Art Supply Sale (Online)

I wanted to share a couple of promotional codes I received by email good through December 24th on all art supplies found at  Chicago Airbrush Supply, and their sister website; Artsupply.com!

Battlefoam 1520 On Order

The Battlefoam 1520

Another week, and very little time to devote to the table-top. However, I did receive word that my Battlefoam 1520 is almost ready and will be shipped soon- my Christmas present this year. I wasn't convinced, leaning toward a Sabol Designs' bag, until my friend Six-Deucer purchased a 1520 earlier this fall.

Vassal 40K

As we progress through the holiday season, I find myself with less and less time that I can devote to getting away from family and work duties to play a game of 40K. Six being in a similar boat, we looked to alternative ways to sate our desire to play 40K together. Vassal 40K was a no-brainer, however it would seem we were late by about six months.

Dawn of War 2 Gold: 66% Discount on Steam

If you don't own it, or own Chaos Rising, this is the perfect opportunity to scoop it up for dirt cheap! 13.60 and it's yours! 

Battlefoam Black Friday

Friday November 26th Battlefoam is hosting a 24 hour sale, with all orders receiving a 25% discount!

40K Bits Bash Results: Loads of Fun and One Win!

And the winner is...

Saturday November 20th Six-Deucer and I threw our hats in and took part in a 2,000 point teams "for fun" tournament hosted by Gabby at Olympic Cards and Comics. The event was a huge success largely due to Dante and Purgatus and quite a few other (to whom I tip my baseball cap for I don't recall your names').
First of all- no pictures for my part. Since this was my first tournament (albeit, a fun tournament), I was so focused on my army, rules, and communication with my partner, Six, that I forgot to take pictures. This was unfortunate because there were some truly well-painted armies taking the field, Saturday.

40K Bits Bash Saturday November 20th 2010

These kids are competing for fun, much like Six and I will be doing today. Six is the kid in the pink cap!

Today is the big event! Olympic Cards and Comics will be opening their doors at 09:00 PST to host a bits swap scheduled to take place from 09:00 to 12:00 PST. At 12:00 PST a 2,000 40K Team Tournament will begin. This will be a "fun" tournament and require participants to pony-up a 10.00 entry fee.

Thursday Throw-Down Pre-game: 11/18/2010

Thursday Throw-Down is going to be a lot of fun this week! Six and I will be testing our lists that we hope to field Saturday the 20th at the 40K Bits Bash Teams Tournament! Due to work I won't show up at Olympic Cards and Comics until 7pm PST, however, Six-Deucer will be there sometime after 4pm. Chappy has committed to bringing his army to play, Reknyard will be there later in the evening, and I hope to see Jancoran as well. If you have a 1,000 or 2,000 point 40K army, bring em' down to Olympic Cards and Comics around 5pm for "Thursday Throw-Down"

Recruitment Continues: WIP

Chaplain with Honor Guard. In the background, two assault squads' are visible.

Let me say that I absolutely support the 40K rule that, "What You See is What You Get" (WYSIWYG). Absolutely. In a tournament, it decreases a player's ability to mislead or cheat an opponent. However, when I'm forced to glue tiny frag and krak grenades onto each of my Blood Angel space marines...it was like creative kryptonite- an exercise in masochism. Perhaps I should have asked this question a week ago; For the purpose(s) of tournament play do you, reader, adhere to WYSIWYG so stringently that their equipment is reflected in the figure? Specifically, a unit's grenade(s) that are standard issue to that unit?
I'm not talking about primary or secondary weapons- meltaguns, plasma pistols, infernus pistols, melta-bombs, and such. I'm talking about frag grenades, krak grenades; compulsory or standard equipment found on every single unit of that particular type (such as infantry).

1,000 Point Blood Angels List

A week from today I plan to participate in my first tournament, the 40K Bits Bash at Olympic Cards and Comics. The Bits Bash is a teams' tournament, where each team member supplies a 1,000 point army following their relative Force Organization Chart (FOC). Six Deucer, my partner for the tournament, will be fielding Imperial Guard (IG), and I will be bringing a Blood Angels force.

Thank You

I want to thank each and every man and woman that have served and sacrificed for our country.

