Op-For ~ Miniature Wargaming & Board Game Gaming Club

Miniature Review: St. Nikolaus by Tor Gaming

2012-01-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

Let's do a product review. Have you heard of Tor Gaming? If not, go check them out. They produce 28mm scale miniatures and have created two gaming systems they work with (Relics and Unbridled Fury). We will talk about their Relics game which they coined "stitchpunk." They have developed three factions within the game. A Britanan and two monster type groups. The models in the Britanan are sorta cute, stitched together, dolls bearing weaponry and clothing from the early days of Britain's army. They have just posted up their rules and are beta testing at this time. A great time to get into the game! Reviewed here is a promotional piece called St. Nikolaus, themed after jolly old St. Nic, but in stitchpunk styling...

What's in the Box? (or blister):

This blister pack included everything to assemble on St. Nikolaus model. And was easily opened, no cutting or sharp plastic edges! Blister was labeled with part number TGRBESN1

One St. Nikolaus body
One bag of holiday goodies
Sprue with piping and bone pieces
One 40mm round plastic slotted base

Sculpting/Casting Notes:

This model is on the small size compared to others I've worked with. The quality of the casting is very good. With very little mold lines and the flash was almost not existent. This model is only a few pieces so it should be easy to assemble. Pose options are limited. The model stands about 16mm to eye level.

Here is a size comparison to some other models.

Overall:

A very nice model. If your on the lookout for a little more light hearted skirmish game, maybe Relics is your ticket. Thanks again to Tor Gaming, and I am looking forward to checking out their gaming rules and how they develop more.

Click here to order on Tor Gamings website

2012: Resolutions

2012-01-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

The clock struck 12 and 2012 is here. As are traditions, we made a few resolutions last year and now is the time we reflect on them. How did you do? Good, or not so much. For myself I made 6 hobby gaming resolutions. It looks like I completed 3 of them. For the first time I attended a gaming convention, KublaCon. It was a blast. 3 days of hanging out and living the gamers life. I definitely plan on going again. I also upped my postings for this blog, looks like I posted at least 2 posts a month last year. And I only started one new gaming system, Bloodbowl (Thanks to Op-For's generosity). Now for 2012... comment and share yours too.

1. Complete my playable Bloodbowl Chaos team
2. Complete my Mordheim Carnival of Chaos warband
3. Host a game day at my house
4. Create a diorama piece
5. Continue actively posting to this blog (a repeat from last year cause its a good one)
6. Organize my collection of miniatures, supplies and tools better

Community Showcase: Lance Cardinal

2011-12-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

Today I am highlighting an amazing artist that creates wonderful miniature scenes. Lance Cardinal has a great collection of themed projects he has built including Dr. Seuss, Evil Dead, Little Shop of Horrors, Nightmare before Christmas. Here I am showcasing his scratch built Muppets Theatre Playset. From his posts the Palisades brand produced the Muppet characters and a number of stage scenes. Each were wonderfully detailed and accurate to the TV/Movie versions. The backstage playset was not produced, so he took it for himself to visualize and craft this wonderful piece. Enjoy and be sure to check out his other works...

View the finished model

View the making of this

Twelve Days of Christmas / Wargaming Style

2011-12-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

For the wargaming modeler in all of us,
I introduce to you the 12 Days of Christmas...

On the 1st day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

One can of Testors Dullcote!

On the 2nd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Two Tubes of Green Stuff,

On the 3rd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Three Color Shapers,

On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Four Tree Armatures,

On the 5th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Five Golden Demons,

On the 6th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Six Ounces Clump Foliage,

On the 7th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Seven Sable Brushes,

On the 8th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Eight Vallejo Washes,

On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Nine Needle Files,

On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Ten Scenic Bases,

On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Eleven Band-Aids,

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Twelve Spruces of Minis!

Haqqislam W I P

2011-12-02T00:14:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd give you all a little update on the infinity stuff I have been working on, I'm not super stoked on the paint jobs, but i think the are progress, and I am getting better (at least I hope). I also made some mine counters camo tokens and E/Maulers.

Carnival of Chaos -=- WIP -=- Part 5

2011-11-18T16:10:00.001-08:00

The Plague Cart for my Carnival of Chaos Mordheim warband is built finally. Yay! Here are some shots of it before it got a spray of primer.If you've seen the movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, then you will be familiar with the cart's design. Since that is my source of inspiration for the piece.

The first thing to note is that this is an extra large "cart." I am not sure of the feasibility of using it as a vehicle in the game. Many people do use rules that allow for movement and to carry guys. But due to it's size, both to get around terrain and being an extra large target, I think I may opt to use it more as scenery. It is up for debate if I can include this in my list and receive the benefits from it. Ideas are welcome.

As described before, I built the cart completely out of plasticard. The wheels are from a Scaven vehicle. I have added some nurgle rot with green stuff around the cart. I wanted some, but not too much. Like the fiction for CoC says, the town's people welcome in the Carnival only to realize their true intentions too late.

The driver is from the Dark Age range of figures. He originally held a spear and shield. Those were shaved off and his arms positioned to hold the reins for the horses.

The main characteristic of my plague cart was a fold down stage. I had seen this on a few other models people had built, but not to this scale. The whole side of the cart is hinges down to form the stage floor. Magnets keep the door shut, and fold out support lowered to help support the stage.

The interior features some green stuff drapes that carry the performance/circus theme inside. A stove and misc stuff are there. I dropped a fish in there being a repeating theme in Mordheim. A few models can fit inside with the door shut.

The back of the cart features lots of stuff stowed away. Plus some things trying to escape...

I hope you like. Cart has been primed along with the whole warband. So it is all ready for some paint. Cheers for now.

Tutorial: Wood Texturing on Plastic Card

2011-11-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

A Guide to creating wood texture using plasticard.

I've found using plasticard is a good alternative to balsa wood for building. Large panels of it can be created, and overall strength is higher than gluing wood together. Below is a guide I created based on how I used it to construct a Mordheim Plague Cart for a Carnival of Chaos warband recently. Technique can be done on a small scale to create wood flooring for bases or smaller projects.

Step 1: I measured off a square of 3mm plastic (maybe 4 inch square) and cut it out. (This particular piece of plastic is from a display sign made of PVC) Then measured and marked off parallel lines with a 4mm spacing for the individual planks.

Step 2: I use a utility blade for cutting. Be sure to keep the blade sharp. A dull knife is not your friend. I pre-scored each parallel plank line with the blade, then used a pointed jewelers file to widen the gap between each plank.

Step 3: Here I have begun the scoring between the individual planks. When making the cross cuts to end each plank, be sure to focus on keeping them as random as possible. You don't want them all to line up. So varying the lengths helps alittle.

Step 4: Here you see I am laying in the wood texture of the individual planks. I push the file straight in to create some random knot holes. You can see a few to the left before the texture is done. Then I drag the tip of the file down each plank to create each texture line. Go from top to bottom, and keep it moving around. Trees are living and naturally have variation. Push hard enough to score the plastic, but not deeper than the lines between the planks.

Step 5: Here are a few final pieces constructed. If you look closely, you'll notice 2 small nail holes at the ends of each plank. I used a very small drill bit to drill shallow holes to simulate the nail holes. Hope this helps.

For the Glory of Menoth!

2011-10-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this Menoth Battle Engine taken to the next level.

Check out the progress on this model here

He started out with creating a clear resin base and illuminating the underside with LED's. The model is also hollowed out with LED's all that flicker like fire. WOW!

BTW, he has made casts of this base that he is selling.

Build a Better Hill

2011-10-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

3T-Studios doesn't like ugly hills, and neither do we. Check out his guide to correct this problem plaguing our gaming tables. Here's a hint, step one is toss our current hill terrain....

Read more

Stuff I've been working on

2011-10-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

So I thought I'd just add a few things that I have been working on lately to the blog.

This is the start of my Tomb Guardians Mordhiem warband.

Chaos Khorne Terminator painted in a blue Tzench theme to match the rest of the army but with some distinctly Khorne accents (red shoulder pads loads of Brass)

Peice of Terrain for Gary, I mounted it on plastic card and based it to give it some more style.

This is the start of a Warhammer Dark Elves Commission I am doing for Dave.

My Tomb Kings Snake Rider

Here is my D&D character, he is a Holy Avenger in service to the Raven Queen

Some Ogre Bulls

here is a few pics of Sisters of battle that I painted for a bartertown trade

What have you guys been doing to keep busy?

Rick Priestley interview at Tales from the Maelstrom

2011-10-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

Tales from the Maelstrom has a fantastic new interview with Rick Priestley with, among other things, insights into the early days of Rogue Trader—the impetus and inspirations, the play style of the time and the rapid evolution of 40k into the two-player, tournament-based, abstract, competitive game of today. Can't recommend it enough. What are still doing on this blog? Go!

Infinity - Alien Scum

2011-09-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Been working on getting my Infinity Combined Army stuff painted up to a tabletop standard. This is a little wierd, because they are my LEAST favorite Infinity models in my collection. The play style is super sweet though and I don't feel a ton of pressure to spend too much time on them. They are actually surprisingly cool minis having put the brush to them, I think I am just not a big fan of the studio color scheme.

Here's the core group of my alien scum...

Charontid: Big bad scary alien AI controlled death bot. Packing either MSV3 - super thermo x-ray vision that can shoot at anything and see through almost anything or Sepositor - short wave weapon that hacks your brain and turns the enemy model into an alien pod person. Other weaponry includes the devestating Plasma Rifle (template blasts that inflict both physical and EMP damage), nanopulser - nanobot flamer, and Monofiliment CCW - you have armor, so what! This thing is sick, but expensive and can die quick if you get unlucky like anything in Infinity.

Vector Operator with Heavy Machine Gun - Annoying space tick. Has super jump and MSV2 - another visor that ignores smoke and camo, so this bug jumps all over the place spraying your face with extra-terrestial lead before dropping back down out of sight. He rocks!

Daturazi Witch Soldiers - Morat space monkey kung fu masters. Run around throwing smoke grenades, dodging, spraying you down with chain rifles, and then chop you up with Martial Arts level 4 (cue Mortal Combat theme music...). These guys are cheap for aliens and are hard to control because of the impetuous rule, but are super fun when you run them around hunting human meatbags. Synergize well with the Chartontid and Vector Op. since both of them can see through their smoke grenades.

Shrouded Minelayer - Shasvastii...I don't know exactly what these wierd aliens are supposed to be...plants, lizards...pod people I guess, but they are sneaky bastards! This guy is an camo infiltrator that drops mines all over. Nice! Miniature is actually a malignos model, but works well as a shrouded.

Speculo Killer - Just finished her up this week. Sorry for the blurry iPhone pic. You'll just have to see her in person. The rad thing about the SK is she's an Impersonater, than means she sneaks into your base, kills all of your dudes, and looks like a friend as she's doing it. Cool mechanics allow her to move with impunity until she either strikes, or the enemy concentrates tons of resources discovering her true identity. I was never a huge fan of the model, but it is starting to grow on me after painting her up.

Other models:

Imetrons: AI beacons, just little pods that provide orders in Infinity. Scratch built these using bits and they are painted, but not cool enough to show in this blog post.

