Friday, June 26, 2009

Hobby Updates (June 26, 2009)

It's been so long since my last update and there are a LOT of things going on with my miniature hobbying!

WARMACHINE / Hoardes

* Sold my entire Cygnar Army. For now, what's left of my WARMACHINE models are a couple of Cygnar Lancer lightjacks, several Cygnaran warcasters, and some solos.
* What's left on my collection is my Circle Orboros army! Over the last months I was able to add several models into the fray... Gnarlhorn Satyr, additional Woldwarden, Woldwyrd, Warpwolves, and that pugly light beast I forgot the name.
* I basically stop working on my Orboros army for now while I wait out how the WARMACHINE rules-reset will affect the Hoardes gameplay. But I can't stop ogling at the spanky cool-looking new Orboros models!
* Extra Gatormen and my Wolves of Orboros squad is up for sale. Can't see any use for them right now.

Warhammer 40K

* My Orkz collection looks promising as I bolster them with stuffs from the Assault on Black Reach box which is the coolest starter box in Geedub's history so far. But, NO, I still haven't got the time to assemble and paint everything up. I'm still working on with my Dark Angels army.
* Added three new Razorbacks to my Dark Angels collection, complete with Forgeworld twin-linked heavy bolter turrets. I then "Dark Angel-sified" them with bits from the fully-loaded Ravenwing battalion box!

Dark Angels Vindicator - "Deific Fury"
PVC pipe turned Demolisher Cannon
Work in Progress

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 6:19 PM               1 Incoming Transmission

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Thursday, August 07, 2008

Third Interrogator Chaplain Done

This is the third time I painted a Dark Angels Chaplain and as always, it excites me to finish it as the models are so so purty!

For this one, I swapped the left arm from an earlier Chaplain fig I have (see Chaplain from the entry below!) then put a Captain Shrike jumpack on it.




I free-hand that red Dark Angels symbol on its left skull shoulder pad. I love how it turned out!

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 3:32 PM               1 Incoming Transmission

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Friday, July 25, 2008

Hobby Updates

Warhammer 40,000
* Still painting the Space Marines list that I'll be using for the incoming local Warhammer 40K Grand Tournament 2008. I just finished painting a Chaplain in Jump Pack. See the "My Painted Models" link in the sidebar for updates.

* I've been cooking two new armies/list for what's left of my models in preparation for the new Codex and 5th Edition Rules: a meltagun-gallore Chaos army list and a mechanized Dark Angels list (Ironwing). I'm aiming to go start working for the latter first.

*Bought the Horus Heresy series book "Descent of Angels", a novel about the history of the Dark Angels Chapter.

Warmachine
* I'm thinking starting a "Darius & Jacks" army.

Hordes
* I traded some of the Cygnar stuffs I got from Garr for some Circle Orboros stuffs from EJ. See the "My Unfinished Miniatures" link in the sidebar for updates.

* Bought a Feralgheist to boost my Kromac army.

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 9:06 AM               0 Incoming Transmission

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Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Space Marine Assault Squads

Finally finished painting two units of 8-man Assault Squads. Both has the same configuration... a Veteran Seargent with a power fist and combat shield, and two Assault Marines with plasma pistol.

Assault Squad Abrenica

Assault Squad Arenillo

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 1:21 PM               0 Incoming Transmission

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Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Pork's Planking Article

I posted this same article at the Warmachine PH blogsite.

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Decking for WARMACHINE Figs' Bases
by: Paul "Pork" Borja
Photos by John "Jumping Johnny" Borja and Joma Ramos

Overview
When you look at the different character classes in Warmachine, not all of them are encountered in open rural ground. Some classes are specifically limited by their environment and lifestyle and I thought that their bases should reflect this, especially for pirates who rarely stray away from their ships or the dock areas.

My folks at home never throw away spent matchsticks directly after using them – they let the pile grow in a jar before they throw it away. Although this is strange, it came to my benefit one day when a sudden thought entered my mind - what better way to use these matchsticks as basing material for my miniatures! After all, they are of the same scale as the miniatures already so there’s no more need to measure and cut them to the right length. Instead of letting these go to waste, might as well use them to make miniatures look more respectable!

Procedures
Step 1
Cut off the burnt edge with a sharp model knife, but not all the way. You may choose the irregularly shaped sticks because these add texture to the base and give instant weathering at the same time.








Starting with one corner of the base, cut one matchstick and set it on the entire end of the base across the slot. This first stick would be your guide for the rest of the flooring. It would be difficult later on if the pattern began to lay over the slot.








