What the Food?!

For more years than I can remember my faithful family retainer visits me and the family at Christmas.  I look forward to rumballs (that are so OP that I can't drive after eating more than one) and pudding (though this year it was a tart).  So to my "old china plate" Sir Anthony Richards, thank you.  The food will be consumed (hopefully only by me) and the game we will all have to play shortly.

http://boardgamegeek.com/image/1837774/what-the-food

So this is the gift that Ants got for me.  He pitched in for the Kick Starter of this game, which got him all the goodies, which I also was able to benefit from.  He tells me he visited his sister and played it to the wee hours of the morning, as she wanted to keep playing it.  So that must speak well of how the game plays.  So stay tuned, I'll post something eventually about it in due course.  I will be bringing this to the first Blind Pig of 2014 to give it a whirl.

WARNING - Morbid old man writing about his feelings

So it’s almost the end of another year, and the start of a new one.

I’m still here despite an overwhelming desire to leave this world of ruin.

I sit here among all my “toys” and my mind turns to the thought “what will happen to it all when I am gone”?  Well, what will happen?  None of my family has shown any interest or passion that I have for my hobby.  Will what I have accumulated over five decades be tossed out, sold or even kept?  Who knows?  Ultimately what my family decide to do with it all is up to them, but it makes me wonder what I should be doing.

When I was young and entered the world of gaming I had more “friends” than I could poke a stick at.  I was in a unique position to have a house, a wife who actually played games (or at least pretended to) and a venue for people to come game at.  I was generous to others and thought I had the respect and friendship from others in return.  The 1980’s were not a good decade to me; my health had started to decline along with my mind.  So instead of my “friends” supporting me they deserted me, and the start of my gaming life alone began.  Where I was an active role-player I moved to miniatures where I didn't need to have a large circle of “friends”. 

So the years rolled on.  I collected more from the need to feel happy, there is something in the phrase “retail therapy”.  What I accumulated became the envy of others, and led to increased loneliness.  I have been generous in my gifting over the years, but has it led to a greater enrichment of social interaction with my peers.  No it has not.  I am even lonelier now than I was when I first started to withdraw. 

My compulsive nature is to see others happy.  I have the belief that if I see my actions bring enjoyment then I can through that action achieve some measure of that enjoyment in return.  The only difficulty with this is that it has brought about a “martyr” complex. This is where my actions impact on my own welfare and over time has taken their toll.  My unreal expectations that others should reciprocate in a similar fashion have harmed me immeasurably.  Yet I still do it.  Why?  I do it knowing that if my actions only get one person in many starting to genuinely appreciate what I have done, then I can feel vindicated in my actions.  I am of course always saddened that others fail to see the significance of what I do, they are ultimately nothing but the many “users” who now populate this greedy and self-centered world in which we live.

The Christmas and New Year period, along with my birthday are two critical points in time when it comes to surviving.  I volunteer work where I read police and autopsy reports of people who have killed themselves, in other words - suicide.  I have an exceedingly good idea how to end my life successfully, unlike the last three attempts.  So will I survive this crisis point?  Who knows?  I think it is really up to others to take the time to include me in their lives, to make me feel like wanting to live, that there is a purpose to seeing tomorrow. 

My reason for writing this is that I really have no one to talk to.  All my genuine friends are gone, have busy lives of their own, or sadly dead.  No one asks me how I am, what am I doing, would you like to do this or that.  I seem to be like a fire alarm behind glass with instructions to only use in the case of an emergency.  Yet to be honest, even if someone were to genuinely ask me how I am, I’m sure I’d respond with “I’m still here”.

My Dalek is not impressed with the Cricket

Naval Warfare WWII Update

Here are pictures of what I have at present.

Japanese.

USA

Australian, German, French

Italians

All in shot

Yes it's a really glossy sea table I have.  It's one of the two boards I have.  Generally I only use one board for my games of Uncharted Seas or Dystopian Wars.  Not sure how I will convert these ships across to Battlewagon.  Still trying to come up with a plan.

On a personal note I'm not in a good place at the moment.  My neighbour behind my property is taking me to GCAT over their demands for approx $2.5K for a new fence. This is money I don't have and most likely will never see outside of winning Lotto or living to see retirement and superannuation.  It's been extremely hard focusing on things to take my mind of the stress of this situation.  I'm not succeeding.  These are things that always happen to other people, being one of those other people puts you in another world all together.  I do not wish it on anyone.  The Christmas period is never a good time of the year for me, it and my birthday are the two danger periods to my continued existence.  Death is not an obstacle or hindrance to me.  So I guess that if I stop blogging then you may know the reason why.

