxJhLyKinrk0mMApvbaC30n7NO4OI7SBsZP9qxn7UqbSyTchduhXOu-8hgJqZvHmevuTdAKgkHdrgDMJlKoSm1PH1YVlB8KRzBl_8XS_Z0Mkbqyk5CEVf/s898/20240109_162640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="898" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5VyHf-xRdgjtLOt98Gk3zEet-Ds1M4PeTE15RO4pg62M4oKUA9brvu0jm53BH5gn-HyGWrZAxJhLyKinrk0mMApvbaC30n7NO4OI7SBsZP9qxn7UqbSyTchduhXOu-8hgJqZvHmevuTdAKgkHdrgDMJlKoSm1PH1YVlB8KRzBl_8XS_Z0Mkbqyk5CEVf/w400-h271/20240109_162640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The inclusion of a Terrain Chart for these two battles at least shows that the terrain is relevant. Looking at the setup for the Battle of Evesham, this seems particularly true, as the river is still impassable, but a fight over the bridge in the south-east of the map (on the right side, above the town) is going to happen pretty early. Lots of space to move around these two maps. Very nice.</p><p>Final map sheet, this one not double-sided.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ0PCSTrB0JyuvX-y6hakmtvsBWZ6rQZW-x0A_SxUX7FB_y3uen38uQOmVdGJYTu2FJyJR5UzjZPtchgwI-e8fMTXPCM32jlZUhmuN2oBgVH2-m_p50JCnP_5wrkwFIkLU62jXUsjGm5-e7GKQsEcVZaDxLKo6xVAmQ-o4nUpnpU7PCuzsv-ErIn-rS9U/s898/20240109_162705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="898" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ0PCSTrB0JyuvX-y6hakmtvsBWZ6rQZW-x0A_SxUX7FB_y3uen38uQOmVdGJYTu2FJyJR5UzjZPtchgwI-e8fMTXPCM32jlZUhmuN2oBgVH2-m_p50JCnP_5wrkwFIkLU62jXUsjGm5-e7GKQsEcVZaDxLKo6xVAmQ-o4nUpnpU7PCuzsv-ErIn-rS9U/w400-h272/20240109_162705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Plenty of terrain to make this battle interesting. The scenario mentions there is some historical uncertainty over which of these hills was the site of the battle, so they provide two different setups, to handle the two different situations. So you'll use roughly half the map, however you play it. Either way, there will be a lot going on, and this one looks like a lot of fun.</p><p>Finally, we have the divider, some bags, and dice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNSVw8Aj5jl7vcTNrSWrgCPhTRDhqLIZlIw9TwwOm-arJO41CtmcdsQYF9kxjdgOMZ1V1j9uajL5LDDLS2flUxGO3fnIa0-v5SWxwXgXXhBzmoeiJCifbl26lqZU08T3J_32CHV9LP2taGatw3lsAZ8uHUiEqc8ZDe-4kp4RvFZAeIWht1YjwRti4uHMz/s822/20240109_162724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNSVw8Aj5jl7vcTNrSWrgCPhTRDhqLIZlIw9TwwOm-arJO41CtmcdsQYF9kxjdgOMZ1V1j9uajL5LDDLS2flUxGO3fnIa0-v5SWxwXgXXhBzmoeiJCifbl26lqZU08T3J_32CHV9LP2taGatw3lsAZ8uHUiEqc8ZDe-4kp4RvFZAeIWht1YjwRti4uHMz/w323-h400/20240109_162724.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><p>I mentioned it's been a while since I've done one of these, but I also realize I probably should have taken a picture of the back of the box. I'll do better next time. In the meantime- this looks like a very well done package, and with the scenarios having reasonable playtimes (1-2 hours for most of them), I am going to try to get this on the table early this year, likely as a solo playthrough. Very excited to get back into more board wargaming, and very excited to share it with you all. </p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-49527315915134585932023-06-07T11:54:00.002-04:002023-06-07T11:54:07.701-04:00How about some new miniatures games?<p>Like any responsible gamer, I'm always on the lookout for new games to get into. Never mind that as of this writing I have 359 unplayed board games (only 6 more before I'll finally try that 'new game a day' challenge). Never mind that I already own, buy, and play about 25 other miniatures games that I don't have time for (not much time for hobbies with a toddler). Seriously, I'm a gamer- if I'm not buying new games, what's even the point?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pzuIQ9dUeczrAjkuT3Msua7inmfzLznFUUI-b2x03KH6SBUaeOuELQ5FASZqNItSKXh9ZPHfue5OVSlohD3fPowhtDr1AkdtZ9q5A-uXFxZkeLLQov04XUUU6FPE4Vk2GAQ9xgHwmkrgy7KgD3FWroR-OVY-fzFI4hTRZYI2DeJg6jdbXAVRdw3o6g/s4000/20230606_200418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pzuIQ9dUeczrAjkuT3Msua7inmfzLznFUUI-b2x03KH6SBUaeOuELQ5FASZqNItSKXh9ZPHfue5OVSlohD3fPowhtDr1AkdtZ9q5A-uXFxZkeLLQov04XUUU6FPE4Vk2GAQ9xgHwmkrgy7KgD3FWroR-OVY-fzFI4hTRZYI2DeJg6jdbXAVRdw3o6g/w300-h400/20230606_200418.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Most recently arrived is <b>Star Wars: Shatterpoint</b>, from Atomic Mass Games. A 40mm skirmish game from the company already producing its most obvious competition that seems to promise fast, action-filled battles and more Star Wars goodness. I admit, I'm surprised that the game is as different from Marvel: Crisis Protocol as it is (given how easy that would have been, and how successful MCP has been), but I think they've made the right choice in giving this game its own distinct set of mechanics. It seems interesting, seems like it will be popular, and has the appropriate logo on it to get my interest, so it was a pretty obvious purchase. I'm sure I'll get a game of this in within a month or so.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ91xUAOAOnzWViwkY6G771m871nKc31zVcOPufWOoLRYzpI3P_epNDDX2PM4YyZ5OTCis45bHfugPVKkgZWlylxcBh2l4F8tA-raOAP_SJCFYEC6HRSpRz3hYX4aCjjDsKIUq1XbDmOF0w760_8OtOFvjEm_eJuijv8yOmsRgyrarSZeyZkLvahHlPw/s4000/20230531_172825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ91xUAOAOnzWViwkY6G771m871nKc31zVcOPufWOoLRYzpI3P_epNDDX2PM4YyZ5OTCis45bHfugPVKkgZWlylxcBh2l4F8tA-raOAP_SJCFYEC6HRSpRz3hYX4aCjjDsKIUq1XbDmOF0w760_8OtOFvjEm_eJuijv8yOmsRgyrarSZeyZkLvahHlPw/w400-h300/20230531_172825.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Prior to Shatterpoint's arrival, something equally appealing arrived - the first (of the three I purchased) starters for <b>Black Powder: Epic Battles Waterloo</b>. One of the first miniatures rulesets I discovered growing up was a set of Napoleonic rules in the back of a military history book. I found it fascinating. I believe I had discovered Warhammer Fantasy by that point (or discovered it soon after, the two events were almost co-occurrent), but the idea of refighting battles with miniatures is something that I love even today (obviously). Historical miniature games have a specific interest because the context helps add substance to a game. Having my Dark Elves fight your High Elves over some random piece of land in a one-off battle is fun, but why are they fighting, other than their mutual hatred for one another? </p><p>When armies fought in history, they were attempting to achieve some actual goal, in addition to (or in lieu of) destruction of the opponent's army. This is why they would fight so hard to hold a farmhouse that gave them a commanding view of a crossroads, or why they would charge headlong into the opponent's guns, knowing that defeat could mean the end of their way of life. Sure, battling with toys on the table doesn't really convey all of that (other than abstractly with scenario rules), but knowing the 'why' of two armies fighting really makes it all the more interesting, to me.</p><p>Napoleonic warfare is of course one of the best ways to experience historical games, with three general 'types' of unit (infantry, cavalry, and artillery), and numerous subtypes under there. Plus the variety of nationalities and uniforms that take part in the battles, PLUS the wildly varying competence of the generals of the era (between the French marshals, and say, Karl Mack von Leiberich). There's just so much potential for great games.</p><p>These miniatures from Warlord Games are listed as 15mm (despite, apparently, being about 13mm), which is a great scale for large battles, and I've read the rules- it seems like a great system for this period. My dad bought in, as well, and embarrassingly, he's already way ahead of me in assembly and painting (side note, I'm the biggest miniature gamer in the family, and my dad and brother BOTH get more assembled and painted than I do- what the hell is wrong with me?).</p><p>The releases so far cover only the Battle of Waterloo, and the other battles of the Hundred Days, but I'm hoping they expand the range and books to give us other major campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars.</p><p>Anyway, instead of writing, why don't I get working on some minis?</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-46714980907735807972023-02-24T12:59:00.000-05:002023-02-24T12:59:55.827-05:00I bought a Warlord Games Mystery Box, so you don't have to (although why wouldn't you?)<p>As the title says, I purchased one of the most recent batches of mystery boxes from Warlord Games. For those who have not seen these before (and because the description is no longer on the Warlord Games store), these are boxes filled with random miniatures, books, items, and whatnot from Warlord Games. You will roughly get about twice the value of the box (these were sold at 120$), but you get a random assortment of items, so it may or may not be useful to you.</p><p>For me, personally, I don't really own that much in the way of Warlord Games product. I own a couple of Bolt Action armies, the start of a Konflikt '47 army... and that is about it. However, I am pretty interested in quite a number of their games, including their various naval games. Heck, maybe I'll get something for one of those games. All part of the excitement!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxXLnUuZKG5dmQzzp749O5cTrWykGA7PL0nnFWtHYt_h0EyG3rFWY7DWsTtLF0kBGNe8tkJH-gNogybz-EZavvoMr6yrEGzfLyaodgm4MpU3RwW5VUTbaZmrFjXL8A_wuu5HQN38Nz8uX0xeuoqO_jH4-Pdbg939r11n9UQTRCxWgwd5TD-HFcqVr1g/s640/family-guy-mystery-box.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxXLnUuZKG5dmQzzp749O5cTrWykGA7PL0nnFWtHYt_h0EyG3rFWY7DWsTtLF0kBGNe8tkJH-gNogybz-EZavvoMr6yrEGzfLyaodgm4MpU3RwW5VUTbaZmrFjXL8A_wuu5HQN38Nz8uX0xeuoqO_jH4-Pdbg939r11n9UQTRCxWgwd5TD-HFcqVr1g/w400-h300/family-guy-mystery-box.gif" width="400" /></a></div><p>I didn't have any particular expectations of the box. I assumed I would end up with some Bolt Action stuff, a random hobby item, and a book of some sort, but the rest... well, the rest was a mystery. So, let's see what came, shall we? In no particular order...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERtbnJNBrkJL1fJkJQcBl6dWdPwWvKi3SvYXwuWg6Yn57wNlwK9n8KyJ-2U2Os9w53chSmTbPcLJTTz3AxAp8LbwMteLmBzlq3JpoHg6eE9nPBw6iHq4_acXtRBpvGRGlAjc9FR8Q9bJ7KrIn5cL4zZm39G6JpF8PScmhprv4ol2z64zFkzQjGqlF7A/s1000/20230222_185312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERtbnJNBrkJL1fJkJQcBl6dWdPwWvKi3SvYXwuWg6Yn57wNlwK9n8KyJ-2U2Os9w53chSmTbPcLJTTz3AxAp8LbwMteLmBzlq3JpoHg6eE9nPBw6iHq4_acXtRBpvGRGlAjc9FR8Q9bJ7KrIn5cL4zZm39G6JpF8PScmhprv4ol2z64zFkzQjGqlF7A/w400-h300/20230222_185312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Oooh, a <b>Marder III Ausf. M</b> for Bolt Action! Off to a great start, as it is not only a model for a game I play, but an army that I have miniatures for already. Very exciting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGqGfQgfL95y1HxDg3NXn42AM56v0HELrcb9Jk11Dx_BYkhgxr9cTVgjmkqYBggswOrcPZ0H11oz2Y2vVBr9ZK83aBqBQEu_IVNLdMOTNV9e9FQDj0caC9XeSBzBTw8xLB-LUvHZK3xXTO44OZVQf5MC0DlYccknvZeANzgOGOw5eRh_TvWGdGrALhA/s674/20230222_185526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="674" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGqGfQgfL95y1HxDg3NXn42AM56v0HELrcb9Jk11Dx_BYkhgxr9cTVgjmkqYBggswOrcPZ0H11oz2Y2vVBr9ZK83aBqBQEu_IVNLdMOTNV9e9FQDj0caC9XeSBzBTw8xLB-LUvHZK3xXTO44OZVQf5MC0DlYccknvZeANzgOGOw5eRh_TvWGdGrALhA/w400-h348/20230222_185526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Six <b>Humbrol Acrylic paint pots</b>. This is not a brand I have experience with, or know anything about. It looks like the brand is well regarded, however, and these paints can be thinned and used in an airbrush (which I don't have). They do not seem to list the colors on the pot itself though, which seemed atypical.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCAoGdVpwAUJOn2wEaUdGOqalKbAGl3dqOWsVYTVivD8PoEi1_5s_nKLxqWi6m_iB_xtSfvpzjanBJ4bx3UkAI-Nyd_ghqit7siTet67zS3xkERXeev6MDvYOHgHye4pyNww0g4G1s7xxuY5o4Sl9f94TSu0m0wjTtem40kf2dfnJSpsB3KFGtHvlJw/s678/20230222_185556.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="678" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCAoGdVpwAUJOn2wEaUdGOqalKbAGl3dqOWsVYTVivD8PoEi1_5s_nKLxqWi6m_iB_xtSfvpzjanBJ4bx3UkAI-Nyd_ghqit7siTet67zS3xkERXeev6MDvYOHgHye4pyNww0g4G1s7xxuY5o4Sl9f94TSu0m0wjTtem40kf2dfnJSpsB3KFGtHvlJw/w400-h301/20230222_185556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The pots have an identifying number on the top, however, and these correspond to a chart (<a href="https://d63oxfkn1m8sf.cloudfront.net/7616/6980/5182/Humbrol_-_Shade_Chart_28-11-22_Online_Version_Web.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>). The chart also contains color matching information with other brands (starting on page 8), and provides information on the top of finish, which I really like. Heck, I am impressed with this brand, even before I've opened one of these pots up. Pretty fantastic for something I had not heard of prior to opening the mystery box.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ufpoEEdE72XWbA-dtj45Rm2XmphHQxk__rJ5LbB1Dg_DHmvG-1sZk6w_eR7AiJj10KbMV3B3VAontH01oO0WXlXbGj5M1fCU-qPQofXYz5mUFx7eLiQlcWT1tgTxsh7ctDPLtDiArFm-VEQgtl0BNBkSa_e-x1HFgoURUg1pY8vOYep1BIPN21wcQQ/s846/20230222_185622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="681" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ufpoEEdE72XWbA-dtj45Rm2XmphHQxk__rJ5LbB1Dg_DHmvG-1sZk6w_eR7AiJj10KbMV3B3VAontH01oO0WXlXbGj5M1fCU-qPQofXYz5mUFx7eLiQlcWT1tgTxsh7ctDPLtDiArFm-VEQgtl0BNBkSa_e-x1HFgoURUg1pY8vOYep1BIPN21wcQQ/w323-h400/20230222_185622.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><p>A <b>Nachtalben Squad</b> box for Konflikt '47. More details for this can be found <a href="https://us.warlordgames.com/products/konflikt-47-nachtalben-squad">here</a>. Again, these are miniatures I do not own for a game and army I play, so this was an exciting find. Having a unit of Tough, Elite, and Fast troops available to add to my force is fantastic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLVGm0FtJCRn2Ni_bn1-8zcqdBlDyFMLwUGQ-FTEbrDT0coo4v12XYctXsitKo1cseCZjkuQ1cduHUNBn4blHteahLJ92s96PIwSEulW3bcxmRm_ozOXJNM2ScqXO-isnyliTX0votkoKVRPltrN-TeR85FJLfNIejFVkQ6mgsnSIGBVwf41Jzb-P6Q/s754/20230222_185709.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="518" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLVGm0FtJCRn2Ni_bn1-8zcqdBlDyFMLwUGQ-FTEbrDT0coo4v12XYctXsitKo1cseCZjkuQ1cduHUNBn4blHteahLJ92s96PIwSEulW3bcxmRm_ozOXJNM2ScqXO-isnyliTX0votkoKVRPltrN-TeR85FJLfNIejFVkQ6mgsnSIGBVwf41Jzb-P6Q/w275-h400/20230222_185709.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p>Another Bolt Action selection, this time a <b>Belgian Chasseurs Ardennais FRC 76mm Infantry Gun</b> (more info <a href="https://us.warlordgames.com/products/belgian-chasseurs-dardennais-frc-76mm-infantry-gun">here</a>). I don't play Belgians (yet!), but this is still a fun inclusion, because artillery pieces seem like they would be quite enjoyable to paint and base.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2mygpbglnLkopF1h-itj0jEkjbAGhV6_DD9pOiDoVPMmCA5UvCLQlD56RJEg61AhXL8pUBU6vJAr2NEk_ZjSBDBhqFCqLBQh_6uGXUc-HHYM8BNWAwLD05wYn8hOw-1U0MZsQdlEKO65G1dDe6MMX_oWCyEO_D7D0ES7rDjAMExCSxMUkxdQgEBFlw/s843/20230222_185724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="567" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2mygpbglnLkopF1h-itj0jEkjbAGhV6_DD9pOiDoVPMmCA5UvCLQlD56RJEg61AhXL8pUBU6vJAr2NEk_ZjSBDBhqFCqLBQh_6uGXUc-HHYM8BNWAwLD05wYn8hOw-1U0MZsQdlEKO65G1dDe6MMX_oWCyEO_D7D0ES7rDjAMExCSxMUkxdQgEBFlw/w269-h400/20230222_185724.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><p>A pack of eight metal <b>Hittite Levy Spearmen</b> (more info <a href="https://us.warlordgames.com/products/levy-spearmen-i">here</a>). Now we are looking at some product for games I do not play. Hail Caesar is a game I have purchased the rules for, but the rules did not have any army information included (these were included in a separate supplement), so I just didn't end up getting into it. I believe they just had a second edition come out, however. This is a game I would certainly try, as I love ancients, and I enjoy that rank and file look in my miniature game, but armies look to be upwards of a hundred miniatures, and without a committed opponent, I just can't muster the enthusiasm to get into it on my own. Maybe I just need more historical gaming friends. Anyway, I am not sure I have a current game where I could make use of these guys, but I am sure one of the Osprey wargames probably would give me a place to put them, as they make a number of skirmish-sized games. They will just have to wait in the 'someday projects' box for now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmExOJuf54zzGZer0DmE2GHnJl06FZKzafpHgIRjtBkEJExUja38b-cdniYgbc075hcpPlEt1NRV4AOnF5OIbo3CSsiqDTqA7FymYjJQ9Fsm4nVhIwFOOiayWQeWwxLm3jPCK8W6sQTLgm9saqUfJTTNffLG1YBbhWUqq-AjNWyqNzq35p9CCa5QdCw/s977/20230222_185739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="627" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmExOJuf54zzGZer0DmE2GHnJl06FZKzafpHgIRjtBkEJExUja38b-cdniYgbc075hcpPlEt1NRV4AOnF5OIbo3CSsiqDTqA7FymYjJQ9Fsm4nVhIwFOOiayWQeWwxLm3jPCK8W6sQTLgm9saqUfJTTNffLG1YBbhWUqq-AjNWyqNzq35p9CCa5QdCw/w256-h400/20230222_185739.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p>A pack of three <b>Law Enforcement models for Strontium Dog</b>. I have read that Warlord has ended this line, and I cannot seem to find anything but the rules for it on their website, but I did find an older article with these models painted up <a href="https://www.warlordgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/642215013_Strontium-Dog_Law-Enforcement.jpg">here</a>. Sci-fi cops won't be too hard to find a use for, since I could probably use them in Rogue Stars or Stargrave or something. I cannot quite tell if the scale of these figures matches anything else (although the game is referenced as 28mm heroic scale), but assuming they match some other lines, I am sure they will hit the table at some point.