We'll see.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Inquisition Force - The Slower Update
So, I've been rather unwell for the last few weeks, so as such there has been little work on the many various projects. That said, some work has been done on some of the various members of the ever growing Warbands.
As you can see, the gas mask cultist has become more serpent like and the beastman is now holding a torch. You may also notice the strange thing in the bottom middle. This conversion is the first of my Xeno Psykers, with only a base coat giving some colour to it.
As for my first Inquisitor, I've shortened the injector front part of the Needle Pistol and replaced the large belt pack with the Inquisitorial book from the Grey Knight Terminators. I'm still not sure about the Force Sword as it does appear to look very weighty compared to the Inquisitors frame. I'm considering replacing it with a Force Staff instead, so I'll get some advice on it. I'm also thinking of adding some light shoulder pads to help improve his look and to better help cover up the shoulders better.
We'll see.
We'll see.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Codex: Inquisition Short Review
It's still mostly a cut and paste from Codex: Grey Knights. The exceptions are some gear options (and Relics and Warlord Traits) for Inquisitors and Ministorum Priests have been added to the Henchmen list. Both Coteaz and Karamazov have Warlord Traits added to them and Coteaz has had his Henchmen rule changed from making Henchmen count as Troops instead of Elite's, the rule now makes Henchmen count as scoring units (which they could only do normally if the Inquisitorial Detachment was the Primary one). Likewise, some of the Henchmen have been adjusted, such as the Psykers ranged attack being the same stats, but it's now a psychic power and a psychic test must be past in order for it to cast (Failure means that each Psyker in the unit suffer a Perils of the Warp). Also added in are the Dedicated Transports. These include Rhino, Razorback, Chimera, Land Raider (and it's variants Crusader and Redeemer) as well as Valkyries.
Lore wise, it has some nice information on both the Inquisition and some of it's Inquisitors. There is also information, not just on the three main Ordos, but other Ordos too. One such Ordo is the Ordo Chronos, a mysterious Ordo dedicated to investigating and stopping events and effects produced by the Warp that causes Time Travel. The only problem is that the Ordo itself seems to have vanished, their fate can only be speculated on.
So now the negatives. Still no Inquisitorial Stormtroopers or other units like we had in the previous Codex: Daemonhunters and Codex: Witch hunters. While I'm not too bummed on that, it does mean you are very limited if you wanted an Inquisition only force. Still, there are many other Imperial Codexes that can be used to fill such gaps. What does annoy me is the removal of Inquisitor Helynna Valeria's rules from the HQ section. While they put her in the lore section of the Codex, she was completely removed from the Rules section. I know that they don't have a miniature for her, that shouldn't be a reason to remove the character. She was the Special Character representative for the Ordo Xenos and her removal just annoys me. I guess that's my major gripe with this Codex.
Overall, it is a good Codex and does mean my list has to be redone. It also means I will be doing a number of Inquisitors and a small Warband for each one.
Quick thought on: MLP S4 Ep 1 & 2
My thoughts:
It was good. Liked the flashbacks, though I really enjoyed reformed Discord. For me this character still has plenty of potential and just because he's reformed doesn't mean he can't play everyone with his tricks. Just because he's now good (or at least, we think he is), doesn't mean he has to play by the same rules as the others.
Not as obsessed as I once was with the show, but this was still enjoyable.
It was good. Liked the flashbacks, though I really enjoyed reformed Discord. For me this character still has plenty of potential and just because he's reformed doesn't mean he can't play everyone with his tricks. Just because he's now good (or at least, we think he is), doesn't mean he has to play by the same rules as the others.
Not as obsessed as I once was with the show, but this was still enjoyable.
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
Codex: Inquisition Info Update
From Their Blog:
The rules in this book allow you to add the agents of the Inquisition into any Imperial force (as well as fielding them, begrudgingly, alongside the armies some of the less belligerent alien races), or field them as an army in their own right.
The main focus is very definitely on the individual Inquisitors themselves, with every Inquisitor now having access to a bewildering array of options, wargear and armour, making them one of the most customisable characters in the galaxy (as it should be).
There are also plenty of ways to represent your Inquisitor’s alignment to a particular Ordo, from weapons, unique Inquisitorial relics and three Warlord Traits tables for Xenos, Hereticus and Malleus Inquisitors.
Speaking of Warlords, this codex allows you to have an Inquisitor leading your Imperial forces, even when he isn’t part of your Primary Detachment (would you argue with an Inquisitor about who’s in charge?).
Of course, Inquisitors rarely travel alone. Instead they bring with them experienced warriors and specialists, not to mention their pick of the best transports from across the Imperium.
...and with that said, my answer is Yes, I will be buying this. Not only can I continue to field a full Inquisition army, but the idea of siding with another race really appeals to me. This is beginning to sound much more acceptable to me and may finally get a book that can represent the Ordo Xenos. Perhaps GW has finally created something I may actually be really looking forward too.
The rules in this book allow you to add the agents of the Inquisition into any Imperial force (as well as fielding them, begrudgingly, alongside the armies some of the less belligerent alien races), or field them as an army in their own right.
The main focus is very definitely on the individual Inquisitors themselves, with every Inquisitor now having access to a bewildering array of options, wargear and armour, making them one of the most customisable characters in the galaxy (as it should be).
There are also plenty of ways to represent your Inquisitor’s alignment to a particular Ordo, from weapons, unique Inquisitorial relics and three Warlord Traits tables for Xenos, Hereticus and Malleus Inquisitors.
Speaking of Warlords, this codex allows you to have an Inquisitor leading your Imperial forces, even when he isn’t part of your Primary Detachment (would you argue with an Inquisitor about who’s in charge?).
Of course, Inquisitors rarely travel alone. Instead they bring with them experienced warriors and specialists, not to mention their pick of the best transports from across the Imperium.
...and with that said, my answer is Yes, I will be buying this. Not only can I continue to field a full Inquisition army, but the idea of siding with another race really appeals to me. This is beginning to sound much more acceptable to me and may finally get a book that can represent the Ordo Xenos. Perhaps GW has finally created something I may actually be really looking forward too.
Monday, 4 November 2013
(Coming Soon) Codex: Inquisition - My initial thoughts
(My Inquisitor is defiantly a Xenotech Collector)
Monday, 28 October 2013
Warhammer: Fantasy Vs 40K Results
Finally got around to looking at this, but alas, this article won't be as big as I originally intended it to be. Given all that I've found out on this subject, the results were basically down to this:
40K wins, but only due to the rules.
Sort of seems limited doesn't it. Simply put, it was faster (and to a degree, slightly more simple) to play a game of 40K over Fantasy Battle. Given that you need less models and that they are all skirmish stance, it was more easier to move them about and to react to changes on the battlefield. Shooting is 40K is simply rolling on a table based on a models Ballistic Skill (BS) and while in Fantasy it's rolling on a BS table, there are also modifiers involved too. Also, that combat is easier with AP values simply ignoring armour of the same AP value (or worse) in 40K then it was to deduct the armour save modifier off armour value that's in Fantasy.
40K Example: Weapon has AP 4 so amour values of 4, 5 and 6 are ignored.
Fantasy Example: Attacker has Str 3 and has Great Weapon (+2 Str) to have Str 5. Against Armour Save of 3+, the save of that model is now 5+ (Str 5 = armour save modifier of -2, so 2 worse off 3 is 5).
Admittedly, Warhammer 40K 6th Edition has attempted to match it's Fantasy cousin with the introduction of more complicated rules. Some of these rules even seem a little too unnecessary for a game like this. Word also has it that the Fantasy team are looking into the complaints by players about the problems in 8th Edition with the hope that some will be rectified in the future 9th Edition release.
There are the general complaints that also go with this argument, such as trying to paint so many models that sorta look the same (Fantasy based one), which became more annoying thanks to the 'hordes' rule in 8th Edition, to the 40K complaints like there being too many Space Marine chapters. Both a legitimate complaints for me and indeed, I can relate to both. Yes, many do look the same (Night Goblin Unit for example) and you do need to do some serious converting and painting for such things (would like to point out that 40K's Imperial Guard and Ork boyz I will lump into this category too) and yes, I do believe that there are too many Space Marine chapters. For a group of limited genetically engineered super humans who don't have the tech to reproduce their gene seeds, there seems to be more now then there were during the Horus Heresy and that's not including those that have turned to Chaos since.
Both sides have equal arguments when it comes to the hobby and the lore, but both exist on the same side. One must also put aside the settings of Fantasy and Sci-fi as these are more personal likes over the actual games themselves. This leaves just the rules and so that's the only thing that seems justified by the research.
So where do I stand on this?
I play the games rarely and spend more time reading the stories and converting and painting. I have at least one usable army for both games and continually have ideas for new ones. That said, I prefer Fantasy over 40K. It's my personal preference, more of the hobby compared to the rules. That said, I do enjoy using the rules at times, with the constant disasters that befell my Skaven on a regular basis. I find the Fantasy universe more exciting then the 40K one, which I feel is lack luster as they have so much variation crammed into one world in Fantasy, yet for an entire galaxy that is 40K, there doesn't seem to be much there and what is there seems all the same. Again, this is purely my personal preference and is here to show the difference between a single individual over the general consensus.
So whether you agree or not, remember this: The Dark Gods exist in both and they are always watching.
40K wins, but only due to the rules.
Sort of seems limited doesn't it. Simply put, it was faster (and to a degree, slightly more simple) to play a game of 40K over Fantasy Battle. Given that you need less models and that they are all skirmish stance, it was more easier to move them about and to react to changes on the battlefield. Shooting is 40K is simply rolling on a table based on a models Ballistic Skill (BS) and while in Fantasy it's rolling on a BS table, there are also modifiers involved too. Also, that combat is easier with AP values simply ignoring armour of the same AP value (or worse) in 40K then it was to deduct the armour save modifier off armour value that's in Fantasy.
40K Example: Weapon has AP 4 so amour values of 4, 5 and 6 are ignored.
Fantasy Example: Attacker has Str 3 and has Great Weapon (+2 Str) to have Str 5. Against Armour Save of 3+, the save of that model is now 5+ (Str 5 = armour save modifier of -2, so 2 worse off 3 is 5).
Admittedly, Warhammer 40K 6th Edition has attempted to match it's Fantasy cousin with the introduction of more complicated rules. Some of these rules even seem a little too unnecessary for a game like this. Word also has it that the Fantasy team are looking into the complaints by players about the problems in 8th Edition with the hope that some will be rectified in the future 9th Edition release.
There are the general complaints that also go with this argument, such as trying to paint so many models that sorta look the same (Fantasy based one), which became more annoying thanks to the 'hordes' rule in 8th Edition, to the 40K complaints like there being too many Space Marine chapters. Both a legitimate complaints for me and indeed, I can relate to both. Yes, many do look the same (Night Goblin Unit for example) and you do need to do some serious converting and painting for such things (would like to point out that 40K's Imperial Guard and Ork boyz I will lump into this category too) and yes, I do believe that there are too many Space Marine chapters. For a group of limited genetically engineered super humans who don't have the tech to reproduce their gene seeds, there seems to be more now then there were during the Horus Heresy and that's not including those that have turned to Chaos since.
