Super Blog Chain Pay it forward Give Away! Win a free painted dreadnought!

That is right folks, win yourself a FREE SPACE MARINE, ELDAR, ORK, or CHAOS DREADNOUGHT of YOUR CHOICE and PAINT SCHEME! I just won a lot of THREE Eldar War Walkers from Adepticus Prime! I am going to be featuring their conversion on my blog, in which they will be mounted by daemonnettes and become lust walkers, hunting guardians on every base they are mounted on! Here are the rules for the give-away:
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Rules.
1. you must have a blog.

2. you must have something worthwhile to offer up to give away for free.

3. if you win, you must hold your own blogsite give away using the same rules to pay it forward.

4. you must contact us with a link to your give away so we can send bloggers to your site.

5. you may only enter once per give away.


To enter.

leave a comment to this post as follows.

1st sentence, why you need the prize. What paintjob and Space Marine, Eldar, Ork or Chaos dreadnought you want with one set of weapons you choose (only GW dreads, no forge world and only weapons patterns that exist in GW 40k codexes, no IA)
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2nd sentence what you will give away on your blog to pay it forward.
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There are the rules Ladies and Gentlemen. I will pick a winner on Monday the 10th of May. This is your chance to win AND give back to the community! SPEAK UP!

Dark Eldar Warrior details from BoLS/ discussion

Thanks to Captain Obvious and our blog's love for the evil elves, we will continue to repost rumours wherever we hear them and ask our Dark Eldar audience (14% of you from our last poll) what you think of them. Here is what BoLS posted last:
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"The first batch of Dark Eldar model rumors are making the rounds... Yummy! They are said to be VERY CLOSE to the warrior shown on p.174 of the warhammer 40k rulebook.

Rumors via Dakka's Waaagh_Gonads:

The warriors are not striding forward and hunched over like they are about to tip over- legs are laid out in a wide stance and the models are much, much better proportioned than the old ones, so no more legs that go all the way up and tiny torsos.
Helmets and non helmeted heads included.
Non helmeted head has a high ponytail.
Ribs/shards of bone poke through loincloths and the ponytail.
The helmets are pretty much identical to the above pic, but with lumps/gems over the ears/temples.
From behind the helmets look exactly like eldar guardian ones.
There is a gem/soulstone on the left chest armour- not the shoulder armour piece as per the above pic.
This is where you have to use your imagination as the pic doesn't show it: On the back there is a backpack that looks like it started as an eldar backpack but does not stick out as far, has vestigal 'vanes' compared to the eldar one (so doesn't stick up above the shoulder) and most excellently down the centre of the backpack, it is recessed with scaled armour over the spine (triangular scales with points downwards)
A high collar that flanges out
Rifle is almost exactly the same as the pic for the base model, even down to the jagged bit that pokes up in front of the warriors abdomen in the pic. There is a variant with what looks to be crossbow arms sticking out laterally (ends up looking like a mini anchor)
Attachable Loincloths (variable designs) One has a skull, one a hook on them.
As per the pic, greaves over the lower legs, then knee pads and scales over the upper legs, with points upwards.
Knife scabbard, 2 'rods' and 2 small sachels on the 'utility belt' posteriorly
Blades of differing lengths and size on various armour parts, primarily lower legs and shoulder pads.
Curved knife HW available.
Attachable blades for the end of splinter rifle"
Let's hear your thoughts DFG fans!

Some words on Army Theme

Let me start out by saying this is my painting desk. It lives in my livingroom right next to the tv and directly across from the front door. My wife hates it. I put it up here so that everyone can get an idea of who I usually am. I'm a very disorganized person in almost all aspects of my life...except army theme. When it comes to army theme and the appearance of my army. My 40k vanity knows no limits.

So I got the start of my guard army from an old friend who doesn't play anymore. He just gave them too me, free. I tried them out and never looked back. The problem was when I wanted to expand the army because the figs he gave me are the 2nd edition metal ones and didn't fit with the new plastics. Because of my 40k vanity I had to basically shelf 60-70% of what he gave me to have a fully playable army.

The theme I wanted was that of a city fight theme. I stopped playing 40k when the city fight codex came out and for me, making a city fight themed army was fulfilling something I couldn't do when I was young and broke. So, they're mostly dark colors, black and gray mostly. Here are my vets:

When I thought of the Cadians I thought of them as the ultramarine equivalent of the Imperial Guard. They sit on the gateway to chaos relms, Cadia is kind of a big deal. The have new stuff, they're disciplined, they're top of the line. Now, as far as fluff, they're no praetorian guard, but I think of them as the USMC. I bet there is a Cadia somewhere cheering SEPMER FI! With that in mind, I thought of the detail of all their stuff is new, no rusty old tanks for my guard! Genestealer scratch the paint? Burn it, get a new one. Someone opened their rear hatch door and hit your Lemen? Give to to the Catachans, we're getting a new one. As far as discipline, I picture that with chin straps. Chin straps secure boys, no Saving Private Ryan head shots because you took your helmet off. You're cheap but that las gun and bayonet you have aren't. And with that, I also took the time to make sure that if there is a bayonet on the gun, there wasn't one in they're belt gear and vice versa.