Malignos Sniper: Painting in progress. Thermo-optic camo sniper (think predator style light bending stuff). Head shot!

Rasyat: Morat Drop Trooper. Violence - check! Big gun - check! Bad Attitude - check! This guy drops into the middle of it and wrecks face. Cool model too.

Cadmus: Another Shasvastii pod person model that drops in in a pod, hatches out, and shoots you in the face! Resembles earth worm Jim! (I think that is a good thing)

Seed Soldiers: Shasvastii scrubs. Start in camo pods then hatch. Nothing special, just wierd little pod person grunts.

How Miniatures are Born

2011-09-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video showing the process of casting miniatures from Zombiesmith Miniatures. DIY style!

Read any good books lately...?

2011-09-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Carnival of Chaos -=- WIP -=- Part 4

2011-08-29T14:43:00.001-07:00

Quick/Teaser update:
The Carnival of Chaos Plague Cart construction is underway. I have most all the main structure built now. It will turn out some size larger than the official model, so I am unclear if I will be using it in gameplay or just for added cool factor to the warband. Below is a picture of most the parts piled up before assembling. You'll see the two horses and the model I will be using for the Guardian driver (he is a neat Dark Age model I got at the paint n' take at KublaCon this year)

Wood Working For Dummies
Per Op-For's recommendation (which I highly regard for his conversion skills) I used plastic card for the construction material. The main model is made from 3mm PVC. It was either that or balsa wood. But I felt the plastic would add strength to the model, and I would be able to control it better. I am glad I did! It does take alot more work to prepare, but I think the end result will be great.

All the wood work in the picture was done by first laying out the wood paneling design with pencil, then scoring the lines with a knife, followed by enlarging the cuts with a small pointed file (like seen below).
Then on the plastic's surface I used that same file to randomly lay down lines to simulate the wood grain pattern. Finally, I used a small pin vice to add nail holes to the ends of each wood panel created. It's that simple folks! Maybe I can take some closeup pictures of how to do the wood.

I will be assembling and building the cart now. I am excited to see it take shape from my drawing sketches to 3D.

Community Showcase: Two Sides Of The Coin

2011-08-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

After seeing this diorama on Massive Voodoo, I wanted to post it here to share with others in hopes more people will enjoy it. It is called The Return Of The Warlord – Two Sides Of The Coin and was created by Matt Cexwish. It appears to have won both a Golden Demon and a Slayer Sword, and it is deserving of them for sure.

The diorama (or two) is a city street scene that rotates as you turn the crank it is mounted to. A music box also plays a tune as the scene revolves. Watch Video. One side of the scene depicts a soldier going off to war, and everyone cheers and it is upbeat. The second side, he has returned slain, and the city is broken and in shambles. Here are a few pictures...

View more detailed shots on it's CMON pages: Life Scene | Death Scene

A neat view of each scene: Life | Death

Enjoy and share...

Carnival of Chaos -=- WIP -=- Part 3

2011-07-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've been making progress with the CoC warband. Most characters are modeled up. I've also glued rare-earth magnets into their bases, so I can try out a new method of transport.

Here the Tainted One and a Brethren are finished.

2 more Brethren and the last of them. Guy to the right I cut off his head and replaced with another head, also modeling in a clown type hat. The CoC set brethren are all very similar, and do share the same bodies. So I had to change him up, so I didn't have clones running around.

What's better then another Nurgling? Nurgling wielding fire! I converted his club into a torch.

The carnival master got more work than the rest. His sword is a plastic orc hand with a sword bit that I had laying around. The spear is an orc sword blade on a thick paper clip that drops through a plastic club hand. I have sense wrapped the spear's shaft with green stuff to add thickness. The base was carved up coffee stir sticks to look like wood planking.

Parts to go for the Plague Cart. Wheels are from the Skaven Warp Lightning Cannon. Big thanks to CB for the horses! Couldn't have a cart without something to pull it. From the beginning I've been brainstorming on how to build the cart. I saw it as the center piece of my warband. I've done my google-fu for plenty of reference materials, and I have some big plans for it. With the movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus offering the best ideas. It will only be a matter of execution.

Carnival of Chaos -=- WIP -=- Part 2

2011-06-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Carnival Warband Update!

I have made some progress assembling the group. First here is one of the Brethren. Spear, knife and a quiver of arrows on his back.

Brute strongman with a big a$$ hammer. I replaced the head of the hammer that he came with with a larger one that I built. I think I may still add a few metal straps wrapping around the head of the hammer, it seems alittle plain.

Watch out for the Nurgling hoard! Here they come. I am going to be painting up the white cylinder up to be like a little platform they use in the circus. These are great little monsters!

Plague Bearer now with big claws!

I am trying to tie the models together with their basing. It will mostly be dirt with some wood planking that will tie into the plague cart. Big thanks to CB for the pair of horses to start that cart off with. Later.

Carnival of Chaos -=- WIP -=- Part 1

2011-06-20T16:07:00.001-07:00

The next project on my table is create a new warband for Mordheim. For those who haven't tried it, give it a shot. It's a fun skirmish game that plays well with a small model count and terrain heavy boards. Although it's not very well supported by Games Workshop, there are a few active communities online, and the game itself has been very enjoyable to me. Our gaming group is big fans of Necromunda, and this is it's Fantasy based cousin that gets a lot of play too.

I already have a Lizardmen warband that has a number of games under their belt, and it is developing nicely. But I wanted another warband to add some variety. After alot of research I landed on Carnival of Chaos (CoC). The main reason is that it isn't played very much, so it has that uniqueness that I appreciate, and the modeling aspect look really fun. There are some complaints online of it being overpowered, particularly with a Nurgle Rot. So I decided to avoid using it in my band.

It is my first venture into the Nurgle/Chaos realms of the Warhammer universe, so I am looking forward to it. Below are some images of the miniatures that I will be forming the band with. I will update as it develops.

The Carnival of Chaos box set comes with 8 models: 1 Ringmaster, 1 Brute, 1 Plaguebearer, 1 Tainted One, and 4 Brethran. Plus weapons and bases.

Nurglings are up next. I got a blister of the current models and a set of the older ones (no picture yet). 10 Nurglings in a blister with four 40mm bases (two round, two square; depending if your using them for 40k or fantasy). CoC allows these in groups of up to 5. And at a low 15cr each, they could be great for cheap swarm units.

Another Plague Bearer that I will be customizing some. I will replace the sword with a set of claws.

For the second Tainted One that will have the Nurgle Blessing of Bloated Foulness, here I found a Sorcerer model that I will be converting a bit.

The warband is allowed two Brutes, notably the most fearsome melee fighter. GW does make a second Brute sculpt, but good luck finding it. I did see one on eBay, but it went for a high price. So I decided to make one using other parts. Here are some Chaos Marauder bodies that I plan on using.

Misc claws and bits to use.

Models enjoying a soaking in some Purple Power industrial strength degreaser. I've found it works well to remove paint/primer. Take care when using it though, I doubt it's very good for the skin.

Up next should be some assembled minis.

Some interesting Mordheim

Warmachine: Newest Rumors

2011-06-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

New hotness from Privateer Press...

2012 will see book releases for both Warmachine & Hordes (including version 3 of Asphyxious and Lylyth)
Iron Kingdom RPG will be released for GenCon 2012 using it's own system
Another Bodgers game called Heap to be released. You are bodgers creating vehicles from scrap.
PP announced a new [setting/game] called Level 7. No info, but the community is speculating it will be a sci-fi game. Apparently the name Level 7 refers to a nuclear warning level.

Here are some photos for fun.

A Skorne heavy warbeast of sorts

Skorne Battle Engine

Trolls Battle Engine

Circle Battle Engine

Cygnar warjack called Avenger

And the mysterious Level 7 ?!?

Sourced from: Lost Hemisphere

Product Review: Secret Weapon Bases

2011-06-01T08:53:00.001-07:00

Next up for review is two sets of bases from Secret Weapon Miniatures. I just received this in yesterday and wanted to do a quick overview.

I ordered two sets of the Secret Weapon Miniatures 25mm beveled base sets: Flight Deck & Steel Plating.

What's in the Box? (or bag):

They came bagged up together, and shipped rather quickly. Here is a shot of them side by side. Each set included 10 bases that are pressure cast resin bases.

The casting quality is very good. Very detailed metal appearance, with small little details. As you can see there is some cleanup to be done. Most of them will need some minor flashing trimmed off along the bottom lip of the base.

A picture showing the bottom of the bases. I wanted to at least share this because of other issues I've read regarding resin casts out there. As you can see there are very few castings bubbles, and each base has a very smooth bottom. Only minimal cleanup really needed. So SW gets high marks on quality!

A shot of the Flight Deck set. More subtle and sci-fi looking details.

A size comparison shot between the Secret Weapon 25mm and bases from Privateer Press and Games Workshop.

Overall Impressions:

My plan when I ordered them was to use these bases for a Necromunda gang. Now looking at them I think they should work wonderfully. I paid $10 for each 10 base set. I think a dollar a base is a pretty fair price, and would recommend. They offer many other sizes and styles. I would also recommend checking out the washes and pigments that Secret Weapon has just released.

Blog Connect: Wolves for the Wolf God

2011-05-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to quickly recommend a wargaming blog out there called The Wolves for the Wolf God. Mostly covering 40k stuff.

Check em out at: http://wolvesforthewolfgod.blogspot.com

They are running a mini giveaway until June 15th for their 100th post. Giving a nice Forge World conversion set away! So go support em!

Miniature Review: Valkyrie by Art Crime Productions

2011-05-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Now for a product review. Lately I've been watching and learning about 15mm Sci-Fi wargaming options. One of them the new Gruntz rules (http://www.gruntz.biz). It's nice because you just build stats to the miniatures you already have, they don't have their own model line. Also been following their new YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/trybeinganihilist)

I stumbled upon a very small 15mm mini's producer called Art Crime Production (http://www.artcrimeproductions.blogspot.com). They gave away a few packs of their models to some lucky readers on their blog an here is what they sent me.

What's in the Box? (or blister):

Or in this case, it came in a simple small plastic baggy with a sticker along the top with the part number TC-001

Three 15mm metal power suit Valkyrie models
three square 25mm plastic slotted bases

The torso, two arms, and gun each come on their own sprue. The lower leg sections come separately.

Sculpting/Casting Notes:

I was very impressed by the quality of the castings. Flash was almost not existent. And it had very few mold lines to file off. Each joint has a peg & socket connection, so it is very easy to assemble. Just add glue and pose as needed. Each model does have the same pose, but with the joints they can be assembled with slightly different poses. The level of detail is really nice, with some fine details coming through clearly. The model stands about 25mm or 26mm to eye level.

Here is a size comparison to some other models.

Overall:

A great sci-fi model to use with 15mm or 6mm games. I assembled one model, adding some texture to the base with Vallejo Stone Texture Black Lava and a few small rocks. Looks nice! It looks like this 3 pack retails for $20, a bit on the high side of things. Thanks again to Art Crime Productions, and I am looking forward to more releases as they develop their line.

