Imperial Guard update - Gearing up for Apocalypse!

 So a large apocalypse game is coming up in a month or two so it's time to gear up and make some headway with my Imperial Guard Army 'The Hydrobian 8th'. I realise I'm kind of giving away some secrets here but who cares. It's for fun anyway.

I love artillery and explosions, who doesn't? I've liked the idea of a manticore but I hated the model. The big cartoon rockets seemed silly to me. I had two leftover whirlwind rocket pods that look great. The idea was to try and emulate an MLRS ( google it ) as my army is somewhat modern-looking.

Here goes!

 I wasn't hugely pleased with the actual rockets. I couldnt figure out a decent colour scheme so I went for boring military green with som yellow dots.


I also magnetised the launcher so I could make it a DeathStrike missile Launcher.

 You've no doubt already noticed that it's a single manticore missile instead of a deathstrike.The reason for that is the deathstrike missile is flat out silly. It looks like something the coyote would use against the roadrunner. It should hace ACME written down the side.  The in game effect is a 3+D3 blast. Not a huge blast in otherwords. The deathstrike, as seen below is basically a 50 megaton nuclear missile. It should really just erase the battlefield killing everything. If they made the deathstrike realistic it would go something like: If the deathstrike fires, the game is a draw as all models on the table are instantly vapourised.

It's just too big.

I'm happy with the result and I'll gladly argue with anyone who claims its too small. The missile now kind of matches the in-game effect plus it looks better.


Below is a plasma veteran squad. Just some random things I've been working on.

 This squad is a veteran squad with Melta. The heads are from Mad Robot Miniatures and the guns from Anvil Industries. This squad will eventually be mounted in a valkyrie. I've modelled them on old school stormtroopers and British paratroopers.

Thanks for stopping by.

Streamlined Apocalypse

Apocalypse!

The thing about it is, my experience with it has been mixed. It takes a lot of time, effort and organisation to sort it out. Getting everyone together is also a challenge. It also has a chance of simply being boring, too long and too messy.

With so much stuff to move around the table, so many things to keep track of, multiple opponents to fight simultaneously and so much time spent sitting around whilst others make their moves it can easily become tedious. Last time we played a huge apoc game which while it WAS fun, was simply exhausting.

So.... How can you make huge big games more fun, more streamlined and more engaging?

Here is my idea, which i shall dub: Warhammer 40k COMMANDER! (keep in mind that this is a general outline. Details like number of players, type of terrain, size etc is not fixed):

"COMMANDER!"

The idea behind this is to create a realistic commander style setting in which roles are defined and there is a clear idea of what each commander's Mission is. Bear with me.

IMPORTANT: Most apocalypse games have one person who is assigned the role of 'Organiser'. This person has one duty - To keep things flowing. This person basically has to make sure everyone is playing, setting up, rolling dice or taking breaks. Essentially a person responsible for time-keeping. This role will be considerably easier with the COMMANDER set up:

 

RULES:
6 Players, 2 teams - i.e 3 vs 3
Large apocalypse table with cityfight terrain

The table is divided into 3 sectors like so:

The idea is that the teams each chooses a long table edge to deploy on as per usual rules. The table is then divided into 3 sectors. Each player in the team then chooses a sector to fight in. Essentially becoming a 1v1, 1v1, 1v1 battle.

Each individual player has responsibility for their own sector and responsibility for their own objectives. Basically it will be 3 battles on one massive table which allows for the creation of an excellent narrative. I.e Commander Rik must take the Communications center in Sector 1, Mattias must stop him. Rory will be fighting Chriss for 3 Virus bomb cannisters spread out in Sector 2. Jim will be fighting Bob for 3 objectives in Sector 3 - You get the idea. 3 sectors, 9 objectives. 2 teams, 6 players.

At the end of the game which ever team as the most Victory Points wins. Simples.

Deployment & Movement:

Once sectors have been chosen and armies deployed, units may move freely across sector lines. e.g A tactical squad can move from sector 1 to sector 2. They can cross into other sectors to reinforce their allies, shoot, assault whatever.

Reserves moving onto the table however, can only come in on your own sector. e.g Rory is fighting in Sector 2, his reserves can only be deployed from Sector the 2 table edge.