The matchsticks stick well to the base using your Super Glue.













Step 2
Cut the second matchstick halfway across the base, but past the slot to avoid difficulties. Then finish this second plank by carefully cutting the overhang to retain the base shape. Just trim the sides of the matchsticks for flashes using your scalpel or hobby knife for a good fit.



































Then simply follow through with the rest. But carefully make sure you follow an alternating pattern that is used in actual carpentry. It will add realism to your base.











Step 3
After attaching all the matchsticks to your miniature’s base, apply a gloss coat on it and let it dry. I use SEMCO Acrylic Gloss Coat for this step. The Acrylic Gloss Coat will protect the base and prevent too much ink from seeping in the wood. Too much ink would waterlog the matchstick making it brittle.







The Acrylic Gloss Coat is simply applied evenly using a brush. There is no need to thin the coat with water.











After which, carefully pick out alternating planks and paint it with a pure brown ink wash to achieve a dark stain, then simply let it dry.












Then dilute the brown ink wash to achieve a lighter stain before applying it to the rest of the base. Using the diluted ink wash would create a lighter shade and make the planking look like it was laid using different types of wood. Let it dry completely before you attach the base to the figure.





















Remove the metal slot plug of the model then pin it instead on the plank base.
















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Sample Figs on Plank Bases



Iron Kingdom Fig (Pistoleer)

Cryx Bane Knights

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 3:02 PM               0 Incoming Transmission

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Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Apocalypse Megabattle - March 2008

Oberon sponsored this year's first Megabattle event for Warhammer 40K. Venue was at the RHGC-HQ in New Manila and both sides of the gaming table (four 6x4's!) amounted to 12,000 points worth of 40K armies!

We tried out the new Apocalypse ruleset. The mission was to capture three objective points in the table. The rest of the details are as follows...

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Imperium of Man versus Chaos United

Imperium side:
Oberon (Sisters of Battle)
Jess (Luna Wolves - Space Marines)
Henri (Space Wolves - Space Marines)
Midnight (Titan Legion)
Ryan (Titan Legion)
Sigis (Blood Ravens - Space Marines)

Chaos side:
Romy (Dark Eldar)
Obi (Fallen Angels - Renegade Space Marines)
Adrian (Azure Dawn - Chaos Space Marines)
Lance (Khorne Legion - Chaos Space Marines)
Joel (Nurgle Legion - Chaos Space Marines)


The Imperium side has chosen "Ambush" as their team asset while our side (Chaos) picked "Flanking Deployment". As my personal asset, I've chosen "Orbital Bombardment".

Deployment of the Imperium players were pretty outright. Two Titans and a Baneblade took most of the right side of the table (right from our - Chaos - point of view) wherein there was a wider firing corridor. The Imperial armours were supported by Battle Sisters of the Ecclesiarchy and Brothers of the Space Wolves. On the left side of the table, the Space Marines of the Luna Wolves deployed a Baneblade supported by a trio of Land Raiders.

Deployment of the Chaos players were reactive... well... at least, for me and Romy. Adrian ought to go all-out Reserve. And when his Chaos Marines finally deployed, he scrambled em up all along the enemies' deployment zone. My Fallen Angels' armoured tanks hung back in the middle with Romy's piratical skimmers while the bulk of my infantry troops amassed on the left edge of the table.


It was a mass carnage for me. My infantry have picked off attention like Britney Spears kissing Madonna. The Baneblade on that side of the battle lose hell on them and when the smoke cleared, there were only a handful left. The Imperial Titans and the rest of the Imperium was busy swathing Adrian's forces.

The Dark Eldars secured an objective while my armoured forces secured another. My bike squadron continued forward, threatening the Imperial armours.

When, finally, the Azure Dawn was decimated to some couple of Speeders, the enemy turned its gaze on my tanks. Two titans belched holy ammunitions leaving a Rhino, a Land Raider, and a Vindicator smoking. My Veteran Squads and Terminators disembarked still claiming the objectives. The Luna Wolves became more and more busy with the coming of the Nurgle and Khorne Legion aids.


Out of nowhere, two Terminator squads were landed on the Dark Eldar side of the objective via a drop pod??!? Truly, a surprising move only Sigis could muster! To cap it, the raider squads opened up all projectiles it could throw upon the hapless Blood Raven Terminators before the Dark Eldar Wyches curtailed everything in sight and offer them to the sadistic Masters in Commoragh!

