Happy New Year!!! Top Five Gaming Moments of 2014

Taking a page from Carl of the ICs, I have decided to make a list of my top five gaming moments of 2014. This was a really incredible year for me, as it saw me finally have time to dive back into this hobby I have loved since I was a teenager. I am really looking forward to 2015, and sharing my love of the hobby with this awesome international community. Here's my list:

5. Listening to Podcasts

It all started thanks to Imperial Vox Cast, Broadcast XCVII - Gamer Dad. My good buddy posted it on Facebook mentioning how he liked it. So, I decided to give it a listen. Being a new parent, it can be hard to find a balance between your hobbies and personal life. This episode gave me hope that I really could. From there, I started testing out some other podcasts and started to realize that other people wanted to play the game just like me! Huge shout-outs to The Independent Characters, The Overlords, and Masters of the Forge for their continued inspiration and entertainment in 2014.

4. Painting my Eldar for the Celesticon Tournament

This army was a labor of love, and a long time coming. Most of these models I've had for years. Finally getting them painted and on the table in a tournament was a real big turning point in the hobby for me. It also really helped me hone my style and confidence in my painting. Sure, the army isn't super effective. But, whenever I put them on the table it makes it all worth it. 

3. Gaming with Long Distance Friends

I have moved around a lot over the last couple years. Because of it, I have some really close friends who live pretty far away. I really cherish games I get to play with them. Luckily, this year I got to play a couple games with each of them. Beyond the tactics and the fluff, I really love the experience of playing games with friends. Much of our hobby is solitary (clipping, glueing, cursing, painting, more cursing, etc.), so these moments playing with dear friends are really special.

2. Endgame Oakland

Endgame is a really incredible store. It has beautiful tables, a great option of paints and models, and an awesome 40k community. The Inquisition War campaign they ran this year was really top notch. One of my favorite parts about the store and it's community is the focus on creativity and the narrative. Almost everyone who plays there has a custom chapter or story behind their armies. It makes for great games, and a really awesome community. Huge shout-out to Mike and Adan for all the work they do. Looking forward to the new campaign in 2015!

1. Corsair Radio

I don't get a lot of time to play 40k. My life is pretty hectic with family and work, which gives me one or two days a month to get a game in. I spend time hobbying (converting, building, painting) and reading, but that left me feeling like I was missing out. So, in August I decided to start this blog. It has been so much fun sharing my ideas, writing, and oddball models with everyone. 40k has an incredible community, and it stretches all over the world. Being a small part of that has really given me confidence to continue to push my boundaries. I look forward to writing, painting, and posting more in 2015!

Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year!

Twelve Days of Christmas, 12/21-12/24 HO HO HO!!!

Looking for the perfect gift for your quirky, Oldhammer gamer friend? Look no further than Corsair Radio's Twelve Deals of Christmas! Every day from 12/12-12/24, I'll share something cool I've seen on eBay. Seen something you like? Share it in the comments!

The big day is almost here! For our last edition of the Twelve Days of Christmas, we have some beautiful purity seals brought to you by LiselleMade on Etsy. These seals, and there are a ton of options, would be a really cool addition to any miniature bag or gaming room. With a ton of choices for wording on the scroll, and personal messages too, there is a real person touch to this gift.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! I hope you can sleep as visions of Forge World Primarchs and Terminators dance in your heads. But, most of all, enjoy this time with your loved ones. Looking forward to seeing everyones hauls tomorrow!

Until next time!

Twelve Days of Christmas, 12/17-12/20

Looking for the perfect gift for your quirky, Oldhammer gamer friend? Look no further than Corsair Radio's Twelve Deals of Christmas! Every day from 12/12-12/24, I'll share something cool I've seen on eBay. Seen something you like? Share it in the comments!

Good old Santa Grimnar has been busy over the past couple days, but never fear! Corsair Radio is ready with four hot deals to get you ready for the holidays. Today's focus is on Necromuna models. These are a really easy, fun way to add character to any 40k army. And, each of these is something that your Oldhammer gamer buddy would love to have in their collections. Happy bidding!

Adeptus Arbites

Use for Space Marine Scouts, Inquisition

Current Price $31.50

Time Left Less than One Day

Donna Ulanti, Bounty Hunter

Use for Chaos, Inquisition, Imperial Guard

Current Price $9.99

Time Left Less than One Day

Fanatic Bounty Hunter

Use for Chaos, Inquisition, Snake Plisskin

Current Price $16.50

Time Left Less than One Day

Scavy Leader

Use for Chaos Cultist, Renegade or Standard Imperial Guard, Inquisition

Current Price $15.00

Time Left Less than One Day

Twelve Deals of Christmas: 12/16, Ultramarines Painted Lot

Looking for the perfect gift for your quirky, Oldhammer gamer friend? Look no further than Corsair Radio's Twelve Deals of Christmas! Every day from 12/12-12/24, I'll share something cool I've seen on eBay. Seen something you like? Share it in the comments!

Let's be honest, everyone has a friend they want to get into 40k. As much as this is a solitary endeavor, having a good buddy to play with always makes the games better. But, getting someone to purchase and paint a whole army can be a tough sell. Fear not! Today's Twelve Deals of Christmas special is a painted Ultramarines lot!

