Monday, August 29, 2005

Journal of a Warmachinist, 4th Entry

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Here are some more pics of my Khador Destroyer. Of course I haven't glued on the arms yet since it'll be hell to paint the details of the undercarriage with the arms in place.

Preparing the model

After thoroughly washing and brushing the parts, I cut a portion from the 50mm base to fit the metal slot that served as the model's mount. The Destroyer comes in 6 bits - the lower portion of the body which is from the waist down, the head, the right arm with the executioner axe, the left arm with the bombard cannon, the front half of the torso and the rear half of the torso. After filing off the flash and other unwanted residue, I prepped up the legs onto the base.

Tools used: Exacto (spell check) knife, Quiktite super glue, miniature file set
Difficulty: 3 of 5

Basework

After setting the legs, I brushed on some watered-down PVA glue (that's the typical Elmer's glue we get locally) onto the base. It was hard when I got to the space between the feet, since I didn't want to paint on any glue onto the model. Then I dipped it onto some sand mixed with some crushed eggshell. Yep, ladies and gents, this hobby doesn't have to be uber-expensive. Those large fragments you see are tiny bits of eggshell.

While waiting for it to dry, I got to watch my SE7EN DVD (which was starting to gather dust at home). It was a good thing, too, because I needed the base to be completely dry before painting over it.

Tools used: Old paintbrush, PVA glue, beach sand (thanks Kage ^_^) mixed with crushed eggshell (crushed, not pulverized)
Diffidculty: 2 of 5

The Torso (aka The Dreaded Khadoran Gap)

Man, what they say is true! When you clap on the two halves of the torso together, there will be a gap no matter what you do. I had to do something about it.

I used Liquid Nails to hold both halves of the torso together. Ah yeah, industrial strength adhesive. Can't go wrong there ^_^

After the Liquid Nails set, I mixed together some epoputty and smoothed it onto the model to cover the gap. I covered it pretty well. One good tip which I will reiterate is to keep a cup of water nearby when working with putty. Keep your fingers wet while sculpting. It not only keeps the crap off your hands, but it also keeps as little fingerprints on the putty as well.

By this time, I also superglued on the Destroyer's head and primed the arms with Smelly Primer (it doesn't actually smell THAT bad BTW).

Tools used: Liquid Nails, Quiktite superglue, Epoputty, water, Smelly Primer
Difficulty: 5 of 5 (goddamn hurt my fingers)

Painting the base

I started off with some Chaos Black. Once that was done, I did over with some Space Wolves Grey. It still didn't look like snow to me so I went on and drybrushed Skull White. I wanted the gritty walking-on-snow effect on the Destroyer so I drybrushed some of the white onto the model itself. Came out pretty well actually.

At this point, I superglued on the top half of the model.

Tools used: Large area brush, large drybrush, small drybrush, Chaos Black, Space Wolves Grey, Skull White
Difficulty: 1 of 5

Bring on the pain!

I primed the whole model white, as opposed to the usual method of priming it black. You need to prime the model so that the paint you slap on later with stay on more evenly. This is especially true with metal miniatures.

For the majority of the model, I based it with Scab Red. Then I progressed with Red Gore and finally Blood Red. To bring out the shading, I mixed the Blood Red with Bubonic brown and progressed that onto the model as well. And to mute the yellow of the Bubonic Brown, I washed down the whole thing further with watered-down Blood Red.

For the blacklining effects, I mixed Blood Red with Ultramarines blue and watered it down. I used a size 0 brush and dabbed it onto the recesses of the model. If you want to do some fast shade work, add some blue to your primary color to darken it. There's always blue in dark colors ^_^

I used black metal (since I was going for NMM) instead of the usual silver/grey/metallic. I settled with picking out the highlights with Codex Grey, then progressed the highlights by adding Skull White. And muting it down with watered Chaos Black to kill the glare.