Both sides have equal arguments when it comes to the hobby and the lore, but both exist on the same side. One must also put aside the settings of Fantasy and Sci-fi as these are more personal likes over the actual games themselves. This leaves just the rules and so that's the only thing that seems justified by the research.
So where do I stand on this?
I play the games rarely and spend more time reading the stories and converting and painting. I have at least one usable army for both games and continually have ideas for new ones. That said, I prefer Fantasy over 40K. It's my personal preference, more of the hobby compared to the rules. That said, I do enjoy using the rules at times, with the constant disasters that befell my Skaven on a regular basis. I find the Fantasy universe more exciting then the 40K one, which I feel is lack luster as they have so much variation crammed into one world in Fantasy, yet for an entire galaxy that is 40K, there doesn't seem to be much there and what is there seems all the same. Again, this is purely my personal preference and is here to show the difference between a single individual over the general consensus.
So whether you agree or not, remember this: The Dark Gods exist in both and they are always watching.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
How to Survive
Just been playing this new release game 'How to Survive' and so far it's good. Much as you would expect from a zombie survival game, there are the four base things you need to keep track of (Health, Sleep, Food and Drink) and as with the more recent ones, more annoying zombies come out at night.
You start with a stick as a weapon, but as you go along you will find (and more importantly, make) weapons that will be more useful. There is plenty of things you will need to collect and this brings to the second problem you will encounter, storage space. You will need to manage your inventory as you will need food, water, ammunition (for range weapons) along with crafting materials and so forth.
Zombies are fairly easy to take out at first. However, you will find that in greater numbers they can become a real problem and as you level, more types beging to appear. These can be solved more easily with the right weapon, but it may be some time before you get the plans to make them, so be very careful until you do.
Overall, this game is mostly enjoyable, but I'm really looking forward to playing co-op with my brother. Perhaps I'll give a better review after I give that one a go.
You start with a stick as a weapon, but as you go along you will find (and more importantly, make) weapons that will be more useful. There is plenty of things you will need to collect and this brings to the second problem you will encounter, storage space. You will need to manage your inventory as you will need food, water, ammunition (for range weapons) along with crafting materials and so forth.
Zombies are fairly easy to take out at first. However, you will find that in greater numbers they can become a real problem and as you level, more types beging to appear. These can be solved more easily with the right weapon, but it may be some time before you get the plans to make them, so be very careful until you do.
Overall, this game is mostly enjoyable, but I'm really looking forward to playing co-op with my brother. Perhaps I'll give a better review after I give that one a go.
Saturday, 19 October 2013
The Stanley Parable
......and to simply put, the more I play this game, the more I think I'll go insane.
Still, love the narrators voice.
Still, love the narrators voice.
Monday, 14 October 2013
Inquisitor Acolyte Update
UPDAATTEEE!!!
So anyway, cult leader will be a tech guy and am looking at various conversion options. Am now considering a strange conversion with the gas mask trooper and as for the green stuff faced man, have shaved it off to add a skull banner top to be a sort of mask. May also add some knives to him as well as he is a sort of interrogator like character.
Friday, 11 October 2013
Possessed Champion Update
Just a quick update, got base paint on main model and still working on backpack:
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Playing: Rayman Legends
It's hard to describe this one as it is both fun and frustrating at the same time. Been playing it for a little while now and I can't decide just where I stand with it.
The game is beautiful, both in it's art style and with it's music. It reminds me of platform games of old, with levels that had wonderful background, gorgeous colours and music that really matches what's on screen.
Gameplay is good, with fairly basic controls and game speed which goes from normal to fast pace. This is also where my only grief with the game lies as sometimes it moves so fast I can barely keep up without it hurting my eyes. This in turn leads to frustration and can ruin the experience. Obviously the game will be more fun with other players (something I'll get to this weekend), so perhaps this little nit pick is mostly due to lack of sleep from the past few days.
Still, I do love this game. It's very colourful and gives me a feeling that these worlds are ment for adventure, something all platform games should be.
The game is beautiful, both in it's art style and with it's music. It reminds me of platform games of old, with levels that had wonderful background, gorgeous colours and music that really matches what's on screen.
Gameplay is good, with fairly basic controls and game speed which goes from normal to fast pace. This is also where my only grief with the game lies as sometimes it moves so fast I can barely keep up without it hurting my eyes. This in turn leads to frustration and can ruin the experience. Obviously the game will be more fun with other players (something I'll get to this weekend), so perhaps this little nit pick is mostly due to lack of sleep from the past few days.
Still, I do love this game. It's very colourful and gives me a feeling that these worlds are ment for adventure, something all platform games should be.
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Kill Team and that sword
Kill Team
So, my plans for a 500pt Chaos Space Marine force failed (like most things I do) and I went with the Inquisition force. I did, however, decide to do a Kill Team with the models I had obtained.
The Kill Team will be that of a Possessed Chaos Space Marine group, mostly because I love the idea behind these monsters. The plan will be for a group consisting of between 6 or 7 models. They will have the Mark of Tzeentch and their champion willhave two Gifts of Mutation. The five WiP shown here are the base of the group.
This little beauty will be their champion, a converted Chaos Lord. I decided that this Kill Team are more mercenary like in nature, owing allegiance to no one and serve only their dark god and his will. As such, I want their leader to really stand out from the group and perhaps the Daemon within him is greater then the ones his fellow marines possess.
Another one, I may or may not add him yet. Will decide on that option once all the rest are finished.
Inquisitor
About half way to two thirds finished. Still deciding if I need to add patterns or extras to him.
I did attempt to make his sword more 'force sword' like. Not happy with the results, but that's probably because it was my first attempt at doing it and that I'm terrible at blending.
I guess it'll do for the time being. Perhaps I'll get batter at it and will one day return to fix it up.
Been a busy week and still going to be busy for a few more. With any luck I'll get a chance to finish the six model Kill Team and Inquisitor with in those next few weeks.
So, my plans for a 500pt Chaos Space Marine force failed (like most things I do) and I went with the Inquisition force. I did, however, decide to do a Kill Team with the models I had obtained.
Inquisitor
About half way to two thirds finished. Still deciding if I need to add patterns or extras to him.
Been a busy week and still going to be busy for a few more. With any luck I'll get a chance to finish the six model Kill Team and Inquisitor with in those next few weeks.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Uploads Tomorrow
Says it all really. Got five models done for the Inquisitor force and have already started painting up my Inquisitor. Trying to finish up these ones so I can get some more room on this blasted desk.
Till then...
Till then...
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Getting a better understanding...
With the whole 'What's better: 40K or Fantasy Battle?', I decided to ask around and find out the reasons behind why people favour one over the other. Putting aside the liking of a genre (Fantasy or Sci-fi) I believe I know some of the reasons behind them and why people will ask you to play one over the other. I will write an article here about it in a bit more detail, so expect to see it up here very soon.
Seems October 31st is Zombie Apocalypse at the GW stores. My brother and I participated in the last one and it was very enjoyable. While sadly my Ork Warboss didn't make the 40K survival list, my Dwarf lord went down swinging in his match. Survived to the end, surounded by zombies, swinging his axe and singing songs in his drunken state. All the while his 'allies' were too busy fighting each other. This year I think I'll use my (under construction) Inquisitor, but I don't think he'll last long. As for Fantasy, I'm going to throw old Skrag the Gatekeeper into this mess. Just needs a touch up with paint and he's ready to go.
Also, re-evaluating my bases for the Inquisition army. While I do love my unknown alien look, they do pail in comparison to other green stuff bases I've seen on the net. While I admit I will never be that good, I do think I can improve on them.....it's just that I still need to make atleast another 12+ bases and time isn't kind to me. That said, will look around for some more tips to help improve.
Seems October 31st is Zombie Apocalypse at the GW stores. My brother and I participated in the last one and it was very enjoyable. While sadly my Ork Warboss didn't make the 40K survival list, my Dwarf lord went down swinging in his match. Survived to the end, surounded by zombies, swinging his axe and singing songs in his drunken state. All the while his 'allies' were too busy fighting each other. This year I think I'll use my (under construction) Inquisitor, but I don't think he'll last long. As for Fantasy, I'm going to throw old Skrag the Gatekeeper into this mess. Just needs a touch up with paint and he's ready to go.
Also, re-evaluating my bases for the Inquisition army. While I do love my unknown alien look, they do pail in comparison to other green stuff bases I've seen on the net. While I admit I will never be that good, I do think I can improve on them.....it's just that I still need to make atleast another 12+ bases and time isn't kind to me. That said, will look around for some more tips to help improve.
Friday, 27 September 2013
Bitz Update
Las pistols have arrived, so I can finally start on those models. Also been thinking about the Snotling conversion I was planning and I think for the best set of walker legs (for the base size anyway) would probably be best to use a Necron models. As for which model I'm still not sure, but should be a model that I can atleast get other uses from it's left over parts. The Illuminor Szeras sadly is based for 40mm and so would be unsuitable, but I do think this Anrakyr the Traveller might be more suitable (his arm might make a good bionic part, but not sure about his metal skirt though). Will continue to keep looking into this one.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Skarsnik Short Review
Warning: Contains some spoilers.
Sweet Mork (or was it Gork?) am I late with this one. So anyway, this book is actually an origin story and is one of the more better ones I've read. I admit, I feel only certain characters can get away with an origin story about them and Skarsnik is one of them (compared to some others like Queek Headtaker, who I don't see having an origin story would work). This book does good in giving a little insight into some of the aspects of Goblins and their lives, which I did find very interesting.
The story is from three views and while all three seem to mix with each other, you never feel confused as to who's view it is. The three in question are Kaspar Wollendrop, a man doing extensive research into Goblins; Jeremiah Bickenstadt, former poet but now asylum resident who was once captured by Skarsnik to write the accounts of the Warlord (the reason why Kaspar is there); and finally Skarsnik, who Jeremiah recounts the Warlords own life story as the greenskin saw it.
After a brief introduction to the first character and the location he's in, the story moves onto Jeremiah and his own quick life account before the events that saw his capture and travel the lair of the dreaded Night Goblin Warlord. From here on in the story is mostly about the life story of Skarsnik, from his birthing, his rise and fall, before rising again to become the great Skarsnik. In between the book takes a break in between ether to give Jeremiah a chance to explain his time as a captive, or to Kasper and the reasons why he took up trying to study Goblins (and his fear of them).
I guess my only complaint is that it does seem less interesting when it comes to the Human parts of the book. This is probably a nitpick, but I just couldn't get into the Human characters compared to Skarsnik. While it is his book, the Humans are the connecting parts and if anything, it's the introduction in the book that lets it down. That said, the latter parts are more of a intermission to Skarsnik's own tale and does work a lot better there (and they're shorter compared to the introduction too).