With two objectives already in Chaos control, the Blood Raven bikes zipped to contest the middle objective with the Fallen Angels. The Titan Legions, seeking blood and retribution, advanced forward and decimated the Deathwing Terminators leaving their only claimed objective open. A scoring unit from what was left of the Azure Dawn charged into it for a claim.

That was two points of objective victory for the forces of Chaos... times two! As Romy's personal asset multiplied it two-folds.

Chaos wins!


*****

Thanks to Sir Oberon for hosting the game!

Thanks goes too for all the participants!

*****

Other people who where there: Doc Benj, Arvs, Fred M., Pocholo, Ricky, Art, and Garr.

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 11:33 AM               0 Incoming Transmission

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Friday, March 14, 2008

Tharn Bloodtrackers

Finally finished painting and basing my Tharn Bloodtracker unit.

Time to kick-arse, ladies!

The Huntress calling for an Ambuscade.

Circle Orboros, Tharn Bloodtrackers

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And pictures of my current Baldur the Stonecleaver battleforce...

Baldur the Stonecleaver, Tharn Bloodtrackers, Woldwardens, Woldwyrd, and Gobber Bellowers.

A peek at the warlock's face...

Twin Pillars (Woldwarden Stone Constructs)

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 5:06 PM               0 Incoming Transmission

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Monday, March 10, 2008

Heeding the Call

Last Saturday, I sealed a deal with SJ as I bought two of his Chaos Land Raiders and several Space Marine bikes. I really have no use for two Land Raiders so I sold one to Arvs. Here be the pics:

Top shot (Khorne Land Raider)

Front hatch (Your faith has sealed your doom!)

Hull vandal (Death to the False Emperor!)

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 4:04 PM               0 Incoming Transmission

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Tuesday, March 04, 2008

40K Short Story Competition

I'm an avid reader of Black Library (http://www.blacklibrary.com/) novels. It's a UK-based publishing house that releases written materials (books, graphic novels, and references) relevant to the Warhammer system of games.

They recently set a project for a new book of short story compilations which will highlight this faction in the world of Warhammer 40,000, the Space Marines. Rules and regulations can be found HERE. Basically, the contest winners will have their short stories be included on the published anthology which will be entitled "Heroes of the Space Marines".

Personally, I've been playing/painting Space Marines (particularly the Dark Angels Chapter) for like four years now so I think it's time (as a writer - or at least a barely aspiring one) for me to write a story about them not just to aim on winning the contest but basically just to enjoy the narrative side of the miniature painting (scale modelling) hobby.

A Dark Angels Scout Sniper that I've assembled and painted arduously (albeit lovingly)
*halos kasing laki lang ng piso yung black "base" nya (for size comparison)

Anyway, the contest primarily needs a submission of no more than 500 word synopsis and a 500-1000 word writing sample. They will notify those people whose synopses piqued their interest and then that's the only time the chosen will start writing down their 7000 word-limit short stories.

Of course, non-players of Warhammer and people that are unaware of its backgrounds would find the story having too much jargons (and even gibberish at most) but I hope those who could "dig" it would enjoy. Here are my submissions...

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The Dark Champion of Garman Four (A Synopsis)
by OBI

The story follows the account of Brother-Captain Harko who is sent to Garman Four in the head of his Doom Eagles strike force to heed a call for aid by surviving local militiamen. These Space Marines eventually learn that a charismatic demagogue (former Marshal of the House, Sebastian Jai) has usurped the seat of the agri-world’s sovereign, leading his exponentially growing revolutionists to annihilate oppositions, and plans on carrying his tyranny to the neighboring colonies of the planet’s inhabited moon.

Sebastian Jai is aged and frail for battle but fighting under his command and has been a brilliant executor of his overwhelming coup is a mysterious man only referred to as Vicious, Champion of the Marshal. Brother-Captain Harko knows that to quash the rebellion, he has to subjugate the Champion and eventually the tyrant, Jai.

Despite squads of Doom Eagles and remnants of the planetary militia besieging the Citadel of the Faith – the planet’s seat of power – the rebel forces are able to hold them at bay through sheer advantage of superior numbers. In the face of heavy losses, the Doom Eagles finally carry the fight by the gates of the Citadel. It is here that the tides shift again as a new enemy reveals itself to stall the Imperial siege – the foes’ distinctively scaled power armor identifies them as traitorous Space Marines of the Alpha Legion.

In the heat of the battle, an overwhelming Dark Angels contingent arrives, striking deep into the heart of the Citadel and seemingly heeding no attention to the outcome of the ongoing clash upon the Citadel’s perimeters. The rebel defenses are crushed by a swift Ravenwing raid while the rest of their monastic brethren methodically pour inside the Citadel, scouring its interior.