For some solid metal parts like the model's face guard, I brushed on Codex Grey and progressed with Skull white, but this time onto the whole surface area (not just the highlights).

For the face (you can't see it on the pics though), it's supposed to be lit up. I used the picture on the box as reference. So I started with Fiery Orange and built up to Golden Yellow. I might put in some OSL effect afterwards.

For the gold, I started with Snakebite Leather, then progressed to Bubonic Brown and finally Skull White. Yep, I'm going NMM, baby!

Tools used: lotsa brushes, lotsa paint, lotsa time, lotsa effort
Difficulty: 4 of 5

+++

And as a bonus, I included my hand there in the pic for size reference. I hope my eyes don't give up on me anytime soon. I still have a shitload of stuff to paint at home ^_^

Visions Of A Madman

I had a dream. I was with my webteam buds and we were having our fortunes told. With everyone, their fortunres were the typical good ones. When it was my turn, the fortune-teller told me:

"You have one and a half years to live. And when you die, people will mourn."

It felt real. But I ain't scared. Go figure.

+++

[5:04 am] And oh yeah. For those who'll mourn, thanks.

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Journal of a Warmachinist, 3rd Entry

I may have lost the Pitshop Minitourney 2, but I did get my hands on the Khador starter box. As a standard procedure, I opened the box to inspect if it had all the parts right. Unfortunately, Sorscha's base was not included in the box. I hope Mang will get me a WM 30mm base soon. I wanted to paint Sorscha first but it seems I'll be working on the warjacks in the meantime.

I still had an unclear scheme in my head while I was washing the parts (yeah, you have to wash the parts to get rid of the releasing residue from the metal). I also decided against massive conversion and settled on making a good paintjob.

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Work in progress: Khador Destroyer


Details on color to follow. And yeah, it will be NMM.

Tomb Fleet Vyr Fails Pitshop Invasion

Last Saturday was the second minitournament at Mang's Pitshop. Tagging a P150 game fee, all the games were preset at 1,500 points and all Gamma level missions.

Game 1 - Jacob Reynoso's Black Templars: Tomb Fleet Vyr Massacred!
Game 2 - Mark Lim's Grey Knights: Tomb Fleet Vyr Massacred!
Game 3 - Arvin Tan's Iron Hands: Tomb Fleet Vyr Victorious Slaughter!

They were all fun games. Jacob, Mark and Arvin were all great opponents. Thanks to Mang for the tourney!

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Journal of a Warmachinist, 2nd Entry

I have gotten hold of the most venerated War Machine Prime rulebook today. It's pages are wider than the usual GW books. And the pages are heavier and more durable. For P1,100, that's saying a lot.

A lot of buzz on RHGCers jumping onto what now seems to be the War Machine bandwagon. Not that I'm complaining, it's actually a good thing. Now all I have to do is blissfully ignore the pressure of buying my first 500 points. And I still have to order War Machine Escalation and War Machine Apotheosis.

As one of The First, I decided on a solid theme for my Khador. These guys have similar blind faith (for lack of better terms) but not in some deity like Menoth. Khadorians (is this even right?) are utterly loyal to their country. They have a genuine love for the land their forefathers fought for. And offer the same devotion to their Queen. Service. Duty. Ironic. Looking around, that is what THIS pisspoor country lacks. But that's a different rant altogether.

And so my theme will be an elite force. One that answers directly to the Queen. Veterans and royalty in their own right. No qualm or hesitation with crushing those who stand before them.

The Queen's Royal Elite.

I'll be pouring on the extra juice on such few models. The starter box will have Kommander Sorscha and two warjacks -- a Destroyer and a Juggernaut. I'll be decking on five years worth of conversion, freehand and masterclassing on this wargroup. Something that I can never appreciate in Warhammer, sad to say. After that, it will depend if I get Escalation and/or Apotheosis.

