tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63258769218313527242024-03-11T21:52:16.710-07:0040k WolvesOne guy's thoughts about a model war game, Warhammer 40k.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-10736589511051380482009-10-20T08:56:00.000-07:002009-10-20T09:16:29.129-07:00Sky Claws Considered<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cuaEuQQsejLcL97rJ0dspPetG8suzV4y3Z7iL9mT-RZHEzwQ3-20BvI0_AfoZxlFZg4aq_CThv_69wFDzvNGpuj-8ueeBw_PE68WxrAI46MOhfGc4cHY9zC3JP3RvwbBmP-bIMxPSQ/s1600-h/IMG_1777.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cuaEuQQsejLcL97rJ0dspPetG8suzV4y3Z7iL9mT-RZHEzwQ3-20BvI0_AfoZxlFZg4aq_CThv_69wFDzvNGpuj-8ueeBw_PE68WxrAI46MOhfGc4cHY9zC3JP3RvwbBmP-bIMxPSQ/s320/IMG_1777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394711842430702162" /></a>I've finished painting my skylaws. Unfortunately it has been too soggy outside to get the krylon finish on these guys. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed when I was told that I can't bring a wolf guard into my skyclaws. Really, it doesn't make sense to pay for any of the gun upgrade options (flamer, meltagun, plasma pistol) unless you intend to attach an HQ choice to the unit. On top of that the unit is likely to draw some attention which can be a good or a bad thing. My plan is to hide it behind my land raider and/or rhino initially and then position it behind drop pod units or terrain. Ultimately, I hope to see it reinforce the effort of another unit or use it to clear a contested objective. The challenge of using this unit strategically is that they are required to charge and it wouldn't be very thematic to have these guys carefully avoiding conflict until the fifth turn. They are the most inexperienced and reckless characters the space wolves have to offer.<div><br /></div><div>Now that I've pointed out their weaknesses, lets consider some of their strengths. Five mobile marines in power armor with a power weapon and mark of the wulfen is only going to cost 120 points. That sounds reasonable to me. On top of that, this is the one unit where mark of the wulfen is stacked with furious charge for 4-9 rending attacks off of one model on the charge. This is one of those situations where my 120 points are going to clear one enemy unit and then die from one or two units shooting in the following enemy shooting phase. I'm cool with that. I like a game of bloody chess.</div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-29694371733356639592009-10-12T09:39:00.000-07:002009-10-12T10:03:09.886-07:002k RosterWolf Guard Battle Leader, Term Armor, Pair of Claws, Wolf Tail Talisman<br /><br />Rune Priest<br /><br />Wolf Guard (7)<br />4 with terminator armor armor and 2 power fists, 1 assault cannon<br />1 with jump pack, power weapon and meltabomb<br />1 with mow<br />1 in power armor and power fist<br /><br />Scouts (7)<br />3 sniper rifles, 1 heavy bolter<br /><br />Grey Hunters (8)<br />powerfist, mow, drop pod<br /><br />Grey Hunters (10)<br />powerfist, 2 meltaguns, mow, banner, drop pod<br /><br />Grey Hunters (10)<br />powerfist, 2 meltaguns, mow, rhino<br /><br />Bloodclaws (9)<br />power weapon, flamer, rhino<br /><br />Skyclaws (5)<br />power weapon, flamer, mow<br /><br />Land Raider<br /><br />WhirlwindBillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-79748970695338658772009-10-12T07:54:00.000-07:002009-10-12T08:05:49.045-07:00Composition Rules QuestionWolf Guard Rules say "for every 5 models in the squad, one Wolf Guard mode in terminator armor may choose one of the following: replace his storm bolter with an assault cannon"<br /><br />we don't round up for this do we? For example: If I run 7 wolf guard, detach 3 to lead other units, 2 of my remaining 4 wolf guard in terminator armor cannot be equiped with assault cannons. I am just asking because I have the extra assault cannon.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-12014804146193274752009-10-09T16:12:00.000-07:002009-10-09T16:27:16.511-07:001500 Wolves listI want to model some skyclaws. This is probably the list I would run them in:<br /><br />Rune Priest with Chooser of the slain<br />I'll attach to the 8-man grey hunter unit and drop in the land raider<br /><br />3 Wolf Guard<br />First one with Power Fist is attached to 8-man grey hunter unit<br />Second one is simply equiped with mark of the wolfen and attached to blood claw unit<br />Third is equiped with power weapon, meltabomb, jump pack and attached to skyclaws<br /><br />First Grey Hunter Unit, 8 strong<br />1 meltagun, 1 power fist, 1 mark of the wolfen, will be put in land raider<br /><br />Second Grey Hunter Unit, 10 strong<br />2 meltaguns, 1 power fist, 1 mark of the wolfen, drop pod with storm bolter<br /><br />Third Grey Hunter Unit, 10 strong<br />2 meltaguns, 1 power fist, 1 mark of the wolfen, drop pod with storm bolter<br /><br />Blood Claws Unit, 7 strong<br />1 flamer, 1 power weapon, Rhino with extra armor<br /><br />Skyclaws, 5 strong<br />1 flamer, 1 power weapon, 1 mark of the wolfen<br /><br />Land Raider- standard stuff<br /><br />Whirlwind- standard stuff<br /><br />----I have scouts (lots of options), terminator wolf guard (some options), a dreadnought (expensive weapon choices), and another rhino that are sitting out of this listBillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-18896879550441455812009-10-07T22:05:00.000-07:002009-10-07T22:42:27.070-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSehhVengCYBtTBvee8kLZulS2ZLT0lhUnU2Ti3S7Va_eh3FmNmPqxlCqdE3XIP9rSb6jOZGQedSKRBws6uQTo7_XdPMiJsAdpjyQyqK82tzZC6dqQmU-rXUfsMYk5Lg5Kll5CrljtoQ/s1600-h/IMG_1773.