Messages

1

The Feeding Grounds / Re: Poison on non shooting maneaters

« on: Nov 21, 2012, 07:07:12 AM »

I'm a big fan of a poison/stubborn block of MEs. My typical build is to run a unit of 5-8 with additional hand weapons and a character (typically my SM). The amount of damage they can put out is obscene.

I prefer not to use GWs in the unit as they are still only T4 so they can be fragile and I like to be able to strike first against opponents like O&G, TK and so on. Besides, the poison coupled with S5 means they're already wounding most things quite ably.

2

Armies of the Kingdoms / 2.5k List

« on: Nov 18, 2012, 03:41:39 PM »

The last big tourney of the year is coming up in early December and I'd like to finish strong. At the same time, I'm a little tired of my standard build so I'm wanting to try something a little different to my norm.

The list I'm thinking of taking has a few more bodies than I'd usually include but that has to come at the expense of something - and right now, that's one ironblaster. The decision for me is a difficult one given that I have traditionally run two as I typically end up facing skaven (double wheel, abom, WLC seems to be a favourite around here) or DE (double hydra) at the top tables.

I'd also love to replace my Butcher with a Firebelly but I won't have time to get one painted up before the tourney starts so that's not an option. I've opted to go with Heavens on him as I've found that my usual choice of Beasts is typically expensive for a level 2 (particularly Wyssans on 10 as I typically end up having to 3-dice it) and I've struggled to do anything meaningful with that lore. Heavens should allow me a little more flexibility.

The event is uncomped so I expect to see quite a bit of filth given that our usual tournament lists at the top tables are the traditional skaven, DE, lizard men builds.

Very briefly then, here's the list:

Slaughtermaster, General, Ironfist, lvl4, Sword of Might, Armour of Destiny, Lore of The Great Maw - 358 Pts.

Bruiser, HA, Sword of Striking, Crown of Command, BSB - 184 Pts.
Butcher, lvl2, Ruby Ring of Ruin, Scroll, Lore of The Great Maw - 185 Pts.

8 Ironguts, M, S, C, Std. of Eternal Flame - 384 Pts.
7 Ogres, Handweapon & Ironfist, M, S - 244 Pts.

5 Maneaters, HA, 5 x 2xHw, Poisoned Attacks, Stubborn, M, S, Standard of Discipline - 315 Pts.
4 Mournfang Cavalry, HA, Ironfist, M, S, Dragonhide Std. - 350 Pts.
1 Sabretusks - 21 Pts.
1 Sabretusks - 21 Pts.
6 Leadbelchers, M - 268 Pts.

Ironblaster - 170 Pts.

BSB goes with the 'guts, SM in the Maneaters and Butcher in the bulls.

Am I setting myself up for failure by dropping the one ironblaster and taking the unit of Leadbelchers? I haven't had much success with them in the past but I used to run a unit of 4 and I'm wondering if I won't see better returns with the unit of 6.

The primary reason for including them is that I'm expecting a number of the top players to be dusting off their WC due to the advent of the new Skullcrushers and I suspect they may feature heavily in the later rounds of the tourney.

Any thoughts?

3

The Feeding Grounds / Re: Butcher and armor?

« on: May 02, 2012, 01:35:54 PM »

Actually, the FAQ was the perfect opportunity for them to clarify their intentions regarding the armour issue. It could have been argued either way so noone would have blinked twice if they'd said no to Butchers/SMs using magic armour.

The addition that Jervais made to the FAQ entry seems more to me like he disagreed with the concensus view at GW - not that they had actually meant for it to be disallowed all along.

In fact, the way it reads now is even more convoluted and confusing than simply saying: "No."

So I'd disagree with your view on what GW intended. Sounds more like J trying to cover himself and voice his displeasure at the ruling than anything else.

4

The Feeding Grounds / Re: Dealing with a puking horde of trolls. Thoughts?

« on: May 01, 2012, 03:33:43 PM »

It does indeed only strip regen for the current phase.

5

Gnoblogs / Re: A (gno)blog to call my own

« on: Apr 03, 2012, 08:55:33 AM »

Lots of crickets around here. 

I've made some more progress with the unit of mournfang - they're basically done apart from some highlights on the skin and some work on the banner and horns. Apologies for the picture quality - this was the best snap out of the 10 I took.

6

Armies of the Kingdoms / 2500 List for an upcoming Tourney

« on: Mar 28, 2012, 10:54:46 AM »

So we have another tourney coming up in April and given how close I came to the podium last time, I'd like to see if I can push all the way this time around.