If I don't get either, I'll consider a box of Widowmakers. That's four more models. But maybe I'll get a Manhunter (solo) first. Then six Iron Fang Pikemen. And six Winterguard. That'll be enough for a 500-point Prime-only list.

If I get Escalation, it'd be another Destroyer, the Manhunter, and two Winterguard Mortar teams.

If I get Apotheosis, well, I'll just hang on to this one (pray that the stuff contained won't be too tempting). I'll cross the bridge when I get there.

The scheme will still be predominantly red. Coat-of-arms for the warjacks, since they are elite. And war honors like medals, ribbons. I doubt these will have purity seals though. But I think my approach on it will benefit the warjacks more than the characters and units.

I can't wait to get my first starter box.

But for now, time to hit the book!

My Little Green-rimmed Mirror Hates You

There are times when you just stop and look around and think. Then you just feel a desire welling up inside you. The desire to submit to pure hatred.

My sin is submitting to regret. And my regret begets my hatred.

Why the fuck do you wanna be the center of attention?!? Why'd you always have to be a goddamn celebrity?!? You haven't fucking changed at all?!? What the hell have I been wasting all this effort for all this fucking time?!? Bitch! Go goddamn break someone else's heart...

Dude, you're almost thirty. You should file up your paper for Australia. You should save up for your future. No plans on settling down? You're not getting any younger you know.

Fuck you! If I wanted your opinion, I'd have pulled it out of your skull together with your spine. Fuck you and all your goddamn standards. And don't fucking judge me! Living your life won't grant me the happiness that I want! So don't goddamn dictate on me!

Dude, you shouldn't have hit him THAT hard. He's bleeding... Oh, God!

Tangena anlalabo nyo lahat! Hindi ko pinapakialaman buhay nyo! Wag nyo pakialaman buhay ko!

Dude, maybe you should call someone. That's a lotta blood...

Start of turn. My Bloodthirster causes Terror to all your models within six inches of it. Roll for a Terror check. Jeez, they all fled?

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Tao Of The Machine

Notes for the Journal of a Warmachinist

Despite the limited number of factions presented in War Machine (and maybe the additional factions presented in Hordes), all this game takes to succeed locally is a good push in the right direction. And I think I've succeeded in doing my part.

From the humble start of four players (Mang, Arvin, Jacob and myself), now there's a promising player base of nine. And as I mentioned in the WMPH blog, I'll give myself until December to have a standing 500-point wargroup.

+++

Things are becoming more and more mechanical at work though, and there will be pros and cons on the issue. Adapt, survive and surpass. Sounds like a goddamn familiar tagline sheesh!

Monday, August 22, 2005

Why Warmachine?

Notes for Journal of a Warmachinist

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It's the best alternative to WFB and 40K for me. Everything about Warmachine just plain appeals to me -- the models, the rules, the fluff, the rpg element! I might just jump back into RPGing with my old buds because of this.

Warhammer has just been pure pressure for me -- fully finishing my army in time for big events, the political backdrop, transporting a hell lotta figs. It's not fun as it started. Warmachine presents something fresh and convenient for me -- few models to masterclass, the relatively conflict-free environment, and did I say few models, so it's easy to transport.

Naysayers can blah all they want. I'm going full throttle with this baby! ^_^

Friday, August 19, 2005

My Little Green-rimmed Mirror Legalized Barely

I will come on to you. I will praise you for your attractiveness - be it your pretty face, your full breasts, your nice bottom, or even just dressing sexy. I will come on like a sex-depraved maniac though. But I have enough brains not to physically come on to you. Well, unless you physically come on to me first.

You imbecile! You still get charged with sexual harassment for that!

Price to pay? Hey, being brutally honest can get me brutalized, true that. Women should be flattered with whatever I say to them. Shit. I rarely compliment anyone at all.

Why the fuck do you have Victoria Court as your contacts in Friendster? Are you whoring yourself now?

