"Hobby List of the Week": Blood Angels - Dread List

Couldn't find suitable pic, so showing my Khorne Landraider again

This week I'm gonna put out a list I came up with a while back.  Everyone knows the BA codex allows the use of lots of dreadnoughts.  I wanted a list with plenty of them, but not going overboard.  There is no real fluff or story to go with this list.  I just thought it would be cool to drop a bunch of dreads on the table using Drop Pods.    On with the list:

Mephiston

Sanguinary Priest - meltabombs

Assault Squad # 1 - 10 dudes with 2 meltaguns - Srg with powerfist and meltabombs
Dedicated Transport - Land Raider Redeemer - multimelta

Assault Squad # 1 - 10 dudes with 2 flamers - Srg with powerfist 

Dedicated Transport - Land Raider Redeemer - multimelta

Furioso Dreadnought - Blood Talons - Heavy Flamer in Drop Pod

Furioso Dreadnought - Blood Talons - Heavy Flamer in Drop Pod

Dreadnought - Multimelta - Heavy Flamer in Drop Pod

Dreadnought - Multimelta - Heavy Flamer in Drop Pod

Dreadnought - Assault Cannon - Heavy Flamer in Drop Pod

2,000 pts

18-20 killpoints

2-4 scoring units

34 models

This list is very light on numbers of models, but is really heavy on killpoints because of all the pods.  Pretty much you just hope for a good first turn.  This means zooming the raiders as far forwards as possible(probably toward strong flank) and dropping your choice of 3 dreadnoughts on the weakest flank of the opponent.  I say this because with so few models you want to split your opponents army into two parts.  Hopefully, one of your sides will do really well and need no support.  If this happens you have two more dreads in pods to support the side of your army that falls apart.  The Sanguinary Priest rides with either unit and lends his bubble to hopefully both units.  Mephiston follows either Landraider until he gets there and then starts beating face.  Army includes enough melta to get the job done on mech with some luck and enough templates to make foot armies think twice about getting to close.

Mainly, this army relies on confusing your opponent with multiple targets.  All targets on the board will present major threats to most armies.  Three dreadnoughts in your deployment zone must be dealt with.  Also, 2 landraiders full of Assault marines must be dealt with, especially if they have the Feel No Pain and Furious Charge bubble.  Mephiston is a really big threat also.  So, it should be fun getting in there and taking names with this army.  On the other hand, three Long Fang missile squads and a bunch of lascannon Razorbacks could spoil your game before you even started good with some hot rolling.  And probably wouldn't be a good idea to just throw this army at a Vulkan-melta & TH-SS spam army.

All in all, not a real competitive army against other really competitive armies.  But, if you're just out to have a good time with some buddies, it would be something to pull out of the bag.  Hope you enjoyed seeing my take on a multiple threat army list, using lots of hard targets that don't leave you a lot of time to deal with them.  Similar lists can be made with books other than the Blood Angels, but lots of armored dreads, a couple Landraiders and Mephiston are some of the hardest units in the game, all in one book.

"Hobby List of the Week": Crimson Fists

This week, I'm gonna do my personal favorite Space Marine Chapter, Crimson Fists.  This has been my favorite chapter of marines since I learned about 40k.  In this case I don't think the fluff pulled my in(because I didn't know what fluff was at the time), but the color scheme.  I like the striking blue with red fists colors.  I always wanted to paint a sweet army like this.  Sadly, while I have built a giant force of marine, the above terminator is my only painted one.  Oh well, I get them done before I die.

Now that I know the story behind the colors, I want my force to be post-Rynn's World.  This means I want a force consisting of staunch veterans that made it through that tragedy, while also including many scouts.  The scouts are part of the rebuilding process and are there to learn from the vets.  This means I don't take any tactical squads, only Sternguard and Termies as the veteran side.  I still get plenty of scoring units thanks to Pedro.  On with the list.