The tourney is 2500 points and allows special characters, uses the rulebook scenarios (excluding Watch Tower) and allows characters a LoS for the number 6 spells (similar to the ETC rule).

Given the ruling on spells and our access to the Runemaw, I'm very tempted to go with a Gutstar as the anchor for the army. I've never played one before since I tend to favour MSU armies and I've always been paranoid about having so many points in one unit but I'm tempted to give it a go. Herewith then, two lists I have been considering. The second is just a minor variation on the first that adds Deathcheater to the BSB, drops a Mournfang and the Dragonhide Banner, drops a Maneater and adds some Leadbelchers for variety. I haven't had much success with the latter in a tourney setting but my biggest problems to date have been with WoC and I've found that leadies are actually a pretty decent response to them so I'm tempted to make space for a couple.

List one:

Slaughtermaster, General, Lvl 4, Fencer's Blades, Glittering Scales, Crown of Command, Dragonbane Gem, LotGM
Bruiser BSB, Ironfist, Heavy Armour, Runemaw
Firebelly, Lvl 2, Dispel Scroll, LoF

16 Ogres, HW/IF, Full Command
10 Gnoblar Trappers
10 Gnoblar Trappers

5 Maneaters, HA, BoP, Muso, Standard, Flaming Banner, Poison and Scout
4 Mournfang, HA/IF, Muso, Standard, Dragonhide Banner
2 Sabretusks

2 Ironblasters

List Two:

Slaughtermaster, General, Lvl 4, Fencer's Blades, Glittering Scales, Crown of Command, LotGM
Bruiser BSB, Ironfist, Heavy Armour, Deathcheater, Runemaw
Firebelly, Lvl 2, Dispel Scroll, LoF

16 Ogres, HW/IF, Full Command
10 Gnoblar Trappers
10 Gnoblar Trappers

4 Maneaters, HA, BoP, Muso, Standard, Flaming Banner, Poison and Scout
3 Mournfang, HA/IF, Muso
4 Leadbelchers, Muso
2 Sabretusks

2 Ironblasters

Any thoughts or suggestions? I have access to another 4 leadies, a tyrant and a big block of 'guts and can probably borrow a few other bits and pieces if necessary so don't be shy to make suggestions.

7

Gnoblogs / Re: A (gno)blog to call my own

« on: Mar 05, 2012, 09:15:08 PM »

It's been a while since I last posted here. I've mainly been working on my WoC army over the last few months, but I finally picked up some mournfang and have been throwing great big splotches of paint at them during my free moments.

My test model is still in need of some highlights. The rocks on the base also require some shading and then I'll probably put a gnoblar pointing the way forward on the little rock pile at the front. Unfortunately, while doing the bone on the back of the saddle, I got a bit carried away with my washes and didn't realize how much I'd used. The result is the abomination of bone you now see. I'll redo it once I work up the energy. I've also got a second mournfang based and shaded so he's ready for his highlights once the mood takes me and there's two more waiting to be primed.

8

Armies of the Kingdoms / Re: 2012 point tourney list

« on: Feb 20, 2012, 06:14:36 AM »

Unfortunately, I lost the game against the WoC as predicted. I managed to take roughly 1200 points off him and kept his unit of warriors out of combat until the last turn of the game, but that general of his ended up routing my two blocks almost single-handedly in the end. I won the last game against DoC and ended up 10th overall so not too bad I guess.

9

Armies of the Kingdoms / Re: 2012 point tourney list

« on: Feb 18, 2012, 05:14:19 PM »

Just got back from the first day of the tournament and I'm knackered but pleased. 2 big wins (cleared the board before T6 in both cases) and a draw thus far putting me at 3d going into day two - the wins were against WoC and Skaven and the draw against VC. The latter was  600 VP in favour to me at the top of turn 6 but he won a major combat in the last turn of the game and I broke on a re-rollable 8. A little disappointed with the dice luck in that game but I had my share of good fortune as well so I can't complain too much.

The Maneaters have been awesome. They survived two out of the three games and wreaked absolute carnage in all three. They sniped a chaos sorcerer and bsb in the first game, mowed through 2 big units of zombies in the second, and sniped a grey seer in the third. The highlight of the tourney so far though is throwing my Bruiser and SM at Heinrich Kemmler while both had Savage Beast on them and showing him the way off the table. Easily the biggest disappointment was the shooting of the ironblasters - they've killed a grand total of 4 (!) models in the three games (my dice seem to favour the 2 inch landing/2 inch bounce rolls when I plant them 8 inches away) but their supporting charges have been invaluable so that's just a minor complaint.