Requesting reinforcements! : Strategic reserves may enter another sector. The player who owns that sector must request reinforcements. Roll a D6:
1: Failed, commincations break down and these reserves can only come in on their home secotr
2: Garbled message, a garbled request makes it through. Half of the reserves may be deployed in the foreign sector (rounding up)
3-6: Received, incoming! - The request is successful. Strategic Reserves may be place anywhere.

Deep Strike

Reserves using the deep strike rule may enter anywhere on the table.

Special rules

Army wide special rules that affect terrain, armies, leadership, reserve rolls etc can only affect their home sector. i.e An Imperial Guard Astropath can only affect reserve rolls of their sector opponent.

Theory:

The theory is that each battle is somewhat isolated, players will mostly be playing against a single opponent but with the option to reinforce their allies much like a real world scenario. Having responsibility for a sector and objectives gives the player more purpose rather than just a massive unorganised melee with no tactics or plans. I think it will result in a very cool battle which won't take 20 hours to complete. Things going well in your sector? Divert some tanks to reinforce your buddy in the neighboring sector.

There's plenty of details to iron out like the effect of strategic reserves etc.

Ideas?

Random Pictures.

Not much writing today, just some random pictures I decided to take whilst I had my gaming board out. Apologies for some blurry pics. My skill with the camera close up is definitely lacking. Also, is it me? Or do models look way shitter on pictures than in person?. Some of my models are really sloppy, need to fix them up and sort out the detail. Don't know about others but I find that my patience whilst painting is great when I start off, but as soon as I near completion I kind of rush the highlights and other crap because I just want to be finished...unfortunately highlights and those minor finishing touches are the difference between crap and good!

Battle Surgeon Lazarus (counts as Corbulo)

El Grande Army

Blurry! argh

Holding the line!

Surge!

Fire!

Chaplain Ramius leads the charge!

I will whack you!

Ready, Aim, Fire! - Traitors are executed by firing squad!

Not pleased with this, not sure why.

Decent blood effects, not pleased the the night lord.

I AM pleased with this, Stringy gore bits!

A Champion of the Black Scorpions! (usually counts as Seth)

A water logged Crater OR a Nurgling bath

Finished up my Artillery for my guard army.

With those muzzle breaks I can choose whether I want them to be medusas or basilisks. Cheap Scotsman ftw!

Chief Librarian Stokahn Hammerhand

I keeel you!

Thanks for stopping by! C&C always welcome.

Gaming Table v2.0

So...

If you check back in some of my battle reports you'll probably see my first ever effort making a gaming table. The City Table v1.0 as I call it. It was my first ever effort and I made some rookie mistakes.

First off, it was overly complex and much sturdier than in needed to be. It was therefore very heavy. I also made the flat surface out of cardboard which warped and bent after the paint dried. It looked great but wasn't practical. So I bit the bullet and ripped the cover off, removed the unnecessary wooden support structure and started anew with a basic polystyrene base.

Mattias also known as Terradax popped over for a quick 1500 point game. Black Scorpions Vs Black Legion and Daemons! A great tense game. In short...Mattias pushed hard into my lines with Spawn, Marines and Bloodletters. At one point I was down to 7 men on the table.... My Storm Raven carrying my death company, Chaplain and a death company dread swooped in and saved the day, Strafing the blood letters. On turn 3 the death company and dreadnought disembarked munched through his marines and slew his Warlord!. Great game!

Here are the pics from the game showcasing the new table:

A smoother surface and this time with Roads!

 The picture below shows the new surface. I added depth so I can create craters, canals etc. On this 48 x 48 table I made some craters. My second 48x48 will feature a city canal and bridge, maybe some sewers too! The large crater on the top right corner of the picture will have water effects for a cinematic feel. My first layer of water effects turned white for some reason. I think it reacted with some metal junk bits I added. So I'll have to redo that bit.

The Storm Raven swoops in for a strafing run! I kept the cityfight theme. Added some craters and debris.

Aegis! Notice the Objective marker fits quite well

 I added roads this time because I feel roads add character to the landscape and make it feel more real. The smoother surface also meant my buildings didn't wobble any more. The old table was so uneven!
Below is just some of my terrain, which I'm quite proud off (Forgeworld weathering powders. I'm a huge fan!)

The Jolly Goblin Tavern, this once festive and joyful pub is now in ruins. The patrons have long since been sacrificed to the dark gods, flayed by Necrons or enslaved.