Unfortunately not all share the same open-mindedness as you. Makakahanap ka rin ng katapat. Someone who can basically slap the taste out of your mouth.

Stik-O Is My Yosi, Pepsi Is My Beer

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At RHGC HQ with the rest of the boyz (and of course the pretty muse). Photo by Romy.

Twenty-nine years and still no wanting to try a stick of Marlboro or have a bottle of San Miguel (itoh ang beeeeer!). Surprisingly, I have grown fatter even without those things. Sitting in front of a computer, munching away on Lay's or V-Cut and guzzling Coke Light or Pepsi just doesn't help. I feel I'll die young, but at least I can donate my tar-free and alcohol-free organs to someone who needs them. They should all be stark drunk by now.

+++

Golden Daemons Swimming In My Head

I've been mulling over numerous websites on excellent miniature painting in the hopes that their talent and/or skill rubs off on me through subtle osmosis. Ah, how I wish I could paint so, and for all my armies.

I have yet to finish my Daemonic Legion, Necrons and Vampire Counts. And I've still Space Wolves and Warmachine to look forward to.

Yeah this is my drug.

Nothing beats the sense of fulfillment of seeing a model you've toiled on for hours reach completion. You know how it is to convert and basecoat and progressively blend and freehand. Soon everything will be done, neatly painted (dare I say masterclassed).

Nothing also beats the feeling of overcoming a strong opponent. Week in and week out I seek the best and do battle with their armies. I know I still have a long way to go in terms of tactics and numbercrunching. Soon every move taken, every tactic issued, every calculation crossed and checked, will come as second nature as breathing.

Beyond the normal geeky office life I live, I fight. And I fight constantly. To better my craft and always seeking the next true challenge. Live for the fight? I would say so. Bring it, fool.

+++

On A Horse. With A Lance. He's Unbeatable. I'll Beat Him With A Stick Or A Knife When He's Asleep

Warhammer's an expensive enough vice. And I'll be adding on Warmachine to that as well. So basically, I do have no time for drinking and smoking while hanging out. I'd rather you have a Warhammer army and face me on the table.

Besides, miniature painting's a fuckin' way cheaper alternative to getting professional therapy.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

My Little Green-rimmed Mirror

"It's funny," the voice in his head was hazy, "this predicament we're in. We may lead different lives but our lives seem intertwined no matter what we do. Inseparable?"

The memory exited his head, abruptly forced out as he rubbed his eyes. Staring at the monitor on his desk, he pondered on the technological advancements of man, and how a double-bladed sword that can be.

Fast. Everything's fast nowadays. If you're hungry, pop open some instant noodles in hot water and you have a meal (sometimes you get a bonus of some Skyflakes, too). If you're thirsty, an accessible vending machine and a 20-peso bill is all it takes and you have a cold soda. If you want to communicate with someone, key in an SMS message or open up a chat, and distance almost becomes nonexistent.

Now you can take pictures with a hand-held mobile phone. And of course, most of the people who do post them on Friendster or Multiply or Blogspot. I am guilty of that sometimes, too.

Why did you end up like this? Why couldn't you be more of my standards? That will never do. My mom will have a fit seeing you like that! That will never do at all!

I wish I had some Shakey's Hawaiian Delight thin crust right about now.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Ties That Bind

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At the reception: Mark, Kei, Odie, Tiny, Gay, Jun, Me, Anna and Jerome

An old friend, Jerome, finally settles down with lovely Anna ^_^

Everyone around me is settling down. Joel's having a baby soon. Alvin's gonna get married, too. Asking myself that question, I guess domestication isn't part of my overall agenda anytime soon. Unless I go dumb and get someone pregnant, I'll be living a good deal of my life painting toy soldiers and enjoying the bachelor life. Weird... as I have always sought settling down myself and it evades me. Better this way methinks.

