Space Marine Command Tanks + Update

Well, talk about feeling like a stranger in your own house!

Yes folks, its been a while since an update has taken place on this very blog, but theres been a lot happening. Unfortunately not enough hobby wise! But rejoice, for there has been some goings on. 

First of all, as a huge Space Marine fan I'm gibbering and foaming at the mouth over these new additions to the Astartes.

Behold the Command versions of the Rhino and the Land Raider.  The pintle mounted plasma guns intrigue me, but the thing I like the look of the most is the Graviton gun on the Land Raider. I'm hoping its a grav cannon, that'll be an awesome addition to the tanks armament and I'll be scooping one of those up!

I actually started to put together a box of the new tactical marines earlier this year, but so far only have this guy painted up to some sort of standard. He was used in a little tourney I participated in a couple of weeks ago which I'll have more info on in a bit. I've got another 5 marines built but so far no paint on them either. 

I did get my grubby shovels on this too. I'm still yet to play or build any of the models but I've always been an Assassin fan so felt this was a needed purchase. The quality of the board and models is stunning, and I'm intrigued that its also one play too. When I've had a few games on my own and with people, I'll share some thoughts!

Its been a while since I've played 40k, so when I heard that the Crow Valley Crusaders in Cwmbran were holding a nice little tournament I had to get down there for it. 1500 points per army, 3 games played over the day. I didn't really hope to win or anything but I did want fun as I'd been missing the game a little. 

My first game was against Ultramarines, and a player called Shane I believe. My first turn went pretty well, taking out 4 of his fivce devastators, two centurions and a few other marines. He hit back hard though and we got bogged down into a game of who can make the most armour saves. And for the first time, I actually won that stand off! Such a close game though and if the game had finished early I'd have lost but was able to grab the relic and get a win. Thats better than expected already!

My second game was drawn and lo and behold, it was Mike! Yes the same Mike that myself and Alun has had some run ins against, this time against his jetbike heavy Eldar army. Another stupidly close game but this time edged by Mike claiming my objective and being unable to get to his. As always though we had a lot of fun, and much blood was shed! His Fire Dragons saving 11 hits from a heavy flamer toting Dreadnought only for my thunderfire cannon to flatten them in a devastating bombardment. Damn those Dire Avengers though!

My third and final game was against Byron, who was using Dark Angels. His first turn went well as he killed my Thunderfire Cannon, Missile Launcher Devastators and Lascannon armed predator. I almost wept! I did manage to get back in the game though, I blew up his land raider with a single meltagun shot and my storm talon came on to down his nephilim, and the game swung back and forward until I just managed to wipe him off the board. Another user of centurions and they were pretty effective in this game as Byron managed to get closer to me and use those devastating grav cannons to full effect. Really close game though but a second win!

As the results stood at the end Mike and Scott had won, both using Eldar and I finished in a rather good 5th place out of 11. The best bit though was every game was close and every opponent was fantastic to play against. Having not played for a wee while its always a bonus to come back and play three games in one day, all of which were immensely fun. I need more 40k!

Lastly from a couple of weeks ago a game of Xwing myself, Bam and Louis played at club.

With Scum coming out (which reminds me that I'll have to show off my repaints at some point) we now have three factions for three player games. Louis took Scum, I took Rebels and Bam took the Imperials.

It was an edgey game with all of us worried who'd make the first move, Louis splitting his forces to attack both me and Bam. As our forces reacted we ended up in a fierce firefight and left Louis after a couple of his headhunters were blown up. His Slave One was unmolested and by the time me and Bam had finished slapping each other it was easy pickings for Louis. I was wiped out first, then Bam. Really good game though and the dynamic is much different to a regular two player game of Xwing.

The new ships coming out look great too, already eyeing up a K-wing, Hounds Tooth and the Kirhaxz Fighter. Hopfully some more news on when they'll be out will arrive soon.

Anyways thats the end of this update, hopefully the next won't be so far in advance!

Love Your Gaming

So last weekend was that time of the year everyone gets a little soppy and loved up, and for me it was no different. One of our fellow Welsh clubs, the Crow Valley Crusaders, once again had another Longest Night event. open for 30 hours people could come in and out as they like to game, or be mental and stay the entire time.

As a wee tribute to Valentines day however I made a nice wee heart, despite the terrible luck I have with them I still love rolling dice!

Obviously a couple games of Xwing was on the cards, and once again myself and Gav did battle. 150pts say 4 large ships, including 3 YT-2400s and a Falcon do battle. Fair play the game looks so much better played on a proper mat! I managed to edge Gav in this game, and so he sought revenge.