  Below, I added some greenery. Even in the grim dark future I'd like to think some cities still have parks etc. I also wanted an excuse to use some more water effects so I made a swampy fetid pool. Turned out great! I LOVE the reflections of the buildings in the water... It looks so real!

The abandoned Arbites Precinct looms in the distance

Not sure what I was trying to do here.

Anyway, Thanks for checking it out. Comments welcome!

The Valley of Alhaymah - 2000 pt Battle Report

"Chaplain, There is activity in the valley. They're excavating something. Scouts have reported necron canoptek entitites digging for something" said Sergeant Morius.
The Chaplain stood at the edge of the cliff and peered down into the misty valley. The ancient ruins of Alhaymah lay below him. Once a great city, a gleaming gem, now only crumbling remains of a once great bastion of imperial power. An explorator team in this area had gone missing weeks earlier. Such trivial events where usually beneath the Legion but the team managed to send a garbled distress call just before their demise. The Chaplain listened to the distress call one last time: "The bones... The bones....walk! +++stripping flesh, they ar++++run! ++++ They rise! they rise!."


2000 points game - Crusade (5 Objectives) - Black Scorpions (rottimus) Vs The Traizio Dynasty (rik)

The battle would be about claiming 5 important objectives. 2 in the Black Scorpion deployment, 3 in the Necron deployment area. The Necrons went first! ***Sorry for the bad pics, my camera ran out of battey so the iphone took its place***

The Black Scorpions were led by Chaplain Ramius and 9 death company. Behind him was a tactical squad behind an Aegis with a Quad cannon. A 10 man Assault squad, 4 dreadnoughts and 2 contempters deployed aswell. Lazarus (Corbulo) lead 5 terminators on the right. A small elite force.

The Court of Traizio was led by  Behat-zalia the Sentinel riding a command barge. 3 Wraiths, 10 triarch pretorians and Destroyer Lord Soilik Arma deployed on my right flank. 20 Warriors deployed within an Aegis, Quad gun emplacement. A Stalker and some Scarabs moved into the ruined Church. Other forces included a Monolith, an Annihilation Barge and 5 Deathmarks. A Night scythe would be available too.

My right flank was full of nastiness!

They come for us!

 The Necrons moved out on the right flank towards Lazarus and my lines. An agressive first move. The Black Scorpions then moved out in full force, 2 dreadnoughts, a contemptor and the terminators moved out. The blasted away at the wraits with assault cannon fire and bolters. They downed 2 Wraiths.In close combat the last wraith was killed. FIRST BLOOD! The contemptor failed miserably killing only 2 pretorians. Return hits immobilised the Contemptor.

Close combat!

The Wraiths are killed, First Blood!

The Necron second turn ended quickly as Rik rolled 3 1's for his reserve rolls leaving him with no reinforcements. He moved his Lord on the barge close to the swirling melee. The Annihilation Barge shot at the dreadnought removing 2 structure points. In the assault phase, the Contemptor, angered at having been immobilised, went mental and cause 7 wounds. 5 downed Pretorians and 2 wounds on the The Destroyer lord (Rik rolled two 1's) The lord then rammed his warscythe into Contemptor's reactor, blowing it sky high!
The Black Scorpions quickly moved to avenge the harsh loss of contemptor. Corbulo and his terminators engaged the pretorians. Corbulo was issued a challenge by the destroyer lord and the slugged it out. The terminators made short work of the pretorians, wiping them out. The dreadnought charged the Command Barge, the following combat was quick:

Ancient Tybaltus raged inside his sarcophagus, he witnessed the Necron Destroyer Lord slay his brother before his eyes. Tybaltus would have his vengeance. He screamed with anger and roared toward the Necron Lord arrogantly gliding along in his chariot contraption. Tybaltus clambered onto the chariot, grabbed the Lord in his mightly fist and tore the lord limb from limb with all the malice he could muster. 

Behat-zalia the Sentinel, crushed beyond repair failed his everliving roll. SLAY THE WARLORD!.
In the other combat Corbulo was still locked in combat. He suffered 3 wounds but saved them all due to his ridiculous 2+ feel no pain. Stalemate!

 Turn 3 saw some of Rik's reinforcements finaly appear:

Deathmarks and Immortals

A Nightscythe!

 The Nightscythe blasted away at the Dreadnought killing it with Tesla powered doom! The annihilation barge also opened fire on the death company dreadnought scoring 3 glancing hits, wrecking the dreadnought! A turn of effective fire from Rik!