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSehhVengCYBtTBvee8kLZulS2ZLT0lhUnU2Ti3S7Va_eh3FmNmPqxlCqdE3XIP9rSb6jOZGQedSKRBws6uQTo7_XdPMiJsAdpjyQyqK82tzZC6dqQmU-rXUfsMYk5Lg5Kll5CrljtoQ/s320/IMG_1773.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390091037151372162" /></a>I just finished the trickster and the three models that I will be using to represent grey hunters with mark of the wolfen. I have to disagree with <a href="http://fromthewarp.blogspot.com/2009/10/for-wolf-time.html">Jon at From the Warp</a>. My 10 man squads look a bit different with 2 meltas and one power fist instead of the two power fists that I took from the old codex but I don't feel like I've lost anything in that change. His demonstration has failed to capture any of the opportunities of the new codex. At 1500 points, the old codex required you to run 2 hq choices, at 1501 points the old codex would require you to run 3 hq choices. I found that fact to be a burden. If you use rhinos and bolters (which I do/did) you are saving serious points in each unit. I eat most of that savings to add a mark of the wolfen (really fun models that I can't resist). Mark of the wolfen is just going to help plow through that unit that is thrown in your way to slow you down, it might help against the dreadnought that ties you up, and give you an extra shot at popping open a rhino.<div><br /></div><div>Is there a power list in this codex? I don't play enough or have access to tournaments to answer this question. I will be moving south (back to civilization) mid November and hope to play weekly or at least a couple days per month but I doubt I'll be answering this question. I like balanced lists that are based in core troop choices. I think grey hunters and blood claws in rhinos and drop pods are fun and that those choices got stronger in the new codex. There just seems to be a lot of anxiety about the wolves lately in the blogging community. The truth is, I'm anxious to play them and can't (because I already took my army down to make sure it isn't crushed or lost when I move the rest of my stuff). For now I'm considering lists and painting.</div><div><br /></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-12660692911536109672009-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:002009-10-05T22:21:59.633-07:00Who let the dogs out?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkehUPOQH6JcyKTjDKkGATqdZUOVR0OLveEdPOXX8sx9dwr8SW7cbWnOwNW1jJnGZtSBbx4kbEKgawWTPRIiSPtkB8dl5KyKykAm_rPd9mi3VVns42k-1dYgyvl3orGaQWlGYrJKvQ_Q/s1600-h/IMG00305-20091005-1440.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389344906274132978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkehUPOQH6JcyKTjDKkGATqdZUOVR0OLveEdPOXX8sx9dwr8SW7cbWnOwNW1jJnGZtSBbx4kbEKgawWTPRIiSPtkB8dl5KyKykAm_rPd9mi3VVns42k-1dYgyvl3orGaQWlGYrJKvQ_Q/s320/IMG00305-20091005-1440.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Oops, I'm sorry. I'm supossed to be offended by all the cute puppy references. excited as you might expect, I placed my advance order and recieved my codex a couple days before the release date. As I look at my existing models from the old codex, I get a little disturbed by the missing true grit special rule. The new codex compensates by giving new grey hunters counter attack, bolt pistols, close combat weapons, and bolters. unfortunately, my models are all equiped with bolters and close combat weapons. So I've resigned to tell myself true grit is still in play.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>My first trip to the bits box was to piece together 4 meltaguns and a mark of the wolfen option for my three grey hunter squads. The wolfen models are easy to convert. I'm putting bolters on mine which basically just requires that I chop off an arm and glue on a platic bolter wielding arm. I'm also painting lucas and ragnar while I paint these. I'll finish these pretty quickly (my painting standards are modest) and move onto 2 wolf guard with power fists and bolt pistols to attach to units. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>I'm personally excited to be liberated from the mandatory hq choice every 750 points so I will be starting my lists with light hq choices and opting for a few more models and alot of options in the units (power fists/weapons, meltaguns, banners, mark of the wolfen). I am dead set on playing 2 full grey hunter units with the cheap 2 meltagun option, a mark of the wolfen, and a power fist. The other grey hunter unit will likely host my wolf lord or rune priest. In my blood claws I'm taking lucas. I know 40k radio hates the model but when i'm finished painting him everyone will be more concerned with how bad a painter I am. I will also be putting mark of the wolfen on a wolf guard and attaching that wolf guard to my blood claws. Right now I'm favoring a rune priest in grey hunter squad and a wolf guard leader in a small pack of wolf guard terminators as my hq choices. My elite options are dreadnought and scout squad but I can't fit them both in a 2k army list. I'm bothered by the lack of shotgun option in the scouts. I just think shotguns are pretty damn feral yet sophisticated for the more mature marine. My heavy options are whirlwind (to thin out those armies that grossly outnumber me) and landraider. Everything should fit into a transport. My transport list is 2 rhinos, 2 drop pods, 1 land raider.</div><div> </div><div>Rune priests were my hq of choice before the codex and will likely continue to be my favorite. Thier stats are a bit less potent now but their psychic power is amped up.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>My unpainted list right now includes my 2 drop pods, my whirlwind and about 12 models for converting existing units to the new codex.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>When these things are done, I'd like to make a unit of Blood Claws with Jetpacks and a fourth unit of grey hunters. Oh wow, I just realized the holidays are just around the corner.</div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-517516319661716042009-02-15T09:31:00.000-08:002009-02-15T09:39:30.749-08:00This is an update on life. The final semester of grad school/ admin certification has sort of pushed everything back. Despite this short pause, I have assembled my Whirlwind and base painted it and my drop pods. I have made time to snowboard two days and the list of things that I'm going to do when I'm finished with my paper is growing long. I've got a crap-ton of papers to grade and powerpoints to put together for lessons in my law and marketing classes. I have an internship portfolio that has to go together over spring break and two promised vacations (Virgin Islands and Sun Valley). I have to study and take my Texas admin certification test, and apply for jobs in Pflugerville, Round Rock, and Austin because I have family there, it is a great city, they need educators and therapists (wife) and they pay considerably more than Idaho. I have to move. We'll just see how long it takes me to get back to blogging. I certainly miss the hobby. <div><br /><div>Appologies, </div><div>Wolf Lord Bill</div></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-31552224163242102002009-02-01T13:37:00.000-08:002009-02-01T13:44:18.012-08:00Back on Excel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6zUw8NxtS_5TJDOse577E_pZZylvRYHETVI4QdywPbgPIku9xJnosdytHtWfb6mb21rL4uPBURi3QoliWxvfy-KKPJQl7eg2aY8XFlBvJac-WnPkoSx1ijNin1RAQROZzeALG87bOw/s1600-h/list.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6zUw8NxtS_5TJDOse577E_pZZylvRYHETVI4QdywPbgPIku9xJnosdytHtWfb6mb21rL4uPBURi3QoliWxvfy-KKPJQl7eg2aY8XFlBvJac-WnPkoSx1ijNin1RAQROZzeALG87bOw/s320/list.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297947044115337746" /></a>I'm still jumping through the last couple of hoops to finish grad school and get my admin cert. but I wanted to show that I added a box for special rules on my excel list generator. I've taken the approach of adding every unit I could possibly play on the list and adding the equations to have it change my point totals as I take different quantities and weapons options. The final line of the spreadsheet just adds up all the total boxes from each unit. I added stat lines and special rules so I can put less wear on my codexes. Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-21185157952491099532009-01-22T08:14:00.000-08:002009-01-22T08:17:21.433-08:00AppologiesSorry for not posting and more sorry for not keeping up with what is happening in everyone's blogs. I got home from break, started working (teaching 5 different classes with 5 different preps) and started spending all my weekends traveling with the debate team (season ends in march) and then recieved my capstone writing assignment for my masters (40+ page case study) that they only give me a month to complete (due 2/20). I have models to paint and I'm looking forward to having time to paint them. I'll be back online as soon as possible.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-78951051251644704622009-01-11T07:15:00.000-08:002009-01-11T07:47:38.620-08:00This is what happens when I wait too long to post . . .Thank you very much for the useful responses to my last post. As usual I was underestimating the power of a blog (and a great community), but I just didn't expect the problem to be solved so easily. However, I've taken a few days to evaluate the context of the problem and decided to just stick with my old metal terminators until the new Space Wolves hits shelves which should be late this year.