High Elves review part I: Core

So yes, it has been a while since I got a post out (a fact I am deeply ashamed of) and so I shall begin to redeem myself.

It's been about a month since the new High Elves came out and I think it's about time to start posting my review. I'm going to start with the core units as they are the foundation on which we'll be building lists. Also, it's the section that I think has undergone the most interesting changes.

So, without further ado, let's cut to the core of the matter.

I couldn't resist, sorry

Warmachine - Now for something completely different...

For a while I have been thinking of trying something different. After looking at various miniature wargames I decided on two I fancied having a go at: Warmachine and Pike & Shotte. My brother (and my most regular opponent) showed little interest in re-enacting the wars of the 17th century, so I opted first to have a stab at some full metal fantasy.

Warmachine is made by Privateer Press; consequently making it the first non-GW miniature game I have played. Unlike both Warhammer Fantasy and 40k, Warmachine does not require you to buy massive armies (unless you really want to) and functions mainly as a skirmish game where huge steam-powered robots controlled by powerful Warcasters attempt to beat each other to hell and back. Of the various factions available to me I chose the Protectorate of Menoth because of their zero-telerance policy towards heretics, pyromania and fancy robes.

The road to salvation is paved with the skulls of heretics!

With my brother also starting I had an opponent, ready to crush him beneath my righteous heel I managed to get both the Battle Box starter set and the Menoth hardback faction book off of ebay cheaply and set about my plans. Over the past two months I have been avidly reading everything I can about the Protectorate and slowly painting my first set of models which I will post as soon as I get the chance to photograph them.

The other day I had my first battle against Cygnar which ended with me smashing Coleman Stryker's smug face into a bloody pulp. It was most enjoyable and when I know the rules better I will post some of the battles I have against my brother. It was fun to try out a vastly different rule set to what I am accustomed to and I look forward to playing some more games in future.

With my Blackwing now mostly painted and not likely to expand any time soon, I have decided that this shall be my main project until my beloved Dark Elves or Sisters of Battle get a new book. I hope to be posting all kinds of Warmachine goodness over the next couple of months as I get to grips with the game and adding even more variety to the blog.

Glory to Menoth!

The Hobbit - Thror, The Last King Under the Mountain

Thror, mightiest of the dwarf kings, grandfather of Thorin Oakenshield and in my opinion one of the best models in GWs Middle-Earth range. Thror appears the very embodiment of the lonely mountain itself due to his flowing robes making his silhouette quite pyramidal and grey-white beard like a snow-capped peak. For one so obsessed with gold I painted him in as much of it as possible which should make him contrast nicely with what is likely to be a predominantly silver army.

King Thror

The Blackwing Part 9 - Dark Vengeance

Finally got hold of Dark Vengeance! I wasted no time in starting to get these painted up and ready to deliver the emperor's wrath. I decided that these tactical marines would lack the helmet modifications and robes of my earlier tactical marines as they are newly created space marines who are yet to earn their right to do so in battle. 

Squad Kant

The Blackwing Part 8 - Sons of the Skull

Young Hellcarian guardsmen who show devotion to the Inquisition and advanced battlefield aptitude are inducted into the Sons of the Skull. This elite military school currently serves to train new Blackwing recruits until a tenth company can be formed. Students are trained to peak physical fitness and regularly taken into battle with the Blackwing where they are taught the art of war, devotion to the Emperor and obedience to the Hellcarian Inquisitorial High Conclave. 

The Blackwing Part 7 - Devastators

I managed to get a battle against Chaos Space Marines the other week in which I killed droves of heretics but ultimately lost due to a seemingly indestructible Hellbrute that carved it's way through half my army in the latter part of the game. I had some very unlucky rolls and committed a few grave tactical errors; things went a bit pear-shaped around Turn 4 and despite killing most of the enemy I had failed to make up enough points to win. I have however learnt from my mistakes and plan on a rematch sometime in the next few months.

Squad Irenaeus

New High Elves!!!

Well, I've been absent for a while and for this I apologise. And so cue the obligatory, short, 'I'm still alive' post.

'It's aliiiiive...'

I've been having a busy time recently trying to get on top of my work load and I'm not quite there yet so you'll have to bear with me for a short time yet but do not fret! I will return...

After I'm done Haydn...

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

However, as the title of the post suggests I am very much excited for the new High Elf release looming before us. High Elves are my first love in the whole of the miniature wargaming world so I am champing at the bit to see them now as they look amazing I have ordered a copy of the army book and, once it arrives, I will begin a series of posts looking into this in detail so expect a very 'fantastical' (if you'll pardon the pun) set of posts coming up. I also have a few 40k articles in the works, as I often do so although I am quiet at this moment in time, once I am fully on top of my coursework/exams I will return with a vengeance.

Thanks for bearing with me folks.