Axles & Alloys 2 at KublaCon

2011-04-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

I am running a demo game of the Axles & Alloys 2 game at KublaCon.

Sunday, May 29
@ KublaCon, Burlingame, CA
10:00 AM and last 6 hours
For up to 6 people

Some come and try it out.

Come focus your pent up road rage in our radioactive desert landscape. Axles & Alloys 2 is fast paced and easy to learn car combat miniatures game. Rules are free online at axlesalloys2.blogspot.com, and are a homebrew adaptation of Full Thrust cars rather than Spacecraft. Quick to learn (fit on 1 page) and they don’t take themselves too seriously, and are designed for jumping in and playing.

Custom modified hotwheels/matchbox car miniatures will be provided to play with. Players need only bring D6 dice, and a measuring tape!

This will be both my first con to attend and first game to demo. Drop a note below if you have any ideas on scenarios or tips for running the game.

Aces and Eights.

2011-03-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

The Underhive is never a peaceful, relaxing place. Last year it was Genestealers, this year its Zombies. I know the Zombie genre is played, but like Heavy Metal, it will never truly die. Fitting. The game I'm going to run at KublaCon this year will be different from last year's. Instead of whole gangs working together to fight an unknown menace, it will be one or two fighters from each gang, choosing to work together to survive a zombie horde.

I'm proud to announce that this years game will be sponsored by CADAVRIL. Cadavril is the finest lich-paste on the market, it is a delicious spread for toasted sandwiches, it gives a full, rich flavor when added to soups, and can be made into an invigorating beverage for those cold nights manning the wall. Ask for Cadavril, piping hot!

The New Shiny - Dystopian Wars

2011-02-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

Imagine a world similar to our own, but subtly different....
Dystopian Wars is the newest game to be picked up by the gaming club and the wargaming community as a whole. It embraces steampunk, naval combat and beautiful miniatures. Created by Spartan Games and sharing similar rules system to their Firestorm Armada & Uncharted Seas. Models are large, highly detailed and made of resin, with some pewter accessories with some models.

Here are the 4 starting army factions that can be picked up now.
- Prussian Empire
- Kingdom of Britannia
- Federated States of America
- Empire of the Blazing Sun

With more factions referred to in the map on Spartan's website:
- Covenant of Antarctica
- Ottoman Empire
- Russian Coalition
- League of Italian States

And now land troops are marching their way in.

With more previews coming everyday! ROBOTS!!

Water basing!

2011-01-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

So I thought I'd make my own little guide to making water base for your miniatures!
Here's what you'll need:Hobby mat
sharp hobby knife
Water Effects (you can get this at hobby town or even better at Micheal's)
Your base (this only works with the lipped bases)
Plastic card
sheers
cork board
paint for the bottom of the base.

Step 1: This is by far the hardest step. Use your hobby knife to cut the middle out of your base leaving nothing but the raised ring. When you are done it should look like this (you also might need to use a file on the inside to make it smooth.)

Step 2: Trace around the ring on to your plastic card and carefully sheer it out. You can try using a knife but the best success I've had is with great big metal sheers!

Step 3: Now that you've got your ring and the plastic card cut, you are going to attach the two with hobby glue. Make sure that you inspect your work after for any gaps and fill them or later on there will be trouble. When you are done this is what you should be looking at.

Step 4: Now you need to cut some cork board to fill it in the middle of your base for your model to stand on.

Step 5: Paint your base! like like to use Catachan gree and camo green.

Step 6: after this is dried add your water effects with a little Thraka green wash to liven the water up. let it dry over night and then add some more depending on how much it shrank.

Step 7: Add any flocking you might want, then bingo bango bongo you have a base for your amphibious miniature!

Hobby Force: Warmachine Menoth Templar

2011-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

I had a spare Menoth Crusader warjack around and thought I would mod one up to make the Templar. I wanted it to visually look like the Templar but be different enough to be my own.

Here is a WIP photo. Shield and blazing star are made from plastic card. Chain is a unique square jewelry chain that I found that was strong looking. I took the Crusader's head and chopped the head from the "jaw", then reversed the jaw so it pointed down instead of up. Gave it a similar but different look. Had to chop it's left leg so it could stand upon the rock on the base (cork). The blazing star is positioned just above the jack's right shoulder. I have a small pin that I mounted into the shoulder that sticks straight out about half inch, which the blazing star is glued to. The angle of the star's points help obcure it from view.

Paint scheme matches my dark theme that I am running with my force. Used plenty of washes to darken and grunge up the look. I wanted it to look warn and used. I tried some black smoke pigment on the smoke stacks to give it a burnt look.

For The Glory Of The Emperor

2011-01-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

This week I watched Ultramarines: The Movie. The low down is that it is a 70 min animated movie set in the Warhammer 40k universe, and more specifically, tailored for existing 40k fans. While my knowledge of the 40k universe/history is very limited it did feel that it was well adapted from the IP. And having an understanding of the universe will help alot since there is virtually no explanation on who or what these guys are doing, besides "For the glory of the Emperor". I'm sure hardcore fans will be able to find flaws and inconsistencies and will ruthlessly point them out. Animation quality is on par with video game cut scenes, don't expect an Avatar level here. Sound and music help set the atmosphere nicely. I read some comments others thought the animation didn't portray the weight and size of the marines armor well. I noticed that in a few scenes when jumping or running was involved. I'm sure if budget's increase or more films are made that will be addressed.

The story line covers a mission taken on by a small 10 man squad of Ultramarines investigating a distress signal they receive from a distant Imperial Fist outpost guarding an important Imperial shrine. The squad is comprised of novice marines led by their veteran counterparts. As the squad shuttles planet side, you get a glimpse as the enormous scale of their ship. I don't want to leak the plot, but needless to say, they run into some resistance once they get exploring. Plenty of bolt guns fired, gory chainsword action and even the powerful Thunder Hammer.

Story arch is fairly simple and straight forward, no real surprises. Overall, I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to sci-fi fans and of course 40k players. I look forward to future features by GW.

Reading material!

2011-01-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

So I recently started listening to a few audio books that Russ from the D6G recommended in preparation for me starting my Dystopian Wars Prussian army! The first is called Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld. The basic premise is that WW1 has started, with the same alliances, but different technologies. The Germans and their allies employ giant mechanical walkers with giant guns and rockets. These guys are called the Clankers. On the other side you have the Anglo-Russian alliance who have developed a way to alter genetic code of animals to create giant living weapons. One example is the Leviathan, a giant wale genetically altered to have a giant Hydrogen air bladder which it produces in its intestinal track, and its fitted with air guns, engines, and a variety of biological weapons(like flichet bats!)

What are you all reading lately? Anything good?! Is anyone interested in listening to Leviathan??

A^2

We be rollin'

2011-01-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

"It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses."

Last year I caught sight of a number of tabletop miniature car combat & racing games that seem to be developing. It seems to be slowing growing genre (or at least I recently discovered it). The whole concept seemed really cool to me since it was a nice blend of different interests: fast cars, post apocalyptic, modeling, re-enacting movie scenes and general automotive mayhem.

A couple visits to the local flea market, Toys R Them and an order of goodies online led to the following...

THE CARS:

Van driven by Armitage
Starting off with the big van with mounted gattling gun. This model dominated the first games we played. Gun was modeled using an bit off a PC sound card with drinking straws for the barrels. Plastic from cut up credit cards used to make the front ram plates and side armor. The textured armor is from one of those plastic straps they wrap heavy boxes in. Had a nice texture so I kept it.

Ferrari driven by Magnum
Modeled with turret mounted gun on top and a smokescreen port on the back. Like many of the cars I used window screen to model the medal cage in the windows. Drill out the mounts on the bottom and glue the screen on the underside of the windows. Then assemble. Side armor is a zip tie. Gun on top is from a 6mm miniature model.

Triton Pickup driven by Montoya
This is our flame throwing pickup. Front mounted flame thrower is a piece of drip system. Braded hose is a jewelery chain and fuel tanks are small capacitors off from a scrap PC. Back bumper is a zip tie. Painted red with plenty of washed of Dabab Black and Devlan Mud.

Midnight Otto driven by Gilgamesh
Top mounted gun is a 6mm cannon from a sci-fi range (can't think of the name). Rear armor plate is plastic from an old VHS tape (some cool textures on those btw) and the window armor is a vent from a scrapped laptop. Wheels are covered by plastic that I hole punched and glued on.

1932 Ford driven by Black Skull (Green)
Pretty easy mod. Just two GW Orc guns mounted on either side.

Track T Rod driven by The Cooler (Pink)
Drip system piece is the central gun ajoined to a PC part again.

Hooligan driven by Zoombie (Orange)
Guns made from different diameter tubing/straws glued together.

Mustang Mach I driven by Acid Burn
My favorite model so far. Has a double cannon turret on top (two sprinkler drip system pieces again) Front drills are off a 6mm vehicle.

Model on the Workbench
More cars, a semi truck (to add a huge vehicle), motorcycle gang and individual models for some roadkill action! The motorcycle and models are from Stan Johansen Miniatures. Mounted on plastic card.

AXLES & ALLOYS RULES:

I have since played a number of games ranging from 2 to 6 players using the Axles and Alloys II game rules. It is a completely free game rules system I found online and offers PDF rules and player sheets. Don't expect a deep campaign game system here. It's goal from the start was to be a quick and light game that can be quickly picked up and played. And from those who have played it with me it seemed to succeed very well in that. I have found a few weak points, but overall it's a kick.

PLAYER SHEETS:

I editted the format of the games player record sheets and have uploaded them along with game tokens of the main effects/weapons used. Feel free to download and share. Linking back to www.op4.org if you re-post to the web would be awesome.

Download player sheet & tokens: Click Here

THE WEB SITES:

1. Axles and Alloys II - website
Free rules system adaptation from the Full Thrust game. Fun, light and full of wacky hijinks.

2. Warlands - website
Pay to Play. A developing game system and model company.

3. Stan Johansen Miniatures - website
An awesome resource of 20mm scaled medal car weapon packs, motorcycle gang, and models.

4. Road Wolf - website
Free rules system. Be sure to check out their vehicles page to see skillfully crafted cars. Haven't played it yet.

5. Speed Rally - website
They sell a PDF rules system. Lighter game with movement based on squares along a track you print out and build. They also just made a TRON themed bike game. Haven't played either yet.

Gentlemen Start Your BATTLE Engines

2011-01-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

Privateer Press just begun to unveil their rumor happy Battle Engines models for the upcoming Wrath book. Built of Resin and mounted 120mm bases these models are the biggest player pieces yet for Warmachine. It will be interesting to see how game rules play out. And how will this balance out against Hordes? Or will Hordes be getting their own giants or mega beasts?

First one out to the showroom floor is the Khador Gun Carriage:

Around other models (jacks included) we see how big they are.

2011: The year of Op-For

2011-01-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have never been a fan of resolutions. While losing weight, quitting smoking or being nicer to people are all noble pursuits, the focus is on improving ones self. Due to the infallibility granted to me as Shadowy Supreme Overlord of Op-For (and a fair bit due to spellcheck) there is no need for me to improve. Indeed, as members of Op-For, you all are bastions of Hobby Gamer ideal. However, I think goal setting is something we can all do.
My gaming goals for 2011:
1)Finish painting all my Necromunda gangs (Eschers, Ratskins, Spyrers, Scavvies, and Pit Slaves).
2)Finish building and painting my Cygnar army.
3)Finish AA's Goliath gang before his next birthday.
4)Paint a gold medal worthy entry for the Kublacon painting contest.