Congrats to the newlyweds ^_^

Rise From The Ashes

I've never had any luck with free webspace providers at all. Some will have limited space. Others will choke your speed with ads. There are even some which allows fifty files (regardless of file type). As it turns out, my original blog on CJB.net has become unstable. And so the journey so to speak has led me back to Blogspot. The stability they provide is the one thing I'll settle for now.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 1st Entry

Being a veteran of Warhammer for five years, it's hard for me to keep track of all my achievements in the hobby. And now here I am trying to pioneer Warmachine into the local gaming scene. So I've decided to put into detail my start into this new miniature tabletop game.

I have been reading about this game for quite some time now, but moreso in the recent days. It's time I put the gears into motion. I have emailed the company asking for specific retail stores in Brisbane, Australia, since my family is there. I have emailed my ninong, in case he feels generous and sends me the items I want. But I have also asked some close friends as well as prominent members of the local Warhammer community if they want to start it with me. Time will tell.

Now, I am awaiting the news on the rulebooks I ordered. I will have them in my hands soon. *insert sinister villain laughter here*

+++

Oh, and it's still Khador for me. ^_^

Tomb Fleet Vyr Invades The Pitstop

In the recent minitournament held at Mang's Pitstop, I got to enjoy a little 40K action. Here's what I had on my 1,500-point army list:

• 1 Necron Lord with Warscythe and Resurrection Orb (150)
• 1 Necron Lord with Staff of Light, Resurrection Orb and Gaze of Flame (155)
• 12 Necron Warriors (216)
• 12 Necron Warriors (216)
• 10 Necron Immortals (280)
• 6 Scarab Swarms (72)
• 3 Necron Destroyers (150)
• 2 Necron Heavy Destroyers (130)
• 2 Necron Heavy Destroyers (130)

1,499 points out of 1,500 at 43 models (which phases me out on 10 models)

Round 1: Gamma Seek and Destroy

· Mang's Necrons vs. Kim's Necrons (Result: Victory - Kim's Necrons)
· Jacob Reynoso's Black Templars vs. Fred Escalona's Space Marines (Result: Victory - Jacob's Black Templars
· Arvin Tan's Iron Hands vs. Emp Fernando's Tyranids (Result: Victory - Arvin's Iron Hands)

Round 2: Gamma Recon

· Mark Lim's Grey Knights vs. Kim's Necrons (Result: Victory - Kim's Necrons)
· Mang's Necrons vs. Fred Escalona's Space Marines (Result: Victory - Mang's Necrons)
· Emp Fernando's Tyranids vs. Jacob Reynoso's Black Templars (Result: Draw)

Round 3: Gamma Take and Hold

· Kim's Necrons vs. Fred Escalona's Space Marines (Result: Victory - Kim's Necrons)
· Mang's Necrons vs. Jacob Reynoso's Black Templars (Result: Victory - Jacob's Black Templars)
· Arvin Tan's Iron Hands vs. Mark Lim's Grey Knights (Result: Victory - Arvin's Iron Hands)

+++

Three victories. Not bad. It goes to show that constant playing does help I guess. I got me a nice new fine detail brush for that, too. ^_^

Congratulations to everyone for a well-played minitourney! And thanks to Mang for providing for the event. See you guys again in two weeks.

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Journal of a Warmachinist

Journal of a Warmachinist, 1st Entry
So I've decided to put into detail my start into this new miniature tabletop game.

Why WARMACHINE?
It's the best alternative to WFB and 40K for me. Everything about Warmachine just plain appeals to me -- the models, the rules, the fluff, the rpg element!