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIby0xQvPHD8xdvlgv8dKgXqGHfWPRogkyW84s2pGcavOen1b2JVqzv6dOomb4iHrs6-sonigEiwp1nac8JGq1YUwpSo21LyBbuuLGLEZXSDuspwcs3AcYFlExa4ISzF9-BNXURKrf776kGV4VKgwVa5Y-hTu8knm0HcL8mbSoS49FeBzf2FyG0u6g7Q/s896/20230222_185758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="896" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIby0xQvPHD8xdvlgv8dKgXqGHfWPRogkyW84s2pGcavOen1b2JVqzv6dOomb4iHrs6-sonigEiwp1nac8JGq1YUwpSo21LyBbuuLGLEZXSDuspwcs3AcYFlExa4ISzF9-BNXURKrf776kGV4VKgwVa5Y-hTu8knm0HcL8mbSoS49FeBzf2FyG0u6g7Q/w400-h275/20230222_185758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_REu4zqFvkht6cEkbTEO5Ma2f7Z3DuZjh8djiY5sQSSIB5hFGIL5kW52sC9mPBhP7T4S3HKpNbSbDxfNHItTAdUXd9txOt8ZCYPmBIDmkAPsNQL5uL2iS4QWbXnKaRum2iLW6ptaPmIIdz-qiiEFcsmNsWmrheLdv5YamZIPxezIZKMhOnBKuHVuEPw/s852/20230222_185807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="852" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_REu4zqFvkht6cEkbTEO5Ma2f7Z3DuZjh8djiY5sQSSIB5hFGIL5kW52sC9mPBhP7T4S3HKpNbSbDxfNHItTAdUXd9txOt8ZCYPmBIDmkAPsNQL5uL2iS4QWbXnKaRum2iLW6ptaPmIIdz-qiiEFcsmNsWmrheLdv5YamZIPxezIZKMhOnBKuHVuEPw/w400-h286/20230222_185807.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A box of <b>Samurai Horsemen</b> for Pike & Shotte (more details, and pictures of the minis <a href="https://us.warlordgames.com/products/samurai-horsemen">here</a>). I have heard good things about Pike & Shotte, but don't own the rules, or really know too much about it. I certainly didn't know they covered feudal Japan. I am not sure where I can use these miniatures yet, but I am certain I have somewhere they can go, although maybe I will get into Pike & Shotte at some point. One never knows. Regardless, this was a fun inclusion, so I am pretty happy about it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_0YUpV1os_DjZKJ5HuCq5EBbCc_Eifq1mLnK0Sx6dTzKzYOR25S1_919qVk7qL9apSI9jq_Clt6KgundmVorTNDlrUORZwu0cBMUTqTaSzi4lt9SYRQaWIMLTDRtXjFl6u_bGXjZ66Gm61t7CD-sb0djeVxbTeiUd--7Kzk_bh8FRsFgiRI_LPJDUA/s894/20230222_185822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="628" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_0YUpV1os_DjZKJ5HuCq5EBbCc_Eifq1mLnK0Sx6dTzKzYOR25S1_919qVk7qL9apSI9jq_Clt6KgundmVorTNDlrUORZwu0cBMUTqTaSzi4lt9SYRQaWIMLTDRtXjFl6u_bGXjZ66Gm61t7CD-sb0djeVxbTeiUd--7Kzk_bh8FRsFgiRI_LPJDUA/w281-h400/20230222_185822.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><p>A <b>Promo Aztec figure</b> for the Mythic Americas game. I think this is just a version of the Warlords of Erehwon game (listed on the blister as well), but I cannot actually find a picture of this miniature anywhere. The range looks pretty cool and colorful, and a random Aztec figure almost certainly has some random games where it can be used. In addition, it is a metal miniature!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh-Np2kNohG3qCweT4-Xawal66lJWNSoax2jSV_WMWsnujMF1ZH6ONQPPoULwkRBgUKWP7EeaHB_IwxCsGQZhBhgemuTjE6_YcDc15yzGNNm1jD1kd0neSz8ix49Zc2XUtuDjtqgMSRjjE92FK-Om3_QuYRA1IxG865s7oNDidmhzzr1wpXyRsHHVFw/s961/20230222_185839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="961" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh-Np2kNohG3qCweT4-Xawal66lJWNSoax2jSV_WMWsnujMF1ZH6ONQPPoULwkRBgUKWP7EeaHB_IwxCsGQZhBhgemuTjE6_YcDc15yzGNNm1jD1kd0neSz8ix49Zc2XUtuDjtqgMSRjjE92FK-Om3_QuYRA1IxG865s7oNDidmhzzr1wpXyRsHHVFw/w400-h265/20230222_185839.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg2IuTUfq_FWXOFn8Ygdw9AahYjgPE6tmlh_3_k4ghhKd9Pu4y8Kyyu4GjORHHaZOgPoQAWR5ycps8B8p3GMfBC5z0BSYF9HJ_ISbaw8DPYH91NSbrhWQayKIwJi9gUJ0Pae72P03RuSA_xtfu7pSUPV-oM-aLa-ovdEAPGBB3taH8PPnifpn2A8rmA/s988/20230222_185854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="988" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg2IuTUfq_FWXOFn8Ygdw9AahYjgPE6tmlh_3_k4ghhKd9Pu4y8Kyyu4GjORHHaZOgPoQAWR5ycps8B8p3GMfBC5z0BSYF9HJ_ISbaw8DPYH91NSbrhWQayKIwJi9gUJ0Pae72P03RuSA_xtfu7pSUPV-oM-aLa-ovdEAPGBB3taH8PPnifpn2A8rmA/w400-h275/20230222_185854.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Next up is a box of <b>Macedonian Pezhetairoi</b> for SPQR (28mm plastic models). There will be quite a number of places I could use these miniatures, but I have also heard quite a lot of good reviews for SPQR. I think I would have to buy another unit and a hero in order to play? And the rules, probably. Anyway, until then, I may just assemble these because I like the way they look.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtU_ZDXkwCnS8JBE0rL4Ax89thgLBWeoKk84MTu4rev0Q1q_chL6A-AV3O9A0u0-w2fmYrPBkiyRyEuw_dHO06dTEoLxvZMobY6blwibmQghRwrM1HmjTRqv5EM07AtvFoUNO89dpdB2XlKMqjHB-32Sc---D2lZII7v0a6mHvwdbMhUhqItxDSlb1Q/s932/20230222_185913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="932" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtU_ZDXkwCnS8JBE0rL4Ax89thgLBWeoKk84MTu4rev0Q1q_chL6A-AV3O9A0u0-w2fmYrPBkiyRyEuw_dHO06dTEoLxvZMobY6blwibmQghRwrM1HmjTRqv5EM07AtvFoUNO89dpdB2XlKMqjHB-32Sc---D2lZII7v0a6mHvwdbMhUhqItxDSlb1Q/w400-h216/20230222_185913.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Next up is a sandbag wall. I can always make use of more terrain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9S0MJMf0SVpkrrJKdZwFDT2nwWWk2UWV-2WSFAWAqYop9wGxi5qZ4dXnLnbdc-M20cp6RDCVRFtVcqUo3pduq8yMWF1G1yoS-1T7SfJmeu806wI0Vg2BYn2hkq5rTNlMedDvxETTyFdgvq3wIJhNg7FxjRlHnQMhHps_A6YwlLhHE2i3SKNrl3wCiQ/s529/20230222_185941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="506" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9S0MJMf0SVpkrrJKdZwFDT2nwWWk2UWV-2WSFAWAqYop9wGxi5qZ4dXnLnbdc-M20cp6RDCVRFtVcqUo3pduq8yMWF1G1yoS-1T7SfJmeu806wI0Vg2BYn2hkq5rTNlMedDvxETTyFdgvq3wIJhNg7FxjRlHnQMhHps_A6YwlLhHE2i3SKNrl3wCiQ/w383-h400/20230222_185941.jpg" width="383" /></a></div><p>This is actually the February purchase promo, which was not part of the mystery box, per se, but since he arrived due to the order of the mystery box, I will include him here. This is <b>Eisensturmtruppe Kühn</b>, a replacement NCO for a Wehrmacht Heavy Infantry Squad for Konflikt '47. More info <a href="https://us.warlordgames.com/products/nachladen-wehrmacht-heavy-infantryman-soldier-of-fortune-february-2023-figure">here</a>. I own Germans for Konflikt '47, and the miniature looks nice, so this was a nice bonus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8509ShEOTl19uO-bGieiFxRvS56wJUjo9_ZgCMEZ7aXAGFitFINyiW6mxfLQP0HBRTAbQuzVuBQMZFiSFnf3LsGeFJmdkDQqRN9mP2EnifQex5G99fikCxyuTj5885B8ilg8LFO9jqSRs9iVZzEfVxTI1wcwn16FR8BKQ7PUiK1SxWd4Ld4z2ncy_gA/s624/20230222_190043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="624" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8509ShEOTl19uO-bGieiFxRvS56wJUjo9_ZgCMEZ7aXAGFitFINyiW6mxfLQP0HBRTAbQuzVuBQMZFiSFnf3LsGeFJmdkDQqRN9mP2EnifQex5G99fikCxyuTj5885B8ilg8LFO9jqSRs9iVZzEfVxTI1wcwn16FR8BKQ7PUiK1SxWd4Ld4z2ncy_gA/w400-h205/20230222_190043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I vaguely remember a mention in the description that each mystery box would contain something that was about to come out, or newly released. For me, that would be these guys, an <b>Italian Bersaglieri Sniper Team</b> for Bolt Action (more info <a href="https://us.warlordgames.com/products/italian-bersaglieri-weapons-teams">here</a>). Very nicely detailed, although I wish they would have included at least some hint in the box what these were- it took me a bit to track them down! The much-maligned Italians are not an army I play in Bolt Action, but they have a lot of fun looking vehicles, so these may see the table in the way they were intended someday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYexW8dh7NJUyudHNYeKM8KRQQrd_O2DxTm3nI3igaFRrWT8UPX5qlG0B7VbWuDEyu50Kf1DfcdemiupSKUCHiKRWwVV71NuIohkC6XEdNadD3MRMglt06VyIaRENiRqDvMxdyLiHm5mcQKxMCAFhPv4P4FpwkuyevFItbKzd_yrDFzxeQCFWKcf4vA/s925/20230222_190155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="719" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYexW8dh7NJUyudHNYeKM8KRQQrd_O2DxTm3nI3igaFRrWT8UPX5qlG0B7VbWuDEyu50Kf1DfcdemiupSKUCHiKRWwVV71NuIohkC6XEdNadD3MRMglt06VyIaRENiRqDvMxdyLiHm5mcQKxMCAFhPv4P4FpwkuyevFItbKzd_yrDFzxeQCFWKcf4vA/w311-h400/20230222_190155.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_OOn-r-A0KtqtwtaclKJqbsJREXd2x4LXLUIgKqnSEn5hIpkl044eOQzId7HIEAJOTb5q6pwBfJmZJTu_DIe3WXaeE_netR5QZY057NpDh6hD85JmKw7dEp8_V1VsdnLFH7efU7mtTZBPM4345_rgFmfFe6LSC111WWkRyImEIMn4wimT1DS7P3quA/s1000/20230222_190208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_OOn-r-A0KtqtwtaclKJqbsJREXd2x4LXLUIgKqnSEn5hIpkl044eOQzId7HIEAJOTb5q6pwBfJmZJTu_DIe3WXaeE_netR5QZY057NpDh6hD85JmKw7dEp8_V1VsdnLFH7efU7mtTZBPM4345_rgFmfFe6LSC111WWkRyImEIMn4wimT1DS7P3quA/w400-h300/20230222_190208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>And finally, a book- <b>Wildcat Aces of World War 2</b>, all about the history and pilots of the F4F Wildcat. Lots of color plates in the book for whenever I have a need to work on some Wildcat models, and the book has a lot of period photos. This is going to be a nice read- I love military history books, and I am not overly picky about my topics.</p><p>So, there you have it. My mystery box has arrived, I have opened it, and I have showed you the contents. Is it worth it? Price-wise, absolutely, they advertise that as part of the draw. Past that, it is going to depend more on what you're expecting. There is a lot of different genres and eras covered in this box, and that certainly isn't going to appeal to everyone. On the other hand, I enjoy the variety, and even though I don't have an immediate use for every item in the box, not a single inclusion is worthless to me, as I can see at least *some* case where I would make use of it. So it's definitely a win as far as I'm concerned. </p><p>Sadly, no boats in this box. Maybe you'll have better luck!</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-60345876885425120052023-01-25T12:08:00.003-05:002023-01-25T12:08:30.102-05:00Orgoth Sea Raiders MKIV Core Army Starter Unboxing<p>It has arrived! MKIV is here!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLq9oLBcShkkmkoXruMQFwyTPjjkBk27XsMIGu2gRC-3MguY4CmLxN-3syj4FKc87aqOAE8pXeX2e6b2l_iIbvoZbGawORlyNk3hXqUucyo3Oa6cEQBXCXctoqVG0pgql_eInHUCrxb07FuFfeDQmhopFJLf2E81yL4Lwv06BPNBM_j_SJOfUmAgmfw/s1600/20230120_060125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of Sea Raiders army starter" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLq9oLBcShkkmkoXruMQFwyTPjjkBk27XsMIGu2gRC-3MguY4CmLxN-3syj4FKc87aqOAE8pXeX2e6b2l_iIbvoZbGawORlyNk3hXqUucyo3Oa6cEQBXCXctoqVG0pgql_eInHUCrxb07FuFfeDQmhopFJLf2E81yL4Lwv06BPNBM_j_SJOfUmAgmfw/w400-h300/20230120_060125.jpg" title="Sea Raiders army starter" width="400" /></a><p><i>Ooooooh</i></p></div><p>Nice looking box, with a colorful picture of what is included. It seems a bit peculiar to me to have the battlegroup painted in the picture, but have the rest of the models included pictured unpainted. I think painted models make the box more attractive, and therefore more likely to grab the random gamer's eye. Heck, GW uses painted minis on their boxes, and one has to think they do it for a reason. If not, then why paint the battlegroup? An odd choice. Anyway, box construction is okay. Not too flimsy, and doesn't take too much space. The magnets on the side were included in the purchase, and are important for assembling the warjacks.</p><p>Let's look inside the box:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3S4tpYfXXlkMcWBmhg5jix9qIOD7TB-oeiKyjYkWTfq2ezaJAx_daQtNF7hH-Gr431ZILIQT1Mf-UTZOHvX0jljANaGX4Qq4LJhNiNTX_wTMH7B5JPpURsEO4JH8e8ZduSpbB58NG8zcfwiXRMkhtz-WHnmwWDRYtCskEKxvreWHchaet7KJX-rBvw/s1600/20230120_162611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3S4tpYfXXlkMcWBmhg5jix9qIOD7TB-oeiKyjYkWTfq2ezaJAx_daQtNF7hH-Gr431ZILIQT1Mf-UTZOHvX0jljANaGX4Qq4LJhNiNTX_wTMH7B5JPpURsEO4JH8e8ZduSpbB58NG8zcfwiXRMkhtz-WHnmwWDRYtCskEKxvreWHchaet7KJX-rBvw/w400-h300/20230120_162611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1nICxO5LZQb_e-H2VABtMnQH15yQWSuLUAZK0RJdCW1leRXewxOtwMgEb-v8fScjxAsosuzlaxwFS2yXI4hHBYDXrOV9YiulJR8ZSMfKIfxqzhQl18buT5XBALkuxmQ1G_cslI67G91u-9MP4neZLUKm91HQN0J0IMmMYG1fvm_znVXypQ3HaEA5uw/s1600/20230120_162627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1nICxO5LZQb_e-H2VABtMnQH15yQWSuLUAZK0RJdCW1leRXewxOtwMgEb-v8fScjxAsosuzlaxwFS2yXI4hHBYDXrOV9YiulJR8ZSMfKIfxqzhQl18buT5XBALkuxmQ1G_cslI67G91u-9MP4neZLUKm91HQN0J0IMmMYG1fvm_znVXypQ3HaEA5uw/w400-h300/20230120_162627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Inside the large box are four smaller boxes that make a nice little piece of art. It also comes with a sheet giving you a bunch of additional information, suggestions on next purchases, and basic instructions on working with the materials. No complaints here.</p><p>The boxes are numbered one through four (probably for helping them pack them), so let's take a quick look at the contents of each box:</p><p>Box 1:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMvMyA-gngtTjyw4Ow_qn-yoMwkX4qkg__zQsnK9Sk2McknPvL2FLq1DzumKuiAvUGSOIXfzn7Q9qTNS8tmw53g7nUESHRTz5cN67_YFKRv324r5w_Nox4zkYLzjqiqlyb34J_0VNh5O9YskwPCr3W2OVM5vnbJeqsjxvxbI29rnAHW-fEUHcMNwWLw/s1458/20230120_162727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1458" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMvMyA-gngtTjyw4Ow_qn-yoMwkX4qkg__zQsnK9Sk2McknPvL2FLq1DzumKuiAvUGSOIXfzn7Q9qTNS8tmw53g7nUESHRTz5cN67_YFKRv324r5w_Nox4zkYLzjqiqlyb34J_0VNh5O9YskwPCr3W2OVM5vnbJeqsjxvxbI29rnAHW-fEUHcMNwWLw/w400-h289/20230120_162727.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Box 2:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqeRAs6clRWzcd85W1U3M8ZW5WpHz8adWShGbhgr5BUiToHI3CURVM8ICBJcg5v0QoV5NVqmBDUNyYDMbNxWK56ShztKEuL_cW26sSA98Rx570YffGDODddVrO6pmPFAWP3wxSlpkX_dh3G0o4g01cOjboUZRc8rwgQ5SyyamvMXmRw0pDPuicjPsYA/s1518/20230120_165650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1518" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqeRAs6clRWzcd85W1U3M8ZW5WpHz8adWShGbhgr5BUiToHI3CURVM8ICBJcg5v0QoV5NVqmBDUNyYDMbNxWK56ShztKEuL_cW26sSA98Rx570YffGDODddVrO6pmPFAWP3wxSlpkX_dh3G0o4g01cOjboUZRc8rwgQ5SyyamvMXmRw0pDPuicjPsYA/w400-h235/20230120_165650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Box 3:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphY2rGG9PiieAAFDbznxjyrB3xGG6cQ4huqOc-UbkqtgQ08kPufx-MtL_ld-t3fBp3jCbCe7sGZDBZpnpy8SxylHRSr3qgmHfH1NmSmufLphyv4YH_siajXacFXf_sOLvksAaVYXyvIDaSDDwq5X1cy5ay-FxDq1gLd_DoHF1lyIxu4h_YDfhNzKsrA/s1599/20230120_170303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1599" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphY2rGG9PiieAAFDbznxjyrB3xGG6cQ4huqOc-UbkqtgQ08kPufx-MtL_ld-t3fBp3jCbCe7sGZDBZpnpy8SxylHRSr3qgmHfH1NmSmufLphyv4YH_siajXacFXf_sOLvksAaVYXyvIDaSDDwq5X1cy5ay-FxDq1gLd_DoHF1lyIxu4h_YDfhNzKsrA/w400-h191/20230120_170303.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Finally, box 4:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIStbUF4g7zqrcz7WrCtEP9vtPd_nGRxeDZesUjLaHnBc-St3WuxenkKaJKNYtlda3C8jbndgdAVgoV84hinq_CueChiDBDHdGO_kkY5T-InLZ38Ne7Iqbnk1ib6z0C_9vWpLy_8nj-6ffMk5arpymwoFOEsY6UXBNA3uQklx1p6oOFiapvFHMd88gQ/s850/20230120_170331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="850" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIStbUF4g7zqrcz7WrCtEP9vtPd_nGRxeDZesUjLaHnBc-St3WuxenkKaJKNYtlda3C8jbndgdAVgoV84hinq_CueChiDBDHdGO_kkY5T-InLZ38Ne7Iqbnk1ib6z0C_9vWpLy_8nj-6ffMk5arpymwoFOEsY6UXBNA3uQklx1p6oOFiapvFHMd88gQ/w400-h264/20230120_170331.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We've seen this packaging style with the preview battle boxes. It works, although it is not very exciting. It did cause a bit of breakage then. As we shall see, there was some damage this time, as well.</p><p>The empty box four did make me chuckle- I'm glad they included the note that it was intentional, however.</p><p>Let's have a look at the minis, starting with the warcaster, Kishtaar, the Howling Silence:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevOKx5EGSwdxrMmoTnJZ6YjJ0XllLEUNjbUk7u7LRakUuMiTAzo8-wb8mZ1UJR4jmWMUwlrJ-0avnhs0KJZpLoWe-6ey-acGdqVEaWy09ldF3ZLSVLTAreiuwa_uYc6QdLnyyXso2FISK37BatD4ytvP6PwNs3-_J6W8UmBru7KaT6ckIirvvcWHeRQ/s1498/20230120_170708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1498" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevOKx5EGSwdxrMmoTnJZ6YjJ0XllLEUNjbUk7u7LRakUuMiTAzo8-wb8mZ1UJR4jmWMUwlrJ-0avnhs0KJZpLoWe-6ey-acGdqVEaWy09ldF3ZLSVLTAreiuwa_uYc6QdLnyyXso2FISK37BatD4ytvP6PwNs3-_J6W8UmBru7KaT6ckIirvvcWHeRQ/w400-h269/20230120_170708.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>It's a one-piece model! That is really quite impressive, and I feel like this would have been pretty tough to manage prior to the 3D printing. Looks great!</p><p>Now, the warjacks:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXtouBEPhT1g2FxAwvPPAMjRzMURBTKKo5fOU2rKTaRM-5Bi_iFr01UDQxhQ2KFnoc4bpHhXVkGLe9bpShYh8rFtrtoKMx0Ka4qSCa1bP6whg5P31yHSgpGCP3wVOb67etUgT-Z2tUlRhfVORF5_WLT3UW6kl18PsLt8zV-kVRrKfpFdc9SeEQg8P1A/s1747/20230120_172325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1747" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXtouBEPhT1g2FxAwvPPAMjRzMURBTKKo5fOU2rKTaRM-5Bi_iFr01UDQxhQ2KFnoc4bpHhXVkGLe9bpShYh8rFtrtoKMx0Ka4qSCa1bP6whg5P31yHSgpGCP3wVOb67etUgT-Z2tUlRhfVORF5_WLT3UW6kl18PsLt8zV-kVRrKfpFdc9SeEQg8P1A/w400-h261/20230120_172325.jpg" width="400" /></a><p><i>Jackal</i></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1qKRoapMh8_RP0lMUScXp9xvnO5se1ub50kfcL3TKRMmrinpRY5QrC_1FpzK6WUa27OgvkpAm7FLZyYkRwqKd7GtGREJLt4dEEr5GjmD_6atbRLgXuk5WdKb28kgQryllJbk9cpqrHu-23uunyBw_bGYWlPurJO_tZhodDz08fpfVI255ar1ZDAIPQ/s1546/20230120_170512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="1498" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1qKRoapMh8_RP0lMUScXp9xvnO5se1ub50kfcL3TKRMmrinpRY5QrC_1FpzK6WUa27OgvkpAm7FLZyYkRwqKd7GtGREJLt4dEEr5GjmD_6atbRLgXuk5WdKb28kgQryllJbk9cpqrHu-23uunyBw_bGYWlPurJO_tZhodDz08fpfVI255ar1ZDAIPQ/w388-h400/20230120_170512.jpg" width="388" /></a><p><i>Tyrant</i></p></div><p>A few things I notice - first, it looks like they have changed the resin mixture some since the preview battlegroups. These minis are a different color (a bit darker), and seem to be slightly more flexible than the preview ones. Still great detail, and it seems like there are slightly fewer layer lines (which I didn't find too bad to begin with). </p><p>Another change- the torso and legs (and shoulder pads) are attached! There is literally no pre-assembly for these models, other than attaching the magnets. That's... really something. Even that flail for the Tyrant comes assembled. The assembly was very easy, but removing another step is fantastic. Great job, PP!