Six Word Story Contest Update

Pumpkin Spice for the Pumpkin God!!!

Happy halloween everybody! Hopefully your weekend is full of candy, beer, and costumes. While I am upset I don't fit into my sexy Maugan Ra costume anymore, I am excited to hang out with some buddies and get a game or two in. I am trying to think of some Halloween-themed scenarios, so If you have any ideas, let me know.

Also, don't forget to enter into Corsair Radio's Six Word Story Contest! We will be accepting stories until November 7th, then we will be putting the top ten stories up to a vote to see who wins. This time around, the prize is the Blood Angels Quick Reads Collection. Check out the post and make sure to add your six word story in the comments! 

Until next time!

Corsair Radio's Six Word Story Contest

Six word stories are a fun exercise in creative writing. It doesn't carry the same weight as a couple paragraphs, but the constraints force you to think carefully about what words you use. The Warhammer Universe is so vast and so detailed it can be overwhelming to write fluff that feels authentic. But, six word stories can ease the barrier to entry, and possibly inspire you to write more! So, I tried my hand at a couple.

Beautiful planet, until the 'Nids came.

Grav-chutes are busted, prepare for landing.

Those drunk Space Wolves saved us!

Pretty fun, huh? Finding the right words is hard, but I feel like each of these tells it's own story. Because it was so much fun, I thought I would turn it into a contest. 

The rules are simple; just comment on this post with your very own grimdark inspired six word story. On November 7th, I will pick the top three and put them up to a vote. The story with the most votes by November 21st will receive eternal internet fame and the Blood Angels Quick Reads Collection from Black Library. That's it! I'm looking forward to reading some of these short, short stories.

Until next time!

From the Darkness, Comes Their Demise (The Story of the Yell Hounds)

The Yell Hounds are my custom Space Marine chapter (using the Blood Angels codex). The concept is based on the Yell Hounds of celtic myth (more here). They are currently fighting against Guttrippa in the Steiermark Campaign, so expect more fluff and stories about the Ghosts of Tirnan.

Chapter Yell Hounds

Founding Chapter Blood Angels

Known Descendants None

Chapter Master Reclusiarch Bran Morrigan

Homeworld Tirnan

Colors Crimson and Grey

Specialty Covert Operations/Assault

Strength ~100 marines

The Black Rage has had devastating effects on the Blood Angels and their successors. Many space marines have died due to the overpowering psychic impact of this curse. But, thanks to their superior genetic make-up, some marines are able to conquer their emotions. These men, veterans of countless battles, and have purged many threats to the Imperium as members of the Death Company. Unable to find solace in the silence of death, these survivors are tormented by their experience. Their battle brothers see them as pariahs, the ghosts of their lost friends. In these uncommon situations, the survivors are sent off to Tirnan to join the Yell Hounds.

The Yell Hounds are experts in covert operations and close quarters combat. These warriors are known throughout the Imperium for their ferocious bloodlust in battle. They wear no heraldry, only simple grey armor with a crimson red helm. The Hounds are an incredibly close brotherhood of fanatical warriors. Survivors of the Black Rage. Led by the wild Reclusiarch Bran Morrigan, they live by their chapter's battle cry: "From the Darkness, Comes their Demise!"

The Battle at Outpost Beta-19

Guttrippa's Gambit is a part of the larger Steiermark Campaign hosted by G3 Santa Cruz Warhammer Club. The campaign pits Ian's Ork Warlord Guttrippa against the combined Imperial forces of Reclusiarch Bran Morrigan of the Yell Hounds, Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Joseph Arador, and the mysterious Vindicare Assassin X-04. This edition will focus on X-04, and the skirmish for Outpost Beta-19. For the full battle report, check it out at the Independent Character's Forums.