Thirty Marines for $30!!!

This is currently sitting at $29.99 with zero bids and only 20 hours to bid. I can think of a much better entry into the hobby than this. Gives them the chance to play some games, and decide on which fun toys to buy next. The holidays are a great time to get fun gifts for friends and family. Why not spend a little to create a new gaming buddy?

Until next time!

Twelve Deals of Christmas: 2/14 & 2/15, Blood Angels OOP Captain and Purity Seal

Looking for the perfect gift for your quirky, Oldhammer gamer friend? Look no further than Corsair Radio's Twelve Deals of Christmas! Every day from 12/12-12/24, I'll share something cool I've seen on eBay. Seen something you like? Share it in the comments!

After a short break, we are back with a double dose of deals from eBay. For only $5.02, you can be the proud owner of this golden boy (unpainted). An excellent present for your favorite new bandwagon Blood Angels player. Who needs troops when you can run 14(!) elite squads. I am always of the opinion that these OOP models add a lot of character to any army. Bidding ends in just under two days, so hurry up!

Does your buddy have awful luck? Are his dice tainted by Chaos? Then, why not pick up this Purity Seal for $15.50? Just stick it on your miniatures bag and you will immediately fall under the Emperor's good graces. In all seriousness, this would make for an awesome edition to any 40k-ers collection. Only five hours left on this one, so pick it up before it's gone!

Until next time!

Twelve Deals of Christmas: 12/13, 2nd Edition Codex: Angels of Death

Looking for the perfect gift for your quirky, Oldhammer gamer friend? Look no further than Corsair Radio's Twelve Deals of Christmas! Every day from 12/12-12/24, I'll share something cool I've seen on eBay. Seen something you like? Share it in the comments!

Codex: Dark Blood Death Angels

Old codexes always make a great gift. The fluff, rules, and models can serve as great inspiration for any 40k gamer. Codex: Angels of Death from 2nd Edition is a real gem. This 120 page book holds the rules and background for the Dark Angels and the Blood Angels. Both are iconic figures in the history of the Warhammer Universe, and their unique stories add such character to the game. Also, if the cover art is any sign, you'll be in for a real treat. 

Currently, this book is going for the low, low price of $9.99 with just under two days left to bid. Head over to eBay and pick this one up before it's gone (or I bid on it!).

Until next time!

Twelve Deals of Christmas: 12/12, OOP Death Company

Looking for the perfect gift for your quirky, Oldhammer gamer friend? Look no further than Corsair Radio's Twelve Deals of Christmas! Every day from 12/12-12/24, I'll share something cool I've seen on eBay. Seen something you like, share it in the comments!

With the codex coming out tomorrow, who wouldn't love this beautiful box of unpainted, unbuilt OOP Death Company. By far my favorite unit in 40k (for fluff and gaming reasons), the Death Company put the blood in Blood Angels. With this kit, you get nine standard DC marines with a couple options (Plasma Pistol, Power Axe and Sword) and some really beautiful shoulder pads. The Chaplain is a really great old sculpt, and would make a great HQ for your army. Currently, the bid is at $40 with only seven hours remaining.

Missed the boat on this one, check out this listing. All painted and ready to go. Who needs troops when you can have more elites! Unbound, baby!

Dredging the Grimdark: The Fallen Angels

Dredging the Grimdark is a series of articles that review how you can use old, out of production (OOP) Citadel models or odd fluff armies in your games of 7th Edition Warhammer 40k. Have a favorite model or story that you don't know how to use? Comment below and we can feature your suggestion in a later edition.

The Fallen Angels are an interesting concept for a 40k army. The most interesting part being that, due to their number, I don't know that you could classify them as an "army".  According to the fluff, the majority of the Fallen are loners. Traveling through backwater systems as mercenaries, trying to stay out of the watchful gaze of their old brothers, the Dark Angels. But, some have taken a different path. 

A select few of the Fallen forge out their own empires among the stars, or band together and join the forces of Chaos in their quest to overthrow the God-Emperor. And, don't forget to include the Fallen who have repented for their sins. These select few still side with the Emperor, some even joining the Deathwatch as Black Shields.

In a game system like 40k, finding the specific rules for your fluff based army can be difficult. The Fallen are veterans in the full sense of the word. Having lived and fought since the 30th millennium, you need make sure you represent their skills and abilities, while also making sure you are adhering to the narrative (unless you are the type of player that allies Tau with Chaos Daemons, then just go with whatever). Below are a couple rules options focusing on the three main types of Fallen Angels as I see them: Tainted by Chaos, Rogues and Mercenaries, and Exiles. 

Tainted by Chaos 

(I fell to Nurgle and I liked it. Taste of his rotten chapstick)

Fluff and Rules: I would start with the Dataslate: Cypher. Run the Fallen Champions formation with Cypher and one to three units of Chosen. Ally with a Chaos army full of cultists, representing their henchmen and lackeys. Throw in a daemon prince for some spice and psychic fun.

