Oldhammer Day Update - Rusty's Corner - Warband Table New Photos!

Well, Rusty has been hard at work on the Warbands table for Oldhammer Day! He sent along a few images to share, which is another section, another building, and a cornfield! He's also working on another part to this table which has the river and monastery - which I cannot wait to see! So It should give us a huge amount of space to see who is most favored by the chaos gods!

I got this a few days ago, just to tease!

And this one.....not bad, in fact would love to have this one......but for Rusty....

You just keep going.

Hoping sometime we can get a bit on the vegetation from Rusty. Look for a future Hobby Update - but after Oldhammer Day - hes busy right now ;)

Original Table with two sections - like I said, river and monastery are forthcoming!

Now we add the new building and the corn field - another thing we need a hobby update on!

Everything looks great in Warband Ville!

There has to be a story behind the hat.....

Now that is a huge battlefield - hope you are planning on throwing down with your warband.

Just about every gamers dream - can't wait to play and see it in person!

Of course, we should also thank Rusty's lovely wife, who not only puts up with late night calls from me, but also puts up with his hobby to this extent! So Thank You - we all greatly appreciate it! ;)

And another thing. As Rusty is out and about, when he is not building, he tried calling a current GW store (In Philly I think). Now that would normally not be a problem, as Rusty was checking on something, like could he bring his Oldhammer models to the store for an event. What he was told actually surprised him, and then upset him (and then me). He was actually told that while the staff would love to see it, and would even do pickup games with him, for the scheduled events, he had to use "only current models". When asked if that even meant old 6th edition spearmen from Empire were off limits, he was told again "only current models". I'm hoping they make exceptions for parts on new models, otherwise all of the creativity of the game would be gone.......oh wait. If you haven't go back and read one of my first posts here (just skip to the Epiphany part- we can wait)

Welcome back - so yeah. Another bit of the sameness taking over, is it any wonder that we are growing (more on that later) on the Oldhammer front. Just remember, try to post some pics of projects - not more stuff to sell (we do have a trading area for that!). Or even better, create your own blog (and let me or RealmofChaos80s know!) I have a large amount of them somewhere on the right side of this page - so visit them, get inspired and share more (and I can add your blog to the list)! One thing I need to add of course, to make mine an official blog will be battle reports. I'm going to have some from Oldhammer Day, but the 15 yr old sprog is working on some figs for a 3rd ed game (probably won't be until after soccer season....mhmm, wonder who in the premier league is willing to pay for a young goalie now ;) ). And I just can't take anymore on....with 4 kids, believe me I have enough! But I am going to make it my Before New Year's resolution to put up some cool Battle Reports (one each of Warhammer, Rogue Trader, and EPIC!).

I also just found out there were a group of guys in New York who did not know about our Oldhammer Day - and now looks like they are going to journey down, so there are still those out there who don't know we are all meeting up, just remember, the more you tell, the more that will show up for Trade and Auction night at the hotel! ;)

Once again, Thanks Rusty for the pictures, and the awesome work, and Thanks to Rusty's better half, we all know he wouldn't be half the man without you!

Rusty's Corner: Hobby Update - Warband and Spined Dragon!

I already showed off the warband, but wanted people to be able to find it as done by Rusty! Here is his warband:

And I know Rusty put up some of these photos on the FB group, but here is some cool looks of his Spined Dragon (and not shown on facebook, even a glimpse of Kegox!)

Don't you just hate him ;) Not to mention that huge score he just had of Oldhammer blisters, unopened! He's been working on the terrain as well, and hopefully we'll have an update just before we are all getting ready to leave for the big Weekend!

If you haven't yet, start up a blog, or just send me pics of your force that you are planning on taking to Oldhammer USA! Hoping to have another update soon!

How things grow, reunions, and some more from Rusty!