Pedro Kantor

Terminators x 10 - 2 with Cyclone Missile Launchers, one other with Chainfist

Sternguard x 10 - 3 with Combi-meltas, 2 with Missile Launchers, 1 with Powerfist

Dedicated Transport - Razorback with twin-linked Lascannons

Sternguard x 10 - 3 with Combi-plasmas, 2 with Missile Launchers, 1 with Powerfist

Dedicated Transport - Razorback with twin-linked Lascannons

Scout Squad x 10 - Heavy Bolter with Hellfire, 9 with Sniper Rifles, Camo Cloaks

Scout Squad x 5 - Bolt Pistols and Close Combat Weapons, meltabombs, teleport homer

Scout Squad x 5 - Bolt Pistols and Close Combat Weapons, meltabombs, teleport homer

Land Speeder Storm #1 - Multi-melta

Land Speeder Storm #2 - Multi-melta

Scout Bike Squad x 3 - Grenade Launcher - Power weapon - meltabombs

2,000 pts

12-16 killpoints

5-7 scoring units

57 models

All Units in army Stubborn

This army doesn't really offer a multitude of conversions to make the army standout as some of my Chaos counts-as armies do.  Decorating the veterans in the army with medals, purity seals, etc would certainly add to the look.  This army relies on a cohesive color palette to carry the look that you would be going for.  

Now for how they would perform on the table.  This army doesn't rely on any gimmicks or tricks, just solid elite choices with backup fire provided by the scouts.  Personally, in most situations I would combat squad the Terminators and both units of Sternguard.  

One unit of the Termies would have both Cyclones and Sergeant while the other would include the chainfist and four powerfists.  The unit with Cyclones would be a mini-devastator squad, setting up in cover and firing, while protecting an objective holding unit of scouts or Sternguard.  The one with Chainfists drops to a position, hopefully close to enemy using teleport homers on scout squads mounted in Storms.  They are more of a "deal with me now" unit or face 5 termies walking around ripping up your armor.  

The Sternguard combat squad with one unit consisting of the powerfist and combi-weapons.  This unit hijacks the Razorback and does its thing.  Its thing is sit back and fire the lascannons early, then move out seeking objectives and targets laters.  One of them also picks up Pedro.  Ideally, I would keep both Razorbacks close together for the Pedro "attack aura" and so there are more than 5 dudes in one place.  The two other halves of the Sternguard pick up the two missile launchers and also become mini-devastator squads, though these are scoring, so they can camp an objective.

The Scout squad with the snipers usually infiltrates(or not) and camps on an objective you hopefully placed in cover.  They will just be really annoying with great cover saves and handing out pinning checks each turn.  It would be good to keep the Cyclone strapped Termie squad near this unit for support in close combat should the enemy close.  The other two scout squads zoom up in their Land Speeders to be annoying and make sure the Termies drop in a good location.  The Storms also have multi-meltas, so if you have first turn, you can scout forward 24" before game, then pop whatever you choose in the first turn.  Of course, make sure you stop the scout move near cover and drop off scouts in this before moving out in the first turn to get within 12" of target.  This leaves the scouts with some support(the cover) and hopefully stay on the table long enough for their teleport homers to bring in the terminators.  The Scout Bikers are in the list, because they look cool.  They can outflank, I'm pretty sure, so they could come in and rear shot tanks with grenades and be a general pain in the arse.

Well, there's my "lot longer than I expected" tactical thoughts on this army.  This army would definitely take some practice to play well.  And there are lots more options on the tactical side that I didn't mention.  In general, this army could be played many, many different ways without changing any models.  With lots of practice, you could develop different tactics for different situations, scenarios, opposing armies, etc.  Ideally, this is what I want in all my armies.  I want the same army list to be capable of handling many different challenges without changing the list.  It keeps the boring part out of the picture and keeps opponents(even regular ones) guessing at what you will do this time.  This list isn't just a spammed army of the 2 best units in a given codex, where the only tactical changes you can make are "Should I reserve" or "Should I not reserve".  

This kinda starts another topic of how to build great "all-comers" lists.  A great "all-comer" lists doesn't have to include flamers for hordes, melta for tanks, tanks for mobility, psykers for anti-psyker work, you get the idea.  A great "all-comers" list just needs "adaptability".  The great thing about adaptability is that GW is now building this into their new codexes, you just have to know where to look.  This means using some special characters to open up new abilities, using units that can change there setups from game to game without changing the army list, i.e. combat squadding, units that have special rules like scout and infiltrate that allow moving forward before game, setting up outside your deployment zone or coming in from reserve on board edges.  This is adaptability.  But this type of army will require lots of practice so you can hone your skills at using the right special ability at the right time.  Otherwise, you could look like a fool with an army consisting or all different units that have no idea how to work together to achieve a common goal, this goal being winning.

Okay, I'm gonna stop rambling right there.  You may have picked up a little bit of my thought process that goes into writing army lists that I would actually want to build and play with for a while.

Wow, just checked the preview and that is one helluva text wall, good luck and thanks for reading the blog if you got this far.

Lelith Hesperax: I had to paint one Dark Eldar model.

Today, I'm showing you the Lelith Hesperax model that I painted up a couple weeks ago.  I had been wanting to give a new Dark Eldar model a paintjob.  I knew from the moment of release this wouldn't be an army that I wanted to paint an entire force of.  When one of my friends decided to start the Dark Eldar, I picked up this model and put some paint to it as a gift.  I'll probably do a couple more characters for him, as it was a definite change of style needed than anything I had ever painted previously.  This model is tiny when you start painting it.  And line highlighting neatly is very difficult for me.  I feel it looks a little better in real life and am still bothered with photographing minis.  It is a very hard thing to do well.  

I was also enticed by a painting competition that was going to be held over at Spiky Bits.  So, I ordered the model and put a couple hours of time into it, then more time photographing.  Finally, I was pretty happy with it and sent it in to the competition.  As you can see in this link apparently my entry was lost.  This is pretty upsetting as I feel I had a chance to finish in the top three.  I couldn't have won the thing, but it would have been nice to get some votes.  Either way, I now need to send this off to my friend so this chick can kick some faces in on the tabletop.

There are some more pics below.  Check them out and see what you think.  I do wish they were part of the competition I entered, but whatever.

"Hobby List of the Week": Nightlords Jump List

This week I'm gonna post some more Chaos stuff as they are the awesome.  This is a Nightlords list that I have mostly built.  However, this list uses the Blood Angels Codex to fit the theme of fast raiding Nightlords.  Above is my version of Dante, who will lead the army.  I am working on getting the parts to convert up the unit of Sanguinary Guard in the same style, all with Possessed wings.  

My outlook on the Nightlords gives me the impression that they would just fall from the sky under cover of darkness, all the while yelling obscenities and smashing right into the enemy.  They are very stealthy and do lightning fast raiding then withdraw.  The Blood Angels allows this perfectly.  They can have all jump infantry as troops and with Descent of Angels can take a few risk getting close on the drop.  Check out the list:

Dante

Sanguinor

Sanguinary Guard x 5 - 1 with Banner, 1 with powerfist, 3 with infernus pistols

Sanguinary Priests x 3 - All 3 have jumppacks - 1 with powerweapon & hand flamer - 1 with powersword - 1 with powerfist

Assault Squad x 10 - 2 with meltaguns - Srg with powerweapon

Assault Squad x 10 - 2 with flamers - Srg with pair of lightning claws

Assault Squad x 10 - 2 with meltaguns - Srg with powerfist

Assault Squad x 10 - 2 with plasma pistols - Srg with powerweapon & plasmapistol

2,000 pts

50 models

10 killpoints 

5 scoring units

I have already built the 40 raptors that I am using as Assault marines for this army.  In fact, I built these during 3rd edition when the Chaos codex had special rules for Nightlords players allowing this many.  I swapped a couple special weapons, but otherwise they are the same as before.  I have also converted a Sanguinor and Dante from Possessed parts and will do the same for the Sanguinary Guard and probably same for priest with modifications.  I think all of these are easily recognizable as their Blood Angel counterparts and should have little bearing on gameplay with most opponents.