Tao of the Machine
Despite the limited number of factions presented in War Machine (and maybe the additional factions presented in Hordes), all this game takes to succeed locally is a good push in the right direction. And I think I've succeeded in doing my part.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 2nd Entry
I have gotten hold of the most venerated War Machine Prime rulebook today. It's pages are wider than the usual GW books. And the pages are heavier and more durable. For P1,100, that's saying a lot.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 3rd Entry
I may have lost the Pitshop Minitourney 2, but I did get my hands on the Khador starter box.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 4th Entry
Here are some more pics of my Khador Destroyer. Of course I haven't glued on the arms yet since it'll be hell to paint the details of the undercarriage with the arms in place.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 5th Entry
Did some major work on the Destroyer's body since my last entry. You'll be seeing some freehand, too.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 6th Entry
At long last, I can display the model here LOL! I've been swamped with too much responsibilities that I put painting way down on my list. The Destroyer may have been rushed a bit more than expected, but it came out OK I guess.

To NMM or not to NMM
I need a concensus from you guys. Do I keep doing the NMM method on my Warmachine, or do I stick to the standard metallic paints?

Journal of a Warmachinist, 7th Entry
Tried several shots to get some detail on Sorscha's face, but obviously I need to work the cam better. Also started work on the Juggernaut.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 8th Entry
Sorscha is about finished. Basic Khador color scheme, the same as the one in the Escalation rulebook. Varnished and snow-flocked. Just needs the grass flock I did on the Destroyer.

The Art of War, Week 42 ~ Journal of a Warmachinist, 9th Entry
I finally had some time to sit down and put some more work on my Warmachine models.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 10th Entry
Here's a mock-up of what my battlegroup will look like after I get all of the components together. So far, it's just the starter box - Sorscha, a Destroyer and a Juggernaut.

Twenty-Second of October ~ Journal of a Warmachinist, 11th Entry
Ignoring the nauseating effects of the Warwitch's spell, Sorscha finished the final gesticulations of a spell of her own. Suddenly, the world around seemed as if time slowed. She felt a cold wind rising up from beneath her, pushing her forward. As the Khadoran's boots touched the ground several feet from where she started, the warcaster unleashed the full strength of her will, sending sheets of white crystal in a billow all around her.

The Art of War, Week 43 ~ Journal of a Warmachinist, 11th 12th Entry
Last night I metagamed a 500-point Foothold between Vlad and Kreoss. I made sure that the game would be evened out when it came down to tactics and smart deployment.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 13th Entry
I managed to put some assembly work into my Behemoth. I was never fond of the raised-right-foot pose of the model, so I did some minor conversion.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 13th 14th Entry
Bought Catachan Green and Enchanted Blue yesterday at NG Madison. Eiryss is about 90% done. Just a few more work on her crossbow and rapier. Also did some basework on the Behemoth and Kovnik.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 15th and 16th Entries
I just got a hefty acquisition of Khador additions today. Barring any lists or what have you, my single warcaster (Sorscha) can head off into battle at 769 points! And Gorman and the Widowmakers should still come soon!

PAGE 5
Play like you've got a pair!

Journal of a Warmachinist, 17th Entry
Warmachine Philippines Impromptu Christmas Party at Mang's Pitshop!

Journal of a Warmachinist, 18th Entry
Warmachine Weekend!

Journal of a Warmachinist, 19th - 22nd Entry
Formalized the ranking into Sessions. SO any game you play, at whatever pointage, as long as you're playing it in a group of four or more WMers, you're ranked.

Journal of a Warmachinist, 23rd Entry
Played against Lesther and his Menoth using Kreoss. Using a wargroup without Sorscha and the Behemoth proved more difficult than I thought.

C2 Apple Flavor ~ Chapter One: Cold Winter
The Greylord Koldun, Sergei Makara, scribed on the final locking rune over the cold iron chest in front of him. The icy blue sigils slowly faded into the air as the koldun blanketed the chest with a heavy black cloth.

Smells Like Teen Spirit
Got the Spriggan from Alger. When will I be able to use it? Abangan!

AEGIS Open Meet
Once the tables were set up, the boyz started playing. If I remember right, a Warhammer game and a Warmachine game were played at the same time side by side.