Feel free to list your own goals in the comments below.

LaborCon 1!

2010-08-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

OK guys, I declare Sept. 6, 2010 LABORCON 1, and declare James T. Kirk the event's honorary mascot! I've secured the proper sign-offs and we're good to take over the garage and deck for a full day of gaming to celebrate labor day in style (dickies work pants or orange work vests optional).

My little bro. Andrew will be making the trip and should be a good time. Sounds like the following games will be on the menu:

Warmachine/Hordes

Post-apocolyptic car game run by Trevor

Necromunda/Necromunda dungeon

Infinity/Infinity boarding action

Bring whatever else you want to play and talk to folks and we'll make room. I'll bring out all the board games and am thinking we should reserve a table for boardgame/card game play. Should be able to have 3-4 tables set up in the garage and 1-2 set up on the deck. Anthony has also offered to grill, so bring some $$$ to pitch in for foods and bring snacks and drinks.

Will also be screening REIGN OF FIRE and eating snacks on Sunday evening the night before to get all fired up for the next day.

Should be radical (totally!).

Movie Trailer Marathon

2010-07-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

Behold the gates are opening and the hordes of awesome movies pour in. Let's hope a few of the gems are sweet. Enjoy....

Sucker Punch

Space Battleship Yamato

Tron II: Legacy

Priest

More upcoming movies in the works...
- Cowboys & Aliens
- Nerverackers
- Monsterpocalypse
- Skyline
- Neuromancer
- Battle: Los Angeles

"You look so cute in your different colored hats"

2010-07-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

Did some conversion work on my PanOceania minis. All the male Fusiliers wear berets, so I thought the females should wear hats as well. I have always been a fan of garrison caps on girls.

This was the first time I used ProCreate putty. It has some really nice properties, but looks so dull in conversion photos compared to Green Stuff.

Oh, btw AA, try a little spellcheck. There's no such thing as Bertonians. Until now:

How did you spend your Summer Vacation?

2010-07-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

I've been planning a paint scheme for my Infinity PanOceania forces. I've settled on a Mass Effect inspired theme of white armor with bold red accents and glowing techy-bits. Of course that meant another run through of Mass Effect 2. This time as an Infiltrator, with the sniper rifle and active camo, just more inspiration. If only clear polyester resin weren't so brittle...
The Infinity miniatures are a strange beast. They have very finely sculpted detail, but the production quality is not so great. Out of the 11 I have built so far 2 were short shots, 5 had that pewter tumor where the mold has started to shred and one had multiple pieces that did not match up. They are beautiful miniatures, but they take alot of work to get them there. I would not recommend getting into this game unless you can get the miniatures at a deep discount, as the quality of the miniatures does not justify the high cost.
In other miniature news, Our (not so) FPlGS has restocked its Warmachine racks and I was able to get most of what I need for my All Tricornes All the Time Cygnar Army.
Pretty much all I need is a Squire (which I forgot to look for) and then I won't have to say, "Magic Bullet, Magic Bullet, I'm out of Magic Bullets."

Infinity and last game night!

2010-07-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to transpose the battle rep I wrote on TGN you can find the original here http://talk.tabletopgamingnews.com/index.php?topic=759.0

here's what the roasters looked like:

CB's Yu jing

Shang Ji Lt.
Celestial Guard Hacker
Tiger Soldier w/ HMG
Husong REM - Total Reaction HMG
Keisotsu Butai w/ combi rifle x 2

A^2's Haqq

Hassassin Lasiqs: Viral Sniper Rifle
Hassassin Fiday: Rifle, Light Shotgun, AP Mines
Daylami: Panzerfaust
Daylami: Rifle
Hassassin Muyib (LINK): Minelayer Rifle, Light Shotgun, D.E.P., Viral Mines
Hassassin Ragik: Lieutenant

So I (A^2) won the roll off for sides and chose the side with the 3 story building for sniping, but made him set stuff out first.

I than won the roll to go first :D

My first turn saw a Daylami with Rifle bust out of camo and waste a Husong REM, only after the Daylami with the panzerfaust managed to miss the same remote and subsequently get gunned down! It also saw my Lasiqs fail to kill a tiger solider with two orders! My last two orders were spent on the fiday moving up and stabbing a Keisotsu Butai through the heart! so we are both down two guys at this point since both my Daylami's are now pushing up the daisies thanks to ARO's.

on CB's first turn he dropped in his drop trooper, and gunned down my poor Lasiqs. He then did some maneuvering which included bringing up his Tiger soilder to try and get a bead on my Fiday and moving the hacker (who is in the same building as my fiday) further away from the action.

My second turn. thanks to Religious Troops, everyone is fine and gets to move! The Ragik use's his Lieutenant move to come up behind the drop trooper and blast his head off with a well placed shotgun burst. The fiday activated and tosses a smoke grenade to cover his assault of the hacker from the Tiger. Once he gets into CC the hacker evaporates and the rest of CB's troops have had enough!

It sounded like Sky and MP had a good game of Warmachine! Hope to see more of you Sky, especially if you are going to be kicking Mario's butt all the time!

Scenario Shenanigans by Lost Hemisphere

2010-06-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a complete set of Warmachine scenarios and custom terrain boards developed in Toronto, Canada. These are amazing terrain backed by excellent rules for those specific boards. My hats off to them for inspiration and a great blog too!

Click to View the all the boards and their rules

Here are some pics...

There is also an interview they did with "Spud" the brains behind all these. Click here to listen.

Convention Safari

2010-05-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

In case of emergency: Get in character.

Class synergy, Leather Mage and Half-giant Fighter are a deadly combo.

Historical wargames: miniatures provided, beards required.

Boonie hat: check. Digital camo: check. Velcro shoes: check. Status: Mission Ready.

Dude, Kilt Day was yesterday, but top hats are forever.

Sorta Steampunk and Anime-ish, two great looks that look great together!

This bunch solved the mystery of the Haunted Play-Doh Fun Factory.

"This is like Christmas, my first BMX bike and meeting the cast of Firefly all rolled into one!"

2010-05-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

First post from KublaCon 2010. DD and I got in some games of Blood Bowl last night, my Chaos team was on a murderous rampage, plus they scored a few TDs as well.
CR, DD and AA are playing Warmachine as you read this, and Spooktalker has some excellent entries in the painting contest that you can vote on! Click the link:
http://tinyurl.com/kublapaint
Joel from the Doomed Legion (Op-For's co-belligerents) is running an awesome game with boats!

More to come!

2010-05-18T13:17:00.001-07:00

That's alot of Cygnar and mercs.....

Took some pictures a few weeks back, looks cool, but that's alot of crap!

Blood Bowl Update - Week 3

2010-05-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I missed a week but here's a report:

Last week Greg's dwarves burst onto the scene, and beat the pro elves 2-1?

Anthony's Wood Elf Lumberjacks beat the Doom Hammers in a narrow 2-1 victory, with one of the wardancers missing next week's game do to repeated hobgoblin groin kickings.

Standings:
Lumberjacks 2-0
Doom Hammers 1-1
Amazons 1-1
Dwarves 1-0
Pro Elves 0-2

This week the Lumberjacks continued their winning streak winning 3-0 over the pro elves in a furious game of Elf Ball. It's rumored that the pro elves are being demoted to a "farm league" and a lustrian expansion team may be joining the league.

The Amazons were able to out-muscle the dwarves in a 2-1 victory.

Standings:
Lumberjacks 3-0
Amazons 2-1
Doomhammers 1-1
Dwarves 1-1
Pro Elves 0-3

The league will be running 10 games, with each team being required to play each other team 2 times, with the play-offs to follow.

Warmachine/Hordes was also on deck with a Cygnar Haley army smashing a test Skorne force (chain lightning, holy crap!), and Mario and Anthony squabblin' like old turkeys in a Searforge vs. Menoth match up. Sounded fun.

Next week....maybe on hold due to Kubla Kon. More information to follow.

And as they rowed, Thorfinn sang an old song which they all knew:

2010-05-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Makers of widows, wander we must;
Killers 'tween seedtime and salting of kine;
Walking the Whale's Way, sailing the Swan's Path,
Daring the Sun's Track, tricking dark death!
In the jaws of the storm, jesting we stand,
Lashed with hail's fury, hand frozen to line;
Numb head rain-shaken, sharp spume in the nostril,
Salt caking hair—and blood's haven in sight!

BB round duex!

2010-05-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

So tonight saw an early start to round 2, with Nurgles Rotters squaring up with the fearless vixens from Amazona!

The fans were far better behaved for the teams today with no one getting hit by rocks and no rots breaking out. That's not to say there wasn't an abundance of bloodshed, however with each team racking up a kill!

The first half saw the Amazons kicking off the ball, and subsequently stripping it from the Rotters. After recovering the ball the Amazons played it smart and ran down the clock before scoring! The beastmen just couldn't stay on the field this half, and the effects we quite evident to the poor Rotters!

The second half went much the same way, with the Amazons scoring another TD and generally running laps around the Rotters!

Final Score: Amazons: 2 Rotters: 0

This loss, and the death of one of the Chaos warriors firmly puts the rotters out of contention for the BloodBowl cup. the fans were so upset by their lackluster performance that they paid a group of Sigmar priests to banish these daemons back to their realm! A new team will be entering the competition in a week under Deamon's coaching.

It was a fun game to watch! Later on this week we have Anthony's Lumberjack's VS. CB's Chaos Dwarfs battling it out for first place.

that's all for now sports fans, see you mid week!

Round One Blood Bowl Standings

2010-05-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

Ok sports fans had some blood bowl matches last night and here are the results:

The Doom Hammers (Chaos Dwarf) 1-0 over Nurgle's Rotters:

This game was a tooth and nail slug fest with 80% of the teams in a giant scrum for much of the match. The Doom Hammer's were able to get a break away touchdown with a hand off to the Chaos Centaur "Khaaaan!"-tm, who was able to sprint into the endzone.

Khaaaan! skilled up with Block, and the hobgob, Hobjo Sluglick went out with a busted kneecap and will miss the next game and suffered -1 MV.

Fruit Elves 3-0 over Amazons:

The fans were hatin' on the 'zons and put 2 off of the pitch with throw bloodwizer bottles. This game was a smashfest with many players getting crowd-surfed, bashed, and beat-up. The WE speed allowed them to get the ball into the inzone consistently. One elf died and I think the 'zons come back with a full roster next week.

The wood elves had 3 players advance with a wardancer going up to STR 4....scary man, scary....

matches for next week, I think, is this right Damon?:

Doom Hammers vs. Fruit Loops

Nurgle vs. Amazons

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch."