Thursday Throw-Down: 11/11/2010 Pre-Game

With a mere 9 days until the 40K Bits Bash (a "for fun" 2,000 point team tournament that will take place starting at noon at Olympic Cards and Comics), Six-Deucer and I will be meeting up at Olympic Cards and Comics each with a 1,000 point army to play some 40K and practice for the tournament. We'll start tossing dice around 4:30 PST. If you're in the area, or have the time, head on in! Tonight one of our mutual friend, Reknyard (also new to 40K), will be bringing his Space Wolves- it should be a lot of fun!

Blood Angels Objective Marker WIP 11/09

I'm posting an update of my Terminator objective marker. The chalice dwarfs the Terminator and as a result I may not incorporate it with this model. Let me know what you think:

Fallen Terminator without chalice

Blood Angels Objective WIP: Dead Terminator

I cut up a plastic Terminator from an Ebay purchase I made last year.

I'm really excited about participating in my first tournament- The 40K Bits Bash on November 20th at Olympic Cards and Comics. The tournament has been designated a "fun" tournament with a low entry fee, making it accessible and attractive to newcomers such as myself. Honesty- I would be much more hesitant to drop 25-100 bucks to play in a tournament against guys the likes of Chappy, Purgatus, at my current level of play. This tournament promises to be fun due to the simple fact that it is a partners' tournament and Six-Deucer has agreed to be my partner. Six and I have a lot of fun together, and we've known each other for quite a while so it was a no-brainer to ask him to team up for this event.

Conclusion: Thursday Throw-Down 11/04/10

"All along the watch tower..."

Last night Six and I met up at Olympic Cards and Comics for our usual Thursday Throw-Down. We were joined by my friend, Reknyard, who is also learning fifth edition rules. Later, Jancoran showed up, and Chappy dropped in (stealing away from family night)! The last couple of weeks, Six and I have been practicing with 1000 point lists in anticipation of the teams tournament, the "40K Bits Bash" slated for November 20th.

Pretty Marines: Holy @*#$%

Last night while surfing Ebay for veteran Space Marines, I tripped over an auction that literally made my mouth drop in shock...and awe.

Thursday Throw-Down! 11/04/2010

Tonight's Thursday Throw-Down will be starting at 5:30p hours PST, rather than the usual 4:00p hours. Bring a 1000 point army, or a 2000 point (or both) for some fun at Olympic Cards and Comics!

Pregame: Thursday Throw-Down 11/04

 

You know,
I've posted a handful of army lists since the inception of my blog, Against the Grain. After looking back at some of these lists (with no actual experience fielding them), I have to say some of the disparities are much more prevalent to me, personally.

WIP: Kriegs Army

 This weekend I finished basing Six's Kriegs army with a mixture of fine and course ballast, baked coffee grounds, and PVA glue. I snapped some pictures of my progress:

Army Builder Newsletter 10/30/10

Today, I received an update from Lone Wolf Studios (the company responsible for Army Builder software).
You know, I wasn't a big fan of Army Builder until I actually used the program. That was a year ago, and even then, it just didn't seem like enough to justify me spending 40 bucks...

Conclusion: Thursday Throw-Down 10/28/2010

Last night, Six-Deucer and I met up at Olympic Cards and Comics (OCC) for our usual 40K slug-fest that we have coined, "Thursday Throw-Down". This week was a little different; instead of Six and I facing off, Chappy and Joseph dropped in, and we were able to catch a game with each individual, respectively! I was a little late arriving at OCC, however, when I did show up I was greeted with a  nicely decorated table where all of the terrain was evenly placed. Six and I plan on participating in our first 40K tournament next month, which is a 2K teams' event.

WIP: Kriegs Heavy Weapon Teams'

Later, I used a mesh screen to create texture on the green stuff!

Here are some Work In Progress (WIP) pictures of Six's Kriegs Heavy Weapons Teams'.

November 20th: Olympic Cards and Comics!