Naval Warfare WWII

While "cleaning" up the Lair I stopped to look at my naval miniatures for Axis & Allies that WotC produced.

https://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=ah/aam/waratsea

So I've dusted off the box, unpacked the ships and will see about a little seamanship!

I initially bought the ships (not so much for the A&A system) but for other wargame rules.  Namely Battlewagon from Task Force Games.  I recall playing this game back in the 80's with an old mate, I it was fun.  However bare in mind that time distorts all memory about games, so it'll be interesting to see if my recall is correct.

http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3670/battlewagon

Final HotT EPIC Ork Update

The HotT EPIC Ork project is now finished (for a while at least).  Out of the mix of units I had I have managed to create 5 x 24AP lists.  Now I have the dilemma what army to have as their opponent.  The difficulty I have is that they are all painted and based for NetEPIC and I'm loathe to change them.  I'm hoping that I might pick up some painted EPIC armies in time that are excess to my actual needs and that I can "mutilate" for HotT.

The completed works!

Bad Moon Army

Two almost identical lists.  Dreadnoughts added for one.

Evil Sunz Army

Odd ball lot.  Lone Weirdboy left over.

Saturday Entertainment

I'd like to thank Michael S and his daughter Jaz for visiting me today.  Had an unranked game of Dreadball (Robots versus Veer-Myn).  What a game, scoring almost every turn for both players.  Michael almost had the game over at 6-0, but I managed to drop the score back to 3-0.  No one died on either team, yea!

Also underway is the HotT EPIC Ork project.  Here's whats been based.  Still lots of cosmestic work to be done to touch up the figures.  I used old figures I got through trades for this project.

What has been based to date.

The extras!

 These are the additional element options I've made for my Ork army.  Hiding in the back is the artillery (3 x guns with a stand of troops), two Behemoths in the form of a Battlefortress and Stompa, Magician (element with Weirdboy and a Weirdboy Battlewagon), Hero (Nobs and banners) and three elements of Warband (Nobz).  Quite happy to date with this lot.

The 24AP list ready to roll.

The above is my 24AP list. 4 x Horde (Boyz), 1 x Behemoth (Stompa), 2 x Warband (Nobz), 3 x Riders (Battlewagons), 3 x Knights (Different Battlewagons - ie big gun and deathroller!).

Will post more in due course.  Currently picking through my Imperials to build an opposing force with.

New Project - HotT EPIC Ork

Cleaning up my studio has given me a small boost to do something.

While thinking of what to do I had a look through HotT, and The Stronghold Rebuilt (http://hordesofthethings.blogspot.com.au/) .  A lot of my files I had from the old Stronghold are stored on disc and I think goes back a number of years to the early 2000's.  The first list by Alan (Saunders) had the elements based for 25mm scale, which was what I was thinking of doing.  Nothing wrong with massed troops for elements.  However, practicality and an inbuilt ennui drove me to choose the least resistance.  So I've gone with the revised list from The Stronghold Rebuilt.
 http://hordesofthethings.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/epic-hott.html

Here is the pictures of what is being used for the project.  Obviously lots and lots of figures, not all will be used, but who knows where my madness will lead me.

Latest acquisitions... board games

So after parting with some much loved EPIC I was able to raise some funds to pick up these games today.

Krosmaster: Arena.  

http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/112138/krosmaster-arena

I could not help myself with this one.  I played this at the club with James GG, Simon M and his wife K-Lee.  The figures are what attracted me to the game firstly.  Game play is fun.  A good family game.

Kemet

http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/127023/kemet

Haven't played this one yet.  The reviews were what made me decide to give it a go.  Will post more when I've had a few games.

Bought my games from Glen at ACE Comics Annerley.  Best place to browse, have a chat and feel welcome.

50th Anniversary of Dr Who Tribute

Hard to believe that it was 50 years ago.  Seems just like yesterday to me.  Here are some photo's of some of my Dr Who figures I've had for a while.  Must do something with them soon.

The 3rd Doctor, John Pertwee has always been (until David Tennant) my favourite Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith (Elizabeth Sladen) my favourite companion.

X-Wing Saturday

I have a old friend who comes over every now and then, though more regular these days, which is nice.

Our game of preference at present is X-Wing from FFG.

Some shots from our two games today.  Honour is satisfied with a win to each of us. Played the scenario that came with the Lambda shuttle.  I thought it would be a cake walk for the Rebels, but it proved to more difficult that I thought.  I lost the first game (I played Rebels - 2 x B-Wings + 1 Y-Wing), and just managed to win the second (1 x TIE-Bomber, 1 x TIE Advanced and 1 x Lambda Shuttle), by securing the last objectives.

Friday Update - Still LotR

So Friday here is Brisbane.

Watching the cricket (Australia vs England), Fringe (Season 2) and rebasing figures (although at the moment in time, typing!).  While it's early days in the cricket, England to win!