</p><p>On the less positive side, there is the first of my breakages for the Jackals' hand. I could have taken a better picture, but the open hand for the Jackal has a finger broken off. This happened a little with the preview boxes- fortunately the pieces glue back together nicely, but it is still a little disappointing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFboHiIFP4KOqf2w07o3gXLSP-CTR2RhwXfe4ZssgJdM8os1qmytaEBt-Y30w5KNn-ilBAVC7mvLlG3sCOtGuzXBshULRvTtTdl1V40y1_sSSwHEnkXMZHgqzVYuJfv_gh41k8v39I3j-mR1Z9uPkxVOxTz5GAJdnI8Zt73op3dBvzvbBM5KgwMPjcQ/s1296/20230120_172439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1187" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFboHiIFP4KOqf2w07o3gXLSP-CTR2RhwXfe4ZssgJdM8os1qmytaEBt-Y30w5KNn-ilBAVC7mvLlG3sCOtGuzXBshULRvTtTdl1V40y1_sSSwHEnkXMZHgqzVYuJfv_gh41k8v39I3j-mR1Z9uPkxVOxTz5GAJdnI8Zt73op3dBvzvbBM5KgwMPjcQ/w366-h400/20230120_172439.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><p>Next up are the Strike Reavers. Three parts, with good detail, and what looks to be extremely easy assembly. No issues here, but these look and feel closer to the preview battle box resin. Maybe this will mean they are a bit more brittle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRdJu5q_Rk-QMV3n0ms5HsS3O1EhJ26x2H3bkXxgD1nS5fOR2owwIwHKgL1myXLg7K6pktijwiWoKBnVle-dHZ4W1d3f4VEsvTv2tIMXGlEku-0bmrCnpXLRczxgblSmt9Uix7MlBHDS6M8Ad0pq2f5oxUfOktGIX0OY1IeoB3HZq7MNiG6G7JmXknw/s1530/20230120_172627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1530" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRdJu5q_Rk-QMV3n0ms5HsS3O1EhJ26x2H3bkXxgD1nS5fOR2owwIwHKgL1myXLg7K6pktijwiWoKBnVle-dHZ4W1d3f4VEsvTv2tIMXGlEku-0bmrCnpXLRczxgblSmt9Uix7MlBHDS6M8Ad0pq2f5oxUfOktGIX0OY1IeoB3HZq7MNiG6G7JmXknw/w400-h206/20230120_172627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Reaver Commander is four pieces, which is a bit surprising. I am not sure what the (F) signifies on the label. Lots of detail on these minis, if you have not seen them in person yet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXBDcgN0NM30SpFzWtYSCXf52ZyCuRQegyjBuqFzHUeJrLIEL6od2SCLP9LfD4fi7iONrWL0mn8N_RXzWNjGGuvHrfVJESMnKZieHbCUw-Ld-GG_9HPg6YFtkAGyfQlSrgcUn4DIG9DioHzATtxCYJrtAi8gpvHqiQlKeKhNV-_adyplMV1j9uN7xZw/s2000/20230120_172730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXBDcgN0NM30SpFzWtYSCXf52ZyCuRQegyjBuqFzHUeJrLIEL6od2SCLP9LfD4fi7iONrWL0mn8N_RXzWNjGGuvHrfVJESMnKZieHbCUw-Ld-GG_9HPg6YFtkAGyfQlSrgcUn4DIG9DioHzATtxCYJrtAi8gpvHqiQlKeKhNV-_adyplMV1j9uN7xZw/w400-h300/20230120_172730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Assault Reaver unit look fantastic, but here you can see I had quite a number of broken pieces on the spears. I am sure I can repair them, but historically Privateer Press has been very good about replacements, and I have heard people getting replacements for broken pieces. If I have to go that route, I will, but I'll see if I can handle this on my own, first. I admit to being a little disappointed here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ4ZQW1N7jDYNEQl74xVCtILqbJMhmw-TSFXtlDVdTCSur3fJGEFt4HAqSv-RxqEh88WFzKVSfAkZ3AY5dZDER3HRlq7r5Jpdei0XvCd3Z0rg0lswDiUNhr1zLeEymAZD1EmnhNo9NUdfdB4xmApKrBtFA37UpS8VTD7QTnqItaTsjdiDD21OYTcXjQ/s2000/20230120_172907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ4ZQW1N7jDYNEQl74xVCtILqbJMhmw-TSFXtlDVdTCSur3fJGEFt4HAqSv-RxqEh88WFzKVSfAkZ3AY5dZDER3HRlq7r5Jpdei0XvCd3Z0rg0lswDiUNhr1zLeEymAZD1EmnhNo9NUdfdB4xmApKrBtFA37UpS8VTD7QTnqItaTsjdiDD21OYTcXjQ/w400-h300/20230120_172907.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Here are the Reaver Standard Bearers (one for each unit). I wish these would have had slightly different sculpts (maybe a different banner- I am showing you the front and back of the banner in this picture). Seems like something that would not have been too difficult. As is, they do look good, so no real complaints.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9fEJ-KuoEp4LRL9nAScPzZDXbVab88uSOOzYUHSMabKlr0dxQmUaltPI2iYKAoFmiVDINRSztNgUvPV9F_ZitFl5UyKMW4r1Z5USQ4QKSHMWasF4T7nF-QI39JvVVJnlaBh3Hd_59jBHoLO9JtKORl-whCCNQ_aPqrO3u_26UVoVHoCBuVZEC9WIJw/s2000/20230120_173346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9fEJ-KuoEp4LRL9nAScPzZDXbVab88uSOOzYUHSMabKlr0dxQmUaltPI2iYKAoFmiVDINRSztNgUvPV9F_ZitFl5UyKMW4r1Z5USQ4QKSHMWasF4T7nF-QI39JvVVJnlaBh3Hd_59jBHoLO9JtKORl-whCCNQ_aPqrO3u_26UVoVHoCBuVZEC9WIJw/w400-h300/20230120_173346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Warwitch Coven. I have no real comments, these look good, and aren't broken.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiym92teZfPJXCaanYu7UrjGCeW8pNJLXhPDNYWRoGCIheG5-8kHsfws0rVOdn1Zjrf7VmbCkdgDMuclIW5bO76JUFFQe-6dXz-U8Fl8id91YYy1iHSJRFKbH2BXAodmN_EWi5aVb-wWSENBzDjJKNQZw4MnKl0CASzN-ks6E2v_WwZUTDGk2sfZd52vw/s2000/20230120_173608.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiym92teZfPJXCaanYu7UrjGCeW8pNJLXhPDNYWRoGCIheG5-8kHsfws0rVOdn1Zjrf7VmbCkdgDMuclIW5bO76JUFFQe-6dXz-U8Fl8id91YYy1iHSJRFKbH2BXAodmN_EWi5aVb-wWSENBzDjJKNQZw4MnKl0CASzN-ks6E2v_WwZUTDGk2sfZd52vw/w400-h300/20230120_173608.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Finally, the Ulkor Barragers, who look great, but I do wonder why the head isn't a single piece with the torso like the Reavers. The two armed weapons don't fill me with joy, because I have had some bad assembly experience with such models in the past, but assembly for these miniatures have been remarkably easy, so I'll reserve judgment for now.</p><p>Overall, these models look great, the game looks great, and I'm eager to get them on the table (happening in February!). There is some breakage in this set, which I suspect I can get replaced from PP, but I'm not expecting the fixes to be too difficult, so will likely do them myself. I can't wait to get these models on the table, and hopefully writing some battle reports!</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-11980670722958520002022-12-31T09:00:00.001-05:002022-12-31T09:00:00.177-05:00My 2022 retrospective, and a bit of looking forward into 2023<p>It has been quite an odd year for me. With the new child and long commute to and
from work, I did not get as many opportunities for gaming as I usually do, but
still pushed myself to try some new things and move my hobby status forward.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let's start with some numbers: I managed 60 plays, spread
out over eight different games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My most
played game was Marvel: Crisis Protocol at 30 total plays (some of these being
two plays to finish a single game on Tabletop Simulator).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of my gaming was miniatures games (36
plays - MCP, Warmachine, Skytear, and Core Space), followed by card gaming (20
plays - all Marvel Champions).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
the least amount of gaming I have done in several years, but with the one year
old, that's not surprising, nor is it likely to change for a bit.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With that said, I did manage to accomplish a few things this
past year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">First, I actually did a good job getting some painting
done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My painting situation changed, but
I have a good schedule for it now, still managed to complete some models
(Stormsmith Storm Tower, and Sir Dreyfus), and have a few painting projects in
the works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am getting more comfortable
with painting, which should finally result in me completing projects faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Based on the 'painting points' system I've
used in the past, I only managed 7 points this year (down from the previous
year's 11), but I think I'm in good position to beat that by quite a bit next
year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Second, I finally played in a miniatures game
tournament!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played in a Marvel: Crisis
Protocol tournament back in September, going 2-1, good enough for second place
(losing only to the eventual winner).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
played a Dark Dimension/Wakanda roster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My game results:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Game 1 - Win with Dark Dimension against Web Warriors<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Game 2 - Loss with Wakanda into SHIELD<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KAKuS3vK-Ij_IGAOqmS4sN0qpA8-YMpDyTuyQRkaJ7oB0ce-HM-EA4MiNgQPmR2jFeBV_ARhezmTdoHaooyi2Psyfnc7u49gIl7-TAlF9uHcTcHtBviGRRQSoBCKYnrbm87yQwbY8ayHZD_Af7BXiVi2u7tA8XCVtPuZrVhHsOLKjONaRCsS-3rhXw/s4000/20220924_131903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KAKuS3vK-Ij_IGAOqmS4sN0qpA8-YMpDyTuyQRkaJ7oB0ce-HM-EA4MiNgQPmR2jFeBV_ARhezmTdoHaooyi2Psyfnc7u49gIl7-TAlF9uHcTcHtBviGRRQSoBCKYnrbm87yQwbY8ayHZD_Af7BXiVi2u7tA8XCVtPuZrVhHsOLKjONaRCsS-3rhXw/w300-h400/20220924_131903.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Game 3 - Win with Dark Dimension against X-Men.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XQocz3UlKtB74OhyZ4e5UhXdolWpvQto_bs0NqvbABpVNk6IrQ6wIDQpYIHmqe1-tp-J-dVA_1SdR3IcdDkPdQSf86j9L6g7KKvuvUKCyg34G9ARb1Ft3xPqR7cPNT4gV3JWTsijZ5exwKyBf_oEZN6OOIGe0X2U0EjHKX-MRclMi-F_9jkMtEJ1YA/s4000/20220924_152328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XQocz3UlKtB74OhyZ4e5UhXdolWpvQto_bs0NqvbABpVNk6IrQ6wIDQpYIHmqe1-tp-J-dVA_1SdR3IcdDkPdQSf86j9L6g7KKvuvUKCyg34G9ARb1Ft3xPqR7cPNT4gV3JWTsijZ5exwKyBf_oEZN6OOIGe0X2U0EjHKX-MRclMi-F_9jkMtEJ1YA/w400-h300/20220924_152328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I felt good about all three games, even the loss, and
finally feel comfortable with both Dark Dimension and Wakanda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall, a very positive experience that
leaves me eager for more chances to play. Also, I got a sweet trophy!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gQx1cL713uK98gof4hPiFMvkxAFpZGpEGR-ZcfXHeGFraf-KdQgEJ7MSLLm1ZFaa4AubD_Dk9Hxo2bAbaVqShwfT2FhtF4wJPPpP-aTXTB26gbobRTYZJVFYs_nDJCY35BMPyO_fqtRT5vPVPpMggYeCi2X3MilsAgX-b79IJ4ZyuhA8wnLulnk0Vw/s4000/20220924_174420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gQx1cL713uK98gof4hPiFMvkxAFpZGpEGR-ZcfXHeGFraf-KdQgEJ7MSLLm1ZFaa4AubD_Dk9Hxo2bAbaVqShwfT2FhtF4wJPPpP-aTXTB26gbobRTYZJVFYs_nDJCY35BMPyO_fqtRT5vPVPpMggYeCi2X3MilsAgX-b79IJ4ZyuhA8wnLulnk0Vw/w300-h400/20220924_174420.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">As I'm thinking about next year, I am not going to bother
with resolutions, because I just don't have the time nor focus to manage
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have some small plans for
next year, however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm finding my
gaming tastes are changing a bit as I get older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went through a phase where I was buying a
ton of old CCGs, mainly for nostalgia, but I realize that I’m just not going to
ever play these games, and don’t want to keep a bunch of games I’m not going to
play in my house. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will sell what I can
and likely trash the rest this upcoming year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This will probably extend past CCGs, if I am being honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love games and gaming… but my time is
unfortunately limited, and that’s unlikely to change for several years.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, I am finding myself more interested in
miniature-agnostic rulesets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example, for Christmas I asked for and received a copy of Xenos Rampant, from
Osprey Games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a science fiction
ruleset without a miniatures line, so I can use all the 40K miniatures I have
laying around, in addition to whatever other miniatures I own (say, Zombicide:
Invader or those from Mantic).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of
these sets of rules seem like a lot of fun, and the financial investment is
minimal (you know, just a rulebook).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will see if I can wrangle someone to trying them out.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am hoping to attend more gaming tournaments this
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am aiming for at least two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These will likely be for Marvel: Crisis
Protocol, but I would love to attend a Warmachine tournament, as I know there
are some within driving distance. One such option that I’m thinking about (and
my brother may join me) is going to NOVA Open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve never gone, but it is certainly somewhere I could drive to (so I
can get home if needed), and it looks like a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll need to start painting more, however,
because I do not want to be the guy running unpainted minis!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to such a large tournament will
certainly results in some pretty one-sided losses, but my ego can handle that-
the larger experience would be great for developing myself as a player on top
of being a lot of fun.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am also hoping to get heavily into Warmachine MKIV (and
hoping I can make it to a tournament in 2023).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My excitement level is certainly high, although I do have some concerns
about the rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the new
miniatures, and am actively painting some, which I hope to complete by the end
of January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With some luck, I can start
getting this new edition on the table soon to see how it stacks up, and see
what the interest locally is.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A few other miniature games are on my list to get on the
table in 2023.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A Song of Ice and Fire is starting to gain some traction with
my group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is great news, since I
bought a bunch of stuff during its initial Kickstarter (as in I have playable
Stark and Lannister armies), but have never managed to get a game in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the group’s interest growing, I decided
to pick up Targaryen as the army I will start with, just to have something
different from everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to
be a little tough, of course, since the dragons feature in so many lists, but
the Mother of Dragons box is extremely expensive (come on, CMON, how about a
reprint?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll make do with other units
until they are available, but having such iconic and unique figures missing is
a bit of a letdown.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My group has not played Malifaux in a long time (since 2018),
but has been calling out to me lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We always liked the rules, but the transition to third edition caused us
all to fall out of the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quite
like the app and current rules, however, and checking it out has really caught
my interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have picked up a few
models in the last couple of months, and would love to play this again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Finally, Bushido is a game I have never played, but I bought
the starter set, and have been reading the rules and looking at the
models.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see myself enjoying
this, so hopefully will invest some time and money into it in the upcoming year
(likely starting with Clan Ito).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, my love of gaming and the miniatures hobby certainly
hasn’t dipped at all, although my available time has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hope is that I can focus on getting some
minis finished and some games played, and work to build on my progress year to
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With luck, maybe I can find some