On November 20th 2010 beginning at 09:00 hours, Olympic Cards and Comics is going to host a 40K bits swap! Then at noon, a 2000 point 40K Teams Tournament will commence! Teams will consist of two players, each taking 1,000 points worth of units following their relative force orginization (FO). Six-Deucer and I have agreed to team up and participate in our first-ever 40K tournament. We are both really excited, and have already committed to the event by getting that Saturday off! This will be a "fun" tournament and a perfect way for two new players to get their feet wet and experience tournament play!

Monday Retro

Today I wanted to feature one of my favorite minis', the Chainsaw Warrior! 

Conclusion: Thursday Throw Down! 10/22/10

When Six-Deucer and I arrived at Olympic Cards and Comics (OCC) for our 1500 point Thursday Throw-Down, we were treated to an unexpected surprise that Chappy had laboriously prepared for the both of us! Using the awesome tables and terrain available at OCC (thanks Gabby!), Chappy had created a table with lots of difficult and dangerous terrain. He had painstakingly populated the table terrain in such a way that neither side held any real advantage over the other.

Force Dynamics 10/18

"Turtling Up since October 2010!"

This Thursday, Six-Deucer and I are going to face off at Olympic Cards and Comics (OCC) for our first 1500 point game. This should prove a fun night of gaming for the both of us- and I have to build four Rhino chassis vehicles today and tomorrow in preparation for this Thursday's Throwdown! Our last engagement put a few things in perspective for me. First and foremost- redundancy. I've seen it mentioned and extrapolated on Yes The Truth Hurts (YTTH), Fritz 40K, Bald and Screaming, and Kirby's blog "3++ is the New Black". Looking at the lists I've created and fielded against Six, I can say that most (if not all) lack redundancy. As an example, here is the 1250 list that I used to play against Six last week:

Thursday Throwdown Conclusion:

Thursday, Six-Deuce and I met up at Olympic Cards and Comics (OCC) in order to cram as many 1200 point 40K games as we could manage in about 8 hours. Since he and I are still relatively green, games can slow to a crawl when there is a question with regards to rules. Six and I both agree that we would rather take our time in order to learn, and retain, the 5th edition rule set for 40K, rather than blowing through situations that would ultimately lead to rule mistakes.

Thursday Throw Down Pregame

Wasaaaa,
Tomorrow, Thursday the 14th Six-Deucer and I are going to battle in as many 1250 point games as we can squeeze into our allotted time- His Imperial Guard against my Blood Angels. In between burping baby, and changing diapers I have continued to assemble the forces I will need to satisfy my list(s) I've created for this engagement. Pictures will be forthcoming (when my camera's batteries are finished charging).

Update: Wasaaaa

My blog has suffered through a period of hibernation through a very exciting, however busy time in my real life. I have had little time to devote to the hobby, and therefore little to write about or share with the community. Suffice it to say, the things that have required my attention are very exciting!

Saturday Fluff V: Codan Chapter 4 "Regrets"

Here is the next installment of Codan's story submitted by my buddy, Six-Deucer. Inspired by his penal legionnaires, Six began fleshing out the story of one such unfortunate to wear the exploding collar- Codan. Codan finds himself in the custodianship of strange warrior men that speak a guttural language, and bear few distinguishing features. I have really enjoyed Codan's story to this point, and was elated when I received this latest offering in my email. Read on!

Against the Grain Super Blog Chain Give Away: Winner!

I would like to thank each of you that participated in my blog give away. It was a lot of fun for me to win Steel Thunder's blog give away, so I hope to pay that forward to the winner of my contest!

Blog Chain Give Away: 1 More Day!

The deadline to my blog chain give away fast approaches! If you're interested and want to throw your hat in, click on the give away icon in the upper left-hand corner of my blog! Entries must be received by tomorrow!

Swag Give Away: One Week Count Down!

There are seven days remaining to enter "Against the Grain" blog chain give-away! The winner will have the opportunity to choose one of three unique prizes shown below!

Monday Retro, Wednesday: Ordo Malleus Inquisitor

Today's Monday Retro is brought to you on a Wednesday in part due to my inflated work schedule over this last week, and my continued hunt for a house.

The Caestus Assault Ram, or How My Rifter's Hull Booms Are Swollen and Need to Be Elevated.

Earlier in the week I received a newsletter from Forge World showcasing the new space marine ramming skimmer, the Caestus. As if the guys flying skimmers around in the 41st Millenium don't have enough to worry about- now they have to ram things, too?