Again, the book does give some nice insight into Goblins, such as a Goblin can find his name changing as he rises through the ranks or the difference between the intelligent Skarsnik compared to his sadistic minions. It also explains the story behind Gobbla and even Gork and Mork make an appearance, showing that no one can seem to tell which God is which. For the most part, I did enjoy this book. I find that any Goblin (particularly Night Goblin) fans will enjoy it. While it might not be to everyone's taste, I feel Warhammer fans might find it a good read as it is a nice explanation into the origins of the character Skarsnik.
The story is from three views and while all three seem to mix with each other, you never feel confused as to who's view it is. The three in question are Kaspar Wollendrop, a man doing extensive research into Goblins; Jeremiah Bickenstadt, former poet but now asylum resident who was once captured by Skarsnik to write the accounts of the Warlord (the reason why Kaspar is there); and finally Skarsnik, who Jeremiah recounts the Warlords own life story as the greenskin saw it.
After a brief introduction to the first character and the location he's in, the story moves onto Jeremiah and his own quick life account before the events that saw his capture and travel the lair of the dreaded Night Goblin Warlord. From here on in the story is mostly about the life story of Skarsnik, from his birthing, his rise and fall, before rising again to become the great Skarsnik. In between the book takes a break in between ether to give Jeremiah a chance to explain his time as a captive, or to Kasper and the reasons why he took up trying to study Goblins (and his fear of them).
I guess my only complaint is that it does seem less interesting when it comes to the Human parts of the book. This is probably a nitpick, but I just couldn't get into the Human characters compared to Skarsnik. While it is his book, the Humans are the connecting parts and if anything, it's the introduction in the book that lets it down. That said, the latter parts are more of a intermission to Skarsnik's own tale and does work a lot better there (and they're shorter compared to the introduction too).
Again, the book does give some nice insight into Goblins, such as a Goblin can find his name changing as he rises through the ranks or the difference between the intelligent Skarsnik compared to his sadistic minions. It also explains the story behind Gobbla and even Gork and Mork make an appearance, showing that no one can seem to tell which God is which. For the most part, I did enjoy this book. I find that any Goblin (particularly Night Goblin) fans will enjoy it. While it might not be to everyone's taste, I feel Warhammer fans might find it a good read as it is a nice explanation into the origins of the character Skarsnik.
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Asthma and Cats
No, for once these two are not related. A few weeks back I had a chest infection and just as I thought it was gone, I found myself bed ridden with Asthma over the weekend. Now once again I'm back in bed with it and it's bloody hot.
The good news? Just received in the mail today: Samurai Pizza Cats Col 1 from Madman Entertainment. I love this show, it was one of the few I watched when I was in primary school. Every morning we'd get ready while this show was on T.V and I was a big fan. Now, finally, it's on DVD here in Australia. So while I may be in bed coughing out the remnants of my lungs, I can do so with a smile on my face watching some of these classic episodes.
Also, love the cover.
The good news? Just received in the mail today: Samurai Pizza Cats Col 1 from Madman Entertainment. I love this show, it was one of the few I watched when I was in primary school. Every morning we'd get ready while this show was on T.V and I was a big fan. Now, finally, it's on DVD here in Australia. So while I may be in bed coughing out the remnants of my lungs, I can do so with a smile on my face watching some of these classic episodes.
Thursday, 19 September 2013
The Inquisitorial List
So, this is the planned list for the 500pt Inquisitor Force. This list shows what's planned, is model or conversion and progress (if any):
HQ:
- Inquisitor Coteaz (original model with converted hood just to add effect)
- Inquisitor/Ordo Xenos with Needle Pistol, Power Weapon and Digital Weapons (Model Converted - Just needs painting)
Troops:
- Henchmen Group 1 (attached to Coteaz)
- Arco-Flagellant (Ur-Ghul model - Done)
- Arco-Flagellant (Kroot - Done)
- Deathcult Assassin x2 (DE Wyches - Slight conversion - just need painting)
- Inquisitorial Servitor (IG/SM Servitor - Done)
- Warrior Acolyte with Power Weapon (Necromunda 'The Caller' on foot model - needs painting)
- Warrior Acolytes x6 (converted chaos cultists)
- Henchmen Group 2 (attached to Ordo Xenos Inquisitor)
- Daemonhost (converted creature, not a daemonhost but a warp based xeno entity)
- Crusader (converted Dwarf Ironbreaker - Done)
- Inquisitorial Servitor with Heavy Bolter (Done)
- Jokaero Weaponsmoth x2 (One done, need the second)
- Psyker (converted xeno creature in robe riding another xeno creature)
- Warrior Acolyte with Carapace Armour (CA) and Hotshot Lasgun (Tau convert - Done)
- Warrior Acolyte with CA and Meltagun (Lizardman Conversion)
- Warrior Acolyte with CA and Flamer (Skaven model - Done)
- Warrior Acolyte with CA and Stormbolter (Snotling conversion)
- Henchmen Group 3 (solo group)
- Psyker x3 (Imperial Guard 3 pack set)
- Warrior Acolyte with Bolter (Necromunda House Escher gang leader)
- Warrior Acolyte with Bolter (This slot is still open for ideas)
- Warrior Acolyte with CA and Hotshot Lasgun (Vostroyan Gardsman - Done)
- Warrior Acolyte (converted chaos cultist)
This list contains 31 models and so far I have a total of 6 done. I admit that this project is a little bigger then normal and some of the conversions will be slow, but I am glad I did only choose 500pts as anymore and it might never get done. The list itself is still open to alterations, mostly through plain Warrior Acolytes.
Also, you may notice that this list isn't a very powerful one and is somewhat confusing with so many options in small groups. The reason is, that this list is more about me having a more story driven group and having fun with the various characters I create, convert and paint.
As always, I'm opened to ideas...
Update: Good news, the cultist arrived and so I can plan some of the conversions. I admit I will need to order las pistols and a little green stuff should do the trick (though those chaos gear things are something else that will need some work). Might convert one with a Beastmen look and perhaps throw a Skink in for good measure (got some spear parts lying around here somewhere).
HQ:
- Inquisitor Coteaz (original model with converted hood just to add effect)
- Inquisitor/Ordo Xenos with Needle Pistol, Power Weapon and Digital Weapons (Model Converted - Just needs painting)
Troops:
- Henchmen Group 1 (attached to Coteaz)
- Arco-Flagellant (Ur-Ghul model - Done)
- Arco-Flagellant (Kroot - Done)
- Deathcult Assassin x2 (DE Wyches - Slight conversion - just need painting)
- Inquisitorial Servitor (IG/SM Servitor - Done)
- Warrior Acolyte with Power Weapon (Necromunda 'The Caller' on foot model - needs painting)
- Warrior Acolytes x6 (converted chaos cultists)
- Henchmen Group 2 (attached to Ordo Xenos Inquisitor)
- Daemonhost (converted creature, not a daemonhost but a warp based xeno entity)
- Crusader (converted Dwarf Ironbreaker - Done)
- Inquisitorial Servitor with Heavy Bolter (Done)
- Jokaero Weaponsmoth x2 (One done, need the second)
- Psyker (converted xeno creature in robe riding another xeno creature)
- Warrior Acolyte with Carapace Armour (CA) and Hotshot Lasgun (Tau convert - Done)
- Warrior Acolyte with CA and Meltagun (Lizardman Conversion)
- Warrior Acolyte with CA and Flamer (Skaven model - Done)
- Warrior Acolyte with CA and Stormbolter (Snotling conversion)
- Henchmen Group 3 (solo group)
- Psyker x3 (Imperial Guard 3 pack set)
- Warrior Acolyte with Bolter (Necromunda House Escher gang leader)
- Warrior Acolyte with Bolter (This slot is still open for ideas)
- Warrior Acolyte with CA and Hotshot Lasgun (Vostroyan Gardsman - Done)
- Warrior Acolyte (converted chaos cultist)
This list contains 31 models and so far I have a total of 6 done. I admit that this project is a little bigger then normal and some of the conversions will be slow, but I am glad I did only choose 500pts as anymore and it might never get done. The list itself is still open to alterations, mostly through plain Warrior Acolytes.
Also, you may notice that this list isn't a very powerful one and is somewhat confusing with so many options in small groups. The reason is, that this list is more about me having a more story driven group and having fun with the various characters I create, convert and paint.
As always, I'm opened to ideas...
Update: Good news, the cultist arrived and so I can plan some of the conversions. I admit I will need to order las pistols and a little green stuff should do the trick (though those chaos gear things are something else that will need some work). Might convert one with a Beastmen look and perhaps throw a Skink in for good measure (got some spear parts lying around here somewhere).
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Projects: 18/9/13
Was considering a 500pt 40K force to get back into the hobby, but it got confusing. Tried to do Chaos Space Marines, but didn't feel right. As for the possessed and a few more chaos models I got, I plan to make them into a kill team for whatever future events happen. As for the 500pt force? Going to stick with an Inquisition force, though it does mean I will need Inquisitor Coteaz to field it.
Speaking of which, currently painting three members today, with a few more in production. I will put up the list eventually, along with the planned models to go with it.
Also in the works will be rodents, both Skaven and Mousling. Mouslings will be done every now and then just to keep my enjoyment in the hobby going. As for the Skaven, apart from the Eshin Mordheim group, I do plan to convert and paint a couple of story driven characters of my own creation. This group of four are more for show and would only be used in narrative games. I may also do the occasional High Elf and Gobbo from time to time as well.
Photography wise, am messing with the settings to see what results I can get, but it is obvious I need a better camera (particularly since I really want to do night shots). If I get a good pic, I'll upload it.
Finally, I'm designing an armour set for Storm Spear. I mentioned under Corrupticus' original designs that in series two the gem was lodged in his chest. The reason for this was at the end of series one, Corrupticus and Storm Spear had their grand showdown. In this battle, Storm Spear wore a set of runic armour made specifically for him called The Stormlord's Wrath. This is the armour that I'm trying to design and I hope to finish the initial design shortly. I'll probably redo the profiles of these characters in the future as well, since they've evolved with a stronger story behind them.
Speaking of which, currently painting three members today, with a few more in production. I will put up the list eventually, along with the planned models to go with it.
Also in the works will be rodents, both Skaven and Mousling. Mouslings will be done every now and then just to keep my enjoyment in the hobby going. As for the Skaven, apart from the Eshin Mordheim group, I do plan to convert and paint a couple of story driven characters of my own creation. This group of four are more for show and would only be used in narrative games. I may also do the occasional High Elf and Gobbo from time to time as well.
Photography wise, am messing with the settings to see what results I can get, but it is obvious I need a better camera (particularly since I really want to do night shots). If I get a good pic, I'll upload it.
Finally, I'm designing an armour set for Storm Spear. I mentioned under Corrupticus' original designs that in series two the gem was lodged in his chest. The reason for this was at the end of series one, Corrupticus and Storm Spear had their grand showdown. In this battle, Storm Spear wore a set of runic armour made specifically for him called The Stormlord's Wrath. This is the armour that I'm trying to design and I hope to finish the initial design shortly. I'll probably redo the profiles of these characters in the future as well, since they've evolved with a stronger story behind them.
