Imperial Guard Back in Action

As we continue to approach the 2013 season of Paul's Basement League, our gatherings have become "learn 6th Edition" events. 1500 points with the diagonal deployment and victory point scoring. We're working through each deployment and scoring type.

This weekend, I had the pleasure of standing across the table from Dan's impressive Tau force. It was so satisfying to have a medium sized game of 40k where everything on the table was painted (including the terrain!) Rather than ramble on with a battle report, I'll leave you the following pictures of our 7 turn, 8 to 8 tied battle. Thanks Dan!

Painting Guardsmen!

So the new season of PBL started earlier this month. We've gone back to 40k in celebration of 6th edition being released and with only one game under my belt with the new rules, I find myself intent on finishing my Imperial Guard. These are my counts-as Rough Rider conversions.

Mech Rough Riders

PBL 2012 - Round 4: Circle vs Cygnar & Skorne

Round 4 of this year's Paul's Basement League started with our second set of 25 point match-ups. I played 2 games; the first against Scott's Cygnar and the second against Wyatt's Skorne. Having spent so much time repairing and converting my Gorax, I was not able to finish any models completely to add to my paint-points for the season. (warning: many pics after the jump)

PBL Prep - Round 5

The next round of this year's Paul's Basement League (PBL) is just over a week away and I've got my work cut out for me. With an brave sense of determination, I've decided to completely change my list. Rather than Kaya some beasts and a handful of Bloodtrackers, I've decided to bring the "Boys of Orboros" to the next bout. Here is the list and the state of the union at the moment (I've got a lot of work to do):

Grayle the Farstrider (Assembled)
* Gorax (Needs highlights and basework)
* Warpwolf Stalker (Basecoated)
Druids of Orboros (Needs touch-up and highlights)
Shifting Stones (Finished)
Reeve Hunter (Primed)
War Wolf (Needs highlighting and basework)
Wolflord Morraig (Just assembled)

When Winning is Weak

I have an admission to make. I won a game this past weekend. It was weak. It was unsatisfying and hollow. Let me set the stage for you. We had our 3rd PBL event of the season. We had moved up to 25 points and were playing the No Man's Land scenario. I won the first 2 games of the day handily thanks to early game template attacks that set the stage for major advantages.

High Exemplar Kreoss

On to game 3. Jon and I have played many games in multiple systems and I always enjoy the challenge and camaraderie. His Menoth is a brick. He plays his Kreoss like I play Kreoss. 2 Heavies, 3-4 Lights and Cinerators (I use Bastions). Its a brick of flame-spewing death. I knew I had an uphill battle.

I moved into position quickly and took a chance to take out a flank of light jacks. The first charge found me getting a Repulsor Shield pushing me back (shame on me for not knowing or asking what a Blessing of Vengeance has.) Not only did my now pushed back Pureblood block the charge for my Feral to his other jack, but now I knew that I could only get one hit in. Fire ensued.

Blessing of Vengeance

Jon continued to burn me to a crisp as I crumbled to just a fraction of my force. I was punchy, it was late and we had an audience. We were all joking, but I was taking one of the worst beatings I've faced. Then it happened. Jon moved his last jack around some terrain and left it only half-way in No Man's Land. Turn to me. Without considering the consequences or reminding him of the scenario (which I always try to do,) I took my turn and ended the game. The second I said it, I regretted it. What a weak victory.

I know that its not my responsibility to remind my opponent about the rules or help out and give advice, but I am the veteran player in the group. I let my poor demeanor and my failing self esteem take over. What a jerk. I will not make that mistake again. Here is to good sportsmanship and the camaraderie that builds competitive and confident players. May one bad day be a lesson and a reminder of what we're really there for. Having fun with our models and each other.

Weekend of Warmachine & Hordes!

My Circle of Orboros, preparing to charge.

This past weekend kicked off the first weekend of this year's Paul's Basement League series of Warmachine and Hordes. We started with 15 points and played introductory games. For many of the players it was their first real experience with this Privateer Press system.