Well, think I have collected a ton of the BOYL pics, and am amazed at all the goodness, including those incredible metal Fortress and wall bits that Bryan Ansell brought out! And then they had to tease us with the painting wizards that were given away! But we have some great things going on for the Oldhammer USA day as well, and I'm just waiting to hear back from a few people to announce a ton of stuff. And I should have some pictures, and things for those who can not make it to this side of the pond...see we like to share ;)

But I have been quiet because while I was making the initial preparations for Oldhammer USA in Oct, my better half got a bug, and decided to host a reunion for her old gymnastics club. Now, I'm an old hand at sports, having played since I was 3 (soccer, or football to you non-americans) and through high school and into university (basketball). I also played rec leagues for years afterward. But my other half was an incredible Elite gymnast (think Olympic level). Her team (which was developed out of the club) won a state championship when we were in high school together (not to date her too much but - 1990!). She also went on to be on the national tumbling team, competing in Europe and Texas. So before I get into it, you have to understand that these girls were at least obsessed by gymnastics as we ever have been about gaming (before you disagree, realize they practiced 4-6 hours a day for years!). Basically, all the hard work they never show in those cool movies....

So they got together after 24 years, with most not seeing each other since then! They have gone on to be successful members of society (doctors, engineers, teachers, dentists, etc.) and lots of them have kids. It was a great weekend, and was incredibly good for all of them (they are already planning the next one).

So what do we care about (as I put it at the restaurant afterwards to embarrass her a bit) a bunch of "Old Chicks Who Used to Do Tricks"? Simple, the planning for this thing was mainly done by my girl, but could not have happened without a bunch of people lending a hand, time, or something. Same thing for our events. Looks like James initial run last year of Warbands, led to Erny and the gang doing an incredible Siege game there this year. I'm being joined by Rusty, Andy, and even Orclord from Stuff of Legends to get events run and games done - and even more! It is awesome, and I am just so excited to see it all. I even have a small update from Rusty....so expect to see this crew at Warbands time!

Rusty is almost done with these guys, shields and a bit more for the bases, and then they will be ready to take you on!

And speaking of guys who are helping, Vongamer is one of those running a Rogue Trader event. He recently put this up on the forums:

Greets All:
Just an update for the Rogue Trader 40K Game I'm planning on offering, and a bit about the journey to get there. I plan on a 4'x6' table, which I'll supply from my modular terrain. Pretty much an urban ruins fought over many times. My intention, for at least the first clash, is to provide all the miniatures,terrain,play aids,dice etc.

Mostly an infantry type encounter. Each force - ranging from 10 to about 20 figures - starts the game with a NEGATIVE points value - as I calculate from the RT book. So far I intend to offer various Space Marine Chapters, Pirates, Imperial Guard, Squats,a Genestealer Coven, Eldar Pirates, Chaos Marines,Orks...you get the picture. I can support as many players as wish to play.

As I am "tweaking" the individual profiles to make most figures unique in some way, including equipment (rad counters anyone?) forces will vary in original strength and capabilities. Thus the negative value. A stronger force will have to play more aggressively to gain victory. Each "kill" awards the winning force Victory Points based on the value of the defeated foe, double if eliminated in Close Combat. These points then reduce that negative starting value, shifting scores into positive territory as the game turns progress.

Additionally, players may opt to take on unique "missions" with points awarded for completion - less the longer it takes, or a penalty for failure. (Imperial Headquarters rewards success).
The table itself will also have GM controlled hazards and benefits. You can make/bust deals between players almost anytime. Victory judged at intermittent times during play.

I'm also thinking of introducing some "non-GW" forces for variety (I have a healthy collection of classic Dr. Who minis for example). I used this system at conventions etc in the past. I believe it works well. Walk ons can join without skewing the game. With lower forces it does allow picking up the game concepts easily. The profile sheets will also have the weapons capabilities listed as well. Not much "page flipping" that way. I do like a fast paced game so push decision making. Turn sequence (which player when) is random so no two turns are the same.

After this first game, I expect players to roll out the forces they brought, unless they just need a loaner force.

Some rules I'm using from the early publications:
1- Space Marines in Power Armor get a +1 bonus to hit in CC. Compilation Pg 27.
2- Various armor does slow movement.
3- Squads can start small or large as the player wishes.
4- Not all squad members must do the same thing - some can shoot, some can engage in CC. Just maintain coherency.