First game tomorrow is against WoC - a Korne list running 6 knights with the Banner of Rage, 24 Warriors with MoK, 40 marauders with GW and MoK, a hellcannon, some dogs, a Lord on barded steed with Hellfire Blade and Helm of Many Eyes, a BSB and a lvl 2 Tzeentch. The scenario will be either Dawn Attack or Watchtower so I'm a little concerned. The Lord, even though he's a glass cannon, also has me worried with those multiple wounds with re-rolls to hit. I think I'm going to need some luck and hopefully I'll be able to use my sabretusks to redirect/pull some of his frenzied units out of position.

Wish me luck!

10

Armies of the Kingdoms / Re: 2012 point tourney list

« on: Feb 17, 2012, 05:49:15 AM »

Thank you for the further suggestions, all. I have considered a firebelly but I don't own one. I may just have to borrow one if I can find a way to squeeze out a few more points to fit it into the list.

As for the gnoblars, I used to run two 10-man trapper units and I have yet to be impressed by them (a controversial statement I know, but I think it's more a matter of personal preference and playing style). More often than not, opponents simply ignore the DT test and absorb the handful of losses to their units and I've found that sabretusks fulfill the same speedbump/redirecting role better while also providing added utility. Perhaps more importantly though, I'm not sure where I'd find the points given how tight the list is at the moment.

11

Armies of the Kingdoms / Re: 2012 point tourney list

« on: Feb 15, 2012, 06:59:09 PM »

Whoops! Missed the biting blade on the Bruiser. That's been fixed now, thanks.

You're right about the limited options to deal with etherals. I had the ruby ring on the Bruiser previously but decided to go with the Crown in the end.

I suppose that would be another point in favour of Heavens on the SM instead? The direct damage spells would offer another avenue for ethereals.

As for the maneaters, I have been considering the option of trimming them down. My only concern was that the sniping would be less than useful with only 3 or 4 shots rather than 6 (see the note regarding the TO's ruling on multishot). Am I being unnecessarily prudent by taking them as an additional way to deal with special characters?

12

Armies of the Kingdoms / 2012 point tourney list

« on: Feb 15, 2012, 06:38:16 PM »

I will be participating in a tournament this weekend and I'm in two minds about the final version of my list to submit. The tourney is 2012 points and encompasses five games which will each correspond to one of the scenarios in the BRB (all except Battle for the Pass). Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it will allow special characters so I'm expecting to see some filth grace the tables (I'm looking at you, Teclis).

With all of that in mind I have a few important aspects to prepare for. Firstly, I need to be equipped to deal with any problematic special characters I come across as decisively as possible. Secondly, I expect to see plenty of Skaven and DE on the top tables so I need to be prepared for Abom and Hydra spam. Thirdly, a number of players have been discussing ethereal-heavy VC with plenty of screams, backed up by Terrorgheists so I need to be equipped to deal with that.

My first attempts at building a list started out with fully-loaded characters but I have progressively trimmed them down over successive iterations of the list to have only what I consider to be the bare essentials. None of my characters will be combat beasts as a consequence, but that is not their purpose and they'll all be hiding in the second rank anyway.

My list then is as follows (discussion follows in red):

SM General, Lvl 4, Dispel Scroll, Sword of Striking, Lore of Beasts - 325 Points
(My initial build started with a standard Fencers, Scales, Arcane item combo but I found I needed the points elsewhere. I consider the dispel scroll a no-brainer while the sword of striking is present to deal with the threat of etherals)

Bruiser BSB, Heavy Armour, Biting Blade, Crown of Command - 179 Points
(I have found the crown to be a staple in my lists since our new book was released. The number of times I've had spinemarrow dispelled when I wasn't playing it has made relying on LotGM too much of a gamble for me. The blade is there again for ethereals. I've gone with minimal protection on him given that he'll be in the second rank but I'm open to the idea of switching the biting blade to a Warrior Bane and picking up an Enchanted Shield).