In the rematch I wondered what else I could fit into 150 points. Xwings... oh five rookies come in at 105 points... that leaves enough room for... an Ewing! I gave it a few upgrades and we got into the battle. The first turn we could fire one of my Xwings was destroyed but in retaliation all my other ships fired at Keyan Farlander in his Bwing and blew him up. Gave struggled a little from there on although he did kill Corran Horn and a couple more Xwings before I wiped him out. I really had fun with this list and can see myself trying it out again!

Some of the guys at CVC were busy building their purchases from the Heresy Weekender, Chris painting up this lovely Iron Warriors Deredeo Dreadnought. I'm still unsure if I like the model, but it is growing on me. Chris also got the event model which I'll get some pics of soon and some of the other stuff I saw being built/painted was awesome.

 

To finish our visit off myself, Gav and CVC Chairman Byron sat down for a game of Catan. This was about my 5th or 6th game and I'd yet to do well, so didn't expect much but a good old laugh. Yet, I actually won! I'm not entirely sure how but I pulled it off, and happily agreed to another game. At which point Byron absolutely brutalised me and Gav! I don't think I came fourth and there was only three of us playing! All in all though a great visit to the Crow Valley Crusaders, if you're about the Cwmbran area they're well worth a visit, especially when the pizza order goes in!

Back to Monday and it saw myself and Bam playing a 150 game with as many ships we could fit in. Dirty bastard got a shuttle in there! My dice rolling was terrible in this one and a rare smile on Bams face made an appearence as I gave up after losing 4 ships and only killing one of his. Eugh!

I also played against Louis who was using Scum and Villiany (from what we knew of the rules anyway) and I edged him for a win. I think when the proper cards are available (which is hopefully out by this time next week) Lou will pick it up more and be a lot more deadly. 

After that game of Xwing me and Louis had a go at a game I'd have for about a year or so and not really tried except for once, Evil Baby Orphanage. Its recommended for 3+ players but as there was just me and Louis available (Bam and Gav were having a really good game of Xwing, ended up just two hull points in it!) but we thought we'd have a go just to get a grasp for when we would play it with more players.

I absolutely adore the art style of this game, the babies being well illustrated and every time new babies would come into the time stream me and Lou would laugh at the new additions. Gmae mechanics it seems ok, it didn't take long to pick up and seems to play quickly which is a benefit. Hopefully we'll get a proper game in soon and will write about it then in much more detail. 

So this next week will hopefully see Scum and Villiany appear, and I know a of the Gwent Reavers are looking to pick some ships up, so should be interesting to see a new faction join the Rebels and Imperials. Thats it for now anyways, hopefully I'll be able to post again soon!

The Longest Night: CVC hardcore gaming!

If that first image hasn't scared you off this post, then nothing will. Welcome to a little report about the Crow Valley Crusaders Longest Night event. Running from 9am on a saturday, until 6pm on sunday, its a heck of a gaming session! Much Kudos to Byron who was there the entire time, nutter! Myself and Alun travelled down, getting there in time for the pizza order and staying until 7am, so a good 12 hours for us. We even had a few guys from the Towy Valley Tyrants, another of the GCN Welsh clubs and general good guys to boot. They were just setting up an huge 40k game, about 5k points per player so 20k in total!

As you can see, it looked like a cracking game, countless orks, huge Eldar machines of war, and some of the Imperiums finest all battling for supremacy. 

Byron and Gareth getting some Dreadball in, I heard there were a few games of this played. 

Whats a gaming day without some Cubequest?

As for me and Alun, we played a doubles game, renewing our rivalries with the CVC taking on Shaun once again but instead of Mike was Dave and his Chaos force. 

We got some luck with tactical objectives and managed to get a nice little lead and hold it for quite a while. Note similar shirts. 

It didn't all go our way of course, many Dark Eldar were harmed during the making of this battle.

 luckily this fight went our way. My Chapter Master slayed Shauns, much enjoyable!

This was nasty however... Shauns termies deep striking down, just clearing the inch needed to teleport and need not roll on the mishap table!

We held on for a good victory, winning 24-13 I think it was. Capturing objectives worked well as either we needed to obtain the ones I held back on, or the ones opposite where Aluns Dark Eldar were facing so he could boost across and swipe them. Great game and look forward to more! 

I also played some X-wing against a great guy called Scott, who used this against me. 

Scotts an experienced player, and showing me his collection I wanted to steal it and run! He had loads of ships and it was very impressive to finally see the Tantive in person! Scott mentioned that I'd forgotten something in the game that would have helped me most likely win, unfortunately he took out my headhunter and claimed a victory for the Imperial. What did I forget? Corran Horns ability to shoot in the end phase! I could have finished a couple of ships off with this and most likely have a rebel win, ah well, we play and learn! Scotts a great opponent though and I really enjoyed the game. 

A game of Zombiecide in full swing, looks insane! 

 

As myself and Alun readied to board our transport shuttle, I noticed this artisan had drifted off to the land of nod, somewhere near where myself and Alun were headed! Poor Gareth, hes lucky I didn't get a marker pen out though, could have given him some Savage Orc Tattoos! 

Help For Heroes Charity 40k Tournament

 This past Saturday, a gathering was held to compete in a charity tournament to help raise money for Help for Heroes. Organised by Andrew Wells and the Mid Wales Wargaming Society, 16 participants too part in a Warhammer 40,000 tournament with some interesting limitations. 

600 points per player, 1 troops mandatory, 2 HQ, 4 Troop, 2 Elite, 2 Fast Attack and just one Heavy Spupport slots were available. No 2+ armour or invulnerable saves, no more than 2 wounds on a model either.

Set in St Marys church hall in Builth Wells, our battlegrounds were laid out ready. 

Before the tournament started, some videos were shown and a brief chat about the charity were held. A great cause and only fuelled us to enjoy the day more. 

My first game was against a great guy called Chris and his all Jetbike army. A hugely enjoyable game and incredibly close up until the final moments, when I just couldn't get any good dice rolls! Great guy to play against, had a heck of a laugh and really enjoyed playing against his list even though it was the one I was concerned about the most.

Good to see the players being incredibly thoughtful about their tactics!

Byron's Preatorians decline advancing in favour of standing and shooting. 

This is Tris. I have no idea what was going on here! Tris did well on the day, his Tau doing pretty good but I'll keep the final positions til later.

So Alun, the elfling, took Eldar. Surprise surprise!

Adam, the Gale. One of the events sponsers and general nice bloke. Apart from when he starts crackings out. Then its 'TAKE HIM AWAY!!!'

With 16 competitors and some onlookers there was a great atmosphere at the venue. People were competitive, yet incredibly friendly too and it suited the day.

My second game against Malcom's Eldar went horribly. I'm trying to forget this one! 

Alun took on Byron and his feared Wyverns, and was able to get the better of them.

At the tournement, a best army vote was held at lunchtime, and here are the armies. 

Those pesky Crow Vally boys and their welcoming thumbs up!

My third game, against another lovely bloke called Lee, who I shall forever remember as 'Teaboy'. Had a crackingly close game game against his Grey Knights losing 1-0, more bad dice rolls but again, so bloody close! 

Andrew inspecting players are behaving, his naughty corner was the most feared aspect of the tourney.

Not Adams Apple, a MANS APPLE!

Chris being told his army is about to be wiped out.

Tris looks awfully smug here, another opponent about to be pulverised by pulse rifles no doubt!

Please feel free to add your own captions! 

Alun winning a tshirt, by being the right size. His pose is so professional, admire the elf doing what he does best.

Byron also winning a tshirt by being the correct size, and then winning a dice-off against two others to take it home. I think he needs some tips from Alun when it comes to posing!

'I HAD A FRIEND CALLED LEE, AND HE MAAADE, ALL THE TEA!' Most annoying voice award!

Shaun looking please after passing wind, and winning best army award!

Best potential army award went to this Timelord called Sam.

Narrowingly beating me for the Wooden Spoon award is Chris, going for the Statue of Liberty look I think. 

And behold the top three! Alun finished 3rd, Tris to the right finished second, and Chris finished first with his Jetbike army! All worthy winners, and I'm a tad proud of Alun for representing the club!  Shown below is the final table.

In all a great day, even though I finished winless three of those games were incredibly close and could have gone either way, with all my opponents being great fun to play against and hopefully we'll have some rematches in the future. For me this was a fitting end to 6th edition, as 7th is right around the corner. So how much was raised? 

Andrew Wells, the organiser, wrote this yesterday "Drum roll please, we have managed to raise an impressive £143.07 in aid of Help for Heroes, I would also like to thank everybody that turned up today and made today such a success and would hope to see you all for next years."

So a great amount of money raised, and just from rolling dice and having a good time! Thanks must go to the tea and coffee ladies that kept many of the players fuelled over the day, Adam Gale and Paul Simpson who sponsered the event, the Mid Wales Wargaming Society and in particular, Andrew Wells for making it all happen. Lets see what next year brings as Andrew has said this will become and annual event!