Modeling: You can model these Chosen as bog standard chaos models, or have some fun and use the Dark Angels Veterans bits. These warriors have been fighting for millennia, so paint and mock them up as you see fit!

Cypher: Ethereal Badass

Rogues and Mercenaries

(Power Hungry Super Humans)

Fluff and Rules: I would use Codex: Space Marines. I see them best represented by Sternguard, but that's just me. Limit yourself on fun toys, but don't hold back if your narrative dictates it. Make sure to throw Cypher into the mix, too. These guys HATE the Dark Angels, and will do anything to get one over on the Unforgiven. Rulers of small systems and sell swords, I could see them picking up the odd tank or two. A heavy terminator force would be odd, but use it if you can justify it!

Modeling: This could be fun. You could just use bog standard Dark Angels, painted in their pre-heresy colors. You could also use a mix of chaos and standard marine kits to give a slight edge. A lot of opportunity for creativity here!

Pre-Heresy Dark Angels

Exiles

(We're reeeeaaaalllyyy sorry!!!)

Fluff and Rules: This one is a little off the wall, but I think Codex: Legion of the Damned would be an interesting choice. You could run a small allied force of around ten to twelve marines (which makes sense narratively) and just attribute their abilities to centuries upon centuries of warfare and sneaking under the noses of the Dark Angels. Extra points if you play with Space Wolves against Dark Angels. What a twist!!!

Modeling: For this, I would use more standard Dark Angels marines, painted in pre-heresy colors. But, there is also some room for creativity here, too. Whatever you decide, they are your minis!

Until next time! 

Holiday Gift Ideas for Warhammer 40k Gamers

Ho, Ho, Ho!!!

Buying gifts for the Warhammer 40k gamer in your life can be tough. Unless you are trolling message boards and blogs it can be hard to keep up with the new hotness. So, in order to get on Robot Santa's nice list I have decided to offer up  recommendations for some of my favorite gift ideas. These area pretty good catch-alls, and things that I believe any gamer would be happy to receive over the holidays. If you have any suggestions, share them in the comments so others can see.

Gift Cards

Games Workshop Gift Voucher

These are by far the easiest, and often best, options for presents. Every Warhammer player has a wish list of things they want to add to their arsenal. Due to some recent changes in stocking, the Games Workshop website is often one of the better places to find specific miniatures and books. For that reason, I'd suggest GW Virtual Gift Vouchers. They are a bit more pricey than some of the other retailers, but they will always have what your gamer is looking for. I would suggest a base value of $50 to give your gamers some flexibility

eBay is also an awesome resource for wargamers. From new kits, to bits and out of production models, eBay Gift Cards offer an incredible value. There are a bevy of small retailers that sell everything from model kits to individual bits. Two of my favorites are Black Dagger Games and Lazarus Games. Due to the savings you can get from eBay I would suggest at least $30 on the gift card.

Hobby Supplies

Vallejo Paints

These are all things that will make the hobby easier for your lucky wargamer. Paints are essential to any avid Warhammer player, and the nicer the paints the better the result. Citadel paints are great, and the Citadel Hobby Starter Set is a great beginning or addition to anyones collection. Secret Weapon Miniatures also offers some really cool weathering pigments and inks that making creating that grimdark look a lot easier. And finally, Vallejo Paints are by far my favorite. Any of these Vallejo Paint Sets would make an excellent present or stocking stuffer for your favorite Space Marine.

Bases

Micro Art Studios

Bases add a nice final touch to any miniature, but are often the last thing on gamer's minds. Any of these sets of Micro Art Studio bases would make an excellent gift. 40k uses two main sizes of bases, 25mm and 40mm. 25mm is the most common, but either of those sizes will work out well. These bases would also be a really fun stocking stuffer if you are picking up a model kit or two.

Gaming Aids

Litko 1" Linear Guage

Remembering the rules is hard enough, so why not make it easier with some of these awesome gaming aids. I never leave home without my Litko 1” Linear Gauge. Standard movement in 40k is 6", so this template has dramatically cut down on measuring tape injuries. Tokens, like these ones from Dapper Devil, also make tracking certain mechanics like wounds on characters and hit points on vehicles a breeze. I would also suggest picking up a set of tactical objective markers from Battle Markers.

Sabol Army Transport Case

But, the best gaming aid anyone can receive is a miniatures carrying case. A couple years ago my wife got me a Sabol Platoon Carrying Case. It costs $40, and I use it every time I play. Plenty of storage space, and a nice mesh pocket for holding codices and iPads. A miniatures player can never have enough carrying cases, and the more cases they have the less clutter you'll have around your house!

And, last but not least...

Your Local Gaming Store!

Endgame Oakland

Every gamer has a favorite local gaming store. Their home away from home. If you are really stumped on what to get them, just ask the staff for help. Most likely they will know your gamer and have an idea of what is on their wish list. Best of all, you are supporting local business and the local gaming community. Not sure what your closest store is? Check out the Dakka Dakka Store Finder or ask around. If they don't have what your looking for, just ask and they can special order it for you.

Hope this list helped. Anything I can do to make a fellow gamer happy. Still have questions? Comment below and I'll see how I can help.

Until next time!