For this list I chose a couple of high points costs HQs.  I know I could swap Sanguinor for another whole unit of raptors but that would require 10 more models and money.  Plus he is pretty awesome and if anything will give something to soak wounds for army since they drop and sit for a turn.  I took a fair amount of special weapons and with some good drops should be able to knock down a few tanks or key enemy units initially.  Dante will drop with Sanguinary Guard and infernus pistols to pretty much guarantee dead target on drop.  The priests will be split up around the army to offer their services of course.  Pretty much the plan is drop as much stuff in the opponents face as possible, then weather the storm and hopefully have enough left to finish the job.  If not, whatever, it's a game and this style will offer a great story at least.

I obviously like this list as I am currently building it, so let me know what you think.  And I know just another jump army, but at least it's Chaos and not a bunch of followers of the False Emperor.

"Hobby List of the Week": Iron Warriors

For this week's Hobby list I'm heading back in the Chaos direction, but this time actually using the Chaos Codex.  Also, this week I am trying to come up with a format for this weekly post that makes sense instead of my usual ramblings.  I am trying to use the following "template" when posting these.

Introduction
Fluff Thoughts/Considerations
Army List
Conversion/Modelling Ideas
Tactical Thoughts/Ideas
Closing

This week I'm going with an Iron Warriors theme.  I feel like the Iron Warriors should carry weapons that will bust aside heavy fortifications.  This means meltas up close and lascannons from afar, but also with flamers to clear bunkers and the like.  This gives a variety of options, so more modelling possibilities.  I also think they should have very advanced technology that is augmented by service to Chaos.  This means bionics, custom force fields, Obliterators, etc.  On with the list:

Fabius Bile

Dreadnought with twin-linked lascannons, missile launcher and extra armor

Chaos Terminators x4 - Combi-melta/Powerfist, Combi-melta/Power weapon, Heavy Flamer/Chainfist,     Combi-bolter/Power weapon - All with Mark of Tzeentch
Dedicated Transport - Land Raider with extra armour for termies and Fabius Bile

CSM x10 - Champ with Powerfist/meltabombs, Plasmagun, Lascannon, Icon of Chaos Glory-Fabius Bile Enhancements
Dedicated Transport - Rhino

CSM x 10 - Champ with Powerfist/meltabombs, 2 meltaguns, Icon of Chaos Glory-Fabius Bile Enhancements
Dedicated Transport - Rhino

Lesser Daemons x 10

Predator - Twin linked lascannons, Lascannon sponsons, extra armor

Vindicator - extra armor

Obliterators x 3

2,000 pts
44 models
3 scoring units
12 killpoints

Okay, so some of those were obvious choices for Iron Warriors, i.e. the Dreadnought, Predator, Land Raider, Vindicator, and Obliterators.  I chose Fabius Bile as I think his enhancements could be modelled as "tech enhancements" that augments the squads abilities, instead of "organic enhancements".  I would also convert some sort of tech priest gone Chaos like fellow to represent Fabius Bile.  Also I gave the Terminators the mark of Tzeentch, not because they worship him, but because I think this would show better technology gives better invulnerable save to the termies.  The Lesser Daemons were the last part of the modelling to show technology.  These could all be modelled as Chaos like servitors that are teleported into battle using the Icons(teleport homers) in the units.

This army also wouldn't be terrible on the tabletop.  It is essentially "meched up", with the addition of Oblits and Daemons deepstriking in at some point.  The Vindicator, Predator and Dreadnought hug cover and blast things to pieces.  I also like to use a unit like the plasmagun/lascannon one to park on objectives and blast their weapons from the hatch.  After one turn of movement they have good range and strength to take down high armor targets.  They can also be supported by the daemons if need be.  The other unit rolls out with the Land Raider to get in opponents face and take down targets with melta, fists, etc.  They could also be supported by daemons if they get in trouble and the other unit is in good shape.  Either of these units can be supported by deepstriking Obliterators if you choose to reserve them.  Pretty simple army with tools to deal with anything if used correctly.