2010-05-06T09:18:00.001-07:00

There are only four more days to vote on how brutal the Thunder in the Underhive game should be. Do you want the deviant scum armed with nerf larper guns or macro cannons and orbital death lasers? Do you want to slip into curly elf shoes and traipse through the gumdrop forest, or do you want to put your faith in the Emperor as you wade into the seething, bloody horde? Who do you want to illustrate the battle report, Thomas Kincade or Frank Frazetta?
The Authorities command you to vote!

Hangin with the fellas!

2010-04-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! A^2 here giving you a status update on OP4 haps! It's been along time since i was able to sit down and write a little something for the group!

Lately we've been hitting the Blood Bowel pretty hard, and with the talks from last week i think we are going to move into a bit of a league. I've been working on the rules for this, and I think that a swiss elimination would work best for everyone, with everyone starting from fresh and building up as you play. I'm actually looking at quite a few people who are interested in playing which is totally killer! Any thought or ideas to this extent?

We're also gearing up for Kubla Con!! If you are interested in coming get a hold of CR or myself, we need an accurate head count for what days you will be able to stay and what nights you are looking to sleep in the hotel in our club house! Also a good idea is to have an idea of what games you would like to play, and make sure you have the miniatures you will need for them!! Don't forget, it's coming up the last weekend in May!!

I'd also like to do club shirts before the event that we can wear so we can look somewhat organized and even more awesome, anyone else interested in doing this sooner rather than later?

lastly at some point in June I was thinking we might do a BBQ over at OP north HQ, as long as it works out for CB and Spook, so if there is a weekend that works for everyone there or one that absolutely won't give me a shout or shoot me an email!

lastly, is there any interest in running a game day over at the vets in either July or June? I've talked to Cliff and he's totally cool with use taking most of the space if we were interested. Traditionally we do fantasy/40k but I am totally open to suggestions. Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?

Well that's all I got for this addition

SGT @ Arms

A^2

Post Apocalyptic Car Battles

2010-04-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you cross the old game "Car Wars", Mad Max, customized Matchbox cars and a post apocalyptic setting with a modern rule set? Aberrant Games' Warlands.

Aberrant Games is producing two gaming systems and accompanying models. Rezolution and Warlands. Both are 20-28mm scale miniature games set in the far bleak future of a post apocalyptic world. The car game system is the most interesting to me. Having fond memories of playing Car Wars in my youth, it would be great to play a modern version. There is an active community on their forum who discuss the game rules and share the mashed-up customize cars, often using Matchbox cars which are perfectly scaled and offer a huge line to work from. Check out the Painting and Terrain section for some fun. The rule set is available for purchase as a PDF at WarGame Vault for $9.99. With a full rule book being released later in the year. They are currently starting a round of beta testing.

Here is their starter box set. But they also sell a weapons pack. Which can be added to painted up Matchbox cars for a more unique and custom gang.

Here is a video demo from GenCon 2009.

enjoy

I like it when she calls me Big Kubla.

2010-03-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

I hope everybody is as excited as I am for KublaCon!! I think this year will be outstanding, I can feel it. 10 years, bam!
I submitted an event proposal for a Necromunda event called Thunder in the Underhive. If you were at the Purge scenario we ran for Firebase, it will be similar, but with new terrain and more 'orrible gribblies.
If you are a club member, you will be pleased to know we have a club room (appropriate) on the exclusive 9th floor. Complimentary food and better views, additionally magical wards and runes built in to the room will boost your max HP and make you seem more attractive to villagers. It will cost a bit more, $15-20 depending on how many Owlbears we bring, but it should be worth it. Gino said it was, and I trust him as long as he isn't driving. He also said the continental breakfast includes honeydew and the milk of paradise.
We should also be getting the group rate this year, hopefully with fewer hassles than last. That savings ought to cover the higher room rate.

Enough nerdlery for now,
CR

are you ready....FOR YOUR DOOM!

2009-12-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

Hey ya'll! I hope everyone had a nice x mas and a good break! I just wanted to touch base with you guys, since being in Modesto I don't get a chance to talk to you guys, but I do get a chance to hang out with my family, so its a decent trade off :D.

Some scheduling itinerary type issues I wanted to talk about for the 1st and 2nd.

The night of the first I think the plan is to mostly hang out and maybe do some Rping. CB if you could let us know what time would be good for us to swing by, that would be awesome!

The Second promises to be a great day of gaming, whatever you want to play, there will be space to play it. I know for sure that Clark and Ryder have a Necromunda game they want to get out of the way. Also Damon and Greg are more then likely going to get a game of 40k in. Andrew is coming up from AZ to play some Hordes, and I'd love to get a multiplayer game of WHFB in.

As far as food is concerned I'm not sure what we are going to do about dinner, we'll have to cross that road when we get there (maybe we can all go for pizza or something), but as far as lunch is concerned I'm bringing some hotdogs and some vegetarian meatloaf, which is totally awesome. Ryder is bringing the caffeine and I think some munchies, so that leaves the rest of ya to figure out what you want to bring. As long as the weather cooperates we should be in business.

CB let us know what time we should head over on Saturday, i was thinking 10ish, but if that's to early we can figure something else out. Also can someone give Mario a call and make sure he's informed :)

Looking forward to seeing all my OP4 brothers in one place!

until then,

SOA
A^2

OP4 Minature Exchange, Update, and New Years Event.

2009-12-21T02:27:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody A^2 here with your monthly club update! There are a few things on the menu for this update so bare with me, it might get a touch long!

First things first! For those of you that haven't made it to a club night lately or who i haven't talked to personally we're going to be having a new years type gamin event over at CB's on the 2nd (and maybe on the night of the 1st but we're not sure yet.) Games being played will be Mordhiem, Hordes/warmachine, Fantasy, and perhaps necromunda, not to mention some rad board games. Everyone is welcome, make sure you bring your figs and lets bring in the new year in true gamer style!

lately we've been meeting up at CB's house to partake in our weekly, most of the time we get things started around 87, and as always it's an open invitation, just toss me an email if you need directions or nights!

Our Local gaming store (Outer Planes) has recently really stepped it up! They are ordering fantasy stuff and 40k stuff. I've even seen some new Warmachine stuff! All that being said there is a new fantasy league that is they are setting up. I've volunteered my services to help organize said league. They are starting off relatively small (1500 points) and anyone interested in hearing further in this should either talk to Joe at OP or email directly.

There is also a league that CB and I are thinking about joining that takes place in Ukiah (of all places) once Saturday of the month. This game is a little bit bigger, around 3k points, but the people that are involved are mostly friends to OP and Powers of the North Members (i.e. Greg and Casey).

This brings me to the next topic, Powers of the North 40k monthly event is at an end after 3 years. While said, it also presents our club a unique opportunity to run some cool events out at the vets. Any interest in this? I know for sure Chris and I will be doing some fantasy down there.

At the beginning of the new year I am going to be ordering my club shirt as CB and I will be putting in an appearance at gamescape North to Demo Wyrd miniatures Malifaux game, and I want to show off my pride in my group! Anyone interested in putting in an order as well should give me a call or send me an email, and anyone interested in coming with CB and I to Gamescape for the demo should do the same to find out about dates and driving arrangements!

Lastly, I was wondering if there was any interest in doing a club miniature exchange? We could do either a painted or unpainted custom miniature exchange that would prvide us some fun. If there is any interest in doing something like this I can write out some more specific details.

Well is you've actually read all the stuff up there many thanks, and I hope to see each and everyone of you guys on the Second of January for some fun times!

Many thanks brothers, and my wishes for a fantastic new year!

Sargent at Arms,

Anthony

Nerdgasim?

2009-12-15T01:38:00.000-08:00

holy freaking crap want!!!!!!! People from Battlestar to Serenity to The Matrix ZOMG!!

IGN Video: Mass Effect 2 Xbox 360 Behind the Scenes (Promo) - The Stars of Mass Effect 2

Hordes MK2 testing

2009-12-04T00:13:00.000-08:00

I'd like everyone to make a comment as they get a chance to test the new MK2 stuff for hordes. I know that only CB Spook and myself have horde army's but you other guys can tell us what its like playin against us.

So we had our first run at MK2 this last week. The game seemed very streamlined, easy to understand, and not at all time consuming. We blasted through a 25 point game in about 45 min. I noticed that a few of the warbeast stats have been changed to reflect a more balanced approach to the game.

I have to say that the "reindeer dudes" are doom incarnate. Fast cav, high rat, weapon master for both the claymore and bow. Pretty neeto bandeto. Their maneuverability and damage potential make them a worthy addition to any legion list. Searyn was just as nasty as she was in MK1, no real changes in fact. I didn't notice anything particularly different about any of my warbeasts other than the nerf to flight, which lets face it needed to be done!

All in all I had a good time, lets see what CB has to say about his Trolls!

WFRPG 3rd ed.

2009-11-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

So as the title says the third ed of WHFBRPG is out now. I found a neat article talking about it that I thought I'd share with all you guys!

http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2009/11/review-ffg-warhammer-fantasy-roleplay.html

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite.asp?eidm=93&enmi=Warhammer%20Fantasy%20Roleplay

its a little pricy, but for what you get it looks like it could supply some pretty good fun! Looking for what everyone else thinks!

A^2

Hordes MK II

2009-11-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

Gonna go ahead and say it Hordes MK II rocks, where do you all want me to upload it at?

for allthoe Castle fans out there

2009-10-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah I went there, breaking the 4th wall is so awesome.

Malifaux throwdown

2009-10-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, here are some pictures from our first game of Malifaux:

Here's the setup:

Rasputina in far corner, objective is to occupy middle ruin.
Pandora in near corner, objective to occupy table quarters.
Guild on hill near watchtower, objective slaughter Raputina's crew.

A turn or 2 later, Tina and the ice critters have started boxing in the Guild with Ice Pillars (warmachine and hordes models), the guild's been plinking some dmg off the ice monsters, and Dora and crew moves up under cover. One sorrow latches on to Nino, stopping him from shooting and starting to drain his life force away.

Pew Pew! Guild moves around the ice pillars to start shooting up the Arcanist crew. Those Golems and Gamins prove to be wicked tough!

Pandora and crew move into the action, Nino having been taken down with a combo of life-sucking, sniper shots from Hans, and mind-bending from the Neverborn creatures.

Most of the Ice creatures and 1/2 of Dora's crew buy it in the next few turns and the guild is down to Perdita and Hans, Rasputina and a gamin get in the ruin and complete there objective!

Final Results:
Rasputina crew - 2 points for occupying the building but enemies in it, 2 other secret objectives completed (forget which) - Win with 4 victory points
Pandora crew - aren't able to occupy 3-4 quarters (chose a bad list for that but hey, it was game #1), complete hold out (no enemies in my deployment zone), and bodyguard (protect Pandora) secret objectives for 2 victory points
Guild - Don't Slaughter the Arcanists not sure about other objectives, but they ended up with 0 points.

Fun game and works pretty well as a multi-player games. The minis are rad too and you don't need many of them.

Wensday 10/14

2009-10-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

I thought this was an appropriate song for last nights slaughter!! I think a good time was had by all as we learned the new Malifaux rules, and played through a game of Age of Mythology! See you guys next week!