+ + + + + TRANSMITTED: Holy Terra

+ + + + + RECEIVED: Steiermark

+ + + + + DESTINATION: Steiermark

+ + + + + DATE: 0.132999.M40

+ + + + + TELEPATHIC DUCT: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + AUTHOR: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + +  SUBJECT: X04

+ + + + + THOUGHT: Exitus Acta Probat

X-04,

The Ork Warlord Gutrippa and his warband have been located near Sachsenheim. Find and eliminate him before he can further consolidate the xenos threat on the continent.

>>ATTACHED PLANETARY DATA DOWNLOAD<<

>>PROCESSING<<

>>DOWNLOAD COMPLETE<<

The Green Tide

Silent. Forever silent amongst the chaos of battle. Still, above the Orks breaking through the defenses. X-04 wasn't even sure that the Imperials knew he was above them, mists of red blood amongst the Green Tide. There was nothing the Scions could do. They were outnumbered. Their support, Morrigan's wild Yell Hounds, overcome by battle lust landed too far from the outpost. Many Orks died that day, but not the Ork. His target, Warlord Guttrippa. He had one chance, and missed it thanks to the ineptitude of the haflings. They could have moved back to safety, given him more time. Instead, they all died. All save the Inquisitor. 

He'd report this back to Terra. He had failed. But, it wasn't over. 

X-04 met the Reclusiarch at the rendezvous point. He swore he saw dried blood around his mouth.

"Any survivors?"

"None. We drank the blood of many xenos today. Praise Sanginius!"

"Not Guttrippa. That was your mission. You..."

"Don't tell me what to do, coward. Why didn't you kill him from afar? Did your honor unsteady your hand?"

"..."

"Listen, Vindicare. The Ork is as good as dead. Let him revel in his victory today. Tomorrow, the Yell Hounds strike. From the darkness, comes their demise."

"From the darkness, comes their demise"

+ + + + + TRANSMITTED: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + RECEIVED: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + DESTINATION: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + DATE: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + TELEPATHIC DUCT: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + AUTHOR: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + +  SUBJECT: Yell Hounds

+ + + + + THOUGHT: Exitus Acta Probat

Target escaped. Yell Hounds are preparing for planetfall. Inquisitor captured. He's as good as dead.

>>ATTACHED PLANETARY DATA DOWNLOAD<<

>>PROCESSING<<

>>DOWNLOAD COMPLETE<<

Hunting the Green Menace (Steiermark Campaign)

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaggggghhhh!!! (Art by Skirill)

Tomorrow, I'm playing my first game of a mini-campaign in the Battle for Steiermark. The event, hosted by G3 Santa Cruz, is really impressive in its depth and detail. The story is focused on an Ork invasion of the planet, and the Imperial response to purge the xenos threat. The setting allows for one off games, mini campaigns, and large apocalypse battles (and showcases some really beautiful models and terrain). The Steiermark campaign has played out over a couple years at various locations, and I am looking forward to adding to the narrative. It really shows how much background adds to the game, and has really got my creative juices going.

I plan on using the campaign as an opportunity to grow my new Yell Hounds (Blood Angels) army, and to use my newly painted Vindicare Assassin. This is going to be a really great opportunity for me to stretch my gaming, painting, and storytelling muscles. Keep on the lookout for a battle report in the near future.

Until next time!

Throwback Friday (Eldar v. Dark Eldar)

My buddy Scott came over yesterday for dinner and a quick game of 40k. This was his first game of 7th Edition, and his first game with the new Dark Eldar Codex. I was able to look through his book (it is really a beautiful codex), and I was really impressed by it. There is a lot of potential, especially when combined with the Eldar codex. I have been trying to think of ways to run the Imperial Armor 11 Eldar Corsairs list, and mixing the two codexes really makes that possible.

