Back on Excel

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.  

Appologies

Sorry 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.

This 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.

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.

I spent some time convincing my fantasy playing friend to try 40k this week and he has my rule book. 

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. 

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. 

I 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. 

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.

Reflection: Grey Hunters

I 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.

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.

Xcel Lists

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.

My New Year's Aspirations

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.

5. I will refrain from reading, commenting, and especially posting blogs while at work apart from maybe a couple minutes in my planning period. 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.

4. I will do what I can to get new people into the game. 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.

3. 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. 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.

2. I will paint a unit or two of a new army. Granted, I'm mental but 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.

1. I will stop painting when my wife is trying to seduce me. Yeah, um, if you're reading this: sorry about that.

That's all I have, It will be fun to revisit this through the year to assess my progress or lack of progress.