Rumours: Blood Bowl VS Inquisitor
Since the release of Space Hulk there were rumours of a return to specialist games, though when the models for said games started disappearing it seem to crush them. Recently, word came out that a possible Blood Bowl box set would make a return, which lasted until a few months ago when another rumour occurred to say that it wasn't Blood Bowl, but a scaled down version of Inquisitor (28mm based models this time). Personally, I feel rumours are the bane of any gamer, the need to give an opinion is also something I can't resist.
While I would prefer any of these two games, I think the most plausible one for Games-Workshop to release would be Inquisitor. The main reason: No extra support needed. The problem with a re-release of Blood Bowl (or Mordheim, Necromunda, Battlefleet Gothic .etc) is that these games would need to be supported with future races/groups/supplements and that seems to be something Games-Workshop is incapable of at this time.
This is where Inquisitor works. It needs only a few adjustments from the original rules (along with an FAQ for mistakes and adjustments) and the models provided would be sufficient. Indeed, any additional ones could be purchased/converted from their 40K range. This means that after the official release and FAQ, there is (apart from a few White Dwarf articles) little reason to spend major amounts of time investing in it's future.
Again, this is merely my view on it, but given their business practices, it makes the most sense (that is, if they were going to do it from the beginning).
While I would prefer any of these two games, I think the most plausible one for Games-Workshop to release would be Inquisitor. The main reason: No extra support needed. The problem with a re-release of Blood Bowl (or Mordheim, Necromunda, Battlefleet Gothic .etc) is that these games would need to be supported with future races/groups/supplements and that seems to be something Games-Workshop is incapable of at this time.
This is where Inquisitor works. It needs only a few adjustments from the original rules (along with an FAQ for mistakes and adjustments) and the models provided would be sufficient. Indeed, any additional ones could be purchased/converted from their 40K range. This means that after the official release and FAQ, there is (apart from a few White Dwarf articles) little reason to spend major amounts of time investing in it's future.
Again, this is merely my view on it, but given their business practices, it makes the most sense (that is, if they were going to do it from the beginning).
Monday, 9 September 2013
Paint is back
Next are the recent additions to the Ordo Xenos Inquisitorial Warband. Tactics Expert Sasha (Warrior Acolyte - Tau names are hard to make, so I figured that the Inquisitor would call her Sasha instead) and Master Hunter Gar'too (Arco-Flagellant - Kroot names are even harder to come up with, plus I find this name amusing).
With this bunch done, I hope to have more up within the next few weeks.
The Pender Bender (How is this possible?)
Just how the hell is this possible? How is it that Ken Penders get's rights for characters created and published through Archie Comics? Why did Archie backdoor him a deal?
With any company you work for, anything that you create that is published through that company is owned by said company unless written otherwise in a contract. As such, copyright of said material is owned by that company and you have no say in what happens to that material. The only way I can see that such a thing possible was if somehow Archie comics screwed up and screwed up badly. While I doubt he'll be successful is his lawsuit of SEGA and EA, although the characters he could claim (video game wise) are the Dark Legion, which had many similarities to the Echidna's from Sonic Chronicles. Such things are why SEGA never made a game with Archie characters. Certainly it makes sense why Archie has done a series of 'DC Reboots' in it's attempt to fade many of these characters off, much to my annoyance.
I have nothing against Penders as a person, but I never saw the point in Penders' actions and it certainly hasn't improved his image amongst the fan base. I'm surprised that he'd be allowed to use the characters in any paid form without SEGA's permission as their designs (e.g Echidnas etc) are associated with SEGA owned character designs (and could count against the copyright of their characters). All I know is that I've long since lost respect for the man (lost it when he first launched his bid for copyright control) and will now have to endure the painful demise of some of my favourite characters within the Sonic Universe.
One must also wonder what effect it could have on the comic book future too.
With any company you work for, anything that you create that is published through that company is owned by said company unless written otherwise in a contract. As such, copyright of said material is owned by that company and you have no say in what happens to that material. The only way I can see that such a thing possible was if somehow Archie comics screwed up and screwed up badly. While I doubt he'll be successful is his lawsuit of SEGA and EA, although the characters he could claim (video game wise) are the Dark Legion, which had many similarities to the Echidna's from Sonic Chronicles. Such things are why SEGA never made a game with Archie characters. Certainly it makes sense why Archie has done a series of 'DC Reboots' in it's attempt to fade many of these characters off, much to my annoyance.
I have nothing against Penders as a person, but I never saw the point in Penders' actions and it certainly hasn't improved his image amongst the fan base. I'm surprised that he'd be allowed to use the characters in any paid form without SEGA's permission as their designs (e.g Echidnas etc) are associated with SEGA owned character designs (and could count against the copyright of their characters). All I know is that I've long since lost respect for the man (lost it when he first launched his bid for copyright control) and will now have to endure the painful demise of some of my favourite characters within the Sonic Universe.
One must also wonder what effect it could have on the comic book future too.
Sunday, 8 September 2013
The Election Results are in...
..and the Australian people lost. Actually, I sort of new this was
coming, given that the Murdoch media had shoved Tony in our face
demanding you vote for him, but also giving more strength to my theory
that a person will vote against the person they hate over voting for
good polices. With Tony's plans to cut funding from health, education,
scientific research, farmer support, etc, just what damage can the Federal
version of Campbell Newman do?
Only the Dark Gods of Chaos know...
Only the Dark Gods of Chaos know...
Saturday, 24 August 2013
So anyway...
So shits bad at the moment and I am way behind with anything I'm doing. I will be trying to get some updates done soon with a quick review of Skarsnik and a look at some models I got. Am also looking at getting into recording game time of me and my bro just playing casually (still looking into the whole recording sound and video editing).
Hopefully something will be up soon.
Update 6/9/13: So, not as fast as I thought. Turns out soon after typing this I spent two days bedridden with migraines, before spending the next week or so with a head cold. Now I have a chest infection (Yay Me!) and it's ticking me off. Still, expect some updates within the next week or so.
Hopefully something will be up soon.
Update 6/9/13: So, not as fast as I thought. Turns out soon after typing this I spent two days bedridden with migraines, before spending the next week or so with a head cold. Now I have a chest infection (Yay Me!) and it's ticking me off. Still, expect some updates within the next week or so.
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Updating...Sort of....Well....Not Really!
There is probably a lot of crap I need to say and do, but as is with life, I just can't.
Instead, I will give the new remake of Rise of the Triad a shot instead.
....and wouldn't you know it, the blasted game won't load the levels. Oh well, back to Minecraft then.
Instead, I will give the new remake of Rise of the Triad a shot instead.
....and wouldn't you know it, the blasted game won't load the levels. Oh well, back to Minecraft then.
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Framed
Well, it's done. My print was finally framed and now home, waiting for me to hang it up. The only problem: I can only hang it in my room, which I guess is probably just larger then a prison cell (feels like one sometimes). Still, I'll figure something out.
The title of this print is Laugh Out Loud (L.O.L) by Michelle Pike. I actually saw the original version of this up the Sunshine Coast I believe a year or two back, but never got round to buying it. Sadly, that one is now gone, but I was still lucky enough to get the print version. Very Australian and humourous and that's what I love about Michelle's work.
If you want to see more works from Michelle Pike, you can see what's available from her site at:
http://www.michellepike.com.au/
If you want to see more works from Michelle Pike, you can see what's available from her site at:
http://www.michellepike.com.au/
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
A Very Goon Find
Just another day in which the depression eats away at you, so instead I decided to visit that second hand book store that's just up the road. What compelled my to do so I still don't know, but in doing so I did come across a great find.
I am a fan of The Goon Show and despite it's age, it still has many great stories and jokes. These two books are mostly script prints from a number of there shows. For me, I enjoy most of those show, but there are a couple that I don't like. Thankfully (for me anyway), none of those shows are in them. The Book of the Goons also contains copies of Correspondence between the goon cast done in the form of their respected characters and is quite amusing (if a little confusing).
Also, saying 'Thynneeee' does indeed cure you of monkeys on the knees.
Also, saying 'Thynneeee' does indeed cure you of monkeys on the knees.
Sunday, 21 July 2013
The Illness of July
And so I find myself still recovering from a bad cold I got last week and the consistent torment that is depression and anxiety. Sometimes, I just wonder......
Thank goodness for a few things to have recently happen. My tax return came in and I finally got myself a new t.v. Spent over a year using my old tiny colour television, which isn't much use for gaming. Had that one for over 12 years and even though it's speaker has gone, thanks to it's headset port and my iPod dock, it still useful. Even got a Blu-ray player to go with it and all at a very reasonable cost.
It's also Steam's summer sale time and this has also seen a few new games to my collection. These include my favourite Dust: An Elysian Tail as well as Killing Floor, Don't Starve, Guns of Icarus Online, a mass of Sonic games for a bargain price and one game I'm having lot's of fun with, Castle Crashers.
Work is slow on the miniatures. Somehow this whole nonsense with GW's main heads and their attatude has really bummed me out on further purchases. With that said, have ordered a pack of unused Reaper miniatures off Ebay and will give them a shot. I felt that I was more painter/converter/story writer to this hobby compared to actually playing games. Who knows, perhaps something will happen in the future to change all that.
We'll see.
Thank goodness for a few things to have recently happen. My tax return came in and I finally got myself a new t.v. Spent over a year using my old tiny colour television, which isn't much use for gaming. Had that one for over 12 years and even though it's speaker has gone, thanks to it's headset port and my iPod dock, it still useful. Even got a Blu-ray player to go with it and all at a very reasonable cost.
It's also Steam's summer sale time and this has also seen a few new games to my collection. These include my favourite Dust: An Elysian Tail as well as Killing Floor, Don't Starve, Guns of Icarus Online, a mass of Sonic games for a bargain price and one game I'm having lot's of fun with, Castle Crashers.
Work is slow on the miniatures. Somehow this whole nonsense with GW's main heads and their attatude has really bummed me out on further purchases. With that said, have ordered a pack of unused Reaper miniatures off Ebay and will give them a shot. I felt that I was more painter/converter/story writer to this hobby compared to actually playing games. Who knows, perhaps something will happen in the future to change all that.
We'll see.
Friday, 12 July 2013
Dragons 2 Teaser
http://vimeo.com/70165791
The teaser for How to train your Dragon 2, coming mid 2014. Judging by this clip, Hiccup could invent just about anything, plus I suspect that the flight scenes will be spectacular.
The teaser for How to train your Dragon 2, coming mid 2014. Judging by this clip, Hiccup could invent just about anything, plus I suspect that the flight scenes will be spectacular.
Friday, 5 July 2013
The Art of...
I like to collect the occasional art book here and there. Most are art books from video games or perhaps an artist I've come across. Yesterday I got one in the mail from a source I have not got one from: Movies.