Saturday Fluff: Spirit Eagles Chapter 2

This week, I continue the further history of my home-brewed space marine chapter; The Spirit Eagles.
If you haven't already, you should read chapter one! 
Chapter 1

A Child from the Stars
One particularly cold and starless night a great blue light, the shape of an arrow head, fell from the sky. Riding that arc of blue, a small space vessel plummeted to earth and crashed into the wilds populated by the Tribe of the Black Bear. Tribal elders dispatched a party of warriors to seek out the cause of this phenomena and meet any potential evil with swift justice. Seven warriors volunteered and set out to seek the source of the strange light.

Thank You, Steel Thunder Gaming!

Today, a FedEx guy knocked on my door and delivered to me a brand new Razorback troop transport compliments of Mike from Steel Thunder Gaming, as a result of winning his blog chain giveaway!

A Soljourn and a Find: R-97

My wife and I traveled to the Washington coast to celebrate our anniversary and happened upon a unique and wonderful piece of art- stoic and weathered like a silent sentinel.

Noob Question: Assault Squad

I have a noob question in regards to Blood Angel assault squad(s). While generating a list using the Army Builder program, in order to acquire a melta gun for my assault squad I have to add one additional marine (totaling five marines, one sergeant).

Monday Retro: Ordo Malleus, Inquisitor

The star of this Monday Retro is the second of three Ordo Malleus Inquisitors that I purchased years ago from my Local Games Shop (LGS).

Saturday Fluff: Spirit Eagles Space Marines Chapter 1

This week, I'm going to present a space marine chapter I had originally created to play- the Spirit Eagles. When I first revisited the 40K universe a little over a year ago, my initial intent was to create my own space marine chapter to field against my friends.  Borrowing heavily names and customs from the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest, the Spirit Eagles were born. Personally, I had to create the fluff before I could set about creating unique rules for this chapter and I was provided that stroke of inspiration while on a flight to the east coast. Over the course of a year, I have lost interest in the idea of playing a fluff marine army. However, I have not lost interest in the story surrounding that fluff chapter, the Spirit Eagles. So, for this Saturday Fluff post (albeit late), I present the Spirit Eagles!

Reader Swag: I won!

Gyro, author of the blog, "Mik's Minis" issued me a consolation prize for being the 149th follower of his blog! More exciting is the fact that I'm getting "Galaxy in Flames", one of the books in the Horus Heresy series!

Kriegs Update 07/22/10

"Tribute to Death Korp of Kriegs" by Howard33

Guess what was delivered to my email today? An updated FAQ for the Death Korps of Krieg (DKoK) to bring the army in line with current fifth edition Imperial Guard.

Monday Retro: Confrontation Tech Leader

I remember the first time I read the rules for "Confrontation", a game featured in the pages of White Dwarf magazine describing conflict between hive dwellers on an over-populated, highly polluted 40K planet.

Storm Wardens: LAST CALL!

Today at 7pm PST (10pm EST) the Storm Wardens contest will officially close so hurry and donate to a great cause (Doctors without Borders), and earn your chance to win a Storm Wardens space marine army (assembled and painted by various noteworthy artists and wargamers from all over the world)!

For further information (and a place to purchase a raffle ticket) visit Santa Cruz Warhammer blog! Good luck!

Dark Angels Help: Comments In

My buddy Shawn is forming a Dark Angels army and wanted some advice since this is his first 40K army (remember, we're relatively new to playing 40K). To keep my give-away entry on topic, I decided move his question(s) here. Constructive comments are welcome!

Saturday Fluff IV: Codan Chapter Three, Collared

This week Codan gets a furlough on an isolated space station- but it isn't for pleasure! Time to enjoy your morning cup of joe and read this week's Saturday Fluff submitted by Six-Deucer!
CH3 "Collared"

Super Blog Chain Give Away: Against the Grain

This morning I was greeted with some fun news; I had won Steel Thunder's Super Blog Chain Give Away! So in the spirit of the event, I've decided to spread my good fortune along. "What is the Super Blog Chain Give Away", you ask?
Simple!
It is a prize give-away originated by John over at the Santa Cruz Warhammer blog in order to strengthen and expand the internet wargaming community. Like a pebble cast into placid water, the ripples reverberate and spread across it's surface. Then another. and another. and another...what a torrent!