A Dark Angel Master eventually comes face to face with Vicious and a duel ensues that results on the latter’s captivity. With that, the entire Dark Angels contingent just as quickly leaves the battle for the Doom Eagles to finish. With Sebastian Jai never heard of again since the Doom Eagles assaulted the Citadel gates and his Champion spirited by the Dark Angels, the remaining traitor Space Marines, including the entire rebellion, ultimately fall prey to the wrath of the Imperial forces.

An epilogue describes a cavern in the Rock where a Librarian confirms to an Interrogator-Chaplain that the man in his rack – Vicious – is not amongst their Fallen (but is suggested as an agent of the Alpha Legion).

On another scene, inside the bridge of a star cruiser leaving the Garman System, Sebastian Jai’s body is slowly warping into a hulking masculine frame. He laughs as he wears the last piece of his antiquated power armor… a dark jade shoulder pad, bearing the tattered winged-blade insignia of the Dark Angels.

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…excerpt from "The Dark Champion of Garman Four"
by OBI (my Writing Sample)

"Devastator squads, maintain fire on the defense platforms! Squads Udrih and Gallema, on me!"

Brother-Captain Midas Harko and his Doom Eagles clambered fluidly out of their Rhino transports, pouring more holy bolter rounds to the general direction of the Citadel gates. It was the last bastion of the traitorous rebel forces and the Space Marines would stop at nothing to put their tyrannical leader Marshal Sebastian Jai to justice.

Bodies fell dead incessantly upon the bulwarks set around the perimeter walls and more dived for cover as the Space Marines fearlessly assailed the rebels, slowly creeping up towards a small gap in the enemy formation. Destructive lascannon volleys from the Doom Eagles' firing line of devastator squads covered the advance while remnants of the planetary militia who were still loyal to the Emperor acted as diversions, continuously harassing the rebellions' flanks. Only the hulking presence of the Marshal's champion, Vicious, and his unfaltering heretical litanies held the morale of the rebel band together.

"Smite the blind so they shall see... annihilate the servants of the False Emperor!"

Timing a very short moment of reprieve from the rain of Imperial ammunitions, the Champion barked a command of retaliation. Those remaining functional autocannon emplacements opened fire anew. In addition to salvos of lasbeams, fragmentation projectiles, artillery shells, and all the other firepower the rebels could muster, the battlefield became a cacophony of utter destruction.

Most of the shots bounced harmlessly off and did no more than chipped the ceramite power armor of the Space Marines. However, some high powered and, less often, lucky shots zeroed in on their armor's unprotected areas and inflicted disabling damages to their already enhanced physiology. Worst, a few Space Marines died through sheer concentration of enemy rounds.

Still, it only made the Doom Eagles' Apothecarion compliment busier while Brother-Captain Harko and his squad continued undeterred with their headlong charge against the wave of the enemy's desperate but destructive last stand.

---

"It is time, Marshal Jai. It shall be as agreed."

The former Marshal of the Planetary House and murderer of the ruling sovereign, Sebastian Jai, smirked at the reminder. Far below the balcony, the swirling battle between his rebels and the Doom Eagles was in deathly high pitch. Indeed, the Space Marines were gaining against his defenses and sooner or later, they could breach the gates and storm the Citadel itself lest their contingency plan would be executed soon.

The old Marshal turned to face the towering figure which cast an ominous shadow upon him and said in a crackled voice, "Very well. Send in the transport and good riddance to this festering planet."

The man nodded with a sinister grin.

"Moran, see the Marshal to his transport. Drachma, Vicious has sent the word. Bolster his forces and be rid of the Imperial taint for once!" He commanded this without turning to look at the two equally massive men stationed behind him. Instead, he took the place of the Marshal on the observation platform, considering the battle below. It was fast turning into a massacre.

"At last, we shall reveal ourselves," he whispered to himself.

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 6:03 PM               0 Incoming Transmission

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New Circle Orboros Acquisitions

Last Sunday, I bought the following Circle models to bolster my Kromac the Ravenous army:

- Warpwolf
- Alten Ashley, Monster Hunter

...and for collection's sake, I also bought a Circle Warlock, Kruegger the Stormwrath. I only need one more Circle Warlock (Morvhanna the Autumnblade) and I got em all.

*****

Finished painting another Tharn Bloodtracker. One more to go (the Huntress unit leader) and the unit is ready to be fielded!

*****

Updated the links on my main menu for these changes.

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Raven on 10:51 AM               0 Incoming Transmission

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