Here is the latest batch of figures for LotR converted.  I now have plenty to play any variation.

Top has the Haradrim list.  No elephant, as the GW one will not lend itself to the basing system.

More elements for Gondor/Rohan, Elves (with ent), Heroes.

Almost a decent photo.  My sneaker for Orthanc!

The Fellowship, broken into the best option (in my opinion).
Gandalf, Frodo & Sam - Magician
Aragon, Legolas & Gimli - Hero
Boromir, Pippin & Merry - Hero

HotT/DBA Lord of the Rings (with pictures!).

Here are pictures of the armies that are now battle ready.  They can take to the table at any time!
Again, I must apologise for the less than ideal photo quality.  I'm using my vidcam which seems to be 20/80 in it's success rate with taking shots.  However what you can see should be more than enough to prove the proof in the pudding.

Khazad (Dwarfs)

Lothlorien (Elves)

Gondor

Mordor

Orthanc

Rohan

There will be more elements added over the next few days.  The "magical" side of HotT is being provided.  Ents, Halflings, Easterlings, Haradrim etc.  So stay tuned, there will be more to come.

Small update LotR

Due to a lack of a decent camera, I'm holding off any photo's at present.

To date the LotR to HotT/DBA is progressing well.

I have completed:
Khazad
Lothlorien
Mordor
Orthanc
Gondor
Rohan

Rohan is still to be flocked, but it is looking good.  If I can get a camera and take some shots I'll post some.

BTW I was impressed with this
http://hordesofthethings.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/hott-on-barsoom.html

Recommend this chaps blog.

Cheers till next time.

LotR - Problems Solved (for the moment)

My problem with the GW base sizes was moot when I started to hack off everything but the feet.  On the whole the project will work for both the DBA variant and for my HotT armies.  Below is where I am at present.

Using a pair of wire cutters to cut the plastic away.  Not sure how much longer I'll be up to this.  Massive bruise developing in the palm of my hand.  What pain we will put up to see a project finished.

Army of Orthanc, awaiting to be flocked.

The flocked Khazad and "Elf" Armies.

Mordor underway.

Well it seemed a good idea at the time

Having to have a really good think about how I am going to base the LotR figures for either DBA/HotT.  All the figures are GW, and while the initial LotR figures were less "heroic" scale, they don't quite accommodate the base scales used in the rule.  Why oh why the author of DBA/HotT refuses to acknowledge the figure scale creep is beyond me.  I can indeed do all the lists for the LotR DBA lists, I have the figures, I just don't know how to solve the basing problem.

Will have to have a long think on this one before I do anything "rash".

Might post some pictures later on.

Death of LotR to HotT

Been reviewing what I currently have figure wise.  I have a huge amount of painted LotR that I once enjoyed playing from GW.  However the company has screwed us over with cost and value, so I'm now looking at the huge amount of painted stuff that is just not being used.

So currently looking at:

HotT
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/luke/ueda-sarson/HotTME.html

DBA
http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/~kuijt/orcs/TolkeinDBA.html

Saturdays Ramble

I've added a shot of example army created from the lists for Skaven and Empire HotT.  See posts below.

Popped down to ACE Comics Annerley and enjoyed a couple of board games with a friend.  It was very quiet there, either everyone was at Supernova or they were hiding in the other gaming room.

Played

Legendary

 

http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/129437/legendary-a-marvel-deck-building-game

Played two games.  The first time I played this game the group was still learning and we got a few things wrong.  I just didn't get the game.  Today James and I played two games, and I now know what I'm doing.  I won the first game, lost the second.  I really like this game, and recommend it to those who like Marvel and deck building.

Trains

 

http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/121408/trains

Played one game.  Quick to pick up and understand.  Game went really quickly, another group were setting up and getting to grips with Merchants of Venus, we finished as they decided to go off and have lunch.  I won this game (this is becoming a worrying trend, I'm usually bad at winning any game).  I'd like to play with the full four players just to see how the game plays.  I liked it, for what my opinions worth.

Picked up "In Her Majesty's Name" and "A World Aflame",

more miniature rules for figures I have yet to paint.

 

That's all folks, for the moment.

HotT Skaven Army List

Classic Skaven from 3rd edition Warhammer Fantasy Battles

 

So continuing on from my previous HotT army list, here are the Skaven.

 

Clanrat Stormvermin – The elite.

 

Black Skaven Clanrats – The warrior elite, retainers of the Skaven Warlords.

 

Clanrat Warriors – The bulk of the Skaven forces.

 

Skavenslaves – Chained and driven into battle, the lowest caste in Skaven society.

 

Night Runners – Elites of Clan Eshin.

 

Gutter Runners – Scouts of Clan Eshin.