Butcher, Lvl 1, LotGM, Hellheart - 150 Points
(Purely included as a hellheart carrier and to pay my Butcher tax)

7 Ironguts, Full Command, Standard of Discipline (SM and Bruiser here, run 3x3) - 346 Points

7 Bulls, Musician, Standard Bearer (Butcher here, run 4x2) - 244 Points
(I tend to prefer MMU to a single big gutstar hence splitting across the two units. At the moment, the Bulls do not have a champion as I plan on running the unit 4 x 2 which will push the butcher to the front rank anyway. Also, I just can't seem to find the 10 points to spare).

6 Maneaters, Standard, Heavy Armour, 6 Ogre Pistols, Banner of Eternal Flame, Poisoned Attacks, Sniper - 386 Points
(My swiss-army knife unit which is there both to deal with regenerators and to potentially snipe problematic characters. The TO has ruled that multishot does not work with sniper hence my choice of single pistols over braces).

2 Sabretusks
(Run individually, of course)

2 Ironblasters

The issues I'm debating are as follows:

1. What should my choice of lore on the SM be? I'm vacillating at present between Heavens and Beasts. Beasts also has the -1 hit debuff, offers additional shooting through the spear, a decent unit buff and some big buffs to make the characters more effective, particularly given their lack of oomph. On the other hand, Heavens has some solid buffs/debuffs but also gives me access to Comet and a way to deal with flyers. I'm leaning towards Beasts at the moment but I could be convinced otherwise.

2. Do I have too many maneaters? Given the lack of multishot, I felt it necessary to improve the number of sniper shots I had access to but they are obviously an expensive option relative to the rest of the list. I considered splitting them into two units of 3 but without the multishot sniping that seems too limited to do any real damage.

3. Do I trim the Bulls unit down to 5 and run them 3x2 to free up some points to equip the characters and push full command onto all three units?

4. Am I missing something obvious/important or is there something I could be doing better?

Any advice would be appreciated!

13

The Butcher's Cauldron / Re: What's that smell?

« on: Feb 04, 2012, 03:44:28 PM »

Glad to know it's not just my washes. The wife has banned me from the living room when using my Devlan Mud. 

Should I be concerned by the fact that I'm starting to enjoy the smell? 

14

Gnoblogs / Re: Bret-Ogia! An adventure in 'cultured' ogre-dom. (Beginnings - Feb 2)

« on: Feb 03, 2012, 05:37:28 PM »

Great theme and execution. Looking forward to seeing your cavalry with some paint.

15

Gnoblogs / Re: Ogres from the North...

« on: Jan 25, 2012, 12:14:53 AM »

Excellent work!

Everyone else has already commented on the great work you've done on the Thundertusk so I'll simply say that your conversions are characterful and well executed.

16

The Butcher's Cauldron / Re: Spectral maneaters?

« on: Jan 12, 2012, 03:51:19 PM »

Sounds like it could be an interesting project. When I picture spectral creatures though, I picture something gaunt and spindly. I think that really adds to the haunting image of a something ethereal. It would be interesting to see how the bigger, chunkier look of the ogres influences that.

17

The Feeding Grounds / Re: New to game and army w/ my daughter

« on: Jan 12, 2012, 03:46:40 PM »

I thank you so very much for the helpful replies.  More than likely I will go with the battalion, and a butcher for now.  (along with the army book as well).  What a great place this is, I'm happy I happened to find it.  Thanks again.

The advice already provided has been so good that I won't chip in on that count. I just wanted to wish you and your daughter good luck and hope you enjoy your wargaming together. I have similar plans for my little one when she gets to that age - I just hope she has an interest in it by then!

18

The Feeding Grounds / Re: What's your most effective special choice?

« on: Jan 12, 2012, 03:40:38 PM »

So, in a Donna-from-West-Wing stylee, can someone who was going to vote for Sabretusks vote for Yhettees? Let me know who did it and I may even pass on a pet by way of saying thanks!

Just because you asked so nicely. Keep the gnoblar, it's the thought that counts.

Like most of the others, my vote is for the utilitarian, always-useful, 'tusk. I have yet to have a game where they've disappointed or not found a way to contribute in a fashion disproportionate to their cost.

I must say I'm surprised by all the love for leadies in-game. They are amongst my favourite units from a fluff standpoint but I've had very mixed results with them in a tournament environment. Their random nature really makes it difficult to rely on them to carry the big moments (and my luck with them has been horrible more often than not) but, to be fair, when they do I suppose they can be spectacular.