I numbered my tanks for two reasons, one, it fits my theme of discipline, and two it makes it easy to remember what unit is in what chimera. I used the armored company fist on the tanks too and placed them in the same position on each tank and numbered in the same spots.


The core of my army strictly adhers to the doctrine of this theme. The excepts start coming in with specialty units which to me make sense they don't fit in. In the imperial guard, if it isn't a commander, veteran of infantry men, it's almost like a mercinary that doesn't fit into the regular rank and file guardsmen. Battle psykers, rattlings, marbo, ogryn. All of these are very different than a normal guardsmen and shouldn't look like them. However, you have to keep your color theme together. My colors are grey and black so I encorporated them into the army on these specialty units.


The next consideration I had was for my vendetta. I picture the vendetta as a cross over from a different branch of the Imperial forces, like the airforce providing airsupport to the marines. (I know the navy would do this, calm down CO and OST). I wanted to keep the colors similar but make it not look like it was a normal unit in this division of the IG.
Lastly is the Inquisitor. He's not even an imperial guardsmen so he needs to look completely different. Also, I wanted him as a center piece model so he needed to be a bright color that stands out from the rest but still fits into the army. I achieved this by using yellows, reds, and whites to make him stand out, and then using the lasgun with the guard helmet painted in the theme of my guard army to tie him in.

I feel like there are many ways besides army composition that you can theme an army. It can be a simple paint job, an over all idea for the army (such as "Discipline") or even something as simple as snow basing. Its up to you to bring your who army together and I don't think people should think of theme as a limiting thing but instead think of it as a creative challenge to let you play the army you want and still fit a theme you like. Make the theme fit your army, not your army fit the theme.

Inquisitor Revieled!

So, here is the Inquisitor for my guard army. I'm putting together a stronger tournament army and of course needed the Inquisitor/Mystic unit. I'm glad to have him a put a lot of effort into him because it'd been a while since I've had a nice unique center piece for my army. Enjoy the little eye candy from DFG. Next from me I'll be talking about having your army theme and how to incorporate all your models into it.

Dark Eldar Rumours Discussion

Old School here to discuss the latest and greatest Dark Eldar rumours coming out of BoLS today. I know there are some of you leather-wearing, sado-masichistic space elves out there (besides Captain Obvious) who may have some thoughts on what these rumours could mean, if anything, so here they are:

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-Lots of poison weapons (close combat and ranged).
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-Streamlined version of combat drugs.
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-The army is very lethal on the turn of arrival.
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-Expect lots of lance weapons.
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-There is chatter of the game's first lance-melta weapons being in the list.
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-Units will "power up" and gain abilities in some manner as they kill enemies.
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-Warriors and Wytches are troops.
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-Expect new units.
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-Harlequins are in.
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Alright, I think a lot of folks were expecting the poisoned weapons since they are a common theme already - my question is "What kind of ranged weapons do you think will be poisoned?"
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I like the phrase "The army is lethal on its turn of arrival" This implies that they are going to get the 5th edition treatment and finally become the null deployable raider army they were meant to be.
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Lots of lance weapons - hey guys, we already have a Captain Obvious working for us - no seriously, I am wondering if those are going to stay cheaper than tap water or if they will boost the price to like 25 pts or so. This could make the difference between whether or not the basic army composition really changes or not.
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Lance-melta weapon? Me and CO already were thinking this is what they would do to the blaster to make warriors more than snipers.
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Powering up as you kill: Brilliant and to the fluff ... just don't expect me to let you kill too much!
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Warriors AND wyches as troop, new units all sounds cool to me and hopefully they can finally field them this way at the same time.
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Harlequins? I'm not going to touch that one. Well, DE players, watchers and speculators, let's hear your thoughts on these latest rumours!

Better pics of my Tervigon ... and a future project!

Old School here and my little old 3.2 MP camera from 2002 is back ... and boy is it so much better than my wife's new slick camera. Anyway, here are some proper photos of my Tervigon and her brood (promise to get the Trgon, pods and zoeys by Thursday!)

Such a doting mommy!

I know, CVinton already beat me up with Hemoroid jokes, so have at it.

Seriously, just joke away, it's funny!

And here is my other current project, my Zerks from FW that I built back during X-mas vacation! Comments always welcome!

MicroArt Studio's Shows off new Thunderwolf Greens!

Hortwerth's own MicroArt Studios has just announced on their forum here http://microartstudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=864 that they plan to release their own Thuder Wolf equivilents. This just adds to the options you have when shopping for your own thunderwolves and while it isn't to my taste (I am a fan of Mr Dandy's work), I still think it is far better than seeing a thousand more of the Russian Thunder Lord Of Wolves model from Ebay. This gives folks a few more options to mix things up and as such, next month's release of this model is pretty exiting to me! Comment, as always, are welcome.

More new Nids! My 1st Tervigon painted!

Old School here with another peice of my Tyranid puzzle in place: My first Tervigon! This bad momma is painted in the same Hive Fleet Kraken style as my Trygon/mawloc (though the camera doesn't do me any favors here). She really was a joy to finish and her sister is downstairs also awaiting the brush!