It's a good look into the original sketches of characters and dragons and how different they look from first concept art to the final product and the reasons behind it. While not majorly in-depth like in one of those behind-the-scenes documentaries, the art and it's various styles are still very fascinating to look at and enjoy.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Mordheim Skaven Update
For some reason I really like painting Rat Ogres.
Monday, 1 July 2013
Linkara DVD Vol.1
Linkara DVD Vol.1
....and the moment I read his title I was finding that I was already purchasing it.....
....and the moment I read his title I was finding that I was already purchasing it.....
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Blighted Empire Short Review
Warning: Contains some spoilers.
A while back I did a (very) short review of Dead Winter. Blighted Empire is the sequel to it and kicks off about a year after the events in Dead Winter. I liked how they recapped the important events from the first book in the form of of a scholar who is recalling those events, explaining them as from his previous volume and that these events are from his second based on his research from that period of time.
The book focuses on four main locations of the Empire for the stories (Altdorf, Middenheim, Sylvania and eventually, Carroburg) and of the characters within them. We still follow the main characters from the first book, though the Skaven characters have shifted somewhat. While we finally see the true purpose of Seerlord Skritter and his plan for the moon (something that was kept very vague in the first book), the torch moves more away from Clan Pestilens and more towards the Grey Lords and their planned assaults of the surface world.
The stories themselves are fairly good, with more character development for characters like Mandred and Kreyssig. While the first book builds up the characters and the horror of the Black Plague, this one launches the insidious invasion of the Skaven as the various Grey Lords launch their invasions, with the same belief that they will be the one to show their rivals. As you can expect with all Skaven plans, they are ingenious, intelligent and very cunning. And like all Skaven plans, they always possess one obvious flaw.
One of my few complaints is that, unlike the first book, this one feels almost like it had finished up without telling the full story, namely the ending. Perhaps this is ment to leave more mystery as to the events in the third book (Wolf of Sigmar in 2014). I also felt that the battle in Altdorf didn't seem as big or grand compared to the ones in Middenheim and Sylvania, considering how quickly it ended (though that might be me just being nit picky). One thing I did love was the inclusion of Clan Mordkin in the book. I've always been interested in what purpose the clan could serve in Skaven society and this gives a satisfactory role, particularly with why they are brought in and how they work.
Despite there is still a third book to continue the story, there really wasn't much to tempt the continuation of the story (in other words, no real cliffhanger leaving you wanting more). While it's difficult to say if it is better then the first book (I do recommend reading it before this one), it does well enough as a stand alone book, given how the introduction and ending parts go.
I still have no idea how that Priest became such a powerful Necromancer.
The book focuses on four main locations of the Empire for the stories (Altdorf, Middenheim, Sylvania and eventually, Carroburg) and of the characters within them. We still follow the main characters from the first book, though the Skaven characters have shifted somewhat. While we finally see the true purpose of Seerlord Skritter and his plan for the moon (something that was kept very vague in the first book), the torch moves more away from Clan Pestilens and more towards the Grey Lords and their planned assaults of the surface world.
The stories themselves are fairly good, with more character development for characters like Mandred and Kreyssig. While the first book builds up the characters and the horror of the Black Plague, this one launches the insidious invasion of the Skaven as the various Grey Lords launch their invasions, with the same belief that they will be the one to show their rivals. As you can expect with all Skaven plans, they are ingenious, intelligent and very cunning. And like all Skaven plans, they always possess one obvious flaw.
One of my few complaints is that, unlike the first book, this one feels almost like it had finished up without telling the full story, namely the ending. Perhaps this is ment to leave more mystery as to the events in the third book (Wolf of Sigmar in 2014). I also felt that the battle in Altdorf didn't seem as big or grand compared to the ones in Middenheim and Sylvania, considering how quickly it ended (though that might be me just being nit picky). One thing I did love was the inclusion of Clan Mordkin in the book. I've always been interested in what purpose the clan could serve in Skaven society and this gives a satisfactory role, particularly with why they are brought in and how they work.
Despite there is still a third book to continue the story, there really wasn't much to tempt the continuation of the story (in other words, no real cliffhanger leaving you wanting more). While it's difficult to say if it is better then the first book (I do recommend reading it before this one), it does well enough as a stand alone book, given how the introduction and ending parts go.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Just for fun: Mordheim Skaven
I have never played Mordheim, and given GW's removal of it's specialist games, may never play, I decided to give it a look over. I must say it does indeed look interesting, but was more amused that Clan Eshin was the main clan used. Along with Storm of Chaos campaign, Clan Eshin has gotten a lot of focus over the years (I can already hear Snikkitch cursing) and looking back at all I've read on them, they do deserve it.
So what does that have to do with me? Well, I've got some clan rats, giant rats and a Rat Ogre left over and so using the Eshin list, will paint up a nice sized warband just for the heck of it (have chosen Clan Kreepus to represent the Verminkin/Clan rats). I will most likely purchase a Skaven assassin for the Assassin Adept model, but will probably convert the Eshin Sorcerer. I haven't done much with Skaven in a while and so I felt it's time to get back into them.
While I will continue to be a Clan Skryre member, I do have some respect for those of Clan Eshin and so this is a nice little way to show it.
Another Skaven project will be to convert four Skaven characters which are the other story side to my Skaven forces. Expect to see more information on them soon.
So what does that have to do with me? Well, I've got some clan rats, giant rats and a Rat Ogre left over and so using the Eshin list, will paint up a nice sized warband just for the heck of it (have chosen Clan Kreepus to represent the Verminkin/Clan rats). I will most likely purchase a Skaven assassin for the Assassin Adept model, but will probably convert the Eshin Sorcerer. I haven't done much with Skaven in a while and so I felt it's time to get back into them.
While I will continue to be a Clan Skryre member, I do have some respect for those of Clan Eshin and so this is a nice little way to show it.
Another Skaven project will be to convert four Skaven characters which are the other story side to my Skaven forces. Expect to see more information on them soon.
Is it Sexist?
A comment about Beyond Blue's Man Therapy page referred to it as being sexist since it's all about men. For those who don't know, Beyond Blue is an organization that helps people deal with things like depression and anxiety.Man Therapy was a side page dedicated to get men to look it up and give it a shot to convince them that what they suffer from is normal and that seeking help it the 'manly' thing to do. The male attitude in society is that if you suffered from these problems then it is a sign of weakness and so many men cover this up. This tends to lead to more violent responses to other people and may be responsible for the increase in drugs, crime and domestic violence (domestic violence in particular is very worrying indeed).
But is the creation of this page sexist? I guess you could say that since there is no such program dedicated to women or that the perception that somehow men need more help then women could give the impression that it is. Perhaps if they created a page dedicated to helping women then perhaps the sexist claims would go. I doubt it, but I would still support it's creation. However, I don't have any issue about the Man Therapy site if it's helping those who need help. In this day and age, any and all help is a blessing.
Update: Upon thinking about this more, I do feel that there is also the problem of AVO's. When it comes to violence of any kind, while DV has some laws and protection, AV's have little to no protection for women. I had forgot about that when I first wrote it and wanted to make sure that this issue was also included.
But is the creation of this page sexist? I guess you could say that since there is no such program dedicated to women or that the perception that somehow men need more help then women could give the impression that it is. Perhaps if they created a page dedicated to helping women then perhaps the sexist claims would go. I doubt it, but I would still support it's creation. However, I don't have any issue about the Man Therapy site if it's helping those who need help. In this day and age, any and all help is a blessing.
Update: Upon thinking about this more, I do feel that there is also the problem of AVO's. When it comes to violence of any kind, while DV has some laws and protection, AV's have little to no protection for women. I had forgot about that when I first wrote it and wanted to make sure that this issue was also included.
Just what did happen last night?
Warning: This is a political story. The purpose of it is to counter some of the misleading information that the media portrays and to remind those of past events. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
As of yesterday, Julia Gillard threw open the challenge for Prime Minister to everyone in her party with the only rule being if you lose then you must leave Federal politics (basically, it was all or nothing). Keven Rudd accepted the challenge (given so many of the public have been pushing him to do, despite his families concerns) and low and behold, the party jumped the sinking ship and Rudd returned. Some could say this was wrong, but it was simply Karma.
Ms Gillard, for many of us, was considered the illaginament Prime Minister. Why? There was no denying that she was Australia's first female PM (Prime Minister), but (as my mother puts it) she was not Australia's first elected female PM. She gained power but overthrowing Mr Rudd (see, karma) and at the last election, only became PM after the independents sided with Labor, two weeks after the election. Apart from the show, she has done little to cement her name as a good PM and as time has gone on, her popularity has dwindled. As of last night (since Ms Gillard lost) there has been a backlash, mostly of women, who felt that this was a mistake. It's hard for someone like myself to respond to such comments without 'sexist' being used against me. I'm far from it, and believe someone like Penny Wong would be an excellent choice as a female PM.
My argument was simply, if she was such a great PM then why is she so unpopular and why did Labor feel she was leading them to their doom eh? Politics is a cruel and vicious area and one cannot enter it without risking their public standing (just ask Peter Garrett). The Gillard/Swan take over was well planned before the knifing of Rudd, given that leaked information showed that they had advised him on many decisions, which would ultimately ruin his policy stances and thus, cause the cataclysm for the take over. Now the blades have come back to bite them, that's how politics work in this day and age. Will the return of Queensland's hero Rudd save the party? I'm not so sure, but that is mostly due to the fact that people have ignored the other side.
There is a reasons why Queensland wanted Rudd in. The first being that his removal the first time was seen as an act of treachery by Labor to the people. If someone is to be forced out, that should be the peoples choice and since he never got elected out, people were angry. The second was the disaster that was the state election. While many new that Labor had lost before the campaign had even began, no one had predicted just how much power the LNP (Liberal National Party)would get or that Campbell Newman would actually be officially elected in. What resulted was what many consider the destruction of Queensland. Now many fear should the LNP win power in the upcoming Federal election that the rest of Australia will suffer the same fate (Queensland's only hope maybe if the Palmer United Party can steal a few chairs from the LNP, but that would be like asking one demon to save you from another).
Many have forgotten that Tony Abbott was the Minister of Health under the Howard government and that he did extensive damage to both health and medical research (his stance on stem cell research and other areas put back Australia's medical advancement, something which we pride ourselves on here). The man has a mind set of being in the 1800's and thus far, his policies have ether been proven to be more costly or unreliable. His big push was in the 'boat people' with his plans to send them back to Indonesia. The only problem, Indonesia would not accept them and that they would simply turn them back to Australian waters. His 'nerfing' of the National Broadband Scheme is also seen to be a major blow to the future technological improvement in this country. His own party approved the passing of a bill which would render one of his election promises impossible. There appears to be no real plans for the future when it comes to health, education and reducing the cost of living. Sadly, Shaun Micallef got it right when he referred to the LNP future plan as a pamphlet (though his picture of Tony Abbott which he merged with Lord Voldemort was hilarious).