Gamesday Antioch

2009-10-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

So I spoke with my pal over at the GW antioch store today and was able to open negotiations. With CR's concent I lobbied to get OP-4 some new terrian in exchange for GT, A^2, and CR putting in some time helping put it all together. All said and done we are looking to get 2 Bastions, and some wall segmients. I am pushing for 3 bastion, but we will just have to see. He'd like use to handle the set up of the Hiveboard, which I figured we were aptly suited for. I also told him that I'd talk to Chris and see if we could not borrow his desert board and the desrt hills and rocks we've fashioned for part of the event.

The basic layout we are looking at is as follows:

First board is dessert
Second board we're looking at blasted lands and ash waste
next we've got the start of the wall segments
more forified walls and bastions
last two (a total of 2 4x6) is city's of death and Hive city/Necromunda type terrain.

Other then the three of us, is there any interest in helping out? It should prove pretty rad!
we're looking at possible building on the second sunday of Nov and plaing maybe the thrid, the dates are not har and fast, but we will ahve something down tomorrow hopefully, and I will ahve a detailed idagram of the tables to show this week at game night!

Later on,
A^2 out!

A^2 FOW Battle report

2009-10-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

So as some of you know it was Rons B day on Friday, and we celebrated by playing a 4x16 game of FOW, (the way it was meant to be played Germans V Americans!!). I ended up in command of a paratroopers divison that specialized in long range bombardments. I had some big 50mm mortars and of course some 75mm Howlizers!

Let me appoligize for being completely lame and not posting pics, the ones I got via Iphone suck! My objective was to take a bridge being guarded by a division of german falsinagers (sp?) which rom what I understand were the regular troops. They also had 4 "turtle tanks" and 6 stugs >.< The first few exchanges were even, but by turn 4 my rolls heated up and I was dropping tanks like flys. All said and done I took my objective by tabling my opponent, and managed to take a couple of stupid King Tigers down as well (they thought they were safe 5 feet away!! SUCKERS!).

Anyways it was a great time full of death and destruction, if anyone is ever interested in seeing the game Ron is always more then happy to loan out a command at his place, on most Friday nights!

Game Night 10-7-09 and Board Game Reviews

2009-10-08T10:32:00.001-07:00

Hans, make sure the ghost gun is loaded ja...

So board game grab bag month is fully in swing (to the chagrin of those op-forians that voted for necromunda 4 times...), and we've already broken in 3 new (or rereleased) games in the newly remodeled and always swanky CR games bunker.

Games in rotation so far:

The new and improved Space Hulk(TM)
Tannhauser
Cutthroat Caverns

Here's a rundown on each of the games and my humble rating (1-5 rating based fun factor, replayability, and component quality/value). Weigh in with your own opinions gents.

SPACE HULK

Ok so GW has released a super slick new version of Space Hulk that has gamer nerds across the interwebs excited. Really nice compenents, a nice hefty box, and 'limited edition' status add to it's appeal. We were able to get 4 guys together to bust out some alien bustin' action, space marine style and here are my impressions.

Man I have to hand it to GW, this game is pretty! The space marine minis are beautiful and highly detailed and the genestealers (aliens) look pretty cool too. The modular space ship board is also really nice and the components add alot to the game. This all comes with a hefty price tag - 100 bones, which is pretty steep by boardgame standards, but seems like a decent deal if you can multi-task the minis that are included in the box. Component quality rating 4 (components are awesome, but price is pretty steep).

The game runs pretty fast, we were able to get in 3 games in one evening even though we were learning the rules as we went along. This being said, the rules set feels a little dated when compared to similar games that have been released in the past 10 years, and the game has a bit of a wind it up and let it go feel do to the limited corridor space. Luck feels like it is very much a factor in this game, and even though it plays fast, it seemed to drag on a bit for me. The range of scenarios should probably help with the replayability, but it may feel a little 'samey'. Fun Factor 2 - (got a little boring for me...), Replayability - 3 (other scenarios should help mix it up at bit).

Overall it's a nice product, but feels a bit like a pretty facade on a average game, and doesn't really capture my attention.

Would I play it again? Sure, if someone else wanted to play, but not my first choice.

TANNHAUSER

So we have 2 games of weird war 2 Tannhauser behind us. I've been interested in this game for quite awhile now mostly because of the theme (come on it's like Hellboy or Indiana Jones, with a heathy dose of Lovecraftian Horror thrown in), and tend to like most of the stuff Fantasy Flight games puts out.

The game components are nice, not Space Hulk nice, but they are solid and fit the game theme well. Like most FFG games, the box comes chock full of counters and has clearly written rules. The game board is nice a big and the pathfinder line of sight system is pretty cool and makes determining LOS quick, easy, and painless. The pre-painted models are cool scupts but the prepaints are pretty lousy, but could be repainted. This being said, they look fine on the table top and don't really detract from the actual game play experience. Components (4 - Lots of nice components, and a good value at $50-60 for the box, prepaints aren't the greatest, art is rad!).

Like many of FFG games, Tannhauser is pretty complicated for a board game. We've been learning new rules as we go along and most rules questions can be easily answered by looking in the rulebook. The pathfinder system, and opposed combat roll system is pretty intuitive, it's just the details that are getting us now. Different play options (free for all, capture the flag, objectives), provide different gameplay experiences, and add some strategy to the game. The game is fun, relatively quick, and captures my imagination. Fun factor - 5 (fun, has minor issues, but has a ghost gun, and BDB!). The base game comes with a set number of characters and 2 game maps. Objectives, different equipment loadouts, and expansions, should help keep the game fresh, but I can see the game maps getting stale or played out. Replayability - 3.

Fun game, and look forward to playing again.

CUTTHROAT CAVERNS

So most gamers have a soft spot for dungeon crawls and most also have a hidden (or not so hidden) desire to just be a cold-hearted bastard sometimes. This simple fantasy card game scratches those itches.

This game does look nice, but you can tell it isn't published from one of the big boys. The artwork is nice, but not spectacular, the card stock is ok, but not bomb proof, all it all, the components get the job done and let you play the game. Components - 2 (nothing spectacular, but let you play the game which is the important thing).

Ok, on to the meat, the game play! This game pits the cunning adventuring party against a series of 9 monster encounters, and requires the party to work together, but requires each party member to stab other players in the back in order to gather loot and fame (renoun or victory points). Combat is card driven, and includes special attack moves, magic equipment that provides bonuses, and screw your neighbor cards that mess with other player's actions. The mechanics are simple and fast. The most entertaining part of this game is sticking that knife in your neighbors back and twisting it....it's pretty cool. Attacking the monster isn't that exciting, but the one-upmanship and back-stabbing is great. Fun game for sure! Fun factor - 5. The game is way fun, but each monster isn't that different, and I think we had all of the moves, attacks, and actions memorized after 1 game. Could be a limitation. Replayability - 2 (expasions could address this, but hate to have to always rely on those to keep a game fresh).

Over and out CB.

Terrain Workshop

2009-09-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

Does anyone want to work on terrain in the coming weeks? I've been inspired to make some Warmaster terrain by reworking some Epic scale buildings and making some low hills and rock outcroppings. I want it reflect some of Zdzislaw Beksinski's paintings.

I'm thinking concrete patch, chicken bones, plastic skeletons, berry baskets, toothpicks, polished stones and lots of glue soaked tissue paper.
Google his name and let me know if you have any ideas. Spooktalker, I'll be looking for input from you especially.

CR

Game Night Report 9-16-09

2009-09-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ok guys this is coming a little late, but it's been busy so here we go...

Played some Hordes/Warmachine over at Op-For south.

Game 1: Mark II epic Nemo vs. epic Goreshade (the cursed not the bastard!)

I really dig Nemo's style, he has this Einstein, Tesla, Col. Sanders thing going on that is pretty cool and I like how he runs jacks, and has some extra lightning tricks up his sleeve. It helps that his epic model is pretty great as well (definately an improvement over the original model):

Here are the lists (25 points mk. II):

eNemo

Stormclad

Lancer

Stormblades + UA

Storm smithsx3

Arlen Strangeways

Eyriss

eGoreshade

Deathjack

Seether

Skarloc

Bane Lord Tartarus

Bane Thralls

Ya looks like a good match up with some pound it out melee oriented forces.

Nemo and crew head up the field going after those nasty Cryx guys hiding out in some potato farmer's homestead.

Deathjack's hidiing behind a wall ready to pounce.

The Stormsmith and stormblades are pretty dope in Mark II. The point values make a lot of sense now and they hit hard like the elite of Cygnar should.

25 point games are also really cool in Mark II. The new edition is faster anyway and the streamlining allows a game of this size to be played in about 1 hour, while still allowing you to take a little bit of a varied force.

There's some maneuvering around and Nemo sets up a charge on the Cryxians. Nemo is able to scoot his jacks forward with Energizer allowing the Stormclad to charge Deathjack, scrap it, and kill the Skarloc with electro leaps. The Lancer engages Tartarus, and the Stormblades assault the Seether damaging it with lightning blasts.

Here's the set up before the last turn. Stormclad gets a charge off on Tartarus, kills him, get's Goreshade down to 2 points with the reach on his Generator Blade and a storm smith zzaps him for the last two.

Anthony and I then played another quick Mark I game, Leo and Trevor played a big grinding attrition game, and we did some Star Wars Epic Duels:

More pics here (maybe other guys want to do reports, knock yourself out, blogger is testing my patience).

http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff135/cbarney_photo/GameNight0916/

Pics of Trevor and Anthony's big Mk. 2 Cryx vs. Menoth battle:

http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff135/cbarney_photo/cryxvsmenoth/

Outer Planes night

2009-09-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

So a fun time was had by all tonight at Outer Planes. Chris, Johnny, Mario, and myself partook in a 1000 point brawl, and it pains me to say that with what we got finished with, the Trollbloods and the Cygnar totally owned team Everblight! To much lasting power was ust to much for our glass cannons.

Greg also was there, and enjoyed playing his old Iron Warriors list with Joe (the guy with the Tyrinids I played a few weeks back). In a bloodly match up the Choas and their WS 8 monstrous creature reigned supreme!

We also talked about maybe running a game or two over at CB's house on Wednesday night, depending on if he could swing another night of gaming or not. More to come on that later, check your emails tomorrow for a status update!

Maybe we will get lucky and CR will get a chance to play on Wed! we missed you and Trev tonight buddy!

Well thats all for this installment,!

A^2

New gaming Idea

2009-09-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

So we were brainstorming last night and Clark came up with a good idea that I think he should pitch. It revolved around scouting missions played with Mordhiem rules, minor battles played with fantasy rules, and mar battles with played with warmaster rules. or somethin to that effect... CR can pitch it better then I can

Updated Board Game List

2009-09-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

OK, I've had some new additions on the boardgame front, and in preparation for October the month of the boardgame here's the updated list:

Board Games:
Carcassonne
Age of Mythology
Scrabble
Acquire
Runebound + Expansions
Descent
Lord of the Rings Risk
Twilight Struggle
Alhambra
Star Wars: Epic Duels
Pirates of the Caribbean Life
Arkham Horror and Dark Pharoh Expansion
Tannhauser
Powergrid
Ticket to Ride

Card Games:
Settlers of Catan 2 player card version
Infernal Contraption
Legend of the 5 Rings (5-6 decks)

I think we should start the month with Pirates of the Caribean Life! Yaargh! (uh, ok maybe not...)