 

Plague Censer Bearers- Warpstone ‘incense burners’. 

 

Plague Monks – A devout order devoted to infection.

 

Clan Moulder Beastmasters – Handlers of the many beasts that Clan Moulder tamper with.

 

Poisoned Wind Globadiers – Warpstone gas is trapped within fragile globes, the effects infects the minds of those who are afflicted.

 

Warpfire-Thrower Teams – Volatile warpfire and arcane ingredients form the fuel of a flaming weapon.

 

Jezzailachis – Crewed by two Skaven.  A long large calibre musket.

 

THE LIST

 

Mandatory elements are 1 x Horde (Skavenslaves) and 3 x Spear (Clanrat Warriors)

 

0-1, Hero (Favoured Champion) @ 4AP

0-2. Magician (Grey Seer) @ 4AP

0-2, Blade (Clanrat Stormvermin or Black Skaven Clanrats) @ 2AP

3-12, Spear (Clanrat Warriors) @ 2AP

0-1, Shooter (Poisoned Wind Globadiers) @ 2AP

1-24, Horde (Skaven Slaves) @ 1AP

0-2, Lurker (Gutter Runners) @ 1AP

0-1, Sneaker (Night Runner) @ 3AP

0-1, Beast (Clan Moulder Beastmasters – Rat Ogres, Giant Rats) @ 2AP or Behemoth (Clan Moulder Beastmasters – Rat Ogres) @ 4AP

0-1, Artillery (Jezzailachis, Warpfire-Thrower Team) @ 3AP

 

Additional

0-1, God (Horned Rat) @ 4ap

0-1, Behemoth (Doom Wheel) @ 4Ap

 

Stronghold – Squalid city of Skavenblight.

An example of a 24AP army created from the list.

 

HotT Empire Army List

Classic Empire from 3rd edition Warhammer Fantasy Battles

It comes as no surprise that GW have driven many people away from their product.  As a result I have been repurposing my figures to create lots of entertaining HotT armies.  You’ll find elsewhere pictures of my Empire fighting Undead.  Below is my own interpretation.

Mounted Elements

Temple Ritterbruden – Templars of Sigmar, Ulric and Myrmidia.

Hohensknechtes – Secular order of knights; Imperial Guard, High-Helms, Knights Panther and Gryphon Legion.

Statdtsknechtes – Provincial knights of feudal nobles and their retainers – Elector States and Raubritter (robber knights)

Kriegsritter – Mounted militia from the Electoral Provinces.

Foot Elements

Reiksgard – Imperial Guard who protect the Emperor.

Armbrustschutzen – Crossbowmen.

Helblitzen – Good quality troops armed with halberds.

Hakbutschutzen – Troops armed with nmzzle-loading arqubuses.

Ersatzsolder – Mustered troops from the urban population.  Armed with weapons such as halberd, spears, or pikes.  Lightly armoured, shield and hand weapon generally issued.

Landesturm – Rural peasantry.

Bergjaeger – Scouts, trackers and hunters.

Forstjaeger – Skirmishers.

Fleglers – Religious fanatics

Reiks Kanone Batterien – Cannon.

THE LIST

Mandatory elements are 1 x Shooters (Armbrustschutzen) and 1 x Blade (Helblitzen).  The list allows plenty of flexibility to encompass whatever you may have.  This has been developed with the 24AP as standard.

0-1, Aerial Hero (Emperor on Griffon) @ 6AP

0-1, Paladin (Temple Ritterbruden Grand Master) @ 4AP

0-1, Magician (Wizard from one of the Orders) @ 4AP

0-1, Cleric (Priest of Sigmar, Ulric etc) @ 3AP

0-1, Hero (Elector Count) @ 4AP

0-3, Knights (Temple Ritterbruden,  Hohensknechtes, or Statdtsknechtes) @ 2AP

0-1, Riders (Kriegsritter) @ 2AP

1-2, Shooters (Armbrustschutzen) @ 2AP

0-1, Shooters (Hakbutschutzen) @ 2AP

1-2, Blades (Helblitzen) @ 2AP

0-1, Blades (Reiksgard) @ 2AP

0-5, Spears (Ersatzsolder) @ 2AP

0-2, Horde (Landesturm) @ 1AP

0-1, Sneakers (Bergjaeger) @ 3AP

0-1, Lurkers (Forstjaeger) @ 1AP

0-1, Warband (Fleglers) @ 2AP

0-1, Behemoth (Ogres) @ 4AP

0-3, Artillery (Reiks Kanone Batterien) @ 3AP

 

Additional troops from the following:

0-1 Behemoth (War Wagon, or Steam Tank) @ 4 AP

Stronghold - Fortified Manor house. 

An example of a 24AP army developed from the list.