Alas, once again we go into this next election feeling that no matter what the outcome is, we are all royally screwed.
As of yesterday, Julia Gillard threw open the challenge for Prime Minister to everyone in her party with the only rule being if you lose then you must leave Federal politics (basically, it was all or nothing). Keven Rudd accepted the challenge (given so many of the public have been pushing him to do, despite his families concerns) and low and behold, the party jumped the sinking ship and Rudd returned. Some could say this was wrong, but it was simply Karma.
Ms Gillard, for many of us, was considered the illaginament Prime Minister. Why? There was no denying that she was Australia's first female PM (Prime Minister), but (as my mother puts it) she was not Australia's first elected female PM. She gained power but overthrowing Mr Rudd (see, karma) and at the last election, only became PM after the independents sided with Labor, two weeks after the election. Apart from the show, she has done little to cement her name as a good PM and as time has gone on, her popularity has dwindled. As of last night (since Ms Gillard lost) there has been a backlash, mostly of women, who felt that this was a mistake. It's hard for someone like myself to respond to such comments without 'sexist' being used against me. I'm far from it, and believe someone like Penny Wong would be an excellent choice as a female PM.
My argument was simply, if she was such a great PM then why is she so unpopular and why did Labor feel she was leading them to their doom eh? Politics is a cruel and vicious area and one cannot enter it without risking their public standing (just ask Peter Garrett). The Gillard/Swan take over was well planned before the knifing of Rudd, given that leaked information showed that they had advised him on many decisions, which would ultimately ruin his policy stances and thus, cause the cataclysm for the take over. Now the blades have come back to bite them, that's how politics work in this day and age. Will the return of Queensland's hero Rudd save the party? I'm not so sure, but that is mostly due to the fact that people have ignored the other side.
There is a reasons why Queensland wanted Rudd in. The first being that his removal the first time was seen as an act of treachery by Labor to the people. If someone is to be forced out, that should be the peoples choice and since he never got elected out, people were angry. The second was the disaster that was the state election. While many new that Labor had lost before the campaign had even began, no one had predicted just how much power the LNP (Liberal National Party)would get or that Campbell Newman would actually be officially elected in. What resulted was what many consider the destruction of Queensland. Now many fear should the LNP win power in the upcoming Federal election that the rest of Australia will suffer the same fate (Queensland's only hope maybe if the Palmer United Party can steal a few chairs from the LNP, but that would be like asking one demon to save you from another).
Many have forgotten that Tony Abbott was the Minister of Health under the Howard government and that he did extensive damage to both health and medical research (his stance on stem cell research and other areas put back Australia's medical advancement, something which we pride ourselves on here). The man has a mind set of being in the 1800's and thus far, his policies have ether been proven to be more costly or unreliable. His big push was in the 'boat people' with his plans to send them back to Indonesia. The only problem, Indonesia would not accept them and that they would simply turn them back to Australian waters. His 'nerfing' of the National Broadband Scheme is also seen to be a major blow to the future technological improvement in this country. His own party approved the passing of a bill which would render one of his election promises impossible. There appears to be no real plans for the future when it comes to health, education and reducing the cost of living. Sadly, Shaun Micallef got it right when he referred to the LNP future plan as a pamphlet (though his picture of Tony Abbott which he merged with Lord Voldemort was hilarious).
Alas, once again we go into this next election feeling that no matter what the outcome is, we are all royally screwed.
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Sunday, 23 June 2013
Headtaker Short Review
Warning: Contains some spoilers
I really enjoyed this book. I admit a slight bias towards Skaven, but I went into this one with some concerns. I am a big fan of C.L.Werner's depiction of the Skaven, but I had not heard of David Guymer, so I was weary of how it would turn out. I am glad to say that it was everything I could hope for.
The story seems simple. The Dwarfs trying to take back the Eight Peaks have recently been discovered to have much better weapons and so the Skaven must assault another Dwarf keep, Karak Azul, in order to stop production. The problem is that Queek has no interest and no amount of threats can convince him and it's only with the temptation of fighting a Dwarf king that he agrees to go. This is what makes this slightly different to other Skaven stories, Queek Headtaker is a little mad. He leads from the front in his constant attempts to find more powerful foes to attack, he listens to his skull trophies who are constantly talking to him (their voices even match the race their from), fears not Grey Seers or his God and expects his own troops to be 100% loyal to him. Truly mad for a Skaven, and yet for him all things that happen, happen in his favour.
Of course, there are other characters and there point of views. The old Skaven Sharpwit also has a view that seems a little un-Skaven like, even pointing out the flaws of the Skaven race and is another main schemer. There are also the Dwarfs, with two being the focus. The main one, Thordun Locksplitter, leads a band of humans in order to reap the reward offered by the king of Karak Azul for the rescue of his kin. The second is Handrik Hallgakrin, a retired Ironbreaker who takes a liking to young Thordun. Like all Dwarf stories, there are tragedies involved. Both are told well and are enjoyable (as far as Dwarf stories go anyway).
Since the book is about the Headtaker, it's no surprise that he is the most entertaining to read. He seems to have the violent tendency of an Orc, yet has a cunning to his actions that you don't see until the end. While he did appear in C.L.Werner's 'Thanquol's Doom', this version of the Headtaker is by far my most favourite. If you like Skaven, or just want to learn more about the Headtaker's madness, then give this book a go.
Side note, this review is also my 300th post. So to celebrate, the Headtaker personally showed up to promote his book. We're still cleaning up the bloody mess he left behind (oh well, time for another slave run I guess).
The story seems simple. The Dwarfs trying to take back the Eight Peaks have recently been discovered to have much better weapons and so the Skaven must assault another Dwarf keep, Karak Azul, in order to stop production. The problem is that Queek has no interest and no amount of threats can convince him and it's only with the temptation of fighting a Dwarf king that he agrees to go. This is what makes this slightly different to other Skaven stories, Queek Headtaker is a little mad. He leads from the front in his constant attempts to find more powerful foes to attack, he listens to his skull trophies who are constantly talking to him (their voices even match the race their from), fears not Grey Seers or his God and expects his own troops to be 100% loyal to him. Truly mad for a Skaven, and yet for him all things that happen, happen in his favour.
Of course, there are other characters and there point of views. The old Skaven Sharpwit also has a view that seems a little un-Skaven like, even pointing out the flaws of the Skaven race and is another main schemer. There are also the Dwarfs, with two being the focus. The main one, Thordun Locksplitter, leads a band of humans in order to reap the reward offered by the king of Karak Azul for the rescue of his kin. The second is Handrik Hallgakrin, a retired Ironbreaker who takes a liking to young Thordun. Like all Dwarf stories, there are tragedies involved. Both are told well and are enjoyable (as far as Dwarf stories go anyway).
Since the book is about the Headtaker, it's no surprise that he is the most entertaining to read. He seems to have the violent tendency of an Orc, yet has a cunning to his actions that you don't see until the end. While he did appear in C.L.Werner's 'Thanquol's Doom', this version of the Headtaker is by far my most favourite. If you like Skaven, or just want to learn more about the Headtaker's madness, then give this book a go.
Side note, this review is also my 300th post. So to celebrate, the Headtaker personally showed up to promote his book. We're still cleaning up the bloody mess he left behind (oh well, time for another slave run I guess).
Saturday, 22 June 2013
More Books
So, popped in to my local GW today to pick up Blighted Empire. I enjoyed Dead Winter and am interested to see what insane things our ratty fiends do next. Skarsnik was also in store so I'll pick that one up next week.
Also realized I forgot to do my short review of Headtaker. Will get that done and hopefully it'll be up tomorrow. Will also have an upload or two within the next week or so.
Also realized I forgot to do my short review of Headtaker. Will get that done and hopefully it'll be up tomorrow. Will also have an upload or two within the next week or so.
My Dragon 2 Fears Unfounded
Magazine cover picture that changed my perspective:
Now this is more like it. I had issues with the way the leaked pictures looked and felt that it was not only of poorer quality, but that the two didn't look much like their younger selves. I am so glad to have been proven wrong in this regard as the characters do infact look like their younger counterparts. Astrid in particular was the main reason for thinking that, but this version defiantly still looks like Astrid (the younger one).
Blast, now I'm even more pumped for the movie. I just hope Defenders of Berk comes out soon.
Blast, now I'm even more pumped for the movie. I just hope Defenders of Berk comes out soon.
Friday, 21 June 2013
The Challenge
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
That Elusive Skaven
Does the name Viskit mean anything to you? Up until today I had never heard of it, but apparently he's a Clan Eshin Skaven character from the Mordhiem game who was 'fixed' thanks to Clan Skryre and is now a deadly killing machine.
Thing is, I've seen the model (google searched the image), but alas, I have been unable to find one for purchase (or atleast, delivers to Australia). While I will continue to scour Ebay for it, but I also found out something else during my search.
Update: Think I may have found the model. It's Bid only so here's hoping it goes well. I have been told to give a conversion a go, but I'm not sure at the moment.
Seems that a number or Blood Bowl and Mordhiem miniatures have gone off the Games-Workshop website. While I have no idea why they were removed, I feel that it means they are no longer available and thus, your only hope of finding any now are on Ebay. Just seems like a sad state of affairs. In truth, I think both should be brought back as both would be considered enjoyable compared to the main focus of huge armies for the fantasy setting. Plus, new miniatures which could easily be marketed towards fantasy players who might not play those variants.
Update: Think I may have found the model. It's Bid only so here's hoping it goes well. I have been told to give a conversion a go, but I'm not sure at the moment.
Seems that a number or Blood Bowl and Mordhiem miniatures have gone off the Games-Workshop website. While I have no idea why they were removed, I feel that it means they are no longer available and thus, your only hope of finding any now are on Ebay. Just seems like a sad state of affairs. In truth, I think both should be brought back as both would be considered enjoyable compared to the main focus of huge armies for the fantasy setting. Plus, new miniatures which could easily be marketed towards fantasy players who might not play those variants.
More HTTYD 2
DeBlois, Arnold Talk Up DWA’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’
Somehow I can already see that the third movie will have a sad theme to it.
Somehow I can already see that the third movie will have a sad theme to it.
When Anxiety Attacks
It's been a bad few weeks. If the depression wasn't bad enough, I suffered an Anxiety attack last week and needed the rest of the week to recover. The problem with such things is that the most tiniest, most insignificant thing can set it off, a real bloody pain I can tell you.
Back on my feet now, so lets see how the rest of the week goes.
Back on my feet now, so lets see how the rest of the week goes.
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
New Plan
So, after some pointless ranting and another horrible day (I'm singing in the rain) I feel the need to re-address what I ment by the previous rant. My point was that if you bought a product, what you do with that product (ether use it or sell it) should be your choice. I felt that Games-Workshop have been screwing the southern hemisphere over for some time, but this was the final straw. I felt that the company was far too focused on making money then it was with the actual hobby and bringing us great miniatures. Yes, many are nicely sculpted, but there are some bad ones (Forsaken) as well as Female miniatures, both limited and not as nicely done as other companies (say Reaper Miniatures for example). While I may still leave the hobby, there are plenty of unfinished projects that I will continue to work on. I will also still be working on single miniature projects, though not as many. Again, I will wait and see what effect on Ebay will be before I give up.