patient opponents to start writing battle reports again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hope to see you all soon!<o:p></o:p></p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-27179621940108093592022-10-06T12:47:00.003-04:002022-10-06T12:47:53.513-04:00Warmachine MKIV Preview Battlegroups have arrived!<p>Finally!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZyMFNQiUNUk-O7--sNt4uCjGrEOeQuXuqpRO3EombusFCm3jppQYkaJERo36iO960l2IKBIMXaN_OCQUDx2n5nZ-FzQFHR9BbKgNVAC6lPsyFzowMRHmgiwmH5KO3d69QV_PAsHeyvAcW28nHCzV84I6uxUMBQZBY9Mjk53Sz_W1jDJ5S7VsIcgh8Q/s1320/20221005_194604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZyMFNQiUNUk-O7--sNt4uCjGrEOeQuXuqpRO3EombusFCm3jppQYkaJERo36iO960l2IKBIMXaN_OCQUDx2n5nZ-FzQFHR9BbKgNVAC6lPsyFzowMRHmgiwmH5KO3d69QV_PAsHeyvAcW28nHCzV84I6uxUMBQZBY9Mjk53Sz_W1jDJ5S7VsIcgh8Q/w400-h300/20221005_194604.jpg" title="All three battle boxes, with their magnets" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All three battle boxes, with their magnets in the white containers</i></div><p>I didn't have a whole lot of time to dig into them quite yet, but getting these table ready will be my priority. I did get a chance to pop open the Cygnar box, however.</p><p>Inside the Cygnar box:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgNMkGNiaHqHHTZj0KVOWPm2AiVBOpz5PxmF3VVjRJ3tO7Bp6F011rxDapNyav5sjBQ-8kEiKrrVKKRqKWWw2s9v4cPO4gnIN2afJ1Zqc3t7Z4pF12DAYhRu_HrDCqvZJtp6A7sD4utneA0UwJ6lIHnJ-rvzPPUAWfPb6X0mP1L3eJL1XcvynCe0IRA/s1320/20221005_194656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgNMkGNiaHqHHTZj0KVOWPm2AiVBOpz5PxmF3VVjRJ3tO7Bp6F011rxDapNyav5sjBQ-8kEiKrrVKKRqKWWw2s9v4cPO4gnIN2afJ1Zqc3t7Z4pF12DAYhRu_HrDCqvZJtp6A7sD4utneA0UwJ6lIHnJ-rvzPPUAWfPb6X0mP1L3eJL1XcvynCe0IRA/w400-h300/20221005_194656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Packaging for individual models:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3REFRSzjYumOVBRJjJvmACxDzdzA-OH8ZoJlcqRdTEl0DJGem72T8MAdo7iCb3zfAz7lzVRDkrD5OArAy9neMa1RGSajjlci4Mtz2LXNP-9zumBOQRprIak7JUYU1NoEt3c1IyAgA1jNyDY-PwkTjbrHgsTS9yvGMv3SqgjjV6ehOU7JcHwTQLYB6YQ/s1320/20221005_195009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3REFRSzjYumOVBRJjJvmACxDzdzA-OH8ZoJlcqRdTEl0DJGem72T8MAdo7iCb3zfAz7lzVRDkrD5OArAy9neMa1RGSajjlci4Mtz2LXNP-9zumBOQRprIak7JUYU1NoEt3c1IyAgA1jNyDY-PwkTjbrHgsTS9yvGMv3SqgjjV6ehOU7JcHwTQLYB6YQ/w300-h400/20221005_195009.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>There were complaints about pieces breaking, especially the polearms, so seeing them pulled off and packaged to themselves seems pretty smart. I had no breakages in this box, I will mention ahead of time.<div><br /></div><div>Major Anson Wolfe:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsBOs0ntSoLUNAcZLtl3Cnp0pny5c7oEaeyyvo49mt4-4wmwbe4PG3ZAuYjNciLngJjMI7OlFRVK5PTvhtWpaYIWde0LZTr813KPjOcL396FZXDax3vwz5Lk1a5kG-gfx3erh0h6vPPPTR1WYM5lD8Lc5wfKAqkO5TSYCEpxKfYpA6Vxw7aEcCb_6vA/s1320/20221005_195203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsBOs0ntSoLUNAcZLtl3Cnp0pny5c7oEaeyyvo49mt4-4wmwbe4PG3ZAuYjNciLngJjMI7OlFRVK5PTvhtWpaYIWde0LZTr813KPjOcL396FZXDax3vwz5Lk1a5kG-gfx3erh0h6vPPPTR1WYM5lD8Lc5wfKAqkO5TSYCEpxKfYpA6Vxw7aEcCb_6vA/w300-h400/20221005_195203.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Detail looks good, or at least it looks as good as other PP miniature do, to my eyes.<div><br /></div><div>Courser Warjack:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvyy-uZQCCP7r-qckXCG_YfW7UX46ZqfApy1fh30wJ1Mz1RHwb-GUiF98lfmLGRHHIJeeY1aq4ySdjABO365KedTmM_tn8a0nFFOzyzDYejjY5kNKRKXQ3X_-D0IdF4x8YHPpbKfM7zkBJ2OX8m6MFj4SUIiOjigyNmjX__JWadBpUmoi2LQgkO_Syg/s1320/20221005_195428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvyy-uZQCCP7r-qckXCG_YfW7UX46ZqfApy1fh30wJ1Mz1RHwb-GUiF98lfmLGRHHIJeeY1aq4ySdjABO365KedTmM_tn8a0nFFOzyzDYejjY5kNKRKXQ3X_-D0IdF4x8YHPpbKfM7zkBJ2OX8m6MFj4SUIiOjigyNmjX__JWadBpUmoi2LQgkO_Syg/w300-h400/20221005_195428.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>Pieces all have good details, I think, and the printings look fine, although I do see some shiny parts on the shield:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI3qShWFofl58s4gK4knUzgaW-PJxE0jYE57ZuVRxQKRplUkrxeWFbRo9DBupx_ZZe1sUA9PEizmaT45t0P3e52hY4zHCnb2Y1Kla8J0fXM0lNDflI7qH0tgU9ibFZeOi7J2OGn-Kbsn27ppzloEtp_w8aSsYX3kFs9iB45yjACETaHnpd589mQ6lug/s1320/20221005_195445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI3qShWFofl58s4gK4knUzgaW-PJxE0jYE57ZuVRxQKRplUkrxeWFbRo9DBupx_ZZe1sUA9PEizmaT45t0P3e52hY4zHCnb2Y1Kla8J0fXM0lNDflI7qH0tgU9ibFZeOi7J2OGn-Kbsn27ppzloEtp_w8aSsYX3kFs9iB45yjACETaHnpd589mQ6lug/w300-h400/20221005_195445.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eUJFgR7mvOzfsmIec9ihkXu1KlptnyAWKHLryyH3Pp8wELf1QMmlkPsql5czBS6qN9NAuGDzR60NWOjDCU4MZuHeaYRudCIdm_kYYaAnzFaXJaUvZ3h6D-a-0aX_LkxKJX_DaqptCEQa0zHPGuCbbLfsgKBXvrQkd9QGEuEKxNRjKIxIWNu-GJKxRg/s1320/20221005_195435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eUJFgR7mvOzfsmIec9ihkXu1KlptnyAWKHLryyH3Pp8wELf1QMmlkPsql5czBS6qN9NAuGDzR60NWOjDCU4MZuHeaYRudCIdm_kYYaAnzFaXJaUvZ3h6D-a-0aX_LkxKJX_DaqptCEQa0zHPGuCbbLfsgKBXvrQkd9QGEuEKxNRjKIxIWNu-GJKxRg/w300-h400/20221005_195435.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The pieces don't seem soft, so this doesn't seem to be uncured or under-cured resin, but rather some reside of something. I'll try to clean that up this weekend, and see how it goes.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div>The Stryker polearms were packed on their own, and made the trip undamaged:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPD4hCClKqT0J-aOvY4t-O840YYxayOmnIpBKuoYPg_sPWipcq_WmQnbtGDFGAv2URVaH_dLky_LpaUIhelytEkInZsWUE6sD8Oa4v2Wgq-9d1GeCxZWLotG2eJpJ7ROGV0z-nF0-3NaEegXI3XgiudqpEXej8vyI3Bm45fs01i3Jy5dYzMRBw4CNJcw/s1320/20221005_195612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPD4hCClKqT0J-aOvY4t-O840YYxayOmnIpBKuoYPg_sPWipcq_WmQnbtGDFGAv2URVaH_dLky_LpaUIhelytEkInZsWUE6sD8Oa4v2Wgq-9d1GeCxZWLotG2eJpJ7ROGV0z-nF0-3NaEegXI3XgiudqpEXej8vyI3Bm45fs01i3Jy5dYzMRBw4CNJcw/w300-h400/20221005_195612.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>And the rest of the Stryker Warjack:</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8hP7rc2AbyWgo1kxeHoXSFKs793p90_yM_BFJ_cZDFjXQhxi9o1qHpdbcCmWUDHmtXExih6ZTVDTnhIJt68RlNRDKiUGEyryUrjCJWjtk6Wqn0G9gsmupATrPS0pJBWJwgQD7kJg8SI6AkKd4GT5HYNbLGNzkUS8zOxN2HbckXL-rDQQTlGOyealIA/s1320/20221005_195831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8hP7rc2AbyWgo1kxeHoXSFKs793p90_yM_BFJ_cZDFjXQhxi9o1qHpdbcCmWUDHmtXExih6ZTVDTnhIJt68RlNRDKiUGEyryUrjCJWjtk6Wqn0G9gsmupATrPS0pJBWJwgQD7kJg8SI6AkKd4GT5HYNbLGNzkUS8zOxN2HbckXL-rDQQTlGOyealIA/w300-h400/20221005_195831.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Quite a lot of pieces, but looks pretty straight-forward to assemble.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Anyway- the first box all looks good, with no obvious problems, I tried taking a close look to see if I can see any printing lines, and none immediately jumped out at me, which was another concern. Overall, I'm pretty pleased, and I'll get working on these minis this weekend (including my first try using magnets!). I'll make sure to post some updates (and I'll open and unbox the Khador and Orgoth boxes tonight).</div>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-8900989004024470432022-08-23T10:14:00.005-04:002022-08-23T10:14:44.291-04:00Examining Prime-legal legacy armies and my collection, Part 2<p>Continuing from yesterday, I am going to look at the remaining
Prime-legal legacy armies, and try to figure out where I stand with each of
them. This will help guide my purchases
before the rules come out, and give me some idea of what to expect.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">One thing to note is that when I count units, I'm really counting MK3
units- sometimes this will actually translate to more MKIV units than I have
listed, but I can't know that for sure until the rules come out.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Mercenary (Blindwater, Cephalyx, Farrow, Privateer, Rhulic, and
Steelhead):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Quite a lot of armies here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Blindwater I am well set on- I own plenty of beasts, units, warlocks,
and solos. I expect I will be able to be able to put this army on the table
from day one.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">For Cephalyx, I have one warcaster (Exulon Thexus), a unit of Mind
Benders, a unit of Overlords, an Agitator solo, and a Dominator UA. Depending on how the Dominator ends up, maybe
that will become another unit. Clearly,
I need some Monstrosities. Even with
them, it would be a stretch to play this army for a bit.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I had been slowly getting into Farrow, but my collection is pretty
sparse. I should have most of the
warlocks, at least, as well as five beasts (although two are Razor Boars), a
unit of Brigands, a unit of Valkyries, and a good number of solos. Honestly, I might just be a few units away
from this being playable.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I own almost nothing for Privateers.
I would have to buy this army from scratch.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I think I should be well set up for Rhulic at least. Two warcasters, ten warjacks, five units, and
almost all of the relevant solos. I
might actually be close to full Field Allowance for Rhul, honestly.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Finally, Steelheads are not in a great place. I assume Damiano will be one of the casters,
and I own him. I can only guess on the
warjacks. I own a unit of Heavy Cavalry
and a Mortar, and I'd have to guess on the solos (I own no solos with
'Steelhead' in the name though). Not
quite starting from nothing, but I'm not very far along, either.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Protectorate of Menoth (Exemplar and Flameguard):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Based on the current beta rules for the Exemplar army, I can field 75
points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that ends up being the
standard point level, great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the
standard is 100... well, I'll have some buying to do (although Mercenaries and
Cadres may help me out here).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">For Flameguard, I do not own a relevant unit or solo. Yet another army I would have to build from
scratch if I wanted to play it :(.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Retribution (Dawnguard and Mage Hunter):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I do own two units of Dawnguard Invictors (which will become 3-4 units
in MKIV).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hard to say which jacks will
make the jump, although I expect Imperatus will, and I do own him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, at a minimum, I expect I will be
able to field a small, very specific, army for Dawnguard.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The story for Mage Hunters is much worse. I own a couple of relevant solos, but I don't
own any of the units. Yet <u>ANOTHER</u> army I
would have to build from scratch, sadly.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Skorne (Immortals and Praetorians):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I own a minimum unit of Immortals, most of the Immortal related solos,
and likely, whatever beasts and warlocks they decide to include.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this would involve just a few unit
purchases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The news for Praetorians is better- I own a unit of Swordsmen, a unit
of Keltarii, a minimum unit of Ferox (which will likely just be a unit in
MKIV). Solos would be a guess, along
with beasts, but I strongly suspect I can play the Praetorian army the day they
release rules for them.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Trollbloods (Northkin and United Kriel):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I own almost nothing for Trollbloods, so unfortunately, both of these
armies would involve significant purchasing to become playable.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There is a chance I will see at least some of my collection become
cadres that some of these armies can take, so there is hope that I'll have a
bit more flexibility than I've listed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In summary, the news is not as good as I would like (the result of
spreading out how I purchased things over the last couple of years instead of
focusing), but I will have plenty of choices going into MKIV, at least. In addition, since I will buy into a few of
the new armies, I won't have to worry about when things rotate into Unlimited.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p>N</o:p>ow, back to waiting for my battle-boxes to arrive...</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-73604102286069857262022-08-22T15:04:00.001-04:002022-08-23T06:52:51.639-04:00Examining what the Prime-legal Legacy armies mean to me<p>With the list of 28 Prime-legal Legacy armies released last
week, I have been trying to figure out what I can expect for my own collection,
personally. Maybe get an idea of what I
should try to buy so I can get some games pretty early into MKIV.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Circle (Blackclad and Tharn):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'm not sure where they will go with the Blackclad
army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The current 'Blackclad Theme' is
Secret Masters, and I cannot really see that being ported the way it is (a
Minion-focused Circle army?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe when
they release the cadre rules, this will have some ways to interact with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don't know what to expect from this
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I *think* this might be a
Blackclad/Wold theme, but I can’t be sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Either way... I own a decent selection of Blackclad models (a unit of
Druids, a unit of Mist Riders, various solos and warlocks).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, without knowing more about this one,
I just can't guess what I would need to field.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For Tharn, I own quite a number of relevant units and solos
(as in eight Tharn units and five Tharn solos).
I would guess the living beasts would go into this theme, because
they'll need some beasts, and I have plenty of those, too. I would guess Kromac and Iona as warlocks...
neither of which I own. Aside from that,
I think I'm well positioned to play Tharn right out of the gate.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Convergence (single army):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I own three warcasters... 3 non-colossal warjacks (we know
colossals are not going to be usable right away), two units (assuming
Asphyxious4 is Prime-legal), and about seven solos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I *think* I will be able to play Convergence,
or at a minimum, I will be one or two purchases from having them playable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will not be good... but if I can put
them on the table, I can work on the quality of my choices later.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Crucible Guard (single army):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I should have this playable right from the get-go, with
quite a number of choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To play 100
points (which may be the standard), I would have to buy one more warjack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easy enough.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cryx (Bane and Blackfleet):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the Bane army, where we've seen Beta rules, I can
currently field 298 points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm good,
here, with lots of options available (and both warcasters listed playable).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blackfleet is harder to say.
If they just take the Scourge of the Broken Coast theme, and stop there,
I may not have enough to play. A unit of
Boarding Party, a unit of Ironmongers, a unit of Bloodgorgers... and maybe a
bunch of solos. If they include the
Ghost Fleet items, I can add a unit of Revenant Crew. Really should have bought Satyxis over all of
these years, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. So... yeah, may not be able to field these guys
for a while.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cygnar (Storm Knight and Trencher):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For Storm Knights, I should have a few relevant casters, a
few relevant jacks, and I own two units of Stormblade Infantry, one of
Stormguards, and a bunch of random solos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I probably will be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I
need to buy some Storm Lances.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For Trenchers... I'm going to have to hope to get lucky on
the warjack choices, to start with. I
own an Express Team and a unit of Trenchers, and very few solos. Once again, might be tough to field these
guys to start with.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Grymkin (single army):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have been buying some Grymkin all year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a pretty good collection, and I expect
I'll be able to field them the day they get rules.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Infernals (single army):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am not quite sure how they'll make this work out, but I do
have a good collection of Infernals, and should be okay playing them
immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may want to pick up a
unit of Howlers, however.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Khador (Man-O-War and Winter Guard):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I really have nothing for Man-o-War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, two people in my playgroup do, so
at least we'll be able to see them on the table.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'm still surprised they are having Winter Guard as one of
the Prime-legal armies, given the upcoming Winter Korps. Baffling.
Anyway, I have some relevant models here - a Field Gun, a Mortar crew, a
unit of Winter Guard Infantry, and Kovnik Joe.
Depending on what else is included (for instance, I have a decent number
of Widowmakers), I might be okay here.