Super Blog Give Away Strikes AtG!

When I returned from my morning run, I learned that I had won Steel Thunder's (a.k.a. Mike) Super Blog Give Away! What was the prize you ask? A brand spankin' new Razorback- "schweet!" Thats right, Steelthunder pimped my Blood Angels "B" squad so that they no longer have to pod' in to the fray. Now "B" squad will arrive to the fight in their blingin' new ride; full assault cannon blazing while bumpin dope beats!

ConQuest GT: Seattle Slaughter Aug 14-15th

One month until the Seattle Slaughter, ConQuest GT! August 14th and 15th at the Bellevue Hilton Hotel. Best and Second best will receive an invitational scheduled for July 2011 in Las Vegas- remember,"what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...unless you win!" 2,000 point armies vying for the chance to battle in the City of Sin!

Monday Retro: ZOATS!

I remember years ago when I found these weird Centaur-looking lizard things holding bio-mechanical weaponry on clearance at my Local Games Shop (LGS). At the time I thought they would make great antagonists or underworld creature for my Necromunda game, so I scooped them up for a steal. It was only recently that I brushed the dust off of my Zoats, a little curious how they fit into the 40K universe. The 40K wiki provided me with some enlightenment:

Saturday Fluff III: Codan Chapter 2, Training

In the next installment of "Codan" submitted by Six-Deucer, our protagonist finally gets his chance to serve with a penal squad; while readers are treated to a descriptive narrative on just how rigorous and unforgiving life in a penal squad is... All for one more chance at freedom. So, grab something good to guzzle and enjoy chapter two!

Go Play NW and Dragonflight XXXI

Go Play NW is an RPG event being held in Seattle at the Richard Hugo House, June 18th through June 20th, and tickets are almost sold out! It sounds like a great weekend of gaming, so if you're in the area and want to network and make new friends, or try new games, check it out!

Recruitment Continues: Army WIP

Check out that cutting mat!

Assembly of my Blood Angel army continues in preparation of my 1K point battle with Six-Deucer. I have obtained three melta guns for my assault squad(s) which I will magnetize so that I have the option to swap them out later on. That is my warped cutting mat pictured above; one of the best investments as an art student. Almost 20 years later and the thing still shrugs off knife cuts!

Game Protection: Dice

One subject I have yet to see covered by the community is game protection- specifically dice protection.

Monday Retro: Ordo Malleus Inquisitor

With all of this recent talk about new codices for Demon Hunters and Grey Knights, I felt compelled to share one of my favorite Citadel figures.

Happy Independence Day, America

I'd like to take the opportunity on Independence Day to thank every man and woman that have served or given their life for this country and our constitutional rights. Thank You!

Blood Angels: 1000 Point Assault Force

Six-Deucer and I have agreed to square off in two weeks for our first 40K battle. We agreed to a reduced point total of 1,000 points, in order to acclimate ourselves to the flow of the game.

Saturday Fluff II: Codan Chapter 1 "Waiting"

In the further adventures of Codan submitted by Matt a.k.a. Six-Deucer, our protagonist finds himself with plenty of time on his hands while passing the time in his "house". Grab a cup of joe and enjoy this week's "Saturday Fluff". I sketched up my own rendering of Codan to accompany this story- enjoy!

Sabol Designs Special July 2010

To commemorate 10 years of business, Sabol Designs are offering a unique deal each month in 2010. For the month of July the company is offering a “twofer” sale; buy one army transport bag, get a second one free! That’s roughly 30 bucks for two bags that when combined have roughly the storage equivalent of a battalion or division transport bag.

Blood Angels FAQ July 1st

Q: Can Corbulo’s dice roll be used to affect the result
of roll-offs for deployment zones and first turn?

A: No.

Blood Angels 1750 List

Mephiston, Lord of the Dance

All of my Blood Angel forces are packed away and awaiting reassignment to their new HQ (in other words, we aren't finished moving). So, in the mean time I have been creating list and list variants with zero ability to play and test them.