Note: SQUIGGIES STILL FTW!!!
More positive news is that I think I have found a few more locations to practice some more nature photography. While my camera may not be top range quality, with a bit of practice it does get the job done. I have been told that I should try and get some really good shots and have them printed onto canvas for hanging around the place. I like the idea and will give it a go.
Hopefully I'll have some more uploads ready by next week.
Note 2: I have thought about getting back into some writing, perhaps some short stories or something. Not sure what to write, so I'll ask around for ideas and see what others think.
Note: SQUIGGIES STILL FTW!!!
More positive news is that I think I have found a few more locations to practice some more nature photography. While my camera may not be top range quality, with a bit of practice it does get the job done. I have been told that I should try and get some really good shots and have them printed onto canvas for hanging around the place. I like the idea and will give it a go.
Hopefully I'll have some more uploads ready by next week.
Note 2: I have thought about getting back into some writing, perhaps some short stories or something. Not sure what to write, so I'll ask around for ideas and see what others think.
Monday, 10 June 2013
The End Times Are Here!
Just received an interesting Email today. It said:
Hi Kaine ,
Well, the time has come. In compliance with Games Workshop policy for retailers, we will no longer be able to supply you with Warhammer/Warhammer 40K bits starting June 15, 2013.
I wanted to take this opportunity to really thank you for all your business over the last two years. We have had a lot of fun suppling just the right bits to customers all over the world. We get pictures every day of awesome conversions that we helped make happen. Sadly, we will not be able to provide this service after the 15th.
What the hell?
So I decided to do some more research on this and, low and behold, the madness is true. According to Games-Workshop, it's to help the 'Brick and Mortar' store and keep them in business. Fine, I understand that. What I don't understand is why I pay $70 for ten plastic figures (I'm referring to the Sisters of Avelorn and not the Warriors of Chaos Forsaken - those things looked terrible) and as far as the 'stores' are concerned, you can actually get more recent models cheaper from Non-Games-Workshop stores.
What pisses me off the most....I'm a converter. I convert models, so I'm always looking to purchase bits needed for those conversions. The Games-Workshop website stopped selling bits years ago and so I use Ebay to get a bit or two here and there.
Much like the Xbox One issue, if you purchase a product, is that product yours to do what you want with? If I purchase a product and further down the line decide I don't want it or left over parts, can I not sell it/them off? Cause from what I see, I would no longer be able to sell any unwanted bits. It's not like their really loosing money as someone had to of purchase the product from them in the first place.
How should I stomach this bull shit? I know and respect my local Games-Workshop store and it's staff and I buy my products from them. However, sometimes I need a bit or two for a conversion and so I buy it from someone who has no need for it (I do not want to pay $69 for one Black Orc axe). The only way Games-Workshop can redeem themselves from this selfish mess (apart from reversing this policy change) is to re-introduce all the bits back onto their website and to start lowering the costs of their products here in Australia. How the hell do you plan to make money if your products are so expensive that the average person cannot afford to purchase them.
For the heads of the company, it is no longer about the hobby. They have been consumed by greed and have long lost what had made themselves so great. I had used this hobby to help me deal with my depression, with my stress and anxiety. Now it appears that this has become another dead end. I have had times when I had thought about quitting the hobby......now I think this maybe the final nail in the coffin that does it.
Hi Kaine ,
Well, the time has come. In compliance with Games Workshop policy for retailers, we will no longer be able to supply you with Warhammer/Warhammer 40K bits starting June 15, 2013.
I wanted to take this opportunity to really thank you for all your business over the last two years. We have had a lot of fun suppling just the right bits to customers all over the world. We get pictures every day of awesome conversions that we helped make happen. Sadly, we will not be able to provide this service after the 15th.
What the hell?
So I decided to do some more research on this and, low and behold, the madness is true. According to Games-Workshop, it's to help the 'Brick and Mortar' store and keep them in business. Fine, I understand that. What I don't understand is why I pay $70 for ten plastic figures (I'm referring to the Sisters of Avelorn and not the Warriors of Chaos Forsaken - those things looked terrible) and as far as the 'stores' are concerned, you can actually get more recent models cheaper from Non-Games-Workshop stores.
What pisses me off the most....I'm a converter. I convert models, so I'm always looking to purchase bits needed for those conversions. The Games-Workshop website stopped selling bits years ago and so I use Ebay to get a bit or two here and there.
Much like the Xbox One issue, if you purchase a product, is that product yours to do what you want with? If I purchase a product and further down the line decide I don't want it or left over parts, can I not sell it/them off? Cause from what I see, I would no longer be able to sell any unwanted bits. It's not like their really loosing money as someone had to of purchase the product from them in the first place.
How should I stomach this bull shit? I know and respect my local Games-Workshop store and it's staff and I buy my products from them. However, sometimes I need a bit or two for a conversion and so I buy it from someone who has no need for it (I do not want to pay $69 for one Black Orc axe). The only way Games-Workshop can redeem themselves from this selfish mess (apart from reversing this policy change) is to re-introduce all the bits back onto their website and to start lowering the costs of their products here in Australia. How the hell do you plan to make money if your products are so expensive that the average person cannot afford to purchase them.
For the heads of the company, it is no longer about the hobby. They have been consumed by greed and have long lost what had made themselves so great. I had used this hobby to help me deal with my depression, with my stress and anxiety. Now it appears that this has become another dead end. I have had times when I had thought about quitting the hobby......now I think this maybe the final nail in the coffin that does it.
Friday, 7 June 2013
Squiggies!!
Taking a slight detour from projects to do some Night Goblins....and Squigs.
Dey's got Squiggies boss.....Squiggies FTW!!
Dey's got Squiggies boss.....Squiggies FTW!!
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Dragons 2 does sound good.
Jay Baruchel (the voice of Hiccup) gave Slash Film his opinion on HTTYD 2 (Link):
It took us three bloody years to do the first one so it’s a piecemeal process. I’ve been working on Dragon 2, on and off, for the past year and a half now. And boy is it ever something special. I truly adore the first one. I think it’s one of the greatest flicks ever. Period. And one of my proudest moments. So it’s no hyperbole when I say we smoke the first one with number two.
It’s going to be pretty incredible in every way. The emotional content, the action sequences, it’s everything it’s supposed to be and then some. It’s really going to be a pretty incredible, beautiful flick. People will go buy tickets, see this movie, and be taken on a journey like they’ve never been on.Well, this gives me hope that the story will be amazing (actually, it gets me pumped to see what happens). Perhaps I've been too critical of this sequel and I totally agree with how amazing the first one was. Still not sure about the graphical animation, but we'll see when the movie comes out.
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
DD2 Beta
Got my first go at Dungeon Defenders 2 Competitive Beta playing as my all time favorite character, The Summoner. Given that I've played those types of matches before (though not at that view angle) it is always fun to play. I do feel that the Summoner does still need a little work, but they did take a character that was unable to attack and make him a very playable character in those matches.
Being Beta there are problems, but so far I have had little trouble as far as game play is concerned. Can't wait to really get stuck in.
Being Beta there are problems, but so far I have had little trouble as far as game play is concerned. Can't wait to really get stuck in.
HTTYD 2?
Alright....how do I put this? Well, there have been photos posted on the net of the preview posters for How to train your dragon 2 (or Defenders of Berk as we still have little to no information on that one too. Regardless of which one, I'm still not happy):
OK, so I know they are suppose to be older, but for the life of me I'm having trouble seeing that. This may be because the quality of the character design seems a little off from the previous movie. In fact, it seems to be of a poorer quality (at least for the characters). Besides Stoick, the rest just seem odd:
I can only hope that the quality of the animation is far better then what those posters are leading us to believe. I could forgive it if it was the T.V show a little, but not so much if it was the movie.
Despite this I will still hold out until I've seen the movie before I make any final verdict.
Despite this I will still hold out until I've seen the movie before I make any final verdict.
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Monday, 27 May 2013
Sequel Issues
I am a big fan of Dreamworks 'How To Train Your Dragon' series, from the movie to the television series, I have loved it. So why do I feel a shiver of fear when I found that it was to be made into a trilogy and that the second movie was in production?
I guess it comes down to how the story goes. As everyone should know, a good franchise can be ruined with a sequel, so it's now surprise that when you start hearing more of what they have planned that I get a little worried. Given it's potential, the possibility that it will end with the third movie is disheartening. Another factor is that the second movie is to take place 5 years after the first and that they will now include the northern hemisphere for the characters curiosity to explore. That's a big time bracket (which I guess the first T.V series is ment to fill) and even then, that much area is a lot to offer for just one movie.
The movie itself (due in 2014) is suppose to continue on from the first, while setting up events for the final movie (this sounds strangely familiar.....Dead Man's Chest anyone?). Despite all my fears for all this, I'm glad that they will still have the same voice actors (for the most part) and who knows, perhaps there are still plenty of stories to tell in between each of them and beyond.
Update: Noticed that there will be a sequel series to Riders of Berk called Defenders of Berk and will be released this year before the next movie. I guess this will work up to conclude the Riders arc while possibly setting up for the next movie.
I guess it comes down to how the story goes. As everyone should know, a good franchise can be ruined with a sequel, so it's now surprise that when you start hearing more of what they have planned that I get a little worried. Given it's potential, the possibility that it will end with the third movie is disheartening. Another factor is that the second movie is to take place 5 years after the first and that they will now include the northern hemisphere for the characters curiosity to explore. That's a big time bracket (which I guess the first T.V series is ment to fill) and even then, that much area is a lot to offer for just one movie.
The movie itself (due in 2014) is suppose to continue on from the first, while setting up events for the final movie (this sounds strangely familiar.....Dead Man's Chest anyone?). Despite all my fears for all this, I'm glad that they will still have the same voice actors (for the most part) and who knows, perhaps there are still plenty of stories to tell in between each of them and beyond.
Update: Noticed that there will be a sequel series to Riders of Berk called Defenders of Berk and will be released this year before the next movie. I guess this will work up to conclude the Riders arc while possibly setting up for the next movie.
That Comp?
Late as always, but this is the update to Saturday....and what a day that was. Still suffering from the after effects of Fridays migraine, the train line was down, bad day at work, late getting into the city for the painting competition and wouldn't you know it, the model I got suffered a bad case of Finecast failure. Still, it was an enjoyable day and while I didn't complete the model, I did get enough done to give me an overall idea of what she would turn out like.
I don't think they ever announced who won it, but I was happy that my model was getting it's fair share of attention. Much of that was directed towards her hair and dress (which, alas, this photo doesn't show off so well). While the hair was blind luck, the dress I had practice a day or so prior.