I Photographed the Asgard Orcs Range

2009-09-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

Take a look at some of my favorite figs.

A few years ago I came across some pics of Asgard's orcs and pieced together these were the same figs seen painted by John Blanche in the book Ratspike.

I learned the range was still available from Viking Forge: http://vikingforge.datasquire.net/ and I ordered a full set of the figs. It was a bizarre experience as the owner doesn't even offer an email address. I wrote him a letter to see if he indeed was selling the figs, and then sent him a check. A good guy though. When I ordered (1995) he still had lead stock of some figs, while others were being cast in pewter. The lead casts are better quality, and there a few of the pewter figs had trouble spots.

The sculpts are by Jess Goodwin early in his career. They are much too small to be orcs, but I knew this before I bought them. I'm not sure why they are sold as orcs, but they are fantastic as goblins. Some of my favorite figures of all, especially the shaman holding out a beating heart.

Anyway, I thought I'd make up for Viking Forge's dismal (anti)marketing by showing off the range. I uploaded larger pics individually on the Lost Minis Wiki here: http://recipesrealm.com/wiki/index.php?title=Orcs There is also a size comparison shot there.

Oh, and this is a copy of a thread I started on Frothers Unite UK: http://www.frothersunite.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=22392&sid=5a7c9b7f0103a73ad0ea2764faed4359

Pac Con

2009-09-06T18:23:00.001-07:00

26 Showed up to the Iron Bolter Tournament at Pac Con in Santa Clara. I went representing OP-4 with the Sisters of battle and ended up placing 2nd.

In addition to this i met some really cool guys that live down that direction that might be interested in coming up and hanging with us and/or playing some 40k/fantasy/anything awesome. They were particularly interested in our painting styles and terrain building.

The Flea market was kind of a bust... There was that one guy there that showed up to he OP-4 Kubla event and tried to show Ryder that game he put together.. the guy that was real pushy and stuff... he was ripping people off on Terrain, I lol'd to myself. i did manage to pick up an entire Warmaster Army on the cheap, so if anyone wants a game of that I'm totally interested!!

Calling for your Support

2009-09-05T11:19:00.001-07:00

I am calling for your voting support of a contest that I am entered in. Community votes the winner, which gets their likeness sculpted into a miniature that will be cast in metal. Which is awesome, right! So go vote.. and it would be great to jump in my corner. Voting ends Sept 30.

Just go to From the Knife's Edge blog, register and vote for "The Power" into the comments to support me. Thanks all.

Click here to vote

My entry of me floating (thank you photoshop). Which I am sure would make a cool mini.

A^2 Workbench

2009-09-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

had some time yesterday to work on ESeverius. Let me know what you think, its a pretty crappy pic from this camera, I donno why its so blury.

I think I've finally graduated from Juve to ganger!

Shirts updates.

2009-09-03T22:09:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to show you what Trevor and I have been working on (mostly Trevor!). here are the pics we have so far and some of the things we've been bouncing around.

What we know for sure is that we want black shirts. We also are leaning heavily toward a camo style font, at least for the OP-4 Part. I think we should have separate names on the back of everyones shirts, but I donno if thats just me or what, so I'd like some input on that.

I liked this one for Trevor :D

this ones for Chris lol!

i was thinking about this one for our logo with OP-4 In his mouth.

CBs Terrain Board Ideas

2009-09-03T14:23:00.001-07:00

So I started working on some terrain stuff last night and figured I should come up with a master plan (TM) for the new board I'd like to build. I have a bunch of middle european type terrain stuff floating around (timbered cottages, highland huts, warhammer chapel and watchtower, greenish hills, etc), and want to put together a relatively generic 4x6 board for wargaming with an emphasis on Warhammer and Warmachine, so the European look should work pretty well.

I'd like to add some visual interest to the base board and then have a lot of moveable terrain, so I'd like to avoid fixed terrain features that couldn't just count as open terrain in most games.

I've come up with the following plan so far and feedback would be awesome!

Very minor elevation change would be added to the board by adding a thin layer of foamcore to the top of the 2" 4x6 pink foam board. This would just add some visual interest to the surface without counting as elevation change. The stream would be very small, and could be ignored as a water feature depending on what players prefer. Bridges could also be added span the little stream.

The road would be the major feature and would get a different color treatment and maybe some sort of other texture treatment. The main board will be hit with sand, so I'm thinking concrete patch or joint compound for the road. Any feedback on the layout would be cool as well.

Here are some examples the look I'm going for:

Shirts

2009-08-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

So I've talked to everyone but Spooktalker about getting us some shirts so we can look even more awesome when we go to events... I'm going to work on putting together some art and pricing. What's everyone shirt type preference?

Cryx vs. Menoth

2009-08-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

I was going to write a narrative but... it's to much work. Suffice to say that Cryx were victorious, even though it seems I had more points then agreed upon. It was a good game, we had a lot of fun, and hopefully will be able to get Chris into a game next week!

Adepta Sororitas V Tyranids

2009-08-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

A strong contingent of Adepta Sororitas was sent off to an outer ring planet to take and hold 3 strategic points of importance to learning about the Tyranid threat. Having arrived at the planet in question and deployed it's assets in a spearhead formation they were confronted by a large army of Godzilla type Tyranids marking towards them. (some of this pics are crap). After taking no really casualties from the first few volleys, the Adepta Sororitas started making the Tyranids pay dearly for each step they made closer to the firing line.

Soon, after the smoke had settled the Sisters were still standing and the Tyranids weren't.

2,0 so far for the Sisters!

Adepta Sororitas v. Khorne daemons

2009-08-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

Adepta Sororitas quickly put together the trickle of disturbing news, originating from the outer rim sector, which painted a very grim picture of the Emperors might, a planet side station that monitors the ebb and flow of the warp.

A strong strike force was deployed planet side as soon as was available, which unfortunately was too late for the monitoring station. Upon deployment, the Adepta Sororitas was ambushed by a strong contingent of Khorne daemons. Surronded, but far from out gunned the sisters held their ground and sent these warp spawn back to the depths of hell from whence they came!

Thanks Greg for a good game, even if it was at outer planes >.< It was nice to finally win a 40k game, lol

Week One Warmachine Theater of War Campaign.

2009-08-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

As previously reported, the Draconic Legions made some headway into Fellig and the Protectorate was able to maintain their blockade on the railroad running between Fisherbrook and Fellig.

Declare your battles! Protectorate gets to attack first, Mercs second.

Warmachine / Hordes Theater of War Ed.1

2009-08-21T09:13:00.001-07:00

War is Hell. As army forces jockey for position and command of their objectives, two battles erupted this week. A warjack heavy Cygnar force lead by Captain Darius moved into Protectorate held land near Fisherbrook. And the Legion of Everblight organized a surgical strike into Mercenary territory dangerously close to Felling.

The Everblight's strike team plunged into battle quickly and efficiently. Magnus the Traitor attempted to defend a small town from the nimble yet fierce force. A scurvy group of Devil Dogs and strong squad of dwarves joined the battle at a price that Magnus skillfully negotiated. They formed a line with skin and metal to meet the approaching wave of Legion forces.

All attempts to stop the Legion's assault were meet with strong resistance. The dwarves quickly questioned their pay and approaching winged beasts. Fear and panic erupted as they started taking casualties. Magnus tried to rally his troops, but in the end was only left with his jacks to defend the town.

The Totem Hunter fearlessly vaults towards the Mangler's swinging mace.

Meanwhile...

Feora was leading some troop training exercises North of Fisherbrook along the highly contested train line. Scouts reported a small yet powerful Cygnar force approaching. Feora was able to strategically lead her large army to take up key defensive positions before the enemy could advance.

A full Storm Lance unit moves into position. Although they created serious threat to the Menoth army Darius cautiously commanded them to hang back, hoping to maintain control of the open land in the battle.

A triad of heavy warjacks, fronted by the experienced Ol' Rowdy lumbered straight towards the middle of the battlefield.

A chain gun crew takes a strong position in the open. Although located well and dug in, they quickly fall to the approaching Temple Flameguard and their spears.

In the end the heavy steel of the jacks, couldn't contest against the shear numbers and strength of Protectorate forces. After losing forces and not gaining ground, Darius had to withdraw his forces in order to fight another day.

Pacific con

2009-08-21T02:34:00.000-07:00

looks like I'll be headed to pacific con on Saturday the 5th of next month, anyone else interested in going? They are having a Flea market!! go to there website here

MORE OWLBEARS! Roll for initiative!

2009-08-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Otherworld have finally got round to their take on everyone's favorite canonical D&D beast!

GAME ON!

2009-08-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

OH yeah last night marked the start of the OP-4 Warmachine / Hordes Theater of War Ed.1 Throw down!

Last night Everblight invaded the mercs, and showed no mercy when taking the cityscape in what is sure to be remembered as a complete bloodbath. On the other side of the map the holy order of Menoth, led by Fenora battled in a close fight with their godless Cygnar overlords! The Protectorate held strong against the forces in blue and were able to hold on to their lands!

It was a fun night full of death and distruction, and fun was had by all (except by OP-4 and his mercs >.<)

Trevor is the official cronicaller, so we'll wait for pics from him!

Dungeon Crawl!

2009-08-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd honor all the effort Spooktalker put into the AD&D adventure by enhancing some of the pics.

Necroday III Report

2009-08-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Op-For's annual all-day Necromunda event was a great success! Aug 2 2009, 8 players brought more than 10 gangs and there was non-stop mayhem in the underhive until early in the next morning. Thanks everyone who came and made it happen!

See full-size pics on Flickr, where you can comment on individual pics.

Here is my personal report--others, please add your report in a comment!

I played four games. First up, my Redemptionists, the Red Dragons, were massively outgunned by the Machine Cult. Despite loosing a heavy, the Cult had little trouble rescuing their comrade and dispatching the sentries. The redemption had a mediocre post game but no tragedies, and are slowly building their ranks, biding their time, and forming a plan. The underdog bonus didn't hurt in the post-game.

No surprise (to me anyway) that the Dust Brothers performed much better in their games. They took on the underhive fuzz (Princint 414) in classic shootout. The Brothers took up cover in a warehouse and the enforcers took several fortified surrounding positions. Trouble started when a small contingent of enforcers charged over a sump bridge toward the warehouse. They encountered heavy fire, retreated back on the bridge, and were torn apart from both sides, as friendly fire from the heavy stubber did as much damage as the Brothers themselves. The enforcers effectively defied targets to the Brother's usual MVP Hellhammer, but the bridge incident was enough to route the enforcers in the end.

In the next game the Brothers raided a secret stash of the Bodysnatchers, and came out victorious again. With surgical precision an elite band of Brothers snuck up to the loan sentry as Brother Malka brought the plasma cannon to bear on the stash gateway. In a turn the sentry was silences, the stash blown and the alarm sounded. What remained was for the brothers to fight their way back to their own turf.