Probably playable.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Legion (Blighted Nyss and Blighted Ogrun):</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'm covered on warlocks for both of these, I think, and I'm
probably going to be okay on the warbeasts (although I admit I do not own any
of the character warbeasts).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the
Nyss, I own a unit of Archers/Swordsmen (unassembled, so one or the other), a
unit of Blightblades and maybe a few solos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not promising.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blighted Ogrun are even worse- a unit of Warmongers and a
unit of Warspears. No solos. I might have a hard time putting any Legion
on the table in Mark IV without buying quite a bit more. Damn.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That's probably good for the moment, I'll think about the
rest of my collection and how they relate to MKIV armies tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-20251298705796890752022-08-18T13:38:00.002-04:002022-08-18T13:38:17.960-04:00PP releases actual list of Legacy armies!<p>Heh, got my post out JUST IN TIME to be irrelevant. Here's the official list of legacy armies that will be Prime legal to start with: https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/08/18/legacy-armies-in-prime-arena/</p><p>I was right and wrong. Some of these are a bit baffling to me (Winter Guard and Storm Knights? We have new armies for those), some of these are obvious (how did I forget about Steelheads?), but hey, at least now we know!</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-5840108991289115862022-08-17T12:34:00.003-04:002022-08-17T12:34:32.179-04:00Warmachine MKIV: Thinking about Legacy armies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WM-MkIV-Orgoth_VS_Cygnar-Homepage-Carousel-1000x400.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://home.privateerpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WM-MkIV-Orgoth_VS_Cygnar-Homepage-Carousel-1000x400.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Image from Privateer Press' website)</span></i></p><p>There’s nothing like the long wait between and announcement
of a new edition, and the long gap until getting it, or at least getting enough
new info to talk more about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I placed
my order for the new preview battlegroups... but they mention they are just now
starting to ship them, so who knows how long until mine arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Privateer Press released their <a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/08/16/primecast-episode-6-3/">most recent Primecast</a>+
yesterday,
with renders of new Khador models (they look great!), and released an <a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/08/15/resin-and-magnet-safety/">article about the process they use when making resin models</a>, and safety tips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People interested in this game have probably
already seen those though.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since I have some time before new stuff arrives at my
doorstep, a fun way to spend the time might be to look at what armies will be
legal in the Prime format.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that
every current army will get at least one (and likely two) Prime legal armies in
time, and we did receive some information as to what some of those would be,
but with a lack of other things to talk about for the moment, let's take a look
at each faction, and come up with some ideas.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am basing my guesses on a few factors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that are iconic for a faction, armies
with new releases, and which themes PP has already mentioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also think the warjacks and warbeasts will
have to exist in more than one army, because I do not think there are enough
unique jacks to create significant disparate groupings of warjacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, this lowers the chance of seeing jack
or warbeast focused armies (except in some cases, like the mini-factions).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Circle Orboros</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I feel like the way armies are being split now, the
Mercenary/Minion focused themes aren't making the transition as is (although,
we'll have to see how they implement Mercenaries and Minions in MKIV before
we'll know for sure).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most iconic
and unique themes in Circle are probably Devourer's Host (Tharn) and Bones of
Orboros (Wolds), and Devourer's Host, I believe, has the most recent set of new
releases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So my guess for Prime-legal
armies: Tharn and Wolds.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Convergence of Cyriss</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have heard from both the August Primecast and from
various posts on social media that the various mini-factions should be
completely Prime Legal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Convergence is
the biggest of these mini-factions, but I don't think it is unreasonable we do
see all of it make the jump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect
that the Strange Bedfellows theme will not be playable in any form, so my guess
for Convergence: Vectors and Infantry armies (essentially the Destruction
Initiative and Clockwork Legions themes, as they are).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Crucible Guard</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Again, they have mentioned that all of the mini-factions
would be prime legal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect we'll
see Crucible Guard just receive a single army containing the entire faction (so
basically, what Magnum Opus is right now).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cryx</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think Dark Host (Banes) and Scourge of the Broken Coast
(Satyxis/Scharde/Black Ogrun) will be our Prime-legal choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have released a Bane army as a preview
demo army, and I think it's both thematic and iconic, so I think it's likely a
Prime choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't think there are
enough jacks that aren't in the Bane army to make for an interesting jack army,
meaning the remaining choice is between Scourge and Ghost Fleet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both feel iconic and distinct, but Scourge
has recent-ish (2018) new releases, and I don't think they want a potentially
heavy incorporeal army starting out in Prime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cygnar</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Clearly, they are releasing the Storm Legion this year,
which will be a purely MKIV army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think this probably eliminates Storm Division as a Prime-legal army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hint (or outright say) that Gravediggers
(Trenchers) will be Prime-legal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what
does that leave?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heavy Metal is too jack
focused, and I think those are out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
that leaves Sons of the Tempest or Flames in the Darkness... hmm. Flames has
recent releases, which makes it appealing as a choice, but I'm actually going
to go with Sons of the Tempest (Gun Mages) here, because it is purely Cygnar,
and significantly more iconic for Cygnar as a whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So my guesses: Gravediggers (Trenchers) and
Sons of the Tempest (Gun Mages).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Grymkin</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Again, we're told that the whole faction is making the
transition to Prime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect that we
get a single army, including everything in the faction, because I don't think
an infantry/beast split into two armies really creates two interesting choices.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Infernals</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our final mini-faction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything is in Prime, and I'm guessing they just get the one army,
which is all of the Infernal models, and ignore Hearts of Darkness for purposes
of MKIV.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Khador</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Winter Korps is one of the early MKIV releases, so I don't
see Winter Guard making the jump to prime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Privateer Press has also mentioned that Man-O-War would be a Prime legal
army. So what would be a likely second legacy army?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Flame in the Darkness and Warriors of
the Old Faith are probably on the outside looking in, although I think both
have merit as being Prime legal armies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think their warjack-focused army (Jaws of the Wolf) is out, because they
will need the jacks elsewhere. That leaves Legion of Steel (Iron Fang) and
Wolves of Winter (Doom Reavers and Greylords), both of which feel
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll lean slightly towards
Legion of Steel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They feel more focused
thematically, and they provide a very different look to anything else that
would be Prime Legal, so I think they are a good choice.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Legion of Everblight</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think Primal Terrors (Blighted Ogrun) are a shoe-in, given
the recent-ish releases, and self-contained theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using all of my guesses from above, I think
we can assume Oracles of Annihilation will be out, because of the Minions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ravens of War doesn't feel terribly cohesive
to me, so I think we are going to see Children of the Dragon (Nyss), which also
have the benefit of including the Virtues, another recent Legion release.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Mercenaries</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Privateer Press did give us some information here in the
recent Primecast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rhul, Cephalyx, and
Pirates will have Prime legal armies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What about the other themes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
actually think Flames in the Darkness has a shot here- because we don't care
about the origin Factions anymore, I think they'll move everything into a
Flames in the Darkness Army (and give it the Mercenary Faction, because why
not?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are lot of recent releases,
and they can keep it pretty tight and interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other themes don't feel like locks to me,
so I think that is all we'll see.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Minions</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I believe they have mentioned that Farrow and Gators would
have prime legal armies, and I don't think we'll see anything more than
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will Work for Food feels too
general, and Vengeance of Dhunia feels like it'd be more likely a Trollblood
army.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Protectorate of Menoth</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have received the beta rules for an Exemplar force, and I
think that sticks into Prime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a
second army, I cannot see Creator's Might (warjacks) for reasons stated above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guardians of the Temple (Flameguard) has
potential, but instead I'm going to guess that we will see Faithful Masses
(Paladins + the random faithful).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think this has the benefit of covering a lot of random models, and may actually
be representative of what the Protectorate's remaining forces look like (whereas
I think the Flameguard fought the Exemplars and lost).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Retribution of Scyrah</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Well, they aren't going to be around in MKIV anymore
(replaced by Dusk), so Retribution shows an interesting case- any Prime armies
here won't be replaced by new armies, but instead, just rotated out
someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kind of a sad ending for the
Iosans.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For MKIV armies, I think we get the Legions of Dawn
(Dawnguard).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are still active in
the background, with Vyros founding a colony north of Rhul, if I remember the
IKRPG background correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
probably a shadow of themselves, but they do have a cohesive self-contained
army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My second guess would be Defenders
of Ios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These again, I think, are at
least partially active in the current world (as part of the previously
mentioned colony), but they've also received a few new releases (the House
Ellowuyr models), which would make them appealing to keep active.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Skorne</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My guess here is Exalted (Immortals) and Masters of War
(Cataphracts and Praetorians).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
tempted to just have Cataphracts be the army, but they don't have enough
choices to be on their own, really, and I think even though there are enough
Praetorians to be their own army, they just aren't visually interesting enough
on their own to be the choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immortals
have had recent releases, and have a Battle Engine PP would be happy to sell
more of, so I think they are definitely in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Trollbloods</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think Storm of the North is a shoe-in, given that they had
a full release a few years back, and were designed to work together and be a distinct
force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also think Champions are a
fairly iconic Trollblood unit, and you need at least one theme that includes
them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For my second guess, I'd guess Kriel Company, as this
catches many of the other models, gives a good mix of infantry units, and plays
and looks very different from Storm of the North.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, eventually we will know for certain what the plan is, but I think
these are pretty good guesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'd love
to hear your thoughts, especially if you disagree!<o:p></o:p></p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-18776457565111443562022-08-04T11:44:00.001-04:002022-08-04T11:44:22.638-04:00Warmachine MKIV Battlegroups available for order!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKnPNZb_Fpur4lwe7Zx1B7g8hSDAGfmMRe6QeePmuZxZrkZsJ6ymCm-bw1nPfkCyZIUkEdDMt4HZSCur9KMoAcbCBUG39vnl-5Brrx7am32eMhRSF_CF6g_0lrbSyks0hsma23E_7VpNnMAqdMkroud6Xv120XeE3H95n5ViR7Umim7ROP3ysWSo9L3g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKnPNZb_Fpur4lwe7Zx1B7g8hSDAGfmMRe6QeePmuZxZrkZsJ6ymCm-bw1nPfkCyZIUkEdDMt4HZSCur9KMoAcbCBUG39vnl-5Brrx7am32eMhRSF_CF6g_0lrbSyks0hsma23E_7VpNnMAqdMkroud6Xv120XeE3H95n5ViR7Umim7ROP3ysWSo9L3g=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>You can now order the preview battlegroups from Privateer Press' webstore! <a href="https://store.privateerpress.com/mkiv-preview-battlegroup-khador-winter-korps/">Khador</a>, <a href="https://store.privateerpress.com/mkiv-preview-battlegroup-cygnar-storm-legion/">Cygnar</a>, and <a href="https://store.privateerpress.com/copy-of-mkiv-preview-battlegroup-orgoth-sea-raiders/">Orgoth</a>.<p></p><p>Yes, I ordered at least one. I can't deny I may have ordered all three. What did you expect?</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-78907675885834320292022-08-02T14:37:00.003-04:002022-08-02T14:37:39.887-04:00A bunch of Privateer Press/Warmachine news and updates<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Well, PP isn't wasting any time with more MKIV news/previews and
information.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/07/29/warmachine-mkiv-lore-overview-dusk-house-kallyss/" target="_blank">A lore overview of the new Dusk faction (and House Kallyss army)</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I would've preferred basically ANY art associated with it. Give me a damn solo, or something. This is fine, but come on- we want
game-related information.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/08/01/khador-winter-korps-lore-kapitan-ekaterina-baranova-dire-wolf-and-great-bear/" target="_blank">For instance, this is more like it</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Some models for the new Khador Winter Corps army, some lore, and some
rule hints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few interesting things
coming out of this article.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Kapitan Ekaterina Baranova is going to give arc nodes to all of her
jacks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Khador with arc nodes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you crazy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ESPECIALLY with the current way arc nodes
stand, and the ability to give one of your jacks Unstoppable (with the Break
Through command card), if you need to... this is going to make Khador very
scary in the arcane game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, her feat
could stock her up with focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's
going to be amazing, I think.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GreatWolf_Web.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://home.privateerpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GreatWolf_Web.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Dire Wolf looks amazing, of course.
The fastest Khador warjack ever built sounds great (EYE ROLL). Just what I need, more Khador jacks in my
face. I'm glad they didn't give Khador a
light, just to keep that thematic part of Khador around. And hey, who doesn't love a Shield Guard?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The Great Bear looks fine... kind of just feels like a Mk3 Khador
heavy, to be honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We'll have to see
how it works with the weapon options.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/08/01/mkiv-core-army-starter-previews/" target="_blank">And we see the full contents of the first to starter armies</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">So, for the Orgoth, that's a caster, a light jack, a heavy jack, 4
units, and a solo (plus various options).
Two hundred dollars is certainly a big ask to start with, but I tried
throwing together a Crucible Guard equivalent, and came up with about 250
dollars. The value seems to be there, at
least. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p>I</o:p> could see myself grabbing both of these, and then waiting with the
next factions, just to let my money catch up.
I already have a color-scheme for the Cygnar that I like (it's orange, I
feel like I've put a picture up, somewhere).
For the Orgoth, I'm considering something with blues. Maybe the US Navy's previous uniforms (the
blueberries).</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/US_Navy_041018-N-0000X-002_The_Navy_introduced_a_set_of_concept_working_uniforms_for_Sailors_E-1_through_O-10%2C_Oct._18th%2C_in_response_to_the_fleet's_feedback_on_current_uniforms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="800" height="277" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/US_Navy_041018-N-0000X-002_The_Navy_introduced_a_set_of_concept_working_uniforms_for_Sailors_E-1_through_O-10%2C_Oct._18th%2C_in_response_to_the_fleet's_feedback_on_current_uniforms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Image from Wikipedia</i></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I'll give it a shot on one of the jack weapons first, and see how I
like it, haha.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/08/02/preview-battlegroups-at-gen-con-and-online-thursday/" target="_blank">And now we get this article</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Thursday! Time to order
stuff! I like how the warcaster choice
seems to be the Warcaster C one (i.e., not the warcaster in the starter or
expansion boxes). A smart move that
won't leave people with bad feelings. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Anyway, I am going to try to buy all three of the battlegroups, to give
my friends and me toys to try out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll
work to get them painted quickly, too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Exciting times for Warmachine!</p><p></p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-21109183477782290482022-07-29T12:39:00.005-04:002022-07-29T16:48:08.589-04:00Warmachine MKIV rules changes, and first impressions<p>Well, PP has put the beta rules up for the new edition! <a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/07/27/mkiv-beta-rules-and-change-comparison/">Check it out!</a> I was kind of hoping they'd have them up a little earlier, but I guess there was some issue holding it up, which given that they've been working on this for a long time, doesn't fill me with confidence. Anyway.</p><p>Let's have a look, and see what the future holds. They do a summary of the major changes at the link, so I encourage looking at that, first. </p><p>I'm going to look at the changes, including some not listed above, and I'll talk about the individual faction rules... I don't know, likely tomorrow. These are the Beta rules, so things could change between now and actual release.</p><p>Warcasters and Warlocks are now Commanders:</p><p>They still have distinctions in the rules in that one uses Focus, and the other Fury, but the combined term Commander will help keep rules a bit shorter. Seems like a smart change.</p><p>Unit changes:</p><p>Quite a lot is happening here. As they mention in the article, there are no more command ranges or unit leaders. It looks like you don't get to choose a min/max size anymore- the unit has a standard size, which is roughly what its minimum size was before. Unit movement has changed to how it works in Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika- you choose a model, move it, and then place the rest of the unit within 2" of that model. Additionally, Weapon Attachments have changed- you actually replace models in the unit for weapon attachments, keeping the size of the unit the same. Units don't ever block the line of sight of models in their own unit.</p><p>When units deploy, they have to deploy so that every model is within 3" of every other model in the unit.</p><p>The way a unit charges is a bit odd now - the movement is as above, but the rest of the unit only has their attack count as a charge attack if they attack the model/unit the original moving model is engaging. That's faster, but it feels like a bit of a strange rule.</p><p>Honestly, I do like these changes. Units tended to be the most cumbersome and time consuming parts of the game, and although they were valuable, these changes will make them a lot more flexible as well, which will increase their utility on the table. </p><p>Stat changes:</p><p>So they dropped Strength (STR), which wasn't meaningful except for power attacks and a few spells, and dropped Command (CMD) which is needed less due to the changes with units, and added Arcane Attack (AAT) (used when a Commander makes a magic attack), Control Range (CTRL) (same as the Mk3 control range, but now not tied to your Focus/Fury stat), and they changed Focus/Fury to Arcana (ARC).</p><p>Kind of hard to find any faults with these changes. Indeed, separating a Commander's FOC/FURY into three stats actually will provide more flexibility for making the characters unique. Finally, those 5 Fury warlocks might not seem like such a hindrance!</p><p>Advantages:</p><p>Some have probably been dropped, but it's nice to see that they've converted some special rules into Advantages, so you now just have an icon. Ambush and Dual Attack are now Advantages, and Headbutt, Slam, and Trample power attacks are now permitted by the appropriate advantage. It looks like Parry becomes Unstoppable (for a similar-ish effect with Free Strikes removed).</p><p>Gladiator is a new Advantage, giving a +2 on power attack damage rolls and collateral damage rolls. Kind of a neat inclusion. Again, these all seem fine.</p><p>Resistances have changed, dropping a die from the damage roll. That's worse than they used to be, but better for the game health. For plenty of models, the dropped die will still make them effectively immune, so another fine change. Resistance: Blast was added, dropping a day, which helps standardized the Blast Resistance in the previous edition.</p><p>Melee range minimum increased to 1":</p><p>Per their article "We have increased the default melee range in the game from .5 ̋ to 1 ̋ to further deemphasize model placement and to account for base overhang. Coupled with the removal of facing, the placement of models has never been easier."</p><p>So, they took a game that really was all about positioning, and took it away. This is a pretty minor change, but I don't like the change in focus, myself. Of course, this isn't the change that will cause the biggest impact. Overall, this particular change does make games a bit easier.</p><p>Weapon Traits:</p><p>The Pistol Weapon trait seems new. You can fire them in melee. They mention this in the article. Anything that makes weapons feel more unique is a plus in my eyes. They've changed Open Fists to a Throw quality. I don't know that this has any real change on the game, other than making Power Attacks something that isn't intrinsic to a model's type.</p><p>Running is +5":</p><p>Great for slower armies, meh for faster armies. I guess it's a good thing, but I don't really feel like this was needed.</p><p>One thing that they didn't call out is that you can cast spells before running now. You are limited to what you do AFTER running, but you can do things prior, now. Am I reading that right?</p><p>No more facing:</p><p>Boooooo to this one. I didn't find facing that challenging or problematic. Clearly, some people did, and it slowed the game down too much for them to keep it in. I don't particularly care for this change, as I feel the positioning aspect of the game was a core identity of the game. No longer, however.</p><p>The Free Strike change:</p><p>So, there are no more free strikes. This isn't a change I love... but the more I read, the more I think maybe it'll work out. There are definitely restrictions caused by being engaged. You can't charge while engaged (this also stops that weird thing where you'd charge the model you're engaged with for extra damage). You also lose your combat action if you leave combat (Disengaging). This isn't actually a bad way to handle things, if you ask me. Moving out of combat has a cost, but doesn't drag the game down at all. </p><p>Being engaged doesn't stop you from shooting, but you can only shoot at who you are engaged with. They may get +4 DEF as a result, if I'm reading that right (they reference that in the article, so I'm guessing that's right). So engaging ranged troops is still useful, and again, I think this is a nice solution.</p><p>One thing to note is that there doesn't seem to be a penalty for walking an arc node out of engagement. As a former Cryx player, that's great, but I wonder what that will mean for balance and tactics going forward.</p><p>I think even in the span of this section, I'm starting to come around on this. Easy and quick.</p><p>Power Attack changes:</p><p>Slam attack ranges are increased to 1" for non-huge based models. Thrown models don't deviate, can't be targeted at another model, and don't require any additional work other than hitting with the attack. Damage from power attacks depends on the difference in base sizes between the attacker and target (14 if the attacker is bigger, 12 in all other cases). The POW of collateral damage is determined the same way, comparing the attacker against the model suffering collateral damage.</p><p>Height returns:</p><p>Hills are back, and that means that 3D terrain is likely back. That's a good thing, and should make the game more visibly appealing to potential new players. Falling damage is back as well, which I have no real opinion on.</p><p>Assault:</p><p>Only works on a successful charge. Good change. It works a little weird for units - you can assault attack any model you are engaged with, even though there are restrictions on who you could get boosted damage against with your charge attack. Strange, but probably the simplest and cleanest solution. Anyway, this is all good</p><p>AOEs:</p><p>These have changed a bit. No more templates, instead the profile will like something like this:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB1Kf60tpjoUGD2G06SSAndz-EjBNtKitJznRFQ7dcZdiaSs2FDbLHcBR_t_0FkN78cwahoZ13P8qAtl08ZcysQ_jnaNWt7ute5jxkbtfJRYX5UfFRS-cbyDUgzAQnyzUZGX15pi0H8wU4Q6krusynwI_XCwLXGtADAkVC52SqnERk71qvNzS0RKHYw/s689/AOE_Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="689" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB1Kf60tpjoUGD2G06SSAndz-EjBNtKitJznRFQ7dcZdiaSs2FDbLHcBR_t_0FkN78cwahoZ13P8qAtl08ZcysQ_jnaNWt7ute5jxkbtfJRYX5UfFRS-cbyDUgzAQnyzUZGX15pi0H8wU4Q6krusynwI_XCwLXGtADAkVC52SqnERk71qvNzS0RKHYw/s320/AOE_Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If the attack hits, you'll resolve the damage against the target, and then you'll hit the X closest models within X inches of the target, where X is the AOE value (so two closest targets within 2" in this example). The directly hit target takes a damage roll with POW equal to the number to the left of the slash (15, above), and the additional models hit take a blast damage roll of the number to the right of the slash (10, above).<p></p><p>If the attack misses, but the target was in range, they would take the blast damage roll (10, above) instead.</p><p>This is a change that will speed up the game, but the lack of templates and lack of deviation is something I will miss a lot of. I actually found the additional uncertainty to be quite enjoyable. However, that's not a core part of the game for me, so this won't dramatically decrease my enjoyment of the game.</p><p>Spray Attacks:</p><p>As with Warcaster, spray attacks no longer use a template, instead you measure a line, and then attack all the models on the line. One other change that seems notable is that Sprays don't seem to ignore the model in melee penalty anymore. So being stuck in combat can help protect you from sprays. Kind of nice.</p><p>This is another change that will speed up the game quite a bit, but unlike above, I actually quite like this. Faster, simpler, and it actually reduces the area of effect for sprays without dramatically hurting them.</p><p>Warjack damage:</p><p>Mechanically, this works the same, but seem to be some small changes here. The F no longer stands for Field Generator (for Retribution myrmidons), but apparently will correspond to the Front weapon system? G is now the Power Field Generator, and the rules mention that this works just like the Warcaster version of a power field (reduce damage by 5). Maybe the new Retribution/Dusk warjacks will work with that rule? I think we're just going to have to see some more new warjacks to see what these look like.</p><p>Racking Spells:</p><p>This is mentioned in the above article, but I just want to mention that the article says the choices are based on the Army, but the rules state the choices are based on Faction. This may not end up being a distinction, but I kind of like the idea that a Faction will have some special spells (like all Cryx can choose Occultation or something) but specific armies also have spells they could choose (the Bane army could choose Scything Touch, for instance). We'll see!</p><p>Choosing spells at the beginning of the game is awesome- how many times have I played a game with a caster with an anti-warjacks spell (say, Grind) with no one to target? Well, it's happened. This is a thing of the past though. I absolutely LOVE this idea.</p><p>Colossals and Gargantuans:</p><p>The Great Machine (and Great Beast) rule doesn't prevent a colossal from having to forfeit its movement or action from game effects (say, from Stagger). I don't like that one bit- nothing feels worse than your huge investment in points being unable to do anything. Now, the solution will likely just be the removal of Stagger and effects like that... but we'll see.</p><p>Jack Marshals:</p><p>They seem... pointless currently? I have to think that Jack Marshals will have rules on their individual cards to make them worth taking. We'll see when they release the rules for one. But right now, they've basically been cut off from any form of utility.</p><p>Cavalry:</p><p>Lost impact attacks! That's disappointing, but with the current movement rules, it might have been too complicated to keep.</p><p>Structures:</p><p>Apparently they aren't required to be on a base, but will count as 120mm models even if they are not. </p><p>Assassination and Execution modes:</p><p>This is again, mentioned in the article. The only change is that Execution mode is new, and requires the killing blow to be dealt by the opposing Commander. It's interesting, and looks like a lot of fun. We'll have to just see if it becomes the standard format for a game, because if not, it probably won't see a lot of play.</p><p>Army Construction:</p><p>A few things are new here. First, you no longer have warjack/warbeast points. Instead, you're force to take a certain number of warjacks/warbeasts (1+ for 50 pts, 2+ for 75 pts, 3+ for 100 pts). I'm not sure what will become the standard size yet.</p><p>You are required to spend every single point you have available. Thankfully, there are command cards to suck up some points, but we'll get there in a second.</p><p>We get a note that when playing in the Unlimited Arena, we can actually build a Custom Army, letting us play with any models in a particular faction. </p><p>Warjacks (well, MKIV warjacks) can be customized - you basically choose one option for each 'Hardpoint' on a warjack, and the choice will change the model's cost. In the samples we see, the choices are for heads (giving the model a special rule), and a left and right arm (giving a choice of weapons). I imagine in the future we'll see a lot more variety in choices. You decide the loadout during army construction (because it affects the cost of the warjack). </p><p>Oddly, the addition of customizable heads adds a bit more interest to the jacks, because the H damage spaces in the damage grid will turn off a special ability. Kind of a cool side effect.</p><p>There will also be customizable warbeasts with customizable animi at some point. Again, really cool.</p><p>You also choose a hand of five command cards when building an army. They each have a once per game effect, and you can play up to two per turn (but only one per model/unit per turn). Your choices are not secret. There are going to be faction specific cards at some point, it sounds like, but all they've shown us so far are Generic ones. These could cost army points! There are a lot of free choices (enough to take only free cards), and so far the most expensive card is Spotters at 2 points, which gives a warrior model/unit Mark Target (shooting at targets nearby gives +2 to attack rolls). Kind of a unique way to customize your army.</p><p>Terrain:</p><p>Mentioned in the article- Terrain gives -2" of movement. They added hills, as I mentioned earlier.</p><p>They also added in ladders and stairs. Now that we have elevation again, you can move up and down on ladders to get to higher points. The rulebook has an error, and it doesn't actually say what the cost to do so is, but hey, now we may see some really cool boards and some great battles over them.</p><p>Summary:</p><p>Aaaaaand, that's basically it. There's quite a lot different. Some things I like, some I don't, but overall, I think they've made an interesting and compelling system that I am eager to try out. I definitely was more down on the news and rules on first reading... but they've grown on me. I can't wait to try the new game, and I'm eager to both try my old models, and get some new ones to fully take advantage of the rules!</p><div><br /></div>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-90382931977131827462022-07-26T19:52:00.001-04:002022-07-26T19:52:53.087-04:00New version of Warmachine announced!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxD2HTC5AvUDPZN3KesbzI0Mb6e2G2q7kIozlKkb9Kb3j7T6vNKKuaGDUhVvWremRU_4Nm59qD33ZlWRO2BkPt7KgcN2SKkBh07HGK8EWCNXIcArsMUN8LmGsLg6z7FNZM8l07_pTVp9KmSgZpPEyo-5_Fqkqg2Ohn86uKCaCifMtc4ZNzMzKAW453tw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxD2HTC5AvUDPZN3KesbzI0Mb6e2G2q7kIozlKkb9Kb3j7T6vNKKuaGDUhVvWremRU_4Nm59qD33ZlWRO2BkPt7KgcN2SKkBh07HGK8EWCNXIcArsMUN8LmGsLg6z7FNZM8l07_pTVp9KmSgZpPEyo-5_Fqkqg2Ohn86uKCaCifMtc4ZNzMzKAW453tw=w400-h160" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Image from the Privateer Press website</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, in case you hadn't noticed, Warmachine is getting a new version!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/07/26/privateer-press-announces-new-edition-of-warmachine-tabletop-game-mkiv/" target="_blank">Here is the press release.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://home.privateerpress.com/2022/07/26/warmachine-big-news/" target="_blank">Here are some more details about the new version.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to spend a few minutes talking about my thoughts about the new edition, or at least what we know so far. I'm a big fan of Warmachine, and honestly, a big fan of all of the Privateer Press games. And I have proven that I'm committed by spending quite a lot of money on their games- I've backed all of their recent Kickstarters, and I'm own a ton of Warmachine miniatures (as in, I could play every faction).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are things I'm very excited about, and things I'm concerned about. Now, this is the same day as the announcement, and there is still a lot we don't know yet, so maybe my feelings will change in the coming days, as more info comes out. Maybe I'll post my thoughts about that, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, let's talk about my concerns first. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the article: <b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">In order to maintain the playability of the entire catalog of existing models, we have created two arenas of play: Unlimited, which will allow all existing and new MKIV models to be playable; and Prime, which will provide limited model options in building armies from the preexisting catalog as well as incorporate all new MKIV releases.</b></div><div><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></b></div><div>I own a lot of models. Like, A LOT. The fact that they will all be available in an Unlimited format is great and all... but historically these 'Legacy' formats tend to be poorly supported, poorly attended, and just become the unwanted stepchild of the game. I think of Malifaux, for instance, when they rotated some masters out as part of their "Dead Man's Hand" rules during an edition change. I played Lilith, one of the removed masters... and I haven't played since. Their inclusion in events was apparently up to the TO, but to the best of my knowledge, there hasn't been a compatible event in a long, long time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Privateer Press will support the Unlimited format... for a time. Or at least, I assume it will just be for a time. They mention that these old models, unable to use some of the new rules (like jack customization or army specific command cards) will probably keep the older models on the lower end of the power curve... but what if there are a few choices that are too powerful? What if one of the new models, played in the Unlimited format, make all of the legacy choices worthless? Will PP actually change the balance of these models if need be? It's not known yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of the old models being playable in Prime is great news, too. I just wish we knew the scope. One would have to assume that the models allowed will be generic units and solos- say, the non-character Trenchers for Cygnar, or the non-character Winter Guard, or something. That's all fantastic, if so. I just wish I knew about how much to expect. About a quarter of the available models will be in Prime? More? Less? What about Prime-legal models that run out of stock. Are they going to produce more (given they are moving to solely the 3d plastic models?). Again, who knows, and just too early to tell, I guess.</div><div><br /></div><div>The app is the next thing I'm not excited about. From the article: <b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The WARMACHINE app will provide the game rules and all model rules for FREE; no “card deck” purchases will be necessary.</b></div><div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></b></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Later in the article, they mention that there will be no way to look at the stats or rules without the app. Hey, this is the digital age. I get the urge to do this... but this is a tabletop board game. I hate the idea that I need to be tied to my cell phone or tablet just to play a board game. Come on, I'm going out to socialize with some friends. Why do I have to have my electronics with me? Yuck.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Secondly, I spend a lot of time thinking about the game, and the minis. Examining my casters, thinking about what I'm going to do. Building lists. I do it a lot during my down time at work... where I can't bring my phone or tablet. So, I'm not thrilled about this.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Now, with all of that said, everything else about this announcement has me excited.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">I think their reasons are great, and they make perfect sense. The game is well balanced, but I can't imagine trying to get into the game as a new player. There are so many models, and so many interactions, that I think PP is doing the right thing. And hey, I get that they have to cut down the number of SKUs and move some items to the Unlimited Arena format (my first complaint). I get it, I do. It gives them their best chance of making this launch a success. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">I love the new army system. I think small, limited armies is going to be fantastic for the game. I can't wait to build new, little armies, each with their own unique character and separate choices. And the cadre system sounds like a fine addition. Seriously, I can't wait to see the first examples so that I can get to building. I guess we get our first taste this week on that front, at least.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">I'm not at all miffed about the delay to get Hordes into the game, or its transition to being under the Warmachine brand. All things that will be great for the game long term and will just make it an easier sell.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">I'll reserve judgement on the 3D printed models until I get some in my hand. You can bet I'll buy some as soon as they are available.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">The rules are the final thing I want to make a brief mention of. I love the rules of Warmachine, and I've heard that this is still the same game at its core. We'll see about that. I hope they keep the pre-measuring and keep the facing, and keep the way damage is done, and keep the core mechanics. Of course, we'll see. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">The changes they've mentioned so far are the command cards, spell choices, and warjacks customizations. This feels like a movement of some rules from Warcaster into this game. But hey, these all sound great. Warjacks designed to be customized will mean fewer purchases to buy into a faction, and more interesting choices. Command cards can help define your overall force's strategy. And really, choosing your warcaster's spell list means I can adjust a caster to match my playstyle. I think all of THESE changes will keep me very excited about the game. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">I'm nervous about the future, as I'm sure all of us are. But I have to say, I haven't been this excited about the game in a long time. I can't wait to see the new rules, and I can't wait to give them a try.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Anyway, I can't wait to talk more about the game as they release more information. I hope you'll stick around and talk about it with me!</span></div><p></p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-80936070719948900732021-01-03T08:00:00.001-05:002021-01-03T08:00:02.749-05:00Resolutions for 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI9iD7hbRDKii2v0g8IjpytGOI0GkISOHUvxNNgNwhZLHNmTazAUi5MEpV4Ko2tT-kjwt5ZiLQoXqV2b23p3rXZaNuYxsrzydluDre5MJvBPNiPjeFJ0uwIY3QLSW-NPHTYzQjNGbdK0w/s1600/fireworks-rocket-new-year-s-day-new-year-s-eve-40663.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI9iD7hbRDKii2v0g8IjpytGOI0GkISOHUvxNNgNwhZLHNmTazAUi5MEpV4Ko2tT-kjwt5ZiLQoXqV2b23p3rXZaNuYxsrzydluDre5MJvBPNiPjeFJ0uwIY3QLSW-NPHTYzQjNGbdK0w/s400/fireworks-rocket-new-year-s-day-new-year-s-eve-40663.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>For this year, I'm going to try to keep the same goals I had last year, just expand my goals where I can, and realize that game playing goals are a bit too difficult to set, as I just can't predict when, or if, game play will return to normal.<br />
<br />
<b>Get 20 painting points</b><br />I managed 16 last year, so I'm going to just increase my goal a little. I think this could be easy to achieve, but I just worry that I might lose steam at some point. If I keep up my momentum the entire year, that just means next year's goal will be all the higher<br />
<br />
<b>Play 10 of my games that I've never played before</b><br />I can't predict the return to gaming, as I've mentioned before, but I think taking any 10 games that I own and have never played, and putting them on the table in some form is a good goal I can work towards no matter the face to face gaming situation.<b> </b><br /><br /><b>Read 26 books</b><br />I hit my goal of 25 last year, so I'll work to increase this number by one, just to read more and more!<br />
<br />
<b>Lose 25 pounds</b><br />Okay, I am up on weight than I was this time last year... but I do have a plan. Let's try this again, eh?</p><p></p><p>Overall, goals that are achievable and measurable. Something to help catapult me into 2022 moving in the right direction!<br />
<br />
What about you? What resolutions have you made for the upcoming year?
</p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-10823946175510334342021-01-02T08:00:00.003-05:002021-01-02T08:00:05.306-05:00Taking a look at how I did on my 2020 resolutions...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqPdM-HzX4134ty0Nzil31HjrSwC-vwMNgLmIWL98w5j6mDiqu_49hRDzsFIKHWesXalAMFmc-X06hFikCYDm10FtHI7XkZe2je4OeweLo93ID9-67qseS6uOQ_c3r3kwKwNjYgByhIRW/s640/leon-contreras-Wu3pkvOIMJk-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqPdM-HzX4134ty0Nzil31HjrSwC-vwMNgLmIWL98w5j6mDiqu_49hRDzsFIKHWesXalAMFmc-X06hFikCYDm10FtHI7XkZe2je4OeweLo93ID9-67qseS6uOQ_c3r3kwKwNjYgByhIRW/w400-h266/leon-contreras-Wu3pkvOIMJk-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@lc_photography?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Leon Contreras</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/hopeful?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, it is time to look and see how
I did on my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">2020 Resolutions</span></a>. This was a particularly
challenging year, and gaming was heavily disrupted, so really, the fact I
accomplished any of them is something I should feel good about :).
Anyway, let's look at each of them, and see how I did.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1) Get 10 painting points</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I mentioned in my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span style="color: blue;">December summary</span></a>,
I did complete some painting! If you could the points for each of the
painted models (four Stalkers, Bane Lord Tartarus, two Machine Wraiths, Adam,