I've also found: Psychers - VERY expensive points wise. Equally VERY deadly.

I'll try to post some pictures soon of some of whats in store.
Hope this sounded interesting and fun.

Regards,
VonGamer

Lucky him, hes about 10 minutes from Dropzone, and is also looking for someone to try it out before Oldhammer Day; so drop him a note on the forums. Unfortunately I think it is about a 15 hour drive for some of us (maybe 16 to 17 if I take the girls ;( ) But I do plan on bringing some old Imperials and some Marines that I have in old chessex boxes (and I don't think they have seen a lick of paint since 1987-88!)

So big thanks to everyone giving a big hand in getting this thing off the ground. It will be a success I am sure, in spite of my planning, and due to all the hard work everyone is putting in, not to mention those incredible figs I expect to see there! Now my two weeks of reunion mess (and the clean up) are over, and I can make the final push for Oldhammer Day! Lots of painting still to do, but I'm sure that is the same for all of us. More to come soon!

Hobby Update - The Horror of it all!

Hey gang, quick hobby update before I get the Warband Rules all written up (scanning or getting the charts for everyone....)

I found these guys in a drawer (with one pink horror to follow). So I tried to get them painted up the other night. I know the pics are not great, but they look less drybrushed in person. None of the highlights were drybrushed, but they sure look like it here on the camera. Bit disappointed in that, and I have to come up with some cool bases for em....maybe I can come up with something cool.

One of the things that I have noticed is that I have not had tons of Hobby stuff up here yet, and unlike some other lucky guys I can't pop over to Bryan's or Tim's house to take photos (This is more jealousy than anger for sure Steve!) :)

But gaming, collecting, painting, are all parts of Oldhammer to me. Cool old Lead figures (mostly Citadel, but there are so many other worthy choices - I've just been collecting Citadel for so long ;) ), piles and piles of old lead are not doing me any good. I want to paint them, play with them, and in general spend some time with a bunch of people who have/and do the same! However, I do also want to take some time and paint a figure to the best of my ability for the Golden Gobbos in Baltimore. I doubt I'll ever paint like Rusty, Blue, Nico or any of the other various luminaries (Like the painting gods of yore - Andy Craig, Tim Prow, and the rest). I just want a figure done to the best of my ability, that I am f$%^ing proud of. Even if it gets just a "cool" from some one. I tend to paint to play, or in the case of others in a rush for one thing or another (an event - or my kids hanging off daddy as he paints). But I have some time - just over 5 months before OITNW 2014. So I'm going to come up with something that I think is cool, and attempt to make it shine. I hope you do the same - and we get a lot of guys entering. It is not about winning (really!) its more about sharing a passion for something cool.

Andrew Dyer put up some basic rules for the event - so check them out on the forums (or facebook) and get back with him or me. Do we want to go bigger? Include monsters as a category? This is more a celebration of all of us....the whole weekend! So lets make it for all of us - speak up....we have a little time!

Preliminary Rules on the forums

Also, I am typing up and scanning stuff for the warband rules (scanning as I type) and I should have them all set up. As part of this, like Orlygg, I rolled up my Warband for the event. So hopefully as I go over it, you can also get an idea of some things to do.....but we gotta see it if we can! So if you are in the states, get your pics up on the facebook group - or better yet, start a blog on your warband so we can all see your process. This will get as big as we can make it - I've heard of everything from Skaven form Canada, 10k worth of walking undead, too many points of Khorne for me to think about, My orcs, and a whole bunch of other stuff.......and I hope to see even more! So let us know what you might bring. Bring and Battles, the Siege, Warbands, Scenarios, Rogue Trader - possible two scenarios. We are going to have a blast and a host of things on offer.

I'm going to leave you with a picture of some of Rusty's Khorne army he is getting done for Oct. Rusty's running the Warband game with me, and also making some INCREDIBLE terrain for it....I know the plans, and if you know Rusty, he can sure make some gorgeous terrain. So I don't think anyone will want to miss this one......one thing I'll let you know before I go - We are using both books of ROC - so you can bring Warbands from all four gods or even undivided. Anyway, enjoy Rusty's Khorne WIP: