tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910022236789577342024-03-16T03:12:55.999+02:00Freodomfrēodōm is the Old English word for freedom; the state of being free and unconstrained.Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.comBlogger399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-35711334548179141642024-03-04T09:00:00.026+02:002024-03-04T09:00:00.142+02:00Let's Paint Victory at Sea: The Royal Navy<div><i>‘Thou looks't like Antichrist in that lewd h</i><i>at,’ she said in a sombre voice, for the hounds had lost their fox and the only tolerable-looking man had vanished.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> - Patrick O'Brian, Post Captain</i></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/09/lets-paint-victory-at-sea-kriegsmarine.html">Earlier</a>, I started a Victory at Sea collection because a <a href="https://www.puolenkuunpelit.com/kauppa/default.php?cPath=513_767_556_827">friendly nearby mail-order store</a> sold the Kriegsmarine fleet box at a considerable discount. I noticed I quite liked painting the little ships, so when I found they actually had a <a href="https://eu.warlordgames.com/products/victory-at-sea-royal-navy-fleet">Royal Navy fleet box</a> at one of their stores, well, I bought it.<div><br /></div><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtbKSXoueks" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, there are so many reasons why I would buy a Royal Navy box. But I'm going to start with the models that actually pushed me into doing it: the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairey_Swordfish">Fairey Swordfish</a> squadrons. It is nothing short of hilarious that the UK entered the Second World War still flying a biplane made out of cloth. And they made a great success of it, too, from striking the Italian fleet at Taranto to sinking the Bismarck. I've never built or painted a biplane model before!</div><div><br /></div><div>Like the Stukas earlier, the Swordfish are made out of a rubbery resin that's quite annoying to work with, and the planes and the stand had a lot of flash to clear away. I also still quite dislike the flying stand. The Swordfish has a more complicated one, where you can use a ring to mark what role these particular Swordfish are flying in. One of them broke when I fitted it, for the simple reason that it's too small. Again, not the best idea.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrYl5UDw7N5DrAPRuRiaoFaGd45uxN7_3nAQiL1UY4OhQ2x6E9jYYvi5KLb_0zjZIQze6LQpYnsoZEp9xm1srQ45ZqUSdRWq4YPjAuXGSu9vZc3z7YW17P1Bm3k4n4QV9Yu9lWdkA5eQ0IOVCo7bBVbWgpNpom9HvIyEf9ZapBpguXHVcP4WVHxWaow/s4128/20230609_130613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrYl5UDw7N5DrAPRuRiaoFaGd45uxN7_3nAQiL1UY4OhQ2x6E9jYYvi5KLb_0zjZIQze6LQpYnsoZEp9xm1srQ45ZqUSdRWq4YPjAuXGSu9vZc3z7YW17P1Bm3k4n4QV9Yu9lWdkA5eQ0IOVCo7bBVbWgpNpom9HvIyEf9ZapBpguXHVcP4WVHxWaow/s320/20230609_130613.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Still, I got them assembled and undercoated, and painted the stands Blue. The planes are Sky Grey, with London Grey top bits.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkeQEXxiaRGdJe7AzWe3h4QwxhShQJkdBw5YMSzKgDN0QhLkF7DPm7Th3JRyU-ibrtGLbr_0A5Sjv0bbgjEoSw0cKkJvaZooLzPY-FCY0AevOZ53DFOgxLWH7YZYJ3memXug8tBD3nW7M_znEs2SiaUxZXaPkri3CmGFxcFK6ZqWjN98jXSddVGCmCNF7/s4128/20230812_163316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkeQEXxiaRGdJe7AzWe3h4QwxhShQJkdBw5YMSzKgDN0QhLkF7DPm7Th3JRyU-ibrtGLbr_0A5Sjv0bbgjEoSw0cKkJvaZooLzPY-FCY0AevOZ53DFOgxLWH7YZYJ3memXug8tBD3nW7M_znEs2SiaUxZXaPkri3CmGFxcFK6ZqWjN98jXSddVGCmCNF7/s320/20230812_163316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The fleet box also comes with a carrier: the ancient <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Eagle_(1918)">HMS Eagle</a></i>, originally laid down as the <i>Almirante Cochrane</i> for the Chilean navy. I decided on a simple paint job of London Grey and Medium Sea Grey, and tried to do something like the camo pattern seen in <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HMS_Eagle_at_Alexandria_Dec_1940.jpg">this picture on Wikimedia Commons</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkMT7WRcl47mtbVIDPqkjsRqdh7twYbChEiVd-LfCV4yFREiMY9r4nCaAFrihksnPp1vFA3VPqmRNJNWtrEyLZVdiIiBS8wbHpNoTQ6T_BvGDQgkWlAjPlJdGnGPl4NcamB6JqAgYuWR0HP6RxiwQoErDntZCFreJQ4t6W-3xeoq5GmiO5dSYKyK0v9Wm/s4128/20230812_163336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkMT7WRcl47mtbVIDPqkjsRqdh7twYbChEiVd-LfCV4yFREiMY9r4nCaAFrihksnPp1vFA3VPqmRNJNWtrEyLZVdiIiBS8wbHpNoTQ6T_BvGDQgkWlAjPlJdGnGPl4NcamB6JqAgYuWR0HP6RxiwQoErDntZCFreJQ4t6W-3xeoq5GmiO5dSYKyK0v9Wm/s320/20230812_163336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Referring to David Williams's <i>Naval Camouflage 1914-1945</i>, I take that camo to be one of the unofficial predecessors to the Admiralty Disruptive Patterns introduced in 1942.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I really enjoyed playing the <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/298480/Victory_At_Sea/">PC version of Victory at Sea</a>. Every now and then, you can get captured enemy ships as part of your fleet. It's a bit ahistorical, but fun, so I like it. At one point in my German campaign, I was given a Tribal-class destroyer called <i>HMS Tartar</i>. There actually was an <i>HMS Tartar</i>, which was absolutely everywhere, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean to Burma and the Japanese surrender, but I think I'm painting mine in German colors as a memento of my campaign.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp5HBw4aRWxMtzljJACHSUkfkoGosNpFEqBt35gc7LVlrkzRUrr6dpv7vJXQLFOOTTOQovAtkHzM-B7itV3aQi5EA_2NcRWJFb72_gfOfRndPcM1glEaEUt_eXNsoTORd3_dCejfIazC2jC-c6JydLrl9vvJil8BmmI8noGjwbpk30MxFM0KXHcvrLR1A/s4128/20230813_091218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp5HBw4aRWxMtzljJACHSUkfkoGosNpFEqBt35gc7LVlrkzRUrr6dpv7vJXQLFOOTTOQovAtkHzM-B7itV3aQi5EA_2NcRWJFb72_gfOfRndPcM1glEaEUt_eXNsoTORd3_dCejfIazC2jC-c6JydLrl9vvJil8BmmI8noGjwbpk30MxFM0KXHcvrLR1A/s320/20230813_091218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>If I understand the German system for designating captured ships, this would have been a ZB, so I'm calling it the <i>ZB Tartar</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>My first Kriegsmarine campaign ended unceremoniously at the hands of a Royal Navy Town-class cruiser. So I might as well get started with <i>HMS Belfast</i>. She's a museum ship in London now, and I vaguely remember visiting when I was in high school. First things first, though: like the softer Kriegsmarine ships, both the Tribal and the <i>Belfast</i> needed straightening.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcs687nbr63Ur0bOK3NA8OdlMEsiFfFuL7YRx357pTaL65sDx4vjPKHr57MZAvOmTpBQxGjYKEFUhXQXBxGaju8dvFtA7t5T2w8E5ihC2fpDq3N4xrop9xrVL_7adiwkbQj-qK4yxwUrG42RjqK1tYgS3Dx6hxtHr3NAPWX-5tMZj6D1vKGmcA26rSZ8q/s4128/20230718_125825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcs687nbr63Ur0bOK3NA8OdlMEsiFfFuL7YRx357pTaL65sDx4vjPKHr57MZAvOmTpBQxGjYKEFUhXQXBxGaju8dvFtA7t5T2w8E5ihC2fpDq3N4xrop9xrVL_7adiwkbQj-qK4yxwUrG42RjqK1tYgS3Dx6hxtHr3NAPWX-5tMZj6D1vKGmcA26rSZ8q/s320/20230718_125825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>After the resin was heated, bent ever so gently into shape and weighed down for a bit, the ships were ready for assembly and painting.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not really that interested in making even my historical miniatures that "accurate", and anyway I feel like it would just be boring to try to replicate the <i>Belfast</i>'s actual camo. Instead, I went for a sort of basic Royal Navy scheme of London Grey and Medium Sea Grey, with Off-White masts, and the decks are Pale Sand.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-Ts2tyPBqRJhYNXCUkLuw266jd9-ASfSTNOx8Ab3eZZV211Y2DWFAIg4NxAaJc8MEL-uymBxd28EhSwPqJ50h6gUIT-G4VYp2P__9ztNXnc7A43jzK_Ae4XivHBcSpFMdkfISuMwoWzyiAhsPhUDPvhp9C4eyCW0VVEXOLusHD0ynKeKYZ8VKztkRoqu/s4128/20230910_151427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-Ts2tyPBqRJhYNXCUkLuw266jd9-ASfSTNOx8Ab3eZZV211Y2DWFAIg4NxAaJc8MEL-uymBxd28EhSwPqJ50h6gUIT-G4VYp2P__9ztNXnc7A43jzK_Ae4XivHBcSpFMdkfISuMwoWzyiAhsPhUDPvhp9C4eyCW0VVEXOLusHD0ynKeKYZ8VKztkRoqu/s320/20230910_151427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The obvious next thing to do was to paint the remaining two Tribal-class destroyers pink. Hey, the Barbie movie had just come out. First, of course, both the Tribals and the <i>HMS Dido</i> had to be boiled and straightened.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLQsFtF57v2QptxAoALGFGjV3dm22pLG0raFitSrC1OtpUUk8Rl2nICyYVWiM63rtKLI2yWAnRKxxN9HkHDGfqsPZj9yx8GhxPDtTThWGl7HgDEo6jdC6XR3R-AjPYz3s8jOKmy4Kwu-HfgZMbJXKHOLkE3pIWP0jSBxqhdrgyV0mHXdqGKchvwNM4ILW/s4128/20230731_163228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLQsFtF57v2QptxAoALGFGjV3dm22pLG0raFitSrC1OtpUUk8Rl2nICyYVWiM63rtKLI2yWAnRKxxN9HkHDGfqsPZj9yx8GhxPDtTThWGl7HgDEo6jdC6XR3R-AjPYz3s8jOKmy4Kwu-HfgZMbJXKHOLkE3pIWP0jSBxqhdrgyV0mHXdqGKchvwNM4ILW/s320/20230731_163228.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>So these are <i>HMS Cossack</i> (03) and <i>HMS Bedouin </i>(67)<i>,</i> both decked out in real-life Royal Navy camouflage from World War II, namely <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountbatten_pink">Mountbatten Pink</a>. The horizontal surfaces are Medium Sea Grey and the verticals are Sunset Red.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfasXz0iolkUi0cLWBJICKIWpqYjbHuYmFbkIem6UAW4mvV7UDU6nQz7fKzNj-O0xqS2nZ6voFXJFCdGSTBY1TzkunWEWJInlM1gJRUR7dDFMgW2Y-xme8P3ByuXVZBivzU6ArdYqyH5E7RfwzDbxH1Jxe84aqHfMR7UO99lV8HdpEsWZPPRUelx-0jc8A/s4128/20230910_151324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfasXz0iolkUi0cLWBJICKIWpqYjbHuYmFbkIem6UAW4mvV7UDU6nQz7fKzNj-O0xqS2nZ6voFXJFCdGSTBY1TzkunWEWJInlM1gJRUR7dDFMgW2Y-xme8P3ByuXVZBivzU6ArdYqyH5E7RfwzDbxH1Jxe84aqHfMR7UO99lV8HdpEsWZPPRUelx-0jc8A/s320/20230910_151324.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And since I already boiled her, I've painted the <i>Dido</i> as well. As I was searching for examples of naval camouflage, I came across <a href="https://srcmbc.org.uk/2016/01/18/hms-dido/">this absolutely lovely model</a> of the Dido in green camo, and decided to try something similar myself. The base color is Green Sky, with Ivory and Black Green patterns. I like how it turned out!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjjKXNMZQbgfhsoBLmgnNeJ3seGb-wAEqSxuD0HyG9fBf5GzZRfFRFR0kD4wWJC2J0lLySEvgJp_Lfp9cJFM9zRrY7VLiwhLeWDgrr3wpaUSrvitqCljMzLTkfj7T_tYYz_heTHDenebSpvGGjSZgE10CWde8K-71l6JK_wSDW2KAIYe6MCEgCBETJZW3/s4128/20230910_151402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjjKXNMZQbgfhsoBLmgnNeJ3seGb-wAEqSxuD0HyG9fBf5GzZRfFRFR0kD4wWJC2J0lLySEvgJp_Lfp9cJFM9zRrY7VLiwhLeWDgrr3wpaUSrvitqCljMzLTkfj7T_tYYz_heTHDenebSpvGGjSZgE10CWde8K-71l6JK_wSDW2KAIYe6MCEgCBETJZW3/s320/20230910_151402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, we have <i>HMS Neptune</i> and <i>Duke of York</i>, both thankfully in the lighter-colored resin and therefore unboiled. For the <i>Neptune</i>, I've gone for something like the camouflage pattern in <a href="http://www.hmsneptune.com/forum2007.htm">this picture</a>, using Sky Grey as the lightest color.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb48_UfkxwvLX1Izfk1WrgLDznAC_Q3es-D-Zh0WmC0ulHYKHMgtH1NydCPbFsFnV7yxRrL1OklTJ86ENpqYAcVcmHfGPCviy2cIGVh1hhz_kB3atPU8E2gYb6aS-OyVKBAvsQ56XPlwpNa-Pl1FPJ9AgDHsfyTXH6xJ9ha-7TY9bHQIyZT-QcGiLfW8V/s4128/20240229_105632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb48_UfkxwvLX1Izfk1WrgLDznAC_Q3es-D-Zh0WmC0ulHYKHMgtH1NydCPbFsFnV7yxRrL1OklTJ86ENpqYAcVcmHfGPCviy2cIGVh1hhz_kB3atPU8E2gYb6aS-OyVKBAvsQ56XPlwpNa-Pl1FPJ9AgDHsfyTXH6xJ9ha-7TY9bHQIyZT-QcGiLfW8V/s320/20240229_105632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The <i>Duke of York</i> got my take on what <i>Naval Camouflage</i> says was the standard scheme for the King George V battleships.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CzrFsER5_cT7ky8n_MKG5Sx2b5905ghgsAeSRT8xsyWS7Fz0tvZy_VRNBZokaBxUOEA8kYZcIKiwnzv76kqdZo8EUS86cdlVZNN34QNYy1GuSpCkYYZPPtQmu-OT25yMCQ7JXLIrqWdnPnf9pzuA0fNL7ANfpSU3lOPV8drv0LfxEsaMw8OCNXfUFNR7/s4128/20240229_105651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CzrFsER5_cT7ky8n_MKG5Sx2b5905ghgsAeSRT8xsyWS7Fz0tvZy_VRNBZokaBxUOEA8kYZcIKiwnzv76kqdZo8EUS86cdlVZNN34QNYy1GuSpCkYYZPPtQmu-OT25yMCQ7JXLIrqWdnPnf9pzuA0fNL7ANfpSU3lOPV8drv0LfxEsaMw8OCNXfUFNR7/s320/20240229_105651.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And with that, the Royal Navy fleet is done! Here's a very badly lit photo of the whole thing, it was February in Finland, this is the best I could do.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9B22-P0sfIUQc-rzSFTjriADwLHDf6aEi29oSRDJW34Sm6e4W_zgU7b4ZJKIS54krsjL0tTgLrOWCcou8HS1Zz16A0nKBJ5bpmezYYjNNHv-iWs8JPYZihYgYny93IBHn6sjWVHpODryszjHI3Mp2kY6Ndj5uqMiRKVhxgrg9l3U-H_O3Be0hL2laoCF/s4128/20240229_161855.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9B22-P0sfIUQc-rzSFTjriADwLHDf6aEi29oSRDJW34Sm6e4W_zgU7b4ZJKIS54krsjL0tTgLrOWCcou8HS1Zz16A0nKBJ5bpmezYYjNNHv-iWs8JPYZihYgYny93IBHn6sjWVHpODryszjHI3Mp2kY6Ndj5uqMiRKVhxgrg9l3U-H_O3Be0hL2laoCF/s320/20240229_161855.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>It was fun to try all the different paint schemes, and to paint a carrier. Luckily I've got more little ships!</div></div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-29766036788213923632024-02-05T09:00:00.012+02:002024-02-05T09:00:00.158+02:00Epic: Let's Paint More Aeronautica<div><i>"Lightning Fighter, defending the Emperor's sky!"</i></div><div><i> - Sororitas dialogue, Dawn of War</i></div><div><br /></div>A while ago, I found an outlet for my love of painting tiny little flying things in <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/10/epic-lets-paint-aeronautica-imperialis.html">Aeronautica Imperialis</a>, so I bought more of them.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDE3M4CI0x87I_DEDr23FqFvUKli5vnavcm926WOId87zEIkC3GhyqjfznTSRplwVbAYAWGj0IH7cdpfUOr8RxzQJqPdXeEHWadbgZfLk3SLxF3ynAKjOcWVV8HNBmPazi04vDTIVIkBfY4qsXg-5-omlC7VTHsFgrstzhrtooMgcVLamhVic8tQg69acA/s370/Image.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDE3M4CI0x87I_DEDr23FqFvUKli5vnavcm926WOId87zEIkC3GhyqjfznTSRplwVbAYAWGj0IH7cdpfUOr8RxzQJqPdXeEHWadbgZfLk3SLxF3ynAKjOcWVV8HNBmPazi04vDTIVIkBfY4qsXg-5-omlC7VTHsFgrstzhrtooMgcVLamhVic8tQg69acA/s320/Image.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to start with the Space Marine flyers from <a href="https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Aeronautica_Imperialis:_Wrath_of_Angels">Wrath of Angels</a>. There are three Xiphon Interceptors, which the traitor side used to good effect in the Legions Imperialis battle report in White Dwarf 493. They were remarkably easy to build and come with no weapon options that need to be represented on the model, so I had them built in no time. I already tried a sort of Word Bearers paint scheme on the <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/10/lets-paint-twilight-imperium-faction.html">red Twilight Imperium fleet</a>, so the Xiphons also got a base coat of Burnt Cadmium Red, overlaid with Dark Red and details in Gunmetal Grey.</div><div><br /></div><div>As these are Horus Heresy miniatures, they also bear the same campaign colors as my <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/06/lets-paint-horus-heresy-age-of-darkness.html">28mm Word Bearers</a> and <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/03/lets-play-adeptus-titanicus-battle-of.html">Titans</a>. They are Xiphon squadron <i>Smiling with contempt upon the Earth</i>.</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMialDCoXg8svZhqXqM2fSsnglXN5orMv0Bzw8gbN_QGb3lKaiAJ8NU2aQI7-Q-B7sUHVUCZoB9IzNo2NI0-X7OxDm5AE2ZNpntrzB1dsK0s20j_hhPFZJJgrZDmuzIdWV1mv230sTq7WCU9QM8IjDluimQ7cohBTDriApyO3syQYqh3xo5qGraVeuL2uQ/s4128/20231201_110044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMialDCoXg8svZhqXqM2fSsnglXN5orMv0Bzw8gbN_QGb3lKaiAJ8NU2aQI7-Q-B7sUHVUCZoB9IzNo2NI0-X7OxDm5AE2ZNpntrzB1dsK0s20j_hhPFZJJgrZDmuzIdWV1mv230sTq7WCU9QM8IjDluimQ7cohBTDriApyO3syQYqh3xo5qGraVeuL2uQ/s320/20231201_110044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The two Storm Eagle transports, <i>Bring forth the legions</i>, were also quite simple to build and paint.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtiRIsZRzbRKJMS4-MOTS__REmLKdAsFHrg_rcZ3rQrsjdZH22T62QtCDST-yEWSLeNCxDpjPzcosSiAWNM-Rx7jHsSGNtLr7OTE4NDdmqjU3w9sSLZa7IlamWC5MBEAqidLbTxufI9vgzuqd7zHwFal0FRE6a71NUTE8GTVoz7DAUpKVUpzxYvSbvpFi/s4128/20231213_105759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtiRIsZRzbRKJMS4-MOTS__REmLKdAsFHrg_rcZ3rQrsjdZH22T62QtCDST-yEWSLeNCxDpjPzcosSiAWNM-Rx7jHsSGNtLr7OTE4NDdmqjU3w9sSLZa7IlamWC5MBEAqidLbTxufI9vgzuqd7zHwFal0FRE6a71NUTE8GTVoz7DAUpKVUpzxYvSbvpFi/s320/20231213_105759.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>So now if I do decide to get into new Epic, I can give my marines a little air wing.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><div><br /></div><div>I also have two Valkyries from the <a href="https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Aeronautica_Imperialis:_Skies_of_Fire">Taros box</a>. I can't use them in Epic, but I had them and they were fun to build.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WXCRI_aENUXUPzNRTqd16O5h1GKf6aoDUYhgas_JtD3JWDaiQJI-GdLn-VIyuPqpYJAzh8bzZLHY19rBksL8-UfKULF8_MJJdNxXJFoBy7hUK5U2hQQwDLOJi-2aHBONvtwwYJ8owuhMQ9jP3l3qF_tdGTKc4c2tFhHPd2nrro1CILRDkkVACTY3U248/s4128/20231028_151232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WXCRI_aENUXUPzNRTqd16O5h1GKf6aoDUYhgas_JtD3JWDaiQJI-GdLn-VIyuPqpYJAzh8bzZLHY19rBksL8-UfKULF8_MJJdNxXJFoBy7hUK5U2hQQwDLOJi-2aHBONvtwwYJ8owuhMQ9jP3l3qF_tdGTKc4c2tFhHPd2nrro1CILRDkkVACTY3U248/s320/20231028_151232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I've understood the Tau need Valkyries for Aeronautica missions that require transports, so I'm painting one of them white. This is the Valkyrie transport <i>The bullock draws the plow</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvN9uZrG5HEUwKW96wgBeUxPGh5MMWLFIru4lRYpkUi09TAzKal7ODTSwxwKYhOjuVOOdCDhG7hiXSypt6pKl4v618zIZogWnjTFG2_gkvrW_r9q0mp0Wx1XDg4R5u8p6y5usBiAfrv_OHrsyE4c0vWZmhyVTMQQfZXPlmFQ_F-Qy5WdE9MKuMQybLdqm/s4128/20231121_130041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvN9uZrG5HEUwKW96wgBeUxPGh5MMWLFIru4lRYpkUi09TAzKal7ODTSwxwKYhOjuVOOdCDhG7hiXSypt6pKl4v618zIZogWnjTFG2_gkvrW_r9q0mp0Wx1XDg4R5u8p6y5usBiAfrv_OHrsyE4c0vWZmhyVTMQQfZXPlmFQ_F-Qy5WdE9MKuMQybLdqm/s320/20231121_130041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>As for the other one, well, I've been playing a <i>lot</i> of <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/02/lets-play-warhammer-40000-darktide-is.html">Darktide</a>. And in Darktide, you get flown in and out of your missions by a Valkyrie in inquisitorial colors. Which you can barely see at all since it's black and the game is so relentlessly grimdark.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BJmIwW4wQ5B8ld-glv8yTCWgE1F_OfbNoYGHUYW7hIjFWoGBYh0bJbPCSaSx3n8djbvLG9O8edF5xCPOyGW3H3c7mysun5SoSr3xVr-xNnIMMqvMDcT2WLPppGXVUbpkYM9cLABO9l2WxLu5HOR2yREt6s2mzkwGSMbcsoidUPWw9kFo5twHvuFsUA/s1920/20221231190146_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BJmIwW4wQ5B8ld-glv8yTCWgE1F_OfbNoYGHUYW7hIjFWoGBYh0bJbPCSaSx3n8djbvLG9O8edF5xCPOyGW3H3c7mysun5SoSr3xVr-xNnIMMqvMDcT2WLPppGXVUbpkYM9cLABO9l2WxLu5HOR2yREt6s2mzkwGSMbcsoidUPWw9kFo5twHvuFsUA/s320/20221231190146_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So of course I'm painting my other Valkyrie black. However, whereas the Darktide Valkyrie has red stripes on the wings, the color of my <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/08/warhammer-40000-imperial-reinforcements.html">Sisters of Mercy</a>, and therefore my Ordo Hereticus, is emerald, and that's what I'm going with here.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF4WqhxxfKetSTDeTzGth2LB7SpViZeSsvcdoNWeZA_EiPiAoxQCRQIiuG3cXL91cSkpXVhFurIoP1MTWf8BmCabS008lulm3NnwoSIVim6A8WKv2i50ENZbQcEejkTLKAhjwAiW8S0nBJf60wrHiNXdg7EbWTaCG6cKMJdmR5c0cs1SfOnNbvI5Dzba9/s4128/20231122_120107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF4WqhxxfKetSTDeTzGth2LB7SpViZeSsvcdoNWeZA_EiPiAoxQCRQIiuG3cXL91cSkpXVhFurIoP1MTWf8BmCabS008lulm3NnwoSIVim6A8WKv2i50ENZbQcEejkTLKAhjwAiW8S0nBJf60wrHiNXdg7EbWTaCG6cKMJdmR5c0cs1SfOnNbvI5Dzba9/s320/20231122_120107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's a shot from an angle Darktide players are more likely to recognize.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHb1x-miXGC9tfDLcza_GeFmu_STU6v53E-ARhre1S-XO2oHwRGdm8owBddd8wsPC67ShsnGuTqU0xRKJiCfhI3MjBQh3LK9DiRk3IMHeJ4i0Fz-fijBCSyxxc20BHl1jhSvu5E596Htkr7_-TO8dAK0zima-c0TO-XPdx6cFJvEW-Ai-1Ld9gZUq-iLCr/s4128/20231122_120143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHb1x-miXGC9tfDLcza_GeFmu_STU6v53E-ARhre1S-XO2oHwRGdm8owBddd8wsPC67ShsnGuTqU0xRKJiCfhI3MjBQh3LK9DiRk3IMHeJ4i0Fz-fijBCSyxxc20BHl1jhSvu5E596Htkr7_-TO8dAK0zima-c0TO-XPdx6cFJvEW-Ai-1Ld9gZUq-iLCr/s320/20231122_120143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><div><br /></div><div><div>The other Imperial aircraft in that box are one Lightning and two Lightning Strike Fighters. In both Dawn of War and Gladius, the Sisters of Battle get Lightning fighters in their own colors, so now that I have a Sisters color scheme, I'm painting the Lightning in that as well.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n-EQOCTIu83qtcTVfDV5jberInXWqUlNeiW8BFpeNMbSvxcj4O-Tb7nn1XpcXWq_UKufz4dQu054tRpv2BfKZO3-py87kf5MP-SZ87hxFROSB0SXpMtIeUK2t6hAaP515zcRhautxO0HfuNEcDsZpNxW-Mlt6Nz1AeMPvzGRBavnIAOi9gButKBZkubB/s4128/20231226_112926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n-EQOCTIu83qtcTVfDV5jberInXWqUlNeiW8BFpeNMbSvxcj4O-Tb7nn1XpcXWq_UKufz4dQu054tRpv2BfKZO3-py87kf5MP-SZ87hxFROSB0SXpMtIeUK2t6hAaP515zcRhautxO0HfuNEcDsZpNxW-Mlt6Nz1AeMPvzGRBavnIAOi9gButKBZkubB/s320/20231226_112926.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The first Lightning Strike gets the same Imperial Navy colors I did earlier, with the addition of campaign stripes on the wings.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHjblTD9kKq7wY0tB-SPfEekmXpeI7L0IN3hi7zBavAGV6enorcAtIKBW55ySvAdFnRczA5swKcBBtPMWhYLvYdHuYcpvnVE9LdwHMTs9NKJ_i0ec_Jc3TvirJvxf7tN4eLH-9fdYkKhfIYadvmHip7qrYdfDkbIpqnX7txmHYNg47TwvUM2HplROQZSV/s4128/20231226_113020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHjblTD9kKq7wY0tB-SPfEekmXpeI7L0IN3hi7zBavAGV6enorcAtIKBW55ySvAdFnRczA5swKcBBtPMWhYLvYdHuYcpvnVE9LdwHMTs9NKJ_i0ec_Jc3TvirJvxf7tN4eLH-9fdYkKhfIYadvmHip7qrYdfDkbIpqnX7txmHYNg47TwvUM2HplROQZSV/s320/20231226_113020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And, of course, the second has gone over to the Greater Good and is known as <i>the Sun behind Urth</i>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsp-adYRj4b4SwGmpC_WzT9JYUwMDJP-MpYbvBddvgqdDp6Xpa3iwBQ0CqsftH_2Cdi9fOHB34JT4uk0YMuUxBLl5vNANXnoHJ7_jq_DZdoYIpvy8aF0xodP90RlUK4XaQN5qzDw4SmFe-ki7wNsXwr7SOOI3fIb-3mQGQuNdtVy849XsxBdk2ksldwvg/s4128/20231226_112856.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsp-adYRj4b4SwGmpC_WzT9JYUwMDJP-MpYbvBddvgqdDp6Xpa3iwBQ0CqsftH_2Cdi9fOHB34JT4uk0YMuUxBLl5vNANXnoHJ7_jq_DZdoYIpvy8aF0xodP90RlUK4XaQN5qzDw4SmFe-ki7wNsXwr7SOOI3fIb-3mQGQuNdtVy849XsxBdk2ksldwvg/s320/20231226_112856.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div></div><div><br /></div><div>So building all the little Aeronautica planes was fun! I've still got a bunch of xenos aircraft to put together if I feel like it, but should I ever actually get around to Legions Imperialis, I could now equip either force with an entirely respectable air arm. Like I said <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2024/01/epic-battle-of-depoh-minyak.html">earlier</a>, I like epic scale a lot, but I think I'll have to wait and see what they do with it.</div></div></div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-59009311053355694712024-01-01T09:00:00.301+02:002024-01-01T09:00:00.265+02:00Epic: Battle of Depoh Minyak<div>The <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/03/lets-play-adeptus-titanicus-battle-of.html">Battle of Bitter Tower</a> has opened the hostilities between Legio Venefica, sworn to the Warmaster, and loyalist Legio Crucius, on the desert world of <a href="https://justcause.fandom.com/wiki/Lautan_Lama_Desert">Lautan Lama</a>. Now it's high time to put the <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/07/epic-lets-build-some-adeptus-titanicus.html">terrain I built</a> and my lovely <a href="https://ttcombat.com/collections/dropzone-commander/products/ruinscape-1">Dropzone Commander buildings</a> to the test, in a battle over the fuel tanks at Depoh Minyak.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u_6g4Ba8ykGMvE288SYzhp3QqP249uy6ikEfn3FV-hdem__DZLHAmAhBQDXbuCLbcBA54e_hOqB77TY4tEh9xUHmEoAOWYXW0LdD8Y29eq2IvlI6Sg5pQDpTsJEAphDO1vY6-M1iaz4DqMsn0Ttz0lPOwPfLC-hGQz39oD8eeBn8UhqnLFNgsCs03w/s370/Image%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u_6g4Ba8ykGMvE288SYzhp3QqP249uy6ikEfn3FV-hdem__DZLHAmAhBQDXbuCLbcBA54e_hOqB77TY4tEh9xUHmEoAOWYXW0LdD8Y29eq2IvlI6Sg5pQDpTsJEAphDO1vY6-M1iaz4DqMsn0Ttz0lPOwPfLC-hGQz39oD8eeBn8UhqnLFNgsCs03w/s320/Image%20(2).jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>My opponent brought a Precept Battleline Maniple, consisting of:</div><div><br /></div><div>Warlord Titan - 385 pts, princeps seniores</div><div> Paired Turbo-laser Destructors - 35 pts</div><div> Mori Quake Cannon - 20 pts</div><div> Sunfury Plasma Annihilator - 45 pts</div><div> Bi-folded Power Containment - 20 pts = 505 points</div><div><br /></div><div>Warbringer Nemesis Titan - 325 pts</div><div> Belicosa Volcano Cannon - 55 pts</div><div> Gatling Blaster - 15 pts</div><div> Melta Cannon - 35 pts</div><div> Bi-folded Power Containment - 20 pts = 450 points [955]</div><div><br /></div><div>Warhound Titan - 180 pts</div><div> Vulcan Mega-bolter - 10 pts</div><div> Inferno Gun - 20 pts = 210 points [1165]</div><div><br /></div><div>Reaver Titan - 250 pts</div><div> Volcano Cannon - 25 pts</div><div> Laser Blaster - 25 pts</div><div> Apocalypse Missile Launcher - 10 pts</div><div> Bi-folded Power Containment - 20 pts = 330 points [1495] </div><div><br /></div><div>To match that points value, I'll definitely be bringing all my Titans! Here to defend the honor of Forge World Icterida is my Legio Venefica force: a Ferrox Light Maniple, and in a Titanicus first for me, Knight support from <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/04/epic-knights.html">Auxilia Daedra</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Reaver Battle Titan <i>Deos tuos non colimus, et thronum auream, quam erexisti, non adoramus</i> - 250 pts, princeps seniores Modthryth</div><div> Melta Cannon - 35 pts</div><div> Power Fist - 20 pts</div><div> Vulcan Mega Bolter - 10 pts</div><div> Reinforced plating - 10 pts = 325 points</div><div><br /></div><div>Reaver Battle Titan <i>Cum ergo videritis abominationem desolationis, quæ dicta est a Lorgar propheta, stantem in loco sancto, qui legit, intelligat</i> - 250 pts</div><div> Volcano Cannon - 25 pts</div><div> Laser Blaster - 25 pts</div><div> Apocalypse Missile Launcher - 10 pts = 310 points [635]</div><div><br /></div><div>Warhound <i>Et regnum erit velut ferrum</i> - 180 pts</div><div> Turbo Laser - 20 pts</div><div> Vulcan Mega Bolter - 10 pts = 210 points [845]</div><div><br /></div><div>Warhound <i>Regnum transiit a te</i> - 180 pts</div><div> Plasma Blastgun - 30 pts</div><div> Vulcan Mega Bolter - 10 pts = 220 points [1065]</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Acastus Knight Banner <i>Molag Bal</i> - 150 pts</div><div> + Acastus Knight [130], 2 × twin magna lascannon & ironstorm missile pod [70] = 350 points [1415]</div><div><br /></div><div>Knight Armiger Banner <i>Meridia</i> - 85 points [1500]</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac9LSWiiGJhfn33D4Lf28iYs-iO1QkfXthrMhlT3wjJs0YCKDkUHnrFmykTYzCsqwK0lUeyNQpIQngFpoRiTrn_9cIqlnqGoT-Y1XpM7HspOedEXnUVVqAif1n7gkyc5PvN4T4RV7MpU_IGT2ruCCuP02BQjqGoOeZLh5G3tuty2omfViyrc12BbpQpaR/s4128/20231209_134238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac9LSWiiGJhfn33D4Lf28iYs-iO1QkfXthrMhlT3wjJs0YCKDkUHnrFmykTYzCsqwK0lUeyNQpIQngFpoRiTrn_9cIqlnqGoT-Y1XpM7HspOedEXnUVVqAif1n7gkyc5PvN4T4RV7MpU_IGT2ruCCuP02BQjqGoOeZLh5G3tuty2omfViyrc12BbpQpaR/s320/20231209_134238.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>With our battlegroups ready, we set up the terrain. I apologize for the poor picture quality, but the fact is that we played this game during the Finnish winter, so while some light would be nice, there simply wasn't any. As we were still learning the rules, we chose the Titanic Clash scenario.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX7-vt9So4IrpAgEBTXD3NCHqPGA-4olFlMTZQ47shHv2iVKWhOHa7phYX04yTbcDkRb_Zc4NqrXQcIjGBPhrn6SDTlQkPIdjbOKU6JbtCUuW54zSwWGi3N5mxrsLQWnN6xKyRQHMV64uVsNWkHADGnGJdUCdsQwcgJGXjYZH4ahuqlBroWfo529B6d7g/s4128/20231209_164832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX7-vt9So4IrpAgEBTXD3NCHqPGA-4olFlMTZQ47shHv2iVKWhOHa7phYX04yTbcDkRb_Zc4NqrXQcIjGBPhrn6SDTlQkPIdjbOKU6JbtCUuW54zSwWGi3N5mxrsLQWnN6xKyRQHMV64uVsNWkHADGnGJdUCdsQwcgJGXjYZH4ahuqlBroWfo529B6d7g/s320/20231209_164832.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>We put the little tank farm in the center of the table, and scattered the Dropzone buildings around it. Legio Crucius started deployment by setting up their Reaver to cover the tank farm. I placed one of my Warhounds on my right to go harass it, and was mildly surprised to find the Warlord on the Crucius extreme left. I set up my Reavers and Acastus Knights in the center, and the Armigers on the left flank, where they could go bother the Crucius Warbringer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEhdtCb8oU45K7ySXjVxPnbqRbICr0iaVle5mrDJIazC5XKhhXZNRCkZpCxUtIRVzfb84YrnKv1k4_zR371QxLVkOEoKSsL9Zbhyphenhyphen5iSuEu4NYVWJnscgq9ccBrykFnsl72RofXFD-kwO43MWGUCgowtWa2HGCndR-lqxLurrtAWELMJu4fK4gEFaeb7UK/s4128/20231209_172405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEhdtCb8oU45K7ySXjVxPnbqRbICr0iaVle5mrDJIazC5XKhhXZNRCkZpCxUtIRVzfb84YrnKv1k4_zR371QxLVkOEoKSsL9Zbhyphenhyphen5iSuEu4NYVWJnscgq9ccBrykFnsl72RofXFD-kwO43MWGUCgowtWa2HGCndR-lqxLurrtAWELMJu4fK4gEFaeb7UK/s320/20231209_172405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>While our forces advanced on the right, the action opened in the center, where my tiny little Armigers dashed forward, and my shooty Reaver, the <i>Abominatio Desolationis</i>, exchanged fire with its opposite number to little effect.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF96sSGsiBe0oOeVJTfKkYlvTXaGiazqv7Pg8weXqC408mOEK6249SKaoIo93b2aoOSVNgww7fI-bF7S72Uzu935NVrcfsID2LuUhEPkt6PPkk2ZMRUzU4m7Aw5pziaTX5JSSlsIo0uK3_HVbVj5WmJZcTmSJow2dXVA0fQXQdUJVyCrZ6mg9HX_QBNcxA/s4128/20231209_181940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF96sSGsiBe0oOeVJTfKkYlvTXaGiazqv7Pg8weXqC408mOEK6249SKaoIo93b2aoOSVNgww7fI-bF7S72Uzu935NVrcfsID2LuUhEPkt6PPkk2ZMRUzU4m7Aw5pziaTX5JSSlsIo0uK3_HVbVj5WmJZcTmSJow2dXVA0fQXQdUJVyCrZ6mg9HX_QBNcxA/s320/20231209_181940.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Acastus Knights opened up on the Warbringer, and I have to say that the magna lascannon is absolutely hilarious. Four blast templates <i>per Knight</i> is ridiculous, scattering all over the place and managing to hit the Warbringer, the enemy Warhound sheltering behind a building - the shot must have somehow bounced off the Warbringer's shields - and bringing down the other building.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMgBd4YnD9tjyIbYKSp1M08bkGTIyAHIsuZvUBhfPAk1bjQk3UNkOawUW-_o9Y4M-I2zXRnOqSC8vwzvDLOqgcJJjk72h2IfdHgPHHlxQQbZMbXMvwyOoJKdKs1T9CzNz8rauuAuAEUEsv71tTSpkcGoZ51oSCNwq2AlsQAWj6SBtOp-HN0ueUuRnTdyQ/s4128/20231209_182844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMgBd4YnD9tjyIbYKSp1M08bkGTIyAHIsuZvUBhfPAk1bjQk3UNkOawUW-_o9Y4M-I2zXRnOqSC8vwzvDLOqgcJJjk72h2IfdHgPHHlxQQbZMbXMvwyOoJKdKs1T9CzNz8rauuAuAEUEsv71tTSpkcGoZ51oSCNwq2AlsQAWj6SBtOp-HN0ueUuRnTdyQ/s320/20231209_182844.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>In retaliation, the Warbringer gunned down one of the Armigers, and the Warhound took off to the Crucius left. I wanted to send the <i>Regnum transiit </i>to flank the enemy Warlord, but Legio Crucius had other ideas!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL85eoF_6cwupvD0GiHTdtd4JykcorpN4a4U-WPdJyARTQEkapfH_r2Qy4Lr9laaktvOThNweU9rRmGiT829B6v8OrAHZ39y9H96PMDfqueIlyN051oPg7I-9oTpRZaSSjA7As_1B4M0QV509Xshy38Ym1VZohxHxVAIdBABEn2kVtJZQiaXv1yhOjHXB/s4128/20231209_191107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL85eoF_6cwupvD0GiHTdtd4JykcorpN4a4U-WPdJyARTQEkapfH_r2Qy4Lr9laaktvOThNweU9rRmGiT829B6v8OrAHZ39y9H96PMDfqueIlyN051oPg7I-9oTpRZaSSjA7As_1B4M0QV509Xshy38Ym1VZohxHxVAIdBABEn2kVtJZQiaXv1yhOjHXB/s320/20231209_191107.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Warhound managed to survive the Warlord's fire, and actually knocked down a couple of void shields in return.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turn 2 rolled around, and the Armigers tried to put a building between themselves and the enemy Warbringer - only for the wildly firing Acastus Knights to bring it crashing down!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjVTu5WFx94K8PXvO9Uw4us3exkkGxtnPOELyVloQvD8De4vzooLU6x59H7XbuDY7W6yq3PtmBU4zUDg8B8vY0XPmt3j1XmIJlryu01Czbnx1qTrXYzyCOFDnxGczqis-SKY_sIjeTRaGns8L9-XrW2EwkI-ESG-mMdjXhBOj1fn6OPwrzPnR4DFD1hJQ/s4128/20231209_192134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjVTu5WFx94K8PXvO9Uw4us3exkkGxtnPOELyVloQvD8De4vzooLU6x59H7XbuDY7W6yq3PtmBU4zUDg8B8vY0XPmt3j1XmIJlryu01Czbnx1qTrXYzyCOFDnxGczqis-SKY_sIjeTRaGns8L9-XrW2EwkI-ESG-mMdjXhBOj1fn6OPwrzPnR4DFD1hJQ/s320/20231209_192134.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Warbringer shot down another Armiger. On the right, the combined fire of the <i>Non Adoramus</i> and the <i>Regnum Ferrum</i> managed to drop the Crucius Reaver's shields, and I got a shot in with the <i>Non Adoramus</i>'s melta cannon. Meanwhile the <i>Regnum Transiit</i>'s void shields nearly miraculously held under a second turn of fire from the Warlord.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBES1suQa2pLGUlGhr9wAeUx5eED4RGnyn03gIgC6KCl-36dVaGag28nPddeAs9BjK3jFIuidcuH1FcBK38YimK_svIU2AOawJlnJG9CWWmyYWrtiBeCvKOLekBtWZKjwRHvXPHfiBOsIdHl2MrEQvHQVJmLjvHOhLacsYzh1FM7fsRm3KpWCw0lO_60h/s4128/20231209_195331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBES1suQa2pLGUlGhr9wAeUx5eED4RGnyn03gIgC6KCl-36dVaGag28nPddeAs9BjK3jFIuidcuH1FcBK38YimK_svIU2AOawJlnJG9CWWmyYWrtiBeCvKOLekBtWZKjwRHvXPHfiBOsIdHl2MrEQvHQVJmLjvHOhLacsYzh1FM7fsRm3KpWCw0lO_60h/s320/20231209_195331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>On Turn 3, I took two gambles. I gave the <i>Non Adoramus</i> first fire orders, to try to finish off the enemy Reaver with the melta cannon, and left the <i>Regnum Transiit</i> facing the Warlord to keep it occupied. Neither was exactly successful: the melta shot failed to damage the Reaver, and it relit its void shields in the repair phase. The Warlord finally stripped the <i>Regnum Transiit</i>'s shields and severely damaged its body, knocking out one of the weapons as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>Regnum Ferrum</i> moved up to engage the enemy at close range, and the <i>Abominatio Desolationis</i> as well as the Acastus Knights advanced. The lone shaken Armiger tried to move around to the rear of the Warbringer, which was also lumbering toward the fight on the Crucius left.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMwXTAiFcYTBStdBOMFAjBclqe3rTc2AlrqEdL2VpaHDTgZFXCnn-pG2H920XsUmGyvPhCgo0SD4tHuZ09Ddi-Xc-hVjWkcIHSDLaQaJuNtkQgQ9TTawa30itRDEdVBCZWWLo0wrthTYH58x3P_l3e7zYtPVI4JH2oOrNAt3hF1UlbrLVCx2qUfCShDCp/s4128/20231209_202453.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMwXTAiFcYTBStdBOMFAjBclqe3rTc2AlrqEdL2VpaHDTgZFXCnn-pG2H920XsUmGyvPhCgo0SD4tHuZ09Ddi-Xc-hVjWkcIHSDLaQaJuNtkQgQ9TTawa30itRDEdVBCZWWLo0wrthTYH58x3P_l3e7zYtPVI4JH2oOrNAt3hF1UlbrLVCx2qUfCShDCp/s320/20231209_202453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Then it was time for the fourth and last turn. With the <i>Regnum Transiit</i> structurally compromised, there was very little choice except to run away from the Warlord. That also meant I was down on victory points, so we needed a result to swing the battle. So the <i>Regnum Ferrum</i> moved left to gang up on the Warbringer, and the <i>Non Adoramus</i> got a charge order and barreled at the enemy Warhound with the traitor allegiance ability activated.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt2AmgZYWwbqTeBRy7tCB_VorE65-NmHWWu17i7utrD7HMEL-tTS7kf42HKTowN5N2ms4cPV6nyWRxGhAU88Y04bj4HDaE1OOjbLhL079O1yUMsTSN5AnDTm31AI1s_GYYrM4D63QzmPCOjwOynwwcjGpr9Vl4VfEx_D8EwGyGEqqtAF9ilpDHzRzRAx9/s4128/20231209_212402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt2AmgZYWwbqTeBRy7tCB_VorE65-NmHWWu17i7utrD7HMEL-tTS7kf42HKTowN5N2ms4cPV6nyWRxGhAU88Y04bj4HDaE1OOjbLhL079O1yUMsTSN5AnDTm31AI1s_GYYrM4D63QzmPCOjwOynwwcjGpr9Vl4VfEx_D8EwGyGEqqtAF9ilpDHzRzRAx9/s320/20231209_212402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>When the time came for the <i>Non Adoramus</i>'s boosted power fist attack, I managed to roll triple ones, so not so much as a dent appeared on the enemy Warhound.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwagaR7O7tOSaK3iyUV1siLbbWe6W0J1mZ3qsRwBh_831RFQbAw9Ev4IzZhVkyGjQyqqZ7MJRiF6AzuQfWJRyQyPpzcZu2p9jJYvG48MXkeM1hW9r84_VgyYu3yqjg2jH5QzYZaJOV0W47Ko-pcd_UXg1qjALyIkHXm8kNP0hooLNtcMFGBk-WRb4Gxa6x/s4128/20231209_212408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwagaR7O7tOSaK3iyUV1siLbbWe6W0J1mZ3qsRwBh_831RFQbAw9Ev4IzZhVkyGjQyqqZ7MJRiF6AzuQfWJRyQyPpzcZu2p9jJYvG48MXkeM1hW9r84_VgyYu3yqjg2jH5QzYZaJOV0W47Ko-pcd_UXg1qjALyIkHXm8kNP0hooLNtcMFGBk-WRb4Gxa6x/s320/20231209_212408.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>We were more successful with the Warbringer. The <i>Regnum Ferrum</i> knocked down its shields and hit its already damaged legs, and the <i>Abominatio Desolationis</i> delivered the final blow with its volcano cannon. The dying Warbringer lurched forward, crashing into the <i>Regnum Ferrum</i> and destroying it!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gOJU6dfMiQ7N2x0sQnCdiwOOOnwgqRqs-SUOFhN8VYsiuG41wk17srZVS9PBPkS7fcxaZJVMXXeui2CJ-xIexing2XJ59YF-7x-Zh40isA5rQ0NYCe89xI49q-9ff3zm7HRqA4v6UgeN7IcPKpcLuyaB6lBpVVaLT7KznRQ_xawgLvp8RcE1v7umbB4H/s4128/20231209_215325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gOJU6dfMiQ7N2x0sQnCdiwOOOnwgqRqs-SUOFhN8VYsiuG41wk17srZVS9PBPkS7fcxaZJVMXXeui2CJ-xIexing2XJ59YF-7x-Zh40isA5rQ0NYCe89xI49q-9ff3zm7HRqA4v6UgeN7IcPKpcLuyaB6lBpVVaLT7KznRQ_xawgLvp8RcE1v7umbB4H/s320/20231209_215325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The collision sent the Warbringer reeling backward, until it almost unbelievably, but perfectly, fell over backward onto the last surviving Armiger.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqUjfdksQ1G9fpc147y-m47eLZt1UPS1Pb3oRpvzrQC36qyBh-41VpTriUdaNM8wtwX4XI9fPCxuwwsmGPPA4KmyWIQRtLpaZmlOCuBZ80XBttHCFywl_NRiifTkfAOOAHwooV5wy8NE8rcunrBWtfSj3NtHeU5vdmLP3LjY2E9icxNLT1HNnX5ubK_5K/s4128/20231209_220650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqUjfdksQ1G9fpc147y-m47eLZt1UPS1Pb3oRpvzrQC36qyBh-41VpTriUdaNM8wtwX4XI9fPCxuwwsmGPPA4KmyWIQRtLpaZmlOCuBZ80XBttHCFywl_NRiifTkfAOOAHwooV5wy8NE8rcunrBWtfSj3NtHeU5vdmLP3LjY2E9icxNLT1HNnX5ubK_5K/s320/20231209_220650.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And with that, the battle was over. Legio Crucius lost their Warbringer, but the combined loss of one Warhound destroyed, another structurally compromised, and the Armigers wiped out, was enough to make the final score a Crucius victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>That finale could hardly have been more Titanicus.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So, we lost on points, but at least we took out that Warbringer. That means a kill marking for the <i>Abominatio desolationis</i>:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsP-QpYD3Pvw7AZSVGtLuycFZHRtx_X_wYx5KER_87ZJ06mT-oqrOpMU9ClGDQTz3LsDz8pZhtVY7JkNmFrD_DGzZrKNsC_yzYqzbNBG4yZAwSNxUCR-AMEe8LLG6v0DDod0P7Z2adN3faUKFU-URJCwtcsZD9sFWhGFuur5Uw3pp4unOKlO_Mna9Slwg/s4128/20231213_105921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsP-QpYD3Pvw7AZSVGtLuycFZHRtx_X_wYx5KER_87ZJ06mT-oqrOpMU9ClGDQTz3LsDz8pZhtVY7JkNmFrD_DGzZrKNsC_yzYqzbNBG4yZAwSNxUCR-AMEe8LLG6v0DDod0P7Z2adN3faUKFU-URJCwtcsZD9sFWhGFuur5Uw3pp4unOKlO_Mna9Slwg/s320/20231213_105921.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And for the volcano cannon, which landed the mortal blow.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMvTT3XtzRblShyue1mGSXduDP1ztCf6r6rzeYMV7_nFqkIhpJyUs8DKxzfiAmvQ0g-v74CLrJsOgXCjdatrKYgc0uWsRQQjQS2x3IzDzOvOZx2OBSwUvS6s7j-XAkYXCrlr5z2LmLpjw3HaG-mxzi0nTO2WLmJAt5_E_WMReGYJTvUiwIglwcrxLwUfB/s4128/20231213_105919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMvTT3XtzRblShyue1mGSXduDP1ztCf6r6rzeYMV7_nFqkIhpJyUs8DKxzfiAmvQ0g-v74CLrJsOgXCjdatrKYgc0uWsRQQjQS2x3IzDzOvOZx2OBSwUvS6s7j-XAkYXCrlr5z2LmLpjw3HaG-mxzi0nTO2WLmJAt5_E_WMReGYJTvUiwIglwcrxLwUfB/s320/20231213_105919.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's some better-quality pics my opponent took.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT6GsRNRllPRscoJqnJpMiUy8a0Y7CKVGjVgYmerR2iADBFjZMe3zvRDnho-B6T3fWY3uaV3ypTkcCFqE0Js8cGb-z4xTxtjxxoL8kLm1GW82GufMq-E2F7wajtI7pki1BX98tcW9FlmKCr_MrZqdo1LIJhRmETI6uFVbYYeICrddUj69bs4k0WFfQ7Km/s4032/2023-12-09%2021.20.13_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT6GsRNRllPRscoJqnJpMiUy8a0Y7CKVGjVgYmerR2iADBFjZMe3zvRDnho-B6T3fWY3uaV3ypTkcCFqE0Js8cGb-z4xTxtjxxoL8kLm1GW82GufMq-E2F7wajtI7pki1BX98tcW9FlmKCr_MrZqdo1LIJhRmETI6uFVbYYeICrddUj69bs4k0WFfQ7Km/s320/2023-12-09%2021.20.13_.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I was quite happy with my tactics; I didn't expect the enemy to concentrate so heavily on one flank, but it gave me the opportunity to gang up on the Warbringer and destroy it. The Acastus knights were hilarious, and even the Armigers did good work distracting the enemy Warbringer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYte9xQf0fjzV-EbiXKhRnQOalpW9FVrPKgpGFthMvXXDHiit8jiWSn1GheCy2nqWHy445Q-XFlykLE2QRo9ocuxExAx6l6ll_joIp-sqmjYJ46s7_ETzGCt4fXcimLysB5uZo8xBJN20ld5KhYpFhaJmXCFkZKkQ5pd65RA46XzfuOmBDKQ5d0PHWXyv/s4032/2023-12-09%2019.02.12_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYte9xQf0fjzV-EbiXKhRnQOalpW9FVrPKgpGFthMvXXDHiit8jiWSn1GheCy2nqWHy445Q-XFlykLE2QRo9ocuxExAx6l6ll_joIp-sqmjYJ46s7_ETzGCt4fXcimLysB5uZo8xBJN20ld5KhYpFhaJmXCFkZKkQ5pd65RA46XzfuOmBDKQ5d0PHWXyv/s320/2023-12-09%2019.02.12_.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The MVP of my battlegroup, though, was clearly the <i>Regnum transiit a te</i>, for tying up an enemy Warlord for almost the entire battle and actually living to tell the tale.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZ0j1y-7Qi2e-k-HPYnQrPnb2mTZrhdIT4a-WGfe-OiP0t0y_swB70gzdZhtqNCok1wss3PBv-gYkDQ2cZF3Monxpn36Wfcb8sxK33Nwkp0-8I3L2uwfOTyWaMha4Vel_EmDCjtw2kdYmVAxIGQ1fl9zHcQLRrtPGAleNpfDTAdmK3sUMzTjNb0bd4T-5/s4032/2023-12-09%2019.01.40_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZ0j1y-7Qi2e-k-HPYnQrPnb2mTZrhdIT4a-WGfe-OiP0t0y_swB70gzdZhtqNCok1wss3PBv-gYkDQ2cZF3Monxpn36Wfcb8sxK33Nwkp0-8I3L2uwfOTyWaMha4Vel_EmDCjtw2kdYmVAxIGQ1fl9zHcQLRrtPGAleNpfDTAdmK3sUMzTjNb0bd4T-5/s320/2023-12-09%2019.01.40_.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>We used the full rules, except for Princeps traits and Stratagems, so next time I expect we'll go the whole hog. Those Crucius guys certainly got their orders off, and at first it felt like they were putting void shields up as quickly as I knocked them down. I also mostly forgot about my maniple bonus for armor rolls, not that I think it would have made a huge difference. Like last time, I rolled pretty well on my void shield saves, and bizarrely won every roll for the Opus Titanica except the last one; and then rolled a spectacular triple 1 on the allegiance ability attack. You win some, you lose some. Had some rolls gone differently, maybe we'd have smashed the enemy Warhound; on the other hand, maybe the Crucius Warlord would have reduced the <i>Regnum Transiit</i> into molten slag latest on turn 3.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRj1mvgMQTigOgY71hciJXLcjwLwsx86GfaLDMC1jGtBlSfwOqEjZFfNVTA1VvfZNp8SZ7ufc1_D-wXza2uaJTZ5qrYd35DV0St4Qh2sVAygpDBbfEhGI4UL13ArApv6NfDhCf5hMjf5NXCzWdltW2lx47T9oK8A1mwpJIFwnoosxsP4h8o4ViDHgexdX/s4032/2023-12-09%2022.03.42_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRj1mvgMQTigOgY71hciJXLcjwLwsx86GfaLDMC1jGtBlSfwOqEjZFfNVTA1VvfZNp8SZ7ufc1_D-wXza2uaJTZ5qrYd35DV0St4Qh2sVAygpDBbfEhGI4UL13ArApv6NfDhCf5hMjf5NXCzWdltW2lx47T9oK8A1mwpJIFwnoosxsP4h8o4ViDHgexdX/s320/2023-12-09%2022.03.42_.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>After two games, I have to say that I unironically love my Reavers and Warhounds. I definitely want to get some bigger Titans at some point, but these guys keep coming through for me, and the Envious legio ability means I almost always get the command check bonus for orders. I'm also quite seriously thinking about building a corrupted Reaver. Or two.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The most important thing is that we had a great time playing. I admit that this was only my second game, but Titanicus is slowly but surely creeping up my list of favorite wargames ever. It's in a similar place as old Necromunda was, where I kind of hope GW would release more content, but on the other hand, I've got my rulebook and my <i>Traitor Legios</i>, and I'm going to get years of enjoyment out of this.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having a great Titanicus experience also deepens my ambivalence about Legions Imperialis. On the one hand, yes, it would be awesome to add infantry, tanks, flyers and everything to this; on the other hand, we're having an excellent time without them. I was really excited for Legions Imperialis when it came out, but the months-long delay and total lack of explanation made me feel a bit silly, and I'm still on the fence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, Titanicus is a wonderful game and I for one really hope I get to play more of it.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-74708791158428742972023-12-25T09:00:00.169+02:002023-12-25T09:00:00.132+02:00End-of-year 2023So it's been another year. I'll get the grim stuff out of the way first.<div><br /></div><div>At the beginning of this year, I <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/03/pandemic-diary-year-3.html">wrote</a> about the way the Marin government simply decided to stop trying to suppress the pandemic, and overall deaths surged from 1 500 to almost 9 000. As I write this, the <a href="https://covid19.who.int/region/euro/country/fi">World Health Organization</a> has us at about 11 000 cumulative Covid deaths. Earlier this year, we elected an extreme-right government with neo-Nazis and sexual predators among its ministers, so you can easily believe that we're still strongly invested in pretending there's no pandemic. Here's one estimate of how that's going.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenj9sjIdahtUS6kyrXltYyT5L6-sLLGqJWpyFdm_UMiN6giwCh6gcxZMkhOvA3tRqKEDI8euBZRCR7HMvvGr47g7oE_SURUo5pz4oHTv4XV89oST_sg-8TNQESCFUwji0Sjr9AkQGq8yZVI5arZj0y5kjMg1kk0K3-2pdJ_33I6rU5kakPQ_G5zQXFfyn/s1265/Screenshot_20231217-214005_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenj9sjIdahtUS6kyrXltYyT5L6-sLLGqJWpyFdm_UMiN6giwCh6gcxZMkhOvA3tRqKEDI8euBZRCR7HMvvGr47g7oE_SURUo5pz4oHTv4XV89oST_sg-8TNQESCFUwji0Sjr9AkQGq8yZVI5arZj0y5kjMg1kk0K3-2pdJ_33I6rU5kakPQ_G5zQXFfyn/s320/Screenshot_20231217-214005_Chrome.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><br /><div>I don't really know what to say, except to repeat that the necropolitics of the pandemic are unbelievably grim. Eleven thousand people have died, and the media and what at least feels like the majority of the population simply don't care.</div><div><br /></div><div>But then some 20,000 civilians have been brutally murdered in Gaza over the last couple of months, and it's not just that people don't care, but in fact actively support massacring children. Our government certainly does.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the face of all this, I've become a lot more active politically this year. I had a very memorable time marching against our travesty of a government this summer, and I've taken part in a bunch of protests against Israel's slaughter of civilians in Gaza. Here's a picture from one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5H2aCOqI0y0eQNpAe2Fn6p3l-S1VTOwNG2suL7doKDRRrsYQIY9CpKLwLfC8mx7-vhNEA7xd0VONvDGc24DVZ-0DaVlcpdzmsAQ-dQ0sq5grIw1NmhXJ5iVsL3tNRSyk3RpyOxAWzipHI5MItZ6YbN6Fk6uj0_7KGOyBsKALNVdnKRm8UYV1NhtHUloO/s1600/2023-12-06-14-30-51-788.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5H2aCOqI0y0eQNpAe2Fn6p3l-S1VTOwNG2suL7doKDRRrsYQIY9CpKLwLfC8mx7-vhNEA7xd0VONvDGc24DVZ-0DaVlcpdzmsAQ-dQ0sq5grIw1NmhXJ5iVsL3tNRSyk3RpyOxAWzipHI5MItZ6YbN6Fk6uj0_7KGOyBsKALNVdnKRm8UYV1NhtHUloO/s320/2023-12-06-14-30-51-788.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The problem is that I'm quite convinced that things will only get worse. The indifference to mass death that we've seen during the pandemic and the butchery in Gaza is one sign of that. Another is the rising popularity of fascism, whether it be the orange oligarch in the US or the almost ridiculous performative cruelty that is UK immigration policy, or indeed our own government.</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, I think it's impossibly naïve to believe that the resurgence of fascism has nothing to do with the deepening climate crisis. It's amply clear that the powers that be are not going to take any effective action to stop the planet overheating. The farce that was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/14/failure-cop28-fossil-fuel-phase-out-devastating-say-scientists">Cop28</a> was yet another nail in the coffin of the biosphere as we know it. What they seem to be preparing for is mass repression. Witness, for example, the ludicrously draconian anti-protest laws being enacted in the UK, or for that matter, the actions of the Helsinki police this independence day. I took the following snippet of video there, to give you an idea of what it was like.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzlO-O6Klz5K8f7yhGNbZa07emmDVeMw1BgPLLFMQ-alfxg4aY8yYy9YxU82GTlUPdOonyS4512a6oWdpSqTg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>I participated in the antifascist protest at Töölöntori, which was broken up by mounted police. As I said <a href="https://mastodontti.fi/@mhalila/111535667545402837">elsewhere</a>, it's certainly an interesting experience for a military historian to be charged by a mounted formation, but it's not really one I'd have chosen to have at a totally peaceful antifascist demo. The cops certainly picked their side, and it's difficult to not think that in addition to trying to provoke and intimidate us, they were also practicing for future protests.</div><div><br /></div><div>What strikes me more and more often these days are the parallels I see in our society today to <i>ancien régime</i> France, or the country my grandfather was born in, czarist Russia, we then being a grand duchy of theirs. In both societies, it was quite obvious to so many contemporaries that the system was badly broken, and the needs of the many were being thoroughly neglected in favor of the endless greed of the few. Faced with peaceful attempts to reform their societies, the rich and powerful in both countries absolutely refused to make the slightest concession. They would give up nothing, not one penny to anyone, but rather use violence to suppress anyone trying to change anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>We all know how that worked out for them. Today's political elites are too busy worshipping billionaire oligarchs, imposing austerity on the poor and inciting ridiculous culture wars to protect the rich whose reckless overconsumption is literally destroying the planet. There are so many sensible things we could be doing to create a more ecologically sustainable, more just society. They'd rather send out the riot cops.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a historian, I do not believe this will end well. Our societies are facing one of the most extreme tests ever endured by any organized groups of humanity, in the form of the planetary ecological crisis. We are comprehensively failing that test, and it's only going to keep getting uglier from here.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So, that's the heavy stuff. On to more frivolous things, because in the middle of all this, ordinary life also goes on. It has to, because if we're going to try to do something about the big problems, we need to get energy from somewhere. Rest and relaxation are political and part of activism. Indeed, one of the popular ways to try to discredit activists is to set impossible standards for anyone who claims to care about anything, and then call them a hypocrite. It's a purely cynical maneuvre to maintain the status quo, when the reality is that no-one is perfect, and the goal of activism is never to be a perfect individual, but to do what you can to make the world better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year I blogged about <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/12/farewell-to-my-so-called-academic-career.html">abandoning my so-called academic career for good</a>. None of the above has exactly made me feel worse about my decision; on the contrary, the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0RJ479thRI/?igshid=ZWI2YzEzYmMxYg==">decision</a> by the University of Helsinki to summon the police to violently clear people protesting Israel's war crimes from its premises on 29.11. made me feel quite confident that I did the right thing. Our academia is divided into two parts: the people holding actual power are far too privileged and cosseted to care about anything, and everyone else is too busy being torn apart by the inhumanity of neoliberal academia to be able to do anything even if they wanted to. And let's face it, most of them don't want to. So I'm tremendously happy to leave that nonsense behind me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, I've been working on a video game: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2431980/Goblin_Camp/">Goblin Camp</a>. You can read our blog <a href="https://www.goblincamp.com/">here</a>, if you're interested. It's a follow-up to the shareware <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2011/01/lets-play-goblin-camp.html">Goblin Camp</a> I was involved in over a decade ago, and we're kinda excited about it. Do check it out! It's certainly been an experience diving into a totally different job, but I do get to use my professional skills. I've done historical research into things like <a href="https://www.goblincamp.com/2023/09/14/wooden-armor.html">wooden armor</a> and <a href="https://www.goblincamp.com/2023/08/21/farming-and-fertility.html">farming</a>, and I'm quite proud of the way our game takes inspiration from <a href="https://www.goblincamp.com/2023/08/07/what-is-finnic-paganism.html">Finnic paganism</a>. We'll see how it goes!</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>In even sillier hobby things, it's been a good year. I got to play <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/04/warhammer-40000-lets-play-filthy-casual.html">a game of Warhammer 40,000</a>, where I got my ass kicked by space wizards. I tried <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/11/lets-play-battletech-beginner-box.html">Battletech</a>, and we played two whole games of <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/10/lets-play-twilight-imperium.html">Twilight Imperium</a>, <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/11/twilight-imperium-2-enlightenment-is.html">one of which</a> I actually won! I made a <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/09/warhammer-40000-gold-gold-gold.html">golden Knight</a>, and started collecting <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/09/lets-paint-victory-at-sea-kriegsmarine.html">little ships</a>. We've also played a <i>lot</i> of <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/02/lets-play-warhammer-40000-darktide-is.html">Darktide</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm very grateful I got into the miniature hobby again years ago, because frankly, it's really helped my sanity. Having something immersive I can do with my hands is such a wonderful experience when everything I do for a living involves thinking, writing and talking.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm running a tabletop campaign again as well! Our <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2015/06/rogue-trader-year-one-reflections.html">Rogue Trader campaign</a> has been on hiatus for a while, what with the pandemic and everything, so I was persuaded to start a Dark Heresy campaign set in the <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/05/rogue-trader-welcome-to-acheron-sector.html">same fictional universe</a>. I'm trying to run a more focused campaign than my earlier sandbox efforts: this is a far more plot-oriented mystery-solving campaign with a definite structure and end point. Once it's done, I hope we'll be able to resurrect the Rogue Trader campaign and actually finish it. I've really enjoyed the Dark Heresy, we have excellent players and it's just been so much fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of finishing things, <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/12/end-of-year-thoughts-getting-back-into.html">way back in 2019</a> I made a sort of new year's resolution to actually try to finish hobby projects before starting new ones. It's been going variably, but I feel like I am actually getting better at thinking about my hobby activities in manageable chunks, and at least trying to finish more chunks than I start. I'm buying much less stuff, and actually, fuck it, it's time to extend my resolution.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2024, I will not buy any more miniatures.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was going to come up with all kinds of exceptions to this, but I'm just not going to. No new minis in 2024, and that's the end of it. I will use next year to make a dent in my gigantic pile of undercoated miniatures.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So there! Happy New Year, everybody.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-1763961752843365102023-11-13T09:00:00.025+02:002023-11-13T09:00:00.132+02:00Warhammer 40,000: The Iconoclasts<i>When I accompanied you to the holy place called Bethel, there to join you in celebrating the Collect, after the use of the Church, I came to a villa called Anablatha and, as I was passing, saw a lamp burning there. Asking what place it was, and learning it to be a church, I went in to pray, and found there a curtain hanging on the doors of the said church, dyed and embroidered. It bore an image either of Christ or of one of the saints; I do not rightly remember whose the image was. Seeing this, and being loth that an image of a man should be hung up in Christ's church contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures, I tore it asunder and advised the custodians of the place to use it as a winding sheet for some poor person.<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3001051.htm">From Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, to John, Bishop of Jerusalem</a></i><br />
<br />My 40k Chaos Space Marines represent the Iconoclast Host, a loose collection of Chaos Marine warbands sworn to Lorgar and the Word Bearers Legion. Based on the demon shrine world of Techke Baranos, the Iconoclasts haunt the <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/05/rogue-trader-welcome-to-acheron-sector.html">Acheron sector</a>. They've subverted the hive world of <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/10/warhammer-40000-heretic-tankery.html">Kirov</a> and attracted the support of various renegades, including <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/04/warhammer-40000-renegades-and-heretics.html">Chaos Squats</a> and even Knights; they participated in the <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/07/rogue-trader-ignatian-rebellion.html">Ignatian Rebellion</a>, and who knows what else they've been getting up to since.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjltuUDNILX6ehVcgL31x-TcV6nAq80fi747eHghvur1dbDg4QAvnCUsSw2n7k-O07WIFtHNK3232H-hTI4yN7UCRXv657izmVCKmFaz7SNXWXCAq1V0pnyWtPDF_PE4M7Ut879xxwbgWt_bkJhdZMQy8GTIr1fUb5D2cBfwiDF3X4XFd4fYD1NGeGUA/s370/Image%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjltuUDNILX6ehVcgL31x-TcV6nAq80fi747eHghvur1dbDg4QAvnCUsSw2n7k-O07WIFtHNK3232H-hTI4yN7UCRXv657izmVCKmFaz7SNXWXCAq1V0pnyWtPDF_PE4M7Ut879xxwbgWt_bkJhdZMQy8GTIr1fUb5D2cBfwiDF3X4XFd4fYD1NGeGUA/s320/Image%20(8).jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /><div>The latest thing my Iconoclasts did was <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/04/warhammer-40000-lets-play-filthy-casual.html">get wiped out by Grey Knights</a>. So obviously I've demanded a rematch, which we've set for 1 000 points, and have been thinking hard about how to counter their mobility and psychic dominance.</div><div><br /></div><div>A good place to start would seem to be to bring an HQ that can do some psykering and counter-psykering. My first thought was a Sorcerer, but to be honest, the Dark Hereticus discipline just isn't great. I have <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/02/warhammer-40000-emperor-is-with.html">fond memories</a> of my Sorcerer using Warptime to launch my Berzerkers into a blob of Imperial Guard conscripts, which would solve both of my problems at one stroke - if 9th edition hadn't nerfed Warptime by prohibiting charges after it. The Grey Knights had no such limitations! Frankly, most of the other powers aren't great, either.</div><div><br /></div><div>My original idea was actually for an army of exactly 500 points featuring a Sorcerer, but then I looked at the Master of Possession. You get Masters of Possession in <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/07/gladius-how-to-chaos-space-marines.html">Gladius</a>, and while they have their uses, I tend to find both other hero choices more useful. The Malefic discipline is just so much better than the Sorcerer's, though, and they have both an anti-psyker aura and staff. Clearly this is who I need.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hilariously, the GW model is totally unavailable. It came in several bigger boxes, but now can't be bought anywhere. Not that I particularly liked it anyway, so I hardly mind having to build my own. But it just never ceases to amaze me how often GW just refuses to take our money. (The model was <a href="https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/08/13/sunday-preview-sneaky-space-marines-and-a-whole-season-of-kill-team/">re-released</a> shortly after I finished mine)</div><div><br /></div><div>My starting point is this Legion of the Damned marine I bought on eBay.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMYDM3tuMcl0VVpfmlSCO-8DWwLHWvJ7I6xcNNVU7S-r6HkUxjWZPgnoOqg9bYDQZOl6t9vP06VNymVMeAdkEOvkP7kMDgZkW81wMx7_oEYjHiO6Fp7Dn21VkmFIVGgH6uSHSDBxWKh6uPXop6vRT5HwGUna1wsX-ewOoyw0vEgWxETJEZsEOLRdYaQ/s4128/20230505_151316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMYDM3tuMcl0VVpfmlSCO-8DWwLHWvJ7I6xcNNVU7S-r6HkUxjWZPgnoOqg9bYDQZOl6t9vP06VNymVMeAdkEOvkP7kMDgZkW81wMx7_oEYjHiO6Fp7Dn21VkmFIVGgH6uSHSDBxWKh6uPXop6vRT5HwGUna1wsX-ewOoyw0vEgWxETJEZsEOLRdYaQ/s320/20230505_151316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>As I learned <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjc00jFopDR/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=">earlier</a>, the old Legion marines aren't actually that badly out of scale, they're just a little short in the leg. I extended my guy's upper legs and torso, which made them almost as tall as one of the new Legionnaires.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgaDOAWJPY0WRdggfdXvWJiVWM6z4IdZ-PmAZWCiZuEWR897jGOcpvfMztR7hrqLM5AHSCJJsAFpbCzVcBSIOKE1Q0ePHY8eNcUIAGFHz25TFNm1fa30V-MNn2h6jmWXp0VJx_6dPCerOeNziKKqakI7n7mn5w5vU-iH1SC85d4TuTKXg4VqhcoXijw/s4128/20230506_153620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgaDOAWJPY0WRdggfdXvWJiVWM6z4IdZ-PmAZWCiZuEWR897jGOcpvfMztR7hrqLM5AHSCJJsAFpbCzVcBSIOKE1Q0ePHY8eNcUIAGFHz25TFNm1fa30V-MNn2h6jmWXp0VJx_6dPCerOeNziKKqakI7n7mn5w5vU-iH1SC85d4TuTKXg4VqhcoXijw/s320/20230506_153620.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The copper wire is actually firm enough to hold the different parts in place until the gaps are filled with green stuff. The lower legs do end up looking a bit stubby, but I don't think that'll be very noticable on the tabletop.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-MGAQ_ZkgKt7bQOIbyJo1VhwAA8_kG9fHbK-RxpVNo7zxncFfMprphvlWzJz2NndQ1u2AD49jn9CvGv7xlMG6FacDomOm9fcT3jMy59NiAB3LnsS6cc3GNYsysn_RLM-5mghzG9rx5YPIFy7f35uA9EH-ateQ52DG-6bPlys78QWqqRyhyKgouwOQA/s4128/20230510_115945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-MGAQ_ZkgKt7bQOIbyJo1VhwAA8_kG9fHbK-RxpVNo7zxncFfMprphvlWzJz2NndQ1u2AD49jn9CvGv7xlMG6FacDomOm9fcT3jMy59NiAB3LnsS6cc3GNYsysn_RLM-5mghzG9rx5YPIFy7f35uA9EH-ateQ52DG-6bPlys78QWqqRyhyKgouwOQA/s320/20230510_115945.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The next step was to add arms and a backpack from the Exalted Sorcerers kit, and an old CSM icon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3EheQfML9pwtgbNpWFTApTa4FC1LiCAh31ddDADjsbKy7FOWbjUyDTxrNdj13GwEtyUwfDp81Dw1XPQknVv-vOCKnCp8FSAUsylIdKOwbJFyCSJwYE_69it8SBLqlkgPXge5QeEf98SCxHI3kVlvV96CePfDw_Y6OnDkAx3PtetLkIGVkbCQkYK1fA/s4128/20230511_124954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3EheQfML9pwtgbNpWFTApTa4FC1LiCAh31ddDADjsbKy7FOWbjUyDTxrNdj13GwEtyUwfDp81Dw1XPQknVv-vOCKnCp8FSAUsylIdKOwbJFyCSJwYE_69it8SBLqlkgPXge5QeEf98SCxHI3kVlvV96CePfDw_Y6OnDkAx3PtetLkIGVkbCQkYK1fA/s320/20230511_124954.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm actually really happy with how this looks! Final additions are a <a href="https://wargameexclusive.com/shop/sisters/greater-good-skulls-in-28mm-scale-64u/">Greater Good skull</a> and <a href="https://badsquiddogames.com/shop#!/Mushrooms-20/p/134009633">Bad Squiddo mushroom</a> on the base, and some <a href="https://www.anvilindustry.co.uk/decorative-parchments">Anvil parchments</a> for a Word Bearers touch.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XY2YEL_MZrCQ_LB1ct01_sRViefj3OjkU5LqW7CHzYyGwfiV1uKDtFESqCtlvxtfR_3WtvbRyI7nWbw_v6im8W2j9SvZK2eApU4Ls00sbcnb5WbZkNQrrol-mfHOxOex_A-XNndC-_CRnJBLr4bDHkjNDfyBL8UJUyEhwaC_jN4turWvscIDVDdzJA/s4128/20230512_151214.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XY2YEL_MZrCQ_LB1ct01_sRViefj3OjkU5LqW7CHzYyGwfiV1uKDtFESqCtlvxtfR_3WtvbRyI7nWbw_v6im8W2j9SvZK2eApU4Ls00sbcnb5WbZkNQrrol-mfHOxOex_A-XNndC-_CRnJBLr4bDHkjNDfyBL8UJUyEhwaC_jN4turWvscIDVDdzJA/s320/20230512_151214.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And then some paint.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDfWNoEGIfTjHxzlEJ_XK1HfVRfZ2pF5yhSFEnjMsNPgyoeY1804_pZI2tkIEzci4nyJ1ibiDxtepEk_JPo7HIaXKWkje_rB7b7lKYBP0mz6-bpfRB43oFft3K26h2vmrkVkTIz3ykQOfaHd4KfjeUigh1-8YDBxDLHnX3Ld67_FS_39Z8orttYZCa5M3/s4128/20230811_160751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDfWNoEGIfTjHxzlEJ_XK1HfVRfZ2pF5yhSFEnjMsNPgyoeY1804_pZI2tkIEzci4nyJ1ibiDxtepEk_JPo7HIaXKWkje_rB7b7lKYBP0mz6-bpfRB43oFft3K26h2vmrkVkTIz3ykQOfaHd4KfjeUigh1-8YDBxDLHnX3Ld67_FS_39Z8orttYZCa5M3/s320/20230811_160751.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>After painting, I added a few sprinkles of green flock and a tuft of Gamers Grass <a href="https://gamersgrass.com/product/wild-flowers-set/">Wild Flowers</a>. I was inspired by <a href="https://whfb.lexicanum.com/wiki/Aekold_Helbrass">Aekold Helbrass</a> and his Breath of Life, and wanted a little extra Chaos in my Chaos.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>That's not all we can do on the psychic front, either. The Chaos Marines in Kill Team got an option to have a squad-level psyker, and 9th edition brought that over to 40k. So if I take a unit of Legionaries, which is just a fancy name for Chaos Space Marines, I can make one of them into a psyker by paying 20 points for a Balefire tome. This seems to me to be a very Word Bearers thing to do.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemH477CRTcky2onk1chbF3OX0Q6-2ocYw8kfnL55Qb6H9IOargrB8CIWU3-STItKw2p0hZoxBANj4dVap93wSdS9ene5Qog1MQP6wWV1Ce89y9Lw2A4R0O_XbAwXUUm5aeHTdPeY_YWhqgDte8X1YxANfj8hOHZDWXsxkRww2tWsSLZINNseA5u_e2MxY/s4128/20230924_121559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemH477CRTcky2onk1chbF3OX0Q6-2ocYw8kfnL55Qb6H9IOargrB8CIWU3-STItKw2p0hZoxBANj4dVap93wSdS9ene5Qog1MQP6wWV1Ce89y9Lw2A4R0O_XbAwXUUm5aeHTdPeY_YWhqgDte8X1YxANfj8hOHZDWXsxkRww2tWsSLZINNseA5u_e2MxY/s320/20230924_121559.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>She has a <a href="https://www.statuesqueminiatures.co.uk/">Statuesque Miniatures</a> Bionic Roider head, some Wargame Exclusive books and some Anvil parchments. Another Kill Team weapon option I went for was the heavy chainaxe. I quite like the way the <a href="https://warhammer-40k-darktide.fandom.com/wiki/Scab_Mauler">Scab Maulers</a> in <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/02/lets-play-warhammer-40000-darktide-is.html">Darktide</a> look, so I tried to do something a little similar here.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm7bIUYSjy6PrcJWEv0BtTRK-yG3A8SuQ7WKdTdRa-FhQ5uyuw9oF8z8zolFmLVE41hHL9uznJ0HBQnjTJwUPFOasUTQU3x7P609RffR6fy5hzYLIpjH8kCXM4gVuy5uggnjjXyeeAXIotBVeuGlB-rIPFM2mHj9obB_S4_gDGSTF5-_lzqXscPYsvLp4/s4128/20230803_124839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm7bIUYSjy6PrcJWEv0BtTRK-yG3A8SuQ7WKdTdRa-FhQ5uyuw9oF8z8zolFmLVE41hHL9uznJ0HBQnjTJwUPFOasUTQU3x7P609RffR6fy5hzYLIpjH8kCXM4gVuy5uggnjjXyeeAXIotBVeuGlB-rIPFM2mHj9obB_S4_gDGSTF5-_lzqXscPYsvLp4/s320/20230803_124839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>As none of the wargear options other than the Balefire tome actually cost anything (for now!), there's really no reason to not give the Aspiring Champion a daemon blade. The sword in question is a <a href="https://bitsofwar.com/space-legions/41-vibro-katanas-5902216110397.html">Kromlech vibro katana</a>, and the Champion is also decorated with a <a href="https://wargameexclusive.com/shop/sisters/28mm-scale-five-books/">Wargame Exclusive Imperial book</a>, and has a Statuesque head.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCzCnRptjsC5IF2qBmX8AgG2OOuhE9rmxDlJ80AqHzVkhWykBmSrDzKp2VB1BkEqxPaL5TCinYax-4h2hURtesQuZJKvDzOufyVSvq6tdQn7KHxb_FVmdR8Xep4MfMQlKhVLI5bLmYEhYsWw-Qwf7DZhdgqQE2DBaUVshpNts8OhGLm74ALgTef7dC7PP/s4128/20230924_121548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCzCnRptjsC5IF2qBmX8AgG2OOuhE9rmxDlJ80AqHzVkhWykBmSrDzKp2VB1BkEqxPaL5TCinYax-4h2hURtesQuZJKvDzOufyVSvq6tdQn7KHxb_FVmdR8Xep4MfMQlKhVLI5bLmYEhYsWw-Qwf7DZhdgqQE2DBaUVshpNts8OhGLm74ALgTef7dC7PP/s320/20230924_121548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>When I was painting my <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/06/lets-paint-horus-heresy-age-of-darkness.html">Horus Heresy Word Bearers</a>, I came up with the idea of having a sort of apprentice chaplain in each squad called a deacon. Here's a 40k one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMl8kUhfjdy_QfCPinoYsiiXza8I4RjnUt3S9meZOzRS-1OYA4ZnRfRPVMmLNcy9B9YfLDaz-qeh6I-T8eA9QXLVbqsx6RmUyv2JWhkPAoJdIVIPqEQhukjYqCaCFtw8O3EYCadWfJ5HjJlHi00yK0NIm_TQso1SR3umFReQv9NGfZdrQgl_Oq0rAEFF2i/s4128/20231108_131032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMl8kUhfjdy_QfCPinoYsiiXza8I4RjnUt3S9meZOzRS-1OYA4ZnRfRPVMmLNcy9B9YfLDaz-qeh6I-T8eA9QXLVbqsx6RmUyv2JWhkPAoJdIVIPqEQhukjYqCaCFtw8O3EYCadWfJ5HjJlHi00yK0NIm_TQso1SR3umFReQv9NGfZdrQgl_Oq0rAEFF2i/s320/20231108_131032.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And here's the whole squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit154b34xmDuwh5Veg8oIRaToppQakjHte6eUgYP0F6CIdO02yyPN0Ts-2W8AqWJaF_AyxfBxqNiqayfxVpHG5BtkBxYQa9FrmD2HZWqWXI9cvjT5bvjg4kpMwSmpc2UvpExwWLG9CVSfaB5ffHDnxy5JYGkqM991Q6kyZR_oGqiZ-yZsEaDqmm2aZjRin/s4128/20231108_131222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit154b34xmDuwh5Veg8oIRaToppQakjHte6eUgYP0F6CIdO02yyPN0Ts-2W8AqWJaF_AyxfBxqNiqayfxVpHG5BtkBxYQa9FrmD2HZWqWXI9cvjT5bvjg4kpMwSmpc2UvpExwWLG9CVSfaB5ffHDnxy5JYGkqM991Q6kyZR_oGqiZ-yZsEaDqmm2aZjRin/s320/20231108_131222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I also made a chaincannon guy, because hey, why not.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpHNA_EnnlQEZnBs0i9p6XYy8qY8kNS1lttdunB8mpC4H2cc5xBbmk_NAlw17bGCfjPGUV4_Fah5fBi30DHXB8Plr4KmgIJ5IF0IOF9Tzx0GtEkW7x1A12OiHg5iF9QOTm6-mVeDmwCM18pbEVObt-_o8G-sm7vTGPKvXafNtFwWulExhtXfTmbPTBPps/s4128/20231108_130801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpHNA_EnnlQEZnBs0i9p6XYy8qY8kNS1lttdunB8mpC4H2cc5xBbmk_NAlw17bGCfjPGUV4_Fah5fBi30DHXB8Plr4KmgIJ5IF0IOF9Tzx0GtEkW7x1A12OiHg5iF9QOTm6-mVeDmwCM18pbEVObt-_o8G-sm7vTGPKvXafNtFwWulExhtXfTmbPTBPps/s320/20231108_130801.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So that should give me at least some tools to counter the Grey Knights' relentless space wizard fuckery. The other need I identified was for speed, and with the help of a <a href="https://www.bitzstore.com/en/">convenient French bits store</a> and some stuff left over from my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/11/warhammer-40000-watch-company-andromache.html">Deathwatch Vanguard Veterans</a>, I intend to address it. Here are some Warp Talons.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHTVG59ug05k0Anc9gqWTdP00iJnHofm7mYYlKBL_ClALZC94TJyCEv19-nMNe2HaINF-7QFvkskW20oRFQy6eqX29MNesvmRe3O0VkoQyOmAOMrZv3v1yWLo6ex9qsbTs6Cb60VY0whgU5UU6RRr42fZPQd3_Ndtq6VradcT9ILyeUwRR_nbwboKmDhX/s4128/20230911_133027.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHTVG59ug05k0Anc9gqWTdP00iJnHofm7mYYlKBL_ClALZC94TJyCEv19-nMNe2HaINF-7QFvkskW20oRFQy6eqX29MNesvmRe3O0VkoQyOmAOMrZv3v1yWLo6ex9qsbTs6Cb60VY0whgU5UU6RRr42fZPQd3_Ndtq6VradcT9ILyeUwRR_nbwboKmDhX/s320/20230911_133027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The Champion has a Statuesque Roider head, and Warp Talon claws.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKoB3Zbh9aZC21EHVGy-phIdDvk0SiHJhePIgHnAxHtZHyCB5xXpdk8NGbGXitTfwZVDUQE973JHuML_tuvVteUQ4KNQ7O1jn6CgRUol04r7cibp_9nfGzlljM4xVe8d8pwncNLzaCFcjp4O2T_1NEa9SBwCjUJvlgLZ-uHphCYhJk3-VSWJ6AqkGcA/s4128/20230602_113604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKoB3Zbh9aZC21EHVGy-phIdDvk0SiHJhePIgHnAxHtZHyCB5xXpdk8NGbGXitTfwZVDUQE973JHuML_tuvVteUQ4KNQ7O1jn6CgRUol04r7cibp_9nfGzlljM4xVe8d8pwncNLzaCFcjp4O2T_1NEa9SBwCjUJvlgLZ-uHphCYhJk3-VSWJ6AqkGcA/s320/20230602_113604.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I made a Deacon for the Warp Talons as well, and he has a Kromlech <a href="https://bitsofwar.com/space-legions/228-legionary-heads-cranium-pattern-5902216118188.html">Cranium Pattern head</a>, and Wargame Exclusive book as well as some Anvil parchments.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6s2sQNOT5Y-0zmGiuNN-YL5EGmR42vJTLh79eFZs_LJ1pCQnWpUrpJIjHkMK4s-ZbfKiFZG1Ca1iUsSAzAYhm6CF2F3UR9qSSlsNNtxZ6doKLwSmxyn2w-e6TXoDaW_6Gpwu_Xv94-3gU5hTA_2x582Scvahu0N8JTgDLldPPr6ae9k9IliKdc7lEE1nb/s4128/20230911_133111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6s2sQNOT5Y-0zmGiuNN-YL5EGmR42vJTLh79eFZs_LJ1pCQnWpUrpJIjHkMK4s-ZbfKiFZG1Ca1iUsSAzAYhm6CF2F3UR9qSSlsNNtxZ6doKLwSmxyn2w-e6TXoDaW_6Gpwu_Xv94-3gU5hTA_2x582Scvahu0N8JTgDLldPPr6ae9k9IliKdc7lEE1nb/s320/20230911_133111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>With the points I had left, I decided to give my Chaos Dreadnought another chance. If it just blows up again, I'll know to bring something else next time. That still left me with something like 20 points, so I decided it was now time for my first Chaos Spawn.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt1SgwXI9R8mvTDy5ybQidzeReHT1a4frXQ53zlz_qdEYNzKijrHA8yFa0aB7-6LvxjKjLBJgu3sWn9xKtWvhJZxy0LVQktait7nopi6BOZqNCrt6nN4qs7v6GbTUcYevFSOJGazthyppXqJRwQGC_0TQcVUimlt1JIOV6KE1lt8w9X-7qOrLQHAApA/s4128/20230528_130834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt1SgwXI9R8mvTDy5ybQidzeReHT1a4frXQ53zlz_qdEYNzKijrHA8yFa0aB7-6LvxjKjLBJgu3sWn9xKtWvhJZxy0LVQktait7nopi6BOZqNCrt6nN4qs7v6GbTUcYevFSOJGazthyppXqJRwQGC_0TQcVUimlt1JIOV6KE1lt8w9X-7qOrLQHAApA/s320/20230528_130834.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The body is a Minotaur, the tentacles and head are from my Beast of Nurgle, and the rest are random daemon and Tyranid bits I had. I think the overall impression is fairly, well, spawn-y.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJn4J-XTotx4IikcXH5Rn7Ipx5NpwNhG7ThCK0F4i5rDvu6YhU7byDW6RMiK9H0qaw_azDCiQ-erS05W8DHk8yERsN8Q--lrXgA9WQd5JMIhpUNgfDflXtKdI8U2w3uQV--8CeoWo-5fx3U7q38WAC8MeyfT_Xzk3gNdbTxM-nJuGtGdOy7DEAEIlIQ/s4128/20230528_130854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJn4J-XTotx4IikcXH5Rn7Ipx5NpwNhG7ThCK0F4i5rDvu6YhU7byDW6RMiK9H0qaw_azDCiQ-erS05W8DHk8yERsN8Q--lrXgA9WQd5JMIhpUNgfDflXtKdI8U2w3uQV--8CeoWo-5fx3U7q38WAC8MeyfT_Xzk3gNdbTxM-nJuGtGdOy7DEAEIlIQ/s320/20230528_130854.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div></div><div>So, here's the Word Bearers half of my 1000 point army:</div><div><br /></div><div><div>HQ - Master of Possession - 105 points</div><div><br /></div><div>Troops - Legionaries (6) - 108 pts</div><div> + Balefire Tome (20) = 128 points [233]</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast Attack - Warp Talons (5) - 140 points [373]</div><div><br /></div><div>Elites - Helbrute - 105 points [478]</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast Attack - Chaos Spawn - 25 points [503]</div></div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>It was painting Horus Heresy that made me realize I actually really like the dark red I've picked for my Word Bearers, and I'm happy to bring it over to 40k. I mean yes, if I ever field a big Chaos Marine army, it's going to look like a whole bunch of different armies all rolled into one, but if it's a problem that Chaos looks, well, chaotic...</div><div><br /></div><div>Our rematch will hopefully happen soon!</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-16529949757828729882023-11-06T09:00:00.378+02:002023-11-06T09:00:00.153+02:00Twilight Imperium 2: Enlightenment is a Function of Willpower<div><i>I maintain nonetheless that yin-yang dualism can be overcome. With sufficient enlightenment we can give substance to any distinction: mind without body, north without south, pleasure without pain. Remember, enlightenment is a function of willpower, not of physical strength.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> - Chairman Sheng-ji Yang, "Essays on Mind and Matter"</i></div><div><br /></div>We enjoyed our first game of Twilight Imperium, <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/10/lets-play-twilight-imperium.html">The Assassination of Bug Jesus by the Coward Space Turtles</a>, so much that we wanted to play another one. So, with our <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/10/lets-paint-twilight-imperium-faction.html">newly painted red miniatures</a>, we did.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKWksQwJRV4tD4t5Dr-SDdjsajvWNgVbBVFMpkduCUy2DEmfguIUSo5rg5pvOPaO0Om9_lKp87OdZRgvqn_EqlUOyDI6vY3HsBjGlczfD55TOmRWeQpPynVxvihWz1bII2Z4Hq8koAW0gAtPdKGzrW3Yqj3tVs0UIBPTer_FbzcQhDjbrQUEcND76O7Vj/s310/Image%20(12).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="223" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKWksQwJRV4tD4t5Dr-SDdjsajvWNgVbBVFMpkduCUy2DEmfguIUSo5rg5pvOPaO0Om9_lKp87OdZRgvqn_EqlUOyDI6vY3HsBjGlczfD55TOmRWeQpPynVxvihWz1bII2Z4Hq8koAW0gAtPdKGzrW3Yqj3tVs0UIBPTer_FbzcQhDjbrQUEcND76O7Vj/s1600/Image%20(12).jpeg" width="223" /></a></div><br /><div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Well before the game, we randomized seating order and factions. I ended up getting the <a href="https://twilight-imperium.fandom.com/wiki/The_Yin_Brotherhood">Yin Brotherhood</a>, an all-male faction of clones. Our special abilities are a kamikaze attack with cruisers or destroyers, and for some reason, Indoctrination, which lets us convert opposing infantry. I'm just going to think of them as what happens when the Hive builds Cloning Vats and then wins Alpha Centauri. Because they are so clearly the Hive, I picked the blue miniatures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Going clockwise, on my left I have the <a href="https://twilight-imperium.fandom.com/wiki/The_Barony_of_Letnev">Barony of Letnev</a> (green) who won last time, then also on my left but with a different player. Then it's the <a href="https://twilight-imperium.fandom.com/wiki/The_Yssaril_Tribes">Yssaril Tribes</a>, some kind of space goblin spies with the yellow miniatures, and a new player in black with the <a href="https://twilight-imperium.fandom.com/wiki/The_Emirates_of_Hacan">Emirates of Hacan</a>, the trader space cats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next we have the <a href="https://twilight-imperium.fandom.com/wiki/The_Embers_of_Muaat">Embers of Muaat</a>, who start with one of the death stars I just painted, and have a special ability, <a href="https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Forge">Star Forge</a>, which means they can produce ships in their death star. Given that they also start with the speaker token, they're basically Emperor Palpatine. Finally, on my right, last time's winner with the violet <a href="https://twilight-imperium.fandom.com/wiki/Factions">Ghosts of Creuss</a>: the spooky space ghosts live on the other side of a wormhole.</div><div><br /></div><div>My flatmate was kind enough to build a map for us:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxSRUuduJW4umrSLR0m69q_nt0jPs4OHWrCxsvbasnCn2v2WW06AZqhlWSg5oQ_RpDfY3-fP8yF6liBLsZoNF1__rNOZb0gzHhzW4d7mr5vLzDAMulkcpO4gAz5PV6aKzdzXc9ofjrMMG5Igibx0gRnGwyss9hOB-CgW_kEj2y86-jK5fB7quumpMIcCv/s4128/20231006_171826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxSRUuduJW4umrSLR0m69q_nt0jPs4OHWrCxsvbasnCn2v2WW06AZqhlWSg5oQ_RpDfY3-fP8yF6liBLsZoNF1__rNOZb0gzHhzW4d7mr5vLzDAMulkcpO4gAz5PV6aKzdzXc9ofjrMMG5Igibx0gRnGwyss9hOB-CgW_kEj2y86-jK5fB7quumpMIcCv/s320/20231006_171826.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And we were ready to go!</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>We got off to what I'm coming to think is the usual Twilight Imperium start where we expand cautiously into the immediately adjacent systems.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEMKVgqU6-6ZH49AF2cqqHaqWSFFS4wjJpfbD0qp2eG5c3NFhf7uzrDUASVnxxkMdp2WwFx5NiQqGtxHQ4VlnHIHLrToH8c2XDDmy9IvHtTOwLafwDNNcJa3reHuvzAeawSQZu2Ucx6R1bm2OSMzMh78THPENjPxQSSlrZh7hnvSD2FX5b-LUUHiT0enH/s4128/20231007_152703.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEMKVgqU6-6ZH49AF2cqqHaqWSFFS4wjJpfbD0qp2eG5c3NFhf7uzrDUASVnxxkMdp2WwFx5NiQqGtxHQ4VlnHIHLrToH8c2XDDmy9IvHtTOwLafwDNNcJa3reHuvzAeawSQZu2Ucx6R1bm2OSMzMh78THPENjPxQSSlrZh7hnvSD2FX5b-LUUHiT0enH/s320/20231007_152703.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Aided by the menacing presence of the Muaat death star, the trash talk was heaviest at the opposite end of the table. I quickly established friendly relations with what I was informed was called the Baloney of Satnav, and a cautious accord with the creepy wormhole ghosts. Seeing as how the Creuss player won last time, I was definitely most nervous about them!</div><div><br /></div><div>My suspicions were quickly confirmed when the Ghosts sent a fleet through the alpha wormhole, and grabbed Arinam and Meer from right under the noses of the Satnav. One of the public objectives involved controlling planets with the same planet trait, and Meer is a hazardous planet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOKH-u5RnU0dmjlP8ImB_XkgikPGQQj6AMEvLN6VlebfcSzDqMmfriXZY-qT_242e4rkXkSIpMROm0klI17ciCIkMQCmHmrfnu6xLQ0-X4GrUd3AbOfL5BXp7QMiYcwWp5BP48ukXh9Lg2PdzL944ce9rEAGQ65Gc3PIiwtjhxx_UR0rGIhlNSXOsKxBs/s4128/20231007_153648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOKH-u5RnU0dmjlP8ImB_XkgikPGQQj6AMEvLN6VlebfcSzDqMmfriXZY-qT_242e4rkXkSIpMROm0klI17ciCIkMQCmHmrfnu6xLQ0-X4GrUd3AbOfL5BXp7QMiYcwWp5BP48ukXh9Lg2PdzL944ce9rEAGQ65Gc3PIiwtjhxx_UR0rGIhlNSXOsKxBs/s320/20231007_153648.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Baloney was having none of it, and very quickly got them back.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7mIbi6O0f0YVEv5I_XEG3jNmwuom_7km4CjcJwbQqyvywi7phiTIuFJbRa90lQCh994gpCrJOjp9HUWHl3p5MlOKX8hOtT9oFPZOgHEpRwJNTFA62zQlVdw1bNrS38Q4lvZzDFokTBkI78JU-Lppuz0ZReN9SqI0uIM3odNx3TYA0umExmDBWC5IRrrO/s4128/20231007_154637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7mIbi6O0f0YVEv5I_XEG3jNmwuom_7km4CjcJwbQqyvywi7phiTIuFJbRa90lQCh994gpCrJOjp9HUWHl3p5MlOKX8hOtT9oFPZOgHEpRwJNTFA62zQlVdw1bNrS38Q4lvZzDFokTBkI78JU-Lppuz0ZReN9SqI0uIM3odNx3TYA0umExmDBWC5IRrrO/s320/20231007_154637.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>As the second turn drew to a close, everyone was busy building up their fleets, and the first shots had been fired.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVl4ZPJ11mezX5foYsX9pLb4woMPOBaVFlsLanJO9R8FLo8zQd1FZ-G6EYz3n2uyB9bL2f5YU-SVUz8Ou4PTcwEVJ8IoJ0FxaX4uSXMa8CSKCMz6e14J7S2xRDrz3SmMt9gXnN6n_M4Ay9AsUvgow1n3QJyFuRmiAlu_Gu3j55eg1WXDiRlZGfKoAQAH0/s4128/20231007_165250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVl4ZPJ11mezX5foYsX9pLb4woMPOBaVFlsLanJO9R8FLo8zQd1FZ-G6EYz3n2uyB9bL2f5YU-SVUz8Ou4PTcwEVJ8IoJ0FxaX4uSXMa8CSKCMz6e14J7S2xRDrz3SmMt9gXnN6n_M4Ay9AsUvgow1n3QJyFuRmiAlu_Gu3j55eg1WXDiRlZGfKoAQAH0/s320/20231007_165250.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>On the third turn, I decided to make my contribution to the shot total by invading New Albion.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GJt6XNhAoRMR9tuxBgnC1zts3VM6IvGC1PNq9L2KvJmQYEOTV8IMsV5UyRMi3fnYwBNegxQ6YYnIzXytX-XyrqeylI6m8UfZ_PHlwIqZFe8yGQMPbrffC2P1yj3g77Z293PBP75gGvRCflUko3MRoi67K3svhNo-78L25HnA8eB8H35X9PgcUGnOMm-9/s4128/20231007_181250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GJt6XNhAoRMR9tuxBgnC1zts3VM6IvGC1PNq9L2KvJmQYEOTV8IMsV5UyRMi3fnYwBNegxQ6YYnIzXytX-XyrqeylI6m8UfZ_PHlwIqZFe8yGQMPbrffC2P1yj3g77Z293PBP75gGvRCflUko3MRoi67K3svhNo-78L25HnA8eB8H35X9PgcUGnOMm-9/s320/20231007_181250.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>What I wanted was a planet with some decent production. I told the Ghosts quite frankly that I was having New Albion, and either Starpoint or Hodor in the adjacent system. The Ghosts preferred to keep Starpoint, so I let them. It was a hazardous planet, and I figured it would keep them bugging their neighbors for another one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Right after all this, we were a little bit shocked to find the Muaat war sun materializing out of the beta wormhole!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyRA2F5V1UO1X30NRmjIpPmyNfbmgGEbreqPqOeT4MIDHRQx8mRwz81O6f328Ejk7V05iI-AwTX9TbmzLadzgS8-ZRqNWhToGmnUJ7MG_IPsG9ea0hTt0KxpI9UtGt6q-Hn7HgdtQDozZfxhZrD689bAEk8XF2JaGNkcGBiI5UNqdRZE_fTKu3jdsGR6e/s4128/20231007_181644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyRA2F5V1UO1X30NRmjIpPmyNfbmgGEbreqPqOeT4MIDHRQx8mRwz81O6f328Ejk7V05iI-AwTX9TbmzLadzgS8-ZRqNWhToGmnUJ7MG_IPsG9ea0hTt0KxpI9UtGt6q-Hn7HgdtQDozZfxhZrD689bAEk8XF2JaGNkcGBiI5UNqdRZE_fTKu3jdsGR6e/s320/20231007_181644.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Because there was a public objective for having two unit improvements, several players had upgraded their PDSes to fire into adjacent systems. The Muaat took a bit of a cannonade, but only ended up losing one fighter and taking some damage on their dreadnought. As the Muaat fleet withdrew into the safety of the adjacent supernova, the Ghosts rode their wormhole slipstream right to Mecatol Rex, and took possession of it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6MhTmToASq4lsCvC2WyWG0CbI7bXO7lrW_VuHK70D7AwHIRBKKfbHzTT96Xiq4kr_LK-Po1MeVUkzQ5N5ReK55fzqKSotwWd9QmU91PqlucXCN9UVh_4BIaNyOJu3YgpUumIbCaCtFRGeVOUtA0wzI655W_QTazPCuanFko4SHja3yzwg_p1L1yhRP0G/s4128/20231007_182430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6MhTmToASq4lsCvC2WyWG0CbI7bXO7lrW_VuHK70D7AwHIRBKKfbHzTT96Xiq4kr_LK-Po1MeVUkzQ5N5ReK55fzqKSotwWd9QmU91PqlucXCN9UVh_4BIaNyOJu3YgpUumIbCaCtFRGeVOUtA0wzI655W_QTazPCuanFko4SHja3yzwg_p1L1yhRP0G/s320/20231007_182430.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Ghosts also made a play for a different hazardous planet, this time at the expense of the Muaat. However, they hadn't counted on the Muaat planetary defense systems, and the Creuss fleet was wiped out in the First Cannonade of Waffle II.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrqI2fWcDQzIZGs2HC1NDOz5kkUNo7Ks5OuHu7SXnVQ_66vJ99jdr6CecG3RZeOuLyrFDUHYB68bQvcZvfpRojEah2q4URZhhpkGdaagfARXKVqr9IZqhmloryxOselgxF_GItEySFfOWn2KZJAeOxBEVxq1k7ca3KqngSHQPW_RINP31tp_tZ16CYK0W/s4128/20231007_190348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrqI2fWcDQzIZGs2HC1NDOz5kkUNo7Ks5OuHu7SXnVQ_66vJ99jdr6CecG3RZeOuLyrFDUHYB68bQvcZvfpRojEah2q4URZhhpkGdaagfARXKVqr9IZqhmloryxOselgxF_GItEySFfOWn2KZJAeOxBEVxq1k7ca3KqngSHQPW_RINP31tp_tZ16CYK0W/s320/20231007_190348.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's the situation at the end of the fourth turn. We've had an agenda phase; I can't remember which was which, but they always provide opportunities for shenanigans and are an excellent part of the game. The goblins were building a giant fleet and hoarding strategy cards, while the Emirates of Håkan were somewhat hemmed in between them and the Muaat.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGLyKDBrMIfvGoDkF2SlQNVXPpDPu8CFEXOfnBQgbHKsxp7kEPQaOPraR0Q5yHTK8C4YI9sXgDYvuDMjjc-H-XAJKS8DMww6VL-3rAxF17YyrzfmhEcG06_KZ9VAf91RdsKW74YxFsa7X_rVcH_sTIZZbM-45btUoGPByt70LqtrgtvU3Ri4ZjRmatIuY/s4128/20231007_192631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGLyKDBrMIfvGoDkF2SlQNVXPpDPu8CFEXOfnBQgbHKsxp7kEPQaOPraR0Q5yHTK8C4YI9sXgDYvuDMjjc-H-XAJKS8DMww6VL-3rAxF17YyrzfmhEcG06_KZ9VAf91RdsKW74YxFsa7X_rVcH_sTIZZbM-45btUoGPByt70LqtrgtvU3Ri4ZjRmatIuY/s320/20231007_192631.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Luckily, I had the perfect counter to the Muaat death star: the Yin Brotherhood flagship, the<i> van Halen</i>, is rubbish at combat, but if it's destroyed, it takes every other ship in the system with it. When that war sun showed up on our side of the board, you bet I built the <i>Eddie van Halen </i>right away.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The Muaat got the new turn started by moving on Mecatol Rex, where they soon evicted the Creuss with the aid of their upgraded death star.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xQh9dXhLPvnRgr00bCviTPlGjvFhJhgOF3MZT0S8aq-qAsCyjmgiCcNY2EIHpGeey9Fry89z4grvympOW28goj7Zdl9tze1quAuUPJA4slhIE6yZif-9cA-rXWxAZh_3vC2iiU-VYcjbxDraEjUtsDG0V0cusEe9Yt_7ESyWMgD6BrAyuiRUTQGr5pE2/s4128/20231007_192956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xQh9dXhLPvnRgr00bCviTPlGjvFhJhgOF3MZT0S8aq-qAsCyjmgiCcNY2EIHpGeey9Fry89z4grvympOW28goj7Zdl9tze1quAuUPJA4slhIE6yZif-9cA-rXWxAZh_3vC2iiU-VYcjbxDraEjUtsDG0V0cusEe9Yt_7ESyWMgD6BrAyuiRUTQGr5pE2/s320/20231007_192956.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>For my part, I invaded Hodor in pursuit of more production and a public objective for controlling planets.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynwr7KfyH59tze39bz8QnZLxDzhNkPqzn10iQ5MBgMYQZduXr3yQzTtGWEd77ypFvDFfXdjtVnxYakMSducseLgMMSUNyiQ1zzbtAe4PdYV5-02drYxI5_BTee5MIsfGWPt2aXeo7ozqKd3Jdfawt9WE4nK8bGx5wr8nZxxS6XWug-8QstVSUHhUIQHdh/s4128/20231007_195138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynwr7KfyH59tze39bz8QnZLxDzhNkPqzn10iQ5MBgMYQZduXr3yQzTtGWEd77ypFvDFfXdjtVnxYakMSducseLgMMSUNyiQ1zzbtAe4PdYV5-02drYxI5_BTee5MIsfGWPt2aXeo7ozqKd3Jdfawt9WE4nK8bGx5wr8nZxxS6XWug-8QstVSUHhUIQHdh/s320/20231007_195138.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Ghosts of Creuss continued their quest for hazardous planets by sending another fleet to Waffle II. This time, some of the ships survived the space cannon, but none of the drop troops made it to the surface. The Second Cannonade of Waffle II ended with the Creuss still frustrated.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh493mfc8paMwO8r4CDmmHlFjyzIselFftIDwDgbfaoTc5tnJqc8L045JXP9qDuHyd8G1UelTVLhViqnsgltzQ5yixdN7zVDpjrFtPjuvssdjnoL35uU2iG2SVki5RwdgNsHQ3pdgpk3i3Anl4qqAYfozBwFuQF7H-I_Uo4AI6oim9tLVgeS8a4JzRuMgMn/s4128/20231007_202516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh493mfc8paMwO8r4CDmmHlFjyzIselFftIDwDgbfaoTc5tnJqc8L045JXP9qDuHyd8G1UelTVLhViqnsgltzQ5yixdN7zVDpjrFtPjuvssdjnoL35uU2iG2SVki5RwdgNsHQ3pdgpk3i3Anl4qqAYfozBwFuQF7H-I_Uo4AI6oim9tLVgeS8a4JzRuMgMn/s320/20231007_202516.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Meanwhile, the Muaat had built a second death star. Below is the overall situation at what I think judging from the public objectives should be the beginning of turn seven.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw-Je6ytD3ayj7RbsiAJayucjMlBeV-OOtRJXkWWSOtqv62uYUaeDXfWYMFrNldyu7zcrR8ZBWCwR_JPQ0entwM6Lxu45QeSyHozLZo2MBsAP5lAjJiflFLTj9YnTU96hbDzdqh7C-YclLaA6DfNAX9H7lk794NwEQI9MZ6Z7QKZ2XiSMnZsTFtC67jOW/s4128/20231007_214611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw-Je6ytD3ayj7RbsiAJayucjMlBeV-OOtRJXkWWSOtqv62uYUaeDXfWYMFrNldyu7zcrR8ZBWCwR_JPQ0entwM6Lxu45QeSyHozLZo2MBsAP5lAjJiflFLTj9YnTU96hbDzdqh7C-YclLaA6DfNAX9H7lk794NwEQI9MZ6Z7QKZ2XiSMnZsTFtC67jOW/s320/20231007_214611.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Muaat tried to reinforce Waffle II with Frontline Deployment, but the Creuss countered with Unstable Planet. Must be all the cannoning.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqt6OEuvnTO6FJZL1A0Y3u012pzE47m3FrDgvl7xkLVEK1p8Cfs14mbGd-kMacftVmIuy8s7uUTM6XZKdcQH7QWaqe1-X9MzURn2iwVIQheAUk5GdrftCZH2pTC3Cx__PyrJQTwPn1dmkK9cqQ5ADGk2mPmsOqlva5BcFOC6Vff6CTct41fhdc29c-B4l/s4128/20231007_215020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqt6OEuvnTO6FJZL1A0Y3u012pzE47m3FrDgvl7xkLVEK1p8Cfs14mbGd-kMacftVmIuy8s7uUTM6XZKdcQH7QWaqe1-X9MzURn2iwVIQheAUk5GdrftCZH2pTC3Cx__PyrJQTwPn1dmkK9cqQ5ADGk2mPmsOqlva5BcFOC6Vff6CTct41fhdc29c-B4l/s320/20231007_215020.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Meanwhile, the great war of the goblins and the space cats finally started.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc5EzD_DRow-S6V4slDhdc9nA5FswgXoJlXI7ju8n71vIR_sczaY_f9wo5rwq_zCPNAmRRzOC-TLox_dCqLMwfNfV8CB3tgrvsq_6XqgCBoUExr9Qaf1GyG3kl0R7aHaNoXSnHuFH8JRIaGV6K0QEf4cpDfOwzXm1NHPwg3lOrrqWwTe4h0Tigg8la91r/s4128/20231007_215402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc5EzD_DRow-S6V4slDhdc9nA5FswgXoJlXI7ju8n71vIR_sczaY_f9wo5rwq_zCPNAmRRzOC-TLox_dCqLMwfNfV8CB3tgrvsq_6XqgCBoUExr9Qaf1GyG3kl0R7aHaNoXSnHuFH8JRIaGV6K0QEf4cpDfOwzXm1NHPwg3lOrrqWwTe4h0Tigg8la91r/s320/20231007_215402.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>A lot of action cards were played in that one. For my part, I sent the <i>Eddie van Halen</i> to drive off a Muaat destroyer hanging around the beta wormhole.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLCWIbmcvbWrRIoTNABbl7pOZPyzknqHTU1mjcFcDWs9g1ntmhjnr95lhpA-q4KUqcdV6a-HrQulkw2HgpcLSa17k72xNjXDGIHERj_-UbLheA2l46BELeN8Q19pnCamBhBJBck3u4XpzFsLIKYRFRv02q6k9NKE3iXqLW8w6gRftCVGQxG6iqJUnuxC-/s4128/20231007_221246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLCWIbmcvbWrRIoTNABbl7pOZPyzknqHTU1mjcFcDWs9g1ntmhjnr95lhpA-q4KUqcdV6a-HrQulkw2HgpcLSa17k72xNjXDGIHERj_-UbLheA2l46BELeN8Q19pnCamBhBJBck3u4XpzFsLIKYRFRv02q6k9NKE3iXqLW8w6gRftCVGQxG6iqJUnuxC-/s320/20231007_221246.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Once again, the Ghosts of Creuss launched a fleet, and this time, both the starships and ground troops got through, and the Third Cannonade of Waffle II ended in the planet falling to the Creuss.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6ywvLnPSM3ONJ8rE2cKwoGS9Qy60C8RXa-LuKykuw3ohlp_JlaBWNzLwm_BSGSAcsvCqDP7XnIKjkFC_zVJxU_sMcCLDU3_nBe7gGx54781eGHt3g1MlHrfJdK1QAXeMP5ao4DcuwU2bKfpny8vZ1QsDH_S9j0dfZQ9LZhFybN6Nra6vAtg8ytokLHWE/s4128/20231007_221853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6ywvLnPSM3ONJ8rE2cKwoGS9Qy60C8RXa-LuKykuw3ohlp_JlaBWNzLwm_BSGSAcsvCqDP7XnIKjkFC_zVJxU_sMcCLDU3_nBe7gGx54781eGHt3g1MlHrfJdK1QAXeMP5ao4DcuwU2bKfpny8vZ1QsDH_S9j0dfZQ9LZhFybN6Nra6vAtg8ytokLHWE/s320/20231007_221853.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>At this point, the Baloney of Satnav sprang into action. First, their flagship defeated some of my fighters for a victory point.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPNErXp8451KAXZpThY0jgPddQ8dq9_rTWAQZn6U_k4ZlTW_bqzbo2mIm1OPrquobKPV-u3ROXsxG7sLoBaDrj-o4FVDbHN85UJqWSgNK4KX58vjdh9NZP6MtbCFwH2bmeT6BE4Nhyphenhyphenx1hv9oriGi-9FbKe5ndCYrgaJnCqX7iKLi1BBysWU2ux_9STZRO/s4128/20231007_223014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPNErXp8451KAXZpThY0jgPddQ8dq9_rTWAQZn6U_k4ZlTW_bqzbo2mIm1OPrquobKPV-u3ROXsxG7sLoBaDrj-o4FVDbHN85UJqWSgNK4KX58vjdh9NZP6MtbCFwH2bmeT6BE4Nhyphenhyphenx1hv9oriGi-9FbKe5ndCYrgaJnCqX7iKLi1BBysWU2ux_9STZRO/s320/20231007_223014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Then they intervened in the goblins wars by blowing up the Håkan flagship, for another victory point!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_6mOdBDU07aFh4UsUYMOWcDlzumMTuh380UC398kxT6g2tb96N8yridQm97Xxpy9zxJnbiPVJImk-3RoZy9aCPDkkgDSb_YLJCwV1cmJNifeXAteqkx3FICTG5rB1m8UjK7wRY2B-IWyhSWdqmJdAAZwf4TY4W_GSk9Zy10CDGjtWrBZWMBn14Hkqd7A/s4128/20231007_224622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_6mOdBDU07aFh4UsUYMOWcDlzumMTuh380UC398kxT6g2tb96N8yridQm97Xxpy9zxJnbiPVJImk-3RoZy9aCPDkkgDSb_YLJCwV1cmJNifeXAteqkx3FICTG5rB1m8UjK7wRY2B-IWyhSWdqmJdAAZwf4TY4W_GSk9Zy10CDGjtWrBZWMBn14Hkqd7A/s320/20231007_224622.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I sent my fleet through the wormhole to grab Quann off the Muaat, so I too could score the planet trait objective, and also deny a planet to the Muaat.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPbfkolequ9hJEOpXLzUnFSY3vzKa3tf5RzvLikNjjRIaNnNP6rJJ_UcMaTURk_4q2daGA2dJu656qTeM87pEDxQjTQ7wGw5i7MFvlXGshconvJyMGZgFzZH5JEuwrz66LIlgqxX2uWQIPNPvCzlqwDbAthyphenhyphen_kDJ6R68UxJ4PoWSdsAfJJ-ECDnUmJXrw/s4128/20231007_230035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPbfkolequ9hJEOpXLzUnFSY3vzKa3tf5RzvLikNjjRIaNnNP6rJJ_UcMaTURk_4q2daGA2dJu656qTeM87pEDxQjTQ7wGw5i7MFvlXGshconvJyMGZgFzZH5JEuwrz66LIlgqxX2uWQIPNPvCzlqwDbAthyphenhyphen_kDJ6R68UxJ4PoWSdsAfJJ-ECDnUmJXrw/s320/20231007_230035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The <i>Eddie van Halen</i> deterred the Muaat from getting Quann back, so they attacked me at Hodor instead. The Muaat player took a hit on their death star, finally letting me play the Direct Hit action card - which was immediately sabotaged by the Satnav.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jMUpFIh-cmY2Tq3irtGjkfnkqSkhPBLaYg_8WWsESFdpNAntZNhGl2w_dJle0Hc_ZohNt5PF1QODq-HCyUUrAj9Kky_JdWCnmve1qEyDCNRtpz8XL1a-z0BEmmTApuhLoJHrRqFQm0F_clB46SRMGlJaKlu0F5ufswQQcI0qGAH9y3UzUhsSSpxVpd8I/s4128/20231007_230706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jMUpFIh-cmY2Tq3irtGjkfnkqSkhPBLaYg_8WWsESFdpNAntZNhGl2w_dJle0Hc_ZohNt5PF1QODq-HCyUUrAj9Kky_JdWCnmve1qEyDCNRtpz8XL1a-z0BEmmTApuhLoJHrRqFQm0F_clB46SRMGlJaKlu0F5ufswQQcI0qGAH9y3UzUhsSSpxVpd8I/s320/20231007_230706.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Muaat wiped out my fleet, but chose not to attempt a landing on Hodor. A possibly incomplete list of things that were sabotaged in this game: a skilled retreat, a morale boost, a direct hit on a Muaat death star, and a public disgrace of the Satnav.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>After some further shenanigans and one last agenda phase, we had to call it a night at the end of the seventh turn.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8h0f3ORera0UzuXk2zE-CR5A4AoGa4KY2yIT3QRBLUzXExSlE03hCshx7Io_zYbqMYeZ76L__kIVFIShfcPv-gtXQ5guaHngjvY0fvLhfBKUGk_TMycxEOUEDSbrmNvUWyqWWPo4F-woSxD9oJWuN2Zgc4pyUnfRNQwTCAtpbU6q7QI6s5MpLQAenHju/s4128/20231007_232402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8h0f3ORera0UzuXk2zE-CR5A4AoGa4KY2yIT3QRBLUzXExSlE03hCshx7Io_zYbqMYeZ76L__kIVFIShfcPv-gtXQ5guaHngjvY0fvLhfBKUGk_TMycxEOUEDSbrmNvUWyqWWPo4F-woSxD9oJWuN2Zgc4pyUnfRNQwTCAtpbU6q7QI6s5MpLQAenHju/s320/20231007_232402.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The final scoring was very, very tight.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PGQeOY0AeGgAEqkgGWfqZjCmf7CQtdpIhlOt4VgnWvAoX7qPcxW9yA5u4Vi71nOVcgZWbY8_gueLsv41l1iaLNnswEBs6icEc7rTvr2agqZ93PcE3t20dQr-QiCCcpc-zLYuSXT4RhhltC9cVGUL1My8Sbs6OTxiG4X2JdWYtFNCdET_QWMQQO3bF69h/s4128/20231007_232938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PGQeOY0AeGgAEqkgGWfqZjCmf7CQtdpIhlOt4VgnWvAoX7qPcxW9yA5u4Vi71nOVcgZWbY8_gueLsv41l1iaLNnswEBs6icEc7rTvr2agqZ93PcE3t20dQr-QiCCcpc-zLYuSXT4RhhltC9cVGUL1My8Sbs6OTxiG4X2JdWYtFNCdET_QWMQQO3bF69h/s320/20231007_232938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The space goblins were last with one victory point. Our new player piloted the Emirates of Håkan to a very respectable 5 VP, just behind the Embers and Ghosts at 6. I ended up tied with the Baloney of Satnav at 8 VP, and I won the tiebreaker by being ahead in initiative order. However, the Embers of Muaat were a few measly influence points away from scoring one of the 2-VP objectives, and they would have won the tiebreaker against me! So this one really went down to the wire.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b3icOnAap9vqY5nd4y7lRz16SSsqhdczOeowBApeGRdQ95UHj0X4eisFDg_zdxQwJonAdYPi2Vob4G0LJoUU0J14Nemh3uQT67iJ8UmR23RIiewERXzzGag5rGaUZg6_gRGPPvaMysM0ZBlE6Wby-lcOABd1jKxb-3cO3hat6tIGLja5SGekgXHHv5CD/s4128/20231007_232945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b3icOnAap9vqY5nd4y7lRz16SSsqhdczOeowBApeGRdQ95UHj0X4eisFDg_zdxQwJonAdYPi2Vob4G0LJoUU0J14Nemh3uQT67iJ8UmR23RIiewERXzzGag5rGaUZg6_gRGPPvaMysM0ZBlE6Wby-lcOABd1jKxb-3cO3hat6tIGLja5SGekgXHHv5CD/s320/20231007_232945.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what did we learn? First of all, we had a great time. However, we also had to stop the game earlier than we would have liked due to time constraints. We're going to look into running a two-day game at some point next year. Even with the premade map and everything, this is still a lot to get through in one day.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>We also focused more on victory points, which led to a tighter game and more surprises, as people went for both public and secret objectives. Another way that Twilight Imperium is like <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2018/08/lets-play-game-of-thrones-board-game.html">Game of Thrones</a>, or for that matter <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/03/lets-play-scythe.html">Scythe</a>, is that if you play it like a wargame, you lose. I like the way the objectives direct play, so you have to both have a strategy of your own and be able to respond to events.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I think Twilight Imperium is a fantastic game. The theme is on point: it feels like we're playing Master of Orion. The mechanics work, none of the rules feel overly complex or counterintuitive, and the game flows quite nicely. Finally, even though it's a big game that takes a long time to play, it doesn't leave me mentally exhausted like, say, Game of Thrones, let alone totally destroyed like <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2016/07/lets-play-war-of-ring.html">War of the Ring</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>So this one's a winner: I strongly recommend Twilight Imperium, and we will be playing it again.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-31705333991127336902023-10-09T09:00:00.168+03:002023-10-09T09:00:00.138+03:00Let's Paint a Twilight Imperium Faction<div>Our first ever game of Twilight Imperium, <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/10/lets-play-twilight-imperium.html">The Assassination of Bug Jesus by the Coward Space Turtles</a>, was won by the Barony of Letnev playing with the red miniatures in a very sort of sneaky, Dark Eldar-y fashion. I've decided to do the same thing as I've done with <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/03/lets-play-scythe.html">Scythe</a>, which is to paint each faction, or in this case color, as they win. I enjoy painting board game miniatures, and I also feel that it's just so much more fun to play with painted minis. After all, my return to miniature hobbying was through painting <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2018/10/lets-paint-star-wars-rebellion.html">Star Wars: Rebellion</a>, a game very similar to Twilight Imperium. I've also been working on <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/09/lets-paint-victory-at-sea-kriegsmarine.html">a lot</a> of little ships lately. So I'm painting the red fleet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_2TCeAAMUuRHah2S5Ov6LwjUaFfZMmUvzX7TBLW05dJCjihUyW5KHb7GnR1O52md5T4y9NUlzGCFaOYr7Rm4Z5KYoxhln_EerX2dDyRhNspTHU5W_6N4v9OEu78QLTMfquWSrejJm5UvsupO5eH6a6JxbY-T4vgtvrydx0bhKgLWP-kHJp5VSF3VkDxQ/s310/Image%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="223" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_2TCeAAMUuRHah2S5Ov6LwjUaFfZMmUvzX7TBLW05dJCjihUyW5KHb7GnR1O52md5T4y9NUlzGCFaOYr7Rm4Z5KYoxhln_EerX2dDyRhNspTHU5W_6N4v9OEu78QLTMfquWSrejJm5UvsupO5eH6a6JxbY-T4vgtvrydx0bhKgLWP-kHJp5VSF3VkDxQ/s1600/Image%20(10).jpeg" width="223" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what we're looking at here is 59 units to paint. There are twelve infantry units, six planetary defence systems and three space docks, and the rest are spaceships: a flagship, two War Suns, five dreadnoughts, eight cruisers, four carriers, eight destroyers and ten fighters.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84Mf_-AVxJiHSO1JOqMKrnmC5OTZWuxXeelcFQI-WkThr6Hx281IRtQhsmVPa2FJeXMVwjpRVrBYIcZgeCNHVN0G6SZiWke60KchpnE6F9n1D9LnLvm8OAqvoUfI2dbJvnQmzQNfusEgntJjAdgCQ9byrMgwq4wBwox8_ukbznid1_-4ukYwwhMRS-3H-/s4128/20230917_125156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84Mf_-AVxJiHSO1JOqMKrnmC5OTZWuxXeelcFQI-WkThr6Hx281IRtQhsmVPa2FJeXMVwjpRVrBYIcZgeCNHVN0G6SZiWke60KchpnE6F9n1D9LnLvm8OAqvoUfI2dbJvnQmzQNfusEgntJjAdgCQ9byrMgwq4wBwox8_ukbznid1_-4ukYwwhMRS-3H-/s320/20230917_125156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>That's not even a lot compared to painting all of Rebellion in one go. As these are board game pieces, I do want to stick with red and avoid anything too dark, so as to make sure they stand out on the game board and are obviously the red faction. I'm thinking of something <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/06/lets-paint-horus-heresy-age-of-darkness.html">Word Bearers</a>-ish, so a dark red.</div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to start with the cruisers. They got a basecoat of Burnt Cadmium Red, with a drybrush of Dark Red. I then picked out some details in Gunmetal Grey, and painted the outer edges Dark Vermillion.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMQpfXdbGgZvfGeX8rPLnEIXTSal52B71G1Plnx8cKoyMY6GGsMuNIHhsRyAZgDLgz0KXKw-cgn_vzW44u5KRijYObxpepZ62I9E8pdwYz1dYXZoGMQRe4qGQRIgxg7hNHysIs2hB5mv3YgJk118V5s7bBCqftIFuo2cGz2IgMrenDwyF812YyRzSg5Ox/s4128/20230923_173936.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMQpfXdbGgZvfGeX8rPLnEIXTSal52B71G1Plnx8cKoyMY6GGsMuNIHhsRyAZgDLgz0KXKw-cgn_vzW44u5KRijYObxpepZ62I9E8pdwYz1dYXZoGMQRe4qGQRIgxg7hNHysIs2hB5mv3YgJk118V5s7bBCqftIFuo2cGz2IgMrenDwyF812YyRzSg5Ox/s320/20230923_173936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>While I was working on the cruisers, I got an idea for how to paint the infantry bases: Gunmetal Grey and a Black Glaze wash, with red details.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-FBCh5knwJxRqzcMwCgzD7vwMmdGn-q3BnjTVwdsYgCle5xKahdzXu5USYdbveS34b-cRf5va7tSiNs3kZ0IpY-NU9JM2c61cGYF1Q0-GtYJxPEZXKlnX0tje_v05kBHEHD6cJ7Ngy3CF-VLEC5onX0tEGlP-olGYIXk-kFTdv-HBkY_BqDt4JjmwgGm/s4128/20230922_151427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-FBCh5knwJxRqzcMwCgzD7vwMmdGn-q3BnjTVwdsYgCle5xKahdzXu5USYdbveS34b-cRf5va7tSiNs3kZ0IpY-NU9JM2c61cGYF1Q0-GtYJxPEZXKlnX0tje_v05kBHEHD6cJ7Ngy3CF-VLEC5onX0tEGlP-olGYIXk-kFTdv-HBkY_BqDt4JjmwgGm/s320/20230922_151427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I liked it, so I went with it, and added Dark Vermillion flags. I'm very happy with the result.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jq6n8xBBkKfAzCmP4CRH6ZkPe6QV6o_T7tKpWR6lF7Vi4EtB3oPMdGDQ-BbAe6S9NVO1i8-qVecTg--5JnrTq389Rk-PzNwg4sgQRM0uec9GsWAVRmsKNHYULzt2vC3ehE6pDnLPz4zcZSAdhi1_DajU5Nvgmm7I96j07ePa33iecy9vX3ySZpwQM94t/s4128/20230926_091541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jq6n8xBBkKfAzCmP4CRH6ZkPe6QV6o_T7tKpWR6lF7Vi4EtB3oPMdGDQ-BbAe6S9NVO1i8-qVecTg--5JnrTq389Rk-PzNwg4sgQRM0uec9GsWAVRmsKNHYULzt2vC3ehE6pDnLPz4zcZSAdhi1_DajU5Nvgmm7I96j07ePa33iecy9vX3ySZpwQM94t/s320/20230926_091541.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The <strike>Deep Space Nines</strike> space docks were fairly easy to paint.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5-VYCDf9lBWm2LsEEVRmQtp8vJPLoZq64-mSV0WTVH0bE4PqozIyuYwAglaoYzXJ2_iTw4uRufDqcKTw79TLhbv-2kJITBXnnwr8XtzRdLlDKghngS5bIvawUnoDwQJDE_WYlcgy73SbySjqmWo5ORjuxu5zdHQ1kZQk5GOP_gbL7jJPd1dig8qV0ka2/s4128/20230924_121443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5-VYCDf9lBWm2LsEEVRmQtp8vJPLoZq64-mSV0WTVH0bE4PqozIyuYwAglaoYzXJ2_iTw4uRufDqcKTw79TLhbv-2kJITBXnnwr8XtzRdLlDKghngS5bIvawUnoDwQJDE_WYlcgy73SbySjqmWo5ORjuxu5zdHQ1kZQk5GOP_gbL7jJPd1dig8qV0ka2/s320/20230924_121443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>For the war suns, I went with a very simple paint job that made them look a lot like Word Bearers Death Stars, which makes me happy. The models themselves, however, did not: they're so spiky that no matter how I tried to pick them up, some paint chipped off, even after a double coat of varnish. So I stuck them on 32mm bases.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFgNI_Zculk1mIiv1eB7Jo7Vd0oBRrGPF6vwpOwIU31EXQlHyA18ICMhaXKWp00-YSjFy5Fk_RThIF5GX5NmcE7MrhBoFTmBYUkAkNuj5cVff1fKgwhABP2Yp_yZtkIYW6xjcxtQal-UMK1pSY_lfPPyJZoJl92JaRlFfWsyb9_33EjHRriLFLQLNzl8J/s4128/20230925_113118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFgNI_Zculk1mIiv1eB7Jo7Vd0oBRrGPF6vwpOwIU31EXQlHyA18ICMhaXKWp00-YSjFy5Fk_RThIF5GX5NmcE7MrhBoFTmBYUkAkNuj5cVff1fKgwhABP2Yp_yZtkIYW6xjcxtQal-UMK1pSY_lfPPyJZoJl92JaRlFfWsyb9_33EjHRriLFLQLNzl8J/s320/20230925_113118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Next up were the carriers. I did the same as with the cruisers: Burnt Cadmium Red base coat, drybrush with Dark Red and pick out some details with Dark Vermillion. I also left the underside clearly darker than the top of the hull, so it's easier to tell which way is up.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA26GHh_JUJCtKj4j45omm6iALqsPdJzIjqU_M-oIeIu-XC6Z6yk8J27Z6eTepKSHoCAE-gp4aKSSlL5q3XJB0LVMAOOVoVlXzZhjG9axTqwwyH38sfR8RdQ_J0b0eU1CUbKz-Wdv7-frDA3qSxRPnHMsZSx9yYE6q_M-JzYlVbIGiuZbjtL0O2TtpzWhC/s4128/20230926_091835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA26GHh_JUJCtKj4j45omm6iALqsPdJzIjqU_M-oIeIu-XC6Z6yk8J27Z6eTepKSHoCAE-gp4aKSSlL5q3XJB0LVMAOOVoVlXzZhjG9axTqwwyH38sfR8RdQ_J0b0eU1CUbKz-Wdv7-frDA3qSxRPnHMsZSx9yYE6q_M-JzYlVbIGiuZbjtL0O2TtpzWhC/s320/20230926_091835.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I did a quick little paint job on the PDSes; I considered making the gun barrel metallic, but decided to stick with the board game esthetic.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi1qSOzx5czW_Y0nrOeAvAOedpG3qxGnLYswHdnPtfZ92MLAAEnfdQ-7KQfSgenwFjHruqwle4VffvAyFV4lfK82mhgc5u6WgKUe1g5Q_vevPSOqMPG4QveWTZVKLOwhURGWmveciPfSdbemxqJ-iQRDGGhjr8TUyx3zHJm18-yX3RquEr_ALW1FKZ5J0/s4128/20230927_095740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi1qSOzx5czW_Y0nrOeAvAOedpG3qxGnLYswHdnPtfZ92MLAAEnfdQ-7KQfSgenwFjHruqwle4VffvAyFV4lfK82mhgc5u6WgKUe1g5Q_vevPSOqMPG4QveWTZVKLOwhURGWmveciPfSdbemxqJ-iQRDGGhjr8TUyx3zHJm18-yX3RquEr_ALW1FKZ5J0/s320/20230927_095740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Then it was time for the dreadnoughts, which, again, I kept very simple.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BC65vh-yhrAXmVM_bU5Ju6dwXMKSOySvA2eGlJ-TOFMxw5h7m80ulFZhaU2dueA1Xu9jNR_V86eeNBstWeUU0j5fc3mBmGeynt86MF-trCKmkQMseuJUOLONmCCmkQ9Y8XbsPYJY6w6MzWlLbLbCWWtmwnykA6WSFt8SyOhdpWIqSmvZArl7YIrISvOb/s4128/20231001_092059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BC65vh-yhrAXmVM_bU5Ju6dwXMKSOySvA2eGlJ-TOFMxw5h7m80ulFZhaU2dueA1Xu9jNR_V86eeNBstWeUU0j5fc3mBmGeynt86MF-trCKmkQMseuJUOLONmCCmkQ9Y8XbsPYJY6w6MzWlLbLbCWWtmwnykA6WSFt8SyOhdpWIqSmvZArl7YIrISvOb/s320/20231001_092059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>As well as the flagship.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5qKkH1Jg05415c3v6E51sMubXMB_LN6YWIdQ6SOr-ytRIGfiw4pwK64dtId6EZvr4-21Y7lfhZuHl9DWgtkgBSqEJ3HttjahCb9ikN7RNyN2n3c9Pnb4jEQFy2nfN4IU41dDMweq9dSi3Ywpz-_xKjU0NYLfFAY7kR0Wqiu_2k_KovBUd-tlUOg2UeIH/s4128/20231003_131146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5qKkH1Jg05415c3v6E51sMubXMB_LN6YWIdQ6SOr-ytRIGfiw4pwK64dtId6EZvr4-21Y7lfhZuHl9DWgtkgBSqEJ3HttjahCb9ikN7RNyN2n3c9Pnb4jEQFy2nfN4IU41dDMweq9dSi3Ywpz-_xKjU0NYLfFAY7kR0Wqiu_2k_KovBUd-tlUOg2UeIH/s320/20231003_131146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I mean these are basically star destroyers and a super star destroyer, so that's what I went for, with the exception of the brighter edges to make them hopefully stand out on the board.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I gave the destroyers a bit more detail, but they have the same overall scheme.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqB-9n-w7eqS84YJIObpZZWL661sfqCjIbwYDaGeAe2VfO2xzQGcvUirvrh5_wLnHgSDaX1JGhm-nCMKu7czViRPi0iTSi93VQieTY4xC4wGWWc5Uz-RJSR2SrF1SI4YU7NgU_i9nxLh0Hp31CFioTzq1WVf57qPz6MawtDlT-vtctyn871fjhBBDAzYb/s4128/20231006_101136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqB-9n-w7eqS84YJIObpZZWL661sfqCjIbwYDaGeAe2VfO2xzQGcvUirvrh5_wLnHgSDaX1JGhm-nCMKu7czViRPi0iTSi93VQieTY4xC4wGWWc5Uz-RJSR2SrF1SI4YU7NgU_i9nxLh0Hp31CFioTzq1WVf57qPz6MawtDlT-vtctyn871fjhBBDAzYb/s320/20231006_101136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And finally, just in time for our next game, the fighters.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyGlGdqiZE7gKe4v1QAYSqkqSUe8J-B3kf1V5i02-ucuf-wvpy-8KbLgFpKUGAHRWcqv0znHUuN4OPBygODCCLEj2jDj1pQ_lO5bDFMJzJnwb3KRBW-DRP9jjKUMYeyeNnGgohpzkdqZJ5K5lrwxnIcGmdgxZOVrcc_ermppw2VTgQbsO7B5eMyLGm4j0/s4128/20231007_090813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyGlGdqiZE7gKe4v1QAYSqkqSUe8J-B3kf1V5i02-ucuf-wvpy-8KbLgFpKUGAHRWcqv0znHUuN4OPBygODCCLEj2jDj1pQ_lO5bDFMJzJnwb3KRBW-DRP9jjKUMYeyeNnGgohpzkdqZJ5K5lrwxnIcGmdgxZOVrcc_ermppw2VTgQbsO7B5eMyLGm4j0/s320/20231007_090813.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I went for a darker, slightly more Word Bearers scheme on them.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So here's the red fleet!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOE7YqJhXIsQgdfbR9AVl0WWUlFAgfYIrpSjU8YX4S2is7lg_Do75u7l6OudD5NxwlZ3JEMyzCm7_Orz_RTttjmmVUsieUkTKCmexJATx9bLFqfS5M1SiSOGOqjOHX6uv2idsmzOoiH1eJtvG_G_8gdOf3rxzSPU9_oef7Y-NEbMHQ57cLN8ZlcSA3o2LU/s4128/20231007_091001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOE7YqJhXIsQgdfbR9AVl0WWUlFAgfYIrpSjU8YX4S2is7lg_Do75u7l6OudD5NxwlZ3JEMyzCm7_Orz_RTttjmmVUsieUkTKCmexJATx9bLFqfS5M1SiSOGOqjOHX6uv2idsmzOoiH1eJtvG_G_8gdOf3rxzSPU9_oef7Y-NEbMHQ57cLN8ZlcSA3o2LU/s320/20231007_091001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>This was fun to paint, and I even managed to finish in time for our next game! For someone like me, who constantly has about two thousand unfinished hobby projects going, it's very therapeutical to be able to actually start and finish something.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-44786247400413212502023-10-02T09:00:00.213+03:002023-10-02T09:00:00.137+03:00Let's Play Twilight Imperium: the Assassination of Bug Jesus by the Coward Space Turtles<i>"Since bombs are your means of expression, it would be really telling if one could throw a bomb into pure mathematics. But that is impossible. I have been trying to educate you; I have expounded to you the higher philosophy of your usefulness, and suggested to you some serviceable arguments. The practical application of my teaching interests </i>you<i> mostly. But from the moment I have undertaken to interview you I have also given some attention to the practical aspect of the question. What do you think of having a go at astronomy?"</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> - Joseph Conrad, the Secret Agent<br /></i><div><br /></div><div>We like epic board games. Last year, we finished our massive <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/03/lets-play-here-i-stand-by-email.html">play-by-email Here I Stand</a>, and played a six-handed <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2021/07/game-of-thrones-board-game-3-search-for.html">Game of Thrones</a>. It's now time to tackle <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight_Imperium">Twilight Imperium</a>, which has sat on my shelf for years, what with the pandemic and everything. Six of us got together; none of us had ever played it before. How hard could it be?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTknsrQXYfflTUlgJ3D-dMOxTDOw7w_2DcV4AdU8OuM-g1n3uLdphhecBvB--A7oLUDN7N9tvCI_EhdcSlT87sVLIwVwyj9Ma_ENzSwCLDKx4WgcRuy39OHYR3uSpoDTaQAkO3sTPOVROkxSktPjPSQz6wP2s0mSC9z4je-3DWHkL2WRiedA3RRspyQSf0/s370/Image%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTknsrQXYfflTUlgJ3D-dMOxTDOw7w_2DcV4AdU8OuM-g1n3uLdphhecBvB--A7oLUDN7N9tvCI_EhdcSlT87sVLIwVwyj9Ma_ENzSwCLDKx4WgcRuy39OHYR3uSpoDTaQAkO3sTPOVROkxSktPjPSQz6wP2s0mSC9z4je-3DWHkL2WRiedA3RRspyQSf0/s320/Image%20(9).jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The first difficulty became apparent as we started setting up the game: it's gigantic. We have a fairly large gaming table, and we couldn't fit everything we needed for six people on it. Various auxiliary surfaces were in use and it was still a bit of a struggle. I'm glad I didn't get the Prophecy of Kings expansion, as we'd never be able to use it!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KjqmGyXQJfjfBc08QnFWAaYUgb5liZLFjqv5TOrdDjrH4bRVqg3RIRtjICrxx6The0ixsVG4ZKkVzLRvTdlBHTSZhfu4So8QZoXAe2-Yr3lbM0JKoYWpmIz-43XKuUnfYV4MKtw6kBSp0LR9XQrK5tUhremwEJUQIN6dHG2as3YoFKZlr5FWscM_iEY0/s4128/20230916_142613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KjqmGyXQJfjfBc08QnFWAaYUgb5liZLFjqv5TOrdDjrH4bRVqg3RIRtjICrxx6The0ixsVG4ZKkVzLRvTdlBHTSZhfu4So8QZoXAe2-Yr3lbM0JKoYWpmIz-43XKuUnfYV4MKtw6kBSp0LR9XQrK5tUhremwEJUQIN6dHG2as3YoFKZlr5FWscM_iEY0/s320/20230916_142613.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>We eventually managed to get through setup. Of the six starter factions, <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/12/farewell-to-my-so-called-academic-career.html">ironically enough</a> I ended up with the University of Jol-Nar. I had the green ships; to my left was the Barony of Letnev in red, and to my right the Federation of Sol in blue.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBFlPJJzhszQF-TUUHSDrdR91v4tZ5FpeWylqzrR4brZaIFc2TYvwcv4xzpckcFAna1Qsvd0LhFT0BNX_CHxJlbRyjO_qf_6fbESrc7asgk3coTfecwbOv5KAW8LaFWckHfbbabaCJyAHldkeUuj35sAk7MaRW1S14_I9P26oQ65te5B_lSAeCua7-d0l/s4128/20230916_172430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBFlPJJzhszQF-TUUHSDrdR91v4tZ5FpeWylqzrR4brZaIFc2TYvwcv4xzpckcFAna1Qsvd0LhFT0BNX_CHxJlbRyjO_qf_6fbESrc7asgk3coTfecwbOv5KAW8LaFWckHfbbabaCJyAHldkeUuj35sAk7MaRW1S14_I9P26oQ65te5B_lSAeCua7-d0l/s320/20230916_172430.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Probably the most difficult thing at the start was picking the strategy cards, but we got things going and started expanding into nearby systems. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UQR_Oz5j2zc7iKhxwskNir3aGoBEqB7vPEoJdrVNHwWvRO3a32_AP7PUqdkNOTnP5iJRja8HMPJBZaGBDdvolRmMsbick-1rvqrDob5bpseKm73SvBbPsHz6f0o-SVAqKmdvdEF6KkCqnFfdECq0n8oGdEX1JXzaJn6bDjBps4gcDgMqN0nZCzD7kUt5/s4128/20230916_182526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UQR_Oz5j2zc7iKhxwskNir3aGoBEqB7vPEoJdrVNHwWvRO3a32_AP7PUqdkNOTnP5iJRja8HMPJBZaGBDdvolRmMsbick-1rvqrDob5bpseKm73SvBbPsHz6f0o-SVAqKmdvdEF6KkCqnFfdECq0n8oGdEX1JXzaJn6bDjBps4gcDgMqN0nZCzD7kUt5/s320/20230916_182526.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>We had our first battle when the <strike>Tyranids</strike> Sardakk N'orr decided to eat an Xxcha fleet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U19IETaRoqV7nfnHLPK8Xv8WpN0eVI-MjNGVuminstulNpdbyfifhGCYZq5n4BseFXU_abq_spPrrA1FAxzoJ6LrCeV4LVu5P92TUdo8IYD46S465dYx00Z_J2U7ab6B4bFPYk-sVUFpm4R4MS0JTyVEWduQR6Snt5eS4qAak10q7ljFBtXMLHk7Pjpp/s4128/20230916_183310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U19IETaRoqV7nfnHLPK8Xv8WpN0eVI-MjNGVuminstulNpdbyfifhGCYZq5n4BseFXU_abq_spPrrA1FAxzoJ6LrCeV4LVu5P92TUdo8IYD46S465dYx00Z_J2U7ab6B4bFPYk-sVUFpm4R4MS0JTyVEWduQR6Snt5eS4qAak10q7ljFBtXMLHk7Pjpp/s320/20230916_183310.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Battle of Saudor ended in a bug victory, and kicked off a whole war between the Sardakk N'orr and the <strike>Tau</strike> space turtles. One of the great incidents of this war, which gave the name to the whole game, was an action card exchange where the bugs were hoping to recruit some infantry and played Rise of a Messiah, but the Xxcha countered with Sabotage. Thus the game will be known as The Assassination of Bug Jesus by the Coward Space Turtles.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWAOb2BgqGO5LQhSba4dsRuU9tUviv1HqHrP9CAjYDFJP2RTVdk6n0q7rL8abHASsF0bYAcp95NzmlwShj5xkLz3WrhBStvVb2Nm2PV8aDGeB_Dy-qO5MJxQDCtoZUm2KSiNl3e-FDRR4hEfJC8a6nQws9N-6LR_q-6Dz4IOusXnlKIxxzN_0-5ML5Eew/s4128/20230916_183408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWAOb2BgqGO5LQhSba4dsRuU9tUviv1HqHrP9CAjYDFJP2RTVdk6n0q7rL8abHASsF0bYAcp95NzmlwShj5xkLz3WrhBStvVb2Nm2PV8aDGeB_Dy-qO5MJxQDCtoZUm2KSiNl3e-FDRR4hEfJC8a6nQws9N-6LR_q-6Dz4IOusXnlKIxxzN_0-5ML5Eew/s320/20230916_183408.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's the situation at what I believe was the start of the fourth turn. While the bugs try to eat the space turtles, the rest of us are building up our fleets and advancing slowly on <strike>Orion</strike> Mecatol Rex. I had arrived at a border settlement with my right-hand neighbors, the Federation of Sol, which I cemented by using the Trade strategy card to good effect.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW979evNhiQ47fVcKXQF_4lOMnupEjs8zOgyO5OPSE_Q3ndFYhlNwuHm6KswZ9gmnMiK5mTNIQ7IuWsZ0gkzDEQDFeDH0lH-Awpip-eVdceEnB3T1QeFcpPZPRwsQGpR2l2eWKohgXM_BFyn4x93u3c0aYxeLMAsIylnGqTK5yKZtCwsNjGhSSDDJGgdzi/s4128/20230916_184145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW979evNhiQ47fVcKXQF_4lOMnupEjs8zOgyO5OPSE_Q3ndFYhlNwuHm6KswZ9gmnMiK5mTNIQ7IuWsZ0gkzDEQDFeDH0lH-Awpip-eVdceEnB3T1QeFcpPZPRwsQGpR2l2eWKohgXM_BFyn4x93u3c0aYxeLMAsIylnGqTK5yKZtCwsNjGhSSDDJGgdzi/s320/20230916_184145.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Meanwhile, the Xxcha recaptured Saudor.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUdIZEwD5J7PvJu9hQ1mwXzB1DIni6pKzuZZG5L3bQNmg7r5NC9514Bd2yxhTPwiA_KIqROVn4PXuguSqd8vO8ilZtJxMXWu7hlI9Q1lS3gtq_CIGZv7zt2VvK7g4ZPaYdB0Z_8OXxS9DbwO17dBjxoX2dZyvATR4BjwExyRcoEgtev1ZAndOVCLxSo5c/s4128/20230916_185412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUdIZEwD5J7PvJu9hQ1mwXzB1DIni6pKzuZZG5L3bQNmg7r5NC9514Bd2yxhTPwiA_KIqROVn4PXuguSqd8vO8ilZtJxMXWu7hlI9Q1lS3gtq_CIGZv7zt2VvK7g4ZPaYdB0Z_8OXxS9DbwO17dBjxoX2dZyvATR4BjwExyRcoEgtev1ZAndOVCLxSo5c/s320/20230916_185412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Things also got a lot more interesting in the drive on Mecatol Rex. One of the public objectives was having a ship in two systems adjacent to Mecatol Rex, and while several factions maneuvered to set this up, the Hacan launched a surprise attack on the monkeys I mean Federation of Sol!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q9Zia8Ei4644SEPxl-H3SfD4pqDTm_TroHJGBknqnLc56ruJzK_lXKWWUlxZiNwRc33TrC_6lEKesYrD3N55r7cSiSHGZt1vFiH3Nj23YisnADRflJAuTwsO5Cdm6G_uRanysA5v7holId7MpZdNuYwxvdyNVTVVN6dPn3iz1WenCe2NVqJxsbNFtyiF/s4128/20230916_190628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q9Zia8Ei4644SEPxl-H3SfD4pqDTm_TroHJGBknqnLc56ruJzK_lXKWWUlxZiNwRc33TrC_6lEKesYrD3N55r7cSiSHGZt1vFiH3Nj23YisnADRflJAuTwsO5Cdm6G_uRanysA5v7holId7MpZdNuYwxvdyNVTVVN6dPn3iz1WenCe2NVqJxsbNFtyiF/s320/20230916_190628.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's the game from my point of view as turn 4 starts. On my left, the Barony of Letnev have scored the new public objective, and are making a play for Mecatol Rex. The other four factions are fighting each other.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAe5M1SOYOwC5CLKeU-z-B9bjeljFghFMNWkAgdOeUNzXSKJaSQXykN8eQDW8bXkVua6Ia_lLe9Dww07pk7xXyLinFOuz3pcVzANbRMuIF9VTKHFF2VC15igNcgJvmHoaMavlfUs3AkYpufS5Ak1o3VzEz5Jvq0JnwymgTgZxswKrKGbN7asKeKcljsGK/s4128/20230916_195536.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAe5M1SOYOwC5CLKeU-z-B9bjeljFghFMNWkAgdOeUNzXSKJaSQXykN8eQDW8bXkVua6Ia_lLe9Dww07pk7xXyLinFOuz3pcVzANbRMuIF9VTKHFF2VC15igNcgJvmHoaMavlfUs3AkYpufS5Ak1o3VzEz5Jvq0JnwymgTgZxswKrKGbN7asKeKcljsGK/s320/20230916_195536.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>On the fourth turn, the Barony grabs Mecatol Rex!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RDLs8L8Q7DjYMX_hgJ3XTA79cObRTzyS00ocVbQmFXfRPGmiTDTCXyhWsVqPxmJ0pT9MzL55pHJK2hbrkgzrXXI2XaYPFesi3UWQ6VvYhUXrRpPTKLNuWsZSFpGcmhLpDSGT0nmZVcqzlQaekmUohPN5zJ0jmz8Z7-7zPkPWaaMrXOk8r25xp6N_Ly9Z/s4128/20230916_200902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RDLs8L8Q7DjYMX_hgJ3XTA79cObRTzyS00ocVbQmFXfRPGmiTDTCXyhWsVqPxmJ0pT9MzL55pHJK2hbrkgzrXXI2XaYPFesi3UWQ6VvYhUXrRpPTKLNuWsZSFpGcmhLpDSGT0nmZVcqzlQaekmUohPN5zJ0jmz8Z7-7zPkPWaaMrXOk8r25xp6N_Ly9Z/s320/20230916_200902.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The war between the lions and the monkeys is going full tilt as the Federation deploys their flagship and makes a strategic strike on Arby's.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5-Cl3XZejzyoJ4Uo6nheVnFiZWwWd-6sJbwv_WLukfhNKYHzWy2jJTESls78XnfV7mO0pj0XLRm0GuH-6EikaSDc90316Y04Ie5h4OqLscPBJEVAXGOUzU6l0JztpGik9Qs5URCLKklSpzZ9CwepXKp3T0suK6hITibEhwWR5ByFp0t_nmYiDGMLduMu/s4128/20230916_201537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5-Cl3XZejzyoJ4Uo6nheVnFiZWwWd-6sJbwv_WLukfhNKYHzWy2jJTESls78XnfV7mO0pj0XLRm0GuH-6EikaSDc90316Y04Ie5h4OqLscPBJEVAXGOUzU6l0JztpGik9Qs5URCLKklSpzZ9CwepXKp3T0suK6hITibEhwWR5ByFp0t_nmYiDGMLduMu/s320/20230916_201537.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I wanted Mecatol Rex, dammit. The University fleet at Jethro Tull attacks, destroying the Letnev carrier, but our ground forces fail to root out their infantry.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgFObL4ZAnB8NkY9FeyV9bZYVhyWXt1dKsfB7EPza0aoF_D-VKGxPkyhVhZPLO7_hlnXgJZNtbEtpotKv9To7Zdf9WVSv2HDRPmkmaTlLFsSXb4Ye55zMPLYDkoozNVo2FEHOFqyDEfOk1GQsPu9UEVsQliRHqmItV2RnSO3bGV9CtJQmY55XRFvtVMU4/s4128/20230916_202618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgFObL4ZAnB8NkY9FeyV9bZYVhyWXt1dKsfB7EPza0aoF_D-VKGxPkyhVhZPLO7_hlnXgJZNtbEtpotKv9To7Zdf9WVSv2HDRPmkmaTlLFsSXb4Ye55zMPLYDkoozNVo2FEHOFqyDEfOk1GQsPu9UEVsQliRHqmItV2RnSO3bGV9CtJQmY55XRFvtVMU4/s320/20230916_202618.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>In the third battle of Saudor, the Sardakk N'orr drive the Xxcha fleet back, taking heavy casualties, but fail to dislodge the space turtle ground forces holding the planet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqdg5YVZNSECp4mmLaAUSazcq3lLrKWqnKn1o6NC_Dxipk_4d8dz78WOkgSczmUyGrY91HWjPJetoqjsbnZh2DW0BR3FTlGjTvfj0u_f_zIGywReijVT18jFO0geUm5azCnvDc7dvSn7gqJY0ajnDuaDT4y1JjxR1zBagnxnZ6Ou6Fq2SPPVcjLXBDPMB/s4128/20230916_210719.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqdg5YVZNSECp4mmLaAUSazcq3lLrKWqnKn1o6NC_Dxipk_4d8dz78WOkgSczmUyGrY91HWjPJetoqjsbnZh2DW0BR3FTlGjTvfj0u_f_zIGywReijVT18jFO0geUm5azCnvDc7dvSn7gqJY0ajnDuaDT4y1JjxR1zBagnxnZ6Ou6Fq2SPPVcjLXBDPMB/s320/20230916_210719.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>At the end of the fourth turn, we enjoy our first ever agenda phase, which was very silly and also fun. However, it was getting late, and we decided to call it a day.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfle-yya7Z-WFN77Pc0MEik4n7-Ox8EVw4HJa0xRjv1B-qcdVW63-iRrqw7AG9JT-IzxECirsyaDoQNYXYnJCMNqzG7zL00qDtyMzYphyxuKHm9sS790PIV7LIl8R4jhyruho-56KWaMeAPooZiPeRouuwWeya43Zx6evirvEu-EYytZu9W-B36tkpnYz/s4128/20230916_214710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfle-yya7Z-WFN77Pc0MEik4n7-Ox8EVw4HJa0xRjv1B-qcdVW63-iRrqw7AG9JT-IzxECirsyaDoQNYXYnJCMNqzG7zL00qDtyMzYphyxuKHm9sS790PIV7LIl8R4jhyruho-56KWaMeAPooZiPeRouuwWeya43Zx6evirvEu-EYytZu9W-B36tkpnYz/s320/20230916_214710.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>That means that with five victory points, the Barony of Letnev has won our first ever game of Twilight Imperium!</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So how long did it take? I set up the map beforehand, and we got started a little before two p.m. Setup then took something like 45 minutes, for a start time of about 14:30. Our last turn finished a bit before ten. So our four turns took us about seven hours, with everyone new to the game, and the game was won with five out of the maximum 10 victory points.</div><div><br /></div><div>More to the point, we had an excellent time. This is another one of those games like the <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2018/09/lets-play-fallout-board-game.html">Fallout board game</a>, that looks bewilderingly complex, but once you get going, it's quite easy to grasp. It helps that many of the mechanics are familiar from other Fantasy Flight games: activating systems works the same way as in Star Wars: Rebellion, and the fleet size limits and control tokens are very much reminiscent of Game of Thrones. Even with the agenda phase and everything, Twilight Imperium is a lot easier to grasp than it appears.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Our objective with the first game was pretty much to establish whether we wanted to play more. The answer was a unanimous yes, and in fact we've already got a date booked for our next session. I certainly enjoyed myself, and am very much looking forward to playing again.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-26827667691047430692023-09-18T09:00:00.040+03:002023-09-18T09:00:00.144+03:00Warhammer 40,000: Gold Gold GoldIn August 2023, I discovered the band <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wargasm_(band)">Wargasm</a>, and became a little bit obsessed with them. The Youtube algorithm reasoned that I might like <a href="https://youtu.be/GEyBFg3E_dI">Do It So Good</a>, and I did. Hey, we listened to a lot of Prodigy when I was a teen, so I immediately liked what I heard.<div><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GEyBFg3E_dI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div>Clearly I needed to hear more. <a href="https://youtu.be/5kyrwVLyfPI.">Spit.</a> is pretty great, but the song that really hit me was Gold Gold Gold.</div><div><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D1YB7bW2qRA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Something I've done with several of my Warhammer models is that I've written song lyrics onto them in <a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Daedric_Alphabet">Daedric</a>. Since I was quite obsessed with a song that actually includes the line "blood for the blood god", it was fairly obvious I needed to build something Khornate and golden. And it just so happens that I've got a Chaos Knight box right here.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd decided <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/04/epic-knights.html">earlier</a> to name my Chaos Knights after Daedra Lords. Since I <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2014/08/comparative-religion-daedric-princes.html">already figured out</a> how the Daedric Princes correspond to the Warhammer Chaos gods, it follows that I'll be building Knight Rampager <a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Malacath">Malacath</a>. And painting it gold.<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>**</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm mostly going to be building this Knight out of the box, but obviously I have to add some personal touches. Like a tail. In old Epic times, Chaos Titans could have tails that gave them a close assault factor bonus, and I've always associated tails with big Chaos walkers and close combat since. Also imagine being a Titan princeps, say in the <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/03/lets-play-adeptus-titanicus-battle-of.html">Legio Venefica</a>, and seeing a Khornate Knight Rampager. It's going to be like an eager little puppy. So obviously there has to be a tail. I made it out of one of the pieces of the Abominant's electroscourge.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7FtAw5jeTTQGlFBf3UtqXeg0nIqX6xu15m44ZSvj_LP0_qQCxzWJga8t1uDsMGkkN72X7KHiFyNcB9dQIcM1tauLX_KGUDOuyxNy2IlR3Q3dClB56kID4DGg-P5aUYXGyZeLOSDERPeJBa_TPHhgxfM6hvy6VKLqMWW5Cf6ZB3p3vewH5RR2v2doC3Aj/s4128/20230823_114357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7FtAw5jeTTQGlFBf3UtqXeg0nIqX6xu15m44ZSvj_LP0_qQCxzWJga8t1uDsMGkkN72X7KHiFyNcB9dQIcM1tauLX_KGUDOuyxNy2IlR3Q3dClB56kID4DGg-P5aUYXGyZeLOSDERPeJBa_TPHhgxfM6hvy6VKLqMWW5Cf6ZB3p3vewH5RR2v2doC3Aj/s320/20230823_114357.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I stuck some Wargame Exclusive skulls and a couple of Bad Squiddo mushrooms on the base, as well as a Genestealer arm I had hanging around on my table. Since I'd painted a Knight before, I knew I needed to work in several subassemblies. I primed and painted the legs before sticking on the armor plates.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyZAa9kdDXDJJFmLIaBqZ_Cvh431WbtJn90rlclMXQ0ItmkQUQnwb-bV0hBQ7AkRHHZYpXkB2vxucM3whM8ETNgMUSWFKpQ8nRLRlV-eC5qLH9iLnkQQdKaJJzduM4yondeJbHkKIhgOH98GYCFrVZjp36UKHL_flZDUMA_6Dk6-_K9yO1scl74XcIAKE/s4128/20230825_124144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyZAa9kdDXDJJFmLIaBqZ_Cvh431WbtJn90rlclMXQ0ItmkQUQnwb-bV0hBQ7AkRHHZYpXkB2vxucM3whM8ETNgMUSWFKpQ8nRLRlV-eC5qLH9iLnkQQdKaJJzduM4yondeJbHkKIhgOH98GYCFrVZjp36UKHL_flZDUMA_6Dk6-_K9yO1scl74XcIAKE/s320/20230825_124144.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The upper body was also primed in several bits. The base color for most of the body was Gunmetal Grey with a Black Glaze wash.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkDi8ZBmxOA_PZa_CWGUKkIF2sjLlp2MBzxSvGYBi50N_N69lGPaL1OWlU3lUeoW0WAuo9eacaBItyjft69hs40VWAhs7kW20rUM-DfCTHRIOdzwd4pPGAXkZikaJRTGChl4hHOeuU_nzmcDuLqBZAlM1H0sGsEVV8F3dxE7SORIPSLOhr8ZP__9hu8t3/s4128/20230825_164403.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkDi8ZBmxOA_PZa_CWGUKkIF2sjLlp2MBzxSvGYBi50N_N69lGPaL1OWlU3lUeoW0WAuo9eacaBItyjft69hs40VWAhs7kW20rUM-DfCTHRIOdzwd4pPGAXkZikaJRTGChl4hHOeuU_nzmcDuLqBZAlM1H0sGsEVV8F3dxE7SORIPSLOhr8ZP__9hu8t3/s320/20230825_164403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I decided to stick a magnet under the carapace weapon mount, even though Rampagers can't have carapace weapons, just in case I ever want to use this model in Horus Heresy. Also there's just no reason they can't have carapace weapons anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtm_X7TIN9J1NR19tGX-gbc2ETJVaG7XjfSAyksd0_ytkjM8o6cMjnhHjjU2RsEiQqKzaIU4-pchENQD7MuGmGknC1YIS88GudwxkI6FM7lLt_2p8D7o4IP3ZkAiVFV4pYd8CJzQ5-q_K5DC8QRaTfrhMFl_MQOQMHScgJvZBSXg6xG2fW_6SQi0U2n1Y/s4128/20230825_124302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtm_X7TIN9J1NR19tGX-gbc2ETJVaG7XjfSAyksd0_ytkjM8o6cMjnhHjjU2RsEiQqKzaIU4-pchENQD7MuGmGknC1YIS88GudwxkI6FM7lLt_2p8D7o4IP3ZkAiVFV4pYd8CJzQ5-q_K5DC8QRaTfrhMFl_MQOQMHScgJvZBSXg6xG2fW_6SQi0U2n1Y/s320/20230825_124302.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I even magnetized the heavy stubber, although that choice has also been inexplicably removed from the Rampager. The meltagun would make so much more sense!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgImrKKjrRP1oBim9jKyq3CmDBuDhtkL8pQKFIF0jqGDOJU8JbhIi0qxobs2pzF4z3zqq__QY8diSOVKMw3cQ0L4E7v06G3_bQ6D8BRsuFdp5t_fFlQyXwPDbvBi7MAtU3fl4TgkKsR8PyIRkmWI-1Eu3147wMwnI-8dDYxOnGARxRVu78rlgVwsMxrud/s4128/20230827_131840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgImrKKjrRP1oBim9jKyq3CmDBuDhtkL8pQKFIF0jqGDOJU8JbhIi0qxobs2pzF4z3zqq__QY8diSOVKMw3cQ0L4E7v06G3_bQ6D8BRsuFdp5t_fFlQyXwPDbvBi7MAtU3fl4TgkKsR8PyIRkmWI-1Eu3147wMwnI-8dDYxOnGARxRVu78rlgVwsMxrud/s320/20230827_131840.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I already magnetized my previous Questoris Knight's weapons, and followed the same logic here.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCqik4T3PpHlj_4F5gWyY6By6gbL_phWJJGID35584-TvAopHZeohMfta-MlS9anfWEIzcl0SyHw_SdVssxCYgRNG0qqFMuZdRYk424GNtq7D2n_zdSuMhpxht-HL7uhviAtUXNpM1ck86f0iel_QYx05hBOamr-aZ4vGURvHjMNIZubB7j1IpLUdLT6q/s4128/20230827_131832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCqik4T3PpHlj_4F5gWyY6By6gbL_phWJJGID35584-TvAopHZeohMfta-MlS9anfWEIzcl0SyHw_SdVssxCYgRNG0qqFMuZdRYk424GNtq7D2n_zdSuMhpxht-HL7uhviAtUXNpM1ck86f0iel_QYx05hBOamr-aZ4vGURvHjMNIZubB7j1IpLUdLT6q/s320/20230827_131832.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I also decided to magnetize a flaming skull from Anvil's <a href="https://www.anvilindustry.co.uk/skeleton-commissar">Skeleton Commissar</a> and mount it on the carapace hardpoint, because it was there on my desk, I guess. I also decorated the front of the carapace with a Khorne symbol from the Bloodletter sprue.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Tke2DDQoGej_XG7j96rv8IGs6kZleEim8LRWMRVJi1srTaANHZ_dRoZVWm1XZG3mrD4GyNv3aT2rKyTFAMRgmGEL9wTfT4F133wdilB-073VRvDMAbcFhIwYEQh1_cVPsaAe1QNvVb2XBCohLWrwpDFtFfPRLVrtFM5aZWKEQVqriMX7fagDH7O_Vvm/s4128/20230826_110737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Tke2DDQoGej_XG7j96rv8IGs6kZleEim8LRWMRVJi1srTaANHZ_dRoZVWm1XZG3mrD4GyNv3aT2rKyTFAMRgmGEL9wTfT4F133wdilB-073VRvDMAbcFhIwYEQh1_cVPsaAe1QNvVb2XBCohLWrwpDFtFfPRLVrtFM5aZWKEQVqriMX7fagDH7O_Vvm/s320/20230826_110737.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Then it was on to painting. I got started with my Daedric by writing the name of the song on the tail armor plates.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnhHYiX0gHTQwvPl93pYaz_-COz7cGw1zoFF--UVhkhI235ndTb3yGn93tRfvYQThB4V-6iev49g0ya09gM6IiBbUjTJxI78xcwG9j61pLcOIb-Mdn7wqh4I5waF58Fq8255inRODGFJOuDs7-fiJKFfl-ucko4EWOpTXbMJSL0kmEre5al22oGeAubsD/s4128/20230828_185650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnhHYiX0gHTQwvPl93pYaz_-COz7cGw1zoFF--UVhkhI235ndTb3yGn93tRfvYQThB4V-6iev49g0ya09gM6IiBbUjTJxI78xcwG9j61pLcOIb-Mdn7wqh4I5waF58Fq8255inRODGFJOuDs7-fiJKFfl-ucko4EWOpTXbMJSL0kmEre5al22oGeAubsD/s320/20230828_185650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The red color is strongly suggested by the lyrics, and I like it. I started the chorus on the armor plate over the head, and wrote the Knight's name on the shield.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAVRtadyAvihHIC4OZplGI9HYkLovLVLrmxbCmjDI1Gzy14O90yuRpeV0kBE5GXXaUFuq6F_RJI1F_gjMq9s8GK4dp5BYfMIRdGV-aYPru9Q29BeauZS_bZtiCr7-26_nxPgSrzwAnHHXlJGQZy5Rh8j2dzvPB5Nj2D8rDsK3yOeeoRg1GzP3lcS_2wun/s4128/20230828_193222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAVRtadyAvihHIC4OZplGI9HYkLovLVLrmxbCmjDI1Gzy14O90yuRpeV0kBE5GXXaUFuq6F_RJI1F_gjMq9s8GK4dp5BYfMIRdGV-aYPru9Q29BeauZS_bZtiCr7-26_nxPgSrzwAnHHXlJGQZy5Rh8j2dzvPB5Nj2D8rDsK3yOeeoRg1GzP3lcS_2wun/s320/20230828_193222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I think I reached my limit for how small I can make my Daedric letters on the chest armor.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjud3qQZO_V-wKGpdzX3zLmrELW4qvK5UCVymdAh_QigDsxNrR_33q-fjPxpoi7Sg1EC6V7UP3jupmOF9ebPaiQtJSN2p7kz7l8eA-n4UsI52s2b3cVZ7Daot2RnIi42V2h1HvCPn4nuyocjeMjlPxjmstAQh9wCFH3r1Y_9eWPbUd0Pb2to2Zb-zzcrAP8/s4128/20230828_193238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjud3qQZO_V-wKGpdzX3zLmrELW4qvK5UCVymdAh_QigDsxNrR_33q-fjPxpoi7Sg1EC6V7UP3jupmOF9ebPaiQtJSN2p7kz7l8eA-n4UsI52s2b3cVZ7Daot2RnIi42V2h1HvCPn4nuyocjeMjlPxjmstAQh9wCFH3r1Y_9eWPbUd0Pb2to2Zb-zzcrAP8/s320/20230828_193238.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The chorus carried all the way to the highest leg plate, and I went on to do the second verse and army badge on the rest of the leg panels.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjiwVL-b_zBE2Z0TO1sBJ-0lFmaN-yKD7Ce2oYzjghv-hUIUqYBPbznVtFWl7eN6knS0w_zA7q--LRckdIg-JOyM1nBPKxhmye2CDq2cJGP4Gh8NEplhWH0H97kU2u6ndyTcuVZPpjLhLbIcKblaPJNqXvpFViWV413F2ky3KTRAnXYkOuSjR4ZzRd8nO/s4128/20230910_175205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjiwVL-b_zBE2Z0TO1sBJ-0lFmaN-yKD7Ce2oYzjghv-hUIUqYBPbznVtFWl7eN6knS0w_zA7q--LRckdIg-JOyM1nBPKxhmye2CDq2cJGP4Gh8NEplhWH0H97kU2u6ndyTcuVZPpjLhLbIcKblaPJNqXvpFViWV413F2ky3KTRAnXYkOuSjR4ZzRd8nO/s320/20230910_175205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The weapons are appropriately labeled.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbInwuWSfBxSERkQaitxlSNAKHX2kXpcRgsEKgFC7ys0SHsEmdJQyLjSlZ0PrMfQs-esOpBq5i_o3uTZuTRr2ofPrwk10P9vlhM_6IgwVoDRfgOHCcVoui6etcbO8l5_B3dgsH26JaJ6lAhMv9RZiuJIjRcQrlMkCxGEZfsKMplATMugbAxiCYBJ6p5HEj/s4128/20230910_175234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbInwuWSfBxSERkQaitxlSNAKHX2kXpcRgsEKgFC7ys0SHsEmdJQyLjSlZ0PrMfQs-esOpBq5i_o3uTZuTRr2ofPrwk10P9vlhM_6IgwVoDRfgOHCcVoui6etcbO8l5_B3dgsH26JaJ6lAhMv9RZiuJIjRcQrlMkCxGEZfsKMplATMugbAxiCYBJ6p5HEj/s320/20230910_175234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Then it was just a matter of writing the first verse on the carapace.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7bINiVqeKX9WTgfbooEUdXfvtjqFWYH8RaNDN1lcLsubfO4Ow4JxBaxdyULzVJC6v7z0OCfyFoaG1xrMQ1Ye04J-7Kt0Pm17hqwbeZmQK3TKrO35hFPbhwm0sjokuo_L8wPsxer_gC7s62dOS8EhAxtNp0a8vW_sT_kR7u1Ln8P-Z7YlzPFJeacVPmi4/s4128/20230910_191124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7bINiVqeKX9WTgfbooEUdXfvtjqFWYH8RaNDN1lcLsubfO4Ow4JxBaxdyULzVJC6v7z0OCfyFoaG1xrMQ1Ye04J-7Kt0Pm17hqwbeZmQK3TKrO35hFPbhwm0sjokuo_L8wPsxer_gC7s62dOS8EhAxtNp0a8vW_sT_kR7u1Ln8P-Z7YlzPFJeacVPmi4/s320/20230910_191124.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And moving on to the shoulder plates.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUadH6N9k-OtYqHaCYw_pZg1HZyl5rdj1zUsoTfhfpYBqFEdPoZ2yO8acDmvsF8EUfDNj0shRKIbY5cgoIvleyChXN6IU09Em5TVMGDotidq9lKRV8ma7NhM9tHDdKbEXUcf20ZSIl8IbDJx0JTjYwVnUgc_Ngtdk9j603mpBaqll8SB9vbEMqtpH4KoC/s4128/20230915_113601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUadH6N9k-OtYqHaCYw_pZg1HZyl5rdj1zUsoTfhfpYBqFEdPoZ2yO8acDmvsF8EUfDNj0shRKIbY5cgoIvleyChXN6IU09Em5TVMGDotidq9lKRV8ma7NhM9tHDdKbEXUcf20ZSIl8IbDJx0JTjYwVnUgc_Ngtdk9j603mpBaqll8SB9vbEMqtpH4KoC/s320/20230915_113601.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So here he is: Knight Rampager Malacath!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2uaVOZT7Y3PqBluacf-3c34ZXnXxMYzdEOWL37PHmYarzaoEdSIsdb_WA4-FrtEzWd0-NLVKkQQLxG6M0UvFAqCw-hBiAs3xM6kk1duP0NBEe52JyAnXI1_rEbrI2ufiVng-FpTYp2WqKz0Hd5s-tN8keOg6PrrTUfRfSL9uEod-iE6OezYZe2W4IJ0l/s4128/20230915_113745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2uaVOZT7Y3PqBluacf-3c34ZXnXxMYzdEOWL37PHmYarzaoEdSIsdb_WA4-FrtEzWd0-NLVKkQQLxG6M0UvFAqCw-hBiAs3xM6kk1duP0NBEe52JyAnXI1_rEbrI2ufiVng-FpTYp2WqKz0Hd5s-tN8keOg6PrrTUfRfSL9uEod-iE6OezYZe2W4IJ0l/s320/20230915_113745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm very happy with this!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuQDI5EbruiKVwXoikxxjo0FPLPijU-qkl2OStZJm9dSDkB7-R10YHGQxtf56rNuSwks6D7cDvHtqibm4sQN748_u62RoJcWbpKT_vuByqTb6nsxKAPXi6pfXPcYOfjGEyg7_OGzEAGnTaJvUG6cnUtBDNZZvuSxKP_ZoUjX0k4IyAhhLAc-u7ukj4l9Y/s4128/20230915_113654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuQDI5EbruiKVwXoikxxjo0FPLPijU-qkl2OStZJm9dSDkB7-R10YHGQxtf56rNuSwks6D7cDvHtqibm4sQN748_u62RoJcWbpKT_vuByqTb6nsxKAPXi6pfXPcYOfjGEyg7_OGzEAGnTaJvUG6cnUtBDNZZvuSxKP_ZoUjX0k4IyAhhLAc-u7ukj4l9Y/s320/20230915_113654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>He is very large and golden, and this is good. I have to admit, all this gold is making me think about the <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/05/warhammer-40000-golden-knights.html">Custodes</a> again... But this was a fun little project to do. I really like building and painting big models, and sometimes I think I should focus all my 28mm energies on the chonkers. We'll see.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-58415247757179321402023-09-11T09:00:00.014+03:002023-09-11T09:00:00.185+03:00Horus Heresy: Looking for Allies<div><div><i>Many creatures which once had shunned this desert ventured to live here now. Many in the band remarked how the daylight owls proliferated. Even now, Ghanima could see antbirds. They jigged and danced along the insect lines which swarmed in the damp sand at the end of the shattered qanat. Few badgers were to be seen out here, but there were kangaroo mice in uncounted numbers.</i></div><div><i> - Frank Herbert, Children of Dune</i></div></div><div><br /></div>I've been very much enjoying getting into <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/06/lets-paint-horus-heresy-age-of-darkness.html">Horus Heresy</a>, if only because I keep getting new modeling ideas all the time.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBYkpn4UAvr-TzT_tJHPYwcljL94LWYhUnSnLTkHM9aD0ezXUOxw9NPvwVf7b1ABWdEP0SyKEykjhwEjHzlVRwqh24mMissyeW-8H94UGtkjbpHYv7oNuHWZkLrqAgkXHRt31s5y_1ZyZcwK9dyHPHHyNN04uS-3IZQVoMeukUIetL6O0gaNP79DzMw/s1571/Dune4_530x@2x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1571" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBYkpn4UAvr-TzT_tJHPYwcljL94LWYhUnSnLTkHM9aD0ezXUOxw9NPvwVf7b1ABWdEP0SyKEykjhwEjHzlVRwqh24mMissyeW-8H94UGtkjbpHYv7oNuHWZkLrqAgkXHRt31s5y_1ZyZcwK9dyHPHHyNN04uS-3IZQVoMeukUIetL6O0gaNP79DzMw/s320/Dune4_530x@2x.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I like the rulebook and Liber Hereticus because there's a lot of stuff in there. For example, there's this relationship chart, without which I would never have realized that the Salamanders are the friendship is magic legion.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa1fyeCgQX47NCu_jIN9AiDD4e8lNdZsqS6Fw_oT0045Quy3dWajqYwyp1q7TE4CPw6qWb8m-ALWlXCDNc7CI20cibSNYVrEYmuoxiw1UngyJDznYgHqMlb-oOem7O_RlNt1OgIU10xnSVKz5Wi1_MCyXDp8ue3MVILiojBaoz-lWp6AZkMI5KJm_Tw/s4128/20220625_152900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa1fyeCgQX47NCu_jIN9AiDD4e8lNdZsqS6Fw_oT0045Quy3dWajqYwyp1q7TE4CPw6qWb8m-ALWlXCDNc7CI20cibSNYVrEYmuoxiw1UngyJDznYgHqMlb-oOem7O_RlNt1OgIU10xnSVKz5Wi1_MCyXDp8ue3MVILiojBaoz-lWp6AZkMI5KJm_Tw/s320/20220625_152900.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>More to the point, it tells me that my Word Bearers aren't really super friends with anybody except the Sons of Horus. I do like their color scheme, but other than that, eh. None of the special units exactly inspire me, and the legion as a whole is just not that interesting to me. All of the fun factions, though, are less close friends and more in the sort of casual acquaintances line.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I've already got some Thousand Sons for 40k, I have to admit I'm partial to building some for 30k as well. Besides, the magic robots and psyker dreadnoughts are pretty cool. It also occurs to me that the funniest possible Thousand Sons unit would be a Scout squad, and once I'd thought of it I really wanted to build it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I decided they should have Nemesis bolters, and frankly, the Nemesis bolters on some of the Forge World models just look like boringly generic sniper rifles. Not to mention that the whole idea of a silencer on a bolter is absolutely ludicrous. So I bought a box of regular scouts and took their bolters apart.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPNjUI-EnGZvwkanHo2vXKz--PXnOuZ354lkPlQYlQw1UM6Ae8f4kpMwCSJ09t93I_5nUR-eYtRV7Q1RLE1UJlZDmisySkxALxCUYVg_o3dGlD6sZuDw3A1fOyoiLe6iguXpZcwg6FecrzC7ly11W8es8mp4fxKrnKF_FfoMgLTyao2aIBWWN_jGBPQ/s4128/20220910_230532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPNjUI-EnGZvwkanHo2vXKz--PXnOuZ354lkPlQYlQw1UM6Ae8f4kpMwCSJ09t93I_5nUR-eYtRV7Q1RLE1UJlZDmisySkxALxCUYVg_o3dGlD6sZuDw3A1fOyoiLe6iguXpZcwg6FecrzC7ly11W8es8mp4fxKrnKF_FfoMgLTyao2aIBWWN_jGBPQ/s320/20220910_230532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I then drilled a couple of tiny holes, superglued in some copper wire, and reassembled the bolter to be longer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3YD6WRtmgnNujWO3PU4N_HupweeF9guXGWqMeFJ33u6yBikAHu-qloe3fI3tqApFWFEN0joT_BTeoVax6xX5CznfAIZBoaQIfLfOPttz2Grn550DDNIkZsah2KvglFmha1rdg_yI4ymc1r9V8U8lKvL2e42SXI0BSLic3XSHnwKk7IsAtSAecPmHcg/s4128/20220910_231432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3YD6WRtmgnNujWO3PU4N_HupweeF9guXGWqMeFJ33u6yBikAHu-qloe3fI3tqApFWFEN0joT_BTeoVax6xX5CznfAIZBoaQIfLfOPttz2Grn550DDNIkZsah2KvglFmha1rdg_yI4ymc1r9V8U8lKvL2e42SXI0BSLic3XSHnwKk7IsAtSAecPmHcg/s320/20220910_231432.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Then it was a simple matter of filling in the gap with green stuff, and we have Nemesis bolters.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZosdCfYGjjCMoJoSf0bXMnvggY9Gt-3_QeSNKVJyctOhxwxDK5vUCEBeKK0UPGzT90hX29oJqGMCLBmROlvvBSuTmpnus_RAvuRUonbh3NjhYXL-zjzEo_NKdd1FfjqYyhfN1x7c-vIXWGtS8MlzXbCakVfY2x_Ug68tmehJymfGQp7a5ax-s36sTg/s4128/20220911_152716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZosdCfYGjjCMoJoSf0bXMnvggY9Gt-3_QeSNKVJyctOhxwxDK5vUCEBeKK0UPGzT90hX29oJqGMCLBmROlvvBSuTmpnus_RAvuRUonbh3NjhYXL-zjzEo_NKdd1FfjqYyhfN1x7c-vIXWGtS8MlzXbCakVfY2x_Ug68tmehJymfGQp7a5ax-s36sTg/s320/20220911_152716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I had two telescopic sights in my collection of space marine bits.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbNXxlBJ3lnK6ERkneYXCdpYKIcHiX5J0cxFdkR8CUwj7qdwien3PXPoCwUo_ac_s0K3X4BF75R0HrgBbJBnsBHPsrgxk4oJCCYgx3F3ovKxacyx312xEE4K9zCydQ7GuBr9aueDRmGOPTQE1gngECu38o4s4pYkLTpZVh5Z91EKjTX0DjPt6UtLRWw/s4128/20220911_153057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbNXxlBJ3lnK6ERkneYXCdpYKIcHiX5J0cxFdkR8CUwj7qdwien3PXPoCwUo_ac_s0K3X4BF75R0HrgBbJBnsBHPsrgxk4oJCCYgx3F3ovKxacyx312xEE4K9zCydQ7GuBr9aueDRmGOPTQE1gngECu38o4s4pYkLTpZVh5Z91EKjTX0DjPt6UtLRWw/s320/20220911_153057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>For the other three, I chopped sights off some unused Deathwatch bolters.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWEekM5NjzQBmfaVpr6CLEd2nHWEl11qYzcoHZPfqkSiyHqmLC8Qfu4eHf1xea-UttY42lIL3V27Q0tczKRGIlpzKJefJzidd6GBkI9X84dUil4wn5HVehDwN1Mrxxw-CB7ZnDRaApp8FM4Hf24ydegVPGuB4TWDqPH52VpqZ8Lnar1pVjUdU8NcuaA/s4128/20220911_181232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWEekM5NjzQBmfaVpr6CLEd2nHWEl11qYzcoHZPfqkSiyHqmLC8Qfu4eHf1xea-UttY42lIL3V27Q0tczKRGIlpzKJefJzidd6GBkI9X84dUil4wn5HVehDwN1Mrxxw-CB7ZnDRaApp8FM4Hf24ydegVPGuB4TWDqPH52VpqZ8Lnar1pVjUdU8NcuaA/s320/20220911_181232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Then we add some <a href="https://www.statuesqueminiatures.co.uk/">Statuesque Miniatures</a> beret and veteran heads, and we have a Scout Squad.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqn6qZCJjIWUXhXPdGcR-DpX9mFCF9bi91qLhRVJR9lo_GsudzmIGA_JeSZ5mCw_dhkCCI_CbFHP7tJFkgkju6y8Y1jTWCJGCNepZrZvEh1nNkEfkLYzmxMJze9GirFBH8ingoGpYqrNFCySL501DL5vyhxSg_HxACOXHfVFP6kX7t2H9Zycal4AuZQ/s4128/20220912_152636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqn6qZCJjIWUXhXPdGcR-DpX9mFCF9bi91qLhRVJR9lo_GsudzmIGA_JeSZ5mCw_dhkCCI_CbFHP7tJFkgkju6y8Y1jTWCJGCNepZrZvEh1nNkEfkLYzmxMJze9GirFBH8ingoGpYqrNFCySL501DL5vyhxSg_HxACOXHfVFP6kX7t2H9Zycal4AuZQ/s320/20220912_152636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>This is what the Sergeant looks like painted up:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmLCOvObawp9rCSDjZwWBVfWoC9L0fmtxplT8g6RxBu13-R0-gvLxGoXYqRffx_Qbi2zjD78zrcu_ND1jwdvvHkryBjLXVEX91oz6EKUwc6eHqMuxWc6LS_y4M2RV5SXiHDoaAjxsRw1ONvxMAA1K1lsc-tRUDTajGtMz9cXIXwroraYcXTW6SEm3uw/s4128/20230227_144406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmLCOvObawp9rCSDjZwWBVfWoC9L0fmtxplT8g6RxBu13-R0-gvLxGoXYqRffx_Qbi2zjD78zrcu_ND1jwdvvHkryBjLXVEX91oz6EKUwc6eHqMuxWc6LS_y4M2RV5SXiHDoaAjxsRw1ONvxMAA1K1lsc-tRUDTajGtMz9cXIXwroraYcXTW6SEm3uw/s320/20230227_144406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And here's the Scout squad <i>Viman-dadaran-ich, the very producers of doubt</i>, in its entirety.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSnlRKCcJAZAr1HDo5HslOux23SAsFN7llkCYuFIuk0BI96cxp2nSrjLxvtMhTbzWNfReVRCVfKgmZz_WT8WpGl4jGgqdffX0ekUynII-pyqILBWDgrZsejrAGX9WT8J_8VL98sZiKMPQRFO2gdePDxdihghZap7DDe2B0fJkOYqqDSwtagtQQxaBog/s4128/20230303_125501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSnlRKCcJAZAr1HDo5HslOux23SAsFN7llkCYuFIuk0BI96cxp2nSrjLxvtMhTbzWNfReVRCVfKgmZz_WT8WpGl4jGgqdffX0ekUynII-pyqILBWDgrZsejrAGX9WT8J_8VL98sZiKMPQRFO2gdePDxdihghZap7DDe2B0fJkOYqqDSwtagtQQxaBog/s320/20230303_125501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem with Thousand Sons, though, is that since they're only Distrusted Allies, they can't score objectives for me. But Word Bearers actually have precious few legions that they're really friends with, which makes sense because they are theologians. Apart from the previously mentioned Sons of Horus and Salamanders, it's just the Emperor's Children, White Scars, and... Dark Angels.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Back in 2019, I got the <a href="https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Imperium_Nihilus:_Vigilus_Ablaze">Vigilus Ablaze</a> campaign book so my Dark Apostle could use the new prayers in <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/10/warhammer-40000-tankhammer.html">our next game</a>. As it happens, Vigilus Ablaze also had rules for a specialist detachment of Fallen, and I wanted to make one. The first model I finished was a Sorcerer with an improvised combi-plasma, made from the Fallen/Dark Angels Veteran kit.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJZB-0CYeHrByqv85YGHr0IPtbikZ0E2pxx5CC4CRZzoqNZyxpuqTVHa62_acFfKsD64xcVvtih1dXaw9B3Kawvo6vL4FfpxPy8d3WH1kHHmALQ68a-t4oR89JuzLtHJhhCUrP03eByL_/s2048/20210303_112331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJZB-0CYeHrByqv85YGHr0IPtbikZ0E2pxx5CC4CRZzoqNZyxpuqTVHa62_acFfKsD64xcVvtih1dXaw9B3Kawvo6vL4FfpxPy8d3WH1kHHmALQ68a-t4oR89JuzLtHJhhCUrP03eByL_/s320/20210303_112331.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>I gave them old-style Librarian heraldry.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10chZbzdybHhvVlTcwScd_yZkU5NIAjc4lZY8c_-ObpjDGYR4m2IZYZEY1s8dyGayK4BWPTOY5z-wJ7V4ziDtkqnDFbP6Q_pNF_Z3fZ8P_bdR8lhatUGJ3XQS73uiqtVbS4go7O0FK-6o/s2048/20210303_112707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10chZbzdybHhvVlTcwScd_yZkU5NIAjc4lZY8c_-ObpjDGYR4m2IZYZEY1s8dyGayK4BWPTOY5z-wJ7V4ziDtkqnDFbP6Q_pNF_Z3fZ8P_bdR8lhatUGJ3XQS73uiqtVbS4go7O0FK-6o/s320/20210303_112707.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Since then, the Fallen were completely dropped from 9th edition, so I suppose this dude is now a 30k Dark Angel Librarian? Mk VII armor was around during the Heresy, it's not completely impossible. While I was at it, how was I supposed to resist Wargame Exclusive's <a href="https://wargameexclusive.com/shop/chaos/space-warrior-cypheria-the-fallen/">Cypheria</a>? I suppose I could field her as a Moritat...</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYSkKeRLnrYfCzuA8DkWirhFAcufj2xd5A8lmuMsZExbQya2dMj93_m5bTBmIQWZD7TntH1PqHqvfvZqRZsJWRUkYrQ0WWJahptaACbIcwPVjASEToyExjwZDqTz0vGG7mTjRrVzpSxah3fNAx8UswL9pCZUvoECSr9QRzcRtLmJ3tOC7NkqOMOnWx4g=s4128" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYSkKeRLnrYfCzuA8DkWirhFAcufj2xd5A8lmuMsZExbQya2dMj93_m5bTBmIQWZD7TntH1PqHqvfvZqRZsJWRUkYrQ0WWJahptaACbIcwPVjASEToyExjwZDqTz0vGG7mTjRrVzpSxah3fNAx8UswL9pCZUvoECSr9QRzcRtLmJ3tOC7NkqOMOnWx4g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>This all gave rise to another conversion idea. I have a slightly ancient Legion of the Damned sergeant from 3rd edition, and I'd thought about using the model as a chaplain earlier. It's just that there's a problem. Scale creep.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pdYufK78GOnW_SJlVkoTUHHlZ7pI3fckh4oRhajqUrX6qp6FhGMkDoFgoybeTktBpdrMkDeM8DzJSzoEmoie3_1_BGKd6j0mNpzRy5NrQsrfGrjfqiWP2v9BGEpC9r6jXKavETwk4oNuIoMyRp5syyeiv4TVh2dduaghAjAwJqA5XCho3wx7baOACA/s4128/20220924_132831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pdYufK78GOnW_SJlVkoTUHHlZ7pI3fckh4oRhajqUrX6qp6FhGMkDoFgoybeTktBpdrMkDeM8DzJSzoEmoie3_1_BGKd6j0mNpzRy5NrQsrfGrjfqiWP2v9BGEpC9r6jXKavETwk4oNuIoMyRp5syyeiv4TVh2dduaghAjAwJqA5XCho3wx7baOACA/s320/20220924_132831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Looking more closely at the model, the torso is more or less the same size as the Mk VIs, but the legs are a lot shorter. I think that's a problem I can solve.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdxdzEvSapHhifvtJjRCK-mwgnA0joNrFULp4ZlRXJIyRb69VsHuZTBSVjqR9RIqz7mNB9AEF8P-CUbYZuqF9pf48WdYEWb9y9dv4F7M-OI2GN8VA2TFRbOFZcYct085KYEn240LVartv_fpMn8y_CeSentMeJQvx3Xz9vZnkaCEC5sSmH4ePkppg6w/s4128/20220924_141252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdxdzEvSapHhifvtJjRCK-mwgnA0joNrFULp4ZlRXJIyRb69VsHuZTBSVjqR9RIqz7mNB9AEF8P-CUbYZuqF9pf48WdYEWb9y9dv4F7M-OI2GN8VA2TFRbOFZcYct085KYEn240LVartv_fpMn8y_CeSentMeJQvx3Xz9vZnkaCEC5sSmH4ePkppg6w/s320/20220924_141252.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here we go! While I was at it, I added the Mk VI power sword.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYvMuEBM0vItlzJOVOE-dViRTbNLgXG-K-EJ2OQ72JMvp496UuY9N6YeV-_71-KStw7y3ezMcHuTa2xvMcvqG5Hlbgv-Vsu6TKvQvaTGfo_UVbRGJ1CO91SDjEADj7Hv4H5irp8EEeD74efSpyA5RTI3--PUGiWHmP4rnD9aoksqWBry-rl0xJ7TIgQ/s4128/20220924_163650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYvMuEBM0vItlzJOVOE-dViRTbNLgXG-K-EJ2OQ72JMvp496UuY9N6YeV-_71-KStw7y3ezMcHuTa2xvMcvqG5Hlbgv-Vsu6TKvQvaTGfo_UVbRGJ1CO91SDjEADj7Hv4H5irp8EEeD74efSpyA5RTI3--PUGiWHmP4rnD9aoksqWBry-rl0xJ7TIgQ/s320/20220924_163650.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Using the same method that got me the Thousand Sons scouts, I feel like the objectively funniest Dark Angels character to make would be an Esoterist. So while I was at it, I added some Dark Angels bits and a Kromlech <a href="https://bitsofwar.com/all-chaos-legionaries/187-chaos-books-of-damnation-5902216115590.html">Book of Damnation</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_hYjiiYYtHQjqpXrUbps36Ot_ib6mAxokB_Q3_1v35fDon8fmyJyTvywkFi270tAma7_XIAMfwOCkwfzS_jz4dsvcMMRbIyMcX5qd-TYARe9lC8S1v9I7QnCQxu-BQYZt8lXNJJULpQNTR8p5xnYQ9PCuMhkeuVFjy3cQxQgp_a0sjb25vq7hsnx_g/s4128/20220924_165829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_hYjiiYYtHQjqpXrUbps36Ot_ib6mAxokB_Q3_1v35fDon8fmyJyTvywkFi270tAma7_XIAMfwOCkwfzS_jz4dsvcMMRbIyMcX5qd-TYARe9lC8S1v9I7QnCQxu-BQYZt8lXNJJULpQNTR8p5xnYQ9PCuMhkeuVFjy3cQxQgp_a0sjb25vq7hsnx_g/s320/20220924_165829.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here we go, then:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0s3GyzV_W-uyXVpaHkquYyYCjgaBF8rCrzQCap_VSAQSiL_RDUM23lyksNf42J7kwUIMo74o8a7eBNRNF-ivoylcsPdncn4GVv398xPA0ZHvv0m0pOkV-ENilBoMTMStYbf9QGM1WZxRF_pNyS6qEgonAswEpWg6oDiS0nCh81gpMhWYYQCeg3WaqA/s4128/20220925_154922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0s3GyzV_W-uyXVpaHkquYyYCjgaBF8rCrzQCap_VSAQSiL_RDUM23lyksNf42J7kwUIMo74o8a7eBNRNF-ivoylcsPdncn4GVv398xPA0ZHvv0m0pOkV-ENilBoMTMStYbf9QGM1WZxRF_pNyS6qEgonAswEpWg6oDiS0nCh81gpMhWYYQCeg3WaqA/s320/20220925_154922.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I managed to get that green stuff shaped at least decently, I think, so I feel like this is going to work! I'm going to argue that this is a variant of Mk V power armour. I think I more or less solved the scale issue:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsz07XPgMpnIpaiD_zotR2g19nsVgO4QNHWt3dMhErqbk04tEbJkt5jLg7b5s9inMmld53DzuMuzDv0df4iHsS7vSBBwYn6R6pJ8Ru_oOhAioNs-F3LdE3FHuC4VGgpGm-uwho83CjwwWgGnaItWHfdej02AM9YcvFQZsfxgh7hEm-yKHc6qT_pubgA/s4128/20220928_142315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsz07XPgMpnIpaiD_zotR2g19nsVgO4QNHWt3dMhErqbk04tEbJkt5jLg7b5s9inMmld53DzuMuzDv0df4iHsS7vSBBwYn6R6pJ8Ru_oOhAioNs-F3LdE3FHuC4VGgpGm-uwho83CjwwWgGnaItWHfdej02AM9YcvFQZsfxgh7hEm-yKHc6qT_pubgA/s320/20220928_142315.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here they are all painted up. I'm very happy with this!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn79Ky5Wsg2cO9Aq7yZidCRM-OmBaf-J5RBdpj1oJQ-RKl8WCCT1QkMroB1RV8LjbLVSFSfXqaTAXRY0UQ0jFoInOJ1NkNv7YmysH80bGfR-Oh3r_8PrK61EAuIOKwtfFo4YuPSJ6oEKOmEfRz_Vq_ELGQS1p_TwUVjhroCn5XVBR-Hy8dXMj-Q76AQ/s4128/20221008_132613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn79Ky5Wsg2cO9Aq7yZidCRM-OmBaf-J5RBdpj1oJQ-RKl8WCCT1QkMroB1RV8LjbLVSFSfXqaTAXRY0UQ0jFoInOJ1NkNv7YmysH80bGfR-Oh3r_8PrK61EAuIOKwtfFo4YuPSJ6oEKOmEfRz_Vq_ELGQS1p_TwUVjhroCn5XVBR-Hy8dXMj-Q76AQ/s320/20221008_132613.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>It's a well-known fact that Warhammer has stolen huge amounts of fluff from <i>Dune</i>. Navigators, proscribed computer technologies, the Imperial religious bureaucracy, and so on. The Warhammer 40,000 timeline is, I think quite explicitly, written so that the events of Dune fit neatly in it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even though it's a science fiction classic, I have to admit I only got around to reading Dune after the new movie came out. It was not only a great movie, but also hands down the most Warhammer movie ever made, which is obviously not a coincidence. As I was reading the novels, I started thinking about incorporating some Dune content in my Warhammer hobbying. I was quite pleased, then, when I came across this in <i>Dune Messiah</i>:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>A heliograph of 'thopter wings flashed in the bright afternoon sun above the temple, part of the Royal Guard with Muad'dib's fist-symbol on its fuselage.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Muad'dib's fist-symbol! That's it: in my headcanon, the Imperial Fists are now Fremen. I don't know what the deal is with emperors having royal guards, but they did it in <a href="https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Emperor%27s_Royal_Guard">Star Wars</a> as well, even though "<a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/royal">royal</a>" most definitely means something related to a king, not an emperor.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've always been slightly partial to the Imperial Fists color scheme anyway, because the yellow is such a bold choice, and I quite often ended up playing as them in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Crusade_(video_game)">Space Crusade video game</a>. So I hit up the excellent <a href="https://victoriaminiatures.com/">Victoria Miniatures</a> for some appropriate heads, and we're ready to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to start by painting up the sword Praetor from the Age of Darkness box as an Imperial Fists Praetor. I chopped up one of Victoria's <a href="https://victoriaminiatures.com/collections/female-squads-and-bits/products/desert-torsos-with-heads-a-female">Desert Torsos A</a> for an appropriate head. I also couldn't decide whether I should swap the volkite charger for a bolter, in order to take advantage of the legion bonus. I've left the volkite on for now.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB2wMQ6lMktbNGSKLZpU0OjXeqIeZLOzacDQlSknMy0lTcJU9zGUWHi4Fs1VKVo8BD6j1xYSvMTdR0MQ2XfNXd1bGfBbC8kByTuHmVDALXdEMM1S2bz28sFpuQ1Niban2ewELXmYncmHxKtlFg4NoT7ti-wQs6D6HCX-XAUNRnoukOqtxCBcLU4Zc8g/s4128/20221229_211023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB2wMQ6lMktbNGSKLZpU0OjXeqIeZLOzacDQlSknMy0lTcJU9zGUWHi4Fs1VKVo8BD6j1xYSvMTdR0MQ2XfNXd1bGfBbC8kByTuHmVDALXdEMM1S2bz28sFpuQ1Niban2ewELXmYncmHxKtlFg4NoT7ti-wQs6D6HCX-XAUNRnoukOqtxCBcLU4Zc8g/s320/20221229_211023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>While I wasn't really interested in any of the Rites of War available to my Word Bearers, there are actually several Imperial Fists ones that I might want to try: the Hammerfall Strike Force or even the Stone Gauntlet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_SaJGsR6FItckcEJSkMsMRn9eE4aBWn-RXj6yk_Hdhit4GupcMgXR4qxD6duRDmV2VRPUtcoVZrxw4GpJuK85t7HFcaYGi6xsGpzJEH9bkJcOSUf79JG2IdfJwXACHvDt-XPwnQPAOAJw_ye0fvBwE_jY4qBh-gP5c27G09_jJhpRaujLSNv5gCZIA/s4128/20230116_125530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_SaJGsR6FItckcEJSkMsMRn9eE4aBWn-RXj6yk_Hdhit4GupcMgXR4qxD6duRDmV2VRPUtcoVZrxw4GpJuK85t7HFcaYGi6xsGpzJEH9bkJcOSUf79JG2IdfJwXACHvDt-XPwnQPAOAJw_ye0fvBwE_jY4qBh-gP5c27G09_jJhpRaujLSNv5gCZIA/s320/20230116_125530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I freehanded the army badge and some Imperial Fists heraldry onto the right shoulder pad.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7G-MqghFViLTKeM1J6j7Zoz_9LLJXxt6sb4He0j1Z6cHcTdUFRcFeuuD1WMrUMpJR8steo8eLAoHkmhVC12p3eoUD3yyq7nl7er2pfeVtaJdXsBroe6wDcyLJxJCcEXLQ5yKTE0DKhpUuoYfBhUHNB3naJ2ROXPAKDNUTZHXH-Rm_FG46ZO704T08w/s4128/20230116_125641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7G-MqghFViLTKeM1J6j7Zoz_9LLJXxt6sb4He0j1Z6cHcTdUFRcFeuuD1WMrUMpJR8steo8eLAoHkmhVC12p3eoUD3yyq7nl7er2pfeVtaJdXsBroe6wDcyLJxJCcEXLQ5yKTE0DKhpUuoYfBhUHNB3naJ2ROXPAKDNUTZHXH-Rm_FG46ZO704T08w/s320/20230116_125641.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm actually kinda happy with this model, and I may now have to start thinking about a command squad for them.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the ironies of all this is that a big reason I bought the Age of Darkness box in the first place was that I wanted to build Fallen for 40k. Only for the Fallen to then completely disappear from the game. Nonetheless, I've quite enjoyed trying out different legion paint schemes and so on. I'm definitely attracted to the idea of Dune-themed Imperial Fists, but I think I also have some ideas for more Dark Angels...</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-84138194995760124542023-09-04T09:00:00.064+03:002023-09-04T09:00:00.145+03:00Let's Paint Victory at Sea: the Kriegsmarine Fleet Box<div><i>In war, there is a conception known as the creation of a diversion, which consists of extending the scope of one's own operations to other areas in such a way that the enemy, to defend them, will be forced to withdraw forces from the main theatre of operations and thus to relax his pressure on it. A diversion, however, is of value only when, seen as a whole, it results in an advantage to the side creating it.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> - Admiral Karl Dönitz, Memoirs, chapter 10: the Battle of the Atlantic: November 1940–December 1941</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I love small scale war games, and I love naval history. So when a <a href="https://www.puolenkuunpelit.com/">friendly nearby mail-order gaming store</a> offered Warlord's Victory at Sea rulebook for a competitive price, and a sizeable discount on the German navy fleet box, I knew what to do.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8k6xszVa-umdX1pBXQgHZL5ikPnR1-RTbWkA3JEGEBcepZV79VZOPsYt5CvP18nrYolPy8r4GuEJjZL7BW8MOXpiqnoavVJvD1Ni_pmsbWBLmi4CyPWHTn6NcOcs4JrMgfwGmTw4VS6RMe2bzjSKjGxypqwL2FitL9vVVDAnYurB0EZcAKpMUsZ49w/s96/Scharnhorst_(LE).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="80" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8k6xszVa-umdX1pBXQgHZL5ikPnR1-RTbWkA3JEGEBcepZV79VZOPsYt5CvP18nrYolPy8r4GuEJjZL7BW8MOXpiqnoavVJvD1Ni_pmsbWBLmi4CyPWHTn6NcOcs4JrMgfwGmTw4VS6RMe2bzjSKjGxypqwL2FitL9vVVDAnYurB0EZcAKpMUsZ49w/s1600/Scharnhorst_(LE).png" width="80" /></a></div><br /><div> - General Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst (1755–1813) in KOEI's L'Empereur (1989)</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The German navy in World War II is perennially interesting because it offers so much fodder for all kinds of alternate histories. Decisively outnumbered by the Royal Navy, unsuccessful in the ferocious bureaucratic infighting of Nazi Germany and hampered by terrible national leadership, the <i>Kriegsmarine</i> still had excellently engineered, powerful fighting ships that could more than hold their own against their enemies. Reading the naval history of the Second World War, even through Anglo-American triumphalism, it's hard to not ask if the Germans couldn't have done more with what they had.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trouble started at the top. Like most fascists, Hitler was basically a moron who replaced knowledge with bluster and bigotry. Sure, he was a successful politician, but I've always found the whole mythology of Hitler's supposed genius to be highly dubious. After nazism ended in utter defeat, just about everyone involved with it found it very convenient to blame everything on Hitler, and so he came to be portrayed as this sort of demonic spirit that somehow possessed all of Germany. It's complete nonsense. If there's anything the Trump phenomenon has taught us, surely it's that you can be a successful fascist demagogue while also being a complete idiot.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a war leader and strategist, Hitler was useless. The post-WWI German navy never quite seemed to have a clear concept of what it was for. The ships it was allowed under the Treaty of Versailles made it essentially a coast defence force, but the Germans set out to circumvent this even before the Nazis came to power. Eventually in 1938 Hitler decided that he might have to fight Great Britain after all, and the naval building program known as Plan Z came into effect. The new fleet was to be ready by 1945, and Hitler apparently told the navy that the war would start in 1948.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we know, the war actually started in 1939, when Plan Z had barely got underway. Because Germany faced an appalling shortage of steel, most work on the warships was immediately stopped. The fate of the German aircraft carrier <i>Graf Zeppelin</i> is a good example. Laid down in 1936 and launched in 1938, the ship was almost finished when the war started. In April 1940, work on her was stopped after the heavy losses in the Norwegian campaign. In 1942, however, Hitler and the navy had second thoughts, because now aircraft carriers were beginning to look like a really good idea, so work on the <i>Graf Zeppelin</i> was restarted in May. It lasted until December, when Hitler had a tantrum over the inconclusive Battle of the Barents Sea, fired Grand Admiral Raeder and stopped all work on big surface ships. The <i>Graf Zeppelin</i> was never finished, and was eventually sunk off the coast of Poland by the Soviets after the war.</div><div><br /></div><div>So there's strategic leadership for you. Hitler's incompetence was magnified by the navy's inability to stand up to him, and its own lack of strategic direction. All in all, it never really seemed obvious what the <i>Kriegsmarine</i> was actually for, and the few heavy ships it did have were more or less squandered in penny-packet actions, or deployed so cautiously that they never got anything done.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is what makes it such an interesting subject for wargaming: what if the German navy had actually been deployed as a battlefleet, and had fought fleet actions against some of its enemies?</div><div><br /></div><div>This, incidentally, was why I was reading <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/04/mission-tactics-at-sea.html">Correlli Barnett</a> earlier. At the end of 1941, the Royal Navy was in a bad way. That November, <i>HMS Barham</i> was sunk in the Mediterranean by a German submarine; in December, the <i>Prince of Wales</i> and <i>Repulse</i> were destroyed by Japanese aircraft off Singapore, and <i>HMS Queen Elizabeth</i> and <i>Valiant</i> were sunk in Alexandria harbor in a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raid_on_Alexandria_(1941)">raid</a> by Italian special forces. In the space of a little over a month, the Royal Navy lost four battleships and a battlecruiser.</div><div><br /></div><div>What this meant in practice was that the Royal Navy had no modern capital ships in the Mediterranean Fleet, and only the ancient <i>HMS Malaya</i> at Gibraltar. The Home Fleet was reduced to two battleships. The Americans had transferred all three of their operational battleships to the Pacific.</div><div><br /></div><div>If the German navy had come out and challenged the Royal Navy, the outcome could have been shocking. Especially if the Italian navy had simultaneously mounted an operation in the Mediterranean, diverting Force H from Gibraltar. The whole war at sea could have been changed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, they did no such thing. But this, I feel, is very much what wargames are for.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, though, it's time to get to those models. Surprisingly, the ships in the box come in two different kinds of resin: lighter and darker grey. The light grey ships are great: next to no flash or anything that needed much attention at all. The dark grey ones, well, aren't. It's a much softer resin, there's a lot of clipping and filing to do, and all of the ships are a bit banana-shaped. The destroyers, the <i>Köln</i> and the <i>Blücher</i> are done in the worse resin, and as you can see, the <i>Blücher</i> is auditioning for a refit to a ski-jump carrier.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUPdpBmbARMUHmqE8aLM55NowRx30lPNvxmGR_dWC_pDeIMAIAkKZPuqaiXxBU608TNl88Dn6pcnCvo8o43mbAonzqnonizMZ2mFzl-h9F_rz1z9puO8sQzAK42OxvrRCRVXaeXn7QjRmT6aPLPnd0YY_8NW52m_3ODwxrtb_c-lYl4hCBV1Kuq1cWg/s4128/20230509_171540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUPdpBmbARMUHmqE8aLM55NowRx30lPNvxmGR_dWC_pDeIMAIAkKZPuqaiXxBU608TNl88Dn6pcnCvo8o43mbAonzqnonizMZ2mFzl-h9F_rz1z9puO8sQzAK42OxvrRCRVXaeXn7QjRmT6aPLPnd0YY_8NW52m_3ODwxrtb_c-lYl4hCBV1Kuq1cWg/s320/20230509_171540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I tried dunking one of the destroyers in hot water and bending it a bit. It didn't go well.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi16zT22fiqW8wJ94MO7OXoMM2pB9wFE55ByVQBzhUdO-Tkoey0DUZBg1Xg7pn8BLLFC8RsSOIyrWTPoeP-su4WMGXvmr5ShkdvjO4bc7G9ly3H4QvrdTAngAJXWd_iV8fRXG7mjiqedUbR2wE7zRZcqJgFVy6fJcFBN1iXnNv0nHbgFEPDu-lkwbVsA/s4128/20230509_150752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi16zT22fiqW8wJ94MO7OXoMM2pB9wFE55ByVQBzhUdO-Tkoey0DUZBg1Xg7pn8BLLFC8RsSOIyrWTPoeP-su4WMGXvmr5ShkdvjO4bc7G9ly3H4QvrdTAngAJXWd_iV8fRXG7mjiqedUbR2wE7zRZcqJgFVy6fJcFBN1iXnNv0nHbgFEPDu-lkwbVsA/s320/20230509_150752.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>My next attempt was with water brought to a near boil, and it actually worked. I'm not exactly delighted that I had to do this, but it wasn't that much trouble in the end. I unbent my ships while making dinner, and frankly I'm still surprised I didn't end up serving my flatmate the <i>Köln</i> in tomato sauce.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg5MSwKAE7kudftzYoFcPLkAd6UV8LzSZFj09L7J-YxIuEczQDMtuVtygsJTm0Qsc6RIDnRFO4WwB21vCJgQLghhq3hjahS6wNT7N_Ueih3ustlVVaD95kN-cUoDVLP8-ucIi8Ue6t_1LLhMH8zT3FqTWDpzUAfNgEY_yDzy0BakOjTT1EBKWZOzrcA/s4128/20230509_181404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg5MSwKAE7kudftzYoFcPLkAd6UV8LzSZFj09L7J-YxIuEczQDMtuVtygsJTm0Qsc6RIDnRFO4WwB21vCJgQLghhq3hjahS6wNT7N_Ueih3ustlVVaD95kN-cUoDVLP8-ucIi8Ue6t_1LLhMH8zT3FqTWDpzUAfNgEY_yDzy0BakOjTT1EBKWZOzrcA/s320/20230509_181404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Sadly the bigger ships rebounded a bit overnight, even though I dunked them in cold water, but the end result is still a damn sight better than how I got them. Then it was on to the metal bits. The destroyers were all right, you just have to glue on a funnel, but the cruisers were very, very fiddly. Some of those bits are right on the edge of what's physically possible.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI6ygZ9V6T7m531H_TZ_OT3E3pLCUrV6-l1WS5PgORV2N_Ai0iR0k5WiUUhV6nvMpVCH8donetoxBvjPLmE5h8QnAFgPJgqsQjK1PXKKZAFKdJkFO1ebCKQOwmYgtTa6OQSKPd1p_MoJwI_Jzfb4U__AcnA_4EFMzrsqT0twpmvVvRaErMZ_nYGeB4w/s4128/20230509_200746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI6ygZ9V6T7m531H_TZ_OT3E3pLCUrV6-l1WS5PgORV2N_Ai0iR0k5WiUUhV6nvMpVCH8donetoxBvjPLmE5h8QnAFgPJgqsQjK1PXKKZAFKdJkFO1ebCKQOwmYgtTa6OQSKPd1p_MoJwI_Jzfb4U__AcnA_4EFMzrsqT0twpmvVvRaErMZ_nYGeB4w/s320/20230509_200746.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>After fitting masts and davits and what have you to the <i>Köningsberg</i> and <i>Köln</i>, all I'll say is that the Kriegsmarine better make do with two light cruisers, because they are not getting more.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3kzZxaolNJ_a2N0_2T4Eyl5JQx4T8qottsJi3qHs-z1Fo-byxm6M4dWfCoj_lYPvyNG--1-vKyr69LY-3isEmtpBJq0FyioC-mGC_A7Hu91QbEr9czrEGLGcgHerpPrDHdrz7IRzliI-GcPsKz_8kQddidEvvagkvFc9cH6_PFQSgnRdHk8OxxPFYg/s4128/20230509_200754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3kzZxaolNJ_a2N0_2T4Eyl5JQx4T8qottsJi3qHs-z1Fo-byxm6M4dWfCoj_lYPvyNG--1-vKyr69LY-3isEmtpBJq0FyioC-mGC_A7Hu91QbEr9czrEGLGcgHerpPrDHdrz7IRzliI-GcPsKz_8kQddidEvvagkvFc9cH6_PFQSgnRdHk8OxxPFYg/s320/20230509_200754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The first ship I'm going to paint is one of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_1936A_destroyer">Type 1936A destroyers</a>. In reality, the 1936As were only known by their hull numbers, and as near as I can tell, didn't even display those anywhere. That's all very boring, though, and since I was reading Michael Moorcock's <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Land_Leviathan">Land Leviathan</a></i> when I got these, my very first Kriegsmarine ship is going to be the <i>Z26 Gräfin von Landsfeld</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDPNxM7cVF2Vx5bZ5I0s-eIRq0UyomTDVz3DXn3L9IHB3kr7zB7QfkjZbViCxLxEAJz8hnKbbZRxCCoE2cs56Ct2i6IXBFqQ-qwfW3PKPFJpIUse9kwevSOmolYEV9hzQWnAK33N2TGibZ9Rqy9P5qwalympib7kuH3fLERvWhtc5vlPO3_YTAQzD3jwd/s4128/20230620_104455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDPNxM7cVF2Vx5bZ5I0s-eIRq0UyomTDVz3DXn3L9IHB3kr7zB7QfkjZbViCxLxEAJz8hnKbbZRxCCoE2cs56Ct2i6IXBFqQ-qwfW3PKPFJpIUse9kwevSOmolYEV9hzQWnAK33N2TGibZ9Rqy9P5qwalympib7kuH3fLERvWhtc5vlPO3_YTAQzD3jwd/s320/20230620_104455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I went for Light Grey for the sides and Sky Grey for the superstructure. Apparently the exact colors of Kriegsmarine ships are the subject of a long-standing argument, like the one on <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2021/03/lets-paint-blood-red-skies.html">Soviet air force colors</a>, and while I find these things fascinating, I also want to paint my miniatures, so I picked the two closest-seeming Vallejo colors. The decks are in Beige Brown, which someone recommended; it's darker than most people seem to use, but I don't know, I kinda like it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I painted the water around the ship in Blue, Dark Blue and Blue Green, with some Off-White foam in places. Maybe it's a little Mediterranean, but I like it. I'm also into this alternate-history idea of naming the 1936As after German (or Germanized!) noblewomen, so here's the one I broke earlier, as the <i>Z23 Herzogin Margarete von Bayern</i>, and the <i>Z24 Kaiserin Matilda</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyRCZaHEfDblS_XSoXjW0HlODXYdLXNWEMkmAVPDTEpCESymuwpdCj8CKlGCA64T_dRpyCbfkrjMIjuCfMYS_Uncrzsh5vaidA67RQjIyAzpM761srJRo5oay3gy_E4SKgSqRwBpgrpWDYGNylIgEQ0wsjBw-MaTN6IIj7DVyp--PyQmJAUtyiOd6Pd0y/s4128/20230620_104541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyRCZaHEfDblS_XSoXjW0HlODXYdLXNWEMkmAVPDTEpCESymuwpdCj8CKlGCA64T_dRpyCbfkrjMIjuCfMYS_Uncrzsh5vaidA67RQjIyAzpM761srJRo5oay3gy_E4SKgSqRwBpgrpWDYGNylIgEQ0wsjBw-MaTN6IIj7DVyp--PyQmJAUtyiOd6Pd0y/s320/20230620_104541.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Next up, the two light cruisers. I'm going to be honest here and admit that I'm not that keen on trying to figure out the exact historically accurate color schemes for these ships: I'm painting the main deck Beige Brown and the superstructure above it Sky Grey, and calling it done.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguk4jwU7fOFh7nDJWakrC18FqOPe15dOttKD38JfVRFa8Ab_vrmrQ9KKtAdj1v4Mj4tAkrTbp_FRc6kaJvihQIv9bBFhw3Df9O7GUGJORn-09s3QPHhpzvp48cWhoS40rSunngiNQ9mOn3ZrFPxFhNMBglMUtXzQ-OInmp30A1YtT2DDjsm8nlieQU4XCt/s4128/20230620_121347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguk4jwU7fOFh7nDJWakrC18FqOPe15dOttKD38JfVRFa8Ab_vrmrQ9KKtAdj1v4Mj4tAkrTbp_FRc6kaJvihQIv9bBFhw3Df9O7GUGJORn-09s3QPHhpzvp48cWhoS40rSunngiNQ9mOn3ZrFPxFhNMBglMUtXzQ-OInmp30A1YtT2DDjsm8nlieQU4XCt/s320/20230620_121347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The <i>Blücher</i> is getting the same treatment.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWsMr6VJgctIqS2k9qxEOpRfdjKLMN2vDVqR5KeXMkcgsbCV2dd2EOCZsIVBpqI0O0zxJ0GKO95t5ZqQD3nIe1aTAEDJShfRNHe9H-O1QMCoiYli5Y54mK3CntDnDeCiUcMhQF7tYnNvUOuUq0vl_g4HrrydWov8XoS53leb_dszhfa7parc33zLbYOBN/s4128/20230620_121438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWsMr6VJgctIqS2k9qxEOpRfdjKLMN2vDVqR5KeXMkcgsbCV2dd2EOCZsIVBpqI0O0zxJ0GKO95t5ZqQD3nIe1aTAEDJShfRNHe9H-O1QMCoiYli5Y54mK3CntDnDeCiUcMhQF7tYnNvUOuUq0vl_g4HrrydWov8XoS53leb_dszhfa7parc33zLbYOBN/s320/20230620_121438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The box also came with four Stuka squadrons, also in the darker, more annoying resin, and they were a chore to prepare. I also kind of don't get solid flying stands when the same darn company sells transparent ones for its <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2021/03/lets-paint-blood-red-skies.html">WWII air combat game</a>. But still, the little planes are cute.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrfUNlgNJ8uzW_judHPsK4figggyAyuxBsaqnz25nyCEwJgYXfNgD9sqtfxDQZxrdFVmZCr8cQrMBnAMU8LLzqF7_zs9wl1jAN3qcBRakHCpm5WxaDRWKU0ZgVNeR-7fai_7j7RtMdePNLD0tVliwSVLc4K5AgN7JoGxeSzF-NP188KC34auRbf0ZbEC-/s4128/20230621_084240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrfUNlgNJ8uzW_judHPsK4figggyAyuxBsaqnz25nyCEwJgYXfNgD9sqtfxDQZxrdFVmZCr8cQrMBnAMU8LLzqF7_zs9wl1jAN3qcBRakHCpm5WxaDRWKU0ZgVNeR-7fai_7j7RtMdePNLD0tVliwSVLc4K5AgN7JoGxeSzF-NP188KC34auRbf0ZbEC-/s320/20230621_084240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I painted the stands Blue and the planes with the same colors as in said WWII air combat game, that is, Light Grey with Neutral Grey stripes, and Green Grey for the barely visible underside.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point in the project, the Steam summer sale happened, and the PC version of <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/298480/Victory_At_Sea/">Victory at Sea</a> was available at an 85% discount. I bought it, and it's fun. It's based on the original Mongoose ruleset, and it's very arcadey, almost like a mobile game, but surprisingly fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried it as the Germans, obviously, and they gave me a 1936-class destroyer to sail around in. The manual is four pages and they do the usual video tutorials that explain the controls, but that's about it. After a couple of introductory battles, I was told to go raid shipping around England, so I did. My first attempt ended when I decided to find out if i could take on a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town-class_cruiser_(1936)">Town-class</a> cruiser, and it turned out I couldn't. At least there's a Steam achievement for being sunk!</div><div><br /></div><div>In my next game, I started out skippering the <i>Z43</i>, and ended up commanding a battlefleet with multiple battleships and a carrier. Toward the end of the campaign, the game becomes more than a bit repetitive; the overall design of the campaign isn't great, with the enemy sending out their ships in penny packets that are ludicrously easy to destroy. It's a shame, because the combat system is actually fun and exciting, but the game just doesn't know how to make use of it. I've had a good time playing it, but it could have been so much better.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Then it's on to the last ships. First, the two other Admiral Hippers: the nameship of the class and the <i>Prinz Eugen</i>. I don't know why Warlord thought we needed three of these, to be honest. But they're in the better resin and there's less fiddling about, so why not. Here's the <i>Hipper</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCefO2v-saXaUW4Btl0s4y1M6uMdat4wAdb7kBoGuhB4q7GJA894q2eXympgeEtx0556qHmzDrWbyBnWNpnNQIha4WrXOTrNDT_pFNd7F2Yq-EhWm7-Kwx2d8ReUqnsYS9i2KDh5MMuQbYomJFMAWr_BACwlokZFBuMiXATwQTBU2eEI7lMEVNuVJeXsw/s4128/20230812_163429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCefO2v-saXaUW4Btl0s4y1M6uMdat4wAdb7kBoGuhB4q7GJA894q2eXympgeEtx0556qHmzDrWbyBnWNpnNQIha4WrXOTrNDT_pFNd7F2Yq-EhWm7-Kwx2d8ReUqnsYS9i2KDh5MMuQbYomJFMAWr_BACwlokZFBuMiXATwQTBU2eEI7lMEVNuVJeXsw/s320/20230812_163429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The <i>Prinz Eugen</i>, though, doesn't really interest me at all. So instead, I've decided to name it after the Hipper-class cruiser I invented for my video game fleet: she is now the <i>Admiral Bellingshausen</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUgKslcYAiS2-gqibSPzSrkSOb-GJh_3au6JJL9kH92geFbgHuyZpmiyEuYkQPX571MR9AbIKioLrbTbtxDNU63vgkRgLPrSsQRuU7obckHdL4Uoy2GfXSFN_OTGXMs1i_dXLZY2gZ6KB2VMZrgmXXcnlyJBV4aX5dnVlmrmz6Bdov_8MbJ4nPsVmfovh/s4128/20230819_162956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUgKslcYAiS2-gqibSPzSrkSOb-GJh_3au6JJL9kH92geFbgHuyZpmiyEuYkQPX571MR9AbIKioLrbTbtxDNU63vgkRgLPrSsQRuU7obckHdL4Uoy2GfXSFN_OTGXMs1i_dXLZY2gZ6KB2VMZrgmXXcnlyJBV4aX5dnVlmrmz6Bdov_8MbJ4nPsVmfovh/s320/20230819_162956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And, finally, the <i>Scharnhorst</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5wtvFf3EVDrTdRel2YJAkX2_4vP5HSsDAPmF-MHeX7FgACBK9nDPZG6zsc0Mr7x6hg8v6Mf2cmJe6X9EHwdToUONiunEafKpCRnX2XpBqKnH4rA3fWyKe0TIoQLK8Wa-udkI4n_8BKBtFxa0eLvhtjZaPaN68-2v-SP57yDNk6V7b-rmjihJeX-Rlelj/s4128/20230812_190956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5wtvFf3EVDrTdRel2YJAkX2_4vP5HSsDAPmF-MHeX7FgACBK9nDPZG6zsc0Mr7x6hg8v6Mf2cmJe6X9EHwdToUONiunEafKpCRnX2XpBqKnH4rA3fWyKe0TIoQLK8Wa-udkI4n_8BKBtFxa0eLvhtjZaPaN68-2v-SP57yDNk6V7b-rmjihJeX-Rlelj/s320/20230812_190956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I expected the <i>Scharnhorst</i> to be bigger, but next to the Hippers it drives home that they really were battlecruisers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWZATDXbETJcwCieJsu_HP4YJanO3O-P-NrdxGniQAFL7Zaw1ph0QAvh25YMJidkRQzLwey8aJ01bYUdjCIv5JPRNx6s4QBXZjCfo9smE0j8XOyG6mMUErAgdj8Waj_mwMLifXr_IcLgoWRDHSKWeoaPnQ6wvqJX4MUZBGd2JikBpVDEGU3H8EbdsHLwc/s4128/20230820_113746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWZATDXbETJcwCieJsu_HP4YJanO3O-P-NrdxGniQAFL7Zaw1ph0QAvh25YMJidkRQzLwey8aJ01bYUdjCIv5JPRNx6s4QBXZjCfo9smE0j8XOyG6mMUErAgdj8Waj_mwMLifXr_IcLgoWRDHSKWeoaPnQ6wvqJX4MUZBGd2JikBpVDEGU3H8EbdsHLwc/s320/20230820_113746.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>There they all are!</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, I've had a great time painting my little ships and playing Victory at Sea on the computer. I've already got more little ships, and at some point I hope I get to try the tabletop game as well.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-12324757084076332102023-08-07T09:00:00.103+03:002023-08-07T09:00:00.148+03:00Battletech: Let's Paint a Magistracy ArmyI'm delighted that Catalyst Game Labs, who currently publish Battletech, are <a href="https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/tabletop-games/23751545/battletech-reddit-lgbtq-fanzine-moderators-ban-toxic">standing up against bigotry</a>. I also enjoyed painting my first ever mechs and <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/11/lets-play-battletech-beginner-box.html">trying the game</a>. So I bought some more of them from <a href="https://ironwindmetals.com/">Iron Wind Metals</a>. Iron Wind <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Iron_Wind_Metals">used to be Ral Partha</a>, a name I definitely recognize from way back!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v4_S3R8ljsH9n7mZwggH_8XwiePhqM0EEITrOLZOTNtoAXDk4JpGAIF8mdZ7F7cN4mM6oRmwZW988kwewRHwaKIaI_j6q728x9W9VV2Z1kawpzPBKCTo-f3bFaxGNzCe9AkWDgEBc9g2OYjf-bkh8DPUKi1gbd0eU6EyaD3HounoY6RtvFsR7CSD4A/s782/GJ_MC092.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v4_S3R8ljsH9n7mZwggH_8XwiePhqM0EEITrOLZOTNtoAXDk4JpGAIF8mdZ7F7cN4mM6oRmwZW988kwewRHwaKIaI_j6q728x9W9VV2Z1kawpzPBKCTo-f3bFaxGNzCe9AkWDgEBc9g2OYjf-bkh8DPUKi1gbd0eU6EyaD3HounoY6RtvFsR7CSD4A/s320/GJ_MC092.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><div><div>**</div><div><div><br /></div><div>To start with, how was I supposed to not get myself some <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Badger">Badgers</a> (<a href="https://ironwindmetals.com/index.php/product-listing/product/battletech-ar20-744/category_pathway-2">AR20-744</a>)? They're cute little vehicles and the models are quite decent quality. I'm actually enjoying working with metal models again, believe it or not. Here they are in the colors of the Magistracy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wjXn_5nkz4VyT5gmjPps1VdeXx5i9vP79s6b3YMJIe17BXpU_MrkG_wiIFgIHIJn2dWy49rezqI0WyV0OWQV6pGNbrAikvH9cJwYPIBgSbMX1zWh4ERcUaq7LxjfCTEcylmbkMp-E7tatJa4fswzk5_GY4sR2u00QTwiweTGORtZR52jyQhkT6iFqw/s4128/20221011_155530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wjXn_5nkz4VyT5gmjPps1VdeXx5i9vP79s6b3YMJIe17BXpU_MrkG_wiIFgIHIJn2dWy49rezqI0WyV0OWQV6pGNbrAikvH9cJwYPIBgSbMX1zWh4ERcUaq7LxjfCTEcylmbkMp-E7tatJa4fswzk5_GY4sR2u00QTwiweTGORtZR52jyQhkT6iFqw/s320/20221011_155530.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also got two <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Vedette">Vedette tanks</a>: more products of <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Bordello_Military_Goods,_Inc.">Bordello Military Goods, Inc</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETAXdiYZsNKVGMkO6hZjNqtrhC0Cc6whE90vqLwPKy5XSqpI--msxcrhI1wmVaQ7RjG4sDI6QaIVKyet1qjTVAZp26MP5yfX_V2VgFFSDvHXSAbNtw2Jj4V84uwLK6oJ_nlzXzWOyZkzY8ONVQy4TrHPIu9PySU03RwDN2_1fZeXMz2Hnn3CZR4ataRwk/s4128/20230620_121225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETAXdiYZsNKVGMkO6hZjNqtrhC0Cc6whE90vqLwPKy5XSqpI--msxcrhI1wmVaQ7RjG4sDI6QaIVKyet1qjTVAZp26MP5yfX_V2VgFFSDvHXSAbNtw2Jj4V84uwLK6oJ_nlzXzWOyZkzY8ONVQy4TrHPIu9PySU03RwDN2_1fZeXMz2Hnn3CZR4ataRwk/s320/20230620_121225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And a <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Mobile_Long_Tom">Mobile Long Tom</a> self-propelled gun, which strongly reminds me of the G.I. Joe <a href="https://gijoe.fandom.com/wiki/Thunderclap">Thunderclap</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6plfMRAfMW2Bf3LuTMsFKgeHkVwNB6HCXwXjyFMq_3LiZH15BrnE1bmhguQixqIDbJppXFF4yLsQ1SKA7lVylD3lFhMs44SJU3hSkoqPK77Axn5dBQ-RHic-C_fVsIAP1fCG_dyC0jBwTFAKRiWw3CPRC35osMoz-Ybd8ocW1EEKxPjDHHtE6Q4tFF2D/s4128/20230603_160945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6plfMRAfMW2Bf3LuTMsFKgeHkVwNB6HCXwXjyFMq_3LiZH15BrnE1bmhguQixqIDbJppXFF4yLsQ1SKA7lVylD3lFhMs44SJU3hSkoqPK77Axn5dBQ-RHic-C_fVsIAP1fCG_dyC0jBwTFAKRiWw3CPRC35osMoz-Ybd8ocW1EEKxPjDHHtE6Q4tFF2D/s320/20230603_160945.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The vehicles are all very cute, and they give me flashbacks to Space Marine. I also wanted to try some <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Inner_Sphere_Standard_(Battle_Armor)">Inner Sphere Standard battle armor</a>, i.e. power armor dudes, from <a href="http://www.ralparthaeurope.co.uk/shop/battletech-c-1/miniatures-c-1_3/infantry-battle-armour-c-1_3_9/20951-basic-innersphere-battle-armour-24-p-594.html">Ral Partha</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhxeJMIvILkWoXPoY9jx9ry5gH92Ib-Mz44t6VYvPkumVb8wWp9RzzbaqRlpNLIRVssY4DtT2YaxHHSSddg7ACpu8Vh7ZfUKYmd1ZHZa97ISpCOQ8dD9EOGk7eklWzItNOOG73TpI8o89ktLgxZKh-sFV1YarTt0nQ1SSTpj_y6Yfa48lYnajMmW1cw/s4128/20230403_174539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhxeJMIvILkWoXPoY9jx9ry5gH92Ib-Mz44t6VYvPkumVb8wWp9RzzbaqRlpNLIRVssY4DtT2YaxHHSSddg7ACpu8Vh7ZfUKYmd1ZHZa97ISpCOQ8dD9EOGk7eklWzItNOOG73TpI8o89ktLgxZKh-sFV1YarTt0nQ1SSTpj_y6Yfa48lYnajMmW1cw/s320/20230403_174539.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't entirely forgotten about mechs! Since there is a <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Venom">Venom</a>, I had to have one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfzyqjqWI0sn_apP6UsYo38GyHdAV21mA2blbvuEJEs7gWfUE4X-U7p1eV4UcPgyLW8P6QWprEHCYvhKnvC2JwMRj8c9hD_MqNWaABQxq5TO82MDAanL_N7GvzRlYpF_OTdY5F3SNMMHez9RqA7NdF6Hc1hWUGuUnpxSqoewQZsCqALPgeJquUxL6CA/s4128/20230605_110039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfzyqjqWI0sn_apP6UsYo38GyHdAV21mA2blbvuEJEs7gWfUE4X-U7p1eV4UcPgyLW8P6QWprEHCYvhKnvC2JwMRj8c9hD_MqNWaABQxq5TO82MDAanL_N7GvzRlYpF_OTdY5F3SNMMHez9RqA7NdF6Hc1hWUGuUnpxSqoewQZsCqALPgeJquUxL6CA/s320/20230605_110039.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I also painted a <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Shockwave">Shockwave</a>, mostly because the model is cool, but also <a href="https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Shockwave_(G1)">Shockwave</a>.</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p6EvMe8o3oCWti21bVx3RENPz6N3YMdG3pHYBE_6B4f80d3l_Zxj-v9Jy6IZ9IL3mFwwDBEvXa-g9cgATHaKSOoVVSjsY0nfry4jHD78ltS1Oee0hz1VnF4hmg-Pa4kJQ9tMsNapZ6A_qOWPKzGs0Vha7IIhg6FG48luoVfG5S9X-Hi1ATLLHHmtG5vI/s4128/20230620_095208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p6EvMe8o3oCWti21bVx3RENPz6N3YMdG3pHYBE_6B4f80d3l_Zxj-v9Jy6IZ9IL3mFwwDBEvXa-g9cgATHaKSOoVVSjsY0nfry4jHD78ltS1Oee0hz1VnF4hmg-Pa4kJQ9tMsNapZ6A_qOWPKzGs0Vha7IIhg6FG48luoVfG5S9X-Hi1ATLLHHmtG5vI/s320/20230620_095208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I also got myself a <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Blackjack_(BattleMech)">BJ-1 Blackjack</a> (<a href="https://ironwindmetals.com/index.php/categories/cat-battletech/cat-bt-bm/product/battletech-20-880/category_pathway-2">20-880</a>), because if I recall correctly, it was the mech you started with in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BattleTech_(video_game)">Battletech video game</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqbFX8CK3lMwS_6EI1WGmjoUboTlfvS_LntKxKaSqmzQ3cE3s4dcG4bgg3042IQamAmVFVIaI_UoPmLaxoZjBx9nh9Ko6xZediz5GERzdB0ACPjEAF4OTugkf6k1Jz3B0-PIaLgxxM6o3OMLFia7y6obfr3rwVpV8BbjWSblQaSBbW50ZurAS1OnV0B_L/s4128/20230620_095213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqbFX8CK3lMwS_6EI1WGmjoUboTlfvS_LntKxKaSqmzQ3cE3s4dcG4bgg3042IQamAmVFVIaI_UoPmLaxoZjBx9nh9Ko6xZediz5GERzdB0ACPjEAF4OTugkf6k1Jz3B0-PIaLgxxM6o3OMLFia7y6obfr3rwVpV8BbjWSblQaSBbW50ZurAS1OnV0B_L/s320/20230620_095213.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Mechs and vehicles and so on are all well and good, but you can get those in other miniature wargames as well. Very few of those, however, have submarines. Behold the MCS/m Venom (11)!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWGWnqXDbBXX62dxAzX73jB-QsVa1rL-HF7ewOcvs5In8lr2z0KyLdG3Fj92aoPJXzCoxuX1uVZktcpw0CgmA9N5sEk45S1AdqGYzUNwXdCxR6jQCZWkk6nP4_PFehcFLOcn9VZtKZC1DZDYEatQ7oNhjaF1Zk4HXTLEYJ6naEAGADDVshaAXjxmbxg/s4128/20230310_143410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWGWnqXDbBXX62dxAzX73jB-QsVa1rL-HF7ewOcvs5In8lr2z0KyLdG3Fj92aoPJXzCoxuX1uVZktcpw0CgmA9N5sEk45S1AdqGYzUNwXdCxR6jQCZWkk6nP4_PFehcFLOcn9VZtKZC1DZDYEatQ7oNhjaF1Zk4HXTLEYJ6naEAGADDVshaAXjxmbxg/s320/20230310_143410.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>When I found out that Battletech had submarines, I simply had to get one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovEtX6wj4LWWPkmMI2YNWFk6JRTt31PFr1tW7wIXaCLuone_mmxNCPqqYlNj2Qq9tYvri_EJ6uedPTOOmwPMmtFqLcGYqni0SNRmzvYj33OWuEaZlF6MmYDNjXrtLk3T-_iuEEtQyKUn9iZsxEFIZS5eTsjNEK8x_rR1q0LDR6wnqWxGCV0ktA_IN4Q/s4128/20230310_143422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovEtX6wj4LWWPkmMI2YNWFk6JRTt31PFr1tW7wIXaCLuone_mmxNCPqqYlNj2Qq9tYvri_EJ6uedPTOOmwPMmtFqLcGYqni0SNRmzvYj33OWuEaZlF6MmYDNjXrtLk3T-_iuEEtQyKUn9iZsxEFIZS5eTsjNEK8x_rR1q0LDR6wnqWxGCV0ktA_IN4Q/s320/20230310_143422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Mind you, that's just the surfaced version. The Neptune blister also comes with a submerged version, and that one's quite a bit more interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>The submerged Neptune has a little metal stand to hold it up, but frankly, it looks flimsy and I can do better. I've got some small Games Workshop flying stands and those Ral Partha hex bases. I drilled a hole in the bottom of the base, filled the base with Vallejo putty, and stuck in the flying stand to make a properly shaped hole. Here's what it looks like after spray-painting.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QSG6ChrlnWbky1F4_dxj0Pl8TFQQbAsdsXGRzSnJd-n3xNPYMmWAHfhxdaf12nMwRiS5GPujIEY14KFirmebtjYUGt_ZaOoUOuUJDkWXkzKY1Hx5Ga7cQfCmzoXrL34Xko481tXmi-IuJ0wmuLp3owT8ExlyP4I0wEBafUFXqzObVZdX39gsBK4O2Q/s4128/20230329_150955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QSG6ChrlnWbky1F4_dxj0Pl8TFQQbAsdsXGRzSnJd-n3xNPYMmWAHfhxdaf12nMwRiS5GPujIEY14KFirmebtjYUGt_ZaOoUOuUJDkWXkzKY1Hx5Ga7cQfCmzoXrL34Xko481tXmi-IuJ0wmuLp3owT8ExlyP4I0wEBafUFXqzObVZdX39gsBK4O2Q/s320/20230329_150955.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And this is the whole thing! I think it's wonderful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOSN2xLzgVUNTrMs9luxpjwHpv28F7bHIkyG5oIb79_hjrA3WDqecpqO2hs9mv0bhbqq7-T8SwjAvnDtplx-gAAG8qcb9DqpoWhV2btCfRZ5XiuBp3FI-QphRC3fXCwglCK8UNpUCjRPuo97jeW6Vqzu1XSCYoqn7ZuTwfuKIOUDxi5TG8Q7znM4caMDZ/s4128/20230409_142057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOSN2xLzgVUNTrMs9luxpjwHpv28F7bHIkyG5oIb79_hjrA3WDqecpqO2hs9mv0bhbqq7-T8SwjAvnDtplx-gAAG8qcb9DqpoWhV2btCfRZ5XiuBp3FI-QphRC3fXCwglCK8UNpUCjRPuo97jeW6Vqzu1XSCYoqn7ZuTwfuKIOUDxi5TG8Q7znM4caMDZ/s320/20230409_142057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Here they are side by side.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHR9zGNbp3oFaTZLxWvqon_j3VuFPFLyZH8LmA8lbJG6jmV2p1PL9ktHKG-6iHDBlYeRtNLUhLfmq5X9igURv914XS7Yc_GvK3C7wn4yj_kEnYE-G7zHIyxRgoqPH7XhHUtstWGBwbj9jBpZo8fXsYYVMhVrhK4axruxiuP8957EuWm3g-BEDhpXRMlzK/s4128/20230409_142133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHR9zGNbp3oFaTZLxWvqon_j3VuFPFLyZH8LmA8lbJG6jmV2p1PL9ktHKG-6iHDBlYeRtNLUhLfmq5X9igURv914XS7Yc_GvK3C7wn4yj_kEnYE-G7zHIyxRgoqPH7XhHUtstWGBwbj9jBpZo8fXsYYVMhVrhK4axruxiuP8957EuWm3g-BEDhpXRMlzK/s320/20230409_142133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><div><br /></div><div><div>Dipping into Battletech has been fun! I've really enjoyed working with metal miniatures again, and I thoroughly appreciate the absurdity of the submarine. I may have to look into some infantry and artillery. And hey, this is the closest I can get to Epic. <a href="https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/07/01/warhammer-preview-battle-on-an-epic-scale-in-the-horus-heresy-legions-imperialis/">Or so I thought</a>!</div></div></div></div></div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-23329862221648946532023-07-03T09:00:00.040+03:002023-07-03T09:00:00.135+03:00Terraforming Mars: A new life in the off-world colonies<i>Some day his descent into the solar system may be told. He saw Kynarth and Yuggoth on the rim, passed close to Neptune and glimpsed the hellish white fungi that spot it, learned an untellable secret from the close-glimpsed mists of Jupiter and saw the horror on one of the satellites, and gazed at the Cyclopean ruins that sprawl over Mars’ ruddy disc.</i><div><i><br />
- H.P. Lovecraft: Through the Gates of the Silver Key</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/07/lets-play-terraforming-mars.html">Back in 2019</a>, we had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to one of the best board games in the world: <a href="https://www.fryxgames.se/games/terraforming-mars/">Terraforming Mars</a>. We also tried the <a href="https://www.fryxgames.se/games/terraforming-mars/prelude/">Prelude</a> expansion, which we quite liked and would recommend. Back then, though, table space limited our experiments with other expansions. We did get to try the double-sided <a href="https://www.fryxgames.se/games/terraforming-mars/hellas-elysium-expansion/">Hellas and Elysium</a> board, which I'd also recommend, but now that we've moved and have a larger table, it was time to try some more stuff. And then, of course, the pandemic happened, meaning an enforced break from board games. But we did eventually get around to trying out a couple more expansions!<br />
<br />
<b>Venus Next</b><br />
<br />
First up, <a href="https://www.fryxgames.se/games/terraforming-mars/venus-next-expansion/">Venus</a>. This expansion adds a small Venus board, a new award and milestone, and some new corporations and project cards, which mostly center on terraforming Venus. A couple of the cards can just be added to the base game, but most of the Venus cards focus on an unfortunately named new resource type: <a href="https://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php/Floater">floaters</a>. Basically, terraforming Venus is just like terraforming Mars, but instead of three different variables, there's just an overall terraforming percentage. You can invest resources into increasing it, which gets you terraform rating but isn't necessary to finish the game.<br />
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Here's the setup for our first game with Venus Next; you can see the Venus board near the top of the image.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZwsEL9kH85lGM4Tao9JBLRCaAzWpxZIgmjdps7aFh9okVAawo-lyiWVFrSFdUGtNGz6_t4O3f8xOYRcJfDYM-zFHD9z53HR-Xd7ajxGm7qOh4AxhEqUAHKXmlsEOG4ym4zb7s0IJXcAo/s1600/20200111_140059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZwsEL9kH85lGM4Tao9JBLRCaAzWpxZIgmjdps7aFh9okVAawo-lyiWVFrSFdUGtNGz6_t4O3f8xOYRcJfDYM-zFHD9z53HR-Xd7ajxGm7qOh4AxhEqUAHKXmlsEOG4ym4zb7s0IJXcAo/s320/20200111_140059.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />
We didn't use the "solar phase" rule that speeds up the game, and even with one player who was new to the game, we spent a little over four hours, which is pretty much the same as our average non-Venus game. Also, now that our board game collection is more easily accessible, we finally got to use some <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2018/10/lets-paint-star-wars-rebellion.html">proper counters</a> for the Security Fleet card.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4Zd63A7k0IZaE2E_RUSFuYVU4hmSAbntZZgee8qGP_yu3fslLE5b-zEdKL4IXlXSKNMBm_pEdu40FFT2BLfXUdSjd1H-1qzz6a5PHHjJvKr7y-E_5A-DcdNRgTZucTDO1FedPW1uzh8V/s1600/20200130_193949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4Zd63A7k0IZaE2E_RUSFuYVU4hmSAbntZZgee8qGP_yu3fslLE5b-zEdKL4IXlXSKNMBm_pEdu40FFT2BLfXUdSjd1H-1qzz6a5PHHjJvKr7y-E_5A-DcdNRgTZucTDO1FedPW1uzh8V/s320/20200130_193949.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />
All in all, Venus Next is perhaps a surprisingly anodyne expansion. It doesn't detract from the base game or make it particularly longer; you can pretty much just ignore it if you're not doing anything with floaters or Venus tags. But it doesn't really add much to the game either. Nobody in our gaming group actively disliked it, and now that I own it, I'm probably going to set it up with the base game in the future; but I think most of us wouldn't actually bother with buying it.<br />
<br />
So I don't know; if you feel like you might like a Venus expansion to Terraforming Mars, it won't hurt the game, but to be honest I think I'd be fine without it.<br />
<br />
**<br />
<br />
<b>Colonies</b><br />
<br />Much later, we were able to try <a href="https://www.fryxgames.se/games/terraforming-mars/colonies-expansion/">Colonies</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrjIGEreqqZkpqBf2wJMbMcT0mbrXdmqMqzwwrL3if0i0ZDJcvXWP1YWymo7SMiB8fjCGGN1m9sihsxiD2-OYd47sI5NcO8YlR496Meq6HqItxvM3pj_GQ-dhEz5CboA-31QB-U9fiOVqBsI5h9Qrl4dp-rXDwCmK6GKsjFBpfrog5nt-FUr-7DJsYA/s4128/20230518_185501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrjIGEreqqZkpqBf2wJMbMcT0mbrXdmqMqzwwrL3if0i0ZDJcvXWP1YWymo7SMiB8fjCGGN1m9sihsxiD2-OYd47sI5NcO8YlR496Meq6HqItxvM3pj_GQ-dhEz5CboA-31QB-U9fiOVqBsI5h9Qrl4dp-rXDwCmK6GKsjFBpfrog5nt-FUr-7DJsYA/s320/20230518_185501.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Colonies adds a whole bunch of, well, space colonies. Each player gets a trade fleet, which they can send to trade with the colonies for resources. Resources pile uo in the colonies over time, and reset when a trade fleet arrives. You can also establish colonies of your own, which means you get a cut whenever someone else trades there. Here's the colonies in our game, right above the Venus board.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPqAyasvHbTp7g63OLQVIyNLMZJDwX_k7LXfo7PGEqLRHUDq_3dL10z8jVGbgmtKAIkZQARmla2nw8uLjmsTLtPDNU1jgKC0iBDGywNYRrorNG27WJIib9KPYQjyKFRiAxbMNc0VhkF4OmYtvloCf7xezUyYzEiZwoI3BTKv3AcsZRzuQpuUfcY995Q/s4128/20230518_192036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPqAyasvHbTp7g63OLQVIyNLMZJDwX_k7LXfo7PGEqLRHUDq_3dL10z8jVGbgmtKAIkZQARmla2nw8uLjmsTLtPDNU1jgKC0iBDGywNYRrorNG27WJIib9KPYQjyKFRiAxbMNc0VhkF4OmYtvloCf7xezUyYzEiZwoI3BTKv3AcsZRzuQpuUfcY995Q/s320/20230518_192036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Colonies adds additional complexity but provides extra resources, and again the two seem to even out pretty well in terms of game length. Most of our table liked it, but I have to be honest: I didn't.</div><div><br /></div><div>The colonies make a difference to the whole game, because they can substantially accelerate your resource production. Whereas you can pretty much ignore the Venus board, as we did in our game, you ignore the colonies at your peril. I think this is a bad thing, because Colonies detracts from the attractive simplicity of Terraforming Mars, especially in the early game.</div><div><br /></div><div>It also wreaks havoc with the theme; whereas without it, you can still have the feeling of a sort of bare-bones start on a barely inhabited planet, with Colonies your first moves include sending your interplanetary trading fleet to Titan or whatever.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I think that both thematically and through the added complexity, Colonies actually detracts from the base game. I wouldn't recommend it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr9BnuD5avhxbNyOKtstyVjMWpaNVJH48YXzLVGQeJxEJKERhUdyDSnz0DAGosmvk7Ctt1-2eczJ7Z1EBXLkrhkB_5z51uu_Sq-QnA83_6C3cprm2LgcASBvJKAhlnB-Gym7FB7qSk-M2lns7y5q5WjP_3jtwDI0beLedmumCuY0vQC0fIRNnMFcL2w/s4128/20230518_210612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr9BnuD5avhxbNyOKtstyVjMWpaNVJH48YXzLVGQeJxEJKERhUdyDSnz0DAGosmvk7Ctt1-2eczJ7Z1EBXLkrhkB_5z51uu_Sq-QnA83_6C3cprm2LgcASBvJKAhlnB-Gym7FB7qSk-M2lns7y5q5WjP_3jtwDI0beLedmumCuY0vQC0fIRNnMFcL2w/s320/20230518_210612.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Colonies also comes with a lot of cards that you can use with the base game, and with Venus Next as well, so even if, like me, you end up not liking the colonies, there's still something here for you.<br />
<br />
**<br />
<br />
There's one more expansion left that we haven't tried: <a href="https://www.fryxgames.se/games/terraforming-mars/turmoil-expansion/">Turmoil</a>. It brings party politics to Terraforming Mars in the form of a council, and to be honest, no-one in our gaming group is really interested in it. So I think that means we've arrived at our Terraforming Mars setup: corporate era, Prelude, optional Venus Next.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I just want to repeat myself: Terraforming Mars is probably the best board game I have ever played. If you've never tried it, do.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-32444342121205492782023-06-05T09:00:00.161+03:002023-06-05T09:00:00.137+03:00Let's Paint Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness<i>Into the Abyss I'll fall, the Eye of Horus</i><div><i>Into the eyes of the night, watching me go</i></div><div><i>Green is the cat's eye that glows</i></div><div><i>In this Temple</i></div><div><i>Enter the risen Osiris</i></div><div><i>Risen again</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> - Iron Maiden, Powerslave</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I have succumbed to big box madness and bought the new Horus Heresy starter set.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCluDYk-sgp2gkwCs7SJN3H_IVUledwGaUxfeiXGB9shrA-Ordy_yRoWYzwqhcn-UTiOEM3YgxquKn9BieX4nOjinGxveOO2nLO6en2CrS2RAImXEHRTVMkE8rmzsvpRLV3ukmJSq7aU0CWr1MVOhyI2EySZRMdaUTAeZ1yBRyMgSPaUNhSJFooP9HYw/s370/Image%20(9).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCluDYk-sgp2gkwCs7SJN3H_IVUledwGaUxfeiXGB9shrA-Ordy_yRoWYzwqhcn-UTiOEM3YgxquKn9BieX4nOjinGxveOO2nLO6en2CrS2RAImXEHRTVMkE8rmzsvpRLV3ukmJSq7aU0CWr1MVOhyI2EySZRMdaUTAeZ1yBRyMgSPaUNhSJFooP9HYw/s320/Image%20(9).jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rJkzLZifDsDClo3ULFFmAYvZQsbszUikWlB0-hzvxfFtfasA-u8oJmiVh5pwFV0U5LP4Modvi4vQhw_QBZqz2Y-GWwJmd7a4i7YmKovi6STNWcP1l0uaWDk7F1BmdUTeG9P4EkhX8920trKslHy8qFvweSug2jGn67C9a_0wl0m-o9OB6siY61OoUw/s4128/20220618_154441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rJkzLZifDsDClo3ULFFmAYvZQsbszUikWlB0-hzvxfFtfasA-u8oJmiVh5pwFV0U5LP4Modvi4vQhw_QBZqz2Y-GWwJmd7a4i7YmKovi6STNWcP1l0uaWDk7F1BmdUTeG9P4EkhX8920trKslHy8qFvweSug2jGn67C9a_0wl0m-o9OB6siY61OoUw/s320/20220618_154441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It's a big old box, and the templates particularly warm my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxIfqXyA2bR2EhtRRu-Il548haItXcyBelAZDvJ66zbuoK5Yih_4CfdUyEwUCalR5OchpIOF0obfbUwGTqLXrhVOx-z6BalAqpY_q7zGzzBsE71AD77leEqplLvC7IgeVoItcWsqo43ejwXp6WSERbtoHlxQZALBQpYh7e6o1HrZQNNe9JMQYd7lxbA/s4128/20220618_154633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxIfqXyA2bR2EhtRRu-Il548haItXcyBelAZDvJ66zbuoK5Yih_4CfdUyEwUCalR5OchpIOF0obfbUwGTqLXrhVOx-z6BalAqpY_q7zGzzBsE71AD77leEqplLvC7IgeVoItcWsqo43ejwXp6WSERbtoHlxQZALBQpYh7e6o1HrZQNNe9JMQYd7lxbA/s320/20220618_154633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And so does the scatter die.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhiu9sBnGegYeg0yarc7BEw_1mz99rfURon7snTOYttQ0UfUnUobbbR3ffeZfFIj4ReWJIXd_tOPg9HHlRruh7JUtvEBeSGh4k5Bif49K3Q9wWxAHHsz-x39PwLYVtkC-bfhBKvD2uFq2ICretD2VIL6NQBYwfzDu9PQHcp0NESmP4b5nyelhUhcbXQ/s4128/20220618_160228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhiu9sBnGegYeg0yarc7BEw_1mz99rfURon7snTOYttQ0UfUnUobbbR3ffeZfFIj4ReWJIXd_tOPg9HHlRruh7JUtvEBeSGh4k5Bif49K3Q9wWxAHHsz-x39PwLYVtkC-bfhBKvD2uFq2ICretD2VIL6NQBYwfzDu9PQHcp0NESmP4b5nyelhUhcbXQ/s320/20220618_160228.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The rulebook is nice and chonky too.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrJqD5DtiiqQpU6L5dtf5U63d6wL-sxNut-PyL2uo-Lm7-hQ_wj9Bfxek9CCho_WUAplwfdqfzNJIaH5v_GUNj1qUcOjAzmTmxxHYr9OGZD84McJQYE-VaVJwhnEmDyysSR5OX1sF-SwV47CggJV93bBXRHMDVToptJvJpiAgMCz8jttfuzGgXozEsA/s4128/20220618_195019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrJqD5DtiiqQpU6L5dtf5U63d6wL-sxNut-PyL2uo-Lm7-hQ_wj9Bfxek9CCho_WUAplwfdqfzNJIaH5v_GUNj1qUcOjAzmTmxxHYr9OGZD84McJQYE-VaVJwhnEmDyysSR5OX1sF-SwV47CggJV93bBXRHMDVToptJvJpiAgMCz8jttfuzGgXozEsA/s320/20220618_195019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>However, I have two complaints. First, the art is a little too standardized for my taste; a 21st century John Blanche would never get hired by Games Workshop. And secondly, there's this.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nPLI_F24ZyP_0jFvnahJb6N3QdRM2cYn_scqXy8ZrfR0aQS2E-C8iipFtPZxUBObyNmywgVjHEqAz0w7JSlGEVM2wJgnDBI6bm7NwZhySer1_NSXXglFku79-D-RG3ho2O82EQw1FM6q-XjCZeZW341qEinmPMLZhzL33iqUPsfAGqWEryelBxc4vQ/s4128/20220618_191743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nPLI_F24ZyP_0jFvnahJb6N3QdRM2cYn_scqXy8ZrfR0aQS2E-C8iipFtPZxUBObyNmywgVjHEqAz0w7JSlGEVM2wJgnDBI6bm7NwZhySer1_NSXXglFku79-D-RG3ho2O82EQw1FM6q-XjCZeZW341qEinmPMLZhzL33iqUPsfAGqWEryelBxc4vQ/s320/20220618_191743.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Let's be very clear about what's going on here. Printing something like this in a rulebook published in 2022 is an overtly political act, whether the people doing it realize it or not. In the States and the UK, the right is fomenting a huge moral panic over trans rights, with the help of a multimillionaire children's book author turned hatemongering bigot. In this day and age, talking about "biological males" lands you squarely in the middle of a reactionary hate campaign, and on the same side as some of the most horrible people possible. I cannot understand why anyone would print anything like that in a wargame rulebook. Only <a href="https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/11/19/the-imperium-is-driven-by-hate-warhammer-is-not/">last year</a>, Games Workshop had to distance themselves from what they referred to as "real-world hate groups". This is a step in the opposite direction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which is to say nothing about the specific question of female Space Marines. GW themselves used to produce female Space Marine models, but in shall we say the particular environment of 1980s wargaming, they were unpopular and were discontinued. Since then, there have been occasional mentions in the fluff that Marines are all men, which has lately been at odds with GW's attempts to be more inclusive. For whatever reason, this issue has become a rallying cry for bigots in the hobby, who are somehow threatened by the idea that someone else's space soldier toys might be girls. They cry "retcon" at it because they don't actually know anything about the hobby they imagine they're defending. If there's something we've learned in the third millenium, it's that some people have unbelievably fragile masculinities.</div><div><br /></div><div>For Games Workshop to include this abjectly silly "biological male" nonsense in the Horus Heresy rulebook is throwing red meat to these bigots, who will be encouraged by this to terrorize women and other less privileged hobbyists online. Again, doing this is exactly the opposite of "Warhammer is for everyone" - and during Pride month at that! It's absolutely deplorable.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am deeply disappointed in Games Workshop for doing this. There's no reason that sentence needs to exist. It will hurt vulnerable people and encourage the worst bigots in the hobby. Whether they realize it or not doesn't matter, because the effect is the same. I also have to say that the repeated references to "pure bloodlines" and "tainted gene-seed" and so on made for deeply uneasy reading in 2022, especially after the "biological male" nonsense.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CwA9ePpDKjatcB_Wp2gZ07KrUtDaSq3XadvGmEjCWRr7GVkFk4nuaI58Cx_yoOa5LxgzpnSPYDWUcmGUZt3k0HDWISyqKBizH2eatcCzMXxPLAhdDRQw1DcgpPx3BASEaDEVMM3cdm6yGUqIrz7xRYqqVpNKwMxHKrpJw_DYJanqBnnq9bf0SRS3jQ/s3072/20220620_184141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="3072" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CwA9ePpDKjatcB_Wp2gZ07KrUtDaSq3XadvGmEjCWRr7GVkFk4nuaI58Cx_yoOa5LxgzpnSPYDWUcmGUZt3k0HDWISyqKBizH2eatcCzMXxPLAhdDRQw1DcgpPx3BASEaDEVMM3cdm6yGUqIrz7xRYqqVpNKwMxHKrpJw_DYJanqBnnq9bf0SRS3jQ/s320/20220620_184141.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>So I don't know, maybe one really simple reason that Warhammer has a Nazi problem is that Games Workshop is perfectly happy to dogwhistle to them every now and again.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the box, Age of Darkness indeed, we split it three ways. I already made a Contemptor for my <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/05/warhammer-40000-golden-knights.html">Custodes</a>, and while I like Dreadnoughts in general, I don't particularly care for these ones. That, along with some beakies and the axe Praetor, went to one friend. Another was quite keen on the Spartan, so he got that and a pile of beakies as well. I mean there's plenty in this box to go around!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I decided <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2018/12/rogue-trader-lets-play-warhammer-40000.html">ages ago</a> that my Chaos Marines were Word Bearers, on account of my theology degree and so on, I feel like I've already made my choices as far as 30k is concerned as well. We're told in the rulebook that Word Bearers chapters were named after one of the <a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Astronomy">constellations</a> as seen from Colchis, and they seem to mostly be an adjective and a noun. Therefore, my Word Bearers are from the <a href="https://nitessine.wordpress.com/2019/02/12/i-believe-mandy-morbid/">Morbid</a> Fane chapter.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first models I built from the box were the Cataphractii Terminators. Five of them ended up on <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/11/warhammer-40000-watch-company-andromache.html">Deathwatch</a> duty, but the other five are my first 30k Word Bearers. I went with basically the opposite layout to the Deathwatch squad: these dudes are here to punch, with two chainfists and three power fists.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LsRB37qZ3pGRM1DrkYsTLBW_nvFyKBg0_wgX0RmjcvANRqNSDvD8nSjh48TJU5yflhscbScb1gl5Y4DZReuyd5FmRTssUiPxLUa-LcmLmO4pr-mf35xdy6JjheR89ujtFT1J0fffX0gs93yJ77cTocggJNeP4vUIADGxgK0rndmHW2UgDgPB8S0RAw/s4128/20220830_170632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LsRB37qZ3pGRM1DrkYsTLBW_nvFyKBg0_wgX0RmjcvANRqNSDvD8nSjh48TJU5yflhscbScb1gl5Y4DZReuyd5FmRTssUiPxLUa-LcmLmO4pr-mf35xdy6JjheR89ujtFT1J0fffX0gs93yJ77cTocggJNeP4vUIADGxgK0rndmHW2UgDgPB8S0RAw/s320/20220830_170632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The heraldry of the Morbid Fane will be simple: chapter symbol on the left shoulder pad, unit symbol on the right. The main armor color will obviously be Word Bearers red, in this case Vallejo Dark Red. They'll wear the campaign badge on their right knee. Here's the first model I painted.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzORjE0Pf2hpCGVtjK3TZhJzeaWh32_3TS85i9rQKSmU7up0cqD6-zyt9_K8fgfKECjUpUVKSPTgDh3Po5uNrb8g6ChTWW9fT1_Nl55gNDdt3-Z3vFYNFXUtv6TzElahhWJ-MxVSSeG-uQmCHM2X60oLXMBmwTYelvBXJfLj-19HcvpyWtE03_uu8_Fg/s4128/20220920_134535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzORjE0Pf2hpCGVtjK3TZhJzeaWh32_3TS85i9rQKSmU7up0cqD6-zyt9_K8fgfKECjUpUVKSPTgDh3Po5uNrb8g6ChTWW9fT1_Nl55gNDdt3-Z3vFYNFXUtv6TzElahhWJ-MxVSSeG-uQmCHM2X60oLXMBmwTYelvBXJfLj-19HcvpyWtE03_uu8_Fg/s320/20220920_134535.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Word Bearers fluff mentions that the legion has a whole parallel command structure through their Chaplains. This gave me the idea to include squad-level chaplains in my army: lots of Horus Heresy Legion units let you give some models in a squad power weapons or something similar, or in this case, a chainfist. I'll also give them slightly different livery, like a bone trim on one shoulder plate and a black helmet here. I'm calling them Deacons.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ax6r5aNMekBDQcXoSyyf6v1_RBtlRXJUvWrgJqlH3-KwvINFfetb5eSM4qMz7BepQmPjAXP64oV-qHpZL3uKcXqVt5ljPxBGcoFnMlLTKkKZflndBySEltTFaWxwUsOb_SPAwmOR9P2p_vnufIfVd1xjA9fT3UBDiOdLUp5Joqd19bgD_fwMAZtsjA/s4128/20221026_152008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ax6r5aNMekBDQcXoSyyf6v1_RBtlRXJUvWrgJqlH3-KwvINFfetb5eSM4qMz7BepQmPjAXP64oV-qHpZL3uKcXqVt5ljPxBGcoFnMlLTKkKZflndBySEltTFaWxwUsOb_SPAwmOR9P2p_vnufIfVd1xjA9fT3UBDiOdLUp5Joqd19bgD_fwMAZtsjA/s320/20221026_152008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's the sergeant.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5olUXOCxtxRj46ufd_xUUrVcR8ZVlMUm9-e6ScbVD8sGZeo4S-qDw884Pjw2dWakYd17xc8PY86S9uUwIwfHbr_DpbOTWxizT8wRV84hk_JN2G15YJlrO3b6WwE8P1XbEeQMWeZjgSNhjn4aSN8DeAxGE8lD43UwdaAvdL-FuL51UxXc-NdqHHXD_g/s4128/20221026_122917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5olUXOCxtxRj46ufd_xUUrVcR8ZVlMUm9-e6ScbVD8sGZeo4S-qDw884Pjw2dWakYd17xc8PY86S9uUwIwfHbr_DpbOTWxizT8wRV84hk_JN2G15YJlrO3b6WwE8P1XbEeQMWeZjgSNhjn4aSN8DeAxGE8lD43UwdaAvdL-FuL51UxXc-NdqHHXD_g/s320/20221026_122917.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And here's the whole unit: the Cataphractii Terminator squad <i>House of Justice</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWsbXYpJLoUaRcmbJ3eR5W98McOoxtgXG3MiyszIGrtAaiAK5uv2E7GjRtC54QtntJ6xa0aOzblMa0fjP0x4yWEyS9zDCy5g6aEDrNg1QuCUvZxfUn7G-moUSyPw_YN5QFnG420Bw1cYlWF4GM01HgfvN-6WZCeGELlEElIvOrd0maJtj5pofWuncyQ/s4128/20221117_115219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWsbXYpJLoUaRcmbJ3eR5W98McOoxtgXG3MiyszIGrtAaiAK5uv2E7GjRtC54QtntJ6xa0aOzblMa0fjP0x4yWEyS9zDCy5g6aEDrNg1QuCUvZxfUn7G-moUSyPw_YN5QFnG420Bw1cYlWF4GM01HgfvN-6WZCeGELlEElIvOrd0maJtj5pofWuncyQ/s320/20221117_115219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/02/warhammer-40000-armigers.html">earlier on this blog</a>, I bought Liber Mechanicum and was surprised to realize that I actually have a Horus Heresy army already, namely my Mechanicum Knights. Or indeed my Renegade Armigers. That means a good starting point for my Word Bearers would be to make an allied detachment. I can't think of a better place to start than a basic tactical squad: ten guys, bolters and bayonets, maybe a vexilla.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNUb3GVhb9mhWZveMn655NgY0C2usjw35tEDd0d73rUpqZ2FmAnGoKtwVx4Z0QrojvBtBLBLGU1ttKzeytGAiEL3qHDedGQ-Y_gLXUTNyWbfqwHDGPs13TT2vto2Mwn_LA6mT5wc_NNiKxdoZE2qvV03N8NqfrVaaFobMd8_A74_15O2nt_BqrXz3lw/s4128/20220904_145102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNUb3GVhb9mhWZveMn655NgY0C2usjw35tEDd0d73rUpqZ2FmAnGoKtwVx4Z0QrojvBtBLBLGU1ttKzeytGAiEL3qHDedGQ-Y_gLXUTNyWbfqwHDGPs13TT2vto2Mwn_LA6mT5wc_NNiKxdoZE2qvV03N8NqfrVaaFobMd8_A74_15O2nt_BqrXz3lw/s320/20220904_145102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I decided I want the vexilla to be a proper old-fashioned back banner, so I got one off an old marine sprue, as well as chainsword and pistol arms for the sergeant. Even though the Mk VI marines are clearly bigger than old 40k ones, old bits fit just fine on the new models.</div><div><br /></div><div>My squad is going to represent some Word Bearers signal troops. I mean there must have been some, you can't run massive military operations without signals. Therefore the squad will bear what I insist is the <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/ComStar">Imperial signals</a> logo on their right shoulder pads: a red twin-tailed comet on a white background.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsmv4t7ve9p-bBupkx7lslaS9uWm-eATa84GPsgOY9a0SDC89Hz85_djXl77LDJTvamtGWycNShXREpcrz6_qgzFG3yBtWvK0dTFTlbIpFbJn-VCK3QgCBq3BXsnI8layJ7PZblEe1K0LJT0WN2tyqkTY1MdDQoQmrEc05_0fM4Y4aBTqFHj5e1coOw/s4128/20220907_163737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsmv4t7ve9p-bBupkx7lslaS9uWm-eATa84GPsgOY9a0SDC89Hz85_djXl77LDJTvamtGWycNShXREpcrz6_qgzFG3yBtWvK0dTFTlbIpFbJn-VCK3QgCBq3BXsnI8layJ7PZblEe1K0LJT0WN2tyqkTY1MdDQoQmrEc05_0fM4Y4aBTqFHj5e1coOw/s320/20220907_163737.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The vexilla also proclaims their battlefield role.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQmE321UqkADGinbysmsqP-lTa0wWyAIMUJtEP-kSft5j_aauTZmbD6iHk9ZfFJ35Z2CdlDnoJAzjVUHYDPzs1SgWbN5alpRkURs6Plr5vPo-wzqvE-tYSG4iOP6eaX4_6URz-LsgDX5CyO5TvcdkJxYi1RhllhUpfgs-p6LxrfjLjE_OJ1h4Hr-JZA/s4128/20221117_113219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQmE321UqkADGinbysmsqP-lTa0wWyAIMUJtEP-kSft5j_aauTZmbD6iHk9ZfFJ35Z2CdlDnoJAzjVUHYDPzs1SgWbN5alpRkURs6Plr5vPo-wzqvE-tYSG4iOP6eaX4_6URz-LsgDX5CyO5TvcdkJxYi1RhllhUpfgs-p6LxrfjLjE_OJ1h4Hr-JZA/s320/20221117_113219.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's the signals squad Deacon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpQnHXFs-R0hd94TnT2nP_maeB1bfCVX_6ReTD6e4lUYm38iHyA2HxgOJykt730zuSolgpbfTtFllogDFnhx0ZIaOCijJ18uZDjp5S9FoRXhlYXts7Ga-F0mubu8AMTEz0wpFWjPqP4iMDtnVTjhGkMNqDVypSqnAERmdNPhmWIz74A4UVkHxzKGQoQ/s4128/20221110_112951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpQnHXFs-R0hd94TnT2nP_maeB1bfCVX_6ReTD6e4lUYm38iHyA2HxgOJykt730zuSolgpbfTtFllogDFnhx0ZIaOCijJ18uZDjp5S9FoRXhlYXts7Ga-F0mubu8AMTEz0wpFWjPqP4iMDtnVTjhGkMNqDVypSqnAERmdNPhmWIz74A4UVkHxzKGQoQ/s320/20221110_112951.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And the sergeant.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85-YOS_bCvV7479ohtqkrEnS0lQ8G3vjwaQNxsh2lJFpjqJYgpmPdg3jkh3bGtIscxwv56I1vjnxi1NQXtUYi9oUwPa4NuwY9vKA69Zjgwp9UxtlceaD_Uv6fPho2PJP8K-wybmwjMydAUMKsQlulnJ2HQqKiZ1fzrW48t2XcMYVoTI50qpuvdbWMmQ/s4128/20221110_113019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85-YOS_bCvV7479ohtqkrEnS0lQ8G3vjwaQNxsh2lJFpjqJYgpmPdg3jkh3bGtIscxwv56I1vjnxi1NQXtUYi9oUwPa4NuwY9vKA69Zjgwp9UxtlceaD_Uv6fPho2PJP8K-wybmwjMydAUMKsQlulnJ2HQqKiZ1fzrW48t2XcMYVoTI50qpuvdbWMmQ/s320/20221110_113019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Come to think of it, they should probably also have one of those vox things.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDWjmJ1gehVA2VplndkyWmk5mvUt8X-8WQUTrC2Q_G9x5AynqG61SA_63UOxzJLrqA4oWpc2a6FW1GLXQ8M1vSD2kGuAYzbREZt8YEAWfVQiOm_kd8FwzvnnaydDTNIVZf00cdsfoQ3QIVDyuKSwNzUgzzwWEJ4BYWbWr7Uet8IqcoS7FK8SpdsiYcw/s4128/20230213_084303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDWjmJ1gehVA2VplndkyWmk5mvUt8X-8WQUTrC2Q_G9x5AynqG61SA_63UOxzJLrqA4oWpc2a6FW1GLXQ8M1vSD2kGuAYzbREZt8YEAWfVQiOm_kd8FwzvnnaydDTNIVZf00cdsfoQ3QIVDyuKSwNzUgzzwWEJ4BYWbWr7Uet8IqcoS7FK8SpdsiYcw/s320/20230213_084303.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>This is the legion tactical squad <i>Mightier are your Voices than the Manifold Winds</i> in its entirety.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHP8wnA8mgJTp7891EcZgLfuvjiRPJwC9D4jHG6j_EqSpKAk9vjU0ltSLMwu1QmlZl7F_Zy8PCF0ypIp2lWFFsMruhhLwuaUQtxMfYVwdTklxOE2X3-Yv_LoeHzZUTorcPmiISwE005sMgeve3qvExLIMihMm_YSsmId3JZg7SKz35csdVNDx1Dy2vQ/s4128/20230604_174410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHP8wnA8mgJTp7891EcZgLfuvjiRPJwC9D4jHG6j_EqSpKAk9vjU0ltSLMwu1QmlZl7F_Zy8PCF0ypIp2lWFFsMruhhLwuaUQtxMfYVwdTklxOE2X3-Yv_LoeHzZUTorcPmiISwE005sMgeve3qvExLIMihMm_YSsmId3JZg7SKz35csdVNDx1Dy2vQ/s320/20230604_174410.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I did also end up getting Liber Hereticus, i.e. the traitor codex. It's another really big, satisfying book with lots and lots of rules and datasheets inside, which I feel I haven't even remotely started to come to grips with.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uIjq18HS75DJfBgXjkX6f3bUHDnXPJ3PWGKhlUOOKOrFSsvdvce49NEipmvkAKlfaK97lE0iGsNlyxV4S0kuYIprysIRHyA0SxtS9OewSLOMvGiPPviIAh0I4ECofOlz9_2sbg96DAGRfw8U4yP_b7QX8V4BzbS-xGLs5mfr_Ggip_ssmV-xGH-15w/s4128/20220623_143307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uIjq18HS75DJfBgXjkX6f3bUHDnXPJ3PWGKhlUOOKOrFSsvdvce49NEipmvkAKlfaK97lE0iGsNlyxV4S0kuYIprysIRHyA0SxtS9OewSLOMvGiPPviIAh0I4ECofOlz9_2sbg96DAGRfw8U4yP_b7QX8V4BzbS-xGLs5mfr_Ggip_ssmV-xGH-15w/s320/20220623_143307.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm also not really all that interested in any of the Rites of War, so I'm unsure whether I actually want a Praetor at all. So I'm leaving mine in the box for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, as I was decorating my Cataprachtii from my collection of marine bits, I realized that I have one of those skull shoulder pads left over from my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/02/warhammer-40000-emperor-is-with.html">ancient Berzerkers</a>, and a power axe from the Chaos Terminator Lord kit. That means I can build the most Word Bearer HQ possible: a Chaplain.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwdjCv_v0rwPVdVwxGzcTKXk42ACn8sggpbr48fKeEOfpWvXr4Ckyh0RH7kv6Gi4YPNYqGzZ36XhpYP4YHQ8bjInbpc3C0tOkvuBlm3em6WRZe-4mXXYnU2AgMj7dDYH-duQSC_-W1oYJ6Lrlv1wnQ_-o4eUeowy7QJXRoRUv10ZOC8uvpZNUDdyFNw/s4128/20220904_193103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwdjCv_v0rwPVdVwxGzcTKXk42ACn8sggpbr48fKeEOfpWvXr4Ckyh0RH7kv6Gi4YPNYqGzZ36XhpYP4YHQ8bjInbpc3C0tOkvuBlm3em6WRZe-4mXXYnU2AgMj7dDYH-duQSC_-W1oYJ6Lrlv1wnQ_-o4eUeowy7QJXRoRUv10ZOC8uvpZNUDdyFNw/s320/20220904_193103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The arms are from the Berzerker and tactical marine kits, and I built a handle for the axe with copper wire, green stuff and a <a href="https://wargameexclusive.com/shop/battle-sisters/greater-good-skulls-in-28mm-scale-64u/">Wargame Exclusive skull</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiB_MJUFlzy-_GQCXb-A6_Xt4YbhiK8MIBE4zlFOxiAvc0JY3nXmf7eqya4pNcl7uXqDbqlqjp0l2a-YlxSXzk9to0Q7VJ_cAUQKNBpOEHe0lLkyiMqWSFjJj9nxcgUsQV4RajSa1dKkp4d0zsYbqANwqqDfTf6yWjJgEKFpRrksOE1eP9ryl_Wc98A/s4128/20220904_193040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiB_MJUFlzy-_GQCXb-A6_Xt4YbhiK8MIBE4zlFOxiAvc0JY3nXmf7eqya4pNcl7uXqDbqlqjp0l2a-YlxSXzk9to0Q7VJ_cAUQKNBpOEHe0lLkyiMqWSFjJj9nxcgUsQV4RajSa1dKkp4d0zsYbqANwqqDfTf6yWjJgEKFpRrksOE1eP9ryl_Wc98A/s320/20220904_193040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>As near as I can tell, <a href="https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Chaplain">chaplains</a> and their black, skull-themed armor were a Word Bearers innovation. Therefore, Centurion Sor T'rizaron is decked out as an original Imperial Herald. I didn't have a proper crozius arcanum, but Liber Hereticus actually says it can be an axe as well.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFr4ktKm7j7u7DB9Jm8KZi1HFAkRtS-4h7r12kMHQe9by83HorzHW0sXqxDYOXQIiYBq0Fo0x2C6JmUOI-76CguFvw_25khfyNaBgExqXyNzxEP6GB6u5x2qdN-paOXfIhIrdFtXOFdR5ihcAa9TKPmeZIpdtUpSQw3sMrqxZQ2jsmV4d2ezNQhEHFQ/s4128/20220913_140717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFr4ktKm7j7u7DB9Jm8KZi1HFAkRtS-4h7r12kMHQe9by83HorzHW0sXqxDYOXQIiYBq0Fo0x2C6JmUOI-76CguFvw_25khfyNaBgExqXyNzxEP6GB6u5x2qdN-paOXfIhIrdFtXOFdR5ihcAa9TKPmeZIpdtUpSQw3sMrqxZQ2jsmV4d2ezNQhEHFQ/s320/20220913_140717.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Quite happy with the paint job, and I think that Berzerker skull pad is perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNyJPxFJPNKlluNgHB8GHjrY_WWRwrk0JoCVS9A7EbCxwFW7ljiePEGgtTXAl-et-TDhtjqeqyBRPhRoKjrd64IX-BSyGsylcDCKySiW-rldRtDPfhgTFRJ9rAXsvynBOjXXcKu7NGxbmU6YDRDU4PVGLKkWtYaz2EXrcxt6gfW-k6l8VMGeRwX6c9w/s4128/20220913_140721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNyJPxFJPNKlluNgHB8GHjrY_WWRwrk0JoCVS9A7EbCxwFW7ljiePEGgtTXAl-et-TDhtjqeqyBRPhRoKjrd64IX-BSyGsylcDCKySiW-rldRtDPfhgTFRJ9rAXsvynBOjXXcKu7NGxbmU6YDRDU4PVGLKkWtYaz2EXrcxt6gfW-k6l8VMGeRwX6c9w/s320/20220913_140721.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>She is Centurion Sor T'rizaron, <i>Whose Name amongst ye is Wrath</i>. With a Centurion and a tactical squad, I could now field an allied detachment for my Knights.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that I'm doing conversions, I might as well also start my Apothecarion Detachment, <i>Come Away from the House of Death!</i> I don't know why I like Apothecaries, but I do. Since neither GW nor Forge World will sell us Apothecaries at reasonable prices, I ordered a <a href="https://bitsofwar.com/space-legions/143-legionary-apothecary-conversion-set-5902216114753.html">Legionary Apothecary conversion set</a> from Kromlech. I already used one to make a <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/08/warhammer-40000-imperial-reinforcements.html">Sister Hospitaller</a> and liked it, so here's a Mk VI Apothecary for my signal troops.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdyRNqtgxcrkxkKUo8NPCRK4iOtBm7BHslSjKKx-iQ36sMnxLeiTXMN6l2fUJXbMmhfKPzs95pnUTFY8fYnAwvFdEOdFkZlcvED3IL1mpgRi_BELnXHNHJH62nFnaPz8bSqMm47Q4ihUU1FBx2Qkk97qG1etmC9ZxQxtlY5Cay3k1BbjpjhgppXoObw/s4128/20221005_160003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdyRNqtgxcrkxkKUo8NPCRK4iOtBm7BHslSjKKx-iQ36sMnxLeiTXMN6l2fUJXbMmhfKPzs95pnUTFY8fYnAwvFdEOdFkZlcvED3IL1mpgRi_BELnXHNHJH62nFnaPz8bSqMm47Q4ihUU1FBx2Qkk97qG1etmC9ZxQxtlY5Cay3k1BbjpjhgppXoObw/s320/20221005_160003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>There's an option to give Apothecaries volkite chargers, and since I have that special weapon box, why not? Volkite go bzzzt. The only additional work required was trimming down the Kromlech shoulder a bit, as it's slightly too wide at the bottom to take the Mk VI shoulder pad.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EFMQcan7Qzo5V8oGecyzZ4ih4yXzZsFJnox5ueM5j3EyUbuXa049xQiCMpWi9OAaW9xAIV9pW6ElONYDRWl5LvycDdISIeIusMwRMccAuM3IgVb_Dm2_U2KcEIARZjvs9uYO2GVqUN2EaMBLVUBHPU8rVPRz9Mb4umzYBfmplVdDLYdTsVa2BU9RWw/s4128/20221110_113006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EFMQcan7Qzo5V8oGecyzZ4ih4yXzZsFJnox5ueM5j3EyUbuXa049xQiCMpWi9OAaW9xAIV9pW6ElONYDRWl5LvycDdISIeIusMwRMccAuM3IgVb_Dm2_U2KcEIARZjvs9uYO2GVqUN2EaMBLVUBHPU8rVPRz9Mb4umzYBfmplVdDLYdTsVa2BU9RWw/s320/20221110_113006.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>While I was at it, I made a second Apothecary for the Despoiler squad I was planning. The chainsword and bolt pistol are from the Deathwatch sprue.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRd1HhohGYo5tZeHGPXRJLsg_YkLrA5gM0XX1nCqtvhGYMKhsXGQMoE043PKw-PfIsXSXkJiNTzLYDzbFLwcOv3FZLQob0HBT_0PQhB3Wa_dtXkkDvuFBXWStNQdTj4-WptBCzuQbgChCmQC43Y9u--6MJQolhZOHqWkNns75Eh006jXDdaiXSATRp-w/s4128/20221005_160016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRd1HhohGYo5tZeHGPXRJLsg_YkLrA5gM0XX1nCqtvhGYMKhsXGQMoE043PKw-PfIsXSXkJiNTzLYDzbFLwcOv3FZLQob0HBT_0PQhB3Wa_dtXkkDvuFBXWStNQdTj4-WptBCzuQbgChCmQC43Y9u--6MJQolhZOHqWkNns75Eh006jXDdaiXSATRp-w/s320/20221005_160016.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here they are painted up:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvXh22xvXF5uhyMcAzIwGK39ddpQmjwmVT2kcKCPzLiO--sKcbutuhOXisJurVqEUOXRFR7sQplql-Fmb9fm4Fl-N7FbWbuue3RhWlUTVc1hIQXikosGEmlFL5UdOTznBEphNVi0UPrv-apMtfZRM0HbCCmKvSqCjV-9_CT_dcuZtOyAaNjgWxgikPw/s4128/20221228_134352.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvXh22xvXF5uhyMcAzIwGK39ddpQmjwmVT2kcKCPzLiO--sKcbutuhOXisJurVqEUOXRFR7sQplql-Fmb9fm4Fl-N7FbWbuue3RhWlUTVc1hIQXikosGEmlFL5UdOTznBEphNVi0UPrv-apMtfZRM0HbCCmKvSqCjV-9_CT_dcuZtOyAaNjgWxgikPw/s320/20221228_134352.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I mentioned a Despoiler squad; building Marines turned out to be so much fun that I also got a box of Mk IV Marines. All I've done so far is a tactical support squad, the <i>Pillars of Gladness</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQCoAAWbHjMgV6MUQ9ZGmz4T-FXkz_ZDUP_i12zcMIKs0EB4y_CriiseHLFjm65_DGY7ooszwLyl0BA1ubBScec4iLDJ1fQgLSKQ9oSB72lXvZSwQk67xfgjRBqtKvGAFp5Vmq1Gz3Yi6vHVYT6jyNjYVZHp-uHSQnYYJrMIFe2qDdxS63qotUFFH7Q/s4128/20230528_143029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQCoAAWbHjMgV6MUQ9ZGmz4T-FXkz_ZDUP_i12zcMIKs0EB4y_CriiseHLFjm65_DGY7ooszwLyl0BA1ubBScec4iLDJ1fQgLSKQ9oSB72lXvZSwQk67xfgjRBqtKvGAFp5Vmq1Gz3Yi6vHVYT6jyNjYVZHp-uHSQnYYJrMIFe2qDdxS63qotUFFH7Q/s320/20230528_143029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Rotor cannons are awesome. I also made a deacon for them, and gave the sergeant some extra detail.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDYMv67boBktTHVf-sQDWEITFrX09fUDq2VMX94jIiab3dlOW7zG7x0jBp3vycENKbfHUxv__GRmbg1FZBCmkPRgObCYaiqn-5n8d21Zm15ofc4sA5UN7PtfVzdIwXcLkT5S0FnFkrkA_CRkuwn7uz277gEcJd3U0U6f8y2dkYbp2bNyoOLtp8JVKJQ/s4128/20230528_143043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDYMv67boBktTHVf-sQDWEITFrX09fUDq2VMX94jIiab3dlOW7zG7x0jBp3vycENKbfHUxv__GRmbg1FZBCmkPRgObCYaiqn-5n8d21Zm15ofc4sA5UN7PtfVzdIwXcLkT5S0FnFkrkA_CRkuwn7uz277gEcJd3U0U6f8y2dkYbp2bNyoOLtp8JVKJQ/s320/20230528_143043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>And finally: the Kratos. I love big tanks, and I'm definitely getting myself at least one Shadowsword at some point. Actually, with the <a href="https://www.warhammer-community.com/2022/07/01/warhammer-the-horus-heresy-classic-units-rejoin-the-age-of-darkness-with-these-free-rules-downloads/">classic unit rules</a>, I could make it a Legion Shadowsword. Or wait and see if they do a plastic Fellblade. But anyway, my point is that when the Kratos was announced, obviously I was getting one.</div><div><br /></div><div>The kit was, perhaps surprisingly, an absolute breeze to build. I know I want my Kratos to do anti-tank things, so I wanted lascannons as my hull weapons. However, as near as I can tell, there's actually no reason to glue the hull weapons in, as they seem to slot into place and stay there quite nicely.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JuVJMA2vxCMrNMJpCDRi8pZdVdq4ZhmqbIHmSuyb8datv2V-PANSCOybxXmsXJZvZay5Lcd-j4MW47s2EbGPj8AE8GYMMO0Wd3SJ7XdvF4OAaKCz_uLBTtLN1sIsavHQhF6DxYWpQyNjD98BgQbh2q916JK8kWDZcFVyOuwZnjsPvweXKtiBC2eg3g/s4128/20230305_115512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JuVJMA2vxCMrNMJpCDRi8pZdVdq4ZhmqbIHmSuyb8datv2V-PANSCOybxXmsXJZvZay5Lcd-j4MW47s2EbGPj8AE8GYMMO0Wd3SJ7XdvF4OAaKCz_uLBTtLN1sIsavHQhF6DxYWpQyNjD98BgQbh2q916JK8kWDZcFVyOuwZnjsPvweXKtiBC2eg3g/s320/20230305_115512.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The sponsons I wanted to magnetize, and luckily that was very easy: the holes in the sponson mounts and the weapons are just about exactly the size of a 3mm magnet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheds7XUGcSemJLZxsN6EH-T1hOvswwLurVhNwEpcSmFnGUQUOx6xG2q9RF33E4YF7NUwuGGJa61XcQe2-8WYSuWQpcTtNeBVilWxpu6b24UkBfUrUYk5xjwm5fDVeUPSdQrKGKex3ccKyQ9DRPZVqMcJ_B5YzSScXg7d_e-RSablaNJiow103yBXenwA/s4128/20230305_132204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheds7XUGcSemJLZxsN6EH-T1hOvswwLurVhNwEpcSmFnGUQUOx6xG2q9RF33E4YF7NUwuGGJa61XcQe2-8WYSuWQpcTtNeBVilWxpu6b24UkBfUrUYk5xjwm5fDVeUPSdQrKGKex3ccKyQ9DRPZVqMcJ_B5YzSScXg7d_e-RSablaNJiow103yBXenwA/s320/20230305_132204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>You can really tell the difference between a model where they've thought about magnetization, and one where they <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/10/epic-lets-paint-aeronautica-imperialis.html">haven't</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq-PrGsIf3DpLBTUiHvtozZjbzSgQ9nSMkS_f4r8sKb_w7KoV5L3daaytcq3jiUoPMTIfLS3b1a3linWtZ6eiA-yqqz_nA35gabYRgO3mV_NoRfbpOYe0J-k9XO9F82xkUoMOeNxW7KF_RORNC7fj898bu7noX3qMC0eTAAF8YKqKS0_OBlYiIRn0lw/s4128/20230305_132226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq-PrGsIf3DpLBTUiHvtozZjbzSgQ9nSMkS_f4r8sKb_w7KoV5L3daaytcq3jiUoPMTIfLS3b1a3linWtZ6eiA-yqqz_nA35gabYRgO3mV_NoRfbpOYe0J-k9XO9F82xkUoMOeNxW7KF_RORNC7fj898bu7noX3qMC0eTAAF8YKqKS0_OBlYiIRn0lw/s320/20230305_132226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I couldn't be bothered to magnetize the main gun; I knew I wanted the big battlecannon, so I went with it. All in all, the Kratos is a nice, chunky model, and it was fun to build.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lyIe6thFRCQRvC6ZkhGlaTjL40cVISsNSwV-zzsikYehzJZJ9HF3OHKeUdkSKSbLN4Oij75IWVDJ2p_38mirCxCH_qb81Ok3LPeNQNSyfOc8lrLMLumSmn-7a5_AKKE40An3nrgeNrLtYQ_evJGfQuPvYFitn6mwyIOh1F7KVZlAv4AnBDzLHinFIg/s4128/20230305_150647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lyIe6thFRCQRvC6ZkhGlaTjL40cVISsNSwV-zzsikYehzJZJ9HF3OHKeUdkSKSbLN4Oij75IWVDJ2p_38mirCxCH_qb81Ok3LPeNQNSyfOc8lrLMLumSmn-7a5_AKKE40An3nrgeNrLtYQ_evJGfQuPvYFitn6mwyIOh1F7KVZlAv4AnBDzLHinFIg/s320/20230305_150647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>So to round out my first, but sadly almost certainly not last tranche of Horus Heresy purchases, here is the Kratos <i>Behold! his Mercies Flourish</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W4omEMGFaf9vAMDrmE-XboXdUhrspEvGA5a3yva9MecOckSspN3Jo1mjW7m8IjSNDOU3fXpCHck4n8Wkkx_rAAU4EOrvna9glJbgdJsdwZb5F1bMDPKfCKENucoYAc5Sc9HwWm19kY0ZWtct58LYwW9R8Eyp-dhmXxAIdNh_PdSLyRuwIE01qq_xVw/s4128/20230320_115740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W4omEMGFaf9vAMDrmE-XboXdUhrspEvGA5a3yva9MecOckSspN3Jo1mjW7m8IjSNDOU3fXpCHck4n8Wkkx_rAAU4EOrvna9glJbgdJsdwZb5F1bMDPKfCKENucoYAc5Sc9HwWm19kY0ZWtct58LYwW9R8Eyp-dhmXxAIdNh_PdSLyRuwIE01qq_xVw/s320/20230320_115740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Complete with campaign colors.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm5SpzNwgx95ck7eK9Ep9wxL7nDfgQvmqlJf7IezHRlRWzTIj36fBko8jgJNPdCA8C9dDW5r-Vhg4QTA3xHJQmg9kFymfhZlL32q90C-hgGGCQqSqAQlOsF-P4In7KfPRMeJn4Y482jtkN9hh6wz-7PRz1TnktKTLO4JjGzZU6iFXsXre0bbouvbmvA/s4128/20230320_115801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm5SpzNwgx95ck7eK9Ep9wxL7nDfgQvmqlJf7IezHRlRWzTIj36fBko8jgJNPdCA8C9dDW5r-Vhg4QTA3xHJQmg9kFymfhZlL32q90C-hgGGCQqSqAQlOsF-P4In7KfPRMeJn4Y482jtkN9hh6wz-7PRz1TnktKTLO4JjGzZU6iFXsXre0bbouvbmvA/s320/20230320_115801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It is a big chunk of tank, and I am pleased.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So, here's a poorly lit group shot of my Word Bearers so far.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ10I7KgYSErKbiNVPtl88j_asoLy6tKWxsHj_eVyM4tUujrV7Qa86q7pUH4cNqbqNYDsflQou5s8fNxo9lZzW4pxARaWbi7WvDRWmox1x2TzcS9bUhhu9R-3vIzOnWogjR71viMzlGZ5gC5S2GGutevHHslZtvmOO5VsVUynPL88P1oriQdCY_eCGBQ/s4128/20230604_174752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ10I7KgYSErKbiNVPtl88j_asoLy6tKWxsHj_eVyM4tUujrV7Qa86q7pUH4cNqbqNYDsflQou5s8fNxo9lZzW4pxARaWbi7WvDRWmox1x2TzcS9bUhhu9R-3vIzOnWogjR71viMzlGZ5gC5S2GGutevHHslZtvmOO5VsVUynPL88P1oriQdCY_eCGBQ/s320/20230604_174752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>While I was finishing all this up, Games Workshop announced the upcoming tenth edition of Warhammer 40,000, which looks a whole lot like Age of Sigmar 40,000. I'm not thrilled. We already had 9th edition codexes restricting wargear options to what came in the box, and the beginnings of the sigmarification of faction names with Drukhari, Aeldari and so on. While I agree that 40k could do with a rethink, I don't think this is one I like.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most of all, the pace of change in 40k is just too much for me, and new statlines and everything is a bit much on top of that. One of the reasons I haven't been able to muster any enthusiasm for Age of Sigmar is that I feel like everything keeps getting changed for the sake of change. I fully expect that 40k will also begin to sigmarify. We'll have a Systyrs of Empreure codex soon enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>So maybe it was quite lucky that I bought this Horus Heresy box.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-42690614507420263402023-05-15T09:00:00.030+03:002023-05-15T09:00:00.131+03:00Let's Play Battletech<div><div><i>You ladies of lubricity</i></div><div><i>That dwell in the bordello</i></div><div><i>Ha-ha ha-ha, ha-ha ha-hee</i></div><div><i>For I am that kind of fellow</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> - Patrick O'Brian, Post Captain</i></div><div><br /></div>BattleTech is almost as old as I am. Polygon did <a href="https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/29/16709142/battletech-mechwarrior-weisman-babcock-bills">a cute little oral history</a> of the game a few years back, which I enjoyed. I'm also fairly sure that Warhammer 40,000's <a href="https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Imperial_Knight">Imperial Knights</a> are stolen directly from BattleTech, and possibly a lot more; various other <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/03/lets-play-scythe.html">mech-related games</a> also owe them a debt. Battletech is one of those things that's always been there; I've been aware of it for as long as I've known anything about wargaming, but I never got a chance to play it. Now that Catalyst Games has restarted the franchise, so to speak, and I'm getting back into <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/03/lets-play-adeptus-titanicus-battle-of.html">smaller-scale miniature games</a>, it was finally time to change that with their <a href="https://bg.battletech.com/books/introductory-products/">Beginner Box</a>.<br />
<br />
**<div><br /></div><div>The Beginner Box is a cute little set that's very cheap. It comes with two mechs, a fold-out hex map and a couple of leaflets, including a small set of "getting started" rules.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The biggest disappointment in all of this is the fluff. There are decades of material and backstory and whatnot to Battletech - but you'll find none of that here. There's one little foldout with a galaxy map, and barely any material at all to get a handle on anything. I don't understand how you get your hands on an intellectual property like Battletech and then make this little effort to immerse people in it.<br /><br />If you want the opposite experience, there's the PC game <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BattleTech_(video_game)">Battletech</a>, which does great job getting you into the fluff and everything - and then absolutely refuses to explain how anything in the actual game works, or provide any kind of manual. Is it a law of Battletech that you can have either the fluff or the rules explained to you, but never both? The game itself was all right; I wasn't really that impressed, and the hardware requirements were brutal for my poor laptop.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been reading up on the fluff on sarna.net, though, and one thing I'll definitely say for Battletech is that it's not often you get to play a wargame as the <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/ComStar">telephone company</a>. So I think purely in honor of that, I have to paint at least one mech in ComStar colors. As it happens, that means white, and as I found when I got back into painting miniatures with <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2018/10/lets-paint-star-wars-rebellion.html">Star Wars: Rebellion</a>, I love painting dirty white. So I've decided to paint the <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Wolverine_(BattleMech)">Wolverine</a> that came with the starter box as a ComStar mech.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLl0cSSmQrBzrcZErNzYyghu3I_y47rSdprKS3h5mn_abEKhCYTKbfyZLlYvfZbzvOt9PfNFoki9uwRNxwJ9ckQIV-4BGfzwXqwlm_q-DQYAA9Ytm0Ac9OZ_MOnWegm3hMV2_w4pc47lKyV9BniGoUGmQ98Td7fN-hTR1Gm7KbgIz7aluiznd6qVvjw/s4128/20220501_091702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLl0cSSmQrBzrcZErNzYyghu3I_y47rSdprKS3h5mn_abEKhCYTKbfyZLlYvfZbzvOt9PfNFoki9uwRNxwJ9ckQIV-4BGfzwXqwlm_q-DQYAA9Ytm0Ac9OZ_MOnWegm3hMV2_w4pc47lKyV9BniGoUGmQ98Td7fN-hTR1Gm7KbgIz7aluiznd6qVvjw/s320/20220501_091702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I am delighted to note that the Wolverine has been produced by, among others, a company called <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Bordello_Military_Goods,_Inc.">Bordello Military Goods, Inc.</a> I wonder if the people responsible for that knew what a bordello is.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other mech in the box is a <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Griffin">Griffin</a>, apparently originally from an early 1980s anime, but also <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundwave_(Transformers)">Soundwave</a>. Looking into the fluff, I find that like in so many other fictional properties, there's a girls' faction. I had a House Escher gang in Necromunda, I'll have a <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Magistracy_of_Canopus">Magistracy of Canopus</a>, um, lance? in Battletech. Delightfully, the uniform color for the <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Magistracy_Armed_Forces">Magistracy Armed Forces</a> is <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/File:Linda_Lancombe_MAF_P2E.png">turqoise and black</a>, which I intend to fully embrace. Here's my first shot at a color scheme.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2E-ECM7N3N0Vb8br7GpxDkFrkSuHqRwKp4IEnA-_bjWrw2_s2qJj83o1rlaIzxATg76dMyVSGlQPOnr9tJyQe-KstlKjMy49Gnvv874rD48ZODprETIYs76VusBF3J10r8ZPfmdgp61xnoCPwYGZWmb6aP6TRkhW5Nqqtd5DHBmg6Ct4mt3VsqKcrw/s4128/20220502_163550.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2E-ECM7N3N0Vb8br7GpxDkFrkSuHqRwKp4IEnA-_bjWrw2_s2qJj83o1rlaIzxATg76dMyVSGlQPOnr9tJyQe-KstlKjMy49Gnvv874rD48ZODprETIYs76VusBF3J10r8ZPfmdgp61xnoCPwYGZWmb6aP6TRkhW5Nqqtd5DHBmg6Ct4mt3VsqKcrw/s320/20220502_163550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>This Griffin represents my mechwarrior mercenary company, the 11th Riedquat Rangers (Electra's Own).</div><div>
<br />
**</div><div><br /></div><div>My first proper Battletech experience, however, happened at our friendly local game store, which hosted a Battletech event earlier this month. I grabbed myself a <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Hunchback">Hunchback</a> from the mechs on offer, and ended up facing an <a href="https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Enforcer">Enforcer</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz521jrgexwThI3Z4g4z4LzjH5P1JA1AYgP3mdZiBNUKnSq2FuIb-HnWhRHn75aCXmar43N7zbH81hxDuzdUKIhnpPv1F3SGCz91I3oSylMC0xmjldo3dY4QciTIOJiEVY1raveljOyufszggxXCW2imr1KBo6HGRLAXvAcmkvCoMiRDM7cyjRJQj18Q/s4128/20230507_153334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz521jrgexwThI3Z4g4z4LzjH5P1JA1AYgP3mdZiBNUKnSq2FuIb-HnWhRHn75aCXmar43N7zbH81hxDuzdUKIhnpPv1F3SGCz91I3oSylMC0xmjldo3dY4QciTIOJiEVY1raveljOyufszggxXCW2imr1KBo6HGRLAXvAcmkvCoMiRDM7cyjRJQj18Q/s320/20230507_153334.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I was given a record sheet, and we started rolling a whole bunch of 2d6s. I had some success firing my giant autocannon at the Enforcer, eventually destroying its left torso completely. The Enforcer's return fire knocked my mech down, but I got up again.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRf8WadoTdduJuCZCxx1K6PLH6kZFkta4fPAYXyXuLW5sPB2Yqvxm6WjgirvgPBLOMxJlWIQhDhtMRdi1QGOBHJ4QHic45dxVpuwMy9wiIYbYJY9VE698F4zIxAbL-d4tdBhZ98b8e2HdXQ_COe9uh2-LQBgupjnA1-oXoxYZEs4h0o0HzNGIAUqyhQ/s4128/20230507_160520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRf8WadoTdduJuCZCxx1K6PLH6kZFkta4fPAYXyXuLW5sPB2Yqvxm6WjgirvgPBLOMxJlWIQhDhtMRdi1QGOBHJ4QHic45dxVpuwMy9wiIYbYJY9VE698F4zIxAbL-d4tdBhZ98b8e2HdXQ_COe9uh2-LQBgupjnA1-oXoxYZEs4h0o0HzNGIAUqyhQ/s320/20230507_160520.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The rules were actually pretty simple, certainly with an experienced player to walk me through them, and actually kinda fun. Although my superior firepower was having an impact, I wanted to have an appropriately Warhammer ending and try the mêlée rules: my Hunchback charged in.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkeY_6zGcTnbLv5aDT0T5s-gz9kO7GdOt-aRK-qV9wHbpq9ADZrKvFavOdKuPeE_GUNM8NSDn39sp-06DIezXpERI8EOzvy861oac1TGQsWDJCQegibMV1cAmxxZZ2Ag6ILj_1BJg1uyyYq0E5VbmQ0VsgxrVzEXayaSXvEir-mmVxWx-fhpgnlaEJQ/s4128/20230507_162600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkeY_6zGcTnbLv5aDT0T5s-gz9kO7GdOt-aRK-qV9wHbpq9ADZrKvFavOdKuPeE_GUNM8NSDn39sp-06DIezXpERI8EOzvy861oac1TGQsWDJCQegibMV1cAmxxZZ2Ag6ILj_1BJg1uyyYq0E5VbmQ0VsgxrVzEXayaSXvEir-mmVxWx-fhpgnlaEJQ/s320/20230507_162600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The rest of the battle could hardly have gone more dramatically: our mechs traded blows on the roof of a building, until my Hunchback punched my opponent's mech in the face, killing his pilot!</div><div><br /></div><div>**<br />
<br />I very much enjoyed my first Battletech experience, and I'm going to try to play more. There's whole oceans of rules, fluff and miniatures to get into here, and the Epic player in me can't help but notice all these tanks and infantry and whatnot, all in a very familiar scale...</div></div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-46916280763172033302023-05-08T09:00:00.041+03:002023-05-08T09:00:00.167+03:00Why Sanna Marin and her cabinet weren't all that<div>Earlier this year, Finland had a very miserable election. Our prime minister, Sanna Marin of the social democrat party, had become an international celebrity, but her party lost the election, and she is stepping down as party leader. This has surprised people around the world, because she cut a very progressive and popular figure. Sadly, I'm here to tell you that she was not exactly a great prime minister.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, there was our pandemic policy. Finland had a world-class response to Covid and we were doing a great job suppressing the virus - until we quit. In September 2021, Marin and her cabinet decided to lift practically all suppressing measures, including things like mask recommendations. Since then, thousands of people have died. I did <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/03/pandemic-diary-year-3.html">another post</a> on the subject, with the statistics. So when people say Marin's cabinet handled the pandemic well, I don't entirely agree. They did, until they decided to stop.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another failure was the Sami parliament act. Finland has been reprimanded several times by the UN for our failure to implement proper representation for the Sami indigenous people, whose lands Finland continues to colonize. The Marin government was supposed to change that with a new bill on the Sami parliament. However, the cabinet allowed the agrarian party, which resists indigenous rights, to sabotage the bill, and it <a href="https://yle.fi/a/74-20019662">failed to pass</a>. This is absolutely disgraceful.</div><div><br /></div><div>The most colossal disappointment of the Marin cabinet, though, was their environmental policy. It was sold to us as a "climate cabinet". What they did was the total opposite.</div><div><br /></div><div>We can start with peat. Finland produces approximately 5% of our energy by burning peat, which accounts for 10% of our greenhouse emissions, while peat extraction is immensely destructive. It's an incredibly dirty and wasteful fuel. So obviously it receives huge government subsidies and tax breaks into the hundreds of millions of euros.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2021, the end result of a huge budget battle with the obstructionist agrarian party was that the Marin cabinet handed 70 million euros of additional subsidies to peat production (<a href="https://www.iltalehti.fi/politiikka/a/97da7bea-255d-4efd-bc95-ff5d0462290d">IL</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>Later that same year, the social democrat minister for communications, Timo Harakka, called a new motorway "a climate act" in a <a href="https://twitter.com/TimoHarakka/status/1466379072280436744">tweet</a>. The same minister oversees domestic flights, which have received additional subsidies of tens of millions of euros during his time in cabinet. There's so little demand for the flights, that some have flown with single passengers, or even empty (<a href="https://yle.fi/a/74-20015070">Yle</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div>When the invasion of Ukraine made electricity prices spike, our government rushed to subsidize households by dropping the tax on electricity. Most of the subsidies are going to well-off households that spend large amounts of energy (<a href="https://yle.fi/a/74-20012264">Yle</a>). Similarly, when fuel prices rose, the government was there to subsidize diesel fuel (<a href="https://yle.fi/a/3-12395223">Yle</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div>I could go on, but I think you get the point. Marin's cabinet spent millions upon millions of extra euros subsidizing fossil fuel consumption, sometimes in the stupidest possible ways, propping up tiny, moribund industries like peat, or ridiculous boondoggles like flights with no passengers on them.</div><div><br /></div><div>It just so happens I've taught the 1973 oil crisis quite a few times already. <a href="https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vuoden_1973_%C3%B6ljykriisi">Finnish Wikipedia</a> has quite a nice list of energy-saving measures the government of the time implemented, which ranged from regulating indoor temperatures to shop window lighting. The prime minister was also a social democrat, by the way: <a href="https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorsan_I_hallitus">Kalevi Sorsa</a>. Fifty years later, it did not apparently even for a moment occur to his successor that something like this could be done. Instead, as with every other crisis and policy question, Marin's answer was subsidies for fossil fuels.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I've lived in Finland for almost 40 years, and the media persecution of Sanna Marin was like nothing I have ever seen before. The misogyny was absolutely hysterical. One of the main precepts of Finnish journalism is that no criticism of it can ever be justified, so there will be no post-mortem, as it were. All our major medias are busy reassuring each other that they did a great job. This is deeply depressing, especially since we all know full well that they're going to spend the next several years worshipping the ground the new right-wing government walks on.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also suffer from the same disease as Britain, <a href="https://mainlymacro.blogspot.com/2023/04/why-fiscal-consolidations-spending-cuts.html">as explained by Professor Simon Wren-Lewis</a>: our media doesn't understand macroeconomics at all, and believes the right's austerity fairy-tales. This was also painfully obvious in this year's election, which was dominated by all our major medias and the ministry of finance battering us into submission with their austerity agenda of billions of euros of cuts.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, two things can be true at the same time: Marin can be the victim of concerted misogynist media persecution, and a terrible disappointment as a prime minister. Her cabinet let thousands of people die needlessly in the pandemic, cheerfully trampled over indigenous rights, and faced the escalating climate and biodiversity crisis with millions upon millions of subsidies to fossil capitalism. Yes, misogyny was a large reason why her party lost the election. But so was the fact that the policies of her cabinet were absolutely terrible.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-58405785646999531632023-05-01T09:00:00.005+03:002023-05-01T09:00:00.141+03:00Let's Paint Fallout: the Board Game<i>Several unidentified aircraft were spotted flying over the REPCONN Test Site by a local crackpot. He spoke to a toy bear near one of our microphones. "It's ghouls, I tell you. Religious ghouls in rockets, looking for a land to call their own. Don't you laugh at me! I know a spell that'll make you show your true form! A cave rat taught it to me."<br />
- Radio New Vegas</i><br />
<br />Even though our board gaming has mostlt been on hold because of the pandemic, we did really enjoy Fantasy Flight's <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2018/09/lets-play-fallout-board-game.html">Fallout board game</a>, and I got to thinking that I really should paint the miniatures. So here we go!<br />
<br />
**<br />
<br />
<b>Super Mutant</b><br />
<br />
I've gone for the <a href="https://fallout.fandom.com/wiki/Vault_87_super_mutant">Fallout 3 super mutant</a> look instead of the classic green, because it's so much more interesting and will, I hope, make the model stand out a bit. The skin was done in Flat Yellow, the rags in (I think) Saddle Brown, and the metal bits are Gunmetal Grey and Brass. I then gave the whole thing a wash with watered-down Black Glaze, Skin Wash and Smoke to make the dude look appropriately grimy, and I think it worked pretty nicely!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETaP1htdj1hfhddnr9Cpk1xVL8qdOzfyIyPbpcNpKuSNvlTBnnBKNfkleKBlyVswWWFc_G_IP2RZXuGclRd55c0g5l0TaumiZ9EVjnkcMjoTTQNL2U7Dm4htIX_7v-pNqWrBc69osutk0/s1600/20190717_001723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1169" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETaP1htdj1hfhddnr9Cpk1xVL8qdOzfyIyPbpcNpKuSNvlTBnnBKNfkleKBlyVswWWFc_G_IP2RZXuGclRd55c0g5l0TaumiZ9EVjnkcMjoTTQNL2U7Dm4htIX_7v-pNqWrBc69osutk0/s320/20190717_001723.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><br />
This model was fun enough to paint that I'm seriously considering getting some Mödiphius <a href="https://www.modiphius.net/collections/fallout-wasteland-warfare/products/fallout-wasteland-warfare-super-mutants-core-box">Super Mutants</a>.<br />
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**<br />
<br />
<b>Vault Dude</b><br />
<br />
Of course the Vault guy had to be among the first models I painted as well!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKejeADEuSxTOhHJ6MybXlE4uroOarMZBlCn52tiCWb90emswdKAmWDnMCcrsZgG91bVtpd2WdUvxLhgyyQhjJx1MLF6_-jmRB0oPxeVAABNWtD_fxaVSk9pY-c-RDPq_ZS0W0tFFWXSkq/s1600/20190717_001659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1441" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKejeADEuSxTOhHJ6MybXlE4uroOarMZBlCn52tiCWb90emswdKAmWDnMCcrsZgG91bVtpd2WdUvxLhgyyQhjJx1MLF6_-jmRB0oPxeVAABNWtD_fxaVSk9pY-c-RDPq_ZS0W0tFFWXSkq/s320/20190717_001659.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
His skin is Burnt Umber, and the hair is Black Grey. The vault suit is Dark Blue, with Saddle Brown, Gunmetal Grey and Copper accessories, with a little Smoke wash.<br />
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**<br />
<br />
<b>Mister Handy</b><br />
<br />
I'm skipping ahead to the <a href="https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/fallout/products/new-california/">New California</a> expansion here, but Mr. Handy had such a memorable debut in <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/08/fallout-lets-play-new-california.html">our first attempt at the co-operative New California scenario</a> as a drug-dealing murder robot that I felt I had to paint him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFDC_nyH1JXIqikfTVDHohcMETZBp4L4mwlrouhEoNDc1dr27xTnzSJmyaRFfp6r27Fky2Qe_9lp8P7ThWoM6-ZIY2dZExBYSINprZvl7mISPfzo4-IDXDpYMXz2DVCfAwKeTuNkCMlYx/s1600/20190724_151500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFDC_nyH1JXIqikfTVDHohcMETZBp4L4mwlrouhEoNDc1dr27xTnzSJmyaRFfp6r27Fky2Qe_9lp8P7ThWoM6-ZIY2dZExBYSINprZvl7mISPfzo4-IDXDpYMXz2DVCfAwKeTuNkCMlYx/s320/20190724_151500.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />
Of course, a robot is also kinda easy to paint! The upper body is Natural Steel and the lower Gunmetal Gray, and the eyes are Silver; the body got a wash of Black Glaze and a little Smokey Ink, and there's some Light Green to represent the drugs, and some Scarlet for the murder.<br />
<br />
**<br />
<br />
<b>Ghoul</b><br />
<br />
The ghoul was the MVP of our first co-op attempt and a past winner as well, so he was definitely next.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt-U0Ag7kdBiJCy98fs9sAeEBtLPAnI7Oa3ww5GuqsjLC7_9kh39t1kTil5XIzgMpNIiTvEUibC7oT_IqKb6eZHZ4RZXNUjEI5C5hMNA07DDDugnS1zeCpxOjqN6PJLyhyJ1qgwSn2nO6/s1600/20190726_145420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt-U0Ag7kdBiJCy98fs9sAeEBtLPAnI7Oa3ww5GuqsjLC7_9kh39t1kTil5XIzgMpNIiTvEUibC7oT_IqKb6eZHZ4RZXNUjEI5C5hMNA07DDDugnS1zeCpxOjqN6PJLyhyJ1qgwSn2nO6/s320/20190726_145420.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
His shoes are black, the pants are London Grey and the vest is Light Grey; the shirt is Ivory. I painted the skin Tan Earth, gave it a light drybrush with Green Sky and a sort of wash with Sunny Skin Tone, followed by some watered-down Smokey Ink. I'm very happy with the result!<div>
<br />
**<br />
<br />So here's the first batch of Fallout characters; there'll be more.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-78312902073911010082023-04-17T09:00:00.142+03:002023-04-17T09:00:00.208+03:00Warhammer 40,000: Let's Play Filthy Casual - Encounter at Red Rocket<div>It is once again time for Warhammer 40,000! I've got my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/04/warhammer-40000-500-pts-of-9th-edition.html">500 points of Word Bearers</a> and my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/03/lets-build-modiphius-terrain.html">Modiphius terrain</a>; my opponent has 500 points of Grey Knights; we are ready to <a href="https://youtu.be/nf8LN1RQM1E">Filthy Casual</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxgm2zkKJoienlOH9NAMB8ttn9FXEDttA40x5C_IkSWBsbsiLXVXofLU2WmJDx3isvcJjiwIXK9daF6-he9hYm_8zO1WOjB6eWj5MgNbusAGGjPGSTS4slOKMl4Bk8smMLgcqElvYScUXLbBtb0bpAJP4bUK27Jjl4ed0q5PR-HwZMWvb0E3bapc8HQ/s370/Image.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxgm2zkKJoienlOH9NAMB8ttn9FXEDttA40x5C_IkSWBsbsiLXVXofLU2WmJDx3isvcJjiwIXK9daF6-he9hYm_8zO1WOjB6eWj5MgNbusAGGjPGSTS4slOKMl4Bk8smMLgcqElvYScUXLbBtb0bpAJP4bUK27Jjl4ed0q5PR-HwZMWvb0E3bapc8HQ/s320/Image.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>We set up on my 4'×4' table, with some fairly ancient Necromunda terrain as well as my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2023/03/warhammer-40000-lets-build-munitorum.html">newer additions</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkK1AcXY65zuk2Z0NVwKxf96j3HfglAMjhCRt1BKvUu87GeKWL0sbaIP9nXOeewlqajtQINedQji1yp8SHzkUhXaF84ceBWKNUYEcgUr67gyLAruLy-g0C71JLQ1hDb4uI5DZcMqwp2Y0gkMhKBGguTooaMKBVb3EUg8YEJCY3DSYa-mbMvW5USRbug/s4128/20230410_135314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkK1AcXY65zuk2Z0NVwKxf96j3HfglAMjhCRt1BKvUu87GeKWL0sbaIP9nXOeewlqajtQINedQji1yp8SHzkUhXaF84ceBWKNUYEcgUr67gyLAruLy-g0C71JLQ1hDb4uI5DZcMqwp2Y0gkMhKBGguTooaMKBVb3EUg8YEJCY3DSYa-mbMvW5USRbug/s320/20230410_135314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>To keep things simple, we decided to play the Only War scenario, and placed objectives accordingly. As this was the debut of my Red Rocket station, my opponent decided the game would be called Encounter at Red Rocket. We made sure to place an objective marker by the coolant pumps.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2tNxRUemLhEObnK1qgiSamcSi7JqWu3_lDjM4F2hkjSDuhWZZYsCKd6boIzZQSkJfD_5iexab1uAtJLyoC5sTRB4B_H-lVTCye_I_Stsyqs0neISuS0PHYPlw1FG7cCf0W9PS5KwN_kJUlJAQVQN8VHO16ymfClXQC9oZ9RcCD1g0tjOOSp2pN2jYg/s4128/20230410_132720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2tNxRUemLhEObnK1qgiSamcSi7JqWu3_lDjM4F2hkjSDuhWZZYsCKd6boIzZQSkJfD_5iexab1uAtJLyoC5sTRB4B_H-lVTCye_I_Stsyqs0neISuS0PHYPlw1FG7cCf0W9PS5KwN_kJUlJAQVQN8VHO16ymfClXQC9oZ9RcCD1g0tjOOSp2pN2jYg/s320/20230410_132720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>My deployment was fairly simple: I decided the Berzerkers and Dreadnought would capture the Red Rocket, while the Cultists moved up the center of the table and grabbed the objective at the container stack.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjns8tFE0pAhwWHS_x-w-Fsph58fmVzLJGLzJt-MCx2s29HZCGJPYyAM9JpCo0z899KPB3ibVrCJpslTE_6snZ-35SPToh2LgODfxQtHL_W53Rx_wRzz_oFmtUGJDxW3GQs0Ai2v9VJXaLkoV08Vnyb-qippazN6MBvpMniUBFyWhyhNacumlMpDF7AoA/s4128/20230410_135257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjns8tFE0pAhwWHS_x-w-Fsph58fmVzLJGLzJt-MCx2s29HZCGJPYyAM9JpCo0z899KPB3ibVrCJpslTE_6snZ-35SPToh2LgODfxQtHL_W53Rx_wRzz_oFmtUGJDxW3GQs0Ai2v9VJXaLkoV08Vnyb-qippazN6MBvpMniUBFyWhyhNacumlMpDF7AoA/s320/20230410_135257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>My opponent's army consisted of (below, left to right) a Terminator squad held in reserve, a Librarian, a Strike Team and an Interceptor Squad, all deployed in cover behind some buildings.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIEjlEsD8WhjWlofn_Xc3RXp-_E5GJWK15f_85AVZpPA2z3tGNBZfSY_NqI_puLnrM_iuGx-JN70ClZQqkNIR1m4DwgydQH6ZiOG61tqORD6lDaJWcgYmrlJE3PCu_WIndXQDbeBeZ4XvfP03_BTlhFlIpxDofICV_T5RbANSraEeXQ6KR-M3QrG-SQ/s4128/20230410_135322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIEjlEsD8WhjWlofn_Xc3RXp-_E5GJWK15f_85AVZpPA2z3tGNBZfSY_NqI_puLnrM_iuGx-JN70ClZQqkNIR1m4DwgydQH6ZiOG61tqORD6lDaJWcgYmrlJE3PCu_WIndXQDbeBeZ4XvfP03_BTlhFlIpxDofICV_T5RbANSraEeXQ6KR-M3QrG-SQ/s320/20230410_135322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The Grey Knights got the first turn, and immediately the space wizard fuckery started. The Interceptors zoomed over to capture the objective by the word wall, and the Librarian used Gate of Infinity to teleport the Strike Squad right onto my left flank.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsEP2xIykkmBv7lO3UGpDwbiJYXcdxlCCpiCcQEWhv70UAOClmsOnmzO3IXwEJarVHKZUWtWyFsvqT2w5a7GLNshlI3F_o9i1MpjY2GfEJxxdeJgWXPBR6VWZWVB-Mm3BV5gFvl3TPhl0tg6YAThjKagQkPXiuKUZv4gvHhRhJDaVFXGwlh-iz3X1OA/s4128/20230410_141832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsEP2xIykkmBv7lO3UGpDwbiJYXcdxlCCpiCcQEWhv70UAOClmsOnmzO3IXwEJarVHKZUWtWyFsvqT2w5a7GLNshlI3F_o9i1MpjY2GfEJxxdeJgWXPBR6VWZWVB-Mm3BV5gFvl3TPhl0tg6YAThjKagQkPXiuKUZv4gvHhRhJDaVFXGwlh-iz3X1OA/s320/20230410_141832.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Obviously I couldn't let this stand; I sent my Cultists around to attack the Strike Squad, with the Berzerkers rushing over to support them, while my Dreadnought lumbered over to secure the objective at the Red Rocket.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalFiI8tq41MasEw2HfPE2yHsylPBt1XBaVeI9AUW__lJaIv5cwJU-CLMjE-b3r2ttngY2yA4527KE9jQ7qFZIUD3QblZHANadoHtc6aHRu4cLHeb83ZiRVXa8lr12SViuCQJRNDcK9Ot5LuxezBmXTHI-CDvhkt0ogOhy4s-4KkYulMYlKIbOZvkK2A/s4128/20230410_144439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalFiI8tq41MasEw2HfPE2yHsylPBt1XBaVeI9AUW__lJaIv5cwJU-CLMjE-b3r2ttngY2yA4527KE9jQ7qFZIUD3QblZHANadoHtc6aHRu4cLHeb83ZiRVXa8lr12SViuCQJRNDcK9Ot5LuxezBmXTHI-CDvhkt0ogOhy4s-4KkYulMYlKIbOZvkK2A/s320/20230410_144439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Since the Strike Team was in range and my Cultists were encouraged by the Dark Apostle's successful prayer, it was time to charge!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpvMR9hsMzeWKkIMJtaGXQqa6PfYDyaSinDsNu0RXRGsI5c4E8-2wz9tX9DK1xUW8ITjolfTbmkL43OTK-RSliNCBO1lJkHzZdLpQSmKZ9hDRO4Qcb6V36ZDievsbm3Olyj8rIKmCsRcU8ASkgyubtbe7s5l68ZdbE-budDTbqoaKhOwGeDR2TV7QUQ/s4128/20230410_145712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpvMR9hsMzeWKkIMJtaGXQqa6PfYDyaSinDsNu0RXRGsI5c4E8-2wz9tX9DK1xUW8ITjolfTbmkL43OTK-RSliNCBO1lJkHzZdLpQSmKZ9hDRO4Qcb6V36ZDievsbm3Olyj8rIKmCsRcU8ASkgyubtbe7s5l68ZdbE-budDTbqoaKhOwGeDR2TV7QUQ/s320/20230410_145712.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Cultists immediately start taking hevy casualties, but they take a Grey Knight with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the situation at the end of the first battle round:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9BYox_YY42Wi6q2bvv6kRIJ7Ng75LEvOEQhT6vfb34ExwhieNC9mPp0tTkipEPZuYBNWmyMwxZv1yHQANQsTwBTrcu_Si2RGZz6t3Uzu3cr5GudTKRbMltGGPvzv8F2PQnPOzBaQwwfhdIR2Azkz_dMNYZ5dNQJSTRsk_2eeXnpQ6DzEAGdDubIV6g/s4128/20230410_151535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9BYox_YY42Wi6q2bvv6kRIJ7Ng75LEvOEQhT6vfb34ExwhieNC9mPp0tTkipEPZuYBNWmyMwxZv1yHQANQsTwBTrcu_Si2RGZz6t3Uzu3cr5GudTKRbMltGGPvzv8F2PQnPOzBaQwwfhdIR2Azkz_dMNYZ5dNQJSTRsk_2eeXnpQ6DzEAGdDubIV6g/s320/20230410_151535.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Grey Knights Librarian is literally hiding inside the little building at top left, next to the blue dice tray. My Dreadnought is under the Red Rocket canopy; the Berzerkers are making their laborious way toward the fight.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>The Grey Knights opened the second battle round by teleporting the Terminators in to face the Dreadnought at the Red Rocket. The Librarian blasted my Dread with Vortex of Doom, doing the maximum possible seven wounds, of which my Legion trait let me save exactly none. He then hit the Dread with Fatal Precognition, meaning I risked additional mortal wounds if it did anything!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC44s7lae2rzudfOYl4SGVamlxDg9JDNnITMvMXTVOJVSEVHroF621UR6x_AeJzCuk4pr9eb4OThGSc805fQ5hv-ln5QuzrF2zAj4cOzvpl3XpC-8pem9QPLeyWgZ4an1QqBQyb03Goj4pHrLg0acPFHgEogwXeUf82Mdn9TfbSVENxJBvF2HwM1IvIw/s4128/20230410_152324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC44s7lae2rzudfOYl4SGVamlxDg9JDNnITMvMXTVOJVSEVHroF621UR6x_AeJzCuk4pr9eb4OThGSc805fQ5hv-ln5QuzrF2zAj4cOzvpl3XpC-8pem9QPLeyWgZ4an1QqBQyb03Goj4pHrLg0acPFHgEogwXeUf82Mdn9TfbSVENxJBvF2HwM1IvIw/s320/20230410_152324.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>On the other side of the table, the Interceptors charged into combat with my Cultists and pretty much wiped them out - but not without taking casualties themselves!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ0jnzkaYNBhghhJVAxTzz_CG9T_VS1_cGO9o8-tTZP9xWVR5wGukPYM45wc_AdXSF7CnzczVNs7NJwjqy6wFgz8AisTB6OQJun188l0_65Q1OkZ3xtH4aMugzUdIomMjMoynGzshfa_LYAn0Fibb0ceuM4Y82w8IJq3ohz28otN-BXyBEQ7B55lQqg/s4128/20230410_155030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ0jnzkaYNBhghhJVAxTzz_CG9T_VS1_cGO9o8-tTZP9xWVR5wGukPYM45wc_AdXSF7CnzczVNs7NJwjqy6wFgz8AisTB6OQJun188l0_65Q1OkZ3xtH4aMugzUdIomMjMoynGzshfa_LYAn0Fibb0ceuM4Y82w8IJq3ohz28otN-BXyBEQ7B55lQqg/s320/20230410_155030.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>When my turn rolled around, the Dreadnought tried to get to grips with the pesky Loyalist tormenting it - and dropped down dead!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg689EiJI2sGxYQDXnStdQk_HFp2hQa2abTPc5xIoPVGvg8a1wDgec07dC_lKZRdc4KI5KK68TPTfudYrKVJ-GoaQ6nKUuixeJhgqPi5WM2KNQVjgyrj0-jI6Ztn29gfvYyhmYWk2s571fjh1jsxT7bzdUvKtQ866LQuaMfgXE9Tqr4wY0RIlu6adJg/s4128/20230410_160058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg689EiJI2sGxYQDXnStdQk_HFp2hQa2abTPc5xIoPVGvg8a1wDgec07dC_lKZRdc4KI5KK68TPTfudYrKVJ-GoaQ6nKUuixeJhgqPi5WM2KNQVjgyrj0-jI6Ztn29gfvYyhmYWk2s571fjh1jsxT7bzdUvKtQ866LQuaMfgXE9Tqr4wY0RIlu6adJg/s320/20230410_160058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Meanwhile, the Cultists were wiped out in the Fight phase. They accounted for one Interceptor and two Grey Knights, which I think we have to consider slightly heroic. All that remained of my army was the Berzerkers and Dark Apostle.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmWG0nSb-snu5SVjeViuJKYwgE4krI1fbrrS54Qsa-QQGYyeMDI8m549WkdHBUlHmM-ZLIWcQhEFYmN-UA-exN2vYZj_s0ujjQ29G18jLVNDHceFtm6Y0T5mxn21M1sQooqVky-SOrssHJXWdnszTsNZOCJGkR3-bewShbK-UjtVikHDjkAviSO_fMw/s4128/20230410_161025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmWG0nSb-snu5SVjeViuJKYwgE4krI1fbrrS54Qsa-QQGYyeMDI8m549WkdHBUlHmM-ZLIWcQhEFYmN-UA-exN2vYZj_s0ujjQ29G18jLVNDHceFtm6Y0T5mxn21M1sQooqVky-SOrssHJXWdnszTsNZOCJGkR3-bewShbK-UjtVikHDjkAviSO_fMw/s320/20230410_161025.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>It was pretty obvious at this point that I had lost the game. My opponent could easily have run circles around my Berzerkers for the last three battle rounds, collecting enough victory points to win the game twice over. I said as much, and offered to concede. To his credit, my opponent wanted to fight it out, very sportingly bringing out the Interceptors to engage my Berzerkers so that I got to roll the absolute buckets of dice they generate in mêlée.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvxO_OQurGJoweTikCbv3ZRTUN_UwO8AMGQnN7MyjJ5naeeZEMkpnl5VPY_-Qdx9BRHmZBaFIvWbnFWJcUlClb4lTFKIv1fQ_FBBSdkTWXjw-zZp4RA27F_S_frlGrDZG8NdoaZayXp3s5XcYsbFuhnmKiOIPJELI1QcI-xFUwTPuumW1OAiMMuQuoQ/s4128/20230410_164030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvxO_OQurGJoweTikCbv3ZRTUN_UwO8AMGQnN7MyjJ5naeeZEMkpnl5VPY_-Qdx9BRHmZBaFIvWbnFWJcUlClb4lTFKIv1fQ_FBBSdkTWXjw-zZp4RA27F_S_frlGrDZG8NdoaZayXp3s5XcYsbFuhnmKiOIPJELI1QcI-xFUwTPuumW1OAiMMuQuoQ/s320/20230410_164030.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The Berzerkers made short work of the Interceptors and went on to wipe out the Strike Squad survivors as well. Meanwhile, the Grey Knights Librarian struck down my Dark Apostle.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb3NjE7CqYTg4Qt10sdw_ZI6ToP7sBQ_akDb3w8xaahyRvfPRsehm8mr5HmUtQprsPxzX1LFAr3aW-hcVATz5woF2NPiQ6rITfA7YxPc6vlapDEv_l0Sc1X8G29ZbAoechjeDIIO8rCRIm0n5uWB0p3DJOiVsuJ9v0kks3t7Aw-B6TcMv2Wx5_eZycw/s4128/20230410_170044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb3NjE7CqYTg4Qt10sdw_ZI6ToP7sBQ_akDb3w8xaahyRvfPRsehm8mr5HmUtQprsPxzX1LFAr3aW-hcVATz5woF2NPiQ6rITfA7YxPc6vlapDEv_l0Sc1X8G29ZbAoechjeDIIO8rCRIm0n5uWB0p3DJOiVsuJ9v0kks3t7Aw-B6TcMv2Wx5_eZycw/s320/20230410_170044.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Eventually, their numbers depleted by psykery and such, the Berzerkers were run down by the Terminators and wiped out.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVci8YQ-SCGY3eu6eBRq6Q-mTMxUjE2FdVQcPtCgLuXZpDqOkRPY5Rdta-CTTJUhS4QruKiRQeOH_8yuhDWFJqAKsB2U4sTA92drYL-GTjYFtXomlPp11RNah6xcdWgJ4Tt-OaZowBnMgle5D-Ozyx4Sb4wLrg8UF2so9kvAUe1YO3LqMv03lOba-o7Q/s4128/20230410_171232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVci8YQ-SCGY3eu6eBRq6Q-mTMxUjE2FdVQcPtCgLuXZpDqOkRPY5Rdta-CTTJUhS4QruKiRQeOH_8yuhDWFJqAKsB2U4sTA92drYL-GTjYFtXomlPp11RNah6xcdWgJ4Tt-OaZowBnMgle5D-Ozyx4Sb4wLrg8UF2so9kvAUe1YO3LqMv03lOba-o7Q/s320/20230410_171232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And so the game ended with me being tabled. Hey, Khorne cares not whence the blood flows, and it definitely flowed.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>In retrospect, it's fairly obvious that my biggest mistake was the deployment of my Berzerkers. They should have been right there with the Cultists in one great big blob of death, or alternatively they should have stuck to the original plan and stormed the Red Rocket with the Dreadnought. I also should have been more decisive with my Dark Apostle and gotten her into mêlée with the Cultists. So yeah, my deployment was bad and I was too indecisive.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is to take nothing away from my opponent, though: he played very well and decisively outmaneuvered me, taking excellent advantage of my bad decisions and using his mobility and psykery edge to full advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will freely admit that I was not prepared for space wizard fuckery. I expected a deluge of mortal wounds; I did not expect all the flying around. The answer for my Chaos Marines is clear: more mobility. I have already ordered some jump packs.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>On a broader note, we were left with two strong impressions. First of all, Filthy Casual is just fun, especially with smaller armies. Having said that, I'll quote my worthy opponent, who said, after the game: "There's a lot to remember." There certainly is. Even without secondary objectives or stratagems, and playing a very simple mission, datasheets and rules to hand, we still found it a struggle to remember all the particular rules and exceptions. I still feel that 40k is far too strongly designed for tournament play by people young enough to memorize huge rulesets, and even though 10th edition promises to simplify everything, well, I'll believe it when I see it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even so, I certainly enjoyed myself, and I'm full of ideas on what kind of army to build for the rematch!</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-78525853815204455152023-04-10T09:00:00.120+03:002023-04-10T09:00:00.192+03:00Mission tactics at seaFor future reference, I want to record this outstanding example of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission-type_tactics">mission tactics</a> / <i>Aufragstaktik</i> / whatever you want to call it. I've been thinking about World War II and specifically naval warfare in it, so I'm re-reading Correlli Barnett's excellent <i>Engage the Enemy More Closely</i>. There's a lot to disagree with in Barnett's account, and David Edgerton has done so, at length. I still think that much of Barnett's criticism of British grand strategy in the war is fundamentally correct, and I think I'll want to return to that later.<div><br /></div><div>For now, though, here's a quote from Barnett's narrative of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Sirte">Second Battle of Sirte</a> in 1942, where a Royal Navy cruiser squadron under Admiral Philip Vian drove off a considerably superior Italian force.</div><div><br /></div><div>"His own flagship <i>Cleopatra</i> had been hit in the bridge early in the action, killing fifteen and temporarily knocking out her radio. But, wrote Vian in his memoirs, "The damage sustained was of no importance. The leaders of the divisions of the striking force were well aware of my intentions, and communication, for the time, was unnecessary.""</div><div><br /></div><div>That's command for you.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-90779172234358174682023-04-03T09:00:00.121+03:002023-04-03T09:00:00.180+03:00Warhammer 40,000: 500 pts of 9th Edition Word Bearers<div>I've been threatened with a 500-point game of Warhammer 40,000, so I'd better get my army ready.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaFoyk6Ug7eGHAX2B35Wk6rw0OqYCspzbvQ2lzPulTqBCe2u53kQU87SBY7Bw2Il5Lwt75kdQAxJmvjcnKnJ02_jgM-3FzSNIejBfdJuGskZWyPee1N3WRqpMi98t0TZ8UJRlH0NxhmGFlNUNVuw7ui5aBDEXtAof4MwWLgc7P0H0Bl9L1B8glNl94A/s370/Image%20(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaFoyk6Ug7eGHAX2B35Wk6rw0OqYCspzbvQ2lzPulTqBCe2u53kQU87SBY7Bw2Il5Lwt75kdQAxJmvjcnKnJ02_jgM-3FzSNIejBfdJuGskZWyPee1N3WRqpMi98t0TZ8UJRlH0NxhmGFlNUNVuw7ui5aBDEXtAof4MwWLgc7P0H0Bl9L1B8glNl94A/s320/Image%20(18).jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Since my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/02/warhammer-40000-lets-play-filthy-casual.html">last game</a>, the 9th edition Chaos Marine codex dropped, and changed quite a lot of things. First and foremost, it destroyed the MVP of my previous games by capping Cultists at 20 models per unit and nerfing Tide of Traitors completely. However, it gave my Word Bearers a useful legion trait as well, so win some, lose some, I guess.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm still bringing my old Necromunda Escher gang, even if I can only have twenty of them. I painted these Escher juves:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTcy0REu-KjhSVIw_7UPQoRjWRxKi5E8Cc7g8suOOdHCDZWJDwjO9hGX0TLNJeUspUpHNMoCMc6733dTTU-nA9wZGibWxuat9hEJwGv5paZ3QWr7oOwcwIlGZHt8HtsKeJgQD64mHa9DLF6cf7fUXdYKDCv8_zxwZZ6uTWzfrTJrhzebtOD5Qp3pswQ/s4128/20220506_171618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTcy0REu-KjhSVIw_7UPQoRjWRxKi5E8Cc7g8suOOdHCDZWJDwjO9hGX0TLNJeUspUpHNMoCMc6733dTTU-nA9wZGibWxuat9hEJwGv5paZ3QWr7oOwcwIlGZHt8HtsKeJgQD64mHa9DLF6cf7fUXdYKDCv8_zxwZZ6uTWzfrTJrhzebtOD5Qp3pswQ/s320/20220506_171618.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And added these <a href="http://www.brother-vinni.com/shop.htm#!/Jungle-Fighters/p/35126782/category=9008390">Brother Vinni Jungle Fighters</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5jXQ2RAD7KmKY8QGpGt-YanLTUYtuLJZ_7MSf2OPyQgg-_g5B0N2h4wWSWqsgb6FGg8hDlVBulO7fQmEwu5ukFoyLUZCyptDbEpg_jB5z_rn-zFlGY6MkpXmkFbVX4CxJBksyEdJrZ99QjueQqOwiH1Kds7nFgc1jP9c9yFpl1tAtc6gMkLsmDJu2Q/s4128/20220601_134837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5jXQ2RAD7KmKY8QGpGt-YanLTUYtuLJZ_7MSf2OPyQgg-_g5B0N2h4wWSWqsgb6FGg8hDlVBulO7fQmEwu5ukFoyLUZCyptDbEpg_jB5z_rn-zFlGY6MkpXmkFbVX4CxJBksyEdJrZ99QjueQqOwiH1Kds7nFgc1jP9c9yFpl1tAtc6gMkLsmDJu2Q/s320/20220601_134837.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Finally, here's two fairly ancient <a href="https://whfb.lexicanum.com/wiki/Sisters_of_Sigmar">Sisters of Sigmar</a> I found to round out the unit.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M6Xl4DsDzcZY5GTeA_jZM7_n69dvaxEzF5Vgntpfk_ZBgzAnThVfcjos7HQvWofuD7t8TZRPrFi39O3E1DCcfDF2sfenG1MqCJ5szcK6qWTzC_02DLmNxwrUH4HJFoK230DxqvkhWhwNwEeVcnVOyKomfCi3diqFFTBv4tmoTwJsA1bT1yIfsP-Sng/s4128/20220910_183725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M6Xl4DsDzcZY5GTeA_jZM7_n69dvaxEzF5Vgntpfk_ZBgzAnThVfcjos7HQvWofuD7t8TZRPrFi39O3E1DCcfDF2sfenG1MqCJ5szcK6qWTzC_02DLmNxwrUH4HJFoK230DxqvkhWhwNwEeVcnVOyKomfCi3diqFFTBv4tmoTwJsA1bT1yIfsP-Sng/s320/20220910_183725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That makes 14 models and the champion with autopistols and close combat weapons, because I'm hoping I can swamp some Marines in close combat again. That leaves five more, and since I can now have two grenade launchers in the squad for no cost, and I arguably have the models, why not? That leaves three autogunners.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't that sold on my Chaos Lord last time around, so this time I'm bringing back my favorite <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/10/warhammer-40000-tankhammer.html">8th ed.</a> HQ choice: my Dark Apostle. She now automatically comes with two Dark Disciples, and I have a <a href="https://www.ragingheroes.com/a/s/collections/soem-sf/products/davidians-cg-s-sf">Davidians Command</a> box from Raging Heroes (which I used earlier to make an <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2021/02/warhammer-40000-forge-world-nchurdamz.html">Enginseer for my machine cultists</a>); it occurred to me that they would also make nigh-on perfect Slaanesh Dark Disciples.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70PVvoSoEcpNVT6DR6168xil0o48laPGMMXKTuo4B4q8NcJ2UgqPhvlD228og-aubHLmLoHuLqh8Jnt1WXa8EA-ajBH3cJkdeYD9hiKrnP8ITQNkzTEfMz0UzRS3_b1IqJMO2NC60oV00JsXOmlzAgCJ56YchfUfk1G3_HHp75W7_zgALKqr_kXbsQQ/s4128/20230307_120509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70PVvoSoEcpNVT6DR6168xil0o48laPGMMXKTuo4B4q8NcJ2UgqPhvlD228og-aubHLmLoHuLqh8Jnt1WXa8EA-ajBH3cJkdeYD9hiKrnP8ITQNkzTEfMz0UzRS3_b1IqJMO2NC60oV00JsXOmlzAgCJ56YchfUfk1G3_HHp75W7_zgALKqr_kXbsQQ/s320/20230307_120509.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Last time, I had a Vindicator that got very little done and blew up. This time, for a little taste of <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/11/gladius-how-i-beat-game-on-very-hard.html">Gladius</a>, I got myself a Chaos Dreadnought.</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWem2r0yrtynNFIGQHELmMwAbgp4BLbZDGXr7Ij4DRu_moq4oXoVag8Xy8rDWCP8K59Bk4POPZOCLJ1VmtmRRgtHT_jO_ndyOeshD88SS8H4aLSTBEP2ls5lNiX3vZdwJuQ4hbwZrqLy3hn2LqpDKgz0dl5QRWDVfMUq7ePCoZ9TZ7Ieae_CnCYHecvA=s4128" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWem2r0yrtynNFIGQHELmMwAbgp4BLbZDGXr7Ij4DRu_moq4oXoVag8Xy8rDWCP8K59Bk4POPZOCLJ1VmtmRRgtHT_jO_ndyOeshD88SS8H4aLSTBEP2ls5lNiX3vZdwJuQ4hbwZrqLy3hn2LqpDKgz0dl5QRWDVfMUq7ePCoZ9TZ7Ieae_CnCYHecvA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>This was a fun model to assemble, with lots of weapon options. I went for the Gladius loadout of reaper autocannon and power scourge, but magnetized everything so I can swap them out if I want. The gun arm was easy: I drilled a hole and slotted in a magnet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdBSR7_LB9yOSVMfqwYkXst5U9tG5nMJV1CFasVLpxi2SD5HqJkLA1L-gx_wvJrtr9y4GpDwMeS_woX9Pmyo1DeojikVKRFkbyg5OlOamNtfIfW8sDQQoqyqa0Ns68yG9c3yjQz151K77eRqwljHnn7WdXe3W2MgYaIb8aHv-lgCehbJcnHbc2zk-tQ/s4128/20220304_184510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdBSR7_LB9yOSVMfqwYkXst5U9tG5nMJV1CFasVLpxi2SD5HqJkLA1L-gx_wvJrtr9y4GpDwMeS_woX9Pmyo1DeojikVKRFkbyg5OlOamNtfIfW8sDQQoqyqa0Ns68yG9c3yjQz151K77eRqwljHnn7WdXe3W2MgYaIb8aHv-lgCehbJcnHbc2zk-tQ/s320/20220304_184510.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The model has been done quite cleverly so that all the various weapons fit onto the shoulder joint, and with a matching hole and magnet on the weapon, it fits perfectly.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyozxB4UHlU1SooKUIdlnau6Q0Xh6zuIK6GhjlGT8q44-IcsqatYV9qsvJmqXxOjF6jfM-En90S13O78O-hs2-RJJCtLgiZwH_LKC0UPSc6lArT4Q3IY-pJipkQUG1vza44o71b-KceoOFS8xlufH6PwAYaDCquXdCq0X-rxoU7k38T_uRSN8qAS1yA/s4128/20220304_191224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyozxB4UHlU1SooKUIdlnau6Q0Xh6zuIK6GhjlGT8q44-IcsqatYV9qsvJmqXxOjF6jfM-En90S13O78O-hs2-RJJCtLgiZwH_LKC0UPSc6lArT4Q3IY-pJipkQUG1vza44o71b-KceoOFS8xlufH6PwAYaDCquXdCq0X-rxoU7k38T_uRSN8qAS1yA/s320/20220304_191224.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The left arm is different, with each mêlée weapon having its own shoulder, so I put a magnet on the body and another one inside the power scourge shoulder.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFGFsCE-c3lLZstNtyAdpHfiWmXCp1S4hj4hnuROjyCz4kALGiSmyFs_zgLXWgd3sfw1mflm2T-RbEO7d4Nu8icdm19z1JZwVfgWf7UunedCBU2DcbnZSMW6JhT6L5V0Y2FBftEId6MAdEfnTxwId8RsW8qnJmhliHV0vxwaVaUE2XeJGzFpwaxSq-w/s4128/20220304_213858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFGFsCE-c3lLZstNtyAdpHfiWmXCp1S4hj4hnuROjyCz4kALGiSmyFs_zgLXWgd3sfw1mflm2T-RbEO7d4Nu8icdm19z1JZwVfgWf7UunedCBU2DcbnZSMW6JhT6L5V0Y2FBftEId6MAdEfnTxwId8RsW8qnJmhliHV0vxwaVaUE2XeJGzFpwaxSq-w/s320/20220304_213858.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's the finished article:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTcLy-H5AAVDlreWN66RogkKiCJd92dTHeu2Ei5JgQZGDRWX3wvZ0H3fw9jLSrLm62CunYSqzG4jHb9XN80eCVR40g0KAhBMhhHWcQU83KCRt7nN9GpQFsg0NSjK1q1aUIBECDV7uM6bjpg4C5t4S3FPl_x7NhIpVCX5IvKOVfoGZ2FLm_GlmiEUfrA/s4128/20220502_085438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTcLy-H5AAVDlreWN66RogkKiCJd92dTHeu2Ei5JgQZGDRWX3wvZ0H3fw9jLSrLm62CunYSqzG4jHb9XN80eCVR40g0KAhBMhhHWcQU83KCRt7nN9GpQFsg0NSjK1q1aUIBECDV7uM6bjpg4C5t4S3FPl_x7NhIpVCX5IvKOVfoGZ2FLm_GlmiEUfrA/s320/20220502_085438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The dreadnought is wearing the same dark green and silver livery as my Chaos Lord, and I kinda like it. Now that most of the weapons don't cost anything, though, I built myself a multi-melta.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_tcmqBrQma7NwmWaIcxbZTN1y48oZu_njgO2j_7mTsJTzhpvFuDghrjz-aeSslDVKCVuGmaApIAnkkDebzaesfklXAyZz3hkTdGS7MS6JWgvvLymJv_eOQHRjkhEQ8a4I1x9qr4URBglH0zlIz1P5Ab6oRgJwjwgTPflXbTw67TVx3zNKnwUoLggQg/s4128/20230217_135631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_tcmqBrQma7NwmWaIcxbZTN1y48oZu_njgO2j_7mTsJTzhpvFuDghrjz-aeSslDVKCVuGmaApIAnkkDebzaesfklXAyZz3hkTdGS7MS6JWgvvLymJv_eOQHRjkhEQ8a4I1x9qr4URBglH0zlIz1P5Ab6oRgJwjwgTPflXbTw67TVx3zNKnwUoLggQg/s320/20230217_135631.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I also wanted to bring my Berzerkers, <i>Faciebam Deum Ex Sanguine.</i> In their debut, they were gloriously wiped out in close combat, carving their way through several characters and a conscript blob. They were also the stars of our <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/10/warhammer-40000-tankhammer.html">third game</a>, where they were nearly destroyed beating up some loyalist vehicles and Knight Armigers. I love my Berzerkers, and I've managed to paint them as well.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_U6vLrOlA881vZUBssjuOTokKD7BWy6mo2VCwIkiS25msWnr0YXzzCp3POi6S5qvVBvlErttu3pbtYFCHWy0-gNnZ9W17eYZ5A27k1pFeP5nM2JiqfQb6flGrDyD4AzygooG1STN8PwWtrvhP1GINZw4TPv3qPeoQmbBYFShYF2d5z9l7m180uP8ow/s4128/20230402_171006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_U6vLrOlA881vZUBssjuOTokKD7BWy6mo2VCwIkiS25msWnr0YXzzCp3POi6S5qvVBvlErttu3pbtYFCHWy0-gNnZ9W17eYZ5A27k1pFeP5nM2JiqfQb6flGrDyD4AzygooG1STN8PwWtrvhP1GINZw4TPv3qPeoQmbBYFShYF2d5z9l7m180uP8ow/s320/20230402_171006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I will again register my disappointment that they no longer get any meaningful wargear choices. I don't like this new 40k at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the list:</div><div><br /></div><div>HQ - Dark Apostle - 95 points </div><div><br /></div><div>Troops - Cultists Mob (20) - 100 points [195] </div><div><br /></div><div>Elites - Helbrute - 105 points [300] </div><div><br /></div><div>Elites - Berzerkers (8) - 176 pts</div><div>+ Mark of Khorne [15], Berzerker icon [5] = 196 points [496]</div><div><br /></div><div>And here's the army.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMO5AiKTEouMMm8yCtMkPuTMd-H4o2GRlgidpL9VAxgcEpWfY3x8MnKIkeyMHDv4C6tKRkfIIA_1HT2fjqHwpkuCxlSRvlkLMIK-YykVPoxrQzjixkbMzE9aAOCYBFGuV6KB_2WC8toSiwDA-yxigeJAOXsSYAzPRXD6zO0oEtubO1dl7YqAH_CS1pQ/s4128/20230402_171329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMO5AiKTEouMMm8yCtMkPuTMd-H4o2GRlgidpL9VAxgcEpWfY3x8MnKIkeyMHDv4C6tKRkfIIA_1HT2fjqHwpkuCxlSRvlkLMIK-YykVPoxrQzjixkbMzE9aAOCYBFGuV6KB_2WC8toSiwDA-yxigeJAOXsSYAzPRXD6zO0oEtubO1dl7YqAH_CS1pQ/s320/20230402_171329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>My strategy is very simple: I'm going to run at the sniveling loyalists and beat them up.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-70741358912043543292023-03-27T09:00:00.071+03:002023-03-27T09:00:00.187+03:00Pandemic diary: Year 3It's now been three years since my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/03/pandemic-diary-march.html">first pandemic diary entry</a> on this blog. My previous one was <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/03/pandemic-diary-march-2022.html">a year ago</a>, when I noted that our government had pretty much abandoned trying to contain the pandemic at all. The official death toll on 1.1.2022 was 1 564. As I write this, the <a href="https://covid19.who.int/region/euro/country/fi">WHO Covid dashboard</a> has our total deaths at about 8 900. In my previous post, I said we'd need to triple our death toll from what was then about 3 000 to reach per capita numbers like Sweden. Well, we've done it.<div><br /></div><div>So what happened? I'll show you. I no longer have screenshotted graphics from our government broadcaster, because they've quit publishing covid statistics. These are from Our World in Data.</div><div><br /></div><div>The graph below shows the story of our pandemic. For the first year or so, we were very successful at suppressing the pandemic. Deaths were well below the world average, let alone the EU average. We were on par with Asia. Until something changed, and away we went.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgRPVamCML0af5yT_jRxaHzxq9YuVRUPUFweAWiScuubAdB8nJ7YyuemFFTecRIyspi0InqHJvekkOkhVWnUO1aFpjNyQ9Q1AD-OJJ9yTVF3VAcKaLI91lIs7w5yqG89BFE_PmwhLVIwH5wnG-sl65_kntO-bcHDwxvNgYAOnfME3MZuBkRJpxsdBjQ/s786/Screenshot_20230316-122319_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgRPVamCML0af5yT_jRxaHzxq9YuVRUPUFweAWiScuubAdB8nJ7YyuemFFTecRIyspi0InqHJvekkOkhVWnUO1aFpjNyQ9Q1AD-OJJ9yTVF3VAcKaLI91lIs7w5yqG89BFE_PmwhLVIwH5wnG-sl65_kntO-bcHDwxvNgYAOnfME3MZuBkRJpxsdBjQ/s320/Screenshot_20230316-122319_Chrome.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br /><div>In the fall of 2021, our government pretty much decided that we're going to stop suppressing the pandemic. The next graph is from about a week ago, and it shows the consequences of that decision.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhEm7ZC-px82aytV4O56hGjDCeL8oWqPAC_kvcBHVghbfrP4uoogruXcschCm-seDrlYEW_6Ijjsf_pXcZIi8I7JtkUL3LYwr4nGnSlUueVnBZxzp79skaguZM2qjg_FF53qrcDshMtwhDl9XdYtXK6ASiULFogym9aY9ieWLjT-kqqzRYOltUXcoAw/s803/Screenshot_20230316-122017_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhEm7ZC-px82aytV4O56hGjDCeL8oWqPAC_kvcBHVghbfrP4uoogruXcschCm-seDrlYEW_6Ijjsf_pXcZIi8I7JtkUL3LYwr4nGnSlUueVnBZxzp79skaguZM2qjg_FF53qrcDshMtwhDl9XdYtXK6ASiULFogym9aY9ieWLjT-kqqzRYOltUXcoAw/s320/Screenshot_20230316-122017_Chrome.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br /><div>Over the past year, covid deaths in Finland have been way higher, per capita, than in the UK or the US. We're also way above the EU average, let alone the world. We simply decided that actually, we're just going to let people die.</div><div><br /></div><div>The one thing I associate this with, more than anything, is a cheerful media appearance by our very cinematic prime minister. On September 24, she was on the cover of one of our major afternoon papers, with the huge headline: It is time to live!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzfSxlBnKQ0gmMoMm8hitKdETiBkWb3is-S1iAZEAoMfkm3-EeX42f8nIkVgsWXOhN5uBSpRxMXT9ryeUtbHsKX2b30z2jgjlODOWpTAweamU1EUfP5CEOKzTpfnnJlwhEutJlsYeTELYdjomV4DkbstprsZXabgX_dKyzsAdprPLpqfvAM8Cr-kc3g/s720/Screenshot_20230316-123738_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="720" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzfSxlBnKQ0gmMoMm8hitKdETiBkWb3is-S1iAZEAoMfkm3-EeX42f8nIkVgsWXOhN5uBSpRxMXT9ryeUtbHsKX2b30z2jgjlODOWpTAweamU1EUfP5CEOKzTpfnnJlwhEutJlsYeTELYdjomV4DkbstprsZXabgX_dKyzsAdprPLpqfvAM8Cr-kc3g/s320/Screenshot_20230316-123738_Chrome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Obviously it wasn't just one interview: rather, it coincided with a general lifting of restrictions. Masks and distancing are no longer recommended, and in general, people are being encouraged to behave as if there was no pandemic at all. Below you can see the results.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICpYshBHfzfDA49ew6BG1vwhYMH2eEkFZ-HiHLTjEsxqGdw3rcx-zUZWK_2LfgY7miuwvUYUElANYOJD3AGKg8NZbwpaLvbA-pemRe3hDBY1fVyysLuJ9FJ-UtGETzG4eMNwBS-qMjdvGNyZJ-7hD9Z-6RZlW9GV7qLofp4Doqlgy7WkNk94xhX4HZQ/s770/Screenshot_20230316-123700_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICpYshBHfzfDA49ew6BG1vwhYMH2eEkFZ-HiHLTjEsxqGdw3rcx-zUZWK_2LfgY7miuwvUYUElANYOJD3AGKg8NZbwpaLvbA-pemRe3hDBY1fVyysLuJ9FJ-UtGETzG4eMNwBS-qMjdvGNyZJ-7hD9Z-6RZlW9GV7qLofp4Doqlgy7WkNk94xhX4HZQ/s320/Screenshot_20230316-123700_Chrome.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br /><div>It's actually really interesting to look at all the Nordic countries. First of all, this is the only real frame of reference for assessing Sweden's performance. People in English-speaking countries occasionally make very misleading arguments about Sweden, because they compare Swedish policy outcomes to their own. Surely the comparison point has to be very similar societies, with very different pandemic policies. Below is what it looks like. Frankly, if you think pandemic mortality in Sweden wasn't high, your baseline is wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbBEVPIJGX1DpC6pUAQoRPGX45XWURxOAr0ZB-MKNhNU-KbE5mCdY3TnfjFOJaW8ZnQdd93h-ow5OB5SS7YCRsShVStpqeOdL2BpDv8YlcXvZHsf-DGflULql8Ni_aW4cquB0UwKj78jIkJifBL8UfZMU5IHdRgC01KW7pt3TKLXx53zsiDMMhnrAqQ/s1010/Screenshot_20230318-230510_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="639" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbBEVPIJGX1DpC6pUAQoRPGX45XWURxOAr0ZB-MKNhNU-KbE5mCdY3TnfjFOJaW8ZnQdd93h-ow5OB5SS7YCRsShVStpqeOdL2BpDv8YlcXvZHsf-DGflULql8Ni_aW4cquB0UwKj78jIkJifBL8UfZMU5IHdRgC01KW7pt3TKLXx53zsiDMMhnrAqQ/s320/Screenshot_20230318-230510_Chrome.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So here we are. On New Year's Day 2022, 1 500 people in Finland had died of Covid. Now the number is 9 000. We were doing a world-class job of suppressing the pandemic - until we decided to quit. Almost ten thousand people died, and we're still pretending it isn't happening. Get on the subway today, and there's barely a mask in sight. We're doling out <a href="https://tutkimusblogi.kela.fi/arkisto/6874">record amounts of sick pay</a>, but even that can't sway the government into doing anything. It is time to live. Except, of course, for the 7 500 people who died after we lifted restrictions.</div><div><br /></div><div>What's horrible about all this is that this pretence that there's no pandemic is empowering all the worst people. We now have folks who were grumbling about the restrictions claiming that they were never necessary in the first place. It's honestly kind of terrifying that hundreds of thousands of people get sick, thousands die, and there are actual people out here saying that the greatest atrocity was that they weren't allowed to go to the gym or the karaoke bar. It's certainly now easier to understand why the 1918 pandemic seems to have vanished from the historical record.</div><div><br /></div><div>First it was hoarding pasta and toilet paper, then it was "time to live", i.e. "I don't give a shit who dies, it won't be me". The necropolitics of Covid suggest that we're in for an unbelievably grim time with the climate crisis.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-3339734836526994482023-03-20T09:00:00.349+02:002023-03-20T09:00:00.182+02:00The facts in the disappearance of flight MH370I'm going to do <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/06/discrepancies-in-disappearance-of.html">another</a> of these posts where I've watched a stupid Netflix documentary and it's left me profoundly unsatisfied. This time it was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MH370:_The_Plane_That_Disappeared">MH370: The Plane That Disappeared</a>, on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia_Airlines_Flight_370">Malaysia Airlines flight 370</a>, the Boeing 777 that vanished in 2014 on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, and inexplicably ended up crashing in the Indian Ocean.<div><br /></div><div>What's annoying about the three-part documentary series is that it does such a bad job of presenting the actual facts of the case. What's downright irresponsible, in fact unethical, is that they give huge amounts of screen time to fantasists hawking ridiculous conspiracy theories. So, just to register my protests, I want to go over what we actually know about the MH370 incident, and then say a few words about the so-called "theories" presented on the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's start with the facts. Sadly, the official report released by the Malaysian government doesn't seem to be online any more, or at least I couldn't access it. So I'll be doing this based on secondary sources, with the help of Wikipedia.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a useful map from <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MH370_flight_path_with_English_labels.png#mw-jump-to-license">Wikimedia Commons</a>, which shows the known flight path of MH370.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVHj_u04gqeBYdVjf9XE-DK33tG3MjM9vG_DjQza3ZqPGoEZpAADgF8chf6OwzpN5raCWunvJz5s7j_VEOSj2Rd-x13E9fAvqwsERFbuoeeOuIykJRrAQm-3pbpFEIlxuuGz4AdHZDFm3BiuV3dW7YYhgBSsReYz1iyzfdTi-jDlEBMKIqdX_62ciBw/s1934/MH370_flight_path_with_English_labels.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1589" data-original-width="1934" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVHj_u04gqeBYdVjf9XE-DK33tG3MjM9vG_DjQza3ZqPGoEZpAADgF8chf6OwzpN5raCWunvJz5s7j_VEOSj2Rd-x13E9fAvqwsERFbuoeeOuIykJRrAQm-3pbpFEIlxuuGz4AdHZDFm3BiuV3dW7YYhgBSsReYz1iyzfdTi-jDlEBMKIqdX_62ciBw/s320/MH370_flight_path_with_English_labels.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Here are the facts of the matter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, a Boeing 777 from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, took off at 12:41 MYT (UTC+8). At 01:19, the flight was approaching the border between Malaysian and Vietnamese airspace, and Kuala Lumpur air traffic control instructed them to get in touch with Ho Chi Minh ATC. The captain of MH370 acknowledged the message.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, MH370 never got in touch with Vietnamese air traffic control. Instead, as it passed navigational waypoint IGARI, the plane's transponder stopped transmitting.</div><div><br /></div><div>A short digression is in order, as aviation people apparently say "radar" to mean two different things, which is confusing for a layperson, and terribly confusing for someone who knows a little about military aviation. What I believe most of us think of as radar, i.e. an electronic transmitter that detects objects based on their radar reflection, is apparently known in aviatiom as primary radar. When popular accounts of MH370 say that the aircraft "disappeared from radar", they mean <i>secondary radar</i>, which isn't actually a radar system at all in the sense I understand it, but rather a system similar to military IFF, which communicates with transponders on aircraft. When MH370's transponder stopped transmitting, air traffic control could no longer see it on secondary radar.</div><div><br /></div><div>Military radar data would later show that the plane then made a sharp (at least for a passenger plane) turn left, onto a southwesterly heading. The official investigation would later determine that the turn could not have been done by autopilot, and therefore must have been made by hand. So either some frankly unbelievable sequence of events occurred on board, or someone deliberately turned the aircraft using the flight controls.</div><div><br /></div><div>After flying to a point very near the island of Penang, the aircraft made a right turn and flew up the Strait of Malacca, along an established air route, passing several waypoints, until it flew out of the range of Malaysian military radar at 02:22. Thai military radar also detected an aircraft believed to be MH370, and as it passed Penang at 01:52 MYT, the first officer's cellphone briefly registered with a nearby cell tower.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the plane's transponder stopped transmitting, the satellite communication system on the aircraft rebooted and established contact with an Inmarsat satellite. Using the satellite communication data, it was later determined that MH370 kept flying west, and then turned south, into the southern Indian Ocean. As the aircraft had limited fuel, there were no possible landing sites in the vicinity, and pieces of debris confirmed as coming from that specific Boeing 777 were later found, it seems that flight MH370 eventually crashed into the ocean. Because the specific crash site is not known and the conditions and size of the area make searching extremely difficult, the wreck has not been found as of this writing.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I understand it, while the initial hard turn off the plane's expected flight path must have been made by hand, the subsequent turns could have been flown by autopilot, but in that case, someone must have programmed the autopilot to do so. Again, it seems almost impossible to conceive of any other explanation. Based on the evidence that exists, it is a fact that MH370 flew into the Indian Ocean and crashed there. It seems very difficult to believe that it was not flown there intentionally by someone.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the Netflix program does not make these basic facts at all clear, and indeed omits some of them. It's probably not a coincidence that some of the absolutely bizarre conspiracy theories peddled on the show require this omission of facts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Something that genuinely annoys me is when people ask rhetorical questions that they absolutely should be asking as real questions. A particularly egregious example on the Netflix show is the French reporter, who points out that MH370 "supposedly" flew right over Malaysia, in fact almost directly over a Malaysian airbase. She then asks, rhetorically, whether it's supposed to be possible that no-one would have noticed this and attempted to intercept the plane.</div><div><br /></div><div>In my capacity as a military historian, let me assure you that the answer to any question that starts "could a military organization be so incompetent" is yes. This is almost certainly true of all human organizations, but the ones I've studied happen to be military. In this case, as can be read <a href="https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/asie/boeing-disparu/video-vol-mh370-la-grosse-bourde-de-l-armee-malaisienne_2294339.html">online</a> (ironically, in French!), the air base MH370 overflew was not in operation at night. Even if someone had wanted to intercept the unknown radar contact, it would have taken two hours to get a plane in the air. Is this believable? In my opinion, absolutely. It also explains much of the delay in publishing the radar data, as no nation will want to advertise the fact that they don't, or even worse, can't effectively police their own airspace.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you still think it's unbelievable that an unidentified aircraft could fly through air defenses without being intercepted, well, by coincidence I gave a lecture on the Soviet Union and the Cold War earlier this year, where I discussed the extraordinary flight of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathias_Rust">Mathias Rust</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, instead of concentrating on the facts and some sensible attempts to explain what happened, two of three Netflix episodes are dedicated to totally ridiculous conspiracy theories.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first is peddled by an American journalist, who has been inexplicably elevated to the position of Will Buxton in the program. His version of events is that Russia hijacked the aircraft, flew it to Kazakhstan, and... something. Ostensibly to distract everyone from their invasion of the Crimea. The story is childish nonsense. Obviously it would make sense for the Russians to risk a catastrophic breach in their relations with China as they're embarking on a military operation in Europe. Murdering over a hundred Chinese civilians for a stupid media distraction is completely insane.</div><div><br /></div><div>The hijack theory is foreshadowed by linking it to the shooting down of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia_Airlines_Flight_17">Malaysia Airlines flight 17</a> by Russian-controlled "separatists" in Ukraine. But no link between the two is actually ever made, except that apparently the shootdown of MH17 gave the American journalist vibes.</div><div><br /></div><div>A far more serious objection to the Russia/Kazakhstan theory is that there's simply no way the plane could have been flown there without anyone noticing. It would have had to cross vast swathes of Indian and Chinese airspace, either completely undetected by anyone, or with the inexplicable complicity of at least those nations. There's simply no excuse for taking drivel like this seriously.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, it gets so much worse. In the first episode, we already encountered a lady from Florida who participated in a volunteer satellite imagery interpretation operation called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomnod">Tomnod</a>. Apparently it was an effort to crowdsource looking for things in publicly available satellite pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div>As <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/14/tomnod-online-search-malaysian-airlines-flight-mh370">this article in the Guardian</a> makes clear, Tomnod volunteers have no training in satellite image interpretation. So when the Florida lady cheerfully explains to us that she found aircraft wreckage in some of the pictures, this is frankly nonsense. She can't tell a crashed aircraft from a wave or a flock of seagulls. This is never explained on the show, and we're simply left with this woman insisting she has "evidence" MH370 crashed in the South China Sea. Apparently she couldn't get Tomnod or indeed anyone else to take her "evidence" seriously, to their credit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, she is taken very seriously by a French journalist, whose idiotic conspiracy theory takes up almost all of the third episode. With the help of a man who tragically lost his partner and child on the flight, she spins a moronic story that is totally implausible from start to finish, which must have been obvious to anyone with even a cursory understanding of, say, military aviation.</div><div><br /></div><div>The French story is that MH370 was carrying some kind of super secret Chinese cargo, which the Americans were determined to stop from reaching Beijing. Supposedly, two E-3 AWACS planes intercepted MH370, jammed its communications and ordered it to divert somewhere. When the flight crew refused, the Americans shot the plane down. Everything we've been told about the plane turning west and so on is a deliberate lie to conceal this.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's hard to know where to even start with this. AWACS planes have no radio jamming capability. If somehow they'd made enough noise to stop MH370 from communicating and mask its transponder signal, this would have been very obvious to everyone around. The AWACS planes are also completely unarmed, so then some other aircraft would have shot down the plane. This would all have been clearly visible on Malaysian and Vietnamese radar screens.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, by the way, all the debris from the shootdown inexplicably vanished, with none of it washing up anywhere on the nearby coasts. When small amounts of debris are recovered from the actual crash, that "proves" it didn't really happen. When a made-up crash produces no debris whatsoever, somehow this isn't a problem.</div><div><br /></div><div>This "theory" also requires all of the evidence to the contrary to have been faked. The Inmarsat data is just completely made up, as is the Malaysian, Vietnamese and Thai radar data, and the cellphone tower ping at Penang. Instead of saying the plane crashed or disappeared, supposedly a massive Malaysian-Vietnamese-Thai-UK deception operation was set into action, telling an almost unbelievable fake story that captures interest and imagination a decade later. Some coverup!</div><div><br /></div><div>The hawkers of this idiocy make it amply clear on the program that they have no idea what they're talking about. They don't seem to know what an AWACS plane even is, let alone what electronic jamming is. They have literally zero evidence for anything. They can't tell us what cargo could even in theory have been so important that the US armed forces would deliberately shoot down a passenger airliner to stop it getting to China. The whole thing is raving madness, and none of the glaring holes in the supposed logic, none of the ludicrously false statements, are in any way challenged. It amounts to pure disinformation.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking as a historian, the most fundamental problem with these crackpot theories is not how stupid they are. It's that they're asking us to believe in incredibly elaborate deception operations, and discount factual evidence, in favor of a "theory", or rather an entirely baseless conjecture, that even if you accept its premises, still doesn't do a better job of explaining what happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>In history terms, none of the alternate explanations for what happened to flight MH370 have better explanatory power than the ones based on what we believe are the facts. To put it crudely, we're being asked to discard facts and official investigative findings, and we're not being offered anything better in exchange.Why should I believe that the Inmarsat data is faked, or that the Malaysian air force is lying about their radar data? What better understanding of the case do I arrive at if I do that? None whatsoever.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's the most elementary test that all of these conjectures fail, and it's why I consider them nonsense conspiracy theories. They're disinformation: deliberate lies cooked up to sell books and media appearances, at the expense of real people who lost loved ones in the tragedy. It's beyond repulsive that Netflix collaborates with these ghouls.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div></div><div><br /></div><div>There are some theories of how the otherwise inexplicable flight of MH370 could have been caused by an accident. Two are dealt with quite well in <a href="https://admiralcloudberg.medium.com/call-of-the-void-seven-years-on-what-do-we-know-about-the-disappearance-of-malaysia-airlines-77fa5244bf99">this blogpost</a>, even if I don't quite agree with its conclusions. The problem with all accident theories, in my opinion, is that the accident would have to have happened at such an incredibly convenient time, at the exact handover point between two air traffic control stations. Of course it's entirely possible that this is what happened, but it's a hell of a coincidence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Where I disagree with the blog I linked just now is that I also find the most popular theory, that the captain of the aircraft deliberately crashed the plane into the ocean, equally difficult to believe. There's been so much nonsense talked about the captain that it's quite hard to figure out what the truth is. As far as I know, no-one has been able to explain why he would have done it, and my understanding is that the significance of the recovered flight simulator data is unclear. It certainly doesn't prove anything, and I think the blog I linked is wildly incorrect in maintaining that other explanations have been eliminated. They certainly have not been.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even though I clearly know more about military aviation than some of the people involved in that risible television program, that's an indictment of them and Netflix, not a sign that I'm any kind of expert on anything related to this case. Still, since this is my blog, I can offer up my two cents on the whole thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>My starting point is that someone selected the route that MH370 flew from the point where the transponder was switched off. If someone wanted to make the flight disappear, that handover point between two ATC areas has to be the best possible place to do it. This is the contention at the heart of the popular theory that the pilot did it, for which there is still no actual evidence whatsoever.</div><div><br /></div><div>It would also be the best possible place to hijack the aircraft, especially if you wanted to fly it to some completely different destination and wanted to get a head start on the authorities. I think this theory has been unfairly discounted.</div><div><br /></div><div>The specific objection I want to make is to the idea that hijacking can be discounted because the various authorities have checked up on all the passengers and crew, and found no-one to suspect. I maintain that with the information we have now, no-one can possibly know whether there were people on board MH370 who should not have been there.</div><div><br /></div><div>People do stow away on planes, often in wheel wells, and it mostly ends badly for them. But only last year, someone survived an 11-hour flight from South Africa (or at least Nairobi) to Amsterdam (<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60104010.amp">BBC</a>). If someone wanted to hijack a plane, one way it could be done would be by stowing away on board.</div><div><br /></div><div>This may sound implausibly far-fetched, but something like this has happened at least once: in 1986, a man snuck on board an airplane at Eugene, Oregon and hijacked it when it was in flight (<a href="https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/05/07/Hijacker-was-a-stowaway-airline-says/9864515822400/">UPI</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div>The same arguments that are made in favor of the pilot hypothesis also support the hijack hypothesis, for example, the choice of a flight path down the middle of the Strait of Malacca, along the border of different national airspaces. If I remember correctly, when only the military radar data was available, it was calculated that there were hundreds of airfields that the plane could have flown to after it left Malaysian radar coverage.</div><div><br /></div><div>What if someone, one or more people, did secretly board the plane, hijack it over the South China Sea, and order the pilots to fly the route the plane flew? I'm not aware of any evidence that contradicts this. It's a somewhat far-fetched scenario, sure - but so are all of the other explanations.</div><div><br /></div><div>By a startling coincidence, the first ever fatal crash suffered by Malaysia Airlines happened in 1977, when it was still called Malaysian Airline Systems. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Airline_System_Flight_653">Flight MH653</a>, a Boeing 737 from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, was hijacked and diverted to Singapore. The hijackers were told that the plane didn't have enough fuel to reach Singapore, and they then apparently shot the pilots, and the plane crashed. Everyone on board died. As I understand it, nobody ever really found out who was responsible, and why they did it.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the case of MH370, if it was hijacked, I would assume the hijackers had some kind of plan, but it went badly wrong, and the plane ends up crashing into the ocean. Or there was no plan, or it was a stupid one, as seems to have been the case with MH653. I didn't know about MH653 before I started looking into this, but I think it's a powerful reminder that sometimes hijackings don't seem to make sense, and can remain unsolved.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have no idea who could have wanted to hijack a Malaysia Airlines flight to Beijing or why, or where they might have been trying to fly the plane. I also have no idea whether something went wrong that led to the aircraft ending up in the Indian Ocean, or if that was actually the plan all along. It would be an exceptional sequence of events. However, none of the people advocating for the theory that the pilot flew the plane into the ocean deliberately can explain why he did it, or why he chose that particular flight path.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would be willing to go so far as to say that the theory that the plane was hijacked is actually a better explanation than the pilot being responsible, for one reason only: the hijacking theory does not require any known person to suddenly behave inexplicably. Again, none of the people blaming the pilot can explain why he would have done it.</div><div><br /></div><div>To sum up, I think the theory that what happened to MH370 was a hijacking gone wrong, or a really weird hijacking, by people who were neither part of the crew nor on the passenger manifest, cannot be discounted. I would even go so far as to say that I think it is one of the most likely explanations for what happened, but that's just a layman's opinion. At the very least I maintain that this hijacking theory is much less stupid than the one Netflix dedicated an entire damn episode to.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose the odds are that we'll never find out what really happened to flight MH370. Maybe the wreckage will eventually be found, but I don't know if there's really the slightest chance that any meaningful information could be gleaned from it after all this time, or what other evidence could possibly emerge.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't imagine what it's like to have a partner, family member or other loved one disappear like this, with no explanation and not even any real certainty that they're dead. That's why I think it's all the more despicable that there are people willing to use this tragedy as fodder for childish conspiracy theories, and to make money exploiting the suffering of the people affected by it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think the ethics of Netflix participating in this are absolutely deplorable. To air this kind of Ancient Aliens-level garbage about the deaths of real people is disgusting commodification of human suffering for our leering consumption. I freely admit that I'm fascinated by unsolved mysteries, and in that sense I, too, am partly culpable in this. But I don't see why we can't discuss things like this without platforming profiteering liars and irresponsible conspiracy theorists. Companies like Netflix simply must do better.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-58898102326337628442023-03-13T09:00:00.014+02:002023-03-13T09:00:00.195+02:00Let's Build Modiphius TerrainEarlier, I had ordered a couple of Fallout figures from <a href="https://www.modiphius.net/">M<span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">ō</span>diphiüs</a> for my <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/04/warhammer-40000-renegades-and-heretics.html">Renegades and Heretics</a>, and I found them to be good quality, but the range as a whole was kind of uninspiring. However, I did order some <a href="https://www.modiphius.net/collections/fallout-wasteland-warfare/products/fallout-wasteland-warfare-terrain-expansion-nuka-cola-machines">Nuka-Cola machines</a> for my <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2021/08/warhammer-40000-questor-mechanicus.html">Imperial Knight</a>'s base:<div><div><br /></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPDjTYytRkw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPDjTYytRkw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; 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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 38.75px 0px;"></div><div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"><div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div><div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPDjTYytRkw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; line-height: 17px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Michael Halila (@michaelhalila)</a></p></div></blockquote><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br /></div><div>I thought it made for a fun addition to the model, and the resin terrain pieces were all fairly good quality. This made me take the plunge and order their <a href="https://www.modiphius.net/products/the-elder-scrolls-call-to-arms-word-wall?_pos=7&_sid=0ba3094ba&_ss=r">Skyrim Word Wall</a>.</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOu1zs7x_TZX9W4Pd-7DEkbBaFIBZbXOy76COhY3b2lO8UyouKxcMu_8WyEsKAvgxBhYXYRr3Oj-gb4gH9wPhjVFEfjUj5K6t_epl5XcQMBkf_vajRBZj5A-7D6W9O-ugC-Smudau-Z1MkqgH-wQlgYYn9O-LcGpnrJPbO16_9mS4Lgk2kkgi9eXvEw/s4128/20220805_171723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOu1zs7x_TZX9W4Pd-7DEkbBaFIBZbXOy76COhY3b2lO8UyouKxcMu_8WyEsKAvgxBhYXYRr3Oj-gb4gH9wPhjVFEfjUj5K6t_epl5XcQMBkf_vajRBZj5A-7D6W9O-ugC-Smudau-Z1MkqgH-wQlgYYn9O-LcGpnrJPbO16_9mS4Lgk2kkgi9eXvEw/s320/20220805_171723.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The whole thing came in one piece, and the cast quality is really excellent. It's even got all the little Nord runes on it and everything, and I'm delighted to report it's the Unrelenting Force wall: the best shout in Skyrim because it has by far the greatest comedy potential.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqavHhieZEKgQVVChLyYPbize8fRjzpFdwGMS-3SkeFS4YdSwUDOk0DRk4nvfqZ_TyPTDbYhyPmdS0peXftCJ37PCC7VFHZnRkxwMI5FJ44V3Igm8WbjJI_apE0d_mFnMcYyOWKSn_I3jaugS9VBm4-Od5L3lGCEvcyswM07cs6ijzQGBDBIJcG_vOCg/s4128/20220805_171712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqavHhieZEKgQVVChLyYPbize8fRjzpFdwGMS-3SkeFS4YdSwUDOk0DRk4nvfqZ_TyPTDbYhyPmdS0peXftCJ37PCC7VFHZnRkxwMI5FJ44V3Igm8WbjJI_apE0d_mFnMcYyOWKSn_I3jaugS9VBm4-Od5L3lGCEvcyswM07cs6ijzQGBDBIJcG_vOCg/s320/20220805_171712.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I covered the whole thing in Basalt Grey, and gave the words and the darker bits a Black Ink wash.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtJJLpq0AoYD5eyfU8RoZ8KqwJwm7214JK9sH7ZYG9-tQ1V2ipfGLuMJDHqweUxRpjr99t5832OQdb0RLp4F7s8uHixbmEVDQQl6PA9_sROIU1N2ET5NcvnyGjlDiD0TW0ZuLwaEJA7idNZzWMRVn0-HnlqEBYBHHM2MMFkZqWIsnDWvVGJO7p140rg/s4128/20220812_202147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtJJLpq0AoYD5eyfU8RoZ8KqwJwm7214JK9sH7ZYG9-tQ1V2ipfGLuMJDHqweUxRpjr99t5832OQdb0RLp4F7s8uHixbmEVDQQl6PA9_sROIU1N2ET5NcvnyGjlDiD0TW0ZuLwaEJA7idNZzWMRVn0-HnlqEBYBHHM2MMFkZqWIsnDWvVGJO7p140rg/s320/20220812_202147.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The non-dark stone then got light drybrushes in Neutral Grey and Medium Sea Grey, and I did the FUS runes in Deep Sky Blue and Fluorescent Blue.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhR5poIs0OtNGGKIAZFwfQt09bLGaUSMNNo3P6D-RVIWxiS5IVc4vln1InptR9Ew4ysQ5HheEzdZl2vqAK2NPO0wygVKbCysAX3F3SKi4vCh0ig8xbBCFAyEHdfAzo151AuK2b15QMmDjQ8fPRPLMEkfvt-xpZ7DqPBzfG_0_kQBpJsEt0sOa7bRFpA/s4128/20220814_131649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhR5poIs0OtNGGKIAZFwfQt09bLGaUSMNNo3P6D-RVIWxiS5IVc4vln1InptR9Ew4ysQ5HheEzdZl2vqAK2NPO0wygVKbCysAX3F3SKi4vCh0ig8xbBCFAyEHdfAzo151AuK2b15QMmDjQ8fPRPLMEkfvt-xpZ7DqPBzfG_0_kQBpJsEt0sOa7bRFpA/s320/20220814_131649.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I was lazy and did the same greys on the back.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8ULktvuDscoMB4d-nDr9BTxA-7FDwxHpOmXs7EtJOb4FStsgMNYEhqGgItanZBZHsktjVz87-VX0e3DF1gSK3M2s9g3X2SNJsxw8OYu7hpOUl3aAZD3RJCKxaAmDjhYmqlpqU0iYfEGb57BO301LZY9WAfSLk-ROAiZTS5QlDcp2Hum99Yk5YyfTuw/s4128/20220817_130621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8ULktvuDscoMB4d-nDr9BTxA-7FDwxHpOmXs7EtJOb4FStsgMNYEhqGgItanZBZHsktjVz87-VX0e3DF1gSK3M2s9g3X2SNJsxw8OYu7hpOUl3aAZD3RJCKxaAmDjhYmqlpqU0iYfEGb57BO301LZY9WAfSLk-ROAiZTS5QlDcp2Hum99Yk5YyfTuw/s320/20220817_130621.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here it is! Armiger and Arch-Militant for scale.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV8eypNERpF5qTk4mZ-owkB2De3C6bxf5Y0Tn-8DKRilh9h85qklx1tWbbcsv2KCVoX7Nx0rzT0LpMAlpvJBvc9GEWI-ERp2u9_6El37WuNHoa1am_oNpta8q9uSMjJp5H6h6t0mwT4-LhCLbXWLLRoNtT-736Wy1f9znKmvyx3ZMzn8zU-DLXIEmbQ/s4128/20220817_153141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV8eypNERpF5qTk4mZ-owkB2De3C6bxf5Y0Tn-8DKRilh9h85qklx1tWbbcsv2KCVoX7Nx0rzT0LpMAlpvJBvc9GEWI-ERp2u9_6El37WuNHoa1am_oNpta8q9uSMjJp5H6h6t0mwT4-LhCLbXWLLRoNtT-736Wy1f9znKmvyx3ZMzn8zU-DLXIEmbQ/s320/20220817_153141.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>It's a simple paintjob, but I'm very happy with it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbJrMlE3Xu-LR8SWw_tE-_jOhVm6iwbo9fiwZKbmVc6q4zrXV4-gvdA-bVi_OMeMOg99hqsQ9vxA9OXGq8BaB0g9iBQREEvhgmwg6mRPZHa5xdKDajZfkaJiFWT1qZM9ERnlGsBqQp9UEEqgL5P1_8AP0poLDzsZJQdZnES1Cs2RTORbnOcxvRMRrow/s4128/20220817_130704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbJrMlE3Xu-LR8SWw_tE-_jOhVm6iwbo9fiwZKbmVc6q4zrXV4-gvdA-bVi_OMeMOg99hqsQ9vxA9OXGq8BaB0g9iBQREEvhgmwg6mRPZHa5xdKDajZfkaJiFWT1qZM9ERnlGsBqQp9UEEqgL5P1_8AP0poLDzsZJQdZnES1Cs2RTORbnOcxvRMRrow/s320/20220817_130704.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Soon after I finished my word wall, Modiphius dropped the price of their <a href="https://www.modiphius.net/collections/fallout-wasteland-warfare/products/copy-of-fallout-wasteland-warfare-product-template">Red Rocket station</a>, and I felt like I had to get it. I'd looked at it earlier, but frankly it was way too expensive.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzAWkBnDA-dzqAdjW-Hg1k1X_yn79_Kq0wWHBxm19Taqso06nbFKhZhtYYVWIPtwfcFbUzKoRV8lipqQr9iA7SFdNZNPkzhjN2ND_Dujw1ms_uAFMrhHrN2sQz9j5Kr2DRXy45dnbQfwFhtmCNX9aJOFLgcZv4-4YkWCmo4bOGK6FZD8mCvhxvvzd9A/s4128/20221102_195017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzAWkBnDA-dzqAdjW-Hg1k1X_yn79_Kq0wWHBxm19Taqso06nbFKhZhtYYVWIPtwfcFbUzKoRV8lipqQr9iA7SFdNZNPkzhjN2ND_Dujw1ms_uAFMrhHrN2sQz9j5Kr2DRXy45dnbQfwFhtmCNX9aJOFLgcZv4-4YkWCmo4bOGK6FZD8mCvhxvvzd9A/s320/20221102_195017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It's a very hefty box! Most of the weight is the 3'×3' neoprene mat, which is all right, I guess. Not really something I was interested in. It doesn't look bad, and although it's quite creased from being folded in the box, I'm pretty sure it'll even out.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU-8BMOY_KhHXJYT15yQaogudJ62z7RIWjMYp93JNiAR3A2BJrPHmy92EmAUtGXSIST8Pp-m2ey_3FEpEedp7D2NeVLNmt10RNlhjxTYQpty1xXOmbam8Q8K1ABa48sX6j3LCysCCinfVPAUh17hTTiXFRLGHolNULrChgN36hAUGm3Jb68Kyu8W_yA/s4128/20221102_222706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU-8BMOY_KhHXJYT15yQaogudJ62z7RIWjMYp93JNiAR3A2BJrPHmy92EmAUtGXSIST8Pp-m2ey_3FEpEedp7D2NeVLNmt10RNlhjxTYQpty1xXOmbam8Q8K1ABa48sX6j3LCysCCinfVPAUh17hTTiXFRLGHolNULrChgN36hAUGm3Jb68Kyu8W_yA/s320/20221102_222706.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>What we're really here for is the Red Rocket building. It's made out of fairly strong, good quality card, with plastic connectors holding it together. There are also two resin coolant pumps and a resin Red Rocket.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd46eYUl2HZiizAbh_q0tefvQ7RZx0_IH6AIWJf0QvXBPKR6PcECBeWKdGzoWBXrUN_5wxom7GD-fk3ZkQY40LiHAKTXQOsSFw30k_tDB0moxzrTYxO3_KUiitBCENUISDWI_9KJTa9Pywy1axBlR4PKvuh-I3vykMVPy5o9-EkmrtC69uiSqQm8V4rQ/s4128/20221102_232613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd46eYUl2HZiizAbh_q0tefvQ7RZx0_IH6AIWJf0QvXBPKR6PcECBeWKdGzoWBXrUN_5wxom7GD-fk3ZkQY40LiHAKTXQOsSFw30k_tDB0moxzrTYxO3_KUiitBCENUISDWI_9KJTa9Pywy1axBlR4PKvuh-I3vykMVPy5o9-EkmrtC69uiSqQm8V4rQ/s320/20221102_232613.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>You start by building the ground floor of the station. Two things struck me. First, there's no assembly instructions in the box: you have to get them off the Modiphius website. It's not a big deal, but it's annoying scrolling around a PDF on your phone. The instructions are also shoddy. You have to squint quite a bit to make out what goes where, and ludicrously, all the card pieces are named on the sheet you punch them out of - but the instructions don't use the names. This is just silly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Secondly, there doesn't seem to be any way to attach the building to its base. With the card as light as it is, it'll never stay put, and I could see this becoming very annoying.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksFjcxHDAiQF2ntcCH47egrSDFkhte46ZhQtj-zHGEPJAmIFsXy4ZzUZb3longzLXJCsXzjOUcgggR_DUI-FPurGdNeeqQMd0VU62XKZEIlTkZoEW-1SIYvezwv8ea7Gq0KrsHuBXWSWdMn-2_msF1xrG6RQc1KYJ4CyEqVHFRRJaRqp27c8VnZMESQ/s4128/20221102_232624.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksFjcxHDAiQF2ntcCH47egrSDFkhte46ZhQtj-zHGEPJAmIFsXy4ZzUZb3longzLXJCsXzjOUcgggR_DUI-FPurGdNeeqQMd0VU62XKZEIlTkZoEW-1SIYvezwv8ea7Gq0KrsHuBXWSWdMn-2_msF1xrG6RQc1KYJ4CyEqVHFRRJaRqp27c8VnZMESQ/s320/20221102_232624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The card is quite nice, though, and I'm almost surprised how good it looks despite the plastic connectors. I actually googled to check if there really was no way to mount the building, and finding none, I grabbed my trusty Finnish equivalent of PVA glue and stuck the walls on the base.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6X5WiW4tnM1fee9h18EfT0bLYkuHhf_k--hKzbXqdGl5zfn0VBxsn_pex46vgtCDuNRNkFzSzfLhJp12_I0NqLFVhK9sufAebr803xlZV3zQt3zJhG31bxJNFJ2zDDtfX1WJg7FXXoNlL37Sa2VmKRWbvxNTUU_BzS3tVHQjJSNKEsrA-LepFpRv_g/s4128/20221103_013404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6X5WiW4tnM1fee9h18EfT0bLYkuHhf_k--hKzbXqdGl5zfn0VBxsn_pex46vgtCDuNRNkFzSzfLhJp12_I0NqLFVhK9sufAebr803xlZV3zQt3zJhG31bxJNFJ2zDDtfX1WJg7FXXoNlL37Sa2VmKRWbvxNTUU_BzS3tVHQjJSNKEsrA-LepFpRv_g/s320/20221103_013404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>This worked quite nicely, and I decided to reinforce my building by supergluing in a couple of scenery items, like this GW barrel:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCjZDxAnHO1QO4riYDXPl6rHaNz8sKYl0KSCE0c-xEdZ99Jn_mSG_dgsRIJGIqjoLruQwHuq8cDtBqjqoTzGjt3fEzg8wRduoBSsoppEot0d76YjkOOHT8Bykj3EljAIfvxfU8-z2qXuIRfsmWNRalfu63jEJq-US-x8ZJUc22Eos3p_GkSmy9wo4_g/s4128/20221103_015529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCjZDxAnHO1QO4riYDXPl6rHaNz8sKYl0KSCE0c-xEdZ99Jn_mSG_dgsRIJGIqjoLruQwHuq8cDtBqjqoTzGjt3fEzg8wRduoBSsoppEot0d76YjkOOHT8Bykj3EljAIfvxfU8-z2qXuIRfsmWNRalfu63jEJq-US-x8ZJUc22Eos3p_GkSmy9wo4_g/s320/20221103_015529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And an appropriate Fallout container.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju82Vg3rWQiwZpopziGcBF8up3z0O5ZoSqeXCtePyez30dZL4XZB4NdydmrqYW1IgHizgJqsuO7CXcW7h-QDEa7PFqpy87NGY4St75ZoULjIHso6kcRNHkuvE5KgGGvs_hQw53qozXOR_ZbGXD9QctdT74Sz5h4dbW6wOKbjvPn9O8pktbDhTzNP0hyw/s4128/20221103_015542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju82Vg3rWQiwZpopziGcBF8up3z0O5ZoSqeXCtePyez30dZL4XZB4NdydmrqYW1IgHizgJqsuO7CXcW7h-QDEa7PFqpy87NGY4St75ZoULjIHso6kcRNHkuvE5KgGGvs_hQw53qozXOR_ZbGXD9QctdT74Sz5h4dbW6wOKbjvPn9O8pktbDhTzNP0hyw/s320/20221103_015542.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>With that done, I moved on to the next phase: the canopy. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7zdcfLdDCmo02fWj_a4F2KsGtRQuVqbxNWarEpX3oTf-p2HwzLzLAvIQp9EDg2Luq-VwBVZPun1lblP18oKEDQ4Zu1WSK7CPf1rNLKk5nYjhZbi3xjaZGkZKSRFdoFBQjjYdKzwTS1kC4_kozOwwKyZYo-WP3ZhAIs1pK68vuoeUvjzzWlRKJb5EAg/s4128/20221103_013417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7zdcfLdDCmo02fWj_a4F2KsGtRQuVqbxNWarEpX3oTf-p2HwzLzLAvIQp9EDg2Luq-VwBVZPun1lblP18oKEDQ4Zu1WSK7CPf1rNLKk5nYjhZbi3xjaZGkZKSRFdoFBQjjYdKzwTS1kC4_kozOwwKyZYo-WP3ZhAIs1pK68vuoeUvjzzWlRKJb5EAg/s320/20221103_013417.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>After I moved from the canopy to the roof, I realized that the assembly instructions were even worse than I thought. You use the same piece for both the roof and the floor of the building - or so I thought. In fact, the two pieces are mirrored, and if you pick the wrong one for the floor, you can't mount the Red Rocket signs on the roof. The instructions don't tell you this, of course. Guess which piece I already glued.</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's annoying, but I can work with it: I just need to glue the signs onto the roof edge the old-fashioned way. That's not the end of it, though. The roof isn't really attached to anything either, but I get that, because then you can lift it off and use the building interior. However, this does mean that the roof will shift around a lot, which isn't great. What's worse is that the whole canopy is only attached to the building with a single plastic connector. It's just hopelessly flimsy: even assuming the resin rocket, the whole thing shudders and shifts if you so much as look at it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4878Mlz6r66sx3BiopyQnY88zM4ITZdYa3y_kH_PQsgy5ry8wbN7tGdYkbcTvNkI8KUkM2gjyPs4k3bTORgDeKFpk-BrU3-8UNZmIvB_d3csRY1OaYqxE97PGk0RSBMV0eJ2rK1PwNC4eU5cUApwSU7xJ8kHGUomZLoyS-LmFu01oCxED08Qr7i28OA/s4128/20221103_015908.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4878Mlz6r66sx3BiopyQnY88zM4ITZdYa3y_kH_PQsgy5ry8wbN7tGdYkbcTvNkI8KUkM2gjyPs4k3bTORgDeKFpk-BrU3-8UNZmIvB_d3csRY1OaYqxE97PGk0RSBMV0eJ2rK1PwNC4eU5cUApwSU7xJ8kHGUomZLoyS-LmFu01oCxED08Qr7i28OA/s320/20221103_015908.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>If this was for a diorama or something, it wouldn't be ideal; for a piece of miniature wargaming terrain, it's inexcusable. People are going to be placing models and templates around it, poking about with tape measures, bumping the table and so on. Terrain can't be this flimsy. In my opinion, this whole thing is going to need a proper base, and it should have come with one. Since it doesn't, I'll build one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I do, I really have to say that I'm a bit disappointed with this kit. The instructions are garbage and the end result is flimsy. If I'd paid the frankly outrageous original price for this thing, I'd be pissed.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, adding the resin rocket doesn't help much. The four pylons are meant to fit into slots in the rocket's base. They don't.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqmxk6nqDGAvhQvzy9gYMDhlqdoUJ6BmqKy55l2-9maauhhrTEoOxXq1UNXcXjdMjswq0hdMFPmOc1AfGQc2KtYMGkW9cnl9vuD3gxi_5R36GkkjqFaNFHa1Y1vgVZBfmJuJsNYDzTpeQhFVRGL6a6JrX93INRE1pCIetEoIVEnasRn2mv1XbeVeUdg/s4128/20221116_011311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqmxk6nqDGAvhQvzy9gYMDhlqdoUJ6BmqKy55l2-9maauhhrTEoOxXq1UNXcXjdMjswq0hdMFPmOc1AfGQc2KtYMGkW9cnl9vuD3gxi_5R36GkkjqFaNFHa1Y1vgVZBfmJuJsNYDzTpeQhFVRGL6a6JrX93INRE1pCIetEoIVEnasRn2mv1XbeVeUdg/s320/20221116_011311.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>While I had the rocket on there, the pylons did stay more or less still, but I'm still really uneasy about the whole canopy resting on just one plastic connector. Especially since the rocket won't actually stay on, as the slots are just too small for the card pylons.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxbrXRMV0AuQaCT4IAzUOfTM_XQYChOuJbXnfuVj3VqGtWRvvLYUhn1vyfTnXVpwPHY0f3n8izQGinTMQCHoUvRWGoalcZ7STR_lVfR5zhfNYSRK7smYvKjPkEEMawU8VLE3xkb9WQpau_rja2WsEgDw5Yqi0s_6TYt0oc64X5y90iehBpXhFFRsj4w/s4128/20221116_011315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxbrXRMV0AuQaCT4IAzUOfTM_XQYChOuJbXnfuVj3VqGtWRvvLYUhn1vyfTnXVpwPHY0f3n8izQGinTMQCHoUvRWGoalcZ7STR_lVfR5zhfNYSRK7smYvKjPkEEMawU8VLE3xkb9WQpau_rja2WsEgDw5Yqi0s_6TYt0oc64X5y90iehBpXhFFRsj4w/s320/20221116_011315.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>So, it was basing time. I optimistically started with some thick card.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfpU0tMUnWhttambY8ezdYJ7xAHO0EyEqFXmaP6qIcjW968rj4B3HCt8dIJFjqWLjsYTVZtqI8HoQ6VHl2PzbmKKuAtKrDncA31FZChZMigW1ZsYTmSwRb0UN080Aw-0vC1mnRPSJix1HVlp_qL-CEDaqXe8Ua5SWcPDIHkCR_xAn4WZz5IwVexW1QA/s4128/20221117_154851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfpU0tMUnWhttambY8ezdYJ7xAHO0EyEqFXmaP6qIcjW968rj4B3HCt8dIJFjqWLjsYTVZtqI8HoQ6VHl2PzbmKKuAtKrDncA31FZChZMigW1ZsYTmSwRb0UN080Aw-0vC1mnRPSJix1HVlp_qL-CEDaqXe8Ua5SWcPDIHkCR_xAn4WZz5IwVexW1QA/s320/20221117_154851.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Then I cut down the tabs on the pylons to a size that actually fits the rocket, and after a lot of frustrating wrangling, managed to superglue the rocket on.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObHZykmmtsbV7NYQXNdQVp-xUZr354-hm6AHD7EguPkO2iGt_6oRBt0_blxNrMp0yP73gDsMuFceImbrRXY4mFn0OX8oiJ_eJMmWG_LgUxWc5Gf5ZTA7DBHNaWhtaUpbfwv6uBXmc8V_MTNks7KZFbhlT6gQue7IIWsnZY_1CEblIGXpbyOC1MCghcg/s4128/20221118_201518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObHZykmmtsbV7NYQXNdQVp-xUZr354-hm6AHD7EguPkO2iGt_6oRBt0_blxNrMp0yP73gDsMuFceImbrRXY4mFn0OX8oiJ_eJMmWG_LgUxWc5Gf5ZTA7DBHNaWhtaUpbfwv6uBXmc8V_MTNks7KZFbhlT6gQue7IIWsnZY_1CEblIGXpbyOC1MCghcg/s320/20221118_201518.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>If you ask me, there's no way that thing stays up there without glue. But with superglue for the rocket and to make the pylons stick to the base, it sticks together and makes the whole canopy much less wobbly. I then painted the resin coolant pumps, cut a little base for them out of some of the leftover card, and stuck them on.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y7yqc80VZxbH6mj3M4qg5TOGwNHeEa5AuruMS4rtOLqqNoWK1TQc2uED-Ocnw9ALLb0fBYCOI2yt1kUcBt5SKltTFVBA_HDNmRYWftqwWXV9eFKC-MWMjkQ9EeTctLz_-bZpwgj32FiP3_1dynj2Oh-UJKDqQN11Mx8fQ4V_sXTQ0pJ20adQAgObOQ/s4128/20221121_142816.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y7yqc80VZxbH6mj3M4qg5TOGwNHeEa5AuruMS4rtOLqqNoWK1TQc2uED-Ocnw9ALLb0fBYCOI2yt1kUcBt5SKltTFVBA_HDNmRYWftqwWXV9eFKC-MWMjkQ9EeTctLz_-bZpwgj32FiP3_1dynj2Oh-UJKDqQN11Mx8fQ4V_sXTQ0pJ20adQAgObOQ/s320/20221121_142816.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Next up, a Nuka-Cola machine.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpWNQYZyvy3dl2Xl3rYatyjDJzh4wzSFSE75D83Xnx1l7Aw8GOgqB3TXl2qj-9EcwglBAKMG6kqgpaAAIe2eFILz7kpNkPFrBWdXUFW497mO2wB-C1T5hwEZs7o8XNwmyf5BxFgNaF0IdAJjPyNK7umUYrJyf5kjrVbqrJNAL9zXLx_l2iypLNGxlHg/s4128/20221120_213834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpWNQYZyvy3dl2Xl3rYatyjDJzh4wzSFSE75D83Xnx1l7Aw8GOgqB3TXl2qj-9EcwglBAKMG6kqgpaAAIe2eFILz7kpNkPFrBWdXUFW497mO2wB-C1T5hwEZs7o8XNwmyf5BxFgNaF0IdAJjPyNK7umUYrJyf5kjrVbqrJNAL9zXLx_l2iypLNGxlHg/s320/20221120_213834.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>At this point, I decided the walls looked a little bare, and got my flatmate to print me a selection of tiny weathered posters.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNy9QloGzNImUzDCd8kh8Un4HqKWMsD2DW1DDPsbZWPA34tvdtKBJbG28BsW6D9HXQLzEwwcPgCKBRfqgUOYp9p3kfdWUvlhmtCJfm0Dnv1lFtlo8C2z1wdn1LG1nvS4skADJurjH3lHvqLo3zR-liD0nqKCQcmuPODCYjK0PmBZhXhBGrSk0gtmPLw/s4128/20221120_211652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNy9QloGzNImUzDCd8kh8Un4HqKWMsD2DW1DDPsbZWPA34tvdtKBJbG28BsW6D9HXQLzEwwcPgCKBRfqgUOYp9p3kfdWUvlhmtCJfm0Dnv1lFtlo8C2z1wdn1LG1nvS4skADJurjH3lHvqLo3zR-liD0nqKCQcmuPODCYjK0PmBZhXhBGrSk0gtmPLw/s320/20221120_211652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I mean is it really a garage without an explicit calendar in the office area?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUDsb9JyqzHUVSsSeJ88oBHuUCgmmb--i7O9PNvMI-e23blsOUvw064QziZqA9BJOktyTyP2NtLGoB38S9W-7Uq6gBdXFWBOyZvlXcRJa9tudEWP0DLVhuWAzEnI8FmGtEeQwrBMwMMho6QSD7vFANxqdJRr3uqVjJ0yix9TXQGJocT_3vFP2m-XH0w/s4128/20221120_214853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUDsb9JyqzHUVSsSeJ88oBHuUCgmmb--i7O9PNvMI-e23blsOUvw064QziZqA9BJOktyTyP2NtLGoB38S9W-7Uq6gBdXFWBOyZvlXcRJa9tudEWP0DLVhuWAzEnI8FmGtEeQwrBMwMMho6QSD7vFANxqdJRr3uqVjJ0yix9TXQGJocT_3vFP2m-XH0w/s320/20221120_214853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I also added a poster to the garage area, and I have to say, I think it looks great.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4iZYRnUE5ymqPtvRtcfo6d86qJ__lIElf7g8k3URxUf4UOjDl8BDRYAY7QOmXd3jiwBnTnNtYBo5wCIB7ibEhhulY1wr6SCaPvkH6EYCVeYYZYmkO6Ka2PPBTTHHR5uuWSF--MjxtX7Ay7Vdxqh-qpzMI6LWpTYvbnW-lz8czmQs4-e1SWejcoKmdg/s4128/20221120_215438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4iZYRnUE5ymqPtvRtcfo6d86qJ__lIElf7g8k3URxUf4UOjDl8BDRYAY7QOmXd3jiwBnTnNtYBo5wCIB7ibEhhulY1wr6SCaPvkH6EYCVeYYZYmkO6Ka2PPBTTHHR5uuWSF--MjxtX7Ay7Vdxqh-qpzMI6LWpTYvbnW-lz8czmQs4-e1SWejcoKmdg/s320/20221120_215438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>In the public-facing area: Torquemada is watching! Behave!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSgpGyHsVLy2CcoaxrUwAZslf0BeCtyEU4ixRNyeyLZtkSzGxwCbZoygPuThpdjGeWoNCau6o6O5fEZXQt0oF0Hsm4LXusUYgNEiKH8iPsrmlp3kNhB29OhZKMbXedEP7T8rkZu_ynfSUI1Cm32Zqmfz_Ly-BfYLROMp30TKkmjxy7XN39OZUhkLgQA/s4128/20221120_215051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSgpGyHsVLy2CcoaxrUwAZslf0BeCtyEU4ixRNyeyLZtkSzGxwCbZoygPuThpdjGeWoNCau6o6O5fEZXQt0oF0Hsm4LXusUYgNEiKH8iPsrmlp3kNhB29OhZKMbXedEP7T8rkZu_ynfSUI1Cm32Zqmfz_Ly-BfYLROMp30TKkmjxy7XN39OZUhkLgQA/s320/20221120_215051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Finally, I added a poster for a lecture course I taught last fall:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGRCqevbHMcI0RSgYGd1jNBVEqtYXounHza03rXL-Wz0A_MDsroPQk6VhVwVoVAUbcyScr9AA1caggS_PKskCs3vea6K4wnzkK5wTAJgOD34NYLG9cad05_gBF8wT9qvoGhboNp9yilJkp263CAQbHMXb-Gy7uCCuOQV8dIm8cLtZS3gVVdItLYDtIQ/s4128/20221120_214230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGRCqevbHMcI0RSgYGd1jNBVEqtYXounHza03rXL-Wz0A_MDsroPQk6VhVwVoVAUbcyScr9AA1caggS_PKskCs3vea6K4wnzkK5wTAJgOD34NYLG9cad05_gBF8wT9qvoGhboNp9yilJkp263CAQbHMXb-Gy7uCCuOQV8dIm8cLtZS3gVVdItLYDtIQ/s320/20221120_214230.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And my favorite touch: wanted posters from my Rogue Trader tabletop campaign.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hb8s3kEf81NiV5Uwic7kFmjMrgt_4V0d9_QLHbosOPqMK4f_fMGX-zYNK2hit2Um6q3wkiqlARzENfSeh_3z6I_1-JHPWX42IaG_sVb_Jw66jNcMCOVICZGKZDE36VSPLBcHoXWgelGpvSgVch0gIINZo58hxz-chNsrk54ZTMNvKN9oNVedI2MaVA/s4128/20221120_214403.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hb8s3kEf81NiV5Uwic7kFmjMrgt_4V0d9_QLHbosOPqMK4f_fMGX-zYNK2hit2Um6q3wkiqlARzENfSeh_3z6I_1-JHPWX42IaG_sVb_Jw66jNcMCOVICZGKZDE36VSPLBcHoXWgelGpvSgVch0gIINZo58hxz-chNsrk54ZTMNvKN9oNVedI2MaVA/s320/20221120_214403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I have to say, these little posters made me very happy indeed. All that was left to do after this was glue sand to the base.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rjYQLArNAD0nk1NHvuWgW28xVxefAOVk06_Oh2bcuv1QpfQhDxYdeEoF5UQuE7syXi3vusgzGTLxpHf8VYMKBGnj2DXL8iEwmXFGiuLJ92srYGlLniNwL3Qt2RvaZqh_3D3udiRz1LaYbkLh94JiMngPAOUsK4dPEvHkR_auJX3yWySSs4P4XrN3OQ/s4128/20230217_150407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rjYQLArNAD0nk1NHvuWgW28xVxefAOVk06_Oh2bcuv1QpfQhDxYdeEoF5UQuE7syXi3vusgzGTLxpHf8VYMKBGnj2DXL8iEwmXFGiuLJ92srYGlLniNwL3Qt2RvaZqh_3D3udiRz1LaYbkLh94JiMngPAOUsK4dPEvHkR_auJX3yWySSs4P4XrN3OQ/s320/20230217_150407.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And paint it Neutral Grey to go with the rest of my scenery.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIDlAzGVpUClP6GMUfkpoM0-fQcDe5v5T6VUA06G1CGsogxmFcn0ywPW-DrhJ26Z9Q9sdmfhyU7nl3PP5yxxX4mZy02XcpDVqlzqj43PF-PEypfq1U5I5eFw17GJGkDfxLgeBRuBcs9j57KnyhOjf31FErB6Sg6LORS6AjB9_VblXUypOKD32PLoq3g/s4128/20230310_143037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIDlAzGVpUClP6GMUfkpoM0-fQcDe5v5T6VUA06G1CGsogxmFcn0ywPW-DrhJ26Z9Q9sdmfhyU7nl3PP5yxxX4mZy02XcpDVqlzqj43PF-PEypfq1U5I5eFw17GJGkDfxLgeBRuBcs9j57KnyhOjf31FErB6Sg6LORS6AjB9_VblXUypOKD32PLoq3g/s320/20230310_143037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>So, this was a mixed experience. The word wall is lovely, and the Red Rocket station was a disappointment. To sum up: if you buy the Red Rocket kit thinking you're getting an easy to assemble, ready to go piece of wargaming terrain, well, you're not. If you buy it as a starting point for a terrain piece you're going to spend a bit of time and effort building, then I think it's not a bad purchase. But that is to say that it doesn't exactly do what it's sold as.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Having said that, I might well be persuaded to buy more card terrain, as long as the price is right. The resin word wall, on the other hand, is absolutely fantastic, and I'm delighted I bought it. In general, Modiphius's resin terrain pieces have been really good, from the small bits to the big stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, now I have some terrain, for better photo backdrops if nothing else!</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-29817242169188192262023-03-06T09:00:00.017+02:002023-03-06T09:00:00.183+02:00Warhammer 40,000: Let's Build Munitorum Containers<div style="text-align: left;">I've been on a terrain-building kick lately, and now it's time to continue it with some containers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jhLr7wPp5p-BckrrRH3xpcpaQtwst8txYnOHSKdatGsbh-nlMEL_m_Hl6Up_jzg1TDmUW7VV3A6P7X9AXdO8dtG15JLCDYfJQoDGAQX74X8KT1Pt3yfAgWOnIvS9R3n-ggMDZn8DNriRd2htchMmH0c5OG4gePpu_Su1-gYrrzIfMiE96gafevNmtg/s370/Image%20(10).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jhLr7wPp5p-BckrrRH3xpcpaQtwst8txYnOHSKdatGsbh-nlMEL_m_Hl6Up_jzg1TDmUW7VV3A6P7X9AXdO8dtG15JLCDYfJQoDGAQX74X8KT1Pt3yfAgWOnIvS9R3n-ggMDZn8DNriRd2htchMmH0c5OG4gePpu_Su1-gYrrzIfMiE96gafevNmtg/s320/Image%20(10).jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">**</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A while ago, I found some money on the street. Literally, there was a wad of banknotes. I turned it in to the proper authorities, but when no-one showed up to claim it, the amount was deposited into my account. It wasn't a huge sum, but since it was almost literally a windfall, I decided to spend it on something stupid that I couldn't possibly justify buying otherwise. Because I'd been looking at Kill Team terrain at the time, that stupid thing ended up being this Munitorum Munitions Hub box.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6M3U7K4t6d3aoXdBxG4PWjpSLq3Y8lM7TjLUFiSmQcR3ihJ3MXwE416jlRIz8dqa7hBXGY7bXE1i_im6Qnl0oVUFHfTwPlglt40n734xBcYU86RlFleJQCg39EW43b6ARWvCbkGAXwdxa0CyfSGGlqxZmx-0JjFEmxt1mBDevouMXXZkQOqxXtLJPvw=s4128" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6M3U7K4t6d3aoXdBxG4PWjpSLq3Y8lM7TjLUFiSmQcR3ihJ3MXwE416jlRIz8dqa7hBXGY7bXE1i_im6Qnl0oVUFHfTwPlglt40n734xBcYU86RlFleJQCg39EW43b6ARWvCbkGAXwdxa0CyfSGGlqxZmx-0JjFEmxt1mBDevouMXXZkQOqxXtLJPvw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>This is just a wonderful, huge box of terrain, with ten armored containers, piles of crates and barrels, and even cranes and vehicles. My second full-time job ever was at the Helsinki harbor, specifically at the now-vanished container terminal in the Western Harbor, and I suppose as a legacy of that, I kind of have a thing for containers? So I sort of really wanted this terrain box, but I could never have justified spending this much money. But it came down to either this box or the <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/09/lets-paint-star-wars-armada.html">Armada</a> Super Star Destroyer, and I'm pretty sure this will spark more joy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, of course, the pandemic happened, and we never did get to play any Kill Team, or, indeed, anything else that couldn't be done over <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/03/lets-play-here-i-stand-by-email.html">email</a>, so terrain dropped pretty far down my list of priorities, and the munitions hub gathered dust on a high shelf.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that we're <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/02/warhammer-40000-lets-play-filthy-casual.html">playing 40k again</a>, though, it's time to get started. Here's my first new piece of terrain: a container.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixnGPxdLUTf9AiRrcU7Oc3v9s2nHjj_4a6gSfpj4jmATU2hIB9_KUnjTD9JzfHuFq2kp5oeNivthnXPmlw_4oOfmLx8jR90r6krDqn9oDwocijsY_1qH9iKFPj6LjsehZINvuAdYxy_2w75AiReFFjEqf6SnxDTU1yZGNASUXT-dmmWPQC1O5CWdtloQ=s4128" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixnGPxdLUTf9AiRrcU7Oc3v9s2nHjj_4a6gSfpj4jmATU2hIB9_KUnjTD9JzfHuFq2kp5oeNivthnXPmlw_4oOfmLx8jR90r6krDqn9oDwocijsY_1qH9iKFPj6LjsehZINvuAdYxy_2w75AiReFFjEqf6SnxDTU1yZGNASUXT-dmmWPQC1O5CWdtloQ=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Bearing the livery of an obscure trading house, this container was an absolutely lovely model to assemble. Each sprue in the box has one container as well as several crates and barrels, and it's been a joy to tinker with them. On that note, here's another container.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJXBgADrAIAX4rtrFPquEW6uflhfvJaxZjWzCKjD0P4_yh0BsxAkXRCAd3yxWwjX3JchVxGviGLe-xCsRuwFQWpOiQ59trx5bRb5S0pgWz-LRW8icva3hUZc7f14V0uUlVkFDdarDaRFaN878fdCj9jC3ld_mrK7W9ptoedinQwy1KmFBeaIoZmMjxw/s4128/20230111_131155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJXBgADrAIAX4rtrFPquEW6uflhfvJaxZjWzCKjD0P4_yh0BsxAkXRCAd3yxWwjX3JchVxGviGLe-xCsRuwFQWpOiQ59trx5bRb5S0pgWz-LRW8icva3hUZc7f14V0uUlVkFDdarDaRFaN878fdCj9jC3ld_mrK7W9ptoedinQwy1KmFBeaIoZmMjxw/s320/20230111_131155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>**</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For my first slightly bigger project, I'm going to stick some containers together. But first, I want to build an interior for one of them. Any Imperial settlement is going to have innumerable places for people to hide away, either for a little nap during their work shift, or as a whole illicit residence of their own. So I made this little bedroll out of green stuff:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-BHWIvlxNFvArBFdIHmoBB8xSF31cR8q1dRBJ30egBcmJSK_QC-oVkKhCXdxgB2onw8UTVW0aEbGJRAaVzUjENCNGUHTXMFyrICuBaxnWaMPMC0iWKZX29GQMyKwOmuKMvdB_2W6i209KYLCfI-m8pwluYAIsy-hNdDBT-XE-DvmgL3fgkk1fIQqg7g=s4128" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-BHWIvlxNFvArBFdIHmoBB8xSF31cR8q1dRBJ30egBcmJSK_QC-oVkKhCXdxgB2onw8UTVW0aEbGJRAaVzUjENCNGUHTXMFyrICuBaxnWaMPMC0iWKZX29GQMyKwOmuKMvdB_2W6i209KYLCfI-m8pwluYAIsy-hNdDBT-XE-DvmgL3fgkk1fIQqg7g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here's the whole thing painted, with a Fallout crate and some boxes from the container sprue added.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNtZkUCnGdDvfisHx0Vfven6VOu8ek0O3uvN9tPcygK0trKHF_waImrbt4mgGvVHYaManWuVcLEVz_mU2afHcNp9X7VlgnnAdQ0xUMj9BNJRi9oUrLxErr2exw0OGPoPUzXwBWqrKqPCP5VxIbr11UUZ5e0JglWUCh-Cd8GqaEjcQNI0DZXVHZMAOxKg=s4128" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNtZkUCnGdDvfisHx0Vfven6VOu8ek0O3uvN9tPcygK0trKHF_waImrbt4mgGvVHYaManWuVcLEVz_mU2afHcNp9X7VlgnnAdQ0xUMj9BNJRi9oUrLxErr2exw0OGPoPUzXwBWqrKqPCP5VxIbr11UUZ5e0JglWUCh-Cd8GqaEjcQNI0DZXVHZMAOxKg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I then seem to have entirely neglected to take any pictures of the rest of the build! Anyway, now it's done:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACUrbXfU6SoHtyf9PRvtbtr4RkKu0yeW-p_OtplWDz0FHjAacTV71T8ym_-2vmQJGe5y-YWT0gnVAcxGvg0otMr68NsnZrVQED8cIAEHO5ayNZ4LcRmErwu0PNxtCQArgW--6dgS5T8q5HlsVP8xqk6lw7fuuvacqvMpknV1_2ERpviHlgrGuRABKsA/s4128/20230208_151815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACUrbXfU6SoHtyf9PRvtbtr4RkKu0yeW-p_OtplWDz0FHjAacTV71T8ym_-2vmQJGe5y-YWT0gnVAcxGvg0otMr68NsnZrVQED8cIAEHO5ayNZ4LcRmErwu0PNxtCQArgW--6dgS5T8q5HlsVP8xqk6lw7fuuvacqvMpknV1_2ERpviHlgrGuRABKsA/s320/20230208_151815.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I know grimdark is very much the thing, but I've found I have a certain nostalgia for the bright corporate colors of the 1980's, and wanted to bring some of that into my 40k as well. The top container follows my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/07/epic-lets-build-some-adeptus-titanicus.html">Epic terrain theme</a>. Next, I gave my containers a cardboard base.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzsyygzOlurJ054l4ExJyPu1F5P5D7my_7k-7ovjjR6lufjWDpr4gk3GHwBm2Yg5I-Gp9ZtjQxZEJbbqrbEvYKayUZGdGoy2nlVQO0xR3StEZ281B8tQGA_cFP4D8tJLjUgWmIXeH66t9Gmq1Wd9KENLW9RJ63nMrpygf-wK-WK5YCSlV6q6p772jkg/s4128/20230208_152454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzsyygzOlurJ054l4ExJyPu1F5P5D7my_7k-7ovjjR6lufjWDpr4gk3GHwBm2Yg5I-Gp9ZtjQxZEJbbqrbEvYKayUZGdGoy2nlVQO0xR3StEZ281B8tQGA_cFP4D8tJLjUgWmIXeH66t9Gmq1Wd9KENLW9RJ63nMrpygf-wK-WK5YCSlV6q6p772jkg/s320/20230208_152454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then I glued on some sand, painted and varnished it, and it was time for the next components.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdM3NvqWhevrfjMShUNbqHIXfHOxxV3S1gQwumIkoxdap0uqbW2f1uDElTp-KkG37JNxEyoC-E4ARaRqi-HDZzndcXqHD0IBdiFOrftGh7XUPh1c9LjgZq0hIU9T4mOYP76cXerrA7DztLUtvLpAGu0zP5ftqkux8MBheSYhNVtW3tVOhAkd08eoWjg/s4128/20230209_120333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdM3NvqWhevrfjMShUNbqHIXfHOxxV3S1gQwumIkoxdap0uqbW2f1uDElTp-KkG37JNxEyoC-E4ARaRqi-HDZzndcXqHD0IBdiFOrftGh7XUPh1c9LjgZq0hIU9T4mOYP76cXerrA7DztLUtvLpAGu0zP5ftqkux8MBheSYhNVtW3tVOhAkd08eoWjg/s320/20230209_120333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, a whole bunch of Necromunda terrain got released, including the lovely Underhive Market set. The large market stall was simply perfect for what I had in mind, so I built one and painted it orange.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPPu3Ieo9jGZrkvbMv52sYadd5p_Hq8hfTkobEwwQ_O4YYB2kwlTpk3HIs0Uz5-3NqFeGuXVFSS23vC8jih4UJn7ZAr5Mc-aopyiLsv47rB0pI0HRZDeVmBpgi1yEjqDWkovISpxKBf0EBwczw3YJTex63vTOQhr-iDFt5CH0hZlf1Xn8EK_6q-7V8w/s4128/20230113_113600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPPu3Ieo9jGZrkvbMv52sYadd5p_Hq8hfTkobEwwQ_O4YYB2kwlTpk3HIs0Uz5-3NqFeGuXVFSS23vC8jih4UJn7ZAr5Mc-aopyiLsv47rB0pI0HRZDeVmBpgi1yEjqDWkovISpxKBf0EBwczw3YJTex63vTOQhr-iDFt5CH0hZlf1Xn8EK_6q-7V8w/s320/20230113_113600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I also have some <a href="https://www.modiphius.net/collections/fallout-wasteland-warfare/products/fallout-wasteland-warfare-terrain-expansion-settlement-work-benches">Fallout workbenches</a> from Mōdiphiüs, and I thought the armorer's workbench would look cute here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhD3tO1h2LP4RTNR-z7IRHMywSytNJcTir7Wj8yWWax96-nOamEmV4c66OS989A9Kq7dpztNCJU8YpcbVeMEtO5SBFGrDXLi-BL6BeIk99u0XDq7w4vRhdRMjcyAB8Hx1JVJ6mwFoT_BrHJQecRAicgYoxv8_zp9Uqma5FSksbl3v5duvIPuETuvBSnQ/s4128/20230207_113337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhD3tO1h2LP4RTNR-z7IRHMywSytNJcTir7Wj8yWWax96-nOamEmV4c66OS989A9Kq7dpztNCJU8YpcbVeMEtO5SBFGrDXLi-BL6BeIk99u0XDq7w4vRhdRMjcyAB8Hx1JVJ6mwFoT_BrHJQecRAicgYoxv8_zp9Uqma5FSksbl3v5duvIPuETuvBSnQ/s320/20230207_113337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I glued in the workbench and one of the Munitorum crates, and added sand.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno29Kh6y67rEIVUpKrPWeydPHtZl1qBwiruyHyXqQ0osnbXTvFzrRXfuVgx1EIzWSLlaftRRVjWuqDuSXmGQ45w9kqyocW_fO_jp8Bb8TY0y0i4lqeXdRAP9bTdDi3moG59u5GAUoNA_5db7rmcvyYPxXWSMJAgmtxVZSOtb2vOCzYlUzPvwEvacSqg/s4128/20230211_142715.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno29Kh6y67rEIVUpKrPWeydPHtZl1qBwiruyHyXqQ0osnbXTvFzrRXfuVgx1EIzWSLlaftRRVjWuqDuSXmGQ45w9kqyocW_fO_jp8Bb8TY0y0i4lqeXdRAP9bTdDi3moG59u5GAUoNA_5db7rmcvyYPxXWSMJAgmtxVZSOtb2vOCzYlUzPvwEvacSqg/s320/20230211_142715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And then it's time for the market stall.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tvZABjdJ3PiQ6XaJCnbQ3znaIcYcaIfcrqQCXxjCHlJ9qAhoTxMoTdAHPuJOtbQQT5mGkzyS27C1BMxHA3TNo68X9RryUYPH4lfCepqkz8iRgYGysLH-FLu119S0sF380LSyX4rxN4fN0ldW-aIiUlR46LDVO_5-QPzcVl-reHmQtmY53yBeMa4s2A/s4128/20230211_154825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tvZABjdJ3PiQ6XaJCnbQ3znaIcYcaIfcrqQCXxjCHlJ9qAhoTxMoTdAHPuJOtbQQT5mGkzyS27C1BMxHA3TNo68X9RryUYPH4lfCepqkz8iRgYGysLH-FLu119S0sF380LSyX4rxN4fN0ldW-aIiUlR46LDVO_5-QPzcVl-reHmQtmY53yBeMa4s2A/s320/20230211_154825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Obviously I couldn't resist adding a <a href="https://www.modiphius.net/collections/fallout-wasteland-warfare/products/fallout-wasteland-warfare-terrain-expansion-nuka-cola-machines">Nuka-Cola machine</a> and a crate or two, and then it was just a question of more PVA glue and sand until the whole thing was done!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULhjND-nucoNp5is55_klZ7wf4zWuRZi9XMHEwkYE6PlF7H89vkiwvmYYXtdPBcbcRuZ0ht8TDNp2neDJJP5NHGi3QuBTqxMQBK6l8r-8vJAr1iBIjXFO3TLCbCkwFqhPI93LiAaxQpzChxmjIoc8zEYmDRuXhSstyOtWxCAu_HjvBAQoRlSDFy9Uxw/s4128/20230218_163310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULhjND-nucoNp5is55_klZ7wf4zWuRZi9XMHEwkYE6PlF7H89vkiwvmYYXtdPBcbcRuZ0ht8TDNp2neDJJP5NHGi3QuBTqxMQBK6l8r-8vJAr1iBIjXFO3TLCbCkwFqhPI93LiAaxQpzChxmjIoc8zEYmDRuXhSstyOtWxCAu_HjvBAQoRlSDFy9Uxw/s320/20230218_163310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">**</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was a fun little project. I'm very happy I got the Munitorum box, and I've barely gotten started: there's still all kinds of stuff in there...</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991002223678957734.post-22635676509499589162023-02-27T09:00:00.012+02:002023-02-27T09:00:00.202+02:00Warhammer 40,000: Armigers<div><i>"Very good. Now for the next riddle:</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Poets know the hearts of Men and Mer</i></div><div><i>But beasts can't know my heart, you see</i></div><div><i>This book was written by a bear..."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i> - Salyn Sarethi</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the summer of 2019, I built my first ever Knights: two Chaos War Dogs for <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2019/10/warhammer-40000-tankhammer.html">a battle against the Imperium</a>, where they were promptly shot to bits. I was happy enough with them, however, that I wanted to make more.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0nwcjwBJPO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0nwcjwBJPO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0nwcjwBJPO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Michael Halila (@michaelhalila)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div><div>They were my first attempt at freehand Daedric, which I later also used on my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2020/10/warhammer-40000-heretic-tankery.html">Renegades and Heretics</a> and <a href="https://freodom.blogspot.com/2022/03/lets-play-adeptus-titanicus-battle-of.html">Titans</a>.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>The Helverins that shot up my army were so terrifying that I decided to start by making one for myself. I had an AT-ST from some discontinued German Imperial Assault boxes I bought, so I glued together some Imperial Guard autocannons to give it slightly more Helverin-like weapons, and slapped on a Chaos emblem from the vehicle upgrade sprue.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP58NST5CxV2ydmd-v_JFAcRkaCmxEAmQni93QX9HNWT8vgi2Z9_d_OyDCHAYfeym3ezN3i6Rf9se3ISt25l_kKUb0jNvQ_XzkmgXAgV64IqyVtPWPVZeb1LONOtinOTqaG_rh_hdbZIxD/s2048/20210130_133415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP58NST5CxV2ydmd-v_JFAcRkaCmxEAmQni93QX9HNWT8vgi2Z9_d_OyDCHAYfeym3ezN3i6Rf9se3ISt25l_kKUb0jNvQ_XzkmgXAgV64IqyVtPWPVZeb1LONOtinOTqaG_rh_hdbZIxD/s320/20210130_133415.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Meet Renegade Armiger <a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:People_D#Dearola">Dearola</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F7rd3Q9Q3sXIAwy8l5Ull8ayqOmtGtmrLIpnGaoqeIgEBbQIwSM2uaL6AWokW5i2xS85r3XuW3f5PCVXWodhb64igc-HRfe0ylHQfSPPekLYLVUJLgBEU__-Zr9UANonLs_1BME_X118/s2048/20210923_122329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F7rd3Q9Q3sXIAwy8l5Ull8ayqOmtGtmrLIpnGaoqeIgEBbQIwSM2uaL6AWokW5i2xS85r3XuW3f5PCVXWodhb64igc-HRfe0ylHQfSPPekLYLVUJLgBEU__-Zr9UANonLs_1BME_X118/s320/20210923_122329.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>I was also inspired by <a href="https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2019/10/goatboys-40k-fighting-the-meta-with-chaos-knights.html">Goatboy's enthusiasm</a> to get a <a href="https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Knight_Moirax">Knight Moirax</a> with lightning locks. Interestingly, the kit was basically a plastic Armiger with some resin bits. I still cordially dislike working with resin, but Forge World really has come a long way.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iOnPlXyXTyr7NIJHgFJnZmpFVwkBMvb6u-zxWGvOu1AgDHIAQZK65bQoxkAsbzJUEieaTz2J8efVf84O9G8LFxgMcZ36HDOC7c3dr0Tp5SmIAE1ICCmXUVzvdFKGOupaghZuNLA8GdYBJ5l7XUnL9GltCks8EdYBclvaCgn7bj6sz2skAnzcDtHS0w/s4128/20220604_161501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iOnPlXyXTyr7NIJHgFJnZmpFVwkBMvb6u-zxWGvOu1AgDHIAQZK65bQoxkAsbzJUEieaTz2J8efVf84O9G8LFxgMcZ36HDOC7c3dr0Tp5SmIAE1ICCmXUVzvdFKGOupaghZuNLA8GdYBJ5l7XUnL9GltCks8EdYBclvaCgn7bj6sz2skAnzcDtHS0w/s320/20220604_161501.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I repeated the metallic, black and red base colors from my earlier Armigers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73ABng-i59qkidraME-NVSgfK188qPDyhSNY4NPgZOobrabhTig0_6t4wiTDQ97IqwTjhryCTuKVCVHNQ_XJNwqoci2uTmTge_DrlcxxGDpb4rWSZFcYz-q4QHm20mIe1JBVGu21VcS7dAsGt_Rs-SJWioEaUdj7fZkdUWx90PWRz7W_E8zl2S7XJAA/s4128/20220804_195525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73ABng-i59qkidraME-NVSgfK188qPDyhSNY4NPgZOobrabhTig0_6t4wiTDQ97IqwTjhryCTuKVCVHNQ_XJNwqoci2uTmTge_DrlcxxGDpb4rWSZFcYz-q4QHm20mIe1JBVGu21VcS7dAsGt_Rs-SJWioEaUdj7fZkdUWx90PWRz7W_E8zl2S7XJAA/s320/20220804_195525.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>The obvious Daedra to name a lightning-themed Knight after would have been <a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Meridia">Meridia</a>, but I already have a Renegade Armiger Meridia. The only other Daedric Prince with a connection to lightning is <a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Sheogorath">Sheogorath</a>; therefore, this is Renegade Armiger Sheogorath.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkYon4ON3vz00eege-1LEY7M2aezeErZws7_a2hcaeMcjc-fM71HnwmWaxnIoaOG-KsCrgvrdDkq3ew8g3INsdemgEhC_FlFjuSOTn_KBcQuHQIBUtX-rI0L0__0yM2raOviORvDavge42L1pck8qPqOZ90hAf6WAZS-iDl071TBbv1IpQRHkXjLVdQ/s4128/20220809_142056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkYon4ON3vz00eege-1LEY7M2aezeErZws7_a2hcaeMcjc-fM71HnwmWaxnIoaOG-KsCrgvrdDkq3ew8g3INsdemgEhC_FlFjuSOTn_KBcQuHQIBUtX-rI0L0__0yM2raOviORvDavge42L1pck8qPqOZ90hAf6WAZS-iDl071TBbv1IpQRHkXjLVdQ/s320/20220809_142056.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>And here are all my Renegade Armigers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMxzU3_c5G3aiIZlklLO8ehQufWW2T3tlm2xJGJ7YrVHJ1BbkG2D6J9LC4qe0C37OSebescrv5cZBDP1EgP5QWE62rXnL6YPLACtmVFdqYZeMGXMn1EYIDrY48_igBVY5cUlH-08tw8EjjYKmToLm2E7EYS0kwqCTYzL-o_WbJwPeWK9MN1B4joqusg/s4128/20220809_142201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMxzU3_c5G3aiIZlklLO8ehQufWW2T3tlm2xJGJ7YrVHJ1BbkG2D6J9LC4qe0C37OSebescrv5cZBDP1EgP5QWE62rXnL6YPLACtmVFdqYZeMGXMn1EYIDrY48_igBVY5cUlH-08tw8EjjYKmToLm2E7EYS0kwqCTYzL-o_WbJwPeWK9MN1B4joqusg/s320/20220809_142201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>**</div><div><br /></div><div>As I was building Sheogorath, it occurred to me that I also had two Armiger Helverins I'd bought on a whim years ago, to deploy alongside my <a href="http://freodom.blogspot.com/2021/08/warhammer-40000-questor-mechanicus.html">Mechanicum Knight</a>. Here they are in the appropriate Machine Cult livery.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9QxHfJ-fDdlKbSjJCPg7e6WzVsXYMqfz9pTUpXT9uTI8gV-FTMib_35J6tWfsFJo2YpZ738JTMHqbqxJWYfL-sTJTO_vh4LPWcJ1qeu_Wwa6asqQiKrBKlhgUlbgbnLH_k3j3_SJuUkmSXBU3N5ZUKOh0D2iD8E7gROH3oTYTQuZTrT-4tCGHVuGnw/s4128/20230226_103228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9QxHfJ-fDdlKbSjJCPg7e6WzVsXYMqfz9pTUpXT9uTI8gV-FTMib_35J6tWfsFJo2YpZ738JTMHqbqxJWYfL-sTJTO_vh4LPWcJ1qeu_Wwa6asqQiKrBKlhgUlbgbnLH_k3j3_SJuUkmSXBU3N5ZUKOh0D2iD8E7gROH3oTYTQuZTrT-4tCGHVuGnw/s320/20230226_103228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Now, I may or may not have bought the new Horus Heresy box when it came out. Liber Mechanicum tells me that what I have here is, in fact, an entirely viable Questoris Household detachment, just a little shy of 800 points.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZXHj5IxUu9T_Hnl-BFy4IgkxpaPlSEe3LATChRSQVYqtFJb1ASPLqMV9OcLmy0no3zEC5lZ4NCQizda9-cmZpG9Nclv8rAz6IdXU8mva4HFO2T0zbks9QxewvaTHs_ihFqirjgM291cGVJje-g_9c0Y6F62erRYaa1sd5s2bCAGn4sxhHiztCRV45A/s4128/20230226_103325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZXHj5IxUu9T_Hnl-BFy4IgkxpaPlSEe3LATChRSQVYqtFJb1ASPLqMV9OcLmy0no3zEC5lZ4NCQizda9-cmZpG9Nclv8rAz6IdXU8mva4HFO2T0zbks9QxewvaTHs_ihFqirjgM291cGVJje-g_9c0Y6F62erRYaa1sd5s2bCAGn4sxhHiztCRV45A/s320/20230226_103325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>So it turns out that not only have I built and painted all my Armigers, but I also now have a Horus Heresy army.</div><div><br /></div><div>**</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I have to say, I like Knights. Every now and then, I think I should just not do anything 40k smaller than a Lord of War. Then I usually get my next infantry unit conversion idea.</div>Michael Halilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00813965292738048095noreply@blogger.com0