Some hot Eldar on Eldar action

Anyway, we played a 500 pt Purge the Alien game on my living room floor. Scott brought some felt and a box of terrain, so we setup an old Imperial outpost. His Archon (supported by Kabalite Warriors in a Raider, Wyches in a Venom, and a unit of Scourges) surprised Loki and his Corsairs (two units of Dire Avengers, some Dark Reapers, and a Vyper) amongst the ruins. The game was a great example of how much and Eldar v. Dark Eldar fight can be. His Raider and Venom picked off my Dark Reapers and Vyper early on, but I was able to close in with the Dire Avengers to take both of his transports and the Scourges. The game ended in a tie, 3-3.

Scott's Dark Eldar (and my kids' blocks)

Loki and his Corsairs

This game was a lot of fun for many reasons. First, I got to play a game with one of my best buddies for the first time in what felt like forever. Second, we were just playing on the floor. It reminded me of how I would setup blankets and then have my G.I. Joe's ::pew pew:: each other from behind stacks of books.

Now my toy soldiers are painted (and more expensive), but the feeling was still the same. I love this game because it lets me feel like a kid. With all the responsibilities of adulthood, I am still able to disappear into a realm of super human soldiers and grimdark chaos. I can't stay there forever, but an hour on a Friday night is good enough for me.

Until next time!

Dredging the Grimdark: Zoats in 7th Edition

Dredging the Grimdark is a series of articles that review how you can use old, out of production (OOP) Citadel models or odd fluff concepts 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.

Like many of the races thoughtlessly murdered by Games Workshop, Zoats have a weird cult following. Most gamers are eclectic people, and most eclectic people love models with character. And, these models really have character. They look like an Orc and a Lizardman got really drunk and made a terrible, terrible mistake. I am a big fan of the fantasy aspect of these guys. Only the respirator and the bio-guns really prevent Zoats from being put on rectangle bases as Beastmen Centaurs or Wood Elf Wild Riders.

Zoats... in... Spaaaccceeeee!!!

Customizable metal models!

Finding the models isn't too difficult (eBay). But, they can be expensive depending on how you would use them. I have been mulling over some ideas, and I have really narrowed it down to two options. I have scored them based on three criteria (Cost, Fluff and Rules, and Modeling). Each category is worth a maximum of five points. The higher the score, the easier it would be to run the model as is.

Chaos Daemon Prince 

(Paint him purple and pretend he's Thanos)

Cost: Only one model, ~$30 3/5

Fluff and Rules: Evil Slaneeshi Zoats, yes please. Zoats are also well known for their speed, strength, and psychic abilities 4/5

Modeling: The models feel fairly chaotic, so I think it's a good fit. But, you might need to add on a daemonic weapon or do some filing to get the desired end result. 4/5

Total Score: 11/15

Tyranid Warriors

(Rogue Trader Throwback)

Cost: At least three, but I would use four and run one Prime and three Warriors, ~$120 2/5

Fluff and Rules: Zoats were originally "allied" with the 'Nids, so it is a logical fit. Rules and weapon load outs work, and it could make for some heavy hitters in a Genestealer Cult army. 5/5

Modeling: Fine as is, just make sure you get the right model to match your Warrior's weapon load out. 5/5

Total Score: 12/15

Tyranid Warriors win this one, but it seems like both would be a unique and and fun way to use a really interesting OOP model. And, you can pretend like you have been playing since before you were born!

Until next time! 

Death Company, I can't deny!!!

One of my favorite things about modern 40k is allies. It opens up a universe of possibilities, and allows for added depth to already complex individual armies. It also really helps you walk the fine line between narrative and competitive play. Now, I love my Eldar. But, There are times when I just want to smash face and use T4 models. 

RAAAAAGGGGEEEEEE!!!!

Following the corsair theme, I wanted to make a renegade Space Marine force. The idea is these guys are teetering on the brink of Chaos, but are more mercenaries and less noise marines. Reading over some fluff and different codexes, I came across one of my favorite units. Blood Angels Death Company. Their special rules really give off a wild mercenary vibe. And, they have access to some fun toys. So, I picked up some stuff and decided to start a small allied contingent of Death Company. I'll update with a list, some pictures, and how these Lost Angels ended up on Tirnan.

Until next time!