Warmachine + Hordes
The terrain proved troublesome for my two Winter Guard Mortar. There were many blind spots where Pork's units could hide behind, barring me any good bombard shots. So I decided to force him to push forward and abandon any safe cover in lieu of securing senario objectives.

Singapore Order Update
I believe Mang is going to order again soon. Some of you might want to ride on those orders na lang. If you guys still want to push through with your orders through Alger, let me know ASAP so I can inquire on shipping costs as well.

If You've Got The METAL, Bring It ON!
I have missed this year's Warhammer Grand Tourneys for WFB and 40K. But being a founding member of Warmachine Philippines, I really couldn't afford to miss it (WMPH's first WARMACHINE tournament).

Kommandant Irusk: Tactical Genius or Blatant Coward?
Irusk's Inhospitable Ground proved a bit useless to Amon's Mobility, but I kept casting it so that he spends up his FOC.

Weekend Gaming
Steamroller 2. Bloody hard. Bloody fast games, too.

For The Motherland!
A checklist of sorts for my Warmachine.

Unranked
One of the more memorable games I had that wasn't included in the WMPH ranking was due to the lack of players gaming at that time (we kinda put a requirement that in order to be ranked, there must be at least four players gaming at the same time).

The old office Nikon + Dulce's Date
A Man-O-War Demolition Corps (MOWDC) Kapitan. Black basecoat by Semco. Face colors used also by Semco (just mixed the right stuff to get the flesh color). I'm out to prove a point with this one.

Welcome To Our Neighborhood
Painting some Knights Exemplar.

Trollbloods at the Fortress +
"Hey, Arv, I got fewer models than your Khador."

Weekend Gaming Fun
First turn kill, baby. Doesn't get any better than that.

Journal of a Warmachinist: Khador at the Haven
Personal differences must be put aside for the greater glory of Khador Motherland.

Brass Balls Anyone?
If the fight is easy, you're not challenging up the ladder!

2007
Looks like another year's about to come to an end. 2006 has been a very good year for me. I've been blessed with many new friends, had many nice games, improved on my painting and achieved some dreams.

Happy New Year
[WARMACHINE] Lost my first game against Raymund's Vayl. 98% finished painting the Spriggan (flock and varnish to go). Started painting IFP standard bearer.

BBL Report
As the year rolled in, my performance in the WARMACHINE Brass Balls League has been mediocre. To the credit of my opponents, their game was ace. And as I have given my best at my games, I have little regret except that I should have played more.

BBL Winding Down
Just updating my league results.

BBL - River Rats
I played my last BBL game last night at Hobby Haven. It was using the River Rats scenario and my opponent was Romy Estrella.

New Leather
It was my first game this year using Dark Prince Vlad. And at Hobby Haven, I got to go up against Zig using his Seaforge Alliance Gorten Grundback. And yeah, three Ogrun Bokurs will clear up your sinuses for sure!

Gorten Grundback
Presently, there's only one local player who uses the Rhulic warcaster, Gorten Grundback - Zig of Hobby Haven. I've heard many stories about his old list with two Drillers and how brutal it could be at eliminating any opponent that stands in his way. Pork often recounts how his Ashlynn got grabbed by the Rhulic heavy `jack and literally got drilled to death.

Old Gamer
I've been gaming as far as I can remember. I've gone through traditional outdoor games like mataya-taya, taguan and patintero to Rockman and Goonies on the NES. Now, I'm into strats and RPGs on the PS2 and GBA and of course miniature wargaming.

Fred's Iron Lich Asphyxious
Fred (Escalona, one of our more regular photogs) has been consistent with using the Lich for a big percentage of his WM/H gaming. He's won games with it via raining Breath of Corruption or Hellfire, or face up Soulsplitter slaughterfest. And in the months of constant playing, Fred's learned to go aggressive especially with the addition of Tartarus in his forces.