and a G-Tank), I finished the year at 16 points. This was a modest goal
but given that I haven't finished a model in many years, I feel so proud that I
did as well as I did, and I hope to continue with my painting energy into the
new year!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2) Reduce number of unplayed games
by 10</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This one was a disaster. I did
manage to play a few of my unplayed games, but I bought more than I played, and
my total number of unplayed games increased by a LOT. In some ways, there
was nothing I could do about this. When March hit, I just didn't have as
many opportunities to play games, and during the periods I was part of a
stay-at-home order, I had my in-laws here, and had almost no free time.
Even during the period in the early part of the year, however, I just didn't
have a real chance to play my own games, because my normal gaming groups tend
to focus on things that my *new* games just don't get a chance in. Just
how it is, I suppose.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3) Play 30 games of
Warmachine/Hordes</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I ended the year having played 7
games. Obviously, I didn't hit my goal, but I was on pace to do so until
COVID shut the world down. I wanted to try to get into Wartable, where
people have been playing Warmachine online, but I just haven't managed to do it
yet. Either way, didn't accomplish this, and it's not wholly my fault.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4) Read 25 books</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I finished the year at exactly 25,
so success! I read a good mix of fiction, non-fiction, long and short
books. Overall, a very good year for reading!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5) Lose 25 pounds</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, I used the early part of the
COVID lockdown to start jogging daily, and in the first two months, I was down
over 10 pounds, and was feeling great. Then... I started to go back to
work, and the stress piled on, and the free time started disappearing... and I
ended the year five pounds over where I started. This is a tremendous
problem, and my biggest focus for next year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, I managed to succeed at two
resolutions out of five. Not great, but admittedly, this is a better rate
than I usually manage! Well, on to 2021!</span></p>
<p></p>Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0Westminster, MD, USA39.5753791 -76.995814911.265145263821154 -112.1520649 67.885612936178845 -41.8395649tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-46564962567463293372021-01-01T18:29:00.000-05:002021-01-01T18:29:06.714-05:00Quarterly Summary, 4th Quarter 2020<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1aehLotyLI9Q9iRSvBk-f11tU5cPXZmvWWJzwpGxxBAoYeUe6zk-Ck8vlNamUxjsAu81Jl6TXkDlNDca-xRPndQhSF5brFsHj4MylV9ej9pBT72450z0tzTCd0rHVl1Yd8WNFkDZMbHW/s320/pexels-photo-273011.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1aehLotyLI9Q9iRSvBk-f11tU5cPXZmvWWJzwpGxxBAoYeUe6zk-Ck8vlNamUxjsAu81Jl6TXkDlNDca-xRPndQhSF5brFsHj4MylV9ej9pBT72450z0tzTCd0rHVl1Yd8WNFkDZMbHW/s320/pexels-photo-273011.jpeg" /></a></p>Surprisingly, this isn't just me being lazy, I just figured monthly updates of what I'm up to aren't particularly interesting, so I am going to try to move to doing this quarterly. <br />
<br />
<b>Games Played</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/285774/marvel-champions-card-game" target="_blank">Marvel Champions: The Card Game</a> - 14 plays. Clearly, this game has gotten a lot of play by me over the year, and it's continued even in the last quarter of the year! Nine of these games were solo, and five were with Rob. Major parts of this- Rob and I finished the Rise of Red Skull campaign, and then lost several times to Kang. I managed to finally beat Kang two-handed solo. I also spent a lot of time playing Spider-Woman and Ant-Man in various builds, and got a great feel for those two heroes. Overall, I'm still loving this game, still excited to play more, and get more content, and really, they've done such a good job with this one. My record over this period was 11-3.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_PZfWIhAXYBeNzwBh6RUg72AiBmF94_r7XY-6tP0LqX4R3cfV4ICRBsxZgvoGCvETjmpbGodH6WeVJSG3aDG9UW-AHidZirhfyI-KJ7la7D1uAKcQn3d0FyG7_a1vjIy0jjTuhyphenhyphen9EDdP/s2048/20201015_191834.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_PZfWIhAXYBeNzwBh6RUg72AiBmF94_r7XY-6tP0LqX4R3cfV4ICRBsxZgvoGCvETjmpbGodH6WeVJSG3aDG9UW-AHidZirhfyI-KJ7la7D1uAKcQn3d0FyG7_a1vjIy0jjTuhyphenhyphen9EDdP/w400-h300/20201015_191834.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In case you weren't aware- Kang has large table space requirements.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/285905/marvel-crisis-protocol" target="_blank">Marvel: Crisis Protocol</a> - 3 plays, all against my brother, Matt. I've been switching to try out Web Warriors, after picking up the Miles-Morales/Ghost-Spider box. I win all three games against Matt, and I'm really enjoying the Web Warriors, although I'm not making the best use out of them, thus far. I have found Captain Marvel in Web Warriors AMAZING though. Ridiculous!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMXFxiAydPj-boVi2490gJxPwuPoUB7Lm3On3xh_dsSJO2dtE5jR-3dGAnQfzGbnvhZWbV6X_2x60ACxWOMCry1aW22yZo8kUndwOLwRB9L1pGKKODIe6SaRSlBjnwNx9N5bV31dUDYRc/s2048/20201118_191732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMXFxiAydPj-boVi2490gJxPwuPoUB7Lm3On3xh_dsSJO2dtE5jR-3dGAnQfzGbnvhZWbV6X_2x60ACxWOMCry1aW22yZo8kUndwOLwRB9L1pGKKODIe6SaRSlBjnwNx9N5bV31dUDYRc/w400-h300/20201118_191732.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/256852/aliens-another-glorious-day-corps" target="_blank">Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps </a>- 1 play with Bob. We play the first scenario to get the hang of the rules and mechanics. We do manage to win, but we played it on super easy mode (a single motion tracker card a turn- apparently we should have drawn FOUR a turn). We're going to revisit this early in 2021 with a bit more challenge, and see how it goes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_YriUosO-CRheok0bvllXPAMiiHQHF-j1ZprtQk4S5yaeXXhX3CHN6xIwZVwV9BqpxKVGLEBXJ4BcHElpIbNkjxg-2sjatFQhUyQrl56f49Jjit7-ARhbXM3hPARuLIhzBz__TE8md42/s2048/20201219_193017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_YriUosO-CRheok0bvllXPAMiiHQHF-j1ZprtQk4S5yaeXXhX3CHN6xIwZVwV9BqpxKVGLEBXJ4BcHElpIbNkjxg-2sjatFQhUyQrl56f49Jjit7-ARhbXM3hPARuLIhzBz__TE8md42/w400-h300/20201219_193017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/303051/godzilla-tokyo-clash" target="_blank">Godzilla: Tokyo Clash</a> - 1 play with my brother and his kids. This actually turned out to be a lot of fun - a little like Monsterpocalypse, but not as deep. With that said, it was easy enough for some young kids to play, and complicated enough that I had a good time playing it. Quite pleasantly surprised!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84NIHe6F46On1Qa3TJ367dZlRMvJLX2kILLflJ0htQbS8DPWSHVbVfoUmteaDch4uW5MHEapRG_rzCGOZbPg3Scayj1dVFBHa3B8Ab946vjhTTEVkRrdtruAnoFZ8vpxy__nbrtTkWnUi/s2048/20201111_163356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84NIHe6F46On1Qa3TJ367dZlRMvJLX2kILLflJ0htQbS8DPWSHVbVfoUmteaDch4uW5MHEapRG_rzCGOZbPg3Scayj1dVFBHa3B8Ab946vjhTTEVkRrdtruAnoFZ8vpxy__nbrtTkWnUi/w400-h300/20201111_163356.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/63543/horus-heresy" target="_blank">Horus Heresy</a> - 1 play against Bob. I took the Heretics, and spent the early game reinforcing the various spaceports to ensure that I could claim that victory when it was available. Bob used the White Scars to almost rip apart my forces at one spaceport, and then made an attack on Horus. I had a card there, however, and moved Horus into a spaceport, safe and surrounded by my traitor pals, and was able to claim the win when the Spaceport victory was legal.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2RUsUO1iSTlCdjP6z7Sl_9eR1GnqOoQwnkxQW0dab1etdwd3jkui9ozxMsIEpYAPoNT9L-6W-vFkH82VpSkPyDmfwxWhJztyEdJNdEwRsKyZuS3msQ42OgCxV9Ow0PNBASl7QjSG8k-E/s2048/20201107_170734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2RUsUO1iSTlCdjP6z7Sl_9eR1GnqOoQwnkxQW0dab1etdwd3jkui9ozxMsIEpYAPoNT9L-6W-vFkH82VpSkPyDmfwxWhJztyEdJNdEwRsKyZuS3msQ42OgCxV9Ow0PNBASl7QjSG8k-E/w400-h300/20201107_170734.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/248641/monsterpocalypse-miniatures-game" target="_blank">Monsterpocalypse Miniatures Game</a> - 1 play against Matt. This was mostly a learning game, as we took the starter sets and a few additional units on each side, so he could learn the basics of the system. He ends up defeating me, and enjoys it enough that he buys in.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IYoqAwLv5M3VfX1yHIK-YsGzpccN-c3aGb9rGmOFn74bc-c-PnN3EbqcwRI9hcMHMDGkbCTQLgMZ6A7s33x5pU3yYymELmTUoYjGIX-zmWj70tNpdq0mCTjrTGqA7bWF2PxbIR_CWA8t/s2048/20201021_190748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IYoqAwLv5M3VfX1yHIK-YsGzpccN-c3aGb9rGmOFn74bc-c-PnN3EbqcwRI9hcMHMDGkbCTQLgMZ6A7s33x5pU3yYymELmTUoYjGIX-zmWj70tNpdq0mCTjrTGqA7bWF2PxbIR_CWA8t/w400-h300/20201021_190748.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/205164/old-school-tactical-volume-2-west-front-194445" target="_blank">Old School Tactical (Vol II)</a> - 1 play against Bob, tackling the first Airborne scenario. I took the Americans, who are assaulting a small village held by the Germans. We didn't end up completing the game, but it was going pretty well for me, as I had been aggressive, and managed to lock almost all of his forces in melee, allowing my other units to move in and get prepared for the end game.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxmM0Rk1GH8CzaMVDYUa1ue1cKAY-XM6zVSQz5CXcJmDxhu42YTePWdQK4Wvr9QLIo4KH1Vmt9UesMunopPT3M-33NVt0QZ4XiHVAC_jawIR95a5l2FlYffDyIZ3ixjD5p9BVP6uTM_hZ/s2048/20201013_192540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxmM0Rk1GH8CzaMVDYUa1ue1cKAY-XM6zVSQz5CXcJmDxhu42YTePWdQK4Wvr9QLIo4KH1Vmt9UesMunopPT3M-33NVt0QZ4XiHVAC_jawIR95a5l2FlYffDyIZ3ixjD5p9BVP6uTM_hZ/w400-h300/20201013_192540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/233571/star-wars-legion" target="_blank">Star Wars: Legion</a> - 1 play against Matt, trying the Skirmish format. I take Rebels, he takes Droids. I think I'm doing pretty well, as I obliterate one of his best units early on... but then Dooku arrives in the middle of the table. He takes out Luke, and really... I just run out of steam and things to throw at him, and I lose big.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVaIv50NLOqo-XnboVaxi0YaeQdFVon6Y0AfOY0fZ1UMmG0TR4xxPeRnrtZBeVmk60Vp8zcQXIErcf8rBtNY8i8bxiH_OERWwZ60rHcIhUxDbRQlrOtLvMEhWaytjFFhtuS7VCxlHm1YZ/s2048/20201007_192059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVaIv50NLOqo-XnboVaxi0YaeQdFVon6Y0AfOY0fZ1UMmG0TR4xxPeRnrtZBeVmk60Vp8zcQXIErcf8rBtNY8i8bxiH_OERWwZ60rHcIhUxDbRQlrOtLvMEhWaytjFFhtuS7VCxlHm1YZ/w400-h300/20201007_192059.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Apparently not shown, the Dooku who is about to wreck my day.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/25261/tannhauser" target="_blank">Tannhäuser</a> - 1 play against Bob- I take the Germans in a Deathmatch game against the Americans. I roll extremely well, and roll through his forces en route to a win. It's been a long time since I've played this game, but it was better than I remember. It has really held up well!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9lWLAMSvtTKYdhgVPkqs4OQ5N4PZLNI141up0UT0gzPFdbRuOqkw-ScmF3wq5DL5-Mi8rGwA-1aKJoPMPaXu5GxHMqO7jGecYsUes6P51tc25Ltoo7VNZC-B6kPfazzpHhJ5tOs-C94m/s2048/20201024_175729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9lWLAMSvtTKYdhgVPkqs4OQ5N4PZLNI141up0UT0gzPFdbRuOqkw-ScmF3wq5DL5-Mi8rGwA-1aKJoPMPaXu5GxHMqO7jGecYsUes6P51tc25Ltoo7VNZC-B6kPfazzpHhJ5tOs-C94m/w400-h300/20201024_175729.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/272409/tiny-epic-tactics" target="_blank">Tiny Epic Tactics</a> - 1 play against Rob. We learn the game, and I didn't record the specifics of our teams, but I know I get out to an early lead, and keep the pressure on, and manage to win. I remember seeing this on Kickstarter and being very interested in it, but just couldn't manage to afford it in time. Definitely a regret- this game was really cool!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2O0zTRUyH3jH1MJU8rtNmenWxf23gManqunrsJn2FqxdEZMq1zMww5zhyGbULk0k69aOAaEysT2c8aPyw2loBA4pOzZgcI8lE2o3FPRkECTMGztugAshbeeKwJhcLrOcaiNQuEgwu3xl/s2048/20201008_175924.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2O0zTRUyH3jH1MJU8rtNmenWxf23gManqunrsJn2FqxdEZMq1zMww5zhyGbULk0k69aOAaEysT2c8aPyw2loBA4pOzZgcI8lE2o3FPRkECTMGztugAshbeeKwJhcLrOcaiNQuEgwu3xl/w400-h300/20201008_175924.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's over, Blue. I have the High Ground!</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></li></ul><p>
<b>New Arrivals</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Several Kickstarters arrived, significantly lowering the number of outstanding Kickstarters I have! Let's have a look...</li><ul><li>First Legion Fantasy Miniatures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXGw93motGoal2hyphenhyphent8rlU4lB2p3DbYvWaYZKRaGGWXh_8ReAPJaaNvkTn8NwvJGg-XJWnrUNEnu3usd256avXZqglkHc2F_dQVuOQhN82jfzHx0zQKpEiBkRVrQU5xdyscSwEj5Qv9zKr/s2048/20201006_191406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXGw93motGoal2hyphenhyphent8rlU4lB2p3DbYvWaYZKRaGGWXh_8ReAPJaaNvkTn8NwvJGg-XJWnrUNEnu3usd256avXZqglkHc2F_dQVuOQhN82jfzHx0zQKpEiBkRVrQU5xdyscSwEj5Qv9zKr/w400-h300/20201006_191406.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>Part two of my Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika Kickstarter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDbGytOaftcPpg8S9XR-BfRiDEK9FRyO3dxCOvcW1BIMlzgGrnx9TBLiYnhDw1trRfylFpMbPrPgpAMUfckCJYYjsWi7R3qgDppShQLO5ToOdCtMXrF322Am-DUMk7mMNZ0zeWnda2TsF/s2048/20201015_212341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDbGytOaftcPpg8S9XR-BfRiDEK9FRyO3dxCOvcW1BIMlzgGrnx9TBLiYnhDw1trRfylFpMbPrPgpAMUfckCJYYjsWi7R3qgDppShQLO5ToOdCtMXrF322Am-DUMk7mMNZ0zeWnda2TsF/w300-h400/20201015_212341.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrW_gQ5QSEQB2qjbzKALMO85y2n2oOA54E4w55tem-lapW1r7Lhys9ZLaa46S8h6H1q0tsNRprXZWLpq1VQbiOv1ETKt78SzCcZF2F5f92v0Hz7Orj96VszO6U7Q6f70ytfUIZVt3BYxV/s2048/20201015_212559.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrW_gQ5QSEQB2qjbzKALMO85y2n2oOA54E4w55tem-lapW1r7Lhys9ZLaa46S8h6H1q0tsNRprXZWLpq1VQbiOv1ETKt78SzCcZF2F5f92v0Hz7Orj96VszO6U7Q6f70ytfUIZVt3BYxV/s320/20201015_212559.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The minis included</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHqxRdmW9b-13JZjxapuMvj08cGyX09d0FA0u7fANc7hUuxi1ANUvRn00StS4U5qfsaRoF5ZVdgNREG8CumD26qfDbJqTIj4noQQ76JA_ZTDXA69hiUBklx0-VpG9_tOn2KzdOv2x6_rZ/s2048/20201015_212652.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHqxRdmW9b-13JZjxapuMvj08cGyX09d0FA0u7fANc7hUuxi1ANUvRn00StS4U5qfsaRoF5ZVdgNREG8CumD26qfDbJqTIj4noQQ76JA_ZTDXA69hiUBklx0-VpG9_tOn2KzdOv2x6_rZ/w400-h300/20201015_212652.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The playmat, marked to aid scenario play!</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></li><li> Watch on the Rhine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dbE7KFt3wQFXOIImDLWcNCn9vR6WxRmJpQVZT6y11lGksn0_a0i7IqGAW32svCZxSRbB9wRPALwqY-JJgTbTEnVOA_-CI0KlmUBJZkmsumx-lCCT5A-LjN_nRCJ_A0cFNTW8ZncuxxPW/s2048/20201207_215922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dbE7KFt3wQFXOIImDLWcNCn9vR6WxRmJpQVZT6y11lGksn0_a0i7IqGAW32svCZxSRbB9wRPALwqY-JJgTbTEnVOA_-CI0KlmUBJZkmsumx-lCCT5A-LjN_nRCJ_A0cFNTW8ZncuxxPW/w300-h400/20201207_215922.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></li><li>The Riot Quest Kickstarter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVWxbjIEqmLOCIcmwX3mmOJlwTyiONs0MI80ig_orMTIx_9S4y2-gtkb8gVSTorV8_mrI7zt0wUrIBeKtgDo7Nd4PBfxDROy4LZpE8VZoq7VfQXhBE08PSXRmOw7fPlA5BnZYM6JeuRu_/s2048/20201222_202021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVWxbjIEqmLOCIcmwX3mmOJlwTyiONs0MI80ig_orMTIx_9S4y2-gtkb8gVSTorV8_mrI7zt0wUrIBeKtgDo7Nd4PBfxDROy4LZpE8VZoq7VfQXhBE08PSXRmOw7fPlA5BnZYM6JeuRu_/w400-h300/20201222_202021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li></ul><li>Battletech: Clan Invasion, the new ATO Annual, A Splendid Little War: 2nd Edition, La Resistance (new game from Flying Pig Games), and the Illuminati Big Box. <br /></li><li>Plenty of new miniatures, expansions for card games, and a variety of other things I didn't keep track of!<br /></li></ul>
<b>Miniature Assembly/Painting</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I have finally finished painting models! These are my first models that I've completed since I lived with my parents... literally, what, 2005? Fifteen years.... and now, I have models that I've completed painting. Really, it's been quite the year. Let's see what I've finished...</li><ul><li>Bane Lord Tartarus (2 painting points)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu79knnvBUbJfOefqqIr7i1BgYe1dItpPFbD5BsSSuibb8H7yOJTOZia7SwucphN4w8ZWmUuUy0_tNAK-FuMRVXI37_5p4xG7kd4NtBuAvQN1nnDuEsm0WPwGUMDH1F1e1JiByFytJZLR/s2048/20201005_185259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu79knnvBUbJfOefqqIr7i1BgYe1dItpPFbD5BsSSuibb8H7yOJTOZia7SwucphN4w8ZWmUuUy0_tNAK-FuMRVXI37_5p4xG7kd4NtBuAvQN1nnDuEsm0WPwGUMDH1F1e1JiByFytJZLR/w400-h300/20201005_185259.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>Four Stalkers (2 painting points apiece = 8 total)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCYis6_3jU7k5dJ4WGY3j62PrtMt1G7Qi8qfg9uh8LvF8WmptbC-F_neKG_1tmvx-lPhYrq-Ls21SG73IU5ODYygEdqAI1GZ6rPSSsA11LhbnYuCFxbici8mSscJe5HoviZZ2gsXYOZEl/s2048/20201005_185350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCYis6_3jU7k5dJ4WGY3j62PrtMt1G7Qi8qfg9uh8LvF8WmptbC-F_neKG_1tmvx-lPhYrq-Ls21SG73IU5ODYygEdqAI1GZ6rPSSsA11LhbnYuCFxbici8mSscJe5HoviZZ2gsXYOZEl/w400-h300/20201005_185350.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>Adam (From Cthulhu: Death May Die) (1 point)</li><li>G-Tank (Monsterpocalypse) (1 point)</li><li>Two Machine Wraiths (2 points apiece)</li><li>Finally, I started on a Cygnar Ironclad.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OjDfT3Lrz94cn5SBfyqnda3SItDpoc914bZ2FPgCPguehpAnZE9kZJcqDKTszCeA3GiPqjtQu66Xlok74hKnArv8x7xEh4VQ9OVbof1A4WATxdjJuAsenhG3XOi3yD9GDDouPIRih3zd/s2048/20201228_071955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OjDfT3Lrz94cn5SBfyqnda3SItDpoc914bZ2FPgCPguehpAnZE9kZJcqDKTszCeA3GiPqjtQu66Xlok74hKnArv8x7xEh4VQ9OVbof1A4WATxdjJuAsenhG3XOi3yD9GDDouPIRih3zd/w300-h400/20201228_071955.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></li></ul></ul><p><b>Reading</b><br />
</p><ul><li>Lots of magazines, a few rulebooks.</li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28508620-ghosts" target="_blank">Ghosts</a> by Raina Telgemeier, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35791979-lucky-broken-girl" target="_blank">Lucky Broken Girl</a> by Ruth Behar, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/319473.The_Coming_of_the_Third_Reich" target="_blank">The Coming of the Third Reich</a> by Richard J Evans, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55853464-branches" target="_blank">Branches</a> by Adam Peter Johnson. All were pretty good, although the Coming of the Third Reich was a notch above- a very interesting, informative read.<br /></li></ul>
<b>Kickstarter</b><br />
<ul><li>I am going to skip this for this period, because I totally didn't keep track of this for the last few months.<br /></li></ul>
<b>Resolution progress</b><br />
<ul><li>It's the end of the year- I'll have a separate post covering this.<br /></li></ul>
Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0Westminster, MD, USA39.5753791 -76.995814911.265145263821154 -112.1520649 67.885612936178845 -41.8395649tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-13672023694925839322020-12-31T23:23:00.001-05:002020-12-31T23:23:38.013-05:00Happy New Year!Didn't want to say much more, just wishing everyone a Happy New Year! I have been starting to write more, so you can expect to see some posts soon!Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-39008760382710013132020-10-05T22:08:00.000-04:002020-10-05T22:08:04.741-04:00More than Monthly Summary for September 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1aehLotyLI9Q9iRSvBk-f11tU5cPXZmvWWJzwpGxxBAoYeUe6zk-Ck8vlNamUxjsAu81Jl6TXkDlNDca-xRPndQhSF5brFsHj4MylV9ej9pBT72450z0tzTCd0rHVl1Yd8WNFkDZMbHW/s320/pexels-photo-273011.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1aehLotyLI9Q9iRSvBk-f11tU5cPXZmvWWJzwpGxxBAoYeUe6zk-Ck8vlNamUxjsAu81Jl6TXkDlNDca-xRPndQhSF5brFsHj4MylV9ej9pBT72450z0tzTCd0rHVl1Yd8WNFkDZMbHW/s320/pexels-photo-273011.jpeg" /></a></div>
Yeah... I've been busy the last few months- work has restarted, so I haven't had much time to update the blog. But I have some time now, so let's try to update this with everything that I've done from July to September. I'm sure this will be long, so I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<b>Games Played</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u>July</u></li><ul><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/285774/marvel-champions-card-game" target="_blank">Marvel Champions</a> - three games, two with Rob, and one by myself. My solo game was using the Black Widow and Doctor Strange pre-constructed decks, that I hadn't tried yet. Because they both were new, and Doctor Strange has a different mechanic than usual, I decided to go with my old testing Villain - Rhino with Bomb Scare. This combination made this game... very very easy. But hey, at least I learned how these two heroes play. The two games with Rob were to help him learn the game, so the first game was also against Rhino/Bomb Scare, since it's an easy one to learn with. I took the Black Widow/Justice pre-con, he took the Thor/Aggression pre-con, and we easily won. We then switched to a harder scenario, Mutagen Formula/Goblin Gimmicks, and he switches to the Dr. Strange/Protection pre-con. We do fine, but after making it to the second stage, we get swamped, and lose the following turn.<br /></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/285905/marvel-crisis-protocol" target="_blank">Marvel: Crisis Protocol</a> - one game against Matt, using a Cabal roster against Matt's Avenger focused team. I don't have any good notes about this game, other than I managed to win 16-15, a VERY close game.<br /></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/262733/reichbusters-projekt-vril" target="_blank">Reichbusters</a> - one game with Bob. This is a co-operative game, where we (generally) start out in a stealth mode, try to get as far into a mission as possible, and then usually must shoot our way out. We played the first scenario, and only triggered the alarm at the very end, so a very easy win in our first experience with this game.<br /></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/252328/star-wars-x-wing-second-edition" target="_blank">Star Wars: X-Wing</a> - one game against Matt. I took my old Resistance Rey/Poe list, against a Scum list Matt was running. I make a lot of dumb decisions early, and take tremendous amounts of damage for it, eventually losing Poe. With only one ship left, I start flying much better, and somehow stay out of arcs with Rey, while gradually killing Matt's ships, eventually winning the game with Rey at three remaining damage.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh709SHMfzQ3nAVzUEIP7yK2zCIlLFaoupGGHmyVk53bWIkhnXSHpN45CeR1zGQFxW4Uq8_D97i4ypqvUKv7a7LWvsmTNKGU6RWEBKeggcgvrXA9kl76iRf_FqYEHyYat9vCSi4iC3WGziX/s2048/20200812_184902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh709SHMfzQ3nAVzUEIP7yK2zCIlLFaoupGGHmyVk53bWIkhnXSHpN45CeR1zGQFxW4Uq8_D97i4ypqvUKv7a7LWvsmTNKGU6RWEBKeggcgvrXA9kl76iRf_FqYEHyYat9vCSi4iC3WGziX/w400-h300/20200812_184902.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li></ul><li><u>August</u></li><ul><li>Marvel Champions - four games. The first was a solo play, using the recently released Hulk pre-con along with Justice Iron Man to play Klaw/Doomsday Chair. Things go south very quickly, as Klaw blows through his schemes, and I never manage to threaten before losing. The final three games were with Rob, first using Justice Iron Man with Rob taking the Hulk/Aggression deck against that Klaw/Doomsday Chair combo. We get MODOK against us four separate times, but manage to kill him each time, and slowly eat through Klaw, eventually winning. Then, we took the same decks against the Wrecking Crew. We each have a GREAT early setup, but then Piledriver triggers, clearing both of our board states, and we just can't recover, and get killed. Finally, I switched to a Leadership/Dr. Strange deck, with Rob sticking with the Hulk, and took on Wrecking Crew again. We go to battle, and quickly drop two of the villains, before Hulk is killed. Things are looking grim, but Dr. Strange hangs on long enough to get us the win!