The dreadnought is slain!

Lazaruss close combat continued with the Destroyer Lord. He swung his sword left and right missing his hits whilst the Lord hit home twice. Again Lazarus' body absorbed the blows, 2+ feel no pain.
In my turn I moved up with remaing two dreadnoughts near the church, the Death Company and Chaplain Ramius edged ever close to the church aswell. In the assault phase Lazarus finally wounded the Destroyer Lord with an accurate thrust of his sword.A single 1 was rolled and The Lord fell! and did not get back up! Lord Soilik Arma was no more!

Turn 4 was the start of Necron deviousness!
The monolith appeared and 20 warriors were spewed forth from it's teleporter gate.

Oh noes!

Oh NOES!!!!

 The Necron warriors blasted away, the monolith opened fire. All the death company were slain and the chaplain took 2 wounds! The Nightscythe again took aim and removed 2 structure points from the Furioso dreadnought. Rik and his 6's!!!! Ugh!. Scarabs moved out toward the dreadnought lurking by the church door.

Scarabs!

The Scarabs charged. Overwatch fire killed one base. The dreadnought slew another with his fist. The scarabs swarmed overhim reducing his armour to 10 on all facings.

The Necrons noose was tightening, a tactically great move by Rik shifted his troops over to another objective and simultaneously removed the only real threat I had at breakin his lines. It order to win I'd have to stave off his forces, delay them as much as possible. The Contemptor fired his dual assault cannons at the Nightscythe, pummeling it with shells. It rocked, shuddered and the crashed into the ground. Wrecked!

Dakka Dakka Dakka!

My Chaplain and the furioso moved toward the closely packed warriors. The furioso's frag cannon erupted, belching out two strength 6 templated with rending, scoring 19 wounds! 11 warriors were eventually downed. The chaplain and furioso charged in killing another couple of warriors. The Lord however slew the furioso.

The scarabs were also killed by my remaining dreadnought by the church.

A glorious end?

Lazarus sallies forth!

We rolled to see if the game would contine. a FOUR. Another turn would commence. Rik fired at Lazarus and the terminators scoring a ridiculous amount of wounds thanks to the targetting relay on the Stalker. Lazarus shrugged off most of the wounds but 2 terminators fell. The monolith was unable to move due to placement problems. The brave Chaplain hacked away at the warriors slaying 2 before being killed himself. SLAY THE WARLORD!

My Turn 5 was short, my dreadnought by the church killed a Catacomb barge and that's about it. We rolled to see if another turn would occur.... a TWO... The game ended.

We tallied the score:

The Grail - Black Scorpions!

Necron Remains - Black Scorpions

Mysterious Comms Array - Traizio Dynasty!

Necrons Remains - Traizio Dynasty!

Mysterious Archaeotech - Unclaimed!

The Scorpions had First Blood, Slay the Warlord and Linebreaker + two objectives = 9 Victory Points
The Traizio Dynasty had Slay the Warlod + Two Objectives =7 Victory points

VICTORY! but only just. I only figured out that I had Linebreaker whilst writing this report. Lazarus and 3 terminators were actually in the enemy deployment zone at the end. A truly GREAT game, went right down to the last turn. Can't really fault any tactics. Rik was possibly too aggressive with his Praetorians as they charged headlong into 3 dreadnoughts and a terminator squad. However, things could have gone very differently if were not for Rik's tripple 1 roll for his 2nd turn reserves. The Court of Traizio clearly need to work on their communication! Good game!

Sergeant Morius surveyed the smoking battlefield. These Necrons were unlike those he'd seen before. They fought with steely determination, with fluid tactics, not the usual mindless march foward. This valley was littered with ancient articfacts and ruins. Forgemaster Hephæn would be pleased! Morius could only guess as to the purpose of excavating these items. He was soldier, not a scientist. All he knew was that they were better off in the hands of the Black Scorpions. He knelt down and picked up the shattered head of a Necron Praetorian. He examined the fine but faded hieroglyphs, the once fine and elaborate decorations now worn down by the eons. Something stirred within Morius' soul, a deep unease. He'd seen these hieroglyphs before, in the histories of the Ægyptus of ancient Terra.... he wonderered if.......He cast out these thoughts, quickly silencing his doubts. We are the Black Scorpions, and we suffer not the alien to live! He threw head on the ground and crushed it with his boot heel.