I know most people for some reason balk at the idea of a nid with 8 arms, but I think the hive mind is capable of breaking the norm and besides ... those creepy little hands just remind me of Mr Burns from the Simpsons plotting "Yes, Smithers ..."

One of my favorite parts to this model is the base. I haven't really messed around with static grass a whole lot, but between this and the Mawloc model, it is dtarting to grow on me.

Yes, last but not least, what momma could go on to the FLGS showcase without taking a few of her beloved offspring with her. Hopefully, you like the new nids so far. Don't worry I am working on either a lightbox or a natural light lamp to improve the photo quality (red sucks in photos). Comments appreciated as always.

Nightspinner and Fireprism pics!

If you haven't seen these plastered across the interwebs this morning, here are the new kits for Eldar due out supposedly with the Spearhead release in June. The top photo is the night spinner and the bottom one is the fire prism update (finally no more heavy gemstone of doom)

Artist of the Week! Edwin of Daith's Forge!

Old School here with the Artist of the Week! This week's artist is Edwin of Daith's Forge and of White Raven Factory. I really like his clean style and his really intricate blending of freehand into fabric (the farseer is the best example). His blog is also fairly new and could use a visit, so if you like what you see, visit http://daith.blogspot.com/ and check out the work. Also check out White Raven Factory to see the work of his fellow artists. Comments as always are welcome.

Non-GW models and parts: The Great Debate!

Old School here to stir the pot on an area of interest that seems to have folks riding the fence most of the time; Using non-GW parts to upgrade models or using Non-GW models.

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With all the non-GW companies out there that offer weapons options, shoulder pads, thunder wolves and other items GW has not made the parts or models for (Paulson Games or Chapterhouse come to mind), there seem to be two schools of thought - those who would gladly partake in these parts or models and those who make it a point to not do so.

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I am going to come right out and say that I am in the camp that would love to use those parts, but I respect the opinion of those who wouldn't. What I would like to know is why wouldn't you and if you would - to what extent would you take it.

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If you would never touch the stuff is it a matter of principal or is it because you play in a strict GW store environment and are not allowed? Is it a legal issue for you? Please explain your views as there are many out there with similar view or who are on the fence who might agree with you.

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If you are like me and would use the parts, to what extent would you go? Do you stop at weapons and helmets or do you stop at mounts? Is all of that ok, but you would never use a greater Daemon from a different brand like Ultraforge? OR are there no limits and you will run whatever you please as long as it looks awesome? Once again please explain, you could be helping to influence those folks who are on the fence.

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With all that said, I will say that I am a heavy converter and love to do that kind of work, but some conversions are frustrating or expensive to gather the parts or materials for - in which case, I will gladly take a really nice looking item - like a bone sword and use it in my conversion regardless of which company it came from.

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I don't really stop there either. I hate the Canis Wolfborne model and I want my new Wolves to look amazing and I want the centerpeice units in my army to be my thunderwolves. Even if GW made a set of T-wolves right now, I would still go with the wolves from Mr. Dandy - they just fit my aesthetic and the look I want my army to have.

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It gets worse, not only would I use parts and mounts, but I have commited the ultimate heresy - model substitution. I throw up in my mouth when I see the GW Great Unclean One (and not in the good Nurgle way) and I balk at the size and price of the FW one - so I bought the amazing Greater Plague Daemon from Ultraforge when it was still available and I never looked back; it is amazing and fits the aesthetic of my army to a T.

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Now I will say that I also cannot stand it when somebody shows up with some Mageknight figures or something utterly - unless they are just playtesting to see whether they would buy the models - but if that crap ends up as a permanent fixture in their army, I just won't share a table with them.

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Now that you know my opinion, let's here yours. Where do you stand on this issue? - (authors, your in on this too, where do you stand?)

Aftermarket Parts: Paulson Games Blood Talons and Tyranids!

After the quick Chapterhouse Studios update yesterday, an anonymous tipster (literally) gave me this link: http://www.paulsongames.com/page/page/5879537.htm Upon arriving at Paulson Games, I realized that I had bought their products already from Ebay. I already own the bone sword arms for Tyranid Warriors.
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I didn't even know they had this site, let alone the Blood Talons for dreadnoughts (which is their best work IMHO).

When I first ordered the bone swords, I wish I would have known about the MC ones, because I would have already made Swarmlord and as far as I have seen on the net, these are the best aftermarket boneswords out there.

I actually own a set of these. They look good - no bubbles, a little flash, but that isn't a problem. They are a little small and thin due to the size of the weapon, but the scale to the mini and the proportions are perfect. If you want these, just be careful with them.

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All in all, though they don't have a huge selection, Paulson Games does have quality looking craft on their side and if you are not opposed to using non-GW parts on your models, I would suggest you give them a look.

My own bit of modeling. Death Korps by LSS

So i decided to take a break from my normal ranting on about Imperial Guard to give you readers a bit of the modeling that i do... So you can laugh at me I am sure. Anyhow here are a few stills of my army... wish i could get some better shots but I am not much of a photographer.