<div><br /></div><div>On the topic of a new codex, I hope that upon its release Space Wolves only have to yield 35 points for a Rhino. I am feeling a little cheated about paying 50 right now. Locator Beacons would be nice as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>I spent some time convincing my fantasy playing friend to try 40k this week and he has my rule book. </div><div><br /></div><div>I put together a 2k point list this weekend that included Christmas models. I need to paint two drop pods as well as assemble and paint a whirlwind. Despite the fact that I'm being totally hammered by college and work right now, I have a strong desire to get those vehicles painted for a picture of my whole army. I had a 2k list before Christmas but I think the addition of mele scouts, drop pods, and a whirlwind, makes it a better list. A kink in my list is that I had points left over for just a couple more guys and no space to drop them apart from my scout unit and I didn't have any more scouts with pistols or shotguns so I added two sniper rifles to my assault unit. I guess I'll retain the right to set them up in my own backfield if I'm playing against an army that I really don't want to assault with little scouts. </div><div><br /></div><div>And on to the controversy. I'll just come out and say it: I glued the doors to my drop pod closed. There are a three or four reasons why but I'd just like to skip that conversation and get to rules implications. I was thinking that it might be fair to say that instead of blocking line of sight, drop pods offer 4+ cover saves. </div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-55389224497467653812009-01-06T19:17:00.000-08:002009-01-06T19:24:44.228-08:00I could use some bitz.So I stood the plastic termies next to my way old metal wolf guard terminators. It was not a pretty sight. I think I was a slightly better painter back in the day or maybe it just looks different because there is such a time lapse. In addition to painting differences, I used bigger bases on the new models and the new models are taller and different looking. Long story short, I'm going to need to put together a few new plastics to complete the squad. <div>If there is anyone out there that could send me 1 pair of terminator lightning claws from the new plastic assault terminators, I would pay something like 4 dollars plus 2 dollars shipping. I would prefer to pay via paypal or google but I guess I could send a money order. Let me know if anyone is able to help. Thanks.</div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-21545717629305911492009-01-03T22:24:00.000-08:002009-01-03T22:39:03.079-08:00Reflection: Grey HuntersI can't help but reflect on the ways Grey Hunters have improved since the release of the last codex. In addition to having drop pods for select units instead of the entire army there have been two other noticeable improvements. First, is the improvement of the bolter. Being able to move six inches and then rapid fire is a fair improvement to mobility and range by my judgement. The second advancement is in the counter attack rule. The Wolf Marines used to be able to pile-in when assaulted. Now that all assault victims have that ability, Grey Hunters gain an additional attack when assaulted. In a best case scenario they are now able to walk into rapid fire range, shoot their bolters, sit and wait to be assaulted and then take three swings per model at the assaulting unit. Wow, I'm sleepy.<div><br /></div><div>I'm going to have to make a special spot to list all the special rules that apply to each unit on my Xcel project. It is so easy to forget about acute senses when you're worrying about true grit, counter attack, They shall know no fear.</div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-45440602883637393332009-01-02T17:55:00.000-08:002009-01-02T18:07:00.238-08:00Xcel Lists<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggU1ax946uhWrKWtrVvXsr2ykpg5A1epxD3PWAPXtjjwG39_XU0a0-_SYE8AHd38Lt_YXmkOEtGw-Tms9GjsVZ96MeI-KxFVGjpHITLS4Uh-4046P0FbCd4nbDrDL_mmK4XU_AFCcWTw/s1600-h/Wolves.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggU1ax946uhWrKWtrVvXsr2ykpg5A1epxD3PWAPXtjjwG39_XU0a0-_SYE8AHd38Lt_YXmkOEtGw-Tms9GjsVZ96MeI-KxFVGjpHITLS4Uh-4046P0FbCd4nbDrDL_mmK4XU_AFCcWTw/s320/Wolves.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286881668940353698" /></a><br />Xcel is pretty sweet. If you put the equations concerning the cost of options in place, you can just adjust the quantities and it will instantly calculate totals. It is quite a time saver if you don't mind print, print, printing every time you play a game. If anyone else is doing this and has specific comments, let me know. All-in-all it has been a productive vacation.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-85873816442457371932008-12-31T08:29:00.000-08:002008-12-31T10:12:46.028-08:00My New Year's Aspirations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2eax-DnPPfs9FKapGkoBjoF5LOHBbys461fG0IQLgrQcN7O_ZAcEpb_T470x1dPuXnlPHW6RFnKUfv7GLs5WXZZUvBxr1kcTKwOYUAvxGoDgFLWIr-7kft0yqLo16j3WJEsdoJsL_w/s1600-h/IMG_1332.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2eax-DnPPfs9FKapGkoBjoF5LOHBbys461fG0IQLgrQcN7O_ZAcEpb_T470x1dPuXnlPHW6RFnKUfv7GLs5WXZZUvBxr1kcTKwOYUAvxGoDgFLWIr-7kft0yqLo16j3WJEsdoJsL_w/s320/IMG_1332.