In the final game the Dust Brothers faced up against the reigning tyrants of the underhive, the Machine Cult. The brothers were unperturbed by a massive deficit in gang ratings (nearly a 1000 points difference) and fought cautiously but effectively despite unfamiliarity being the underdog. A low-bloodshed game ended with an untimely bottling of some of the less stalwart of Hellmammer's men. I'll leave it to my opponent to mention the incident with the hallucinogen grenade--let's just say a daring maneuver on his part won him the game and resulted in a tragic mishap for at least one brother. Despite the loss, post battle yielded skills in spades for the brothers, and a few of these will even be helpful. The brothers swear revenge on the Van Saar infidels!

Warmachine Video Game

2009-08-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

The Privateer forums were maxed out, twitter feeds checked every 15 seconds. The wait was over. As they let batchs of people into the presentation at GenCon, news slowly spread out. It's Official. The new big thing for Warmachine is a Video Game for XBox, PS3 and PC. Or is maybe someday...

Here are some pictures that were taken at the presentation...

A better view of the rendering.

Here are some insites gathered from the Privateer Press forums of the "Next Big Thing for Warmachine".

- Fast paced Action strategy game, focusing on a more skirmish level (like Company of Heros)

- Single and online Multi-player game modes

- Player will take command of a Warcaster, with Warjacks, units, solos

- Each faction is playable. Mercs faction will be available later as downloadable content

- Possibility to customize your own warcaster

- Focusing on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 systems

- Hordes may be a sequel

- Developer is a new company called WhiteMoon Dreams. Looks like they opened shop in May 2009. Former developers at EA that worked on Medal of Honor and Fallout. They have 11 employees and one game already called Aftermath.

Actual presentation has 2 rendered images and a short looping animation. Goal of meeting was to generate interest and support in the community to hopefully lead to a game development. There is no actual game available at this time. The PP forums are not excited.

Here is the link White Moon Dreams (the developer) has put up

Wholesome Entertainment

2009-08-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa7ck5mcd1o

Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus...

dope!

Bagged another one boys...Warmachine/Hordes

2009-08-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

OK, so TS and I played a game of Warmachine vs. Hordes action last night out in the Santa Rosa Op For southern annex (my garage), and the trollBLOOD was flowing! The fanatical forces under the command of Severius laid the serious smack down on the trollblood and allied bog trog infantry. The notorious trollblood bounty hunter and his old rhulic drinking buddy Brun Crackback were on the run from the rampaging Menite forces trying to avoid capture and a trip to the gallows and barbeque in their honor by ducking in and out of terrain.

Grim hunkered down behind a rock outcrop, dodging redeemer rockets, spells, zealot bombs, and taking shots with his high caliber rifle while keeping an eye on Severius scalp. He popped his feet restricting the enemies movement and avoiding capture 1 more turn. All the while the crafty Brun Crackback was moving around the Menoth flank, and then POW burst from the woods and gave Severius a face full of blunderbus shot!

Bloody for the trollbloods (just Grim and Brun were left standing to probably 60-70% of the remaining Menoth forces), but goes to show that you can't keep a good troll (or dwarf) down, especially when there's a bounty to collect.

Op-For on facebook

2009-07-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

We've recently set up a facebook group for us and I'm posting to to discuss what we plan to use it for, address some concerns that have cropped up, and gather everyone's thoughts.

First off, is facebook a threat to the blog?

I think this is a valid concern, but one we can put to rest if we all make a conscious decision. Most of the uses I see for the facebook page are mutually exclusive to those of the blog. I'm going to outline them below.In order to keep the blog strong, maybe we could all ask ourselves before posting, would this work as a blog post, and if so, then post it here, and if not, post it to facebook?

Second, do we all have to participate on facebook?

I think it would be great if we could get all members on facebook so at least there is a little picture of you on the Op-For roster. But I don't think it should become one more thing that we have to constantly check. I'm imagining most of the stuff I will be posting to the facebook page is stuff you could safely ignore if you weren't interested.

Third, why facebook in the first place?

The reason for facebook is it offers a great way to do some things I wanted to do, but had no other good way to to do. I was on the phone with CR and wanted to trade some workbench pics back and forth and email just wasn't cutting it. I was considering Twitter but I had just joined facebook and a quick investigation showed facebook was really ideal for this kind of back and forth.

With the facebook wall, you don't have to save up something worthy of a blog post. The picture management is a million times faster and better than the painfully clunky blogger or yahoo! mail. Having the chat there in facebook is also convenient.

For instance, if I have just taken some castings of dungeon walls out of the oven and I know CR or someone might be interested, the blog is not a good place to share my progress. The conversation might not even make any sense out of context. And then if I want to follow up on that two hours later after some assembly work or something, I can't go back and add content to my blogger post, I'm stuck with having to make a whole new post. Eventually, I might want to make a writeup of the whole project and that would make an ideal topic for the blog, but until then I want to share NOW. And did I mention the picture management of blogger makes me want to cry, especially with my lousy connection speed?

Also, a lot goes on in the weekly games that doesn't wind up on the blog, and as I'm participating from a distance facebook looks like it can better keep me in the loop.

Another thing I've noticed is that it's hard to get a conversation going in using blogger comments. After about 5 comments, the conversation dies out. Facebook seems like a great way of carrying on more lengthy conversations, like, say planning of a convention game or an all day event.

Which brings me to another advantage, that Facebook has what seems like a great way to manage events. I managed last year's Necroday event with a service/site called Crush3r, which worked well, and I think I may continue to use it in addition to a facebook event page, but having a facebook event page seems to bring everything one step closer together. We can leave simple messages on the facebook wall like, "Painting up my Eschers this week" or "can't game until August, too much else going on."

The facebook page so far

So far four of us have joined the facebook group and already I get a great sense of it. There's a list of members with office titles, a wall to post whatever content you want, a fast and easy picture management where we can comment on pics, and a way to link to facebook events.

So those are my thoughts on it. Let's discuss it in the comments! What do you think, pro or con?

Nullhorizon.com Relaunch

2009-07-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

http://nullhorizon.com/

I've been working on a new version of the Null Horizon Studio site for some time, and I'm finally rolling it out. The main thing is I'm expanding the scope of the site--before it was mostly showcasing my commissioned figs and now I'm going to focus as much or more on my own projects. I should have a lot of new stuff up in the coming weeks.

Try it out and see if there are any usability issues or other things I need to work out. It's still a WIP and the new platform is more easily modified than the old so let me know if I can improve it (there are few areas I have in mind already such as how the individual galleries are laid out). I could really use your input, thanks!

Oh, and I made a page on Facebook for the studio as well. Just a stub at present, but I plan to use it for sharing pics and ideas from my workbench in addition to networking. I just joined facebook and I think it'd be fantastic for sharing stuff like this back and forth. Null Horizon on facebook

The rest of July

2009-07-12T22:26:00.001-07:00

So the votes are in for what people ewanted to do for the rest of July, and it seems that we are at a bit of an impass! What's everyone thinking we should do this week? I'd not mind some fantasy or 40k personally. I'm prety warn out of privateer stuff, and without CB I don't think its a good idea to do some WHFRPG because you will die! I'm actually intersted in a hobby night at some point, if anyone else is interested??

Grind.... It's a board game now

2009-06-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

So Privateer just announced they are adapting the overlooked Grind sub-game into a full blown board game. I bet that it will be pretty cool. Ever since they released the Grind game, it seemed like a cool idea, I just never gave it a shot. A board game is probably a better format for it anyways.

BloodBowl... FOR PC!!!!

2009-06-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

Click here to check it out. I guess we're all going to have to start playing this online >.<

First Week Roundup

2009-06-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Much fun was had by all as our brave adventurers set to their task. The adventure started with our Heroes gallantly saving the city gate from an onslaught of Zombies, for which they were richly rewarded with Zombie Wine! A highly corrosive and flammable substance prefect for Molotov cocktails. Our adventurers then set off to track down the source of these Zombies and their Corpse Cart, only to be confronted by a sorcerer of Nurgle! After besting the sorcerer and his assorted lackeys our heroes found the source of the plague in town, gain poisoned with the essence of Nurgle! After burning it and reporting to the proper athuorities, our adventurers bravely set out on their mission to the dwarf hold of Wintersbreathe, only to be confronted by a troll and some night golbins! The troll was a mere speedbump for the team, and we left them fully healed and in a small farming town 1 days walk from the City.

WFRP

2009-06-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

The Tale of Five Friends

2009-06-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here you go guys, this is how it all starts...

Five friends born in the same city, but from different walks of life joined in a common goal, to secure the boarders of their troubled homeland, enforce the law of the land they so love, and to take down the corruption that lies within.

The first step to this enormous task that these friends and adventures have put upon themselves is to join the special operations section, which until lately was only pulling people from within it's own ranks. However, with the current plague running rampant within the city of Aurnir the division know as the Black Ravens has been decimated in number. Add to the fact that one of these friends is already a among the Seekers, getting in was the easy part.

In order to test their metal, the grand inquisitor has ordered these five friends on a low level mission, one that involves traveling north to speak with some of your dwarven counterparts in the hold of Wintersbreath about the growing concerns of the guild of death and their brutal martial wing the Nighthawks.

Tread carefully, starting next week the fun starts.

Forward the Revolution!

2009-06-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Word of the the day: GameCrime.

Referring to any factor which makes a game unsatisfactory to play. Including but not limited to: Powergaming, non WYSIWYG models, unpainted models, ugly terrain, no terrain, sore losers, rules lawyers, stupid, illogical or unnecessary rules, rule exploiters, bad fluff, clubs who encourage cheesiness.

On a related note, it was discovered that Citizen AA had not watched Firefly. This was certainly grounds for execution, however our Beloved Leader commuted his sentence to one week in the GM education camp. The results of his toil will be exhibited tomorrow. Citizen RG is under investigation because his Firefly status is in question.

Your task for the week is to add to list of GameCrimes.

RPGeeking...

2009-06-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, after Kublacon and the rush up to Quake City Rumble, I've been thinking about some role playing. I have two things in mind and would run something for the OP 4 if there's some interest.

#1. Iron Kingdoms/Warmachine Roleplaying

I have my hands on the Witchfire Campaign and that could be some fun.

#2. Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay

Oh ya, adventuring in the old world! Dark and gritty, think Mordheim with more detail and working together against the lurking evil and corruption! Plus you can start out in exciting careers such as ratcatcher, slave, baker, camp follower, etc....

Anyway, I'd be thinking of maybe 1 or 2 nights a month if you guys are interested.

Owlbears are real and very freaky.

2009-05-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

According to Wikipedia, they "live in mated pairs." Is that the same as mating for life? Should I feel bad for breaking up the pair from Kublacon? Are they going to take their frustrations out on the poor mushmen?

Until I get some answers, I'm going to paint the one I've got like our cat (who looks like an owl and a bear) and name it "Tony."

D -3

2009-05-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

The time is nearly at hand. There are dark portents in the sky and nerds gather to the south. Redemption shall be yours if you confess your sins by listing what you are bringing to KublaCon. This will give us a better idea of the games/rules/terrain/miniatures to bring. Post your litanies in the comments below.

So what's it like being a pirate?

2009-05-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Captain Jack Sparrows answers that question...