19

Rules Questions and FAQs / Re: poison vs war machines

« on: Jan 06, 2012, 11:30:58 PM »

No. The crew now count simply as wound markers for the war machine and cannot be singled out individually. As per page 108 of the BRB: "The crew cannot be charged, attacked or otherwise affected separately from their war machine".

20

Armies of the Kingdoms / Re: 2500 Ogre Army(hero heavy)

« on: Jan 06, 2012, 10:30:02 PM »

You may also want to consider moving the Scroll from the Lvl4 to the Firebelly (assuming you have Hero points to spare). You will generally need it the most when your Lvl4 fails a dispel, and if he has it then he can't use it in that situation.

I'd agree on this point, and add a further reason to consider. When I play 3 casters I tend to go with the dispel scroll and hellheart (if I take it) on the two low-level casters so that the SM can take the earthing rod. After having had my general be sucked into the warp a few times due to bad luck I don't leave home without it now.

My typical SM build is now Fencers, Greedy Fist and Earthing Rod with LotGM to ensure that he can regain lost wounds when needed.

21

Gnoblogs / Re: A-Mo's Goblog - New Pics Uploaded (pg.3) Feedback appreciated.

« on: Jan 06, 2012, 03:29:53 PM »

 

Beautiful work on those yhetis. I'm also surprised you didn't receive any feedback on the incubi which are equally well done. Their look reminds me a lot of chaos chosen - I may well have to steal the colour scheme for my chosen warriors when I get around to them.

22

Rules Questions and FAQs / Re: poison vs war machines

« on: Jan 06, 2012, 01:11:35 PM »

You would indeed auto-wound on 6's.

And as for grapeshot, the fact that you now need to roll to see how many shots are fired, then roll to see whether they hit makes it far less effective than it used to be.

EDIT: Ninja'd by Grot.

23

The Gnoblar Market / W: Classic Metal O&G, Beastmen, Mantic Undead H: Current O&G, $$$

« on: Jan 06, 2012, 01:07:14 PM »

I am currently looking for any of the following minis:

Old classic O&G minis:

* 23 metal savage orcs
* 18 squigs
* 1 rock lobber (the old metal one with the hand as a counterbalance)
* 1 doom diver (the metal one that came with a small catapult on wheels)
* 7 old Black Orcs (the old 5th-ed monopose with two swords - one held up, the other down)
* 60 old metal night goblins
* 2 metal stone trolls
* 10 metal big 'uns

In addition I'm interested in any of the current beastmen line or mantic undead (other than Balefire Catapults).

In exchange I am happy to offer payments via paypal although I should note that I'm from South Africa and therefore postage will be a concern - particularly with the heavier metals from the O&G list above.

Should anyone be interested in a trade, I can also offer a wide range of minis from the current O&G range. Should you be interested in chatting around such an arrangement, you're welcome to drop me a PM and I'll provide a full list and pics of everything I have.

I also have a couple of current O&G plastics that are excess to my needs and that I'm therefore trying to sell off (or trade as discussed above).

60 night goblins with spears, full command and a netter (unpainted, mixture of Skull Pass and the regiment box - command are all from the regiment box)

20 orc arrer boyz - plastic, some painted, some based green)

30 orc boyz with additional hand weapons and full command - (painted, but some of my early work so may be due for a stripping, 2 minis have spears rather than hws)

10 spider riders - (based black, combination of Skull pass and the regiment box - command are all from the regiment box)

3 fanatics - (unpainted)

1 Orc boss on boar - (unpainted)

1 night goblin shaman - (metal, painted)

Again, should you require any additional pics from my side, just post a request here or send me a PM and I'll be happy to take additional snaps of whatever takes your fancy.

24

The Feeding Grounds / Re: our characters in 3 wide units with command

« on: Jan 03, 2012, 02:03:03 PM »

Therein lies the problem I think. The BRB states "...models in the second rank can use the line of sight and forward arc of the model directly in front of them for the purposes of all shooting attacks (including stand and shoot reactions". Nowhere does it explicitly state that magic is excluded and I haven't managed to find anything untoward in the FAQs. If you therefore take this in conjunction with the previous quote which says treat the spell just as if it was shooting, the intention seems to be that you can shoot a MM from the second rank.

25

The Butcher's Cauldron / Re: Mangler squig

« on: Jan 03, 2012, 01:16:35 PM »

Absolutely stunning. The face of the one on the right in the first picture looks just a little too "cuddly" compared to the one on the left for my liking but I have to say I prefer your sculpts to the GW one.