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285994111595445314" /></a>I've stolen this idea from other bloggers in the community. The ones I've read are Iron Legion and Aspect Portal but they reference another blog that I'll have to check out. My 40k resolutions for the new year are as follows.<div><br /></div><div>5. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I will refrain from reading, commenting, and especially posting blogs while at work apart from maybe a couple minutes in my planning period. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Seriously, I think they're on to me. By they, I'm not even sure if I'm talking about the students or the administrators but I'm sure they know.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>4. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">will do what I can to get new people into the game.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I am pretty sure I've got a friend starting an orc army. I know there is one guy in town that has 4k worth of tau and he can't be alone. If I can get a few guys to come out of the woodwork, that is as good as getting new people started.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I will find things to get rid of in my storage area (maybe mordheim or lord of the rings tcg) and get all my Space Wolves in safe and tidy transportation boxes of some kind.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I might be moving this summer and there are some things I would rather give away than pay to have shipped to OK or TX.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I will paint a unit or two of a new army.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Granted, I'm mental but </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I think I'm finally prepared to play a second army as long as they both have their own boxes, dice, etc. I don't know if I'm going with another imperial branch or Tzeench Demons and Tzeench Chaos as mortal enemies to my wolves. I'll likely go with choas because they will be more fun to paint and they'll fit smoothly into this blog without having to start a new one. I'm not committing either way at this point.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I will stop painting when my wife is trying to seduce me. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Yeah, um, if you're reading this: sorry about that.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>That's all I have, It will be fun to revisit this through the year to assess my progress or lack of progress.</div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-33430843262576089732008-12-30T18:25:00.001-08:002008-12-30T18:36:38.325-08:00Plastic Termies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY55jy2vw5axeUxjNw7Unx_MU8OiA8QqCx4AGyuKynGyqwVkRon7pi4prgpTwsUn6gyBk-sKRa9icZQjtrpSYsXr90bF_lIbN3MVpX6LZ_fLvOQTBwAXZaitYaUNmq9WEDPA3o2Eihvw/s1600-h/IMG_1383.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY55jy2vw5axeUxjNw7Unx_MU8OiA8QqCx4AGyuKynGyqwVkRon7pi4prgpTwsUn6gyBk-sKRa9icZQjtrpSYsXr90bF_lIbN3MVpX6LZ_fLvOQTBwAXZaitYaUNmq9WEDPA3o2Eihvw/s320/IMG_1383.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285774880712057378" /></a>I had to take advantage of all this time so I picked up some termies for no other reason than I haven't painted plastic ones yet. Wolf terminators are only allowed as a retinue for an HQ choice in terminator armor. Each member of the retinue (each terminator) can choose different weapons from the weapons list. If I did have to choose between the assault terminators and standard terminators, I would have to choose power fists and storm bolters. Lightning claws would fit the wolf imagery but I think having the bolter fire and the capacity to charge vehicles seems to be the way of the wolf. Since I'm allowed to choose gear, I prefer to put power fists on my assault cannon guys and the cheaper option of power weapons and storm bolters on the rest. If I have 10 points that I don't know what to do with, I can just add a couple more power fists.<div><br /></div><div>My challenge on these guys was limited selection of colors. I picked up limited range with these models and I was missing red and yellow especially. I'll have to keep working on these guys when I get home.</div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-71862571994252345532008-12-28T06:17:00.001-08:002008-12-28T06:49:05.001-08:00How to Survive the Shooty Army<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRakfh18P0MoBC5agJ0YWP9TOODJ-Rd66JIioSqMffaS-9klymfI3bPPVImL6yKCqgVIrfctxUuUOk4dP-Pp01PYFzP_GlbHtyoDK8McXuSQ71OEEJC-9N1FEd2u0EUuqZfhknOV3TWA/s1600-h/IMG_1380.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRakfh18P0MoBC5agJ0YWP9TOODJ-Rd66JIioSqMffaS-9klymfI3bPPVImL6yKCqgVIrfctxUuUOk4dP-Pp01PYFzP_GlbHtyoDK8McXuSQ71OEEJC-9N1FEd2u0EUuqZfhknOV3TWA/s320/IMG_1380.