<br /></li><li>Reichbusters - four games with Bob. I am going to admit, I didn't take as great notes as I should have (I'll do better next time we play this). First, we played the second scenario, and do accidentally trigger the alarm, but we are so close to the end of the game that it proves to be irrelevant, and we win. We played scenario three over two sessions and switched in Brick for Red Hawk. This scenario starts in combat mode, so we start off swamped with enemies. Most of our characters are slammed near the entrance, but somehow we get Sarge with the Scientist behind all of the enemies, and even though Brick takes a beating (and several permanent wounds), we are able to complete the mission with Sarge basically sneaking out the back. We then play scenario four... where I didn't take any notes, but I know we switched Red Hawk back in, and I know we won. I think we each have two skills at this point, too. So far, the game has proven to be pretty fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Og-bEd7hh7C6mbENOGZ9yqWDMNKRxMkKlpxvttdG3cF8ons-tHNbtSfWLGkWcw_xCaU3ZrMW_6Mbs5-HkZXBrxWIKK3XTYOVgONxkWXM7DrBKT9eNmvBPEKMwEyRifA4eeSdSJdUMEu/s2048/20200818_173027.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Og-bEd7hh7C6mbENOGZ9yqWDMNKRxMkKlpxvttdG3cF8ons-tHNbtSfWLGkWcw_xCaU3ZrMW_6Mbs5-HkZXBrxWIKK3XTYOVgONxkWXM7DrBKT9eNmvBPEKMwEyRifA4eeSdSJdUMEu/w400-h300/20200818_173027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0Mrh-UVcQyXad6VP7xa9P2h-Fw-pN5N2gwhXVt89UhPDa0YCs0QhYM-VJ_Bj_yVtd5n3ERy1Pg4IlXcEIsYJJz252VwKcq2V858FP637-J7EYV8YNs7q4HJmzKi89NY_uJBpFDOq8YVr/s2048/20200728_180006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0Mrh-UVcQyXad6VP7xa9P2h-Fw-pN5N2gwhXVt89UhPDa0YCs0QhYM-VJ_Bj_yVtd5n3ERy1Pg4IlXcEIsYJJz252VwKcq2V858FP637-J7EYV8YNs7q4HJmzKi89NY_uJBpFDOq8YVr/w400-h300/20200728_180006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/228504/cat-lady" target="_blank">Cat Lady</a> - two games with Rachael and Marina. The first game, we play only with the base set, and I teach the game to Rachael. My strategy is to grab every toy on the table, which I do, and end up winning very handily. The second game, we include the expansion, and I think I'm doing quite well, but Rachael ends up beating me by like 10, and I end a single point ahead of Marina. I must admit, for three players, the expansion doesn't really add all that much- a lot of the cards are only usable in 4+ player games, and I mostly play 2-3.<br /></li><li>Star Wars: X-Wing - two games with Matt. I take a Scum list in my first game, running a bunch of decent Initiative pilots, and once again, I lose a bunch of ships early, and have to play comeback against Matt's Empire list. I do, and eventually win. We play a second game soon after, and I take a double Defender Empire list, and get off to a great shot, kill one of Matt's Separatist drones on the first turn with a long-range shot. From there, though, it just goes downhill, as I just can't handle all the ships I'm facing. He wears me down and beats me.<br /></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/253344/cthulhu-death-may-die" target="_blank">Cthulhu: Death May Die</a> - one game with Rob on TTS. We play the very first scenario as we learn the game. He takes Rasputin, I take whichever person has the Connected ability. Our Elder One was Cthulhu. Game goes fine, and we have fun, but we NARROWLY win, as in we win on the last roll of our turn, with certain defeat the result if we fail. Can't ask for a closer finish than that! This is a game I'd love to play more, too- lots going on, and lots to do, all of it fun.<br /></li></ul><li><u>September</u></li><ul><li>Marvel Champions - four games. The first three games were Rob and I tackling the Rise of Red Skull campaign, both with us taking the decks included in the box- Leadership Hawkeye, and Justice/Aggression Spider-Woman. We don't actually run into any problems. Campaign wise, Rob uses his once per campaign ability against Taskmaster, and at this point has two campaign allies in his deck. I haven't used my once per campaign ability, and only have one ally. Later in the month, I play a solo game using Protection Black Widow and Aggression/Justice Spider-Woman against a Masters of Evil/Power Drain/Running Interference Crossbones deck. Several Masters of Evil come out early, engaging the heroines, but I stun them as they come out, gradually kill them, and after a few turns, I'm taking big chunks out of Crossbones every turn. I manage to win before he even gets to his second stage.<br /></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/54625/space-hulk-third-edition" target="_blank">Space Hulk</a> - four games against Bob. We play the first two scenarios twice apiece, switching sides. Scenario one ends with a Genestealer win for both of us, although I admit Bob actually was quite a bit closer to the target room than I was. In scenario two, I take the Space Marines first, and focus heavily on the part of the map with the long corridor, eventually sealing it off. Unfortunately, this gives Bob a lot of time to get all over the corridors on the other side of the board, and I lose some Marines clearing them out. Overall, I'm doing fine, and end up with my Assault Cannon guy (4 ammo left) against two Genestealers. I walk up to take a shot on one of them, which would almost certainly seal my victory.... then roll triple ones, blowing up, and ending the game. *sigh. We switch sides, and Bob is better about keeping pressure on both sides of the map. I take a lot more risks, and manage to get some Genestealers behind his lines, but I make too many stupid choices (for instance, I waste like 7 Genestealers trying to kill his Sergeant with Storm Shield and Thunder Hammer). He clears the board, but declares it a loss for him, because he accidentally overspent on CPs one turn. Personally, I consider that a win for him, but I guess the official record will show otherwise...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYISyZh2uw8rSiB49Q8C19pTspR0izC_O8mtDcjqw3Ja_8KE-v_5T3HN1JJZibZmytvbCH5TtVUM9yDrOq1CxHepiNvtdArcdZQI-gzDB_JS3_wOK9uZbjFm7ua8hpVKtT11Iz0LxB_F_/s2048/20200901_174400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYISyZh2uw8rSiB49Q8C19pTspR0izC_O8mtDcjqw3Ja_8KE-v_5T3HN1JJZibZmytvbCH5TtVUM9yDrOq1CxHepiNvtdArcdZQI-gzDB_JS3_wOK9uZbjFm7ua8hpVKtT11Iz0LxB_F_/w400-h300/20200901_174400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>Marvel: Crisis Protocol - three games against Matt. First game was Avengers against Matt's Asgardians. We trade shots back and forth, score a bunch of points, and things get
close... I end up winning 16-13 as I manage to narrowly hold a middle
objective that gives me the final points I need. Second game, I play Cabal against his Black Order. This may have been the most one-sided game I've ever played- I just destroyed everything he sent
forward. Dazed multiple characters in one activation, scored a ton of
points... just a really punishing game for him. The third game was a Cabal roster of MODOK, Red Skull, Zemo, and Iron Man against Defenders with Black Widow, Dr. Strange, Wong, Shuri, and Valkyrie. Gamma
Shelters and Skrulls Invade were the scenarios. Matt manages to get the Skrull with Black
Widow... then moves her into the center of the board, where I move her
with MODOK, kill her, take the Skrull, park in the back, and just
contest him in the middle enough to get the win (16-12, I think).<br /></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/167355/nemesis" target="_blank">Nemesis</a> - one game with Bob. We each take two characters. I move around the ship,
accomplish my objects just fine for both of my characters. Bob focuses on finding the Comms
room and ends up getting swamped with Invaders. We end up calling it
as things started getting worse and worse.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBsrrxxx9FRLtgDcd6SburSvAQPYiJHE9PueBH-3BTSY4HOf7lt904qbewdad1v5bWSA7t5-E24JNESFk4RyMuzU28oIfv7SSwInEZdCW31nUBeNw0e_NcY1_1GokjnSFSzi3xTtXuU0F/s2048/20200922_194757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBsrrxxx9FRLtgDcd6SburSvAQPYiJHE9PueBH-3BTSY4HOf7lt904qbewdad1v5bWSA7t5-E24JNESFk4RyMuzU28oIfv7SSwInEZdCW31nUBeNw0e_NcY1_1GokjnSFSzi3xTtXuU0F/w400-h300/20200922_194757.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WrveoUm1XWjbeY4nqMNx4riGMWro6TF_n1ispyGHEqfmY55_OcgN7Js-OxqC2zwcGXejzhRqUMtdIRdGFTChuvPw43EP-1SsbZ8yWm_mEHvdTikbWnoaFxW6wqE8Xk_FF5SHAcpBQmG0/s2048/20200922_192143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WrveoUm1XWjbeY4nqMNx4riGMWro6TF_n1ispyGHEqfmY55_OcgN7Js-OxqC2zwcGXejzhRqUMtdIRdGFTChuvPw43EP-1SsbZ8yWm_mEHvdTikbWnoaFxW6wqE8Xk_FF5SHAcpBQmG0/w400-h300/20200922_192143.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li></ul>
</ul><p>
<b>New Arrivals</b></p><p>I know there's a lot here, but please remember that this is over three months.<br />
</p><ul>
<li>Devastator Deck for the Transformers TCG. Wanted to try the game, and wanted to make sure I had two decks to play with.</li>
<li>Riot Quest Miniatures - Flugwug, Malvin and Mayhem, and Weird Wendell. I'm up to 19 total figures, almost enough to have two full teams!</li><li>Warmachine/Hordes miniatures - Eilish2, Cephalyx Overlords, a Shrieker, a Tormentor, a Khador Heavy jack, two Crucible Guard heavy jack kits, Omadamos, the Minicreate for Lord Carver and Issyria.</li><li>Monsterpocalypse miniatures - Smashville campaign box, and a Downtown Highrise.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfbJ9Tc_X4fhIBvpmTUtUZyavn1Fd5e7Q-8jFUHfn4gW79BoecTmLcWQDXGT0N9FEf9Lxv-GswNy644JEx4MlwGy4x1tcE-Op8zmHH_bxmJftcVEDQ2sSTCFJSYxvZN_xzT_1T0Sa5pMV/s2048/20200914_192527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfbJ9Tc_X4fhIBvpmTUtUZyavn1Fd5e7Q-8jFUHfn4gW79BoecTmLcWQDXGT0N9FEf9Lxv-GswNy644JEx4MlwGy4x1tcE-Op8zmHH_bxmJftcVEDQ2sSTCFJSYxvZN_xzT_1T0Sa5pMV/w400-h300/20200914_192527.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC87jkcov4LxthPrw5TGfwjXlRQOdixWDcqZ4kMA66Lf-91WzZc9O0z8TY3LAiYLLG5EEjQm1JCh2TjLxbP1CbIE9EkG8mfV082l7dHnlHUlue1pBYIPb6QCj_M5K3_-mvihUFqxE0DuOk/s2048/20200715_165445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC87jkcov4LxthPrw5TGfwjXlRQOdixWDcqZ4kMA66Lf-91WzZc9O0z8TY3LAiYLLG5EEjQm1JCh2TjLxbP1CbIE9EkG8mfV082l7dHnlHUlue1pBYIPb6QCj_M5K3_-mvihUFqxE0DuOk/w400-h300/20200715_165445.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/284650/trois-batailles-en-allemagne" target="_blank">Trois Batailles en Allemagne</a> from Legion Wargames.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYThWiSluJmr6XtaFV6KlM6hSIhcVXNDa7an7JahUenW5LrBHCTJBRfLBo3nlJIFtr_ga4Qny8lwJp7poWkaJuz70nUV7gtq5rkUindNp1uoFlqoRSV0gC6_LW798areY2-B2fz73BZGl/s2048/20200723_193300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYThWiSluJmr6XtaFV6KlM6hSIhcVXNDa7an7JahUenW5LrBHCTJBRfLBo3nlJIFtr_ga4Qny8lwJp7poWkaJuz70nUV7gtq5rkUindNp1uoFlqoRSV0gC6_LW798areY2-B2fz73BZGl/w300-h400/20200723_193300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></li><li>Issue 12 of Counterfact magazine, containing the game <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/260831/mannerheim-line-campaign-1939-1940" target="_blank">The Mannerheim Line Campaign</a>. Magazine was quite interesting, but it sounds like it might have run its course, which is unfortunate.<br /></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/264089/rebels-and-patriots-wargaming-rules-north-america" target="_blank">Rebels and Patriots</a> - a ruleset for miniature battles in Revolutionary North America.</li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/303317/warcaster-neo-mechanika" target="_blank">Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika</a> - the first wave from the Kickstarter arrived!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlcI7PMCBVECD6duhQUaZvFyCinKYGn4KXxs68WyASSiQvrVDYe461u-orjSCySymj60bNwNv-VH_bdGHTGQ1Acw-80maAEyJXXBtQnYyuoUtsgIsqLtTPpStRfQ9ETSlO-nTChpqnFdF/s2048/20200804_203914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlcI7PMCBVECD6duhQUaZvFyCinKYGn4KXxs68WyASSiQvrVDYe461u-orjSCySymj60bNwNv-VH_bdGHTGQ1Acw-80maAEyJXXBtQnYyuoUtsgIsqLtTPpStRfQ9ETSlO-nTChpqnFdF/w400-h300/20200804_203914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/314243/warhammer-40000-ninth-edition" target="_blank">Warhammer 40K (Ninth Edition)</a> - received the Indomitus box. Looks like I'm playing 40K again.</li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/199792/everdell" target="_blank">Everdell</a> base game. My wife was interested in this, so I picked it up. Still unplayed, haha.</li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/233078/twilight-imperium-fourth-edition" target="_blank">Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition)</a>. Looked interesting, so I grabbed it, even though I know Rob owns it.</li><li>Against the Odds issue 52. This contains the game <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/283354/operation-ichi-go-japans-massive-1944-offensive-ac" target="_blank">Operation Ichi-Go</a>, covering the 1944 Japanese offensive in China. It also contained a bonus mini-game <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/296036/imua-unification-hawaii-1795" target="_blank">Imua!: The Unification of Hawaii</a>. The magazine was excellent- if you've not read Against the Odds, I would recommend them.</li><li>Battles Magazine issue 14, with the game <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/312738/storm-over-madrid-1936-miracle-november" target="_blank">Storm Over Madrid 1936</a>. Battles is a FANTASTIC magazine, another one I would recommend to anyone who is interested in conflict simulation games.</li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/260645/1565-st-elmos-pay" target="_blank">1565 St. Elmo's Pay</a>, a card wargame about the Siege of Malta. I have the first game in this series, on the Battle of Hastings, which I also haven't played.</li><li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/253991/bloody-mohawk-french-and-indian-war" target="_blank">Bloody Mohawk: The French and Indian War</a>. This is my first game on the French and Indian War, and I received this from Lock 'n Load Publishing for subscribing to War Diary magazine. Looks like a very great intro wargame.</li><li>A bunch of expansions for various card games, such as the Investigator starters for Arkham Horror, a bunch of Nightmare decks for Lord of the Rings, the X-Files set for VS2CG, and so on.<br /></li>
</ul>
<b>Miniature Assembly/Painting</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I've done a lot of assembly, but I didn't keep track of exactly what, so I'll just skip that, and talk about the more interesting piece...</li><li>I have been painting! I've been working on my Stalkers, and have actually made great progress! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrV-ET4YVxbRdLCvcZbSCAxjmWHl_etgOUsKZGH4XKvb-1mT8K9cxxdFSN1RyAhwmOw_OPlSUNmIj7TVGRZ7-7JDlHHIaMB3dD0b1JENs374PACkS3389lZXdSQB_iqWvkr8OapxW-3wx/s2048/20200901_205355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrV-ET4YVxbRdLCvcZbSCAxjmWHl_etgOUsKZGH4XKvb-1mT8K9cxxdFSN1RyAhwmOw_OPlSUNmIj7TVGRZ7-7JDlHHIaMB3dD0b1JENs374PACkS3389lZXdSQB_iqWvkr8OapxW-3wx/w400-h300/20200901_205355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQ7sq_XKZP_IJnwMPY1A9wiD012Zo7dXk6Xuqm_lUuyGZewMgcZGFsNnVZbkDiXDm5CeaoLQGnQwssiDHfsl2qVdOhTXB2VxcXnJK4mlw7ICN-HXqppH5pIyPzmIt1QYsQkzIuaFyf2iL/s2048/20200930_182748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQ7sq_XKZP_IJnwMPY1A9wiD012Zo7dXk6Xuqm_lUuyGZewMgcZGFsNnVZbkDiXDm5CeaoLQGnQwssiDHfsl2qVdOhTXB2VxcXnJK4mlw7ICN-HXqppH5pIyPzmIt1QYsQkzIuaFyf2iL/w400-h300/20200930_182748.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li></ul>
<b>Reading</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I finished the Dragonlance Chronicles series, and mostly enjoyed it. I think it got a bit worse as it went on, and honestly, the ending book felt... weak. But it was still worth the read.</li><li>Broken Legions and Rebels and Patriots - two rules systems from Osprey Games. I don't have miniatures for either of these currently, but the rule systems look to have some potential. Maybe someday!</li><li>The new Warhammer 40K rulebook. This was part of the Indomitus box set gifted to me by a friend (thanks BK!). I have read it, and I gotta say... it looks like a blast! </li></ul>
<b>Kickstarter</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I am going to skip this for this period, because I totally didn't keep track of this for the last few months.<br /></li></ul>
<b>Resolution progress</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Painting Points: Currently 0/10. By the time I've written this, I've actually completed some models, but that is for next month!<br /></li>
<li>Number of Unplayed Games: We aren't going to talk about this one :(<br /></li>
<li>Warmachine/Hordes games: Still no games played. Still want to try Wartable. </li>
<li>Number of Books Read: I am at 20 books right now. Doing well!<br /></li>
<li>Weight lost: I gained some of my weight back, sadly. So only down 8 on the year, but I've been starting to be more active daily, so I still will try to turn this around.<br /></li>
</ul>
Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0Westminster, MD, USA39.5753791 -76.995814911.265145263821154 -112.1520649 67.885612936178845 -41.8395649tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806473340154144291.post-67437833925192313212020-07-13T21:21:00.001-04:002020-07-13T21:21:05.553-04:00Monthly Summary for June, 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1aehLotyLI9Q9iRSvBk-f11tU5cPXZmvWWJzwpGxxBAoYeUe6zk-Ck8vlNamUxjsAu81Jl6TXkDlNDca-xRPndQhSF5brFsHj4MylV9ej9pBT72450z0tzTCd0rHVl1Yd8WNFkDZMbHW/s320/pexels-photo-273011.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1aehLotyLI9Q9iRSvBk-f11tU5cPXZmvWWJzwpGxxBAoYeUe6zk-Ck8vlNamUxjsAu81Jl6TXkDlNDca-xRPndQhSF5brFsHj4MylV9ej9pBT72450z0tzTCd0rHVl1Yd8WNFkDZMbHW/s320/pexels-photo-273011.jpeg" /></a></div>
A little delayed!<br />
<br />
<b>Games Played</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/227127/europe-turmoil-prelude-great-war" target="_blank">Europe in Turmoil</a> - Two plays of one full game. I played the Liberals, and Rob took the Authoritarian powers. Early game went Rob's way fully, as I struggled to get momentum anywhere on the map. At one point, he is sitting on 12 Victory Points (I think 20 triggers an automatic victory). I start to catch back up with play in Austria-Hungary and the Balkans, and I'm in good position to score some serious points on the turn that Rob manages to trigger the Great War. We play a war round, closing the gap further, but when we do final scoring, I'm not able to make enough ground, and the final score has Rob beating me by five points.</li>
</ul>
<b>New Arrivals</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/256999/project-elite" target="_blank">Project: Elite</a> - A Kickstarter I backed that arrived this month. Looks to be a super interesting game, and something I think I can get played at some point upon things opening back up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ebsu31_WAAIvpxz?format=jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ebsu31_WAAIvpxz?format=jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/281198/elder-scrolls-call-arms" target="_blank">Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms</a> - Received this for my birthday from Rob, a new minis game set in the Elder Scrolls world. Rules and minis look pretty good. I currently have the Core Box and the Stormcloak faction starter.</li>
<li><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/209456/red-factories-advanced-squad-leader-historical-mod" target="_blank">Advanced Squad Leader: Red Factories</a> - Received this from my wife for my birthday. I've actually been pretty happy to get some new things to expand my ASL collection, I can't wait until I have some time to play these!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ebyd--nXgAYCIY8?format=jpg&name=large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ebyd--nXgAYCIY8?format=jpg&name=large" width="300" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>The Operation Nightfall starters for <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/12263/spycraft-collectible-card-game" target="_blank">Spycraft: The Collectible Card Game</a>. After playing this on TTS with Rob, I figured I enjoyed it enough that I wouldn't mind having some cards. So I got some!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EbOIgYwXgAQkG-M?format=jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EbOIgYwXgAQkG-M?format=jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Some cards for the <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/256297/transformers-trading-card-game" target="_blank">Transformers TCG</a>. Eh, I was curious about it. Picked up some cards, and I'll give it a shot.</li>
<li>The new Commander 2020 decks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eav00FjXkAY9GNy?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eav00FjXkAY9GNy?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="300" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>A few other miniatures - Roget d'Vyaros, Doctor Stygius, Targ, Megaton Mashup, 100% Mayhem, two mini-crates. Clearly a bunch of Privateer Press stuff.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eav1uVJX0AUQmTx?format=jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eav1uVJX0AUQmTx?format=jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>The Men of Hawkshold box for Battleground, from the Kickstarter. I love this game, and I have the original set of these guys, but wanted the updated cards (as some errata has been incorporated). I'm eager to back the new faction, too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eavwq0fXgAYbjmB?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eavwq0fXgAYbjmB?format=jpg&name=4096x4096" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
<b>Miniature Assembly/Painting</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Still mostly assembly. More Riot Quest, Monsterpocalypse, and Warmachine minis. I am fully done with every Star Wars Legion model I own (need to buy more). Painting on my Stalkers slowed down, although I did sit down for a major painting session only to discover my metal paints were all bad. I bought new metal paints, so I'll be set to go when I can get some time.</li>
</ul>
<b>Reading</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Finished <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/85009.Design_Patterns" target="_blank">Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software</a>. Found it pretty interesting. Several of the patterns I have used multiple times, so the refresher was nice, and I did manage to pick up some new ideas from the book. Should help me think about how I design software in the future.</li>
<li>Finished <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18402637-simulating-war" target="_blank">Simulating War: Studying Conflict through Simulation Games</a>. This is a topic I find endlessly interesting, and this book proved to be worth the time, definitely. It was super interesting to not only have different design strategies discussed, with examples, but also I found some new ideas that will be a huge help if I ever decide to try my luck at designing a wargame.</li>
<li>Finished <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41553668-mind-and-matter" target="_blank">Mind and Matter: A Life in Math and Football</a>. This is a memoir by John Urschel, who played football with the Baltimore Ravens, but is also a dedicated and successful mathematician. A very quick, enjoyable read.</li>
</ul>
<b>Kickstarter</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I honestly can't recall. The summer has kind of run together. I'll try to update this correctly next month.</li>
</ul>
<b>Resolution progress</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Painting Points: Currently 0/10. I actually sat down to paint, realized my paints were bad, and then bought more paints.</li>
<li>Number of Unplayed Games: Down another three. July will see me start playing games again, so although I won't hit my goal, I should try to keep it even.</li>
<li>Warmachine/Hordes games: No games played this month. I really need to try out Wartable. </li>
<li>Number of Books Read: Up to eleven, so a little behind schedule.</li>
<li>Weight lost: Down 18 pounds on the year. Still going well.</li>
</ul>
Asmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02555809677595527426noreply@blogger.com0