If I had to reduce the size of this army I would start by dropping the Predator and maybe an Obliterator or some daemons to get to 1,750 pts.  Going up to 2,500 I would probably add more Termies in a Landraider and try to squeeze in a Summoned Greater Daemon modelled up into some sort of  high tech daemon engine.

Well, theres another list that would be neat to build and play, offering something for the hobbyist and gamer in me.  I love building and converting models and making army lists that fit the fluff of the chosen army.  However, when I play I do not want to lose every game, so my lists never get neutered to the point of pure fluff/theme.  And if I am going to lose, I would rather not lose with the "best list on the internet" because that will get you picked on.

What do you think?  Crappy list and theme or fit okay with the use of Fabius Bile.

"Hobby List of the Week": Biker Boyz

This week I am going to throw out a small Ork list, mainly because I have been very busy and it should be a quick write-up.  I'm sure this exact list has been built and played to death, but it fits my "Hobby List" theme perfectly.  This list is based around the Nob Biker concept, super-low model count(for Orks) and awesome chance for conversions and personality.  I feel that by the time a Nob takes up being part of a biker mob he has collected trophies and earned enough teef that each would have something that sets them apart from the others.  Whether this be a nice gun, trophies, armour, bits and bobs on the bike, whatever.  Well, on with the list.

Nob Biker List

Warboss - Warbike, Power Klaw, Shoota-scorcha, cybork body, eavy armour, bosspole
Warboss - same as above
Nob Bikers x 10 - Painboy with Orderly - All have Cybork bodies - 4 have power klaws - 3 have shoota-scorchas - all have eavy armour - Waagh Banner - Bosspole - 2 with Big Choppas
Nob Bikers x 10 - all same as above but only 2 with shoota-scorchas
Kommandos x 13 - Snikrot - 2 with Burnas

2,000 pts
35 models
5 Killpoints
2 Scoring Units

As far as modelling this list goes. First you would spread around the wargear to help with wound allocation in the list.  This army would need to be heavily converted as there are no real Nob biker models except for a few Forgeworld ones that could be sprinkled in.  Also, converting up and painting some awesome Ork ninjas(Kommandos) would also be fun.  Would be a fun list overall to model up and paint as each model needs character to fit the storyline of the Orks.  And you could probably bash a few skulls with this on the tabletop to.

This list could be played full reserves or start 2 bike squads on table and let the other guy worry about what Snikrot and his boyz will do when they come in behind you.  Turboboost first turn to a flank and second turn start chewing the other guy up in combat.  Hopefully, you will be able to multi-charge units where possible, because you don't want to own the unit in your turn and get rapid fired on by an entire army in the next.  With the klaws and furious charge you should be able to give the razorback and chimera parking lots a bit of worry, well if they didn't shoot down most of your army first turn.  Of course just a few nobs and a warboss are pretty bad news if all you have in the tanks are 5 man marine squads and guardsmen.  I like how this list just gives two "hard as nails" targets on the board and another scary unit coming in behind the opponent's army.  The bikers should be in combat by turn 2 and the Kommandos are just there to support the side that takes the most punishment early game.

Well, hope you see where I will continue to head with this "Hobby List of the Week" thing.  I am trying to think of a semi-template to help control my ramblings.

Chaos Lord on Juggernaut Conversion #3

Here is the last of my three Chaos Lords on Juggernauts.  This guy is armed with Wolf Claw, Storm Shield and usual.  Again I built up the base to give the "unit" a cohesive look.  Now for the bitz used in this one if you care.

Legs are plastic Khorne Berzerker

Torso is FW Khorne Berzerker

Head is also FW Khorne Berzerker

Backpack is CSM

Right arm is Raptor Lightning Claw arm

Left arm is CSM bolter arm

Shield is Fantasy Warriors of Chaos

Left Shoulderpad is FW Khorne Berzerker

So not as many different parts as last.

Another short post today.  I hope tomorrow to get up my new list for my new series "Hobby List of the Week" that I started last week.