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284845105082709474" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hello, my name is Wolf Lord Bill and I am an impatient painter. While I like to play strictly wysiwyg and never play with unpainted models, I have never been able to savor the meaningful relationship . . . but seriously I had to go to the hobby store, buy paint, and crank out my scouts in less than three hours like my life depended on it despite the fact that I have another week of sitting around my mother-in-law's house. When I put together my Space Wolves army there were plastic Grey Hunter and Blood Claw boxes but I don't remember there being plastic termies and scouts. The ease of plastic was amplified by the assortment of fresh paints. My one mistake is that I bought black citadel wash and mistook it for ink so I poured half of it into water before I tried applying full-strength to my model. Carolina Comics in Lawton, Oklahoma is a nice, clean, well-run little shop. My only complaint is that I was strongly tempted to spend $75.00 dollars of my GW budget on Cable & Deadpool compilation books. What was the point of this post again? Oh, right . . .<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I would really like to add to and complete the promised theme concerning playing against a shooty army. The topic is important to me because it was a major weakness of my initial list. The rhino heavy detachment was light on numbers and depended on brittle transports as well as lascannons that were attached to vehicles. Shooty armies had no trouble ripping up my vehicles and then sucking out their juicy innards from a safe distance. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My first attempt to address the problem without buying new models was to try to go first turn using my venerable dreadnought's special rule and then use terrain and pop smoke. This was rarely entirely successful. This is about as far as my adjustments developed before I sat out almost all of fourth edition.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>With this Christmas, I've taken further measures. A couple of drop prods will hopefully encourage my enemies to run a more balanced force and maybe move around a little bit. Obviously any way that I can engage shooting units will contribute to the survivability of my advancing Land Raiders, Rhinos, as well as units holding down objectives. Space Wolves scouts have the unique ability to remain in reserves and then come in on the side of my opponent. They offer a very flexible range of weapon options including meltagun and two power weapons. Without the added cost of a transport, these guys should keep opponents on their toes. <br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I'll be putting pods and scouts to work to see what revelations remain hidden in the experience of future games.<br /></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-13452090163833069002008-12-24T22:07:00.001-08:002008-12-24T22:16:03.089-08:00Answering MyselfI think I'll go with the Motor Pool with 2 double wide, 4-inch trays. This reminds me of a coworker that I had two jobs and many years ago. I always knew she was going to start a great story when she started it with . . . "Back when we lived in the double-wide . . . "<div><br /></div><div>I've officially unwrapped the scouts and the two drop pods. I think I'll be picking up five marines to finish my second unit of blood claws, a land raider, a whirlwind, Ragnar, and the Space Wolf Scouts with assault weapons. </div><div><br /></div><div>I very well could disappear for a few months when I get back home because it is going to be a struggle to work full time and finish my thesis but I promise to update as I work on models.</div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-53111768576389002382008-12-24T21:43:00.000-08:002008-12-24T21:48:09.877-08:00So what about Sabol?Carolina comics looks very clean and reasonably well stocked . . . . from the window. They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays and this week those days linked right into Christmas Eve so I haven't had a chance to drop in while they are open . . . .<div><br /></div><div>To more pressing matters. I've scored some models as well as some cash from loved ones and I'd like to invest in a bag to carry my vehicles in. I was thinking about a Sabol Designs Army Transport Mark II and picking up two 4 inch trays and a 3 inch tray. The question is, will that cary all my tanks?</div><div><br /></div><div>Ultimately, I'd like my Space Wolves army to include 3 rhinos, 2 (maybe 4) drop pods, 2 land raiders, and a whirlwind. What size bag should I go for? I have an old school pewter dreadnought that drops into my gw case. </div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-29803615327708375912008-12-21T15:39:00.000-08:002008-12-21T15:45:55.818-08:00Time, time everywhere and not a model to paint.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9r5Ze_kOEOC-34pJ0PHgg4YzzxhXrzR3Ycaoi1a8uDGo4CT6IMFet7EPiBA6WuTk2ndmsAOdbUG6Sybbtj1Lr9bVq52jovKdLe75OmMqVLOceh0RydEXpLMAYoaXKWDjrhGjfLzIdEQ/s1600-h/librarian.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9r5Ze_kOEOC-34pJ0PHgg4YzzxhXrzR3Ycaoi1a8uDGo4CT6IMFet7EPiBA6WuTk2ndmsAOdbUG6Sybbtj1Lr9bVq52jovKdLe75OmMqVLOceh0RydEXpLMAYoaXKWDjrhGjfLzIdEQ/s320/librarian.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282392458557549186" /> </a>Sooo . . . I'm at the Mom-in-laws. I have two weeks off work and all my models are across the country. Here is a picture of a librarian that I drew in illustrator today. I'm just that bored. I'll go check out Carolina Comics and report back : )Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-22059622967232190342008-12-18T08:03:00.001-08:002008-12-18T08:17:22.571-08:00Thanks for the input . . .Responding to some great responses . . .<br /><br />Currently, My first choice is a Rune Priest (librarian) in a unit of blood claws in a land raider. My second choice is a venerable dreadnaught which has a special rule to reroll the die to determine if I go first or second. My third choice is a wolf guard battle leader in terminator armor with a few wolf guard in terminator armor. I've got another wolf guard battle leader painted up and I've got Ragnoar on the Christmas wish list.<br /><br />I think I definately like the idea of just taking 3 wolf guard battle leaders . . . loading two into drop pods and one into a land raider with troop choices. As far as troop choices I currently have one and a half units of Blood Claws but I will be finishing that second unit pretty soon. I have 3 full units of Grey Hunters. My major problem with Blood Claws in the Priority transports (Pods/Raiders) is that they are extremely easy to lure off of objectives because they are required to charge. I was thinking that maybe my sixth troop choice will be a unit of Grey Hunters with Bolt Pistols. This might be a good choice for a drop pod unit because they are one point cheaper than Grey Hunters with Bolters, they get an additional attack on the charge, and they have the option to stay on an objective late in the game.<br /><br />So the tactical result is an assault army with fewer models which requires some terrain hugging and the strength of the army is the three characters. I think we're just about to the point in the conversation where we hash out the tools for getting an army with such small numbers and fragil ranged offense into close combat with a shooty army . . .Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-18255181647414414572008-12-17T20:11:00.000-08:002008-12-17T21:23:09.998-08:00Why Space Wolves Often Lose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy5sDh6Ea9yuHF697UTsV-5-Pgn3PLy9m_ew9522eeZg5OISYINw9uSn_50c4r202zl1CqlhinCvfLlezJ8-dJJBLiTp_PPnqYYgT2zzOzV5Gq0Bc-wfQyNjfz4F85-k3kM83Xj1QRQ/s1600-h/IMG_1335.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy5sDh6Ea9yuHF697UTsV-5-Pgn3PLy9m_ew9522eeZg5OISYINw9uSn_50c4r202zl1CqlhinCvfLlezJ8-dJJBLiTp_PPnqYYgT2zzOzV5Gq0Bc-wfQyNjfz4F85-k3kM83Xj1QRQ/s320/IMG_1335.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280994578302414434" /></a><br />In my playing experience Space Wolves have two weaknesses to overcome. The first issue is that they don't get too many models on the table. Marines are very expensive and I would argue that Wolves are even more expensive. This fact is exacerbated by the fact that this army has to include one HQ choice for every 750 points. I am bothered by tournaments that are set over 1500 points but under 2000 points because it eats up too many points to run 3 HQ choices.<div><br /></div><div>The second issue for Space Wolves is that any real ranged offense in their army is extremely fragile. I just don't take the Wolf version of devastators, Long Fangs. They are capped at 5 models and every loss the unit takes is extremely costly in terms of points. Tactical Squads don't cary heavy weapons. Any heavy weapons that I run is attached to a tank which is easier for my opponent to remedy than a devastator squad or an odd lascannon in a tactical squad.</div><div><br /></div><div>I truly appreciate bolters. They are strong enough to soften assaulting units. Standing up to assaulting armies seems to be the strength of the Space Wolves. Shooty armies turn wolves into assault armies. Playing assault with 18 point/model is a little different than herding gaunts or the Waaaagh.<br /><div><br /></div></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-58680318122352047582008-12-15T21:25:00.000-08:002008-12-15T21:47:55.575-08:00Starter Angels Army Assembled<div>Funny thing. I assembled the models that we picked up for my wife to start playing 40k. I went to add up their point totals and they came out to a perfect 1250. I'm going to use her unpainted army to teach a friend how to play the game. </div><div><br /></div>HQ<div>Ezekiel<div><br /></div><div>Troop</div><div>Full Tactical Squad</div><div>Missile Launcher</div><div>Vet w/ Power Fist</div><div>Meltagun</div><div><br /></div><div>Full Tactical Squad</div><div>Heavy Bolter</div><div>Vet w/ Power Fist</div><div>Meltagun</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast Attack</div><div>Full Ravenwing Attack Squadron</div><div>Vet w/ Power Weapon</div><div>Attack Bike w/ Multi-melta</div><div><br /></div><div>Ravenwing Support Squadron</div><div>1 Speeder w/Heavy Bolter</div><div><br /></div><div>Heavy Support</div><div>Full Devastator Squad</div><div>Vet with Plasma Pistol</div><div>2*Lascannon</div><div>2*Plasmacannon</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-27728437410852501532008-12-11T22:28:00.001-08:002008-12-11T22:50:16.612-08:00Dear Abbey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVZMabnxN71OLNCzcL5xZQBgay7qB7eJQupU3LtL-IadxLJjrQFKRs5YUBQiz2BBBwNglNQqgcsqPqUpcP0RV36KmNxwgVieW3GmZO9avYyQnRBY5UhAwY_F8uP1AwZCV8NSpSJ_v2Q/s1600-h/IMG_1359.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVZMabnxN71OLNCzcL5xZQBgay7qB7eJQupU3LtL-IadxLJjrQFKRs5YUBQiz2BBBwNglNQqgcsqPqUpcP0RV36KmNxwgVieW3GmZO9avYyQnRBY5UhAwY_F8uP1AwZCV8NSpSJ_v2Q/s320/IMG_1359.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278787165756039090" /></a>About a year ago, the wife took interest in playing 40k. She chose Dark Angels because she likes their cute little dresses. I can't blame her. They are pretty and their history with my wolves would make a great reason for us to play against each other. She took a creative approach to the paint scheme and I believe she has done an exceptional job for her first army. The problem is that over the course of the year she has painted like five models. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My question is this: How long until I suggest that I finish painting for her. I just wouldn't feel right running Dark Angels, I'm sure my dice would betray me as I have betrayed them. I would just like to see her move on to play a few games. While we both play marines our approaches are very different. She selected alot of fast attack, small units sizes, and devastator squads while I play alot of elite choices, full size troop units, transports, and tanks. I'm sure I will post updates about her army.</div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-21236700606806889512008-12-09T09:28:00.000-08:002008-12-09T09:32:45.992-08:001500 points1500 points- Heavy on the troop choices.<br /><br />Strategy: Put my Blood Claws and Wolf Lord into the Land Raider, Send them down the middle. The troops will behave differently depending on the mission and the opponent.<br /><br />Rune Priest (Frost Blade, Bolt Pistol)<br /><br />Venerable Dreadnaught (twin las/ heavy flamer)<br /><br />9 Blood Claws (Flamer, 2 Power Weapons)<br /><br />10 Grey Hunters (Bolters, 2 Power Fists)<br />Rhino (Smoke, Extra Armor)<br /><br />10 Grey Hunters (Bolters, 2 Power Fists)<br />Rhino (Smoke, Extra Armor)<br /><br />10 Grey Hunters (Bolters, 2 Power Fists)<br />Rhino (Smoke, Extra Armor)<br /><br />Land RaiderBillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325876921831352724.post-86566220604241700512008-12-08T09:42:00.001-08:002008-12-08T10:28:25.873-08:00My BadOne benefit of taking pictures and typing up my a game summary is that I've had a chance to step away from the experience and analyze it. There are a couple things that I could have done differently. The game I'm referencing is a few posts back. Things I will do differently in the future include:<br /><br /><b>Allow Tau Opponent to go first-</b> with nightsight rules first turn and ample buildings in the middle, odds are that my rhinos would have been able to find cover or pop smoke to survive second turn. The drawback to giving up first move is that I could have possibly given up the ability to place two units in the middle of the board. My opponent would not have likely been drawn off his objective on the last turn if I had saved the Rhino move for bottom of turn five but it would have been a safer move if the game went six rounds. Bottom line is that the sneaky tactics won't work against this opponent again so closing the distance on him is just that much more important.<br /><br /><b>Resist the urge to shoot my Land Raider-</b> in round two, I moved six inches instead of 12 and shot at the unit that I was charging. I lost 6 inches of movement and the unit I was charging failed a morale check and fled another several inches. That lost time hurt. When my unit finally got dug-in it was down to a couple guys and it still murdered. I'm confident that the unit would have cleaned house and possibly dropped a tank with my rune priest's 6, str 5 attacks against the back armor of a heavy support vehicle.<br /><br /><b>Screen the Walker-</b> The meta-game between myself and my friend, the Tau player, will no doubt get complex. Now that he has seen that my army relies on a couple key lascannons and power fists in my tactical squads, he will likely start dancing around a little bit with his tanks (and I will likely start remembering the names to his vehicles/units). My dreadnaught could be as valuable as a rook in a chess end-game strategy as the walker is able to come around a corner and take out a vehicle across the board on the same turn. It would be worth the effort to keep my walker behind some rhinos until it can get up against a building or group of trees.<br /><br />If there is anything else I should be doing differently, let me know.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07670923202062527805noreply@blogger.com0