My test subjects were the one I had previously used for testing ghost paint schemes and though a couple of goes I got to a point in which I was happy to use. As for the Everqueen, I will be finishing her off, but there are a few model issues that have to be dealt with which could stuff up her paint job, so I'll have to wait for a day when I'm not feeling frustrated.
This model also showed up today. It's a musician from the old Handmaidens unit and will be used to represent a Handmaiden of the Everqueen with the Horn of Isha (which can only be used if the Everqueen is in your army).
This model also showed up today. It's a musician from the old Handmaidens unit and will be used to represent a Handmaiden of the Everqueen with the Horn of Isha (which can only be used if the Everqueen is in your army).
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Nerves and...Ghosts?
Amazing how much sleep can be lost over them. I think it was just after midnight I really regretted ever agreeing to enter this painting comp. Sometimes this whole depression/stress/anxiety crap can really get to me at times.
Of coarse, then my mind played a little game by giving me a strange dream about a ghost who communicated to me through manipulating words on pages to the (somewhat creepy) use of objects. To clarify it was a friendly ghost who was trying to remember who it once was and it's tragic fate, while also wanting to exist in the same sense as we do (and to a certain point, be alive). Heck, if I could write it would have made an interesting book/movie script.
The subconscious is weird like that.
Of coarse, then my mind played a little game by giving me a strange dream about a ghost who communicated to me through manipulating words on pages to the (somewhat creepy) use of objects. To clarify it was a friendly ghost who was trying to remember who it once was and it's tragic fate, while also wanting to exist in the same sense as we do (and to a certain point, be alive). Heck, if I could write it would have made an interesting book/movie script.
The subconscious is weird like that.
Friday, 24 May 2013
The Day Before.
Man I hate migraines, such a pain in the arse.
So, tomorrow is the in store painting competition (5 hour to paint the model) as part of Games-Workshops 20 years in Australia anniversary and I am a little nerves. I will be painting the Alarielle the Radiant model, both as part of the 'Avelorn' army challenge and because my brother want's her to duke it out with his entry, Teclis. To be fair, I do think Teclis does stand a better chance in a duel with the Everqueen, but it would certainly be interesting. I am going against the 'Eavy Metal colour scheme and using pinks in her dress as opposed to the greeish colour. The reasons for this is that I like her to stand out compared to the rest of the army and pink does that as well as still giving her that soft, gentile look (she's suppose to be one of the most beautiful female characters in warhammer, yet also very powerful, so it does add that deceitful look better).
Update: Bugger. Just found out that the painting competition starts at 10am, which is also when I finish work. To make matters worse, I need to change before I leave work and make a bus since Queensland Transport decided to close down my train line for maintenance this weekend. So instead of 5 hours to complete the model, I now have around 3.5 hours......just great.
Also, to the guy who wrote the article saying that Backwards Compatibility is just a recent thing, you ether need to check your facts or re-word what you said. If you were to say that built-in backwards compatibility was recent, then that would be fine. As for backwards compatibility in gaming, they did invent small devices to let you play previous system games on the newer ones. My example was for the Sega Genesis (or Sega Mega Drive as we know it here in Australia). While the Genesis was out, they created a device that was cartridge sized that allowed you to plug your old Sega Master System games into it and play them on your Sega Genesis. That was my earliest recollection for console backwards compatibility. With the never consoles, we just wanted them to add it in as a normal feature, so you should expect anger when the next gen consoles don't have it.
So, tomorrow is the in store painting competition (5 hour to paint the model) as part of Games-Workshops 20 years in Australia anniversary and I am a little nerves. I will be painting the Alarielle the Radiant model, both as part of the 'Avelorn' army challenge and because my brother want's her to duke it out with his entry, Teclis. To be fair, I do think Teclis does stand a better chance in a duel with the Everqueen, but it would certainly be interesting. I am going against the 'Eavy Metal colour scheme and using pinks in her dress as opposed to the greeish colour. The reasons for this is that I like her to stand out compared to the rest of the army and pink does that as well as still giving her that soft, gentile look (she's suppose to be one of the most beautiful female characters in warhammer, yet also very powerful, so it does add that deceitful look better).
Update: Bugger. Just found out that the painting competition starts at 10am, which is also when I finish work. To make matters worse, I need to change before I leave work and make a bus since Queensland Transport decided to close down my train line for maintenance this weekend. So instead of 5 hours to complete the model, I now have around 3.5 hours......just great.
Also, to the guy who wrote the article saying that Backwards Compatibility is just a recent thing, you ether need to check your facts or re-word what you said. If you were to say that built-in backwards compatibility was recent, then that would be fine. As for backwards compatibility in gaming, they did invent small devices to let you play previous system games on the newer ones. My example was for the Sega Genesis (or Sega Mega Drive as we know it here in Australia). While the Genesis was out, they created a device that was cartridge sized that allowed you to plug your old Sega Master System games into it and play them on your Sega Genesis. That was my earliest recollection for console backwards compatibility. With the never consoles, we just wanted them to add it in as a normal feature, so you should expect anger when the next gen consoles don't have it.
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Pogo Stick Goblins
So they posted up their article on the variants to one of the enemy types, the Kobold. One such plan was to make one that did less damage, but moved faster with roller skates on. So I threw out my first immediate thought.....and they responded:
I do have more ideas for variants (both serious and comical) but I'm not sure if it's worth putting them up...at least not yet anyway (I would love to see what other variants they come up with first).
Xbox One....the heck?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ekOtn7L1N0 (blogger won't link the vid for some reason)
Wow.....just wow. What the hell was Microsoft thinking? Did they just forget that they were making a gaming console. I agree with Joe on this one, this reveal just ended any hope of getting top spot in the console wars. No backwards compatibility, fee to play pre-owned games (let alone no longer being able to lend games to friends) and on top of that a pointless reboot of the Kinect. Clearly they have learned nothing from past experiences and the complaints about the PS4. If anything, they made it easier for console gamers to go to their competitors.
Am I too harsh on Microsoft? Hell no. First up, why call the console Xbox One? What the hell does the 'One' stand for anyway? Why not call it something that sounds like a must buy like 'Xbox Infinite' or something similar. Xbox One just sounds stupid, more stupid the Playstation 4.
Secondly, no backwards compatibility. Are you serious? Given the backlash over the lack of it for the PS4, there was high hopes you'd include it as a major advantage over your competitors. So why did in the nine hells you not include it. That's even more stupid then your ridiculous console name. Then you go ahead and say all games will need to be installed in order for you to play them, which given the graphic and game power your promising, will fill up the hard drive on it quick smart. And after all that, you tell us that there will be a fee on using pre-owned games. If you skip the 'lending to friend' part, what about things like renting games or buying pre-owned games? Bad enough the video stores are closing down, but then the purchase of a pre-owned game only to have an additional cost would mean it could end up being cheaper just to buy a brand new copy.
Finally, this big focus on things like the T.V. function (which will only be available to the US on release.....thanks a bunch) and the new and improved (a term I use loosely) Kinect is a major disappointment.
The truth from all this (which Joe is right about) is that there is no reason for me to now buy this console. If anything, I am better off pumping my money into getting a good PC rig since that's were the only real form of gaming seems to be heading.
Xbox One? Seriously?
Update: Apparently the name is suppost to be something like 'All in one media centre'. Except that anyone with a PC with one of Microsoft's more modern Windows programs already has that (I think Apple too has them) and to be truthful, why do we need that? I buy a console to play games, if I want T.V I'll watch T.V and I also have an iPod for music and apps. The hell, you might as well call it 'it's like an iPad only bigger and better'. It use to be about gaming, now it's just filling a box with pointless rubbish.
Wow.....just wow. What the hell was Microsoft thinking? Did they just forget that they were making a gaming console. I agree with Joe on this one, this reveal just ended any hope of getting top spot in the console wars. No backwards compatibility, fee to play pre-owned games (let alone no longer being able to lend games to friends) and on top of that a pointless reboot of the Kinect. Clearly they have learned nothing from past experiences and the complaints about the PS4. If anything, they made it easier for console gamers to go to their competitors.
Am I too harsh on Microsoft? Hell no. First up, why call the console Xbox One? What the hell does the 'One' stand for anyway? Why not call it something that sounds like a must buy like 'Xbox Infinite' or something similar. Xbox One just sounds stupid, more stupid the Playstation 4.
Secondly, no backwards compatibility. Are you serious? Given the backlash over the lack of it for the PS4, there was high hopes you'd include it as a major advantage over your competitors. So why did in the nine hells you not include it. That's even more stupid then your ridiculous console name. Then you go ahead and say all games will need to be installed in order for you to play them, which given the graphic and game power your promising, will fill up the hard drive on it quick smart. And after all that, you tell us that there will be a fee on using pre-owned games. If you skip the 'lending to friend' part, what about things like renting games or buying pre-owned games? Bad enough the video stores are closing down, but then the purchase of a pre-owned game only to have an additional cost would mean it could end up being cheaper just to buy a brand new copy.
Finally, this big focus on things like the T.V. function (which will only be available to the US on release.....thanks a bunch) and the new and improved (a term I use loosely) Kinect is a major disappointment.
The truth from all this (which Joe is right about) is that there is no reason for me to now buy this console. If anything, I am better off pumping my money into getting a good PC rig since that's were the only real form of gaming seems to be heading.
Xbox One? Seriously?
Update: Apparently the name is suppost to be something like 'All in one media centre'. Except that anyone with a PC with one of Microsoft's more modern Windows programs already has that (I think Apple too has them) and to be truthful, why do we need that? I buy a console to play games, if I want T.V I'll watch T.V and I also have an iPod for music and apps. The hell, you might as well call it 'it's like an iPad only bigger and better'. It use to be about gaming, now it's just filling a box with pointless rubbish.
Sunday, 12 May 2013
The Internet Can Do Some Good
Over the years we've seen just how terrible people can be on the internet with trolls and bullies constantly attacking without any remorse for their victims. Then you here stories like this and you can still have faith in humanity. This is Markiplier and this is his story:
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Elf Update
Change of layout to the unit. After reading the book Sword of Caledor, it occurred to me that the Elves of Avelorn are more attuned to using bows. That said, given that there already is a bow unit (Sisters of Avelorn) and I still need a counter unit, I decided to go with Sea Guard. To give them a more 'Avelorn' theme, I'm using Spearmen and adding bows/quivers to the models to give them the Sea Guard WYSIWYG rule while giving them an Avelorn paint scheme. So the new look force is this:
Heroes - Maidenguard of the Everqueen
Core - Sea Guard (21) with full command
Rare - Sisters of Avelorn (8) with High Sister
Total: 499pts
So this means I'm 8 Spearmen short, but I may get one or two rounds of shooting in (probably includes 'Stand n Shoot' reaction).
Heroes - Maidenguard of the Everqueen
Core - Sea Guard (21) with full command
Rare - Sisters of Avelorn (8) with High Sister
Total: 499pts
So this means I'm 8 Spearmen short, but I may get one or two rounds of shooting in (probably includes 'Stand n Shoot' reaction).
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