Blood of Trolls
In any other time this week, I did nothing but assemble and paint my Trollblood models - Hoarluk, the light warbeasts I got from Romy, and the Mauler. They're just a few points short of 400, but I wanted to play on the 500-point weekend games, so I proxied my five MOWDC as Trollblood Champions. As always, I gave my ace game, and the results were excellent.

Thirty-One
Played against Pork's Ashlynn D'Elysse and won!

Page 5 FTW
We've recently implemented gaming our WARMACHINE and HORDES with the default time limits, 45 minutes for 300-point games and 60 minutes for 500-point games. So far, I've done pretty well with more Page 5 in the bloodstream. Very little convenience of time for baiting tactics.

Rock
Played another Weekday Warrior session last night. Dick and Tiny made an appearance. Dick played two WMH games against Obi's Nemo using Vlad and Irusk (Obi's first brush versus the Khadoran kommandant). There was an instance where Obi failed to kill Dick's Drakhun, and another where it looked like the Hot Gates scene from 300. Obi seems to be flipping tactics against Khador and at the same time getting more familiar with his Cygnar.

Man In The Machine
It's a rarity that Chicco Cuema Quema breaks out his Khador to play a game against us whenever we play at Hobby Haven. But there was one day that he honored me a game to go up against his 4-model Karchev list.

Hakuna Matata, Bitch!
Got to play WARMACHINE using the Butcher of Khardov last Saturday at Hobby Haven -- won against Tiny's Captain Victoria Haley and Ronald's Master Tormentor Morghoul. And, man, was the Butcher awesome! On the feat turn, he downed the Thunderhead with two swings in one turn! On a separate feat turn, he dropped a Titan Cannonner in three swings!

Better Late Than Never
Got an email from Fred Escalona. Attached were pics from way back, shots from Hobby Haven during many of the gaming sessions there. Good times!

Any Cost Of Blood Or Steel
"We shall bring victory to the Motherland at any cost of blood or steel. Let every loyal citizen make it their mission that whatever our price, the enemies of Khador shall pay tenfold." - Queen Ayn Vanar XI

For the coin!
Well, I can't say I did my best on that last Total War 2 tourney because I lost my last game against Carlos. I blame no one else but myself for that loss, and it was because I did not follow one of the prime rules of war - to know thy enemy.

RHGC Gamesday
Small blurb on what happened at Lito's. Got me Doomreavers from Luigi! Yay!

No Title
Small bullet points on the Juggernaut. Lots of non-WMH entries.

Pass It Forward


Summer Rampge Week 1
SUMMER RAMPAGE officially started last Saturday at Hobby Haven. I was up for some games but I was a bit apprehensive because I know I won't perform well in the campaign due to work responsibilities. It's July and it's SONA month. Plus there's some major disagreement in Basilan which had to do with some soldiers being chopped up, literally. So, I'll just prop up some fun lists here and there and give my opponents hell.

Summer Rampage Week 2
Some little updates. I've resigned to the fact that I won't do well in this campaign because of my work responsibilities. The previous month went to the Total War. Looks like we all don't stay long on top of the wheel.

Pit Fight
Kei's Madrak Ironhide victorious over Kim's Kommandant Irusk. Kei won by objective, rendering my Juggernaut broken in the middle of the objective area. DTM FTW!

Pit Fight 2
Kim's Kommandant Irusk victorious over Mang's High Exemplar Kreoss. I won via objective, capturing the center ring. My Juggernaut with Superiority charged at Mang's Castigator and broke it (dealt very heavy damage) on its activation. With one system left from being destroyed, I had my Widowmaker Kapitan under Undying Loyalty and aimed at the Castigator even if the Juggernaut engaged it. Muzzled zing and all, the Menoth heavy jack was destroyed.

New Blood, Old Blood
Instead of competitive Summer Rampage gaming, I opted to reintroduce some old friends into WARMACHINE/HORDES. On a smoldering Saturday afternoon, Ryan , Lesther, Kei and I enjoyed some WMH and Guitar Hero at home.